bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Analysis of Claims Development Trapezoids following Benford’s Law
Authors: Heberle Jochen , Gummersbach Tobias
Published: March 2019

In this paper we make an empirical analysis of a wide range of claims developmenttrapezoids following Benford’s law. In particular we determine Benfors’s law fordifferent characteristic factors depending on claims development triangles/trapezoids.These characteristic factors are the cumulative claims payments, the incrementalclaims payments and the individual development factors. For each characteristic factor hypothesis testing is done for verifying/rejecting Benford’s law.
The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on the Psychological Distress of Breast Cancer Patients in Kolkata"
Authors: Datta Arunima , Sharma Rimi
Published: March 2019

Background: Breast cancer patients experience a variety of psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression that affect their quality of life. The present study probed whether the socioeconomic status had any significance on psychological distress and quality of life of breast cancer patients in India. Method: This was a cross-sectional and observational study, conducted over 111 breast cancer patients in a tertiary cancer hospital, Kolkata. Subjects were eligible to participate and they were of over 23rd years of age and had a histologically confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer had no history of recurrence or metastasis, and had no previous psychological problems. Age, marital status, residence, education, occupation and family income were assesses for patients’ socio economic status. Psychological symptoms and quality of life were assessed by using validated tools. Means and standard deviations of each outcome were compared by socioeconomic status and multivariate linear regression models for evaluating the association between socioeconomic status, psychological distress and quality of lifeResults: The patient group was categorized into three groups based on their income level as follows:  ≤500=27.9%), 500-1000=51.4% and high income = ≥1000=20.7%. A total of 111 breast cancer patients participated in the study; the mean age of participants was 49.7 (SE=1.31).  After using multivariate logistic regression with fully adjusted models, the patients who were living alone had significantly higher level of depression and poor quality of life compared to those who are employed. Higher education  and family income  both positively associated with quality of life after adjusting for age, marital status and occupation. Conclusion: The findings revealed that the family income have a significant impact on the psychological distress of the cancer patients.
The Riccati-Bernoulli Sub-ODE Technique for Solving the Deterministic (Stochastic) Generalized-Zakharov System
Authors: Abdelrahman Mahmoud A.E. , Sohaly M. A.
Published: March 2019

This article concerns  with  the  construction of the  analytical traveling  wave so- lutions  for the Generalized-Zakharov System  by the Riccati-Bernoulli Sub- ODE technique. Also, we will discuss this  technique  in random  case by using random  traveling  wave trans- formation  in order  to  find what  is the  effect of the  randomness  input  for this  technique. We presented the Generalized-Zakharov System as an example to show the difference effect between the deterministic and stochastic Riccati-Bernoulli Sub-ODE technique.  The first moment of random solution is computed for different statistical probability distributions.
Marine geological maps of the Campania Region (Southern Tyrrhenian sea, Italy): considerations and contributions to a different scale of geological survey
Authors: Aiello Gemma
Published: March 2019

Marine geological maps of the Campania region have been constructed both to 1:25.000 and to a 1:10.000 scales in the frame of research projects financed by the Italian National Geological Survey, focusing, in particular, on the Gulf of Naples (Southern Tyrrhenian sea), a complex volcanic area where volcanic and sedimentary processes strongly interacted during the Late Quaternary and on the Cilento Promontory offshore. In this paper the examples of the geological sheets n. 464 “Isola di Ischia” and n. 502 “Agropoli” have been studied. The integration of the geological maps with the seismo-stratigraphic setting of the study areas has also been performed based on the realization of interpreted seismic profiles, providing interesting data on the geological setting of the subsurface. The coastal geological sedimentation has been studied in detail in the Ischia and Agropoli offshore. The mapped geological units are represented by: i) the rocky units of the acoustic basement (volcanic and/or sedimentary), ii) the deposits of the littoral environment, including the deposits of submerged beach and the deposits of toe of coastal cliff, iii) the deposits of the inner shelf environment, including the inner shelf deposits and the bioclastic deposits, iv) the deposits of the outer shelf environment, including the clastic deposits and the bioclastic deposits, v) the Lowstand System Tract, vi) the Pleistocene relict marine units, vii) different volcanic units, Pleistocene in age. The seismo-stratigraphic data, coupled with the sedimentological and environmental data provided by the geological maps, allow to give new insights on the geologic evolution of this area during the Late Quaternary.
Geologic and geomorphologic study of the Terra Murata and Centane-Panoramica sites (Island of Procida, Naples Bay, Southern Tyrrhenian sea) aimed at solving some applied geological and geotechnical problems
Authors: Aiello Gemma
Published: March 2019

A geologic and geomorphologic study aimed at solving some geological and geotechnical problems, regarding the massive seepage of meteoric waters in the coastal cliffs of the Island of Procida (Naples Bay, southern Italy), composed of both tuffs and loose pyroclastic deposits, has been carried out in the geosites of Terra Murata (Middle Ages village and coastal cliff towards the Corricella Bay) and Centane-Panoramica (coastal cliff facing on the Tyrrhenian sea). A detailed geologic and geomorphologic survey has allowed to suggest solutions to the applied geological and geotechnical problems related to the occurrence of massive seepages of waters at the physical interface between pyroclastic rocks and loose pyroclastic deposits, characterized by different density, permeability and porosity and also controlled by a dense network of fractures, involving the pyroclastic deposits cropping out in the selected areas. Field sampling and geotechnical laboratory analyses have been carried out to calculate the values of main geotechnical parameters of the yellow tuffs cropping out at the Terra Murata promontory. At the same time, a detailed monitoring of the seepages of waters has been carried out through a detailed geological survey of the tuff outcrops of the promontory. The obtained results have suggested a strong control from both the geomorphologic instability of the coastal cliff and tectonic setting. At the Centane-Panoramica geosite the geological survey, coupled with geotechnical analyses and standard penetrometric tests, has accordingly evidenced that the geomorphologic instability was mainly concentrated in the sectors of the tuff coastal cliffs facing seawards towards the Tyrrhenian sea.
Investigation of Flood Distribution and Feeding Performance of Artificial RED Garden in Shahr-E-Reza on Quantity and Quality of Groundwater Table, Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Eslamian1 Saeid , Godarzi1 Ahmad , Ostad-Ali-Askari2 Kaveh , Gholami2 Hossein , Soltani3 Morteza , Pazdar4 Sona , Nekooei1 Mohsen , Heidarian1 Ali
Published: March 2019

Increasing water consumption has increased using of synthetic nutritional methods for enriching groundwater resources. Artificial feeding is a method that can save excess water for using in low level water time in underground. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of the flood dispersal and artificial feeding system in the Red Garden of Shahr-e-Daghshan and improving, saving    quality of the groundwater table in the area. In order to investigate the performance of these plans, an area of 1570 km2 was considered in the Southern of Shah-Reza. The statistics data from 5 years before the design of the plans (1986-2002) related to flood control fluctuations in 20 observation wells and many indicator Qanat were surveyed in this area. The annual fluctuations in the level of the station show a rise in the level of the station after the depletion of the plan. Dewatering of the first and second turns, with an increase of more than one meter above groundwater level, has had the highest impact on the level of groundwater table in the region. Reduced permeability at sediment levels, wasted flood through evaporation and wasteful exploitation of groundwater resources, cause to loss of the impact on the increase in the level and quality of groundwater in the area, especially in the dry, drought season and recent high droughts.
Morphological, electromagnetic and absorbing properties of pani/epoxy resin samples
Authors: Pinto 1 Simone Souza , Filipsen 1 Rafaela Chinelatto , Santos Gomes 2 Newton Adriano , Opelt 2 Carlos Vinícios , Rezende 1,2 Mirabel Cerqueira
Published: March 2019

This work deals with the study of radar absorbing materials (RAM) based on conductive samples obtained with polyaniline (PAni) (5-20 wt%) inserted in epoxy resin matrix. SEM analyses show that the PAni presents granular morphology, with an average diameter of 5 µm, with structures evenly distributed. DRX and FT-IR analyses show that the PAni polymer was successfully obtained in its conductive form. Electrical permittivity and magnetic permeability measurements of PAni/epoxy samples were performed in the frequency range of 8.2 to 12.4 GHz (X-band). Microwave attenuation values showed that the PAni-20wt%/epoxy resin sample presented a maximum attenuation of -24 dB, i.e. ~99.6% attenuation of the incident radiation. It was also observed that the amount of attenuated energy varies according to the incident frequency and the specimen thickness.
Polyblends and composites of poly (lactic acid) (PLA): a review on the state of the art
Authors: Rajan1 Krishna Prasad , Thomas12 Selvin P. , Gopanna2 Aravinthan , Al-Ghamdi1 Ahmed , Chavali3 Murthy
Published: March 2019

Polymers obtained from renewable sources are gaining popularity over their petroleum based counter parts in recent years due to their capability to address the environmental pollution related concerns emanating from the widespread usage of synthetic polymers. Even though the polymers from renewable sources are attractive in an environmental point of view, some of the property limitations and the high cost of these materials pose limitations for their extensive commercial applications. These aspects opened the door for a large chunk of research activities in development of polyblends and composites containing polymers from renewable sources as one of the components. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most discussed and commercialized polymer originated from renewable resources. Even though it has many useful properties, certain disadvantages like high brittleness, low impact resistance etc. limit the wide spread commercialization of PLA. In this review article, the recent research activities which are aimed to fill this gap by various modifications of PLA are discussed with special emphasis on the latest research advancements in the field of biodegradable and non biodegradable systems containing PLA.
Regarding Responsibility for Land Use and Eco-systems Some problems of social traps
Authors: Lenk Hans
Published: March 2019

Interdisciplinary Studies and cooperations are necessary for practical work as well as studies in geodesy. Responsibility is a function of power, impact and knowledge. The more strategically central one's position is in terms of power, influence and knowledge, the higher one’s responsibility is. This is an idea which can be worked out in more detail by using interdisciplinary approaches and distributive models on different levels.- Social traps, Prisoners’ Dilemma situations etc. as pertaining to land, soil, and environment as well as some examples from geodesics and the study of the usage of nature systems like lakes and flood plain areas are discussed regarding responsibility and distribution problems. “Naturalists’ Dilemmas” (or “Enjoyers’ Dilemmas”) are sketched and potentially solved by proposing a viable distribution strategy.
Formation clusters of nature using in agrarian regions of Dagestan: theory and practice
Authors: Magomedovich Eldarov Eldar , Jamalutdigadzhievi Gadzhiev Magomedkamil
Published: March 2019

The principles and methods of strategic analysis of processes of using natural resources of Dagestan are justified. The purpose of the study is determined by the tasks of forming territorial clusters capable of ensuring the growth of the competitiveness of the regional economy and the intensification of the mechanisms of public-private partnership. The term "cluster of natural resource management ", underlying the basis of the work, on content corresponds to the notion of a territorial cluster that is at the initial stages of its development. The formation of territorial clusters in rural areas of Dagestan is aimed, in particular, to overcome the dominant trend of monopolized for many decades, it means the indifferent in solving the problems of low level and quality of life of the rural population, resource use.
Monitoring observed changes in warm-days extremes over Turkey
Authors: Abbasnia 1 Mohsen , Toros2 Hüseyin
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to analyze warm-days changes extracted from daily maximum temperature time-series of 71 stations in Turkey during 1961–2016. First, the trend analysis of warm-days events indicated that the annual count of warm-days occurrences has been significance rising by a rate of 1.4 days per decade over more than 90 percent of the studied stations. Thus, there are consistent patterns in daily warming throughout the study area. The spatial maps showed that the lowest frequency in the minimum annual number of warm-days occurred in western areas by a total number of 21 days and its highest occurred in the eastern area by a total number of 35 days. Moreover, the highest frequency in the mean and minimum annual count of warm-days observed in the northwestern lowlands and their frequency has decreased toward the eastern mountainous. Also, the highest range of differences between the annual count of maximum and minimum values has happened in the eastern regions which are characterized by high elevation and the lower existence of atmospheric humidity. Therefore, a higher moisture content of the atmosphere in lowland coastal stations favors severe warm-days and the increased risk of human health.
Influence of alfalfa residue and different-source biochars on the chemical properties of a saline-sodic soil
Authors: Noori Zahra , Delavar Mohammad-Amir , Safari Yaser
Published: March 2019

A pot experiment was done aimed to improve the chemical properties of a saline-sodic soil using individual application of alfalfa residue and two biochars, produced from sugarcane bagasse and walnut shell and their concomitant application with gypsum, aluminum sulfate and mixture of these two chemical amendments. Organic and chemical amendments were added to the soil at the weighting ratio of 2.5% and as the soil gypsum requirement, respectively. After two months of incubation, soil samples were measured for soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and the results were analyzed by SPSS software applying ANOVA. The results showed that organic amendments caused a reduction in soil pH and enhanced soil EC and SAR; whereas addition of gypsum and/or aluminum sulfate with biochars intensified their regulatory effects. It can be concluded that application of walnut-shell biochar with mixture of gypsum and aluminum sulfate to the saline-sodic soils has the best efficiency to reclaim the chemical soil properties. Soil leaching, as a supplementary procedure, however, is necessary to complete the improving effects of organic and/or chemical application to the soil.
Effect of sole and combined application of cocoa pod husk ash and cocoa pod husk powder on growth and yield of raddish (raphanus sativus)
Authors: Muyiwa Aboyeji Christoher , Adebayo Olabode Olamilekan
Published: March 2019

This study was carried out at the Teaching and Research farm Landmark University, Omu-Aran. Treatments consisted of 3 levels of cocoa pod husk ash (0, 2 and 4 tonnes CPHA ha-1), 3 levels of cocoa pod husk powder (0, 2 and 4 tonnes CPHP ha-1), NPK and the control. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated four times. The following parameters were taken plant height, number of leaves (at 2, 3, and 4 weeks after sowing), total plant weight, root weight, leaf weight, roots girth and roots length. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Using S.A.S, 2000. Treatment means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 0.05 level of probability. Results showed that chemical analysis of cocoa pod ash and powder contained plant nutrients as N, P, K, Ca, Mg and some other micronutrients in varying proportions. Application of CPHA 4 CPHP 2 gave higher values for all the vegetative parameters. The implication of this study is that high level of cocoa pod husk powder in combination with high level of cocoa pod husk ash is detrimental to radish cultivation. In the same vein, the nutrition of radish was incomplete when NPK fertilizer was applied. It can therefore be recommended that the use of combined application of cocoa pod ash and cocoa pod powder at CPHA4 + CPHP2 was sufficient for the cultivation of radish (Raphanus sativus) in the study area as it compete favourably with application of NPK fertilizer.
Solving k-obnoxious facility location problem on a plane
Authors: Bhattacharya Utpal Kumar
Published: March 2019

In this paper k-obnoxious facility location problem has been modeled as a pure planner location problem.  Area restriction concept has been incorporated by inducting a convex polygon in the constraints set. A linear programming iterative algorithm for k- obnoxious facility locations has been developed. An upper bound has been incorporated in the algorithm to get the  optimal solution. Also the concept of upper bound has reduced  the number of linear programming problems to solved in the algorithm. Rectilinear distance norm has been considered as the distance measure as it is more appropriate to the various realistic situations.
Developing a route filtering system for street network development by integrating GIS and space syntax: a case study from tehran, Iran
Authors: Rismanchian 1 Omid , Bell 1 Simon , Mokhtarzadeh Safoora
Published: March 2019

Throughout the urban development process over the last seven decades in Tehran, Iran many self-generated neighbourhoods have developed, in which the majority of the residents are low-income families. The main spatial attribute of these deprived neighbourhoods in space syntax terms is spatial isolation from the surrounding, more affluent areas, which is accompanied by inadequate urban infrastructure and a lack of accessibility and permeability. This paper discusses a method of developing a route filtering system for identifying the most suitable streets for the creation of a pedestrian-friendly network, using an example of a deprived area, in order to integrate it with the surrounding urban fabric. The theory of ‘Natural Movement’ formed the basis of the research, the spatial pattern being analysed through Space Syntax using Depthmap software and GIS. The results showed that it is possible to identify the underlying spatial pattern using this approach and this could form a very cost effective basis for developing a pedestrian friendly street network, in order to release the deprived area from its spatial isolation.
Numerical investigation of flow boiling heat transfer in helically coiled tube under constant heat flux
Authors: Abdous 1 Mohammad Ali , Holagh Shahriyar Ghazanfari , Saffari Hamid
Published: March 2019

Numerical study of subcooled and saturated flow boiling in the curved and helically  coiled tubes in presence of phase change is one of the challenging area of CFD studies. In this paper, the CFD modeling of the nucleate and convective flow boiling in the small helically coiled tube at low vapor quality (up to the 18.93 percent) region is studied. A proper Eulerian-based mathematical model is used for interphase exchange forces and heat transfer between two phases in CFD modeling using Bulk boiling model. The results show that, the inner and the bottom wall of the helically coiled tube have the lowest and the highest heat transfer coefficient, respectively. The effect of change in coil diameter, helical pitch and tube diameter is investigated on the counters of vapor volume fraction. It is seen that at low vapor quality flows, the heat transfer coefficient is enhanced by decreasing in coil diameter, tube diameter and increasing in coil pitch of helically coiled tube.
Temperature dependencies of thin-wire platinum bolometer of high power laser radiation
Authors: Pogorelov Stanislav Victorovich
Published: March 2019

The resistance of platinum filament on heating to different temperatures have been measured. Measurements showed platinum wire resistivity matching to tabulated values, and therefore can be used to obtain the temperature dependence of conductors used in bolometric measurers of radiation.The results obtained make it possible to createabsolute bolometricmeasurer of continuous power and pulse energy of laser radiation.
Thermal processes in thin wires by interaction with microwave radiation
Authors: Kokodii1,2 N. G. , Shaposhnikova1 A. V. , Pogorelov2 S. V.
Published: March 2019

The effect of an anomalously large absorption of electromagnetic radiation in very thin conducting fibers was investigated. Efficiency factor of absorption can reach several hundred for a fiber with a diameter of several micrometers in the centimeter wavelength range. The effect can be used to transfer the energy of electromagnetic radiation to thin fibers without focusing radiation.
Physical fitness of women over 50 years of age and self-esteem quality of life and health
Authors: Tomczak Mariusz , Ignasiak Zofia , Sławińska Teresa
Published: March 2019

Study aim: The aim of this study was to examine whether in women over 50 years of age the rate of decline in physical fitness with age affects the self-assessment of health and quality of life.

Material and methods: The survey was conducted among 113 women, aged 50–70. The women were divided into two groups: of low and high assessment of their own health and quality of life (WHOQOL-bref). The strength of the dominant hand muscles was tested and the Senior Functional Fitness Test was performed [21]. Linear regression analysis was used in the studies.

Results: Women satisfied with their health and quality of life were characterized by alower rate of decline in physical fitness after the age of 50, in particular the strength of the dominant hand muscles, aerobic capacity, upper body flexibility, and speed and coordination, than the dissatisfied or undecided women.

Conclusions: Physical fitness of women is important in assessing one’s own health and quality of life.
Why the Microlevel Determines the Future of the Social Market Economy?
Authors: Nass Elmar
Published: March 2019

The main concern of this paper was to identify the homogeneity between the micro- and macro-level of social market economy. It shows the transfer of the normative main idea of the social market economy to concepts of leadership ethics with which it is compatible concerning the basic ideas. They will be identified as leadership models of the social market economy and therefore differentiated from those that contradict these ideas. To this end, an attempt will first be made to recall the normative foundations of the social market economy. Leadership will be henceforth identified as an application area of this value basis on the microlevel. Subsequently, the systematic approach will be traced for a transfer from the macro-level to the microlevel.
Consistent Multivariate Seasonal Adjustment for Gross Domestic Product and its Breakdown in Expenditures
Authors: Bikker Reinier , van den Brakel Jan , Krieg Sabine , Ouwehand Pim , van der Stegen Ronald
Published: March 2019

Seasonally adjusted series of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and its breakdown in underlying categories or domains are generally not consistent with each other. Statistical differences between the total GDP and the sum of the underlying domains arise for two reasons. If series are expressed in constant prices, differences arise due to the process of chain linking. These differences increase if, in addition, a univariate seasonal adjustment, with for instance X-13ARIMA-SEATS, is applied to each series separately. In this article, we propose to model the series for total GDP and its breakdown in underlying domains in a multivariate structural time series model, with the restriction that the sum over the different time series components for the domains are equal to the corresponding values for the total GDP. In the proposed procedure, this approach is applied as a pretreatment to remove outliers, level shifts, seasonal breaks and calendar effects, while obeying the aforementioned consistency restrictions. Subsequently, X-13ARIMA-SEATS is used for seasonal adjustment. This reduces inconsistencies remarkably. Remaining inconsistencies due to seasonal adjustment are removed with a benchmarking procedure.
Is the Top Tail of the Wealth Distribution the Missing Link between the Household Finance and Consumption Survey and National Accounts?
Authors: Chakraborty Robin , Kavonius Ilja Kristian , Pérez-Duarte Sébastien , Vermeulen Philip
Published: March 2019

The financial accounts of the household sector within the system of national accounts report the aggregate asset holdings and liabilities of all households within a country. In principle, when household wealth surveys are explicitly designed to be representative of all households, aggregating these microdata should correspond to the macro-aggregates. In practice, however, differences are large. We first discuss conceptual and generic differences between those two sources of data. Thereafter, we investigate missing top tail observation from wealth surveys as a source of discrepancy. By fitting a Pareto distribution to the upper tail, we provide an estimate of how much of the gap between the micro- and macrodata is caused by the underestimation of the top tail of the wealth distribution. Conceptual and generic differences, as well as missing top tail observations, explain part of the gap between financial accounts and survey aggregates.
Using Administrative Data to Evaluate Sampling Bias in a Business Panel Survey
Authors: D’Aurizio Leandro , Papadia Giuseppina
Published: March 2019

We examine two sources of bias for the Bank of Italy’s panel business survey of Industrial and Services Firms:

1) the bias caused by panel attrition; and

2) the bias created by delays in the distributional data on the reference population, needed for computing the survey weights.

As for the first source of bias, the estimates strongly dependent on big firms’ values are less affected by panel attrition than those representing firms’ average behavior, independent of their sizes. Positive economic results make it easier to enroll new firms in the survey, in order to replace firms dropping out because of bad economic performances. However, the economic results of new entrances become more aligned to those of the population, once they enter the sample.

A very different result emerges for the second source of bias, since, when the population size is highly variable, the information delays produce a bias for the estimates influenced by the contribution of great firms, but the effect is negligible for the estimates not dependent on firm size.
Cross-National Comparison of Equivalence and Measurement Quality of Response Scales in Denmark and Taiwan
Authors: Liao Pei-shan , Saris Willem E. , Zavala-Rojas Diana
Published: March 2019

The split-ballot multitrait-multimethod (SB-MTMM) approach has been used to evaluate the measurement quality of questions in survey research. It aims to reduce the response burden of the classic MTMM design, which requires repeating alternative formulations of a survey measure to the same respondent at least three times, by using combinations of two methods in multiple groups. The SB-MTMM approach has been applied to the European Social Survey (ESS) to examine the quality of questions across countries, including the differences in response design and measurement errors. Despite wide application of the SB-MTMM design in Europe, it is yet unknown whether the same quality of survey instruments can be achieved in both a different cultural context and in a logographic writing system, like the one in Taiwan.

This study tests for measurement invariance and compares measurement quality in Taiwan and Denmark, by estimating the reliability and validity of different response scales using the SB-MTMM approach. By using the same questions as in the ESS, a cross-cultural comparison is made, in order to understand whether the studied response scales perform equally well in Taiwan, compared to a European country. Results show that quality estimates are comparable across countries.
An Evolutionary Schema for Using “it-is-what-it-is” Data in Official Statistics
Authors: Lothian Jack , Holmberg Anders , Seyb Allyson
Published: March 2019

The linking of disparate data sets across time, space and sources is probably the foremost current issue facing Central Statistical Agencies (CSA). If one reviews the current literature looking for the prevalent challenges facing CSAs, three issues stand out: 1) using administrative data effectively; 2) big data and what it means for CSAs; and 3) integrating disparate data set (such as health, education and wealth) to provide measurable facts that can guide policy makers. CSAs are being challenged to explore the same kind of challenges faced by Google, Facebook, and Yahoo, which are using graphical/semantic web models for organizing, searching and analysing data. Additionally, time and space (geography) are becoming more important dimensions (domains) for CSAs as they start to explore new data sources and ways to integrate those to study relationships. Central agency methodologists are being pushed to include these new perspectives into their standard theories, practises and policies. Like most methodologists, the authors see surveys and the publications of their results as a process where estimation is the key tool to achieve the final goal of an accurate statistical output. Randomness and sampling exists to support this goal, and early on it was clear to us that the incoming “it-is-what-it-is” data sources were not randomly selected. These sources were obviously biased and thus would produce biased estimates. So, we set out to design a strategy to deal with this issue.

This article presents a schema for integrating and linking traditional and non-traditional datasets. Like all survey methodologies, this schema addresses the fundamental issues of representativeness, estimation and total survey error measurement.
Evidence-Based Monitoring of International Migration Flows in Europe
Authors: Willekens Frans
Published: March 2019

In Europe, the monitoring and management of migration flows are high on the political agenda. Evidence-based monitoring calls for adequate data, which do not exist. The sources of data on international migration differ significantly between countries in Europe and the initiatives to improve data collection and produce comparable data, including new legislation, did not yield the expected outcome. Scientists have developed statistical models that combine quantitative and qualitative data from different sources to derive at estimates of migration flows that account for differences in definition, undercoverage, undercount and other measurement problems. Official statisticians are reluctant to substitute estimates for measurements. This article reviews the progress made over the last decades and the challenges that remain. It concludes with several recommendations for better international migration data/estimates. They range from improved cooperation between actors to innovation in data collection and modelling.
Crowning Moments: Transformative populist use of the media and the case of Carl I. Hagen
Authors: Mjelde Hilmar
Published: March 2019

This article presents the concept of a “crowning moment” and proposes an explanation for the media-savviness of many populist leaders – an under-theorised ability often referred to in existing research. A crowning moment is an instance in which populist leaders take advantage of opportunities that arise in their surroundings to achieve a or multiple major policy, political and/or personal goals through skilful use of the media that earns them recognition as savvy politicians. The concept is exemplified through an analysis of Norwegian Progress Party leader Carl I. Hagen’s role in the 1987 no-confidence motion against the Labour Party government. Stoking up and exploiting media interest in dramatic fashion, Hagen managed to redefine himself as a national political leader and made his party appear responsible.
Genetic Diversity and Structure of Northern Populations of the Declining Coastal Plant Eryngium maritimum
Authors: Ieviņa Baiba , Rostoks Nils , Syed Naeem H. , Flavell Andrew J. , Ievinsh Gederts
Published: March 2019

Genetic diversity among 13 northern populations of the declining coastal plant Eryngium maritimum L. at the northernmost extent of the species distribution range was studied using retro-transposon-based SSAP molecular markers. Diversity indices varied extensively among populations; some showing extremely low diversity whereas other populations exhibited moderate amounts of genetic variation. Differentiation among populations was highly variable as well. Interestingly, differentiation among northern populations was not influenced strongly by geographic distance. Closely situated populations were often more divergent than more distant populations suggesting other factors may be responsible for genetic structuring of E. maritimum populations. We propose that the following genetic and environmental factors combine together in a complex relationship to mould the present genetic structure of E. maritimum populations in this region: (1) historic biogeographical processes; (2) local environmental conditions at each site; (3) success of sexual reproduction and proportion of clonal propagation; (4) size of the population and influence of genetic drift; (5) level of fragmentation and isolation. Lastly, we suggest that the sustainable existence of Latvian populations is seriously threatened, unless recommended conservation measures are implemented.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for Pistacia chinensis Bunge (Anacardiaceae)
Authors: Ding Zhaohong , Lu Jianbo
Published: March 2019

Pistacia chinensis Bunge (Anacardiaceae) is a native, dioecious, perennial arbor, and an important bioenergy plant. Twelve microsatellite markers were developed for P. chinensis to evaluate genetic diversity and population genetic structure when this species was subject to landscape fragmentation. Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed in P. chinensis using a microsatellite-enriched genomic library based on magnetic beads. These loci were characterized in 24 individuals from three populations located on Thousand Island Lake, Zhejiang Province, China. The number of alleles per locus varied from three to sixteen. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.1250 to 0.8750 and 0.2333 to 0.8917, respectively. These microsatellite loci will be applied in further studies on the population genetic diversity and genetic structure of P. chinensis. This study will improve understanding of the effects of landscape fragmentation, and help conserve and manage the species.
Tiêu chí đánh giá năng lực đổi mới của doanh nghiệp thông qua năng lực đổi mới công nghệ
Authors: Trang Vũ Phương
Published: March 2019

Việc đánh giá năng lực đổi mới sáng tạo của doanh nghiệp trong bối cảnh cách mạng công nghiệp 4.0, thông qua việc xây dựng các tiêu chí về năng lực công nghệ ứng dụng trong hoạt động sản xuất của doanh nghiệp. Kết quả dựa trên phương pháp tổng hợp tài liệu kết hợp với khảo sát doanh nghiệp theo hướng tiếp cận năng lực của con người trong chuỗi hoạt động từ việc lựa chọn công nghệ theo năng lực, khả năng sử dụng công nghệ và phát triển công nghệ. Nghiên cứu đề xuất các tiêu chí đánh giá năng lực công nghệ: (1) Năng lực tìm kiếm công nghệ, (2) năng lực tiếp nhận công nghệ, (3) năng lực vận hành công nghệ, năng lực cải tiến và đổi mới về nguyên lý công nghệ
Chemical composition of ‘Kiaat’ (Pteropcarpus angolensis) bark and the effect of herb pastes on the quality changes in marinated cat fish during chilled storage
Authors: B. O. T Ifesan B. A. Origbemisoye,
Published: March 2019

Kiaat (Pterocarpus angolensis) bark, which is valued for its high medicinal effects, was subjected to proximate analysis, while the extract from its bark was examined for, phytochemicals and minerals compositions. Kiaat bark was mixed with  garlic, to preserve  minced fresh catfish and was stored at 4 oC for 9 days. Physical and chemical characteristics were analysed. The results of proximate composition revealed that kiaat bark contains high crude fibre (30.67%), protein (17.33%) and low contents of fat (2.98%). Phytochemical screening showed that the kiaat bark has flavonoid (1.90%), tannin (5.79%) alkaloid (2.96%) and phenol (5.90%) contents. The mineral determination revealed that kiaat bark contained high calcium (24.50 mg/100g), iron (17.20 mg/100g) content with very small amount of lead (0.01 mg/100g). The pH (6.30) of the minced cat fish marinated with kiaat bark+garlic at day 0 tends to be more acidic with increase in storage days and was 4.80 at day 9. The total volatile nitrogen values (TVB) (0.30 mg/100 g-5.46 mg/100 g) were lower than  the standard limit (<35 mg/100 g sample).  Trimethylamine in minced fish preserved with kiaat paste+garlic was 0.36 mgN/100g which later decreased to 0.16 mgN/100g at day 9, while values for samples with only kiaat bark and the control ranged from 0.64 mgN/100g -0.8 mgN/100g at day 9. Results further showed that thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) values raised in all marinated samples during storage, especially in control sample (2.1-5.0 mgma\100g), sample with kiaat paste (0.2-4.2mgma\100g) and fish treated with kiaat paste+garlic (0.24-3.67mgma\100g). Addition of garlic to kiaat bark paste may be a preffered method to increase shelf-life of fresh catfish during chilled storage.
Cytotoxic Activity of Parmelia perlata Extracts against Artemia Salina
Authors: Mayilsamy M. , Geetharamanan K.
Published: March 2019

The brine shrimp lethality bio assay represents a rapid, inexpensive and simple bioassay for testing plant extracts bioactivity which in most cases correlates reasonably well with cytotoxic and antitumor properties. The assay is considered to be a very useful tool for preliminary assessment of toxicity. In the present study the lichen Parmelia perlata was extracted with solvents of varying polarity such as hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol and tested for hatch inhibition of cysts of Artemia salina and cytotoxic activities against Artemia salina naupilii. The highest cytotoxic potential among all the plant extracts tested was explored from the hexane extract of P. perlata which showed 100% brine shrimp mortality at 100ppm. The least activity among all the plant extracts was found in the methanol extract ofÂ  P. perlata.
Comunicación y experiencia mediada por la realidad virtual
Authors: Avendaño Rodríguez Luis Alfredo , Hernández Perilla Jorge Mario
Published: March 2019

El presente artículo hace parte del proyecto de investigación: La comunicación inmersiva mediada por la realidad virtual a través de video 360° en la comunicación del patrimonio cultural del centro de Bogotá, de la Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores. A continuación, se presenta un panorama de las tecnologías de la comunicación audiovisual que actualmente permiten otras formas de “sumergirse” en sus productos y que buscan afectar directamente el sistema nervioso del espectador, a partir de una nueva experiencia de usuario. Este reconocimiento de conceptos se genera con el fin de mostrar cómo este tipo de tecnologías permite a los creadores audiovisuales generar experiencias en cuanto a los factores de percepción y cómo el desarrollo de estas tecnologías afecta a los usuarios del proyecto matriz del que se desprende este artículo.
The influencing role of social capital in the formation of entrepreneurial intention
Authors: Malebana M J
Published: March 2019

This paper investigated the relationship between social capital and entrepreneurial intention using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The study was carried out by means of a cross-sectional survey and included 329 final-year commerce students at a rural university in the Limpopo province. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The results show that social capital is significantly related to entrepreneurial intention, the attitude towards becoming an entrepreneur and perceived behavioural control. The findings indicate that the TPB is a valuable model for understanding the relationship between social capital and entrepreneurial intention. The results indicate that individuals are more likely to form intentions to start a business when they think that their decision to do so would be approved of by those close to them, when entrepreneurial activity is positively valued in the society, when they know other people who are entrepreneurs and successful entrepreneurs, and believe that they would be supported by those close to them when starting a business. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by shedding light on the role of social capital in the formation of entrepreneurial intention in a South African context.
Board diversity and sustainability performance
Authors: Oosthuizen A , Lahner S
Published: March 2019

The purpose to this study was to describe and explore the difference in the board composition and characteristics of sustainability performing companies compared with other companies in terms of gender, ethnicity, and affiliation, uniquely, the inclusion of directors from a non-business background. This exploratory study used a cross-sectional design in the form of a quantitative comparative analysis, and a longitudinal design in the form of a trend analysis to compare the differences in board composition between a sample of sustainability performing companies and a sample of other companies listed on the FTSE/JSE All Share Index between 2004 and 2010. Inclusion on the Social Responsibility Investment (SRI) Index was used as a proxy for sustainability performance. 13The study provided support that director background as a board attribute may be linked to overall sustainability performance. It further provided insight into who board members should be, namely non-executive directors with non-business backgrounds. 14The findings of this study suggest that the nomination committees of companies wanting to improve sustainability performance should consider the recruitment and appointment of non-executive directors from non-business backgrounds on to their boards. The study provides grounds for further empirical studies on the causal relationship between board compositions and sustainability performance
Entrepreneurial intentions amongst Master of Business students in efficiency-driven economies: South Africa and Poland
Authors: Nieuwenhuizen C
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this research was to determine the relevance of the constructs of the LiÃ±Ã¡n and Chen (2009) Entrepreneurial Intention Questionnaire for Master of Business students in two efficiency-driven economies, and to test the empirical validity of an entrepreneurial intention model. After the number of factors and the related items of each had been determined by exploratory factor analysis (EFA), a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to verify the factor structure and to enable testing of the hypotheses regarding the existence of relationships between observed variables and their underlying latent constructs. The CFA confirmed the entrepreneurial intention (EI), personal attitude (PA), perceived behavioural control (PBC), entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE), social valuation (SV), closer valuation (CV) and entrepreneurial Competence (EC) variables as a preliminary step for the structural equation model (SEM) analysis. The comparative fi t index and the root means square error of approximation (RMSEA) indicated that the proposed model had an acceptable fi t. The model parameters of all the components of the model were then determined to test the hypotheses relating to the model. Significant relationships between personal attitude and entrepreneurial intention and perceived behavioural control and entrepreneurial intention were proven. No other significant relationships between variables were identified.
The role of financial literacy and advice in financial decision making
Authors: Reyers M
Published: March 2019

Financial decision making is complex and individuals either need to have the financial knowledge to make the correct decisions, or they need to ask for advice from experts. However, there are two key questions pertaining to financial advice. Firstly, do financially unsophisticated individuals know that they need advice, and do they therefore ask for assistance? Secondly, if they do ask for advice, are financially unsophisticated individuals able to assess the quality of the advice received? A growing body of research is focused on determining to what extent financial advice can act as a substitute for low levels of financial literacy. To date, studies have found conflicting results. This study used data from a national survey of South Africans to determine whether advice could substitute for low levels of financial sophistication. Additionally, the quality of advice in preretirement cash-out decisions was assessed using survey data collected at a university. The results indicate that professional financial advice complements financial literacy, while advice from other sources could substitute for low levels of financial sophistication. Furthermore, the study found that with respect to pre-retirement cash-out decisions, financially unsophisticated individuals followed advice from human resources departments or fund administrators and received quality advice.