bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Thermal Performance of Energy Storage System
Authors: Jurigova Martina , Minarova Maria , Chmúrny Ivan
Published: January 2016

Thermal energy is necessary of many reasons. The most basic and most obvious includes food preparation and delivery of heat. Thermal energy storage is actually a temporary storage at high temperatures, respectively at low temperatures. It is an advanced technology, which can reduce environmental impact and it can facilitate more efficient and cleaner energy system. Nowadays, these systems have ability to retain thermal energy for a period of three months or more. The aim of design of these systems is to keep the thermal energy in summer period and to use it for heating in winter period. The role of such storage systems is to accumulate the heat, to balance temperature differences and to achieve the most effective use of the collected energy. This paper is focused on thermal analysis of system, which contains concrete tank. It is a system with water as a storage medium and the cooling of the water was monitored for 30 days.
Application of Data Sets Obtained from the Detached Experimental Weather Station in Conditions of Real Building
Authors: Štaffenová Daniela , Juráš Peter , Ďurica Pavol
Published: January 2016

This article refers to the possibility and appropriate using of actual data sets for characterizing exterior conditions applied into the computer simulations or energetic analysis. The need of updated reference years is a consequence of the reason of global warming and climatic changes. There is shown the endeavour of creating the reference year concept as an innovative tool for chosen locality. Visions of following research would be the progressive addition of data sets of wind-driven rain falling to the vertical plane. Location of obtaining the weather data set is a significant factor for obtaining of correct results.
Assessment of Energy Efficiency in Different Façade Solutions
Authors: Vercher Jose , Gil Enrique , Lerma Carlos , Mas Ángeles , Vidal Marisol , Cubel Francisco
Published: January 2016

One of the main objectives when designing a building must be perform an enclosure that properly insulate from the outside temperature. This façade must protect in the best possible way the inside of the building. In this work, different façade solutions are analyzed using different materials and constructive arrangements. However, most energy loss occurs in the singular points, e.g. the façade-slab connections or open holes in the enclosures. Therefore, the thermal performance of enclosures with different solutions is evaluated. This research provides an overview of the design of façades and singular points that helps to make responsible decisions in the building envelope design in various geographic locations.
High-Tech Solutions for Building Retrofit: Investigation of Window Systems with Vacuum Glazing
Authors: Proskurnina Olga , Pont Ulrich , Schuss Matthias , Sustr Christian , Heiduk Ernst , Schober Peter , Mahdavi Ardeshir
Published: January 2016

The retrofit of the historical building stock has gained significance due to energy efficiency requirements in the building sector. Major attention is drawn to windows as they are typically the building components with the highest heat transfer coefficient of the building envelope. Therefore, vacuum glazing is a potential option for improving the thermal performance of casement windows. In this context, specific considerations regarding building physics and heritage protection regulations are required.The present contribution describes the current progress of the research project VIG-SYS-RENO. New double glazing products with durable vacuum layer are emerging on the market. Such developments can be regarded as a major step toward energy-efficient windows with U-values close to conventional opaque building elements. Small thickness and excellent thermal resistance of vacuum insulation glazing renders it an attractive option in thermal retrofit of historical buildings. Vacuum glazing systems could potentially offer a feasible balance between conservation and thermal performance of windows. However, prior to any application, a set of aspects and potential issues have to be assessed and explored. These include: (i) thermal bridging effects in different joint positions, for instance the glass edge seal and the frame & wall joint; (ii) the positioning of tight layers in composite or casement windows; (iii) aspects of structural integrity of windows equipped with vacuum glazing. The present contribution structures the different aspects that need to be considered in utilization of vacuum glazing in thermal retrofit, describes applied evaluation methods, first results of the ongoing research project, and illustrates the influence of various rebate depth and length of the edge seal on thermal transmission of the window.
Mechanically Fastened Single Casing Roof in Terms of Building Physics
Authors: Stodůlka Jindřich , Matějka Libor , Plachý Jan , Bogárová Markéta
Published: January 2016

Mechanically fastened flexible roof waterproofing membranes - MEFAWAME is regarded as an effective way how to stabilize the roofsheathing in the new industrial buildings, shopping centers, but also widely used technology of roof reconstruction. This technology is fast, reliable, and relatively independent of the weather.
Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings & Buildings Built with Industrialized Technology: The Case of Hungary
Authors: Talamon Attila , Sugár Viktória , Pusztai Ferenc
Published: January 2016

There is an urgent need nowadays to reduce current levels of GHGs emissions. On the other hand the EU countries are largely dependent on energy imports and are vulnerable to disruption in energy supply which may in turn threaten the functioning of their current economic structure. The EU imported 54% of its energy sources in 2006 and this value was projected to increase even further by 2030. Reducing its import dependency is one of the EU’s main goals of the 20-20 by 2020 target – this legislative package is believed to reduce the expected imports of energy by 26% compared to the development before the 20-20 initiative.One of the most important environmental problems is the energy consumption of the buildings. Current paper shows that buildings built with industrialized technology can deliver large energy and GHG emission reductions at low costs.Only 1-2% part of the building stock is exchanged every year, so it is very important to increase the energy efficiency of the existing buildings, too.Present paper focuses on the buildings built with industrialized technology only, and their potential in nearly zero-energy buildings sector. Up till now the Central European support schemes concentrated most financial resources on buildings built with prefabricated technology. Present paper explains the past and present of the “panel” problem in Hungary with a short outlook to some other countries.
Numeric Thermal Bridges Simulation: Approaching Optimized Usability for Sloped and Rounded Shapes
Authors: Kornicki Tomasz , Volko Claus , Kornicki Miroslawa , Pont Ulrich
Published: January 2016

Computational numeric thermal bridge simulation can be considered a state-of-the-art technology for evaluating the thermal behavior of building component intersections. Conductive processes (and with some restrictions convective and radiative processes as well) inside of building details can be evaluated; Such analyses can help improve and optimize constructions. This can be necessary to ensure the durability of constructions and to avoid increased heat flow, low surface temperatures, and condensation problems. Numeric simulation tools regularly use finite differences methods, which approximate reality to a high degree. This requires the geometrical representation of such a thermal bridge to be discretized as a uniform grid. This – as a consequence – requires models that are reduced to strictly orthogonal structures, which has a large impact on the modelling of building joints with sloped or rounded surfaces and elements. Such elements need to be simplified to orthogonal elements, resulting in step-by-step representations of slopes and curvatures. While the accuracy of thermal bridge simulations is considered sufficient, the modelling efforts of such details and their simplification often represent a time-consuming and error-prone activity.In this context, the contribution presents recent efforts in the development of the state-of-the-art tool AnTherm (www.antherm.eu) that allow the automated generation of slope and curvature representations within the modelling canvas of the tool. As a consequence, the modelling and simplification of sloped and rounded elements can be done fast and with a high degree of accuracy. This contribution describes the general method, its implementation, an analysis of the overall usability of the approach, modelling examples and an outlook to future developments.
Simulation of Summer Thermal Stability and Comparison with Measurement
Authors: Šteffek Libor , Kalánek Jiří , Ostrý Milan
Published: January 2016

Thermal stability of the indoor environment in summer period is influenced by the local characteristics of the building site, building geometry, orientation of glazing, heat storage capacity of structures, method and intensity of ventilation, but also the size and characteristics of transparent surfaces and associated heat gains from sunlight. The intensity of solar radiation is a very important parameter that affects the temperature in the room. As a boundary condition in computer simulations is used “Reference climatic year”, but the values are more or less different from the actual measured data.
This article presents a comparison of the dynamic calculation of the temperature in the room with the real measured values. In addition, the calculation is modified by substitution of actually measured climate data.
Diffusion of Water Vapour through the Damaged Light Weight Wooden Wall
Authors: Uvizlová Martina , Bečkovská Tereza , Vacková Lucie , Tichomirov Vladimír
Published: January 2016

The article is focused on the study of the water vapour diffusion through the vapour retarder at its varying percentages of damage. Two different kinds of foils are used as a vapour retarder. This experiment points to the actual value of the diffusion values of building materials contrary to the values obtained from the tests according to ČSN EN ISO 12572. In these tests the building material is exposed to various boundary conditions and its parameters are monitored. The final value is the result of approximation of different values, which in the real installation may not correspond to the boundary conditions in a building.
Risk Assessment of Airtightness of Building Envelope
Authors: Kraus Michal , Bednářová Petra , Kubečka Karel
Published: January 2016

The paper deals with risk analysis of insufficient airtightness of the envelope construction. The risk analysis is a systematic and structured data processing to identify potential hazards. The main aim of paper is to qualified risks which arise from the danger, i.e. insufficiently airtight of the building envelope. The quality of airtight building envelope except for low energy consumption also minimizes the risk of damage to the structure associated with the spread of the heat, water vapor in the structure and fungal growth. The qualification of risks consists of choice of method and determinative indicators, input data and simulation of model with drawing results.
Annual Daylight Condition in Bratislava
Authors: Fabian Miroslav , Janal Dušan , Darula Stanislav
Published: January 2016

To compute energy demand based on the reference years hourly averages of external variables are often generated in the smooth form. On the other hand, daylight should be evaluated in a shorter interval because human eyes perceive light in the moment of its occurrence. This study shows alternative to the description of annual daylight conditions based on statistic characteristics mean and median to create Daylight Standard Reference Year for Bratislava. Both methods are presented as contribution to the development of daylighting engineering. Authors are interested in lighting engineering to ensure satisfactory luminous environment at workplaces and in buildings for housing and recreation. Good daylighting in interiors is also related to the reduction of electricity consumption for lighting. This paper presents method for generation of daylight standard reference year DSRY based on one minute data measured at CIE IDMP stations. This reference year can be applied for evaluation of daylighting in the specific locality.
The Influence of Selected Type of Daylight Device on Horizontal and Vertical Internal Illuminance
Authors: Maňková Lucia , Hanuliak Peter , Hartman Peter
Published: January 2016

Daylighting is one of the key parameters of internal environment generation in buildings. This parameter determines creation of suitable conditions for visual activities in internal spaces and contributes to human well-being and comfort. Daylight is also the primary stimulus for synchronizing the human circadian photobiological system. Traditional parameters and criterions based explicitly on photopic vision have been critically re-evaluated and basic principles of circadian photometry have been developed in theoretical level. Nevertheless daylighting has often been neglected or left out from the main design proposals, which are usually just focused on covering basic needs for vision tasks represented barely by the illumination limits on working plane. Because the amount of light entering the eye is the most important for circadian entrainment, the illuminance recorded on a vertical plane, at eye level, is more significant for human biological system. This paper deals with the comparison of internal horizontal and vertical illuminance recorded in 3 models of room, inserted in simulation program Radiance and illuminated by three types of lighting devices, i.e. window, light-pipes and permanent supplementary artificial lighting represented by the combination of window and light-pipes. Achieved data also express the influence of a workplace position on the amount of illuminance entering the eye according to the direction of the incoming daylight from windows in side-lit room.
Measurement and Calculation of Luminous Characteristics of Photovoltaic Glazing Samples
Authors: Šujanová Paulína , Hraška Jozef
Published: January 2016

Photovoltaic glazing is a relatively novel type of glazing material, suitable for application in nearly-zero energy buildings. As a special type of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV), it generates energy from solar radiation and ensures the performance characteristics of building envelope. This paper presents a combined approach of evaluation of luminous characteristics of glazing based on photopic and circadian action spectra. Measurements were performed on 6 photovoltaic glazing samples with amorphous silicon solar cells. The samples differ in type of spacing and rear glazing colour. The results have shown that PV glazing with coloured glazing should be used with caution, especially in rooms with high daylighting requirements. Obtained results can be used during designing process to evaluate impact of PV glazing on visual comfort.
Implementation of Simulation-Based Virtual Sensors Using Radiance and Java
Authors: Jain Vaibhav , Mahdavi Ardeshir
Published: January 2016

Building performance simulation is traditionally used to support the building design process. However, it can also be used during building operation phase by providing relevant data to building automation systems. We refer to monitoring and metering data generated by computational simulation (virtual) models as data from virtual sensors. Virtual sensors, if reliably and effectively incorporated, can expand the reach of real sensors. A continuous supply of virtual sensor data can support near real-time representation of both primary environmental variables (e.g., air temperature, relative humidity) as well as complex performance indicators (e.g., thermal comfort indices, visual glare). Such information, especially in large multi-zone buildings, would be otherwise expensive to obtain from real sensors due to high capital costs of the sensors, their installation, networking, and maintenance. Virtual sensors can increase the resolution of sensory information, as they imply little monetary expenditures and are not limited in view of numbers and location.Conventional building energy simulation uses a model of the building and creates boundary conditions using historic weather data and predefined schedules for lighting and equipment load. This method is suitable for evaluation of building designs but not suitable for monitoring and control processes during building operation phase, as such processes usually require actual real-time information regarding boundary conditions. Thus, capability to automatically update simulation model's boundary conditions in real-time using monitored data is required. Toward this end, a supervisory software application is developed, in Java programming language, to implement and illustrate the concept of virtual sensors using Radiance simulation program. This application creates virtual illuminance sensors in Radiance model and then automates the process of regularly updating simulation model's external and internal boundary conditions (solar irradiance, state of electrical lighting elements) by using real-time monitored data from on-site weather station and building management system (BMS). As a result, the simulation kernel can continuously generate virtual sensor readings that can be utilized by building monitoring and/or control systems. This paper discusses the general architecture of the application, to further illustrate the concept of virtual sensors. Moreover, it discusses the accuracy of virtual illuminance sensors by comparing their output with monitored illuminance data in realistic test scenarios.
Façades with Photovoltaic Elements: A Review
Authors: Hraška Jozef
Published: January 2016

This paper brings an overview and comments of research and development studies of façades with photovoltaic elements that have been published mainly after 2010. Literature review is focused on the state-of-the-art aspects of building-integrated photovoltaic in façades, mainly their innovations and performance evaluation. This article also presents some current problems needed further research in this area. Also information about architectural sense of integration of photovoltaic modules in building envelopes and outlook of future of building-integrated photovoltaic is presented.
Extensive Roof Green in Central European Climate
Authors: Kravka Miroslav , Daněk Martin , Rabenseifer Roman
Published: January 2016

The essence of the green roof is vegetation and its positive health and aesthetic effects on humans. They can, however, only be achieved, if the vegetation is really functional. In climatic conditions of Central Europe with four seasons of the same length, approximately, with cold winters and relatively warm, and often dry, summers are plants in artificial conditions, for which the vegetation of the roof can be considered, subject to extreme temperature variations. Even plants typical for central European area that thrive in this environment can be difficult to survive. In contrast to the plants rooted in the usual field, the temperature of which oscillates during the year at a depth of one meter under the surface between 0° and approx. 16° Celsius, i.e. in the range of approx. 16 Kelvin, the roots of vegetation planted on roofs are exposed to a much wider temperature range. The study to be presented describes an example of a typical roof with extensive greenery and shows the temperature course in substrate of the roof vegetation during a typical winter and summer day and compares it to the temperature course at the same depth below the field surface. It also provides methods that can solve this problem, from the selection of suitable plant species through year-round care, e.g. using summer irrigation and winter protection, up to artificial creation of a constant temperature of natural substrate with heated / cooled ceilings under the roof.
Exploitability of Renewable Resources in Administrative Buildings
Authors: Šibal Jan , Kalousek Miloš
Published: January 2016

The evaluation of energy flow measurements in two very special buildings under the name of Open Gardens, located in Brno, resulted in confirming that the resources of renewable energy in the Czech Republic can be sufficiently utilized. This energy is derived from photovoltaic elements and earth heat pumps and, additionally, it gets also accumulated in building structures. The energy from renewable resources is utilized for heating, cooling, warm water preparation, for raising air temperature, and it also partially covers the demand for electricity in the building. During the summer period, if the solar gains are considerable, the buildings need being cooled. This is ensured by an earth heat pump enabling the storage of waste heat in deep earth bore holes, offering the advantage of recuperating the heat for heating the rooms during the winter months. At the same time all electricity produced in the building gets utilized, covering roughly 1/3 of the consumption. A plan of comprehensive measurements aiming at the optimization of the most demanding electric appliances has been conceived for this compound of buildings, in order to ensure the best possible utilization of the produced electricity.
Effort and Effectiveness Considerations in Architectural Design: Two Case Studies of Architectural Design Studios
Authors: Pont Ulrich , Swoboda Sigrun , Jonas Andreas , Tavoussi Kamyar , Mahdavi Ardeshir
Published: January 2016

Contemporary architectural design processes show a high degree of complexity: While planners try to fulfill their client’s expectations, they are confronted with a set of constraints and requirements. These include legal constraints such as different building codes, minimum requirements of thermal, acoustical and energy-related indicators as well as structural integrity. In many planning processes, however, the minimum requirements are even less stringent than self-defined expectations. These could - for instance - include a small environmental footprint of the suggested building materials, near zero heating demand, etc. Furthermore, the majority of architectural design processes face a high level of time and cost pressure. Little is known about the time and effort distribution to different processes within such planning processes. These could include consultation with administrative bodies or specific technical planners, performing computational analyses, sketching conceptional options or layouting final designs. In this context, the present contribution explores the time and effort distribution regarding different tasks within the design process in the framework of two design studios. These were conducted with graduate architectural students of the TU Vienna in 2014 and 2015. The concept of these design studios focused on a realistic emulation of real-world project development processes: Participating students were confronted with different (and evolving) visions of their clients, were asked to perform consultation visits with legal bodies of the Viennese building regulation department, and to monitor their time effort for different tasks. These tasks were defined prior to the design studios and allowed for rather detailed classification of different design steps. The two design studios included a roof top extension of a classical 19th century building in Vienna, and the retrofit and extension of a detached house from the 1930ies. This contribution focuses on the time and effort distribution of the different tasks and explores if a general pattern can be identified and derived from the experiences within these design studios.
Graphic Survey and Analysis of the Outer Walls and Floor Plan of the Royal Corpus Christi College-Seminary in Valencia
Authors: Lerma Carlos , Mas Ángeles , Gil Enrique , Vercher Jose , Galiana Mercedes
Published: January 2016

The construction of the Royal Corpus Christi College-Seminary in Valencia was begun in the late sixteenth century. The building was designed in accordance with the principles laid down by the Council of Trent and explained in detail in a treatise by Saint Charles Borromeo. In the present study a laser scanner was used to achieve a high degree of accuracy in tracing the building's outer walls and internal floor plan. The two most important of the outer walls, the south and west, were given special attention as regards regulating lines and different proportional relationships.
Chronic Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection Mutes Immune Responses to Mycobacterial Infection Distal to the Gut
Authors: Obieglo Katja , Feng Xiaogang , Bollampalli Vishnu Priya , Dellacasa-Lindberg Isabel , Classon Cajsa , Österblad Markus , Helmby Helena , Hewitson James P. , Maizels Rick M. , Gigliotti Rothfuchs Antonio , Nylén Susanne
Published: January 2016

Helminth infections have been suggested to impair the development and outcome of Th1 responses to vaccines and intracellular microorganisms. However, there are limited data regarding the ability of intestinal nematodes to modulate Th1 responses at sites distal to the gut. In this study, we have investigated the effect of the intestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri on Th1 responses to Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG). We found that H. polygyrus infection localized to the gut can mute BCG-specific CD4+ T cell priming in both the spleen and skin-draining lymph nodes. Furthermore, H. polygyrus infection reduced the magnitude of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to PPD in the skin. Consequently, H. polygyrus–infected mice challenged with BCG had a higher mycobacterial load in the liver compared with worm-free mice. The excretory–secretory product from H. polygyrus (HES) was found to dampen IFN-γ production by mycobacteria-specific CD4+ T cells. This inhibition was dependent on the TGF-βR signaling activity of HES, suggesting that TGF-β signaling plays a role in the impaired Th1 responses observed coinfection with worms. Similar to results with mycobacteria, H. polygyrus–infected mice displayed an increase in skin parasite load upon secondary infection with Leishmania major as well as a reduction in DTH responses to Leishmania Ag. We show that a nematode confined to the gut can mute T cell responses to mycobacteria and impair control of secondary infections distal to the gut. The ability of intestinal helminths to reduce DTH responses may have clinical implications for the use of skin test–based diagnosis of microbial infections.
Basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of anesthetic-induced developmental neurotoxicity: Potential strategies for alleviation
Authors: Durga Padmaja , Yalamanchili Vidya
Published: January 2016

There is an increasing concern regarding the risk of anesthetic-induced developmental neurotoxicity (AIDN) in children. Evidence has shown that exposure to most of the commonly used anaesthetic and sedatives can cause neurodegeneration in the developing brain. Anesthetic effects on the brain during its growth spurt can initiate a cascade of alterations in neurodevelopment, which can be detected structurally or functionally. Anesthetic exposure induces apoptosis and neurodegeneration in a dose and time-dependent fashion consistent with the pattern of N-methyl D-aspartate antagonism and gamma-amino butyric acid type A activation by these drugs. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of AIDN may help in developing methods that are safe and do not interfere with the beneficial properties of anaesthetic drugs and yet inactivate the intracellular signals that trigger neuroapoptosis.
Perioperative management of a patient with primary hypoparathyroidism and severe hypocalcaemia for lumbar spine surgery
Authors: Madankar Deepak , Samel Sheetal , Ganar Abhay , Mathankar Neelesh
Published: January 2016

Primary hypoparathyroidism and consequent hypocalcaemia in the absence of iatrogenic cause are a rare entity. Serum ionised calcium concentrations < 0.50 mmol l−1 are more frequently associated with life-threatening complications and constitute a medical emergency that necessitates intravenous calcium therapy. The anaesthesiologist should carefully look for the effects of hypocalcaemia on the heart, circulation, muscle power and blood coagulation. We report perioperative management of a case of hypoparathyroidism and associated hypocalcaemia posted for lumbar discectomy in prone position and its anaesthetic implications.
Post epidural puncture delirium resulting from pneumocephalus: An uncommon presenation
Authors: Wankar Abhishek , Maheshwari Amit , Athale Sunil
Published: January 2016

A 50-year-old female came with a history of chronic lower back pain radiating to right leg for which she received an epidural steroid injection. Two hours later, she was found to in a delirious state with bilateral ptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was suggestive of ventricular pneumocephalus in frontal and temporal horns of right lateral ventricles. She was managed conservatively with oxygen inhalation. Patient’s sensorium improved after 72 h.
Megatrends in health care: How is recreational therapy responding?
Authors: Richeson, PhD, CTRS Nancy E.
Published: January 2016

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The use of biofeedback in recreational therapy practice
Authors: Russoniello, PhD, LRT, LPC, BCB, BCN Carmen V. , Fish, MS, LRT, BCB Matthew , Maes, MS, LRT, LPC, BCB Tami , Paton, BS, CTRS Holly , Styron, BS, LRT Ruth-Ann
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this article is to provide a brief history of biofeedback and a review its use as a clinical intervention in recreational therapy. Several specific biofeedback modalities; electromyography, electrodermal response, electroencephalography, and skin temperature biofeedback techniques will be discussed in terms of recreational therapy practice to demonstrate biofeedback’s usefulness in a variety of settings where recreational therapists currently practice. Criteria for becoming board certified in biofeedback and neuro-feedback as well as recommendations for inclusion of biofeedback and stress management course work into recreational therapy curriculum are presented.
Operationalizing the Health Protection/Health Promotion model using taxonomies
Authors: Burnett-Wolle, PhD Sarah
Published: January 2016

The Leisure Ability model continues to be the pervasive framework used to guide the provision of recreation therapy, yet it is flawed in several respects. Several alternatives have been proposed as replacements, including the Health Protection/Health Promotion (HP/HP) model. However, the HP/HP model has not been widely adopted. One reason the HP/HP model has languished is uncertainty regarding how to promote clients’ growth. Although the model clearly states that clients have two primary needs (stability and actualization), it does not indicate how to address them. This article will suggest one method for operationalizing the HP/HP model, using taxonomies to clarify clients’ goals and objectives. Four examples, one taxonomy for each domain of health, will be presented and implications for program planning will be discussed. To facilitate the use of taxonomies in program planning, a short excerpt of a specific program design will be provided. Finally, although the HP/HP model does not expressly include leisure education and recreation participation, a method for reconciling these services will also be discussed. The overall intent is to make the HP/HP model a more accessible guide to program planning and, ultimately, to design more effective interventions.
Reflection, Recognition, Reaffirmation: An Engaging Frame of Reference for Leisure Education, 2nd edition
Authors: Austin, PhD David R.
Published: January 2016

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Climate-driven expansion of blanket bogs in Britain during the Holocene
Authors: Gallego-Sala A. V. , Charman D. J. , Harrison S. P. , Li G. , Prentice I. C.
Published: January 2016

Abstract. Blanket bog occupies approximately 6 % of the area of the UK today. The Holocene expansion of this hyperoceanic biome has previously been explained as a consequence of Neolithic forest clearance. However, the present distribution of blanket bog in Great Britain can be predicted accurately with a simple model (PeatStash) based on summer temperature and moisture index thresholds, and the same model correctly predicts the highly disjunct distribution of blanket bog worldwide. This finding suggests that climate, rather than land-use history, controls blanket-bog distribution in the UK and everywhere else. We set out to test this hypothesis for blanket bogs in the UK using bioclimate envelope modelling compared with a database of peat initiation age estimates. We used both pollen-based reconstructions and climate model simulations of climate changes between the mid-Holocene (6000 yr BP, 6 ka) and modern climate to drive PeatStash and predict areas of blanket bog. We compiled data on the timing of blanket-bog initiation, based on 228 age determinations at sites where peat directly overlies mineral soil. The model predicts that large areas of northern Britain would have had blanket bog by 6000 yr BP, and the area suitable for peat growth extended to the south after this time. A similar pattern is shown by the basal peat ages and new blanket bog appeared over a larger area during the late Holocene, the greatest expansion being in Ireland, Wales, and southwest England, as the model predicts. The expansion was driven by a summer cooling of about 2 °C, shown by both pollen-based reconstructions and climate models. The data show early Holocene (pre-Neolithic) blanket-bog initiation at over half of the sites in the core areas of Scotland and northern England. The temporal patterns and concurrence of the bioclimate model predictions and initiation data suggest that climate change provides a parsimonious explanation for the early Holocene distribution and later expansion of blanket bogs in the UK, and it is not necessary to invoke anthropogenic activity as a driver of this major landscape change.
Towards a better ice sheet model initialisation and basal knowledge using data assimilation
Authors: Mosbeux Cyrille , Gillet-Chaulet Fabien , Gagliardini Olivier
Published: January 2016

Abstract. Ice flow models are now routinely used to forecast the ice-sheets contribution to 21st century sea-level rise. For such short term simulations, the model response is greatly affected by the initial conditions. Data assimilation algorithms have been developed to invert for the friction of the ice on its bedrock using observed surface velocities. A drawback of these methods is that remaining uncertainties, especially in the bedrock elevation, lead to non-physical ice flux divergence anomalies resulting in undesirable transient effects. In this study, we compare two different assimilation algorithms based on adjoints and nudging to constrain both bedrock friction and elevation. Using synthetic twin experiments with realistic observation errors, we show that the two algorithms lead to similar performances in reconstructing both variables and allow the flux divergence anomalies to be significantly reduced.
Socio-hydrological modelling: a review asking "why, what and how?"
Authors: Blair P. , Buytaert W.
Published: January 2016

Abstract. Interactions between humans and the environment are occurring on a scale that has never previously been seen; the scale of human interaction with the water cycle, along with the coupling present between social and hydrological systems, means that decisions that impact water also impact people. Models are often used to assist in decision-making regarding hydrological systems, and so in order for effective decisions to be made regarding water resource management, these interactions and feedbacks should be accounted for in models used to analyse systems in which water and humans interact. This paper reviews literature surrounding aspects of socio-hydrological modelling. It begins with background information regarding the current state of socio-hydrology as a discipline, before covering reasons for modelling and potential applications. Some important concepts that underlie socio-hydrological modelling efforts are then discussed, including ways of viewing socio-hydrological systems, space and time in modelling, complexity, data and model conceptualisation. Several modelling approaches are described, the stages in their development detailed and their applicability to socio-hydrological cases discussed. Gaps in research are then highlighted to guide directions for future research. The review of literature suggests that the nature of socio-hydrological study, being interdisciplinary, focusing on complex interactions between human and natural systems, and dealing with long horizons, is such that modelling will always present a challenge; it is, however, the task of the modeller to use the wide range of tools afforded to them to overcome these challenges as much as possible. The focus in socio-hydrology is on understanding the human–water system in a holistic sense, which differs from the problem solving focus of other water management fields, and as such models in socio-hydrology should be developed with a view to gaining new insight into these dynamics. There is an essential choice that socio-hydrological modellers face in deciding between representing individual system processes or viewing the system from a more abstracted level and modelling it as such; using these different approaches has implications for model development, applicability and the insight that they are capable of giving, and so the decision regarding how to model the system requires thorough consideration of, among other things, the nature of understanding that is sought.
Corporate Personhood: Journey into the Unknown
Authors: Baker James
Published: January 2016

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Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Surya-Nadi Pranayama on Metabolic Fitness (Metf) and Bone Integrity
Authors: Bal Baljinder Singh
Published: January 2016

The primary aim of this research was to determine the therapeutic effects of Surya-Nadi Pranayama on Metabolic Fitness (MetF) and Bone Integrity. Forty Two, university level girls between the age group of 21-26 years were selected. The subjects were purposively assigned into two groups: Group-A: Experimental (n1=21); Group-B: Control (n2=21). The subjects from Group-A: Experimental were subjected to a 4-weeks Surya-nadi pranayama. Student t test for paired samples was utilized to compare the means of the pre-test and the post-test. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, we conclude that the significant differences were found in Metabolic Fitness (MetF) (i.e., Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2max) of University Level Girls. Insignificant between-group differences were noted in Blood Lipid, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Bone Integrity of University Level Girls.
Corporate Characteristics of Retail Industry among 11 Asian and American Countries
Authors: Nizam Nurul Zarirah , Hoshino Yasuo
Published: January 2016

We use financial ratios of eleven countries such as Malaysia, Japan, USA, Canada, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, China, India, Australia, and Cayman Islands in retail industry over the period of 2008 to 2012 to examine corporate characteristics. Hypothesis one is that there are statistically significant differences of financial ratios in retail industry of 11 Asian and American countries. This statement is supported by results of Kruskal Wallis Test. By ANOVA, ROE between Brazil and Thailand, and solvency ratio among Japan, Canada, Thailand and Australia are statistically significantly different from each other.Hypothesis two: Profitability ratios of Japanese Companies are the lowest among 11 countries. This hypothesis is supported partially by ROA except India, both ROE and ROCE except India and Brazil among eleven countries. Not supported by profit margin.  Hypothesis 3: Relationship between sales growth ratio and profitability ratios is positive. The positive relationship can be seen in correlations analysis with statistically significant value of sales growth ratio with ROE, ROCE and ROA except profit margin.
The Role of Organizational Agility in Reinforcing Job Engagement: A Study on Industrial Companies in Egypt
Authors: Nafei Wageeh A.
Published: January 2016

Background: In the current turbulent and highly competitive environment, organizational agility (OA), that is the ability of organizations to quickly sense and respond to environmental changes, is an important determinant of organization success.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to identify the types of OA (sensing agility, decision-making agility and acting agility) and its role in promoting job engagement (JE) of the employees at the Egyptian industrial companies in Sadat city.

Research Design/Methodology: To assess positive OA, refer to (OA Questionnaire, Jaworski & Kohli, 1993) and JE (JE Questionnaire, Rich et al. (2010) are used). The data of the study was collected from 315 employees at the Egyptian industrial companies in Sadat city. Out of the 372 questionnaires that were distributed to employees at industrial companies in Egypt, 315 usable questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 85%. Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) was used to confirm the research hypotheses.

Findings: The researcher has found that the study subjects do agree that OA directly affects the dimensions of JE of the employees at the industrial companies involved in the current study.

Practical implications: This research helps to stimulate scientific research, particularly in terms of testing the model content, as well as studying the study variables and the factors affecting them. In addition, this research pointed to the need for organizations to practice OA in order to be able to meet contemporary intense competition, as this trend is to play an important role in enhancing JE.

Originality/value: This research dealt with OA in terms of its concept and dimensions, in addition to dealing with the role of OA in promoting JE at the Egyptian industrial companies in Sadat City.
Monte y turismo. El turismo forestal en Galicia
Authors: Miramontes Carballada Ángel
Published: January 2016

Este trabajo muestra las principales características del sector turístico en Galicia en la actualidad, para a continuación analizar las peculiaridades de un tipo concreto: el turismo forestal. El objetivo es destacar que el turismo forestal es una actividad con muchas posibilidades de desarrollarse en Galicia y que puede ejercer tanto como elemento dinamizador de ciertas comarcas rurales, como complemento a otras actividades turísticas que ya se desarrollan en el territorio gallego. Para alcanzar este objetivo, se analizan la distribución y las características de los montes y su relación con la distribución territorial de otros tipos de turismo como el turismo rural o el ecoturismo.
Poli, Corrado (2015). Environmental Politics. New Geographical and Social Constituencies
Authors: Casellas Antònia
Published: January 2016

Poli, Corrado (2015)Environmental Politics. New Geographical and Social ConstituenciesNova York / Londres: Springer, 115 p.ISBN 978-3-319-17614-7
The Measurement of Protein in Powdered Milk Products and Infant Formulas: A Review and Recent Developments
Authors: Elgar Dave , Evers Jaap M , Holroyd Stephen E , Johnson Richard , Rowan Angela
Published: January 2016

Proteins are a key nutritional component of both powdered milk and infant formula types of product, and reliable methods for their determination are important for manufacturing and international trade. In this review, we distinguish between methods used for determining protein quality for nutrition purposes and those used for determining chemically defined protein. The former methods cover the ability of a dietary protein source to meet human nutritional requirements for the indispensable amino acids. The latter are chemical methods for the determination of total protein and can be divided into three broad types: total nitrogen determination, direct protein determination, and indirect protein determination. Current techniques and recent developments in each are reviewed.
JOGOS, BRINQUEDOS E BRINCADEIRAS: A IMPORTÂNCIA PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO INFANTIL
Authors: C Mota Evangelista Célia Cristina , Lupércio Ramos Marcos
Published: January 2016

This paper analyzes the importance of play activities in early childhood education, providing conditions to cognitive, physical, motor, moral, emotional and learning / teaching children that level of formal education. The playful activity refers to all manifestations involving play and games to be developed, looking to adopt different strategies to be able to intervene positively in school education, child behavior and social.
AS TECNOLOGIAS DE INFORMAÇÃO E COMUNICAÇÃO NA PRÁTICA PEDAGÓGICA E GESTÃO ESCOLAR: UM ESTUDO EXPLORATÓRIO
Authors: Ap Bulla Ikeshoji Elisangela , Ap de Lima Terçariol Adriana
Published: January 2016

This paper aims to discuss some of the specifics regardingthe use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in school life, especially in pedagogical practices and exercise management, emphasizethe need for training of school managers for the effective use of these resources, contextualised, meaningful and critically. The methodological procedure that guided the development of this study was based on the realization of a systematic literature review in Scielo databases. The choice for this type of research was due to enable the researcher to have contact with the knowledge already produced in the "Technologies and School Management" as well as the possibility of understanding and identifying the main ideas that guide the theme in question here . It conducted a survey of scientific publications, producedin Brazil in the last 10 years between 2004 to 2014, discussing the use of information and communication technologies in school, especially articulated to the school management. The descriptors used were: "Technologies in School" and "School Management". The main results obtained from this study, which does not exhaust the wealth the theme, highlights the importance of developing training processes that promote service to school managers and their teams moments of reflections in pairs and the perceived need of building a collaborative and digital culture in schools.
PSICOMOTRICIDADE E EDUCAÇÃO MUSICAL: REFLEXÕES PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO PSICOMOTOR DA CRIANÇA ATRAVÉS DO MÉTODO DE DALCROZE
Authors: Paulucci Ribeiro Augusto , Pereira Duarte Bezerra Janaina
Published: January 2016

This article aims to reflect, through a bibliographic study on the relationship between music education and psychomotor from the Dalcroze method and psychomotor education field -Psychomotor Functional. Approaching these aspects andhighlighting activities of proposals that can contribute to the psychomotor development of children, also was intended to expand the possibilities of conducting a teaching job by music teachers and teachers of elementary schools regarding the use the playful and respecting cognitive ability, emotional, social, emotional and motor child according to their age group.
A IMPORTÂNCIA DA LUDICIDADE NA INFÂNCIA E O DESENVOLVIMENTO INTEGRAL DA CRIANÇA
Authors: Corneto Nathalia
Published: January 2016

This article presents a reinterpretation of authors such as Albornoz, Huizinga, Piaget, Bettelheim, Elkonin, João Batista Freire, among others, addressing the theme of playfulness, of fun and games in childhood and its importance for the integral development of children. This will initiallyperformed an overview of the evolution of the concept of child in society, with the main aim to highlight the role of play culture and movement in early childhood education, encouraging parents and teachers to enter the routine of children, various kinds of play and games, respecting each stage of development and also the interests of children, to make it a pleasant moment. Playing is the most important moment of childhood, full of meanings and learning, and is therefore critical to the expansion of the construction of concepts, standards, control of the will, thought, language, imagination, creativity, memory, motor skills, social interaction and personality. Thus, this paper focuses on the types of games and activities and their role in the whole development of children.