bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Loads Management for Damaged Offshore Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Richards Phillip W. , Griffth D. Todd , Hodges Dewey H.
Published: June 2015

The diffculty of access for offshore wind turbines leads to expensive and rare opportunities for maintenance. Smart loads management (derating) is investigated for the potential to reduce offshore costs of energy. Derating refers to altering the rotor angular speed and blade pitch to limit loads on damaged rotor blades at the cost of reduced power production. The economic benefits of derating wind turbines with damaged blades are demonstrated in terms of the potential to avoid full shutdown or delay maintenance. High fidelity analysis techniques like 3D finite element modeling (FEM) are used alongside beam models of wind turbine blades to characterize these strategies in terms of their effect to mitigate damage growth. This study considers a common damage type for wind turbine blades, the bond line failure, and shows how 3D FEM can be used to quantify the effect of operations and control strategies designed to extend the fatigue life of damaged blades.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Boundary Conditions Effects on the Dynamics of Wind Turbines
Authors: Baqersad Javad , Niezrecki Christopher , Avitabile Peter
Published: June 2015

Conducting an experimental modal test on a wind turbine attached to a tower is very challenging due to the size of these structures, number of sensors required, accessibility to desired measurement locations, time required for testing, and cost. Therefore, having an insight into the effects of the coupled turbine/tower and correlating the dynamic characteristics of an assembled wind turbine to experimentally measured modes of an individual blade or modes of a turbine disconnected from the tower is desirable. In this paper, the effects of boundary conditions on the dynamic behavior of a wind turbine are numerically and experimentally studied. Furthermore, the mode contribution matrix of the wind turbine assembled to the tower is used to identify the contributions of the modal vectors of the tower and three-bladed turbine to the dynamic characteristics of the assembled wind turbine.
Characterisation of an Elastomer for Noise and Vibration Insulation in Lightweight Timber Buildings
Authors: Negreira Juan , Austrell Per-Erik , Flodén Ola , Bard Delphine
Published: June 2015

Regulations regarding impact and airborne sound insulation for lightweight timber constructions have become increasingly stringent due in particular to complaints by inhabitants. Accordingly, some building techniques frequently use elastomers at junctions so as to reduce low frequency noise. Development of accurate predictive tools (involving exact material properties) by using numerical methods such as the finite element (FE) method is needed in tackling flanking transmission problems during the design phase of buildings. The present research concerns the characterisation of an elastomer, presenting an accurate method for extracting its material properties from the manufacturer's data sheet (properties there being often linked to such structural effects as shape factors and boundary conditions of samples and tests). The properties were extracted by comparing results obtained by analytical calculations, FE simulations, and mechanical testing, separating geometry and material dependence and ultimately serving as input to commercial FE software for setting up the aforementioned prediction tools.
Punching Shear Behavior of Concrete Flat Slabs in Elevated Temperature and Fire
Authors: Ghoreishi Mehrafarid , Bagchi Ashutosh , Sultan Mohamed A.
Published: June 2015

Two-way concrete flat slabs provide a number of benefits for office buildings, parking garages and apartments – for example, reduced formwork, prompt erection, minimal increase in story heights, and flexibility of partitions. Concrete flat slabs could be vulnerable to punching shear failure in the event of a fire. There are a limited number of studies available on concrete flat slabs for punching shear failure in fire. In the present study, a set of six reinforced concrete slabs are tested in ambient and elevated temperature to investigate their strength characteristics in punching shear failure. A model to estimate the punching shear capacity is developed and correlated with the available experimental data. Using the above model, a detailed parametric study is carried out to study the effects of various factors affecting the punching shear behavior. It is also shown that the existing code provisions for punching shear cannot predict slab behavior under fire exposure in some cases.
An Investigation into Linear and Nonlinear Behavior of Stiffened Steel Plate Shear Panels with Two Openings
Authors: Sabouri-Ghomi Saeid , Mamazizi Salaheddin , Alavi Manouchehr
Published: June 2015

One of the main advantages of using Steel Plate Shear Panels (SPSPs) as lateral load resisting system is the ability to create openings at desired locations within the panels for access and architectural requirements. Stiffeners are used on the infill plate in order to achieve better structural performance and optimum utilization of the system's linear and nonlinear capabilities. Three 1/3rd scale specimens with two openings and with different separations, subjected to cyclic loads, were used to study the structural behavior of SPSPs. The Plate-Frame Interaction (PFI) model, enhanced with additional refinements, was used in theoretical studies to determine the shear stiffness and ultimate shear strength of the SPSPs. The results of the theoretical studies were compared with the experimental and numerical methods. The outcome showed that the new PFI theory predicted the structural behavior of SPSPs with a good agreement.
Comparison of Damage Diagnosis Algorithms on a Spatial Frame Using Vibration Data
Authors: Sabatino Samantha , Ervin Elizabeth K.
Published: June 2015

Structural damage can be induced by short-term abnormal stresses as well as long-term natural aging. Detection of changes in a structure's ability to withstand subsequent loads can aid decisions on safety, repair, rehabilitation, and demolition. Dynamic property shifts can show internal cracks and minor damage before propagation or failure occurs, but only if a proper indicator is selected. In order to evaluate potential damage indices, a model three-story metal frame building was constructed and incrementally damaged. An as-built baseline was used for both sequential and cumulative comparisons to ten scenarios with removed bracing. Identical data sets are mined via twelve algorithms using six unique damage indicators, and each algorithm's performance is evaluated. Of all implemented schemes, frequency response function subtraction using frequency content differentials as a direct indicator is the most accurate damage detection scheme for the three-story test structure.
Column Axial Load Effects on Performance of Panel Zone in Welded-Flange-Plate Connections
Authors: Kosarieh Amir Homayoon , Danesh Fakhreddin , Shiri Ramin
Published: June 2015

In this study the effects of different levels of column axial load on seismic performance of Welded Flange Plate (WFP) connections with different panel zone strength are presented. Finite element method was used to do this investigation and reliability of the modelling method was verified by comparison with experimental available records in documents. Fifteen sub-assemblages of WFP connections were generated by means of ABAQUS software. The aim was to enhance the knowledge about the consequence of column axial load level on cyclic behaviour and fracture potential of the connections with different panel zone strength for external joints in Steel Moment Resisting Frames (SMRFs). Results showed that cyclic behaviour including hysteresis loops and energy dissipation were not affected significantly by increasing column axial load regardless of the panel zone strength. It was also found that increase of the fracture potential due to increase in column axial load became less pronounced when the panel zone strength was decreased.
Application of Snapshot POD Analysis in Extracting Flow Structures around Bridge Decks
Authors: Zhang W. , Ge Y.J. , Cai C.S.
Published: June 2015

The long span bridges have been much more flexible and vulnerable to wind induced vibrations due to their continuing increase of span length. To understand the mechanism of wind induced vibrations and achieve better vibration mitigation methods, the complex flow around the bridge decks have been carefully studied using advanced numerical simulations or advanced experimental techniques. In the present paper, the snapshot proper orthogonal decomposition (SSPOD) is used to analyze flow structures obtained from numerical simulations and fluid visualization techniques. The results from numerical simulations based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are compared with those from numerical simulations and experiments in the literature and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) experiments in the present study. For a demonstration purpose, flow structures around a square cylinder and a twin box bridge deck section were analyzed using the SSPOD. Periodical flow patterns were found in the downstream of the bluff body sections. The revised frozen turbulence hypothesis is used in the present study to analyze the vortex evolution in four phase angles when taking the lift coefficient as a reference signal. Vortex structures are successfully extracted and the vortices are found moving at a constant speed, while the non-dimensional frequency of the vortex moving is the same as the Strouhal number. For the twin-box girders, periodical flow pattern changes are found in the downstream of the twin-box girders, as well.
Behaviour and Design of Composite Beams with Stiffened and Unstiffened Web Openings
Authors: Ellobody Ehab , Young Ben
Published: June 2015

This paper presents an investigation on behaviour and design of composite beams with stiffened and unstiffened web openings. The composite beams were simply supported and had profiled steel sheeting oriented transversely to the steel beams. Nonlinear 3-D finite element models were developed to analyse the inelastic behaviour of composite beam components comprising the steel beam, concrete slab, profiled steel sheeting, headed stud shear connectors, reinforcement bars as well as interfaces among these components. In addition, the load-slip characteristic of the headed stud shear connectors in composite slabs with profiled steel sheeting were carefully incorporated into the finite element models. The finite element models of the composite beams have been validated against published experimental results. The composite beams had different moment-to-shear (M/V) ratios at the openings, stiffened and unstiffened web opening sizes, web opening locations, profiled steel sheeting, shear connections, beam lengths, concrete slab strengths and steel beam strengths. The ultimate loads of the composite beams, load-deflection relationships and modes of failure of the beams were predicted from the finite element analysis and compared well against the test results. Furthermore, the variables that influence the composite beam behaviour and ultimate load comprising different stiffened and unstiffened web opening sizes, M/V ratios at openings, web opening locations, beam lengths, concrete strengths and steel beam strengths, were also investigated in an extensive parametric study. It is shown that the ultimate loads of composite beams with stiffened web openings with horizontal stiffeners located above and below the openings, having an opening height equal to 0.6 the steel beam depth, can be considerably increased compared with that of unstiffened openings. It is also shown that the increase in structural steel strength has a remarkable effect on the composite beam ultimate loads. In addition, the ultimate loads of the composite beams with stiffened and unstiffened web openings predicted from the finite element analysis were compared with the design ultimate loads calculated using the Eurocode 4 and technical report SCI P355 published by the Steel Construction Institute for composite beams with profiled steel sheeting and rectangular stiffened and unstiffened web openings. Generally, it is shown that the design ultimate loads accurately predicted the ultimate loads of the composite beams within an average of 6% difference from the ultimate loads predicted using the finite element analysis.
A techno-economical evaluation for energy exploitation of wastes from agro-processing industries: a case study of cotton processing wastes
Authors: Ozturk H. Huseyin
Published: June 2015

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining energy from cotton processing waste oil and heating demand in the cotton oil processing. For the techno-economical feasibility, Cukobirlik cotton union, located in Adana, Turkey was selected considering capacity per annum. The techno-economical feasibility of cotton processing wastes for fossil fuel substitution running three scenarios was examined. The case study constitutes of the following parts, background information and description of the company activities, the existing facilities and its energy requirements, the second the technical options for the exploitation of biomass and the results of their financial appraisal, environmental considerations, risks and assumptions and finally conclusions and recommendations. The economic and financial assessment of the investment for biomass utilization in Cukobirlik cotton union includes the calculation of the economic viability parameters and cash flow analysis table and investment return indices. An economical solution was determined to be scenario 2 for Cukurova cotton union. The values of discounted payback period, net present value, internal rate of return and benefit to cost ratio were calculated as 3.28 years, 2 832 421 €, 34.07% and 3.31 for scenario 2. Based on the results of the pre-feasibility study, it seems that the installation of a 5 MW biomass boiler to Cukobirlik for substitution of fuel oil (scenario 2) is a very attractive investment and is still favorite in comparison with the installation of a natural gas boiler to meet the same needs when the natural gas price is higher than 0.37 €/Nm3.
Performance evaluation of selected gas turbine power plants in Nigeria using energy and exergy methods
Authors: Oyedepo S.O. , Fagbenle R.O , Adefila S.S , Alam M.M
Published: June 2015

This study presents thermodynamic analysis of the design and performance of eleven selected gas turbine power plants using the first and second laws of thermodynamics concepts. Energy and exergy analyses were conducted using operating data collected from the power plants to determine the energy loss and exergy destruction of each major component of the gas turbine plant. Energy analysis showed that the combustion chamber and the turbine are the components having the highest proportion of energy loss in the plants. Energy loss in combustion chamber and turbine varied from 33.31 to 39.95% and 30.83 to 35.24% respectively. The exergy analysis revealed that the combustion chamber is the most exergy destructive component compared to other cycle components. Exergy destruction in the combustion chamber varied from 86.05 to 94.67%. Combustion chamber has the highest exergy improvement potential which range from 30.21 to 88.86 MW. Also, its exergy efficiency is lower than that of other components studied, which is due to the high temperature difference between working fluid and burner temperature. Increasing gas turbine inlet temperature (GTIT), the exergy destruction of this component can be reduced.
Comparative study of constraint optimizations for automatic voltage regulator
Authors: Mehta Utkal , Vachkov Gancho
Published: June 2015

A notable literature is available on optimal design of PID parameters using various evolutionary algorithms. The proper selection of an optimization algorithm is significantly important in finding the robust solution for a given optimization problem. Two most powerful optimization techniques are cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). In this paper, a tight constraint is developed to ensure the less variation in the control input signal and at the same time the overall dynamic performance is not compromised for automatic voltage regulator (AVR) system. Then, using two metaheuristic search algorithms the optimal tune techniques are implemented by imposing the performance index. The presented performance index performs well in the presence of the uncertainties in system parameters. A result is discussed in the simulation study.
Green Marketing: A Grey-based Rough Set Theory Analysis of Activities
Authors: Xu ZhiJun , Liu Xiaobing , Bai Chunguang , Hu Lijie
Published: June 2015

As green marketing is a critical function of green supply chain management, it has generated a great deal of discussion in public discourse and academic research. Interestingly, there is a gap in the research on how a company can effectively invest and manage various green marketing activities. Thus this paper aims to introduce a grey multiple criteria decision-making methodology to investigate the relationships between green marketing activities and performance outcomes (environmental and business performance). This paper seeks to make the following contributions to the green supply chain management literature. First, review the literature to identify implementation activities for green marketing from green supply chain management literature. Second, develop a methodology to evaluate relationships of green marketing activities by integrating grey number and rough set method. Third, obtain various decision rules relating the various green marketing activities to the environmental and/or business performance outcomes through an illustrative application within an incomplete information system. Knowing those rules to help in the implementation, management, and evaluation of these green marketing activities is valuable to both researchers and practitioners. Included in the discussion are insights into how these rules for individual and aggregated performance (environmental, business, and joint performance) may be evaluated. Practical and research implications of this work are detailed in the final section of this paper.
Evaluation of Factors Influencing Technological Innovations of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigerian Industrial Estates
Authors: O. O. Babalola , S. O. Amiolemen , S. A. Adegbite , G. Ojo-Emmanuel
Published: June 2015

Innovation is not just an individual act of learning by a firm or entrepreneur, but anchored within a larger system that enables and draws on the innovation process. Hence there is need to study internal and external factors that influence technological innovation outputs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs at four industrial estates in Nigeria were sampled for this study. Several internal factors such as firm size, turnover, age, ownership, and expenditure on innovation activities did not have significant relationships with innovation output, signifying they are not the factors promoting innovation levels. Quality of human resources and interactions with suppliers as an external factor within the national innovation system (NIS) both made significant impact on innovation. Innovative performance of the firms is mainly influenced by demand or market pull factors more than technology push sources. The study recommends increasing interaction and dynamism within the NIS; substantial investment to galvanize industrial and technological capabilities of the firms and their supply chains; and adequate supply of infrastructure and funds to SMEs.
Fire Resistance Performance of Welded Built-up Square CFT Columns with Reduced Intumescent Paint
Authors: Kim SunHee , Yom KyongSoo , Choi SungMo
Published: June 2015

Welded built-up square CFT columns are widely employed in construction field thanks to their structural efficiencies by avoiding stress concentration area and improving workability in fabrication and maximizing the composite effect enabled by bent ribs. Although welded built-up square CFT columns have structural advantages over other members and are widely used, they are classified as non-fireproof in Korea because the steel tubes are directly exposed to a fire. Thus, fire coating required for the columns by the law results in inefficient design. This study suggests welded built-up square CFT columns with reduced coating to enable improved fire-resistance performance for 2˜3 hours. The purpose of the study is to analyse their fire-resistance performance using the variable of axial Load ratio which is the major factor in the performance and suggest efficient functional design with reduced coating.
Interactive Interoperability Between Firefighters and Fire Protection Equipment
Authors: Horová Kamila , Entler Slavomír , Wald František
Published: June 2015

In 2005 coal handling bridges in Opatovice power station, Czech Republic, were damaged by fire. Effects of the fire limited coal supply for 3 months. Following that fire the new fire protection equipment have been gradually installed in other Czech power plants.

In 2009 the complex automatic fire protection equipment of coal handling route was installed into operation in Tušimice power plant. However, after starting the operation it showed that activation of the extinguishing system on the inclined conveyor bridge threatened the health and life of fire-fighters conducting an intervention.

In this paper an interactive algorithm that ensures a flexible cooperation intervening fire-fighters and automatic extinguishing system without a risk of fire-fighters life is investigated. To confirm the applicability of the interoperability algorithm possible fire scenario is analysed in NIST code FDS. Development of gas temperatures in strong chimney flow gives also a view into part of mechanical response of structure.
New Reflections on the Protection of World Heritage in the Future: Global Symbolic Meaning of Autochthonous and Indigenous Origins of Water Navigation
Authors: Erič Miran
Published: June 2015

The findings of prehistoric logboats, dugout canoes and other vessels all over the world mark the beginning of shipbuilding and transportation traditions. The part of this important world heritage landscape is also Ljubljansko barje. This great story of transportation on water, which is closely linked to man's traditional coexistence with water and his life in aquatic environments, has a strong symbolic meaning since the vast majority of humanity lives near the seas, lakes and rivers. In the general story of shipping traditions, shipbuilding and vessel typology in the framework of world heritage, the simple prehistoric vessels as logboats, canoe, basket boats, reed boats, bamboo rafts, etc. are, have not been paid enough attention so far, although they definitely deserve it, as they represent the origins of the mankind's navigational tradition.
New Approaches to Understanding the World Natural and Cultural Heritage by Using 3D Technology: UNESCO's Škocjan Caves, Slovenia
Authors: Novaković Gregor , Mlekuž Dimitrij , Rozman Luka , Lazar Aleš , Peric Borut , Cerkvenik Rosana , Peternelj Karmen , Erič Miran
Published: June 2015

Karstic landscape is a specific heritage, where surface and underground are part of single landscape. Where underground (caves, shafts…) played an important role in the development of surface. Landscape where natural an anthropogenic processes worked hand in hand. Caves were often treated as being separate from the outside landscape, recorded in isolation form landscape which they are part of. However, this complex heritage requires integrative methodologies, that would integrate cave record with the landscape.
Prevention of dehydration in hospital inpatients
Authors: Johnstone Philippa , Alexander Ratan , Hickey Nick
Published: June 2015

Background:

The adverse effects of dehydration in hospital inpatients can be severe, resulting in morbidity and even mortality. This study examined the ability of surgical patients in a district general hospital to undertake the seemingly minor but critically important task of taking on oral fluids using the conventional, hospital-supplied, water jug and glass.

Methods:

Surgical patients receiving oral fluids were interviewed on two occasions. A questionnaire assessed the patient's capacity to use the water jug and recorded his or her experience. The patient's ability to use jugs with varying volumes of water was then observed.

Results:

Some patients simply could not physically lift the conventional jug of water and often went thirsty; 42% of patients could not reach the jug of water at the time of interview; 31% of patients found the simple task of pouring a glass of water difficult, very difficult or impossible.

Conclusion:

Patients need their individual requirements to be assessed and their preferences addressed on admission to hospital, by means of a fluid-assessment chart. Alternative methods of hydration should also be considered. Education and training on the importance of hydration remain key. These small changes could improve patient hydration and independence, thus preventing avoidable harm.
Preventing suicides: developing a strategy
Authors: Tingle John
Published: June 2015

John Tingle discusses the cross-government outcomes strategy report on preventing suicides in England. He also discusses the World Health Organization report on preventing suicide
Deficiency or dementia? Exploring B12 deficiency after urostomy
Authors: Boucher Michelle , Bryan Sandra , Dukes Suzie
Published: June 2015

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be misdiagnosed as a variety of other illnesses, and if left untreated can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. This article discusses the case of a 70-year-old female with a urostomy, well known to the stoma care department, who shortly after a routine parastomal hernia repair developed severe confusion, immobility and was unable to communicate. Subsequent investigations ruled out a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and a diagnosis of rapidly progressing vascular dementia was made. An incidental finding of a low vitamin B12 level was identified and treatment commenced. She was transferred to a community hospital and her family were told to ‘prepare for the worst’. It was, in fact, the vitamin B12 deficiency that was causing her symptoms of vascular dementia, and once treatment was established she underwent a ‘miraculous’ improvement, returning to normal life. This article discusses vitamin B12 deficiency and why patients with a urostomy are at risk of developing it; highlights the key role of the stoma care nurse and his or her knowledge of the patient; explores the importance of testing vitamin B12 levels in this group of patients; and discusses key learning and recommendations for practice.
A la tutela del operario: los patronos ante la Escuela Industrial de Artesanos de Valencia 1868-1888
Authors: Sirera Miralles Carles
Published: June 2015

El presente artículo estudia la Escuela Industrial de Artesanos de Valencia desde su fundación hasta su supresión. Iniciativa surgida de la diputación provincial contó desde el primer momento con la colaboración del claustro de profesores del instituto de enseñanza media, aunque tuvo un éxito irregular dependiendo de las circunstancias políticas. Sin embargo, la labor de dicha escuela y su independencia como institución pública despertaron los recelos de los patronos de la ciudad de Valencia, que intentaron controlar el acceso de los trabajadores a este tipo de enseñanza para fortalecer las relaciones de clientelismo en sus empresas.
En la Argentina peronista «Los únicos privilegiados son los niños» (1946-1955). La doctrina desde la Biblioteca Infantil «General Perón»
Authors: Girbal-Blacha Noemí M.
Published: June 2015

Las definiciones y descripciones de los mecanismos para distinguir a los niños como «privilegiados» y augurarles un futuro promisorio, para el peronismo marchan unidas a dos cuestiones clave: 1) el enunciado de los medios para lograr una niñez sin carencias y 2) la valoración política que de ella se hace a partir de un discurso y de un mensaje que se alimenta del contraste entre la «Nueva Argentina» y la Argentina oligárquica. Estos temas —junto con el significado sociopolítico del trabajo y la educación— forman parte del objetivo propuesto en este estudio para hacer un balance del significado de aquella frase difundida en la Argentina de Perón, que señalaba con énfasis que «los únicos privilegiados son los niños». ¿A qué hacía referencia la consigna?, ¿en qué consistían esos «privilegios»?, ¿qué lugar ocupan los textos dedicados a la recreación y la educación infantil de entonces, como los libros de la Biblioteca Infantil «General Perón» editados en 1948, que aquí se analizan?, ¿cómo son los espacios de socialización, educación y recreación para niños?, en el escenario del gobierno nacionalista y popular de Juan Domingo Perón.
Prosody Growth and Reading Comprehension: A Longitudinal Study from 2nd Through the End of 3er Grade // Evolução da prosódia e compreensão da leitura: Um estudo longitudinal do 2º ano ao final do 3º ano de escolaridade
Authors: Lopes João , Silva Maria Madalena , Spear-Swerling Louise , Zibulski Jamie
Published: June 2015

Prosody is an important but not fully understood component of reading. In this longitudinal study with a sample of 98 Portuguese elementary school children, a multilevel growth model with four repeated measures over time showed steady progress in participants’ reading prosody from the middle of 2nd to the end of 3rd grade. However, children’s growth in this area varied across time points. Results also showed that individual differences in prosody’s scores at baseline affect the performance of most but not of all students. Simple linear regressions showed that the prosody dimension “phrasing/expression” significantly predicted reading comprehension at all time points. Partial correlation analysis showed that when reading rate was accounted for, the unique contribution of prosody to reading comprehension was marginal, except at the third measurement.
Music Academic Performance: Effect of Intrinsic Motivation and Critical Thinking // Rendimiento académico en Música: efecto de la motivación intrínseca y el pensamiento crítico
Authors: Leon Jaime , Núñez Juan Luis , Ruiz-Alfonso Zuleica , Bordón Beatriz
Published: June 2015

The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between intrinsic motivation, critical thinking and academic performance in music of secondary students. 494 students participated. Data were analyzed using structural equation mixture modeling. The results showed two groups or clusters of students, distinguished by their scores on intrinsic motivation, critical thinking and music grades, where a group was characterized by high and the other low scores on the three variables. Regarding the relationships between variables, we observed that the effect of intrinsic motivation on critical thinking was similar in both groups, but the regression of critical thinking on music grades was higher for students with lower scores. This study provides a better understanding of the different profiles and the effect of the variables in explaining music grades.
Cross-Cultural Validity of the “Classroom Motivational Climate Questionnaire”: Comparison between French and Spanish Students // Validez transcultural del «Cuestionario de Clima Motivacional de Clase»:comparación entre estudiantes franceses y españoles
Authors: Villasana Mercedes , Alonso Tapia Jesus
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study was to obtain evidence about the cross-cultural validity of the “Classroom Motivational Climate Questionnaire” (CMCQ), developed recently for Secondary and High-School students. With this purpose, French and Spanish Secondary and High School students’ results were compared. A total of 749 French students formed the group to be compared with the original Spanish sample. To validate the CMCQ, confirmatory factor analyses, reliability and correlation and regression analyses were made. The results showed that CMCQ is a reliable and valid instrument to measure motivational climate in France as in Spain. It allows detecting which learning patterns can to be changed for improvement, and predicts to a large extent the satisfaction level with the teacher. Likewise it showed some existing differences between Spanish and French students in the motivational role attributed to some teacher's strategies, differences whose theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
El patrimonio industrial de la provincia de Alicante. Rehabilitación y nuevos usos
Authors: Martínez Puche Antonio , Pérez Pérez David
Published: June 2015

La provincia de Alicante (España), como resultado de sus procesos de industrialización secular y de carácter endógeno, cuenta con un abundante, rico y variado patrimonio industrial (molinos, fábricas, colonias agroindustriales, instalaciones e infraestructura relacionada con las actividades industriales, etc.), que tras permanecer en desuso y en el olvido, en la actualidad está siendo revalorizado no sólo por su valor cultural, sino también por ser considerado como un recurso más del territorio. Con este artículo se pretende destacar que el patrimonio industrial constituye un recurso social y económico más del territorio y que, como tal, siempre que sea posible, debe ser protegido, conservado y reutilizado dándole nuevos usos funcionales. En este sentido, se recogen algunas experiencias en Europa, en España y, en particular, en las comarcas industriales del interior de la provincia de Alicante.
La industria juguetera de la Foia de Castalla (1984-1996)
Authors: Valero Escandell José Ramón
Published: June 2015

La fabricación de juguetes ha sido durante el presente siglo la actividad económica fundamental de la Foia de Castalla, comarca interior alicantina. Este artículo estudia la evolución reciente de una industria que ha sufrido varias crisis en las últimas décadas, con cierre de empresas, destrucción y precarización de empleo y mantenimiento de una elevada estacionalidad; pero que, por otra parte, ha sabido integrarse en el mercado internacional, incrementar su productividad y racionalizar sus procesos productivos, sirviendo al mismo tiempo de trampolín para la diversificación económica de la comarca, gracias al desarrollo de sus tradicionales industrias auxiliares.
La percepción del Mediterráneo a través de la inmigración: las actitudes de los españoles hacia los magrebíes
Authors: Gozálvez Pérez Vicente
Published: June 2015

La primera parte del estudio explica la evolución reciente (1985-95) de la inmigración magrebí en España: su incremento espectacular —29% anual— es resultado de flujos marcados por el acceso a España en situación irregular, pero en su mayoría estos inmigrantes fueron legalizados con motivo de las regularizaciones extraordinarias de 1985-86, 1991-92 y 1996, así como mediante los cupos o contingentes de trabajadores extranjeros no comunitarios autorizados a partir de 1993. Se destaca la importancia que en esta inmigración irregular magrebí juega la agricultura mediterránea de explotaciones minifundistas y empleo intensivo de mano de obra —aunque en tiempo discontinuo—, sobre todo para las recolecciones. En la segunda parte se comentan los principales resultados de varias encuestas realizadas en España durante los años 1990, que muestran las actitudes de los españoles hacia los inmigrantes magrebíes: este colectivo extranjero, el más numeroso en España, el de incremento más rápido y el más identificado por los españoles con inmigrante extranjero, es el que ofrece a los españoles valoración más baja, al mismo tiempo que es percibido como el más problemático para su integración en España. No obstante, tales actitudes han mejorado durante los últimos años, sobre todo entre los jóvenes y personas mejor instruidas, aunque, en cualquier caso, las encuestas muestran que los españoles parecen bastante impactados y desorientados por el cúmulo de informaciones puntuales que sobre estos extranjeros dan los medios de comunicación. Sin embargo, los españoles se muestran permisivos hacia los inmigrantes en situación irregular, actitud que también se comparte en la orientación de la política española de inmigración.
Integración de los estudios del medio físico en la ordenación del territorio: valoración ecológico-paisajística del Río Algar (Altea, Alicante)
Authors: Marco Molina Juan Antonio , Matarredona Coll Enrique , Padilla Blanco Ascensión
Published: June 2015

Tras un análisis de las condiciones físicas que caracterizan al río Algar, Altea (Alicante), se definen y valoran unas unidades ambientales bajo distintos puntos de vista, con el fin de establecer las repercusiones y efectos de las intervenciones humanas en este espacio, así como una serie de actuaciones que reactiven este cauce en su paso por el municipio de Altea. Este trabajo se estructura en una fase analítica, de conceptuación y definición de las unidades fisiográficas y morfológicas del río, de las unidades de vegetación presentes en este ecótopo, así como de las intervenciones antropogénicas, sus repercusiones y posibles «impactos»; y, una segunda, sintética, que tiene como objetivo la caracterización de distintas zonas a tenor de su calidad ambiental. Para ello, en esta última fase se establecen las oportunas interrelaciones entre cada uno de los elementos tratados, con lo que, de la consideración tanto de aspectos relativos a las limitaciones que impone el medio (riesgos), como de la conservación de áreas con un determinado nivel de calidad ambiental, se acomete una valoración y propuesta de actuaciones encaminadas a la reactivación de este espacio.
Modelos turísticos locales. Análisis comparado de dos destinos de la Costa Blanca
Authors: Baños Castiñeira Carlos Javier
Published: June 2015

La escala local se muestra como la más adecuada para el análisis de los destinos turísticos, dada la importancia que las estructuras municipales han tenido en la configuración de los mismos. Asimismo, el grado de madurez alcanzado por estos destinos turísticos, adscritos al denominado modelo turístico de sol y playa masivo, aconseja implementar importantes procesos de reestructuración para afrontar los retos de la competitividad y sostenibilidad futura de la actividad, procesos en los que el municipio ha de tener un papel fundamental. Por otra parte, diferencias respecto a los agentes que han liderado el proceso de creación del espacio turístico, el grado de planificación con el que se desarrolló ese proceso o la estructura de la propiedad de la tierra han supuesto la generación de distintos modelos turísticos locales, con perspectivas y retos de futuro diferentes.
Los paisajes hortícolas en el Véneto: evolución y repercusiones socio-espaciales
Authors: Hernández Hernández María
Published: June 2015

Los cultivos hortícolas de la región del Véneto ocupan una superficie reducida si se comparan con la de los cereales o las plantas industriales. Aprovechamientos que, no obstante, van a tener notables repercusiones socio-espaciales en las áreas donde éstos aparecen y que podemos sintetizar en el incremento de las rentas percibidas por los agricultores, la génesis de paisajes intensivos a modo de «islas» en un entorno extensivo, la adopción de nuevas técnicas, etc. Cultivos que no obstante, presentan ciertas disfuncionalidades entre las que sobresalen las carencias desde el punto de vista de su comercialización, a pesar de ciertas iniciativas que se han creado en los últimos años, entre las que destacan las llevadas a cabo por las cooperativas «Verde Europa» (Verona) o la AOMT. S. Bovo (Treviso).
Notas sobre el valor educativo de la geografía de la población
Authors: Gozálvez Pérez Vicente
Published: June 2015

Las cuestiones relativas a la población preocupan cada vez más a las diversas sociedades del planeta, aunque con ópticas o intereses que incluso pueden ser contrapuestos según espacios o sociedades, al mismo tiempo que son patentes las interdependencias geodemográficas entre naciones. Sin embargo, existe evidente disociación entre la importancia y utilidad que actualmente da la sociedad a los temas geodemográficos, y el escaso desarrollo académico —en sus diversos niveles— de la demografía geográfica; es preciso desarrollar más esta última, para que las cuestiones geodemográficas puedan ser juzgadas y tratadas con más conocimiento de causa o con más efectividad. Así, la geodemografía (distribución espacial de los contingentes, de sus dinámicas naturales y migratorias, así como de sus estructuras demográficas, económicas y socio-culturales) sin duda puede y debe ser utilizada como instrumento eficaz y útil tanto por los que tienen responsabilidades en la ordenación y gestión del territorio, como por el ciudadano —en sus diversas funciones o con sus diversas formaciones— que la debe usar para comprender mejor las características y los comportamientos geodemográficos de las distintas sociedades.
La red de aglomeraciones urbanas en España cuando finaliza el siglo XX
Authors: Serrano Martínez José María
Published: June 2015

Durante este siglo el crecimiento urbano español ha sido muy fuerte. En especial durante los decenios transcurridos entre 1960 y 1981. Pero más que un incremento global de la población repartida por muchos centros urbanos, se trata de un proceso de acumulación de la población concentrado en unas pocas entidades. En ese sentido destacan las capitales de provincia. Pero además del aumento de la población de los municipios urbanos se ha ido configurando en torno a buena parte de ellos «aglomeraciones urbanas », que constituyen los principales centros de la red urbana española. Se analiza así mismo la jerarquía de la red, su dimensión y morfología, así como su diferente organización en cada una de las regiones españolas. Se trata de explicar cómo a partir de esas entidades urbanas se vertebra y organiza el territorio español.
El Niño 1997-98 en los medios de comunicación: realidades, deformaciones y exageraciones de un evento climático
Authors: Marcos Valiente Óscar
Published: June 2015

El fenómeno El Niño de 1997-98 ha sobrepasado su dimensión climática y ha adquirido una repercusión mediática sin precedentes, tomando temporalmente el relevo a otras preocupaciones medioambientales como el cambio climático o el agujero de la capa de ozono. Este artículo revisa el tratamiento informativo del evento, y ofrece una recopilación de curiosidades y equívocos relacionados con El Niño aparecidos en medios de comunicación.
Grandes nevadas y percepción de las mismas en Alcoy
Authors: Moltó Mantero Enrique
Published: June 2015

Las precipitaciones en forma de nieve no son un fenómeno extraordinario en la Hoya de Alcoy, aunque tampoco podamos considerarlas como algo absolutamente rutinario. En este sentido, podemos hablar de nevadas en los puntos más elevados de la comarca más de una vez al año, de precipitaciones débiles en forma de nieve que no llegan a blanquear las calles de los principales núcleos urbanos con presencia anual, y, con frecuencia de repetición algo menor, de nevadas moderadas que dan espesores de entre 5 y 20 cm. en casi todos los pueblos de este ámbito geográfico. Con intervalos mayores, que trataremos de determinar, la intensidad de las nevadas en esta área geográfica, donde se llegan a acumular más de cincuenta centímetros de espesor en pocas horas, puede traer funestas consecuencias para las infraestructuras y actividades económicas, esencialmente para la industria. En estos casos podemos hablar de la nieve como riesgo climático. Todas estas nevadas son percibidas de muy diversas maneras por los habitantes de esta comarca, y la prensa se muestra como una fuente de información especialmente útil para expresar estas percepciones.
Dinámica de los frentes de otoño a su paso por el meridiano 0º en Europa Occidental
Authors: Moreno García María del Carmen , Puig i Trens Miquel
Published: June 2015

Se analiza la frecuencia de paso de frentes durante los meses de octubre, noviembre y diciembre del período 1980-1996, a lo largo del meridiano 0º de Greenwich, entre los 25º y los 70º de latitud norte. Los frentes son analizados por tipos -fríos, cálidos y ocluidos- y según la latitud -una vez dividido el meridiano principal en sectores de 5º de latitud-. Por último, se fija la atención especialmente en el sector latitudinal 40º-45ºN del meridiano, a su paso por el territorio peninsular, sobre el cuadrante nororiental.
La agricultura en La Montaña de Alicante: situación actual y potencial futuro
Authors: Hernández Hernández María , Moltó Mantero Enrique
Published: June 2015

Las actuaciones diversificadoras de las actividades económicas en el medio rural presentan una marcada orientación hacia las actividades relacionadas con el turismo de interior. Sin embargo, el potenciamiento de las actividades rurales mediante la mejora de los cultivos tradicionales, la difusión de nuevos aprovechamientos o la introducción de mejoras técnicas (bancos de tierras y de servicios) o la propia pluriactividad agraria puede contribuir a su mantenimiento. Las iniciativas deben abogar por una defensa de la calidad, de la originalidad de estos productos frente a la cantidad que ofrecen las áreas donde la intensificación es más factible. El mantenimiento de las actividades agrarias facilita, asimismo, la conservación de unos paisajes cuyo abandono genera notables problemas de degradación ambiental. Sin embargo, el problema reside en convertir las externalidades que ofrecen estos paisajes antropogénicos en un «bien de mercado».
Balance económico del trasvase Tajo-Segura
Authors: Melgarejo Moreno Joaquín
Published: June 2015

La adecuación del trasvase Tajo-Segura a los criterios generales que sirven de base a la legislación que regula las transferencias de agua, el análisis de la política tarifaria y el balance económico de su gestión entre 1979 y 1995 son los principales temas que se abordan en este artículo. El modelo de explotación del Acueducto Tajo-Segura significó una ruptura en el sistema de financiación de las obras hidráulicas por el Estado, se perseguía que los usuarios fuesen los que corriesen con las inversiones y con los gastos de funcionamiento, buscando la autosuficiencia, al tiempo que la obtención de recursos adicionales para el cumplimiento de las obligaciones compensatorias con la cuenca cedente. La explotación del ATS y sus resultados económicos se han visto condicionados por la planificación de las obras y por la infrautilización que se ha venido haciendo de las mismas, lo que ha repercutido en un encarecimiento del agua conducida y ha servido para cuestionar la rentabilidad del trasvase.
Propuesta metodológica para la ordenación de espacios litorales: (aplicación a la comarca de la Marina Alta)
Authors: Torres Alfosea Francisco José
Published: June 2015

Desde el Morro del Toix hasta el río Racons, el litoral de La Marina Alta ofrece un continuo de extraordinaria complejidad, tanto desde el punto de vista morfológico-paisajístico, como por el aprovechamiento del territorio y las tensiones que se manifiestan en este espacio. En este trabajo se propone un método de trabajo que sirva de base para su ordenación litoral integrada, mediante la elección de elementos/indicadores, que son sometidos a análisis y posterior diagnóstico, con el fin de proponer líneas básicas de actuación.
Las políticas de protección de los consumidores: distintas escalas territoriales
Authors: Feo Parrondo Francisco
Published: June 2015

En este trabajo se analizan las distintas medidas que, a lo largo de las últimas décadas, se han ido tomando para proteger a los consumidores a distintas escalas territoriales, desde Naciones Unidas a los municipios, haciendo especial hincapié en las de la Unión Europea y España.
La evaluación de los recursos territoriales turísticos de las comarcas del interior castellonense (Comunidad Valenciana)
Authors: López Olivares Diego
Published: June 2015

Las nuevas tendencias de la demanda en espacio rural requieren de un importante desarrollo de los espacios turísticos buscando fórmulas diferenciadoras que los hagan más competitivos. En este sentido los recursos territoriales turísticos, como «materia prima» de la actividad turística y como elementos pertenecientes al sistema turístico han sido evaluados por medio de la jerarquización y posterior ponderación del valor jerárquico, en base a los índices de preferencia de la demanda que visita el interior de las tierras castellonenses.