bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADMINISTRATING THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT "OR" MANAGING THE RELATIONSHIP?
Authors: Abdul-Malak Mohamed-Asem U.
Published: January 2020

The construction contract conditions shall ideally be drafted in such a manner that provides for a balanced allocation of risks between the parties to any such contract. The project management teams, inclusive of contract administration professionals forming part of such teams, are then faced with decisions that are to be made on day-to-day basis in respect of observing the called-for contractual requirements. Those decisions pertaining to the initiation of claims and contributing to their progression are of the most difficult to administer and put in place, owing to such actions being at times viewed as detrimental to the relationship between the parties, both at the project operational as well as the corporate levels. This paper discusses the factors that come into play when such critical decisions get to be evaluated. As such, it presents a holistic perspective of the kinds of pressure expected to be prevailing over the involved decision-making process. The argued considerations are informed by a number of practical dispute resolution cases and the scenarios that have emanated under them. The paper concludes by providing guidelines that can help draw the line between the necessity of acting in fulfillment of the concerned contract callings and the process of preserving the relationship between the parties to the contract.
SCHEDULE RISK ASSESSMENT IN GREEN BUILDING PROJECTS
Authors: Gurgun Asli Pelin , Bayhan Hasan Gokberk , Polat Gul , Turkoglu Harun
Published: January 2020

Construction projects are subjected to a variety of risks eventually affecting the overall duration and green building projects are no exception. Use of risk assessment means in such projects is also critical to complete them within aimed schedule. In this study, risks that have potential schedule impacts in certified green building projects are identified and their impact and likelihood of occurrence values are researched. For this purpose, a survey is administered to construction professionals with green building experience. Based on the responses, risks are plotted to draw their potential impact on schedule/likelihood of occurrence in a graph to identify the most significant risk factors. This tool may help the practitioners to identify and prioritize potential risks and allocate resources in projects accordingly to prevent or minimize their possible impacts.
SIMULATION-BASED ANALYTICS: ADVANCING DECISION SUPPORT IN CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Abourizk Simaan
Published: January 2020

Construction projects are predominantly managed with a heavy reliance on the knowledge and experience of construction professionals and supporting enterprise resource planning systems. The construction sector continues to struggle with the management, analysis, and transformation of data into useful information for improved decision-making. While development of data-driven decision support systems for construction would improve the accuracy and relevancy of decision-making processes, several challenges currently limiting the incorporation of dynamic project data into prediction models must first be addressed. An envisioned solution for advancing data-driven decision making in construction using a simulation-based analytics framework capable of overcoming such limitations is presented and discussed. Concept feasibility is demonstrated through the successful completion of a prototype for quality-associated decision support that has been developed using the proposed conceptual framework.
USE OF RECYCLED GLASS IN CONCRETE PRODUCTION
Authors: Ionescu Daniela , Kilpatrick Andrew , Petrolito Joe
Published: January 2020

Worldwide, rapid population growth causes an increasing production of solid waste, and sustainable waste management solutions are required to deal with this. Waste glass is a significant component of the solid waste stream, and most of the recycled glass cullet is used for new glassware. However, waste containers with mixed types of glass, such as windows, ovenware, and crystal, which have higher melting points and are of different colors, cannot be used for new glassware. Hence, the contaminated load is sent to landfill. As landfill capacity is limited, it is critical to consider using this waste material for other applications. While the effects of the substitution of fine or coarse aggregates have been extensively researched, information on the effects of partial replacement of coarse aggregates and total replacement of fine aggregate with glass cullet is scarce. This paper reports on continuing research at La Trobe University on using recycled aggregates in the production of concrete. The effects of partial or total replacement of coarse crushed rock aggregates with recycled glass aggregates on the strength and durability of concrete were investigated. It was found that concrete mixes produced with recycled glass exhibited lower performance than the mixes produced with crushed rock aggregates. However, the production costs were lower and the appearance of concrete was improved, making it applicable for finishing products, noise barriers and light-trafficked footpaths.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF COMBINED-SECTION STEEL COLUMNS
Authors: Iskander George , Sayed-Ahmed Ezzeldin , Soliman Emam
Published: January 2020

Combined-section columns composed of two separate steel sections present an ideal and economic design for long columns subject to high values of bending moments and axial forces. Research dealing with design of these columns is currently insufficient. At present, most codes of practice consider each column's component to behave either separately or rigidly connected to the other components. As such, the main objective of this research is to scrutinize the behavior of laced-section columns, which are subjected to eccentric loading and propose design criteria for them. In this paper, a non-linear numerical model for these columns is developed based on the finite element method. The results of the numerical model are first verified against the outcomes of experimental investigations available in literature. Then, the model is adopted to simulate the behavior and the capacity of the combined laced columns. The numerical model includes both the geometric and materials nonlinearities along with the effect of initial imperfections.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO CRANE AND SCAFFOLD SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Authors: Saha Swapan , Cauchi Ben , Douglas Grahame
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study is to determine whether construction sites involving cranes and scaffold in Australian large construction sites have been in compliance with the existing Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements. The research comprises three case studies which investigated the causes of crane and scaffold safety incidents that occurred in New South Wales. The results of the case study on a number of separate sites in Sydney, NSW have shown that without stringent safety procedures in place to abide by the WHS Act and Regulations, major accidents can occur and can cause serious injury and could cause potential fatalities while working with cranes and scaffold. Results also found that a number of limiting factors including communication skill, regular maintenance, safety checks, safety culture and safety investments could contribute to the severity of the incidents.
ANALYSIS OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM IN SIMULATED CONDITIONS
Authors: Nikulina A , Tuyzarova I , Shukanov R , Altynova N , Shukanov A
Published: January 2020

Aim. The article deals with establishing the correlations between the anthropometric, hemodynamic, and vegetative tone indicators in first and second-year students during their adaptation to university conditions. The morphophysiological status of students was corrected by Selenes+ and additional physical load. Materials and methods. Students aged 17–20 years (n = 60) participated in a longitudinal study. The following physiological methods were used: body length and mass measurement; BMI calculation; detection of selenium in blood serum; systolic and diastolic pressure measurement; heart rate calculation; average dynamic pressure calculation; pulse pressure calculation; stroke volume calculation using Starr’s equation; minute volume blood flow calculation; endurance coefficient calculation according to Kvass’ equation; functional changes index calculation; Kerdo vegetative index calculation. Results. It was established that application of selenium depending on physical load in first-year female students influenced significantly the following indicators: arterial pressure (F = 4.21), heart rate (F = 3.42), minute volume blood flow (F = 3.80), functional changes index (F = 10.65), systolic pressure (F = 4.72; P < 0.05); selenium concentration (F = 93.97; P < 0.001). At the end of the IV stage, statistically significant F-criteria for arterial pressure (F = 3.50), heart rate (F = 4.33), endurance coefficient (F = 4.78; Р < 0.05), systolic pressure (F = 5.92), pulse pressure (F = 5.50; P < 0.01), functional changes index (F = 10.65), selenium concentration (F = 41.11; P < 0.001) were registered. Conclusion. The correlations revealed between the anthropometric, hemodynamic, and vegetative tone indicators in first and second-year students allowed to make a conclusion about the efficiency of the Selenes+ supplement during adaptation to university conditions. The Selenes+ supplement combined with physical exercises contributes to less pronounced stress in the cardiovascular system and provides the physiological optimum of the body.
THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL LOAD ON PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ADAPTATION AND THE FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM IN BADMINTON PLAYERS
Authors: Vorobieva T , Kharchenko L , Shamshualeeva E
Published: January 2020

Aim. The article deals with studying the features of psychophysiological adaptation to physical load and the functional status of the cardiovascular system in badminton players. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the premises of Dostoevsky Omsk State University during badminton training activities as a part of Omsk Higher Educational Establishments Spartakiadpreparation in September 2016 – May 2018. Fifteen students aged 18–19 years participated in the study on a voluntary basis. The study was conducted using the electronic surveys placed onhttps://onlinetestpad.com: the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory and the Well-Being, Activity, Mood test. To establish the maximum anaerobic capacity of the body, the Margaria testwas used. A Zeugner’s polychromatic rapid test was used for establishing the emotional background. Results. The analysis of the results obtained revealed that the highest heart rate values were registered during a long badminton rally and reached 190 bpm. During pauses heart rate decreased to 160 bpm. A badminton rally of 4–6 seconds allowed maintaining the heart rate at 160 bpm.If followed by pauses heart rate decreased to 130 bpm. Assessing the mechanisms of psychophysiological adaptation and studying the subjective characteristics of situational and personal anxiety, well-being, performance and emotional background before and after training allow identifying athletes with different adaptation capacities and increasing their physical performance. Conclusion. The analysis of the results obtained demonstrated changes in psychophysiological adaptation and the functional status of the cardiovascular system. It was also revealed that physical load provoked stress in the mechanisms of psychophysiological adaptation.
VALUE ORIENTATIONS OF OVERWEIGHT WOMEN
Authors: Abdullin Asat Giniatovich , Tumbasova Ekaterina Rakhmatullaevna
Published: January 2020

Abstract. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the hypothesis about the differences in the value orientations of overweight women and women with normal body weight and to study the features of value orientations of overweight women. Materials and methods. The article presents the data of empirical research on value orientations of overweight women obtained using the methods of "Value orientations" by M. Rokich, the S. Schwartz value survey, the sense-of-life orientations test by D.A. Leontiev. The study involved 80 females aged 20-40 years with higher education. The experimental group included 40 females with excess body weight. The control group included 40 females with normal body weight. The reliability of the differences in the obtained data was determined by calculating the values of the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test. Pearson correlation coefficient values were calculated to assess the association of the measured variables. The calculations were performed using the SPSS Statistics v. 17.0 software package. Results. When comparing groups of women with excess and normal body weight, the features of value orientations were revealed expressed in differences in the field of achievements, life goals, courage in defending their opinions, and life satisfaction. Conclusion. Our study confirmed the hypothesis, and it can be argued that overweight women have significant differences in value orientations compared with people with normal body weight.
THE PHENOMENON OF EMOTIONAL CONTAGION IN PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY
Authors: Kudryashov Arkadiy Aleksandrovich , Simonyan Luiza Gagikovna
Published: January 2020

Abstract. The authors present a theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of "emotional contagion". Aim. The purpose of the article is to establish the content of the phenomenon of “emotional contagion" as a non-verbal form of communication that affects the cognitive, motivational and emotional spheres of the personality. Materials and methods. A theoretical analysis of scientific and methodological works devoted to the psychophysiological aspects of the perception of emotional information in the context of “emotional contagion” was performed. Results. “Emotional contagion” is considered as a form of non-verbal communication when the direct interaction of communicants is minimized or eliminated. The content of modern biopsychosocial models (theories, concepts) of emotional contagion is presented that explain the possible mechanisms of its activity: the contagion theory, "inorganic viruses"; concepts of collective emotions, interpersonal limbic regulation; models of "emotional convention", mirror neurons. The directions of research and the scope of the application of "emotional contagion" in educational activities, psychotherapy, advertising industry, political science, demography are determined. The authors focus on the positive and negative effects of the techniques of “emotional contagion”: from individual exposure as part of corrective measures to the planetary scale and regulation of the demographic situation. Conclusion. The analysis of scientific research presented in the review actualizes the need to increase the psychophysiological resources of stress resistance to modern conditions.
AGE-RELATED FEATURES OF NEURODYNAMIC INDICATORS IN NATIVE ADOLESCENT FEMALES OF RUSSIA’S NORTHEAST
Authors: Bartosh Tatyana Petrovna , Bartosh Olga Petrovna
Published: January 2020

An increase in mental and emotional stress in modern school makes relevant the issue of preserving the psychophysiological health of northerners. Aim. The purpose of the article is to reveal the age-related features of neurodynamic indicators in 120 adolescent females aged from 12 to 15 years from the indigenous peoples of the Northeast of Russia. Materials and methods. Neurodynamic indicators were determined by the time parameters of sensorimotor reactions with the help of NS-PsychoTest (NeuroSoft, Ivanovo). The dynamics of attention was studied using proofreading method modified by VN Amatuni. Results. The study showed regular ontogenetic changes in strength, mobility and balance of nervous processes, differentiating inhibition, attention properties and short-term visual memory in females. When studying the attention, we observed an increase in the pace of work, improvement of quality and performance with age. The decrease in the functional asymmetry of attention also indicates positive trends in the change of attention as a result of growth and development of females. Conclusion. Native females of the Northeast of Russia aged from 12 to 15 years are characterized by a lower mobility and imbalance in the nervous system compared with the middle latitude values. This should be taken into account when choosing a strategy for the education of northern children in educational institutions.
PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL QUALITIES THAT DETERMINE THE SUCCESS OF SPORTS ACTIVITY IN YOUNG BOXERS
Authors: Khasanov Albert Tagirovich , Shayakhmetova Elvira Shigabetdinovna , Khakimov Erik Rishatovich , Matveeva Lyudmila Mikhaylovna , Matveev Stanislav Stanislavovich
Published: January 2020

Abstract. The research problem is determined by the necessity to reveal psychophysiological and psychological indicators that determine the success of sports activity in young boxers. Taking into account these indicators will allow planning and timely correcting training and competitive activities in athletes. Aim. The purpose of the article is to reveal psychophysiological and psychological features that determine the success of sports activity in young boxers. Materials and methods. The study involved 36 boxers of the I sports category and 14 teenagers with a sports qualification of a candidate for master of sports (Republican boarding school No 5, Ufa, Russia). The survey was conducted in a special preparatory period. The following tests were used: the "Motivation for success and fear of failure" questionnaire by A.A. Rean; the Eysenck personality questionnaire; the Spielberger-Khanin anxiety inventory, the Lusher color test; psychophysiological tests such as the “simple visual-motor reaction”, “choice reaction”, “discrimination reaction” and “reaction to a moving object” conducted using NS-Psychotest hardware-software complex (Neurosoft, Ivanovo). Mathematical and statistical data processing was carried out with MS Excel, factor analysis was performed in the software package SPSS v. 23. Results. The contribution of psychophysiological and psychological features to the success of young boxers is determined. Conclusion. The psychophysiological and psychological features that determine the success of the sports activities of young boxers are revealed such as the functional status and efficiency of the central nervous system, focus on success, the optimal level of situational anxiety.
Pentingnya Keteladanan Orangtua Dalam Keluarga Sebagai Dasar Dalam Pembentukan Karakter Masyarakat Jepang (Suatu Tinjauan Etis)
Authors: Sudarsih Sri
Published: January 2020

(Title: The Importance Of Parents In The Family As The Basis Of Establishment Of Japanese Community Characters(An Ethical Review)) Japan including developed countries in various fields, but the people still maintain tradition. This study aimed to describe parenting in families in Japan. Then the researchers interpreted the importance of parental exemplary in the formation of Japanese society. This research is a literature research on the lives of Japanese society. The method used by researchers is a description and interpretation. The result of this study is described as follows: the example of parents is imperative because parents are a figure for the children. Exemplary is applied in all aspects of live. Family education is the basis for forming individual character. Ethical values are always the basis for behaving. Parenting in the family brings logical consequences to the pattern of individual behavior to the social environment. Ethical values as a basic principle that is applied a close manner in the family environment have formed general awareness. These methods are able to shape Japanese society with a strong character.
DETERMINAN LOKASI SENTRA INDUSTRI KERAJINAN BAMBU DI KABUPATEN SLEMAN
Authors: Yosky Dellamanda , Budiani Sri Rahayu
Published: January 2020

Industri Kecil dan Menengah Kabupaten Sleman cabang industri kerajinan didominasi oleh industri kerajinan bambu. Industri ini membentuk sentra-sentra di wilayah tertentu yang menghasilkan produk khas. Lokasi merupakan hal penting dalam industri karena berhubungan dengan efisiensi produksi dan pemasaran. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah : 1) Mengetahui distribusi sentra industri kerajinan bambu di Kabupaten Sleman. 2) Mengetahui karakteristik usaha industri kerajinan bambu di Kabupaten Sleman. 3) Mengetahui faktor yang paling berpengaruh terhadap pemilihan lokasi sentra industri kerajinan bambu di Kabupaten Sleman. Penelitian ini dilakukan secara survei. Pengambilan sampel ditentukan secara acak di masing-masing sentra dengan metode Proporsionate Stratified Random Sampling. Total responden sebanyak 87 unit usaha. Analisis dilakukan dengan hasil berupa peta, tabel frekuensi, serta analisis kuantitatif regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa 1) Lokasi sentra-sentra industri kerajinan bambu Kabupaten Sleman cenderung mengelompok di wilayah Kabupaten Sleman bagian barat dengan masing-masing sentra memiliki produk khas. 2) Industri kerajinan bambu Kabupaten Sleman didominasi oleh industri skala rumah tangga. 3) Faktor yang yang paling berpengaruh terhadap keuntungan sebagai fungsi karakteristik spesifik lokasi industri kerajinan bambu Kabupaten Sleman adalah kuantitas bahan baku.
Investigating synchronous and asynchronous class attendance as predictors of academic success in online education
Authors: Nieuwoudt Johanna Elizabeth
Published: January 2020

Learning is facilitated by participation and interaction and can be synchronously or asynchronously in online education. This study investigated the relationship between students’ academic success and online interaction and participation and explored their class attendance (synchronous virtual classes and/or watching the recorded virtual classes) in the online study mode of an enabling program at Southern Cross University in Australia. The Preparing for Success at SCU Program equips students with study skills for success at university. The data were retrieved from usage information data provided by the Blackboard Learn learning management system. The results show that it is important for students to attend class, but it does not necessarily make a difference whether students attend synchronous virtual classes or watch the recordings of the virtual classes. A significant relationship was found between academic success and the number of hours students participated in and interacted with the online learning system. Academic success may be increased by providing various options for students to participate and interact online, and to attend classes synchronously or asynchronously. The flexibility of online education can enable students to be successful in their studies. The inclusion of varied activities is therefore recommended to increase academic success in online education.
ÜNİVERSİTELERDE YÖNETİM VE ORGANİZASYON ANABİLİM DALI DERS VE İÇERİKLERİNİN VERİLME DÜZEYİ VE BELİRLENME ŞEKLİNİN TESBİTİNE İLİŞKİN BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: DOĞAN Selen , TÜRK Murat
Published: January 2020

İşletmelerin idari alanda istihdam etmek isteyecekleri kişilerin, üniversite öğrenimi esnasında yönetim ve organizasyon eğitimi ile ilgili olarak almış oldukları dersler ve içerikleri büyük bir önem arz etmektedir. Çünkü işletmeler, belirli yönetim ve organizasyon ders veya içeriklerini almış olan elemanları idari pozisyonlarda istihdam etmek isteyeceklerdir. Bu çalışmada da, üniversitelerin İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakülteleri İşletme Bölümlerindeki mevcut Yönetim ve Organizasyon ders ve içeriklerinin hangi düzeyde verildiği, ders ve içeriklerinin belirlenmesinde nasıl bir yöntem izlendiği ve bu konuda üniversite-sanayi işbirliğinin gerekliliği hususlarına yer verilecektir. Çalışmanın sonuçları ise, bazı yönetim ve organizasyon dersleri veya konularının gerekli düzeyde verilmediği ve bu derslerin içeriklerinin belirlenmesinde farklı kriterlerin kullanıldığı ama özellikle üniversite mezunlarını istihdam eden işletmelerin taleplerinin dikkate alınmasının gerekliliğine işaret etmektedir.
SANAL SİGORTA PAZARLAMASININ TÜRKİYE’DEKİ GELİŞİMİ YE BUGÜNKÜ DURUMU ÜZERİNE BİR UYGULAMA
Authors: UYDACI Mert , ENE Selda
Published: January 2020

Elektronik ticaret, son yıllarda oldukça hızlı bir şekilde gelişme göstermekte ve bir çok sektörde önemli gelişmelere neden olmaktadır. Finansal hizmet sektöründeki bankalar ve aracı kurumlar, e-ticaret uygulamalarına hız kazandırırken, sigortacılık sektöründe ise e-ticaret uygulamalarına daha yeni yeni girilmeye başlanmıştır. Bu gelişmenin Avrupa ülkelerine göre oldukça düşük olduğu ülkemizde, ağırlıklı olarak tanıtım ve imaj ağırlıklı web siteleri oluşturulmakta ve sitelerde daha çok ürün tanıtımı, fiyat, ve bilgi sunulmaktadır.Bu çalışmada, Türkiye'de hızlı bir gelişme ivmesine sahip olan işletme ile müşteri arasında yapılan e-ticaretin sanal sigortacılıktaki uygulamalarında geldiği noktayı görebilmek amacıyla, İnternet kullanıcılarının sanal sigortacılığa bakış açıları belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışmanın amacını gerçekleştirmek üzere bir anket çalışması hazırlanmış ve anketimiz internet üzerinden çeşitli email gruplarına ve kişilere gönderilerek internet kullanıcılarına uygulanmıştır.
KONUMLANDIRMA KARARLARINDA MÜŞTERİ ÖNCELİKLERİNİN BELİRLENMESİ: CONJOINT ANALİZ YAKLAŞIMI İLE BİR PİLOT UYGULAMA
Authors: AKAR Cüneyt , AYDIN Gülnil
Published: January 2020

Bu çalışmada; beyaz eşya sektöründe, spesifik ürün bazında (çamaşır makinası) müşterilerin satın alma kararı verirken dikkate aldıkları kriterlerin, önem ve önceliklerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla; pilot bölge olarak seçilen Bandırma’da, yeni çamaşır makinası satın alan ve satın alma ihtimali olan bireyler üzerinde anket çalışması gerçekleştirilmiştir. Anket hazırlanırken müşteri tercihlerini etkileyen faktörleri belirlemek için odak grup yapılmıştır. Bu gruptan çıkan sonuçlara satıcılardan elde edilen bilgiler de eklenerek ürün kartları oluşturulmuş ve bu kartlar ortogonal array deney dizaynı yardımıyla anlamlı bir şekilde azaltılmıştır. Veriler, çok değişkenli analiz yöntemlerinden biri olan conjoint analiz yardımıyla değerlendirilmiştir. Analiz sonuçlarına göre; müşterilerin satın alma kararlarında özellikle fiyat ve kurutma fonksiyonunun önem kazandığı tespit edilmiştir.
Índices de qualidade da água no sistema de captação de água da região amazônica (Brasil)
Authors: Silva Jaqueline Portal , Mesquita Karina Ferreira Castro , Pereira José Almir Rodrigues , Sousa Rosiane Rosário de , Varela Andrew Wallace Palheta , Sousa Pedro Henrique Campos , Santos Rosinette Machado , Santos Maria de Lourdes Souza
Published: January 2020

Os lagos Bolonha e Água Preta são utilizados para abastecer parte da população da Região Metropolitana de Belém. O estudo visou avaliar a qualidade da água durante um ano, em cinco pontos distribuídos ao longo do sistema de captação. O valor da média do IQA classificou a qualidade das águas como regulares e, os valores da média do IET entre eutrófico e supereutrófico. Apesar dos fortes impactos ambientais que ocorrem na área dos mananciais que são utilizadas no abastecimento público da Região Metropolitana de Belém, observa-se que a capacidade de autodepuração e renovação ainda são mantidos. No entanto, é necessário que os órgãos responsáveis, juntamente com a sociedade, continuem trabalhando para torná-la uma fonte viável de água. Ações de educação ambiental para a população devem ser adotadas para promover a conscientização ambiental e mitigar os impactos causados pelo avanço da urbanização.
Forest and land fires, toxic haze and local politics in Indonesia
Authors: Purnomo H. , Okarda B. , Shantiko B. , Achdiawan R. , Dermawan A. , Kartodihardjo H. , Dewayani A.A.
Published: January 2020

Forest and land fires are among the major catastrophic events that occur in Indonesia. They are a major cause of deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Their multiple sources are most diverse and root in nature and society. The immediate fire effects directly and the long-term
landscape ecosystem degradations indirectly cause major and persisting and serious problems of public health and ecosystem service. Smoke haze from the forest and land fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan in 2015 caused significant environmental and economic losses in Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.
We describe the different types of land uses and land cover where fires and smoke haze took place, and how local politics have affected fire use from 2001 to 2017. We calculated hot spots from satellite imageries as proxies for fire occurrences and applied regression analysis to understand
the link between fire and local politics in Sumatra and Kalimantan. The results show that the greatest frequency of hot spots occurred in wood and oil palm plantations and logging concessions (47%), followed by conservation areas (31%) and community land (22%). Local elections involve land
transactions, and fires were used as a cheap way to increase the land value. The use of fire as means of land clearing was strongly influenced by local politics. Their frequency and abundance obviously increased about a year prior to local elections. The reasons behind the correlation need
to be understood so that appropriate incentives and sanctions can be put in place and deter political leaders from using fire as an incentive to their advantage.
Structuring contrasting forest stakeholders' views with the Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) approach
Authors: Santos L.D. , Schlindwein S.L. , Fantini A.C. , Belderrain M.C.N. , Montibeller G. , Franco L.A.
Published: January 2020

The study reported here aimed at presenting the structuring of a complex problem that emerges from contrasting perspectives of different stakeholders on the use and conservation of native forests in a context where regulations restrict their management, as occurs in Santa Catarina State,
Brazil. The methodology adopted in this work consisted both in the construction of a causal map, based on interviews with stakeholders of Santa Catarina native forests, and in the analysis of the map using techniques of the Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) approach. The analyses
carried out indicated that the economic valuation of forest resources as well as the monitoring of forest cover are key issues for the management of Santa Catarina's native forests. In addition, the information generated by the causal map analysis can assist not only the process of designing
innovative and all-inclusive policies for the management of native forests, but also the modeling process based on Systems Dynamics in order to evaluate the impacts of policies on the dynamics that govern the conservation and use of the resources of native forests. The adopted SODA approach
also proved to be effective in structuring the complex problem situation addressed in this study.
A reality check: unveiling the unseen faces of SRA compliance in Ghana
Authors: Kumeh E.M. , Abu D.K.
Published: January 2020

Emerging forest governance regimes emphasise the implementation of social responsibility agreements (SRAs) to enable local communities' access forest rents. While studies have considered SRA implementation in recent years, they are restricted to a few areas and fail to provide insights
into wide-scale compliance. This study addresses this by analysing SRA compliance in 36 communities with different forest resource endowments in Ghana. The study found differences in levels SRA compliance with off-reserve actor largely non-compliant. Compliance was motivated by a combination
of instrumental, but largely normative factors. Context-specific issues – e.g. low awareness and actor mistrust– enabled non-compliance. The findings suggest that a utopian model and reliance on sanctions alone may not improve SRA compliance in Ghana. Rather, SRAs need to evolve
to embrace context-specific norms and the scale of timber contracts. The findings lay a benchmark for SRA compliance monitoring and have extended applications for FLEGT implementation in Ghana and beyond.
A singularity as a break point for the multiplicity of solutions to quasilinear elliptic problems
Authors: López-Martínez Salvador
Published: January 2020

In this paper we deal with the elliptic problem

$$\begin{array}{}
\begin{cases}
\displaystyle-{\it\Delta} u=\lambda u+\mu(x)\frac{|\nabla u|^q}{u^\alpha}+f(x)\quad &\text{ in }{\it\Omega},
\\
u \gt 0 \quad &\text{ in }{\it\Omega},
\\
u=0\quad &\text{ on }\partial{\it\Omega},
\end{cases}
\end{array}
$$

where Ω ⊂ ℝN is a bounded smooth domain, 0 ≨ μ ∈ L∞(Ω), 0 ≨ f ∈ Lp0(Ω) for some p0 >
$\begin{array}{}
\frac{N}{2}
\end{array}$, 1 < q < 2, α ∈ [0 1] and λ ∈ ℝ. We establish existence and multiplicity results for λ > 0 and α < q – 1, including the non-singular case α = 0. In contrast, we also derive existence and uniqueness results for λ > 0 and q – 1 < α ≤ 1. We thus complement the results in [1, 2], which are concerned with α = q – 1, and show that the value α = q – 1 plays the role of a break point for the multiplicity/uniqueness of solution.
Immune stimulatory and anti-HIV-1 potential of extracts derived from marine brown algae Padina tetrastromatica
Authors: Subramaniam Dinesh , Hanna Luke Elizabeth , Maheshkumar Kuppusamy , Ponmurugan Karuppiah , Al-Dhabi Naif Abdullah , Murugan P.
Published: January 2020

Background

Marine brown algae are biologically diverse and their medicinal value has been explored limited. We assessed whether Padina tetrastromatica Hauck will possess the immune stimulatory and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) inhibitory activity.

Materials and Methods

Aqueous and methanolic extracts were tested for the Th1/Th2 cytokines using PBMC. Subsequently, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), nitric oxide (NO) and anti-oxidant effect were analyzed using RAW264.7 cells. In addition, Padina extracts were tested for the HIV-1 clade C & A by measuring the levels of viral p24 antigen in infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and against reverse transcriptase (RT).

Results

At 100 μg/mL, aqueous and methanolic extracts produced a significant amount of IL-10 and IFN-γ at 24 h and 72 h post-stimulation by PBMCs. It also produced a significant amount of LTB4, NO and had an antioxidant effect on RAW264.7 cell, suggesting the immune stimulating potential of P. tetrastromatica. Upon infection of PBMCs with 100 TCID50, aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. tetrastromatica inhibited HIV-1 C (>90%) and HIV-1 A (>50%) showed a significant reduction in HIV-1 p24 levels and HIV-1 RT inhibition (>50%). GC-MS study revealed a relative abundance of tetradecanoic and oleic acid in the methanolic extract of P. tetrastromatica, which might be responsible for immune stimulation and anti-HIV-1 activity.

Conclusion

At lower concentrations (100 mg/mL), the aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. tetrastromatica showed the strong immune stimulation and greatest anti-HIV-1 potential in vitro. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of these brown algae P. tetrastromatica for the benefit of mankind.
Assessing the accuracy of existing forced alignment software on varieties of British English
Authors: MacKenzie Laurel , Turton Danielle
Published: January 2020

This paper presents an analysis of the performance and usability of automatic speech processing tools on six different varieties of English spoken in the British Isles. The tools used in the present study were developed for use with Mainstream American English, but we demonstrate that their forced alignment functionality nonetheless performs extremely well on a range of British varieties, encompassing both careful and casual speech. Where phone boundary placement is concerned, substantial errors in alignment occur infrequently, and although small displacements between aligner-placed and human-placed phone boundaries are found regularly, these will rarely have a significant effect on measurements of interest for the researcher. We demonstrate that gross phone boundary placement errors, when they do arise, are particularly likely to be introduced in fast speech or with varieties that are radically different from Mainstream American English (e.g. Scots). We also observe occasional problems with phonetic transcription. Overall, we advise that, although forced alignment software is highly reliable and improving continuously, human confirmation is needed to correct errors which can displace entire stretches of speech. Nevertheless, sociolinguists can be assured that the output of these tools is generally highly accurate for a wide range of varieties.
Sociophonetic perspectives on stylistic diversity in speech research
Authors: Hall-Lew Lauren , Boyd Zac
Published: January 2020

Sociolinguistic data collection traditionally includes interviews, reading passages, and word lists (Labov 1972). Researchers have increasingly sought out elicitation tasks that have the benefits of tasks based on reading aloud (e.g., studying infrequently occurring variables; controlling for linguistic factors; eliciting the same lexical items across participants) while also eliciting styles more comparable to interview speech (see Drager 2018). Examples include the Map Task (Brown et al. 1984) and the Diapix task (Baker and Hazan 2011). Other researchers have turned instead to elicitation tasks that maximize ecological validity, taking themselves out of the recording context and training participants to collect field recordings (e.g., Podesva 2007; Sharma 2011). But how comparable is the speech elicited from each of these tasks? Building on results from previous research (Boyd et al. 2015; Hall-Lew and Boyd 2017) we consider three US English speakers’ vowel productions from interviews, reading passages, ‘Lab Tasks’, and self-recordings. We suggest that both Lab Tasks and self-recordings have the potential to increase descriptive accuracy and indexical analysis in sociophonetic research.
Bending resistance of PVA fiber reinforced cementitious composites containing nano-SiO2
Authors: Zhang Peng , Ling Yifeng , Wang Juan , Shi Yan
Published: January 2020

In this study, the effects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber content and nano-SiO2 (NS) on bending resistance of cementitious composites were investigated including bending strength and toughness. PVA fiber contents from 0.6% to 1.5% were added in the composites. The NS contents was 0% and 2% by mass. The water to binder ratio (w/b) was 0.38 for all composites. The specimens were cured for 28 days under 20∘C and relative humidity of 95% before bending test. The results show that the bending strength was improved with PVA fiber content increasing and the maximum bending strength was obtained at PVA fiber content of 1.5%. Although PVA fiber increased bending resistance regardless of NS addition, the optimal content was 1.2%. When the fiber content was less than 1.2%, the bending resistance of cementitious composites increased with fiber content. However, the toughness began to decrease as PVA fiber content increased from 1.2 % to 1.5%.2% NS addition decreased both bending strength and toughness due to the fact that NS was prone to self-desiccation and flock together, resulting in micro crack and strength loss.
El desgarramiento del cuerpo postmoderno
Authors: Rico Bovio Arturo
Published: January 2020

El autor expone el problema del pensamiento y la práctica del mundo occidental posmoderno, donde coinciden la violencia y el abandono de todo soporte natural de los valores. Para buscar una posible solución examina el concepto de "cuerpo", que cambia de una sociedad a otra marcando el estilo de cada cultura. Traza su evolución hasta la primera mitad del siglo XX, cuando se sometió el cuerpo al mercado y se promovió la ideología de la muerte del sujeto. Califica como "desgarramiento del cuerpo" al actual deterioro físico y simbólico de los individuos y las sociedades. Propone como instrumento de cambio un concepto filosófico alternativo de "cuerpo", que integra en un solo sistema los aspectos visibles e invisibles del ser humano, a fin de fundar los valores en una teoría dinámica de la naturaleza humana, que permita recuperar al "cuerpo que somos" en este siglo XXI.
El expresionismo poético de Alejandra Pizarnik
Authors: Hernández Francisco Vázquez
Published: January 2020

Reseña del libro El expresionismo poético de Alejandra Pizarnik.
Los autores
Authors: Ficha Sobre los autores
Published: January 2020

Sobre los autores
Proposing an Image Analysis to Study the Effect of Lightweight Aggregate on Shrinkage and Creep of Concrete
Authors: Haghighat N. , Nili Mahmoud , Montazerian A. , Yousef Rezaii
Published: January 2020

Creep and shrinkage, particularly in lightweight concrete, are known as complex phenomena that highly affect the serviceability of concrete. This may be due to the fact that creep and shrinkage behaviors are highly dependent on the behavior of the surface layer at the interfacial transition zone of the aggregate and surrounded cement paste. Despite the importance of the influence of creep and shrinkage on concrete behavior, however, no simple measuring methods were accepted by researchers until now. In the present article, the shrinkage and creep of both normal and lightweight concrete, made by expanded clay, were studied via image analysis and traditional methods. A load control system equipped with a camera was designed to measure the strains of the cured specimens induced by shrinkage and creep. The water/cement ratio was 0.3. The results were also verified by direct measuring via embedded strain gages on the concrete surface. Both measuring methods showed that the expanded clay improved the transition zone of the lightweight specimens, and the induced creep and shrinkage strains of the lightweight specimens were smaller than those for normal specimens. Lower creep and shrinkage values were obtained by a visual measuring method rather than by direct measuring methods.
Application of a Hybrid Digital Twin Concept for Factory Layout Planning
Authors: Nåfors Daniel , Berglund Jonatan , Gong Liang , Johansson Björn , Sandberg Thomas , Birberg Jesper
Published: January 2020

As the modern society is in the middle of its fourth industrial revolution, many enabling technologies are now viable to use in an engineering context. Several of these technologies are mature and available off the shelf; however, in the industrial setting they are rather novel. Two of these are virtual reality (VR), which has grown immensely in the gaming sector, and 3-D imaging, which is commonly used in archeology and construction. This study presents lessons learned from combining these two technologies in an industrial context with the digital twin concept. Three industrial case studies have been performed, and several observations have been identified in all three aspects of sustainability. For example, improved solution fidelity at an early stage can be achieved by externalizing tacit knowledge, and multiple issues during planning and installation phases have been avoided by utilizing the hybrid digital twin models. This type of digital twin enables highly detailed production system access, enabling engineering abilities from anywhere, anytime. Furthermore, the model becomes a powerful communication tool, which has reduced the resistance to workplace changes, as stakeholders lacking computer-aided design (CAD) knowledge can be involved in the change process. The highly detailed models have also allowed more focus to be put on safety and regulations, as these aspects naturally are more suited to experience in immersive VR. In conclusion, the hybrid digital twin concept developed in this study is a promising tool for decision makers and stakeholders alike, bound to benefit those who use it in all three aspects of sustainability.
The metabolic benefits of different bariatric operations: what procedure to choose?
Authors: Sudlow Alexis , le Roux Carel W , Pournaras Dimitri J
Published: January 2020

Bariatric surgery is established as a highly effective treatment for obesity and related metabolic complications. Although once seen as a last resort for patients with obesity, given the data demonstrating the profound weight loss, improvement in comorbidity and safety, perceptions have since shifted. There is evidence from 12 RCTs demonstrating its safety and efficacy in terms of weight loss which is sustained in the long term with a resultant improvement in co-morbidity. Clinicians are increasingly recognising the importance of timely intervention to maximise the effects of bariatric surgery, particularly in light of the low likelihood of being able to adequately manage patients with medication or lifestyle interventions alone. The inclusion of bariatric surgery in the standard treatment algorithm has been a step forward in the approach to treating patients with obesity. What remains challenging for clinicians is knowing which procedure is most beneficial to patients. There is no level one data demonstrating the superiority of one procedure over another. Head to head RCTs are ongoing which may shed light on this question; however, it is likely that there is no single procedure that will be demonstrated to be the gold standard. Herein we review the most commonly performed procedures along with the evidence available to support their effects with regards to weight loss and metabolic changes along with their limitations and recognised risks. The aim is to provide a general framework to allow clinicians to take advantage of the variety of operative approaches to tailor their treatment strategy to the individual patient.
Studies of mice deleted for Sox3 and uc482: relevance to X-linked hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Gaynor Katherine U , Grigorieva Irina V , Mirczuk Samantha M , Piret Sian E , Kooblall Kreepa G , Stevenson Mark , Rizzoti Karine , Bowl Michael R , Nesbit M Andrew , Christie Paul T , Fraser William D , Hough Tertius , Whyte Michael P , Lovell-Badge Robin , Thakker Rajesh V
Published: January 2020

Hypoparathyroidism is genetically heterogeneous and characterized by low plasma calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. X-linked hypoparathyroidism (XLHPT) in two American families is associated with interstitial deletion-insertions involving deletions of chromosome Xq27.1 downstream of SOX3 and insertions of predominantly non-coding DNA from chromosome 2p25.3. These could result in loss, gain, or movement of regulatory elements, which include ultraconserved element uc482, which could alter SOX3 expression. To investigate this, we analysed SOX3 expression in EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells from three affected males, three unaffected males, and four carrier females from one XLHPT family. SOX3 expression was similar in all individuals, indicating that the spatiotemporal effect of the interstitial deletion-insertion on SOX3 expression postulated to occur in developing parathyroids did not manifest in lymphoblastoids. Expression of SNTG2, which is duplicated and inserted into the X chromosome, and ATP11C, which is moved telomerically, were also similarly expressed in all individuals. Investigation of male hemizygous (Sox3−/Y and uc482−/Y) and female heterozygous (Sox3+/− and uc482+/−) knockout mice, together with wild-type littermates (male Sox3+/Y and uc482+/Y, and female Sox3+/+ and uc482+/+), revealed Sox3−/Y, Sox3+/−, uc482−/Y, and uc482+/− mice to have normal plasma biochemistry, compared to their respective wild-type littermates. When challenged with a low calcium diet, all mice had hypocalcaemia, and elevated plasma PTH concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activities, and Sox3−/Y, Sox3+/−, uc482−/Y, and uc482+/− mice had similar plasma biochemistry, compared to wild-type littermates. Thus, these results indicate that absence of Sox3 or uc482 does not cause hypoparathyroidism and that XLHPT likely reflects a more complex mechanism.