bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LEDs: Sources and Intrinsically Bandwidth-Limited Detectors
Authors: Filippo Roberto , Taralli Emanuele , Rajteri Mauro
Published: July 2017

The increasing demand for light emitting diodes (LEDs) is driven by a number of application categories, including display backlighting, communications, signage, and general illumination. Nowadays, they have also become attractive candidates as new photometric standards. In recent years, LEDs have started to be applied as wavelength-selective photo-detectors as well. Nevertheless, manufacturers’ datasheets are limited about LEDs used as sources in terms of degradation with operating time (aging) or shifting of the emission spectrum as a function of the forward current. On the contrary, as far as detection is concerned, information about spectral responsivity of LEDs is missing. We investigated, mainly from a radiometric point of view, more than 50 commercial LEDs of a wide variety of wavelength bands, ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to near infrared (NIR). Originally, the final aim was to find which LEDs could better work together as detector-emitter pairs for the creation of self-calibrating ground-viewing LED radiometers; however, the findings that we are sharing here following, have a general validity that could be exploited in several sensing applications.
Scheduling for Emergency Tasks in Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Xia Changqing , Jin Xi , Kong Linghe , Zeng Peng
Published: July 2017

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are widely applied in industrial manufacturing systems. By means of centralized control, the real-time requirement and reliability can be provided by WSNs in industrial production. Furthermore, many approaches reserve resources for situations in which the controller cannot perform centralized resource allocation. The controller assigns these resources as it becomes aware of when and where accidents have occurred. However, the reserved resources are limited, and such incidents are low-probability events. In addition, resource reservation may not be effective since the controller does not know when and where accidents will actually occur. To address this issue, we improve the reliability of scheduling for emergency tasks by proposing a method based on a stealing mechanism. In our method, an emergency task is transmitted by stealing resources allocated to regular flows. The challenges addressed in our work are as follows: (1) emergencies occur only occasionally, but the industrial system must deliver the corresponding flows within their deadlines when they occur; (2) we wish to minimize the impact of emergency flows by reducing the number of stolen flows. The contributions of this work are two-fold: (1) we first define intersections and blocking as new characteristics of flows; and (2) we propose a series of distributed routing algorithms to improve the schedulability and to reduce the impact of emergency flows. We demonstrate that our scheduling algorithm and analysis approach are better than the existing ones by extensive simulations.
An Adaptive Feature Learning Model for Sequential Radar High Resolution Range Profile Recognition
Authors: Peng Xuan , Gao Xunzhang , Zhang Yifan , Li Xiang
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes a new feature learning method for the recognition of radar high resolution range profile (HRRP) sequences. HRRPs from a period of continuous changing aspect angles are jointly modeled and discriminated by a single model named the discriminative infinite restricted Boltzmann machine (Dis-iRBM). Compared with the commonly used hidden Markov model (HMM)-based recognition method for HRRP sequences, which requires efficient preprocessing of the HRRP signal, the proposed method is an end-to-end method of which the input is the raw HRRP sequence, and the output is the label of the target. The proposed model can efficiently capture the global pattern in a sequence, while the HMM can only model local dynamics, which suffers from information loss. Last but not least, the proposed model learns the features of HRRP sequences adaptively according to the complexity of a single HRRP and the length of a HRRP sequence. Experimental results on the Moving and Stationary Target Acquisition and Recognition (MSTAR) database indicate that the proposed method is efficient and robust under various conditions.
Identification of Load Categories in Rotor System Based on Vibration Analysis
Authors: Zhang Kun , Yang Zhaojian
Published: July 2017

Rotating machinery is often subjected to variable loads during operation. Thus, monitoring and identifying different load types is important. Here, five typical load types have been qualitatively studied for a rotor system. A novel load category identification method for rotor system based on vibration signals is proposed. This method is a combination of ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), energy feature extraction, and back propagation (BP) neural network. A dedicated load identification test bench for rotor system was developed. According to loads characteristics and test conditions, an experimental plan was formulated, and loading tests for five loads were conducted. Corresponding vibration signals of the rotor system were collected for each load condition via eddy current displacement sensor. Signals were reconstructed using EEMD, and then features were extracted followed by energy calculations. Finally, characteristics were input to the BP neural network, to identify different load types. Comparison and analysis of identifying data and test data revealed a general identification rate of 94.54%, achieving high identification accuracy and good robustness. This shows that the proposed method is feasible. Due to reliable and experimentally validated theoretical results, this method can be applied to load identification and fault diagnosis for rotor equipment used in engineering applications.
Differences in Infiltration and Evaporation of Diesel and Gasoline Droplets Spilled onto Concrete Pavement
Authors: Adrià Mora Bernat , Hilpert Markus
Published: July 2017

Pollution at gas stations due to small spills that occur during vehicle refueling have received little attention. We have performed laboratory experiments to assess evaporation and infiltration of fuel spilled onto concrete. Changes in the concrete mass after small amounts of diesel and gasoline were spilled have been analyzed. Variation in humidity, among other parameters, clearly affects the measured mass since condensed water is constantly added to or released from the concrete. This mass experiences an about exponential decay in time. The difference in behavior between both fuel types is important as the percentage of evaporated mass is much larger for gasoline, while infiltration is more significant for diesel. A statistical analysis suggests that the initial spill amount does not significantly affect the fraction of infiltrated fuel over time. This finding is in agreement with pore-scale simulations that we performed. A significant amount of fuel could be seeping into soil and groundwater underneath concrete pavement at gas stations or could be released to the atmosphere. Possible solutions for pavement and groundwater pollution are considered.
Spatial Modelling of Urban Physical Vulnerability to Explosion Hazards Using GIS and Fuzzy MCDA
Authors: Ghajari Yasser , Alesheikh Ali , Modiri Mahdi , Hosnavi Reza , Abbasi Morteza
Published: July 2017

Most of the world’s population is concentrated in accumulated spaces in the form of cities, making the concept of urban planning a significant issue for consideration by decision makers. Urban vulnerability is a major issue which arises in urban management, and is simply defined as how vulnerable various structures in a city are to different hazards. Reducing urban vulnerability and enhancing resilience are considered to be essential steps towards achieving urban sustainability. To date, a vast body of literature has focused on investigating urban systems’ vulnerabilities with regard to natural hazards. However, less attention has been paid to vulnerabilities resulting from man-made hazards. This study proposes to investigate the physical vulnerability of buildings in District 6 of Tehran, Iran, with respect to intentional explosion hazards. A total of 14 vulnerability criteria are identified according to the opinions of various experts, and standard maps for each of these criteria have been generated in a GIS environment. Ultimately, an ordered weighted averaging (OWA) technique was applied to generate vulnerability maps for different risk conditions. The results of the present study indicate that only about 25 percent of buildings in the study area have a low level of vulnerability under moderate risk conditions. Sensitivity analysis further illustrates the robustness of the results obtained. Finally, the paper concludes by arguing that local authorities must focus more on risk-reduction techniques in order to reduce physical vulnerability and achieve urban sustainability.
Determination of the Suitability of Some American Grapevine Rootstocks as a New Edible Landscape Component of Vertical Gardens
Authors: Cakir Atilla , Yalcinalp Emrah , Dogan Ezgi , Meral Alperen
Published: July 2017

In this study, grapevine was used as the research material. This plant which epitomizes the opinion that vertical gardens can have a positive influence on human psychology with their beautiful view, e.g., the hanging gardens of Babylon about 2500 years ago. The study in question was conducted in 2016 at Bingol University, Faculty of Agriculture, the Department of Garden Plants research and application area. The offshoot growth was measured in a fertilizer experiment that formed the control, first application (200 g/100 L water, leaf) and second application (100 g/100 L water + 20% leaf + root). Moreover, the plant’s footprint in the vertical area was determined. The average offshoot growth of 1103 P American grapevine rootstock in the first and second applications was measured as 61.5 cm and 39.5 cm respectively, and it was 43.0 cm and 51.0 for C American grapevine rootstock. The average growth of 1103 P and 1616 C American grapevine in the control group was determined as 30.6 cm and 32.1 cm. The average growth of both American grapevine rootstocks used in the experiment was determined to be higher for the first and second applications than the controls.
Influencing Factors and Simplified Model of Film Hole Irrigation
Authors: Li Yi-Bo , Fan Yan-Wei , Liu Ye , Ma Xiao-Yi
Published: July 2017

Film hole irrigation is an advanced low-cost and high-efficiency irrigation method, which can improve water conservation and water use efficiency. Given its various advantages and potential applications, we conducted a laboratory study to investigate the effects of soil texture, bulk density, initial soil moisture, irrigation depth, opening ratio (ρ), film hole diameter (D), and spacing on cumulative infiltration using SWMS-2D. We then proposed a simplified model based on the Kostiakov model for infiltration estimation. Error analyses indicated SWMS-2D to be suitable for infiltration simulation of film hole irrigation. Additional SWMS-2D-based investigations indicated that, for a certain soil, initial soil moisture and irrigation depth had the weakest effects on cumulative infiltration, whereas ρ and D had the strongest effects on cumulative infiltration. A simplified model with ρ and D was further established, and its use was then expanded to different soils. Verification based on seven soil types indicated that the established simplified double-factor model effectively estimates cumulative infiltration for film hole irrigation, with a small mean average error of 0.141–2.299 mm, a root mean square error of 0.177–2.722 mm, a percent bias of −2.131–1.479%, and a large Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient that is close to 1.0.
Commercialisation de la céramique et concurrence à l’époque romaine dans les territoires suessions, rèmes et viromanduens
Authors: Corsiez Amélie
Published: July 2017

La céramique romaine provenant de quatre pagi appartenant aux territoires des Suessions, des Rèmes et des Viromanduens a été étudiée dans le cadre d’une thèse de doctorat. La chronologie du mobilier a été fixée et les fonctions examinées, et nous traitons plus particulièrement ici de l’approvisionnement des sites grâce à l’étude systématique des fabriques. Cet approvisionnement est d’abord étudié par phase, puis plus finement pour la Grey coarse ware. Nous caractérisons les fabriques de cette classe et voyons ensuite les répartitions dans la région. Les limites des territoires ne jouent pas de rôle dans la diffusion des récipients, tandis que le rôle des rivières apparaît. Toutefois, des contraintes de déplacement découle vraisemblablement l’existence d’un maillage de marchés hebdomadaires. Ceux-ci favorisent un système de redistribution locale, visible dans la multiplication des petits ateliers locaux.
Les procès politiques du règne de Louis XI
Authors: Mattéoni Olivier
Published: July 2017

Le règne de Louis XI a été marqué par de nombreux procès politiques, au point que l’on a pu parler d’une « déferlante judiciaire ». Comment ces procès doivent-ils être interprétés ? S’agit-il uniquement de détournement et d’instrumentalisation de la justice à des fins strictement politiques, comme l’avance une tradition historiographique ? Ou, au contraire, ces procès sont-ils la mise en application de principes théoriques en rapport avec la défense de la majesté royale, comme le soutient une autre tradition ? L’article s’attache à rendre compte de la complexité du phénomène en examinant notamment le discours d’accusation, le rôle des commissions ou encore la place du Parlement dans les procédures.
La répression des criminels de lèse-nation. Aux sources révolutionnaires de la redéfinition de la justice politique
Authors: Gaven Jean-Christophe
Published: July 2017

L’incrimination de lèse-nation est consacrée dès les premiers jours de la Révolution. Arme judiciaire contre les adversaires du régime, elle servira aussi comme instrument de contrôle social des mauvais citoyens. Il s’agissait alors de concilier les libertés nouvelles et l’impératif de sûreté collective. Elle est promue dès 1789 comme un ressort essentiel de l’État de droit et de la démocratie représentative. Comme tout procès ordinaire, la lèse-nation est soumise aux nouvelles règles du procès pénal. Malgré cela, la constitution de 1791 ne la reprend pas car il n’était pas question de faire disparaître les procès politiques face à de nouvelles pratiques administratives et policières.
Le procès politique comme coproduction entre l’État et ses opposants : l’exemple des affaires communistes (1947-1962)
Authors: Codaccioni Vanessa
Published: July 2017

À travers les cas d’atteinte à la sûreté de l’État communistes pendant la guerre froide et la guerre d’Algérie, l’analyse des procès politiques ne doit pas focaliser sur un seul des acteurs impliqués dans une procédure judiciaire, les membres d’un parti exclu de la participation au pouvoir, ou les agents de l’État, mais, au contraire, doit les penser ensemble, rationnellement. Émergeant toujours dans des périodes de crise, de guerre ou de post-conflit, les procès politiques doivent à la rencontre de deux stratégies complémentaires d’utilisation politique du droit et de la justice.
Para la edición de las Coplas de Jorge Manrique: stemma y selección de variantes
Authors: Pérez Priego Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2017

En este trabajo se presenta una nueva propuesta para la edición crítica de las Coplas sobre la muerte de su padre, de Jorge Manrique. Partiendo de la colación de testimonios lo más amplia y completa posible, se establece un nuevo stemma codicum con prevalencia de la tradición ? (ALFA) y del manuscrito LB3. Ese stemma es el que debe guiar la selección de variantes, que arrojará una nutrida serie de lecciones hasta ahora casi nunca tenidas en cuenta por los editores del poema.
El avance del dequeísmo en el siglo XIX: factores desencadenantes
Authors: Serradilla Castaño Ana
Published: July 2017

En este estudio se analizan los casos de dequeísmo aparecidos en el siglo XIX. Se parte de los datos obtenidos en diversos corpus y se observan los tipos de verbos con los que se documenta el dequeísmo, el tipo de construcciones en las que aparece, la cronología de los ejemplos, así como factores lingü.sticos (semántico-pragmáticos, sociales y psicolingü.sticos) o extralingü.sticos (procedencia de los textos, tipos de escrito, nivel cultural de los hablantes...) que pueden resultar decisivos para su aparición en el discurso.
De “viles acemileros” y “Minerva con el can”: una posible lectura
Authors: Paolini Devid
Published: July 2017

Una de las expresiones enigmáticas de Celestina que todavía no ha podido explicarse satisfactoriamente es la referencia a “Minerva con el can” del acto I. La crítica ha propuesto diferentes soluciones sin que ninguna haya logrado imponerse sobre las demás. En este trabajo se propone Il Novellino de Masuccio Salernitano como fuente de la cita.
A Simulation Model for Resource Balancing in Healthcare Systems
Authors: Şenaras Arzu Eren , Sezen Hayrettin Kemal
Published: July 2017

This study aims to analyze resource effectiveness through developed model. Changing different number of resources and testing their response, appropriate number of resources can be identified as a basis of resource balancing through what-if analysis. The simulation model for emergency department is developed by Arena package program. The patient waiting times are reduced by the tested scenarios. Health care system is very expensive sector and related costs are very high. To raise service quality, number of doctor and nurse are increased but system target is provided by increased number of register clerk. Testing different scenarios, effective policy can be designed using developed simulation model. This chapter provides the readers to evaluate healthcare system using discrete event simulation. The developed model could be evaluated as a base for new implementations in other hospitals and clinics.
Leveraging Applications of Data Mining in Healthcare Using Big Data Analytics
Authors: Tekieh Mohammad Hossein , Raahemi Bijan , Benchimol Eric I.
Published: July 2017

Big data analytics has been introduced as a set of scalable, distributed algorithms optimized for analysis of massive data in parallel. There are many prospective applications of data mining in healthcare. In this chapter, the authors investigate whether health data exhibits characteristics of big data, and accordingly, whether big data analytics can leverage the data mining applications in healthcare. To answer this interesting question, potential applications are divided into four categories, and each category into sub-categories in a tree structure. The available types of health data are specified, with a discussion of the applicable dimensions of big data for each sub-category. The authors conclude that big data analytics can provide more advantages for the quality of analysis in particular categories of applications of data mining in healthcare, while having less efficacy for other categories.
Influence of Network Constraints on Modeling and Analysis of Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Grubmüller Stephanie , Stettinger Georg , Benedikt Martin , Watzenig Daniel
Published: July 2017

A cyber-physical system (CPS) is a composition of an embedded computer, a network and a physical process. Usually, the plant, which represents the physical part, is controlled by an embedded system, which consists of computation, communication and control elements, via the global network. This contribution focuses on networked control systems (NCSs) which represents a specific class of CPS. As the problems of CPSs and NCSs are quite similar the goal is to transfer well developed techniques of NCSs to CPSs for analysis purposes. NCSs deal with the analysis of the interaction between the physical system and the cyber system. A main challenge of a control engineer is the development of stable and robust controllers for a NCS. The same goal is present in the design of CPS. To ensure this goal the analysis of such a feedback system has to be performed which is not straight forward and limited by the used modeling approach. This work compares different state-of-the-art modeling approaches for NCSs and stability analysis methods therefore.
An Efficient Channel-Aware Aloha-Like OFDMA-Based Wireless Communication Protocol for IoT Communications in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yaacoub Elias
Published: July 2017

Wireless sensor networks consisting of several sensors deployed in a given area, under an internet of things (IoT) paradigm, are considered. Sensor nodes may or may not be close enough to communicate with each other in order to perform collaborative transmissions. A communication protocol based on random access and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) is proposed in order to allow the sensors to operate autonomously by transmitting their measured data to a central processing system, where it is processed and analyzed. Whenever it has data to transmit, each sensor independently accesses a time-frequency slot in a probabilistic manner to avoid collisions. A controlling entity, e.g., a central base station (BS) covering a certain sensor deployment area receives the sensor transmissions and provides synchronization information by periodically transmitting a pilot signal over the available OFDMA subcarriers. Sensors use this signal for channel quality estimation. Results show that this approach performs well in terms of transmission data rates and collision probability.
Generation and Verification of a Safety-Aware Virtual Prototype in the Automotive Domain
Authors: Weissnegger Ralph , Schachner Martin , Pistauer Markus , Kreiner Christian , Römer Kay , Steger Christian
Published: July 2017

The electrification of today's vehicles and the high number of new assistance features imply more and more complex systems. New challenges are arising through heterogeneous and distributed systems which interact with each other and have an impact on the physical world, so-called cyber-physical systems. The sensing and controlling of these systems is the work of the highly distributed electronic control units and it is no surprise that more than 100 of these microcontrollers are currently integrated in a modern (electric) car. Technological, organizational and design gaps in today's development flows are not covered by current methods and tools. Therefore, new approaches are essential to support the development process and to reduce costs and time-to-market, especially when systems are safety-critical and demand reliability. Through applying reliability analysis and simulation-based verification methods on the proposed model-based design flow, we are able to reduce the number of tools involved and achieve correctness, completeness and consistency of the entire system.
Confinement of Masonry Columns with Steel and Basalt FRCM Composites
Authors: Santandrea Mattia , Quartarone Giovanni , Carloni Christian , Gu Xiang Lin
Published: July 2017

The rehabilitation of existing masonry elements by means of jacketing of columns using composite materials is becoming a remarkable technique in several applications that aim to increase the strength of existing masonry buildings. Fiber reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites are a newly developed strengthening system that consist of high-strength fibers embedded in a cementitious grout and externally bonded to the substrate. High resistance to fire and high temperatures, ease of handling during application, and vapor permeability with the substrate are some of the characteristics that make FRCMs a promising alternative to traditional organic composites such as fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. This work presents the results of an experimental study carried out to understand the behavior of masonry columns with a square cross-section confined by steel and basalt fiber sheets embedded in a mortar matrix subjected to monotonic concentric compressive load. The effectiveness of the confinement is studied in terms of load-bearing capacity with respect to unconfined columns. The effect of corner radius for columns confined with basalt fibers is investigated.
Failure in Clay Brick Masonry with Soft Brick under Compression: Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Pruthvi Raj G. , Ravula Mehar B. , Subramaniam Kolluru V.L.
Published: July 2017

An experimental investigation of compressive failure in masonry made of soft clay bricks is presented. The research attempts to address the concern of strong/stiff mortars available in the market today in combination with poor quality burnt clay bricks available in India. Masonry assemblages are tested to evaluate the influence of the relative strength of mortar on the observed damage evolution and compressive failure. Damage evolution associated with the formation and propagation of vertical splitting cracks during the compressive load response of masonry assemblages in the stack bonded arrangement are studied using a full-field optical technique based on digital image correlation. The stress state in the composite material produces tension in the mortar and confined compression in brick. Using image correlation clear evidence of the crack forming in the mortar and propagating into the brick is established. Failure is produced by vertical splitting and the number of cracks depend upon the tensile strength of the mortar relative to the brick and the number of head joints. Head joints act as stress risers, leading to high tensile stress.
Criteria for the Repair of Damage to Masonry Walls of Buildings Affected by Earthquakes Using Composite Materials with Inorganic Matrix
Authors: La Tegola Antonio , Mera Walter
Published: July 2017

After the inspections to the damage caused by the last earthquake in Ecuador, and considering the construction typologies of reinforced concrete buildings in Guayaquil and Manta (Ecuador), in order to rebuild or repair the masonry walls we must resort to composite materials with inorganic matrix (cementitious). Composite materials in FRP with an organic matrix (epoxy) are not appropriate because, with an increase of strength they have a brittle behavior, therefore without possibility of energy dissipation not having the ductility provided by a metallic mesh or cobalt-metallic mesh, which have the advantage of using it with a cementitious matrix of frequent use in the current technology. Since the photographic records and the design of those masonry structures allow determining in detail the dynamics of the damage, it is possible to add to the theoretical analysis an experimental verification on the behavior of masonry walls with reinforced plastering with FRP or with metallic mesh with inorganic matrix under seismic actions.
James Henry Greathead and the London Underground
Authors: Wright Laurence
Published: July 2017

This article investigates the origins and early history of the device known as the ‘Greathead Shield’, an important innovation in Victorian engineering crucial to constructing the London Underground. The aim is to explore the basis on which, many years later, a South African engineer, James Henry Greathead, was accorded prominent public acknowledgment, in the form of a statue, for ‘inventing’ the Shield. From a cultural studies perspective, how is the meaning of ‘invention’ to be understood, given that several other brilliant engineers were involved? The question is adjudicated using the notion of cultural ‘extelligence’, seen in relation to several contemporary and historical accounts, including Greathead’s own record of his achievements in the proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers and presented in The City and South London Railway (1896), edited by James Forrest. The paper was first delivered at the conference on ‘Novelty and Innovation in the Nineteenth Century’ held at the North-West University in May 2016.
Ecofeminist invitations in the works of Sindiwe Magona
Authors: Shober Dianne
Published: July 2017

The global challenges of environmental devastation and gender-based injustice require a multifocal approach in appropriating effective solutions. While acknowledging the effectual endeavours initiated through the social and natural sciences to counteract these areas of degradation, this paper offers another field of potential mediation: ecofeminist literary criticism. Through its interrogation of selected works by the black South African writer, Sindiwe Magona, it seeks to reveal the value of literature as a tool to counteract destructive political and patriarchal rhetorical paradigms, which have served to oppress nature and women and, through ecofeminist discourse, mitigate lasting global change.
The use of mixed-methods research to diagnose the organisational performance of a local government
Authors: Olivier Benjamin H.
Published: July 2017

Orientation: The majority of local governments in South Africa are underperforming; a first step to improve their performance is to accurately diagnose their current functioning. The utilisation of a mixed-methods approach for this diagnosis based on a valid model of organisational performance will form a better and holistic understanding of how a local government is performing.Research purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the utility of mixed-methods research as a diagnostic approach for determining the organisational performance of a local government in South Africa.Motivation for the study: The use of either quantitative or qualitative data gathering in isolation as part of an organisational diagnosis can lead to biased information and not identifying the root causes of problems. The use of mixed-methods research in which both quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods are utilised has been shown to produce numerous benefits, such as confirmation of gathered data, providing richer detail and initiating new lines of thinking. Such multiple methodologies are recognised as an essential component of any organisational diagnosis and can be an effective means of eliminating biases in singular data gathering methods.Research design, approach and method: A concurrent transformative mixed-methods strategy based on the Burke–Litwin model of organisational performance with triangulation of results and findings to determine convergence validity was used. A convenience sample of 116 (N = 203) permanent officials in a rural district municipality in South Africa completed a survey questionnaire and were also individually interviewed.Main findings: Results indicate that mixed-methods research is a valid technique for establishing the integrity of survey data and for providing a better and holistic understanding of the functioning of an organisation. The results also indicate that the Burke–Litwin model is a useful and valid diagnostic framework for identifying the strengths and development areas of an organisation’s performance. Finally, the results established the reliability and validity of the survey instrument used for gathering data.Practical and managerial implications: A mixed-methods research approach is a useful method to diagnose organisations’ performance to ensure data integrity and to obtain a comprehensive picture of an organisation’s performance. A further practical implication is that managers and practitioners can use the Burke–Litwin model as a basis for diagnosing the performance of an organisation with confidence, as it identifies the most important aspects of an organisation’s functioning.Contribution and value add: Organisational diagnoses are usually conducted by either quantitative or qualitative means, while the use of mixed-methods research is a relatively underutilised approach. This study aims to contribute to the availability of research approaches for diagnosing the performance of organisations.
Nigerian Pidgin: A Means of Human Development
Authors: Motanya Charles Chukwuma
Published: July 2017

Growth and development are the target of every human being. There are several avenues for achieving this said development and one of such means is through the development of a viable language that will aid in people’s effective communication for gains. This paper therefore explores the effective use of Nigerian Pidgin in the development of artistes in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Data were generated from a library research. The study is based on systemic-functional grammar. The findings indicate that Nigerian Pidgin has offered many artistes the opportunity to showcase to the wider public their works. This in turn, improves their financial and social status. The research recommends that Nigerian Pidgin should be adopted and included among one of Nigeria’s official language.
Tourism: A Promoter of Human Development
Authors: Nana Aniekan Etim
Published: July 2017

Tourism is a rapidly growing phenomenon and has become one of the largest industries in the world. The impact of tourism varies extremely. On one hand, it plays an important and certainly positive role in the socio-economic and political development in destination countries by, for instance, offering new employment opportunities. It also contributes to a broader cultural and understanding by creating awareness respecting the diversity of cultures and ways of life. On the other hand, it is a tool to create jobs. Tourism has been a major driver. The objective of this paper is to promote the sustainable development of the tourism industry through capacity building of the government in the area of human resource development, improved sectoral planning and governance. The study focuses on empirical investigation of the contribution of the rapidly developing tourism supporting and enhancing infrastructure. Tourism affords huge employment and income generating opportunity. Its impact on bio-physical environment is well acknowledged, hence the emphasis on sustainable tourism and human development. Tourism represent nowadays one of the most dynamic economic sectors, which, despite all the crisis and the unfortunate event of the past, but also in spite of the realities of the global economy nowadays, has demonstrated a tendency towards stable development on the economic, social and environmental planes.Key words: Tourism, human development, economic development.
English Language, the Nigerian Education System and Human Development
Authors: Njoku Juliana Chinwe
Published: July 2017

The role English language plays in human development in Nigeria is the focal point of this paper. Basically, language is the most frequently used and the most highly developed form of human communication. Through language, people interact, share ideas and express their feelings. Without language, man would be incapable of a sustained and result oriented thinking. Education is unarguably an essential instrument for change and human development. At different levels of schooling in formal education, students are equipped with life-long knowledge and skills that would enable them realize their full potentials as human beings. However, all forms of education (formal, informal and non-formal) are realized through language; hence, language and education are inseparable. In the Nigerian polity, English language plays the role of a second language, considering the multilingual nature of the country. English is also the language of instruction in the Nigeria education system. Not only is it the language of instruction, it is also a compulsory subject and a yardstick for evaluating a learner’s school performance. The normal teachinglearning process thrives on effective communication between the teacher and the learner. No matter how expertly, learning experiences are selected and organized, the ultimate objective of the teaching-learning exercise would not be achieved if the language of instruction is unfamiliar to the leaner. This is where English language comes in. English language is indispensable to education in Nigeria, thus, it is a veritable tool for human development.Keywords: English Language, Veritable tool, Human Development, Education, and Nigeria
Religion: A Vital Element for Curbing the Menace of Kidnapping in Nigeria for Human Development
Authors: Okobia Faith Nkem
Published: July 2017

Human capital development has been the most powerful tool for national development; however, Nigeria has been weighed down by the menace of kidnapping which is militating against human development. Kidnapping of people for ritual or extortive or ransom purposes cut across all classes of people - children, foreign workers, traditional rulers government officials, religious leaders medical practitioners, lecturers, politicians and some commoners. This phenomenon has enriched the perpetrators who now contend with the nation in the arena of legitimate use of force and monopoly of violence. The menace of kidnapping is a reflection of moral decadence in Nigeria hence the need for religious studies which inculcate the right moral values such as honesty, hard work, value for life and good human relations which generate peace in the society. It also infuse sanity into the fast decaying nation, prevent the citizens from being social deviant, curb kidnapping and enhance human development. The aim of this paper is to emphasize on the importance of religious studies in curbing the menace of kidnapping. The method used in gathering information concerning this work is the secondary source such as text books, newspapers and electronic media. Findings show that poverty, social; deprivation, frustration – aggression unemployment, lack of youth empowerment and lack of moral values in the lives of many youth led to the menace of kidnapping there should be provision of employment and empowerment opportunities for youth and Religious bodies and the government should educate the masses on the sanctity of life and good human relations.Keywords: Religion, Human development and kidnapping
Music Education: A Vehicle for Fostering Positive Youth Development
Authors: Ojukwu Ebele V.
Published: July 2017

In the contemporary Nigerian society, many youths are faced with various challenges. The inability of these young people to cope with these challenges result in all-risk behavior such as lack of confidence, low self-esteem, low motivation, etc. Over the years, indulging in music program has proved to yield positive results in the development of the youths. This paper attempts to investigate the outcome of youth’s participation in music programs. The paper argues that active engagement of the youths in music program can yield positive youth development rather than perceived deficits and risks behaviors. The paper is anchored on the positive youth development theory which focused on the positive assets young people bring to their engagement. It employs survey and library as its methodology and concludes by suggesting that since young people who have shown competency in music program exhibit more positive youth development, teaching and learning strategies and environmental supports that foster the development of youths should be emphasized.
Role of Philosophy in Human Development in Nigeria
Authors: Asike Jude Chinweuba
Published: July 2017

It is indeed absurd to talk about development or impose on a human race a civilization without reference to Philosophy. Philosophy is a living subject which embraces all dialectical interpretations of life changes in society. It gives the hermeneutics understanding of reality by acting as a means to an end, through the interpretations of logical relations, ethical issues of categorical imperatives and methodological principles and concepts in our lives given situations. This paper therefore, intends to outline the issue of Philosophical importance to human development. The idea of development in the light of Philosophical postulations, ethical precision and statistics are required for human and scientific development. Philosophy in this perspective is the form and abstraction or the orientation man uses to interpret his world view. It has helped in the concept of human development, to a great deal of being in the epics of the humanitarian paradigm. Philosophy could be a genuine supporting tool for a harmonious existentialism in Nigeria, through proper restructuring of the polity, educational system, and judicial interpretations on the areas of retributive and distributive justice.
Religion and Gender Roles in Africa: A Case Study of Religion and Gender Roles in Africa: A Case Study of Agricultural Patterns in Nike Primal CommunityAgricultural Patterns in Nike Primal Community
Authors: Ejim Uchechukwu Monica
Published: July 2017

Gender roles are the apportioning of certain roles to a particular sex by society. This is quite different from gender disparity which promotes the ideology that one sex is better than the other. They are gender ideologies which can be deconstructed. In some primal cultures however, they were imbued with religious undertones and up scaled to divine mandate in order to give them legitimacy and ensure adherence to them. In this regard, African primal cultures were not left out. The problem then, is that these two ideologies are most times mixed up. And at other times, gender role has been understood as one of the tools of gender disparity. This research is poised to find out if the apportioning of certain roles to a particular sex by society has always been a product of patriarchal tendencies and of negative consequence to the society. Using historical methods, this paper tried to answer the above question by reviewing a cultural practice in Nike primal community that consisted in the allocation of certain farm crops to a specific gender. The result of the review showed that gender roles have biological basis to an extent, they can be comforting; they guided the members of the society through the tricky business of living. It was productive and beneficial to individual affirmation and the survival and progress of society and will also serve the present society in the same vein if the element of rigidity is removed. But it also existed side by side with gender disparity and other patriarchal tendencies that were detrimental to the survival and progress of society. The theoretical frame work operative here is feminism, and the key words are religion, gender roles, patriarchy, culture and primal communities.
An English-Igbo Translation of Palm Oil Production and Processing Terms for Human Development
Authors: Ilechukwu Daniel Ihunanya
Published: July 2017

The Igbo speaking people are well known for Palm Oil production and processing in Nigeria. This occupation is one of the lucrative ventures among other trades or occupations for which the Igbo man expresses himself. With the recent technological advancement in the method of production and processing of palm oil, more English terms that do not exist in the Igbo language create communication problems. It is expected that Igbo farmers of South Eastern Nigeria be equipped with the Igbo equivalents of both the new and old terms involved in this venture for a balanced and free flow of communication. To achieve this objective, the technical terms involved in palm oil production and unit operations are documented (translated) from the English to Igbo language with the aid of different translation techniques. Method employed is a survey research. Data was also collected from five states of the South Eastern Nigeria, namely: Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi states respectively. Findings of the study indicate that some English terms have no Igbo equivalents, which calls for the documentation of terms in this area. Again, some mediocre translators create terms indiscriminately without following the morphological rules involved in the process thereby making it difficult to comprehend. Moreso; some terms do not have its equivalents in the target language (Igbo). Based on these findings, it is recommended that the federal government of Nigeria should give the needed support for research development; the mass media should help in making newly created terms popular; translators involved in terminology should register with international organizations for unification of terminological neologism, etc. This research will be of great importance to farmers of palm oil production and processing, teachers and students in the area of study, the mass media and the general public for free flow of communication. The study was concluded based on the findings with summary, conclusion and suggestion for further studies.
The Impact of Culture on the Development of a Child
Authors: Isidienu Ifeyinwa Cordelia
Published: July 2017

Culture performs a significant role in the development of a child. No individual develops outside the culture. The cultural background in which a child is brought up affects the totality of his life’s activities. It is the culture of the people that creates the folk that stipulates reasons for action. Notions already established by an individual as a result of these formation processes are difficult to change. The formed behaviour is a symbol of identity and could also be an obstacle to adaptation. The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria have a landmark in child’s development. It is, however necessary to ascertain those cultural make-ups that could bring differences in character that marks off an individual from the rest of the same kind; and however a barrier or an advantage to human development.
Sobre como tolhemos a curiosidade das crianças
Authors: De Souza Cícera Andreia , Donadel Tamara Biasi , Kunz Elenor
Published: July 2017

Este estudo busca refletir sobre a curiosidade das crianças, evidenciando a importância do brincar espontâneo para o seu fomento. Procuramos mostrar que a busca constante pelo desenvolvimento de habilidades técnicas nas crianças e a falta de compreensão sobre a curiosidade faz com que pais e professores não incentivem ou incentivem pouco a curiosidade delas, principalmente quando limitam suas possibilidades de brincar. Na educação física, a compreensão do brincar através do “Se-Movimentar” contribui para pensarmos as crianças a partir de suas necessidades de brincar e curiosar.
O desenvolvimento moral na Educação Física: um estudo de revisão
Authors: Marcon Ana Maria , Becker Maria Luiza Rheingantz
Published: July 2017

Este artigo apresenta um levantamento das pesquisas publicadas em cinco periódicos da área de educação física, entre 2009 e 2013, referentes às concepções pedagógicas, formação de professores e prática docente para situar o desenvolvimento da moralidade na perspectiva desta disciplina. Evidencia-se que entre as possibilidades articuladas em diferentes discursos estão o “como” e o “porquê”- utilizados como sinônimos de estabelecer objetivos e aprofundar as razões - tão importantes quanto o “saber fazer” que estão diretamente vinculados à formação moral.
A Educação Física no contexto da educação do campo: a realidade do conteúdo jogo na escola
Authors: Casagrande Nair , Ramos Fernanda Lima
Published: July 2017

O presente trabalho é resultado do Projeto de Pesquisa “A Educação Física no Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST): experiências pedagógicas a partir da Cultura Corporal”. O estudo foi realizado em áreas de reforma agrária do MST na região do Recôncavo da Bahia. O objetivo geral foi analisar a realidade da prática pedagógica do jogo, enquanto conteúdo de ensino da Educação Física, na Escola do Assentamento Nova Panema, no período de 2009/2011. A metodologia da pesquisa utilizou os instrumentos da observação participante, registros fotográficos e de campo, análise de documentos e entrevista semiestruturada. Os resultados evidenciam que, apesar da Educação Física não constar como componente curricular no projeto político-pedagógico da escola, o conteúdo “jogo” estava presente na prática pedagógica da professora da turma multisseriada.  Contudo, este vinha sendo utilizado na escola predominantemente como um instrumento de ensino ou como atividade recreativa.