bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network communication technology in housing and utilities sector
Authors: Минаев Владимир , Minaev Vladimir , Биргер Евгений , Birger Evgeniy
Published: June 2014

An effective and financially sound management of the housing and utilities sector requires that a relevant professionally trained “small groups of continuous communication” be created among the population. These groups would be capable of exercising self-organized and self-modified control over the housing the utilities sector. Through interaction, the participants of the “4C HUS” network could generate and refine the criteria for assessing the performance of facility management companies, which would contribute to the transparency policy in the sector, as well as the sector’s attractiveness for potential investors.
Methodological approach to the cosmic products and services classification
Authors: Заичко Валерий , Zaichko Valeriy , Жиганов Александр , Zhiganov Aleksandr , Максимов Александр , Maksimov Aleksandr
Published: June 2014

The methodical approach is offered to categorizations of the cosmic products and services for using in practical person of the modernizations of the branches of the economy to Russia and estimations to applicability to product organization Roskosmosa, as well as enterprise of the service of the different property categories.
Consulting services: Improving the performance of computer-integrated manufacturing
Authors: Новожонов Сергей , Novozhonov Sergey
Published: June 2014

The author proposes a consulting conception aimed at improving the performance of technology intensive computer-integrated automated lines, considers a management-related model for operating expenses reduction, a model of critical types of expenditure, a methodology for operating expenses reduction, and identifies the principal risks the project involves.
Social aspects of Caesarian section
Authors: Пономарева Юлия , Ponomareva Yuliya
Published: June 2014

Any kind of surgery involves risk. Caesarian section is a surgical operation conducted on the abdominal and pelvic zones. Occasionally, a Caesarian section is performed on maternal request, which brings on complications and makes readmission necessary. More frequently, a Caesarian section is recommended when natural delivery might pose a risk to the mother or baby. In these cases, surgery is deemed as the only safe approach to take. However, the choice is not always clear or mandatory, and both the mother and the doctor must consider the advantages and disadvantages of a Caesarian section. In a number of countries, the Caesarian section rate is 33,3% of all births, despite the dissent and warnings voiced by professional obstetrics societies and most top gynecologists.
Ovarian cancer: risk factors, treatment and management
Authors: Rooth Carolyn
Published: June 2014

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer affecting women in the UK today, with associated statistics illustrating a steadily increasing rate, particularly in women aged 65 and over ( Cancer Research UK, 2013 ). There are no recognised preventative measures and no effective screening tool. Although evidence suggests that the majority of women experience a variety of non-specific symptoms in the year before diagnosis, the disease it is not commonly recognised until an advanced stage, leading to increased mortality and morbidity. This highlights the need to raise awareness among health professionals and women as a whole, as early recognition undoubtedly improves ovarian cancer survival.

Best clinical practice in the UK for the recognition and initial management of ovarian cancer is provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline CG 122 ( NICE, 2011 ) and quality standard QS 18 ( NICE, 2012 ) use relevant clinical evidence to define high-quality care standards for ovarian cancer management. Accurate staging of ovarian cancer is essential to the provision of individualised care and management. However, there is currently no single test that provides a reliable indicator of ovarian malignancy. At present, risk-of-malignancy scores are calculated by serum cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) levels, ultrasound score and menopausal status. These are widely used to identify women who are at high risk and require referral to a specialised gynaecological oncology service.

Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer require information and support. The clinical nurse specialist acts as a key worker, providing communication, support and holistic care throughout a woman's cancer journey. The value of this role cannot be underestimated. Surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy is the usual standard treatment pathway, although individualised assessment and management may deviate from it. Early disease may be successfully treated with surgery alone; advanced disease may require complex management and treatment. New treatments such as bevacizumab show promise of improving ovarian cancer outcomes.
Exploring the urban hydrosocial cycle in tourist environments
Authors: Ridolfi Elena
Published: June 2014

This contribution attempts to examine first how different theoretical and methodological perspectives from Geography and environmental sciences explore water flows and their physical and social dimensions in the city, as well as their changes in response to the emerging urban complexities and challenges. Using in particular the framework provided by Urban Political Ecology, I look at how the physical and social dimensions of water flows unfold and influence the urbanization process and, in turn, are influenced by urbanization. In the second part, attention is paid to urban coastal areas of the Mediterranean as candidate laboratories of analysis under urban political ecology since they are subject to rapid processes of social environmental change in which water plays a fundamental part. Case studies included to examine physical and social dimensions of water flows include heritage towns (Venice) and mass tourism resorts (Benidorm).
Local regulations on alternative water sources: greywater and rainwater use in the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona
Authors: Domènech Laia , Vallès Maria
Published: June 2014

Alternative water resources are gaining momentum in Catalonia (north-east Spain) in an effort to promote water conservation and build resilience against drought episodes. Since 2002 more than 50 municipalities (summing up more than 1.3 million people) have approved a water saving ordinance that involves the installation of rainwater harvesting and/or greywater reuse systems in new buildings. These new technologies trigger important transformations in the existing water cycle including institutional and social changes related with water decentralization. Drawing on interviews with local environmental managers and survey data from rainwater harvesters and greywater users, this paper analyses the social and technical learning generated during the implementation of the regulations and the main impediments and barriers that need to be overcome to control health risks and promote social acceptance of these alternative water sources.
La gestión del regadío catalán: entre eficiencia, compatibilidad de usos y legitimidad social
Authors: Ricart Casadevall Sandra , Pavón David
Published: June 2014

En los años precedentes, el regadío y su gestión han devenido protagonistas de un debate social que cuestiona los límites económicos, ambientales y territoriales de su práctica en espacio y tiempo. Las construcciones hidráulicas como los canales de regadío han ocupado un papel central en el intento de “dominar” el recurso agua y controlar así el territorio. Sin embargo y, con el paso del tiempo, tanto la modernización de regadíos tradicionales como la promoción de nuevos regadíos han sido progresivamente cuestionadas ante el auge de las demandas ambientales y la promoción de la gobernanza como mecanismo favorecedor de acuerdos entre partes interesadas. En Cataluña, la gestión del regadío debe hacer frente tanto a los requisitos de eficiencia como a la compatibilidad entre usos consuntivos y no consuntivos así como a la legitimación social de proyectos que sobrepasan el interés sectorial. El análisis de la realidad asociada a los regadíos históricos del Bajo Ter y de la Muga así como del proyecto en ejecución del canal Segarra-Garrigues enfatiza en la necesidad de promover un modelo de gestión territorial del regadío capaz de integrar y legitimar distintos puntos de vista en competencia.
La cartografía de las Memorias Generales de Repoblación de 1878: bosquejos y croquis dasográficos y agronómicos
Authors: Guerra Velasco Juan Carlos
Published: June 2014

Las Memorias Generales de Repoblación surgen con las disposiciones que desarrollan la Ley de 11 de julio de 1877 sobre repoblación, fomento y mejora de los montes públicos. Elaboradas por el personal de los distritos forestales, se envían al Ministerio de Fomento entre 1878 y 1884. Además de contener los objetivos y las actuaciones repobladoras propuestas por cada distrito, también reflejan, desde el punto de vista de los ingenieros del ramo, la situación de los montes españoles e incluyen en ocasiones, dentro de esta lógica descriptiva, una cartografía básica de contenido forestal, agronómico y geológico. Ésta es conocida en unos pocos casos a través de los originales publicados a mayor escala; pero en otros no se tenía constancia de su existencia más que por referencias documentales. Unos y otros ejemplos se enmarcan dentro del esfuerzo cartográfico español que caracteriza la segunda mitad del siglo XIX.
Análisis de la percepción de los riesgos naturales en la Universidad de Alicante
Authors: Ramos Ribeiro Rodrigo Rudge , Olcina Cantos Jorge , Molina Palacios Sergio
Published: June 2014

Los estudios sobre percepción de riesgos intentan analizar las relaciones afectivas y éticas que una comunidad establece con el ambiente en que vive. Las percepciones ambientales son entendidas como la forma en que cada persona aprecia y valora su entorno. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la percepción de riesgos naturales en los miembros de la comunidad académica de la Universidad de Alicante. Para evaluar la percepción se aplicaron encuestas. Han sido contestadas 80 encuestas, todas por medio electrónico. Los resultados indican que la percepción de las principales amenazas por fenómenos naturales son: las inundaciones, las sequías y los incendios forestales. Se concluye resaltando la importancia de trabajos que aporten información sobre la percepción ambiental, con el fin de hacer más eficiente la aplicación de políticas ambientales.
Critical issues in nursing education in Croatia
Authors: Kalauz Sonja
Published: June 2014

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Anonymous: the problems, dilemmas and desires of Slovenian adolescents in online counselling
Authors: Lekić Ksenija , Konec Juričič Nuša , Tratnjek Petra , Cugmas Marjan , Kukovič Darja , Jereb Borut
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Online counselling represents a new medium for finding health information. The aim of the research is to determine the importance of analysis of adolescents' issues in order to understand their problems, needs and desires. Methods: In 2012 the system for the classification of questions by the type of problem was introduced. In relation to the contents the questions were first sorted to the parent category then followed by the categorization according to the subject matter. The calculation comprised the portions, averages and quartiles, and in some cases even Cramer's V coefficients. The analysis covered the entire defined population (3,257 coded questions). Results: Most of the users are girls (76 %), the most representative group encompasses adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years (57 %). Most questions were grouped into the categories Sexuality and sexual health (24 %), Relationships (23 %) and Body (20 %). The length of posts increases with the age of the user (Cr's V = 0.18), but differs by the gender (a higher proportion of longer questions (Cr's V = 0.15) were posted by girls) and the themes (Cr's V = 0.31). Discussion and conclusion: The categorizing of questions is suitable for the identification and analysis of adolescents' problems, needs and desires. Regular categorisation of questions with analysis will serve as a useful research tool for youth work.
Vpliv prehranskih terapij na preprečevanje presnovnega sindroma
Authors: Viler Domen , Jakus Tadeja , Viler Klavdija , Poklar Vatovec Tamara
Published: June 2014

Uvod: Namen raziskave je z uporabo pregleda literature predstaviti in analizirati rezultate raziskav, ki so proučevale vpliv prehranskih terapij na preprečevanje presnovnega sindroma.

Metode: Za pregled literature in analizo so bile uporabljene primerjalne, presečne in longitudinalne raziskave, ki so bile objavljene od leta 2002 do 2012 v elektronskih bazah podatkov Medline in CINAHL. Skupno število zadetkov je bilo 166, v nadaljnjo analizo pa je bilo vključenih pet raziskav. Kriterij pri izboru raziskav je bil, da raziskave vključujejo podatke za vseh pet rizičnih dejavnikov presnovnega sindroma in prehransko terapijo.

Rezultati: V raziskavah, ki so vključevale različne prehranske terapije, so največji poudarek na spremembo življenjskega sloga podale: zdrava uravnotežena prehrana, mediteranska prehrana, mediteranska prehrana z nižjim vnosom ogljikovih hidratov, konvencionalna prehrana za diabetike in lakto-vegetarijanska prehrana. Dieta z nizkim vnosom ogljikovih hidratov, nizkokalorična dieta in dieta z visoko vsebnostjo ogljikovih hidratov in manjšim energijskim vnosom so bile bolj osredotočene na prehransko terapijo in niso podale ustreznih smernic za spremembo življenjskega sloga. Izbranih pet raziskav kaže statistično pomemben vpliv prehranskih terapij na znižanje telesne mase (p < 0,001).

Diskusija in zaključek: Do sedaj so izvedene raziskave obravnavale le posamezen dejavnik presnovnega sindroma na zdravje in niso raziskovale vpliva vseh petih dejavnikov v kombinaciji s prehransko terapijo.
Graph Based and Multifractal Analysis of Financial Time Series Model by Continuum Percolation
Authors: Xiao Di , Wang Jun
Published: June 2014

Applying multifractal centered moving average and two graph based analysis, we investigate and compare statistical behaviors of return time series of some Chinese market data and a financial model developed by the continuum percolation system. The local interaction or influence among traders in the actual market is constructed by the continuum percolation, and a cluster of continuum percolation is applied to define the cluster of traders sharing the same opinion about the market. The empirical research shows that the simulation data of the model exhibits fractal and multifractal features. Further, we find that the degree distribution of visibility graph for the simulation series has power-law tails, and the corresponding mean path length growth shows the “small-world” effect. All these features are in agreement with real market data.
Quasi-actions and generalised Cayley–Abels graphs of locally compact groups
Authors: Salmi Pekka
Published: June 2014

We define the notion of generalised Cayley–Abels graph for
compactly generated locally compact groups in terms
of quasi-actions. This extends the notion of Cayley–Abels graph
of a compactly generated totally disconnected locally compact
group, studied in particular by Krön and Möller
under the name of rough Cayley graph (and relative Cayley graph).
We construct a generalised Cayley–Abels graph for
any compactly generated locally compact group using quasi-lattices
and show uniqueness up to quasi-isometry. A class of examples is given
by the Cayley graphs of cocompact lattices in compactly generated
groups. As an application, we show that a compactly generated group
has polynomial growth if and only if its generalised Cayley–Abels graph
has polynomial growth (same for intermediate and exponential
growth). Moreover, a unimodular compactly generated group
is amenable if and only if its generalised Cayley–Abels graph
is amenable as a metric space.
Favorable long-term outcomes of bilateral adrenalectomy in Cushing's disease
Authors: Oßwald Andrea , Plomer Eva , Dimopoulou Christina , Milian Monika , Blaser Rainer , Ritzel Katrin , Mickisch Anne , Knerr Ferengis , Stanojevic Milan , Hallfeldt Klaus , Schopohl Jochen , Kuhn Klaus A , Stalla Günter , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin
Published: June 2014

Objective

Bilateral adrenalectomy (BADX) is an important treatment option for patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS). Our aim is to analyze the long-term outcomes, surgical, biochemical, and clinical as well as morbidity and mortality, of patients who underwent BADX.

Design

A total of 50 patients who underwent BADX since 1990 in two German centers were identified. Of them, 34 patients had Cushing's disease (CD), nine ectopic CS (ECS), and seven ACTH-independent bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH).

Methods

Standardized follow-up examination was performed in 36 patients with a minimum follow-up time of 6 months after BADX and a median follow-up time of 11 years.

Results

Surgical morbidity and mortality were 6 and 4% respectively. All patients were found to be in remission after BADX. Almost all Cushing's-specific comorbidities except for psychiatric diseases improved significantly. Health-related quality of life remained impaired in 45.0% of female and 16.7% of male patients compared with a healthy population. The median number of adrenal crises per 100 patient-years was four. Nelson tumor occurred in 24% of CD patients after a median time span of 51 months. Long-term mortality after 10 years was high in ECS (44%) compared with CD (3%) and BAH (14%).

Conclusions

BADX is an effective and relatively safe treatment option especially in patients with CD. The majority of patients experience considerable improvement of Cushing's symptoms.
Occurrence of acute cardiovascular diseases under different atmospheric parameters
Authors: Boussoussou Nora , Boussoussou Melinda , Entz László , Nemes Attila
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Research on the effects of meteorological parameters on cardiovascular diseases may allow the development of novel prevention strategies. Aim: The aim of the authors was to examine the correlation between meteorological parameters and the occurrence of acute cardiovascular diseases. Method: A retrospective analysis was performed in 343 patients diagnosed with acute cardiovascular disease and treated at the Department of Vascular Surgery, Semmelweis University in 2010. Results: Acute cardiovascular diseases showed a seasonal variation with the highest occurrence in winter months (p = 0.0001). The daily increase of the events (n≥3) were associated with front movements days (in 62.5% of cases). A significant correlation was found between the intraday temperature difference (p<0.0001), the intraday atmospheric pressure difference (p = 0.0034), the lowest maximum daily temperature (p<0.0001) and the occurrence of acute cardiovascular diseases. During the days with front movements 64% of the patients were older than 66 years of age. Among risk factors, hypertension showed front sensitivity. Conclusions: Meteorological parameters are minor risk factors in the occurrence of acute cardiovascular diseases. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(27), 1078–1082.
Body image and quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Micskei Orsolya , Deli Tamás , Jakab Attila , Bugán Antal
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disease in women. Psychic consequences are significant; patients have difficulties to be pregnant and the disease disturbs the quality of life. Due to complications associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, studies on psychological state and disease perception of patients appear to be important. Aim: The aim of the authors was to assess how the disease influences quality of life and changes in body image. Method: The authors used the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale, Health-Related-Quality-of-Life Questionnaire for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and their own body image questionnaire. 121 women took part in the study. Results: There was a negative correlation between illness intrusiveness and quality of life (r = –0.353) and a positive correlation between body image and quality of life (r = 0.614). A significant difference was observed in body satisfaction between patients who had visible body changes and those who had metabolic disturbances (p<0.05). Overweight patients who lost weight with lifestyle changes had significantly better quality of life (p<0.05). Conclusions: These results appear to be convincing in that in addition to gynecological care, psychotherapy could be offered to patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(27), 1071–1077.
Passive euthanasia and living will
Authors: Julesz Máté
Published: June 2014

This article deals with the notional distinction between murder of first degree and passive euthanasia. In Hungary, active euthanasia is considered to be a murder of first degree, whilst the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg and Switzerland have legalized the active form of mercy killing in Europe. The palliative terminal medicine, when e.g. giving pain-killer morphin to the patient, might result in shrinking the patient’s life-span, and thus causing indirect euthanasia. However, the legal institution of living will exists in several counter-euthanasia countries. The living will allows future patients to express their decision in advance to refuse a life-sustaining treatment, e.g. in case of irreversible coma. The institution of living will exists in Germany and in Hungary too. Nevertheless, the formal criteria of living will make it hardly applicable. The patient ought to express his/her will before notary in advance, and he/she should hand it over when being hospitalized. If the patient is not able to present his/her living will to his/her doctor in the hospital, then his/her only hope remains that he/she has given a copy of the living will to the family doctor previously, and the family doctor notifies the hospital. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(27), 1057–1062.
Preparations of Ethosome-like Catanionic Vesicles from Ion-Pair Amphiphiles( IPAs ) for Dermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Yang Yu-Min
Published: June 2014

Ethosomes which are phospholipid vesicular systems embodying ethanol in relatively high concentrations have ever been discovered for enhanced skin delivery of drugs. The development of competent ethosome-like catanionic vesicles for dermal drug delivery is demonstrated in this work. Double-chained ion-pair-amphiphiles (IPAs or catanionic surfactants) were prepared from single-chained cationic and anionic surfactants by the precipitation method. These lipid-like surfactants were thereafter used as the material to prepare the catanionic vesicles with the aid of ethanol as the cosolvent in aqueous buffer solution by a simple semispontaneous process. Formability and physical stability of the as-prepared ethosome-like catanionic vesicles were discussed based on the viewpoint of mixed solvent dielectric constant. The potential application of the ethosome-like catanionic vesicles as nano-carriers in dermal drug delivery was illustrated by the encapsulation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. Furthermore, effects of ethanol and cholesterol addition on physical stability, bilayer membrane rigidity, encapsulation efficiency, and release rate of the ethosome-like catanionic vesicles were systematically studied. The performance of ethosome-like catanionic vesicles as drug delivery nano-carriers, eventually, can be tailored by the concentrations of ethanol and. cholesterol. The results of gelation of drugs loaded ethosome-like catanionic vesicles by water soluble polymers with and without hydrophobical modifications, as revealed by the phase maps and the rheological properties, then provide useful information for practical use of the ethosome-like catanionic vesicles in dermal delivery of drugs.
Bursting photosynthesis: designing ad-hoc fluorophores to complement the light harvesting capability of the photosynthetic reaction center
Authors: Ragni Roberta , Omar Omar Hassan , Tangorra Rocco Roberto , Milano Francesco , Vona Danilo , Operamolla Alessandra , La Gatta Simona , Agostiano Angela , Trotta Massimo , Farinola Gianluca M.
Published: June 2014

The covalent functionalization of photosynthetic proteins with properly tailored organic molecular antennas represents a powerful approach to build a new generation of hybrid systems capable of exploiting solar energy. In this paper the strategy for the synthesis of the tailored aryleneethynylene organic fluorophore (AE) properly designed to act as light harvesting antenna is presented along with its successful bioconjugation to the photosynthetic reaction center RC from the bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides .
Projecting Risk into the Future: Failure of a Geologic Repository and the Sinking of the Titanic
Authors: Ewing Rodney C.
Published: June 2014

This year marks the 101st anniversary of the sinking of the “unsinkable” RMS Titanic. On April 15, 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean on its maiden voyage from Southampton, UK, to New York City. There was no single cause for the loss of the Titanic, rather the improbable combination of errors in human design and decision combined with unforeseeable circumstance lead to the loss of over 1,500 lives. The failure appears to have occurred over a range of spatial and temporal scales – from the atomic-scale process of embrittlement of iron rivets to global-scale fluctuations in climate and ocean currents. Regardless of the specific combination of causes, this failure in design and practice led to impressive improvements in both. Disaster and tragedy are harsh teachers, but critical to improvement and progress.

The important question for the nuclear waste management community is how do we learn and improve our waste management strategies in the absence of being able to fail. A geologic repository “operates” over a very distant time frame, and today’s scientists and engineers will never have the benefit of studying a failed system. In place of a failure that is followed by improvement and progress, we can only offer a general consensus on disposal strategies supported by a wide array of evidence and risk assessments. However, it may well be that consensus leads to complacency and compromise, both of which are harbingers of disaster. With this concern in mind, this is the time to review our fundamental approach, particularly the methodologies used in risk assessments that have us calculate risk out to one million years. The structure of standards and implementing regulations, as well as the standard-of-proof for compliance, should be reexamined in order to determine whether their requirements are scientifically possible or reasonable. The demonstration of compliance must not only be compelling, but must also be able to sustain scientific scrutiny and public inquiry. We should benefit from the sobering reality of how difficult it is to anticipate future failures even over a few decades. We should be humbled by the realization that for a geologic repository we are analyzing the performance, success vs. failure, over spatial and temporal scales that stretch over tens of kilometers and out to a hundreds of thousands of years.
Construction of Microbial Kinetics Database for PA of HLW disposal
Authors: Yoshikawa Hideki , Ito Tsuyoshi , Ise Kotaro , Sasaki Yoshito
Published: June 2014

To evaluate a change of chemical species of groundwater composition by the metabolism of microbes, which will be introduced to deep underground from the surface and be in a deep underground, is important for the discussion of the microbial effects on the performance assessment of the high-level radioactive waste repository. The purpose of this study is to develop of a microbial kinetics database to evaluate their activities in the deep underground environment.

Some microbial metabolism data were collected and constructed their kinetics database for aerobic, denitrifying, manganese reducing, iron reducing, sulfate reducing, methanogenic and acetogenic bacteria to evaluate above groundwater chemistry. About 1260 data were selected by literature survey for some journals and books published from 1960s and summarized in this microbial kinetics database. Some sensitivity analyses were performed for some parameter of metabolism of microbes.
The DR-A in-situ diffusion experiment at Mont Terri: Effects of changing salinity on diffusion and retention properties.
Authors: Soler Josep M. , Leupin Olivier X. , Gimmi Thomas , Van Loon Luc R.
Published: June 2014

In the new DR-A in-situ diffusion experiment at Mont Terri, a perturbation (replacement of the initial synthetic porewater in the borehole with a high-salinity solution) has been induced to study the effects on solute transport and retention, and more importantly, to test the predictive capability of reactive transport codes. Reactive transport modeling is being performed by different teams (IDAEA-CSIC, PSI, Univ. Bern, Univ. British Columbia, Lawrence Berkeley Natl. Lab.). Initial modeling results using the CrunchFlow code and focusing on Cs+ behavior are reported here.
Fast/Instant Radionuclide Release: Effects inherent to the experiment
Authors: Kienzler B. , Loida A. , González-Robles E. , Müller N. , Metz V.
Published: June 2014

The release of radionuclides measured during washing cycles of spent nuclear fuel samples in a series of experiments using different solutions are analyzed with respect to the fission products Cs, Sr, and Tc and the actinides U, Pu, and Am. Based on the concentrations of the dissolved radionuclides, their release rates are evaluated in terms of fraction of inventory in the aquatic phase per day. The application of this information on the fast/instant radionuclide release fraction (IRF) is discussed and following issues are addressed: Duration of the wash steps, solution chemistry, and radionuclide sorption onto surface of the experimental vessels. Data for the IRF are given and the correlation between the mobilization of the various elements is analyzed.
Preparation and characterization of UO2-based AGR SIMFuel
Authors: Hiezl Zoltan , Hambley David , Lee William E.
Published: June 2014

Preparation and characterization of a Simulated Spent Nuclear Fuel (SIMFuel), which replicates the chemical state and microstructure of Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) discharged from UK Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) after a cooling time of 100 years is described. Thirteen stable elements were added to depleted UO2 and sintered to simulate the composition of fuel pellets after burn-ups of 25 and 43 GWd/tU and, as a reference, pure UO2 pellets were also investigated. The fission product distribution was calculated using the Fispin code provided by NNL. SIMFuel pellets exhibit a microstructure up to 92% TD. During the sintering process in H2 atmosphere Mo-Ru-Rh-Pd metallic precipitates and grey-phase ((Ba, Sr)(Zr, RE)O3 oxide precipitates) formed within the UO2 matrix. These secondary phases are present in real PWR and AGR SNF, although they are smaller in size than those examined in this study. The grain size of the produced SIMFuel is in good agreement with literature references.
The role of interfaces in thin-film CdTe solar cells
Authors: Romero M. J. , Gessert T. A. , Al-Jassim M. M. , Dhere R. G. , Albin D.S. , Moutinho H. R.
Published: June 2014

Thin-film CdTe solar cells are very promising for future cost-effective photovoltaics. The photovoltaic effect in these cells is based on the extraction of photoexcited carriers by the field provided by the CdTe/CdS heterojunction. An additional interface with non-rectifying characteristics is needed to close the external circuit on the other side of the CdTe thin film. Finally, the transport of photoexcited carriers is influenced by the presence of grain boundaries (GBs). In this contribution, we investigate several aspects of these interfaces and their effects on the operation of CdTe solar cells by electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) and cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements.
Pesantren Responses to Religious Tolerance, Pluralism and Democracy in Indonesia
Authors: Nurrohman Nurrohman
Published: June 2014

Pesantren (Islamic boarding school) is the oldest Islamic institution in Indonesia that often affiliated to the largest mass Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama. This organization is well known for its stance to uphold moderate, tolerance Islam and accepting pluralistic state based on Pancasila. Pesantren also often referred as the barometer to understand the way of thinking of Muslims grass root in Indonesia because many Islamic figures in Indonesian village are alumni of pesantren.  There are debates among scholars on whether religious violence has a root in religious doctrine or it is caused by factors outside religion such as poverty or injustice. By assuming that both inside and outside factors have significant contribution to violence or radicalism this study will discuss the doctrine that potentially can be used to justify violence and intolerance by reviewing the opinion of pesantren leaders in West Java on jihad, violence or intolerance and power. This study is aimed to examine whether the commitment of Muslim leaders in national level on democracy and plurality is supported by grass root particularly from pesantren leaders.  Overall the study found that although they agree that democracy is compatible with Islam, this study reveals that their acceptance to pluralism still be questioned as evidenced by almost half of them supported theocratic caliphate carry out by radical group. Although many argued that pesantren promotes tolerance and pluralism, nevertheless this  study shows that some of their teaching tacitly supported violence act in the name of religion that will tarnished the effort of Indonesia to synchronize Islam, democracy and modernity. It means that many of them actually not wholeheartedly accepted democracy and pluralism.
First records of Freshwater Bivalves of Ilha Grande National Park, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Ragonha Flávio Henrique , Pinha Gisele Daiane , Petsch Danielle Katharine , Mansur Maria Cristina Dreher , Takeda Alice Michiyo
Published: June 2014

The Ilha Grande National Park, Paraná, Brazil, is located in the Upper Paraná River and has characteristics typical of a floodplains. This protected area includes lagoons connected and disconnected to the Paraná River, although the latter also connect during periods of high water level, thus composing a heterogeneous group of lacustrine environments. The enormous potential the flora and fauna diversities are still little known to the region, as can be seen through benthic invertebrates, inclunding bivalves mollusks. The granulometric composition of these floodplain lagoons was formed mainly by mud and very fine sand. Furthermore, organic matter composition was predominantly of fine particulate. The other abiotic factors differed from lagoons located within the island of the park to those located in the left margin of Paraná River. The results demonstrated the importance of abiotic factors such as the physical composition of granulometric texture, organic matter and macrophyte banks, to the establishment of bivalves in these floodplain lagoons. We recorded bivalves of Pisidium (native), Diplodon (native), and Corbicula (invasive). The highest values of Diplodon sp. density were observed at São João/C lake, for Pisidium sterkianum (Pilsbry, 1897) at São João/M lake, and to Jatobá/C lagoon with high density of invasive species Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774). This study to obtain conduct the first records of freshwater bivalves in floodplains lagoon in the Ilha Grande National Park, and provides contributions to better understanding the ecology of these mollusks. The recording of native species in the region of Upper Paraná River floodplain after a lomg period without new records, demonstrated the importance of protecting the lagoons of the Ilha Grande National Park as they can be a possible refuge to some species of native freshwater bivalves.
Desenvolvimento embrionário, larval e juvenil de Hemisorubim platyrhynchos (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) da bacia do rio Paraná
Authors: Andrade Fernanda F. , Makrakis Maristela C. , Lima Ariane F. de , Assumpção Lucileine de , Makrakis Sergio , Pini Suelen F. R.
Published: June 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o desenvolvimento embrionário, larval e juvenil da jurupoca, Hemisorubim platyrhynchos (Valenciennes, 1840), bem como as mudanças nos padrões de crescimento alométrico durante a ontogenia inicial da espécie. Um total de 90 ovos, 210 larvas e 24 juvenis provenientes de reprodução induzida foram analisados quanto a variáveis morfométricas e merísticas, além do coeficiente de crescimento alométrico em relação à cabeça, tronco e cauda durante o período larval e juvenil inicial. Os ovos apresentaram diâmetro médio de 1,74 mm, espaço perivitelino amplo (21,29%), com média de 0,37 mm, e diâmetro médio do vitelo de 1,08 mm. O comprimento padrão (CP) das larvas variou de 3,47 a 11,85 mm, com a maioria das medidas apresentando aumento proporcional ao longo do desenvolvimento. O número total de miômeros variou de 40 a 46 (pré-anal=15-17 e pós-anal=24-30). As larvas iniciais de H. platyrhynchos apresentam pigmentação na cabeça e na região ântero-ventral do corpo (anterior e posterior do saco vitelino). No estágio de pós-flexão, a pigmentação se intensifica, distribuindo-se na região dorsal da cabeça, formando uma faixa longitudinal que se estende do focinho ao opérculo, assim como uma faixa transversal, de um flanco a outro, passando pela região anterior da nadadeira dorsal, com máculas distribuídas ao longo do corpo nos juvenis (CP=19,5-49,09 mm). Nos primeiros estágios de desenvolvimento larval, a cabeça e a cauda crescem muito mais rapidamente do que o tronco, o que indica prioridades relacionadas à alimentação e natação, as quais posteriormente tendem à isometria, com um crescimento rápido do tronco nos juvenis iniciais.
A glutathione s-transferase confers herbicide tolerance in rice
Authors: Hu Tingzhang
Published: June 2014

Plant glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) have been a focus of attention due to their role in herbicide detoxification. OsGSTL2 is a glutathione S-transferase, lambda class gene from rice (Oryza sativa L.). Transgenic rice plants over-expressing OsGSTL2 were generated from rice calli by the use of an Agrobacterium transformation system, and were screened by a combination of hygromycin resistance, PCR and Southern blot analysis. In the vegetative tissues of transgenic rice plants, the over-expression of OsGSTL2 not only increased levels of OsGSTL2 transcripts, but also GST and GPX expression, while reduced superoxide. Transgenic rice plants also showed higher tolerance to glyphosate and chlorsulfuron, which often contaminate agricultural fields. The findings demonstrate the detoxification role of OsGSTL2 in the growth and development of rice plants. It should be possible to apply the present results to crops for developing herbicide tolerance and for limiting herbicide contamination in the food chain.
Seleção de progênies de café arábica com resistência à ferrugem alaranjada
Authors: Shigueoka Luciana Harumi , Sera Gustavo Hiroshi , Sera Tumoru , Fonseca Inês Cristina de Batista , Mariucci Junior Valdir , Andreazi Elder , Carvalho Filipe Gimenez , Gardiano Cristiane Gonçalves , Carducci Fernando Cesar
Published: June 2014

O objetivo desse estudo foi selecionar progênies de café produtivas e com resistência à ferrugem em dois locais do Estado do Paraná (Brasil). Os experimentos de campo foram instalados no delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso nos município de Itaguajé e Congonhinhas. Foram avaliadas as características produção, vigor vegetativo e resistência à ferrugem em nove progênies de café arábica e em três cultivares padrões. Vários genótipos derivados do "Sarchimor" e do "Catucaí" apresentaram plantas suscetíveis. Três cafeeiros do germoplasma Sarchimor e uma progênie "F6 de Catuaí x (Catuaí x cafeeiro da série BA-10)" foram selecionados para avanço de geração e têm potencial para se tornarem novas cultivares, pois apresentaram produção maior que 'IAPAR 59' e 'Tupi IAC 1669-33' e muitas plantas apresentaram resistência completa à ferrugem.
Efficiency of biparental crossing in sugarcane analyzed by SSR markers
Authors: Santos João Messias dos , Barbosa Geraldo Veríssimo de Souza , Ramalho Neto Cícero Eduardo , Almeida Cícero
Published: June 2014

Sugarcane has hermaphrodite flowers, however, selfing and cross pollination may occur, resulting in selfed or hybrid progeny. The aim of this study was to analyze the paternity of progenies from biparental crosses, in order to identify true hybrids or progenies originating from pollen of unknown origin. Seventy-six progenies from four crosses were analyzed using three highly polymorphic microsatellite markers (SSR). Progenies showed moderate genetic similarity and were grouped into four distinct groups, according to the crosses. Transmission of alleles from parents to offspring was clearly observed, in which selfed individuals were not observed, and only true hybrids or progeny resulting from fertilization with pollen uncommon to both parents were. Results showed that there was contamination with pollen from unknown parents in sugarcane crosses, suggesting that errors in the pedigree may occur, and adjustment in the crossing procedure would decrease progenies from pollen of unknown origin.
Comparative analysis of family consent to tissue donation according to two different donation form structures
Authors: Grossi Manoela Gomes , Prado Layse Beneli , Souza Geórgia Pereira Silveira , Santos Jaquelini Pereira dos , Bezerra Amanda Silva de Macêdo , Marcelino Cesar Augusto Guimarães , Almeida Antônio Flávio Sanchez de , Ayoub Andrea Cotait
Published: June 2014

Objective To define donors’ profile of an Organ and Tissue Procurement Center and compare the family consent for tissue donation before and after modification of the Donation Term.Methods A descriptive, documentary and quantitative study performed in an Organ and Tissue Procurement Center, analyzed 111 feasible donors’ charts in the period from March 13 to September 13, 2010 (1st period), and from September 14, 2010 to March 14, 2011 (2nd period), based on the modification date.Results The mean age of donors was 45.2 years, being 52.3% female. The causes of death included cerebral vascular accident (stroke) (64%), head trauma (27%), anoxic encephalopathy (2.7%), firearm injuries (2.7%) and others (3.6%). The notifications were predominantly of spontaneous origin (91%). Comparing the periods before and after the modification of the Donation Term, the donation consent for cornea increased by 17.2% and the consent for skin, bones, tendons and muscles had a discreet increase by 3.1%, 9.9% and 0.4%, respectively. On the other hand, there was decrease in consent for blood vessel (0.8%) and heart valves (4.1%) between the two periods.Conclusion There was increase in family consent for donation of most tissues, but it was statistically significant only for cornea donation.
Chronic pain related to quality of sleep
Authors: Tonial Leandro Freitas , Stechman Neto José , Hummig Wagner
Published: June 2014

Objective To determine the relation between the degrees of chronic pain and drowsiness levels.Methods The study was conducted with 115 patients, who answered the questionnaire as diagnostic criteria in the survey. After evaluation based on the protocol of chronic pain registry RDC/TMD− Axis II, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale was applied to assess drowsiness levels.Results Among the participating patients, there were more females (80%), and the type of pain more prevalent was chronic (70.4%). Concerning the grades of chronic pain, grade II predominated (38.3%), corresponding to high pain intensity and low disability. The ratio observed for levels of sleepiness was more prevalent for sleep debt average (38.3%).Conclusion The grades of chronic pain and the levels of sleepiness did not correlate with each other or with the gender of patients.
The nursing staff opinion about the continuous quality improvement program of a university hospital
Authors: Costa Fernanda Mazzoni da , Greco Rosangela Maria , Bohomol Elena , Arreguy-Sena Cristina , Andrade Vitor Luiz
Published: June 2014

Objective To analyze the nursing staff opinion about the continuous quality improvement program at a University Hospital.Methods A descriptive study designed as a case study, analyzing the quality program at a University Hospital, with the opinion of a sample stratified by nursing team category through a self-administered questionnaire, from May to July 2012. The answers were submitted to factor analysis, having the dialectical and historical materialism as the theoretical-methodological reference.Results The factor analysis grouped the variables in six factors: working conditions, approval, belongingness, tranquility, interpersonal relations, and private life. With the exception of the factor interpersonal relations, the answers revealed that workers do not have opinion about the proposed questions. Four of the six factors had a predominance of positive answers.Conclusion A high percentage of respondents was not aware of the implications of a quality program. The majority believed that the program influenced positively in their working conditions and in the interpersonal relationships at work and agree with the program; however, they did not feel part of the program, and were not at ease to develop these activities. They did not acknowledge the program interfering in their personal life.
Determining workload and size of nursing team in the pediatric emergency department
Authors: Rossetti Ana Cristina , Gaidzinski Raquel Rapone , Bracco Mario Maia
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo identify indicators of required nursing workload for pediatric patients care in an emergency department.MethodsThis cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out in a pediatric short-stay unit at a public hospital in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. The patient classification system and activity times of nursing care proposed by the Brazilian Federal Nurse Council were applied to all patients admitted over a 1-month period. The instruments were applied by two nurses in populations of 500 and 453 patients, respectively. Nursing workload was calculated in terms of hours and by nurse/patient ratio. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and inter- and intraobserver reliability was assessed by using Kappa coefficient. Confidence intervals were measured to verify differences in numbers of patient among work shifts.ResultsThe average daily workload was 108.7 hours and the average amount of time spent on nursing care per patient was 7.9 hours. The nurse-patient ratio was 1:2.6.ConclusionThe application of the standardized classification instrument was adequate. It enabled the classification of pediatric patients and the measurement of amount of time needed for nursing care. The average number of nursing work hours per patient met the average time for semi-intensive care established by the Brazilian Federal Nurse Council.
Learning effect of computerized cognitive tests in older adults
Authors: Oliveira Rafaela Sanches de , Trezza Beatriz Maria , Busse Alexandre Leopold , Jacob Filho Wilson
Published: June 2014

Objective To evaluate the learning effect of computerized cognitive testing in the elderly.Methods Cross-sectional study with 20 elderly, 10 women and 10 men, with average age of 77.5 (±4.28) years. The volunteers performed two series of computerized cognitive tests in sequence and their results were compared. The applied tests were: Trail Making A and B, Spatial Recognition, Go/No Go, Memory Span, Pattern Recognition Memory and Reverse Span.Results Based on the comparison of the results, learning effects were observed only in the Trail Making A test (p=0.019). Other tests performed presented no significant performance improvements. There was no correlation between learning effect and age (p=0.337) and education (p=0.362), as well as differences between genders (p=0.465).Conclusion The computerized cognitive tests repeated immediately afterwards, for elderly, revealed no change in their performance, with the exception of the Trail Making test, demonstrating high clinical applicability, even in short intervals.