bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical Honey in the Management of Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Exit Sites
Authors: Forbes Thomas A. , Shaw Loren , Quinlan Catherine
Published: November 2016

International guidelines in peritoneal dialysis (PD) advocate for regular application of topical mupirocin in chronic PD exit-site care. A strong evidence base links this treatment to reduced rates of exit-site infections and peritonitis. However, emerging reports of increasing mupirocin resistance and gram-negative infections are threatening the long-term viability of topical antibiotic ointments as a prophylactic treatment. Medical grade honey has multiple proven antibacterial and wound healing properties. High-quality randomized controlled trial evidence (the HONEYPOT trial), however, does not support the use of topical medical-grade honey over antibiotic ointments for the prevention of exit-site infection and peritonitis in adults. Pediatric representation in these studies is low, and these findings may not extrapolate to the pediatric context, which has a higher incidence of PD-related infection and a lower prevalence of diabetes.

We present a series of 8 pediatric patients treated with topical Medihoney (Comvita, Paengaroa, New Zealand) in the context of poor exit-site condition, persistent infection, and recurrent granuloma where the addition of honey was felt to produce remarkable improvement in exit-site status.

Medihoney is the first-line prophylactic exit-site ointment in PD exit sites at our institution and has been implicated in the salvage of peritoneal access in some patients. No exclusively pediatric studies have been performed; however, existing literature suggests a beneficial effect in promoting healing of infected wounds with a lower risk of developing antimicrobial resistance.
THE CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY TYPOLOGY: ANALYSING SUSTAINABILITY DRIVERS AND FOSTERING SUSTAINABILITY AT ENTERPRISES
Authors: JERÓNIMO SILVESTRE Winston , ANTUNES Paula , LEAL FILHO Walter
Published: November 2016

Much has been written about the need for more humane, ethical, socially just and trans­parent ways of doing business and performing entrepreneurial activities. Consistent with this, con­cepts such as sustainable development, corporate citizenship, corporate sustainability (CS), sus­tainable entrepreneurship, business ethics, and corporate social responsibility (CSR), among many others, have emerged. This diversity of expressions raises the need to development a new typology for to CS. This paper addresses this gap and describes a framework typology for corporate sustain­ability, by analysing sustainability drivers and the interactivity factors in the context of sustainability. It also describes the various types of sustainable emphasis given by companies and their associated levels of CS, which may pave the way for a new framework typology.
POST-MAIN SEQUENCE EVOLUTION OF ICY MINOR PLANETS: IMPLICATIONS FOR WATER RETENTION AND WHITE DWARF POLLUTION
Authors: Malamud Uri , Perets Hagai B.
Published: November 2016

Most observations of polluted white dwarf atmospheres are consistent with accretion of water-depleted planetary material. Among tens of known cases, merely two involve accretion of objects that contain a considerable mass fraction of water. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relative scarcity of these detections. Based on a new and highly detailed model, we evaluate the retention of water inside icy minor planets during the high-luminosity stellar evolution that follows the main sequence. Our model fully considers the thermal, physical, and chemical evolution of icy bodies, following their internal differentiation as well as water depletion, from the moment of their birth and through all stellar evolution phases preceding the formation of the white dwarf. We also account for different initial compositions and formation times. Our results differ from previous studies, which have either underestimated or overestimated water retention. We show that water can survive in a variety of circumstances and in great quantities, and therefore other possibilities are discussed in order to explain the infrequency of water detection. We predict that the sequence of accretion is such that water accretes earlier, and more rapidly, than the rest of the silicate disk, considerably reducing the chance of its detection in H-dominated atmospheres. In He-dominated atmospheres, the scarcity of water detections could be observationally biased. It implies that the accreted material is typically intrinsically dry, which may be the result of the inside-out depopulation sequence of minor planets.
THE PANCHROMATIC VIEW OF THE MAGELLANIC CLOUDS FROM CLASSICAL CEPHEIDS. I. DISTANCE, REDDENING, AND GEOMETRY OF THE LARGE MAGELLANIC CLOUD DISK
Authors: Inno L. , Bono G. , Matsunaga N. , Fiorentino G. , Marconi M. , Lemasle B. , Silva R. da , Soszyński I. , Udalski A. , Romaniello M. , Rix H.-W.
Published: November 2016

We present a detailed investigation of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) disk using classical Cepheids. Our analysis is based on optical (I, V; OGLE-IV), near-infrared (NIR: J, H, 

) and mid-infrared (MIR: w1; WISE) mean magnitudes. By adopting new templates to estimate the NIR mean magnitudes from single-epoch measurements, we build the currently most accurate, largest, and homogeneous multi-band data set of LMC Cepheids. We determine Cepheid individual distances using optical and NIR Period–Wesenheit relations (PWRs), to measure the geometry of the LMC disk and its viewing angles. Cepheid distances based on optical PWRs are precise at 3%, but accurate to 7%, while the ones based on NIR PWRs are more accurate (to 3%), but less precise (2%–15%), given the higher photometric error on the observed magnitudes. We found an inclination of i = 25.05 ± 0.02 (stat.) ± 0.55 (syst.) deg, and a position angle of the lines of nodes P.A. = 150.76 ± 0.02 (stat.) ± 0.07 (syst.) deg. These values agree well with estimates based either on young (Red Supergiants) or on intermediate-age (Asymptotic Giant Branch, Red Clump) stellar tracers, but they significantly differ from evaluations based on old (RR Lyrae) stellar tracers. This indicates that young/intermediate and old stellar populations have different spatial distributions. Finally, by using the reddening-law fitting approach, we provide a reddening map of the LMC disk, which is 10 times more accurate and 2 times larger than similar maps in the literature. We also found an LMC true distance modulus of

(stat. and syst.) mag, in excellent agreement with the currently most accurate measurement.
VORTICES AND SPIRALS IN THE HD 135344B TRANSITION DISK
Authors: Marel N. van der , Cazzoletti P. , Pinilla P. , Garufi A.
Published: November 2016

In recent years, spiral structures have been seen in scattered light observations and signs of vortices in millimeter images of protoplanetary disks, both probably linked with the presence of planets. We present Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array Band 7 (335 GHz or 0.89 mm) continuum observations of the transition disk HD 135344B at an unprecedented spatial resolution of 0.″16, using superuniform weighting. The data show that the asymmetric millimeter-dust ring seen in previous work actually consists of an inner ring and an outer asymmetric structure. The outer feature is cospatial with the end of one of the spiral arms seen in scattered light, but the feature itself is not consistent with a spiral arm due to its coradiance. We propose a new possible scenario to explain the observed structures at both wavelengths. Hydrodynamical simulations show that a massive planet can generate a primary vortex (which dissipates at longer timescales, becoming an axisymmetric ring) and trigger the formation of a second generation vortex further out. Within this scenario, the two spiral arms observed at scattered light originate from a planet at ∼30 au and from the secondary vortex at ∼75 au rather than a planet further out as previously reported.
Improvement of Low-Cost MEMS Gyroscope Characteristics by Data Filtering and Fusion
Authors: Laššák M. , Draganová K.
Published: November 2016

Advancement of the MEMS technology at the end of the 20th century allowed mankind to realize the things which had been unthinkable until then. Modern technological procedures have enabled a mass production of sensors and actuators of miniature dimensions with low purchase costs. The article deals with the fundamental principle of the MEMS gyroscopes as angular velocity sensors and with the necessary output data filtering and fusion with other inertial sensors to improve quality and precision of the angular velocity and position angles determination.
Information security risk management and incompatible parts of organization
Authors: Talabeigi Elham , Jalali Naeeini Seyyed Gholamreza
Published: November 2016

Purpose: we prepared a questionnaire to evaluate Incompatible parts and also risk management in University of Science and Technology E-Learning Center and studying the Incompatible parts impacts on utility of organization.Design/methodology/approach: By using coalitional game theory we present a new model to recognize the degrees of incompatibility among independent divisions of an organization with dependent security assets. Based on positive and negative interdependencies in the parts, the model provides how the organization can decrease the security risks through non-cooperation rather than cooperation. we implement the proposed model of this paper by analyzing the data which have been provided by questionnaires from different three managers' ideas of Iran University of Science and Technology E-Learning Center located in Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.Findings: In general, by collecting data and analyzing them, the survey showed that Incompatible parts of organizations have negative impacts on utility of organization risk management process. Furthermore, it adds values to other organizations and provides the best practices in planning, developing, implementing and monitoring risk management in organizations.Research limitations/implications: Since Information security and also Risk Management are still areas which need to improve in some Iranian universities, we couldn’t consider them in our analysis. On the other hand, due to questionnaire limitation, the study’s sample size is 1. This size may be considered large for our statistical analysis.Originality/value:  The main contribution of this paper is to propose a model for non-cooperation among a number of divisions in a organization and using risk management factors.
Cave protection as a Karst conservation tool in the environmentally sensitive Lagoa Santa Karst, Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Auler Augusto S.
Published: November 2016

Karst areas in densely populated and industrialized areas in Brazil are under severe environmental pressure due to urbanization, quarrying, groundwater pollution, groundwater overpumping and cave vandalism. Although karst terrains receive no specific protection according to Brazilian environmental law, caves, regardless of rock type, are classified as belonging to the society, and must be studied in detail to have their significance (and related level of protection) determined. Most caves (>90 %) are of either maximum or high significance, which results in protection of not only the cave but also of an associated buffer zone. Given the very conservative definition of cave (a natural void large enough to allow a human being to enter), hundreds of caves will exist in any given outcrop and the amalgamation of buffer zones tends to yield an integrated area that covers most of the karst surface. In the Lagoa Santa Karst, Brazil’s most urbanized and industrialized karst area, cave preservation is presently the most effective approach to protecting karst heritage. However, other karst features not connected to existing caves (e.g., covered karst, karst aquifers with no accessible caves, dolines with no associated caves) receive no specific protection. Although this heterogeneous level of protection may yield non-preserved karst areas, the remaining zones tend to be surrounded by protection belts, imposing severe restrictions on urban and mining development and associated sources of potential damage.Key words: Environmental policy, cave protection, karst preservation, Lagoa Santa Karst.
The effects of agricultural activities and atmospheric acid deposition on carbonate weathering in a small karstic agricultural catchment, Southwest China
Authors: Chen Yu , Jiang Yongjun
Published: November 2016

In order to quantify the sources and fluxes of DIC, the effects of the use of N-fertilizers and acid deposition on carbonate weathering have been quantified by hydrochemistry and δ13CDIC of groundwater in Qingmuguan underground river system (QURS) – a small karstic agricultural catchment of Southwest China. The results show that: (1) the significant temporal variations for major element concentrations and δ13CDIC of groundwater in different months were observed, especially, of which the groundwater showed significant high concentrations of DIC, Ca2+, Mg2+, NO3−, SO42− and δ13CDIC in rainy season and fertilizing period in the QURS; (2) the contributions of carbonate dissolution by carbonic acid to total concentrations of (Ca2++Mg2+) and HCO3− of groundwater in different months averaged 68.5 % and 81.0 %, respectively. While the contributions of carbonate dissolution by nitric acid originated from the use of N-fertilizers and atmospheric acid deposition to total concentrations of (Ca2++Mg2+) and HCO3− of groundwater in different months averaged 11.1 % and 6.7 %, respectively, and the contributions of carbonate dissolution by sulphuric acid originated from the atmospheric acid deposition to total concentrations of (Ca2++Mg2+) and HCO3− of groundwater in different months averaged 20.4 % and 12.3 %, respectively; (3) the δ13CDIC increased obviously with (Ca2++Mg2+)/HCO3− of groundwater in the rainy season and fertilizing period indicated that the use of N-fertilizers and atmospheric acid deposition should be responsible for the elevated the δ13CDIC and the molar ratio of (Ca2++Mg2+)/HCO3− of groundwater in the QURS.Key words: carbonate weathering, karst groundwater, agricultural activities, atmospheric acid deposition, Qingmuguan, Southwest China.
Laboratory modeling of karst phenomena and their rock relief on plaster: subsoil karren, rain flutes karren and caves
Authors: Slabe Tadej , Hada Asami , Knez Martin
Published: November 2016

The study of the formation and development of karst phenomena and their rock relief using laboratory plaster modeling has again proven useful and informative. We continued the study of subsoil karren that forms under tight, poorly permeable contact with soil and of rain flutes formed by water at various temperatures. We determined the pattern of the reshaping of plaster tubes that are wider at the flow inlet than at the outlet end. The results are a significant contribution to explaining the formation of high ceiling niches and pockets in karst caves. The third experiment was carried out in phreatic conditions where water in a flume was forced to flow between layers of different composition. During the experiment, we observed the typical development of channels between pure plaster layers (uniform limestone beds), between plaster layers with added Portland cement reinforced fragments (breccia beds), siporex (slowly dissolving beds) and between three different layer types.Key words: laboratory modeling, karst, rock relief, subsoil karren, rain flutes, caves.
Preliminary hydrogeophysical investigation at the 10th of Ramadan City, Egypt, by 1D and 2D inversion of VES data
Authors: Massoud Usama , Khalil Mahmoud M. , Tokunaga Tomochika , Santos Fernando A.M.
Published: November 2016

Electrical resistivity survey in the form of vertical electrical sounding was conducted at the 10th of Ramadan City, Egypt, to analyse subsurface lithology distribution and the inter‐relation between the possible infiltrated wastewater from oxidation ponds and the surface seepage emerged at the city centre. Special interest was paid for tracing the low‐resistivity clayey layer, which can act as a barrier against surface water percolation and as a low permeable zone to form local perched water system. Vertical electrical sounding data by Schlumberger electrode configuration were taken at 17 stations along a line extended from the city centre to the oxidation ponds used for wastewater treatment. The data were inverted by using 1D and 2D inversion schemes to construct geoelectrical cross section along the surveyed line. The geoelectrical layers were interpreted principally in terms of lithology and water content by correlation with borehole information. From the obtained results, four layers were identified in the subsurface medium. The upper three layers are located above the regional water table, whereas the fourth one was interpreted to be fully water saturated. The second layer from the surface is of great importance as it is the low‐resistivity clayey layer. This layer is discontinuous along the survey line. Downward infiltration of wastewater from the oxidation ponds is possible especially at the pond No. 2 as the clayey layer was interpreted not to exist at the site. The infiltrated wastewater from the oxidation ponds was interpreted not to be the cause of the surface seepage emerged at the city centre because the clayey layer dips toward opposite direction. The probable sources of the seepage were considered the local surface infiltration from excess irrigation water in the nearby cultivated land and/or leakage from the underground water utilities in the city centre.
Characterisation of shallow marine sediments using high‐resolution velocity analysis and genetic‐algorithm‐driven 1D elastic full‐waveform inversion
Authors: Aleardi M. , Tognarelli A. , Mazzotti A.
Published: November 2016

We estimate the elastic properties of marine sediments beneath the seabed by means of high‐resolution velocity analysis and one‐dimensional elastic full‐waveform inversion performed on two‐dimensional broad‐band seismic data of a well‐site survey. A high‐resolution velocity function is employed to exploit the broad frequency band of the data and to derive the P‐wave velocity field with a high degree of accuracy. To derive a complete elastic characterisation in terms of P‐wave and S‐wave velocities and density of the subsurface, and to increase the resolution of the estimates, we apply a one‐dimensional elastic full‐waveform inversion in which the outcomes derived from the velocity analysis are used as a priori information to define the search range. The one‐dimensional inversion is done using genetic algorithm as the optimisation method. It is performed by considering two misfit functions: the first uses the entire waveform to compute the misfit between modelled and observed seismograms, and the second considers the envelope of the seismograms, thus relaxing the requirement of an exact estimation of the wavelet phase. The full‐waveform inversion and the high‐resolution velocity analysis yield comparable profiles, but the full‐waveform inversion reconstruction is much more detailed. Regarding the full‐waveform inversion results, the final depth models of P‐ and S‐wave velocities and density show a fine‐layered structure with a significant increase in velocities and density at shallow depth, which may indicate the presence of a consolidated layer. The very similar velocities and density‐depth trends obtained by employing the two different misfit functions increase our confidence in the reliability of the predicted subsurface models.
Multiple geophysical methods used to examine neotectonic structures in the western foothills of the Sierra de El Maitén (Argentina), North Patagonian Andes
Authors: Klinger Federico Lince , Orts Darío , Gimenez Mario , Folguera Andrés , Martinez Patricia
Published: November 2016

A high‐resolution geophysical study was carried out in a region of the retroarc of the Patagonian Andes located on the western slope of the Sierra de El Maitén. This structure is characterized by an imbricated west‐vergent fault system developed in the orogenic front area of the North Patagonian Andes that has uplifted. Oligocene volcanic rocks (Ventana Formation) affect Miocene to Quaternary sediments. Even though neotectonic fault scarps are affecting Quaternary deposits in the foothills of this range, no direct observation of slip in Quaternary strata was determined. The main objective of this study is to determine geometry of recognized neotectonic structures, characterizing them by variations in magnetic susceptibility, density, and p‐wave velocities. The combined application of different geophysical methods has allowed the characterization of the bedrock geometry and the determination of neotectonic displacements along faults. The potential field model and its integration with a seismic profile show the accurate geometry of this tectonic zone, which is crucial for seismogenic hazard analysis, in the area of northern Patagonia, a highly significant economic zone due to tourism with several towns (El Maitén, Esquel, and San Carlos de Bariloche) dispersed throughout the area of young tectonic activity.
The Subnational Region
Authors: Lawrie Alexander
Published: November 2016

Most states worldwide possess two or three levels of government, from national to provincial and localities. Subnational governing arrangements are emerging in response to widespread decentralization, globalization, and urbanization, with this level increasingly considered the ideal spatial scale for effectively harnessing governing capacity. Yet regional governing arrangements often lack the traditional statutory and administrative governing tools of the state. Instead, they tend to rely on voluntary co-ordination and co-operation. Emboldened with more traditional governing tools, provincial and local states can work against these networks to protect their own power. This case study of Sydney, Australia, examines the dimensions of hard and soft power in a regional governing network and the role of provincial and local actors in determining the prospects for regional governance. In the absence of state-like mechanisms of hard power, the soft power on which regional governing networks rely will likely remain inferior for the governing task.
Subnational Finance in Australia and China
Authors: Grant Bligh , Woods Ronald , Tan Su Fei
Published: November 2016

The political and economic benefits of decentralization have been cogently represented, to the extent that decentralization and devolution comprise identifiable programs of reform across a range of polities. However, the public policy question of finance following function – and the oversight of this process – is less resolved. Further, concerns over the financial sustainability of sub-national governments continue across a range of polities. Against the backdrop of reforms to municipal finance in both Australia and China, this chapter provides an account of the formation and functioning of two successful sub-national financial institutions, the Local Government Finance Authority of South Australia (LGFA) and the Municipal Finance Authority of British Colombia. The case studies suggest that sub-national finance may not be the thorn in the side of decentralization it sometimes appears to be. The broader introduction of such financial instruments is considered.
Fiscal Responsibility and Multi-Level Governance
Authors: Guarini Enrico , Pattaro Anna Francesca
Published: November 2016

Public-policy assumptions regarding sub-national governments' financial behavior are based on economic rationality. Therefore, to achieve fiscal stability at the macro level, central governments use fiscal rules both to constrain the behavior of local policymakers and to resolve deficit/debt biases. Using the Italian fiscal governance system as an illustrative example, this chapter considers both the tensions derived from achieving fiscal responsibility at the national level in a decentralized environment and the difficulties of maintaining adequate performance at the local government level. It is argued that the public management perspective can be helpful not only at the micro level but also at the macro level in developing public policies to promote fiscal stability. It is suggested that public policy should adopt a more holistic approach toward fiscal responsibility in multi-level governance environments. Such an approach requires a deep understanding of the determinants of financial viability of public sector organizations.
Panopticon – Cybercontrol in Liquid Modernity
Authors: Batko Roman
Published: November 2016

The chapter proposes a critical analysis of the panopticon, the model of an ideal prison devised in the 18th century by the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham, and its function in modern management. The original prison was designed in such a way that it enabled a single prison guard to watch all the inmates at all times, while the latter could never tell whether they were currently being watched or not. The idea behind the panopticon gave rise to the concept of panopticism, a philosophy developed by the French thinker Michel Foucault, which he voiced in Discipline & Punish: The Birth of the Prison (1975/1995). Analyzing the mechanism of control through the ages, he ponders the resilience and adaptability of such concepts as discipline, training and hierarchical surveillance. I intend to provide a critical analysis of methods and techniques of organizational control applied today, in the era of liquid modernity. Since that control, more often than not, is executed nowadays by electronic surveillance equipment and computer programs, hence my term of choice – “cybercontrol”.
Algorithm as Demiurge
Authors: Kreft Jan
Published: November 2016

Plato's Demiurge is the quintessence of perfection and power. “Whatever comes from me is indestructible unless I, myself, wish it to be destroyed” - says the creator of the gods, speaking to them in Timaeus. The gods and Demiurge are believed to collaborate on the creation of people in accordance with the standard of excellent ideas; soon the world, as we know, will be created. Plato's Demiurge is also the good, and the platonic gods are righteous. Without Demiurge the world is a chaos, an environment of irrational chances. Nowadays, the myth of Demiurge can be related to the perfection of creativity. Demiurge becomes equal to the anticipated, all-powerful driving force. Omnipotent, yet tamed and friendly. Demiurge is also the leader in the tradition of social research, the “divine” constructor of the economy, the originator of development. In the new media environment, Demiurge is a convenient metaphor for the presentation of the algorithm: mysterious, error-free, resistant to influence, free from human weaknesses. A transcendent being. The aim of this publication is to present new concept, the core myth of new media organizations - the myth of Demiurge associated with the operation of algorithms and critical analysis of myths created around it, which accompany the social, political and business role of algorithms. Considering the aspect connected with the interpretation of digital media operation and their social and business role, algorithms have not been so far analysed in the context of the presence of myths in organisational functioning. The author believes, however, that the common factor in the perception of algorithms in new media is their mythical aureole and mythical thinking associated with them.
Aggregators News Sources of Main Portals in Poland
Authors: Kreft Jan , Petrova Mariana
Published: November 2016

Aggregation of media content comes as a popular form of media market activity which is supposed to facilitate access to information in the conditions of its excessive amount. It can be defined as selection and hierarchization of information and determination of its value. Aggregation can be performed with the direct participation of editorial teams, or it can be performed automatically, with the use of algorithms. The research conducted in April 2014 – April 2015 was to indicate the sources of information published by the news portals dominating on the Polish market, namely: Onet.pl and WP. pl. The research referred to the main section Wiadomosci (News). During the research 1829 sources of information were identified in Onet.pl and 2272 sources of information in WP.pl. Considering Onet.pl, there were 549 pieces of the portal news and 1239 pieces of news obtained from different sources. WP.pl presented 582 pieces of the portal news and 1690 pieces of news received from other sources. Thus, Onet.pl presented its original content more frequently. The scale of using external sources allows us to state that both portals are, first of all, the aggregators of medial contents, and they use external information sources, however the scale of the practice is differentiated. Generally, it is possible to state that only every third message placed in the most important section of both portals was created in their editorial offices.
Education, “Pointsification,” Empowerment?
Authors: Piasecki Stefan
Published: November 2016

Gamification as a tool or procedure to add entertaining and motivating elements to usually non-entertaining environments such as schools or workplaces is becoming more and more popular. E-learning platforms like Moodle provide tools and sets of functions to add elements of gamification. An important factor especially in education is technology: individual achievements and progress can be recorded, measured, tracked and visualized and therefore identified and rewarded through bonus points, awards or rankings. This is where gamification can add some challenge and excitement to the learning. But can entertainment and education be combined by technical means at all? What are the possibilities and limits? What implications have to be expected regarding the relationship between teachers, students and a technological – gamified – environment?
Virtual Learning
Authors: Burkle Martha , Magee Michael
Published: November 2016

This chapter explores the seamless learning opportunities that video games and virtual reality offer for learners and instructors. Interacting with content, with each other, and with learning processes in virtual environments, learning becomes a process combined with discovery and fun. The authors analyze emerging trends and learning understandings (epistemologies) built by video game users and learners represented in the forms of avatars. Digital environments are in fact transforming the way learners and instructors (faculty) interact with each other in and across contexts. Using data from two parallel research projects, the chapter examines students' self identity construction, problem solving, and learning in virtual environments. The authors suggest that learning epistemologies that take place in virtual reality should be brought back to the classroom or to the online environment (by the instructional designer or the game developer) and impact the way learning takes place in this ‘real'/physical environments.
The Impact of TED-Vodcast on Iranian EFL Learners' Academic Oral Proficiency
Authors: Sadeghi Aram Reza , Ghorbani Soheila
Published: November 2016

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of TED-Vodcast on academic oral proficiency, with a focus on accuracy and fluency of Iranian intermediate EFL learners. There is no doubt that most of the university students in different fields of study face a lot of hardships while attending international conferences for presenting a paper which is due to lack of English proficiency. In this research, 34 female freshman students of English Language and Literature at Semnan University aged between 18-27 were selected and assigned into 2 groups of experimental (N=19) and control (N=15). TED-Vodcast was integrated into experimental group and conventional method of teaching listening and speaking was applied for the control group. Both groups took pretest and posttest which were in the form of interviews. The relation of 3 dependent variables of the two groups were computed by MANOVA and independent sample T-test was used as well. The findings of the study indicated that TED-Vodcast had significant effects on learners' oral proficiency as well as accuracy but not on fluency.
Attitudes of Adult EFL Learners towards Preparing for a Language Test via CALL
Authors: Bekleyen Nilüfer , Çelik Serkan
Published: November 2016

The present study focuses on the attitudes of adult language learners towards an Internet-based computer program designed to prepare the users for a language test. The participants were the attendees of a YDS (National Foreign Language Examination offered by the Turkish Council of Higher Education) preparation course which was conducted at a state university in Turkey. Sixty participants contributed to the study. Their attitudes towards Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) were measured via two different instruments: a questionnaire and an interview. The results indicated that lower level learners had significantly better attitudes towards CALL compared to higher level learners. In general, the participants found computers to be more interesting, motivating and encouraging but did not consider the traditional classroom teaching substitutable with CALL. The findings revealed no significant changes pertaining to the participants' attitudes towards CALL after their language learning experience with computers for four months.
A Panel Data Analysis for Exploring the New Determinants of Growth in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in India
Authors: Kumar Manoj
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this paper is to explore the main determinants of growth in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in India. The empirical research has suggested that firm growth is determined not only by the traditional characteristics of size and age but also by other firm-specific factors such as indebtedness, internal financing, future growth opportunities, process and product innovation, and organisational changes. No empirical evidence has been provided so far on which of these determining factors are associated with SMEs growth and performance in India. Using a panel dataset of 560 fast growing small and medium enterprises from India the author finds evidence that firm size and age can explain to a large extend the growth in SMEs in India. Firm specific characteristics such as short-term liquidity, future growth opportunities, internally generated funds, and factor productivity are found to be important factors in determining a firm's growth and performance. Economy-wide factors such as inflation and corporate income tax rate (but not gross domestic product) seem to have a significant effect on SMEs growth in India.
A Maturity Model for E-Commerce Adoption By Small And Medium Enterprises In Indonesia
Authors: Triandini Evi , Djunaidy Arif , Siahaan Daniel
Published: November 2016

E-commerce provides several advantages for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). E-commerce adoption by Indonesian SMEs is still very low. This study conducts a research to establish a maturity model of e-commerce adoption by Indonesia SMEs. It was carried out in two phases from 2014 until 2015. The result of the first phase recommends four levels of maturity model and 13 e-commerce benefits, 51 functionalities, and 9 non-functionalities that an e-commerce solution must have. The result of the second phase presents a maturity model of e-commerce adoption for SMEs in Indonesia.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nickel Manganite Ceramics by Polymeric Precursors Method
Authors: de Oliveira A.C.B. , Ribeiro D.M.S. , Moraes C.G.P. , Silva R.S. , Ferreira Nilson Santos , Silva Marcelo S.
Published: November 2016

This work presents the synthesis and characterization of NTC ceramic (Negative coefficient Temperature) based on nickel manganite (NiMn2O4) produced by the polymeric precursor method. NiMn2O4 were sintered at 900-1200 °C during 3h to produce the ceramics samples. The effect of sintering temperature on microstructure and electric properties of the NiMn2O4 ceramics was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and temperature dependent resistance R(T) measurements. The XRD measurement indicated formation of cubic spinel-type structure of NiMn2O4. The crystallite size (as confirmed by XRD) and the particle size (as confirmed by SEM) increased as the sintering temperature increased from around 18nm (900 °C) to 100nm (1200 °C). All samples showed NTC behavior and, among the studied ceramics, that one sintered at 1200 °C showed lower resistivity value (~103Ω.cm) at room temperature.
Manufacturing of Green Ceramic Balls: Machine and Process
Authors: Pedroso Marcos Paulo Gonçalves , Purquerio Benedito de Moraes , Fortulan Carlos Alberto
Published: November 2016

Ceramic balls are great application in high precision components such as hybrid bearings or hip prostheses where high performance is only achieved through close tolerances of form and dimension. Green machining is a critical step in the manufacturing of balls since the allowance removed and the surface finish achieved at the conclusion have a direct influence on the quality of the final product. The work aims to design a prototype for machining the green ball to Ø19 mm following the approach of mechanical design methodology. The concept consists of three wheels, two for drag with speed and direction of rotation variables to promote random orbital effect on the ball and a grinding wheel with track of silicon carbide #120 mesh. Spherical zirconia blanks were shaped by isostatic pressing at 200 MPa and machined in the manufactured prototype.
Organophilization Process and Characterization of Palygorskite Clay (Attapulgite)
Authors: Silva Valdete Campos , Batista Thianne Silva , Ramos Italo Barros Meira , Barros Thiago Rodrigo Barbosa , de Sousa Bianca Viana
Published: November 2016

Natural clays can be chemically modified by surfactants, becoming organophilic. In this process, inorganic cations present in the clay mineral are exchanged for organic ones. Quaternary ammonium salts are commonly used in the organophilization process. Palygorskite is a crystalline complex magnesium aluminum silicate, with channel structure forming elongated crystals, which has physicochemical characteristics that give it properties suitable for several industrial applications such as drilling fluid and absorbing oils. The purpose of this study is to characterize the palygorskite clay and evaluate its organophilization process with the quaternary ammonium salt (CTABr) in order to use it for removing oil from emulsified solutions. Based on the results, it was observed that the organophilization process was evidenced by the X-ray diffraction due to the increase of lamellar distance and the presence of the quaternary salt peaks shown in the infrared spectrum, which makes the material viable to be applied in the treatment of emulsified oil.
Study on the Influence of Water-Reducing Additives in Concretes for Civil Construction
Authors: Grillo Rodolfo H.F , Maestrelli Sylma Carvalho , Grillo K.V.F. , Mariano Neide Aparecida , del Roveri Carolina , Mendes Patrícia Neves
Published: November 2016

Water-reducing additives for concretes are high efficiency dispersants that promote reduction of viscosity in suspensions, minimizing the amount of water used to hydrate the cement, thus enabling the fabrication of concrete with excellent properties. However, different forms of interaction between cement and additives are observed. In this work the properties of concrete formulated with three dosages of a polycarboxylate-based water-reducing additive and cement type CPII E-32 from two distinct manufacturers were investigated. In the experimental part, we verified the importance to use this technology justified by excellent results obtained for mechanical resistance and plasticity properties of the concretes. Through statistical analysis it was possible to point a discrete superiority in compositions using Holcim cement in function of its physical and chemical characteristics, in which the interaction process showed to be more efficient.
Adhesive Selection for Lamellar Composites Alumina/Kevlar® for Impact Absorption
Authors: de Faria Natália Maria , Rocha Rosa Maria , Lopes Cristina Moniz Araujo
Published: November 2016

Alumina has been applied in systems of protection against high speed impact due mostly to the mechanical properties, low cost and ease of processing. A new approach to this application involves the manufacture of lamellar bioinspired composites of thin plates of alumina obtained by tape casting process, and fabrics of poly (p-aramid), Kevlar ®. The aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between the ceramic and polymeric fibers fabric observing the influence of different nature adhesives to select the most suitable for further preparation of bioinspired lamellar composite for impact protection applications. The strength of adhesion is evaluated by 90° Degree Peel Test and the interaction is investigated using techniques of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and spectroscopy with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) to characterize the surfaces of substrates after testing. Polyurethane aqueous based adhesive presented better interaction with both materials when compared to organic solvent based adhesive.
MgAl2O4-ZrO2(Y2O3) Ceramic Composite: Sintering and Characterization
Authors: dos Santos Claudinei , Magnago Roberto de Oliveira , Santos Fernando Silva , Moraes Samuel Kascher , Ribeiro Frederico Paula , de Souza José Vitor Candido
Published: November 2016

Spinel is a ceramic material of excellent translucence when sintered in high densification, however, its low sinterability and toughness difficulty limit its use as an interesting material for dental applications. The use of stabilized zirconia ZrO2(Y2O3) as Spinel agent is studied in this work. Zirconia contents between 10% and 50% were mixed to Spinel and samples were uniaxially and isostatically pressed. The specimens were sintered at 1575oC with isothermal holding time of 120 minutes. Samples were characterized by X Ray Diffraction (XRD), SEM, relative density, microhardness and fracture toughness. The samples which showed better mechanical performance were the ones with 50% zirconia and sintered at 1575oC, with 90% relative density, hardness of 400HV and KIC of 2.4MPa.m1/2.
Analysis of Technical Suitability of Using Wood Ash in Cement Based Materials
Authors: Bennack Valeria , Dalla Valentina L.V.O. , Folgueras Marilena Valadares
Published: November 2016

Economic and environmental issues are directly related to industrial processes which, not only employ natural resources but also generate by-products that may impact the environment. In order to achieve sustainable development, reducing the use of natural resources and lowering cost through adequate destination of waste becomes a crucial issue. The aim of this paper is to analyze the suitability of reusing waste (wood ash) resulting from the combustion process at wood product industries for manufacturing cement based materials used in civil engineering. The material assessed is ash from the combustion process of a wood product industry. In this study, physical and chemical properties such as grain size, mineral and chemical composition of this by-product were characterized. Thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction techniques were used for this purpose. Preliminary results show the suitability of using the waste (wood ash) for manufacturing cement based materials
Incorporation of Paint Waste from Furniture Painting Booth into Covering Mortar
Authors: Ribeiro Renan Rocha , Bellon Fernando Gussão , Alvarenga Rita de Cássia Silva Sant’Ana , Rezende Ana Augusta Passos , de Carvalho José Maria Franco , Santos Rodrigo Felipe
Published: November 2016

Aligned with the world’s tendency of searching for sustainable technologies, the waste addition into materials of the civil construction is an interesting option for wastes that do not have proper destination. This work has the objective of studying the feasibility of incorporating paint waste from furniture painting booth, which currently does not have any correct ecological destination, into covering mortars and investigate if this addition brings any improvement in performance. For this purpose, it was prepared six compositions of covering mortars, with a cement-sand volume proportion of 1:6 and a Flow-table consistency of 260 mm +- 10mm, varying the waste percentage added among the proportions of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% on the cement weight. It was determined, for each composition, the specific gravity and the air-entrained content in the fresh stage. For physical tests, it was moulded nine prismatic samples and one mortar substrate for the bond tensile strength test per mortar composition. It was determined the flexural and compressive strength in the hardened stage, the specific gravity, the water absorption coefficient due to capillary action and the bond tensile strength. Leaching tests were performed for environmental analysis of the mortars produced with waste addition. It was observed that all the mortars with waste received a similar classification to the mortar without waste, according to NBR 13281 [], and the leaching tests showed that mortars with waste were not ecologically dangerous, demonstrating the feasibility of the incorporation. In addition, mortars produced with waste presented an increase in the entrained air percentage, which might be a beneficial action of the paint waste.
Study of Influence of Replacement Waste Oil Well Drilling Fluid in the Standard Mass of a Ceramic Industry in São Gonçalo do Amarante/RN, Brazil
Authors: Ravenna Maria Monteiro Barros , Acchar Wilson , Barros Neto E.L. , Silva J.B. , Silva Vamberto Monteiro
Published: November 2016

The properties of ceramic materials can be greatly influenced when a residue is added to its composition. This article aims to study the incorporation of waste oil well drilling fluid in the standard bulk for fabrication of red ceramic. The success of the merger can reduce costs in the production of ceramic pieces and reduce the environmental impacts caused by waste. The results reveals that the use of the residue for the manufacture of the ceramic products is possible (tiles, massive bricks and hollow bricks) replacing clay up to 40%, according the requirements of the norm and in the literature for the technological properties of the final product.
X-Ray Peak Broadening and Raman Spectroscopy Studies of Ce0.08Fe0.02O2-δ Nanoparticles Prepared by a Sol-Gel-Based Method
Authors: Ferreira Nilson Santos , de Oliveira A.C.B. , Mota G.V.S. , Cunha A.C. , Silva Marcelo S.
Published: November 2016

Fe-doped (Ce0.98Fe0.02O2−δ) cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol-gel-based method at 1000 °C during different calcination time (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5h). The effect of calcination time on microstructure and structural properties of the Ce0.98Fe0.02O2−δ nanoparticles was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy measurements. Analysis of the XRD pattern shows that all samples exhibited a single-phase fluorite structurewith lattice parameters ranging from 0.540991 Å (1.0h) to0.540635 Å (2.5h). Raman spectroscopy also confirms that the Fe atoms successfully displaced some of the Ce atoms in the CeO2 lattice without forming any impure phases. XRD and Raman spectroscopy results showed that both crystallite size and the particle size increased as the calcination time increased from around 36 nm (1.0h) to 64 nm (2.5h).