bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Method of Acoustic Emission for Monitoring of Different Concrete Mixture during Setting and Hardening
Authors: Topolář Libor , Misák Petr , Kocáb Dalibor , Matysík Michal
Published: April 2016

Non Destructive Testing is a powerful tool for determination of properties, durability and lifetime of concrete structures. Acoustic Emission Method is an unusual technique which describes only active defects or changes into structure arising as a consequence dangerous tension into structure. The method is appropriate to be used in homogenous structures as metal structures when cracks are highly active (generates sound). Its application in civil engineering is not so much used because building structures are inhomogeneous. This article shows possible application of Acoustic Emission Method for monitoring of concrete structure changes during its lifetime. The main aim of the article is to show the application of Acoustic Emission Method during the early age to 28 days after mixing. It is believed that early age of concrete structure is very important for its quality. Common concrete cube specimens have been tested after the production by Acoustic Emission Method with using waveguides. The results of acoustic emission method will be compared to classical parameters of fresh concrete e.g. the value water-cement ratio, air void content measured by different methods (pressure methods, AVA) and similar. In the results will be compared four mixtures when two mixtures were aerated and two mixtures were without aeration.
Concrete Resistance to Cracking due to Shrinkage
Authors: Zvolánek Lukáš , Terzijski Ivailo
Published: April 2016

This paper suggests an interpretation of the concrete resistance to cracking caused by shrinkage. Cement hydration leads to many chemical processes which cause volume changes and changes of the other physico-mechanical properties of concrete. It is necessary to know the development of residual stresses and corresponding capacity of concrete to establishing of the resistance to shrinkage cracking. Intersection of stress and capacity is a time point which determines that resistance. All necessary concrete properties was established experimentally. The three types of micro-concretes were monitored. On the basis of acquired results it can be stated that the optimal composition of micro-concrete was found because no shrinkage cracks should occur during its life-time.
Coupled Modeling of Hydrodynamics and Sound in Coastal Ocean for Renewable Ocean Energy Development
Authors: Long Wen , Jung Ki Won , Yang Zhaoqing , Copping Andrea , Deng Z. Daniel
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe rapid growth of renewable offshore energy development has raised concerns that underwater noise from construction and operation of offshore devices may interfere with communication of marine animals. An underwater sound model was developed to simulate sound propagation
from marine and hydrokinetic energy (MHK) devices or offshore wind (OSW) energy platforms. Finite difference methods were developed to solve the 3-D Helmholtz equation for sound propagation in the coastal environment. A 3-D sparse matrix solver with complex coefficients was formed for solving
the resulting acoustic pressure field. The complex shifted Laplacian preconditioner (CSLP) method was applied to solve the matrix system iteratively with Message Passing Interface (MPI) parallelization using a high-performance cluster. The sound model was then coupled with the Finite Volume
Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) for simulating sound propagation generated by human activities, such as construction of OSW turbines or tidal stream turbine operations, in a range-dependent setting. As a proof of concept, the validation of the solver is tested with an ideal case against two
other methods, and its application is then presented for two coastal wedge problems. This sound model can be useful for evaluating impacts on marine mammals due to deployment of MHK devices and OSW energy platforms.
The toxic benthic dinoflagellates of the genus Ostreopsis in temperate areas: a review
Authors: Accoroni Stefano , Totti Cecilia
Published: April 2016

The genus Ostreopsis includes species largely distributed from tropical to temperate marine areas worldwide. Among the nine species of the genus, O. siamensis, O. mascarenensis, O. lenticularis and O. cf. ovata can produce toxins of the palytoxin group. In the last decade Ostreopsis cf. ovata and O. cf. siamensis originated intense blooms in all the rocky Mediterranean Sea coastal areas, typically during summer-late summer. The correct identification of Ostreopsis species in field samples is often problematic as Ostreopsis species are morphologically plastic and hardly discriminable under light microscopy and, therefore, molecular analyses are required. Ostreopsis blooms are often associated with noxious effects on health of both humans and benthic marine organisms mainly carried by aerosol and direct contact with seawater. Environmental factors have been shown to affect toxin content of Ostreopsis which generally produces more toxins per cell when growing under suboptimal conditions. O. cf. ovata is able to produce both temporary and resting cysts. In particular, the resting cysts are able to germinate in laboratory conditions for as long as 5 months after their formation at 25°C, but not at 21°C; the presence of a temperature threshold affecting cyst germination in the laboratory suggests that temperature represents a key factor for Ostreopsis cf. ovata bloom onset in natural environments as well. Several studies conducted to assess the role of abiotic factors (mainly hydrodynamics, water temperature and nutrients) on the bloom dynamics, revealed that the synergic effects of hydrodynamics, temperature and N:P ratios would lead the Ostreopsis blooms in temperate areas. Ostreopsis abundances showed a significant decrease with depth, likely related to light availability, although there are conflicting data about the relationship between light intensity and Ostreopsis growth in experimental conditions. The relationship between Ostreopsis blooms and salinity is not completely clear, complicated by the influence of high nutrient levels often associated to low salinity waters. Finally, Ostreopsis colonize a variety of substrata, although living substrata seems to allow lower concentration of epibionts than any other substrate, probably due to the production of some allelopathic compounds.
Travaux de caractérisation hydrogéologique dans la plateforme sédimentaire du Saint-Laurent, région de
Saint-Édouard-de-Lotbinière, Québec
Authors: Ladevèze P , Rivard C , Lefebvre R , Lavoie D , Parent M , Malet X , Bordeleau G , Gosselin J -S
Published: April 2016

Ce dossier public vise à décrire les travaux de caractérisation hydrogéologique qui ont été réalisés dans la région de Saint-Édouard-de-Lotbinière, dans le sud du Québec, dans le cadre d'un projet sur
les impacts potentiels de l'exploration et de l'exploitation des gaz de shale sur les aquifères. La région d'étude couvre environ 500 km2 dans la portion nord-est de la plateforme sédimentaire du Saint-Laurent, entre le fleuve Saint-Laurent et le piémont appalachien. Quinze
puits d'observation ont été forés au roc lors du projet. La majorité des puits ont environ 50 mètres de profondeur (150 mètres pour le plus profond). L'épaisseur et les propriétés hydrauliques des dépôts quaternaires ont été
investiguées au droit de chacun des forages. Suite à ces investigations, quatre hydrofaciès ont été définis pour représenter l'hétérogénéité des dépôts à l'échelle de la région d'étude. De plus, les variations
piézométriques et barométriques ont été suivies sur l'ensemble des puits sur une période allant d'un à deux ans. Ceci a permis de caractériser le comportement de l'aquifère régional et de déterminer les conditions de confinement des nappes
recoupées par les puits. Il a ainsi été démontré que le substrat rocheux de la région renferme des nappes généralement captives. Enfin, les conductivités hydrauliques du socle rocheux ont également été estimées grâce à des
essais in situ de perméabilité à charge variable. Celles-ci s'étalent sur quatre ordres de grandeur et sont généralement plus faibles à proximité du piémont appalachien. Ces travaux contribuent à améliorer la connaissance des aquifères dans
une région où les enjeux de quantité et de qualité de la ressource en eaux souterraines sont importants.
Об алгебраических свойствах решений неоднородных гипергеометрических уравнений
Authors: Gorelov Vasilii Aleksandrovich
Published: April 2016

Рассматриваются обобщенные гипергеометрические
дифференциальные уравнения произвольных порядков.
Находятся необходимые и достаточные условия
для алгебраической независимости решений совокупностей
таких уравнений, а также их значений в алгебраических точках.
Библиография: 16 названий.
Обобщенные правила квантования Бора-Зоммерфельда для операторов, обладающих свойством PT симметрии
Authors: Ifa A , M'Hadbi N , Rouleux Michel
Published: April 2016

Рассмотрены правила Бора-Зоммерфельда,
соответствующие квазисобственным числам в псевдоспектре
для одномерного $h$-псевдодифференциального оператора,
обладающего свойством PT-симметрии.
Библиография: 15 названий.
Regional and seasonal radiative forcing by perturbations to aerosol and ozone precursor emissions
Authors: Bellouin Nicolas , Baker Laura , Hodnebrog Øivind , Olivié Dirk , Cherian Ribu , Macintosh Claire , Samset Bjørn , Esteve Anna , Aamaas Borgar , Quaas Johannes , Myhre Gunnar
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Dedicated model simulations by four general circulation and chemistry-transport models are used to establish a matrix of specific radiative forcing, defined as the radiative forcing per unit change in mass emitted, as a function of the near-term climate forcer emitted, its source region, and the season of emission. Emissions of eight near-term climate forcers are reduced: sulphur dioxide, the precursor to sulphate aerosols; black carbon aerosols; organic carbon aerosols; ammonia, a precursor to nitrate aerosols; methane; and nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, the precursors to ozone and to secondary organic aerosols. The focus is on two source regions, Europe and East Asia, but the shipping sector and global averages are also included. Emission reductions are applied over two time periods: May–Oct and Nov–Apr. Models generally agree on the sign and ranking of specific radiative forcing for different emitted species, but disagree quantitatively. Black carbon aerosols, methane, and carbon monoxide exert positive specific radiative forcings. Black carbon exerts the strongest specific radiative forcing, even after accounting for rapid adjustments from the semi-direct effect, and is most efficient in local summer. However, although methane and carbon monoxide are less efficient in a specific sense, the potential for decreasing the mass emitted is larger. Organic carbon aerosols, sulphur dioxide, ammonia, and emissions by the shipping sector exert negative specific radiative forcings, with local summer emission changes being again more efficient. Ammonia is notable for its weak specific radiative forcing. For aerosols, specific radiative forcing exerted by European emissions is stronger than for East Asia, because the European baseline is less polluted. Radiative forcing of European and East Asian emission reductions is mainly exerted in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, but atmospheric transport yields sizeable radiative forcings in neighbouring regions, such as the Arctic. Models disagree on the sign of the net radiative forcing exerted by reductions in the emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, because those reductions trigger complex changes in the oxidising capacity of the atmosphere, translating into radiative forcings by aerosols, methane, and ozone of different signs. The response of nitrate aerosols to nitrogen oxide reductions is particularly important in determining the sign of the corresponding radiative forcing. Model diversity comes from different modelled lifetimes, different unperturbed baselines, and different numbers of species and radiative forcing mechanisms represented. The strength of the aerosol-chemistry coupling is also diverse, translating into aerosol responses to perturbations of ozone precursors of different magnitudes.
Mercury methylation in paddy soil: source and distribution of mercury species at a Hg mining area, Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Zhao Lei , Anderson Christopher W. N , Qiu Guangle , Meng Bo , Wang Dingyong , Feng Xinbin
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Rice paddy plantation is the dominant agricultural land use throughout Asia. Rice paddy fields have been identified as important sites for methylmercury (MeHg) production in the terrestrial ecosystem and a primary pathway of MeHg exposure to humans in mercury (Hg) mining areas. We compared the source and distribution of Hg species in different compartments of the rice paddy during a complete rice-growing season at two different typical Hg-contaminated mining sites in Guizhou province, China: an abandoned site with a high Hg concentration in soil but a low concentration in the atmosphere and a current-day artisanal site with a low concentration in soil but a high concentration in the atmosphere. Our results showed that the flux of new Hg to the ecosystem from irrigation and atmospheric deposition was insignificant relative to the pool of old Hg in soil; the dominant source of MeHg to paddy soil is in situ methylation of inorganic Hg (IHg). Elevated MeHg concentrations and the high proportion of Hg as MeHg in paddy water and the surface soil layer at the artisanal site demonstrated active Hg methylation at this site only. We propose that the in situ production of MeHg in paddy water and surface soil is dependent on elevated Hg in the atmosphere and the consequential deposition of new Hg into a low-pH anoxic geochemical system. The absence of depth-dependent variability in the MeHg concentration in soil cores collected from the abandoned Hg mining site, consistent with the low concentration of Hg in the atmosphere and high pH of the paddy water and irrigation water, suggested that net production of MeHg at this site was limited. We propose that the concentration of Hg in ambient air is an indicator for the risk of MeHg accumulation in paddy rice.
Factors influencing stream baseflow transit times in tropical montane watersheds
Authors: Muñoz-Villers Lyssette E. , Geissert Daniel R. , Holwerda Friso , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Stream water mean transit time (MTT) is a fundamental hydrologic parameter that integrates the distribution of sources, flow paths, and storages present in catchments. However, in the tropics little MTT work has been carried out, despite its usefulness for providing important information on watershed functioning at different spatial scales in (largely) ungauged basins. In particular, very few studies have quantified stream MTTs or have related these to catchment characteristics in tropical montane regions. Here we examined topographic, land use/cover and soil hydraulic controls on baseflow transit times for nested catchments (0.1–34 km2) within a humid mountainous region, underlain by volcanic soil (Andisols) in central Veracruz (eastern Mexico). We used a 2-year record of bi-weekly isotopic composition of precipitation and stream baseflow data to estimate MTT. Land use/cover and topographic parameters (catchment area and form, drainage density, slope gradient and length) were derived from geographic information system (GIS) analysis. Soil water retention characteristics, and depth and permeability of the soil–bedrock interface were obtained from intensive field measurements and laboratory analysis. Results showed that baseflow MTTs ranged between 1.2 and 2.7 years across the 12 study catchments. Overall, MTTs across scales were mainly controlled by catchment slope and the permeability observed at the soil–bedrock interface. In association with topography, catchment form and the depth to the soil–bedrock interface were also identified as important features influencing baseflow MTTs. The greatest differences in MTTs were found both within groups of small (0.1–1.5 km2) and large (14–34 km2) catchments. Interestingly, the longest stream MTTs were found in the headwater cloud forest catchments.
REACTIONS OF SILICA–SILANE RUBBER AND PROPERTIES OF SILANE–SILICA/SOLUTION-POLYMERIZED STYRENE–BUTADIENE RUBBER COMPOSITE
Authors: Tao Yan-Chun , Dong Bin , Zhang Li-Qun , Wu You-Ping
Published: April 2016

Silane coupling agents can effectively improve the silica dispersion in rubber matrix and strengthen the interfacial interaction, and they have been widely used in tire treads to achieve low rolling resistance. 3-mercaptopropyl-ethoxy-bis(tridecyl-pentaethoxy-siloxane) (Si747) is a new coupling agent, and the temperature effects on the reactions between Si747 and silica and between Si747 and solution-polymerized styrene–butadiene rubber (SSBR) were investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance in the present study. The results show that the Si747 grafting degree on the silica surface increases with increasing temperature, the cross-linking reaction between Si747 and SSBR can occur at 130 °C, and the reaction degree gradually increases with enhancing temperature. The silane–silica/SSBR composites were prepared at different in situ modification temperatures, and the temperature effects on the bound rubber content, filler dispersion, mechanical properties, and viscoelastic properties were investigated. It reveals that slightly pre-cross-linking between Si747 and SSBR lowers the tanδ at 60 °C of the SSBR/silane–silica composites, and in situ modification at 150 °C achieves a combination of low rolling resistance and high wet grip for silane–silica/SSBR composites.
Determinants of SMEs Growth in the Tamale Metropolis using logistic regression
Authors: Alhassan Eva Atu , Hoedoafia Mabel Akosua , Alhassan Elvis Adam
Published: April 2016

This paper examined the determinants of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) growth in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana using logistic regression. Growth was measured based on three key performance indicators of gross profits, employment and asset levels.Logistic regressions were estimated to identify the determinants of growth for each of the performance indicators. A survey was conducted on 199 women owned enterprises in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana that had accessed micro credit from 2010 - 2014. The relationship between the performance indicators and a set of explanatory variables grouped into entrepreneur characteristics, business profile, loan and banking profile and enterprise size were considered. The results showed that entrepreneur characteristics and business profile significantly predicts the growth in gross profits of the SMEs. Specifically the person(s) put in charge of the day-to-day running of the business enterprise had a significant relationship with the growth in gross profit of the enterprise at the 1% significance level whilst household size of entrepreneur was significant at the 5% level. However, employment and asset growth were not significantly predicted by the explanatory variables at both the 1 and 5 % levels.
Factors Influencing School Counselors’ Suspecting and Reporting of Childhood Physical Abuse: Investigating Child, Parent, School, and Abuse Characteristics
Authors: Tillman Kathleen S. , Prazak Michael D. , Burrier Lauren , Miller Sadie , Benezra Max , Lynch Lori
Published: April 2016

This study sought to explore possible child abuse reporting disparities among school counselors. The participants in this study were elementary school counselors (N = 398) from across the United States. Each participant read a series of vignettes and completed a survey regarding their inclinations about suspecting and reporting childhood physical abuse. The surveys manipulated the following variables: student race, family socioeconomic status (between-subject variables), relationship with the school counselor, and severity of abuse (within-subject variables). School counselors were found to be more likely to suspect defensive parents of abuse than cooperative or non-involved parents. School counselors were also less likely to suspect abuse when a child reported being hit without physical evidence than if a child had a bruised or broken arm. Last, school counselors were more likely to report a child with a bruised arm over a child who reported being hit without physical evidence. Although certain concerns emerged as a result of this study and all signs of abuse should be reported to the appropriate authorities, school counselors were more likely, across the board, to report abuse than to suspect abuse.
FUNÇÃO GAMA GENERALIZADA PARA DESCREVER A DISTRIBUIÇÃO DIAMÉTRICA DE UM POVOAMENTO DE EUCALIPTO
Authors: Castro Renato Vinícius Oliveira , Araújo Júnior Carlos Alberto , Leite Helio Garcia , Castro Ana Flávia Neves Mendes , Nogueira Gilciano Saraiva , Costa Lidiomar Soares
Published: April 2016

Este trabalho centra-se na estimativa de parâmetros da função Gama Generalizada para descrever a distribuição de diâmetros de um povoamento equiâneo de eucalipto não desbastado e avaliar a realidade biológica de um sistema de equações para projetar tais parâmetros e descrever essa distribuição em uma idade futura. Foram utilizadas 48 parcelas com quatro medições anuais, provenientes de um experimento instalado em um povoamento do híbrido Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis, localizados na região nordeste do estado da Bahia. O sistema de equações para projeção dos parâmetros foi avaliado através dos coeficientes de correlação entre as variáveis estimadas e observadas e o gráfico de erros de cada equação do modelo. A função Gama Generalizada apresentou ajustes satisfatórios aos dados. O sistema de equações para descrever a tendência dos parâmetros desta função também apresentou bom ajuste. Concluiu-se que a função Gama Generalizada gera estimativas consistentes e precisas e pode ser utilizada para a modelagem da distribuição diamétrica em povoamentos de eucalipto.
CARBONO NO SOLO, ACÚMULO E QUALIDADE DA SERAPILHEIRA EM SISTEMAS DE PRODUÇÃO FAMILIAR
Authors: Freitas Idelfonso Colares de , Santos Felipe Corrêa Veloso dos , Custódio Filho Ronaldo De Oliveira , Correchel Vladia
Published: April 2016

Na Amazônia, a conversão das florestas em agroecossistemas tem se caracterizado pela redução nos estoques de carbono vegetal, o que não se alinha com os princípios da sustentabilidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os impactos do uso do solo pela agricultura familiar nos estoques de carbono do solo, na quantidade acumulada e na qualidade da serapilheira. As formas de uso avaliadas foram: SAF = sistema agroflorestal, PA = pastagem cultivada, RT = roça de toco e MA = mata nativa, todos sobre Neossolo Quartzarênico. Em cada sistema foram coletadas sete amostras de serapilheira e de solo nas profundidades de 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 e 20-40 cm nos meses de julho de 2010 e janeiro de 2011. Foram analisados os teores de macro e micronutrientes, relação C/N, lignina, polifenóis e carbono na serapilheira e no solo. Entre os sistemas antropizados, o SAF apresentou maior produção de serapilheira e acúmulo de nutrientes nos resíduos nos dois períodos avaliados e maior estoque de carbono no solo no período seco. No entanto, seus resíduos foram mais recalcitrantes que os tratamentos MA e PA.
MODELAGEM DO INCREMENTO DIAMÉTRICO DE Pinus taeda EM FUNÇÃO DE VARIÁVEIS DA COPA E ÍNDICES DE COMPETIÇÃO
Authors: Zimmermann Anna Paula Lora , Costa Emanuel Arnoni , Schröder Thomas , Fleig Frederico Dimas
Published: April 2016

Objetivou-se gerar um modelo de incremento periódico em área basal (IPAG) para Pinus taeda válido para povoamentos localizados no Rio Grande do Sul e Paraná. Foram instaladas parcelas temporárias em povoamentos de Cambará do Sul (RS) e Ponta Grossa (PR), em que a árvore de maior diâmetro foi considerada dominante na parcela. De todas as árvores, foi medido o diâmetro à altura do peito e altura total, e das dominantes foi medido também o diâmetro de copa, altura de inserção da copa e comprimento de copa, para o cálculo do grau de esbeltez, proporção de copa, formal de copa, índice de abrangência e saliência. Foi retirado um rolo de incremento de todas as árvores dominantes, para o cálculo do IPAG dos últimos cinco anos. O modelo foi construído pelo método stepwise, no pacote estatístico SAS® e validado pelas condicionantes da regressão. Foram selecionadas as variáveis diâmetro inicial, diâmetro de copa, grau de esbeltez e índice de competição baseado na área basal total e relativa. O modelo apresentou alto coeficiente de determinação e baixo erro padrão da estimativa, e a análise estatística não demonstrou diferença entre as curvas reais e estimada, evidenciando o uso do modelo em ambos os locais analisados e em locais semelhantes a eles.
PERCEPÇÃO E PREFERÊNCIA POPULAR POR ATRIBUTOS ESTÉTICOS E ECOLÓGICOS NA COMPOSIÇÃO DA ARBORIZAÇÃO DE RUAS
Authors: Bobrowski Rogério , Biondi Daniela
Published: April 2016

O planejamento da arborização de ruas é um processo complexo que envolve aspectos ambientais, o desenvolvimento urbano e a preferência popular. Esta pesquisa visou analisar a percepção e a preferência popular de atributos estéticos e ecológicos na composição da arborização de ruas. A obtenção dos dados se deu por meio de uma enquete eletrônica que continha diferentes perfis e formas de composição da arborização de ruas, bem como atributos de espécies florestais, como o porte e a floração. Os dados foram comparados por meio do teste de Mann-Whitney (opções dadas aos pares), por meio do teste de Kruskal-Wallis (mais de duas opções) e por meio de análise de correspondência canônica múltipla para mapeamento perceptual. Para o perfil transversal, não houve diferença significativa entre os votos dados às opções apresentadas. Com relação ao perfil longitudinal, preferiu-se aqueles com maior diversidade de espécies. Houve diferença significativa entre os votos dados às formas de composição, destacando-se aquele com disposição das espécies uma a uma. Com relação às características das espécies, houve diferença significativa entre os votos dados para as opções, com predominância da preferência por espécies de médio porte e pelas que apresentam floração de cor amarela.
ESPIRITISMO E PRODUÇÃO CIENTÍFICA NO BRASIL
Authors: Moraes Silvia Piedade de , Zanatta Luiz Fabiano , Humphreys Rubens Dias
Published: April 2016

O processo de consolidação do espiritismo no Brasil no século XIX ocorreu sob forte influência de religiões espiritualistas. Isso favoreceu a construção de uma identidade espírita kardecista conhecida como “à brasileira”. Esta revisão de literatura objetivou apontar os caminhos que o espiritismo kardecista vem traçando nas publicações científicas, sua área de concentração e tendências de crescimento no Brasil. Os resultados evidenciaram que o auge de crescimento das publicações sobre o tema ocorreu na entrada do século XXI e suas áreas de concentração encontram-se na influência do espiritismo na relação saúde-doença e na psiquiatria como complementaridade positiva. Assim, o espiritismo tem rompido progressivamente com dualidades históricas entre ciência e religião.
BOCA DO INFERNO LITERATURA X HISTÓRIA : UMA INTERPRETAÇÃO DO PROCESSO DE CRIAÇÃO DE ANA MIRANDA
Authors: Martins Denis Pereira
Published: April 2016

Ana Maria Nóbrega Miranda teve seu lançamento no mundo literário com um livro de poesias intitulado Anjos e demônios (1978), entretanto, passou a ter visibilidade literária como romancista no final da década de 80, com o lançamento de Boca do Inferno. Trata-se de uma biografia romanceada do poeta Gregório de Matos, traduzida para mais de vinte idiomas. A obra tornou-se um clássico respeitado no campo da literatura. Subsidiada por leituras e mais leituras de textos do Padre Antônio Vieira e Gregório de Matos, a obra possui como cenário Salvador, no final do século XVII. Atenta à riqueza da linguagem empregada, utiliza-se de palavras vulgares para fazer juz a Gregório de Matos, apelidado como Boca do Inferno. Neste romance, de maneira crítica, Miranda visa mostrar uma terra marcada pela libertinagem, corrupção e luta pelo poder, retoma uma época em que o país se resumia em governantes corruptos e povo sem voz, sem autonomia. Dentro de sua proposta de literatura, o autor torna-se um historiador, um pesquisador. Utilizando-se do novo Romance Histórico, produz narrativas que focalizam acontecimentos integrantes da história oficial e, por vezes, definidores da própria constituição física das fronteiras brasileiras e também aquelas que promovem a revisão do percurso desenvolvido pela história literária nacional. Esse fazer literário, muito bem recebido pelo mercado editorial brasileiro, faz de Ana Miranda uma autora com um estilo único e recorrente. As vozes são múltiplas: onde acaba Vieira e começa Ana Miranda, onde é Gregório de Matos, ou o que restou dele em nossa memória?
GEOSÍMBOLOS RELIGIOSOS, SACRALIZACIÓN DEL ESPACIO Y LUGARES DE IDENTIDAD EN EL MICHOACÁN COLONIAL
Authors: Olmo Sara Sánchez del
Published: April 2016

Analizamos aquí la transformación y redefinición del espacio michoacano a lo largo de la época colonial desde la óptica de lo religioso mostrando la importancia de los hospitales de indios en este proceso. La expansión de esta institución en Michoacán fue tal que el hospital se convirtió en un referente visual claramente identificable con significado e identidad propios, en un hito dentro de la nueva organización del territorio. Esa presencia, unida a la vivencia de lo sagrado dentro de sus muros, hicieron de él un auténtico geosímbolo religioso. Por otro lado, el hospital fue también un lugar de extroversión e irradiación del culto y constituyó el eje de un proceso de sacralización del espacio michoacano. Finalmente, la apropiación de la institución por parte de los naturales convirtió al hospital en un lugar de referencia y de pertenencia, en un elemento esencial en la reformulación de la identidad.
PRÁTICAS E REPRESENTAÇÕES NO ESPIRITISMO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Fuckner Cleusa Maria , Jurkevics Vera Irene
Published: April 2016

A proposta deste artigo é refletirmos sobre o Espiritismo, enquanto revelação da Doutrina dos Espíritos, entendendo suas práticas enquanto Filosofia, Ciência e Religião, a partir da sua codificação, em meados do século XIX, na França, bem como analisarmos os aspectos históricos que favoreceram sua inserção e sua consolidação na sociedade brasileira.  Estudar o Espiritismo no Brasil implica analisar a expressão de religiosidade, como parte do sistema de vida de um grupo que envolve não somente a crença, como também a questão de conduta, isto é, um conjunto de práticas culturais e sociais, uma vez que a está associado ao pensamento científico, ao filosófico, à mediunidade, à prática caritativa, além de vários tipos de assistência social e de instituições educacionais
RELIGIOSIDADE ISLÂMICA: UNIDADE NA DIVERSIDADE
Authors: Nasser Filho Omar
Published: April 2016

O presente artigo tem por objetivo trazer ao leitor aspectos identitários acerca da religiosidade islâmica, revelando suas características mais significativas. Consoante um breve relato sobre o surgimento e expansão do Islamismo a partir do século VII da Era Cristã, procura apresentar a relação íntima que existe, na religião islâmica, entre os elementos espirituais e materiais da existência, mostrando como se dá esse amálgama até os dias atuais.
O MONAQUISMO NO OCIDENTE: CONSIDERAÇÕES SOBRE HISTÓRIA
Authors: Bueno Wilma de Lara
Published: April 2016

Do Oriente ao Ocidente, o monaquismo tornou-se um modelo de religiosidade e de organização da vida comunitária que serviu de orientação para os ideais religiosos da Igreja Católica, a partir do empenho de homens que lhes deram voz e se debruçaram sobre as estratégias de expansão do cristianismo. Os monges lograram um lugar de destaque na sociedade europeia ocidental em tempo de institucionalização da Igreja Católica e contribuíram, efetivamente, com as práticas cotidianas que se fundamentavam nos preceitos ore et labore. Para além de fornecerem um modelo de organização fundamentada no trabalho e na oração, os monges foram os responsáveis pela preservação dos documentos, traduções de obras clássicas e constituição de bibliotecas, o que fez dos mosteiros centros de religiosidade, cultura, educação e produção da vida material.
Grocery Retailing in India: Online Mode versus Retail Store Purchase
Authors: Siddiqui Masood H , Tripathi Shalini N
Published: April 2016

E-retailing is entering into the Indian retail scenario in a noticeable way and online grocery retailing holds a promise of acceptance by the Indian customers. This paper attempts to discover the market potential of online grocery retailing in India and consumers’ perception towards its different aspects. Confirmatory factor analysis proposes that there are five underlying dimensions (convenience, value for money, variety, loyalty and ambient factors) governing the selection of mode for grocery purchase. Thereafter Binary-Logistic Regression has been employed to analyze the impact of these five broad perceptual dimensions upon the acceptance/rejection of online grocery retailing. The respondents accorded the highest importance to the factors value for money and convenience. The study suggested that issues like meeting customer expectations and preferences in terms of delivering value for money, quick and convenient purchasing, smooth delivery process, and reducing risk perceptions are critical for establishing online grocery retailing as an effective alternative to traditional brick and mortar retailing.
Effect of Core Training Program on Physical Functional Performance in Female Soccer Players
Authors: Taskin Cengiz
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of core training program on speed, acceleration, vertical jump, and standing long jump in female soccer players. A total of 40 female soccer players volunteered to participate in this study. They were divided randomly into 1 of 2 groups: core training group (CTG; n = 20) and control group (CG; n = 20). The mean (SD) age was 19.05 ± 1.15 years, height was 160.60 ± 4.22 cm, weight was 56.45 ± 3.33 kg, and sport age was 4.50 ± 1.24 for the core training group; the mean (SD) age was 18.55 ± 0.76 years, height was 159.10 ± 3.86 cm, weight was 52.20 ± 3.60 kg, and sport age was 3.35 ± 0.75 years for the control group. Following randomization, the 2 groups did not differ significantly (p>0.05) in any of the dependent variables. The subjects in the control group did not participate in the training and participated only in the pre- and posttest measurements. To evaluate the effect of core training over the functional performance, we applied a testing procedure that included measurements of speed, acceleration, vertical jump, and standing long jump. The core training group showed a 3.4%, 5.9%, 13.3%, 4.2% improvement in speed, acceleration, vertical jump, and standing long jump (respectively) (P<0.05), whereas the control group did not change (P>0.05). In conclusion, Core exercises were improved speed, acceleration, vertical jump, and standing long jump in 18-19 years-old female soccer players. Therefore, it is believed core training is necessary for optimal sport performance and should not be dismissed for all sport branches.
Perceptions of Safety Knowledge and Skills in Vocational Training
Authors: Bani-Salameh Zakaria
Published: April 2016

This research aims at investigating the perceptions towards safety knowledge and skills and perceived efficacies among flight attendants onboard. Many studies have reported deficiencies in vocational training among flight attendants to handle specific onboard emergencies, but these findings are not surprising as knowledge and skills that are not put into active use have been shown to deteriorate or decay significantly even over very short intervals. To further understand the issue, an In-flight Safety Assurance Model is presented and data were collected and analyzed following this model. The findings revealed low perception and efficacy levels which highlight the need to establish Continuous Professional Development programs through making use of educational technology and multimedia.
The Relationship between English Language Proficiency, Academic Achievement and Self-Esteem of Non-Native-English-Speaking Students
Authors: Dev Smitha , Qiqieh Sura
Published: April 2016

The present study aims to find out the relationship between English Language proficiency, self-esteem, and academic achievement of the students in Abu Dhabi University (ADU). The variables were analyzed using ‘t’ test, chi-squire and Pearson’s product moment correlation. In addition, Self-rating scale, Self-esteem inventory and Language proficiency tests were used to measure the variables. The data were collected from 200 male and female students from Abu Dhabi University. The study could not find out any positive relationship among the variables. It is also revealed that language fluency (IELTS) has no direct impact on the ADU students’ self-esteem scores and academic achievement (GPA).
The Study of Relationship between Organizational Culture and Organizational Belonging in Employees of Varamin County Office of Education
Authors: Tabatabaee Seyed Mahmoud , Koohi Amirhasan , Ghandali Abbas , Tajik Tayebeh
Published: April 2016

The purpose of the present research is to study the relationship between organizational culture and organizational belonging among employees of Varamin County ministry of education. This is a descriptive-survey study. The statistical population is consisted of all 274 official and contract employees of ministry of education in Varamin County of Tehran province with high school diploma, associate or bachelor’s degree or higher. Sampling has been done using relative stratified method. Measurement instruments are: A) organizational culture questionnaire, and B) organizational belonging questionnaire. To assess the validity of the questionnaires the content validity method has been used. To assess their reliability, the questionnaires have been tested on samples of 30 individuals and the Cronbach’s Alpha for the questions has been calculated. Cronbach’s alpha is 0.91 for organizational culture questionnaire, and 0.85 for organizational belonging questionnaire. These values indicate high reliability for both questionnaires. The results indicate that the prominent dimension of organizational culture in Varamin administration of education is control, and that the employees have moderate organizational belonging. Study of the relationship between dimensions of organizational culture and organizational belonging reveal that there is a significant correlation between organizational belonging and variables of personal innovation, responsibility, leadership, coordination and managerial support. However, no significant correlation has been observed between the variable of control and employees’ organizational belonging. Also there is a positive correlation between organizational belonging and variables of organizational identity, reward and punishment system, opposition, and communication pattern in employees of Varamin office of education.
Mediation Game When the Conflict Can Be Fun to Learn—A Legal Skill Learning Tool: The Integration of Knowledge Management, Learning Theory and Serious Game Concept
Authors: Luengvilai Chainarong , Yodmongkol Pitipong
Published: April 2016

Legal justice in Thailand has been shifted to restorative justice for reasons. But Thai law schools have not been changed to promote lawyering skill learning opportunities due to various obstacles and limitations caused by existing legal educational policies, law curriculum’s structure, knowledgeable instructors, and learners’ characteristics. As a result, most graduate law students have been faced with difficulties as regards not only their mediation skill capacity but also other legal skills. To solve the problem beyond the single loop learning, the study proposed the integration of knowledge management approaches, an appropriate learning theory, and serious game concept to initiate an alternative learning tool to enhance mediation skill learning. The study demonstrated the two crucial stages of game designing and experimentation to verify the potentiality of games in enhancing the knowledge and learning engagement. The outcome of such game designing and experimentation can provided both a satisfied interactive learning tool and a linkage for the flow of advocacy skills knowledge from the community of experts to law students who, sooner or later, will be their competent team workers.
The Efficiency of a Selective Training Program on the Development of Some Social Skills of Saudi Students with Autism
Authors: Alothman Ibrahim A.
Published: April 2016

The objective of the present study is to find out the efficiency of a selective training program on the development of some social skills of Saudi students with Autism. The study sample comprised of (6) male students with Autism who aged (9-12) years, with an average age of (10.58) years, and a standard deviation of (1.16) years. Their IQ ranged on the Stanford-Binet Scale between (67-78) degrees, with an average of (72.17) degrees, and a standard deviation of (4.16) degrees. Their grades on Childhood Autism Rating Scale were between (30-36.5), with an average of (33.67) and a standard deviation of (2.48). The study sample is divided into two groups, one of them is an experimental group that comprised (3) students and the other is a control group that comprised (3) students. The sample also comprised of three teachers of these students. The researcher prepared Social Skills Scale for students with Autism, Childhood Autism Rating Scale translated and revised by Al-Shammri and Al-Sertawi (2003), and a selective training program prepared by the researcher. The results showed that the selective training program which is used in this study was effective on improving the social skills of the Saudi students with Autism.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 9, No. 5
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: April 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 9, No. 5, 2016.
Emotional Intelligence of Instructors and the Quality of Their Instructional Performance
Authors: Dev Smitha , Nair Sreethi , Dwivedi Anand
Published: April 2016

Quality of instructional performance is the key skill needed for every teaching faculty for achieving the level of pedigree in the present educational scenario. However, the truth is that there are minimal studies to analyze the competency linking emotional intelligence to quality of instructional performance. Therefore the present attempt is to study the role of E.I. among University Instructors and analyze their quality of instructional performance. A sample of 110 Professors participated in the survey from different Universities in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain. Emotional Quotient Inventory scale was developed to measure the EQ of Instructors.  Statistical technique like ‘t’ test and ANOVA was used to find the test mean difference between two groups and more than two groups. The result revealed that emotional intelligence and self-efficacy had very significant relationship towards their work attitude followed by their performance.
The Aqueous Extract of Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) Effectively Treat Induced Anemia. Experimental Study on Wistar Rats
Authors: Tchogou AP , Senou M , Dougnon TV , Agossadou A , Assogba F , Kinsiclounon EG , Ewedje E , Agbangnan DCP , Gbenou J , Laleye A , Loko F
Published: April 2016

Anaemia is a serious public health problem especially in developing countries as Benin. Cocos nucifera is one of medicinal plants used in Benin to treat anemia. This study aimed to test its therapeutic efficacy in anemia treatment. Method: Five groups of five Wistar rats each were formed. The rats of four groups were rendered anemic by injection of phenylhydrazine (hemolysis) in the first two days D0 and D1. From the second to the fifteenth day (D2 to D15), anemic groups were gavaged either by the aqueous extract of Cocos nucifera at 200 or 300 mg / kg body weight/day, or by vitafer, a reference drug against anemia. The last anemic group was not treated. The group of non-anemic rats served as a control. Blood samples were collected for all rats on days D0, D2, D7, D10 and D15 to assess blood count and osmotic resistance of red blood cells. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanes, steroids, quinone derivatives, reducing compounds and mucilage. The extract like the vitafer corrected completely anemia before two weeks by stimulating hemoglobin synthesis, production and early release of immature red cells in the blood stream. Its effect was dose dependent, quite specific and did not affect platelet lineage. Conclusion: Cocos nucifera has a good therapeutic efficacy and may be considered for transformation into improved traditional medicines (ITM) after study of its biological tolerance and appropriate clinical trials.
БАЙГАЛЬ НУУРЫН ЦУТГАЛ ГОЛУУДЫН ГИДРОХИМИ, ӨӨРӨӨ ЦЭВЭРШИХ ПРОЦЕССЫН СУДАЛГАА
Authors: Батдулам Б , Болормаа О , Хахинов В В , Кавахигаши М
Published: April 2016

Голын ус жил ирэх тусам байгалийн болон хүний хүчин зүйл, тэр дундаа хөдөө аж ахуй, үйлдвэржилт, уул уурхайн үйл ажиллагаанаас үүдэн өөрчлөгдөж байна. Монгол орны гадаргын усны голлох эх үүсвэр нь Сэлэнгэ, Орхон, Туул голын сав газрууд бөгөөд эдгээр голууд нь дэлхийн хамгийн эртний цэнгэг уст нуур болох Байгаль нуур луу цутгадаг. Байгаль нуурын ус нь цутгал голуудын усны найрлага, шинж чанараас үл хамааран дэлхийн хамгийн цэнгэг уст нуур хэвээр хадгалагдаж байгаа нь олон эрдэмтдийн анхаарлын төвд байсаар байна. Энэ судалгааны ажлын гол зорилго нь Байгаль нуурын цутгал голуудын усны гидрохимийн үзүүлэлтийг тодорхойлж, Байгаль нуурт цутгал голууд хэрхэн нөлөөлж байгааг тодорхойлох, голын усны өөрөө цэвэрших процессыг үнэлэх юм. Судалгаанд Монгол Улсын нутаг дэвсгэрт харьялагдах Сэлэнгэ, Орхон, Туул, Хараа, Ерөө, Буур болон Шарын голууд хамрагдсан болно. Судалгаанд усны цахилгаан дамжуулах чанар (ЦДЧ), исэлдэн ангижрах потенциал (ИАП) болон ууссан хүчилтөрөгч (УХ) нь тус тус 0.194 - 0.294 mS/cm, (–33.5) - 15.5 мВ, 5.54 - 11.0 мг/л агуулгатай илэрсэн. Усны УХ - ийн агуулга Буур голоос авсан дээжинд Монгол Улсын гадаргын усны стандарт (MNS:4586 - 1998; УХ>6 мг/л) - аас бага тодорхойлогдсон. Энэ нь Буур голын урсац муу, замагжсаны улмаас агаарын хүчилтөрөгчийг шингээж чадахгүй байгааг илтгэнэ. Усны хатуулаг нь зөөлөн, зөөлөвтөр усны ангид багтаж (А.О.Алекины ангилал), эрдэсжилтийн хэмжээ нь дунд зэргийн эрдэсжилттэй (А.М.Овчинниковын ангилал) байгаа нь судалгаанаас харагдлаа. Усны микроэлементүүдээс Al, Si, Fe - ийн агуулга бусад элементүүдээс харьцангуй өндөр байгаа нь дэлхийн царцдас дахь агуулга, хөрсний элэгдэл зэрэг байгалийн хүчин зүйл болон газар ашиглалт, уул уурхайн үйл ажиллагаа, үйлдвэржилт зэрэг хүний хүчин зүйлээс үүдэлтэй байх магадлалтайг харуулж байна. Дээж авсан бүс нутагт нүүрс болон алтны уурхай, ус цэвэрлэх байгууламжууд байрлах бөгөөд энэ нь Монгол орны хөдөө аж ахуй, газар тариалангийн төв хэсэг юм. Хэдий тийм ч, усны рН, NO3- ион болон элементийн агуулга нь Монгол Улсын гадаргын усны стандарт (MNS:4586 - 1998) - аас хэтрээгүй байгаа нь сав газрын усны урсац, хур тунадас болон гүний усны тэжээгдэл сайн, голын усны өөрөө цэвэрших процесс хангалттай байгааг харуулж байна. Мөн голын усны чанарыг үнэлэх үүднээс усны чанарын индексийг тооцоолон үзэхэд, Орхон гол дээр хамгийн өндөр илэрсэн нь дээж авах үед хур бороо ихтэй, гол үерлэсэн, хөдөө аж ахуйн үйл ажиллагаанаас үүдсэн бохирдол, бохир ус цэвэрлэх байгууламжаас гарч байгаа бүрэн цэвэршээгүй ус зэргийн нөлөөнөөс үүдэлтэйг харуулж байна.
Avoid Costly Mistakes With Proper Sampling Practices
Authors: Rector Ernest L.
Published: April 2016

Water quality sampling shouldn't be a lesson in frustration. Use good planning and record‐keeping, site‐ and sample‐specific awareness, and quality assurance protocols to get the job done right.
Use Recommended Practices When Installing and Maintaining Water Meters
Authors:   AWWA Staff
Published: April 2016

When calculating flow demand, it's important to consider meter type and suitability for use as a revenue‐collecting metering device or a flow‐monitoring device.