bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Different Graphic Representations in Architectural Heritage
Authors: Garfella-Rubio José T. , Máñez-Pitarch Jesús , Martínez-Moya Joaquín A. , Gual-Ortí Jaume
Published: September 2018

In recent years, cutting-edge methods have emerged to gradually replace or be used with traditional methods to carry out graphic surveys of architectural heritage; modern topographic tools such as 3D scanners and specific software. In addition, the new technologies of additive printing and three-dimensional digital representations has made architectural heritage more accessible to the general public. The main objective of this study was to conduct an analysis of each of the methods, to determine their advantages and disadvantages, as well as to carry out a comparative study of the results obtained with each of them.
Fast Health Interoperability Resources (FHIR)
Authors: Saripalle Rishi Kanth
Published: September 2018

The inception of EHR has shown a lot of potentials and virtually eliminated the drawbacks of paper-based medical notes. However, the transition has not been seamless due to various technical and political drawbacks. One of the major technical challenges is interoperability. The biomedical community has established various structural and semantic standards to capture and share medical data across heterogeneous systems such as ASTM Community Care Record, Health Level 7 (HL7) Clinical Care Document, etc. The HL7 organization has recently published Fast Health Interoperability Resources (FHIR) – a standard to improve interoperability, overcome shortcomings of the previous standard and integrate lightweight web services. This article provides an overview of HL7 FHIR, its concepts and literature review on its current status, usage, and adoption. Based on the thorough research and literature review, the authors strongly believe that FHIR can bridge interoperability gap between the growing number of disparate and variety of healthcare entities.
The Impacts of the Quality Dimensions of the ERP System on the Realization of the Fundamental Business Objectives and Perceived Usefulness
Authors: Fadelelmoula Ashraf Ahmed
Published: September 2018

This article empirically assesses the impacts of the quality dimensions of the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system on the realization of the fundamental business objectives of information systems and perceived usefulness. To assess these impacts, a theoretical model was developed based on the theory of information systems success. The model comprises the quality dimensions of the ERP system and their hypothesized relationships with the realization of the fundamental business objectives and perceived usefulness. To test the postulated relationships, a questionnaire was constructed based on a thorough survey of the information systems literature. The questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 300 end users of the ERP system in a public university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The collected data were tested using regression analysis. The findings reveal that information quality has the highest effect on the realization of business objectives, while service quality has the highest effect on the perceived usefulness. These findings indicate that the crucial aspects of both information quality and service quality should receive greater management attention in order to enhance the individual and organizational impacts of the ERP systems.
Enterprise Architecture Development Approach in the Public Sector
Authors: Al-Kharusi Hamood , Miskon Suraya , Bahari Mahadi
Published: September 2018

Despite the increasing interest to adopt enterprise architecture (EA) concept, there is a scarcity of literature that discusses the development of EA in the public sector. Hence, the purpose of this article is to empirically investigate the development approach of EA in the public sector. The research used a qualitative case study to build an in-depth understanding of the development approach as well as the enterprise architects roles and the stakeholders' roles played at each development stage. The government architecture framework (GAF) of the Omani public sector was used as the case study that included GAF documentation review and interviews with architects and stakeholders who participated in the development of GAF. The findings showed that the GAF development started by establishing architecture knowledge, EA frameworks & IT standards analysis, high-level architecture framework, working group formation and the development of architecture documents. The enterprise architects had six roles whereas the stakeholders played three roles during the development of GAF. The findings are expected to expand the knowledge of the EA development approach to promote developing a standard EA framework for the public sector.
Efficacy of Cell Phones Within Instructional Design
Authors: Storch Sharon L , Juarez-Paz Anna Victoria Ortiz
Published: September 2018

Through qualitative measures, this article seeks to explore the efficacy of cell phones within college-level instructional design specifically through the eyes of the professor. Three main themes evolved from this data: Pedagogical Approaches, Value, and Setting Behavioral Expectations. Based on interviews with ten college professors regarding their experiences with the use of mobile devices within instructional design, findings show that when establishing the right balance with intentional and/or impromptu pedagogical approaches, that value and motivation is evident. Setting behavioral expectations was recommended by all participants in order to convey solid expectations; all expectations were unique, yet successful within the participants' classroom. Participants discussed their experiences within all of those areas and how they utilize cell phones to motivate students, how they set appropriate boundaries, and the overall effectiveness of the cell phone usage in the college classroom is explored.
The Moderating Effects of Gender on E-Commerce Systems Adoption Factors
Authors: Pobee Frederick , Opoku Daniel
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this article was to investigate the moderating effects of gender on e-commerce systems adoption factors among university lecturers in Ghana. In order to achieve this purpose, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was used as the theoretical lens for the study. Eight hypotheses were developed and tested. Data analysis was performed with a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique using SmartPLS Application. Using a survey of 223 respondents, the study showed that factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions positively and significantly influenced Ghanaian lecturers' behavioral intention and ultimately the actual use of e-commerce systems. As for the moderating effects of gender, this study discovered that gender insignificantly moderated the effects of performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence on behavioral intention.
A New Location-Allocation Model for Blood Distribution Considering Limited Lifespan Under Fuzzy Conditions
Authors: Ghezavati Vahidreza , Moeini Yasser
Published: September 2018

One of the important centers among the health facilities is the centers of blood donations. Blood donors may not be able to donate because of the long distance between blood donation centers and their location. In this article, a dynamic hierarchical location-allocation model with fuzzy conditions is offered to locate blood donation centers and assign blood donors to these centers. The limited life span for blood is considered as the most important model assumption. Because of this in real world situations, fuzzy theory and uncertainty approaches will be applied to formulate the problem. In addition, the total amount of donated blood for each area is not definite. The ratio between different expiration dates and blood depends on blood donations during different periods, so this parameter is faced with uncertainty. Numerical examples are presented to show benefits the and the performance of proposed model. In addition, the proposed model is run for a real-world case in the city of Tehran, Iran. The results indicate that applying the proposed optimization model can improve amount of shortage and inventory in the blood network against current status in the case study. Besides, experiments indicate that applying fuzzy theory for this problem can reduce 12.5% of total costs via the certain formulation.
Convergence Anatomization of Aquaculture Production in Leading Fish-Producing Countries During the Period of 1997-2013
Authors: Das Ramesh Chandra , Ray Kamal , Das Utpal , Ghosh Bankim Chandra
Published: September 2018

Growth and national importance of aquaculture production is empirically assessed as an important indicator of development. The present article aims to test whether the major aquaculture producing countries of the world are converging over time. The authors have applied the absolute and conditional beta convergence and sigma convergence approaches on the data of FAO for the period 1997-2013. The results show that there is an absolute beta convergence and sigma convergence among 25 major aquaculture producing countries; negative sign of coefficient of conditional beta convergence with per capita income is also noticed. It implies, the growth rates of aquaculture for developed nations are declining with rise in per capita income and backward fish-intensive countries are catching up with the giant producers like China and India. The cross-country variations are also going down which means that the countries' development gaps are getting narrowed by means of growth of aquaculture resources.
Toward a Decision Support System for Regulation in an Urban Transport Network
Authors: Yachba Khadidja , Bendaoud Zakaria , Bouamrane Karim
Published: September 2018

In this article, a solution to the problem of perturbation in the urban transport network has been proposed. This solution is based on the multicriteria decision support method, which is an efficient way of identifying appropriate solutions to different perturbations situations. The proposed model should provide synthesis, evaluation and updating of available information in order to facilitate the task of the network monitoring operator. To achieve this objective, the authors propose formal modeling of the perturbation concept through an effective and above all significant decision support system exploiting the diversity of the criteria as well as the decision maker's subjectivity. This modeling makes it possible to capitalize the knowledge available within a checkpoint and to monitor the process. The authors show how, from the information available on the network, the modeling of the process represented by a perturbation makes it possible to enrich the possibilities of evaluation of the state of the network.
Radiation Defects in HCC Materials at Atomic Spatial Level
Authors: Ivchenko Vladimir
Published: September 2018

Diagnostics of the irradiated structure was carried out using the field ion microscopy technique. Modes of radiation exposure for development of amorphized states in subsurface regions of platinum are determined. It is shown that radiation exposure of pure metals with an energy of E = 30 keV under variation of the fluence of the charged argon ion beams by two orders of magnitude (1016 to 1018 ions/cm2) produces a significant effect on the kinetics of defect formation in the subsurface regions of irradiated materials. As a result of irradiation up to a higher fluence (F = 1017 ions/cm2), the effect of formation of the block nanocrystalline structure (at the block size of 1–5 nm) is observed in subsurface regions at a depth of at least 20 nm from the irradiated surface. It is found that the phenomenon of metal amorphization in the subsurface regions occurs up to a sample depth of 12 nm under an increase in the fluence to 1018 ions/cm2 and the above irradiation energies. Experimental results on atomic–spatial investigation of radiative defect formation in surface layers of materials, initiated by ion implantation (in Cu3Au: E = 40 keV, F = 1020 ion/m2, j = 10–3 A/cm2), are considered. The experimentally established average size of a radiation cluster (disordered zone) in the alloy after ion bombardment is 4 × 4 × 1.5 nm.
Plasma Technologies in Construction Industry
Authors: Volokitin Gennadii G. , Vlasov Viktor A. , Skripnikova Nelly , Volokitin Oleg , Shekhovtsov Valentin
Published: September 2018

The paper introduces plasma technologies developed at the Department of Applied Mechanics and Materials Science (TSUAB, Tomsk, Russia). These technologies include the processing techniques for silica glass, microspheres, and protective-decorative coatings for silicate materials using the low-temperature plasma. The plasma effect on silicate materials is described in this paper.
On the Issue of an Ash Microsphere Application as a Framework Forming Filler in Composite Materials
Authors: Atyaksheva Alexandra , Niyazbekova Rimma , Sarsikeyev Yermek , Konkanov Marat , Atyaksheva Anastasia
Published: September 2018

Hollow aluminum and silica microsphere is a component of ash wastes from heat and power industry that today is widely used as a microaddition almost in all sectors of economy. It is used to improve properties of different materials and constructions or to produce advanced properties of these materials. Hollow aluminum and silica microsphere is non-reactive microaddition that determine its advantages in producing ecologically friendly materials and in providing materials with additional properties without changing the basic. In this paper research has been conducted on identifying the modulus of viscosity focused on the effect on the capacity to form structure links that are influence the properties of producing leak less framework. Modulus of viscosity is one of the main dynamic characteristics of fill finely divided materials that determine materials and constructions strength properties including the capability to form a rigid frame. The research was carried out to determine the correlation between the modulus of viscosity and the humidity of raw component in order to identify optimal conditions of material formation and producing an item with the highest level of durability and rigidity. Moreover, the paper revealed the connection between the modulus of viscosity and the size of non-reactive microaddition based on set humidity and the influence of the microaddition size on the trend in modulus of viscosity.
Insufficient IL-10 Production as a Mechanism Underlying the Pathogenesis of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Imbrechts Maya , Avau Anneleen , Vandenhaute Jessica , Malengier-Devlies Bert , Put Karen , Mitera Tania , Berghmans Nele , Burton Oliver , Junius Steffie , Liston Adrian , de Somer Lien , Wouters Carine , Matthys Patrick
Published: September 2018

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a childhood-onset immune disorder of unknown cause. One of the concepts is that the disease results from an inappropriate control of immune responses to an initially harmless trigger. In the current study, we investigated whether sJIA may be caused by defects in IL-10, a key cytokine in controlling inflammation. We used a translational approach, with an sJIA-like mouse model and sJIA patient samples. The sJIA mouse model relies on injection of CFA in IFN-γ–deficient BALB/c mice; corresponding wild type (WT) mice only develop a subtle and transient inflammatory reaction. Diseased IFN-γ–deficient mice showed a defective IL-10 production in CD4+ regulatory T cells, CD19+ B cells, and CD3−CD122+CD49b+ NK cells, with B cells as the major source of IL-10. In addition, neutralization of IL-10 in WT mice resulted in a chronic immune inflammatory disorder clinically and hematologically reminiscent of sJIA. In sJIA patients, IL-10 plasma levels were strikingly low as compared with proinflammatory mediators. Furthermore, CD19+ B cells from sJIA patients showed a decreased IL-10 production, both ex vivo and after in vitro stimulation. In conclusion, IL-10 neutralization in CFA-challenged WT mice converts a transient inflammatory reaction into a chronic disease and represents an alternative model for sJIA in IFN-γ–competent mice. Cell-specific IL-10 defects were observed in sJIA mice and patients, together with an insufficient IL-10 production to counterbalance their proinflammatory cytokines. Our data indicate that a defective IL-10 production contributes to the pathogenesis of sJIA.
Perspectives of meaningful work in a high-burnout academic medical center: a discourse analysis
Authors: Atkinson Timothy , Gathright Molly , Clardy James , Thrush Carol , Messias Erick
Published: September 2018

We conducted a discourse analysis of meaningful work from the perspective of healthcare workers in an academic medical center where we previously observed relatively high levels of personal burnout (52.7%) and work-related burnout (47.5%), all based on the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory survey. Burnout is often studied as psychological condition characterized by exhaustion, depersonalization, and feelings of inefficacy or lack of career achievement, but as demonstrated in this analysis, burnout loses its meaning because healthcare professionals provide a robust account of what makes work meaningful to them despite their prevalence of burnout. Healthcare professionals exhibit a higher level of burnout compared to workforce members in other organizations. Physicians specifically are at high risk for exhibiting symptoms of burnout and work-life imbalances. In addition, burnout manifests itself early in the physician’s career compared other occupations, and in our sample was prevalent among nurses, too. In this discourse analysis of written answers to the survey question, In ten words or less describe what makes your work meaningful? healthcare professionals provide an account of meaningful work that maintains its value in this environment despite the level of burnout, especially when healthcare professionals can use their hard-earned knowledge to make a difference in the lives of people, and observe the results of their work, which is beyond just taking care of patients. Nurses accounted for meaningful work in terms of close connections with patients, while being closely focused on ability to provide professional care and experiencing the outcomes associated with that care, and knowing that they have done a good job. Physicians were patient focused, and they expressed meaningful work in terms of making a difference, and using their abilities to help patients. Basic scientists accounted for meaningful work in terms of their training and abilities to use science for the betterment of others in society.
Editor's Introduction
Authors: Bartesaghi Mariaelena
Published: September 2018

Not available.
Impact of Volume and Type of Overnight Pages on Resident Sleep During Home Call
Authors: Ludvigson Adam E. , Ryan Stephen T. , Gentile Christina R. , Mills Gregory J. , VerLee Graham T. , Hansen Moritz H.
Published: September 2018

Background 

Little research exists regarding factors that contribute to resident fatigue during home call.

Objective 

We objectively tracked the number and type of pages received, as well as residents' sleep time, during home call. We then examined the relationship between paging volume, resident sleep, and resident fatigue.

Methods 

A total of 4 of 4 urology residents (100%) at a single institution wore a FitBit Charge HR device from July 2015 to July 2016 to track sleep. Between January and July 2016, pages received by the on-call resident were counted as either floor (urology inpatient unit), clinic (after-hours answering service), or other. Postcall residents were defined as fatigued and excused at noon if they reported they were too tired to safely perform clinical duties.

Results 

Residents slept an average of 408 minutes per night while not on call, versus 368 minutes while on call but not fatigued, and 181 minutes while on call and fatigued (P < .05). The most senior resident received fewer pages per night on average than the most junior resident. Each page was associated with 4.71 fewer minutes asleep on average for all residents. Pages in the other category were associated with 7.74 fewer minutes asleep per page for all residents, but only the most junior resident had significantly less sleep, 9.02 minutes, per floor page.

Conclusions 

Objective sleep data correlate with subjective assessment of resident fatigue and with volume and type of pages received. Senior residents spent less time awake per page and received fewer pages.
Relative growth in rabbits: the effects of genetic line, diet and gender
Authors: Martínez-Bas Ana María , Kessler Mathieu , Armero Eva
Published: September 2018

The relative growth of different parts of the body and tissues was analysed using an allometric model. Animals were crossbred rabbits (males and females) from the mating of commercial lines HYLA-grand parental doe (HY-GPD) female with HYLA Coloured (HY-CO) or Grimaud (GR) males, both selected for the growth rate, or HY-GPD males, selected for weaning weight. They were fed on two different diet, mainly differing in their energy content, and the relative growth of the different parts of their body was assessed. The components with a nearly isometric growth pattern, which grew at the same mean rate as the rest of the body, were skin, chilled carcass and reference carcass; hind legs for retail cuts; and dorsal and carcass length for linear measurements. All allometric coefficients were calculated with respect to the slaughter weight, except percentage of hind leg inter-intramuscular fat (IIMF), which was calculated with respect to the weight of the hind leg. The components that showed early maturing were liver, kidneys, breast and rib viscera for offal and organs; head and breast and ribs for retail cuts; and bone and IIMF percentage of the hind leg. The components with late maturing were forelegs and loin for retail cuts, inguinal, scapular and perirenal fat, meat of the hind leg, and thigh and lumbar circumference length for carcass linear measurements. The GR line showed earlier growth for loin than the maternal HY-GPD line. In addition, the GR and HY-CO lines developed scapular and inguinal fat later than the HY-GPD line. For IIMF percentage, GR presented later growth than HY-CO and HY-GPD. The main effect of the diet was on liver development and on scapular fat: rabbits fed on the high-energy diet showed later liver and scapular fat growth.
Technical note: Assessment of the better location of gnawing sticks in growing rabbit cages
Authors: Marín Clara , Simarro-Catalá Laura , Villagrá Arantxa
Published: September 2018

The present work tries to determine the best location of wooden sticks for environmental enrichment, considering usage and level of contamination as variables. A total of 540 rabbits at 4 wk of age were caged in 60 groups of nine animals in conventional rabbit cages, and the effect of the allocation of wooden sticks was studied by fixing them on the floor in 30 cages and on the cage ceiling in the other 30 cages. The sticks were sampled during the fattening period (5 wk) to evaluate the contamination of the sticks, with detection of the most common faecal indicator bacteria in rabbit production (E. coli and Clostridium spp.). Likewise, quantitative enumeration analyses for E. coli were performed at the same sampling times for detection of both bacteria. Sticks used for environmental enrichment of the cage in this experiment were made of fir (Picea abies). According to the results, placing the wooden stick on the ceiling instead of the floor reduces stick consumption (6.28±1.75 vs. 13.55±1.75% of stick consumed). Moreover, microbiological analyses revealed that wooden sticks placed on the ceiling were less contaminated than those placed on the floor (2.8 and 22.8% for E. coli, respectively and 1.1 and 10.6% for Clostridium spp., respectively). In conclusion, fixing the sticks on the ceiling of the cage was revealed as a safer choice during most weeks of the growing period.
Effect of substituting guinea grass with sunflower hulls on production performance and digestion traits in fattening rabbits
Authors: Liu G.Y. , Sun C.R. , Zhao X.Y. , Liu H.L. , Wu Z.Y. , Li F.C.
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of sunflower hulls (SH) to substitute guinea grass (GG), traditionally used as a fibre source in the diets of fattening rabbits, on production performance, coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, gastrointestinal tract development and caecal fermentation. A total of 160 mixed sex Hyla commercial meat rabbits were allocated to 4 experimental groups (40 per treatment) differing in the SH level inclusion in the diet offered to rabbits from 40 to 90 d of age: 0, 30, 60 and 90 g/kg on as-fed basis: SH0, SH30, SH60 and SH90 groups, respectively. Growth performance was recorded from 47 to 90 d of age, CTTAD of nutrients from 86 to 90 d of age, and gastrointestinal tract development, caecal fermentation and carcass traits were determined at 90 d of age. Increasing substitutions of SH in the diet indicated effects on growth performance, as higher feed intake and lower feed efficiency were observed in SH90 compared with SH0 (P-linear<0.05). Moreover, the higher SH substitution diet (SH60 and SH90) increased the relative caecum weight (P-linear<0.05). A linear negative effect of SH inclusion was observed for the digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (CTTAD from 0.294 to 0.232) and acid detergent fibre (CTTAD from 0.182 to 0.136; P-linear<0.05). Dietary SH substitution level had a quadratic effect on the villus height of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum obtained (P-quadratic<0.05), and the highest were observed in the SH60 group. There was a quadratic effect on the pH of caecum content (P-quadratic<0.05), and the lowest was 6.08 in SH30 group. The total volatil fatty acids increased linearly with increasing SH in diets (from 71.11 to 76.98 mmol/L; P-linear<0.05), and when dietary SH increased, the proportion of acetate tended to increase (P-linear<0.05), and the proportions of propionic and butyric were decreased (P-linear<0.05, respectively). Substitution of GG with SH had no effect on carcass characteristics and meat quality. The current work shows that SH can replace up to 60 g/kg in diets for fattening rabbits, with no adverse impact on aspects of production performance or digestion traits.
The Artificial Body in Fashion and Art
Authors: Geczy Adam
Published: September 2018

Artificial bodies constructed in human likeness, from uncanny automatons to mechanical dolls, have long played a complex and subtle role in human identity and culture. This book takes a range of these bodies, from antiquity to the present day, to explore how we seek out echoes, caricatures and replications of ourselves in order to make sense of the complex world in which we live.

Packed with case studies, from the commedia del’arte to Hans Bellmer, and the work of André Courrèges to the 1980s supermodel, this volume explores the divide between the “real” and the constructed. Arguing that the body “other” plays a crucial role in the formation of the self physically and psychologically, leading scholar Adam Geczy contends that the “natural” body has been replaced by a series of imaginary archetypes in our post-modern world, central to which is the figure of the doll.

The Artificial Body in Fashion and Art provides a much-needed synthesis of constructed bodies across time and place, drawing on fashion theory, theatre studies and material culture, to explore what the body means in the realms of identity, gender, performance and art.
Tweed
Authors: Anderson Fiona
Published: September 2018

The story of tweed is tied to a series of social, economic and cultural shifts that have molded its development. This book considers the historical factors that helped to shape the characteristics and social meanings of the group of fabrics that we call tweed since their emergence in the 1820s to the present day. Including significant new research on tweeds, from Harris Tweed to the type used by Chanel, this book follows the history of these fabrics from the raw fibre to the finished garment in men’s and women’s fashion.

Exploring rural and urban contexts, Anderson shows that, contrary to their strong popular associations with tradition, tweeds emerged in the Romantic era as a response to the dramatic changes associated with industrialisation and urbanisation. Progressive changes in gender relations are also explored as a major factor in tweed’s evolution from associations with particular ideals of masculinity into what is now a truly contemporary and adaptable fashion textile worn by both sexes. This is the first book of its kind to recognize the versatility of tweed and its importance in textiles and fashion today.
Biomass burning smoke heights over the Amazon observed from space
Authors: Gonzalez-Alonso Laura , Val Martin Maria , Kahn Ralph A.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. We characterize the vertical distribution of biomass burning emissions across the Amazon during the biomass burning season with an extensive climatology of smoke plumes derived from MISR and MODIS (2005–2012) and CALIOP (2006–2012) observations. Smoke plume heights exhibit substantial variability, spanning a few hundred meters up to 6 km above the terrain. However, the majority of the smoke is located at altitudes below 2.5 km. About 60 % of smoke plumes are observed during drought years, at the peak month of the burning season (September; 40–50 %) and over tropical forest and savanna regions (94 %). At the time of the MISR observations (10:00–11:00 LT), the highest plumes are detected over grassland fires (1100 m maximum plume height average) and the lowest plumes occur over tropical forest fires (~ 800 m). A similar pattern is found later in the day (14:00–15:00 LT) with CALIOP, although at higher altitudes (2300 m grassland versus 2000 m tropical forest), as CALIOP typically detects smoke at higher altitudes due to its greater sensitivity to thin aerosol layers. On average, 3–20 % of the fires inject smoke into the free troposphere; this percentage can increase toward the end of the burning season (November; 15–40 %). We find a well-defined seasonal cycle between MISR plume heights, MODIS Fire Radiative Power (FRP) and atmospheric stability across the main biomes of the Amazon, with higher smoke plumes, more intense fires and reduced atmospheric stability conditions toward the end of the burning season. Lower smoke plume heights are detected during drought (800 m) compared to non-drought (1100 m) conditions, in particular over tropical forest and savanna fires. Drought conditions favour understory fires over tropical forest, which tend to produce smouldering combustion and low smoke injection heights. Droughts also seem to favour deeper boundary layers and the percentage of smoke plumes that reach the FT is lower during these dry conditions. Consistent with previous studies, the MISR mid-visible aerosol optical depth demonstrates that smoke makes a significant contribution to the total aerosol loading over the Amazon, with important implications for air quality. This work highlights the importance of biome type, fire properties and atmospheric conditions for plume dynamics, as well as the effect of drought conditions on smoke loading. In addition, our study demonstrates that combined observations of MISR and CALIOP allows for better constraints on the vertical distribution of smoke from biomass burning over the Amazon.
Freshwater fish fauna of rivers of the southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Arunkumar Anbu Aravazhi , Manimekalan Arunachalam
Published: September 2018

Abstract. The Western Ghats of India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the
eight “hotspots” of biological diversity in the world. It is also referred
to as the “Great Escarpment of India”. This paper provides information on
the diversity of freshwater fish fauna of six river systems of the southern
Western Ghats. The study area has been identified geographically using a GPS,
and the respective topographic map has been digitized using ArcGIS software.
The fish fauna were collected from various streams and rivers using cast
nets, dip nets, gill nets and drag nets. Among the 31 georeferenced sites
sampled from the rivers of the southern Western Ghats, a total of 64 species,
belonging to 6 orders, 14 families and 31 genera, were recorded. Among them,
the order Cypriniformes was dominant, with 3 families, 18 genera and 49
species (76.6 %). Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were
performed to express the contribution of the variables and their influence on
the species diversity. Interestingly, of the 31 sites, Thunakadavu stream,
Gulithuraipatti, Athirapally,
Naduthotam, Nadathittu, Mullaithodu, Thonanthikla, Noolpuzha and
Sinnaru exhibited
high variation in species diversity. Nearly 15 species were found to be
threatened in the Western Ghats. Garra periyarensis and
Cirrhinus cirrhosus are known to be vulnerable and
Hemibagrus punctatus is critically endangered because of various
anthropogenic activities. The study clearly indicates that certain timely
measures have to be taken immediately to protect the fish fauna in the
southern Western Ghats (https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.882214).
Parameter uncertainty analysis for an operational hydrological model using residual-based and limits of acceptability approaches
Authors: Teweldebrhan Aynom T. , Burkhart John F. , Schuler Thomas V.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Parameter uncertainty estimation is one of the major challenges
in hydrological modeling. Here we present parameter uncertainty analysis of
a recently released distributed conceptual hydrological model applied in the
Nea catchment, Norway. Two variants of the generalized likelihood uncertainty
estimation (GLUE) methodologies, one based on the residuals and the other on
the limits of acceptability, were employed. Streamflow and remote sensing
snow cover data were used in conditioning model parameters and in model
validation. When using the GLUE limit of acceptability (GLUE LOA) approach, a
streamflow observation error of 25 % was assumed. Neither the original
limits nor relaxing the limits up to a physically meaningful value yielded
a behavioral model capable of predicting streamflow within the limits in 100 % of the observations. As an alternative to relaxing the limits, the
requirement for the percentage of model predictions falling within the original
limits was relaxed. An empirical approach was introduced to define the degree
of relaxation. The result shows that snow- and water-balance-related
parameters induce relatively higher streamflow uncertainty than catchment
response parameters. Comparable results were obtained from behavioral models
selected using the two GLUE methodologies.
The nonlinear vibrations of orthogonal mechanism of vibrating table in view of friction
Authors: Iskakov Zharilkassin , Bissembayev Kuatbay , Jamalov Nutpulla
Published: September 2018

Abstract. In dynamics of the orthogonal mechanism of vibrating table main attention is
paid to the effect of friction on vibrational process when it is interacting
with non-ideal energy source. As a result of analysis of numerical solutions
of nonlinear equation of motion, it is established that in general, for the
period of rotation, both sliding friction and rotational friction increase
the difference between the maximum and minimum angular velocity values of the
driving link (engine shaft) when its average value is constant; both increase
the coefficient of non-uniformity of rotation. When there is a cargo of
significant mass in the working link, the effect of sliding friction impacts
more on the amplitude and frequency of the angular velocity oscillations of
the driving link (engine shaft) and on the frequency of the coordinate
changes, as well as on the frequencies and maximum and minimum values of the
projections of the velocity and acceleration of the hinge linking the work
platform to coupler. Similarly, the larger of the load mass, the stronger the
effect of rotational friction on the amplitude and frequency of angular
velocity oscillations of the driving link (engine shaft).
Germplasm Evaluation of Tomato for Resistance to the Emerging Wilt Pathogen Fusarium Equiseti
Authors: Akbar Asma , Hussain Shaukat , Ali Gul Shad
Published: September 2018

Fusarium wilt caused by different Fusarium species is a devastating disease causes heavy loss to tomato plantation worldwide. In this study 13 tomato varieties were screened against F. equiseti to explore the resistance potential of the varieties against the disease. Out of 13 varieties only 2 varieties Roma and Hybrid showed resistance to the disease, while the other 69% were highly susceptible. Based on cluster analysis for genetic diversity it was reported that susceptible varieties are only 8% genetically different and share same genetic pool. We reported that the wild species of tomato Solanum pimpinellifolium (Sp- 2093) showed complete immunity and were remain unaffected having 25% genetic difference with other varieties tested. Thus wild tomato species may provide the source of resistance required to develop resistant variety against the emerging wilt pathogen F. equiseti. The data regarding virluence structure and resisatnt variety that is presented in this study will suport more focused efforts in the management of tomato wilt caused by Fusarium species and that resistant features of wild tomato variety Sp-2093, could be accumulated with other desirable characteristics of different germplasm in one cultivar, which will reduce the chances for new virulent species to evolve.
Budgetary Control and Performance: the Case of Councils in Mezam and Momo Divisions of Cameroon
Authors: Mukah Samuel Tanjeh
Published: September 2018

The pursuit of quality service delivery in the public sector management in Cameroon necessitated the decentralisation of public sector management by transferring more power and resources to the local councils. This is in a bid to make them more self-governing. These councils are expected to meet the aspirations of their municipalities by carrying out approved projects efficiently and effectively. In this regard, this paper sets out to investigate the relationship between budgetary control and performance of local councils in Mezam and Momo Divisions of the North West Region of Cameroon, and the challenges these councils encounter in the process of budgetary control. Data was collected through a survey and analysed using the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimation technique to regress the relationship between the budgetary control variables and council performance. The empirical results showed that the key budgetary control variables (planning, participation, monitoring and control, motivation, communication, and responsibility) have a positively and statistically significant effect on performance of the councils. Effective performance of local councils in Mezam and Momo Divisions of the North West Region of Cameroon could then be attributed to effective presence of budgetary control requiring the availability of financial resources rationally allocated, qualified and experienced personnel, participation of all responsibility center managers in the planning and control processes, and regular communication and motivation of the council staff.
Assessing Secondary Trauma, Compassion Satisfaction, and Burnout – Implications for Professional Education for Asian-American Social Workers
Authors: Kwong Kenny
Published: September 2018

The present study explored work-related stress and career experiences of Asian-American social workers and assessed if their demographic characteristics, beliefs and orientations (altruism, idealism, and self-compassion), and work-related stressors might impact their professional quality of life (secondary trauma, compassion satisfaction, and burnout) and job-related health problems.  Two hundred and eight (208) Asian social workers and students participated in a comprehensive online survey by providing basic demographic and work-related information and completing a set of standardized scales to assess their career experiences and work-related stress, as well as their psychological and physical well-being.  Bivariate analyses and stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to estimate models that best predicted their experiences of secondary trauma, compassion satisfaction, burnout, perceived stress, and job-related health problems.  The findings showed that higher perceived stress was associated with higher secondary trauma, burnout, job-related health problems, and lower compassion satisfaction.  Work-related problems/stressors emerged as a very strong predictor of burnout and job-related health problems.  Higher self-compassion was related to higher compassion satisfaction and lower secondary trauma and burnout.  Self-compassion was found to be a very strong predictor of perceived stress.  Implications of the findings for professional education and career development for Asian-American social workers were discussed.
Management of the Failed Arthroplasty for Proximal Humerus Fracture
Authors: Petkovic Djuro , Kovacevic David , Levine William N. , Jobin Charles M.
Published: September 2018

A variety of reasons exist for failure of arthroplasty performed for management of proximal humerus fracture. Revision surgery for these failures is complex and has a high likelihood of inferior outcomes compared with primary arthroplasty. Successful management requires consideration of various modes of failure including tuberosity malunion or resorption, rotator cuff deficiency, glenoid arthritis, bone loss, component loosening, stiffness, or infection. Although revision to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty is an appealing option to address instability, rotator cuff dysfunction, and glenoid arthritis, there are concerns with higher complication rates and inferior results compared with primary reverse replacement. Any treatment plan should appropriately address the cause for failure to optimize outcomes.
Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on Hydrological Characteristics of the Mbarali River Sub Catchment Using High Resolution Climate Simulations from CORDEX Regional Climate Models
Authors: Mutayoba Edmund , Kashaigili Japhet J. , Kahimba Frederick C. , Mbungu Winfred , Chilagane Nyemo A.
Published: September 2018

This study assesses the impacts of climate change on water resources over Mbarali River sub-catchment using high resolution climate simulations from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment Regional Climate Models (CORDEX_RCMs). Daily rainfall, minimum and maximum temperatures for historical climate (1971-2000) and for the future climate projection (2011-2100) under two Representative Concentration Pathways RCP 8.5 and RCP 4.5 were used as input into the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model to simulate stream flows and water balance components for the Mbarali River sub-catchment. The impacts of climate change on hydrological conditions over Mbarali river catchment were assessed by comparing the mean values of stream flows and water balance components during the present (2011-2040), mid (2041-2070) and end (2071-2100) centuries with their respective mean values in the baseline (1971-2000) climate condition. The results of the study indicate that, in the future, under both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emission scenarios, the four main components that determine change in catchment water balance (rainfall, ground water recharge, evaporation and surface runoff) over Mbarali river catchment are projected to increase. While the stream flows are projected to decline in the future by 13.33% under RCP 4.5 and 13.67% under RCP 8.5 emission scenarios, it is important to note that simulated surface runoff under RCP8.5 emission scenario is higher than that which is obtained under the RCP4.5 emission scenario.
The Effect of Service Quality Dimensions on Students’ Satisfaction in University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) Hostel Accommodation (Sudan)
Authors: Omar Khairi Mohamed , Arbab Ahmed Mohammed
Published: September 2018

This paper aims to examine the effects of service quality dimensions on students’ satisfaction in University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) students’ hostel accommodation in Sudan. It is based on an empirical study conducted at one of the Sudanese Private University. A quantitative method was employed. Out of 367, there were 200 questionnaires were returned represented 55% of the study response rate. SPSS version 22 and AMOS version 21.0 were used in the analysis the collected data. The study proposed six direct effects. The results support two direct effects. Although the study conducted regarding the student's satisfaction in a Sudan education environment, the result of this study cannot be generalized.
The Inscribed Metal Pots in the West of the Arab Gulf (Mleiha and Al- Fueda), Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt: A Comparative Study
Authors: Saffaie Waleed Mohamed
Published: September 2018

The current study seeks to analyze some themes and ornaments that appeared on metal pots in the west of Arab Gulf (Mleiha in the United Arab Emirates and Al- Fueda in the Sultana of Oman). The study also makes a comparison between the metal pots of previous regions and their counterparts in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. The Arab Gulf is of great importance because it represents an important center for commercial convoys and associates with ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt and other civilizations. The Arab Gulf produced a varied and splendid art with artistic output. On the other hand, Mesopotamia transferred the ancient Egyptian artistic influences to the Arab Gulf. The study highlights the two regions of Mlieha and Al- Fueda in the west of the Arab Gulf, Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. Also, it shows the artistic influences on these pots. To describe and analyze such metal pots, the study adopts the descriptive analytical approach. The researcher has faced several difficulties, which are: 1) Finding a few of inscribed metal pots led to the difficulty of the local comparison where some sites did not reveal a rich metal product. 2) The scarcity of references and books specialized in metal arts in the Arab library. 3) Numerous metal sculpture works have been lost due to re- using and re- shaping these metals again. The study has reached many conclusions, the most important of which are: 1) The pots and plates were decorated with splendid inscriptions and ornaments, and their themes were quoted from neighboring countries. 2) The Study has noted that some metal inscriptions represented the pure local environment of the art at the time. Also, some of them were affected by the arts of neighboring civilizations in Mesopotamia, Syria and ancient Egypt.
Federalism and Contending Issues in Contemporary Nigeria: Mapping Alternative Perspectives for a Neo-Federalist Paradigm
Authors: Nkwede Joseph Okwesili , Dauda Kazeem Oluwaseun , Orija Olanrewaju A.
Published: September 2018

Evidence abound that Nigeria’s form of federal system has been grappling with serious working and institutional challenges. The paper interrogated contending issues ravaging Nigeria’s federal polity with a clarion call for timely adoption of neo-federalism paradigm. It employed qualitative research method with classical model of federalism as framework of analysis. The paper established that Nigeria’s federal republic is associated with over-concentration of governmental powers at the centre, sectional domination of powers and political leadership, inept and corrupt leadership/bad governance, socio-economic crisis, insecurity, corruption, favouritism and nepotism, problem of power sharing and poor implementation of federal character principle, which further heightened the delivery of socio-economic services and democratic dividends to the people. It concluded that for Nigeria’s federation to stand the test of time and overcome myriad problems it is currently facing, embracing the neo-federalism paradigm is inevitable. Among recommendations proffered include devolution of powers, adequate provision of sustainable security, and election of dedicated, committed and visionary leadership at all levels of government with the ability to drive the economic blueprints of this nation towards greatness, provide essential needs for the citizenry and promote good governance.