bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudos de caso no ensino da administração: o erro construtivo libertador como caminho para inserção da pedagogia crítica
Authors: Assis Lilian Bambirra de , Paula Ana Paula Paes de , Barreto Raquel de Oliveira , Viegas Glauce
Published: November 2013

Neste artigo, partiu-se do pressuposto de que o erro construtivo, como hipótese a respeito de um determinado conhecimento, é uma forma provisória de saber que coloca em questão a ideia de que o acerto ocorre quando há exata correspondência com a resposta prevista pelo educador, o que frequentemente impõe obstáculos à reflexão e à capacidade criativa. Como contraponto, buscou-se analisar como casos de fracasso e suas distintas formas de aplicação podem contribuir para uma experiência formativa diferenciada dos alunos. Recorreu-se então à metodologia de construção de casos de ensino, que foram baseados em pesquisa empírica com informantes-chave das organizações investigadas, complementada por dados secundários. Em uma segunda etapa, aplicaram-se os casos elaborados em diferentes situações de ensino-aprendizagem, e, com esses semiexperimentos pedagógicos, avaliou-se a efetividade dos casos de fracasso comparativamente aos casos de sucesso e as variadas possibilidades de aplicação destes. Os semiexperimentos realizados apontaram para o fato de que as seguintes variáveis podem influenciar nos resultados obtidos com a utilização do método: a forma como o caso é redigido; o método de aplicação (restritivo ou não restritivo); a disciplina em que é aplicado; o professor que leciona a disciplina; o conhecimento ou prévio contato dos principais conceitos teóricos sobre o tema abordado; e o conhecimento das práticas e métodos de estudos de caso. Assim, concluiu-se que a utilização do método do caso no ensino em Administração é mais complexa do que em geral se considera, especialmente se a intenção é de fato estimular o pensamento crítico. Para futuras pesquisas, recomendamos a realização de mais experimentos com os métodos de aplicação de estudo de caso descritos, de modo a explorar mais os resultados obtidos com o método não restritivo, especialmente no que se refere à inserção do erro construtivo libertador como caminho para a pedagogia crítica no ensino da Administração.
Hierarquia de metas do consumidor para diferentes níveis de autoconexão com a marca: um estudo sobre a relação dos corredores de rua com a marca de seu tênis de corrida
Authors: Niada Aurea Cristina Magalhães , Baptista Paulo de Paula
Published: November 2013

Este estudo apresenta contribuição à literatura de marketing ao procurar compreender se as pessoas que desenvolvem maiores níveis de autoconexão com a marca apresentam estruturas de metas diferenciadas daquelas que mostram níveis menores, associando dessa forma duas importantes teorias da área de comportamento do consumidor: metas de consumo e autoconexão com marcas. Os consumidores apresentam distintas hierarquias de metas de consumo, e isso pode resultar em diferentes níveis de envolvimento com produtos e marcas. Em algumas situações, o envolvimento do comprador é tão intenso que as marcas são utilizadas para a construção e/ou representação de seu autoconceito, surgindo assim a autoconexão com a marca. A fim de atender ao objetivo proposto, esta pesquisa foi realizada em duas etapas: primeiro, foram feitas entrevistas em profundidade por meio da técnica de laddering, para identificar as principais metas dos praticantes de corrida de rua no processo de escolha de um tênis de corrida. Com base nas informações levantadas na primeira fase, na segunda etapa, foi conduzido um estudo descritivo via internet com 352 corredores de rua, no qual se utilizou a Técnica Padrão de Associação (Association Pattern Technique - APT). Essa etapa buscou identificar as relações entre três níveis da hierarquia de metas: focais, subordinadas e superiores. De forma geral, a amostra pesquisada demonstrou uma estrutura de metas caracterizada por uma forte presença de aspectos funcionais relativos ao consumo do produto, porém constataram-se diferenças importantes nessas hierarquias entre os grupos de alta e baixa autoconexão com a marca. O grupo de alta autoconexão com marcas demonstrou ligações relativas a aspectos simbólicos e sociais, como necessidade de integração a um grupo, de ser percebido como uma pessoa que pratica a corrida de rua e importância atribuída à beleza do produto como forma de reconhecimento social, enquanto o grupo com baixa autoconexão com a marca não demonstrou essas ligações, apresentando somente vínculos mais funcionais.
Impacto do equilíbrio espinopélvico nos resultados clínicos e funcionais após artrodese instrumentada em doentes com espondilolistese degenerativa
Authors: Duarte Filipe Rodrigues , Sousa António Manuel Santos Nogueira de , Raposo Frederico José Antunes , Valente Luís Filipe Almeida , Neves Nuno Silva Morais , Gonçalves António Moura , Pinto Rui Alexandre Peixoto
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Garantir o equilíbrio sagital e pélvico depois de correção cirúrgica de deformidade lombar tem sido alvo de atenção crescente na literatura. Estudos recentes demonstraram uma relação entre o equilíbrio espinopélvico e o resultado pós-operatório. Com a progressão da deformidade degenerativa, as alterações correspondentes dos parâmetros pélvicos são evidentes. Assim, os autores pretendem estudar a influência do equilíbrio espinopélvico nos resultados clínicos e funcionais após cirurgia de espondilolistese degenerativa (ED). MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo. Amostra com 29 indivíduos com ED submetidos a descompressão e artrodese instrumentada entre 2006 e 2010. Média de idade 65,45 (± 8,15) anos. 20 mulheres e 9 homens. Acompanhamento médio - 2,1 anos. Avaliação clínica, funcional e radiológica. VAS, satisfação global, Oswestry Disability Index modificado. Cálculo de incidência pélvica, inclinação sacral, versão pélvica e lordose lombar. Dois grupos de estudo: A (n = 14): sem melhoria da versão pélvica (aumentada ou inalterada) no pós-operatorio. B (n = 15): com melhoria da versão pélvica (diminuída). Estudo estatístico com SPSS®. RESULTADOS: A cirurgia é benéfica, reduz significativamente a dor e melhora a qualidade de vida. Os pacientes do grupo B (restituição do balanço original) apresentam melhores resultados clínicos e funcionais (p < 0,05) e valores superiores de incidência pélvica relativamente ao grupo A. CONCLUSÃO: Este trabalho confirma a importância do equilíbrio espinopélvico como objetivo no planeamento cirúrgico e que a restituição do equilíbrio original parece obter melhores resultados.
Artrodese posterolateral vs artrodese circunferencial no tratamento da espondilolistese degenerativa: avaliação clínica e impacto do IMC nos resultados
Authors: Duarte Filipe Rodrigues , Sousa António Manuel Santos Nogueira de , Raposo Frederico José Antunes , Valente Luís Filipe Almeida , Gonçalves António Moura , Pinto Rui Alexandre Peixoto
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: O tratamento cirúrgico da espondilolistese degenerativa (ED) apresenta vantagens quando comparado com o tratamento conservador. As técnicas cirúrgicas evoluíram no sentido de optimizar a fixação vertebral após descompressão, com o intuito de aumentar a taxa de artrodese. A fixação pedicular associada à fusão intersomática permite aumentar a área de contacto ósseo e assim a taxa de fusão, mas serão os resultados clínicos e funcionais superiores? MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo incluindo 51 indivíduos (idade média de 61,2 anos) submetidos a artrodese posterolateral (APL) (19) e artrodese circunferencial (360º) (32) de 1996 até 2009 com acompanhamento médio de 5,8 anos (2 a 14 anos). Incluídas apenas descompressões de um nível. Avaliação clínica (VAS - Visual Analogue Pain Score), satisfação global e avaliação funcional (Oswestry disability Index modificado). Cálculo do IMC (índice de massa corporal) - avaliação clínica e funcional IMC ≥30 vs IMC <30. Estudo estatístico com SPSS®. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostram franca melhoria clínica e funcional no tratamento cirúrgico da espondilolistese degenerativa, independentemente das técnicas estudadas. A taxa de satisfação é igualmente elevada. No confronto entre as duas técnicas de fixação não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Relativamente ao IMC, os pacientes não obesos tiveram melhores resultados clínicos (p<0,05), não havendo diferenças relativas à função entre os dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A descompressão seguida de instrumentação vertebral é um tratamento eficaz para os pacientes com espondilolistese degenerativa. A técnica de artrodese utilizada não influencia os resultados clínicos e funcionais
Avaliação angular do equilíbrio sagital em pacientes obesos
Authors: Kulcheski Alynson Larocca , Soler i Graells Xavier , Benato Marcel Luiz , Baretta Giórgio
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Tendo em vista a pouca quantidade de informações a respeito das alterações degenerativas e patológicas da coluna vertebral realizou-se este estudo com objetivo de avaliar e quantificar os valores angulares do equilíbrio sagital na população obesa. MÉTODOS: Foram medidos os ângulos de incidência pélvica (IP), versão pélvica (VP) e declive sacral (DS). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 30 pacientes, sendo 19 do sexo feminino e 11 do sexo masculino, no ano de 2012 que aguardavam realização de cirurgia bariátrica. A média de idade foi de 33 anos. O IMC médio foi de 41 kg/m², sendo que o valor médio para os homens foi de 43 kg/m² e das mulheres 39 kg/m². O IP médio foi de 57°. O VP foi de 19°. O DS foi de 38°. O valor da incidência pélvica e da versão pélvica ficou em média acima do encontrado na população com índice de massa corporal normal. Já o valor do declive sacral encontra-se na média da população. CONCLUSÕES: Cada vez mais o equilíbrio sagital vem ganhando espaço na avaliação da coluna vertebral. Faz-se necessário literatura mais vasta e aumento do conhecimento médico das patologias e comorbidades que podem alterar o equilíbrio sagital em seus pacientes, como a obesidade.
Fixação transpedicular da coluna toraco-lombo-sagrada: análise de 124 parafusos
Authors: Carvalho Eunice , Azevedo Jorge , Tarquini Oliana , Silva Luís , Teixeira Luís , Jardim Carlos , Pires José Garcia
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVO: Avaliar a técnica free hand de colocação de parafusos transpediculares na coluna torácica, lombar e sagrada. MÉTODOS: Avaliação clínica e imagiológica (tomografia computorizada) de 25 pacientes (13 mulheres e 12 homens) submetidos a instrumentação vertebral num total de 124 parafusos transpediculares aplicados, utilizando a técnica free hand. Os parafusos foram inseridos de T11 a S1, e a maioria destes foram colocados nos níveis L4, L5 e S1. RESULTADOS: 94% dos parafusos transpediculares estavam correctamente colocados no pedículo. Verificou-se que 6% (7 parafusos) estavam mal colocados e destes apenas dois violavam a cortical inferomedial, um destes apresentava uma perfuração inferior a 2 mm e o outro entre 2 e 4 mm. Nenhum dos pacientes seguidos apresentou complicações associadas ao incorrecto posicionamento dos parafusos. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica free hand é segura na instrumentação da coluna torácica e lombo-sagrada.
Espondilodiscite atípica
Authors: Marques Pedro Miguel Dantas Costa , Félix António , Alpoim Bruno , Rodrigues Maria Elisa , Sá Pedro , Gonçalves Paulo , Alves Carlos , Rodrigues António
Published: November 2013

As infecções por Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo correspondem a uma pequena percentagem do total das espondilodiscites piogênicas, estando associados a estados imunocomprometidos. Apresentamos o caso clínico de um homem de 58 anos, com uma espondilodiscite L1-L2, por um micro-organismo bastante atípico, o S. hominis. A resolução da patologia só foi possível após duas cirurgias e terapia com antibióticos específicos.
Lesión neurológica incompleta ASIA B secundario a fractura luxación de L3-L4 por traumatismo de alta energía en región lumbar
Authors: Caldera Hernández Gustavo , Buitimea Carlos Josué Victoria , Guadalupe Suarez José
Published: November 2013

En las fracturas luxaciones de la región lumbar, dos hechos anatómicos pueden ayudar al paciente a presentar un daño neurológico menor en comparación con los traumatismos en la región cervical o torácica, en primer lugar, la médula espinal en el adulto se extiende solo hasta el nivel del borde inferior de la primera vértebra lumbar, en segundo lugar, el gran tamaño del agujero vertebral en esta región da amplio espacio a las raíces de la cola de caballo, por lo tanto, la lesión nerviosa puede ser mínima en esta región, ya que en esta área se alojan raíces nerviosas con un gran espacio, menor contenido y mayor continente. En este estudio se presenta el caso de un hombre de 48 años de edad, trabajador de la construcción, el cual sufrió caída de una altura aproximada de 15 metros, golpeándose directamente sobre la región lumbar contra una viga, presentó dolor e incapacidad para movilizar las piernas; llevado con urgencia, una hora después del accidente, se analizó clínicamente. Se tomaron radiografías y tomografía, y se diagnosticó como fractura luxación L3-L4 con ASIA B. Intervenido tres horas después del accidente con reducción vía posterior y fijación transpedicular. Una semana después se realizó abordaje anterior. Progreso hacia ASIA C, 24 horas después de la primera cirugía. Tres meses después, paciente funcional con ASIA D y control de esfínteres. El propósito del autor es mostrar los resultados obtenidos mediante una intervención en las primeras horas del traumatismo, la cual ayudó a pasar de una lesión no funcional a una lesión funcional, casi con recuperación total.
review of Kudoa-induced myoliquefaction of marine fish species in South Africa and other countries
Authors: Henning Suné S. , Hoffman Louwrens C. , Manley Marena
Published: November 2013

Myoliquefaction of fish musculature results in customer quality complaints and in huge economic losses, especially with regard to Pacific hake (Merluccius productus), farm-reared Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), South African pilchards (Sardinops ocellatus) and Cape snoek (Thyrsites atun). Myoliquefaction, or ‘jelly flesh’, is caused by proteolytic enzymes released by the marine myxosporean parasite, Kudoa thyrsites, after the death of the fish. Currently there are no fast methods of detection for this microscopic parasite, and because myoliquefaction is evident only after 38–56 h post-mortem, infected fish inevitably reach the processor and/or consumer. Several methods of detection have been investigated, but most of these methods are time-consuming and/or result in destruction of the fish, and are thus impractical for fishing vessels and fish processors. Limited research is available on possible means of destroying or inhibiting the post-mortem activity of the parasitic proteolytic enzyme. Means such as manipulating post-mortem pH and temperature control have been suggested; leaving opportunities for research into food technology applications such as cold-chain management and ionising radiation.
Prediction of soil distribution on two soilscapes in land type Dc17 east of Bloemfontein, South Africa
Authors: Zerizghy Mussie G. , Le Roux Pieter , Hensley Malcolm , Van Rensburg Leon D.
Published: November 2013

The predictive nature of digital soil mapping makes it a labour- and cost-effective way of facilitating soil surveys. A digital elevation model was used to generate terrain attributes that can be used to infer the distribution of soil associations relative to the topography. Two study areas – Gladstone and Potsane – in the Free State Province of South Africa were considered. Slope, aspect, contour and plan curvature, topographic wetness index and topographic morphological unit were used to develop a model for predicting soil associations. Discriminant analysis was employed to develop the model. The model was trained on data obtained from Gladstone and validated on data from Gladstone and Potsane. Predicting soil form was unsatisfactory. Prediction done on soil associations, with soils grouped as deep, shallow and valley-bottom soils (criteria closely related to the suitability for in-field rainwater harvesting), achieved acceptable improvement in prediction accuracy. For Gladstone, when analysis was done using equal prior probability, accuracy percentages of 56.9%, 51.5% and 58.3% were found for calibration, cross-validation and areas suited to in-field rainwater harvesting, respectively. With prior probability set in accordance to sample frequency, the accuracy percentages were improved to 83.1%, 80.0% and 94.6%, respectively. In Potsane, the prediction accuracy percentage was low (38.23%) with equal prior probability but markedly improved (67.65%) when prior probability was similar to sample frequency. These results support the validity of the statement that the predictive nature of digital soil mapping makes it a labour- and cost-effective way of facilitating soil surveys.
The Role of Platinum in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Holton Oliver T. , Stevenson Joseph W.
Published: November 2013

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) dominate the transportation fuel cell market and platinum (Pt) is the catalyst material used for both anode and cathode. This review sets out the fundamentals of activity, selectivity, stability and poisoning resistance which make Pt or its
alloys the best available materials to use in this application. It is clear that Pt is the only element which can meet the requirements for performance while avoiding slow reaction kinetics, proton exchange membrane (PEM) system degradation due to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
formation and catalyst degradation due to metal leaching. Some of the means by which the performance of Pt can be enhanced are also discussed.
A Study of Platinum Group Metals in Three-Way Autocatalysts
Authors: Cooper Jonathan , Beecham Joel
Published: November 2013

The price differential between platinum and palladium has driven the industry to adopt emissions control catalyst formulations for gasoline engines that contain higher levels of Pd than Pt, and in most cases no Pt. In addition fluctuations in the price of rhodium have led to thrifting
of this metal. This study compares the performance of ten different catalyst compositions with varying ratios of Pt, Pd and Rh for a Euro 5 vehicle and under bench test conditions. The results show that a system with low Rh loading can readily be improved by increasing the Rh loading and there
is a relatively large effect of doing this by a small amount. Increasing the Pd or Pt loading also improves emissions performance but by a significantly smaller amount than the effect of changing the Rh loading. Conversely it may be possible to decrease the Pt or Pd loading with only a small
effect on emissions. Furthermore it was found that Pd outperforms Pt under most conditions, although not significantly. The difference appears greater under more stressful conditions such as high-speed driving or wide perturbation amplitude.
A comparison of the VAR model and the PC factor model in forecasting inflation in Montenegro
Authors: Lipovina-Bozovic Milena
Published: November 2013

Montenegro started using the euro in 2002 and regained independence in 2006.
Its main economic partners are European countries, yet inflation movements
in Montenegro do not coincide with consumer price fluctuations in the
eurozone. Trying to develop a useful forecasting model for Montenegrin
inflation, we compare the results of a three-variable vector autoregression
(VAR) model, and a principle component (PC) factor model starting with
twelve variables. The estimation period is January 2001 to December 2012,
and the control months are the first six months of 2013. The results show
that in forecasting inflation, despite a high level of Montenegrin economic
dependence on international developments, more reliable forecasts are
achieved with the use of additional information on a larger number of
factors, which includes domestic economic activity.
The kinetics of the hydrogen chloride oxidation
Authors: Gonzalez Martinez , Vidakovic-Koch Tanja , Kuwertz Rafael , Kunz Ulrich , Turek Thomas , Sundmacher Kai
Published: November 2013

Hydrogen chloride (HCl) oxidation has been investigated on technical membrane
electrode assemblies in a cyclone flow cell. Influence of Nafion loading,
temperature and hydrogen chloride mole fraction in the gas phase has been
studied. The apparent kinetic parameters like reaction order with respect to
HCl, Tafel slope and activation energy have been determined from polarization
data. The apparent kinetic parameters suggest that the recombination of
adsorbed Cl intermediate is the rate determining step.
Heat Shock Prevents Insulin Resistance–Induced Vascular Complications by Augmenting Angiotensin-(1-7) Signaling
Authors: Karpe Pinakin Arun , Tikoo Kulbhushan
Published: November 2013

We have investigated the role of heat shock (HS) in preventing insulin resistance–induced endothelial dysfunction. To the best of our knowledge, we report here for the first time that insulin resistance inhibits vascular HS protein (HSP) 72 expression. HS treatment (41°C for 20 min) restored the HSP72 expression. High-fat diet (HFD)–fed, insulin-resistant rats show attenuated angiotensin (ANG)-(1-7)–induced vasodilator effect, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression. Interestingly, HS prevented this attenuation. We also provide the first evidence that HFD-fed rats show increased vascular DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression and that HS prevented this increase. Our data show that in HFD-fed rats HS prevented loss in the expression of ANG-(1-7) receptor Mas and ACE2, which were responsible for vascular complications. Further, the inhibition of eNOS (l-NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester), Mas (A-779), and SIRT1 (nicotinamide) prevented the favorable effects of HS. This suggests that HS augmented ANG-(1-7) signaling via the Mas/eNOS/SIRT1 pathway. Our study, for the first time, suggests that induction of intracellular HSP72 alters DNMT1 expression, and may function as an epigenetic regulator of SIRT1 and eNOS expression. We propose that induction of HSP72 is a novel approach to prevent insulin resistance–induced vascular complications.
Genetic Risk of Progression to Type 2 Diabetes and Response to Intensive Lifestyle or Metformin in Prediabetic Women With and Without a History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sullivan Shannon D. , Jablonski Kathleen A. , Florez Jose C. , Dabelea Dana , Franks Paul W. , Dagogo-Jack Sam , Kim Catherine , Knowler William C. , Christophi Costas A. , Ratner Robert ,   for the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) trial investigated rates of progression to diabetes among adults with prediabetes randomized to treatment with placebo, metformin, or intensive lifestyle intervention. Among women in the DPP, diabetes risk reduction with metformin was greater in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared with women without GDM but with one or more previous live births.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We asked if genetic variability could account for these differences by comparing β-cell function and genetic risk scores (GRS), calculated from 34 diabetes-associated loci, between women with and without histories of GDM.

RESULTS

β-Cell function was reduced in women with GDM. The GRS was positively associated with a history of GDM; however, the GRS did not predict progression to diabetes or modulate response to intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that a diabetes-associated GRS is associated with development of GDM and may characterize women at risk for development of diabetes due to β-cell dysfunction.
Mean Activity Coefficients of Peroxodisulfates in Saturated Solutions of the Conversion System 2NH4+ — 2Na+ — S2O8 2– — SO4 2– — H2O at 20 °C and 30 °C
Authors: Balej Jan
Published: November 2013

Solubility data of the conversion system 2NH4+ - 2Na+ - S2O82- - SO42- - H2O at 20 °C and 30 °C for the partial pseudoternary systems Na2S2O8-(NH4)2SO4-H2O, (NH4)2S2O8-Na2SO4-H2O, Na2S2O8-NaNH4SO4-H2O and (NH4)2S2O8-NaNH4SO4-H2O have been correlated using the relative activity coefficient expansion of the crystallizing component. The obtained correlation equations have been used for the calculation of mean activity coefficients of ammonium and sodium peroxodisulfates in their saturated solutions of the mentioned pseudoternary systems.
Characterization of vine varieties by SSR markers
Authors: Dokupilová Ivana , Šturdík Ernest , Mihálik Daniel
Published: November 2013

Nowadays, there are well known PCR-based techniques to detect polymorphism in plants. Marker technologies which are applied in breeding and varietal characterization can be exchanged across laboratories with standardization to yield reproducible results. This article describes applying of simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers in European laboratories, in which the reproducibility of these popular markers are examined. One of the European Union interests is characterization of grape varieties and preparation of International Vitis catalogue for comparison global varieties as Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot noir with the domestic for each other country. Grape genome contains of many SSR, which are highly polymorphic. This review provides the latest information in SSR research including novels in research, comparison, development and application of microsatellites.
Nation-State’s ‘Political Ineptitude’ in Citizen’s Identity Processes: A Case Study Using Identity Structure Analysis
Authors: Põdder Helbe
Published: November 2013

The conceptual and methodological tools of Identity Structure Analysis (ISA) are applied to a particular instance of an individual at variance with dominant societal norms in order to demonstrate the efficacy of ISA for elucidating complex identity processes in socio-historical and biographical context. The empirical results presented in this article indicate that the interrelationship between societal constraints and individual values and beliefs are shown to be effectively detailed using ISA.
A Comparative Study Between Direct Torque Control and Predictive Torque Control for Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines
Authors: Siami Mohsen , Gholamian S. Asghar , Yousefi Mosayeb
Published: November 2013

This paper presents a comparative study between direct torque control (DTC) and predictive torque control (PTC) of Axial Flux Permanent magnet Machines (AFPM). In conventional DTC method for permanent magnet machines, only six actives voltage vectors of inverter are used to control torque and flux of machine. But in predictive torque control, in addition to six active voltage vectors, zero voltage vectors are used to control machine. So number of voltage vectors to control AFPM increases that leads to lower ripple of torque and flux. In predictive torque control, the response of torque and flux are computed for all possible switching states of inverter at every sample time according to discrete time model of machine, and then the switching state that optimizes ripple of torque and flux, will be applied in next discrete-time interval. Simulation results which compare the results of implementation of both methods and confirm the good performance of the proposed predictive torque control are presented.
Comparison of Damping Performance of Conventional And Neuro–Fuzzy Based Power System Stabilizers Applied in Multi–Machine Power Systems
Authors: Murali Duraiswamy , Rajaram Marimuthu
Published: November 2013

The objective of this paper is to investigate the power system damping enhancement via power system stabilizers (PSSs). However, the conventional power system stabilizers (CPSSs) have certain drawbacks. There are many techniques proposed in the literature for damping improvement of low frequency power system oscillations. In this paper, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) technology has been proposed to coordinate the CPSSs in a multi-machine power system. The time-domain simulations are carried out in Matlab/Simulink environment to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme under different operating conditions.
The AZ 5214E Resist in EBDW Lithography and its Use as a RIE Etch–Mask in Etching Thin Ag Layers in N2 Plasma
Authors: Andok Robert , Benčurová Anna , Nemec Pavol , Konečníková Anna , Matay Ladislav , Škriniarová Jaroslava , Hrkút Pavol
Published: November 2013

In this article we describe the electron-beam direct-write (EBDW) lithography process for the AZ 5214E photoresist which is, besides its sensitivity to UV radiation, sensitive also to electrons. An adapted process flow is provided. At the same time we examine the resistance of this resist to RIE and its suitability as an etch-mask for etching thin Ag layers in N2 plasma. A comparison with several chosen resists (PMMA, ma-2405, ma-N 1402, SU-8 2000) is provided.
Acoustic Properties of Magnetic Fluids Based on Transformer Oil Under Magnetic Field
Authors: Kúdelčík Jozef , Bury Peter , Kopčanský Peter , Timko Milan , Závišová Vlasta
Published: November 2013

The structural changes in magnetic fluids based on transformer oil TECHNOL and MOGUL upon the effect of an external magnetic field and temperature were studied by acoustic spectroscopy. When a magnetic field is increased, the interaction between the magnetic field and the magnetic moments of the nanoparticles leads to the aggregation of magnetic nanoparticles and following clusters formation. However, the temperature of magnetic fluids has also very important influence on the structural changes because of the mechanism of thermal motion that acts against the cluster creation. The live time of clusters have relative long time scale for the magnetic fluid based on TECHNOL, while for MOGUL is quite short.
Mössbauer Spectroscopy System with Increased Performance and Flexibility ––– Utilization In Material Research
Authors: Pechoušek Jiří , Novák Petr , Navařík Jakub , Kohout Pavel , Machala Libor
Published: November 2013

A new concept of Mssbauer spectrometer used for material research is presented. Performance of this computer based measurement system was carefully analyzed and programming code of the application step by step optimized. By implementation of parallel data processing the control application with zero dead-time of measurement was developed.
Improving the Ohmic Properties of Au/Ni–Mg/P–GaN Contacts by Adding Swcnt Metallization Interlayer Between Metal and P–GaN Layers
Authors: Liday Jozef , Vogrinčič Peter , Vretenár Viliam , Hotový Ivan , Kotlár Mário , Marton Marián , Řeháček Vlastimil
Published: November 2013

We have examined electrical properties and concentration depth profiles of contact structures Au/Ni-Mg-(O)/SWCNT/p- GaN and Au/Ni-Mg-O/p-GaN, thus with and without an interlaying layer of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). The metallization layers were deposited on p-GaN by DC reactive magnetron sputtering in an atmosphere with and without a low concentration of oxygen (cca 0.2 at%). The contacts were annealed in N2 . We have found that the structure containing the SWCNT interlayer exhibits lower values of contact resistivity in comparison with an otherwise identical contact without the SWCNT interlayer
14th-16th-Century Danube Floods and Long-Term Water-Level Changes in Archaeological and Sedimentary Evidence in The Western and Central Carpathian Basin: an Overview with Documentary Comparison
Authors: Kiss Andrea , Laszlovszky József
Published: November 2013

In the present paper an overview of published and unpublished results of archaeological and sedimentary investigations, predominantly reflect on 14th-16th-century changes, are provided and evidence compared to documentary information on flood events and long-term changes. Long-term changes in flood behaviour (e.g. frequency, intensity, seasonality) and average water-level conditions had long-term detectable impacts on sedimentation and fluvio-morphological processes. Moreover, the available archaeological evidence might also provide information on the reaction of the society, in the form of changes in settlement organisation, building structures and processes. At present, information is mainly available concerning the 16th, and partly to the 14th-15th centuries. These results were compared to the available documentary evidence on 14th-16th century Danube floods occurred in the Carpathian Basin.
Phytoplankton biomass and species composition in relation to some physical and chemical characteristics of Lake Adale, Haramaya Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Fayissa Zelalem Dessalegn
Published: November 2013

Biomass and species composition of phytoplankton in relation to the physical and chemical conditions of the water in Lake Adale were studied from March, 2011 to September, 2011. All the physical, chemical and biological parameters measured varied temporally. The temperature of the lake was measured by digital oxygen meter and varied from 22°C to 26°C. The chemistry of the lake was basically similar to the dilute East African lake waters, with maximum pH values of 9.2 as measured in situ by a portable digital pH meter. The inorganic nutrients, which were of moderately high levels, varied temporally as a function of hydrological, hydrographic and biological conditions of the lake and were measured by a Hach kit (DR/2000 spectrophotometer) for nitrate, and colorimetrically with the ascorbic acid method for phosphate and molybdosilicate method for silica. The phytoplankton community, which was consistently dominated by cyanobacteria, exhibited low species diversity. Phytoplankton biomass measured as chlorophyll a varied from 23.35 to 55.18 mg m-3 .The concentration of chlorophyll a was calculated according to Talling and Driver (1963) using absorbance measurements made at 665 and 750 nm. The biomass of the lake indicates that the lake is a productive one. The factors responsible for the observed temporal variations in the physical, chemical and biological features of the lake are discussed.
Specifying the relationship between key stages of pike (Esox lucius L.) embryogenesis and coagulants used in lake recultivation
Authors: Tański Adam , Bonisławska Małgorzata , Tórz Agnieszka , Formicki Krzysztof , Nędzarek Arkadiusz , Drost Arkadiusz , Rybczyk Agnieszka
Published: November 2013

The study focused on the effect of iron and aluminium coagulants (PIX®113, PAX®18) commonly used for purification of open waters on key stages of embryonic development of pike (Esox lucius L.). Fertilized pike roe was incubated in lake water and in water with the admixture of coagulants, applied in the concentration of 50.0 mg dm-3 at selected stages of embryogenesis: blastopore closure, inoculation, and the hatching of larvae. In the course of the experiment, live embryos were observed and total lengths of the larvae were measured. Simultaneously, selected hydrochemical indicators were gauged. It was discovered that coagulants had the strongest effect at the first stage of embryogenesis (the end of the process of gastrulation). At that stage the survival rate of embryos was the lowest (73.5- 75.0%) and the percentage of deformities in the hatched larvae was the highest (9.7-10.0%).
Nonadiabatic ab initio molecular dynamics using linear-response time-dependent density functional theory
Authors: Curchod Basile , Penfold Thomas , Rothlisberger Ursula , Tavernelli Ivano
Published: November 2013

We review our recent work on ab initio nonadiabatic molecular dynamics, based on linear-response timedependent density functional theory for the calculation of the nuclear forces, potential energy surfaces, and nonadiabatic couplings. Furthermore, we describe how nuclear quantum dynamics beyond the Born-Oppenheimer approximation can be performed using quantum trajectories. Finally, the coupling and control of an external electromagnetic field with mixed quantum/classical trajectory surface hopping is discussed.
Economic and Financial Crisis – Challenge for Adaptation of the Official Development System of the Slovak Republic
Authors: Lindtnerová Klaudia
Published: November 2013

Official Development Assistance (ODA) system is not being considered as a traditional instrument for economic cooperation promotion between the donor and the recipient country. The ongoing economic and financial crisis has severely affected the competitive pressure in the international and national markets. The aim of each economic entity is to adapt and to ensure the competitive advantage in a turbulent economic environment. The main objective is to examine the economic cooperation development of Slovakia through official development projects in Kenya. The author analyses the ODA system of Slovak Republic during the economic and financial crisis and presents the possibility of economic cooperation development between Slovak Republic and the ODA recipient countries (namely Kenya).
Over Diagnosis of Persistent Allergic Rhinitis in Perennial Allergic Rhinitis Patients: A Nationwide Study in Mexico
Authors: Larenas-Linnemann Désirée , Dinger Hanna , Shah-Hosseini Kijawasch , Michels Alexandra , Mösges Ralph ,   Mexican Study Group on Allergic Rhinitis and SPT Sensitivity
Published: November 2013

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) symptom phenotypes have been described, and two different classifications exist. The former classification, seasonal versus perennial AR (SAR-PAR), and the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classifications, intermittent (INT) versus persistent (PER; ≥4 days/wk and ≥4 consecutive weeks) and mild versus moderate/severe. ARIA cataloging of INT-PER is based on the patient's description of the frequency of symptoms. This study was designed to (1) describe the epidemiology of these two AR classifications and relate them to one another and to a visual analog severity scale (VAS) and (2) describe how the cataloging of these classifications differs between patients and allergists.

Methods

Skin-prick test–positive AR patients seen nationwide by Mexican allergists completed a validated questionnaire cataloging AR. They recorded demographic data and AR severity on a VAS. The patients’ physicians were also asked to classify the AR phenotypes.

Results

Of the patients, 56.5% had INT and 82.2% had PAR and moderate–severe (84.7%) AR. However, 57% of the INT-PAR patients were misdiagnosed as PER-PAR by their physicians. PER patients had more severe disease with a longer clinical history, more PAR, nose and eye symptoms, and a higher VAS score, and only 7% had mild symptoms. VAS values ≥7.45 relate to PER (sensitivity, 68%; specificity, 65%). VAS ≤6.2 indicated mild and ≥6.4 indicated moderate–severe AR. Similar to the adults, in the 2- to 11 year and 12- to 17-year age groups perennial, INT, and moderate–severe AR was the most frequent finding, but the children had more INT (p < 0.01) and mild (p < 0.03) symptoms, less SAR (p = 0.03), and more physician-diagnosed asthma (p < 0.05). Public health care (PHC) patients had more INT (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

In the PAR group, the physicians’ classification of INT-PER often goes astray. PER overdiagnoses might affect treatment decisions because PER is a more severe phenotype. VAS is useful to evaluate severity. In Mexican AR patients, rhinitis symptom phenotypes differ according to age and between private and PHC system patients.
Leukotriene Antagonists in Nasal Polyposis: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Wentzel Jennifer L. , Soler Zachary M. , DeYoung Kristen , Nguyen Shaun A. , Lohia Shivangi , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: November 2013

Background

Leukotriene antagonists (LTAs) provide a potential strategy for the management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), which is often refractory to medical and surgical treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of LTA treatment alone and in conjunction with intranasal corticosteroids (INCSs) on nasal symptoms, objective clinical outcomes, and immune parameters in CRSwNP.

Methods

A systematic review was performed including studies that assessed the effectiveness of LTAs on clinical outcome measures of CRSwNP. Exclusion criteria were trials assessing LTAs in CRS without nasal polyps or asthma symptoms only. Quantitative analysis was performed using a random effects model.

Results

Twelve studies fulfilled eligibility: five randomized control trials and seven case series. LTAs showed significant improvements in CRSwNP symptoms over placebo; however, these randomized trials were unable to be combined via meta-analysis. The two studies used in meta-analysis showed a standardized mean difference of pooled overall symptom scores of 0.02 (95% confidence interval, −0.39–0.44) between LTA and INCS study arms, indicating no difference between the treatment modalities. Improvement was described by all studies in symptoms, clinical outcomes, and/or immune parameters after LTA treatment, with greater improvements in a subset of symptoms beyond that observed with INCSs. Concomitant asthma, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, and atopy did not significantly or consistently affect these results.

Conclusion

LTAs are an effective tool for treating CRSwNP, with limited benefit as an adjunctive therapy. Additional study is required to determine the most beneficial strategy and patient population for their use.
More Than Sanctions
Authors: Strunk Katharine O. , McEachin Andrew
Published: November 2013

One of the enduring problems in education is the persistence of achievement gaps between White, wealthy, native English-speaking students and their counterparts who are minority, lower-income, or English language learners. This study shows that one intensive technical assistance (TA) intervention—California’s District Assistance and Intervention Teams (DAITs)—implemented in conjunction with a high-stakes accountability policy improves the math and English performance of traditionally underserved students. Using a 6-year panel of student-level data from California, we find that the DAIT intervention significantly reduces achievement gaps between Black, Hispanic, and poor students and their White and wealthier peers. These results indicate that capacity-building TA helps to close achievement gaps in California’s lowest performing districts.
National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP): Achieved and Yet to Achieve
Authors: Editor The
Published: November 2013

Birdem Med J 2013; 3(1): 1-3 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v3i1.17119
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Hoque Azharul
Published: November 2013

Birdem Med J 2013; 3(1): 61 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v3i1.17132
BIRDEM News - Microbiology: Bacteria and Antibiogram Report (January  July 2012 Report)
Authors: Editor The
Published: November 2013

Birdem Med J 2013; 3(1): 63-65DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v3i1.17135
Next Generation Characterisation of Cereal Genomes for Marker Discovery
Authors: Visendi Paul , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David
Published: November 2013

Cereal crops form the bulk of the world’s food sources, and thus their importance cannot be understated. Crop breeding programs increasingly rely on high-resolution molecular genetic markers to accelerate the breeding process. The development of these markers is hampered by the complexity of some of the major cereal crop genomes, as well as the time and cost required. In this review, we address current and future methods available for the characterisation of cereal genomes, with an emphasis on faster and more cost effective approaches for genome sequencing and the development of markers for trait association and marker assisted selection (MAS) in crop breeding programs.
The Changing Epidemiology of Kunjin Virus in Australia
Authors: Prow Natalie
Published: November 2013

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus responsible for outbreaks of viral encephalitis in humans and horses, with particularly virulent strains causing recent outbreaks of disease in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North America. A strain of WNV, Kunjin (WNVKUN), is endemic in northern Australia and infection with this virus is generally asymptomatic. However in early 2011, an unprecedented outbreak of encephalitis in horses occurred in south-eastern Australia, resulting in mortality in approximately 10%–15% of infected horses. A WNV-like virus (WNVNSW2011) was isolated and found to be most closely related to the indigenous WNVKUN, rather than other exotic WNV strains. Furthermore, at least two amino acid changes associated with increased virulence of the North American New York 99 strain (WNVNY99) compared to the prototype WNVKUN were present in the WNVNSW2011 sequence. This review summarizes our current understanding of WNVKUN and how the epidemiology and ecology of this virus has changed. Analysis of virulence determinants of contemporary WNVKUN isolates will provide clues on where virulent strains have emerged in Australia. A better understanding of the changing ecology and epidemiology associated with the emergence of virulent strains is essential to prepare for future outbreaks of WNV disease in Australia.
Indoor and Outdoor Monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds in School Buildings: Indicators Based on Health Risk Assessment to Single out Critical Issues
Authors: De Gennaro Gianluigi , Farella Genoveffa , Marzocca Annalisa , Mazzone Antonio , Tutino Maria
Published: November 2013

Children are more sensitive to pollutants than adults and yet they spend large amounts of time in school environments where they are exposed to unknown levels of indoor pollutants. This study investigated the concentrations of the most abundant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in eight naturally ventilated school buildings in Italy. The schools were chosen to include areas with different urbanization and traffic density characteristics in order to gather a more diverse picture of exposure risks in the different areas of the city. VOCs were sampled for one week in the presence/absence of pupils using diffusive samplers suitable for thermal desorption inside three classrooms at each school. The samples were then analyzed with thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). In addition, outdoor measurements were carried out in the yard at each school. VOC identification and quantification, and indoor/outdoor concentration plots were used to identify pollutant sources. While some classrooms were found to have very low VOC levels, others had a significant indoor contribution or a prevalent outdoor contribution. High concentrations of terpenes were found in all monitored classrooms: a-pinene and limonene were in the range of 6.55–34.18 µg/m3 and 11.11–25.42 µg/m3 respectively. Outdoor concentrations were lower than indoors for each monitored school. Indicators based on health risk assessment for chronic health effects associated with VOCs (either carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic) were proposed to rank sites according to their hazard level.
Synthesis of 1,4-Bis(phenylethynyl)benzenes and Their Application as Blue Phase Liquid Crystal Composition
Authors: Li Ning , Li Zhengqiang , Zhang Xing , Hua Ruimao
Published: November 2013

A number of 1,4-bis(phenylethynyl)benzene derivatives (BPEBs) and their analogues with different numbers of side-substitute fluorine atoms on benzene rings, and alkyl chains, ethoxyl groups, fluorine atoms and trifluoromethyl groups as the end groups have been synthesized. The effects of the different substituents on their properties such as thermal behavior of melting point and clearing point, the temperature of nematic phase, optical anisotropy and dielectric anisotropy have been well investigated, and it has been found that some BPEBs have a wide range of the nematic phase temperature with high optical anisotropy (Δn) and acceptable dielectric anisotropy (Δε), which have been applied as the crucial compositions to constitute a liquid crystal mixture having the properties of Δε = 29.0 and Δn = 0.283 at 25 °C. With the addition of the chiral dopant to the obtained liquid crystal mixture, blue phase liquid crystal with a blue phase temperature range of 8 °C has been achieved.