bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Features of Formation of Competitive Advantages of Power Enterprises
Authors: Iurchishina Liudmyla , Kaliuzhna Taisiia
Published: November 2017

Energetics is one of the leading sectors of the Ukrainian economy, which provides vital interests of the country, its economic security, social and cultural standard of living of the people. At the present stage of the transformational processes that dominate the world, when innovation, efficiency and competitiveness become the main tasks and signs of economic development, еnergetics becomes a key factor in technological modernization of the economy.The current state of industrial development in Ukraine is characterized by a drop in investment processes and a lack of production. The industry has an advantage in industries with a low technological level, final consumption products are largely uncompetitive in foreign markets, and a significant gap in socio-economic development levels is slowing down the growth of the economy both in general and in the sectors of the national economy. Author's contribution consists in providing the most effective management tools of business competitiveness at present. The article deals the features of formation of competitive advantages of power enterprises.
Non-Waste Disposal of Used Automobile Tires
Authors: Vynohradov Borys , Ostashko Ihor
Published: November 2017

The non-waste disposal of worn-out tires is considered, where in addition to obtaining liquid and gaseous fuels, a solid residue pyrolysis is effectively used. A technique for determining the power consumption for the grinding process has been developed. The aeromechanics of a centrifugal mill was studied. The possibility of using a grinded solid residue of pyrolysis as a substitute for technical carbon is shown.
Analytical Studies Concerning the Shape of Metallic Frame Flexible Support
Authors: Tereshchuk Roman , Hryhoriev Oleksii
Published: November 2017

Determination of rational values of curvature radii of roof beam and stands to solve the problem of selecting rational shape of metallic frame flexible support under various mining and geological conditions of coal mines. The necessity to solve the problem of the determination of rational shape of metallic flexible support has been substantiated. Methodology to solve the problem of improving metallic frame support with the help of analytic equations of structural mechanics is represented. Shapes of mine working cross-sections as well as metallic support depending upon coefficient of lateral spreading obtained as the calculation results have been obtained. Further tendencies in research to improve mine working support have been determined.
The Resonance Initiation in the Steel Headframes from the Technogenic Seismicity
Authors: Ivanova Anna , Chumak Aleksandr , Feskova Liudmyla
Published: November 2017

In the work the problem of complicating engineering structures and structures is raised, which in turn increases their vulnerability to natural phenomena. Each structure has some probability of destruction, an attempt to bring this probability to zero is accompanied by a rapid increase in its value. In addition, structures cannot be completely free from the risk of destruction due to uncertainties in the requirements for the system, the spread of the technical properties of building materials, the difficulties in adequately modeling the behavior of the system even with the use of modern software systems. The need to take into account the frequency composition of technogenic earthquakes which will allow to perform the necessary protection of structures that are particularly long-lasting from the resonance effect is considered and justified.
The Prospects of Thermal Water Exploration in Ukraine
Authors: Sadovenko Ivan , Rudakov Dmytro , Inkin Oleksandr
Published: November 2017

The total resources of geothermal energy in Ukraine up to the depth of 10 km are estimated at 1022 J, which significantly exceeds the reserves of fossil fuel sources. Nevertheless, geothermal exploration in each specific case requires comprehensive thermodynamic and feasibility studies taking into account local geological, hydrogeological conditions, and depth ranges. To facilitate such kind of studies an analysis has been made for Ukraine’s territory with the identification of aquifers that can be potentially used including the Transcarpathian trough, the Volyn-Podil’ska plate, the Dnipro-Donets depression, and Black Sea coast area. Regarding high thermal water mineralization a geo-technological scheme has been justified for environmentally safe exploration that suggests a closed cycle including (i) pumping out water to the surface, (ii) heat extraction, and (iii) re-injection of water into the aquifer. A mathematical model developed to evaluate the geo-circulation system effectiveness for various conditions allows predicting the changes in water temperature during circulation, power consumption, and heat capacity. Besides, the model enables optimizing the system performance depending on pumped water temperature. We assessed the effectiveness of geothermal heat extraction with the geo-circulation system in terms of profitability and net the present value (NPV). According to the estimations made for aquifers in Ukraine the geo-circulation system can be operated with the positive NPV in many regions of the country depending on the aquifer depth, heat flux, and groundwater flow. The obtained results correlate to the world standards of rational exploitation of geothermal energy.
Energy Efficient Technologies to Support Mine Workings under Complicated Geomechanical Conditions
Authors: Solodyankin Olexandr , Hapieiev Sergey , Vygodin Mikhail , Yanko Valentin
Published: November 2017

Objective of the studies is the substantiation of energy efficient technologies to support permanent mine workings under complicated conditions of mines in Western Donbass. The results of analysis of geomechanical processes within rock mass neighbouring extended mine working have been demonstrated. The possibility to fill up underpropped area at different stages of a mine working construction has been shown. Efficient technology to improve the stability of mine workings by means of underpropped area filling up with hardening mixtures pneumatically has been considered. The results of the new technology to fill up underpropped area while constructing the main crosscut in Samarskaia mine (“DTEK Pavlogradugol” Company) have been demonstrated.
Substantiation of Parameters for the Tunnel Erector with Two Manipulators
Authors: Zabolotnyi Kostiantyn , Panchenko Olena , Zhupiev Oleksandr
Published: November 2017

Lagrange equations of the second kind are used to describe the dynamics of three-link manipulator lever tunnel stacker. Relative angles of rotation of manipulators units chosen as the generalized coordinates. The problem of the direct dynamics of the manipulator is solved. Expressions control torques for the main types of motion manipulators is given. With an accuracy of 11 %, using the motion simulation built in SOLIDWORKS Motion trajectory. Conclusions are drawn about selected control laws allowing to minimize the working time spent on the installation of the lining elements.
Economic Consequences of Disposing Radioactive Wastes of Fuel-and-Power Cycle Enterprises
Authors: Vagonova Oleksandra , Arzhevichev Dmytro , Cherkashchenko Olesia
Published: November 2017

Economic evaluation of losses conditioned by disposing radioactive wastes of the “Prydniprovskyi Chemical Plant” Production Association on the territory of Kamianske and surrounding areas of the Dnipropetrovsk region is performed. While analysing losses, four uniform groups of expenses and losses were distinguished which include: expenses on protecting and monitoring measures, expenses on remediation measures, social orientation expenses and expenses related to waste disposal. It is shown that expenses on protecting and monitoring radioactive waste storages prevail.
New Сlassification of Ore Deposits Mining Methods
Authors: Kononenko Maksym , Khomenko Oleh , Astafiev Denys
Published: November 2017

The analysis of advantages and disadvantages of the existing classifications of mining method by the way of stoping space supporting in the course of extraction of ores is executed. The new classification of mining methods of ore deposits allowing to capture all range of the applied variants of systems for different mining-and-geological and mining conditions is developed. It is possible to formulate names of mining methods on proposed which allows to present a complex of the productions which are carried out during mining of production blocks.
Protective Efficiency of Filtering Respirators
Authors: Cheberiachko Sergiy , Yavors’ka Olena , Stolbchenko Olena , Radchuk Dmytro
Published: November 2017

In the article the dependence of protective efficiency of the respiratory protective devices on the filter penetration coefficient and leakage of the polluted air through sealing band was established. The leakage was determined by the ratio of the filter resistance and the sealing band. The relationship between increasing the filter resistance and worsening the protective effectiveness of respiratory protective device was established. Factors that worsen the respirator quality were determined: the gaps between the face and half-mask, weak tension of the head harness. Filter parameters that will ensure high efficiency for respirators of the second protection class were established.
Implementation of Energy Safety Policy in Ukraine by Means of Energy Saving in Electric Drive Systems
Authors: Pazynich Yuliya , Kolb Andrii , Potempa Michał
Published: November 2017

The paper substantiates the need of implementation of energy saving policy in Ukraine on the state level. The changes of the structure of national production, implementation of energy saving technology are mentioned as the way of the policy implementation, as this would lower dependence from oil and gas import and lead to economy stabilization and provide the conditions for energy safety of the country. The proposed method of energy efficiency increase for electric drives with use of group power supply from common feeder bars of direct current with capacity storage, as well as normalizing of traditional power quality indicators by means of AVI of PWM connected in the system input enable significant energy saving on the national scale.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Coiled Carbon Nanotubes by Molecular Structural Mechanics Based Finite Element Modelling
Authors: Azzaz Hamza , Dahmoun Djaffar , Chaterbache O. , Azzaz Mohammed
Published: November 2017

Carbon nanotubes (NTC) have very spectacular mechanical properties related to their nanometric structure, their perfect arrangement and their one-dimensional geometry. As with all materials, structural defects are inevitable and affects NTC properties. Among these defects, we distinguish the topological defects, the dislocations and the penta-hepta defect. But the presence of these defects is not totally harmful, because the existence of some structure like the coiled nanotube is the result of these defects. For this, in the first part of this work, the coiled carbon nanotube structure is studied, a method for the designing of this structure is proposed, the geometric parameters are detailed and the structural coefficients are determined. Therefore, a procedure for moving from a graphene sheet to a coiled nanotube is developed. Then, the second part of this study represents an attempt to calculate the spring constants of the spiral carbon nanotube. Mechanical properties of this material are investigated by means of molecular structural mechanics (MSM) method in ANSYS finite element code. The model serves as a link between the computational chemistry and the solid mechanics by substituting discrete molecular structures, with an equivalent-structural model. A coiled carbon nanotube has been modeled on the nanoscale by one-dimensional elements (3D beam). The results show a considerable influence of structural parameters (diameter, chirality, pitch and defect position) on the coiled nanotube mechanical properties.
Annealing Effects in Conventionally Cast and Homogenized Al-Zn-Mg(-Sc-Zr) Alloy
Authors: Vlach Martin , Kodetova Veronika , Smola Bohumil , Kudrnova Hana , Kekule Tomáš
Published: November 2017

Al-based alloys are very preferred for automotive manufacture to produce lightweight vehicles. The positive effect of Sc,Zr-addition on the mechanical properties in Al-based alloys is generally known. Microstructure, mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of the conventionally cast and homogenized Al–Zn–Mg alloy with and without Sc,Zr-addition during isochronal annealing were studied. The electrical resistometry and microhardness together with differential scanning calorimetry measurements were compared to microstructure development that was observed by optical microscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that the Sc,Zr-content in the alloy after casting is not homogeneously distributed but concentrated in randomly localized matrix regions and together with Zn and Mg in the particles at grain boundaries. However, the hardening effect after annealing above 280 °C lightly reflects the Sc,Zr-addition. The distinct changes in resistivity and microhardness as well as in heat flow of the alloys studied are mainly caused by formation/dissolution of the Guinier-Preston zones and subsequent precipitation of the metastable particles from the Al–Zn–Mg system. The eutectic Zn,Mg-containing phase partly disappeared during the annealing above ~ 390 °C. Melting of the Zn,Mg-containing phase was observed at ~ 475 °C. The decomposition sequence of the supersaturated solid solution of the studied alloys is compatible with the decomposition sequence of the Al–Zn–Mg system minimally up to ~ 380 °C.
Change in Oxidizing and Reduction Roasting of Complex Iron-Titanium Ores
Authors: Dmitriev Andrey N. , Petukhov R.V. , Vitkina G.Yu. , Dolmatov Alexey V. , Ovchinnikova L.A.
Published: November 2017

The questions of oxidizing roasting of iron ore raw materials with production sinter and pellets are considered. The question of reduction roasting of iron ore raw materials is studied. Phase transformations of oxidizing and regenerative roasting are considered. Features of phase transformations of iron ore raw materials containing titanium are discussed. The reducibility, durability and temperatures of softening and melting of metallurgical iron ore raw materials are studied In Vitro. The effect of the durability of burned iron ore pellets on compression is also defined.
Evaluation of 4330M Steel for Fasteners Applications
Authors: Al Sumait A. , Delgado C. , Aldhabib F. , Sun X. , Alzubi F. , Tovalin K. , Cheng A. , Campo R.M. , Li Y.J. , Ramsey B. , Zeng L. , Es-Said O.S.
Published: November 2017

The objective of the study was to optimize the strength and ductility values of the 4330M steel. Optimization was conducted through different types of heat treatments. Tensile testing, hardness testing, optical microscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to evaluate the mechanical properties and microstructure of the as-received and the heat treated samples. The alloy was provided from two vendors; vendor H and vendor S. Results showed that by increasing the tempering temperatures, strength values decreases, while ductility values remain unchanged. Vendor H samples had higher strength values and much finer grain structure which was revealed only at 5000x magnification.
Moisture Measuring Device Based on Non-Destructive Method of Gamma Ray’s Attenuation
Authors: Guimarães A.S. , Delgado J.M.P.Q. , de Freitas V.P. , Azevedo A.C.
Published: November 2017

A moisture measuring device based on non-destructive method of gamma rays attenuation, allows measures to deepen concepts in building physics related to the moisture transfer; study the influence of the interface between layers in moisture transfer; analyse the influence of gravity on absorption and drying of different building materials; study the kinetics of absorption and drying of walls of one or more layers; analyse the importance of the temperature gradient in the movement of moisture; calculate the coefficient of water diffusivity of some building materials.
In this work the proposed non-destructive method of gamma ray’s attenuation was used to analyse the transport of liquid water along a constructive element. For that propose gamma ray hydric profiles with red brick samples, 2 types: “A” and “B”, were obtained. Gamma ray hydric profiles are very interesting and original considering that the equipment exists in just a scarce laboratory. It is also intended to show how the equipment works and the way that those profiles can be taken.
The water content profiles experimentally measure are very interesting, and the preliminary results obtained, for red brick samples with different densities and sectional area, will be shown and discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Y2Ti2O7 Photocatalytic Powders by Thermal Assist Process
Authors: Lee Won Joon , Bae Dong Sik
Published: November 2017

Y2Ti2O7nanoparticles have been synthesized by co-precipitation. Y2Ti2O7was coated on a glass substrate. The average size of the synthesized Y2Ti2O7particles and thickness of the coating layer can be controlled by manipulating the relative conditions. The average size of synthesized Y2Ti2O7nanoparticles was about in the size range of 20 to 30nm with calcination temperature. The effects of synthesis parameters, such as solution pH and calcination temperature, are discussed. The synthesized Y2Ti2O7nanoparticles were coated on glass substrates by a dip coating process.
Synthesis and Characterization of CeO2 Powders by Thermal Assist Process
Authors: Ock Ji Young , Son Jeong Hoon , Bae Dong Sik
Published: November 2017

CeO2 nanoparticles were synthesized through the solvothermal process. It is observed that the water/ethanol mixed solvents were strongly influenced on the agglomeration. The average size of CeO2 nanoparticles was about in the range of 11-13nm and its distribution was narrow. With the increase of the ethanol composition, the surface area of CeO2 was increased from 65.384m2/g to 84.649m2/g. The synthesized nanoparticles components, particle size, morphology and surface area were characterized by EDS, XRD, FE-SEM, FE-TEM and BET.
Quantitative Evaluation of Secondary Phases in a Weld Joint Made of COST F and FB2 Creep Resistant Steels
Authors: Jandová Dagmar
Published: November 2017

Conventional (CCT) and accelerated (ACT) creep tests of a weld joint made of COST F and COST FB2 steels were carried out over a temperature range from 550 °C to 650 °C. Fracturing of the crept specimens was located in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the F steel. Two specimens were selected after CCT and ACT for quantitative evaluation of the precipitates and compared to the weld joint in as-received conditions. Scanning and transmission electron micrographs were used to measure the precipitate size. Both methods were compared and the accuracy of the results was discussed. It was concluded that ACT can simulate the precipitation of chromium carbides and structure recovery during long term creep exposures. However, precipitation of Laves phase during CCT was not recorded after ACT. Therefore, it is difficult to use ACT in this experiment for estimating the long term creep strength.
Metallographic and Fractographic Evaluation of 3D-Printed Titanium Samples to Eliminate Unsatisfactory Mechanical Properties
Authors: Fousová Michaela , Stejskalova Tereza , Vojtěch Dalibor
Published: November 2017

Czech company ProSpon spol. s r.o. has introduced 3D printing technology in its production in 2015. This company operates in the field of development, manufacture and distribution of medical implants and instruments for orthopedics, traumatology and surgery. Therefore, the current intention is to employ Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology for production of complex and patient-specific implants from titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. Nevertheless, first series of produced test specimens suffered from very low plasticity insufficient for the intended application. The reduction in elongation was almost 7fold compared to conventionally used wrought standard. From that reason, specimens were subjected to fractographic evaluation of fracture surfaces, but also metallographic evaluation. The main cause of the identified problem turned out to be porosity originating from inappropriate set-up of the machine. After the adjustment of process parameters new series of specimens were prepared in which the porosity was already significantly lower. Consequently, mechanical properties reached higher and better values.
Operational Degradation of Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron EN GJS SiMo
Authors: Skrbek Břetislav
Published: November 2017

The specifics of low-alloyed cast irons after EN 16124 standard of type GJS SiMo for high temperature applications of exhaust tracts of internal combustion piston engines. Boundary exposition temperature. Structure failure of cast iron by temperature overloading. Metalography, SEM, XRD of overexposed exhaust pipelines. Failure reason hypothesis of useful properties by exceeding of critical temperature.
Causal Analysis of Damage of a Cover
Authors: Páleníková Lucie , Klakurková Lenka , Gejdoš Pavel , Remešová Michaela , Juliš Martin , Čelko Ladislav
Published: November 2017

In this article, the causes of damage of a cover were investigated by metallographic and fractographic analysis. The component part was made from non-alloy quality steel for cold forming DC04. The failure occurred during high temperature pulsation (90 °C, 7b, 1 Hz) after 180,000 cycles. This component part was fabricated by deep drawing. After this process’s step, outlets were soldered at 1100 °C/5 min. to this part and then whole component part was coated using method without any specification. The coating layer was formed of Zn-Ni. The last step in this process was hemming where all component parts were assembled together. This case study was solved using light and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition was detected by energy dispersive X-ray analysis.
Failure Analysis of Corrugated Hoses
Authors: Klakurková Lenka , Horynová Miroslava , Juliš Martin , Gejdoš Pavel , Páleníková Lucie , Švejcar Jiří
Published: November 2017

Stainless steel corrugated hoses are widely used in many areas of industry. They are used in application such as distribution of drinking and supply water, gas and also various working fluids, for example in cooling systems. During the assembly of AISI 316L corrugated hoses for cooling systems defects form due to deformation of the hoses during assembly. The absolute tightness of such systems is required and any defects of the hoses are therefore undesirable. This study deals with evaluation of most common defects of corrugated hoses via light and scanning electron microscopy and proposes measures to minimize such defects. It was revealed, that defects form due to deformation of the hoses during assembly or, in case of unfavorable microstructure, during the service life. In later case, failure of the hose was caused by higher content of deformation-induced martensite in microstructure as a result of intense cold forming. Component with such microstructure exhibited less favorable mechanical properties and hoses were more prone to the failure.
The Influence of Microstructure on the Fracture Development in Engineering Parts
Authors: Horník Jakub , Čižmárová Elena , Krum Stanislav , Krčil Jan , Mára Vladimír
Published: November 2017

Examples of failure of mechanical parts on account of the microstructural defects or heterogeneity are described. The evaluation of defect problematic was carried out using light and scanning electron microscopy. The root detected cause of problems was in a form of coarse particles in the microstructure, intensive line spacing or banding in the material. The influence of combination of intensive stress and inappropriate orientation of parts towards the direction of forming of semi-products was often observed. A rigorous approach to the material selection and the appropriate quality control of semi-products has to be considered to prevent the risk of a failure of engineering parts.
Analysis of the Failure of the Engine Piston of the AlSi Alloy
Authors: Podepřelová Adéla , Mareš Vratislav , Kraus Martin
Published: November 2017

The aim of the article is piston damage evaluation of a highly exposed combustion engine. The analysed piston was made of an AlSi-based alloy. Atypical damage, which occurred relatively early in the lifetime of the component, was evaluated by metallographic and fractographic analyses. The analysis took into account influences of mechanical and thermal fatigue processes in relation to the microstructure of the material. The metallographic observations of the microstructure revealed the occurrence of cracks extending over the secondary phases and precipitates. Cracks were initiated on the coarser Si phase particles. The crack initiation site is located at the root of the bridge between the sealing piston rings. The damage of the piston was metallographically documented in wide range.
Analysis of Causes of Fractures of Terminal Board Bolts
Authors: Švejcar Jiří , Klakurková Lenka , Juliš Martin , Gejdoš Pavel , Remešová Michaela , Páleníková Lucie
Published: November 2017

The paper sums up the results of a complex analysis, using metallographic, microfractograpic and other methods, with the aim of establishing the cause of fractures appearing in bolts of a terminal board. The analysis has shown unambiguously that the bolt failure was a synergic effect of inadequately performed heat treatment and hydrogenation that occurred in course of surface treatment via pickling and subsequent zinc plating.
Rhesus Macaque Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Demonstrate T Cell Inhibitory Functions and Are Transiently Increased after Vaccination
Authors: Lin Ang , Liang Frank , Thompson Elizabeth A. , Vono Maria , Ols Sebastian , Lindgren Gustaf , Hassett Kimberly , Salter Hugh , Ciaramella Giuseppe , Loré Karin
Published: November 2017

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are major regulators of T cell responses in several pathological conditions. Whether MDSCs increase and influence T cell responses in temporary inflammation, such as after vaccine administration, is unknown. Using the rhesus macaque model, which is critical for late-stage vaccine testing, we demonstrate that monocytic (M)-MDSCs and polymorphonuclear (PMN)-MDSCs can be detected using several of the markers used in humans. However, whereas rhesus M-MDSCs lacked expression of CD33, PMN-MDSCs were identified as CD33+ low-density neutrophils. Importantly, both M-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs showed suppression of T cell proliferation in vitro. The frequency of circulating MDSCs rapidly and transiently increased 24 h after vaccine administration. M-MDSCs infiltrated the vaccine injection site, but not vaccine-draining lymph nodes. This was accompanied by upregulation of genes relevant to MDSCs such as arginase-1, IDO1, PDL1, and IL-10 at the injection site. MDSCs may therefore play a role in locally maintaining immune balance during vaccine-induced inflammation.
Athletic Trainers' Attitudes and Perceptions of Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Potteiger Kelly , Pitney William A. , Cappaert Thomas A. , Wolfe Angela
Published: November 2017

Context: 

Environmental sustainability efforts are becoming a critical concern in health care. However, little is known regarding how athletic trainers feel about the environment or what can be done to reduce the environmental impact of the practice of athletic training.

Objective: 

To examine athletic trainers' attitudes toward and perceptions of factors related to environmental sustainability.

Design: 

Sequential, mixed methods using a survey, focus groups, and personal interviews.

Setting: 

Field study.

Patients or Other Participants: 

Four hundred forty-two individuals completed the survey. Sixteen participated in the qualitative portion.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Quantitative results from the Athletic Training Environmental Impact Survey included data from a 5-point Likert scale (1 = lowest rating and 5 = highest rating). Descriptive statistics and 1-way analyses of variance were used to describe perceptions and determine differences in mean opinion, National Athletic Trainers' Association district, and use of green techniques. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively.

Results: 

The mean score for opinion of the environment was 3.30 ± 0.52. A difference was found between opinion and National Athletic Trainers' Association district (F9, 429 = 2.43, P = .01). A Bonferroni post hoc analysis identified this difference (P = .03) between members of District 2 (Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania) and District 9 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee). An inductive analysis resulted in 3 emergent themes: (1) barriers to using green techniques, (2) motivators for using green techniques, and (3) solutions to overcoming the barriers. The information gleaned from participants in the qualitative portion of the study can be useful for clinicians wishing to implement basic conservation efforts in their practice settings and may guide future sustainability projects.

Conclusions: 

Overall, participants reported a positive opinion of environmental sustainability topics related to athletic training. However, many barriers to practicing green techniques were identified.
Examining the Environmental Effects of Athletic Training: Perceptions of Waste and the Use of Green Techniques
Authors: Potteiger Kelly , Pitney William A. , Cappaert Thomas A. , Wolfe Angela
Published: November 2017

Context: 

Environmental sustainability is a critical concern in health care. Similar to other professions, the practice of athletic training necessitates the use of a large quantity of natural and manufactured resources.

Objective: 

To examine the perceptions of the waste produced by the practice of athletic training and the green practices currently used by athletic trainers (ATs) to combat this waste.

Design: 

Mixed-methods study.

Setting: 

Field setting.

Patients or Other Participants: 

A total of 442 ATs completed the study. Sixteen individuals participated in the qualitative portion.

Main Outcome Measure(s): 

Data from sections 2 and 3 of the Athletic Training Environmental Impact Survey were analyzed. Focus groups and individual interviews were used to determine participants' views of waste and the efforts used to combat waste. Descriptive statistics were used to examine types of waste. Independent t tests, χ2 tests, and 1-way analyses of variance were calculated to identify any differences between the knowledge and use of green techniques. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively.

Results: 

Participants reported moderate knowledge of green techniques (3.18 ± 0.53 on a 5-point Likert scale). Fifty-eight percent (n = 260) of survey participants perceived that a substantial amount of waste was produced by the practice of athletic training. Ninety-two percent (n = 408) admitted they thought about the waste produced in their daily practice. The types of waste reported most frequently were plastics (n = 111, 29%), water (n = 88, 23%), and paper for administrative use (n = 81, 21%). Fifty-two percent (n = 234) agreed this waste directly affected the environment. The qualitative aspect of the study reinforced recognition of the large amount of waste produced by the practice of athletic training. Types of conservation practices used by ATs were also explored.

Conclusions: 

Participants reported concern regarding the waste produced by athletic training. The amount of waste varies depending on practice size and setting. Future researchers should use direct measures to determine the amount of waste created by the practice of athletic training.
Colloquium on Youth Day 16 June 2017: The Commission of Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches in association with the Faculty of Theology of the University of Pretoria and its centennial celebration in 2017
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G. , Nkuhlu L. Wiseman , Buitendag Johan , Tveit Olav F. , Pillay Jerry , Van Huffel Mary Anne Plaatjies , Claassen Gustav , Ungerer André
Published: November 2017

This article represents the contributions of ecclesiastical and academic office bearers participating in the centennial celebration of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Pretoria on Youth Day 16 June 2017, in collaboration with the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches. This Youth Day commemoration showcases the profound way of transformation at the University of Pretoria and, in particular, its theological faculty in democratic South Africa since 1994. It presents a truly historic event, highlighting a global participation of specifically the Reformed churches in South Africa after a period of ecumenical isolation because of a formerly endorsement of apartheid, nowadays confessed as a theological and humanitarian heresy.
Jesters, tricksters, taggers and haints: Hipping the church to the Afro-hop, pop-‘n-lock mock-up currently rocking apocalyptic Detroit
Authors: Perkinson James W.
Published: November 2017

The following essay investigates the animating force of jester-humour and trickster-critique as necessary components of prophetic consciousness and social movement. Climate change devastation coupled with racialised socio-economic predation today faces social movement with a stark demand. The root-work necessary enjoins challenge of human presumption about the meaning of life at the most basic level. The locus from which such a depth-exploration will be elaborated here is postindustrial Detroit, on the part of a poet-activist-educator who will insist that ‘jesterism’ as ‘prophetic animation’ cannot merely be ‘talked about’, but begs performance and embodiment – even in the process of writing and theorising. Indigenous wisdom and folk spirituality will supply historical perspective in asserting laughter as both antidote to trauma and tactic of critique – whether looking at traditional African practices of tricksterism reincarnate in everyday street life in Detroit, medieval Christian celebrations of the Feast of Fools subverting official Church orthodoxies in feudal Europe, or the postmodern insurgence of hip-hop beats and tags in challenging corporate gentrification and church capitulation at the emblematic heart of de-industrialisation.
Churches claiming a right to the city? Lived urbanisms in the City of Tshwane
Authors: Ribbens Michael , De Beer Stephan F.
Published: November 2017

This article sets out to describe how churches have responded and continue to respond to fast-changing urban environments in Pretoria Central and Mamelodi East, animating Henri Lefebvre’s sociological perspective of citadins or urban inhabitants. We make tentative interpretations and offer critical appreciation. Churches, which were historically separated from the city centre, now directly participate in claiming a right to the city. With necessary fluidity, churches express lived African urbanisms through informality, place-making, spatial innovation and everyday rituals. Though not exhaustive, the article focuses on rituals shared among historic urban Christians and contemporary African urban Christians, namely prayer, listening to the Bible and worship. These rituals, when combined with the churches’ spatial innovation, to a certain degree contribute to place-making.
Urban social movements in South Africa today: Its meaning for theological education and the church
Authors: De Beer Stephan F.
Published: November 2017

In the past decade, significant social movements emerged in South Africa, in response to specific urban challenges of injustice or exclusion. This article will interrogate the meaning of such urban social movements for theological education and the church. Departing from a firm conviction that such movements are irruptions of the poor, in the way described by Gustavo Gutierrez and others, and that movements of liberation residing with, or in a commitment to, the poor, should be the locus of our theological reflection, this article suggests that there is much to be gained from the praxis of urban social movements, in disrupting, informing and shaping the praxis of both theological education and the church. I will give special consideration to Ndifuna Ukwazi and the Reclaim the City campaign in Cape Town, the Social Justice Coalition in Cape Town, and Abahlali baseMjondolo based in Durban, considering these as some of the most important and exciting examples of liberatory praxes in South Africa today. I argue that theological education and educators, and a church committed to the Jesus who came ‘to liberate the oppressed’, ignore these irruptions of the Spirit at our own peril.
T.F. Torrance: Union with Christ through the Communion of the Spirit
Authors: Davis Martin M.
Published: November 2017

Union with Christ is a heuristic, over-arching rubric for the discussion of many themes in Torrance’s soteriology. Union with Christ, however, has not been a major topic in Torrance studies. The purpose of this article is to address this inadequacy. The present article provides an overview of Torrance’s discussion of incarnational reconciliation and ‘vicarious humanity’ of Jesus Christ. According to Torrance, the hypostatic union is a dynamic, atoning union in which humanity is cleansed of sin and brought into sanctifying union with God. Throughout his earthly life, Jesus acts ‘vicariously’, reconciling humanity to God and sanctifying every stage of human life, so that union with Christ is fully and objectively accomplished for all humanity in Jesus. All aspects of Christian life, including faith, justification and sanctification are fully realised for all in the incarnate life of Christ. The objective union, established in the incarnation, is subjectively realised in the life of the believer through the communion of the Holy Spirit. In response to the objective reality of grace, believers are summoned to take up the cross and follow Jesus. Torrance’s assertion of union with Christ as a fait accompli in the incarnation and vicarious act of Christ raises questions regarding the subjective human response to salvation as well as the issue of universalism. Content is based on a review of primary literature published by Torrance over a span of more than 40 years as well as a review of recent secondary resources that include some aspect of the subject.
The adaptive capacity of smallholder mixed-farming systems to the impact of climate change: The case of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa
Authors: Mthembu Nonhlanzeko N. , Zwane Elliot M.
Published: November 2017

Climate change poses a serious threat to efforts by developing countries to ensure food security and poverty reduction. The National Development goals of South Africa envisage the agricultural sector as a key driver for job creation and economic growth. This article seeks to investigate the adaptive capacity of the Ncunjane farming community in Msinga, KwaZuluNatal in response to drought spells of 2010 and 2014. This article draws on data collected using both qualitative and quantitative methods in 2011 and later in 2015 with the data analysed through the Statistical Package for Social Science to determine significant correlations between variables. Analysis of the vulnerability and adaptive capacity is performed using conceptual framework. This study found that both smallholder farmers who engaged in livestock and crop production have experienced high cattle mortalities and stagnant crop productivity, which in turn put pressure on already constrained disposable household income because of increased food costs and agricultural input costs, particularly supplementary animal feed. Cattle owners were more vulnerable to drought because of poor risk management and thus became highly dependent on government to provide drought relief. Application for government drought relief was found not to be effective in cases of large herds of cattle. Variability of rainfall and prolonged heat spells has a significant impact on the sustainability of smallholder mixed-farming systems, leaving agriculture as a highly questionable form of livelihood for rural farming communities such as Msinga. The article recommends strengthened institutional mechanisms so that stakeholders should play a more meaningful role within provincial and local agriculture in leveraging government support but places emphasis on the adoption of innovative strategies that can potentially yield significantly resilient smallholder mixed-farming systems in the wake of climate variability.
Development of an explanatory framework for the solution of electricity problems
Authors: Koontse Reuben D. , Kriek Jeanne
Published: November 2017

Problem solving is considered a higher order thinking skill and is included as one of the 21st century’s core competencies. To demonstrate how students’ use of a specific mathematical approach leads to a particular type of understanding when solving problems in electricity, an interpretive framework was developed. This interpretive framework combined two extensively used frameworks, namely Mathematical Resources (MR) and Extended Semantic Model (ESM) and was rationalised in electricity subtopics namely electric circuit, electric force and electric field. An interpretivist research paradigm was chosen to explain and derive meaning from fifteen first year physics students’ mathematical approaches in solving electricity problems. In general, students were found to be more inclined to activate formal mathematical rules, even when the use of basic or everyday mathematics that require activation of intuitive knowledge elements and reasoning primitives, would be more efficient. The need for a qualitative approach to solving physics problems rather than a quantitative one was presented and this has implications for future approaches to teaching science.
Religion, an obstacle to workplace spirituality and employee wellness?
Authors: Bester Alan , M Julian C.
Published: November 2017

A desperate need for employee wellness is echoed in work-related stories. Workplace spirituality is presented as an integral part of achieving and maintaining employee wellness. However, there is an observed gap of spirituality in employee wellness programmes and in the absence of the workplace spiritual helper in multidisciplinary wellness teams. Using a postfoundational notion of practical theology, I have explored one of the reasons for this gap, namely workplace spirituality’s association to religion. When spirituality is viewed through the lens of religion, it is overlooked as a vehicle of help. This is a consequence of the obstacles of the taboo of religious discussion, the complexity of religious plurality, the dominant voice of secularism and unhelpful religiosity. A proposal is made for a definition of spirituality that describes the relationship between spirituality and religion that overcomes the religionrelated obstacles to the development of workplace spirituality and so enable spirituality’s contribution in wellness.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The research includes an interdisciplinary collaboration with a Human Resource (HR) manager, social worker, arts therapist, clinical pastoral counsellor, medical practitioner, psychologist, businessperson and two psychiatrists that underscores the collaborative effort in wellness. There is an intradisciplinary challenge to those who restrict the view of spirituality to the experience of religion.
The future of theology at a public university
Authors: Ford David F.
Published: November 2017

In exploring the future of theological reflection at a public university, the Irish Anglican theologian David Ford considers the study of theology in university settings that are multireligious and multi-secular. He discusses the responsibilities of such universities with regard to the religions, and how they can be healthily diverse places with a pluralism of multiple depths. He proposes an understanding of theological reflection as a wisdom-seeking inquiry open to all as the preferable approach in such universities. Against the background of appreciative remarks on contextual trends and developments within theological reflection worldwide and other profound engagements such as between Christian thought and philosophy, the human and natural sciences, but also with new voices such as women’s, postcolonial and marginalised groups, Ford describes his viewpoint on the practice of Scriptural Reasoning. In his description, Ford indicates how such a practice at a public university can shape a better future in which the societal importance of religion in a healthily plural world is respected. It entails the taking on of specific responsibilities by the public universities, acknowledging their privileged spaces within our societies and fostering a healthy pluralism of multiple depths.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: In exploring the future of theological reflection at a public university, the article addresses the philosophical, theological and educational fields of reflection within an integrated perspective developed from a wisdomseeking practice, namely, Scriptural Reasoning to establish and justify the societal significance of such reflection for ensuring a healthy pluralism with multiple depths in a plural world.
Isomorphic Structure of Cesàro and Tandori Spaces
Authors: Astashkin Sergey V. , Lesnik Karol , Maligranda Lech
Published: November 2017

We investigate the isomorphic structure of the Cesàro spaces and their duals, the Tandori spaces. The main result states that the Cesàro function space$\text{Ces}_{\infty }$and its sequence counterpart$\text{ces}_{\infty }$are isomorphic. This is rather surprising since$\text{Ces}_{\infty }$(like Talagrand’s example) has no natural lattice predual. We prove that$\text{ces}_{\infty }$is not isomorphic to$\ell _{\infty }$nor is$\text{Ces}_{\infty }$isomorphic to the Tandori space$\widetilde{L_{1}}$with the norm$\Vert f\Vert _{\widetilde{L_{1}}}=\Vert \widetilde{f}\Vert _{L_{1}}$, where$\widetilde{f}(t):=\text{ess}\,\sup _{s\geqslant t}|f(s)|$. Our investigation also involves an examination of the Schur and Dunford–Pettis properties of Cesàro and Tandori spaces. In particular, using results of Bourgain we show that a wide class of Cesàro–Marcinkiewicz and Cesàro–Lorentz spaces have the latter property.
Messy Subjectivities: The Popular, Affective and Technical Consistencies of Early Nineteenth-Century Staffordshire Ware
Authors: De Brabandere Nicole
Published: November 2017

This article investigates how Staffordshire figurines and dinnerware, which were popular in early nineteenth-century England and its colonies, were complicit in forging emergent social, aesthetic and subjective consciousness. Staffordshire ware was influenced by diverse technical, economic and aesthetic factors, including the circulation of print media, private property, colonialism and Romanticism. At the same time, the wares both engendered Romantic versions of subjectivity that amplified the importance of the private individual, while generating emergent sites of contestation that exceeded them. The collection of Staffordshire figurines and dinnerware was a media and technical consistency where owners could inhabit the tensions of at times conflicting social, material, affective and performative affinities or antagonisms. This discussion draws from Walter Benjamin to develop a way of thinking with how the material and media specificity of Staffordshire ware could have co-composed heterogeneous knowledges, practices and subjectivities that undermined the Romantic individual. By examining the multifaceted qualities, affects and contexts of Staffordshire ware in detail I aim to develop new terms and practices with which to activate emergent versions of historicity, corporeality and world-making.