bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of Table Banking in the Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs in Kenya: A Case of Eldoret Town
Authors: Mwobobia Fridah
Published: August 2016

The study aimed to establish the contribution of Table banking in the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Eldoret, Kenya. The questions explored were 1) What is Table banking, 2) Which categories of women are involved in Table banking in Eldoret, Kenya? 3) What contribution has Table banking brought in the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Eldoret, 4) What challenges are facing women entrepreneurs as far as Table banking is concerned, 5) what can be recommended 120 women entrepreneurs from Eldoret town were randomly sampled. A questionnaire was used as the data collecting instrument. Findings revealed that Table banking has played a significant role in the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Eldoret. Table banking has enabled women to purchase land, start and expand businesses, brought harmony at homes and financial independence.

Regarding the challenges facing women entrepreneurs, in Eldoret as far as Table banking is concerned include default cases, poor record keeping, disagreements, failure to attend meetings and failure to pay loan interests. Recommendations put forward among others are provision of training of women entrepreneurs in time and financial management, introduction of a law that would restrict women on the number of Table banking groups one joins among others. Further research in this field is recommended.
Bridging Cultural Differences through Established Cross-Border Economic Relations
Authors: Laspa Christina
Published: August 2016

Purpose: the paper aims to investigate if the countries that conduct cross border investments and trade are transferring their own culture to the host countries. Methodology: culture was represented by book collections’ data selected by the digital library LibraryThing. In total 2,569 book-titles that represent the 50 top books of 52 country-groups have been used as the study’s sample. Author’s Nationality was set as the country of influence. Statistical analysis was employed to measure if the book collections of LT users were of foreigner-driven or homoethnic-driven authorship. Findings: the most industrialized countries and the best exporting countries were the best performers in culture transferring. Statistical significance with the amount of the books traded abroad was found to (i) the outward FDIs in millions of $ (p=0.004), (ii) the stock of outward FDIs in millions of $ (p<0.001), (iii) the outward FDIs as GDP percentage (p=0.004), and (v) the export volume index (p=0.011). Regression analysis showed that outward FDIs in mil. $ (p=0.016) and outward FDIs stock in mil. $ (p<0.001) were significant predictors of a country’s success to transfer its own cultural product abroad. Originality/value: this research is addressed to a tangible cultural output, books, issuing the objectiveness in measurements.
Barriers to Social Participation in Caregivers of Older People: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pinto Juliana Martins
Published: August 2016

Some aspects of care contribute for decreased quality of life, health status and well-being among caregivers of older people. Care conditions may affect caregivers’ social participation increasing the odds of those negative outcomes. Then, to maintain a high level of social engagement configures a strategy to protect caregivers against burden and allow them to provide a better care. This study aimed at investigates what are the barriers to social participation in caregivers of older people. A systematic review of the literature was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Abstracts in Social Gerontology databases, using social participation, social involvement, social engagement, social activities, social relations, elderly, aged, aging, older people, seniors and caregivers as terms. Twenty-three articles fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The barriers to social participation were: characteristics and tasks related to care, caregiver’s mental health, low social support, sex, care receiver’s health, concurrent paid work, age, caregiver’s physical health, financial situation, education  and quality of life. Those barriers need to be approached by professionals and politicians in order to prevent social isolation and promote better quality of life among caregivers.
Towards Comprehensiveness in Theory Construction in Second Language Acquisition: A Critical Look
Authors: Shakouri Nima , Sarvari Shahriar
Published: August 2016

Sparse unequivocal evidence among Second Language Acquisition (SLA) scholars boosts incomprehensiveness in theory construction. Individualism in theory construction is at the expense of excluding other perspectives and adopting a particular ideology from a parent discipline without referring to other perspectives. The purpose of the present paper is to achieve comprehensiveness in theory construction through a biological look. In a sense, the current work, although valuing the nurture-based attempts in SLA, holds that the orientation towards nature-based ideology will boost compatibility among a variety of points of view. Besides, to achieve comprehensiveness in research findings, attempts should be made to provide a link between hard and soft sciences.
Critical Literacy: Conflicts, Challenges, Adaptations and Transformation?
Authors: Ibrahim Nizar Kamal
Published: August 2016

This case study explored how the involvement of two ESL instructors in critical literacy research, including master’s thesis, made them experience different challenges, ideological conflicts and successes. One of them was teaching ESL in secondary classes when she carried out her thesis about critical literacy. She also cooperated with the researcher in a critical literacy study after she had finished data collection for her thesis. The other participant taught ESL in elementary classes and is currently teaching at universities. The study, which took place in Lebanon, revealed how the varied ideological positions, views and contexts of the two instructors made them go through different transformations. The data suggests that involving teachers and masters’ students in critical literacy research constitutes and important platform to train them in the various complex dimensions of critical literacy, particularly in settings where this approach faces significant resistance.
Oral & Dental Health Knowledge and Attitude among Nursing Students
Authors: Smadi Leena , Nassar Omayah S
Published: August 2016

Objectives: Investigate knowledge of oral health and oral diseases and attitudes about oral health care education among students of nursing, and willingness of students to introduce such training into their curriculum.

Methods: A cross sectional survey study was done on Jordan university nursing students using a questionnaire testing knowledge and attitude.

Results: 184 students completed questionnaires, for a response rate of 92%. No special modules were for the students. Poor knowledge score was obtained with score of 46% in general oral health, 48% in pediatric dentistry questions, 43% in dentistry related to systemic diseases questions. 90% of students believe that oral health care is a high priority and consider treatment in the oral cavity as much important as treatment in other parts of the body with 80% of students think that it is necessary to obtain Oral health curriculum education with appropriate curriculum competence level assessment Approximately 85% would like to obtain more Oral health curriculum education and to implement Oral Health Curriculum activities during their training and career.

Conclusions: Oral and dental health knowledge level was poor among nursing students. There is a need for oral and dental health structured training to be incorporated in the curriculum of nursing students at university level.
Exceptional Lives: Teachers’ Stories
Authors: Brackenreed, Ph. D. Darlene G.
Published: August 2016

This phenomenological research study explored the perceptions of educators regarding the education of students with low incidence exceptionalities through the use of semi-structured interviews. The purpose of the study was to discover the realities of teaching students with low incidence exceptionalities and what, if any, barriers exist in providing the best education possible for these children. All of the participants were educators with experience ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and lived in Ontario, Canada. From the study emerged eight themes: school entry and leaving, assessment, placement, resources, teacher training, advocacy, independence and friendship. All of the participants raised concerns about the lack of support they receive in providing for the complex and multi-faceted needs of these children.
Design and Validation of a Questionnaire to Analyze University Dropout—CADES
Authors: Díaz Pablo , De León Alexis Tejedor
Published: August 2016

Educational institutions and, in particular, universities must establish a clear vision and mission regarding the training that every social professional will demand. The university has always played the role of a selection filter for students, but the fact that a significant number of college students are abandoning their programs without having completed their course of studies, is a specific symptom of an educational crisis that is occurring within them. For this reason, the present study aimed to design and validate a key tool to establish the causes, whether endogenous or exogenous as to why students leave college without having completed their studies. The ad hoc questionnaire design took into consideration the proposals of a several research studies and the instrument developed was validated in a sample of 70 unit dropout cohorts for the years 2013-2014 and 2015 of a university school. The 40-items questionnaire was designed to identify, among the population of students quitting their programs, five categories or types of factors that potentially lead to students dropping out-Psychological, Sociological, Economic, Organizational and Integration-Adaptation—with their respective subcategories. Knowing the reasons why college students abandon an academic program in particular will allow university managers to analyze administrative and/or academic requirements and take mitigation measures to minimize college dropout.
Self-Awareness Competence as Correlate of Academic Heads’ Administrative Behaviour in South-South Public Universities, Nigeria
Authors: Christian Ikpesu, Oghenerukevwe
Published: August 2016

The study correlated self-awareness competence and administrative behavior of academic administrators in public universities South-South geo-political zone in Nigeria. The research question and hypothesis proposed establish the significance of correlation between the independent and dependent variables. As a result, 13 public universities and 550 academic heads in six States, South-South Nigeria was grouped into clusters and seven universities and 350 respondents were sampled in Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States. Two independent measurement scales titled Self- Awareness Questionnaire (SEAQ) and Administrative Behaviour Questionnaire (ABQ) computed with Cronbatch Alpha presented 0.75 and 0.78 reliability index. However, final analysis was based on 200 quantitative responses actively gathered and computed with Pearson product moment coefficient for relationship, and hypothesis was tested with z statistics at 0.05 significant level. Available empirical evidence from the study revealed r-value of 0.308 for self-awareness, which affirmed positive relationship between the understudied variables. Furthermore, the tested hypothesis showed z-rcal 0.778 at df 199 greater than zrcrit 0.195 and the observed correlation between self-awareness competence and administrative behaviour was statistically significant. In conclusion, academic heads in public universities were encouraged to further enhance their self-awareness domain of emotional intelligence because their action and inaction have greater consequences to their role behaviour, institutional goals and organisational climate of universities.
The Impact of Task-Based Approach on EFL Learner’s Performance
Authors: Elsheikh Hago Elmahdi Dr. Omer
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which task-based instruction affecting EFL learners’ performance. This paper covers the impact of task approach on EFL learners’ performance. It shades light on the relevant literature reviewed and studies on TBLT. At the same time, the speaking skill and speaking sub-skills are introduced as a base for teaching and developing speaking activities. On the other hand, the paper reflects on implementing task-based instruction and the principles for implementation by drawing a framework for implementation, and factors affecting implementation of TBI. On the above findings, the researcher recommends that teaching instruction should be given more attention in EFL classes in the light of using task-based approach. Also the researcher suggests that further research is needed to explore more in the effectiveness of task-based programs on EFL learner’s performance as well as its fluency.
Academic Success and College Readiness: A Study of Predominantly Hispanic Students in South Texas High Schools
Authors: Chapa Marisa , Kupczynski Lori , Mundy Marie-Anne , Gibson Angela M.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant difference between Early College High School students, ECHS students within a traditional high school, and traditional public high school students in south Texas as pertaining to college readiness. End of Course tests scores for English classes in grades nine and ten were tested. The population comprised of students from a 98% Hispanic and low socio-economic education region. In the state of Texas, EOC scores determine college readiness. Results revealed the ECHS stand-alone model had a significant difference in English EOC scores among the three models.
Investigation of the Rights of Children in Primary Education through the Pedagogical Practices of the Teachers
Authors: Asimaki Anna , Koustourakis Gerasimos , Lagiou Archontoula , Tampourlou Vasiliki
Published: August 2016

In this paper, which makes use of Basil Bernstein’s theoretical framework, the investigation of the rights of children as they are implemented through the pedagogical practices of primary school teachers in Greece is, first of all, sought. Then, secondly, the degree of differentiation in the practices, with regard to these particular rights, which are determined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child which was adopted in 1989 by the United Nations, is also sought. For the realization of the research, in which primary school teachers participated, semi-structured interviews were used as our research tool. The main findings were the following: that for the promotion of the rights of the children which relate to leisure time and play, non-discriminatory treatment, the right to the free expression of opinion and participation as well as for priority to be given to the children’s best interests, visible pedagogical practices in the space of the classroom were implemented, with explicit instructional and regulative rules, by the teachers in the sample. A few teachers expressed a desire for a weakening of the framing aimed at an increase in the pupils’ participation in the educational process in specific low status subjects.
Access to Community Based Advocacy Services for Persons with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Authors: Gibson Pamela Reed , Coronado-Prieto Yuri , Cook-Smith Alexis
Published: August 2016

This paper describes results of an online survey of directors of Centers for Independent Living regarding customers with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). Described are knowledge and perceptions regarding MCS, number of customers seen with MCS, accommodations and advocacy actions taken on their behalf, and resources needed to serve this population.
Equality of Opportunity versus Sufficiency of Capabilities in Healthcare
Authors: Ram-Tiktin Efrat
Published: August 2016

This paper compares three accounts of distributive justice in health and, more specifically, healthcare. I discuss two accounts—Norman Daniels’ fair equality of opportunity for health and Shlomi Segall’s luck-prioritarian equity in health—and contrast them with a sufficientarian account based on sufficiency of capabilities. The discussion highlights some important theoretical differences and similarities among the three accounts. The focus, however, is on the practical implications of each account in three hypothetical cases: synthesized growth hormone for short children, forms of compensation for paraplegics, and reconstructive breast surgery versus cosmetic breast enhancement. My aim is to show that by replacing egalitarian concerns with sufficiency and by focusing on capabilities (rather than opportunities), it is possible to provide a more reasonable and justifiable account of justice in healthcare.
Global Estimates on the Number of People Blind or Visually Impaired by Diabetic Retinopathy: A Meta-analysis From 1990 to 2010
Authors: Leasher Janet L. , Bourne Rupert R.A. , Flaxman Seth R. , Jonas Jost B. , Keeffe Jill , Naidoo Kovin , Pesudovs Konrad , Price Holly , White Richard A. , Wong Tien Y. , Resnikoff Serge , Taylor Hugh R. ,   on behalf of the Vision Loss Expert Group of the Global Burden of Disease Study
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

To estimate global and regional trends from 1990 to 2010 of the prevalence and number of persons visually impaired specifically by diabetic retinopathy (DR), as a complication of the precipitous trends in global diabetes, is fundamental for health planning purposes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The meta-analysis of published population studies from 1990 to 2012 for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (GBD) yielded estimated global regional trends in DR among other causes of moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI; presenting visual acuity <6/18, ≥3/60) and blindness (presenting visual acuity <3/60).

RESULTS

Globally in 2010, out of overall 32.4 million blind and 191 million visually impaired people, 0.8 million were blind and 3.7 million were visually impaired because of DR, with an alarming increase of 27% and 64%, respectively, spanning the two decades from 1990 to 2010. DR accounted for 2.6% of all blindness in 2010 and 1.9% of all MSVI worldwide, increasing from 2.1% and 1.3%, respectively, in 1990. These figures were lower in regions with younger populations (<2% in East and Southeast Asia and Oceania) than in high-income regions (North America, Western Europe, and Australasia) with relatively aging populations (>4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of persons with visual impairment due to DR worldwide is rising and represents an increasing proportion of all blindness/MSVI causes. Age-standardized prevalence of DR-related blindness/MSVI was higher in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. One out of 39 blind people had blindness due to DR, and 1 out of 52 visually impaired people had visual impairment due to DR.
Prospects and Limitations of Agriculture Industrialization in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Mina Nath
Published: August 2016

Nepal is culturally an agriculture based country. One third of GDP comes from agriculture and there are numerous opportunities in agriculture mainly because of varied agro-climate prevailed in the country. Niche specific commodities that have comparative advantage could be produced in fair quantity to meet the demand of huge market of neighboring India and China as purchasing capacity of people in those countries has improved markedly mainly for quality agriculture commodities. Trade deficit, food insecurity, income generation, poverty reduction, and employment generation could be addressed by turning present status of subsistence agriculture into robust, vibrant and commercial agriculture through technology led agro-industrialization. There are agro-commodities which are imported from India and other countries in huge quantity by the scarce hard currency earned through remittance. Evidence shows that almost 70% of the remittance is spent for agriculture commodities which have high potentiality to produce within the country even after local consumption. Such produce could be exported to other countries to mitigate trade imbalance, enhance export promotion and import reduction and promote graduating Nepal from LDC to DC within the stipulated time frame as proposed a couple of years ago by the government of Nepal. Nepal should come up with functional, pragmatic and implementable agriculture plan and policy to harness huge possibility of agriculture commercialization to meet the consumption demand per se within and outside the country. This paper highlights to address prospects and limitations of agriculture commercialization and suggests some way forward to make agriculture more vibrant and robust to address trade deficit, food and nutritional insecurity and livelihood enhancement of Nepalese as a whole thereby Nepal can tailor her pace of development with neighboring countries to meet the aspiration of Nepalese in the 21st century.Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) vol. 4, 2016, Page: 38-63
Economic Benefits of Foreign Sourced Germplasm in Domestic Crop Improvement Program: A Case of an Improved Khumal-4 Rice Variety in Nepal
Authors: Gauchan D , Pant K P , Joshi B K
Published: August 2016

This study assesses economic benefits of international exchange and flow of key rice germplasm in Nepal under globally operated multilateral system of facilitated access using a case of an improved rice variety Khumal-4. Khumal-4 rice is popular and widely grown in mid hills region of Nepal which was developed by crossing a high yielding dwarf foreign sourced germplasm IR-28 with a local Nepali variety Pokharilo Masino. Economic benefits of Khumal-4 rice adoption and impact was analysed using economic surplus model, where additional productivity and profitability gained from developing Khumal-4 was estimated in monetary value in comparison with existing farmers’ variety Pokharilo masino. The finding showed that Khumal-4 covered 9% of rice area in the mid-hills and 7% in the mountains during year 2010-12 years covering about 40 thousand hectares of rice area. Data show that there is a clear yield gain of 1.25 mt per hectare with cost in rice yield equivalent when farmers switch from traditional Pokhareli Masino to improved Khumal-4 variety. Estimation of additional revenue per hectare with total adoption area of Khumal-4 in prevailing market price in Nepal was NRs 1.07 billion (US $ 11 million) per annum. This is reasonable economic benefits obtained annually from flow of foreign sourced genes (IR-28) for the development of an improved Khumal-4 rice variety in Nepal. This finding indicates that access to foreign germplasm is important for ensuring national food security and gaining higher economic benefits in the country.Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) vol. 4, 2016
Restoration of degraded sites with suitable tree species in the Mid-hills of Nepal
Authors: Jha R K , Baral S K , Aryal R , Thapa H B
Published: August 2016

Land degradation is a major challenge in Nepal. A lot of degraded land is available within the Community Forests in the Mid-hills which are being aimed to be utilized for ecological restoration as well as supporting livelihoods of the local people. In this context, the study was conducted in the Chautaradanda Community Forest (27°44’05’’ N and 85o04’60’’ E) of Thakre Village Development Committee of Dhading District in the lower Mid-hills of Central Nepal to test the survival capacity and growth performance of different tree species (native, naturalized as well as exotic) that can be used for the rehabilitation of degraded sites. Firstly, Stylo (Stylosanthes spp.), a leguminous grass, was introduced on a degraded site for enriching nutrients in June 2008. Secondly, six different native, naturalized as well as exotic tree species (Sapindus mukorossi, Prunus cerasoides, Choerospondias axillaris, Melia azedarach, Pinus patula and Robinia pseudoacacia) were planted in a randomized complete block design with 4 blocks (6 species × 4 blocks) in July 2008. The results showed that the growth and survival rate of exotic species, P. patula was outstanding; however, the performance of its native and naturalised counterparts P. cerasoides, C. axillaris and M. azedarach was found to be satisfactory. R. pseudoacacia was not found to be a suitable species for rehabilitating degraded sites in the lower Mid-hills of Nepal. Therefore, it would be wise to select the native or naturalized species for the rehabilitation of degraded sites in the Mid-hills, as sometimes the introduction of exotic species may have pessimistic ecological consequences; however, P. patula can be used as it has not shown any invasive nature since its introduction (around 1980s) in the Mid-hills of Nepal. Hence, the study shows the possibility of introducing the tree species such as P. cerasoides, M. azedarach and C. axillaris for ecological restoration of degraded sites in the Community Forests in the Mid-hills of Nepal.Banko Janakari, Vol. 23, No. 2
Modelling the relationship between canopy projection area and above-ground carbon stock of intermingled canopy trees using high-resolution satellite imagery
Authors: Shah S. K. , Acharya H.
Published: August 2016

This study was aimed to establish regression models for the relationship of Canopy Projection Area (CPA) with carbon stock of intermingled canopy trees of dominant species for the prediction of above-ground carbon stock. Manual delineation of CPA of intermingled canopy trees of the dominant species was carried out using GeoEye Satellite Image. Diameter at breast height of trees were measured in 56 sample plots. The above-ground dry biomass of trees was calculated from the field measured DBHs using allometric equation while the above-ground carbon stock of the trees were obtained by multiplying their dry biomass with the factor 0.47. Individual basal area of intermingled canopy trees was calculated separately and was summed up (ΣBA) along with the summation of their carbon stock (Σcarbon). Correlation analysis was carried out to assess the linear relationship between CPA, DBH, BA, biomass, and carbon stock. Four types of functions, viz., simple linear, quadratic, logarithmic and power were used to fit the data using least square regression method. Shorea robusta, Schima wallichii and Terminalia alata were found dominant tree species in the study area. The relationship of CPA with ΣBA and Σcarbon of intermingled canopy trees of Shorea robusta was found to be linear with R2 of 0.29 and 0.25 respectively. Simple linear regression model resulted in the least error for the prediction of carbon stock of intermingled canopy trees. The identified simple linear regression models having the least error are not applicable for the prediction of above-ground tree carbon stock of broadleaf forest in hilly terrain.Banko Janakari, Vol. 23, No. 2
Regeneration, growth of Hill Sal and plant diversity in Community Forest: A case study from Pragatisil Community Forest in Kaski District, Western Nepal
Authors: Paudyal B. K.
Published: August 2016

The study was conducted in the Pragatisil Community Forest, Kaski District, Nepal in 2012 to assess the regeneration status of Sal (Shorea robusta) seedlings, its growth and plant diversity. A plot size of 25 m × 20 m was employed for trees, 10 m ×10 m for poles and 5 m × 5 m for regeneration. The growth parameters measured were dbh and height. A factorial arrangement of treatments was employed; the treatments being slope and aspect. The results showed that there was significant (p<0.05) effect of slope on dbh and basal area whereas there was no effect of aspect on growth parameters measured in the Pragatisil Community Forest. The regeneration of Sal was satisfactory (6,126 seedlings/ha), and there were 32 plant species in this forest. As there was higher basal area per ha in the Pragatisil Community Forest, it is recommended to have thinning of 40% of basal area for enhancing growth of remaining stems.Banko Janakari, Vol. 23, No. 2, 2013
Mapping deforestation and forest degradation using CLASlite approach in Eastern Churia of Nepal
Authors: Khanal S. , Khadka A.
Published: August 2016

Monitoring deforestation and forest degradation is essential for forest conservation and sustainable management. Those activities have become more relevant in order to get reference emission level required for Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) initiative. The study aimed to assess forest degradation and deforestation in the Churia region of Eastern Nepal using CLASlite approach. This approach is based on Spectral Mixture Analysis and provides highly automated technique for forest cover, deforestation and forest degradation mapping. The Landsat imageries of 2002 and 2013 were processed for estimation of deforestation and forest degradation. The validation of results based on the high-resolution multi-temporal Google Earth imageries and the field sample plots indicated that CLASlite approach could be feasible approach to monitor forests for deforestation and degradation. The results can be further improved by including more frequent time-series observation from Landsat.Banko JanakariA Journal of Forestry Information for NepalVol. 26, No. 1, Page: 17-23, 2016
Donna Coates, ed., Sharon Pollock: First Woman of Canadian Theatre
Authors: Kerr Rosalind
Published: August 2016

This collection, which includes critical essays on Pollock’s plays, personal testimonies, a playscript based on her words, and several of her own reviews, is intended to memorialize Pollock’s pioneering and multifaceted contribution to the development of Canadian theatre from the 1970s to the present.
Lynette Goddard, Contemporary Black British Playwrights: Margins to Mainstream
Authors: Abram Nicola
Published: August 2016

Goddard’s book documents the historical and institutional contexts shaping contemporary British theatre. Structured around a sample of playwrights – Bola Agbaje, Kwame Kwei-Armah, debbie tucker green, and Roy Williams – and informed by relevant sociological debates, it reveals how black British theatre participates in current global debates.
Monte-Carlo code calculation of 3D reactor core model with usage of burnt fuel isotopic compositions, obtained by engineering codes
Authors: Aleshin S. S. , Gorodkov S. S. , Shcherenko A. I.
Published: August 2016

A burn-up calculation of large systems by Monte-Carlo code (MCU) is complex process and it requires large computational costs. Previously prepared isotopic compositions are proposed to be used for the Monte-Carlo code calculations of different system states with burnt fuel. Isotopic compositions are calculated by an approximation method. The approximation method is based on usage of a spectral functionality and reference isotopic compositions, that are calculated by the engineering codes (TVS-M, BIPR-7A and PERMAK-A). The multiplication factors and power distributions of FAs from a 3-D reactor core are calculated in this work by the Monte-Carlo code MCU using earlier prepared isotopic compositions. The separate conditions of the burnt core are observed. The results of MCU calculations were compared with those that were obtained by engineering codes.
Aspects of using a best-estimate approach for VVER safety analysis in reactivity initiated accidents
Authors: Ovdiienko I. , Bilodid Y. , Ieremenko M. , Lötsch T.
Published: August 2016

At present time, Ukraine faces the problem of small margins of acceptance criteria in connection with the implementation of a conservative approach for safety evaluations. The problem is particularly topical conducting feasibility analysis of power up-rating for Ukrainian nuclear power plants. Such situation requires the implementation of a best-estimate approach on the basis of an uncertainty analysis. For some kind of accidents, such as loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA), the best estimate approach is, more or less, developed and established. However, for reactivity initiated accident (RIA) analysis an application of best estimate method could be problematical. A regulatory document in Ukraine defines a nomenclature of neutronics calculations and so called “generic safety parameters” which should be used as boundary conditions for all VVER-1000 (V-320) reactors in RIA analysis. In this paper the ideas of uncertainty evaluations of generic safety parameters in RIA analysis in connection with the use of the 3D neutron kinetic code DYN3D and the GRS SUSA approach are presented.
New models in VERONA 7.0 system
Authors: Pós István , Kálya Zoltán , Parkó Tamás , Patai-Szabó Sándor
Published: August 2016

Nowadays the installation of a new modernized VERONA core monitoring system (version V7.0) is in process at the NPP Paks. The most important steps of the current improvements are as follows: complete replacement of the hardware and the local area network; application of a new operating system and “virtual machine” (VM) technology; implementation of a new human-system interface; and last but not least, introduction of improved reactor physics calculations. Basic novelty of the modernized core analysis is the application of general purpose graphical processing units (GPGPU) in the on-line core-follow module. This new technology has allowed of performing the real-time node-wise core analysis by standard Paks NPP core design codes HELIOS/C-PORCA. The present paper gives a brief overview of the system version (V7.0), focusing to the models of reactor physics and results of validation. Main characteristics of new approaches of the modified on-line reactor physics calculations are also described.
Efficient introduction of natural uranium and thorium into nuclear energy system
Authors: Blandinskiy V.
Published: August 2016

This article describes differences between two approaches of understanding the main goal of nuclear energy system: effective plutonium consumption versus effective natural uranium and thorium consumption. Several options of sodium cooled fast reactor are considered to provide increased breeding and thorium involving into nuclear energy system.
Neutronic analysis of absorbing materials for the control rod system in reactor ALLEGRO
Authors: Čajko F. , Sečanský M. , Chrebet T. , Zajac R. , Dařílek P.
Published: August 2016

Experimental reactor ALLEGRO is a gas cooled fast reactor in the design stage. The current design of its reactivity control system is based on control rods filled with boron carbide as the absorber. Because of disadvantages connected to high boron enrichment a possibility of using other absorbent materials was explored to lower the boron enrichment and increase the worth of the control rods. The results of neutronic Monte-Carlo analyses in a computational supercell are presented in this paper. Three absorbent materials most suitable for a use in reactor ALLEGRO (B4C, EuB6 and ReB2) have been analysed also in a full core model. A possible benefit of a neutron trap concept is explored as well but materials with satisfactory neutronic properties proved to be not suitable for expected high temperatures in the reactor.
Methodology for determining of the weighted mean coolant temperature in the primary circuit hot legs of WWER-1000 reactor plants
Authors: Saunin Yu. V. , Dobrotvorski A. N. , Semenikhin A. V. , Ryasny S. I.
Published: August 2016

At WWER-1000 NPPs, as well as at PWR NPPs, there is a problem of determining the correct weighted mean coolant temperature in the primary circuit hot legs based on the measuring channels information. The problem is caused by the coolant temperature stratification. The technical documentation for engineering support and maintenance of I&C systems does not provide any regulatory guidelines to consider this effect. Therefore, it is very important to represent a new methodology for determining the weighted mean coolant temperature in the primary circuit hot legs of the WWER-1000 reactor plants. The given paper presents the basic preconditions and approaches applied during the methodology development. They were worked out on the basis of the executed numerical and experimental research taking into account the analysis of the extensive material obtained by the authors from full-scale tests during the commissioning of WWER-1000 power units, as well as operational data obtained from several power units with different fuel loadings.
Uncertainties of the KIKO3D-ATHLET calculations using the Kalinin-3 benchmark (Phase II) data
Authors: Panka I. , Hegyi Gy. , Maráczy Cs. , Keresztúri A.
Published: August 2016

The best estimate simulation of three-dimensional phenomena in nuclear reactor cores requires the use of coupled neutron physics and thermal-hydraulics calculations. However these analyses should be supplemented by the survey of the corresponding uncertainties. In this paper the uncertainties of the coupled KIKO3D-ATHLET calculations are presented for a VVER-1000 type core using the OECD NEA Kalinin-3 (Phase II) benchmark data, although only the neutronic uncertainties are considered and further simplifications are applied and discussed. Additionally, this study has been performed in the conjunction with the OECD NEA UAM benchmark, as well. In the first part of the paper, the uncertainties of the effective multiplication factor, the assembly-wise radial power distribution, the axial power distribution, the rod worth, etc. are presented at steady-state. After that some uncertainties of the transient calculations are discussed for the considered switch-off of one Main Circulation Pump (MCP) type transient.
Xenon instability study of large core Monte Carlo calculations
Authors: Bogdanova E. V. , Gorodkov S. S.
Published: August 2016

One of the goals of neutronic calculations of large cores may be self-consistent distribution of equilibrium xenon through the reactor core. In deterministic calculations such self consistency is relatively simply achieved with the help of additional outer iterations by xenon, which can increase several times solution run time. But in stochastic calculation of large cores such increase is utterly undesirable, since even without these outer iterations it demands modeling of billion of histories, which in case of complicated large core may take about a day of 100 processors work. In addition the unavoidable statistical uncertainty here plays role of transient process, which excites xenon oscillations. In this work the rise of such oscillations and the way of their overcoming with the help of hybrid stochastic/deterministic calculation is studied. It is proposed to make at first single static Monte Carlo calculation of given core and to receive multi-group mesh cell characteristics for future use in operative code. This one will evaluate xenon distribution through the core, which will be equilibrium for deterministic solution and substantially close to equilibrium Monte Carlo solution, paid with enormous computing cost.
Economical aspects of multiple plutonium and uranium recycling in VVER reactors
Authors: Alekseev P. N. , Bobrov E. A. , Dudnikov A. A. , Teplov P. S.
Published: August 2016

The basic strategy of Russian Nuclear Energy development is the formation of the closed fuel cycle based on fast breeder and thermal reactors, as well as the solution of problems of spent nuclear fuel accumulation and availability of resources. Three options of multiple Pu and U recycling in VVER reactors are considered in this work. Comparison of MOX and REMIX fuel recycling approaches for the closed fuel cycle involving thermal reactors is presented. REMIX fuel is supposed to be fabricated from non-separated mixture of uranium and plutonium obtained in spent fuel reprocessing with further makeup by enriched U. These options make it possible to recycle several times the total amount of Pu and U obtained from spent fuel. The main difference is the full or partial fuel loading of the core by assemblies with recycled Pu. The third option presents the concept of heterogeneous arrangement of fuel pins made of enriched uranium and MOX in one fuel assembly. It should be noted that fabrication of all fuel assemblies with Pu requires the use of expensive manufacturing technology. These three options of core loading can be balanced with respect to maximum Pu and U involvement in the fuel cycle. Various physical and economical aspects of Pu and U multiple recycling for selected options are considered in this work.
Uncertainty analysis and flow measurements in an experimental mock-up of a molten salt reactor concept
Authors: Yamaji B. , Aszódi A.
Published: August 2016

In the paper measurement results from the experimental modelling of a molten salt reactor concept will be presented along with detailed uncertainty analysis of the experimental system. Non-intrusive flow measurements are carried out on the scaled and segmented mock-up of a homogeneous, single region molten salt fast reactor concept. Uncertainty assessment of the particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement system applied with the scaled and segmented model is presented in detail. The analysis covers the error sources of the measurement system (laser, recording camera, etc.) and the specific conditions (de-warping of measurement planes) originating in the geometry of the investigated domain. Effect of sample size in the ensemble averaged PIV measurements is discussed as well. An additional two-loop-operation mode is also presented and the analysis of the measurement results confirm that without enhancement nominal and other operation conditions will lead to strong unfavourable separation in the core flow. It implies that use of internal flow distribution structures will be necessary for the optimisation of the core coolant flow. Preliminary CFD calculations are presented to help the design of a perforated plate located above the inlet region. The purpose of the perforated plate is to reduce recirculation near the cylindrical wall and enhance the uniformity of the core flow distribution.
In-situ annealing and computation study of cube texture development in a commercial aluminum alloy
Authors: Sukhopar Olga , Gottstein Günter
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to identify the physical processes of nucleation and growth of cube grains by means of in-situ annealing experiments. The calculated nucleation site density at cube bands was found not to be sufficient for a correct computational prediction of the cube recrystallization texture. Growth competition at an early stage of recrystallization has to be taken into account for a better agreement between model and experiment, which necessitates a sufficiently refined grid resolution in discrete computer models of recrystallization. Accounting for these dependencies yields an excellent prediction of both the cube component in the recrystallization texture and the grain size distribution. The contribution of cube nucleation apart from cube bands to the cube recrystallization texture was found to be negligible.
Drill-specific head impact exposure in youth football practice
Authors: Campolettano Eamon T. , Rowson Steven , Duma Stefan M.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

Although 70% of football players in the United States are youth players (6–14 years old), most research on head impacts in football has focused on high school, collegiate, or professional populations. The objective of this study was to identify the specific activities associated with high-magnitude (acceleration > 40g) head impacts in youth football practices.

METHODS

A total of 34 players (mean age 9.9 ± 0.6 years) on 2 youth teams were equipped with helmet-mounted accelerometer arrays that recorded head accelerations associated with impacts in practices and games. Videos of practices and games were used to verify all head impacts and identify specific drills associated with each head impact.

RESULTS

A total of 6813 impacts were recorded, of which 408 had accelerations exceeding 40g (6.0%). For each type of practice drill, impact rates were computed that accounted for the length of time that teams spent on each drill. The tackling drill King of the Circle had the highest impact rate (95% CI 25.6–68.3 impacts/hr). Impact rates for tackling drills (those conducted without a blocker [95% CI 14.7–21.9 impacts/hr] and those with a blocker [95% CI 10.5–23.1 impacts/hr]) did not differ from game impact rates (95% CI 14.2–21.6 impacts/hr). Tackling drills were observed to have a greater proportion (between 40% and 50%) of impacts exceeding 60g than games (25%). The teams in this study participated in tackling or blocking drills for only 22% of their overall practice times, but these drills were responsible for 86% of all practice impacts exceeding 40g.

CONCLUSIONS

In youth football, high-magnitude impacts occur more often in practices than games, and some practice drills are associated with higher impact rates and accelerations than others. To mitigate high-magnitude head impact exposure in youth football, practices should be modified to decrease the time spent in drills with high impact rates, potentially eliminating a drill such as King of the Circle altogether.
The cardiovascular impact of intense eccentric isokinetic exercise versus aerobic treadmill running
Authors: Le Goff Caroline , Kaux Jean-François , Laurent Terry , Vannuscorps Julien , Seidel Laurence , Rodriguez de la Cruz Carlos , Forthomme Bénédicte , Bury Thierry , Chapelle Jean-Paul , Cavalier Etienne , Croisier Jean-Louis
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND:

Regular physical activity is an important health factor, but intense physical stress can increase the risk of heart disease.

OBJECTIVE:

Our aim was to determine the potential cardiac repercussions of, and the oxidative stress resulting from a maximal eccentric isokinetic exercise and a 1-hour treadmill run at 75% [Formula: see text] O2 max (maximal exercise done 6 weeks before).

METHODS:

Twelve young sedentary healthy subjects randomly performed two tests separated by 6 weeks: 1) 3 sets of 30 maximal eccentric isokinetic contractions of the quadriceps; 2) a 1-hour running on treadmill at 75%[Formula: see text] O2max max. We drew blood samples just before each exercise (T1), and just after (T2), 3 hours after (T3), and 24 hours after (T4) the end of each exercise to measure cardiac and oxidative stress biomarkers.

RESULTS:

In the running group, we observed significant differences for myoglobin (T3: 145 ± 80 μ g/L), creatinine kinase(T4: 593 ± 350 mg/L), oxidized glutathione (T2: 22 ± 15.6 μmol/L), and highly sensitive cardiac troponin T, (T3: 0.051 ± 0.038 ng/mL). In the isokinetic group, we observed significant differences for myoglobin (T3:1419 ± 2533 mg/L), creatine kinase (3303 ± 7159 mg/L), and oxidized glutathione (T4:24 ± 14 μ mol/L). Between isokinetic exercise and running, we observed significant differences for uric acid(p< 0.05, running > eccentric), myoglobin (p< 0.05, ditto), NT-proBNP (p< 0.05, ditto), hsTnT (p< 0.01, ditto), and oxidized glutathione(p< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

As cardiac biomarkers appear practically unmodified after the isokinetic exercise, despite the considerable oxidative stress, we suggest that the application of intense maximal eccentric isokinetic exercise, when indicated, should be safe for most patients including those whose cardiac status is unknown. On the other hand, the increase in cardiac biomarkers observed after running, could reflect leakage of these biomarkers from the cytosolic pool of cardiac cells, linked to membrane damage, rather than the result of a major injury and hence running is supposed to be a safe practice. However, since sudden death during running has been previously described, assesment of the cardiac biomarkers and a follow-up by a sport doctor is important especially if there is a cardiac family history.