bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La voz del maestro
Authors: Herreros Unda Rafael García
Published: November 2017

Sin resumen
Acerca del concepto de praxis educativa: una contribución a la comprensión de la praxeología pedagógica
Authors: Vargas Carlos G. Juliao
Published: November 2017

Sin resumen
La praxeología pedagógica como un elemento innovador en la formación docente
Authors: Vásquez Ruth Molina
Published: November 2017

Sin resumen.
Editorial
Authors: Vargas Carlos Juliao
Published: November 2017

Sin resumen.
De las utopías y los caminos : educación en tecnología un espacio un espacio en construcción
Authors: Ramírez Antonio Quintana
Published: November 2017

En este artículo se recogen algunas reflexiones sobre la educación en tecnología, desde la revisión crítica de lo que ha sido su desarrollo en nuestro país. Se parte de lo que considero fueron utopías y que caracterizaron un primer momento de la concepción de lo que debería ser la educación en tecnología en la escuela. Luego, se hace la descripción de algunos de los caminos que se han recorrido en estos más de quince años de presencia de la tecnología como objeto de estudio y área obligatoria y fundamental en el currículo nacional.
La formación de las primeras maestras públicas en Colombia
Authors: M. Marlene Sánchez , Quijano S. Maria Solita
Published: November 2017

Sin resumen.
La praxeología: una teoría de la práctica
Authors: Duque Román Jair
Published: November 2017

Sin resumen.
Hacia una educación filosófica
Authors: Obando Gil. Huberto
Published: November 2017

Sin resumen.
Cuerpo y educación en la escuela
Authors: Ospina Lozano Luis Eduardo , Rivera Torres Nubia Yadira
Published: November 2017

Pensar el cuerpo humano significa darle la suficiente valoración para ubicarlo como elemento relevante de conocimiento. No es posible emprender una tarea de comprensión acerca de las problemáticas humanas, sin entender que el cuerpo es la unidad fundamental de una red de sistemas interdependientes, frágiles y de gran complejidad; por ello, el cuerpo debería ser asunto de especial aprendizaje y cuidado desde los primeros años de vida. Este artículo aborda la importancia del cuerpo-sujeto en la educación, propuesta que trasciende la educación física y la educación artística, como supuestas áreas que se ocupan directamente de la cuestión corporal.
O Planejamento Estratégico no Setor Público Brasileiro
Authors: Szczerbacki Castello Branco Luiza
Published: November 2017

O presente ensaio tem como objetivo incentivar a implantação do planejamento estratégico no setor público brasileiro. O escopo das reformas da década de 1980, por meio do movimento denominado New Public Management (NPM), era transpor as técnicas gerenciais do setor privado para o público. Dentre esses métodos, dar-se-á ênfase ao planejamento estratégico na seara estatal, que ainda é pouco explorado pela ciência administrativa nacional. Escassos estudos no Brasil focam na investigação dos resultados deste processo nas organizações governamentais ou desenvolvem teorias sobre o tema. Considerando essa lacuna teórica, o presente ensaio objetiva discutir possíveis diferenças entre os setores público e privado de forma a caracterizar o planejamento estratégico governamental brasileiro como necessariamente distinto do particular. Com base na teoria da estratégia, o estudo explora as possibilidades da teoria do planejamento estratégico, utilizando a metodologia bibliográfica, descritiva e explicativa. Por fim, os resultados apontam que esse planejamento quando corretamente adaptado às organizações públicas nacionais é benéfico para o seu desenvolvimento.
Administração financeira de curto prazo no setor siderúrgico brasileiro: Estudo comparativo entre a Gerdau S.A e a Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN).
Authors: Morais Fagner Henrique de , Costa André Ricardo Reis , De Araujo Lawrencio Talio dos Santos Paz , De Souza Waldemar Antonio da Rocha
Published: November 2017

A adequada administração financeira de curto prazo é fundamental para que as empresas alcancem um desempenho eficiente e tenham prosperidade. A gestão do capital de giro envolve planejamento e controle de itens do ativo e passivo circulante devendo se primar pela recuperação de todos os custos e despesas que ocorrerem durante o ciclo operacional e pela obtenção do lucro almejado.  Devido a limitações do mercado, no Brasil, as empresas utilizam em pequena escala o endividamento de longo prazo tornando como principais fontes de recursos, obrigações para com terceiros de curto prazo e retenção de lucros. Ao se observar o cenário econômico brasileiro, verifica se que o setor siderúrgico tem grande participação no saldo comercial do país e possui referência mundial em relação a produção de aço bruto. A Gerdau S.A e a Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional são empresas de destaque neste setor. Foi realizada a análise comparativa e a avaliação intrínseca das duas empresas em questão, revelando como ambas registram sua administração financeira de curto prazo.  Os estudos indicaram que as duas entidades enfrentaram situações distintas entre 2010 e 2012, sendo evidenciado o efeito tesoura em uma das duas comparadas. Na visão geral, tanto a liquidez como a rentabilidade sofreram queda, porém a geração de caixa mostrou-se eficiente.
Evidenciação de informações socioambientais, teoria da legitimidade e isomorfismo: um estudo com mineradoras brasileiras.
Authors: Dias Claudevi Pereira , Lima Filho Raimundo Nonato , Pinheiro Francisco Marton Gleuson , Silva Thiago Bruno De Jesus , Moreira Romilson Do Carmo
Published: November 2017

Este estudo teve o objetivo, inicialmente de averiguar a eventual presença de um processo isomórfico entre os relatórios anuais e de sustentabilidade das empresas que exploram a atividade de mineração, analisando até que ponto o volume de evidenciação de informações dessa natureza são semelhantes. Para tanto, utilizou-se do instrumento estabelecido por Sampaio et al. (2012) que contempla quatro grupos de indicadores em consonância com os procedimentos fixados pela Norma Brasileira de Contabilidade T – 15 e outras recomendações dos Institutos Ethos e Ibase, além das diretrizes estabelecidas pelo Global ReportingIniciative (GRI) para elaboração dos relatórios anuais e de sustentabilidade. Foram analisados dez relatórios anuais e de sustentabilidade no período que compreendem dois distintos anos 2009 e 2012. Utilizou-se a média e o desvio padrão como parâmetro para dar sustentação ao tratamento dos dados. Sendo assim comparou-se a evolução das médias de cada grupo de indicadores e analisou-se a diferença de cada variável em relação a média. Os resultados permitiram verificar um aumento no volume de informações socioambientais nos dois períodos analisados, o que reforça o pressuposto da Teoria da Legitimidade e de processo isomórfico na evidenciação das informações socioambientais.
Uma análise da produção científica sobre controladoria nos periódicos da base Atena
Authors: Barros Patrícia Maria Jardim , Madeira Fabio Lopes , Portugal Guilherme Teixeira
Published: November 2017

Este trabalho tem como principal objetivo analisar a produção científica sobre o tema de controladoria nos periódicos indexados pela Base Atena. Esta base é um diretório de revistas de Contabilidade, que foi criada e é administrada pelo Conselho Regional de Contabilidade do Rio de Janeiro – CRC RJ. A pesquisa classifica-se quanto a sua abordagem de forma mista, em quantitativa e qualitativa. A abordagem mista permite demonstrar os aspectos objetivos, e também aspectos mais subjetivos da produção analisada. Foi utilizado o método de análise documental, pretendendo sistematizar as publicações das revistas com as premissas da pesquisa, tais como quantos artigos foram publicados sobre o tema em cada periódico, quais instituições são as maiores produtoras e quais as principais abordagens sobre o tema de Controladoria utilizado pelos autores. A pesquisa também revelou que a maior parte da produção da base vem de universidades do sul do país, bem como seus maiores produtores. Verificou-se também que os autores utilizam mais em suas pesquisas a aplicação de questionários e levantamentos do tipo Survey, com a finalidade de aproximar a pesquisa à realidade das empresas e dos profissionais atuantes nesta área. Este trabalho conclui que a produção sobre o tema pesquisado ainda contribui muito pouco para a difusão do mesmo, mas que nos últimos anos tem havido um esforço para o aumento da produção. Este tema, apesar de importante e relevante para a área de contabilidade ainda apresenta pouca produção e revela que o interesse pelo tema está concentrado em uma determinada área do Brasil.
Lei nº 6.404/76: uma análise dos principais avanços proporcionados à Contabilidade no Brasil.
Authors: Dos Reis Araujo Mayse , Pureza Maria Luiza Bomtempo de Oliveira Horn , Tibúrcio Silva César Augusto
Published: November 2017

Este artigo investiga os principais avanços proporcionados pela Lei 6404. A base da legislação societária brasileira encontra-se na Lei 6.404, aprovada no final do ano de 1976. A literatura contábil cita extensamente esta lei, particularmente aqueles artigos relacionados a área. Apesar disto, pouco se tem discutido sobre o papel histórico desta legislação para a contabilidade. A Lei 6404 propôs alterações substanciais na estrutura contábil em relação a estrutura normativa existente então. O objetivo desse trabalho foi investigar quais avanços propostos pela Lei Societária, em relação às leis anteriores, para à Contabilidade brasileira.
QUALIDADE DA GOVERNANÇA CORPORATIVA, HONORÁRIOS DE AUDITORIA E NÃO-AUDITORIA DAS EMPRESAS BRASILEIRAS DE CAPITAL ABERTO DO ÍNDICE DE AÇÕES COM GOVERNANÇA CORPORATIVA DIFERENCIADA (IGCX)
Authors: Kaveski Itzhak David Simão , Degenhart Larissa , Fernandes Marta Souza , Faria Luiz Fernando Cândido de , Manuel Junior Marcos Moreira
Published: November 2017

Este estudo objetivou examinar a influência dos mecanismos de Governança Corporativa nos gastos com honorários de auditoria e não-auditoria das empresas brasileiras de capital aberto pertencentes ao Índice de Ações com Governança Corporativa Diferenciada (IGCX) da BM&FBovespa. A população de pesquisa é composta por 185 empresas brasileiras pertencentes ao Índice de Ações com Governança Corporativa Diferenciada (IGCX) e a amostra compreendeu 88 empresas que apresentaram todas variáveis necessárias para análise dos dados. Para o tratamento dos dados utilizou-se o teste estatístico regressão de dados em painel. Os honorários de auditoria e de não-auditoria foram utilizados de três formas, o gasto total, logaritmo natural e a relação com o ativo total. Foram utilizados seis mecanismos de Governança Corporativa, conselho de administração, membros independentes, dualidade do diretor, presença de comitê de auditoria, tamanho do comitê de auditoria e reputação da empresa de auditoria independente. Os resultados indicam que dentre os mecanismos de Governança Corporativa, apenas o tamanho do comitê de auditoria e a reputação da empresa de auditoria independente, ou seja se a empresa auditora é Big Four ou não, influência nos gastos com honorários de auditoria. Já para os honorários de não auditoria necessita-se de mais estudos, pois o coeficiente de determinação foi extremamente baixo.
COMPORTAMENTO HUMANO NA PRODUÇÃO DAS INFORMAÇÕES CONTÁBEIS: PERCEPÇÃO DOS DOCENTES DOS CURSOS DE CIÊNCIAS CONTÁBEIS
Authors: Pires Charline Barbosa , Silva Maurício Corrêa da , Silva José Dionísio Gomes da
Published: November 2017

A contabilidade comportamental estuda o impacto do comportamento humano na produção e interpretação das informações contábeis. A ideia norteadora é de que a produção das informações contábeis é influenciada por variáveis que podem afetar o comportamento dos contadores e contadoras. O objetivo desta pesquisa é investigar se na percepção dos docentes dos cursos de Ciências Contábeis as variáveis crenças e valores, emoção, excesso de confiança, estado de humor, pressão por prazos, aversão à perda e aversão ao arrependimento podem afetar o comportamento dos contadores e contadoras na produção das informações contábeis. A investigação foi instrumentalizada por intermédio de um questionário disponibilizado em sítio eletrônico com quesitos que tratam de aspectos comportamentais que podem afetar o comportamento dos indivíduos, de um modo geral, e dos contadores e contadoras, de forma específica. Foi obtida a participação de 273 docentes que atuam em instituições de ensino localizadas em 20 estados da federação e no Distrito Federal. Os resultados revelaram que na percepção dos docentes participantes da pesquisa, por diferenças estatísticas, os contadores e contadoras são capazes de reduzir os impactos das variáveis crenças e valores, emoção, excesso de confiança, estado de humor, pressão por prazos e aversão ao arrependimento por ocasião da produção das informações contábeis em relação às atividades gerais. A variável aversão à perda não apresentou significância estatística.
UMA AVALIAÇÃO DAS PUBLICAÇÕES EM LEALDADE DO CONSUMIDOR EM PERIÓDICOS BRASILEIROS
Authors: Rusin Tiago , Pinto Luiz Fernando Silva , Araujo Neto Luiz Medeiros de , Carolino Vívian Aline , Demo Gisela
Published: November 2017

O artigo apresenta uma síntese da literatura e uma análise bilbiométrica da produção nacional do campo de conhecimento constituído pelo conceito de lealdade ou fidelidade do consumidor, estudado nos últimos cinco anos relevantes à área da administração. No total foram encontrados 42 artigos que atenderam aos critérios de busca em 27 revistas selecionadas. Os artigos foram tabulados e analisados de acordo com as seguintes categorias:  nome do artigo, autores, qualis, ano de publicação, instituições participantes, enquadramento (teórico ou teórico-empírico), e, quando enquadrado como teórico-empírico: natureza do estudo, setor da economia, ramo de atuação, instrumentos de coleta de dados  e técnicas de análise de dados. Verificou-se que existe uma predominância de pesquisas teórico-empíricas de natureza quantitativa sobre o tema. Os resultados permitiram identificar a crescente demanda de conhecimento sobre o tema da lealdade do consumidor, bem como lacunas na literatura que subsidiaram a proposição de uma agenda de pesquisa.
Programa Multiinstitucional e Inter-Regional de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Contábeis: Uma Análise dos Métodos Estatísticos Utilizados em suas Dissertações
Authors: Martins de Araújo Viviane , Viana de Souza Fabia Jaiany , De Barros Câmara Renata Paes , Côrrea da Silva Maurício
Published: November 2017

O estudo buscou analisar os métodos estatísticos aplicados nas dissertações defendidas no Programa Multiinstitucional e Inter-Regional de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Contábeis, no período de 2002 a 2015. A pesquisa de caráter descritivo foi realizada por meio de uma pesquisa documental com abordagem qualitativa. A amostra compreendeu 294 dissertações defendidas nesse programa, no período de 2002 a 2015. Os resultados revelaram evolução na utilização dos métodos estatísticos nas dissertações analisadas. Constatou-se, que 66% das dissertações pesquisadas possuem natureza quantitativa. Acrescenta-se, ainda, que os métodos mais visualizados foram à estatística descritiva (52%), regressão e correlação (30%) e a análise multivariada dos dados (14%). Conclui-se, que o aumento na utilização de ferramentas estatísticas nas dissertações defendidas no programa de pós-graduação analisado, representa o contexto observado nas pesquisas cientificas da área contábil da atualidade, as quais têm incorporado os métodos estatísticos como aliados na resolução de problemas de pesquisa, com a perspectiva de contribuir com outro olhar na interpretação dos fenômenos investigados.
Studying Acculturation using Transactional Analysis Theory: the Interplay between Existential Positions and Acculturation Styles
Authors: Kornyeyeva Lena
Published: November 2017

This article is a partial report about quantitative research on the role of the Negative Existential Position in Authoritarian Personality formation (reported on elsewhere) and acculturation features among immigrants with authoritarian backgrounds in a democratic milieu (Germany). Data were collected among respondents of different backgrounds: immigrants in Germany from Turkey, the former Soviet Union and Western countries, and native Germans as a quasi-control group (N=1318), with each subsample encompassing at least 200 respondents. Various statistical analyses were performed in order to validate the empirical outcomes (from correlation analysis to structural equation modelling). The hypothesis that a Negative Existential Position is more articulated among individuals who were exposed to an authoritarian socialization was confirmed. The hypothesis that a Negative Existential Position serves as a predictor for the so called Acculturation Dysfunction was confirmed as well. The conceptual analogy between Existential Positions and Styles of Acculturation was examined and the hypothesis that four possible styles of acculturation (Berry et al., 1987, Berry & Kim, 1988; Berry et al., 1989) are correlated with correspondent Existential Position found support.
Appendix 8: Template of Supervisor’s Adherence Checklist
Authors: Widdowson Mark
Published: November 2017

Appendix 8: Template of Supervisor’s Adherence Checklist
TA Treatment of Depression: A Hermeneutic Single-Case Efficacy Design Study - ‘Tom’
Authors: Widdowson Mark
Published: November 2017

Hermeneutic Single-Case Efficacy Design (HSCED) is a systematic case study research method involving the cross-examination of mixed method data to generate both plausible arguments that the client changed due to therapy and alternative explanations. The present study uses HSCED to investigate the outcome of short-term TA psychotherapy with a man with moderate depression and comorbid social anxiety The objective of the research was to investigate the effectiveness of short-term TA therapy for the treatment of depression and to explore and identify key aspects of the TA therapy process and associated factors promoting change amongst effective cases. To enhance rigour and address potential for researcher allegiance, indep-endent psychotherapy researchers have adjudicated the case and offer a verdict on outcome. The majority verdict of two judges in this case was that this was a positive outcome case and that the client had changed substantially and that these changes were substantially due to the effects of therapy. The third judge’s conclusion was that this was a mixed outcome case, and that the client had changed considerably and that this had been considerably due to therapy.
This is the 3rd case reported on and additional rigour was introduced into the HSCED approach in the same way as reported in the accompanying paper about the 2nd case. (IJTAR 3:2, 3-14)
A Thematic Analysis of Preferences of Young People using Online Support to Discuss Suicide
Authors: Evans Sally
Published: November 2017

Young people (mainly 15-17 years) using an online counselling, support and advice website were asked about their preferences for online versus face-to-face discussion of suicidal feelings.  Thematic analysis of results (n = 24) yielded a main theme of ‘anonymity’ with sub-themes of ‘safety and freedom’, ‘confidentiality’ and ‘control’.  Issues of safeguarding distressed young people who have chosen to remain anonymous are raised.
Book Review: What you really need to know about Counselling and Psychotherapy (Cathy McQuaid, 2014)
Authors: Hay Julie
Published: November 2017

Book Review by Julie Hay
Integration of Psychodrama and Transactional Analysis Methods in psychoeducational work with school-age children in Russia
Authors: Sokovnina Marina Solomonovna , Aleshin Viktor Nikolayevich
Published: November 2017

Beginning with a comparison of the concepts and methods of psychodrama and transactional analysis, the authors identify similarities and present their experiences of combining these approaches in order to conduct workshops for 5th grade (11-12 years) students within the Russian educational system.  They provide their rationale for this work, details of the content of the training and an example of the work of the students in the form of an agreement on cooperation between students and teachers.  They provide an analysis of the reported emotions during lessons for 78 students compared to 38 within control groups, showing increased positive emotions and decreased negative emotions for those in the transactional analysis/psychodrama lessons.  They conclude that the role-play method used was more effective than traditional educational methods within Russia for the development of autonomy, motivation and involvement of students.
Editorial
Authors: Hay Julie
Published: November 2017

Editorial Vol 6 Iss 2
An Investigation using a Case Study Approach into the Impact on a Counselling Team in the UK of an Organisational Restructuring within a Family Support Service
Authors: Robinson Gillian
Published: November 2017

Following an organisational restructuring of a hospice in the UK, the author has used a case study approach to investigate the impact of this on a team of volunteer counsellors of which she was a member.  A small number of the volunteer counsellors completed a questionnaire and some managers and other professionals were interviewed, and summaries of responses through each method are presented.  The results are reviewed in terms of several transactional analysis concepts, and the author concludes by hypothesising that the impact of the restructuring on the counsellors appeared to parallel the sense of vulnerability felt by their clients.
The development by the German Transactional Analysis Association of a scientifically-based online evaluation system of transactional analysis training
Authors: Nagel Norbert , König Joachim , Ottman Sebastian , Hahnle Annika
Published: November 2017

The authors present the development and statistical analysis, conducted under the auspices of the German Transactional Analysis Association (DGTA), of an online evaluation system of transactional analysis training.  The understanding of evaluation research is clarified, and the data-entry form and its grounding in the theory of transactional analysis are presented. Emphasis is placed on the development of the competence concept, the definition of competence categories, and the representation of the foundations of a transactional-analytic educational theory.  The scientific examination of the validity and reliability of the scales, the research process with pre-test and re-test, and the evaluation of the data in the system of online evaluation are extensively documented.  In conclusion, it is claimed that this online-based DGTA evaluation is one of the few result-oriented teaching evaluation instruments in the German-speaking countries which meets scientific control criteria and is published.Citation - APA format: Nagel, N., König, J., Ottmann, S., & Hahnle, A. (2017). The development by the German Transactional Analysis Association of a scientifically-based online evaluation system of transactional analysis training. International Journal of Transactional Analysis Research & Practice, 8(2), 3-23.
The ‘taming’ of Julie and her avoidant attachment style
Authors: Perret Valérie
Published: November 2017

In this case study, I present the application of the model developed by Richard Erskine of ‘Self in Relationship’ to a client who I will call Julie. I describe the open and closed domains of contact that I observed at the beginning of the work. Then I explain how I bring this client to a state of awakening of the anaesthetised domains through an implied accompaniment and full contact, whilst respecting her avoidant attachment style.Citation - APA format:Perret, V. (2017). The ‘taming’ of Julie and her avoidant attachment style. International Journal of Transactional Analysis Research & Practice, 8(2), 35-40.
Economic Well-Being of Canadian Children
Authors: Burton Peter , Phipps Shelley
Published: November 2017

This article provides a statistical picture of the economic well-being of Canadian children. We discuss changes in families, nationally and by province. We outline how Canadian policy in support of children has changed and how it differs across regions. Changes or differences in median incomes, in income distributions and in child poverty both before and after taxes and transfers, at different points of time, in different kinds of families, and in different provinces constitute the core of the article. Finally, the economic well-being of Canadian children in 2010 is compared with that of children in eight other affluent countries.
Linked Data for Life Sciences
Authors: Zaveri Amrapali , Ertaylan Gökhan
Published: November 2017

Massive amounts of data are currently available and being produced at an unprecedented rate in all domains of life sciences worldwide. However, this data is disparately stored and is in different and unstructured formats making it very hard to integrate. In this review, we examine the state of the art and propose the use of the Linked Data (LD) paradigm, which is a set of best practices for publishing and connecting structured data on the Web in a semantically meaningful format. We argue that utilizing LD in the life sciences will make data sets better Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. We identify three tiers of the research cycle in life sciences, namely (i) systematic review of the existing body of knowledge, (ii) meta-analysis of data, and (iii) knowledge discovery of novel links across different evidence streams to primarily utilize the proposed LD paradigm. Finally, we demonstrate the use of LD in three use case scenarios along the same research question and discuss the future of data/knowledge integration in life sciences and the challenges ahead.
A Real-Time Chinese Traffic Sign Detection Algorithm Based on Modified YOLOv2
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Huang Manting , Jin Xiaokang , Li Xudong
Published: November 2017

Traffic sign detection is an important task in traffic sign recognition systems. Chinese traffic signs have their unique features compared with traffic signs of other countries. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have achieved a breakthrough in computer vision tasks and made great success in traffic sign classification. In this paper, we present a Chinese traffic sign detection algorithm based on a deep convolutional network. To achieve real-time Chinese traffic sign detection, we propose an end-to-end convolutional network inspired by YOLOv2. In view of the characteristics of traffic signs, we take the multiple 1 × 1 convolutional layers in intermediate layers of the network and decrease the convolutional layers in top layers to reduce the computational complexity. For effectively detecting small traffic signs, we divide the input images into dense grids to obtain finer feature maps. Moreover, we expand the Chinese traffic sign dataset (CTSD) and improve the marker information, which is available online. All experimental results evaluated according to our expanded CTSD and German Traffic Sign Detection Benchmark (GTSDB) indicate that the proposed method is the faster and more robust. The fastest detection speed achieved was 0.017 s per image.
Performance of Time Reversal Based Underwater Target Detection in Shallow Water
Authors: On Baeksan , Im Sungbin , Seo Iksu
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a scheme based on the time reversal technique is proposed to improve the detection performance for detecting a cylindrical object bottoming at the seafloor in shallow water. When the time reversal technique is applied to the response of the clutter with the strong time-varying characteristic of shallow water, it is difficult to obtain a high peak response. However, in the case where a cylindrical object is placed on the seafloor because the time-invariant property of the target response is stronger than the time-varying property of the reverberation by the clutters, the time reversal technique can be applied to enhance the target signal. In this paper, it is demonstrated that the peak due to the target that is contacted at the seabed becomes higher when applying the time reversal technique. The performance is investigated by using numerical computation of the probability of detection for various probabilities of false alarm and computer simulation.
An In Silico Subject-Variability Study of Upper Airway Morphological Influence on the Airflow Regime in a Tracheobronchial Tree
Authors: Feng Yu , Zhao Jianan , Chen Xiaole , Lin Jiang
Published: November 2017

Determining the impact of inter-subject variability on airflow pattern and nanoparticle deposition in the human respiratory system is necessary to generate population-representative models, useful for several biomedical engineering applications. Thus, the overall research objective is to quantitatively correlate geometric parameters and coupled transport characteristics of air, vapor, and nanoparticles. Focusing on identifying morphological parameters that significantly influence airflow field and nanoparticle transport, an experimentally validated computational fluid-particle dynamics (CFPD) model was employed to simulate airflow pattern in three human lung-airway configurations. The numerical results will be used to generate guidelines to construct a representative geometry of the human respiratory system.
Salivary Oxytocin Concentration Changes during a Group Drumming Intervention for Maltreated School Children
Authors: Yuhi Teruko , Kyuta Hiroaki , Mori Hisa-aki , Murakami Chihiro , Furuhara Kazumi , Okuno Mari , Takahashi Masaki , Fuji Daikei , Higashida Haruhiro
Published: November 2017

Many emotionally-disturbed children who have been maltreated and are legally separated from their parents or primary caregivers live in group homes and receive compulsory education. Such institutions provide various special intervention programs. Taiko-ensou, a Japanese style of group drumming, is one such program because playing drums in a group may improve children’s emotional well-being. However, evidence for its efficacy has not been well established at the biological level. In this study, we measured salivary levels of oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide associated with social memory and communication, in three conditions (recital, practice, and free sessions) in four classes of school-aged children. Following the sessions, OT concentrations showed changes in various degrees and directions (no change, increases, or decreases). The mean OT concentration changes after each session increased, ranging from 112% to 165%. Plasma OT concentrations were equally sensitive to drum playing in school-aged boys and girls. However, the difference between practice and free play sessions was only significant among elementary school boys aged 8–12 years. The results suggest that younger boys are most responsive to this type of educational music intervention.
Allelic Variants of Glutamine Synthetase and Glutamate Synthase Genes in a Collection of Durum Wheat and Association with Grain Protein Content
Authors: Nigro Domenica , Fortunato Stefania , Giove Stefania , Mangini Giacomo , Yacoubi Ines , Simeone Rosanna , Blanco Antonio , Gadaleta Agata
Published: November 2017

Wheat is one of the most important crops grown worldwide. Despite the fact that it accounts for only 5% of the global wheat production, durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) is a commercially important tetraploid wheat species, which originated and diversified in the Mediterranean basin. In this work, the candidate gene approach has been applied in a collection of durum wheat genotypes; allelic variants of genes glutamine synthetase (GS2) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) were screened and correlated with grain protein content (GPC). Natural populations and collections of germplasms are quite suitable for this approach, as molecular polymorphisms close to a locus with evident phenotypic effects may be closely associated with their character, providing a better physical resolution than genetic mapping using ad hoc constituted populations. A number of allelic variants were detected both for GS2 and GOGAT genes, and regression analysis demonstrated that some variations are positively and significantly related to the GPC effect. Additionally, these genes map into homoeologous chromosome groups 2 and 3, where several authors have localized important quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for GPC. The information outlined in this work could be useful in breeding and marker-assisted selection programs.
The Use of an Improved LSSVM and Joint Normalization on Temperature Prediction of Gearbox Output Shaft in DFWT
Authors: Xiao Yancai , Dai Ruolan , Zhang Guangjian , Chen Weijia
Published: November 2017

In the working process of Double-Fed Wind Turbines (DFWT), it is very important to monitor and predict the temperature of the high-speed output shaft of the gearbox timely and effectively. Support vector machine has more advantages in the temperature prediction of wind turbines. Least squares support vector machine is suitable for online prediction due to reducing the computational complexity of support vector machine. In order to solve the sparsity of least squares support vector machine, an improved least squares support vector machine based on pruning algorithm is proposed in this paper to predict the temperature of the high-speed output shaft of gearbox using the practical data of Double-Fed Wind Turbines. At the same time, in order to improve the prediction accuracy and to solve the problem of few links between different feature parameters in common normalization method, the paper uses the method of joint normalization to preprocess the data. The principal component analysis is used to reduce the dimension of the data. Particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of the pruning least squares support vector machine. The proposed model that is established in this paper is a new model to forecast the temperature of the high-speed output shaft. The results show that its prediction accuracy is higher than that of other algorithms.
Characteristics of Pore Structure and Fractal Dimension of Isometamorphic Anthracite
Authors: Gao Di , Li Meng , Wang Baoyu , Hu Bin , Liu Jianguo
Published: November 2017

The geologic conditions of No. 3 coal seams are similar to Sihe and Zhaozhuang Collieries, however, the gas production is significantly different. To better understand the effect of pores, by means of experimental measurements and quantitative analysis, the pore properties of high-rank isometamorphic anthracite were thoroughly studied. Our study showed that the pore structures were predominantly adsorptive, accounting for more than 88% of the specific surface area. The coal pores showed typical three-stage fractal characteristics at boundary points of 1 nm and 9 nm (7 nm of coal samples from Zhaozhuang Colliery), and the fractal dimension with 1–9 nm (or 1–7 nm), as being significantly larger than those measured outside the given ranges. Pores in samples from Sihe Colliery were mainly open spherical or ellipsoidal pores in shape; conversely, those from Zhaozhuang Colliery were mainly Y-shaped, V-shaped, or ‘ink-bottle’ type.
Grid-Tied Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Systems with Malaysian Electricity Tariff—A Review on Maximum Demand Shaving
Authors: Subramani Gopinath , Ramachandaramurthy Vigna K. , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Mihet-Popa Lucian , Blaabjerg Frede , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: November 2017

Under the current energy sector framework of electricity tariff in Malaysia, commercial and industrial customers are required to pay the maximum demand (MD) charge apart from the net consumption charges every month. The maximum demand charge will contribute up to 20% of the electricity bill, and will hence result in commercial and industrial customers focussing on alternative energy supply to minimize the billing cost. This paper aims to review the technical assessment methods of a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV)—battery storage system—with respect to maximum demand shaving. An effective battery storage system can provide the extra energy needed during the peak energy consumption periods, as well as when renewable energy (RE) sources go offline. Based on the reviews, maximum demand shaving with good Return-of-Investment (ROI) can be achieved by considering the actual load profile, technical, and economic aspects of the solar PV-battery system and the Malaysian electricity tariff for commercial and industrial customers.
Characteristics of Clay-Abundant Shale Formations: Use of CO2 for Production Enhancement
Authors: Zhang Chengpeng , Pathegama Gamage Ranjith , Perera Mandadige Samintha Anna , Zhao Jian
Published: November 2017

Clay-abundant shale formations are quite common worldwide shale plays. This particular type of shale play has unique physico-chemical characteristics and therefore responds uniquely to the gas storage and production process. Clay minerals have huge surface areas due to prevailing laminated structures, and the deficiency in positive charges in the combination of tetrahedral and octahedral sheets in clay minerals produces strong cation exchange capacities (CECs), all of which factors create huge gas storage capacity in clay-abundant shale formations. However, the existence of large amounts of tiny clay particles separates the contacts between quartz particles, weakening the shale formation and enhancing its ductile properties. Furthermore, clay minerals’ strong affinity for water causes clay-abundant shale formations to have large water contents and therefore reduced gas storage capacities. Clay-water interactions also create significant swelling in shale formations. All of these facts reduce the productivity of these formations. The critical influences of clay mineral-water interaction on the productivity of this particular type of shale plays indicates the inappropriateness of using traditional types of water-based fracturing fluids for production enhancement. Non-water-based fracturing fluids are therefore preferred, and CO2 is preferable due to its many unique favourable characteristics, including its minor swelling effect, its ability to create long and narrow fractures at low breakdown pressures due to its ultralow viscosity, its contribution to the mitigation of the greenhouse gas effect, rapid clean-up and easy residual water removal capability. The aim of this paper is to obtain comprehensive knowledge of utilizing appropriate production enhancement techniques in clay-abundant shale formations based on a thorough literature review.
An Examination of Diameter Density Prediction with k-NN and Airborne Lidar
Authors: Strunk Jacob , Gould Peter , Packalen Petteri , Poudel Krishna , Andersen Hans-Erik , Temesgen Hailemariam
Published: November 2017

While lidar-based forest inventory methods have been widely demonstrated, performances of methods to predict tree diameters with airborne lidar (lidar) are not well understood. One cause for this is that the performance metrics typically used in studies for prediction of diameters can be difficult to interpret, and may not support comparative inferences between sampling designs and study areas. To help with this problem we propose two indices and use them to evaluate a variety of lidar and k nearest neighbor (k-NN) strategies for prediction of tree diameter distributions. The indices are based on the coefficient of determination (R2), and root mean square deviation (RMSD). Both of the indices are highly interpretable, and the RMSD-based index facilitates comparisons with alternative (non-lidar) inventory strategies, and with projects in other regions. K-NN diameter distribution prediction strategies were examined using auxiliary lidar for 190 training plots distribute across the 800 km2 Savannah River Site in South Carolina, USA. We evaluate the performance of k-NN with respect to distance metrics, number of neighbors, predictor sets, and response sets. K-NN and lidar explained 80% of variability in diameters, and Mahalanobis distance with k = 3 neighbors performed best according to a number of criteria.
The Chloroplast Genome of Symplocarpus renifolius: A Comparison of Chloroplast Genome Structure in Araceae
Authors: Choi Kyoung , Park Kyu , Park SeonJoo
Published: November 2017

Symplocarpus renifolius is a member of Araceae family that is extraordinarily diverse in appearance. Previous studies on chloroplast genomes in Araceae were focused on duckweeds (Lemnoideae) and root crops (Colocasia, commonly known as taro). Here, we determined the chloroplast genome of Symplocarpus renifolius and compared the factors, such as genes and inverted repeat (IR) junctions and performed phylogenetic analysis using other Araceae species. The chloroplast genome of S. renifolius is 158,521 bp and includes 113 genes. A comparison among the Araceae chloroplast genomes showed that infA in Lemna, Spirodela, Wolffiella, Wolffia, Dieffenbachia and Colocasia has been lost or has become a pseudogene and has only been retained in Symplocarpus. In the Araceae chloroplast DNA (cpDNA), psbZ is retained. However, psbZ duplication occurred in Wolffia species and tandem repeats were noted around the duplication regions. A comparison of the IR junction in Araceae species revealed the presence of ycf1 and rps15 in the small single copy region, whereas duckweed species contained ycf1 and rps15 in the IR region. The phylogenetic analyses of the chloroplast genomes revealed that Symplocarpus are a basal group and are sister to the other Araceae species. Consequently, infA deletion or pseudogene events in Araceae occurred after the divergence of Symplocarpus and aquatic plants (duckweeds) in Araceae and duplication events of rps15 and ycf1 occurred in the IR region.
Evaluation of Gridded Precipitation Data Products for Hydrological Applications in Complex Topography
Authors: Gampe David , Ludwig Ralf
Published: November 2017

Accurate spatial and temporal representation of precipitation is of utmost importance for hydrological applications. Uncertainties in available data sets increase with spatial resolution due to small-scale processes over complex terrain. As previous studies revealed high regional differences in the performance of gridded precipitation data sets, it is important to assess the related uncertainties at the catchment scale, where these data sets are typically applied, e.g., for hydrological modeling. In this study, the uncertainty of eight gridded precipitation data sets from various sources is investigated over an alpine catchment. A high resolution reference data set is constructed from station data and applied to quantify the contribution of spatial resolution to the overall uncertainty. While the results demonstrate that the data sets reasonably capture inter-annual variability, they show large seasonal differences. These increase for daily indicators assessing dry and wet spells as well as heavy precipitation. Although the higher resolution data sets, independent of their source, show a better agreement, the coarser data sets showed great potential especially in the representation of the overall climatology. To bridge the gaps in data scarce areas and to overcome the issues with observational data sets (e.g., undercatch and station density) it is important to include a variety of data sets and select an ensemble for a robust representation of catchment precipitation. However, the study highlights the importance of a thorough assessment and a careful selection of the data sets, which should be tailored to the desired application.
Air Pollution and Dispensed Medications for Asthma, and Possible Effect Modifiers Related to Mental Health and Socio-Economy: A Longitudinal Cohort Study of Swedish Children and Adolescents
Authors: Oudin Anna , Bråbäck Lennart , Oudin Åström Daniel , Forsberg Bertil
Published: November 2017

It has been suggested that children that are exposed to a stressful environment at home have an increased susceptibility for air pollution-related asthma. The aim here was to investigate the association between air pollution exposure and asthma, and effect modification by mental health and by socio-economic status (as markers of a stressful environment). All individuals under 18 years of age in four Swedish counties during 2007 to 2010 (1.2 million people) were included. The outcome was defined as dispensing at least two asthma medications during follow up. We linked data on NO2 from an empirical land use regression to data from national registers on outcome and potential confounders. Data was analyzed with logistic regression. There was an odds ratio (OR) of 1.02 (95% Confidence Interval (CI: 1.01–1.03) for asthma associated with a 10 µg·m−3 increase in NO2. The association only seemed to be present in areas where NO2 was higher than 15 µg·m−3 with an OR of 1.09 (95% CI: 1.07–1.12), and the association seemed stronger in children with parents with a high education, OR = 1.05 (95% CI: 1.02–1.09) and OR = 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01–1.07) in children to mothers and father with a high education, respectively. The association did not seem to depend on medication history of psychiatric disorders. There was weak evidence for the association between air pollution and asthma to be stronger in neighborhoods with higher education levels. In conclusion, air pollution was associated with dispensed asthma medications, especially in areas with comparatively higher levels of air pollution, and in children to parents with high education. We did not observe support for our hypothesis that stressors linked to socio-economy or mental health problems would increase susceptibility to the effects of air pollution on the development of asthma.
The Influence of Family Dog Ownership and Parental Perceived Built Environment Measures on Children’s Physical Activity within the Washington, DC Area
Authors: Roberts Jennifer , Rodkey Lindsey , Grisham Cortney , Ray Rashawn
Published: November 2017

Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are significant contributors to youth obesity in the United States. Neighborhood dog walking is an outlet for physical activity (PA). Therefore, understanding the relationship between built environment, dog ownership, and youth PA is essential. This study examined the influence of dog ownership and parental built environment perceptions on children’s PA in the Washington, D.C. area. In 2014, questionnaires were mailed to 2000 parents to assess family dog ownership; children’s outdoor dog walking or playing; and parental perceived built environment measures. Chi-square analyses examined differences in parental perceived built environment measures between children with and without family dogs. The sample included 144 children (50% female; average-age 9.7 years; 56.3% White; 23.7% African-American; 10.4% Asian-American; 29.9% owned dog). Only 13% and 5.6% of the children walked or played outdoors with the dog daily, respectively. A significantly greater proportion (p-value < 0.05) of parents who owned dogs recognized and observed some home built environment measures (e.g., traffic speed on most streets is 30 mph or less) that were PA -promoting for their children. Findings suggest that dog ownership may provide more positive parental perceptions of the neighborhood built environment, which supports children’s outdoor PA through dog walking and playing.
Treatment Approaches to Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Authors: Gisondi Paolo , Del Giglio Micol , Girolomoni Giampiero
Published: November 2017

Psoriasis is a common disease, which has a considerable impact on patients and the health care system. Treatment approaches to the disease may be various because some issues are not definitely addressed. Moreover, the therapeutic paradigms are continuously changing because of the recent approval of new treatments for psoriasis such as interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors and apremilast. In this review, the factors influencing psoriasis severity, the indications for systemic treatments, the overall parameters to be considered in the treatment choice, life style interventions, and the recommendations for the use, screening, and monitoring of systemic therapies available including acitretin, cyclosporine, methotrexate, apremilast, adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, and ustekinumab are discussed. Finally, treatment approaches in special patient populations including children, the elderly, pregnant women, patients with a history of neoplasm, and candidates for surgical procedures are reported.