bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimally Invasive Non-Endoscopic Thyroidectomy: A Very High in the Neck Thyroidectomy Incision
Authors: Linos Dimitrios
Published: August 2015

We propose the adoption of a very high in the neck thyroidectomy incision, as high as the cricoid and/or thyroid cartilage, placed in an existing skin crease. This is a minimally invasive non-endoscopic thyroidectomy (MINET) approach that allows a safer, easier and more complete thyroidectomy.

How to cite this article

Linos D. Minimally Invasive Non- Endoscopic Thyroidectomy: A Very High in the Neck Thyroidectomy Incision. World J Endoc Surg 2015;7(2):51-52.
Aldosterone-Cortisol Cosecreting Adenoma
Authors: Jain Manoj , Bhatia Eesh , Pradhan Roma , Tripathi Navneet
Published: August 2015

How to cite this article

Tripathi N, Pradhan R, Jain M, Bhatia E, Agarwal A. Aldosterone-Cortisol Cosecreting Adenoma. World J Endoc Surg 2015;7(2):53-54.
Modernizing stockpiles of medical countermeasures against smallpox: Benefits, risks, and knowledge gaps
Authors: Oleksiewicz, DVM, PhD Martin B. , Steenhard, DVM, PhD Nina R. , Hansen, MD, DMSc John-Erik Stig
Published: August 2015

Objective: New smallpox medical countermeasures are entering the marketplace, offering the opportunity to modernize existing stockpiles. However, new smallpox countermeasures are developed under the animal rule, meaning that human efficacy data are lacking, and human safety data may be limited. Also, stockpile modernization would require prioritization of increasingly limited public funds. Approaches to address these issues are needed.Methods: Smallpox vaccine data were gathered by literature search. The financial value of vaccination in the face of an outbreak was evaluated using a threat-based cost/benefit analysis model, involving i) estimation of the efficacy of new smallpox vaccines based on available clinical data on virus-neutralizing seroconversion in vaccinees, ii) estimation of the likelihood for a smallpox outbreak in Denmark, and iii) estimation of the expected life-saving effects of postevent vaccination.Results: The authors estimated that i) the likelihood of a smallpox outbreak in Denmark is very low (one event in 200,000 years), ii) the expected efficacy of currently available and new vaccines is 95 and 75 percent, respectively, iii) the expected frequency of serious side effects from vaccination is between 100 and 10,000 fold lower for new than for existing vaccines, depending on modes of action.Conclusions: Despite the very low likelihood for a smallpox outbreak, the potentially large consequences combined with the protective effect of vaccination make maintenance of the smallpox vaccine stockpile justified and valuable. For vaccination in the face of a smallpox outbreak, a high efficacy rather than a lowered rate of adverse effects would maximize the number of lives saved.
A cross-sectional survey of patient needs in hospital evacuation
Authors: Rimstad, MD Rune , Holtan, MD Anders
Published: August 2015

To aid development of contingency plans, a cross-sectional survey of inpatient needs in the event of a total hospital evacuation within a few hours was undertaken. The hospital is a part of a tertiary care facility with a mixed surgical and medical population and a relatively large load of emergency medicine. A doctor or nurse on each ward registered patients' physical mobility, special needs complicating transportation (intensive care, labor, isolation, etc), and the lowest acceptable level of care after evacuation. Of the 760 included patients, 57.8 percent could walk, 20.0 percent needed wheelchair, and 22.2 percent needed transport on stretcher. Special needs were registered for 18.2 percent of patients. Only 49.7 percent of patients needed to be evacuated to another hospital to continue care on an acceptable level, while 37.6 percent could be discharged to their own home, and 12.6 percent could be evacuated to a nursing home. Patients in psychiatric wards and high dependency units had distinctly different needs than patients in ordinary somatic wards. The differences between patients in surgical and nonsurgical wards were minor. Patient discharge seems to be a considerable capacity buffer in a hospital crisis situation.
Active shooter in educational facility
Authors: Downs, AA, BA, MS, CAS Scott
Published: August 2015

The last decade has seen several of the most heinous acts imaginable committed against our educational facilities. In light of the recent shooting in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Monroe (Newtown), CT, which took the lives of 20 children and six employees, a new heightened sense of awareness for safety and security among our educational facilities was created.1 The law enforcement and public-safety community is now looking to work together with many of the educational representatives across the nation to address this issue, which affects the educational environment now and in the future. The US public and private elementary and secondary school systems’ population is approximately 55.2 million students with an additional 19.1 million students attending a 2- and 4-year college or university. These same public and private school and degree-granting institutions employ approximately 7.6 million staff members who can be an enormous threshold of potential targets.2 A terrorist's act, whether domestic, international, or the actions of a Lone Wolf against one of our educational facilities, would create a major rippling effect throughout our nation. Terrorists will stop at nothing to advance their ideology and they must continue to advance their most powerful tool—fear—to further their agenda and mission of destroying our liberty and the advanced civilization of the Western hemisphere.To provide the safety and security for our children and those who are employed to educate them, educational institutions must address this issue as well as nullify the possible threat to our national security. This thesis used official government reports and data interview methodologies to address various concerns from within our nation's educational system. Educational personnel along with safety and security experts identified, describe, and pinpointed the recommended measures that our educational institutions should include to secure our nation from within. These modifications of evaluating and updating their current emergency operations plan, if implemented correctly, will bring heightened awareness, as well as define roles and responsibilities, to everyone involved. In addition, these implementations will assist in coordinating and strengthening a multiagency partnership's among the public-safety community that will mitigate the risk to our student body, faculty, and staff, and strengthen our national security.
A whole community approach to emergency management: Strategies and best practices of seven community programs
Authors: Sobelson, PhD Robyn K. , Wigington, MPH Corinne J. , Harp, BA Victoria
Published: August 2015

Objective: In 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published the Whole Community Approach to Emergency Management: Principles, Themes, and Pathways for Action, outlining the need for increased individual preparedness and more widespread community engagement to enhance the overall resiliency and security of communities. However, there is limited evidence of how to build a whole community approach to emergency management that provides real-world, practical examples and applications. This article reports on the strategies and best practices gleaned from seven community programs fostering a whole community approach to emergency management.Design: The project team engaged in informal conversations with community stakeholders to learn about their programs during routine monitoring activities, site visits, and during an in-person, facilitated workshop. A total of 88 community members associated with the programs examples contributed. Qualitative analysis was conducted.Results: The findings highlighted best practices gleaned from the seven programs that other communities can leverage to build and maintain their own whole community programs. The findings from the programs also support and validate the three principles and six strategic themes outlined by FEMA. Conclusions: The findings, like the whole community document, highlight the importance of understanding the community, building relationships, empowering action, and fostering social capital to build a whole community approach.
Tramadol versus codeine/acetaminophen after pediatric tonsillectomy: A prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Friedrichsdorf, MD, FAAP Stefan J. , Postier, MPH Andrea C. , Foster, MEd Laurie Pane , Lander, MD Timothy A. , Tibesar, MD Robert J. , Lu, MS Yi , Sidman, MD James D.
Published: August 2015

Objective: Tonsillectomy is one of the most common pediatric surgical procedures performed in the United States. The postoperative period can be particularly painful, and there is currently no consensus on an optimal analgesic regimen. The objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of the single drug tramadol versus codeine/acetaminophen post-tonsillectomy.Design: Prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Large, Midwestern US pediatric hospital.Patients: Eighty-four children aged 4-15 years who underwent a tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) procedure were randomized and 74 were included in the analysis.Interventions: Group 1 received liquid codeine/acetaminophen for 10 days post-tonsillectomy (5 days scheduled, followed by 5 days as-needed). Group 2 received liquid tramadol for 10 days post-tonsillectomy (5 days scheduled, followed by 5 days as-needed).Main outcome measures: Efficacy and side effects were evaluated using a 10-day take-home diary that was completed by parents.Results: Children in both study arms reported adequate post-tonsillectomy pain management without significant differences between groups in pain scores. Oversedation was significantly higher on the day of surgery in the codeine/acetaminophen group, and itching was experienced by significantly more children in the tramadol group during the postoperative period.Conclusions: As part of multimodal analgesia, scheduled plus as-needed tramadol may be considered for children in the postoperative setting due to its analgesic properties, low potential for side effects, and good safety profile.
12-Month safety and effectiveness of once-daily hydrocodone
Authors: Wen, PhD Warren , Taber, MD Louise , Lynch, PhD Shau Yu , He, PhD Ellie , Ripa, MD Steven
Published: August 2015

Objective: To characterize the long-term safety and effectiveness of Hysingla™ ER, single-entity, once-daily, extended-release hydrocodone bitartrate tablets formulated with abuse-deterrent properties (HYD), offering a new treatment option for appropriate patients with chronic pain.Design: An open-label study with a dose-titration period (up to 45 days) and a maintenance period (12 months).Patients, participants: A total of 922 patients with chronic nonmalignant and non-neuropathic moderate to severe pain received open-label HYD tablets 20-120 mg; 728 of these achieved a stabilized dose of HYD at the end of dose-titration and entered the maintenance period.Results: The safety profile was similar to that of other oral opioid analgesics, without new or unexpected safety concerns. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs; ≥5 percent) were those commonly associated with the use of systemic μ-opioid analgesics, including nausea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, somnolence, and headache. There were 77 (8 percent) patients with a total of 109 nonfatal treatment-emergent serious AEs. Few patients discontinued due to lack of therapeutic effect overall (6 percent), especially during the 12-month maintenance period (4 percent). Pain relief, sleep, functional health, and activities of daily living all improved at the end of the dose-titration period with HYD. These improvements were maintained through the 12-month maintenance period with stable HYD doses and without increase in concomitant supplemental analgesic medications.Conclusions: This long-term study demonstrated the safety and long-term maintenance of analgesic effect of HYD without continued need for dose increase.
Decreased responsiveness to oxycodone: A case of a pharmacokinetic drug interaction?
Authors: Pon, PharmD Doreen , Hwang, PharmD Candidate Joon , Lo, PharmD Candidate Teresa , Van Zyl, MD, FACEP Carin
Published: August 2015

Concurrent administration of oxycodone and phenytoin may cause, through induction of CYP3A4 enzymes, decreased analgesic effects of oxycodone. However, no descriptions of this interaction exist. A patient who was on oxycodone for chronic back pain was admitted to the hospital. Five days after initiating fosphenytoin, the patient experienced a dramatic escalation in his pain and lack of response to oxycodone breakthrough doses. Changing oxycodone to hydromorphone resulted in significantly improved analgesia. Concurrent use of fosphenytoin and oxycodone may increase the conversion of oxycodone to inactive metabolites, resulting in decreased analgesia. This may be avoided using hydromorphone, morphine, or oxymorphone.
Sleep-disordered breathing in patients with opioid use disorders in long-term maintenance on buprenorphine-naloxone: A case series
Authors: DeVido, MD Jeffrey , Connery, MD, PhD Hilary , Hill, MD, MHS Kevin P.
Published: August 2015

Background: Rates of opioid overdose deaths are increasing in the United States, leading to intensified efforts to provide medication-assisted treatments for opioid use disorders. It is not clear what effect opioid agonist treatments (ie, the μ-opioid receptor full agonist methadone and the partial agonist buprenorphine) may have on respiratory function. However, sleep-disordered breathing has been documented in methadone maintenance pharmacotherapy, and there is emerging evidence for similar sleep-disordered breathing in buprenorphine and buprenorphine-naloxone maintenance treatment.Objective: To provide further clinical evidence of sleep-disordered breathing emerging in the context of buprenorphine-naloxone maintenance pharmacotherapy.Methods: The authors report two additional cases of sleep-disordered breathing that developed in patients with severe opioid use disorders, treated successfully as outpatients with buprenorphine-naloxone maintenance. Both patients provided written consent for their clinical information to be included in this case report, and elements of their identities have been masked to provide confidentiality.Results: Two adult female patients, who were stable in buprenorphine-naloxone maintenance treatment developed daytime sleepiness, were referred for evaluation and found to have sleep-disordered breathing. One patient's daytime sleepiness improved with reduction in both buprenorphine-naloxone and other sedating medications as well as initiation of a constant positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. However, the other patient could not tolerate decreases in buprenorphinenaloxone and/or CPAP initiation and her daytime sleepiness persisted.Conclusion: Buprenorphine-naloxone maintenance treatment can be associated with sleep-disordered breathing. It can be difficult to differentiate the cause(s) of sleep-disordered breathing among the effects of buprenorphine-naloxone treatment itself, co-occurring conditions, such as obesity and cigarette smoking or other medications, or some combination thereof. Regardless of etiology, sleep-disordered breathing and its consequences present unique challenges to the patient in recovery from an opioid use disorder and therefore warrants careful evaluation and management.
Measuring Construction: Prices, Output and Productivity
Authors: Bröchner Jan
Published: August 2015

Best, R. and Meikle, J. (eds), 2015. Measuring Construction: Prices, Output and Productivity. Routledge, London. 262 pp. ISBN (hbk): 978-0-415-65937-6, ISBN (ebk): 978-1-315-88292-5. Hardback: US$155.00, GBP 95.00.
Editorial
Authors: Schulte Jurgen
Published: August 2015

This is the second issue of PAM Review, the peer-reviewed, class specific student research journal of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney. The student journal was first introduced into the subject Energy Science and Technology (68412) in 2014 to allow for a practical student centered, authentic learning experience that is exciting and challenging and helps to facilitate desired graduate outcomes. Energy, Science and Technology is a one-semester subject (class) that covers the thermodynamics of macroscopic and microscopic processes in the context of energy production, energy saving and related applications. This subject is open to students in science as well as engineering.
An Analysis of the Effect of Molten Salt Thermal Storage on Parabolic Trough Concentrated Solar Power Plant Efficiency
Authors: Hickin Christopher , Li Henry , Kemp Sharnan
Published: August 2015

In the development of renewable energy sources, there has been a trend toward increasing and stabilising the power output of Concentrated Solar Power Plants (CSPPs) during times of reduced solar resource through the use of Thermal Energy Storage Devices (TESDs). This study investigates whether the use of a molten salt TESD decreases the efficiency of a parabolic trough CSPP due to additional system energy losses despite prolonging the operational time of the CSPP. A theoretical analysis of a simplified CSPP was made to determine if a TESD would impact the efficiency of the CSPP. This was followed up by a survey of currently active parabolic trough CSPPs both with and without molten salt TESDs. The theoretical analysis illustrated that a TESD would have no effect on the efficiency of a CSPP. However, the survey revealed that the use of a TESD improved the efficiency of a CSPP. The results of the study don't support the theoretical analysis or the hypothesis suggesting that a property has been overlooked. This property is most likely to be that generators tend to operate best within a certain temperature range, and in a CSPP the optimum temperature range cannot be maintained. This results in a generator being selected capable of operating for the longest period with the lowest amount of excess solar energy. When a TESD is implemented, the excess solar energy is stored for later use, prolonging the generator's running time and increasing the useable energy. The realisation of the ability of a TESD to increase the efficiency of a CSPP as well as extending its operating time shows a promising area of development in CSPP technology and increasing its application in electricity generation.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Zackel sheep and other Hungarian sheep breeds
Authors: Neubauer V. , Vogl C. , Seregi J. , Sáfár L. , Brem G.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. More than 6000 samples of 18 different Hungarian sheep breeds were genotyped for 10 unlinked microsatellite loci. After data cleaning, 5434 sheep remained in the analysis. Some locus–breed combinations show deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, possibly due to null alleles or the Wahlund effect. All breeds show high genetic variability; the lowest expected heterozygosity is that of the British Milksheep (He = 0.588). The Transylvanian Zackel has the highest expected heterozygosity (He = 0.790). It is also the least differentiated breed (Fst = 0.020). Pairwise genetic distances among breeds range from 0.021 between Hungarian Merino and both Mutton Merino and Transylvanian Zackel to greater than 0.105 between British Milksheep and all other breeds. The three Zackel populations – white, black, and Transylvanian Zackel – show small genetic distances among each other, with pairwise Fst values from 0.030 to 0.058. The Transylvanian Zackel tended to have close relationships to some other breeds too, probably due to its low differentiation. Given the individual genotypic information, a Bayesian analysis assigned individuals to breeds generally correctly.
Trajectory mapping of middle atmospheric water vapor by a mini network of NDACC instruments
Authors: Lainer M. , Kämpfer N. , Tschanz B. , Nedoluha G. E. , Ka S. , Oh J. J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The important task to observe the global coverage of middle atmospheric trace gases like water vapor or ozone usually is accomplished by satellites. Climate and atmospheric studies rely upon the knowledge of trace gas distributions throughout the stratosphere and mesosphere. Many of these gases are currently measured from satellites, but it is not clear whether this capability will be maintained in the future. This could lead to a significant knowledge gap of the state of the atmosphere. We explore the possibilities of mapping middle atmospheric water vapor in the Northern Hemisphere by using Lagrangian trajectory calculations and water vapor profile data from a small network of five ground-based microwave radiometers. Four of them are operated within the frame of NDACC (Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change). Keeping in mind that the instruments are based on different hardware and calibration setups, a height-dependent bias of the retrieved water vapor profiles has to be expected among the microwave radiometers. In order to correct and harmonize the different data sets, the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on the Aura satellite is used to serve as a kind of traveling standard. A domain-averaging TM (trajectory mapping) method is applied which simplifies the subsequent validation of the quality of the trajectory-mapped water vapor distribution towards direct satellite observations. Trajectories are calculated forwards and backwards in time for up to 10 days using 6 hourly meteorological wind analysis fields. Overall, a total of four case studies of trajectory mapping in different meteorological regimes are discussed. One of the case studies takes place during a major sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) accompanied by the polar vortex breakdown; a second takes place after the reformation of stable circulation system. TM cases close to the fall equinox and June solstice event from the year 2012 complete the study, showing the high potential of a network of ground-based remote sensing instruments to synthesize hemispheric maps of water vapor.
The Measuring Ammonia in Nature (MAN) network in the Netherlands
Authors: Lolkema D. E. , Noordijk H. , Stolk A. P. , Hoogerbrugge R. , van Zanten M. C. , van Pul W. A. J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Since 2005 the Measuring Ammonia in Nature (MAN) network monitors atmospheric ammonia concentrations in nature reserve areas in the Netherlands (http://man.rivm.nl). The main aim of the network is to monitor national trends, to assess regional deviations and to validate model calculations. Measurements are performed with commercial passive samplers, calibrated monthly against ammonia measurements of active sampling devices. The sampling is performed by an extensive group of local volunteers, which minimizes the cost and enables the use of local knowledge. We show the MAN network to be well capable of monitoring trends on national and local scales and providing data for more detailed local analyses. The quality of the network is such that trends over time for individual MAN areas can be detected on the order of 3 % per year for time series of 6–9 years.
Constant diversification rates of endemic gastropods in ancient Lake Ohrid: ecosystem resilience likely buffers environmental fluctuations
Authors: Föller K. , Stelbrink B. , Hauffe T. , Albrecht C. , Wilke T.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Ancient lakes represent key ecosystems for endemic freshwater species. This high endemic biodiversity has been shown to be mainly the result of intra-lacustrine diversification. Whereas the principle role of this mode of diversification is generally acknowledged, actual diversification rates in ancient lakes remain little understood. At least four modes are conceivable. Diversification rates may be constant over time, they may fluctuate, rates may be higher in the initial phase of diversification, or there may be a pronounced lag phase between colonization and subsequent diversification. As understanding the tempo of diversification in ancient lake environments may help unrevealing the underlying processes that drive speciation and extinction, we here use the Balkan Lake Ohrid as a model system and the largest species flock in the lake, the non-pyrgulinid Hydrobiidae, as a model taxon to study changes in diversification rates over time together with the respective drivers. Based on phylogenetic, molecular-clock, lineage-through-time plot and diversification-rate analyses we found that this monophyletic group is comparatively old and that it most likely evolved with a constant diversification rate. Preliminary data of the SCOPSCO deep-drilling program do indicate signatures of severe environmental/climatic perturbations in Lake Ohrid. However, so far there is no evidence for the occurrence of catastrophic environmental events. We therefore propose that the rate homogeneity observed in endemic gastropods has been caused by two factors: (i) a potential lack of catastrophic environmental events in Lake Ohrid and/or (ii) a high ecosystem resilience, buffering environmental changes. Parameters potentially contributing to the lake's high ecosystem resilience are its distinct bathymetry, ongoing tectonic activities, and karst hydrology. The current study not only contributes to one of the overall goals of the SCOPSCO deep-drilling program – inferring the driving forces for biotic evolution in Lake Ohrid. It might also enhance our understanding of how ecosystem resilience, in general, may promote relative constant diversification rates in isolated ecosystems. However, we encourage future studies testing hypotheses about the lack of catastrophic events in Lake Ohrid. These studies should be based on high-resolution data for the entire geological history of the lake, and potentially involving information from the sediment fossil record, not only for gastropods but also for other groups with a high share of endemic taxa.
Mediterranean irrigation under climate change: more efficient irrigation needed to compensate increases in irrigation water requirements
Authors: Fader M. , Shi S. , von Bloh W. , Bondeau A. , Cramer W.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Irrigation in the Mediterranean is of vital importance for food security, employment and economic development. This study systematically assesses how climate change and increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations may affect irrigation requirements in the Mediterranean region by 2080–2090. Future demographic change and technological improvements in irrigation systems are accounted for, as is the spread of climate forcing, warming levels and potential realization of the CO2-fertilization effect. Vegetation growth, phenology, agricultural production and irrigation water requirements and withdrawal were simulated with the process-based ecohydrological and agro-ecosystem model LPJmL after a large development that comprised the improved representation of Mediterranean crops. At present the Mediterranean region could save 35 % of water by implementing more efficient irrigation and conveyance systems. Some countries like Syria, Egypt and Turkey have higher saving potentials than others. Currently some crops, especially sugar cane and agricultural trees, consume in average more irrigation water per hectare than annual crops. Different crops show different magnitude of changes in net irrigation requirements due to climate change, being the increases most pronounced in agricultural trees. The Mediterranean area as a whole might face an increase in gross irrigation requirements between 4 and 18 % from climate change alone if irrigation systems and conveyance are not improved (2 °C global warming combined with full CO2-fertilization effect, and 5 °C global warming combined with no CO2-fertilization effect, respectively). Population growth increases these numbers to 22 and 74 %, respectively, affecting mainly the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. However, improved irrigation technologies and conveyance systems have large water saving potentials, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean, and may be able to compensate to some degree the increases due to climate change and population growth. Both subregions would need around 35 % more water than today if they could afford some degree of modernization of irrigation and conveyance systems and benefit from the CO2-fertilization effect. Nevertheless, water scarcity might pose further challenges to the agricultural sector: Algeria, Libya, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Serbia, Morocco, Tunisia and Spain have a high risk of not being able to sustainably meet future irrigation water requirements in some scenarios. The results presented in this study point to the necessity of performing further research on climate-friendly agro-ecosystems in order to assess, on the one side, their degree of resilience to climate shocks, and on the other side, their adaptation potential when confronted with higher temperatures and changes in water availability.
Nitrate sinks and sources as controls of spatio-temporal water quality dynamics in an agricultural headwater catchment
Authors: Schuetz T. , Gascuel-Odoux C. , Durand P. , Weiler M.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Several controls are known to affect water quality of stream networks during flow recession periods such as solute leaching processes, surface water – groundwater interactions as well as biogeochemical in-stream retention processes. Throughout the stream network combinations of specific water and solute export rates and local in-stream conditions overlay the biogeochemical signals from upstream sections. Therefore, upstream sections can be considered as functional units which could be distinguished and ordered regarding their relative contribution to nutrient dynamics at the catchment outlet. Based on synoptic sampling of flow and nitrate concentrations along the stream in an agricultural headwater during the summer flow recession period, we determined spatial and temporal patterns of water quality for the whole stream. A data-driven, in-stream-mixing-and-removal model was developed and applied for analyzing the spatio-temporal in-stream retention processes and their effect on the spatio-temporal fluxes of nitrates from sub-catchments. Thereby, we have been able to distinguish between nitrate sinks and sources per stream reaches and sub-catchments. For nitrate sources we have determined their permanent and temporally impact on stream water quality and for nitrate sinks we have found increasing nitrate removal efficiencies from up- to downstream. Our results highlight the importance of distinct nitrate source locations within the watershed for in-stream concentrations and in-stream removal processes, respectively. Thus, our findings contribute to the development of a more dynamic perception of water quality in streams and rivers concerning ecological and sustainable water resources management.
Impact of currents on surface flux computations and their feedback on dynamics at regional scales
Authors: Olita A. , Iermano I. , Fazioli L. , Ribotti A. , Tedesco C. , Pessini F. , Sorgente R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. A twin numerical experiment was conducted in the seas around the island of Sardinia (Western Mediterranean) to assess the impact, at regional and coastal scales, of the use of relative winds (i.e., taking into account ocean surface currents) in the computation of heat and momentum fluxes through standard (Fairall et al., 2003) bulk formulas. The Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) was implemented at 3 km resolution in order to well resolve mesoscale processes, which are known to have a large influence in the dynamics of the area. Small changes (few percent points) in terms of spatially averaged fluxes correspond to quite large differences of such quantities (about 15 %) in spatial terms and in terms of kinetics (more than 20 %). As a consequence, wind power input P is also reduced by ~ 14 % on average. Quantitative validation with satellite SST suggests that such a modification of the fluxes improves the model solution especially in the western side of the domain, where mesoscale activity (as suggested by eddy kinetic energy) is stronger. Surface currents change both in their stable and fluctuating part. In particular, the path and intensity of the Algerian Current and of the Western Sardinia Current (WSC) are impacted by the modification in fluxes. Both total and eddy kinetic energies of the surface current field are reduced in the experiment where fluxes took into account the surface currents. The main dynamical correction is observed in the SW area, where the different location and strength of the eddies influence the path and intensity of the WSC. Our results suggest that, even at local scales and in temperate regions, it would be preferable to take into account such a contribution in flux computations. The modification of the original code, substantially cost-less in terms of numerical computation, improves the model response in terms of surface fluxes (SST validated) and it also likely improves the dynamics as suggested by qualitative comparison with satellite data.
Religiosidad popular en Centroamérica. El desafío metodológico
Authors: García Espada Antonio
Published: August 2015

Los estudios de religiosidad popular tienen por delante un brillante futuro, no obstante amenazado por intrincadas dificultades tanto conceptuales como metodológicas. En este artículo abordamos tres tipos de restricciones (moralistas, materialistas e historicistas) responsables en buena medida de la mirada sesgada, paternalista y eurocéntrica que aun hoy caracteriza nuestra idea general de religiosidad popular, especialmente en Centroamérica.TEORÍA Y PRAXIS No. 23, Junio-Diciembre 2013; 3-22
En defensa de los individuos humanos concretos
Authors: Armando González Luis
Published: August 2015

El autor recuerda en este artículo, que cada individuo concreto es una realidad cuya integralidad biológica es crucial tanto para su humanización como para su dignificación. Desde esta perspectiva, si importa la dignidad y humanidad de las personas, la integralidad biológica de cada cual debe protegerse porque sin ella su humanización y dignificación reales son prácticamente imposibles.TEORÍA Y PRAXIS No. 23, Junio-Diciembre 2013; 41-69
As estratégias de enfrentamento das mudanças climáticas expressas nas políticas públicas federais do Brasil
Authors: Neves Frederico Monteiro , Chang Manyu , Pierri Naína
Published: August 2015

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a estratégia de enfrentamento das mudanças climáticas no Brasil expressas nas políticas públicas do governo federal até 2012, buscando identificar a concepção implícita de desenvolvimento à luz do objetivo geral da sustentabilidade. Além da Política Nacional sobre Mudança do Clima (PNMC), foram analisados os planos de desenvolvimento dos seguintes setores: controle do desmatamento, energia, agropecuária e transporte. A metodologia teve como base a análise de conteúdo de documentos oficiais, sendo sua interpretação apoiada em pesquisa bibliográfica e nas informações obtidas em entrevistas abertas com informantes qualificados. Os resultados mostram que a PNMC privilegia ações de mitigação em detrimento daquelas voltadas à adaptação. As contradições dessa estratégia ficam aparentes em temas como exploração do pré-sal, priorização de investimentos na agropecuária de grande escala e a não consideração da desigualdade social. A conclusão indica que essa estratégia governamental segue a reboque do objetivo principal de fomentar um modelo de desenvolvimento ancorado no crescimento econômico.
Epistemologia da agroecologia: dialética versus positivismo
Authors: Ferraro Alceu Ravanello
Published: August 2015

Este artigo apresenta duas perspectivas epistemológicas situadas em polos opostos, o positivismo e a dialética marxista, tendo como horizonte o almejado diálogo das ciências da sociedade com as ciências da natureza que constituem o núcleo da agroecologia (a agronomia e a ecologia). Primeiro, destaca as ideias fundamentais do positivismo e analisa suas principais vertentes: o positivismo utópico-revolucionário de Condorcet, o utópico-socialista de Saint-Simon, o conservador de Comte, o utilitarista de Stuart Mill e Spencer, o sociológico de Durkheim e, finalmente, o de Popper, que rejeita a pecha de positivista. Passa, depois, a apresentar como alternativa a perspectiva epistemológica da dialética marxista, que moveu a crítica mais radical ao positivismo, contrapondo a noção de movimento à de ordem, a noção de historicidade das leis econômicas e sociais à de presunção de leis naturais da produção, a de peculiaridade das ciências da sociedade à de concepção de leis sociais naturais, aspectos de fundamental importância para um diálogo produtivo entre ciências sociais e ciências naturais, entre sociedade e natureza, como almejado na agroecologia.
A administração pública se sustenta?
Authors: Lima Marcelo Albuquerque
Published: August 2015

Resenha: Bliacheris, Marcos Weiss; Ferreira, Maria Augusta Soares de Oliveira (Org.). Sustentabilidade na Administração Pública: valores e práticas da gestão socioambiental. Belo Horizonte: Fórum, 2012. 312 p. ISBN 978-85-7700-565-9.
Animais silvestres utilizados como recurso alimentar em assentamentos rurais no município de Uruará, Pará, Brasil
Authors: Cajaiba Reinaldo Lucas , Da Silva Wully Barreto , Piovesan Paulo Ricardo R.
Published: August 2015

O consumo de animais cinegéticos tem importância fundamental para a alimentação humana em diferentes áreas tropicais. Conhecer as espécies escolhidas, as técnicas de capturas e a quantidade escolhida são aspectos fundamentais para compreender a forma de uso e o grau de ameaça da caça sobre cada espécie silvestre. Nessa perspectiva, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo registrar as principais espécies de animais silvestres utilizados como recurso alimentar em cinco assentamentos rurais no município de Uruará, Pará, além de qualificar as principais técnicas de captura dessas espécies. A obtenção dos dados ocorreu através de entrevistas semiestruturada e observação participante. Para a seleção dos entrevistados, adotou-se o método “bola de neve”. Como resultado, identificaram-se 38 espécies de animais consumidas, sendo a maioria delas mamíferos (42,1%), seguidos por aves (39,4%) e répteis (18,5%). As espécies mais citadas foram: Cuniculus paca (n=156), Euphractus sexcinctus (n=154) e Pecari tajacu (n=137). Quanto aos métodos de caça, o uso da espingarda é a técnica mais frequente. Entre os animais citados Priodontes maximus, Tayassu pecari, Tapirus terrestris, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Podocnemis unifilis, Tinamus tao, Crax fasciolata e Podocnemis unifilis figuram na lista de espécies ameaçadas. Os resultados apontam a necessidade urgente de programas educativos com os agricultores quanto ao uso insustentável dos animais.
A paisagem como fenômeno e objeto de interesse público: com que direito?
Authors: Gonçalves Fábio Christiano Cavalcanti
Published: August 2015

Objetiva-se discutir a paisagem das cidades como fenômeno e objeto de interesse público comum ao conjunto de uma comunidade ou sociedade, evidenciando-a como tema do direito, na perspectiva de inserir a questão no âmbito de uma política pública específica. Primeiro reflete-se sobre questões que envolvem a relação contemporânea “ser humano-natureza-cidade”, na qual se denota uma crise ético-política do Estado, no que tange a uma crise de representação envolvendo direitos fundamentais constitucionais, acompanhada de perto por uma crise ambiental de ampla escala, na qual a paisagem se evidencia como resultante, refletindo o crescente processo de fragmentação sociopolítica. Conjectura-se, a partir disso, a paisagem como problema de interesse público, na perspectiva do “meio ambiente ecologicamente equilibrado”. Discute-se, por fim, sobre os documentos emergentes, em âmbito nacional e internacional, que propõem políticas públicas específicas de paisagem, verificando-se o alcance de suas proposições. Como conclusão e em resposta à provocação enunciada pelo título deste trabalho, constata-se: que a paisagem das cidades, no contexto da modernidade, tem sido negligenciada pelo Estado; que o princípio da supremacia do interesse público, como lógica republicana, se encontra invertido na atualidade, em razão da preponderância do interesse privado (sobre o público) nos processos de desenvolvimento urbano; e que a paisagem, como fenômeno e objeto de interesse público, ao ser explicitada a partir da dimensão sociopolítica da cidade, instrumentaliza a formulação de uma política pública específica de paisagem, no contexto das políticas de desenvolvimento urbano no Brasil.
Les ruralités dans les politiques globales
Authors: Mormont Marc
Published: August 2015

Este artigo propõe uma leitura ao mesmo tempo teórica e histórica das transformações contemporâneas da ruralidade baseando-se na experiência específica das ruralidades do oeste europeu. A própria noção de rural é um construto histórico que se elaborou no encontro entre o referencial da modernização e as realidades dos mundos camponeses: é um compromisso tanto político como cultural que dá um estatuto aos mundos rurais e lhes designa um lugar na modernidade no que se refere aos bens públicos. Atualmente, o referencial dominante da competição mercantil deve também integrar compromissos com os bens públicos, especialmente ambientais: isto se traduz hoje em múltiplos dispositivos de gestão que concernem às políticas da vida e que formatam novas ruralidades, tratadas aqui como diferentes regimes da relação entre globalização e espaços rurais. São tais dispositivos concretos que devem ser questionados pelas ciências sociais em função das desigualdades e exclusões que podem produzir.
RESPONSABILIDADE CIVIL, JUSTIÇA E REGIME INSTITUCIONAL: UMA COMPARAÇÃO ENTRE O ESTADO DE BEM-ESTAR E A DEMOCRACIA ECONÔMICA
Authors: Zanitelli Leandro Martins
Published: August 2015

O trabalho diferencia dois tipos de regime institucional – o Estado de bem-estar e a democracia econômica, e procura determinar as características gerais da responsabilidade civil mais consentâneas com cada um deles. Argumenta-se em favor de duas afirmações centrais, a saber, primeiro, a de que a tendência à objetivação da responsabilidade civil verificada no direito brasileiro é adequada ao modo de produção do Estado de bem-estar e, segundo, a de que essa objetivação também se coaduna com a democracia econômica, regime sob o qual o problema das externalidades relacionadas ao volume da produção se abranda, mas não desaparece. Com isso, o artigo também ilustra uma maneira (“indireta”) de aplicar a justiça a problemas de direito civil, a qual consiste em verificar inicialmente qual o tipo de regime institucional mais propenso à realização dos princípios da justiça, para então inquirir sobre as características do direito civil mais congruentes com esse regime.
HIPERPRESIDENCIALISMO NA AMÉRICA LATINA
Authors: Bolonha Carlos , Rangel Henrique , Corrêa Flávio
Published: August 2015

O presente artigo adota como seu objeto os processos de fortalecimento do Poder Executivo, atendendo a uma delimitação latino-americana especificada pela metodologia. O principal problema constatado é o antagonismo existente entre esse fortalecimento e as mudanças constitucionais da Região no denominado “novo constitucionalismo latino-americano”. Neste movimento, é característica a celebração e a apologia a mudanças constitucionais ocorridas na Região, a exemplo das Constituições equatoriana e boliviana que entraram em vigor, respectivamente, em 2008 e 2009. A figura do presidente, no entanto, não recebe o mesmo destaque que parlamentares e juízes. Seus governos, quando não tratados com indiferença, sofrem acusações de hiperpresidencialismo, apontado como “patologia institucional” na América Latina. Com isso, a hipótese desta pesquisa defende a existência de uma associação entre as mudanças constitucionais e o fortalecimento do Poder Executivo na Região. Partindo-se de um referencial teórico institucionalista, o objetivo do presente trabalho é oferecer uma crítica ao “novo constitucionalismo latino-americano”, pois uma postura tão defensora de mudanças constitucionais na América Latina não pode desconsiderar o fortalecimento de seus presidentes associado àquele processo.
O CONSELHO NACIONAL DE JUSTIÇA (CNJ) E A CRIAÇÃO DO PROCESSO JUDICIAL ELETRÔNICO (PJe): METODOLOGIA PARA A PESQUISA COMPARADA SOBRE A EFICIÊNCIA DO JUDICIÁRIO
Authors: Tomio Fabricio Ricardo de Limas , Robl Filho Ilton Norberto , Dos Santos-Pinto Rafael
Published: August 2015

A Constituição Federal Brasileira de 1988 elencou o acesso ao Judiciário como direito fundamental do cidadão. Como as instituições nacionais da época eram consideradas demasiado morosas e ineficientes para conferir provimentos legais adequados e ágeis, o Judiciário chegou à era digital com os objetivos de um mais amplo acesso do cidadão aos tribunais e uma mais razoável duração do processo judicial. No espírito da disposição constitucional que exigiu um Judiciário mais acessível e ágil criou-se uma estrutura legal para o processo eletrônico. A lei determinou a transição dos procedimentos dos tribunais brasileiros de uma arcaica massa de documentos de papel para bancos de dados virtuais que englobariam todas as decisões judiciais, petições de partes e atos dos tribunais. Em um primeiro momento as leis federais que instituíram esta estrutura legal não estipularam um banco de dados ou plataforma centralizada para o Judiciário nacional. A profusão de várias plataformas com diversos graus de implementação, acesso e eficiência foram prejudiciais ao acesso dos cidadãos e partes ao Judiciário e, portanto, violaram os princípios constitucionais norteadores do processo eletrônico. O Conselho Nacional de Justiça estabeleceu, em 18 de dezembro de 2013, a obrigação de todos os tribunais brasileiros usarem uma só base de dados centralizada (PJe). Mais recentemente foi promulgado um novo Código de Processo Civil nacional, trazendo consigo novas regras que regulamentam o processo eletrônico e as plataformas processuais eletrônicas. Este trabalho visa determinar as ferramentas metodológicas para analisar as plataformas eletrônicas brasileiras em comparação com aquelas de outros países e medir sua eficiência judicial.
INTERPRETATION AND DEMOCRATIC DIALOGUE
Authors: Gargarella Roberto
Published: August 2015

Este artigo trata da interpretação constitucional, discorrendo sobre o significado da Constituição e sobre quem deve ser responsável por sua interpretação. Embora alguns acreditem que a interpretação constitucional ideal é aquela resultante de um processo coletivo, o qual abrange o tema institucional sobre quem teria a autoridade para fazer tal interpretação, é muito comum o tratamento de tais assuntos separadamente, e esta é a forma como a matéria será discutida nestas páginas – primeiramente, trazendo-se à cena os problemas relacionados com as estratégias interpretativas dominantes e, mais à frente, discutindo-se a questão da autoridade para a interpretação constitucional.
Comprometimento dos stakeholders no turismo: uma análise do desenvolvimento do Geoturismo no município de Gurjão (Paraíba, Brasil)
Authors: Medeiros Janaina Luciana de , Silva Elayne Gouveia da , Araújo Fernanda Santos Gentil , Barreto Leiliane Michelle Trindade da Silva
Published: August 2015

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o comprometimento dos stakeholders na atuação do desenvolvimento do geoturismo no município de Gurjão, localizado na região do Cariri Paraibano (Brasil). Para alcançar esse objetivo foi utilizada a abordagem do comprometimento proposta por Medeiros (2003), adaptando à visão da gestão da atividade turística. A pesquisa foi realizada no ano de 2014 e caracteriza-se como exploratória, proporcionando maiores informações sobre o assunto investigado. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que os stakeholders do município de Gurjão/PB possuíam o comprometimento com um valor normativo, tornando-se assim, algo a ser considerado na busca das razões dos atores entrevistados se sentirem obrigados a trabalhar com a atividade turística na localidade.