bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What do we still need to understand to commercialize cellulose nanomaterials?†
Authors: Davis Chelsea S. , Grolman Danielle L. , Karim Alamgir , Gilman Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2015

Cellulose nanomaterials (CNM) have the potential to become predominant nanoparticles utilized in materials engineering fields ranging from flexible electronic supports and tissue scaffolds to nanocomposite reinforcement materials and aerogels for oil capture. The potential of this emerging technological material is currently hindered by the inability efficiently to produce consistent cellulose nanomaterial-based products on an industrial scale. To quantify key properties of CNM (most notably surface properties, particle size and degree of crystallinity), several measurement methods and techniques have been employed by researchers. However, the currently available measurement techniques are too expensive (in terms of both time and money) to be applicable for high-throughput, full-scale industrial process monitoring. In an effort to highlight and identify the most critical measurement requirements, a workshop was conducted by National Institute of Standards and Technology in conjunction with the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry’s Nanotechnology Conference in 2014. This workshop brought together key researchers and manufacturers at the forefront of CNM research and production. The goal of the workshop was to discuss the existing deficiencies in CNM metrology, as well as to inform and inspire measurement science development in the field.
Bio-based epoxy resin toughening with cashew nut shell liquid-derived resin
Authors: Maiorana Anthony , Ren Liyun , Lo Re Giada , Spinella Stephen , Ryu Chang Y. , Dubois Philippe , Gross Richard A.
Published: November 2015

With the combinations of diglycidyl ether diphenolate methyl ester (DGEDP-Me), a rigid high-viscosity bio-based epoxy resin and a flexible lower viscosity epoxy resin from cashew nut shell liquid (NC-514), resin viscosity was controlled and important improvements were realized in cured epoxy resin toughness relative to the neat resins. The viscosities of DGEDP-Me/NC-514 mixtures varied from 660 to 26 Pa.s, and curing was performed using stoichiometric amounts of a diamine cross-linker. Using scanning electron microscopy analysis of fractured surfaces, the cured materials were shown to be one-phase. Furthermore, all resin compositions were transparent and have one alpha transition temperature, confirming resin miscibility. Storage modulus values for cured thermosets range from 3000 to 1000 MPa, and alpha transition temperatures varied linearly (158 to 27°C) as a function of the epoxy resin composition. Oscillatory rheology at different weight percentages of the flexible and rigid epoxy resin components was used to determine the average molecular weight between cross-links which was correlated to material toughness. Relative to the neat high-viscosity resin, 1:1 wt/wt mixtures of the rigid and flexible epoxy resin components gave increases in the impact strength and mode I fracture toughness of 136 and 66%, respectively. Higher percentages of the flexible epoxy resin resulted in decreased toughness.
Comparison of shear behaviour of engineered cementitious composite and normal concrete beams with different shear span lengths
Authors: Alyousif Ahmed , Anil Ozgur , Sahmaran Mustafa , Lachemi Mohamed , Yildirim Gurkan , Ashour Ashraf F.
Published: November 2015

This paper presents test results of 12 reinforced concrete beams having three shear span to depth ratios and two different amounts of main longitudinal reinforcement. The test specimens were divided into two similar groups – the first six beams were made from engineered cementitious composites (ECCs), whereas the other six beams were made using normal concrete (NC). The test results showed that the behaviour of ECC beams under shear is, overall, much better than that of NC beams. The strength, stiffness, ductility and energy absorption capacity of the ECC beams were found to be significantly higher than those of the corresponding NC beams. However, these comparisons depend on the shear span to depth ratio.
Durability of latex-modified concrete carried by ready-mix truck for concrete rooftops
Authors: Kim Dae-Geon , Lee Dong-Un , Yang Eun-ik , Cha Hun
Published: November 2015

This study was initiated to investigate the properties of latex-modified concrete (LMC) carried by ready-mix trucks. Generally, LMC used as an overlay in bridge projects is hardened much more quickly than normal concrete, and the LMC is fabricated by adding latex into the concrete mixture in a mobile mixer near the bridge construction site. LMC is particularly used due to its exceptional bond strength and durability. This study focused on the use of LMC for the overlay of a building rooftop, such as might be required when the concrete on a concrete rooftop exposed to severe weather in winter is beyond repair and thus needs to be replaced. However, for building repairs in a city, a mobile mixer may be unsuitable for use due to the associated loud noise and the restricted available area. In such a case, the LMC would need to be fabricated in a cement plant and then transported to site in ready-mix trucks. In this study, several experiments were conducted to verify whether transported LMC can work effectively and maintain durability. Slump test results revealed a little slump loss after LMC was carried for 60 min. The overall experimental results showed that LMC transported in ready-mix trucks could be an appropriate alternative method to repair deteriorated concrete on building rooftops in urban areas.
Progressive collapse resistance of reinforced-concrete frames with specially shaped columns under loss of a corner column
Authors: Wang Tiecheng , Zhang Lei , Zhao Hailong , Chen Qingwei
Published: November 2015

To investigate the progressive collapse potential of reinforced-concrete frames with specially shaped columns subjected to the loss of a ground corner column, a static experiment on a one-third scale, 2 × 3-bay, two-storey model frame was carried out. The experiment showed that the collapse process could be divided into four stages (elastic, elasto-plastic, plastic-hinge and collapse), and the redistribution of loads was mainly observed to occur in the components adjacent to the failed column. The load-carrying capacity of the frame decreased dramatically at a rotation angle of approximately 0·06 rad at the end of the adjoining beam, indicating the start of the frame collapse. The beam resisting mechanism was identified as the major load redistribution mechanism, and the arch action in frame beams played an important role in improving the collapse-resistance capacity. A finite-element model was developed to analyse the progressive collapse-resistance performance by utilising OpenSees. The load–displacement curve obtained from the numerical analysis compared well with the experimental result. A simplified approach to evaluate the collapse-resistance capacity of the frame is proposed.
Effects of binder on suction in cemented gangue backfill
Authors: Wu Di , Cai Si-jing , Liu Yu-cheng
Published: November 2015

Cemented gangue backfill (CGB, a mixture of coal gangue, cement and water) is widely used in China for backfilling in coal mines. The addition of fly ash to CGB mixtures can help them to have favourable environmental and economic performance. In addition, mechanical stability and durability are also important performance criteria for CGB, and these two criteria are closely related to the suction of CGB. The evolution of suction in CGB is influenced by binder hydration, which is an exothermic process affecting the variation in temperature of CGB. To examine the coupled effects of binder hydration and temperature (including the temperatures of a CGB mixture and its surroundings), in this study a numerical model was developed to predict the development of suction in a CGB mixture containing fly ash. Data from a laboratory study were used to validate the developed model, and it was found that the results of the model simulation and the experimental study were in good agreement. Therefore, the proposed model was applied to simulate and determine the development of suction within the CGB mixture over curing time. The results obtained can contribute to better design and preparation of CGB mixtures, as well as better prediction of the evolution of suction within CGB structures.
Bidirectional electromigration of a corrosion inhibitor in chloride contaminated concrete
Authors: Xu Chen , Jin Wei-liang , Huang Nan , Wu Hang Tong , Li Zhi Yuan , Mao Jiang Hong
Published: November 2015

Triethylenetetramine (TETA), as a corrosion inhibitor for steel in aqueous media, was introduced into chloride-contaminated concrete, specimens by using a novel method called bidirectional electromigration rehabilitation (BIEM). An electric field was applied between embedded steel cathodes and external anodes to inject the corrosion inhibitor from external electrolytes into the concrete, and at the same time to extract the chloride ions from the concrete cover zone. In part 1, after the treatment, the specimens were drilled to determine the concentration profiles of the corrosion inhibitor, chloride and hydroxyl ions within the concrete. The effects of variations in the applied current density, duration of electrolysis, water/cement ratio, initial chloride content and surface carbonation on the concentration profiles of the proposed ions were determined. Electrochemical chloride extraction (ECE), in which saturated calcium hydroxide solution was used as an external electrolyte, was applied in control experiments. As expected, chloride content decreased and alkalinity increased after the treatment. Also, the concentration of the inhibitor injected around the embedded steel bars was adequate to provide corrosion protection. The results can provide a direction in designing the BIEM process.
Fire-resistant capacity of RC structures considering time-dependent creep strain at elevated temperature
Authors: Hwang Ju-young , Kwak Hyo-Gyoung , Hwang Jinwook , Lee Yonghoon , Kim Wha-Jung
Published: November 2015

This paper introduces a numerical evaluation of the fire-resistant capacity of reinforced concrete structures. On the basis of a time-dependent temperature distribution across a section determined from a transient heat transfer analysis considering heat conduction, convection and radiation, a layered fibre section method is adopted to take into account the non-linear material properties depending on the temperature. Furthermore, non-mechanical strains of concrete and steel such as thermal strain, transient strain and creep strain, which increase with elevated temperature variation induced by fire, are implemented into the formulation. Numerical results for structural members are compared with experimental data obtained from standard fire tests to investigate the influence of non-mechanical strains at elevated temperature. Beyond the member level, frame structures exposed to fire are also analysed to evaluate the influence of fire on statically indeterminate structures exposed to practical fire conditions. Finally, consideration of the change in material properties induced by elevated temperature in design practice is emphasised through correlation studies between the resisting capacities evaluated by the introduced numerical algorithm and those determined by the design code EN 1992-1-2.
Deterioration of bond–slip due to corrosion of steel reinforcement in reinforced concrete
Authors: Feng Qian , Visintin Phillip , Oehlers Deric J.
Published: November 2015

Corrosion of steel reinforcement in reinforced concrete members is a common occurrence and a major concern, as it can significantly affect both the serviceability and ultimate limit states. In order to simulate the effects of corrosion through mechanics, it is necessary to quantify the effects of corrosion on the material bond–slip properties, which is the subject of this paper. A large database of 377 data points was used to quantify the effect of corrosion on bond strength and bond–slip in a form that can be used in numerical analyses. This research concentrates on the changes in bond strength and bond–slip due to corrosion, and hence the changes relative to the uncorroded properties because these are already well quantified. Furthermore, it does not consider the clamping action of stirrups encasing the reinforcement. As an illustration of the application of these bond properties of corroded steel reinforcement, they are used in a mechanics analysis to show that large-diameter bars are much more susceptible to the effects of corrosion than small-diameter bars.
Seismic performance of precast concrete rocking walls with buckling restrained braces
Authors: Yooprasertchai Ekkachai , Hadiwijaya Irma J. , Warnitchai Pennung
Published: November 2015

The application of a buckling restrained brace (BRB) to improve the energy dissipation of a precast concrete rocking wall (PCRW) was investigated. A series of quasi-static reversed cyclic loading tests was conducted for the BRB, the PCRW subassemblage and the combined PCRW–BRB system. A commonly adopted fibre model was then developed using the Ruaumoko computer program and verified using the experimental results. The results indicate that the stable elasto-plastic BRB supplies vibration energy to the nonlinear elastic responses of the PCRW. This finding confirms that the PCRW–BRB system is a suitable alternative for use in seismic-resistant structures.
Mechanical properties of hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete – analytical modelling and experimental behaviour
Authors: Abadel Aref , Abbas Husain , Almusallam Tarek , Al-Salloum Yousef , Siddiqui Nadeem
Published: November 2015

Mechanical properties of hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete (HFRC) are studied and the role of constituent fibres on overall response of HFRC is investigated. HFRC was produced using different proportions of hooked-ended steel, crimped polypropylene and plain Kevlar fibres with a total fibre volume fraction of 1·2% and 1·4%. The test results indicate that the incorporation of hybrid fibres in concrete improve the compressive and tensile strengths moderately and toughness considerably. Analytical models are developed to quantify the effect of individual fibres on compressive and tensile strengths, stress–strain curves and flexural toughness ratio of HFRC in terms of a comprehensive fibre reinforcing index. The proposed models show a marked improvement over existing models. The existing models are for single (steel) fibres only, whereas the proposed models are general and applicable to HFRC containing any number of fibres.
Vanadium-doped zinc oxide films for piezoelectric application
Authors: Serra-Torrent Albert , Deepak Raj Pattabiraman , Abad Llibertad , Lopeandia-Fernandez Aitor , Rodriguez-Viejo Javier , Sridharan Madanagurusamy
Published: November 2015

Nanocrystalline zinc oxide:vanadium (ZnO:V) films were deposited over thoroughly cleaned glass substrates using the reactive direct current magnetron sputtering technique. The deposited ZnO:V films were analyzed for their structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), UV-visible spectrophotometry and the two-probe method, respectively. Microstructural parameters of the films varied with respect to substrate temperature, substrate bias and sputtering powers. FE-SEM micrographs of the films showed that the prepared films were porous when compared with pure ZnO films. ZnO:V films were highly transparent and the optical band gap value of the films varied between 3·1 and 3·37 eV. Piezoelectric generation of the ZnO:V films was tested by different testing methodologies. The lab-scale device fabricated in the present work generated 100 µV upon applying vibration. Scaling up this device would yield piezoelectricity of higher orders of voltages.
CPT-induced change of lateral earth pressure in modeling test
Authors: Wei Yu-Chen , Sasanakul Inthuorn , Abdoun Tarek
Published: November 2015

The main objective of this study is to investigate systematically the lateral earth pressure induced by the cone penetration test (CPT) conducted at various distances from the rigid container wall. A series of centrifuge CPTs were performed in dry Ottawa sand using two miniature penetrometers with diameters of 4 and 12 mm. The CPT locations varied from 2 to 42 times the cone diameter. The change of lateral earth pressure was measured using tactile pressure sensors. Results from this study have shown that the lateral earth pressure change was mainly associated with the initial relative density of soil, the distance away from the testing location and the diameter of the cone penetrometer. The change of lateral pressure can be as large as 150–200 kPa at a distance of 2–4 times the diameter of the CPT. The effect of initial soil relative density on the change of lateral earth pressure was greater when using the 4 mm CPT than the 12 mm CPT. Some residual lateral pressure was observed after completion of the CPT in dense sand tests.
Combined loading capacity of spudcan footings on loose sand
Authors: Cheng Ning , Cassidy Mark Jason
Published: November 2015

Experimental observations on the capacity of a spudcan footing model on loose sand subjected to combined vertical, horizontal and moment loads at stresses relevant for modern jack-up drilling units are presented. The observations are developed from drum centrifuge experiments using an apparatus capable of independently translating and rotating the footing. The results are interpreted within the framework of strain-hardening plasticity theory previously used to develop force-resultant models from flat circular footing experiments conducted at 1g. The complete combined loading yield surface for spudcan foundations on loose sand has been successfully derived through seven specially designed swipe tests. An empirical equation previously derived to describe the yield surface of flat footing is recalibrated for spudcans. A three-dimensional sliding surface that intersects the traditional yield surface has been experimentally recorded and an analytical expression derived. With model parameters being refined and the sliding surface added, the theoretical yield surface describing circular spudcan footing on loose sand is complete.
Nature’s design for superhydrophobicity in tropical leaves
Authors: Sridar Soumya , Raman Sangeetha , Kumar Ravi
Published: November 2015

Water repellency, exemplified in nature, has fascinated the materials community. This behaviour is utilised to biomimic self-cleaning effects for technological applications. Tropical leaves of three species, namely Moringa oleifera, Euphorbia milii and Caesalpinia ferrea, are investigated in this study. Wettability measurements show that C. ferrea leaf was superhydrophobic with a contact angle greater than 150°, while the other two leaves were hydrophobic with contact angles greater than 140° but less than 150°. Surface morphological studies reveal a structure with irregular wax structures on all the three leaves, unlike the regular wax structures such as tubules or platelets typically observed in most of the superhydrophobic leaves. The surface features were quantified on C. ferrea leaf surface due to its reduced wettability among the three leaves. The parameters such as height, mid-width, and radius of curvature of the cell and thickness of the wax film were determined. This study will possibly provide a new insight into developing self-cleaning surfaces with irregular nanostructures as opposed to conventional regular nanostructure patterns.
Effect of extractives in plasma modification of wood surfaces
Authors: Hardy Jean-Michel , Vlad Mirela , Vandsburger Leron , Stafford Luc , Riedl Bernard
Published: November 2015

This paper presents data on wettability of freshly sanded black spruce (Picea mariana) wood surfaces after treatment in the flowing afterglow of nitrogen (N2) and nitrogen–oxygen (N2/O2) dielectric barrier discharges at atmospheric pressure. Water contact angle measurements showed that plasma-treated wood samples became more hydrophobic and less hygroscopic, with the more prominent changes observed in nitrogen–oxygen plasma mixtures. Natural ageing experiments over a time period of 14 days indicated a change in plasma-treated wood surfaces to contact angles approaching those of untreated samples. On the other hand, when lower molecular mass molecules were removed from black spruce by various solvent extraction methods, plasma-induced modification seems much less pronounced. In addition, the latter samples were much more stable over time, indicating that wood extractives play a very critical role in such instability phenomenon.
A furnace and loading rig for testing small concrete beams at high temperatures
Authors: Dougill J. W. , Sullivan P. J. E.
Published: November 2015

Synopsis

A combined furnace and loading rig, for testing 50 × 75 × 840 mm concrete beams in flexure at temperatures up to lOOO°C, is described together with the instrumentation for measuring displacements and thermal expansion.
Monitoring the effect of admixtures on early-age concrete behaviour by ultrasonic, calorimetric, strength and rheometer measurements
Authors: Robeyst Nicolas , De Schutter Geert , Grosse Christian , De Belie Nele
Published: November 2015

The effect of mineral additions on concrete setting has already been investigated thoroughly using ultrasonic methods. However, growing interest in self-compacting and high-performance concrete has also increased the use of admixtures such as superplasticisers and air entrainers, which are less documented regarding their effect on ultrasound transmission. Self-compacting mixtures with different cement types and superplasticisers were therefore tested by means of ultrasonic, calorimetric, rheometer and strength measurements. The use of air entrainer was also investigated. Setting time was prolonged by the addition of PCE (polycarboxylic ethers) and PNS (polycondensates of naphthalene sulphonate) by 1·3–2·4 h and 2·4–4·4 h respectively, as determined by both traditional and ultrasonic methods. Postponed setting can be caused by hydration retardation (1–5 h) and cement particle dispersion. More air was entrained by PNS than by PCE, leading to lower initial ultrasonic wave velocities and lower compressive strengths. As for the air entrainer, a slower increase in velocity and energy ratio was noted, together with a lower value reached after 48 h, attributed to a lower stiffness of the samples and wave scattering on air inclusions.
Early age cracking of massive concrete piers
Authors: Bertagnoli Gabriele , Mancini Giuseppe , Tondolo Francesco
Published: November 2015

The structural effects of hydration heat and rheological properties of concrete on massive castings are studied in this work. The objects of the study were several circular piers of a viaduct built in Italy. In the first few days after removal of scaffolding, an evident crack pattern was noticed on the surface of a great number of piers. The crack opening was very variable, from very thin ‘geographic map' micro-cracks to larger ones, both vertical and horizontal. The cracks were sometimes noticed just after scaffolding removal and always before the dead load of the girder and the service loads were applied. The aim of this work is the numerical simulation of what happened to the structure after casting in order to establish the causes of the unforeseen cracking. A non-linear finite-element coupled thermal and mechanical analysis was performed, which took into account the hydration heat, dimensions of the casting, the evolution of concrete mechanical properties over time during the hardening reaction, creep and differential shrinkage. A diffused cracking phenomenon arising in the first days after casting with a pattern similar to that seen in situ was numerically reproduced and calculated.
Load-bearing capacity of corroded, patched and FRP-repaired RC beams
Authors: Malumbela Goitseone , Moyo Pilate , Alexander Mark
Published: November 2015

This paper presents the results of an experimental study conducted to investigate the performance of corroded, patched and fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) repaired reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The overall programme tested 20 quasi-full-scale (153×254×3000 mm) RC beams of which 17 were corroded under various levels of sustained loads. After corrosion, eight beams were patch-repaired whilst four were FRP-repaired. Two of the patch-repaired beams were later further repaired with FRPs. The test results showed that 1% mass loss of steel reduced the load-bearing capacity of RC beams by 0·8%. Patch repairs were found to slightly increase (by 2·5%) the load-bearing capacity of corroded beams, but to significantly increase their stiffness. The load-bearing capacity of FRP-repaired beams was about 50% larger than the capacity of an uncorroded beam and was insensitive to levels of steel corrosion and to patch repairs. There was, however, a significant increase in stiffness of the patch- and then the FRP-repaired beams. It is, therefore, recommended that repair of corroded RC structures should entail patching followed by FRP repairs.
Improved hybrid bonding technique for attaching FRP to reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Wu Zhi-Min , Hu Cheng-He , Wu Yu-Fei , Zheng Jian-Jun
Published: November 2015

The use of externally bonded fibre reinforced polymer (EB-FRP) composites is becoming popular for the repair of understrengthened or damaged reinforced concrete members. However, the EB-FRP strengthened members often fail owing to fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) debonding, reducing the strength utilisation ratio of FRP and leading to catastrophic structural failure. To solve the problem, an improved hybrid bonded FRP (IHB-FRP) technique is developed in this paper. The pull-out test was conducted to select an appropriate mechanical fastener for the technique and IHB-FRP strengthened reinforced concrete beams were tested under three-point bending to examine the effectiveness of the technique. Experimental results show that the selected fastener is suitable for the IHB-FRP technique and the IHB-FRP strengthened beam fails owing to FRP rupture even for seven plies of FRP strips. Finally, the required tightening force in the fastener is estimated to ensure the effectiveness of the IHB-FRP technique.
Strength and toughness properties of steel fibre reinforced concrete under repetitive impact
Authors: Wang Zhiliang , Tang Yiqun , Wang Jianguo
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates the compression strength and the energy absorption of steel fibre reinforced concrete under repetitive impact loadings. Cylindrical concrete specimens are fabricated with 0, 1·5 and 3·0% fibre volume fractions. For each fibre volume fraction, stress–strain curves are measured using split Hopkinson pressure bar tests. Also, post-test photographs are taken for each specimen after each impact. The data collected are used to evaluate the energy absorption and the damage evolution of concrete in compression. The results indicate that damage increases and strength decreases with the increase of impact times. Fibrous concrete is markedly superior to plain concrete in resisting dynamic failure. Furthermore, both impact velocity and fibre volume fraction exert a significant influence on the dynamic response of concrete.
The use of acoustic emission for the early detection of cracking in concrete structures
Authors: Bunnori Norazura Muhamad , Lark Robert J. , Holford Karen M.
Published: November 2015

Acoustic emission testing of concrete structures shows great potential for monitoring and assessing their condition. The aim of this paper is to relate the AE obtained from reinforced concrete beams to the onset of cracking of these beams subjected to the four-point bending test. A pre-corroded test specimen was used where the cross-sectional area of the bar was reduced but, as they were cleaned before being cast into the concrete, the integrity of the concrete itself and the bond between the steel and the concrete were unaffected by the corrosion. This paper explores the capability of acoustic emission that can be used to obtain a warning of developing distress and the growth of internal microcracking at critical locations before the crack is visible on the surface. In addition, a comparison between visual observations of the cracking process and acoustic emission source location analysis indicates that areas of damage owing to cracking can be clearly identified by acoustic emission source location.
Fish fauna of the Brahmaputra River, Bangladesh: richness, threats and conservation needs
Authors: Galib Shams Muhammad
Published: November 2015

The Brahmaputra River is one of the largest rivers in the world as well as in Bangladesh. The present study was carried out for a period of one year from January to December 2013 with a view to assessing the availability of fishes in the river with species emphasis on species richness, existing threats and conservation issues. Daytime and night sampling were carried out in three sites located along the upstream to downstream course of the river on a monthly basis. Three fishing gears including cast net, seine net and drag net and one fishing trap were employed to collect fishes. A total of 67 finfish species including 63 indigenous and 4 exotic/alien species have been recorded belonging to 46 genera, 24 families and 8 orders. Cypriniformes and Cyprinidae were the most dominating order (21 species) family (15 species) of native fishes. A small portion (2%) of native fishes was globally threatened. Over one third of total species (38%) were considered threatened to extinct species in Bangladesh. Population trend of over two third of total fish species was Declining in the river. Major threats were alien/invasive species, banned fishing gears and loss of habitats.
Wildflower harvesting on the Agulhas Plain, South Africa: Challenges in a fragmented industry
Authors: Blokker Thijs , Bek David , Binns Tony
Published: November 2015

South Africa’s Agulhas Plain is home to the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), one of the richest floras in the world and the smallest of earth’s six plant kingdoms. The indigenous fynbos flora is harvested from the wild and is both exported and sold locally. The conservation value of the CFR, and the need to address deeply entrenched socio-economic disparities and high poverty levels have set a challenging context for the wildflower harvesting industry. The strong competition which exists between producers has resulted in fragmentation of the industry and a breakdown in communication. Using data gathered from interviews and meetings with a range of stakeholders, we argue that the wildflower harvesting industry needs to cooperate and improve communication levels to address the challenges collectively. Without such a collective voice, the sustainability of the industry, the CFR and the livelihoods of disadvantaged communities will be affected. The establishment of a ‘Wildflower Harvesting Forum’ was explored as a possible solution and is recommended as a sustainable way forward.
Co-supervision in postgraduate training: Ensuring the right hand knows what the left hand is doing
Authors: Grossman Elly S. , Crowther Nigel J.
Published: November 2015

South Africa is experiencing a steep rise in postgraduate candidature and a backlog in research training and supervision. Co-supervision is a means to address such challenges. This study investigated how co-supervision could effectively and efficiently be implemented within a Faculty of Health Sciences. Supervisors and postgraduates brainstormed co-supervisory practice to identify: (1) the reasons for co-supervision, (2) what co-supervisors should discuss to facilitate their interactions and (3) how best to initiate the novice supervisor into supervisory practice. Co-supervisors are formally appointed for different reasons and all co-supervisory activities should be directed towards meeting the purpose of that appointment. Points to consider in facilitating a co-supervisor memorandum of understanding and novice supervisor training were discussed. Our findings provide suggestions to develop accountable co-supervisory practices, enhance novice supervisor training and to design discipline-specific best practice policy at institutional level to enable a common understanding of co-supervisory roles and responsibilities. Threats to effective co-supervision identified were the implications of co-supervision in staff promotion, inequitable workload recognition and no official acknowledgement of informal supervisory activities. Unless these issues are addressed, the full potential of co-supervision will remain unrealised. Supervision pedagogy and research teaching is a sophisticated skill worthy of professionalisation.
Spatial and temporal disaggregation of anthropogenic CO2 emissions from the City of Cape Town
Authors: Nickless Alecia , Scholes Robert J. , Filby Ed
Published: November 2015

This paper describes the methodology used to spatially and temporally disaggregate carbon dioxide emission estimates for the City of Cape Town, to be used for a city-scale atmospheric inversion estimating carbon dioxide fluxes. Fossil fuel emissions were broken down into emissions from road transport, domestic emissions, industrial emissions, and airport and harbour emissions. Using spatially explicit information on vehicle counts, and an hourly scaling factor, vehicle emissions estimates were obtained for the city. Domestic emissions from fossil fuel burning were estimated from household fuel usage information and spatially disaggregated population data from the 2011 national census. Fuel usage data were used to derive industrial emissions from listed activities, which included emissions from power generation, and these were distributed spatially according to the source point locations. The emissions from the Cape Town harbour and the international airport were determined from vessel and aircraft count data, respectively. For each emission type, error estimates were determined through error propagation techniques. The total fossil fuel emission field for the city was obtained by summing the spatial layers for each emission type, accumulated for the period of interest. These results will be used in a city-scale inversion study, and this method implemented in the future for a national atmospheric inversion study.
In-vitro effects of protease inhibitors on BAX, BCL-2 and apoptosis in two human breast cell lines (with corrigendum)
Authors: Adefolaju Gbenga A. , Theron Katherine E. , Hosie Margot J.
Published: November 2015

Currently, the treatment of choice of HIV/AIDS in South Africa is the multidrug combination regimen known as HAART (highly active antiretroviral treatment). HAART, which commonly consists of nucleoside or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors, has radically decreased mortality and morbidity rates among people living with HIV/AIDS. The emphasis of the original development of the antiretroviral drugs was on clinical effectiveness (reducing mortality). Presently, emphasis has shifted from the initial short- term considerations to the long-term undesirable or harmful effects induced by this treatment regimen. Whether antiretroviral compounds are oncogenic is widely speculated, which led to this investigation into the effects of protease inhibitors on the expression of key apoptotic regulatory genes, BAX and BCL-2, in two human breast cell lines, MCF-7 and MCF-10A by real-time qPCR gene expression and immunofluorescence. The anti-apoptotic effects of the protease inhibitors – LPV/r were also investigated by cell death detection ELISA and acridine orange staining. This study also evaluated the cytotoxicity of the antiretroviral drugs in normal and cancer cell lines of the breast (at clinically relevant concentrations of the drugs and at different time points, 24–96 h), employing the neutral red uptake assay. The drugs and combinations tested did not alter BAX and BCL-2 gene expression and protein expression and localisation in both cell lines. In addition, the protease inhibitors–LPV/r did not inhibit camptothecin-induced apoptosis in both cell lines. We have shown that the protease inhibitors demonstrated varying degrees of cytotoxicity in the breast cells. The resulting DNA damage associated with cytotoxicity is strongly implicated in the processes of tumour initiation.
Shark–Cetacean trophic interaction, Duinefontein, Koeberg, (5 Ma), South Africa
Authors: Govender Romala
Published: November 2015

This study forms part of a larger project to reconstruct the Mio-Pliocene marine palaeoenvironment along South Africa’s west coast. It documents the shark–cetacean trophic interaction during the Zanclean (5 Ma) at Duinefontein (Koeberg). The damage described on the fragmentary cetacean bones was compared with similar damage observed on fossils from Langebaanweg, a Mio-Pliocene site on the west coast of South Africa, and data present in the literature. This comparison showed that the damage was the result of shark bites. The state of preservation makes it difficult to determine if the shark bite marks were the cause of death or as a result of scavenging. The presence of the bite marks on the bone would, however, indicate some degree of skeletonisation. Bite marks on some cranial fragments would suggest that the cetacean’s body was in an inverted position typical of a floating carcass. The preservation of the material suggests that the bones were exposed to wave action resulting in their fragmentation as well as abrasion, polishing and rolling. It also suggests that the cetacean skeletons were exposed for a long time prior to burial. The morphology of the bites suggests that the damage was inflicted by sharks with serrated and unserrated teeth. Shark teeth collected from the deposit include megalodon (Carcharodon megalodon), white (Carcharodon carcharias) as well as mako (Isurus sp. and Cosmopolitodus hastalis) sharks, making these sharks the most likely predators/scavengers.
Consideraciones sobre el dolor desde una perspectiva fenomenológica
Authors: Diaz Romero Paula
Published: November 2015

El presente artículo trata sobre cómo la fenomenología del dolor físico puede entablar un dialogo con las ciencias médicas, brindando, por un lado, un marco teórico sobre la relación mente-cuerpo que no sea reduccionista y, por otro lado, algunos aspectos que mejoren la posibilidad de la cuantificación del dolor mediante test de evaluación del dolor, a partir del refinamiento de los reportes subjetivos. El artículo que divide en tres secciones: (I) la consideración fenomenológica del dolor; (II) la consideración médica del dolor y la relación con la fenomenología; y por último, (III) el para qué de dicha relación.
Educação permanente e qualidade em uma instituição pública hospitalar: estudo descritivo
Authors: Salles Roseluci Santos de , Gouvea Monica Villela , Corvino Marcos Paulo Fonseca
Published: November 2015

Objetivo: analisar ações educativas desenvolvidas com profissionais de saúde, à luz das concepções de qualidade e de educação permanente em saúde (EPS). Método: estudo descritivo e exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa. A pesquisa foi realizada em uma instituição hospitalar pública de referência, situada no município do Rio de Janeiro, por meio de entrevistas com 15 informantes-chave, representantes de diferentes categorias profissionais. Os dados foram coletados em setembro e outubro de 2013 e analisados segundo os procedimentos de Bardin. Resultados: a instituição, norteada pela lógica da acreditação hospitalar, desenvolve ações educativas normativas, sendo a maioria voltada para a recuperação da saúde por áreas específicas, revelando um distanciamento da lógica educativa preconizada pela EPS. Conclusão: Maior investimento em EPS na instituição se constitui em importante ferramenta para o necessário resgate do protagonismo dos profissionais da saúde.
Custo do tratamento de úlceras venosas no ambulatório e domicílio: estudo descritivo
Authors: Oliveira Aretha Pereira de , Oliveira Beatriz Guitton Renaud Baptista de
Published: November 2015

Objetivo: Comparar os custos diretos do tratamento de úlceras venosas com gel de carboximetilcelulose nos ambientes domiciliar e ambulatorial. Método: Estudo descritivo, com realização de 96 consultas no Ambulatório de Reparo de Feridas de um hospital universitário, entre abril e dezembro de 2013. Foram identificadas categorias de custo, definidos valores monetários e realizados cálculos baseados no consumo dos materiais no ambulatório e dispensados para o domicílio. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do hospital sob o número 196/08. Resultados: Após 84 dias de seguimento, os custos do tratamento ambulatorial foram maiores do que os custos do tratamento domiciliar, e a principal responsável por essa diferença é a mão-de-obra do enfermeiro. Conclusão: É necessário definir estratégias para a realização de consultas de enfermagem efetivas com orientações para o tratamento domiciliar e dispensação do material para o paciente.Palavras-chave: Custos e Análise de Custo; Úlceras da Perna; Enfermagem.
Influência das condições sociodemográficas e comportamentais na autoeficácia em amamentar: estudo transversal
Authors: Rodrigues Andressa Peripolli , Padoin Stela Maris de Mello , De Paula Cristiane Cardoso , Souza Ívis Emília de Oliveira , De Almeida Paulo César , Ximenes Lorena Barbosa
Published: November 2015

Objetivo: analisar os fatores de riscos sociodemográficos e comportamentais de puérperas na autoeficácia em amamentar. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com 322 puérperas internadas no alojamento conjunto, utilizando a Escala de Autoeficácia em Amamentação (BSES-SF). Avaliou-se a consistência interna pelo Alfa de Cronbach (0,89). A associação da autoeficácia com as demais variáveis foi realizada por meio do teste qui-quadrado. Fez-se a regressão logística entrando no modelo das variáveis com p<0,20. Resultados: houve associação estatisticamente significante da autoeficácia com o número de pessoas que vivem com a renda familiar (p=0,014), não usam drogas (p=0,003), têm dois ou mais filhos (p=0,009), amamentam (p=0,018) exclusivamente de cinco a seis meses (p=0,002)  e têm tido experiência positiva (p<0,001). Conclusão: os profissionais devem considerar a autoeficácia em seu contexto profissional, pois ela estabelece interações com as características das puérperas, influenciando significativamente na amamentação.
Amamentação cruzada, da negligência às virtudes morais: estudo descritivo
Authors: Gomes Cristiane Santos , Amaral Juliete dos Santos , Peres Patrícia Lima Pereira , Rodrigues Benedita Maria Rego Deusdará
Published: November 2015

O estudo tem como objetivo: Compreender a prática da amamentação cruzada realizada por nutrizes residentes em municípios da Baixada Fluminense. Para tanto optou-se pelo método descritivo com abordagem qualitativa utilizando a entrevista estruturada e análise de conteúdo. Os participantes do estudo foram quinze mulheres com idade superior a dezoito anos que amamentam ou já amamentaram, residentes nos municípios de Belford Roxo e Duque de Caxias no período de Abril a Maio de 2014. Os resultados apontam que a prática da amamentação cruzada é motivada por virtudes morais e por padrões comportamentais e que a amamentação cruzada é um tema negligenciado por profissionais de saúde. Conclusão: O estudo aponta que para romper com essa prática que leva à contaminação vertical torna-se necessário redirecionar tais virtudes para o estabelecimento e fortalecimento de uma rede de apoio associado a uma educação em saúde promovida por profissionais que as assistem contemplando a amamentação cruzada.
Cuidados familiares aos lactentes com doenças respiratórias: estudo descritivo exploratório
Authors: Guimarães Márcia Valéria Ratto , Teixeira Enéas Rangel
Published: November 2015

Objetivo: Discutir os cuidados familiares aos lactentes com doenças respiratórias a partir da prática educativa do enfermeiro. Método: Estudo descritivo-exploratório com abordagem qualitativa. Cenário foi o ambulatório de pediatria de um Hospital Universitário no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Coleta de dados ocorreu entre setembro de 2013 e janeiro de 2014 através de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 17 mães dos lactentes. Análise de conteúdo do tipo temática. Resultados: Os dados coletados produziram duas categorias: Cuidados domiciliares aos lactentes com doenças respiratórias e Facilidades e dificuldades familiares no cuidado domiciliar de lactentes com doenças respiratórias.Discussão: Prática de cuidados pautou-se nos de manutenção da vida, com adoção das medidas de controle ambiental e de reparação, com a prevalência da automedicação. Conclusão: A prática educativa trouxe contribuições para  cuidar dos lactentes. Todavia, as condições de vida desfavoráveis,   acesso restrito ou má qualidade do atendimento concorreram para a prática de cuidados inadvertidos.
En el núcleo de la lectura
Authors: Morón Arroyo Ciriaco
Published: November 2015

Se define la lectura como esfuerzo por entender un texto y se trata de describir el momento en que se produce el estallido del significado, o sea, el salto del paso opaco por el texto a la transparencia de la exposición. La conciencia refleja del contenido y valor estético del texto –o la clara conciencia de que no lo entendemos– constituye la recepción por parte del lector. Se procura explicar los diferentes sentidos del término recepción. El estudio aquí intentado, si en alguna medida logra su objetivo, podría servir de base para entender mejor estudios de historia, sociología, psicología y política de la lectura.
La interacción texto /imagen en el cuento ilustrado. Un análisis multimodal
Authors: Moya Guijarro A. Jesús , Pinar Sanz María Jesús
Published: November 2015

El objetivo de este artículo es realizar un análisis multimodal de un álbum ilustrado, basándose en el modelo semiótico de Kress y van Leeuwen y en las categorías de interacción texto / ilustración de Nikolajeva y Scott. El análisis revela un claro predominio de relaciones simétricas, complementarias y de ampliación, que desempeñan una función determinante en la creación de significado, tanto a nivel textual como visual. Los componentes verbales y visuales están cuidadosamente distribuidos en cada página, de forma que ambos modos, a la vez que se complementan, se especializan en la transmisión de aspectos informativos específicos. Autor e ilustradora parecen combinar sus esfuerzos para mostrar la historia desde dos perspectivas, la visual y la verbal, con el objetivo de facilitar al niño la comprensión del cuento y mantener su interés en la historia narrada.
Fundamentos del proceso lector. Motivar la lectura en la Educación Secundaria
Authors: Delgado Cerrillo Bartolomé
Published: November 2015

Ante la alarma social provocada por los bajos resultados de los alumnos en “comprensión lectora” (Informe Pisa, pruebas de evaluación…), así como por el interés decreciente por la lectura en el paso de la infancia a la adolescencia, se hace necesario reflexionar sobre los fundamentos del proceso lector, al objeto de diseñar unas actividades de motivación y animación a la lectura en educación secundaria. Nuestra propuesta se incardina en el aula, ya que partimos de la necesidad de relacionar los libros con la consecución real de información, placer y entretenimiento. El estudiante debe saber para qué, cómo, acerca de qué, cuándo, dónde… leer de manera provechosa y grata.
En torno al sexismo y la enseñanza de textos argumentativos y narrativos
Authors: Gárate Larrea Milagros , Tejerina Lobo Isabel , Melero Zabal Mª Ángeles , Echevarría Arce Elena , Gutiérrez Sebastián Raquel
Published: November 2015

Este trabajo presenta la intervención llevada a cabo en 4º de la ESO con el fin de mejorar las habilidades de comprensión y escritura de textos argumentativos y narrativos, objetivo unido al logro de avances en la reflexión de los adolescentes sobre el tema del sexismo. Ofrece la descripción detallada del procedimiento de enseñanza-aprendizaje seguido y los resultados logrados en las distintas actuaciones realizadas. Sostiene que el tema de la discriminación de la mujer posee un gran interés para los estudiantes de este nivel y resulta motivador para el aprendizaje de distintos objetivos curriculares. Defiende finalmente que los progresos en el campo lingüístico y literario se pueden alcanzar con éxito junto al desarrollo de la  conciencia ética y el pensamiento crítico.