bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verkopplungsregelung von linearen verteilt-parametrischen Systemen
Authors: Deutscher Joachim
Published: March 2013

In diesem Beitrag wird die Vollständige Modale Synthese von konzentriert-parametrischen Verkopplungsregelungen auf eine Klasse verteilt-parametrischer Systeme verallgemeinert. Bei dieser Entwurfsmethode lässt sich die verkoppelnde Zustandsrückführung durch die Regelungseigenwerte und deren Parametervektoren charakterisieren. Für diese Entwurfsgrößen und das zugehörige Vorfilter werden Bestimmungsgleichungen hergeleitet, so dass die Augangsgrößen des geregelten Systems vorgegebene algebraische Beziehungen einhalten. Die für den Verkopplungsentwurf benötigten geometrischen Eigenschaften der Regelungseigenvektoren lassen sich dabei vorab anhand eines einfachen Algorithmus bestimmen. Darüber hinaus wird eine einfach auszuwertende hinreichende Bedingung für die Verkoppelbarkeit angegeben. Ein Wärmeleiter dient zur Verdeutlichung der Ergebnisse der Arbeit.
The Relation between Presenteeism and Different Types of Future Sickness Absence
Authors: Janssens Heidi , Clays Els , De Clercq Bart , De Bacquer Dirk , Braeckman Lutgart
Published: March 2013

The Relation between Presenteeism and Different Types of Future Sickness Absence: Heidi JANSSENS, et al. Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Belgium—

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the relation between sickness presenteeism and different types of future sickness absence in 2,983 Belgian middle‐aged workers.

Methods

Data were collected from 1,372 male and 1,611 female workers. Presenteeism was assessed by a single question, evaluating the frequency of occasions of going at work, despite illness, during the preceding year. Prospective, registered sickness absence data were collected during 12 months of follow‐up. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between presenteeism and short/long spells of absenteeism and high sickness absence frequency.

Results

High rates (>5 times) of presenteeism at baseline were significantly and independently associated with both long spells of sickness absence (at least 15 consecutive sick leave days) (men, OR=2.73, 95% CI=1.24−6.03; women, OR=2.40, 95%CI=1.31−4.40) and short spells of sickness absence (sick leave between1and3days)(men,OR=2.38,95%CI=1.25−4.51; women, OR=1.90, 95%CI=1.17−3.11) in both genders during one year follow‐up. Moderate rates (2−5 times) of presenteeism were significantly associated with long spells of sickness absence only in the male group (OR=1.90, 95%CI= 1.21−2.97). With regard to high sickness frequency (at least 3 sick leave episodes), a significant and positive association with high rates of presenteeism was demonstrated only in the female workers (OR=2.38, 95%CI=1.40−4.04).

Conclusions

These results suggest that presenteeism was related to different types of future sickness absence.
A Prioritization Approach for Noise Risk Management in a Petrochemical Complex
Authors: Nassiri Parvin , Dehghan Somayeh Farhang , Monazzam Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2013

A Prioritization Approach for Noise Risk Management in a Petrochemical Complex: Parvin NASSIRI, et al. Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran—

Objectives

Noise is probably the most common occupational hazard facing workers today. This paper presents a model to evaluate and select a unit as the first priority for implementing noise control measures from the different parts of an industrial complex.

Methods

For this purpose, a formula was proposed as a priority risk index (NCPI) by considering some criteria, including: the number of exposed workers in each part, their exposure times and the range of sound pressure level. The above criteria were weighed by appending weighting factors, which can be different based upon the environmental noise levels. The environmental noise measurements were also carried out by lattice method according to ISO 9612:2009. At the next stage, the numbers of stations that fell within the desired ranges in the weighting factors table were found. Then the priorities were identified using the above criteria and the NCPI.

Results

The results indicate that the compression unit of air plant had the highest score among the different departments of the company under study (NCPI=0.3). Using this model is easy and fast. It is applicable to similar industries and also offers valuable information for prioritizing noise control measures.

Conclusions

Therefore, it will be possible to minimize worker exposure to noise in the most polluted places in any industry by identifying the main noise sources and implementing measures suitable for controlling the risk.
Biochemical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Insulin Resistance at Different Levels of Obesity
Authors: Guerrero-Romero Fernando , Aradillas-García Celia , Simental-Mendía Luis E. , Torres-Rodríguez María L. , Mendoza Esperanza de la Cruz , Rosales-Cervantes Janneth , Rodríguez-Ramírez Gabriela , Rodríguez-Moran Martha
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To establish the biochemical characteristics of nonobese, overweight, and obese children as well as to determine the risk factors associated with insulin resistance in nonobese children and with non–insulin resistance in obese children in the age strata of 6 to 11 years.

METHODS:

A total of 3512 healthy children were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. In the absence of obesity, fasting hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia defined nonobese, insulin-resistant (NO-IR) children. In the absence of metabolic abnormalities of fasting insulin and triglycerides levels, obese children were defined as obese, not insulin-resistant (O-NIR) children.

RESULTS:

The gender- and age-adjusted prevalence of NO-IR and O-NIR was 6.6% and 21.3%, respectively. In the age-, gender-, and birth weight–adjusted analysis, family history of hypertension (FHH) in both maternal and paternal branches (odds ratio [OR]: 1.514; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–3.9; P = .04) was associated with NO-IR children. In the analysis adjusted by gender, age, waist circumference (WC), BMI, FHH, and family history of diabetes, high birth weight was associated with NO-IR children (OR: 1.319; 95% CI: 1.2–2.1; P = .04). Finally, in the gender-, age-, family history–, and birth weight–adjusted analysis, a WC lower than the 95th percentile was associated with a lower odds of insulin resistance among obese children (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.91–0.98; P < .0005).

CONCLUSIONS:

FHH and high birth weight are associated with NO-IR children, and a low WC is associated with lower odds of O-IR children.
Waning Immunity to Pertussis Following 5 Doses of DTaP
Authors: Tartof Sara Y. , Lewis Melissa , Kenyon Cynthia , White Karen , Osborn Andrew , Liko Juventila , Zell Elizabeth , Martin Stacey , Messonnier Nancy E. , Clark Thomas A. , Skoff Tami H.
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the risk of pertussis by time since vaccination in children in Minnesota and Oregon who received 5 doses of acellular pertussis vaccines (DTaP).

METHODS:

These cohort analyses included Minnesota and Oregon children born between 1998 and 2003 who had 5 DTaP doses recorded in state Immunization Information Systems. Immunization records and statewide pertussis surveillance data were combined. Incidence rates and risk ratios for pertussis were calculated for the 6 years after receipt of the fifth DTaP dose.

RESULTS:

The cohorts included 224 378 Minnesota children and 179 011 from Oregon; 458 and 89 pertussis cases were identified in Minnesota and Oregon, respectively. Pertussis incidence rates rose each year of follow-up: 15.6/100 000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.1–21.4) at year 1 to 138.4/100 000 (CI: 113.3–166.9) at year 6 (Minnesota); 6.2/100 000 (CI: 3.3–10.6) in year 1 to 24.4/100 000 (CI: 15.0–37.8) in year 6 (Oregon). Risk ratios increased from 1.9 (CI: 1.3–2.9) in year 2 to 8.9 (CI: 6.0–13.0) in year 6 (Minnesota) and from 1.3 (CI: 0.6–2.8) in year 2 to 4.0 (CI: 1.9–8.4) in year 6 (Oregon).

CONCLUSIONS:

This evaluation reports steady increase in risk of pertussis in the years after completion of the 5-dose DTaP series. This rise is likely attributable in part to waning immunity from DTaP vaccines. Continuing to monitor disease burden and vaccine effectiveness in fully vaccinated children in coming years will be important to assess ongoing risk as additional cohorts vaccinated solely with acellular pertussis vaccines are introduced.
Improving Adherence to Otitis Media Guidelines With Clinical Decision Support and Physician Feedback
Authors: Forrest Christopher B. , Fiks Alexander G. , Bailey L. Charles , Localio Russell , Grundmeier Robert W. , Richards Thomas , Karavite Dean J. , Elden Lisa , Alessandrini Evaline A.
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the effects of electronic health record–based clinical decision support (CDS) and physician performance feedback on adherence to guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM) and otitis media with effusion (OME).

METHODS:

We conducted a factorial-design cluster randomized trial with primary care practices (n = 24) as the unit of randomization and visits as the unit of analysis. Between December 2007 and September 2010, data were collected from 139 305 otitis media visits made by 55 779 children aged 2 months to 12 years. When activated, the CDS system provided guideline-based recommendations individualized to the patient’s history and presentation. Monthly physician feedback reported adherence to guideline-based care, changes over time, and comparisons to others in the practice and network.

RESULTS:

Comprehensive care (all recommended guidelines were adhered to) was accomplished for 15% of AOM and 5% of OME visits during the baseline period. The increase from baseline to intervention periods in adherence to guidelines was larger for CDS compared with non-CDS visits for comprehensive care, pain treatment, adequate diagnostic evaluation for OME, and amoxicillin as first-line therapy for AOM. Although performance feedback was associated with improved antibiotic prescribing for AOM and pain treatment, the joint effects of CDS and feedback on guideline adherence were not additive. There was marked variation in use of the CDS system, ranging from 5% to 45% visits across practices.

CONCLUSIONS:

Clinical decision support and performance feedback are both effective strategies for improving adherence to otitis media guidelines. However, combining the 2 interventions is no better than either delivered alone.
Reliable Individualized Monitoring Improves Cholesterol Control in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Hooper David K. , Kirby Cassie L. , Margolis Peter A. , Goebel Jens
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To develop and evaluate a system for reliable and efficient individualized risk-based monitoring of cholesterol and 11 other tests after kidney transplantation in children.

METHODS:

We identified system components that drive reliable individualized monitoring and used quality improvement methods to develop and implement interventions, including (1) monitoring schedules individualized by dyslipidemia risk assigned to each patient, (2) automated previsit decision support from our electronic medical record, (3) standardized work flow and responsibility, and (4) automated forwarding of results to providers. We measured the proportion of patients due for cholesterol testing who had it performed within 1 week of their clinic visit and the proportion of patients in our population who achieved low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol control at baseline and for 2 years after improved monitoring.

RESULTS:

The proportion of visits in which cholesterol monitoring was completed when indicated improved from 80% to 98% within 8 months and was sustained for more than 1 year. The number of patients with controlled LDL (<130 mg/dL, 3.3 mmol/L) improved from 44 (71%) of 62 at the start of our project to 58 (94%) of 62 (P = .002) at an average follow-up of 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Using quality improvement and health information technology, we achieved sustained, reliable and efficient personalized monitoring of cholesterol and 11 other tests. This approach enabled substantial improvement in LDL cholesterol control. Structured methods of system redesign that leverage information technology systems hold promise for rapidly achieving reliable individualized care in other settings.
Baby-Friendly Hospital Accreditation, In-Hospital Care Practices, and Breastfeeding
Authors: Brodribb Wendy , Kruske Sue , Miller Yvette D.
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the effect of Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) accreditation and hospital care practices on breastfeeding rates at 1 and 4 months.

METHODS:

All women who birthed in Queensland, Australia, from February 1 to May 31, 2010, received a survey 4 months postpartum. Maternal, infant, and hospital characteristics; pregnancy and birth complications; and infant feeding outcomes were measured.

RESULTS:

Sample size was 6752 women. Breastfeeding initiation rates were high (96%) and similar in BFHI-accredited and nonaccredited hospitals. After adjustment for significant maternal, infant, clinical, and hospital variables, women who birthed in BFHI-accredited hospitals had significantly lower odds of breastfeeding at 1 month (adjusted odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.58–0.90) than those who birthed in non–BFHI-accredited hospitals. BFHI accreditation did not affect the odds of breastfeeding at 4 months or exclusive breastfeeding at 1 or 4 months. Four in-hospital practices (early skin-to-skin contact, attempted breastfeeding within the first hour, rooming-in, and no in-hospital supplementation) were experienced by 70% to 80% of mothers, with 50.3% experiencing all 4. Women who experienced all 4 hospital practices had higher odds of breastfeeding at 1 month (adjusted odds ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.78–2.71) and 4 months (adjusted odds ratio 2.93, 95% confidence interval 2.40–3.60) than women who experienced fewer than 4.

CONCLUSIONS:

When breastfeeding-initiation rates are high and evidence-based practices that support breastfeeding are common within the hospital environment, BFHI accreditation per se has little effect on both exclusive or any breastfeeding rates.
Correlations between B-type natriuretic peptide levels and nongeometric echocardiographic parameters in pediatric cardiomyopathies
Authors: Kádár Krisztina , Bagoly Anna Zsuzsa , Sikos Zita
Published: March 2013

Introduction: B-type natriuretic peptide is a conventional cardiac biomarker in adult cardiology, however, it is not commonly used in pediatric cases. Aims: After introducing B-type natriuretic peptide measurements in pediatric patients for the evaluation of systemic right ventricular function, the authors wanted to evaluate the value of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide and compare the results with systolic and diastolic myocardial parameters obtained with conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging in children with cardiomyopathy. Methods: Between 2007 and 2010, 58 plasma B-type natriuretic peptide measurements were performed in 32 children (dilated cardiomyopathy in 20, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 10 and non-compacted cardiomyopathy in 2 cases). The age of the patients was 7.9±6.6 years (mean±SD). Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide was measured using an electrochemiluminescent assay within one day from echocardiographic evaluation. Results: As compared to normal values, children with the 3 types of cardiomyopathies showed significant differences in plasma B-type natriutretic peptide levels (dilated cardiomyopathy vs normal, p<0.001; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy vs. normal, p<0.01; non-compacted cardiomyopathy vs. normal, p<0.001). There was a significant negative correlation (r = –0,63; p<0,01) between B-type natriuretic peptide levels (range, 12–7002 ng/L; mean±SD, 1531±1750 ng/L) and linEF values (range, 4–50%; mean±SD, 22.5±13%). For B-type natriuteric peptide, a cut-off point of 1000 ng/L proved to differentiate significantly decreased linEF values (<17%). B-type natriuretic peptide levels significantly correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (r = 0.899; p<0.001), with left ventricular anular S wave parameters (r = 0.689; p<0.001) and with E/e ratio (r = 0.43; p<0.05). Conclusions: B-type natriuretic peptide measurements are recommended in all types of cardiomyopathies. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 409–414.
Feasibility of tailored patient education
Authors: Tóth Tamás , Dinya Elek
Published: March 2013

Patient education has an important role in the prevention and therapy. It enables the delivery of necessary information, development of skills and motivations and supporting to cope with the disease. Although many information sources are available, it is still necessary to provide organized patient education. Tailored patient education was proved to be more effective than using general information materials. The proper use of information technology enables the widespread and cost-effective implementation of tailored patient education. The authors analyse the components necessary for development of such a system. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 403–408.
Viabilidade e germinação de embriões de oliveira submetidos a diferentes condições de armazenamento de frutos
Authors: Souza Rafaeli Aparecida Vieira de , Braga Francyane Tavares , Vieira Neto João , Mendonça Elisabeth Aparecida Furtado de , Azevedo Patrícia Helena de , Cançado Geraldo Magela de Almeida
Published: March 2013

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes condições de armazenamento na preservação da viabilidade e da germinação de embriões zigóticos de oliveira. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4x2. Frutos da cultivar Santa Catalina foram submetidos a diferentes condições de armazenamento - saco plástico em geladeira a 4-5ºC e 15% de umidade relativa (UR), dessecador em geladeira a 4-5ºC e 12% UR, saco plástico em laboratório a 27±1ºC e 55% UR, dessecador em laboratório a 27±1ºC e 30% UR - e aos períodos de armazenamento de 30 e 120 dias. A germinação in vitro e a viabilidade foram avaliadas pelo teste de tetrazólio aos 30 e 120 dias de armazenamento. A maior taxa de germinação (91,66%) e de viabilidade (33,33%) foram observadas a 4-5ºC e 12% UR, aos 30 dias. Esta condição de armazenamento preserva os frutos de oliveira por mais tempo.
Valores sociais: com a palavra a juventude
Authors: Santos Vilmar Ezequiel dos , Yonekura Tatiana , Soares Cássia Baldini , Campos Célia Maria Sivalli
Published: March 2013

OBJETIVO: Identificar os diferentes posicionamentos de jovens estudantes em relação às expressões sobre valores sociais contemporâneos. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo de abordagem quantitativa, utilizou-se uma planilha para assinalar os posicionamentos de 229 estudantes de 15 a 19 anos, participantes de 29 grupos focais realizados em dez escolas de quatro regiões desiguais do município de Santo André, (SP). Os jovens posicionaram-se quanto à concordância - dúvida ou desacordo - sobre um conjunto de expressões valorativas sorteadas e discutidas nos grupos. Estas posições foram analisadas de acordo com suas frequências. RESULTADOS: Por um lado, indicam certo grau de uniformidade de pontos de vista, como consequência da experiência geracional de assimilação dos valores disseminados na sociedade; evidenciam, por outro lado, heterogeneidades que expõem contradições inerentes aos diferentes contextos sociais que cercam esses jovens. CONCLUSÃO: Identificou-se valores que diferem entre jovens pertencentes a distintos grupos sociais enquanto que outros não. Houve mais heterogeneidade do que homogeneidade nas opiniões sobre expressões valorativas utilizadas.
Typical plastic shrinkage cracking behaviour of concrete
Authors: Combrinck Riaan , Boshoff William Peter
Published: March 2013

Plastic shrinkage cracking (PShC) is one of the earliest forms of cracking in concrete. Concrete structures with large exposed surfaces are especially vulnerable to PShC and the cracks formed are unsightly and can lead to premature durability issues. Although various precautionary methods exist, they are often neglected or ineffective due to the fundamental lack of knowledge regarding PShC. This paper investigates and describes the typical behaviour of PShC in conventional and low-volume synthetic fibre reinforced concrete. It is shown that PShC occurs rapidly only after the initial setting time while the crack width stabilises around the final setting time. It is further shown that the bond between synthetic fibres and fresh concrete rapidly increases between the initial and final setting times, thus playing a key role in the reduction of PShC. The insight gained into the behaviour of a typical plastic shrinkage crack serves as a sound basis for engineers and contractors first to recognise and ultimately prevent these cracks.
Etiology of Female Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Clayton Anita H , Groth Jena
Published: March 2013

Evaluation of: Burri A, Corina G, Myriam L, Timothy S, Qazi R. A multivariate twin study of female sexual dysfunction. J. Sex. Med. 9, 2671–2681 (2012). This study highlights the complicated nature of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), demonstrating both genetic and environmental factors involved in its etiology. The authors gathered the Female Sexual Function Index scores in a twin population, and examined which dimensions of FSD may be genetically determined or environmentally shared. The results indicate that approximately one-third of the covariance between FSD dimensions was genetic, with one identified loci influencing all phases of the sexual response cycle, whereas the other loci influenced only arousal and orgasm function. They also show that specific types of sexual problems may be related more to nonshared environmental factors. Overall, the results suggest FSD is multifactorial.
Sustained release enteric coated tablets of pantoprazole: Formulation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Wilson Barnabas , Babubhai Patel Pritesh , Sajeev M. S. , Jenita Josephine Leno , Priyadarshini S. R. Brahmani
Published: March 2013

In this study, an attempt was made to deliver pantoprazole in a sustained manner using delayed release tablets. The tablets were prepared by the wet granulation method using HPMC, cassava starch and polyvinyl pyrrolidine as polymers, Avicel PH 102 (MCC) as filler and potato starch as binder. The prepared tablets were evaluated for hardness, mass variation, friability and drug content uniformity, and the results were found to comply with official standards. The prepared tablets were coated using an enteric coating polymer such as cellulose acetate phthalate, Eudragit L100 and drug coat L100 by the dip coating method. The in vitro release was studied using pH 1.2 acidic buffer and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer and the study revealed that the prepared tablets were able to sustain drug release into the intestine. The anti-ulcer activity was evaluated by a water immersion stress induced ulcer model. The enteric coated pantoprazole tablets significantly reduced ulcer formation.
Evaluation of Plantago major L. seed mucilage as a rate controlling matrix for sustained release of propranolol hydrochloride
Authors: Saeedi Majid , Morteza-Semnani Katayoun , Sagheb-Doust Mehdi
Published: March 2013

Polysaccharide mucilage derived from the seeds of Plantago major L. (family Plantaginaceae) was investigated for use in matrix formulations containing propranolol hydrochloride. HPMC K4M and tragacanth were used as standards for comparison. The hardness, tensile strength, and friability of tablets increased as the concentration of mucilage increased, indicating good compactibility of mucilage powders. The rate of release of propranolol hydrochloride from P. major mucilage matrices was mainly controlled by the drug/mucilage ratio. Formulations containing P. major mucilage were found to exhibit a release rate comparable to HPMC containing matrices at a lower drug/polymer ratio (drug/HPMC 2:1). These results demonstrated that P. major mucilage is a better release retardant compared to tragacanth at an equivalent content. The results of kinetic analysis showed that in F3 (containing 1:2 drug/mucilage) the highest correlation coefficient was achieved with the zero order model. The swelling and erosion studies revealed that as the proportion of mucilage in tablets was increased, there was a corresponding increase in percent swelling and a decrease in percent erosion of tablets. The DSC and FT-IR studies showed that no formation of complex between the drug and mucilage or changes in crystallinity of the drug had occurred.
Simultaneous Nitrification and Denitrification in an SBR with a Modified Cycle During Reject Water Treatment
Authors: Bernat Katarzyna
Published: March 2013

In this study, the dependence between volumetric exchange rate (n) in an SBR (Sequencing Batch Reactor) with a modified cycle and simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) efficiency during the treatment of anaerobic sludge digester supernatant was determined. In the SBR cycle alternating three aeration phases (with limited dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration up to 0.7 mg O2/L) and two mixing phases were applied. The lengths of each aeration and mixing phases were 4 and 5.5 h, respectively. Independently of n, a total removal of ammonium was achieved. However, at n = 0.1 d-1 and n = 0.3 d-1 nitrates were the main product of nitrification, while at n = 0.5 d-1, both nitrates and nitrites occurred in the effluent. Under these operational conditions, despite low COD/N (ca. 4) ratio in the influent, denitrification in activated sludge was observed. A higher denitrification efficiency at n = 0.5 d-1 (51.3%) than at n = 0.1 d-1 (7.8%) indicated that n was a crucial factor influencing SND via nitrite and nitrate in the SBR with a low oxygen concentration in aeration phases.
Diversity of Vascular Flora of Waste Dumps and Dumping Grounds in Lower Silesia
Authors: Koszelnik-Leszek Anna , Podlaska Magda , Tomaszewska Klara
Published: March 2013

The paper presents results of floristic investigation conducted within the territory of waste dumps in Lower Silesia: landfill of municipal waste Wrocław-Maślice, post-metallurgic waste heap in Siechnice, serpentine dumping grounds in Grochów and slag heaps in Bielawa.

The investigated flora was analyzed with regard to species composition, participation of geographical-historical groups, live forms (according to classification by Raunkiaer), as well as selected ecological factors: light indicator (L), thermal indicator (T), soil moisture (W), trophic indicator (Tr), soil reaction (pH), value of resistance to increased heavy metals content (M). On 4 waste dumps there were found 269 species of vascular plants, belonging to 51 families. Only 5 species occurred on 4 sites, which provides for 2% of all plants recorded. The most numerous families are Asteraceae, Poaceae and Fabaceae. Apophytes dominate in waste dumps flora Hemicryptophytes are the most numerous group.

Analysis of the floras (selected ecological factors) of investigated objects has shown general similarities, but also apparent differences. The most significant differences concerned two parameters: trophism (Tr) and resistance to increased heavy metals content (M).
The history of Lake Rzecin and its surroundings drawn on maps as a background to palaeoecological reconstruction
Authors: Barabach Jan
Published: March 2013

The article presents the results of landscape analysis of the surroundings of Lake Rzecin in Noteć Forest depicted on cartographic materials. Morphometrical analysis and analysis of changes in the water conditions of Lake Rzecin were conducted. Thanks to many cartographic data, changes in lake geometry could be observed during almost the whole of the last two centuries. The results show that the major impact on the rate of lake level decrease in the last two hundred years was due to melioration works. Two periods of rapid decrease in the lake surface can be observed during this time. The first occurred as a result of the creation of Rzecin Ditch, which probably took place in the middle of the 19th century; the second, in all likelihood, with its cleaning out; the exact date of this operation is not known but the results of map analysis suggest that it could have happened between 1958 and 1966. Due to these two events the lake surface decreased by 73.6% during the analysed period. Apart from this phenomenon the lake surface area seems to be quite stable: there were some fluctuations; however, changes did not exceed more than 5%. That is why it can be assumed that the human factor has the biggest influence on succession rate of the lake ecosystem. Analysis of the map collection shows that during the last two centuries there were no huge changes in the local landscape; however, other historical sources do not confirm this. According to them, not only man but also fires and insect gradations had an enormous influence on the Noteć Forest ecosystem. Nonetheless, land use structure within the Rzecin Ditch catchment area did not change a great deal; the most significant modification was the increment of forested areas from 74.1 up to 85.1 %.
Efficiency of pulverizing aeration on Lake Panieńskie
Authors: Osuch Ewa , Podsiadłowski Stanisław
Published: March 2013

The principal threat to lakes of the temperate zone is posed by factors accelerating their eutrophication and causing marked deoxygenation of the deeper layers of water, mainly the hypo- and metalimnion. Among their effects are frequent phytoplankton blooms, including those of blue-green algae, and general deterioration of water quality also affecting the abundance and health status of fish. The chief concern is a disturbed proportion between the quantity of complex chemical compounds, especially organic, and the oxygen content of lake waters. Natural processes of water oxygenation are not too intensive, because they are practically limited to the epilimnion layer, connected as they are with the activity of aquatic plants of the littoral and sublittoral zone (which tends to disappear in contaminated lakes) and wind energy (the effect of waving). In summer conditions, with a relatively great chemical activity of bottom deposits, the intensity of those processes is usually inadequate. Hence, in 1995 research was launched in the Institute of Agricultural Engineering of the Agricultural University in Poznań on an integrated lake restoration technology whose core was a self-powered aerator capable of oxygenating also the bottom layers of water (the hypolimnion) of deep lakes. The aerator uses energy obtained from a Savonius rotor mainly to diffuse gases: to release hydrogen sulphide, which usually saturates the hypolimnion water completely, and then to saturate this water with oxygen. Even early studies showed the constructed device to be highly efficient in improving oxygen conditions in the bottom zone. They also made it clear that it should be equipped with an autonomous system designed to inactivate phosphorus, one of the principal factors determining the rate of lake degradation. In 2003 the first wind-driven pulverizing aerator equipped with such a system was installed in Lake Urban in Chodzież. The aim of this work is to present the principles of operation of a wind-driven pulverizing aerator with a phosphorus inactivation system, as well as its general technical characteristics and preliminary results of a study of its performance.
Changes in the water surface area of Lakes Udzierz and Mątasek in the light of cartographic materials
Authors: Fabich Andrzej , Kwidzińska Monika
Published: March 2013

The paper presents the changes in the water surface area of Lakes Udzierz and Mątasek located in the headwaters of the catchment of the River Mątawa (tributary of the River Vistula). The assessment of the rate of changes was based on Polish and German topographic maps as well as orthophotomaps. The analysed lakes turned out to be two of the fastest disappearing Polish lakes. In the last century (1910-2010) the water surface area of Lake Udzierz decreased from 148.87 to 69.60 ha and that of Lake Mątasek from 29.5 to 0.64 ha. The average rate of loss of the lake surface area during this period was from 0.53 to 0.98% per annum. Such drastic morphometric changes in the studied lakes are, on the one hand, mainly due to poorly conducted drainage and, on the other hand, the eutrophication of the lake waters intensified by the anthropogenic impact.
Characteristics of bottom sediments of Lake Widryńskie
Authors: Szymański Daniel , Dunalska Julita , Łopata Michał , Bigaj Izabela , Zieliński Rafał
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of Lake Widryńskie bottom sediments (max. depth. 27.0 m, area 123.9 ha). The sampling of bottom sediments was conducted once, on 16 August 2010. Sampling was made in 10 specific areas. Among the 10 samples, 4 samples were taken from the littoral and sublittoral zones, while the rest were taken from the profundal zone. The dominant component of the sediments was silica and calcium carbonates were subdominant. Based on the survey, it was determined that silica occurred in greater numbers in littoral sediments, while in sublittoral sediments there was increased participation in the chemical composition of organic matter. The elements that build a capacity complex were a small percentage of the dry weight of sediment. Sediment from the vicinity of inflows contains higher amounts of silica, which confirmed the impact of the catchment on the chemical composition of sediments.
Effect of Hydraulic Retention Time and Filling Time on Simultaneous Biodegradation of Phenol, Resorcinol and Catechol in a Sequencing Batch Reactor
Authors: Thakur Chandrakant , Deo Mall Indra , Srivastava Vimal Chandra
Published: March 2013

In the present study, treatment of synthetic wastewater containing phenol, resorcinol and catechol was studied in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR). Parameters such as hydraulic retention time (HRT) and filling time have been optimized to increase the phenol, resorcinol, catechol and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies. More than 99% phenol, 95% resorcinol and 96% catechol and 89% COD removal efficiency was obtained at optimum conditions of HRT = 1.25 d and fill time = 1.5 h. The heating value of the sludge was found to be 12 MJ/kg. The sludge can be combusted to recover its energy value.
Cerebellar hemorrhage after resection of frontal meningioma. Case report
Authors: Adam Danil , Hornea Ioana , Croitoru Raisa
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Remote cerebellar hemorrhage is an infrequent complication, potentially harmful with an unclear etiologic mechanism.

There may be incriminated multiple risk factors: arterial hypertension, use of antiplatelet medication (Aspenter), CSF aspiration or drainage associated with intracranial hypotension.

Material and methods: We present a 69 year old woman with remote intracerebral hemorrhage that occurred after frontal parasagittal meningioma resection.

Results: An inadequate oral hydration was responsible for decreased level of consciousness, cerebellar and parietaloccipital cortical-sub-cortical contra-lateral hemorrhages. Close monitoring of water balance and adequate hydration is related to clinical improvement and resolution of brain imaging.

Conclusion: Retraction of the brain due to intracranial hypotension led to some small vessels rupture and development of remote cerebellar hemorrhage.
Planning Land-Use Change for Biomass-Fuelled Energy-Production Plants: Spatial Analyses Applied to the Case of Sardinia, Italy
Authors: De Montis Andrea , Trogu Daniele
Published: March 2013

Land-use change in Sardinia is a delicate problem. On the one hand, the Regional Landscape Plan, the main landscape-planning tool adopted on the island, pays great attention to landscape protection, using strict constraints and directives for land management. On the other hand, the Regional Energy Plan aims at the diversification of energy sources and, in particular, of renewable energy sources (RES). Actions directed to the development of RES-based energy production may lead to conflicts between the two plans, especially when the associated land-use changes affect landscapes. The aim of this study is to present a decision-support method for the development of a biomass supply chain that does not compromise landscape values in Sardinia.
“Strangers on their own land”: Ideology, Policy, and Rational Landscapes in the United States, 1825–1934
Authors: Winlow Heather
Published: March 2013

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Native Americans were increasingly excluded from the American social body and from national space. This article explores that exclusion from three perspectives: through dominant national ideologies that represented tribal groups as “Other” and inferior to European Americans; through federal policies – including removal, reservation, and allotment – that increasingly confined “Indians” to specific parts of the national landscape; and through the cartographic delineation of the national territory, which produced a Cartesian gridded landscape alien to Native understandings of land. This latter focus includes a case study of Indian Territory, which was incorporated into the state of Oklahoma in 1907. These three strands are explored through a theoretical framework that combines ideas about governmentality and territory, discourses of otherness and exclusion, and the power of maps.
La parentalité échographique
Authors: Viaux-Savelon Sylvie
Published: March 2013

Les avancées technologiques de ces vingt dernières années dans le domaine obstétrical ont beaucoup modifié la perception du fœtus par les parents et professionnels. Cet article propose d’analyser leur influence sur l’accession à la parentalité. Le suivi médical a beau être très soutenu au cours de la grossesse, les parents se retrouvent paradoxalement seuls pour gérer émotionnellement l’afflux d’images échographiques et intégrer ces dernières dans la construction de leur parentalité – travail plus difficile lorsqu’ils sont fragilisés par une suspicion d’anomalie ou un problème personnel.L’article s’intéresse aussi au phénomène de mise en ligne sur internet des images échographiques : aurait-il un lien avec l’isolement familial et social vécu par les mères concernées ? La communauté virtuelle serait-elle alors invitée à jouer un rôle de soutien dans la construction de la parentalité ?
Les mauvaises graines. Retentissement des problématiques d'infertilité sur le jeu des identifications croisées parents/enfants
Authors: Weismann-Arcache Catherine
Published: March 2013

À partir de psychothérapies de femmes infertiles et de rencontres cliniques avec des enfants issus de la procréation médicale assistée, l’article propose une analyse de l’impact de ces techniques médicales sur les théories sexuelles infantiles, voire familiales. La différence des générations peut être balayée par ce processus de réalisation du désir d’enfant qui devient visible car médicalisé, et le bébé imaginaire devient l’affaire de toute la famille, depuis les grands-parents jusqu’aux enfants déjà nés. Une fillette « œdipienne » interroge ainsi sa mère sur la qualité de ses « graines » : ne sont-elles pas mauvaises, puisque le petit frère convoité ne vient pas ? De la mauvaise graine à la mauvaise mère, la culpabilité colore les relations familiales et le statut de l’enfant s’en ressent.
Handicap de l'enfant et risque d'isolement familial
Authors: Veyron La Croix Estelle
Published: March 2013

Si la notion de handicap ne cesse de progresser sur les plans tant déontologique que descriptif, l’évolution des mentalités, elle, reste en retard. La réalité du handicap génère toujours peurs et représentations contradictoires au sein de notre société. Le regard porté sur cette différence stigmatise et plonge les sujets dans des modalités relationnelles complexes. Être parent d’un enfant en situation de handicap, c’est porter une part de son stigmate. L’interaction entre le social et le familial produit des tensions qui deviennent de véritables conflits psychiques au sein du groupe familial. L’article explore les mécanismes sociopsychologiques en œuvre. Il semble que certains parents vont progressivement, sous l’effet conjoint de leur propre histoire infantile et des messages sociaux concernant le handicap, mettre en place des mécanismes défensifs principalement marqués par l’évitement du lien à l’autre.
La transition à la parentalité et les réaménagements de la relation de couple
Authors: Favez Nicolas
Published: March 2013

La transition à la parentalité provoque un important réaménagement de la relation de couple, lié notamment à la constitution de la relation coparentale : le soutien que les parents s’apportent dans leur relation à l’enfant. La recherche et la pratique clinique ont montré l’influence de plusieurs variables : la satisfaction conjugale, l’engagement paternel, le comportement de « garde-barrière » de la mère, les représentations sociales que les parents ont de leurs rôles et leur personnalité sont parmi les plus importantes. Un coparentage non cohésif, voire conflictuel, a un impact négatif sur le développement de l’enfant. L’article présente les résultats d’une recherche qui montre que la dynamique relationnelle coparentale peut être détectée précocement, dès la grossesse, ce qui permet de réfléchir à des actions préventives avant la naissance de l’enfant.
L'enfant désiré, la parentalité et la procréatique
Authors: Bayle Benoît
Published: March 2013

La révolution sexuelle et procréatique redessine les contours de la parentalité postmoderne. L’article examine la notion d’« enfant désiré » en la confrontant aux logiques de la procréatique. L’instrumentalisation de l’enfant à naître nous confronte à la place qu’occupent les pertes prénatales précoces dans la psychologie individuelle et collective. La clinique psychopathologique de la survivance périnatale offre une piste pour mesurer ces effets. L’« enfant désiré » de la société procréatique ne bénéficierait pas de l’accueil sécurisant que l’on croit : bien au contraire, il serait exposé à une forme de violence sociale. Ces données méritent d’être prises en compte pour comprendre la parentalité postmoderne.
Penser l'éthique de la famille et l'éthique du lien dans le contexte d'une culture moins soutenante
Authors: Arènes Jacques
Published: March 2013

Cet article explore les fondements contemporains d’une éthique du lien familial, et plus largement du lien humain, dans la perspective d’une réflexion pluridisciplinaire. Il commente les questions posées par la montée en puissance des éthiques du care et par la fragilisation du lien dans la culture occidentale. Est explorée notamment la difficulté posée par le défaut d’étayage et de « portance » du monde adulte, renvoyant les adolescents à négocier dans une forme de solitude des rites initiatiques qui prennent une configuration autarcique. Ce défaut de portance concernerait aussi la culture dans son ensemble, soutenant faiblement les acteurs de la scène familiale et éducative dans l’espace de légitimité qu’ils ont sans cesse à créer.
Ball-Milled Graphite-Tin Composite Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Rana Kuldeep , Sil Anjan , Ray Subrata
Published: March 2013

Lithium alloying compounds as an anode materials have been a focused for high capacity lithium ion battery due to their highenergy capacity and safety characteristics. Here we report on the preparation of graphite-tin composite by using ball-milling in liquid media. The composite material has been characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy depressive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra. The lithium-ion cell made from graphite-tin composite presented initial discharge capacity of 1065 mAh/g and charge capacity 538 mAh/g, which becomes 528 mAh/g in the second cycle. The composite of graphite-tin with higher capacity compared to pristine graphite is a promising alternative anode material for lithium-ion battery.
Alloy Developments in Biomedical Co-Base Alloys for HIP Implant Applications
Authors: Lopez H.F.
Published: March 2013

The development of cobalt alloys for the development of HIP implants has been evolving overtime. Accordingly, in this work an overview of the main microstructural factors that impact the mechanical properties, as well as the effect of interstitials such as carbon and nitrogen. In addition the role alloy pre-straining and heat treating on the amount of ε-martensite and on the exhibited mechanical properties is described. In general, it is shown that as the amount of ε-martensite exceeds 60 vol. percent, the alloy ductility is drastically reduced as the HCP phase becomes dominant in the matrix.
Frontiers in Applied Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Research
Authors: Wu Fei , Wu Jun Nan , Banerjee Sriya , Blank Oshri , Banerjee Parag
Published: March 2013

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been a key player in advancing the science and technology of nanomaterials synthesis and device fabrication. The monolayer (ML) control of growth rate obtained with ALD combined with its ability to self-limit growth reactions at the gas-substrate interface can be exploited in fundamentally new ways to produce novel composite nanomaterials or precisely tailored 3D nanostructures. Fueling the rapid popularity of ALD in nanotechnology research is the relative simplicity of the hardware and exciting new chemistries that allow researchers to deposit a host of new materials including pure metals, metal oxides, sulphides and nitrides and organic thin films with relative ease and superb accuracy. In this review article, we present four impact areas - microelectronics, energy harvesting and energy storage devices and sensors and photonic devices that have benefitted from such an approach. While many excellent review articles are available on the fundamental chemistry of ALD processes, we focus here on the applied science and engineering aspects of cutting edge ALD research
Effect of Disc Geometry on the Steady State Creep in a Rotating Disc Made of Functionally Graded Materials
Authors: Garg Manish , Salaria B.S. , Gupta V.K.
Published: March 2013

The steady state creep behaviour of a rotating FGM disc having linearly varying thickness has been investigated. The disc is assumed to be made of functionally graded composite containing non-linearly varying radial distribution of silicon carbide particles in a matrix of pure aluminum. The creep behaviour of the composite has been described by threshold stress based law. The effect of varying the disc thickness gradient has been analyzed on the stresses and strain rates in the FGM disc. It is observed that the radial and tangential stresses induced in the FGM disc decrease throughout with the increase in thickness gradient of the disc. The strain rates also decrease with the increase in thickness gradient of the FGM disc, with a relatively higher decrease near the inner radius. The increase in disc thickness gradient results in relatively uniform distribution of strain rates and hence reduces the chances of distortion in the disc.
First-Principle Investigation of Lithium Intercalation Behavior of a (3, 3) Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Virdi Kulpreet Singh , Kumar K.C. Hari
Published: March 2013

Using first-principle calculations employing density functional theory (DFT) the stabilityof a (3, 3) carbon nanotube (CNT) intercalated with lithium atoms, with respect to their position aswell as Li/C ratio, is studied. On varying the distance of a lithium atom from the axis of the CNT in theradial direction, through the center of a graphitic hexagon, minimum of energy of the system occursat a distance of 3.8 °A from the axis. Keeping the distance of the lithium atom from the tube axis fixedat 3.8 °A, intercalation energy (E) was calculated while the number of lithium atoms is varied fromone (Li1C12, −0.511 eV) to six (Li6C12, −0.615 eV). It is found that the intercalation becomes morefavorable with the increase in number of lithium atoms intercalated and increase in the symmetryof the intercalated system. The maximum intercalation energy difference between successive lithiumatom additions lay within 0.1 eV.