bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geodiversidade, Geoturismo e Geoconservação: Conceitos, Teorias e Métodos
Authors: Jorge Maria do Carmo Oliveira , Guerra Antônio José Teixeira
Published: October 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar os conceitos, as relações e a importância da geodiversidade, do patrimônio geológico, do patrimônio geomorfológico, do geoturismo e da geoconservação. A metodologia foi baseada em consulta bibliográfica de artigos, livros, teses e dissertações pertinentes ao tema. Esses conceitos têm sido cada vez mais adotados no campo das Geociências, já que geoconservação dos elementos naturais, compostos por elementos abióticos, constitui uma necessidade para a manutenção da qualidade de vida das espécies no planeta, assim como podem levar à compreensão da origem e evolução deste planeta. A geodiversidade, representada pelos elementos abióticos (substrato geológico, formas da paisagem), também é dotada de valores e o conjunto dessas geoformas representa o patrimônio de uma determinada área. Como forma de disseminar esses valores, o geoturismo surge como uma ferramenta e também um grande desafio, como visto por alguns autores, na divulgação e popularização das Ciências da Terra.
Modelagem em Geografia Física: Teoria, Potencialidades e Desafios
Authors: Fernandes Nelson Ferreira
Published: October 2019

A modelagem vem se consolidando como importante ferramenta de análise nos diferentes campos da geografia física. Este artigo busca uma reflexão sobre o uso de modelos na geografia física, discutindo suas bases teóricas, as principais potencialidades de aplicação e os maiores desafios a serem enfrentados. São aqui discutidos modelos voltados para a predição, para a retrodição e para o teste de hipóteses. Ênfase é dada à análise dos modelos matemáticos, sejam eles empíricos, determinísticos ou mesmo estocásticos, discutindo as vantagens e desvantagens do uso de modelos concentrados ou distribuídos, assim como transientes ou de equilíbrio. As diferenças entre as etapas de parametrização, calibração, validação e verificação durante o desenvolvimento de modelos são apresentadas e discutidas. Por último, são apresentados alguns dos principais problemas e desafios associados a um efetivo emprego de modelos na geografia física, com destaque para as relações entre modelagem e metodologia científica, a questão da equifinalidade e a determinação das incertezas envolvidas. A discussão aqui apresentada destaca que modelos com elevado grau de acerto não necessariamente representam “bons modelos” em termos conceituais. Para que a modelagem continue se consolidando como importante ferramenta de análise nos diversos campo da geografia física, torna-se fundamental que os usuários se dediquem à compreensão tanto do funcionamento do sistema a ser modelado quanto do modelo em si utilizado, seja em termos de sua estrutura interna ou das hipóteses ali envolvidas. Caso contrário, o usuário se tornará apenas um “piloto de software”, perdendo a oportunidade de transformar os bonitos mapas gerados em efetivas ferramentas de análise científica.
Bigarella, o Humboldt Brasileiro?
Authors: Mamigonian Armen
Published: October 2019

Bigarella, o Humboldt Brasileiro?
Hilgard O'Reilly Sternberg, um Pioneiro nas Pesquisas das Questões Ambientais no Brasil
Authors: Kohlhepp Gerd
Published: October 2019

No final dos anos 1930 surgiu no Brasil a primeira geração de geógrafos formados no país; no entanto, caso quisessem cursar uma pós-graduação tinham que ir para a Europa ou os Estados Unidos, uma situação que perdurou até a década de 1960. Entre esses pioneiros encontrava-se Hilgard O'Reilly Sternberg, que assumiu a Cátedra de Geografia do Brasil na Universidade do Brasil no Rio de Janeiro e, mais tarde, o cargo de Vice-Presidente da UGI, impulsionando a interligação internacional da geografia brasileira. Paralelamente a seus outros focos de pesquisa, O'Reilly Sternberg foi um dos representantes mais excepcionais da pesquisa sobre as condições naturais e humanas das regiões das florestas tropicais da Amazônia. Ele reconheceu que somente através do método holístico seria possível a pesquisa sobre os conflitos homem-meio ambiente existentes do Brasil. A partir de 1964, em Berkeley, Califórnia, O'Reilly Sternberg criou as bases para uma pesquisa fundamental, a avaliação das possibilidades de um desenvolvimento regional sustentável no Brasil, com a inclusão do know-how da população da região de modo a garantir a identidade regional diante da influência do planejamento regional estatal mal orientado e da globalização. Com alta perícia especializada, ética científica e consciência crítica, ele contribuiu para o reconhecimento e renome internacional da pesquisa geográfica brasileira.
Reestruturação Produtiva e Espacial da Microrregião do Vale do Paraíba Fluminense: Reflexões sobre as Transformações Iniciadas com a Implantação de Atividades e Formas Urbanas Dispersas
Authors: Bentes Júlio Cláudio Da Gama
Published: October 2019

A microrregião do Vale Paraíba Fluminense vem passando por uma intensa reestruturação produtiva e espacial desde a privatização da Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN) em 1993. A reindustrialização da microrregião tem origem na instalação de fábricas relacionadas principalmente ao setor metalomecânico, incluindo a indústria automobilística. Essa atividade e outras de caráter comercial, residencial e de serviços estão sendo implantadas no território regional com formas urbanas dispersas. A reestruturação se mantém em andamento, mas com ritmo reduzido devido ao momento econômico brasileiro. O trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o estudo da reestruturação produtiva e das transformações espaciais na microrregião, com o estabelecimento de diferentes atividades urbanas dispersas.
“Fortified Cell” e “Dangerous Places”: Processos de Fragmentação do Tecido Sociopolítico-Espacial em Cidades Médias -- Resende e Volta Redonda-RJ
Authors: Melara Eliane
Published: October 2019

Nesse artigo, objetivamos analisar o processo de fragmentação do tecido sociopolítico-espacial nas cidades médias de Resende e Volta Redonda (RJ). Para realização dessa pesquisa, contamos com informações referentes à localização de espaços residenciais fechados e controlados, dados relacionados a renda (IBGE, 2010) e dados criminais obtidos nas delegacias das cidades (2013). Além disso, entrevistamos diversos atores necessários ao entendimento da pesquisa. Concluímos que, embora a territorialização do tráfico de drogas não seja tão intensa nessas cidades quanto é nas metrópoles, tem contribuído para o imaginário da insegurança urbana das camadas mais abastadas, as quais, muitas vezes, têm optado por viver em espaços autossegregados.
Índice de Sustentabilidade da Dimensão Ambiental da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Banabuiú, CE
Authors: Silva Lucas Da , Lima Eduardo Rodrigues Viana de
Published: October 2019

O trabalho ressalta a importância de realizar estudos e definições de parâmetros que sejam capazes de retratar a realidade das condições ambientais locais e com isso propor índices ambientais que auxiliem no planejamento e gestão dos seus recursos hídricos. Os procedimentos metodológicos envolveram uma revisão bibliográfica e levantamento de banco de dados referentes ao tema estudado da área de estudo, visita ao campo e avaliação dos resultados. A metodologia utilizada foi adaptada da proposta por Martins e Cândido (2008), para obtenção do índice foi estabelecido um conjunto de indicadores relacionados com a dimensão ambiental, que foram classificados em dois grupos, sendo um com os indicadores positivos e outro com os indicadores negativos. Os positivos são aqueles que, de alguma forma, contribuem para melhoria da qualidade ambiental dos municípios. Já os negativos são aqueles que prejudicam de alguma forma as condições ambientais dos mesmos. Dos municípios que compõem a bacia hidrográfica do Rio Banabuiú, 92% apresentam desempenho sustentável, potencialmente sustentável e sustentabilidade média. Apenas o município de Monsenhor Tabosa apresenta-se como potencialmente insustentável, por ter apresentado baixos indicadores ambientais. Entanto, é evidente a necessidade de melhorias em vários indicadores da dimensão em questão, principalmente na melhoria do saneamento básico, da coleta e destinação do lixo, da presença de estação de tratamento de água e estação de tratamento de esgoto. Com isso, torna-se fundamental que esses municípios busquem alternativas para que melhorem seus indicadores ambientais e possam diminuir suas participações na degradação ambiental da bacia hidrográfica do Rio Banabuiú, e assim colaborar para seu planejamento e gestão de forma sustentável.
Uma Revisão Didática do Método Dialético e da Démarche Regressiva-Progressiva como Subsídio para a Leitura do Mundo Moderno / A Didactic Review of Dialectical Method and Regressive-Progressive Démarche as Ways of Reading the Modern World
Authors: Nóbrega Pedro Ricardo da Cunha
Published: October 2019

Ao longo do processo de construção da geografia, é nítida a condição de crise posta pela produção e reflexão geográfica. Como reflexo da crise na produção do conhecimento geográfico percebe-se uma incapacidade desta ciência em elaborar análises críticas da realidade. Como tentativa de superação da leitura superficial feita pela geografia é urgente construir reflexões de método e de procedimentos metodológicos que apresentem a geografia como uma ciência social e crítica. Este é o ponto de partida que se localiza este artigo, que tem como objetivo central trazer uma contribuição teórica sobre a importância do método compreendido como concepção de mundo, movimento do pensamento e da ação que corrobore com uma perspectiva crítica. O que se desdobra é o entendimento da centralidade do espaço e do urbano como condição do mundo atual e das transformações do capitalismo, exigindo da Geografia um posicionamento de ajuste de foco nas questões sociais.
Implicações da Crise Migratória Venezuelana para as Políticas Brasileiras de Segurança e Defesa: Perspectivas para o Equacionamento de Conflitos
Authors: Nogara Tiago Soares , Wobeto Victor Leão
Published: October 2019

O trabalho a seguir visa identificar as principais implicações da atual crise migratória venezuelana para as formulações das políticas brasileiras de segurança e defesa. A hipótese do trabalho é de que o exponencial aumento do fluxo migratório de venezuelanos para o território brasileiro possui flagrante conteúdo geopolítico, hoje obliterado no debate público sobre o tema devido à uma falsa dicotomia por ora estabelecida, concentrada na contraposição das dimensões securitárias e humanitárias da questão migratória. Neste contexto, a atuação diplomática na mediação do confronto político venezuelano e o protagonismo do Estado nacional na recepção e regularização dos imigrantes venezuelanos aparecem como medidas afins com o interesse estratégico brasileiro, evitando o transbordamento do conflito para além das fronteiras da Venezuela e garantindo o controle do país sobre as questões referentes ao aumento do fluxo migratório.
Os Desafios da Integração para Solicitantes de Refúgio e Portadores de Visto Humanitário no Brasil
Authors: Virgens Daniela Araujo
Published: October 2019

O processo de migração forçada é uma experiência muitas vezes traumática para os indivíduos que migram. O objetivo deste artigo é refletir sobre a integração dos solicitantes de refúgio e portadores de visto humanitário no Brasil à sociedade brasileira, especialmente considerando a condição temporária desses dois grupos. Para a realização das reflexões propostas, o trabalho apoia-se em revisão bibliográfica, análise de instrumentos jurídicos, ações do Estado e organizações da sociedade civil. O Brasil tem avançado em questões relacionadas à legislação e ao acolhimento, porém há outros fatores que precisam ser considerados no processo de integração que ainda não estão bem resolvidos por parte do Estado e nem por parte dos brasileiros. Como conclusão aponta-se: o país, que teve um avanço na legislação e nas políticas migratórias pode passar por uma fase de retrocesso; a integração é uma via de mão dupla que depende dos esforços da sociedade e do próprio migrante.
Turistificação e Patrimonialização na Representação do Espaço: uma Análise sob a Perspectiva da Tríade Lefebvriana
Authors: Serra Debora Rodrigues de Oliveira
Published: October 2019

O presente artigo aborda os processos de turistificação e patrimonialização na produção do espaço a partir da tríade dialética desenvolvida por Lefebvre (2013), visando relacioná-los à dimensão da representação do espaço. A análise contribui para a compreensão de que a concepção do espaço dada por tais processos implica nas dimensões do percebido e do vivido. Como procedimento metodológico foi utilizado o levantamento e a análise bibliográfica referentes à produção do espaço e aos supracitados processos de turistificação e patrimonialização. Com base em dados empíricos apresentados pelos autores abordados, revela-se, como resultado, que nas concepções do espaço para o turismo que se utilizam de bens patrimoniais faz-se necessário considerar os espaços percebido e vivido a fim de se evitar que projetos nessas áreas sejam frustrados e, principalmente, ocasionem efeitos prejudiciais a moradores e visitantes
Biologic Cost per Effectively Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient in a Large Managed Care Population: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gu Tao , Shah Neel , Deshpande Gaurav , Tang Derek H. , Eisenberg Debra F. , Harrison David J.
Published: October 2019

Background: Until recently, the lack of clinical outcomes information for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in administrative claims databases limited their use in comparative effectiveness research. A validated claims-based algorithm has been developed to estimate the effectiveness of biologics for RA, allowing for estimation of cost and effectiveness in the same database.

Objectives: To implement a validated claims-based effectiveness algorithm in a US managed care claims database to compute the 1-year biologic cost per effectively treated patient among first-line biologics approved for moderate-to-severe RA (abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, and infliximab).

Methods: This retrospective cohort study used administrative claims data for individuals in the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (HIRDSM). The first claim for a first-line biologic between July 1, 2009, and January 31, 2013, after 6 months of continuous enrollment, was defined as the index event and date. Patients were aged 18-63 years on the index date and had at least one claim for RA in the 6-month pre- index period. Biologic costs included plan and patient paid amounts on claims for the biologic drug and administration. The algorithm defined effectiveness during the 12-month post-index period as achieving all six of the following: high adherence (medication possession ratio ≥80% or infusions consistent with the product label); no increase in biologic dose or decrease in dosing interval; no new biologic; no new nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug; no new or increased oral glucocorticoid use; and ≤1 glucocorticoid injection. Cost per effectively treated patient was calculated as the total biologic cost (drug and administration) divided by the number of patients categorized by the algorithm as effectively treated.

Results: The cohort comprised 4844 patients (mean age 48.6 years, 76.4% female). Average first-year biologic cost ranged from $14 795 (golimumab) to $19 520 (abatacept). Average first-year biologic cost per effectively treated patient was significantly lower for etanercept ($50 217) than for golimumab ($56 427, p<0.001) adalimumab ($56 879, p<0.001), abatacept ($68 062, p<0.001), certolizumab pegol ($76 427, p<0.001), and infliximab ($95 126, p<0.001).

Conclusions: In this application of a validated claims-based algorithm to a large managed care population, etanercept had the lowest 1-year biologic cost per effectively treated patient among first-line biologics.
Cost-effectiveness of Catheter Ablation Versus Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: A Canadian Perspective
Authors: Khaykin Yaariv , Mallow Peter J. , Rizzo John A. , Verma Atul , Chun Lauren , Olesovsky Shelby , Reynolds Matthew R.
Published: October 2019

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects approximately 350,000 Canadians and has an estimated annual economic burden exceeding $800 million dollars. Anti-arrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy and catheter ablation (CA) are the two common treatments for paroxysmal AF. However, the upfront costs of CA are quite substantial.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of CA compared to AAD for AF based on community practice.

Methods: A Markov simulation model was developed for a hypothetical cohort of 55-year-old patients with paroxysmal AF and a low stroke risk. Patients received either CA or AAD. Costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were computed over lifetime, 10-year, and 5-year time horizons. Model inputs were obtained from a large, prospectively collected, single-center Canadian registry and augmented with the published literature, using Canadian cost estimates for disease states. Threshold values of $25,000, $50,000, and $100,000 per QALY, respectively, were used to determine cost-effectiveness. All costs were expressed in 2012 Canadian dollars.

Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for CA versus AAD therapy was $1,228, $22,879, and $63,647 for the lifetime, 10-year, and 5-year time horizons, respectively. Over a lifetime horizon, the probability of achieving cost-effectiveness was 100% for all 3 cost per QALY thresholds. The 10-year probability of achieving cost-effectiveness was 74%, 100%, and 100% at the $25,000, $50,000, and $100,000 thresholds, respectively. The 5-year probability of achieving cost-effectiveness was 0%, 0.9%, and 100% at the 3 cost per QALY thresholds. Results were most sensitive to time horizon, probability of repeat AF ablation, and stroke rate.

Conclusions: From the perspective of the Canadian Healthcare system, CA is a potentially cost-effective treatment compared to AAD therapy in a low stroke risk population using real-world data when examining a time horizon of greater than 5 years.
Validity and Reliability Analysis of Knowledge of, Attitude toward and Practice of a Case-mix Questionnaire among Turkish Healthcare Providers
Authors: Ali Jadoo Saad Ahmed , Sulku Seher Nur , Aljunid Syed M. , Dastan Ilker
Published: October 2019

Objectives: This study was aimed to assess validation and reliability of knowledge of, attitude toward and practice (KAP) of a Case-mix and Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) system questionnaire.

Methods: A sample of 238 health care providers selected conveniently from three public hospitals in Turkey was enrolled in a cross-sectional study from September 1 until November 30, 2012. The mean age was 38.63 years (standard deviation [SD] 10.52), ranging from age 21 to 60 years. More than one-half were males (52.1%), nearly two-fifths were medical doctors (39.9%), one-third were nurses (33.2%), one-sixth were auxiliary staff (16.4%) and the remaining were coders (10.5%). Only one-third (33.6%) of respondents attended a workshop or training program in the Case-mix or DRG system. After examining content validity, factor analysis was conducted, internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha estimate, and test-retest reliability was evaluated.

Results: The sample adequacy for extraction of the factors was confirmed by the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test (0.915) and the Bartlett test (1052). Factor analysis showed three factors, including attitude (36.43%), practice (23.39%) and knowledge (17%), with a total variance of 76.82%. The reliability of each section of the questionnaire was as follows: knowledge (0.963), attitude (0.964) and practice (0.973). Cronbach’s alpha total was 0.941, which showed excellent internal consistency.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the designed questionnaire provided high construct validity and reliability, and could be adequately used to measure KAP among health care staff of the Case-mix and DRG system in Turkey.
Proposed reductions of preventable deaths in rural Indonesia through stormwater harvesting and wastewater treatment
Authors: Elson Shane
Published: October 2019

Worldwide, what is responsible for killing the most children each year? AcuteRespiratory Infection (2 million children). What is second? Diarrhoea (1.8 million children). Thisstatistic does not include the additional 300,000 adults who also die from this preventable condition.Diarrhoea kills more children that malaria, HIV and measles combined (UNDP, 2006). “In most ofthe developing world, unclean water is a greater threat to human lives than violent conflict. Rightnow almost half the population of the developing world suffer from diseases because of dirty waterand inadequate sanitation” (Peace Child International, 2006). While the Millennial DevelopmentGoals (MDG) and the United Nations provide an overarching view of the existing situations bycountry, the initial goal of this project is to investigating the specific existing conditions in ruralIndonesia, especially Southern Kalimantan, and how they relate to the MDG (UNDP, 2003).This will in turn allow site specific proposals in partnership with the local communities that areculturally and financially feasible. They will then be designed and constructed in conjunctionwith community education. The preliminary proposal is to use stormwater harvesting to providea clean water source in replacement of their current sources; seasonal wells, contaminated riversand swamps. In conjunction is the proposal to eliminate their exposure to open sewage throughsimple septic systems. Through these processes, the goal is to decrease the preventable cases ofsickness through increased access to clean up and decreased exposure to open sewage. This in turnwill reduce the associated deaths due to diarrhoea (WHO/UNICEF, 2009). The project is still inthe initial research and development stages as of March 2012 with the first project hoping to beundertaken by the end of 2012.
Developing a manual to guide project evaluation for RainWater Cambodia
Authors: Scott Klyti
Published: October 2019

The Project Evaluation Manual has been developed to guide the Non-Government Organisation (NGO) RainWater Cambodia through the steps of project evaluation. Ultimately, those conducting the evaluation will make decisions as to what is important in the evaluation but the manual provides a guide. The manual has been written with only post-project evaluation in mind, but it may also be used as a guide for project development and mid-project evaluation. It may also be used to be adapted for use in other organisations or NGOs. The design of this manual was conducted with consideration as to the fact that RainWater Cambodia has limited funding to steer towards project evaluation and limited time scheduled for conducting project evaluations.
An analysis of combustion from a top-lit up-draft (TLUD) cookstove
Authors: Birzer Cristian , Medwell Paul , Wilkey Josh , West Tomas , Higgins Matthew , MacFarlane Gregory , Read Matthew
Published: October 2019

It is estimated that three billion people worldwide cook with traditional stoves. These stoves generaly consist of three stones and an open fire, and produce harmful emissions that are known to cause fatal illnesses. Traditional stoves claim the lives of 1.6 million people every year and cause the death of more children under the age of five than any other single cause. In addition, widespread land degradation and deforestation have resulted from inefficient fuel consumption of traditional stoves. This paper presents some results from an extensive investigation into design and experimental evalation of top-lit up-draft (TLUD) microgasifier cookstoves aimed at addressing problems associated with traditional cooking approaches. Results indicate that geometric variations of the stove and fuel size influence burn rates and emissions production, and must therefore be considered for any design and implementation.
Generating chlorine dioxide for third world water purification
Authors: Mistry Manoj , Moore Stephanie
Published: October 2019

Chlorine dioxide has been proven to be more effective in deactivating viruses and holds a number of advantages over other disinfection methods such as preventing trihalomethane (carcinogenic) formation whilst eliminating harmful pathogens such as Giardia. There are 3.41 million deaths per year in less economically developed countries due to pathogenic diseases in their water supply. Therefore, a simple electrolysis setup was explored using readily available chemicals, with the aim of implementing this practical disinfection method in third world countries. This research proposes that chlorine dioxide can be economically produced by the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution. Attempts to stabilise chlorine dioxide, due to its sensitivity to disproportionate, were explored via the addition of sodium bicarbonate. From conducting a series of electrolysis experiments, the conditions that permit the production of chlorite/chlorate were identified to be: a maximum current density of 1 A/dm2, dissimilar electrode materials and a large amount of sodium chloride, ~30 wt%. It was also concluded that a higher oxidation potential was essential for producing the desired chlorine dioxide. Additions of sodium bicarbonate proved useful in controlling the pH but caused complications in analysis, further investigations are required into when and how much should be added. Optimisation of the variables identified in this research could unlock the operating conditions required to successfully produce chlorine dioxide via this inexpensive method.
Assessing the appropriateness of carbon financing for micro-scale projects in terms of capabilities
Authors: Trethewy Caitlin
Published: October 2019

Micro-scale development projects are currently underrepresented in global carbon markets. This paper outlines the process of becoming eligible to generate carbon credits and examines some of the barriers that may inhibit access to carbon markets. In particular, it focuses on barriers relating to the capacity and resources of the organisation developing the project. This approach represents a deviation from the standard discourse which has traditionally focused on barriers relating to the availability of up-front finance and the capacity of local public and private sector institutions required to participate in the carbon standard certification process. The paper contains an analysis of the carbon offset project cycle from which follows a discussion of potential capacity- related barriers focusing on time, skills and resources. Recommendations are made as to how these may be overcome with a particular focus on the role of technical organisations in assisting project developers. Completed during 2012 this research comes at an interesting time for global carbon markets as the Kyoto Protocol’s first commitment period ended in 2012 and negotiations have failed to produce and agreement that would commit major emitters to reductions targets from 2013 onward. Despite this, reducing greenhouse gas emissions has gained momentum on the national level and many governments are in the process of formulating and introducing emissions trading schemes.
Sedimentation tank design for rural communities in the hilly regions of Nepal
Authors: Wisniewski Emilia
Published: October 2019

Mathillo Semrang in rural Nepal relies on stream sources to provide drinking water. Erosion and deforestation of local terrain produces turbid water that requires treatment before distribution. The round gravity sedimentation technology currently employed is large in footprint and cannot handle large increases in influent flow rate and silt concentrations resulting from extreme weather events. In partnership with Nepal Water for Health (NEWAH) and Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB), this project aimed to design a highly simplified, small footprint inclined plate settler (IPS) to treat influent flow-rates ranging from 0.25 to 4 L/s. A 76 % decrease in footprint was achieved by the IPS design for source flow-rates up to 4 L/s. Laboratory analysis revealed that a large inlet area along with a highly sloped floor is essential to the design which may prove problematic in the reduction of footprint in the design. Further research is needed to confirm this finding along with further collaboration with rural Nepalese communities and NEWAH.
Development of a decision support tool: preliminary analysis to improve field data collection in Kathiraveli Village, Sri Lanka
Authors: Le Cerf Tom Joseph
Published: October 2019

This paper focuses specifically on the development of a water balance model that will support agricultural decision making for the irrigation field and water supply tanks. The study based on an irrigation system within Kathiraveli, an isolated war affected village in north-eastern Sri Lanka. The irrigation system is used to deliver water to approximately 100 farmers. Estimates or measurements of water availability at the start of the cultivation period are able to be combined with estimates of likely future inflows based on previous rainfall to determine optimum crop selection and crop area allocation. The model consists of three modules: a crop water requirement calculator, a water tank balance model, and a model which simulates the storage in the permanent wetland attached to the irrigation tank. Due to limited budgets and timeframes to obtain input data, a careful balance between accuracy, complexity and cost needed to be reached to ensure that the model can be accurate for its intended use. To do this the model was ran initially under baseline conditions. A sensitivity analysis was then performed to assess the importance of major variables; the outcomes of this study was used to prioritise the collection of field data.
An Era of Appropriate Technology: Evolutions, Oversights and Opportunities
Authors: Lissenden Jessie , Maley Siri , Mehta Khanjan
Published: October 2019

As we develop practical, innovative and sustainable technology solutions for resource-constrained settings, what can we learn from the Appropriate Technology (AT) movement? Based on a review of academic literature over the past 35 years, this article identifies, and chronologically maps, the defining tenets and metrics of success advocated by scholars. The literature has gradually evolved from general musings into concrete lessons learned, while the definitions of “success” have transitioned from laboratory success into practical application and long-term usefulness. Nonetheless, juxtaposing this scholastic history with actual projects reveals three major gaps in AT philosophy related to a lack of 1) bilateral knowledge exchange, 2) emphasis on venture scalability, and 3) integration of implementation strategy through the project lifecycle. This article argues that rethinking and repositioning AT with a human-centric narrative emphasizing sustainability and scalability is imperative in order to revitalize and accelerate the AT movement and to achieve the large-scale impact it was expected to deliver.
Demonstrating demand for preventive health services in rural Kenya
Authors: Lackey Jeffrey D , Suffian Stephen , Dzombak Rachel , Mehta Khanjan
Published: October 2019

Developing countries like Kenya suffer from a severe lack of healthcare professionals.Access to primary care is further limited when large distances must be travelled for basic medical care,and often times the decision to seek professional help is made too late. Preventive health services cansave lives by diagnosing serious medical conditions early and subsequently reducing the likelihood oflife-threatening diseases. The rapid increase in the global incidence of chronic diseases like diabetes,hypertension, and heart disease makes preventive health services particularly important. Trainedcommunity health workers (CHWs) operated the Mashavu telemedicine system in Nyeri Countyof Kenya over the course of fi ve months. The Mashavu system comprised of a netbook computer, aweb camera, and other basic supplies. CHWs provided patients with two alternative services: (1)body measurements including blood pressure, weight, and body mass index (BMI) or (2) a fullconsultation that supplemented the measurements with health indicators and a brief survey. Alightweight website was developed to allow CHWs to send this information to a nearby nurse. Thiswebsite was accessed by leveraging the 3G cell networks that are ubiquitous in Kenya. During thefi ve-month pilot, 777 patients paid for these services. Nearly one-third of patients used the serviceas an opportunity for a routine health check. The median age among patients was 40 years and 35 %of all patients were between the ages of 21-35. The pilot described in this paper demonstrated toCHWs that community members value health information and are willing to pay a small fee for it.This pilot suggests that as developing countries struggle to address the double burden of chronicand infectious disease, fee-for-service preventive health services can serve as an innovative meansto achieve economic development and improved community health.
Design and Commissioning of a Community Scale Solar Powered Membrane-Based Water Purification System in Haiti
Authors: Pinto Shavin , Wong Yung , Fennesy Kyle , Tang Yan , Compare Mark
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the design and commissioning of a solar powered water purification system at the Ryan Epps Home for Children (REHC) in Michaud, Haiti. This systemsupplies clean drinking water to the 200 children who live and go to school at REHC and also tothe community in the form of a micro-business. This micro-business is the mechanism for incomegeneration for sustainable system operation. The purifier uses a three stage filtration system witha disc-type sediment filter, a 0.1 micron ultrafiltration membrane, and an ultraviolet light fordisinfection. The backwash cycle extends the life of the ultrafiltration membrane to 4 – 7 yearsbefore a new filter is required. Simplicity in operation was an important design considerationbecause it facilitates local operator training, and understanding. To further ensure completeunderstanding of operation, a pictorial quick-start manual was developed so that operators onlyneed to follow the diagrams laid out on the manual. The design folder with CAD drawings,schematics, datasheets, and troubleshooting guide are left with the local operators. Testingbefore shipping and after installation to ensure proper operation upon installation and on-sitewater quality testing ensures it will promote improved community health.
A Methodology for Exploring, Documenting, and Improving Humanitarian Service Learning in the University
Authors: Berg Devin R. , Lee Tina , Buchanan Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

Through the use of service learning in higher education, universities hope to both provide real benefit to the partnering community and allow students to develop a greater understanding of course curriculum, their discipline, and their personal positioning within society. Through these educational activities, service learning seeks to engage students in critical thinking processes while simultaneously achieving a greater sense of civic and social responsibility through targeted participation in meaningful community service activities. However, in practice, service learning can take a variety of forms predicated on technical, cultural, societal, and political constraints. Thus, while some work shows positive effects on students’ attitudes, social behaviour, and academic performance, less research has demonstrated long-term community impact. Nor has much research shown that participation in service learning has a long-term impact on students' ethical perspectives and frameworks, and whether those ethical frames carry on to their professional careers. Moreover, as institutions partner with such humanitarian service groups as Engineers Without Borders USA, we know considerably less about the institutional cultures and climates that are developed through such partnerships and how sustainable they are, given those inherent technical, political and cultural limitations. As a first step towards these goals, this paper proposes a methodology for investigating the impacts of service learning activities on both the students and communities involved.
Impact of pretreatment on defluoridation of drinking water by bone char adsorption
Authors: Teusner Adam , Butler Rhett , Le Clech Pierre
Published: October 2019

Fluoride concentrations in drinking water in excess of 1.5 mg L-1 are unsafe for human consumption. To reduce excess fluoride intake, developing countries must use low-cost, point-of-use defluoridation techniques. Although previous work has extensively assessed defluoridation using bone char (BC), most of the advanced studies have been based on the use of fluoridated distilled water as a feed solution. In the present study, BC columns were challenged with a range of model solutions, mimicking various pretreatment options. As a result, the relative impact of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and suspended solids (SS) on the performance of BC filters was assessed. In addition, the performance of a gravity-driven, hollow fibre ultrafiltration (UF) module was examined with regards to the potential for use as a pretreatment option. SS were observed to severely clog the columns and cause the complete cessation of flow. The subsequent removal of SS by UF improved the general filter performance as well as increasing the BC lifetime by 50 %. The UF module achieved a reduction in DOC of 34 ± 6 %, resulting in an additional 30 % increase in the lifetime of the BC column.
The design and installation of Solar Home Systems in rural Cambodia
Authors: Watts Rebecca Alice , Smith Jeremy , Thomson Andrew
Published: October 2019

This study contends that solar home systems (SHS) are an appropriate solution to provide affordable, reliable and clean electricity in rural Cambodia. SHS provide decentralised electricity suitable for the electricity needs of rural households and with the decreasing cost of solar energy technologies, SHS are becoming an increasingly competitive source of energy. This study details the design and installation of two SHS in a rural community in Cambodia. The SHS have replaced the use of kerosene lamps and supplemented car battery usage, which has generated a cost saving of USD$2.50-3.20 per month. The SHS have increased the hours of quality lighting making it possible for users to improve educational outcomes by studying at night and participating in private education classes as well as potentially extending their working hours that provides an opportunity to increase their income. Community involvement in the installation of SHS and participation in an education program has ensured transfer of knowledge about system operation and maintenance at a local level that has ensured economic, social and environmental were benefits. This study builds a case in support of solar energy at the household level in rural Cambodia and makes recommendations for the deployment of SHS in rural communities throughout the developing world.
Partnering with a local concrete block manufacturing plant to improve quality of construction materials in Haiti’s Central Plateau
Authors: Gordon Aaron , Plumblee Jeffery M , Dimarco Kayla , Vaughn David , Ogle Jennifer
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a successful ongoing partnership between Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries (CEDC) and a concrete masonry unit (CMU) manufacturing plant in rural Haiti. The infrastructure destruction and resulting loss of life of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti highlighted the need for improved building materials and codes. This partnership has helped to improve the strength of CMUs in the plant, both creating a safer local built environment and expanding the economic opportunities for this plant. Using samples of aggregate and cement from the site in Haiti, students in Clemson performed experiments to optimise the CMU mix design and made other suggestions to improve efficiency and quality of their product. Consistency continues to be a challenge for the CMU plant, and this paper also describes proposed procedures to help the plant implement quality control and quality assurance plans.
PV microgrid business models for energy-delivery services in camps for displaced peoples
Authors: Irene Feria Cerrada Marta , Thomson Andrew
Published: October 2019

Energy services are essential for the protection of basic human rights and dignity. Since 2014, energy issues have been incorporated in United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees global protection strategies. Off-grid solar photovoltaics power solutions can now provide cost-effective clean electricity in camps comprised large populations of displaced peoples, internally displaced and/or refugees. Through microgrid modelling and risk analysis, we outline business models that could provide affordable and appropriate energy to displaced communities. Our proposed PV microgrid build-own-operate business models for camps of displaced populations consider providing household demands, institutional demands, and a combination of the two. We find that sustainable energy services can be provided to humanitarian agencies to power their compounds and community services such as health clinics and administrative centres. A fixed tariff of US$ 1 /kWh is viable provided: the local fuel prices are greater than US$ 0.6 /L at the point of use, and the capital costs of a backup or existing diesel generator are already covered. A fixed price tariff, mitigates running costs for humanitarian agencies. In addition, by leveraging the institutional energy demands, basic electricity services to up to 500 households for mobile phone charging and lighting could be provided for a monthly tariff of US$ 1.5 per household, which is favourable compared to the estimated of US$ 4 monthly cost of kerosene for a typical refugee household. The solutions we propose will reduce costs and improve the sustainability of humanitarian operations while achieving the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees goals by providing electricity to displaced persons for lighting and communications.
Journal of Humanitarian Engineering Volume 6, No. 2 (2018) Guest Editorial
Authors: Montgomery Melissa
Published: October 2019

Journal of Humanitarian Engineering Volume 6, No. 2 (2018) Guest Editorial
PROJETO ILUMINAR - UM DIÁLOGO COM A ALFABETIZAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA NO CONTEXTO DA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA DA ZONA RURAL E URBANA DA CIDADE DE DELFIM MOREIRA NO BRASIL
Authors: Ribeiro Góes-Silva Leonardo , De Paiva Alves e Silva Ana Maria , Valentim Ingrid
Published: October 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de estudar o desenvolvimento de uma projeto denominado “Lumiar”, realizado durante 2015, considerando o contexto da educação básica pública da cidade de Delfim Moreira, sul de Minas Gerais, Brasil. A pesquisa qualitativa, sobre as práticas pedagógicas do projeto escolar à luz da alfabetização científica, foi apoiada em observações e entrevistas semiestruturadas e documentos produzidos ao longo desse projeto que envolveu cerca de 600 alunos de ensino fundamental e médio. Ressalta-se a realização de atividades científicas de caráter interdisciplinar, abordando temáticas sobre energia – renováveis e não renováveis, perpassando pelas temáticas da energia da vida, meio ambiente e produção de energia elétrica, cujos resultados foram durante uma “Semana de Educação”, realizado em setembro de 2015. A análise dos resultados indicaram que a prática contribuiu para a formação cidadã e a alfabetização científica dos alunos da educação básica.
FORMULAÇÃO DE PROBLEMAS DE ISOMORFISMO DE MEDIDA: ENSINO DE MATEMÁTICA NO CAMPO CONCEITUAL MULTIPLICATIVO
Authors: Oliveira Altoé Renan , De Oliveira Freitas Rony Cláudio
Published: October 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de analisar uma atividade pedagógica de formulação de problemas de matemática, elaborada com a finalidade de ensinar conceitos do Campo Conceitual Multiplicativo. Tal proposta foi construída e validada no decorrer de uma pesquisa do mestrado do Programa de Pós-graduação em Educação em Ciências e Matemática do Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo. O planejamento, a aplicação da atividade e análises de dados seguiu o pressuposto metodológico da engenharia didática. Os dados foram produzidos em uma turma de 5º ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola estadual da cidade de Vargem Alta, no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, onde a atividade pedagógica também foi validada. As conclusões indicaram que a proposta teve potencial educativo pois contribuiu para o desenvolvimento da prática de formulação de problemas de matemática durante as aulas do ensino fundamental, no ensino de multiplicação e divisão. Além disso, os resultados apontaram que os problemas elaborados pelos estudantes podem contribuir na melhoria do processo de ensino e aprendizagem dos conceitos matemáticos relacionados à prática pedagógica.
A PRODUÇÃO DE PODCASTS POR ESTUDANTES DO ENSINO MÉDIO SOBRE A LÍNGUA PORTUGUESA E A COMUNICAÇÃO VERBAL
Authors: Dos Santos Souza Leite Quesia , Dália de Gusmão Aranha Simone , Silva Leite Bruno
Published: October 2019

O podcast, como uma forma de publicação de áudio, vídeo e imagens na web, apresenta-se como uma promissora tecnologia para a sociedade e, particularmente, na Educação. Este artigo analisa a produção de podcasts educacionais por estudantes do ensino médio sobre língua portuguesa na comunicação verbal. Na linha qualitativa, a presente pesquisa pode ser inserida como um estudo de caso, a fim de melhor elucidar o problema proposto. O estudo analisou como os alunos se apropriaram dos podcasts na construção de seu conhecimento. Os resultados coletados mostram uma postura favorável dos estudantes frente à elaboração e utilização de podcasts educacionais de língua portuguesa. Ademais, apontam que a elaboração possibilitou-lhes experimentarem diferentes contextos de aprendizagem, principalmente, por considerarmos que a atividade proposta está relacionada com o uso de tecnologias digitais.
TECNOLOGIAS DIGITAIS NAS PRÁTICAS DOS PROFESSORES QUE ENSINAM MATEMÁTICA: RELAÇÕES COM A FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA
Authors: Basniak Maria Ivete , De Carvalho Rutz da Silva Sani
Published: October 2019

Objetivamos no presente trabalho discutir como as tecnologias digitais se fazem presentes nas práticas dos professores que ensinam matemática e como se relacionam às formações que receberam sobre tecnologias na educação e para o ensino de Matemática. Tomamos como pressupostos teóricos os trabalhos de Valente (1993, 1997, 1999) de que o uso inteligente do computador requer práticas assumidas pelo professor que ultrapassem o seu uso como máquina de ensinar e o assumam como ferramenta de ensino. Dessa forma, nossa pesquisa caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo, em que tomamos como elementos de análise as respostas de quatorze professores da Educação Básica a um questionário de respostas abertas. Os resultados apontam que precisamos repensar a formação de professores em relação às tecnologias na educação privilegiando o caráter pedagógico ao instrumental, já que identificamos que os professores reproduzem as formações que recebem ao utilizarem tecnologias em sala de aula, privilegiando a verificação de resultados, simulações e resolução de exercícios. Então, concluímos que as respostas dos professores ao questionário revelam que as tecnologias quando utilizadas em sala de aula pelos professores apresentam as características do ensino tradicional computadorizado, e, não são, portanto, utilizadas como ferramentas educacionais.