bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expatriate Managers: Powerful Or Powerless?
Authors: Russell Roger C. , Aquino-Russell Catherine
Published: February 2016

This presentation will focus on expatriate managers for whom successful cross-cultural adjustment is imperative in overall effectiveness during overseas postings. Unfortunately, employers often blame the individual when assignments fail rather than taking responsibility themselves (Deresky 2002; Hodgetts & Luthans 2006; Swaak 1995; Tung 1987). A study of Canadians employed in international non-government organizations in Indonesia will be presented. This research focussed on describing the lived experience of these managers using their own words. Written descriptions were analyzed/synthesized using Giorgi’s descriptive phenomenological method (Giorgi 1975; 1985; Giorgi & Giorgi 2003). One of the research findings was the paradoxical feelings of powerfulness/powerlessness as experienced by the participants. Intriguingly, the expatriate manager’s position as foreigner (readily identified through ‘observable differences’), brings power and status, but also feelings of being powerless in certain situations. At the same time, awareness of one’s ‘minority status’ in combination with the large cultural differences between Canadians and Indonesians provides a potent and challenging lived experience for the expatriates (Mendenhall & Wiley 1994). The new knowledge uncovered may result in alterations of present international human resource management practices and strategies in relation to expatriation, thereby improving the performance of expatriates and organizations.
The Theoretical Impact Of The Listing Of Syariah-Approved Stocks On Stock Price And Trading Volume
Authors: McGowan, Jr. Carl B. , Muhammad Junaina
Published: February 2016

The stock price and trading volume reactions of companies to single events, such as public announcements on mergers, dividend payments, or security issue announcements have been studied extensively.  The impact of news about a continuing event such as the news on the inclusion in and exclusion of stocks from the KLSE Syariah Index that occurs twice yearly affects security prices and trading volume.  This paper examines reasons that price and trading volume of Syariah-approved stocks might react to the inclusion-exclusion exercise.  The selection criteria set by the Syariah Advisory Council of Securities Commission of Malaysia in updating the list of the Syariah-approved stocks is not based on the financial soundness alone.  Views from Syariah perspective and from financial theories are discussed to support the behavior of the included and excluded stocks from the Kuala Lumpur Syariah Index.
EBay: Towards A Perfectly Competitive Market
Authors: Chang Joshua
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this paper is to explain how factors in eBay create an increasingly efficient marketplace that drives it towards the conditions of a perfectly competitive market.  Search and evaluation features that increase the efficiency of consumer decision making are examined and discussed in the context of information economics and market efficiency.  The increased problem solving capability of consumers enabled by features in eBay show that it is moving towards a perfectly competitive marketplace.  The continuous advancement of technology will further improve such market efficiencies and drive toward a perfect Internet marketplace.  EBay’s ‘near perfect’ market conditions creates challenging conditions such as lowly dispersed and market driven prices, wide consumer choice, and consequently diminished advertising efforts.  This implies challenges mainly in the areas of differentiation and positioning strategies by businesses to mitigate the effects of eBay’s continuing shift towards perfectly competitive market conditions.  It is important for businesses that are used to operating in the conditions of monopolistic competition associated with traditional market efficiencies to strategize for the upcoming challenges of near perfect market conditions facilitated by efficient market platforms such as eBay.
Impact Of Retirement Benefit Act (RBA) On Investment Returns To Pension Funds In Kenya
Authors: Rono Lucy Jepchoge , Bitok Julius Kibet , Asamoah Gordon N
Published: February 2016

This study focused on the analysis of the impact of RBA guidelines on the return on investments of both pension funds under management and those for pension schemes. A random sample of 175 fund trustees and a census of 13 fund managers from registered fund management companies participated in the survey. The questionnaire was administered through the drop-and-pick method. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and summarized in descriptive statistics, such as mean, standard deviation, frequencies, percentages, and t-tests for mean differences were used. The study determined that annual investment return for retirement benefits schemes in the past three years ranged between 10 and 27.52%, sometimes falling below the annual inflation.  The Kenya pension funds are in compliance with the prescribed broad guidelines with regard to maximum percentages of total asset value of fund by the RBA Act. They are, however, moderately in compliance with the regulations requiring that that they maintain an actuarial solvency of 80% and above. The overall weighted returns before the implementation of RBA Guidelines was low (average scale of 1.9) while the weighted returns after the implementation of RBA Guidelines was high, at an average scale of 3.7. An analysis of the trend, however, showed that long-run performance has slowed down. The highest growth was realized for mortgage and cash returns as opposed to rights issues and bonus shares. There is need to fashion out the appropriate mix of reforms suitable for Kenya that will ensure the long-run sustainability of its pension systems. The challenge is for the country to adopt a unified, harmonized, and transparent regulatory framework that will integrate the pension system in order to ensure sustainability in its financing and mobilizing of adequate funds to cater for the ever-increasing population of beneficiaries in this regard, comprehensive pension reform policy with wider target radar and one that will consolidate and harmonize the various legislations touching on retirement benefits industry in line with Retirement Benefits Act. The Regulator needs to implement measures to ensure pension funds are insulated from inflationary and other risks.  An effective way is to institute a pension risk insurance fund that will underwrite and compensate such losses as will be prescribed. Further, there is need for a systematic indexation of benefits to inflation. RBA should strengthen its compliance and enforcement function in order to ensure that it appropriately deals with emerging present and future regulatory challenges.
The Portfolio Diversification Impact Of A Farmland Real Estate Investment Trust
Authors: Painter Marvin J.
Published: February 2016

An analysis of Canadian farmland risk and return on investment shows that a Farmland Real Estate Investment Trust (F-REIT) would have been a reasonably good investment over the past 35 years. Investors who desire either low or high risk portfolios would not have benefited from an F-REIT investment. However, investors in the medium risk category could have improved the financial performance of their portfolios by including an F-REIT investment. The financial gains from F-REIT result from a level of risk that is lower than REITs and stocks, an expected yield that is greater than for bonds, and a low correlation with other financial asset returns. The benefit for the agricultural market is that F-REITs inject new equity by purchasing land from retiring farmers and leasing to farmers who want to expand. The benefit for the non-farmer investor and institutional investors is improvement in overall portfolio financial performance.
A Review Of The Evaluation Methods Of The Value Of Human Capital Of The Manager In China
Authors: Xian Zhao , Colwell Joy L. , Ma Jing
Published: February 2016

Recent directives of the Chinese government specify property rights and income distribution for factors of production. The study as to how these factors are allotted appropriate shares of business income is becoming essential to the establishment of the China’s modern enterprise system. When the manager is regarded as one of the factors of production, how one measures the value-added becomes a component of the income distribution system of the business. This paper surveys traditional views of the manager as a human capital, and offers an alternative suggestion for the measurement of the human capital of the manager which can more accurately reflect the reality of the operation of the business.
Comprehensive Income Options: A Detriment To Transparency
Authors: Fitzpatrick Brian D. , Raju Sudhakar S. , Tocco Anthony L.
Published: February 2016

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in 1997 compromised its belief that comprehensive income (CI) should be listed either in a combined statement of net income and CI or in a separate statement of CI and allowed corporations to choose using the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity (SCSE).  Of course, the latter option implies just as Jordan and Clark (2002) suggest, that CI is not a measure of financial performance.  Studies incorporating professional analysts by Hirst and Hopkins (1998) and a study of nonprofessional investors by Maines and McDaniel (2000) both conclude that format presentation matters and behaviors can be affected.  We believe that FASB should revisit the format structure of CI and eliminate the SCSE option, which was their initial intent before they compromised with corporate managers in 1997.  In addition, we believe that all items of other comprehensive income (OCI) – foreign currency translation adjustment, pension value adjustments and adjustment to securities-for-sale should be presented on an after-tax basis only in order to prevent investors from being forced to comb through the footnotes.
Development of a Trilinear-Flow Model for Carbon Sequestration in Depleted Shale
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Liao Xinwei , Zhao Xiaoliang , Dou Xiangji , Zhu Langtao
Published: February 2016

Many researchers are currently seeking conventional geological sequestrations for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage, including saline aquifers, depleted conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, and unminable coal seams. Only a few researchers have looked into depleted-shale formations for possible CO2 sequestration because of safety and economic reasons. To improve this situation, many measures should be taken. First and foremost, it is of great significance to find a method to estimate the CO2-storage capacity in depleted shale.

In this paper, a new analytical method to estimate CO2-storage capacity in shale was developed. First, a trilinear-flow model proposed for the depleted-shale reservoir had a horizontal injection well—namely, a multiple-fractured horizontal well (MFHW)—at a constant injection rate. The model incorporated multiple mechanisms such as Knudson diffusion, gas adsorption, and effect of stress sensitivity. Then, the transient-pressure solution of the injection well was solved by applying mathematical methods of the Pedrosa (1986) substitution and Laplace transform. Subsequently, CO2-storage capacity was evaluated according to the transient-pressure performance of the injection well. After that, model verification and sensitivity analysis were conducted. Finally, we applied the proposed method in a case derived from the New Albany Shale, which had been proved to be a promising candidate for CO2 storage.

The results show that good agreements exist between our analytical results and these numerical solutions. The average difference is approximately 3.03%, which shows our methodology is reasonable. Further, it only takes approximately 10 seconds of central-processing-unit (CPU) time with 100 timesteps by use of the proposed approach to estimate the CO2-storage capacity of the study area in the New Albany Shale, which indicates the new approach is rapid. In addition, results of sensitive analysis show that as stress-sensitivity coefficient, adsorption index, and Knudsen diffusion coefficient increase, CO2-storage capacity increases. As storage ratio increases, CO2-storage capacity decreases.

This work provides a new approach to the estimation of CO2-storage capacity, which is beneficial to exploit the residual depleted-shale reservoirs as well as decrease CO2 emissions.
Observations on the Language of First Generation Bulgarian Immigrants to Canada
Authors: Vassileva Irena , Yankova Diana
Published: February 2016

This study describes the specific linguistic and sociolinguistic features of code-switching that are detected in the speech of first generation Bulgarian immigrants to Canada. The aim is to reveal the extent to which a change in the cultural, social, and economic environment exerts impact on the language behaviour of immigrants and, thus, brings about changes of attitude toward the native language and the degree to which it is used. It also discusses the importance and role of the methodological ways and means of data collection and touches upon several theoretical issues related to the necessity of adopting a more suitable approach to multilingualism in modern globalized societies as well as to problems associated with the consequences of having only monolingual or bilingual nation state language policies.
Collecting, Gifting, and Hoarding: The Cabinet of Curiosities and Imperial Governance in John Richardson'sWacousta
Authors: Bruce Barbara
Published: February 2016

Barbara Bruce argues that, through the trope of collection and the related motifs of gifting and hoarding, John Richardson's Wacousta offers a critical assessment of British rule in Upper Canada not only in its foundational years but also in Richardson's own time.
Effects of Tidal Events on the Water Quality in the Merbok Estuary, Kedah, Malaysia
Authors: Fatema K , Omar WMW , Isa MM
Published: February 2016

This study was carried out to observe effects of tidal events on the water quality parameters at Merbok estuary, Kedah, Malaysia. Twenty four hours sampling were conducted at Station 1, 2 and 3 from 12th November (spring tide) to 3rd December (neap tide) 2011 on weekly interval. Results showed that water quality parameters varied with the following ranges: temperature (26.10 - 30.7°C), pH (6.29 - 7.22), dissolved oxygen (0.65 - 5.48 mgL-1), salinity (0.50  35PSU), nitrate (0.037 - 0.647mgL-1), nitrite (0.09 - 0.36 mgL-1), ammonia  N (0.03 - 3.05 mgL-1), phosphate (0.03 - 0.10mgL-1). Kruskal Wallis H test showed that water quality parameters were significantly different among sampling stations (p<0.01). Mann-Whitney U test result showed that water quality parameters were significantly different between spring and neap tides (p<0.01) except temperature and nitrate. Parameters such as temperature, salinity, nitrate, ammonia  N and phosphate recorded higher in spring tide while, DO, pH and nitrite were higher in neap tide.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 15-19 2015
Nutritional Status of Women Living at South-west Coastal Belt of Satkhira Bangladesh
Authors: Moumita C , Biswas BK , Muktadir H
Published: February 2016

Malnutrition has long been regarded as a widespread public health problem especially in the poorest part of Bangladesh. For determining nutritional status of women living in South-West coastal belt of Bangladesh, in this regard, Shyamnagar Upazilla of Satkhira district was selected. A random questionnaire survey was conducted by pre scheduled structured questionnaire among the 6 villages from Gabura and Munshiganj union of the Shyamnagar UpaziIla during November, 2012 to January, 2013. A total of 120 households (preferably women) were randomly selected from the six study villages based on mainly livelihood pattern of the households such as crop production, shrimp culture and Sunderbans depended activities. In the study area, about 54.17% women had BMI of 18.5-24.9 and mean body weight of 49.75 ± 8.36 kg. About 79.16% families had vegetable gardens around their houses and they were gardening mainly for consumption and additional income of the family. Most of the families could not afford to enough eat more egg, fish or meat after Aila occurred because of low availability due to soil salinity. Salinity caused many diseases; skin disease was one of them. About 28% families bought food in credit and 20.14% respondents in Gabura and 31.59% in Munshiganj paid their loan at Pohela Boishakh. They received treatment facilities for their health hazards from village doctors and public health centre during the period of disease occurred. This study concluded that salinity affect the livelihood and nutrition on the community of the coastal belt.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 41-46 2015
Invasive Alien Fish Species in Freshwater of the Continents
Authors: Sultana M , Hashim ZH
Published: February 2016

This review article presents the updated informationof freshwater Invasive Alien Species (IAS) of fishes of the continents to understand the homogenate progression in global freshwater ecosystems and the leading pathways of freshwater IAS fish introduction throughout the continents. North America contains 45 freshwater invasive fish species within 18 families, which is the most profuse off all other continents, whereas, Australia possesses the lowermost amount of freshwater IAS fish, 18 species under 8 families. Besides, Asia retains 41 freshwater IAS fish under 14 families and Europe acquires 32 species under 18 families. The uppermost spreader IAS fish family is Cyprinidae followed by Cichlidae subsequently. Nine common fishes (Carassius auratus, Cyprinus carpio, Onchorynchus mykiss, Oreochromis mossambicus, Poecilia reticulata, Salmo salar, Salmo trutta and Salvelinusfontinalis) turned out invasive in all the continents (without Antarctica). Among IAS introduction pathways, aquaculture causes the highest percentage of freshwater IAS introduction in all continents. Aquaculture root 25% of IAS fish introduction in Africa, 21% in Asia, 19% in Australia, 20% in Europe, 19% in North America and 19% in South America. There is hardly any documentation on freshwater IAS fishes of Antarctica. Therefore, future research consideration may be designed.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 63-74 2015
Study on Profitability Using Modern Inputs against Traditional for Potato Production at Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Bangladesh
Authors: Haque MM , Tabassum N , Kabir NAME , Akter S , Saha M
Published: February 2016

The study on Economics Faculty in using modern inputs against traditional inputs and practices for potato production were conducted in the different agro-ecological zones and agro-climatic locations of Bangladesh during 2011-2012. The aim of the study was how to enrich the knowledge of farmers and traders by the use of modern inputs (fertilizers, green pesticides and micronutrients) for potato production and management technologies. A total number of 150 farmers were randomly selected from Rangpur, Thakurgaon, and Comilla regions under agro-ecological zones of Tista Meander Floodplain, Old Himalayan Piedmont Plain and Middle Meghna River Floodplain respectively. Cobb-Douglas production function was used to measure the effect of various factors on potato production. The factors of production considered in this study were land preparation, labor cost, seed, fertilizer, pesticides, irrigation and land use cost. The cost was comparatively low in modern practices than higher in traditional practices as it was mainly due to adoption of recommended technology, appropriate dose and time in case of modern inputs and practices whereas non-recommended technology, higher dose of inputs adopted in traditional practices. The out-put in-terms of per unit yield was found 26 t ha-1 in modern practices but 24 t ha-1 in traditional practices. The net profit was significantly higher in modern practices than traditional practices; the net profit in modern practices was found at Rangpur Tk 98,079, Thakurgaon Tk 72, 741 and Comilla Tk 46, 950. It transpires from the study that the farmers would be economically benefitted if they use modern inputs; adopt technologies and practices in terms of using quality seed of improved varieties at recommended dose and time of use of fertilizers and pesticides, timely application of irrigation and appropriate crop management including weeding and other practices.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 83-87 2015
Organic and Inorganic Amendments on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Soil in Salt Affected Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MB , Sarker RR
Published: February 2016

Salinity is a limiting factor for growth and development, since it affects several physiological processes in plants. An experiment was conducted to evaluate rice yield and quality of soil using different organic and inorganic amendments. Field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications and six treatments. Each treatment was received recommended doses of chemical fertilizers also. Based on these results, 50% of rice straw and gypsum amendments could be recommended to mitigate soil salinity thereby, improving the crop productivity of the salt affected lands. Maximum plant height, panicle length, total and effective tillers per hill and filled grains per panicle were observed in 50% (rice straw + gypsum) treated plots. Nutrients uptake were increased in grain and straw using different treatments compared to control and rice straw alone treated plots. In post harvest soil, there was a slight change of salinity and pH as affected by different treatments. Addition of rice straw and gypsum showed positive impact on organic carbon in soil.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 109-113 2015
Socio-economic Impact of Grameen Bank Income Generating Loans on Rural Women of Tangail District
Authors: Labani SA , Islam MZ , Hafeez ASMG
Published: February 2016

A study was conducted to examine the socio-economic impact of Grameen Bank(GB) income generating loans on rural women in selected areas of Tangail district. The study was conducted to examine the impact of loan on the livelihood improvement of women borrowers. Sixty respondents were purposively selected from 3 villages namely Hemnagar, Volapara and Shimlapara of which 10 were engaged in farming, 21 were engaged in livestock rearing, 19 were engaged in petty business, 5 were engaged in tailoring and 5 were indirectly engaged in van/rickshaw pulling. Tabular and statistical analyses were applied for achieving the objectives. In the study area, higher proportions (55 percent) of women were middle aged and 93 percent were married. About 75 percent had signature ability, 18 and 7 percent studied up to primary and secondary level respectively. Average family size of the respondents was 5.36, average annual income and saving of the respondents were Tk. 65958 and 8770, respectively. Overall income and saving change by taking loan from GB were 36.04% and 68.69% respectively. There was remarkable increase in attitudes and opportunities of the respondents after joining the GB. The findings show that GB loan brought about positive impact on livelihood improvement of the borrowers.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 135-139 2015
Textural Influence on Surface and Subsurface Soil Temperatures under Various Conditions
Authors: Akter M , Miah MA , Hassan MM , Mobin MN , Baten MA
Published: February 2016

An experiment was conducted at the field laboratory of Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to study the textural influence on surface and subsurface soil temperatures under various conditions. The experiment consisted of four types of soil (red, sandy, clay and peat). Observations were made at three conditions viz. bare, moist and vegetation cover. Sandy soil at bare condition showed the highest surface temperature followed by peat, red and clay soils. Sand surface produced nearly 10ºC higher values than from clay soil at around midday hours. In four types of soils, the amplitude of the daily surface temperature wave decreased in the order sand > peat > red > clay at bare dry condition. In case of subsurface temperature observed at 10 cm depth, red, clay and peat soils showed insignificant differences. Soil surface temperatures of 4 types soils under moisture condition at around mid days showed similar pattern as in dry condition i.e. sand > peat > red > clay. Soil subsurface temperatures of 4 types soils under moisture condition at around mid days showed similar pattern as in surface temperature. Among three conditions, sandy soil emitted highest long wave radiation (-649.88 Wm-2) at bare condition. The long wave radiation emitted by the surface was lower when the soil was wet and has vegetation cover. Air temperature positively correlated with soil temperature.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 147-151 2015
Effects of Dairy Farms Wastewater Irrigation on Wheat Production and Soil Health
Authors: Islam MT , Adham AKM , Islam D
Published: February 2016

An experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) to investigate the effects of dairy farms wastewater irrigation on wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. BARI "Shatabdi") production and soil health during 30 November 2013 through 22 March 2014. Three irrigation and three fertilizer treatments were involved in the experiment. The experiment was laid down in a split-plot design with three replications of the treatments. Various growth and yield data of the crop were recorded. For the effect of irrigation water quality, the highest and the lowest grain yield (2.88 t ha-1 and 2.71 t ha-1) were obtained under I3 and I2, respectively. For the effect of fertilizer, the highest and the lowest grain yield (4.42 t ha-1and 1.59 t ha-1) were obtained under F2 and F0, respectively. The interaction effect between irrigation and fertilizer exerted a significant impact on the grain yield of wheat. Irrigation by wastewater did not significantly alter the quality parameters of the irrigated soils. The raw wastewater supplied more nutrients to the soil of the wheat field. Therefore, it may be used as a source of irrigation and fertilizer for wheat production without any hazard of the soil health.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 157-162 2015
Urban Growth and its Impact on Tangail Municipal Area
Authors: Sarker BC , Shutradhar SC , Khan A , Saifullah ASM , Ruma AB
Published: February 2016

The study has endeavored to investigate the urban development and its impacts on Tangail municipality, Tangail, Bangladesh. The factual data have been collected from secondary sources, while the perceptual data are based on survey questionnaires on the opinions of respondents. Data were collected through instant spot observation (transect survey) and in-depth consultation, and interviews. The study displays that, the population of Tangail municipality rapidly augmented after 1971. For instance, the population rose from 19.875 thousand in 1961 to 128.785 thousand in 2001. Additionally, the area of Tangail municipality was 15.50 km2 in 1981 which has expanded to 29.40 km2 in 2001. The proposed area of Tangail municipality was five km2. In 1951 the level of urbanization in Tangail municipality was 1.79% which has experienced a sharp rise of 12.99 % in 2001. The study found that, the enlarged urbanization in Tangail town has resulted in higher population density, increased demand for food, alleviation of environmental pollution, increased traffic congestion, generation of solid waste, inadequate garbage disposal, effluent disposal into rivers, crime, and disappearing green and open space in the Tangail municipality.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 163-166 2015
Multi-Agent System Supporting Automated Large-Scale Photometric Computations
Authors: Sȩdziwy Adam , Kotulski Leszek
Published: February 2016

The technologies related to green energy, smart cities and similar areas being dynamically developed in recent years, face frequently problems of a computational nature rather than a technological one. The example is the ability of accurately predicting the weather conditions for PV farms or wind turbines. Another group of issues is related to the complexity of the computations required to obtain an optimal setup of a solution being designed. In this article, we present the case representing the latter group of problems, namely designing large-scale power-saving lighting installations. The term “large-scale” refers to an entire city area, containing tens of thousands of luminaires. Although a simple power reduction for a single street, giving limited savings, is relatively easy, it becomes infeasible for tasks covering thousands of luminaires described by precise coordinates (instead of simplified layouts). To overcome this critical issue, we propose introducing a formal representation of a computing problem and applying a multi-agent system to perform design-related computations in parallel. The important measure introduced in the article indicating optimization progress is entropy. It also allows for terminating optimization when the solution is satisfying. The article contains the results of real-life calculations being made with the help of the presented approach.
Smart Control of Multiple Evaporator Systems with Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks
Authors: González-Potes Apolinar , Mata-López Walter , Ochoa-Brust Alberto , Escobar-del Pozo Carlos
Published: February 2016

This paper describes the complete integration of a fuzzy control of multiple evaporator systems with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, in which we study several important aspects for this kind of system, like a detailed analysis of the end-to-end real-time flows over wireless sensor and actuator networks (WSAN), a real-time kernel with an earliest deadline first (EDF) scheduler, periodic and aperiodic tasking models for the nodes, lightweight and flexible compensation-based control algorithms for WSAN that exhibit packet dropouts, an event-triggered sampling scheme and design methodologies. We address the control problem of the multi-evaporators with the presence of uncertainties, which was tackled through a wireless fuzzy control approach, showing the advantages of this concept where it can easily perform the optimization for a set of multiple evaporators controlled by the same smart controller, which should have an intelligent and flexible architecture based on multi-agent systems (MAS) that allows one to add or remove new evaporators online, without the need for reconfiguring, while maintaining temporal and functional restrictions in the system. We show clearly how we can get a greater scalability, the self-configuration of the network and the least overhead with a non-beacon or unslotted mode of the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, as well as wireless communications and distributed architectures, which could be extremely helpful in the development process of networked control systems in large spatially-distributed plants, which involve many sensors and actuators. For this purpose, a fuzzy scheme is used to control a set of parallel evaporator air-conditioning systems, with temperature and relative humidity control as a multi-input and multi-output closed loop system; in addition, a general architecture is presented, which implements multiple control loops closed over a communication network, integrating the analysis and validation method for multi-loop control networks designed for multi-evaporator systems.
Tropical Forest Gain and Interactions amongst Agents of Forest Change
Authors: Sloan Sean
Published: February 2016

The tropical deforestation literature advocates multi-agent enquiry in recognition that key dynamics arise from inter-agent interactions. Studies of tropical forest-cover gain have lagged in this respect. This article explores the roles and key aspects of interactions shaping natural forest regeneration and active reforestation in Eastern Panama since 1990. It employs household surveys of agricultural landholders, interviews with community forest-restoration organisations, archival analysis of plantation reforestation interests, satellite image analysis of forest-cover change, and the consideration of State reforestation policies. Forest-cover gain reflected a convergence of interests and land-use trends amongst agents. Low social and economic costs of sustained interaction and organisation enabled extensive forest-cover gain, but low transaction costs did not. Corporate plantation reforestation rose to the fore of regional forest-cover gain via opportunistic land sales by ranchers and economic subsidies indicative of a State preference for autonomous, self-organising forest-cover gain. This reforestation follows a recent history of neoliberal frontier development in which State-backed loggers and ranchers similarly displaced agriculturalists. Community institutions, long neglected by the State, struggled to coordinate landholders and so effected far less forest-cover gain. National and international commitments to tropical forest restoration risk being similarly characterised as ineffective by a predominance of industrial plantation reforestation without greater State support for community forest management.
Association between the First Occurrence of Allergic Rhinitis in Preschool Children and Air Pollution in Taiwan
Authors: Chung Hui-Ying , Hsieh Chia-Jung , Tseng Chun-Chieh , Yiin Lih-Ming
Published: February 2016

The occurrence of allergic rhinitis (AR) may be significantly influenced by air pollution. This study examined the association between the first occurrence of AR in preschool children and the pre-incident levels of air pollutants in Taiwan. We identified 9960 eligible subjects from a systematic sampling cohort database containing 400,000 insureds of the National Health Insurance from 2007 to 2011 and matched them with the environmental monitoring data from 2006 to 2011 according to the locations of their clinics. Pre-incident levels were determined using the average concentrations of air pollutants one or two weeks prior to the AR diagnoses. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine any significant relationships between AR and specific air pollutants. The first AR incidence for Taiwanese preschool children, which increased with age, was 10.9% on average; boys appeared to have a higher percentage (14.2%) than girls (8.27%). Among the air pollutants, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) were significantly related to AR after adjusting for age and gender (p < 0.05). Because both pollutants are considered to be traffic emissions, this study suggests that traffic emissions in Taiwan need to be controlled to lower the prevalence of children’s AR.
Low Serum Lysosomal Acid Lipase Activity Correlates with Advanced Liver Disease
Authors: Shteyer Eyal , Villenchik Rivka , Mahamid Mahmud , Nator Nidaa , Safadi Rifaat
Published: February 2016

Fatty liver has become the most common liver disorder and is recognized as a major health burden in the Western world. The causes for disease progression are not fully elucidated but lysosomal impairment is suggested. Here we evaluate a possible role for lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) activity in liver disease. To study LAL levels in patients with microvesicular, idiopathic cirrhosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Medical records of patients with microvesicular steatosis, cryptogenic cirrhosis and NAFLD, diagnosed on the basis of liver biopsies, were included in the study. Measured serum LAL activity was correlated to clinical, laboratory, imaging and pathological data. No patient exhibited LAL activity compatible with genetic LAL deficiency. However, serum LAL activity inversely predicted liver disease severity. A LAL level of 0.5 was the most sensitive for detecting both histologic and noninvasive markers for disease severity, including lower white blood cell count and calcium, and elevated γ-glutamyltransferase, creatinine, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, uric acid and coagulation function. Serum LAL activity <0.5 indicates severe liver injury in patients with fatty liver and cirrhosis. Further studies should define the direct role of LAL in liver disease severity and consider the possibility of replacement therapy.
The Latin American DILI Registry Experience: A Successful Ongoing Collaborative Strategic Initiative
Authors: Bessone Fernando , Hernandez Nelia , Lucena M. , Andrade Raúl ,   On behalf of the Latin DILI Network (LATINDILIN) and Spanish DILI Registry
Published: February 2016

Drug induced liver injury (DILI) is a rare but well recognized serious adverse reaction. Pre-marketing studies may not detect liver injury, and DILI becomes very often apparent after the drug is launched to the market. Specific biomarkers for DILI prediction or diagnosis are not available. Toxic liver reactions present with a wide spectrum of phenotypes and severity, and our knowledge on the mechanisms underlying idiosyncratic reactions and individual susceptibility is still limited. To overcome these limitations, country-based registries and multicenter research networks have been created in Europe and North America. Reliable epidemiological data on DILI in Latin America (LA), a region with a large variety of ethnic groups, were however lacking. Fortunately, a LA network of DILI was set up in 2011, with the support of the Spanish DILI Registry from the University of Malaga. The primary aim of the Latin DILI Network (LATINDILIN) Registry was to prospectively identify bona fide DILI cases and to collect biological samples to study genetic biomarkers. Physicians involved in the project must complete a structured report form describing the DILI case presentation and follow-up which is submitted to a Coordinator Center in each country, where it is further assessed for completeness. During the last four years, several LA countries (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Colombia) have joined the network and committed with this project. At that point, to identify both our strengths and weaknesses was a very important issue. In this review, we will describe how the LATINDILI Registry was created. The aims and methods to achieve these objectives will be discussed in depth. Additionally, both the difficulties we have faced and the strategies to solve them will be also pinpointed. Finally, we will report on our preliminary results, and discuss ideas to expand and to keep running this network.
The Role of Solid Lubricants for Brake Friction Materials
Authors: Österle Werner , Dmitriev Andrey
Published: February 2016

This review article comprises of three parts. Firstly, reports of brake manufacturers on the beneficial impact of solid lubricants for pad formulations are surveyed. Secondly, since tribofilms were identified to play a crucial role in friction stabilization and wear reduction, the knowledge about tribofilm structures formed during automotive braking was reviewed comprehensively. Finally, a model for simulating the sliding behavior of tribofilms is suggested and a review on modelling efforts with different model structures related to real tribofilms will be presented. Although the variety of friction composites involved in commercial brake systems is very broad, striking similarities were observed in respect to tribofilm nanostructures. Thus, a generalization of the tribofilm nanostructure is suggested and prerequisites for smooth sliding performance and minimal wear rates have been identified. A minimum of 13 vol % of soft inclusions embedded in an iron oxide based tribofilm is crucial for obtaining the desired properties. As long as the solid lubricants or their reaction products are softer than magnetite, the main constituent of the tribofilm, the model predicts smooth sliding and minimum wear.
On the Modelling of the Transient Flow Behavior of Metallic Glasses: Analogy with Portevin-Le Chatelier Effect
Authors: Alrasheedi Nashmi , Yousfi Mohamed , Hajlaoui Khalil , Mahfoudh Bacem , Tourki Zoubeir , Yavari Alain
Published: February 2016

A constitutive model for serrated flow together with a finite element (FE) analysis was developed to simulate discontinuous yielding behavior of metallic glasses, commonly known as serrated flow inhomogeneous deformation. The constructed model is based on transient behavior resulting from the time dependence of the flow defect concentration in the shear bands. The computed results of stress-strain curves were consistent with the experimental data. The main features of the serrated flow effect have also been exhibited by the model.
Can Expanded Bacteriochlorins Act as Photosensitizers in Photodynamic Therapy? Good News from Density Functional Theory Computations
Authors: Mazzone Gloria , Alberto Marta , De Simone Bruna , Marino Tiziana , Russo Nino
Published: February 2016

The main photophysical properties of a series of expanded bacteriochlorins, recently synthetized, have been investigated by means of DFT and TD-DFT methods. Absorption spectra computed with different exchange-correlation functionals, B3LYP, M06 and ωB97XD, have been compared with the experimental ones. In good agreement, all the considered systems show a maximum absorption wavelength that falls in the therapeutic window (600–800 nm). The obtained singlet-triplet energy gaps are large enough to ensure the production of cytotoxic singlet molecular oxygen. The computed spin-orbit matrix elements suggest a good probability of intersystem spin-crossing between singlet and triplet excited states, since they result to be higher than those computed for 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(m-hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (Foscan©) already used in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) protocol. Because of the investigated properties, these expanded bacteriochlorins can be proposed as PDT agents.
Photochemistry of the α-Al2O3-PETN Interface
Authors: Tsyshevsky Roman , Zverev Anton , Mitrofanov Anatoly , Rashkeev Sergey , Kuklja Maija
Published: February 2016

Optical absorption measurements are combined with electronic structure calculations to explore photochemistry of an α-Al2O3-PETN interface formed by a nitroester (pentaerythritol tetranitrate, PETN, C5H8N4O12) and a wide band gap aluminum oxide (α-Al2O3) substrate. The first principles modeling is used to deconstruct and interpret the α-Al2O3-PETN absorption spectrum that has distinct peaks attributed to surface F0-centers and surface—PETN transitions. We predict the low energy α-Al2O3 F0-center—PETN transition, producing the excited triplet state, and α-Al2O3 F0-center—PETN charge transfer, generating the PETN anion radical. This implies that irradiation by commonly used lasers can easily initiate photodecomposition of both excited and charged PETN at the interface. The feasible mechanism of the photodecomposition is proposed.
Synergistic Antihypertensive Effect of Carthamus tinctorius L. Extract and Captopril in l-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats via Restoration of eNOS and AT1R Expression
Authors: Maneesai Putcharawipa , Prasarttong Patoomporn , Bunbupha Sarawoot , Kukongviriyapan Upa , Kukongviriyapan Veerapol , Tangsucharit Panot , Prachaney Parichat , Pakdeechote Poungrat
Published: February 2016

This study examined the effect of Carthamus tinctorius (CT) extract plus captopril treatment on blood pressure, vascular function, nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, oxidative stress and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in Nω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME)-induced hypertension. Rats were treated with l-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) for five weeks and given CT extract (75 or 150 or 300 or 500 mg/kg/day): captopril (5 mg/kg/day) or CT extract (300 mg/kg/day) plus captopril (5 mg/kg/day) for two consecutive weeks. CT extract reduced blood pressure dose-dependently, and the most effective dose was 300 mg/kg/day. l-NAME-induced hypertensive rats showed abnormalities including high blood pressure, high vascular resistance, impairment of acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation in isolated aortic rings and mesenteric vascular beds, increased vascular superoxide production and plasma malondialdehyde levels, downregulation of eNOS, low level of plasma nitric oxide metabolites, upregulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor and increased plasma angiotensin II. These abnormalities were alleviated by treatment with either CT extract or captopril. Combination treatment of CT extract and captopril normalized all the abnormalities found in hypertensive rats except endothelial dysfunction. These data indicate that there are synergistic antihypertensive effects of CT extract and captopril. These effects are likely mediated by their anti-oxidative properties and their inhibition of RAS.
Nutritional Risk, Micronutrient Status and Clinical Outcomes: A Prospective Observational Study in an Infectious Disease Clinic
Authors: Dizdar Oguzhan , Baspınar Osman , Kocer Derya , Dursun Zehra , Avcı Deniz , Karakükcü Cigdem , Çelik İlhami , Gundogan Kursat
Published: February 2016

Malnutrition has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional status and micronutrient levels of hospitalized patients in an infectious disease clinic and investigate their association with adverse clinical outcomes. The nutritional status of the study participants was assessed using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) and micronutrient levels and routine biochemical parameters were tested within the first 24 h of the patient’s admission. The incidence of zinc, selenium, thiamine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 deficiency were 66.7% (n = 40), 46.6% (n = 29), 39.7% (n = 27), 35.3% (n = 24), 14.1% (n = 9), respectively. Selenium levels were significantly higher in patients with urinary tract infections, but lower in soft tissue infections. Copper levels were significantly higher in patients with soft tissue infections. In the Cox regression models, lower albumin, higher serum lactate dehydrogenase levels and higher NRS-2002 scores were associated with increased death. Thiamine, selenium, zinc and vitamin B6 deficiencies but not chromium deficiencies are common in infectious disease clinics. New associations were found between micronutrient levels and infection type and their adverse clinical outcomes. Hypoalbuminemia and a high NRS-2002 score had the greatest accuracy in predicting death, systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis on admission.
Fabrication of Porous Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) Monoliths via Thermally Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Tsujimoto Takashi , Hosoda Nao , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: February 2016

This study deals with the fabrication of biodegradable porous materials from bacterial polyester, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (P3HB3HHx), via thermally induced phase separation. P3HB3HHx monoliths with topological porous structure were prepared by dissolution of P3HB3HHx in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at 85 °C and subsequent quenching. The microstructure of the resulting P3HB3HHx monoliths was changed by the P3HB3HHx concentration of the polymer solution. Differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscope analysis revealed that the P3HB3HHx monoliths crystallized during phase separation and the subsequent aging. The mechanical properties, such as compression modulus and stress, of the monoliths depended on the 3-hydroxyhexanoate content of P3HB3HHx. Furthermore, the P3HB3HHx monolith absorbed linseed oil in preference to water in a plant oil–water mixture. In combination with the biodegradable character of P3HB3HHx, the present study is expected to contribute to the development of bio-based materials.