bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Analysis of SHM Passive Sensing Systems
Authors: Thiene Marco , Sharif Khodaei Zahra , Aliabadi M.H.
Published: September 2015

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) techniques have gained an increased interest to be utilised alongside NDI techniques for aircraft maintenance. However, to take the SHM methodologies from the laboratory conditions to actual structures under real load conditions requires them to be assessed in terms of reliability and robustness. In this work, a statistical analysis is carried out for a passive SHM system capable of impact detection and identification. The sensitivity of the platform to parameters such as noise, sensor failure and in-service load conditions has been investigated and reported.
Uncertainty Analysis of Active SHM System
Authors: Thiene Marco , Sharif Khodaei Zahra , M.H.Aliabadi Ferri
Published: September 2015

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) techniques have gained an increased interest to be utilised alongside NDI techniques for aircraft maintenance. However, to take the SHM methodologies from the laboratory conditions to actual structures under real load conditions requires them to be assessed in terms of reliability and robustness. In this work, a statistical analysis is carried out for an SHM system for damage detection and characterisation in composite structures. The sensitivity of the platform to parameters such as noise, sensor failure, placement tolerances and bonding has been investigated and reported.
On the Validation of Williams' Stress Function for Dynamic Fracture Mechanics
Authors: Li M. , Lei M. , Shi C. , Wen P.H. , M.H.Aliabadi Ferri
Published: September 2015

The Finite Block Method (FBM) for computing the Stress Intensity Factors (SIFs) and the T-stress under transient dynamic load is presented. In order to capture the stress intensity factor and the T-stress, the Williams' series of stress function is introduced in the circular core for statics generally. In the Laplace domain, the Deng's series of stress and displacement is too complicated to be used easily like Williams' series. However, the numerical solutions show that Williams' solution of series is still valid with smaller core size. Comparisons have been made with the solutions given by the finite element method (ABAQUS).
Application of the Nonlinear Model of a Beam for Investigation of Interlaminar Fracture Toughness of Layered Composite
Authors: Pavelko Vitalijs
Published: September 2015

Earlier presented the geometrically nonlinear model of a flexible beam (cylindrical bending of a plate) was used for analysis of post-buckling behavior of the layered composite with delamination at compression. In this paper the model is used for more details nonlinear analysis of double cantilever beam (DCB) that used in standard test for determination of the interlaminar fracture toughness composites with delamination-type damage. The main advantage of the model is a precise description of the curved axis of the beam (plate) without linearization or other higher order approximations. The exact solution of bending differential equation finally can be expressed in terms of the incomplete elliptic integrals of the first and second kind. The model describes only geometrically nonlinear effect of DCB arms bending (global effect) and should be combined with the procedure of effective delamination extension to correct DCB arms rotation at delamination front (local effect). First of all the nonlinear model can serve as a tool to estimate the possible error due the geometrical nonlinearity in comparison with linear solution. On the other hand, this model can be effectively used to determine interlaminar fracture toughness using DCB samples at large deflections. Validation of the model is made using data of standard tests of glass/epoxy DCB samples.
Numerical Investigation of a Stiffened Panel Subjected to Low Velocity Impacts
Authors: Riccio Aniello , Saputo S. , Sellitto A. , Raimondo A. , Ricchiuto R.
Published: September 2015

The investigation of fiber-reinforced composite laminates mechanical response under impact loads can be very difficult due to simultaneous failure phenomena. Indeed, as a consequence of low velocity impacts, intra-laminar damage as fiber and matrix cracking and inter-laminar damage, such as delamination, often take place concurrently, leading to significant reductions in terms of strength and stability for composite structure. In this paper a numerical study is proposed which, by means of non-linear explicit FEM analysis, aims to completely characterize the composite reinforced laminates damage under low velocity impacts. The numerical investigation allowed to obtain an exhaustive insight on the different phases of the impact event considering the damage formation and evolution. Five different impact locations with the same impact energy are taken into account to investigate the influence on the onset and growth of damage.
On the Influence of the Contact Force and the Angle between the Wires on ACSR Conductors’ Mechanical Properties and Durability
Authors: Achiriloaiei Daniel , Nes Cristian Sorin , Dumitru Ion , Cernescu Anghel
Published: September 2015

Aluminium clad steel reinforced cables are widely used in long distance electrical energy transport. Under the influence of weather conditions, the conductors are subjected to additional stress, which may lead to accelerated deterioration and premature breakage. This phenomenon depends much on contact mechanics. Due to the rough geometry of real mechanical surfaces, the elastic-plastic contact between bodies occurs at several points simultaneously. The contact between wires or between the wires and the suspension clamp, which is regarded as a critical location, changes the mechanical properties of the conductor with the emergence and development of contact indents. In order to understand the development of the indents ant their influence in the properties of the wires, indentation, tensile and fatigue tests were performed on wires taken from a steel-aluminium conductor. The problem of normal contact when plastic deformations are much higher than the elastic ones is extremely complex. The convex profile of the wires brings additional complications. Specific strain intensity is proportional to the depth of penetration. Experimental researches have shown that the shape and size of the indents occurred at the contact points have a significant influence on the tensile strength and lifetime of the conductors and local deformations determine certain features of fatigue crack initiation and propagation.
Preparation and Characterization of Halloysite Nanocomposites by Rapid Prototyping Technology
Authors: Sun Wan Ting , Takagi Hitoshi , Nakagaito Antonio Norio , Chiu Shih Hsuan
Published: September 2015

Rapid prototyping (RP) is a new technology to fabricate a prototype part layer-by-layer. This technique has been achieved in many industrial sectors, but parts fabricated using this technique exhibit low mechanical properties, this makes it difficult to apply to fast growing applications. This technology can not only effectively save production time and cost of the prototypes, but also produce complicated product. In this study, we investigate the effect of the addition of halloysite nanotubes on mechanical properties of nanocomposites made by the RP process. Test specimens were fabricated using tetrafunctional polyester acrylate (TPA) and 1, 6 hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) photopolymer as a matrix material and halloysite nanotubes as a reinforcing material. The adhesion between TPA/HDDA and halloysite nanotubes has been improved by using surface modification of a silane coupling agent. When compared with neat photopolymer, the tensile strength of nanocomposites decreased by about 22%, because the halloysites had poor interfacial adhesion. Silane treatment of halloysites using 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane was succeeded to improve tensile strength of nanocomposites (2 phr halloysite nanotubes) by 31%.
Fatigue Resistance of Laser Welded S355 Steel Sheet
Authors: Černý Ivo , Sís Jiří , Zháňal Pavel
Published: September 2015

The paper contains results of fatigue resistance investigation of laser welded 10 mm thick sheets of a carbon structural S355 steel. High cycle fatigue tests were performed to verify fatigue strength of the sheet containing laser weld performed with optimised laser welding parameters. Though the thickness of the sheet was quite big, resulting endurance limit of the welds and heat affected zone was comparable with that of basic material. In addition, some characteristics of the laser weld like hardness were very self-consistent. As expected, fatigue results were characteristic by quite high scatter. Different damage mechanisms were shown. The results are discussed on the basis of fractographical analyses, which provided some quite interesting details about crack initiation mechanisms.
Computation of Effective Material Properties in Smart Composite Materials by a Symmetric Galerkin BEM
Authors: Wünsche M. , Sladek Jan , Sladek Vladimir , Hrcek S.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, the symmetric Galerkin boundary element method (SGBEM) will be developed and applied for boundary value problems with layered and fiber reinforced piezoelectric representative volume elements (RVE) and real macroscopic structures. Mechanical and electric loadings are considered to determine the effective material properties. For this purpose, the resulting boundary value problem is formulated as boundary integral equations (BIEs). The Galerkin method is applied for the spatial discretization of the boundary to solve the BIEs numerically. The required surface derivatives of the generalized displacements are computed directly with a boundary integral equation. Numerical examples will be presented and discussed to show the efficiency of the present SGBEM and the influence of the fiber variation on the effective material properties.
Evaluation of J Integral for Interacting Twin Collinear Through-Wall Cracks in a Plate under Tension
Authors: Katinic Marko , Kozak Drazan , Samardzic Ivan , Stoic Antun , Ivandic Zeljko , Tonkovic Zlatko
Published: September 2015

The interaction behavior of twin collinear through-wall cracks in tension loaded plate under elastic-plastic condition is investigated by the finite element method (FEM). The fracture parameter J integral for interacting cracks is calculated and compared to the J integral for a single crack the same size. In this way, the interaction factor of cracks under elastic-plastic condition is defined. This interaction factor is compared to the results of analytical solution of the interaction factor under linear elastic condition. The results show that interaction factor of cracks under elastic-plastic condition is higher than interaction factor of same cracks under linear elastic condition. Also the interaction effect of cracks under elastic-plastic condition is influenced not only by the crack configurations but also by the material properties, especially the strain hardening exponent n.
Drive for the divine
Authors: Wooldridge Darryl
Published: September 2015

Although the present article stands alone, it is a continuation of ‘Living in the not-yet’ (published in vol. 71, issue 1 of HTS). Both articles are derivatives of a larger study that discusses God as the centre of an often inarticulate and inchoate but innate human desire and pursuit to enjoy and reflect the divine image (imago Dei) in which every human being was created. The current article sets forth foundational considerations and speaks to the ineffaceable drive within humans to find God. It is a reciprocated drive – a response to God who first sought and continues to seek humans – a correlate and concomitant seeking in response to God. Although surely not the final word, this article discusses God as spirit and spiritual, by whom human beings have been created as imago Dei or God’s self-address, showing God’s heart as toward his creation, and humans most especially. Also discussed here is that humans are destined to join the perichoretic relationship that God has enjoyed from eternity. Moreover, in his ascension and glory, Jesus sends the Spirit of adoption into creation so that human creation might enter this same perichoretic relationship with God.
Ontluikende denke in die GKSA-kerkgroeibediening
Authors: Van Helden Sophia
Published: September 2015

Die GKSA het in 2012 besluit om heelhartig en volkome na God se bevele terug te keer. Herbesinning oor wat God in sy Woord beveel, is deel van die denkveranderingsproses wat in die GKSA plaasvind. Daar is baie oorsake vir die komplekse tendens van krimpende gereformeerde lidmaatgetalle waaraan die mens nie werklik iets kan doen nie. Die enigste optrede van gelowiges onder die leiding van die Heilige Gees wat moontlik ’n verskil kan maak, is om deur diepgaande bekering hulle eie denke volledig en gehoorsaam volgens die Skrif aan te pas. Omdat ingrypende veranderinge met verloop van tyd plaasvind, is dit nodig om die proses diachronies en aan die hand van verskillende metodologieë te volg. Hierdie artikel poog om ’n bydrae tot die proses te lewer.Emerging thinking in the RCSA churchgrowth ministry. In 2012 the RCSA decided towards a wholehearted and total turnaround regarding God’s commands. Reassessing of what God commands in his Word is part of the process of thought change taking place in the RCSA. There are many causes for the complex trend of declining numbers in reformed churches towards which man cannot do anything. The only action believers can undertake under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is to obediently adapt their own thinking completely according to the Word by profound repentance. Because of far-reaching change occurring over time, it is necessary to follow the process diachronically as well as by means of different methodologies. This article seeks to contribute toward this process
Hyperlink-Embedded Journal Articles Improve Statistical Knowledge and Reader Satisfaction
Authors: Saxon David , Pearson Alexander T. , Wu Peter
Published: September 2015

Background

To practice evidence-based medicine, physicians should have a solid understanding of fundamental epidemiological and biostatistical concepts. Research suggests that only a minority of physicians have such an understanding of biostatistics.

Objective

To collect pilot data on a novel biostatistical educational tool, a hyperlink-embedded journal article, which is aimed at improving knowledge in biostatistics.

Methods

Forty-four physicians-in-training participated in this pilot study. Participants completed a pretest consisting of 5 questions about biostatistical terms that would be encountered in the article. They were randomized to either an unmodified journal article or to the same article with hyperlinked biostatistical terms. All participants then completed a posttest that was identical to the pretest.

Results

Having access to hyperlinked information had a positive association with the number of improved test answers (P = .05). Use of hyperlinks varied, and were seemingly dependent on user comfort with terms; well-understood definitions (“average”) were clicked on a few times (5.5% of participants), whereas more obscure method terms (“Lexis diagram”) were clicked on by 94% of participants. While only 42% of participants stated they would have looked up definitions of the biostatistical terms if they had not been provided in the hyperlinked article, 94% of participants identified the hyperlink tool as something they would use if readily available to them when reading journal articles.

Conclusions

Results of this pilot study of a novel educational intervention suggest that embedded hyperlinks within journal articles may be a useful tool to teach biostatistical terms to physicians.
Compreender o Agir Organizacional para Construção de Capacidades Dinâmicas: uma análise exploratória
Authors: Munck Luciano , Silva André Luis , Borim-de-Souza Rafael
Published: September 2015

Neste estudo, de caráter bibliográfico, inter-relaciona-se as características de um fenômeno – capacidades dinâmicas – a outro fenômeno – o agir social organizacional. O objetivo é fundamentar um modelo interpretativo do processo cíclico de construção das capacidades dinâmicas pelos agentes sociais em seu agir organizacional. A partir da discussão teórica realizada, argumenta-se que os processos de ações e de decisões realizados pelos gestores em seu agir organizacional, pautando-se pelo fator ético e racional, são elementares para a construção de um processo cíclico das capacidades dinâmicas. Considerando esse argumento, questiona-se a prerrogativa de que as organizações são dependentes de recursos fixos para enfrentarem as transformações do ambiente. Para tanto, articulou-se o entendimento de que o uso das capacidades dinâmicas internalizadas nas práticas dos agentes sociais torna-se meio para se aperfeiçoar a aprendizagem organizacional oriunda dos processos decisórios. Por fim, contribui-se com a sistematização de um modelo interpretativo do processo cíclico de construção das capacidades dinâmicas pelos agentes sociais em seu agir organizacional.
As Cinco Forças Amizade, Contato, Aprendizado, Cooperação e Competição como Campo de Força Estratégica de Redes: um estudo no setor de calçados e bolsas
Authors: Gonçalves Carlos Alberto , Lebarcky Fernanda Vitoria , Muylder Cristiana Fernandes
Published: September 2015

O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo de rede de relacionamento em um Arranjo Produtivo Local (APL). Foram estimadas as diferentes topologias de adensamento e a formação de constelações, como estratégia de aderência (ou repulsão) na rede APL em estudo, baseadas em Cinco Forças relacionais eleitas para o estudo, com base na literatura de estratégia de redes de relacionamento: Amizade, Contato, Aprendizado, Cooperação e Competição. O estudo foi feito a partir dos relacionamentos entre 42 organizações de um APL de calçados e bolsas. As estruturas de rede foram analisadas com o auxílio do software Ucinet 6 e NetDraw (BORGATTI, 2002). As redes com maior conectividade e menor fragmentação são as redes de Amizade e de Contatos, enquanto as redes com menor conectividade e maior fragmentação, respectivamente, são as redes de Competição, Cooperação e Aprendizado. Os resultados demonstram ainda que o grupo dos quatro maiores hubs da rede de aprendizagem é composto pelos dois maiores hubs da rede de Cooperação e pelos dois maiores hubs da rede de Competição.
Conhecendo o Campo da Economia dos Custos de Transação: uma análise epistemológica a partir dos trabalhos de Oliver Williamson
Authors: Zanella Cleunice , Lopes Daniel Gonçalves , Leite André Luis da Silva , Nunes Nei Antonio
Published: September 2015

A Economia dos Custos de Transação (ECT) tem mostrado, nas últimas décadas, exercer forte influência em diversos campos do pensamento administrativo, por exemplo, estratégia. Este artigo tem como objetivo fazer uma análise epistemológica da ECT, com base nos trabalhos de Oliver Williamson, ganhador do Prêmio Nobel de Economia em 2009. Embora a ECT represente uma ruptura com o pensamento mainstream, também adota pressupostos otimizadores, o que significa forte influência do pensamento positivista sobre essa teoria. Ao final, são mostradas as principais correntes influenciadoras de Williamson e os principais pressupostos teóricos da ECT. Por fim, mostra-se que a ECT tem se revelado uma forte corrente teórica para explicar comportamento organizacional.
El Ambiente Compartido como Propulsor de la Internacionalización: análisis a partir de la gestión del conocimiento y de la innovación
Authors: Moré Rafael Pereira Ocampo , Darós Lourdes Cános , Gonçalo Cláudio Reis , Mascarell Cristina Santandreu
Published: September 2015

Este artículo analiza la internacionalización e innovación de empresas en red o que se encuentren en un entorno de investigación geográficamente cercanas para la transferencia de conocimientos. En este contexto, se investigan los modelos de internacionalización que pueden llevarse a cabo en entornos complejos, con el fin de buscar la gestión eficiente de la innovación de productos o servicios para acceder mercados globales. Así, los estudios presentados señalan relación entre las teorías de la internacionalización, gestión del conocimiento e innovación, y gestores puden hacer uso de esta relación para evaluar mejor su organización y proponer soluciones para el mercado.
A Dinâmica Institucional: uma reflexão sobre o alcance das instituições
Authors: Cruz Guillermo
Published: September 2015

Qual o alcance das instituições? Tomando tal questão como ponto de partida desta reflexão e mantendo a mesma como plano de fundo destes pensamentos soltos discute-se alguns dos principais tópicos que permeiam as abordagens institucionais, como a definição de instituição, a delimitação de espaços institucionais e a mudança institucional. Propõe-se que as instituições têm um alcance fluído, que possuem elementos-chave que determinam sua perduração e que instituições puras coexistem com instituições mutantes no espaço institucional. Tais características reforçam a importância da consideração de uma realidade cada vez mais fluída permeada por uma dinâmica institucional.
Combined effects of concurrent Pc5 and chorus waves on relativistic electron dynamics
Authors: Katsavrias C. , Daglis I. A. , Li W. , Dimitrakoudis S. , Georgiou M. , Turner D. L. , Papadimitriou C.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. We present electron phase space density (PSD) calculations as well as concurrent Pc5 and chorus wave activity observations during two intense geomagnetic storms caused by interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) resulting in contradicting net effect. We show that, during the 17 March 2013 storm, the coincident observation of chorus and relativistic electron enhancements suggests that the prolonged chorus wave activity seems to be responsible for the enhancement of the electron population in the outer radiation belt even in the presence of pronounced outward diffusion. On the other hand, the significant depletion of electrons, during the 12 September 2014 storm, coincides with long-lasting outward diffusion driven by the continuous enhanced Pc5 activity since chorus wave activity was limited both in space and time.
Modeling runoff and erosion risk in a~small steep cultivated watershed using different data sources: from on-site measurements to farmers' perceptions
Authors: Auvet B. , Lidon B. , Kartiwa B. , Le Bissonnais Y. , Poussin J.-C.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. This paper presents an approach to model runoff and erosion risk in a context of data scarcity, whereas the majority of available models require large quantities of physical data that are frequently not accessible. To overcome this problem, our approach uses different sources of data, particularly on agricultural practices (tillage and land cover) and farmers' perceptions of runoff and erosion. The model was developed on a small (5 ha) cultivated watershed characterized by extreme conditions (slopes of up to 55 %, extreme rainfall events) on the Merapi volcano in Indonesia. Runoff was modelled using two versions of STREAM. First, a lumped version was used to determine the global parameters of the watershed. Second, a distributed version used three parameters for the production of runoff (slope, land cover and roughness), a precise DEM, and the position of waterways for runoff distribution. This information was derived from field observations and interviews with farmers. Both surface runoff models accurately reproduced runoff at the outlet. However, the distributed model (Nash–Sutcliffe = 0.94) was more accurate than the adjusted lumped model (N–S = 0.85), especially for the smallest and biggest runoff events, and produced accurate spatial distribution of runoff production and concentration. Different types of erosion processes (landslides, linear inter-ridge erosion, linear erosion in main waterways) were modelled as a combination of a hazard map (the spatial distribution of runoff/infiltration volume provided by the distributed model), and a susceptibility map combining slope, land cover and tillage, derived from in situ observations and interviews with farmers. Each erosion risk map gives a spatial representation of the different erosion processes including risk intensities and frequencies that were validated by the farmers and by in situ observations. Maps of erosion risk confirmed the impact of the concentration of runoff, the high susceptibility of long steep slopes, and revealed the critical role of tillage direction. Calibrating and validating models using in situ measurements, observations and farmers' perceptions made it possible to represent runoff and erosion risk despite the initial scarcity of hydrological data. Even if the models mainly provided orders of magnitude and qualitative information, they significantly improved our understanding of the watershed dynamics. In addition, the information produced by such models is easy for farmers to use to manage runoff and erosion by using appropriate agricultural practices.
Identifying hydrological responses of micro-catchments under contrasting land use in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Nobrega R. L. B. , Guzha A. C. , Torres G. N. , Kovacs K. , Lamparter G. , Amorim R. S. S. , Couto E. , Gerold G.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. In recent decades, the Brazilian Cerrado biome has been affected by intense land-use change, particularly the conversion of natural forest to agricultural land. Understanding the environmental impacts of this land-use change on landscape hydrological dynamics is one of the main challenges in the Amazon agricultural frontier, where part of the Brazilian Cerrado biome is located and where most of the deforestation has occurred. This study uses empirical data from field measurements to characterize controls on hydrological processes from three first-order micro-catchments < 1 km2 in the Cerrado biome. These micro-catchments were selected on the basis of predominant land use including native cerrado vegetation, pasture grass with cattle ranching, and cash crop land. We continuously monitored precipitation, streamflow, soil moisture, and meteorological variables from October 2012 to September 2014. Additionally, we determined the physical and hydraulic properties of the soils, and conducted topographic surveys. We used these data to quantify the water balance components of the study catchments and to relate these water fluxes to land use, catchment physiographic parameters, and soil hydrophysical properties. The results of this study show that runoff coefficients were 0.27, 0.40, and 0.16 for the cerrado, pasture, and cropland catchments, respectively. Baseflow is shown to play a significant role in streamflow generation in the three study catchments, with baseflow index values of more than 0.95. The results also show that evapotranspiration was highest in the cerrado (986 mm yr−1) compared to the cropland (828 mm yr−1) and the pasture (532 mm yr−1). However, discharges in the cropland catchment were unexpectedly lower than that of the cerrado catchment. The normalized discharge was 55 % higher and 57 % lower in the pasture and cropland catchments, respectively, compared with the cerrado catchment. We attribute this finding to the differences in soil type and topographic characteristics, and low-till farming techniques in the cropland catchment, additionally to the buffering effect of the gallery forests in these catchments. Although the results of this study provide a useful assessment of catchment rainfall–runoff controls in the Brazilian Cerrado landscape, further research is required to include quantification of the influence of the gallery forests on both hydrological and hydrochemical fluxes, which are important for watershed management and ecosystem services provisioning.
The ethmoidal region of the skull of Ptilocercus lowii (Ptilocercidae, Scandentia, Mammalia) – a contribution to the reconstruction of the cranial morphotype of primates
Authors: Ruf I. , Janßen S. , Zeller U.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The ethmoidal region of the skull houses one of the most important sense organs of mammals, the sense of smell. Investigation of the ontogeny and comparative anatomy of internal nasal structures of the macrosmatic order Scandentia is a significant contribution to the understanding of the morphotype of Scandentia with potential implications for our understanding of the primate nasal morphological pattern. For the first time perinatal and adult stages of Ptilocercus lowii and selected Tupaia species were investigated by serial histological sections and high-resolution computed tomography (μCT), respectively. Scandentia show a very common olfactory turbinal pattern of small mammals in having two frontoturbinals, three ethmoturbinals, and one interturbinal between the first and second ethmoturbinal. This indicates a moderately developed sense of smell (moderately macrosmatic). The observed septoturbinal is probably an apomorphic character of Scandentia. A general growth in length occurs during postnatal ontogeny; thus the adult ethmoidal region is proportionally longer compared to the rest of the skull. Throughout ontogeny Ptilocercus has a proportionally longer nasal cavity than Tupaia. Major differences exist between Ptilocercus and Tupaia in regard to the proportions of the nasal cavity which correlate with the position of the orbits. Compared to Tupaia, Ptilocercus shows more anteriorly oriented orbits and has a proportionally longer nasal capsule than Tupaia and based on anatomy probably a higher level of olfactory discrimination. Furthermore, Ptilocercus has a platybasic skull base that resembles a derived feature of Ptilocercidae. In contrast, Tupaia has a distinct septum interorbitale leading to a tropibasic skull, a pattern that is a plesiomorphic character of Tupaiidae and Scandentia in general. This finding helps us to understand the septum interorbitale pattern in Primates. Our results indicate that differences among the investigated Scandentia species are correlated with adaptations to foraging and behavioural biology.
Housing Sustainability Challenges in a Nigerian City
Authors: Adunola Adewale Oluseyi
Published: September 2015

This paper discusses housing sustainability challenges and applicable sustainable urban renewal strategy for Nigerian cities, and thereby emphasizes the dimension of government-instituted urban renewal policy. This is with a view to projecting the need for urban housing sustainability with respect to developing countries A field survey conducted in Ile-Ife, a typical Nigerian city in its South-Western region is used to appraise the extent of the housing sustainability challenges. The four areas for the survey- Itakogun-Okerewe, Ogbingbin, Obalufon-Ilara and Igboya, were purposively selected from the Ife Central Local Government which constitutes the central area of Ile-Ife. The conditions of the houses and neighbourhoods were assessed by means of administration of questionnaire to residents and observation. In each of the four areas surveyed, the findings indicated that the built environment was deplorable. The indoor and outdoor environmental quality factors were unsatisfactory to respondents and the essential services were not in serviceable condition. The study concluded that the poor and uncomfortable housing and environmental living conditions in the city core areas reflected the stress of urbanization. The findings, though limited in scope to one typical Nigerian city, give insight that housing challenges of urban central areas are in unsustainable dimensions. It was recommended that there must be a commitment to adequate and far-reaching urban renewal programmes based on sustainability, energy conservation and human comfort. Government intervention in the dynamics of the urban environment in Nigeria is urgently required to effect good governance and acceptable urban management.
AVALIAÇÃO DE RISCO AMBIENTAL DA COMERCIALIZAÇÃO DO PESCADO NA REGIÃO PORTUÁRIA DE MANAUS/AMAZONAS
Authors: Cunha Esther-Léa Azulay Benayon , De Lima Aline Maria Meiguins , Souza Francisca Das Chagas do Amaral , Macedo Rui Guilherme Cavaleiro de , Gomes Maria De Valdívia Costa
Published: September 2015

A segurança alimentar é uma preocupação recorrente, pois trata-se da necessidade de ingestão de alimentos que tenham um padrão de qualidade aceitável, sem risco à saúde. Neste trabalho, avaliam-se as condições de risco ambiental, associadas a uma área de livre comércio de pescado situada em uma região portuária localizada na Zona Sul de Manaus-AM, com 150 m de extensão, entre os igarapés do Educandos e São Raimundo, próxima a importantes locais comerciais; e as condições sanitárias do pescado durante sua comercialização, acondicionamento e descarte. No processo de análise foram consideradas as condições sanitárias do ambiente e do manipulador do alimento. O método utilizado foi a Análise de Falhas, Modos e Efeitos (FMEA). Os resultados demonstram que a aplicação do FMEA para cálculo do risco proporciona a identificação dos pontos críticos e a indicação das melhorias possíveis. Quanto ao local de análise, este encontra-se em um grau de risco variando de moderado a alto. Os fatores que podem ocasionar vetores prejudiciais à saúde pública, pelo manuseio inadequado do pescado, pela infra-estrutura local e higiene dos alimentos foram observados em 64% dos casos. E a geração de efluentes líquidos, resíduos sólidos e o consumo de água sem controle de qualidade foi associada a 36% dos casos. Apesar do quadro desfavorável, esta forma de comércio é uma vocação local e por isso deve passar por um processo de revisão do poder público, para busca de uma qualidade ambiental acompanhada da segurança alimentar do pescado comercializado.
ANÁLISE DE RELATÓRIOS AMBIENTAIS PRÉVIOS DE CURITIBA/PR COM BASE NOS PRINCÍPIOS DO PLANEJAMENTO DA PAISAGEM
Authors: Estêvez Laura Freire , Nucci João Carlos
Published: September 2015

O Planejamento da Paisagem aplicado ao meio urbanizado tem como um dos princípios a manutenção ou melhoria da qualidade ambiental urbana, que pode ser diminuída com a crescente instalação de empreendimentos na cidade. Para avaliar os impactos ambientais desses empreendimentos antes da sua instalação, o Estatuto da Cidade (BRASIL, 2001) instituiu o Estudo Prévio de Impacto de Vizinhança - EIV. O Município de Curitiba realiza estudos de impactos ambientais de empreendimentos e suas atividades desde 1997 com o estabelecimento do Relatório Ambiental Prévio – RAP (CURITIBA, 1997). O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar RAPs elaborados em Curitiba, PR, com base nos princípios do Planejamento da Paisagem e com isso fornecer subsídios para a reflexão sobre a possibilidade de um planejamento urbano que considere a qualidade ambiental. Para a avaliação dos RAPs foram definidos critérios e parâmetros, com base nos estudos de qualidade ambiental urbana, nos estudos sobre cidades saudáveis da Organização Mundial da Saúde e em princípios da Flor da Permacultura. Os critérios definidos foram: Espaços Livres, Cobertura Vegetal, Verticalidade das Edificações, Usos Potencialmente Poluidores, Estilos de Vida Saudável e Pegada Ecológica. Apesar de tratar sobre alguns impactos ambientais negativos de forma superficial, os RAPs não contemplam a grande maioria dos impactos ambientais negativos relacionados à qualidade ambiental urbana e, mesmo assim, forneceram diagnósticos favoráveis à instalação dos empreendimentos. Esse diagnóstico foi aceito pelo poder público que permitiu a instalação dos empreendimentos, que resultaram em diminuição da qualidade ambiental urbana.
ANÁLISE CARTOGRÁFICA DAS ALTERAÇÕES DAS FEIÇÕES GEOMORFOLÓGICAS DECORRENTES DA OCUPAÇÃO DA ILHA COMPRIDA/SP ENTRE 1962 E 2012
Authors: Souza Tissiana De Almeida de , Oliveira Regina Célia de
Published: September 2015

As áreas litorâneas são consideradas sistemas de elevada complexidade ambiental, relacionada aos fatores atuantes em sua formação, como as dinâmicas oceanográfica, fluvial, climática, geológica, geomorfológica e, atualmente, a ação antrópica. A evolução destas regiões pode ser mais bem compreendida a partir do uso da Cartografia Geomorfológica, já que os procedimentos de elaboração de mapas detalhados do relevo buscam inter-relacionar as formas, seus processos morfogenéticos e sua cronologia. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar e discutir as alterações do relevo no município de Ilha Comprida, a partir de cartas geomorfológicas de detalhe elaboradas em séries temporais (1962, 1981 e 2011-2012), na escala original 1:10.000. Apesar da intensa especulação imobiliária, a Ilha Comprida ainda apresenta formas de relevo bem preservadas. O cenário de 1962 é marcado pela conservação de características naturais, enquanto nos cenários de 1981 e de 2011-2012 são observadas alterações das feições geomorfológicas por influência das atividades humanas. As principais modificações observadas são o fracionamento de cordões litorâneos e a alteração de áreas de dunas. Desta maneira, a utilização de cartas geomorfológicas na área de estudo pode contribuir no planejamento urbano e direcionamento da ocupação humana, bem como fornecer subsídios para a determinação de zonas de expansão urbana e de proteção às propriedades naturais da área de estudo.
VULNERABILIDADE SOCIOAMBIENTAL NA ÁREA DE OCUPAÇÃO CONTÍNUA DO LITORAL DO PARANÁ – BRASIL
Authors: Esteves Claudio Jesus de Oliveira
Published: September 2015

No litoral do Paraná configurou-se uma ocupação contínua que envolve quatro municípios: Paranaguá, Matinhos, Pontal do Paraná e Guaratuba. Neste contexto, nos últimos 30 anos, gradualmente foram ocupadas as áreas do Tabuleiro I e II e da Vila Nova (Matinhos), recorte espacial da pesquisa empírica demonstrada neste artigo, onde não ocorreu à instalação de redes de coleta de esgoto resultando, conjuntamente com outros fatores, em degradação ambiental. Também houve a ocupação em áreas de risco ambiental associado às inundações urbanas. Neste trabalho a interação espacial entre o risco e a degradação ambiental é entendida como a dimensão da vulnerabilidade ambiental. Foi traçado como objetivo central analisar a dinâmica populacional e urbana dos Municípios Balneários da Área de Ocupação Contínua do Litoral do Paraná, relacionando a ocupação do Tabuleiro I, Tabuleiro II e da Vila Nova e identificar nestas três localidades situações de vulnerabilidade socioambiental. A análise teórica partiu dos pressupostos da geografia socioambiental. A cidade de Matinhos foi concebida enquanto ambiente urbano do qual derivou um sistema ambiental urbano no qual o Tabuleiro I e II e a Vila Nova foram considerados como parte integrante e integrada. Os dados sobre a frequência de inundações e da cobertura da coleta de esgoto permitiram criar áreas para diferentes categorias de vulnerabilidade ambiental. Os dados socioeconômicos e de habitação avaliados sobre estas áreas comprovaram situações de alta vulnerabilidade socioambiental.
PRÉ-TEXTUAIS
Authors: Ra'e Ga - O Espaço Geográfico em Análise Revista
Published: September 2015

Claudinei Taborda da Silveira, Ricardo Michael Pinheiro da Silveira, Gisele NeumanClaudinei Taborda da Silveira – UFPR (Editor Chefe)Ricardo Michael Pinheiro Silveira – UFPR (Editor Assistente)Gisele Neuman
NOTA EDITORIAL
Authors: Ra'e Ga - O Espaço Geográfico em Análise Revista
Published: September 2015

Claudinei Taborda da Silveira, Ricardo Michael Pinheiro da Silveira, Gisele Neuman
Spectroscopic and Thermal Studies of Polyalkoxysilanes and Silica-Chitosan Hybrid Materials
Authors: Sanchez-Fernandez Antonio , Pena-Paras Laura , Mendoza Elisa M. , Leyva Alejandra , Bautista Luis A. , Bulach Franz-Xaver , Monsivais-Barron Alejandra , Bonilla-Rios Jaime , Elizalde Luis E.
Published: September 2015

Polymers of organoalkoxysilanes (or polyalkoxysilanes) were synthesized through sol-gel process using different organosilanes: Tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), (3-Glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GPTMS), Trimethoxy(propyl)silane (TMPS), and/or Triethoxy(octyl)silane (EOS). Different carboxylic acids (acetic, formic, and citric) were used to prepare polyalkoxysilanes, with citric acid acting as a reactant rather than a catalyst for the sol-gel reaction. Silica-chitosan hybrid materials were synthesized reacting polyalkoxysilanes and chitosan, one of the most important and most studied natural polymers, through sol-gel process. The synthesized materials were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetrical analysis (TGA), differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) and solid-state Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (solid-state   13C-NMR) spectroscopy, obtaining information on the structural properties of each modified materials. The results obtained by NMR indicate that the oxirane group of GPTMS remains in all reaction products to form different polyalkoxysilanes.
Traditions judéennes anciennes et catégories modernes : quand la recherche se moque de la réalité antique
Authors: Chantal Marie
Published: September 2015

Cet article fait le point sur les travaux récents abordant le problème de l’utilisation des catégories modernes dans l’étude des traditions judéennes de l’Antiquité. La dernière décennie a en effet été marquée par la publication d’une série de recherches abordant d’abord le problème du concept moderne de « judaïsme » pour décrire une réalité antique portée par le grec Ioudaismos et se questionnant ensuite sur la façon juste de traduire Ioudaios pour respecter l’ethnicité du peuple se réclamant de cette appellation.
The Peruvian sardine, Sardinops sagax: Historical analysis of the fishery (1978–2005)
Authors: Cárdenas-Quintana Gladys , Franco-Meléndez Milagros , Salcedo-Rodríguez José , Ulloa-Espejo Dany , Pellón-Farfán José
Published: September 2015

The historical development of Peru’s sardine (Sardinops sagax) fishery between 1978 and 2005 is described from fishery indicators (landings and effort) and environmental indicators (Pacific Decadal Oscillation [PDO] index, Southern Oscillation Index, and Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly) in order to observe the spatial and temporal variations of the fishery. During this period, the fishery indicators showed that excessive fishing pressure caused the drastic decline in abundance, as demonstrated by the low catch levels in recent years. Regarding the environmental indicators, a positive relationship with sardine landing anomalies was observed; however, the PDO index had a significant positive correlation (rPearson = 0.50; P = 0.0005; n = 45) in comparison with the other indices. The results of this study show that the effects of overfishing and adverse environmental conditions strongly impacted the Peruvian sardine population, with the consequent collapse of the fishery.
Reproductive pattern of the reef-building coral Pavona gigantea (Scleractinia: Agariciidae) off southwestern Mexico
Authors: Santiago-Valentín Jeimy Denisse , Rodríguez-Troncoso Alma Paola , Carpizo-Ituarte Eugenio , Benítez-Villalobos Francisco , Torres-Hernández Pablo , López-Pérez Andrés
Published: September 2015

The reproductive biology of the massive coral Pavona gigantea has been studied along Mexico’s Pacific coast, but basic aspects such as its relation to local environmental variables and its variation on a mesoscale level have not been addressed. The reproductive cycle of P. gigantea was monitored monthly over a two-year period (2010–2012) at four sites along the coast of Oaxaca (southwestern Mexico). Except for one hermaphroditic colony, P. gigantea was gonochoric and exhibited asynchronous development. The data suggest that, in the study area, the species may reproduce seasonally, with minor interannual differences (May–September 2010, April–August 2011, April–May 2012). There were spatial and temporal variations in the percentage of reproductively active colonies and the presence of mature sex cells. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the percentage of reproductively active colonies was significantly explained (69.6%) by mesoscale variations in environmental variables such as sea surface temperature, photosynthetically active radiation, diffuse attenuation coefficient, percentage of lunar illumination, and photoperiod, the latter being the most relevant variable in the model. The data suggest that temporal mesoscale variations can exert a meaningful influence on coral reproduction in the study area.
Antidiscrimination Law Meets Artificial Intelligence—New Requirements for Health Care Organizations and Insurers
Authors: Mello Michelle M. , Roberts Jessica L.
Published: August 2024

This JAMA Forum discusses new regulatory requirements for antidiscrimination in artificial intelligence tools used in health care, the dark side of flexible enforcement by agencies, and ways to facilitate meaningful compliance.
Measuring the capacity of yeast for surface display of cell wall‐anchored protein isoforms by using β‐lactamase as a reporter enzyme
Authors: Martinić Cezar Tea , Paić Antonia , Prekpalaj Stefani , Teparić Renata , Žunar Bojan , Stuparević Igor
Published: August 2024

Yeast surface display is a promising biotechnological tool that uses genetically modified yeast cell wall proteins as anchors for enzymes of interest, thereby transforming yeast cell wall into a living catalytic material. Here, we present a comprehensive protocol for quantifying surface‐displayed β‐lactamase on the cell wall of model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We use β‐lactamase as a reporter enzyme, which we tagged to be anchored to the cell wall closer to its N or C terminus, through the portion of the Pir2 or Ccw12 cell wall proteins, respectively. The catalytic activity of surface‐displayed β‐lactamase is assessed by its ability to hydrolyze nitrocefin, which produces a colorimetric change that is quantitatively measured by spectrophotometric analysis at 482 nm. This system enables precise quantification of the potential of S. cerevisiae strains for surface display, continuous real‐time monitoring of enzyme activity, and facilitates the study of enzyme kinetics and interactions with inhibitors within the cell's native environment. In addition, the system provides a platform for high‐throughput screening of potential β‐lactamase inhibitors and can be adapted for the visualization of other enzymes, making it a versatile tool for drug discovery and bioprocess development.