bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competitividade de biótipos de capim-arroz resistente e suscetível ao quinclorac
Authors: Concenço G. , Melo P.T.B.S. , Ferreira E.A. , Silva A.F. , Aspiazú I. , Galon L. , Ferreira F.A. , Silva A.A. , Noldin J.A.
Published: April 2008

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a competitividade de dois biótipos de capim-arroz, resistente e suscetível ao quinclorac, coletados em regiões orizícolas do Estado de Santa Catarina. O experimento foi instalado em ambiente protegido, e os tratamentos constaram de diferentes densidades de plantas dos biótipos de capim-arroz comprovadamente resistente (ITJ-13) e suscetível (ITJ-17) ao quinclorac, oriundos da região arrozeira de Itajaí/SC. No centro da unidade experimental, foram semeadas três sementes do biótipo de capim-arroz, considerado como o tratamento da unidade experimental. Na periferia foram semeadas dez sementes do biótipo oposto ao do tratamento (central). Dez dias após a germinação foi efetuado o desbaste, deixando-se apenas uma planta no centro da unidade experimental e um número variável de plantas do biótipo oposto, de acordo com o tratamento (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 ou 5 plantas por vaso). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o completamente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 6, com quatro repetições. Aos 40 dias após a emergência, foram avaliados altura de plantas, número de afilhos e de folhas, área foliar, massa fresca e seca e conteúdo de água de colmos e folhas. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste F, sendo efetuado teste de Duncan para comparar o efeito de densidade de plantas e teste da Diferença Mínima Significativa (DMS) para avaliar diferenças entre os biótipos resistente e suscetível, além de correlação linear simples entre as variáveis avaliadas. Nas análises, utilizou-se o nível de 5% de probabilidade. Os biótipos estudados de capim-arroz resistente e suscetível ao quinclorac são similares quando sob alta intensidade de competição, com vantagem em algumas variáveis para o biótipo suscetível sob baixa ou moderada intensidade competitiva.
Um replicador em movimento: aproximações entre a poética narrativa de Borges e o programa de pesquisa dos memes
Authors: Waizbort Ricardo , de la Rocque Lucia
Published: April 2008

A extensa obra fantástica de Jorge Luis Borges tem sido lida como uma crítica contra a ciência tradicional e a lógica, como tendo repudiado a importância do indivíduo, a pressuposição da própria realidade e conseqüentemente, as formas de conhecimento que nos são acessíveis. Neste trabalho, procuramos mostrar um novo ângulo de compreensão da narrativa poética borgeana, evidenciando a capacidade dessa narrativa de apreender fenômenos culturais sob um ponto de vista científico. Apresentamos uma analogia entre a poética narrativa de Borges e a memética, sendo esta uma tentativa de interpretar a natureza humana em termos tanto de genes quanto de memes, ou seja, idéias compreendidas como padrões culturais. Embora qualquer obra literária seja veículo de idéias, acreditamos que Borges, escrevendo de forma extremamente crítica, parece estar especialmente consciente da independência das idéias, e seus personagens poderiam ser vistos como prisioneiros de labirintos de memes.
Queixas e preocupações otológicas e as dificuldades de comunicação de indivíduos idosos
Authors: Calais Lucila Leal , Borges Alda Christina Lopes de Carvalho , Baraldi Giovana dos Santos , Almeida Laís Castro de
Published: April 2008

OBJETIVO: Investigar as queixas e as preocupações otológicas de indivíduos idosos, bem como as dificuldades de comunicação enfrentadas por esta população. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 50 idosos (61 a 90 anos de idade), sendo 8 homens e 42 mulheres, que apresentavam configuração audiométrica descendente simétrica. Os pacientes foram submetidos a uma entrevista e testes auditivos. Neste artigo, foram apresentados e discutidos os dados da entrevista e a correlação das queixas otológicas com os graus de perda auditiva. RESULTADOS: A queixa de perda auditiva esteve presente em 70% da amostra e revelou associação com a preocupação quanto à própria perda, com o queixa de dificuldade de comunicação e com a quantidade de situações nas quais a dificuldade é percebida, sendo a presença do ruído de fundo o aspecto mais citado. A queixa de zumbido (52%) apresentou associação com a preocupação envolvendo o próprio zumbido, enquanto que a tontura (38%), além de semelhante correlação, revelou associação com a dificuldade de comunicação. Ocorreu uma associação estatisticamente significante do grau da perda nas freqüências baixas e médias com a queixa de perda auditiva e de zumbido, enquanto que nas freqüências altas, além destas correlações, também ocorreu associação estatisticamente significante da perda auditiva com a queixa de dificuldade de comunicação. CONCLUSÕES: Dentre as queixas otológicas, a queixa de perda auditiva foi predominante entre os idosos. A idade e o gênero não influenciaram as queixas e as preocupações otológicas. O grau de perda auditiva influenciou as queixas otológicas de perda auditiva, de zumbido e a dificuldade de comunicação.
Analyses of the sediment toxicity of Monjolinho River, São Carlos, São Paulo State, Brazil, using survey, growth and gill morphology of two fish species (Danio rerio and Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Campagna Aline Fernanda , Fracácio Renata , Rodrigues Beatriz Kawamura , Eler Márcia Noélia , Verani Nelsy Fenerich , Espíndola Evaldo Luiz Gaeta
Published: April 2008

The objective of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of the sediments of the Monjolinho River (São Carlos - São Paulo/Brazil), through partial chronic toxicity bioassays with juveniles of D. rerio and P. reticulata. Histological analyses of the gills and biometric measurements were conducted to detect the possible deleterious effects that caused the death. In all points the sampled the alterations were found in the gills (hyperplasia, fusion of secondary lamellas and dilation of blood vessels), with the most intense lesions (second stage) occurring at the point two. The biometric analysis pointed to inadequate conditions for the growth of the test-organisms when exposed to the sediment samples. These results showed that the conditions of these environments were not suitable for the survival and growth of these fishes.
Biology of Isopisthus parvipinnis: an abundant sciaenid species captured bycatch during sea-bob shrimp fishery in Brazil
Authors: Romero Renato M. , Moraes Leonardo E. , Santos Marcella N. , Rocha Gecely R. A. , Cetra Mauricio
Published: April 2008

Trawling is the most common method of shrimp harvesting. This technique causes a negative impact on the fauna due to the high bycatch rates and to the animals that are accidentally caught and generally returned to the sea dead. The consequences of this technique and the biological aspects of the involved species are poorly studied, specially in the Brazilian northeast. The objective of this study was to show some aspects of the population biology of Isopisthus parvipinnis (Bigtooth corvina) captured as bycatch during sea-bob (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) shrimp fishing in the region of Ilhéus, in the state of Bahia in Brazil. A total of 1290 individuals were caught in a monthly sampling at three different stations, from March, 2003 to February, 2005. The standardized Morisita index of dispersion suggests that this species has a clumped distribution in the studied area. The number of individuals showed a significant variation (p < 0.0001) between the seasons, being higher during the winter. The estimated first maturation length (L50) was about 159 mm, and 95% of the captured individuals were below this value. The sexual ratio found was 1.5 males for each female. Concerning to diet, 10 feeding categories were identified, and Decapoda Dendobranchiata was the most important in numeric frequency and occurrence. This fact suggests that Isopisthus parvipinnis is a carnivorous species, with a tendency toward crustacean-eating at least in the younger individuals.
Prediction of daily heavy precipitation in a lowland area using GPS and surface weather data
Authors: Mori Makito , Hiramatsu Kazuaki , Harada Masayoshi
Published: April 2008

Recent progress in GPS technology has enabled us to estimate the total amount of water vapor in an atmospheric column with infinite height as ’GPS-derived precipitable water vapor’ (GPS-PWV). In the present study, we analyzed the GPS and meteorological data obtained in Saga Plain, in northern Kyushu, Japan. An attempt was made to predict heavy precipitation (≥50 mm d−1) on a daily basis using the analyzed relations between surface temperature and GPS-PWV. Several features were revealed that were associated with the daily heavy precipitation at the study area. An index was made to predict heavy precipitation on a daily basis. Applying the index to observations, we obtained acceptable results of the prediction. It is suggested that GPS is useful for predicting heavy precipitation events.
Influence of effluent-recirculation condition on the process performance of expanded granular sludge bed reactor for treating low strength wastewater
Authors: Yoochatchaval W. , Nishiyama K. , Okawara M. , Ohashi A. , Harada H. , Syutsubo K.
Published: April 2008

A 2.0 L volume of EGSB reactor was operated at 20°C for more than 500 days with 0.3–0.4 g COD/L of sucrose base wastewater to investigate the influence of effluent-recirculation on the process performance. At the start up period, the reactor was operated in EGSB mode with 5 m/h upflow velocity by continuous effluent recirculation. The COD loading was set to 7.2–9.6 kg COD/m3 day with HRT of 1 hour. However, in this mode, EGSB reactor exhibited insufficient COD removal efficiency, i.e., 50–60%. Therefore, UASB mode (without recirculation, 0.7 m/h upflow velocity) was used for 30 minutes in every 40 minutes cycle to increase the COD concentration in the sludge bed. As a result, an excellent process performance was shown. The COD removal efficiency increased from 65% to 91% and the reactor could maintain a good physical property of retained sludge (sludge concentration: 33.4 g VSS/L and SVI: 25 mL/g VSS). Furthermore, retained sludge possessed sufficient level of methanogenic activity at 20°C.
Characterization of anaerobic granular sludge developed in UASB reactors that treat ethanol, carbohydrates and hydrolyzed protein based wastewaters
Authors: Molina F. , García C. , Roca E. , Lema J. M.
Published: April 2008

In this work, granules developed from UASB reactors that treat different types of wastewaters (ethanol, carbohydrates and protein-based synthetic wastewaters) were studied. Granule parameters (size distribution; density; settlement characteristics; elemental composition; acidogenic and methanogenic activities) were analyzed along with micro-organisms identified by FISH to better understand granule behavior and its formation process. Micro-organisms distributions in anaerobic granules are highly dependent on the type of treated wastewater. Granules developed in a UASB reactor that treats wastewater with a high content of carbohydrates presented high acidogenic bacteria colonization. Members of Methanosaetaceae were the dominant methanogens in the studied granules, and Methanobacteriales appear to be co-dominant in the granules developed with carbohydrates and protein-based wastewaters.
Use of poly-β-hydroxy-butyrate as a slow-release electron donor for the microbial reductive dechlorination of TCE
Authors: Aulenta F. , Fuoco M. , Canosa A. , Petrangeli Papini M. , Majone M.
Published: April 2008

In situ anaerobic reductive dechlorination, using slow-release electron donors, is emerging as an effective and sustainable (low-cost and low-maintenance) technology to remediate aquifers contaminated by chloroethenes. In the present study, we investigated the use of poly-β-hydroxy-butyrate (PHB), a fully biodegradable polymer, as a slow-release source of hydrogen and acetate for the reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE). Results of this study indicated that TCE dechlorination in PHB-amended microcosms was 2.3-times higher than in non-amended controls. This higher activity was explained by a higher H2 level in PHB-amended microcosms. As usual, acetate was the major sink (∼90%) of reducing equivalents available from PHB degradation, whereas no acetotrophic dechlorination was observed.
Significance of acetogenic H2 consumption in dark fermentation and effectiveness of pH
Authors: Calli B. , Zhao J. , Nijssen E. , Vanbroekhoven K.
Published: April 2008

Two identical thermophilic H2 fermenters (R1 and R2) were operated at different pH levels between 4.7 and 5.7. In R1, several unexpected and severe drops in H2 yield inversely proportional to increase in acetate production were experienced at pH 5.5 and 5.7. In contrast, R2 operated at pH 5and 4.7 performed more stable H2 production mainly through butyrate fermentation. Although the H2 partial pressure (>50 kPa) was far above the favorable values, acetate was produced as well as butyrate in all pH levels tested. To determine whether some portion of the acetate is produced through another pathway such as autotrophic synthesis via H2 dependent reduction of CO2 or not, batch dissolved H2 consumption rate tests were performed at pH 5.0, 5.5 and 6. The specific H2 consumption rate was 488(±49) μmol/gVSS.hr at pH 6 and slightly higher than at pH 5and 5.5. The results of continuous and batch experiments revealed that acetogenic H2 consumption is more favorable at pH levels above 5.5 and is one of the reasons of instabilities in dark fermentative H2 production.
Impact of high saline wastewaters on anaerobic granular sludge functionalities
Authors: Jeison D. , Del Rio A. , Van Lier J. B.
Published: April 2008

Three UASB reactors were operated at different salinity levels in order to assess the effects on the granular sludge properties. High levels of activity inhibition were observed at sodium concentrations over 7 g Na+/L, which resulted in low applicable organic loading rates and VFA accumulation in reactor effluents. However, either sludge adaptation or selection for saline resistant microorganisms occurred, which could be concluded from the observed increase in the 50% activity inhibitory concentrations of sodium during continuous flow experiments. Changes in Na+ susceptibility in time are likely to be expected when treating saline wastewaters. The latter was evidenced by the high sodium tolerance of granular methanogenic sludge coming from a full-scale industrial reactor treating such wastewater. High salinity conditions resulted in a reduced granule strength, predicting process instabilities during long term reactor operation. Batch tests showed that high sodium concentrations seemed to displace the calcium from the granular sludge, a factor known to affect anaerobic granules formation.
Analysis of the methodology to determine anaerobic toxicity: evaluation of main compounds present in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)
Authors: Urra J. , Poirrier P. , Chamy R. , Segovia J. , Lesty Y.
Published: April 2008

The influence of the concentration of biomass on the level of inhibition and anaerobic degradation kinetics in batch systems was studied with toxic compounds that can generate destabilization in the operation of sludge anaerobic digesters. The compounds were grouped in four families; long chain fatty acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, linear alkylbenzene sulphonates and organic acids. For the organic acids, there is no effect due to the biomass concentration variation, therefore it is a competitive inhibition; but that doesn't happen with the remaining compounds, where there is a dependence on the complexity of their structure, becoming a non-competitive inhibition. In addition, it was observed that the degradation kinetics is affected, whether diminishing the methane production (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, linear alkylbenzene sulphonates, organics acids) or increasing the initial latency time (long chain fatty acids) without this becoming an obstacle to obtain the maximum methane productions for the latter ones.
Dimensioning of membrane bioreactors for municipal wastewater treatment
Authors: Wedi Detlef , Joss Adriano
Published: April 2008

A basic procedure is proposed for dimensioning membrane bioreactors that is generally applicable. It evaluates the required membrane surface with particular consideration of loading combinations and hydraulic loading characteristics; it also takes into account ranges of minimum temperatures and corresponding fluxes as given by suppliers. The procedures, while likely to require further improvement, should make MBR design more transparent and aid the comparison of design variants
Comparing the effluent organic matter removal of direct NF and powdered activated carbon/NF as high quality pretreatment options for artificial groundwater recharge
Authors: Kazner C. , Wintgens T. , Melin T. , Baghoth S. , Sharma S. , Amy G.
Published: April 2008

Direct nanofiltration and nanofiltration combined with powdered activated carbon known as the PAC/NF process were tested regarding the removal of effluent organic matter for reclamation of tertiary effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. They can be regarded as a promising treatment alternative for high quality water reuse applications, especially for direct injection. The total removal for DOC was above 90% with permeate concentrations below 0.5 mg/l. Size exclusion chromatography and fluorescence EEM proved to trace origin of the organic matter even in low concentration ranges. The type and dosage of adsorbent influences the process performance significantly and allows process optimization.
Reuse of industrial wastewater for the irrigation of ornamental plants
Authors: Gori R. , Lubello C. , Ferrini F. , Nicese F. P. , Coppini E.
Published: April 2008

This paper describes the results of experimental activities carried out for verifying the possibility of reusing reclaimed wastewater originated from textile (70%) and domestic (30%) activities for the irrigation of container-grown ornamental shrubs. Aspects that concern the refinery treatment of reclaimed wastewater and the effect of irrigation on some ornamental plant species were investigated. An experimental site consisting of a refinery treatment pilot plant (filtration and disinfection) and an agronomic experimental area was set-up. The combined treatment of PAA and UV, used for the disinfection, showed to be very effective for inactivation of E. coli with most of PAA and UV dose combinations able to assure total inactivation. The plants (Buxus, Photinia, Pistacia and Viburnum), sprinkle and drip irrigated with well water (WW), reclaimed wastewater (RW) and a water mixed (MW) between reclaimed wastewater and well water (1:1 by vol), showed interesting results. A similar growth among different treatments was achieved for Buxus and Pistacia, while Viburnum and Photinia plants showed a higher sensibility to MW and RW. Photinia, in particular, turned out to be very sensitive to sprinkle irrigation with the reclaimed water, while the drip irrigation had no such bad effects, as reported in previous works.
An integrated wastewater reuse concept combining natural reclamation techniques, membrane filtration and metal oxide adsorption
Authors: Sperlich A. , Zheng X. , Jekel M. , Ernst M.
Published: April 2008

In a Sino-German research project, a sustainable water reclamation concept was developed for different applications of municipal water reuse at the Olympic Green 2008 in Beijing, China. Results from pilot-scale experiments in Beijing and Berlin show that selective nutrient removal by adsorption onto granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) after a membrane bioreactor (MBR) can maintain a total phosphorus concentration of <0.03 μg L−1 P, thus preventing eutrophication of artificial lakes. Operation time of GFH adsorption columns can be extended by regeneration using sodium hydroxide solution. A subsequent ultrafiltration (UF) membrane after bank filtration creates an additional barrier for pathogens and allows for further urban reuse applications such as toilet flushing. Short term bank / bio-filtration prior to UF is shown to effectively remove biopolymers and reduce membrane fouling.
Bioassays and biomarkers for ecotoxicological assessment of reclaimed municipal wastewater
Authors: Kontana A. , Yiangou M. , Papadimitriou C. A. , Samaras P. , Zdragas A.
Published: April 2008

The aim of this work was to examine the ecotoxicity of reclaimed wastewater by the use of bioassays and the determination of immunological parameters. Secondary and tertiary mucicipal wastewater samples were examined for their physicochemical and microbiological characteristics as well as for their endotoxin concentrations. The ecotoxicological characteristics were assessed by a battery of bioassays, using Vibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna and Tetrahymena thermophilla as test species and phytotoxicity. The mitogenic responses of mouse splenocytes were as well used as bioassay. The cytokines of IL-1, IL-2, IL-10, IFNγ and TNFα, were also determined in the supernatant of splenocyte cultures and served as molecular biomarkers. All bioassays exhibited decrease of the ecotoxicological responses after tertiary treatment. However, mitogenic responses were proved to be more sensitive. IL-1 increased, while IL-2 production was unaffected. The fact that IL-10 production increased in response to secondary treated effluents in conjunction with the increased endotoxin levels, suggest Th2 type immune responses. Although results obtained from the toxicity bioassays after the tertiary treatment showed comparable results to those of controls, cytokine levels indicated the induction of immune response even after tertiary treatment. Consequently, cytokine production could be used as a sensitive biomarker for the evaluation of treatment efficiency of the reclaimed wastewaters intended for reuse.
The use of ozone during advanced primary treatment of wastewater for its reuse in agriculture: an approach to enhance coagulation, disinfection and crop productivities
Authors: Campos-Reales-Pineda A. E. , Orta de Velásquez M. T. , Rojas-Valencia M. N.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect that ozone (O3) has on the advanced primary treatment (APT) and disinfection of wastewaters for their reuse in agriculture. The enhancement and optimization of APT was done by applying low O3 doses during coagulation. By applying an ozone dose of 2 mg/L during APT, the required coagulant dose may be reduced by up to 25% to achieve a similar turbidity removal (and up to 50% for total suspended solids removal), when compared to a conventional APT treatment. When the same coagulant dose was applied (60 mg/L), the volume of settleable solids was reduced from 31.0 to 25.5 mL/L, and the settling velocity increased from 0.111 to 0.139 m/min. Disinfection was also improved by the use of ozone, which leads to better plant germination rates than when using chlorination, because of reduced toxicity of the ozonated effluents. Additionally, helminth eggs content was reduced by applying ozone.
Gentzen's Proof of Normalization for Natural Deduction
Authors: von Plato Jan
Published: April 2008

Gentzen writes in the published version of his doctoral thesis Untersuchungen über das logische Schliessen (Investigations into logical reasoning) that he was able to prove the normalization theorem only for intuitionistic natural deduction, but not for classical. To cover the latter, he developed classical sequent calculus and proved a corresponding theorem, the famous cut elimination result. Its proof was organized so that a cut elimination result for an intuitionistic sequent calculus came out as a special case, namely the one in which the sequents have at most one formula in the right, succedent part. Thus, there was no need for a direct proof of normalization for intuitionistic natural deduction. The only traces of such a proof in the published thesis are some convertibilities, such as when an implication introduction is followed by an implication elimination [1934–35, II.5.13]. It remained to Dag Prawitz in 1965 to work out a proof of normalization. Another, less known proof was given also in 1965 by Andres Raggio.

We found in February 2005 an early handwritten version of Gentzen's thesis, with exactly the above title, but with rather different contents: Most remarkably, it contains a detailed proof of normalization for what became the standard system of natural deduction. The manuscript is located in the Paul Bernays collection at the ETH-Zurichwith the signum Hs. 974: 271. Bernays must have gotten it well before the time of his being expelled from Göttingen on the basis of the racial laws in April 1933.
The Psychology of Case-Based Reasoning: How Information Produced from Case-Matching Methods Facilitates the Use of Statistically Generated Information
Authors: Wheeler Patrick , Jones Donald R.
Published: April 2008

Case-based reasoning (CBR) research has compared CBR output to other decision support methods such as statistics. This study differs by evaluating the effect of CBR as an input to judgment. We develop psychological theory concerning the use of CBR and its attenuation of biases that impair the use of statistical advice. Study 1 finds participants shown CBR cases made judgments closer to regression advice than do participants shown only regression advice. Study 2 finds that regression and CBR were used to corroborate each other. Participants used central tendency and dispersion information from CBR cases when this information was apparent in the cases. However, such use was not always normative. Results support including multiple decision aiding features in decision support systems (DSS).
SAAS: Integrating Systems Analysis with Accounting and Strategy for Ex Ante Evaluation of IS Investments
Authors: Bajaj Akhilesh , Bradley Wray E. , Cravens Karen S.
Published: April 2008

For many companies, investment in information systems (IS) is one of the largest expenditures in the firm's capital budget. An important goal of ex ante investment evaluation of an information system is to reasonably determine the return on investment (ROI) of the proposed information system. However, past research has shown that business managers have significant concerns about the soundness of ex ante ROI evaluations of information systems. This relates to the fact that several benefits of an IS are intangible and nonfinancial. In addition, it has long been recognized that, unlike many other capital projects, IS projects exhibit significant contextual interaction. Further, different professionals such as accountants and Information Technology (IT) personnel often use different approaches to evaluate a potential information system.

This study develops a framework and methodology that integrates and accommodates the different perspectives of IT personnel, accountants, and business managers. We propose a flexible ex ante framework and methodology that integrates systems analysis, accounting, and strategy (SAAS). The framework evaluates financial and nonfinancial factors and uses analyses that consider investment approaches used by both IT and accounting personnel. The framework is evaluated in two different organizations and recommendations are made for both future research in this area and for the applied use of the framework by professionals.
virtX – Evaluation of a Computer-based Training System for Mobile C-arm Systems in Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Teistler M. , Duwenkamp C. , Wagner M. , Marschollek M. , Plischke M. , Raab B. W. , Stürmer K. M. , Pretschner D. P. , Dresing K. , Bott O. J.
Published: April 2008

Objectives:
Operating room personnel (ORP) operating mobile image intensifier systems (C-arms) need training to produce high quality radiographs with a minimum of time and X-ray exposure. Our study aims at evaluating acceptance, usability and learning effect of the CBT system virtX that simulates C-arm based X-ray imaging in the context of surgical case scenarios.

Methods:
Prospective, interventional study conducted during an ORP course with three groups: intervention group 1 (training on a PC using virtX), and 2 (virtX with a C-arm as input device), and a control group (training without virtX) – IV1, IV2 and CG. All participants finished training with the same exercise. Time needed to produce an image of sufficient quality was recorded and analyzed using One-Way-ANOVA and Dunnett post hoc test (? = .05). Acceptance and usability of virtX have been evaluated using a questionnaire.

Results:
CG members (n = 21) needed more time for the exercise than those of IV2 (n = 20): 133 ± 55 vs. 101 ± 37 sec. (p = .03). IV1 (n = 12) also performed better than CG (128 ± 48 sec.), but this was not statistically significant. Seventy-nine participants returned a questionnaire (81% female, age 34 ± 9 years, professional experience 8.3 ± 7.6 years; 77% regularly used a C-arm). 83% considered virtX a useful addition to conventional C-arm training. 91% assessed virtual radiography as helpful for understanding C-arm operation.

Conclusions:
Trainees experienced virtX as substantial enhancement of C-arm training. Training with virtX can reduce the time needed to perform an imaging task.
Prioritizing the Risk Factors Influencing the Success of Clinical Information System Projects
Authors: Sicotte C. , Jaana M. , Girouard D. , Paré G.
Published: April 2008

Objective:
The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the risk factors influencing the success of clinical information system projects.

Methods:
This study addresses this issue by first reviewing the extant literature on information technology project risks, and second conducting a Delphi survey among 21 experts highly involved in clinical information system projects in Québec, Canada, a region where government have invested heavily in health information technologies in recent years.

Results:
Twenty-three risk factors were identified. The absence of a project champion was the factor that experts felt most deserves their attention. Lack of commitment from upper management was ranked second. Our panel of experts also confirmed the importance of a variable that has been extensively studied in information systems, namely, perceived usefulness that ranked third. Respondents ranked project ambiguity fourth. The fifth-ranked risk was associated with poor alignment between the clinical information systems’ characteristics and the organization of clinical work. The large majority of risk factors associated with the technology itself were considered less important. This finding supports the idea that technology-associated factors rarely figure among the main reasons for a project failure.

Conclusions:
In addition to providing a comprehensive list of risk factors and their relative importance, the study presents a major contribution by unifying the literature on information systems and medical infor - matics. Our checklist provides a basis for further research that may help practitioners identify the effective countermeasures for mitigating risks associated with the implementation of clinical information systems.
A Support System for Context Awareness in a Group Home Using Sound Cues
Authors: Nakada T. , Hanba Y. , Kunifuji S. , Kanai H.
Published: April 2008

Objectives:
In a group home, caregivers should be aware of the inhabitant’s real-time situation. The aim of our study is to facilitate the awareness of an inhabitant’s situation by means of enhanced sound cues.

Methods:
We propose an audio notification system that indicates the real-time situation of persons in a group home environment using sound cues instead of visual surveillance. The notification system comprises a prediction and a notification function. The prediction function estimates a person’s real-time situation using a Bayesian network and sensed information; the notification function informs recipients of the predicted situation and the confidence level of the prediction by means of sound cues. We use natural sounds as sound cues.

Results:
As a first step to examine our system in a group home, we conducted operation and performance tests of each unit under a simple test environment. The correct prediction of the subject’s situation is approximately 90%; further, it is shown that the sound cues should be selected according to their environmental dependence.

Conclusions:
The results show that the method is useful for monitoring persons. As future study, we will conduct a field test on an implemented system and improve it for practical use in a group home.
An Open and Reconfigurable Wireless Sensor Network for Pervasive Health Monitoring
Authors: Triantafyllidis A. , Koutkias V. , Chouvarda I. , Maglaveras N.
Published: April 2008

Objectives: Sensor networks constitute the backbone for the construction of personalized monitoring systems. Up to now, several sensor networks have been proposed for diverse pervasive healthcare applications, which are however characterized by a significant lack of open architectures, resulting in closed, non-interoperable and difficult to extend solutions. In this context, we propose an open and reconfigurable wireless sensor network (WSN) for pervasive health monitoring, with particular emphasis in its easy extension with additional sensors and functionality by incorporating embedded intelligence mechanisms.

Methods: We consider a generic WSN architecture comprised of diverse sensor nodes (with communication and processing capabilities) and a mobile base unit (MBU) operating as the gateway between the sensors and the medical personnel, formulating this way a body area network (BAN). The primary focus of this work is on the intra-BAN data communication issues, adopting SensorML as the data representation mean, including the encoding of the monitoring patterns and the functionality of the sensor network.

Results: In our prototype implementation two sensor nodes are emulated; one for heart rate monitoring and the other for blood glucose observations, while the MBU corresponds to a personal digital assistant (PDA) device. Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) is used to implement both the sensor nodes and the MBU components. Intra-BAN wireless communication relies on the Bluetooth protocol. Via an adaptive user interface in the MBU, health professionals may specify the monitoring parameters of the WSN and define the monitoring patterns of interest in terms of rules.

Conclusions: This work constitutes an essential step towards the construction of open, extensible, inter - operable and intelligent WSNs for pervasive health monitoring.
Patient Privacy Protection Using Anonymous Access Control Techniques
Authors: Weerasinghe D. , Elmufti K. , Rakocevic V. , Rajarajan M.
Published: April 2008

Objective:
The objective of this study is to develop a solution to preserve security and privacy in a healthcare environment where health-sensitive information will be accessed by many parties and stored in various distributed databases. The solution should maintain anonymous medical records and it should be able to link anonymous medical information in distributed databases into a single patient medical record with the patient identity.

Methods:
In this paper we present a protocol that can be used to authenticate and authorize patients to healthcare services without providing the patient identification. Healthcare service can identify the patient using separate temporary identities in each identification session and medical records are linked to these temporary identities. Temporary identities can be used to enable record linkage and reverse track real patient identity in critical medical situations.

Results:
The proposed protocol provides main security and privacy services such as user anonymity, message privacy, message confidentiality, user authentication, user authorization and message replay attacks. The medical environment validates the patient at the healthcare service as a real and registered patient for the medical services. Using the proposed protocol, the patient anonymous medical records at different healthcare services can be linked into one single report and it is possible to securely reverse track anonymous patient into the real identity.

Conclusion:
The protocol protects the patient privacy with a secure anonymous authentication to healthcare services and medical record registries according to the European and the UK legislations, where the patient real identity is not disclosed with the distributed patient medical records.
Necrotising fasciitis with sub-periosteal Streptococcus canis infection in two puppies
Authors: Corr S. , Kulendra E.
Published: April 2008

Necrotising fasciitis is an uncommon and potentially devastating disease which has been infrequently reported in animals. This brief communication describes an unusual presentation of necrotising fasciitis in two immature Bull Terriers. Both animals were admitted with a history of minimal trauma yet rapidly progressive, localising, disproportionate pain. Streptococcus canis was cultured from sub-periosteal fluid-filled pockets surrounding the femur in both cases.
Effect of tibial tuberosity advancement on femorotibial shear in cranial cruciate-deficient stifles
Authors: Tepic S. , Damur D. M. , Guerrero T. , Hässig M. , Montavon P. M. , Kipfer N. M.
Published: April 2008

Objectives: This in vitro study compares the femorotibial shear in canine stifles with intact and transected cranial cruciate ligaments (CrCL), before and after tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) by measuring the distance between origin and insertion of the cruciate ligaments. Methods: Radiodense markers were inserted into bones at the attachment sites of the cruciate ligaments in sixteen cadaveric stifles of adult dogs. Each stifle was then mounted in a testing apparatus. The distances between the markers were measured on mediolateral radiographs, performed on each stifle under three different situations: intact, after CrCL transection, and after performing a TTA. Stifles were loaded to create a constant tibiofemoral reaction force by maintaining the load parallel to the patellar ligament. Radiographs were taken in a preloaded and loaded state in the intact stifle and only in a loaded state after CrCL transection, and after performing a TTA. Results: Loading the stifle joints after transection of the CrCL resulted in a mean lengthening of the CrCL marker distance of 22.4%. Loading the transected CrCL stifles after performing a TTA resulted in a mean shortening of the CrCL marker distance by 3.0% compared to the loaded intact condition.Clinical significance: This study demonstrates that, in loaded stifles with transected CrCLs, TTA causes a caudal shift in the cranial shear force, counteracting cranial subluxation of the tibia.
Limb lengthening in three dogs using distraction rates without a latency period
Authors: McCartney W. T.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To report three clinical cases suffering from limb shortening secondary to monostotic physeal closure, in which distraction osteogenesis had been performed without a latency period and with high distraction rates. Methods: Three dogs had limb lengthening performed, using an Ilizarov ring fixator in two dogs and a linear dynamic fixator in the other dog.Bone lengthening achieved for a radius /ulna was 27 mm at 2 mm per day , a tibia was 78 mm at 3 mm per day, and a femur of 45 mm was 3 mm per day . Results: Complications related to pin loosening occurred in each case, thus requiring surgical corrective procedures, but these did not affect the final outcome. Lateral bowing of the bar and bone and some musculo-cutendinous contracture occurred in the femur. Fixation frames were on for 12 weeks in Case 1, eight weeks in Case 2 and nine weeks in Case 3. All three of the cases had a good functional outcome. Discussion: The faster rates of lengthening were not associated with any long-term deleterious soft tissue complications, but they were associated with pin loosening and bending of the bar. In each case there was excellent osteogenesis. Conclusions: From the results achieved in these three cases it can be concluded that a latency period prior to distraction osteogenesis may not be necessary. Also, distraction rates up to 3 mm per day can be used to shorten the time needed to achieve lengthening; however further studies are needed to investigate the high level of complications.
A device for performing whole bone torsional testing in a single-axis linear motion testing machine
Authors: Tyler J. M. , Larinde W. , Elder S. H.
Published: April 2008

Objectives: To design a device for the conversion of linear to rotational motion and to use it in order to determine torsional properties of canine tibiae in a universal tension/compression testing machine. Methods: A fixture incorporating a cable and pulley at one end and a guide block and rail assembly at the other was used to test 10 whole canine tibiae to failure in torsion at 1°/s. Results: The device produced spiral fractures in all tibiae. Torsional strength and stiffness were 13.9 ± 1.4 N m and 0.53 ± 0.07 N m/degree, respectively. Clinical significance: This inexpensive device can be used to evaluate the mechanical properties of long bones after various interventions to improve fracture healing. The device can be adapted for use with any single-axis linear motion testing machine. Assessment of fracture healing often includes loading to failure in torsion (1–5). Torsional testing is typically performed using a biaxial servohydraulic testing machine or similar sophisticated electromechanical equipment. Due to its high cost, many researchers do not have such equipment at their disposal. However, uniaxial tension-compression testing machines are widely available. Therefore, a device that can be used to perform torsional testing in a tension-compression machine would be beneficial. In this study we present a custom fixture for converting the vertical linear motion of a universal testing machine to rotational motion and validate its performance in torsional testing of canine tibiae.
A quantitative analysis of the nerve fibres of the acetabular periosteum of dogs
Authors: Saut J. P. E. , Ferrigno C. R. A. , Schmaedecke A.
Published: April 2008

There are many techniques for the treatment of hip dysplasia, and novel research is currently being undertaken in the hope of obtaining more efficient and less traumatic techniques. The denervation of the hip joint capsule is a simple and effective technique that allows recovery of the functional activity of the affected limbs in significantly less time than other techniques. This surgical procedure consists of removing the acetabular periosteum, thus eliminating the nerve fibres with consequent analgesia. The aim of this investigation was to quantify the number of nerve fibres present in different regions of the acetabular periosteum. The knowledge of regional differences is potentially valuable for the refining of the denervation technique of the hip joint capsule. Thirty canine acetabular fragments were used to compare the nerve fibre density of the periosteum. The results showed a significant difference between the mean density of nerve fibres at the cranial and dorsallateral portion (approximately 75 fibres/mm2) and caudal lateral portion (approximately 60 fibres/mm2) of the acetabulum. Those fibres at the periosteum are almost positioned in a sagittal plane, pointing towards the joint capsule, suggesting the same density in the latter region. These results indicate a new approach to the articular denervation technique, thus obtaining even better results for the treatment of hip dysplasia in dogs.
Modeling of the particle size distribution in emulsion polymerization
Authors: Sood Ashwini
Published: April 2008

A mathematical model to predict the evolution of the latex particle size distribution in an emulsion polymerization reactor was developed. The mathematical framework is based on the population balance approach. It is general in framework, readily expandable to incorporate the physiochemical phenomena of interest to the reacting system of interest. The model includes such mechanistic details as (1) particle generation from radicals entering micelles; (2) particle size dependence of the radical entry mechanism; (3) coupling of the radical concentration in the aqueous phase and the particle phase; (4) determination of the particle phase radical concentration by radical entry into, exit from, and termination inside the particle; and (5) thermodynamic equilibrium between the monomer concentration in the aqueous phase and the particle phase. The model was solved efficiently with orthogonal collocation. Dynamic simulations were compared with experimental data taken from the literature for the emulsion polymerization of styrene (monomer), potassium persulfate (initiator), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (emulsifier). The variables considered were the total number of particles formed, duration of the nucleation period, conversion at the end of the nucleation period, variation of the monomer volume fraction in the particles with time, and conversion–time curves for different monomer, initiator, and emulsifier concentrations. Close agreement was found between the simulations and the experimental data. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Evaluation of the enzyme manganese peroxidase in an industrial sequence for the lignin oxidation and bleaching of eucalyptus kraft pulp
Authors: Feijoo Gumersindo , Moreira María Teresa , Álvarez Pablo , Lú‐Chau Thelmo A. , Lema Juan M.
Published: April 2008

Manganese peroxidase produced by the white‐rot fungus Bjerkandera sp. strain BOS55 was used for lignin oxidation and bleaching of eucalyptus oxygen‐delignified kraft pulp. The optimization of the enzymatic stage and its implementation into an industrial chemical bleaching sequence were performed for the purpose of defining a new bleaching sequence. Parameters related to the selection and concentration of a chelating organic acid, Mn2+, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations were optimized and applied to evaluate the implementation of an enzymatic stage into a chemical sequence composed of chelator and hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen peroxide with oxygen pressure stages. The brightness, reduction of the κ number, and remaining manganese peroxidase activity were assessed in conventional and enzyme‐based bleaching sequences. High International Organization for Standardization (ISO) brightness (83%) and parallel κ number reduction (5.5 points) were obtained with an enzymatic stage/chelator stage/hydrogen peroxide with oxygen pressure stage sequence under the best operational conditions: 33 μM Mn2+, oxalic acid, and 41.7 μM H2O2 added in pulses every 5 min for the enzymatic stage and a 2‐h hydrogen peroxide with oxygen pressure stage at 588.4 kPa of oxygen pressure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Anomalous moisture diffusion in an epoxy adhesive detected by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: LaPlante Gabriel , Ouriadov Alexei V. , Lee‐Sullivan Pearl , Balcom Bruce J.
Published: April 2008

Non‐Fickian or anomalous diffusion is frequently observed when the absorption of moisture by a polymer is being studied. Different models have been presented in the literature that can accurately predict the trends of the weight‐gain curves. However, it is not always clear which of these models yield good predictions of moisture distribution. This article presents a time‐resolved moisture distribution study of an epoxy sample immersed in deuterated water (D2O) at 70°C over a period of 2.5 months. The moisture distribution was measured during that period with a novel high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging technique that is well adapted to the imaging of thin plates. The experimental results showed that the concentration of D2O at the surface of the sample increased with time, even after 2.5 months. These results were used to evaluate the performance of several standard diffusion models. Although this study is phenomenological, it appears that a model featuring time‐varying boundary conditions yields the best representation of moisture absorption for these samples. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008