bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Drosophila Intestinal Stem Cell Maintenance and Proliferation
Authors: Strilbytska Olha
Published: May 2015

To maintain gut homeostasis intestinal stem cells (ISCs) constantly replace damagedones. This process is conservative from Drosophila to human. Proliferation and differentiation ofISCs in adult Drosophila midgut are regulated by growth factors which are secreted in thesurrounding cells collectively forming ISCs niche. Here I discuss an interaction between ISCs withits niche through conservative signaling pathways. Several evidences on significance ofcooperation between multiple signaling pathways including Notch, Wingless, JAK/STAT, EGFR,Hippo, and insulin signaling for regulation of stem cell maintenance and activity are provided.Further investigation in this area will allow us to understand how proper regulation of ISCsmaintenance and differentiation can assist to ensure intestinal integrity
2,4-Dichlorphenoxicacetic Acid at Low Concentrations Enhances Reproductive Ability and Oxidative Stress Resistance of Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors: Bayliak Maria , Burdylyuk Nadia
Published: May 2015

2,4-dichlorphenoxicacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most widely used herbicides withwell documented toxic effects on non-target organisms. In this study, the effect of lowconcentrations of 2,4-D on reproductive activity and resistance of yeast S. cerevisiae to oxidativestress was evaluated. Supplementation of the cultivation medium with 0.1-100 µM 2,4-D did notaffect the rate of yeast growth. In early stationary phase, yeast cultures grown with 0.1 and 1 µM2,4-D had higher number of reproductively active cells than control ones (without 2,4-D). Inexponential phase, S. cerevisiae cells grown in the presence of 1-100 µM 2,4-D were more resistantto hydrogen peroxide comparing to control ones. Thus, the herbicide increased reproductivepotential and cross-resistance to oxidative stress in yeast but the effective concentrations of 2,4-Dwere different for these phenomena. In summary, the results suggest possible involvement ofcertain hormetic mechanisms in the influence of 2,4-D at low concentrations on yeast
Genome-Wide Analysis ofDrosophilaRBf2 Protein Highlights the Diversity of RB Family Targets and Possible Role in Regulation of Ribosome Biosynthesis
Authors: Wei Yiliang , Mondal Shamba S , Mouawad Rima , Wilczyński Bartek , Henry R William , Arnosti David N
Published: May 2015

RBf2 is a recently evolved retinoblastoma family member in Drosophila that differs from RBf1, especially in the C-terminus. To investigate whether the unique features of RBf2 contribute to diverse roles in gene regulation, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing for both RBf2 and RBf1 in embryos. A previous model for RB−E2F interactions suggested that RBf1 binds dE2F1 or dE2F2, whereas RBf2 is restricted to binding to dE2F2; however, we found that RBf2 targets approximately twice as many genes as RBf1. Highly enriched among the RBf2 targets were ribosomal protein genes. We tested the functional significance of this finding by assessing RBf activity on ribosomal protein promoters and the endogenous genes. RBf1 and RBf2 significantly repressed expression of some ribosomal protein genes, although not all bound genes showed transcriptional effects. Interestingly, many ribosomal protein genes are similarly targeted in human cells, indicating that these interactions may be relevant for control of ribosome biosynthesis and growth. We carried out bioinformatic analysis to investigate the basis for differential targeting by these two proteins and found that RBf2-specific promoters have distinct sequence motifs, suggesting unique targeting mechanisms. Association of RBf2 with these promoters appears to be independent of dE2F2/dDP, although promoters bound by both RBf1 and RBf2 require dE2F2/dDP. The presence of unique RBf2 targets suggest that evolutionary appearance of this corepressor represents the acquisition of potentially novel roles in gene regulation for the RB family.
Off-flavour compounds in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) flesh in context of type of fish pond
Authors: Varga D. , Sándor Zs. , Hancz Cs. , Csengeri I. , Jeney Zs. , Papp Zs.
Published: May 2015

The aim of our study was to survey the geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) concentrations of the sediment and that of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) flesh in three different Hungarian fish farms (clayey, marshy, and sodic ponds).

Results showed that the concentrations of off-flavour compounds of the sediment and fish fillets were related to the natural environment. The GSM concentration of bottom soil samples was higher, than MIB in each fish farm. Both off-flavour compounds were the highest in the marshy fish pond and the lowest in the sodic pond. In case of fish flesh, significant differences were found between the farms in GSM level and fat content. In the fish flesh the same tendency was found as in the sediments, but surprisingly, MIB concentration was higher in the fillets, referring to accumulation.
Sixteenth century stove tiles from the main square of Pápa, Western Hungary
Authors: Kolláth Ágnes
Published: May 2015

Stove tile fragments came to light during the excavations at the Main Square (Fő tér) in the town of Pápa (HU, Veszprém County) from a closed find assemblage dated to the 16th century. Their decoration could be identified as biblical and profane scenes. This article is aimed examining the origins and connections of these good quality pieces and their historical context at the beginning of the age of Reformation.
Descrizione petrografica di ceramiche comuni di età romana da San Potito in base a sezioni sottili
Authors: Szakmány György , Kürthy Dóra
Published: May 2015

Twenty Roman Age home-made sherds from Central Italian San Potito locality were studied by petrographic microscopic method. The ceramics were divided into five petrographic groups on the basis of their composition and structural-textural features. Two groups of the ceramics were tempered with clasts of alkaline volcanic origin, which seem to originate from Central-Italian volcanic territory components. The ceramics belonging to the other three groups contained large amounts of limestone and carbonatic fossils, the origin of the raw material was a marine clayish sediment, perhaps flysch.
Application of solvation model to prediction of the solute retention in liquid chromatography over a wide range of mobile-phase compositions
Authors: Jirkal Š. , Machovcová M. , Ševčík J.G.K.
Published: May 2015

Possibilities have been studied of using a solvation model to predict the retention behavior of solutes in liquid chromatography mobile phases of water-acetonitrile and water-methanol with the organic solvent content varying from 1 to 100 vol%. Twenty-one test solutes, both aliphatic and aromatic compounds, have been selected on the basis of two-level factorial designs. Using the multiple linear regression analysis, regression coefficients, which are characteristics of the stationary and mobile-phase system, were calculated for different mobile phases in the solvation model. Regression coefficients have been used for the prediction of the retention behavior. Unbiased results have been obtained by using two sets, one training and the other the testing set. The predicted retention has been compared with the experimental data. The methanol-water system provided good results at low and medium methanol concentrations; the retention prediction was unsatisfactory for mobile phases containing more than 90% of methanol. The acetonitrile-water system yielded similar results, but the retention prediction ceased to be at acetonitrile concentrations greater than 80%. The retention has primarily been determined by cohesive and acid-base interactions. The dependences of the regression coefficients on the mobile-phase composition were similar for the acetonitrile-water and methanol-water systems.
Simultaneous Determination of Phenol and p-Cresol in Human Urine by an HPLC Method
Authors: Kepekci Tekkeli S.E. , Kiziltas M.V. , Dincel D. , Erkoc R. , Topcu G.
Published: May 2015

Introduction: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), uremic toxins accumulate in blood and cannot be excreted with urine. Accumulation of these toxins has negative effects on many body functions. Because of the importance of these toxins, we developed and validated a simple, sensitive, accurate, and precise method for the determination of two main uremic toxins: phenol and p-cresol in human urine. Materials and methods: Separation of these analytes in urine samples was achieved by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with a C18 column at 35 °C using the mobile phase of methanol–water (65:35) at a flow rate of 1.4 mL min−1. Fluorimetric detection was used at 284 nm for excitation and 310 nm for emission. Results: The method is linear over the range of 1.5–35 ng mL−1 and 1–45 ng mL−1 for phenol and p-cresol, respectively. The method was applied to urine samples from 10 healthy subjects and 10 chronic kidney disease patients. Conclusions: This assay appears to be useful in routine analysis of clinical samples for simultaneous determination of phenol and p-cresol levels in urine.
Analysis of Indole Compounds Quantity in Biomass of Edible Basidiomycota Species from in Vitro Cultures and from Cultures Supplemented with L-Tryptophan
Authors: Muszyńska B. , Sułkowska-Ziaja K. , Maślanka A. , Rojowski J. , Opoka W. , Łojewski M.
Published: May 2015

The analysis demonstrated that biomass of Agaricus bisporus, Boletus badius, and Cantharellus cibarius contains non-hallucinogenic indole compounds. Addition of l-tryptophan to the in vitro cultures raised the total content of indole compounds. l-Tryptophan became metabolized, causing an increase of the concentration of some indole compounds. The compounds found in the tested biomass from in vitro culture on Oddoux medium without and with addition of l-tryptophan were l-tryptophan, 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan, serotonin, melatonin, tryptamine, and 5-methyltryptamine (ranged from 4.28 to 132.51 mg/100 g dry weight). l-Tryptophan is an amino acid exogenous to the human body, and therefore, it must be supplied to the body with food. The highest amount of 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan was found in the extracts from biomass of B. badius cultured on medium with addition of l-tryptophan (132.51 mg/100 g dry weight). Also, in this case, the highest total content of examined indole compounds (168.00 mg/100 g dry weight) was determined. Melatonin was found only in biomass of A. bisporus cultured on medium with addition of l-tryptophan but in smaller amount (4.28 mg/100 g dry weight).
Stillbirth history and Toxoplasma gondii infection in women attending public health centers in a northern Mexican city
Authors: Alvarado-Esquivel C. , Pacheco-Vega S. J. , Salcedo-Jaquez M. , Sánchez-Anguiano L. F. , Hernández-Tinoco J. , Rábago-Sánchez E. , Centeno-Tinoco M. M. , Flores-Garcia I. D. , Ramos-Nevarez A. , Cerrillo-Soto S. M. , Guido-Arreola C. A. , Beristain-García I. , Liesenfeld O. , Berumen-Segovia L. O. , Saenz-Soto L. , Sifuentes-Álvarez A.
Published: May 2015

Through a cross-sectional study design, 150 women attending public health centers with a history of stillbirths were examined for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in Durango City, Mexico. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association of T. gondii seropositivity with the characteristics of the women with stillbirth history.

Of the 150 women (mean age: 32.09 ± 9.16 years) studied, 14 (9.3%) had anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies and six (42.9%) of them were also positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii seropositivity was associated with high frequency (4–7 days a week) of eating meat (OR = 5.52; 95% CI: 1.48–20.59; P = 0.01), history of lymphadenopathy (OR = 4.52; 95% CI: 1.14–17.82; P = 0.03), and history of surgery (OR = 8.68; 95% CI: 1.04–72.15; P = 0.04).

This is the first study on the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in women with a history of stillbirths in Mexico. The association of T. gondii exposure with a history of surgery warrants for further research. Risk factors for T. gondii infection found in the present survey may help to design optimal educational programs to avoid T. gondii infection.
Color conversion using Quantum Dots on high-brightness GaN LED arrays for display application
Authors: Sanchot Audrey , Consonni Marianne , Le Calvez Stéphanie , Robin Ivan C. , Templier François
Published: May 2015

We have demonstrated the color conversion of blue micro-LEDs by means of QDs. In this paper, we will present characterizations that highlight this phenomenon. We already obtained conversion with a complete disappearance of the blue incident signal and a strong color saturation from deep blue (x=0,1626; y=0,0144) to deep red (x=0,6743; y=0,3244).
Otimização do tempo necessário para o enraizamento de miniestacas de clones híbridos de Eucalyptus grandis
Authors: Melo Lucas Amaral de , Xavier Aloísio , Paiva Haroldo Nogueira de , Borges Silvano Rodrigues
Published: May 2015

Cada uma das fases do processo de miniestaquia é essencial para o sucesso da produção de mudas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o tempo para o enraizamento em miniestacas de cinco clones híbridos de Eucalyptus grandis e ajustar modelos que melhor expressem o comportamento dos materiais genéticos durante o processo rizogênico. O processo de enraizamento das miniestacas foi conduzido em casa de vegetação climatizada, e em intervalos de tempo regulares de três dias, foram realizadas avaliações do enraizamento adventício, até o 24º dia. Pelas análises, foi possível constatar peculiaridades em relação ao comportamento de cada clone durante o enraizamento e concluir que o tempo necessário para o processo difere entre os materiais genéticos, permitindo a identificação do ponto ótimo de enraizamento das miniestacas.
Diversidade genética e tamanho efetivo de duas populações de Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All., sob conservação ex situ
Authors: Viegas Michele Perez , Silva Cristina Lacerda Soares Petrarolha , Moreira Juliana Prado , Cardin Laila Toniol , Azevedo Vânia Cristina Renno , Ciampi Ana Yamaguishi , Freitas Miguel Luiz Menezes , Moraes Mario Luiz Teixeira de , Sebbenn Alexandre Magno
Published: May 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a diversidade, a estrutura genética e o tamanho efetivo, retido em um banco de germoplasma, de duas populações de Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. All. (aroeira), procedentes de Aramina-SP e Selvíria-MS. As populações foram avaliadas a partir da amostragem de 25 progênies de polinização aberta de cada população. De cada progênie, 17 a 20 indivíduos foram amostrados e genotipados para oito locos microssatélites. Os maiores valores para o número total de alelos (At), número médio de alelos por loco (A), número efetivo de alelos (Ae), heterozigosidade observada (H0) e esperada (He) foram detectados na população Selvíria (At = 105, A = 13,13, Ae = 3,98, H0 = 0,669 e He = 0,749), enquanto Aramina teve At = 94, A = 13,75, Ae = 3,10, H 0 = 0,535 e He = 0,678. A diferenciação nas frequências alélicas das duas populações, com relação ao pólen cruzado (0,159) e do óvulo (0,235), indica que cerca de 84% e 77%, respectivamente, da diversidade genética está dentro das populações. O coeficiente médio de coancestria foi maior (Selvíria Θ = 0,165, Aramina Θ = 0,169) e o tamanho efetivo médio das progênies (Selvíria Ne(v) = 3,04, Aramina Ne(v) = 2,69) foi menor do que o esperado em progênies de populações panmíticas (Θ = 0,125, Ne(v) = 4). O tamanho efetivo total retido no banco ex situ foi estimado em 67,5 na população Selvíria e 71,1 na população Aramina, valores menores do que o requerido (Ne = 150) para a conservação de populações em curto prazo. Entretanto, as duas populações apresentaram alta diversidade genética, o que as qualifica para serem utilizadas em programas de conservação e melhoramento genético da espécie, desde que seja aumentado o tamanho efetivo populacional conservado ex situ.
Nanosize SnO2 through nitrate eutectic mixture for humidity sensors
Authors: Shukla S. K. , Singh N. B. , Rastogi R. P.
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the authors report the synthesis of nanosize tin dioxide (SnO2) (40 nm) by nitrate eutectic melt. The chemical characterisation was made by using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic techniques. SnO2 pellet was used for sensing humidity in 5–95% relative humidity. The observed sensing parameters had a sensitivity of 0·45, response time of 26 s and recovery time of 45 s. The adsorption behaviour of the moisture was investigated by measuring the change in mass. The sensing parameters were correlated with various film growth mechanisms.
Resistive switching characteristics of mixed oxides
Authors: Misra Pankaj , Sharma Yogesh , Khurana Geetika , Katiyar Ram Sharan
Published: May 2015

The unipolar resistive switching (RS) properties of amorphous lanthanum gadolinium oxide (LaGdO3) and samarium gadolinium oxide (SmGdO3) thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition on platinised silicon substrate with platinum top electrode have been investigated. Reliable and repeatable non-volatile switching of the resistance of these materials was obtained with sufficiently large resistance ratio and non-overlapping and low switching voltages. In the case of SmGdO3, a multilevel RS with four resistance states was observed by controlling the compliance current that opens the possibility of multi-bit storage. The switching between low- and high-resistance states was attributed to the formation and rupture of conductive filaments, while multilevel switching was attributed to the variation in diameter of conducting filaments with changing compliance current. On the other hand, forming free bipolar resistive switching behaviour was found in graphene oxide (GO) thin films on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate with platinum as the top electrode. The switching between the low-resistance state and high-resistance state showed a reliable and repeating behaviour with an on/off ratio of 104 at room temperature. The device showed good endurance and retention characteristics. The switching mechanism was found to be governed by the migration of oxygen between the GO layer and bottom ITO electrode.
Formation of α-Al2O3 on 316L stainless steel
Authors: Lin Yuebin , Liu Lei , Dong Yuwei
Published: May 2015

Thin films of alpha-phase aluminium oxide (Al2O3) are fabricated on 316L stainless steel substrates by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering in two steps. First, the Al/α-Al2O3 films are deposited at different concentrations of α-Al2O3 (10, 50 and 100%) in a vacuum chamber at a temperature of 400°C. Next, the samples are heat-treated at different temperatures for a period of 2 h. The authors measured the phase, microstructure, thickness and 3-D topography by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy ADE Phase-Shift, field-emission transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. It was found that using the 100% α-Al2O3 condition yielded oxidised coatings with 61·4% α-Al2O3 at 800°C, but these films were very thin. In order to minimise the effect of thermal expansion mismatch between the substrate and the deposited coatings and increase the thickness of the coatings, Al2O3/Al/Al2O3 multilayers were generated. These coatings are compact and have smooth, crack-free surfaces. The oxidised coatings have good bonding strength with the substrate and are very dense. After oxidation at 800°C, the coatings mainly consist of α-Al2O3 and θ-Al2O3 phases, indicating that the addition of seeds reduced the transformation temperature.
Seismic response modification factors of reinforced concrete staggered wall structures
Authors: Lee Joonho , Kim Jinkoo
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the response modification factor for reinforced concrete staggered wall structures based on the approach of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema P695). In this study, 24 model structures, categorised into 14 performance groups, were designed as per recommendations of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE 7-10) using two different response modification factors. Incremental dynamic analyses were carried out using 44 earthquake records, and the results were used to obtain fragility curves. The results showed that model structures designed with a response modification factor (R) of 3 satisfied the acceptance criteria specified in Fema P695. However, the model structures designed with R = 6 and categorised as seismic design category Dmax failed to satisfy the acceptance criteria. Based on this observation, response modification factors of 4 to 5 are recommended for staggered wall system structures.
Ambiguity in Securitization Markets
Authors: Anderson Alyssa G.
Published: May 2015

During the financial crisis of 2008, origination and trading in asset-backed securities markets dropped dramatically. I present a model with ambiguity averse investors to explain how such a market freeze could occur and to investigate how ambiguity affects origination and securitization decisions. The model captures many features of the crisis, including market freezes and fire sales, as well as the timing and duration of the freeze. The presence of ambiguity also reduces real economic activity. Lastly, I consider the differing implications of ambiguity and risk, as well as the role of policies that reduce ambiguity during market freezes.
Are Survey Expectations Theory-Consistent? The Role of Central Bank Communication and News
Authors: Drager Lena , Lamla Michael J. , Pfajfar Damjan
Published: May 2015

In this paper we analyze whether central bank communication can facilitate the understanding of key economic concepts. Using survey data for consumers and professionals, we calculate how many of them have expectations consistent with the Fisher Equation, the Taylor rule and the Phillips curve and test, by accounting for three different communication channels, whether central banks can influence those. A substantial share of participants has expectations consistent with the Fisher equation, followed by the Taylor rule and the Phillips curve. We show that having theory-consistent expectations is beneficial, as it improves the forecast ac- curacy. Furthermore, consistency is time varying. Exploring this time variation, we provide evidence that central bank communication as well as news on monetary policy can facilitate the understanding of those concepts and thereby improve the efficacy of monetary policy.
Bioterrorism - Threat to Regional Security and Global
Authors: Daniszewski Piotr
Published: May 2015

Bioterrorism is a multi-faceted phenomenon and dynamic, occurring in various forms. It is difficult now to define a uniform definition of terrorism that is changing under the influence of the development of civilization, and especially the rapid scientific progress. The terrorists perfectly use the latest achievements of biological sciences in their terrorist attacks. The purpose of this article is to bring the phenomenon of bioterrorism.
Assessing China’s Soft Power Diplomacy in Africa in the Context of Postmodern Thinking
Authors: Arrey Sylvester Tabe
Published: May 2015

Africa is progressively becoming an appealing continent to many of the supreme economies of the world. It is now evident that most of the world‟s super powers such as the US, Germany, United Kingdom, Russia, China and others have resolutely taken interest in the economic, political, health and social affairs of the continent. The continent‟s value in terms of resources and potentials has been highlighted as the major motivation behind this drive. This paper evaluates China‟s motives and activities on the continent of Africa and how this is likely to affect the world‟s economies. The article focuses on the approach China is using in Africa and how this approach can be viewed using postmodernism. It intends to stir the reasoning of the reader to venture into new trends of critical thinking and therefore, creates a platform that encourages one to dare to think deeper, wider and differently about certain aspects of current Sino-African relations. This paper gives insights into a deeper understanding of a number of things as the rising power called China is busy carrying out actions which do not only consolidate her position in the continent, but have also enabled her to outshine many of her predecessors on the continent.
Non-Governmental Organizations and Development: The Concept of “Place” and “Space”
Authors: Fayziev Abdurakhim
Published: May 2015

This paper presents an assessment of the Non Governmental Organizations and their contributions to development and conflict transformation in communities around waters. The paper underscores the relevance of the place-centered approach to expound the possible contributions of local NGOs to the development processes. It presents the contributions of NGOs at the community level from three angles i.e. from the position of the water resources management, water consumption, and finally from the cultural perspective. Water is presented as a valuable source of development in the irrigation and hydropower sectors of Central Asia. The paper argues that much as water is a potential resource in development processes, it has also been a source of conflicts in particular localities such as Fergana valley. The paper presents a discussion on the possible role and contribution of NGOs in conflict transformation with particular respect to conflicts related to water issues. It argues that being active agents of change and development in societies, NGOs can use the “local context-oriented approach” in the development process and transformation of the tensions linked to the water resources.
The Role of Rotary Clubs in Post-Conflict Peace Building: A Case of Northern Uganda (2006-2010)
Authors: Bazirake Joseph Besigye , Bukuluki Paul
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the Peace building experience of Rotary Clubs in Northern Uganda between 2006 and 2010, so as to identify their contributions in post-conflict peace building processes. Through the Reflective Peace Practice (RPP) analytical framework, the paper presents an insight into Rotary clubs’ post-conflict Peace building interventions in the Northern Ugandan districts of Gulu, Kitgum, Lira and Pader. The paper is premised on the theoretical framework of Rotary’s outline of international service that identifies the paths to peace as: patriotism, conciliation, freedom, progress, justice, sacrifice, and loyalty. The paper discusses Rotary clubs’ peace building projects in Northern Uganda as clustered along three generic lines: the improvement of health, alleviation of poverty, and education support. The effectiveness of the “paths to peace” principles was hampered by challenges such as: the eroded core values of the people owing to life in Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camps, the beneficiary non-ownership of Rotary projects, the difficulty in recruitment and maintenance of Rotary clubs’ membership as well as limited funding. The paper acknowledges that Rotary clubs’ approaches to peace building especially the peaceplus ‘model’ has potential if adapted to the local context, to contribute to conflict transformation efforts in post conflict Northern Uganda
Transitional Justice in the Context of Ethiopia
Authors: Denbel Jima Dilbo
Published: May 2015

Leadership and governance are very important aspects of living in any civilized society. It is however, imperative to note that leadership unfolds over time in different models, ideologies and approaches, by the different leaders. This gives connotation to the concept of transitional justice to ensure a smooth and meaningful change of power or leadership from one model or person to another to avoid despotism and anarchy. This paper debates the ideology of transitional justice and its focus on the subject of how societies should transit from authoritarian rule to democracy in order to address a persistent history of massive human rights abuses. This piece of work brings light on how societies across the world ought to deal with their evil pasts. The paper fronts Ethiopia as a case study to have an in-depth perspective of the trends and dynamics involved in transitional justice. The discussion is specifically limited on Ethiopia, focusing mainly on the transition which took place in 1991. The paper circumspectly handles key democratic issues in governance and in that respect shades light on what the concept of transitional justice is and its implications in governance and social relations of any country. It gives insights into how Ethiopia dealt with its past after the transition, discusses the lessons learnt, and the common alternatives always available to both government leaders and the populace in dealing with their past.
Perceptions of the Drivers of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Post Conflict Northern Uganda
Authors: Bukuluki Paul , Kisuule John David , Makerere Alex Bagabo , Schei Berit , Sundby Johanne
Published: May 2015

This paper explores the perceived forms and drivers of sexual and gender based violence in post conflict settings with focus on Northern Uganda. It applied qualitative approaches primarily using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Study findings revealed that although all forms of violence are perceived to be prevalent, physical and emotional violence were perceived to be the most occurring. Men were perceived to be the main perpetrators of violence. However, there were cases of men who reported to experience violence from women. Few men reported violence to authorities because it was perceived to be stigmatizing; such men would be perceived as weak in a patriarchal society that perceives ideal men to be strong and less susceptible to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Early marriages are a major form of gender based violence which was perceived as normal in a number of communities despite the evidence that it contributes to negative social and reproductive health outcomes . Sexual violence cases in form of rape, defilement as well as incest were perceived to be on the rise in the sub-region. The study identified several drivers of SGBV including poverty, power imbalances in access to and control over resources, insecurity, blaming HIV infection on female partners, HIV related stigma and discrimination, alcohol and substance abuse
The Death of the Economic Man
Authors: Tittenbrun Jacek
Published: May 2015

The paradigm of rational self-interested actor is still ate least implicitly assumed by conventional textbook economics as well as by many other social sciences. This is the case despite its critique on the part of even some economists. However, evidence amassed by other disciplines, such as psychology, including evolutionary psychology, anthropology and sociology unequivocally indicates the model is flawed. The paper, after presenting some historical background to the notion of economic man, reviews assorted topical research leading to the conclusion which is signalled in the title of the paper.
Cooperative and National Agricultural Farm as Total Institutions
Authors: Borowski Andrzej
Published: May 2015

Functioning and noticing cooperative and national agricultural farm as total institutions is connected with comprehending the collectivization, understood as converting individual agricultural farm into farming cooperatives (v. RSP, the collective farm), of craftsman's workshops into production cooperatives, and the like and of large manors into agricultural farm stewarded by the state. In frames of all institutional forms of cooperative and national planting the earth some stamps of total- institutions became discernible the concentration of functioning on the homogeneous area relatively isolated in terms of physics or culturally from the social environment, the division into subordinates and the staff, functioning of second living in the institution in such conditions are an Effect of functioning of people dominating of a welfare state mentality and the lack of the initiative in search for employing outside the domicile.
The Relationship between Non-Oil Trade and GDP in Petroleum Exporting Countries
Authors: Mehrara Mohsen
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates the causal relationship between non-oil international trade and the GDP in a panel of 11 selected oil exporting countries by using panel unit root tests and panel cointegration analysis. A three-variable model is formulated with oil revenues as the third variable. The results show a strong causality from oil revenues and economic growth to trade in the oil exporting countries. Yet, non-oil trade does not have any significant effects on GDP in short- and long-run. It means that it is the oil and GDP that drives the trade in mentioned countries, not vice versa. According to the results, decision makings should be employed to achieve sustainable growth through higher productivity and substantially enlarging the economic base diversification in the future.
Efficiency of Training Emotional Intelligence on Reducing Alexithymia Syndrome in Third Grade Male High School Students
Authors: Amani Morteza , Goodarzi Mahmood , Ahamadian Hamze
Published: May 2015

In this study, the efficiency of training emotional intelligence components on reducing Alexithymia syndrome has been investigated, first using TAS_20 test and emotional intelligent test 20 high school students were selected who have received the highest scores in Alexithymia test and the lowest scores in emotional intelligence test and they were provided with intelligence components within 8 sections. Comparing the results of both control and experimental groups showed that teaching emotional components leads to reduction of Alexithymia syndrome and is significant in the level F(1,17) = 293/86, P = 0/001).
An Assessment of Record Management System in Establishment Division of Two Universities in Nigeria
Authors: Akor Philip Usman , Udensi Julie
Published: May 2015

The major purpose of this study was to assess record management of the Federal University of Technology, Minna Nigeria and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Nigeria. In carrying out this study, four (4) research questions were posed. The study sample population comprised of 88 staff (46 staff from the establishment division of the Federal University of Technology, Minna and 42 staff from the establishment division of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The research questions were answered using frequency and percentages. The major findings of the study revealed: ineffectiveness in record management practices, incompetent personnel, inadequate infrastructural facilities, constant power failure. Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made. Effort should be made for provision of standby generator as an alternative to power supply, training of staff to handle the universities‟ record, provision of adequate fund and enough infrastructural facilities.
Technical and Vocational Education, a Tool for National Development in Nigeria
Authors: Lawal Abdulrahaman W.
Published: May 2015

Vocational and Technical Education is the form of education that comprises of the training in skills necessary for gainful employment as well as acquisition of basic educational foundation in both sciences, applied sciences and humanity, all aimed at developing individuals with the right attitude to work and the competency necessary to compete favorably in a global society. This paper discussed the significance of Vocational and Technical Education in national development and productivity, highlighting its problems in Nigeria which among others include poor implementation of the TVE programmed which affect national growth and development. Suggestions raised include re-branding the Technical and Vocational Education programmed from the basic education level.
Current Approaches in Medical Technology for Effective Diagnosis
Authors: Lengwiler Martin
Published: May 2015

Recent science and technology studies have analyse questions of expert and non-expert participating in science technology policy from an empirically grounded perspective, the issue offers a double contribution. It present a summary of the state of the act and an outline of the historical emergence of the participatory question, it distinguish four periods since the late nineteenth century each with a specific relationship between expert and non-expert knowledge ranging from hybrid to politicized to an autonomous to a participatory relationship. In the early beginning of humankind, diseases were viewed with mysteries and were common occurrences that claimed many lives. Medical technology evolved slowly in response to high mortality rates associated with diseases example (malaria, yellow fever etc.) Advance medical technology has become the antidote for illnesses and diseases that formerly resulted in the destruction of entire societies. Advance medical technology now makes doctors and technologist to use mechanical techniques to diagnose patients. Medical technology slowly changed from the use of subjective evidence provided by patients to objective evidence obtained by mechanical and chemical technological devices. Patient’s population now became concentrated in urban centres and large numbers of patient create economic incentives for doctors. This modern equipment saves time, energy and resources compared to the antediluvian approach. Therefore, multifarious diagnosis can be conducted with high degree of accuracy within a short period of time.
Environmental Education for Sustainable Human and Resource Development in Nigeria
Authors: Dare Alaba E.
Published: May 2015

The natural environment of the 21st century is facing the threat of global warming and climate change due to human interaction with the environment. This paper focused on environmental challenges in the Niger Delta and the impact of oil spillage on the Biodiversity of the wetland area of the zone. Appropriate Conservation and Sustainable approach were recommended, which include: Enforcement of environmental laws, cleansing of oil spill, restricting access to environmental resources and constant surveillance of our coastal areas and oil fields.
Location Efficiency of Healthcare Facilities in Ikot Ekpene Local Government of Akwa-Ibom State: The Role of Geographical Information System (GIS)
Authors: Njoku Elijah Akwarandu , Akpan Patrick Etim
Published: May 2015

Given the effect of locational decisions on access and utilization of healthcare facilities in any society, the current study attempted an evaluation of the locational efficiency of available health facilities in Ikot Ekpene LGA with a view to ascertain the distributional pattern of the health care centers in the study area. It was discovered that health care centers in the area are randomly distributed but moderately concentrated in a few wards leaving more than half the area under-served. Using a WHO population/distance criterion of 1/4km, it is shown that only a small portion of the study area has effective access to healthcare facilities. Potential sites for location of additional health centers were suggested and the capability of Geographical Information System (GIS) in spatial planning and healthcare facility management is demonstrated.
Management of Students Crisis in Higher Institutions of Learning in Nigeria
Authors: Odu Onyike Maggaret
Published: May 2015

This study was intended to investigate factors that characterized campus crisis and suggests way forward with the aim of maintaining crisis free institutions. Two null hypotheses were formulated and tested for the study. The results of this study suggest that: two reasons could be responsible for not meeting the demands of the students. First is the high population of students to match the available facilities, students’ demands and the attitudes of some authorities who refuse to listen to students’ request. Secondly, lack of essential facilities in campuses cause students’ crisis in higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. Based on the findings, cultism, communication gap between authorities and students’ representatives, hyper-patriotic youthful exuberance in deviating from behavioural norms of the society and students’ home background are major causes of students’ crisis in higher institutions in Nigeria.
The Role of Entrepreneurship Education on Job Creation among Youths in Nigeria
Authors: Maina Sule
Published: May 2015

The progress of a nation is a function of the level of the resourcefulness of the people which to a great extent, relates to the level of quality of the training and purposeful development of education in that nation. Such progress or development could only occur when an individual in the society is gainfully employed and per capital income is enhanced. This could only be possible when government educational policies are geared towards a functional education that can lead to job creation and also self reliance. Entrepreneurship education is a means through which government could attain such development in the society. Therefore, this paper examines how the role of entrepreneurship education and how it could help in job creation in Nigeria. The challenges of quality entrepreneurship education were also discussed. Finally, the paper advanced some suggestions on how to overcome the challenges so as to reduce unemployment and enhances job creation in Nigeria.
Human Resource Planning and Audit - A Case Study of HEG Limited
Authors: Yadav Rajesh K. , Dabhade Nishant
Published: May 2015

Prompt advancement in product / service and process technology, many operations in the manufacturing and service industries in recent years require competitive HR practices. So this research study stresses on HR planning and audit practices. HR planning is all about good management; good strategic management; good business management and particularly good people management. It is important that you put thought and careful planning into your human resource practices. And the purpose of the HR Audit is to conduct a more in-depth analysis of the HR function to identify areas of strength and weakness and where improvements may be needed. Conducting an audit involves a review of current practices, policies, and procedures, and may include benchmarking against organizations of similar size and/or industry. This research aims to figure out the practices, employee perception and measures adopted by HEG limited for Human resource planning and audit. Chi square test is applied at (.05 or 5 %) significance level in this paper to check the authenticity of data given by the respondents. Findings suggests that it is difficult to assess accurate HR planning and adopting accurate audit practices because practices itself does not produce right or wrong answers, but it produces a series of alternatives from which the right course of action can be chosen.
Impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on GDP: A Case Study from Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Nadeem , Ahmad Naveed , Haider Zeeshan , Anwar Sonia
Published: May 2015

This research study is related to FDI and GDP and the main aim of this research study is to validate the relationship between them. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is considered as a growth accelerating component that has received a great attention in developed countries even in developing and less developed countries during recent years. Now FDI has greater importance in closed economy. FDI benefits any economy in terms of technology, skilled labor and skills transfer to the host countries. For data collection, 30 year data from 1983 to 2012 was collected and the cobb-Douglas Production function is used to test the relationship. Our research variables are Gross Capital Formation (K), Labor (L), Health Expenditure (H), FDI and openness to trade in export oriented economy (OP*FDI). We have followed the Bhagwati’s hypothesis that was: FDI has greater impact on GDP in the export oriented economy. For data analysis, we have examined the descriptive statistics, correlation and regression model. For this we incorporate the production function in regression model. In brief, our results show that there is a positive relationship between FDI and GDP in Pakistan. But, Pakistan has not sufficient flow of FDI during past decades. And main point to consider which is evident through statistics and results is that there is greater impact of FDI in the open trade policy regimes. It is also concluded that FDI impact may be situation and culture related. So, the extent of FDI economic benefits cannot be predicted.
The Impact of Nigeria Microfinance Banks on Poverty Reduction: Imo State Experience
Authors: Ihugba Okezie A. , Bankong Bankoli , Ebomuche N.C.
Published: May 2015

This paper attempts to provide a critical appraisal of the debate on the effectiveness of microfinance as an effective tool for eradicating poverty and also the history of microfinance banks in Nigeria. It argues that while microfinance has developed some innovative management and business strategies, its impact on poverty reduction remains in doubt. Micro finance impact on poverty reduction in Imo state was studied by a stratified sampling method in the selection of the customers. The study area was divided into 16 sample units based on the various local government areas in Imo state. Four (4) MFBs were purposefully selected from each of the 3 Senatorial Zones, making a total of 12 MFBs. In order to have unbiased selection of samples, Three Hundred and eighty two questionnaires (382) were randomly distributed to customers of these selected microfinance Banks in the three senatorial Zones as follows, namely: Owerri (82), Okigwe (100) and Orlu (200). The result revealed that majority of respondents were male constituting about 78 % while women 22 % and majority of the respondents were married (65 %), single (33 %) divorced (2 % ). 137 of the respondents do not have any formal education, 67 possess primary school leaving certificate. 81 indicated having secondary school certificate. 71 with diploma / NCE and its equivalent. 28 of them have first degree certificate and above representing 36 %, 17 %, 21 %, 19 % and 7 % respectively. The monthly income brackets of the respondents show that One hundred and eleven (111) respondents (29 %) indicated earning N10,000 N15,000, 95 respondents or 25 % indicated N15,001 – N20,000 as their income bracket, 94 or 24 % were earning above N20,000, while 84 (22 %) indicated earning below N10,000. From the result, high income class has more capacity to save than poor dwelling in rural areas. The finding appears to support the predication of Economics theory of savings which argues that saving is a function of the level of income. The implication of this study is that the federal government of Nigeria and financial institutions in the country should take up the challenge of establishing bank branches in the rural areas or make formidable arrangement for supplying more credit to the rural dwellers.
Communication of Silence at Martin Heidegger: Sygetics - Logics of Thinking Silence
Authors: Vlăduțescu Ștefan
Published: May 2015

The study explores how Martin Heidegger conceives communication silence. The method used is meta analytic and allows revealing the figure of silence in Heidegger's thinking. In the writings of Martin Heidegger, silence appears as a possibility of communication. Dasein that chooses discourse can opt for silence. Silence is neither the destiny of the language nor is it a random limit for it. It is not silence that is decisive, but discourse. The logic of silence will be called by Heidegger “Sygetics” (in Greek “sigan” means “to be silent”). Silence is a place of thinking. According to Martin Heidegger, Sygetics does not translate the idea that discourse must be replaced by silence. Sigetics is logics of thinking silence.