bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[Retracted]: El discurso por competencias: Una propuesta de clarificación conceptual
Authors: Brunet Icart Ignasi , Mara Liviu Catalin
Published: September 2016

Purpose: Since the literature on professional competences is profuse and diffuse and, conceptually, there is no broad consensus regarding the meaning of the concept of competence, this article aims to synthetically present the debate around the terms competence and qualifications, its implications and its intellectual value, in order to help clarify the above discussion, contextualize the arguments about the discourse on competences in a time and a place and establishing a concept of the object of study.Design/methodology: The methodology used is the comparative analysis of the proposals and perspectives on competences and qualifications through the interpretation of texts. It is not so much about juxtaposing isolated propositions of the various proposals, as it is about finding in them a common body of theoretical and systematic reasoning that can be traced by analyzing the speeches.Findings: The article determines and clarifies the concept of competence, distinguishing it from the concept of qualification, insisting that the former has questioned the value of academic qualifications in predicting job performance. In addition, this article proposes an integrated perspective regarding the conceptualizations of competences, as attributes or as performance.Research limitations/implications: The discourse on competences has been extended at the same time as pro-business values. In this regard, it is very interesting to note that critical analyses about the meaning and function that acquires today business management give more importance to the conduct of "managing", in the sense that it is increasingly assumed the great influence of the "management" in the reproduction and transformation of organizational life. Moreover, the debate of redesigning the qualifications in terms of competences, at the university level, is not only technical, primarily, is political and ideological: what should be the role of the university in relation to training and the kind of professionalism.Originality/value: In a context in which the training based on competences becomes the main component of education systems, this work helps to identify and clarify some concepts for the purposes of their operationalization in empirical research that we are conducting at the moment.
Comparison of Median Nerve Cross-sectional Area on 3-T MRI in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Ikeda Mikinori , Okada Mitsuhiro , Toyama Masahiko , Uemura Takuya , Takamatsu Kiyohito , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: September 2016

This study correlated morphologic abnormalities of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with the severity of CTS using 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The relationship of the severity of CTS and the cross-sectional area of the median nerve (CSA) was assessed at several levels. Seventy wrists of 35 patients (27 women and 8 men) with unilateral idiopathic CTS underwent nerve conduction study and 3-T MRI of the wrist. The CSA at 4 levels (distal radioulnar joint, body of scaphoid, tubercule of scaphoid, and hook of hamate) and the thickness of the transverse carpal ligament at 3 levels in both affected and unaffected hands were measured using 3-T MRI and correlated with the severity of CTS assessed with distal motor latency. The CSA in the affected hand at the scaphoid body level was significantly higher than in the unaffected hand. The CSA at the scaphoid body level was positively correlated with distal motor latency in the affected hand. The CSA in the affected hand at the scaphoid tubercule level was significantly lower than in the unaffected hand. The CSA had a negative correlation with distal motor latency at the scaphoid tubercule level. The CSA at the distal radioulnar joint and the hamate hook was not significantly different between the affected hand and the unaffected hand. The CSA at the distal radioulnar joint level and hook level were not correlated significantly with distal motor latency in the affected hand. The mean CSA of the affected hand at the scaphoid body level was highest in 4 levels. [
Orthopedics.
2017; 40(1):e77–e81.]
Historicidad y esferas de la vida: el marco de la reflexión moral de la Ilustración escocesa
Authors: Seoane Pinilla Julio
Published: September 2016

La historicidad, la adaptación continua de la vida humana a problemas puntuales (sociales, climáticos, económicos…) es el marco –antropológico– en el que la Ilustración escocesa inscribe su reflexión moral. Un trabajo continuo de adecuación al medio generalmente expuesto a través de una concepción por etapas de la historia, cuyo fruto, objetivado como leyes, normas o morales, no es nunca buscado y sí producto de las consecuencias inesperadas de decisiones que se toman sin referentes seguros en su diseño inicial. Esa contextualización, cuyo motor es la perfectibilidad humana, en último término supone la atención a los distintos intereses y esferas de la vida, lo cual hace que la reflexión moral quede parcelada en las pequeñas esferas donde aparecen esos intereses; este será el motivo que llevará a la Ilustración escocesa a buscar algún tipo de universalidad que se complaciera de forma natural en el resultado de aquel artificial proceso de adaptación histórica al medio (la cual se especificará en un sentimiento moral que se complace naturalmente con el bien público).
La comunidad imposible: atisbos sartreanos
Authors: Rius Mercè
Published: September 2016

En este artículo se aborda la ontología sartreana a modo de precedente de la actual filosofía política que constata la imposibilidad del ser-en-común. Para ambas son Hegel y Heidegger los referentes de que distanciarse. Solo que los pensadores de la imposible comunidad no se abstienen de especular sobre la muerte, aunque nieguen su sentido. En cambio, para Sartre es esencial la incompatibilidad entre la muerte y la libertad del existir, así como la defensa del realismo. Se sigue aquí la pista a su concepto de lo real, a la vez que a su actitud tan propensa como adversa al materialismo.
Enfoques mesodeliberativos: sobre la articulación institucional en las democracias deliberativas
Authors: García-Marzá Domingo
Published: September 2016

Que las democracias deliberativas sean las que ocupan hoy el centro de la reflexión democrática se debe tanto a su potencial interno como al desgaste de una realidad política alejada cada vez más de lo que pensábamos –esperábamos- de la democracia. En este contexto se enmarca el presente artículo cuya propuesta de un enfoque mesodeliberativo pretende aportar a la discusión sobre la articulación institucional de las teorías deliberativas dos aspectos íntimamente vinculados: el valor de la sociedad civil y la perspectiva de la ética en el diseño institucional. Ambos aspectos no acaban de encontrar su lugar en las diferentes iniciativas deliberativas actuales y, sin embargo, son piezas fundamentales para el logro de una teoría democrática completa y crítica. Para defender esta propuesta daremos los siguientes pasos. En primer lugar, se justifica la necesidad de este nivel mesodeliberativo dentro del llamado enfoque sistémico de las democracias deliberativas. A continuación, ante la pregunta de qué instituciones y por qué, se introduce un concepto ampliado de sociedad civil siguiendo la propuesta de una democracia de doble vía, en discusión con la concepción habermasiana. En tercer lugar, se despliegan algunas de las aportaciones básicas del diseño institucional para el desarrollo de este nivel mesodeliberativo y el papel que cumple y puede cumplir en él la perspectiva ética. Por último, se esboza este papel a partir del principio kantiano de publicidad como eje central para el desarrollo de la perspectiva ética en el diseño institucional.
La potencialidad política del juicio estético: acerca de la reapropiación arendtiana de Kant
Authors: Di Pego Anabella
Published: September 2016

La afirmación de Hannah Arendt según la cual en la tercera crítica se encuentra la filosofía política no escrita de Kant ha llevado a los intérpretes a concentrarse casi exclusivamente en su lectura del juicio estético. Sin embargo, Arendt se detiene durante la mayor parte de sus conferencias sobre Kant en sus textos políticos y de filosofía de la historia. A partir de esto, nos proponemos mostrar que la peculiar reapropiación que Arendt realiza de Kant procede en un doble movimiento que partiendo de estos textos, los enlaza con la tercera crítica de manera tal que ambos resultan reconfigurados. Así, sostenemos que el análisis kantiano de la Revolución francesa y el uso público de la razón, le permiten a Arendt situar el juicio estético en un horizonte comunicativo efectivo.
¿Son las mujeres más sensibles a los derechos de los animales? Sobre los vínculos entre el animalismo y el feminismo
Authors: Balza Isabel , Garrido Francisco
Published: September 2016

En este trabajo se analizan, por una parte, los datos sobre la presencia de las mujeres en los movimientos de derechos de los animales en el estado español; por otro lado, tratamos de encontrar marcos explicativos que aclaren cuál es el vínculo que conecta la sensibilidad feminista con la sensibilidad animalista. Hemos realizado un sondeo sobre el porcentaje de mujeres entre los miembros de las organizaciones animalistas más importantes de España y, con estos resultados, hemos hecho una revisión de los diferentes marcos teóricos que pueden explicar esta significativa orientación de género en la defensa del bienestar animal. Por último, defendemos que hay un vínculo entre la ideología patriarcal y la explotación ecológica, en tanto que ambos comparten la dominación y la opresión de género. En este sentido, la sensibilidad animalista movilizaría sentimientos morales de fraternidad con la naturaleza.
Contributions to the study of porosity in fly ash-based geopolymers. Relationship between degree of reaction, porosity and compressive strength
Authors: Luna-Galiano Y. , Fernández-Pereira C. , Izquierdo M.
Published: September 2016

The main contribution of this paper relates to the development of a systematic study involving a set of parameters which could potentially have an impact on geopolymer properties: curing temperature, type of activating solution, alkali metal in solution, incorporation of slag (Ca source) and type of slag used. The microstructures, degrees of reaction, porosities and compressive strengths of geopolymers have been evaluated. Geopolymers prepared with soluble silicate presented a more compacted and closed structure, a larger amount of gel, lower porosity and greater compressive strength than those prepared with hydroxides. On the other hand, Na-geopolymers were more porous but more resistant than K-geopolymers. Although there is an inverse relation between degree of reaction and porosity, between compressive strength and porosity it is not always inversely proportional and could, in some cases, be masked by changes produced in other influencing parameters.
Pour une approche socio-écosystémique de la dette écologique : une responsabilité civile spécifique en cas d’atteintes à l’environnement
Authors: Camproux Duffrène Marie-Pierre
Published: September 2016

Les atteintes à l’environnement toujours plus nombreuses posent la question de leur réparation. Les juristes peuvent participer à y répondre en proposant des instruments juridiques susceptibles d’y contribuer. La responsabilité civile permet d’obliger les personnes ayant causé des dommages à autrui à réparer ceux-ci. Un même mécanisme juridique est mobilisable dans la perspective de faire cesser l’atteinte et réparer les dommages écologiques. Cependant, le fait que les atteintes portent non pas sur des personnes ou des biens (choses appropriées) mais sur des éléments d’un écosystème pose difficultés. Il oblige à réfléchir sur l’adaptabilité de ce mécanisme dans ce domaine et sa capacité à permettre un accès à la justice. En termes de fondements, doit-on prôner un droit individuel à l’environnement, un droit de l’environnement ou encore envisager une protection des intérêts collectifs liés l’environnement perçu alors en tant que socio-écosystème ? Au-delà, la responsabilité civile étant d’ores et déjà actionnée en cas d’atteintes à l’environnement, des spécificités nécessitent d’être étudiées : quel lien juridique existe-t-il entre la société et l’environnement naturel, ou entre les humains au regard de l’environnement ? Et surtout, devant le juge, qui peut agir et pour demander quoi ?
Introduction à la dette écologique en droit international : dette négative et dette positive
Authors: Candiago Noémie
Published: September 2016

La dette écologique est un concept politique qui vise à faire reconnaître la nocivité des modes de production et de consommation fondés sur l’extraction de ressources naturelles et leur échange dans le cadre d’une économie de marché. On la réduit souvent à la responsabilité financière qui en découlerait pour les États industrialisés. Pourtant, ceci ne correspond qu’à un versant de la dette écologique. Si réparer est une fonction fondamentale du droit, celui-ci doit aussi pouvoir énoncer des règles positives, en l’occurrence quant à la gestion soutenable des ressources naturelles. Cet article présente les différentes approches de la dette écologique puis met en exergue son versant constituant au travers de normes primaires représentatives d’une logique de la dette écologique.
La dette infinie : représentations africaines, solidarité écologique et développement durable
Authors: Roy Étienne Le
Published: September 2016

La pratique d’une anthropologie juridique développée à propos de l’Afrique depuis une cinquantaine d’années a mis en évidence l’existence de représentations du monde, du droit et de la dette qui n’éclairent pas seulement l’originalité de cultures endogènes marquées par le communautarisme, une expérience qu’ont également connue les sociétés occidentales prémodernes. L’idée de dette infinie qui s’y déploie de manière paradigmatique comme une formule chimique ou mathématique pourrait être en outre une contribution précieuse à la compréhension de l’étendue et des conséquences des obligations intergénérationnelles propres au développement durable à l’occasion de la renaissance de communs.
Scientific Creativity in Psychology
Authors: Kirsch Christiane , Lubart Todd , de Vries Herie , Houssemand Claude
Published: September 2016

The present research investigates the cognitive and conative profile underlying scientific creativity in psychology. An innovative creativity test including both divergent and convergent thinking was used. Intelligence and personality were also measured. The sample consisted of 121 social science students. Intelligence played a major role for scientific creativity in psychology. With regard to personality, openness and negative agreeableness favored additionally scientific creativity in psychology. In future research, the profile of scientific creativity could be compared with profiles of artistic creativity and everyday creativity.
Teaching Creative Problem Solving in Engineering Education
Authors: Vidal René Victor Valqui
Published: September 2016

In this chapter, the principles of active learning and the contents of a creativity course entitled: Creativity and Problem Solving, are presented. The main purpose of this course was to create a space for discussing, reflecting and experimenting with creativity, creative processes and creative methods of relevance for university students working with problem-solving approaches. This course was developed at the Technical University of Denmark during the period 1998-2008 for engineering students of various specialities. It started with very few students and developed to a very popular course attracting many students from abroad. The selected themes, the methods and techniques, the structure of the course, the learning processes and the achieved results can be applied to a similar course for university students of other fields such as IT, Mangement Sciences, System Sciences, Computer Sciences, Design, Agriculture, Businees, Art and Education, etc. Finally some reflections, recommendations, and conclusions are also presented.
Creativity Development through Inquiry-Based Learning in Biomedical Sciences
Authors: Rodríguez Gemma , Baños Josep-Eladi , Carrió Mar
Published: September 2016

The increasing complexity of biomedical research has led to new models for collaborative research at large scale. Big science projects require multidisciplinary teams and skills, such as creativity, to foster innovation. Higher education can play an important role in fostering creativity with active-learning strategies, such as the Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) approach. In this chapter, we explain how the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona, Spain, used IBL to bring medicine and human biology students together to find creative solutions to solve a challenging problem in biomedicine. In this interprofessional experience, students were taught creative techniques in a creativity workshop. The positive results, which were highlighted by external evaluators for their high quality, demonstrate the value of these collaborative projects in encouraging creativity. We propose that integrating the IBL pedagogical methodology with creative techniques and interprofessionalism is a valuable approach for fostering students' creativity and generative and research skills.
Creative Life Experience among Students in Medical Education
Authors: Yu Miao , Li Jianxin , Wang Wei
Published: September 2016

This chapter mainly focuses on creativity and creative life experience of medical students in a university in China, in order to find out strategies of improving the medical students' creativity. The methods such as literature review, participation, intervention, and questionnaire survey are used jointly in this study. The students are divided into experimental group and control group. A two-month creative psychological intervention is carried out with the experimental group, and the results show that the level of creative life experience factors of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of control group after the intervention, which indicates that appropriate creative psychological intervention has certain effect on improving university students' creative life experience.
Framing Creative Problems
Authors: Sosa Ricardo , Connor Andy M. , Corson Bruce
Published: September 2016

Problems are a type of situations that are mentally and socially framed to direct efforts and resources with the aim to change them into desired future situations. The definition of what constitutes a problem, and particularly one worth solving creatively is often left implicit in research studies and professional practice. This chapter presents “Creative Problem Framing” (CPF) as a strategic part of the creative endeavor. It does so by analyzing a collection of projects that the authors have supervised in recent years in academia, start-ups, and industry in four countries. An analysis of these cases provides an initial set of dimensions of creative problem framing. The chapter ends with guidelines for higher education to promote creative problem framing, and to design studio-based experiences that enable learners to practice CPF in meaningful ways.
An Analytical Algorithm for Delphi Method for Consensus Building and Organizational Productivity
Authors: Zahidy Abd Hamid , Azizan Noor Azlinna , Sorooshian Shahryar
Published: September 2016

The Delphi technique is being increasingly used in many complex areas where a consensus is to be reached. In such an environment, the Delphi technique allows researchers to acquire high quality, unbiased information from a panel of certified experts. Despite its vast uses, the Delphi method has seen a lack of consistent procedural guidance for its application. A review of literature revealed a significant variation in methodological approach of the method. The purpose of this paper is to develop a practical algorithm for the Delphi study application based on the literature review and the authors' practiced experiences. A few modifications are suggested to make the Delphi study more practical in research and decision making. Using the guidelines provided by this paper, it is expected that the reader may better understand the appropriate application and procedure of the modified Delphi process.
Human Rights Conditionality in the EU's Newly Concluded Association Agreements with the Eastern Partners
Authors: Gáspár-Szilágyi Szilárd
Published: September 2016

The recent association agreements with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia are meant to replace the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreements between the EU and the three Eastern Partners. Their purpose is to deepen the political and economic ties between the contracting parties and to gradually integrate these countries into the legal and economic system of the EU. This Chapter aims to provide a critical discussion of human rights conditionality under these agreements and ascertain whether the ‘human rights' clauses included in these agreements are a simple matter of ‘legal inflation', mere political commitments, or whether the EU managed to design legally enforceable provisions and has provided a common ground to be followed in this field. It is concluded that even though the agreements provide a more robust institutional set-up and new multi-level instruments exist to ensure the implementation and reporting of human rights commitments, in essence the agreements are still focused on trade-related issues and the practical operation of human rights clauses is questionable.
CNT as a Sensor Platform
Authors: Fathi Amir , Hassanzadazar Mina
Published: September 2016

One of the most important drawbacks which caused the Silicon based technologies to their technical limitations is the instability of their products at nano-level. On the other side, carbon based materials such as carbon nanotube (CNT) as alternative materials have been involved in scientific efforts. Some of the important advantages of CNTs over silicon components are high mechanical strength, high sensing capability and large surface-to-volume ratio. Many researches have been presented using CNT as a sensing material in various applications to improve the sensor characteristics. In this chapter, the platform of CNT sensors such as transistor-based sensors, chemiresistors, chemicapacitance and resonator sensors are discussed in detail. Using CNT as a sensor platform although has great advantages; it does not have sufficient sensor reliability. Some of these technical challenges of CNT-based sensors including Schottky contact formation and non-selective synthesization have also been pointed out in the chapter.
Silicene Nanoribbons and Nanopores for Nanoelectronic Devices and Applications
Authors: Sadeghi Hatef , Sangtarash Sara
Published: September 2016

Given the compatibility of silicene with existing semiconductor techniques, and a need for new materials to continue Moore's low, it is natural to ask if this material can form a platform as field effect transistor. Here we provide analytical models to study the electrical properties of two dimensional silicene such as electrical conductance, carrier concentration, mobility and magneto-conductance. Furthermore, we show that silicene nanoribbons and nanopores can be used as a discriminating sensor for DNA sequencing and for efficient thermoelectric power generation.
Graphene-Based Gas Sensor Theoretical Framework
Authors: Akbari Elnaz , Enzevaee Aria , Karimi Hediyeh , Ahmadi Mohammad Taghi , Buntat Zolkafle
Published: September 2016

Both graphene and CNTs experience changes in their electrical conductance when exposed to different gases (such as CO2, NO2, and NH3), and they are, therefore, ideal candidates for sensing/measuring applications. In this research, a set of novel gas sensor models employing Field Effect Transistor structure using these materials have been proposed. In the suggested models, different physical properties such as conductance, capacitance, drift velocity, carrier concentration, and the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of graphene/CNTs have been employed to model the sensing mechanism. An Artificial Neural Network model has also been developed for the special case of a CNT gas sensor exposed to NH3 to provide a platform to check the accuracy of the models. The performance of the models has been compared with published experimental data which shows a satisfactory agreement.
Carbon Materials Based Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (ISFET)
Authors: Kiani Mohammad Javad , Abadi M. H. Shahrokh , Rahmani Meisam , Ahmadi Mohammad Taghi , Harun F. K. Che , Hedayat S.N. , Yaghoobian S.H.
Published: September 2016

Graphene and SWCNT-based Ion Sensitive FET (ISFET) as a novel material with organic nature and ionic liquid gate is intrinsically sensitive to pH changes. pH is an important factor in enzymes stabilities which can affect the enzymatic reaction and broaden the number of enzyme applications. More accurate and consistent results of enzymes must be optimized to realize their full potential as catalysts accordingly. In this chapter, an appropriate structure to ISFET device is designed for the purpose of electrical measurement of different pH buffer solutions. Electrical detection model of each pH value is suggested using conductance modelling of monolayer graphene. In addition, ISFET based on nanostructured SWCNT is studied for the purpose of electrical detection of hydrogen ion concentrations. Electrical detection of hydrogen ion concentrations by modelling the conductance of SWCNT sheets is proposed. pH buffer as a function of gate voltage is assumed and sensing factor is defined. Finally, the proposed new approach improving the analytical model is compared with experimental data and shows good overall agreement.
Mastering Social Media in the Modern Business World
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: September 2016

This chapter explains the overview of social media; the perspectives of social media marketing; social media and communication management; social media competence and knowledge sharing in modern business; social media applications in the tourism industry; social media applications in the health care industry; the multifaceted applications of social media platforms in modern business; and the importance of social media in the modern business world. The implementation of social media is required for modern organizations that seek to serve suppliers and customers, increase business performance, strengthen competitiveness, and achieve continuous success in the modern business world. The chapter argues that applying social media has the potential to enhance organizational performance and reach strategic goals in the social media age.
Real-Time Sentiment Analysis of Microblog Messages with the Maltego “Tweet Analyzer” Machine
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: September 2016

For social media to work as a “human sensor network” or a relevant source for “eventgraphing” for some fast-moving events, it is important to be capture real-time and locational information. It may help to not only capture information from a particular social media platform but from across the Web. In such a context, Maltego Carbon 3.5.3/Chlorine 3.6.0's Tweet Analyser “machine” (with AlchemyAPI built-in) and used in combination with other “transforms,” may serve the purpose—at least for initial and iterated sampling of the related messaging. This tool may be used to capture information from social media accounts.. social media accounts, linked URLs, geolocational information, and other information of research value. Maltego is an open-access tool with a community version and a proprietary commercial version available by subscription. Maltego Chlorine's Tweet Analyzer has a built-in sentiment analysis feature.
Service-Learning in Action
Authors: Blumer Lindsay A.
Published: September 2016

This case study explores a unique service-learning program from inception to evaluation through the in-depth examination of community relationships, outcomes students have attained and the ongoing community benefits. The case study demonstrates specific service-learning implementation techniques and reflection processes that challenge students to apply their experiences to their own educational goals and experiences. At Ripon College the Center for Social Responsibility supervises a successful and innovative service-learning program; the Storybook program. In collaboration with the Green Lake County Correctional Facility (GLCCF) this program has college students meet with inmates to select and practice reading children's books on video. The book and recording are sent to the inmate's child(ren) to maintain familial relationships during incarceration. Based firmly in adult literacy pedagogy this service-learning experience has multiple simultaneous psycho-social outcomes for all involved.
Service Learning for the Community College Student
Authors: Turner Roch
Published: September 2016

This chapter outlines the many reasons behind a consistent and relevant implementation of service learning opportunities on community college campuses. Community colleges typically serve non-traditional students. As part of a broad and interconnected curricula, community colleges should develop quality service learning opportunities tailored to the non-traditional student and their local community. This chapter offers a roadmap for creating service learning opportunities ranging from an initial community needs analysis to volunteer recruitment and management. The author of this chapter spends a considerable amount of time on reflection activities, which is vital to the success of service learning.
Deepening of Critical Thinking Skills through the Use of Civic Engagement
Authors: Hunter Marcia F.
Published: September 2016

Critical thinking is an underlying goal of modern education. It is also a needed skill for effectively navigating life in modern society. It is frequently however, not taught in school systems. Students are therefore left at a disadvantage. Civil engagement is the process by which people work together for the betterment of society. A pertinent skill of civic engagement is critical thinking. This chapter proposes a model for bringing civic engagement and critical thinking together to meet both educational and societal needs. This model provides effective strategies for teaching civic engagement outside of the classroom.
Mobile Assisted Language Learning Experiences
Authors: Kim Daesang , Ruecker Daniel , Kim Dong-Joong
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of learning with mobile technology for TESOL students and to explore their perceptions of learning with this type of technology. The study provided valuable insights on how students perceive and adapt to learning with mobile technology for effective learning experiences for both students and teachers. The authors conducted a convergent mixed methods design to achieve the research objectives. Three critical and practical recommendations for effective mobile learning experiences were scrutinized for design and implementation of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL): effective instructional strategies, training or professional workshop development, and ongoing technical support and assistance.
Test Case Reduction Using Data Mining Technique
Authors: Saifan Ahmad A. , Alsukhni Emad , Alawneh Hanadi , Sbaih Ayat AL
Published: September 2016

Software testing is a process of ratifying the functionality of software. It is a crucial area which consumes a great deal of time and cost. The time spent on testing is mainly concerned with testing large numbers of unreliable test cases. The authors' goal is to reduce the numbers and offer more reliable test cases, which can be achieved using certain selection techniques to choose a subset of existing test cases. The main goal of test case selection is to identify a subset of the test cases that are capable of satisfying the requirements as well as exposing most of the existing faults. The state of practice among test case selection heuristics is cyclomatic complexity and code coverage. The authors used clustering algorithm which is a data mining approach to reduce the number of test cases. Their approach was able to obtain 93 unique effective test cases out a total of 504.
Effect of High-Calcium Fly Ash on Activity Index and Hydration Process of Phosphorous Slag Powders
Authors: Li Cai Yu , Yang Lin , Cao Jian Xin , Liu Qiu Mei
Published: September 2016

Effect of the dosage of high-calcium fly ash and fineness of phosphorous slag powders on activity index of phosphorous slag powders was explored. The hydration samples of phosphorous slag powders with high-calcium fly ash content were analyzed using XRD, DSC-TG and SEM. The results showed that activity index of phosphorous slag powders increased and then decreased with the dosage of high-calcium fly ash increasing. When the dosages of high-calcium fly ash were 15%-20%, activity indexes of phosphorous slag powders were above 1. With fineness of phosphorous slag powders increasing with ranges from 370 to 440 m2·kg-1, activity indexes of phosphorous slag powders increased with ranges from 1.028 to 1.174. High-calcium fly ash accelerated the hydration reaction of phosphorous slag powders, and promoted the increase in the strength of phosphorous slag powders glue-sand.
Effects of Alloying Element Cr on Ni-Mn-Ga Alloys Studied by Ab Initio Calculations
Authors: Han Shuang Ji , Bai Jing , Wang Shuai , Zhang Yi Fan
Published: September 2016

The effects of Cr addition on the crystal structure, phase stability and magnetic properties of Ni8Mn4-xGa4Crx (x=0, 1 and 2) ferromagnetic shape memory alloys are systematically investigated by ab-initio calculations. The formation energy results indicate that the added Cr preferentially occupies the Mn sites in Ni2MnGa alloy due to the lowest formation energy. The evaluated Curie temperature decreases with increasing Cr content are derived from the decrease of the total energy difference between the paramagnetic and the ferromagnetic austenite.
Enhanced Electrical Resistivity and Soft Magnetic Properties in Ca-Doped Fe-B-Cu Alloy Ribbons
Authors: Zheng Zhi Gang , Zhang J.S. , Yu H.Y. , Li B. , Zeng D.C. , Xiao F.M. , Sun T. , Tang R.H.
Published: September 2016

Fe83.5B15Cu1.5Cax (x= 0.04, 0.07, 0.1 and 0.13) alloy ribbons were fabricated by melt spinning. The effects of Ca addition on electrical resistivity and soft magnetic properties were investigated. The results show that with increasing Ca content from 0.04 to 0.13 the electrical resistivity monotonously increases from 0.51 μΩ·m to 0.99 μΩ·m while the core loss reduced by 39% and 28% at 10 kHz and 20kHz under an applied magnetic field of 200 mT, respectively. After annealing at 420°C for 10min, sample with x=0.13 obtains the peak saturation induction density (Bs) of 1.82 T and coercive force (Hc) of 18 A/m. Especially, the core loss of sample x=0.13 decreased by 13% and 34% than that of x= 0.04 at 200 kHz under an applied magnetic field of 25 mT and 50 mT respectively. Therefore, the soft magnetic properties and core loss can be tuned by addition of Ca in Fe-B-Cu alloy ribbons.
Simulation of Mg-Gd Alloy during Solidification Process
Authors: Liu Shu Mei , Zhao Li Ping , Li Zhao , Li Jian Chao
Published: September 2016

This paper uses ProCast software to simulate Mg-Gd alloy solidification process, calculates temperature field and solidification field for Mg-9.76Gd at different stages and compares the influence of different heat transfer coefficient on the solidification structure. The results show that the crystallization process which is simulated is consistent with the actual crystallization process; as the heat transfer coefficient increases, the average grain size decreases. With the result, the reasonable casting formation control parameters can guide the practical production, which can reduce human and financial resources.
Effects of Oxidation Condition on the Permeation Performances of Phenol-Formaldehyde Based Carbon Membranes for Gas Separation
Authors: Sun Hui , Wei Wei , Lin Qiang , Zhang Jing Yi
Published: September 2016

Phenol-formaldehyde based carbon membranes in this study were prepared by (a) coating the macroporous tube phenol-formaldehyde microfiltration membranes, (b) carbonization at 800°C and (c) CO2 oxidation as an additional step. Oxidation conditions were changed in order to investigate the oxidation effect on the pore structure and permeation performances. The results showed that enlargement of the membrane pore occurred through oxidation. The permeation properties can be increased by different oxidation conditions
Simulation and Prediction of Solubility for the Quaternary System Containing Lithium, Sodium, Magnesium and Chloride at 273.15 K
Authors: Jiang Xing Yu , Wang Lin , Li Dong Chan
Published: September 2016

Solubilities of the quaternary system containing lithium, sodium, magnesium and chloride at 273.15 K were calculated using Pitzer ion-interaction model and its extended HW model. The values of the Pitzer single-salt parameters β(0), β(1), β(2) and Cφ for LiCl, NaCl, and MgCl2, the mixed ion-interaction parameters θLi,Mg, θLi,Na, θNa,Mg, ψLi,Mg,Cl, ψLi,Na,Cl and ψNa,Mg,Cl, and the Debye–Hückel parameter Aφ in the quaternary system at 273.15K were derived. Based on the Jänecke indexes, the phase diagram was plotted. This study affords the necessary parameters for solubility predictions of complicated systems and establishes a theoretical basis for the separation of these valuable minerals from salt lake brine.
Study on the Solid-Liquid Phase Equilibrium of the Calcium-Containing Brine System
Authors: Li Dong Chan , Fan Rong , Yuan Jun Sheng , Yang Sen Nan , Ji Zhi Yong
Published: September 2016

It is well known that the comprehensive utilization of the salt lake resources successfully must be under the guide of the corresponding aqueous phase equilibria and phase diagrams. The researches on phase relationships of the calcium-containing brine system are essential to promote the comprehensive development and utilization of the relative salt lake resources discovered in our country at present years. In the paper, the progresses on the phase equilibrium of calcium-containing brine systems corresponding to sea water system, carbonate system, borate system and calcium-lithium coexisted system around the world were presented. The problems existed recently and the new trends in the future were also carried out.
Preparation of Poly Acrylic Acid Acrylamide Nanometer Material and its Drug Delivery Control Potential in Alkaline Condition
Authors: Feng Li Juan , Yuan Jin Xiu , Lei Hai Bo , Zheng Xing Rong
Published: September 2016

In order to explore a smart carrier which can control drug delivery in special pH environment, a type of nanometer material, namely, poly acrylic acid acrylamide (P(AA-AM)) was synthesized with acrylic acid and acrylamide as monomers. Its structure was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and its swelling properties were tested by measuring its weight evolution. The drug delivery control potential was estimated by monitoring its swelling performances in the solutions of different pH values. The cycle characteristics were also investigated to determine its degradation properties in the environment. The results indicate that the synthesized material is sensitive to pH and is suitable for controlling drug delivery at the pH range from 10 to11 and below 7. Furthermore, this material can be automatic decomposition in the environment so that it is a degradable green material without causing burden to the environment.
Coal Gangue and its Application Research in Building Materials
Authors: Hu Li Li
Published: September 2016

The current statistics show coal gangue discharge is 100 million tons per year, and the accumulated discharge has been as high as 4.5 billion tons. It comprises the largest portion of solid waste in our country. Its storage not only requires valuable land resources, but also pollutes the air, water and soil of the storage sites, resulting in waste of resources. This article firstly introduces the physical characteristics, influence and application of coal gangue. And then applications of coal gangue in cement-based materials and new wall materials are illustrated as examples of application of coal gangue in building materials. This section is composed of the following particular aspects: 1) concrete application: replacement of cement by 20% coal gangue can effectively extend the setting time, increase the compressive strength, and has little influence on workability; 2) Grouting material application: coal gangue can completely substitute filling material used in grouting material; 3) Hollow brick application: compared to conventional hollow bricks, in terms of density, density of coal gangue hollow bricks is not larger; in terms of void fraction, coal gangue hollow block is also slightly better. Finally several limitations in applications are discussed and improvements are suggested.
Le “Disposizioni anticipate di trattamento” / The advance treatment directives
Authors: Sgreccia Elio
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
Derechos humanos y bioética personalista Consideraciones sobre la relación entre derechos humanos, bioética personalista y el proyecto de Declaración universal sobre bioética y derechos humanos de la UNESCO
Authors: Guerra López Rodrigo
Published: September 2016

El proyecto de “Declaración Universal sobre Bioética y Derechos humanos” de la UNESCO presenta los elementos fundamentales de la bioética basada en principios en el contexto de un discurso sobre derechos humanos. Esta ampliación de la bioética al universo de los derechos humanos, sin embargo, está sumergida en el horizonte que ofrece la cultura postmoderna y su particular gusto por una ética utilitarista y estética. Por ello, es preciso mostrar que una adecuada articulación de los principios de la bioética con los derechos humanos requiere una fundamentación personalista de los mismos que evite que el puro poder defina el ser y el hacer de las personas, sobre todo, en el ámbito de los desafíos bioéticos. Una fundamentación personalista de la bioética y de los derechos humanos permite realizar una evaluación crítica del proyecto de “Declaración Universal sobre Bioética y Derechos humanos”. ---------- “Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human rights” Project elaborated by UNESCO presents the fundamental elements of the contemporary principlesbased bioethics in the context of a discourse on Human Rights. This extension of bioethics to the field of human rights, nevertheless, is submerged in the horizon that offers the postmodern culture and its particular esteem to a utilitarian and aesthetic Ethics. For that reason, it is precise to show that a suitable joint of principles-based bioethics with human rights requires a personalistic foundation capable of avoiding that mere power defines being and action of persons, mainly, in the scope of bioethical challenges. A personalistic foundation of bioethics and human rights allows making a critical evaluation of the “Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human rights” Project.
Equità, razionamento, diritto alle cure sanitarie
Authors: Zamagni Stefano
Published: September 2016

Dopo aver discusso le ragioni per le quali il welfare sanitario deve restare universalista, il saggio passa a considerare le cause che rendono problematico l’universalismo sostenibile in sanità. Vengono poi criticamente comparati i diversi approcci alla fissazione delle priorità in sanità e si spiegano le ragioni per le quali è urgente procedere all’avvio di un dibattito serio sulle priorità. Il saggio si chiude con l’illustrazione dei punti di forza delle organizzazioni della società civile in ambito sanitario e del ruolo che esse potrebbero utilmente svolgere. ---------- After discussing the reasons why health care must remain universalistic, the paper illustrates the causes which make universalism in the health sector so problematic from the point of view of its sustainability. The various approaches to rationing are critically compared, with specific emphasis on their ethical underpinnings. The paper speaks in favour of opening a serious debate on the priorities issue. Finally, the major strengths of the civil society organizations operating in the health sector are considered and the role they could usefully perform is illustrated.
Introduzione
Authors: Sgreccia Elio
Published: September 2016

Non disponibile / Not available
La fondazione filosofico-teologica dell’etica dell’ambiente
Authors: Golser Karl
Published: September 2016

Storicamente si può affermare che la Santa Sede è stata all’avanguardia nell’attenzione posta ai problemi ecologici, perché le sue prime prese di posizione risalgono all’inizio degli anni ‘70. Un’etica teologica cattolica si è sviluppata dalla metà degli anni ’80, dopo che le scienze bibliche hanno dovuto confutare l’accusa che l’antropocentrismo della Bibbia sia stata una delle cause dello sfruttamento della terra. Le ragioni storiche di un atteggiamento sbagliato verso la natura sono da vedere piuttosto nel pensiero filosofico moderno che si è sviluppato spesso in contrapposizione al cristianesimo, mentre la Bibbia e la teologia hanno in verità una visione teocentrica della creazione. I tentativi filosofici, che al posto dell’uomo vogliono mettere al centro della riflessione etica la natura stessa o la vita o anche la possibilità di soffrire, non hanno consistenza perché soltanto la persona umana come essere consapevole e libero può assumersi una responsabilità etica. Bisogna però tener conto di tutte le altre creature che in quanto create hanno una loro dignità propria. Essere creati significa essere relazionati a Dio; la fede in Dio Creatore comporta così un l’antropocentrismo relazionale. Da questi presupposti può essere sviluppata un’etica ecologica teologica che ha due percorsi, uno che insiste sul cambiamento necessario degli atteggiamenti di fondo verso la natura (le virtù ecologiche), ed uno che da determinati principi e da esperienze consolidate formula delle norme concrete per l’agire ecologico responsabile. ---------- Historically, one can say that the Holy See has been a pioneer for the attention paid to ecological issues, as it started taking a stance on the topic already in the early ‘70s of XX century. A catholic theological ethics was developed in the mid-‘80s, after the biblical sciences had to refuse the accusation that made biblical anthropocentrism one of the main causes of the exploitation of the earth. The historical reasons for a wrong attitude toward nature are to be found instead in the contemporary philosophical thinking that often developed against Christianity, while theology and the Bible promote a theocentric vision of creation. The philosophical attempts that place nature or life, or even the chance to suffer in lieu of man at the center of the ethical way of thinking, have no grounds because only human beings, self-aware and free, can take ethical responsibility. One needs to consider all creatures that, being created, have a dignity of their own. Being created means having a relation with God. Hence, the faith in the Creator involves a relational anthropocentrism. Departing from such assumptions, a theological environmental ethics can be developed along two paths, one insisting on the necessary change of the basic stance toward nature (i.e. ecological virtues), the other starting from recognized principles and experiences and postulating actual rules for responsible ecological behavior.