bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive responses to progressive drought stress in two Populus cathayana populations
Authors: Xiao Xiangwen , Xu Xiao , Yang Fan
Published: March 2014

The young, vegetatively propagated cuttings of Populus cathayana Rehder were exposed to a progressive drought stress for 12 weeks in a greenhouse to characterize the physiological and biochemical basis of drought adaptation in woody plants. Two contrasting populations were employed in our study, which were from the wet and dry climate regions in western China, respectively. The results showed that the adaptive responses of P. cathayana to drought were affected by drought intensity and poplar genotype (population). The progressive drought stress significantly inhibited plant growth, increased carotenoid contents and, at the same time, accumulated soluble sugars and free proline in the plants of both populations tested. On the other hand, the gradually increasing drought also induced antioxidative systems including the increase of the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD). Moreover, there were different responses to progressive drought stress between the two contrasting populations. Compared with the wet climate population, the dry climate population had lower shoot height and growth rate, higher free proline content, and more efficient photoprotective system (such as higher carotenoid content and Car/Chl) and antioxidant system (such as higher POD activity), as a result of drought stress. These results suggest that the dry climate population possesses better drought tolerance than the wet climate population. The differences in drought tolerance may be closely related with efficient photoprotective system, accumulation of the osmoprotectant proline as well as the increased capacity of the antioxidative system to scavenge reactive oxygen species, and the consequent suppressed level of lipid peroxidation under drought conditions.
Seed transfers of silver birch (Betula pendula) from the Baltic to Finland – effect on growth and stem quality
Authors: Viherä-Aarnio Anneli , Velling Pirkko
Published: March 2014

Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) seed origins from the Baltic countries, Finland and Russia were compared for survival, growth and stem quality, and the effect of latitudinal seed transfer distance examined in two provenance trials. The trials were located on moist upland forest soils at Tuusula (60Â°21âN) in southern Finland and at Viitasaari (63Â°11âN) in central Finland. The material consisted of 21 stand and single tree origins ranging from latitudes 54Â° to 63Â°N. Survival, height, dbh, relative stem taper, stem volume/ha and the proportion of trees with a stem defect (vertical branch or forked stem), were assessed when the trees were 22 years old. Significant differences were detected among the origins regarding all the measured traits in both trials. Southern Finnish origins produced the highest volume per unit area in central Finland, whereas Estonian and north Latvian stand seed origins, as well as the southern Finnish plus tree origins, were the most productive ones in southern Finland. The more southern the origin, the higher was the proportion of trees with a stem defect in both trials. The latitudinal seed transfer distance had a significant but relatively small effect on survival, stem volume/ha and proportion of trees with a stem defect. The proportion of trees with a stem defect increased linearly in relation to the seed transfer distance from the south. The relationship of both survival and stem volume/ha to the seed transfer distance was curvilinear. Volume/ha was increased by transferring seed from ca. 2 degrees of latitude from the south. A longer transfer from the south, as well as transfer from the north, decreased the yield.
Measuring the vertical albedo profile of a subarctic boreal forest canopy
Authors: Riihelä Aku , Manninen Terhikki
Published: March 2014

The validation of airborne and satellite-derived albedo measurements suffers from the fact that the surface albedo of forest is difficult to measure in-situ over large areas. The goal of this study is to examine whether or not the estimation of the surface albedo of a forest stand from ground level measurements is possible. In addition, knowledge about the vertical behavior of albedo, and therefore transmitted solar radiation, is important in the modeling of interactions of sunlight with the forest canopy. Such modeling is useful for forest growth estimations among other things. To achieve these goals, an albedometer set-up capable of vertical albedo profiling has been used to obtain data from a boreal forest stand in Northern Finland during periods in summer 2006 and winter 2007. The results show a strong relationship between the data and fitted power-law regression curves. Power-law regression fits best likely because of the radiation transmission characteristics of boreal forest.
Estimating species-specific diameter distributions and saw log recoveries of boreal forests from airborne laser scanning data and aerial photographs: a distribution-based approach
Authors: Peuhkurinen Jussi , Maltamo Matti , Malinen Jukka
Published: March 2014

The low-density airborne laser scanning (ALS) data based estimation methods have been shown to produce accurate estimates of mean forest characteristics and diameter distributions, according to several studies. The used estimation methods have been based on the laser canopy height distribution approach, where various laser pulse height distribution -derived predictors are related to the stand characteristics of interest. This approach requires very delicate selection methods for selecting the suitable predictor variables. In this study, we introduce a new nearest neighbor search method that requires no complicated selection algorithm for choosing the predictor variables and can be utilized in multipurpose situations. The proposed search method is based on Minkowski distances between the distributions extracted from low density ALS data and aerial photographs. Apart from the introduction of a new search method, the aims of this study were: 1) to produce accurate species-specific diameter distributions and 2) to estimate factual saw log recovery, using the estimated height-diameter distributions and a stem data bank. The results indicate that the proposed method is suitable for producing species-specific diameter distributions and volumes at the stand level. However, it is proposed, that the utilization of more extensive and locally emphasized reference data and auxiliary variables could yield more accurate saw log recoveries.
Live-storage of Picea abies for two summers after storm felling in Sweden
Authors: Jonsson Maria
Published: March 2014

After recent severe storm fellings in Sweden, as harvest, transport, and storage capacities were insufficient, interest in live-storage (leaving windthrown trees in the stand) increased. This study follows windthrown Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) trees during 20 months, i.e. two summers, of live-storage in southern Sweden. Moisture content, blue stain, and storage decay were compared in trees from a site with all trees windthrown and a site with scattered windthrows. After the first summer of live-storage, the quality losses were small. After 20 months, the trees had dried significantly and had numerous infestations of blue stain and storage decay. Trees from the site with scattered windthrows were of better quality compared to trees from the site with all trees windthrown. Live-storage is a suitable method for one year of storage, but the second year losses in wood quality are considerable.
Wood density within Norway spruce stems
Authors: Jyske Tuula , Mäkinen Harri , Saranpää Pekka
Published: March 2014

We studied the variation in average wood density of annual rings, earlywood density, and latewood density in addition to ring width and latewood percentage within Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stems from the pith to the bark, and from the stem base towards the stem apex. Moreover, the variation in wood density within annual rings was studied at the different heights and radial positions in the stem. The material consisted of 85 trees from central and south-eastern Finland. Variation between the annual rings accounted for 11â27% of the total variation in wood density. Only small differences (3â6%) in wood density were found between different heights in the stem. The largest (49â80%) variation in wood density was found within the annual rings. The difference in wood density between earlywood and latewood was smaller in the rings near the pith than in the outer rings. The increasing wood density from the pith outwards was related to increasing latewood density and latewood percentage, whereas the earlywood density increased only slightly from the pith outwards. In a given cambial age (i.e., given rings from the pith), the average wood density of annual rings increased with increasing stem height. In contrast, in the rings formed in the same calendar years (i.e., given rings from the bark), the average wood density of annual rings decreased with increasing stem height. The results of this study verify our knowledge of wood density variation and can further contribute to creating models to predict wood density.
Risk of bark beetle (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) damage in a spruce forest restoration area in central Finland
Authors: Joensuu Johanna , Heliövaara Kari , Savolainen Eino
Published: March 2014

A beetle inventory using window traps was performed to examine the effect of forest restoration by artificial addition of dead wood on the abundance of beetles and to evaluate the risk of bark beetle damage in a forest restoration area. The number of beetle families was slightly increased, but no consistent differences were found in the abundance of families containing saproxylic Coleoptera between the restoration and control plots. The abundance and species number of bark beetles and longhorn beetles were significantly higher on the restoration plots. Ips typographus and Pityogenes chalcographus increased only slightly in abundance. In the regression models produced, the abundance of bark beetles was best explained by the volume of recently dead wood. However, the bark beetle species whose abundance increased most were secondary and the material also suggests an increase in the abundance of bark beetlesâ natural enemies. The risk of bark beetle damage in the area is thus considered insignificant.
Effect of compression wood on dimensional stability of medium density fiberboard
Authors: Ayrilmis Nadir
Published: March 2014

This study evaluated the effect of compression wood on dimensional stability of medium density fiberboards (MDF) manufactured from fiber furnishes of pine (Pinus nigra Arnold var. pallasiana) containing compression wood. Two panel types were manufactured from two different compression wood (CW) portion / normal wood (NW) portions in the furnish, 75/25 and 10/90, respectively. Linear and thickness variations of the panels exposed to various relative humidites at 20Â Â°C, linear expansion/contraction and thickness swelling/shrinkage, were measured according to the procedures defined by DIN EN 318 (2005) standard test method. Panels made from fiber furnish containing 75% the CW had higher linear expansion and linear contraction values with an average value of 0.286% and 0.247% than those of panels made from fiber furnish containing 10% the CW with an average value of 0.184% and 0.152%, respectively. As for thickness swelling and thickness shrinkage properties, panels made from fiber furnish containing 75% the CW had the thickness swelling and thickness shrinkage values with an average of 5.042% and 4.402% while panels made from fiber furnish containing 10% the CW had the values with 3.621% and 2.861%, respectively. Consequently, based on the findings obtained from this study, expansion and swelling properties of the MDF panels were negatively affected by compression wood increase.
Influence of saw and secateur pruning on stem discolouration, wound cicatrisation and diameter growth of Betula pendula
Authors: Schatz Ursula , Heräjärvi Henrik , Kannisto Kari , Rantatalo Matti
Published: March 2014

The aim of this case study was to compare the impacts of saw and secateur pruning on silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). Data were collected from two saw pruned stands in 2005, and one secateur pruned stand in 2003. All the stands were located in southern Finland. The sample stems were felled, and their butt logs were sawn into flitches, whose knot features and colour defects were measured. In addition, discs were sawn from each stem in order to study the annual ring widths. In this material, pruning with secateurs appeared to cause less colour defects than pruning with a saw. Irrespective of the pruning method used, the colour defects in the stem wood were at their largest in cases where the basal knob or the stem bark appeared to be damaged by pruning. Colour defects spread mainly towards the pith, only in a few cases towards the stem surface. The cicatrisation time of the knots as well as the length of the bark stick remaining inside the stem did not show significant differences between the two pruning methods. Pruning of the lowest living branches appears to have no effect on the diameter growth of silver birch trees.
Modelling spatial dependence in an irregular natural forest
Authors: Fox Julian , Bi Huiquan , Ades Peter
Published: March 2014

The spatial dependence present in a natural stand of Eucalyptus pilularis (Smith) dominated mixed species forest was characterised and modelled. Two wildfires imposed a significant spatial dependence on the post disturbance stand. It was hypothesised that spatial variation in the intensity of the wildfires generated the observed structures. The influence of patch formation, micro-site variability and competitive influences were also noted in the residuals of a distance-dependent individual-tree growth model. A methodology capable of modelling these complicated patterns of observed dependence was sought, and candidates included the spatial interaction, direct specification and Papadakis methods. The spatial interaction method with a moving average autoregression was identified as the most appropriate method for explicitly modelling spatial dependence. Both the direct specification and Papadakis methods failed to capture the influence of competition. This study highlights the possibility that stand disturbances such as natural and artificial fires, insect and fungal attacks, and wind and snow damage are capable of imposing powerful spatial dependencies on the post disturbance stand. These dependencies need to be considered if individual tree growth models are to provide valid predictions in disturbed stands.
„Glaub nicht immer, daß Du Deine Worte von Tatsachen abliest.“
Authors: Arnswald Ulrich
Published: March 2014

Erinnerung ist für Wittgenstein ein komplexer Vorgang, der mit einer Vielzahl von Schwierigkeiten verbunden ist. Dies gilt besonders für seine Überlegungen zur Erinnerung einer Absicht – ein in der Wittgenstein-Literatur bis dato vernachlässigter Aspekt, obwohl er in diversen Manuskripten des Nachlasses hervorsticht. Nach Wittgenstein erlaubt uns der Erinnerungsvorgang nicht, uns eine vermeintliche Absicht „vor Augen zu führen“, dennoch verwenden wir den sprachlichen Ausdruck, um mittels einer Erinnerungsbeschreibung eine vergangene Absicht zu äußern. Nur was bringen wir damit aber zum Ausdruck? – Da die Worte sich weder auf Tatsachen beziehen noch mit diesen korrespondieren, kommt es zur paradoxen Situation, dass jemand sich des Inhalts einer Absicht zu erinnern meint, nicht aber der einstigen Worte. Dies wirft im Umkehrschluss die Frage auf, was unter diesen Umständen die Artikulation der Erinnerung einer Absicht überhaupt aussagen soll und kann, und weiterhin, was der Unterschied zu einer gegenwärtigen Absichtserklärung ist.
Physicochemical Studies of Aqueous Amphiphilic Drug + Hydrotrope Solutions
Authors: Kabir-ud-Din  , Al-dahbali Gamal A. , Naqvi Andleeb Z. , Akram Mohd.
Published: March 2014

The micellization and interfacial behaviours of two amphiphilic drugs
(adephinine and clomipramine hydrochlorides) in the presence of
hydrotropes (sodium salicylate and sodium benzoate) have been
investigated by surface tension measurements. Micellar and interfacial
compositions at different stoichiometeric mole fractions of the
hydrotropes have been evaluated using Rubingh's and Rosen's
models. Synergism was found in mixed micelles as well as in mixed
monolayers. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG
mic

o
,
ΔG
ex, G 
min , ΔG
ads

o
)
indicate that mixed systems are more stable than the individual
systems with CLP-hydrotrope > ADP-hydrotrope systems.
Overexpression of miR-210 is associated with SDH-related pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Tsang V H M , Dwight T , Benn D E , Meyer-Rochow G Y , Gill A J , Sywak M , Sidhu S , Veivers D , Sue C M , Robinson B G , Clifton-Bligh R J , Parker N R
Published: March 2014

miR-210 is a key regulator of response to hypoxia. Pheochromocytomas (PCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) with germlineSDHxorVHLmutations have pseudohypoxic gene expression signatures. We hypothesised that PC/PGLs containingSDHxorVHLmutations, and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), would overexpress miR-210 relative to non-SDHor -VHL-mutated counterparts. miR-210 was analysed by quantitative PCR in i) 39 PC/PGLs, according to genotype (oneSDHA, fiveSDHB, sevenVHL, threeNF1, sevenRET, 15 sporadic, one unknown) and pathology (18 benign, eight atypical, 11 malignant, two unknown); ii) 18 GISTs, according to SDHB immunoreactivity (nine SDH-deficient and nine SDH-proficient) and iii) two novelSDHB-mutant neurosphere cell lines. miR-210 was higher inSDHx- orVHL-mutated PC/PGLs (7.6-fold) compared with tumours withoutSDHxorVHLmutations (P=0.0016). miR-210 was higher in malignant than in unequivocally benign PC/PGLs (P=0.05), but significance was lost when benign and atypical tumours were combined (P=0.08). In multivariate analysis, elevated miR-210 was significantly associated withSDHxorVHLmutation, but not with malignancy. In GISTs, miR-210 was higher in SDH-deficient (median 2.58) compared with SDH-proficient tumours (median 0.60;P=0.0078). miR-210 was higher in patient-derived neurosphere cell lines containingSDHBmutations (6.5-fold increase) compared with normal controls, in normoxic conditions (P<0.01). Furthermore, siRNA-knockdown of SDHB in HEK293 cells increased miR-210 by 2.7-fold (P=0.001) under normoxia. Overall, our results suggest that SDH deficiency in PC, PGL and GISTs induces miR-210 expression and substantiates the role of aberrant hypoxic-type cellular responses in the development of these tumours.
Evidence of androgen action in endometrial and ovarian cancers
Authors: Gibson Douglas A , Simitsidellis Ioannis , Collins Frances , Saunders Philippa T K
Published: March 2014

Endometrial cancer (EC) and ovarian cancer are common gynaecological malignancies. The impact of androgen action in these cancers is poorly understood; however, there is emerging evidence to suggest that targeting androgen signalling may be of therapeutic benefit. Epidemiological evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of EC associated with exposure to elevated levels of androgens, and genetic variants in genes related to both androgen biosynthesis and action are associated with an increased risk of both EC and ovarian cancer. Androgen receptors (ARs) may be a potential therapeutic target in EC due to reported anti-proliferative activities of androgens. By contrast, androgens may promote growth of some ovarian cancers and anti-androgen therapy has been proposed. Introduction of new therapies targeting ARs expressed in EC or ovarian cancer will require a much greater understanding of the impacts of cell context-specific AR-dependent signalling and how ARs can crosstalk with other steroid receptors during progression of disease. This review considers the evidence that androgens may be important in the aetiology of EC and ovarian cancer with discussion of evidence for androgen action in normal and malignant endometrial and ovarian tissue.
The SKPO-1 Peroxidase Functions in the Hypodermis to ProtectCaenorhabditis elegansFrom Bacterial Infection
Authors: Tiller George R , Garsin Danielle A
Published: March 2014

In recent years, the synergistic relationship between NADPH oxidase (NOX)/dual oxidase (DUOX) enzymes and peroxidases has received increased attention. Peroxidases utilize NOX/DUOX-generated H2O2 for a myriad of functions including, but not limited to, thyroid hormone biosynthesis, cross-linking extracellular matrices (ECM), and immune defense. We postulated that one or more peroxidases produced by Caenorhabditis elegans would act in host defense, possibly in conjunction with BLI-3, the only NOX/DUOX enzyme encoded by the genome that is expressed. Animals exposed to RNA interference (RNAi) of the putative peroxidase genes were screened for susceptibility to the human pathogen Enterococcus faecalis. One of three genes identified, skpo-1 (ShkT-containing peroxidase), was studied in depth. Animals mutant for this gene were significantly more susceptible to E. faecalis, but not Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A slight decrease in longevity was also observed. The skpo-1 mutant animals had a dumpy phenotype of incomplete penetrance; half the animals displayed a dumpy phenotype ranging from slight to severe, and half were morphologically wild type. The SKPO-1 protein contains the critical catalytic residues necessary for peroxidase activity, and in a whole animal assay, more H2O2 was detected from the mutant compared to the wild type, consistent with the loss of an H2O2 sink. By using tissue-specific skpo-1 RNAi and immunohistochemical localization with an anti-SKPO-1 antibody, it was determined that the peroxidase is functionally and physically present in the hypodermis. In conclusion, these results characterize a peroxidase that functions protectively in the hypodermis during exposure to E. faecalis.
Annealing pressure dependence of Cu2ZnSnSe4 composition and properties
Authors: Yu Zhou , Liu Lian , Yan Yong , Li Shasha , Jin Yaxin , Ou Yufeng , Yan Chuanpeng , Zhang Yong , Zhao Yong
Published: March 2014

Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) precursor films were deposited by one-step RF sputtering process at room temperature under various sputtering power, and then films were annealed at different pressure of 10-3 Pa and 100 Pa. Films annealed at high vacuum of 10-3 Pa exhibit significant loss of Sn element and they construct with two phases of Cu1.8Se and ZnSe. Higher annealing pressure at 100 Pa can drastically reduce the loss of Sn element and result in single kesterite CZTSe phase of the annealed films. Loss of Se element is found in all the annealed films and the values of [Se]/[Metal] and [Sn]/[Zn] are related with sputtering power. High vacuum annealed films show cracks and porous structure on the surface, meanwhile, films annealed at 100 Pa show compact, densely packed homogeneous morphology.
Structure, dynamics and primitive path network of polymer nanocomposites containing spherical nanoparticles
Authors: Karatrantos Argyrios , Clarke Nigel , Composto Russel J. , Winey Karen I.
Published: March 2014

We investigate the effect of nanoparticles on polymer structure, polymer dimensions and topological constraints (entanglements) in polymer melts for nanoparticle loading above percolation threshold as high as 40.9% using stochastic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We show unambiguously that short polymer chains are not disturbed by the presence of repulsive nanoparticles. In contrast entangled polymer chains can be perturbed by the presence of attractive nanoparticles when the polymer radius of gyration is larger than the nanoparticle radius. They can expand under the presence of attractive nanoparticles even at low nanoparticle loadings of very small nanoparticle size. We observe an increase in the number of entanglements (decrease of Ne with 40.9% volume fraction of nanoparticles dispersed in the polymer matrix) in the nanocomposites as evidenced by larger contour lengths of the primitive paths. Attraction between polymers and nanoparticles affects the entanglements in the nanocomposites and alters the primitive path.
Reforma da administração pública e carreiras de Estado: o caso dos especialistas em políticas públicas e gestão governamental no Poder Executivo federal
Authors: Monteiro Lorena Madruga
Published: March 2014

Com o objetivo de analisar como o recrutamento baseado na ideia de "competência técnica" foi incorporado à administração pública brasileira após a reforma administrativa de 1995, investiga-se, neste artigo, a carreira de especialista em políticas públicas e gestão governamental. Entre todas as carreiras da administração pública, a de especialista em políticas públicas e gestão governamental (EPPGG) é um caso exemplar, uma vez que sua criação agrega a ideia da formação de uma burocracia estável diante das descontinuidades governamentais, capaz de formular e gerir políticas públicas em fluxo contínuo, o que justifica seu estudo. Por meio de fontes diversas relacionadas à evolução da carreira, ao perfil e à formação desses gestores e sua distribuição no Poder Executivo federal, demonstra-se que a própria formação desses funcionários públicos acabou sofrendo interferências governamentais de acordo com a orientação do governo e que o aproveitamento desses EPPGGs nos cargos de Direção e Assessoramento Superior (DAS) do Executivo federal tem conciliado princípios meritocráticos com certa flexibilização das nomeações, restringindo, em tese, os espaços da patronagem política.
Análise do Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional das universidades federais do Consórcio Sul-Sudeste de Minas Gerais
Authors: Mizael Glener Alvarenga , Vilas Boas Ana Alice , Pereira José Roberto , Santos Thiago de Sousa
Published: March 2014

As universidades federais, no contexto de Reestruturação e Expansão das Universidades Federais (Reuni), estão vivenciando um momento de expansão e grandes investimentos. Desse contexto macro, sete Instituições Federais de Ensino Superior (Ifes) do estado de Minas Gerais pactuam um acordo representado pelo Consórcio Sul-Sudeste de Minas Gerais com propostas de integração acadêmica e administrativa. Nesse sentido, a ação dos gestores públicos diante do desafio de realizar uma gestão que garanta a eficácia e a eficiência organizacional deve-se pautar pelo instrumento de planejamento estratégico, representado pelo Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional (PDI), criado pelo Decreto nº 5.773/2006. A pesquisa consistiu na análise documental dos PDIs publicados nos sites das Ifes do Consórcio com o objetivo de avaliar o plano do ponto de vista burocrático com base nos estudos de Segenreich (2005). Da análise dos dados observou-se que o PDI não é bem consistente no que se refere à quantificação das metas, na descrição das ações, dos recursos necessários, dos prazos e dos responsáveis por sua implementação.
Finanças públicas no Brasil: uma abordagem orientada para políticas públicas
Authors: Maciel Pedro Jucá
Published: March 2014

O presente trabalho contribui de três formas para os estudos das finanças públicas: (i) estabelece uma metodologia prática para a análise setorial das finanças públicas em que se permita indicação de reformas para melhor alocação, eficiência, eficácia e efetividade das políticas pública; (ii) propõe uma metodologia de consolidação das contas públicas por função do setor público consolidado para que seja possível o conhecimento das áreas onde os recursos públicos são aplicados; (iii) realiza avaliação geral da função alocativa do setor público brasileiro por meio de comparativo internacional. Este trabalho pretende contribuir com a análise e a melhoria da qualidade do gasto público, permitindo que as finanças públicas cumpram seu papel de agente fundamental para o financiamento do desenvolvimento econômico.
O pregão eletrônico e as contratações de serviços contínuos
Authors: Freitas Marcelo de , Maldonado José Manuel Santos de Varge
Published: March 2014

A economia gerada pela utilização do pregão eletrônico nas licitações promovidas pelos órgãos públicos tem sido amplamente destacada. No entanto, ainda existem poucas informações sistematizadas sobre os impactos deste instrumento na execução e na gestão dos contratos que dele se originam. Este artigo se propõe a analisar e comentar a forma pela qual é alcançada a redução de custos nas contratações de serviços contínuos pela Administração Pública e os possíveis efeitos desta redução tanto para as organizações contratantes como para os prestadores de serviços terceirizados. Quanto à metodologia, o estudo, de natureza exploratória, constituiu-se de pesquisa bibliográfica, compreendendo a produção científica e a produção normativa sobre o tema, além de análise documental.
Divulgação nos relatórios dos bancos públicos brasileiros: análise das recomendações do Pilar 3 do Acordo de Basileia 2
Authors: Britto Andreia da Silva , Rodrigues Adriano , Marques José Augusto Veiga da Costa
Published: March 2014

Este artigo verifica o nível de divulgação praticado pelos bancos públicos brasileiros em relação às recomendações do Pilar 3 do Acordo de Basileia 2. Utilizou-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo, com exame, em 2010, das informações financeiras disponibilizadas no site do Banco Central do Brasil (Bacen) referentes aos quartos trimestres de 2008 e 2009. Os principais relatórios analisados foram as notas explicativas e o relatório da administração. As exigências de divulgação do Pilar 3 são apresentadas em 14 tabelas no Acordo, porém, este artigo utilizou as 9 tabelas com requerimentos de disclosure relacionados à aplicação das abordagens padronizadas. Os resultados indicaram que os níveis de divulgação foram de 25% em 2008 e de 29% em 2009 e referem-se exclusivamente às instituições pesquisadas incluídas na amostra. Em síntese, a demonstração dos bancos públicos apresenta um nível incipiente de transparência e, normalmente, restringe-se às informações exigidas pela legislação.
Planejamento do turismo em âmbito federal: uma análise dos instrumentos utilizados e dos investimentos no setor
Authors: Lemos Clara C.
Published: March 2014

Com quase 10 anos de existência, cabe atualmente ao Ministério do Turismo um amplo espectro de responsabilidades e papéis no Sistema Nacional de Turismo, em especial o estabelecimento da Política Nacional de Turismo e o planejamento, fomento, regulamentação, coordenação e fiscalização da atividade turística. Este artigo se debruça sobre os instrumentos de planejamento que guiam e estabelecem contexto para os investimentos do Ministério do Turismo: o Plano Nacional de Turismo, o Plano Plurianual e as leis orçamentárias. Para tanto, apresenta uma discussão teórica sobre os papéis e as responsabilidades assumidos pelos governos nacionais no que diz respeito ao planejamento do turismo. Essa discussão é complementada com uma análise qualitativa e quantitativa de alguns aspectos que envolvem o planejamento turístico em âmbito nacional. Os resultados aqui apresentados trazem algumas considerações e subsídios para o contexto analisado, em especial a necessidade de maior articulação institucional e fortalecimento do Sistema Nacional de Turismo, principalmente da atuação do Conselho Nacional de Turismo, com maior controle do desempenho das políticas públicas e qualificação do debate estratégico do setor de turismo no Brasil.
Autonomia para gestão estratégica de pessoas no setor público federal: perspectivas de análise e agenda de pesquisa
Authors: Fonseca Diogo Ribeiro da , Meneses Pedro Paulo Murce , Silva Filho Antônio Isidro da , Campos Natália Gomes
Published: March 2014

Este ensaio teórico tem por objetivo propor a autonomia como construto integrante de modelos estratégicos de gestão de pessoas em organizações públicas federais. O ambiente institucional, a estrutura e a cultura em organizações públicas podem oferecer restrições à autonomia de unidades de gestão de pessoas para o alinhamento de seus processos à estratégia organizacional. Nessa perspectiva, propõe-se a investigação de fatores ambientais de natureza formal e informal que condicionam as práticas de gestão de pessoas. Uma agenda de pesquisa é proposta visando a uma abordagem da gestão de pessoas mais adequada à realidade do setor público federal.
Are public officials really less satisfied than private sector workers?A comparative study in Brazil
Authors: Borges Renata
Published: March 2014

This research aims to compare the public and private sectors with regard to satisfaction at work. We conducted a survey with 670 professionals from both sectors in Brazil. The results of variance analysis confirm previous researches indicating that public officials are less satisfied with their work than private sector workers. However, this result does not repeat when we evaluate the satisfaction dimensions. For instance, public officials reported being more satisfied than private sector workers with regard to social environment and work stability. Unexpectedly, the results suggest that there is no difference between these sectors when we analyze the satisfaction with supervision. Therefore, this article is relevant for Brazilian managers, by offering an empirical research on the distinction between public and private. The article also discusses the theoretical implications, since Brazilian findings do not completely support the international literature.
Dinâmica dos financiamentos habitacionais nos municípios do Rio Grande do Sul de 2006 a 2010: uma avaliação do Programa "Minha Casa, Minha Vida"
Authors: Silva Cátia Fernanda da , Alves Tiago Wickstrom
Published: March 2014

O déficit habitacional no Brasil é um problema crônico, apesar dos diversos programas implementados a fim de solucionar essa questão. Este estudo objetiva analisar os elementos impulsionadores dos financiamentos habitacionais e seus impactos, em termos regionais, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no período de 2006 a 2010, por meio da combinação de três procedimentos: o método estrutural-diferencial, a técnica de krigagem e a regressão espacial. Os resultados indicam que as faixas de crédito que mais cresceram foram as de valor intermediário, que os municípios de menor nível de renda foram os mais beneficiados com o crédito e que houve um deslocamento dos valores dos imóveis para as regiões menos valorizadas, reduzindo as desigualdades regionais. Ou seja, o programa "Minha Casa, Minha Vida" intensificou o volume de crédito, mas não alterou os aspectos estruturais dos financiamentos.
Legitimidade das organizações da sociedade civil: análise de conteúdo à luz da teoria da capacidade crítica
Authors: Krieger Morgana G. Martins , Andion Carolina
Published: March 2014

Este artigo visa a ampliar a compreensão do fenômeno da legitimidade das organizações da sociedade civil (OSC), interpretando-o à luz da teoria da capacidade crítica, de Boltanski e Thévenot (2006). Mais especificamente, trata-se de identificar, por meio da análise do discurso de atores representativos do campo, quais são as justificativas que embasam a atuação e a existência das OSC, conferindo-lhes legitimidade. Tomando por base a fundamentação teórica e a análise da trajetória do campo no Brasil, algumas hipóteses foram formuladas: 1) que diversas lógicas são utilizadas nas justificativas; 2) que o encontro dessas lógicas provoca disputas e conflitos; 3) que possibilita a construção de passarelas; e 4) que existem lógicas predominantes que isolam a existência das outras. Por meio de análise de conteúdo do discurso de 46 atores representativos do campo das OSC na região Sul do Brasil, as hipóteses foram testadas e concluiu-se que as dimensões predominantes da legitimidade nessas OSC são a pragmática e a moral, as quais estimulam a adaptação das OSC a padrões estabelecidos externamente, enfraquecendo a pluralidade e, por conseguinte, a democracia no campo.
Convergência brasileira aos padrões internacionais de contabilidade pública vis-à-vis as estratégias top-down e bottom-up
Authors: Gama Janyluce Rezende , Duque Claudio Gottschalg , Almeida José Elias Feres de
Published: March 2014

O Brasil está em processo de convergência de sua contabilidade pública em relação aos padrões internacionais desenvolvidos pela Federação Internacional dos Contadores (Ifac). A implementação de sistemas de informação contábil é geralmente realizada por meio das abordagens top-down ou bottom-up. Assim, este estudo tem por objetivos: 1) identificar a abordagem adotada pelo governo federal brasileiro; 2) descrever o modelo de implementação do sistema de informação contábil público no Brasil; e 3) mapear o fluxo de informações e atores envolvidos no processo de convergência. A abordagem qualitativa foi adotada utilizando a pesquisa documental e análise de conteúdo de documentos disponíveis para operacionalizar a pesquisa. Foi identificado que o Brasil utiliza a abordagem middle-up-down, que favorece a interação entre múltiplos atores no processo, diferentemente da abordagem top-down, que segue o modelo internacional divulgado.
Espaço, mídia locativa e teoria ator-rede
Authors: Lemos André
Published: March 2014

O social é o que emerge das associações, diz a teoria ator-rede (TAR). As associações entre actantes (aquilo que produz uma ação) humanos e não humanos são sempre localizadas. A TAR busca analisar como se dão as associações e suas localizações para conhecer o social. Esse tipo de enfoque sobre o social pode ser particularmente interessante para se pensar a espacialização nos processos comunicacionais e, mais ainda, naqueles emergentes com as atuais mídias de geolocalização¹. Esse artigo se insere em uma pesquisa maior sobre as "mídias locativas" a partir da TAR. Aqui discutimos, particularmente, a noção de espaço.
Morin e Flusser: a teoria da imagem como aventura antropológica e matemática imaginária
Authors: Rocha Rose de Melo
Published: March 2014

O artigo analisa as contribuições de Edgar Morin e Vilém Flusser à construção teórica da relação entre imagens e imaginário. Articula, com tal objetivo, as ideias de aventura antropológica e matemática imaginária, problematizando, entre outros aspectos, o lugar da racionalidade, da consciência e da autonomia nas sociedades contemporâneas, tributárias, em termos hegemônicos, de verdadeiras patologias da literalidade. Defende-se a conformação "desordenadora" do imaginário como possível rota de fuga, vital e analítica. Criticam-se as prerrogativas empiristas de análise das imagens, recorrendo-se à união fundante imagem/imaginário como reguladora desse estreitamento.
Comunicação: condição ou impossibilidade humana?
Authors: Feil Gabriel Sausen
Published: March 2014

Nietzsche traz a comunicação como condição humana; por outro lado, Deleuze e Guattari afirmam que a comunicação não é possível aos humanos. Este artigo se apropria desse impasse, buscando mostrar que as duas possibilidades têm sentido, sem que isso implique um contrassenso. Para tanto, realiza uma discussão conceitual envolvendo o pensamento dos mencionados autores e ainda o modo como um texto brasileiro de teorias da comunicação lida com essa problemática. Por fim, mostra que a argumentação nietzschiana acerca da natureza comunicativa dos humanos é complementar àquela que Deleuze e Guattari usam para mostrar a impossibilidade de humanos comunicarem-se e que, se as argumentações parecem ser contraditórias, é apenas em função de distintas construções conceituais para o termo "comunicação".
A resignificação da crise ambiental pela mídia de negócios: responsabilidade empresarial e redenção pelo consumo
Authors: Fontenelle Isleide A.
Published: March 2014

O artigo analisa como o consumidor ambientalmente responsável tem sido produzido pela mídia de negócios em duas revistas: The Economist e Exame, no período de 1996-2007. O método de pesquisa apoia-se na Teoria do Discurso de Ernesto Laclau e Chantal Mouffe e em autores lacanianos que encamparam essa teoria. A análise empírica, apoiada por uma revisão bibliográfica sobre crise ambiental, consumo e responsabilidade empresarial, permite concluir que a construção midiática do consumidor responsável tem se utilizado da culpabilização presente no discurso da crise ambiental para vender redenção como mercadoria.
Carbon nanotubes as a novel drug delivery system for anticancer therapy: a review
Authors: Kushwaha Swatantra Kumar Singh , Ghoshal Saurav , Rai Awani Kumar , Singh Satyawan
Published: March 2014

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were discovered in 1991 and shown to have certain unique physicochemical properties, attracting considerable interest in their application in various fields including drug delivery. The unique properties of CNTs such as ease of cellular uptake, high drug loading, thermal ablation, among others, render them useful for cancer therapy. Cancer is one of the most challenging diseases of modern times because its therapy involves distinguishing normal healthy cells from affected cells. Here, CNTs play a major role because phenomena such as EPR, allow CNTs to distinguish normal cells from affected ones, the Holy Grail in cancer therapy. Considerable work has been done on CNTs as drug delivery systems over the last two decades. However, concerns over certain issues such as biocompatibility and toxicity have been raised and warrant extensive research in this field.
Compatibility and stability of valsartan in a solid pharmaceutical formulation
Authors: Júlio Tamíris Amanda , Zâmara Igor Fernando , Garcia Jerusa Simone , Trevisan Marcello Garcia
Published: March 2014

Valsartan (VAL) is a highly selective blocker of the angiotensin II receptor that has been widely used in the treatment of hypertension. Active pharmaceutical ingredient compatibility with excipients (crospovidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and titanium dioxide) is usually evaluated in solid pharmaceutical development. Compatibility and stability can be evaluated by liquid chromatography. Studies were performed using binary mixtures of 1:1 (w/w) VAL/excipient; samples were stored under accelerated stability test conditions (40 ºC at 75% relative humidity). The results indicate that VAL is incompatible with crospovidone and hypromellose, which reduced the VAL content and gave rise to new peaks in the chromatogram due to degradation products.
Pharmaceutical care in transplant patients in a university hospital: pharmaceutical interventions
Authors: Martins Bruna Cristina Cardoso , Souza Thalita Rodrigues de , Luna Ângela Maria Pita Tavares , Fonteles Marta Maria de França , Firmino Paulo Yuri Milen , Fernandes Paula Frassinetti Castelo Branco Camurça , Garcia José Huygens Parente , Oliveira Cláudia Maria Costa de , Néri Eugenie Desirèe Rabelo
Published: March 2014

A descriptive and prospective study was conducted on the pharmaceutical care in the post-transplant outpatient clinic of Hospital Universitario Walter Cantidio of Universidade Federal do Ceará (HUWC/UFC), in Fortaleza- Ceará in the period of April to October of 2011. The aim of the present study was to describe the pharmaceutical interventions performed in a Pharmaceutical Care service structured in the liver and kidney transplant outpatient clinic of an academic hospital. The Pharmaceutical interventions (PI) were classified according to Sabater et al.(2005), with significance based on Riba et al.(2000) and the Negative Outcomes associated with Medication (NOM) established at the Third Consensus of Granada. Statistical analyses were performed using the Epi Info v.3.5.1 program and hypothesis tests were done with the SigmaPlot v.10.0 program. A chi-squared (X²) test was utilized for statistical analysis of the sample. A total of 97 patients were followed, where 54 problems related to medications were identified and 139 PI performed. The main PI were in education of the patient about treatment (n=111; 80%) (p<0.05), while the significance of all interventions were appropriate, where 83.4% (n=116) of PI performed in the study period were shown to be "significant" (p<0.05). Through pharmaceutical care, the pharmacist is capable of monitoring the pharmacotherapeutic treatment and intervening when necessary, while being part of the multiprofessional team caring for the transplant patient.
Punica granatum L. protects mice against hexavalent chromium-induced genotoxicity
Authors: Ávila Renato Ivan de , Guerra Meirielle Teixeira , Borges Kamilla de Almeida Souza , Vieira Marcelo de Sousa , Oliveira Júnior Luiz Marcos de , Furtado Humberto , Mota Mariana Flavia da , Arruda Andréa Fernandes , Valadares Marize Campos
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the chemoprotective effects of Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae) fruits alcoholic extract (PGE) on mice exposed to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]. Animals were pretreated with PGE (25, 50 or 75 mg/kg/day) for 10 days and subsequently exposed to a sub-lethal dose of Cr(VI) (30 mg/kg). The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the bone marrow was investigated and the Cr(VI) levels were measured in the kidneys, liver and plasm. For the survival analysis, mice were previously treated with PGE for 10 days and exposed to a single lethal dose of Cr(VI) (50 mg/kg). Exposure to a sub-lethal dose of Cr(VI) induced a significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells. However, the prophylactic treatment with PGE led to a reduction of 44.5% (25 mg/kg), 86.3% (50 mg/kg) and 64.2% (75 mg/kg) in the incidence of micronuclei. In addition, the 50 mg/kg dose of PGE produced a higher chemoprotective effect, since the survival rate was 90%, when compared to that of the non-treated group. In these animals, reduced amounts of chromium were detected in the biological materials, in comparison with the other groups. Taken together, the results demonstrated that PGE exerts a protective effect against Cr(VI)-induced genotoxicity.
Potentially inappropriate medication use among institutionalized elderly individuals in southeastern Brazil
Authors: Pinto Mauro Cunha Xavier , Malaquias Dalila Pinto , Ferré Felipe , Pinheiro Marcos Luciano Pimenta
Published: March 2014

In recent decades, the elderly population in Brazil has grown rapidly, as has concern for the health of this population. Institutionalization in nursing homes has appeared as an alternative form of health care for frail elderly that live alone. The present study evaluated the pharmacotherapy and inappropriate drug prescriptions for institutionalized elderly patients living in long-term institutions in southeastern Brazil. This research was conducted at five institutions with a total sample of 151 individuals aged at least 60 years. Databases were used to identify drug interactions, defined daily dose and inappropriate prescriptions. The prevalence of drug intake among the elderly was 95.36%, and there were an average of 3.31 ± 1.80 drug prescriptions per individual. Based on Beers criteria, the prevalence of inappropriate prescriptions was 25.83%. In addition, 70.2% of prescriptions were prescribed at a higher dosage than the defined daily dose (ATC/WHO). Potential drug interactions were identified for 54.11% of prescriptions; 81.42% of these were of moderate severity. The main inappropriate drugs were prescribed for cardiovascular and nervous system problems. Institutionalized elderly individuals presented a high consumption and misuse of medications, requiring professional intervention to monitor prescriptions and improve the quality of service for this population.