bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wolf diet in an agricultural landscape of north-eastern Turkey
Authors: Capitani Claudia , Chynoweth Mark , Kusak Josip , Çoban Emrah , Şekercioğlu Çağan H.
Published: June 2015

In this study, we investigated wolf feeding ecology in Kars province, north-eastern Turkey, by analysing 72 scat samples collected in spring 2013. Ongoing camera trap surveys suggest that large wild ungulates are exceptionally rare in the region. On the contrary, livestock is abundant. Accordingly, scats analysis revealed that livestock constituted most of the biomass intake for wolves, although small mammals were the most frequent prey items. Wild ungulates were occasional prey, and although wolves make use of the main village garbage dump as a food source, garbage remains were scarce in scat samples. Wolf dependence on anthropogenic resources, primarily livestock, generates human-wildlife conflicts in the study area. Uncontrolled carcass disposal seems to boost this wolf behaviour. Synanthropy enhances the probability of wolf-human encounters and thus increases the risk of direct persecution, vehicle collisions, and hybridisation with dogs. When livestock is not available, small mammals are an important alternative prey for wolves. This may increase interspecific competition, particularly with lynx, which is also lacking natural prey in the area. Our preliminary results contribute to wolf ecology and conservation in the Anatolian-Caucasian range, where further studies are urgently needed to generate baseline data.
An extended Prony’s interpolation scheme on an equispaced grid
Authors: Karalienė Dovile , Navickas Zenonas , Čiegis Raimondas , Ragulskis Minvydas
Published: June 2015

An interpolation scheme on an equispaced grid based on the concept of the minimal order of the
linear recurrent sequence is proposed in this paper. This interpolation scheme is exact when the number of nodes
corresponds to the order of the linear recurrent function. It is shown that it is still possible to construct a nearest
mimicking algebraic interpolant if the order of the linear recurrent function does not exist. The proposed interpolation
technique can be considered as the extension of the Prony method and can be useful for describing noisy and defected
signals.
Commuting Conditions of the k-th Cho operator with the structure Jacobi operator of real hypersurfaces in complex space forms
Authors: Panagiotidou Konstantina , Pérez Juan de Dios
Published: June 2015

In this paper three dimensional real hypersurfaces in non-flat complex space forms whose k-th Cho
operator with respect to the structure vector field ξ commutes with the structure Jacobi operator are classified.
Furthermore, it is proved that the only three dimensional real hypersurfaces in non-flat complex space forms, whose
k-th Cho operator with respect to any vector field X orthogonal to structure vector field commutes with the structure
Jacobi operator, are the ruled ones. Finally, results concerning real hypersurfaces in complex hyperbolic space
satisfying the above conditions are also provided.
The Moroccan Crisis of 1905–1906: An Analytic Narrative
Authors: Zagare Frank C.
Published: June 2015

This paper interprets the Moroccan crisis of 1905–1906 in the context of an incomplete information game model, the Tripartite Crisis game, and one of its proper subgames, the Defender-Protégé subgame. In the early stages of the crisis the action choices of the players were shown to be consistent with the players’ beliefs, but their beliefs were not tested. In the final phase, beliefs and action choices were brought into harmony. British support of France during the conference that ended the crisis, the firm stand that France took at the conference, and the German decision to press for a conference is explained in terms of the model’s principal variables. The explanation derived from the model is not necessarily at odds with consensus historical interpretations of the Moroccan crisis. Nonetheless, it offers several advantages over standard, largely atheoretical or ad hoc descriptions. One clear advantage is the convenient framework the model provides for organizing information about the crisis around a common set of assumptions and concepts and for the clear way the most salient causal variables are highlighted. Another is the model’s ability to point to a logically consistent set of expectations about the connections between certain action choices and the beliefs that drive them. Finally, the model’s straightforward applicability to an important and complicated watershed event is suggestive of its potential generality.
Engineering of silver nanoparticle fabricated poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) microgels for rapid catalytic reduction of nitrobenzene
Authors: Farooqi Zahoor H. , Naseem Khalida , Ijaz Aysha , Begum Robina
Published: June 2015

Three different poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) [p(NIPAM-AA)] microgel samples were prepared using a precipitation polymerization method by varying the concentration of NIPAM and AA in aqueous medium. The microgels were used as microreactors to fabricate Ag nanoparticles (NPs) by in situ a reduction method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-visible spectroscopy were used to characterize the pure and hybrid microgels. The hybrid microgels with different AA content were used as catalysts for reduction of nitrobenzene (NB) into aniline. The progress of the reaction was monitored by a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The results show that the value of the apparent rate constant for catalytic reduction of NB decreases from 0.431 min-1 to 0.227 min-1 by increasing AA content from 3 mol% to 7 mol%, respectively. Decrease in apparent rate constant with increase of AA content can be attributed to an increase in hydrophilicity with increase of AA contents of the microgels. The increase in induction period with increase of AA contents indicates that diffusion of NB towards the catalytic surface becomes difficult due to an increase of hydrophilicity.
Design of a compact UWB antenna with a partial ground plane on epoxy woven glass material
Authors: Islam Md. Moinul , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Aldhaheri Rabah W. , Samsuzzaman Md.
Published: June 2015

A compact ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna is presented in this paper with a partial ground plane on epoxy woven glass material. The study is discussed to comprehend the effects of various design parameters with explicit parametric analyses. The overall antenna dimension is 0.22×0.26×0.016 λ. A prototype is made on epoxide woven glass fabric dielectric material of 1.6 mm thickness. The measured results point out that the reported antenna belongs to a wide bandwidth comprehending from 3 GHz to more than 11 GHz with VSWR<2. It has a peak gain of 5.52 dBi, where 3.98 dBi is the average gain. Nearly omnidirectional radiation patterns are observed within the operating frequency bands. A good term exists between simulation and measurement results, which lead the reported antenna to be an appropriate candidate for UWB applications.
Preparation of polyimide-graphite composite and evaluation of its friction behavior at elevated temperatures
Authors: Zhang Taoqi , Qiao Xueliang , Tan Fatang , Wang Wei , Lu Hongfei , Xiao Zunqi , Chen Jianguo
Published: June 2015

In this paper, polyimide-graphite (PG) composite was prepared and used as a solid lubricant at elevated temperatures. PG composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, and its thermal stability was evaluated based on thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analysis. The results show that in PG composite, there was some interaction between the graphite (GR) and the polyimide (PI) matrix. Consequently, the PG composite exhibited better thermal stability than PI. The friction behavior of the PG composite sliding against steel at elevated temperatures (300–600°C at an interval of 100°C) was evaluated with a ring-on-ring tribometer. It was found that the PG composite exhibited excellent friction-reducing ability and good load-carrying capacity in the temperature range of 300–600°C and applied loads of 300–700 N. Moreover, this excellent lubricating performance of the PG composite might be attributed to its good thermal stability as a result of the interaction between the GR and the PI matrix. Therefore, PG composite could be used as an excellent solid lubricant under the high-temperature conditions.
A distributed syntax for evaluative ‘only’ sentences
Authors: Hole Daniel
Published: June 2015

I claim in this article that several operators in different positions interact to yield the meaning of a nur
sentence in German which may receive an evaluative interpretation such as Paul aß nur Kekse ʻPaul only
ate cookies (and the speaker considers this little and/or bad)ʼ. The exclusive component of meaning comes from an
adverbial particle as in the standard account. For the evaluative component of meaning which is present in many nur
sentences, I assume an interplay of C/I domain evaluative categories and an operator in ad-focus position. Evidence for the interplay
of these operators comes from contexts in German and Dutch in which both the exclusive and the ad-focus operator are pronounced,
from topicalization and extraposition data, from subordinate clauses with an impoverished C domain, from a newspaper corpus search
and from a blocking effect induced by negation.
Conception of undergraduate nursing students on the practice of health education on first aid
Authors: Oliveira Marília Rosa de , Leonel Ana Rita Arrigo , Montezeli Julliana Helena , Gastaldi Andréia Bendine , Martins Eleine Aparecida Penha , Caveião Cristiano
Published: June 2015

Objective: to present the conception of undergraduate nursing students participating in an integrated project on healtheducation on first aid. Methods: qualitative research conducted at the Universidade Estadual de Londrina with five seniornursing students, participating in the project “Nursing in clinical and surgical urgent and emergency care.” We applied semistructuredinterviews with content analysis. Results: the following categories emerged: Health education as a facilitatorfor academic learning; Health education on first aid as a facilitator in the construction of teacher competence in futurenurses; Feelings experienced by students when performing health education on first aid. Conclusion: participating in healtheducation enables the consolidation of the teacher competence of nurses advocated by the National Curriculum Guidelines.
Elevated heart rate predicts β cell function in non-diabetic individuals: the RISC cohort
Authors: Bonnet Fabrice , Empana Jean-Philippe , Natali Andrea , Monti Lucilla , Golay Alain , Lalic Katarina , Dekker Jacqueline , Mari Andrea , Balkau Beverley , _ _
Published: June 2015

Context

Elevated heart rate has been associated with insulin resistance and incident type 2 diabetes but its relationship with β-cell function is not known. Our aim was to investigate whether baseline heart rate is associated with β-cell function and hyperglycaemia.

Methods

We used the prospective RISC cohort with 1005 non-diabetic individuals who had an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at baseline and after 3 years. Impaired glucose regulation was defined as a fasting plasma glucose ≥6.1 mmol/l or a 2-h plasma glucose ≥7.8 mmol/l. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by the OGIS index and insulin secretion and β-cell glucose sensitivity at both baseline and 3 years.

Results

Baseline heart rate was positively related to both fasting (P<0.0001) and 2 h glucose levels (P=0.02) at year 3 and predicted the presence of impaired glucose regulation at year 3 in a logistic regression model adjusting for insulin sensitivity at inclusion (OR/10 beats per min: 1.31; 95% CI (1.07–1.61);P=0.01). Baseline heart rate was associated with lower insulin sensitivity (β=−0.11;P<.0001), a decrease in both β-cell glucose sensitivity (β=−0.11;P=0.003) and basal insulin secretion rate (β=−0.11;P=0.002) at 3 years in an adjusted multivariable regression model. Baseline heart rate predicted the 3-year decrease in β-cell glucose sensitivity (β=−0.10;P=0.007) and basal insulin secretion (β=−0.12;P=0.007).

Conclusions

Heart rate predicts β-cell function and impaired glucose regulation at 3 years in non-diabetic individuals, independently of the level of insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest a possible effect of the sympathetic nervous system on β-cell dysfunction, which deserves further investigation.
Elevated level of serum carbohydrate antigen 19.9 as predictor of mortality in patients with advanced medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Elisei Rossella , Lorusso Loredana , Piaggi Paolo , Torregrossa Liborio , Pellegrini Giovanni , Molinaro Eleonora , Agate Laura , Bottici Valeria , Pani Fabiana , Cacciato Insilla Andrea , Casella Francesca , Ciampi Raffaele , Tognetti Ilaria , Materazzi Gabriele , Basolo Fulvio , Romei Cristina
Published: June 2015

Background

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is capable of secreting several proteins, such as calcitonin (Ct), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), chromogranin and others. Recently, we observed an aggressive MTC with high levels of serum carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (Ca 19.9) and a rapid evolution to death.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether high levels of serum Ca 19.9 could be a prognostic factor of death in patients with advanced MTC.

Patients and methods

We measured Ca 19.9, CEA and Ct in 100 advanced structural recurrent/persistent MTC patients and in 100 cured or biochemically affected MTC patients. Clinical and pathological data were also collected.

Results

Sixteen percent of the patients with advanced MTC had high levels of Ca 19.9. The group with abnormal Ca 19.9 levels had significantly higher levels of CEA and Ct compared with the group with normal values of Ca 19.9 (P<0.0001 for both Ct and CEA). At variance, all 100 patients in the MTC control group showed normal levels of Ca 19.9. Moreover, among the advanced cases, the Ca 19.9-positive group showed a higher mortality rate than the group with normal levels. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated that an elevated level of Ca 19.9 is a predictor of mortality (OR=3.78,P=0.04), independent from Ct doubling time.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that an elevated value of serum Ca 19.9 appears to be a predictive factor of poor prognosis in advanced MTC patients and identifies those cases with a higher risk of mortality in the short term.
Feasibility of proximal right coronary artery imaging by 2D and 3D echocardiography in comparison to coronary angiography
Authors: Stoebe Stephan , Lange Katharina , Pfeiffer Dietrich , Hagendorff Andreas
Published: June 2015

The present study was carried out to test the feasibility of proximal right coronary artery (RCA) imaging and to detect proximal RCA narrowing and occlusion by 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography in comparison to coronary angiography (CA). Standardised 2D and 3D echocardiography were performed prior to CA in 97 patients with sinus rhythm. The following parameters were determined: the longest longitudinal detectable RCA segment, the minimum and maximum width of the RCA, the area and number of detectable narrowing >50% of the proximal RCA and the correlation between the echocardiographic and angiographic findings. The visualisation of the proximal RCA and the detection of coronary artery narrowing in the proximal RCA are generally possible. Differences in width and area were not statistically significant between 2D and 3D echocardiography, but showed significant differences between echocardiography and CA. For the detection of proximal RCA narrowing, higher sensitivity and specificity values were obtained by 2D than by 3D echocardiography. However, in patients with sufficient image quality 3D echocardiography permits a more detailed visualisation of the anatomical proportions and an en-face view into the RCA ostium. The visualisation of the proximal RCA is feasible and narrowing can be detected by 2D and 3D echocardiography if image quality is sufficient. CA is the gold standard for the detection of coronary artery stenoses. However, the potential of this new approach is clinically important because crucial findings of the proximal RCA can be presumably detected non-invasively prior to CA.
Blueprint for Action: Visioning Summit on the Future of the Workforce in Pediatrics
Authors: Sectish Theodore C. , Hay William W. , Mahan John D. , Mendoza Fernando S. , Spector Nancy D. , Stanton Bonita , Szilagyi Peter G. , Turner Teri L. , Walker Leslie R. , Slaw Kenneth
Published: June 2015

The Federation of Pediatric Organizations engaged members of the pediatric community in an 18-month process to envision the future of the workforce in pediatrics, culminating in a Visioning Summit on the Future of the Workforce in Pediatrics. This article documents the planning process and methods used. Four working groups were based on the 4 domains that are likely to affect the future workforce: Child Health Research and Training, Diversity and Inclusion, Gender and Generations, and Pediatric Training Along the Continuum. These groups identified the issues and trends and prioritized their recommendations. Before the summit, 5 key megatrends cutting across all domains were identified:

1. Aligning Education to the Emerging Health Needs of Children and Families

2. Promoting Future Support for Research Training and for Child Health Research

3. Striving Toward Mastery Within the Profession

4. Aligning and Optimizing Pediatric Practice in a Changing Health Care Delivery System

5. Taking Advantage of the Changing Demographics and Expertise of the Pediatric Workforce

At the Visioning Summit, we assembled members of each of the working groups, the Federation of Pediatric Organizations Board of Directors, and several invited guests to discuss the 5 megatrends and develop the vision, solutions, and actions for each megatrend. Based on this discussion, we offer 10 recommendations for the field of pediatrics and its leading organizations to consider taking action.
A Comparison of the Request Process and Outcomes in Adult and Pediatric Organ Donation
Authors: Siminoff Laura A. , Molisani Anthony J. , Traino Heather M.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Although existing studies suggest that factors affecting families’ decisions regarding pediatric organ donation mirror those for adult patients, health professionals working in this area maintain that pediatric and adult decision-makers differ in significant ways. This study compared the request process, experiences, and authorization decisions between family decision-makers (FDMs) of adult and pediatric donors and nondonors.

METHODS:

Perceptions of the donation request were collected via telephone interviews with 1601 FDMs approached by staff from 9 US organ procurement organizations (OPOs). Authorization regarding donation (ie, authorized/refused) was obtained from FDM reports and verified by using OPO records. Tests of association were used to estimate differences between FDMs of adult and pediatric patients. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify variables predicting FDM authorization.

RESULTS:

FDMs of children were significantly more likely to authorize donation than were FDMs of adults (89.7% vs 83.2%; χ2 = 6.2, P = .01). Differences were found between pediatric and adult families’ initial feelings toward donation, donation-related topics discussed, communication behaviors and techniques used, perceptions of the request, and receipt and preference of grief information. The likelihood of FDM authorization increased with the number of topics discussed and communication skills employed during requests. Authorization was not predicted by patient age (ie, adult versus pediatric).

CONCLUSIONS:

FDMs of children are willing to donate and experience no more psychological distress from the request for donation than do FDMs of adults. Communication emerged as a critical factor of family authorization, reinforcing its importance in requests for donation.
Youth Drinking in the United States: Relationships With Alcohol Policies and Adult Drinking
Authors: Xuan Ziming , Blanchette Jason G. , Nelson Toben F. , Nguyen Thien H. , Hadland Scott E. , Oussayef Nadia L. , Heeren Timothy C. , Naimi Timothy S.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND:

The relationship between the alcohol policy environment (ie, the combined effectiveness and implementation of multiple existing alcohol policies) and youth drinking in the United States has not been assessed. We hypothesized that stronger alcohol policy environments are inversely associated with youth drinking, and this relationship is partly explained by adult drinking.

METHODS:

Alcohol Policy Scale (APS) scores that characterized the strength of the state-level alcohol policy environments were assessed with repeated cross-sectional Youth Risk Behavior Survey data of representative samples of high school students in grades 9 to 12, from biennial years between 1999 and 2011.

RESULTS:

In fully adjusted models, a 10 percentage point increase in APS scores (representing stronger policy environments) was associated with an 8% reduction in the odds of youth drinking and a 7% reduction in the odds of youth binge drinking. After we accounted for youth-oriented alcohol policies, the subgroup of population-oriented policies was independently associated with lower odds of youth drinking (adjusted odds ratio 0.94; 95% confidence interval 0.92–0.97) and youth binge drinking (adjusted odds ratio 0.96; 95% confidence interval 0.94–0.99). State-level per capita consumption mediated the relationship between population-oriented alcohol policies and binge drinking among youth.

CONCLUSIONS:

Stronger alcohol policies, including those that do not target youth specifically, are related to a reduced likelihood of youth alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that efforts to reduce youth drinking should incorporate population-based policies to reduce excessive drinking among adults as part of a comprehensive approach to preventing alcohol-related harms. Future research should examine influence of alcohol policy subgroups and discrete policies.
Crecimiento económico de largo plazo en Antioquia, Colombia: Estimación del PIB. 1800-1913
Authors: Mejía Cubillos Javier
Published: June 2015

Este trabajo realiza el primer análisis cuantitativo detallado del nivel de actividad económica de Antioquia para el siglo XIX y la primera parte del XX. A partir de los datos existentes para la economía colombiana, se reconstruye la que es, además, una de las primeras series de PIB regional en Latinoamérica para el periodo. Se encuentra que en Antioquia, ya a principios del siglo XIX, se disfrutaba de ingresos per cápita superiores a los del promedio colombiano. Por otra parte, se encontraron períodos de auge económico entre 1800 y 1840, 1860 y 1880, y 1905 y 1913, siendo este último el más pronunciado. Así, se estaría dando una respuesta a la larga discusión sobre el inicio del despegue económico antioqueño. El trabajo permite comprender el crecimiento económico de Antioquia sin necesidad de recurrir a argumentos institucionales o culturales.
Renovação de equipamentos de movimentação e armazenagem em empresa atacadista
Authors: Teixeira Tania Brasileiro Azevedo , Cezarino Luciana Oranges , Menegatti Wilver Bernardes
Published: June 2015

Este artigo apresenta a aplicação de uma metodologia para a renovação de equipamentos de movimentação e armazenagem de uma empresa atacadista. Ela é baseada nos custos de manutenção, de paralisação e de posse dos equipamentos. Com a análise efetuada, foi possível propor sugestões para que a empresa possa estabelecer um ponto econômico de substituição de transpaletes. A aplicação da metodologia baseia-se em princípios matemáticos e econômicos, com a finalidade de proporcionar à organização o aumento da produtividade e a redução nos custos da frota de equipamentos de movimentação e armazenagem. Como resultado da aplicação da metodologia chegou-se à conclusão de que este ponto é obtido quando o custo total anual for igual ao custo médio total. Assim sendo, o ponto de equilíbrio é obtido quando o tempo de uso dos equipamentos for de seis anos.Palavras-chave: Armazenagem. Movimentação de Carga. Equipamentos de Logística.
Rumo à consolidação das dimensões da inovatividade e seu impacto no desempenho inovador
Authors: Bezerra Cicero Aparecido , Fernandes Michel de Azevedo
Published: June 2015

As condições habilitadoras da inovação (inovatividade) têm sido, com recorrência, tomadas como tema de pesquisas que analisam sua influência no desempenho inovador, porém de forma ainda dispersa. A presente pesquisa emprega um modelo que consolida o impacto de dez dimensões inovativas no desempenho inovador das organizações e agrega a ele, algumas características de organizações (faturamento, número de funcionários e setor econômico), bem como analisa os resultados a partir de abordagem multivariada categórica, distinta daquela empregada no modelo originalmente proposto. Os resultados indicam que as empresas respondentes não se diferenciam, quanto aos aspectos do modelo, em relação aos setores econômicos. Por outro lado, é evidenciado que, em relação ao faturamento e número de funcionários, as organizações apresentam percepções distintas das dimensões da inovatividade. Finalmente, os resultados indicam que o modelo original apresenta maturidade na medida em que métodos alternativos de análise apontam para semelhantes conclusões.Palavras-chave: Inovatividade. Inovação. Desempenho Inovador.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Singer Samuel , Grommes Christian , Reiner Anne S. , Rosenblum Marc K. , DeAngelis Lisa M.
Published: June 2015

Background.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by neurologic symptoms with typical lesions on neuroimaging and may be associated with chemotherapy and immunosuppressive agents used in patients with cancer. We described the spectrum of PRES at a major cancer center.

Methods.

We reviewed charts of adults with PRES between 2005 and 2011 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for clinical information and outcome.

Results.

We identified 21 women (68%) and 10 men (median cohort age: 58 years). Solid tumors (n = 22, 71%) were more common than hematologic (n = 8) or primary brain malignancies (n = 1). Prior brain irradiation (16%) and central nervous system metastases (10%) were uncommon. There were 55% who received chemotherapy or targeted therapy within the month preceding PRES, including 6 patients who received bevacizumab; PRES followed allogeneic stem cell transplantation in 5 (16%). Presenting symptoms included confusion (71%), seizure (58%), and headache (48%). Maximum systolic and diastolic blood pressures were similar among patients grouped by cancer type, chemotherapy or bevacizumab use, and atypical imaging. Moreover, 37% of patients with both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) had normal CT concurrent with PRES on MRI, and 84% returned to neurologic baseline at a median of 7.5 days (range: 1–167 days) from onset. Successful anticonvulsant taper was achieved in 51%. Chemotherapy rechallenge was attempted in 41% without recurrent PRES. Autopsy revealed nonspecific changes isolated to radiographically affected areas in one of two patients.

Conclusion.

Recent chemotherapy, particularly bevacizumab, is common in cancer patients with PRES. Clinical and radiographic presentations may vary; MRI appears more sensitive than CT. Anticonvulsant taper and chemotherapy rechallenge is often possible.

Implications for Practice:

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is characterized by neurologic symptoms with typical lesions on neuroimaging and may be associated with chemotherapy and immunosuppressive agents used in patients with cancer. Clinical and radiographic presentations are protean, and magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive than computed tomography. Recovery is common, and many patients can be successfully rechallenged with the apparently offending chemotherapy agent or regimen.
Adelaide's South Road Superway
Authors: Donnelly Liam , Wise Lucas
Published: June 2015

The A$825 million (£428 million) South Road Superway project will deliver a 4·8 km long expressway standard corridor from Adelaide's Port River Expressway to Regency Road and is part of a larger programme to upgrade the whole of South Road to a high-standard, high-speed arterial link. The project features a 2·8 km long elevated roadway carrying up to eight lanes of traffic above the existing South Road. The brief for the project required the elevated roadway to have a 9 m clearance under the superstructure, minimum spans of 50 m and to provide a high standard of landscape and urban design finish. The elevated roadway viaduct consists of a match cast segmental superstructure constructed by the balanced cantilever method with multiple variations in segment cross-section to cater for the complex geometry of the alignment. Superstructure spans range from 50 m to 83 m and are constructed monolithically with elegant Y-shaped piers. Deck articulation is provided by mid-span steel needle beam expansion joints, which eliminate the requirement for large bearings under the deck. This paper provides an overview of the design and construction of the viaduct, focusing on features of both the architecture and construction methodology that led to unique design challenges.
Design and construction of a railway flyover at Hitchin, UK
Authors: Stroscio Riccardo , Cooper Sarah , Barnes David
Published: June 2015

A new 837 m long elevated railway has been built at Hitchin in the UK to carry trains between London and Cambridge over the East Coast Main Line. It relieves the main bottleneck at the junction where Cambridge line trains cross the East Coast route on a flat junction. The project involved the design and construction of a 29-span viaduct made of a steel–concrete composite deck, which is effectively composed of 15 jointed structures. Twelve of these are made of two continuous 30 m spans, two structures are made of single, simply supported spans and the remaining length is a continuous three-span structure with a maximum central span of 60 m that crosses the railway at a skew angle of more than 60°. The 425 m curved plan radius alignment was a design challenge as significant torsional effects are caused by the plan curvature, the eccentricity of applied vertical actions, the centrifugal effects and the wind pressures acting on the trains. Steel erection started with the main railway spans, a process that took three overnight possessions due to the curvature, the heavy skew and the geometry of the girders. This paper describes the critical design aspects and the main construction operations of the flyover.
Behaviour of colour adsorbed fly ash RCC beams with fibres
Authors: Jegadesh Sankar , Chandrasekaran Palanisamy , Jayalekshmi Selvan
Published: June 2015

Fly ash particles consist of silica, alumina, oxides of iron, oxides of calcium, oxides of magnesium and toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cobalt and copper. In this research, an adopted new experimental method was found to be innovative and worked better to treat the textile effluent, a treatment in which the fly ash was effectively used as a colour adsorbent. The sludge – that is the colour adsorbed fly ash (CAF) – was then used in the preparation of the concrete by partially replacing the cement. The major advantage of using packed column set-up method with fly ash as an adsorbent is that one waste material (the fly ash) is used to treat another waste material (textile-processed effluent). CAF concrete and CAF reinforced cement concrete (RCC) beams with polypropylene fibres (CPPST) are studied and analysed in this work. The ultimate load-bearing capacity, ductility, energy absorption and toughness characteristics of RCC beams are quantified. With the addition of fibres, energy absorption and ductility characteristics are improved for RCC beams and hence, this system can be adopted in high seismic zone areas.
Legal risks incurred under the application of BIM in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Ko-Ming , Hsieh Ting-Ya , Chen Jieh-Haur
Published: June 2015

The wider application of building information modelling (BIM) brings increased convenience and efficiency but incurs some legal issues or risks. These issues have not only become legal concerns creating potential risks, but real barriers to the continued development of BIM. The most important feature that distinguishes BIM from non-BIM designs is the exchange of semantic information and collaborative framework. Potential issues which might occur under the Taiwanese legal system are: (a) inconsistencies between various software packages; (b) errors caused by imperfect software; (c) intellectual property rights issues; and (d) involvement of BIM in construction contracts. If the issues of utilising BIM are consequential and inevitable, their resolution is also essential in promoting further development. Doubts about the resolution of legal arguments could be mitigated by following the stipulations of the existing legal system and supplementing the contractual clauses. Even though they cannot be eradicated completely, their possible effects can be controlled through the analysis described in this work. Loss or damages can be avoided by taking into consideration the commercial terms and conditions when carrying out specific projects.
Session report: physical modelling studies of soil properties and soil behaviour
Authors: Sasanakul Inthuorn , Abdoun Tarek
Published: June 2015

This paper reviews the application of physical modelling to problems related to soil properties and soil behaviours. The problems discussed included soil characterisation techniques, spatial variability, soil arching, soil ageing, dynamic soil behaviour and unsaturated soils.
Methods of assessing flood resilience of critical buildings
Authors: Escarameia Manuela , Walliman Nicholas , Zevenbergen Chris , de Graaf Rutger
Published: June 2015

An overview is presented of recent advances in the assessment methods and mitigation solutions for the performance of critical buildings during flood events. This draws on research focusing on critical urban infrastructure, which is defined as assets that are essential for the continuity of economic activities in cities and for the basic living needs of the urban population. These assets include networks as well as buildings, the latter (termed ‘critical buildings‘) having an important role in protecting equipment and personnel associated with the networks. Examples include power stations, transport control centres, communication hubs, fire stations, shelters and hospitals. Unlike domestic constructions, due to their specificity, these buildings cannot easily be categorised in terms of type of construction or age, and have to be treated as individual buildings. Three methods are presented as a framework with a logical progression for the assessment of building flood vulnerability and the identification of improvement measures: the ‘quick scan’ method, the ‘selection and evaluation tools for flood proofing of buildings‘ and the ‘individual building flood damage tool’. It is expected that building owners, insurance companies, local authorities and agencies with urban flood management responsibilities will benefit from the application of the framework and tools presented.
The Birth and Death of the Russian House in the Priargun’ie Three Rivers Region, People’s Republic of China (1)
Authors: Klyaus Vladimir
Published: June 2015

This article considers the remnants of Russian ritual practices surrounding houses in the Priangun’ie region of China. This region was populated by Russians from the late 19th century on. A large group of immigrants (Russian, Tungus and Buriat) immigrated there from the Transbaikal region of Russia after the establishment of Soviet rule in the early 20th century. The paper examines what remains of Russian traditional practices, how they have been blended with native Chinese traditions, and adapted over time to reflect intermarriage between people of Chinese or Tungus and Russian descent.
A Psicologia da Paz
Authors: Barbosa Mariana , Matos Raquel , Machado Carla
Published: June 2015

No presente artigo é feito o enquadramento histórico e concetual da Psicologia da Paz (Peace Psychology). Esta área tem como objetivo a aplicação dos conhecimentos e métodos da Psicologia à prevenção dos conflitos e à promoção dos direitos humanos e da paz. O enfoque da Psicologia nestas temáticas emergiu em pleno contexto de Guerra Fria, quando as preocupações com a hipótese de uma guerra nuclear ser desencadeada levaram alguns psicólogos a contribuir para os esforços de prevenção da guerra e de promoção da paz. Desde então, a Psicologia tem oferecido importantes contributos ao nível da investigação e da intervenção neste domínio, sobretudo no contexto norte-americano. Embora também em grande parte dos países europeus esta área se encontre em franca expansão, em Portugal permanece ainda relativamente desconhecida. Este artigo procura colmatar algum desse desconhecimento.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v27i1.241
Relações de intimidade juvenis e adultas, uma análise comparativa: Das narrativas de amor às conjugalidades violentas
Authors: Dias Ana Rita , Manita Celina , Gonçalves Rui Abrunhosa , Machado Carla
Published: June 2015

Neste estudo faz-se uma análise comparativa entre o discurso de participantes com história de violência nas relações de intimidade e o discurso de participantes sem história de violência, tanto na população juvenil como na população adulta. O estudo inclui 24 participantes com história de violência e 28 participantes sem história de violência, com os quais se conduziu uma entrevista individual sobre a história de amor da sua vida. Identificaram-se cinco repertórios interpretativos sobre o amor, partilhados por todos os participantes e verificaram-se diferenças no padrão de utilização e na amplitude dos repertórios. Discute-se de que forma os repertórios podem facilitar ou limitar a violência na intimidade. Por fim, considerando as especificidades identificadas no discurso das vítimas, dos agressores e dos jovens, discutimos potenciais pontos de intervenção para cada caso.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v27i1.242
Relacionamentos íntimos juvenis: Programa para a prevenção da violência
Authors: Saavedra Rosa , Martins Carla , Machado Carla
Published: June 2015

Este artigo descreve a implementação em Portugal do The Fourth R – um currículo de prevenção universal da violência no namoro e comportamentos de risco associados. Este programa evidenciou-se na literatura científica devido à sua abordagem holística, metodologia de avaliação do impacto rigorosa e pelos resultados obtidos no aumento do conhecimento dos jovens e na mudança das suas atitudes e dos seus comportamentos. No ano letivo 2008/2009 foi conduzida em Portugal uma primeira implementação e avaliação deste programa. Os resultados preliminares demonstraram alterações nas atitudes de (in)tolerância dos jovens em relação à violência no namoro. No entanto, os resultados do impacto da intervenção nos comportamentos sugerem que este poderá estar limitado ao grupo dos rapazes.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v27i1.248
Procedimento de dissociação de processos
Authors: Ferreira Mário Boto , Reis Joana , Orghian Diana , Sôro Jerônimo
Published: June 2015

O procedimento de dissociação de processos (PDP) é um paradigma metodológico que tem vindo a ser largamente usado em várias áreas da investigação em psicologia. A principal inovação deste procedimento resulta da possibilidade que fornece ao investigador de dissociar e quantificar o grau de automaticidade e de controlo subjacentes ao comportamento humano no desempenho de diversas tarefas. Este procedimento, que incorpora em si mesmo uma concepção própria de automatismo e controlo, é um contributo importante para a resolução de problemas metodológicos associados aos testes directos e indirectos e às dissociações de processos baseadas em tarefas. Na presente exposição faz­?se uma descrição pormenorizada do paradigma em causa recorrendo a exemplos específicos de vários domínios da Psicologia (e.g., memória, estereótipos, julgamento e decisão). São também mencionados os pressupostos básicos de aplicação do PDP e por fim referem­?se as limitações do paradigma, cuidados a ter na sua aplicação (...)
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v27i2.150
Diagnóstico em Freud e Lacan: Objectivos, métodos e critérios
Authors: Abel Marcos Chedid
Published: June 2015

Investigam­‑se as concepções de diagnóstico em Freud e Lacan, quanto a objetivos, métodos e critérios. Chega­‑se à conclusão de que interessa a esses autores o diagnóstico estrutural, ou seja, a posição subjetiva do candidato a tratamento. Ressalta­‑se a importância de o diagnóstico ser tomado apenas como hipótese inicial e sujeita a modificação durante o tratamento.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v27i2.420
O impacto da adoção no desenvolvimento da criança
Authors: Baptista Joana , Soares Isabel , Henriques Margarida
Published: June 2015

Em comparação com os pares da comunidade, as crianças que foram adotadas enfrentam, com maior frequência, adversidade e risco nos primeiros tempos de vida, os quais se podem situar ao nível de complicações ao nascimento e de experiências de perda da família biológica, bem como ao nível do acolhimento em instituições caracterizadas por cuidados pouco responsivos. Nos últimos anos, clínicos e investigadores têm vindo a alertar para os efeitos negativos daquelas experiências no desenvolvimento da criança. Simultaneamente, a literatura tem vindo a reforçar a ocorrência de mudanças positivas em áreas diversas do desenvolvimento, após a integração numa família por adoção. Este artigo de revisão apresenta uma sistematização de resultados de estudos que analisaram o impacto da adoção, sobretudo internacional, no desenvolvimento físico, cognitivo, sócio­‑emocional e nos problemas de comportamento da criança que foi adotada.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v27i2.422
VersÃ£o reduzida da escala portuguesa de afeto positivo e negativo - PANAS-VRP: AnÃ¡lise fatorial confirmatÃ³ria e invariÃ¢ncia temporal
Authors: Costa Galinha Iolanda , Pereira CÃ­cero Roberto , Esteves Francisco
Published: June 2015

Embora a Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS: Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988) seja uma escala parcimoniosa, vÃ¡rios autores referem a necessidade de desenvolver versÃµes reduzidas da escala. Este estudo desenvolveu uma versÃ£o portuguesa reduzida da PANAS portuguesa (adaptada por Galinha & Ribeiro, 2005), analisou a sua estrutura fatorial e testou a invariÃ¢ncia temporal, num intervalo de dois meses. Uma amostra de 245 participantes adultos, no ensino superior e em formaÃ§Ã£o profissional, foi recolhida e replicada com dois meses de intervalo. A nova versÃ£o reduzida da PANAS portuguesa (PANAS-VRP) foi posteriormente analisada numa segunda amostra de 535 estudantes universitÃ¡rios. Os resultados mostram que embora a estrutura da PANAS-VRP se tenha revelado variÃ¡vel entre as duas amostras do estudo (o que pode ser explicado pelos pressupostos teÃ³ricos da escala), apresentou boas caracterÃ­sticas psicomÃ©tricas em ambas as amostras. A PANAS-VRP revelou ainda invariÃ¢ncia temporal num intervalo de dois meses e uma correlaÃ§Ã£o elevada com a versÃ£o integral da escala, nas duas amostras, indicando que ambas as versÃµes estÃ£o a medir os mesmos constructos.
PerceÃ§Ã£o de justiÃ§a, discriminaÃ§Ã£o e sexismo
Authors: Santos Maria Helena , AmÃ¢ncio LÃ­gia
Published: June 2015

Este artigo teÃ³rico analisou as dinÃ¢micas intergrupais e a mudanÃ§a social, particularmente no caso das categorias de sexo e das relaÃ§Ãµes de gÃ©nero, no sentido de perceber a persistÃªncia das discriminaÃ§Ãµes e destacar as condiÃ§Ãµes que contribuem para esta. O artigo articula diferentes nÃ­veis de anÃ¡lise, sobretudo ao nÃ­vel intergrupal e ideolÃ³gico, para conhecer a perspetiva dos envolvidos e entender as condiÃ§Ãµes que levam os membros dos grupos dominados a adotar (ou nÃ£o) aÃ§Ãµes que melhorem a situaÃ§Ã£o. Demonstra, nomeadamente, que estes grupos vivem um estado de ambiguidade face Ã s consequÃªncias do preconceito e discriminaÃ§Ã£o a que sÃ£o sujeitos e que, por isso, nem sempre percebem que sÃ£o discriminados. Este sentimento, tambÃ©m entendido como uma estratÃ©gia de coping, nÃ£o contribui para a mudanÃ§a, porque limita o envolvimento das pessoas em aÃ§Ãµes que conduzam Ã  alteraÃ§Ã£o da situaÃ§Ã£o.
A redução de itens como uma alternativa para a Escala Triangular do Amor
Authors: Cassepp-Borges Vicente , Pasquali Luiz
Published: June 2015

O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar as propriedades psicométricas da Escala Triangular do Amor de Sternberg Reduzida (ETAS-R). Responderam à escala 1523 sujeitos de 13 estados brasileiros. Os resultados indicaram que a versão reduzida possui boa precisão e itens com cargas fortes num único fator. Análise fatorial confirmatória mostrou invariância da estrutura fatorial da ETAS-R por sexo e região, mas não para tipo de relacionamento. A Teoria de Resposta ao Item sugere que a ETAS-R é informativa. Os itens são discriminativos, mas relativamente fáceis. Os resultados sugerem que a ETAS-R é um excelente instrumento de medida. No entanto, não se deve abandonar a versão completa da ETAS.
A versão portuguesa do NEO-FFI: Caracterização em função da idade, género e escolaridade
Authors: Pedroso de Lima Margarida , Gonçalves Eunice , Salgueira Ana , Gonzalez António-José , Costa José Joaquim , Costa Manuel JoÃ£o , Costa Patrí­cio
Published: June 2015

O presente estudo tem como objetivo apresentar dados descritivos e multivariados obtidos com o NEO-FFI, uma versão reduzida do NEO-PI-R, com uma amostra de participantes portugueses. Para tornar possível este objetivo, o inventário de personalidade foi administrado a 1178 sujeitos, 68% do sexo feminino, e com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 90 anos (M = 41.8, DP = 22.3). A versão portuguesa do NEO-FFI reflete a universalidade das dimensões básicas da personalidade podendo, por conseguinte, ser usada como uma versão fiável do NEO-PI-R. Estes dados reforçam os resultados obtidos internacionalmente, e serão discutidos no presente artigo à luz da literatura sobre o modelo dos cinco fatores. Os resultados revelam ainda um efeito significativo do sexo e da escolaridade ao nível da personalidade (controlando a variável idade), especificamente, no que diz respeito às dimensões de Abertura à Experiência, Neuroticismo, Conscienciosidade e Amabilidade. No que se refere à Extroversão não foram encontrados efeitos significativos das variáveis individuais referidas. Verificámos ainda que à medida que a idade avança diminuem as pontuações de Extroversão e de Abertura à Experiência.
A Entrevista Cognitiva Melhorada: Pressupostos teóricos, investigação e aplicação
Authors: Paulo Rui M. , Albuquerque Pedro B. , Bull Ray
Published: June 2015

A entrevista de testemunhas é um procedimento fundamental no decurso das investigações policiais e avaliações forenses. No entanto, o conhecimento, formação e treino destes profissionais para entrevistar testemunhas é frequentemente insuficiente, levando ao uso de técnicas de entrevista inadequadas e à obtenção de informação limitada e pouco fidedigna. Neste artigo abordamos a Entrevista Cognitiva Melhorada, atualmente aceite como um dos métodos mais eficazes para obter bons testemunhos. Descrevemos pormenorizadamente esta entrevista, quais os pressupostos teóricos que justificam a sua utilização, incidindo ainda sobre a investigação relevante. Por fim, elaboramos um guia de utilização para esta entrevista baseado nos resultados da investigação e no modelo utilizado pelas forças policiais de Inglaterra e Gales (i.e. “PEACE”). Não existindo nenhum outro protocolo publicado em língua portuguesa para a aplicação da Entrevista Cognitiva Melhorada, consideramos a leitura deste artigo um primeiro passo para todos os profissionais que pretendam utilizar este modelo de entrevista.