bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access to Water and Awareness about the Unsafe Water in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Fahim Subhan , Zaman Sojib Bin , Mahmood Shakeel Ahmed Ibne
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Access to drinking water is a fundamental concern for many countries, including Bangladesh. Drinking of unsafe water might result to cause diseases and illness which heightens the economic burden for every one by increasing the treatment costs and work days lost. In Bangladesh, rural households coupled with the lack of safe water, also faces water-contamination with arsenic and other pollutants. Objective: This study explores the status of the rural people in accessing the water for households. It also determines their knowledge regarding the contaminated water. Methodology: The current study used retrospective data from Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee’s (BRAC) Research and Evaluation Division’s baseline survey which was initiated under the ‘water, sanitation and hygiene’ program. Data was taken from 16,052 households between November 2006 and June 2007. Descriptive statistics were used to report the study findings. Results: Approximately 67% of the households had a permanent water source and majority had their deep tube well. A major proportion of the household respondent (70%) identified the method properly to purify polluted water. About 41% households used tube well as a source of water for daily purposes, i.e., drinking, cooking, washing utensils, and bathing. Majority (85%) of the households were found to pay willingly for a good source of water. Households with the non-governmental organization (NGO) membership were willing to pay even more for the safe water as compared to households without NGO membership. Conclusion: Respondents had considerable knowledge and awareness concerning the contaminated water. The association of NGO membership and level of awareness presented in this study should be of particular interest to the policy makers. Keywords:  Health, Awareness, Knowledge, Rural Bangladesh.
An Unusual Case of Abdominal Pain and Hyponatremia in a 16-Year-Old Girl With Disordered Eating
Authors: Hunter Grace , Blankenburg Rebecca , Andrews Jennifer , Stevenson Terrell
Published: December 2017

A previously healthy 16-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with 1 week of severe, diffuse abdominal pain and constipation, as well as several episodes of nonbloody, nonbilious emesis. Her symptoms began several days after she decreased her caloric intake in an attempt to lose weight. She had been drinking 48 to 60 oz of water per day for several days before admission in an attempt to ameliorate her constipation. She also admits to drinking alcohol the night before her pain began. She had visited several other emergency departments before her presentation to our hospital, and she had been sent home on a bowel regimen without amelioration of her symptoms. On arrival to our emergency department, she described severe diffuse abdominal pain. Her abdomen was tender to palpation throughout but soft with no rebound tenderness or peritoneal signs. The remainder of her physical examination yielded normal results. She was found to have hyponatremia with a sodium level of 122 and no neurologic sequelae. Abdominal radiograph showed moderate constipation but her abdominal pain continued even after bowel cleanout. The home, education, activities, drugs, sex, suicide, and safety assessment revealed several stressors, including a recent suicide in the family and a history of disordered eating and anxiety. Here, we present her case, diagnostic evaluation, ultimate diagnosis, and complications.
Computer-mediated Communication
Authors: Sovignon Sandra , Roithmeier Waltraud
Published: December 2017

This paper considers evidence of the collaborative construction of texts and the use of communication strategies in asynchronous computer-mediated exchanges. A classroom model of communicative competence (Savignon, 1983, 1997) provides the theoretical framework for discussion. The data consist of two bulletin board discussions between a class of German students of English in a Gymnasium and a class of US students of German in a Midwestern high school. The discussions were analyzed for evidence of the collaborative construction of text and context (Goodwin & Goodwin, 1992) and strategies used to sustain the collaboration. The analysis illustrates the cohesion of the postings on both a micro- and a macrolevel. The texts also offer evidence of participant use of strategies to mitigate potential conflict. As an opportunity for the interactive construction of both text and context, computer-mediated communication (CMC) of the kind documented in this pilot study would appear to have potential for promoting intercultural exchange and participation in the interpretation, expression, and negotiation of meaning essential to the development of communicative competence. Analysis of such intercultural exchanges may also shed light on the process of communicative norm negotiation and stabilization.
Teacher-assisted versus Individual Viewing of Foreign Language Video
Authors: Mills Nicole , Herron Carol , Cole Steven
Published: December 2017

As teachers' roles evolve in technology-enhanced language learning (TELL), choices of technological devices and instructional delivery and the degree of foreign language (FL) teacher facilitation within TELL activities are prominent. This investigation compared 53 beginning college French students' comprehension of FL video in a teacher-assisted viewing classroom environment (TAV) and an independent computer-based setting (IV) to examine the benefits of teacher mediation on students' comprehension of FL video and the relation to the types of questions asked, self-efficacy, and engagement. The results demonstrated that students performed equally well on comprehension measures in the TAV and IV conditions. With regard to self-efficacy, students felt significantly more confident in their ability to comprehend video in the TAV than in the IV condition. A relationship was found between self-efficacy and comprehension in the TAV, a relationship not present in the IV condition. Levels of engagement significantly predicted students' comprehension performance while working independently but were not a significant predictor of comprehension in the TAV condition. Implications of this study include (a) the need for increased exposure to self-directed learning tasks in beginning FL classrooms to improve self-efficacy toward independent TELL activities and (b) the need for student exploration during TAV tasks to improve engagement.
On the Applicability of the Input-enhancement Hypothesis and Input Processing Theory in Multimedia CALL
Authors: Hwu Fenfang
Published: December 2017

Researchers have suggested that the input-enhancement hypothesis (e.g., Chapelle, 1998) and mind-centered input-based theories (e.g., Collentine, 1998) might be consulted for the design of multimedia CALL. The input-enhancement hypothesis, processing instruction theory, and the nature of Spanish preterite and imperfect were examined in this light in order to determine how the input-based hypothesis and theory could inform the input-enhancement methods and techniques needed for the design of a computer application focusing on the instruction of the targeted structures. Despite having considered the above mentioned hypothesis and theory, to derive potentially effective input-enhancement techniques, the application would have to take the following into account: the student's learning problems observed during classroom teaching, the shortcomings of the language models included in textbooks, the drawbacks of current grammar rules, our incomplete knowledge of the uses of the Spanish preterite/imperfect. Consequently, this mini input-enhancement application draws insights from the following areas to guide its design: the input-enhancement hypothesis, processing instruction theory, the author's investigation in the uses of the Spanish preterite/imperfect, the benefits of using videos in language instruction, and the concept of data-driven learning as exemplified by concordances. The author concludes by proposing that to create a potentially effective input application for grammar instruction, CALL designers need to consult other relevant areas in addition to considering SLA theory.
Test Takers' Experiences with Computer- administered Listening Comprehension Tests
Authors: Gorsuch Greta
Published: December 2017

In this study, retrospective interviews were used to investigate reliability (and thus validity) threats to a computerized ESL listening comprehension test administered at a university in the US. The participants in the investigation, six international graduate students, were asked to respond to semi- and open-ended questions during individual interviews. Their responses were used to confirm a model of potential sources of systematic and random error variance and to generate ideas about unanticipated sources of systematic and random error variance for further investigation. The results suggested that the specific retrospective interview methodology proposed in the report was useful, dependable, and credible in generating broad based, yet focused information specific to the use of a particular test. Based on the results, further areas of research into the inescapable and complex issues of test-taker attributes as they interact with test method and conditions were suggested.
Effect of Animated Graphic Annotations and Immediate Visual Feedback in Aiding Japanese Pronunciation Learning
Authors: Hew Soon-Hin , Ohki Mitsuru
Published: December 2017

This study examines the effectiveness of imagery and electronic visual feedback in facilitating students' acquisition of Japanese pronunciation skills. The independent variables, animated graphic annotation (AGA) and immediate visual feedback (IVF) were integrated into a Japanese computer-assisted language learning (JCALL) program focused on the pronunciation of specific word pairs. Students enrolled in an elementary Japanese course in Malaysia were randomly divided into three groups and used three different versions of the program: (a) text + sound, (b) text + audio + AGA, and (c) text + audio + IVF. The results of the study showed that students in the text + audio + AGA group significantly outperformed students in the text + audio only group in pretest-posttest improvement in learning the pronunciation of (a) akusento 'pitch' words, (b) seion 'voiceless' and dakuon 'voiced' words and (c) tanon 'short vowel,' chouon 'long vowel,' and sokuon 'geminate consonants' words. Students in the text + audio +IVF group significantly outperformed students in the text + audio only group in learning akusento words and seion and dakuon words. There were no significant differences between the AGA and IVF groups.
Introduction
Authors: Ali Samer , Raizen Esther
Published: December 2017

Introduction to the special issue.
Web-based CALL for Arabic
Authors: Corda Alessandra , Van der Stel Mieke
Published: December 2017

The first section of this paper gives a brief overview of the experiences with LAN-based CALL programs for Arabic in the past 7 years at Leiden University (The Netherlands). The second section discusses constraints and technical challenges related to the use of Web-based CALL for Arabic, focusing in particular on a new Web-based CALL application, Ellips, developed by a consortium of Dutch universities. The Ellips system has been integrated into the Arabic curriculum at Leiden University since the autumn of 2003.
Teaching Arabic with Technology at BYU
Authors: Bush Michael , Browne Jeremy
Published: December 2017

Reporting in 1971 on research related to computer-based methods for teaching the Arabic writing system, Bunderson and Abboud cited the potential that computers have for language learning, a largely unfulfilled potential even in 2004. After a review of the relevant historical background for the justification of computer-aided language learning (CALL) and pedagogical considerations for instructional materials development, this article describes recent advances in online technologies, justifying the conclusion that the field is poised to make great strides. Given the high costs for materials development, it is essential (a) to not abandon existing materials, (b) to use the most effective techniques possible for new materials, and (c) to conform to existing standards to ensure the widest possible materials delivery. The authors of this article discuss efforts at Brigham Young University to work within these standards in the re-engineering of materials to make them more useful, maintainable, and accessible, describing at the same time important principles for creating materials that are interoperable with existing online delivery platforms. In this project, hundreds of Arabic activities from Apple's HyperCard environment were converted to Unicode-compliant, template-driven, XML-based, Web-deliverable activities. In addition to discussing Unicode, SCORM, and MPEG-7, the authors provide background and justification for important development decisions.
"Glyphs" and Other Innovations for Hebrew and Arabic
Authors: Bar-Lev Zev
Published: December 2017

The article discusses glyph-based teaching of Hebrew and Arabic.
Teaching Islam and Arabic Over the Internet
Authors: Nissim Chaim
Published: December 2017

The article describes a project that uses Internet to promote the learning of Arabic and understanding the other in Israel. To that end, the Institute of Asian and African Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem initiated a digitization and updating of a very important Arabic-Hebrew dictionary published originally by Professor David Ayalon and Professor Pesach Shinar.
CALL Visual Feedback for Pronunciation of Vowels
Authors: Carey Michael
Published: December 2017

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Use of Corpora and IT in Evaluating Oral Task Competence for Tourism English
Authors: Fuentes Alejandro
Published: December 2017

This paper describes a method in oral fluency evaluation for Tourism English according to a corpus-based lexical approach. Our main research focus is placed on measuring oral skill competence among Tourism English (TE) learners by contrasting their word use and linguistic fluency, achieved in two types of oral tasks, with corpus data frequencies. Information Technology (IT) resources and electronic corpora are two integrated tools in the evaluative approach to identify significant performance changes between learners who have managed such electronic resources and learners who have not.
Distance Education to Distributed Learning
Authors: Fleming Stephen , Hiple David
Published: December 2017

Distance education has evolved through many delivery formats, conforming in varying degrees to an Information Age definition of "distance education" that emphasizes two-way electronic communication. The technological characteristics and limitations of each format have implications for pedagogical choices in designing distance education courses for foreign language (FL). Interactive television (ITV) and the World Wide Web, currently the dominant media for distance education, are discussed in light of their suitability for FL education. ITV offers the closest replication of the face-to-face learning experience while presenting important practical obstacles, particularly for delivery across multiple time zones and institutions. The World Wide Web is universally deliverable and economical but is constrained by limitations on media facilitating communicative interaction in the spoken channel and is, therefore, more suitable to advanced courses in skills other than speaking. Distributed learning, which combines various media and may include a face-to-face component, is the most appropriate distance learning solution for beginning and intermediate FL instruction. This paper describes a model for introductory Web-based courses combining various media in a distributed learning format and identifies directions in which distributed learning and distance education are likely to evolve.
Les Chansons de la francophonie Web Site and its Two Web-usage-tracking Systems in an Advanced Listening Comprehension Course
Authors: Weinberg Alysse
Published: December 2017

The Les Chansons de la francophonie web site is based on French songs and was developed using HTML and JavaScript for the advanced French Comprehension Course at the Second Language Institute of the University of Ottawa. These interactive listening activities include true-false and multiple-choice questions, fill in the blanks, paragraph writing, and reading comprehension based on external web links related to the themes of the songs. Because there was no tool readily available to track students' use of these web pages, they were temporarily integrated into WebCT until eChanson, a more sophisticated tracking function, was developed. Sample pages from Les Chansons de la Francophonie are presented along with a description of how the two tracking and assessment methods are integrated into them--both internally via JavaScript and CGI and through the WebCT and eChanson shells.
Investigation of the Fundamental Characteristics in Quality Online Spanish Instruction
Authors: Don Margaret
Published: December 2017

This article presents research findings investigating the fundamental characteristics in online Spanish instruction (at the university level in the United States) designed to maximize learning outcomes. The researcher collected data to develop a rubric of the fundamental characteristic in online Spanish instruction and then to determine whether the characteristics were currently being included in online Spanish instruction and to what level of success, according to students taking online Spanish courses. The analysis in the study followed Moore's principles of distance education as a theoretical base and tested the research findings against these theories.
Corrective Feedback via Instant Messenger Learning Activities in NS-NNS and NNS-NNS Dyads
Authors: Sotillo Susana
Published: December 2017

This exploratory study examines corrective feedback in native speaker-nonnative speaker (NS-NNS) and NNS-NNS dyads while participants were engaged in communicative and problem-solving activities via Yahoo! Instant Messenger (YIM). As "negotiation of meaning" studies of the 1990s have shown, linguistic items which learners negotiate in face-to-face (F2F) interaction seem to facilitate their L2 development. This type of research has been successfully extended to computer-mediated contexts. Recently, findings from second language acquisition (SLA)-motivated research have shown that negative evidence or incidental focus-on-form in communicative classrooms appears to encourage learner awareness that often leads to successful uptake. Six research questions are addressed in this study. They include the availability of error correction episodes in NS-NNS and NNS-NNS online dyad work, type of corrective feedback provided to L2 learners, category of errors, learner uptake or response, type of uptake, and length of moves. Among the results of this exploratory study we find the following: error correction episodes are available in an instant messaging context and, in this context, more indirect corrective feedback that focuses primarily on grammatical and lexical errors is provided to L2 learners. Also, simple moves characterize these YIM error correction episodes, and there is evidence of successful learner uptake.
Bimodal CMC
Authors: Blake Robert
Published: December 2017

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) forms an integral part of the first-year Spanish course, Spanish Without Walls (SWW), designed for distance education. The CMC component of SWW supports bimodal (i.e., oral and written) interactions among students and the instructor and provides the same kinds of benefits as those in face-to-face interactions well documented in the literature on second language acquisition (SLA). The study described here illustrates the progress of a typical first-year language student as she interacts with the course instructor. Analysis of the transcripts of this student's interactions shows that she remained engaged in the language-learning process, actively participated in negotiation of meaning, repaired her language errors, and was able to satisfy her own language-learning needs.
Teacher Participation Styles in Foreign Language Chats and Their Effect on Student Behavior
Authors: Ene Estela , Görtler Senta , McBride Kara
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates the impact that a teacher's virtual presence--or lack thereof--has on students' chat behavior with regard to error correction, uptake, target language use, and on-task behavior. The data come from beginning German students engaged in pair and small-group chatting activities at a major American university. Transcripts from chat sessions in a first-semester German class and a second-semester German class were analyzed. The data were triangulated with student surveys and teacher interviews. Results suggest that the teachers' participation styles had a greater influence on learners' chat behavior than simply whether or not the teachers were present and that the form-focused participation style of one of the teachers had an apparently inhibitory effect on learner participation.
CMC as Written Conversation
Authors: Wildner-Bassett Mary
Published: December 2017

This article proposes a model for a critical social-constructivist (CS-C) approach to the use of computer-mediated communication (CMC) in language/culture education. CS-C theories emphasize a critical approach to social interactions, interpersonal relations, communication, and the influence that these activities have on learning. I will use the model to explore the extent to which CS-C approaches, especially in relation to the principles of connectivism, impact postsecondary language and culture education and its effects on identities within the constraints of a CMC institutional setting. Readers will participate in an exploration of new ways of thinking, learning, and teaching that emerge from the ecology of second language and culture classrooms integrated with CMC. There I have found the life experiences of learners and my own experiences as a teacher to be highly relevant to the learning processes at hand. I develop these explorations using global qualitative discourse-based analyses of selections from learner data produced in asynchronous CMC contexts over the course of 3 years. My focus is on the learning of culture rather than on second language acquisition in a narrow sense. Language learning and even language attrition are thematized in the learning ecologies that are my focus. This study does not, however, make any claims about language acquisition that are not mentioned in learners' own reflections. The data include written conversations produced in both English (often as the second language of the participants) and German (most often as a foreign language for the participants) using various platforms for asynchronous CMC interactions.
CONCENTRAÇÃO DE ESCÓRIA METALURGICA DA LIGA FeSiMn POR MESA CONCENTRADORA WILFLEY
Authors: Galvão Raulim Oliveira , Barros Filipe Brito Marinho , Silva Neto Gabriella Katarine , Oliveira José Carlos Silva , Andrade Viviane de Cássia Paixão , Silva Élyda Lima , Lira Belarmino Barbosa
Published: December 2017

A produção industrial da liga metálica ferrosiliciomanganês (FeSiMn) está intimamente ligada ao processo pirometalúrgico. Porém, devido às limitações desse processo, observa-se um elevado percentual da liga FeSiMn nas pilhas de rejeito. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi escalonar uma rota de recuperação utilizando uma mesa oscilatória Wilfley. Para o estudo foi utilizada cerca de 40 kg de escória metalúrgica da liga FeSiMn. Analisou-se as influências de 3 parâmetros fundamentais da mesa: granulometria (<125µm e >125µm), inclinação (2° e 4°) e amplitude (12 e 14 mm). A influência dos parâmetros da mesa oscilatória foi analisada pela variação do teor do concentrado e das recuperações mássica e metalúrgica. Para determinar o teor do concentrado empregou-se a técnica de fluorescência de raios-X (FRX). Com isso, constatou-se que os parâmetros amplitude e inclinação apresentaram uma menor influência sobre o teor e a recuperação mássica. No entanto, a granulometria apresentou uma variação significativa na recuperação metalúrgica. Assim, pode-se concluir que neste estudo a configuração que gerou uma maior eficiência no processo de concentração da liga FeSiMn utilizando a mesa oscilatória Wilfley foi: granulometria <125 µm; inclinação de 2°; e amplitude de 14 mm. Essa configuração apresentou uma recuperação metalúrgica de aproximadamente 50% da liga FeSiMn.
DESAFIOS E DISPARIDADES DA INICIAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA NOS CURSOS DE ENGENHARIA DE MINAS E ENGENHARIA METALÚRGICA DA UEMG/ UNIDADE JOÃO MONLEVADE
Authors: Alexandrino Júnia Soares , Ferreira Telma Ellen Drumond , Ferreira Kelly Cristina , Torres Geraldo Alves , Gonçalves Filipe Mattos
Published: December 2017

A formação do engenheiro no Brasil está crescendo de forma significativa e, com isso, a necessidade de realizar pesquisas se torna cada vez mais importante para os estudantes. O mercado da mineração e metalurgia passa por altos e baixos, por isso é sempre enriquecedor trabalhar com projetos, seja ele de pesquisa ou de extensão, pois é uma forma de aprender a trabalhar, de estudar e de crescer profissionalmente. Atentando-se às disparidades apresentadas pelos dois cursos estudados, no que diz respeito à participação em projetos de pesquisa, os resultados mostraram o maior engajamento de discentes dos cursos de Engenharia de Minas em detrimento dos de Engenharia Metalúrgica. Entretanto, essa parcela ainda é baixa considerando-se o número total de alunos dos cursos estudados. Adicionalmente, a melhor divulgação e o maior envolvimento dos professores nos projetos, foram identificados como os principais desafios recorrentes ao acesso à iniciação científica pelos alunos da referida instituição de ensino.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO QUÍMICA E MINERALÓGICA DOS RESÍDUOS DA MINERAÇÃO DE GIPSITA NO SEMIÁRIDO PERNAMBUCANO
Authors: De Melo Silva Keyla Karla , Chaves de Lima Anderson Pontes , Santana Milene da Cruz da Cruz , Andrade Vivianne de Cássia Paixão , Braga Ana Luiza Coelho , Correia Kenia Valença
Published: December 2017

Uma das principais fontes de impacto ambiental relacionadas às atividades de extração de gipsita são as pilhas de resíduos, sistematicamente dispostas na área de influência direta do empreendimento mineiro, constituídas por finos oriundos do desmonte e pela parcela de material estéril retirada na operação de lavra. Por apresentar uma granulometria que limita seu campo de aplicação, se faz necessário conhecer as propriedades dos resíduos e aproveitá-los como uma alternativa à mitigação dos inconvenientes envolvidos em sua disposição, contribuindo, assim, para o desenvolvimento econômico e social do semiárido pernambucano. Sob essa ótica, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo caracterizar química e mineralogicamente os resíduos do minério de gipsita provenientes de áreas de mineração no município de Araripina, Pernambuco. As amostras de resíduos foram caracterizadas através das técnicas de difratometria de raios X (DRX), fluorescência de raios X (FRX) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), acoplada ao espectrômetro de raios X por dispersão em energia (EDS). As análises realizadas mostraram que o material apresenta características potenciais para uso como corretivo de solo com teores significativos de cálcio e enxofre, provenientes dos minerais gipsita e calcita. Estes elementos são essenciais à nutrição e fertilidade do solo, portanto, tem-se como prognóstico o aproveitamento integrado dos resíduos da gipsita em produção de mudas florestais para o provimento da recuperação de áreas degradadas, sistemas agroflorestais e produção de matriz energética.
CONTROLE DE PROCESSO EM LABORATÓRIO DE PROCESSAMENTO MINERAL
Authors: Leite José Yvan Pereira , Silva Bruno Gonçalves , Silva Daniel Nunes da , Texeira José Rodolpho Marinho
Published: December 2017

O controle de processo tem grande importância nas plantas de tratamento de minérios. A instrumentação utilizada é incipiente na maior parte das usinas. Isto se deve provavelmente à ausência deste conteúdo no currículo dos cursos técnicos e de graduação na área mineral. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar a inclusão do controle de processo utilizando inversores de frequência e a plataforma Arduino, tendo em vista a automação de processo em equipamentos de laboratório de processamento mineral. O uso do inversor de frequência permitiu efetuar controle de processos, tais como: taxa de alimentação, vazão, pressão, força G, frequências, entre outros.
REFINO DE COMPOSTOS DE LÍTIO GRAU TÉCNICO PARA USOS EM BATERIAS DE ÍON-Li
Authors: Pereira Carolina dos Santos , Gonçalves Caroline Costa , Moreira Guilherme Campos , Alexandre Kátia de Cassia Barbosa , Braga Paulo Fernando Almeida
Published: December 2017

Compostos de lítio com especificações químicas de alto teor de pureza são materiais chave na nova era de sustentabilidade energética; suas aplicações mais importantes visam o armazenamento de grande quantidade de energia, substituindo fontes de energia convencionais (hidrelétrica e combustíveis fósseis) e promovendo a utilização da energia solar e eólica, inclusive durante o período da noite ou de falta de ventos. No Brasil, a indústria de lítio produz tão somente produtos de grau técnico (carbonato e hidróxido de lítio), estando aquém de produtos de lítio grau bateria. É proposto neste trabalho o desenvolvimento de um processo para o refino desses compostos de grau técnico (industrial), de maneira a transformá-los em produto de grau bateria, prevendo sua posterior aplicação na produção de baterias recarregáveis de íon-lítio, usadas intensamente como fonte de energia (baterias) em aparelhos e dispositivos com portabilidade, baterias para veículos elétricos e para armazenadores de energia de alta carga (grid storage). O processo desenvolvido foi baseado, inicialmente, na caracterização e conhecimento dos contaminantes contidos nos produtos de grau técnico. Conhecidos os principais contaminantes, foi proposta uma rota tecnológica para refino dos compostos de lítio baseados nas suas propriedades químicas e físicas como solubilidade em água. Os resultados obtidos mostram que é possível purificar o carbonato de lítio para atender às especificações para compostos de grau de bateria e, ainda, reduzir significativamente a contaminação do hidróxido de lítio, deixando-o próximo do grau de pureza almejado. O carbonato de lítio refinado continha uma pureza superior a 99,5%, enquadrando-se em um produto de grau bateria.
ESTUDO DO RESÍDUO DE CAULIM PEGMATÍTICO USADO COMO INGREDIENTE NA FORMULAÇÃO DE CIMENTO PORTLAND
Authors: Leandro Adriano Peixoto , Viera Elbert Valdiviezo , Gonçalves Luciano Lima , Ataide Tamires
Published: December 2017

O cimento Portland é usado, principalmente, na indústria da construção civil que é a grande responsável pelo consumo dos recursos naturais não renováveis. A utilização de resíduos, provenientes do processamento mineral, na fabricação de cimento, além de diminuir passivos ambientais contribui com a sustentabilidade, produzindo cimentos ecoeficientes. O resíduo de caulim, proveniente das empresas situadas na Província Pegmatítica da Borborema, é uma argila constituída de caulinita (alumino silicato) e outros componentes minerais, que assemelha-se ao aditivo pozolânico utilizado na fabricação do cimento A adição de pozolana propicia ao cimento, dentre outras propriedades, maior resistência a meios agressivos como esgotos, água do mar, solos sulfurosos e agregados reativos. Os estudos com o resíduo de caulim foram realizados em escala de laboratório, através de ensaios de moagem, fluorescência de raios-X, resistência a compressão, dentre outros. Para os estudos utilizamos 30% do resíduo de caulim e 70% de uma amostra de cimento base (CP V-ARI) e posteriormente, foram comparados os resultados químicos e a resistência mecânica com períodos de cura de 1, 3, 7 e 28 dias. Os resultados mostraram que o resíduo de caulim pode, a princípio, substituir parcialmente o material pozolânico, utilizado como argila pozolânica na formulação do cimento.
Intelligent Decision Support Algorithm Based on Self-Adaption Reasoning
Authors: Chen Guomin , Jin Yingwei , Wang Huili , Cao Shuo
Published: December 2017

This paper analyzes the logic deduction and reasoning techniques usedin several intelligent decision support algorithms, and proposes a flexible planningmethod GARIv using fuzzy descriptive logic in media enterprise management. Combinedwith experiments, the above methods are illustrated in terms of effectivenessand feasibility. In the end, the challenges and possible solutions of intelligent decisionsupport algorithms with self-adaption reasoning are discussed.
Group action effects caused by various operating energy piles
Authors: Rotta Loria A. F. , Laloui L.
Published: December 2017

To date, no field data referring to various operating energy piles over timescales of practical geothermal applications have been made available to investigate the thermally induced ‘group action’. This paper presents the results of a full-scale field test and a three-dimensional thermo-mechanical finite-element analysis of four operating energy piles over 12 months. When the number of operating energy piles increases, greater thermally induced vertical strain and lower vertical stress develop along the piles for the same average temperature change. Opposite stress variations to those that may be expected based on the type of applied thermal load can develop in piles.
When Less is More in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Festic Emir , Gajic Ognjen
Published: December 2017

In parallel to technological advances in late twentieth century, medical diagnostics and therapeutic options greatly improved. A surge of evidence-based research in intensive care medicine provided additional opportunities and the “best” medical practice has been changing rapidly. However, the primary focus of Hippocrates: “Primum non nocere” (first do no harm) is often neglected at the bedside. It became apparent that lesser intervention in the ICU may actually mean more for the patient. Multiple examples of the concept “when less is more in the ICU” are described here in an ABC format. Critical care providers have an obligation to keenly and closely follow the results of new investigative studies and to carefully incorporate those into our practice. However, they have to be sensitive to individual circumstances, patient and family preferences, and avoidance of harm.
Correlation Between Serum Biochemical Markers and Early Amniocentesis in Diagnosis of Congenital Fetal Anomalies
Authors: Lončar Dragan , Varjačić Mirjana , Novaković Tanja , Milovanović Dragan , Janković Slobodan
Published: December 2017

A combined test performed at the 12th week of gestation enables us to classify the pregnancy as high risk (risk higher than 1:300) or low risk (risk lower than 1:300) for congenital foetal anomalies, with great accuracy of 85 - 90%. According to the available data, the frequency of false positive results is estimated at around 5%. The objective of the study was to examine possible correlation between the serum marker values and amniocentesis results in prenatal diagnostics of congenital foetal anomalies. The study included 745 pregnant women monitored by the Genetic Counselling Service of the Clinic of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of the Clinics Centre Kragujevac. The subjects were included in the study under condition that CRL (embryonic crown-rump length) was from 45 to 84 mm and that the gestational age was at 11-13+6 weeks. Free β HCG and PAPP-A were determined from venous blood using commercial DPS-USA tests. Tests were based on the analytic principle of the immuno-chemiluminescence technique and were performed by application of the automatic Immulite 2000 analyzer by DPC-USA. The foetal nuchal translucency thickness (NT) and CRL were measured by Colour Doppler. The chromosome identification was performed after a certain number of cell divisions by stopping the cell division in metaphase of mitosis when the chromosomes were the most distinguishable. The foetal karyotype was prepared using G bands. In the total sample of pregnant women (n=745), there were six cases of pathological foetal karyotype. A statistical paradox in the frequency of congenital foetal anomalies in favour of younger population was noticed. A high coefficient of Spearman’s rank correlation suggests great importance of the combined test in the detection of congenital foetal anomalies (p<0,05). A high consistency was also proved for components of biochemical screening and ultrasonographic markers. The combined test, as a method of prenatal screening in the first trimester of pregnancy, if used at 11 - 13+6 weeks’ gestation and for CRL of 45-84 mm, has a great importance in the detection of congenital foetal anomalies.
Lipoprotein (a) as an Acute Phase Reactant in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Topçiu-Shufta Valdete , Begolli Luljeta , Kryeziu Emrush
Published: December 2017

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients on chronic hemodialysis. A low concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and serum albumín are another potential risk factors. The purpose of this study was to explore in patients on chronic hemodialysis, whether Lp(a) elevated levels are influenced by activated acute phase response (APR) and the correlation of Lp(a) with HDL-C and serum albumin. In 69 hemodialysis patients with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels over than 10 mg/L and 101 hemodialysis patients with CRP levels in the normal range, Lp(a), HDL-C and serum albumin were determined in relation to CRP, as a sensitive marker of an APR. Results showed that serum concentration of CRP in 69 hemodialysis patients was significantly higher than in controls (44,62 mg/L versus 8,75 mg/L, p<0,01). Patients with elevated CRP had significantly higher serum levels of Lp(a) and lower serum levels of HDL-C and albumin, than patients with CRP in the normal range (35,39 mg/dl versus 28,6 mg/dl, p<0,01, 0,91 mmol/L versus 1,29 mmol/L, p<0,01 and 33,56 g/L versus 35,86 g/L, p<0,01). Lp(a) levels correlated positively with CRP and negatively with HDL-C and serum albumin, in patients with elevated CRP, but not in healthy controls. According to the results Lp(a) reacts as an acute phase protein, in patients with APR.
Aerobic Capacity as An Indicator in Different Kinds of Sports
Authors: Ranković Goran , Mutavdžić Vlada , Toskić Dragan , Preljević Adem , Kocić Miodrag , Nedin-Ranković Gorana , Damjanović Nikola
Published: December 2017

Physical capacity of athletes is an important element of success in sports achievements. Aerobic capacity has been accepted as its major component. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) has been regarded by majority of authors as the best indicator of aerobic capacity of an organism, and at the same time, the best indicator of an athlete’s physical capacity. The aim of the investigation was to analyze the aerobic capacity as an indicator of physical capacity of athletes, differences in their aerobic capacity with regard to the kind of sport they are practicing, as well as the differences obtained when compared to physically inactive subjects. The investigation included the determination of absolute and relative VO2max in the total of 66 male examinees. The examinees were divided into two groups of active athletes (football players (n=22) and volleyball players (n=18) of different profiles, while the third group of non-athletes served as control group. Maximal oxygen uptake was determined by performing the Astrand 6 minute cycle test. Peak values of VO2 max were recorded in the group of football players (4,25±0,27 l/min), and they were statistically significantly higher (p<0,001) compared to other examined groups. In the group of volleyball players the oxygen uptake was 3,95±0,18 l/min, while statistically significantly lower values were reported in the group of non-athletes compared to the groups of athletes (p<0,01). A similar ratio of VO2 max values was also shown by the analysis of values expressed in relative units. Our results showed that peak values of VO2 max were obtained in football players, and that football as a sport requires higher degree of endurance compared to volleyball. Having considered the morphological and functional changes which are the consequence of the training process, it can be concluded that VO2 max values are statistically significantly higher in the groups of athletes compared to the group of non-athletes.
Complications Following Autologous Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Burgić Mufid , Bruant-Rodier Cathrine , Wilk Astrid , Bodin Frédéric , Rifatbegović Adi , Halilbašić Emir , Burgić Musfaha , Brkić Eldar , Avdagić Harun
Published: December 2017

Use of an autologous latissimus flap in breast reconstruction accounts for a supple and natural look of reconstructed breast. Most common postoperative complication, seroma, became more of a rule then an exception when it comes to postoperative evaluation of the patients who underwent this reconstructive procedure. A retrospective study analysing and evaluating different complication rates in 20 patients who underwent breast reconstruction by autologous latissimus flap, was conducted. All patients included in the study were operated at the Department of plastic surgery of Hôpital Civil in Strasbourg, France, between 1996 and 2008. The complication rates were noted as follows: seroma in 19 of our 20 patients (95%), late hypertrophic scarring in 3 patients (15%), postoperative surgical site hematoma in 3 patients (15%), and 2 patients (10%) presented postoperative chronic back pain. Different options used in seroma treatment and prevention (subcutaneous-fascia anchor sutures of donor site, application of corticosteroids by injection into donor site postoperatively, passive drainage) can reduce seroma formation and thus overall complication rates, leading to much faster patient’s recovery time and return to normal daily activities.
Candida Albicans and Non-Albicans Species as Etiological Agent of Vaginitis in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women
Authors: Babić Mirela , Hukić Mirsada
Published: December 2017

Pregnancy represents a risk factor in the occurrence of vaginal candidosis. The objectives of our study were: to make determination of the microscopic findings of vaginal swab, frequency of Candida species in the culture of pregnant women and patients who are not pregnant, determine the Candida species in all cultures, and to determine the frequency and differences in the frequency of C. albicans and other non-albicans species. In one year study performed during 2006 year, we tested patients of Gynaecology and Obstetrics clinic of the Clinical Centre in Sarajevo and Gynaecology department of the General hospital in Sarajevo. 447 woman included in the study were separated in two groups: 203 pregnant (in the last trimester of pregnancy), and 244 non-pregnant woman in period of fertility. Each vaginal swab was examined microscopically. The yeast, number of colonies, and the species of Candida were determined on Sabouraud dextrose agar with presence of antibiotics. For determination of Candida species, we used germ tube test for detection of C. albicans, and cultivation on the selective medium and assimilation tests for detection of non-albicans species. The results indicated positive microscopic findings in the test group (40,9%), as well as greater number of positive cultures (46,8%). The most commonly detected species for both groups was C. albicans (test group 40.9% and control group 23,0%). The most commonly detected non-albicans species for the test group were C. glabrata (4,2 %) and C. krusei (3,2%), and for the control group were C. glabrata (3,2%) and C. parapsilosis (3,2%). The microscopic findings correlated with the number of colonies in positive cultures. In the test group, we found an increased number of yeasts (64,3%), and the pseudopyphae and blastopores by microscopic examination as an indication of infection. In the control group, we found a small number of yeasts (64,6%), in the form of blastopores, as an indication of the candida colonisation. Our results indicate that gravidity, as the risc factor for incidence of infection, has the significant role in the incidence of vaginal candidosis.
Genomic DNA extraction from the pennate diatom Asterionella formosa optimised for next generation sequencing. v1
Authors: Puppo Carine , Voisin Tomas , Gontero Brigitte
Published: December 2017

Asterionella formosa is a freshwater pennate diatom that forms star-shaped colonies, whose mitochondrial DNA was recently sequenced [1]. This diatom is of interest for genetic studies[2,3]and for the study of photosynthesis[4,5].However, extraction of genomic DNA (gDNA) from A. formosa is difficult because of its silica cell-wall and the presence of photosynthetic pigments that contaminate the DNA. Here, we present an optimised protocol for gDNA extraction from A. formosa that overcomes those two problems. We also assessed its efficacity in yielding high-purity gDNA compared to a standard protocol using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). References [1] Villain A. et al. (2017) Mitochondr. DNA. 2 (1), 97-98. [2] De Bruin A. et al. (2004) J. Phycol. 40, 823-830. [3] van Den Wyngaert S. et al. (2015) Mol. Ecol. 24, 2955-2972. [4] Boggetto N. et al. (2007) J. Phycol. 43, 1227-1235. [5] Erales J. et al. (2008) J. Phycol. 44, 1455-1464.
MOUSE INFESTATION DISTURBANCES AND PRESERVATION ACTIVITIES AT THE LIBRARY
Authors: Kangko Danang Dwijo
Published: December 2017

Information is recorded in information media that is collected by library management. The information will be lost if the collections are damaged. The library functions to preserve collections to ensure information access sustainability. One threat is mouse infestation. Not much attention has been given to the effects of mouse infestation disturbances and how mice can potentially damage collections. This research aims to find out how and why mouse disruptions occur in the library and what preservation measures are taken by the library to counter this. This research is a case study conducted in the Indonesian Politics Study Center. This study reveals that mouse infestation disruptions are not too much of a concern at the Indonesian Politics Study Center, as preservation activities have not been conducted extensively.
A Translation Study on Responding of Requesting Speech Act in The Novel The Heroes of Olympus Series
Authors: Anis Dewinta Khoirul
Published: December 2017

This research discusses about the types of responding of requesting speech act used in the novel the Heroes of Olympus Series, describes the translation techniques usage and assess the translation quality in terms of acceptability. This research can be classified as a descriptive qualitative research which focuses on a single case. The source data of this research are the documents and persons, i.e. the novel The Heroes of Olympus series and those called raters who have competencies in assessing translation quality. The methods to collect and analyze the data of responding of requesting speech act were applied content analysis and Forum Group Discussion. The result of this research shows the discovery of 11 types of responding of requesting speech act such as agreeing, commenting, informing, explaining, committing, etc. Based on the techniques that are proposed by Molina Albir (2002), there are 17 translation techniques found in this research, which is, from the analysis of 89 data of responding of requesting speech act in source text and target text, found 564 times the use of its translation techniques. And, in general, the resulting of translation quality in the form of acceptability assessment in this study tends to be good because the average is 2.86, with the majority of applying Establish equivalent technique that gives a positive impact on the translation quality.