bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable maintenance and repair of RC coastal structures
Authors: Bastidas-Arteaga Emilio , Schoefs Franck
Published: July 2016

Many agencies worldwide have to manage structurally damaged reinforced concrete (RC) coastal infrastructure subjected to chloride ingress that require significant repairs. These repairs should ensure optimal levels of serviceability and safety and minimise costs and environmental impact. However, there is a wide range of protocols, techniques and materials for repair and there is not much information about their durability performance. This paper proposes a methodology for evaluating, comparing and/or improving the sustainability of maintenance strategies. It was developed within the framework of the Mareo project in collaboration with the different stakeholders involved during the whole structural lifetime. It is based on probabilistic modelling of deterioration and repair, and the sustainability assessment considers costs (with conventional and intergenerational discounting), carbon dioxide emissions and waste generation. The methodology is illustrated with a numerical example aiming to evaluate and improve the sustainability of a repair technique for RC structures subjected to chloride-induced corrosion damage. Overall results indicate that sustainable solutions increase global costs but they could significantly reduce environmental impact.
Harnessing urban coastal infrastructure for ecological enhancement
Authors: Perkol-Finkel Shimrit , Sella Ido
Published: July 2016

Owing to a combination of increase in coastal population and processes related to global climate change, intense coastal development is inevitable. Shallow-water habitats are prone to be replaced by structures such as seawalls and breakwaters. While adding ample hard substrate to the seascape, these structures are not surrogates to natural habitats, and are often associated with nuisance and invasive species. These differences are attributed to design features including high inclination, low complexity and high homogeneity – all atypical of natural habitats. To date, coastal infrastructure has been designed with limited consideration to marine life developing on it. Consequently, its ability to provide ecosystem services similar to those offered by natural habitats has been severely compromised. This paper presents two case studies implementing ecological enhancement at the Brooklyn Bride Park waterfront. Both strategies are examples for restoring viable ecosystem services while also serving structural and societal goals. The first is an example of structural repairs of aging pier piles, by applying innovative technology of ecological concrete encasement which creates valuable habitat. The second is an example of boosting the ecological performance of a constructed riprap waterfront, by integrating precast tide-pools that add water-retaining habitat features lacking from standard coastal infrastructure.
Ecosystem-based carbon footprinting of marine engineering projects
Authors: Fiselier Jasper , Vreman Bart-Jan , Dekker Sander , Thorborg Hedwig
Published: July 2016

Dredging projects use large amounts of fuel, which leads to substantial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Until now, reducing the carbon footprint of dredging projects has mainly involved investigating the possibilities of dredging schemes and vessels that are more fuel efficient. A reduction in the order of 10–20% may be within reach, most of it is a win–win situation since fuel reduction will also reduce costs. A further reduction in carbon dioxide emissions may be possible on a project-by-project basis but will involve a trade-off between dredging costs and carbon dioxide emissions. Marine engineering projects also have an impact on primary production and formation of organic carbon and on sedimentation processes and burial of organic carbon in sediments. Both impacts influence carbon sequestration and can be a substantial or even overriding factor in the ‘carbon footprint’ of a project. The carbon footprint of a marine engineering project is often larger and more complex than previously anticipated. However, a more comprehensive carbon footprint also shows that a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is possible when the designs and dredging and maintenance schemes stimulate sequestration of organic carbon in the wider environment.
Results from the Dutch Ecobeach pilot project
Authors: Reedijk Bas , van't Zelfde Ad , Pieterse Jelle-Jan , van Leeuwen Marco , Manaois John Rae
Published: July 2016

Between the beginning of 2007 and the beginning of 2011 a trial was carried out with the innovative vertical beach drainage system Ecobeach at the beach of Egmond aan Zee in the Netherlands. The pilot consisted of a field experiment, in which a statistical analysis was executed for some coastal state indicators, and a scientific part, in which a possible working principle of the system was investigated.
Impact of organisational culture on knowledge transfer in Nigerian heavy engineering projects
Authors: Ovbagbedia Oghenemarho Omaruaye , Ochieng Edward Godfrey
Published: July 2016

Knowledge management methods are considered to focus on the process of knowledge creation, sharing and distribution in an organisation. Although culture has been mentioned widely as a challenge in knowledge management initiatives, few studies have addressed the impact of organisational culture on knowledge transfer. This paper analyses how organisational culture impacts knowledge transfer approaches in heavy engineering projects. Questionnaires were used to collect data on knowledge transfer. Validity and reliability were achieved by assessing the plausibility in terms of already existing knowledge. The results were grouped under three major themes: opinion of culture, project team behaviours and organisational culture and knowledge transfer practices.
BIM and construction contracts – CPC 2013’s approach
Authors: Gibbs David-John , Emmitt Stephen , Lord Wayne , Ruikar Kirti
Published: July 2016

Building information modelling (BIM) changes the way information is generated, managed and communicated between project team members. It is gaining international attention as a potential way of improving the efficiency of the construction industry; but despite the recognised benefits of BIM, perceived barriers are restricting its adoption. Some of these barriers could be addressed through standard forms of construction contract. The Chartered Institute of Building’s Complex Projects Contract 2013 (CPC 2013) is the first standard form of construction contract to include BIM clauses in its provisions and appendices. To investigate how CPC 2013 attempts to address the perceived barriers of BIM adoption and promote working in a BIM environment, a content analysis was undertaken. The research found that although CPC 2013 addresses some of the perceived barriers associated with BIM, the contract may require amendments and special conditions to its standard form in order to support a ‘Level 2’ environment.
Construction disputes under UAE law: some initial considerations
Authors: Blanke Gordon , Kotb Sally
Published: July 2016

This article discusses the application of UAE law to construction disputes in the UAE. It provides initial insights into how the UAE courts deal with international and local construction disputes at a municipal level. The importance of UAE law as a governing law on the merits should not be underestimated as many construction projects located there are subject to UAE law. With an increase on construction projects and foreign investments in the region, a proper understanding of UAE law in a construction context becomes increasingly important.
Compensation events in NEC3 contracts: case studies from South Africa
Authors: Laryea Samuel
Published: July 2016

Compensation events can have significant consequences on project objectives. However, not much systematic research has been done on the occurrence of NEC compensation event in projects for the purpose of controlling and minimising their impact. The specific objectives of this study are to conduct a systematic review of literature on NEC compensation events and to conduct a systematic analysis of compensation events in four NEC-procured projects in South Africa to examine their extent, effects and sources. Publications mentioning ‘compensation events’ were reviewed based on papers by academic researchers, articles by practitioners in the NEC Users’ Group Newsletter and papers by construction lawyers published by the UK Society of Construction Law. The 84 publications demonstrate 15 operational aspects of compensation events. Thereafter the data on compensation events in four NEC-procured building projects in South Africa (the largest being £9 million) are analysed based on final accounts. The findings demonstrate a significant number of compensation events (165 altogether) with most arising from incomplete or late work information. Employers wishing to control and minimise compensation events on projects should be more decisive about their requirements and implement professional service agreements that incentivise members of the professional team to perform their role timelier and efficiently.
Formulating a linear scheduling development index
Authors: Emam Hassan , Farrell Peter , Ahmed Sherif
Published: July 2016

Construction projects are criticised for overrunning time and cost. Previous studies have identified ineffective planning and scheduling as the most frequently cited cause of delay. Moreover, earlier research debated that network-based planning methods are not suitable for projects with repeating activities. Linear scheduling was argued to be a better tool for simulating projects with repeating activities, such as railways, tunnels, roads and infrastructure. Research efforts on schedule quality and development measurement were devoted to network-based scheduling methods. This study critically reviews current programme quality evaluation models in the literature; the review outcomes are used in interviews with four industry experts to identify suitable criteria for assessing linear schedules. There were 23 criteria confirmed that were then arranged into six groups. Based on the interviews, a questionnaire was distributed, and responses were obtained from 125 participants. Results indicated a high level of agreement on the importance of the defined criteria. They are subsequently ranked according to relative importance. The results show that contractual measures are ranked highest and duration estimation second. In addition, a relationship between level of knowledge and importance of using linear schedules was identified. The study proposes a framework for assessing development level and quality of linear schedules.
Litigation following UK Water Resources Act section 110 appeal
Authors: Chapman Murray
Published: July 2016

The first ever appeal under section 110 of the UK Water Resources Act 1991 took place in 2009. The appeal was against a refusal by the Environment Agency to give consent to an application made under section 109 of the Act for the repair and the reinstatement of a flood embankment at Trewern Hall in the Severn valley. The agency was found to have acted unreasonably and unlawfully in determining the application, and there was a full award of costs against it. This paper describes the litigation that followed the appeal and the granting of unconditional planning consent by the local planning authority in 2010.
Effects of an economic downturn on construction partnering
Authors: Challender Jason , Farrell Peter , Sherratt Fred
Published: July 2016

Over the economic downturn in recent years, there has been a trend for construction clients to revert to traditional competitive procurement strategies. This is despite authoritative calls for an increase in collaborative working and partnering practices, heralded as the means to drive efficiencies and innovation. Clients may feel that the only way to assure themselves that they are not paying too much is to market-test their projects in a highly competitive environment. This study seeks to provide an insight into the effects of the recent economic downturn on collaborative working, with particular emphasis on manifestation in the practice and the positioning of trust within such relationships. Eight interviews were carried out with senior industry professionals, all experienced in partnering and collaborative working practices. Individuals have responded with a quest for job security, which has in turn developed risk-averse work practices and affected the establishment of short-term collaborative relationships. Organisations have returned to traditional competitive procurement methods, seeking to reduce risk in their practices and maintain control in uncertain times. Sceptical considerations of collaboration have re-emerged; the abuses of collaborative relationships for financial benefits, employing austerity as leverage, have become contemporary legend if not fact.
Public–private partnerships for future urban infrastructure
Authors: Alim Seema , Polak John
Published: July 2016

This paper recognises that future infrastructure delivery presents new challenges primarily from constraints on public financing (creating the need for private funding) and the evolving vision for urban development to be smart, sustainable and socially inclusive. This paper focuses on public–private partnerships for financing of future infrastructure. Lessons learned from past failures of public–private partnerships suggest that a delivery strategy tailored for their successful implementation is required. This strategy would make the public sector responsible for developing the preliminary design and a robust understanding of the related technical, financial and regulatory requirements before initiating procurement; it recommends use of standardised tools for greater consistency and transparency in project evaluation and that the project delivery entity must represent a true partnership between the public and private sectors. The public sector has a responsibility to safeguard public interest and ensure transparent procurement and sustainable, socially inclusive and smart development. These objectives are often in conflict with the private sector’s profit maximisation goals, and the challenge is creating the entity that allows the two sectors to coexist and meet their goals collaboratively. This paper looks at a joint ownership company as a vehicle for a more collaborative and equal public–private partnership.
Briefing: Public–private partnerships in the GCC: a changing landscape
Authors: Dalley Ian , Barton Nadia
Published: July 2016

A new law creating the legal framework for public–private partnerships in Dubai was issued by the Dubai government on 20 September 2015. It came into force in November 2015 and may well change the legal and financial structure of major projects across the Emirate. This is part of a growing trend in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries towards public–private partnership (PPP) structures as economies that have traditionally been dependent on oil revenue are looking to ensure greater economic productivity and diversification coupled with a more efficient management of risk. In this article the provisions of the new PPP law in Dubai and also the current PPP trends across the GCC region are considered in detail.
Using tacit knowledge in training and accident prevention
Authors: Aboagye-Nimo Emmanuel , Raiden Ani , King Andrew , Tietze Susanne
Published: July 2016

Tacit knowledge plays an invaluable role in construction and has been labelled as the ‘most strategically important resource’ in organisations. Microconstruction firms rely heavily on the tacit knowledge acquired by their workers when managing site safety. Unfortunately, the importance of this knowledge is sometimes overlooked due to its inexpressible and informal nature. This paper investigates how microconstruction firms use tacit knowledge to prevent accidents on site, thereby improving overall site safety. An ethnographic approach was used to gather rich in-depth qualitative data on the practices of these ‘hard-to-reach’ microconstruction firms. Five case studies were conducted in the East Midlands region of the UK. Findings from the case studies suggest that workers of microconstruction firms use tacit knowledge in areas such as training newcomers and also identifying and managing imminent risks and dangers on site. Additionally, tacit knowledge plays an important role in safety communications among the workers of these microfirms; it helps establish shared understanding and a common sense of achieving their goals. This research sheds light on an underexplored area of the construction industry, which is arguably crucial in preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of site workers.
NEC for DBFO – taking best practice procurement into PPPs
Authors: Patterson Richard L. , Trebes Barry
Published: July 2016

The NEC – formerly the New Engineering Contract – is a family of modern contracts drafted for simplicity and flexibility and to be a stimulus to good management ( www.neccontract.com ). There are contracts for work supply, physical services and professional services. They are used extensively in the UK and South Africa, to an extent in New Zealand and are being trialled by the Hong Kong Government. Some international financing institutions are now considering the use of NEC rather than the Federation International des Ingenieurs-Conseils contracts that they have traditionally used. This article considers NEC for design, build and operate contracts and then reviews the potential to use NEC as the basis for the design, build, finance and operate contracts that are at the centre of the project finance deals used worldwide in public–private partnership projects.
Identifying key factors for building information modelling adoption in Singapore
Authors: Attarzadeh Meghdad , Nath Tushar , Tiong Robert L. K.
Published: July 2016

Building information modelling (BIM) enables firms in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry to transform the construction value chain into a technologically enhanced construction process. One of the fundamental concerns to emerge related to BIM adoption is how to implement BIM successfully. Thus, it is considered crucial to identify the key factors (KFs) that influence the success of BIM initiatives. This study is conducted to find the influence factors and also undertake an analysis in order to identify the KFs that would facilitate successful BIM adoption and implementation in Singapore. The research concluded that improved coordination, better accuracy in a faster timeframe, fewer on-site clashes and fewer change orders are the important benefits of BIM adoption. The research findings should help AEC firms to ensure the realisation of BIM adoption and implementation in the project life cycle. It should also help Singapore’s government agencies to plan properly for supporting BIM adoption and implementation in the life cycle of construction projects.
Briefing: The adverse health and safety influence of subcontracting
Authors: Manu Patrick , Ankrah Nii , Proverbs David , Suresh Subashini
Published: July 2016

Subcontracting has been noted to have an adverse influence on health and safety. Through a critique of the health and safety literature the causative factors of this adverse influence are identified, and a subsequent examination of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) also reveals remedies available to mitigate these causative factors. Pointing to the persistence of the adverse influence of subcontracting despite the available remedies, efforts for further enhancing the mitigation provided by CDM 2007 against the adverse influence of subcontracting are presented. It is anticipated that through these efforts health and safety improvement within and beyond the context of the adverse influence of subcontracting will be achieved.
Briefing: Provisional sums: practical use under the Fidic Yellow Book
Authors: Gan Sergii
Published: July 2016

This paper reviews the practical aspects of the provisional sums usage under the Fidic Yellow Book. The straightforward conditions of contract set out in sub-clause 13·5 of the contract conditions seem to be easy to apply but in practice usually generate many questions for construction professionals. This analysis aims to clarify how the provisional sums have to be allocated between the works and supplies, and how they should be further used in order to maintain the balance of risks and costs between the employer and the contractor.
Managing strategic risk – the worldwide experience of metros
Authors: Allport Roger J. , Anderson Richard J.
Published: July 2016

This paper is concerned with the management of many of the world’s largest metros (mass transit railways). It describes how co-operation between operators has over 16 years led to continuous improvements in metro performance. In recent years, however, it has become clear that the complexities of metro systems are not always understood by stakeholders, and an increasingly uncertain future poses major challenges for proactive metro management. Research has concluded that the implementation of strategic risk management holds promise for future improvement, where risk is defined to include both downside impacts and opportunities. A risk guide has been developed to assist operators to implement effective practices. This paper is written to share these experiences in this sector, in the expectation that there may be lessons of wider interest.
First ever appeal under section 110 of the UK Water Resources Act 1991
Authors: Chapman Murray Lloyd
Published: July 2016

This paper presents details of a 5-year battle against drainage authorities, which were opposed to the restoration of an argae (Welsh for flood embankment) to protect a grade II* listed Elizabethan half-timbered building as well as farm buildings, access road and agricultural land from the floodwaters of the River Severn. By the first ever appeal undertaken in accordance with section 110 of the Water Resources Act 1991 they were found to have acted not only unreasonably but also unlawfully.
Modelo de previsão de value at risk utilizando volatilidade de longo prazo
Authors: Maia Vinicius Mothé , Monteiro Igor Swinerd , Pinto Antonio Carlos Figueiredo , Klotzle Marcelo Cabus
Published: July 2016

Tendo em vista a importância  do Value at Risk (VaR) como medida de risco para instituições financeiras e agências de risco, o presente estudo avaliou se o modelo ARLS é mais preciso no cálculo do VaR de longo prazo que os modelos tradicionais, dada sua maior adequação para a previsão da volatilidade. Considerando a utilização do VaR pelos agentes de mercado como medida de risco para o gerenciamento de portfólios é importante sua adequada mensuração. A partir de dados diários dos mercados de ações e cambial dos BRICS (Brasil, Rússia, Índia, China e África do Sul) foram calculadas as volatilidades  futuras para 15 dias, 1 mês e 3 meses. Em seguida, calculou-se as medidas tradicionais de avaliação da precisão do VaR. Os resultados sugerem a superioridade do modelo ARLS para a previsão da volatilidade cambial, capaz de prever corretamente o número de violações em 33% dos casos, enquanto os modelos tradicionais não obtiveram um bom desempenho. Com relação ao mercado acionário, os modelos GARCH e ARLS apresentaram desempenho similar. O modelo GARCH é superior considerando a perda média quadrática. Esses resultados apontam para a escolha do modelo ARLS no cálculo do VaR de portfólios cambiais devido a maior precisão alcançada. Ajuda assim os agentes de mercado a melhor gerirem o risco de suas carteiras. Em relação ao mercado acionário, em função do desempenho similar dos modelos GARCH e ARLS, o modelo GARCH é o mais indicado devido a sua maior simplicidade e fácil implementação computacional.
Os efeitos da subvenção governamental frente à elisão fiscal e a geração de riqueza
Authors: Gonçalves Rodrigo de Souza , Nascimento Geovanna Gonzaga do , Wilbert Marcelo Driemeyer
Published: July 2016

Esta pesquisa analisa se as empresas abertas brasileiras que receberam subvenções governamentais apresentaram maior nível de elisão fiscal (tax avoidance) e se geraram mais riqueza para a sociedade no ano de 2014, quando comparadas a empresas que não receberam tais subvenções. O estudo é de natureza quantitativa. Foram analisados os indicadores de elisão fiscal (Effective Tax Rate - ETR), segundo Hanlon e Heitzman (2010), de geração de riqueza (Quociente entre o Valor Adicionado bruto e o Faturamento - QVAF) e de distribuição de riqueza (Índice de Distribuição do Valor Adicionado - IDVA). A amostra contempla 64 empresas listadas na BM&FBOVESPA, divididas em dois grupos de 32, comparadas em relação ao seu porte e setor de atuação. Como resultado verificou-se que as empresas recebedoras de subvenções governamentais apresentaram um maior nível de elisão em relação aos tributos sobre o lucro e agregaram menos valor aos seus bens e serviços produzidos e comercializados. Contudo, tais empresas geraram um maior valor adicionado total, apresentando uma maior distribuição relativa de riqueza para pagamento de tributos (32,44%) e de pessoal (25,05%), justificando assim os incentivos fiscais no ano estudado.
Relação entre formação docente, metodologias de ensino e resultados do Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes de Ciências Contábeis
Authors: Vogt Mara , Degenhart Larissa , Biavatti Vania Tanira
Published: July 2016

O estudo objetiva analisar a relação entre formação docente, metodologias de ensino e resultados do Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes de Ciências Contábeis (ENADE). Realizou-se uma pesquisa descritiva, de levantamento e quantitativa. Utilizou-se a análise discriminante por meio do LhStat®. A população do estudo compreendeu as 16 Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) da Associação Catarinense das Fundações Educacionais (ACAFE). A amostra constituiu-se de 10 IES. Os resultados do estudo indicaram que há relação entre a formação dos docentes dos cursos de Ciências Contábeis e as metodologias de ensino-aprendizagem utilizadas com o resultado do ENADE do ano de 2012. Destaca-se que a formação docente que mais influencia no conceito do ENADE é o Doutorado. Já no que tange às metodologias de ensino, a discussão de casos, os estudos baseados em problemas e as aulas práticas de campo, respectivamente, são as que mais influenciam no conceito.
CORRECTIVE FEEDBACK AND WRITING ACCURACY OF STUDENTS ACROSS DIFFERENT LEVELS OF GRAMMATICAL SENSITIVITY
Authors: Septiana Ayu Rizki , Sulistyo Gunadi Harry , Kadarisman A. Effendi
Published: July 2016

This study investigates whether indirect corrective feedback is effective on students’ writing accuracy and whether there is any interaction between corrective feedback and students’ levels of grammatical sensitivity. A quasi-factorial design was adopted for this research. The subjects of the study were fourth-semester students of English Department, at a State University in Malang, selected randomly. The experimental group was treated with indirect corrective feedback and the control group with direct corrective feedback. A parametric statistical test, ANCOVA, was used to test the hypotheses. The findings show that there was no statistical difference on writing accuracy between the experimental and control groups. Yet, among students with a high level of grammatical sensitivity, there was significant difference in writing accuracy between those given indirect and direct corrective feedback. Further, there was no interaction between corrective feedback on writing accuracy and students’ levels of grammatical sensitivity. However, indirect corrective feedback improved students’ writing accuracy better than direct corrective feedback.
RETROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT LEVELS OF SELF-EFFICACY IN JAPANESE LEARNERS
Authors: Burrows Lance Paul
Published: July 2016

Self-efficacy is the strength of expectations individuals maintain about their ability to successfully perform a behavior. As such, researchers from many fields (e.g., educational psychology, health, medicine) have employed self-efficacy to predict and describe a wide range of human functioning. However, relatively few studies in second language (L2) reading have investigated the relationship between reading self-efficacy and proficiency, and those that have tend to suffer from design flaws and/or problems with analyses. Furthermore, no studies have explored the effects that past experiences seem to have on current levels of reading self-efficacy. In order to address this lack of empirical research, this quasi-experimental study was conducted to investigate how participants’ retrospective ratings of reading self-efficacy related to current levels, and how those current levels, in turn, relate to reading proficiency. The participants, all of whom were non-English majors, consisted of 322 first- and second-year Japanese university students, ages 18 to 20. Data to examine retrospective self-efficacy was collected through the sources of reading self-efficacy questionnaire and TOEIC reading scores were utilized for the reading proficiency variable. The results suggest that the retrospective ratings of self-efficacy in junior high and high school are closely related to the participants’ current levels of reading self-efficacy. The results from an ANOVA also showed a statistically significant difference in reading performance between those with high reading selfefficacy and those with low reading self-efficacy. The results demonstrate how important past levels of self-efficacy can be on learners’ current levels of self-efficacy; therefore providing students in the EFL classroom with achievable activities and opportunities to cultivate their self-efficacy would be indicated. Further research is necessary to determine specific ways in which teachers may help foster a stronger sense of self-efficacy in EFL learners.
DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF HONORIFIC USE IN KOREAN EMAIL DISCOURSE
Authors: Kim Jaegu
Published: July 2016

It is a relatively new field that examines how Korean culture affects Korean language use in terms of age difference in a corpus of computer mediated email discourse. The purpose of this descriptive study and experiment is to prove the close relationship between Korean language and culture. This paper shows the descriptive study of Korean culture in relation to language use. Korean culture acknowledges an inherent hierarchy with regard to age, and considers [+age] as relating socially to [+power]. When younger Koreans converse with older ones, they express different morpho-syntactic patterns, which is an age complex. The main task of the experiment was to examine the way through which the age complex is reflected by Korean honorific linguistic system in email discourse. I asked 15 Korean native speakers between the ages of 20 to 25 to write emails expressing an impositive request to [+age (46-50 years old)], [-age (below 25 years old)] and [=age] recipients. The results show significant differences in the use of grammatical features in emails written to [+age] recipients, as compared to emails written to [-age] and [=age] recipients. The implication of the findings is that the cultural values that are attached to age and aging in the Korean society affects Koreans’ language use, which means Korean language and culture are closely intermingled.
Effect of Fluoride Varnish on Enamel Remineralization in Anterior Teeth with Molar Incisor Hypomineralization
Authors: Restrepo Manuel , Jeremias Fabiano , Santos-Pinto Lourdes , Cordeiro Rita CL , Zuanon Angela CC
Published: July 2016

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of fluoride varnish on remineralization of anterior teeth affected by Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) by means of Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence- QLF. Study design: Fifty-one healthy 9 – 12- year-old children were selected according to different clinically diagnosed levels of MIH, proposed by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (2003) (considering the most severe lesion per patient, n= 51 lesions), and randomly divided into two groups: (1) four applications of 5% NaF varnish, with one-week interval, and (2) usual home care- control. At each visit, the mean change in fluorescence and area of lesion were measured by QLF. The data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results: All patients showed enamel alterations in first permanent molars and incisors, frequently with two molars affected by MIH (41.1%). There was no statically significant difference in the mean of fluorescence and area of lesion between groups over the studied time. Conclusion: We observed no favorable effect on the remineralization of MIH lesions in anterior teeth after four applications of fluoride varnish.
The Role of Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms on Dental Caries
Authors: Cogulu Dilsah , Onay Huseyin , Ozdemir Yasemin , Aslan Gulcin Itirli , Ozkinay Ferda , Eronat Cemal
Published: July 2016

Objective: To determine the association between the ApaI, FokI, Cdx2 and TaqI polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene in caries-active (high-moderate) and caries-free children. Study design: A hundred and fifty children (75 males, 75 females, mean age: 10.19 ± 1.61 years) were included in the study. The subjects were divided into three groups as high caries risk group (DMFT, dft>4)(n=55), moderate caries risk group (DMFT, dft=1–4)(n=57) and caries-free group (n=38). From each individual, blood samples were collected and DNA was extracted. The VDR gene was genotyped for the polymorphisms ApaI, FokI, Cdx2 and TaqI using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. All data were analyzed by chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and t test. Results: There was statistically significant difference in the frequency of TaqI genotypes (tt) between caries-active and caries-free children (p=0.029). No statistically significant differences were detected between ApaI, FokI, Cdx2 genotypes and dental caries. Conclusion: In the future, VDR gene polymorphisms may be used as a marker for the identification of patients with high caries risk.
Sensitivity and specificity of air-drying and magnification in detection of initial caries on occlusal surfaces
Authors: Goel Deepti , Sandhu Meera , Jhingan Pulkit , Sachdev Vinod
Published: July 2016

Objective-The aim of this study was to assess the effect of magnification and air-drying on detection of carious lesion. Study Design-44 human extracted premolars were selected with sound occlusal surfaces without frank cavitation. The Diagnostic techniques used were Unaided visual examination, Magnifying Loupes (4.2×) and Stereomicroscope (10×, before and after air-drying) and then the teeth were sectioned bucco-lingually and both the surfaces were examined under Stereomicroscope (50×) to assess the presence or absence of carious lesion in the pit and fissures. The scores were compared to obtain Cohen's kappa coefficient (Reproducibility) and subjected to the Friedman Test and Paired t test. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value used to assess accuracy. Results-On Statistical analysis, visual examination before and after air drying had highest specificity but lowest sensitivity compared to different diagnostic techniques. Magnifying loupes after air-drying had highest sensitivity and lowest specificity compared to other diagnostic techniques. Conclusion-Air drying combined with magnifying aids are cost-effective, reliable method for detection of early carious lesion. If used in pediatric clinical practice, any undesirable pain and discomfort to the patient due to invasive procedures and helps in employing preventive measures.
Intra Operative Use of Anti Emetic Drugs for Children Undergoing Full Dental Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia. A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: El Batawi Hisham Y , Shorrab Ahmed A
Published: July 2016

Background: Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) is a common complication following dental treatment under general anesthesia (DGA) that may lead to unplanned hospitalization, increased costs and dissatisfaction of parents. Aim: To investigate the incidence of Postoperative Vomiting (POV) on children who underwent dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia and to compare possible preventive effect of Dexamethasone and Ondansetron on occurrences of POV. Study design: A double blind randomized parallel clinical trial was carried out on 352 ASA I children who underwent DGA in a private Saudi hospital in Jeddah. Children were allocated randomly to four groups. Group D of 91 children, received Dexamethasone PONV prophylaxis, group O of 87 children received Ondansetron, group DO of 93 children received combination of the two drugs and group C the control group of 81 children. The three groups were investigated by blinded dental staff for POV episodes, number of times analgesia was needed and post anesthesia care unit time (PACUT). Results: There was a no significant difference between the two drugs on POV. There was a significant difference in POV between control group and groups D, O, and DO. There was significant reduction in need for analgesia in the Dexamethasone groups. The three groups, which had PONV prophylaxis, showed significant reduction in PACUT compared to control group. Conclusions: Antiemetic drugs are useful adjuncts in DGA. Some dental procedures may have higher emetic potential than others. The type of dental procedures done is to be considered when deciding the drug profile in children undergoing DGA.
Fluoride Content of Bottled Waters in Hong Kong and Qatar
Authors: Al-Mulla Hessa I , Anthonappa Robert P , King Nigel M
Published: July 2016

Objectives: To determine the F concentration of bottled waters that was available in Hong Kong and Qatar. Study design: The F concentrations of bottled waters collected from Hong Kong (n=81) and Qatar (n=32) were analysed. The F ion selective electrode method was used to measure the F concentration in the samples. Three measurements were obtained for every sample to ensure reproducibility and appropriate statistical analyses were employed. Results: Qatar group: F concentrations ranged from 0.06ppm to 3.0ppm with a mean value of 0.8ppm. The F concentrations displayed on the labels of the samples (60%) were significantly lower than the measured F concentration (p < 0.0001). Hong Kong group: F concentrations ranged from 0.04ppm to 2.52ppm with a mean value of 0.44ppm. The F concentrations displayed on the samples (16%) were significantly lower than the measured F concentration (p< 0.0001). Conclusion: Wide variations exist in the F concentration among the different brands of bottled water available in Hong Kong and Qatar. The F concentrations displayed on the labels were not consistent with the measured F concentrations.
Anterior Open Bite In 27 Months Old Children after Use of a Novel Pacifier – A Cohort Study
Authors: Zimmer Stefan , Zuralski Hanna , Bizhang Mozhgan , Ostermann Thomas , Barthel Claudia R
Published: July 2016

Objectives: The aim of the present cohort study was to evaluate the influence of a novel pacifier on the first formation of malocclusion, the anterior open bite in children. Study design: 129 newborn children whose parents had decided to use pacifiers were randomly attributed to two experimental groups (D=Dentistar, n=56, Novatex, Pattensen, Germany; N=NUK, n=73, Mapa, Zeven, Germany). Children (n=42) who did not use a pacifier were not randomized and served as reference (C). Primary outcome was the presence of anterior open bite. It was hypothesized that D would result in lower incidence when compared to N. At the age of 27 months the children were examined with respect to anterior open bite. Fisher's exact test served to detect significant differences between groups D and N (SPSS 22.0). Results: 121 children with a mean age of 26.7 months were included in the final analysis (D: n=45; N: n=42; C: n=34). In group D three children (6.7%) showed an anterior open bite. The respective values were 21 (50.0%) for N and 0 for C. The results for group D compared to N were significantly different (chi2-test, p<0.001). Conclusion: In comparison to a commonly used pacifier the novel one causes significantly less anterior open bites.
Movimientos formativos de las vocales castellanas adyacentes a las fricativas (F) y Z
Authors: Barreiro Bilbao Silvia Carmen
Published: July 2016

La proximidad de las consonantes [f`] y [^] desde un punto de vista perceptivo y su semejanza espectral provocó la investigación de los sonidos ptivo adyacentes con el fin de descubrir claves acústicas que marcaran diferencias relevantes entre estas dos fricativas. La atención se centró, en concreto, en las transiciones formánticas. Se analizaron, por tanto, la dirección de los desplazamientos de los tres primeros formantes de las cinco vocales del castellano, su extensión en la escala de frecuencias y su duración, cuando aparecen en contacto con las fricativas dental y labiodental en las estructuras silábicas CV, VCV y VC. Los resultados de los experimentos pusieron de manifiesto la clara incidencia de distintas variables Corno «informante» y «posición», así como la divergencia entre las dos fricativas en lo que se refiere a las transiciones, en especial, a las del F2 de las vocales abocinadas. Este hecho se puede considerar un índice acústico de suma importancia ya que revela un punto o lugar de articulación diferente de las dos fricativas analizadas.

The fact that [f] and [^] are very close to each other perceptually and show a similar spectrum led to an investigation of the adjacent vowels in order to fincl out any acoustic cues which would reveal clear differences between these two consonantal sounds. Attention was focussed, therefore, on the vocalic transitions. The direction of the three first formant movements of the five Spanish vowels was studied, along with their size on the frequency scale and their duration, when these vowels appear in context with the labiodental and dental fricativos in the syllabic structures CV, VCV y VC. The results of the experiments showed the clear influence of certain variables, such as 'the informant' and 'the position'; they also demonstrated that distinct transitions (in particular the F2 transitions of the rounded vowels) viere caused by these two consonants. These results may be considerad as an important acoustic cue, in so far as they determine distinct places of articulation in the two fricativas analized.
San Juan de la Cruz y la Poesía contemporánea
Authors: Díez de Revenga Torres Francisco Javier
Published: July 2016

La presencia de San Juan de la Cruz en la poesía española contemporánea tiene muchos momentos, pero algunos de especial relieve, entre los que destaca la época de los poetas de la «joven literatura» o poetas del 27. No sólo lo estudiaron como críticos, sino que en su obra poética se advierte una constante e indeleble huella.

The influence of San Juan de la Cruz in contemporary Spanish poetry has different phases, but some of them rather relevant, among which stick out the period of «joven literatura» o «poetas del 27». They did not only study him as scholars, but in all his work a firm and permanent mark.
La importancia de los personajes en el diseño narrativo: la figura de Lanark - Thaw como elemento de análisis en la obra de Alasdair Gray Lanark
Authors: Díaz Martínez Mario
Published: July 2016

The contemporary literary critics have seriously questioned the role iayed by the characters in the narrativa discourse of today. However, if we adopt a literary approach opened to the idea of intertextuality as a general principie (which is also based on the postmodernist textual theories), it is possible to apply the same phenomena to the network of relationships established between the very characters of a work, as a starting point to analizo the work in which they exist. After stating briefly these theoretical conceps from the point of view of well-known scholars, we move on towards the figure of the main character in Alasdair Gray's Lanark, analizing its importante in the wide context of the fiction discourse. So, Lanark/Thaw, as a single entity composed by two «realities», reveals itself as a figure with a strong intra-textual component, that is, with a double existente n two diffetent levels of conscioussness. We also detail its relationsips with other minor characters which populate the worlds of Lanark, and finally we are capable to explain its influence in the work as a whole.
ster y el discurso paradójico en A Satyr againts mankind
Authors: Jimeno Blunes Olga
Published: July 2016

A dos hechos debe A Satyr Against Mankind (1675) su fama y su interés para la crítica: por un lado, a que como primer ejemplo de su clase en la literatura inglesa contiene abundantes referencias a autores u obras clásicas y de su momento; por otro, sin olvidar la polémica personalidad de su autor, a que algo en sus versos parece indicar que la voz satírica no es sino el trasunto de un Conde de Rochester desengañado y en contra de su propio destino como hombre. Sin embargo, la maestría del poeta de la Restauración no radica tanto en la originalidad de su tema como en su tratamiento de éste, de modo que se puede incluso dudar de su discutido carácter autobiográfico si se analiza la estructura de su contenido, organizado según los procedimientos retóricos propios del género y de la época.

Two are the facts to which A Satyr Against Mankind (1675) owes its critical interest and fame. To begin with, as the first example of its kind written in English, its numerous literary sources can be traced back from the Classics to the contemporary works of the XVII century intellectuals. Secondly, considering Rochester's own polemic character and personality, there is something in its satirical voice that seems to be revealing but the poet's own frustration and rejection of his destiny as a man. Nevertheless, Rochester's mastery does not lie in the originality of the subject matter but in the N vay he handles his materials. Thus it is possible to question the controversial issue of biographical evidence in this poem by analysing the structure of its content and the way thought is organised under the rhetoric principies in vigour at the time.
Rasgos gráficos de las inscripciones en la provincia de Salamanca
Authors: Rodríguez Suárez Natalia
Published: July 2016

El presente artículo pretende mostrar las particularidades gráficas que presentan las inscripciones medievales de la provincia de Salamanca. Dicho análisis gráfico ofrece, de manera conjunta, la evolución gráfica de la escritura publicitaria medieval en esta zona y permite ponerlo en conexión con otras, tanto nacionales como internacionales, ayudando así a fijar las particularidades gráfi cas del panorama epigráfico españolABSTRACT: This article aims to show the graphic peculiarities of medieval inscriptions in the province of Salamanca. This analysis provides the graphic evolution of medieval advertising writing in this area and its connection with other national and international graphic particularities, contributing to set the graphic particularities of the Spanish epigraphic situation.
Apuntes para una revisión del recinto amurallado medieval de Rueda del Almirante (Gradefes, León)
Authors: Vidal Encinas Julio Manuel
Published: July 2016

El recinto de Rueda tiene 2,8 Ha, contrariamente a las dimensiones de 0,84
y 1,7 Ha que se habían propuesto hasta el momento, en un circuito que se extiende a lo largo
de 805 m, incluyendo los muros del castillo. Conserva visible más del 60 % de su trazado (509
m). De ellos, más de 300 m del borde oriental están fuera del actual caserío. Este lienzo, dotado
de torrecillas macizas como seguramente todo el recinto, se adelantó en el cerro a media ladera
por razones poliorcéticas, para poder controlar la base del mismo. Además, el perímetro estuvo
rodeado de foso en sus lados septentrional, oriental y occidental, parcialmente conservado