Measuring Knowledge Acquisition and Knowledge Creation: A Review of the Literature

This paper presented a review of the literature related to knowledge acquisition and knowledge creation. The paper discussed the nature and types of knowledge, knowledge acquisition, theories and models of knowledge acquisition, in addition to the review of empirical studies measuring knowledge acquisition. For knowledge creation, the paper discussed the definition of knowledge creation, theories and models of knowledge creation, and review of empirical studies measuring knowledge creation. Findings of the review revealed how researchers and scholars have used a variety of variables in investigating and measuring knowledge acquisition and knowledge creation among managers, engineers, and faculty members

Effect of Isosporiasis Prevention with Toltrazuril on Long-Term Pig Performance

The efficacy of toltrazuril treatment was assessed in two experiments in Polish swine herds. Experiment 1 included a toltrazuril treatment group, Group A (n = 410), and untreated control, Group B (n = 386). Time to sale in Group A was 108 days versus 120 days for Group B, with average body weights at sale of 114.2 kg and 108.8 kg, respectively (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, the health status and body weight gain of 238 piglets treated with toltrazuril (Group D) were compared to 235 untreated piglets (Group K). A similar difference was observed in average body weights of slaughtered animals, being on average 104 kg in Group D and 101 kg in Group K (P < 0.01). Animals from Group D were slaughtered 5 days earlier than animals from Group K (day 166 versus day 171). Data from clinical trials suggest treatment of coccidiosis with toltrazuril offering potential for improved animal welfare and yields, however this has remained unproven in field conditions in large swine production facilities. The present study confirms the efficacy of toltrazuril treatment when used in the field and the subsequent positive impact on time to weaning, time to market, and on weight gain at all time points

Estimation of Daily Sunshine Duration from Terra and Aqua MODIS Data

Some studies have shown that the estimation of global sunshine duration can be done with the help of geostationary satellites because they can record several images of the same location in a day. In this paper, images obtained from the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensors of polar orbiting satellites Aqua and Terra were used to estimate daily global sunshine duration for any region in Turkey. A new quadratic correlation between daily mean cloud cover index and relative sunshine duration was also introduced and compared with the linear correlation. Results have shown that polar orbiting satellites can be used for the estimation of sunshine duration. The quadratic model introduced here works better than the linear model especially for the winter months in which very low sunshine duration values were recorded at the ground stations for many days

Assessment of the Efficiency of Insecticide Paint and Impregnated Nets on Tsetse Populations: Preliminary Study in Forest Relics of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Glossina palpalis palpalis is the main vector of human and animal trypanosomiasis in Côte d’Ivoire. This species, being the only tsetse species in the city of Abidjan, is hosted by the National park of Banco located in the middle of Abidjan, the zoological park and in a relic forest within the University of Nangui-Abrogoua, both in Abidjan. A programme for the elimination of these suburban tsetse populations has been initiated, in the context of which various tsetse control tools have been evaluated. In the zoological park, insecticidal paint (Inesfly®) was applied around the animal cages, and then supplemented with insecticide-impregnated netting around the larger animal cages. Tsetse population densities were monitored with Vavoua-style traps both inside the zoological park and in the site of University Nangui Abrogoua used as control site. Tsetse densities in the traps fell by over 90% following application of the insecticidal paint, and declined to zero after adding the insecticide impregnated nets in both study sites. The study confirms the close contact between tsetse populations from the zoological park and the University Nangui Abrogoua area, and shows that the sequential use of insecticide paint and impregnated nets can be effective for tsetse control

Species occurrence of cetaceans in Guinea, including humpback whales with southern hemisphere seasonality

An initial inventory of the dolphins and whales occurring in Guinea's coastal waters is documented primarily from specimens and photographic evidence obtained from strandings and by-catches. Seven species are fully validated, four odontocetes, Tursiops truncatus, Sousa teuszii, Stenella frontalis, Kogia breviceps and three balaenopterid whales: Balaenoptera brydei, Balaenoptera acutorostrata and Megaptera novaeangliae. Another three reported species (Globicephala macrorhynchus, Steno bredanensis and Delphinus delphis) are insufficiently supported but thought to be valid. Small cetaceans landed as by-catch and a stranded whale were used for human consumption, but no evidence of substantial takes, directed or by-catch, was found. However, concern is raised about even minimal takes of the vulnerable Atlantic humpback dolphin. The seasonal presence of three confirmed humpback whales, two strandings (July and September) and a sighting (October), is synchronous with the species' southern hemisphere wintering/breeding season in low latitudes. We hypothesize that these whales may comprise the north-westernmost range of the population that breeds/overwinters in coastal waters of the Bight of Benin, northern Gulf of Guinea

Profil de sensibilisation aux allergènes des asthmatiques adultes à Kinshasa, RDC : Etude transversale par prick-tests: Allergen sensitization profile of adult asthmatics in Kinshasa, DRC: Cross-sectional study by prick-tests

Context. Atopy is a common feature of asthma, involving near 80% of patients. Allergen sensitization shows environmental and geographical variability worldwide. Objective. To determine the common allergen sensitization profile of adult asthmatics in Kinshasa. Methods. From June 2017 to February 2018, 216 asthmatics aged 18 and over, of both sexes, were consecutively recruited at the University Clinics of Kinshasa and in some parishes and churches around the same town. The socio-demographic variables were registered using a validated questionnaire. The prick-test was performed relaying on five standardized commercial extracts of dog and cat dander, house dust mite (Blomia tropicalis, Bt), molds (Alternaria alternata), and egg yolk. Results. The population, average age of 45.23 (SD=17.56) years, 74% female, was sensitized at least to one allergen (53%) and non -sensitized in 47%. Twenty-five percent were monosensitized and 27% plurisensitized. The sensitization profile was respectively to Blomia tropicalis (72%), cat dander (46%), dog dander (34%), Alternaria alternata (13%) and egg yolk (11%). Conclusion. The present study indicates a plurisentisization feature in many asthmatics in our milieu ; mainly to dust mites and cat dander. Futher investigations involving a larger number of subjects and using broader test batteries are needed to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in our context. Contexte. Environ 80% des asthmatiques sont atopiques. La sensibilisation aux allergènes communs présente certaines variabilités environnementales et géographiques. Objectif. Déterminer le profil de sensibilisation aux allergènes communs des asthmatiques adultes de la ville de Kinshasa. Méthodes. De juin 2017 à février 2018, 216 asthmatiques de 18 ans et plus, des 2 sexes, ont été consécutivement recrutés aux Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa et dans certaines paroisses et églises de réveil de la ville de Kinshasa. A l’aide d’un questionnaire validé, les variables sociodémographiques ont été précisées. Le prick-test a été réalisé avec cinq extraits commerciaux standardisés de phanères de chien et chat, l’acarien de poussière de maison (Blomia tropicalis, Bt), les moisissures (Alternaria alternata), et le jaune d’oeuf. Résultats. L’âge moyen de la population était de 45,23 (ET=17,56) ans, 74% de sexe féminin, 47 % non sensibilisés et 53% sensibilisés à au moins un allergène. Vingt-cinq pourcent étaient monosensibilisées et 27% plurisensibilisées. Le profil de sensibilisation était Blomia tropicalis (72%), phanères de chat (46%), phanères de chien (34%), Alternaria alternata (13%) et jaune d’oeuf (11%). Conclusion. Une plurisensibilisation aux allergènes communs chez les asthmatiques dans notre milieu est présente dont le profil dominé par les acariens et les phanères de chats. Des enquêtes futures incluant un plus grand nombre de sujets et recourant à des batteries de tests plus élargies s’imposent en vue d’une définition d’options diagnostiques et thérapeutiques dans notre contexte

Dual harm: an exploration of the presence and characteristics for dual violence and self-harm behaviour in prison

Objective: The study aimed to quantify the rate of dual-harm behaviour in comparison with sole self-harm or assault rates; with an analysis of the distinguishing features. Method: Official data on in-prison incidents, demographic and offending information was analysed for two prisons in England. Results: Proportions of up to 42% of offenders who assault others in prison will also engage in self-harm and vice versa. Dual harm prisoners will engage in a broader and greater frequency of prison incidents than either sole group; with dual-harm prisoners reflecting greater proportions of damage to property and fire setting. Connectedly, dual harm prisoners receive a far higher rate of adjudication. There were no differences in their time in prison, presence of serious violent offences or for the dual harm prisoners whether the first incident was self-harm or violence. An index offence of drug supply was less likely in the dual-harm group, with minor violence slightly more likely in longer sentence prisoners. Implications: In-prison behaviour can assist in the identification of prisoners at dual-risk of harm. Greater inclusion of in-prison behaviour and awareness of dual-harm in research methodologies may assist in improving risk management. A wider use of joint risk assessment and single case management approach is suggested for prisoners with dual-harm profile

The cetaceans of Guinea, a first check-list of documented species. Scientific Committee document SC/58/O15, International Whaling Commission, May-June 2006, St. Kitts

A CMS workshop on West African Cetacea (Conakry, May 2000), called for i.a. ‘carrying out .. inventory of cetacean species; collection, treatment and compilation of data for each state.’ The present paper is a preliminary faunal checklist of cetaceans occurring in Guinea’s EEZ. Information was gleaned from strandings, bycatches, scientific and opportunistic sightings and a literature review. Ten species are included for which supporting voucher material and data were available for examination. These are, three baleen whales: Balaenoptera brydei, Balaenoptera acutorostrata and Megaptera novaeangliae; and seven species of odontocetes: Kogia breviceps, Tursiops truncatus, Sousa teuszii, Stenella frontalis, Delphinus delphis, Steno bredanensis and Globicephala macrorhynchus. Another two species, Physeter macrocephalus and Stenella attenuate were sighted off Guinea but no photographic evidence was obtained. The current account is thought to reflect an incomplete picture of Guinea’s cetacean biodiversity. Future surveys are expected to update and investigate spatial and temporal distribution patterns for each species along Guinea’s coast. A few bycatches landed by artisanal fishers were utilised locally, but there are no signs of any substantial captures. Nonetheless, monitoring should be continued. The set-up of a national reference collection and database is recommended. The population identities of the encountered Atlantic humpback dolphin, minke whale and humpback whale are of particular interest