bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Os MAT’s – recursos de avaliação/intervenção da consciência metalinguística. Ensaios da versão portuguesa
Authors: Figueira Ana Paula Couceiro
Published: December 2015

Pretendemos apresentar recursos para avaliação e intervenção ao nível da consciência metalinguística (Metalinguistic Awareness), previstos para três faixas etárias distintas e específicas: crianças, adolescentes e adultos. Ensaiamos a versão em língua portuguesa dos MAT’s (Testes de capacidade metalinguística – Metalinguistic Ability Tests), MAT1, MAT2 e MAT3 (O MAT-1, para crianças dos 4-6 anos, idade de transição do jardim-de-infância para a escola do 1º ciclo do ensino básico; o MAT-2, para crianças dos 9-13 anos, idade de transição do 1º para o 3º ciclo; e o MAT-3, para adolescentes e adultos, na transição do secundário para o ensino superior), da autoria da Professora Maria Antonietta Pinto, da Universidade de Sapienza, Roma, Itália. Trata-se de um projeto multicultural, havendo já versões dos recursos em várias línguas europeias, com múltiplas publicações, já com vários estudos.
Efectos de la rehabilitación de la deglución en la producción del habla
Authors: Serrano-Muñoz Natalia
Published: December 2015

El habla y la deglución son dos funciones que se desarrollan dentro del sistema estomatognático, por lo que comparten los mismos músculos y órganos para su ejecución. Este hecho implica la existencia de una interrelación oral y, por lo tanto, una reciprocidad en el desarrollo de las mismas. El objetivo principal del presente trabajo fue valorar los efectos que produce un programa de rehabilitación de la fase oral de la deglución en la producción del habla en una persona afectada por un traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE). En el estudio participó una mujer afectada por TCE de 22 años. Se desarrolló a lo largo de tres fases: una primera de evaluación previa al tratamiento, una segunda en la que se aplicó un tratamiento de rehabilitación muscular mediante ejercicios de terapia miofuncional y de coordinación de las estructuras orofaciales mediante ejercicios funcionales con alimentos; y una tercera de valoración de los resultados obtenidos tras el tratamiento. Los datos obtenidos muestran una mejora significativa tanto en la propia deglución como en la articulación. Los efectos positivos del tratamiento de la disfagia sobre el habla avalan la importancia de la rehabilitación muscular para la correcta producción de los fonemas. En este caso, sería más recomendable llevar a cabo una intervención más prolongada que la efectuada, con el fin de comprobar si a través de este tipo de terapia se consigue la completa rehabilitación del habla.
Estudio sobre teoría de la mente en personas con síndrome de Down
Authors: Pintor-García Iria , Fernández-Méndez Juan Carlos , Bello-Grela Antonio Alberto
Published: December 2015

La teoría de la mente se puede definir como la capacidad para comprender y predecir la conducta de otras personas, así como sus intenciones y sus creencias. De un tiempo para aquí, se viene investigando esta capacidad en diferentes grupos de personas, especialmente en niños con desarrollo típico, así como personas con trastornos del espectro autista; sin embargo, el número de investigaciones realizadas con personas con síndrome de Down es mucho más reducido. Este trabajo persigue evaluar y entrenar la teoría de la mente en un grupo de doce participantes con síndrome de Down. En contra de lo esperado, los resultados reflejaron que la mayoría de los participantes fracasaron en resolver la tarea mentalista propuesta; por otra parte, cuando se compararon los resultados obtenidos en la evaluación post-entrenamiento tanto del grupo control como del grupo experimental, se puso de manifiesto que el entrenamiento en tareas mentalistas resulta eficaz para superar la tarea de falsa creencia de primer orden.
Avaliação Externa de Escolas: Perspetivas dos Diretores da Região Norte de Portugal
Authors: Seabra Filipa , Pacheco José Augusto
Published: December 2015

A Avaliação Externa das Escolas públicas do ensino não superior tem vindo a ser desenvolvida, na atual modalidade, pela Inspeção Geral de Educação e Ciência desde 2005. Findo um primeiro ciclo de avaliação, e iniciado um segundo, em 2011, impunha-se levar a cabo processos de investigação sobre esta realidade, com vista a conhecer os seus impactos e efeitos sobre as práticas dos diversos agentes educativos implicados nesse processo. Foi desse desiderato que teve origem o projeto de investigação «Impacto e Efeitos da Avaliação Externa nas Escolas do Ensino não Superior», (PTDC/CPE-CED/116674/2010), no qual se insere a presente comunicação, e que contou com a participação de seis universidades portuguesas, mapeando a realidade do continente português. No âmbito deste projeto, foi elaborado um questionário que foi enviado a todos os diretores de unidades educativas abrangidas pelo processo de avaliação externa e que permite aos inquiridos, enquanto interlocutores privilegiados pelo conhecimento que detêm das escolas que dirigem, exprimir as suas opiniões sobre os seguintes aspetos: a) domínios e facetas dos efeitos da avaliação externa de escolas; b) Loci (impacto sobre diferentes elementos da escola); c) fatores potenciadores e inibidores do impacto da avaliação externa; d) avaliação global do processo de avaliação externa e e) eficiência do processo de avaliação externa. Na presente comunicação, analisamos os principais resultados deste inquérito, focalizando as perspetivas dos Diretores de escolas do Norte de Portugal e estabelecendo paralelismos com a análise dos resultados do inquérito a nível nacional. Os resultados apontam para uma perceção moderadamente positiva dos impactos e efeitos da avaliação externa de escolas. Esta perceção é mais expressiva em relação aos aspetos relacionados com a autoavaliação e a gestão escolar, e menos expressiva em relação aos aspetos que se relacionam mais diretamente com os comportamentos dos alunos. Relativamente aos Loci, os Diretores avaliam o impacto tanto mais positivamente, quanto mais nos aproximamos da gestão de topo, decrescendo à medida que nos afastamos desta – professores, alunos, pais, comunidade, instalações escolares, etc. Concluímos assim que a avaliação que os diretores das escolas públicas destes dois distritos fazem sobre a avaliação externa indica contributos para repensar processos, sobretudo os mais abrangentes ao nível da organização, percebendo no entanto efeitos menos expressivos no que concerne ao trabalho que se desenvolve no interior da sala de aula, ao comportamento dos alunos e dos elementos da comunidade mais alargada.
Inventário de Inteligência Espiritual de King: estudo psicométrico da versão Portuguesa
Authors: Miguel José Pacheco , Silva José Tomás da , Machado Teresa Sousa
Published: December 2015

Com o propósito de superar as limitações apontadas pelos teóricos da inteligência à noção de inteligência espiritual King propõe um modelo em que a define, em conformidade com os principais critérios psicológicos do construto, como um conjunto de capacidades mentais que  contribuem para a consciencialização, integração e aplicação adaptativa dos aspectos imateriais e transcendentes da vida.  O autor propõe quatro componentes principais: (1) a capacidade de se envolver em pensamento crítico existencial, (2) a capacidade de atribuir significado e propósito a todas as experiências físicas e mentais, (3) a capacidade de perceber as dimensões transcendentes do self, dos outros e do mundo físico (e.g., self transcendente, imaterialismo, holismo, interligação), e (4) a capacidade de entrar em estados expandidos ou espirituais de consciência por vontade própria.  Este modelo baseia-se numa definição de espiritualidade que, apesar de relacionada, é distinta de religiosidade, de modo a não limitar a aplicação universal do construto e a delineá-lo a partir de formas preferidas de comportamento.  Com base neste modelo, o autor desenvolveu uma medida de auto-relato, o Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory (SISRI-24), cujo estudo psicométrico (dimensionalidade e fidelidade) resultou em evidência confirmatória do modelo de quatro factores com amostras de alunos universitários.  Tendo em consideração o papel adaptativo da espiritualidade na superação do vazio existencial que pode resultar de uma perda de sentido na vida, o SISRI-24 é um instrumento útil para avaliar indivíduos em crise existencial relacionada, por exemplo, com transições de carreira (e.g., perda de emprego).  Níveis elevados de pensamento crítico existencial e a produção de significado pessoal facilitam o enfrentamento da crise e a criação de significado dentro do seu quadro, impedindo que potenciais crises se venham a desenvolver plenamente.  Apresentamos neste trabalho os primeiros dados relativos às propriedades psicométricas (dimensionalidade e fidelidade) da versão Portuguesa do Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory (SISRI-24), numa amostra de jovens adultos universitários e avaliamos as relações entre a inteligência espiritual e o afecto, a auto-estima e a perspectiva temporal de futuro, recorrendo às versões portuguesas da Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, da Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale e da Future Time Perspective Scale, respectivamente.  São discutidas as implicações destas relações para o desenvolvimento adaptativo dos jovens, bem como as principais limitações do estudo, propondo-se futuras linhas de investigação.
Os processos de RVCC na educação de adultos: evolução ou involução metodológica?
Authors: Rodrigues Anabela , Oliveira Albertina Lima
Published: December 2015

No domínio da Educação e Formação de Adultos (EFA), baseados numa visão holística do indivíduo e assentes nos melhores princípios da EFA, surgiram em Portugal os processos de Reconhecimento, Validação e Certificação de competências (RVCC), pretendendo valorizar o adulto e as suas diversas competências, adquiridas em contextos formais, não formais ou informais, suprindo uma necessidade de certificação diferente da adquirida nos “bancos da escola”. Assim sendo, o processo de RVCC, escolar e profissional, conjuga atualmente, de forma contraditória, metodologias baseadas na história de vida do sujeito e outras próprias da educação formal escolarizante (perspetiva tradicionalista da educação), como a inclusão de uma prova escolar e/ou profissional no final do processo com a intenção de reforçar o rigor e o sentido avaliativo de um tal processo. Deste modo, constitui-se uma aparente contradição entre os princípios de fundo em que assenta a EFA, na sua génese, e a forma como o processo de RVCC é agora estruturado. A presente comunicação tem como objetivo conhecer as perceções dos adultos atualmente implicados no referido processo acerca da inclusão da prova de carácter escolarizante, ou seja, em última análise pretende-se identificar o impacto que um processo deste tipo tem na visão que o adulto tem de si próprio e da sua afirmação enquanto adulto capacitado para refletir, consciente e criticamente, acerca da sua própria realidade. Para a consecução do nosso objetivo, recorremos à metodologia qualitativa, utilizando para a recolha de dados uma entrevista semi-estruturada, expressamente elaborada para o efeito da presente investigação. Os participantes no estudo rondam as 20 adultas que pretendem obter a sua certificação no âmbito das saídas profissionais de Agente em Geriatria, Acompanhante de Crianças e de Técnico de Ação Educativa, segundo o Catálogo Nacional de Qualificações (CNQ). Os dados empíricos recolhidos (transcrição das entrevistas) serão analisados através da análise de conteúdo e os resultados permitirão reflectir sobre o impacto das ‘novas orientações metodológicas’ a que os recentes Centros para a Qualificação e Ensino Profissional (CQEP) e respetivas equipas técnicas estão sujeitos. Neste sentido, e tratando-se de um estudo pioneiro, prevê-se que a discussão dos seus resultados seja o ponto de partida para um melhor entendimento sobre o que deve ser a EFA hoje e em que moldes devem os processos de RVCC estruturar-se para uma EFA do século XXI com mais qualidade.
Atenção Concentrada: Normas para uma região da Bahia–Brasil
Authors: Silva Marlene Alves da Silva
Published: December 2015

A atenção pode ter um caráter multifatorial e, ser definida como um fenômeno que processa ativamente informações de forma limitada, portanto, é a habilidade de focar em um evento, ideia ou tarefa enquanto exclui outras distrações, por meio dos sentidos e dos processos cognitivos. No Brasil, existem vários testes psicológicos que aferem a atenção, dentre eles o Teste AC. Segundo os documentos internacionais e brasileiros os instrumentos de avaliação psicológica precisam de alguns requisitos mínimos para serem considerados adequados para utilização, dentre eles, constar  no manual do testes, a forma de aplicação, correção e as tabelas normativas. Os estudos normativos permitem estabelecer a comparação de casos individuais com o grupo. É necessário o estabelecimento de normas apropriadas para a população em que o teste será empregado, ou seja, qualquer norma é restrita à população normativa da qual foi derivada, portanto, essa representatividade deverá considerar as características de determinados subgrupos. O presente estudo objetivou a elaboração de normas para uma região da Bahia. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental. A amostra constitui-se de 774 pessoas que participaram de um processo avaliativo para a obtenção da Carteira Nacional de Habilitação (CNH) e de motorista que solicitavam a renovação ou mudança de categoria da CNH em uma clínica na cidade de Vitória da Conquista credenciada ao Departamento de Trânsito Estadual da Bahia no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2014.  Dessa amostra 544 eram do sexo masculino e a idade variou entre 18 e 69 anos. A escolaridade foi desde o ensino fundamental incompleto à pós-graduação. O instrumento utilizado foi o Teste AC desenvolvido por Cambraia em 1967, para avaliar a atenção concentrada e serviu como reteste aos candidatos a habilitação. A forma de aplicação foi coletiva e fazia parte da bateria de testes psicológicos utilizados pela clínica. As análises estatísticas não apresentaram diferenças significativas para as variáveis, sexo, estado civil e tipo de serviço solicitado e, foram significativas para as variáveis, nível de escolaridade e faixa etária, discriminado três grupos etários. Tais resultados indicam a necessidade de elaboração de tabelas normativas para os níveis de escolaridade, faixa etária e por amostra total. Sugere-se que novos estudos sejam realizados com outras regiões do Brasil, pois assim as classificações das tabelas de percentis serão mais próximas da realidade do avaliando.
Prueba de comprensión lectora en gallego para escolares de segundo de primaria
Authors: Outón Paula
Published: December 2015

En nuestros días, los escolares que comienzan 2º de Educación Primaria tienen que comprender textos escritos adecuados a su edad, cualquiera que haya sido la metodología de iniciación a la escritura y lectura. Sin embargo, hay alumnos que no lo consiguen o que tienen dificultades para ello. En este trabajo presentamos una prueba de cribado para averiguar qué escolares de segundo curso de Educación Primaria tienen dificultades en comprensión lectora en gallego y necesitan una atención especial. La prueba de cribado de comprensión lectora en gallego (COLEGA2) forma parte de una batería de instrumentos más amplia, en castellano y gallego, que tiene como objetivo evaluar el rendimiento en lectura y escritura al inicio de ese curso académico. COLEGA2 responde a una concepción de comprensión lectora actualizada, con especial énfasis en medir lectura “auténtica” de textos. Está formada por dos textos en gallego, un cuento y un texto informativo, que los alumnos deberán leer para posteriormente responder a 24 preguntas, 12 para cada uno de los dos tipos de textos. Después de una aplicación experimental, la prueba fue administrada a 460 escolares de entre 6 y 7 años (un 47,8% eran niñas y un 52,2% niños), que iniciaban segundo de Educación Primaria en 22 centros educativos de la Comunidad Autónoma de Galicia y que constituyeron la muestra de tipificación. Los resultados obtenidos en COLEGA2 nos muestran que existen bastantes alumnos que no comprenden satisfactoriamente los textos, en particular los predominantemente informativos, que tanta importancia tienen en la enseñanza-aprendizaje del currículo. Un 10 % de escolares obtuvo 7 puntos o menos en el total de las pruebas (puntuación máxima 24). Con la aplicación de COLEGA2 esperamos que se detecten a los escolares que presentan un bajo nivel en comprensión lectora en gallego para que puedan recibir la ayuda educativa oportuna, que obtengamos más información sobre los niveles de comprensión lectora en nuestra comunidad y que, en definitiva, sirva de palanca para elevar el nivel de comprensión lectora de los escolares gallegos.
Entre a macrorreferencialização da avaliação do desempenho docente e a burocracia periférica
Authors: Ramalho Henrique Manuel Pereira
Published: December 2015

Estando enquadrada no paradigma weberiano da sociologia compreensiva e interpretativa, a análise apresentada neste texto decorre, mais latamente, de um estudo de caso focalizado na compreensão das dinâmicas macro, meso e microdiscursivas desenvolvidas em torno da avaliação do desempenho docente. Em linha com o quadro epistemológico sedeado nas ideias-base da sociologia compreensiva, optou-se por uma orientação metodológica que abarca algumas características de um estudo de caso. Em termos procedimentais, recorremos a várias técnicas de observação, designadamente, a entrevistas em profundidade com atores perspetivados como informantes chave do agrupamento de escolas observado, aos documentos oficiais e oficiosos escritos existentes, a testemunhos ou documentos pessoais e, a título de complementaridade, ao inquérito por questionário, vincando-se, assim, um esforço intencional para proceder ao exercício da “triangulação” de dados a partir de diversas fontes de evidência. Concretizamos uma proposta de interpretação e compreensão das diversas relações estabelecidas entre o discurso oficial e as decorrências operadas ou, pelo menos, suscitadas pelas dinâmicas produzidas ao nível das instâncias microinstitucionais do sistema educativo, em torno da prerrogativa de uma macrorreferencialização da avaliação do desempenho docente e dos movimentos (re)produtores da burocracia periférica. O trabalho de análise e interpretação dos resultados da nossa investigação leva-nos, num primeiro ponto, a destacar o efeito centro burocrático das referências macrodiscursivas, analisando a prerrogativa do eixo burocrático alusiva à macroestrutura do sistema educativo, a qual concretiza uma perceção da referencialização baseada no discurso oficial do significado do desempenho docente e consequente avaliação. Porquanto, as estruturas, os normativos, as práticas e os comportamentos surgem, na perspetiva da face oficial do sistema educativo, estruturados e impostos heteronomiamente por via da normalização burocrática central. Num segundo ponto de análise e interpretação dos nossos resultados empíricos, discutimos as lógicas do engajamento dos atores escolares operadas a partir da burocracia periférica, a qual nos remete para a esfera do eixo da burocracia periférica, com os designados movimentos integradores da avaliação, vislumbrados a partir de uma socialização socioprofissional, operada em conformidade com a norma central e das consequentes tendências para a (re)produção do padrão avaliativo central. Como principais conclusões, destacamos, por um lado, a concretização de um esquema de engajamento organizacional de onde sobressaem a lideranças “emergentes”, sedeadas num novo locus de autoridade e poder legais. Por outro lado, alertamos para o efeito da subordinação hierárquica de matriz gerencialista, enquanto tecnologia de regulação periférica da ação dos docentes, a par de um reforço do efeito regulamentar exercido a partir do centro.
Understanding epidemiological transition in urban population of Maharashtra
Authors: Gulati Bal Kishan , Pandey Arvind
Published: November 2015

Background: Change in causes of death pattern is a reflection of epidemiological transition in which infectious and parasitic diseases shift to chronic and degenerative diseases of adulthood. Cause of death trend and pattern is important for future health policy planning.

Methods: This study attempts to measure mortality trends by different causes of death for urban Maharashtra by using MCCD data for 1990-2010 by calculating proportion of major cause of death to total deaths by age and sex for all these years.

Results: Results reveal that there has been shift in the structure of mortality by cause. Diseases of circulatory system were the leading causes of death accounting for about 31% share of all medically certified deaths which is well above the national average of about 30%. Similarly, the proportion of deaths due to certain conditions originating in the perinatal period appears to be low in the state (3.9%) compared to national average (7%). The proportions of deaths due to certain infectious and parasitic diseases and disease of the respiratory system appear to be very high (15.7% and 12.1% respectively) compared to national average (13.1% and 9.5% respectively).

Conclusions: It was found that socio-economically developed and demographically advanced urban Maharashtra bears the double burden of disease specific mortality.
Calculating the MOND constant and addressing flat galactic orbital star rotation velocity curves
Authors: Oakley William S.
Published: November 2015

A particle based explanation for the MOND constant, ao, is proposed. For stars orbiting in the outer region of galaxies Newton’s inverse square law fails at the same classical angular acceleration v2/R, (= ao), regardless of the mass of the galaxy or star, the star orbital velocity v, or the orbit radius R. Gravitational orbital dynamics, where orbital matter propagates un-accelerated in curved space-time as described by General Relativity, applies equally to systems of vastly different masses, i.e. at cosmological and elementary particle scales, with gravity simply an observer domain manifestation of the force localizing electromagnetic energy to form particles. Comparison of astronomical data and particle concepts, with scale adjustments, enables an expression for ao to be derived and a numerical value obtained within the uncertainty bounds of empirical data. Newton’s law fails and stellar orbital velocities become independent of the orbit radius at the same gravitational field strength as at the proton radius. A quantum loop based cause of orbital velocity curve flattening is proposed.
Correlation of survivors of near hanging with Glasgow coma scale
Authors: Borkar Mangala S. , Patil Sunita B. , Sikariya Kusum K. , Kashid Akshay A. , Chimote Hemant N. , Malani Veena M.
Published: November 2015

Background: A patient, who survives an attempt to hang himself, at least for some time, is said to be a case of “near-hanging”. This study attempts to correlate survival in near- hanging with Glasgow Coma Scale and to study the clinical profile of hanging the 25 patients of near hanging who were admitted in the MICU of Government Medical College, Aurangabad from January 2014 to July 2015.

Methods: Detail clinical history was taken and thorough examination was done. Patients were assessed by applying Glasgow coma scale. NCCT Brain and spine was done of all these patients before admitting to MICU to rule out cervical injury.

Results: Males were 76% and female 24% in this study.20 of the 25 patients required mechanical ventilation. 18 patients survived, of whom 13 had been ventilated. All the 5 who did not need ventilation survived.

Conclusions: Only 1 patient survived out of the 8, whose Glasgow - coma scale was less than 6, (87.5 % mortality). 100 % patients who were ventilated but had a Glasgow Coma Scale of 6 or more survived.
Analysis on Application of Traditional Architectural Elements in Modern Architectural Design
Authors: Tong Lihong , Zhu Xueliang
Published: December 2015

In modern architectural design, the scientific use and development of Chinese traditional architectural elements is an issue studied in-depth by every building designer. Exploration is made from the application of humanity concept in traditional Chinese architectural culture. The traditional architectural space design applications, the use of traditional architecture symbols, traditional architectural elements applications and other aspects, have important significance to implant traditional Chinese architectural elements into the development of modern architecture.
Electrochemical oxidation of m-cresol purple dye in aqueous media
Authors: Khezrianjoo Sajjad , Revanasiddappa Hosakere Doddarevanna
Published: December 2015

The present investigation showed that the indicator dye m-cresol purple (mCP) was degraded in a laboratory scale, undivided electrolysis cell system. A platinum anode was used for generation of chlorine in the dye solution. The influence of supporting electrolyte, applied voltage, pH, initial dye concentration and temperature were studied. The ultraviolet-visible spectra of samples during the electrochemical oxidation showed rapid decolorization of the dye solution. During the electrochemical degradation process, dye concentration and current were measured to evaluate the energy consumption and current efficiency. After 10 minutes of electrolysis, a solution containing 20 mg/L mCP showed complete color removal at a supporting electrolyte concentration of 1 g/L NaCl, initial pH 6.7, temperature 25 °C and applied voltage 5 V; however, when pH was kept at 6.7, a higher rate constant was observed. There was good fit of the data to pseudo-first-order kinetics for dye removal in all experiments. Dependence of the decolorization rate on the initial mCP concentration can be described as roα[mCP]o−0.98. The apparent activation energy for the electrochemical decolorization of mCP was determined to be −6.29 kJ/mol.
Changes of toxic metals during biological stabilization and their potential ecological risk assessment
Authors: Wang Hou-cheng , Zeng Zheng-zhong , Zhang He-fei , Nan Zhong-ren
Published: December 2015

With various disadvantages of pollution control technologies for toxic metal-contaminated soil, we mixed contaminated soil with sludge for in situ composting to stabilize toxic metals, so plants are enriched to take up the toxic metals. When simulating the above, we added toxic metal solution into sewage sludge, and then composed it with steel slag to determine inhibition of the availability of toxic metals. When toxic metals were added into sludge, the potential ecological index and geoaccumulation index of Cd became high while Zn was low. Steel slag had an inhibited availability of Cd, and when the adjunction of steel slag was 7%, the availability of Cd was lowest. Steel slag promoted the availability of Zn, and when the adjunction of steel slag was 27%, the availability of Zn was highest. Results showed that during composting, with increasing steel slag, Cd stabilizing time was reached sooner but Zn stabilizing time was slower, and the availability of all metals became lower. In the end, composting inhibited the potential ecological index of Cd, but it promoted the potential ecological index of Zn. Steel slag promoted the stability of Cd and Zn as Fe/Mn oxide-bound and residual species. Therefore, composting sludge and steel slag could be used as an effective inhibitor of Zn and Cd pollution.
Study on mechanism of algal inactivation and pollution removal by Fe-ACF electro Fenton-like process
Authors: Zhang Jin , Wang Huan
Published: December 2015

Algae inactivation and algal metabolic pollutant removal of Chlorella and Duneliella salina from seawater by the Fe-ACF electro Fenton-like process has been studied. The experiments were conducted at neutral condition of pH 8.3 (raw water) and 6.2 to break through the limit of strong acidic conditions. Experimental results indicated that the Fe-ACF electro Fenton-like process has a good effect for algae inactivation and for pollutant removal in neutral conditions, and pH has no obvious effect for the inactivation of algae. At optimum conditions, the inactivation efficiency for algae could reach up to 98%. A pH of 8.3 is more favorable for pollutant removal. Under neutral pH conditions, the coupling effect of indirect oxidation of •OH, direct oxidation of free chlorine and coagulation and adsorption of ferric and ferrous hydroxy complexes in the electro Fenton-like process was achieved, and the coupling effect promotes the inactivation of algae and the removal of metabolic pollutants.
Rheological Indexes
Authors: Morian Nathan , Zhu Cheng , Hajj Elie Y.
Published: December 2015

An investigation was conducted into several commonly used rheological indexes and their influence on oxidation studies. The evaluation considered the low shear viscosity; the dynamic shear rheometer function, or Glover–Rowe parameter; the dynamic shear crossover modulus (G*c) value; and parameters from the Williams–Landel–Ferry and Kaelble shift functions as the rheological indexes in a comparative oxidation characterization between two example asphalt binders. In general, each respective methodology was found to correlate with increasing levels of oxidation but resulted in differing outcomes with respect to oxidation, which depended on the evaluation methodology used. Although each method presented its own merit and respective limitations, a single preferential method was not readily identified. However, the critical need for reliable and sound rheological measures and data processing procedures was clearly demonstrated. This evaluation supported the need for a clear and logical evaluation of the rheological parameters used to characterize asphalt binders. It has been documented that certain rheological indexes have strong correlations to specific distress types or mechanical behaviors and thus may prove beneficial to a particular analysis. However, evaluations must also acknowledge the limitations of selected techniques. When possible, complete characterization through means of the development of full master curves should be beneficial. With sound rheological data and comprehensive measures, several indexes can be determined and provide a more comprehensive view of the investigated material responses.
Field Validation of a Thermal Cracking Resistance Specification Framework for Modified Asphalt
Authors: Tabatabaee Hassan A. , Bahia Hussain
Published: December 2015

Current Superpave® performance grade (PG) binder specifications, such as those used in Wisconsin and many other states, were developed primarily for unmodified binders and are valid only within the linear viscoelastic range of properties. Further, performance benefits from modification are not limited to continuum rheological properties because modified binders often demonstrate superior damage resistance not captured in the current PG system. This paper discusses the results of a recently completed research project sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in Madison; the objective was to identify promising procedures through a comparison of test results with field performance and the development of appropriate modified binder specification criteria for thermal cracking resistance. A number of procedures have been introduced in recent years to address the need for damage characterization test procedures for proper assessment and selection of modified binders. In this study, the single-edge notched bending (SENB) procedure was found to correlate well with the observed field thermal cracking when tests were conducted at the project location low-temperature PG specification temperature. The device used was a modified bending beam rheometer (BBR), which could perform displacement-controlled loading with higher load cell capacity, and accommodated notched BBR beams. On the basis of the results of this study, a procedure was introduced for thermal cracking resistance potential of modified binders with the BBR-SENB test at an average annual minimum pavement temperature of +10°C. A preliminary failure limit and acceptance criterion were defined to qualify binder results in terms of the failure properties measured.
Comparison of Concentric Cylinder and Parallel Plate Geometries for Asphalt Binder Testing with a Dynamic Shear Rheometer
Authors: Hung Shawn S. , Farshidi Frank , Jones David , Harvey John T.
Published: December 2015

In California, 35% of the asphalt concrete placed by the California Department of Transportation must, by law, contain recycled tire rubber. Asphalt rubber binder (produced in what is known as the wet process) is the main binder type used in rubberized hot-mix asphalt in California. The rubber particles vary in size, but 100% must pass the 2.36-mm No. 8 sieve. Because of the presence of these relatively large rubber particles in the binder, the current parallel plate testing system (with either 1- or 2-mm gaps specified in the Superpave® performance grading system) is not appropriate for use to measure the binder properties. These large rubber particles would be more likely to contact the plates, and the resulting measurement could be dominated by the rheology of the rubber particles rather than by the binder. Consequently, a modified dynamic shear rheometer testing geometry, a concentric cylinder, was investigated and compared with traditional parallel plates with a view toward the use of this new geometry for quality control on projects that used asphalt rubber binder. In the first phase of the investigation, summarized in this paper, the two geometries were compared by testing conventional and polymer-modified binders to determine the complex shear modulus (G*) and phase angle (d). The results indicated no statistically significant difference between the two geometries. On the basis of these results, testing has begun of asphalt rubber binders with a range of particle sizes with the use of the two geometries.
Predicting functional impairment in brain tumor surgery: the Big Five and the Milan Complexity Scale
Authors: Ferroli Paolo , Broggi Morgan , Schiavolin Silvia , Acerbi Francesco , Bettamio Valentina , Caldiroli Dario , Cusin Alberto , La Corte Emanuele , Leonardi Matilde , Raggi Alberto , Schiariti Marco , Visintini Sergio , Franzini Angelo , Broggi Giovanni
Published: December 2015

OBJECT

The Milan Complexity Scale—a new practical grading scale designed to estimate the risk of neurological clinical worsening after performing surgery for tumor removal—is presented.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on all elective consecutive surgical procedures for tumor resection between January 2012 and December 2014 at the Second Division of Neurosurgery at Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta of Milan. A prospective database dedicated to reporting complications and all clinical and radiological data was retrospectively reviewed. The Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) was used to classify each patient’s health status. Complications were divided into major and minor and recorded based on etiology and required treatment. A logistic regression model was used to identify possible predictors of clinical worsening after surgery in terms of changes between the preoperative and discharge KPS scores. Statistically significant predictors were rated based on their odds ratios in order to build an ad hoc complexity scale. For each patient, a corresponding total score was calculated, and ANOVA was performed to compare the mean total scores between the improved/unchanged and worsened patients. Relative risk (RR) and chi-square statistics were employed to provide the risk of worsening after surgery for each total score.

RESULTS

The case series was composed of 746 patients (53.2% female; mean age 51.3 ± 17.1). The most common tumors were meningiomas (28.6%) and glioblastomas (24.1%). The mortality rate was 0.94%, the major complication rate was 9.1%, and the minor complication rate was 32.6%. Of 746 patients, 523 (70.1%) patients improved or remained unchanged, and 223 (29.9%) patients worsened. The following factors were found to be statistically significant predictors of the change in KPS scores: tumor size larger than 4 cm, cranial nerve manipulation, major brain vessel manipulation, posterior fossa location, and eloquent area involvement (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.286). A grading scale was obtained with scores ranging between 0 and 8. Worsened patients showed mean total scores that were significantly higher than the improved/unchanged scores (3.24 ± 1.55 vs 1.47 ± 1.58; p < 0.001). Finally, a grid was developed to show the risk of worsening after surgery for each total score: scores higher than 3 are suggestive of worse clinical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Through the evaluation of the 5 aforementioned parameters—the Big Five—the Milan Complexity Scale enables neurosurgeons to estimate the risk of a negative clinical course after brain tumor surgery and share these data with the patient. Furthermore, the Milan Complexity Scale could be used for research and educational purposes and better health system management.
Size-controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Zizyphus mauritiana fruit extract
Authors: Sutradhar Prasanta , Saha Mitali
Published: December 2015

We demonstrated size-controlled synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Zizyphus mauritiana fruit extract from an aqueous solution of silver nitrate. The size distribution of the resulting AgNPs were found to be dependent on the concentration of fruit extract and reaction time, at the same concentration of silver nitrate. The AgNPs were characterised byUV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), particle size analysis (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X- ray diffraction (XRD). The sizes of the AgNPs were found to decrease with the increase of concentration of fruit extract from 300 nm to 70 nm. The increase in reaction time from 5 min to 20 min significantly decreases the size of the AgNPs from 350 nm to 100 nm.
A new Mo/S/Cu polymeric cluster: Synthesis, structure and properties
Authors: Shu Zunzhe , Wang Chaohai , Li Yao , Du Haijuan , Niu Yunyin
Published: December 2015

Compound {[MoOS3Cu3Br(μ-bpy)2.5]·0.75DMF}∞ is an isomorphous neutral 3D 4-fold interpenetrating architecture displaying self-interpenetrating feature.sometimes, the compound like the art. All of it have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR, TGA, and UV-vis. The results may provide fascinating insights into template effect on the construction of the cluster-based coordination polymers.
What is the reason for the anomalous C-substituent effects in the Lewis acid catalyzed thermal decomposition of [Me2Al(μ-OR)]2?
Authors: Barron Andrew R.
Published: December 2015

The high temperature AlMe3 C-methylation of [Me2Al(μ-OR)]2 is reported to follow the order: 9-Ph-fluoroxy >OCPh3 >9-Me-fluoroxy. We suggested this to be due to the relative stability of the appropriate carbocation; however, experimental data, inconsistent with this explanation, caused us to reinvestigate the system. We have performed ab initio calculations on [Me2Al(μ-OR)]2 and Me2Al(μ-OR)(μ-Me)AlMe2 (R = CPh3, 9-Ph-fluoroxy, and 9-Me-fluoroxy) as well as the carbocations and hypothetical reaction products from the heterolytic cleavage of the O–C bond. Heterolytic O–C bond cleavage from [Me2Al(μ-OCR3)]2 and Me2Al(μ-OCR3)(μ-Me)AlMe2 all follow the trend CPh3 >9-phenylfluorene >9-methylfluorene (as does the C–C bond cleavage from R3CMe). The exchange reaction between (AlMe3)2 and [Me2Al(μ-OCR3)]2 is found to be exothermic for OCPh3, but endothermic for 9-Ph-fluoroxy and 9-Me-fluoroxy. It is proposed that the anomalous C-substituent effects are due to the temperature dependence of the exchange reaction, and hence the concentration of the intermediate species, Me2Al(μ-OR)(μ-Me)AlMe2, which is the pre-equilibrium species to the rate determining step of heterolytic O–C bond cleavage.
Perceptions of nursing students trained in a new model teaching ward in Malawi
Authors: Bvumbwe Thokozani
Published: November 2015

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of nursing students trained in a new model teaching ward in Malawi. A total of 90students from five nursing colleges were randomly assigned to one model ward and two ordinary wards in a single teaching hospital. The students were administered a revised version of the Student Evaluation of Clinical Education Environment questionnaire. Significant differences among the three wards were found in all items in the communication/feedback subscale, with the exception of the item “nursing staff provided constructive feedback” (P=0.162). Within the learning opportunities subscale all items showed significant differences among the three wards, whereas 50% of the items in the learning support/assistance subscale had significantly different responses among the three wards. Within the department atmosphere subscale, no significant differences were found in the items assessing whether an adequate number and variety of patients were present in the ward (P=0.978). The strategies that are being implemented to improve the educational environment showed positive results. Students scored the model teaching ward highly. Students who underwent precepting in the model teaching wards reported having more learning opportunities and a positive learning environment.
Proposal for a Modified Dreyfus and Miller Model with simplified competency level descriptions for performing self-rated surveys
Authors: Park Janghee
Published: November 2015

In competency-based education, it is important to frequently evaluate the degree of competency achieved by establishing and specifying competency levels. To self-appraise one’s own competency level, one needs a simple, clear, and accurate description for each competency level. This study aimed at developing competency stages that can be used in surveys and conceptualizing clear and precise competency level descriptions. In this paper, the author intends to conceptualize a simple competency level description through a literature review. The author modified the most widely quoted competency level models—Dreyfus’ Five-stage Model and Miller’s Pyramid—and classified competency levels into the following: The Modified Dreyfus Model comprises absolute beginner, beginner, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert, while the Modified Miller Model uses the levels of knows little, knows and knows how, exercised does, selected does, experienced does, and intuitive does. The author also provided a simple and clear description of competency levels. The precise description of competency levels developed in this study is expected to be useful in determining one’s competency level in surveys.
Smartphone-based evaluations of clinical placements—a useful complement to web-based evaluation tools
Authors: Hessius Jesper , Johansson Jakob
Published: November 2015

Purpose: Web-based questionnaires are currently the standard method for course evaluations. The high rate of smartphone adoption in Sweden makes possible a range of new uses, including course evaluation. This study examines the potential advantages and disadvantages of using a smartphone app as a complement to web-based course evaluationsystems.Methods: An iPhone app for course evaluations was developed and interfaced to an existing web-based tool. Evaluations submitted using the app were compared with those submitted using the web between August 2012 and June 2013, at the Faculty of Medicine at Uppsala University, Sweden. Results: At the time of the study, 49% of the students were judged to own iPhones. Over the course of the study, 3,340 evaluations were submitted, of which 22.8% were submitted using the app. The median of mean scores in the submitted evaluations was 4.50 for the app (with an interquartile range of 3.70-5.20) and 4.60 (3.70-5.20) for the web (P= 0.24). The proportion of evaluations that included a free-text comment was 50.5% for the app and 49.9% for the web (P= 0.80).Conclusion: An app introduced as a complement to a web-based course evaluation system met with rapid adoption. We found no difference in the frequency of free-text comments or in the evaluation scores. Apps appear to be promising tools for course evaluations. web-based course evaluation system met with rapid adoption. We found no difference in the frequency of free-text comments or in the evaluation scores. Apps appear to be promising tools for course evaluations.
How Farm Animals React and Perceive Stressful Situations Such As Handling, Restraint, and Transport
Authors: Grandin Temple , Shivley Chelsey
Published: December 2015

An animal that has been carefully acclimated to handling may willingly re-enter a restrainer. Another animal may have an intense agitated behavioral reaction or refuse to re-enter the handling facility. Physiological measures of stress such as cortisol may be very low in the animal that re-enters willingly and higher in animals that actively resist restraint. Carefully acclimating young animals to handling and restraint can help improve both productivity and welfare by reducing fear stress. Some of the topics covered in this review are: How an animal perceives handling and restraint, the detrimental effects of a sudden novel event, descriptions of temperament and aversion tests and the importance of good stockmanship.
Potential Sources of Trace Metals and Ionic Species in PM2.5 in Guadalajara, Mexico: A Case Study during Dry Season
Authors: Murillo-Tovar Mario , Saldarriaga-Noreña Hugo , Hernández-Mena Leonel , Campos-Ramos Arturo , Cárdenas-González Beatriz , Ospina-Noreña Jesús , Cosío-Ramírez Ricardo , Díaz-Torres José , Smith Winston
Published: December 2015

This study was conducted from May 25 to June 6, 2009 at a downtown location (Centro) and an urban sector (Miravalle) site in the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara (MZG) in Mexico. The atmospheric concentrations of PM2.5 and its elemental and inorganic components were analyzed to identify their potential sources during the warm dry season. The daily measurements of PM2.5 (24 h) exceeded the WHO (World Health Organization) air quality guidelines (25 μg·m−3). The most abundant element was found to be Fe, accounting for 59.8% and 72.2% of total metals mass in Centro and Miravalle, respectively. The enrichment factor (EF) analysis showed a more significant contribution of non-crustal sources to the elements in ambient PM2.5 in Centro than in the Miravalle site. Particularly, the highest enrichment of Cu suggested motor vehicle-related emissions in Centro. The most abundant secondary ionic species (NO3−; SO42− and NH4+) and the ratio NO3−/SO42− corroborated the important impact of mobile sources to fine particles at the sampling sites. In addition, the ion balance indicated that particles collected in Miravalle experienced neutralization processes likely due to a higher contribution of geological material. Other important contributors to PM2.5 included biomass burning by emissions transported from the forest into the city.
Experimental Study in a Cascade Row for Improving the Performance of a Partially Admitted Turbo-Expander
Authors: Cho Soo-Yong , Cho Chong-Hyun , Rim Chae , Choi Sang-Kyu
Published: December 2015

Turbo-expanders are widely used as power generators in the field of energy conversion such as organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems. When the available thermal energy is not sufficient to operate the turbo-expander in full admission, it is much better to operate in partial admission instead of stand-down. However, the performance of the turbo-expander greatly depends on the operating conditions. Among many operating conditions, the flow angle at the nozzle and solidity can be major factors affecting the performance of the expander. In order to investigate the optimal operation conditions, experiments were conducted in a linear cascade apparatus simulating the operation of turbo-expander in partial admission. Three different nozzle flow angles of 58°, 65°, and 72° were adopted, and the experiments were conducted with respective solidities of 1.25, 1.38, and 1.67 at each nozzle flow angle. The cross section of the nozzle was rectangular and the chord of the tested blade was 200 mm. The blades moved in a rotational direction, and the forces on the blades were measured with the surface pressure at steady state. The experimental results showed that the rotational force increased for a larger solidity or for a smaller nozzle flow angle.