bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Information And Communication Technologies To Improve Transparency In Transition Countries
Authors: Ramaswamy Mysore
Published: May 2016

Automating government to citizen (G2C) interactions will help in achieving transparency and combating corruption. However, in the case of post-communist transitioning countries such as Armenia, the challenges are unique. These countries are struggling with the transformation of their legacy bureaucratic and administrative processes. In addition, almost every post- Soviet country has inherited systemic corruption that is built in to the ‘modus operandi’ of both the public and private sectors. The process of automating G2C interactions using information and communication technology (ICT) needs to be analyzed as a socio-technical information processing system. Automating existing bureaucratic processes that are defective will not yield results. Improving the enforcement of rules through automation is clearly the best way to combat corruption. The introduction of e-Government plays a major role in this context as it automates several processes. To deliver public service in a more transparent and efficient way, it is necessary to categorize, assess, and modify existing administrative processes. In this paper, we propose a methodology to render transparency in governance using information and communication technology that goes beyond mere automating existing citizen-government interactions.
Public Participation As An Instrument Of Performance Of Eu-Funded Cross-Border Projects
Authors: Pozarnik Matej , Sotlar Vesna
Published: May 2016

The objective of the European territorial cooperation programme INTERREG has been financing joint projects of cross-border areas ever since 1990. Since many projects, financed in the past, did not provide longterm effects, the European Union decided to introduce the “result-driven approach” to these programmes. The realization of results will be consequently monitored during the project financing and after completion of selected projects. If one wishes to ensure sustainability also after the end of financing, the public and target groups must be actively involved in preparation and implementation of projects from the very beginning. The purpose of this paper is to present possibilities of public participation in different phases of the project. A comprehensive model of public participation was developed on the basis of research, involving the public into the sustainable life-cycle of a cross-border project.
¿Narcoinfierno O Narcolandia? Una Epistemología Intempestiva Sobre El Relato Oficial De La Violencia En México
Authors: Christiansen María L.
Published: May 2016

The approach to narcotraffic violence is open to endless explanations, depending on the viewer's perspective. This article introduces a set of ecological metaphors, whose main advantage is to catch sight of the complexities inherent in the link between the narco-world and the legal culture. In clear opposition to the official story and media about this illicit activity, this paper presents arguments that call into question the presentation style that is common in political discourse and massive journalism. By appealing to notions like "narco-habitat", "relational ecosystem", and "narcoecology", the possibility of understanding the phenomenon of drug trafficking without adopting a position will be explored. On the other hand, it is intended to show that the typical way of conceptualizing this phenomenon (narco-violence) suffers from epistemological biases that close creative interpretations and refreshed meanings. For that reason, the kind of linear, individual, essentialist, condemnatory and criminalist points of view (instituted and naturalized in Mexican public opinion) will berejected.
Implementation Of New Public Service In Policing: The Role Of Citizen Police Academies
Authors: Ozkan Murat
Published: May 2016

The New Public Service encourages involving citizens in decisionmaking process of governing. Community policing approach relies on active community relations and input. Citizen Police Academies (CPA’s) served both purposes. This study discusses the tenets of the New Public Service and evaluates CPA’s impact on citizen satisfaction and attitude toward police. It presents CPA’s and similar programs as an effective tool to increase police citizen interaction and to gain community support.
Trace Metals Content Of The Sewage From The Sewer Network Of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Yves Gnagne Agnes Essoh Jean Eudes , Bernard Yapo Ossey , Jeanne Ohou-Yao Marie , Meite Ladji , Nicaise Ballet Tiama Guy , Veronique Mambo
Published: May 2016

Many studies have incriminated the effluents of the sewer network of Abidjan as major trace metal contamination sources in the Ebrié Lagoon. However, no data are available on wastewater regarding trace metal contaminations in Cote d’Ivoire. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the level of contamination of wastewater by metals copper, iron, cadmium, lead and Zinc. To achieve this objective, six campaigns were carried out from december 2013 to november 2014 in eight specific sites. The samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer AA20 Varian, after mineralization. The results showed a significant contamination of effluents from the sewer network. The order of metals concentrations was Fe >Zn > Cu> Pb>Cd. Total metal concentrations (μg/L) ranged from 313.4 to 881.5 for Fe, 144 to 240 for Zn, 132 to 318 for Cu, 10 to 30 for Cd and 114.3 to 263 for Pb. Among these values only Cd concentrations considerably exceeded WHO guideline value (10 μg/L).
Diseño De Un Sistema De Gestión Integral Para El Manejo De Residuos Sólidos En El Mercado “La Merced”
Authors: Hannibal Brito , Paulina Robalino , Mayra Espinoza , Fausto Yaulema , Patricia Freire , Natalia Moreno , Berlis Gómez , Marcela Inca
Published: May 2016

An integral management system was designed to handle solid waste from “La Merced” market in the city of Riobamba. For this purpose, a causeeffect relationship was established and an environmental diagnosis (base line) was made to know where the problem arose due to the mishandling of the solid waste. A random sampling was applied, which allowed it to know how many sample should be studied. The information was gathered in a seven day sampling period, March 16 -22 of 2015. The identification, characterization and quantification of the solid waste along with the identification of negative environmental impacts were carried out in order to pose alternative proposals for the integral management of the solid waste generated at this market. The results obtained showed an impact of moderate level (55%) with a mean of 550,38 kg/day. Profitable organic material was identified (85% plastic, 7% paper, 1% cardboard and 2% of other residuals). The calculated per capita production (PCP) was 0,18 kg/inhabitant/day. It is concluded that with the implementation of this research some of the environmental problems caused by the mishandling of the waste will diminish. It is recommended that the “Manual of Integral Management of Solid Waste” be implemented in “la Merced” market, which will contribute to pose solutions that help to improve the quality of life of the population, promoting an ecologically proper management of the waste, from its generation to its final disposal.
Structure and Challenges of Nigeria’s Overseas Diplomatic Missions
Authors: Aremu Johnson Olaosebikan
Published: May 2016

This paper is committed to an historical exploration of the structure, functions and challenges of Nigeria’s overseas missions since inception till 1999. To this end, it employed the eclectic method of enquiry, adopting a combination of historical and descriptive methods of data collection. The study relies heavily on secondary data sourced from journal articles, textbooks, newspapers and magazines and other relevant materials including government gazettes. It also benefitted significantly from primary sources of information. Facts and information obtained were subjected to corroboration and critical analysis using qualitative method. This was done in order to enhance objectivity. The paper observes that Nigeria’s overseas missions fall into two broad categories, namely, the diplomatic and consular missions and are of varying sizes. These missions have vigorously pursued the country’s national interest over the years with mixed results of success and failures, amidst daunting challenges.
The Effects of Early Girl-Child Marriage in Mutasa District- Manicaland Province: A Cases Of Samanga ‘A’Ward in Honde Valley
Authors: Kanjanda Offard , Chiparange Getrude Vongai
Published: May 2016

Girl-child marriages in the developing countries of the world have caused a lot of suffering on the girl-children. According to Giddens (2009) issues of poverty, cultural practices, and political instability and gender inequalities have been noted as some of the major causes of girl-child marriages in developing countries. The situation has caused great concern to the communities of the global village because of the serious damages on the victims. Gage (2011) states that the status quo was exacerbated by the historical gender inequalities that continue to exist within families systems and place the girl-child an inferior citizen in her country. The girl-child remained vulnerable and segregated particularly, in educational advancement which is the key to self-empowerment, knowledge and skills development because of the high rate of girl-child marriage in the area. It appears there is little significant research on the matter in the developing countries. In order to establish some strategies to promote the girl-child’s life-skills a study was conducted in Samanga ‘A’ in Honde Valley in Manicaland Province- Zimbabwe. From a population of 1500 a sample size of 100 participants was selected using the cluster, systematic and purposive techniques because of their appropriateness to the two paradigms (Punch, 2009). Cluster technique was employed because the participants lived in different kraal-heads. The systematic technique was engaged because the participants were selected from every tenth household in each of the five kraal-heads. The purposive technique was used to select the influential participants such as local community leaders and the victims of early girl-child marriage. Marshall and Roseman (2006) support that purposive technique in qualitative study because the participants are powerful sources of information that is needed. Both qualitative and the quantitative paradigms were used in the study because some aspects of the study required simple response, while some of the questions demanded the participants’ in-depth knowledge on the problem (Newman, 2010). A case study methodology was adopted because of its ability to focus on a specific issue in a concerned area (Croll, 2010). Data were collected through the use of direct observation, questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions and interviews. The data were descriptively analysed. The research revealed that the prevalence of early girl-child marriage was perpetuated by the society’s cultural deprivation ideology which has since seen the girl-child discriminated in her efforts for self - empowerment through education. The study recommended that there is need for the government to enforce and implement gender-sensitive policies which aim at protecting the girl-child in-order to enhance economic, social, cultural and political transformation for sustainable development in the community.
In Vitro Assessment Of The Antiplasmodial Activity Of Three Plants Extracts Used In Local Traditional Medicine In Saloum (Senegal)
Authors: Niass Ousmane , Sarr Serigne Omar , Dieye Baba , Diop Amadou , Diop Yerim Mbagnick
Published: May 2016

Against the scourge of malaria in Africa and the development of chemo-resistance, discovering new natural cures is a major concern for many researchers. As a consequence, the present study was carried out in order, first, to identify the phytochemical compounds, and second, to assess the antiplasmodial activity, of three medicinal plants extracts, selected from an ethno-botany survey conducted in Senegal. The parts of the plants used were Strychnos spinosa (Strychnaceae) leaves and stems, Combretum glutinosum (Combretaceae) barks, and the whole aerial part of Pennisetum polystachion (Poaceae). Among these plants, the hydromethanolic extracts of Strychnos spinosa stems showed the most important activity against Plasmodium falciparum strains, with a IC50 of 15 μg/ml, followed by the leaves chlorophormic extracts and the ethyl acetate extracts of Pennisetum polystachion, with respective IC50 of 20 μg/ml and 21 μg/ml. Combretum glutinosum extracts showed the least important activity, in all tests.
La Drépanocytose Chez Les Enfants Hospitaliers Au Service De Pédiatrie (CHR El Idriss De Kénitra, Maroc): A Propos De 53 Cas.
Authors: A. Belala , I. Marc , A. Hajji. , D. Belghyti. , K. El kharrim.
Published: May 2016

The objective of this work is to study sickle cell in children 1 to 16 years at El Idrissi regional hospital of Kenitra (Morocco) The study was conducted between March and June 2012. The population includes 53 patients, 39 male and 14 female. The studied parameters were age, sex, socioeconomic status, origin, age of diagnosis and schooling. Data on sickle cell patients was collected from information sheets available from the archives department at the El Idrissi regional hospital of Kenitra and a patient's verbal consent or that of the child's parents. Sickle cell disease is the third leading cause of admission (10.16 % of total admissions). 47.16 % of patients are under the age of 6 years. The diagnosis of disease is made in 32.07 % of the cases around 9 months. In 94.3% of cases, patients are from family whose father has a low and irregular income. The main causes of hospitalization are painful crises (69.81 %), acute anemia (28.30%), and infections (28.30%). As a medical treatment, the rehydration, analgesics, antibiotics and blood transfusions are the most prescribed. The transfusion was performed in 96.22 % of cases. The lack of early detection and socio –economic pressures and environmental conditions seems to put our patients in a vulnerable state.The focus should be on prevention and strengthening the capacity of families.
Repartition Des Glossines Dans La Province De L’ogooue Ivindo Ancien Foyer De Trypanosomose Humaine Africaine
Authors: Roland Zinga Koumba Christophe , Ornella Mbang Nguema , Donald Midoko Iponga , Franck Mounioko , Shango Mutambwe , François Mavoungou Jacques , Bertrand M’batchi
Published: May 2016

In Gabon, the situation of Human African Trypanosomosis (HAT) remains unclear. In addition, several historical foci existing in many provinces have not been explored for over 15 years. Yet many studies have shown that this country has to offer favorable ecosystems for the development of tsetse major vectors of HAT. To verify a risk of transmission of sleeping sickness, a tsetse inventory was conducted in the province of Ogooué Ivindo historic home of HAT. Vavoua and Nzi traps were placed in four characteristic habitats of the province: National Park Ivindo, Zadié Village, Forest of Zadié and baï (clearing) of Momba. A total of 2383 flies were captured: 1680 flies in the clearing of Momba, 437 flies in the primary forest Zadié, 139 in the National Park Ivindo and 12 in Zadié village. Moreover, these flies were divided into 7 species Glossina frezili, Glossina fusca congolensis, Glossina nashi, Glossina palpalis palpalis, Glossina tabaniformis, Glossina fuscipes fuscipes and Glossina tachinoides. Glossina palpalis palpalis (46%) was the most abundant species followed by Glossina fusca congolensis (21%) and Glossina nashi (16%). Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (6%), Glossina frezili (4%), Glossina tabaniformis (4%) and Glossina tachinoides (3%) were the least caught species. These results have shown that the province of Ogooué Ivindo still remains infested by tsetse flies. Also, further study monitoring these insects is essential to clarify the epidemiological importance of these vectors on human health in this province.
Impact De L’application De Deux Insecticides Agricoles (Furadan®, Decis®) Dans Les Casiers De Riziculture Irriguee, Sur Les Larves D’anopheles Gambiae, Vecteur Du Paludisme A Bouake, Au Centre De La Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Anne-marie Boby Ouassa , Emmanuel Tia , Marcel Boka Ohoukou , Alphonse Kadjo Kouamé
Published: May 2016

The impact of two agricultural insecticides on larvae of Anopheles gambiae, the malaria vector, has been studied in an experimental scope in Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire. The Furadan® (carbofuran) and the Décis® (deltamethrin), pesticides commonly used against pests of rice, were applied in irrigated rice bins 15 days after sowing or transplanting, using operational doses of 28 kg / ha and 1l / ha recommended by the manufacturer. Each rice paddy was replicated 3 times and all these replicas were arranged in 3 randomized complete block. Larvae were sampled according to Dipping method before and after insecticide treatments. Water lockers was also charged for persistence tests. Determining the density live larvae showed total disappearance thereof in the 3rd day (3 days after treatment) before reappearing on the 5th day. Insecticides persistence tests have given a larval mortality at 1 day 97.8% to 100% for the Furadan® and 45.92% to 86.45% for the Décis®. This mortality was less than 50% for both insecticides on the 5th day. In Conclusion insecticides used (Décis®, Furadan®), induce a high mortality of larvae of Anopheles gambiae. However, if these insecticides have a low persistence (<1 week) that their activity period does not cover the proliferation period of this species in irrigated rice (2-4 weeks).
Simulation Of Natural Gas Combustion Process Using Pressure Based Solver
Authors: Ghazal Osama H.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this research is to simulate the combustion process for methane using different heat transfer models combined with various fuel injection techniques to better understand the combustion process and heat transfer process inside IC engine which reflect on the engine efficiency. The simulation has been carried out using Lotus Engineering software. This model solves the nonlinear momentum and continuity equations to satisfy the conservation of mass and the conservation of momentum laws. In this analysis a single cylinder four stroke SI engine has been simulated. The fuel used in the simulation is methane. Two fuel systems have been investigated port injection and direct injection. The Wiebe heat release curve has been used. Two widely used for SI engines heat transfer models presented in the simulation, Annand and Woschni. The intension in this paper is to study the effect of various fuel systems and heat transfer models on engine efficiency for different engine speeds. Moreover, the evaluation of the heat transfer models for natural gas SI engine will be tested. Brake power, mean effective pressure, specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, and heat transfer rate were calculated and discussed to show the effect of varying heat transfer models and fuel systems on engine efficiency.
A Case Of Intermediate Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Lyell Syndrome) Induced By Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate: A Report
Authors: Laouali Salissou , Christiane Koudoukpo , Harouna Zaki , Souleymane Brah M , Hassan Nouhou
Published: May 2016

Malaria is a parasite disease that is endemic in tropical country as Niger (West Africa). Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQ) is a synthetic antimalarial drug that is very often used to treat connective tissue diseases such as, scleroderma, systemic or discoid lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis. This drug may induce numerous cutaneous adverse reactions as well as the other anti-malarial drugs. We report on a case of intermediate Lyell syndrome that occurred in the first week of treatment of malaria attack with a young woman, aged 19, following the administration of hydroxychloroquine sulfate.
The Meaning of Distributive Justice for Aristotle's Theory of Constitutions
Authors: Knoll Manuel Andreas
Published: May 2016

This paper examines Aristotle’s theory of distributive justice and its meaning for his theory of constitutions. First, it shows that his account of constitutions in Books IV–VI of the Politics is an extension and refinement of his scheme of six constitutions in Book III. Second, it argues for the thesis that the account of justice (τὸ δίκαιον) in distribution of political offices that Aristotle gives in Book III of the Politics links up with and extends the doctrine of justice (δικαιοσύνη) that he develops in Book V of the Nicomachean Ethics. Third, it substantiates the thesis that Aristotle understands the different forms of constitution as embodiments of different conceptions of distributive justice, and argues for the thesis that Aristotle has a clear preference for the aristocratic conception and, as a consequence, for aristocracy. Finally, it supports the thesis that the constitution of the best polis, which Aristotle outlines in Books VII and VIII of the Politics, has to be understood as a true aristocracy and not as a polity (πολιτεία).
Por uma educação ambiental crítica na educação física escolar
Authors: Leão Junior Cleber Mena , Demizu Fabiana Silva Botta , Royer Marcia Regina
Published: May 2016

O estudo teve como objetivo verificar o nível de conhecimento de acadêmicos de Educação Física sobre o conceito de Educação Ambiental e sua relação com a disciplina de Educação Física escolar. O estudo trata-se de uma pesquisa aplicada de caráter qualitativa, descritiva e interpretativa. A amostra contou com 18 acadêmicos. Dentre as respostas dos pesquisados, o conceito relatado sobre Educação Física é focado na “Atividade Física para Promoção de Saúde”. Já o que diz respeito sobre o conceito de Meio Ambiente, está relacionado com o conceito Ecológico, fato esse que comprova o grande desconhecimento dos participantes da pesquisa sobre a abrangência do conceito. Porém, ao relacionar como trabalhar a Educação Ambiental nas aulas de Educação Física escolar, as respostas se restringem ao ambiente enquanto local, espaço físico, ou seja, ao ar livre. Concluímos que a Educação Ambiental Crítica não deve se restringir ao contexto escolar e tampouco somente se limitar às questões ecológicas.
Práticas educativas de professores de educação física do ensino fundamental e sua relação com a teoria dos estilos parentais
Authors: Souza Aline Santos , Prodócimo Elaine , Leitão Arnaldo
Published: May 2016

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar as posturas de professores de Educação Física do Ensino Fundamental Segundo Ciclo, a partir da tipologia da Teoria dos Estilos Parentais, propostas por Baumrind (1966). Buscou-se também analisar as possíveis influências das posturas dos professores sobre o clima afetivo das aulas de Educação Física. Para isso, foram observadas aulas de professores da rede pública de ensino de Campinas, registradas em diário de campo. Para organização e análise dos dados, utilizou-se uma adaptação do Questionário de Estilos e Dimensões Parentais (QEDP) – Versão Reduzida, que serviu como base para a relação entre os estilos parentais e a forma de atuação docente. Como resultado, foi percebida a predominância de condutas permissivas e a pouca autoridade dos docentes sobre seus alunos. Concluiu-se que os professores adotam posturas permissivas para evitar conflitos, o que torna suas aulas esvaziadas de conteúdo.
Dalit Camera: Through Untouchable Eyes
Authors: Kumar C. Suresh
Published: May 2016

In India, Dalits also known as ‘untouchables’ have been exploited and subjected to various sorts of atrocities due to the social stratification of Indian society. Though Dalit populace is around 23 percentage of total Indian population, they are underprivileged and discriminated in numerous ways. Dalits are socially, economically and politically segregated and oppressed by the caste dominated society. Mass media which claims to be the social institution seldom gives coverage to Dalit related issues. Even if any news items were to appear in the mainstream media, it was only misrepresentation of facts. For centuries, Dalits have been making an effort to emancipate from the clutches of caste system, and many Dalit leaders have even laid down their lives for this cause. Nonetheless, Dalits continue to undergo the caste discrimination in all spheres of their lives. Dalit intellectuals and activists tried to voice their concerns to the mass media, but owing to the caste dominated media and the absence of Dalit journalists, their voices were unheard and silenced. Dalits were even denied the space to work in such media institutions. When Dalits themselves tried to own their media to champion Dalits’ cause, economic factors miserably failed them in perpetuating such efforts. Thus, Dalits were denied their space to voice their views on a public platform. In a situation such as this, the emergence and proliferation of internet and social networking sites have provided a sigh of relief to them to voice their problems to be heard even to the international community. Dalit Camera, a YouTube channel has become a rallying point for the Dalit community in India. This article throws light on how Dalit Camera is a platform for the expression of discrimination and avenue for exposing the atrocities committed on Dalits.
Farmer to Labour: A Study onfarmers descending from agriculture in South Indian State
Authors: Munnangi Prasanth Kumar
Published: May 2016

Recent trends in agriculture clearly show unprecedented things happing in Indian agriculture. Farming is the primary and largest profession in rural India, where 56% of the rural population depended on it. The socio-economic conditions of farmers apparently have complex linkages with the larger structure and pace of economic conversion. The present study conducted in Warangal District of Telangana State in South India, where multiple castes cultivating and having different landholdings. The present study discusses that, village farmers especially young farmers are moving out of agriculture due to non-favorable conditions in their cultivation process.
Constraints for the growth of Dalit farmers’in Telangana: A South Indian State
Authors: Munnangi Prasanth Kumar
Published: May 2016

Many of the legislative acts and land reforms to the Dalits (Schedules Castes) in the state and at the center are unable to reduce social inequalities in the rural as well as in urban societies in India. Dalits shares not more than five percentages in the total cultivable land in our country. Dalitsare treated as workforce to their farm fields by the forward castes in India, without their significant workforce Indian agriculture conditions are unimaginable. Land reforms in our country helped Dalits enter into farm fields as owners’ instead of daily wage laborer as great hope to break their socio-economic barriers in the society. The present study carried out in one of the village in Warangal district of Telangana State in South India by using constructivist methodology by adopting in-depth interviews, actors and actions of Dalit farmers in their farming life. Present paper explains how Dalit farmers are facing different issues and problems in various forms at the cultivation process. Not only increase of input cost in the present day agriculture but also facing constraints from the forward castes in the village.
A Comprehensive Reservoir Simulator for Unconventional Reservoirs That Is Based on the Fast Marching Method and Diffusive Time of Flight
Authors: Fujita Yusuke , Datta-Gupta Akhil , King Michael J.
Published: May 2016

Modeling of fluid flow in unconventional reservoirs requires accurate characterization of complex flow mechanisms because of the interactions between reservoir rock, microfractures, and hydraulic fractures. The pore-size distribution in shale and tight sand reservoirs typically ranges from nanometers to micrometers, resulting in ultralow permeabilities. In such extremely low-permeability reservoirs, desorption and diffusive processes play important roles in addition to heterogeneity-driven convective flows.

For modeling shale and tight oil and gas reservoirs, we can compute the well-drainage volume efficiently with a fast marching method (FMM) and by introducing the concept of “diffusive time of flight” (DTOF). Our proposed simulation approach consists of two decoupled steps—drainage-volume calculation and numerical simulation with DTOF as a spatial coordinate. We first calculate the reservoir drainage volume and the DTOF with the FMM, and then the numerical simulation is conducted along the 1D DTOF coordinate. The approach is analogous to streamline modeling whereby a multidimensional simulation is decoupled to a series of 1D simulations resulting in substantial savings in computation time for high-resolution simulation. However, instead of a “convective time of flight” (CTOF), a DTOF is introduced to model the pressure-front propagation.

For modeling physical processes, we propose triple continua whereby the reservoir is divided into three different domains: microscale pores (hydraulic fractures and microfractures), nanoscale pores (nanoporous networks), and organic matter. The hydraulic fractures/microfractures primarily contribute to the well production, and are affected by rock compaction. The nanoporous networks contain adsorbed gas molecules, and gas flows into fractures by convection and Knudsen diffusion processes. The organic matter acts as the source of gas. Our simulation approach enables high-resolution flow characterization of unconventional reservoirs because of its efficiency and versatility. We demonstrate the power and utility of our approach with synthetic and field examples.
Remediation of nitrate-contaminated wastewater using denitrification biofilters with straws of ornamental flowers added as carbon source
Authors: Chang Junjun , Ma Luyao , Zhou Yuanyang , Zhang Shenghua , Wang Weilu
Published: May 2016

Straws of four ornamental flowers (carnation, rose, lily, and violet) were added into denitrification biofilters using gravel as matrix through vertically installed perforated polyvinylchloride pipes to provide organic carbon for the treatment of nitrate-contaminated wastewater operating in batch mode. Removal efficiencies of nitrate and phosphate, as well as temporal variations of nitrogen and carbon during batches 10 and 19, were investigated and assessed. Nitrate removal was efficiently enhanced by the addition of flower straws, but decreased gradually as the organic substances were consumed. Phosphate removal was also improved, although this very limited. High nitrate removal rates were achieved during the initial 12 h in the two batches each lasting for 3 days, along with the depletion of influent dissolved oxygen due to aerobic degradation of the organic compounds. NO2−-N of 0.01–2.83 mg/L and NH4+-N of 0.02–1.69 mg/L were formed and both positively correlated to the nitrate reduced. Inorganic carbon (IC) concentrations increased during the batches and varied conversely with the nitrate contents, and could be indicative of nitrate removal due to the highly significant positive correlation between NO3−-N removed and IC concentration (r2 = 0.881, p < 0.0001). It is feasible and economical to use the denitrification biofilter to treat nitrate-contaminated wastewater, although further optimization of carbon source addition is still required.
Isolation and Characterization of a Thermostable Cellulase from Bacillus licheniformis Strain Vic Isolated from Geothermal Wells in the Kenyan Rift Valley
Authors: Kiio Irene K. , Jackim Mulaa F. , Munyali Wamalwa B. , Muge Edward K.
Published: May 2016

Cellulolytic microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria are responsible for much of the cellulose degradation in soils. Despite the vast number of cellulase producers, there is a deficiency of microorganisms that can produce significant amount of the three components of a cellulase system. i.e. CMCases, exoglucanases and β-glucosidases to efficiently degrade cellulose to fermentable products.

Soil samples were collected from two sites of the Kenyan Rift valley; Hell’s gate National Park and a geothermal well in Eburru hill at depths of 155 m, 156 m and 157 m. Isolation of cellulolytic bacteria was carried out using minimal media supplemented with 1% CMC. Isolates obtained were characterized using both morphological and molecular methods. A quantitative cellulolytic test was carried out to select the isolate with the highest specific activity. Additionally the cell-free supernatant was used for functional studies to determine the isolate’s cellulase system components, optimum temperature, pH and time stability.

Phylogenetic analyses indicated that all isolates associated mainly with members of the Bacillus licheniformis. All isolates were capable of utilizing CMC, avicel and Cellobiose as their sole carbon sources.
Isolate 3 from a depth of 156 m in the well was identified as Bacillus licheniformis strain vic and selected for further functional studies. This isolate was found to bear the three enzyme components of a cellulase system. A cell free extract was noted to hydrolysecellobiose, Avicel and CMC with enzyme specific activities of 0.46878 U/mg, 0.18784 U/mg and 0.13571 U/mg respectively. Optimum temperature for activity measured over 60 minutes was found to be 60oC with relatively high activity at both 70oC and 80oC. The optimum pH at the predetermined optimum temperature was found to be pH 5. The crude enzyme extract was stable for eight hours of incubation at 60oC and pH 5 retaining 92.2% of its activity. This makes B.licheniformis strain vic a quite attractive isolate for potential application in industries.
The Effectiveness of Tobacco Oil Fungicidal Preparation Towards Powdery Mildew of Wheat (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici)
Authors: Ganchev Donyo , Nenov Neno
Published: May 2016

The pesticide formulation prepared as "ready to be used plant protection product" on the basis of tobacco oil was created and tested in two years field trials against powdery mildew of wheat (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici). The results showed strong fungicidal effect without any phytotoxic activities (chemotherapeutic coefficient = 10) onto treated plants. This indicates the future development of this pesticide formulation as effective, natural friendly and cheap product for plant protection, which can be used both in commercial and organic agriculture.
Exploring the Biological Basis of Age-Specific Return Variability of Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) From the Robertson Creek Hatchery, British Columbia Using Biological or Physical Oceanographic Explanatory Variables
Authors: Tanasichuk R. W. , Emmonds S.
Published: May 2016

We used information about hatchery rearing and release practices for 173 releases of age 0+ smolts between 1982 and 2012, as well as time series of early marine prey biomass and predator abundance/biomass, to investigate the biological basis of age-specific return variability of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from the Robertson Creek Hatchery. We used survival rate as the response variable and considered the rate to be an apparent one because it is the product of the survival and maturation rates. Results of multiple regression analyses (adjusted R2 ranging between 0.43 and 0.59) showed that Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus) and Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) abundances accounted consistently for all of the explained variation in age-specific survival rate. We suggest that the persistence of the early marine (predation) effect with age shows that there is no effect of hatchery practice on age at maturity. Apparent survival rate variation was not explained when we used conventional physical oceanographic measurements (temperature, salinity, Pacific Decadal Oscillation Index, Northern Oscillation Index, Arctic Oscillation Index, Aleutian Low Pressure Index, Bakun Upwelling Index, timing of spring transition) in our analyses.
High Speed Railway Hubs in European Medium-Sized Cities: The Case of the ENTER.HUB Network
Authors: Terrin Jean-Jacques
Published: May 2016

This contribution relates to the ENTER.HUB project implemented between 2012 and 2015 in the framework of the European URBACT II programme$. ENTER.HUB involved twelve medium-sized cities fitting into Trans-European Transport Networks (TENT-T) corridors, realizing or forecasting a High Speed Railway (HSR) Hub and planning multimodal interfaces of regional relevance. The ENTER.HUB project questioned the role of HSR Hubs in integrated urban development and in economic, social and cultural regeneration. The cities participating to ENTER.HUB network had in common to be in the process of redefining their territorial mobility systems, expecting that a Hub infrastructure would reinforce their links to other national and European cities, narrow their citizens and enterprises to diverse regional and interregional activities, and strength their connectivity from local to European level. The major objective of this project was to help these medium-sized cities to become more competitive and improve their mobility systems in connection with the HSR Hub to come. The twelve cities composing the ENTER HUB network are: Reggio Emilia (Italy), Lead Partner; IMPEFE - Ciudad Real (Spain); Creil Agglomeration (France); Gdynia (Poland); Girona (Spain); Łódź (Poland); Lugano (Switzerland); Örebro Region (Sweden); Porto (Portugal); Preston (UK); Rostock (Germany); Ulm (Germany).
Antioxidant Capacity and Free Radical Scavenging Effects on Nigerian Pineapple (Ananas cormosus) and Orange (Citrus sinensis) Pulp Extracts at Different Levels of Ripeness
Authors: Ortutu Stella Chintua , Aremu Matthew Olaleke
Published: May 2016

Background:

There is a need to shift interest from the use of synthetic antioxidants which are harmful to the use of natural antioxidants from fruits and vegetables for the prevention of lipid oxidation.

Objective:

The total polyphenols, flavonoids, lipid-soluble antioxidants (CALT) and radical scavenging ability of the pulp extracts of pineapple (Ananas cormosus) and orange (Citrus sinensis) were investigated at different maturation stages for the purpose of determining their antioxidant capacity and the possibility of using these fruits at every maturation stage for the prevention of lipid oxidation.

Methods:

The pulps of these fruits were extracted at different levels of ripeness; unripe (UR), about to ripe (AR) and ripe (RP). The extracted pulps were freeze-dried and used for the analysis. The total phenol content was determined by spectrophotometry (Folic Ciocalteu’s method) while 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used for the radical scavenging ability. The various antioxidant capacities were compared with standard antioxidants such as gallic acid, rutin, α-tocophenol and ascorbic acid.

Results:

The results showed that the two edible fruits investigated at different levels of ripeness possess high quality antioxidants (those that can scavenge free radicals, function as metal chelators or donate hydrogen atoms). Radical scavenging ability of the fruit pulps was significantly affected (P < 0.05) by the different level of ripeness.

Conclusion:

The unripe fruits had the highest antioxidant properties suggesting that the antioxidant capacity of the fruits decreased as the fruits ripened.
New Tools for New Research in Psychiatry: A Scalable and Customizable Platform to Empower Data Driven Smartphone Research
Authors: Torous John , Kiang Mathew V , Lorme Jeanette , Onnela Jukka-Pekka
Published: May 2016

Background

A longstanding barrier to progress in psychiatry, both in clinical settings and research trials, has been the persistent difficulty of accurately and reliably quantifying disease phenotypes. Mobile phone technology combined with data science has the potential to offer medicine a wealth of additional information on disease phenotypes, but the large majority of existing smartphone apps are not intended for use as biomedical research platforms and, as such, do not generate research-quality data.

Objective

Our aim is not the creation of yet another app per se but rather the establishment of a platform to collect research-quality smartphone raw sensor and usage pattern data. Our ultimate goal is to develop statistical, mathematical, and computational methodology to enable us and others to extract biomedical and clinical insights from smartphone data.

Methods

We report on the development and early testing of Beiwe, a research platform featuring a study portal, smartphone app, database, and data modeling and analysis tools designed and developed specifically for transparent, customizable, and reproducible biomedical research use, in particular for the study of psychiatric and neurological disorders. We also outline a proposed study using the platform for patients with schizophrenia.

Results

We demonstrate the passive data capabilities of the Beiwe platform and early results of its analytical capabilities.

Conclusions

Smartphone sensors and phone usage patterns, when coupled with appropriate statistical learning tools, are able to capture various social and behavioral manifestations of illnesses, in naturalistic settings, as lived and experienced by patients. The ubiquity of smartphones makes this type of moment-by-moment quantification of disease phenotypes highly scalable and, when integrated within a transparent research platform, presents tremendous opportunities for research, discovery, and patient health.
Effects of alternative interventions among hospitalized, cognitively impaired older adults
Authors: Naylor Mary D , Hirschman Karen B , Hanlon Alexandra L , Bowles Kathryn H , Bradway Christine , McCauley Kathleen M , Pauly Mark V
Published: May 2016

Aim:Compare within site effects of three interventions designed to enhance outcomes of hospitalized cognitively impaired elders.Methods:Prospective, nonrandomized, confirmatory phased study. In Phase I, 183 patients received one of three interventions: augmented standard care (ASC), resource nurse care (RNC) or Transitional Care Model (TCM). In Phase II, 205 patients received the TCM.Results:Time to first rehospitalization or death was longer for the TCM versus ASC group (p = 0.017). Rates for total all-cause rehospitalizations and days were significantly reduced in the TCM versus ASC group (p < 0.001, both). No differences were observed between RNC versus TCM.Conclusion:Findings suggest the TCM is more effective than ASC. However, potential effects of the RNC relative to the TCM warrant further study.
Whey and its inhibition of liver enzymes
Authors: Tomovska Julijana , Dimitrovska Gordana , Presilski Stefce , Velkova Kristina
Published: May 2016

Whey is lately used as functional food, and whey proteins and albumens are
considered to have therapeutic influence on diseases associated with
oxidative stress. Whey proteins contribute to the reduction of the level of
transaminases in blood, especially of alanine transaminase. In this paper we
examine some components (total proteins, albumens from whey proteins,
minerals: potassium (K), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), from
whey and their inhibition effects to transaminases (alanine aminotransferase
(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and ? glutamyl transferase (? -GT)).
The increased level of transaminases in serum is an indicator of an illness
of the liver. Additionally, several samples of whey were examined by using a
photometric and spectrophotometric method. The results from examination of
ALT, AST and ? -GT in vitro show that whey performed inhibition on the
activity of these enzymes: ALT 10.71%, AST 8.51% and ? -GT 18.16% in
pathological serum, and in serum with normal values, whey performed
inhibition on ALT 39.33%, AST 29.08% , ? - GT 39.59%. The examination of the
whey composition shows that the proteins represented in sufficient quantity
to make reduction of enzymes and of the mineral potassium (K) is the most
common. From the obtained results can be concluded that whey impacts on the
reduction of transaminases and performs inhibition of enzyme activity in the
in vitro test.
Suboptimal investments and M&A deals in emerging capital markets
Authors: Cherkasova Victoria , Zakharova Evgeniya
Published: May 2016

This paper focuses on the efficiency of target-company investment decisions
before and after Merger & Acquisition deals. We study whether M&A deals help
to solve the problem of suboptimal investment after the acquisition. Using a
sample of 145 target companies from BRICS countries that were acquired during
the period 2004-2014, we outline those that had over- or underinvested before
the deal and show that more than half the companies managed to optimize the
investment level after the deal. We determine the key factors that improve
the inefficiency of investment decisions and demonstrate that the industry
and country have an impact on the degree of suboptimal investment.
Aspects of the business success important to female entrepreneurs in urban areas of the Republic of Serbia: A pilot study
Authors: Stosic Danijela
Published: May 2016

The paper presents results of an empirical study of the importance of
qualitative and quantitative dimensions of business success for female
entrepreneurs in the Republic of Serbia. There is empirical evidence that
qualitative components, such as customer and employee satisfaction, relations
with stakeholders, and family-work balance are more important to Serbian
female entrepreneurs. Quantitative components (profit and employment growth,
personal wealth, and other personal goals), although lower ranked, are also
an important aspect of business success. These results also confirm that
female entrepreneurs in Serbia have a diverse perception of business success.
Characterization of nonlinear loads in power distribution grid
Authors: Andrejevic-Stosovic Miona , Dimitrijevic Marko , Bojanic Slobodan , Nieto-Taladriz Octavio , Litovski Vanco
Published: May 2016

Electronic devices are complex circuits, consisting of analog, switching, and
digital subsystems that require direct current (DC) for polarization. Since
they are connected to the mains delivering alternating current (AC), however,
AC-to-DC converters are to be introduced between the mains and the
electronics to be fed. A converter is an electric circuit containing several
subsystems, the most important being the switch-mode power supply, drawing
power from the mains in pulses hence it is highly nonlinear. That happens, in
reduced amplitude, even when the electronics to be fed is switched off. The
process of AC-to-DC conversion is not restricted to feeding electronic
equipment only. It is more and more frequently encountered in modern
smart-grid facilities giving rise to the importance of the studies referred
hereafter. The converter can be studied (theoretically or by measurements) as
two-port network with reactive and nonlinear port-impedances.
Characterization is performed after determining the port electrical
quantities which are voltages and currents. Based on these data power and
power quality parameters - power factor and total harmonic distortion- may be
extracted. When nonlinear loads are present, one should introduce new ways of
thinking into the considerations due to the existence of harmonics and
related power components. In that way the power factor can be generalized to
total or true power factor where the apparent power, involved in its
calculations, includes all harmonic components. After introducing a wide
range of definitions used in contemporary literature, here we describe our
measurement set-up both as hardware and a software solution. The results
reported unequivocally confirm the importance of the subject of
characterization of small nonlinear loads to the grid having in mind their
number which is rising without saturation seen in the near and even far
future.