Electrochemical evidence of sulfinic acid derivative as an intermediate in the reduction of aromatic sulfonyl chloride in an aprotic medium

The electrochemical reduction of p-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride (NBSCl) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution is used here as a model to investigate the role of sulfinic acid derivative in this compound's global reduction process. Cyclic voltammetric experiments reveal the production of sulfinic acid derivative, which is important in chemical reactions involving the original compound and other intermediates. This paper also discusses the probable mechanisms of the reduction.

Conditions for EFL learning and professional development : Finland-Swedish learner and teacher perspectives

Engelskans dominerande roll som internationellt språk och andra globaliseringstrender påverkar också Svenskfinland. Dessa trender påverkar i sin tur förutsättningarna för lärande och undervisning i engelska som främmande språk, det vill säga undervisningsmålen, de förväntade elev- och lärarroller, materialens ändamålsenlighet, lärares och elevers initiala erfarenheter av engelska och engelskspråkiga länder. Denna studie undersöker förutsättningarna för lärande och professionell utveckling i det svenskspråkiga nybörjarklassrummet i engelska som främmande språk. Utgångsläget för 351 nybörjare i engelska som främmande språk och 19 av deras lärare beskrivs och analyseras. Resultaten tyder på att engelska håller på att bli ett andraspråk snarare än ett traditionellt främmande språk för många unga elever. Dessa elever har också goda förutsättningar att lära sig engelska utanför skolan. Sådan var dock inte situationen för alla elever, vilket tyder på att det finns en anmärkningsvärd heterogenitet och även regional variation i det finlandssvenska klassrummet i engelska som främmande språk. Lärarresultaten tyder på att vissa lärare har klarat av att på ett konstruktivt sätt att tackla de förutsättningar de möter. Andra lärare uttrycker frustration över sin arbetssituation, läroplanen, undervisningsmaterialen och andra aktörer som kommer är av betydelse för skolmiljön. Studien påvisar att förutsättningarna för lärande och undervisning i engelska som främmande språk varierar i Svenskfinland. För att stöda elevers och lärares utveckling föreslås att dialogen mellan aktörer på olika nivå i samhället bör förbättras och systematiseras.

Primeiro relato do Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) em Campanula medium L. no Brasil

Plantas de campânula (Campanula medium) exibindo mosaico e necrose foliar e anéis em flores foram coletadas em uma estufa comercial de flores na região de Atibaia, SP. Suspeitando de possível etiologia viral, amostras de tecido lesionado foram analisadas por ensaios de transmissão mecânica, microscopia eletrônica e sorologia. Todos os resultados apontaram para a presença do Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) como o responsável pelos sintomas. Esse é o primeiro relato deste patógeno em campânula no Brasil.

Semi-selective medium for Fusarium graminearum detection in seed samples

Fungi of the genus Fusarium cause a variety of difficult to control diseases in different crops, including winter cereals and maize. Among the species of this genus Fusarium graminearum deserves attention. The aim of this work was to develop a semi-selective medium to study this fungus. In several experiments, substrates for fungal growth were tested, including fungicides and antibiotics such as iprodiona, nystatin and triadimenol, and the antibacterial agents streptomycin and neomycin sulfate. Five seed samples of wheat, barley, oat, black beans and soybeans for F. graminearum detection by using the media Nash and Snyder agar (NSA), Segalin & Reis agar (SRA) and one-quarter dextrose agar (1/4PDA; potato 50g; dextrose 5g and agar 20g), either unsupplemented or supplemented with various concentrations of the antimicrobial agents cited above. The selected components and concentrations (g.L-1) of the proposed medium, Segalin & Reis agar (SRA-FG), were: iprodiona 0.05; nystatin 0,025; triadimenol 0.015; neomycin sulfate 0.05; and streptomycin sulfate, 0.3 added of ¼ potato sucrose agar. In the isolation from seeds of cited plant species, the sensitivity of this medium was similar to that of NSA but with de advantage of maintaining the colony morphological aspects similar to those observed in potato-dextrose-agar medium.

Semi-selective culture medium for Exserohilum turcicum isolation from corn seeds

Northern corn leaf blight, caused by Exserohilum turcicum (Et), is a disease of widespread occurrence in regions where corn, sweetcorn and popcorn are grown. This disease has great potential to cause damage and has been studied for years, but the association of its causal agent with seeds remains unconfirmed. Thus, the availability of a sensitive method to detect and quantify the inoculum in seeds, even at low incidence, is essential. The aim of this study was to develop a method to detect and quantify the presence of the fungus infecting and infesting corn and popcorn seeds. Artificially and naturally infected seeds were employed to develop the medium. The semi-selective medium was composed of carbendazim (active ingredient) (60 mg/L), captan (30 mg/L), streptomycin sulfate (500 mg/L) and neomycin sulfate (600 mg/L) aggregated to the medium lactose casein hydrolysate agar medium. By using this, Et was detected in naturally infected corn seeds, showing 0.124% incidence, in four out of ten analyzed samples. In addition, 1.04 conidia were detected per infested seed. By means of isolation, pathogenicity test, morphological characterization and comparison with descriptions of the species in the literature, the fungus isolated from the seeds was confirmed to be Et. Both infection and infestation were considered low; thus, for studies of Et detection in corn seeds, the use of semi-selective medium and more than 1,200 seeds/sample is suggested.

Learning through role-playing games: an approach for active learning and teaching

This study evaluates the use of role-playing games (RPGs) as a methodological approach for teaching cellular biology, assessing student satisfaction, learning outcomes, and retention of acquired knowledge. First-year undergraduate medical students at two Brazilian public universities attended either an RPG-based class (RPG group) or a lecture (lecture-based group) on topics related to cellular biology. Pre- and post-RPG-based class questionnaires were compared to scores in regular exams and in an unannounced test one year later to assess students' attitudes and learning. From the 230 students that attended the RPG classes, 78.4% responded that the RPG-based classes were an effective tool for learning; 55.4% thought that such classes were better than lectures but did not replace them; and 81% responded that they would use this method. The lecture-based group achieved a higher grade in 1 of 14 regular exam questions. In the medium-term evaluation (one year later), the RPG group scored higher in 2 of 12 questions. RPG classes are thus quantitatively as effective as formal lectures, are well accepted by students, and may serve as educational tools, giving students the chance to learn actively and potentially retain the acquired knowledge more efficiently.

Switching components for medium voltage drives

Nowadays power drives are the essential part almost of all technological processes. Improvement of efficiency and reduction of losses require development of semiconductor switches. It has a particular meaning for the constantly growing market of renewable sources, especially for wind turbines, which demand more powerful semiconductor devices for control with growth of power. Also at present semiconductor switches are the key component in energy transmission, optimization of generation and network connection. The aim of this thesis is to make a survey of contemporary semiconductor components, showing difference in structures, advantages, disadvantages and most suitable applications. There is topical information about voltage, frequency and current limits of different switches. Study tries to compare dimensions and price of different components. Main manufacturers of semiconductor components are presented with the review of devices produced by them, and a conclusion about their availability was made. IGBT is selected as a main component in this study, because nowadays it is the most attractive component for usage in power drives, especially at the low levels of medium voltage. History of development of IGBT structure, static and dynamic characteristics are considered. Thesis tells about assemblies and connection of components and problems which can appear. One of key questions about semiconductor materials and their future development was considered. For the purpose of comparison strong and weak sides of different switches, calculation of losses of IGBT and its basic competitor – IGCT is presented. This master’s thesis makes an effort to answer the question if there are at present possibilities of accurate selection of switches for electrical drives of different rates of power and looks at future possible ways of development of semiconductor market.

The effectiveness of short-term literacy skills intervention on children at risk of reading and writing difficulties in Tanzania : a study of grade one children with dynamic assessment approach

The aim of the study was to create and evaluate an intervention programme for Tanzanian children from a low-income area who are at risk of reading and writing difficulties. The learning difficulties, including reading and writing difficulties, are likely to be behind many of the common school problems in Tanzania, but they are not well understood, and research is needed. The design of the study included an identification and intervention phase with follow-up. A group based dynamic assessment approach was used in identifying children at risk of difficulties in reading and writing. The same approach was used in the intervention. The study was a randomized experiment with one experimental and two control groups. For the experimental and the control groups, a total of 96 (46 girls and 50 boys) children from grade one were screened out of 301 children from two schools in a low income urban area of Dar-es-Salaam. One third of the children, the experimental group, participated in an intensive training programme in literacy skills for five weeks, six hours per week, aimed at promoting reading and writing ability, while the children in the control groups had a mathematics and art programme. Follow-up was performed five months after the intervention. The intervention programme and the tests were based on the Zambian BASAT (Basic Skill Assessment Tool, Ketonen & Mulenga, 2003), but the content was drawn from the Kiswahili school curriculum in Tanzania. The main components of the training and testing programme were the same, only differing in content. The training process was different from traditional training in Tanzanian schools in that principles of teaching and training in dynamic assessment were followed. Feedback was the cornerstone of the training and the focus was on supporting the children in exploring knowledge and strategies in performing the tasks. The experimental group improved significantly more (p = .000) than the control groups during the intervention from pre-test to follow-up (repeated measures ANOVA). No differences between the control groups were noticed. The effect was significant on all the measures: phonological awareness, reading skills, writing skills and overall literacy skills. A transfer effect on school marks in Kiswahili and English was found. Following a discussion of the results, suggestions for further research and adaptation of the programme are presented.

Challenges of business process automation for small and medium enterprises

The aim of the study was to examine problems that small and medium enterprises are facing during the implementation of business process automation projects. Study reveals problems from the point of view of companies who are implementing automation projects and from the point of view of IT-integrators who are specifying in IT solutions for small and medium companies.

Demarcação de uma grade de trilhas no Centro de Pesquisas da Mata do Paraíso, Viçosa, Minas Gerais

O Centro de Pesquisas da Mata do Paraíso (CPMP) é parte integrante do maior fragmento de Floresta Semidecidual Altimontana das imediações do município de Viçosa, sudeste de Minas Gerais. Como centro de pesquisas da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, ele tem servido para a coleta de dados de monografias de graduação, dissertações, teses e pesquisas de professores, principalmente dos Departamentos de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal e Engenharia Florestal. Essas pesquisas têm sido conduzidas em trilhas preexistentes, aleatoriamente distribuídas pela mata, ou em novas trilhas abertas conforme a conveniência dos pesquisadores ou a exigência de suas pesquisas. Essa prática impede ou dificulta o mapeamento adequado de locais de amostragem e os monitoramentos temporal e espacial de comunidades animais e vegetais, bem como a repetibilidade de experimentos. No presente trabalho, descreve-se a implantação de um sistema de trilhas em 40 ha do CPMP, formado por um conjunto de cinco trilhas paralelas de 1.000 m e 11 de 400 m, formando 40 quadrados contíguos de 1 ha. O CPMP passou a ser uma das poucas reservas florestais no país a contar com um sistema ordenado e medido de trilhas, abrindo um novo leque de oportunidades para a realização de pesquisas de importância internacional. Destacam-se a urgência de manutenção das trilhas, a necessidade de seu georreferenciamento e a expansão da grade para 100 ha, a fim de que alcance padrões internacionais entre estações de pesquisa de comunidades florestais na região neotropical.

Estabilização química do subleito de estradas: influência do tempo decorrido entre a mistura e a compactação na resistência mecânica de misturas solo-RBI Grade 81

Este artigo aborda o estudo da influência do tempo decorrido entre mistura e compactação na resistência mecânica de três solos da Zona da Mata Norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil, quando estabilizados com 4% de RBI Grade 81, em relação ao peso de solo seco. Um solo residual maduro (solo 1) e dois solos residuais jovens (solos 2 e 3) de gnáisse foram utilizados no presente estudo. O programa de ensaios de laboratório englobou: (i) tempos decorridos entre mistura e compactação: 0, 4, 8 e 24 horas; (ii) energia de compactação: Proctor Modificado; (iii) período de cura das misturas: 7 dias; e (iv) determinação da resistência mecânica: média de três determinações da resistência à compressão não-confinada. Os resultados desta pesquisa indicam que: (i) o tempo decorrido entre mistura e compactação dos corpos-de-prova influenciou significativamente o parâmetro resistência à compressão não confinada das misturas; (ii) 4 horas foi o tempo ótimo entre mistura e compactação para as misturas dos solos 1 e 2 com RBI Grade 81; e (iii) no solo 3, foi observado um melhor resultado para a compactação imediatamente após a mistura.

Estudo da durabilidade de misturas solo-RBI grade 81 com vistas à aplicação em estradas florestais e camadas de pavimentos convencionais

O presente artigo foi dirigido à caracterização, para fins rodoviários, do parâmetro durabilidade de três misturas solo-RBI Grade 81, a partir dos resultados dos ensaios de durabilidade por molhagem e secagem. Trabalhou-se com um solo residual maduro (solo 1) e dois solos residuais jovens (solos 2 e 3) de gnaisse da Zona da Mata Norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil. O programa de ensaios de laboratório envolveu: (i) teor de RBI Grade 81: 6% em relação ao peso de solo seco; (ii) energias de compactação: Proctor Normal, Intermediário e Modificado; e (iii) período de cura: 7 dias em câmara úmida. Os resultados do programa de ensaios apontaram que: (i) apenas as misturas dos solos 1 e 3 compactadas na energia do ensaio Proctor Intermediário e dos solos 2 e 3 compactadas na energia do ensaio Proctor Modificado resistiram a todos os ciclos do ensaio de durabilidade por secagem e molhagem; (ii) as misturas do solo 3 compactadas na energia do ensaio Proctor Modificado apresentaram as menores perdas de massa (inferiores a 13%); e (iii) quanto ao aspecto durabilidade, as misturas solo-RBI Grade 81 exibem bom potencial para emprego como material de construção rodoviária.

Influência do tipo de cura (selada e exposta) e da imersão em água na resistência mecânica de misturas solo-RBI grade 81 com vistas a aplicações em estradas florestais

No presente artigo, analisou-se a influência das condições de cura e da imersão em água na resistência mecânica de misturas de três solos típicos da Zona da Mata Norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil, estabilizados com o aditivo químico RBI Grade 81, para aplicações em estradas florestais. Trabalhou-se com um solo residual maduro (solo 1) e dois solos residuais jovens (solos 2 e 3) de gnaisse. O programa de ensaios de laboratório englobou: (i) teores de RBI Grade 81: 2, 4 e 6% em relação ao peso de solo seco; (ii) energia de compactação: Proctor Modificado; (iii) parâmetros de resistência mecânica: resistência à compressão não-confinada; (iv) tempo de cura dos corpos-de-prova: 7 dias em câmara climatizada; (v) condições de cura dos corpos-de-prova na câmara climatizada: sem proteção e com proteção de sacos plásticos; (vi) realização dos ensaios de compressão não-confinada: sem imersão e com imersão por 4 h em água. Os resultados obtidos comprovaram que: (i) as condições de cura e a imersão em água dos corpos-de-prova influenciaram significativamente a resistência mecânica das misturas; (ii) a selagem dos corpos-de-prova em sacos plásticos levou a se subestimar a resistência mecânica das misturas no campo; e (iii) a não-imersão em água dos corpos-de-prova levou a superestimar a resistência mecânica das misturas no campo.

Application of Open Innovation Paradigm in Small and Medium Enterprises in Russia

The objective of this study is to explore how the Open Innovation paradigm is applied in by small and medium-size enterprises in Russia. The focus of the study is to understand how the processes of research and development and commercialization proceed in these kind of companies and to which extent they apply open innovation principles. Russian leadership makes certain steps for transition from the export of raw materials to an innovative model of economic growth. The research aims to disclose actual impact of these attempts. The closed innovation model and the erosion factors which lead to the destruction of an old one and emergence of new model are described. Features of open innovation implementation and intellectual property rights protection in small and medium enterprises are presented. To achieve the objective, a qualitative case study approach was chosen. Research includes facts and figures, views and opinions of management of studied companies related to innovation process in the company and in Russia in general. The research depicts the features of Open Innovation implementation by SMEs in Russia. A large number of research centers with necessary equipment and qualified personnel allow case companies to use external R&D effectively. They cooperate actively with research institutes, universities and laboratories. Thus, they apply inbound Open Innovation. On the contrary, lack of venture capital, low demand for technologies within the domestic market and weak protection of intellectual property limit the external paths to new markets. Licensing-out and creation of spin-off are isolated cases. Therefore, outbound Open Innovation is not a regular practice.