bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Stirrer Impeller with Variable Operational Speed for a Food Waste Homogenizer
Authors: Kayode Idris , Ogedengbe Emmanuel , Rosen Marc
Published: May 2016

A conceptualized impeller called KIA is designed for impact agitation of food waste in a homogenizer. A comparative analysis of the performance of KIA is made with three conventional impeller types, Rushton, Anchor, and Pitched Blade. Solid–liquid mixing of a moisture-rich food waste is simulated under various operational speeds, in order to compare the dispersions and thermal distributions at homogenous slurry conditions. Using SolidWorks, the design of the impellers employs an Application Programming Interface (API) which acts as the canvas for creating a graphical user interface (GUI )for automation of its assembly. A parametric analysis of the homogenizer, at varying operational speeds, enables the estimation of the critical speed of the mixing shaft diameter and the deflection under numerous mixing conditions and impeller configurations. The numerical simulation of the moisture-rich food waste (approximated as a Newtonian carrot–orange soup) is performed with ANSYS CFX v.15.0. The velocity and temperature field distribution of the homogenizer for various impeller rotational speeds are analyzed. It is anticipated that the developed model will help in the selection of a suitable impeller for efficient mixing of food waste in the homogenizer.
Entirely Carbohydrate-Based Vaccines: An Emerging Field for Specific and Selective Immune Responses
Authors: Nishat Sharmeen , Andreana Peter
Published: May 2016

Carbohydrates are regarded as promising targets for vaccine development against infectious disease because cell surface glycans on many infectious agents are attributed to playing an important role in pathogenesis. In addition, oncogenic transformation of normal cells, in many cases, is associated with aberrant glycosylation of the cell surface glycan generating tumor associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs). Technological advances in glycobiology have added a new dimension to immunotherapy when considering carbohydrates as key targets in developing safe and effective vaccines to combat cancer, bacterial infections, viral infections, etc. Many consider effective vaccines induce T-cell dependent immunity with satisfactory levels of immunological memory that preclude recurrence. Unfortunately, carbohydrates alone are poorly immunogenic as they do not bind strongly to the MHCII complex and thus fail to elicit T-cell immunity. To increase immunogenicity, carbohydrates have been conjugated to carrier proteins, which sometimes can impede carbohydrate specific immunity as peptide-based immune responses can negate antibodies directed at the targeted carbohydrate antigens. To overcome many challenges in using carbohydrate-based vaccine design and development approaches targeting cancer and other diseases, zwitterionic polysaccharides (ZPSs), isolated from the capsule of commensal anaerobic bacteria, will be discussed as promising carriers of carbohydrate antigens to achieve desired immunological responses.
Antibacterial structure–activity relationship studies of several tricyclic sulfur-containing flavonoids
Authors: Bahrin Lucian G , Hopf Henning , Jones Peter G , Sarbu Laura G , Babii Cornelia , Mihai Alina C , Stefan Marius , Birsa Lucian M
Published: May 2016

A structure–activity relationship study concerning the antibacterial properties of several halogen-substituted tricyclic sulfur-containing flavonoids has been performed. The compounds have been synthesized by cyclocondensation of the corresponding 3-dithiocarbamic flavanones under acidic conditions. The influence of different halogen substituents on the antibacterial properties has been tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Amongst the N,N-dialkylamino-substituted flavonoids, those having an N,N-diethylamino moiety exhibited good to excellent antimicrobial properties against both pathogens. Fluorine-substituted flavonoids were found to be less active than those bearing other halogen atoms.
Characteristics and Complications of Super-Obese Patients Who Underwent Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Jauregui Julio J. , Elmallah Randa K. , Harwin Steven F. , Pierce Todd P. , Cherian Jeffrey J. , Naziri Qais , Mont Michael A.
Published: May 2016

Preoperative demographic characteristics, comorbidities, length of stay and surgery, and postoperative complications were compared between super-obese (n=1042) and nonobese (n=19,929) patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Super-obese patients were younger, were predominantly women, had an increased incidence of comorbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension as well as a high rate of superficial and deep wound infections, and had a longer mean length of stay and operative time. Although super-obese patients have unique demographic characteristics and increased postoperative complications and length of stay, they may still benefit from total knee arthroplasty. Surgeons should note their high incidence of infections. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(4):e800–e805.]
Split application of muriate of potash and sulphate of potash on growth, yield attributes, uptake and availability of nutrients in lowland rice CV. PY-5
Authors: Surendran U.
Published: May 2016

Field experiments were conducted in Typic Chromusterts of the experimental farm of the Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India to study the split application vis-a-vis customary full dose/basal application of different Potassic fertilizers viz: muriate of potash (MOP) and sulphate of potash (SOP) on rice. The soil was low in available N, medium in available P, high in available K and low in available S. Results showed that split application of potassium was found to be better than entire basal application. Application of 50 per cent K2O each at tillering and panicle initiation stages increased the growth and yield attributes of rice and N, P, K and S uptake. Similarly it has a positive impact on available potassium and sulphur. However, available nitrogen and phosphorus was higher in treatment where the entire application of K was done as basal. Among the sources tried, MOP was superior to SOP.
The effect of six substrates on the growth and yield of American oyster mushrooms based on juncao technology
Authors: Rajapakse J. C. , Rubasingha P. , Dissanayake N. N.
Published: May 2016

Mushroom cultivation in Sri Lanka is a popular cottage industry having oyster mushrooms as the most preferred variety. An investigation was carried out to study the suitability of five different plant substrates (dried banana leaves, coconut leaves, kakilla leaves (Dicranopteris dicnotonoma), paddy straw and sugar cane bagasses) for oyster mushroom cultivation in comparison with standard saw dust media as the control. Best substrate for oyster mushroom cultivation was adjudged by comparing the mycelial growth rate and the fruiting body yield values in different substrates. Although the highest mycelial growth rate was recorded in banana leaf substrate followed by paddy straw and bagasses mixtures, higher mushroom yields were recorded only in mixtures with paddy straw and bagasses which showed no significant difference to the control. Therefore it could be concluded that paddy straw and sugar cane bagasses are equally good substrates as the traditionally used saw dust media for oyster mushroom cultivation in Sri Lanka.
A comparison of methods used in estimating missing rainfall data
Authors: De Silva R. P. , Dayawansa N. D. K. , Ratnasiri M. D.
Published: May 2016

Precipitation or rainfall (in tropics) is an important climatic parameter and the studies on rainfall are commonly hampered due to lack of continuous data. To fill the gaps (missing observations) in data, several interpolation techniques are currently used. However, the lack of knowledge on the suitability of these methods for Sri Lanka is a practical problem. In view of this problem, this study is aimed at comparing a few selected methods used for the estimation of missing rainfall data with a new method introduced by the authors to determine their suitability in Sri Lankan context. The methods studied were Arithmetic Mean (Local Mean) method, Normal Ratio method and Inverse Distance method. The new method introduced by the authors is named as Aerial Precipitation Ratio method.In this approach, rain gauging stations where complete monthly rainfall data sets are available were selected in such a way that the selected stations represent each of the seven major Agro-ecological zones of Sri Lanka. This selection procedure of stations makes it possible to generalize the results to the entire country. The period of data ranged from 15 years in the case of mid country intermediate zone to 28 years Up country intermediate zone and Mid country wet zone. Subsequently, monthly rainfall data of each station were estimated using the data of surrounding stations based on the above selected methods so that actual data and the estimated data can be compared. Each estimated series was compared with the actual data series using different statistical comparison techniques. These comparisons include Descriptive Statistics of Error, Root Mean Square Error, Mean Absolute Percentage of Error and Correlation Coefficient. Results of the study show that the Inverse Distance method is the most suitable method for all three Low-country zones (wet, intermediate, and dry). However, for Mid-country and Upcountry Intermediate zones, Normal Ratio method is the most suitable method. Further, Arithmetic Mean method is more appropriate for Upcountry Wet zone while Aerial Precipitation Ratio method is more suitable for Mid-country Wet zone.
The African swine fever control zone in South Africa and its current relevance
Authors: Magadla Noluvuyo R. , Vosloo Wilna , Heath Livio , Gummow Bruce
Published: May 2016

African swine fever (ASF) has been reported in South Africa since the early 20th century. The disease has been controlled and confined to northern South Africa over the past 80 years by means of a well-defined boundary line, with strict control measures and movement restrictions north of this line. In 2012, the first outbreak of ASF outside the ASF control zone since 1996 occurred. The objective of this study was to evaluate the current relevance of the ASF control line as a demarcation line between endemic ASF (north) areas and ASF-free (south) area and to determine whether there was a need to realign its trajectory, given the recent outbreaks of ASF, global climate changes and urban development since the line’s inception. A study of ASF determinants was conducted in an area 20 km north and 20 km south of the ASF control line, in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Gauteng provinces between May 2008 and September 2012. The study confirmed that warthogs, warthog burrows and the soft tick reservoir, Ornithodoros moubata, are present south of the ASF control line, but no virus or viral DNA was detected in these ticks. There appears to be an increasing trend in the diurnal maximum temperature and a decrease in humidity along the line, but the impact of these changes is uncertain. No discernible changes in minimum temperatures and average rainfall along the disease control line were observed between 1992 and 2014. Even though the reservoirs were found south of the ASF boundary line, the study concluded that there was no need to realign the trajectory of the ASF disease control line, with the exception of Limpopo Province. However, the provincial surveillance programmes for the reservoir, vector and ASF virus south of this line needs to be maintained and intensified as changing farming practices may favour the spread of ASF virus beyond the control line.Keywords: African swine fever; warthog burrow; Ornithodoros moubata;control line
An exploratory study of the need for curriculum review of Master of Public Health Degree at a Rural-based University in South Africa
Authors: Tshitangano Takalani G.
Published: May 2016

Background: Master of Public Health (MPH) training programmes were developed worldwide in response to the crisis in human resources for health.Aim: To determine whether the MPH programme at the selected rural-based university in South Africa enabled students to achieve the MPH core competencies relevant for Lower Middle Income Countries.Setting: The study was carried out at a rural-based University in South Africa. The target population was the 2011 first-year cohort of MPH students who by the beginning of 2014 had just completed their coursework.Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive research design was adapted. Eighty-five students were randomly selected to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire comprising seven competency clusters was developed. The selected students completed a self-administered questionnaire. Only those students who signed consent forms participated in this study. The questionnaire was tested for construct validity and reliability using 10 students with similar characteristics to those sampled for the study. Microsoft Excel software was used to analyse the data descriptively in terms of frequency and percentages.Results: The students were confident of their competencies regarding public health science skills. Amongst these were analytical assessment, communication, community and intersectorial competencies as well as ethics. However, the students lacked confidence in contextsensitive issues, planning and management, research and development, and leadership competencies. Yet the latter is the backbone of public health practice.Conclusion and recommendation: There is a need for revamping public health curricula. In this respect, a follow-up study that builds a deeper understanding of the subject is needed.
'I am who I am': Deconstructing orphaned boys' references to God: An application of the post-foundational notion of practical theology
Authors: Meyer Juanita
Published: May 2016

This article investigates and reflects on the religious and spiritual aspects inherent in the narratives of adolescent male orphans, affected by HIV and AIDS, poverty and fatherlessness, and more specifically on aspects which tell us about how these boys understand and experience the presence of God within their specific situations. In coming to such an understanding, this article focuses specifically on the various names attributed to God by the coresearchers and investigates the prominence through social construction behind these names and how it influences the coresearchers� experience of God amidst their unique circumstances. With the use of the perspectives of a post-foundational notion of practical theology and narrative therapy and research, these names and their accompanied significance are deconstructed. The aim of the deconstruction process is to unveil dominant discourses that both inform the use of specific references to God and assist the coresearchers in finding meaning in the use of these names. The larger study employed research methods from the qualitative and case study research design, and included interdisciplinary work based on the post-foundational notion of transversality. Disciplines included in the dialogue were pastoral therapy, critical psychology and social work. This article�s reflections can be useful in all the above-mentioned disciplines and gives insight into understanding the significance behind the phenomenon of naming a deity in one�s personal and public language, and the influence such spiritual affirmations have in the psychosocial sphere of the holistic persona.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The larger study (from which this article originates) is an interdisciplinary study, as to conform to the principles of a postfoundational notion of practical theology and as such supports the assumptions underlying this theoretical framework.Keywords: Names for God; Postfoundationalism; Practical Theology; Co-Researchers; HIV and Aids; Poverty; Father Absence
Subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured intracranial aneurysm following posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Nanba Takamasa , Kashimura Hiroshi , Saura Hiroaki , Takeda Masaru
Published: May 2016

Although posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is rarely associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage, to our knowledge, rupture of a concomitant cerebral aneurysm following PRES has not been reported. We describe a patient with atypical PRES involving the brainstem, thalamus, and periventricular white matter without cortical or subcortical edema of the parietooccipital lobe on magnetic resonance imaging, with rupture of a concomitant cerebral aneurysm. Preexisting extremely high blood pressure may trigger atypical PRES, and failure to lower blood pressure may lead to a concomitant aneurysm rupture. In the future treatment of hypertensive urgency with a recurrence of symptoms and mean arterial blood pressure >150 mmHg, it is advisable to immediately hospitalize the patient for aggressive blood pressure management, especially if PRES is suspected based on clinical and radiological features.
Radiografía de los observatorios de medios en España. Una herramienta ciudadana para la reforma mediática
Authors: Rosique Cedillo Gloria , Barranquero Carretero Alejandro
Published: May 2016

Desde finales del pasado siglo XX, los observatorios vienen jugando un papel muy destacado entre las instituciones orientadas a la reforma mediática por cuanto suponen una vital herramienta para el análisis y fiscalización ciudadana de los medios. En este contexto, la investigación plantea una cartografía pionera de los observatorios de medios en España e intenta sistematizar su origen, evolución y sus principales características, entre otras: objetivos, promotores y ámbitos de especialización. Metodología: Partiendo de una extensa revisión documental, el estudio construye un censo de 28 observatorios que se analizan a partir de un protocolo de observación y una entrevista cualitativa a una decena de responsables de las distintas iniciativas. Resultados y conclusiones: Los resultados demuestran la existencia de un panorama heterogéneo de experiencias entre las que predominan las fiscalizadoras y promovidas por universidades. No obstante, los observatorios se caracterizan por su difícil sostenibilidad y por una actividad investigadora discontinua y poco constante.
Impacts of East Asian Summer and Winter Monsoon on Interannual Variations of Mass Concentrations and Direct Radiative Forcing of Black Carbon over Eastern China
Authors: Mao Yu Hao , Liao Hong
Published: May 2016

Abstract. We applied a global three-dimensional chemical transport model (GEOS-Chem) to examine the impacts of the East Asian monsoon on the interannual variations of mass concentrations and direct radiative forcing (DRF) of black carbon (BC) over eastern China (110–125° E, 20–45° N). With emissions fixed at the year 2010 levels, model simulations were driven by the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-4) meteorological fields for 1986–2006 and the Modern Era Retrospective-analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) meteorological fields for 1980–2010. During the period of 1986–2006, simulated JJA and DJF surface BC concentrations were higher in MERRA than in GEOS-4 by 0.30 µg m−3 (44 %) and 0.77 µg m−3 (54 %), respectively, because of the generally weaker precipitation in MERRA. We found that the strength of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM, (East Asian winter monsoon, EAWM)) negatively correlated with simulated JJA (DJF) surface BC concentrations (r = –0.7 (–0.7) in GEOS-4 and –0.4 (–0.7) in MERRA), mainly by the changes in atmospheric circulation. Relative to the five strongest EASM years, simulated JJA surface BC concentrations in the five weakest monsoon years were higher over northern China (110–125° E, 28–45° N) by 0.04–0.09 µg m−3 (3–11 %), but lower over southern China (110–125° E, 20–27° N) by 0.03–0.04 µg m−3 (10–11 %). Compared to the five strongest EAWM years, simulated DJF surface BC concentrations in the five weakest monsoon years were higher by 0.13–0.15 µg m−3 (5–8 %) in northern China and by 0.04–0.10 µg m−3 (3–12 %) in southern China. The resulting JJA (DJF) mean all-sky DRF of BC at the top of the atmosphere were 0.04 W m−2 (3 %, (0.03 W m−2, 2 %)) higher in northern China but 0.06 W m−2 (14 %, (0.03 W m−2, 3 %)) lower in southern China. In the weakest monsoon years, the weaker vertical convection led to the lower BC concentrations above 1–2 km in southern China, and therefore the lower BC DRF in the region. The differences in vertical profiles of BC between the weakest and strongest EASM years (1998–1997) and EAWM years (1990–1996) reached up to –0.09 µg m−3 (–46 %) and –0.08 µg m−3 (–11 %) at 1–2 km in eastern China.
Carbonate chemistry in sediment pore waters of the Rhône River delta driven by early diagenesis (NW Mediterranean)
Authors: Rassmann Jens , Lansard Bruno , Pozzato Lara , Rabouille Christophe
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The Rhône River is the largest source of terrestrial organic and inorganic carbon for the Mediterranean Sea, and a large fraction thereof is buried or mineralized in the sediments close to the river mouth. The mineralization follows aerobic and anaerobic pathways with varying impacts on the carbonate chemistry in the sediment pore waters. This study focused on the production of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA) by early diagenesis at the sediment water-interface, consequential pH variations and the effect on calcium carbonate precipitation or dissolution. The sediment pore water chemistry was investigated during the DICASE cruise along a transect from the Rhône River outlet to the continental shelf. The concentrations of DIC, TA, SO42− and Ca2+ were analyzed on bottom waters and extracted pore waters, whereas pH and oxygen concentrations were measured in situ using microelectrodes. The average oxygen penetration depth into the sediment was 1.7 ± 0.4 mm in the proximal domain and 8.2 ± 2.6 mm in the distal domain, indicating intense aerobic respiration rates. Diffusive oxygen fluxes through the sediment water interface range between 3 and 13 mmol O2 m−2 d−1. The DIC and TA concentrations increased with depth in the sediment pore waters up to 48 mmol L−1 near the river outlet and up to 7 mmol L−1 on the shelf as a result of aerobic and anaerobic mineralization processes. Due to oxic processes, the pH decreased by 0.6 pH units in the oxic layer of the sediment accompanied by a decrease of the saturation state regarding calcium carbonate. In the anoxic part of the sediments, sulfate reduction was seen to be the dominant mineralization process and was associated to an increase of pore water saturation state regarding calcium carbonate. Ultimately anoxic mineralization of organic matter caused calcium carbonate precipitation as shown by large decrease in Ca2+ concentration with depth in the sediment. The saturation state and carbonate precipitation decreased in offshore direction, together with the carbon turnover and sulfate consumption in the sediments.
Downscaling land use and land cover from the Global Change Assessment Model for coupling with Earth system models
Authors: Le Page Yannick , West Tris O’Brien , Link Robert , Patel Pralit
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The Global Change Assessment Model (GCAM) is a global integrated assessment model used to project future societal and environmental scenarios, based on economic modeling and on a detailed representation of food and energy production systems. The terrestrial module in GCAM represents agricultural activities and ecosystems dynamics at the sub-regional scale, and must be downscaled to be used for impact assessments in gridded models (e.g. climate models). In this study, we present the downscaling algorithm of the GCAM model, which generates gridded time series of global land use and land cover (LULC) from any GCAM scenario. The downscaling is based on a number of user-defined rules and drivers, including transition priorities (e.g. crop expansion preferentially into grasslands rather than forests) and spatial constraints (e.g. nutrient availability). The default parameterization is evaluated using historical LULC change data, and a sensitivity experiment provides insights on the most critical parameters and how their influence changes regionally and in time. Finally, a reference scenario and a climate mitigation scenario are downscaled to illustrate the gridded land use outcomes of different policies on agricultural expansion and forest management. Several features of the downscaling can be modified by providing new input data or changing the parameterization, without any edits to the code. Those features include spatial resolution as well as the number and type of land classes being downscaled, thereby providing flexibility to adapt GCAM LULC scenarios to the requirements of a wide range of models and applications. The downscaling system is version controlled and freely available.
A Hybrid Variational-Ensemble data assimilation scheme with systematic error correction for limited area ocean model
Authors: Oddo Paolo , Storto Andrea , Dobricic Srdjan , Russo Aniello , Lewis Craig , Onken Reiner , Coelho Emanuel
Published: May 2016

Abstract. A hybrid variational-ensemble data assimilation scheme to estimate the vertical and horizontal parts of the background-error covariance matrix for an ocean variational data assimilation system is presented and tested in a limited area ocean model implemented in the western Mediterranean Sea. An extensive dataset collected during the Recognized Environmental Picture Experiments conducted in June 2014 by the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation has been used for assimilation and validation. The hybrid scheme is used to both correct the systematic error introduced in the system from the external forcing (initial, lateral and surface open boundary conditions) and model parameterization and improve the representation of small scale errors in the Background Error Covariance matrix. An ensemble system is run off-line for further use in the hybrid scheme, generated through perturbation of assimilated observations. Results of four different experiments have been compared. The reference experiment uses the classical static formulation of the background error covariance matrix and has no systematic error correction. The other three experiments account, or not, for systematic error correction and hybrid daily estimates of the background error covariance matrix combining the static and the ensemble derived errors statistics. Results show that the hybrid scheme when used in conjunction with the systematic error correction reduce the mean absolute error of temperature and salinity misfit by 55 % and 42 % respectively versus statistics arising from standard climatological covariances without systematic error correction.
Does Corporate Capital Structure influence Corporate Financial Performance in Developing Economies? Evidence from East African Stock Markets
Authors: Mwambuli Erick Lusekelo
Published: May 2016

This paper examines the statistically significant influence which capital structure has had on corporate financial performance of listed non-financial companies in East African stock markets. It used panel data of 272 observations including 34 East African non-financial listed firms listed in East African stock markets such as Dar Es Salaam Stock Market (DSE), Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) for a period of 8 years {i.e. 2006-2013}.Using the Panel Corrected Standard Errors (PCSEs) and Fixed Effect (FE),the study formulated two (2) econometric models with return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) as dependent variables and measures of corporate financial performance respectively, three (3) independent variables such as short term debt ratio (STDR),long term debt ratio (LTDR) and total debt ratio (TDR) as a measure of capital structure, furthermore the study used size of the firm (SIZ) as a control variable in order to control the differences in firm’s operating environment. The result indicate that capital structure has a negative and statistically significant influence on East African listed firm’s financial performance at 5% significance level. These results show that in average profitable listed firms in East African prefers to use internal source of financing in their capital structure as compared to external source of financing {like Debts-STDR,LTDR and TDR} and this results are supporting pecking order theory. Lastly the study recommends to corporate financial managers of East African non-financial listed firms should reduce financing their operations and growth by debt (STDR,LTDR and TDR) on their capital structure in order to enhance their corporate financial performance, regulatory authorities in East African region such as East African member states securities regulatory authority (EASRA) to formulate policies that will improving of financial markets in the region in order to reduce the cost of debt, further research could examine the influence {if any} of capital structure on sector wise (as per industry-like Manufacturing firms) for East African non-financial listed firms, take into account more control variables which are likely to influence financial performance such as macroeconomic variables (like gross domestic product - GDP) and consider other capital structure theories like ,market timing theory, agency theory which were not considered in our study.
Factors Influencing Smallholder Crop Diversification: A Case Study of Manicaland and Masvingo Provinces in Zimbabwe
Authors: Dube Lighton
Published: May 2016

This study analyzes the degree of crop diversification and factors associated with crop diversification among 479 smallholder farmers in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces of Zimbabwe. The Herfindahl index used to estimate diversification, while the Tobit model evaluated factors associated with crop diversification.  The mean crop diversity index is 0.54. On average households in Nyanga and Bikita are the most diversified with indices of 0.48 and 0.49 respectively. The most specialized households are in Mutasa and Chiredzi with indices of 0.62. An analysis by gender shows that male headed households are slightly more diversified than female headed households. The Tobit model indicates that gender of head of household, education, number of livestock units, access to irrigation, membership to a farmers group, access to markets, farming experience, farms on flat terrain, farmer to farm extension, routine extension, agro-ecological zone and household income are significant contributors to increasing crop diversification. In turn, crop specialization is significantly associated with off-farm employment, soil fertility, farmers who are happy with extension contacts per year, farmers trained using the farmer field school approach and farmers who receive NGO extension support.
Ratio of Surface Roughness to Flow Scale as Additional Parameter for Shear-induced Hemolysis
Authors: Watanabe Nobuo , Ueda Sunao , Nagashima Kentaro , Oguri Taku , Mita Toshihiro
Published: May 2016

Background

In addition to the conventional knowledge that shear stress and its exposure time should have a large impact on hemolysis, it became obvious through Dr. Maruyama's study that surface roughness would be the additional factor for high shear-induced hemolysis. Concerning this new information, we hypothesized that the ratio of surface roughness to the flow scale should play a role as the additional factor for shear-induced hemolysis. The purpose of this study was to develop a constant shear generator as the method to provide a controlled shear flow field with the combination between the controlled surface roughness and the flow scale to the blood cells. Its preliminary application was to validate our hypothesis.

Methods

We prototyped the constant shear stress generator with the cylindrical cone-cup structure made from the acrylic material. This chamber had 3 flow scales of 1.00, 1.25, and 1.5 mm according to the change of the inner stationary cone, at which the surface roughness was distributed into the several levels between 0.14 and 0.92 micrometers in arithmetic average roughness. Using this shear chamber, we examined what effect the flow scale and the surface roughness had on hemolysis.

Results

Our experimental data showed the tendency of a positive correlation between the ratio of surface roughness to the flow scale and the induced hemolysis levels, validating our hypothesis.

Conclusions

The ratio of the surface roughness to the flow scale should be the additional parameter for shear-induced hemolysis.
Wi-Fi Adoption and Security in Hong Kong
Authors: Fong Ken Kin-Kiu , Wong Stanley Kam Sing
Published: May 2016

WiFi is the fastest and most cost-effective way of wireless Internet connectivity.  Nowadays, almost all of the mobile phones and an increasing number of home entertainment systems are WiFi-enabled.  Being the key enabler of the “Internet of Everything”, WiFi brings including people, processes, data and devices, together and turns data into valuable information that makes life better and business thrive.  With all mobile devices, wearable gadgets, home entertainment systems and home automation systems connected together and linked to the Internet, devices can now interact with one another and data be shared among the devices.  However, transmitting information across the WiFi network means leaving your computer or devices vulnerable to attack, giving unscrupulous people the opportunity to intercept traffic, selectively eavesdrop on critical communications or even the administrative access and thus the ability to harvest all the information they want.  All these threats highlight the growing importance of keeping your WiFi secure from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.

Basing on empirically collected quantitative data, this paper presents a comprehensive study on Hong Kong people’s knowledge about WiFi security and their use of WiFi in connecting the Internet.  Findings of the study shed light on the knowledge gaps of Hong Kong WiFi users in using and setting up WiFi connections so that service providers, policy makers and stakeholders can devise appropriate security measures to improve the security of WiFi connection.  The study also canvasses and analyses the views of the users on the connectivity and quality of free and commercial WiFi service in Hong Kong.  The findings can help government and private WiFi operators to further improve the service provided.  
A Correlation Study between Social Capital and Knowledge Management with Emphasis on the Human Capital - The Case Study: Payame Noor University of Hormozgan (Bandarabbas)
Authors: Dastranj Mansooreh
Published: May 2016

Universities because of the importance and position they play in the every countries’ socio-economic development, require attention to personnel social capital at the university, because the social capital, makes effective knowledge management possible.

With respect to the importance of social and human capital and knowledge management, the present study was done to explore the relationship between social capital and knowledge management with emphasis on the human capital.

This research is survey- descriptive of correlation type and the required data were collected through library-field. The subjects in this study consist of Payame Noor University staff of Hormozgan province.

In this study, 54 staff of Bandar Abbas Payame Noor University were selected through random sampling. After gathering the required data through knowledge management questionnaire, knowledge management processes were measured based on the five dimensions such as the capture of knowledge, acquisition of knowledge, transmission of knowledge, creation of knowledge and application of knowledge. In order to provide for the reliability of the questionaire cronbachs alpha was used. In order to check the significance of the difference between responses descriptive and inferential statistics such as regression, one way anova and t test were run using SPSS version 20. The result show that the staff means score of knowledge management was 76/66±20/48. The result shows that there was a significant relationship between social capital and knowledge management. Also there was a significant relationship between social capital and the five components of knowledge management such as capture of knowledge, acquisition of knowledge, transmission of knowledge, creation of knowledge and application of knowledge. Also there was a significant relationship between human capital and the component of knowledge management.
Motivational Orientations and Learning Strategies among Undergraduate Students in Study Circle Course
Authors: Syam Sri Rahmayana , Nik Abdullah Nik Md Saiful Azizi , Badrasawi Kamal J. I.
Published: May 2016

In line with the vision and mission of the International Islamic University Malaysia, the study circle (halaqah) course is designed to improve undergraduate students in all aspects (intellectual, moral, spiritual, social, and physical) as well as develop their communication and critical thinking skills. Learning motivation and learning strategies are essential to achieve the desired learning outcomes of the course. Thus, this research aims to assess the students’ perception on their learning motivational orientations (i.e., self-efficacy and task performance and task value) and learning strategies (i.e., elaboration and peer learning). This research employed the quantitative approach in which a survey design method was used. A sample of 329 undergraduate students randomly selected form the students registered in study circle (halaqah) course were asked to complete sub-scales adopted from the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Descriptive statistics using mean scores and standard deviations, t-test and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient were used in the data analysis. The students, regardless of gender, showed high level of learning motivational orientations in taking the study circle in terms of interest, importance and utility. They were motivated and confident to understand and perform the study circle tasks. Elaboration and peer learning strategies were used to perform such tasks. There was also a large positive relation between learning motivational orientations and learning strategies. Further qualitative and quantitative researches were recommended to get more in depth information.
The Analysis of Factors Affecting the Residential Mobility of Afghan Immigrants Residing in Mashhad (Case Study: Municipality Regions 4, 5 and 6)
Authors: Zanganeh Yaghoob , Hamidian Alireza , Karimi Hosseinali
Published: May 2016

The settlement of the immigrants, especially foreign immigrants in different cities and city areas has a major influence in shaping and changing socio-spatial structure of these areas. Mashhad has been the target of a large number of Afghan refugees in the past decades (160 thousand people). The initial settlement of immigrants in marginal areas of the city and residential mobility in the early settlement has obvious consequences on the social and spatial structure of different areas targeted by the immigrants. This study aimed to analyze the factors affecting the residential mobility of Afghan refugees residing in districts 4, 5 and 6 of Mashhad- Iran. The research was a survey type and the required data were gathered by field studies using questionnaires and library. The results of this study suggests that a major portion Afghan immigrant (86%) have been settled at the beginning of their arrival to Mashhad in marginal areas and slums including, Golshahr, Panj-tan, Ghaleh Sakhteman and Tollab. In the initial settlement of immigrants in the mentioned places factors such as proximity to fellow coreligionists and affordable rental housing prices are crucial. In terms of residential mobility, 45.7% of immigrant families have changed their location at least once in Mashhad. The highest residential mobility has taken place in the Golshahr areas (28.1%) and Panj-tan (28.1%). Family residential mobility between regions existed in smaller and restricted scale. The stated reasons and motives in relation to residential mobility of immigrants are different in the later stages after primary residence. Generally the factors of insecurity and lack of resources and utilities, improved financial condition and ability to buy a better house, ethnics and religion inconsonance and the tenant conditions are among the reasons stated by the refugees for changing their residence.
Economic Empowerment of Malaysian Women through Entrepreneurship: Barriers and Enablers
Authors: Arumugam Tanusia , Marthandan G. , Subramaniam Indra Devi
Published: May 2016

The main aim of this study is to identify the barriers and enablers to Malaysian women’s entrepreneurship. A mixed method was used in this study. A qualitative approach using Delphi technique was used to obtain consensus on the barriers and enablers. This was incorporated into a questionnaire which was used in the survey of women entrepreneurs to obtain quantitative data on the barriers and enablers to women’s entrepreneurship. The respondents were 130 participants of a seminar for women entrepreneurs conducted by the Women’s Development Department of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community. The study found that the three top barriers were the lack of KSAOs followed by restrictive legalities, regulations and procedures and lack of business support and network. Personality and self-efficacy emerged as the most important enabler followed by support for businesses from government and women focused initiatives from government and NGOs.
A New Heuristic Method for Transportation Network and Land Use Problem
Authors: Bald Mouhamadou A.M.T. , Ndiaye Babacar M.
Published: May 2016

Our paper deals with the Transportation Network and Land Use (TNLU) problem.  It consists in finding, simultaneously, the best location of urban area activities, as well as of the road network design that may minimize the moving cost in the network, and the network costs. We propose a new mixed integer programming formulation of the problem, and a new heuristic method for the resolution of TNLU. Then, we give a methodology to find locations or relocations of some Dakar region amenities (home, shop, work and leisure places), that may reduce travel time or travel distance. The proposed methodology mixes multi-agent simulation with combinatorial optimization techniques; that is individual agent strategies versus global optimization using Geographical Information System. Numerical results which show the effectiveness of the method,  and simulations based on the scenario of Dakar city are given.
Evaluatievermogen bij beleidsdepartementen
Authors: Klein Haarhuis Carolien M. , Parapuf Andreea
Published: May 2016

Exploring evaluation capacity in Dutch central policy departments

In this article, we explore how evaluations are managed by Dutch policy departments in terms of six aspects of evaluation capacity: institutions, programming, budgeting, evaluation process and content, and finally, evaluation use. We also sketch how international organisations and a number of larger countries deal with these issues of evaluation capacity. Internationally, a variety of norms, checklists and procedures demonstrate that the commissioning party is considered to play a key role in the realisation of evaluations as well as their use. Here, evaluation and evaluation knowledge are often viewed as part of the policy process rather than as a separate exercise. Our description of evaluation practices in Dutch policy departments reveals that several capacity-enhancing initiatives were developed in the past few years, such as new evaluation institutions or structures and programs to promote the commissioning of effectiveness evaluations. It also suggests, however, that accountability is an important driving force behind evaluation, perhaps more powerful than learning.
Oog voor succes: een pleidooi voor positieve beleidsevaluatie
Authors: van der Knaap Peter , Turksema Rudi
Published: May 2016

Looking for success: a plea for positive policy evaluation

One of the classic issues in literature on policy evaluation is that of utilization: how can we make sure the results of evaluative inquiry are used more and better? Traditionally, the answer to this question is often searched in improvement of evaluation quality (accuracy, reliability, independence of the researcher) or evaluation processes (more interaction and responsiveness). Although these are and remain crucial elements for any evaluation, the focus remains on the supply side of evaluation. The psychological insight that people tend to learn more from positive feedback and success is not taken into account.

In this article, we ask whether and how a more positive form of evaluation may contribute to a more effective cycle of learning and accountability. What if – instead of failure, compliance, and accountability – the main focus of monitoring and evaluative inquiry would be to identify and foster achievements that were successful and effective? How would such a positive approach look like and how can it help the actual utilization and usefulness of evaluation? On the basis of theory and international case studies the article describes how focusing on the positive elements of policy and/or implementation may contribute to the demand for and utilization of evaluations.
Een reactie op een reactie: artikel 2:210 lid 5 BW
Authors: Josephus Jitta M.W.
Published: May 2016

Een reactie op een reactie: artikel 2:210 lid 5 BW

In deze reactie wordt ingegaan op de reactie van Schwarz en Wolf op de bijdrage van Van Hooff, waar het gaat om de gevolgen van artikel 2:210 lid 5 jo. artikel 2:248 lid 2 BW. Op grond van de rechtspraak van de Hoge Raad komt de auteur tot de conclusie dat de zorg van Schwarz en Wolf dat bij toepassing van artikel 2:210 lid 5 BW de sanctie van artikel 2:248 lid 2 BW eerder zou intreden dan zonder toepassing van artikel 2:210 lid 5 BW, ongegrond is.
Doorwerking van aandeelhoudersovereenkomsten na invoering van de flex-BV: wat is het alternatief?
Authors: van der Weijden T.L.M.
Published: May 2016

Doorwerking van aandeelhoudersovereenkomsten na invoering van de flex-BV: wat is het alternatief?

Uit recente jurisprudentie blijkt dat de praktijk nog steeds worstelt met de vraag in hoeverre contractuele verplichtingen uit hoofde van een aandeelhoudersovereenkomst doorwerken binnen de vennootschapsrechtelijke verhoudingen. De invoering van de flex-BV heeft hier kennelijk onvoldoende verduidelijking gebracht. Aan de hand van enkele alternatieven voor aandeelhoudersovereenkomsten worden aanbevelingen gedaan voor de wetgever.
ECONOMIA DO ENTRETENIMENTO: O PROCESSO DE MONOPOLIZAÇÃO DO PRIMEIRO EMPREENDIMENTO ESPORTIVO NO BRASIL (1850-1930)
Authors: Santos João Manuel Casquinha Malaia
Published: May 2016

Neste trabalho, analisa-se a organização da produção das corridas de cavalo, o turfe, no Rio de Janeiro, entre 1850 e 1930. O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender como se deu o processo de monopolização da produção de corridas de cavalo no Rio de Janeiro como parte de um processo de acumulação e reprodução capitalista (MARX,1867/1974). Trata-se de uma pesquisa histórica descritiva para identificar as características deste fenômeno em particular que se utiliza de fontes documentais, dados econômicos e censos populacionais. Os resultados mostram o quanto este esporte foi influenciado e influenciou na dinamização da economia capitalista do país, quando após a fase de concorrência e de concentração de capital, ocorreu a monopolização da produção de corridas de cavalo no Rio de Janeiro por apenas uma instituição.