bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise dos acidentes de trânsito com vítimas fatais no município de Natal/RN no período de 1999 a 2014
Authors: Medeiros Jássio Pereira de , Guerra Lenin Cavalcanti Brito , Souza Emilly Lindolfo de , Dantas Sybelle Araujo , Costa Nabel Khivya Correia
Published: August 2018

In recent years, traffic accidents are one of the main causes of high mortality rates in Brazil, especially among men and young people. In this sense, the municipality of Natal / RN presents considerable numbers of traffic accidents. but this is also a worldwide problem. Thus, the objective of this text is to analyze, through various factors (number of deaths, gender, age, type of involvement and size of the fleet), the evolution of traffic accidents with fatalities occurring in the municipality of Natal / RN, between 1999 and 2014. It is mainly a descriptive study, based on secondary data provided by the Ministry of Health and Denatran. The study has shown that traffic accidents with fatalities are becoming more frequent, most of them are caused by males, young people, motorcyclists and pedestrians. It should be noted that the focus of the profile observations was directed at the ones who caused the accidents, rather than the victims. This information would be justified by the constant increase of the fleet of vehicles in the studied period. Thus, these data reveal the need for greater intervention by the State in the implementation of preventive programs, in the execution of its social functions, in the application of effective enforcement actions, and in studies on the quality of investments in relation to the reduction of accident rates for these would minimize the number of deaths.
Transformada Wavelet para detecção de barras quebradas em Motores de Indução Trifásicos
Authors: Nóbrega Sobrinho Carlos Alberto , Lima Filho Abel Cavalcante , Sena Alexander Patrick Chaves , Brito Jorge Nei , Silva Jobson Francisco , Mafaldo Ícaro Meireles
Published: August 2018

Electric machines account for 95% of the primary source of movement of industrialized nations. Out of these, 90% are three-phase induction motors (TIM), which are present in almost all industrial sectors. Due to its relevance in the productive sector it is important t that they are properly monitored in order to avoid interruptions of production and operational disasters. The aim of this work is to study and develop a system to diagnose the failure of broken bars in a three - phase induction motor, and to analyze the mechanical (vibration) and electric variables (current, air gap torque and energy efficiency). Specifically, we wanted the evaluation of the expressiveness of the signals in the presence of broken bar. We used the Fourier and wavelet transforms as analysis tools. The system should be able to track the severity of the failure at 3PIM as long as the bars are punctured (broken) prior to the total breakdown of the equipment. The installation of the system in the engine must be totally non-invasive and it can be performed with the engine running. Experimental results are presented to observe the proposed strategies, evaluating the efficiency of the detection of faults in a wide load range of the machine with direct drive of the electric network.
To assess the Influence of Selected Community Based Factors on Girls’ Participation Rate in Public Day Secondary Schools in Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya.
Authors: Gatere Janet Waithira , Kiumi Prof. J. Kanjogu , Ngugi Dr. Margaret
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of selected community based factors on girls’ participation rate in public day secondary schools in Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya. Ex-post facto research design was used in the study. A total of 130 respondents (constituting 26 principals and 104 teachers) from 26 schools were randomly sampled for the study. All the targeted respondents participated in the study giving a response rate of 100%. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample the respondents for the study. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire where two sets of questionnaires were developed for data collection; one for principals and the other for class teachers. Descriptive statistics such as means, percentages and frequencies were used to analyze the data while inferential statistics such as simple regression analysis was used to determine the predictive power of community factors on girls’ participation in school. The study found that three community-level risk factors that had the most negative effect on girls’ participation in public day secondary schools in the study area including: negative peer influence in the community, high incidences of teenage pregnancies and poverty in the community. Drawing from the computed R2 value (R2 = .406), the study revealed that the selected community factors were lowering the rate of girls participation in public day secondary schools by almost 41%. The study concluded that prevalence of the three community level factors such as: high incidence of teenage pregnancies and poverty had great influence on girls’ participation and progression in public day secondary schools in the study area. It was recommended that school, family and community partnerships would be appropriate in minimizing the effect of community level factor on girls’ participation in schools.
To determine the Influence of Selected School Based Factors on Girls’ Participation Rate in Public Day Secondary Schools in Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Waithira Gatere Janet , Kiumi Prof. J. Kanjogu , Ngugi Dr. Margaret
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of selected school based factors on girls’ participation rate in public day secondary schools in Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya. Ex-post facto research design was used in the study. A total of 130 respondents (constituting 26 principals and 104 teachers) from 26 schools were randomly sampled for the study. All the targeted respondents participated in the study giving a response rate of 100%. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample the respondents for the study. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire where two sets of questionnaires were developed for data collection; one for principals and the other for class teachers. Descriptive statistics such as means, percentages and frequencies were used to analyze the data while inferential statistics such as simple regression analysis was used to determine the predictive power of school based factors on girls’ participation in school. The study found that three school-level risk factors that had the most negative impact on girls rate of participation in public day secondary schools in the sub-county were: low sense of belonging among girls to their schools, inadequate counseling of girls in schools and low academic performance. Drawing from the computed R2 value (R2 = .426), the study revealed that the selected school level factors were lowering the rate of girls participation in public day secondary schools by almost 43%. The study concluded that that school level factors such as: low sense of belonging among girls to their schools, inadequate counseling of girls in schools and low academic performance had a negative influence on girls’ rate of participation in public day secondary schools in Naivasha Sub-county. It was recommended that public day secondary school educators, specifically principals, counselors and teachers should focus their attention enhancing girls’ participation rate in their schools.
Evaluation of Performance Employee (Study on Faculty of Educational Science Manado State University-Indonesia )
Authors: Tuerah Roos M.S
Published: August 2018

The main problem in this study related to Human Resources (HR) which is one of the main factors in improving the productivity of performance in the organization or agency. Therefore, it is necessary to have competent human resources that can support the improvement of performance achievement. The study aims to determine the performance of administrative staff at the science faculty of the Manado State University, Indonesia. By using a qualitative approach, respondents are taking data of all employees in the faculty of education, which amounted to 35 people. The conclusion shows that the performance of Employees in the faculty of education, Manado State University is influenced by the factors: Effectiveness and efficiency, Authority (authority), discipline, initiative. Performance appraisal of employees follows the applicable government regulations. It takes a sense of responsibility from all employees in carrying out their duties.
The Relationship between Exercising of Shareholders’ Rights and the Performance of Firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange
Authors: Maina Dr. Edward Kandiru
Published: August 2018

The continued decline in performance of firms listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has lately become a source of concern to both the country’s policy makers and researchers. Already, reports from the Kenyan government reveal that the decline in performance is becoming an impediment to the country’s realization of Vision 2030 as the dwindling performance is leading to lower economic development and loss of jobs. This study examines the relationship between exercising of shareholders’ rights and the performance of firms listed in the NSE for the period 2011-2015. The study is anchored on the shareholder theory. The study population comprises all 60 companies listed in NSE in the stated period. The study uses descriptive research and correlational research designs. Both primary and secondary data are obtained from the 60 Chief Executive Officers of the corporations or their representatives. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and multiple regression) are used to analyze the data. The study finds that there is a statistically significant relationship between shareholders exercising their rights and performance of firms listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The hypothesis that shareholders exercising their rights has no significant relationship with performance of firms listed at the NSE (p<0.001) is rejected. Finally, results vindicate tthe shareholder theory
A practical strategy to improve econometric modeling–a case study for informal economy on the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Asani Dashamir , Prenga Dode
Published: August 2018

Here we consider some proposal-steps in the calculation of the shadow economy as a latent or simply response variable in the models that involve high volatile observable as the money aggregates etc., and if the number of data point is small. In this case we propose to check for possible extreme behavior or self-organization regimes present in the series by testing e log-periodic fit to the data. To improve the linear regressions critical points (if found) have been excluded from series by simply truncating them. Next, the presence of more general regimes is analyzed using empirical mode decomposition techniques, and we estimate that the best truncated series to be used should exclude the edges of such regimes. In the case of short term regimes, we propose to use series in intervals that include many cycles. This technique worked for the calculation of informal economy in the Republic of Macedonia for the short period of [2004, 2016] but it is supposed to improve calculation for other cases as well
Diversity of Indigenous Woody Species in Small Holder Farm Lands: Comparison across Different Agroecology and Land Use Types in Chilga and Dabat District, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Abate Dagm Fikir , Tebikew Mekuannint , Gebremariam Yohannis
Published: August 2018

Ethiopia is known for its massive expansion of plantations and woodlots, that are mainly of monocultures of the exotic tree species, Eucalyptus, which has still remained the pre-dominant tree components of plantations as well as farming systems in different parts of Ethiopian highlands, including the highlands in North Gondar. However, the status of indigenous/native tree species in these areas has become very limited, and is considered at risk. The current study was conducted in Chiliga and Dabat districts of North Gondar zone; it assessed (i) indigenous woody species diversity of farmlands in different agro-ecologies and farm land use categories, (ii) management and conservation practices carried out by farmers, and (iii) major constraints for enhancing on-farm integration of indigenous woody species. Primary data was obtained using such methods as, formal household survey, group discussion, observation and woody species inventory in two villages selected randomly from highland and mid highland for Dabat, and mid land and lowland for Chiliga district. A complete census of all woody individuals was conducted on all plots/parcels of 80 households. A total of 35 species were encountered in the farm lands of the studied area. Six of the total species was exotic, and constitute about 85% of the total abundance. The number of woody species per household increased with decreased agroecological gradient, and the largest value of stem number was found at the highland, followed by at mid highland, whereas least stem number was found in the lowland site. Likewise, the study found that homegardens host more diverse indigenous species than other land use types. Even though farm lands in the study areas were home to different indigenous woody species higher in number than exotic species, it was possible to confirm the already reported evidence that revealed exotic species have been remaining the pre-dominant tree components of the agricultural landscapes in different parts of Ethiopian highlands. However, the fact that remnant native tree individuals are currently growing with in the agricultural landscapes is an indication of the opportunity for integrating and managing native tree species through Agroforestry systems. The study concludes that there is a considerable possibilities of native and indigenous species to exist as an integral component of agricultural land use systems in Northern highlands where Eucalyptus expansion has remained the main focus of research and extension efforts.
Morphological Variation of Limnonectes blythii in West Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Hendri Wince Hendri , Hon Tjong Djong , . Dahelmi , Roesma Dewi Imelda
Published: August 2018

Abstract:

This study aimed to analyze the morphological variations of Limnonectes blythii in West Sumatra by using morphometric in Genetics and Cytology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Andalas University, Padang. The sample of this research was collected directly in West Pasaman (Nature Reserves Malampah), Sijunjung (Nature Reserve Pangean) and Payakumbuh (Harau Nature Reserve) in February until Mai 2015. The results showed that there is genetic variation in morphology of the population L. blythii in Malampah and Pangean as the first cluster with a population in Harau. The kinship between populations in Pangean and Malampah as the second cluster is closer to the population at second subcluster with Harau population and have the more distant kinship of the population L. blythii in Pangean. It was concluded that 12 morphological characters show differentiation significant (p≥ 0005) of the population, while the population of Harau and Sijunjung showed significant differentiation as many as 10 characters (32.2%), Between population differentiation Harau with Malampah show as much as 8 characters (25.8% ), and between population Malampah with Sijunjung show 7 (22:58%) differentiated character. This study requires molecular analysis to clarify the phylogenetic relationships among L. blythii to preserve the information of this frog as an export commodity.
Influence of the internet on the academic achievement of Senior High School students in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana
Authors: Duker Joana , Bonney Ebenezer Appah , Dunyo Adibi Maria-Goretti
Published: August 2018

To many, the emergence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has done more harm than good to the youth particularly adolescent students. Hence, this study sought to investigate the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the academic achievement of students of Holy Child Senior High School in Cape Coast. It specifically examined how ICT improves the academic achievement of students, other uses to which students put ICT/internet facility, its effects on their moral behaviour, and how it can be regulated among students. It also tested relationship between the students’ use of computer and their academic performance at 5% significance level. The study design was the Mixed Method Research type with a population consisting of 70 teachers, 1010 students, their parents and internet café operators in the Metropolis. A sample size of 300 was determined for the study comprising 200 students, 50 teachers and 45 parents randomly selected, while five internet café operators in the Metropolis were purposively chosen. The study recorded a 91.3% retrieval rate. Questionnaires and interview schedules were designed to solicit information from the respondents. The SPSS was used to analysis the data gathered. The study confirms that ICT/internet has a positive influence on the academic performance of students. It is recommended that students should be allowed and encouraged to use ICT/internet strictly for only academic purposes.
Gender Representation and Stereotypes in the K-12 English Learner's Materials
Authors: Manalo Ailel Suzzet D.
Published: August 2018

This research is a critical study, which intends to identify the gender representation and stereotypes present in the four K-12 English learner’s materials for Junior High School. Using a content analysis and integrating the findings with the interview responses of selected teachers and students from the Division of City of San Fernando (Ph), the following inferences were generated: male characters showed far more visibility than female characters who also rarely came first in gender pairings; male characters were engaged in more active roles than the female characters who, as well, were often linked with occupations that required less leadership and knowledge-based skills and were low-income generating; female characters were often associated with negative traits, while male characters were often attached with positive traits; domestic roles were almost exclusively attached with female characters; and that there was no indication of gender variance or gender nonconformity in all the learner’s materials analyzed. The researcher recommends that the K-12 English learner’s materials for Junior High School may be revisited. The selection of the literary pieces may consider the works of female authors who penetrated the literary canon. Department of Education may require all textbooks and learner’s materials writers, editors, and publishing companies that work for the department to attend seminars and trainings on gender sensitivity and inclusivity. Overall, these LMs may entail gender sensitivity and genderqueer inclusion.
The Role of OCB in Mediating The Effect of Employee Engagement and Organizational Commitment on Employee Performance: Contract vs Permanent Employees
Authors: Fatoni Mahmud , Prihatini Dewi , Barokah Suryaningsih Ika
Published: August 2018

Banking industry is one of sector that relies its employees on its quality of human capital. In facing the organizational change in the form of digitaliation, the performances of employees are really challenged.  This study seeks to test the role of Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) as mediator of the effect of employee engagement and organizational commitment  on the employees performance at PT. BCA, Tbk Jember branch, Indonesia.  This study used quantitative approach. As many as 162 employees are involved as respondents. We differ them based on their employee types, those are contract and permanent employees. The analytical tool used is path analysis. We report that there is a significant indirect effect of employee engagement and organizational commitment on employees performance through OCB. The role of OCB as mediator is significant in both of effects. We also found that employee engagement and organizational commitment have a significant direct effect on employee performance, employee engagement and organizational commitment have a significant direct effect on OCB, and OCB has a significant direct impact on employee performance.
Head teachers and students opinions about classroom factors that affect performance of students in integrated science at the Junior High Schools in Kumasi Metropolis
Authors: Amoah Charles Agyei , Owusu Michael , Teye Nartey Laud , Akwasi Frimpong Richard
Published: August 2018

The purpose of the study is to find out the opinions of head teachers and students on classroom factors that affect performance of students in integrated science at the Junior High Schools in Kumasi Metropolis. The study used a descriptive survey. The sampling procedure employed for the study was both random and purposive sampling. A sample of two hundred and twenty (220) subjects participated in the study. The instruments that were used in the study were questionnaire and interview schedule. It was found out that most of the students in the public schools have greater access to integrated science text books as against their private school counterparts. Supervision is regularly carried out in the private schools by the head teachers but not much can be seen at the public schools and this has the tendency of improving teaching and learning of science at the private school. It was recommended that effective supervision must be performed regularly by heads of schools during integrated science lessons.
The Effect Of Pedagogic Competences Toward Students’ Satisfaction
Authors: Hilda Lelya
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, education must be able to compete with globalization. One of the importance factors is pedagogical competences that every student needs to have it to improve interesting and attractive as well as successful learning process. Based on the research result toward 200 students of Tarbiyah Faculty of IAIN Padangsidimpuan, it was found that students’ satisfaction is categorized as good in the mean of 76.75 and 77.53. The correlation 0.612 showed that there is a correlation and pedagocical competences affect only 37.4%. Then, the hypothesis proved that there is a significant effect of pedagogical competences toward students’ satisfaction with the result of anova Fh   =118.367 , sig 0.000 < 0.05, and the regression equation Ῡ = 0.561 x + 34.456.
Production of chicken sausage (Cobb 500 (Smith, 1992)): caracterisation of Physicochemical, microbiological and sensorial qualities.
Authors: Clotilde Ella KAPCHE LEUNGUE , Christian NDIH Aimé , Augustin GOUDOUM , Aboubakar Dr. , BOUBA Armand ABDOU , Carl Moses MBOFUNG
Published: August 2018

The aim of this work is to produce chicken sausage, hence, increasing the added value of chicken. The physicochemical and sensorial qualities were evaluated. Microbial quality was investigated during a period of one month under vacuum storage conditions at 4°C. From the results, it appears that the physicochemical parameters of chicken meat before processing and chicken sausage showed a significant (p<0.05) difference. The chicken sausage compared to the chicken meat, presents good physicochemical characteristics (an acidic pH of about 5.1, a lowered water content of 67.33 ± 0.76 % to 60.00 ± 0.87% and a relatively high water retention capacity from 28.85 ± 1.46% to 69.24 ± 0.52%) for its better preservation. The microbiological quality of chicken sausage was studied over a period of four weeks under one storage condition (4°C) and showed that the chicken sausage is fairly safe for consumers compared to the recommended levels (absence of salmonella, a total mesophilic aerobic flora of 2.6.103 ± 3.8.102 CFU/g of product, a rate of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli respectively 2.05.101±3.2 and 6.8±3.2 CFU/g of product) after four weeks chilling storage. The chicken garlic sausage was the best sample appreciated by consumers organoleptically with a percentage of 77.02%. Therefore, processing of chickens in chicken sausage can be a technological center to explore.
Mathematical Connection Profile of Junior High School Students in Solving Mathematical Problems based on Gender Difference
Authors: Pambudi Didik Sugeng , Budayasa I Ketut , Lukito Agung
Published: August 2018

This study aimed at describing the mathematical connection profile of Junior High School students in solving mathematical problems based on gender difference. The subjects were two eighth grade students who had the same math ability. They were one male student and one female student. Subjects were selected by giving a math ability test, and based on the same scores at a middle level. The research type was exploration with a qualitative approach. Data were taken by interviewing the subject in depth on the basis of Task problem-solving. The problem-solving task contained narrative matter related to Geometry matter and Social Arithmetic. Data credibility used time triangulation. Data analysis was done by data categorization, data reduction, data display, data interpretation, and conclusion. The research results showed that male student connected and used mathematical ideas in the Abstrak : Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk men deskripsikan profil koneksi matematis siswa Sekolah Menengah Pertama dalam memecahkan masalah matematika berdasarkan perbedaan gender.form of facts, concepts/principles, and mathematical symbols in sufficient quantity, and they were linked appropriately and the mathematical ideas connection were used effectively so that it could solve problems correctly. The female student made a connection with mathematical ideas in excessive quantity and the connection was not appropriate, so the student could not solve the problem correctly. This indicated that mathematical connection profile of male student in solving mathematical problems was an efficient, strong, and effective category. On the other hand, the mathematical connection profile of female student in solving mathematical problems was in the category of inefficient, weak, and ineffective. From this result, it is suggested to the math teachers to create a learning process that is able to facilitate all students to practice improving their mathematical connection ability so they are able to succeed in solving mathematical problems.
Fever in Steven Johnson Syndrome , a case report
Authors: Qato Migena , Kraja Dhimiter , Como Najada
Published: August 2018

Steven Johnson syndrome is a life threatening clinical condition that is  usually manifested with fever , rash, bullous formation, oral and ocular lesions and genital and anal lesions. This syndrome, in majority of cases  begins with influenza-like symptoms and continues with a red rash and blisters . Then the top layer of the affected skin dies and sheds.[1,2] This case report is about a 28 year old male patient who was referred to the Infectious Disease Hospital of University Hospital Center Mother Theresa Tirana with the suspected diagnosis of Hemorrhagic Fever. The patient referred 5 days of  continuous fever, malaise, rash, myalgia, headache, and nausea As soon as the patient was admitted, we immediately performed specific serologic tests, therapeutic regimen for the suspected diagnosis of  hemorrhagic fever and complementary examination. During the first 10 hours, we noticed that the rash became more intense and other skin lesion and bullous formation appeared. The patient was admitted in ICU and initial diagnosis of Steven Johnson Syndrome was made. This case report elaborates the particular clinical appearance and the misdiagnosis that was associated with Steven Johnson Syndrome.[3] Specific conditions as the prolonged prodromal phase of SJS, the strong epidemiological data for hemorrhagic fever, the absence of information for misuse of drugs led us towards a “sure diagnosis” in the first place. However, the close follow-up in the ICU revealed new clinical signs and rapid differential diagnosis was done. Due to the intensive care therapy, which was applied for Hemorrhagic fever at first place, we managed to overcome complications and safe the patient life.[4]
Societal Perception of Repositioning Childhood Education Through Mother Tongue: Prospects and Challenges in Northwest Nigeria
Authors: Halima Sarkinfada
Published: August 2018

This paper focuses on prospects and problems of the use of mother tongue as medium of instruction for the whole duration of primary education in the North Western States of Nigeria. The language of instruction is very crucial to education at every level because it serves as the key to learning.  Mother tongue serves as the first language of children. Low trend of enrolment in primary school has been attributed to the use of foreign language of instruction in schools which is contrary to the customs and traditions of the people in the North Western states of Nigeria. Pupils find it difficult to socialize with the English language and do not have a sense of belonging in school. The research intends to examine the prospects and problems of the use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction for pupils in North west Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The instrument for this study was a self-develop questionnaire titled "Questionnaire on prospects and problems Mother tongue". The population of the study include stakeholders' in the society, which include parents, Guardians, and Teachers, involved in childhood education. A total of 907 participated in the study, 113 parents, 30 Guardian, and 764 Teachers,  Stratified sampling technique was used to select 3 States from 7 North-western states. Which include Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto states in North West Nigeria.. Ten (10) metropolitan primary schools were selected from the 3 states using simple random sampling technique. Since there no significant difference between the views of parents, teachers and other stakeholders on the prospects of the use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction for pupils in North West Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that  since the prospects of Mother tongue ate inevitable and its challenges are inherent. Teachers, parents and all stakeholders should be more proactive in discharging their professional functions  in  teaching of Mother Tongue and the English language currently during lessons.
Evaluation of the Performance of Creative Arts Teachers of Cape Coast Metropolitan Kindergarten Schools
Authors: Ansah Stephen Owusu
Published: August 2018

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the performance of creative Arts Teachers of Cape Coast Metropolitan Kindergarten Schools. The research design adopted for this study is the descriptive survey. The research design adopted for this study is the descriptive survey. Twenty-two (22) teachers and ten (10) head teachers totalling thirty-two (32) were used for the study. Questionnaire and observation were the instruments used for the study. It was found out that teachers have the necessary creative art skills and new knowledge pupils need to acquire. It was also found out that although the KG schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis have teaching and learning materials, the materials are not in suitable conditions. It was recommended that teaching and learning materials must be kept in a suitable condition.
The Role of the Former combatants’ reintegration on promotion of inclusion and equity in Mt. Elgon region, Kenya
Authors: Wamocha Lydiah
Published: August 2018

The social reintegration of former combatants is the most important aspect of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process. Post conflict societies are marked by their past traumas long after the interest of most outsiders has ebbed. Reintegration understood in this context, speaks to societal transformation, which both takes time and is prone to setbacks long after peace has formally been declared. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of reintegration of former combatants on promotion of inclusion and equity. The objective of the study was to explain the role of the former combatants’ reintegration on promotion of inclusion and equity in Mt. Elgon region. The desistance theory was used in the study. The study used the cross sectional descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised former combatants, Sub County Commissioners, peace committee members, religious leaders and NGOs. The respondents comprised former combatants, sub county commissioners and peace committee members, religious leaders and NGOs. The stratified and purposive random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 150 former combatants, Three Sub County commissioners and 16 peace committee members, five religious leaders and Four NGO members. Data was collected by use of questionnaires, interviews and Focus Group discussion. In order to ascertain validity, the questionnaires and interview schedules were given to experts who matched all the items with the research questions to ascertain whether the instruments would measure all that it is supposed to measure. The reliability of the instruments was determined through test retest of the instruments. Data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages. Data from in-depth interviews was audio taped and transcribed. The transcripts were then organized into themes and categories as they emerged from the field. The findings of the study were presented descriptively. The findings of the study showed that: in the context of social reintegration the three dimensions of family and community; sustainable employment; and civic responsibilities should be given proper attention: to achieve the goal of reintegration there should be a major shift in the contemporary DDR approach by moving from the insertion approach towards a social reintegration one; community support is essential for the successful reintegration of former combatants  and the sustainable social and economic reintegration of former combatants should be the ultimate objective of disarmament and demobilization and reintegration (DDR). Consequently, the study recommends that the government should budget for and give priority to the reintegration programmes so that they are fully completed instead of leaving them at the reinsertion stage; the communities take the lead in proposing community- based solutions for the issues identified.
Real-Time Digital Signal Recovery for a Low-Pass Transfer Function System with Multiple Complex Poles
Authors: Lee Jhinhwan
Published: August 2018

In order to solve the problems of waveform distortion and signal delay by many physical and electrical systems with linear low-pass transfer characteristics with multiple complex poles, a general digital-signal-processing (DSP)-based method of real-time recovery of the original source waveform from the distorted output waveform is proposed. From the convolution kernel representation of a multiple-pole low-pass transfer function with an arbitrary denominator polynomial with real valued coefficients, it is shown that the source waveform can be accurately recovered in real time using a particular moving average algorithm with real-valued DSP computations only, even though some or all of the poles are complex. The proposed digital signal recovery method is DC-accurate and unaffected by initial conditions, transient signals, and resonant amplitude enhancement. This method can be applied to most sensors and amplifiers operating close to their frequency response limits or around their resonance frequencies to accurately deconvolute the multiple-pole characteristics and to improve the overall performances of data acquisition systems and digital feedback control systems.
3D-Printed Microfluidic Platform Enabling Bacterial Preconcentration and DNA Purification for Molecular Detection of Pathogens in Blood
Authors: Kim Yonghee , Lee Jinyeop , Park Sungsu
Published: August 2018

Molecular detection of pathogens in clinical samples often requires pretreatment techniques, including immunomagnetic separation and magnetic silica bead (MSB)-based DNA purification to obtain the purified DNA of pathogens. These two techniques usually rely on handling small tubes containing a few millilitres of the sample and manual operation, implying that an automated system encompassing both techniques is needed for larger quantities of the samples. Here, we report a 3D-printed microfluidic platform that enables bacterial preconcentration and genomic DNA (gDNA) purification for improving the molecular detection of target pathogens in blood samples. The device consists of two microchannels and one chamber, which can be used to preconcentrate pathogens bound to antibody-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (Ab-MNPs) and subsequently extract gDNA using magnetic silica beads (MSBs) in a sequential manner. The device was able to preconcentrate very low concentrations of pathogens and extract their genomic DNA in 10 mL of 10% blood within 30 min, and thus allowed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR to detect 1 colony forming unit of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in 10% blood. The results suggest that the 3D-printed microfluidic platform is highly useful for lowering the limitations on molecular detection in blood by preconcentrating the target pathogen and isolating its DNA in a large volume of the sample.
Health Risks Associated with Occupational Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution in Commercial Drivers: a Systematic Review
Authors: Lawin Herve , Ayi Fanou Lucie , Hinson Antoine Vikkey , Stolbrink Marie , Houngbegnon Parfait , Kedote Marius , Fayomi Benjamin , Kagima Jacqueline , Katoto Patrick , Ouendo Edgard Marius Dona , Mortimer Kevin
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Ambient air pollution is major global health problem and commercial drivers are particularly exposed to it. No systematic assessment of the health risks associated with occupational exposure to ambient air pollution in this population has been carried out. Methods: We conducted a systematic review using a protocol-driven strategy. Papers published from inception to 20th April 2018 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, African journals online, Cochrane library, ISRCTN and WHO ICTRP databases were screened for inclusion by two independent reviewers. Original articles with at least an available abstract in English or French were included. Results: The initial search retrieved 1454 published articles of which 20 articles were included. 3 Studies reported a significant difference in white blood cells (106/L) among commercial motorcyclists compared to rural inhabitants (5.041±1.209 vs 5.900±1.213,p=0.001), an increased risk of lung cancer (RR=1.6, 95%CI 1.5-1.8) in bus drivers and an increased standardized mortality ratio (SMR) in bus drivers from Hodgkin’s lymphoma (SMR 2.17, 95%CI 1.19-3.87) compared to white collar workers. Other studies also found that drivers had more oxidative DNA damage and chromosome breaks. 4 papers failed to demonstrate that the drivers were more exposed to air pollution than the controls. 3 other studies also reported no significant difference in lung function parameters and respiratory symptoms. The genetic polymorphisms of detoxifying enzymes were not also homogeneously distributed compared to the controls. Conclusion: There is some evidence that occupational exposure to ambient air pollution among commercial drivers is associated with adverse health outcomes but the existing literature is limited with few studies of small sample size, methodological weaknesses and contradictory findings. Further research is recommended.
A Glance at the Mozambican Dairy Research
Authors: Cambaza Edgar
Published: August 2018

The Mozambican dairy industry landscape is not well known because the research about it presents numerous inconsistencies. These inconsistencies are possibly due to miscommunication between scholars, entrepreneurs, the government and other actors, besides major events such as the civil war and policy changes and overall lack of coordination. This study aimed to catalog and relate the major studies and findings in the Mozambican dairy research, contextualize them historically, analyze the implications and provide hints for future researchers. Dairy research seemed intimately related to the industry’s development, and it has been dependent on the country’s sociopolitical changes and opportunities. Social and economic studies are more abundant, perhaps because the dairy industry is emerging, thriving to stand out in a very competitive environment, but there are also studies in applied sciences, especially microbiology and chemistry. There are promising directions to follow such as the improvement of herding techniques (e.g. feeding, disease control), multidisciplinary synergies or exploration of traditional dairy products such as masse. Also, it would be important for institutions to share their research through electronic platforms, even the information published prior to the existence of the worldwide web.
Geometrical Information Flow Regulated by Time Lengths
Authors: Roberto Telles Charles
Published: August 2018

The article analyzes Bernoulli 's binary sequences in representation of empirical events about the distribution of natural resources and population sizes. Considering the event as a nonlinear system, and consisting of two dependent random variables, with memory and probabilities in maximum finite or infinite lengths, constant and equal to ½ for both variables (stationary process). The expressions of the possible trajectories remain constant in sequences that are repeated alternating the presence or absence of one of the variables at each iteration (asymmetric). There are constant oscillations in the event except if the variables X1 and X2 are regulated as a function of time Y. It is observed that the variables X1 and X2 assume in time Tk → ∞ specific behaviors (geometric variable) that can be used as management tools for random systems. In this way, the article seeks to know from this analyzes, the maximum entropy of information in the system by a theoretical view and how to model resources distribution or containment in the given problem.
Bayesian Count Data Modeling for Finding Technological Sustainability
Authors: Jun Sunghae
Published: August 2018

Technology development changes society and society demands new and innovative technology development. We analyze technology to understand society and technology itself. Many researches have been introduced in various fields. Most of them were about patent analysis. This is because detailed and accurate results of research and development are patented. In this paper, we study on new patent analysis method based on count data model and Bayesian regression analysis. Using count data model, we analyze the technological keywords extracted from the collected patent documents. We use the posterior distribution of Bayesian statistics to reflect the experience and knowledge of the relevant technological experts in the analysis model. Moreover, we apply the proposed model to finding sustainable technologies. Finding and developing sustainable technologies is an important activity for companies and research institutes to maintain their technological competitiveness. To illustrate how our modeling could be applied to real domain, we carry out a case study using the patent documents related to artificial intelligence.
Alchornea floribunda (Müll. Arg.), Phytochemistry and Biological Activities: A Review
Authors: Agbo Matthias Onyebuchi , Okoye Festus Basden Chiedu , Ebi Godwin Chukwu , Osadebe Patience Ogoamaka
Published: August 2018

Alchornea floribunda is a small evergreen plant that grows up to 32 feet tall. It belongs to the family of Euphorbiaceae and is found mainly in African forest undergrowth. In Nigeria it’s leaves, stems and roots are widely used in folkloric medicine in the management of many ailments and diseases. The pharmacological activity of A. floribunda depends mainly on the part used. The leaves have been documented to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-cancer activities while the roots and stems have been reported to possess antibacterial activity. Thus, this review summarizes all the findings and information about the phytochemistry, biological activities and various isolated bioactive constituents from the leaves, roots and stems of Alchornea floribunda.
Are New Olympic Attractions Well-Connected? A Network Analysis Measurement of Visitor Movement Patterns in Gangneung, South Korea
Authors: Kim Eujin-Julia , Jo Yongjun , Kang Youngeun
Published: August 2018

One of the most serious concerns about mega event-related changes to small cities is how to effectively utilize newly developed public attractions after the Olympic Games. Making connections with existing local amenities and forming attraction networks can be effective strategies for continuing a city’s revitalization. However, despite the expected benefits, attraction network research shows that these benefits often fail to materialize. With the case of Gangneung, a 2018 winter Olympic hosting city, this study investigated visitation patterns to nineteen selected attractions using network analysis. The results indicate that the most influential nodes are located on the northern coast, the eastern coast, and in the south downtown area, those nodes being the central locations where the strongest of connections are made. New attractions such as the Olympic Park and Walwha Linear Park were rather isolated. While seasonal and periodic variations, visitors’ residences, and destination choice attitudes had a significant effect on visitation patterns, the attraction networks, modes of transportation, proximity to region, and type similarity were not significant factors in the forming of visitation patterns. The results make a methodological contribution to tourist behavior and network research. In addition, beyond individual attraction development, the results provide practical implications in regard to networking and cooperation between multiple attractions using temporal and spatial strategies such as management/investment prioritizing, travel route development, and program scheduling.
The “Frail” Brain Blood Barrier in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Role of Early Disruption of Endothelial Cell to Cell Connections
Authors: Maiuolo Jessica , Gliozzi Micaela , Musolino Vincenzo , Scicchitano Miriam , Carresi Cristina , Scarano Federica , Bosco Francesca , Nucera Saverio , Ruga Stefano , Zito Maria Caterina , Mollace Rocco , Palma Ernesto , Fini Massimo , Muscoli Carolina , Mollace Vincenzo
Published: August 2018

The main neurovascular unit of the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) consists of a cellular component, which includes endothelial cells, astrocytes, pericytes, microglia, neurons and oligodendrocytes, as well as a non-cellular component resulting from the extracellular matrix. The endothelial cells are the major vital component of the BBB able to preserve the brain homeostasis; these cells are situated along the demarcation line between the bloodstream and the brain. Therefore, an alteration or the progressive disruption of the endothelial layer may clearly impair the brain homeostasis. The proper functioning of the brain endothelial cells is generally ensured by two elements: 1) the presence of junction proteins; 2) the preservation of a specific polarity involving an apical-luminal and a basolateral-abluminal membrane. In view of the above, this review intends to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying BBB function and their changes occurring in early stages of neurodegenerative processes in order to develop novel therapeutic strategies aimed to counteract neurodegenerative disorders.