bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An audit evidence planning model for the public sector
Authors: Mentz Marian , Barac Karin , Odendaal Elza
Published: March 2018

Orientation: Auditors have to exercise complex, multi-dimensional evidence-planning judgements. Research purpose: Drawing on social closure theory, the aim of this study is to develop a model to inform the flexible exercise of judgement regarding the types, extent and combinations of audit procedures implemented to gather sufficient appropriate audit evidence to respond to the assessed risks of material misstatement. Motivation for the study: The exercise of considerable judgements by auditors may mean that little consistency is achieved regarding the quantity and quality of the audit evidence obtained, especially in the public sectors of developing countries (which are often plagued by corruption), and where auditors and auditees have limited skills and experience. Research approach, design and method: The study employs a theory-building approach to develop a model intended to guide public sector auditors (following an audit risk approach), to exercise planning judgements for a class of transactions, account balance and/or disclosure. Main findings: The model clarifies the audit evidence decision-making sequences, interrelationships and contingent dependencies of the different audit procedures, and quantifies the compensatory inter-relationships between the types of audit procedures to be performed and the overall levels of assurance desired in response to the assessed risks of material misstatement. Practical and managerial implications: The model could aid public sector auditors to reduce uncertainty, ambiguity and judgement errors during their planning decision-making. Contribution or value-add: The model has been incorporated into the audit methodology of the Auditor-General of South Africa, and has been assessed for compliance with the International Standards on Auditing by the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors in South Africa.
Epidemiological review of childhood cancers in central Sudan
Authors: Elhassan Moawia M.A. , Mohamedani Ahmed A. , Yousif Nada O. , Elhaj Nafessa M. , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Abuidres Dafalla O.
Published: March 2018

Background: Epidemiological studies of paediatric cancer incidence in Sudan are rare.Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide baseline information about the epidemiology of childhood cancers in patients treated at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Wad Medani, Sudan.Methods: We performed a retrospective health facility–based study of cancer incidence and patient characteristics of children who were treated at the NCI from January 1999 to December 2015. The changing patterns of cancers incidence during the study period were also recorded.Results: Of 15 387 new patients with cancer who were registered at the NCI during the study period, 1159 (7.5%) were children (younger than 15 years). The mean age of the paediatric patients was 7 years, with standard deviation of 5. Most of the patients (36%) were 10 to 15 years old, 33% were 0 to 4 years old and 31% were 5 to 10 years old. Among the study population, 60% were males and 40% were females. Approximately 76% of children lived in rural areas in Sudan. Leukaemias (29%) and lymphomas (26%) comprised 55% of all paediatric cancers. Central nervous system (CNS) tumours constituted 6% of all paediatric tumours, whereas non-CNS embryonal tumours (i.e. nephroblastoma, neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma and retinoblastoma) accounted for 20%. The average number of cases per year increased from 42 in 1999–2005 to 75 in 2006–2010 and 106 in 2011–2015.Conclusion: The number of patients seeking treatment for childhood cancers has increased every year in central Sudan. Leukaemias and lymphomas constitute more than half of these cancers. A population-based cancer registry is needed to determine the true incidence of childhood cancers in Sudan.
Assessment of the water quality and trophic state of the Ribeirão Guaraçau Watershed, Guarulhos (SP): a comparative analysis between rural and urban areas
Authors: Vargas Reinaldo Romero , Barros Márcia Da Silva , Saad Antonio Roberto , Arruda Regina De Oliveira Moraes , Azevedo Fernanda Dall'Ara
Published: March 2018

The urbanization process through which large urban centers have been passing has affected drastically the availability and especially the quality of water. The Ribeirão Guaraçau Watershed, located in the northern part of the Guarulhos municipality, includes rural and urban areas of different land-use classes. The goal of this study is to assess the water quality and to diagnose the eutrophication stage of the surface waters of the Ribeirão Guaraçau, the main water course of the Ribeirão Guaraçau Watershed. To assess environmental quality, physical-chemical analyses (temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, and total phosphorus) and microbiological analyses (E. coli) were carried out during a period of 12 months. The Trophic State Index (TSI) was used to ascertain the environmental degradation conditions of lotic and lentic environments. The surface waters of the Ribeirão Guaraçau in the rural area are already compromised, with worsening of the water quality upstream indicated by high total phosphorus and E. coli caused by fecal contamination due to lack of basic sanitation in the region. Characteristic sites of the rural areas already present signs of degradation with trophic levels varying from oligotrophic to hypereutrophic. The need to provide sewage collectors and sewage treatment systems at the Bonsucesso Sewage Treatment Station, inaugurated in 2011, and the control of the occupation in areas that produce good quality water is paramount.
Using Structured Positive and Negative Reinforcement to Change Student Behavior in Educational Settings in order to Achieve Student Academic Success
Authors: Kelly J. , Pohl B.
Published: March 2018

Typically, classroom management approaches for dealing with disruptions and misbehavior from students involve the use of various forms of punishment: removal from the classroom, fines, in-school and out-of- school suspensions, or expulsions (Garret, 2015).  However, traditional classroom management methods have yielded very little positive results. Some would even argue that classroom behaviors are escalating out of control. Using research based approaches; this article’s goal is to help teachers discover student-centered approaches that will positively improve discipline inside the classroom.
Sparking a debate on coal: Case study on the Indian Government’s crackdown on Greenpeace
Authors: Talukdar Ruchira
Published: March 2018

Non-governmental organisations working on rights based issues in India have recently been in the firing line of the government. The controversial Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), originally instituted during national emergency in 1976, has been further amended in recent times to arbitrarily restrict groups speaking out against human rights abuses and environmental problems in a rapidly industrialising economy. Yet again raising the spectre of the ‘foreign hand’, governments have proceeded to cancel the licences and freeze the foreign funds of NGOs. Using the case study of the crackdown on Greenpeace on account of its advocacy against coal development, this paper discusses the main instruments, tactics and arguments engaged in stifling the capability of NGOs to protest rights violations across the landscape. It analyses Greenpeace’s fight-back and the broader civil society response to the government’s crackdown on dissent. In labelling civil society groups as anti-national in an era of neoliberal economic growth, the government’s corporate bias stands fully exposed. In standing thus exposed through its crackdown on dissent, the government’s crackdown contributed to the sparking of two much needed debates in Indian society: about who benefits and who misses out from India’s economic growth, and about the social and environmental costs of coal.
Observations of fine particulate nitrated phenols in four sites in northern China: concentrations, source apportionment, and secondary formation
Authors: Wang Liwei , Wang Xinfeng , Gu Rongrong , Wang Hao , Yao Lan , Wen Liang , Zhu Fanping , Wang Weihao , Xue Likun , Yang Lingxiao , Lu Keding , Chen Jianmin , Wang Tao , Zhang Yuanghang , Wang Wenxing
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Filter samples of fine particulate matters were collected at four sites in northern China (urban, rural, and mountain) in summer and winter, and the contents of nine nitrated phenols were quantified in the laboratory with the use of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. During the sampling periods, the concentrations of particulate nitrated phenols exhibited distinct temporal and spatial variation. On average, the total concentration of particulate nitrated phenols in urban Jinan in the wintertime reached 48.4 ng m−3, and those in the summertime were 9.8, 5.7, 5.9, and 2.5 ng m−3 in urban Jinan, rural Yucheng and Wangdu, and Mt. Tai, respectively. The elevated concentrations of nitrated phenols in wintertime and in urban areas demonstrate the apparent influences of anthropogenic sources. The positive matrix factorization receptor model was then applied to determine the origins of particulate nitrated phenols in northern China. The five major source factors were traffic, coal combustion, biomass burning, secondary formation, and aged coal combustion plume. Among them, coal combustion played a vital role, especially at the urban site in the wintertime, with a contribution of around 55 %. In the summertime, the observed nitrated phenols were highly influenced by aged coal combustion plumes at all of the sampling sites. Meanwhile, in remote areas, contributions from secondary formation were significant. Further correlation analysis indicates that nitrosalicylic acids were produced mostly from secondary formation that was dominated by NO2 nitration.
High-resolution measurements of elemental mercury in surface water for an improved quantitative understanding of the Baltic Sea as a source of atmospheric mercury
Authors: Kuss Joachim , Krüger Siegfried , Ruickoldt Johann , Wlost Klaus-Peter
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Marginal seas are directly subjected to anthropogenic and natural influences from land in addition to receiving inputs from the atmosphere and open ocean. Together these lead to pronounced gradients and strong dynamic changes. However, in the case of mercury emissions from these seas, estimates often fail to adequately account for the spatial and temporal variability of the elemental mercury concentration in surface water (Hg0wat). In this study, a method to measure Hg0wat at high resolution was devised and subsequently validated. The better-resolved Hg0wat dataset, consisting of about one measurement per nautical mile, yielded insight into the sea's small-scale variability and thus improved the quantification of the sea's Hg0 emission. This is important because global marine Hg0 emissions constitute a major source of atmospheric mercury. Research campaigns in the Baltic Sea were carried out between 2011 and 2015 during which Hg0 both in surface water and in ambient air were measured. For the former, two types of equilibrators were used. A membrane equilibrator enabled continuous equilibration and a bottle equilibrator assured that equilibrium was reached for validation. The measurements were combined with data obtained in the Baltic Sea in 2006 from a bottle equilibrator only. The Hg0 sea–air flux was newly calculated with the combined dataset based on current knowledge of the Hg0 Schmidt number, Henry's law constant, and a widely used gas exchange transfer velocity parameterization. By using a newly developed pump–CTD with increased pumping capability in the Hg0 equilibrator measurements, Hg0wat could also be characterized in deeper water layers. A process study carried out near the Swedish island Øland in August 2015 showed that the upwelling of Hg0-depleted water contributed to Hg0 emissions of the Baltic Sea. However, a delay of a few days after contact between the upwelled water and light was apparently necessary before the biotic and abiotic transformations of ionic to volatile Hg0 produced a distinct sea–air Hg0 concentration gradient. This study clearly showed spatial, seasonal, and interannual variability in the Hg0 sea–air flux of the Baltic Sea. The average annual Hg0 emission was 0.90  ±  0.18 Mg for the Baltic proper and extrapolated to 1.73  ±  0.32 Mg for the entire Baltic Sea, which is about half the amount entrained by atmospheric deposition. A comparison of our results with the Hg0 sea–air fluxes determined in the Mediterranean Sea and in marginal seas in East Asia were to some extent similar but they partly differed in terms of the deviations in the amount and seasonality of the flux.
GREEN: A new Global Radiation Earth ENvironment model
Authors: Sicard Angélica , Boscher Daniel , Bourdarie Sébastien , Lazaro Didier , Standarovski Denis , Ecoffet Robert
Published: March 2018

Abstract. GREEN (Global Radiation Earth ENvironment) is a new model providing fluxes at any location between L* = 1 and L* = 8 all along the magnetic field lines and for any energy between 1 keV to 10 MeV for electrons and between 1 keV and 800 MeV for protons. This model is composed of global models: AE8/AP8 and SPM for low energies and local models: SLOT model, OZONE, IGE-2006 for electrons and OPAL and geostationary model for protons. GREEN is not just a collection of various models, it calculates the electron and proton fluxes from the more relevant existing model for a given energy and location. Moreover, some existing models can be updated or corrected in GREEN. For examples, a new version of the SLOT model is presented here and has been integrated in GREEN. Moreover, a new model of proton flux at geostationary orbit (IGP), developed few years ago is also detailed here and integrated in GREEN. Finally a correction of AE8 model at high energy for L*
Coccolithophore populations and their contribution to carbonate export during an annual cycle in the Australian sector of the Antarctic zone
Authors: Rigual Hernández Andrés S. , Flores José A. , Sierro Francisco J. , Fuertes Miguel A. , Cros Lluïsa , Trull Thomas W.
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The Southern Ocean is experiencing rapid and relentless change in its
physical and biogeochemical properties. The rate of warming of the Antarctic
Circumpolar Current exceeds that of the global ocean, and the enhanced
uptake of carbon dioxide is causing basin-wide ocean acidification.
Observational data suggest that these changes are influencing the
distribution and composition of pelagic plankton communities. Long-term and
annual field observations on key environmental variables and organisms are a
critical basis for predicting changes in Southern Ocean ecosystems. These
observations are particularly needed, since high-latitude systems have been
projected to experience the most severe impacts of ocean acidification and
invasions of allochthonous species. Coccolithophores are the most prolific calcium-carbonate-producing
phytoplankton group playing an important role in Southern Ocean
biogeochemical cycles. Satellite imagery has revealed elevated particulate
inorganic carbon concentrations near the major circumpolar fronts of the
Southern Ocean that can be attributed to the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. Recent
studies have suggested changes during the last decades in the distribution
and abundance of Southern Ocean coccolithophores. However, due to limited
field observations, the distribution, diversity and state of coccolithophore
populations in the Southern Ocean remain poorly characterised. We report here on seasonal variations in the abundance and composition of
coccolithophore assemblages collected by two moored sediment traps deployed
at the Antarctic zone south of Australia (2000 and 3700 m of depth) for 1 year in 2001–2002. Additionally, seasonal changes in coccolith weights of
E. huxleyi populations were estimated using circularly polarised
micrographs analysed with C-Calcita software. Our findings indicate
that (1) coccolithophore sinking assemblages were nearly monospecific for
E. huxleyi morphotype B/C in the Antarctic zone waters in
2001–2002; (2) coccoliths captured by the traps experienced weight and
length reduction during summer (December–February); (3) the estimated annual
coccolith weight of E. huxleyi at both sediment traps
(2.11 ± 0.96 and 2.13 ± 0.91 pg at 2000 and 3700 m) was
consistent with previous studies for morphotype B/C in other Southern Ocean
settings (Scotia Sea and Patagonian shelf); and (4) coccolithophores accounted
for approximately 2–5 % of the annual deep-ocean CaCO3 flux. Our
results are the first annual record of coccolithophore abundance, composition
and degree of calcification in the Antarctic zone. They provide a baseline
against which to monitor coccolithophore responses to changes in
the environmental conditions expected for this region in coming decades.
Extracting information on the spatial variability in erosion rate stored in detrital cooling age distributions in river sands
Authors: Braun Jean , Gemignani Lorenzo , van der Beek Peter
Published: March 2018

Abstract. One of the main purposes of detrital thermochronology is to provide
constraints on the regional-scale exhumation rate and its spatial variability in
actively eroding mountain ranges. Procedures that use cooling age
distributions coupled with hypsometry and thermal models have been developed
in order to extract quantitative estimates of erosion rate and its spatial
distribution, assuming steady state between tectonic uplift and erosion. This
hypothesis precludes the use of these procedures to assess the likely
transient response of mountain belts to changes in tectonic or climatic
forcing. Other methods are based on an a priori knowledge of the in situ
distribution of ages to interpret the detrital age distributions. In this
paper, we describe a simple method that, using the observed detrital mineral
age distributions collected along a river, allows us to extract information
about the relative distribution of erosion rates in an eroding catchment
without relying on a steady-state assumption, the value of thermal
parameters or an a priori knowledge of in situ age distributions. The model
is based on a relatively low number of parameters describing lithological
variability among the various sub-catchments and their sizes and only uses
the raw ages. The method we propose is tested against synthetic age
distributions to demonstrate its accuracy and the optimum conditions for it
use. In order to illustrate the method, we invert age distributions collected
along the main trunk of the Tsangpo–Siang–Brahmaputra river system in the
eastern Himalaya. From the inversion of the cooling age distributions we
predict present-day erosion rates of the catchments along the
Tsangpo–Siang–Brahmaputra river system, as well as some of its tributaries.
We show that detrital age distributions contain dual information about
present-day erosion rate, i.e., from the predicted distribution of surface
ages within each catchment and from the relative contribution of any given
catchment to the river distribution. The method additionally allows comparing
modern erosion rates to long-term exhumation rates. We provide a simple
implementation of the method in Python code within a Jupyter Notebook that
includes the data used in this paper for illustration purposes.
The Carbon Dioxide Removal Model Intercomparison Project (CDRMIP): rationale and experimental protocol for CMIP6
Authors: Keller David P. , Lenton Andrew , Scott Vivian , Vaughan Naomi E. , Bauer Nico , Ji Duoying , Jones Chris D. , Kravitz Ben , Muri Helene , Zickfeld Kirsten
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The recent IPCC reports state that continued anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are changing the climate, threatening severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts. Slow progress in emissions reduction to mitigate climate change is resulting in increased attention to what is called geoengineering, climate engineering, or climate intervention – deliberate interventions to counter climate change that seek to either modify the Earth's radiation budget or remove greenhouse gases such as CO2 from the atmosphere. When focused on CO2, the latter of these categories is called carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Future emission scenarios that stay well below 2 °C, and all emission scenarios that do not exceed 1.5 °C warming by the year 2100, require some form of CDR. At present, there is little consensus on the climate impacts and atmospheric CO2 reduction efficacy of the different types of proposed CDR. To address this need, the Carbon Dioxide Removal Model Intercomparison Project (or CDRMIP) was initiated. This project brings together models of the Earth system in a common framework to explore the potential, impacts, and challenges of CDR. Here, we describe the first set of CDRMIP experiments, which are formally part of the 6th Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). These experiments are designed to address questions concerning CDR-induced climate reversibility, the response of the Earth system to direct atmospheric CO2 removal (direct air capture and storage), and the CDR potential and impacts of afforestation and reforestation, as well as ocean alkalinization.>
Increase in flood risk resulting from climate change in a developed urban watershed – the role of storm temporal patterns
Authors: Hettiarachchi Suresh , Wasko Conrad , Sharma Ashish
Published: March 2018

Abstract. The effects of climate change are causing more frequent extreme rainfall
events and an increased risk of flooding in developed areas. Quantifying this
increased risk is of critical importance for the protection of life and
property as well as for infrastructure planning and design. The updated
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Atlas 14
intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) relationships and temporal patterns are
widely used in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for design and planning in
the United States. Current literature shows that rising temperatures as a
result of climate change will result in an intensification of rainfall. These
impacts are not explicitly included in the NOAA temporal patterns, which can
have consequences on the design and planning of adaptation and flood
mitigation measures. In addition there is a lack of detailed hydraulic
modeling when assessing climate change impacts on flooding. The study
presented in this paper uses a comprehensive hydrologic and hydraulic model
of a fully developed urban/suburban catchment to explore two primary
questions related to climate change impacts on flood risk. (1) How do climate
change effects on storm temporal patterns and rainfall volumes impact
flooding in a developed complex watershed? (2) Is the storm temporal pattern
as critical as the total volume of rainfall when evaluating urban flood risk?
We use the NOAA Atlas 14 temporal patterns, along with the expected increase
in temperature for the RCP8.5 scenario for 2081–2100, to project temporal
patterns and rainfall volumes to reflect future climatic change. The model
results show that different rainfall patterns cause variability in flood
depths during a storm event. The changes in the projected temporal patterns
alone increase the risk of flood magnitude up to 35 %, with the
cumulative impacts of temperature rise on temporal patterns and the storm
volume increasing flood risk from 10 to 170 %. The results also show that
regional storage facilities are sensitive to rainfall patterns that are
loaded in the latter part of the storm duration, while extremely intense
short-duration storms will cause flooding at all locations. This study shows
that changes in temporal patterns will have a significant impact on
urban/suburban flooding and need to be carefully considered and adjusted to
account for climate change when used for the design and planning of future storm
water systems.
Estimating snow depth over Arctic sea ice from calibrated dual-frequency radar freeboards
Authors: Lawrence Isobel , Tsamados Michel , Stroeve Julienne , Armitage Thomas , Ridout Andy
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Snow depth on sea ice remains one of the largest uncertainties in sea ice thickness retrievals from satellite altimetry. Here we outline an approach for deriving snow thickness that can be applied to any coincident freeboard measurements after calibration with independent observations of snow and ice freeboard. Freeboard estimates from CryoSat-2 (Ku-band) and AltiKa (Ka-band) are calibrated against data from NASA's Operation IceBridge (OIB) to align AltiKa to the snow surface and CryoSat-2 to the ice/snow interface. Snow depth is found as the difference between the two calibrated freeboards, with a correction added for the slower speed of light propagation through snow. We perform an initial evaluation of our derived snow depth product against OIB snow depth data by excluding successive years of OIB data from the analysis. We find a root-mean-square deviation of 4.9, 6.5, 6.7 and 7.6 cm between our snow thickness product and OIB data from the springs of 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively. We further demonstrate the applicability of the method to ICESat and Envisat, offering promising potential for the application to CryoSat-2 and ICESat-2, when ICESat-2 is launched in 2018.
Cornering the Canvasser: Amnesty International USA Maria Drivenes and Herbert Sherman Long Island University - Brooklyn
Authors: Drivenes Maria , Sherman Herbert
Published: March 2018

The following is an instructional, disguised field-based case study that was written for an introductory course in human resource management although the case could be utilized in either an introductory management or business ethics class. Primary data from the case was retrieved from an informal interview with a former employee at Amnesty and extended via secondary research from relevant internet sites. The case focuses on several major human resource issues in terms of wearing symbols of faith at work and negligent hiring. It also indirectly raises questions of using personality tests in recruiting and leadership training.The story line is as follows: Aida, a recent college graduate, was having little success obtaining second interviewees after three months in the job market. She conducted some online research to firm the “perfect” organization to work for which was Amnesty International USA (AI USA).Applying and successfully hired for a canvasser position, Aida struggled to hit her weekly-required collection quota of $125/week. Her team leader Luke finds the situation frustrating and starts to believe that Aida’s hijab is getting in the way of her performance based upon his perception of donor discrimination.The situation becomes convoluted when Luke, in the process of assisting Aida sign up a donor (Luke’s main concern), overheard a conversation between Holly (an excellent and experienced canvasser) and a potential donor leading Luke to suspect Holly of committing theft and fraud. The case ends with a series of questions about using symbols of faith at work, personality and job fit, and job descriptions/specification.
Primary Health Care Policy Implementation Performance in Bangladesh: Affecting Factors
Authors: Ali Md. Mohoshin
Published: March 2018

The extent of how health policy implementation performance is taking route at the national level is a very important issue as far as world population levels in relation to the future workforce is concerned. These require properly implementation of health policy by the respective government. This study was tried in unearthing factors related to primary health care policy implementation in Bangladesh. An integrated conceptual framework was developed based on a review of the literature. Primary data were collected from the total population of 424 Upazilla Health and Family Planning Officers (UH&FPO). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis as a tool of the quantitative method was used. The results revealed that four out of seven explanatory variables were statistically significant and had a unique contribution for the relationships with health policy implementation performance ordering as per the strength; Implementer’s Disposition (ID), Clarity of Goals and Objectives (COGAO), Management Dynamics (MD), and Coordination (COORD). The study also envisioned to recommend policy implications as; the policy makers ought to revise the goals and objectives of the health policy that must be specific measurable achievable realistic and timebound (SMART), government should allocate more resources in primary health care, inter-organizational coordination should be strengthened, to prominence on innovation for effective health care delivery using technology, research and development and health and well-being management, to motivate health providers regarding their responsibility, devotion and attitude, to get local  support specially from local government and administration, and to ensure gender equality deploying female doctors as UH&FPO. Finally, the findings expected to benefit the society considering the contribution of new knowledge generated in the field of policy implementation.
Screening of Cultivable Indigenous Fungi which Responsible for Decomposing of Rice Straw
Authors: Isnaini Soni , Niswati Ainin , Maryati .
Published: March 2018

The experiment was conducted to screen potentials indigenous fungi for rapid decomposing of rice straw.  Seven isolates of dominant fungi were isolated from the burying rice straw on the 2.5 cm soil depth after 30 days incubation on the paddy fields. Five dominant isolates were tested for their potential to decompose rice straw by assessing their value of decreasing C/N ratio and dry weight of rice straw.  Fungal inoculums treatments were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications.  The results showed that the dominant cultivable fungi that isolated from decomposed rice straw were Trichoderma sp., Fusarium sp., Mucor sp., Aspergillus sp., and Penicillium sp.  Among the tested fungi, Trichoderma sp. had the biggest ability to decompose rice straw compared to others indigenous fungi. The C/N ratio was reduced to 39.47 from an initial value of 73.33 of control treatment in 10 days of biodegradation process in laboratory scale, thus showing the potential of indigenous Trichoderma sp. for use in large-scale composting of rice straw.

Keywords: Cultivable, decomposer, indigenous fungi, rice straw

[How to Cite: Isnaini S, A Niswati and Maryati. 2012. Screening of Cultivatable Indigenous Fungi which Responsible for Decomposing of Rice Straw. J Trop Soils 17 (1): 61-66. doi: 10.5400/jts.2012.17.1.61]

 

[Permalink/DOI: www.dx.doi.org/10.5400/jts.2012.17.1.61]
Relationship between Concentration and Discharge on Storm Events: Case Study at Cakardipa Catchment, Cisukabirus Subwatershed, Upper Ciliwung Watershed, Bogor, West Java
Authors: Heryani Nani , Pawitan Hidayat , Jarwadi Purwanto Mohamad Yanuar , Subagyono Kasdi
Published: March 2018

River nutrient loadings rates are frequently determined from discharge and hydrochemistry relationships using regression techniques. Unfortunately such methods as a conventional technique are inadequate for dealing with the problem such as differences in shape and direction of loop forming in individual and seasonal storms. Besides the relationships are nonlinear and time-dependent, they also varies from site to site. There is a currently method to study hysteresis between discharge and concentration of hydrochemistry. The relationship between discharge and solute concentration was investigated at Cakardipa catchment, Upper Ciliwung watershed, between the years of 2009-2010. The characteristics of the hysteresis loops were used to evaluate the temporal variation of the relative contribution to stream flow of source waters at Cakardipa Catchment including groundwater (CG), soil water (CSO), and rain water (CR). Chemical water analysis was carried out on 497 water samples on storm event. The chemical analysis of storm event of Februari 14, 2010 was carried out for the concentrations of K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, SiO2, SO42-NO3-, Cl-, and HCO3-. Results of the experiment showed that concentrations displayed circular hysteresis loops during the events, highlighting the complex relation among solutes and discharge during storm hydrographs. The solutes of K, Na, and Ca produced  concave curvature, anti-clockwise hysteresis loops, and positive  trend, so that classified as A2 loops with components ranking were CR> CG> CSO. .The solutes of Mg, SO4, NO3 assumed to come from groundwater produced convex curvature, clockwise hysteresis loops, and positive trend, indicating a concentration component ranking of CG > CR > CSO (C2 model). While Si and Cl produced clockwise hysteresis loops, indicating a concentration component ranking of CG> CSO> CR  which was C1 model.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 10, No. 4
Authors: Grey Erica
Published: March 2018

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Global Journal of Health Science, Vol. 10, No. 4, 2018.
Influence of Motor Activity on the Development of Voluntary Attention in Children Aged 6-7 Years in Rural and Urban Micro-Community
Authors: Zakharova Larisa M. , Zakharova Victoria
Published: March 2018

The article is devoted to the problem of the influence of physical activity on the development of voluntary attention in children aged 5-7, which largely determines the success of schooling. The studies conducted in different countries prove the existence of such a correlation, which, at the same time, is not always unambiguous. We studied the nature of this correlation in the children of rural and urban kindergarten. The results of the pilot study showed that there were no significant differences in the development of the basic indicators of voluntary attention among the rural children attending various sports clubs and those who do not go in for sports, in contrast to the children attending kindergarten in the city. The influence of the family on the children’s desire to lead an active lifestyle has been also determined.
Educational Game Design as Gateway for Operationalizing Computational Thinking Skills among Middle School Students
Authors: Wu Min Lun
Published: March 2018

This qualitative case study reports descriptive findings of digital game-based learning involving 15 Taiwanese middle school students’ use of computational thinking skills elicited through programmed activities in a game design workshop. Situated learning theory is utilized as framework to evaluate novice game designers’ individual advancement in developing a designer language, mindset, and use of computational thinking skills. Three strands of findings were extrapolated from analyzing observational data, participant-generated written responses and artifacts: Understanding games as systems and how components work together in meaningful relationships in game design; Developing growing sophistication in communicating with other novice game designers using language germane to game design; Improving understanding and application of computational thinking skills through game design activities. Extended discussions on three focal cases revealed that using design pedagogy, participants operationalized computational thinking skills in design tasks. Promises and pitfalls of using game design to facilitate computational thinking skills are discussed.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 11, No. 4
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: March 2018

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 11, No. 4, 2018.
Analyzing Entrepreneurship Skill Levels of the 3rd Grade Primary School Students in Life Sciences Course Based on Different Variables
Authors: Polat Huseyin
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate Life Sciences course entrepreneurship skills of the 3rd grade primary school students as evaluated by their parents. The study was conducted with the screening model. The participants of the study were the parents (47 mothers and 23 fathers) of the students (32 girls, 38 boys) who study in the center of the province of Adiyaman, Turkey, in the academic year of 2017-2018. In order to collect the data, “entrepreneurship skill condition” survey form, which evaluates the entrepreneurial gains from the 1st and 2nd grade Life Sciences course, was used. According to the findings, the entrepreneurship skill level of the students was found 98.81 out of 130, which is “good”. The entrepreneurship skill level of the students showed a significant difference depending on the parent variable, where mothers evaluated their children more favorably compared to fathers. The entrepreneurship skill level of the students did not show a significant difference depending on their gender. Depending on their success in the school and the Life Sciences course, however, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in their entrepreneurship skill level. A positive correlation was detected between the entrepreneurship skill level and the success in the school and the Life Sciences course. The entrepreneurship skill level of the students also varied significantly (p<0.05) depending on their self-confidence level. High self-confidence and the entrepreneurship skill level were found to be positively correlated.
Influence of Add-On Perforated Plates on the Protective Performance of Light-Weight Armour Systems
Authors: FRAS Teresa , FADERL Norbert
Published: March 2018

The presented experimental investigation, aimed at verification of defeat mechanisms against small-calibre projectiles, provided by 4-mm-thick perforated plates with different material- and geometrical properties, was performed. A regular pattern of punched holes in steel plates increases the possibility of asymmetrical contact between the plate and projectiles which may cause threat destabilization, rotation or fragmentation depending on the impact position. Three tested armour configurations comprise the super-bainitic high-hardness Pavise™ SBS 600P armour steel plates perforated by elongated holes of size 4  12 mm (the first configuration), the martensitic high-hardness Mars® 300P steel plates perforated by circular holes with a diameter of
5 mm (in the second configuration); and in the third configuration, the martensitic Mars® 300 plates perforated by oblong holes (4  10 mm) were used. The performed impact tests proved that the tested add-on plates assured high protection against the impact of 7.62  51 .308 Win P80 hard-core armour piercing (AP) projectiles. It was also observed that the plates caused similar mechanisms of bullet failure.
Application of 3D Scanning Technology for Evaluation of Virtual Model of Gun Geometry
Authors: FIKUS Bartosz , PASZKOWSKI Robert , PŁATEK Paweł
Published: March 2018

The paper presents the results of reconstruction of selected gun elements with application of 3D scanning technology. Algorithm of under investigation process, the way of preparing object for scanning and measuring process were also presented. This article discusses also data acquisition of clouds of points and methods of some activities with measured geometry data (i.e. solving some imperfections caused by the preparation or by the measurement process). Geometry was remeshed by the creating a new mesh of polygons to unify shapes defined after previous steps. On the basis of cloud of points measurements, the solid geometry of the whole object was prepared. The effect proved satisfactory accuracy of the estimated parts’ characteristics and allowed for recommendation of the mentioned approach in the described process.
Components of the Complete Blood Count in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Inadequate Glycemic Control
Authors: KİZİLGUL Muhammed , SENCAR Erkam , UCAN Bekir , BEYSEL Selvihan , OZCELİK Ozgur , OZBEK Mustafa , CAKAL Erman
Published: March 2018

Objective:
Inadequate control of glycemia in diabetic patients is the primary cause of
both micro- and macrovascular complications. Several components of complete
blood count were investigated and have found to be higher in diabetic patients.
We aimed to evaluate white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte and
platelet counts and, red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume
(MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
patients with inappropriorate glycemic management (HbAlc >7%) despite using insulin
therapy.Methods: 135
type 2 diabetic patients with inappropriorate blood glucose management (HbAlc
value >7 %) despite using insulin therapy for at least 3-month period (only
insulin or insulin plus oral hypoglycemic agents) and 121 healthy subjects were
included in the study. Demographic, anthropometric and laboratory data were
recorded.Results:
WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts were higher in DM group
(p<0.0001). WBC counts were positively correlated with diastolic blood
pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and
high-sensitive C- reactive protein (hsCRP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), post-prandial
glucose (PPG), HbA1c and triglyceride levels (p<0.05). Neutrophil counts
were positively correlated with hsCRP, FPG, HbA1c, BMI, PPG, LDL-Cholesterol
(LDL-C) and microalbumin levels (p<0.05). Lymphocyte counts were positively
correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), DBP, BMI, WC and FPG, HbA1c,
LDL-C and triglyceride levels (p<0.05). WBC, neutrophil and lymphocyte
counts were negatively correlated with HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels
(p<0.05). PDW was higher in DM group (16.65±0.59 to 16.51±0.51, p:0.043).
PDW was positively correlated with age, DBP, FPG, PPG, HbA1c, LDL-C and
triglyceride levels (p<0.05). Monocyte to HDL-C ratio was higher in DM group
(13.50 ± 5.34 to 10.54 ± 4.29, p<0.0001).Conclusions:
In this study white blood cell, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and PDW were higher
in type 2 diabetic patients with inappropriorate glycemic management despite
insulin therapy and they were correlated wıth cardio-metabolic risk factors. Leukocyte
subtypes and PDW may be used as a marker for cardiovascular diseases in these
patients.
Yaşlı bireylerde cilt yüzeyi üzerinden torasik kifoz ve lumbal lordoz açılarının değerlendirilmesi: Spinal Mouse geçerliliği ve güvenilirliği
Authors: BÜYÜKTURAN Öznur , BÜYÜKTURAN Buket , YETİŞ Mehmet , YETİŞ Aysu
Published: March 2018

Amaç: Bu çalışma, sağlıklı yaşlı bireylerde, eksternal ve
non-invaziv olarak spinal hareketliliği değerlendiren spinal mouse (SM)
cihazının, geçerliliğini ve güvenilirliğini test etmek amacıyla yapılmıştır.Yöntemler: Ayakta durma esnasında, hem SM cihazıyla, hem de
Cobb açısı yöntemiyle radyolojik olarak olguların torakal kifoz ve lumbal
lordoz eğrilikleri değerlendirilmiştir. SM cihazı ile üç farklı araştırmacı
tarafından ölçüm yapılmıştır. Kullanıcı-içi ve kullanıcılar arası geçerlilik ve
güvenilirlik için sınıf içi korelasyon katsayısı (SKK) ve standart hata ölçüm
(SHÖ) yöntemi kullanılmıştır.Bulgular: Çalışmaya yaş ortalaması 68,12±2,67 yıl olan 46
yaşlı birey (29 kadın, 17 erkek) dahil edilmiştir. Kullanıcılar arası SKK
0,80-0,89 ve kullanıcı-içi SKK 0,88-0,91 arasında bulunmuştur. SM ile yapılan
tüm ölçümlerde SHÖ değeri 2,01° ile 4,26° arasında tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca
tüm araştırmacıların SM ile ölçtüğü spinal eğrilik dereceleri ile, radyolojik
olarak ölçülen spinal eğrilik dereceleri arasında anlamlı korelasyon bulunmuştur
(p<0,05).Sonuç: SM cihazının, yaşlılar ile ilgili kliniklerde ve
araştırmalarda kullanılabilecek güvenilir, geçerli, güvenli, hızlı ölçüm
yapabilen ve herhangi bir yan etkisi olmayan bir yöntem olduğu düşünülmektedir.
Double-Equivocal HER2 Invasive Breast Carcinomas: Institutional Experience and Review of Literature
Authors: Griffin Brannan B. , Pincus Jennifer L. , Siziopikou Kalliopi P. , Blanco Luis Z.
Published: March 2018

Context.—

HER2 status is a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in invasive breast carcinomas. Reflex testing using an alternate method is recommended on equivocal cases via immunohistochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Therapeutic dilemmas arise when both tests are equivocal. The standard chromosome 17 centromere reference probe (CEP17) is in close proximity to the HER2 locus and may be coamplified, leading to equivocal results. Alternate chromosome 17 reference probes may aid in establishing the true HER2 status.

Objective.—

To describe our institutional experience using D17S122 probe for reflex FISH testing on double-equivocal invasive breast carcinomas and review the literature on alternate reference probes.

Data Sources.—

Twenty-two patients with double-equivocal invasive breast carcinomas, defined as HER2 immunohistochemistry score 2+ and FISH equivocal per the 2013 guidelines, were reviewed. Reflex FISH was performed with alternate probe D17S122 and the HER2 status classified for 11 cases by using a revised HER2:D17S122 ratio. Seven of 11 cases (63.6%) were ultimately classified as HER2 positive, while 4 cases (36.4%) remained equivocal. The 7 positive cases showed a HER2:D17S122 greater than 2.0.

Conclusions.—

Alternate probe D17S122 reclassified more than half of our cases as HER2 positive. Alternate probes may establish true HER2 status and direct proper management, as evidenced by our experience and the literature. Additional investigation is needed to determine which alternate probe(s) is(are) best for reflex testing. Finally, the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guidelines may need to be updated to reflect more specific recommendations for the utilization of appropriate probes in double-equivocal HER2 cases.
Quantitative Assessment of Immunohistochemistry Laboratory Performance by Measuring Analytic Response Curves and Limits of Detection
Authors: Sompuram Seshi R. , Vani Kodela , Schaedle Anika K. , Balasubramanian Anuradha , Bogen Steven A.
Published: March 2018

Context.—

Numerous studies highlight interlaboratory performance variability in diagnostic immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing. Despite substantial improvements over the years, the inability to quantitatively and objectively assess immunostain sensitivity complicates interlaboratory standardization.

Objective.—

To quantitatively and objectively assess the sensitivity of the immunohistochemical stains for human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2), estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) across IHC laboratories in a proficiency testing format. We measure sensitivity with parameters that are new to the field of diagnostic IHC: analytic response curves and limits of detection.

Design.—

Thirty-nine diagnostic IHC laboratories stained a set of 3 slides, one each for HER2, ER, and PR. Each slide incorporated a positive tissue section and IHControls at 5 different concentrations. The IHControls comprise cell-sized clear microbeads coated with defined concentrations of analyte (HER2, ER, and/or PR). The laboratories identified the limits of detection and then mailed the slides for quantitative assessment.

Results.—

Each commercial immunostain demonstrated a characteristic analytic response curve, reflecting strong reproducibility among IHC laboratories using the same automation and reagents prepared per current Good Manufacturing Practices. However, when comparing different commercial vendors (using different reagents), the data reveal up to 100-fold differences in analytic sensitivity. For proficiency testing purposes, quantitative assessment using analytic response curves was superior to subjective interpretation of limits of detection.

Conclusions.—

Assessment of IHC laboratory performance by quantitative measurement of analytic response curves is a powerful, objective tool for identifying outlier IHC laboratories. It uniquely evaluates immunostain performance across a range of defined analyte concentrations.
Overcome Entrenched Institutional Hurdles to Smart Water Systems
Authors: Koontz Gene , Casado Luis
Published: March 2018

It's vital for the water and wastewater industry to welcome the next generation of water professionals by updating its regulatory framework, certification process, and workforce expectations. Such changes will help bolster the industry's adoption of data analytics and smart technology processes to advance infrastructure renewal.