bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact Of Organisational Politics On Job Dissatisfaction And Turnover Intention: An Application Of Social Exchange Theory On Employees Working In Zimbabwean Small And Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Chinomona Elizabeth , Mofokeng Taboo Mantebele
Published: May 2016

Organizational politics has been seen as detrimental to the smooth running of firms. Despite increasing awareness of the importance of managing the negative effects of organizational politics at the workplace, research on consequences relating to employees’ perceptions of the same in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, especially Zimbabwe in particular, has received little attention. This paper uses Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to test the causal relationships between the three variables which are organizational politics, job dissatisfaction and turnover intention. Amos 23.0 software has been used as it is the current software on the market for SEM usage. Therefore, using data of 154 SMEs in Zimbabwe, this paper examines the effects of employees’ perceptions of organizational politics on job dissatisfaction and turnover intentions. All the posited three hypotheses were supported by the sample data. Managerial implications of the findings are discussed and limitations and future research directions are indicated.
Customer Retention Strategies For Disintermediated Travel Agents: How To Stop Customers From Migrating To Online Booking Channels
Authors: Viljoen Kim , Roberts-Lombard Mornay
Published: May 2016

Remaining relevant to customers and retaining customers who could consider booking online, requires travel agents to modify their marketing strategies.  Travel agents need to find new ways to add value for customers and suppliers to reinstate their roles in the travel distribution process and ultimately retain their customers. A total of 600 travel agencies in South Africa participated in the study through the completion of an online survey.  The data analysis technique used for the study was path analysis.  The findings stipulate that travel agency owners and managers believe that providing differentiated products to their leisure customers, is the key to winning back lost customers and keeping existing customers.  Travel agency owners and managers further indicated that this is an existing reintermediation strategy that they plan to practise in the future as well.  It is therefore recommended that travel agents focus on delivering high-quality service to win back lost customers and thus reintermediate their businesses.
Territórios cindidos: o bairro do Bom Retiro e o conjunto habitacional Parque do Gato em São Paulo
Authors: Bernardini Sidney Piochi , Venitucci Renata Ungaro
Published: May 2016

As novas configurações econômicas traçadas pelo capitalismo tardio e sua ideologia neoliberal apontam para estratégias sofisticadas dos agentes do mercado financeiro / incorporador, cujos efeitos territorilizantes ancoram-se em padrões cada vez mais homogêneos ditados pela forma da reclusão em ambientes construídos fechados e que negam, via de regra, os espaços de caráter coletivo e público. Este artigo pretende discutir estas questões à luz de um empreendimento habitacional implantado na região central de São Paulo, no bairro do Bom Retiro, no ano de 2003, denominado Parque do Gato, de forma a revelar alguns aspectos relacionados à sua inserção no tecido urbano, que, na contramão das utopias projetivas que preconizavam a sua articulação territorial com o bairro, através da implantação de um parque e outras conexões, manteve-se isolado, ao lado de um conjunto de terrenos e imóveis ociosos, abandonados ou subutilizados, além daqueles que exercem atividades desconexas neste contexto. A observação desta problemática se deu através dos métodos de leitura espacial, incluindo a análise dos padrões morfológicos, usos realizados e a apropriação dos usuários no ambiente. Sem considerar métodos mais sofisticados de avaliação de pós ocupação, esta pesquisa buscou se fixar sobre as características territoriais na fronteira entre duas partes bem delimitadas do bairro do Bom Retiro, observando-se os processos históricos de suas constituições, destacando os fenômenos que contribuem para o “constrangimento” dos lugares e ampliação dos não lugares, uma das estratégias do mercado incorporador para a criação de oportunidades futuras em novos empreendimentos.
Soil aggregate stablity, organic carbon and plant available nutrient contents (N,P) in soils of prehistoric mounds after abandonment of cultivation
Authors: Botos Ágnes , Ökrös Vivien , Tóth Csaba
Published: May 2016

Prehistoric mounds are valuable archeological and nature conservational sites of the Hungarian lowland. However, due to the machinery cultivation most of them were plowed during the 20th century. After setting new legislative frames of their preservation, former cultivated mounds were abandoned and spontaneous regeneration processes of vegetation and soil could initiate on the ex lege mounds. Four mounds situated within the National Park of Hortobágy were investigated after their cultivation were abandoned, regarding their most important soil properties such as aggregate stability, bulk density, nitrogenous and phosphorous content, pH, organic carbon content and secondary carbonates.
Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water Sources and Reservoirs Supplying Dharan Municipality of Nepal
Authors: Pant Narayan Dutt , Poudyal Nimesh , Bhattacharya Shyamal Kumar
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND: Nepal is one of the least developed countries and in most of the areas the water supplied directly from natural water sources (like streams, rivers etc.) is used for drinking purpose, without any prior treatment. So every year there are many water related outbreaks mainly in rainy season. Very little data is available about the bacteriological quality of the water from drinking water sources, in the country. This report presents a scenario of the bacteriological quality of the water from drinking water sources and reservoirs, supplying Dharan municipality of Nepal.METHODS: Bacteriological analysis of the water samples was performed by membrane filter technique and spread plate technique. Total coliform count (TCC), fecal coliform count (FCC) and fecal streptococcal count (FSC) were performed by using membrane filter technique and total plate count (TPC) was performed by spread plate method.RESULTS: Most of the sources and reservoir tanks were found to be heavily contaminated with heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci. Contamination with more than one types of indicator organisms was common.CONCLUSIONS: Most of the sources and reservoirs were found to be heavily contaminated with indicator organisms suggesting the alarming situation of water pollution in the area. Abrupt action is needed to be taken to improve the bacteriological quality of the water sources and reservoirs, supplying drinking water to Dharan municipality of Nepal.
Status of Serum Lipids in Individuals with Depression
Authors: Sharma Saroj , Shrestha Lilee , Ojha Saroj Prasad , Jha Bharat
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUNDEpidemiological studies have shown the association between depressive illness with cardiovascular disease (CVD).  Serum lipid abnormality is one of the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, this study aimed to access the status of Serum lipid in individuals with depression.METHODSA cross sectional study was carried out in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) over the period of 16 month from June 2011 to October 2012. A total of 85 individuals with depression and the same number of age-sex matched controls were enrolled in the study.  Depression was diagnosed by Consultant Psychiatrist as per ICD-10-DCR criteria. Serum Lipid profile was assessed from both test and control groups after an overnight fasting. A written consent was taken for anthropometric data and sample collection.RESULTSLarge numbers of depressive individuals were found to have Dyslipidemia. Total Cholesterol, TG was found to be significantly higher in test group compared to control.  The mean HDL-cholesterol was found significantly lower in test group compared to control. No significant differences between test and control were observed in VLDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.CONCLUSIONSSerum lipid profile abnormalities are found high in individuals with depression. Based on the observation of this study, Serum Lipid abnormalities seen in individuals with Depression make them vulnerable to cardiovascular disease.
Balancing Academic with Research: A Paradox
Authors: Lamsal Madhab
Published: May 2016

The job requirement in many health institutions and professional academic institutions stresses the need to contribute in three main aspects: academics, service and research. While it may have detailed guidelines for the academics and service components, there is no clear workings on the research and ambiguously stresses that one should do quality research and publish a quality findings that may directly benefit the subjects/populations under study. Moreover, it is given undue weightage in job stability and promotions.Paradoxically, no one clearly emphasizes on the quality resources and the time that needs to be allotted for the research activities. Developing a research group at times becomes more challenging and less sustainable. Although much time is demanded to be invested on academics and service aspects, research, where no defined hours and inputs are mentioned, remains a yardstick of professional success and rewards.
C-24 Squib
Authors: Verdecchia Guillermo
Published: May 2016

A satirical monologue about Bill C-24, the Strengthening Canada’s Citizenship Act, from the perspective of one formally rendered a second-class citizen by its provisions.
Little Lizzie & the Green Fairy
Authors: Munsil Janet
Published: May 2016

Little Lizzie & the Green Fairy by Janet Munsil is a short play written for the 2011 Wrecking Ball theatre event in Victoria, a night of political theatre organized by Theatre SKAM in response to the Canadian federal election. In this humorous adaptation of Cinderella, Green Party leader Elizabeth May tells the story of an intelligent, articulate girl named Little Lizzie who sadly failed to receive an invite to the palace of broadcasting to attend the Leader’s Debate with her stepsisters Jackie, Jilly, Michaela, and Harpy. Little Lizzie discusses her frustrations with the Green Fairy and the orphaned issues (poverty, energy policy, oil tankers, Libya, arts funding, and shale gas), and pines for a new kind of political dialogue in Canada.
Perfect Storm
Authors: Nolan Yvette
Published: May 2016

Perfect Storm was written by Yvette Nolan for Wrecking Ball Toronto 11: Now What, and premiered 6 December 2010 at The Theatre Centre under the direction of Donna-Michelle St. Bernard. In this political play, a paranoid mayor of Toronto meets with a calm and confident Chief of the Mississaugas.
Best in Show: Reality Theatre, Performative Authenticity, and the 2015 Federal Election
Authors: Youssef Marcus
Published: May 2016

Treating the 2015 Canadian federal election as a reality-based performance text, Marcus Youssef draws connections between the aesthetics of contemporary performance and the dominant political ritual in Western democracies—the national election. Analyzing their authenticity and adaptability, Youssef considers how the Canadian federal party leaders played constructed versions of themselves in a game-based, competitive performance.
The Interview
Authors: Chan Marty
Published: May 2016

In this political satire, a voter interviews the leaders of the major parties before she casts her ballot. Poking fun at a vain Justin Trudeau, a Communist Tom Mulcair, and a cowardly Stephen Harper, this short play skewers the leaders of the federal parties and highlights the hot-button issues of the 2015 Canadian election.
Andrew Wheeler’s Governing Body
Authors: Dunn Katrina
Published: May 2016

This article looks at a single actor’s performance of three very different politicians. One of Vancouver’s most prolific stage actors, Andrew Wheeler has a resumé that boasts many memorable monarchs and soldiers of the classical repertoire. In the last five years, however, his standout roles have brought to life contemporary political figures in provocative Canadian plays that feature critiques of political establishments and processes. The article looks at Wheeler’s performance as US Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara in Sean Devine’s Re:Union, as Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Michael Healey’s Proud, and as mistakenly elected Member of Parliament Angus McLintock in Vern Thiessen’s musical adaptation of Terry Fallis’s novel about Canadian electoral dysfunction, The Best Laid Plans: a Musical. The article describes how actors insert themselves into the political process by speaking to the audience about the character they are playing, and charts how, as Marvin Carlson points out, each successive role carries a haunted echo of the last. Wheeler’s performances, it is argued, critique not just the real and fictional people on whom they are based but ideology and power as well.
When Canada Goes Viral: The Canada Party and the Circulation of Political Satire
Authors: McLeod Kimberley
Published: May 2016

In September 2012, a satirical video declaring Canada as a candidate for the American presidential election went viral. Created by Brian Calvert and Chris Cannon, the “The Canada Party—Meet the Canada Party” video was part of a prank in which the two proposed that Canada would be a better presidential option than either Barack Obama or a Republican Party candidate. The prank is part of a recent performance trend that scholar L. M. Bogad names “electoral guerrilla theatre.” This type of performance responds to the limitations of democratic electoral systems via the appropriation of signs and parodying of electoral norms. Responses to this prank revealed some of the challenges activist performers face when dealing with mass media, which can shift the message of tactical interventions and misread irony. Major international news outlets assumed the prank was primarily about stereotypical, nationalistic differences between Canada and the US. Though this particular video did feature some national stereotypes, the artists developed a scathing critique of Canadian policies with the Canada Party campaign. Their work revealed how freely news media, political culture, and satire now circulate across borders.
Dear PM
Authors: Lloyd Chris
Published: May 2016

This election dispatch is a selection of emails addressed by Montreal artist Chris Lloyd to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. They form part of a larger set of communications with the Prime Minister of Canada going back to 1 January 2001, and also a larger performance infiltration project, in which Lloyd secured the position of Conservative Party candidate in the riding of Papineau (Justin Trudeau’s riding) and campaigned for several months without being detected as a performance artist. The letters were posted on the project’s Dear PM blog along with photos of Lloyd rubbing elbows with Harper and other key figures in Canada’s Conservative Party. They remain important documents of Lloyd’s intervention, which continued after his campaign was exposed, in May 2015, as performance art and after he was subsequently removed as Conservative Party candidate and went on to run as an independent in the final months of the election. As Lloyd explains, this performance was designed to “test the limits of free speech and explore the possibilities of voicing independent views within the confines of an electoral system that privileges dominant party ideologies.” The letters also reveal the performative rituals on which the Conservative Party’s public relations machine and the wider electoral process depends.
Serious Politics
Authors: Waldron Kim
Published: May 2016

Artist Kim Waldron discusses her experience running as an independent candidate in the 2015 federal election, facing off against Justin Trudeau in the Montreal riding of Papineau. Waldron describes aspects of her campaign that formed part of what she saw as a durational performance—from exploring the language that is used to define women candidates to experimenting with female self-presentation within advertising (Waldron presented her pregnant body in her campaign posters). While artists in the past have run as candidates mostly as a form of satire, Waldron proposed that a professional artist could be taken seriously as an effective representative. Waldron explains how she went about gaining legitimacy as a candidate and getting her voice heard, as well as her participation in the Papineau All-Candidates Debate 2015, hosted by the artist-run centre Optica as part of the VIVA! Art Action performance festival.
Mother Playwright and Her Children: Annabel Soutar’s The Watershed
Authors: Fishbane Joel
Published: May 2016

Joel Fishbane discusses Annabel Soutar’s The Watershed, which uses the techniques of epic theatre and theatrical naturalism to explore controversy surrounding the defunding of the Experimental Lakes Area in Ontario. Looking particularly at how Soutar made her own largely frustrated process of research the story of the play, Fishbane sees the stonewalling politicians and muzzled scientists of The Watershed as representative of a wider unhealthy political climate under the Conservative government.
@ElizabethMay and the Twitter Debate
Authors: Kirk Kelly Lynn
Published: May 2016

Having little representation in Parliament, Green Party leader Elizabeth May has become good at performing a confident and clear public persona online. After being shut out of the Globe and Mail debate during the federal election, May posted a series of thirty-second videos to Twitter recorded simultaneously with the debate and in front of her own live audience. This was one of the more unique performances by a politician during the long election period.
Staging a Gay Past in the Present: An Interview with The Gay Heritage Project Collaborators Damien Atkins, Paul Dunn, and Andrew Kushnir
Authors: Low Stephen
Published: May 2016

This interview delves into the central themes, politics, and creative challenges of developing and performing The Gay Heritage Project. This interview considers the power of theatre to build community, challenge the limits of identity politics, and create community by exploring iconic figures, political and social issues, and events from the past.
Exploring Central Government Assistance for Urban Public Transport: A Mobility-Based Social Exclusion Perspective
Authors: Li Ye , Deng Haopeng
Published: May 2016

China’s insufficient assistance by the central government for public transport is largely due to the traditional system-based policy perspective, which usually overemphasizes public transport as a municipal infrastructure rather than as a mechanism for social inclusion. Within this context, a new insight into the rationale and equality of central government assistance for the country’s public transport service is offered. By using a social exclusion approach, this study highlighted the obligation of the central government to adhere to mobility for every citizen so as to mitigate mobility-based social exclusion. On this premise, it is argued that urban public transport necessarily merits financial assistance given its primary function as a safety net of affordable mobility for all citizens. Furthermore, a method for policy makers to estimate the amount of central government assistance is established that could ensure that all urban residents are above the basic mobility line. With reference to a case study, the amount of central government assistance for public transport is estimated to be ¥14.8 billion annually (¥1 = $0.148 in 2010); this estimate is considered to be the proper level of financing compared with other central government transfer payments. With regard to the allocation of this fiscal assistance, the paper proposes various simple criteria and formulas, the basis of which are the gaps between need and provision in public transport service as measured by the index of disparity between needs and provision.
Das nachhaltig verfügbare Holznutzungspotenzial im Schweizer Wald
Authors: Taverna Ruedi , Gautschi Michael , Hofer Peter
Published: May 2016

The sustainably available wood use potential in Swiss forests

Based on the most recent simulations created using the Massimo forest growth model, the sustainably available wood use potential in Swiss forests was calculated for five management scenarios for the next three decades as well as for two additional time periods in the future (to monitor the long-term effects). The term “sustainably available wood use potential” covers those wood quantities that could be put on the market, taking into account socio-ecological and economic restrictions on use. The sustainably available wood use potential is provided for production regions, priority functions as well as the assortment and qualities of timber. The previously used factors of the applied “onion” model were checked and modified, if necessary, in order to take new findings and current cost developments into consideration. The calculations for all scenarios come up with a sustainably available wood use potential that is much lower than in earlier investigations. Depending on the scenario and decade, sustainably available wood use potential accounts for less than 50% of the total use potential. The biggest decrease in total use potential was due to economic framework conditions. Turning to Switzerland as a whole, towards the end of the investigation period (2106) those scenarios including a sharp increase in use in the first three decades result in a sustainably available wood use potential that is clearly lower than the reference value used at the beginning of the simulation. In the basic scenario (constant stock) and in the scenario in which the form of management used to date (increasing stock) was simulated, the sustainably available wood use potential at national level remained more or less the same throughout the simulation period, ranging from 5 to 6 million m3 per year.
Environmental impact assessment on frequency of pesticide use during vegetable production
Authors: Islam MA , Hossain MT , Khatun M , Hossen MS
Published: May 2016

An investigation was carried out to study frequency of pesticide use during vegetable production and its impact on environment. A structured questionnaire and researchers observation were used for this study. The data were collected from six different villages of sixty farmers at Mymensingh sadar upazilla in Bangladesh during February to May, 2013. More than half of the respondents (51.7%) were illiterate and lack of knowledge on pesticide use. About 60% respondents had 16-20 years farming experience and showed comparative knowledge on pesticide use. About 56.7% respondents practiced monthly communication with extension worker (Block Supervisor). About 66.7% respondents spent 04-06 hours to media every day. Half of the respondents had low level knowledge on pesticide use, where only 3.3% respondent showed high level knowledge on pesticide use. About half of the respondents (51.7%) used pesticide 16-20 times during the season. About 21.7% respondent used pesticide 21-25 times during the season. For selective vegetable okra showed highest frequency, about 16.7% respondents used pesticide 26-30 times during the season, while one third respondents (33.3%) used pesticide 16-20 times. About 58.3% respondent used pesticide 16-20 times for brinjal, while 8.3% respondents used 21-25 times. About two- fifth respondents (41.7%) used pesticide 16-20 times and 21-25 times for bitter gourd, while 8.3% respondents used 05-10 times and 10-15 times. About 58.3% respondent used pesticide 16-20 times for snake gourd, while 16.3% respondents used 21-25 times. About 66.7% respondent used pesticide 16-20 times for cucumber, while 16.7% respondents used 21-25 times. It indicated farmers used pesticide to their field 1-2 times in a week during the season in some vegetable cultivation. Therefore it has a high chance of remaining pesticide residues in the vegetables and soil. Moreover, most of the respondents applied pesticides without any protection measure and faced health problem due to expose with pesticide. Routine research work with wide public awareness, government and NGO participation, and government regulation are needed for food safety and sound environment.Progressive Agriculture 26 (2): 97-102, 2015
Efficacy of fungicides in controlling late blight of potato
Authors: Anwar MM , Parveen A , Hossain MM , Mahamud NU , Roy RK
Published: May 2016

Potato cultivars grown in Bangladesh have low levels of general resistance to late blight. As such, most commercial potato farmers rely on fungicide applications for control of Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight. Management of late blight of potato requires an integrated approach that includes rotation with non-hosts, resistant cultivars, cultural practices, and fungicides. The study on efficacy of some new fungicides against late blight disease of potato was conducted at ARS, Alamnagar Rangpur during rabi season 2010-2011 to select suitable fungicides against late blight of potato. Thirteen different fungicides were tested and all the tested fungicides showed significantly better performance over control. Considering percentage disease incidence T4,T6 and T12 showed better performance than all other treatment. In case of T4,T6 and T12 treatment disease reduction was more than 80 % over control. Significantly the highest tuber yield 25.5 t ha-1was obtained from T3  which was statistically similar to the yield of T2,T5 , T6, T9, T10, T11and T12  treatment whereas the lowest tuber  yield 14.5 t ha-1 was obtained from control treatment. Field experiment was conducted from 2010 to 2011 to investigate the comparative efficacy of the fungicides. In the field, applications of fungicide that preceded the largest incremental increase in disease incidence provided the best control of disease or increased yield.Progressive Agriculture 26 (2): 103-108, 2015
Intercropping of root crops with chilli in charlands of Mymensingh
Authors: Begum SA , Zaman MS , Khan ASMMR
Published: May 2016

Adoption of intercropping may increases crop production instead of declining trend of agricultural land in Bangladesh. Thus, a field experiment on intercropping of root crops with chilli was executed at char area of Dori Bhabkhali in Mymensingh district during October 2014 to March 2015 to find out an appropriate intercrop for cultivation with chilli for higher productivity and maximum economic return. The experiment was consisted with five crop combinations viz., sole chilli, chilli + radish, chilli+ carrot, chilli + onion and chilli + garlic. Significantly the highest yield (green chilli) was obtained with sole chilli (10.26 t ha-1). Among the intercropping treatments, the highest chilli yield (10.31 tha-1) was obtained from chilli + garlic which were close to chilli + onion whereas the lowest (7.71 tha-1) was found in chilli + radish combination. Intercropping reduced 3 to 48 % chilli yield but total productivity as expressed by chilli equivalent yield increased by 80-135% over sole chilli due to the contribution of companion crops. The highest chilli equivalent yield (25.01 t ha-1), gross return (1250500 Tk ha-1), gross margin (1133500 Tk ha-1) and marginal benefit cost ratio (8.56) were obtained from chilli + garlic combination. Considering the experimental findings, chilli + garlic might be suitable combination for higher productivity and economic return.Progressive Agriculture 26 (2): 109-114, 2015
Epidemiology and pathology of onchocercosis of cattle in Bangladesh
Authors: Asaduzzaman M , Mamun MAA , Anisuzzaman M , Alim MA , Yasin MG , Begum N , Mondal MMH
Published: May 2016

Onchocercosis is a parasitic disease caused by the different species of nematodes belonging to the genus Ochocerca affecting both humans and animals.  Ochocerca armillta, O. gutturosa and O. gibsoni affect mainly cattle, and also buffaloes. Here, we studied epidemio-pathology and vector flies of onchocercosis in cattle in Bangladesh. Out of 310 animals examined, 163 (52.6%) were infected with different species of Onchocerca.  Three species of Onchocerca, namely, Onchocerca armillata (24.8%), Onchocerca gutturosa (24.7%) and Onchocerca gibsoni (13.3%) were identified.  We recovered O. armillata only from aorta, O. gutturosa from the ligamentum nuchae and O. gibsoni from the subcutaneous nodules. Nodular lesions were detected at the neck (49/20.9%), abdomen (5/2.1%), flank (8/3.4%), brisket (33/14.0%) and thigh/legs (32/13.6%) regions. We observed age as a potential diterminant in the occurance of the infection.  Prevalence of O. armillata and O. gutturosa was significantly higher in older animals (> 4 years) than yearlings (1-2 years).  Sex, breed and rearing system did not significantly influence the prevalence of bovine onchocercosis.  Our study revealed that seasons of the year was another important determinant for onchocercosis, and prevalence was the highest in the summer. Grossly, the affected aorta was thickened, dilated and with elevated intima. Histological examination revealed parasitic granuloma present in blood vessels characterized by the infiltration of eosinophils and neumerous sections of the parasites. We identified only Culicoides spp., but no Simulium spp., as a vector from the study area. Vector flies were the most abundant in the early morning and least at noon, and mostly at the umbilical region of cattle. Culicoides spp. were most abundant in the winter. Our results suggest that occurrence of onchocercosis is fairly high in cattle in Bangladesh irrespective to age, sex, breed and management.Progressive Agriculture 26 (2): 147-154, 2015
Weed management on direct-seeded rice system - a review
Authors: Hossain MM , Begum M , Rahman MM , Akanda MM
Published: May 2016

In direct seeded rice (DSR) cultivation systems, rice and weed seedlings emerge simultaneously and there is no standing water to suppress weed emergence and growth at crop emergence. For this reason, weeds are considered one of the major biological constraints in DSR and cause a substantial rice yield loss. Weeds are mainly controlled using herbicides or manually. However, manual weeding is becoming less effective because of labor crisis at critical times and increased labor costs. Herbicides are replacing manual weeding as they are easy to use but there are concerns about the sole use of herbicides, such as evolution of resistance in weeds, shifts in weed populations, cost of weed management to farmers and concerns about the environment. There is a need to integrate different weed management strategies to achieve effective and sustainable weed control in DSR systems. This paper describes different approaches, including preventive and cultural approaches, to manage weeds in DSR culture systems.Progressive Agriculture 27 (1): 1-8, 2016
Studies of thunderstorms and lightning on human health, agriculture and fisheries in Mymensingh and Jamalpur district of Bangladesh
Authors: Khatun M , Islam MA , Haque MA
Published: May 2016

An investigation was carried out to the assessment on thunderstorm and lightning and their impact on human health, agriculture and fisheries. More than half of the respondents (58%) were illiterate and lack of knowledge about thunderstorm (Melandaha Upazila) and 30% were illiterate in Mymensingh Sadar Upazila. In Mymensingh Sadar Upazila, about 70% respondents suffered with light dumb disease and about 46% respondents suffered with moderate headache disease. About 40% respondents suffered with severe heart failure disease. In Melandaha Upazila, about 42% respondents suffered with light heart failure and neural damage disease. About 28% respondents suffered with moderate skin irritation and headache disease. About 32% respondents suffered with severe heart failure and neural damage disease. In Mymensingh Sadar Upazila, about 53% of the respondents reported that fishes are at risk condition at the time of Thunderstorm and lightning and about 47% of the respondents reported that fishes were at very risk condition during TS and lightning. In Melandaha Upazila, about 67% of the respondents reported that fishes were at risk condition at the time of TS and lightning and about 33% of the respondents reported that fishes were at very risk condition during TS and lightning. Most of the respondents reported that TS affected the agricultural production very much. For TS and lightning, agricultural land was unsuitable for agricultural production. Trees and crops were uprooted, damaged and fired. So, people lose their property and lose to their lives. Farmers were struck by thunderbolt while they were working at paddy field and harvesting paddy field. Routine research work with wide public awareness, government and NGO participation, and government regulation are needed for safe and sound environment.Progressive Agriculture 27 (1): 57-63, 2016
Hatching and growth performances of guinea fowl under intensive management system
Authors: Khairunnesa M , Das SC , Khatun A
Published: May 2016

Present study was carried out to evaluate the hatching and growth performances of guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) kept under intensive rearing system at the Bangladesh Agricultural University Poultry Farm, Mymensingh. To develop a base population of guinea fowls at BAU Poultry Farm, a good number of hatching eggs were collected from different regions of the country. In first phase, the physical features of hatching eggs, their incubation period, care and handling of eggs during incubation, their fertility and hatchability were investigated. Eggs were hatched in a home incubator incubator at BAU Poultry Farm. In second phase, brooding management of the keets, growth performances, prevention and control of diseases and mortality of the birds were observed. All the activities were performed at the Laboratory of Poultry Science and the Poultry Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University. Brooding of keets was performed under full intensive system in a littered floor. Broiler starter feed was supplied during the brooding period. Results showed that the shape of egg was top like and both white and spotted cream color shell was found. The average egg weight was 38g per egg and shell thickness was 0.52 mm. The incubation period was 28 days. Fertility and hatchability on set eggs were 80 and 68%, respectively. Dead in shell and dead in germ were 15 and 4%, respectively. The average day-old keet weight was 25.8 g. Average feed intake per bird per day during 0-4, 5-8 and 9-11 weeks of age were 10.22, 30.91 and 52.6 g with the feed conversion ratios were 3.25, 3.05 and 2.88, respectively. The keets mortality up to 11 weeks was 10%. Economic feasibility should be taken into consideration with the observation of egg production and other associated parameters keeping guinea under complete free-range rearing system.Progressive Agriculture 27 (1): 70-77, 2016
Song in a Social and Sexual Context: Vocalizations Signal Identity and Rank in Both Sexes of a Cooperative Breeder
Authors: Keen Sara , Meliza C. Daniel , Pilowsky July A. , Rubenstein Dustin R.
Published: May 2016

In most songbirds, both sexes produce calls, or short vocalizations used to coordinate behaviors and maintain social cohesion. In contrast, songs are longer, more elaborate vocalizations typically only produced by males in behavioral contexts shaped by sexual selection operating through female choice. However, both males and females sing in many cooperatively breeding species, including the superb starling (Lamprotornis superbus). In this species, both sexes produce songs and calls composed of sequences of temporally discrete elements called motifs. Calls signal social group and individual identity, but the function of songs is currently unknown. Because superb starlings often sing in groups, song could be used not only in a sexual context, but also to signal identity and rank within the separate dominance hierarchies observed in males and females. To determine whether songs are used in mate attraction (sexually selected) and/or to influence social rank (socially selected), we compared song diversity with three potential indicators of fitness and dominance: social status, the number of seasons spent breeding, and age. We found that age is correlated with song diversity in both males and females, suggesting that (1) these signals serve similar purposes in both sexes, and (2) song diversity is likely the result of selection by both mutual mate choice and social competition. To test whether songs carry a signal of individuality, we applied spectrogram dynamic time warping to measure pairwise similarity among song motifs, and then calculated motif similarity within and between individuals. We found that motif similarity is higher within individuals than between individuals, suggesting that songs signal individual identity, which may help to establish social rank. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that superb starling vocal behavior in each sex is shaped by both social and sexual selection. Additionally, because call motifs are also used in songs, our data suggest that at least some vocal building blocks have evolved to convey multiple signaler traits and to facilitate complex social and sexual interactions in different contexts.
Changing Human-Animal Relationships in Sport: An Analysis of the UK and Australian Horse Racing Whips Debates
Authors: Graham Raewyn , McManus Phil
Published: May 2016

Changing social values and new technologies have contributed to increasing media attention and debate about the acceptable use of animals in sport. This paper focuses on the use of the whip in thoroughbred horse racing. Those who defend its use argue it is a necessary tool needed for safety, correction and encouragement, and that it does not cause the horse any pain. For those who oppose its use, it is an instrument of cruelty. Media framing is employed to unpack the discourses played out in print and social media in the UK (2011) and Australia (2009) during key periods of the whip debate following the introduction of new whip rules. Media coverage for the period August 2014–August 2015 for both countries is also considered. This paper seeks to identify the perceptions of advocates and opponents of the whip as portrayed in conventional and social media in Australia and the UK, to consider if these perceptions have changed over time, and whose voices are heard in these platforms. This paper contributes to discussions on the impacts that media sites have either in reinforcing existing perspectives or creating new perspectives; and importantly how this impacts on equine welfare.
Development of Intelligent Fuzzy Controller for a Two-Axis Solar Tracking System
Authors: Huang Cong-Hui , Pan Heng-Yau , Lin Kuan-Chen
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes the development of a two-axis sun tracking solar energy system using fuzzy logic as intelligent quality policy. To achieve maximum efficiency for solar panels, it is necessary to follow the sun’s path in the sky. Therefore, the architecture for the two-axis sun tracking solar energy system uses software to control the hardware. The hardware comprises (i) solar cells; (ii) lead-acid batteries; (iii) a gear box; (iv) a stepping motor; and (v) a light detection circuit, while the software comprises (i) a detection system; (ii) a fuzzy tracking controller; and (iii) a database system. A fuzzy logic controller is designed as the software architecture of the system to decide the timing for tracking the sun. The nearest position that results in receiving direct sunlight is obtained from the database. Our system is fully automatic in a changing environment and takes into account meteorological changes and the effects of the external environment arising from a malfunction. This approach reduces the number of starting motors and results in smaller energy loss in cloudy, cloud mask, or unstable weather conditions.
Cancer Vaccines in Ovarian Cancer: How Can We Improve?
Authors: Martin Lluesma Silvia , Wolfer Anita , Harari Alexandre , Kandalaft Lana
Published: May 2016

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one important cause of gynecologic cancer-related death. Currently, the mainstay of ovarian cancer treatment consists of cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy (introduced 30 years ago) but, as the disease is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, its prognosis remains very poor. Clearly, there is a critical need for new treatment options, and immunotherapy is one attractive alternative. Prophylactic vaccines for prevention of infectious diseases have led to major achievements, yet therapeutic cancer vaccines have shown consistently low efficacy in the past. However, as they are associated with minimal side effects or invasive procedures, efforts directed to improve their efficacy are being deployed, with Dendritic Cell (DC) vaccination strategies standing as one of the more promising options. On the other hand, recent advances in our understanding of immunological mechanisms have led to the development of successful strategies for the treatment of different cancers, such as immune checkpoint blockade strategies. Combining these strategies with DC vaccination approaches and introducing novel combinatorial designs must also be considered and evaluated. In this review, we will analyze past vaccination methods used in ovarian cancer, and we will provide different suggestions aiming to improve their efficacy in future trials.
Real-Time Detection of Staphylococcus Aureus Using Whispering Gallery Mode Optical Microdisks
Authors: Ghali Hala , Chibli Hicham , Nadeau Jay , Bianucci Pablo , Peter Yves-Alain
Published: May 2016

Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) microresonators have recently been studied as a means to achieve real-time label-free detection of biological targets such as virus particles, specific DNA sequences, or proteins. Due to their high quality (Q) factors, WGM resonators can be highly sensitive. A biosensor also needs to be selective, requiring proper functionalization of its surface with the appropriate ligand that will attach the biomolecule of interest. In this paper, WGM microdisks are used as biosensors for detection of Staphylococcus aureus. The microdisks are functionalized with LysK, a phage protein specific for staphylococci at the genus level. A binding event on the surface shifts the resonance peak of the microdisk resonator towards longer wavelengths. This reactive shift can be used to estimate the surface density of bacteria that bind to the surface of the resonator. The limit of detection of a microdisk with a Q-factor around 104 is on the order of 5 pg/mL, corresponding to 20 cells. No binding of Escherichia coli to the resonators is seen, supporting the specificity of the functionalization scheme.
Tie-Up Cycles in Long-Term Mating. Part I: Theory
Authors: Lucchi Basili Lorenza , Sacco Pier
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we propose a new approach to couple formation and dynamics that abridges findings from sexual strategies theory and attachment theory to develop a framework where the sexual and emotional aspects of mating are considered in their strategic interaction. Our approach presents several testable implications, some of which find interesting correspondences in the existing literature. Our main result is that, according to our approach, there are six typical dynamic interaction patterns that are more or less conducive to the formation of a stable couple, and that set out an interesting typology for the analysis of real (as well as fictional, as we will see in the second part of the paper) mating behaviors and dynamics.
Pressure and Compressibility of Conformal Field Theories from the AdS/CFT Correspondence
Authors: Dolan Brian
Published: May 2016

The equation of state associated with N = 4 supersymmetric Yang–Mills in four dimensions, for S U ( N ) in the large N limit, is investigated using the AdS/CFT correspondence. An asymptotically AdS black-hole on the gravity side provides a thermal background for the Yang–Mills theory on the boundary in which the cosmological constant is equivalent to a volume. The thermodynamic variable conjugate to the cosmological constant is a pressure, and the P - V diagram of the quark-gluon plasma is studied. It is known that there is a critical point where the heat capacity diverges, and this is reflected in the isothermal compressibility. Critical exponents are derived and found to be mean field in the large N limit. The same analysis applied to three- and six-dimensional conformal field theories again yields mean field exponents associated with the compressibility at the critical point.
Making Rice Production More Environmentally-Friendly
Authors: Uphoff Norman , Dazzo Frank
Published: May 2016

Irrigated rice production is one of the most essential agricultural activities for sustaining our global population, and at the same time, one of the agricultural sectors considered most eco-unfriendly. This is because it consumes a larger share of available freshwater resources, competing with varied ecosystems as well as other economic sectors; its paddy fields are responsible for significant emission of greenhouse gases; and the reliance on chemical fertilizers and various agrochemicals contributes to pollution of soils and water systems. These stresses on soils, hydrology and atmosphere are actually not necessary for rice production, which can be increased by modifying agronomic practices though more agroecologically-sound management practices. These, combined under the rubric of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), can reduce requirements of irrigation water, chemical fertilizer and agrochemicals while increasing paddy yields and farmer’s net incomes. Here we discuss how irrigated rice production can be made more eco-friendly for the benefit of farmers, consumers and the environment. This is achieved by introducing practices that improve the growth and functioning of rice plants’ root systems and enhance the abundance, diversity and activity of beneficial soil organisms that live around plant roots and within the plants themselves as symbiotic endophytes.
Inhibition of REST Suppresses Proliferation and Migration in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Zhang Dianbao , Li Ying , Wang Rui , Li Yunna , Shi Ping , Kan Zhoumi , Pang Xining
Published: May 2016

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor, with poor prognosis and a lack of effective therapeutic options. The aberrant expression of transcription factor REST (repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor) had been reported in different kinds of tumors. However, the function of REST and its mechanisms in GBM remain elusive. Here, REST expression was inhibited by siRNA silencing in U-87 and U-251 GBM cells. Then CCK-8 assay showed significantly decreased cell proliferation, and the inhibition of migration was verified by scratch wound healing assay and transwell assay. Using cell cycle analysis and Annexin V/PI straining assay, G1 phase cell cycle arrest was found to be a reason for the suppression of cell proliferation and migration upon REST silencing, while apoptosis was not affected by REST silencing. Further, the detection of REST-downstream genes involved in cytostasis and migration inhibition demonstrated that CCND1 and CCNE1 were reduced; CDK5R1, BBC3, EGR1, SLC25A4, PDCD7, MAPK11, MAPK12, FADD and DAXX were enhanced, among which BBC3 and DAXX were direct targets of REST, as verified by ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) and Western blotting. These data suggested that REST is a master regulator that maintains GBM cells proliferation and migration, partly through regulating cell cycle by repressing downstream genes, which might represent a potential target for GBM therapy.