bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural Analysis of Fly Ash-Based Stabilizer for Track Bed
Authors: Lojda Vít , Zikmund Tomáš , Sojka Karel , Kaiser Jozef , Prošek Zdeněk , Lidmila Martin
Published: March 2017

This article is related to the unique application of fly ash-based stabilizer in the track bed of a railway line. In detail, it is focused on following analysis methods of samples structure and properties. The long-term observation of the stabilizer layer is based on the periodical sampling which is done once per year for the following compression strength test. Results collected over one decade showed the increasing tendency of the compression strength which is attributed to formatting the C-A-S-H gel. It is assumed it is done within structural conversion caused by the alkali activation of aluminosilicate components. This phenomenon was proved using electron microscopy. The statistical analysis of the compression strength resulted significant deviations the presence of which may be based on grains, poor stirring the mixture during placing, predisposed surfaces or micro cracks created during sampling in the railway track bed. The main outcomes of the paper are findings from non-destructive methods of Micro-CT and of electron microscopy, which were performed on specimens for the purpose of displaying their microstructure and identifying non-homogeneities of the specimens.
Brazing Inconel 600 Using the VZ-2150 Filler for Plate Heat Exchanger
Authors: Hsu Cheng Ho , Shiue Ren Kae
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this investigation is focused on brazing Inconel 600 alloy using the nickel-based VZ-2150 filler foil for advanced plate heat exchanger application. Based on SEM microstructural observations and WDS chemical analysis results, both the amount and shape of precipitates in the brazed joint are changed with brazing parameters. With increasing the brazing temperature and/or time results in depletion of the boron from the joint into the grain boundary of base metal. The amount of boride in the joint is greatly decreased, and continuous grain boundary boride will dominate the entire brazed joint. However, the continuous grain boundary boride cannot be completely eliminated by increasing the brazing temperature and/or time.
Effect of Sc on As-Cast Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Al-Si-Mg-Cu-Ti Alloys
Authors: Wang Ming He , Du Xiao Dong , Li Yu Kun , Zhang Zhen , Su Hai Lin , Wu Yu Cheng
Published: March 2017

The as-cast microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-Si-Mg-Cu-Ti alloys with and without Sc were investigated by metallographic microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, energy spectrum analysis, transmission electron microscope and universal testing machine. The result shows that adding 0.20wt.% Sc into the casting alloy can refine the grain, change the growth morphology from dendrite to fine equiaxed grain, and the morphology of eutectic Si by rough laminar structure into fine fibrous. The tensile strength of alloy with 0.20wt.% Sc is up to 304.4 MPa after T6 heat treated, which is close to that of 6061 forging aluminum alloy.
Influence of TMTD on Cross-Linking Degradation of the Waste Tire Rubber
Authors: Tao Guo Liang , Xia Yan Ping , Gen Hao Ran , Yang Jian , Wang Wei
Published: March 2017

The paper studied the thermal mechanical shearing of waste tire rubber (WTR) by tetra methyl thiuram disulfide (TMTD), a reclaiming agent. The results showed that the mooney viscosity, gel content and crosslink density of the WTR decreased with the increasing TMTD amount. The mechanical properties of recycled rubber were best in the amount of 1% TMTD, which could reach 14MPa and 368%, respectively. The molecular weight of WTR was analyzed by gel permeation chromatorgraphy (GPC). The molecular weight of rubber dropped more faster when the content of TMTD from 0.5% to 1%. The plausible reaction mechanism of TMTD on the process of cross-linking degradation was predicted based on the changes of the mooney viscosity, gel content, crosslink density and the relation between the molecular weight and the Raman spectroscopy of the sol fraction.
Microstructural Observations of the Direct Quenched Offshore Steel
Authors: Yu Chieh , Cheng Ta Chien , Shiue Ren Kae , Yang Tze Ching , Huang Ching Yuan
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this investigation is focused on the direct quench and temper mechanisms of the high strength offshore steel. Microstructural analyses of martensite and retained austenite in the direct quenched steel, simulations of martensitic transformation temperatures, Ms/Mf, and morphologies of bainite and ferrite have been evaluated in the experiment. Additionally, carbide formation after temped at various temperatures and microhardness depth profiles after heat treating are also included in the study. The direct quenched steel is primarily comprised of martensite, bainite and a few retained austenite with Vickers microhardness above 300. Tempered martensite, iron carbide and bainite are widely observed from all tempered specimens.
Trachomatous Scar Ranking: A Novel Outcome for Trachoma Studies
Authors: Baldwin Angela , Ryner Alexander M. , Tadesse Zerihun , Shiferaw Ayalew , Callahan Kelly , Fry Dionna M. , Zhou Zhaoxia , Lietman Thomas M. , Keenan Jeremy D.
Published: March 2017

We evaluated a new trachoma scarring ranking system with potential use in clinical research. The upper right tarsal conjunctivas of 427 individuals from Ethiopian villages with hyperendemic trachoma were photographed. An expert grader first assigned a scar grade to each photograph using the 1981 World Health Organization (WHO) grading system. Then, all photographs were ranked from least (rank = 1) to most scarring (rank = 427). Photographic grading found 79 (18.5%) conjunctivae without scarring (C0), 191 (44.7%) with minimal scarring (C1), 105 (24.6%) with moderate scarring (C2), and 52 (12.2%) with severe scarring (C3). The ranking method demonstrated good internal validity, exhibiting a monotonic increase in the median rank across the levels of the 1981 WHO grading system. Intrarater repeatability was better for the ranking method (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.74–0.94). Exhibiting better internal and external validity, this ranking method may be useful for evaluating the difference in scarring between groups of individuals.
Technical note: Differences in the diurnal pattern of soil respiration under adjacent Miscanthus  ×  giganteus and barley crops reveal potential flaws in accepted sampling strategies
Authors: Keane J. Ben , Ineson Phil
Published: March 2017

Abstract. For convenience, measurements used to compare soil respiration (Rs) from different land uses, crops or management practices are often made between 09:00 and 16:00 UTC, convenience which is justified by an implicit assumption that Rs is largely controlled by temperature. Three months of continuous data presented here show distinctly different diurnal patterns of Rs between barley (Hordeum vulgare) and Miscanthus  ×  giganteus (Miscanthus) grown on adjacent fields. Maximum Rs in barley occurred during the afternoon and correlated with soil temperature, whereas in Miscanthus after an initial early evening decline, Rs increased above the daily average during the night and in July maximum daily rates of Rs were seen at 22:00 and was significantly correlated with earlier levels of solar radiation, probably due to delays in translocation of recent photosynthate. Since the time of the daily mean Rs in Miscanthus occurred when Rs in the barley was 40 % greater than the daily mean, it is vital to select appropriate times to measure Rs especially if only single daily measurements are to be made.
Ice nucleators, bacterial cells and Pseudomonas syringae in precipitation at Jungfraujoch
Authors: Stopelli Emiliano , Conen Franz , Guilbaud Caroline , Zopfi Jakob , Alewell Christine , Morris Cindy E.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Ice nucleation is a means by which the deposition of an airborne microorganism can be accelerated under favourable meteorological conditions. Analysis of 56 snow samples collected at the high-altitude observatory Jungfraujoch (3580 m a.s.l.) revealed an order-of-magnitude-larger dynamic range of ice-nucleating particles active at −8 °C (INPs−8) compared to the total number of bacterial cells (of which on average 60 % was alive). This indicates a shorter atmospheric residence time for INPs−8. Furthermore, concentrations of INPs−8 decreased much faster, with an increasing fraction of water precipitated from the air mass prior to sampling, than the number of total bacterial cells. Nevertheless, at high wind speeds (> 50 km h−1) the ratio of INPs−8 to total bacterial cells largely remained in a range between 10−2 and 10−3, independent of prior precipitation, likely because of recent injections of particles in regions upwind. Based on our field observations, we conclude that ice nucleators travel shorter legs of distance with the atmospheric water cycle than the majority of bacterial cells. A prominent ice-nucleating bacterium, Pseudomonas syringae, has been previously supposed to benefit from this behaviour as a means to spread via the atmosphere and to colonise new host plants. Therefore, we targeted this bacterium with a selective cultivation approach. P. syringae was successfully isolated for the first time at such an altitude in 3 of 13 samples analysed. Colony-forming units of this species constituted a minor fraction (10−4) of the numbers of INPs−8 in these samples. Overall, our findings expand the geographic range of habitats where this bacterium has been found and corroborate theories on its robustness in the atmosphere and its propensity to spread to colonise new habitats.
Socio-hydrology from the bottom up: A template for agent-based modeling in irrigation systems
Authors: Bouziotas Dimitrios , Ertsen Maurits
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Based on a review of key concepts in agent-based modeling for irrigation systems and coupled human-water systems in general, this study presents a proof of concept of an agent-based model based on the existing Irrigation Management Game. After the modeling philosophy and main characteristics are outlined, a number of pilot applications are presented and evaluated. Following the evaluation of the results, future steps that could be incorporated in the model are discussed. The proposed template offers a bottom-up approach to socio-hydrological modelling design, as individual agent behavior explicitly co-shapes the response of the water system, which allows the discovery of emergent dynamics and the conditions under which these are produced. The concepts explained and modeled at a proof-of-concept level in this work serve as a call to the socio-hydrological community to expand its modeling efforts to the agent level.
Coupling biophysical processes and water rights to simulate spatially distributed water use in an intensively managed hydrologic system
Authors: Han Bangshuai , Benner Shawn , Bolte John , Vache Kellie B. , Flores Alejandro N.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Humans have significantly altered the redistribution of water in intensively managed hydrologic systems, shifting the spatiotemporal patterns of surface water. Evaluating water availability requires integration of hydrologic processes and associated human influences. In this study, we summarize the development and evaluation of an extensible hydrologic model that explicitly integrates water rights to spatially distribute irrigation waters in a semi-arid agricultural region in the Western United States, using the Envision integrated modeling platform. The model captures both human and biophysical systems, particularly the diversion of water from the Boise River, which is the main water source that supports irrigated agriculture in this region. In agricultural areas, water demand is estimated as a function of crop type and local environmental conditions. Surface water to meet crop demand is diverted from the stream reaches, constrained by the amount of water available in the stream, the water rights-appropriated amount and the priority dates associated with particular places of use. Results, measured by flow rates at gaged stream and canal locations within the study area, suggest that the impacts of irrigation activities on the magnitude and timing of flows through this intensively managed system are well captured. The multi-year averaged diverted water from the Boise River matches observations well, reflecting the appropriation of water according to the water rights database. Because of the spatially explicit implementation of surface water diversion. The model can help diagnose places and times that water resources is likely insufficient to meet agricultural water demands, and inform future water management decisions.
Sea-level rise along the Emilia-Romagna coast (Northern Italy) at
2100: scenarios and impacts
Authors: Perini Luisa , Calabrese Lorenzo , Luciani Paolo , Olivieri Marco , Galassi Gaia , Spada Giorgio
Published: March 2017

Abstract. As a consequence of climate change and human-induced land subsidence, coastal zones are directly impacted by sea-level rise. In some particular areas, the effects on the ecosystem and the urbanisation are particularly enhanced. We focus on the Emilia-Romagna coastal plain in Northern Italy, bounded by the Po river mouth to the north and by the Apennines to the south. The plain is ~ 130 km long and is characterised by wide areas below sea level, in part reclaimed wetlands. In this context, several morphodynamic factors make the shore and back-shore unstable. During next decades, the combined effects of land subsidence and of the sea-level rise in consequence of climate change are expected to enhance the shoreline instability, leading to a further retreat. The consequent loss of beaches would impact the economy of the region, tightly connected with tourism infrastructures. Furthermore, the loss of wetlands and dunes would threaten the ecosystem, crucial for the preservation of life and environment. These specific conditions show the importance of a precise definition of the possible local impacts of the ongoing and future climate variations. The aim of this work is the characterisation of vulnerability in different sectors of the coastal plain and the recognition of the areas in which human intervention is urgently required. The IPCC AR5 sea-level scenarios are merged with new high resolution terrain models, current data for local subsidence and predictions of a flooding model (in_CoastFlood) to develop different scenarios for the impact of sea-level rise to year 2100. First, the potential land loss due to the combined effect of subsidence and sea-level rise is extrapolated. Second, the increase of floodable areas in consequence of storm surges is quantitatively determined. The results are expected to support the regional mitigation and adaptation strategies designed in response to climate change.
FLORAÇÃO DE COMUNIDADE PIROFÍTICA NO ENTORNO DO PARQUE NACIONAL DA CHAPADA DOS VEADEIROS - ESTADO DE GOIÁS, BRASIL.
Authors: E SILVA NETO CARLOS DE MELO , CARNEIRO VANDERVILSON ALVES , PEREIRA LYNE SUSSUARANA , GONÇALVES BRUNO BASTOS
Published: March 2017

Esse estudo objetiva demonstrar a composição florística de populações que florescem após a passagem do fogo em uma área de Cerrado rupestre. Os estudos foram conduzidos no final da estação seca em uma área queimada de Cerrado rupestre no entorno do Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás, Brasil. Todos os indivíduos que se encontravam em estado reprodutivo na área foram fotografados e coletados para identificação. Foi realizada observação focal (24hs) para visualizar visitantes florais em Dyckia cf. areniticola Leme, por ser a planta em floração mais abundante na área. No total foram encontradas 16 espécies em estado reprodutivo, de 15 gêneros diferentes e 11 famílias botânicas. As famílias que tiveram maior número de espécies encontradas na área são Amaranthacea (3 spp.); Asteraceae; Bromeliaceae e Cyperaceae (2 spp.). Exceto pelas espécies da família Cyperaceae, todas as outras espécies florescem e fornecem recursos para visitantes florais e polinizadores. Dentre as espécies, quatro são endêmicas para o Cerrado (Inulopsis camporum; Gomphrena cf. lanigera; Crumenaria choretroides e Bromelia glaziovii), sendo que G. lanigera e B. glaziovii só ocorrem em Goiás e Minas Gerais. Além disso, D. cf. areniticola é considerado nova ocorrência para o Estado de Goiás.
COMÉRCIO INTERNACIONAL E REDES DE TRANSPORTES: FLUXOS DAS EXPORTAÇÕES DE MERCADORIAS EM PIRAPORA-MG
Authors: Pereira Luiz Andrei Gonçalves , Evangelista Kaline Tamara Queiroz
Published: March 2017

O crescimento do comércio internacional representado pelas exportações e importações tem elevado a demanda por meios de transportes para promover o deslocamento de bens e serviços no espaço geográfico. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a inserção de Pirapora nos fluxos de comércio internacional, considerando a configuração espacial das redes de transportes responsáveis pelo escoamento das exportações destinadas ao exterior, no período de 1999 a 2013. Este estudo foi desenvolvido em duas etapas, na primeira focou-se na revisão de literatura para discussão de conceitos e temáticas abordadas. Na segunda, focou-se na coleta e análise dos dados secundários disponibilizados por instituições governamentais. As redes de transportes são muito importantes para o escoamento das exportações, sendo que o transporte rodoviário foi mais utilizado para levar as mercadorias aos recintos alfandegados, com destaque para o porto do Rio de Janeiro, que concentrou os fluxos das exportações, tendo como reflexo um maior uso do transporte marítimo. E no cenário internacional, o principal mercado de destino das exportações realizadas por empresas localizadas em Pirapora foi a União Europeia.
AVALIAÇÃO SAZONAL E MONITORAMENTO DAS ÁGUAS DO RIO DOCE – GO
Authors: Cabral João Batista Pereira , Rocha Isabel Rodrigues da , Nogueira Pollyanna Faria , Becegato Valter Antonio
Published: March 2017

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar as características físicas e químicas das águas do rio Doce (GO), a montante da PCH Irara, abrangendo em seu escopo diferentes pontos de amostragem. Realizaram-se doze coletas em cinco pontos distintos no período de julho de 2009 a junho de 2011. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: pH, temperatura, condutividade elétrica (CE), salinidade (NaCl), turbidez (Turb) e total de sólido dissolvido (TDS). As análises das águas foram avaliadas com a sonda multiparamétrica Oakton Pcd 650 e o turbidímetro de bancada. Os resultados foram discutidos e comparados com base aos limites estabelecidos pela  Resolução CONAMA Nº 357, de 17 de março de 2005. Os valores foram avaliados quanto à conformidade, sendo verificados pontos que se enquadram nas Classes 1 e 2, cuja característica das águas é de boa qualidade para uso humano e para dessedentação de animais após tratamento.
EROSIVIDADE DAS CHUVAS (R) NOS MUNICÍPIOS DE CASTELO DO PIAUÍ E JUAZEIRO DO PIAUÍ, NO ESTADO DO PIAUÍ (BRASIL)
Authors: Dos Santos Francílio De Amorim , De Aquino Cláudia Maria Sabóia
Published: March 2017

O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar a Erosividade das chuvas (R) nosmunicípios de Castelo do Piauí e Juazeiro do Piauí, por meio dos dados dos postos meteorológicos da SUDENE. Para estimar o fator R foram utilizados os dados de precipitação das 13 estações pluviométricas da Superintendência do Desenvolvimento do Nordeste (SUDENE). Os referidos dados tiveram suas falhas corrigidas através do Método de Ponderação Regional e foram manuseados no Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) ArcGIS 10.2. Desse modo, foi possível estimar que 51,1% dos municípios estudados possuemtaxas pluviométricas situadas entre 1.100 a 1.200 mm e em 11,9% a erosividade variou de muito baixa a baixa erosividade, 74,7% da área de estudo foram enquadradas nas classes de alta a muito alta erosividade, evidenciando assim fragilidade climática natural constituindo-se fator limitante ao desenvolvimento de atividades agropecuárias. Tais dados possibilitam odesenvolvimento de planejamentos físico territoriais, almejando o mínimo impacto possível à dinâmica ambiental, contudo ressalta-se o complemento desta analise com dados relativos à declividade, tipos de solos, fisionomia da cobertura vegetal e ainda dos tipos de usos da área de estudo objetivando uma analise da fragilidade ambiental da área de modo mais completa.
PARADIGMA EDUCACIONAL: INFLUÊNCIA PARA A FORMAÇÃO E ATUAÇÃO DOCENTE EM GEOGRAFIA
Authors: Oliveira Suzana Ribeiro Lima
Published: March 2017

O presente trabalho propõe uma análise da influência do paradigma educacional para a formação docente, dando ênfase na formação de um profissional da educação em Geografia baseado nas mudanças e necessidades da sociedade, a partir da discussão de sua importância para a consolidação de uma formação docente focada na construção coletiva e colaborativa do conhecimento. Para a realização deste, foi feita uma pesquisa bibliográfica enfatizando os paradigmas que influenciam a formação docente em educação e sua importância para o ensino de Geografia, e ainda, pesquisa documental em leis e resoluções que regulamentam a formação de professores. O momento atual emerge a necessidade de transição de um modelo de formação docente tradicional, fragmentado, para um modelo emancipador.
Projeção do uso da terra e do potencial de armazenamento da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Cuiabá
Authors: Chiaranda Roberto , Rizzi Nivaldo Eduardo , Colpini Chirle , Soares Thelma Shirlen
Published: March 2017

Considerando que o conhecimento dos efeitos das mudanças no uso e na ocupação do solo em uma bacia hidrográfica é muito importante para a tomada de decisões sobre a gestão da mesma, desenvolveu-se este estudo cujo objetivo foi simular para o ano de 2020 o uso da terra e a capacidade potencial de armazenamento da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Cuiabá. A simulação foi realizada com base em dados de cartas topográficas, mapas temáticos de usos da terra e imagens de satélite. Foram elaborados mapas de uso da terra e capacidade potencial de armazenamento frente a cenários de usos da terra com atividades socioeconômicas. Para a simulação pressupôs-se que as modificações ocorrem no tempo e no espaço por meio da incorporação de novas unidades homogêneas de classes de usos da terra baseando-se nos cenários verificados nos anos de 1966, 1981 e 1998. Na projeção realizada verificou-se que as ações antrópicas seria uma das principais responsáveis pela modificação das características da capacidade potencial de armazenamento e seus processos hidrológicos
QUALIDADE E ESTADO TRÓFICO DA ÁGUA DO CÓRREGO BARRINHA LOCALIZADO NO MUNICÍPIO DE RIO VERDE, SUDOESTE DE GOIÁS, BRASIL
Authors: Alves Wellmo Dos Santos , Moraes Wilker Alves
Published: March 2017

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade da água do Córrego Barrinha, localizado no município de Rio Verde – GO nos dias 30 de maio e 9 de junho de 2014, período de seca na região. As variáveis analisadas foram temperatura (T), sólidos dissolvidos totais (SDT), condutividade elétrica (CE), potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), turbidez, oxigênio dissolvido (OD) e fósforo total (PT). Os resultados das variáveis SDT, pH, turbidez, OD e PT foram comparados com os limites estabelecidos pela Resolução CONAMA 357/05 para água doce Classe 2, as demais variáveis foram comparadas com dados da literatura. Os resultados obtidos estão fora dos padrões exigidos pela resolução supracitada quanto à concentração de OD no P2, nas duas amostragens, e PT no P1, na segunda amostragem, e no P2, nas duas amostragens. As variáveis SDT, pH e turbidez estão dentro dos padrões exigidos pela referida resolução. Para T, foram encontrados resultados semelhantes na literatura para a região do estudo. Os valores de CE encontrados foram elevados de acordo com dados corroborados com a literatura. Para os Índices de Estado Trófico (IET), o curso de água em questão se encontrou no estado eutrófico na segunda coleta no P1, e no estado hipereutrófico nas duas amostragens no P2.
IMPACTOS AMBIENTAIS DIAGNOSTICADOS APÓS AS NOVAS CONSTRUÇÕES NO CÂMPUS DA UFT – GURUPI, TOCANTINS
Authors: Gonçalves Douglas Santos , De Souza Patrícia Aparecida , De Oliveira Alessandro Lemos
Published: March 2017

Diversos reflexos ambientais negativos são de responsabilidade da construção civil, no local e região onde se instala a obra, causados por suas atividades direta ou indiretamente. Tais impactos podem ser qualificados e quantificados através da realização de diagnóstico ambiental. Este estudo teve por objetivo diagnosticar os impactos ambientais ocasionados pelo desenvolvimento e novas construções no câmpus da UFT em Gurupi – TO e propor medidas mitigatórias para diminuição destes efeitos. As novas construções no câmpus da UFT – Gurupi, trouxeram impactos ambientais para o meio, foram encontradas duas ações impactantes: retirada da vegetação nativa e deposição de resíduos de construção civil no solo de maneira inadequada e dois impactos ambientais: a exposição do solo e presença de espécies vegetais exóticas. As medidas mitigatórias propostas foram: retirar a espécies arbóreas exóticas introduzidas e fazer capina para eliminar as espécies herbáceas exóticas invasoras, realizando o plantio de espécies florestais nativas e/ou frutíferas, diminuindo também os efeitos negativos da exposição do solo e recomenda-se fazer limpeza nos locais onde existem resíduos de construção civil, eliminando qualquer tipo de criadouro de macro e micro vetores de doenças
DESAFIOS E DILEMAS DA PESQUISA EM CIÊNCIAS AMBIENTAIS
Authors: FELÍCIO MUNIR JORGE
Published: March 2017

Para compreender os desafios e dilemas da pesquisa em Ciências Ambientais esse texto inicia observando as orientações da Coordenação de Área de Ciências Ambientais – CACiamb. O trabalho do pesquisador interdisciplinar terá, como ponto de partida, a demanda externa como parte das problemáticas ambientais atuais presentes em qualquer escala. Está imbricada nessa demanda externa a concepção de desenvolvimento sem se descuidar dos princípios de sustentabilidade desenvolvendo análises e criando compreensão com o pensamento sistêmico. A análise de três dissertações de mestrado propiciará o debate teórico perseguindo as ações do pesquisador interdisciplinar e a importância de sua tarefa com o desenvolvimento do saber ambiental. O saber ambiental será o resultado do processo de transição do pensamento mecanicista para o pensamento sistêmico na medida em que for deixada a concepção de ciência como um caminho seguro e sem desvios, para a concepção de ciência como uma rede com níveis sistêmicos interconectados.
Scaffolding to Promote Critical Thinking and Learner Autonomy Among Pre-Service Education Students
Authors: Weinstein Sara , Preiss Devorah
Published: March 2017

This study explored the use of a scaffolding technique in order to develop critical thinking skills and dispositions while using the infusion method of teaching critical thinking within the context of specific subject matter. Two specific skills were examined: the students were asked to compare and contrast Biblical textual stories (analysis) and then to generate abstract categories to describe the elements they had compared (evaluation). The disposition examined was the self confidence to reason independently, without teacher direction, in order to encourage learner autonomy. The study developed as action research in a teachers college Bible class, after pre-service education students complained that they were unable to compare and contrast texts on their own. In an attempt to solve this problem, the study began with a preliminary non-textual exercise involving analyzing and evaluating two everyday leisure activities. It then continued by transferring these skills to Biblical text comparisons. Findings showed that beginning the study with the scaffolding step of a non-textual exercise before moving on to text comparisons was an effective method of helping students overcome their former reluctance to autonomously compare texts without teacher intervention.
Acute hypercapnic respiratory failure as a rare complication of meningoencephalitis: Two case reports
Authors: Grigorakos Leonidas , Tzortzopoulou Katerina , Alexopoulou Anastasia , Sotiriou Eva , Markopoulou Dimitra , Moles Athanasios , Agathonikou Alexandros , Ladakis Charalambos
Published: March 2017

Background: Differentiated diagnosis of meningoencephalitis in elderly patients, when an uncommon picture of respiratory infection leading to acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) and without neurological signs is present, may raise serious difficulties.Case report: Two patients aged 72 (patient 1) and 75 (patient 2), without any medical history of respiratory problems, were hospitalized during spring with influenza symptoms. Within less than 24 hours from their admission, patients developed AHFR, which led to disturbances of arterial blood gases (ABGs). They were intubated and transferred, mechanically ventilated, to our intensive care unit (ICU). After normalization of ABGs, a weaning process followed. Weaning was unsuccessful, as unexpected neurological semiotics occurred. The imaging of neurological MRI revealed no special damage apart from microangiopathy. Further investigations through lumbar puncture with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing revealed meningoencephalitis. Antiviral treatment was applied and the outcome was successful for both patients.Conclusion: Critical care medical personnel should be aware of the event of viral meningoencephalitis in elderly patients with AHRF. Especially in the middle of influenza endemic periods, the management of elderly patients may not be appropriate, thus resulting in serious delays for a proper treatment of disease. Laboratory screening of blood and urine, as well as other body fluids, can help detect and determine brain infection. Results from these tests can help exclude other diseases that mimic meningoencephalitis. In cases of patients who are hospitalized in the ICU due to AHRF and do not exhibit neurological abnormalities from the onset of illness, lumbar puncture and check of CSF should be a routine examination. Prophylactic vaccination of high-risk groups may be of crucial importance for preventing complications in patients who develop meningoencephalitis. However, once infected with this disease, the positive outcome is highly dependent on the immediate diagnosis and proper treatment of patients in the ICU.
An Investigation of Learner Autonomy in Turkish EFL Context
Authors: Cakici Dilek
Published: March 2017

This study investigated the teachers’ perceptions as to what extent learners should be involved in decision making processes concerning the general aspects of learner autonomy. The primary aim of the research was to find out learning autonomy perceptions of Turkish prospective teachers of English. It is also aimed to explore the effect of gender on the views held by prospective English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers. To this end, a total of 88 senior students (54 females, 34 males) in the Department of English Language Teaching (ELT) at Ondokuz Mayıs University participated in this study. Data were collected by the questionnaire “Learner Autonomy: the Teachers’ Views” developed by Camilleri (1997). The obtained data were analyzed and interpreted in the form of percentage level for related items. The results of this study indicated that EFL student teachers seem to be ready to take more responsibility and control for their own learning in certain aspects of learner autonomy, whilst in some other areas they still demand teacher’s support and guidance. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that overall males and females held similar views about learner autonomy in EFL context. However, a significant gender-based difference was reported in three items.
Cultura de estímulo à criatividade como instrumentos de processos inovadores
Authors: Silva Giorgio Gilwan da
Published: March 2017

A criatividade é um componente humano e peça fundamental para a competitividade organizacional, sobretudo nestes tempos de mudança constante no ambiente de negócios. Por isso, é necessário que as organizações criem ambientes que estimulem a criatividade de modo às ideias de seus membros possam ser transformadas em inovação. No entanto, existem muitas barreiras para dificultam o processo criativo, como por exemplo, a própria cultura organizacional. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é verificar as características da cultura de estímulo a criatividades como instrumentos de processos inovadores nas empresas de desenvolvimento de produto. Classifica-se a presente pesquisa, quanto à sua forma em qualitativa, quanto aos objetivos, pesquisa exploratória e descritiva com apresentação de dois casos. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que existe uma relação entre a cultura organizacional de estimulo a criatividade e ao desenvolvimento de produtos, processos ou serviços inovadores. Constatou-se que um dos grandes desafios apresentados às organizações é encontrar meios de eliminar barreiras, estimulando a expressão da criatividade entre seus membros.
Personas: a teoria Junguiana dos tipos psicológicos e sua utilidade para o design
Authors: Senna Carlos Eduardo , Fialho Francisco Antônio
Published: March 2017

O presente artigo oferece um novo olhar no processo de construção de personagens, pautado nos ensinamentos da psicologia arquetípica. Para isso, a estratégia metodológica adotada foi a revisão bibliográfica. Inicialmente, o texto mostra os princípios da Teoria dos Tipos Psicológicos, a face mais conhecida da Psicologia Analítica, de Carl Jung. Em seguida, o artigo descreve a classificação tipológica de Myers-Briggs. Um dos maiores desafios para o designer é definir dados psicográficos de um público. Nesse sentido, a teoria junguiana pode ser aproveitada para definição de necessidades coletivas.
O papel da experiência no desenvolvimento de habilidades de design thinker
Authors: Garcia Ferraz Mariana , Perfetto Demarchi Ana Paula
Published: March 2017

Esse projeto se dedica a compreender a influência da expertise no desenvolvimento das habilidades dos agentes de design. Baseando-se em entrevistas realizadas em cinco empresas de design da cidade de Londrina, foi possível identificar quais as técnicas e/ou métodos mais utilizados pelos profissionais e, assim, verificar como a Gestão Estratégica de Design e o Design Thinking intervêm no aperfeiçoamento das habilidades dos profissionais e no processo de inovação das empresas.
A simulacão virtual como ferramenta para o desenvolvimento de produtos: uma revisão
Authors: Rosa Valéria Ilsa , Da Silva Régio Pierre , Aymone José Luís Farinatti
Published: March 2017

Estudo descritivo na modalidade de revisão sistemática em bases de dados, com os descritores, Tecnologia Assistiva e Simulação Virtual. Os dados foram caracterizados pela frequência em cada área de conhecimento. Assim, buscou-se nas bases de dados eletrônicas BDENF, LILACS, MEDLINE, SCIELO e SCIENCEDIRECT a Tecnologia Assistiva e a Simulação Virtual como temática nas produções de Design, entre janeiro de 2009 a junho de 2014. Das publicações, a Tecnologia Assistiva e a Simulação Virtual foram objeto em 2,74% do total dos artigos.
Social Capital Transformation, Voluntarily Services and Mental Health During Times of Military Conflict in Ukraine
Authors: Karhina Kateryna , Ghazinour Mehdi , Ng Nawi , Eriksson Malin
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND: The effects of war as well as military conflict include long-term physical and psychological harm to children and adults. Social relations and trust play a role in peace building and conflict resolution. Social capital is believed to facilitate institutional and interpersonal trust as well as safety and security, and thus may become an important resource in times of military conflict.OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study are to analyse how social capital may be transformed due to a military conflict in contemporary Ukraine and to explore the role of voluntarily services in this change. Further we aim to discuss the possible influence of social capital transformation on mental health in times of military conflict.METHODS: A qualitative case study design was chosen to explore it. In-depth interviews were chosen as a method for data collection. Informant’s selection criteria were: either to be involved in volunteering activities in the city of Khmelnitsky (which is the place of research) or to receive volunteering help. 18 interviews were conducted.Informants were reached by snowball sampling. Interviews are collected, transcribed, translated and analyzed using constructive Grounded Theory approach of Charmaz.RESULTS: Our results show that social capital transforms during military conflict experiences. The changes happen both in cognitive and structural components since they are connected. The most important changes occur in bonding social capital, where new formation such as brotherhood, emerges and replaces previous bonding ties with family and friends. In addition, voluntarily acting actors (those who normally belong to bridging social capital) transform into relations with bonding entities. New forms of social capital are thus generated through the existence of voluntary services, and these networks provide essential social support in times of military conflict. Perceived support softens negative emotional responses to traumatic events. In line with the stress-buffering model, our results support that the formation of new social capital in times of military conflict may protect against the negative mental health effects of these experiences.
Single-molecule observation of DNA compaction by meiotic protein SYCP3
Authors: Syrjänen Johanna L , Heller Iddo , Candelli Andrea , Davies Owen R , Peterman Erwin J G , Wuite Gijs J L , Pellegrini Luca
Published: March 2017

In a previous paper (Syrjänen et al., 2014), we reported the first structural characterisation of a synaptonemal complex (SC) protein, SYCP3, which led us to propose a model for its role in chromosome compaction during meiosis. As a component of the SC lateral element, SYCP3 has a critical role in defining the specific chromosome architecture required for correct meiotic progression. In the model, the reported compaction of chromosomal DNA caused by SYCP3 would result from its ability to bridge distant sites on a DNA molecule with the DNA-binding domains located at each end of its strut-like structure. Here, we describe a single-molecule assay based on optical tweezers, fluorescence microscopy and microfluidics that, in combination with bulk biochemical data, provides direct visual evidence for our proposed mechanism of SYCP3-mediated chromosome organisation.
The vacuolar-ATPase complex and assembly factors, TMEM199 and CCDC115, control HIF1α prolyl hydroxylation by regulating cellular iron levels
Authors: Miles Anna L , Burr Stephen P , Grice Guinevere L , Nathan James A
Published: March 2017

Hypoxia Inducible transcription Factors (HIFs) are principally regulated by the 2-oxoglutarate and Iron(II) prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) enzymes, which hydroxylate the HIFα subunit, facilitating its proteasome-mediated degradation. Observations that HIFα hydroxylation can be impaired even when oxygen is sufficient emphasise the importance of understanding the complex nature of PHD regulation. Here, we use an unbiased genome-wide genetic screen in near-haploid human cells to uncover cellular processes that regulate HIF1α. We identify that genetic disruption of the Vacuolar H+ ATPase (V-ATPase), the key proton pump for endo-lysosomal acidification, and two previously uncharacterised V-ATPase assembly factors, TMEM199 and CCDC115, stabilise HIF1α in aerobic conditions. Rather than preventing the lysosomal degradation of HIF1α, disrupting the V-ATPase results in intracellular iron depletion, thereby impairing PHD activity and leading to HIF activation. Iron supplementation directly restores PHD catalytic activity following V-ATPase inhibition, revealing important links between the V-ATPase, iron metabolism and HIFs.
Estrogen inhibits starvation‐induced apoptosis in osteocytes by a redox‐independent process involving association of JNK and glutathione S‐transferase P1‐1
Authors: Domazetovic Vladana , Fontani Filippo , Marcucci Gemma , Iantomasi Teresa , Brandi Maria Luisa , Vincenzini Maria Teresa
Published: March 2017

Estrogen deficiency causes bone loss as a result of microdamage, oxidative stress, and osteocyte apoptosis. A relationship between oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) activation, and expression of factors involved in bone remodeling has been demonstrated in osteocytes. However, the molecular regulation of these events in osteocytes treated with 17β‐estradiol (17β‐E2) remains unexplored. The MLO‐Y4 murine osteocyte‐like cell line was used as a model to study starvation‐induced apoptosis and ROS production during 17β‐E2 treatment. Expression of glutathione S‐transferase P1‐1 (GSTP1‐1), receptor activator kB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), sclerostin, and kinases activation were measured by western blot. In addition, the GSTP1‐1/JNK association was assessed by immunoprecipitation, and GSTP1‐1 involvement in the osteocyte response to 17β‐E2 was detected by specific siRNA transfection. 17β‐E2 prevents starvation‐induced apoptosis (DNA fragmentation and caspase activation), the increase in sclerostin expression and the RANKL/OPG ratio, which are all related to JNK activation due to oxidative stress in osteocytes. This occurs through GSTP1‐1 overexpression, which can inhibit JNK activation by formation of a GSTP1‐1/JNK complex. No early antioxidant action of 17β‐E2 has been found but the estrogen effect is similar to N‐acetylcysteine which, by increasing the intracellular redox state, maintains JNK bound to GSTP1‐1. Thus, the antiapoptotic and osteogenic effect of 17β‐E2 in MLO‐Y4 occurs by a redox‐independent process involving GSTP1‐1/JNK association. This study clarifies at molecular level the effect of 17β‐E2 on osteocyte activity and identifies a possible role of GSTP1‐1 and JNK activity in bone remodeling and repair mechanisms.
Outlier analyses to test for local adaptation to breeding grounds in a migratory arctic seabird
Authors: Tigano Anna , Shultz Allison J. , Edwards Scott V. , Robertson Gregory J. , Friesen Vicki L.
Published: March 2017

Investigating the extent (or the existence) of local adaptation is crucial to understanding how populations adapt. When experiments or fitness measurements are difficult or impossible to perform in natural populations, genomic techniques allow us to investigate local adaptation through the comparison of allele frequencies and outlier loci along environmental clines. The thick‐billed murre (Uria lomvia) is a highly philopatric colonial arctic seabird that occupies a significant environmental gradient, shows marked phenotypic differences among colonies, and has large effective population sizes. To test whether thick‐billed murres from five colonies along the eastern Canadian Arctic coast show genomic signatures of local adaptation to their breeding grounds, we analyzed geographic variation in genome‐wide markers mapped to a newly assembled thick‐billed murre reference genome. We used outlier analyses to detect loci putatively under selection, and clustering analyses to investigate patterns of differentiation based on 2220 genomewide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 137 outlier SNPs. We found no evidence of population structure among colonies using all loci but found population structure based on outliers only, where birds from the two northernmost colonies (Minarets and Prince Leopold) grouped with birds from the southernmost colony (Gannet), and birds from Coats and Akpatok were distinct from all other colonies. Although results from our analyses did not support local adaptation along the latitudinal cline of breeding colonies, outlier loci grouped birds from different colonies according to their non‐breeding distributions, suggesting that outliers may be informative about adaptation and/or demographic connectivity associated with their migration patterns or nonbreeding grounds.
Canada lynx use of burned areas: Conservation implications of changing fire regimes
Authors: Vanbianchi Carmen M. , Murphy Melanie A. , Hodges Karen E.
Published: March 2017

A fundamental problem in ecology is forecasting how species will react to major disturbances. As the climate warms, large, frequent, and severe fires are restructuring forested landscapes at large spatial scales, with unknown impacts on imperilled predators. We use the United States federally Threatened Canada lynx as a case study to examine how predators navigate recent large burns, with particular focus on habitat features and the spatial configuration (e.g., distance to edge) that enabled lynx use of these transformed landscapes. We coupledGPSlocation data of lynx in Washington in an area with several recent large fires and a number ofGISlayers of habitat data to develop models of lynx habitat selection in recent burns. Random Forest habitat models showed lynx‐selected islands of forest skipped by large fires, residual vegetation, and areas where some trees survived to use newly burned areas. Lynx used burned areas as early as 1 year postfire, which is much earlier than the 2–4 decades postfire previously thought for this predator. These findings are encouraging for predator persistence in the face of fires, but increasingly severe fires or management that reduces postfire residual trees or slow regeneration will likely jeopardize lynx and other predators. Fire management should change to ensure heterogeneity is retained within the footprint of large fires to enable viable predator populations as fire regimes worsen with climate change.
New aspects of grassland recovery in old‐fields revealed by trait‐based analyses of perennial‐crop‐mediated succession
Authors: Kelemen András , Tóthmérész Béla , Valkó Orsolya , Miglécz Tamás , Deák Balázs , Török Péter
Published: March 2017

Classical old‐field succession studies focused on vegetation changes after the abandonment of annual croplands or on succession after the elimination of cultivated crops. Perennial‐crop‐mediated succession, where fields are initially covered by perennial crops, reveals alternative aspects of old‐field succession theories. We tested the validity of classical theories of old‐field succession for perennial‐crop‐mediated succession. We formulated the following hypotheses: (1) functional diversity increases with increasing field age; (2) resource acquisition versus conservation trade‐off shifts toward conservation at community level during the succession; (3) the importance of spatial and temporal seed dispersal decreases during the succession; and (4) competitiveness and stress‐tolerance increases and ruderality decreases at community level during the succession. We studied functional diversity, trait distributions and plant strategies in differently aged old‐fields using chronosequence method. We found increasing functional richness and functional divergence, but also unchanged or decreasing functional evenness. We detected a shift from resource acquisition to resource conservation strategy of communities during the succession. The role of spatial and temporal seed dispersal was found to be important not only at the initial but also at latter successional stages. We found an increasing stress‐tolerance and a decreasing ruderality during succession, while the competitiveness remained unchanged at the community level. Despite the markedly different starting conditions, we found that classical and perennial‐crop‐mediated old‐field successions have some similarities regarding the changes of functional diversity, resource acquisition versus conservation trade‐off, and seed dispersal strategies. However, we revealed also the subsequent differences. The competitive character of communities remained stable during the succession; hence, the initial stages of perennial‐crop‐mediated succession can be similar to the middle stages of classical old‐field succession. Moreover, the occupied functional niche space and differentiation were larger in the older stages, but resources were not effectively utilized within this space, suggesting that the stabilization of the vegetation requires more time.