bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disaster management in industrial areas: Perspectives, challenges and future research
Authors: Rebeeh Yousif A. M. A. , Pokharel Shaligram , Abdella Galal M.M. , Hammuda Abdelmagid S.
Published: March 2019

Purpose: In most countries, development, growth, and sustenance of industrial facilities are given utmost importance due to the influence in the socio-economic development of the country. Therefore, special economic zones, or industrial areas or industrial cities are developed in order to provide the required services for the sustained operation of such facilities. Such facilities not only provide prolonged economic support to the country but it also helps in the societal aspects as well by providing livelihood to thousands of people. Therefore, any disaster in any of the facilities in the industrial area will have a significant impact on the population, facilities, the economy, and threatens the sustainability of the operations. This paper provides review of such literature that focus on theory and practice of disaster management in industrial cities.Design/methodology/approach: In the paper, content analysis method in order to elicit the insights of the literature available.Findings: It is found that the research is done in all phases of disaster management, namely, preventive phase, reactive phase and corrective phase. The research in each of these areas are focused on four main aspects, which are facilities, resources, support systems and modeling. Nevertheless, the research in the industrial cities is insignificant. Moreover, the modeling part does not explicitly consider the nature of industrial cities, where many of the chemical and chemical processing can be highly flammable thus creating a very large disaster impact. Some research is focused at an individual plant and scaled up to the industrial cities. The modeling part is weak in terms of comprehensively analyzing and assisting disaster management in the industrial cities.Originality/value: The comprehensive review using content analysis on disaster management is presented here. The review helps the researchers to understand the gap in the literature in order to extend further research for disaster management in large scale industrial cities.
Beyond Behavioral Skills to HumanInvolved Processes: Relational Nursing Practice and Interpretive Pedagogy
Authors: Doane Gweneth A Hartrick
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT

This article argues that the teaching of behavioral communication skills may interfere with the learning of humanistic nursing practice. By inviting readers to consider moving beyond a method approach, the author discusses the pedagogical value of interpretive inquiry for the teaching-learning of relational practice. The author asserts that, as a "nonmethod," a pedagogy of interpretive inquiry can create opportunities for nursing students to learn and experience the transformetive power of reletionship, gain confidence in their cepacity for relational being and a sense of trust in their ability to be with people in ways that are authentic and meaningful, and develop their overall ability to enact humanistic, relational nursing.
Une approche de la culture professionnelle des soignants à travers les films de recrutement
Authors: Benedetto Caroline
Published: March 2019

Cette contribution a pour objet la caractérisation d’un genre de discours professionnel : les films de recrutement produits par les organisations de santé britanniques. Ces productions audiovisuelles visent non seulement à attirer de nouvelles recrues, mais aussi à projeter une image positive des organisations pour leur donner plus de crédibilité et de légitimité. En prenant appui sur un corpus de films de recrutement réalisés entre 2011 et 2018 dans le domaine de la santé, nous nous interrogeons sur les modes de représentation de l’identité professionnelle dans le discours. Quelle image les locuteurs donnent-ils à voir d’eux-mêmes et de leur profession, et quels procédés stylistiques et rhétoriques mobilisent-ils pour emporter l’adhésion de leur public ? L’article se clôt par une réflexion sur l’intérêt que présente le film de recrutement pour l’enseignement de l’anglais de spécialité dans sa dimension culturelle.
Various Size of Glass Fiber Treated Silane Coupling Agent in Epoxy Primer Coating: Corrosion Behaviour
Authors: Ahmad Zuliahani , Hasniraaiman  , Onn Munirah , Mohamad Ahmad Faiza , Ikhwan Muhamad Adib , Fatehah Nurul
Published: March 2019

The epoxy primer coatings with various size of treated glass fiber was successfully developed using hand brushing technique on carbon steel plate. The glass fibers used were treated with silane coupling agent, 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane. The Fourier Transform-Infared Spectroscopy (FTIR) affirmed the presence of silanol group at 1221.12cm-1 .Hence, the primer coating was prepared with three different sizes of treated glass fiber (45, 150, and 250 μm) and the corrosive properties has been studied. The corrosion rate was determined using Tafel plot and the immersion test was done in 3.5% NaCl and sea water for 9 days. Formulation of epoxy resin-GF-45μm displayed the optimum size to reduce the corrosion rate of epoxy primer coatings at 8.3713 mm/year and polarization resistance was the highest at 107.48Ω which indicates that epoxy coating have higher resistance towards corrosion, coating adherence and there was formation of more protective film on steel.Whilst immersion in 3.5% NaCl solution and sea water followed the same trend with 45 μm exhibited the less corrosive behavior for 9 days exposure. When the solution penetrated into the coating, the ultra-short glass fibers prevent the water from permeating and prolong the water diffusion path. Thus, it provided good anti-corrosive properties for formulation 2 at 45μm GF. In conclusion, the size of GF plays an important role in determining the corrosive behavior of epoxy primer coatings. The optimum size of GF at 45 μm proved to diminish the corrosiveness of carbon steel plate.
Contact Angle Properties of Bioacrylic Palm Oil Based Polyol for Polyurethane Coating
Authors: Ernie Suzana Ali , Nurul Najwa Mohd Nordin , Farah Wahida Harun , Syazana Ahmad Zubir , Norazwani Mohd Zain
Published: March 2019

Bio-acrylic palm oil based polyol was synthesized and characterized for polyurethane (PU) coating. In this project, acrylation of palm oil based polyol was done by using different amount of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) along with styrene mole ratio at 1:0.5:2, 1:1:2 and 1:1.5:2. The result shows that the increasing amount of HEMA content has increased the hydroxyl value. The characterization of bio-acrylic palm oil based polyol carried out by IR spectroscopic analysis and hydroxyl value. Coated surfaces were then characterized for the drying and gelling time, contact angle test and FTIR analysis were also reported. As the NCO/OH ratio of the coatings increased, there were progressive increased in mechanical and anticorrosive properties for all the coatings. Overall, this study showed that the material holds promise to be used as an effective HYPERLINK "https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/surface-coating" \o "Learn more about Surface Coating" surface coating compound by designing the formulation based on the desired performance.
Scratch Hardness Properties of Waste Palm Cooking Oil Based Polycaprolactone Urethane Coatings
Authors: Zain Norazwani Muhammad , Ashraf Wan Amirul , Ernie Suzana Ali
Published: March 2019

Polyurethane has been widely used in various coating industries due to its good weathering resistance, promising appearance, excellent elasticity and good mechanical properties. The present work reports the development of polycaprolactone urethane coatings based on waste palm cooking oil (WPCO). WPCO was recycled to synthesis polycaprolactone (PCL) polyol using two-steps methods; transesterification and ring opening polymerization with various ratios of ε-CL to WPCO based polyesteramide. The WPCO based PCL polyols were reacted with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) to produce polycaprolactone urethane coatings. FTIR analyses were employed to confirm the formation of polyols and the scratch resistance properties of coatings were characterized by scratch hardness testing. The results revealed that the scratch resistance of polycaprolactone urethane coatings increased by increasing the ε-CL composition in the formulation.
Thermal and Morphological Properties of ABS/Muscovite Layered Silicate Composites
Authors: Che Ismail Nor Hafizah , Akil Hazizan Md. , Salim Zainathul Akhmar Salim Abdul
Published: March 2019

The present study investigated the effects of untreated (UM) and treated (TM) muscovite fillers on the morphological and thermal properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) composites. The TM produced from a two-stage ion-exchange process and ABS composites were compounded using melt blending. ABS/muscovite layered silicate composites were characterized using Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while the thermal properties was investigated through Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. It was found that ABS/TM recorded higher thermal properties when compared to neat ABS and ABS/UM. The FESEM images showed better dispersion of ABS/TM compared to ABS/UM. Finally, mixed morphology of intercalated-exfoliated structure of composites was proven by TEM analysis.
Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid) with Propylene-Ethylene Copolymer and α-Cellulose
Authors: Wacharawichanant Sirirat , Opasakornwong Patteera , Poohoi Ratchadakorn , Phankokkruad Manop
Published: March 2019

This work studied the improvement of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) properties by adding propylene-ethylene copolymer (PEC) and α-cellulose (AC). The PLA blends and composites were melt mixed by an internal mixer and molded by compression method. The morphological analysis observed the phase separation of PLA/PEC blends due to minor PEC phase dispersed as spherical shape in PLA phase, indicating a poor interfacial adhesion between PLA and PEC phases. The incorporation of AC did not improve the compatibility of polymer blends. Young’s modulus and tensile strength of PLA blends reduced with increasing amount of PEC because the elastics of ethylene molecules in PEC structure. Young’s modulus of PLA/PEC/AC composites increased with increasing AC contents. The stress at break of the PLA/PEC blends was improved with the presence of AC. The strain at break of PLA/PEC blends increased with increasing PEC contents, and the presence of AC showed the decrease of strain at break of PLA/PEC blends.
Novel Preparation and Characterization of Fe2O3/CNT Thin Films for Flammable Gas Sensors
Authors: Chaitongrat Buaworn , Chaisitsak Sutichai
Published: March 2019

In this work, novel preparation for Fe2O3/CNT thin films was investigated. The Fe/CNT thin films were synthesized through vertical floating-catalyst chemical vapor deposition technique (FC-CVD) and subsequently annealed in air. The various annealing temperature to create Fe2O3 was examined and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, effect of wet/dry process on gas sensing of Fe2O3/CNTs was also investigated. The results suggest that the interfacial oxide layer helps to significantly improve LPG sensing performance with rapid response and recovery times. The proposed method can be considered as a promising approach for producing ultra-Fe2O3/CNT thin films that are appropriate for sensing application.
Silica Nanoparticle Synthesis and Multi-Method Characterisation
Authors: Musigapong Pirutchada , Briffa Sophie Marie , Lynch Iseult , Soontaranon Siriwat , Chanlek N. , Valsami-Jones Eugenia
Published: March 2019

The information provided by different characterisation methods when measuring particle size varies depending on the chosen technique and analytical approach (e.g. light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray scattering). This in turn has an impact on the accuracy of the results as well as comparability between methods and overall confidence on the analyses. The present study used a common sol-gel reaction to synthesise amorphous silica nanoparticles (aSiNPs) and characterised the product purity and homogeneity. The reaction involved hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in the presence of lysine, which acted as catalyst for the silica production and also as a capping agent for particle size control in a suspension kept at pH 8-10. According to DLS data, the stock suspension was stable for at least 6 months in Milli Q water without surfactant when kept at 4°C. This study focused on multi-method size and shape characterisation of the aSiNPs, involving the following techniques: DLS, TEM, FTIR, STEM and SAXS. These techniques provided information on hydrodynamic diameter, core particle dimensions, sphere equivalent size, and radius of gyration. Our results show two particle populations, one around 2 nm and the other around 7 nm in diameter. Notably, these two populations are not resolved (i.e. “visible”) by all methods used.
QUALE LOGICA (PER LA FISICA)?
Authors: Erba Marco
Published: March 2019

The preeminent motivation to the scientific practice â€“ stated in a weak way â€“ can be recognized in the individuation of recurring phenomena (or else empirical regularity), along with the manipulation, both experimental and theoretical, of these. One can thus pose the issue of the necessity of adopting a set of rules for the logical inferential process, in order to assign a syntax, a semantic content, and possibly an interpretation, to the empirical evidences. According to Aristotle, non-contradiction is â€œthe firmest principle of allâ€: irrefutable, otherwise the very possibility of formulating thoughts fails. Throughout the present report, the entailments of refusing some of the laws of classical logic â€“ e.g. non-contradiction â€“ are exposed. Such a possibility sheds light on a plurality of logical systems: some traits of these, which are significant for Mathematics and Physics, are examined. For instance, the relevance of dialetheism and intuitionism will be discussed. Besides, the report discusses on which basis one should choose the logical system to be adopted for the scientific activity. The peculiar case study given by Quantum Theory serves as fil rouge in developing the reported matters.
ALCUNE NOTE SULLA NOZIONE DI SPIEGAZIONE NELLE SCIENZE E IN FILOSOFIA
Authors: Torrengo Giuliano
Published: March 2019

When we explain something we use hypotheses, that is representations, which we formulate on the basis of some background theory or other. What makes such representations explanations are facts in the world. If, for instance, I can appeal to the hypothesis that the second referee has been unfair as a way of accounting for why Claudio is upset. and such a hypothesis is a (good) explanation if and only if the second referee has been unfair. It follows that even if scientific theories can always be read in an instrumentalist sense, in using them to formulate explanatory hypotheses we often appeal, implicitly or explicitly, to readings of them that go beyond their empirical content.
SCIENZA PER CONVENZIONE?
Authors: Poggiali Leopoldo
Published: March 2019

Scientific Conventionalism claims that conventional traits stands in theories in many forms and for many reasons. Relevant arguments about conventionalities in science will briefly be discussed, pointing out a Linguistic Conventionalism and a Methodological Conventionalism. We will show the common ground between the two and how they interact. Eventually we will highlight how conventionality of theoretical framework implies conventionality of the mathematics and the ontology adopted.
PROPRIETÃ€ E LEGGI DI NATURA
Authors: Mariani Cristian
Published: March 2019

The notion of law of nature has been a major focus on the recent philosophical debate on science. In the attempt of determining what is the modal status of laws, whether they are necessary (as for necessitarianism) or contingent (as for contingentism), the recent debate has largely focused on the relationship between laws and natural properties. This contribution aims at defending a particular view on property individuation known as structuralism. According to structuralism, roughly, properties are individuated by their nomological/causal roles, and so by their relationships with the other properties and with the laws. In specific, I will defend a version of structuralism as a counterpart theory of property. Structuralism implies necessitarianism on laws of nature, and so this paper can be seen as a defense of this view as well.
Pattern and outcome of admissions at the Emergency Pediatric Unit of Federal Medical Centre Nguru, Yobe State, Nigeria
Authors: Umar Umar Isa , Muhammed Isyaku Lawal , Gwarzo Garba Dayyabu
Published: March 2019

Emergency care involves the care of patients with acute illnesses or injuries that require immediate medical attention. Periodic evaluation of emergency unit generally provides an excellent means of auditing hospital performance and assessing the quality of services in the hospital. The aim was to determine the pattern and outcome of Pediatrics admissions at the emergency Pediatrics unit of Federal Medical Centre Nguru, Yobe State, Nigeria. This is a retrospective review of case notes of all children admitted into emergency unit at the Pediatrics Department of Federal Medical Centre Nguru between November 2015 and October 2017. The data was entered into SPSS version 20 soft-ware and a descriptive analysis was used for analysis of the data. A total of 3289 patients aged from 1 month to 192 months (16 years) were seen. The mean age was 52.1± 46.3 months. There were 57.8% males and 42.2% females. Underfive children admitted were 62.2%, children 5 years and above were 37.8%. The common indications for admission were malaria (24.8%), diarrhea (11.1%), sickle disease (9.8%) and sepsis (7.4%). Most (50.0%) of the patients were transferred to the ward, while 35.0% discharged home from the EPU. Mortality was 11.6%, while 0.8% of the patients were discharged against medical advice and 1.2% absconded from admission. Infections especially malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea diseases are the most prevalent causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in emergency pediatric unit of the hospital, and children less than 5 years of age are commonly affected.
Therapeutic Interventions for Scapular Kinematics and Disability in Patients With Subacromial Impingement: A Systematic Review
Authors: Takeno Katsumi , Glaviano Neal R. , Norte Grant E. , Ingersoll Christopher D.
Published: March 2019

Context

Impaired scapular kinematics are commonly reported in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Various therapeutic interventions designed to improve scapular kinematics and minimize pain and disability have been described in the literature. However, the short- and long-term benefits of these interventions are unclear.

Objective

To determine the effects of specific short- and long-term therapeutic interventions on scapular kinematics and disability in patients with SIS.

Data Sources

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases from their origins to January 2018 using a combination of the key words scapular kinematics AND (shoulder dysfunction OR subacromial impingement) and conducted a manual search by reviewing the references of the identified papers.

Study Selection

Studies were included if (1) preintervention and postintervention measures were available; (2) patient-reported outcomes were reported; (3) scapular kinematics measures at 90° of ascending limb elevation in the scapular plane were included; (4) SIS was diagnosed in participants or participants self-reported symptoms of SIS; (5) they were original clinical studies published in English; and (6) the sample sizes, means, and measure of variability for each group were reported.

Data Extraction

Seven studies were found. Sample sizes, means, and standard deviations of scapular upward rotation, posterior tilt, and internal rotation at 90° of ascending limb elevation on the scapular plane and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were extracted.

Data Synthesis

Standardized mean differences between preintervention and postintervention measures with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. We observed that the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores improved (mean difference = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.54, 1.16) but did not observe changes in scapular upward rotation (mean difference = −0.04; 95% CI = −0.31, 0.22), posterior tilt (mean difference = −0.09; 95% CI = −0.32, 0.15), or internal rotation (mean difference = 0.06; 95% CI = −0.19, 0.31).

Conclusions

The short- and long-term therapeutic interventions for SIS improved patient-reported outcomes but not scapular kinematics. The identified improvements in shoulder pain and function were not likely explained by changes in scapular kinematics.
Prospective Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Versus Palpation Techniques for Arterial Line Placement by Residents in a Teaching Institution
Authors: Yeap Yar Luan , Wolfe John W. , Stewart Jennifer , Backfish Kevin M.
Published: March 2019

Background 

Arterial line insertion is traditionally done by blind palpation. Residents may need multiple attempts for successful insertion, leading to longer procedure times and many failed attempts.

Objective 

We hypothesized that ultrasound guidance (USG) would be faster and more successful than traditional blind palpation (TBP) for radial artery line placement by residents.

Methods 

Patients undergoing elective surgery requiring a radial arterial line were randomized to either the USG or TBP groups. Exclusion criteria included a need for arterial line placement in an awake patient, emergent surgery, or American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class VI. After the induction of anesthesia, a postgraduate year 3 (PGY-3) or PGY-4 anesthesia resident placed an arterial line by either USG or TBP.

Results 

A total of 412 patients and 85 of 106 residents (80%) in the training program were included. The 2 groups were similar with respect to sex, weight, height, ASA class, baseline systolic blood pressure, and baseline heart rate. USG was faster than TBP (mean times 171.1 ± 16.7 seconds versus 243.6 ± 23.5 seconds, P = .012), required fewer attempts (mean 1.78 ± 0.11 versus 2.48 ± 0.15, P = .035), and had an improved success rate (96% versus 90%, P = .012).

Conclusions 

We found that residents using USG in an academic institution resulted in significantly faster placement of the arterial lines, fewer attempts, and fewer catheters used.
Culture, Morality, and the Homosexual Fix in Nigeria
Authors: Yeseibo John Ebimobowei
Published: March 2019

There is ample evidence from historical and anthropological studies that same-sex African partnerships existed long before colonization of the continent. Homosexuality may have been frowned at but it was never criminalized. Homosexuals are due the personal rights identified with human dignity, including the protection of their persons and the freedom to associate. Homosexuality is a right of sexual orientation and morality should not be smuggled into a discussion of sexual orientation. This paper is therefore of the view that the prohibition of homosexuality in Nigeria negates basic human rights, and is in contempt of international agreements in respect of articles 18-20 of United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights, which articulates the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, association and assembly. Characterizing homosexuality as putrescent and offending African values and African morality is tortured logic and portrays our culture as pitiably static. There is no such thing as authentic African essence that is inherently inimical to homosexuality. African history will be a skewed one if the voices of minority groups such as homosexuals are not reckoned with.Key words: Homosexuality, Nigeria, Culture, Morality, Sexual orientation, Human Rights
Kin Endogamy and the Blood Taint in Ancient Egypt and Nigeria
Authors: Aneni Monica Omoye
Published: March 2019

Kin Endogamy, marriage between siblings, has been a practice among several cultures of the world. This is a deviation from positions of sociologists, anthropologists and psychologists on a universal incest taboo even as they premised it on four theories; the demographic, indifference, repression and evolution theories. Several scholars have discussed kin endogamy in the pre-Christian and Christian eras of the Greco-Roman societies citing evidences; explaining that indication of close-kin marriage could have been adoption rather than incest; and noting that royal incest may have been occasioned by the quest for ultimate power, even in the Ptolemaic dynasty. This paper took an in-depth study of sibling marriage in Ptolemaic Egypt and in some communities in Nigeria, with a view to understanding the rationale behind this socio-cultural practice and its effects on inbred children. The paper argues that it is highly probable that this consanguineous marriage even among the Ptolemies of Egypt may have resulted in genetic/biological and psychological setbacks among inbred descendants such that assassinations among siblings for power became the order of the day. The study further argued that kin endogamy was practiced due to, among others, the ideology of the blood taint or pure blood. Further studies that may examine exogamous culture in the Greco-Roman world and Nigeria were recommended.Key words: Endogamy, Blood taint, Inbreeding depression, Ptolemaic Egypt, Nigeria.
Spirituality, Power, and Feminism: Historical Narratives of Bori Practice among the Women in Sabon Birni District of Sokoto State
Authors: Bawa Aisha Balarabe , Yandaki Umar Aminu
Published: March 2019

From time immemorial, human beings and humanity in general have been guided by intangible spiritual and supernatural forces. This is mainly through religious associations. Indeed, any type of religion usually comes along with distinct ideological beliefs. These beliefs guide its followers along the distinct religious practices, as well as the social, economic and political lives they should practice. These religious beliefs and practices as they satisfy the needs of their believers in many facets of life, forms intangible dimensions of reality. They, therefore, form an integral part of human history because their influences on historical processes are extremely profound. The people inhabiting sizable portions of the defunct Gobir Kingdom in particular and Hausaland in general are not left behind in this sense. This is because; they have their own distinct traditional religious beliefs and practices, mainly based on the belief in, and the worship of Iskoki (spirits). One of the major ideologies and practices in this respect is the Bori practice (that of Spirit Possession). This paper has examined Bori practice which is a female domain among the Gobirawa, led by a female priestess called Inna, who was both spiritually and politically influential in the defunct Gobir Kingdom. The paper also discusseds the persistence, continuities and changes in the practice of Bori among the Gobirawa women in Sabon Birnin Gobir as affected by the introduction of Islam, the 1804 Jihad, and more contemporaneously, the infusion of modernityKey words: Gobir, Women, Bori, Religion and Politics
Apprendre La Compréhension Orale en FLE au Kenya: Cas de l’Alliance Française d’Eldoret
Authors: Okonda Richard Arina
Published: March 2019

Cette étude a visé à déterminer les difficultés de la compréhension orale auxquelles les apprenants du français langue étrangère (FLE) au Kenya et précisément à l’Alliance Française d’Eldoret, se confrontent, tout en proposant les moyens de les surmonter. 74 candidats ont été choisis d’une population cible de 124 par la méthode de l’échantillonnage aléatoire simple. La collecte de données a été menée par le biais d’un test à partir d’un document audio-visuel, d’un extrait du film La fille sur le pont (de Patrice Leconte); un forum de discussion; et une fiche d’autoévaluation remplie par les candidats. L’interprétation de données nous a amené à conclure que les difficultés de la compréhension de l’oral chez ces apprenants sont liées à leur niveau de la grammaire française; leur capacité à distinguer les sons français ; le manque d’assez d’éléments paralinguistiques (gestes, réactions…) chez le locuteur ; le manque d’assez de pauses et d’hésitations chez le locuteur ; l’impertinence des propos du locuteur au sujet principal ; une mauvaise connaissance des aspects socioculturels à propos du sujet principal par l’apprenant ; les expressions et le vocabulaire inconnus ; le français familier; et le débit du locuteur. Les difficultés confrontées mènent toujours à une perte de concentration par les apprenants aux tâches données. Ce travail fait plusieurs recommandations pour surmonter ces difficultés.Mots-clés: compréhension orale; approche communicative; écoute; interaction; français langue étrangère The objectives of this study were to determine the difficulties of listening comprehension encountered by learners of French as a foreign language in Kenya and more specifically at Alliance Française Eldoret, and also to propose ways to overcome such difficulties. 74 participants were selected from a target population of 124 through simple random sampling. Data collection was done through a test administered about an audio-visual document, an extract of the film La fille sur le pont / Girl on the Bridge (directed by Patrice Leconte); a discussion forum; and an autoevaluation form (questionnaire) filled by the respondents from both activities. It emerged that the following cause difficulties of oral comprehension : the level of grammar of the learners; the learners’ capacity to distinguish French sounds; lack of sufficient paralinguistic aspects (gestures, reactions…) by the interlocutor; lack of sufficient pauses and hesitations by the interlocutor; irrelevance of the utterances of the interlocutor to the topic in question; poor sociocultural knowledge in relation to the main topic by the learner; unfamiliar expressions and vocabulary; colloquial French register; and the pace (of speech) by the interlocutor. These difficulties always lead to lack of concentration by the learners on the tasks given. The study makes several recommendations in order to overcome these difficulties.Key Words: Oral comprehension; communicative approach; listening; interaction; French as Foreign Language
On the value of reanalyses prior to 1979 for dynamical studies of stratosphere–troposphere coupling
Authors: Hitchcock Peter
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Studies of stratosphere–troposphere coupling, particularly those
seeking to understand the dynamical processes underlying the coupling
following extreme events such as major stratospheric warmings, suffer
significantly from the relatively small number of such events in the
“satellite” era (1979 to present). This limited sampling of a highly
variable dynamical system means that composite averages tend to have large
uncertainties. Including years during which radiosonde observations of the
stratosphere were of sufficiently high quality substantially extends this
record, reducing this sampling uncertainty by up to 20 %. Moreover, many open
questions in this field involve aspects of tropospheric dynamics likely to be
better constrained by “conventional” (i.e. radiosonde and surface-based)
observations. Based on an intercomparison of reanalyses, a quantitative case is made that for
many purposes the improved sampling obtained by including this period
outweighs the reduced precision of the reanalyses in the Northern Hemisphere.
Studies of stratosphere–troposphere coupling should therefore consider the
use of this period when using reanalysis data. These results also support
continued attention on this period from centres producing reanalyses.
Quantification of water vapour transport from the Asian monsoon to the stratosphere
Authors: Nützel Matthias , Podglajen Aurelien , Garny Hella , Ploeger Felix
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Numerous studies have presented evidence that the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone substantially influences the distribution of trace gases – including water vapour – in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (e.g. Santee et al., 2017). Stratospheric water vapour in turn, is strongly affecting surface climate (cf. e.g. Solomon et al., 2010). Here, we analyse the characteristics of water vapour transport from the upper troposphere in the Asian monsoon region to the stratosphere employing a multiannual simulation with the chemistry-transport model CLaMS (Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere). This simulation is driven by meteorological data from ERA-Interim and features a water vapour tagging that allows us to assess the contributions of different upper tropospheric source regions to the stratospheric water vapour budget. Our results complement the analysis of air mass transport through the Asian monsoon anticyclone by Ploeger et al. (2017). The results show that the transport characteristics for water vapour are mainly determined by the bulk mass transport from the Asian monsoon region. Further, we find that, although the relative contribution from the Asian monsoon region to water vapour in the deep tropics is rather small (average peak contribution of 14 % at 450 K), the Asian monsoon region is very efficient in transporting water vapour to this region (when judged according to its comparatively small spatial extent). With respect to the Northern Hemisphere extratropics, the Asian monsoon region is much more impactful and efficient regarding water vapour transport than e.g. the North American monsoon region (averaged maximum contributions at 400 K of 29 % vs. 6.4 %).
Calibration of the 2007–2017 record of ARM Cloud Radar Observations using CloudSat
Authors: Kollias Pavlos , Puigdomènech Treserras Bernat , Protat Alain
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The US Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurements (ARM) program has been at the forefront of millimeter wavelength radar development and operations since the late 90’s. The operational performance of the ARM cloud radar network is very high; however, the calibration of the historical record is not well established. Here, we use a well-characterized spaceborne 94-GHz cloud profiling radar (CloudSat) to characterize the calibration of the different generations of the ARM cloud radars from 2007 to 2017 over a variety of climatological regimes and for fixed and mobile deployments. Over 43 years of ARM profiling cloud radar observations are compared to CloudSat and the calibration offsets are reported as a function of time using a sliding window of 6 months. The study also provides the calibration offsets for each operating mode of the ARM cloud radars. Overall, significant calibration offsets are found that exceed the uncertainty of the technique (1–2 dB). The findings of this study are critical to past, on-going and planned studies of cloud and precipitation and should assist the DOE ARM to build a legacy decadal ground-based cloud radar dataset for global climate model validation.
Two types of North American droughts related to different atmospheric circulation patterns
Authors: Burgdorf Angela-Maria , Brönnimann Stefan , Franke Jörg
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Proxy-based studies suggest that the southwestern USA is affected by two types of drought, often termed Dust Bowl-type droughts and 1950s type droughts. The spatial drought patterns of the two types are distinct. It has been suggested that they are related to different circulation characteristics, but lack of observation-based data has precluded further studies. In this paper, we analyze multi-annual droughts in North America since 1600 in tree-ring based drought reconstructions and in a global, monthly 3-dimensional reconstruction of the atmosphere. Using cluster analysis of drought indices, we confirm the two main drought types and find a similar catalog of events as previous studies. These two main types of droughts are then analyzed with respect to sea-surface temperatures (SST), sea-level pressure, and 500 hPa geopotential height (GPH) in summer. 1950s-type droughts are related to a stronger wave-train over the Pacific-North American sector than Dust Bowl-type droughts, whereas the latter show the imprint of a poleward shifted jet and establishment of a Great Plains ridge. The 500 hPa GPH patterns of the two types differ significantly not only over the contiguous United States and Canada but also over the North Atlantic and the Pacific. Dust Bowl-type droughts are associated with positive anomalies, while 1950s-type droughts exhibit strong negative anomalies. In comparison with 1950s-type droughts, the Dust Bowl-type droughts are characterized by higher SSTs in the North Atlantic. Results suggest that atmospheric circulation and SST characteristics not only over the Pacific but also over the extratropical North Atlantic affect the spatial pattern of North American droughts.
Precipitation of dolomite from seawater on a Carnian coastal plain (Dolomites, northern Italy): evidence from carbonate petrography and Sr-isotopes
Authors: Rieder Maximilian , Wegner Wencke , Horschinegg Monika , Klackl Stephanie , Preto Nereo , Breda Anna , Gier Susanne , Klötzli Urs , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Arp Gernot , Meister Patrick
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The geochemical conditions conducive to dolomite formation in shallow evaporitic environments along the Triassic Tethyan margin are still poorly understood. Most of the Triassic dolomites in the Austroalpine and the South Alpine realm are affected by late diagenetic or hydrothermal overprinting, but recent studies from the Carnian Travenanzes Formation (South Alpine) provide evidence of primary dolomite. Here a petrographic and geochemical study of the dolomites intercalated in a 100-m-thick Carnian sequence of distal alluvial plain deposits is presented to gain better insight into the conditions and processes of dolomite formation. The dolomites occur as 10- to 50-cm-thick homogenous beds, mm-scale laminated beds and nodules associated with palaeosols. The dolomite is nearly stoichiometric with slightly attenuated c-reflections. Sedimentary structures indicate that the initial primary dolomite or precursor phase consisted largely of unlithified mud. Strontium isotope ratios (87Sr / 86Sr) of homogeneous and laminated dolomites reflect Triassic seawater, suggesting precipitation in evaporating seawater in a coastal ephemeral lake or sabkha system. However, the setting differed from modern sabkha or coastal ephemeral lake systems by seasonally wet conditions with a significant siliciclatic input and inhibition of significant lateral groundwater flow through impermeable clay deposits, thus representing a non-actualistic system in which dolomite formed along the ancient Tethyan margin.
ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT FACTORS ON THE ROLLING RESISTANCE OF RETREADED TIRES: CONTRIBUTION TO CO2 EMISSIONS
Authors: Sempere Óscar Cuadrado , Lozano Miguel Sánchez
Published: March 2019

The reduction of fuel consumption of vehicles is one of the priority objectives in addressing the reduction of CO2. Current EC regulations stipulate minimum requirements for new tires in relation to their low rolling resistance coefficient (RRC) and rolling noise. Nevertheless, these requirements do not apply at present to retreaded tires, which represent today 40% of the consumption of truck and commercial vehicles. The influence of different parameters on the RR obtained after retreading is studied. First, an attempt has been made to eliminate the influence of the condition of the starting casing, studying separately the influence of factors associated with the retread process and the materials used therein. To achieve this goal, RRC tests were carried out on new tires, on the casings of the same tires after being scraped, and finally after being retreaded using different formulations and processes. The results show that retreading significantly increases RRC, but the influence of the casing manufacturer is very important; a tire retreaded using a first-class casing can present an RRC lower than an equivalent low-cost new tire. On the other hand, the dynamic properties of the material added in the new tread are important, but the difference encountered between retreaded tires using different retreading materials and processes remains less than 5%. To study the influence of the aging of the materials, used tires were also tested before and after retreading. In view of the results, the aging condition of the casing seems not to have a clear effect on the RRC of the used tire. Indeed, the effect seems to be beneficial for the passenger car and detrimental for the truck samples studied. Those effects are smoothed during retreading, and the casing condition is not presented as a main factor of the RRC of the retreaded tire. It is worth noting that the study was carried out on a small sample of tires of two specific dimensions: a small passenger car tire (185/65 R15) and a European standard size for long-distance trucks (315/70 R22.5). Although the results and conclusions are very interesting, they should be taken with caution when extrapolated to other types of tires.
Determinants of Financial Sustainability of Rural Banks in Ghana
Authors: Quartey Joyce Ama , Desmond Okyere Darko , Yensu Joseph
Published: March 2019

Rural banks play enormous role in ensuring socio-economic development in Ghana. However, it has been observed that these rural banks face a number of challenges that affect their sustainability. This study examined the determinants of financial sustainability of the Rural Banks in Ghana. The cross- sectional survey was used where questionnaires were designed to collect data. The selections of the respondents were done using the snow ball sampling procedures to locate the 150 customers of three rural banks. The results from the multiple regression analysis showed that the amount of loans significantly affect the financial sustainability of the Rural Banks. The findings further showed that a unit increase in loan interest would lead to 20.5 percent reduction in the number of years a customer had been with the bank thereby affecting their financial sustainability. It was obvious from the study that loans and advances were not in the best of quality. Since these have bearing on the sustainability of the banks, it is recommended that management of these banks put in place rigorous strategies to improve the credit appraisal systems and boost loan recovery.
The properties of perfect(ive) and (eventive) passive participles: An identity approach
Authors: Wegner Dennis
Published: March 2019

This paper sheds light on the properties of perfect(ive) and (eventive) passive participles on the basis of a discussion of the issue of past participial (non-)identity. In fact, as there is no evidence for the substantial non-identity of the two forms, a principled case is made for the identity of past participles in passive and perfect periphrases based on diachronic as well as synchronic considerations. While the historical predecessors of past participles boil down to deverbal adjectives that combine argument structural effects (the absence of an external argument) as well as aspectual properties (resultativity), synchronic data indicates that the contribution of the reanalysed eventive past participles is still two-fold: (i) the (syntactic) suppression of an external argument (if present), and (ii) aspectual properties that render a given situation perfective iff the underlying predicate denotes a simple change of state. This accounts for the interpretations of past participles when combined with semantically vacuous auxiliaries (be and become): passive properties arise if (i) applies and (ii) thus cannot impose perfectivity (the eventive passive), and perfect properties ensue if (ii) applies but (i) does not (the be-perfect in languages showing auxiliary alternation). The perfect auxiliary have, on the other hand, may overtly license an argument that would otherwise remain suppressed and contributes relevant perfect properties (posteriority) so that combinations with have elicit active perfect interpretations (where perfectivity may but need not come about via implication).
Cooperation as a Foreign Policy Instrument
Authors: Contreras Rodrigo
Published: March 2019

Cooperation is undoubtedly a great tool to deploy Chilean foreign policy, since it creates long-term ties with the beneficiary countries. This generates small-scale retributions in bilateral relations and in specific technical areas, as well at the multilateral level. Chile's cooperation flows have undergone important changes since the creation of the International Cooperation Agency in the 90s, to the present, since Chile has gone from being a net recipient, to being a participant in international cooperation through the South-South modality or horizontal. In spite of this, it is not possible to clearly establish the benefits that cooperation generates for the country because there is no clear evaluation methodology. Finally, Chilean cooperation does not have a priority budget, and its programs are affected by short-term issues in the absence of a more leading role in the formulation of Chilean foreign policy.
Prevalence and Mean Intensity of Myxobolus spp. Parasitizing Oreochromis niloticus in Cameroon
Authors: LEKEUFACK FOLEFACK Guy Benoit , MALA KENGNE Chanceline , FEUDJIO DONGMO Bienvenu , FOMENA Abraham
Published: March 2019

Oreochromis niloticus, being one of the most commonly cultured fish on earth constitutes a favorable biotope for myxosporidia. This study provides information concerning the prevalence and mean intensity of Myxobolus species recorded in the kidney and spleen of O. niloticus. O. niloticus were sampled in farming ponds at Bamendou in Cameroon. Classic methods concerning fishing, fish autopsy and search of Myxosporidia were used. Prevalence and mean intensity was calculated. Data analysis based on the chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U test was done. The study revealed the presence of six Myxobolus species in the kidney and spleen of O. niloticus. All parasites species appeared frequent while their mean intensity was low or very low. The occurrence of M. fotoi was statistically lower (P < 0.05) in the kidney’s anterior portion while the mean intensity of M. agolus was statistically (P < 0.01) higher in the anterior portion of the spleen. Myxobolus cichlidarum was not found in kidney of young fish and occurrence of M. agolus statistically increases (P < 0.05) with host age. Host sex has significant influence (P < 0.05) on: occurrence of M. agolus, M. fotoi, M. agolus, M. brachysporus and M. heterosporus; and mean intensity of M. fotoi. The study revealed that in O. niloticus, the kidney and spleen harboured the same parasites species and there were only few variations in occurrences and mean intensities of parasites species recorded as function of host organs, age and sex.
El papel de los modelos epistemológicos y didácticos en la formación del profesorado a través del dispositivo del estudio de clase
Authors: García García Francisco Javier , Wake Geoff , Muñoz Lendínez Elena María , Lerma Fernández Ana María
Published: March 2019

En este trabajo analizamos cómo los modelos epistemológicos y didácticos asumidos por una comunidad de estudio de clase determinan la forma en que este proceso se lleva a cabo, así como los resultados de este. Para ello, proponemos una reinterpretación del estudio de clase como una praxeología de la profesión docente, apoyándonos en las herramientas de la teoría antropológica de lo didáctico. El análisis de tres casos de estudio de clase permitirá evidenciar el papel que diferentes modelos epistemológicos y didácticos desempeñan en su estructuración, desarrollo y en el posible aprendizaje profesional de los participantes, contribuyendo, de esta forma, a visibilizar parte de la teoría que subyace al estudio de clase.