bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of endotoxin in the etiology of periapical lesions: molecular mechanisms involved in endotoxin's recognition and cell activation
Authors: LUCISANO Marília Pacífico , NELSON-FILHO Paulo , SILVA Raquel Assed Bezerra da , SILVA Léa Assed Bezerra da , ROSSI Andiara DE
Published: January 2015

Periapical lesions are diseases resulting from contamination and necrosis of dental pulp and the progression of this infection toward the periapical tissues. Technological advances in microbiological culture and identification have shown that anaerobic microorganisms, especially Gram-negative, are predominate in root canals of teeth with pulp necrosis and chronic periapical lesions. Gram-negative bacteria not only have different factors of virulence and generate products and sub-products that are toxic to apical and periapical tissues, but also contain endotoxin in the outer membrane of their cell wall. This information is important because endotoxin is released during multiplication or bacterial death, causing a series of biological effects that lead to an inflammatory reaction and resorption of mineralized tissues. Thus, the aim of this work is to carry out a review of the literature on the role of bacterial endotoxin in the etiology of periapical lesions, its mechanism of action, and to elucidate molecular mechanisms involved in endotoxin's recognition by the immune system and cell activation.
Two Decades of Research on Strategic Alliances: Analysis of Citations, Co-citations and Themes Researched
Authors: Ferreira Manuel Portugal , Storopoli José Eduardo , Serra Fernando Ribeiro
Published: January 2015

Research on strategic alliances has a long tradition in management studies. Strategic alliances have been investigated using multiple theoretical lenses from RBV to agency and transaction cost, and diverse contexts, from the semiconductor to airline industries. In this study we scrutinize the extant strategic alliance research in thirty-one top-ranked business/management journals, over a twenty-year period, from 1993 to 2012. In a sample of 866 articles we conducted citation and co-citation analyses employing social network techniques and factor analysis to identify research themes and make sense of the stock of accumulated knowledge and theoretical trends. We were able to identify some shifts in research over time, namely from a focus on performance and theoretical emphasis on transaction cost theory and governance concerns, moving to a learning and knowledge transfer approach, social networks and collaboration. This study provides the foundations over which future research may develop to fill conceptual and empirical gaps.
Evaluating Supply Chain Management: A Methodology Based on a Theoretical Model
Authors: Simon Alexandre Tadeu , Serio Luiz Carlos Di , Pires Silvio Roberto Ignacio , Martins Guilherme Silveira
Published: January 2015

Despite the increasing interest in supply chain management (SCM) by researchers and practitioners, there is still a lack of academic literature concerning topics such as methodologies to guide and support SCM evaluation. Most developed methodologies have been provided by consulting companies and are restricted in their publication and use. This article presents a methodology for evaluating companies’ degree of adherence to a SCM conceptual model. The methodology is based on Cooper, Lambert and Pagh’s original contribution and involves analysis of eleven referential axes established from key business processes, horizontal structures, and initiatives & practices. We analyze the applicability of the proposed model based on findings from interviews with experts - academics and practitioners - as well as from case studies of three focal firms and their supply chains. In general terms, the methodology can be considered a diagnostic instrument that allows companies to evaluate their maturity regarding SCM practices. From this diagnosis, firms can identify and implement activities to improve degree of adherence to the reference model and achieve SCM benefits. The methodology aims to contribute to SCM theory development. It is an initial, but structured, reference for translating a theoretical approach into practical aspects.
Prevalence of sleep bruxism in children: A systematic review
Authors: Machado Eduardo , Dal-Fabbro Cibele , Cunali Paulo Afonso , Kaizer Osvaldo Bazzan
Published: January 2015

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of sleep bruxism (SB) in children is subject to discussions in the literature.OBJECTIVE: This study is a systematic literature review aiming to critically assess the prevalence of SB in children.METHODS: Survey using the following research databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed, Lilacs and BBO, from January 2000 to February 2013, focusing on studies specifically assessing the prevalence of SB in children.RESULTS: After applying the inclusion criteria, four studies were retrieved. Among the selected articles, the prevalence rates of SB ranged from 5.9% to 49.6%, and these variations showed possible associations with the diagnostic criteria used for SB.CONCLUSION: There is a small number of studies with the primary objective of assessing SB in children. Additionally, there was a wide variation in the prevalence of SB in children. Thus, further, evidence-based studies with standardized and validated diagnostic criteria are necessary to assess the prevalence of SB in children more accurately.
Pragmatismo e idealismo: o debate entre pioneiros e católicos em dois manuais no Brasil dos anos de 1930
Authors: Pinheiro Maria de Lourdes , Menezes Maria Cristina
Published: January 2015

Na década de 1930 acentuava-se o debate educacional brasileiro entre dois grupos rivais, que se utilizaram do livro como um dispositivo estratégico para divulgar ou censurar concepções pedagógicas com a intenção de consolidar um determinado modelo escolar. Neste contexto e por uma perspectiva histórico-cultural, o presente trabalho apresenta uma discussão sobre dois impressos de coleções pedagógicas que circularam no Brasil: Democracia e educação, de John Dewey (1936) e A filosofia da educação sob o ponto de vista democrático, de Herman Harrel Horne (1938).
História da educação da criança pela família no século 19: fontes para uma escrita
Authors: Anjos Juarez José Tuchinski dos
Published: January 2015

O artigo tem por objetivo, em forma de reflexão teórica e metodológica, propor, problematizar e categorizar um corpus documental para uma escrita da história da educação da criança pela família no século 19, tomando por base empírica documentação existente na maioria das regiões brasileiras, mas exemplificando-a e caracterizando-a a partir da realidade paranaense.
Pela educação lutaremos o bom combate: a instrução operária como um campo de disputas entre católicos e anarquistas na primeira república brasileira
Authors: Bilhão Isabel
Published: January 2015

Neste artigo aborda-se o contexto de transformações sócio-educacionais ocorridas ao longo da Primeira República brasileira, quando o crescimento urbano-industrial e o aumento da força organizativa e numérica do operariado começou a se fazer sentir, ensejando o crescimento de disputas de diferentes grupos em torno da educação dos trabalhadores. Observam-se as polêmicas travadas entre integrantes do clero católico e militantes anarquistas pela adesão operária às suas concepções educativas.
O jornal Stella d'Italia e a defesa da escola étnica italiana (1902-1904)
Authors: Rech Gelson Leonardo , Tambara Elomar Antonio Callegaro
Published: January 2015

O artigo analisa dois elementos recorrentes nas edições dos três primeiros anos do jornal portoalegrense Stella d'Italia (1902-1904), editado em italiano, a saber: o descontentamento com relação ao estado em que se encontrava a instrução entre os italianos e ítalos-brasileiros em Porto Alegre e a polêmica com o cônsul italiano Enrico Ciapelli, que resultou na suspensão do envio de material às escolas italianas, mantidas pelas sociedades italianas apoiadoras do jornal. A polêmica, não relatada nos relatórios oficiais do cônsul, teve como elemento detonador a acusação, sustentada pelo editor do jornal, de que o cônsul pouco se interessava pela escola italiana e pelos compatriotas. Considerando-se a escassa literatura sobre as escolas étnicas italianas de Porto Alegre, o jornal Stella d'Italia tem particular importância pelo destaque frequente à temática da educação e pela marcante opinião e zelo do editor, Adelchi Colnaghi, pela escola étnica italiana. Os apelos e considerações de Colnaghi na defesa da escola italiana, seu diagnóstico sobre as dificuldades da mesma, bem como o estado da educação entre os italianos em Porto Alegre foi reiterado, muitas vezes, nas páginas do jornal. Colnaghi estava convencido da importância da escola italiana, mas na perspectiva do jornal pouco se fez pela mesma e, às vezes, se fez contra.
Transferências e apropriações de saberes: Friedrich Bieri e a matemática para o ensino primário
Authors: Silva Circe Mary Silva da
Published: January 2015

A partir da análise da obra de Friedrich Bieri (1844-1924), um suíço que emigrou para o Brasil no século 19, identificamos apropriações de saberes produzidos em países de língua alemã no ensino brasileiro. A investigação traz um perfil deste personagem, assim como relata o processo de transferência de conhecimentos ocorrido e seu papel no contexto da província do Rio Grande do Sul. A análise da obra de Bieri permitiu concluir que o autor, além de ter sido um dos pioneiros na produção de livros didáticos para escolas teuto-brasileiras, adotou uma proposta pedagógica germânica adaptada ao contexto local e influenciada pelo método de Grube e da reformulação deste por Egger.
"Fazendo a escolha certa": tecnologias reprodutivas, práticas lésbicas e uso de bancos de sêmen
Authors: Machin Rosana , Couto Marcia Thereza
Published: January 2015

A obtenção de sêmen para reprodução é uma questão central no projeto de filiação entre lésbicas e envolve considerações em torno de ideais culturais, parentesco e princípios normativos/legais. O estudo de natureza qualitativa foi realizado com lésbicas buscando a maternidade por meio de tecnologias reprodutivas e aquisição de sêmen em bancos no Brasil e no exterior. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais de saúde atuantes no campo de tecnologias reprodutivas (10) e lésbicas (10 casais) em São Paulo/SP entre 2010/2012. Há um desejo por maximizar conexões estabelecendo um link da filiação com as características fenotípicas presentes na família e no casal, num arranjo que proporcione uma percepção de "natural" conexão, com a biologia como um importante símbolo do compartilhamento do vínculo criado. Em razão de uma alegada pouca disponibilidade de sêmen compatível com as demandas formuladas pelos casais, tem havido importação de sêmen para os procedimentos, acarretando uma série de novas questões.
O discurso sobre a alimentação saudável como estratégia de biopoder
Authors: Kraemer Fabiana Bom , Prado Shirley Donizete , Ferreira Francisco Romão , Carvalho Maria Claudia Veiga Soares de
Published: January 2015

O artigo traz reflexões sobre a noção de alimentação saudável, produzida no imaginário social na sociedade ocidental contemporânea, orientada por uma concepção de saúde reduzida à busca de cura ou prevenção da doença. Subsídios teóricos das Ciências Sociais e Humanas propiciaram melhores condições para compreender a alimentação como temática intersticial de articulação entre o biológico e o psicossocial. Destacamos a alimentação saudável derivada da racionalidade científica moderna e de normatividade geral e problematizamos a discursividade da promoção da alimentação saudável a partir do conceito de biopoder de Foucault. Não negamos o valor das evidências epidemiológicas sobre a relação direta entre alimentação e adoecimento e reconhecemos que conhecer é melhor do que ignorar quando é preciso agir. No entanto, por entendermos que para o (re)estabelecimento da saúde, em nutrição, é necessário mais do que prescrever nutrientes e alimentos, acreditamos que não devemos normatizar a alimentação e olhar para a informação científica como algo absoluto. Instrumentos conceituais e fundamentos teóricos que não estão no "verdadeiro" do discurso biológico fazem-se necessários nas proposições sobre a alimentação saudável, uma vez que interesses políticos e econômicos dos setores hegemônicos ligados à dimensão biomédica não deixam muito espaço para a discussão das questões psíquicas e sociais
Dispersão de poluentes nos eixos estruturais em Curitiba (PR), Brasil
Authors: Bender Ana Paula , Dziedzic Maurício
Published: January 2015

O aumento da frota veicular causa a deterioração da qualidade do ar e o comprometimento da saúde e bem-estar da população. A malha urbana edificada influencia o escoamento do ar, dificultando a dispersão de emissões veiculares. O presente estudo objetiva avaliar a influência dos parâmetros de ocupação do solo definidos pela legislação municipal nos eixos estruturais em Curitiba (PR), caracterizados pelo forte estímulo ao adensamento e alto tráfego veicular. Foram simuladas variações do recuo frontal e das alturas das edificações nestes eixos, em especial na Avenida Sete de Setembro, a fim de verificar a influência destes na concentração de poluentes. São feitas sugestões de possíveis alterações à legislação em vigor, recomendando-se reduzir a altura das edificações no lado oposto ao vento predominante e aumentar, nos trechos não consolidados, o recuo frontal da sobreloja.
Audiological findings in aphasic patients after stroke
Authors: Onoue Solange Satie , Ortiz Karin Zazo , Minett Thaís Soares Cianciarullo , Borges Alda Christina Lopes de Carvalho
Published: January 2015

Objective To outline the audiological findings of aphasic patients after cerebrovascular accidents.Methods This is a cross-sectional study performed between March 2011 and August 2012 in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Pathology Department of theUniversidade Federal de São Paulo. A total of 43 aphasic subjects (27 men) were referred for audiological evaluation after stroke, with mean age of 54.48 years. Basic audiological evaluation tests were performed, including pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry (speech recognition threshold and word recognition score), immittance measures (tympanometry and contralateral acoustic reflex), and transient otoacoustic emissions.Results Sensorineural hearing loss was prevalent (78.6%). Speech recognition threshold and word recognition score were not obtained in some patients because they were unable to perform the task. Hearing loss was a common finding in this population.Conclusion Comprehension and/or oral emission disruptions in aphasic patients after stroke compromised conventional speech audiometry, resulting in the need for changes in the evaluation procedures for these patients.
Relation between leukocyte count, adiposity, and cardiorespiratory fitness in pubertal adolescents
Authors: Tenório Thiago Ricardo dos Santos , Farah Breno Quintella , Ritti-Dias Raphael Mendes , Botero João Paulo , Brito Daniel Calado , Moura Patrícia Muniz Mendes Freire de , Prado Wagner Luiz do
Published: January 2015

Objective To compare the total and differential leukocyte count in obese and normal-weight adolescents, and to verify their possible relations with cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity indicators.Methods A cross-sectional study conducted with 139 adolescents (107 obese and 32 normal weight) aged between 13 and 18 years. Cardiorespiratory fitness was determined by direct gas analysis during an incremental treadmill test. Total leukocytes and subsets were estimated by flow cytometry. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Thet-test for independent samples was used for comparison between groups. The relation between leukocytes, cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity indicators was verified by Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression (adjusted for age and body mass index) tests.Results Obese adolescents had higher leukocyte (8.12±2.36u/L x 103; p=0.001), neutrophil (4.33±1.86u/L x 103; p=0.002), and monocyte (0.70±0.22u/L x 103; p=0.002) counts compared to the levels of normal weight subjects. After the necessary adjustments, cardiorespiratory fitness had a negative association with leukocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes in boys.Conclusion Obese adolescents had higher total and differential leucocyte count when compared to normal weight individuals. We also observed a weak positive association between adiposity and total leukocyte, monocyte, and neutrophil counts, and in boys, a negative association between cardiorespiratory fitness and total count of leukocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils.
Left ventricular dysfunction in patients with suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Gavilanes Francisca , Jr José Leonidas Alves , Fernandes Caio , Prada Luis Felipe Lopes , Jardim Carlos Viana Poyares , Morinaga Luciana Tamie Kato , Dias Bruno Arantes , Hoette Susana , Souza Rogerio
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of right heart catheterization in the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). METHODS: We evaluated clinical, functional, and hemodynamic data from all patients who underwent right heart catheterization because of diagnostic suspicion of PAH-in the absence of severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVD), significant changes in pulmonary function tests, and ventilation/perfusion lung scintigraphy findings consistent with chronic pulmonary thromboembolism-between 2008 and 2013 at our facility. RESULTS: During the study period, 384 patients underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization at our facility. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was confirmed in 302 patients (78.6%). The mean age of those patients was 48.7 years. The patients without PH showed better hemodynamic profiles and lower levels of B-type natriuretic peptide. Nevertheless, 13.8% of the patients without PH were categorized as New York Heart Association functional class III or IV. Of the 218 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 40 (18.3%) and 178 (81.7%) were diagnosed with PH associated with LVD (PH-LVD) and with PAH, respectively. The patients in the HP-LVD group were significantly older than were those in the PAH group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The proportional difference between the PAH and PH-LVD groups was quite significant, considering the absence of echocardiographic signs suggestive of severe LVD during the pre-catheterization investigation. Our results highlight the fundamental role of cardiac catheterization in the diagnosis of PAH, especially in older patients, in whom the prevalence of LVD that has gone undiagnosed by non-invasive tests is particularly relevant.
Epidemiological aspects of and risk factors for wheezing in the first year of life
Authors: Fogaça Hamilton Rosendo , Marson Fernando Augusto de Lima , Toro Adyléia Aparecida Dalbo Contrera , Solé Dirceu , Ribeiro José Dirceu
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE: To determine, in a sample of infants, the prevalence of and risk factors for occasional wheezing (OW) and recurrent wheezing-wheezy baby syndrome (WBS). METHODS: Parents of infants (12-15 months of age) completed the International Study of Wheezing in Infants questionnaire. RESULTS: We included 1,269 infants residing in the city of Blumenau, Brazil. Of those, 715 (56.34%) had a history of wheezing, which was more common among boys. The prevalences of OW and WBS were 27.03% (n = 343) and 29.31% (n = 372), respectively. On average, the first wheezing episode occurred at 5.55 ± 2.87 months of age. Among the 715 infants with a history of wheezing, the first episode occurred within the first six months of life in 479 (66.99%), and 372 (52.03%) had had three or more episodes. Factors associated with wheezing in general were pneumonia; oral corticosteroid use; a cold; attending daycare; having a parent with asthma or allergies; mother working outside the home; male gender; no breastfeeding; and mold. Factors associated with WBS were a cold; physician-diagnosed asthma; ER visits; corticosteroid use; pneumonia; bronchitis; dyspnea; attending daycare; bronchodilator use; having a parent with asthma; no breastfeeding; mother working outside the home; and a dog in the household. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of wheezing in the studied population was high (56.34%). The etiology was multifactorial, and the risk factors were intrinsic and extrinsic (respiratory tract infections, allergies, attending daycare, and early wheezing). The high prevalence and the intrinsic risk factors indicate the need and the opportunity for epidemiological and genetic studies in this population. In addition, mothers should be encouraged to prolong breastfeeding and to keep infants under six months of age out of daycare.
Infected tracheal diverticulum: a rare association with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Amaral Cecília Beatriz Alves , Silva Sónia , Feijó Salvato
Published: January 2015

Tracheal diverticulum, defined as a benign outpouching of the tracheal wall, is rarely diagnosed in clinical practice. It can be congenital or acquired in origin, and most cases are asymptomatic, typically being diagnosed postmortem. We report a case of a 69-year-old woman who was hospitalized after presenting with fever, fatigue, pleuritic chest pain, and a right neck mass complicated by dysphagia. Her medical history was significant: pulmonary emphysema (alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency); bronchiectasis; and thyroidectomy. On physical examination, she presented diminished breath sounds and muffled heart sounds, with a systolic murmur. Laboratory tests revealed elevated inflammatory markers, a CT scan showed an air-filled, multilocular mass in the right tracheal wall, and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the CT findings. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy failed to reveal any abnormalities. Nevertheless, the patient was diagnosed with tracheal diverticulum. The treatment approach was conservative, consisting mainly of antibiotics. After showing clinical improvement, the patient was discharged.
Perdas na colheita de tomate industrial em função da regulagem da colhedora
Authors: Cunha João Paulo Barreto , Machado Túlio de Almeida , Santos Fábio Lúcio , Coelho Laysla Moraes
Published: January 2015

As perdas na colheita mecanizada de tomate industrial, dependendo dos níveis atingidos, podem reduzir consideravelmente a produtividade das áreas plantadas. Dentro desse contexto, este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da regulagem do sistema de separação rotativo nas perdas observadas durante a realização da colheita mecanizada. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial, com quatro repetições, onde cada parcela consistiu da combinação de três níveis de rotação (6 rpm, 12 rpm e 18 rpm) e três frequências de vibração (0,83 Hz, 2,50 Hz e 4,17 Hz) do sistema de separação. As perdas contabilizadas foram divididas em perdas nas ramas, perdas de frutos no solo e perdas totais. Cartas sequenciais e cartas de controle para valores individuais e de amplitude móveis, compostas pelos limites superior e inferior de controle e média, foram utilizadas como ferramentas de controle estatístico de processo. Os resultados indicaram que as perdas totais ocasionadas encontram-se fora dos limites de controle e dos padrões aceitáveis para a cultura do tomate industrial. A adoção de maiores vibrações e rotações do sistema de separação da colhedora proporcionaram maior eficiência de colheita.
Caracterização físico-química e microscópica de ovos desidratados de avestruz
Authors: Aquino Jailane de Souza , Silva João Andrade da , Figueiredo Rossana Maria Feitosa de , Queiroz Claudiane Magliano de
Published: January 2015

Aproximadamente 20% dos ovos de avestruz são inférteis, podendo ser consumidos na alimentação humana. No entanto, seu elevado volume e perecebilidade indicam a necessidade de um processamento tecnológico adequado. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se determinar a composição química de ovos de avestruz in natura, bem como os parâmetros físicos, químicos e microscópicos dos ovoprodutos de avestruz, após desidratação. Determinou-se a composição química de ovos in natura de avestruz e de galinha. As claras, gemas e ovos integrais de avestruz foram fermentados e desidratados em mini spray-dryer. Após a desidratação, determinou-se o rendimento, composição e diâmetro de partículas dos ovoprodutos coletados em ciclone e na câmara do spray-dryer. A gema e a clara de ovos in natura de avestruz apresentaram maior teor proteico (respectivamente 15,21% e 11,54%) e lipídico (respectivamente 38,48% e 0,34%), em comparação aos ovos de galinha. As amostras coletadas do ciclone apresentaram menor percentual de umidade e melhor uniformidade no diâmetro de partículas. Os ovoprodutos de avestruz apresentaram rendimento, uniformidade e valor nutricional satisfatórios, demonstrando que a secagem por spray-dryer é mais uma alternativa para a conservação e aproveitamento desse alimento na alimentação humana.
Lotus effect-based coatings on marine steels to inhibit biofouling
Authors: Vanithakumari Sampathkumar Chrisolite , Yadavalli Prashant , George Rani Pongachira , Kamachi Mudali Uthandi Mudali
Published: January 2015

A close observation of natural lotus leaves provided the inspiration to develop superhydrophobic surfaces on marine steels to inhibit biofouling. Low-alloyed steel such as DMR 249A is chosen for the present study and modified using mechanical polishing, shot blasting, grit blasting, glass bead blasting and pickling, and coated with a low-surface energy material such as silane. The resultant samples are found to be superhydrophobic with apparent advancing water contact angles around 150° and tilting angles less than 5°. The surface morphology and surface roughness are analysed using scanning electron microscopy and surface profilometer. Depending on the surface treatment employed, the morphology and surface roughness vary widely and they are correlated to the wetting behaviour of the samples. The surface-modified marine steels are exposed to the bacterial cultures of Pseudomonas sp. to elucidate their antifouling behaviour. The exposure studies revealed less bacterial adhesion in surface-modified samples as compared to the uncoated samples. The aim of this paper is to stress the unconventional use of superhydrophobic coatings based on silanes to inhibit biofouling on marine steels.
Health Policy, Ethics, and the Kansas Legislative Health Academy
Authors: Blacksher Erika , Maree Gina , Schrandt Suzanne , Soderquist Chris , Steffensmeier Tim , St. Peter Robert
Published: January 2015

We describe a unique program, the Kansas Legislative Health Academy, that brings together state legislators from across the political spectrum to build their capacity in advancing policies that can improve the health of Kansans.

To that end, the academy helps legislators develop new skills to deliberate the ethics of health policy, use systems thinking to understand the long- and short-term effects of policy action and inaction, and engage in acts of civic leadership. The academy also seeks to foster an environment of respectful open dialogue and to build new cross-chamber and cross-party relationships.

Among the most important outcomes cited by program participants is the value of sustained, personal interaction and problem solving with individuals holding differing political views.
Brief: Risk Analysis and Monte Carlo Simulation Applied to the Generation of Drilling AFE Estimates
Authors: Peterson S.K. , Murtha J.A. , Schneider F.F.
Published: January 2015

This paper presents a method for developing an authorization-for-expenditure (AFE) -generating model and illustrates the technique with a specific offshore field development case study. The model combines Monte Carlo simulation and statistical analysis of historical drilling data to generate more accurate, risked, AFE estimates. In addition to the general method, two examples of making AFE time estimates for North Sea wells with the presented techniques are given.
Geostatistical analyses of iron in shallow groundwater and their application for establishing an environmental baseline: a case study
Authors: Sun Linhua , Gui Herong , Peng Weihua
Published: January 2015

Knowledge of the environmental background and a baseline are important for local environmental studies and management. In this study, seventy groundwater samples taken near the city of Suzhou, northern Anhui Province, China have been measured for their iron concentrations, and the results processed by geostatistical analytical techniques (including semi-variance, spatial autocorrelation and cluster analyses). The results indicate that the quality of these groundwater samples is relatively good, and all can be classified as class one according to their iron concentrations and the groundwater quality in China. The spatial distribution of iron concentrations shows that they increase from north to south in the area. The semi-variance, spatial autocorrelation and cluster analyses suggest that iron concentrations in the shallow groundwater were affected by combined natural and anthropogenic contributions. After removing the spatial outliers, the environmental baseline of iron in the shallow groundwater in the study area is established as being 0–28.5 μg/l.
An integrated solution to wastewater and biodegradable organic waste management by applying anaerobic digestion and membrane bioreactor processes
Authors: Solomou N. , Stamatoglou A. , Malamis S. , Katsou E. , Costa C. N. , Loizidou M.
Published: January 2015

An integrated system for the biological treatment of wastewater and biodegradable organic waste (BOW) was examined. The system consisted of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) for the treatment of sewage and an anaerobic digestion (AD) unit for the treatment of biowaste and sewage sludge. The ‘zero’ waste concept was the driving force for its implementation, targeting at the effective treatment of BOW, sewage sludge and wastewater and at energy and materials recovery. BOW and wastewater were fed to the integrated treatment system to produce treated effluent suitable for irrigation, energy and a stabilized solid to be used as soil improver. The system was operated for one year, from start-up to process optimization. After the start-up, five experimental stages were carried out for the MBR process and four phases for the AD process. Under optimized operating conditions, the MBR achieved 99% removal of ammonium nitrogen, 95% removal of nitrogen and 96% removal of chemical oxygen demand. The treated effluent satisfied the Cypriot water reuse standards. The energy balance showed that the AD required 5% of heat and 3.5% of electricity from the total energy of the produced biogas to maintain its operation. This resulted in 50% of excess heat and 31.5% of excess electricity.
Field laboratory for an appropriate water treatment in a tropical karst region
Authors: Matthies K. , de Oliveira M. Mendes , Obst U.
Published: January 2015

The district of Gunung Kidul in Southern Java is one of the poorest regions in Indonesia. It is located above a big karst formation with very poor filtration and low storage capacity, which lead to vulnerable water quality all year round and acute water shortages in the dry season. Deficient waste water treatment combined with fast and direct infiltration into the karst results in high levels of contamination in the groundwater, which is used for drinking. To improve the water quality, a three-step water treatment concept was developed and selected technologies were examined in a field laboratory for their disinfection efficiency under local conditions: chlorination, UV disinfection, and ceramic filtration. The first results suggested that UV disinfection is effective, but might be too vulnerable, that chlorination seemed not to be reliable under local conditions, and that ceramic filtration seemed to be the most efficient technology.
Determination of the optimal capacity of a reservoir considering the effects of flood control volume change on its performance (case study: Darband dam, Iran)
Authors: Shahsavan R. , Shourian M.
Published: January 2015

Water storage using dams is a perfect solution for agricultural, industrial, drinking water supply, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and other purposes. Integrated management of water resources involves the development, management, protection, regulation and beneficial use of surface- and ground- water resources. The reliability of water supply reservoirs depends on several factors, e.g. the physical characteristics of the reservoir, the time series of river discharge, climatic conditions, the amount of demand, and the method of operation. If a portion of a dam's volume is kept empty for flood control, the confidence values of taking the bottom water demand will be reduced. In this paper, a yield-storage model developed in a MATLAB software environment is used to determine the optimal capacity of Darband dam in northeast Iran (the study phase). The reservoir's performance with respect to demand downstream, e.g. from industry and agriculture, and for potable use, was studied, and the results compared for scenarios in flood control volume change conditions. The results show that, for a capacity of 80 Mm3, the reliability values for meeting agricultural, environmental, and potable water demand are estimated at 0.922, 0.927, and 0.942, respectively. If the reservoir's capacity is changed from 80 to 350 Mm3, the reliability values increase by only about 7%.
Modelling the chlorine decay process in a distribution network using a pilot system
Authors: Buamah R. , Akodwaa-Boadi K. , Paintsil M. , Baah-Ennumh E. K. , Adjaottor A. A.
Published: January 2015

Chlorine is one of the many disinfectants used to ensure bacteriological safety of drinking water. Usually residual chlorine is maintained within the distribution network to combat any probable re-contamination of the distributed water. This residual free chlorine, however, decays in water due to its reaction with the bulk water and the pipe material or deposits on the pipe walls.

This study aimed at determining and modelling chlorine decay in the Kumasi water distribution network (KWDN) and determined locations where residual chlorine boosting is necessary. A double-jacketed batch reactor and a constructed pilot distribution system (PDS) were used to determine the bulk and wall decay coefficients. The PDS was run using aged PVC pipes (15–20 years), asbestos concrete pipes (40–50 years) and cast iron pipes (84 years) that have been in use in the KWDN. The SynerGEE® hydraulic model was used to identify the ‘zero chlorine’ points and predict top-up quantities.

The bulk decay coefficient was found to be 0.053 h−1 within 8 hours at 26 °C and the residual chlorine decayed within the bulk fluid by 32–34% of its initial dose. Under the conditions tested, the cast iron pipes had the highest overall decay coefficients (K). Five locations within the network were identified as probable chlorine boosting points).
Online water quality monitoring in the distribution network
Authors: Williamson F. , van den Broeke J. , Koster T. , Koerkamp M. Klein , Verhoef J. W. , Hoogterp J. , Trietsch E. , de Graaf B. R.
Published: January 2015

To ensure the safe supply of drinking water, the quality needs to be monitored online in real time. The consequence of inadequate monitoring can result in substantial health risks and economic and reputational damages. Therefore, Vitens, the largest drinking water company of the Netherlands, set a goal to explore and invest in the development of intelligent water supply by implementing a smart water grid. To enable this, Vitens has allocated a designated part of their distribution network to be a demonstration network for online water quality monitoring, the Vitens Innovation Playground (VIP). In the VIP, a network of 44 Optiqua EventLab sensors has been installed. EventLab utilizes refractive index as a generic parameter for continuous real-time monitoring of changes in water quality. The EventLab units in the network transmit their data by GPRS to Optiqua servers where the data are processed using event detection algorithms. Deployed as an online sensor network, it allows early detection and rapid response, as well as accurate location of the spread of a contamination within the distribution network. The use of the EventLab sensor network under operational conditions in the VIP is described and its effectiveness is demonstrated by the detection of two water quality events.
Removal and recovery of lead (Pb2+) from industrial effluent using indigenous and tailor-made Aureobasidium sp. RBSS-303
Authors: Aftab Kiran , Akhtar Kalsoom , Anjum Fozia
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to assess the removal and recovery of Pb-II from industrial wastewater using a locally isolated strain of Aureobasidium sp. RBSS-303. The initial Pb2+ concentration of 600 mg/L resulted in maximum uptake capacity (Qmax 235.1 ± 0.3 mg/g). The biosorbent revival was attained by contacting with HCl (0.01 M), with 75.3% recovery of Pb2+. The Freundlich isotherm best explains the Pb2+ sorption performances. Maximum adsorption distribution coefficient of 1,309.6 mg metal/mL was observed at initial Pb2+ concentration value of 100 mg/L. Evaluation of nine kinetic models showed the removal rate of Pb2+ was reliant on diffusion control pseudo-second-order and saturation-mixed-order kinetic models with a high correlation coefficient value (R = 0.99). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the major contribution of –NH2 and –CN ligands of Aureobasidium sp. RBSS-303 in the sorption phenomenon of Pb2+. The biosorption assays carried out with effluent of the paint industry showed 76.8% efficiency for Pb2+ removal by the candidate biosorbent, regardless of the complex composition of the industrial effluent.
Kinetics of Pb and Zn leaching from zinc plant residue by sodium hydroxide
Authors: Erdem M. , Yurten M.
Published: January 2015

In the hydrometallurgical zinc production processes, important amount of
hazardous solid extraction residue containing unextractable Zn and Pb is
generated. Due to increasing demand of metals and the depletion of high grade
natural resources, these types of wastes are gaining great importance in the
metallurgical industries. In this study, selective leaching and leaching
kinetics of Pb and Zn from zinc extraction residue were investigated. For
this purpose; the effects of NaOH concentration, contact time, stirring speed
and temperature on the Pb and Zn recovery from the residue were studied. The
shrinking core model was applied to the results of the experiments. Leaching
results showed that 85.55% Pb and 21.3 % Zn could be leached under the
optimized conditions. The leaching of Pb and Zn were found to fit well to
shrinking core model with ash layer diffusion control. Activation energy
values for Pb and Zn leaching were calculated to be 13.645 and 22.59 kJ/mol,
respectively.
BMP4 and BMP Antagonists Regulate Human White and Beige Adipogenesis
Authors: Gustafson Birgit , Hammarstedt Ann , Hedjazifar Shahram , Hoffmann Jenny M. , Svensson Per-Arne , Grimsby Joseph , Rondinone Cristina , Smith Ulf
Published: January 2015

The limited expandability of subcutaneous adipose tissue, due to reduced ability to recruit and differentiate new adipocytes, prevents its buffering effect in obesity and is characterized by expanded adipocytes (hypertrophic obesity). Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) plays a key role in regulating adipogenic precursor cell commitment and differentiation. We found BMP4 to be induced and secreted by differentiated (pre)adipocytes, and BMP4 was increased in large adipose cells. However, the precursor cells exhibited a resistance to BMP4 owing to increased secretion of the BMP inhibitor Gremlin-1 (GREM1). GREM1 is secreted by (pre)adipocytes and is an inhibitor of both BMP4 and BMP7. BMP4 alone, and/or silencing GREM1, increased transcriptional activation of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ and promoted the preadipocytes to assume an oxidative beige/brown adipose phenotype including markers of increased mitochondria and PGC1α. Driving white adipose differentiation inhibited the beige/brown markers, suggesting the presence of multipotent adipogenic precursor cells. However, silencing GREM1 and/or adding BMP4 during white adipogenic differentiation reactivated beige/brown markers, suggesting that increased BMP4 preferentially regulates the beige/brown phenotype. Thus, BMP4, secreted by white adipose cells, is an integral feedback regulator of both white and beige adipogenic commitment and differentiation, and resistance to BMP4 by GREM1 characterizes hypertrophic obesity.
Regulation of Glucose Tolerance and Sympathetic Activity by MC4R Signaling in the Lateral Hypothalamus
Authors: Morgan Donald A. , McDaniel Latisha N. , Yin Terry , Khan Michael , Jiang Jingwei , Acevedo Michael R. , Walsh Susan A. , Ponto Laura L. Boles , Norris Andrew W. , Lutter Michael , Rahmouni Kamal , Cui Huxing
Published: January 2015

Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) signaling mediates diverse physiological functions, including energy balance, glucose homeostasis, and autonomic activity. Although the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) is known to express MC4Rs and to receive input from leptin-responsive arcuate proopiomelanocortin neurons, the physiological functions of MC4Rs in the LHA are incompletely understood. We report that MC4RLHA signaling regulates glucose tolerance and sympathetic nerve activity. Restoring expression of MC4Rs specifically in the LHA improves glucose intolerance in obese MC4R-null mice without affecting body weight or circulating insulin levels. Fluorodeoxyglucose-mediated tracing of whole-body glucose uptake identifies the interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) as a primary source where glucose uptake is increased in MC4RLHA mice. Direct multifiber sympathetic nerve recording further reveals that sympathetic traffic to iBAT is significantly increased in MC4RLHA mice, which accompanies a significant elevation of Glut4 expression in iBAT. Finally, bilateral iBAT denervation prevents the glucoregulatory effect of MC4RLHA signaling. These results identify a novel role for MC4RLHA signaling in the control of sympathetic nerve activity and glucose tolerance independent of energy balance.
Defects in Mitochondrial Efficiency and H2O2 Emissions in Obese Women Are Restored to a Lean Phenotype With Aerobic Exercise Training
Authors: Konopka Adam R. , Asante Albert , Lanza Ian R. , Robinson Matthew M. , Johnson Matthew L. , Dalla Man Chiara , Cobelli Claudio , Amols Mark H. , Irving Brian A. , Nair K.S.
Published: January 2015

The notion that mitochondria contribute to obesity-induced insulin resistance is highly debated. Therefore, we determined whether obese (BMI 33 kg/m2), insulin-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome had aberrant skeletal muscle mitochondrial physiology compared with lean, insulin-sensitive women (BMI 23 kg/m2). Maximal whole-body and mitochondrial oxygen consumption were not different between obese and lean women. However, obese women exhibited lower mitochondrial coupling and phosphorylation efficiency and elevated mitochondrial H2O2 (mtH2O2) emissions compared with lean women. We further evaluated the impact of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise on obesity-related impairments in insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial energetics in the fasted state and after a high-fat mixed meal. Exercise training reversed obesity-related mitochondrial derangements as evidenced by enhanced mitochondrial bioenergetics efficiency and decreased mtH2O2 production. A concomitant increase in catalase antioxidant activity and decreased DNA oxidative damage indicate improved cellular redox status and a potential mechanism contributing to improved insulin sensitivity. mtH2O2 emissions were refractory to a high-fat meal at baseline, but after exercise, mtH2O2 emissions increased after the meal, which resembles previous findings in lean individuals. We demonstrate that obese women exhibit impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics in the form of decreased efficiency and impaired mtH2O2 emissions, while exercise effectively restores mitochondrial physiology toward that of lean, insulin-sensitive individuals.
Communicating the role of academia in the control of noncommunicable diseases: identification, involvement and institutionalization
Authors: Vaidya Abhinav
Published: January 2015

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v13i2.11886
Factors that Influence the Purchase and Consumption of Alcoholic Drinks in Malawi Particularly among University Students
Authors: Kamanga Eliam Y.Z.
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that influence the purchase and consumption of alcohol among university students in Malawi. The study sought to recommend strategies that can promote the marketing of alcohol among university students aged 18 and above. Results show that of the 138 respondents, 109 (72% males and 28% females) agreed that they consume alcohol. The study indicates that quality of alcohol influences most students to consume alcohol. In addition, promotions that emphasise on price cuts and special offers have a positive impact on the marketing of alcohol among students. Notable also are subjective social norms which play a significant role in influencing students to consume alcohol with friends other than alone. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v2i1.11682      Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-2, issue-1: 52-67
A clinical approach to ocular myasthenia gravis
Authors: Sitaula S , Sharma A K , Thapa M , Gajurel B P , Sah R P
Published: January 2015

Myasthenia gravis is a common disorder of the neuromuscular junction characterized clinically by muscle weakness and fatigability. Ocular myasthenia is often misdiagnosed in the initial stages due to the fluctuating nature of ptosis and diplopia. Here, we describe the clinical characteristics of ocular myasthenia gravis along with the diagnostic difficulties in a tertiary eye care center in Nepal. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of the patients diagnosed as ocular myasthenia gravis in Neuro-ophthalmology clinic, BPKLCOS, from 2010 to 2013. The diagnosis of ocular myasthenia was based on the association of typical history and signs together with at least one of these features: unequivocal improvement of ocular signs after injection of neostigmine, positive response to electrophysiological tests and detection of serum antibodies to acetylcholine receptors. There were 24 cases of diagnosed ocular myasthenia gravis during the 3 years. Among them 11 cases (45.8%) were males and 13 cases (54.1%) were females. The mean age was 32.04±19.56 years with the age range from 9 years to68 years. The most common symptoms among patients were drooping of the lids (45.8%, n=11), followed by both double vision and drooping of the lids (37.5%, n=9) and only intermittent double vision in16.6% (n=4). In two patients (9.09%) CT-scan findings were suggestive of thymoma. The symptoms were resolved with anticholinesterases alone in 66.6% (n=16) and anticholinesterases were supplemented with immunosuppressive drugs in 33.3% (n=8) patients. Ocular myasthenia is often misdiagnosed in the initial stages due to its fluctuating nature. With a high index of clinical suspicion simple clinical tests accompanied by pharmacological tests can be useful in diagnosing the condition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v4i3.11931Journal of Chitwan Medical College 2014; 4(3): 5-8
Implications of solute super-saturation in growth of vaporisation-induced recrystallised grains during heat treatment in Ni-base superalloys
Authors: D’Souza Neil , Welton Dean , Wang Hang
Published: January 2015

The role of vaporisation in the evolution of surface micro-structural instability has been investigated in Ni-base superalloys during heat treatment below the solvus temperature. Initial nucleation of beta (β) grains at the surface with random orientations arose from vaporisation of Ni, Co and Cr with subsequent de-stabilisation of gamma (γ) phase. Further vaporisation and inter-diffusion resulted in a discontinuous reaction (secondary reaction zone – gamma prime (γ′) matrix + topologically close packed phases with needle-like morphology). On the other hand, advancement of the secondary reaction zone grain boundary was shown to be dependent only on the solute supersaturation ahead of the boundary. The driving force for growth of the secondary reaction zone was calculated from the Gibbs energy change and nearly all of this force was available to pull the grain boundary.