Comparison of echogram measurements against data expectations and assumptions for distinguishing seafloor substrates

Defining types of seafloor substrate and relating them to the distribution of fish and invertebrates is an important but difficult goal. An examination of the processing steps of a commercial acoustics analyzing software program, as well as the data values produced by the proprietary first echo measurements, revealed potential benef its and drawbacks for distinguishing acoustically distinct seafloor substrates. The positive aspects were convenient processing steps such as gain adjustment, accurate bottom picking, ease of bad data exclusion, and the ability to average across successive pings in order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. A noteworthy drawback with the processing was the potential for accidental inclusion of a second echo as if it were part of the first echo. Detailed examination of the echogram measurements quantified the amount of collinearity, revealed the lack of standardization (subtraction of mean, division by standard deviation) before principal components analysis (PCA), and showed correlations of individual echogram measurements with depth and seafloor slope. Despite the facility of the software, these previously unknown processing pitfalls and echogram measurement characteristics may have created data artifacts that generated user-derived substrate classifications, rather than actual seafloor substrate types.

Trajetórias educacionais de crianças com necessidades especiais no município do Rio de Janeiro

O estudo tem como tema os Percursos trilhados pelas famílias para a garantia do direito à educação de crianças com necessidades especiais. Este estudo surgiu pela demanda dos integrantes do Núcleo de Estudos da Infância: Pesquisa & Extensão (NEI:P&E/UERJ), coordenado pela Prof Dr Vera Vasconcellos, em compreender como ocorreu a trajetória de escolarização de crianças acompanhadas em dois estudos realizados em creches do município do Rio de Janeiro, em 2009, após a saída delas das referidas instituições. Os estudos foram: i) Crianças focais: a triangulação educação-família-saúde na creche, realizado em 2008 e 2009 na Creche Institucional Dr. Paulo Niemeyer; e ii) Infância, Educação e Inclusão: um estudo de caso, realizado em 2009 na Creche Municipal de Odetinha Vidal de Oliveira. A pesquisa atual tem como proposta um estudo de follow-up, onde demos continuidade às duas anteriores, a partir da análise do percurso de três (3) famílias (mãe) na tentativa de garantir uma educação inclusiva de qualidade para seus filhos. Inicialmente, foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico e documental sobre o tema. Em seguida voltou-se às famílias das crianças com o objetivo de investigar de que modo à escolarização foi sendo propiciadas a estas crianças e como suas dificuldades de aprendizagem têm sido entendidas nos espaços educacionais que frequentam. Adotamos o Estudo de Caso como proposta metodológica. Foram realizadas duas entrevistas com as mães das crianças, respectivamente em 2012 e 2013 e solicitado que elas respondessem um questionário (Caracterização Familiar), que delineava o perfil das mesmas destacando suas características sóciodemograficas. Os dados produzidos foram sistematizados através da abordagem de Análise de Conteúdo por temáticas, com ênfase nas trajetórias das crianças e suas famílias em prol da garantia ao direito à Educação. A pesquisa conclui que as crianças do estudo não encontraram espaço no sistema regular de educação, público e/ou privado, em contraste ao que garante os documentos nacionais e municipais. As trajetórias e experiências foram repletas de inseguranças e expectativas negativas por parte das escolas quanto ao desenvolvimento e escolarização das crianças. Conclui também que não é suficiente conhecer os direitos à educação da criança com necessidades especiais, as instituições precisam reconhecer os familiares como parceiros privilegiados na construção de alternativas para a produção de conhecimentos das crianças com necessidades especiais. Os dados demonstraram a importância social das escolas especiais no atendimento especializado de crianças com necessidades especiais. Os lugares ocupados por essas instituições são reconhecido pelas famílias como fundamental rede de apoio e suporte às crianças e famílias no processo de educação e inclusão escolar.

Implicações da Lei n. 12.690 de 2012 para as cooperativas de catadores de materiais recicláveis.

Este trabalho visa analisar as implicações da Lei n. 12.690 de 2012 para as cooperativas de trabalho em relação à situação organizacional, socioeconômica e às condições gerais de trabalho, em particular, no caso das cooperativas de catadores de material recicláveis. A pesquisa tem caráter exploratório e qualitativo. Como procedimento, adotou-se a revisão da literatura, complementada com entrevistas dirigidas às lideranças de cooperativas de catadores localizadas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. É inegável que esta lei é um marco para os trabalhadores de cooperativas. Dentre outros, ela visa regulamentar os aspectos socioeconômicos da organização e propiciar garantias mínimas nas relações de trabalho, tais como: número mínimo de sete trabalhadores para abrir uma cooperativa; retirada de um salário mínimo mensal; remuneração do trabalho noturno superior à do diurno; duração do trabalho não superior a oito horas diárias e 44 horas semanais; repouso semanal remunerado; além de estabelecer em assembleia, os fundos para possibilitar outros direitos dos sócios, dentre eles a saúde e segurança no trabalho. O estudo concluiu que considerável parte dos entrevistados desconhece a referida lei e que o fator econômico é um dos aspectos de maior impacto na sua aplicação. Contudo, eles poderão ser superados com a efetividade das políticas públicas a fim de compensar os custos adicionais que terão as cooperativas com a aplicação desta lei. Recomenda-se a implantação de programas municipais de coleta seletiva de resíduos com a participação ativa dos catadores, como determina a Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, sendo fundamental o envolvimento de todos os setores da sociedade. Além disso, que a nova lei das cooperativas de trabalho seja mais divulgada e debatida com os setores interessados. Deve-se aperfeiçoar os programas dirigidos às cooperativas de catadores, com maior incentivo à reciclagem, através da redução ou isenção dos impostos para as atividades de reciclagem e dos materiais reciclados, por exemplo. Nas áreas de saúde e segurança do trabalho, é importante a criação de normas específicas para esta categoria de trabalhadores em conformidade com a sua realidade. Espera-se que a pesquisa contribua para a melhor aplicação prática da lei analisada nas cooperativas. Como proposta de estudos futuros, sugere-se a criação de indicadores para o monitoramento da aplicação da Lei n. 12.690 de 2012 após a sua regulamentação, os quais poderão ser utilizados com a finalidade de garantir a melhoria contínua e fortalecer as cooperativas de trabalho, em particular, as de catadores de materiais recicláveis.

Preliminary report on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) uterine samples for parity analysis

There have been numerous studies on various mammalian species regarding vascular changes in uterine arteries elucidating the effects of parity. In equids, vascular changes of uterine arteries have been demonstrated to occur in uniparous and multiparous mares. The severity of these arteriole changes suggests a link to previous pregnancies. Differences in the number or range of pregnancies can be ascertained through microscopic evaluation of elastin deposition in the arterioles, perivascular fibrosis, and stromal cellularity. There has been little, if any, work performed on parity in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). The objective of this preliminary study was to determine the feasibility of detecting similar vascular changes in the endometrium of known-aged female bottlenose dolphins to assess parity. Archived formalin fixed samples of uterus were obtained from nine bottlenose dolphins with known age and parity. Four slides were made from each sample and individually stained with four different techniques. From our small sample pool, it appears that uteri from nulliparous animals do not develop perivascular fibrosis. Parous uteri developed perivascular fibrosis and arteriolar elastosis. These changes agree with our expectations that some degeneration (elastosis) and compensation (fibrosis) occurs as a result of uterine expansion of pregnancy. The assessment of this technique for use in bottlenose dolphins would provide an important tool in the determination of the reproductive success of dolphin populations, identify individuals who are sexually mature but nulliparous, which could indicate reproductive dysfunction or increased calving intervals, and increase our knowledge on the role contaminants play in reproductive dysfunction.

An evaluation of a new product data model

Engineering companies face many challenges today such as increased competition, higher expectations from consumers and decreasing product lifecycle times. This means that product development times must be reduced to meet these challenges. Concurrent engineering, reuse of engineering knowledge and the use of advanced methods and tools are among the ways of reducing product development times. Concurrent engineering is crucial in making sure that the products are designed with all issues considered simultaneously. The reuse of engineering knowledge allows existing solutions to be reused. It can also help to avoid the mistakes made in previous designs. Computer-based tools are used to store information, automate tasks, distribute work, perform simulation and so forth. This research concerns the evaluation of tools that can be used to support the design process. These tools are evaluated in terms of the capture of information generated during the design process. This information is vital to allow the reuse of knowledge. Present CAD systems store only information on the final definition of the product such as geometry, materials and manufacturing processes. Product Data Management (PDM) systems can manage all this CAD information along with other product related information. The research includes the evaluation of two PDM systems, Windchill and Metaphase, using the design of a single-handed water tap as a case study. The two PDMs were then compared to PROSUS/DDM. PROSUS is the Process-Based Support System proposed by [Blessing 94] using the same case study. The Design Data Model is the product data model that includes PROSUS. The results look promising. PROSUS/DDM is able to capture most design information and structure and present it logically. The design process and product information is related and stored within the DDM structure. The PDMs can capture most design information, but information from early stages of design is stored only as unstructured documentation. Some problems were found with PROSUS/DDM. A proposal is made that may make it possible to resolve these problems, but this will require further research.

Effect of previous cyclic axial loads on pile groups

Numerous piles are often subjected to the combination of cyclic axial and cyclic lateral loads in service, such as piled foundations for offshore platforms which may suffer swaying and rocking motions owing to wind and wave actions. In this research, centrifuge tests were conducted to investigate the effect of previous cyclic axial loads on the performance of pile groups subjected to subsequent cyclic lateral loads. Different pile installation methods were also applied to study the different behaviour of bored and jacked pile groups subjected to cyclic loads. During lateral load cycling, it is seen that cyclic axial loads to which pile groups were previously subjected could reduce the pile cap permanent lateral displacement in the first lateral load cycle but do not influence the incremental rate of permanent displacement in the following lateral load cycles. Moreover, it is found that previous cyclic axial loads could improve the pile cap cyclic lateral secant stiffness, especially for the pre-jacked pile group. When rocking motions were induced by cyclic lateral loads, pile groups subjected to cyclic axial loads before have smaller permanent settlement than those without the cyclic axial loading effect. The designers of piles that are intended to resist significant lateral loads without excessive deformations in service may wish to deploy cyclic axial preloading, accordingly.

Gold nanoparticles as fine tuners of electrochemical properties of the electrode/solution interface

Recently, a novel approach for preparing SERS and SPR substrates was developed, which indicates a potential application in tailoring the interfacial structure of an electrode surface. In this study, (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) was selected as a polymeric adhesive layer, and a low concentration of colloid Au solution was used to achieve a more accurate control over interface morphology at nanoscale dimensions due to slow self-assembling kinetics of gold nanoparticle's. Subsequent seeding growth of these MPTMS-supported submonolayers of gold nanoparticles in Au3+/NH2OH aqueous solution enlarges particle size and eventually results in the generation of conductive gold films (similar to previous (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane-supported gold films). Such tunable interface structure was evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Also, ac impedance spectroscopy (ACIS) and cyclic voltammograms were performed to evaluate electrochemical properties of the as-prepared interfaces by using Fe(CN)(6) (3-/4-) couples as a probe. Furthermore, relevant theories of microarray electrodes were introduced into this study to explain the highly tunable electrochemical properties of the as-prepared interfaces. As a result, it is concluded that the electrochemical properties toward Fe(CN)(6) (3-/4-) couples are highly dependent on the active nanoelectrode (nanoparticles) area fraction and nanoparticles are fine-tuners of interfacial properties because the number density. (numbers/unit area) and size of nanoparticles are highly tunable by self-assembling and seeding growth time scale control. This is in agreement with the theoretical expectations for a microarray electrode if a single nanoparticle tethered to a blocking SAM is taken as a nanoelectrode and 2-D nanoparticle assemblies are taken as nanoelectrode arrays.

归因任务中预期强度水平对结果评价的影响

Previous researches has shown that two components of the event- related brain potential, the feedback negativity (FRN) and P300, are related to outcome evaluation. So far, the nature of the outcome evaluation reflected by FRN and the significance of P300 remains unknown. Some studies found that the process of outcome evaluation may be related to the expectation, and the FRN may be affected by the intensity levels of the expectation for the outcome. To address these issues, the present study will start on two aspects: (1)This study required 39 participants to make attribution about their performance during a task, the aim was to assess the levels of the expectations for the outcome under four conditions in the attribution task. The main finding is that, the expectations for monetary reward under four conditions are scaled. (2)Based on the results of the first study, this study also required 16 participants to make attribution about their performance during a task. A functional dissociation was observed, with the FRN affected by the intensity levels of the expectation for the outcome, while the P300 sensitive to the degree of emotion the participants experienced. Dipole source location analysis showed that the most likely neural generator of FRN and P300 is the cingulate cortex, suggesting that FRN might reflect cognitive conflict when the actual outcome is different from the expectation, and P300 is related to the emotion processing of outcome stimuli. These results suggest that there is a functional dissociation between FRN and P300.

Heritage interpretation challenges and management issues at film-induced tourism heritage attractions: Case studies of Rosslyn Chapel and Alnwick Castle

Although previous research has widely acknowledged the phenomenon of film-induced tourism, there is a paucity of research in relation to management of film-induced tourism at built heritage sites. This research, underpinned by a constructivist paradigm, draws on three distinct fields of study – heritage tourism management, film-induced tourism and heritage interpretation – in order to provide a contribution to the heritage management field and address this particular gap in knowledge. Relying on the method of semi-structured interviews with managers, guides and visitors at Rosslyn Chapel (RC) and Alnwick Castle (AC), this thesis provides a rich understanding of how heritage interpretation can address a range of management challenges at heritage sites where film-induced tourism has occurred. These heritage visitor attractions (HVAs) were specifically selected as case studies as they have played different roles in media products. Rosslyn Chapel (RC) was an actual place named in The Da Vinci Code (TDVC) book and then film, whereas Alnwick Castle (AC) served as a backdrop for the first two Harry Potter (HP) films. Findings of this research include a range of management challenges at both RC and AC such as an increase in visitor numbers; seasonality issues; changes in visitor profile; revenue generation concerns; conservation, access, and visitor experience; and the complex relationship between heritage management and tourism activities. The findings also reveal film-induced tourism’s implications for heritage interpretation such as the various visitors’ expectations for heritage interpretation, changes to heritage interpretation as a result of film-induced tourism, and issues with commodification. These findings also demonstrate that film-induced tourism to some extent influenced visitors’ preferences for heritage interpretation, though visitors’ preferences differed from one to another. This thesis argues that, in the context of film-induced tourism at HVAs, as evident from the two case studies considered, heritage interpretation can be a valuable management tool and can also play a significant role in the quality of the visitors’ experience.

Reflective practitioners: expectations vs facts

Over the years of working at school teachers gain experience that is necessary for their professional development. The teaching experience may appear of little value if teachers do not reflect upon it. Reflection is the key to success in teaching. The article presents the results of a questionnaire conducted with foreign language teachers from Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland schools who were asked about their reflection. Many teachers (95%) reported that they reflected on their teaching and even made notes (50%). The research outcomes provide interesting facts about teachers’ reflections.