bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new class of organogelators based on triphenylmethyl derivatives of primary alcohols: hydrophobic interactions alone can mediate gelation
Authors: Singh Wangkhem P , Singh Rajkumar S
Published: January 2017

In the present work, we have explored the use of the triphenylmethyl group, a commonly used protecting group for primary alcohols as a gelling structural component in the design of molecular gelators. We synthesized a small library of triphenylmethyl derivatives of simple primary alcohols and studied their gelation properties in different solvents. Gelation efficiency for some of the derivatives was moderate to excellent with a minimum gelation concentration ranging between 0.5–4.0% w/v and a gel–sol transition temperature range of 31–75 °C. 1,8-Bis(trityloxy)octane, the ditrityl derivative of 1,8-octanediol was the most efficient organogelator. Detailed characterizations of the gel were carried out using scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, rheology and powder XRD techniques. This gel also showed a good absorption profile for a water soluble dye. Given the non-polar nature of this molecule, gel formation is likely to be mediated by hydrophobic interactions between the triphenylmethyl moieties and alkyl chains. Possible self-assembled packing arrangements in the gel state for 1,8-bis(trityloxy)octane and (hexadecyloxymethanetriyl)tribenzene are presented. Results from this study strongly indicate that triphenylmethyl group is a promising gelling structural unit which may be further exploited in the design of small molecule based gelators.
Abstracts from the Poster Session of the 2016 American Massage Therapy Association National Convention
Authors: Authors Various
Published: January 2017

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SYSTEMATIC DECISION MAKING: A EXTENDED MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING MODEL
Authors: YU Xiaohan , XU Zeshui , LIU Shousheng
Published: January 2017

Considering some complex multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problems, in which decision environment is dynamic, there are various interdependences among criteria, and plans (systematized alternatives) consisting of multiple time sequential interdependent actions, cannot be well handled by means of the existing MCDM methods, therefore, we develop a systematic decision making (SDM) as an improvement and supplement of the classic MCDM in this paper. The SDM is for prescribing methods of evaluating and selecting the most favourite plan (a system) from a group of feasible ones concerning influences of time-varying criteria system under dynamic external environment. Through detailed analysis, we separate a SDM problem into multi-period MCDM subproblems, and then a plan can be a combination of time sequential strategies in which each strategy (a subset of actions) is a feasible decision choice of corresponding MCDM sub-problem. After clarifying variety of interdependences, interactions and interrelationships in the SDM problems, such as criteria-interdependences, action-interdependences, interactions between criteria and criteria system, interactions between actions and strategies, interactions between strategies and plans, interactions between internal environment (criteria system) and external environment, feedbacks from external environment to the corresponding MCDM sub-problems, and interrelationships among MCDM sub-problems and so on, we transform the SDM into multi-period interrelated MCDM model which can be dealt with more easily by using multiple optimization models. At the end of the paper, three typical properties of the SDM are proposed and most of the existing MCDM models are pointed out as special cases of the SDM.
PROCESŲ GAVYBOS METODŲ TAIKYMAS ĮMONĖS VEIKLOS ANALIZEI ATLIKTI
Authors: Brazdžiūnaitė Otavija , Trinkūnas Justas
Published: January 2017

Kiekvienoje įmonėje kiekvieną minutę vyksta tam tikri procesai, IT sistemos fiksuoja kiekvieną įvykį išsaugodamos laiko žymę sistemoje. Sukaupti duomenys apie verslo procesų eigą suteikia galimybę aptikti, stebėti ir tobulinti verslo procesus. Darbe nagrinėjama problema yra ta, kad realiai vykstančio proceso modelis neatitinka įmonėse nustatyto proceso modelio. Darbo tikslas – sumažinti verslo proceso modelio atotrūkį nuo realiai vykstančio verslo proceso ir įmonėje aprašyto proceso modelio.
ROBUST AUGMENTED REALITY SYSTEM
Authors: Meleško Jaroslav
Published: January 2017

I developed an augmented reality system based on Hough transform to transcend limitations of popular Augmented
Reality libraries such as ArUco. The purpose of the system is to project a digital image on to a real canvas, merging
digital and traditional artistic media for ease of art production and practice. The technological challenges were
identified in fiducial marker based prototype and overcome in the Hough transform based system are as follows: need for
a printed marker, imprecision and weakness to occlusion. The developed software based on Hough transform works with
any standard sheet of paper (A4, A3 formats). The system projects a photograph directly on to canvas or paper and automatically
rotates and fits the image within the canvas. It is also resistant to occlusion, such as a hand on top of the canvas
or canvas that is not fully within the frame. Resistance to small scale noise is achieved thought Hough transform and
large occlusions are overcome by a line averaging algorithm. The software has shown 14% better performance than analogical
ArUco library based software.
Hard X-Ray Emission from Partially Occulted Solar Flares: RHESSI Observations in Two Solar Cycles
Authors: Effenberger Frederic , Costa Fatima Rubio da , Oka Mitsuo , Saint-Hilaire Pascal , Liu Wei , Petrosian Vahé , Glesener Lindsay , Krucker Säm
Published: January 2017

Flares close to the solar limb, where the footpoints are occulted, can reveal the spectrum and structure of the coronal looptop source in X-rays. We aim at studying the properties of the corresponding energetic electrons near their acceleration site, without footpoint contamination. To this end, a statistical study of partially occulted flares observed with Reuven Ramaty High-Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager is presented here, covering a large part of solar cycles 23 and 24. We perform detailed spectra, imaging, and light curve analyses for 116 flares and include contextual observations from SDO and STEREO when available, providing further insights into flare emission that were previously not accessible. We find that most spectra are fitted well with a thermal component plus a broken power-law, non-thermal component. A thin-target kappa distribution model gives satisfactory fits after the addition of a thermal component. X-ray imaging reveals small spatial separation between the thermal and non-thermal components, except for a few flares with a richer coronal source structure. A comprehensive light curve analysis shows a very good correlation between the derivative of the soft X-ray flux (from GOES) and the hard X-rays for a substantial number of flares, indicative of the Neupert effect. The results confirm that non-thermal particles are accelerated in the corona and estimated timescales support the validity of a thin-target scenario with similar magnitudes of thermal and non-thermal energy fluxes.
CROSS-CORRELATING THE γ-RAY SKY WITH CATALOGS OF GALAXY CLUSTERS
Authors: Branchini Enzo , Camera Stefano , Cuoco Alessandro , Fornengo Nicolao , Regis Marco , Viel Matteo , Xia Jun-Qing
Published: January 2017

We report the detection of a cross-correlation signal between Fermi Large Area Telescope diffuse γ-ray maps and catalogs of clusters. In our analysis, we considered three different catalogs: WHL12, redMaPPer, and PlanckSZ. They all show a positive correlation with different amplitudes, related to the average mass of the objects in each catalog, which also sets the catalog bias. The signal detection is confirmed by the results of a stacking analysis. The cross-correlation signal extends to rather large angular scales, around 1°, that correspond, at the typical redshift of the clusters in these catalogs, to a few to tens of megaparsecs, i.e., the typical scale-length of the large-scale structures in the universe. Most likely this signal is contributed by the cumulative emission from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) associated with the filamentary structures that converge toward the high peaks of the matter density field in which galaxy clusters reside. In addition, our analysis reveals the presence of a second component, more compact in size and compatible with a point-like emission from within individual clusters. At present, we cannot distinguish between the two most likely interpretations for such a signal, i.e., whether it is produced by AGNs inside clusters or if it is a diffuse γ-ray emission from the intracluster medium. We argue that this latter, intriguing, hypothesis might be tested by applying this technique to a low-redshift large-mass cluster sample.
CT&I e desenvolvimento desigual no Brasil: é possível outro “modelo de desenvolvimento”?
Authors: Theis Ivo Marcos , Strelow Daniel Rodrigo , Lasta Tatiane Thaís
Published: January 2017

O território brasileiro é marcado por desigualdades. Para promover a sua redução, o discurso dominante sugere maiores incentivos em Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação [CT&I]. O objetivo deste artigo é examinar a relação entre os investimentos em CT&I e suas repercussões no território brasileiro, especificamente, quanto à diminuição das desigualdades socioeconômicas e das disparidades inter-regionais. Temporalmente, considerou-se o período recente (2000 a 2013). Geograficamente, usou-se o recorte das macrorregiões brasileiras. Mobilizaram-se indicadores socioeconômicos e dados sobre investimentos em CT&I. Os resultados evidenciam que as políticas de CT&I não vêm contribuindo para a diminuição das desigualdades socioeconômicas e disparidades regionais. A persistência dessas últimas acaba consolidando uma paisagem marcada pelo desenvolvimento geográfico desigual, alimentado por processos históricos de acumulação de capital.  Em vista disso, sugere-se outro modelo de desenvolvimento, mais democrático, feito para e com as pessoas, baseado noutra matriz de CT&I, em que a tecnologia social deverá ganhar maior relevância.
Ensino de aspectos da climatologia aplicados à engenharia ambiental apoiado por métodos estatísticos
Authors: Penereiro Júlio César , Ferreira Denise Helena Lombardo
Published: January 2017

Este trabalho apresenta uma pesquisa desenvolvida a partir de um projeto envolvendo estudantes de graduação em engenharia. A abordagem utilizada foi o tratamento de dados reais da área ambiental, empregando conteúdos estatísticos e recursos da informática visando a identificação de possíveis tendências nos índices de temperaturas do ar e de precipitações pluviométricas de alguns municípios do Estado de São Paulo. Foram usadas as informações contidas no Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia visando o tratamento de dados no contexto climático abordando conteúdos estatísticos. Aplicaram-se análises de regressão e os testes não paramétricos de Mann-Kendall e de Pettitt. Os resultados confirmam que quatorze temperaturas analisadas acusaram ocorrências de tendências positivas e para apenas uma encontrou-se tendência negativa. Somente uma localidade apresentou diminuição no índice de precipitação pluviométrica. Nas demais cidades analisadas não foram verificadas indícios de tendências dessas variáveis climáticas.   No decorrer da pesquisa suscitaram várias questões a respeito dos conteúdos utilizados, implicando em interpretações relacionadas aos métodos estatísticos usados. Os resultados, em termos de aprendizagem, apontaram um ganho de conhecimento com relação aos conteúdos estatísticos desenvolvidos, indicando que os estudantes envolvidos ficaram mais motivados ao usarem a Estatística em uma situação da atualidade.
Effect of Humeral Component Version on Outcomes in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Aleem Alexander W. , Feeley Brian T. , Austin Luke S. , Ma C. Benjamin , Krupp Ryan J. , Ramsey Matthew L. , Getz Charles L.
Published: January 2017

Although reverse shoulder arthroplasty provides excellent clinical results in appropriately selected patients, loss of external and internal rotation may occur. Component selection, design, and placement affect postoperative results. Recent studies considered the effect of humeral component version on functional results. The current study investigated whether humeral stem retroversion affects the outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty with a retrospective review of a multisurgeon, industry-sponsored, prospectively gathered database of a single reverse shoulder arthroplasty implant. All patients had at least 2-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale pain score, Short Form-12 Mental and Physical Component scores, range of motion, and internal rotation function, were compared between patients with humeral retroversion of 10° or less (group A) and those with humeral retroversion of 20° or greater (group B). Radiographic outcomes were compared. The analysis included 64 patients (group A, 29 patients; group B, 35 patients). No clinical or statistically significant difference was found in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. Both groups showed statistical and clinical improvement vs preoperative scores, with group A averaging 77.8 and group B averaging 79.2 at final follow-up. No differences were found between groups in range of motion or ability to perform tasks that require shoulder internal rotation. Patients can expect good clinical improvement after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. No difference was found in clinical or radiologic outcomes based on humeral component retroversion. Despite the theoretical increase in external rotation when the humeral component is placed closer to native retroversion, the results did not show this effect. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(3):179–186.]
Retorno de un cruzado, de José Jiménez Lozano. Génesis, intertextualidad y originalidad de un proceso de escritura
Authors: Arbona Abascal Guadalupe
Published: January 2017

Este trabajo estudia el proceso de creación de Retorno de un cruzado (2013), vigésimo cuarta novela de José Jiménez Lozano. Partiendo de los comentarios del autor, se consignan las diferentes redacciones de la obra y se consideran las razones literarias que prevalecen en la versión definitiva. A continuación, se exploran las intertextualidades literarias presentes en la obra. Finalmente, se identifica el eje que sostiene la originalidad de la novela: el personaje contador de historias.
Consumer Information Systems as Services
Authors: Tuunanen Tuure , Gardner Lesley , Bastek Martin
Published: January 2017

Consumer Information Systems (CIS) are a type of information systems that provides services to consumers instead of addressing users in traditional organizational settings, such as Internet based television. Services typically involve a trade-off between achieving high service productivity and quality. The use of service mass customization to successfully address these issues of both productivity and quality in a service context is proposed. We suggest that the development of Consumer Information Systems as Services (CISaS) may achieve such service mass customization. This paper presents a conceptual framework and investigates how it applies to a set of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) offerings as an emerging market in New Zealand.
Multicultural Considerations in Play Therapy Caregiver Consultation
Authors: Brumfield Kristy A. , Owens Celita J. , Steen Rheta LeAnne , Floer Renee M.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this chapter is to review the literature regarding parent consultation and to address special considerations when working across cultures and ethnicities. Understanding privacy expectations and how to meet the needs of families, without discouraging the caregivers or unintentionally breaking cultural guidelines, will be explored. This chapter is extremely important because mental health professionals must adhere to the diversity guidelines and ethical standards of practice in complex cases, with many involved caregivers at times. When consulting with caregivers from culturally diverse backgrounds, consultants need to consider the impact of culture on the caregiver, the child client, and on the consultation process.
Green Marketing as a Tool for Reducing Environmental Footprint of the Construction Industry
Authors: Sertyesilisik Begum
Published: January 2017

The world's habitat is being deteriorated in an accelerated way. Construction industry is one of the industries which affect the environment adversely due to its processes' and outputs' environmental footprint. Green marketing can play an important role in changing unsustainable production and consumption patterns in the construction industry and in enhancing its sustainability performance. For this reason, this chapter aims to introduce green marketing as a tool for reducing environmental footprint of the construction industry for establishment of the sustainable built environment. This chapter covers the following topics: need for reducing environmental footprint of the construction industry; need for and ways of as well as advantages of, potential drivers for and barriers against using green marketing as a tool for reducing environmental footprint of the construction industry.
Propriedade familiar e o earnings management no Brasil: uma análise sob a ótica do “take a bath” e do “income smoothing”
Authors: Almeida-Santos Paulo Sérgio , Dani Andréia Carpes , Dal Magro Cristian Baú , Machado Débora Gomes
Published: January 2017

Devido às características próprias das empresas familiares, estas se diferenciam das companhias não familiares, especialmente, quanto ao seu poder centralizador e conservador, planos estratégicos em longo prazo com o objetivo de perpetuação de seus negócios, salvaguardando o capital do grupo familiar. Por esses e outros motivos, as empresas familiares têm chamado a atenção de pesquisadores, sobretudo, na identificação do nível de relação entre a propriedade familiar e os resultados destas companhias. Oportunamente, o propósito deste artigo teórico-empírico, de natureza quantitativa, do tipo documental e descritivo, consiste em identificar se companhias de propriedade familiar se diferenciam das demais companhias não familiares, quanto à produção média de accruals discricionários, e quanto ao coeficiente de variação dos lucros sobre a variação das vendas; bem como identificar o nível de relação da propriedade familiar com a prática do take a bath (produção de accruals discricionários negativos) e do income smoothing (suavização de resultados) entre as companhias brasileiras de capital aberto listadas na BM&FBOVESPA®, no período de 2000 a 2010. Os resultados encontrados inicialmente mostram que as empresas familiares tendem a produzir mais accruals discricionários negativos, assim como coeficientes da razão entre a variação dos lucros sobre as vendas acentuadamente mais negativos, fazendo com que estas se diferenciem das demais empresas não familiares. Resultados obtidos por meio da regressão logística, modelos logit e probit, mostram que a propriedade familiar está relacionada positivamente, tanto com a prática do take a bath, quanto com o income smoothing, sendo com este último uma relação mais significativa estatisticamente.
Preventive Maintenance Scheduling Sequence for Bottleneck Equipment in a Manufacturing Line
Authors: Shahrir Nurhaiza , Adam Nor Mariah , Ariffin Mohd Khairol Anuar
Published: January 2017

This paper analyzes preventive maintenance scheduling of bottleneck equipment in a line concept of a wafer manufacturing line that has buffer in between equipment. After the start-up of the manufacturing, it has implemented time based maintenance and counter based maintenance without any fix sequence. The maintenance team will select in advance the date and time of the actual preventive maintenance to be perform and making sure all resources are planned. Then maintenance team implemented a Preventive Maintenance sequence which gives the lowest impact in production loss without sacrificing equipment’s quality and safety. This Preventive Maintenance Scheduling sequence is the best suitable method for manufacturing equipment that has buffer in between equipment which is arranged in a line concept. It has also been tested and proven in a wafer manufacturing industry.
Vibration Analysis on the Dog Leg Subsea Pipeline due to Internal Fluid Flow
Authors: Chamelia Dirta Marina , Wardhana Wisnu , Silvianita
Published: January 2017

Internal fluid flow can affect a vibration on the dog leg subsea pipeline due to bend in the pipe structure. This study was done by varying fluid speeds which flows inside of piping system to obtain a pipe safety limitation due to internal flow. The results showed that the vibration occurred in the piping is still within safety tolerance, and distribution of maximum stress occurred at 900 bend. Therefore, it was recommended to add the buffer support installed in the middle of span to reduce amplitude at the longest segment.
Turbulent Mixing in Raja Ampat Sea
Authors: Pamungkas Aditya , Radjawane Ivonne M. , Hadikusumah
Published: January 2017

Raja Ampat Sea has a complex geometry and passed by Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) causing a very dynamic water condition, that condition also amplified by turbulent mixing. To gain better understanding of process and extent of turbulent mixing in Raja Ampat Sea, this research calculate Brunt-Vaisala frequency, Richardson number, turbulent kinetic energy dissipation rate and vertical diffusivity coefficient. The data obtained from Expedition Widya Nusantara (EWIN) by P2O-LIPI in the territorial of Raja Ampat Sea on 14-24 November 2007, by using 12 out of 33 observation stations. From this research, it is known that in 0-40 m (mixed layer) and 250-400 m (deep layer) have Richardson number (Ri) less than 0.25 and high vertical diffusivity coefficient (Kv), It proves a strong turbulent mixing occurs at those depth. Furthermore, Raja Ampat Sea has strong turbulent mixing with average value of turbulent kinetic energy is 2.64 WKg-1and vertical diffusivity coefficient is 1.65x10-3 m2s.
Estimation of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Using Split Window Methods for Monitoring Industrial Activity in Coastal Area
Authors: Cahyono Agung Budi , Saptarini Dian , Pribadi Cherie Bhekti , Armono Haryo Dwito
Published: January 2017

The three drivers of environmental change: climate change, population growth and economic growth, result in a range of pressures on our coastal environment. Coastal development for industry and farming are a major pressure on terrestrial and environmental quality. In their process most of industry using sea water as cooling water. When water used as a coolant is returned to the natural environment at a higher temperature, the change in temperature decreases oxygen supply and affects marine ecosystem. This research is presents results from ongoing study on application of Landsat 8 for monitoring the intensity and distribution area of sea surface temperature changed by the heated effluent discharge from the power plant on Paiton coast, Probolinggo, East Java province. Remote sensing technology using a thermal band in Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensor of Landsat 8 sattelite imagery (band 10 and band 11) are used to determine the intensity and distribution of temperature changes. Estimation of sea surface temperature (SST) using remote sensing technology is applied to provide ease of marine temperature monitoring with a large area coverage. The method used in this research using the Split Window Algorithm (SWA) methods which is an algorithm with ability to perform extraction of sea surface temperature (SST) with brigthness temperature (BT) value calculation on the band 10 and band 11 of Landsat 8. Formula which was used in this area is Ts = BT10 + (2.946*(BT10 - BT11)) - 0.038 (Ts is the surface temperature value (°C), BT10 is the brightness temperature value (°C) Band 10, BT11 is the brightness temperature value (°C) Band 11. The result of this algorithm shows the good performance with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) amount 0.406.
Effect of Grain Size on Corrosion Fatigue Behaviors of Primary Coolant Pipes of Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Zhang Ruo Yun
Published: January 2017

Corrosion fatigue is one of the most important failure modes of primary coolant pipe used in nuclear power plant, due to the thermal cyclic stress caused by a variety of start-up and shutdown as well as transients when severed in the high temperature and pressure water environment. And 316LN stainless steel is one of the main materials used in pressurized water reactor in nuclear power plant. The mechanisms of fatigue crack initiation and propagation were elucidated by investigating the composition properties of oxide films formed in simulated service environment. The effects of grain size on the fatigue life and crack initiation mechanism of 316LN stainless steel in 320°C water environment were also investigated. The results indicated that the specimens with fine grains (30μm) own the longest fatigue lives than those with intermediate (80μm) and coarse grains (210μm). The fatigue stress amplitudes of the specimens increased with the grain refinement, although the fatigue lives of the specimens with intermediate and coarse grains were close. Fatigue cracks were often initiated at the persistent slip bands on the surfaces of the specimens with intermediate and coarse grains, while it was not easy to be initiated on the fine grain specimens. Finally, combined with the experimental results and the actual production of industry, a suggestion for the production of the primary coolant pipe is put forward.
Fracture Energy of Woven Fabric Kenaf Composite Plates with Different Fiber Orientations
Authors: Ahmad Hilton , Ismail Al Emran
Published: January 2017

Natural fibers are potentially used as composite reinforcement in polymeric materials, but lacking of research exploration such as kenaf fibers has limited implementation in Malaysia. The advantages of natural fibers are renewable, less hazardous during fabrication and handling process and relatively cheaper as compared to synthetic fibers. The objectives of current project are to determine the fracture energy of woven fabric kenaf composite (KFRP) plates with various fiber orientations. The experiment framework includes a variation of fiber orientations as designated in testing series by using single-edge notch (SEN) testing technique. The experimental results demonstrated that testing coupons with woven fabric with 90o fiber orientation has largest fracture toughness Gc value compared to other fiber orientations understudied. Good correlations and findings were found in other parametric studied.
The Determinants of Household Poverty in South Africa
Authors: Obi Ajuruchukwu , Tafa Sanelise
Published: January 2017

South Africa was privileged to be part of the MDGs agenda which was adopted in 2000. One of the aims of MDGs was to reduce extreme poverty by half in 2015. For that reason, South Africa integrated policies and strategies to rid poverty by half to that of United Nations (UN). Through all the combined policy approaches, South Africa has successfully achieved the target of halving the population living below PPP$1.25c per person per day. Whichever threshold used, the results showed that the percentage share of people living below poverty line has now decreased from 11.3 per cent in 2000 to 4.0 per cent in 2011. However, these reports are not reflecting the exact poor’s experiences because at household level there is still an outright poverty. Therefore, if the national poverty report gives a good picture about South African poverty status whereas there is still prevalence of poverty at household level, there are high chances that wrong policies in regard to poverty reduction strategies will be wrought. Hence this paper focuses on the determinants of household poverty in South Africa. The sole aim of this paper is to assess the determinants of household poverty in South Africa. The reviewed literature on determinants of poverty in South Africa would enable policy makers to see the effect of demographic characteristics on poverty in South Africa. Thus, strategies and policies aimed at alleviating poverty in South Africa can be directed to the discussed factors.
Compatibility between the Millennium Development Goals and the Global Development Discourse: PERSPECTIVES FROM ZIMBABWE
Authors: Chiguware Tendai
Published: January 2017

The Millennium Development Goals were a rather a bold initiate meant to curtail rising levels of poverty in developing countries. While the intention of the MDGs has been roundly praised, what has beenquestioned is the capacity of the respective governments to implement and achieve the stated goals. Conceptually, there were also questions about a program with uniform indicators that did not take cognisance of disparities within countries. However, the design of the MDGs did not raise as much questions as the execution of them. In recent, there have also been questions on the possibility and efficacy of achieving the MDG. While there were always doubts about the capacity of the international community to raise the requisite resources to achieve the MDGs, there were always undercurrents of the capacity of beneficiary countries to implement the goals. Further, the study argues that the prevailing development discourse in Zimbabwe entrenched in the use and dependence of donor agencies and their respective implementing NGOs further reduced the chances of the MDGs, and consequently, sustainable development ever being achieved in the country.
Problems and Prospects of Millennium Development Goals in Ghana
Authors: Olasupo Olusola , Plaatjie S. R.
Published: January 2017

Ghana, like other developing nations, was not left behind in embracing the eight time-bound Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in September 2000. The millennium development goals aimed towards peace and good standards of living have been faced with series of problems in its attainment in Ghana. These problems have undermined the extent to which Ghana could achieve the MDGs. The study adopting qualitative research method shows that Ghana is faced with difficulty in achieving these eight millennium development goals in certain portions of the nation most especially in the rural communities due to lack of infrastructure. The study therefore recommends that Ghana should focus more on improving the standard of living of the rural dwellers by increasing the public services in the area.  The need for Ghana to focus more on solving these problems is strategic for a better result in this new era of Sustainable Development Goals.
Incentive theory for a participatory crowdsourcing project in a developing country
Authors: Bosha Elizabeth , Cilliers Liezel , Flowerday Stephen
Published: January 2017

Background: Urbanisation has put enormous strain on the limited resources and services provided by city management. This means that the city must find new ways to manage their resources more effectively. One option is to collect data in a smart city from the citizens in order to make better decisions about resource management.Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide a participatory crowdsourcing incentive model that can be used by the city of East London, South Africa, to collect information continuously from citizens in order to improve public safety in the city.Method: This study made use of a quantitative approach to gather and analyse data. Data were collected using a questionnaire sent to all 91 East London citizens who had registered on the project website. The response rate was 81.3%.Results: A model was proposed that can be used by the city to increase the participation rate of citizens in smart city projects. Three factors: intrinsic, internalised-extrinsic and extrinsic, were identified as central to the incentive model.Conclusion: The recommendation of the study is that city management can use the crowdsourcing participatory incentive model to ensure citizen participation in smart city projects.
Praktiese lesse in natuurwetenskap: 'n Gevallestudie
Authors: Mothokwa Sydney , Gaigher Estelle , Randall† Elize , Moen Melanie
Published: January 2017

This article reports a case study that contributes to the literature on the development of 21st century skills in science classrooms in South Africa. The study explores the manner in which four experienced natural science teachers integrate practical lessons into their Grade 7 classes in the Limpopo province. The study is based on a theory of curriculum implementation for science education in developing countries. Data was collected through document analysis, lesson observations and semistructured interviews. The results are discussed in terms of the preparation, enactment and assessment of practical lessons. The study revealed that these teachers presented practical tasks in a traditional manner, rather than using 21st century approaches. Typically, lesson preparation lacked essential detail, while learners were passive observers, and assessment focused on knowledge rather than skills. Additionally, inadequate time allocation for the teaching of natural science, coupled with a lack of appropriate resources, were identified as areas of concern. The insight gained in this study should be used to improve curriculum implementation and to guide teachers regarding practical lesson integration in their classrooms.
Concept of Manas in Mimāmsā Darśana
Authors: Amin Hetal , Sharma Rohit
Published: January 2017

There are many different traditions of religion and philosophy handed over in regular succession. Although the explanation and interpretations of all Darśanas are different from one another, all Darśanas have their own separate codes of conduct and priority. Philosophy is the prime specialty as it fulfills the ultimate goal of life with depiction of liberation of the soul. The aim of Mimāmsā is to unravel and make clear the mysterious and complex hymns of Vedas so as to facilitate proper interpretation of Vedic texts. In Indian culture, Manas has been described by various angles. Vedic, philosophical, and Ayurvedic literature has a vast and deep description of Manas. Philosophers either“Astika” or“Nastika” have described Manas Siddhanta vividly. Although there are several kinds of differences of opinions, all Darśanas accept the importance of Manas in the process of perception and even for the birth of any individual. An attempt is made to highlight the concept of Manas in Mimāmsā Darśana in this article.
Optimizing the Microscopy Time Schedule for Chromosomal Dosimetry of High-dose and Partial-body Irradiations
Authors: Vinnikov Volodymyr A.
Published: January 2017

The methodology of cytogenetic triage can be improved by optimizing a schedule of microscopy for different exposure scenarios. Chromosome aberrations were quantified by microscopy in human blood lymphocytes irradiated in vitro to ~2, 4, and 12 Gy acute 60Co γ-rays mixed with the unirradiated blood simulating 10%, 50%, 90%, and 100% exposure and in along with a sample from a homogeneous exposure to ~20 Gy. Biodosimetry workload was statistically modeled assuming that 0.5, 1, 5, or 25 h was available for scoring one case or for analysis of up to 1000 cells or 100 dicentrics plus centric rings by one operator. A strong negative correlation was established between the rates of aberration acquisition and cell recording. Calculations showed that the workload of 1 case per operator per·day (5 h of scoring by microscopy) allows dose estimates with high accuracy for either 90%–100% irradiations of 2 Gy or 50%–90% irradiations of 4–12 Gy; lethal homogeneous (100%) exposures of 12 and 20 Gy can be evaluated with just 1 h of microscopy. Triage analysis of 0.5 h scoring per case results in the minimum tolerable accuracy only for partial- and total-body exposure of 4–20 Gy. Time-related efficacy of conventional biodosimetry depends primarily on the aberration yield in the sample, which is dependent on the radiation dose and its distribution in the patient's body. An optimized schedule of microscopy scoring should be developed for different exposure scenarios in each laboratory to increase their preparedness to radiological emergencies.
The Application of Imaging Flow Cytometry to High-Throughput Biodosimetry
Authors: Wilkins Ruth C. , Rodrigues Matthew A. , Beaton-Green Lindsay A.
Published: January 2017

Biodosimetry methods, including the dicentric chromosome assay, the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay and the γH2AX marker of DNA damage are used to determine the dose of ionizing radiation. These techniques are particularly useful when physical dosimetry is absent or questioned. While these assays can be very sensitive and specific, the standard methods need to be adapted to increase sample throughput in the case of a large-scale radiological/nuclear event. Recent modifications to the microscope-based assays have resulted in some increased throughput, and a number of biodosimetry networks have been, and continue to be, established and strengthened. As the imaging flow cytometer (IFC) is a technology that can automatically image and analyze processed blood samples for markers of radiation damage, the microscope-based biodosimetry techniques can be modified for the IFC for high-throughput biological dosimetry. Furthermore, the analysis templates can be easily shared between networked biodosimetry laboratories for increased capacity and improved standardization. This review describes recent advances in IFC methodology and their application to biodosimetry.
Injectivity of Generalized Wronski Maps
Authors: Huang Yanhe , Sottile Frank , Zelenko Igor
Published: January 2017

We study linear projections on Plücker space whose restriction to the Grassmannian is a non-trivial branched cover. When an automorphism of the Grassmannian preserves the fibers, we show that the Grassmannian is necessarily ofm-dimensional linear subspaces in a symplectic vector space of dimension 2m, and the linear map is the Lagrangian involution. The Wronski map for a self-adjoint linear diòerential operator and the pole placement map for symmetric linear systems are natural examples.
Stability and Unstability of the Standing Wave to Euler Equations
Authors: Tang Xiuli , Wang Xiuqing , Yang Ganshan
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we first discuss the well-posedness of linearizing equations, and then study the stability and unstability of the 3-D compressible Euler Equation, by analysing the existence of saddle point. In addition, we give the existence of local solutions of the compressible Euler equation.
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Murebwayire Esperance , Njanaake Kariuki , Ngabonziza Jean Claude S. , Jaoko Walter , Njunwa Kato J.
Published: January 2017

Background: Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnancy, if left untreated, is associated with spontaneous abortions, low birth weight babies, congenital deformities and intrauterine deaths. The infection is also associated with human immune deficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). In Rwanda, the burden and risk factors of T. gondii infection among pregnant women and among HIV infected pregnant women is largely unknown. This cross-sectional study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of T. gondii infections and their risk factors among pregnant women in Kigali, Rwanda.Methods: Pregnant women aged 18 years and above who were attending antenatal care at four clinics in Kigali City, between April and August 2014 were screened for IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using ELISA technique. Information on their HIV status and CD4+ cell count was obtained from their medical records. Participants were also interviewed on selected behaviours that predispose individuals to T. gondii infection.Results: A total of 384 pregnant women were involved in the study. The overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 12.2%. Of the 384 pregnant women studied, 37 (9.6%) were positive for anti-T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies, indicating past infection and 15 (3.9%) had positive IgM results indicating recent infection. Drinking untreated water and eating undercooked meat were identified as important risk factors for T. gondii infection respectively at 22.4% and 22.3% [OR=3.95, CI:2.09-7.49; p<0.001 and OR=3.27, 95% CI: 1.75-6.09; p<0.001].Conclusion: Although the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies is relatively low, institution of interventional measures is desirable.
Observing relationships between lightning and cloud profiles by means of a satellite-borne cloud radar
Authors: Buiat Martina , Porcù Federico , Dietrich Stefano
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Cloud electrification and related lightning activity in thunderstorms have their origin in the charge separation and resulting distribution of charged iced particles within the cloud. So far, the ice distribution within convective clouds has been investigated mainly by means of ground-based meteorological radars. In this paper we show how the products from Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) on board CloudSat, a polar satellite of NASA's Earth System Science Pathfinder (ESSP), can be used to obtain information from space on the vertical distribution of ice particles and ice content and relate them to the lightning activity. The analysis has been carried out, focusing on 12 convective events over Italy that crossed CloudSat overpasses during significant lightning activity. The CPR products considered here are the vertical profiles of cloud ice water content (IWC) and the effective radius (ER) of ice particles, which are compared with the number of strokes as measured by a ground lightning network (LINET). Results show a strong correlation between the number of strokes and the vertical distribution of ice particles as depicted by the 94 GHz CPR products: in particular, cloud upper and middle levels, high IWC content and relatively high ER seem to be favourable contributory causes for CG (cloud to ground) stroke occurrence.
Turnover of microbial groups and cell components in soil: 13C analysis of cellular biomarkers
Authors: Gunina Anna , Dippold Michaela , Glaser Bruno , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Microorganisms regulate the carbon (C) cycle in soil, controlling the utilization and recycling of organic substances. To reveal the contribution of particular microbial groups to C utilization and turnover within the microbial cells, the fate of 13C-labelled glucose was studied under field conditions. Glucose-derived 13C was traced in cytosol, amino sugars and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) pools at intervals of 3, 10 and 50 days after glucose addition into the soil. 13C enrichment in PLFAs ( ∼  1.5 % of PLFA C at day 3) was an order of magnitude greater than in cytosol, showing the importance of cell membranes for initial C utilization. The 13C enrichment in amino sugars of living microorganisms at day 3 accounted for 0.57 % of total C pool; as a result, we infer that the replacement of C in cell wall components is 3 times slower than that of cell membranes. The C turnover time in the cytosol (150 days) was 3 times longer than in PLFAs (47 days). Consequently, even though the cytosol pool has the fastest processing rates compared to other cellular compartments, intensive recycling of components here leads to a long C turnover time. Both PLFA and amino-sugar profiles indicated that bacteria dominated in glucose utilization. 13C enrichment decreased with time for bacterial cell membrane components, but it remained constant or even increased for filamentous microorganisms. 13C enrichment of muramic acid was the 3.5 times greater than for galactosamine, showing a more rapid turnover of bacterial cell wall components compared to fungal. Thus, bacteria utilize a greater proportion of low-molecular-weight organic substances, whereas filamentous microorganisms are responsible for further C transformations. Thus, tracing 13C in cellular compounds with contrasting turnover rates elucidated the role of microbial groups and their cellular compartments in C utilization and recycling in soil. The results also reflect that microbial C turnover is not restricted to the death or growth of new cells. Indeed, even within living cells, highly polymeric cell compounds are constantly replaced and renewed. This is especially important for assessing C fluxes in soil and the contribution of C from microbial residues to soil organic matter.
Patterns and controls of inter-annual variability in the terrestrial Carbon budget
Authors: Marcolla Barbara , Rödenbeck Christian , Cescatti Alessandro
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The terrestrial carbon fluxes show the largest variability among the components of the global carbon cycle and drive most of the temporal variations in the growth rate of atmospheric CO2 (Le Quéré 2014). Understanding the environmental controls and trends of the terrestrial carbon budget is therefore essential to predict the future trajectories of the CO2 airborne fraction and atmospheric concentrations. In the present work, patterns and controls of the inter-annual variability (IAV) of carbon Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE) have been analysed using three different data-streams: ecosystem level observations from the FLUXNET database (La Thuille and 2015 releases), the MPI-MTE bottom-up product resulting from the global up-scaling of site-level fluxes, and the Jena CarboScope Inversion, a top-down estimate of surface fluxes obtained from observed CO2 concentrations and an atmospheric transport model. Consistencies and discrepancies in the temporal and spatial patterns and in the climatic and physiological controls of IAV were investigated between the three data sources. The global average of IAV at FLUXNET sites (~ 120 gC m−2 y−1), quantified as the standard deviation of annual NEE, was observed to peak in arid ecosystems and to be almost six times larger than the values calculated from the two global products (15 and 20 gC m−2 y−1 for MPI-MTE and Jena inversion, respectively). The two data-driven global products show that most of the temporal variability observed in the last three decades is due to yearly anomalies, whereas the temporal trends explain only about 15 % of the variability in the MPI-MTE product and 20 % in the Jena Inversion product. Both at site level and at global scale, the IAV of NEE is driven by the gross primary productivity and in particular by the cumulative carbon flux during the months when land acts as a sink. Altogether these results offer a broad view on the magnitude, spatial patterns and environmental drivers of IAV from a variety of data sources, that can be instrumental to improve our understanding of the terrestrial carbon budget and to validate the predictions of land surface models.
Uncertainty quantification in application of linear lumped rainfall-runoff models
Authors: Chang Ching-Min , Yeh Hund-Der
Published: January 2017

Abstract. This study proposes a stochastic framework for a linear lumped rainfall-runoff problem at the catchment scale. An autoregressive (AR) model is adopted to account for the temporal variability of the rainfall process. For a stochastic description, solutions of the surface flow problem are derived in terms of first two statistical moments of the runoff discharge through the nonstationary Fourier-Stieltjes representation approach. The closed-form expression for the variance of runoff discharge allows to assessing the impacts of rainfall and storage parameters, respectively, on the discharge variability. It is found that the temporal variability of the runoff discharge induced by a random rainfall process persists longer for smaller values of the storage or rainfall parameters.