bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Test of Forest Seed Loam Cutting Machine
Authors: Jiang Hai Yong , Zhang Ai Jun , Cui Bao Jian , Liu Jiang Tao , Qi Xiao Na , Zhang Xiu Hua
Published: August 2014

. In order to meet the needs about collecting the soil containing tree species, we designed an automatic cutting machine which can receive loam containing seeds and used in the forest loam. Features of this machine are the application of the chain plate knife, not only can hierarchical cut loam containing seeds, but also will transport the loam to the collecting bag. In the design process, through building a mathematical model about the chain plate knife cut soil, Analysis of the resistance of working, and get the relationship between the overall level of resistance and the working width. The experimental results show that the machine is easily to be operated, can highly efficient cut soil, and it’s suitable for use in the woodlands.
The Design of the High-Power LED Constant Current Drive Circuit and Research
Authors: Ma Shu Qing , Wang Chuan Jun
Published: August 2014

Abstract:Although high power LED is not large to replace the traditional lighting lamps and lanterns, but they are in indoor and outdoor decoration, special lighting is more and more widely used, so master the design of the high-power LED constant current drive technology, is very important to open up a new application of high power leds. LED by power and luminous brightness can be divided into high power LED, high brightness LED and common LED. In general, the power at least above 1 w high power LED, is more common with 1 w, 3 w, 5 w and 8 w and 10 w. Has large quantities of application are 1 w and 3 w LED, as w and 5 w, 8 to 10 w LED application is relatively small. Electronic and lighting industry are extremely concerned about the development and application of new technology of LED lighting. Constant current driver and improve the optical efficiency of LED is the two key problems of LED application design.
Relative Ratio Method for Material Selection Problem with Interval Numbers
Authors: Yuan Shao Liang , Zhou Hui
Published: August 2014

Material selection is an important research aspect for manufacturing companies. To select a best material, many different tools are used to measure the candidate materials for many influence factors and in different situations, which will give a range of values. These measure values can be depicted with interval numbers. Then the material selection problem is actually a multi-attribute decision making (MADM) problem. Then this paper we will propose a MADM method based on the relative ratio method for the material selection problem. Coefficient of variation method will be used to determine the evaluation indexes’ weight. Finally, a practical example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Research on Optical Signal Carrier Transmission Technology
Authors: Bai Jiang Ling , Zhong Li Bin , Xu Wen Hai , Lin Jian
Published: August 2014

This paper studies the single-sideband RF signals in the optical carrier side than the problem. RF signals modulated optical carrier OSSB + C modulation index is usually small, leading edge modulated carrier radio frequency signal generated by the optical carrier ratio is not ideal. A design scheme based on three-arm and four-arm MZM MZM optimized optical carrier single sideband radio frequency signal containing the edge ratio. By adjusting the DC bias voltage of the modulator can control the carrier side than the light signal. For any modulation index, are able to make the optical carrier single sideband radio frequency signal containing edges than the optimal value of 0 dB, improving the performance of the system. The simulation also verify their feasibility.
Research on Request Handling Mechanism of Web Server Clusters
Authors: Han Li , Cao Xin , Zhang Ya Na
Published: August 2014

This paper analyzes the factors that affect the performance of Web architecture cluster system characteristics studied two typical Web server cluster architecture, proposed a new distributed Web server cluster architecture, and in-depth analysis of its structural features, this architecture is verified in terms of scalability and reliability has advantages.
Design and Development of Detection Node in Wireless Sensor Network Based on Neural Network
Authors: Duan Shu Min
Published: August 2014

Multilayer BP neural network is a one-way transmission of feed forward network and it has three or more than three layers of neural network, including input layer, hidden layer and output layer. Wireless sensor network is composed in certain region has a plurality of wireless communication, sensing, data processing capabilities of network nodes. The paper presents design and development of detection node in wireless sensor network based on neural network. The simulation results prove the validity of the adopted BP neural network to build wireless sensor network node.
Experimental Study of Information Processing Application in Second Language to Computer Interface of Brain
Authors: Li Xiu Jun , Yang Jing Jing , Guo Qi Yong , Wu Jing Long
Published: August 2014

The computer how to identify the language? How the brain controls the brain computer interface (BCI) equipment? Reading in a second language (L2) is a complex task that entails an interaction between L2 and the native language (L1). Previous studies have suggested that bilingual subjects recruit the neural system of their logographic L1 (Chinese) reading and apply it to alphabetic L2 (English) reading. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to visualize Japanese-Chinese bilinguals’ brain activity in phonological processing of Japanese Kanji (L1) and Chinese characters (L2) and application to BCI, two written languages with highly similar orthography. In the experiment, the subjects were asked to judge whether two Japanese Kanji (or Chinese characters) presented at the left and right side of the fixation point rhymed with each other. A font size decision task was used as a control task, where the subjects judged whether the two Japanese Kanji (or Chinese characters) had an identical physical size. Subjects indicated a positive response by pressing the key corresponding to the index finger and a negative response by pressing the key corresponding to the middle finger of their right hand. The result showed that our bilingual Japanese subjects have large overlaps in the neural substrates for phonological processing of both native and second language. Our results are application to brain computer interface.
Study on Measurement Errors of the Ball Type Sensor in the Power Frequency Electric Field
Authors: Lin Ya Yun , Zhao Yang Yu , Li Pei Lin
Published: August 2014

This paper studies the calculation model of the power frequency electric field surrounding the high voltage transmission line, and establishes the analysis model of the ball type sensor for measuring the alternating electric field. The distortion and the measurement error of the electric field caused by the sensor are discussed in the paper. For the 35KV transmission line, the paper compare the electric field (with the sensor in) with the electric field (with no sensor) by simulation, and achieve the conclusion that putting the ball type sensor into the electric field can cause the distortion, and the value of the distortion increases with the increase of the height, which leads to the increase of relative error.
Analyses of Polymer Passivation on the Surface Reflectivity of GaAs/AlGaAs Solar Cell
Authors: Yarn Kao Feng , Kuo Chao Kun , Luo Win Jet , Chang Wen Chung
Published: August 2014

A traditional III-V GaAs/AlGaAs based semiconductor solar cell heterojunction structure, i.e. n-GaAs/n-AlGaAs/n-GaAs/i-GaAs/p-GaAs is used in this study to investigate the surface polymer passivation on this kind of solar cell. For GaAs/AlGaAs solar cell, the top n-GaAs/n-AlGaAs structure is responsible for the selective etching stop layer. The selective etched surface barriers associated with polymer gratings with different aspect ratios, i.e. grating period (gp) to depth (d), are produced on solar cell surface by using the photolithography and Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) techniques. A reflective-type diffraction optical grating is fabricated on the surface of the solar cell to redirect the incident light reflected from the solar cell back onto the solar cell surface. The experimental results show that the addition of the surface optical gratings reduce the light reflectivity value as high as 25%. From inspection of surface reflectivity , the average reflectivity is found to be decreased from 12.1% down to 7.9 %.
Moving Target Tracking with Robot Based on Laser-Camera Data Fusion
Authors: Wu Ming , Li Lin Lin , Wei Zhen Hua , Wang Hong Qiao , Li Cheng Jian
Published: August 2014

The aims of this paper is to promote object detection and tracking ability of mobile robot in outdoor unknown environments, which based on integration of camera and laser ranger finder data information. First, Camshift method is used to track area of target in image which observed by camera. Second, consistency grid map method is used to detect this moving target based on laser ranger finder observation. Next, two states of the target come from laser and camera sensors are fused to update error of estimation and the new state of target helps to determine search window of Camshift in next loop. Finally, a global optimization method is proposed to improve accuracy of laser-camera calibration. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is effective to track object in outdoor unknown environments.
Image Measurement of Fiber Localizer Based on Energy Distributing
Authors: Yao Ying , Tian Xin Yu , Feng Bao Ku
Published: August 2014

According to the features of optical quartz groove fiber localizer image, a precise measurement method for detecting the geometry character based on Hough transform was proposed. After energy field edges being detected, geometry element equations of circularity and lines were obtained by improved Hough transform, then the accurate geometry characters such as the position of points of intersection were obtained. The experiment results show that this method can be applied to other geometry character detection problems in noised image , and the algorithm is efficient and robust.
Application of Information Technology in College English Teaching
Authors: Wang Kun , Yang Yi
Published: August 2014

The application of information technology in college English education becomes an unavoidable trend nowadays. How to make good use of multimedia instruction is the focus of discussion. This paper consists of four parts. To begin with, an experiment was done to disclose the positive effects of information technology, and the negative effects were also pointed out. The current situation of the application was shown by the questionnaire. Finally, measures are proposed in order to solve the existing problems. Besides multimedia instruction, the enlightenment of Constructivism Learning Theory deserves to be taken into consideration.
Research on Allelochemicals with Material Properties Exuded by Submerged Freshwater Macrophyte Elodea nuttallii
Authors: Gao Yun Ni , Zhang Li Ping , Liu Bi Yun , Zhang Yong Yuan , Wu Zhen Bin
Published: August 2014

Elodea nuttalliiis well-known for its successful invasion to Europe and Asia. In addition to its high growth rate and nutrient storage capacity, chemical defense was recently found to play an important role in excluding other aquatic organisms. To reveal the chemical nature of its allelopathic effects on cyanobacterial development, extraction of plant exudates with different solvents and eluted procedures followed by 72h bioassays withMicrocystis aeruginosawas conducted. The results showed that the fraction eluted with methanol exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects, which indicated that the anti-cyanobacterial active allelochemicals released byE.nuttalliiwas hydrophilic. Then ten phenolic acids were identified in the purified methanol fraction ofElodeaexudates by GC-MS analysis. Quantification of the four phenolic acids therein showed the release contents were lower than 10μg/L whenE.nuttalliiwas cultivated at 10g FW/L, which increased with the increasing culture density. When the culture density was 100g FW/L, the detected contents of vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid inE.nuttalliiculture water were 23.41μg/L, 17.56 μg/L, 12.31 μg/L and 18.93μg/L, respectively. These results were helpful to understand the allelopathy mechanisms ofE.nuttalliiin aquatic ecosystems and useful in control of harmful cyanobacterial blooms.
Nanoclay for Micropollutant Removal in Wastewater-Effective Alternative?
Authors: Amin Mohamad Faiz Mohd , Heijman S.G.J. , Rietveld L.C.
Published: August 2014

The effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is an important source of priority substances and is, therefore, one of the bottlenecks in achieving the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) objectives. At various locations in the Netherlands, standard for priority substances are exceeded. The current concern regarding the cost and treatment method of these micropollutants in receiving waters may call for new approaches in wastewater treatment. In this study, a new treatment alternative is developed to remove micropollutant and wastewater parameter effectively and in a more cost effective way. A potential solution is the used of clay coupled with biodegradable polymer flocculants. Clay is naturally abundant and relatively inexpensive compared to currently conventional used adsorbent which can also act as coagulants. Experimental studies were carried out with four different nanoclay to select the best nanoclay for further optimisation. The atrazine removal percentage archived is in the range of 10-99% based on the nanoclay concentration of 0.01-50 g/L. Optimisation of best nanoclay performer leads towards atrazine reduction of >99% with dosage of 0.1 g/L. The best and underperformed nanoclay then tested in other experiments with the addition of cationic starch flocculants. In this experiment, the addition of polymer increased the atrazine removal for the underperformer nanoclay to 46% with only 0.01 g/L clay dosages. This new approach in dealing with both micropollutant and wastewater parameter is promising and might help in reducing the compound concentration and the operational cost. However, further analysis and optimisation is required before any conclusion can be made.
Loading and Unloading Properties of Encapsulated Methylene Blue in Silica Nanoparticles for Photodynamic Applications
Authors: Makhadmeh Ghaseb N. , Abdul Aziz Azlan , Razak Khairunisak Abdul
Published: August 2014

In this report, we discussed the physical properties of encapsulated Methylene Blue (MB) by Silica Nanoparticles (SiNPs) intended for photodynamic therapy application. The aim of this discussion is to determine the suitable concentration of MB which can be delivered to the target area. Results shows that the size of SiNP is not affected by the change in MB concentration from out-diffusion process even when the concentration of loaded MB were reduce by more than 50 percent. The applicability of the encapsulated MB in SiNP was demonstrated on Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and the results were compared to those obtained from naked MB.
Polyaniline Binder for Functionalized Acetylene Black: A Hybrid Material for Supercapacitor
Authors: Ajit Singh , Palaniappan Srinivasan , Gopukumar S.
Published: August 2014

Polyaniline-doped with functionalyzed acetylene black material has been successfully synthesized and used as an electrode material in supercapacitor, wherein, this material contributes both pseudocapacitative (PC) and electrical double layer capacitative (EDLC) behaviour. Functionalization of acetylene black (AB) has been carried out and used as dopant for THF soluble polyaniline base (PANI) to prepare PANI-functionalized acetylene black (PANI-FAB). Formation of FAB and PANI-FAB was confirmed with the help of FT-IR and XPS study. Functionalization of AB results in agglomerated FAB and doping with PANI results in agglomerated fibrous PANI-FAB, as compared to fibrous AB. High thermal stability of AB decreases on functionalization and again slightly increases for PANI-FAB. Functionalization of AB also results good bonding effect with PANI, where PANI acts as both PC and binder, instead of the higher amounts of binder (PVdF > 30 wt%) that are normally needed to hold AB. Electrochemical studies of FAB and PANI-FAB materials were carried out by cyclic voltammetric and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic methods. PANI-FAB supercapacitor cell shows capacitance of 132 Fg1 for 0.3 Ag1 current density with very low charge-transfer resistance and low time constant.
Mechanical Characterization of Apricena Marble by Ultrasonic Immersion Tests
Authors: Castellano Anna , Foti Pilade , Fraddosio Aguinaldo , Marzano Salvatore , Piccioni Mario Daniele
Published: August 2014

We characterize the elastic response of Apricena marble by using advanced ultrasonic nondestructive techniques. An innovative experimental device for ultrasonic immersion tests is employed for the determination of ultrasonic velocities of waves travelling into the sample for any angle of propagation. The interpretation of the experimental results within the theoretical framework of wave propagation in elastic materials allows for both the classification of the anisotropy and the determination of the elastic moduli.
Seismic Behavior of a Masonry Chimney with Severe Cracking Condition: Preliminary Study
Authors: Ivorra S. , Baeza F. Javier , Bru David , Varona F. Borja
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a structural analysis of a masonry chimney built in the 1940s, which is currently being cataloged as local interest heritage. This structure has not served any industrial purpose for the last thirty years. The chimney is located in the town of Agost (Alicante - Spain) and directly exposed to the prevailing winds from the sea, as it is approximately 12 km away from the waterfront and there are not any significant barriers, which could protect the structure against the wind. There are longitudinal cracks and fissures all along the shaft because of the chimney’s geometrical characteristics, the effect of the masonry creep and especially the lack of maintenance. Moreover, there is also a permanent bending deformation in the upper 1/3 of the height due to the wind pressure. A numerical analysis for the static behavior against gravity and wind loads was performed using the structure’s current conditions after a detailed report of its geometry, its construction system and the cracking pattern. Afterwards, the dynamic behavior was studied, i.e. a seismic analysis using both response spectra and accelerograms in order to examine the structural stability. This work shows the pre-monitoring analysis before any experimental testing. Using the current results the future test conditions will be determined (e.g. number of sensors and monitoring point location, excitation systems, etc) prior to a possible structural reinforcement by applying composite material (fiber reinforced polymers).
On Modeling an Innovative Monitoring Network for Protecting and Managing Cultural Heritage from Risk Events
Authors: Carnimeo Leonarda , Foti Dora , Ivorra Salvador
Published: August 2014

In this paper the model of an Innovative Monitoring Network involving properly connected nodes to develop an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solution for preventive maintenance of historical centres from early warnings is proposed. It is well known that the protection of historical centres generally goes from a large-scale monitoring to a local one and it could be supported by a unique ICT solution. More in detail, the models of a virtually organized monitoring system could enable the implementation of automated analyses by presenting various alert levels. An adequate ICT solution tool would allow to define a monitoring network for a shared processing of data and results. Thus, a possible retrofit solution could be planned for pilot cases shared among the nodes of the network on the basis of a suitable procedure utilizing a retrofit catalogue. The final objective would consist in providing a model of an innovative tool to identify hazards, damages and possible retrofit solutions for historical centres, assuring an easy early warning support for stakeholders. The action could proactively target the needs and requirements of users, such as decision makers responsible for damage mitigation and safeguarding of cultural heritage assets.
Structural Behaviour of Historical Stone Arches and Vaults: Experimental Tests and Numerical Analyses
Authors: Bovo Marco , Mazzotti Claudio , Savoia Marco
Published: August 2014

Recent seismic events showed the dramatic need, especially in case of historical and existing buildings, of important strengthening activities to be carried out. In order to properly design them, a careful assessment of real structural behaviour and load-carrying capacity of these buildings is strongly required. This is particularly important when dealing with constructions made of heterogeneous materials like masonry or stonework, where often conventional analysis techniques do not behave satisfactorily. This paper presents the results of an extensive experimental and numerical investigation on historical stone arches and vaults. A series of in-situ tests were carried out on different types of stone arches belonging to a large building of the XIX century, with the purpose of investigating their mechanical response and obtaining the structural behaviour of stonework under different types of in-plane loads. The experimental results were compared with the numerical solutions obtained by a detailed finite element model of a portion of the structure. Numerical linear and non-linear FE analyses were conducted in order to reproduce the experimental tests and analyse the interaction between series of arches that are linked by cross vault or tunnel vault. Finally, non-linear analyses with vertical and horizontal loads were carried out with the scope of simulating the seismic effect and to verify the ductility of this type of vaulted structures.
Production of Fiber Glass Reinforced Geopolymer Composite Pipe
Authors: Abu Hashim Mohammad Firdaus , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Ghazali Che Mohd Ruzaidi , Kamarudin Hussin , Mohd Tahir Muhammad Faheem
Published: August 2014

A filament winding system was developed for manufacturing various types of fiber/cement composite materials. In general, filament winding is a very popular method to produce composite parts which are axisymmetric such as composite pipes, tubes, tanks, cylinders, spheres that are fabricated using filament winding technique. In this study, raw material based geopolymer resin composites reinforced by continuous glass fiber were used for fabrication and synthesized by different types of raw materials which is fly ash, silica sand, white clay, kaolin and pozzolonic. The effects of different types of raw materials on the product were investigated. The compressive properties of the resulting composite were determined on an Instron Universal Testing under compression mode and the results shows white clay for vertical position gives the highest strength.
Effects of Lightweight Aggregate Size and Grading on the Residual Strength of Lightweight Geopolymer Concrete Exposed to Elevated Temperature
Authors: Abdulkareem Omar A. , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa , Hussin Kamarudin , Ismail Khairul Nizar
Published: August 2014

The lightweight aggregate geopolymer concrete (LWAGC) systems were prepared using a lightweight aggregate (LWA) of different size and grading. The diversity in the LWA size and grading led to various physical properties like oven-dry (OD) density, water absorption and total porosity characteristics for the resultant LWAGCs. These physical properties were significantly affected and controlled thermal behavior of the concretes after exposure to elevated temperature of 800 °C. The results of the mechanical and physical test conducted to the unexposed LWAGCs showed that the OD-density and compressive strength increased as the LWA maximum and minimum size decreased. In contrast, the water absorption and total porosity of the unexposed LWAGC were increased with increasing of the LWA maximum and minimum size. Thus, the lowest OD-density LWAGC possessed the highest water absorption and total porosity which resulted in lowest compressive strength, whereas, it has the minimal strength loss after exposure to the elevated temperature. The water absorption and total porosity of the unexposed LWAGCs were indirectly implies the permeability characteristics of the concretes which is controllers the thermal behavior of the LWAGC at elevated temperatures.
Investigation of Noise Reduction Coefficient of Organic Material as Indoor Noise Reduction Panel
Authors: Tengku Izhar Tengku Nuraiti , Deraman Laila Mardiah , Ibrahim Wani Nadirah , Lutpi Nabilah Aminah
Published: August 2014

Noise can cause a few types of effect to human health especially in hearing like hearing loss. Indoor noise pollution comes from many sources and places. The research focuses on the sound reduction wall surface material rather than any techniques available and using organic material like coconut coir fiber, rice husk and sawdust. These sound reduction material is suitable to apply as interior lining for homes and offices. This research conducted to compare the efficiency of coconut coir fiber, rice husk and sawdust as indoor noise reduction, to evaluate the effectiveness indoor noise level by using wall surface sound reducer material and to determine the best material that will reduce noise level. In preparation of board panel, two binders were used which is polyester resin and hardening catalyst, cement and sand. For board panel using binder of polyester resin and hardening catalyst, the binders were stirred for two minutes. Then, the mixture of polyester resin, hardening catalyst with raw material was mix uniformly. The suppression done for 24 hours in order to obtain a composite outcome that is denser. Then, the ratio for coconut coir fiber, cement and sand is 1.5:0.5:0.5, the same ratio used for sawdust and rice husk and the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) will be determined. The parameter use to determine the NRC and the sound transmission are the frequency, speaker intensity and the distance from the speaker. If not absorbed, the sound can be reflected and this will prevent sound dispersed to other space. The results show rice husk is better with cement binder and sand, while for polyester resin and hardening catalyst binder, sawdust is the best. Therefore, currently organic materials present good alternative to synthetic material providing good health with green environment as well as enhancing natural agricultural and growth.
Epoxy Layered-Silicates Filled with Fly Ash Based Geopolymer: Compressive Properties
Authors: Yusrina Mat Daud , Kamarudin Hussin , Ruzaidi C.M. , Osman Azlin Fazlin , Al-Bakri Mustafa
Published: August 2014

The effect of fly ash based geopolymer in epoxy layered silicates nanocomposites was studied using a compressive test. A series of nanocomposites with fly ash based geopolymer 1-7phr content was prepared. Qualitative evaluation of the three-dimensional shape of a fly ash based geopolymer surface and the origin was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the addition of fly ash at the beginning with lower content are showing lower compressive strength than nanocomposites without fly ash filled. However, compressive properties suddenly increased at 3phr of fly ash geopolymer content compared to nanocomposites without fly ash. This indicated the blending of fly ash geopolymer in nanocomposites system have the ability for further studies.
Sex Differences in Dynamic Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Quarter Function in Collegiate Swimmers
Authors: Butler Robert , Arms Jennifer , Reiman Michael , Plisky Phillip , Kiesel Kyle , Taylor Dean , Queen Robin
Published: August 2014

Context:

Upper quarter injuries have a higher incidence in female swimmers; however, to date, there are few ways to assess the basic functional ability of this region. The upper quarter Y balance test (YBT-UQ) may assist in this process because it was developed to provide a fundamental assessment of dynamic upper quarter ability at the limit of stability.

Objective:

To examine how sex affects performance on the YBT-UQ in swimmers.

Design:

Cohort study.

Patients or Other Participants:

Forty-three male and 54 female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college swimmers were recruited preseason.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We measured YBT-UQ performance for the left and right limbs in the medial, inferolateral, and superolateral directions. The maximum score for each direction was normalized to upper extremity length. The average of the greatest normalized reach scores in each reach direction was used to develop a composite score (average distance in 3 directions/limb length [LL] × 100). To examine reach symmetry between sexes, the difference in centimeters between the left and right sides was calculated for each reach direction prior to normalization. Statistical analysis was conducted using an independent-samples t test (P < .05).

Results:

Average scores in the medial (women: 92.5 ± 7.4%LL, men: 100.0 ± 8.7%LL; P < .01) and inferolateral (women: 85.6 ± 10.3%LL, men: 89.8 ± 10.8%LL; P = .05) directions and composite score (women: 83.4 ± 8.3%LL, men: 88.3 ± 8.9%LL; P < .01) were higher in men than in women. No differences were observed for reach symmetry in any direction.

Conclusions:

Performance on several YBT-UQ indices was worse for female than male collegiate swimmers. These results may have implications for the use of preseason and return-to-sport testing in swimmers as a measurement of upper quarter function and symmetry.
Availability of audiological equipment and protocols for paediatric assessment and hearing aid fitting in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Teixeira Leanne , Joubert Karin
Published: August 2014

Background: Accurate diagnosis and management of hearing loss (HL) is based on valid and accurate ear-specific and frequency-specific information. This is especially relevant as non-optimal hearing amplification as part of early hearing detection and intervention programmes may result in further delays in the speech and language development of children with HL. Audiological measures utilised may vary according to the age, cognitive ability and physical ability of the infant or child. It is therefore important to compare and critically evaluate current clinical practice in order to recommend guidelines for paediatric audiology in South Africa.Objectives: To determine the availability of audiological equipment and clinical protocols used by audiologists in Gauteng for paediatric audiological assessment and hearing aid (HA) fitting.Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey research design was utilised to describe the availability of clinical audiological equipment and protocols used by audiologists in Gauteng, South Africa for paediatric assessment and HA fitting. Eighteen audiology departments, eleven public hospitals and seven private practices were included in the study.Results: Results revealed the limited availability of departmental protocols within departments for paediatric assessment and HA fitting. Although there appeared to be a wide variety of equipment available to audiologists in public sector hospitals and private practice, a lack of high-frequency tympanometers and equipment for real ear measurements was revealed.Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for the development and use of current, evidence-based practice guidelines for paediatric audiological assessment and HA fitting in South Africa. These guidelines should include a list of essential equipment required for paediatric assessment and HA fitting. Current, evidence-based practice guidelines for paediatric HA fitting are important in ensuring that secondary developmental delays associated with a delay in early intervention for children with HL are reduced.
Examining the construct validity of the Basic Traits Inventory and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory in the South African context
Authors: Metzer Samantha A. , De Bruin Gideon P. , Adams Byron G.
Published: August 2014

Orientation: As there has recently been a need for researchers to consider shorter personality measures, we compared the construct validity of a longer and a shorter personality measure in the South African context.Research purpose: The main purpose of this study was to examine the discriminant and convergent validity of two personality measures that measure the big five personality factors: the longer Basic Traits Inventory (BTI) and the shorter Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI).Motivation for the study: Researchers have indicated a need for shorter personality measures, such as the TIPI, to assess personality dimensions. This study assessed the validity of the shorter measure in comparison with the BTI, which is considered cross-culturally valid in the South African context.Research approach, design and method: This study used a quantitative research design. Both personality measures were administered manually to a convenience sample of student participants (n = 662), and data were analysed through factor analysis utilising oblique rotation for all items.Main findings: The main findings indicate that, although the construct validity of both measures was satisfactory, the TIPI yielded unsatisfactory reliability.Practical/managerial implications: The BTI is a more reliable measure than the TIPI, which should only be used when time is limited.Contribution/value-add: In addition to providing insight into how the length of an assessment impacts on the reliability of a measure, this study further reinforces the use of the basic traits inventory as a measure that reliably measures personality in South Africa.
An Infant with Splenohepatomegaly: A Rare Cause
Authors: Kalyanasundaram Kathiravan , Jegadeesan Podhini , Mohan Sibi Chakravarthy , Ponnurangam Vinoth N
Published: August 2014

Osteopetrosis is a rare congenital disorder of bone resorption, caused by failure of osteoclasts to reabsorb immature bone. Malignant infantile osteopetrosis presents in early life with generalized osteosclerosis and decreased bone marrow spaces, resulting in anemia, splenohepatomegaly due to extramedullary hematopoiesis, cranial nerve compression, and growth failure. It is a fatal condition with death occurring within the first year of life. Bone marrow transplant remains the only curative treatment. We present a report of an infant with splenohepatomegaly, who was diagnosed with malignant infantile osteopetrosis.
Existence locale et effet régularisant précisés pour des équations non linéaires de type Schrödinger
Authors: Bienaimé Pierre-Yves
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we consider the Cauchy problem in the usual Sobolev spaces for some nonlinear equations of the form

\begin{cases} \partial_tu=i \mathscr{L} u+F(u,\nabla_xu, \bar{u}, \nabla_x \bar{u}) & t \in \mathbb{R},\ x \in \mathbb{R}^n, \\ u(x,0)=u_0(x) \in H^s( \mathbb{R}^n), \end{cases}

that is, equations which are of Schrödinger type. We study the local existence and the smoothing effect of the solutions, following C. E. Kenig, G. Ponce and L. Vega, and extend some of their results. The nonlinearity

F

is a smooth function which vanishes to the 3rd order at 0 and the operator

\mathscr{L}

has the form

\mathscr{L}= \sum_{j \leq k} \partial_{x_j}^2 - \sum_{j>k} \partial_{x_j}^2

. It extends the Laplace operator but is not elliptic in general. We prove the local existence, the uniqueness and the smoothing effect given any

u_0 \in H^s({\mathbb{R}^n})

with

s >{n}/{2}+3

. The proof follows the same plan as that of Kenig, Ponce and Vega, [5]. We improve the estimates by using the paradifferential calculus of J.-M. Bony.
Plesno izobraževanje za invalide in ljudi s posebnimi potrebami ali brez njih - inkluzivni ples v evropi in pri nas
Authors: Požek Monika
Published: August 2014

Posebne potrebe, oviranost, invalidnost, hendikepiranost, primanjkljaji in kar je še podobnih oznak – čeprav poznana in vsenavzoča stvarnost v našem vsakdanu – še vedno zbudijo pozornost in pritegnejo poglede. Ali ples lahko pomaga spremeniti identiteto invalida, ki ima prizvok »primanjkljaja«, »manka«, »nepolnega«, in ali lahko inkluzivno plesno izobraževanje izboljša komunikacijo med invalidno in neinvalidno skupnostjo?
Delovno aktivno življenje po 60. letu v luči »avtentičnega poklica«. Delo(vanje) kot dejavnik zadovoljstva z življenjem pri posamezniku
Authors: Potočnik Bernarda
Published: August 2014

Raziskava delovno aktivnega življenja po 60. letu, ki temelji na biografski raziskovalni metodi, se ukvarja z vprašanjem, koliko (poklicno) delo(vanje) posameznika oziroma doživljanje lastnega (poklicnega) del( ovanj) apripomore h kakovosti življenja posameznika in vpliva na raven zadovoljstva in občutek sreče v njegovem življenju. Izsledki raziskave osvetljujejo vprašanje, ali v praksi obstaja tako imenovani »avtentični poklic«, ki naj bi bil usklajen z življenjskim poslanstvom posameznika, njegovimi vrednotami, motivacijo in interesi, veščinami, znanji in sposobnostmi. Ljudje, ki opravljajo svoj »avtentični poklic«, naj bi delo doživljali kot vir energije in imeli globoko v sebi občutek, da ima to, kar počnejo, smisel. Ob tem je pomembno tudi njihovo prepričanje, da prispevajo svoj delež okolju, v katerem delujejo. V raziskavi so sodelovali delovno aktivni respondenti, starejši od 60 let, ki so že upokojeni, zato raziskava daje tudi vpogled v delovno aktivno življenje v tretjem življenjskem obdobju in razkriva pozitivne učinke delovne aktivnosti na uspešno staranje.
Izobraževanje odraslih za razvoj lokalne skupnosti: izkušnje čezmejnih študijskih krožkov
Authors: Del Gobbo Giovanna , Bogataj Nevenka
Published: August 2014

Razmerje med izobraževanjem odraslih in razvojem lokalne skupnosti poudarjamo s predstavitvijo primera razvoja študijskih krožkov na obmejnem območju med Italijo in Slovenijo. V okviru teorije človeških virov in socialnega kapitala opisujemo nastanek sistema čezmejnih študijskih krožkov kot odziva na lokalne probleme. Izobraževalni model študijskih krožkov je v Sloveniji dobro razvit. Razvoj novih dimenzij in empirične podatke omogoča projekt EU. Spremljanje različnih ravni aktivnosti (izobraževalni program za mentorje, študijski krožki, okrogle mize deležnikov) kaže spodbujene lokalne izobraževalne potrebe in ponudbo hkrati. Prikazana je možnost graditve lokalnega čezmejnega sistema študijskih krožkov, povezanega z lokalnim razvojem, večnivojskim pristopom in neposredno vključitvijo različnih deležnikov. V sklepni razpravi je v ospredju pomen vertikalne in horizontalne integracije, značilne za dolgoročni razvoj, ki poteka »od spodaj navzgor«. Pestrost učnih pripomočkov in intermediarna raven omogočata več ustvarjalnosti in pobud kot formalni izobraževalni sistem, ampak le, če jih prepoznajo in spodbujajo tudi študijskim krožkom nadrejene ravni odločanja.
Otomanski vplivi na ljudskoglasbeno tradicijo Bosne in Hercegovine
Authors: Karača-Beljak Tamara
Published: August 2014

Prispevek skuša začrtati oblike nastajanja ljudske glasbe v Bosni in Hercegovini, tiste, ki je bila izpostavljena vplivom orientalsko-islamske kulture v času turške vladavine. S prepričanjem lahko trdimo, da so bili orientalski vplivi ključni za razvoj instrumentalnega muziciranja, duhovne glasbe in oblikovanja urbane glasbene prakse v Bosni in Hercegovini.
Slovenska glasba v poznem 20. in zgodnjem 21. stoletju: pogled iz tujine
Authors: O'Loughlin Niall
Published: August 2014

V poznem 20. in zgodnjem 21. stoletju glasba na Slovenskem teži k modernizmu ali postmodernizmu. Glede na nenehno medsebojno izmenjevanje kompozicijskih tehnik postaja razločevanje med skladatelji vse manj pomembno.
Nekatera vprašanja preučevanja delovanja čeških glasbenikov v Srbiji v 19. stoletju
Authors: Gajić Milica
Published: August 2014

Glavni cilj sestavka, posvečenega vprašanju preučevanja čeških glasbenikov v Srbiji v 19. stoletju, želi opozoriti na dileme in njih rešitve v dosedanjem muzikološkem raziskovanju. Posebna pozornost je bila usmerjena v manj znane in redko objavljene podatke v zvezi z raznovrstnim delovanjem čeških glasbenikov.
Slovenska glasbena zgodovina ali "Glasbena zgodovina na Slovenskem"? Z ozirom na vlogo čeških glasbenikov v glasbeni kulturi na Slovenskem v 19. in začetku 20. stoletja
Authors: Weiss Jernej
Published: August 2014

Delovanje čeških glasbenikov je nedvomno usodno zaznamovalo dogajanje v glasbeni kulturi na Slovenskem v 19. in začetku 20. stoletja. Ob prevladujoči vlogi čeških glasbenikov na Slovenskem se zastavlja vprašanje, ali je v obravnavanem obdobju sploh smiselno govoriti o »slovenski glasbeni zgodovini«, ali pa bi bilo upoštevajoč nadvse pomebno vlogo čeških glasbenikov na Slovenskem v obravnavanem obdobju veliko primerneje razpravljati o »glasbeni zgodovini na Slovenskem«.
Glasbeno-gledališka režija na Slovenskem: od diletantizma Dramatičnega društva do poskusov profesionalizacije v Deželnem gledališču
Authors: Koter Darja
Published: August 2014

Prispevek obravnava razvoj glasbeno-gledališke režiji v slovenskem gledališču v času delovanja Dramatičnega društva in Deželnega gledališča do leta 1914. Avtorica skuša odgovoriti na vprašanja, kdo so bili posamezni akterji, ki so zaznamovali razvoj glasbeno-scenskih uprizoritev, katere gledališke šole so zastopali, kakšni sta bili njihova poklicna naravnanost in narodna pripadnost, ter ugotavlja interakcijo med gledališkim in glasbeno-gledališkim uprizarjanjem.
Razvoj profila gledališkega in opernega režiserja na Slovenskem med obema vojnama
Authors: Koter Darja
Published: August 2014

Prispevek obravnava razvoj in profil opernega režiserja na Slovenskem med obema vojnama, pri čemer se avtorica naslanja na ljubljansko Opero, v povezavi s tamkajšnjo Dramo. Pri tem ugotavlja vpliv gledališke režije na razvoj v operni hiši, interakcijo z evropskimi gibanji ter obravnava najpomembnejše osebnosti, ki so vplivale na oblikovanje režije v Operi v Ljubljani.
Kako hitro se vrtijo plošče z 78 o/min?
Authors: Kunej Drago
Published: August 2014

Avtor v članku analizira nekatere najpomembnejše spremembe, ki nastanejo pri zaznavanju zvočnega posnetka zaradi neustrezne predvajalne hitrosti. Pri tem izpostavi predvajanje starih gramofonskih plošč z 78 o/min, saj je bila njihova frekvenca vrtenja standardizirana šele razmeroma pozno; pred tem so pri snemanju uporabljali različne vrednosti, ki so le izjemoma dokumentirane in jih je zato potrebno oceniti iz drugih virov.
Hiša kot "glasbeni instrument": impulzi, ki izhajajo iz nezgrajenega performativnega arhitekturnega projekta "Berlinska sodobna opera" in arhitekturne firme "GKK" v Berlinu leta 2001
Authors: Heilgendorff Simone
Published: August 2014

V Berlinu, v Nemčiji, je prišlo do izjemnega projekta hiše, ki bi bila namenjena sodobni glasbi in gledališču (COB/ZOB) in bi nudila vrsto rešitev za urbano, še neutečeno »zono« kulturnega utripa, kjer bi se umetniške aktivnosti srečevale z vsakdanjim življenjem. Vezano na model antičnega trga (agora) je stavbo v letu 2001 skupaj zasnoval tim specialistov za novo glasbo in dospelejšo performativno arhitekturo. Čeprav stavba ni bila uresničena, je možno zaznati, da gre za referenčno trajen ustvarjalen projekt.
Severnonemške koralne obdelave - čista funkcionalna glasba?
Authors: Belotti Michael
Published: August 2014

V baročni dobi je liturgična orgelska igra večinoma slonela na improvizaciji. Severnonemških orgelskih koralov niso pisali za praktično uporabo, temveč kot vzorce različnih kompozicijskih tehnik za študente ali kot dokaze umetelnosti samih skladateljev. Johann Sebastian Bach, ki je v svojih zgodnjih letih prepisal in študiral obsežne koralne fantazije Johanna Adama Reinkena in Dietricha Buxtehudeja, je znal improvizirati na način severnonemških organistov, ko je leta 1720 obiskal Hamburg.
Oprema, razširjenost in uporaba strunskih instrumentov s tipkami in pedali
Authors: Ahrens Christian
Published: August 2014

Klavikordi, cembala in klavirji z kvaziorgelskimi pedali so bili zelo popularni instrumenti od konca 17. do srede 19. stoletja. Rabili so organistom za pripravo, a tudi drugim – vključujoč ženske in aristokrate – pri njih prijetnem pouku glasbe.
Skladatelji in občinstva med visoko in popularno kulturo: K teoriji in zgodovini družbene recepcije opere
Authors: Kotnik Vlado
Published: August 2014

Članek predstavlja refleksiven pregled nekaterih primerov družbene recepcije opere. Pri tem so izpostavljeni štirje modeli družbene recepcije opere: 1) Mozart, hibridizem in divergentna kultura; 2) Wagner, avantgardizem in visoka kultura; 3) Meyeerber, komercializem in popularna kultura; 4) Verdi, belkantizem in ljudska kultura.
Stevan Stojanović Mokranjac in ustvarjanje podobe srbske ljudske pesmi: Rukoveti (venčki) iz »Stare Srbije« v obliki glasbenega poročila
Authors: Atanasovski Srđan
Published: August 2014

Z umeščanjem Mokranjačevih venčkov iz Kosova in Makedonije v kontekst poročila o potovanju iz »Stare Srbije« se ne morem strinjati, da bi se njihova politična pomembnost skrivala v vsebinski privrženosti folklornem gradivu. Z analizo načina Mokranjačevega obravnavanja ljudskih pesmi bom pokazal, kako je ustvaril podobo domovine Srbije kot organske celote.
Kako inter/nacionalna je opera?
Authors: Marković Tatjana
Published: August 2014

Od 19. stoletja dalje se izraz »narodna opera« uporablja v dvojnem pomenu: poleg omenjene politične reference za »obrobno« območje (V in JV Evropa, Skandinavija, Iberski polotok, deloma Nemčija) pomeni tudi narodno tradicijo opere, vključno s »središčem« (Italija, Francija, Anglija, deloma Nemčija). Prispevek nudi zemljevid ključnih vprašanj, povezanih z narodno opero in njenim dojemanjem in razbija tradicionalno dihotomijo »narodno-mednarodno« v opernih študijah.
Moški in mešani zbori Rista Savina
Authors: Ribizel Tjaša
Published: August 2014

Prispevek predstavlja moške in mešane zbore skladatelja Rista Savina. Pri pisanju le-teh se je Savin naslanjal na ljudska besedila in motiviko ali pa pesnitve ustvarjalcev kot so Anton Aškerc, Oton Župančič ter drugi. Skladbe so si po obdelavi motivov in obravnavi posameznih glasovnih skupin precej podobne in slogovno ustrezajo novoromatničnim potezam ter tudi impresionizmu.
Interpretirani svet: vidiki zgodovine glasbe prve svetovne vojne
Authors: Schmidl Stefan
Published: August 2014

V nasprotju z biografijami umetnikov glasba, napisana pod vplivom prve svetovne vojne, skoraj nikoli ni bila obravnavana kot vir za pojasnjevanje. Da bi prikazali njen dejanski pomen, bomo osvetlili tri vidike prve svetovne vojne: glasbene načine ponazarjanja vojskujočih se strani, načine »prevajanja« izkušenj vojne v umetni zvok in uporabo glasbe kot spominskega medija.