bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Konflikt między równością a wolnością religijną w prawie pracy Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Burgoński Piotr
Published: March 2019

The paper addresses the problem of the way in which the European Union legislation resolves the conflict between the right to be non-discriminated and the right to religious freedom, in the case of religious institutions as employers. The background to its creation are numerous cases of accusations of discrimination directed at religious institutions, as they differentiate employees or candidates for employees, following their specific criteria. The subject of the analyses contained in the paper is art. 4 of the EU Council Directive 2000/78/EC, which regulates the employment of employees by religious institutions. The analyses carried out show that Directive 2000/78/EC does not assign an absolute value neither to the right not to be discriminated nor to the right to religious freedom. Neither does it set a clear hierarchy. The conflict between them is solved on the principle of seeking balance by means of concessions made by each party. However, it can be seen that the right to be non-discriminated is more limited than the right to religious freedom. The analyses revealed the existence in the Directive of various ways of perceiving the character of religious institutions. They also show that art. 4 of the directive is an example of the principle of subsidiarity, because it takes into account the specificity and tradition of the Member States in regulating the autonomy of religious institutions, leaving the states a considerable scope to define or even modify the provisions of the Directive.
Pozycja ustrojowa przewodniczącego parlamentu Andory (Syndyka Generalnego) w kontekście zmiany ustrojowej z 1993 r.
Authors: Łukaszewski Marcin
Published: March 2019

Andorra is one of the youngest European democracies. For many centuries it was a non-sovereign and undemocratic entity with a complicated international status. The subject of this article is the constitutional position of the speaker of the Andorran parliament – the General Syndic of the General Council. The author tries to analyse how position of the Syndic changed after the adoption of the 1993 constitution and what position in the system of state organs is now occupied by the parliament’s Speaker.
Kto i z kim? Analiza rozbieżności stanowisk w głosowaniach w Radzie Unii Europejskiej, w latach 2009–20141
Authors: Gorgosz Adrian
Published: March 2019

The purpose of the article is to analyse the cases of contestation of decisions in the Council of the European Union during voting on legislative acts in the ordinary legislative procedure, in the period 2009–2014. In the first step, two research hypotheses were delineated. The first one assumed the dominance of the coalition culture in voting, the second one assumed the opposite, the dominance of the culture of consensus. In addition, two further hypotheses were delineated which assumed conflicts in the European Union between the countries of the north and south and between the “old” vs. “new” Union. In order to verify the hypotheses, a multidimensional scaling technique was applied. Empirical analysis confirmed that the dominant culture of voting is the culture of consensus. Despite this, several countries strongly emphasised their separate positions, trying to form coalitions. Moreover, conflicts between the north and south Europe and the “new” and “old” Union were not confirmed.
Europejska i międzynarodowa reakcja na referendum niepodległościowe w irackim Kurdystanie
Authors: Jomma Fuad
Published: March 2019

This paper attempts to analyse independence aspirations of Iraqi Kurds. It considers issues of legal solutions used by Kurds in regard to institution of referendum. The paper analyses problems which hindered cooperation between Kurdistan Regional Government and Federal Government of Iraq. Moreover it highlights uniqueness of the region in lights of Iraqi constitutional solutions from 2005. The author puts forward a thesis that convening a referendum in 2017 was too hasty and refers to international opinion being a reaction to independence aspirations of Iraqi Kurds.
A IMPORTÂNCIA DO PSICOPEDAGOGO INSTITUCIONAL FRENTE A DIFICULDADE DE
APRENDIZADO
Authors: Aparecida Grillo Mariana , Augusto Oliveira Sanchez Joel
Published: March 2019

The research developed aims to present the school as a place of promotion to knowledge, where
the educating will have the opportunity to take ownership of the necessary contents to develop
and to have a social life. However, the student may experience difficulty in learning because of the
lack of school inclusion, or for family and personal problems. In this sense comes the action of the
Psychoeducator in the search for answers for each particularity. With investigative work, it is
possible to create working methods with this student so that their difficulty is remedied. In the
face of the new school paradigms, the work of the psychoeducator is essential as an intermediator
in the educational process. In this context this professional gains the role of renewing the concepts
of teaching and of adapting the methodologies and practices, so that in this computerized era
where the information is transmitted in real time, the student is achieved in its difficulties,
yearnings and fears. Thus, this work presents within the analytical, bibliographic and exploratory
research a reflection on such facts, consolidating the role of the Psychoeducator, and concluding
through this study the purpose of this professional that will develop its Work favoring and guiding
the process of teaching and learning and human development.
APRENDIZAGEM NA INDÚSTRIA DE SOFTWARE: A INVESTIGAÇÃO DE UM
HACKATHON INTERNO
Authors: Caroline Urbano Lourenço Gisele , de Campos Benatti Gonçalves Rafaela , Miguel de Oliveira Gustavo , Tenório Nelson
Published: March 2019

Hackathon is a sort of event which fosters the creativity and the innovation. In this way, many
software industry organizations have organized their hackathons mainly addressed to improve the
individual and organizational knowledge. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the individual's
learning after hackathon participation. For that, we conducted a questionnaire with the
participants of an internal hackathon carried out by a software development organization.
Furthermore, we analyzed a retrospective meeting in which the participants gave their opinion
and suggestion regarding the event. Our results point out that hackathons are considered local for
knowledge creation which stimulates individual and organizational learning, driving the own
learning. Finally, the hackathon creates organizational knowledge which requires Knowledge
Management processes, practices, and tools to support that knowledge
RELAÇÃO PÚBLICO-PRIVADA E PRECARIZAÇÃO DO TRABALHO: UM ENSAIO
TEÓRICO
Authors: Gomes Moreira João , Aparecida Augusto Fernanda , Caires da Silva Irene , Elisa Nogueira Oliveira Maria , Veiga Uzeloto Tatiana
Published: March 2019

This article aims to discuss the dismantling that the neoliberal proposals have been making in
relation to social policies, which the State, in fulfillment of its duty, should provide for the
wellbeing of the population, in a democratic way. It was sought to clarify that the public-private
relationship is nothing more than a major strategy of capital to create and expand new market
niches to overcome the cyclical crisis of capitalism, always presented with new clothes in the
mutations that are processed, to reduce the effects of the inevitable in the social asphyxiation that
eventually generated great revolutions recorded in its historical process. This article is of
bibliographic character, where information was sought in doctrines, periodicals, specialized
magazines, official websites and others. Finally, it was a brief diagnosis of the current situation of
the Brazilian public education that, from the third way, has been incorporating new forms of
action based on the logic of the market.
Öffentliche Soziologie
Authors: Neun Oliver
Published: March 2019

Based on the American debate on ‘public sociology’, the term ‘öffentliche Soziologie’ has increasingly been incorporated into German-speaking sociology as of late. The aim of this specific form of sociology is to go beyond the discipline’s traditional parameters and impart its findings to a broader cross section of society. However, the German-speaking debate on this subject is by no means new; indeed, it was initiated by thinkers such as Theodor W. Adorno, Ralf Dahrendorf and Jürgen Habermas. This textbook thus collates a selection of essential source texts that address this subject. It is the first to document the German-speaking debate on ‘public sociology’ and its key concepts, and therefore provides students with a profound insight into this field.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Methods Show Superior or Equivalent Performance to Non-NGS Methods on BRAF, EGFR, and KRAS Proficiency Testing Samples
Authors: Surrey Lea F. , Oakley Fredrick D. , Merker Jason D. , Long Thomas A. , Vasalos Patricia , Moncur Joel T. , Kim Annette S.
Published: March 2019

Context.—

There has been a rapid expansion of next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based assays for the detection of somatic variants in solid tumors. However, limited data are available regarding the comparative performance of NGS and non-NGS assays using standardized samples across a large number of laboratories.

Objective.—

To compare the performance of NGS and non-NGS assays using well-characterized proficiency testing samples provided by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Molecular Oncology Committee. A secondary goal was to compare the use of preanalytic and postanalytic practices.

Design.—

A total of 17 343 responses were obtained from participants in the BRAF, EGFR, KRAS, and the Multigene Tumor Panel surveys across 84 different proficiency testing samples interrogating 16 variants and 3 wild-type sequences. Performance and preanalytic/postanalytic practices were analyzed by method.

Results.—

While both NGS and non-NGS achieved an acceptable response rate of greater than 95%, the overall performance of NGS methods was significantly better than that of non-NGS methods for the identification of variants in BRAF (overall 97.8% versus 95.6% acceptable responses, P = .001) and EGFR (overall 98.5% versus 97.3%, P = .01) and was similar for KRAS (overall 98.8% and 97.6%, P = .10). There were specific variant differences, but in all discrepant cases, NGS methods outperformed non-NGS methods. NGS laboratories also more consistently used preanalytic and postanalytic practices suggested by the CAP checklist requirements than non-NGS laboratories.

Conclusions.—

The overall analytic performance of both methods was excellent. For specific BRAF and EGFR variants, NGS outperformed non-NGS methods and NGS laboratories report superior adherence to suggested laboratory practices.
All Aboard the Darien Express! A Creative Mystery-Themed SRP
Authors: Cardone Samantha , Marrocolla Elisabeth Gattullo
Published: March 2019

Storytimes. STEM initiatives. Outreach visits. Book groups. Together, these services form the foundation of youth library programming. Although a mix of programs is important to year-round librarianship, one time of year stands above the rest, providing a framework to draw people into the library in numbers far exceeding the school year. We speak, of course, of the pièce de résistance of youth library programming—summer reading programs.
Blowing Up Summer Reading: One Library’s Approach
Authors: Lovan Katherine
Published: March 2019

Summer reading can be a beloved and anticipated, but sometimes loathed, tradition among librarians…and, let’s face it, some kids as well. Once we had reached the people who liked our traditional approach to our summer reading program (SRP), we sought to increase participation. Surveys helped us identify barriers to participation. We found that families struggle with time to visit the library or they may be frustrated with restrictive SRP rules (they lose their tracking sheets, go on vacation, etc.). The families are, however, looking for programs that target their children’s specific interests, especially ones to help the children build skills, as opposed to regular programming designed to appeal to a wider audience.
Editor’s Note: The Year I Discovered Graphic Novels
Authors: Verbeten Sharon
Published: March 2019

As a book lover, I always thought it seemed blasphemous when I declared, “I don’t like graphic novels.” In truth, I really hadn’t given them much of a chance. I always had assumed their format would be difficult for me to follow—sensory overload, of sorts.Of course I had been familiar with their popularity in my library—most pre-teens had asked for them. It made reader’s advisory a bit more challenging if I hadn’t read any, so I finally cracked one open—I started with Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson. The story really drew me in; I grew up in the 1970s, when roller derby was televised (and my parents let me watch it!). I was absorbed in the story, and by the time I was done, well, I guess I had read my first graphic novel!
Couples Who Collaborate: Erin and Philip Stead
Authors: Sableski Mary-Kate
Published: March 2019

Husband and wife Philip and Erin Stead are well-known as the team behind the Caldecott Award-winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee (2010), as well as several other titles that are a memorable part of any library collection.Erin illustrated A Sick Day for Amos McGee, which, according to National Public Radio, was the first debut picturebook to win the award. Since that debut, Erin has illustrated five more books, with her sixth illustrated book, Music for Mister Moon, coming in 2019 (written by Philip). In addition to collaborating with Philip, Erin has illustrated two books written by her longtime friend Julie Fogliano.
Putting the “Extra” in Extraordinary: Creating a Library Comic Con
Authors: Virello Molly
Published: March 2019

I am a lady of many hats—children’s librarian by day, Renaissance faire rogue and comic con cosplay queen by night (and weekend). I was drawn to these activities not only because of my passion, but because of other people’s exuberance for the characters, the activities, and the stories. It’s something I see in the library all the time when children want to share stories about their hobbies or their new favorite book.That exuberance got me thinking—how could I share my weekend passions with my library patrons?
O comportamento de consumo de tecnologias digitais pelo público feminino
Authors: Lins Samuel Lincoln Bezerra , Weiler Karina De Lemos , Pereira Rita De Cássia de Faria , Beck Ceres Grehs
Published: March 2019

The relationship between consumption behavior and gender has been a common interest in marketing studies. Whether from a biological perspective or from the perspective of gender identity, there is a correlation between the consumption of products or services and the fact that the consumer is a woman or a man. We investigated the consumption behavior of digital technologies by women through an exploratory study with in-depth interviews with 15 working women aged between 22 and 30 years. Content analysis revealed three profiles of female consumers: engaged, interested, and disinterested. Besides, mass media was revealed as an important source of influence on the purchasing process, and the Internet was identified as the main information source about the items to be purchased. Our research also shows that the interest about and the consumption of digital technologies by women are increasing. However, women are still in need of additional technical knowledge and the opinion of other people to feel more secure about purchasing technology. The findings address the relevance of studying the relationship between technology consumption and gender from the perspective of the consumer, the decision maker or the agent that exerts influence on the purchasing process.
Uma análise da relação entre valores pessoais e satisfação com o trabalho
Authors: Camfield Claudio Eduardo Ramos , Borell Diana Abreu Von , Rodrigues Ricardo Gouveia
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between personal values and job satisfaction. For this, a multiple linear regression was made, whose independent variables were personal values and the dependent variable, job satisfaction. The data for this test were collected from the European Social Survey database (ESS, 2012) with a valid sample of 820 people (portugueses) who participated in a social survey which is applied annually in 20 European countries. From 4 assumptions made in the study, 3 were rejected, revealing that personal values and conservation of self-transcendence Don’t have positive relation with job satisfaction, as well as the self-promotion of value does not have a negative and significant relation as suggested. The value of openness to change, however, showed a negative and significant relationship at 5%. The results suggested that personal values did not possess relevant explanatory power on job satisfaction, in this sample. Therefore, we suggest the inclusion of other variables in the model to provide better contribution to the literature about this theme, as well as for managers where they consider relevant employee satisfaction with their work.
Segurança química ou proteção isomórfica? Uma análise da criação do anteprojeto de lei de substâncias químicas industriais à luz da teoria institucional
Authors: Barbosa Vanessa , Ueno Helene Mariko
Published: March 2019

The main objective of this study was to identify isomorphic mechanisms - coercive, mimetic or normative - in the construction of the Brazilian draft law designed to monitor and control industrial chemical substances, in order to promote a reflection on the mechanisms of change that are under way, therefore, addressing some of the challenges in chemical safety governance, health and the environment. Firstly, a bibliographical review is presented on the context of chemical safety in Brazil and in the world, and on the theoretical reference in the field of institutional theory. The study was based on a content analysis of the 16 meeting memoirs of the working group established in May 2014 within the National Chemical Safety Commission (Conasq), to propose strategies, institutional arrangements and the draft legislation. The results were categorized, and there were identified processes and isomorphic pressures that affect the represented entities in the work group, generating, therefore, a preliminary scenario of the institutional situation and its functioning mechanisms that underlie the creation of the new chemical safety legislation.
Impactos do relacionamento consumidor-marca no desempenho de vendedores no varejo
Authors: Gonçalves Cid Filho , Nizza Júnior Clodoaldo Lopes , Chinelato Flavia Braga
Published: March 2019

In competitive markets with many brand options, pursuing a differential has been a recurring task for companies today. In this sense people have become an important asset in the company and several studies focused on the relationship of consumers with brands. But few studies have investigated other types of brand relationships, such as that of the seller in this scenario, and how this relationship can impact sales performance. This research aims to understand the background of the performance of retail salespeople, this work unprecedentedly integrates the concepts of Salesperson-Brand Relationship (SBR) and Salesperson-Brand Attachment (SBA). For this, a survey was conducted with 206 vendors. This is one of the first researches that seeks to develop an integrative model of the seller-brand relationship and its consequences, the work demonstrates significant relationships between SBR and SBA, job satisfaction and sales performance. The main results indicate that the seller-brand relationship impacts the performance of small retailers, since results show that the seller's relationship with the brand plays a significant role in their performance, commitment, effort and satisfaction with work. According to the survey results, companies wanting retail sales performance should build "Brand Attachment" on their sales team to drive job satisfaction and commitment.
Ecopercepções: Representações Sociais da Natureza no universo infantil
Authors: Silva Daniela Santos , Santos Juracy Marques dos
Published: March 2019

Este artigo trabalha aspectos da natureza humana infantil. A criança apresenta as reminiscências da construção da personalidade do homem, tonicidades que vão evoluindo ao longo da vida e que podem ser pensadas em suas representações. Este estudo reúne resultados parciais da pesquisa de mestrado em Ecologia Humana e Gestão Socioambiental (PPGECOH-UNEB), e tem como objetivo investigar as representações da Natureza, a partir da percepção ambiental infantil no contexto escolar no munícipio de Juazeiro-BA, analisando e descrevendo a linguagem da criança, a partir do aporte teórico das Representações Sociais. Metodologicamente, realizamos observações participantes, anotações no diário de campo, oficinas de mapas mentais e entrevistas sobre os desenhos e sobre a concepção de Natureza na ótica infantil. Os resultados apresentaram uma visão Ecoperceptiva da Natureza, as crianças revelam elementos imersos em reflexões que versam sobre as ações antrópicas no meio ambiente, ressaltando a mística vinculada a essência da vida, num elo profundo de cuidado, afeto e respeito à Natureza.
O Inframince: A Potencialidade De Um Campo Relacional
Authors:   Universidade Anhembi Morumbi, Reinert Leila
Published: March 2019

A noção de inframince de Marcel Duchamp fornece um vasto campo de pesquisa. É um terreno fértil para proposições sobre uma estética, uma poética e uma política no campo do design e da arte contemporâneas. Duchamp descreve o inframince enquanto uma qualidade do sensível que se encontra no entre, e é um campo relacional pleno de possibilidades. A experiência sensível reorganiza a existência criando percepções singulares. Este estudo apresenta uma articulação entre a noção de inframince e alguns projetos de design.
Governance of Higher Education in the Arab World and the Case of Tunisia
Authors: El Amine Adnan
Published: March 2019

Public universities in the Arab world have suffered from what might be called a political model of governance. This model involves the subordination of universities to political influence, from top to bottom as well as horizontally. It leads to the closing of minds, the undermining of knowledge production, and limiting the ability of universities to bring about social change. The exception to this dominant model in the Arab world is Tunisia, which, not coincidentally, has also been the only exception to the failure of the “Arab Spring,” continuing on the path of democracy and progressive reform despite some setbacks.
Power flow in radial distribution systems in the presence of harmonics
Authors: Milovanović Miloš , Radosavljević Jordan , Perović Bojan , Dragičević Milorad
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the results of power flow calculations in the presence of harmonics in radial distribution systemsobtained using the decoupled harmonic power flow (DHPF) algorithm. In this algorithm, the interaction among the harmonicfrequencies is assumed to be negligible and hence the calculations are separately performed for every harmonic order of interest. Adetailed methodology for calculating current and voltage high order harmonics, harmonic losses and total harmonic distortion ofvoltage of the electrical distribution networks in the frequency domain is presented. The standard backward/forward sweep method isused for solving the power flow problem at the fundamental frequency. Furthermore, some practical and approximated models ofnetwork components in harmonic analysis are given. The performance of the DHPF approach is studied and evaluated on two standardtest systems with nonlinear loads, the distorted IEEE 18-bus and IEEE 33-bus. Nonlinear loads are treated as harmonic current sourcesthat inject harmonic currents into the system. The DHPF algorithm is verified by comparing its results with those generated bysoftware tools for the analysis of transmission, distribution and industrial power systems (i.g. ETAP and PCFLO). Simulation resultsshow the accuracy and efficiency of the applied procedure for solving the harmonic power flow problem.
Image Processing on Raspberry Pi Cluster
Authors: Marković Dušan , Vujičić Dejan , Mitrović Dragana , Ranđić Siniša
Published: March 2019

The development direction of the high-performance computing has been primarily oriented toward improvements in thenumber of computing units, and their better organization and interconnection. The central processing units in modern mainframes arein some cases inadequate for data parallelization, because a large amount of data requires a large number of processing units. Thisproblem can be partially overcome by introducing embedded devices with enough processing power and with smaller power dissipation,but the new problems emerge, specifically the problem of their interconnection in a distributed environment. One of such devices is aRaspberry Pi board, which has four processing cores in the latest revision, and we combined four of such devices in a cluster. Thesedevices are interconnected via Ethernet router and by using MPI interface, they can be programmed to work as a single unit. Wesupplied a set of images that were processed on the cluster and measured its performance.
Towards a classification of stem cells
Authors: Laplane Lucie , Solary Eric
Published: March 2019

The characteristic properties of stem cells – notably their ability to self-renew and to differentiate – have meant that they have traditionally been viewed as distinct from most other types of cells. However, recent research has blurred the line between stem cells and other cells by showing that the former display a range of behaviors in different tissues and at different stages of development. Here, we use the tools of metaphysics to describe a classification scheme for stem cells, and to highlight what their inherent diversity means for cancer treatment.
Preliminary Evaluation of Olive (Olea europaea L.) Cultivars under Hot and Arid Environment of Mexico
Authors: Grijalva-Contreras Raúl Leonel , Macías-Duarte Rubén , López-Carvajal Arturo , Robles-Contreras Fabián , Valenzuela-Ruiz Manuel De Jesús , Núñez-Ramirez Fidel
Published: March 2019

Currently in Mexico there are few studies on agronomic management in olive production. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate eleven olive cultivars for table and oil production (Arbequina, Koroneiki, Arbosana, Kalamata, Barnea, Pendolino, Empeltre, Manzanilla of Sevilla, Carboncella, Frantoio and Cassaliva) under hot and arid environment of Mexico. The experiment was carried out during two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016 at National Research Institute for Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock (INIFAP) in the Experimental Station of Caborca, Sonora, Mexico. The plantation was done on March, 2012 using a density of 100 trees ha-1 (10 x 10 m) under drip irrigation system. The parameters evaluated were vegetative parameters, yield, fruit quality and oil content. The experiment was analyzed using a randomized complete block design and five replications. The results showed statistical differences for all parameters evaluated. Arbequina obtained the highest olive yield with 34.5 and 70.3 kg per tree for the first and second year production, respectively and Barnea recorded the highest oil content with 19.2%. Finally, Manzanilla of Sevilla and Barnea varieties represent a good option as double-purpose varieties.
Prevalence, Pattern and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence among Postpartum Women in Osogbo, Nigeria
Authors: Deborah Adejoke , Benjamin Abiodun Afolabi , Olanrewaju Ibigbami
Published: March 2019

Aim: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health issue in both developed and developing countries. It is one of the most common forms of violence against women. It affects all ethnic groups and it is not impeded by cultural, socio-economic or religious barriers. IPV in postpartum women can increase the risk of homicide and suicide. The study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern and correlates of IPV among postpartum women attending postnatal and infant welfare clinics of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at LTH, Osogbo Nigeria between September and November 2015.

Methodology: This was study conducted among 220 consenting postpartum women using Composite Abuse Scale and socio-demographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The level of statistical significance was set at p-value less than 0.05.

Results: Prevalence of IPV was 26.8%, patterns of IPV were physical abuse 14.5%. Emotional abuse, 26.3, severe combined abuse 9.9% and Harassment 14.5%. IPV was significantly associated with support from respondents’ partner during pregnancy (χ2= 5.470, p=0.019) and partner’s religion. (χ2= 7.746, p= 0.010) The odd ratio for those who had partner’s support was less than 1. (OR =0.337, p=0.014, CI=0.141-0.803).

Conclusion: The prevalence of IPV is high among postpartum women. Increased media campaign about intimate partner violence and preventive measures is urgently needed.
Determination of Yield and Quality Parameters of Lecithin Produced from Some Elite Varieties of Nigerian Sesame (Sesamum indicum)
Authors: Mumeen A. Y. , Onotugoma E. , Onwuegbu M. C. , Shema A. M. , Salihu S. , Okevwe E. G. , Abdulrafiu A. O.
Published: March 2019

Lecithin is usually derived as a by-product of vegetable oil processing. It is also known as phosphotidycholine, it is important for its wide use in food manufacturing, product development as well as pharmaceutical products formulation. The quantity of lecithin being imported into Nigeria for use in several industrial sectors is steadily increasing; the attendant effects of such huge importation can be minimized by sourcing lecithin from Nigerian varieties of oil bearing seeds such as sesame. Sequel to a careful selection of seeds, oil was extracted from four varieties of Nigerian sesame using soxlet extraction method. Lecithin was later produced from the extracted oil through oil degumming process. Lecithin quality parameters such as Iodine Values (I.V), Peroxide Values (P.V), Saponification Value (Sap.V), Acid Values (A.V) and Free Fatty Acid (FFA) values were subsequently evaluated for all oil and lecithin samples extracted. Percentage yield of lecithin isolated from the selected varieties of sesame namely: NCRIBEN 01M, NCRIBEN O2M, NCRIBEN 04E and NCRIBEN 05E: are 3.57%, 3.64 % 2.85% and 3.14% respectively. Values of some quality indices such as the iodine values, peroxide values, Acid Values and Free Fatty Acid evaluated in this research project were found to fall within the FAO/WHO recommendations for lecithin. This study has therefore, contributed to the availability of detailed information from the characteristics stand point and quality index of oil extracted from the selected varieties of sesame and lecithin isolated from their oils. This study therefore concludes that lecithin may be sourced from some Nigerian varieties of sesame and their quality may be enough to meet various industrial applications.
Recovery Incidence and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Some Enteric Bacteria from Well Waters in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Elutade Olayinka O. , Olutunde Olamide F. , Akinola Omowumi T. , Oluranti Olayinka O.
Published: March 2019

The recovery incidence and antibiotic resistance pattern of Escherichia coli, Shigella and Salmonella species in water from 15 different wells located in Iwo, Osun state, were investigated in an effort to determine the potential health risks associated with the consumption of the water. Each well water sample was separately initially cultured in a non-selective pre-enrichment broth for 24 hours, and subsequently, subcultured on sterile Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar for Escherichia coli and Salmonella-Shigella agar for Salmonella and Shigella species, using the pour-plate technique and the microbial counts recorded. With the aid of the disc diffusion method, 0.5 McFarland of each target organism was screened on Mueller-Hinton agar for antibiotic susceptibility profile. Results showed a recovery incidence of E. coli (87%), Salmonella species (80%) and Shigella species (100%). was observed while the microbial counts for E. coli, Shigella and Salmonella species differed significantly in each of the wells sampled. Antibiotic sensitivity profile observed showed 100% isolates of E. coli and Salmonella spp were resistant to augmentin. There were also presence of multi-antibiotic resistance strains with 66.67% of the E. coli isolates resistant to the combinations of cefixime, augmentin and nitrofuration, It is suggested that simple hygienic practice, such as regular disinfection of the wells with chemicals, boiling and filtration of water before drinking would eliminate not only the prevalence of these pathogens but also the spread of both antibiotic and multi-antibiotic resistance traits in the consumed water, hence making it safe for the health of the humans in the study population.
Optimum Size and Shape of Experimental Units for Cassava Cropping
Authors: De Assis Janilson Pinheiro , De Sousa Roberto Pequeno , Rodrigues Walter Martins , Linhares Paulo César Ferreira , Cardoso Eudes De Almeida , Soares Pereira Maria Francisca , Araújo Paula José Aluisio de , Oliveira Ariana Da Mota
Published: March 2019

In agricultural experimentation, the right size and shape of experimental units increase the precision of the experiment. This study determines the optimum size and shape of the experimental unit for field experimentation with cassava. For this, we carried out a uniformity test in Pacajús, Ceará, under dry conditions, with the cultivar 'Mastruço' planted at a spacing of 1.00 m x 0.60 m. The root yields were collected in 15 rows with 40 plants each, comprising 31 types of experimental units of 23 different pre-established sizes. The optimum size of the experimental unit was estimated by the Hatheway method, and the shape was determined by the relative information method. The Hatheway method indicated several optimum sizes of experimental units, many of which were applicable for evaluation experiments of cassava cultivars. The 15 x 1 rectangular experimental unit (15 rows with one plant and 9.00 m² of useful area) was considered the ideal shape for assessment of cassava production, which was smaller than the size suggested in surveys with of cassava cropping. There was a continuous nonlinear reduction of the coefficient of variation with the increase in plot size.
Pollen Viability in Eggplant Using Colorimetric and In vitro Techniques
Authors: Valadares Ricardo de Normandes , De Lima Lilian Bonfim , Nóbrega Danieli Andrade , Santos Silva Jordana Antônia dos , Mendes Adônis Queiroz , Nunes Costa Ítalo Jhonny , Menezes Dimas
Published: March 2019

The causes of fruit abortion, in eggplants, may be related to the absence of viable pollen under high temperatures, common in the Northeast region of Brazil, resulting in a reduction in the number of fruits per plant and consequently in productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the techniques of identification of PV – pollen viability in eggplant, as well as to correlate these results with the FFI – Fruit Fixation Index, NFP – Number of Fruits per Plant and PP – Production per Plant obtained in cultivation under high temperatures. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil, between September and December 2017. The experiment design was a randomized block design with four replications, in the 7 x 4 factorial scheme (7 genotypes x 4 evaluation of PV) containing four plants per experimental plot. The results showed that the different techniques used detected viable pollens in the genotypes evaluated in smaller and in larger proportions. The highest percentages were observed in the treatments with CA – Carmine Acetic and AS – Alexander Solution and these overestimated the PV (>90%). In the test with TTC – 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (25%), the viability estimation was equivalent to the in vitro germination test, however the genetic correlations were null and/or very low between these techniques and the FFI, NFP and PP traits. The genetic correlations between the results obtained with CA and AS with FFI, NFP and PP under conditions of high temperatures were high and positive and suggest that the selection based on PV only, except with the use of TTC solution, may be efficient for indirect selection of genotypes with high FFI, NFP and PP.
Mass Balance of the Himalayan Glaciers and Their Regional Variations
Authors: Das Sanchayita , Chakraborty Manab
Published: March 2019

Aim: Popular methods of glacial mass balance studies are time consuming, laborious and therefore, not repetitive at yearly manner. A compact, user-friendly classification algorithm has been applied to estimate Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) and mass balance of mountain or valley glaciers at yearly basis using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for a period of 2012 to 2015. Cloud cover over the glacier catchment areas was studied to identify major seasons of precipitation over the study areas. The results were also compared to study the regional characteristics of the glaciers.

Study Area: The proposed module was used to analyze data over three Himalayan glaciers, namely, Durung Drung, Gangorti and Zemu. Chhota Shigri glacier was also studied with these three glaciers to understand the regional variations of the Himalayan glaciers.

Methodology: The classification algorithm was fixed for all glaciers and also independent from season, therefore, required least user intervention. The conditional loop based logics, consist of linear equations, classified glaciated region in different physical zones. Purely backscatter based classification result produced error by mixing zones due to overlapped signatures. Altitude thresholds of accumulation zones were employed to segregate the mixing in next level. The method required calibrated ortho-rectified sigma naught dual-pol SAR imagery as primary input. The glaciated area should be provided as Area of Interest (AOI). A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) file is required for altitude threshold. The output classes are saved in separate files with Boolean values. Optical data were used to estimate cloud coverage over the catchments of the glaciers.

Results: Average mass balance of the selected glaciers is estimated as - 0.44 m w.e.a-1 during the study period. The mass balance of the glaciers are comparatively studied with variation in melting seasons, duration of melting periods, on set and cease of melting for each glacier to understand the regional pattern of mass loss.

Conclusion: Co and cross polarized SAR data are employed to derived debris size; however, cross polarized SAR backscattering has better correlation with debris size. The accuracy of the result derived from the developed method is ± 50 mm. Collection of field data on the surface topography is difficult for Mountain glaciers, especially over Himalaya. Use of satellite data can generate detailed information of glacier surface which will be further help to understand role of debris in glacier mass balance.
Estimation of Biomass and Leaf Area Index in the Western Ghats Forest Ecosystem by the Integrated Analysis of Hyperspectral Data and Space Borne LiDAR Data
Authors: Indirabai Indu , Nair M. V. Harindranathan , Nair Jaishanker R. , Nidamanuri Rama Rao
Published: March 2019

The Western Ghats regions of India are characterised by highly complex and biodiverse forest ecosystem with heterogeneous tree species. The integration of LiDAR data with multispectral remote sensing has limitations in the case of spectral information abundance. The objective of this study was to undertake biophysical characterisation in the Western Ghats regions of India by the integration of GLAS ICESat data and AVIRIS-NG hyperspectral data. The methodology of the study includes pre-processing of the hyperspectral and ICESat GLAS data followed by the integration of the two data sets based on pixel based fusion strategy in order to estimate the biophysical parameters of forests. Biomass was estimated by Support Vector Regression method. The structural characteristics extracted from the LiDAR data are integrated with spectral characteristics from the AVIRIS NG imagery based on the pixel level so that biophysical characteristics including canopy height, biomass, Leaf Area Index are estimated. The integrated product on further analysis revealed the applicability of this approach to extract more spectral information and forest parameters. The key findings of the study include biophysical parameters both structural as well as abundant spectral information can be retrieved successfully by the methodology used which have strong correlation with the in situ measurements. The study concluded that biophysical parameters including Leaf Area Index, biomass and canopy height can be effectively estimated by the integration of AVIRIS-NG imagery and GLAS data, which cannot be possible when used independently. It is recommended to have continuous retrieval of LiDAR foot prints instead of discrete, to make modelling of the biophysical parameters a little more effective.
Role of Atmospheric Convection in Global Warming
Authors: Herndon J. Marvin
Published: March 2019

Aims: Geophysical convection calculations can potentially obscure details necessary to understand convective-heat-transfer changes caused by changes in the adverse temperature gradient. The objective is to ascertain the functional relationship between adverse temperature gradient and convection efficiency.

Methodology: A classroom-demonstration experiment was conducted to illustrate the principle that convection efficiency is a direct function of the adverse temperature gradient.

Results: Application of this principle to climate science has profound implications for global warming. A brief period of global warming during World War ll followed by rapid global cooling afterward is attributable, not to carbon dioxide, but to particulate pollution and its generalization to post-1950 global warming. Rather than simply blocking sunlight and causing global cooling, aerosol particles are radiation absorbers that rapidly transfer heat to the surrounding atmosphere, raising its temperature relative to atmospheric temperature at Earth’s surface. Thus the reduction of the adverse temperature gradient between the upper troposphere and the surface reduces atmospheric convection and concomitantly reduces convection-driven surface heat loss, causing global warming, heating the oceans, and reducing CO2 solubility and releasing dissolved CO2 to the atmosphere.

Conclusions: Increasing levels of atmospheric CO2, rather than causing global warming, are symptomatic of particulate-pollution-caused global warming. The Anthropocene idea cannot be justified by anthropogenic CO2. Instead the Anthropocene is better characterized by anthropogenic particulate pollution. A drastic reduction in particulate-pollutant emissions will be followed by a rapid and drastic reduction in global warming, as tropospheric pollution-particulates fall to ground in days to weeks, thus increasing atmospheric convection efficiency and potentially providing a radical solution to the global climate crisis. Moreover, reduction of particulate-pollution, the greatest environmental health-threat, will potentially save millions of lives and reduce the suffering of many more.
Multidrug Resistant Salmonella Isolated from Street Foods in Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Hassan Mohammad Mahmudul , Begum Shajeda , Faruq Abdullah Al , Alam Mahabub , Mahmud Tareq , Islam Ariful
Published: March 2019

Aim: The oodles raising of zoonotic multi-drug resistance (MDR) Salmonella spp. during the last decade, especially in developing countries by repeated challenges resulting from increased and indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in food animals, fish and crop production, and human treatments is one of the dismal issues and might have a dire consequence in near future. The nascent MDR Salmonella may also find their way to commonly available street foods in Bangladesh. Therefore, it is imperative to find out the existence of MDR Salmonella in street foods of Bangladesh.

Study Design:  We conducted a cross-sectional study to interrogate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in street food items and the antimicrobial resistance pattern of isolated Salmonella spp.

Place and duration of Study: The study was conducted from January to June 2016 in 5 street side markets (Agrabad, Colnel Hat, Alonkar Bazar, Bohderhat Bazar and Riazuddin Bazar) of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) area of Bangladesh.

Methodology: Standard microbiological methods were used for isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. from selected street foods. The antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted by using disc diffusion method with commercially available 11 antimicrobials which are frequently used for medical and veterinary practices in Bangladesh.

Results: Prevalence of Salmonella spp. were varied from 60% to 78% among the street food items. The study revealed MDR Salmonella (resistance up to 6 of 11 tested antimicrobials) from each of the food items tested. Concerning the degree of resistance, among the isolated Salmonella, the highest resistances (100%) were detected for Ampicillin and Amoxicillin and lowest for Pefloxacin (around 13%). Moreover, the degree of resistance of Salmonella to antimicrobials also varied among the various street food items.  

Conclusion: The existence of MDR Salmonella notably a high rate in the street foods cues poor hygiene in street food production and it is a major threat for the advent of foodborne zoonoses.
Pattern of Eye Disorders at the Ophthalmology Clinic of a Tertiary Health Facility in the Niger-delta Region: The Implications for Preventive Ophthalmology
Authors: Chukwuka Ireju O. , Pedro-Egbe Chinyere N. , Ejimadu Chibuike Sydney , Cookey Sotonibi A. H. , Onua Alfred A. , Briggs Damiete Elaine
Published: March 2019

Objective: To determine the pattern of eye disorders among Nigerian Niger Delta region residents as a basis for preventive ophthalmology.

Methodology: This study was a retrospective study involving an eleven-year cumulative review of clinical records from the Ophthalmology Clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Data on eye disorders were retrieved from the Ophthalmology Clinic records and manually entered into a computer-spread sheet. Double entry check was performed to avoid errors in computer entry. The respective eye disorders from the records were summed to obtain the absolute and relative cumulative frequencies and appropriately presented using horizontal bar chart. Data analyzed with United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epi-Info version 7 software.

Results: The cumulative total record from the Ophthalmology Clinic was 55,109 from a total of 41 eye disorders. The absolute and relative frequencies of the identified eye disorders from the clinic are presented in horizontal bar chart. The top five ocular disorders were glaucoma (26.97%), refractive error (26.06%), cataract (10.60%), allergic conjunctivitis (9.31%) and bacterial conjunctivitis (5.02%) while the least common cases seen include pan uveitis (0.08%), herpes zoster ophthalmicus (0.07%) pingueculum (0.07%), painful blind eye (0.06%) and orbital cellulitis (0.05%). The anterior segment subspecialty (34.76%) accounted for majority of cases seen followed by glaucoma subspecialty (26.97%), oculoplasty (4.04%), vitreo-retinal (2.4%), paediatric (0.74%), neuro-ophthalmology (0.7%). Cases which cut-across more than one subspecialty group accounted for 28.19%.

Conclusion: The commonest eye disorders identified in this study are among the major causes of avoidable blindness in developing countries including Nigeria. To reduce the burden of blindness and visual impairment would involve a concerted effort to tackle these disorders especially by developing the various ophthalmic subspecialties.