bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating canopy and large-scale effects in the convective boundary-layer dynamics during the CHATS experiment
Authors: Shapkalijevski Metodija M. , Ouwersloot Huug G. , Moene Arnold F. , de Arrellano Jordi Vilà-Guerau
Published: February 2017

Abstract. By characterizing the dynamics of a convective boundary layer above a relatively sparse and uniform orchard canopy, we investigated the impact of the roughness-sublayer (RSL) representation on the predicted diurnal variability of surface fluxes and state variables. Our approach combined numerical experiments, using an atmospheric mixed-layer model including a land-surface-vegetation representation, and measurements from the Canopy Horizontal Array Turbulence Study (CHATS) field experiment near Dixon, California. The RSL is parameterized using an additional factor in the standard Monin–Obukhov similarity theory flux-profile relationships that takes into account the canopy influence on the atmospheric flow. We selected a representative case characterized by southerly wind conditions to ensure well-developed RSL over the orchard canopy. We then investigated the sensitivity of the diurnal variability of the boundary-layer dynamics to the changes in the RSL key scales, the canopy adjustment length scale, Lc, and the β = u*/|U| ratio at the top of the canopy due to their stability and dependence on canopy structure. We found that the inclusion of the RSL parameterization resulted in improved prediction of the diurnal evolution of the near-surface mean quantities (e.g. up to 50 % for the wind velocity) and transfer (drag) coefficients. We found relatively insignificant effects on the modelled surface fluxes (e.g. up to 5 % for the friction velocity, while 3 % for the sensible and latent heat), which is due to the compensating effect between the mean gradients and the drag coefficients, both of which are largely affected by the RSL parameterization. When varying Lc (from 10 to 20 m) and β (from 0.25 to 0.4 m), based on observational evidence, the predicted friction velocity is found to vary by up to 25 % and the modelled surface-energy fluxes (sensible heat, SH, and latent heat of evaporation, LE) vary up to 2 and 9 %. Consequently, the boundary-layer height varies up to 6 %. Furthermore, our analysis indicated that to interpret the CHATS measurements above the canopy, the contributions of non-local effects such as entrainment, subsidence and the advection of heat and moisture over the CHATS site need to be taken into account.
Short to sub-seasonal hydrologic forecast to manage water and agricultural resources in India
Authors: Shah Reepal , Sahai Atul Kumar , Mishra Vimal
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Water resources and agriculture are often affected by the weather anomalies in India resulting in disproportionate damage. While short to sub-seasonal prediction systems and forecast products are available, a skilful hydrologic forecast of runoff and root-zone soil moisture that can provide timely information has been lacking in India. Using precipitation and air temperature forecasts from the Climate Forecast System v2 (CFSv2), the Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFSv2) and four products from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), here we show that the IITM ensemble mean (mean of all four products from the IITM) can be used operationally to provide a hydrologic forecast in India at a 7–45-day accumulation period. The IITM ensemble mean forecast was further improved using bias correction for precipitation and air temperature. Bias corrected precipitation forecast showed an improvement of 2.1 mm (on the all-India median mean absolute error – MAE), while all-India median bias corrected temperature forecast was improved by 2.1 °C for a 45-day accumulation period. Moreover, the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model simulated forecast of runoff and soil moisture successfully captured the observed anomalies during the severe drought years. The findings reported herein have strong implications for providing timely information that can help farmers and water managers in decision making in India.
Study on fatty acids composition of lipid class in fish oil, proximate analysis and calorie value of kijar in Iran
Authors: Aberoumand Ali , Mohamedi Narges , Zemanpoor Maryem
Published: January 2017

This aim of this research was to determine fatty acids and raw proximate composition and calorie value of fish Kijar in Iran. The fatty acids and proximate composition Kijar was determined. The established AOAC (Association of Official Agricultural Chemist, USA) methods were followed for composition bio chemical of fish. Mean moisture, fat, protein, ash, carbohydrate contents and calorie value of raw fish were 70.81%, 5.88%, 17.80%, 3.41%, 2.1% and 132.52 kcal, respectively. Among fatty acids, palmitic acid was a major fatty acid while stearic acid was the other major constituent. Unsaturated monoenoic fatty acids (oleic and palmitoleic acids were major constituents. Important unsaturated fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, were also identified. percentage composition of fatty acids in the lipid classes of oil of Saurida undosquamis which the saturated fatty acids ranges from 58% to 72.14%. Palmitic acid is predominant and its composition ranges 38.64% to 48.98% while stearic acid ranges from 11.35% to 19.50%. Among unsaturated fatty acids, monoenoic are the major fatty acids. Oleic acid ranges from 12.15% to 27.48%. It is concluded that fish kijar found as health seafood for Iranian southern peoples form point of view of nutritional values and valuable fatty acids. Therefore it is recommended people put this fish in diet basket and it consumed three times in the week.
Effectiveness of a developed potato storage system in shelf life and nutritional quality compared to traditional practice in Bangladesh
Authors: Jubayer Fahad , Uddin Burhan , Ziauddin Abu Taher Muhammad
Published: January 2017

This research was carried out to achieve the objective of finding out the performance of a developed potato storage system in storage life and nutritional quality and comparing the system to the traditional practice in Bangladesh. A laboratory version of improved design of potato store and its construction was made at Bangladesh Agricultural University which consisted an evaporative cooling chamber, made of reinforced concrete cement; partially filled-in with water. Two varieties of potato (Diamant and Lal Pakri) were used in this research. Both large and small types for each kind of potato varieties were taken. Experimental design was set up for both improved storage bin and farmer's traditional practice. Spoilage, sprouting, shrinkage, moisture content, vitamin C, and total sugar content of potato were determined for both methods of storage at a regular interval and results were compared. Economic benefit of the developed storage system over traditional practice was also determined. From the result of the study, it appeared that the improved potato storage bin was better in shelf life and nutritional quality for storing potato than the farmer's traditional practice.
Evaluation of total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of different verity lupin seeds
Authors: Dalaram Ismael Sulaiman
Published: January 2017

Legumes, including lupins, beans, lentil and chickpea, are one of the most important crops in the world because of their nutritional quality. Lupin seeds have been used as human food and animal feed since ancient times. It was known that antioxidant photochemical in foods have many health benefits including prevention of various diseases associated with oxidative stress such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuro-degeneration and diabetes. Lupin grains are rich sources of complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. Antioxidants can be found naturally in foods. Total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity were measured in four varieties of lupin, namely in white lupin, blue lupin, yellow lupin and Mutabilis lupin species. A majority of antioxidants naturally present in foods occur in phenolic structures and especially in flavonoid structures. The content of the total polyphenols was determined by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FCR). Antioxidant activity was measured by using a compound DPPH˙ (2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). In the present experiment according to the average contents of total polyphenols (TPC) in dry matter of lupin seeds there was the following line: L. Angustifolius (blue) lupin (696.212 mg GAE.100g-1) > L. Albus (white) lupin (614.13 mg GAE.100g-1) > L. Luteus (yellow) lupin (467.78 mg GAE.100g-1) > L. Mutabilis (pearl) lupin (367.36 mg GAE.100g-1). Based on the measured values of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of lupin samples can be classified as follows: L. Albus (white) lupin (43.44%) >L. Angustifolius (blue) lupin (38.27%) >L. Luteus (yellow) lupin (22.29%) >L. Mutabilis (Pearl) lupin (20.80%). The relationship of antioxidant capacity with total polyphenolic was discussed. According to used statistical analyzes. Correlation between the phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity was significantly positive (r = 0.88). Our results confirmed that legumes can be a good source of bioactive compounds in the human nutrition. The main objective of the present work was to evaluated the content of total polyphenols and an antioxidant capacity of four Lupine species.
Quality changes of long-life foods during three-month storage at different temperatures
Authors: Bubelová Zuzana , Černí­ková Michaela , Buňková Leona , Talár Jaroslav , Zají­ček Václav , Foltin Pavel , Buňka František
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to describe quality changes of eight long-life foods (instant potato purée with milk, instant goulash soup, canned white-type cheese, pre-baked baguette, szeged goulash meal-ready-to-eat, canned chicken meat, pork pate and canned tuna fish) during three-month storage at 4 different temperatures (-18 °C, 5 °C, 23 °C and 40 °C). These temperatures were chosen to simulate various climatic conditions in which these foods could be used to ensure the boarding during crisis situations and military operations to provide high level of sustainability. Foods were assessed in terms of microbiological (total number of aerobic and/or facultative anaerobic mesophilic microorganisms, number of aerobic and anaerobic spore-forming microorganisms, number of enterobacteria, number of yeasts and/or moulds), chemical (pH-values, dry matter, fat, crude protein, ammonia and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances contents), texture profile (hardness) and sensory (appearance, consistency, firmness, flavour and off-flavour) analyses. Microbiological analyses showed expected results with the exception of szeged goulash, pork pate and tuna fish, which, although being sterilised products, contained some counts of bacteria. The decrease of pH-values and increase of dry matter, ammonia and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances contents were observed during the storage of all foods due to prolonged storage time and/or elevated storage temperature. Furthermore, according to texture profile analysis, hardness of cheese and baguette rose as a result of both storage temperature and time. Finally, the highest storage temperature (40 °C) resulted in a deterioration of sensory quality (especially flavour) of most foods; the exceptions were pate and tuna fish which retained good sensory quality throughout 3-month storage at all temperatures.
Nutritional and toxicological composition analysis of selected cassava processed products
Authors: Rajapaksha Kuda Dewage Supun Charuni Nilangeka , Somendrika Madame Arachchige Dulan , Wickramasinghe Indira
Published: January 2017

Cassava (Manihot esculanta Crantz) is an important food source in tropical countries where it can withstand environmentally stressed conditions. Cassava and its processed products have a high demand in both local and export market of Sri Lanka. MU51 cassava variety is one of the more common varieties and boiling is the main consumption pattern of cassava among Sri Lankans. The less utilization of cassava is due to the presence of cyanide which is a toxic substance. This research was designed to analyse the nutritional composition and toxicological (cyanide) content of Cassava MU51 variety and selected processed products of cassava MU51 (boiled, starch, flour, chips, two chips varieties purchased from market) to identify the effect of processing on cassava MU51 variety. Nutritional composition was analysed by AOAC (2012) methods with modifications and cyanide content was determined following picric acid method of spectrophotometric determination. The Flesh of MU51 variety and different processed products of cassava had an average range of moisture content (3.18 - 61.94%), total fat (0.31 - 23.30%), crude fiber (0.94 - 2.15%), protein (1.67 - 3.71%) and carbohydrates (32.68 - 84.20%) and where they varied significantly in between products and the variety MU51, where no significance difference (p >0.05) observed in between MU51 flesh and processed products' ash content where it ranged (1.02 - 1.91%). However, boiled product and MU51 flesh had more similar results in their nutritional composition where they showed no significant difference at any of the nutrient that was analysed. Thus, there could be no significant effect on the nutrient composition of raw cassava once it boiled. Cyanide content of the MU51 flesh and selected products (boiled, starch, flour and chips prepared using MU51 variety), showed wide variation ranging from 4.68 mg.kg-1 to 33.92 mg.kg-1 in dry basis. But except boiled cassava all processed products had cyanide content <10 mg.kg-1, which is the safe level recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Committee of the FAO/WHO. Thus, preparing products such as flour, starch and chips using MU51 variety could be safe for human consumption.
Evaluation of the pressing process during oil extraction from grape seeds
Authors: Burg Patrik , Mašán Vladimí­r , Rutkowski Kazimierz
Published: January 2017

This study evaluated the physical properties and oil extraction from grape seeds from three white (Welschriesling, Green Veltliner, Hibernal) and two red (Zweigelt and Saint Laurent) must varieties of grapevine by cold screw pressing as the appropriate extraction process. Pressing was carried out by a screw press UNO FM 3F by Farmet Company, Czech Republic. The pressing device consists of a matrix, 220 mm screw, head, heating mantle, nozzle holder, and a nozzle of 10 mm in diameter. The minimal and maximal screw rotation speeds were chosen within the press characteristics in order to achieve a correct expression and to avoid press overload. For successful pressing of the seeds and their storage, their initial moisture content was lowered from 40 to 45% to about 5 to 8% in a chamber dryer. The temperature in the chamber dryer did not exceeded 40 °C. Seeds of all varieties were pressed at the same speeds of 20, 40, 60, and 80 rpm. The characteristics of the grape seeds are as follows: The density ranges from 602.7 to 606.3 kg.m-3, thousand seeds weigh is between 21.9 - 26.6 g, humidity between 5.6 - 7.1% of dry matter and seed oil content, determined by extraction and depending on the variety, ranges from 15.3 to 17.5% in dry basis. The results have confirmed that when the screw rotation speed is changed from 20 to 80 rpm, the press capacity increases on average from 0.84 kg.h-1 to 1.75 kg.h-1, but simultaneously the oil yield reduces from 9.85 to 6.75%. This means that one kilogram of seed may produce 67.5 to 98.5 g of oil. The quantity of the pressed oil ranges from 67.5 to 98.5 g.kg-1 and thus depends on the variety. The measured results can be used in commercial practice for optimizing the pressing process for pressing of oil from grape seeds.
Copper content in cereals grown in the model condition
Authors: Harangozo Ľuboš , Lazor Peter , Kopernická Miriama , Trebichalský Pavol , Musilová Janette , Árvay Július , Bajčan Daniel
Published: January 2017

The consumption of cereals in Slovakia but also worldwide is increasing by every year. From 30000 to 50000 tons of mercury circulates thought the biosphere that gets into the atmosphere degassing of the earth's crust and world oceans. Trace element as copper is one of the most efficient antioxidants in the body, often referred to as an element of beauty. It acts as a powerful catalyst for many enzymes and vitamins, through which already small amounts affects many activities in the body (strengthens immunity, reduces levels of histamine). It accumulates in the barley, beans, cucumber, nuts or milk and so on. The aim of our work was the evaluation of transfer of mercury from sludge to edible part of chosen cereals. The objectives were achieved in simulated conditions of growing pot experiment. We used agricultural soil from the location of Výčapy - Opatovce for the realization of the experiment. The sludge, which was added at various doses, was taken from Central Spiš area from locality of Rudňany near the village where minedironore that contains mainly cooper and mercury during last few decades was. We used three types of cereals: barley (Hordeum sativum L.) variety PRESTIGE, spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety ISJARISSA and oat (Avena sativa L.) variety TATRAN. The length of growing season was 90 days. From the obtained results of two years can be concluded that the accumulation of cooper by seed follows barley ˂ oat ˂ wheat. Even though that the barley is characterized by the highest accumulation of cooper in the seeds, the content did not exceed the maximum level specified by The Codex Alimentarius of the Slovak Republic (CA SR). The results shows that the suitable cultivation of the cereals in localities, which are contaminated with heavy metals, especially by cooper, that the high content of cooper in soil do not pose a risk of accumulation of the metal into the cereal grain.
Influence of selenium and vitamin e supplementation during pregnancy on udder health and milk quality in dairy cows at parturition
Authors: Zigo František , Vasiľ Milan , Farkašová Zuzana , Zigová Martina , Elečko Juraj
Published: January 2017

Selenium and vitamin E ranks among very important antioxidant agents protecting the organism from the effect of reactive oxygen forms. The deficiency of both nutrients during pregnancy in cows often result in metabolic disorders and increased of cases of related diseases (mastitis, retained placenta and other reproductive disorders). The aim of the present work was to study the influence of different dose of parenteral administration selenium and vitamin E in dairy cows prior to parturition on selected metabolic parameters, udder health and milk quality. A total in herd of 270 Holstein cattle in east of Slovakia in a two-four lactation-gestation cycle the control group (C) and 2 experimental groups (D, D1) were selected. All groups were similarly housed, managed and fed with the diet containing from 36 to 42 mg vitamin E and 0.2 mg.kg-1 Se of DM through the study period. In group D a products containing vitamin E and selenium were administered IM four weeks prior to the expected date of parturition in total dose of 1000 mg of dl-α-tocopherol acetate and of 44 mg sodium selenite per cow, respectively. In group D1 the same products were administered twice, four and two weeks prior to parturition. Blood samples were 4 weeks prior to predicted calving date (the time of treatment), on parturition day and at 14th day after calving for assessment of plasma vitamin E and selenium concentrations. Blood samples of the calves were drawn from jugular vein at birth and first colostrum was also collected. The occurrence of the mastitis and retained placenta during the first 14th day after calving were evaluated in all groups. Higher plasmatic and colostral concentrations of selenium and vitamin E were found only in group with repeat application of Se and vitamin E (D1) collected on the day of parturition. At the 14th day of postpartal period a trend of lower occurrence of mastitis was observed in group D1 compared to D group, administered IM once and control group. Parenteral supplementation of selenium and vitamin E during pregnancy had no impact on their transmission into the milk and on the presence of bacterial agents in raw milk obtained from dairy cows diagnosed with mastitis.
Polyphenols content and antioxidant activity of paprika and pepper spices
Authors: Škrovánková Soňa , Mlček Jiří­ , Orsavová Jana , Jurí­ková Tűnde , Dří­malová Pavla
Published: January 2017

Paprika spices (Capsicium annuum) and black pepper spices (Piper nigrum) are very popular seasonings for culinary and industrial utilization due to the change of sensory quality (taste, aroma, color) of foods and meals with their addition; their health promoting properties; and also, relevant antioxidant activity. Polyphenols are often responsible for the antioxidant capacity of plant products therefore in our study the content of polyphenols (TP) and antioxidant activity (TAA) were assessed in two common culinary spices - paprika spices (12, ground powder spices) and pepper spices (20, unground and ground, black, green, white and colored spices) of Czech, Austrian, and Slovak producers. These parameters were determined using spectrometric method, for total polyphenols method with Folin-Ciocaulteu reagent; the antioxidant activity (TAA) of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of spices was measured by DPPH method with IC50 evaluation. For paprika the total polyphenol content ranged from 14.67 to 28.78 mg GAE.g-1. However, there is only weak connection between the pungency of the spices and the polyphenolic amount, the hotter samples of paprika spices have slightly higher values of TP than sweet types. Also, more pungent paprika products showed a higher potency in scavenging of DPPH free radical than sweeter ones; and ethanolic extracts had slightly higher TAA values (8.73 to 16.17 mg AAE.g-1) than aqueous spice extracts (4.45 to 16.24 mg AAE.g-1). Phenolic amount for pepper spices was assessed in the range of 12.03 to 22.88 mg GAE.g-1. Generally, paprika spices contained more polyphenols than pepper spices. The values of TAA of pepper spices were in the range from 7.07 to 15.81 mg AAE.g-1 for aqueous extracts and from 8.25 to 15.93 mg AAE.g-1 for ethanolic extracts respectively. The highest TAA values were observed for white ground pepper and unground black pepper spices. Unground black pepper samples had higher TAA than ground black pepper. The extent of antioxidant activity of paprika and pepper spices was quite similar. The total phenolics contents in spices were correlated to antioxidant activity only slightly.
Evaluation and comparison of the content of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity in garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Authors: Lenková Marianna , Bystrická Judita , Vollmannová Alena , Tóth Tomáš , Kovarovič Ján
Published: January 2017

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and highly valued throughout the ages as a culinary spice. It is a hardy perennial belonging to the Alliaceae family. The garlic bulb is the most commonly used portion of the plant, composed of 5 - 20 individual. It is a very good source of manganese, selenium, vitamin C and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). In addition, garlic is a good source of other minerals, including phosphorous, calcium, potassium, iron and copper. Many of the perceived therapeutic effects of garlic are thought to be due to its active ingredient allicin. This sulphur-containing compound gives garlic its distinctive pungent smell and taste. Garlic possesses antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal properties allowing it to stand against all infections. This work has focused on the evaluation and comparison of total content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in five varieties of garlic - Mojmír, Záhorský, Lukan, Havran and Makoi. Samples of plant material were collected at the stage of full maturity in the area of Nitra. The total content of polyphenols was determined using the spectrophotometric method of Folin-Ciocalteu agents. Determined the content of total polyphenols in garlic were in the range 621.13 mg.kg-1 (Záhorský) to 763.28 mg.kg-1 (Havran). Total polyphenols content in garlic declined in the following order: Havran >Mojmír >Makoi >Lukan >Záhorský. Antioxidant activity was measured by the spectrophotometric method using a compound DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl). Statistically significant highest value of antioxidant was recorded in 20.22% (Mojmír) and the lowest value was in 13.61% (Záhorský). The values of antioxidant activity observed in the varieties of garlic may be arranged as follows: Mojmír >Havran >Lukan >Makoi >Záhorský. In all the analysed varieties of garlic was confirmed by the strong dependence of the antioxidant activity and the total content of polyphenols.
Assesment of the antioxidant activity and content of polyphenolic compounds in grapevine seeds
Authors: Tomášková Lenka , Sochor Jiří­ , Baroň Mojmí­r
Published: January 2017

Our work was focused on the study of the antioxidant properties of grapevine seeds. We monitored the grapevine seeds of 6 cultivars of Vitis vinifera, L. (Nativa, Kofranka, Blaufränkish, Marlen, Cabernet Moravia and Italian Riesling). Antioxidant activity was determined by three principally different methods (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP), the content of the total polyphenolic compounds was determined by the Folin ciocalteu method, and the content of the total flavanols was determined by DMACA reagent (p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde). Results are presented as an equivalent of gallic acid in g.L-1, respectively were expressed as g.L-1 of catechin equivalents (DMACA method). The highest values of antioxidant activity were measured in the cultivar Nativa (DPPH - 7.75 g.L-1, ABTS - 4.888 g.L-1, FRAP - 4.25 g.L-1). Conversely, the lowest values of antioxidant activity were detected in the cultivar Kofranka (DPPH - 7.08 g.L-1, ABTS - 4.17 g.L-1, FRAP - 4.55 g.L-1). Cultivar Nativa also reached the highest content of flavonols (3.77 g.L-1). The highest measured values of the content of total polyphenolic compounds were identified in the cultivar Cabernet Moravia (15.2 g.L-1 of GAE). Conversely, the lowest values of the content of total polyphenolic compounds were detected in the cultivar Nativa (8.04 g.L-1). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for the existing values between antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), contents of flavonols, and contents of total polyphenols. The highest correlation coefficient was found between the DPPH and ABTS methods; specifically, it was 0.857.
Audit Committee Characteristics and Earnings Management: The Case of Bahrain
Authors: Juhmani Omar Issa
Published: January 2017

This study examines the effectiveness of some audit committee (AC) characteristics to monitor management behavior with the respect to their incentives to manage earnings. Bahraini listed companies on Bahrain Bursa for the year 2012 to 2014 have been investigated to analyze the relationship between AC characteristics and earnings management. The AC characteristics examined are AC independence, AC size, AC meetings and AC financial experts. Multivariate regression modelis used to examine the relationship between earnings managementasdependent variable and AC characteristics as independent variables and other firm-specific attributes, as control variables. As a small developing market, Bahrain’s unique business environment and context offer a good opportunity and provides a useful setting for examining the effectiveness of AC characteristics in detecting and preventing earnings management practices. The results show that discretionary accruals as a proxy for earnings management is negatively associated with AC size and AC financial experts, but positively associated audit firm size as control variable. However, the results do not show a significant relationship between AC independence, AC meetings, company size, leverage and earnings management. This study extends the literature on the monitoring function of the AC on earnings management, and contributes geographically to the financial reporting process and earnings management literatures by analyzing data from an emerging market and providing useful information for the corporations, accounting profession and the regulators on the effective practice of ACs.
Emotional Intelligence as a Tool for Developing Entrepreneurial Professional Networks
Authors: Mutoko Wilbert R. , Nzonzo Jennifer Chishamiso
Published: January 2017

This paper seeks to investigate how Emotional Intelligence (EI) impacts on the relationship between entrepreneurial competence and the development of professional networks. A qualitative methodology was adopted in this survey using structured face-to-face interviews which were administered to a sample of 10 entrepreneurs who own manufacturing Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) based in Gaborone, Botswana. Thematic analysis was used as data analysis strategy. The key findings of the research are that firstly, EI plays an important role in developing professional networks. Secondly, the main benefits of networking are advice; friendship; information sharing and training opportunities. Thirdly, entrepreneurs develop entrepreneurial professional networks through networking with individuals of their own nationality; engaging with other members of the local business community and international networks. This study has provided important insights of interest, to entrepreneurs, scholars and policy makers. However the research was based on a qualitative methodology, future research can be undertaken using a mixed methodology. Furthermore additional research can be undertaken using a comparative analysis of different African countries in order to come up with a multifaceted approach to the role of EI in the development of entrepreneurial professional networks. This paper motivated a debate on the link between EI and the development of professional networks and how these variables determine Entrepreneurial success. While there appears to be a clear relationship between EI and the development of entrepreneurial networks measurement instruments that can show the contributions of each variable to entrepreneurial success need to be contextualised.
Microfinance and Performance of Micro and Small Enterprises: Does Training have an Impact
Authors: Haider Syed Hussain , Asad Muzaffar , Fatima Minaa , Zain Ul Abidin Rana
Published: January 2017

Access to finance is considered as very important for gaining high performance of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). Yet it has been observed that despite the availability of access to finance the performance of several MSEs is poor, which is a major hurdle in the growth rate of MSEs. The purpose of this study was to find the difference in certain performance indicators of MSEs who owners have been given training against those whose owners have never been given any kind of training. In order to conduct study survey research has been conducted and a sample of 384 MSEs was selected on simple random basis. The findings revealed that all the performance indicators including sales increase, income increase, assets increase, employment increase, and meeting household expenses have shown a significant difference among the two groups. The findings of the study are very important for the policy makers and the people who are involved in microfinance industry.
Testing the Difference between School Level and Academic Mindset in the Classroom: Implications for Developing Student Psycho-Social Skills in Secondary School Classrooms
Authors: Hanson Janet
Published: January 2017

This study explored the relationship between school level and the psychosocial construct of an academic mindset operationalized on the Likert-style Project for Educational Research That Scales (PERTS) instrument; widely used in testing academic mindset interventions at the classroom level. Analyses were conducted using existing school district data collected during the month of April, 2016, delivered to students, grades 3 through 8, (n = 2,908) in the classroom at three elementary schools and two middles schools. The overarching research question was, “Is there a relationship between school level and students’ academic mindset as measured by the PERTS scale?” Results revealed a significant decrease in the classroom PERTS scale mean scores between elementary classrooms (n = 70) and secondary classrooms (n = 50). A history of psycho-social construct theory and practical applications for the classroom are provided.
Determination and Validation of the Project for Educational Research That Scales (PERTS) Survey Factor Structure
Authors: Hanson Janet
Published: January 2017

This study used exploratory factor analysis to test the factor structure of the Project for Educational Research That Scales (PERTS) instrument. Research that reports the reliability, construct validity, and factor structure of the PERTS scale is useful for interpreting the results from the use of the widely distributed survey and for suggesting interventions to develop an academic mindset in the classroom. Correlations and exploratory factor analyses were performed using pre-existing data from a medium-sized, rural school district, in a large southwestern state of the U.S. as self-reports from a sample of 2,908 students, in grades 3 through 8, at three elementary and two middle schools. Results of the exploratory factor analysis confirmed the proposed four-factor structure. The PERTS survey demonstrated internal reliability on three of the four scales above the pre-determined indices of Cronbach’s alpha > .80, with the exception of the individual mindset scale with a Cronbach’s alpha of .772.
Contribution of Procurement Function on the Public Services Delivery System: The Case of Tanzania
Authors: Mohamed Bakari Maligwa
Published: January 2017

Procurement function is a facilitator and enabler of every value chain. This paper is a result of a study on the contribution of procurement function on the public services delivery systems and on the national socio-economic development. Specific foci were on: assessing the contribution of procurement function on the public services delivery systems; and assessing the contribution of procurement function on the attainment of the objectives of the national socio-economic development. The study used a survey of value-laden opinions. Localities surveyed were deliberately selected and sampled. The study covered one metropolis and business city (Dar es Salaam), three regional administrative cities (Arusha, Mbeya and Mwanza), one central government municipal (Dodoma), and one local municipal council (Morogoro). A deliberate sample of 150 case respondents was envisaged. However, the study covered 129 case respondents. Data management and analysis were qualitative in which thematic analysis, documentary reviews and content analysis were applied upon the specific study objectives.  This paper provides value-laden opinions generated out of the case respondents’ perceptions on the specific themes and issues related thereto. The results of assessment show a significant contribution of the procurement function on the Tanzania public services delivery systems and on the national socio-economic development agenda. The assessments show a positive marginal contribution of the procurement functional performance on the national economic development agenda by more than 70%.
The Truck Driver Experience: Identifying Psychological Stressors from the Voice of the Driver
Authors: Williams Donnie F. , Thomas Stephanie P. , Liao-Troth Sara
Published: February 2017

As boundary-spanning supply chain members, truck drivers are important to the efficient and effective flow of goods throughout the supply chain. However, costly truck-driver turnover rates have plagued the industry for years. While previous research has focused on a variety of factors that can contribute to a driver leaving his or her current organization and/or the industry, long-haul turnover rates remain unacceptably high. Using a phenomenological methodology, this research explores psychological aspects of truck drivers' experiences in order to better understand the challenges and stressors that may lead to dissatisfaction with their careers and ultimately their decision to leave their company and/or the industry. Data was collected from drivers through face-to-face interviews and Internet blogs. The findings identify both controllable and uncontrollable psychological stressors that truck drivers experience and how these stressors manifest in their jobs. The themes identified include stress from loneliness and loss of family life, stress due to health-related issues and uncertainty from health-related support, lack of respect from multiple parties, and the stressful impact of government regulations. Identification of these themes may help organizations develop strategies to address these important stressors and improve the retention and performance of their drivers.
Performance Evaluation and Measurement in Public Organizations: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Troisi Orlando , Torre Carlo , Maione Gennaro
Published: January 2017

The turbulence of the current competitive environment emphasizes the importance of the role played by performance measurement systems in generating an improvement of business results. Starting from this consideration, the work pursues a twofold goal: firstly, it tries to verify the existence and the degree of a research interest about this topic; secondly, it seeks to identify, in measurement and evaluation systems, which factors are capable of producing an effect on performances of public organizations. In order to well respond to the research purposes, the work begins with a systematic literature review, which highlights a growing attention of scholars on all those variables considered critical in conducting and managing public organizations. The study, highlighting the existence of six variables to be advantageously taken into account in managing public organizations, especially in light of the potential influence that they seem to exert on different types of business performances, could be considered as a useful tool for both practitioners (managers of public organizations) and scholars (professors, researchers, students, etc.) aimed at helping to become aware about the advantages arising from an adequate management of performances measures. The main research limitation is the lack of an empirical analysis of public companies performance plans, which should be thoroughly examined to allow a possible further generalization of the theoretical findings achieved.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 10, No. 2
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: February 2017

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 10, No. 2, 2017
Evaluation Study for Secondary Stage EFL Textbook: EFL Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: Muhsen Al Harbi Abdullah Abdul
Published: February 2017

This study aimed at evaluating EFL textbook for secondary stage in Saudi Public schools. Participants consisted of (100) male teachers and (73) female teachers teaching secondary stage students in two cities: Madinah and Dowadmi. The tool of the study designed to cover five dimensions: layout and design, the objectives of the textbook, teaching methods and activities, language skills, and evaluation. The results revealed that EFL textbook for Saudi secondary schools needs more development to be more effective in learning and teaching EFL. Clarity of the textbook objectives was one of teachers’ negative comments about the current textbook especially female teachers who disagreed that the objectives were treated effectively in the current course. The content of the textbook is not helpful in applying teaching theories and practices. In addition, the content of the textbook has no helpful tests or procedures to evaluate the achievement of the students effectively.
A teacher in the mirror of a psychologist: Snežana Stojiljković: Psychological characteristics of a teacher, Faculty of philosophy of Niš, Niš, 2014
Authors: Stanković-Đorđević Mirjana
Published: February 2017

This article presents the monograph of prof. Dr. Snežana Stojiljković Psychological characteristics of teachers, in which the author, following the thread of her scientific interests provides a comprehensive picture of characteristics and competencies of educators. Beginning with teacher's role as the carrier of educational activities and psycho-social portrait of future teachers, and through analysis of the educational role of a teacher, to the psychological characteristics and considerations of professional stress of teachers. The special value of this part make presentations of research, most of which are carried out by the author herself and her associates. Stojiljkovic argues that teachers are fairly homogeneous population, which have the characteristics of members of the helping professions and she highlights the importance of examining the personality dimensions relevant to the teaching profession, both for professional orientation, as well as for achievement of development potential of teachers. The author of this monograph concludes with the topic related to the readiness of teachers for professional development. The significance of the monograph can be seen in actuality of the topic she is dealing with. It represents both a polemic and an invitation to reconsider the usual stereotypes about the role and place of teachers, by which the author enters into a dialogue with potential readers and encourages personal review and reflection on their own educational practice and place in society.
Parameterization of Strategy-Proof Mechanisms in the Obnoxious Facility Game
Authors: Oomine Morito , Shurbevski Aleksandar , Nagamochi Hiroshi
Published: January 2017

In the obnoxious facility game, a location for an undesirable facility
is to be determined based on votes cast by selfish agents.
The design of group strategy proof mechanisms has been extensively studied, and it is known
that choosing a facility location that maximizes the social benefit (i.e., the sum of individual benefits) may not be a strategy-proof decision, and vice-versa, the social benefit obtainable by a strategy-proof mechanism does not maximize the social benefit over all choices of facility locations;
their ratio, called the benefit ratio, can be up to 3 in the line metric space.
In this paper, we investigate a trade-off between the benefit ratio and a possible relaxation of group strategy proofness,
taking $2$-candidate mechanisms for the obnoxious facility game in the line metric as an example.
Given a real $\lambda \geq 1$ as a parameter,
we introduce a new concept of strategy proofness, called "$\lambda$-group strategy-proofness,"
so that each coalition of agents has no incentive to lie unless every agent in the group
can increase her benefit by strictly more than $\lambda$ times by doing so,
where $1$-group strategy-proofness
reduces to the standard concept of
group strategy-proofness.
We next introduce "masking zone mechanisms," a new notion on the structure of mechanisms,
and prove that every $\lambda$ strategy-proof ($\lambda$-SP) mechanism is a masking zone mechanism.
We then show that, for any $\lambda \geq 1$, there exists a $\lambda$-GSP mechanism
whose benefit ratio is at most $1+\frac{2}{\lambda}$,
which converges to 1 as $\lambda$ becomes infinitely large.
Finally we prove that the bound is nearly tight: given $n \geq 1$ selfish agents, the benefit ratio of $\lambda$-GSP mechanisms cannot be better than
$1+\frac{2}{\lambda}$ when $n$ is even, and $1 + \frac{2n-2}{\lambda n + 1}$ when $n$ is odd.
Generalized Bounded Tree Cover of a Graph
Authors: Gorain Barun , Mandal Partha Sarathi , Mukhopadhyaya Krishnendu
Published: January 2017

A tree cover of a graph is a collection of subgraphs such that each vertex is a part of at least one subgraph and each subgraph is a tree.
The bounded tree cover problem (BTC) finds a tree cover with minimum number of trees of bounded weight.
This paper considers several generalized versions of BTC. The first problem deals with graphs having multiple
metric weight functions. Strong and weak tree cover problems are two variations of the first problem.
In strong tree cover, every tree must be bounded with respect to all weight functions,
whereas in weak tree cover, each tree must be bounded with respect to at least one weight function.
A 4-approximation algorithm for strong tree cover and an $O(\log n)$-approximation algorithm for weak tree
cover problem are proposed. The objective of the second problem is to find a tree cover where bounds of the
trees in the tree cover are not necessarily same. It is proved that this problem cannot be approximated within a constant
factor unless P=NP. A constant factor approximation algorithm is proposed when the ratio of maximum and
minimum bounds is bounded by a constant. The third problem considers BTC for a graph with a general
weight function which is not necessarily metric. A 3-approximation algorithm is proposed for this problem.
On Aligned Bar 1-Visibility Graphs
Authors: Brandenburg Franz , Esch Alexander , Neuwirth Daniel
Published: January 2017

A graph is called a bar 1-visibility graph if its vertices can be
represented as horizontal segments, called bars, and each
edge corresponds to a vertical line of sight which can traverse
another bar. If all bars are aligned at one side, then
the graph is an aligned bar 1-visibility graph, $AB1V$ graph for short.

We consider $AB1V$ graphs from different angles. First, we study
combinatorial properties and $K_5$ subgraphs.
Then, we establish a difference between maximal and optimal $AB1V$ graphs,
where optimal $AB1V$ graphs have the maximum of $4n-10$
edges. We show that optimal $AB1V$ graphs can be recognized in $\mathcal{O}(n^2)$ time
and prove that an $AB1V$ representation is determined by
an ordering of the bars either from left to right or by length.
Finally, we introduce a new operation, called path-addition, that
admits the addition of vertex-disjoint paths to a given graph and
show that $AB1V$ graphs are closed under path-addition. This
distinguishes $AB1V$ graphs from other classes of graphs. In
particular, we explore the relationship to other classes of
beyond-planar graphs and show that every outer 1-planar graph is an
$AB1V$ graph, whereas $AB1V$ graphs are incomparable, e.g., to planar,
k-planar, outer fan-planar, outer fan-crossing free, fan-crossing
free, bar $(1,j)$-visibility, and RAC graphs.
Vertex-Coloring with Defects
Authors: Angelini Patrizio , Bekos Michael , De Luca Felice , Didimo Walter , Kaufmann Michael , Kobourov Stephen , Montecchiani Fabrizio , Raftopoulou Chrysanthi , Roselli Vincenzo , Symvonis Antonios
Published: January 2017

Defective coloring is a variant of the traditional vertex-coloring in which adjacent vertices are allowed to have the same color, as long as the induced monochromatic components have a certain structure. Due to its important applications, as for example in the bipartisation of graphs, this type of coloring has been extensively studied, mainly with respect to the size, degree, diameter, and acyclicity of the monochromatic components.

We focus on defective colorings with $\kappa$ colors in which the monochromatic components are acyclic and have small diameter, namely we consider (edge, $\kappa$)-colorings, in which the monochromatic components have diameter $1$, and (star, $\kappa$)-colorings, in which they have diameter $2$.

We prove that the (edge, $3$)-coloring problem remains NP-complete even for graphs with maximum vertex-degree $6$, hence answering an open question posed by Cowen et al. [Cowen, Goddard, Jesurum, J. Graph Theory, 1997], and for planar graphs with maximum vertex-degree $7$, and we prove that the (star, $3$)-coloring problem is NP-complete even for planar graphs with bounded maximum vertex-degree. On the other hand, we give linear-time algorithms for testing the existence of (edge, $2$)-colorings and of (star, $2$)-colorings of partial $2$-trees. Finally, we prove that outerpaths, a notable subclass of outerplanar graphs, always admit (star, $2$)-colorings.