bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxoplasma gondii and pre-treatment protocols for polymerase chain reaction analysis of milk samples: a field trial in sheep from Southern Italy
Authors: Vismarra Alice , Barilli Elena , Miceli Maura , Mangia Carlo , Bacci Cristina , Brindani Franco , Kramer Laura
Published: February 2017

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Ingestion of raw milk has been suggested as a risk for transmission to humans. Here the authors evaluated pre-treatment protocols for DNA extraction on T. gondii tachyzoite-spiked sheep milk with the aim of identifying the method that resulted in the most rapid and reliable PCR positivity. This protocol was then used to analyze milk samples form sheep from three different farms in southern Italy, including Real Time PCR for DNA quantification and PCR-RFLP for genotyping. The pre-treatment protocol using EDTA and Tris-HCl to remove casein gave the best results in the least amount of time compared to the others on spiked milk samples. One sample of 21 collected from sheep farms was positive on one-step PCR, Real Time PCR and resulted in a Type I genotype at one locus (SAG3). Milk usually contains a low number of tachyzoites and this could be a limiting factor for molecular identification. Our preliminary data has evaluated a rapid, cost-effective and sensitive protocol to treat milk before DNA extraction. The results of the present study also confirm the possibility of T. gondii transmission through consumption of raw milk and its unpasteurized derivatives.
Passive ultra high frequency radio frequency identification systems for single-item identification in food supply chains
Authors: Barge Paolo , Gay Paolo , Merlino Valentina , Tortia Cristina
Published: February 2017

In the food industry, composition, size, and shape of items are much less regular than in other commodities sectors. In addition, a wide variety of packaging, composed by different materials, is employed. As material, size and shape of items to which the tag should be attached strongly influence the minimum power requested for tag functioning, performance improvements can be achieved only selecting suitable radio frequency (RF) identifiers for the specific combination of food product and packaging. When dealing with logistics units, the dynamic reading of a vast number of tags could originate simultaneous broadcasting of signals (tag-to-tag collisions) that could affect reading rates and the overall reliability of the identification procedure. This paper reports the results of an analysis of the reading performance of ultra high frequency radio frequency identification systems for multiple static and dynamic electronic identification of food packed products in controlled conditions. Products were considered when arranged on a logistics pallet. The effects on reading rate of different factors, among which the product type, the gate configuration, the field polarisation, the power output of the RF reader, the interrogation protocol configuration as well as the transit speed, the number of tags and their interactions were statistically analysed and compared.
Influence of inter-annual environmental variability on chrysophyte cyst assemblages: insight from a 2-years sediment trap study in lakes from northern Poland
Authors: Hernandez-Almeida Ivan , Grosjean Martin , Pla-Rabes Sergi , Filipiak Janusz , Bonk Alicja , Tylmann Wojciech
Published: February 2017

Quantitative paleonvironmental studies using transfer functions are developed from training sets. However, changes in some variables (e.g., climatic) can be difficult to identify from short-term monitoring (e.g., less than one year). Here, we present the study of the chrysophyte cyst assemblages from sediment traps deployed during two consecutive years (November 2011-November 2013) in 14 lakes from Northern Poland. The studied lakes are distributed along a W-E climatological gradient, with very different physical, chemical and morphological characteristics, and land-uses. Field surveys were carried out to recover the sediment trap material during autumn, along with the measurement of several environmental variables (nutrients, major water ions, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a). During the study, one year experienced mild seasonal changes in air temperature (November 2011-November 2012; TS1), typical of oceanic climate, while the other year was characterized by colder winter and spring (November 2012-November 2013; TS2), and higher summer temperatures, more characteristic of continental climate. Other environmental variables (e.g., nutrients) did not show great changes between both years. Multivariate statistical analyses (RDA and DCA) were performed on individual TS1 and TS2 datasets. Water chemistry and nutrients (pH, TN and TP) explained the largest portion of the variance of the chrysophyte data for the individual years. However, analyses of the combined TS1 and TS2 datasets show that strong changes between summer and autumn (warm period, ice-free period with thermal stratification) and winter and spring (cold period, ice-cover period) play the most important role in the inter-annual variability in the chrysophyte assemblages. We show how inter-annual sampling maximizes ecological gradients of interest, particularly in regions with large environmental diversity, and low climatic variability. This methodology could help to identify distinct seasonal and inter-annual changes of biological communities to improve its application in paleoclimate studies.
Subcutaneous interferon β-1a administration by electronic auto-injector is associated with high adherence in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in a real-life study
Authors: Järvinen Elina , Multanen Juha , Atula Sari
Published: February 2017

The objective was to investigate adherence measured by an electronic auto-injector device, and self-reported adherence and treatment convenience in subjects with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), using an electronic auto-injector Rebismart® to self-inject interferon β-1a. Thirty one patients with RRMS using the electronic auto-injector Rebismart® for selfinjecting interferon β-1a subcutaneously three times weekly were included in a reallife clinical multicenter study for 24 weeks in Finland. Mean adherence reported by the device and mean self-assessment of adherence were studied. Reasons for missing injections and treatment convenience were assessed. Association between adherence and gender and age were studied. The mean adherence calculated from the device data was 93.5%. The mean self-assessment of adherence was 96.6%. The most common reason for missing an injection was forgetfulness. Adherence (measured by the device) was not changed over time. In the high adherence group there were more females and young patients (<30 years of age). The auto-injector was found to substantially ease the treatment by 90% of the patients. The electronic auto-injector was associated with high adherence to treatment. The device was found to ease the patient’s treatment and it was perceived as easy to use. It is a convenient tool to assess patient’s adherence to treatment.
Conceptualising holiness in the Gospel of John: The mode and objectives of holiness (part 1)
Authors: Van der Merwe Dirk
Published: February 2017

This article investigates the code of holiness as well as the objectives of holiness in the Gospel of John. The en route to holiness will be dealt with in a following article, ‘Conceptualizing holiness in the Gospel of John: the  en route to holiness and the character of holiness (Part 2)’. In the Gospel of John, the holiness of the trinity constitutes the theological environment for the code of holiness and forms the basis for the exhortation to holiness. The code of holiness is described in the light of the interaction of three levels of relationships: the unity between Father and the Son as the example of holiness, the unity between Jesus and the disciples as the basis for holiness and the unity among the disciples as the inducting objective for holiness. For the Fourth Evangelist, the objective of holiness is fourfold: The first objective is to constitute a unity among the followers of Jesus (17:20–23), although it is not explicitly defined in this context. The second objective refers to the preparation of Jesus’ disciples to continue Jesus’ mission. The third objective for holiness is that the world (ὁ κόσμος) may believe (πιστεύῃ) and may know (γινώσκῃ) that God has sent his Son (ὅτι σύ με ἀπέστειλας) (17:20–23). The fourth and the ultimate objective is the glorification of God (17:4).
Nonconforming Finite Element Methods for Wave Propagation in Metamaterials
Authors: Yao Changhui , Wang Lixiu
Published: February 2017

In this paper, nonconforming mixed finite element method is proposed to simulate the wave propagation in metamaterials. The error estimate of the semi-discrete scheme is given by convergence order O(h2), which is less than 40 percent of the computational costs comparing with the same effect by using Nédélec-Raviart element. A Crank-Nicolson full discrete scheme is also presented with O(τ2 + h2) by traditional discrete formula without using penalty method. Numerical examples of 2D TE, TM cases and a famous re-focusing phenomena are shown to verify our theories.
Generalized Accelerated Hermitian and Skew-Hermitian Splitting Methods for Saddle-Point Problems
Authors: Pour H. Noormohammadi , Goughery H. Sadeghi
Published: February 2017

We generalize the accelerated Hermitian and skew-Hermitian splitting (AHSS) iteration methods for large sparse saddle-point problems. These methods involve four iteration parameters whose special choices can recover the preconditioned HSS and accelerated HSS iteration methods. Also a new efficient case is introduced and we theoretically prove that this new method converges to the unique solution of the saddle-point problem. Numerical experiments are used to further examine the effectiveness and robustness of iterations.
Phaseless Imaging by Reverse Time Migration: Acoustic Waves
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Huang Guanghui
Published: February 2017

We propose a reliable direct imaging method based on the reverse time migration for finding extended obstacles with phaseless total field data. We prove that the imaging resolution of the method is essentially the same as the imaging results using the scattering data with full phase information when the measurement is far away from the obstacle. The imaginary part of the cross-correlation imaging functional always peaks on the boundary of the obstacle. Numerical experiments are included to illustrate the powerful imaging quality
Analysis of a Streamline-Diffusion Finite Element Method on Bakhvalov-Shishkin Mesh for Singularly Perturbed Problem
Authors: Yin Yunhui , Zhu Peng , Wang Bin
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a bilinear Streamline-Diffusion finite element method on Bakhvalov-Shishkin mesh for singularly perturbed convection – diffusion problem is analyzed. The method is shown to be convergent uniformly in the perturbation parameter ∈ provided only that ∈ ≤ N–1. An convergent rate in a discrete streamline-diffusion norm is established under certain regularity assumptions. Finally, through numerical experiments, we verified the theoretical results.
Fraudulent/Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Tool for Risk Assessment of Distributors
Authors:   G-19DR Distributor Risk Characterization
Published: February 2017

This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice is applicable for all organizations that procure electronic components from sources other than the original component manufacturer of the component. It is especially applicable for assessing distributors that sell electronic components without contractual authorization from the original component manufacturer.
Measurement of Radiated Emissions from Integrated Circuits—Surface Scan Method (Loop Probe Method) 10 MHz to 3 GHz
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: February 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice defines a method for evaluating the near field electric or magnetic component of the electromagnetic field at the surface of an integrated circuit (IC). This technique is capable of providing a detailed pattern of the RF sources internal to the IC. The resolution of the pattern is determined by the characteristics of the probes used and the precision of the mechanical probe positioner. The method is usable over the 10 MHz to 3 GHz frequency range with existing probe technology. The probe is mechanically scanned according to a programmed pattern in a plane parallel or perpendicular to the IC surface and the data is computer processed to provide a color-enhanced representation of field strength at the scan frequency. This procedure is applicable to measurements from an IC mounted on any circuit board that is accessible to the scan probe. For comparisons, the standardized test board shall be used. This diagnostic procedure is intended for IC architectural analysis including functional floor plan and power distribution.
On-Highway Equipment Control and Communication Network
Authors:   Truck Bus Control and Communications Network Committee
Published: February 2017

SAE J1939-01 On-Highway Equipment Control and Communication Network specifies the minimum set of SAE J1939 documents that define the Truck and Bus Control and Communications Vehicle Network as it applies to on-highway equipment. Vehicles covered include all on-highway straight trucks and road trains. A road train consists of one towing vehicle (tractor) and one or more towed vehicles (trailers and dollies). Dolly axles within the road train are considered to be towed vehicles.
Dimensional Specifications for Metallic Body Push-to-Connect Fittings Used on a Vehicular Air Brake System
Authors:   Air Brake Tubing and Tube Ftg Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Standard covers general and dimensional specifications for brass bodied reusable Push to Connect tube fittings for use in the piping of vehicular air brake systems. This type of fitting is intended for use with nylon tubing per SAE J844. See SAE J2494-3 for the Performance Requirements of Reusable (Push to Connect) Fittings Intended for Use in Automotive Air Brake Systems and U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 571.
Tire Pressure Systems - Maintenance (ATIS) Type For Medium and Heavy Duty Highway Vehicles
Authors:   Truck and Bus Tire Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice defines the system and component functions, measurement metrics, and testing methodologies for evaluating the functionality and performance of ground vehicle tire pressure maintenance (ATIS) systems (systems which automatically restore the inflation pressure to its specified level), and recommended maintenance practices for these systems within the known operating environments.

These systems are recommended to address all serviceable tires as originally installed on a vehicle by the OEM and/or specialty vehicle manufacturer, and for the aftermarket (including replacement or spare parts) are recommended (but optional) to address all tire/rim combinations installed after initial vehicle sale or in-use dates.

This document is applicable to all axle and all wheel combinations for the following vehicle types - single unit powered vehicles exceeding 7257 kg (16 000 lb) gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and multi-unit vehicle combinations, up to three towed units, which use an SAE J560 connector for power and/or communication, or equivalent successor connector technology. For combination vehicles including two or more trailers, the dolly axles are also included. The included vehicles can be newly manufactured vehicles or existing vehicles, fitted with air or hydraulic braking systems.

SPECIAL NOTE: Equipment known as ‘dual tire equalizers’ are commonly used with this category of vehicles. When employing an ATIS system, dual tire equalizers systems are not recommended as they run counter to the purpose of the maintenance system.

NOTE: The following systems are not being addressed in this edition of the subject document.

1

The management system types and more mature/complex versions of maintenance and management types, to include on-board reporting/storage/retrieval data/control capabilities, will be addressed separately by future changes/additions to this document series.

2

Tire pressure monitoring systems - These systems have been addressed under SAE J2848-1.
Power Quality Requirements for Plug-In Electric Vehicle Chargers
Authors:   Hybrid - EV Committee
Published: February 2017

The intent of this document is to develop a recommended practice for PEV chargers, whether on-board or off-board the vehicle, that will enable equipment manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers, electric utilities and others to make reasonable design decisions regarding power quality. The three main purposes are as follows:

1

To identify those parameters of PEV battery charger that must be controlled in order to preserve the quality of the AC service.

2

To identify those characteristics of the AC service that may significantly impact the performance of the charger.

3

To identify values for power quality, susceptibility and power control parameters which are based on current U.S. and international standards. These values should be technically feasible and cost effective to implement into PEV battery chargers.

SAE J2894/2 Power Quality Requirements for Plug-In Electric Vehicle Chargers – Test Methods will describe the test methods for the parameters / requirements in this document.
R-1234yf [HFO-1234yf] Refrigerant Electronic Leak Detectors, Minimum Performance Criteria
Authors:   Interior Climate Control Service Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Standard provides testing and functional requirements to meet specified minimum performance criteria for electronic probe-type leak detectors. The equipment specified here will identify smaller refrigerant leaks when servicing motor vehicle air conditioning systems, including those engineered with improved sealing and smaller refrigerant charges to address environmental concerns and increase system efficiency. This document does not address any safety issues concerning the equipment design or use beyond that of sampling a flammable refrigerant save those described in 3.1 and 3.2 of this document. All requirements of this standard shall be verified in SAE J2911.
Hygroscopic growth of water soluble organic carbon isolated from atmospheric aerosol collected at US national parks and Storm Peak Laboratory
Authors: Taylor Nathan F. , Collins Don R. , Lowenthal Douglas H. , McCubbin Ian B. , Hallar A. Gannet , Samburova Vera , Zielinska Barbara , Kumar Naresh , Mazzoleni Lynn R.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Due to the atmospheric abundance and chemical complexity of water soluble organic carbon (WSOC), its contribution to the hydration behavior of atmospheric aerosol is both significant and difficult to assess. For the present study, the hygroscopicity and CCN activity of isolated atmospheric WSOC particulate matter was measured without the compounding effects of common, soluble inorganic aerosol constituents. WSOC was extracted with high purity water from daily high-volume PM2.5 filter samples and separated from water soluble inorganic constituents using solid-phase extraction. The WSOC filter extracts were concentrated and combined to provide sufficient mass for continuous generation of the WSOC-only aerosol over the combined measurement time of the tandem differential mobility analyzer and coupled scanning mobility particle sizer–CCN counter used for the analysis. Aerosol samples were taken at Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the summer of 2006 and fall–winter of 2007–2008; Mount Rainier National Park during the summer of 2009; Storm Peak Laboratory (SPL) near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, during the summer of 2010; and Acadia National Park during the summer of 2011. Across all sampling locations and seasons, the hygroscopic growth of WSOC samples at 90 % RH, expressed in terms of the hygroscopicity parameter, κ, ranged from 0.05 to 0.15. Comparisons between the hygroscopicity of WSOC and that of samples containing all soluble materials extracted from the filters implied a significant modification of the hydration behavior of inorganic components, including decreased hysteresis separating efflorescence and deliquescence and enhanced water uptake between 30 and 70 % RH.
Chemical characterization of fine particulate matter in Changzhou, China, and source apportionment with offline aerosol mass spectrometry
Authors: Ye Zhaolian , Liu Jiashu , Gu Aijun , Feng Feifei , Liu Yuhai , Bi Chenglu , Xu Jianzhong , Li Ling , Chen Hui , Chen Yanfang , Dai Liang , Zhou Quanfa , Ge Xinlei
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Knowledge of aerosol chemistry in densely populated regions is critical for effective reduction of air pollution, while such studies have not been conducted in Changzhou, an important manufacturing base and populated city in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), China. This work, for the first time, performed a thorough chemical characterization on the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples, collected during July 2015 to April 2016 across four seasons in this city. A suite of analytical techniques was employed to measure the organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs), trace elements, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5; in particular, an Aerodyne soot particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SP-AMS) was deployed to probe the chemical properties of water-soluble organic aerosol (WSOA). The average PM2.5 concentration was found to be 108.3 µg m−3, and all identified species were able to reconstruct ∼ 80 % of the PM2.5 mass. The WSIIs occupied about half of the PM2.5 mass (∼ 52.1 %), with SO42−, NO3−, and NH4+ as the major ions. On average, nitrate concentrations dominated over sulfate (mass ratio of 1.21), indicating that traffic emissions were more important than stationary sources. OC and EC correlated well with each other and the highest OC ∕ EC ratio (5.16) occurred in winter, suggesting complex OC sources likely including both secondary and primary ones. Concentrations of eight trace elements (Mn, Zn, Al, B, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb) can contribute up to ∼ 5.0 % of PM2.5 during winter. PAH concentrations were also high in winter (140.25 ng m−3), which were predominated by median/high molecular weight PAHs with five and six rings. The organic matter including both water-soluble and water-insoluble species occupied ∼ 21.5 % of the PM2.5 mass. SP-AMS determined that the WSOA had average atomic oxygen-to-carbon (O ∕ C), hydrogen-to-carbon (H ∕ C), nitrogen-to-carbon (N ∕ C), and organic matter-to-organic carbon (OM ∕ OC) ratios of 0.54, 1.69, 0.11, and 1.99, respectively. Source apportionment of WSOA further identified two secondary OA (SOA) factors (a less oxidized and a more oxidized oxygenated OA) and two primary OA (POA) factors (a nitrogen-enriched hydrocarbon-like traffic OA and a local primary OA likely including species from cooking, coal combustion, etc.). On average, the POA contribution outweighed SOA (55 % vs. 45 %), indicating the important role of local anthropogenic emissions in the aerosol pollution in Changzhou. Our measurement also shows the abundance of organic nitrogen species in WSOA, and the source analyses suggest these species are likely associated with traffic emissions, which warrants more investigations on PM samples from other locations.
Model of Groundwater Flow Using Boltzmann Lattice-Gas Automation Method In Maros Karst Region, Indonesia
Authors: Arsyad Muhammad , Ihsan Nasrul , Tiwow Vistarani Arini , Ahmar Ansari Saleh
Published: February 2017

Abstract. In this study, modeling of mineral resources of underground water in karst mountain area of Maros-Pangkep, Indonesia was made by the Boltzmann lattice-gas automata method. This method was applied to solve the problem of groundwater flow by viewing them as a lattice gas. Simula tion models of groundwater flow in the form of 16 and 32 particle size with a barrier particles form a circle on the plate and different variations of time to reach steady its state. The simulation results showed that the greater the time duration, the mor e different fluid motion pattern. For the state of the karst region, this means that the heterogeneous medium karst very unstable and affect the movement of the particles. In addition, karstification process takes place in a relatively long time with adequate rainfall.
Rapid surface-water volume estimations in beaver ponds
Authors: Karran Daniel J. , Westbrook Cherie J. , Wheaton Joseph M. , Johnston Carol A. , Bedard-Haughn Angela
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Beaver ponds are surface-water features that are transient through space and time. Such qualities complicate the inclusion of beaver ponds in local and regional water balances, and in hydrological models, as reliable estimates of surface-water storage are difficult to acquire without time- and labour-intensive topographic surveys. A simpler approach to overcome this challenge is needed, given the abundance of the beaver ponds in North America, Eurasia, and southern South America. We investigated whether simple morphometric characteristics derived from readily available aerial imagery or quickly measured field attributes of beaver ponds can be used to approximate surface-water storage among the range of environmental settings in which beaver ponds are found. Studied were a total of 40 beaver ponds from four different sites in North and South America. The simplified volume–area–depth (V–A–h) approach, originally developed for prairie potholes, was tested. With only two measurements of pond depth and corresponding surface area, this method estimated surface-water storage in beaver ponds within 5 % on average. Beaver pond morphometry was characterized by a median basin coefficient of 0.91, and dam length and pond surface area were strongly correlated with beaver pond storage capacity, regardless of geographic setting. These attributes provide a means for coarsely estimating surface-water storage capacity in beaver ponds. Overall, this research demonstrates that reliable estimates of surface-water storage in beaver ponds only requires simple measurements derived from aerial imagery and/or brief visits to the field. Future research efforts should be directed at incorporating these simple methods into both broader beaver-related tools and catchment-scale hydrological models.
A Procedure to Select Earthquake Time Histories for Deterministic Seismic Hazard Analysis: Case Studies of Major Cities in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Duruo , Du Wenqi
Published: February 2017

Abstract. In performance-based seismic design, ground-motion time histories are needed for analyzing dynamic responses of nonlinear structural systems. However, the number of strong-motion data at design level is often limited. In order to analyze seismic performance of structures, ground-motion time histories need to be either selected from recorded strong-motion database, or numerically simulated using stochastic approaches. In this paper, a detailed procedure to select proper acceleration time histories from the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) database for several cities in Taiwan is presented. Target response spectra are initially determined based on a local ground motion prediction equation under representative deterministic seismic hazard analyses. Then several suites of ground motions are selected for these cities using the Design Ground Motion Library (DGML), a recently proposed interactive ground-motion selection tool. The selected time histories are representatives of the regional seismic hazard, and should be beneficial to earthquake studies when comprehensive seismic hazard assessments and site investigations are yet available. Note that this method is also applicable to site-specific motion selections with the target spectra near the ground surface considering the site effect.
Educational differences in awareness and use of the outpatient smoking cessation services program in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Ying-Ting , Sung Hai-Yen , Tsai Yi-Wen
Published: February 2017

Background: To reduce educational inequalities in smoking, it is important that smoking cessation services can reach lesseducated smokers. Studies on inequalities in awareness or use of smoking cessation services from Asian are lacking. This study assesses educational differences in awareness and use of a nationwide outpatient smoking cessation program in Taiwan.Methods: A total of 6,461 current smokers aged 25-64 was drawn from cross-sectional nationwide data of the 2012-2014 Adult Smoking Behaviour Survey. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between education and program awareness among current smokers and the association between education and program utilization among current smokers who were aware of the program and attempted to quit in the past 12 months.Results: About 27% of current smokers were aware of the program. The odds of being aware of the program were higher for high school graduates (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.02-1.86) and those with at least a college degree (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.33-2.70), compared to those with middle school or less education. About a quarter of those who were aware of the program and attempted to quit have used the program. There were no educational differences in program utilization.Conclusions: Given the educational inequalities in awareness of the outpatient program, tobacco-control policies should develop strategies to reach less educated smokers and overcome such inequalities.
Critical analysis of a no-nicotine hiring policy
Authors: Patton Cheryl M.
Published: February 2017

This critical analysis examines the human resource (HR) policy of no-nicotine hiring at a healthcare organization in the United States. The paper begins with a history of tobacco use and the smoking trends in the U.S. The social acceptance of tobacco use declined once the harmful effects of the product were scientifically proven. The paper discusses the attempts of workplaces, specifically that of a U.S. healthcare organization, to reduce nicotine use among employees. The organization’s policy of a smoking ban is explained, as well as the later policy of refusal to hire a candidate who tests positive for nicotine. Employee reactions to the policies are shared.
Should Dictionaries be Used in Translation Tests and Examinations?
Authors: Mahmoud Abdulmoneim
Published: February 2017

Motivated by the conflicting views regarding the use of the dictionary in translation tests and examinations this study was intended to verify the dictionary-free vs dictionary-based translation hypotheses. The subjects were 135 Arabic-speaking male and female EFL third-year university students. Agroup consisting of 62 students translated a text from English to Arabic without a dictionary at the beginning of the semester and translated the same text with a dictionary at the end of the semester. Another group of 73 students translated a text from Arabic to English twice in the same way in the same semester. Both groups used electronic mobile dictionaries in the second translation. The lexical errors were detected and statistically analyzed. The t-tests revealed a highly significant difference in favor of dictionary-based translation. The errors committed in the dictionary-based translation were remarkably less than those committed in dictionary-free translation. Further research is needed to settle the dispute.
Educational Gender Gap, Economic Growth and Income Distribution: An Empirical Study of the Interrelationship in Cameroon
Authors: Fonchamnyo Dobdinga C. , Fokong Nubonyin Hilda
Published: February 2017

This study aimed at investigating the interrelationship existing between educational gender gap, economic growth and income distribution in Cameroon using time series data from 1970 to 2014 obtained from the World Bank Development indicators and University of Texas inequality project. For estimation, the three stage least square regression technique was employed to estimate the parameters of the system of equations. The econometrics results showed that, educational gender gap had a positive and significant effect on economic growth, while increase in income inequality deters growth in Cameroon. The results also revealed that the theil index of income inequality negatively and significantly affect the educational gender gap, while the proportion of female teachers in the labour force and trade openness had a positive influence on the educational gender gap. Based on the findings, it is recommended that policymakers should focus on socio-economic policies apt to reduce educational gender gap and income inequality and at promoting economic growth.
Status effects of the German Excellence Initiative
Authors: Bruckmeier Kerstin , Fischer Georg-Benedikt , Wigger Berthold U.
Published: February 2017

Being granted a title enhances the status of the awardee while its loss has an opposite effect. The present article examines whether the latter effect dominates the former in the sense that elevation is less status-enhancing than relegation is status-damaging. Thereto, we use the three consecutive rounds of the German Excellence Initiative (a publicly funded program to promote outstanding research at German universities) as a natural experiment. We provide evidence that the loss of the title as a so-called “elite university” had a negative effect on the number of first year students. In contrast, we find no evidence for a positive effect on the number of first year students when a university is granted the title. Placebo tests suggest that this effect is in fact due to the loss of the elite status and does not result from a decline in university quality.
Study of the Concepts Related to the Boundaries of Freedom Expression
Authors: Bazyar Ahmad , Nasseri Alireza , Babari Mohammad Taher
Published: February 2017

The right of freedom of expression can be named as one of the most important rights and freedoms that have been emphasized on by all the international documents of human rights. Despite the fact that the aforementioned right is a universal right, most of the experts believe that it cannot be absolute and in order to be able to support the public and private rights, it must be restricted to some extent. Now the question is that the restrictions on the freedom of expression are needed to be implemented in what frameworks and based on what principles? In reply to that question we can say that ethics, national security, public order and preservation the rights and reputations of others are the key principles of restrictions on freedom of expression.
HABITAÇÃO SUBJETIVA: A RELAÇÃO DE AFETIVIDADE NA OCUPAÇÃO DE ESPAÇOS TECNOLÓGICOS
Authors: Barbosa Daniela Pereira
Published: February 2017

Este trabalho apresenta conceitos de uma “cidade cibernética”, lugar localizado em um espaço paralelo
e que não pertence objetivamente ao mundo físico, mas que se constitui como cidade com poder de
oferecer habitação. Para que esse local não físico seja compreendido, é preciso analisar o próprio conceito
de “espaço” e suas possibilidades como lugar real no mundo. Então, confrontando-se a ideia de
habitar uma morada e habitar subjetivamente lugares públicos na cidade, e a consequente apropriação
do espaço público pelo indivíduo, o conceito de “espaço” retorna para justificar a habitação subjetiva
em um espaço tecnológico, preenchido pela cidade cibernética. Essa habitação é possibilitada pela tecnologia
e pelas relações de afetividade e pertencimento entre os habitantes e a cidade cibernética. Por
fim, faz-se um paralelo de nomenclatura entre as estruturas das cidades física e cibernética, demonstrando
que a ideia de cidade está bastante presente naquela cibernética, mesmo não tendo estruturas
físicas, pois conserva em sua linguagem denominações próprias da cidade física. Essa nomenclatura
corrobora o propósito habitacional da cidade cibernética, intensificado por relações de pertencimento e
afetividade nesse espaço, mesmo sendo essa cidade estruturada em meios tecnológicos.
MEMÓRIA, USOS E APROPRIAÇÕES DO MONUMENTO AOS PRACINHAS
Authors: Barbosa Antônio Agenor
Published: February 2017

Este artigo apresenta uma reflexão acerca da memória e dos seus processos de patrimonialização,
com base nos usos e apropriações atuais do Monumento aos Pracinhas. Analiso o monumento
como uma categoria que não é fixa e que requer uma atualização constante de seus significados.
CONSTRUÇÃO E ATUALIZAÇÃO: DUAS PREMISSAS PARA UMA ABORDAGEM DA FOTOGRAFIA DO ESPAÇO CONSTRUÍDO
Authors: Mortimer Junia
Published: February 2017

Com base em análises de obras fotográficas de Abelardo Morell, Hiroshi Sugimoto e David Hockney,
este artigo propõe discutir duas premissas essenciais para compreender a fotografia do espaço
construído segundo uma abordagem que busca evidenciar o potencial desses trabalhos artísticos em
lançar questões concernentes à arquitetura e ao imaginário espacial. Essas premissas referem-se à
concepção de fotografia como construção, a partir de Walter Benjamin (1931), e como atualização, a
partir de Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1968) e André Rouillé (2009).
CRESCIMENTO DA MANCHA URBANA NA CIDADE DE JOÃO PESSOA, PB
Authors: Da Silva Milena Dutra , Castro Alexandre Augusto Bezerra da Cunha , Silva Brunielly De Almeida , Da Silveira José Augusto Ribeiro , Da Silva Geovany Jessé Alexandre
Published: February 2017

Neste estudo, analisamos o crescimento da mancha urbana de João Pessoa, da década de 1960 à
de 2010. O crescimento foi classificado como: preenchimento, borda e isolado. O crescimento em
borda foi predominante, sobretudo nas décadas de 1960 a 1980. O crescimento isolado ocorreu
apenas da década de 1970 a 1990. Já o crescimento em preenchimento ocorreu desde a década de
1960, com maior incremento a partir do final da década de 1990. Aparentemente, a dinâmica espacial
justifica-se pelo estabelecimento de grandes vias e conjuntos habitacionais, elementos geradores e
reguladores do espaço.
ADOLF LOOS E A CRISE DO ORNAMENTO
Authors: Pedrosa Aziz José de Oliveira
Published: February 2017

A partir de meados do século XIX, discussões diversas atuaram como somatório para articulação do
pensamento moderno diante de questões relativas à cultura, à arte e à Arquitetura. Na diversidade
das propostas encabeçadas por tal mentalidade, entra em crise o ornamento e começam a surgir
importantes reflexões acerca da ruptura com o passado, em nome das transformações culturais e do
estabelecimento do Modernismo. Nesse âmbito, destaca-se Adolf Loos, que teve na luta contra o
ornamento algumas das sementes que desenvolveram as ideias reformadoras em voga.
O MÉDICO E OS MORTOS – QUATRO PERSONAGENS EM UM ESPAÇO DA CLAUSURA: UM ESTUDO SOBRE O CONTOLE MUR, DE JEAN-PAUL SARTRE
Authors: Lima Adson Cristiano Ramatis Bozzi
Published: February 2017

No ano de 1939, Jean-Paul Sartre publicou uma coletânea de contos intituladaLe mur, e, no conto que lhe emprestou o título, o intelectual francês narrou a seguinte trama: durante a Guerra Civil Espanhola, três prisioneiros do futuro regime fascista foram, após um julgamento sumário, condenados à morte e aguardavam o cumprimento da sentença em um porão enquanto eram observados por um médico de nacionalidade belga. O narrador do conto chegou à conclusão de que, naquele porão, todos eles já estavam mortos por antecipação, porque estavam, com exceção do médico, condenados à morte. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar alguns dos temas usuais a Sartre nesse período, como a liberdade, os seus limites e o estatuto da morte. Além desses temas, estudar-se-á, igualmente, o papel desempenhado pelo espaço no desenrolar da narrativa.
O PAPEL DA CAMINHADA NA ARQUITETURA
Authors: Aguiar Douglas
Published: February 2017

O artigo consta de uma exploração teórica, metodológica e empírica sobre a utilização da caminhada como método de estudo e pesquisa em Arquitetura, considerando sua relevância no atual momento da disciplina. Elabora-se um método, o método do observador, com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade de situações espaciais com base naquilo que é visto e sentido por quem percorre aquela situação, aquela arquitetura, tanto na escala do edifício quanto na escala da cidade. O artigo apresenta, na primeira parte, uma revisão de literatura dos principais autores contribuintes no tópico. Na segunda parte, apresenta o conjunto de procedimentos constituintes do método propriamente dito. Na terceira parte, apresenta um estudo de caso em que o método do observador é exercitado.
Ensino de Computação de Forma Multidisciplinar em Disciplinas de História no Ensino Fundamental – Um Estudo de Caso
Authors: Alves Nathalia Da Cruz , Von Wangenheim Christiane Gresse , Rodrigues Pedro Eurico , Hauck Jean Carlo Rossa , Borgatto Adriano Ferreti
Published: February 2017

Despite computing being virtually present in all sectors of our society, there is still a lack of knowledge and interest in learning about computing, in general due to the absence of the teaching of computing in elementary school. Teaching computing focusing only on digital literacy is no longer enough, as already in elementary school digital fluency need to be taught, including computational thinking and programming to prepare individuals adequately to deal with the challenges of the digital age. Thus, there is currently a global trend of concentrated efforts on computing education for this age group, and the multidisciplinary approach, combining computing to other disciplines already present within the scholar curriculum, has proven to be an efficient and effective way of teaching. In this context, the present study proposes an instructional unit for computing education in elementary school in a multidisciplinary way, integrated in history classes, following the K-12 curriculum guidelines for computer education and using the Scratch environment. The instructional unit is developed following an instructional design approach and is implemented and evaluated through a case study involving four classes in the fifth and seventh grades of an elementary school in Florianópolis/SC. The results indicate that the instructional unit and the use of Scratch enable the learning of basic computing concepts (specifically programming) in an effective and entertaining way and attract the interest and motivation of students to this knowledge area.
SolAssist Learning: formação em tecnologias assistivas através de um MOOC e uma biblioteca virtual de soluções assistivas
Authors: Wagner Rosana , Franciscatto Roberto , Passerino Liliana Maria , De Lima José Valdeni , Silveira Sidnei Renato
Published: February 2017

The work in question aims to describe on training in assistive technologies through the use of a MOOC designed and structured for this purpose, as well as a virtual library of assistive solutions designed and developed as a support tool the proposed training. The article presents the main concepts about educational and assistive technologies, followed by work-related MOOC and assistive virtual libraries. Next, the methodology used in this work is exposed, as well as the development process of the MOOC, its structure, and proposed objectives, followed by the architecture of the virtual library of assistive solutions, technologies used and basic principles of operation. Finally, the results obtained with the training undertaken to date are presented in addition to the future work as a way to enhance and improve the project, based on the responses of participants. The great work of the differential is in fact the same use is open educational technologies such as MOOCs and the potential that the same comes, linking it to a virtual library of own assistive solutions, designed and developed in the context of inclusive education , forming a single, useful and dynamic training in assistive technology project.
Documenting tenebrionid diversity: progress on Blaps Fabricius (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Tenebrioninae, Blaptini) systematics, with the description of five new species
Authors: Soldati Laurent , Condamine Fabien L. , Clamens Anne-Laure , Kergoat Gael J.
Published: February 2017

With about 250 species, the genus Blaps Fabricius, 1775 is one of the most diverse genera of darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae: Blaptini: Blaptina). In this study, we provide new insights on the evolutionary relationships of Blaps species using a combined molecular and morphological dataset encompassing 69 distinct Blaps species and subspecies (105 specimens in total, all belonging to the subgenus Blaps), four other representatives of the tribe Blaptini (from the subtribes Gnaptorina, Gnaptorinina and Prosodina) and 12 outgroup species. Five new species of Blaps are also described within the subgenus Blaps: B. effeminata sp. nov. from Libya, B. intermedia sp. nov. from Morocco, B. maldesi sp. nov. from Algeria, B. nitiduloides sp. nov. from Algeria and Tunisia and B. teocchii sp. nov. from Tunisia. The results of the phylogenetic analyses indicate that the genus Blaps is likely paraphyletic; the two highlighted clades are morphologically distinct and correspond to groups previously referred to as sections (I and II) within the subgenus Blaps. This suggests the need for more phylogenetic studies in order to clarify the status of the various genera and subgenera belonging to the tribe Blaptini.
Revisión bibliométrica del rechazo escolar: perspectivas de investigación y su análisis
Authors: García-Fernández José Manuel , Inglés Cándido J. , Gonzálvez Carolina , Vicent María , Delgado Beatriz , Gómez-Núñez María Isabel
Published: February 2017

El rechazo escolar es una de las problemáticas educativas que interfiere negativamente en el desarrollo social y educativo del niño. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la productividad científica sobre rechazo escolar durante el periodo 2004- 2013, con la finalidad de ofrecer una descripción global del estado actual de la investigación sobre rechazo a la escuela y comunicar las últimas aportaciones científicas. La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó mediante cuatro bases de datos internacionales obteniendo una muestra de 345 trabajos. Los resultados obtenidos
indicaron un crecimiento progresivo de los niveles de productividad y destacan el interés científico por los estudios dirigidos al tratamiento del rechazo escolar y los factores de riesgo asociados al absentismo. Este estudio bibliométrico permite conocer la evolución que ha seguido la investigación sobre rechazo escolar durante la última década, sirviendo como marco de referencia para futuras investigaciones que precisen conocer aquellas tendencias de estudio más desarrolladas junto a las líneas de investigación emergentes, las cuales requieren ampliar sus estudios y una consolidación científica.