bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lyapunov Exponent‐Based Study of Chaotic Mechanical Behavior of Concrete under Compression
Authors: Quan Yuhu , Yang Xu
Published: December 2019

Chaos theory is advantageous in achieving a deeper understanding of the nonlinearity and randomness of concrete behavior. In this study, the experimental data of concrete under compression were examined and discussed using Lyapunov exponent. According to the value of the Lyapunov exponent, which was larger than 0, it could be quantitatively demonstrated that measured and fitted data exhibited chaotic features. Besides, the mechanical behavior of concrete could be predicted by deducing its evolution equation. Furthermore, the evolution and trends of the Lyapunov exponent indicated that the series with human intervention showed a stronger chaotic property, which led to the result that this kind of series might be more difficult to predict.
Multiparametric Ultrasound (mpUS) of a Rare Testicular Capillary Hemangioma
Authors: Spiesecke Paul , Fischer Thomas , Stephan Carsten , Maxeiner Andreas , Hamm Bernd , Lerchbaumer Markus
Published: December 2019

Capillary hemangioma is a rare entity among testicular tumors. We demonstrate the case of an 18-year-old patient with palpatoric and sonographic conspicuous left testicle and negative serum tumor markers (α-fetoprotein, β-human chorionic gonadotropin, and lactate dehydrogenase). Ultrasound (US) imaging represented an isoechogenic lesion with high vascularization in both power Doppler and microflow imaging with central feeding artery. Both strain elastography and shear wave elastography demonstrated a stiff lesion compared to surrounding testicular tissue. While contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) clearly depicted high vascular load, time intensity curve (TIC) analysis was able to show shorter median transit time, higher peak enhancement, and higher wash-in area under the curve compared to regular testicular tissue. Histopathological examination revealed a lobular constructed and rich vascularized proliferation without cellular atypia and feeder vessels with positive reaction to CD34, CD31, CD99, and Vimentin. Proliferative activity was quantified to 3–5% by Ki-67 index. Two days after surgery, the patient could leave the hospital in subjective wellbeing. While histology remains the gold standard to make a precise diagnosis of capillary hemangiomas due to small case numbers and variety of this benign tumor, the combination of multiparametric US and clinical information may be a promising future tool in preoperative assessment.
Gaussian Regularized Periodic Nonuniform Sampling Series
Authors: Wang Feng , Wu Congwei , Chen Liang
Published: December 2019

The periodic nonuniform sampling plays an important role in digital signal processing and other engineering fields. In this paper, we introduce the Gaussian regularization method to accelerate the convergence rate of periodic nonuniform sampling series. We prove that the truncation error of the Gaussian regularized periodic nonuniform sampling series decays exponentially. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate our result.
Effects of High-Voltage Electric Field Process Parameters on the Water-Holding Capacity of Frozen Beef during Thawing Process
Authors: Zhang Yaming , Ding Changjiang , Ni Jiabao , Song Zhiqing , Zhao Rui
Published: December 2019

In order to investigate the thawing time and water-holding capacity under high-voltage electric field (HVEF), we studied the thawing experiments of frozen beef in a multiple needles-to-plate electrode system. The electric field, thawing characteristics, and quality parameters during the thawing process were measured. The results showed that compared with the control, the thawing time of beef under HVEF was significantly shortened, the thawing rate increased significantly, the drip loss decreased, and the centrifugal loss increased during the thawing process. By the response surface analysis and single-factor analysis of variance, the best thawing conditions for each thawing parameter were determined. It provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for understanding the characteristic parameters of the high-voltage electric field thawing technology.
Combined Analysis of the Aberrant Epigenetic Alteration of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Rui , Xu Qiuyan , Huang Guanglei , Yin Xinhai , Zhu Jianguo , Peng Yikun , Song Jukun
Published: December 2019

Background. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most fatal malignancies due to its high morbidity and mortality. DNA methylation exerts a vital part in the development of PDAC. However, a mechanistic role of mutual interactions between DNA methylation and mRNA as epigenetic regulators on transcriptomic alterations and its correlation with clinical outcomes such as survival have remained largely uncovered in cancer. Therefore, elucidation of aberrant epigenetic alteration in the development of PDAC is an urgent problem to be solved. In this work, we conduct an integrative epigenetic analysis of PDAC to identify aberrant DNA methylation-driven cancer genes during the occurrence of cancer. Methods. DNA methylation matrix and mRNA profile were obtained from the TCGA database. The integration of methylation and gene expression datasets was analyzed using an R package MethylMix. The genes with hypomethylation/hypermethylation were further validated in the Kaplan–Meier analysis. The correlation analysis of gene expression and aberrant DNA methylation was also conducted. We performed a pathway analysis on aberrant DNG methylation genes identified by MethylMix criteria using ConsensusPathDB. Results. 188 patients with both methylation data and mRNA data were considered eligible. A mixture model was constructed, and differential methylation genes in normal and tumor groups using the Wilcoxon rank test was performed. With the inclusion criteria, 95 differential methylation genes were detected. Among these genes, 74 hypermethylation and 21 hypomethylation genes were found. The pathway analysis revealed an increase in hypermethylation of genes involved in ATP-sensitive potassium channels, Robo4, and VEGF signaling pathways crosstalk, and generic transcription pathway. Conclusion. Integrated analysis of the aberrant epigenetic alteration in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma indicated that differentially methylated genes could play a vital role in the occurrence of PDAC by bioinformatics analysis. The present work can help clinicians to elaborate on the function of differentially methylated expressed genes and pathways in PDAC. CDO1, GJD2, ID4, NOL4, PAX6, TRIM58, and ZNF382 might act as aberrantly DNA-methylated biomarkers for early screening and therapy of PDAC in the future.
Design and Evaluation of Encoded Haptic Pulses for Smartwatches
Authors: Yim Yonghwan , Sim Jaemoon , Kim Kyungdoh
Published: December 2019

As smartwatches gain popularity in the marketplace, various smartwatch context studies have been conducted. The use of smartwatches can be divided into situations with and without constraint both physically and psychologically. Notably, in constrained situations, if the user wants to check the information received in the smartwatch visually, a high cognitive load is involved. To solve this problem, we propose a method to encode and transmit information from the smartwatch with haptic pulses. First, we determine the informational category of the smartwatch and generate various haptic pulses. Next, we propose and verify a haptic pulse set that can represent the informational category of the smartwatch. Using the proposed haptic pulse set, users can receive smartwatch information in constraint situations. The use of encoded haptic pulses needs to be considered to provide information effectively from the smartwatch to the wearer.
Quality Evaluation of Thirteen Geographical Populations of Lycium chinense Using Quantitative Analysis of Nutrients and Bioactive Components
Authors: Yang Lulu , Liang Qiong , Wang Shuhui , Yuan Fang , Wang Jie , Zhang Yanjun , He Yan
Published: December 2019

Lycium chinense Mill. is an important medicinal and edible perennial plant that has been developed as a popular vegetable and healthcare tea in southern China in recent years. In this study, we evaluated the nutritional quality of 13 different geographical L. chinense populations through a common-garden experiment. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in active components and nutrient elements among the populations. Principal component and clustering analyses showed that populations in the central China showed better integrated quality than the other populations; populations in southern China also showed good prospects for further development, having special characteristics such as high contents of amino acids, total flavonoids, and chlorogenic acid. Moreover, all the populations had much higher contents than most vegetables of flavonoids and of the mineral elements Fe, Se, Mn, and K. These results provide important information required for the development of L. chinense germplasm resources and to ensure the sustainable utilization of L. chinense.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Retinal Arterial Occlusion: Epidemiology, Clinical Approach, and Visual Outcomes
Authors: Lopes Ana Sofia , Basto Rita , Henriques Susana , Colaço Luísa , Costa e Silva Filomena , Prieto Isabel , Guerreiro Francisco
Published: December 2019

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with acute retinal artery occlusion (RAO). Secondarily, to analyse the epidemiology and the clinical approach. Methods. Retrospective study of 13 patients submitted to HBOT between 2013 and 2018. The analysed parameters consisted of: systemic history, time between symptoms onset and treatment, initial approach, number of HBOT sessions, complications of HBOT and best corrected visual acuity—BCVA (of the total sample, central RAO—CRAO—group, and branch RAO—BRAO group). Results. Arterial hypertension was the most prevalent systemic risk factor (53.8%). Initial therapies were 100% normobaric oxygen administration, topical and oral hypotensive medication, eye massage and aspirin. CRAO was observed in 69.2% and BRAO in 30.8% of the cases, with clinically significant visual improvement (a decrease in logMAR of 0.3) in 55.5% and 75%, respectively. Time between symptoms onset and treatment had a median of 9 hours. The median number of HBOT sessions was 7, without complications. Conclusions. HBOT provide BCVA improvement in patients with RAO, when it is performed in an early time after the symptom onset. It seems to be an effective and safe therapeutic option for a pathology that still remains without approved treatment.
Efficient Payload Compression in IP-based Wireless Sensor Network: Algorithmic Analysis and Implementation
Authors: Islam Md. Motaharul , Soualihou Ngnamsie N. , Siddiquee Arham A.
Published: December 2019

Due to its efficiency in end-to-end communication, wireless sensor network based on the Internet protocol (IP-WSN) is used for monitoring purposes. Nowadays, the concerned agencies are giving their highest priority to monitor its critical infrastructure. Infrastructure health monitoring is the measure of estimating the state of infrastructure health or detecting the changes in structures that affect its performance. The traditional approach to monitor the infrastructure health is done by using centralized data acquisition hub. Installation and commissioning of these systems represent significant concerns, thus moving toward IP-WSN. As cost effectiveness and energy efficiency are major concerns, our proposed approach is to reduce the amount of overhead while keeping the infrastructure health monitoring system accurate. Our contribution in this paper is to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted by compressing the payload of the packets. Thus, we have proposed a double compression algorithm. In this way, the capacity of the sensor node will be increased since less time will be taken to transmit data between the intermediate node as well as the coordinator node. As a consequence, it will also extend the lifetime of the battery.
Zagreb Connection Indices of Subdivision and Semi-Total Point Operations on Graphs
Authors: Tang Jiang-Hua , Ali Usman , Javaid Muhammad , Shabbir Khurram
Published: December 2019

Representation or coding of the molecular graphs with the help of numerical numbers plays a vital role in the studies of physicochemical and structural properties of the chemical compounds that are involved in the molecular graphs. For the first time, the modified first Zagreb connection index appeared in the paper by Gutman and Trinajstic (1972) to compute total electron energy of the alternant hydrocarbons, but after that, for a long time, it has not been studied. Recently, Ali and Trinajstic (2018) restudied the first Zagreb connection index ZC1, the second Zagreb connection index ZC2, and the modified first Zagreb connection index ZC1∗ to find entropy and acentric factor of the octane isomers. They also reported that the values provided by the International Academy of Mathematical Chemistry show better chemical capability of the Zagreb connection indices than the ordinary Zagreb indices. Assume that S1 and S2 denote the operations of subdivision and semitotal point, respectively. Then, the S-sum graphs Q1+QS2 are obtained by the cartesian product of SQ1 and Q2, where S∈S1,S2, Q1andQ2 are any connected graphs, and SQ1 is a graph obtained after applying the operation S on Q1. In this paper, we compute the Zagreb connection indices (ZC1, ZC2, and ZC1∗) of the S-sum graphs in terms of various topological indices of their factor graphs. At the end, as an application of the computed results, the Zagreb connection indices of the S-sum graphs obtained by the particular classes of alkanes are also included.
Análise semiótica do discurso de jovens brasileiros de perfis variados. Protagonismo e estratégias semióticas
Authors: Leite Daniel Carmona
Published: December 2019

Protagonismo é um termo cuja origem etimológica remonta à Antiguidade, sendo velho conhecido das disciplinas de análise literária. Sua aplicação contemporânea, em especial nos campos da educação e do trabalho, vem tendo uma grande difusão no mundo. Como abordar tal problemática a partir do instrumental teórico da Semiótica de linha francesa? A partir da proposta de Fontanille (2008), verificaremos sua interface, sobretudo, diante da relação existente entre objetivo e horizonte estratégico, analisando o discurso de jovens. Para exercitar a ambição levantada, analisaremos relatos orais de indivíduos brasileiros do sexo masculino. Quanto a seu perfil, temos: (A) jovens urbanos, residentes em São Paulo; (B) adolescentes que estavam cumprindo medidas socioeducativas em regime de semiliberdade em SP; e (C) jovens indígenas pertencentes à etnia xavante, residentes na T. I. Sangradouro (MT). Dentre os resultados encontrados, identificamos, em meio aos jovens em liberdade, a busca por trabalho unida ao convívio familiar, ao passo que, entre os jovens em semiliberdade, manifestaram-se objetivos mais dirigidos à obtenção de empregos pontuais e à recuperação de laços afetivos. No caso dos indígenas, os planejamentos para o futuro estão permeados, sobretudo, pelo empenho em garantir condições para o sustento e a continuidade de sua cultura.
Levando a linguagem a sério. O ensino de Língua Portuguesa a partir do texto
Authors: Coneglian Andre Vinicius Lopes
Published: December 2019

Um dos ingredientes para o ensino de língua materna eficiente é que os professores disponham das categorias e dos procedimentos analíticos para o trabalho com a linguagem. Este artigo defende que é no curso de Letras que os professores em formação inicial devem se familiarizar com as categorias e os procedimentos. Desse modo, este texto discute o papel das Ciências Linguísticas na formação do profissional de Letras a partir de três perguntas: (i) O que se propõe ensinar na educação básica? (ii) O que se deve pretender ensinar no curso de Letras? (iii) Como a linguística pode guiar o ensino de língua materna? Para responder a última pergunta, a perspectiva funcionalista da linguagem, como uma teoria que penetra na constituição dos textos, é posta no centro das reflexões, pois ela permite que a língua seja verificada e estudada em sua vivência, em sua manifestação real.
Ler e jogar no Inferno de Dante
Authors: Silveira Ana Paula Pinheiro da
Published: December 2019

Os modos de produção e recepção de textos vêm sendo alterados sob a influência das tecnologias digitais, demandando que a escola, como agência de letramento, indague sobre o seu trabalho com novas práticas de linguagem e sobre a consequência desse processo para o aprendizado da leitura e da escrita, que passa a envolver a multiplicidade de culturas, de semioses, e deve considerar os contextos sociais nos quais os alunos estão inseridos. A partir dessas reflexões, e com base no constructo teórico da semiótica discursiva (Greimas, Fontanille, 1993; Barros, 1997, 2002, 2008; Maietti, 2004; Fiorin, 2009), este estudo elege como objeto uma proposta de leitura da paixão do remorso na narrativa digital Dante’s Inferno, inspirada em A Divina Comédia, desenvolvida pela Visceral Games, em 2010, para as plataformas PlayStation3 e Xbox360. O objetivo é verificar como um grupo de alunos do Ensino Fundamental, por meio da mediação, compreende o percurso passional dos protagonistas da narrativa, ao mesmo tempo em que internaliza uma metodologia de análise do texto visual, tão importante para a construção de sentidos dos textos produzidos na contemporaneidade. Os resultados demonstram a importância de uso dos textos sincréticos, preconizados pela Base Nacional Comum Curricular (Brasil, 2017).
Os discursos sobre moral e civismo em livros da coleção Educar (1962) distribuídos a estudantes brasileiros da CEAA - Campanha de Educação de Adolescentes e Adultos (1947-1963)
Authors: Cuba Rosana Da Silva
Published: December 2019

O artigo tem como objetivo principal apresentar os discursos de moral e civismo presentes nos livros da Coleção Educar, Série Moral e Civismo, de autoria de Renato Sêneca Fleury e ilustrados por Fernando Pieruccetti, utilizados como livros didáticos na Campanha de Educação de Adolescentes e Adultos (CEAA), em vigência no Brasil de 1947 a 1963. A metodologia utilizada foi a Análise Crítica do Discurso (ACD), de Norman Fairclough, de modo a examinar os livros numa perspectiva tríplice, abarcando as dimensões textual, discursiva e de prática social. Ainda, consideramos as contribuições teóricas de Émile Durkheim, por meio dos conceitos de moral e moral cívica. Os livros Voto e Democracia; Direitos e Deveres do Cidadão Brasileiro; Como é bom trabalhar e O Espôso, a espôsa, os filhos (1962) apresentam uma moral cívica assentada em sistemas de crenças e costumes já existentes, como por exemplo, a fé católica: o cidadão deveria fazer de sua conduta enraizada solo fecundo para crescer em direção à democracia liberal da pátria brasileira que dependia da compreensão e da participação de seus filhos nos processos políticos e sociais decisórios e/ou constitutivos como as eleições e a arrecadação de impostos.
Semiótica e ensino. Possibilidades para o trabalho com leitura no Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Silva Fernanda Valeska Mendes da
Published: December 2019

Considerando que o ensino de leitura é um dos maiores desafios da escola brasileira, propomo-nos – em nossa pesquisa de mestrado – a realizar um estudo que contribuísse para uma abordagem eficaz do texto, no que diz respeito ao ensino e ao desenvolvimento de proficiência leitora em discentes do 9º ano. Para tanto, realizamos uma pesquisa-ação, à luz da teoria Semiótica de Algirdas Julien Greimas (linha francesa) e das estratégias de leitura propostas por Solé (1998). Neste artigo, apresentamos uma das atividades implementadas em uma turma de 9º ano do ensino fundamental, de uma escola pública do município de Igarapé-Açu, Pará. Os resultados comprovaram que, apesar de sua complexidade, a Semiótica se torna eficaz quando orientada didaticamente para o processamento dos sentidos nas atividades de leitura. Ademais, confirmou-se que, mesmo não sendo conhecida como uma teoria destinada ao ensino de leitura – sobretudo na educação básica – a Semiótica injeta na escola uma perspectiva diferente das utilizadas corriqueiramente pelos professores na sala de aula, configurando-se como mais uma possibilidade, enquanto recurso teórico-metodológico, para o ensino de leitura em contextos escolares.
O acontecimento estético em “Muitas vozes” de Ferreira Gullar
Authors: Abriata Vera Lúcia Rodella
Published: December 2019

Este artigo analisa o poema “Muitas vozes”, de Ferreira Gullar (2008), por meio dos pressupostos teóricos da Semiótica francesa. O objetivo é refletir sobre o modo como essa metodologia de análise discursiva pode contribuir para a apreensão da significação do texto poético. Focalizam-se as relações entre enunciação no enunciado e entre o plano de expressão e de conteúdo do poema com a finalidade de observar a forma como o enunciador narrador constrói o texto como um acontecimento estético, noção desenvolvida por A. J. Greimas em Da imperfeição (2002). Utilizam-se, ainda, a noção de acontecimento, desenvolvida por Claude Zilberberg (2006, 2007, 2011), e de semissimbolismo, estabelecida por Jean-Marie Floch (1985).
Interações, leituras e sentidos em tempos de fake news. Desafios para a formação de leitores no contexto escolar
Authors: Silva Luiza Helena Oliveira da
Published: December 2019

O trabalho discorre a respeito da produção e do consumo de notícias falsas intensificados pelo fenômeno contemporâneo do uso de redes sociais, que ampliam as fontes de informação e ao mesmo tempo comprometem a fidedignidade do que se enuncia como fato. A partir disso, são apresentadas reflexões acerca de implicações no campo da formação de leitores no contexto escolar. Em tempos de pós-verdade, a escola se vê diante do ensino de novas práticas de leitura, que incluem a formação de leitores críticos, capazes de ler o texto e seus entornos. Nessa direção, mobiliza-se a Semiótica Discursiva como teoria que tem muito a oferecer para as práticas didáticas, considerando a ampliação do horizonte de níveis de pertinência de análise que favorecem a compreensão dos processos implicados.
Contribuições da Semiótica às práticas de multiletramento
Authors: Sousa Silvia Maria de , Teixeira Lucia
Published: December 2019

O artigo toma como parâmetro teórico a Semiótica discursiva, teoria geral da significação, que favorece a abordagem de qualquer texto ou prática social por meio de instrumentos metodológicos consistentes, para refletir sobre os multiletramentos. Considera-se que tal conceito se assenta sobre dois eixos principais: as relações entre linguagens na produção de textos sincréticos e as práticas sociais em que são postos em circulação. Para exemplificar as possibilidades de análise e as contribuições para o ensino delas decorrentes, o artigo aborda, à luz dos níveis de pertinência propostos por Fontanille e do conceito de sincretismo, o ensino de leitura na escola, percorrendo diversos gêneros como notícia, capa de livro, blog, narrativa de aventuras e abaixo-assinado digital. A análise pretende contribuir para enfrentar os desafios impostos pelos textos, objetos e práticas contemporâneas ao ensino de leitura. Busca-se ainda intensificar o diálogo entre a semiótica e as teorias sobre ensino e multiletramentos.
Semiótica didática. Percurso histórico-conceitual de uma prática de análise
Authors: Portela Jean Cristtus
Published: December 2019

A semiótica didática nasceu no final dos anos 1970, entre propostas teóricas veiculadas nos Bulletins da Actes Sémiotiques. Em 1979, o texto fundador, “Pour une sémiotique didactique”, de Greimas, convidava os semioticistas a conceberem o texto didático e seu discurso enquanto programação – seleção dos conteúdos e da discursivização e da textualização dos enunciados didáticos – e persuasão – relações entre o enunciador e o enunciatário didáticos. Neste trabalho, propomos um estudo histórico-conceitual da constituição da semiótica didática enquanto conjunto de textos teóricos e de análise que possibilitam explicitar preocupações que fundamentam práticas de análises orientadas para a competencialização dos sujeitos em aprendizagem através da escolha de certos corpora e problemas de pesquisa, e de formas particulares de segmentar e analisar textos. No córpus analisado, dentro do período-chave de formação da semiótica discursiva com abertura a diferentes objetos (1970 a 1990), encontramos traços de uma prática de análise voltada essencialmente para a competência modal do enunciatário, sujeito a ser sensibilizado e guiado pela narrativa didática. Essa abordagem implica a escolha de um ponto de vista estratégico, centrado na persuasão e na irredutível assimetria de posições enunciativas, que situam a semiótica didática junto às semióticas da manipulação – discursos publicitário e político.
Prática didática e discurso de autoridade no livro paradidático. O peritexto como estratégia enunciativa
Authors: Schwartzmann Matheus Nogueira , Granato Flávia Furlan
Published: December 2019

O presente trabalho propõe uma reflexão sobre o discurso de autoridade instaurado em alguns peritextos de uma obra paradidática, buscando demonstrar como se organizam certas estratégias na construção do que podemos chamar de uma prática didática. Para Genette (2009) os peritextos são aqueles que estão inseridos no mesmo suporte do livro e acompanham a obra, fazendo parte integrante de seu sentido. São nos textos de advertência e de abertura da obra que, acreditamos, instaura-se, segundo bases estereotipadas da visão de ensino, uma relação polêmica e não contratual: quem ensina detém o saber; quem aprende não possui nenhum saber. Estabelecemos para a análise um livro paradidático voltado ao ensino de literatura, intitulado O poeta que fingia, parte da coleção “Meu amigo escritor”, organizada por Álvaro Cardoso Gomes, na Editora FDT. Para dar conta dessa reflexão, apoiamo-nos nos pressupostos teóricos da semiótica discursiva, nas reflexões de Jacques Fontanille (2008) sobre as práticas e os níveis de pertinência da análise semiótica, articuladas aqui à concepção de peritexto de Gérard Genette (2009), e, finalmente, na proposta de Jean Cristtus Portela (2008) para o estudo das práticas didáticas.
Conversion to Conversation: The Search for a Christian Imperative in the Public Sphere and the Discourse on Artificial Contraceptives in the Philippines
Authors: Lansang Liza Gabriela F.
Published: December 2019

This article looks at the politicization and framing of the issue of reproductive health (RH) in the Philippines and the advocacy work of faith-based organizations (FBOs) to influence public discourse and policy on artificial contraceptives. It studies the advocacy work of two FBOs, namely, Pro-Life Philippines and Couples for Christ, both of which participated in the oral arguments to amend the RH Law of 2012 based on their contentions that some artificial contraceptives were in fact abortifacients and that religious freedom can limit universal access to contraceptives. It addresses the role of religious reasons and ethics of citizenship of Christians in the public sphere of a liberal democracy. The author argues that the debate on artificial contraceptives, which deals with the question, “When does life begin?”, cannot be answered without a certain comprehensive belief. The participation of Pro-Life Philippines and Couples for Christ in the oral arguments contributed in the search for answers and protected diversity in Philippine democracy. These FBOs, however, have the moral obligation to respect other positions, while at the same time advocating amendments to the RH Law based on their beliefs. This is what the author calls the Christian Imperative. This civic virtue can be achieved through reflexive thinking and was seen in the kind of arguments Pro-Life Philippines and Couples for Christ brought to the debate, in other words, aiming for a theo-ethical equilibrium, i.e., having both religious reasons and secular ethical considerations for their support or repeal of public policy. To the extent that Pro-Life Philippines and Couples for Christ presented not only theological reasons, such as the inviolability of life, but also ethical reasons, such as some artificial contraceptives being abortifacients and religious freedom to limit universal access to contraceptives, the author posits that the beginnings of reflexive thinking can be seen on the side of these FBOs. The author also argues, however, that secular citizens must also learn to practice reflexive thinking to view religious arguments as legitimate in order for fruitful conversation to take place.
Agrarian Change and Rural Transformation in Tanzania: Ismani, Circa 1940-2010
Authors: Chuhila Maxmillian J.
Published: December 2019

Farming is a major sector of informal employment for more than 67 per cent of the active labour force in Tanzania. This means farming is of primary importance to the overall economy. Rural transformations and the future of agriculture in Tanzania depend mainly upon improved access to market outlets, guarantees on improved seeds, and availability of farm-loans. These are essential interventions to transform the rural sector despite the challenges it is facing. An overview of government interventions in rural development policy and activity is offered here by focusing on Ismani, part of the present-day Iringa District in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Agrarian change in Ismani through the 1940s to the 1970s depended upon government interventions on the one hand, and changes in the physical environment on the other. Initially during this period, Ismani became a national food granary in the 1970s as a result of government interventions. Then this progress turned upside down in the 1980s, when the development of Ismani took on a new dimension due to a rapid decline in maize productivity. In recent years, especially over the last two decades, Ismani has experienced recurrent food insecurity. Evidence of the drastic change emerges from reliance on archival sources, fieldwork interviews and secondary sources collected in 2012, 2013 and 2017. This paper explores the dynamics of maize farming in Ismani, to provide a detailed historical understanding of how a prosperous maize farming area can become, in the space of only a few years, an area which is now rife with localised food insecurity in many of its villages.
Determinants of Therapeutic Routes for Malaria Patients in Ivory Coast
Authors: N’goran Kone Lucie Florence , N’Dia Félix Anon , N’Goran Akissi Géneviève
Published: December 2019

Malaria patients in Ivory Coast pursue a wide variety of treatment routes, depending upon how they understand the aetiology of their illness, their association of illness with supernatural causes, their ability to afford standard consultation fees, their access to conventional health care facilities, and their confidence in traditional African therapies. This research took place in the context of the government’s policy of providing free management of ‘simple malaria’ for all. Working with four conventional doctors and four traditional African medical practitioners, treatment choices of 161 malaria patients were analysed at Kennedy-Clouétcha, a busy urban health care centre in Abidjan. Almost half (77) of the patients in the study cited mosquito bites, general poor health, and stagnant water sources as the causes of their malaria. A greater number of patients (84) indicated fatigue, sun exposure, mysticism, and diet as the cause. The scope of therapies sought by these patients covered conventional biomedical treatment, traditional African medicine, and prayer. When patients were not cured through methods of their first resort, they pursued second options for care. Despite the availability of free care in centrally located public health systems, the therapeutic trajectory of many patients diverted away from conventional treatment. The data suggests that a patient’s orientation away from the conventional biomedical model may be best explained by confusions surrounding the diagnostic label ‘simple malaria’.
English Features in Kiswahili Social Media
Authors: Malangwa Pendo S.
Published: December 2019

All languages are transformed to some extent by other languages with which they are regularly in contact. Some languages are regarded as ‘developed’ insofar as they function as the dominant mode of communication in economically developed countries (e.g. in North America and Europe). The dominant speech communities of rich economies transmit new innovations and discoveries globally, which are then translated into languages described as ‘developing’ because their use is chiefly restricted to so-called economically developing nations, such as Tanzania. In this respect, English counts among the world’s developed languages while Kiswahili is regarded as a developing language. Despite the general tendency to translate new expressions fully into a targeted developing language, there is evidence of foreign structures in Kiswahili when it is used in social media. This article analyses the English syntactic, morphological, phonological and lexical features of Kiswahili appearing in electronic platforms including WhatsApp, personal blogs (e.g. Michuziblogspot) and online social forums (e.g. Jamii Forum). This primary data is then analysed through back translation.
Beyond Hermes: Metaphysics in a New Key
Authors: Mukandi Bryan
Published: December 2019

The following pages engage a hermeneutic approach to African philosophy, focusing on the work of Tsenay Serequeberhan. At the heart of the discussion is the question of where to locate such an approach in the existing philosophical literature. Does this way of working render African philosophy a European enterprise? Giving an affirmative response, the writings of Paulin Hountondji, which draw upon Husserlian phenomenology, are taken up as an alternative response to questions raised here about the meaning and methods of hermeneutics. Ultimately, however, this perspective is also set aside. Instead, suggestions are put forward for the markers around which a contemporary African metaphysics, which is both restorative and creative, might be pursued.
Development of the Intelligent Core of Vehicles’ Technical Inspection Management System
Authors: Byuvol Polina Aleksandrovna , Gabsalikhova Larisa Mukhamatzakiyevna , Makarova Irina Viktorovna , Mukhametdinov Eduard Mukhamatzakievch
Published: December 2019

The efficiency of road transport is based on the reliability of the vehicle fleet, as well as the safety of its operation, which is ensured by the timely diagnosis of faults and the quality of maintenance and related repairs. Despite constant technical progress in the field of automotive
industry, creation of technological equipment for maintenance and repair of the vehicle fleet, as well as new reasonable approaches to operation, the problem of developing an integrated system for managing the operation of road transport in order to ensure road safety remains urgent. In addition
to the collection, storage and primary data processing module, such a system should include a specialized decision support module. In this regard, the scientific goal of the work is formulated—the development of an intelligent core for the management system for vehicles’ technical
inspection. The mathematical model of the functioning of the technical inspection point is based. On its basis, the simulation model is constructed. The goal function is the amount of revenue from the provision of technical inspection and subsequent repair, minus losses due to equipment and
workers idle time. A planfactor computer experiment was conducted, the number of repair workers, diagnostic lines, workers on the diagnostic lines that provide the maximum of the goal function were found.
Calculation of the Geometrical Parameters of the Heat Exchanger Type “Pipe in Pipe” with a Spiral-Coiled Channel
Authors: Vorontsova Valeriya Leonidovna , Bagoutdinova Alfiya Gizzetdinovna , Galemzianov Almaz Fernandovich
Published: December 2019

The designs of the modern type of twisting devices include spring-twisted channels, which to use as innovative heat exchange elements of tubular apparatuses. The paper presents a method for determining the equivalent diameter of the tube and intertubular space in a heat exchanger apparatus
of the type “tube-in-tube” with a spring-twisted channel which composed of tori closely adjacent to each other. Based on the integral calculus, formulas are obtained for calculating the equivalent diameters of the tube and annular space in a tube-in-tube apparatus with a spring-twisted
channel. The results of experiments on heat transfer are generalized by criterial equations, in which the equivalent diameter is used as the characteristic size. It is shown that the equivalent diameters of the examined channels differ from each other by no more than 5%. The results of this
work can be used in the design and calculations of promising heat exchangers with intensified heat transfer.
Potential Influence of Bilingualism on the Development of Abstract Thinking
Authors: Zaripova Rinata R. , Salekhova Leila L. , Grigorieva Ksenia S. , Azrou Nadia
Published: December 2019

When studying the effect of individual bilingualism on the academic achievements of bilingual students in mathematics, many researchers emphasize the potential difficulties they are experiencing. Currently, a large number of various researches are devoted to studying the possible cognitive
advantages of students associated with bilingualism. This paper uses an alternative approach based on the hypothesis that bilingualism gives students an advantage when solving complex abstract mathematical problems. The results of a pedagogical experiment conducted among first-year students
of the Institute of Philology and Intercultural Communication at Kazan (Volga) Federal University give grounds to consider this hypothesis to be correct. They prove the assumption that bilinguals can better understand the meaning of symbols than monolinguals. There is a clear advantage of
bilingual students in performing complex symbolic mathematical tasks. This advantage may be due to the fact that bilingual participants have more developed abstract-symbolic thinking. The results of the pedagogical experiment can also be explained by group differences in operating control
or in the socio-economic status of the participants. Consideration of alternative explanations for the results of the pedagogical experiment will be the subject of further research.
Usage of Simulating in Improving the Management of Maintenance and Repair at the Transportation Company
Authors: Gabsalikhova Larisa Mukhamatzakiyevna , Byuvol Polina Aleksandrovna , Makarova Irina Viktorovna
Published: December 2019

Vehicle maintenance plays an important role in the activities of the transportation company. It is an integral part of company operation. The timeliness of the vehicle maintenance of largely depends on the adopted management system of their application for service. The article is devoted
to the issues of ensuring the rational functioning of a transportation companion the basis of the development and implementation of an information system for managing the vehicle maintenance and repair. In developing the maintenance management information system, we proceeded from the possibility
of qualitatively and effectively implementing the general goal of the technical operation subsystem. It consists in maintaining fleet performance and the need for developing recommendations on the implementation of measures aimed at ensuring quality and timely maintenance. A simulation model
of the transportation company has been built. A plan-factor computer experiment was carried out, which allowed finding such parameter values (the number of repair workers, the age structure of the fleet, the permissible variation of the established maintenance frequency) that ensure a minimum
of the goal function—the cost of the fleet operating. On the basis of the data obtained as a result of the simulating, it is possible to make recommendations on the rational management of the fleet maintenance system.
Microbiological and Geochemical Problems of Urban Areas with Abundant Dispersed Rocks
Authors: Khansivarova Nadezda M. , Kostyuk Yuri N. , Kharchuk Vladislav V.
Published: December 2019

Aim. The study of microbiological and geochemical processes occurring in the soil strata, composed of dispersed rocks, when they are in contact with the liquid wastes of industrial production in the city of Rostov-On-Don. The most important problems connected with chemical industrial
pollution of the geological environment of urban territories situabed in the regions of dispersed rocks deposit evolution are discussed. Methods. Dispersed rocks of the European part of the south of Russia are investigated by the method of laboratory modeling. Results. Olt is
shown that technogenic chemical elements entering geological environment with liquid industrial wastes not only worsen ecological state of the environment maintaining existence, but the are a factor of structure formation of dispersed rocks; they also can be a source of feeding for microorganisms,
and hence, make more active microbiogeochemical reactions in dispersion ground strata. The number ahd composition of microflora of dispersion rocks are experimentally studied. The assessment of the possible effect of microbiological processes occurring in dispersed rocks on their engineer
and geological properties is given. Findings. Chemical pollution of masses that are composed of dispersed rocks, on urban ecosystems and its intensity are the result of waste water infiltration and chemical activity of dispersion rocks. It leads to the development of engineer and geochemical
processes disturbing physical–chemical and biogeochemical equilibrium in dispersed thickness and homeostasis of natural-technical system on the whole, that can worsen conditions of man vital activity as well. The assessment of the presumable influence of microbiological processes occurring
in areas with dispersed rocks on the engineering-geological properties of the composing rocks has been given in the paper. These problems are urgent for all urbanized territories formed by the massives of dispersed rocks.
Efficiency Analysis of the Geological-Technical Activities in Severo-Ostrovnoe Field
Authors: Pogrebnaya I. A. , Mikhailova S. V.
Published: December 2019

The work is devoted to identifying the most relevant geological and technical measures carried out in Severo-Ostrovnoe field from the period of its development to the present. Every year dozens of geotechnical jobs (GJ) are carried out at each oil field-works carried out at wells to
regulate the development of fields and maintain target levels of oil production. Today, there are two production facilities in the development of the Severo-Ostrovnoe field: UV1a1 and BV5. With the help of geotechnical jobs, oil-producing enterprises
ensure the fulfillment of project indicators of field development (Mikhailov, N.N., 1992. Residual Oil Saturation of Reservoirs Under Development. Moscow, Nedra. p.270; Good, N.S., 1970. Study of the Physical Properties of Porous Media. Moscow, Nedra. p.208). In total, during
the development of the Severo-Ostrovnoe field, 76 measures were taken to intensify oil production and enhance oil recovery. 12 horizontal wells were drilled (HW with multistage fracking (MSF)), 46 hydraulic fracturing operations were performed, 12 hydraulic fracturing operations were performed
at the time of withdrawal from drilling (HW with MSF), five sidetracks were cut; eight physic-chemical BHT at production wells; five optimization of well operation modes. The paper analyzes the performed geological and technical measures at the facilities: UV1a1∦BV5
of the Severo-Ostrovnoe field. Four types of geological and technical measures were investigated: hydraulic fracturing, drilling of sidetracks with hydraulic fracturing, drilling of horizontal wells with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, and physic-chemical optimization of the bottom-hole
formation zone. It was revealed that two geotechnical jobs, namely, formation hydraulic fracturing (FHF) and drilling of lateral shafts in the Severo-Ostrovnoe field are the most highly effective methods for intensifying reservoir development and increasing oil recovery. SXL was conducted
at 5 wells. The average oil production rate is 26.6 tons per day, which is the best indicator. Before this event, the production rate of the well was 2.1 tons per day. Currently, the effect of ongoing activities continues.
Investigating the Position of Color in the Urban Townscape (Case Study: Mashhad, Imam Reza Street)
Authors: Yavari Morteza , Afkham Mohammad Rezaei , Dehghaninejad Zeinab
Published: December 2019

Nowadays, we observe our cities turbulent and unorganized in respect to color. Inconsistent locating of the buildings along with each other, the use of inhomogeneous colors, and the lack of attention to the psychological properties of colors have created the spaces in cities that are
not compatible with the spirit of human and we do not feel relaxation in them any longer. This article is an attempt to express the importance of color theme and how to handle and use it in the city. Imam Reza Street has taken a kind of visual contamination in urban townscape due to the lack
of appropriate color harmony. Color inconsistency and heterogeneity in the street walls of this street has created turmoil in the urban townscape; by using appropriate color in the street townscape it can be made a coordinated and rhythmic view, and a general unity and solidarity can be created
in the city and make a favorable, appropriate, and more lively townscape of the city. The research method in this article is descriptive-analytical and data collection is in the form of a library-field method. To select a field, a part of Imam Reza Street (between 15th Khordad Square to Basij
Square) was selected and extracting colored layers of street was performed through the RGB system by the aid of Photoshop software; then by using the Kil Hong’s Matrix, the elements composing the color in the street were analyzed, and the criteria and solutions were presented for planning
in respect of the correct use of color in the urban townscape; finally, some plans were locally performed on several samples of the images taken from the street to illustrate the desired plan.
Driving an Entrepreneurial Mindset and Intentions Through Entrepreneurial Education in Thailand with the Mediation of Entrepreneurial Inspiration
Authors: Phrakhruopatnontakitti
Published: December 2019

This research was intended to examine the influence of “EE” (Entrepreneurial Education) on learners’ “EM” (Entrepreneurial Mindsets) in higher-education in Thailand. Utilizing a mediating model, the present study focuses “Entrepreneurial Mindset”
as a new effect of entrepreneurial learning or education and states the lack of study on the association among entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial mindsets. Relied on 267 respondents from various campuses in Thailand, this paper demonstrated that the effect of entrepreneurship education
on entrepreneurial mindsets is significant. Entrepreneurial education considerably enriched the entrepreneurial inspiration of students, which in-turn, supported the creation of learners’ entrepreneurial mindset. At a significant level, entrepreneurial inspiration as well as mediated
the effect of entrepreneurship education on EM. The involvement and intention of students’ in EE create a significant effect on their EM which favors the role of learning experience in the EE and EE connection. This paper results also contribute to theories of EE and EM and mainly to
the comprehension of not just either, though as well as how EE impacts EM in the settings of higher educational institutions. The consequences of the current paper can support to notify the forthcoming assessment and design of the programs of EE.