bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescência, comportamento sexual e fatores de risco à saúde
Authors: Assis Simone Gonçalves de , Gomes Romeu , Pires Thiago de Oliveira
Published: April 2014

OBJETIVO : Analisar a relação entre comportamento sexual e fatores de risco à saúde física ou mental entre adolescentes. MÉTODOS : Estudo realizado com 3.195 escolares de 15 a 19 anos de idade, do segundo ano do ensino médio de escolas públicas e particulares das capitais de 10 estados do Brasil, em 2007-2008. Foi utilizada amostragem por conglomerados com multiestágio de seleção (escolas e alunos) em cada cidade e rede de ensino pública e particular. Foi aplicado questionário a todos os alunos selecionados, com os seguintes itens: dados socioeconômicos e demográficos; comportamento sexual; “transar” com pessoas do mesmo sexo, do sexo oposto ou de ambos os sexos; uso de bebida alcoólica e maconha; usar camisinha ao “transar”; presença de experiências sexuais traumáticas na infância ou adolescência; e ideação suicida. A análise incluiu descrição de frequências, teste de Qui-quadrado, análise de correspondência múltipla e de cluster. Foram analisadas qualitativamente, por análise dos conteúdos manifestos, as respostas a uma questão livre em que o adolescente expressou comentários gerais sobre si e sua vida. RESULTADOS : Cerca de 3,0% dos adolescentes referiu comportamento homossexual ou bissexual, sem diferenciação de sexo, idade, cor da pele, estrato social, estrutura familiar e rede de ensino. Adolescentes com comportamento homo/bissexual comparados aos heterossexuais relataram (p < 0,05): ficar de “porre” (18,7% e 10,5%, respectivamente), uso frequente de maconha (6,1% e 2,1%, respectivamente), ideação suicida (42,5% e 18,7%, respectivamente) e ter sido vítima de violência sexual (11,7% e 1,5%; respectivamente). Adolescentes com comportamento homo/bissexual relataram utilizar menos preservativo de forma frequente (74,2%) do que aqueles com comportamento heterossexual (48,6%, p < 0,001). Três grupos foram encontrados na análise de correspondência: composto por adolescentes com comportamento homo/bissexual e que vivenciava os fatores de risco: sofrer violência sexual, nunca utilizar camisinha ao “transar”, ideação suicida, uso frequente de maconha; composto por usuários ocasionais de maconha e camisinha e com frequentes “porres”; adolescentes com comportamento heterossexual e ausência dos fatores de risco investigados. Entre adolescentes com comportamento homo e bissexual, houve mais fatores de risco quando comparados àqueles com comportamento heterossexual. Os adolescentes com comportamento homo e bissexual expuseram mais suas vivências pessoais positivas e relacionamentos negativos do que seus pares heterossexuais, mas se expressaram menos sobre religiosidade. CONCLUSÕES : O tema não somente deve ser mais estudado como também devem ser ampliadas as ações preventivas voltadas aos adolescentes com relações afetivo-sexuais homo/bissexuais.
Incorporação das atividades de controle da dengue pelo agente comunitário de saúde
Authors: Cazola Luiza Helena de Oliveira , Tamaki Edson Mamoru , Pontes Elenir Rose Jardim Cury , Andrade Sonia Maria Oliveira de
Published: April 2014

OBJETIVO : Avaliar o desempenho do agente comunitário de saúde após incorporação do controle da dengue nas suas atribuições. MÉTODOS : Comparou-se a evolução de indicadores selecionados da Estratégia Saúde da Família e do Programa Nacional de Controle da Dengue do município São Gabriel do Oeste com o de Rio Verde de Mato Grosso, município vizinho com características populacionais, socioeconômicas e estrutura de serviços de saúde semelhantes de 2002 a 2008. Os dados foram coletados dos bancos de dados municipais do Sistema de Informação da Febre Amarela e Dengue e do Sistema de Informação da Atenção Básica da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de Mato Grosso do Sul. As variáveis selecionadas para as atividades dos agentes na Estratégia Saúde da Família foram: visitas domiciliares mensais, gestantes com o pré-natal iniciado no primeiro trimestre, crianças menores de um ano com vacinas em dia e hipertensos. Para o Programa Nacional de Controle da Dengue foram: imóveis inspecionados com Aedes aegypti e imóveis existentes não inspecionados. RESULTADOS : Os dois municípios mantiveram evolução semelhante nos indicadores do controle da dengue no período. São Gabriel do Oeste apresentava melhor situação em relação à Estratégia Saúde da Família em 2002 em três dos quatro indicadores estudados. No entanto, esta situação se inverteu no final do período, quando o município foi superado por Rio Verde de Mato Grosso em três dos quatro indicadores analisados, entre os quais a média mensal de visitas de agente comunitário de saúde por família cadastrada, principal atividade de um agente da Estratégia Saúde da Família. CONCLUSÕES : A incorporação do Programa Nacional de Controle da Dengue na Estratégia Saúde da Família é viável e se desenvolveu sem prejuízo das atividades do controle da dengue, excetuando as atividades da saúde da família em São Gabriel do Oeste. A carga adicional de trabalho dos agentes comunitários de saúde pode ser a hipótese mais provável do declínio do desempenho desses agentes nas atividades da Estratégia Saúde da Família.
Convergent validity between SF-36 and WHOQOL-BREF in older adults
Authors: Castro Paula Costa , Driusso Patrícia , Oishi Jorge
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE : To compare the reliability and convergent validity of instruments assessing quality of life in Brazilian older adults. METHODS : Cross-sectional study of 278 literate, community-dwelling older adults attending a municipal university for the elderly in Sao Carlos, SP, Southeastern Brazil between 2006 and 2008. The Brazilian versions of the SF-36 and WHOQOL-BREF instruments to assess quality of life were compared. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to estimate reliability and Pearson’s correlation for comparison between the two scales. RESULTS : Most of participants were women (87.8%) with a mean age of 63.83±7.22 years. Both scales showed an acceptable internal consistency – WHOQOL-BREF Cronbach’s alpha was 0.832 and SF-36 was 0.868. There was a weak (r ≤ 0.6) correlation between the related fields in the two questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS : The SF-36 and WHOQOL-BREF are reliable instruments for clinical and research uses in Brazilian older women. To select one, researchers should consider which aspects of quality of life they aim to capture because of weak convergent validity signs. This study’s results indicate that WHOQOL-BREF may be more relevant to evaluate changes in the quality of life of older women because it prioritizes responses to the aging process and avoids focusing on impairment.
Homicídios e disputas territoriais nas favelas do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Barcellos Christovam , Zaluar Alba
Published: April 2014

OBJETIVO : Avaliar o risco de homicídios em favelas do Rio de Janeiro, considerando as disputas territoriais em curso na cidade. MÉTODOS : O estudo baseou-se em dados de mortalidade por homicídios na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, de 2006 a 2009. Foram avaliados os riscos em favelas e seus entornos, em função da sua localização e do domínio por grupos armados e tráfico de drogas. Foram empregados métodos e conceitos da geografia e etnografia, com as abordagens de observação participante, entrevistas e análise de dados secundários de saúde. RESULTADOS : As taxas de mortalidade por homicídios no interior das favelas foram equivalentes ou mesmo menores que o restante da cidade, mas consideravelmente maiores nos arredores das favelas, sobretudo em zonas de conflito entre domínios armados rivais. CONCLUSÕES : A presença do tráfico armado em zonas estratégicas da cidade aumenta as taxas de mortalidade por violência e promove a “ecologia do perigo” no entorno de favelas.
Prevalence and determinants of child undernutrition and stunting in semiarid region of Brazil
Authors: Correia Luciano Lima , Silva Anamaria Cavalcante e , Campos Jocileide Sales , Andrade Francisca Maria de Oliveira , Machado Márcia Maria Tavares , Lindsay Ana Cristina , Leite Álvaro Jorge Madeiro , Rocha Hermano Alexandre Lima , Cunha Antonio José Ledo Alves da
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE : To analyze the evolution in the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition in children in the semiarid region of Brazil. METHODS : Data were collected from two cross-sectional population-based household surveys that used the same methodology. Clustering sampling was used to collect data from 8,000 families in Ceará, Northeastern Brazil, for the years 1987 and 2007. Acute undernutrition was calculated as weight/age < -2 standard deviation (SD); stunting as height/age < -2 SD; wasting as weight/height < -2 SD. Data on biological and sociodemographic determinants were analyzed using hierarchical multivariate analyses based on a theoretical model. RESULTS : A sample of 4,513 and 1,533 children under three years of age, in 1987 and 2007, respectively, were included in the analyses. The prevalence of acute malnutrition was reduced by 60.0%, from 12.6% in 1987 to 4.7% in 2007, while prevalence of stunting was reduced by 50.0%, from 27.0% in 1987 to 13.0% in 2007. Prevalence of wasting changed little in the period. In 1987, socioeconomic and biological characteristics (family income, mother’s education, toilet and tap water availability, children’s medical consultation and hospitalization, age, sex and birth weight) were significantly associated with undernutrition, stunting and wasting. In 2007, the determinants of malnutrition were restricted to biological characteristics (age, sex and birth weight). Only one socioeconomic characteristic, toilet availability, remained associated with stunting. CONCLUSIONS : Socioeconomic development, along with health interventions, may have contributed to improvements in children’s nutritional status. Birth weight, especially extremely low weight (< 1,500 g), appears as the most important risk factor for early childhood malnutrition.
Ideology and mental health: analysis of the discourse of workers in the psychosocial area
Authors: Pinho Leandro Barbosa de , Kantorski Luciane Prado , Olschowsky Agnes , Schneider Jacó Fernando , Lacchini Annie Jeanninne Bisso
Published: April 2014

This study proposes to analyze the discourse of workers in a Psychosocial Care Center regarding the operation of the ideologies which express the dimension of social practices incorporated at this service. This was a qualitative research, and the corpus was originated by transcription of semi-structured interviews, applied to 17 out of the 25 workers of a substitute service in a city in southern Brazil. The theoretical-methodological analysis of the operation of ideologies by John Thompson was used. The discourse analysis of the workers' practice shows a plurality of ideological manifestations, so that they reserve the changing practices with innovative and creative features such as the maintenance of obsolete models, hindering or even preventing these changes. In conclusion, these issues should be worked continuously in everyday services, being a major challenge to the consolidation of the psychiatric reform in Brazil.
Ingrid elsen: a professional career and her dedication to the study of family care
Authors: Borenstein Miriam Süsskind , Althoff Coleta Rinaldi , Maia Ana Rosete Camargo , Carvalho Juliana Bonetti de , Espíndola Daniela Simoni , Padilha Maria Itayra
Published: April 2014

This is a socio-historical study aimed to historicize the career of Ingrid Elsen, a nurse, teacher and Brazilian researcher. Data were collected through semi-structured interview, on the third and tenth of March 2013, with the nurse Ingrid, applying the method of oral history and documentary research. The following themes were highlighted based on a thematic content analysis: being a nurse, the early challenges; being a teacher and researcher, new directions; being the protagonist in the creation of groups related to family care; and being experienced, social recognition of her professional career. Results show an important contribution for the practice and the nursing science in health care, education and research. Pioneer in the line of research related to the health of families; in the formation of family health research groups and family and violence, printing a competence mark for the construction of knowledge in the area, from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Genogram and ecomap: brazilian nursing contributions
Authors: Nascimento Lucila Castanheira , Dantas Isa Ribeiro de Oliveira , Andrade Raquel Dully , Mello Débora Falleiros de
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to identify and analyze how the genogram and ecomap have been used in Brazilian nursing, summarizing this area's contribution to family care. Integrative review, combining predetermined key words and descriptor in LILACS and SciELO, besides a non-systemized search in five qualified nursing journals, published between 2000 and 2010. Inclusion and exclusion criteria guided the paper selection, resulting in a sample of 34 articles. The genogram and ecomap have been mainly used as complementary tools in research data collection. Its use as an approximation between interviewer and interviewee, in teaching and as a therapeutic resource are hardly explored. The use and dissemination of these tools are essential to understand the family, picturing its structure and interactions with the community, enhancing the participation of individuals, and contributing to the understanding of the context of each family, which is vital to nursing care.
Dual task and postural control in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Andrade Larissa Pires de , Rinaldi Natália Madalena , Coelho Flávia Gomes de Melo , Tanaka Kátia , Stella Florindo , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken
Published: April 2014

Patients with neurodegenerative diseases are required to use cognitive resources while maintaining postural control. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a frontal cognitive task on postural control in patients with Alzheimer, Parkinson and controls. Thirty-eight participants were instructed to stand upright on a force platform in two experimental conditions: single and dual task. Participants with Parkinson's disease presented an increase in the coefficient of variation greater than 100% in the dual task as compared to the single task for center of pressure (COP) area and COP path. In addition, patients with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease had a higher number of errors during the execution of the cognitive task when compared to the group of elderly without neurodegenerative diseases. The motor cortex, which is engaged in postural control, does not seem to compete with frontal brain regions in the performance of the cognitive task. However, patients with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease presented worsened performance in cognitive task.
Static postural balance in healthy individuals: Comparisons between three age groups
Authors: Pereira Yanne Salviano , Medeiros Jéssica Mascena de , Barela José Ângelo , Barela Ana Maria Forti , Amorim César Ferreira , Sousa Catarina de Oliveira , Andrade Palloma Rodrigues de , Ferreira José Jamacy de Almeida , Santos Heleodório Honorato dos
Published: April 2014

The aim of the study was to compare static postural balance of healthy individuals of three age groups in different conditions of support and vision. Seventy one individuals, divided into 3 groups, were analyzed: young group (YG: 22.2 ± 2.1 years), middle aged group (MAG: 50.7 ± 5.7 years) and older individuals group (EG: 66.8 ± 5.4 years). Their balance was tested on a force platform, under 3 support and 3 visual conditions. Measures included: total (TD), anterior-posterior (APD) and mediolateral displacement (MLD) of the center of pressure (CoP). ANOVA revealed significant differences for interactions between group X support conditions and group X visual conditions for the 3 variables (p<0.01), with greater displacements for the MAG and EG groups during single-leg stance with partial and occluded vision (p<0.05). Static postural balance decreased over time in healthy individuals, and conditions of support and visual negatively affected balance with the increment of age.
Effects of a multimodal exercise program on the functional capacity of Parkinson's disease patients considering disease severity and gender
Authors: Orcioli-Silva Diego , Barbieri Fabio Augusto , Simieli Lucas , Rinaldi Natália Madalena , Vitório Rodrigo , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a multimodal exercise program (MEP) on the functional capacity of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) according to disease severity and gender. Fourteen patients with PD participated in the study and were distributed into groups according to 1) stage of disease and 2) gender. Functional capacity was evaluated before and after 6 months of intervention. The overall PD patient group improved their coordination and strength. Men and women improved in strength performance after exercise. Men also improved on coordination. For severity of disease, the unilateral group improved in strength, while the bilateral group improved in strength, balance, coordination and the UPDRS-functional score. In conclusion, a MEP is efficient in improving components of functional capacity in patients with PD, especially in strength. Gender may be considered in the exercise program. Individuals in the bilateral disease group appeared to benefit more from exercise.
Triagem auditiva neonatal com potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico automático: a utilização de diferentes tecnologias
Authors: Sena-Yoshinaga Taise Argolo , Almeida Mabel Gonçalves , Côrtes-Andrade Isabela Freixo , Lewis Doris Ruthi
Published: April 2014

Objetivo : Analisar os resultados da Triagem Auditiva Neonatal com Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico Automático, com diferentes tecnologias, estudando a sensibilidade, a especificidade e o tempo de exame. Métodos : Foram avaliados 200 neonatos, por meio do Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico Automático utilizando método de detecção no domínio da frequência e taxa de repetição do estímulo a 93 Hz. Todos os neonatos foram submetidos ao Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico como padrão ouro, para garantir os resultados encontrados. Durante a realização da triagem, os neonatos foram classificados de acordo com a Escala Neonatal de Avaliação Comportamental, conhecida como Escala de Brazelton, como variável para análise do tempo de exame. Resultados : Dois dos 200 neonatos triados falharam no Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico Automático e no Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico Diagnóstico e 198 passaram nos dois exames realizados. A sensibilidade encontrada foi de 100% e a especificidade, de 100%. O tempo médio de exame foi de 32,9 segundos. Os neonatos foram dividido em três grupos, de acordo com o estado de consciência, segundo a Escala de Brazelton. O Grupo 1 apresentou média de exame de 18,94 segundos, o Grupo 2, de 33,43 segundos e o Grupo 3, de 49,24 segundos. Conclusão : O Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico Automático com diferentes tecnologias apresenta alta sensibilidade e especificidade, com tempo consideravelmente curto para a determinação da presença ou ausência de resposta e o estado de consciência do neonato influencia no tempo de detecção da resposta auditiva.
Caracterização das inovações do telejornalismo e a expressividade dos apresentadores
Authors: Silva Eliane Caires da , Penteado Regina Zanella
Published: April 2014

Objetivo : Caracterizar as inovações nos telejornais brasileiros e analisar os impactos na expressividade dos apresentadores, com ênfase nos recursos não verbais. Métodos : O corpus da pesquisa foi constituído por cinco telejornais nacionais brasileiros: Primeiro Jornal (Rede Bandeirantes), Bom Dia Brasil (Rede Globo), Jornal da EPTV (Rede Globo), GloboNews, Edição das 18h (Globo News), Leitura Dinâmica (Rede TV). Os telejornais foram gravados durante cinco semanas, entre os meses de outubro e novembro de 2011. Foi realizada decupagem e edição do material e as cenas selecionadas foram congeladas e transformadas em imagens (formato .jpg ). A análise foi feita pela pesquisadora e por uma fonoaudióloga com experiência e especialização em voz e buscou identificar aspectos das condições de trabalho (cenários, mobiliário, materiais, recursos e/ou equipamentos) e da expressividade dos apresentadores (postura, deslocamentos e comportamento não verbal: expressões corporais, faciais e gestos). Resultados : Foram observados, no contexto das condições de trabalho: cenários com ambientes integrados; ausência da bancada e mobiliário diversificado; novos recursos, tecnologias e equipamentos, como monitores, telas e telões interativos, cenários virtuais, controle remoto de teleprompter pelo apresentador , notebooks, tablets e serviço de acesso à internet. Observou-se uma nova dinâmica de apresentação do telejornal, envolvendo processos interativos diretos, mediados e/ou virtuais. Tais situações, não previstas no modelo tradicional de telejornal, nem na literatura fonoaudiológica em jornalismo, levam o apresentador a realizar diferentes formas de acomodação, posturas, posições, movimentos e deslocamentos, simultaneamente ao emprego dos recursos verbais, vocais e não verbais. Nessa nova dinâmica, o corpo inteiro do jornalista/apresentador mantém-se sob demanda expressiva. Conclusão : Os elementos inovadores no âmbito do telejornalismo interferem na expressividade e precisam ser considerados pela Fonoaudiologia.
Influência da escuta contextualizada na percepção da intensidade do desvio vocal
Authors: Costa Flávia Pereira da , Yamasaki Rosiane , Behlau Mara
Published: April 2014

Objetivo : Verificar se a escuta clínica contextualizada influencia a avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da intensidade do desvio vocal. Métodos : Foram selecionados 22 registros vocais de 12 mulheres e dez homens, faixa etária de 25 a 75 anos, pré e pós fonoterapia. A amostra vocal foi analisada por duas fonoaudiólogas especialistas em voz. A avaliadora 1 era a terapeuta dos pacientes e realizou a escuta clínica contextualizada e a avaliadora 2 não conhecia nenhum dos pacientes e realizou a escuta do sinal sonoro. O material de fala foi a emissão da vogal sustentada “é” e a contagem de números de um a dez. A estratégia utilizada foi a de marcar o grau geral de desvio vocal em uma escala analógica visual de 100 mm. Resultados: Na vogal sustentada, no momento pré-fonoterapia, a avaliadora 1 produziu a média de 53,8 pontos (faixa de 17 a 100), enquanto a avaliadora 2 produziu a média de 62,8 (faixa de 32 a 100). No momento pós fonoterapia, a média da avaliadora 1 foi de 22,8 pontos (faixa de 7 a 47) e a da avaliadora 2 foi de 51,9 pontos (faixa de 28 a 92), para vogal sustentada. Para a fala encadeada, o momento pós fonoterapia foi o único que se encontrou diferença, sendo que a avaliadora 1 teve média de 18,41 pontos (faixa de 5 a 55) e a avaliadora 2, média de 43,55 pontos (faixa de 18 a 80). Conclusão : A vogal sustentada sofreu mais influência do conhecimento de dados demográficos e de diagnóstico vocal do que a fala encadeada.
Associação entre distúrbio de voz e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular autorreferidos por professores
Authors: Machado Ilza Maria , Bianchini Esther Mandelbaum Gonçalves , Boas Denise Cintra Villas , Giannini Susana Pimentel Pinto , Ferreira Léslie Piccolotto
Published: April 2014

Objetivo : Verificar a relação entre distúrbio de voz e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular em professores do ensino fundamental. Métodos : Participaram deste estudo 138 professores, 96 do gênero feminino e 42 do gênero masculino, com média de idade de 38 anos. Os professores responderam questionário, com cinco questões de autorreferência à presença de alteração de voz no presente e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular. Os dados foram analisados por meio de teste de associação (Qui-quadrado) para verificar associação entre distúrbio de voz e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular, além da relação de cada um deles quanto a gênero e idade. Resultados : Os sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular relatados pelos professores foram: dor de cabeça ou na face, dor ao final do dia e dor ao falar muito. Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa para os sintomas de dor ao falar muito, dor ao final do dia e estalido na articulação temporomandibular, em professores sem distúrbio de voz. Houve diferença significativa para o gênero feminino, quanto a distúrbio de voz. Constatou-se maior número de autorreferência à disfunção temporomandibular, quando comparado ao distúrbio de voz, com diferença significativa para o gênero feminino. Conclusão : Os achados apontam associação estatística entre distúrbio de voz e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular, em professores. Destaca-se a importância de outras pesquisas com avaliação clínica integrada, para aprofundar dados referentes a sintomas vocais e DTM, em relação à idade.
Verificação da eficácia do uso de tubos de ressônancia na terapia vocal com indivíduos idosos
Authors: Santos Sabrina Braga dos , Rodrigues Stéfani Ribeiro , Gadenz Camila Dalbosco , Anhaia Tanise Cristaldo , Spagnol Priscila Esteves , Cassol Mauriceia
Published: April 2014

Objetivo : Verificar a eficácia do uso da técnica “Tubos de Ressonância – Método Finlandês” em um grupo de indivíduos idosos com queixas de alterações vocais e respiratórias. Métodos : A amostra foi composta por residentes de uma instituição de longa permanência para idosos (ILPI), divididos igualmente entre Grupo de Pesquisa (G1) e Grupo de Controle (G2). Foram incluídos na pesquisa 42 idosos, dos quais 30 do gênero feminino, na faixa etária de 62 anos a 93 anos de idade. Foi aplicado um inventário sociodemográfico seguido da espirometria e da gravação das vozes, antes e depois da intervenção. O G1 participou de seis sessões com a técnica “tubos de ressonância” e o G2 participou de seis oficinas de saúde vocal. As vozes gravadas foram analisadas segundo critérios da escala GRBASI. Resultados : O grupo G1 obteve melhora significativa, enquanto o grupo G2 não obteve mudança vocal significativa. A espirometria obteve melhora no G1 e piora no G2. Conclusão : A técnica finlandesa de tubos de ressonância apresentou eficácia na terapia com indivíduos idosos com sintomas de presbifonia, auxiliando na melhora da qualidade vocal e da capacidade vital.
Verificação dos efeitos da Levodopa na deglutição de pacientes com doença de Parkinson
Authors: Monteiro Douglas , Coriolano Maria das Graças Wanderley de Sales , Belo Luciana Rodrigues , Cabral Etenildo Dantas , Asano Amdore Guescel , Lins Otávio Gomes
Published: April 2014

Objetivo : Avaliar os efeitos da Levodopa na deglutição de pacientes com Doença de Parkinson (DP). Métodos : O estudo foi realizado no Programa Pró-Parkinson do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Foram estudados 20 pacientes com DP idiopática e 12 sujeitos normais (grupo controle). A eletromiografia de superfície (EMGs) foi registrada sobre a musculatura supra-hióidea, durante a deglutição de 3 ml e 10 ml de água e iogurte. Cada volume foi repetido cinco vezes. Esse protocolo foi realizado no grupo com DP antes e após a medicação, período off e on, e no grupo controle, uma única vez. Resultados : A amplitude das EMGs foi significativamente maior nos sujeitos do grupo controle do que nos pacientes com DP (off), na deglutição de cada volume de água. A duração das EMGs foi significativamente maior na deglutição de 3 ml de água e iogurte em pacientes com DP (off). Durante a fase on, diferenças significativas não foram notadas. Conclusão : A administração de Levodopa em pacientes com DP parece influenciar a amplitude e duração da EMGs dos músculos supra-hióideos, aproximando as variáveis aos valores de normalidade.
Postchemotherapy Surgery for Germ Cell Tumors—What Have We Learned in 35 Years?
Authors: Riggs Stephen B. , Burgess Earl F. , Gaston Kris E. , Merwarth Caroline A. , Raghavan Derek
Published: April 2014

Postchemotherapy surgery for advanced testicular cancer has evolved over the last couple of decades. Patients with nonseminomatous germ cell tumors and residual retroperitoneal mass ≥1 cm should undergo postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND). For seminoma, RPLND is considered in those patients with masses ≥3 cm that are also positron emission tomography positive. Masses that occur outside of the retroperitoneum should be completely resected with the possible exception of bilateral lung masses when resection of the first mass shows necrosis. The role of surgery in patients with extragonadal germ cell tumors is most vital in those with primary mediastinal nonseminomatous germ cell tumors. Importantly, patient selection, surgical planning, and consideration of referral to centers with this expertise are important to optimize success.
Bridging in the Second World War: an imperative to victory
Authors: Begbie Denys , Roberts Gwilym
Published: April 2014

Bridging was but one of the myriad engineering activities that helped the Allies achieve victory in the Second World War. After a brief summary of some of the vital roles played by engineers during the war, a description of the Bailey bridge is followed by accounts of the launch and construction of assault and other bridges by the Royal Engineers, including reference to the technical and tactical decisions that had to be made by front-line engineering officers. Specific ‘dry’, pontoon and suspension bridges constructed in Italy, north-west Europe and south-east Asia are described, as are the ‘whale’ bridges that formed part of the Mulberry harbours. Various devices designed to reduce the battle casualties that so often occurred are outlined. The conclusion highlights the relevance of wartime bridging achievements for today's engineers.
Shear tests on deep-ocean clay crust from the Gulf of Guinea
Authors: KUO M. , BOLTON M.
Published: April 2014

Natural cores from the crust that is found over deep-ocean sediments off the west coast of Africa have been tested in direct shear following one-dimensional consolidation under normal stresses relevant to pipelines. Shearing tests were conducted at different speeds of 0·5, 0·05, 0·005 and 0·0005 mm/s, both within the soil and against interfaces of different roughness. The behaviour in these tests is observed to be strongly influenced by the structure of the natural soil, which contains abundant faecal pellets. The data of shear tests, especially when conducted at faster speeds, display significant randomness, which is attributed to the random location of pellets and their associated macro-voids. Nevertheless, certain trends are evident. Two key observations are made. The first is that the interface friction factor when shearing against a smooth interface can be greater than that of a rough interface. The second is that the rate of shearing has a strong influence on the residual interface-friction value when shearing against a rough interface. When shearing at 0·5 mm/s, the apparent friction factor on a rough interface was observed to drop to zero, whereas the apparent friction factor of a smooth interface tended to be larger. This is attributed to excess pore pressures created by damage to the natural structure of the soil. Slow shearing at 0·005 mm/s produced higher apparent friction factors in the range 0·15–0·30, although excess pore pressures may still be present. It is concluded that the testing of natural cores is essential for a complete understanding of the behaviour of hot-oil pipelines that are subject to pipe walking and buckling. If designers rely instead on tests that have been conducted on reconstituted soils, pipelines may misbehave.
New theoretical model for SSTT-confined HSC columns
Authors: Ma Chau Khun , Awang Abdullah Zawawi , Omar Wahid
Published: April 2014

The concrete-confining method using low-cost steel straps, also known as the steel-strapping tensioning technique (SSTT), has proven to be effective in increasing the load-carrying capacity and ductility of high-strength concrete (HSC). However, the technique is restricted to short columns subjected to concentric loads as most of the studies on the SSTT have focused on concentrically loaded short HSC specimens. The performance of the SSTT in confining eccentrically loaded slender HSC columns is not fully understood due to a scarcity of experimental and theoretical data. Against this background, a theoretical model for analysing slender SSTT-confined cylindrical HSC columns is developed based on a numerical integration method. A previously proposed stress–strain empirical model is employed to develop the theoretical model. The model is used to generate the load–deflection curves and axial load–moment interaction diagrams of SSTT-confined HSC columns. Based on comparisons with existing experimental results, the proposed theoretical model accurately captured the behaviour of SSTT-confined HSC columns. It is also concluded that the previously proposed stress–strain empirical model is reasonably accurate for SSTT-confined HSC columns of both circular and rectangular cross-section.
Differences Between Patient and Provider Perceptions of Informed Decision Making About Epidural Analgesia Use During Childbirth
Authors: Goldberg Holly Bianca , Shorten Allison
Published: April 2014

The objective of this study was to determine whether differences exist between patient and provider perceptions regarding the decision-making process around use of epidural analgesia during childbirth. The dyadic patient–provider Decisional Conflict Scale was modified to measure first-time mother (n = 35) and maternity care provider (n = 52) perceptions. Providers perceived a greater degree of informed decision making than patients (84.97 vs. 79.41, p = .04) and were more likely to recall they upheld patients’ rights to make informed choices than patients were to perceive their rights had been upheld (85.95 vs. 71.73, p < .01). This incongruity highlights the need to align legal principles with practice to create mutual agreement between stakeholder perceptions of informed decision making.
Assessment of suspended sediment concentration and load from a large Himalayan glacier
Authors: Arora Manohar , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Naresh , Malhotra Jatin
Published: April 2014

An assessment of suspended sediment concentration (SSC), load, yield and erosion rate has been undertaken for the Gangotri Glacier drainage basin (nearly 50% glaciated) located in the Garhwal Himalayas. Data were collected for four ablation seasons (2008–2011). Mean monthly SSCs, for May, June, July, August and September during the study period was 1,011, 1,384, 1,916, 1,675 and 567 ppm, respectively, indicating highest SSC in July, followed by August. For the entire melt season, the mean daily SSC was computed to be 1,320 ppm. Similar trends were also found for the sediment load and about 67% of the total suspended sediment load of the melt period was transported during the months of July and August. Sediment yield for the study basin was computed to be about 2,863 tonnes km–2yr–1. For the entire ablation period, the erosion from the Gangotri Glacier basin is estimated to be about 1.0 mm. There was a poor relationship between SSC and discharge and hysteresis effect was prominent in the melt stream. The average percentages of clay, silt and sand were found to be 3, 67 and 30%, respectively, which suggest maximum content of silt followed by sand.
Finite volume method solution of pollutant transport in catchment sheet flow
Authors: Tayfur Gokmen , He Zhiguo , Ran Qihua
Published: April 2014

A finite volume numerical method was employed in the solution of two-dimensional pollutant transport in catchment sheet flow. The full dynamic wave constituted the sheet flow while the advection–diffusion equation with sink/source terms was the pollutant transport model. It is assumed that the solute in the surface active layer is uniformly distributed and the exchange rate of the solute between the active layer and overland flow are proportional to the difference between the concentrations in soil and water volume. Decrease of the solute transfer rate in the active surface layer caused by the transfer of solutes from soil to the overlying runoff is assumed to follow an exponential law. The equations governing sheet flow and pollutant transport are discretized using the finite volume method in space and an implicit backward difference scheme in time. The model was subjected to several numerical tests involving varying microtopographic surface, roughness, and infiltration. The results revealed that spatially varying microtopography plays an important role unlike the roughness and infiltration with respect to the total pollutant rate from the outlet of a catchment.
Spatial prediction of the runoff coefficient in Southern Peninsular Italy for the index flood estimation
Authors: Del Giudice G. , Padulano R. , Rasulo G.
Published: April 2014

The runoff coefficient φ is a crucial parameter for the estimation of the mean value of annual maximum flood peak discharges in ungauged watersheds, where no direct measures are available. If the rational method is applied as a rainfall–runoff transformation model, the runoff coefficient accounts for all the hydrological losses, and it can be conceptually defined as the fraction of the total rainfall contributing to the flood peak response. In the present paper, focusing on Southern Peninsular Italy, a regression model is proposed to improve the prediction of the above defined runoff coefficient as a function of several parameters describing both morphological and mean annual climatic watershed characteristics. Morphological features are described by using the Soil Conservation Service permeability classification and the related variable S, referred to an average antecedent moisture condition. Different climatic indices enable a subsequent enhancement of S in order to account for the specific mean annual moisture condition of each watershed.
Environmental cost–benefit analysis of decentralised wastewater treatment and re-use: a case study of rural Jordan
Authors: Lienhoop Nele , Al-Karablieh Emad K. , Salman Amer Z. , Cardona Jaime A.
Published: April 2014

Decentralised wastewater treatment systems offer an opportunity to introduce wastewater treatment and generate irrigation water in places that are not connected to centralised treatment plants. The advantages of decentralised technologies include their capability to provide wastewater treatment infrastructure in remote and hilly rural communities and their flexible adaptation to fast-growing semi-urban settlements. In this study we investigate the costs and benefits of introducing decentralised wastewater treatment and re-use to two locations in Jordan. The cost–benefit analysis (CBA) used here differs from traditional CBA in that it includes non-market benefits for which monetary values are not readily available, in addition to market benefits. We elaborate on three valuation methods to monetise benefits associated with the environment, health and irrigation in agriculture. Our findings suggest that it is principally worthwhile to establish decentralised treatment technologies in remote areas.
A critical assessment of groundwater governance in Tunisia
Authors: Frija Aymen , Chebil Ali , Speelman Stijn , Faysse Nicolas
Published: April 2014

More than 40% of irrigation water currently used in Tunisia is provided by groundwater aquifers, most of which are in a critical state of depletion due to its overexploitation during the last three decades. This paper provides a critical assessment of groundwater management in Tunisia based on interviews with key officials from central and regional administrations, in addition to farmers' questionnaires regarding attitudes and perceptions about different groundwater management instruments. Even though there is a consistent official groundwater management strategy in Tunisia, its enforcement is still problematic. Many regulatory and incentive instruments were adopted to manage groundwater but their effect was limited, partly due to the weak implementation capacities of the regional and local water administrations. Moreover, most farmers are not aware about the critical situation of this common pool resource and self-regulation initiatives are almost absent. From this assessment, we mainly conclude that the remaining activities for enhancing groundwater governance in Tunisia needs to rely on two main axes. The first is related to the improvement of administrative performances, particularly those for horizontal coordination of groundwater. The second is about investing in enhancing social capital supporting institutional changes; which is particularly necessary for the promotion of self-regulation initiatives.
Insuring water: a practical risk management option in water-scarce and drought-prone regions?
Authors: Pérez Blanco Carlos Dionisio , Gómez Carlos Mario
Published: April 2014

Recurrent water deficits in various arid and semi-arid Mediterranean basins are largely covered by illegal groundwater abstractions uncontrolled by the water authorities. Aquifers thus play the role of buffer stocks and are used by farmers as a reliable, although informal, insurance system. This has led to continuous groundwater depletion and increased scarcity and drought risk over the last few decades. An effective solution to this problem requires the replacement of this spontaneous, informal and uncoordinated insurance scheme with a formal and planned system that can be coordinated with the objective of reducing overexploitation. In this paper we develop a methodology to estimate the fair risk premium and the potential water savings associated with drought insurance for irrigated agriculture. This method is illustrated with its application to the Campo de Cartagena Agricultural District in the Segura River Basin (Spain). Results show that although the potential for illegal abstractions is high (9.5 hm3/year), the cost of the insurance system is ten times lower than the amount that risk-averse farmers are willing to pay for water security. This information may serve as the starting point for the design of a drought insurance system able to cope with other relevant institutional challenges.
Impact of European Water Framework Directive Article 7 on Drinking Water Directive compliance for pesticides: challenges of a prevention-led approach
Authors: Dolan T. , Howsam P. , Parsons D. J. , Whelan M. J.
Published: April 2014

Article 7 of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) promotes a prevention-led approach to European Drinking Water Directive (DWD) compliance for those parameters that derive from anthropogenic influences on raw water quality. However, the efficacy of pollution prevention interventions is currently uncertain and likely to be variable, which makes absolute compliance with the drinking water standard a significant challenge. Member State governments, the WFD competent authority, the DWD competent authority, water suppliers and agriculture are all affected by and have a different perspective on the nature of this challenge. This paper presents a discussion of these perspectives applicable to stakeholders in all European Member States; the analysis is supported with examples from England and Wales. Improved understanding of the challenges faced by each group is needed if these groups are to achieve the shared goals of WFD Article 7 compliance and DWD compliance without a disproportionately negative impact on agricultural productivity. In addition, the European Commission needs to be aware of and address a potential incompatibility between WFD Article 7 and the DWD. With this in mind, targeted recommendations for action are presented for each stakeholder group.
Historical analysis of rationalizing South West coastal polders of Bangladesh
Authors: Nowreen Sara , Jalal Mohammad Rashed , Shah Alam Khan M.
Published: April 2014

After more than a decade of meeting the designated objective of increasing productivity in agriculture, the South West coastal polders of Bangladesh have ended up as different man-made disasters. The failure of the polders to deliver the intended outcome is basically attributed to the lack of understanding of their hydro-morphological characteristics, inadequacy in their operation and maintenance, and failure to take into account their social relationship and culture roles. Changes in socioeconomic settings have also forced changes in the designated functions of the polders, but now the emerging context of climate change has become a major issue in rationalizing the coastal polders. In this context, this study is an attempt to review the historical and ongoing process of rationalization of the South West coastal polders, revealing that it is essential to take an integrated view of the hydrologic cycle and the interactions of human interventions. Finally, this paper recommends that an extended cost–benefit analysis with a multi-objective focus or a multi-criteria analysis, if monetizing is not possible, should be an option in rationalizing this multi-functional infrastructure. Proper macro-planning would require development of an institution capable of dealing with a task which is multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary in nature.
Membrane fouling and performance evaluation of conventional membrane bioreactor (MBR), moving biofilm MBR and oxic/anoxic MBR
Authors: Khan Sher Jamal , Ahmad Aman , Nawaz Muhammad Saqib , Hankins Nicholas P.
Published: April 2014

In this study, three laboratory scale submerged membrane bioreactors (MBRs) comprising a conventional MBR (C-MBR), moving bed MBR (MB-MBR) and anoxic-oxic MBR (A/O-MBR) were continuously operated with synthesized domestic wastewater (chemical oxygen demand, COD = 500 mg/L) for 150 days under similar operational and environmental conditions. Kaldnes® plastic media with 20% dry volume was used as a biofilm carrier in the MB-MBR and A/O-MBR. The treatment performance and fouling propensity of the MBRs were evaluated. The effect of cake layer formation in all three MBRs was almost the same. However, pore blocking caused a major difference in the resultant water flux. The A/O-MBR showed the highest total nitrogen and phosphorus (PO4-P) removal efficiencies of 83.2 and 69.7%, respectively. Due to the high removal of nitrogen, fewer protein contents were found in the soluble and bound extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of the A/O-MBR. Fouling trends of the MBRs showed 12, 14 and 20 days filtration cycles for C-MBR, MB-MBR and A/O-MBR, respectively. A 25% reduction of the soluble EPS and a 37% reduction of the bound EPS concentrations in A/O-MBR compared with C-MBR was a major contributing factor for fouling retardation and the enhanced filtration capacity of the A/O-MBR.
Performance of a pilot-scale constructed wetland for stormwater runoff and domestic sewage treatment on the banks of a polluted urban river
Authors: Guo Weijie , Li Zhu , Cheng Shuiping , Liang Wei , He Feng , Wu Zhenbin
Published: April 2014

To examine the performance of a constructed wetland system on stormwater runoff and domestic sewage (SRS) treatment in central east China, two parallel pilot-scale integrated constructed wetland (ICW) systems were operated for one year. Each ICW consisted of a down-flow bed, an up-flow bed and a horizontal subsurface flow bed. The average removal rates of chemical oxygen demand (CODCr), total suspended solids (TSS), ammonia (NH4+-N), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were 63.6, 91.9, 38.7, 43.0 and 70.0%, respectively, and the corresponding amounts of pollutant retention were approximately 368.3, 284.9, 23.2, 44.6 and 5.9 g m−2 yr−1, respectively. High hydraulic loading rate (HLR) of 200 mm/d and low water temperatures (<15 °C) resulted in significant decrease in removals for TP and NH4+-N, but had no significant effects on removals of COD and TSS. These results indicated that the operation of this ICW at higher HLR (200 mm/d) might be effective and feasible for TSS and COD removal, but for acceptable removal efficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus it should be operated at lower HLR (100 mm/d). This kind of ICW could be employed as an effective technique for SRS treatment.