bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
«Диалогичность» как семантическая и семиотическая динамика литературного текста
Authors: Кроо Каталин
Published: July 2016

The article entitled “Dialogism as the Semantic and Semiotic Dynamic of the Literary Text (Literary Semiotics in the Context of Linguistics and Linguistic Communication)” investigates the question of the possibility and importance attached to the definiton and differentiation of the semantic and semiotic aspects and modes of literary text-formulation. This question is raised through the examination and by putting into correlation the semantic and semiotic text-developmental processes in terms of the dynamic nature of the literary work, revealing itself in semantic and semiotic dialogues. To functionally define this kind of dialogical semantic and semiotic communication, the resarch works out a theoretical framework for the interpretation with the starting point being Benveniste’s conceptualisation of the semiotic and semantic. The article tries to reconstruct a broader context for the Benvenistian terms and concepts, on the one hand, involving parallel reading of his The Semiology of Language and Voloshinov/Bakhtin’s Marxism and the Philosophy of Language, and, on the other, relying on the extension of the Bakhtinian interpretative contexts for the concept of dialogue. In this process, the opposition of the semiotic and semantic is eliminated, being transformed into the poetological principle of intersemiotic meaning-generation in the literary text. To convert theory into practice, a brief close reading sample is offered from Lermontov’s novel A Hero of Our Time.
О типах ритма и приемах ритмовки в русском языке
Authors: Москвин Василий
Published: July 2016

The present paper provides a critical analysis of the controversial moments of the theory of speech rhythm as well as the history of the issue. The author classifies the types of rhythm and the basic ways of rhythmization. The definition of rhythm is also specified, and the sources for the inner rhythm relevant for accentual syllabics (e.g. foot-based segmentation, caesura, etc.) are considered. In the second part of the paper, the typology of caesuras and the means to mark them is presented.
Die Bedeutung von László Hadrovics im Bereich der kroatistischen Philologie
Authors: Vig István
Published: July 2016

The present paper is a narrower cross-section of the very rich contribution to Croatistics by the Hungarian linguist László Hadrovics (1910–1996). It presents the findings of his research entailing the contact between the Hungarian and the Croatian languages, the Croatian literary language in Burgenland (former Western Hungary) as well as his findings in etymological studies. Hadrovics was a prominent, internationally acknowledged linguist of his time. His great achievements are marked by the richness in data and by the numerous novel methodological approaches applied in his monograph on the words of Hungarian origin in the Serbo-Croatian language. His book served as a pattern to a great number of successive publications. His work on the Croatian literary language in Burgenland, among others, publishes its first dictionary of this kind. As far as his etymological studies are concerned, the renewal of his research methods is of prominent interest. Hadrovics broke up with the practice of earlier etymological research which was based on using dictionary entries. The author went back to the sources themselves, which yielded much more reliable results. With his new approach, he gained outstanding results, even on an international level.
Украинская этносимволика из области растительного мира (лингвокультурологический аспект)
Authors: Савченко А. В. , Хмелевский М. С.
Published: July 2016

This paper analyzes the main connotative components of national symbols of the Ukraine, which have found a reflection in the Ukrainian mentality, images as well as in the language (in folklore, idioms, proverbs, etc.). These connotative components contain in their structure floristic elements, i.e. the names of different trees and flowers. From time immemorial, trees and flowers have served as different symbols (e.g. state, religious), and they have been an essential part of many human cultures. The paper presents the main floristic symbols of the Ukraine (compared to Russian symbols) and their reflection in the Ukrainian mentality and language on the idiomatic and metaphorical levels.
Neka zapažanja o etnojezičkoj situaciji u dvojezičnim makedonsko-albanskim selima u regionu Prespa: fenomen Arvati
Authors: Makarova A. L.
Published: July 2016

This paper provides an analysis of the language situation in the villages of the multi-ethnic Prespa region (Republic of Macedonia): Krani and Arvati. The language situation in these villages appears to be especially noteworthy in juxtaposition with the general language situations in Republic of Macedonia. Interestingly, the local bilingualism has no religion restrictions, so Orthodox Macedonians master Albanian language, which is unusual for other Macedonian regions. The most significant features of the Prespa language situation are the following: 1) a relatively high degree of linguistic competence of Macedonian informants in the Albanian language; 2) the young age of second language acquisition; 3) the use of the Albanian language as a primary means of communication within the village; 4) the absence of code-mixing in the narrative.
Independent Evolution of Acetolactate Synthase–inhibiting Herbicide Resistance in WeedySorghumPopulations across Common Geographic Regions
Authors: Werle Rodrigo , Begcy Kevin , Yerka Melinda K. , Mower Jeffrey P. , Dweikat Ismail , Jhala Amit J. , Lindquist John L.
Published: July 2016

Traditional breeding has been used to develop grain sorghum germplasm that is tolerant to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides (Inzen Technology, DuPont). Inzen sorghum carries a double mutation in the ALS gene (Val560Ile and Trp574Leu), which confers high level of tolerance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides. Overreliance on ALS-inhibiting herbicides for weed control during the 1990s resulted in the evolution of ALS inhibitor–resistant shattercane populations in Nebraska. According to a survey conducted in 2013, ALS inhibitor–resistant weedySorghumpopulations persist in Nebraska. The objectives of this research were to determine whether the ALS mutations present in Inzen sorghum were present in the ALS inhibitor–resistant shattercane and johnsongrass populations detected in Nebraska and northern Kansas, and whether these populations evolved ALS resistance independently. Primers specific to the Val560and Trp574region of the ALS gene were used to screen the populations with PCR. The Trp574Leu mutation was present in one ALS inhibitor–resistant johnsongrass population. The Val560Ile was detected in three ALS inhibitor–resistant shattercane, one susceptible shattercane, one ALS inhibitor–resistant johnsongrass, and one susceptible johnsongrass population. Moreover, Val560Ile was present in resistant and/or susceptible individuals within johnsongrass and shattercane populations that were segregating for ALS resistance, indicating that by itself the Val560Ile mutation does not confer resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides. None of the populations presented both mutations simultaneously, as does Inzen sorghum. A shattercane population containing the Ser653Thr mutation was also detected. This research indicates that the ALS mutations present in Inzen sorghum already exist individually in weedy sorghum populations. Moreover, our results present strong evidence that ALS resistance in these populations evolved independently. Thus, widespread overreliance on ALS-inhibiting herbicides prior to adoption of glyphosate-tolerant crops in the 1990s exerted sufficient selective pressure on shattercane and johnsongrass populations for resistance to evolve multiple times in the Midwest. Finally, a survey of the 5′ portion of the ALS gene in more diverse wild and weedySorghumspecies was hampered by limited coverage in genomic resequencing surveys, suggesting that refined PCR-based methods will be needed to assess SNP variation in this gene region, which includes the Ala122, Pro197, and Ala205codons known to confer ALS resistance in other species.
Case study of a hybrid gabion basket geosynthetic reinforced soil wall
Authors: Simac M. R. , Bathurst R. J. , Fennessey T. W.
Published: July 2016

This paper describes the design and construction of the first hybrid MSE wall for a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) project in the USA that used a combination of rock-filled gabion baskets and geogrid reinforcement. The wall was used to stabilize an encapsulated pyritic rock fill deposit that formed a highway embankment on a long steep mountain side slope. The paper describes a unique set of project constraints that led to the final design and gives details of the analysis methods that were employed to ensure a stable and environmentally safe project. The paper also describes the specialized laboratory testing that was carried out to ensure that the connection formed between the gabion baskets and reinforcement was adequate.
Properties of cement-treated soils in Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway project
Authors: Tatsuoka F. , Uchida K. , Imai K. , Ouchi T. , Kohata Y.
Published: July 2016

Four types of ground improvement by cement-treatment were used for the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway project, which is now under way. In the first two methods, either a slurry mixture of sand, cement and sea water with some clay or a mixture of sand and cement in a rather dry state is produced in a vessel. The ‘slurry’ mixture was placed underwater using tremmie pipes, to construct fill embankments. Anti-segregation chemical adhesive was added to the ‘dry’ mixture immediately before placing underwater by using a special large diameter chute. In the other two methods, existing soft clay deposits were mixed in situ to considerable depths with cement slurry having either a high or a low cement content. The strength and deformation characteristics of undisturbed samples were obtained from test fills, and full-scale fill embankments constructed using cement-treated sand and existing soft clay deposits improved by mixing in situ with cement slurry. They were tested by an advanced triaxial testing method. Axial strains for a range less than 0·001% to about 1% were measured locally. The elastic stiffness obtained from triaxial tests using the least disturbed samples was comparable with that from field seismic surveys. Strength and stiffness of these cement-treated soils are similar to those of typical natural sedimentary soft rocks.
Seismic design of reinforced-earth and soil-nailed structures
Authors: Choukeir M. , Juran I. , Hanna S.
Published: July 2016

Soil-nailed and reinforced-earth structures are systems that are coherent and flexible. Therefore, they offer inherent advantages in withstanding large deformations and, as illustrated by post-earthquake observations on soil-nailed retaining structures and reinforced earth walls, they present high resistance to earthquake loading. Owing to these advantages soil-nailed and reinforced-earth structures offer a valuable and cost-effective technical solution for geotechnical construction in seismic zones. However, to date, only limited studies have been conducted to evaluate the dynamic response of these structures. This paper presents the development and experimental evaluation of kinematical pseudo-static working stress analysis approach for the seismic design of soil-nailed and reinforced-earth walls with inextensible metallic reinforcement. The proposed method is derived as an extension of the kinematical working-stress approach developed for the design of reinforced-earth and soil-nailed structures subjected to self-weight static loading. It provides an estimate of the seismic loading effect on the location and magnitude of maximum tension and shear forces developed in the reinforcements under working stress conditions. The method is evaluated through comparisons with experimental results of shaking-table tests on semi-scale reinforcedearth model walls and centrifugal soil-nailed model tests. The predictions of the method are also compared with numerical simulations of semi-scale shaking-table model test results. Finally, comparisons between the proposed method and currently available pseudo-static design methods are presented with preliminary conclusions with regard to design practice.
Consolidation model for organic soils
Authors: Meyer Z.
Published: July 2016

A one-dimensional, non-linear consolidation model for organic soils is presented in this paper. The model includes the change of soil parameters caused by this process. A mathematical description of oedometric tests for organic soils and a method for interpretation of the results is discussed. The model presented here can be applied to the prediction of consolidation in weak soils (peats).
State of the art in deep mixing technology: part II. Applications
Authors: Porbaha A. , Tanaka H. , Kobayashi M.
Published: July 2016

In this series of articles, the aim is to present the latest advancements in research, development, and practical issues related to deep mixing technology. The first article examined the basic concepts, definitions, classifications, and historical developments. This article emphasizes various application areas in which deep mixing technology has been applied. A number of case histories are compiled for each application to illustrate various functions of the technology.
Development of the smear zone around vertical band drains
Authors: Indraratna B. , Redana I. W.
Published: July 2016

This study describes the effect of smear on the settlements of soft clay foundations which have been improved by installation of vertical drains. The smear zone propagation around a band-shaped drain was monitored using a large, radial drainage consolidometer. The test results reveal that a significant reduction in the horizontal permeability takes place towards the central drain, whereas the vertical permeability remains relatively unchanged. The estimated smear zone was about 3–4 times the cross-section area of the band-shaped drain (mandrel). In the analysis, the classical axisymmetric solution for consolidation by vertical drain has been converted into an equivalent 2D plane strain analysis. The plain strain model is subsequently applied to a number of embankments stabilized with vertical drains. It is revealed that the inclusion of smear effects improves the settlement prediction significantly.
Lateral and cyclic responses of model piles in electrically treated clay
Authors: El Naggar M. H. , Abdel-Meguid M. A. , Shang J. Q.
Published: July 2016

An innovative technique to improve the capacity of piles installed in soft clayey soils using high-voltage electrokinetics was investigated in the present study. A largescale testing facility was established to execute the treatment and perform loading tests on the model piles. Eight steel pipe piles were installed in two identical cylinders filled with simulated marine sediment. Five electrically insulated electrodes were installed close to the piles to develop a non-uniform electric field in the test cylinder. Negative DC voltages of −20, −30 and −10 kV were applied in three phases for 33 days in the treatment cylinder. Lateral and cyclic lateral loading tests were performed, and the results were compared for both cylinders after each phase of treatment. The pile response was presented in terms of the experimental load–deflection curves. It was observed that the lateral capacity increased 81, 60 and 12% after the first, second and third treatment phases, respectively. The pile stiffnesses increased, and the displacements at the peak amplitude of the cyclic load decreased, due to the treatment. The improvement in the cyclic performance of the piles was evaluated in terms of the change of the soil degradation factors. The soil degradation factor increased 4·6, 14·6 and 2% after the first, second and third treatment phases, respectively.
Evaluation of silty sand as a material for sand compaction piles and applications
Authors: Bergado D. T. , Lin D. G. , Nakamura M.
Published: July 2016

Two types of sand compaction pile (SCP) model tests have been carried out to investigate the engineering properties of locally available and low-quality sand in Thailand as well as its suitability for SCP construction materials. The SCP model tests were performed using drop hammer compaction in one case and vibrator compaction in another. The sand samples used in this study were taken from three sources: the Kampengsen, Ayutthaya and Chonburi areas in Thailand. These samples were compacted at three different densities: 60, 70 and 90%. The cone penetration test and standard penetration test were conducted in each set-up under an overburden pressure of 100 kPa. Laboratory tests were also performed to determine the corresponding physical and engineering properties of the three sand samples so as to provide comparison with the results of the field model tests. It was found that these locally available and low-quality sands exhibited satisfactory engineering properties, and can therefore be used as construction materials for SCPs. Moreover, empirical relationships have been derived between ϕ values and SPT N values. Finally, the test results were successfully applied in an example calculation.
The behaviour of a fibre-reinforced cemented soil
Authors: Consoli N. C. , Prietto P. D. M. , Ulbrich L. A.
Published: July 2016

Triaxial compression tests with internal measurement of deformation and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to evaluate the effect of randomly distributed glass fibre reinforcement and cement content on the response of a sandy soil to load. Cemented specimens were prepared with cement contents varying from 0 to 5% by weight of dry soil and cured for 7 days. The fibre length was 12·8 mm, varying in a content from 0 to 3% by weight of dry soil. The cementation itself notably increased in stiffness and peak strength, while fibre inclusion increased both residual and peak strength and reduced stiffness, changing the behaviour of the cemented soil from brittle to more ductile. Peak strength envelopes indicated that the friction angle was increased from 35 to 41° as a result of cementation and 46° as a consequence of fibre inclusion. However, the peak cohesion intercept was unchanged after fibre addition, being a function only of cementation.
Micropiles: the state of practice. Part II: design of single micropiles and groups and networks of micropiles
Authors: Juran I. , Bruce D. A. , Dimillio A. , Benslimane A.
Published: July 2016

This series of papers summarizes the research project initiated in 1993 by the US Federal Highway Administration to review the state of practice, case studies and design methods of micropile group systems. Following a brief description of the recently adopted classification system for micropile design previously outlined by Bruce et al. (1997) (part 1), this paper (part 2) presents a summary of recommendations for the design of single micropiles and groups and networks of micropiles for selected engineering applications, including direct structural support and in situ soil reinforcement. Preliminary estimates of the ultimate axial and lateral capacity of micropiles, as outlined by different authors, are presented first. Design guidelines which have been developed generally through observations on full-scale testing and field experiences are discussed with regard to cohesionless soils, cohesive soils and rocks. Group and network effects are investigated and preliminary conclusions are presented along with proposed design guidelines for micropile groups. Existing analytical approaches are evaluated through comparisons with experimental data obtained by different investigators on the engineering behaviour of micropile groups and reticulated micropile networks under different loading conditions.
Electrokinetic stabilization of kaolinite by injection of Al and PO43− ions
Authors: Ozkan S. , Gale R. J. , Seals R. K.
Published: July 2016

Stabilization of a kaolinite bed by the electrochemical injection of aluminium and phosphate ions has been investigated. Electrical gradients of 2 V/cm or less constituted the predominant driving force for ion transport under a 433 µA/cm2 constant direct current density. The changes in the kaolinite properties and pore fluid characteristics due to electrokinetic treatment were analysed. Average increases in undrained shear strength of 500–600% were observed for phosphoric acid and aluminium sulfate/phosphoric acid treatments of the kaolinite. Electrokinetic processing caused an average increase of 30% in the Atterberg limits. It is hypothesized that injection of phosphate and aluminium ions into the kaolinite specimens modified the pore fluid, leading to an increase in shear strength by ion exchange and precipitation mechanisms. However, the strength increase observed was not homogeneous throughout the specimen.
Vacuum consolidation of soda-ash tailings
Authors: Shang J. Q. , Zhang J.
Published: July 2016

The Solvay process, widely used in industrial production of soda ash, generates a large quantity of tailings. The tailings consist of fine solids suspended in alkaline water that remain in a loose state, causing environmental concerns. An alternative solution for the management of sodaash tailings is presented in this paper, that is, the use of a vacuum pre-loading technique to consolidate the tailings so that they can be used as a foundation material in industrial sites. This paper presents the procedure and results of vacuum pre-loading consolidation of soda-ash tailings in a field trial. A vacuum pressure of approximately 90 kPa was applied to a 45 × 45 m area to a depth of 8 m via prefabricated vertical drains. The results showed that after 66 days of vacuum pre-loading treatment, the water content of the soda-ash tailings was reduced by 12·3% to 42·4%. Also, densification was shown by changes in void ratio, unit weight and settlement. The tailings were consolidated to a material with the undrained shear strength ranging from 22·3 to 34·4 kPa, compared with the initial value of 7·1–14·5 kPa. The allowable bearing capacity of the tailings reached 120 kPa as tested from the static loading plate test. The vacuum pre-loading method has shown to be a fast, effective and economically feasible alternative for in situ consolidation of soda-ash tailings.
Ten year follow-up study of airfoam-treated lightweight soil
Authors: Watabe Yoichi , Saegusa Hiroyuki , Shinsha Hiroshi , Tsuchida Takashi
Published: July 2016

Airfoam-treated lightweight soil is lightweight and provides for the early age development of shear strength and effective utilisation of dredged soils. This paper summarises a 10 year follow-up study of the lightweight soils that were placed as backfill at the seawall in Kobe Port Island and Tokyo International airport. These two sites are the early case examples of constructions undertaken in 1996 including the recovery project after the Kobe earthquake disaster and the offshore expansion project of the Tokyo International airport. Sampling and laboratory testing were carried out to investigate the physical and mechanical properties in order to compare the initial material condition. The depth profiles of the soil parameters such as bulk density, water content, pH, calcium content, shear strength, needle penetration resistance, compressive yield stress and compression index were examined. Consequently, it was confirmed that the physical and mechanical properties of the airfoam-treated lightweight soil satisfied their required performance criteria, indicating that the lightweight soil had sufficient durability for use as geomaterial for construction in coastal areas.
Non-axisymmetric response of piles in low-strain integrity testing
Authors: Zheng C. , Liu H. , Ding X. , Kouretzis G. P. , Sloan S. W. , Poulos H. G.
Published: July 2016

Low-strain testing of piles is routinely performed by striking the pile head with a small hand-held hammer, usually aiming for the pile centre, and measuring the vertical velocity response by means of a receiver placed also on the pile head. In practice, however, it is impossible for the operator to perfectly align the point of impact with the pile centre, as existing solutions for the interpretation of the velocity measurements assume. In the general case where the impact load is eccentric, the wave field is no longer axisymmetric with respect to the pile axis and waves resulting from the hammer impact can propagate along the vertical, radial and circumferential directions. This is taken into consideration in the analytical solution presented in this note, which provides the non-axisymmetric dynamic response of a pile to an impact load applied at an arbitrary position on the pile head. Arithmetic examples are used to depict the three-dimensional non-axisymmetric vibration characteristics of the soil–pile system, with emphasis on the effect of the eccentricity of the impact load on the optimal position of the receiver, the identification of which is essential for obtaining meaningful results from low-strain integrity tests.
Briefing: Learning from vibro stone column failures
Authors: Serridge Colin J.
Published: July 2016

Much can be learnt about the behaviour of vibro stone column reinforced soils by undertaking a forensic examination of case histories of ‘unsatisfactory performance’, or what might be termed ‘failures’ in some applications and by identifying the main causes; it is not unusual for there to be more than one cause. Back analysis of such data provides an opportunity for greater insight into mechanisms that patently cannot be examined in successful case histories and also makes an important contribution to the advancement of both design and understanding, in addition to more effectively identifying and managing risk.
Physico-geotechnical properties of peat and its stabilisation
Authors: Kolay Prabir K. , Rahman Md Aminur
Published: July 2016

This paper describes the physical and geotechnical properties of tropical peat treated with different types of stabilisers. Fly ash (FA), quicklime (QL) and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) were used as stabilisers. The amount of FA, QL and OPC added to the peat samples was in the range of 5–20, 2–8 and 5–20%, respectively. Various physical and geotechnical tests have been conducted to characterise the peat samples. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted on untreated and treated peat samples. The results show that the UCS value increases with the increase of all stabilisers used and with the curing period. The UCS tests were also conducted on the peat samples with a combination of waste FA and QL to study the combined effects of the stabilisers. This research established different correlations between the physical and geotechnical properties of original peat and UCS results on treated peat samples with different types of stabilisers. Geotechnical engineers can refer to these correlations to determine the bearing capacity of treated peat for long-term curing periods. In addition, scanning electron microscopic studies were conducted on original/untreated and treated peat samples to investigate the microstructure of the samples.
Field testing of permeation grouting using microfine cement
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuyoshi , Nishihara Satoshi , Oji Shusuke , Kanazawa Tomohiro , Nishie Shunsaku , Seko Ichiro , Hyodo Taichi , Tsukamoto Yoshimichi
Published: July 2016

Field tests are conducted on permeation grouting of ultra-microfine cement to examine whether zones of improved soil of a sufficient size can be created economically in sand deposits, which would be expected to contribute to improving ground conditions as a countermeasure against soil liquefaction. Four different tests are carried out under different grouting conditions, where grouting is conducted with and without forcible injection pressures, using cement solutions of different concentrations of (w/c)cs = 8 and 12. After two and a half months, the testing site is excavated and the surface appearances of improved soil are confirmed. The study proves that columns of improved soil of diameter 1·5–2 m and height of about 2·5 m can be built up in sand deposits of depth 3 m. Some discussions are given on the filling ratio α and the ratio of mass of water to cement particles (w/c)is of the overall improved soil, leading to the presumption that, as far as relatively clean sand deposits are concerned, the radius of a column of improved soil can be estimated solely from the volume of cement solutions injected into sand deposits.
Slope failure by unstable breaching
Authors: van Rhee Cees
Published: July 2016

During the last decades, the breaching process as a production mechanism for stationary suction dredgers has become less important and therefore little research has been directed towards this process. It was not very well known as a cause of slope failures outside the dredging community until some years ago, but is now more accepted as a failure mechanism in the geotechnical world. In this paper the unstable breaching mechanism is explained. The breaching process is simulated using a two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics code with a special boundary condition at the bed. This leads to a better understanding of the process and how unstable situations can be predicted.
Experimental study of hydraulic transport of coarse basalt
Authors: Matoušek Václav , Vlasák Pavel , Chára Zdeněk , Konfršt Jiří
Published: July 2016

In many industrial applications, as in dredging or deep sea mining, coarse solid particles (typical size in the order of millimeters or tens of millimeters) are transported hydraulically in mixture with water through pipelines. This paper discusses experimental results obtained for flows of water-based slurries of three fractions of coarse basalt pebbles in a 100-mm pipe of the laboratory loop of the Institute of Hydrodynamics in Prague. The collected experimental database includes concentration distributions measured in the horizontal section of the pipe loop. The data are used to evaluate friction mechanisms of slurry flow and their relation to the internal structure of the flow. Measured frictional pressure drops are analysed and compared with existing predictive formulae. A theoretical background is proposed for a modified predictive formula for the frictional pressure drop in horizontal flow of slurry carrying coarse grains transported in saltation or as a sliding bed. The relative excess pressure drop in such flow is found to be sensitive primarily to the slip ratio, the thickness of a sliding bed and the solids friction coefficient. An accurate determination of frictional energy losses is essential to a successful assessment of an economy of hydraulic transport and to an optimisation of operations of slurry pipelines conveying very coarse solids.
Coastal protection for Ada, Ghana: a case study
Authors: Bolle Annelies , das Neves Luciana , Rooseleer Joris
Published: July 2016

Along the northwest African coast average rates of coastal retreat are between 1 and 2 m per year. In Ada, Ghana, the shoreline retreat rates have been in excess of 6 m per year at some specific locations. As a result of the ongoing erosion, various properties and existing infrastructure are being damaged and destroyed; also, due to the poor condition of the beaches, and the presence of low-lying areas, Ada and other surrounding villages are prone to flooding. Hence, in 2010, the Ghanaian government decided to protect the coast in Ada along a distance of about 16 km. This paper discusses the aims and objectives of the coastal protection project in Ada, which consists of beach nourishment and groyne structures for its structural stabilisation. It also presents the main challenges of the project and the methods used to overcome these, as well as the successes and the lessons learned.
Interpreting monitoring data for shoreline and geohazard mapping
Authors: Colenutt Andrew , Westhead Keith , Evans Jon , McVey Stuart , Le Bas Tim
Published: July 2016

The demand for marine-related spatial information has become increasingly apparent in recent years at a European and national scale, due to the increased pressures on the sea-floor environments and marine resources of UK territorial waters. The advent of economically viable swath bathymetry data acquisition in the coastal zone and effective collaborative partnerships between the Channel Coastal Observatory, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, UK Hydrographic Office, British Geological Survey and academic institutions, have opened up new opportunities to produce a robust scientific evidence base to inform integrated coastal zone management objectives and contribute to wider scientific initiatives. Interpretation of high-quality bathymetric data, acoustic backscatter and ground-truthing data allows zones of exposed bedrock, rock outcrops and pinnacles to be identified, along with areas of mobility or stability of surficial sediments. Temporal and spatial analyses of coastal and marine monitoring datasets also contribute to improved understanding of interactions between natural coastal process and coastal-defence and beach-management operations. Furthermore, developments in three-dimensional mapping techniques and visualisation technologies have enabled seamless high-resolution coastal geology maps to be re-interpreted and extended offshore, providing a more complete picture of the baseline geology, physical properties, structure and geohazards in the coastal and nearshore zone. The full paper details the methodology developed to produce a range of indicative marine mapping layers, and presents examples from eastern and southern England where marine-related spatial data has contributed to the multi-disciplinary scientific evidence base to inform development of UK marine policy and planning, coastal management and coastal zone geological mapping.
Nature-based solutions: lessons from around the world
Authors: Pontee Nigel , Narayan Siddharth , Beck Michael W. , Hosking Adam H.
Published: July 2016

This paper considers an emerging group of coastal management approaches that offer the potential to reduce coastal flood and erosion risks while also providing nature conservation, aesthetic and amenity benefits. These solutions mimic the characteristics of natural features, but are enhanced or created by man to provide specific services such as wave energy dissipation and erosion reduction. Such approaches can include beaches, dunes, saltmarshes, mangroves, sea grasses, coral and oyster reefs. The paper describes a number of innovative projects and the lessons learned in their development and implementation. These lessons include the planning, design and construction of projects, their development following implementation, the engagement of local communities and the cost-effectiveness of solutions.
Assessment of three dredging plans for a wave-dominated inlet
Authors: Mendes Diogo Silva , Fortunato André B. , Pires-Silva António A.
Published: July 2016

Many small wave-dominated inlets are naturally unstable and require regular dredging. To mitigate the costs of these operations, the dredged channels should be designed to bring the inlet close to equilibrium and minimise flood dominance. However, it is often unclear how to optimise the configuration of the channels. This study focuses on a small lagoon on the western Portuguese coast that has been subject to frequent and diverse interventions. A process-based morphodynamic model is applied to compare the dredging plan that has been followed for the last 15 years with two new alternatives. These alternative dredging plans increase the tidal prism and reduce flood dominance, mainly due to the higher channel cross-section. Secondary transverse channels do not affect the morphodynamics significantly. For future dredging operations, it is suggested that the bottom depth of the main natural channel be dredged to chart datum and a secondary channel be added to the previous channel with the same bottom depth and half of the channel width.
The ‘transaction X-ray’: understanding construction procurement
Authors: Aitken Alan , Paton Robert A.
Published: July 2016

This paper presents the results of a case study, the Construction Case, which examines procurement practices within the UK construction supply chain and compares these with a more general UK sample taken from non-construction sectors. Using a qualitative methodology, the approaches to relationship management and buyer value perception are graphically mapped, using an innovative ‘transaction X-ray’ technique. The Construction Case considers procurement transactions conducted at various points along the construction value chain: the client, the construction firm and the specialist contractor. Recognising that the research design favours a small sample size, and thus limits generalisability beyond the boundaries of the case, the paper finds that construction industry procurement operates in an adversarial and largely arm’s-length manner. While procurement practice is found to share common aspects with other industrial sectors, the case demonstrates that the construction industry is more adversarial and less collaborative than is the average found across the other sectors examined. The paper outlines a useful framework whereby construction practitioners can evaluate elements of procurement practice within their own organisations, and also signposts the required direction for future research in order to reflect the gap, suggested by the case, between current normative theory and construction procurement practice.
The role of contracting strategies in social value implementation
Authors: Awuzie Bankole O. , McDermott Peter
Published: July 2016

There has been an increasing demand for social value (SV) implementation to assume a cardinal position in the infrastructure delivery efforts of infrastructure client organisations (ICOs). However, whereas successful implementation has been recorded in some projects, monumental failures have also been recorded in others. This variance in implementation performance is a cause for concern. The mode of governance applied in an infrastructure delivery endeavour has been identified as capable of influencing the implementation of SV. This observation makes imperative an investigation into the role of contracting strategies – an integral part of governance modes – adopted by ICOs on SV implementation performance. This is the aim of this study. Using a case study approach, three infrastructure projects which used different contracting strategies were selected from two different countries, the UK and Nigeria. Semistructured interviews were conducted with ICO representatives on these projects and subsequently analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings confirmed that the kind of contract adopted by ICOs influenced their ability to drive the successful implementation of desirable SV objectives through their supply chain. It is therefore recommended that ICOs ensure that the selected contracting strategies are capable of ensuring successful implementation of the desired objectives.
A systems approach to strategic infrastructure delivery
Authors: Potts Michael , McDermott Peter , Stephenson Andrew
Published: July 2016

This paper discusses a systems approach to the strategic delivery of infrastructure in the regulated UK water sector as part of a participatory-focused research project. Part of an ongoing PhD programme, this paper highlights the value of a strategic approach to the procurement of infrastructure-related services in accordance with the quinquennial water sector reprocurement exercise being undertaken by infrastructure client organisations (ICOs). As a strategic approach is concerned with understanding the delivery environment into which an organisation places, engages and delivers projects, this paper surfaces how a UK-based water and wastewater ICO has engaged with its delivery market, through procurement, to position itself strategically within the wider delivery environment to serve its customers better. Using a systems approach, what is brought to light here is the importance of organisational transitioning through change management and how a delivery strategy can encompass the facilitation of organisational change.
A chronographic protocol for modelling construction projects
Authors: Francis Adel
Published: July 2016

The main goal of graphical modelling is to communicate information clearly and effectively through graphical means. Little research has been undertaken in the domain of construction scheduling. It can be noted that there is no standard graphics protocol; therefore, it is up to each individual planner to set his or her own standard. This paper develops a new chronographical conceptual framework that describes all the elements required to perform construction operations, their processes, their logical constraints and their association and organisational models. The protocol studies the suitable visual parameters and their associated values in order to define a standard graphical presentation using shapes, sketches, codes, text, textures and colours. This protocol aims to overcome the current difficulties with graphical visualisation of the considerable amount of data needed for effective planning and to increase the effectiveness of visual research based on human visual habits. The validation process was performed using case studies that evaluated visual data and assessed the necessary mental effort required to find information on the schedule. The graphical convention of textures and colours has already been validated. The results have clearly demonstrated that this convention helps to simplify the process of searching for information on the schedule.
Reappraising coastal squeeze: a case study from north-west England
Authors: Pontee Nigel I.
Published: July 2016

This paper clarifies the term ‘coastal squeeze’ and explains the other causes for coastal habitat loss in addition to sea level rise and the presence of sea defences. A case study from north-west England is then presented based on an analysis of historical Ordnance Survey maps. This high-level analysis shows that coastal narrowing has occurred on undefended as well as defended profiles. This is consistent with there being a number of other factors responsible for changes in the width of the coastal zone in addition to sea level rise and the presence of defences. In cell 11 other contributory factors such as changes in the positions of offshore banks and channels, the alongshore sediment supply and the wind–wave climate are likely to have resulted in greater losses of habitat than coastal squeeze. It is concluded that previous assessments of coastal squeeze are likely to have overestimated the extent of coastal squeeze and therefore the requirement for compensatory habitat.
Public–private partnership implementation: cross-case analysis
Authors: Costantino Nicola , Pellegrino Roberta
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate and analyse how public–private partnerships (PPPs) have been adopted across the world and their characteristics, both in developed and developing countries. This will provide insights that are expected to facilitate better practices in future PPPs in general, and consequently could be very useful for practitioners who want to improve the models currently used and those approaching PPP for the first time. This study uses a multiple case comparison methodology. With a focus on exploring how PPPs are implemented across the world, 33 case studies of PPP projects from various countries and sectors examine three of the most important aspects characterising a PPP transaction: the risk transfer to the private partner, the use of private financing, and the use of private expertise and management skills. Observations from case studies show that both developing and developed countries have almost the same behaviour in terms of risk transfer to the private party and use of private expertise and management skills in PPP projects, while different behaviour is evident for the use of private financing, which is much higher in developed countries than in developing countries.
Percepção dos contadores sobre o Exame de Suficiência do CFC
Authors: Galvão Nadielli
Published: July 2016

O objetivo deste estudo é verificar a percepção dos contadores quanto à realização do Exame de Suficiência. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um survey com contadores cadastrados em grupos de discussão contábil em uma rede social. O instrumento de coleta de dados foi composto de perguntas acerca do perfil dos respondentes, da sua percepção quanto à realização e à abordagem da prova aplicada, e trouxe a oportunidade dos contadores destacarem sugestões para a melhoria da avaliação. Como principais resultados são destacados o fato de 81,82% dos respondentes acreditarem que o exame proporciona valorização profissional e 82,73% perceberem que o exame ajuda a selecionar os profissionais mais capacitados. 89,55% dos respondentes são a favor da continuidade da avaliação, 53,61% acreditam que esta avaliação necessita de algumas melhorias. A principal recomendação apontada pelos participantes foi a necessidade de uma melhor adequação da prova à realidade empresarial.
Estágios evolutivos da contabilidade gerencial que preponderam em um polo industrial moveleiro
Authors: Macohon Edson Roberto , Beuren Ilse Maria
Published: July 2016

O International Federations of Accountants (IFAC) identificou quatro estágios evolutivos da contabilidade gerencial. Este estudo objetiva investigar os estágios evolutivos da contabilidade gerencial que preponderam em um polo industrial moveleiro. Para tal realizou-se pesquisa descritiva a partir de uma survey, tendo como população as 73 indústrias associadas ao Sindicato das Indústrias da Construção e do Mobiliário de São Bento do Sul, SC, Brasil, e uma amostra não-probabilística de 15 indústrias. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que os artefatos da contabilidade gerencial com mais de 60% de indicações como projeto implantado são: simulações de rentabilidade dos produtos; custo dos produtos pelo custeio por absorção; acompanhamento da evolução dos indicadores não financeiros; índices econômico-financeiros como Return of Investment (ROI); Retorno sobre o Patrimônio Líquido (RSPL) e índices de liquidez; redução do custo na fase de projeto de novo produto; planilhas de custos logísticos. Os artefatos que tiveram percentuais acima de 60% de indicações como projetos não implantados são: Custeio Baseado em Atividades (ABC); geração de relatórios por Business Inteligence (BI); Balanced Scorecard (BSC); Economic Value Added (EVA); preço de transferência e Just-in-time (JIT).
The Role of Social Security in Overall Retirement Resources: A Distributional Perspective
Authors: Devlin-Foltz Sebastian , Henriques Alice M. , Sabelhaus John E.
Published: July 2016

In this note, we first present trends in participation in employment-related retirement plans, and then provide analysis for one birth cohort, nearing retirement age, of the impact of Social Security on retirement wealth.
Does Anyone Listen when Politicians Talk? The Effect of Political Commentaries on Policy Rate Decisions and Expectations
Authors: Scotti Chiara , Demiralp Selva , King Sharmila
Published: July 2016

This paper investigates the effects of political commentaries on policy rate decisions and policy expectations in the United States and the euro area. The results suggest that political commentaries do influence policy rate expectations in both regions, even after controlling for macroeconomic releases and immediate interest rate expectations. The findings regarding the policy reaction functions reveal that market expectations are mostly rational. There is no evidence that the Federal Reserve responds to political commentaries that suggest rate hikes or easings. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank seems to have steered its policy in line with political commentaries that suggested further easings during the pre-crisis period, consistent with market expectations.