bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontology Supported Hybrid Recommender System With Threshold Based Nearest Neighbourhood Approach
Authors: Gulzar Zameer , Raj L. Arun , Leema A. Anny
Published: February 2019

Traditional e-learning systems lack the personalization feature to guide learners for selecting the most suitable courses needed. Choosing appropriate courses in the seminal years is important for a future learner who depends on such decisions, as selecting the wrong courses means a mismatch between learner's capability and personal interests. Therefore, a recommender system was developed to suggest and direct the students in selecting the appropriate courses. This study presents algorithms to personalize courses for scholars based on their interests to make learning effective and more productive. The hybrid methodology has been used to retrieve useful information and make accurate recommendations to help learners to increase their performance and improve their satisfaction level. The results suggest that a hybrid approach is better as it will enjoy all the advantages of the individual recommender systems and mitigate their limitations. A threshold-based nearest neighborhood approach will further strengthen the proposed system by finding a similar learner for targeted learners.
Regression Modeling and Experimental Investigations on Ageing Behavior of Nano-Fly Ash Reinforced Al-10wt%Mg Alloy Matrix Composites
Authors: Katrenipadu Srinivasa Prasad , Gurugubelli Swami Naidu
Published: February 2019

Nano-fly ash particles reinforced Al-10wt%Mg alloy matrix composites produced by stir-casting method were tested for their ageing response. Ageing studies were performed at 160 °C, 200 °C and 240 °C temperatures and a maximum peak hardness of 142 VHN was observed during ageing at 200 °C for the composite with 10 wt% nano fly ash reinforcement. This is due to rapid nucleation and growth of βI particles at this temperature. Experiments were designed for different compositions and different ageing temperatures on the basis of the Design of Experiments technique. The factorial design is considered to improve the reliability of results and to reduce the size of experimentation without loss of accuracy. A model to predict the ageing behaviour of the composites was developed with the terms of 5, 10 and 15% weight fraction of fly ash at 160 °C, 200 °C and 240 °C ageing temperatures. The developed regression model was validated by statistical software MINITAB-R17.1.0. It was found that the developed regression model could be effectively used to predict the ageing behavior at 95% confidence level.
Network Support Data Analysis for Fault Identification Using Machine Learning
Authors: Basheer Shakila , Gandhi Usha Devi , Priyan M.K.  , Parthasarathy P.
Published: February 2019

Machine learning has gained immense popularity in a variety of fields as it has the ability to change the conventional workflow of a process. The abundance of data available serves as the motivation for this. This data can be exploited for a good deal of knowledge. In this article, we focus on operational data of networking devices that are deployed in different locations. This data can be used to predict faults in the devices. Usually, after the deployment of networking devices in customer site, troubleshooting these devices is difficult. Operational data of these devices is needed for this process. Manually analysing the machined produced operational data is tedious and complex due to enormity of data. Using machine learning techniques will be of greater help here as this will help automate the troubleshooting process, avoid human errors and save time for the technical solutions engineers.
Antecedents of Irrationality in Organizational Decision Making
Authors: Sony Michael , Baporikar Neeta
Published: February 2019

All other things being equal, it is the quality of decisions which decide the fate of any organization. Hence, decision-making is critical to the success and growth of any organization. Yet the decisions in organization are many times irrational. Previous research has suggested that billion dollars are lost due to irrational decisions. The purpose of this article is to explore the antecedents of the irrational decision-making process. This study conceptualises irrational decision-making process as a lived-in experience and an interpretative phenomenological analysis is undertaken. Participation is of hundred and twenty-three (123) employees working in various capacities in western India through theoretical sampling frame. The results indicate several antecedent's factors for irrational decision-making. Besides moderating factor is discussed. Thus, these findings can help the organizations to understand the irrational decision-making behaviours of employees and aid managers to recognize these behaviours of their employees to mitigate the bias in irrational decisions.
Preventing Model Overfitting and Underfitting in Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Gavrilov Andrei Dmitri , Jordache Alex , Vasdani Maya , Deng Jack
Published: February 2019

The current discourse in the machine learning domain converges to the agreement that machine learning methods emerged as some of the most prominent learning and classification approaches over the past decade. The CNN became one of most actively researched and broadly-applied deep machine learning methods. However, the training set has a large influence on the accuracy of a network and it is paramount to create an architecture that supports its maximum training and recognition performance. The problem considered in this article is how to prevent overfitting and underfitting. The deficiencies are addressed by comparing the statistics of CNN image recognition algorithms to the Ising model. Using a two-dimensional square-lattice array, the impact that the learning rate and regularization rate parameters have on the adaptability of CNNs for image classification are evaluated. The obtained results contribute to a better theoretical understanding of a CNN and provide concrete guidance on preventing model overfitting and underfitting when a CNN is applied for image recognition tasks.
Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Potassium Metakaolin Based Geopolymer Paste
Authors: Chi Hiep Le , Louda Petr , Bakalova Totka , Kovačič Vladimír
Published: February 2019

In this study, geopolymer samples were prepared by mixing metakaolin (MA) with activator solution made of potassium alkali silicate solution, potassium hydroxide flakes, and additional water. The aim of the experiment is to evaluate the mechanical strength of hardened samples based on four test variables including the SiO2/K2O molar ratios, K2O concentration, H2O/MA water coefficient, and curing temperature. The results reveal that K2O concentration and H2O/MA water coefficient impact strongly on the compressive strength, whereas varying of SiO2/K2O molar ratios in the range from 1.0 – 1.4 does not significantly change the compressive strength of geopolymer samples. On the other hand, high-temperature curing leads to higher mechanical strength of the samples in the early-age compared to curing at room temperature, due to the faster establishment of hard structure in the early-age of geo-polymerization process. However, curing at a temperature range of 80°C – 100°C contributes the non-linear strength development of the samples over the time.
The Effect of Die Channel Angles and their Combination on Plastic Deformation of Pure Copper during Equal Channel Angular Pressing Using Finite Element Modelling
Authors: Ramulu Malothu , Krishnaiah Arkanti
Published: February 2019

It was investigated the effect of die channel angles and their combination on plastic deformation of pure copper during ECAP under friction and frictionless conditions using 2-D elastic-plastic finite element modelling. A sound knowledge obtained for the plastic deformation (material flow) and understood the relationships between plastic deformations. The modelling results suggested that strain inhomogeneity was lesser in channel angle 120o than channel angle 90o and pressing load as well as strain decrease with increasing die channel angle. The friction influence in case of combination of channel angles was negligible as compare to individual channel angles. The strain generation and distribution was more uniform in case of combination of channel angles as compare to individual channel angles.
Patterns of prescribing hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease patients from a central hospital, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elghazaly Assem A. , Aljatham Adel A. , Khan Abdulaziz M. , Elneil Rasha M. , Jafar S. Zubair S. , Elwishy Salah A. , Ahmed Omsalma E. , Bughnah Aamer M. , Ibrahim Mamoun H.
Published: February 2019

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited disorders of hemoglobin synthesis. It is prevalent in different parts of the world, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The disease is associated with multiple acute and chronic life-threatening complications. Hydroxyurea (HU) is an effective preventive medication; its use has resulted in decreased morbidity and mortality. However, practice variability, including underutilization of HU, has been reported. No local publication has addressed this issue. The aim of this work is to consider the pattern of HU prescription for SCD patients. This is a retrospective study included patients seen in the outpatient clinics in a central hospital. Cases of medications unavailability or patient refusal to take the drug were not included. A total of 152 patients were included, of them 118 were prescribed HU and 34 were not. In 133 (87.5%) patients, the physician’s decision was appropriate. Inappropriate decisions including both under prescription and, to much lesser extent, over utilization had been demonstrated in 19 (12.5%) cases. Impact of raising the healthcare providers’ awareness and improving compliance with the updated SCD management recommendations and guidelines deserve further studying. In our local experience, although the majority of HU prescriptions were appropriate, both under prescription and to a lesser extent, overutilization was demonstrated.
Abnormal B-Cell Subset and Blimp-1–Mediated Humoral Responses Associated With Visceral Leishmaniasis Pathogenesis
Authors: Singh Bhawana , Singh Om Prakash , Singh Neetu , Singh Siddharth Sankar , Sundar Shyam
Published: February 2019

B-cells have a spectrum of functions ranging from antibody production to antigen presentation and have additional vital roles in immune mechanisms. There is rudimentary knowledge about the role of B-cells in intracellular infections with contradictory findings. We explored the role of B-cell dysfunctions in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) pathogenesis in terms of the phenotypic and functional properties of B-cells during the course of disease. This study was performed on blood and splenic aspirates (SA) of VL cases pre- and post-treatment. Whole blood was used for flow cytometric studies for determining the profiles of B-cells at different time-points of treatment. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used for magnetic purification of B-cells, for transcriptional studies by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum/plasma was used for direct agglutination test for determining parasite-specific antibodies and SA were used for scoring the presence of parasite by microscopic examination. Flow cytometric studies depicted decreased B-cell percentages during the entire course of disease and attainment of exhaustive phenotype with tissue-like memory cell markers, indicative of B-cell dysfunctions in VL. In addition, B-cells had compromised abilities of antigen processing and presentation and altered levels of B-lymphocyte–induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1). Blimp-1 expression goes hand in hand with B-cell maturation antigen and transmembrane activator and calcium modulator (TACI) and cyclophilin ligand interactor, suggestive of its role in promoting plasma cell survival and antibody production. Elevated level of VL-specific antibody titre was directly correlated with exhausted phenotype and also with disease severity during VL. This study indicated for impaired B-cell functions during chronic infection which may lead to pathological consequences in human VL.
High Burden of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteremia in Older Adults: A Seven-Year Study in Two Rural Thai Provinces
Authors: Sawatwong Pongpun , Sapchookul Patranuch , Whistler Toni , Gregory Christopher J. , Sangwichian Ornuma , Makprasert Sirirat , Jorakate Possawat , Srisaengchai Prasong , Thamthitiwat Somsak , Promkong Chidchanok , Nanvatthanachod Pongnapat , Vanaporn Muthita , Rhodes Julia
Published: February 2019

Bloodstream infection surveillance conducted from 2008 to 2014 in all 20 hospitals in Sa Kaeo and Nakhon Phanom provinces, Thailand, allowed us to look at disease burden, antibiotic susceptibilities, and recurrent infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)–producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Of 97,832 blood specimens, 3,338 were positive for E. coli and 1,086 for K. pneumoniae. The proportion of E. coli isolates producing ESBL significantly increased from 19% to 22% in 2008–2010 to approximately 30% from 2011 to 2014 (P-value for trend = 0.02), whereas ESBL production among K. pneumoniae cases was 27.4% with no significant trend over time. Incidence of community-onset ESBL-producing E. coli increased from 5.4 per 100,000 population in 2008 to 12.8 in 2014, with the highest rates among persons aged ≥ 70 years at 79 cases per 100,000 persons in 2014. From 2008 to 2014, community-onset ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae incidence was 2.7 per 100,000, with a rate of 12.9 among those aged ≥ 70 years. Although most (93.6% of E. coli and 87.6% of K. pneumoniae) infections were community-onset, hospital-onset infections were twice as likely to be ESBL. Population-based surveillance, as described, is vital to accurately monitor emergence and trends in antimicrobial resistance, and in guiding the development of rational antimicrobial therapy recommendations.
Fidedignidade nas medidas derivadas do método de palpação de um software para avaliação postural: a experiência clínica importa?
Authors: Almeida Isabella Da Silva , Barreto Larissa Pitanga , Andrade Letícia De Souza , Sousa Caio Victor , Mota Yomara Lima
Published: February 2019

The postural evaluation software (SAPO) has been used as a valuable tool for the analysis of postural alterations, however, such a tool depends on palpation performed by the evaluator. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of experienced and inexperienced examiners in measurements derived from the palpation method, and its possible influence on measurements obtained by SAPO. Nine evaluators participated in the study, which were divided into three groups according to experience with respect to palpation (GI: inexperienced group, GSE: semi-experienced group and GE: experienced group). Each evaluator performed the postural analysis of 10 volunteers, which were photographed in orthostatic position, following the SAPO recommendations. The intra-examiner reliability analysis indicated that all three groups had higher, good and moderate mean correlation values for each examiner than low correlations. In the inter-examiner reliability assessment, GE and GSE groups exhibited higher correlation values. The intra-class correlation coefficient, in the single-measure analysis, presented correlation coefficients <0.70 in 9 of the variables analyzed, indicating non-significant correlation. It was concluded that the measures analyzed by SAPO have high intra-examiner reliability. However, regarding inter-examiner reliability, the group composed of inexperienced evaluators presented lower values, suggesting that the experience time may have influenced the inter-examiner reliability regarding postural evaluation.
De volta ao meio líquido: efeitos da intervenção de fisioterapia aquática realizada em prematuros
Authors: Novakoski Karize Rafaela Mesquita , Valderramas Silvia Regina , Israel Vera Lucia , Yamaguchi Bruna , Andreazza Marimar Goretti
Published: February 2019

At birth, preterm newborns (PTNB) often require Neonatal-ICU hospitalization, which, despite being a care setting, also causes stress such as pain, sleep disturbances and wakefulness, and alterations of physiological parameters. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of aquatic physiotherapy on pain, sleep disturbances and wakefulness, and physiological variables of PTNB in Neonatal-ICU. Pain, sleep disturbances and wakefulness, and alterations of physiological parameters were evaluated at three moments: 5 minutes before intervention, immediately after and 10 minutes after intervention. At intervention, participants were wrapped in soft fabric and immersed at shoulder level in warm water (36 °C to 37.5 °C). Sideways, forward, backward and rotational movements were performed. Twenty-two newborns participated in the study. The results obtained in relation to pain, sleep state and wakefulness showed significant improvements in reevaluations after intervention. Physiological variables also underwent significant changes and remained within normality parameters. The results indicate that aquatic physiotherapy is effective in reducing pain, improving sleep and wakefulness and physiological variables of PTNB in Neonatal-ICU.
Post-conflict News and Information Needs of West African Farmers: Voices from Côte d’Ivoire and Mali
Authors: Maiga Assoumane A. , Edwards M. Craig , Baker Marshall A. , Cartmell II D. Dwayne , Jenswold Joel M.
Published: February 2019

During the decades following the independence of Sub-Saharan African countries, many farmers
were severely affected by armed conflicts. News and information providers could provide
important support toward the economic recovery of these farmers and the rebuilding of their
communities. This qualitative study sought to explore farmers’ perceptions on the role of media
and other sources in disseminating news and information after armed conflicts ceased in Côte
d’Ivoire and in Mali. The study involved 10 key informants, five from each country. Rigorous
qualitative research procedures were used to collect and analyze the study’s data. Six themes
emerged from the interviews. Farmers perceived the media were interested in reporting about
their regions only during the conflicts. They also indicated the absence of Extension or other
forms of rural advisory services during and after armed conflicts. However, all 10 key
informants perceived the media could assist in recovery and rebuilding efforts and should
deliver related information in their local languages as well as provide programs targeting
women and youth. Recommendations for policy and practice are offered. In addition, topics are
identified on which to train communicators and Extension/advisory agents to meet the
information needs of farmers who experience the effects of armed conflict.
Small-Scale Farmers’ Perceptions of Agricultural Information Sources in Northern Haiti
Authors: Zelaya Priscilla , Harder Amy , Roberts T. Grady
Published: February 2019

Agricultural extension in developing countries can be a major source of support for small-scale farmers. In Haiti, the majority of the agricultural population is made up of smallscale farmers. In the past, Haiti’s extension system has suffered from various governmental instabilities in the nation. This study sought to (a) determine the information channels smallscale farmers use in the North Department of Haiti, (b) determine the accessibility of quality information as perceived by small-scale farmers in the North Department of Haiti, and (c) identify the perceived barriers to successful production of small-scale farmers in the North Department of Haiti. Results from this study showed Haitian farmers in the North Department gain their information for farming from a variety of sources. The farmers in this study varied in their perceptions of the accessibility of quality information in the area. While some farmers participated in groups with extension services, most farmers had not participated in these groups. Farmers in this study also displayed a lack of trust towards service providers in the region. Farmer perceptions of external factors as barriers towards production illustrated a sense of powerlessness in their production practices. Recommendations include using opinion leaders to engage small-scale farmers and build trust towards service providers.
Surface erythemal UV irradiance in the continental United States derived from ground-based and OMI observations: quality assessment, trend analysis and sampling issues
Authors: Zhang Huanxin , Wang Jun , Castro García Lorena , Zeng Jing , Dennhardt Connor , Liu Yang , Krotkov Nickolay A.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Surface full-sky erythemal dose rate (EDR) from the Ozone Monitoring
Instrument (OMI) at both satellite overpass time and local noon time is
evaluated against ground measurements at 31 sites from the US Department of
Agriculture's (USDA) UV-B Monitoring and Research Program (UVMRP) over the period of 2005–2017. We find that both OMI
overpass and solar noon time EDR are highly correlated with the measured
counterparts (with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.90 and 0.88,
respectively). Although the comparison statistics are improved with a longer
time window (0.5–1.0 h) for pairing surface and OMI measurements, both OMI
overpass and local noon time EDRs have 7 % overestimation that is larger
than 6 % uncertainty in the ground measurements and show different levels
of dependence on solar zenith angle (SZA) and to lesser extent on cloud optical
depth. The ratio of EDR between local noon and OMI overpass time is often
(95 % in frequency) larger than 1 with a mean of 1.18 in the OMI product;
in contrast, the same ratio from surface observation is normally distributed with 22 %
of the times less than 1 and a mean of 1.38. This contrast in
part reflects the deficiency in the OMI surface UV algorithm that assumes
constant atmospheric conditions between overpass and noon time. The
probability density functions (PDFs) for both OMI and ground measurements of
noontime EDR are in statistically significant agreement, showing dual peaks
at ∼20 and ∼200 mW m−2, respectively; the latter is lower
than 220 mW m−2, the value at which the PDF of daily EDR from ground measurements
peaks, and this difference indicates that the largest EDR value for a given
day may not often occur at local noon. Lastly, statistically significant
positive trends of EDR are found in the northeastern US in OMI data, but
opposite trends are found within ground-based data (regardless of sampling
for either noontime or daily averages). While positive trends are
consistently found between OMI and surface data for EDR over the southern
Great Plains (Texas and Oklahoma), their values are within the uncertainty of
ground measurements. Overall, no scientifically sound trends can be found
among OMI data for aerosol total and absorbing optical depth, cloud optical
depth and total ozone to explain coherently the surface UV trends revealed
either by OMI or ground-based estimates; these data also cannot reconcile trend
differences between the two estimates (of EDR from OMI and surface observations). Future geostationary satellites with
better spatiotemporal resolution data should help overcome spatiotemporal
sampling issues inherent in OMI data products and therefore improve the
estimates of surface UV flux and EDR from space.
Effects of nitrogen deposition on growing-season soil methane sink
across global forest biomes
Authors: Du Enzai , Xia Nan , de Vries Wim
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Anthropogenic alteration of global nitrogen (N) deposition has resulted in profound impacts on soil fluxes of greenhouse gases in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the response of soil methane (CH4) flux to N deposition remains poorly quantified in global forest. Based on a synthesis of experimental results from literature, we evaluated the effects of N deposition on growing-season soil CH4 flux across forest biomes. A distinction was made between low-level N addition that is comparable with the worldwide range in N deposition ( 60 kg N−1 yr−1. The results showed that growing-season soil CH4 flux was significantly affected by N additions, the value being dependent on the N addition level and forest biome. Low-level N addition significantly increased growing-season soil CH4 uptake in boreal forest, while an opposite effect occurred in temperate and subtropical forests. However, high-level N addition significantly decreased growing-season soil CH4 uptake across boreal, temperate, and subtropical forests. At biome scale, current N deposition was estimate to increase growing-season soil CH4 sink by 0.029 Tg CH4 in boreal forest, while it decreased growing-season soil CH4 sink by 0.025 Tg CH4 and 0.051 Tg CH4 in temperate and subtropical forests, respectively. This work improves our understanding of biome-specific effect of N deposition on soil CH4 uptake and identifies knowledge gaps in the effect of N deposition on soil CH4 flux in tropical forest.
Stochastic ensemble climate forecast with an analogue model
Authors: Yiou Pascal , Déandréis Céline
Published: February 2019

Abstract. This paper presents a system to
perform large-ensemble climate stochastic forecasts. The system is based on
random analogue sampling of sea-level pressure data from the NCEP reanalysis.
It is tested to forecast a North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index and the
daily average temperature in five European stations. We simulated 100-member
ensembles of averages over lead times from 5 days to 80 days in a hindcast
mode, i.e., from a meteorological to a seasonal forecast. We tested the
hindcast simulations with the usual forecast skill scores (CRPS or
correlation) against persistence and climatology. We find significantly
positive skill scores for all timescales. Although this model cannot
outperform numerical weather prediction, it presents an interesting benchmark
that could complement climatology or persistence forecast.
Statistical Analysis for Satellite Index-Based Insurance to
define Damaged Pasture Thresholds
Authors: Martín-Sotoca Juan José , Saa-Requejo Antonio , Moratiel Rubén , Dalezios Nicolas , Faraslis Ioannis , Tarquis Ana María
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Vegetation indices based on satellite images, such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), have been used in countries like USA, Canada and Spain for damaged pasture and forage insurance for the last years. This type of agricultural insurance is called satellite index-based insurance (SIBI). In SIBI, the occurrence of damage is defined through NDVI thresholds mainly based on statistics derived from normal distributions. In this work a pasture area at the north of Community of Madrid (Spain) has been delimited by means of MODIS images. A statistical analysis of NDVI histograms was applied to seek for the best statistical distribution using maximum likelihood method. The results show that the normal distribution (NORMAL) is not the optimal representation and the General Extreme Value (GEV) distribution presents a better fit through the year. A comparison between NORMAL and GEV are showed respect to the probability under a NDVI threshold value along the year. This suggests that a priori distribution should not be selected and a percentile methodology should be used to define a NDVI damage threshold rather than the average and standard deviation, typically of normal distributions.
On the M-hypercyclicity of cosine function on Banach spaces
Authors: Tajmouati Abdelaziz , El Bakkali Abdeslam , Toukmati Ahmed
Published: February 2019

In this paper we introduce and study the M-hypercyclicity of strongly continuous cosine function on separable complex Banach space, and we give the criteria for cosine function to be M-hypercyclic. We also prove that every separable infinite dimensional complex Banach space admits a uniformly continuous cosine function.
How Leadership and Mentoring Enhance the Quality of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Arbab Ahmed Mohammed
Published: February 2019

This paper presents lessons drawn from senior fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom (SFHEA) with regard to leadership and mentoring. The paper integrates various elements of leadership and mentoring that needed for enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in Higher Education. In this article, I have adopted a holistic methodology to reflect my teaching and supporting learning experience (almost 35 years) in higher education as inspired from the SFHEA, UK. Evidence of my successful engagement across all five areas of activity will be provided that include firstly, design a series of teaching and learning activities to meet the learning outcomes of a module. Secondly, use a range of teaching approaches to enhancing student learning. Thirdly, use a variety of assessment for learning activities for students and providing feedback to promoting student engagement. Fourthly, develop effective learning environments and approaches to student support and guidance. Fifthly, engage in continuing professional development (CPD) in subjects /disciplines and their pedagogy, incorporating research, scholarship and the evaluation of professional practices. Moreover, I show my understanding of the appropriate core knowledge and demonstrating my commitment to the professional values. This paper contributes by providing and demonstrating a thorough understanding of effective approaches to learning and teaching support as a key contribution to high quality student learning. In addition to providing evidences of successful leadership, co-ordination, support, supervision, management and/or mentoring of others (whether individuals and/or teams) in relation to learning and teaching.
Testing the Relationship between Post Child Marriage Variables and a Girls’ Education Level in Rural Pakistan
Authors: Niqab Muhammad , Hanson Janet , Nawab Rubina , Ahmad Riazuddin
Published: February 2019

Education is among the most impacted factors negatively associated with child marriage (CM). Girl’s education affects their well-being, home community, and shows effects at the country-level. For this study, child brides (N=30), living in a remote rural area of Pakistan where child marriage is part of the culture and religious traditions of the community, provided responses to a standardized survey protocol. Correlation and regression analyses of the data showed three variables explained the large majority of the variation in the respondents’ education levels post child marriage (R2 = .869, F(4, 25) = 48.988, p < .001). The variables tested aligned with the Potential Indicators of Gender Inequality in Education, by Domain. A child bride’s perception of the legal age for marriage in Pakistan showed the main effect, while her level of responsibilities after marriage had a negative significant relationship with the dependent variable, Qualification/Certificate level at the time of the study. Finally, when the family members held the power of decision over a child bride’s education, the mean value of the participants’ education levels went up. A deep review of the literature provided insights into areas of family and community norms, Pakistan’s educational context, and influences from institutions outside education. Vaughn’s indicators of equitable practices for girls’ education provided a frame to organize the review of the literature. The paper used a lens of honor cultures’ to understand the social influences on the practice of child marriage. Recommendations and implications provide practical applications for next steps.
IDENTIFICAÇÃO E QUANTIFICAÇÃO DE ESPÉCIES COM PRINCÍPIOS TÓXICOS OU ALÉRGICOS NA ARBORIZAÇÃO DE RUAS E AVENIDAS SÃO GABRIEL – RS
Authors: Fantinel Roberta Aparecida , Pons Patrícia Goulart , Rosa Douglas Do Couto , Cavalheiro Renata , Cechin Nirlene Fernandes
Published: February 2019

O presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar e quantificar as espécies com algum princípio tóxico e/ou alérgicos, presentes na arborização de ruas e avenidas da região central do município de São Gabriel – RS, verificando com base na literatura especializada, o efeito tóxico produzido por essas espécies fornecendo assim, subsídios como fonte de informação à população sobre seus riscos, quanto a intoxicação. A identificação da arborização urbana foi realizada a partir de visitas in loco, onde as espécies foram identificadas individualmente. No total foram inventariadas dez ruas e cinco avenidas, sendo que somente em cinco ruas e quatro avenidas foram encontradas espécies com princípios tóxicos/alérgicos, totalizando, assim, 126 espécies. As espécies com maior ocorrência foram o Ligustrum lucidum (74%), Melia azedarach (20%), Thevetia peruviana (4%), Nerium oleander (1%) e Brunfelsia uniflora (1%). A partir dos resultados, foi possível averiguar que a espécie com princípios tóxicos Ligustrum lucidum ocorre com maior frequência. Sugere-se que a substituição das espécies que apresentam princípios tóxicos ou alérgicos seja realizada gradativamente, por espécies mais adequadas às condições da arborização do município.
SISTEMA DE APOIO À GESTÃO DE ÁREAS VERDES URBANAS
Authors: Bressane Adriano , Mochizuki Patricia Satie , Roveda José Arnaldo Frutuoso , Roveda Sandra Regina Monteiro Masalskiene , Medeiros Gerson Araujo de , Ribeiro Admilson Irio , Martins Antonio Cesar Germano
Published: February 2019

Considerando a importância das áreas verdes urbanas, o objetivo desse estudo foi construir um Sistema de Inferência Fuzzy (SIF) para avaliar sua condição e recomendar ações de melhoria, aplicado como estudo de caso em Sorocaba/SP. A modelagem do sistema foi baseada na dinâmica populacional e índices de apoio relacionados à área verde por habitante (IAV) e seu percentual de ocupação urbana (PAV), integrados para geração do Índice de Condição da Área Verde Urbana (ICV). Como resultado, constatou-se que Sorocaba/SP possui IAV elevado (104,6 m²/hab.), mas que ocupa apenas 15,6% de sua extensão urbana, conferindo uma condição regular ao município (ICV: 6,4). Entretanto, considerando a distribuição espacial, foi avaliado um déficit expressivo de área verde em quase todas as zonas urbanas, sobretudo no centro, considerado em péssima condição (ICV: 2,7). Em ótima condição, a zona sul foi a melhor avaliada (ICV: 8,9), seguida da zona leste considerada boa (ICV: 7,0). As zonas norte e oeste tiveram IAV superior a 85 m²/hab., mas devido ao baixo percentual de área ocupada (<15%), também apresentaram condição regular. A partir dessa avaliação, além de ações recomendadas pelo SIF, ainda foram projetados incrementos progressivos, contribuindo com diretrizes para gestão.
LEVANTAMENTO FLORÍSTICO DA MATA CILIAR URBANA DO CÓRREGO ÁGUA TURVA EM DOIS VIZINHOS-PR
Authors: Biz Suzamara , De Carvalho Maria Tamara Ribeiro Botelho , Mota Clézio José , Favaro Jean Felipe , Brun Flávia Gizele König , Brun Eleandro José
Published: February 2019

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho realizar o levantamento florístico nas margens do Córrego Água Turva localizado no município de Dois Vizinhos-PR. Para o estudo delimitou-se a parte urbana do córrego onde foram identificados por meio de censo todos os indivíduos encontrados na mata ciliar do córrego que, segundo a legislação vigente no período de estudo (Lei 7.511 de 1986), inclui-se toda a vegetação encontrada a uma distância de até 30 metros das margens. Foram identificadas 38 famílias, um total de 738 indivíduos, sendo que entre estes, 663 são exóticos dos quais 419 são exóticos com potencial invasor e apenas 75 são nativos. A família Oleaceae apresentou a maior dominância correspondente a 13,0% do total, não havendo diversidade botânica, sendo representada exclusivamente pelas espécies Ligustrum lucidum, que possui potencial invasor, assim como a Leucena leucocephala e Hovenia dulcis (11,9 %). O manejo e planejamento da mata no entorno do córrego deve levar em consideração a grande quantidade de espécies invasoras encontradas, que interferem na flora e fauna local.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO PAISAGÍSTICA E DA FREQUÊNCIA DE USUÁRIOS DE DUAS PRAÇAS CENTRAIS DE CARAGUATATUBA/SP
Authors: Alcantara Marli Aparecida dos Reis , Vazquez Gisele Herbst
Published: February 2019

As praças públicas possuem valor estético e recreativo, amenizam a amplitude térmica, fixam poeira, filtram gases, diminuem o nível de ruídos e ventos, absorvem água, abrigam a fauna e promovem a cultura e a cidadania. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estudar a evolução histórico-cultural e paisagística das praças Dr. Cândido Mota e Dr. Diógenes Ribeiro de Lima em Caraguatatuba/SP, bem como realizar uma análise quali-quantitativa dos elementos arquitetônicos e da vegetação, além da observação dos usuários, com o intuito de subsidiar futuras adequações. Conclui-se que ambas são importantes em termos históricos, principalmente a praça Dr. Cândido Mota por abrigar diversos patrimônios, enquanto que a Dr. Diógenes Ribeiro de Lima oferece mais opções para a prática de exercícios físicos e recreação infantil, sendo também a mais frequentada por adolescentes, e a primeira, por idosos. A qualidade das estruturas físicas de ambas é regular, com estado de conservação inadequado, necessitando de manutenções, não obstante promoverem o lazer dos usuários, principalmente aos finais de semana, visto que durante a semana, o maior movimento é de adultos em passagem à tarde.
PERCEPÇÃO DOS MORADORES SOBRE A ARBORIZAÇÃO DE RUAS DA REGIÃO CENTRAL DE MANDIRITUBA/PR
Authors: Ho Tatiane Lima , Kovalsyki Bruna , Zamproni Kendra , Biondi Daniela
Published: February 2019

O estudo da percepção ambiental auxilia na compreensão das inter-relações entre o homem e o ambiente, contribuindo assim na elaboração de melhores medidas de planejamento e manutenção da arborização. Este trabalho teve como objetivo fazer um diagnóstico da percepção dos moradores sobre a arborização urbana na região central de Mandirituba - Paraná. A coleta dos dados sobre a percepção dos moradores e comerciantes locais foi pela aplicação de questionários semiestruturados. Dentre os benefícios da arborização apresentados, 54% indicaram a redução da poluição atmosférica como maior contribuição. Referente aos fatores que interferem no desenvolvimento da árvore no meio urbano, 41% apontaram o vandalismo como principal causa. Com relação a responsabilidade de manutenção da arborização, 66% dos entrevistados acreditam ser em conjunto entre moradores e prefeitura, no entanto 94% dos entrevistados mostraram-se predispostos a cuidar das árvores próximas a sua residência ou comércio. Conclui-se que a população está disposta a auxiliar no desenvolvimento e manutenção das árvores no ambiente urbano. Entretanto, sugere-se que a sensibilização dos moradores, em relação a arborização, deve ser realizada de forma contínua.
ANÁLISE DA COMPOSIÇÃO FLORÍSTICA DE BOA VISTA-RR: SUBSÍDIO PARA A GESTÃO DA ARBORIZAÇÃO DE RUAS
Authors: Lima Neto Everaldo Marques , Biondi Daniela , Leal Luciana , Silva Francisco Lennon Reis da , Pinheiro Flávia Abreu Paiva
Published: February 2019

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a composição florística das ruas de Boa Vista-RR, visando sugerir o plantio de espécies de forma equitativa nas ruas da cidade. Realizou-se o cadastro censitário e identificação das espécies presentes nas ruas de Boa Vista. Em seguida, a cidade foi dividida em zonas administrativas, com intuito de quantificar e qualificar a arborização de ruas em cada uma delas. Foram contabilizados 6.907 indivíduos de 91 espécies diferentes, distribuídas em 72 gêneros pertencentes a 31 famílias botânicas. Observou-se que aproximadamente 54% são de espécies exóticas e 46% são nativas do Brasil. Verificou-se que Syzygium malaccense, Licania tomentosa e Ficus benjamina estão com frequências superiores à recomendada na cidade. A divisão administrativa da cidade mostrou que em cada zona as espécies: Paquira aquatica, Mangifera indica, Handroanthus ochraceus e Poincianella pluviosa estão em percentagens superiores ao recomendado. Conclui-se que o cadastro censitário e a subdivisão da cidade em zonas administrativas permitem melhor análise da distribuição e composição de espécies da arborização de ruas de uma cidade. Recomenda-se a realização de plantios de espécies com menor frequência e bem adaptadas ao ambiente urbano para promover a diversidade na cidade.
LEVANTAMENTO FLORÍSTICO E CARACTERÍSTICAS DAS ESPÉCIES EM PRAÇAS PÚBLICAS EM LAGES-SC
Authors: Bastos Fernanda Espíndola Assumpção , Camargo Samila Silva , Meneguzzi Aline , Kretzschmar Aike Anneliese , Rufato Leo
Published: February 2019

Na composição florística de praças e jardins é importante que haja diversidade de famílias e espécies, o que atrai uma fauna diversificada e a ornamentação torna-se rica. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a composição florística e caracterizar as espécies com relação a toxidade, presença de espinhos, propriedades medicinais e alimentícias. O levantamento florístico foi realizado nas praças públicas João Ribeiro, Vidal Ramos Sênior e Joca Neves, localizadas no município de Lages, Santa Catarina, realizado em junho a dezembro de 2013. As espécies foram identificadas pelo nome popular, nome científico e família botânica e todas as plantas foram fotografadas para facilitar as identificações. Foram registradas 50 espécies, distribuídas em 34 famílias. As famílias com maior ocorrência foram Fabaceae e Poaceae, cada qual com cinco espécies, representando 19,2% do total de espécies. Em segundo lugar a família Myrtaceae com quatro espécies (7,7%), seguida pelas famílias Cupressaceae, Iridaceae, Arecaceae e Lythraceae, com duas espécies cada (15,2%). O restante das famílias foi representado por uma espécie em cada (57,9%). A Araucaria angustifolia (Pinheiro-brasileiro) foi a espécie de maior frequência encontrada nos três locais de estudo, seguido pelo Tagetes erecta (Tagetes), Ophiopogon intermedius (Grama-preta), Ligustrum lucidum (Ligustro) e Lagerstroemia indica (Resedá), estes encontrados em dois dos locais inventariados. Identificou-se uma grande variedade de famílias botânicas nos locais de estudo, ainda que com poucas espécies representando cada uma das famílias. O conhecimento da diversidade de famílias botânicas em espaços públicos pode trazer contribuições tanto de manejo quanto em termos culturais, históricos, e inclusive de saúde pública.
INFLUÊNCIA DE ESPÉCIES ARBÓREAS NO MICROCLIMA E CONFORTO TÉRMICO DE SEU ENTORNO IMEDIATO SOB CONDIÇÕES CLIMÁTICAS DO CERRADO GOIANO
Authors: Ferreira Regis De Castro , Azambuja Herrmann Carla Rosana
Published: February 2019

Avaliou-se a influência do sombreamento pelas espécies arbóreas Lophantera lactescens Ducke (lanterneiro ou chuva de ouro), Caesalpinia pluviosa var. peltophoroides (Benth.) G. P. Lewis (sibipiruna), Sapindus saponaria L. (saboneteira) e Stryphnodendron adstringens Mart (Coville) (barbatimão) sobre a Temperatura de Bulbo Seco (TBS), Carga Térmica Radiante (CTR), Umidade Relativa do Ar (UR) e do conforto térmico sob condições climáticas de Goiânia-GO. Quantificou-se a atenuação das variáveis pelo cálculo percentual da variação relativa dos dados à sombra, a5 m e a10 m em relação aos valores a15 m (pleno sol). Os resultados mostraram os efeitos positivos na atenuação da TBS, da CTR e nos incrementos da UR e do conforto térmico. Os melhores resultados para a atenuação da TBS foram obtidos pela sibipiruna e o barbatimão com médias de atenuações entre 5% e 10% A saboneteira e a sibipiruna obtiveram incrementos superiores a 30% na UR e a sibipiruna promoveu atenuações da CTR à sombra na ordem de 15%. A comparação dos resultados obtidos em campo com o critério de conforto adotado demonstrou a influência positiva das espécies arbóreas estudadas na melhoria do microclima do seu entorno imediato.
PROBLEMAS E DISTINÇÕES ENTRE MÉTODOS DE AVALIAÇÃO DA CONDIÇÃO GERAL DE ÁRVORES URBANAS
Authors: Bobrowski Rogério
Published: February 2019

Os protocolos de avaliação da condição geral de árvores urbanas servem como roteiros metodológicos para direcionar a avaliação de uma árvore, principalmente quando não se dispõe de instrumentos eletrônicos para a inspeção ou quando se tem um grande volume de árvores para avaliar. Cada protocolo apresenta uma abordagem específica para a avaliação, mais abrangente ou mais específico, porém sempre apresentando um grau de subjetividade. Nesta pesquisa, três protocolos foram utilizados na avaliação da condição de quarenta árvores (dez de cada espécie florestal) existentes em duas áreas verdes da cidade de Irati-PR. Por meio do Teste de Friedman constatou-se diferença significativa entre os protocolos utilizados (c²Fried=69,194; GL=2; p=9,434-16) para a valoração atribuída a cada árvore. Entretanto, para melhor análise visual da condição geral de árvores urbanas, os protocolos devem contemplar a introdução de informações sobre defeitos estruturais, condição do ancoramento da árvore ao solo, existência de pragas ou doenças e o grau de risco oferecido. Estas adaptações se tornam necessárias e estratégicas para direcionar a atenção do avaliador para as principais regiões de avaliação e para a redução da subjetividade.
GEOVISUALIZAÇÃO DA ARBORIZAÇÃO VIÁRIA PATRIMONIADA DA ZONA CENTRAL DE SETE LAGOAS-MG
Authors: Silva Jussara Kele da , Libório Matheus Pereira , Laudares Sandro
Published: February 2019

A gestão pública eficiente da arborização urbana, e consequentemente, sua manutenção e preservação, gera benefícios econômicos, ambientais e sociais à população. No entanto, a importância da conservação da arborização urbana nem sempre é plenamente reconhecida, explorada e difundida. A falta de diagnóstico, valorização ou monitoramento pode levar a ações inadvertidas ou irresponsáveis com consequências danosas e irreparáveis, bem como dificulta a gestão pública. Neste contexto, esta pesquisa objetivou difundir conhecimentos relacionados à arborização viária patrimoniada da zona central de Sete Lagoas-MG, isto é, as árvores que possuem leis ou decretos municipais específicos que as protegem, imunizando-as de corte. Para isso, um protótipo de geovisualização na web foi desenvolvido e publicado na internet. O protótipo reúne um conjunto de dados estruturados, organizados e acessíveis via código de resposta rápida, compartilhando informações, inclusive o valor estimado da arborização urbana patrimoniada. Além disso, uma ferramenta de geocolaboração foi disponibilizada para troca de conhecimentos e informações com a população, bem como funções para pesquisas e melhor caminho, permitindo aos gestores públicos planejarem ações para gestão eficiente da arborização urbana patrimoniada.
INVENTÁRIO FLORÍSTICO QUALI-QUANTITATIVO DAS VIAS PÚBICAS DE ITANHAÉM -SP
Authors: Botelho de Carvalho Maria Tamara Ribeiro , Biondi Daniela , Bobrowski Rogério
Published: February 2019

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar um inventário quali-quantitativo da arborização de ruas de Itanhaém, São Paulo. O município está inserido sob o Bioma Mata Atlântica, apresenta uma área urbanizada de 40,8 ha, e é subdividido em 15 regionais administrativas. Para a avaliação quantitativa foram percorridas as vias urbanizadas do município, contabilizando a quilometragem de vias urbanizadas e o número de árvores. Para o inventário qualitativo, os indivíduos foram avaliados quanto à localização, espécie, condição estrutural e fitossanitária, condição de raiz, altura total, altura de bifurcação, área de canteiro, DAP e necessidades de manejo. Foram encontrados 18.128 indivíduos de porte arbóreo em área urbanizada do munícipio, com Terminalia catappa L. (17,47%), Ficus benjamina (16,76%) como as espécies de maior frequência. A maioria dos indivíduos (64%) estão entre 0 e 6 metros de altura, com DAP médio de 16,8 cm, o que indica expressiva ocorrência de indivíduos arbóreos jovens e ou de pequeno a médio porte. A maioria dos indivíduos apresentou boas condições estruturais e fitossanitárias (54%), raízes profundas (64%) e sem necessitar de práticas de manejo (49,8%), entretanto a poda leve foi o manejo mais indicado (27%).