Tuneable compensator of dispersion and slope using non-uniformly strained chirped fibre grating

Summary form only given. A novel method for tuning the second and the third order dispersion using a simple multi-point bending device has been demonstrated. A simple model has been developed that allows to calculate the exact bending profile required for compensation for the given values of dispersion and dispersion slope.

Tuneable compensator of dispersion and slope using non-uniformly strained chirped fibre grating

Summary form only given. A novel method for tuning the second and the third order dispersion using a simple multi-point bending device has been demonstrated. A simple model has been developed that allows to calculate the exact bending profile required for compensation for the given values of dispersion and dispersion slope.

Las edades de Hitler. De Satán a un ser de carne y hueso, y su representación en clave paródica

Adolf Hitler suscitó desde su entrada en la escena política alemana una fascinación perversa, un sentimiento que, con el tiempo, ha dado lugar a numerosas representaciones culturales sobre el Führer. La muestra, rica y variada tanto en el fondo como en la forma, nos permitirá trazar tres estadios en lo referente al proceso de construcción historiográfica del hitlerismo, iniciado con la caída del Tercer Reich. Estos responden en buena medida al devenir sociopolítico y cultural de la sociedad a escala global desde el final de la guerra y hasta nuestros días y pueden resumirse en tres: primero, la satanización; segundo, la humanización; tercero, el retrato caricaturesco. Proponemos un recorrido histórico por diversos productos culturales del dictador alemán cuyo propósito es desentrañar el retrato psicológico poliédrico que se ha construido en torno a la figura de Hitler.

Item and task difficulty in a B2 reading examination: perceptions of test-takers and CEFR alignment experts compared with psychometric measurements

The article presents a study of a CEFR B2-level reading subtest that is part of the Slovenian national secondary school leaving examination in English as a foreign language, and compares the test-taker actual performance (objective difficulty) with the test-taker and expert perceptions of item difficulty (subjective difficulty). The study also analyses the test-takers’ comments on item difficulty obtained from a while-reading questionnaire. The results are discussed in the framework of the existing research in the fields of (the assessment of) reading comprehension, and are addressed with regard to their implications for item-writing, FL teaching and curriculum development.

Content and methodology of predoctoral Geriatric Dentistry teaching in Europe

Objectives: To explore the content and methodology of predoctoral Geriatric Dentistry teaching amongst European dental schools.
Methods: The study was conducted by the European College of Gerodontology (ECG) Education Committee. Αn electronic questionnaire has been developed with close and open-ended items, including information on the prevalence and institutional anchorage of Gerodontology programs, the educators, the content and the methodology of teaching. An electronic mail, including a hyperlink to the questionnaire, was sent to 216 dental schools in 39 European countries (Winter/ Spring 2016). The Deans were asked to either answer themselves, or forward the link to faculty members with knowledge on Gerodontology teaching at their respective schools. Repeated reminders or telephone calls were used for non-respondents and personal networks were exploited to identify potential contact persons.
Results: Until August 2016, 121 dental schools from 29 countries responded to the survey (response rate 56%, EU response rate: 60%). Gerodontology was included in the predoctoral curricula of 86% of the respondents and was compulsory in 68%. The course was mainly offered in senior students and was interdisciplinary in 30% of the schools, delivered mainly by dentists (79%), physicians (21%), psychologists (10%), and nurses (5%). It was conducted as an independent lecture series in 40% of the schools and a course director was assigned in 44% of the respondents. When embedded in other disciplines, these were mainly Prosthodontics (31%). The content included a large number of items, such as epidemiology of oral health, medical problems in old age, prosthodontic management, xerostomia, and caries risk assessment. Lectures were the most common teaching format (69%), followed by small group seminars (27%). The most common types of educational material used were scientific articles (48%), printed textbooks (44%), lecture notes (40%) and e-learning material (21%). Clinical training was offered by 64% of the respondents, within the dental school clinics (49%) and/or in outreach locations (40%).
Conclusion: Amongst the respondent European dental schools (66%) there is an increasing number that teach Gerodontology at a pre-doctoral level with significant variations in content and methodology. Official guidelines and the dissemination of the ECG pre-doctoral curriculum guidelines might help to increase the prevalence and improve the status of Gerodontology teaching in Europe.

A importância do programa revitalização e dinamização do centro cultural

Dissertação para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Arquitectura com Especialização em Arquitectura de Interiores, apresentada na Universidade de Lisboa - Faculdade de Arquitectura.

Relatório de estágio de intervenção comunitária

O desenvolvimento da sociedade nos últimos anos contribuiu para um desenvolvimento das condições de vida e dos cuidados de saúde, levando a um aumento da esperança média de vida, e permitindo assim alterações demográficas de entre as quais se destacam o envelhecimento. Este facto provoca alterações profundas a vários níveis, entre os quais económicos, sociais, familiares e de saúde. Numa época em que o progresso científico e o desenvolvimento tecnológico têm proporcionado importantes avanços a todos os níveis, paralelamente têm emergido novas ameaças à saúde de todos nós. O cenário atual em que vivemos não é fácil, os recursos são cada vez mais escassos e as disparidades socioeconómicas começam a acentuar-se. O envelhecimento é um tema que tem suscitado interesse no meio político, social, económico e académico, e há um reconhecimento de que o seu processo pode ser mais ou menos complexo, com mais ou menos pesar para os que o experienciam na primeira pessoa, mas também para aqueles que de perto vivem este fenómeno. Apesar de estar disponível muita informação sobre este assunto, acreditamos que nunca é demais abordar e estudar esta problemática. A sua persistência e aumento significativo, previsivelmente duradouro, merecem todas as soluções, propostas e intervenções que possam ir ao encontro destas necessidades, para que assim, possam ser colmatadas ou minimizadas. Tendo em conta estas premissas, o estágio de intervenção comunitária decorreu no período de 16 de Setembro de 2013 a 31 de Janeiro de 2014, na Freguesia de Tramaga, sendo a população alvo os idosos com 65 ou mais anos. A intervenção comunitária foi desenvolvida com base no planeamento em saúde, mas no âmbito da promoção da saúde todas as atividades foram baseadas na Teoria de Organização Comunitária, uma vez que no decurso das atividades desenvolvidas, o principal objetivo passou pela capacitação dos idosos, incentivando ao empowerment. Enquanto profissionais de saúde, o propósito da intervenção comunitária passou pela transmissão de conhecimentos e sensibilização aos idosos, para que estes possam participar de maneira informada e consciente na tomada de decisão relativamente à sua saúde. O objetivo final será a sensibilização positiva para a mudança de comportamentos, traduzindo ganhos em saúde, ainda que a longo prazo. Este estágio de intervenção comunitária permitiu-nos adquirir a maioria das competências gerais do Enfermeiro Especialista, bem como as competências específicas do Enfermeiro Especialista em Enfermagem Comunitária e de Saúde Pública definidas pela Ordem dos Enfermeiros.

Long-term effects of beach nourishment on the benthic fauna of Panama City Beach, Florida /

The long-term effects of beach nourishment on the benthic infauna and surface sediments of Panama City beaches were investigated. Forty-seven stations located on nine transects between West Pass and Philips Inlet, and two nourishment borrow sites were sampled in November-December 1979 and May 1980. The data collected were compared to prenourishment base-line information collected by Saloman (1976). Abiotic parameters, water temperature, dissolved oxygen and salinity were measured. Sediments were analyzed for particle-size distribution, percent organic carbon and percent carbonate. Benthic macroinvertebrates were represented by 162 taxa of 14 major animal phyla. Species composition and faunal densities varied seasonally. Polychaetes and amphipods were the most abundant animal groups; a small number of species were dominant at nearly all stations. Species diversity was lowest in the swash zone and sandbar stations and highest offshore. Sediment composition was similar to that of Saloman's (1976) study within limits of sampling and processing errors. Faunal composition was found to be different from 1976 but was attributed to normal seasonal and spatial variations. Based on benthic community analyses and sediment parameters, no significant differences were found between nourishment borrow sites and surrounding areas and in the nearshore areas where beach nourishment was conducted. No long-term adverse effects of beach nourishment were detected. (Author).

Long-term changes in beach fauna at Duck, North Carolina /

Long-term changes in the beach fauna at Duck, North Carolina, were investigated. Twenty-one stations located on three transects on the oceanside and twenty-four stations located on three transects on the sound side were sampled seasonally from November 1980 to July 1981. The data collected in this study were compared to a previous study conducted in 1976 (Matta, 1977) to investigate the potential effects of the construction of the CERC Field Research Facility pier on the adjacent beaches. No effects on the benthic fauna were found. Changes observed in the benthic macrofauna on the ocean beaches were well within the range attributable to the natural variation of an open coast system. The ocean beach macrofauna was observed to form a single community migrating on an off the beach with the seasons. On the sound beaches, changes were detected in the benthic macrofauna; however, these were attributed to a salinity increase during the 1981 sampling year. (Author).

The long and winding road : health services for clients with chronic leg ulcers in the community

The prevalence of leg ulcers of is 0.12%–1.1% and >3,000 lower limb amputations are performed yearly in Australia due to non-healing leg or foot ulcers. Although evidence on leg ulcer management is available, a significant evidence-practice gap exists. To identify current leg ulcer management, a cross-sectional retrospective study was undertaken in Brisbane, Australia. A sample of 104 clients was recruited from a community specialist wound clinic and a tertiary hospital outpatient’s specialist wound clinic. All clients had an ulcer below their knee or on their foot for ≥4 weeks. Data were collected on ulcer care, health service usage and clinical history for the year prior to admission. On admission, participants reported having their ulcer for a median of 25 weeks (range 2-728 weeks); with 51% (53/104) reporting an ulcer duration of ≥24 weeks. Including the wound clinic, participants sought ulcer care from a median of 3 health care providers (range 2-7). General Practitioners provided ulcer care to 82% of participants. Nearly half (42%) had self-cared for their ulcer; 29% (30/104) received treatment by a community nurse. A gap was found between the community-based ulcer care experienced by this population and evidence-based guidelines in regards to assessment, management, advice, and referrals.

Long-term effects of Macroternies termites, herbivores and annual early fire on woody undergrowth community in Sudanian woodland, Burkina Faso

Termites, herbivores and fire are recognized as major guilds that structure woody plant communities in African savanna and woodland ecosystems. An understanding of their interaction is crucial to design appropriate management regimes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term impacts of herbivore, fire and termite activities on regeneration of trees. Permanent experimental quadrats were established in 1992 in the Sudanian woodland of Burkina Faso subjected to grazing by livestock and annual early fire and the control. Within the treatment quadrats, an inventory of the woody undergrowth community was conducted on termitaria occupied by Macrotermes subhyalinus, extended termitosphere (within 5 m radius from the mound base) and adjacent area (beyond 5 m from the mound base). Hierarchical analysis was performed to determine significant differences in species richness, abundance and diversity indices among vegetation patches within fire and herbivory treatments. Grazed quadrats had significantly (P < 0.001) more species and stem density of woody undergrowth than non-grazed quadrats but maintained similar level of species richness and stem density of woody undergrowth on termitaria. There were not significant differences (P>0.05) in species richness and stem density between burnt and unburnt quadrats. Termitaria supported a highly diverse woody undergrowth with higher stem density than either the extended termitosphere or rest of quadrats. The density of woody undergrowth was significantly related with mature trees of selected species on termitaria (R-2 = 0.593; P<0.001) than that on the extended termitosphere (R-2 = 0.333; P<0.001) and adjacent area (R-2 = 0.197; P<0.001). It can be concluded that termites facilitate the regeneration of woody species while grazing and annual early fire play a minor role in the regeneration of woody species. The current policy that prohibits grazing should be revised to accommodate the interests of livestock herders. (C) 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Problems and prospects of community-based resource management approach: an experience with the implementation of the ban on beach seines on Lake Kainji

Community Based Resource Management (CBRM) understood as an approach emphasizes a community's capability, responsibility and accountability with regards to managing resources. Based on the recommendations for the Nigerian-German Kainji Lake Fisheries Promotion Project (KLFPP), the Niger and Kebbi States Fisheries Edicts were promulgated in 1997. These edicts, among other things, banned the use of beach seines. Given the conviction of KLFPP, that if communities whose livelihood is linked to the fishery, understand and identify the problems and by consensus agree to the solutions of fisheries problems, they are more likely to adhere to any control measures, specifically the ban on beach seine. In 1999 a first agreement was reached between beach seiners, non-beach seiners and government authorities leading to an almost complete elimination of beach seine on the Lake Kainji. However, despite on going efforts of the Kainji Lake Fisheries Management and Conservation Unit in 2000 and possibly because of certain oversights during and after the first agreement, in May 2001 a significant number of beach seiners was observed. This led to a re-assessment of our approach, which lately culminated into another round of negotiation. The paper presents the latest results on this on-going process

Climate-related long-term faunal changes in a California rocky intertidal community [abstract]

EXTRACT (SEE PDF FOR FULL ABSTRACT): The effects of gradual climate change (ie, multi-decadal) on biological communities are not well understood for most natural systems, owing principally to the lack of quantitative observations in early studies. ... We resurveyed invertebrate species on an intertidal transect in central California, first established and surveyed in 1931, to assess shifts in community structure.

Long-term changes of Copepoda community (1957-1996) in a subtropical Chinese lake stocked densely with planktivorous filter-feeding silver and bighead carp

In contrast to the relatively well documented impact of particulate-feeding fish on zooplankton communities, little attention has been devoted to the impact of filter-feeding fish. Filter-feeding silver and bighead carp are the most intensively cultured fish species in Asia and comprise much of the production of Chinese aquaculture. However, little information is known about the impact of either fish on the zooplankton community. Long-term changes in the Copepoda community (1957-1996) were studied at two sampling stations of a subtropical Chinese lake (Lake Donghu) dominated by silver and bighead carp. For both calanoids and cyclopoids, the littoral station (I) was much more resource profitable than the pelagic station (II). There has been a tremendous increase in the annual fish catch over the past 30 years due to the increased stocking with fingerlings of the two carp species. There was a notably higher fish density at Station I than at Station II. Cyclopoid abundance was notably higher at Station I than at Station II during the 1950s to the 1980s, while the reverse became true in the 1990s. This is probably because when fish abundance increased to an extremely high level, the impact of fish predation on the cyclopoids became more important than that of food resources at the littoral station. At both stations, cyclopoid abundance was relatively low in spite of the presence of abundant prey. Similarly, calanoid density did not differ significantly between the two stations in the 1950s and 1960s, but was significantly lower at Station I than at Station II during the 1980s and 1990s. Such changes are attributed to the gradient of fish predation between the stations and an increasing predation pressure by the fish. The increased fish predation also correlated with a shift in summer-dominant calanoids from larger species to smaller ones. In conclusion, the predaceous cyclopoids are affected by fish predation to a much lesser extent than the herbivorous calanoids, and therefore increased predation by filter-feeding fish results in a definite increase in the cyclopoid/calanoid ratio. Predation by filter-feeding fish has been a driving force in shaping the copepod community structure of Lake Donghu during the past decades.