bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of tubewell access and tubewell depth on childhood diarrhea in Matlab, Bangladesh
Authors: Wu Jianyong , Yunus Mohammad , Streatfield Peter Kim , van Geen Alexander , Escamilla Veronica , Akita Yasuyuki , Serre Marc , Emch Michael
Published: December 2011

Background

During the past three decades in Bangladesh, millions of tubewells have been installed to reduce the prevalence of diarrheal disease. This study evaluates the impacts of tubewell access and tubewell depth on childhood diarrhea in rural Bangladesh.

Methods

A total of 59,796 cases of diarrhea in children under 5 were recorded in 142 villages of Matlab, Bangladesh during monthly community health surveys between 2000 and 2006. The location and depth of 12,018 tubewells were surveyed in 2002-04 and integrated with diarrhea and other data in a geographic information system. A proxy for tubewell access was developed by calculating the local density of tubewells around households. Logistic regression models were built to examine the relationship between childhood diarrhea, tubewell density and tubewell depth. Wealth, adult female education, flood control, population density and the child's age were considered as potential confounders.

Results

Baris (patrilineally-related clusters of households) with greater tubewell density were associated with significantly less diarrhea (OR (odds ratio) = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85-0.89). Tubewell density had a greater influence on childhood diarrhea in areas that were not protected from flooding. Baris using intermediate depth tubewells (140-300 feet) were associated with more childhood diarrhea (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.19-1.29) than those using shallow wells (10-140 feet). Baris using deep wells (300-990 feet) had less diarrheal disease than those using shallow wells, however, the difference was significant only when population density was low (< 1000 person/km2) or children were at the age of 13-24 months.

Conclusions

Increased access to tubewells is associated with a lower risk of childhood diarrhea. Intermediate- depth wells are associated with more childhood diarrhea compared to shallower or deeper wells. These findings may have implications for on-going efforts to reduce exposure to elevated levels of arsenic contained in groundwater that is pumped in this study area primarily from shallow tubewells.
Variations in maternal care alter corticosterone and 17beta-estradiol levels, estrous cycle and folliculogenesis and stimulate the expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in the ovaries of UCh rats
Authors: Amorim João PA , Chuffa Luiz GA , Teixeira Giovana R , Mendes Leonardo O , Fioruci Beatriz A , Martins Otávio A , Júnior Wílson Mello , Anselmo-Franci Janete A , Pinheiro Patricia FF , Martinez Marcelo , Martinez Francisco E
Published: December 2011

Background

Variations in maternal care are associated with neonatal stress, hormonal disturbances and reproductive injuries during adulthood. However, the effects of these variations on sex hormones and steroid receptors during ovary development remain undetermined. This study aimed to investigate whether variations in maternal care are able to influence the hormonal profile, follicular dynamics and expression of AR, ER-alpha and ER-beta in the ovaries of UCh rat offspring.

Methods

Twenty-four adult UCh rats, aged 120 days, were randomly divided into two groups (UChA and UChB) and mated. Maternal care was assessed from birth (day 0) to the 10th postnatal day (PND). In adulthood, twenty adult female rats (UChA and UChB offspring; n = 10/group), aged 120 days, were euthanized by decapitation during the morning estrus.

Results

UChA females (providing high maternal care) more frequently displayed the behaviors of carrying pups, as well as licking/grooming and arched back nursing cares. Also, mothers providing high care had elevated corticosterone levels. Additionally, offspring receiving low maternal care showed the highest estrous cycle duration, increased corticosterone and 17beta-estradiol levels, overexpression of receptors ER-alpha and ER-beta, increased numbers of primordial, antral and mature follicles and accentuated granulosa cell proliferation.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that low maternal care alters corticosterone and 17beta-estradiol levels, disrupting the estrous cycle and folliculogenesis and differentially regulating the expression of ER-alpha and ER-beta in the ovaries of adult rats.
Flexible intramedullary nailing in paediatric femoral fractures. A report of 73 cases
Authors: Lohiya Ramprakash , Bachhal Vikas , Khan Usman , Kumar Deepak , Vijayvargiya Vishwapriya , Sankhala Sohan S , Bhargava Rakesh , Jindal Nipun
Published: December 2011

Background

Flexible intramedullary nailing has emerged as an accepted procedure for paediatric femoral fractures. Present indications include all patients with femoral shaft fractures and open physis. Despite its excellent reported results, orthopaedic surgeons remain divided in opinion regarding its usefulness and the best material used for nails. We thus undertook a retrospective study of paediatric femoral fractures treated with titanium or stainless steel flexible nails at our institute with a minimum of 5 years follow up.

Material and methods

We included 73 femoral shaft fractures in 69 patients treated with retrograde flexible intramedullary nailing with a minimum follow up of 5 years. Final limb length discrepancy and any angular or rotational deformities were determined.

Results

Mean age at final follow up was 15.5 years (10-21 years). Mean follow up was 7.16 years (5.0-8.6 years). Titanium and stainless steel nails were used in 43 and 30 cases respectively. There were 51 midshaft, 17 proximal, and 5 distal fractures.

All fractures united at an average of 11 weeks but asymptomatic malalignment and LLD were seen in 19% and 58% fractures respectively. LLD ranged from -3 cm to 1.5 cm. Other complications included superficial infection(2), proximal migration of nail(3), irritation at nail insertion site(5) and penetration of femoral neck with nail tip(1). There were 59 excellent, 10 satisfactory and 4 poor results.

Conclusion

Flexible intramedullary nailing is reliable and safe for treating paediatric femoral shaft fractures. It is relatively free of serious complications despite asymptomatic malalignment and LLD in significant percentage of fractures.
Association between magnetic susceptibilities and hydrocarbon deposits in the Barinas-Apure Basin, Venezuela
Authors: Perez-Perez A. , D’Onofrio L. , Bosch M. , Zapata E.
Published: December 2011

We have measured the magnetic susceptibility of 5425 drill cuttings, coming from 20 oil wells distributed in eight fields of the Petroliferous Barinas-Apure Basin (Barinas, Venezuela), seeking evidence of magnetic anomalies associated with the presence of hydrocarbon deposits. The rock samples are located between the near earth’s surface and the basement’s top (approximately 4000 m). In the magnetic susceptibility profiles, we observed high magnetic susceptibilities at the top of the sedimentary units corresponding to reservoir and source rocks of oil-producing wells, whereas in the case of nonproducing wells we observed low magnetic susceptibilities. A basic statistical analysis of the magnetic susceptibility measurements shows a significant difference between the mean values across producing and nonproducing wells at the correspondent oil-related formations, with a ratio of [Formula: see text] of producing to nonproducing wells. In the producing wells, we have found a relation between the magnitudes of the magnetic susceptibility and the age of the formation; the larger the magnetic susceptibility, the younger the geological stratum. The age and depth of the formations where the cuts were obtained exclude the presence of cultural (human origin) contamination of the samples, suggesting the evidence of authigenic origin of the magnetic minerals due to the reductive effect of hydrocarbons in rocks.
Elastic and resistivity anisotropy of shale during compaction and diagenesis: Joint effective medium modeling and field observations
Authors: Bachrach Ran
Published: December 2011

Shales are anisotropic materials which have been observed to have both electrical and elastic anisotropy. Shales also comprise most of the sedimentary column in clastic basins, and thus, the ability to model shale response to electrical and seismic fields may improve our ability to better resolve anisotropy by using different measurements. Compacting shale-effective media modeling, which captures the geological process of porosity reduction and geochemical compaction, was formulated in this research in microstructural parameters associated with particle alignment and pore-shape deformation. The state of compaction, captured by the porosity of the soft sediment, governs the pore aspect ratio and the amount of particle alignment. Diagenetic processes are captured using temperature-dependent mineral elasticity and conductivity. The model uses the same microstructural parameters and equivalent effective medium approximation scheme to predict electrical and elastic anisotropy. In situ measurements of electrical anisotropy and seismic based estimates of elastic anisotropy in shales in the same basin compare favorably with modeling results. The joint-modeling formulation provides ways to study electrical resistivity and elastic-anisotropy jointly and explore the use of electrical resistivity anisotropy measurements to constrain elastic anisotropy, and vice versa.
Monitoring a shallow subsurface gas flow by time-lapse refraction analysis
Authors: Mehdi Zadeh Hossein , Landrø Martin
Published: December 2011

Studying time-lapse time shifts for refracted events is a complementary method to conventional 4D analysis. Especially for detecting changes in relatively shallow subsurface layers, we find that this method has potential. By studying data associated with an old underground blowout, we find consistent time shifts of up to 4 ms when comparing a base survey that was acquired before the underground blowout with a monitor survey acquired 20 months after the blowout. These time shifts are interpreted as caused by shallow gas migration. The 4D refraction time shifts are estimated by a standard windowed crosscorrelation technique. Observed time shifts are compared with a simple synthetic modeling to find the possible property and location of the anomaly. The synthetic result was qualitatively matched with real data. We believe that more quantitative matches can obtained when the method is combined with full waveform inversions. Time-lapse refraction analysis has some clear limitations, for instance, the presence of refracted events, which requires a positive velocity contrast for the interface to be studied. Another limitation is that for deeper events, the signal from shallower refractions and noise associated with the water layer will distort the 4D time shifts. However, we found that these results demonstrate the potential of refraction time shifts as a complementary 4D analysis technique. We believe that the method has a significant potential for quantitative 4D interpretation.
Solution of 3D time-domain electromagnetic problems using optimal subspace projection
Authors: Zaslavsky M. , Druskin V. , Knizhnerman L.
Published: December 2011

Time-domain problems for controlled-source electromagnetic exploration require accurate discretization of the solution for multiple spacial and temporal scales. Therefore, forward simulation using conventional computational methods becomes computationally expensive, even without accounting for induced-polarization (IP) effects. These effects create another complication caused by the presence of a convolution integral in the time-domain Maxwell system. We suggested a novel, fast, and robust algorithm to solve the 3D time-domain electromagnetic (EM) problems that can be considered as a generalization of the spectral Lanczos decomposition method. The new method also allowed us to incorporate the IP effects without significant cost increase. The discretized large-scale Maxwell system was projected onto a small subspace consisting of the Laplace-domain solutions (the so-called parameter-dependent Krylov subspace) for an optimally chosen set of Laplace parameters. The projected system preserved stability and passivity of the original problem. Moreover, our approach (even without the IP effects) yielded an optimal solution within a wide class of computational algorithms that included the conventional time-domain finite-difference, discrete Fourier transform and spectral Lanczos decomposition methods. Numerical examples for the controlled-source EM problem showed that the new algorithm produces accurate solutions on time intervals spanning from milliseconds to hundreds of seconds with the cost of (at most) 60 time steps of the implicit finite-difference time domain scheme. This showed significant improvement even compared with results for nonpolarized media reported in recent literature. Additionally, the new algorithm had the unique capability to accurately handle large-scale 3D models, including the IP effects.
Cdx2 determines the fate of postnatal intestinal endoderm
Authors: Stringer Emma J. , Duluc Isabelle , Saandi Thoueiba , Davidson Irwin , Bialecka Monika , Sato Toshiro , Barker Nick , Clevers Hans , Pritchard Catrin A. , Winton Doug J. , Wright Nicholas A. , Freund Jean-Noel , Deschamps Jacqueline , Beck Felix
Published: December 2011

Knock out of intestinal Cdx2 produces different effects depending upon the developmental stage at which this occurs. Early in development it produces histologically ordered stomach mucosa in the midgut. Conditional inactivation of Cdx2 in adult intestinal epithelium, as well as specifically in the Lgr5-positive stem cells, of adult mice allows long-term survival of the animals but fails to produce this phenotype. Instead, the endodermal cells exhibit cell-autonomous expression of gastric genes in an intestinal setting that is not accompanied by mesodermal expression of Barx1, which is necessary for gastric morphogenesis. Cdx2-negative endodermal cells also fail to express Sox2, a marker of gastric morphogenesis. Maturation of the stem cell niche thus appears to be associated with loss of ability to express positional information cues that are required for normal stomach development. Cdx2-negative intestinal crypts produce subsurface cystic vesicles, whereas untargeted crypts hypertrophy to later replace the surface epithelium. These observations are supported by studies involving inactivation of Cdx2 in intestinal crypts cultured in vitro. This abolishes their ability to form long-term growing intestinal organoids that differentiate into intestinal phenotypes. We conclude that expression of Cdx2 is essential for differentiation of gut stem cells into any of the intestinal cell types, but they maintain a degree of cell-autonomous plasticity that allows them to switch on a variety of gastric genes.
Nonlinear Models of Measurement Errors
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Hong Han , Nekipelov Denis
Published: December 2011

Measurement errors in economic data are pervasive and nontrivial in size. The presence of measurement errors causes biased and inconsistent parameter estimates and leads to erroneous conclusions to various degrees in economic analysis. While linear errors-in-variables models are usually handled with well-known instrumental variable methods, this article provides an overview of recent research papers that derive estimation methods that provide consistent estimates for nonlinear models with measurement errors. We review models with both classical and nonclassical measurement errors, and with misclassification of discrete variables. For each of the methods surveyed, we describe the key ideas for identification and estimation, and discuss its application whenever it is currently available. (JEL C20, C26, C50)
Role of precursor sequences in the ordered maturation of E. coli 23S ribosomal RNA
Authors: Gutgsell Nancy S. , Jain Chaitanya
Published: December 2011

The maturation of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) is an important but incompletely understood process required for rRNAs to become functional. In order to determine the enzymes responsible for initiating 3′ end maturation of 23S rRNA in Escherichia coli, we analyzed a number of strains lacking different combinations of 3′ to 5′ exo-RNases. Through these analyses, we identified RNase PH as a key effector of 3′ end maturation. Further analysis of the processing reaction revealed that the 23S rRNA precursor contains a CC dinucleotide sequence that prevents maturation from being performed by RNase T instead. Mutation of this dinucleotide resulted in a growth defect, suggesting a strategic significance for this RNase T stalling sequence to prevent premature processing by RNase T. To further explore the roles of RNase PH and RNase T in RNA processing, we identified a subset of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) that contain an RNase T stall sequence, and showed that RNase PH activity is particularly important to process these tRNAs. Overall, the results obtained point to a key role of RNase PH in 23S rRNA processing and to an interplay between this enzyme and RNase T in the processing of different species of RNA molecules in the cell.
Improving Workforce Scheduling of Aircraft Line Maintenance at Sabena Technics
Authors: Beliën Jeroen , Cardoen Brecht , Demeulemeester Erik
Published: December 2011

This paper presents our application of a visualization tool and optimization model based on mixed-integer linear programming to solve a workforce staffing and scheduling problem at Sabena Technics, a major aircraft maintenance company in Belgium. We used the software to generate many alternative, cost-efficient schedules and to analyze multiple scenarios. In several management meetings, stakeholders evaluated the schedules and raised concerns. We subsequently changed the model to successfully address their concerns. The model has resulted in considerable savings and a more efficient use of human resources.
Vertebrectomy Model for the Mechanical Assessment of Fusionless Scoliosis Growth Rods
Authors: Shorez J. P.
Published: December 2011

Fusionless scoliosis growth rod systems pose many challenges to benchtop biomechanical testing. This study was conducted in order to develop a vertebrectomy model capable of evaluating shear/corrective reduction forces, anterior/posterior load sharing, and long term fatigue properties of these systems. Portions of ASTM F1717 and ISO 12189 were used to develop a custom dynamic construct. Results from the corrective/shear reduction force test demonstrate an expected reduced shear/corrective force at the completion of fatigue testing. Additionally, a bimodal force–displacement curve was demonstrated during confined static compression testing, indicating an anterior/posterior load sharing function of the system. Fatigue testing of the dynamic construct demonstrated the potential to develop a fatigue curve and endurance limit of a growth rod system. Moreover, fatigue testing replicated common in vivo failures. The complexities of scoliosis treatment make the definition of a standardized construct difficult. However, application of the current model can serve as a tool to understand the basic mechanical interactions in these complex systems.
5083 Aluminum Alloy Welded Joints: Measurements of Mechanical Properties by DIC
Authors: Rivolta B. , Silvestri A. , Zappa E. , Garghentini A.
Published: December 2011

The mechanical behaviour of heterogeneous regions like weldings is strongly affected by the local response, depending on the microstructural characteristics and the presence of defects. In this experimental work, 5083 H111 plates are welded by MIG method and DIC measurements were performed during uniaxial tensile tests to investigate the local mechanical behaviour in the area of interest. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a measuring technique capable of estimating the full displacement and strain field of an object through image acquisition and processing. The DIC techniques relates the intensity distribution of a small sub-set of pixel from a reference image and the image of the deformed specimen in order to estimate the full displacement field. The strain field is obtained relying on the displacement data. Specific tests are performed on specimens characterized by the presence of defects and porosity in the welding, to investigate the potentiality of the method and the obtained results show that the method is able to predict the position from which the final crack starts its propagation, giving rise to the final rupture of the specimen. Moreover, the work shows the possibility of determining the deformation field of the welded zone and of the heat affected zone by the DIC analysis, thanks to the capability of this measuring technique to estimate the mechanical behaviour of the specific regions of a welded joint (base material, HAZ and weld).
Phase II study of weekly paclitaxel and sorafenib as second/third-line therapy in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Berruti Alfredo , Sperone Paola , Ferrero Anna , Germano Antonina , Ardito Arianna , Priola Adriano Massimiliano , De Francia Silvia , Volante Marco , Daffara Fulvia , Generali Daniele , Leboulleux Sophie , Perotti Paola , Baudin Eric , Papotti Mauro , Terzolo Massimo
Published: December 2011

Background

There is a strong rationale in the use of antiangiogenic therapy in the management of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Metronomic administration of chemotherapy and antiangiogenic drugs can be synergistic in targeting endothelial cells.

Objective

We assessed the activity of sorafenib plus metronomic paclitaxel as second/third-line therapy in advanced ACC patients. We also tested the activity of sorafenib and paclitaxel against NCI-H295R in vitro.

Design

Multicenter, prospective phase II trial.

Setting

Referral centers for ACC.

Methods

Twenty-five consecutive metastatic ACC patients who progressed after mitotane plus one or two chemotherapy lines were planned to be enrolled. The patients received a combination of i.v. paclitaxel (60 mg/m2 every week) and oral sorafenib (400 mg twice a day) till progression. The primary aim was to measure the progression-free survival rate after 4 months and the secondary aims were to assess the objective response rate and toxicity.

Results

Tumor progression was observed in nine evaluable patients at the first assessment. These results led to the premature interruption of the trial. The treatment was well tolerated. The most relevant toxicities were fatigue, being grade 2 or 3 in four patients, and hypophosphatemia, being grade 3 in three patients. In the in vitro study, sorafenib impaired the viability of H295R cells with dose–response and time–response relationships. The in vitro sorafenib activity was not increased in combination with paclitaxel.

Conclusions

Despite the in vitro activity, sorafenib plus weekly paclitaxel is an inactive salvage treatment in patients with advanced ACC and should not be recommended.
Atributos do solo e produtividade do milho e do feijoeiro irrigado sob sistema integração lavoura-pecuária
Authors: Silveira Pedro Marques da , Silva José Henrique da , Lobo Junior Murillo , Cunha Paulo César Ribeiro da
Published: December 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as alterações nos atributos físicos e químicos do solo, na capacidade de suporte de pastagem e na produtividade do milho e do feijoeiro irrigado, em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária, em plantio direto. O experimento de campo foi instalado em área irrigada por pivô central, em Santo Antônio de Goiás, GO, em um Latossolo Vermelho argiloso. Os tratamentos, avaliados por três anos consecutivos, foram: pastagem contínua; sucessão anual pastagem/feijão irrigado; sucessão anual milho/pastagem/feijão irrigado e sucessão anual milho/feijão irrigado no inverno. Cada parcela, correspondente a um tratamento, apresentava área de seis hectares. A espécie forrageira utilizada foi a Urochloa ruziziensis, pastejada por fêmeas bovinas mestiças das raças Gir e Holandesa, com massa aproximada de 450 kg. Não houve alteração da densidade e porosidade do solo nos diferentes tratamentos. A alteração nos atributos químicos dependeu do nutriente avaliado. Sucessões com braquiária no sistema de cultivo aumentaram a proporção de agregados do solo maiores que 2 mm. Os valores de capacidade de suporte da pastagem diminuíram à medida que o número de culturas de grãos implantadas na sucessão anual aumentou. A produtividade do feijoeiro foi influenciada pela sucessão anual envolvendo pastagem, diferentemente do observado na produtividade de milho.
Dinâmica da serapilheira em pastagens de braquiária em sistema silvipastoril e monocultura
Authors: Xavier Deise Ferreira , Lédo Francisco José da Silva , Paciullo Domingos Sávio de Campos , Pires Maria de Fátima Ávila , Boddey Robert Michael
Published: December 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da introdução de leguminosas arbóreas e eucalipto em pastagens de braquiária (Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk), na dinâmica da serapilheira. O estudo foi realizado em sistema silvipastoril e em monocultura, em 12 meses. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com seis repetições e cinco animais por piquete. Foram avaliadas a serapilheira existente e a depositada. A serapilheira existente teve média anual de 5.038 e 3.944 kg ha-1, no sistema silvipastoril e na monocultura, respectivamente. O sistema silvipastoril causou um acréscimo significativo na serapilheira depositada. A quantidade de nitrogênio da serapilheira depositada foi maior no sistema silvipastoril, do que na monocultura, respectivamente, 228 kg ha-1 por ano e 107 kg ha-1 por ano. A presença de leguminosas e de eucalipto em sistema silvipastoril proporcionou aumentos nas quantidades de nitrogênio, comprovados pela análise isotópica de 13C, e matéria seca de serapilheira. Incrementos na produção de serapilheira rica em nitrogênio pode contribuir para a sustentabilidade das pastagens de braquiária a longo prazo.
Atributos físicos do solo sob intensidades de pastejo e métodos de pastoreio com cordeiros em integração lavoura-pecuária
Authors: Carassai Igor Justin , Carvalho Paulo César de Faccio , Cardoso Raquel Rolim , Flores João Paulo Cassol , Anghinoni Ibanor , Nabinger Carlos , Freitas Fabiana Kellermann de , Macari Stefani , Trein Carlos Ricardo
Published: December 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar possíveis alterações na densidade e na porosidade total do solo, em razão do pisoteio de cordeiros, sob diferentes manejos, após as culturas de verão em plantio direto. O experimento foi realizado em Argissolo Vermelho distrófico argiloso, nas camadas 0-2,5, 2,5-5 e 5-10 cm, em pastagem de azevém anual manejada com ofertas de forragem de 2,5 ou 5,0 vezes o potencial de consumo dos animais, em lotação contínua e rotacionada. Como testemunha, utilizou-se uma área não pastejada. As intensidades de pastejo e os métodos de pastoreio não tiveram efeito sobre a densidade e a porosidade total do solo. É possível utilizar, durante o inverno, áreas com este tipo de textura do solo, com culturas de cobertura para pastejo de cordeiros, sem que as alterações nos atributos físicos do solo, pelo pisoteio animal, atinjam níveis prejudiciais para as culturas subsequentes.
Qualidade física do solo sob sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária
Authors: Santos Glenio Guimarães , Marchão Robélio Leandro , Silva Euzebio Medrado da , Silveira Pedro Marques da , Becquer Thierry
Published: December 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade física do solo em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP), em comparação à pastagem contínua e ao cerrado nativo. Durante dois anos (2005 e 2006), amostras de um Latossolo Vermelho argiloso foram coletadas de duas camadas (0-20 e 70-80 cm), em seis áreas cultivadas em diferentes sistemas de rotação de culturas e ILP. Uma área de pastagem contínua e outra de cerrado nativo foram utilizadas como referências. Foram analisados os seguintes atributos físico-hídricos: densidade do solo, umidade de saturação, porosidade total, macroporosidade, microporosidade efetiva, saturação efetiva, condutividade hidráulica saturada de campo e de laboratório, e curva de retenção de água do solo. Todos os sistemas de cultivo provocaram impacto nos atributos físico-hídricos, na camada 0-20 cm. O cultivo contínuo de pastagem proporcionou a melhor qualidade física do solo. Na comparação entre os anos, apenas o sistema preparo convencional do solo mostrou incremento na densidade e redução na porosidade do solo. A pastagem em rotação no sistema ILP, mesmo após quatro anos, não favorece a qualidade física do solo em comparação à pastagem contínua.
Teor e dinâmica do carbono no solo em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária
Authors: Salton Júlio Cesar , Mielniczuk João , Bayer Cimélio , Fabrício Amoacy Carvalho , Macedo Manuel Cláudio Motta , Broch Dirceu Luiz
Published: December 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade de sistemas de manejo do solo alterarem os teores e a dinâmica do carbono no solo. Foram avaliados a vegetação natural e sistemas de manejo compostos de pastagens, lavouras anuais em preparo convencional e em plantio direto, e rotação de pastagem com lavoura, em experimentos de longa duração conduzidos em Dourados, Maracaju e Campo Grande, MS. Os experimentos foram dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em Dourados e Maracaju, e em blocos ao acaso em Campo Grande. Foram determinados os teores e os estoques de C total no solo e em frações granulométricas da matéria orgânica do solo (MOS). A qualidade da MOS foi estimada pela relação entre o C nas frações lábil e não lábil, e expressa na forma de labilidade. A pastagem, permanente ou em rotação com lavouras, aumentou o C na fração particulada e a labilidade da MOS. As menores taxas de acúmulo e os menores estoques de C no solo foram observados nos sistemas apenas com lavouras anuais, enquanto os maiores valores foram registrados nos sistemas com pastagens.
A força do direito e a violência das formas jurídicas
Authors: Azevedo Rodrigo Ghiringhelli de
Published: December 2011

O presente artigo parte da apresentação da perspectiva teórica do estruturalismo construtivista de Pierre Bourdieu para a abordagem do campo jurídico, para em seguida distingui-lo do campo judicial, como proposto por Bourdieu. O campo judicial é entendido como subcampo no interior do campo jurídico, como instituição de um monopólio de profissionais que dominam a produção e comercialização dos serviços jurídicos em virtude da competência jurídica e social ou do poder específico para constituir o objeto jurídico-judicial, ou seja, para transformar uma realidade social (uma queixa, um conflito ou uma disputa) em realidade jurídico-judicial. Em seguida, são analisadas as diferentes linhas interpretativas da atuação dos mecanismos institucionais de administração de conflitos no Brasil, tendo em vista a existência de lógicas distintas de administração estatal de conflitos, ou intensidades de interação, que corresponderiam a hierarquias de rituais, de pessoas e de tipos de conflito. Argumentamos que, tomando a interpretação do Direito a partir dos conceitos e autores utilizados, reconhecendo a sua força e a violência das formas jurídicas, assim como sua histórica utilização como mecanismo de produção e reprodução de hierarquias e desigualdades sociais, e admitindo que as instituições de justiça sejam permanentemente vulneráveis, por uma série de mecanismos, à subversão dos detentores do poder político e econômico, ao traduzir demandas sociais em demandas jurídicas existe a possibilidade de que a necessidade de justificação legal reduza o espaço de pura e simples discricionariedade.
La extensión del sentimiento de inseguridad en América Latina: relatos, acciones y políticas en el caso Argentino
Authors: Kessler Gabriel
Published: December 2011

La preocupación por el delito se ha extendido en toda América Latina. Además de presentar los resultados de una investigación realizada en la Argentina con métodos cuantitativos y cualitativos, este artículo intenta contribuir a la comparación con procesos similares en otros países de la región. La idea central es que la generalización del sentimiento de inseguridad produce consecuencias en el plano de los imaginarios, lo que se llamará relatos de la inseguridad y de las prácticas sociales, la gestión de la inseguridad. Asimismo, se modifica la asociación exclusiva entre temor y autoritarismo, forjadas cuando la inseguridad era inquietud de una minoría. Una serie de paradojas centrales en este campo de estudio en el mundo anglosajón, esto es, el enigma de porqué los grupos menos victimizados son en apariencias los más temerosos, se revisan para el caso argentino.
Duas faces do poder
Authors: Bachrach Peter , Baratz Morton S.
Published: December 2011

Este artigo apresenta duas concepções de poder, a partir do exame e da crítica de duas tradições de pesquisa. A tradição sociológica, que originou a corrente elitista, postula a existência do poder nas comunidades; a tradição politológica, que originou a corrente pluralista, questiona a existência de elites dirigentes em comunidades e instituições. O artigo argumenta que a tradição elitista postula o que deve ser provado, ao passo que a pluralista está correta em investigar se há de fato grupos governantes nas sociedades, mas sua abordagem é restrita e deixa de lado um aspecto essencial da questão. Assim, os autores do artigo argumentam que, anteriormente à face visível do poder, manifestada pelos indivíduos e grupos que tomam efetivamente as decisões (ou que impõem os vetos), os pesquisadores devem prestar atenção à face invisível do poder. Essa outra face consiste na capacidade que indivíduos ou grupos têm de controlar ou manipular os valores sociais e políticos (isto é, de "mobilizar vieses"), impedindo que temas potencialmente perigosos para seus interesses e perspectivas sejam objeto de discussão e deliberação pública.
A Sociologia Política brasileira em análise: quatro visões sobre o funcionamento administrativo do Estado Novo
Authors: Codato Adriano
Published: December 2011

Nos estudos de Sociologia Política brasileira, há quatro maneiras diferentes de considerar os departamentos administrativos dos estados, aparelhos criados pela ditadura de Vargas em 1939 como órgãos complementares ao sistema de interventorias federais. Na base dessas interpretações, há também quatro modos diferentes de considerar o próprio regime do Estado Novo (1937-1945). As concepções sobre os departamentos administrativos divergem tanto em função das convicções do observador diante da forma de funcionamento do sistema político autoritário, quanto do papel (político, econômico ou burocrático) dessas agências que o analista julga mais relevante destacar. Analiso neste ensaio as interpretações disponíveis sobre o assunto e enfatizo o que me parecem ser as principais dificuldades e limitações para explicar a relação entre as antigas elites políticas estaduais e as novas instituições políticas federais na década de 1940 no Brasil.
A teoria ambientalista de florence nightingale no ensino da escola de enfermagem Anna Nery (1962 - 1968)
Authors: Haddad Veronica Cristin do Nascimento , Santos Tânia Cristina Franco
Published: December 2011

Estudo histórico-social. Objetivos: caracterizar a Teoria Ambientalista de Florence Nightingale e analisar a aplicação dos conceitos dessa teoria no ensino da disciplina "fundamentos de enfermagem" na EEAN. Fontes: quarta edição do "Novo Manual de Técnica de Enfermagem" de Elvira de Felice Souza, livros, leis, teses, dissertações, trabalhos científicos. O Manual apresenta princípios para a boa execução da assistência de enfermagem, citando ações que proporcionam ao doente bem-estar físico, mental e espiritual. Estes princípios corroboram os pensamentos de Florence Nightingale que denotam a importância da implementação de uma assistência caracterizada por condições de recuperação, cura e reabilitação relacionadas com a qualidade do ambiente. Conclusão: constatação de que o ensino na época focalizava não somente o desenvolvimento das técnicas de enfermagem de forma correta, mas também a prática de ações que garantissem o cuidado holístico através de uma assistência pautada nos valores morais da sociedade e pelos princípios éticos da profissão.
N-acetylcysteine for major depressive episodes in bipolar disorder
Authors: Magalhães Pedro V , Dean Olívia M , Bush Ashley I , Copolov David L , Malhi Gin S , Kohlmann Kristy , Jeavons Susan , Schapkaitz Ian , Anderson-Hunt Murray , Berk Michael
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE: In this report, we aimed to evaluate the effect of add-on N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on depressive symptoms and functional outcomes in bipolar disorder. To that end, we conducted a secondary analysis of all patients meeting full criteria for a depressive episode in a placebo controlled trial of adjunctive NAC for bipolar disorder. METHOD: Twenty-four week randomised clinical trial comparing adjunctive NAC and placebo in individuals with bipolar disorder experiencing major depressive episodes. Symptomatic and functional outcome data were collected over the study period. RESULTS: Seventeen participants were available for this report. Very large effect sizes in favor of NAC were found for depressive symptoms and functional outcomes at endpoint. Eight of the ten participants on NAC had a treatment response at endpoint; the same was true for only one of the seven participants allocated to placebo. DISCUSSION: These results indicate that adjunctive NAC may be useful for major depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. Further studies designed to confirm this hypothesis are necessary.
Securing executive buy-in for preventative risk management – lessons from water safety plans
Authors: Summerill C. , Pollard S. J. T. , Smith J. A. , Breach B. , Williams T.
Published: December 2011

Appropriate implementation of water safety plans (WSPs) offers an important opportunity to engage in and promote preventative risk management within water utilities. To ensure success, the whole organization, especially executive management, need to be advocates. Illustrated by four case studies, we discuss the influence of organisational culture on buy-in and commitment to WSPs. Despite an internal desire to undertake risk management, aspects of organisational culture prevented these from reaching full potential. Enabling cultural features included: enthusiastic management; past incidents; accountability; insufficient regulations; image; learning and continual improvement cultures; stakeholder relationships; and empowerment of staff. Blocking features included: lack of awareness and recognition; complacency; poor internal relationships; competing priorities; lack of resources and skills; contrasting internal cultures and a lack of near miss reporting. Benefits of WSP implementation and how management are committed are also discussed. We offer some suggestions to those wishing to generate executive buy-in such as: understanding reasons for hesitance; demonstrate benefits; avoiding complacency; highlight building blocks of WSPs and recognising the value of using the WSP approach to inform sound investment planning. We urge water utilities to consider the influence of organisational culture on the success and sustainability of WSP adoption, and to better understand how effective leadership can mould culture to support implementation.
Evaluation of photocatalytic degradation of a commercial humic acid in water using a simulated solar UV irradiation and monitoring the changes by size exclusion chromatography
Authors: Valencia S. , Marín J. , Restrepo G. , Frimmel F. H.
Published: December 2011

Much research has been undertaken on the photocatalytic degradation of humic substances with titanium dioxide using commercial humic acids (HA), which are extracts from either peat or coal. Most of the research has been focused on the changes in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and UV254 absorption. These parameters only give a general assessment. This work studies the changes in the physical and structural properties of a commercial humic acid by size exclusion chromatography with DOC and UV254 absorption detection (SEC-DOC, SEC-UV254), and the evolution of halogenated organic compounds (AOX) and trihalomethanes (THMs) during the photocatalytic degradation with simulated solar UV irradiation and Degussa P-25 TiO2. These changes are compared with those reported for natural organic matter (NOM). The photodegradation of commercial HA and NOM proceeds in a similar and sequential manner, initially with the preferential adsorption of larger molecules, then the degradation of these larger molecular size fractions and proceeding towards smaller molecular size fractions, while decreasing THMs and AOX formation potential.
Fouling analysis of polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes used for drinking water treatment
Authors: Zhao B. Q. , Huang C. P. , Chen S. Y. , Wang D. S. , Li T. , Qu J. H.
Published: December 2011

Natural organic matter (NOM) plays a significant role in the fouling of ultrafiltration membranes in drinking water treatment processes. For a better understanding of the interaction between fractional components of NOM and polysulfone (PS) ultrafiltration membranes used for drinking water treatment, fouling and especially the physically irreversible fouling of natural organic matter were investigated. Resin fractionation, fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were employed to identify the potential foulants. The results showed that humic acid and fulvic acid of small size were likely to permeate the membrane, while the hydrophobic fraction of humic and fulvic acid and aromatic proteins tended to be rejected and retained. Organic compounds such as proteins, humic substances, and polysaccharide-like materials, were all detected in the fouling layer. The physically irreversible fouling of the PS membrane seemed to be mainly attributed to the hydrophobic fraction of humic substances.
Use of anthropogenic gadolinium as a tracer for bank filtrate in drinking water wells
Authors: Schwesig D. , Bergmann A.
Published: December 2011

Knowledge of the amount of bank filtrate in raw water is crucial for drinking water suppliers using water wells in close proximity to rivers, in particular if those rivers are strongly affected by anthropogenic activities, e.g. receiving effluents from waste water treatment plants. Analysis of organic micropollutants as tracer compounds is costly and time-consuming, and results may be biased by processes such as sorption, degradation or even by other input pathways such as land use activities. In this study, the use of gadolinium (Gd) as an alternative conservative tracer to indicate the amount of bank filtrate in raw water from drinking water wells close to rivers was investigated. In two case studies in Germany and Luxembourg, river water and water from drinking water wells at several distances from the rivers was sampled and analysed for anthropogenic Gd as well as for some of the organic trace pollutants conventionally used as tracer compounds. The amount of bank filtrate as calculated from Gd was compared with the estimates derived by conventional tracers and by hydrological flux modelling. The results indicated that the measurement of Gd may provide a promising alternative to monitor infiltration of river water in ground water used for production of drinking water.
Converting rain into drinking water: quality issues and technological advances
Authors: Adler I. , Hudson-Edwards K. A. , Campos L. C.
Published: December 2011

With growing pressures on water supplies worldwide, rainwater harvesting is increasingly seen as a viable option to provide drinking water to an ever expanding population, particularly in developing countries. However, rooftop runoff is not without quality issues. Microbiological and chemical contamination have been detected in several studies, well above local and international guidelines, posing a health risk for consumers. Our research explores the use of silver ions, combined with conventional filtration and settling mechanisms, as a safe and affordable model for purification that can be applied on a small scale. The complete systems were installed and tested in rural communities in a Mexican semi-arid region. Efficiencies up to 99.9% were achieved in the removal of indicator microorganisms, with a marked exception where cross-contamination from external seepage occurs. Sites without overhanging branches or with relatively clean surfaces show an absence of total coliforms in the untreated runoff, compared with others where values as high as 1,650 CFU/100 ml were recorded. Thus, given adequate maintenance, the system can successfully deliver high quality drinking water, even when storage is required for long periods of time.
A Hybrid Model of Solvent Hehydratic Distillation Column Based on Mechanism and LS-SVM
Authors: Sun Qingtao , Yan Xuefeng
Published: December 2011

Considering that there are many factors having highly nonlinear effect on the Murphree efficiency of column in petrochemical industry and that the obtained accurate value of the Murphree efficiency plays an important role in the performance of the column model, a novel hybrid model method which combines mechanism with least square support vector machine (LS-SVM) is proposed to model solvent dehydratic distillation column (SDDC). In the hybrid model, the mechanism method is used to develop the whole model of SDDC, and LS-SVM is employed to describe the relationship between the factors and the Murphree efficiency due to the nonlinear representing ability of LS-SVM. Further, the correlation between the factors and the Murphree efficiency is analyzed to select the input variables of LS-SVM, and leave-one-out cross-validation method is employed to demonstrate the performance of LS-SVM. The simulation result shows that the hybrid model has robust and good predicting performance and can simulate different conditions of SDDC.
A Systems View of Decision‐Making for Risky Technologies: From Global to Local and Local to Global
Authors: Poetz Anneliese
Published: December 2011

The recent disaster at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power generation facility has caused concern on a global scale over the safety of nuclear power. In response to heightened risk perceptions caused by these crises, many stakeholders may find processes for voicing their concerns to be inadequate. For many years, an effective model for decision‐making which includes public input has been needed, a process that meets the needs of diverse stakeholders in a democratic setting. Many studies conclude that stakeholder interactions occur within a complex system, but do not articulate details of this system. This study combined case study with grounded theory methodology and utilized situational analysis. Data were mainly comprised of 30 one‐on‐one interviews with stakeholders involved in the decision‐making processes for the re‐licensing of two nuclear power generation facilities in Ontario, Canada. The purpose of this paper is to present findings from this qualitative study which illuminate the complex interactions between global, national, and local systems, such as the effect of nuclear incidents on global and local risk perceptions. The paper concludes with several recommendations for organizations concerned with protecting public safety.