bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Welcome to the Journal of Amateur Sport!
Authors: Bass Jordan R.
Published: November 2015

We hope you enjoy the second issue of the Journal of Amateur Sport (JAS)! We are quite excited by the wide-range of articles in the issue and believe there is “something” for everyone in the pages that follow. In the coming months, we will release our first special issue guest edited by Drs. Kyle Bunds and Joshua Newman. Please keep an eye out for the release of that issue in early 2016 and the third standard issue of JAS in the spring of 2016. Thanks a ton for reading and I hope you find value in the excellent articles that comprise this issue.
Editorial Board and Staff
Authors: Bass Jordan
Published: November 2015

Full list of Issue Two Editorial Board and Staff
Foreword to the Issue
Authors: Sage George H.
Published: November 2015

George H. Sage is Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Kinesiology at the University of Northern Colorado. He has published more than fifty articles and is the author of many books, including Globalizing Sport: How Corporations, Media, and Politics Are Changing Sports (Paradigm 2010). He was inducted into the National Association for Sport and Physical Education Hall of Fame in 2006. He is the past president of the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport.
Cross-readings and ecoliteracy in children’s pop-up books
Authors: Ramos Rui , Ramos Ana Margarida
Published: November 2015

El objetivo de este texto es analizar dos libros pop-up destinados a la infancia, escritos por Anouck Boisrobert y Louis Rigaud, titulados Popville (2009) y Dans la forêt du paresseux [En el bosque del perezoso] publicados por primera vez en 2009 y 2012, con textos de apoyo de la autoría de Joy Sorman y Sophie Strady, respectivamente. Estos libros se publicaron originalmente en Francia, en Hélium Éditions, pero pueden encontrarse ya traducidos en varios países occidentales y en muchos idiomas, incluyendo el catalán, holandés, inglés, francés, alemán, italiano, portugués y castellano. Este artículo analiza el texto verbal de los libros antes citados, así como su elaborado componente visual, construído gracias a una sofisticada ingeniería del papel, con vistas a reflejar la forma en que estas publicaciones alcanzan su objetivo: el desarrollo de la consciencia ecológica de los lectores (Orr, 1992) a través de su implicación en el proceso de la lectura. Esta cuestión parece constituir una de las principales tendencias de la Literatura Infantil en las sociedades occidentales contemporáneas, transcendiendo el papel tradicional y casi omnipresente que la naturaleza desempeña como escenario de narrativas infantiles.
Por que Ontopsicologia?Why Ontopsychology?
Authors: Azevedo Érico de Lima , Barbieri Josiane Beatriz Piccin
Published: November 2015

Ensaio
Avaliação da percepção e impactos da utilização de pressupostos metodológicos da FOIL na formação de lideranças Evaluate the perception and impact of the use of FOIL’s methodological FOIL in leadership training
Authors: Miorelli Márcio Luis , Mendes Adriane Maria Moro
Published: November 2015

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa realizada com um grupo de líderes, composta por sete pessoas, todas com funções de liderança a nível estratégico, tático e operacional, atuando em uma empresa de tecnologia de informação (TI), focada em projetos de desenvolvimento de softwares. O problema da pesquisa foi identificar qual a percepção das lideranças quando são capacitadas em pressupostos metodológicos da FOIL (Formação Ontopsicológica Interdisciplinar Liderística), e se existe receptividade para evoluir em um desenvolvimento pessoal e organizacional. O objetivo da pesquisa foi realizar uma avaliação da percepção de aplicabilidade de pressupostos conceituais da FOIL na atividade cotidiana de lideranças. A pesquisa foi realizada no final de 2010 e no primeiro semestre de 2011, período no qual se utilizou a seguinte metodologia: a) a capacitação do grupo de liderança abordando quatro pressupostos da FOIL, que foram: Saber servir e amar o próprio jogo; a Arte de Delegar; a Autossabotagem e a Psicologia da Genitura; b) o acompanhamento das atividades e ações do grupo no seu dia-a-dia; e, c) a apuração e análise dos resultados através de um questionário de avaliação, submetido ao grupo de liderança. A novidade da pesquisa reside na identificação de que o grupo de liderança percebe que os conhecimentos adquiridos são fundamentais para melhorar o seu desempenho podendo contribuir para o cumprimento dos objetivos organizacionais. Desta forma, os resultados desta pesquisa indicam que os pressupostos metodológicos estudados e aplicados pelo grupo de liderança ampliam a capacidade do líder. Com a ampliação de sua capacidade, por consequência evoluem no desenvolvimento de seu trabalho e de suas relações. Assim, com o contínuo aperfeiçoamento dos pressupostos e a inclusão de outros pontos também importantes para a formação do líder, teremos resultados evidentes na organização.
Liderança feminina: características e importância à identidade da mulher Female leadership: characteristics and importance to woman's identity
Authors: Cunha Ana Cristina Cassani , Spanhol Carmem I. D´Agostini
Published: November 2015

Historicamente, a liderança tem sido apostada como um papelmasculino. Com o passar dos anos e com as novas exigências sociais, a mulher foi conquistando espaço no mercado de trabalho e junto se configurou também a liderança feminina. O presente trabalho é de revisão bibliográfica e os objetivos da pesquisa visam descrever o tema liderança, compreendendo estilos e características do líder, contextualizar o cenário da liderança feminina na gestão de diferentes papéis e o resultado desse processo na vida da mulher, bem como rememorar a abordagem e contribuições da escola Ontopsicológica sobre a mulher líder. Constata-se que as mudanças causadas pela participação feminina na esfera administrativa dos negócios vão além das questões relacionadas à liderança, pois representa também a realização pessoal da mulher enquanto inteligência capaz de contribuir com a sociedade.
Características do perfil de lideranças femininas e masculinas do agronegócio do Rio Grande do Sul  Features of leadership profile female and male of Rio Grande do Sul agribusiness
Authors: Foletto Jussara , Giordani Estela Maris
Published: November 2015

O objeto em construção nesta pesquisa é a identificação do estilo feminino e masculino de liderança no contexto do agronegócio no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O tema é muito instigante e remete a um amalgama de elementos que se conjecturam por meio de elementos históricos, sociais,culturais e principalmente elementos profundos de psicologia humana o que o torna de complexa abordagem. A pesquisa quantitativa foi realizada com um grupo de 30 homens e 30 mulheres por meio de um questionário próprio. Os resultados indicam que o preconceito por parte do homem à mulher considerando-a inferior em capacidade de administrar são formas que a própria mulher encontra para dar as desculpas necessárias a fim de não assumir, porque isso, de certa forma, é cômodo, o preconceito está mais na cabeça da mulher do que na própria visão do homem. Os dois juntos, homem e mulher se complementam nos negócios. Portanto existe uma percepção positiva em relação a liderança feminina no agronegócio e, o homem além de valorizar a mulher quer que ela assuma cargos de liderança.
The effect of language proficiency on the negotiation in peer review in EFL context
Authors: Mowlaie Bahram , Maftoon Parviz
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of language proficiency level on using negotiation categories  in peer feedback  in EFL context. Thirty high and thirty  low proficient  EFL  learners participated in  this  study and  their audiotaped negotiations were  transcribed and analyzed based on Mendonça and Johnson's  (1994)  category.  In  four  categories  of  restatement,  suggestion,  grammar  correction,  and explanation  of  opinion  which  were  generated  by  the  writers  and  the  reviewers,  although  reviewers dominated the negotiation in both high and low proficient groups, in low proficient groups, the difference between  the  writers  and  the  reviewer  was  more  significant.  In  comprehension  check  and  explanation categories used mainly by the writers, there was a significant difference in explanation between high and low  proficient  groups,  but  no  such  difference  was  found  in  comprehension  check.  In  request  for explanation  category  used  mainly  by  the  reviewers,  no  significant  difference  was  found  between  the reviewers in high and low proficient group. The study has pedagogical implication for writing classes as it suggests  audience awareness, critical  thinking, and  realization of output hypothesis  as  the pedagogically beneficial result of negotiation. It also suggests peer feedback as an alternative to teacher feedback.  Keywords: high and low proficient EFL learners, negotiation, peer feedback.
The metacognitive awareness listening questionnaire as a metacognitive-raising tool: Does it work?
Authors: Sahragrard Rahman , Kushki Ali , Miri M. , Mahmooudi Farzad
Published: November 2015

The  present  study  aimed  at  exploring  the  influence  of  a  repeated  exposure  to  the  Metacognitive Awareness  Listening  Questionnaire  (MALQ)  on  EFL  learners’  level  of  metacognitive  awareness. Participants  of  the  study  were  forty  intermediate  university  students  who  were  randomly  assigned  to experimental (n=20) and control (n=20) groups. The experimental group completed MALQ in odd sessions (seven sessions in total) across a semester. The control group, on the other hand, completed it in the first and  last  sessions of  the  course  as pre‐test  and  post‐test,  respectively.  Results  of  the  study  showed  that the questionnaire benefited the experimental group  in a statistically significant way. Also, findings of the study  revealed  that  less‐skilled  participants  of  the  experimental  groups  benefited  from  the  treatment more in comparison to their more‐skilled counterparts in the experimental group.  Keywords: MALQ, metacognitive instruction, metacognitive awareness
The environment in education: Pesticides in Lebanon
Authors: Kairouz Akl M. , Atala Issam Y.
Published: November 2015

Environmental Issues in Education: The Case of Pesticides in Lebanon In the untamed world of globalization, rapid industrialization, and the gluttony for material consumption centering on the rapid depletion of certain natural resources, all coupled with high emission of polluting carbons and chemicals, the ecosystem lost its balance pushing this tiny planet, earth, towards natural catastrophes. This research highlights the main environmental issues and problems citing Lebanon as an example of many developing countries, caused by reckless behavior and policies, as they fail to design and adopt solutions to a series of complicated problems. The main question revolves around what causes humans to persist in mismanaging the natural resources that sustain their existence? The immediate answer may be summarized in these words: ignorance, individualism and greed. The authors aim at highlighting the setting and formulation of an international strategy, focusing particularly upon the problem of global warming. The case of misuse of pesticides in the Lebanese agricultural sector and their fatal impact upon the environment will be highlighted. The stress will be on the role of education in forming and shaping ecological awareness, at schools, universities, media, NGOs, and particularly governmental institutions. The paper concludes by calling for launching the setup of an international strategy to establish lobbying chapters in every country. The aim would be to follow up on public and private policies while applying effective academic and practical steps in schools and universities to develop an effective awareness of environmental problems. It invites governments, municipalities, socio-religious groups and NGOs to assume their active roles and awaken the common citizenâ€™ s consciousness and responsibilities through ecological promotion and replenishment activities to sustain a balanced ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.Â Keywords: natural resources, pesticides, agricultural sector, education, ecosystem, environment.
Managing Suspension Characteristics of Lost-Circulation Materials in a Drilling Fluid
Authors: Kulkarni Sandeep D. , Jamison Dale E. , Teke Kushabhau D. , Savari Sharath
Published: November 2015

Lost-circulation materials (LCMs) are often used to mitigate the loss of drilling fluids into subterranean formations. Well-known LCMs include ground marble, graphitic carbon, and cellulosic particulates. The carrier fluid’s ability to suspend the LCMs (minimize settling) is critical in high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) or inclined wells. This study provides methods to help determine and manage suspension characteristics of LCMs in the fluid with the aid of certain suspending agents (e.g., fibers).

A detailed experimental study was conducted to evaluate the suspension of a range of LCMs in various drilling fluids and investigate the effects of suspending agents (e.g., fibers) on LCM suspension. On the basis of the experimental data, semiempirical models were developed to help predict the influence of fibers on LCM suspension. The design parameters used in these models included fiber concentration, fiber density, number of fibers per unit volume, and average fiber length and diameter. The modeling work discussed in this study also provides methods for tailoring the suspending-agent properties necessary for achieving effective LCM suspension in the fluid.

The uniform suspension of LCMs in the carrier treatment or drilling fluid is necessary during LCM pill preparation and during wellbore applications, such as a hesitation-squeeze operation. Thus, the use of fibers to manage the suspension characteristics of LCMs in carrier fluids can help ensure efficient use of LCMs for lost-circulation control. This method is particularly important in severe-loss zones where large-sized LCMs are used, as well as in HP/HT or inclined wells, where maintaining LCM in suspension can be challenging.
Preflush Design for Oil-Wet Carbonate Formations: Key To Enhance Scale-Inhibitor-Squeeze Lifetime
Authors: Ghosh Bisweswar , Li Xin , Alklih Mohamad Yousef
Published: November 2015

Scale-inhibitor-squeeze lifetime is measured by the duration for which the scale-inhibiting chemical is released at a concentration greater than the required minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC). Hence, enhancing scale-inhibitor adsorption and storage may proportionately enhance squeeze lifetime. With most oilfield squeeze scale inhibitors being aqueous-based, they are unlikely to be adsorbed on an oil-wet formation in optimal quantity. Investigations are made in this research on how to create the appropriate formation condition so that adsorption and lifespan of scale inhibitor in an oil-wet carbonate reservoir are enhanced, focusing on preflush design (formation-conditioning stage). Surfactants (of anionic and nonionic type), a cosurfactant, and alkali are deployed and results are evaluated through interfacial tension (IFT), phase-behavior analysis, coreflood studies, and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) analysis. Flow experiments are conducted in simulated reservoir condition by use of data and materials from a high-temperature and high-salinity carbonate reservoir. The results reveal that nonionic surfactant is most favorable in terms of scale-inhibitor-squeeze lifetime, which is enhanced by as much as 240% compared with conventional treatment. It is concluded that through correct preflush design and formation conditioning, scale-inhibitor-squeeze lifetime can be extended significantly.
Cement Slurries With Rheological Properties Unaffected by Temperature
Authors: Haichuan Lu , Chengbin Xie , Yonghui Gao , Lirong Li , Haijin Zhu
Published: November 2015

The rheological properties of cement slurries usually vary greatly with the change of temperature. This not only increases the complexity of the cementing-job design, but also has side effects on cementing quality. To resolve this problem, a cement slurry with temperature-insensitive viscosity has been prepared by adding a type of thermosensitive viscosity controller (TVC). The experiments show that the cement slurry has relatively temperature-stable rheological properties and shows very little thermal thinning between 20 and 120°C. In addition, the thermally-stable-viscosity cement slurry has good stability and a performance that can meet the demands of well cementing. The cement slurry improves displacement efficiency and cementing design. It has been used successfully in the oil field, and the results show that the cementing-job quality is acceptable.
Experience in Conducting Health Risk Assessment in Upstream Operations
Authors: Liew Keng Cheng , Zainuddin Zainal Mubarik , Samad Abu Hasan
Published: November 2015

A formal health risk assessment tool was developed by the Company for full implementation. This paper is to share our experience in conducting health risk assessment using the tool at offshore oil and gas platforms in Malaysia. The purposes of the assessment are to identify, assess, and document exposure risks of personnel in relation to their activities and tasks, and prioritize risk reduction plans to manage the health risk identified. Workers are classified based on similar exposed workgroups. Health risk matrix is used to rank exposure risks both qualitatively and quantitatively. Based on the ranking of the hazards and the exposure rating, risk reduction programs such as Health Hazard Inventory, Exposure Monitoring Program, Medical Surveillance Program, Hazard Communication were recommended.

Based on the experience using this tool since 1997, we found it to be effective and comprehensive in identifying health hazards at the workplace and it provides the occupational health personnel and management with a clear direction in prioritizing their actions in managing the health risks.
Risk Assessment of Cold Damage to Maize Based on GIS and a Statistical Model
Authors: Zhao Zhewen- , Huang Jingfeng- , Pan Zhuokun- , Chen Yuanyuan-
Published: November 2015

Cold damage to maize is the primary meteorological disaster in northwest China. In order to establish a
comprehensive risk assessment model for cold damage to maize, in this study, risk models and indices were developed
from average daily temperature and maize yield and acreage data in 1991-2012. Three northwest provinces were used to
calculate the temperature sum during the growth period, temperature departure over the years and relative meteorological
yield in order to obtain the climate risk index, risk sensitivity index and damage assessment index. Using the geographic
information system (GIS) and cold damage risk indices obtained from the statistical assessment model, the studied area
was divided into four risk regions: low, medium, medium-high and high. Northeast and southwest Gansu were grouped to
the high-risk region; west Shaanxi and north NHAR were grouped into to the low-risk region; all other areas fell into
medium and medium-high risk regions. Our results can help growers avoid cold damage to maize using local climate data
and optimize the structure and layout of maize planting. It is of significance in guiding the agricultural production in the
three northwest provinces in China and also can serve as a reference in modeling risk assessment in other regions.
The Nonlinear Dynamic Behavior Analysis and Research for Sheet Steel Stamping Forming Problems Based on Finite Element Method
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Tao , Wu Kaiteng
Published: November 2015

A numerical framework for the simulation of sheet steel stamping forming is presented. The main problems,
the equations of motion, the constitutive relation, the initial conditions, boundary conditions and contact conditions, are
presented in detail. Based on this, the finite element model is established and solved for exploring the changes in laws of
stress, strain and so on. The information on stress, strain and load displacement is obtained at different deformation
stages. The numerical results show that the finite element algorithm can effectively simulate the deformation process of
sheet steel which helps to explain that the numerical framework is feasible for sheet steel stamping forming problems.
Spatial Estimation of Soil Organic Matter in Karst Peak-cluster Depression
Authors: Hui Li , Zhong-Cheng Jiang , Qi-Yong Yang , Hui Yin , Yue Wang
Published: November 2015

In order to enhance the accuracy of spatial estimation of soil organic matter (SOM), spatial predictions of SOM
in 0~20 cm depth were conducted in Guohua Ecological Experimental Area of Minister of Land and Resource of the
People’s Republic of China. Analysis of multiple linear stepwise regressions showed that the two terrain attributes of
relief degree of land surface (RS) and distance from ridge of mountains (DFR) entered into the regression equation.
Therefore, RS and DFR were selected as auxiliary variables to predict SOM by MCOK and RK methods. The accuracy of
spatial estimation of SOM was compared among methods of ordinary kriging (OK), multivariable cokriging (MCOK) and
regression kriging (RK). Results showed that RK and MCOK methods with terrain attributes as auxiliary variables could
enhance the accuracy of spatial estimation of SOM, and MCOK method could promote the accuracy notable by 31.33%.
This study can provide a new idea and method for evaluation of soil quality in karst areas.
The Proof of Gravity Model with Negative Exponential Land-mixed Entropy and Similar to the Method of Hyman Calibration Technology
Authors: Xiao-Qiang Luo
Published: November 2015

Mixed Land use is a common concept used in urban planning and urban transportation. When changing the
layout of the land in urban area, essential maintenance of trip demand between local and nonlocal balance in transportation
planning becomes a problem. On the basis of the degree of land mixing shown with entropy function, this article
makes use of maximum entropy principle which deduces the double restraint gravity model with the parameters of mixed
land-use entropy. It also discusses the calibration of the model and problems in practical application. The research work
carried out in this article indicates that trip distribution of gravity model described belongs to a special kind of simple giant
system, while the mathematical structure of parameters of land-mixed entropy model carries a negative exponential.
This result has certain theory value in promotion of the coordinated planning analysis of land use and transportation.
Optimal orientations of some complete tripartite graphs
Authors: Rajasekaran G. , Sampathkumar R.
Published: November 2015

For a graph G, let D(G) be the set of all strong orientations of G. The
orientation number of G is d?(G) = min{d(D)|D ? D(G)},where d(D) denotes the
diameter of the digraph D. In this paper, we determine the orientation number
for some complete tripartite graphs.
The zero divisor graphs of finite rings of cubefree order
Authors: Tadayyonfar Adel , Ashrafi Ali
Published: November 2015

The aim of this paper is to classify the zero divisor graph of finite rings
of cubefree order. It is proved that all zero divisor graphs can be
interpreted as the extended join over well-known graphs.
A prey-predator model with infection in both prey and predator
Authors: Bera S.P. , Maiti A. , Samanta G.P.
Published: November 2015

This paper aims to study the dynamical behaviours of a prey-predator system
where both prey and predator populations are affected by diseases. A system
of four differential equation has been proposed and analyzed. Stability of
the equilibrium points of the model has been investigated. Computer
simulations are carried out to illustrate our analytical findings. The
biological implications of analytical and numerical findings are discussed
critically.
On rank one perturbations of complex symmetric operators
Authors: Ko Eungil , Lee Ji
Published: November 2015

In this paper we study the decomposability of rank one perturbations of
complex symmetric operators R = T+u?v. Also we investigate some conditions
for which R satisfies a-Weyl?s theorem. Finally, we characterize some
conditions for R to be hyponormal. As consequences, we provide several cases
for such operators.
Some applications of Srivastava’s theorem involving a certain family of generalized and extended hypergeometric polynomials
Authors: Lin Shy-Der , Srivastava H.M. , Wong Mu-Ming
Published: November 2015

Recently, Srivastava et al. [H. M. Srivastava, M. A. Chaudhry and R. P.
Agarwal, The incomplete Pochhammer symbols and their applications to
hypergeometric and related functions, Integral Transforms Spec. Funct. 23
(2012), 659-683] introduced and initiated the study of many interesting
fundamental properties and characteristics of a certain pair of potentially
useful families of the so-called generalized incomplete hypergeometric
functions. Ever since then there have appeared many closely-related works
dealing essentially with notable developments involving various classes of
generalized hypergeometric functions and generalized hypergeometric
polynomials, which are defined by means of the corresponding incomplete and
other novel extensions of the familiar Pochhammer symbol. Here, in this
sequel to some of these earlier works, we derive several general families of
hypergeometric generating functions by applying Srivastava?s Theorem. We also
indicate various (known or new) special cases and consequences of the results
presented in this paper.
The general modulus-based Jacobi iteration method for linear complementarity problems
Authors: Fang Ximing , Wei Caimin
Published: November 2015

For the large sparse linear complementarity problem, by reformulating it as
an implicit fixed point equation problem, Bai propose a class of
modulus-based matrix splitting iteration methods in [12]. In this paper, we
discuss one form of these methods-the general modulus-based Jacobi iteration
method, proved the convergence, and derive the domain and the optimum value
of the parameter for one special situation. Numerical results show that this
method is superior to some modulus-related methods in computing efficiency
and feasible aspects in some situations.
Further discussion on modified multivalued α*-ψ-contractive type mapping
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Kamran Tayyab , Karapınar Erdal
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we investigate the existence of a fixed point for modified multivalued ?*-?-contractive type mapping in the context of complete metric space. We also construct some examples to illustrate the main result. Our results extend, improve and generalize the results on the topic in the literature.
Understanding Urban Social Movements in Cognitive Capitalism
Authors: Hamm Marion
Published: November 2015

The concept of participation is currently evoked by constituencies as varied as urban planners, local governments, universities and social movements. This coincides with a revival of participatory research methods in the social and cultural sciences. This article argues that the critical potential of participatory research methods should not be taken for granted in cognitive capitalism, where participation is as much an instrument for governmental regulation from above as it is a practice for democratic self-determination from below. First, the politics of participation from the emancipatory departures of the 1970s to today's revival are being discussed. Second, based on a long-term ethnographic study on the transnational Euromayday movement of the precarious, it is demonstrated how positioning the researcher using reflexive ethnography can support a critical research attitude through a process of reflexive hybridisation. In concluding, reflexive activist scholarship is outlined as a critical research attitude which encourages participatory knowledge production in a way that responds both to the field of activism and the field of academia.
Modeling of an incomplete constraint magnetic levitation system
Authors: Wang Xiaoguang , Zhang Xiao
Published: November 2015

One modeling method of incomplete constraint magnetic levitation system (ICMLS) is investigated in this paper. ANSYS-based simulation of edge effect of an electromagnet is carried out to study on the mechanical properties of electromagnetic force induced by the edge effect, and from the analysis of simulation results, conclusions can be drawn that the edge effect of an electromagnet should not be ignored in the direction of incomplete constraint degree of freedom (DOF) in the ICMLS, and furthermore, a modeling law of the ICMLS is presented. By experiments conducted in the ICMLS prototype, the mathematical dynamics model is developed, and mechanical properties of the prototype is measured in some specified directions of incomplete constraint DOF and damping term is added in the equation of motion. Finally, the proposed modeling method of the ICMLS prototype is validated by some excitation tests and has references for other similar magnetic levitation systems.
Chitosan as a Natural Polymer for Heterogeneous Catalysts Support: A Short Review on Its Applications
Authors: Lee Mengshan , Chen Bo-Yen , Den Walter
Published: November 2015

Chitosan, a bio-based polymer which has similar characteristics to those of cellulose, exhibits cationic behavior in acidic solutions and strong affinity for metals ions. Thus, it has received increased attention for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts. Recent studies demonstrated that chitosan-based catalysts had high sorption capacities, chelating activities, stability and versatility, which could be potentially applied as green reactants in various scientific and engineering applications. This study intends to review the recent development of chitosan-based catalysts, particularly in the aspects of the main mechanisms for preparing the materials and their applications in environmental green chemistry. Studies on the preparation of catalyst nanoparticles/nanospheres supported on chitosan were also reviewed.
Comparing World Economic and Net Energy Metrics, Part 3: Macroeconomic Historical and Future Perspectives
Authors: King Carey
Published: November 2015

I use energy cost share to characterize the role of energy in the economy. Specifically, I use an estimate of monetary expenditures for primary energy on an annualized basis for forty-four countries from 1978 to 2010 for natural gas, coal, petroleum, and electricity. I show that global energy cost share is significantly correlated to a one-year lag in the change in gross domestic product as well as measures of total factor productivity. Given the historical reduction in the relative cost of energy (including food and fodder for animate power) since the start of the Industrial Revolution, combined with a global energy cost share estimate, I conclude that the turn of the 21st Century represents the time period with the cheapest energy in the history of human civilization (to date). This potential historical nadir for energy expenditures around 2000 has important ramifications for strategies to solve future social, economic, and environmental problems such as reducing annual emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Rapidly decreasing annual GHG emissions while internalizing their costs into the economy might feedback to increase energy expenditures to such a degree as to prevent economic growth during that transition.
Mercury Exposure in Healthy Korean Weaning-Age Infants: Association with Growth, Feeding and Fish Intake
Authors: Chang Ju , Park Jeong , Shin Sue , Yang Hye , Moon Jin , Ko Jae
Published: November 2015

Low-level mercury (Hg) exposure in infancy might be harmful to the physical growth as well as neurodevelopment of children. The aim of this study was to investigate postnatal Hg exposure and its relationship with anthropometry and dietary factors in late infancy. We recruited 252 healthy Korean infants between six and 24 months of age from an outpatient clinic during the 2009/2010 and 2013/2014 seasons. We measured the weight and height of the infants and collected dietary information using questionnaires. The Hg content of the hair and blood was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. The geometric mean Hg concentration in the hair and blood was 0.22 (95% confidence interval: 0.20–0.24) µg/g and 0.94 (n = 109, 95% confidence interval: 0.89–0.99) µg/L, respectively. The hair Hg concentration showed a good correlation with the blood Hg concentration (median hair-to-blood Hg ratio: 202.7, r = 0.462, p < 0.001) and was >1 µg/g in five infants. The hair Hg concentration showed significant correlations with weight gain after birth (Z-score of the weight for age—Z-score of the birthweight; r = −0.156, p = 0.015), the duration (months) of breastfeeding as the dominant method of feeding (r = 0.274, p < 0.001), and the duration of fish intake more than once per week (r = 0.138, p = 0.033). In an ordinal logistic regression analysis with categorical hair Hg content (quartiles), dietary factors, including breastfeeding as the dominant method of feeding in late infancy (cumulative odds ratio: 6.235, 95% confidence interval: 3.086–12.597, p < 0.001) and the monthly duration of fish intake more than once per week (cumulative odds ratio: 1.203, 95% confidence interval: 1.034–1.401; p = 0.017), were significantly associated with higher hair Hg content. Weight gain after birth was not, however, significantly associated with hair Hg content after adjustment for the duration of breastfeeding as the dominant method of feeding. Low-level Hg exposure through breastfeeding and fish intake as a complementary food did not directly affect anthropometry in this population. If prolonged breastfeeding is expected, however, the Hg exposure through fish intake may need to be monitored for both mothers and infants.
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Natural Antioxidants from Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa L.) Peel Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Deng Gui-Fang , Xu Dong-Ping , Li Sha , Li Hua-Bin
Published: November 2015

Sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) is a popular tropical fruit and its peel is a municipal waste. An ultrasound-assisted extraction method was developed for the recovery of natural antioxidants from sugar apple peel. Central composite design was used to optimize solvent concentration (13.2%–46.8%), ultrasonic time (33.2–66.8 min), and temperature (43.2–76.8 °C) for the recovery of natural antioxidants from sugar apple peel. The second-order polynomial models demonstrated a good fit of the quadratic models with the experimental results in respect to total phenolic content (TPC, R2 = 0.9524, p < 0.0001), FRAP (R2 = 0.9743, p < 0.0001), and TEAC (R2 = 0.9610, p < 0.0001) values. The optimal extraction conditions were 20:1 (mL/g) of solvent-to-solid ratio, 32.68% acetone, and 67.23 °C for 42.54 min under ultrasonic irradiation. Under these conditions, the maximal yield of total phenolic content was 26.81 (mg GA/g FW). The experimental results obtained under optimal conditions agreed well with the predicted results. The application of ultrasound markedly decreased extraction time and improved the extraction efficiency, compared with the conventional methods.
New Insights into the Pros and Cons of the Clinical Use of Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs) Versus Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs)
Authors: Van Gorp Rick , Schurgers Leon
Published: November 2015

Vitamin K-antagonists (VKA) are the most widely used anticoagulant drugs to treat patients at risk of arterial and venous thrombosis for the past 50 years. Due to unfavorable pharmacokinetics VKA have a small therapeutic window, require frequent monitoring, and are susceptible to drug and nutritional interactions. Additionally, the effect of VKA is not limited to coagulation, but affects all vitamin K-dependent proteins. As a consequence, VKA have detrimental side effects by enhancing medial and intimal calcification. These limitations stimulated the development of alternative anticoagulant drugs, resulting in direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) drugs, which specifically target coagulation factor Xa and thrombin. DOACs also display non-hemostatic vascular effects via protease-activated receptors (PARs). As atherosclerosis is characterized by a hypercoagulable state indicating the involvement of activated coagulation factors in the genesis of atherosclerosis, anticoagulation could have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis. Additionally, accumulating evidence demonstrates vascular benefit from high vitamin K intake. This review gives an update on oral anticoagulant treatment on the vasculature with a special focus on calcification and vitamin K interaction.
Selection of Mother Wavelet Functions for Multi-Channel EEG Signal Analysis during a Working Memory Task
Authors: Al-Qazzaz Noor , Hamid Bin Mohd Ali Sawal , Ahmad Siti , Islam Mohd , Escudero Javier
Published: November 2015

We performed a comparative study to select the efficient mother wavelet (MWT) basis functions that optimally represent the signal characteristics of the electrical activity of the human brain during a working memory (WM) task recorded through electro-encephalography (EEG). Nineteen EEG electrodes were placed on the scalp following the 10–20 system. These electrodes were then grouped into five recording regions corresponding to the scalp area of the cerebral cortex. Sixty-second WM task data were recorded from ten control subjects. Forty-five MWT basis functions from orthogonal families were investigated. These functions included Daubechies (db1–db20), Symlets (sym1–sym20), and Coiflets (coif1–coif5). Using ANOVA, we determined the MWT basis functions with the most significant differences in the ability of the five scalp regions to maximize their cross-correlation with the EEG signals. The best results were obtained using “sym9” across the five scalp regions. Therefore, the most compatible MWT with the EEG signals should be selected to achieve wavelet denoising, decomposition, reconstruction, and sub-band feature extraction. This study provides a reference of the selection of efficient MWT basis functions.
EFPC: An Environmentally Friendly Power Control Scheme for Underwater Sensor Networks
Authors: Yang Qiuling , Su Yishan , Jin Zhigang , Yao Guidan
Published: November 2015

In oceans, the limited acoustic spectrum resource is heavily shared by marine mammals and manmade systems including underwater sensor networks. In order to limit the negative impact of acoustic signal on marine mammals, we propose an environmentally friendly power control (EFPC) scheme for underwater sensor networks. EFPC allocates transmission power of sensor nodes with a consideration of the existence of marine mammals. By applying a Nash Equilibrium based utility function with a set of limitations to optimize transmission power, the proposed power control algorithm can conduct parallel transmissions to improve the network’s goodput, while avoiding interference with marine mammals. Additionally, to localize marine mammals, which is a prerequisite of EFPC, we propose a novel passive hyperboloid localization algorithm (PHLA). PHLA passively localize marine mammals with the help of the acoustic characteristic of these targets. Simulation results show that PHLA can localize most of the target with a relatively small localization error and EFPC can achieve a close goodput performance compared with an existing power control algorithm while avoiding interfering with marine mammals.
Comments on the calculation of the specific growth rate in experiments with untagged individuals
Authors: Márquez Lorenzo , Morales Gabriel A. , Sáenz de Rodrigáñez Miguel , Almansa Eduardo , Moyano Francisco J. , Díaz Manuel
Published: November 2015

The specific growth rate, G, is widely used in articles dealing with the growth of aquatic organisms under experimental conditions. When individuals are untagged, the arithmetic mean of G for a group of animals must be calculated from weight geometric means, not from arithmetic means. The type of weight mean used in articles to calculate the arithmetic mean of G is usually not reported, and an extended use of weight arithmetic means is common. The arithmetic mean of G so calculated is biased according to the increment in the squared coefficient of variation of body weights. Another potential bias in the calculation of the arithmetic mean of G is size-dependent mortality; this bias cannot be avoided when individuals are untagged, but maximal and minimal values can be obtained. In summary, in view of these analytical results, it seems prudent to calculate the arithmetic mean of G for a group of untagged animals from geometric means of weights, and to estimate the maximal error due to the possibility of size-dependent mortality whenever possible.
Quando as ruas abrigam a arte: a cena hip hop no Recife (1980-2014)
Authors: Alves Cristiano Nunes
Published: November 2015

Operacionalizando a noção de cena, cara a estudo da produção artística nos lugares, analisa-se a espessura da cultura hip hop no Recife, desde os anos 1980 até os dias atuais. Desenvolve-se uma abordagem pautada no cotidiano enquanto dimensão geográfica, problematizando-se os nexos entre a cultura hip hop, a ação dos sujeitos nos lugares e o abrigo da comunicação na metrópole. Para esmiuçar a Cena Hip Hop em Recife, além do levantamento bibliográfico e documental sobre a temática, foram fundamentais os trabalhos de campo, reunindo dessa forma, um importante campo de informação primária. Propõe-se uma periodização para o hip hop na Região do Recife, destacando-se dois momentos estruturantes da cultura das ruas: observa-se que esta manifestação se difundiu a partir dos bailes de música negra e do break, expressão corporal do hip hop, passando pela institucionalização do movimento, culminando com a situação atual, que perdura desde meados dos anos 1990, na qual o gênero musical rap predomina na Cena Hip Hop da Região do Recife. Momentos de encontro e articulação, sinalizando para a ocupação das ruas e demais espaços públicos no centro da Cidade do Recife por parte de sujeitos periféricos, as rodas de break, eventos geográficos de pulsante repercussão espacial, influenciaram sobremaneira a dinâmica de um momento inicial do hip hop recifense, preponderando grosso modo, ao longo de toda a década de 1990. A cena contemporânea movimentada em torno do rap indica que a Região do Recife, sobretudo em seus subúrbios, abriga cerca de 70 grupos, além de duas pequenas gravadoras e sete estúdios fonográficos especializados na produção da música da cultura das ruas. Hoje, por meio da Cena Rap, articula-se a Região do Recife a uma série de lugares na rede urbana brasileira. Notou-se que por meio das ações de um grupo de sujeitos, grande parte deles periféricos, o hip hop se tornou um elemento constitutivo da urbe. Trata-se de práticas a um só tempo mais vertidas à satisfação artística e à reivindicação dos direitos essenciais à condição cidadã, do que direcionadas ao ganho econômico.
Uma leitura da questão agrária em Mato Grosso
Authors: Girardi Eduardo Paulon
Published: November 2015

Este artigo é a primeira parte de um trabalho que analisa a questão agrária no estado de Mato Grosso e que será publicado em duas partes. Nosso objetivo no presente artigo é realizar um resgate da formação agrária do estado de Mato Grosso e dos processos que levaram ao estabelecimento da configuração agrária atual. O primeiro tópico deste artigo trata da definição da questão agrária atual e do quadro geral da questão agrária brasileira, sendo a base para os dois tópicos posteriores, que tratam do histórico da formação agrária do estado de Mato Grosso e do processo de estabelecimento do agronegócio como modelo de agricultura predominante no estado atualmente. A segunda parte do trabalho será publicada como artigo em um próximo número da Revista e tem como foco a configuração atual da questão agrária no estado de Mato Grosso, de forma que apresentará análises mais detalhadas de vários temas como estrutura fundiária, uso do solo, produção agropecuária, conflitos no campo e assentamentos rurais. Para elaborar o estudo, além da bibliografia, lançamos mão de dados e da experiência em diversos trabalhos de campo com foco no agrário que realizamos em Mato Grosso nos anos de 2009, 2010 e 2011, os quais possibilitaram o contato com diferentes sujeitos sociais e o conhecimento de diversas regiões do estado.
O boom do dendê na microrregião de Tomé-Açu, na Amazônia paraense
Authors: Nahum João Santos , Santos Cleison Bastos dos
Published: November 2015

Enfocamos o espaço agrário na microrregião de Tomé-Açu, na Amazônia paraense. Ressaltamos as condições políticas que permitiram a expansão do dendê nesta fração da Amazônia, e, a partir delas, a ressignificação dos usos dos territórios nos lugares, sobretudo na configuração espacial e na dinâmica social, bem como a formação de territórios-rede em torno desta cultura. Partimos do território usado, pois consideramos indissociáveis as áreas e os usos, o que nos permite entender a dendeicultura como um evento e afirmar que estamos diante de um novo período na economia espacial. Além de literatura, fundamentamo-nos em entrevistas, coleta de dados primários e secundários e pesquisas de campo realizadas nos municípios que adentraram nesse processo.
Les environnements des cerrados et aspects de l’occupation du sol dans la région de São José dos Talhados
Authors: Rosa Deocleciano Bittencourt , Rocha Leonardo Cristian , Nascimento Lucelma Aparecida , Bacani Vitor Matheus , Damasceno Fabiana Sílvia
Published: November 2015

Cet article présent une étude de l’environnement des Cerrados (savanes arborées) dans les Communes de Patrocínio et Coromandel, situées dans la portion Centre Sud-Ouest de l’État de Minas Gerais, Région Sud Est du Brésil et plus précisément, dans la région de São José dos Talhados et alentours. Outre une topographie favorable et une localisation stratégique pour le développement agricole et de l’élevage, cette région a bénéficié de l’implantation de programmes d'aide à la production, comme le Programme de Développement des Cerrados (POLOCENTRO), le Programme de Colonisation Dirigée de l’Alto Paranaíba (PADAP) et le Programme Japonais-Brésilien de Développement Agricole des Régions du Cerrado (PRODECER. Ceux-ci visaient à moderniser l’activité agricole des plateaux (chapadas) du Cerrado et le développement économique de cette région (en raison de la dégradation des ressources naturelles), à susciter des mesures d’adaptation de la structure de production existantes pour réduire les impacts sur les écosystèmes naturels, et à garantir la pérennité de l’environnement des agrosystèmes dans les Cerrados.
Recursos didáticos, formação inicial docente e o processo de ensino e aprendizagem no Pibid geografia UFRN
Authors: Araújo Elisabeth Cristina Dantas de , Troleis Adriano Lima
Published: November 2015

Os recursos didáticos utilizados no espaço escolar se constituem como importantes ferramentas na melhoria do processo de ensino e aprendizagem, ao passo que contribuem para a ação de mediação entre o professor, o aluno e os conhecimentos em determinada área. No ensino de Geografia, o uso desses recursos pode ser largamente utilizado de modo que enriqueça as discussões teóricas e sirva como suporte para as práticas pedagógicas, permitindo que as experiências cotidianas dos alunos ganhem sentido, facilitando sua compreensão sobre os conteúdos pertinentes à ciência geográfica. Assim, o presente artigo propõe uma discussão sobre o resultado de práticas desenvolvidas e observadas por alunos do Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID) Geografia da UFRN, nas escolas conveniadas, que vão desde a elaboração de recursos didáticos até a sua aplicação. O objetivo central do programa é a elaboração de estratégias pedagógicas que proporcionem a construção do aprendizado escolar da Geografia aliado às concepções das teorias psicológicas Sócio Interacionista e Sócio Construtivista, postuladas pelos teóricos Vygotsky e Piaget, compreendendo o aprendizado como um processo cotidiano e que pode ser facilitado a partir da construção e utilização dos recursos didáticos.