bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
End of the Nation-State Postponed: Agricultural Policy and the Global Sugar Industry
Authors: Lord J. Dennis
Published: July 2013

The sugar industry illustrates how nation-states still have a important impact on the global economic map. Protectionist policies of nations prevent comparative advantage from being attained. This paper examines current geographic patterns of production and trade and the export and import dependency levels of the leading sugar trading nations. The sugar policies of the U.S. and EU are reviewed because of their pervasive impact on patterns of production and trade. Following a brief consideration of the politics of U.S. sugar, the paper explores how patterns of production and trade would shift if protectionist policies were removed. High production cost areas (U.S., EU, and Japan) would experience declines in their shares of global output while low cost production areas (Australia, Thailand, Brazil, and Cuba) would experience increases. The net result would be significant gains in global welfare. Key words: sugar industry, policies, trade, comparative advantage, global welfare.
Deltapine Revisited: The Metamorphosis of a Plantation
Authors: Mills Jacqueline Warren , Mealor W. Theodore
Published: July 2013

Forty years ago Merle Prunty published a series of articles based upon his seminal research on Southern cotton plantations. One of these was entitled "Deltapine: Field Laboratory for the Neoplantation Occupance Type," [published in Festschrift for Clarence F. Jones , (Evanston, IL, Northwestern University Press, Studies in Geography, No. 6 [1962], pp. 151-172). In this study, Prunty addressed the morphologic and functional evolution of the Deltapine Plantation, a 38,000-acre landholding in Bolivar and Washington counties, Mississippi, from its inception in the early 20th century through the late 1950s. This study revisits Deltapine, seeking to document the morphological and operational evolution of the landholding from 1960 through the present.
Using a Geographic Information System to Examine the Relationship Between Access to Technology and the Academic Achievement of Primary and Secondary Students
Authors: Covey Melissa , Cobb Sharon C.
Published: July 2013

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is used to examine the relationship between household purchases of PC hardware/software and students' academic achievement as indicated by norm-referenced standardized state reading and math test scores. Geographic patterns in the thematic maps show that, in Duval County, Florida, a centralized area exists which contains a number of tracts with a high concentration of minority students who did not do well in school (as measured by the state-wide Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in reading and math) and who lived, for the most part, in low-income households whose purchases of PCs were below average. A preliminary statistical analysis confirmed the findings of the GIS and helped to clarify the relationships between academic achievement and race, income and home computer access. This study includes household purchasing behavior as an explanatory factor in academic achievement.
Quitting More Than Port Royal: A Political Interpretation of the Siting and Development of Charles Town, South Carolina, 1660-1680
Authors: Lockhart Matthew A.
Published: July 2013

In 1669, eight English noblemen, the Lords Proprietors of Carolina, sponsored an expedition to plant a permanent settlement on the south Atlantic coast of North America, the first step in their plan to transform the undeveloped territory between English Virginia and Spanish Florida into a prosperous agricultural colony. Based on their readings of the travel narratives of two English explorers who had recently plied the Carolina coast, the Proprietors instructed the expedition to settle at Port Royal Sound, an area they valued for its excellent harbor and accessibility to the Atlantic trading world. Upon arrival at Port Royal, however, the threat of hostile Indians and Spaniards led the colonists to perceive the low-lying and exposed land thereabouts as untenable. The colonists' decision to immediately "quitt Port Royall" and found Charles Town on Albemarle Point, a sheltered inland spot on the Ashley River, had significant political consequences both locally and nationally.
The Corporate (Re) Construction of a New South City: Great Banks Need Great Cities
Authors: Smith Heather , Graves William
Published: July 2013

Charlotte's emergence as a major financial center has triggered the rapid and comprehensive revitalization of its urban core. The city's sleepy Southern image and sprawling suburban development pattern made it difficult for expansionary corporate interests to attract the human capital necessary for growth. In response to this challenge local banks and government formed a unique partnership that facilitated the remaking of Charlotte's city center in order to create a new urban image more palatable to financial sector workers. In Charlotte, leading and extended corporate involvement, an absence of conventional gentrifying pioneers, incumbent resident upgrading, the production of gentrifiable space and unconventional profit motives all combine to challenge theories of revitalization developed in other systematic or regional contexts. Beyond providing an overview of Charlotte's under-researched and inadequately understood restructuring processes, this paper contributes to a broadened understanding of the New South and addresses a level and region of the urban hierarchy that has long been overlooked.
Latino/White and Latino/Black Segregation in the Southeastern United States: Findings from Census 2000
Authors: Yarbrough Robert A.
Published: July 2013

Examining the spatial dispersion of immigrant and ethnic groups in urban settings can provide insight into the social and political relations between these groups and the majority populations with which they share urban space. With the recognition from Census 2000 that Latinos and Blacks comprise nearly the same proportion of the country's total population, issues surrounding residential settlement patterns of Latinos vis-à-vis Whites and Blacks demand greater attention from geographers. Utilizing the dissimilarity index as a measure of residential segregation, this paper investigates the changes in Latino/White and Latino/Black segregation from 1990 to 2000 for 74 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the southeastern United States. In addition to concluding that Latino/White segregation has increased on average while Latino/Black segregation has declined, positive associations between overall population growth as well as Latino population growth and the Latino/White dissimilarity indices emerged. Finally, an inverse relationship with reference to Latino/Black segregation exists and begets questions of what forces are driving these extant urban geographies.
Distance Education in Virginia: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Grubesic Tony H. , Oliver Daniel G.
Published: July 2013

As distance education programs continue to grow in the United States, several interesting questions pertaining to the "geography" of distance education are emerging. For example, what is the spatial distribution of distance education students for a typical college? Are schools successful in attracting students from beyond their traditional service areas? From a broader perspective, how does this impact our understanding of information and communication technologies as they relate to time-space convergence and the impact of "real" space on accessibility to educational opportunities? Utilizing a database of enrollment information from the Virginia Community College System, a commercial geographic information system, and basic statistical analysis, we explore the spatial dimensions of distance education. Results indicate major differences in the spatial distribution of distance education students between urban and rural colleges and that both temporal and spatial constraints influence participation in distance education programs.
Proximity to Alcohol-Serving Establishments and Crime Probabilities in Savannah, Georgia: A Statistical and GIS Analysis
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Waylor Christopher R. M.
Published: July 2013

Social science literature links alcohol consumption and human violence and/or crime. Most of the literature in this field only addresses sociological and demographic issues. Crimes occurrences, however, are also location dependent and can be analyzed using GIS methods. Only a handful of studies have analyzed spatial dimensions of crime incidences and their controlling factors. In this paper, we present an in-depth analysis of crime probabilities and their proximity to alcohol-serving establishments based on the locations of 12,458 reported crimes and 247 alcohol-serving establishments in Savannah, Georgia, for the year 2000. Logistic regression and other GIS methods are employed to determine crime density and crime probability in different distance zones from alcohol-serving establishments. The results of our analysis confirm that density and probability of all types of crimes declines exponentially with increasing distance from alcohol services. Current research cannot control for myriad of confounding variables for criminal behavior. Although our findings are consistent with research on alcohol consumption as a causal agent in violent criminal activity, our method of estimating crime probability in space is unique. The crime probability maps produced using this method can be valuable for police resource allocation and patrolling in many other cities.
Multisource Data Integration for Georgia Land-Cover Mapping
Authors: Payne K. , Samples K. , Epstein J. , Ostrander A. , Lee J. W. , Schmidt J. P. , Mathes S. , Elliott M. , Nackone J. , Sand S. , Hay F. , Merrill M. , Golbali M. , Higgens M. , Howell J. , Kramer L.
Published: July 2013

This paper describes a multisource data integration method for creating a 28-class 1998 land-cover map of the state of Georgia. The methodology for creating the map is unique in both the number and the method of integrating data sources. An assessment of the map's accuracy in the metropolitan Atlanta region using color infrared digital ortho-quarter quads and a preliminary state-wide assessment using low altitude aerial videography is presented. We estimate the overall accuracy for the metropolitan Atlanta region to be 86.3% and the overall accuracy for the state-wide land-cover map to be 83.9%. We anticipate that this dataset will be useful in a wide range of mapping, modeling, and planning exercises across the state and in the Southeast.
Stadium Culture: College Athletics and the Making of Place in the American College Town
Authors: Gumprecht Blake
Published: July 2013

Big-time college sports have helped to shape the character of many college towns in the United States. Stadiums and arenas tower over campuses and are often the most conspicuous buildings around. Tens of thousands of fans descend upon towns for games. Such regular pilgrimages are economic boons and can leave a permanent imprint on the landscape and local way of life. This study investigates the ways in which college sports can shape college towns using a single town, Auburn, Alabama, as an example. A typical football weekend in Auburn is depicted. The historical development of Auburn University athletics and the parallel growth of the town is examined. Finally, the contemporary significance of sports in Auburn is evaluated.
Regenerative Response of a Southern Appalachian Forest to Surface Wildfire and Canopy Gap Disturbances
Authors: Markwith Scott H. , Parker Kathleen C.
Published: July 2013

This study examines the independent and combined effects of canopy gaps and fire on tree regeneration in southern Appalachian mixed hardwood stands by analyzing an area in northern Georgia that burned in the fall of 1999. Two hypotheses, the gap-partitioning and density hypotheses, that explain how spatial variation in regeneration following canopy gap disturbance maintains species diversity in mature forests were tested. In the understory, species diversity, density, the mean height of understory stems, and species composition differed significantly between burned and unburned plots. Species diversity and the mean height of understory stems were lower in burned plots, although density was higher in burned plots relative to unburned plots. Shade-intolerant species, Liriodendron tulipifera L., Robinia pseudo-acacia L., and Sassafras albidum (Nuttall) Nees., had much greater abundance in the burned understory, while moderately shade-tolerant species exhibited mixed responses to burning. Neither the gap-partitioning nor the density hypothesis were supported by evidence collected for this research, and the effect of burning did not influence the rejection of these hypotheses.
Geographic Origins of Medicinal Plants in Montserrat, West Indies, Pre-1632 to Present
Authors: Berry M. Victoria
Published: July 2013

This paper examines the origins of medicinal plants used on the West Indian island of Montserrat, focusing on circumstances surrounding the introduction of exotic species. Most of the exotic species that became part of the folk pharmacopoeia were introduced within 100 years of English settlement. Despite the early, severe, and continuing disturbance of the island ecosystem, and despite its permanent settlement by Old World peoples, 72% of the species used medicinally are of New World origin. While the population has been dominantly of African derivation since 1700, few plants used medicinally are of African origin.
Unearned Income and Local Employment Growth in North Carolina: An Economic Base Analysis
Authors: Campbell Harrison S.
Published: July 2013

Economic base theory has long provided a basis for understanding regional growth and decline. Structural change, both economic and demographic, alters the composition of a community's economic base and influences rates of employment and population growth. The same factors affect the composition of income. In particular, unearned sources of income such as transfer payments, interest, dividends and rents have been increasing and now account for a significant proportion of total personal income. As such, they represent a substantial economic stimulus to many counties and a significant boost in local demand. This paper examines the impact of unearned income on employment growth within an economic base framework for the counties of North Carolina covering the 1969-1994 period. Results from pooled cross-section time series regression indicate that, among other things, higher proportions of local income from interest, dividends and rents are associated with faster annual rates of nonbasic employment growth, while slower rates of employment growth are associated with dependence on transfer payments.
Partisan policy promises and sector-specific stock-market performance: evidence from Mexico's 2006 presidential campaign
Authors: Benton Allyson Lucinda
Published: July 2013

Scholars have long held that partisan politics cause aggregate-level fluctuations in markets. However, if investors hold different policy preferences, the effects of election campaigns on their behavior should be more nuanced. In particular, investors in economic sectors benefiting from neo-liberal economic policies might respond favorably to gains in support by right-leaning candidates, whereas those expected to profit from state-led economic development might react favorably to gains by left-leaning contenders. To test these propositions, I examine stock market performance by economic sector during Mexico's 2006 presidential race. Statistical analysis of pre-election polls and stock market returns during the campaign reveals that, although investors did not react to potential partisan policy change in the ways originally expected, they did respond to polling news differently by economic sector. The findings demonstrate the importance of disaggregating stock, bond, and currency markets according to economic criteria, and thus the limitations of aggregate level analysis for research on politics and markets.
Somatic growth and aerobic/anaerobic capacity of deaf children and adolescents
Authors: Zwierzchowska Anna , Żebrowska Aleksandra , Gawlik Krystyna
Published: July 2013

When investigating development potential, one should always take into consideration possible interactions among a variety of factors. Investigations of interactions that occur in the human body constitute a considerable contribution to further applications, which is particularly important in the case of disabled individuals and allows stimulation of the compensation processes in an oriented manner. The present study focuses on the effect of somatic growth on the level of aerobic/anaerobic capacities and their variability over time in hearing impaired children and adolescents. Correlations between somatic components and aerobic/anaerobic efficiency in hearing impaired individuals are compared to literature reports with regard to their normal-hearing peers. Our study has demonstrated that hearing loss does not modify interactions between the parameters of somatic growth and aerobic or anaerobic capacity of deaf children and adolescents. Thus, our results provide grounds for application activities based on neurophysiological growth patterns.
An Empirical Study of Synchrophasor Communication Delay in a Utility TCP/IP Network
Authors: Zhu Kun , Chenine Moustafa , Nordström Lars , Holmström Sture , Ericsson Göran
Published: July 2013

Although there is a plethora of literature dealing with Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) communication delay, there has not been any effort made to generalize empirical delay results by identifying the distribution with the best fit. The existing studies typically assume a distribution or simply build on analogies to communication network routing delay. Specifically, this study provides insight into the characterization of the communication delay of both unprocessed PMU data and synchrophasors sorted by a Phasor Data Concentrator (PDC). The results suggest that a bi-modal distribution containing two normal distributions offers the best fit of the delay of the unprocessed data, whereas the delay profile of the sorted synchrophasors resembles a normal distribution based on these results, the possibility of evaluating the reliability of a synchrophasor application with respect to a particular choice of PDC timeout is discussed.
Plasma levels of free metanephrines and 3-methoxytyramine indicate a higher number of biochemically active HNPGL than 24-h urinary excretion rates of catecholamines and metabolites
Authors: van Duinen N , Corssmit E P M , de Jong W H A , Brookman D , Kema I P , Romijn J A
Published: July 2013

Context

A substantial number of patients with head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) have biochemically active tumors, evidenced by increased urinary excretion of catecholamines and metabolites, including 3-methoxytyramine (3MT). It is unclear whether plasma levels of these parameters are more sensitive to detect biochemical activity in HNPGL patients than urinary excretion rates.

Objective

To compare plasma free levels vs urinary excretion rates of deconjugated 3MT and combined metanephrines (MNs) in patients with HNPGL.

Patients and methods

We included 124 consecutive patients with HNPGL for screening of catecholamine excess by measurement of 24-h urinary excretion rates of deconjugated (nor)metanephrine, (nor)epinephrine, dopamine, vanillylmandelic acid, 3MT, and plasma free levels of (nor)metanephrine and 3MT.

Results

Plasma free 3MT levels were increased in 35 of the 124 patients (28%), whereas 24-h urinary excretion of deconjugated 3MT was increased in 30 patients (24%) (P=0.13). Plasma free MN levels were increased in seven patients (6%) and urinary deconjugated MN levels in six patients (5%) (P=1.00). Plasma free normetanephrine (NMN) levels were increased in seven patients (6%), and five patients had increased urinary excretion of deconjugated NMN (4%) (P=0.69). Plasma free combined MN levels (NMN, MN, and 3MT) were increased in 41 patients (33%), whereas 24-h urinary excretion rates of deconjugated combined MNs were increased in 33 patients (27%,P<0.05).

Conclusions

The combined levels of free MNs and free 3MT in plasma indicate a higher number of biochemically active HNPGLs than the 24-h urinary excretion rates of these markers.
Influence of chronic hyperglycemia on the loss of the unfolded protein response in transplanted islets
Authors: Walters Stacey N , Luzuriaga Jude , Chan Jeng Yie , Grey Shane T , Laybutt D Ross
Published: July 2013

Chronic hyperglycemia contributes to β-cell dysfunction in diabetes and with islet transplantation, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Recent studies demonstrate that the unfolded protein response (UPR) is critical for β-cell function. Here, we assessed the influence of hyperglycemia on UPR gene expression in transplanted islets. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic or control nondiabetic mice were transplanted under the kidney capsule with syngeneic islets either sufficient or not to normalize hyperglycemia. Twenty-one days after transplantation, islet grafts were excised and RT-PCR was used to assess gene expression. In islet grafts from diabetic mice, expression levels of many UPR genes of the IRE1/ATF6 pathways, which are important for adaptation to endoplasmic reticulum stress, were markedly reduced compared with that in islet grafts from control mice. UPR genes of the PERK pathway were also downregulated. The normalization of glycemia restored the changes in mRNA expression, suggesting that chronic hyperglycemia contributes to the downregulation of multiple arms of UPR gene expression. Similar correlations were observed between blood glucose and mRNA levels of transcription factors involved in the maintenance of β-cell phenotype and genes implicated in β-cell function, suggesting convergent regulation of UPR gene expression and β-cell differentiation by hyperglycemia. However, the normalization of glycemia was not accompanied by restoration of antioxidant or pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels, which were increased in islet grafts from diabetic mice. These studies demonstrate that chronic hyperglycemia contributes to the downregulation of multiple arms of UPR gene expression in transplanted mouse islets. Failure of the adaptive UPR may contribute to β-cell dedifferentiation and dysfunction in diabetes.
The effect of ACTH upon faecal glucocorticoid excretion in the koala
Authors: Davies Nicole , Gillett Amber , McAlpine Clive , Seabrook Leonie , Baxter Greg , Lunney Daniel , Bradley Adrian
Published: July 2013

Environmental changes result in physiological responses of organisms, which can adversely affect population dynamics and reduce resistance to disease. These changes are expressed in chronic levels of stress. The measurement of glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations in faeces is a non-invasive method for monitoring stress in wildlife. The metabolism and excretion of steroids differ significantly between species and, as a consequence, non-invasive methods must be physiologically validated for each species. Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are declining in numbers through much of their range. The role of chronic stress in koala populations has not been identified. Prior to the assessment of faecal GC concentrations in wild koala populations, the excretion timing and concentrations of GCs need to be determined. In this study, we assessed a method for identifying and measuring the concentrations of GC metabolites in faecal pellets of captive koalas following ACTH treatment. The results show that an elevation of plasma cortisol concentrations, using sustained release of ACTH, results in elevated concentrations of faecal cortisol/cortisol metabolites. Taking into account the excretion time lag, an increase in faecal cortisol metabolite concentrations corresponds to the release of GCs from the adrenal cortex as early as 36 h before faecal pellet collection. The calculations of steroid partitioning of plasma cortisol showed that the ACTH-stimulated values were significantly different from the control values for the concentrations of free, corticosteroid-binding globulin-bound and albumin-bound cortisol. This study validates the use of faecal cortisol analysis to assess the activity of the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenocortical axis in freshly collected koala faecal pellets and indicates that the method should be suitable to assess the adrenocortical status of koalas in wild populations.
Development and characterization of a new measurement technique for monitoring changes in acceleration during hippotherapy
Authors: Pálinkás J. , Szabó I. A. , Harasztosi L. , Soha F. R. , Manó S. , Csernátony Z.
Published: July 2013

The beneficial effects of hippotherapy lie in the transmission of the horse's movements to the patient. The aim of our work was to create a measurement method for objective evaluation that can be used in natural settings without interfering with therapy.

Methodology/Principal findings

Our measurement system consists of three treble axis accelerometers connected to a data logger. Software was developed for data analysis and post processing. A commercial DVD recording camera was used to document the hippotherapy session. In this paper we present the results obtained in pilot measurements on ten children with cerebral palsy. For reference, a skilled rider was measured on the same horse using a passive following seat.

Conclusions

The acceleration diagrams show common characteristics useful to the interpretation of the movement transfer during hippotherapy as well as individual patterns indicating alterations in the movement reactions of different patients.
Separation of faults of electromechanical drive chain using artificial intelligence methods
Authors: Füvesi V. , Kovács E.
Published: July 2013

In this paper a complex drive chain is modelled with Local Linear Neuro-Fuzzy Model (LLNF). The developed models were used for detecting different faults that may occur in the system. The models were developed based on measurements carried out on the real system. Using feed-forward neural networks with perceptron neuron structure, model-based fault diagnosis of the analysed system was developed to separate the different faults. The performance and efficiency of the developed different types of artificial neural network's structures were compared using gradient based edge detection method.
The creation of new research system for the investigation of surface quality by stones
Authors: Gyurika I. G. , Gálos M.
Published: July 2013

The research on automated stone machining processes was very significant in the last two decades. Sawing, cutting and grinding of different stones like granite, marble, limestone became cheaper and more productive because of the results of researches. When searching through international specialised literature in the topic of stone machining with machine centres, theoretical summaries or researches can hardly be found. The aim of the researchers writing this article is — as a pioneer in Hungary, but also among the first internationally — to examine the optimization and technological problems in the area of stone milling processes. The researchers have developed a complex research system with the collaboration of two departments of University of Technology and Economics and an industrial stone machining firm, Woldem Ltd. to solve the problems. This paper summarizes the parts of this system. General steps and results of research processes are demonstrated by reference experiments. Face milling operations were made on a granite block with five different cutting speeds and then the researchers measured slip safety and average surface roughness values in case of different samples. Finally, upcoming tasks of the research team are summarized.
Allocation of foreign direct investment across brazilian states
Authors: Bortoluzzo Maurício Mesquita , Sakurai Sergio Naruhiko , Bortoluzzo Adriana Bruscato
Published: July 2013

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has become increasingly important for the Brazilian economy: the ratio of FDI inflow to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) increased from a 0.6% average in the 1980's to 2.5% from 2001 to 2010, according to data from UNCTAD. However, there is great inequality in the distribution of this investment among Brazilian federation units. This study aims at investigating the determining factors for the location of foreign direct investment across Brazilian states, based on an econometric study with panel data for the years 1995, 2000 and 2005. The results showed that foreign investment responded positively to consumer market size, quality of labor and transport infrastructure, but negatively to cost of labor and tax burden.
Sugarcane micropropagation using light emitting diodes and adjustment in growth-medium sucrose concentration
Authors: Rocha Paulo Sérgio Gomes da , Oliveira Roberto Pedroso de , Scivittaro Walkyria Bueno
Published: July 2013

The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of white fluorescent lamps as light source and adequate growth-medium sucrose concentration for sugarcane micropropagation (Saccharum officinarum L.). Sugarcane (RB 872552 variety) bud explants were evaluated during the multiplication and rooting phases under controlled growth-room conditions. Different light sources (blue, red and green LEDs; Growlux and white fluorescent lamps) and different medium sucrose concentrations (0; 15; 30 and 45g L-1) were used, maintaining constant light intensity (20µmol m-2 s-1), photoperiod (16h) and temperature (25+2°C). The experiment was a completely randomized design, and treatments were arranged in a 5x4 factorial (five light sources and four medium sucrose concentrations) with six replications. Sugarcane bud growth was satisfactory under the three LED types studied. The presence of sucrose in growth media was essential for bud multiplication and rooting. Nevertheless, each light source requires the respective medium sucrose concentration adjustment for best results. Red LEDs provided a significantly high multiplication rate (although not the highest) with 8.5 buds per sub-culture and 34.9g L-1 of sucrose; also, the highest bud length (33.3mm) and the best plantlet acclimatization. Therefore, LED sources can advantageously substitute fluorescent lamps in laboratories of sugarcane micropropagation.
Temperatura inicial de germinação no desempenho de plântulas e mudas de tomate
Authors: Ferreira Roberta Leopoldo , Forti Victor Augusto , Neumann Silva Vanessa , Mello Simone da Costa
Published: July 2013

A produção de mudas é uma das etapas fundamentais para o cultivo do tomateiro e pode ser influenciada pela temperatura inicial de germinação. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito desse fator no desempenho de plântulas e mudas de tomate. Foram utilizados quatro lotes de sementes de tomate híbrido Mariana, submetidos aos testes de germinação, envelhecimento acelerado e condutividade elétrica para a avaliação do potencial fisiológico. Após a caracterização dos lotes, as sementes foram submetidas a diferentes temperaturas iniciais de germinação (20-30 alternada, 30, 33 e 35°C constantes) para determinação da curva de embebição e para análise de plântulas por meio do software SVIS®. Sementes submetidas às mesmas temperaturas foram destinadas à produção de mudas e o desempenho destas foi avaliado por meio da velocidade e porcentagem de emergência, altura e massa seca da parte aérea e das raízes. As temperaturas mais elevadas prejudicam o desenvolvimento inicial das plântulas, porém as mudas submetidas às diferentes temperaturas, aos 28 dias após a semeadura, estavam com desempenho semelhante.
Demografia de Geonoma gamiova em área de extrativismo foliar
Authors: Ceccon-Valente Marilia de Fátima , Negrelle Raquel Rejane Bonato
Published: July 2013

As folhas de Geonoma gamiova Barb. Rodr. são importantes recursos para floriculturas, já que são empregradas principalmente nos arranjos fúnebres. Visando a gerar subsídios para o seu extrativismo sustentável, são apresentados resultados de estudo de estrutura populacional dessa espécie. A pesquisa foi realizada em área de Floresta Ombrófila Densa Submontana onde a espécie é submetida ao extrativismo foliar (Comunidade do Rasgadinho, Mun. Guaratuba, Paraná, 25 45'S e 48 46'W, 30 - 100m de altitude). Detectou-se alta densidade de indivíduos, principalmente nas classes mais jovens, caracterizando um padrão populacional J-invertido. Registrou-se estoque de 448 folhas aptas para comercialização em 0,5ha, com histórico de intensa extração de folhas. Evidenciou-se alto potencial de regeneração e padrão de distribuição agregado (Id>1) para a população estudada. Com base nos dados obtidos, discutiu-se a sustentabilidade da atividade extrativista em questão.
Hidroxiapatita e quitosana isoladas e associadas à medula óssea no reparo do tecido ósseo em coelhos. Estudo histológico e morfométrico
Authors: Azevedo Adílio Santos de , Sá Marcelo Jorge Cavalcanti de , Fook Marcus Vinícius Lia , Nóbrega Neto Pedro Isidro da , Sousa Otávio Brilhante de , Azevedo Sérgio Santos de
Published: July 2013

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o processo de regeneração óssea em coelhos através da utilização da hidroxiapatita e da quitosana isoladas e associadas à medula óssea. Foram utilizados 20 coelhos adultos, de ambos os sexos, da raça Nova Zelândia e pesando em média 3,0±0,4kg. Os animais foram divididos ao acaso de acordo com dois momentos experimentais, sendo que 10 animais foram submetidos à eutanásia 30 dias após a cirurgia, e 10, 60 dias após a cirurgia. Foram utilizados quatro implantes que constituíram os grupos. Os materiais foram introduzidos em defeitos criados cirurgicamente na metáfise proximal (MP) e distal (MD) de cada fêmur, de modo que a quitosana foi introduzida na MP e a hidroxiapatita na MD do membro esquerdo e, no membro direito, além dos implantes, foi adicionada medula óssea. Na avaliação histológica descritiva comparativa, constatou-se que os grupos QUI e QUIMO, em ambos os momentos estudados, estimularam reações mais acentuadas e aceleraram o reparo ósseo. Na análise morfométrica, os grupos QUI e QUIMO diferiram estatisticamente dos outros grupos, tendo sido observada maior formação óssea (P<0,05).
Inquérito epidemiológico sobre plantas tóxicas das mesoregiões Central e Oeste do Rio Grande do Norte
Authors: Geraldo Neto Severino Antonio , Sakamoto Sidnei Miyoshi , Soto-Blanco Benito
Published: July 2013

Foi realizado um estudo para determinar as plantas tóxicas incriminadas como de interesse zootécnico em 35 municípios das mesorregiões Central e Oeste do estado do Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Foram entrevistados 180 produtores, 20 médicos veterinários, 12 técnicos agrícolas e 5 agrônomos. Os dados obtidos nas entrevistas foram compilados e analisados com auxílio do programa Epi Info versão 6.04. As plantas tóxicas relatadas pelos entrevistados como causadoras de diversos surtos foram Ipomoea asarifolia, Aspidosperma pyrifolium, Indigofera suffruticosa, Manihot carthaginensis subsp. glaziovii, Amorimia septentrionalis, Tephrosia cinerea, Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil, Marsdenia megalantha, Anacardium occidentale, Cnidoscolus quercifolius, Crotalaria retusa, Froelichia humboldtiana, Ipomoea carnea, Leucaena leucocephala, Manihot esculenta, Mimosa tenuiflora, Nerium oleander, Prosopis juliflora, Ricinus communis, Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum halepense e Urochloa (Brachiaria) decumbens.
Relationship between Brazilian Thoroughbred race horses performance and lay-up period after osseous thoracic limb diseases
Authors: Pereira Marsel de Carvalho , Valadão Carlos Augusto Araújo , Ferraudo Antonio Sergio , Berkman Carolina , Ferraz Guilherme de Camargo , Queiroz-Neto Antonio
Published: July 2013

It is well established in the literature that musculoskeletal injuries are important compromising agents in the performance of Thoroughbred horses. In Brazil, there are no studies on the interrelation between lay-up period post-injury and retirement of racehorses due to musculoskeletal injures. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between rehabilitation times of track injures and variables of prior race performance and later return to competitions. The radiographic reports and athletic history of 416 thoroughbreds during the period between 2003 and 2006 were examined; they were selected based on continued presentations after injury diagnosis. The temporal variables (post-injury rehabilitation time) and performance variables (race score before and after injury) were evaluated by multivariate correspondence analysis of the data and represented in perceptual maps. Correspondence was observed between most of the animals that had a short lay-up post-injury and variables that denote decline in subsequent performance. Considering the integrity of the bone healing process as crucial for the horse to be able to handle later training routines and competitions, shortening this period could lead to an imbalance of the bone repair metabolism, thus resulting in performance decline and compromise of the horse athletic career.
Farmacocinética do propofol em nanoemulsão em cães
Authors: Luiz Rafael Messias , Gehrcke Martielo Ivan , Lima Marcos Paulo Antunes de , Poli Anicleto , Moraes Aury Nunes de , Farias Felipe Hertzing , Oleskovicz Nilson
Published: July 2013

O propofol em nanoemulsão é uma nova formulação constituída por sistemas nanoemulsionados, caracterizado pela ausência do veículo lipídico. A modificação do veículo pode acarretar alterações farmacocinéticas, resultando em diferentes taxas de distribuição e excreção do propofol. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a farmacocinética de uma nova formulação de propofol em nanoemulsão do tipo óleo em água, comparando com a formulação tradicional em emulsão lipídica. Foram utilizadas seis cadelas sem raça definida, castradas (10,7±1,5kg), em estudo aleatório e de autocontrole, que receberam as duas formulações de propofol com intervalo de 30 dias entre os tratamentos, sendo administrada uma dose bolus de 8mg kg-1, seguida de infusão contínua por 60 minutos na taxa de 0,4mg kg-1 min-1. Amostras de sangue arterial foram colhidas momentos antes da indução (0), 2, 5, 10, 15, 30 e 60 minutos após a dose bolus e após o término da infusão nos tempos 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 e 90 minutos e 2, 3, 4, 6, 10 e 24 horas. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os parâmetros farmacocinéticos de volume de distribuição, clearance, constante de eliminação, meia-vida e constantes de distribuição, demonstrando que o propofol em nanoemulsão não apresenta alteração farmacocinética em relação à formulação tradicional.
Painéis de partículas de madeira leucena e resina poliuretana derivada de óleo de mamona
Authors: Silva Sergio Augusto Mello da , Christoforo André Luis , Panzera Túlio Hallak , Almeida Diego Henrique de , Segantini Antônio Anderson da Silva , Lahr Francisco Antonio Rocco
Published: July 2013

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar as características físico mecânicas de chapas aglomeradas com partículas de leucena (Leucaena leucocephala) e resina poliuretana derivada de óleo de mamona, sendo investigados o módulo de resistência à flexão (MOR), adesão interna (AI), densidade aparente (d ap) e teor de umidade (u m). Os experimentos foram desenvolvidos com base nos procedimentos metodológicos da norma brasileira ABNT NBR 14810:2002. As chapas foram confeccionadas com pressão de compactação de 4MPa, temperatura de 90°C, partículas com 5% de teor de umidade e adição de 10% de resina poliuretana monocomponente e bicomponente derivadas de óleo de mamona. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as densidades aparentes obtidas foram superiores às recomendadas pela norma brasileira, sendo os painéis confeccionados com resina bicomponente 22,67% superiores ao limite superior estabelecido pela normatização técnica brasileira. Os painéis confeccionados com resina poliuretana monocomponente apresentaram os maiores valores para o teor de umidade. O módulo de resistência à flexão dos painéis fabricados com resina bicomponente mostrou ser 43,7% superior ao valor definido pela norma. A adesão interna dos painéis fabricados com resina monocomponente foi 2,5 vezes superior ao valor estipulado pela norma. Do intervalo de confiança entre médias para as resinas mono e bicomponente, apenas a adesão interna e densidade apresentaram equivalência estatística. Os coeficientes de determinação obtidos das regressões entre a adesão interna e densidade para ambas as resinas validaram o modelo de ajuste linear, sendo possível estimar a adesão interna com o conhecimento da densidade aparente das chapas.
À margem das margens?: a precisão das pesquisas pré-eleitorais brasileiras em 2010
Authors: Gramacho Wladimir G.
Published: July 2013

Este artigo analisa 156 pesquisas pré-eleitorais realizadas em 2010 nas disputas para Presidente e para os 27 governadores com o objetivo de descrever e explicar suas discrepâncias em relação aos resultados apurados nas urnas. O balanço utiliza o Método Mosteller 3 (MM3) para o cálculo do acerto agregado de cada pesquisa pré-eleitoral e sugere o Método de Estimação do Erro para cada Candidato (MEEC), com o propósito de investigar a existência de viés contra partido ou conjunto de partidos naquelas eleições. Os resultados revelam erros superiores às margens informadas à Justiça Eleitoral, mas não permitem condenar a precisão e a neutralidade partidária do conjunto das pesquisas analisadas. Maiores discrepâncias foram encontradas: i) em pesquisas realizadas com maior antecedência, ii) quando ainda no 1º turno, iii) em disputas pouco competitivas, (iv) quando havia poucos candidatos e v) nas eleições de governadores.
Clientelismo, internet e voto: personalismo e transferência de recursos nas campanhas online para vereador nas eleições de outubro de 2008 no Brasil
Authors: Braga Sérgio , Nicolás Maria Alejandra , Becher André Roberto
Published: July 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os resultados de nossa pesquisa sobre o uso da internet pelos candidatos a vereador de Curitiba, Florianópolis e Porto Alegre. A partir do exame da campanha virtual dos candidatos que utilizaram websites entre os cerca de 1400 postulantes aos cargos de vereador nestas capitais, procuramos avaliar o uso que estes políticos fizeram da internet nas eleições municipais de outubro de 2008. Nossa hipótese básica é que as páginas "web" dos candidatos a cargos eletivos, especialmente os vereadores, serviram predominantemente para veicular práticas tradicionais de política, reforçando os vínculos personalistas e clientelistas com o eleitorado.
"Apenas preencher papel": reflexões sobre registros policiais de desaparecimento de pessoa e outros documentos
Authors: Ferreira Letícia Carvalho de Mesquita
Published: July 2013

O artigo analisa registros policiais de casos de desaparecimento de pessoa produzidos e arquivados em delegacias de Polícia Civil do Rio de Janeiro entre 2005 e 2009. Argumenta-se que esses papéis não são apenas rastros materiais das ocorrências neles registradas, e sim forças motrizes de dois processos principais através dos quais desaparecimentos de pessoa são administrados. O primeiro é a tomada de posição por parte de policiais diante dos casos, a partir do par de opostos "problemas de família" e "problemas de polícia". O segundo, que ganha sentido no marco do primeiro, é a delegação de responsabilidades às famílias dos desaparecidos, que acabam por gerir e mesmo solucionar os casos por meio de compromissos, obrigações e afetos.
Imagens da humanidade: metamorfose e moralidade na mitologia Yanomami
Authors: Leite Tainah Víctor Silva
Published: July 2013

O artigo revisita o tema da conceitualização da humanidade pelos povos indígenas da Amazônia, tomando por referência a mitologia dos Yanomami, povo habitante da região do Norte Amazônico. Destacamos os sentidos aparentemente contraditórios que o conceito de humanidade pode ter nas cosmologias indígenas. Apesar do fato de este problema não ter sido objeto de muitos debates, nós argumentamos que ele está na base de uma série de antinomias presentes na etnologia amazônica. A mais evidente dentre elas é a caracterização das socialidades ameríndias ora como etnocêntricas, ora como marcadas por uma "abertura ao Outro". Tentamos demonstrar que os Yanomami conceitualizam humanidade ou como uma condição imanente compartilhada por diferentes espécies, ou como uma qualidade que é exclusiva da comunidade de parentes. Estabelecendo um diálogo com a teoria do simbolismo de Roy Wagner, afirmamos que ambos os significados são articulados dialeticamente, e que essa articulação é um aspecto-chave da construção da socialidade nativa.
O inverso do embrião: reflexões sobre a substancialidade da pessoa em bebês prematuros
Authors: Machado Igor José de Renó
Published: July 2013

A partir de uma etnografia numa UTI neonatal, articulo uma reflexão sobre a relação entre corpo, substância, subjetividade e pessoa que era ali atribuída aos bebês prematuros. A intenção é demonstrar que há um cálculo inconsciente de substancialização do bebê, ou seja, a ideia de que a partir de determinado peso há uma existência reconhecida do bebê enquanto pessoa dotada de subjetividade. Antes dessa linha demarcatória de atribuição de existência social, o prematuro é tratado como uma espécie de apêndice da mãe, sem subjetividade. Busca-se fazer uma reflexão substantiva que depende da formação do corpo para a atribuição de pessoalidade, contrastando tal "fato etnográfico" com as discussões teóricas que indicam um processo de antecipação sistemática da atribuição de pessoalidade, possibilitado pelo avanço das tecnologias reprodutivas.
Deficiência intelectual na perspectiva histórico-cultural: contribuições ao estudo do desenvolvimento adulto
Authors: Dias Sueli de Souza , Oliveira Maria Cláudia Santos Lopes de
Published: July 2013

Conceitos e práticas atuais relacionados à condição de deficiência intelectual ainda são influenciados por compreensões normativas de desenvolvimento que, por vezes, restringem a pessoa com esse diagnóstico à categoria de eterna criança. O conjunto de ferramentas conceituais apresentado pela perspectiva histórico-cultural permite discussão crítica da deficiência intelectual sob um prisma complexo e dinâmico, no qual as capacidades são valorizadas, observando-se contínuo desenvolvimento da pessoa na relação com seu meio. No entrelaçamento das condições ambientais, histórico-culturais e subjetivas há ressignificação de si, da própria condição de deficiência e do mundo. Em meio a esse conjunto de fatores, a menoridade perene dá lugar à possibilidade de autonomia e visão crítica de si. Buscamos neste trabalho oferecer argumentos que possam gerar reflexões críticas sobre a condição a que se tem denominado deficiência intelectual. Discorremos sobre a construção histórico-social do fenômeno em questão; discutimos a relação entre os modelos médico e social vigentes na atualidade e a influência na construção de conceitos e crenças sobre a pessoa com deficiência; apresentamos a perspectiva histórico-cultural como alternativa à compreensão cristalizada de deficiência intelectual e, por fim, ressaltamos possibilidades de desenvolvimento adulto compatíveis com as condições contextuais dos indivíduos na atualidade.
Construção e validação de um instrumento de avaliação do perfil desenvolvimental de crianças com Perturbação do Espectro do Autismo
Authors: Reis Helena Isabel Silva , Pereira Ana Paula da Silva , Almeida Leandro da Silva
Published: July 2013

nos últimos anos a investigação tem dado particular relevância às alterações do Processamento Sensorial nas crianças com perturbações do espectro do autismo (PEA) e a literatura refere que entre 42% a 88% das crianças com PEA apresentam este tipo de disfunção. Nesta linha foi definido um projeto de investigação centrado na construção de uma escala que avalie a tradicional tríade que caracteriza as crianças com PEA (Interação, Comunicação e Comportamento e interesses repetitivos e estereotipados), enriquecida pela inclusão de um novo domínio: o Processamento Sensorial. Com a construção e validação desta escala pretendemos que pais e profissionais utilizem colaborativamente um instrumento de avaliação da intervenção que lhes permita monitorizar o processo de apoio e adequar as suas práticas. Neste artigo descrevemos os procedimentos e os resultados das sucessivas fases de construção do instrumento, desde as análises iniciais mais qualitativas até aos estudos centrados na análise quantitativa dos itens.