bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die sosiale en gemeenskapsdinamika van projekbestuur
Authors: Brown C.
Published: August 2019

The need for the study originated mainly from the political reforms in South Africa, which have incited public insistence on community involvement in the planning, decision-making and execution of projects which people perceive are of concern in their everyday lives. Many project managers in South Africa are faced with hitherto unknown social forces and elements in the execution of their missions, which they are often not adequately trained for. The purpose of the study is to extend the 'conventional' project management processes to include community participation, because in the past, the social system(s) within which projects are situated and the social dynamics inevitably evoked by the implementation thereof, were too often ignored. The article considers an appropriate meaning of community participation, which inter alia means that the community be enabled to influence the direction and outcome of projects. That implies that managerial decisions will in future have to involve social besides economic choices. The overriding importance of the search for common interests is emphasized. A model for involving the community in project-concept forming is presented. The article concludes with a basic truth, namely that there are many projects which will simply not succeed without full consultation with the community from the earliest possible stage.
Human capital investment: Higher educational and on-the-job training of the marketing practitioner
Authors: Bruwer Johan De W. , Haydam Norbert E.
Published: August 2019

Human capital theory postulates that investment in people represents an investment in their productive capacity, whether it be in the form of formal educational training or on-the-job training. Today few, if any, occupations require no investment in human capital. An example is marketing practitioners working in the marketing departments of businesses active in the formal sector of the economy. In this empirical research study, the relationship between the formal training that marketing practitioners receive at higher educational institutions and on-the-job training they receive from businesses employing them, are analysed in terms of their job functions and job specifications. Finally, conclusions regarding this specific relationship are made.
Current issues in the regulation of deceptive advertising: Some consequences for South Africa
Authors: Cassim Shahida , Langton Robert
Published: August 2019

The dramatic political changes that have recently taken place in South Africa have focussed attention on the adequacy of the existing controls on deceptive advertising. On the one hand, there is a recognition that, due to the limited access to educational opportunities in the past, the majority of South African consumers might be particularly susceptible to deceptive advertising and thus existing controls might need to be tightened. On the other hand, the new interim Constitution has elevated freedom of speech and access to the media to the status of fundamental rights to which other controls are subject. These rights are likely to provide a basis to challenge both the existing controls and any attempt to tighten the control of advertising content. This article outlines the controls on deceptive advertising that currently exist in South Africa. It then examines the current debate surrounding the need for and the efficacy of such controls.
A framework for the use of competencies for achieving competitive advantage
Authors: Meyer Terry , Semark Paul
Published: August 2019

Competency, its nature, its acquisition and its maintenance, is emerging as the pivotal dimension of human development for employability, corporate competitive advantage and national economic success. It is, however, a concept still fogged by misunderstanding and debate. The authors of this article attempt to clear the fog by providing a succinct conceptual framework which integrates the contributions of many theorists and accommodates the use of the term in a variety of contexts. In addition, they propose that competencies are more than the essence of a national qualifications framework, or of corporate training programmes, as they are intimately linked to strategy with all its implications. Competency, therefore, is a central issue for managers seeking competitive advantage.
Micro-level tests for rational expectations in South Africa
Authors: Marais D. J. , Smit E. V.D.M. , Conradie W. J.
Published: August 2019

The article investigates entrepreneurial expectations formation along the lines of the rational expectations hypothesis. It utilizes micro-level business survey data from the Bureau for Economic Research and distinguishes between phases of the business cycle, consumer and capital goods industries and various degrees of sectoral economic concentration. Very little evidence of weak form rationality is present in the data which concurs with similar international evaluations.
An instrument to measure organizational culture
Authors: Van Der Post W. Z. , De Coning T. J. , Smit E. V.D.M.
Published: August 2019

Although statistical evidence seems to be lacking, it is at present widely acknowledged that organizational culture has the potential of having a significant effect on organizational performance. An analysis of sustained superior financial performance of certain American organizations has attributed their success to the culture that each of them had developed. It has been proposed that these organizations are characterized by a strong set of core managerial values that define the ways in which they conduct business, how they treat employees, customers, suppliers and others. Culture is to the organization what personality is to the individual. It is a hidden but unifying force that provides meaning and direction and has been defined as the prevailing background fabric of prescriptions and proscriptions for behaviour, the system of beliefs and values and the technology and task of the organization together with the accepted approaches to these. From the literature, a vast number of dimensions of organizational culture were observed. These dimensions were synthetized and 15 constructs of culture emerged. By means of conventional item construction, item analysis and factor analysis, a questionnaire with acceptable reliability and construct validity was developed to measure organizational culture.
Macroeconomic identification of the priced APT factors on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Authors: Van Rensburg Paul
Published: August 2019

Employing prespecified macroeconomic variables as potential priced factors, the Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) may be modelled as a non-linear seemingly unrelated regression with across equation restrictions. This portrayal allows for the simultaneous estimation of factor sensitivities and the risk premium associated with each factor. The following macroeconomic variables were tested as potential factors: unexpected movements in (rand) gold returns. (dollar) returns on the Dow-Jones Industrial Index, the term structure of interest rates and inflation expectations together with the 'residual market factor' of Burmeister Wall. Using iterated non-linear seemingly unrelated regression (ITNLSUR) estimation techniques, it was found that all of the above variables except for gold price risk are priced, that is, are associated with statistically significant risk premia.
The quality of corporate governance in South Africa: Comparing the parastatal and listed industrial sectors
Authors: Van Wyk Mike F.
Published: August 2019

The quality of corporate governance service in the parastatal (also called public entity) and listed industrial company sectors of the South African economy was assessed. The assessment was done using newly developed service quality assessment instruments. The reliability of the findings on the quality of corporate governance service implied a 99.5% probability that the sample mean did not differ from the population mean by more than 0.2 on a seven-point scale. In both sectors the actual corporate governance service was assessed against two levels of expectation, namely the desired service level and the lowest acceptable service level. The instruments were the same except for a few adaptations to cater for the less stringently legislated listed company sector and to provide for insights gained from the first assessment. Both assessments resulted in the same four dimensions, namely 'directing and monitoring', 'board capacity', 'assurance' and 'responsiveness and reliability'. One fundamental difference was reported, namely that the listed company directors' corporate governance was in total, in all four dimensions and on all criteria assessed as between the lowest acceptable and the desired service levels. The public entity directors' corporate governance service was in total, in all four dimensions and on all criteria assessed as below the desired as well as the lowest acceptable service levels. The standard deviations as reported were such that it has to be concluded that acceptable and unacceptable corporate governance service levels are found in public entities as well as in listed companies. The assessment results are reported below graphically. Three criteria appeared on both assessments' lists often worst-assessed criteria. They were directors 'being always properly prepared for meetings', 'doing their homework thoroughly' and 'displaying impeccable integrity and honesty, for example with their own claims'.
Macroeconomic variables and the cross-section of Johannesburg Stock Exchange returns
Authors: Van Rensburg Paul
Published: August 2019

This study adopts the Chen, Roll Ross prespecified variable approach to priced arbitrage pricing theory factor (APT) identification on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). It is observed that the dichotomy in the return generating processes underlying South African mining and industrial shares leads to cross-sectional correlations in the residual errors of linear factor models that do not employ factor analytically extracted explanatory variables. As a result, a 'two residual market factor' approach is introduced in this study. Employing the iterated non-linear seemingly unrelated regression technique of McElroy Burmeister (1988), it is found that the rand gold price, the rate on long bonds, the Dow-Jones Industrial Index and the level of gold and foreign exchange reserves together with the Industrial and All-Gold residual market factors represent priced sources of risk within the framework of the APT over the period 1985 to 1995. The pricing relationships estimated are found to be inconsistent with those implied by the capital asset pricing model. These results are robust across the 'unconstrained intercept' and 'zero beta' cross-sectional model specifications. The findings of the study, however, imply that the influence of macroeconomic variables on the JSE is most parsimoniously expressed in the two factor APT model of Van Rensburg Slaney (1997).
Perceived qualities of a 'good' chairman: A challenge for corporate governance in South Africa
Authors: Bendixen Mike , Thomas Adèle
Published: August 2019

Corporate governance is increasingly being viewed as essential to sound business practice. The recommendations of the Cadbury Committee in the United Kingdom will respect to the role of a chairman are similar to those later formulated in the King Report on Corporate Governance in South Africa. In the present study, the perceived qualities of 'good' chairmen are investigated among chairmen, chief executives and main board members in the UK and South Africa. In both the UK and in South Africa the same robust methodology was used, enabling an inter-country comparison of results. The UK study comprised 60 in-depth interviews followed by a mailing of 2418 questionnaires to which 274 main-board members responded. In both cases, in the analysis, four-factor and four-cluster solutions emerged. Not surprisingly, the results for the two countries are quite different from each other and different profiles of preferred chairmen were found. In the case of the UK, the most preferred profile supports the execution of roles recommended for good governance while in South Africa, the least preferred profile appears to be the most appropriate.
High Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae among Scrub Typhus Patients in South Korea
Authors: Hwang Joo-Hee , Jeon Mir , Kim Cheon-Hyeon , Lee Chang-Seop
Published: August 2019

Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by the obligate intracellular organism Orientia tsutsugamushi, endemic to South Korea. The course of scrub typhus can range from a self-limiting disease to a fatal illness. Serological cross-reactivity has been reported with other intracellular organisms, including Rickettsia species, Chlamydophila species, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the current seroprevalence of M. pneumoniae IgM and Chlamydia pneumoniae IgM in scrub typhus patients in South Korea. We enrolled 150 patients with suspected rickettsial disease over the course of 2 years. Of these patients, 60 were confirmed to have scrub typhus and had paired acute and convalescent serum. Among the 60 scrub typhus patients, 40 (66.7%) had M. pneumoniae IgM and 19 (31.7%) had C. pneumoniae IgM in acute- or convalescent phase sera. The seroconversion rates of M. pneumoniae IgG and IgM were 16.7% and 33.3%, respectively. The seroconversion rates of C. pneumoniae IgG and IgM were 8.3% and 11.7%, respectively. Compared with previous study results, this may indicate a relatively high seroprevalence of M. pneumoniae IgM and C. pneumoniae IgM in scrub typhus patients, indicating possible misdiagnosis of M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae infections in non-endemic scrub typhus areas.
High Prevalence of Bartonella sp. in Dogs from Hamadan, Iran
Authors: Greco Grazia , Sazmand Alireza , Goudarztalejerdi Ali , Zolhavarieh Seyed Massoud , Decaro Nicola , Lapsley Wallis D. , Otranto Domenico , Chomel Bruno B.
Published: August 2019

Bartonellae are emerging vector-borne pathogens infecting various domestic and wild mammals. Blood samples were collected from 66 dogs at two locations near Hamedan, Iran. Twenty dogs were rescued stray dogs and 46 dogs were from a breeding colony, with many of them infested with fleas, ticks, or lice. Serology was performed using an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test for Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. Seroprevalence was 74.2% (range: 65.2–95%). Bartonella DNA amplification and sequencing identified B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii type III in seven dogs, including five rescued dogs. Two dogs were infected with Bartonella rochalimae and three dogs with Candidatus B. merieuxii, including two of the stray dogs coinfected with Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. Rescued stray dogs were 10 times (odds ratio (OR) = 10.13, 95% CI: 1.24–82.7; P = 0.03) more likely to be seropositive and eight times (OR = 8.82, 95% CI: 2.68–29.11; P = 0.0004) more likely to be flea-infested than breeding dogs, confirming that arthropod infestation is a major risk factor for these infections.
Propofol but not sevoflurane decreases circulating levels of sEGFR and sE-selectin after colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Sidiropoulou Tatiana , Karaferi Aikaterini , Stachtos George , Alepaki Maria , Karakosta Agathi , Dauri Mario , Kostopanagiotou Georgia
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Surgery and anaesthesia may affect the outcomes of cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of propofol or sevoflurane on cancer biomarkers such as interleukins, adhesion molecules, and EGFR.

Material and methods

Eighty patients scheduled for colorectal cancer surgery were randomised to either propofol or sevoflurane anaesthesia. Blood samples for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor  (TNF-), interferon  (IFN-), soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), sE-selectin, and sEGFR measurements were obtained before induction of anaesthesia, at the end of surgery, and 72 h postoperatively.

Results

Complete samples were obtained from 71 patients. Demographic data and anaesthesia/surgery-related data were similar between the two groups. There were signiﬁcant differences produced by sevoflurane vs. propofol on the sE-selectin (median (IQR) 57.1 (59.2) vs. 42.7 (22.9) ng/ml, p = 0.011) and sEGFR (median (IQR) 49905.7 (22673.5) vs. 25.657.2 (13842.1) ng/ml, p < 0.001) concentrations postoperatively, while sEGFR plasma levels also showed a significant difference during surgery (median (IQR) 32964.5 (14402.5) vs. 25567.0 (13315.4) ng/ml, p = 0.04). IL-10 levels were significantly higher in the propofol group postoperatively (median (IQR) 13.7 (18.5) vs. 14.9 (66.6) pg/ml, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Given the role of EGFR and adhesion molecules on tumour progression and the generation of metastases, the inhibitory effect of propofol observed in this study might prove useful in the future. Further studies in larger populations investigating the effect of anaesthetic agents on these biomarkers are warranted.
Does treatment with sub-lingual allergen-specific immunotherapy reduce adenoid size and improve quality of life among Egyptian children?
Authors: Nermine Nermine Nabil , Shehata Mohab Mohamed , Madian Yasser Taha , BadrEldin Mohamed Hussien
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Adenoidal hypertrophy is a paediatric problem. Adenoidectomy contributes to post-operative complications. Allergic rhinitis is a major health problem. Its prevalence in Egypt and the Middle East is up to 9%. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of sub-lingual immunotherapy on adenoid size and/or quality of life among children suffering from adenoid hypertrophy with allergic rhinitis in Suez Canal University Hospital.

Material and methods

Forty-six children suffering from adenoid hypertrophy and allergic rhinitis were recruited for this purpose. Skin prick test was administered to identify the causative allergen. All patients received sub-lingual immunotherapy. Lateral X-ray, serum total immunoglobulin E, symptoms, and sign score were recorded for all patients before and after the treatment.

Results

The nasal symptoms and adenoidal size of the examined patients were significantly decreased after immunotherapy was applied, and thus there was an improvement in the quality of life among those patients.

Conclusions

It was concluded that sub-lingual immunotherapy was an alternative treatment of adenoidectomy in children with moderate adenoid hypertrophy with allergic rhinitis. Surgical treatment for children who suffer from severe adenoid hypertrophy with allergic rhinitis could not be considered as obligatory because medical treatment has no effect on the size of adenoids nor on quality of life.
Detection of IMP and VIM genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from Egyptian patients
Authors: Maraghy Nermine El , Said Manal , Emad Rasha , Salama Mona , Hashish Abdullah
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Metallo-β-lactamase production among Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major health problem worldwide. Pseudomonas aeruginosa acquire several mechanisms of resistance towards carbapenems through the production of metallo-β-lactamases, especially VIM and IMP. The problem of multi-drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa is increasing all over the world, reaching dangerous levels. The aim of this study was to detect the metallo-β-lactamases blaVIM and blaIMP genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in Suez Canal University Hospital in Ismailia, Egypt.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 65 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Genotypic detection of blaVIM and blaIMP was reached by using polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Out of 65 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains , blaVIM gene was present in four females and one male, with an age of 42.9 ±18.1; two cases were isolated from the Oncology Department, and one case each was present in the Burn Unit, Surgery Ward, and Intensive Care Unit. The blaVIM gene was expressed in four stains, while the blaIMP gene was not expressed in any strain.

Conclusions

The carbapenem resistance in our patients can be referred to as metallo-β-lactamases blaVIM type. The problem of metallo-β-lactamases and carbapenem resistance requires ongoing surveillance, strong preventive measures, and implementation of infection control policies and procedures. Also, routine diagnostic laboratory methods should be performed, and synthesis of antimicrobial products with new effecting mechanism should be implemented in hospitals.
Nomograms of the fetal thymus for clinical practice
Authors: Zych-Krekora Katarzyna , Krekora Michał , Słodki Maciej , Grzesiak Mariusz , Kaczmarek Piotr , Zeman Krzysztof , Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The fetal thymus may be visualized using ultrasonography (USG) and is typically located in the mediastinum. In the past years, the size of the fetal thymus has served not only as a marker of genetic or heart defects but also as a predictive factor for intrauterine growth restriction, premature birth, preeclampsia, chorioamnionitis or even neonatal sepsis.

Material and methods

A total of 410 fetuses were qualified for the study. Fetuses with heart defects were excluded from the study. The fetal thymus was evaluated with ultrasonography between the 14th and 40th week of gestation. After obtaining a standard transverse view encompassing the three great vessels, thymus measurements were attempted, i.e. maximal transverse diameter, circumference and surface area. Linear regression was used for statistical analysis, yielding 3 models, each with a different dependent variable. The confidence interval for each model was set at 80% to aid the comparison with centile grid growth charts for neonates and children. The test was regarded as statistically significant when p < 0.05.

Results

From a total of 410 fetuses the thymus transverse diameter, circumference and area were successfully measured in 410, 320 and 330 cases, respectively. The probabilities are lower than 0.0005 for each model, which means that each model is quite statistically significant.

Conclusions

The coverage of healthy thymus nomograms in the fetal population may be the basis for the identification of fetuses at risk of hypoplasia or thymic hyperplasia, which seems particularly important from the point of view of the detection of potential inborn immunological disorders
Genetic polymorphism of CYP3A4 is associated
with poor response to ifosfamide treatment in children
with solid embryonic tumors
Authors: Espindola Luz María Torres , Castillejos López Manuel De JesÚs , De Uña Flores Armando , Espinosa Liliana Rivera , Granados Julio , Chávez Pacheco Juan Luis , García Martín Pérez , Ramos Cervantes Ma Teresa , Bekker Méndez Vilma Carolina , Hernández Doño Susana , Gómez Daniela Ruíz
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The CYP450 complex participates in the metabolism of ifosfamide, an antineoplastic drug used to treat solid tumors. genes contain several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that confer different activity towards the enzyme. The aim of our study was to analyze gene frequencies of allelic variants and their association with ifosfamide blood levels and patient prognosis.

Material and methods

148 DNA samples from children were analyzed. Genotyping was performed by real-time PCR with TaqMan probes and ifosfamide levels were determined in dried blood drop by UPLCMS/MS.

Results

Ifosfamide levels increased according to the genotype, and patients with the variant rs1799853 in CYP2C9 genotype CC had lower levels of ifosfamide (median = 1.8 µmol/l, Q25 0.9–Q75 4.6) compared with patients with genotype TT + CT (median = 2.8 µmol/l, Q25 1.9–Q75 5.1), p < 0.001. In the case of the rs2740574 variant in the CYP3A4 gene, patients with normal genotype (TT) presented median = 1.4 µmol/l, (Q25 0.7–Q75 2.7), while patients with the CC + TC genotype had higher levels of ifosfamide (median = 2.0 µmol/l, Q25 1.0–Q75 4.3), p = 0.024. In addition, patients with CC + CT genotype of this variant had a higher risk of non-response to treatment compared to patients with TT genotype (RR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.07–1.59, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Polymorphisms in CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 genes are associated with high levels of ifosfamide. In addition, the polymorphism rs2740574 in CYP3A4 was associated with a worse therapeutic response.
The competitive activity structure of highly skilled basketball players on the basis of factor analysis methods
Authors: Doroshenko Edward , Sushko Ruslana , Koryahin Victor , Pityn Maryan , Tkalich Iaroslav , Blavt Oksana
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To analyse and generalize the competitive activity structure on the basis of the hierarchy of technical and tactical indicators of qualified basketball players in won and lost games by using the factor analysis methods.

Methods

The study involved 96 professional basketball players who were national team players of countries that took 1–8 places in the final tournament of the European Basketball Championship 2017. Technical and tactical indicators of their competitive activity were analysed for revealing and interpreting the results with the factor analysis methods.

Results

The grouping of elements of the competitive activity structure of highly skilled basketball players was analysed. Groups with the highest value of factor capacity depending on the results of the game were determined. A significant difference in the structure of technical and tactical activity in the won and lost games was presented.

Conclusions

The data obtained in the course of the study on the basis of factor analysis allowed us to present updated information
on the competitive activity structure of highly skilled basketball players and to partially confirm the existing data.
Walking biomechanics and energetics of individuals with a visual impairment: a preliminary report
Authors: Bennett Hunter J. , Valenzuela Kevin A. , Fleenor Kristina , Morrison Steven , Haegele Justin A.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Although walking gait in sighted populations is well researched, few studies have investigated persons with visual impairments (VIs). Given the lack of physical activity in people with VIs, it is possible that reduced efficiency in walking could adversely affect activity. The purposes of this preliminary study were to (1) examine the biomechanics and energetics utilized during independent and guided walking in subjects with VIs, and (2) compare gait biomechanics between people with VIs and sighted controls.

Methods

Three-dimensional motion capture and force platforms were used during independent and guided walking at self-selected speeds. Joint angles, moments, external work, and recovery were compared.

Results

The VI group performed independent walking slower and with reduced stride lengths compared with guided walking and sighted controls. Hip range of motion and peak joint moments were reduced during independent walking in the VI group compared with guided walking and controls. Work was greater by 114%, 32%, and 16% in the VI group during independent than during guided walking. Recovery was 11% greater in guided vs. independent walking.

Conclusions

In the presented preliminary study among 3 persons with congenital VIs, independent walking was a less efficient mode of walking compared with guided walking and that of sighted controls.
Numerical analysis of the circular settling tank
Authors: Chero Elahe , Torabi Mohammadamin , Zahabi Hamidreza , Ghafoorisadatieh Anahita , Bina Keivan
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Nowadays, a settling tank's removal efficiency is one of
the most crucial matters for all water or wastewater treatment plants (WTPs
or WWTPs). The unit can affect WWTP performance and improve the provided
effluent quality. In this paper, the geometrical aspects of a settling tank
were numerically analyzed via tracer curves, the finite-volume method, and
ANSYS CFX software in which the baffle depth and diameter of a settling
tank were assessed. Firstly, a previous study was similarly remodeled to
verify simulation results. The impact of tank depth variation was
numerically assessed where the outcomes showed that a deeper tank could
raise discharge time or the hydraulic retention time (HRT). Thus, extensive
discharge time may result in less polluted effluent, degrading more solids.
However, the tank should not be too deeply based on costs. Moreover, the
differential effect of baffle height was analyzed and indicated that lower
height is more useful for boosting the HRT. An investigation of tank diameter
changes also revealed that wider diameters bring about a broader HRT.
Stream temperature evolution in Switzerland over the last 50 years
Authors: Michel Adrien , Brauchli Tristan , Lehning Michael , Schaefli Bettina , Huwald Hendrik
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Stream temperature is a key hydrological variable for ecosystem and water resources management and is particularly sensitive to climate warming. Despite the wealth of meteorological and hydrological data, few studies have quantified observed stream temperature trends in the Alps. This study presents a detailed analysis of stream temperatures in 52 catchments in Switzerland, a country covering a wide range of alpine and lowland hydrological regimes. The influence of discharge, precipitation, air temperature and upstream lakes on stream temperatures and their temporal trends is analysed from multi-decade to seasonal time scales. Stream temperature has significantly increased over the past 5 decades, with positive trends for all four seasons. The mean trends for the last 20 years are +0.37 °C per decade for water temperature, resulting from joint effects of trends in air temperature (+0.39 °C per decade) in discharge (−10.1 % per decade) and in precipitation (−9.3 % per decade). For a longer time period (1979–2018), the trends are +0.33 °C per decade for water temperature, +0.46 °C per decade for air temperature, −3.0 % per decade for discharge and −1.3 % per decade for precipitation. We furthermore show that in alpine streams, snow and glacier melt compensates air temperature warming trends in a transient way. Lakes, on the contrary have a strengthening effect on downstream water temperature trends at all elevations. The identified stream temperature trends are furthermore shown to have critical impacts on ecological temperature thresholds, especially in lowland rivers, suggesting that these are becoming more vulnerable to the increasing air temperature forcing. Resilient alpine rivers are expected to become more vulnerable to warming in the near future due to the expected reductions in snow- and glacier melt inputs.
Load-resistance analysis: an alternative approach to tsunami damage assessment applied to the 2011 Great East Japan tsunami
Authors: Suppasri Anawat , Pakoksung Kwanchai , Charvet Ingrid , Chua Constance Ting , Takahashi Noriyuki , Ornthammarath Teraphan , Latcharote Panon , Leelawat Natt , Imamura Fumihiko
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Tsunami fragility functions describe the probability of structural damage due to tsunami flow characteristics. Fragility functions developed from past
tsunami events (e.g., the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami) are often applied directly,
without modification, to other areas at risk of tsunami for the purpose of
damage and loss estimations. Consequentially, estimates carry uncertainty
due to disparities in construction standards and coastal morphology between
the specific region for which the fragility functions were originally
derived and the region where they are being used. The main objective of
this study is to provide an alternative approach to assessing tsunami
damage, especially for buildings in regions where previously developed
fragility functions do not exist. A damage assessment model is proposed in
this study, where load-resistance analysis is performed for each building by evaluating hydrodynamic forces, buoyancies and debris impacts and comparing them to the resistance forces of each building. Numerical simulation was performed in this study to reproduce the 2011 Great East Japan tsunami in Ishinomaki, which is chosen as a study site. Flow depths and velocities were calculated for approximately 20 000 wooden buildings in Ishinomaki. Similarly, resistance forces (lateral and vertical) are estimated for each of these buildings. The buildings are then evaluated for their potential of collapsing. Results from this study reflect a higher accuracy in predicting building collapse when using the proposed load-resistance analysis, as compared to previously developed fragility functions in the same study area. Damage is also observed to have likely occurred before flow depth and velocity reach maximum values. With the above considerations, the proposed damage model might well be an alternative for building damage assessments in areas that have yet to be affected by modern tsunami events.
Spatial probabilistic calibration of a high-resolution Amundsen Sea Embayment ice-sheet model with satellite altimeter data
Authors: Wernecke Andreas , Edwards Tamsin L. , Nias Isabel J. , Holden Philip B. , Edwards Neil R.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Probabilistic predictions of the sea level contribution from Antarctica often have large uncertainty intervals. Calibration with observations can reduce uncertainties and improve confidence in projections, particularly if this exploits as much of the available information as possible (such as spatial characteristics), but the necessary statistical treatment is often challenging and can be computationally prohibitive. Ice sheet models with sufficient spatial resolution to resolve grounding line evolution are also computationally expensive. Here we address these challenges by adopting a novel dimension-reduced approach to calibration combined with statistical emulation of the adaptive mesh model BISICLES. We find the most likely contribution to global mean sea level rise from the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE) over the next 50 years is 10.4 [0.6, 23.3] mm (mode and 5–95 % probability interval), a substantial reduction in uncertainty from the uncalibrated estimates of 9.6 [−5.9, 78.2] mm. We predict retreat of the grounding line along most parts of the ASE coast with high confidence, with a maximum inland extent of around 28 km at Smith Glacier. The model behaviour is much more consistent with observations if, instead of Bedmap2, a modified bedrock topography is used that most notably removes a topographic rise near the initial grounding line of Pine Island Glacier, though this does influence the future mass loss less than basal traction and viscosity scaling parameters. The ASE dominates the current Antarctic sea level contribution, but other regions have the potential to become more important on centennial scales. These larger spatial and temporal scales would benefit even more from methods of fast but exhaustive model calibration. Our approach therefore has the potential to improve projections for the Antarctic ice sheet on continental and centennial scales by efficiently improving our understanding of model behaviour, and substantiating and reducing projection uncertainties.
Value Addition of Onion Markets of Pabna Districts in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Wahidul , Hassan Md. Masudul , Resmi Samira Islam , Rahman Mahfuzur
Published: August 2019

Bangladesh is principally an agricultural based country dominated by crop production. In Bangladesh onion mostly use for species which gives aroma taste and flavor to the food materials. The present study was designed to measure supply chain analysis of onion markets and to estimate the value addition of onion in selected areas of two upazilas of Pabna district. Primary data were collected from the onion growing area of Sujanagar upazila and Santhiya upazila under Pabna district. Twenty farmers and fifty traders were selected through purposive sampling and simple random sampling procedure. Simple descriptive methods were used to analyze the data. The major findings of the study reveal that onion production is profitable. In the production and marketing system of Onion, many supply chain actors were involved such as Faria, Bepari, Arathdar, wholesaler and retailer. Marketing of onion produced in Sujanagar and Santhiya upazila was moved from the hands of producers to the hands of consumers through six separate chains. The highest sales price per 40Kg of onion received by retailer was Tk. 1625 and the lowest sales price received by farmer was Tk. 1190. In value chain, highest value (29.14 percent) was added by farmer and lowest value (3.97 percent) was added by Arathder of the total value addition. Farmers had the highest proportion of net marketing margin which was about 42.51 percent of total net marketing margin. Retailers had the second highest portion of net marketing margin of onion. On the contrary, Arathdar had the lowest net marketing margin of onion which was only 3.82 percent of total net marketing margin of onion. The study also identified some problems and constraints faced by the onion farmers and trader suggested some recommendations to improve the present production and marketing situation so that per hectare yield of onion and marketing facilities would possibly be increased.
Innovación en el sector lácteo (queso) en el municipio de Matigüas
Authors: Bravo Pérez Luis Gonzaga , Medina Díaz Danilo Jair , Moreira Isayana Jaasiel , Castro Luna Danilo
Published: August 2019

El artículo, se basa en una búsqueda de información documental de fuentes secundarias que permite identificar hacen pequeños y medianos productores de leche en la producción de queso, hasta su distribución y comercialización, los procesos innovación según el tamaño de empresa láctea que corresponda. Los resultados obtenidos en la investigación apuntan diversos factores y acciones que no se están implementando correctamente en el ámbito de innovación de producción de queso, como la calidad de la leche y el financiamiento pero que con apoyo de algunas entidades y/o organismos no gubernamentales y de desarrollos internacionales han interactuado en los territorios que bien se pueden sacar provecho como Matiguas, sin embargo se evidencia una débil estructura productiva en el proceso de innovación de producción de queso, el cual se requiere más empeño para lograr producir un queso con alto estándar de calidad y con un bajo costo.
Coyuntura económica de Nicaragua previa y posterior a abril de 2018
Authors: Matus Rodríguez Frank Eduardo
Published: August 2019

El presente artículo constituye un esfuerzo académico en el cual, con base a datos objetivos, se ha pretendido valorar la coyuntura económica de Nicaragua previa y posterior a abril de 2018, así como examinar las causas y perspectivas de la misma.
URM bearing wall building seismic risk mitigation on the west coast of the United States
Authors: Paxton Brandon , Turner Fred , Elwood Ken , Ingham Jason M.
Published: August 2019

Unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings are the most common target for seismic risk mitigation programmes, due to their long history of poor seismic performance. While seismic risk mitigation must make use of sound engineering methodologies, good public policy is at the heart of successful programmes. Past URM seismic risk mitigation efforts on the west coast of the United States are summarized herein, as valuable insights have been gained from both successful and unsuccessful programmes. Programme details such as compliance deadlines, retrofit design techniques, and retrofit/demolition rates are provided for cities throughout California, Oregon and Washington states, and the overall observed effectiveness of mandatory versus non-mandatory seismic strengthening programmes is discussed.
Analytical simulation of seismic collapse of RC frame buildings
Authors: Koopaee Mohammad E. , Dhakal Rajesh P. , MacRae Gregory
Published: August 2019

Application of a fibre-element nonlinear modelling technique for seismic collapse capacity assessment of RC frame buildings in comparison with conventional lumped plasticity models is investigated in this paper. Constitutive material models of concrete and steel for fibre elements are adopted to enable simulation of the loss in vertical load carrying capacity of structural columns. Inclusion of the nonlinear second order P−Δ effects accelerated by degrading behaviour of steel and concrete materials in the fibre model allows prediction of the sidesway mode of collapse. The model is compared with nonlinear lumped plasticity models in which stiffness and strength degradation is replicated through degrading parameters in structural components. Static cyclic analyses of an example cantilever column and a portal frame indicate that the variation of axial loads in columns may result in accelerated degradation and failure of structural components which is not taken into account by lumped plasticity models. Moreover, incremental dynamic analysis of a ten-storey RC frame shows that the lumped plasticity model may overestimate building collapse capacity when vertical failure of structural components occurs prior to sidesway instability.
An inventory of unreinforced masonry churches in New Zealand
Authors: Marotta Alessandra , Goded Tatiana , Giovinazzi Sonia , Lagomarsino Sergio , Liberatore Domenico , Sorrentino Luigi , Ingham Jason M.
Published: August 2019

Churches are an important part of New Zealand’s historical and architectural heritage. Various earthquakes around the world have highlighted the significant seismic vulnerability of religious buildings, with the extensive damage that occurred to stone and clay-brick unreinforced masonry churches after the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquakes emphasising the necessity to better understand this structural type. Consequently, a country-wide inventory of unreinforced masonry churches is here identified. After a bibliographic and archival investigation, and a 10 000 km field trip, it is estimated that currently 297 unreinforced masonry churches are present throughout New Zealand, excluding 12 churches demolished in Christchurch because of heavy damage sustained during the Canterbury earthquake sequence. The compiled database includes general information about the buildings, their architectural features and structural characteristics, and any architectural and structural transformations that have occurred in the past. Statistics about the occurrence of each feature are provided and preliminary interpretations of their role on seismic vulnerability are discussed. The list of identified churches is reported in annexes, supporting their identification and providing their address.
Utopia: Marge Piercy as a Social Critic in Woman on the Edge of Time
Authors: Dohal Gassim H.
Published: August 2019

In her utopian novel Woman on the Edge of Time (1976), Marge Piercy critically addresses class, gender, and race as political and social issues in the contemporary society. These matters cause struggle and wars among social classes and individuals as well. People who suffer the effects of these problems struggle for survival and consider themselves in wars with their oppressors as Bee, one of Piercy’s characters in the novel, states, “We’re all at war” (Piercy, p. 328). Race, gender and class are related in sense that all of them bring suffering to people and are used by any social domineering authority to persecute and dominate those oppressed people. In the following pages, I will discuss the concepts of class, gender, and race, and how these issues are used in Piercy’s masterpiece Woman on the Edge of Time to set light on some atrocities of her contemporary world, and at the same time, to provide a utopian future alternative she intentionally urges her readers to think about and if possible to work for.
10 Years vs. 16 Hours: An Effective Curriculum to Improve Chinese College Students’ English Presentation Quality in Public
Authors: Zhu Wen
Published: August 2019

Despite the long-term and intensive English learning educations they received, Chinese college students still have to struggle to make an even 2 minutes professional English presentation. Through more than 10 years English study, their vocabulary and language knowledge are enough for delivering an intermediate level English presentation. By observing a mid-sized (38 students) class study in details and one on one interviewing and surveying in Shanghai University of Engineering Science in 2014. The psychological factors are assumed to the top reason to hinder students from being confident and motivated in speaking English in public. A 16 hours task-based curriculum is designed with sufficient practices focusing on solving these psychologically related problems. Upon comparing and analyzing the detailed assessment data starting from the initial evaluation to the final examination, dramatically improved score and highly elevated sense of self achievement and satisfaction of the students were observed. It is evident the curriculum aimed on students’ motivation and interests, as well as the ‘hands-on’ experiences should generate dramatic improvements for most of the Chinese college students.
Increasing Students’ English Language Learning Levels via Lesson Study
Authors: Kıncal Remzi Y. , Ozan Ceyhun , İleritürk Duygu
Published: August 2019

The study aims to develop students’ higher cognitive skills e.g. analysis, synthesis and assessment and to increase their academic successes by reflecting their cognitive skills in psychomotor skills in practice with the help of lesson study. Therefore, the aim of the study is to increase students’ English as a foreign language learning level. Action research was used in the study. “English Achievement Test” and “Semi-Structured Interview Form” developed by the researchers were used as data collection instruments. English achievement test was used as pre-test and post-test to define students’ English language levels, and semi-structured interview form was used to determine teachers’ views about lesson study practice. According to research result, lesson study has increased students’ learning levels significantly. Moreover, teachers stated that lesson study was highly beneficial and affected their professional development in a positive way. It was stated by teachers in the study that lesson study had the teachers a chance to observe and assess their teaching qualities and so, it made the students’ learning levels increase significantly. Furthermore, all of the teachers agreed that lesson study as an in-service training model could be an approach used for both other lessons and nationally.
A medley of mummies from Deir el-Bahari
Authors: Ikram Selima , Prates Carlos , Sousa Sandra , Oliveira Carlos
Published: August 2019

The results of radiographic and visual examinations of four mummies originating from Deir el-Bahari, now kept in different museums throughout Egypt, are presented here. One individual dates to the Twenty-second Dynasty, and the remaining three date to the Twenty-fifth Dynasty, and were possibly related. Some of the mummies possessed amulets, with one individual having unusual accouterments in addition to the amulets.