Incorporating structured text retrieval into the extended Boolean model

Conventional information retrieval models are inappropriate for use in databases containing semi-structured biographical data. A hybrid algorithm that effectively addresses many of the problems in searching biographical databases is presented in this article. An overview of applicable structured text retrieval algorithms is given, with focus specifically on the tree matching model. Small adaptations to the Extended Boolean Model, to make it more applicable to biographical databases, are described. The adaptation of tree matching models to the hierarchical nature of data in a person record is described and a distance function between query and record is defined. A hybrid model between the Extended Boolean Model and the adapted Tree Matching Model is then presented. A fast ranking algorithm appropriate for general searches and a more effective (but more resource intensive) algorithm for more advanced searches is given. It is shown how dates can be incorporated in the hybrid model to create a more powerful search algorithm. The hybrid algorithm can be used to rank records in descending order of relevance to a user's query

Biochemical investigation of the nutrition status of urban school children aged 12 -15 years: Protein status

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Biochemical evaluation of the nutrition status of Urban Primary school children: riboflavin status

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Biochemical evaluation of the nutrition status of urban primary school children: Vitamin-A status

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Biochemical evaluation of the nutrition status of urban school children of 12-15 years - riboflavin status

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Cross-cultural differences in the character strength of citizenship in South Africa

Abstract: The psychological conceptualisation of the character strength of citizenship as a trait ubiquitous across cultures is examined within the context of a diverse South African sample. The theoretically supposed elements common to the definition of citizenship as a dispositional trait (rather than a situational or cultural phenomenon) are examined by means of considering Peterson and Seligman’s (2004) conceptualisation of citizenship as espoused in their work on character strength and virtues. Using the Rasch model of item response theory the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) Value in Action Inventory (VIA) Citizenship scale was examined for fit and differential item functioning (DIF). A diverse sample of 902 South African university students who completed the Citizenship scale was examined for DIF as a function of self-asserted ethnicities and home language groups, which serve as indicators of culture within the South African context. The findings of the study suggest that while certain conceptual aspects of trait-based citizenship as espoused by Peterson and Seligman (2004) are common across the heterogeneous cultures (as defined by ethnicity and language group) examined, there is sound evidence that there are also qualitative distinctions that are exclusively a function of cultural grouping, suggesting difficulties with the exclusive conceptualisation of citizenship as an individual trait. The implications of these findings speak to the importance of considering citizenship as a nuanced and complex notion that requires further consideration in terms of the philosophical, theoretical and empirical qualification of its conceptualisation

Some Biochemical Effects Of a Mainly Fruit Diet In Man

The effect of a nut-supplemented fruit diet on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, plasma proteins and plasma lipids of human volunteers was investigated. The results suggest that, at least for the period covered by the experiment and under the prevailing conditions, the diet was adequate with respect to the parameters investigated, and may even have something to commend it

Energy generation from full strength domestic wastewater using a sandwich dual chamber microbial fuel cell with an uncatalyzed mesh current collector cathode

A sandwich domestic wastewater fed dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) was designed for energy generation and wastewater treatment. Power density for the MFC increased with increasing domestic wastewater concentration, reaching a maximum of 251 mW/m2 for full strength wastewater (3400 mg/L chemical oxygen demand (COD)) at a current density of 0.054 mA/cm2 at an external resistance of 200Ω. These values dropped to 60 mW/m2 (76% lower) and 0.003 mA/cm2 using wastewater 91% diluted to 300 mg/L COD. Maximum removals were: of COD, 89%; nitrite, 60%; nitrate, 77%; total nitrogen, 36%; and phosphate, 26%

Paraffin (kerosene) poisoning in childhood is prevention affordable in South Africa?

Paraffin (known in some Western countries as kerosene) ingestion is the most common form of acute childhood poisoning in most developing countries. South African black communities reflect a similar pattern, yet the true size and cost of the problem are not known. Without such baseline data the effect of interventions cannot be evaluated.The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and treatment cost of paraffin poisoning in the Cape Peninsula, to identify high-risk areas and to discuss which measures offered the most economical and best preventive potential for this paediatric hazard.A 12-month retrospective study was undertaken in 1990. Relevant patient data were extracted from the files of 6 major Cape Peninsula hospitals. Treatment costs were calculated based on differential hospital costs per inpatient per day, with outpatient costs at one-third of the costs per day. Age-specific rates for affected residential areas were calculated to identify high-risk areas. A total of 436 children (62,5% male), mostly between the ages of 12 and 36 months, were treated at an estimated cost of R111 673. This amount would have been sufficient to provide 95% of households in the 8 identified high-risk areas with child-resistant paraffin containers. In these areas age-specific paraffin poisoning rates ranged from 1,8/1 000 to 7,7/1 000. Strategically planned interventions can be cost-effective when weighed against the treatment cost of cases of paraffin poisoning

Seksuele teistering in die werkplek: ’n Suid-Afrikaanse perspektief

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a grave problem and it significantly impedes on a person’s entrance into many sectors of the wage labour market. The number of sexual harassment complaints increases dramatically every year, although researchers estimate that 80 to 90% of sexual harassment cases go unreported. Despite the high figures, few South African court cases and legal literature deal with sexual harassment. The reason for this is that few persons who are harassed report a case for fear that they will lose their jobs or that they will become sources of ridicule.Sexual harassment is an infringement upon a person’s personality and thus an iniurandi. The South African Constitution determines that there shall not be discriminated against any person and that includes a person’s right to work without harassment and discrimination. It is therefore necessary that all employers ensure a safe environment without discrimination for all employees. Employers must adopt a policy on sexual harassment, communicate it to all employees and ensure that the policy be adhered to. If harassment does take place, the procedure and disciplinary process prescribed in the policy must be enforced