bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Analysis of Economic Cost of Podoconiosis and Leprosy on Affected Households in the Northwest Region of Cameroon
Authors: Tembei Ayok M. , Kengne-Ouaffo Jonas A. , Ngoh Elvis A. , John Bonekeh , Nji Theobald M. , Deribe Kebede , Enyong Peter , Nkuo-Akenji Theresa , Davey Gail , Wanji Samuel
Published: February 2018

Leprosy and podoconiosis (podo) are neglected tropical diseases that cause severe disfigurement and disability, and may lead to catastrophic health expenditure and hinder economic development of affected persons and households. This study compared economic costs of both diseases on affected households with unaffected neighboring households in the Northwest Region (N.W.R.) of Cameroon. A matched comparative cross-sectional design was used enrolling 170 households (43 podo case households, 41 podo control households, 43 leprosy case households, and 43 leprosy control households) from three health districts in the N.W.R. Direct treatment costs for podo averaged 142 United State dollar (USD), compared with zero for leprosy (P < 0.001). This was also reflected in the proportion of annual household income consumed (0.4 versus 0.0, respectively, P < 0.001). Both diseases caused considerable reductions in working days (leprosy 115 versus podo 135 days. P for comparison < 0.001). The average household income was considerably lower in podo-affected households than unaffected households (410 versus 913 USD, P = 0.01), whereas income of leprosy-affected households was comparable to unaffected households (329 versus 399 USD, P = 0.23). Both leprosy and podo cause financial burdens on affected households, but those on podo-affected families are much greater. These burdens occur through direct treatment costs and reduced ability to work. Improved access to public health interventions for podo including prevention, morbidity management and disability prevention are likely to result in economic returns to affected families. In Cameroon, one approach to this would be through subsidized health insurance for these economically vulnerable households.
Vertically resolved characteristics of air pollution during two severe winter haze episodes in urban Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Sun Yele , Xu Weiqi , Du Wei , Zhou Libo , Tang Guiqian , Chen Chen , Cheng Xueling , Zhao Xiujuan , Ji Dongsheng , Han Tingting , Wang Zhe , Li Jie , Wang Zifa
Published: February 2018

Abstract. We conducted the first real-time continuous vertical
measurements of particle extinction (bext), gaseous NO2, and black
carbon (BC) from ground level to 260 m during two severe winter haze
episodes at an urban site in Beijing, China. Our results illustrated four
distinct types of vertical profiles: (1) uniform vertical distributions
(37 % of the time) with vertical differences less than 5 %, (2) higher
values at lower altitudes (29 %), (3) higher values at higher altitudes
(16 %), and (4) significant decreases at the heights of ∼ 100–150 m (14 %). Further analysis demonstrated that vertical convection as
indicated by mixing layer height, temperature inversion, and local emissions
are three major factors affecting the changes in vertical profiles.
Particularly, the formation of type 4 was strongly associated with the
stratified layer that was formed due to the interactions of different air
masses and temperature inversions. Aerosol composition was substantially
different below and above the transition heights with ∼ 20–30 % higher contributions of local sources (e.g., biomass burning and
cooking) at lower altitudes. A more detailed evolution of vertical profiles
and their relationship with the changes in source emissions, mixing layer
height, and aerosol chemistry was illustrated by a case study. BC showed
overall similar vertical profiles as those of bext (R2=0.92 and
0.69 in November and January, respectively). While NO2 was correlated
with bext for most of the time, the vertical profiles of
bext ∕ NO2 varied differently for different profiles, indicating the
impact of chemical transformation on vertical profiles. Our results also
showed that more comprehensive vertical measurements (e.g., more aerosol and
gaseous species) at higher altitudes in the megacities are needed for a
better understanding of the formation mechanisms and evolution of severe
haze episodes in China.
Stable isotopic constraints on global soil organic carbon turnover
Authors: Wang Chao , Houlton Benjamin Z. , Liu Dongwei , Hou Jianfeng , Cheng Weixin , Bai Edith
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Carbon dioxide release during soil organic carbon (SOC) turnover is a pivotal component of atmospheric CO2 concentrations and global climate change. However, reliably measuring SOC turnover rates on large spatial and temporal scales remains challenging. Here we use a natural carbon isotope approach, defined as beta (β), which was quantified from the δ13C of vegetation and soil reported in the literature (176 separate soil profiles), to examine large-scale controls of climate, soil physical properties and nutrients over patterns of SOC turnover across terrestrial biomes worldwide. We report a significant relationship between β and calculated soil C turnover rates (k), which were estimated by dividing soil heterotrophic respiration rates by SOC pools. ln( − β) exhibits a significant linear relationship with mean annual temperature, but a more complex polynomial relationship with mean annual precipitation, implying strong-feedbacks of SOC turnover to climate changes. Soil nitrogen (N) and clay content correlate strongly and positively with ln( − β), revealing the additional influence of nutrients and physical soil properties on SOC decomposition rates. Furthermore, a strong (R2 = 0.76; p < 0.001) linear relationship between ln( − β) and estimates of litter and root decomposition rates suggests similar controls over rates of organic matter decay among the generalized soil C stocks. Overall, these findings demonstrate the utility of soil δ13C for independently benchmarking global models of soil C turnover and thereby improving predictions of multiple global change influences over terrestrial C-climate feedback.
Trade-offs between water loss and carbon gain in a subtropical primary forest on Karst soils in China
Authors: Wang Jing , Wen Xuefa , Zhang Xinyu , Li Shenggong
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Little attention has been given to plants's trade-off between carbon gain and water loss in Karst Critical Zone in southwestern China with low soil nutrient and water availability. An advanced understanding of the impact of CO2 diffusion and maximum carboxylase activity of Rubisco (Vcmax) on the light-saturated net photosynthesis (A) and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) in Karst plants can provide insight into physiological strategies used in adaptation to harsh environments. We selected six plant life forms (63 species) in a subtropical Karst primary forest in southwestern China, and measured CO2 response curves, and calculated corresponding stomatal conductance to CO2 (gs), mesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm), and Vcmax. The results showed that gs varied from 0.05 to 0.38 mol CO2 m−2 s−1, gm varied from 0.02 to 0.69 mol CO2 m−2 s−1, and gm was positively related to gs; foliar A was co-limited by gs, gm, and Vcmax in trees, tree/shrubs, and shrubs with relatively high leaf mass per area (LMA), and mainly constrained by gm in grasses, vines, and ferns with relatively low LMA; and iWUE varied from 29.52 to 88.92 μmol CO2 mol−1 H2O across all species, and was significantly correlated with gs, gm/gs, and Vcmax/gs. These results indicated that Karst plants maintained relatively high A and low iWUE through the co-variation of gs, gm, and Vcmax as adaptation to Karst environment.
Modeling anaerobic soil organic carbon decomposition in Arctic polygon tundra: insights into soil geochemical influences on carbon mineralization
Authors: Zheng Jianqiu , Thornton Peter E. , Painter Scott L. , Gu Baohua , Wullschleger Stan D. , Graham David E.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Rapid warming of Arctic ecosystems exposes soil organic matter (SOM) to accelerated microbial decomposition, potentially leading to increased emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) that have a positive feedback on global warming. The fate of permafrost carbon is determined in large part by soil moisture, and a significant portion of carbon may thaw in wet, anoxic conditions. Current estimates of the magnitude and form of carbon emissions from Earth system models include significant uncertainties since the models do not explicitly represent anaerobic carbon decomposition. Here we coupled modeling principles developed in different disciplines, including a thermodynamically based microbial growth model for methanogenesis and iron reduction, a pool-based model to represent upstream carbon transformations, and a humic ion-binding model for dynamic pH simulation to build a more versatile carbon decomposition model framework that can be applied to soils under varying redox conditions. This new model framework was parameterized and validated using synthesized anaerobic incubation data from permafrost affected soils along a gradient of fine-scale thermal and hydrological variabilities across Arctic polygonal tundra. The model accurately simulated anaerobic CO2 production and its temperature sensitivity using data on labile carbon pools and fermentations rates as model constraints. CH4 production is strongly influenced by water content, pH, methanogen biomass, and presence of competing electron acceptors, resulting in high variability in its temperature sensitivity. This work provides new insights into the interactions of SOM pools, temperature increase, soil geochemical feedbacks, and resulting CO2 and CH4 production. The proposed anaerobic carbon decomposition framework presented here builds a mechanistic link between soil geochemistry and carbon mineralization, making it applicable over a wide range of soils under different environmental settings.
Mechanisms of
northern
North
Atlantic biomass
variability
Authors: McKinley Galen A. , Ritzer Alexis L. , Lovenduski Nicole S.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. In the North Atlantic Ocean north of 40° N, intense biological productivity occurs to form the base of a highly productive marine food web. SeaWiFS satellite observations indicate trends of biomass in this region over 1998–2007. Significant biomass increases occur in the northwest subpolar gyre and there are simultaneous significant declines to the east of 30–35° W. In this study, we use a regional biogeochemical model of the North Atlantic that captures the observed trends to determine their mechanistic drivers. Biomass increases in the northwest are due to a weakening of the subpolar gyre and associated shoaling of mixed layers that relieves light limitation. Biomass declines to the east of 30–35° W are due to reduced horizontal convergence of phosphate. This reduced convergence is attributable to declines in vertical phosphate supply in the regions of deepest winter mixing that lie to the west of 30–35° W. Over the full timeframe of the model experiment, 1949–2009, variability of both horizontal and vertical phosphate supply drive variability in biomass on the northeastern flank of the subtropical gyre. In the northeast subpolar gyre horizontal fluxes drive biomass variability for both timeframes. Though physically-driven changes in nutrient supply or light availability are the ultimate drivers of biomass changes, clear mechanistic links between biomass and standard physical variables or climate indices remain largely elusive.
Projected changes in crop yield mean and variability over West Africa in a world 1.5 K warmer than the pre-industrial era
Authors: Parkes Ben , Defrance Dimitri , Sultan Benjamin , Ciais Philippe , Wang Xuhui
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The ability of a region to feed itself in the upcoming decades is an
important issue. The West African population is expected to increase
significantly in the next 30 years. The responses of crops to short-term
climate change is critical to the population and the decision makers tasked
with food security. This leads to three questions: how will crop yields
change in the near future? What influence will climate change have on crop
failures? Which adaptation methods should be employed to ameliorate
undesirable changes? An ensemble of near-term climate projections are used to simulate maize,
millet and sorghum in West Africa in the recent historic period (1986–2005) and a
near-term future when global temperatures are 1.5 K above pre-industrial levels to
assess the change in yield, yield variability and crop failure rate. Four
crop models were used to simulate maize, millet and sorghum in West Africa in
the historic and future climates. Across the majority of West Africa the maize, millet and sorghum yields are
shown to fall. In the regions where yields increase, the variability also
increases. This increase in variability increases the likelihood of crop
failures, which are defined as yield negative anomalies beyond 1 standard
deviation during the historic period. The increasing variability increases
the frequency of crop failures across West Africa. The return time of crop
failures falls from 8.8, 9.7 and 10.1 years to 5.2, 6.3 and 5.8 years for
maize, millet and sorghum respectively. The adoption of heat-resistant cultivars and the use of captured rainwater
have been investigated using one crop model as an idealized sensitivity test.
The generalized doption of a cultivar resistant to high-temperature stress
during flowering is shown to be more beneficial than using rainwater
harvesting.
Daily gridded datasets of snow depth and snow water equivalent for the Iberian Peninsula from 1980 to 2014
Authors: Alonso-González Esteban , López-Moreno J. Ignacio , Gascoin Simon , García-Valdecasas Ojeda Matilde , Sanmiguel-Vallelado Alba , Navarro-Serrano Francisco , Revuelto Jesús , Ceballos Antonio , Esteban-Parra María Jesús , Essery Richard
Published: February 2018

Abstract. We present snow observations and a validated daily gridded snowpack dataset that was simulated from downscaled reanalysis of data for the Iberian Peninsula. The Iberian Peninsula has long-lasting seasonal snowpacks in its different mountain ranges, and winter snowfall occurs in most of its area. However, there are only limited direct observations of snow depth (SD) and snow water equivalent (SWE), making it difficult to analyze snow dynamics and the spatiotemporal patterns of snowfall. We used meteorological data from downscaled reanalyses as input of a physically based snow energy balance model to simulate SWE and SD over the Iberian Peninsula from 1980 to 2014. More specifically, the ERA-Interim reanalysis was downscaled to 10 km  ×  10 km resolution using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The WRF outputs were used directly, or as input to other submodels, to obtain data needed to drive the Factorial Snow Model (FSM). We used lapse rate coefficients and hygrobarometric adjustments to simulate snow series at 100 m elevations bands for each 10 km  ×  10 km grid cell in the Iberian Peninsula. The snow series were validated using data from MODIS satellite sensor and ground observations. The overall simulated snow series accurately reproduced the interannual variability of snowpack and the spatial variability of snow accumulation and melting, even in very complex topographic terrains. Thus, the presented dataset may be useful for many applications, including land management, hydrometeorological studies, phenology of flora and fauna, winter tourism, and risk management. The data presented here are freely available for download from Zenodo (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.854618). This paper fully describes the work flow, data validation, uncertainty assessment, and possible applications and limitations of the database.
Combining satellite data and appropriate objective functions for improved spatial pattern performance of a distributed hydrologic model
Authors: Demirel Mehmet C. , Mai Juliane , Mendiguren Gorka , Koch Julian , Samaniego Luis , Stisen Simon
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Satellite-based earth observations offer great opportunities to improve spatial model predictions by means of spatial-pattern-oriented model evaluations. In this study, observed spatial patterns of actual evapotranspiration (AET) are utilised for spatial model calibration tailored to target the pattern performance of the model. The proposed calibration framework combines temporally aggregated observed spatial patterns with a new spatial performance metric and a flexible spatial parameterisation scheme. The mesoscale hydrologic model (mHM) is used to simulate streamflow and AET and has been selected due to its soil parameter distribution approach based on pedo-transfer functions and the build in multi-scale parameter regionalisation. In addition two new spatial parameter distribution options have been incorporated in the model in order to increase the flexibility of root fraction coefficient and potential evapotranspiration correction parameterisations, based on soil type and vegetation density. These parameterisations are utilised as they are most relevant for simulated AET patterns from the hydrologic model. Due to the fundamental challenges encountered when evaluating spatial pattern performance using standard metrics, we developed a simple but highly discriminative spatial metric, i.e. one comprised of three easily interpretable components measuring co-location, variation and distribution of the spatial data. The study shows that with flexible spatial model parameterisation used in combination with the appropriate objective functions, the simulated spatial patterns of actual evapotranspiration become substantially more similar to the satellite-based estimates. Overall 26 parameters are identified for calibration through a sequential screening approach based on a combination of streamflow and spatial pattern metrics. The robustness of the calibrations is tested using an ensemble of nine calibrations based on different seed numbers using the shuffled complex evolution optimiser. The calibration results reveal a limited trade-off between streamflow dynamics and spatial patterns illustrating the benefit of combining separate observation types and objective functions. At the same time, the simulated spatial patterns of AET significantly improved when an objective function based on observed AET patterns and a novel spatial performance metric compared to traditional streamflow-only calibration were included. Since the overall water balance is usually a crucial goal in hydrologic modelling, spatial-pattern-oriented optimisation should always be accompanied by traditional discharge measurements. In such a multi-objective framework, the current study promotes the use of a novel bias-insensitive spatial pattern metric, which exploits the key information contained in the observed patterns while allowing the water balance to be informed by discharge observations.
Temperature sensing in underground facilities by Raman optical frequency domain reflectometry using fiber-optic communication cables
Authors: Brüne Markus , Furian Wilhelm , Hill Wieland , Pflitsch Andreas
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Gaining information on climatic conditions in subway tunnels is the key to
predicting the propagation of smoke or toxic gases in these infrastructures
in the case of a fire or a terrorist attack. As anemometer measurements are
not economically suitable, the employment of alternative monitoring methods
is necessary. High-resolution temperature sensing with Raman optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) using
optical communication fiber cables shows great potential as it allows the
surveillance of several kilometers of underground transport facilities
without the need for installing sensing equipment in the tunnels. This paper
presents first results of a study using this approach for monitoring subway
tunnels. In the Berlin subway, temperature data gathered from newly installed
as well as pre-installed communication cables were evaluated and compared to
reference data from temperature loggers. Results are very promising as high
correlations between all data can be achieved showing the potential of this
approach.
Mechanical behaviour of a creased thin strip
Authors: Liu Jie , Xu Shanqing , Wen Guilin , Xie Yi Min
Published: February 2018

Abstract. In this study the mechanical behaviour of a creased thin strip under opposite-sense bending was investigated. It was found that a simple crease, which led to the increase of the second moment of area, could significantly alter the overall mechanical behaviour of a thin strip, for example the peak moment could be increased by 100 times. The crease was treated as a cylindrical segment of a small radius. Parametric studies demonstrated that the geometry of the strip could strongly influence its flexural behaviour. We showed that the uniform thickness and the radius of the creased segment had the greatest and the least influence on the mechanical behaviour, respectively. We further revealed that material properties could dramatically affect the overall mechanical behaviour of the creased strip by gradually changing the material from being linear elastic to elastic-perfect plastic. After the formation of the fold, the moment of the two ends of the strip differed considerably when the elasto-plastic materials were used, especially for materials with smaller tangent modulus in the plastic range. The deformation patterns of the thin strips from the finite element simulations were verified by physical models made of thin metal strips. The findings from this study provide useful information for designing origami structures for engineering applications using creased thin strips.
Dynamics of North Balearic Front during an autumn Tramontane and Mistral storm: air–sea coupling processes and stratification budget diagnostic
Authors: Seyfried Léo , Estournel Claude , Marsaleix Patrick , Richard Evelyne
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The north Balearic front forms the southern branch of the cyclonic gyre in the North Western Mediterranean Sea. Its dynamics exhibits significant seasonal variability. During autumn, the front spreads northward during the calm wind periods and rapidly moves back southward when it is exposed to strong northerly wind events such as the Tramontane and Mistral. These strong winds considerably enhance the air–sea exchanges. To investigate the role of air–sea exchanges on the dynamics of the North Balearic front, we used observations and a high-resolution air–sea coupled modelling system, and focused on a strong wind event observed in late October 2012, which was well-documented during the Hydrological Cycle Mediterranean Experiment. The coupled model was able to correctly reproduce the 4 °C sea surface temperature drop recorded in the frontal zone together with the observed southwestward displacement of the front. The comparison between the weak wind period preceding the event and the strong wind event itself highlighted the impact of the wind regime on the air–sea coupling, with both thermal and dynamical couplings during the low wind period and mainly thermal coupling during the strong wind period. The effect of air–sea exchanges on the stratification variations in the frontal zone was investigated with a stratification budget diagnosis. The stratification variations are controlled by diabatic air–sea buoyancy flux, adiabatic Ekman buoyancy flux, and advective processes. During the strong wind period, the Ekman buoyancy flux was found to be three times greater than the air–sea buoyancy flux and thus played a major role in the destratification of the frontal zone. The role of Ekman pumping and inertial wave on the advective processes is also discussed.
No role for industrial black carbon in forcing 19th century glacier
retreat in the Alps
Authors: Sigl Michael , Abram Nerilie J. , Gabrieli Jacopo , Jenk Theo M. , Osmont Dimitri , Schwikowski Margit
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Light absorbing aerosols in the atmosphere and cryosphere play an important role in the climate system. Their presence in ambient air and snow changes radiative properties of these media, thus contributing to increased atmospheric warming and snowmelt. High spatio-temporal variability of aerosol concentrations and a shortage of long-term observations contribute to large uncertainties in properly assigning the climate effects of aerosols through time. Starting around 1860 AD, many glaciers in the European Alps began to retreat from their maximum mid-19th century terminus positions, thereby visualizing the end of the Little Ice Age in Europe. Radiative forcing by increasing deposition of industrial black carbon to snow has been suggested as the main driver of the abrupt glacier retreats in the Alps. Basis for this hypothesis were model simulations using elemental carbon concentrations at low temporal resolution from two ice cores in the Alps. Here we present sub-annually resolved, well-replicated concentration records of refractory black carbon (rBC; using soot photometry) as well as distinctive tracers for mineral dust, biomass burning and industrial pollution from the Colle Gnifetti ice core in the Alps from 1741–2015 AD. These records allow precise assessment of a potential relation between the timing of observed acceleration of glacier melt in the mid-19th century with an increase of rBC deposition on the glacier caused by the industrialization of Western Europe. Our study reveals that in 1875 AD, the time when European rBC emission rates started to significantly increase, the majority of Alpine glaciers had already experienced more than 80 % of their total 19th century length reduction. Industrial BC emissions can, therefore, not been considered as the primary forcing for the rapid deglaciation at the end of the Little Ice Age in the Alps. BC records from the Alps and Greenland also reveal the limitations of bottom-up emission inventories to represent a realistic evolution of anthropogenic BC emissions since preindustrial times.
Díadas (y tríadas) de vida y esperanza. Una lectura de “Yo soy aquel que ayer no más decía…”
Authors: Cervera Salinas Vicente
Published: February 2018

Este artículo aborda una propuesta hermenéutica diferente sobre el famoso poema liminar “Yo soy aquel que ayer no más decía…”, del poemario Cantos de vida y esperanza. Los conceptos de “díada” y “tríada”, procedentes del campo filosófico y sociológico –en especial de Georg Simmel- proporcionan una herramienta valiosa para elucidar una nueva lectura del poema, donde la imbricación de los grupos de dos y tres unidades revelan pautas esenciales de su poética.
Transparency, Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance: Human Capital of companies
Authors:   Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences of Albacete. Department of Business Administration. Plaza de la Universidad, 1, 02071, Albacete (Spain).Francisca.Tejedo@uclm.es, Tejedo Romero Francisca , Ferraz Esteves Araujo Joaquim Filipe ,   School of Economics and Management. Department of International Relations and Public Administration. Campus de Gualtar. 4715-343, Braga (Portugal). jfilipe@eeg.uminho.pt
Published: February 2018

Companies develop their activity in an environment characterized by knowledge-based economies, with qualified and highly skilled workers. Human Capital is one of the most important intangible resources that companies have to generate sustainable wealth. The main objective of this paper is to analyse the Human Capital information provided by companies in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance. Using the methodology of content analysis, this paper analyses the Human Capital disclosure contained in social responsibility reports of Spanish companies belonging to the IBEX 35. In addition, it identifies factors related to Corporate Governance (characteristics of the Board of Directors, and ownership structure of companies) with greatest impact on information provision. Balanced panel data are used to test our hypotheses. Empirical evidence shows a quadratic U-shaped relationship among the size of the board, independence, and the ownership concentration with Human Capital disclosure; and an inverted U-shaped relationship between managers’ ownership of shares and Human Capital disclosure. In addition, it has been found that companies with greater gender diversity on their Board, as well as with greater board activity, tend to disclose more information related to Human Capital.
The Influence of CSRSCPAs and the Quality of Financial Statements
Authors: Liu Li-Lun , Huang Yu-Ting
Published: February 2018

This study examines the corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance of listed companies in Taiwan by looking at how companies meet their CSR obligations and by exploring how employing supply-chain certified public accountants (CSRSCPAs) affects the quality of their earnings. However, despite the benefits stemming from enhanced information corroboration and expertise spillover, CSRSCPAs face the challenge of potential information collusion. Hence, this study looks at supply-chain CPAs in the context of the company’s CSR performance to find out the impact of the company’s financial statements. It finds that the CSRSCPA has a negative effect on discretionary accruals.The inclusion of different supply chain streams reveal that upstream CSRSCPA are more likely than mid-stream and downstream CSRSCPAs to receive favorable reactions from market participants. This response is an indication that market participants are impressed by the specific expertise and knowledge of these professionals.
Identification of Leadership Role for the Independence and Sustainability of Private Course Institution
Authors: Wahyuni Sri , Redjeki Endang Sri
Published: February 2018

This study aimed at explaining the role of leadership in enhancing the independence and the sustainability of private course institution. This study employed a phenomenology research design to explore the leadership of Art House “Windyas Club” institution. Art House “Windyas Club” was a private course institution teaching children art, painting and coloring, located in Sukun Subdistrict of Malang City. The institution has been running independently for more than 13 years. The data were collected through deep interview, observation and documentation. An inductive analysis model used as the analysis technique. The result of this study shows that: (1) independence is regarded as an the result of deep interpretation of life goals and efforts in life and the manifestation of appreciation upon certain efforts in life (2) leaders maintain the independence and the sustainability of the institution by applying a servant leadership which includes: (1) as the creator or conceiver, in which leaders should create innovation and design any program; (2) as the mediator, in which leaders should act as the resource linker, linking the institution with stakeholders to manage the institution; (3) as the servant in which leaders should be willing to directly provide services for the clients; (4) as a role model, in which leaders are required to share positive values to all of the staffs and teachers including the values of sincerity, prayers, hard work, creativity, good deeds, and gratitude.
Learning Declarative Knowledge in Special Education Treatment Group
Authors: Ostergren Rickard , Lindgren Marie Ringborg , Lindgren Britt-Marie , Samuelsson Joakim
Published: February 2018

An organizing structure that in recent years has had a major impact on how to work with students who don’t respond to regular instruction is Response to Intervention (RTI). Efforts in RTI are divided into three different tiers of instruction: primary, secondary and tertiary. In our study, we investigate the impact of intensive secondary-tier instruction on students’ knowledge of basic combinations of digits in addition. We also focus on how the students develop their use of more advanced calculations in addition during the intervention.The results showed that students became faster at performing simple addition tasks, which indicates that their fluency – declarative knowledge – developed during the intervention phase. Our results thereby strengthen suggestions that a secondary-tier intervention level should take place in a small group of students 20-40 minutes four to five times a week. Meanwhile, the students developed their ability to solve two-digit arithmetic tasks in addition and subtraction, which could be explained by the fact that students had automated simple number combinations and thus could focus on the calculation procedure.
Colonialism and Race Relations in Remote Inland Australia: Observations from the Field of Australian Indigenous Studies
Authors: Judd Barry
Published: February 2018

Despite the emergence of decolonizing methods for the conduct of research involving Indigenous peoples since the 1990s, the field of Australian Indigenous studies remains characterized by the “spatial distance” that exists between professional academic researchers and the Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders over whom they claim knowledge, understanding, and “expertise.” This paper, written primarily as an opinion piece, describes what transpired when I decided to seek a deeper engagement with the Aboriginal community that is the focus of my research activity. Moving from southeastern Australia to the regional center of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, this paper documents my efforts to close the spatial distance between researcher and researched through a series of vignettes. As the material outlined in the vignettes suggests, efforts to address the spatial distance proved only partially effective. Yet what emerged from this attempt was an ongoing engagement with inland remote Australia and a greatly enhanced understanding of the complex race relations between the Anangu (Aboriginal) peoples of the region and the non-Aboriginal population, as well as of the legacy of colonialism and the lingering impact the past continues to exert on the present.
O jovem e a violência: perspectivas de educação dual
Authors: Esquinsani Rosimar Serena Siqueira , Esquinsani Valdocir Antonio
Published: February 2018

O texto parte da premissa que a mdia se constitui progressivamente na sociedade atual -, em responsvel pela construo e circulao de um conjunto de imagens, cdigos e informaes, exercendo protagonismo como formadora de opinio. Assim, o texto apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa sobre o impacto da mdia na construo da agenda educacional, especificamente no que concerne as aes para o trato com a violncia jovem no ambiente escolar. Parte de uma pesquisa qualiquantitativa, ancorada na anlise de contedo sobre 154 produtos miditicos, veiculados nos trs maiores semanrios brasileiros de circulao nacional: Veja, Isto e poca, no recorte temporal de 2001 a 2011, sendo que a partir do exame dos produtos miditicos foram estabelecidas leituras sobre as representaes da violncia na/da escola e as diferentes aes empenhadas para o combate a essa violncia envolvendo, especificamente, distintas perspectivas de educao para distintos grupos de jovens, tangenciando assim, o dualismo educacional. Como concluso, as opinies formadas pela mdia merecem uma ponderao circunstanciada pela crtica levando, no caso em tela, a reflexes sobre a violncia no ambiente escolar em contextos de educao dual.
Formação docente, educação e sociedade: lições da estética e da bioética
Authors: Bezerra Ada Augusto Celestino , Santos Elaine Duarte , Andrade Liz Do Nascimento
Published: February 2018

O artigo aborda a formao docente no trato do trfico/explorao sexual de jovens/crianas, via pesquisa com 27 alunos em formao inicial na Pedagogia, 6 perodo, em 2011/1 e 2011/2, na disciplina Seminrio Integrados III. As categorias trabalhadas so: formao do professor, educao esttica e biotica, pilares da educao contempornea e tringulo pedaggico, com fundamento em Behrens (2009), Houssaye (2007), Moran (2009) e Nvoa (2006). Analisa a pelcula Anjos do Sol, rev as literatura e legislao atuais. As representaes, escritas e orais, tratadas luz da metodologia da pesquisa qualitativa, estudos autobiogrficos, evidenciam o carter formativo da educao esttica e da biotica e conduzem clareza das relaes escola/sociedade, necessidade de humanizao individual e social. Elucida implicaes sociais do analfabetismo e discute o lugar do morto nas relaes sociais e pedaggicas. Enfatiza as crianas do serto nordestino, frutos do semirido no contexto capitalista, e seu direito educao e vida digna.
Políticas de formação inicial de professores, tecnologias e a construção social do tempo
Authors: Pesce Lucila
Published: February 2018

Das atuais polticas brasileiras de formao inicial de professores da Educao Bsica, o artigo pe ateno nos documentos legais que refletem sobre o uso pedaggico das Tecnologias da Informao e Comunicao (TIC), percebendo-os no contexto em que se inserem: a reforma educacional brasileira iniciada nos anos de 1990. analisada a relao entre a formao docente para o uso pedaggico das TIC e a construo social do tempo. A anlise relaciona, de um lado, a racionalidade instrumental com a hegemonia da concepo cronolgica do tempo, o que corrobora com a coisificao do homem. De outro, o imbricar entre a racionalidade comunicativa e a ateno concepo kairolgica do tempo, em face da fecundidade de ambas para a educao voltada emancipao humana. A partir dessa premissa terica, o artigo considera sobre possveis encaminhamentos, na rea de formao afeita ao uso pedaggico das TIC.
Currículo: perspectivas de análise e de transformação
Authors: Bioto-Cavalcanti Patrícia Aparecida
Published: February 2018

Partindo de uma concepo crtica de currculo entendido como constructo social e histrico, este texto em como objetivo apresentar categorias de analise do currculo escolar de modo a elucidar questes acerca dos contedos escolares, da funo social do ensino, dos modelos de ensino-aprendizagem propostos por diferentes arranjos curriculares e do potencial do trabalho do professor em contexto escolar tendo em vista a construo de alternativas emancipadoras de currculo, de proposta educacional e de concepo humana, logo, de projeto social. Para tanto procedeu-se a pesquisa bibliogrfica, ma qual inspirou o modo de construo do texto. O texto finda considerando o caso do Currculo do Estado de So Paulo
The contribution of individual domains of chloroplast protein AtDeg2 to its chaperone and proteolytic activities
Authors: Jagodzik Przemysław , Luciński Robert , Misztal Lucyna , Jackowski Grzegorz
Published: February 2018

The thylakoid protease AtDeg2 is a non-ATP hydrolyzing chloroplast protease/chaperone peripherally connected with stromal side of thylakoid membrane. Its linear structure consists of protease domain and two PDZ domains. To unveil the significance of individual domains, chaperone and proteolytic activities of AtDeg2, its mutated recombinant versions have been developed and their ability to suppress protein aggregation and resolubilization of protein aggregates as well as the ability to degrade substrate protein was examined in vitro. Our work reveals for the first time that AtDeg2 is able not only to suppress aggregation of denatured proteins, but to resolubilize existing protein aggregates as well. We show that PDZ2 domain contributes significantly to both chaperone and protease activities of AtDeg2, whereas PDZ1 is required for chaperone but superfluous for proteolytic activity. Protease domain – but not S-268 in its catalytic site – contributes to chaperone activities of AtDeg2. These results show an entirely new function of AtDeg2 chaperone/protease (i.e., disaggregation of protein aggregates) and allow to identify structural motifs required for “old” and new functions of AtDeg2.
Gestão de processos de negócio e configuração de valor para consultoria de alto desempenho
Authors: Ramos Karoll Haussler Carneiro , Novais Sueli Menelau de
Published: February 2018

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar a aplicação do conceito de oficina de valor, um tipo de configuração de valor, no âmbito da gestão de processos de negócios. Inicialmente, revisou-se a literatura sobre configuração de valor, gestão de processos de negócio e geração de valor em consultorias, depois entrevistas foram realizadas com especialistas e com as partes interessadas de uma organização que colaborou com a aplicação desta pesquisa. Em seguida, foi modelada a oficina de valor na organização pesquisada, uma consultoria empresarial. Por fim, foram desenhados e implementados os processos de negócio, em que foram avaliados os impactos no desempenho organizacional da consultoria. Para o mapeamento dos processos, optou-se pelo desenho da situação ideal sem o desenho da situação atual, devido ao pouco prazo que a empresa dispunha para a pesquisa, não foram verificados quaisquer prejuízos metodológicos quanto a esta escolha. O resultado é um modelo integrado de processos alinhado a estratégia organizacional que está em funcionamento há dez anos. O procedimento técnico Pesquisa em Ciência do Projeto, ou Design Science Research, alinhado ao procedimento pesquisa-ação garantiu a disseminação do conhecimento, sendo bem avaliado pelas partes interessadas e contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de um modelo de consultoria de alto desempenho.
A inovação como tema da pesquisa científica brasileira
Authors: Juriati Fernando , Mafessoni Oscar Jesus , Severo Eliana Andréa
Published: February 2018

Este artigo apresenta uma análise qualitativa e exploratória sobre a recorrência do tema Inovação nos principais periódicos científicos brasileiros de Administração, no período de 2006 a 2015, a fim de se verificar a evolução do interesse acadêmico pelo tema e obter dados adicionais para novas formulações de pesquisas. Os resultados apontam que a publicação Científica Brasileira em Administração sobre o tema Inovação apresenta uma leve tendência de crescimento entre os periódicos analisados no período de 10 anos. Esta pesquisa levanta dados que podem corroborar no entendimento da importância da pesquisa sobre inovação, na busca contínua da geração de vantagem competitiva.
Sponge and coral communities of potential mineral resources in the deep-sea: An overview
Authors: Molodtsova Tina , Kelley Christopher , Menot Lénaick , Watling Les
Published: February 2018

Depletion of commercially valuable minerals on land and increased need of such resources for modern electronics and manufacturing is attracting more and more attention to deep-sea mineral deposits such as cobalt crusts, manganese nodules, phosphorites, polymetallic sulfides and even deep-sea ooze. In a few years we expect intensive exploitation in the deep-sea. Being suspension feeders, corals and sponges associated with hard substrata in potential mining sites would be adversely impacted by deep-sea mining. Deep-sea corals and sponges are characterized by extremely slow growth rates and, as can be seen from fishery impacts, they may take decades to centuries to restore. At the same time, they serve as a substrate, shelter and food for a number of associated deep-sea organisms, thus increasing the cumulative impact of their loss. We summarize here the available data on coral and sponge communities of solid deep-sea ore deposits and possible mechanisms driving their diversity.
Colourless agar for enhancing colour contrast between microbial colonies and agar
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: February 2018

Lack of colour contrast hampers automated identification of colonies on agar, given that many microbial colonies are of the same colour as the background colour of most agar: beige colour. On the other hand, a colourless agar could increase the colour contrast between the agar background and microbial colonies. But, the challenge in preparing a colourless agar comes from the formation of coloured compounds when sugars and ammonium compounds are sterilized together in an autoclave. Hence, by separating glucose and ammonium compounds into different solutions for autoclave sterilization, a method was developed for preparing colourless agar that remained colourless even with 1 g/L of yeast extract supplementation. Specifically, three separate solutions were used in reconstituting the colourless agar at ~48 oC after individual sterilization. Solution A comprised glucose, MgSO4 and agar powder; Solution B contained NH4Cl, K2HPO4, KH2PO4, and NaCl; and Solution C was yeast extract solution for providing vitamins and trace elements needed by microorganisms unable to grow in minimal medium. Reconstituted colourless agar could be poured into agar plates using standard techniques and had a viscosity similar to many commercial agar. Composition of the colourless agar medium was [g/L]: D-Glucose, 2.0; NH4Cl, 0.5; K2HPO4, 0.5; KH2PO4, 0.1; NaCl, 0.5; MgSO4.7H2O, 1.0; Yeast extract, 1.0; Agar, 15.0. On observation against varied background images, the formulated colourless agar lacked the yellow tinge present in LB Lennox agar and had greater optical transparency. Good growth of common bacteria such as Escherichia coli DH5α (ATCC 53868), Bacillus subtilis NRS-762 (ATCC 8473) and Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 (ATCC BAA-477) was observed in both liquid and solid versions of the formulated colourless agar medium. Specifically, colonies of E. coli DH5α, B. subtilis NRS-762 and P. protegens Pf-5 exhibited similar morphology and characteristics compared to growth on LB Lennox agar. Use of the formulated agar medium in cultivating microbial flora present in deionized water recovered many types of colonies, which suggested that the medium was able to support a variety of microbial species. Collectively, by separately sterilizing sugars and ammonium compounds, a method was developed for preparing colourless agar which helped improve colour contrast for colony identification and counting. The formulated colourless agar could find use in various microbial ecology studies seeking to profile microbes from different environmental niches.
An Analysis of the Usage Patterns of Health Services Funded through Capitation and Non-Capitation in Government Owned Primary Healthcare Facilities in The District of Pandeglang
Authors: Yuliardi Arovian , Sjaaf Amal
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The National Health Insurance (JKN) is basically a form of managed care, a technique that integrates health costing and service quality through cost control and quality control. In that concept, the Puskesmas acts as the government’s primary healthcare facility, its vanguard. The aim of this research is to discover and analyze the healthcare usage patterns funded by capitation and non-capitation in government primary healthcare facilities (FKTP). This was an analytical study utilizing a cross-sectional design. 615 patients visiting the government’s FKTP were involved in this research. The results indicated that 47.3% of patients utilizing the government’s FKTP at Pandeglang district were JKN funded, while 52.7% were not funded by the JKN. 66.7% were funded by capitation methods and 33.3% used non-capitation funding. More JKN recipients access non-capitation healthcare than non-recipients. The factors that are related with the type of healthcare accessed are the patient’s health status, JKN status, and ability to pay. Keywords: JKN, utilization, Pandeglang, capitation