bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRODUKSI PAKAN MANDIRI UNTUK BUDIDAYA IKAN NILA
Authors: Amrullah Amrullah , Baiduri Mohammad Adnan , Wahidah Wahidah
Published: May 2019

Permasalahan utama yang dihadapi mitra petani ikan nila di Desa Coppo tompong, Pangkep adalah biaya operasional pakan komersial tinggi, padahal pakan pellet komersial merupakan input produksi budidaya yang sangat menentukan tingkat pertumbuhan ikan.  Solusi yang ditawarkan untuk menyelesaikan permasalahan yang dihadapi petani mitra adalah pembuatan pakan sederhana dengan memanfaatkan bahan baku yang ada di lingkungan sekitar petani.  Tujuan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah meningkatkan pemahaman dan keterampilan petani dalam memproduksi pakan buatan murah. Metode pelaksanaan kegiatan terdiri atas penyuluhan non teknis, penyuluhan teknis, kegiatan demonstrasi/praktik dan pendampingan.  Kegiatan penyuluhan non teknis dilakukan untuk membuka wawasan kelompok tani tentang pentingnya pemberian pakan pada pemelihara ikan nila.  Selain itu juga diharapkan peningkatan motivasi kerja serta pentingnya menumbuh-kembangkan minat berwirausahaan.  Penyuluhan teknis terdiri atas pemilihan bahan baku pakan; menghitung kebutuhan bahan baku; penepungan; penimbangan; pencampuran pakan; pelleting pakan; penjemuran pakan; dan uji pakan secara fisik, kimia dan biologi.  Berdasarkan kegiatan yang telah dilakukan maka disimpulkan bahwa petani dapat menerima inovasi, mampu mempersiapkan bahan baku beserta sarana pendukung pembuatan pakan dan mampu melakukan pembuatan pakan murah.
PEMAHAMAN BAHAYA PENYALAHGUNAAN TEKNOLOGI INFOMASI BAGI KETUA RUKUN TETANGGA (RT) DAN TOKOH MASYARAKAT DI KOTA TARAKAN
Authors: Zein Yahya Ahmad , Nurvianti Dewi
Published: May 2019

Kehidupan manusia pada dasarnya adalah dinamis, hal ini dapat dilihat dari perkembangan baik secara fisik maupun perkembangan sosial masyarakat, karena manusia merupakan makhluk hidup yang tidak dapat hidup sendiri sehingga mereka selalu bergantung pada orang lain. Adanya hukum merupakan sarana sebagai pengatur kehidupan masyarakat supaya dapat hidup aman dan tentram tanpa terganggu hak dan kewajibannya sebagai manusia. Perkembangan manusia juga diiringi dengan perkembangan zaman dan teknologi, terutama bidang teknologi informasi, yang menjadikan manusia memiliki ketergantungan pada dunia teknologi yakni media sosial dan internet. Sehingga masyarakat perlu waspada dan sadar akan efek negative terhadap kemajuan teknologi tersebut. Salah satu hal yang marak dewasa ini adalah tentang penggunaan media sosial dalam komunikasi. Program Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat yang kami laksanakan ini merupakan solusi dan memahamkan masyarakat dalam menyikapi media sosial dan peraturan hukum yang mengatur. Sehingga dengan adanya kegiatan ini, mereka lebih memahami bagaimana bersikap terhadap kemajuan teknologi tersebut. Manfaat yang didapat dari pelaksanaan kegiatan ini bahwa masyarakat Kelurahan Karang Harapan menyadari betul kebutuhan media sosial tetapi mereka baru menyadari bahwa bermedia sosial juga diperlukan etika untuk menghindarkan diri mereka dari hal-hal yang dapat merugikan diri mereka sendiri seperti pencemaran nama baik, terlebih pemahaman baru terhadap Undang-Undang Informasi dan Transaksi Elektronik.
BIMBINGAN TEKNIS INVENTARISASI IDENTIFIKASI TUMBUHAN BAGI SDN 045 TARAKAN MELALUI PEMBUATAN HERBARIUM BERBASIS POTENSI LOKAL EKOSISTEM HUTAN TROPIS
Authors: Abrori Fadhlan Muchlas , Adhani Aidil , Rupa Darius
Published: May 2019

Tarakan merupakan salah satu kota di Kalimantan Utara yang memiliki kekayaan biodiversitas, terutama keragaman tumbuhan di hutan tropis.  Berbanding terbalik dengan luasnya hutan dan banyaknya sumber daya, pembelajaran di Sekolah Dasar di Kota Tarakan sangat kurang kontekstual dalam memperkenalkan kekayaan hutan kepada siswa.  SDN 045 Tarakan sebagai sekolah mitra berlokasi di sekitar hutan tropis, akan tetapi pembelajarannya sangat jarang memanfaatkan potensi hutan tropis. Penanggulangan permasalahan kurang kontekstualnya pembelajaran di Sekolah Dasar adalah dengan memberikan bimbingan teknik pengembangan media berbasis potensi lokal dalam bentuk herbarium. Metode pelaksanaan kegiatan ini terdiri dari 5 tahapan, yaitu: observasi, persiapan, penyusunan panduan, pelaksanaan, dan evaluasi. Hasil kegiatan ini didapatkan bahwa pada tes identifikasi tumbuhan pada guru terdapat kenaikan nilai dari rata-rata nilai 35 (pre-test) dan 85.4 (pos-test). Penilaian psikomotorik (keterampilan) pembuatan herbarium guru didapat nilai yang baik, dengan rata-rata nilai tiap aspek 80. Penilaian produk herbarium juga didapatkan nilai yang sangat baik dengan rata-rata nilai tiap aspek 80.
VERGİ REFORMU MU? YOKSA VERGİ DEFORMU MU?
Authors: Aktan Can , GENCEL Ufuk , YAY Serdar
Published: May 2019

Cumhuriyetin ilanından
günümüze değin Türk vergi sistemi sürekli olarak hükümetler tarafından
değiştirilmekte ve bu değişiklikler her zaman topluma “vergi reformu”  adı altında sunulmaktadır. Bu çalışmada ülkemiz
vergi sisteminde ve vergi mevzuatında yapılan muhtelif değişikliklerin bir
envanteri (vergi yasalarında yapılan değişiklikler, vergi afları, geriye doğru
vergilemeye yönelik yasal düzenlemeler vs. ) verilmektedir. Daha sonra da bu
değişikliklerin ortaya çıkardığı sorunlar (vergi deformu) ele alınmakta ve anayasal
iktisat perspektifinden bazı çözüm önerileri sunulmaktadır.
BİREYSEL EMEKLİLİK ŞİRKETLERİNİN FİNANSAL PERFORMANSLARININ DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ: TÜRKİYE ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: ŞAHİN Onan , BAŞARIR Çağatay
Published: May 2019

Ülkemizde sosyal güvenlik sisteminin
tamamlayıcısı olan Bireysel Emeklilik Sistemi, bireylerin, çalışma hayatında
yaptıkları birikimler sayesinde, emeklilik dönemlerinde refah kaybına
uğramamalarını sağlayan bir sistemdir. Türkiye’de şu an itibariyle faaliyette
bulunan 18 adet emeklilik şirketi yer almaktadır. Bu emeklilik şirketlerinin
temel görevi katılımcılardan topladıkları primleri farklı yatırım fonlarında
değerlendirmektir.

Bu çalışmanın amacı Bireysel Emeklilik
Şirketlerinin finansal performanslarının emeklilik yatırım fonları üzerinden
karşılaştırılması ve katılımcılara şirket seçimlerinde yardımcı olmaktır. Bu
amaç doğrultusunda on adet Bireysel Emeklilik Şirketi beş adet Bireysel
Emeklilik Yatırım Fonu kullanılarak karşılaştırılmıştır. Karşılaştırılma
yapılırken çok kriterli karar verme tekniklerinden TOPSIS ve PROMETHEE
yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonucunda her iki yönteme göre de en iyi
performansı gösteren şirket Allianz
Yaşam ve Emeklilik şirketi olarak belirlenmiştir. Yapılan sıralamada son
sırada TOPSIS yöntemine göre Vakıf
Emeklilik ve Hayat şirketi yer alırken PROMETHEE yöntemine göre Axa Hayat ve
Emeklilik şirketi yer almıştır.
Effect of Power Law-Index for Accurate Natural Frequencies of Rotating Isotropic SWCNTs with Ring Supports
Authors: Hussain Muzamal , Naeem Muhammad Nawaz
Published: May 2019

Vibration analysis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is very essential field owing to their many promising applications in tiny instruments. The unique and interesting properties of CNTs, particularly their mechanical and electrical features, have fascinated industries and researchers to implement CNTs for production of different electromechanical devices. Research on vibration behavior of CNTs was done for a few decades ago. Vibrations of isotropic rotating zigzag and chiral single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNTs) with ring supports are established using the Love’s shell theory. To discretize the governing equations of current model, Galerkin’s method is utilized for frequency equations of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The unknown axial functions have assumed by characteristic beam functions which fulfill boundary conditions applied at the tube ends. Effects of different parameters with ring supports on the fundamental natural frequencies versus ratio of length-to-radius, angular speed and height-to-radius ratio have been investigated. The frequencies curves decrease as the length-to-diameter ratio increases. With the increase of angular speed the frequency curve of backward waves increases and forward wave decreases for rotating zigzag and chiral tubes. On the other hand, the phenomena of frequency versus height-to-radius ratio are counterpart of length-to-radius ratio for rotating boundary conditions. The frequency phenomena have been observed very pronounced with ring support. Frequency value of C-C end condition is higher than those of C-F computations. The results of single-walled carbon nanotube are computed by using MATLAB software. To validate the accuracy of present model, the results have been compared with earlier modeling/simulations.
A Decade of Sporadic Meteoroid Mass Distribution Indices in the Southern Hemisphere Derived from SAAMER’s Meteor Observations
Authors: Janches D. , Brunini C. , Hormaechea J. L.
Published: May 2019

We present determinations of the meteoroid differential mass index, s, using over a decade of meteor observations from the Southern Argentina Agile MEteor Radar (SAAMER). For this, we employ an autonomous statistical technique to determine this parameter from the measured radar echo amplitudes. Unlike previous studies, we examine the role of the system noise in the determination of this parameter and found that if not taken into account appropriately, the results can yield significant over estimations of the mass index. In general we found that a value of s = 2.0 represents SAAMER’s results in general agreement with recent studies performed in the northern hemisphere. We explore both the index interannual and seasonal variability and, unlike previous studies, we found them to be constant, except during the presence of the Southern δ Aquariids meteor shower which is so strong that it dominates the meteor counts when present. Our study suggests that using the maximum echo amplitude for these studies is not ideal as it can be biased by many factors which make the inaccuracies larger than the precision estimated by the fitting routine. A method that results in a more direct estimate of the electron line density would be required which takes into account range, gain pattern, system noise, etc.
Efficient Starspot Reconstruction via Light-curve Inversion with Bipartite Regularization
Authors: Luo Tao , Liang Yanyan , IP Wing-Huen
Published: May 2019

Light-curve inversion (LI) is a powerful imaging technique and widely used in stellar surface imaging and starspot reconstruction. It can be used to reconstruct a high-resolution image from a light curve of a star via the conversion from temporal resolution to spatial resolution. However, as an ill-posed problem, accurate resulting spot-to-photosphere brightness ratio (SBR) is hard to achieve because of the limitation of the single regularization of the traditional LI method. To address the existing problems, we propose a new method, namely LI with bipartite regularization (LIBR), to extend the capability of LI. This new method employs adaptive SBR adjustment in each iteration of the fitting process to obtain accurate intensity distribution. As shown in the simulations, the SBR produced by the LIBR method indicates that the model can mimic the actual stellar surface as closely as possible. Therefore, it becomes possible to be used for analyzing starspots from massive high-quality observed data derived from the Kepler Space Telescope and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite.
On the Mass Function, Multiplicity, and Origins of Wide-orbit Giant Planets
Authors: Wagner Kevin , Apai Dániel , Kratter Kaitlin M.
Published: May 2019

A major outstanding question regarding the formation of planetary systems is whether wide-orbit giant planets form differently than close-in giant planets. We aim to establish constraints on two key parameters that are relevant for understanding the formation of wide-orbit planets: (1) the relative mass function and (2) the fraction of systems hosting multiple companions. In this study, we focus on systems with directly imaged substellar companions and the detection limits on lower mass bodies within these systems. First, we uniformly derive the mass probability distributions of known companions. We then combine the information contained within the detections and detection limits into a survival analysis statistical framework to estimate the underlying mass function of the parent distribution. Finally, we calculate the probability that each system may host multiple substellar companions. We find that (1) the companion mass distribution is rising steeply toward smaller masses, with a functional form of N ∝ M
−1.3±0.03, and consequently, (2) many of these systems likely host additional undetected substellar companions. Combined, these results strongly support the notion that wide-orbit giant planets are formed predominantly via core accretion, similar to the better studied close-in giant planets. Finally, given the steep rise in the relative mass function with decreasing mass, these results suggest that future deep observations should unveil a greater number of directly imaged planets.
Climate Variable Choice in Ricardian Studies of European Agriculture
Authors: Vaitkeviciute Jaune , Chakir Raja , Van Passel Steven
Published: May 2019

Le modèle ricardien a été fréquemment utilisé pour étudier l’impact du changement climatique sur l’agriculture européenne. Cet article contribue à cette littérature en utilisant les données de panel sur les régions du RICA et la période 2004-2012, et en tenant compte à la fois de l’hétérogénéité individuelle et de l’autocorrélation spatiale entre les régions de l’Union européenne. Nous avons testé trois hypothèses liées au modèle des degrés-jours. Nos résultats montrent que le climat en dehors de la saison de croissance est important pour l’agriculture européenne, et l’exclure pourrait sous-estimer les impacts du changement climatique. Nos résultats devraient appuyer les décisions de politique publique relatives aux mesures efficaces d’atténuation et d’adaptation dans l’agriculture de l’UE.
Sustaining Our Diminishing Teachers of Color in Urban and Suburban Schools
Authors: Griffen Karen D. , Griffen Aaron J.
Published: May 2019

This chapter emphasizes the importance of implementing culturally competent recruitment and retention practices, which suburban schools and systems can use to ensure that all students have a well-trained and high-quality teacher of color. Changes in teachers' expectations for student success and strategies in managing administrative and behavioral tasks are all required of all novice teachers. Methods of recruitment, strategies of organization management, and student demographics should be factors in supporting the approaches to implement culturally competent policy change, impacting the outcomes for teachers of color and the student's they serve. A positive organizational culture to include culturally responsive instructional leadership, adequate teacher salary, and critical professional development are determinants for sustaining high-quality teachers of color not only for students of color but for all learners. An emphasis on valuing the cultural identity of teachers of color in suburban schools will be emphasized as a preventative measure for the othering of teachers of color.
Brain Tumor and Its Segmentation From Brain MRI Sequences
Authors: Saxena Sanjay , Mohapatra Puspanjali , Pattnaik Swati
Published: May 2019

Automated segmentation of tumorous region from the brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) is the procedure of extrication anomalous tissues from regular tissues, such as white matter (WM), gray matter (GM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The process of accurate and efficient segmentation is still exigent because of the diversity of location, size, and shape of the tumorous region. Brain MRI provides metabolic process, psychological process, and descriptive information of the brain. Brain tumor segmentation using MRI is drawing the attention of the researchers due to its non-invasive nature and good soft tissue contrast of MRI sequences. The main motive of this chapter is to provide a broad overview of the methods of brain tumor segmentation based on MRI. This chapter provides the information of the brain tumor, its types, brief introduction of the MRI, and its diverse types, and lastly, this chapter gives the brief overview with benefits and limitations about diverse techniques used for brain tumor segmentation by different researchers and scientists.
Epileptic Seizure Detection and Classification Using Machine Learning
Authors: Janghel Rekh Ram , Rathore Yogesh Kumar , Tatiparti Gautam
Published: May 2019

Epilepsy is a brain ailment identified by unpredictable interruptions of normal brain activity. Around 1% of mankind experience epileptic seizures. Around 10% of the United States population experiences at least a single seizure in their life. Epilepsy is distinguished by the tendency of the brain to generate unexpected bursts of unusual electrical activity that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. As seizures usually occur rarely and are unforeseeable, seizure recognition systems are recommended for seizure detection during long-term electroencephalography (EEG). In this chapter, ANN models, namely, BPA, RNN, CL, PNN, and LVQ, have been implemented. A prominent dataset was employed to assess the proposed method. The proposed method is capable of achieving an accuracy of 97.5%; the high accuracy obtained has confirmed the great success of the method.
Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Kashyap Ramgopal , Rahamatkar Surendra
Published: May 2019

Today, IoT in therapeutic administrations has ended up being more productive in light of the fact that the correspondence among authorities and patients has been improved with versatile applications. These applications are made by the associations with the objective that the pros can screen the patient's prosperity. If any issue has hopped out at the patient, by then the authority approaches the patient and gives the correct treatment. In this proposition, particular focus is given to infant human administrations, in light of the fact that the greatest fear of gatekeepers is that they would lose their infant kids at whatever point. Therefore, in this part, a business contraption has been recognized which screens the consistent information about the infant's heart rate, oxygen levels, resting position. In case anything happens to the tyke, the information will get to the adaptable application, which has been made by an association and is mechanically available by finishing a representation field test for the kid; the information is recorded and examined.
Recent Advancement in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Kosaraju Satyanarayana , Krishna Mohan B.  , Singh Swadesh Kumar
Published: May 2019

Additive manufacturing (AM) is acquiring attention in the field of manufacturing. The technique facilitates building of parts through the addition of materials using a computerized three-dimensional solid model. However, the process does not require any coolants, cutting tools, or other resources that are used in conventional manufacturing. The numerous advantages over conventional manufacturing have created interest towards the applications of additive manufacturing in the field of engineering. The governing fundamental principles of additive manufacturing offer a wide spectrum of advantages which includes design, geometric flexibility, near-net-shape capabilities, and fabrication using various materials, reducing the cycle time for manufacturing and overall savings in both energy and costs. The chapter provides a step-by-step procedure for generation of a component through 3D printing and a brief discussion on advanced AM techniques. These can produce high-quality products at high speed and can be used as industrial manufacturing techniques.
Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Abdulrahman Kamardeen Olajide , Akinlabi Esther T. , Mahamood Rasheedat M.
Published: May 2019

Three-dimensional printing has evolved into an advanced laser additive manufacturing (AM) process with capacity of directly producing parts through CAD model. AM technology parts are fabricated through layer by layer build-up additive process. AM technology cuts down material wastage, reduces buy-to-fly ratio, fabricates complex parts, and repairs damaged old functional components. Titanium aluminide alloys fall under the group of intermetallic compounds known for high temperature applications and display of superior physical and mechanical properties, which made them most sort after in the aeronautic, energy, and automobile industries. Laser metal deposition is an AM process used in the repair and fabrication of solid components but sometimes associated with thermal induced stresses which sometimes led to cracks in deposited parts. This chapter looks at some AM processes with more emphasis on laser metal deposition technique, effect of LMD processing parameters, and preheating of substrate on the physical, microstructural, and mechanical properties of components produced through AM process.
Power and Gender
Authors: Khamseh Zahra
Published: May 2019

The chapter seeks to explore the roots of gender inequality through the personal experiences of working women in senior positions which are extracted from their stories about their families, societies, and organizations. To conduct the research, Hofstede's cultural dimensions were employed as a tool to determine the national culture which has direct influence on organizational culture which dominates the workplace and influences immensely every sphere of women's activities in the workplace. In this research, consideration is given to cultural aspects through data gathered from educated Iranian, Malay, and Turkish female employees illustrating their organizational life.
Corporate Female Leadership Effects Considering PSI20 and IBEX35 Companies' Performance
Authors: Madaleno Mara , Vieira Elisabete S. , Teodósio João P. C.
Published: May 2019

Using a sample of 47 Portuguese and Spanish firms for the period 2010 to 2017, the authors study the relationship between female presence on board and firm's accounting (ROA and ROE) and market-based (MTB and Tobin's Q) performance. They find that women on the board of directors is positively related to firm's performance, as well as the gender of the CFO and the proportion of women on the listed key professionals, when we consider the market measures of performance, not being so consistent for accounting performance measures. Results were sensitive to the performance measure used. The results reinforce the political options of European Commission gender established quotas, revealing that in the Iberian countries these quotas are not being effectively implemented, even if results suggest that women on board in fact exert positive influence over market performance. This also led us to think that financial markets may also react in a positive way when the CFO of the company is a woman instead of a man, despite the sample limitations both in terms of gender and number of firms.
Board Gender Diversity and Firm Performance
Authors: Khamis Reem , Barone Elisabetta , Sarea Adel , Hamdan Allam Mohammed
Published: May 2019

This chapter aims at investigating board gender diversity and firm performance by integrating two theoretical backgrounds (agency theory and institutional theory). Board gender diversity has been investigated by using firm level theories such as agency theory and stewardship theory. Resource dependence theory, which links the board to the external environment of the firm, was also implemented in order to better understand how board gender diversity would affect firm performance. However, results were inconsistent. This study tries to integrate agency theory with institutional theory under the assumption that firms are affected by endogenous and exogenous factors that would eventually affect its outcomes such as performance.
Paradise Found?
Authors: Lehner Edward , Ziegler John R.
Published: May 2019

This chapter conceptualizes a process for cryptocurrency to diversify traditional methods of higher education funding in the United States. Cryptocurrency funding augments traditional revenue streams and shifts the discussion of education costs from expenses to a more robust conversation about innovative avenues to wealth generation as a potential solution to fund the mission of American higher education. This chapter acknowledges the central concerns of higher education funding as it explores these arguments as legacy discourses rooted in career preparation, accessibility and affordability, and arguments about the need for a broad-based education vs. more technical skills training. Further, an alternative model to current higher education funding models is presented, and if deployed, this asset class could help to serve education needs by funding research, students, and the academy through an illustrated conceptual framework for funding.
Data Confidentiality, Integrity, and Authentication
Authors: Senthilkumar Dhanalakshmi
Published: May 2019

Blockchain has been created in the process of development in bitcoin. It's a singly linked list of block, with each block containing a number of transactions and each list in the blocks using with cryptographic functions. The cryptographic hash function contains the hash of the previous block, timestamp, and transaction ID. Blockchain services include the authentication, confidentiality, integrity, data and resource provenance, and privacy and access control lists technologies. The authentication provider authenticates decentralized database with transactions in private-public key pair. This key-pair is used in the transport layer security with the entire network. The network legitimizes the transaction after that and adds the transaction to the blockchain. A sequence of blocks in blockchain holds the complete record of transactions like a public ledger. The integrity data written in the blockchain cannot be altered subsequently. By limiting access to the information in confidentiality, only authorized users can access the information, so that information is also protected.
Youth Participation in Politics
Authors: Phiri Sam
Published: May 2019

This chapter explores the manner in which Zambian university students engage with public policy decisions which are of immediate and future interest to them. It observes that the youths may have little faith in representative democracy and instead are utilizing social media platforms to directly engage with decision-makers and publics, and thus subverting the essence of the authority of parliament. The study uses descriptive survey design and the methodology of “Briscolage” to capture and scrutinize two politically charged cases, and concludes that the youth globally may be challenging liberalism and in that way fashioning a new narrative entrenched in postmodernism.
Exploring the Concept of Youth Bulge From a Linguistic Perspective
Authors: Jongore Magret
Published: May 2019

The chapter tackles youth bulge according to a number of scholars. The analysis aims at bringing forth understanding of the concept from a linguistic perspective. In linguistics, any text can be analyzed using linguistic tools to unearth context, syntax, and semantics, pragmatic and socio-linguistic elements that inform it. Analysis of the likes of Callick, Hendrixson, Fantorpe, Collier, and others on youth bulge is done. Critical discourse analysis is used for analysis. CDA observes that texts are manifestations of politics. Texts are sites for struggle to maintain, influence, and persuade the general to respect the social order of the day. Thus, texts are replication of the society that reproduce them. Texts serve to maintain the powerful in their esteemed positions. Thus, texts are ideological and hegemonic in nature. Text reveals in language and visuals as signs, dress and artifacts. Thus, the chapter avails a number of standpoints of what youth bulge entails and institutes CDA to unravel politically and ideological permeated aspects of the concept.
Case Study Methodology
Authors: Florenthal Bela , Ismailovski Ashley
Published: May 2019

This chapter provides an overview of case study methodology and its applications in writing case studies. The reader is introduced to the specific procedures that are implemented when developing a case study for educational purposes. The methodology discussed here is comprised of three parts: secondary data analysis (external and internal sources), qualitative data collection and analysis (e.g., in-depth interviews and observation technique), and quantitative data collection and analysis (e.g., surveys and questionnaires). After describing each method, the authors provide specific examples from published business cases to cement reader's understanding of how to successfully develop that method.
The Effects of Streamflow Variability on Salt Flux in a Semi-Arid Tropical River Basin in Eastern Kenya
Authors: Kitheka Johnson Utu
Published: May 2019

This chapter presents the results of a study on the influence of streamflow variability on salt fluxes in a semi-arid Tiva River Basin located in Eastern Kenya. Measurements of salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, and river discharges were undertaken in sampling stations located within the main branch of the river as well as in the tributaries, namely Kauwi, Kalundu, Nzeeu, and Mwitasyano Rivers in the Upper Region of the Tiva River Basin. The mean and maximum river discharges for the sub-basins of the river ranged from 11 to 33 m3s-1 and from 118 to 210 m3s-1, respectively. The peak river discharge at the main Tiva branch was 270 m3s-1. The study shows that there is a significant relationship between the variability of streamflow and the variability of salt fluxes in the river as exemplified by variation of salinity, conductivity, and TDS in the river.
Evaluation of freezing point in milk from buffalos reared in Calabria, Italy
Authors: Ceniti Carlotta , Britti Domenico , Trimboli Francesca , Morittu Valeria Maria , Lopreiato Vincenzo , Costanzo Nicola
Published: May 2019

Evaluation of freezing point is one of the most common technique used to detect milk adulteration such as addition of external water to increase volume. The aim of this study was to evaluate the freezing point of buffalo milk using infrared spectroscopy and to assess how it is influenced by other milk components. A total of 361 individual buffalo milk samples were collected monthly from March to August of 2017 in a dairy farm in Catanzaro district, Italy. Samples were tested for freezing point, urea, acetone and beta-hydroxybutyrate, percent of fat, protein, lactose, casein, by Fourier Transformed Spectroscopy. The pH and daily milk production were also recorded. Freezing point ranged from -0.574°C to - 0.512°C and the mean values was -0.545°C ±0.010. According to lactation stage, freezing point decreased until 210 days post-partum reaching the minimum value of −0.550°C, then it slightly increased during lactation; according to sampling month the highest and lowest values were recorded in August and June, respectively. A positive correlation between freezing point and lactose content were evidenced (r=0.1806, P<0.05). Moreover, a faintly positive correlation was also found between freezing point and beta-idroxibutirrate (r=0.0869, P<0.05) and acetone (r=0.0096, P<0.05), whereas a negative correlation with fat (r=−0.2356, P<0.05), protein (r=-0.1855, P<0.05), casein (r=-0.2127, P<0.05) and urea (r=-0.1229, P<0.05) was evidenced.
Prevalence and characterization of beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates from a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Govindaswamy Aishwarya , Bajpai Vijeta , Khurana Surbhi , Aravinda Anjana , Batra Priyam , Malhotra Rajesh , Mathur Purva
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and characterize the resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from various clinical specimens by various phenotypic and genotypic methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 196 consecutive, nonduplicate strains of clinically significant E. coli isolated from various clinical specimens were included in the study. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by using Vitek-2 system (Biomerieux, France). Phenotypic detection of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBLs), Amp-C-β lactamase (Amp C), and carbapenemase production was done by various combination of disc diffusion methods, minimum inhibitory concentration determination by E-test, followed by polymerase-chain-reaction for the detection of β-lactamase-encoding genes.

RESULTS: Overall prevalence of ESBLs, Amp C, and carbapenemase production was found to be 88.3%, 42.2%, and 65.1% by the phenotypic detection methods. Our study also revealed high resistance rates against other antibiotics such as cefepime (89%), cefotaxime (95.4%), ceftazidime (85.4%), ceftriaxone (91.8%), cefpodoxime (92.7%), aztreonam (56.3%), piperacillin/tazobactam (89.2%), and ticarcillin/clavulanic acid (76.3%). The most prevalent ESBL gene was blaTEM(67.30%), and least prevalent ESBL gene was blaVEB(2.61%). In case of Amp C, blaFOXgene (21.9%) was predominant. Among the genes encoding for carbapenemases, the most common gene was blaNDM(61.7%) followed by blaVIM(30.8%), blaKPC(10.6%), blaOXA-48 (5.3%), and blaIMP(2.1%).

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a high rate of ESBLs, Amp C, and carbapenemase production among the E. coli isolates. A combination of both phenotypic and genotypic methods would be ideal for better characterization of resistance patterns among the E. coli isolates.
Subclinical inflammation markers in hyperemesis gravidarum and ketonuria: A case–control study
Authors: çintesun Ersin , Akar Serra , Gul Ayhan , Çintesun Feyza Nur Incesu , Sahin Gözde , Ezveci Huriye , Akyürek Fikret , Çelik Çetin
Published: May 2019

INTRODUCTION: Subclinical inflammation markers play a significant role in hyperemesis gravidarum (HEG). Simple hematological markers such as mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), red cell distribution width (RDW), plateletcrit (PCT), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been shown to reflect inflammatory burden and disease activity in several disorders. Ketonuria is a parameter used in the diagnosis of severe HEG, but its correlation with disease severity remains controversial. The relationship of subclinical inflammation markers with degree of ketonuria has not been examined previously. In this study, we aimed to determine the diagnostic value of these subclinical inflammation markers and the relationship between these markers and grade of ketonuria in patients with HEG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 94 pregnant women with a diagnosis of HEG and 100 gestational age-matched healthy pregnant women were enrolled in this retrospective study. MPV, PDW, NLR, PLR, PCT, and ketonuria were calculated and analyzed from complete blood cell counts and total urine analyses.

RESULTS: Lymphocyte count was significantly higher in the control group (P < 0,001); NLR and PLR values were significantly higher in the HEG group (P < 0,001). Among inflammation markers, RDW increased significantly (P = 0,008) with an increase in ketonuria in patients with HEG. A statistically significant correlation was found between white blood cell (WBC) and NLR, PLR, PCT. A moderate uphill relationship was observed between NLR and WBC and a weak uphill linear relationship was observed between WBC and PLR and between WBC and PCT

CONCLUSIONS: PLR and NLR can be considered effective markers to aid in the diagnosis of HEG. No marker was found to correlate with ketonuria grade except RDW, although the relationship of the severity of ketonuria with severity of disease is controversial. RDW increases as the degree of ketonuria increases.
Canonical idempotents of multiplicity-free families of algebras
Authors: Doty Stephen , Lauve Aaron , Seelinger George H.
Published: May 2019

Any multiplicity-free family of finite dimensional algebras has a canonical complete set of pairwise orthogonal primitive idempotents in each level. We give various methods to compute these idempotents. In the case of symmetric group algebras over a field of characteristic zero, the set of canonical idempotents is precisely the set of seminormal idempotents constructed by Young. As an example, we calculate the canonical idempotents for semisimple Brauer algebras.
The Tits alternative for finite rank median spaces
Authors: Fioravanti Elia
Published: May 2019

We prove a version of the Tits alternative for groups acting on complete, finite rank median spaces. This shows that group actions on finite rank median spaces are much more restricted than actions on general median spaces. Along the way, we extend to median spaces the Caprace–Sageev machinery [CS] and part of Hagen’s theory of unidirectional boundary sets [Hag1].
A simplification problem in manifold theory
Authors: Hausmann Jean-Claude , Jahren Bjørn
Published: May 2019

Two smooth manifolds

M

and

N

are called

\mathbb R

-diffeomorphic if

M \times \mathbb R

is diffeomorphic to

N \times \mathbb R

. We consider the following simplication problem: does

\mathbb R

-diffeomorphism imply diffeomorphism or homeomorphism? For compact manifolds, analysis of this problem relies on some of the main achievements of the theory of manifolds, in particular the h- and s-cobordism theorems in high dimensions and the spectacular more recent classication results in dimensions 3 and 4. This paper presents what is currently known about the subject as well as some new results about classications of

\mathbb R

-diffeomorphisms.
Municipal Efficiency and Economies of Scale in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Soko Aida , Zorič Jelena
Published: May 2019

This study estimates municipal efficiency and economies of scale of municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina by employing data envelopment analysis (DEA) with variable (VRS) and constant (CRS) returns to scale. The results indicate low overall municipal efficiency, with economies of scale reached in very few municipalities. The average municipal efficiency score is 0.7115 under DEA VRS assumption, where only 16% of municipalities are found efficient. The average scale efficiency is 0.7458 with full scale efficiency reached by only 11% of municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Furthermore, the analysis shows strong positive impact of number of inhabitants on overall municipal efficiency. Politically motivated fragmentation of municipalities, aiming to bring peace and stability to the country, did not go hand in hand with improved economic efficiency.
Driving Force of Grassroots Self-governance in Beijing’s Neighborhoods: Social Capital, Community Network and Community Service Motivation
Authors: Qian Xingyu , Cai Yuanqing , Yin Chengzhi
Published: May 2019

Placed at the bottom of China’s urban governance system, residents’ committees led by street offices are not only responsible for welfare provision but also imposing sociopolitical control on residents at grassroots society. With a large number of floating population flooding into Beijing in recent years, the demographic structure of its neighborhoods becomes increasingly diversified, which is likely to cause some latent social instabilities. Consequently, more and more residents’ committees are authorized to establish community work stations to underpin the function of grassroots governance and shift administrative responsibilities from superior governments. Since urban neighborhoods in China are actually an acquaintance society in the “differential mode of association (差序格局)”, the self-enforcement and self-governance of community work station depends on acquaintanceship and interaction between local residents, residents’ committees and community work stations. This article intends to explore the operation of grassroots self-governance by a case of Panjiayuan Neighborhood in Chaoyang District of Beijing. The empirical study based on mixed methods of qualitative interview and quantitative survey has revealed that community work stations led by resident’s committees is an arena of self-governance and its operational mechanism is driven by social capital under the mediator of community network, within which social capital will be accumulated and proliferated in the neighborhood, and resident’s motivation for voluntary cooperation will be intensified as well.
Challenges of the Implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in Finnish Legislation
Authors: Jäntti Anni , Vakkala Hanna Maria , Sinervo Lotta-Maria
Published: May 2019

In this article, we focus on the challenges for local self-government in Finland. Finnish legislation follows the Articles of the European Charter of Local self-government rather closely. We illustrate how the role of local government as service provider has led to a situation where municipalities are strictly steered by and financially dependent on the national government. Besides this, the burden of public services exposes local government to reforms. Current local government reform by national government challenges local self-government by establishing a regional level of governance. However, it can also bring opportunities for municipalities to focus more on local tasks and decrease the need for strict steering by the state.
The Actors Involved in Innovation Processes and Collaboration – A Case Study of Eight Finnish Municipalities
Authors: Kurkela Kaisa , Virtanen Petri , Tuurnas Sanna , Stenvall Jari
Published: May 2019

This study observes the roles of the different actors involved in the processes of innovation. The theoretical framework on which this study is based deals mainly with the idea of collaborative innovation. This is a case study of eight Finnish municipalities (Hattula, Hollola, Hämeenlinna, Kuusamo, Pudasjärvi, Raahe, Rovaniemi and Salo) and their innovation processes. The research question is: how did collaboration occur between the diverse actors during the observed development processes? The main data of this article emanates from the workshops held in these eight municipalities. Four groups of actors emerge in the empirical analysis: key actors, actors within the municipal organization, actors within the municipality and actors outside the municipality. The roles of promoters, coordinators and leaders of innovation processes and municipal management were highlighted. These key actors have the opportunities to promote and organize collaboration in the innovation processes.  Collaborative practices in innovation processes are seen, as an important aim and the importance of including different stakeholders is quite widely understood. However, it seems that a systematic approach towards collaboration in these processes is lacking and in some cases the instruments for collaboration might be lacking.
Policy Shaped under Pressure: Internationalization, Decentralization, and Policy Adoption of Local Governments
Authors: Park Nara , Eom Young Ho
Published: May 2019

What leads local governments to adopt a particular policy? This article examines the diffusion of internationalization ordinances enacted by Korean local governments from 1989 to 2016. Since decentralization in 1995, Korean local governments have become autonomous actors that can introduce policies of their own. Employing event history analysis, this study reveals that, in adopting internationalization ordinances, Korean local governments face multiple pressures, including central government intervention, the behavior of other local governments, and their own capacity and policy requirements. Policymaking that is directed by the central government, however, is characterized by weaker effects and a shorter lifespan. Local autonomy is key to successful local governance in a decentralized regime.
Bullets and Ballots
Authors: García-Bryce Iñigo
Published: May 2019

Following Haya’s loss of the 1931 presidential election in Peru, many Apristas embarked on the path of violent revolution. Successive Peruvian governments banned APRA from politics and the party operated underground. The chapter chronicles’ Haya and his party’s attempts to gain power through insurgencies, elections and military coups. Haya gradually abandoned hopes of a revolution or a military coup, and had negotiated the party’s definitive way back to legality and democratic participation. In 1962 when he ran for president, lasting enmities led the military to intervene against him, and to discredit him with accusations of homosexuality.
El Jefe y el Partido
Authors: García-Bryce Iñigo
Published: May 2019

This chapter explores the complex relationship between Haya and the political party he created. Aware from the moment he entered politics that his life could be in danger, Haya deliberately built a lasting institution with a coherent ideology and a solid organization. Yet he also nourished a cult of personality and demanded total allegiance of his followers, leading some to accuse the party of being a quasi-religious sect. While youth groups socialized young Apristas to be disciplined and loyal, Haya’s critics (often former Apristas) attempted to undermine his image by portraying him as a lover of luxury and pointing to his alleged homosexuality. The tension between party organization and a strong personalist leadership continues to define the party today.
Mexican Press and Civil Society, 1940-1976
Authors: Smith Benjamin T.
Published: May 2019

Mexico today is one of the most dangerous places in the world to report the news, and Mexicans have taken to the street to defend freedom of expression. As Benjamin T. Smith demonstrates in this history of the press and civil society, the cycle of violent repression and protest over journalism is nothing new. He traces it back to the growth in newspaper production and reading publics between 1940 and 1976, when a national thirst for tabloids, crime sheets, and magazines reached far beyond the middle class.
As Mexicans began to view local and national events through the prism of journalism, everyday politics changed radically. Even while lauding the liberty of the press, the state developed an arsenal of methods to control what was printed, including sophisticated spin and misdirection techniques, covert financial payments, and campaigns of threats, imprisonment, beatings, and even murder. The press was also pressured by media monopolists tacking between government demands and public expectations to maximize profits, and by coalitions of ordinary citizens demanding that local newspapers publicize stories of corruption, incompetence, and state violence. Since the Cold War, both in Mexico City and in the provinces, a robust radical journalism has posed challenges to government forces.
How to Control the Press
Authors: Smith Benjamin T.
Published: May 2019

This chapter elaborates on the means by which the federal government of Mexico controlled what was written in the newspapers and magazines of Mexico City. It looks at financial incentives, but also more subtle means of control.
The Real Artemio Cruz
Authors: Smith Benjamin T.
Published: May 2019

This chapter examines the career of press baron José García Valseca. It also looks at his regional newspaper chain and the use of blackmail or gangster journalism by these newspapers.
A Practical Army of Liberation
Authors: Teters Kristopher A.
Published: May 2019

After the final Emancipation Proclamation went into effect in January 1863, western armies generally liberated slaves quite vigorously. But always driving this emancipation policy first and foremost were practical military considerations. Many officers supported emancipation because it would help win the war, and this was exactly how they carried out the policy. As much as possible, officers focused on freeing slaves for the army’s benefit, often targeting able-bodied men who could be of most use as teamsters, pioneers, laborers, and soldiers. Given these military priorities, officers frequently saw the slave women and children flocking to their camps as a military burden and usually sent them to hellish contraband camps or to labor for wages on plantations. In the politically sensitive border states of Kentucky and Missouri, emancipation was especially slow and conflict ridden. Yet even there, military necessity forced commanders to eventually adopt increasingly emancipationist policies. A few officers did support emancipation for moral reasons, but moral imperatives had very little influence on emancipation policies in the field. Officers’ prevailing racial beliefs help explain why many of them were more concerned with former slaves’ ability to help the army than with their welfare.