bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fantasy Sports and Gambling in Sport
Authors: Ditizio Amber A.
Published: September 2016

Modern sports/media complex may be the result of complex inactions of communication technologies, social developments, and the increased sophistication of businesses in understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of consumer behavior. From the promotion options of print media, television and radio, to the self-engaging aspects of Internet sport coverage and gaming, the spectator is rapidly becoming an integral part of the branding process. Media, especially fantasy sports, has transcended the traditional roles of television's function as agents of exposure to engagement and personal involvement in athletic contest and its merchandising. Although the media aspect may been neglected in sports research, media research traditionally has considered sports too popular for traditional research. This paper explores some of the major topics for research that combines sports and newer forms of media exploitation for marketing purposes.
Exploring Factors that Lead to People Watching Professional Soccer on Television
Authors: Smith Alan D. , Clinton Steve R.
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study is to examine and determine factors that lead to increased television ratings for soccer in the U.S. The study primarily focuses on fantasy soccer participation, involvement in soccer, presence of a local professional team, and social media interaction. After providing a brief history of soccer television ratings in the U.S., a conceptual model based on these factors is developed and explained. The factors of this conceptual model are tested through statistical analysis. Based on these results, the model provides recommendations and conclusions for soccer decision makers to increase television ratings in the future, which ultimately will drive and increase the bottom line of all parties involved.
Research Review of Composite Electrode Materials for Super Capacitor
Authors: Wu Tian Hao , Li Xin Ye , Li Le
Published: September 2016

Super capacitor, as a new type of power storage device, has been applied to various fields. This paper divides composite electrode materials of super capacitor into three main types. For each type, this paper analyses its performance, advantages and prospect. At last, a conclusion is drawn that it is a tendency to apply composite electrode materials to use for better performance capacitors.
Design and Analysis of a Micro Actuating Mechanism Driving Multi-Degree of Freedom
Authors: Tirasuntarakul Narongsak , Dheeravongkit Arbtip
Published: September 2016

This paper presents design concept and implementation of a micro actuating mechanism that uses a single drive to operate many degrees of freedom. The challenge of this research is to reduce the complexity of the multi-dof actuator mechanism in order to optimize its size and weight so that it is small and light enough to be implemented on other robots or automatic systems where mobility is needed. For example, on the development of the automatic tuning system of multi-string music instruments like piano or harp, instead of implementing one actuator to tune each string, this paper proposed an actuator mechanism that uses a single motor to tune several strings at a time. In the proposed actuator mechanism, a new tiny magnetic clutch is designed to control the direction of the rotation. The worm gear trains are selected to hold the position of the rotation with self-locking ability, which helps prevent rotation when the clutch is disengaged. The size and weight of the mechanism are optimized to fit properly on the musical stringed instrument. In this paper, the prototype and analysis of performance of the proposed mechanism is presented.
Preparation and Luminescent Properties of Tb3+ Doped Bi2WO6 Phosphor
Authors: Guo Li Na , Ren Sha
Published: September 2016

The Tb3+doped Bi2WO6 luminescent materials are synthesized by a co-precipitation method. The structure and composition of the samples were characterized by DTA-TG and XRD. The results showed that the formula of the sample is Bi2WO6 at the temperature of 600°C~900°C, which belongs to the needed and stable orthorhombic ctystal. The luminescence properties were characterized by UV-vis and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The results showed that, the phosphor can be effectively stimulated by blue light of 488 nm, we can get the intense green-emission, which corresponds to the 5D4→7F5 transitions of Tb3+. It indicates that the samples match the light-emitting wavelength of the common blue-emitting InGaN chips and are expected to be applicable to a new type of green-emission light conversion materials which are applicable to the blue LED chips.
The relationship between board characteristics and earnings management: evidence from Sri Lankan listed companies
Authors: Kankanamage C. A.
Published: September 2016

This paper aims to examine the impact of board characteristics on earnings management in Sri Lanka during the period from 2012-2015. The current study uses the ordinary least squares regression (OLS) to examine the effect of board on earnings management for a sample of 160 listed firms in Sri Lanka from 2012-2015. Kothari, Lenon and Wesley (2005) performance adjusted discretionary accrual model used to measure the earnings management by using the discretionary accruals. Findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between board size, board composition, board financial expertise and board meetings and earnings management of the firms. Thus effective board of a firm is contributing to enhance the financial reporting quality and transparency. The findings of this study would provide useful information for regulators and the practioners in the country to understand the significance of board characteristics of firms to constrain the earnings management and enhance the financial reporting quality and transparency. Further results provide useful information to the investors and other stakeholders in evaluating the existence of effective board characteristics in advance to put the confidence of the financial reporting quality and make their decisions.
Use of a proactive herd management system in a dairy farm of northern italy: technical and economic results
Authors: Leonardi Stefania , Marchesi Gabriele , Tangorra Francesco Maria , Lazzari Massimo
Published: September 2016

Reproductive and economic data were recorded before and one year after the installation of Herd Navigator™ in a dairy farm with AMS (Automatic Milking System) located in a mountain area of Northern Italy. Number of days open reduced from 166 to 103 days, number of days between the first and second insemination decreased from 45 to 28 days, and days for identifying an abortion were 80 % less, from 31 to 6 days. The preliminary results highlight the usefulness of the proactive herd management system installed for the reproduction management. A basic economic model is proposed to evaluate the potential economic benefits coming from the introduction of this technology. The model considers the benefits deriving from the reduction of reproduction problems and, consequently, of days open. Considering the effects related to the above mentioned aspects in a case study involving 60 dairy cows, a return on investment over 5 years has been calculated.
Soil management effect on soil penetration resistance in the vineyard
Authors: Catania Pietro , Vallone Mariangela , Pipitone Felice , Argento Gioacchino Francesco , Spartà Giuseppe , Laudicina Vito Armando
Published: September 2016

In environments characterized by steep slopes or arranged in terraces, among the shallow tillage systems, rototilling is extensively used. However, the effect of the repeated use of rototilling has a considerable influence on soil characteristics; it appears finely powdered, soft and without structure. In order to limit these inconveniences, an innovative self-propelled machine equipped with working tools as a spade, to be used in steep slopes or arranged in terraces areas, was designed by the Mechanics Section of the SAF (Scienze Agrarie e Forestali) Department of the University of Palermo in cooperation with Agrotec company, Padua, Italy. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of three machines for shallow tillage: a chisel plough (CP), a rototilling (RT) and a spading machine (SM) on penetration resistance in semi-arid environments of the Mediterranean basin. No tillage was also included. Penetration resistance (PR) was surveyed for all the treatments to a depth of 300 mm with an electronic dynamometer. The treatments consisted in the execution of a shallow tillage to a depth of 150 mm. SP treatment allowed us to obtain PR lower values throughout the tillage profile than RT, CP and NT. It follows that the type of machine used influences soil PR, and then the soil water storage capacity, key factor for the agricultural productions in semi-arid environments as in Sicily.
Harvest of table olives by mechanical harvesting equipment
Authors: Gambella Filippo
Published: September 2016

In this work, we have evaluated the performance, of an electric comb equipped with five undulated fingers used for mechanized the harvesting of table olives. The first aim of the work was to test three different types of coating materials used for covering the fingers: Silicon (S), Vulcanized rubber (VR) and Natural rubber (NR). The diameter of the coating materials tested were 7mm (D1), 14 mm (D2), 19 mm (D3) in order to evaluate the damage of different working conditions on the intact olives. During harvesting, silicon at 7mm and 14mm resulted in the largest percentage of undamaged the fruit (67% and 65%), natural rubber 63% and vulcanized rubber at the 54%. The second aim was to evaluate the combination, in terms of the best performance, of the machines used for mechanized harvesting of table olives. Several factors have been examined: undulating fingers variation thickness, different rotational speeds and different coating materials used to reduce the impact damage on olives. From the tests on olive tree we have determined that while plastic materials (S) and (NR) appear to have a positive role in harvest quality, the vibration transmitted to the operator’s hand is great from 6.48 m/s2 for S to 6.31 m/ s2 for NR and 2.92 m/s2 for VR, respect to the materials used.
Land use change in the Veneto floodplain and consequences on minor network drainage system
Authors: Prosdocimi Massimo , Sofia Giulia , Dalla Fontana Giancarlo , Tarolli Paolo
Published: September 2016

Anthropic pressure has been proven to be one of the most evident forces able to alter landscapes. Its impact on the surroundings can be easily detectable especially in a high-density populated country such as Italy. Among the most evident anthropic alterations, the most important are the urbanization processes but also changes in cultural techniques that have been occurring in rural areas. These modifications influence the hydrologic regimes in two ways: by modifying the direct runoff production and by having a strong impact on the drainage system itself. The main objectives of this work are to evaluate the impact of land cover changes in the Veneto region (north-east Italy) on the minor drainage network system, and to analyze changes in the direct runoff in the last 50 years. The study area is a typical agrarian landscape and it has been chosen considering its involvement in the major flood of 2010 and considering also the availability of data, including historical aerial photographs, historical information, and a high resolution LiDAR DTM. The results underline how land cover variations over the last 50 years have strongly increased the propension of the soil to produce direct runoff (increase of the Curve Number value) and they have also reduced the extent of the minor network system to the detriment of urbanized areas and changes of plots of land boundaries. As a consequence, the capacity of the minor network to attenuate and eventually laminate a flood event is decreased as well. These analysis can be considered useful tools for a suitable land use planning in flood prone areas.
Determinants of SEA effectiveness: an empirical investigation over municipal spatial planning in Sardinia
Authors: De Montis Andrea , Ledda Antonio , Ganciu Amedeo , Barra Mario , Caschili Simone
Published: September 2016

The late formal tradition of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) European Directive into the Italian planning system has so far induced a variety of behaviour of administrative bodies and planning agencies involved. In Italy and Sardinia, a new approach to landscape planning is characterizing spatial planning practice from the regional to the municipal level. Currently municipalities are adjusting their master plan to the prescriptions of the regional landscape planning instrument (in Italian, Piano Paesaggistico Regionale, PPR), according to processes that have to be integrated with a proper SEA development. With respect to this background, the aim of this paper is to assess the level of SEA implementation on the master plans of Sardinia six years after the approval of the PPR. The first results show that many municipalities are not provided with a master plan (in Italian, Piano Urbanistico Comunale, PUC) and they have in force just an old planning tool. Moreover, just some municipalities have adapted the PUC to the PPR carrying out a SEA process.
Evolution of some Mediterranean landscapes of Central Italy from historical aerial photographs
Authors: Ripa Maria Nicolina , Ciapanna Francesco , Filibeck Goffredo , Gobattoni Federica , Leone Antonio , Pelorosso Raffaele , Piccinno Matteo , Rossi Carlo Maria , Recanatesi Fabio
Published: September 2016

Aerial photos represent the main existent database providing evidence of landscape changes with high detail. The analysis of land cover changes plays a key role in understanding a great variety of phenomena in several research fields. Landscapes are made by society and reflect the changing society and attitude towards the environment. The reorientation of farming system, the practical results of planning processes, the rate and magnitude of the changes in the landscape are some of the most important factors relating to the evolution of our landscapes and are very helpful for the understanding of evolution processes and consequently for the design of landscape-orientated policies. Pressures upon the landscape and values of our landscapes can be defined according to their traditional characteristics; traditional landscapes can be defined as those landscapes having a distinct and recognizable structure, which reflect relations between the composing elements and have a significance for natural, cultural or aesthetical values. In most cases, such landscapes evolved slowly and took centuries to form their values. Sometimes land changes happen fast and spread in vast areas so that some agricultural or natural landscapes, widely perceived as traditional, have very recent origin. In this paper, some preliminary observation and case-studies performed on a set of historical photos are dealt with. In 1935, the Italian Land Register Department commissioned SARA company to survey Viterbo province between 1935-1938 through aerial photographs. During the survey, 5,000 photographs on glass plates were taken at a very low altitude, featuring a very high resolution. Thus, they represents a valuable source of information for documenting past and present land-use practices, local cultural heritage and changes in the landscape. Processing this set of historical photos has started, aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively analyse the 1935-1938 landscape patterns and their role in the development of nowadays landscapes.
Modelling and optimization of a local smart grid for an agro-industrial site
Authors: Fabrizio Enrico , Branciforti Valeria , Filippi Marco , Barbero Silvia , Tecco Giuseppe
Published: September 2016

A smart grid is defined where different elements are interconnected between them and with the public utility grid. The development of smart grids is considered a strategic goal at both national and international levels and has been funded by many research programs. Within the BEE (Building Energy Ecosystems) project, funded by the Piedmont Region under the European POR FESR 2007-13 scheme, the creation of an electricity smart grid at a local level in a small agroindustry was done. This industry is one of the so-called prosumer, that is both a producer and a consumer of energy. The energy production is done by means of solar photovoltaic and biomass. In this local smart grid, the elements were subdivided in two main groups: loads (process machineries in the case study) and generators (PV and biomass in the case study). The loads may be further subdivided into permanent loads, mandatory loads and shiftable loads. The objective of the smart grid is the minimization of the exchanges between the local grid and the public utility grid. Even though no financial savings occur, this is important for the community grid. The problem is therefore to find the conditions that let the net exported energy going to zero at each time step, so arriving close to a self-sufficient system by modifying the shiftable loads. In a first phase of the study, the consumers were studied and, according to some characteristics of the machineries employed and the production requirements, grouped into production lines that can or not be switched off for intervals of time in order to compensate the smart grid fluctuations. The smart grid balancing may be done on an instantaneous basis, or in a predictive way considering the future weather forecasts and the future production requirements. The demo site was equipped with measurement instrumentation, data acquisition tools and a user interface that may be used to visualize all the quantities that are measured but also to perform the actions suggested by the optimization strategy (start/stop machineries, organization of production, etc).
The translation of biblion and biblos in the light of oral and scribal practice
Authors: Naudé Jacobus A. , Miller-Naudé Cynthia L.
Published: September 2016

The Bible was composed both by way of oral tradition and by scribal activity. Various descriptions exist of the development and relationship of the dominant forms of orality and scribal tradition throughout the history of media culture. Utilising the insights of, and debate on, the field of Biblical Performance Criticism, this article argues for an articulated description of the interrelationship of oral and written. The article argues that these two aspects cannot be absolutely separated, either chronologically or in terms of importance, neither can they be ignored as part of a coherent model to depict the media history of the Bible. In the light of this model the article discusses the interpretation and translation of the words βιβλίον and βίβλος, which are sometimes misunderstood and mistranslated, because of a failure to understand the process of committing the oral biblical tradition to a preferred writing medium.
The effect of cattle breed, season and type of diet on the fatty acid profile of raw milk
Authors: Hanuš Oto , Křížová Ludmila , Samková Eva , Špička Jiří , Kučera Josef , Klimešová Marcela , Roubal Petr , Jedelská Radoslava
Published: September 2016

Abstract. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of cow breed, season and type of diet on the fatty acid (FA) profile of raw milk. A 2-year study was conducted on bulk milk samples collected from eight herds consisting of Czech Fleckvieh (CF, four herds) and Holstein (H, four herds) breeds. One half of the herds of each breed was grazed (G), while the other half was not (N). Samples were collected twice in winter (W) and twice in summer (S). Milk yield in CF (5385.50 kg) was lower than in H (7015.15 kg, P <  0.05). The effect of breed was found in odd-chain, branch-chain and hypercholesterolemic FAs (P <  0.05). The content of fat was lower in summer (S) than in winter (W), being 3.71 and 3.91 g 100 g−1, respectively (P <  0.05). The proportion of saturated and polyunsaturated FAs was lower in S than in W (P <  0.05). The content of monounsaturated FAs was higher in S (30.69 g 100 g−1) than in W (27.72 g 100 g−1, P <  0.05). Milk yield in grazing herds (G, 5197.50 kg) was lower (P <  0.05) than in non-grazing herds (N, 7203.75 kg). The sum of saturated and hypercholesterolemic FAs was lower and the sum of monounsaturated and odd-chain FAs was higher in G than in N (P <  0.05). Content of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and C18:3n3 was higher in G (0.93 and 0.64 g 100 g−1) than in N (0.42 and 0.39 g 100 g−1, respectively, P <  0.001).
Responses of the diatom Asterionellopsis glacialis to increasing sea water CO2 concentrations and the effect of turbulence
Authors: Gallo Francesca , Schulz Kai G. , Azevedo Eduardo B. , Madruga João , Barcelos e Ramos Joana
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), are lead to increasing global and surface ocean temperatures. At the same time, as CO2 equilibrates between the atmosphere and the surface ocean, it decreases sea water pH. As a result, the changes in physical and chemical properties of the ocean can affect marine primary producers in various ways. A number of researches have addressed the effects of ocean acidification on marine phytoplankton. However, phytoplankton responses to combined effects are still poorly understood. Here, we chose monospecific cultures of the cosmopolitan chain forming diatom Asterionellopsis glacialis (A. glacialis), grown semi-continuously under controlled laboratory conditions, to assess the combined effect of ocean acidification (~ 420 to 2800 µatm) and turbulence. At current CO2 levels, growth rates of A. glacialis increased under enhanced turbulence. This was the result of an optimum shift towards lower CO2 concentrations and accompanied by a prevalence of longer chains (more than 6 cells). For increasing CO2 levels (up to ~ 2800 µatm) and decreased pH values, enhanced turbulence significantly decreased growth rates, chain length and organic matter production of A. glacialis. Thus, our study suggests that, even though A. glacialis benefited from enhanced turbulence, at present carbon dioxide concentration, at higher CO2 levels, turbulence magnified the stress by acidification. If in the future, the ocean surface layer will be more frequently exposed to storm and wind events, then phytoplankton communities might be more sensitive to lower pH, with potential consequences for community composition and productivity.
An Extended Kriging method to interpolate soil moisture data measured by wireless sensor network
Authors: Zhang Jialin , Li Xiuhong , Liu Qiang , Zhao Long , Dou Baocheng
Published: September 2016

Abstract. In recent years, wireless sensor network (WSN) has emerged as a new technique to collect Earth observation data at a relatively low cost and minimal labor over large areas. However, WSN observations are still point data. To determine the spatial distribution of a land surface parameter, interpolation of these point data is necessary. Some geostatistical interpolation methods, such as the Ordinary Kriging method, Co-Kriging method, and Regression Kriging method, have been used in various fields. However, capturing the spatial distribution pattern of heterogeneous land surface parameters is still difficult. For example, near-surface soil moisture is a critical parameter for agriculture management, and hydrological and ecological research. However, as soil moisture is related to many factors such as topography, soil type, and vegetation, even a WSN observation grid is not sufficiently dense to reflect its spatial distribution pattern. This study developed a method to interpolate WSN-measured soil moisture with the aid of remote sensing images. The underlying idea is extension of the traditional Kriging algorithm by introducing spectral variables, specifically, vegetation index (VI) and albedo, from satellite imagery as supplementary information to aid interpolation. Thus, the new Extended Kriging algorithm operates on spatial and spectral combined space. The algorithm has been applied to WSN-measured data in the HiWATER campaign to generate daily soil moisture maps in the 5 km ×: 5 km oasis area in the middle reaches of the Heihe River, western China, from June 10 to July 15, 2012. Visual inspections indicate that the result from the Extended Kriging algorithm shows more spatial details than that of the traditional Kriging algorithm, and the temporal variation of patch-average soil moisture is, in general, consistent with precipitation/irrigation data. Leave-one-out cross-validation was also adopted to estimate the interpolation accuracy. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of the Extended Kriging method was also found to be smaller than that of the original Ordinary Kriging method. Analysis with minimum variance of error (σk), a self-uncertainty indicator given by the Kriging algorithm, also gave the same conclusion. Further testing also indicated that if high-resolution land surface temperature maps are available, they can be added to the spectral variables and further improve the interpolation accuracy.
USING PARTICIPATORY APPROACH TO IMPROVE AVAILABILITY OF SPATIAL DATA FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Authors: Kliment T. , Cetl V. , Tomič H. , Lisiak J. , Kliment M.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Nowadays, the availability of authoritative geospatial features of various data themes is becoming wider on global, regional and national levels. The reason is existence of legislative frameworks for public sector information and related spatial data infrastructure implementations, emergence of support for initiatives as open data, big data ensuring that online geospatial information are made available to digital single market, entrepreneurs and public bodies on both national and local level. However, the availability of authoritative reference spatial data linking the geographic representation of the properties and their owners are still missing in an appropriate quantity and quality level, even though this data represent fundamental input for local governments regarding the register of buildings used for property tax calculations, identification of illegal buildings, etc. We propose a methodology to improve this situation by applying the principles of participatory GIS and VGI used to collect observations, update authoritative datasets and verify the newly developed datasets of areas of buildings used to calculate property tax rates issued to their owners. The case study was performed within the district of the City of Požega in eastern Croatia in the summer 2015 and resulted in a total number of 16072 updated and newly identified objects made available online for quality verification by citizens using open source geospatial technologies.
SUSTAINABLE AND SMART CITY PLANNING USING SPATIAL DATA IN WALLONIA
Authors: Stephenne N. , Beaumont B. , Hallot E. , Wolff E. , Poelmans L. , Baltus C.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. Simulating population distribution and land use changes in space and time offer opportunities for smart city planning. It provides a holistic and dynamic vision of fast changing urban environment to policy makers. Impacts, such as environmental and health risks or mobility issues, of policies can be assessed and adapted consequently. In this paper, we suppose that “Smart” city developments should be sustainable, dynamic and participative. This paper addresses these three smart objectives in the context of urban risk assessment in Wallonia, Belgium. The sustainable, dynamic and participative solution includes (i) land cover and land use mapping using remote sensing and GIS, (ii) population density mapping using dasymetric mapping, (iii) predictive modelling of land use changes and population dynamics and (iv) risk assessment. The comprehensive and long-term vision of the territory should help to draw sustainable spatial planning policies, to adapt remote sensing acquisition, to update GIS data and to refine risk assessment from regional to city scale.
GROWTH SCENARIOS FOR THE CITY OF GUANGZHOU, CHINA: TRANSFERABILITY AND CONFIRMABILITY
Authors: Lehner A. , Kraus V. , Wei C. , Steinnocher K.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. This work deals with the development of urban growth scenarios and the prevision of the spatial distribution of built-up area and population for the urban area of the city of Guangzhou in China. Using freely-available data, including remotely sensed data as well as census data from the ground, expenditure of time and costs shall remain low. Guangzhou, one of the biggest cities within the Pearl River Delta, has faced an enormous economic and urban growth during the last three decades. Due to its economical and spatial characteristics it is a promising candidate for urban growth scenarios. The monitoring and prediction of urban growth comprises data of population and give them a spatial representation. The model, originally applied for the Indian city Ahmedabad, is used for urban growth scenarios. Therefore, transferability and confirmability of the model are evaluated. Challenges that may occur by transferring a model for urban growth from one region to another are discussed. With proposing the use of urban remote sensing and freely available data, urban planners shall be fitted with a comprehensible and simple tool to be able to contribute to the future challenge Smart Growth.
RESOLUTION IN PHOTOVOLTAIC POTENTIAL COMPUTATION
Authors: Alam N. , Coors V. , Zlatanova S. , Oosterom P. J. M.
Published: September 2016

Abstract. In this paper, an analysis of the effect of the various types of resolution involved in photovoltaic potential computation is presented. To calculate solar energy incident on a surface, shadow from surrounding buildings has been considered. The incident energy on a surface has been calculated taking the orientation, tilt and position into consideration. Different sky visibility map has been created for direct and diffuse radiation and only the effect of resolution of the factors has been explored here. The following four resolutions are considered: 1. temporal resolution (1, 10, 60 minutes time interval for calculating visibility of sun), 2. object surface resolution (0.01, 0.1, 0.375, 0.75, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 m2 as maximum triangle size of a surface to be considered), 3. blocking obstacle resolution (number of triangles from LoD1, LoD2, or LoD3 CityGML building models), and 4. sky resolution (ranging from 150 to 600 sky-patches used to divide the sky-dome). Higher resolutions result in general in more precise estimation of the photovoltaic potential, but also the computation time is increasing, especially as realizes that this computation has to be done for every building with its object surface (both roofs and façades). This paper is the first in depth analysis ever of the effect of resolution and will help to configure the proper settings for effective photovoltaic potential computations.
An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Tutorial Learning Aids in MyMathLab: Part 2
Authors: Raines Joan M. , Clark Linda M.
Published: September 2016

The intent of the study was to continue an examination of the learning aids that are available for students to use when completing homework online in MyMathLab and try to determine if these aids improved mathematics learning and achievement in a redesigned elementary algebra course. A quasi-experimental pre/posttest design was employed to investigate data for 225 students enrolled in eleven sections of the course. Comparisons were made among four groups – a control group having access to both learning aids and three experimental groups having access to only one or none of the aids. Based on the findings of the data analysis, the two learning aids “Help Me Solve This” and “View an Example” appeared to have no effect on mathematics learning and student outcomes in the course. However, it did appear that for certain mathematics content, the type of learning aid students had access to made a difference in homework grades.
The Impact of Organizational Health on Student Achievement in a High Needs District
Authors: Zamora Roberto , Hernandez Rosalinda
Published: September 2016

This study establishes the relationship between organizational health and student achievement in English Language Arts and Mathematics in grades 3-11.  The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess the relationship between student achievement as measured by student performance in the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness and organizational health.  The Spearman Rho correlation coefficient was computed to determine the strength of the relationships between student achievement and the ten dimensions of organizational health.  The findings indicated there was a positive relationship between student performance and the dimensions of organizational health with morale and goal focus exhibiting the greatest strengths.Key words:  organizational health, dimensions, accountability, school culture, organizational culture
Cultural Influence on Strategic Human Resource Management Practices: A Jordanian Case Study
Authors: Obeidat Bader , Al-Sarayrah Safa , Tarhini Ali , Al-Dmour Rand Hani , Al-Salti Zahran , Sweis Rateb
Published: September 2016

This study aims to investigate the impact of national culture on strategic human resource management (SHRM) practices on Pharmaceutical industries in Jordan. A quantitative research design using regression analysis was applied in this study and a total of 133 were obtained through a questionnaire distributed to pharmaceutical industries in Jordan. The results showed that national culture dimensions significantly affect SHRM practices and namely, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long term orientation, and individualism have an impact on SHRM practices. Except power distance has insignificant effect on SHRM practices. This study implies that HR managers must be aware of national culture of their country, and try to link it with SHRM practices to improve the company’s performance. Moreover, since national culture explained 20% of the variance in SHRM practices, future researches should be directed towards examining other factors affecting SHRM practices.
Assessment of Vegetation Cover Degradation Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques along Sudanese Red Sea Coast (Suakin to Ashad)
Authors: Fadoul Nuri Atiyat Abdalla , Ahmed Hamid Amna , Doka M. Ali El Abbas , Mohamed Salih Eltegani
Published: September 2016

This study aimed to assess the vegetation cover degradation in the Sudanese Red Sea coast (from Suakin to Ashad) after the drought during the period from 2000 - 2011. Remote Sensing and GIS techniques were used beside field survey to conduct the study. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) terra 2000 -2001, 2005-2006 and 2010-2011 time-Series images mainly the 16 days Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) product and Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) images dated 2005 and 2010 were used. Unsupervised classification methods were used to detect vegetation cover of the study area. Based on field survey investigations, beside the data collected on the study area and image interpretation, it was evident that season 2005-2006 and season 2006-2010 are good seasons in the vegetation cover compared to season 2000-2001. Five land cover classes were detected; wet land, bare land and three classes of vegetation cover (dense vegetation, moderately dense vegetation and sparse vegetation cover). Spectral signatures of the three dominant land cover vegetation species were detected.  Areas of the three classes of vegetation cover area (dense vegetation, moderately dense vegetation and sparse vegetation cover) were calculated per km2. The study concluded that MODIS could be used as a cost effective tool in assessing land cover changes and monitoring vegetation cover degradation.As well, it could also be used to detect fairly the different vegetation species in arid and semiarid regions.
Elderly Sports, Challenges and Solutions (Case Study: Western Provinces of Iran)
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad , Etemadizadeh Hedayatollah
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this research was to discuss the challenges and solutions regarding elderly sports in western provinces of Iran. The research is survey-descriptive and has conducted as field method. The data population were men and women aged over 60 years in the western provinces of Iran at 2015 that their number is 750,000 people according to statistics taken from official authorities. Among the population the 2,540 people were selected using Morgan table. Sampling method was accessible method. Researcher made questionnaire was used for data collection which contained 30 item in the 5 item Likert scale. The validity of questionnaire confirmed by 11 people of sport management professors. The reliability of the questionnaire was obtained 0.74 using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive statistics indexes (Mean, standard deviation, and percent) and Chi-squared test were used for analyzing data. Results indicated that lack of sufficient recreational and sports facilities, low levels of education, low levels of income, physical weakness, cultural factors, psychological characteristics, family and proper education play a significant role in enjoyment of sports and leisure. With respect to results, it is recommended to establish sports and recreational sites for development of elderly sports.
Comparing Two Waist-to-Height Ratio Measurements with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Youth with Diabetes
Authors: Liu Lenna L. , Kahn Henry S. , Pettitt David J. , Fino Nora F. , Morgan Tim , Maahs David M. , Crimmins Nancy A. , Lamichhane Archana P. , Liese Angela D. , D’Agostino Jr. Ralph B. , Bell Ronny A.
Published: September 2016

Background: Waist circumference (WC) is commonly measured by either the World Health Organization (WHO) or National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) protocol.
Objective: Compare the associations of WHO vs. NHANES WC-to-height ratio (WHtR) protocols with cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) in a sample of youth with diabetes.
Methods: For youth (10–19 years old with type 1 [N=3082] or type 2 [N=533] diabetes) in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study, measurements were obtained of WC (by two protocols), weight, height, fasting lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, Non-HDL cholesterol) and blood pressures. Associations of CMRFs with WHO and NHANES WHtR were modeled stratified by body mass index (BMI) percentiles for age/sex: lower BMI (<85th BMI percentile; N=2071) vs. higher BMI (≥85th percentile; N=1594).
Results: Among lower-BMI participants, both NHANES and WHO WHtR were associated (p<0.005) with all CMRFs except blood pressure. Among higher-BMI participants, both NHANES and WHO WHtR were associated (p<0.05) with all CMRFs. WHO WHtR was more strongly associated (p<0.05) than NHANES WHtR with triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure in lower-BMI participants. Among high-BMI participants, WHO WHtR was more strongly associated (p<0.05) than NHANES WHtR with triglycerides and systolic blood pressure.
Conclusion: Among youth with diabetes, WHtR calculated from either WC protocol captures cardiometabolic risk. The WHO WC protocol may be preferable to NHANES WC.
Time-resolved intensity and spectral changes in a wide-ridge terahertz quantum cascade laser by optical pulse injection
Authors: Sakasegawa Yohei , Saito Shingo , Sekine Norihiko , Kasamatsu Akifumi , Ashida Masaaki , Hosako Iwao
Published: September 2016

We report the intensity and spectral changes in a multi-mode terahertz quantum cascade laser induced by injecting λ = 800 nm optical pulses through a cavity facet. We find that photogenerated carriers, via modulation of the intersubband gain, increase the threshold current by up to 0.2 A and cause spectral changes such that the individual peaks of the multi-lateral-mode spectra are varied in amplitude with different ratios. It is found that the indirect recombination of electron–hole pairs and thermal relaxation on timescales of ∼700 ns and ∼10 µs, respectively, are involved in the recovery kinetics.
Reexaminations of the effects of magnetic field on the nucleation of undercooled Cu melt
Authors: Wang Jun , He Yixuan , Li Jinshan , Kou Hongchao , Beaugnon Eric
Published: September 2016

The effect of a high static magnetic field on the nucleation of an undercooled Cu melt has been investigated using a glass slag fluxing technique in a 12 T superconductor magnet. Controlled heating cycles with and without a magnetic field are performed and the results indicate that the magnetic field has no single effect on the mean undercooling of undercooled Cu liquid, which is different from previous reports. The high static magnetic field can enhance the undercooling of Cu at first, and the effect is weakened with increasing number of heating cycles. The undercooling of undercooled Cu is saturated at around 250 K regardless of the magnetic field after a certain number of heating cycles. The effects are interpreted on the basis of the thermodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic effects of the magnetic field on the undercooled melt and the heterogeneous nucleation theory.
High-photon-yield scintillation detector with Ar/CF4 and glass gas electron multiplier
Authors: Fujiwara Takeshi , Mitsuya Yuki , Yanagida Takayuki , Saito Takumi , Toyokawa Hiroyuki , Takahashi Hiroyuki
Published: September 2016

The glass made gas electron multiplier (GEM) and Ar/CF4-gas-based gaseous detector is developed as a scintillation detector and ultra high photon yield is demonstrated. The light yield of a glass GEM (G-GEM)-based gaseous detector is estimated to be 85,000 photons/keV, which is three orders of magnitude brighter than inorganic scintillators. The radioluminescence spectrum peak appeared at around 620 nm, which matches the spectral response of commonly used photosensors such as photomultiplier tubes, photodiodes, CMOSs, CCDs, and other photo-sensors. In X-ray spectroscopy, the light yield showed excellent proportionality and the device was successfully operated as a gas proportional scintillation counter. With this design, we obtained a high photon yield of the G-GEM, which has the further advantage of being much more sensitive to low-energy radiation than solid-scintillator-based detectors.
A structure state evaluation method based on electric-thermo-acoustic effect for tension materials
Authors: Yin Aijun , Zhang Panpan , Ouyang Qi
Published: September 2016

The material properties of a structure will change over the course of its service life. Monitoring for material properties can be used to evaluate equipment state. Characterising and tracking variations in properties have promising potential for the detection and evaluation of material state caused by fatigue or residual stress. Theoretical analysis for the formation of a thermo-acoustic effect is carried out and it reveals a kind of interaction between the resonance of gas heat and that of solid heat. This paper introduces an electric-thermo-acoustic model with a multi-layered structure and analyses the effects of the material properties on sound pressure. Based on this effect, a method for evaluating the performance of a multi-layered structure material is proposed that can be used to assess a greater number of physical properties than the existing approaches. The simulations and experiments with variations in material property are generated and processed with the proposed model, and the results verify the method’s efficiency.
Crystal structure and polarization hysteresis properties of ferroelectric BaTiO3 thin-film capacitors on (Ba,Sr)TiO3-buffered substrates
Authors: Maki Hisashi , Noguchi Yuji , Kutsuna Kazutoshi , Matsuo Hiroki , Kitanaka Yuuki , Miyayama Masaru
Published: September 2016

Ferroelectric BaTiO3 (BT) thin-film capacitors with a buffer layer of (Ba1−

x
Sr
x
)TiO3 (BST) have been fabricated on (001) SrTiO3 (STO) single-crystal substrates by a pulsed laser deposition method, and the crystal structure and polarization hysteresis properties have been investigated. X-ray diffraction reciprocal space mapping shows that the BST buffer effectively reduces the misfit strain relaxation of the BT films on SrRuO3 (SRO) electrodes. The BT capacitor with the SRO electrodes on the BST (x = 0.3) buffer exhibits a well-saturated hysteresis loop with a remanent polarization of 29 µC/cm2. The hysteresis loop displays a shift toward a specific field direction, which is suggested to stem from the flexoelectric coupling between the out-of-plane polarization and the strain gradient adjacent to the bottom interface.
INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO DA PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO: O PROGRAMA DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM DESENVOLVIMENTO REGIONAL – UTFPR
Authors: Mattos Luciane Maria Serrer de , Rubin Oliveira Marlize
Published: September 2016

O texto apresenta uma reflexão sobre a internacionalização da Educação Superior, enfatizando o Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná – Campus Pato Branco. O objetivo é analisar a trajetória do Programa no que se refere à internacionalização e, para tanto, apresenta-se um panorama da internacionalização da Educação Superior e uma pesquisa documental a partir dos currículos (lattes) dos professores permanentes do Programa. Além disso, faz-se um levantamento dos estudantes estrangeiros matriculados no Programa desde sua criação. As análises demonstram baixo nível de internacionalização no Programa, fato que já foi percebido pelo corpo docente e que faz parte da Proposta do Programa como um desafio a ser efetivado.
POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS E EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL: UMA ANÁLISE SOBRE O AUTISMO
Authors: Guareschi Taís , Alves Marcia Doralina , Naujorks Maria Inês
Published: September 2016

O campo da Educação Especial tem sofrido diversas modificações em relação à definição dos sujeitos a quem essa modalidade se destina. Este artigo visa analisar como o autismo foi sendo, ao longo do tempo, nomeado e concebido nesse campo em políticas públicas nacionais e documentos publicados pelo Ministério da Educação (MEC) e pelo Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira (INEP) no Brasil. A metodologia de investigação utilizada é a pesquisa documental, tomando como materialidade de análise documentos publicados de 1994 a 2015. A análise evidenciou constantes alterações nas formas de nomeação, abordagem do autismo de forma pouco clara e discurso médico psiquiátrico sendo tomado como referência em documentos mais recentes.
DA COMUNICAÇÃO POPULAR À EDUCOMUNICAÇÃO: REFLEXÕES NO CAMPO DA “EDUCAÇÃO COMO CULTURA”
Authors: Márques Fernanda Telles , Talarico Blueth Sabrina Lobo Uchôa
Published: September 2016

Partindo de uma abordagem da educação como cultura, o artigo objetiva apresentar o campo da Educomunicação considerando seus fundamentos éticos e políticos na América Latina, bem como as nuanças de sua identidade interdisciplinar. Trata-se de um estudo realizado em abordagem qualitativa, envolvendo pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. O texto divide-se em três momentos. Inicialmente contextualiza a Comunicação Popular latino-americana e identifica suas bases na Pedagogia Freireana, depois descreve o processo de surgimento da Educomunicação, para, ao final, refletir sobre a interdisciplinaridade que tão bem a caracteriza.
MULHERES EGRESSAS DA EJA NA UNIVERSIDADE: ENTRE INTEMPÉRIES, SONHOS POSSÍVEIS E INÉDITOS VIÁVEIS
Authors: Dias Alder De Sousa , Oliveira Júlia Milena Da Paixão , Dos Santos Manoel Raimundo , Dos Santos Odite das Graças Brilhante
Published: September 2016

O artigo aborda a modalidade de ensino Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA). Visa analisar o perfil sociocultural e socioeducacional de mulheres egressas da EJA e os significados atribuídos quanto ao ingresso, como discente, de uma universidade pública. Resulta de uma pesquisa etnossociológica de abordagem qualitativa. Os sujeitos são quatro mulheres discentes de uma universidade pública, egressas da EJA. Os dados foram apreendidos pela técnica denominada de entrevista narrativa, sistematizados em quadros e analisados por concepções presentes no texto, como: sujeito-educando da EJA, sonho possível e inédito viável. Dentre os resultados, aponta-se para os contextos de negação da vida humana. Conclui-se que as mulheres demonstraram que é possível transformar a história.