C1− Continuous crack propagation for mixed-mode fracture problems

In this work a C1− continuous crack propagation algorithm is proposed to improve the numerical simulation of localized deformation patterns, using higher order elements. The algorithm is applied for a standard smeared crack model and is validated by a mixed-mode fracture problem. From the results a reduction of mesh-induced directional bias is observed

IMPACT OF LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK GOVERNING ORGANIZATIONAL PRACTICES ON EMPLOYMENT OF SRI LANKANS WITH DISABILITIES

Employment plays a vital role in any economy. The employment rate of the persons with disabilities is significantly low when compared to non-disabled individuals. Disability is defined as the existence of physical and attitudinal barriers created by the society that hinder people with disabilities from fully participating in their day-today life according to the interactive model. Sri Lankans with disabilities have suffered high rates of unemployment due to organizational ill practices towards them while state’s current legal context, and the administrative policies are playing a crucial role in the prolonged and substantial difference in employment rates between persons with disabilities and their non-disabled counterparts. Hence, this qualitative study which is purely based on desk review methodology explores the legal and policy barriers for employment of Sri Lankans with disabilities covering barriers affecting the organizational practices relating to the human resources practices and workplace accommodations. It is recommended that the laws and policies must be revised and reviewed with a thorough understanding of the inclusion of disabilities regarding employment of persons with disabilities and arranging reasonable accommodation for them. Keywords: Employment, Legal and Policy Barriers, Organizational Practices, Sri Lankans with Disabilities &nbsp

Seasonal variation in the food consumption patterns of the people of Mutambara District of Zimbabwe

A survey of seasonal food consumption patterns in rural Zimbabwe.The pattern of the consumption of various food items in rural households would be expected to change with the seasons as the availability of various types of food changes. To obtain meaningful information on the pattern of food consumption of a given community, it is essential to conduct surveys during the different seasons of the year. The objective of this study was to determine the food items consumed by the people in Mutambara during the course of the year. To do this, surveys were conducted during the periods of January, May and August, 1988. These periods correspond approximately to the hot, wet beginning of the cold, dry and the beginning of the hot, dry periods respectively. In an earlier report1 the types of foods consumed during the December/January period of 1988 were reported

Use of anti-PGL-1 antibodies to monitor therapy regimes in leprosy patients

The suitability of IgM antibodies to PGL-1 for monitoring the response to multidrug therapy (MDT) was sequentially tested by ELISA in 105 leprosy patients, and bacterial indexes (BI) were also determined. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1, 34 multibacillary (MB) patients treated for 12 months with MDT-MB; group 2, 33 MB patients treated for 24 months with MDT-MB, and group 3, 38 paucibacillary (PB) patients treated for 6 months with MDT-PB. Untreated MB patients exhibited higher antibody levels (mean ± SEM): group 1 (6.95 ± 1.35) and group 2 (12.53 ± 2.02) than untreated PB patients (1.28 ± 0.35). There was a significant difference (P < 0.01) in anti-PGL-1 levels in group 1 patients: untreated (6.95 ± 1.35) and treated for 12 months (2.78 ± 0.69) and in group 2 patients: untreated (12.53 ± 2.02) and treated for 24 months (2.62 ± 0.79). There was no significant difference between untreated (1.28 ± 0.35) and treated (0.62 ± 0.12) PB patients. Antibody levels correlated with BI. The correlation coefficient (Pearson&#8217;s r) was 0.72 before and 0.23 (P < 0.05) after treatment in group 1 and 0.67 before and 0.96 (P < 0.05) after treatment in group 2. BI was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) after 12 and 24 months on MDT (group 1: 1.26-0.26; group 2: 1.66-0.36). Our data indicate that monitoring anti-PGL-1 levels during MDT may be a sensitive tool for evaluating treatment efficacy. These data also indicate that the control of leprosy infection can be obtained with 12 months of MDT in MB patients.FAEPACNPq-PIBICCNPqFundação Paulista Contra Hansenías

Linkage between Ringgit exchange rate and U.S Dollar

Malaysia, the movement of its currency rate i.e. Ringgit as against to US dollar are unpredictable and unregulated. Therefore, this causes some difficulty to appreciate the movement of macroeconomic analysis and market surveillance purposes. In 1965, Chaos theory was introduced, and it focused on behaviour and condition of dynamical systems. Chaotic behaviour involves the sequence of produced data in forecasting future performance, which is the cause of gaining unpredictable and random data. Nonetheless, while it is possible to present data by fixed order and mathematical formula, it is also possible that applications from various fields may contribute as a factor that affecting the movement of currency. This article investigates the behaviour of Ringgit movement as against to US dollar and result shows that Ringgit possess a chaotic behaviour in its currency movement.Keywords: chaos theory; chaotic behaviour; non-linear model; fixed exchange rate; floating exchange rat

Food shortage in Zimbabwe: Can wild cereal grains be an alternative source of nutrition?

Cereals are used as staple food in most countries all over the world including Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, poor rainfall patterns have hampered the production of traditional cereals like maize and wheat leading to poverty especially in third world countries. Five wild cereal grains namely; Amaranthus hybridus, Brachiaria brizantha, Panicum maximum, Rottiboellea cochinchinensis and Sorghum arundinaceum were studied to determine their nutritional value because of their drought tolerance. Two domesticated cereals were used for comparison. The macro nutrients determined were proteins, carbohydrates, fats and minerals. Amaranthus hybridus, a wild cereal, had the highest protein and fat content of 21.44% and 11.50% respectively, compared to all the other cereal grains.  Brachiaria brizantha had the highest fibre content of 30.34% while the red variety of Sorghum bicolor had the least fibre content of 2.51%. Phosphorus was detected in all the cereal grains studied. Calcium was detected in all the cereal grains except in red variety of Sorghum bicolor. The nutritional composition of the cereal grains makes them potential alternative food sources