bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovación y competencia pragmática en las pruebas de evaluación de inglés como segunda lengua.
Authors: Martín Beatriz
Published: July 2017

En el enfoque comunicativo de la enseñanza de segundas lenguas, la pragmática ocupa un lugar primordial. Sin embargo, su tratamiento sigue siendo insuficiente en el ámbito de la evaluación y las pruebas de lengua. Actualmente hay una gran cantidad de pruebas estandarizadas que se comericializan y administran a miles de usuarios para medir su competencia lingüística y comunicativa en inglés como segunda lengua (ISL). En el presente trabajo se analizan 14 de estas pruebas comerciales desarrolladas por las organizaciones de mayor relevancia en EEUU  y Reino Unido; se extraen conclusiones acerca de las similitudes y divergencias que entre estas distintas pruebas encontramos y se describen dos de ellas como ejemplo de innovación docente. Se estudia también el tratamiento que de la evaluación  de la competencia pragmática ofrece cada una de ellas. Para llevar a cabo la investigación se han tenido en cuenta los siguientes parámetros: propósito de la prueba , partes y secciones, tipo de preguntas, duración, puntuación, evaluación de la competencia pragmática, formato y disponibilidad de versión informatizada o test adaptativo informatizado (TAI). Palabras clave: pragmática, evaluación, tests adaptativos informatizados (TAI), pruebas de lengua estandarizadas comerciales, TESL
Recursos audiovisuales en la enseñanza universitaria de la Electrónica: una experiencia aplicada al ámbito de las Ingenierías
Authors: Rengel Raul , Martín María J. , Pascual Elena , Íñiguez de La Torre Ignacio , Vasallo Beatriz G.
Published: July 2017

En este trabajo se detalla la experiencia en la utilización innovadora de diferentes recursos audiovisuales en el aula y en los campus virtuales en la enseñanza de la Electrónica en titulaciones de Ingeniería. Entre estas técnicas, proponemos la realización de videotutoriales mediante captura de pantalla a tiempo real, el análisis técnico de filmes de ciencia ficción como base para abordar trabajos grupales y la realización, por parte del alumnado, de informes de prácticas de laboratorio en formato de vídeo. En particular, de entre las metodologías abordadas la realización de videoinformes grabados con el teléfono móvil ha demostrado ser la más sencilla de implementar y la que más ventajas directas y constatables ofrece tanto a los docentes como a los alumnos, en términos de evaluación de competencias, rendimiento y tiempo dedicados la tarea. Los videotutoriales han permitido paliar algunas de las limitaciones propias del trabajo en el laboratorio, y el análisis técnico de películas de ficción puede servir como un elemento más de motivación de los alumnos. Como conclusión general, los resultados obtenidos permiten afirmar que estos recursos audiovisuales son un complemento muy adecuado en la enseñanza de la Electrónica. Palabras clave: Electrónica, medios audiovisuales, videotutorial, prácticas de laboratorio, evaluación de competencias, motivación, trabajo colaborativo, cine y enseñanza
Cineforum-virtual criminológico como estrategía de aprendizaje teorico-práctico para el análisis del comportamiento criminal en el Grado de Criminología
Authors: Aparicio Lucía , Escamilla Cristina , De Paredes Carla
Published: July 2017

Trata de una actividad cinematográfica en aula y en contexto virtual, con los debates consecutivos, con el fin de analizar conductas y elaborar, en su caso, los informes o proyectos, competencias principales de los estudios del Grado de Criminología. Esta actividad se ha integrado en el 3er curso académico 2015-2016, con carácter multidisciplinar, progresivo e integrador. Forma parte de los trabajos prácticos de las asignaturas, que a su vez se integran unas con otras. Debido a la dificultad de poder presentar al alumnado casos reales sobre criminalidad, se seleccionaron las películas cuidadosamente con el fin de poder observar muchas de las acciones, factores e indicios que concurren en dichos sucesos. De esta manera, el alumno pudo analizar y evaluar, según lo demandado sobre los acontecimientos desarrollados, para posteriormente elaborar su trabajo práctico. Las películas se proyectaron durante el último més de cada trimestre, para que los alumnos tuvieran conocimientos del caso a tratar. También estuvieron disponibles en la plataforma virtual de la Universidad para que puedan volver a visionar aquellas escenas más díficiles de interpretar o los indicios a valorar. Los resultados sobre la valoración de este recurso concluyen que los estudiantes han trabajado con un alto nivel de motivación, una mayor interiorización de los conocimientos y un aprendizaje más aplicado y creativo. Palabras clave: Análisis de visionado de películas, aplicación práctica y virtual, integración, motivación.
Análisis de la calidad de los informes de prácticas de laboratorio en Ingeniería Química: comparación del trabajo presencial con el no presencial
Authors: Sancho María , García Fayos Beatriz , Arnal Arnal Jose Miguel
Published: July 2017

En la titulación de Ingeniería Química es fundamental la formación de los estudiantes a través de prácticas de laboratorio, que tradicionalmente son evaluadas a través de un informe en el que los estudiantes presentan y analizan los resultados experimentales obtenidos. Generalmente, dicho informe se realiza de manera no presencial, lo que supone ciertos inconvenientes como: reparto del trabajo sin interacción entre los miembros del grupo, errores u omisiones en la descripción del trabajo experimental por haber transcurrido cierto tiempo desde la sesión de laboratorio, copia de informes de otros cursos, etc. Todo ello repercute en una baja calidad de los informes y en unas calificaciones inferiores a las esperadas. Por ello, en este trabajo se plantea una nueva metodología de trabajo de los informes de laboratorio, consistente en la realización de los mismos, en parte o en su totalidad, de manera presencial. En este artículo se analiza si esta metodología de trabajo presencial de los informes supone una mejora de la calidad de los mismos, comparándolos con informes realizados de forma no presencial. Además, se presentan y analizan las valoraciones de los alumnos de la nueva metodología, recogidas a través de una encuesta anónima. Palabras clave: informes, laboratorio, Ingeniería Química, trabajo presencial
Evaluación en FLIP-Teaching: una alternativa a los exámenes parciales. Evaluación continua mediante tareas y casos
Authors: Oltra Juan Vte.
Published: July 2017

La experiencia FLIP teaching plantea muchos retos, uno de los más singulares es la evaluación. Frente a la corriente que defiende mantener la tradicional de forma que permanezca igual que el resto de grupos con docencia presencial, en el presente trabajo se presenta una experiencia de evaluación continua que permite utilizar para ello el tiempo de aula liberado por la docencia presencial que se ha sacado de la misma.
Estimating daily surface NO2 concentrations from satellite data – a case study over Hong Kong using land use regression models
Authors: Anand Jasdeep S. , Monks Paul S.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Land use regression (LUR) models have been used in epidemiology to determine the fine-scale spatial variation in air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in cities and larger regions. However, they are often limited in their temporal resolution, which may potentially be rectified by employing the synoptic coverage provided by satellite measurements. In this work a mixed-effects LUR model is developed to model daily surface NO2 concentrations over the Hong Kong SAR during the period 2005–2015. In situ measurements from the Hong Kong Air Quality Monitoring Network, along with tropospheric vertical column density (VCD) data from the OMI, GOME-2A, and SCIAMACHY satellite instruments were combined with fine-scale land use parameters to provide the spatiotemporal information necessary to predict daily surface concentrations. Cross-validation with the in situ data shows that the mixed-effects LUR model using OMI data has a high predictive power (adj. R2 = 0. 84), especially when compared with surface concentrations derived using the MACC-II reanalysis model dataset (adj. R2 = 0. 11). Time series analysis shows no statistically significant trend in NO2 concentrations during 2005–2015, despite a reported decline in NOx emissions. This study demonstrates the utility in combining satellite data with LUR models to derive daily maps of ambient surface NO2 for use in exposure studies.
Climate Impact of Polar Mesospheric and Stratospheric Ozone Losses due to Energetic Particle Precipitation
Authors: Meraner Katharina , Schmidt Hauke
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Energetic particles enter the polar atmosphere and enhance the production of nitrogen oxides and hydrogen oxides in the winter stratosphere and mesosphere. Both components are powerful ozone destroyers. Recently, it has been inferred from observations that the direct effect of energetic particle precipitation (EPP) causes significant long-term mesospheric ozone variability. Satellites observe a decrease in mesospheric ozone by up to 34 % between EPP maximum and EPP minimum. Here, we analyze the climate impact of polar mesospheric and polar stratospheric ozone losses due to EPP in the coupled climate model MPI-ESM. Using radiative transfer modeling, we find that the radiative forcing of a mesospheric ozone loss during polar night is small. Hence, climate effects of a mesospheric ozone loss due to energetic particles seem unlikely. A stratospheric ozone loss due to energetic particles warms the winter polar stratosphere and subsequently weakens the polar vortex. However, those changes are small, and few statistically significant changes in surface climate are found.
Background CO2 levels and error analysis from ground-based solar absorption IR measurements in central Mexico
Authors: Baylon Jorge L. , Stremme Wolfgang , Grutter Michel , Hase Frank , Blumenstock Thomas
Published: July 2017

Abstract. In this investigation we analyze two common optical configurations to retrieve CO2 total column amounts from solar absorption infrared spectra. The noise errors using either a KBr or a CaF2 beam splitter, a main component of a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), are quantified in order to assess the relative precisions of the measurements. The configuration using a CaF2 beam splitter, as deployed by the instruments which contribute to the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON), shows a slightly better precision. However, we show that the precisions in XCO2 ( =  0.2095  ⋅  Total Column CO2Total Column O2) retrieved from  >  96 % of the spectra measured with a KBr beam splitter fall well below 0.2 %. A bias in XCO2 (KBr − CaF2) of +0.56 ± 0.25 ppm was found when using an independent data set as reference. This value, which corresponds to +0.14 ± 0.064 %, is slightly larger than the mean precisions obtained. A 3-year XCO2 time series from FTIR measurements at the high-altitude site of Altzomoni in central Mexico presents clear annual and diurnal cycles, and a trend of +2.2 ppm yr−1 could be determined.
Spatial variability in surface-water pCO2 and gas exchange in the world's largest semi-enclosed estuarine system: St. Lawrence Estuary (Canada)
Authors: Dinauer Ashley , Mucci Alfonso
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The incomplete spatial coverage of CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) measurements across estuary types represents a significant knowledge gap in current regional- and global-scale estimates of estuarine CO2 emissions. Given the limited research on CO2 dynamics in large estuaries and bay systems, as well as the sources of error in the calculation of pCO2 (carbonic acid dissociation constants, organic alkalinity), estimates of air–sea CO2 fluxes in estuaries are subject to large uncertainties. The Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (EGSL) at the lower limit of the subarctic region in eastern Canada is the world's largest estuarine system, and is characterized by an exceptional richness in environmental diversity. It is among the world's most intensively studied estuaries, yet there are no published data on its surface-water pCO2 distribution. To fill this data gap, a comprehensive dataset was compiled from direct and indirect measurements of carbonate system parameters in the surface waters of the EGSL during the spring or summer of 2003–2016. The calculated surface-water pCO2 ranged from 435 to 765 µatm in the shallow partially mixed upper estuary, 139–578 µatm in the deep stratified lower estuary, and 207–478 µatm along the Laurentian Channel in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Overall, at the time of sampling, the St. Lawrence Estuary served as a very weak source of CO2 to the atmosphere, with an area-averaged CO2 degassing flux of 0.98 to 2.02 mmol C m−2 d−1 (0.36 to 0.74 mol C m−2 yr−1). A preliminary analysis revealed that respiration (upper estuary), photosynthesis (lower estuary), and temperature (Gulf of St. Lawrence) controlled the spatial variability in surface-water pCO2. Whereas we used the dissociation constants of Cai and Wang (1998) to calculate estuarine pCO2, formulations recommended for best practices in open ocean environments may underestimate pCO2 at low salinities, while those of Millero (2010) may result in overestimates.
Ferrihydrite associated organic matter (OM) stimulates reduction by
Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 and a complex microbial consortia
Authors: Cooper Rebecca E. , Eusterhues Karin , Wegner Carl-Eric , Totsche Kai Uwe , Küsel Kirsten
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The formation of Fe(III) oxides in natural environments occurs in the presence of natural organic matter (OM), resulting in the formation of OM-mineral complexes that form through adsorption or coprecipitation processes. Thus, microbial Fe(III) reduction in natural environments most often occurs in the presence of OM-mineral complexes rather than pure Fe(III) minerals. In this study we investigated to which extent the content of adsorbed or coprecipitated OM on ferrihydrite influences the rate of Fe(III) reduction by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, a model Fe(III)-reducing microorganism, in comparison to a microbial consortium extracted from the acidic, Fe-rich Schlöppnerbrunnen fen. We found that increased OM contents led to increased rates of microbial Fe(III) reduction by S. oneidensis MR-1 in contrast to earlier findings with the model organism Geobacter bremensis. Ferrihydrite-OM coprecipitates were reduced slightly faster than ferrihydrites with adsorbed OM. Surprisingly, the complex microbial consortia stimulated by a mixture of electrons donors (lactate, acetate, and glucose) mimics S. oneidensis under the same experimental Fe(III)-reducing conditions suggesting similar mechanisms of electron transfer whether or not the OM is adsorbed or coprecipitated to the mineral surfaces. We also followed potential shifts of the microbial community during the incubation via 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses to determine variations due to the presence of adsorbed or coprecipitated OM-ferrihydrite complexes in contrast to pure ferrihydrite. Community profile analyses showed no enrichment of typical model Fe(III)-reducing bacteria, such as Shewanella sp. or Geobacter sp., but an enrichment of fermenters (i.e. Enterobacteria) during pure ferrihydrite incubations which are known to use Fe(III) as an electron sink. Instead, OM-mineral complexes favored the enrichment of microbes including Desulfobacteria and Pelosinus sp., both of which can utilize lactate and acetate as an electron donor under Fe(III) reducing conditions. In summary, this study shows that increasing concentrations of OM in OM-mineral complexes determines microbial Fe(III) reduction rates and shapes the microbial community structure involved in the reductive dissolution of ferrihydrite. Similarities observed between the complex Fe(III)-reducing microbial consortia and the model Fe(III)-reducer S. oneidensis MR-1 suggest electron shuttling mechanisms dominate in OM-rich environments, including soils, sediments, and fens, where natural OM interacts with Fe(III) oxides during mineral formation.
Palaeoclimate characteristics in interior Siberia of MIS 6–2: first insights from the Batagay permafrost mega-thaw slump in the Yana Highlands
Authors: Ashastina Kseniia , Schirrmeister Lutz , Fuchs Margret , Kienast Frank
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Syngenetic permafrost deposits formed extensively on and around the arising Beringian subcontinent during the Late Pleistocene sea level lowstands. Syngenetic deposition implies that all material, both mineral and organic, freezes parallel to sedimentation and remains frozen until degradation of the permafrost. Permafrost is therefore a unique archive of Late Pleistocene palaeoclimate. Most studied permafrost outcrops are situated in the coastal lowlands of northeastern Siberia; inland sections are, however, scarcely available. Here, we describe the stratigraphical, cryolithological, and geochronological characteristics of a permafrost sequence near Batagay in the Siberian Yana Highlands, the interior of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russia, with focus on the Late Pleistocene Yedoma ice complex (YIC). The recently formed Batagay mega-thaw slump exposes permafrost deposits to a depth of up to 80 m and gives insight into a climate record close to Verkhoyansk, which has the most severe continental climate in the Northern Hemisphere. Geochronological dating (optically stimulated luminescence, OSL, and 14C ages) and stratigraphic implications delivered a temporal frame from the Middle Pleistocene to the Holocene for our sedimentological interpretations and also revealed interruptions in the deposition. The sequence of lithological units indicates a succession of several distinct climate phases: a Middle Pleistocene ice complex indicates cold stage climate. Then, ice wedge growth stopped due to highly increased sedimentation rates and eventually a rise in temperature. Full interglacial climate conditions existed during accumulation of an organic-rich layer – plant macrofossils reflected open forest vegetation existing under dry conditions during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5e. The Late Pleistocene YIC (MIS 4–MIS 2) suggests severe cold-stage climate conditions. No alas deposits, potentially indicating thermokarst processes, were detected at the site. A detailed comparison of the permafrost deposits exposed in the Batagay thaw slump with well-studied permafrost sequences, both coastal and inland, is made to highlight common features and differences in their formation processes and palaeoclimatic histories. Fluvial and lacustrine influence is temporarily common in the majority of permafrost exposures, but has to be excluded for the Batagay sequence. We interpret the characteristics of permafrost deposits at this location as a result of various climatically induced processes that are partly seasonally controlled. Nival deposition might have been dominant during winter time, whereas proluvial and aeolian deposition could have prevailed during the snowmelt period and the dry summer season.
A multi-diagnostic approach to cloud evaluation
Authors: Williams Keith D. , Bodas-Salcedo Alejandro
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Most studies evaluating cloud in general circulation models present new diagnostic techniques or observational datasets, or apply a limited set of existing diagnostics to a number of models. In this study, we use a range of diagnostic techniques and observational datasets to provide a thorough evaluation of cloud, such as might be carried out during a model development process. The methodology is illustrated by analysing two configurations of the Met Office Unified Model – the currently operational configuration at the time of undertaking the study (Global Atmosphere 6, GA6), and the configuration which will underpin the United Kingdom's Earth System Model for CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6; GA7). By undertaking a more comprehensive analysis which includes compositing techniques, comparing against a set of quite different observational instruments and evaluating the model across a range of timescales, the risks of drawing the wrong conclusions due to compensating model errors are minimized and a more accurate overall picture of model performance can be drawn. Overall the two configurations analysed perform well, especially in terms of cloud amount. GA6 has excessive thin cirrus which is removed in GA7. The primary remaining errors in both configurations are the in-cloud albedos which are too high in most Northern Hemisphere cloud types and sub-tropical stratocumulus, whilst the stratocumulus on the cold-air side of Southern Hemisphere cyclones has in-cloud albedos which are too low.
The carbon cycle in the Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator (ACCESS-ESM1) – Part 2: Historical simulations
Authors: Ziehn Tilo , Lenton Andrew , Law Rachel M. , Matear Richard J. , Chamberlain Matthew A.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Over the last decade many climate models have evolved into Earth system models (ESMs), which are able to simulate both physical and biogeochemical processes through the inclusion of additional components such as the carbon cycle. The Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator (ACCESS) has been recently extended to include land and ocean carbon cycle components in its ACCESS-ESM1 version. A detailed description of ACCESS-ESM1 components including results from pre-industrial simulations is provided in Part 1. Here, we focus on the evaluation of ACCESS-ESM1 over the historical period (1850–2005) in terms of its capability to reproduce climate and carbon-related variables. Comparisons are performed with observations, if available, but also with other ESMs to highlight common weaknesses. We find that climate variables controlling the exchange of carbon are well reproduced. However, the aerosol forcing in ACCESS-ESM1 is somewhat larger than in other models, which leads to an overly strong cooling response in the land from about 1960 onwards. The land carbon cycle is evaluated for two scenarios: running with a prescribed leaf area index (LAI) and running with a prognostic LAI. We overestimate the seasonal mean (1.7 vs. 1.4) and peak amplitude (2.0 vs. 1.8) of the prognostic LAI at the global scale, which is common amongst CMIP5 ESMs. However, the prognostic LAI is our preferred choice, because it allows for the vegetation feedback through the coupling between LAI and the leaf carbon pool. Our globally integrated land–atmosphere flux over the historical period is 98 PgC for prescribed LAI and 137 PgC for prognostic LAI, which is in line with estimates of land use emissions (ACCESS-ESM1 does not include land use change). The integrated ocean–atmosphere flux is 83 PgC, which is in agreement with a recent estimate of 82 PgC from the Global Carbon Project for the period 1959–2005. The seasonal cycle of simulated atmospheric CO2 is close to the observed seasonal cycle (up to 1 ppm difference for the station at Mace Head and up to 2 ppm for the station at Mauna Loa), but shows a larger amplitude (up to 6 ppm) in the high northern latitudes. Overall, ACCESS-ESM1 performs well over the historical period, making it a useful tool to explore the change in land and oceanic carbon uptake in the future.
Flood loss modelling with FLF-IT: a new flood loss function for Italian residential structures
Authors: Hasanzadeh Nafari Roozbeh , Amadio Mattia , Ngo Tuan , Mysiak Jaroslav
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The damage triggered by different flood events costs the Italian economy millions of euros each year. This cost is likely to increase in the future due to climate variability and economic development. In order to avoid or reduce such significant financial losses, risk management requires tools which can provide a reliable estimate of potential flood impacts across the country. Flood loss functions are an internationally accepted method for estimating physical flood damage in urban areas. In this study, we derived a new flood loss function for Italian residential structures (FLF-IT), on the basis of empirical damage data collected from a recent flood event in the region of Emilia-Romagna. The function was developed based on a new Australian approach (FLFA), which represents the confidence limits that exist around the parameterized functional depth–damage relationship. After model calibration, the performance of the model was validated for the prediction of loss ratios and absolute damage values. It was also contrasted with an uncalibrated relative model with frequent usage in Europe. In this regard, a three-fold cross-validation procedure was carried out over the empirical sample to measure the range of uncertainty from the actual damage data. The predictive capability has also been studied for some sub-classes of water depth. The validation procedure shows that the newly derived function performs well (no bias and only 10 % mean absolute error), especially when the water depth is high. Results of these validation tests illustrate the importance of model calibration. The advantages of the FLF-IT model over other Italian models include calibration with empirical data, consideration of the epistemic uncertainty of data, and the ability to change parameters based on building practices across Italy.
Centering Social Justice in EdD Programs
Authors: Strom Kathryn , Porfilio Bradley
Published: July 2017

None
Russian Egoism Goes to America? A Case for a Connection between Ayn Rand and the Shestidesiatniki
Authors: Weinacht Aaron
Published: July 2017

This article argues that the egoism of nihilists Nikolai Chernyshevskii and Dmitrii Pisarev was a significant influence on the thought of Ayn Rand. Chernyshevskii and Pisarev are usually cast as influences on Russian socialists. Rand was an unapologetic proponent of capitalism. But these differences in economic philosophy should be seen as secondary to the egoism that was primary for all three thinkers. The claim that Chernyshevskii and Pisarev may have influenced Rand is one that provides a new way to think about the historical significance of nihilism.
Six Years Outside the Archives: The Chronicle of a Misadventure, in Three Acts
Authors: Campbell Robert L.
Published: July 2017

In a 2014 article, the author noted that he had made contact with the Ayn Rand Archives regarding recordings and transcripts of Ayn Rand's question and answer sessions. Here he tells the full story, which began well before that article was published, and ended just recently. The Ayn Rand Archives has finally achieved truth in labeling.
ASPECTOS CLIMÁTICOS DO ESTADO DE MINAS GERAIS (CLIMATE ASPECTS IN MINAS GERAIS STATE)
Authors: Reboita Michelle Simões , Rodrigues Marcelo , Silva Luiz Felipe , Alves Maria Amélia
Published: July 2017

A caracterização do clima de um determinado local é um aspecto importante para vários setores da economia como, por exemplo, na prática agrícola. Diante disso, o objetivo desse estudo é apresentar alguns dos principais aspectos climáticos do estado de Minas Gerais (MG): precipitação, temperaturas mínima, média e máxima, intensidade e direção dos ventos a 10 metros de altura, classificação climática de Köppen-Geiger e índice de aridez. Para isso, se utilizaram dados de diferentes fontes. Entre os resultados têm-se que os maiores totais anuais de precipitação ocorrem no sul do estado; as temperaturas são influenciadas tanto pela latitude quanto pela topografia, com o setor sul de MG apresentando médias anuais de cerca de 20ºC e o norte de 26ºC; os ventos em escala sinótica são de direção nordeste a maior parte do ano; o clima Aw é dominante em MG, de acordo com a classificação de Köppen-Geiger; e, em relação ao índice de aridez, MG tem condições úmidas em toda sua área no verão e, predominantemente, áridas no inverno.
O CLIMA DA FACHADA ATLÂNTICA SUL DO BRASIL: ATUALIZAÇÃO INTRODUTÓRIA
Authors: Jorge Felipe Vanhoni , Mendonça Francisco De Assis
Published: July 2017

Devido á sua grande extensão territorial o Brasil apresenta diferentes tipos climáticos. No presente trabalho foram analisadas a dinâmica climática e a variabilidade da pluviosidade e da temperatura na Fachada Atlântica Sul do Brasil no período de 1977-2006. A área de estudo abrange compreende parte dos Estados do Paraná (6.721 km²), Santa Catarina (26.598 km²) e Rio Grande do Sul (41.912 km²), num total de aproximadamente 75 mil km². Foram calculadas as médias mensais, sazonais e anuais para as variáveis, sendo 97 (noventa e sete) estações com dados de pluviosidade e 13 (treze) com dados de temperatura. Entre os resultados alcançados, nota-se que as temperaturas apresentam maiores médias nas planícies diminuindo com o aumento da altitude e da latitude. A pluviosidade média anual da área para o perido temporal selecionado ficou em 1812,4 mm, sendo que não se verificam meses ou estação seca, e sim períodos de menor precipitação. Em relação às massas de ar, predomina a atuação da Mpa (principalmente no inverno) e da MTa (predominando no verão), sendo que destaca-se também a atuação dos sistemas frontais. De maneira geral o clima da área apresenta elevação e concentração da pluviosidade associada ao aquecimento, particularmente da estação de inverno.
Counselor Perceptions: Let Us Do Our Job!
Authors: Benigno Stephen
Published: July 2017

Elementary and Middle school administrators continually struggle with developing instructional programs that will address the academic and human developmental levels of the students in their care. Addressing the human development and the academic issues related to the elementary and middle school student is only a small percentage of the attention required for that student. Many students at the elementary and middle school levels encounter issues related to social and emotional development that are often overwhelming and many times detrimental to the academic development of those students. School administrators address those issues by utilizing the existing infrastructure of the schools. One of the key components of the school infrastructure is the school counselor. In some situations, school counselors are being required to perform duties outside the realm of their perceived responsibilities. This study was conducted to ascertain school counselor perceptions with respect to job performance, expectations, satisfaction and responsibility. The results of the study indicated that the counselors involved in the study believed that they are being required to perform duties outside the realm of their responsibilities and that the performance of these duties has an impact on their effectiveness as school counselors.
Instructional Strategies to Support Creativity and Innovation in Education
Authors: Seechaliao Thapanee
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the study focused on the instructional strategies that support creation of creative and innovative education. The sample for this study consisted of 11 experts in the field of instructional strategies that support innovation of education. Among them, five were specialists in design and development of teaching and learning, three were in technology and innovational education, and the other three were in the design and development of innovative teaching. Research instruments used in this study were three sets of interview questions designed for those specialists in their own expertise. Collected data was analyzed and categorized into key issues and themes based on literature. The results were presented through the form of descriptive analysis. The findings revealed that instructional strategies which support the creation of creative and innovative education should focus on system approach. The instructional strategies usually based on design based learning, problem solving, creative problem solving, creative thinking, research based learning, problem based learning, project based learning, science, or innovative teaching process could lead to innovative education creatively. Teaching that involves practicalities should also be focused. These instructional strategies have common elements and processes: problems in the beginning, solutions findings, testing, and evaluation. Also, using a variety of stimulating ideas to find possible solutions to the problems facilitates brainstorming and helps learners think about new ideas. Results also showed that instructional strategies using questions, classroom discussion, self-directed study, inductive and deductive thinking, media or social media make students engage students in learning activities and create innovation in learning.
Ruyer, la pensée de l’espace et la métaphore fondatrice de la connaissance
Authors: Gagnon Philippe
Published: July 2017

Suite à la présentation du défi pour l’épistémologie de sortir du dilemme entre rationalisme et empirisme, on demande si les notions mises en place par Ruyer sont articulables aux épistémologies du tiers. On montre la présence chez Ruyer à la fois des conséquences du retournement de la compréhension de l’espace capable d’être déclaré psychisme, et du refus de situer dans l’immanence pure le schème de résolution eupraxique des agrégations réussies que sont les formes vivantes. On tente ensuite de faire transparaître les lignes de force des épistémologies de Gaston Bachelard, de Michel Serres, puis dans une moindre mesure de Bergson et de Deleuze, de façon à montrer le refus de la part de Ruyer d’une limitation de la philosophie à ce que peut dire la science, en même temps que l’on tente de situer le verticalisme de sa position finale.
Screening of phospholipase A activity and its production by new actinomycete strains cultivated by solid-state fermentation
Authors: Sutto-Ortiz Priscila , Camacho-Ruiz María de los Angeles , Kirchmayr Manuel R. , Camacho-Ruiz Rosa María , Mateos-Díaz Juan Carlos , Noiriel Alexandre , Carrière Frédéric , Abousalham Abdelkarim , Rodríguez Jorge A.
Published: July 2017

Novel microbial phospholipases A (PLAs) can be found in actinomycetes which have been poorly explored as producers of this activity. To investigate microbial PLA production, efficient methods are necessary such as high-throughput screening (HTS) assays for direct search of PLAs in microbial cultures and cultivation conditions to promote this activity. About 200 strains isolated with selected media for actinomycetes and mostly belonging toStreptomyces(73%) andMicromonospora(10%) genus were first screened on agar-plates containing the fluorophore rhodamine 6G and egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) to detect strains producing phospholipase activity. Then, a colorimetric HTS assay for general PLA activity detection (cHTS-PLA) using enriched PC (≈60%) as substrate and cresol red as indicator was developed and applied; this cHTS-PLA assay was validated with known PLAs. For the first time, actinomycete strains were cultivated by solid-state fermentation (SSF) using PC as inductor and sugar-cane bagasse as support to produce high PLA activity (from 207 to 2,591 mU/g of support). Phospholipase activity of the enzymatic extracts from SSF was determined using the implemented cHTS-PLA assay and the PC hydrolysis products obtained, were analyzed by TLC showing the presence of lyso-PC. Three actinomycete strains of theStreptomycesgenus that stood out for high accumulation of lyso-PC, were selected and analyzed with the specific substrate 1,2-α-eleostearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (EEPC) in order to confirm the presence of PLA activity in their enzymatic extracts. Overall, the results obtained pave the way toward the HTS of PLA activity in crude microbial enzymatic extracts at a larger scale. The cHTS-PLA assay developed here can be also proposed as a routine assay for PLA activity determination during enzyme purification,directed evolution or mutagenesis approaches. In addition, the production of PLA activity by actinomycetes using SSF allow find and produce novel PLAs with potential applications in biotechnology.
Morphological connectivity correlates with trait impulsivity in healthy adults
Authors: Li Jingguang , Kong Xiang-Zhen
Published: July 2017

Background

Impulsivity is one crucial personality trait associated with various maladaptive behavior and many mental disorders. In the study reported here, we investigated the relationship between impulsivity and morphological connectivity (MC) between human brain regions, a newly proposed measure for brain coordination through the development and learning.

Method

Twenty-four participants’ T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images and their self-reported impulsivity scores, measured by the Barratt impulsiveness scale (BIS), were retrieved from the OpenfMRI project. First, we assessed the MC by quantifying the similarity of probability density function of local morphological features between the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), one of the most crucial hubs in the neural network modulating cognitive control, and other association cortices in each participant. Then, we correlated the MC to impulsivity scores across participants.

Results

The BIS total score was found to correlate with the MCs between the ACC and two other brain regions in the right hemisphere: the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), a well-established structure for inhibition control; the inferior temporal gyrus (ITG), which has been previously shown to be associated with hyperactive/impulsivity symptoms. Furthermore, the ACC-IFG MC was mainly correlated with motor impulsivity, and the ACC-ITG MC was mainly correlated with attentional impulsivity.

Discussion

Together, these findings provide evidence that the ACC, IFG, and ITG in the right hemisphere are involved neural networks modulating impulsivity. Also, the current findings highlight the utility of MC analyses in facilitating our understanding of neural correlates of behavioral and personality traits.
The role of acceptance and values in quality of life in patients with an acquired brain injury: a questionnaire study
Authors: Van Bost Gunther , Van Damme Stefaan , Crombez Geert
Published: July 2017

Objective

An acquired brain injury (ABI) is a challenge for an individual’s quality of life (QOL). In several chronic illnesses acceptance has been found to be associated with a better health-related quality of life. This study investigated whether this relationship is also found in patients with ABI. We also explored the impact of the perceived ability to live according to one’s own values (life-values-match).

Methods

A total of 68 individuals (18–65 years of age) with an acquired brain injury completed a battery of questionnaires. The relations between health-related QOL (SF-36) and disease specific QOL (EBIQ; European Brain Injury Questionnaire), and personal values (Schwartz Values Inventory) and acceptance (ICQ; Illness Cognitions Questionnaire) were investigated. An additional question measured the life-values-match. Rehabilitation professionals reported the extent of impairment involved.

Results

Acceptance was positively associated with mental aspects of health-related QOL and the EBIQ Core Scale, after demographic variables and the extent of impairment were introduced in the regression. In a post hoc analysis we found that the life-values-match mediated the relationship between acceptance and mental aspects of QOL.

Conclusion

In patients with an ABI, promoting acceptance may be useful to protect QOL. Strengthening the life-values-match may be a way to accomplish this.
Geothermal heat flux in the Amundsen Sea sector of West Antarctica: New insights from temperature measurements, depth to the bottom of the magnetic source estimation, and thermal modeling
Authors: Dziadek R. , Gohl K. , Diehl A. , Kaul N.
Published: July 2017

Focused research on the Pine Island and Thwaites glaciers, which drain the West Antarctic Ice Shelf (WAIS) into the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE), revealed strong signs of instability in recent decades that result from variety of reasons, such as inflow of warmer ocean currents and reverse bedrock topography, and has been established as the Marine Ice Sheet Instability hypothesis. Geothermal heat flux (GHF) is a poorly constrained parameter in Antarctica and suspected to affect basal conditions of ice sheets, i.e., basal melting and subglacial hydrology. Thermomechanical models demonstrate the influential boundary condition of geothermal heat flux for (paleo) ice sheet stability. Due to a complex tectonic and magmatic history of West Antarctica, the region is suspected to exhibit strong heterogeneous geothermal heat flux variations. We present an approach to investigate ranges of realistic heat fluxes in the ASE by different methods, discuss direct observations, and 3‐D numerical models that incorporate boundary conditions derived from various geophysical studies, including our new Depth to the Bottom of the Magnetic Source (DBMS) estimates. Our in situ temperature measurements at 26 sites in the ASE more than triples the number of direct GHF observations in West Antarctica. We demonstrate by our numerical 3‐D models that GHF spatially varies from 68 up to 110 mW m−2.
Temporal dynamics in dominant runoff sources and flow paths in the Andean Páramo
Authors: Correa Alicia , Windhorst David , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Crespo Patricio , Célleri Rolando , Feyen Jan , Breuer Lutz
Published: July 2017

The relative importance of catchment's water provenance and flow paths varies in space and time, complicating the conceptualization of the rainfall‐runoff responses. We assessed the temporal dynamics in source areas, flow paths, and age by End Member Mixing Analysis (EMMA), hydrograph separation, and Inverse Transit Time Proxies (ITTPs) estimation within a headwater catchment in the Ecuadorian Andes. Twenty‐two solutes, stable isotopes, pH, and electrical conductivity from a stream and 12 potential sources were analyzed. Four end‐members were required to satisfactorily represent the hydrological system, i.e., rainfall, spring water, and water from the bottom layers of Histosols and Andosols. Water from Histosols in and near the riparian zone was the highest source contributor to runoff throughout the year (39% for the drier season, 45% for the wetter season), highlighting the importance of the water that is stored in the riparian zone. Spring water contributions to streamflow tripled during the drier season, as evidenced by geochemical signatures that are consistent with deeper flow paths rather than shallow interflow through Andosols. Rainfall exhibited low seasonal variation in this contribution. Hydrograph separation revealed that 94% and 84% is preevent water in the drier and wetter seasons, respectively. From low‐flow to high‐flow conditions, all the sources increased their contribution except spring water. The relative age of stream water decreased during wetter periods, when the contributing area of the riparian zone expands. The multimethod and multitracer approach enabled to closely study the interchanging importance of flow processes and water source dynamics from an interannual perspective.
Large‐scale inverse model analyses employing fast randomized data reduction
Authors: Lin Youzuo , Le Ellen B. , O'Malley Daniel , Vesselinov Velimir V. , Bui‐Thanh Tan
Published: July 2017

When the number of observations is large, it is computationally challenging to apply classical inverse modeling techniques. We have developed a new computationally efficient technique for solving inverse problems with a large number of observations (e.g., on the order of 107 or greater). Our method, which we call the randomized geostatistical approach (RGA), is built upon the principal component geostatistical approach (PCGA). We employ a data reduction technique combined with the PCGA to improve the computational efficiency and reduce the memory usage. Specifically, we employ a randomized numerical linear algebra technique based on a so‐called “sketching” matrix to effectively reduce the dimension of the observations without losing the information content needed for the inverse analysis. In this way, the computational and memory costs for RGA scale with the information content rather than the size of the calibration data. Our algorithm is coded in Julia and implemented in the MADS open‐source high‐performance computational framework (http://mads.lanl.gov). We apply our new inverse modeling method to invert for a synthetic transmissivity field. Compared to a standard geostatistical approach (GA), our method is more efficient when the number of observations is large. Most importantly, our method is capable of solving larger inverse problems than the standard GA and PCGA approaches. Therefore, our new model inversion method is a powerful tool for solving large‐scale inverse problems. The method can be applied in any field and is not limited to hydrogeological applications such as the characterization of aquifer heterogeneity.
SedCT: MATLAB™ tools for standardized and quantitative processing of sediment core computed tomography (CT) data collected using a medical CT scanner
Authors: Reilly B. T. , Stoner J. S. , Wiest J.
Published: July 2017

Computed tomography (CT) of sediment cores allows for high‐resolution images, three‐dimensional volumes, and down core profiles. These quantitative data are generated through the attenuation of X‐rays, which are sensitive to sediment density and atomic number, and are stored in pixels as relative gray scale values or Hounsfield units (HU). We present a suite of MATLAB™ tools specifically designed for routine sediment core analysis as a means to standardize and better quantify the products of CT data collected on medical CT scanners. SedCT uses a graphical interface to process Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files, stitch overlapping scanned intervals, and create down core HU profiles in a manner robust to normal coring imperfections. Utilizing a random sampling technique, SedCT reduces data size and allows for quick processing on typical laptop computers. SedCTimage uses a graphical interface to create quality tiff files of CT slices that are scaled to a user‐defined HU range, preserving the quantitative nature of CT images and easily allowing for comparison between sediment cores with different HU means and variance. These tools are presented along with examples from lacustrine and marine sediment cores to highlight the robustness and quantitative nature of this method.
Large‐scale fluid‐deposited mineralization in Margaritifer Terra, Mars
Authors: Thomas Rebecca J. , Potter‐McIntyre Sally L. , Hynek Brian M.
Published: July 2017

Mineral deposits precipitated from subsurface‐sourced fluids are a key astrobiological detection target on Mars, due to the long‐term viability of the subsurface as a habitat for life and the ability of precipitated minerals to preserve biosignatures. We report morphological and stratigraphic evidence for ridges along fractures in impact crater floors in Margaritifer Terra. Parallels with terrestrial analog environments and the regional context indicate that two observed ridge types are best explained by groundwater‐emplaced cementation in the shallow subsurface and higher‐temperature hydrothermal deposition at the surface, respectively. Both mechanisms have considerable astrobiological significance. Finally, we propose that morphologically similar ridges previously documented at the Mars 2020 landing site in NE Syrtis Major may have formed by similar mechanisms.
The fracture energy of ruptures driven by flash heating
Authors: Brantut Nicolas , Viesca Robert C.
Published: July 2017

We present a model for dynamic weakening of faults based on local flash heating at microscopic asperity contacts coupled to bulk heating at macroscopic scale. We estimate the fracture energy G associated with that rheology and find that for constant slip rate histories G scales with slip δ as
at small slip, while
at large slip. This prediction is quantitatively consistent with data from laboratory experiments conducted on dry rocks at constant slip rate. We also estimate G for crack‐like ruptures propagating at constant speed and find that
in the large slip limit. Quantitative estimates of G in that regime tend to be several orders of magnitude lower than seismologically inferred values of G. We conclude that while flash heating provides a consistent explanation for the observed dynamic weakening in laboratory experiments with kinematically imposed slip, its contribution to the energy dissipation during earthquakes becomes negligible for large events when considering the elastodynamic coupling between strength and slip evolution.