bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Escolha profissional e inserção no mercado de trabalho: percepções de estudantes formandos
Authors: Bardagi Marúcia , Lassance Maria Célia Pacheco , Paradiso Ângela Carina , Menezes Ioneide Almeida de
Published: November 2010

A partir da carência de estudos avaliando as necessidades dos formandos no país, esta pesquisa investigou a satisfação com a escolha profissional e as expectativas quanto à entrada no mundo do trabalho em 340 formandos da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Os alunos, de ambos os sexos (M= 25 anos; DP= 5,35), responderam a um questionário de 18 itens elaborado para o estudo. A maioria (53,1%) relatou estar satisfeita com a própria escolha profissional. O descontentamento com o mercado de trabalho foi um fator importante para a insatisfação com a escolha, enquanto a identificação pessoal mostrou-se relacionada à satisfação. A maioria dos participantes relatou interesse por orientação profissional, tendo enfatizado a instrumentalização para a procura de emprego. Estes resultados demonstram a insegurança dos alunos quanto ao início da atividade profissional e a necessidade de intervenções específicas na área vocacional para o público universitário, focalizando a transição universidade-trabalho.
Sintomatologia depressiva, atenção sustentada e desempenho escolar em estudantes do ensino médio
Authors: Baptista Makilim Nunes , Lima Ricardo Franco de , Capovilla Alessandra Gotuzo Seabra , Melo Liana Lins
Published: November 2010

A depressão inclui diversos sintomas cognitivos, tais como problemas de atenção que, por sua vez, podem prejudicar o desempenho escolar. De modo a verificar as relações entre essas variáveis, foram obtidas as notas escolares e aplicados o Teste de Atenção Concentrada e o Inventário de Depressão de Beck a 62 estudantes do ensino médio, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 15 e 24 anos. Destes, 33,8% apresentaram sintomas depressivos, distribuídos entre os níveis leve e grave, sendo que as mulheres apresentaram maior severidade de sintomas que os homens. A severidade de sintomatologia depressiva mostrou-se negativamente correlacionada tanto com o desempenho escolar quanto com a qualidade da atenção. A comparação entre grupos com e sem sintomas de depressão revelaram que o primeiro apresentou desempenho escolar pior e déficit da atenção. Tais resultados corroboram a hipótese de relação entre depressão, atenção e desempenho escolar em alunos do Ensino Médio.
Criatividade e clima criativo entre alunos de escolas abertas, intermediárias e tradicionais
Authors: Matos Daniela Rezende , Fleith Denise de Souza
Published: November 2010

Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de investigar a criatividade e percepção do clima de sala de aula de alunos de escolas consideradas abertas, intermediárias e tradicionais. Participaram desta pesquisa 174 alunos, que cursavam a 4a série do ensino fundamental, de oito escolas particulares de Brasília. Os resultados indicaram diferenças significativas entre alunos de escolas abertas, intermediárias e tradicionais somente em relação à fluência no subteste de criatividade Complementação de Figuras, bem como interação significativa entre gênero e tipo de escola em relação à dimensão originalidade no mesmo subteste. Em relação às medidas da percepção do clima de sala de aula, os resultados revelaram haver interação significativa somente entre gênero e tipo de escola para o fator Interesse do Aluno pela Aprendizagem.
Características psicométricas da Bateria Padrão do Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test (UNIT): um estudo preliminar
Authors: Lopes Renata Ferrarez Fernandes , Moreira Ana Paula Gomes , Guimarães Claudiane Aparecida , Lopes Ederaldo José
Published: November 2010

Este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar a análise preliminar das características psicométricas da Bateria Padrão do Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test (UNIT) numa amostra com 77 sujeitos. Os subtestes avaliaram as habilidades de atenção para detalhe, processamento seqüencial, mediação simbólica, formação de conceitos, integração viso-motora, pensamento abstrato, processamento holístico, capacidade de síntese, dentre outros. Como se trata de um teste não-verbal, a comunicação entre o aplicador e o avaliado foi feita a partir de gestos universais, e 100% dos participantes foram capazes de compreender as instruções. Uma análise de componentes principais indicou a presença de um componente (fator g) que explicou 90,01% da variância total do teste. O coeficiente de consistência interna (método das metades) é bastante satisfatório (0,99). Os dados obtidos, até o presente, mostram a viabilidade de aplicação deste teste, configurando-se numa alternativa para os testes intelectuais verbais conhecidos.
Atributos físicos do solo sob diferentes preparos e coberturas influenciados pela distribuição de poros
Authors: Cunha Eurâimi de Q. , Stone Luís F. , Moreira José A. A. , Ferreira Enderson P. de B. , Didonet Agostinho D.
Published: November 2010

Com este trabalho se propõe avaliar a influência da distribuição de poros sobre alguns atributos físicos do solo sob semeadura direta (SD) e preparo convencional (PC), cultivado com diferentes culturas de cobertura, no sistema de produção orgânica de feijão e milho. O trabalho foi conduzido em Santo Antônio de Goiás, GO, em Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. Em novembro de 2003 foram instalados quatro experimentos, dois em SD e dois em PC, um em cada manejo com feijão e o outro com milho. Foram comparados em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições, crotalária, guandu, mucuna-preta, sorgo e pousio. Amostragens de solo das parcelas e de uma mata próxima foram realizadas nas profundidades de 0-0,10 e 0,10-0,20 m, em novembro de 2007, para determinação do teor de matéria orgânica (M.O.) e de atributos físicos do solo. O uso do solo sob vegetação de cerrado para a produção agrícola, independentemente do sistema de cultivo, resultou em redução na porosidade total (Pt), macroporosidade (Mp) e capacidade de aeração do solo (CAS). Os atributos físicos do solo foram afetados favoravelmente pela M.O. As variações em Pt, Mp, CAS e capacidade de água disponível do solo podem ser explicadas pela variação na distribuição do tamanho de poros do solo, principalmente daqueles com ∅ > 0,075 mm.
Comparação de metodologias de preenchimento de falhas de séries históricas de precipitação pluvial anual
Authors: Oliveira Luiz F. C. de , Fioreze Ana P. , Medeiros Antonio M. M. , Silva Mellissa A. S.
Published: November 2010

A falta de registro de dados de precipitação em estações pluviométricas relativa a problemas com os aparelhos de coleta e a ausência do operador em determinadas épocas, comprometem a continuidade das informações. Para que se possa aplicar um tratamento estatístico em uma série histórica de precipitação deve-se proceder ao preenchimento das falhas existentes. Os métodos mais usuais nesta etapa são: ponderação regional (PR), regressões linear (RM) e potencial (RP) múltiplas, ponderação regional com base em regressões lineares (RS) e vetor regional (VR). Empregando-se séries históricas de precipitação total anual com 22 anos de observação para 6 estações pluviométricas localizadas no Estado de Goiás, fez-se uma análise comparativa entre os métodos de preenchimento de falha e se avaliaram os desvios relativos entre os valores observados e os estimados pelos métodos empregados. No método do vetor regional foram consideradas, ainda 5 possibilidades, ou seja, extraindo-se da série o dado observado substituindo-se, na série, o valor estimado pelos métodos da ponderação regional (VR/PR), regressão linear (VR/RM), regressão potencial (VR/RP) e ponderação regional com base em regressões lineares (VR/RS). Pelos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir, que em ordem crescente, que os menores desvios relativos foram obtidos pelos métodos: RM, VR/RP, PR, VR/RM, VR/RS, RP, RS, VR/PR e VR. Com relação à metodologia do vetor regional, obteve-se uma melhoria nas estimativas do preenchimento das falhas quando se empregou a combinação com os demais métodos.
Vínculos com a carreira e produção acadêmica: comparando docentes de IES públicas e privadas
Authors: Rowe Diva Ester Okazaki , Bastos Antonio Virgílio Bittencourt
Published: November 2010

A pesquisa sobre o vínculo do profissional com a sua carreira envolve dois construtos - o de comprometimento e o de entrincheiramento, cujas influências no desempenho ainda estão por ser mais bem compreendidas. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de analisar a influência destes dois vínculos com a carreira na produção acadêmica do docente inseridos nos contextos público e privado do ensino superior brasileiro. A pesquisa, de natureza extensiva e corte transversal, envolveu a aplicação de um questionário, mediante a internet, a uma amostra de 635 docentes de diferentes regiões do país. Utilizaram-se as escalas de Carson e Bedeian (1994) e Carson, Carson e Bedeian (1995), validadas para o contexto brasileiro, para avaliar comprometimento e entrincheiramento na carreira. A avaliação da produção acadêmica do docente envolveu a sua produção bibliográfica registrada no Currículo Lattes, como utilizado por Oliveira (1998). Os dados foram submetidos a análises descritivas, fatoriais e modelagens de equações estruturais. O modelo com melhor ajuste revela que quanto mais o docente investe tempo e dinheiro em sua carreira, maior é a sua produção acadêmica. Foram encontradas, também, diferenças nas influências dos dois vínculos com a carreira na produção acadêmica entre IES públicas e privadas.
Práticas de recursos humanos do processo de repatriação de executivos brasileiros
Authors: Lima Mariana Barbosa , Braga Beatriz Maria
Published: November 2010

A repatriação é um processo de importância estratégica para as organizações internacionalizadas e a gestão desses executivos requer políticas e práticas inovadoras, dada a complexidade dos desafios que enfrentam em suas carreiras internacionais. A pesquisa sobre o tema tem sido realizada, em geral, com os repatriados, sendo poucos os estudos conduzidos com as organizações e nenhuma no contexto brasileiro. Este artigo pretende ser uma contribuição sobre o tema, ao apresentar uma pesquisa que teve por objetivo investigar e analisar as políticas e práticas adotadas por 20 multinacionais, brasileiras e estrangeiras, instaladas no Brasil, quanto ao processo de repatriação de executivos brasileiros na perspectiva da organização, representada pelo responsável pelo processo de expatriação e repatriação. Os resultados mostram que as políticas e práticas adotadas são mais voltadas a oferecer apoio operacional do que direcionadas a um plano estratégico de aproveitamento de competências e experiências. Ademais, a permanência do repatriado na empresa e a adaptação do repatriado e da família ao país, à vida social e familiar, parecem depender mais do esforço pessoal dos repatriados e familiares e do próprio mercado de trabalho do país, do que das práticas organizacionais.
Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among children of low socioeconomic level in São Paulo
Authors: Miranda Aurea Cristina Portorreal , Machado Rodrigo Strehl , Silva Edina Mariko Koga da , Kawakami Elisabete
Published: November 2010

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Helicobacter pylori infection is mainly acquired during childhood, and is associated with significant morbidity in adults. The aim here was to evaluate the seroprevalence and risk factors of H. pylori infection among children of low socioeconomic level attended at a public hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, among patients attended at an outpatient clinic. METHODS: 326 children were evaluated (150 boys and 176 girls; mean age 6.82 ± 4.07 years) in a cross-sectional study. Patients with chronic diseases or previous H. pylori treatment, and those whose participation was not permitted by the adult responsible for the child, were excluded. The adults answered a demographic questionnaire and blood samples were collected. The serological test used was Cobas Core II, a second-generation test. Titers > 5 U/ml were considered positive. RESULTS: H. pylori infection was diagnosed in 116 children (35.6%). Infected children were older than uninfected children (7.77 ± 4.08 years versus 5.59 ± 3.86 years; p < 0.0001). The seroprevalence increased from 20.8% among children aged two to four years, to 58.3% among those older than 12 years. There were no significant relationships between seropositivity and gender, color, breastfeeding, number of people in the home, number of rooms, bed sharing, living in a shantytown, maternal educational level, family income or nutritional status. In multivariate analysis, the only variable significantly associated with H. pylori seropositivity was age. CONCLUSION: Infection had intermediate prevalence in the study population, and age was associated with higher prevalence.
Prevalence and risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected women in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Paula Matos , Oliveira Rone Peterson Cerqueira , Travessa Iane Érica Martins , Gomes Marques Vinícius de Castro , Santos Maria Lícia de Jesus dos , Grassi Maria Fernanda Rios
Published: November 2010

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is frequently associated with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. Immunosuppression and high HIV viral load are the main risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CIN in HIV-infected women in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and to describe the risk factors in comparison with non-infected women. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at the AIDS Reference Center of Bahia and the Gynecological Outpatient Clinic of Fundação Bahiana para o Desenvolvimento da Ciência, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Sixty-four HIV-infected women and 76 uninfected women from Salvador were enrolled between May 2006 and May 2007. Associations between CIN and presence of HIV infection, HIV viral load, proportion of T CD4+ lymphocytes and risk factors were evaluated. The independence of the risk factors was investigated using logistic regression. RESULTS: CIN was more prevalent among HIV-infected women than in the control group (26.6% versus 6.6%; P = 0.01). The odds ratio for CIN among HIV-infected women was 3.7 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.23-11; P = 0.01), after adjusting for the following variables: age at first sexual intercourse, number of partners, number of deliveries and previous history of sexually transmitted disease. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CIN among HIV-infected women was significantly higher than among women without HIV infection. HIV infection was the most important risk factor associated with the development of cervical lesions.
Utilização de finos de brita em cerâmica argilosa
Authors: Camara R.S. , Monteiro S.N. , Vieira C.M.F.
Published: November 2010

Este trabalho tem por objetivo a avaliar a influência da incorporação de finos de brita na microestrutura e nas propriedades de queima de uma massa cerâmica argilosa. As propriedades avaliadas foram: retração linear, absorção de água e tensão de ruptura à flexão. Foram preparadas composições com 0% e 25% em peso de finos de brita para a obtenção de corpos-de-prova por extrusão para queima em temperaturas de 800 a 1200ºC. A microestrutura das cerâmicas queimadas foi avaliada por microscopia ótica. Os resultados mostraram que a incorporação de finos de brita é benéfica para a produção de cerâmica vermelha possibilitando redução da retração linear e da absorção de água, sem muito efeito na resistência mecânica.
Alternative Therapies for Clostridium difficile Infections
Authors: Venuto Charles , Butler Mary , Ashley Elizabeth Dodds , Brown Jack
Published: November 2010

Clostridium difficile infection is a serious condition responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, especially in patients being treated with antimicrobials. Increasing frequency of the infection and hypervirulent C. difficile strains have resulted in more severe disease as well as therapeutic failures with traditional treatment (metronidazole and vancomycin). To review the studies assessing nontraditional therapies for the prevention and treatment of primary or recurrent C. difficile infection, we conducted a literature search of the PubMed‐MEDLINE databases (1984–2010). Of the 98 studies identified, 21 met our inclusion criteria. Five clinical trials and one retrospective medical record review evaluated probiotic or prebiotic formulations for the prevention of C. difficile infection. Only one of these studies, which included Lactobacillus casei and L. bulgaricus in the probiotic formulation, showed efficacy. Ten clinical trials evaluated treatment of an initial episode of C. difficile infection (primary treatment) with the antimicrobials fidaxomicin, fusidic acid, rifampin, teicoplanin, and nitazoxanide, as well as the toxin‐binding polymer, tolevamer. Only nitazoxanide and teicoplanin demonstrated noninferiority when compared with vancomycin or metronidazole. Four prospective studies and one retrospective study evaluated treatment of relapsing C. difficile infection. Prebiotic formulations for the prevention and treatment of recurrent C. difficile infection have not proved to be clinically warranted. Nitazoxanide, teicoplanin, and fidaxomicin may be considered as alternatives to traditional treatment; however, clinical experience is limited with these agents for this indication. Bacteriotherapy with fecal instillation has demonstrated high clinical cure rates in case studies and in a retrospective study; however, to our knowledge, randomized clinical trials are lacking for this therapeutic approach. As C. difficile infection rates continue to increase and hypervirulent strains continue to emerge, it is important for future clinical studies to assess alternative therapies.
New Trends and Novel Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Global Perspective
Authors: Zhu Andrew X. , Chabner Bruce A. , Tanabe Kenneth K.
Published: November 2010

This editorial summarizes the global new trends in epidemiology, staging, and current challenges and opportunities in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma and provides a brief overview of the articles included in the supplement.
The Incidence and Epidemiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Global and Regional Perspective
Authors: Venook Alan P. , Papandreou Christos , Furuse Junji , Ladrón de Guevara Laura
Published: November 2010

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the burden of this devastating cancer is expected to increase further in coming years. The collection and analysis of epidemiologic HCC data will play a critical role in guiding future disease prevention strategies and optimizing patient management. Previous epidemiologic studies have highlighted striking global variations in the incidence of HCC, which is particularly high in much of east Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, and lower, but on the increase, in North America and most of Europe. This variation appears to be related to the complex etiology of HCC, with different risk factors, primarily infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus, responsible for driving HCC incidence rates in different regions. Although previous studies have contributed considerably to the knowledge of HCC epidemiology, there are limitations associated with the currently available data, which arise from studies performed at different times in the past, using varying methodologies, and with diverse patient populations. A new and global approach to the study of HCC epidemiology is required if HCC disease prevention and treatment strategies are to be adequately directed and supported in coming years.
The Challenge of Prognosis and Staging for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Marrero Jorge A. , Kudo Masatoshi , Bronowicki Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2010

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous condition, with multiple confounding factors making patient assessment extremely complex. Tumor burden, the presence of symptoms, liver function, and comorbidities must all be considered to ensure accurate patient assessment, thereby providing physicians with a common language on which to base treatment decisions and guide research. Although many staging classifications have been developed, there is no consensus on the best classification to use. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system is a promising candidate for a standard western classification, because it has been externally validated and is endorsed by the European Association for the Study of the Liver and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Similarly, the biomarker-combined Japanese Integrated Staging (JIS) score is the most promising candidate for a standard Asia-Pacific classification, because it has been externally validated and shown to be superior to conventional JIS. Because risk factors vary significantly by region, so too does the predictive power of current staging classifications; any standard global staging classification would need to be validated in both western and Asia-Pacific patients. To date, no such globally validated classification exists. Findings from scientific research have improved our understanding of HCC and enabled us to refine current classifications. The role of tumor markers to predict survival was recently reported, and α-fetoprotein, lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive α-fetoprotein, and des-γ-carboxyprothrombin have now been incorporated into some classifications. Molecular markers have also been linked with poor outcomes and will likely play a role in future classifications. Although more work is required, it is hoped that these and other ongoing research efforts will eventually enable the development of a global staging classification.
Design and construction of Third Karnaphuli Bridge, Bangladesh
Authors: Astin D. , Xie H. , Gillarduzzi A.
Published: November 2010

The Third Karnaphuli Bridge is the first major cable-supported crossing to be constructed in Bangladesh. It spans the Karnaphuli River immediately to the north of Chittagong port. The bridge is founded on alluvial soil affected by deep soil liquefaction and river scour. The final design solution was based on extensive ground investigation and on the results of pile testing carried out using a jack-up self balancing method. The foundations of the main bridge incorporate 3 m diameter, bored, cast in situ piles which were base grouted post-construction. The main bridge includes three 200 m long main river spans with an extradosed prestressed concrete single cell box girder deck constructed by the balanced cantilever method.
Inspection and maintenance of Severn Bridge suspension cables
Authors: Young J. S. , Lynch M. J.
Published: November 2010

The Severn Bridge, completed in 1966, was the first suspension bridge to adopt a streamlined box girder deck that reduced the dead weight and improved aerodynamic performance. The 988 m span bridge crosses the estuary of the River Severn and is an important asset within the UK highway network. In 2006, the UK's Highways Agency, through the concessionaire Severn River Crossing plc, commissioned a programme of internal intrusive examination of the main suspension cables of the Severn Bridge with Faber-Maunsell/Weidlinger acting as consultants for the inspection. The information obtained during these investigations provided the basic data for use in a formal strength assessment of the suspension cables undertaken by Mott MacDonald, the UK government's representative for the Severn Crossings concession. Analytical techniques developed over the past 3 years have enabled the adoption of limit state principles for the assessment in line with UK practice. In addition, deterioration modelling has been developed to improve understanding of the current condition of the cables and to assist in the future management of the bridge. In parallel with the strength assessment, process maintenance management strategies have been developed and implemented that have enabled the continued safe operation of the bridge.
Design audit of the Phu My cable-stayed bridge, Vietnam
Authors: Khan S. Z.
Published: November 2010

Details of selected analyses and design checks conducted in connection with the design audit of Phu My cable-stayed bridge in Vietnam are presented. The project is briefly introduced with regard to the contractual set up and the principal design standards. Techniques used for the analyses are discussed with reference to the provisions of the governing design standards. Details of the advanced finite-element analyses conducted in order to facilitate the design checks of the permanent works under temporary as well as in-service conditions are then presented. It is shown how the scope of the analyses was integrated to interface non-linear staged construction analysis, incorporating time-dependent effects, with the analysis for extreme load events under US design codes. Details are provided in particular for staged construction analysis, ship impact analysis, dynamic response spectrum analysis and cable stay fracture analysis. In addition, cable stay fatigue, cable stay replacement and vehicular live load effects are also discussed. A brief description of wind analysis, particularly with regard to construction stage wind buffeting, is also presented together with the considerations taken on board for other environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. The importance of appropriate engineering experience in the management and validation of large analytical models is also discussed before presenting selective elements of the structural design checks. The paper is concluded with some thoughts on the role of advanced analyses in prospectively investigating the long-term sustainability of the structure through its life cycle.
Behaviour of very long cable-stayed bridges during erection
Authors: Morgenthal G. , Yamasaki Y.
Published: November 2010

Stonecutters Bridge and Sutong Bridge in China have pushed the world record for main span length of cable-stayed bridges to over 1000 m. The design of these bridges, both located in typhoon-prone regions, was strongly influenced by wind effects during erection. Rigorous wind tunnel test programmes were devised and executed to determine the aerodynamic behaviour of the structures in the most critical erection conditions. Testing was augmented by analytical and numerical analyses to verify the safety of the structures throughout construction and to ensure that no serviceability problems would affect the erection process. This paper outlines the wind properties assumed for the bridge sites, the experimental test programme with some of its results, the dynamic properties of the bridges during free-cantilevering erection and an assessment of their aerodynamic performance. The similarities and some revealing differences between the two bridges in terms of their dynamic response to wind action are also discussed.
Orthomodular lattices, Foulis Semigroups and Dagger Kernel Categories
Authors: Jacobs Bart
Published: November 2010

This paper is a sequel to arXiv:0902.2355 and continues the study of quantum
logic via dagger kernel categories. It develops the relation between these
categories and both orthomodular lattices and Foulis semigroups. The relation
between the latter two notions has been uncovered in the 1960s. The current
categorical perspective gives a broader context and reconstructs this
relationship between orthomodular lattices and Foulis semigroups as special
instance.
Analytic Tableaux for Simple Type Theory and its First-Order Fragment
Authors: Brown Chad E. , Smolka Gert
Published: November 2010

We study simple type theory with primitive equality (STT) and its first-order
fragment EFO, which restricts equality and quantification to base types but
retains lambda abstraction and higher-order variables. As deductive system we
employ a cut-free tableau calculus. We consider completeness, compactness, and
existence of countable models. We prove these properties for STT with respect
to Henkin models and for EFO with respect to standard models. We also show that
the tableau system yields a decision procedure for three EFO fragments.
Transforming Outermost into Context-Sensitive Rewriting
Authors: Endrullis Joerg , Hendriks Dimitri
Published: November 2010

We define two transformations from term rewriting systems (TRSs) to context-sensitive TRSs in such a way that termination of the target system implies outermost termination of the original system. In the transformation based on 'context extension', each outermost rewrite step is modeled by exactly one step in the transformed system. This transformation turns out to be complete for the class of left-linear TRSs. The second transformation is called `dynamic labeling' and results in smaller sized context-sensitive TRSs. Here each modeled step is adjoined with a small number of auxiliary steps. As a result state-of-the-art termination methods for context-sensitive rewriting become available for proving termination of outermost rewriting. Both transformations have been implemented in Jambox, making it the most successful tool in the category of outermost rewriting of the last edition of the annual termination competition.
Lazy Evaluation and Delimited Control
Authors: Garcia Ronald , Lumsdaine Andrew , Sabry Amr
Published: November 2010

The call-by-need lambda calculus provides an equational framework for
reasoning syntactically about lazy evaluation. This paper examines its
operational characteristics. By a series of reasoning steps, we systematically
unpack the standard-order reduction relation of the calculus and discover a
novel abstract machine definition which, like the calculus, goes "under
lambdas." We prove that machine evaluation is equivalent to standard-order
evaluation. Unlike traditional abstract machines, delimited control plays a
significant role in the machine's behavior. In particular, the machine replaces
the manipulation of a heap using store-based effects with disciplined
management of the evaluation stack using control-based effects. In short, state
is replaced with control. To further articulate this observation, we present a
simulation of call-by-need in a call-by-value language using delimited control
operations.
Algorithms for Game Metrics
Authors: Chatterjee Krishnendu , de Alfaro Luca , Majumdar Rupak , Raman Vishwanath
Published: November 2010

Simulation and bisimulation metrics for stochastic systems provide a quantitative generalization of the classical simulation and bisimulation relations. These metrics capture the similarity of states with respect to quantitative specifications written in the quantitative {\mu}-calculus and related probabilistic logics. We first show that the metrics provide a bound for the difference in long-run average and discounted average behavior across states, indicating that the metrics can be used both in system verification, and in performance evaluation. For turn-based games and MDPs, we provide a polynomial-time algorithm for the computation of the one-step metric distance between states. The algorithm is based on linear programming; it improves on the previous known exponential-time algorithm based on a reduction to the theory of reals. We then present PSPACE algorithms for both the decision problem and the problem of approximating the metric distance between two states, matching the best known algorithms for Markov chains. For the bisimulation kernel of the metric our algorithm works in time O(n^4) for both turn-based games and MDPs; improving the previously best known O(n^9\cdot log(n)) time algorithm for MDPs. For a concurrent game G, we show that computing the exact distance between states is at least as hard as computing the value of concurrent reachability games and the square-root-sum problem in computational geometry. We show that checking whether the metric distance is bounded by a rational r, can be done via a reduction to the theory of real closed fields, involving a formula with three quantifier alternations, yielding O(|G|^O(|G|^5)) time complexity, improving the previously known reduction, which yielded O(|G|^O(|G|^7)) time complexity. These algorithms can be iterated to approximate the metrics using binary search.
Size-Change Termination, Monotonicity Constraints and Ranking Functions
Authors: Ben-Amram Amir M.
Published: November 2010

Size-Change Termination (SCT) is a method of proving program termination based on the impossibility of infinite descent. To this end we may use a program abstraction in which transitions are described by monotonicity constraints over (abstract) variables. When only constraints of the form x>y' and x>=y' are allowed, we have size-change graphs. Both theory and practice are now more evolved in this restricted framework then in the general framework of monotonicity constraints. This paper shows that it is possible to extend and adapt some theory from the domain of size-change graphs to the general case, thus complementing previous work on monotonicity constraints. In particular, we present precise decision procedures for termination; and we provide a procedure to construct explicit global ranking functions from monotonicity constraints in singly-exponential time, which is better than what has been published so far even for size-change graphs.
The General Vector Addition System Reachability Problem by Presburger Inductive Invariants
Authors: jerome leroux
Published: November 2010

The reachability problem for Vector Addition Systems (VASs) is a central problem of net theory. The general problem is known to be decidable by algorithms exclusively based on the classical Kosaraju-Lambert-Mayr-Sacerdote-Tenney decomposition. This decomposition is used in this paper to prove that the Parikh images of languages recognized by VASs are semi-pseudo-linear; a class that extends the semi-linear sets, a.k.a. the sets definable in Presburger arithmetic. We provide an application of this result; we prove that a final configuration is not reachable from an initial one if and only if there exists a semi-linear inductive invariant that contains the initial configuration but not the final one. Since we can decide if a Presburger formula denotes an inductive invariant, we deduce that there exist checkable certificates of non-reachability. In particular, there exists a simple algorithm for deciding the general VAS reachability problem based on two semi-algorithms. A first one that tries to prove the reachability by enumerating finite sequences of actions and a second one that tries to prove the non-reachability by enumerating Presburger formulas.
Weak omega-categories from intensional type theory
Authors: Lumsdaine Peter LeFanu
Published: November 2010

We show that for any type in Martin-L\"of Intensional Type Theory, the terms
of that type and its higher identity types form a weak omega-category in the
sense of Leinster. Precisely, we construct a contractible globular operad of
definable composition laws, and give an action of this operad on the terms of
any type and its identity types.
On Second-Order Monadic Monoidal and Groupoidal Quantifiers
Authors: Kontinen Juha , Vollmer Heribert
Published: November 2010

We study logics defined in terms of second-order monadic monoidal and groupoidal quantifiers. These are generalized quantifiers defined by monoid and groupoid word-problems, equivalently, by regular and context-free languages. We give a computational classification of the expressive power of these logics over strings with varying built-in predicates. In particular, we show that ATIME(n) can be logically characterized in terms of second-order monadic monoidal quantifiers.
Automatic Modular Abstractions for Template Numerical Constraints
Authors: Monniaux David
Published: November 2010

We propose a method for automatically generating abstract transformers for
static analysis by abstract interpretation. The method focuses on linear
constraints on programs operating on rational, real or floating-point variables
and containing linear assignments and tests. Given the specification of an
abstract domain, and a program block, our method automatically outputs an
implementation of the corresponding abstract transformer. It is thus a form of
program transformation. In addition to loop-free code, the same method also
applies for obtaining least fixed points as functions of the precondition,
which permits the analysis of loops and recursive functions. The motivation of
our work is data-flow synchronous programming languages, used for building
control-command embedded systems, but it also applies to imperative and
functional programming. Our algorithms are based on quantifier elimination and
symbolic manipulation techniques over linear arithmetic formulas. We also give
less general results for nonlinear constraints and nonlinear program
constructs.
Termination of Rewriting with Right-Flat Rules Modulo Permutative Theories
Authors: Barguno Luis , Godoy Guillem , Huntingford Eduard , Tiwari Ashish
Published: November 2010

We present decidability results for termination of classes of term rewriting
systems modulo permutative theories. Termination and innermost termination
modulo permutative theories are shown to be decidable for term rewrite systems
(TRS) whose right-hand side terms are restricted to be shallow (variables occur
at depth at most one) and linear (each variable occurs at most once). Innermost
termination modulo permutative theories is also shown to be decidable for
shallow TRS. We first show that a shallow TRS can be transformed into a flat
(only variables and constants occur at depth one) TRS while preserving
termination and innermost termination. The decidability results are then proved
by showing that (a) for right-flat right-linear (flat) TRS, non-termination
(respectively, innermost non-termination) implies non-termination starting from
flat terms, and (b) for right-flat TRS, the existence of non-terminating
derivations starting from a given term is decidable. On the negative side, we
show PSPACE-hardness of termination and innermost termination for shallow
right-linear TRS, and undecidability of termination for flat TRS.
Domain Representable Spaces Defined by Strictly Positive Induction
Authors: Køber Petter Kristian
Published: November 2010

Recursive domain equations have natural solutions. In particular there are domains defined by strictly positive induction. The class of countably based domains gives a computability theory for possibly non-countably based topological spaces. A $ qcb_{0} $ space is a topological space characterized by its strong representability over domains. In this paper, we study strictly positive inductive definitions for $ qcb_{0} $ spaces by means of domain representations, i.e. we show that there exists a canonical fixed point of every strictly positive operation on $qcb_{0} $ spaces.
Tree Languages Defined in First-Order Logic with One Quantifier Alternation
Authors: Bojanczyk Mikolaj , Segoufin Luc
Published: November 2010

We study tree languages that can be defined in \Delta_2 . These are tree
languages definable by a first-order formula whose quantifier prefix is forall
exists, and simultaneously by a first-order formula whose quantifier prefix is
. For the quantifier free part we consider two signatures, either the
descendant relation alone or together with the lexicographical order relation
on nodes. We provide an effective characterization of tree and forest languages
definable in \Delta_2 . This characterization is in terms of algebraic
equations. Over words, the class of word languages definable in \Delta_2 forms
a robust class, which was given an effective algebraic characterization by Pin
and Weil.
Game semantics for first-order logic
Authors: Laurent Olivier
Published: November 2010

We refine HO/N game semantics with an additional notion of pointer (mu-pointers) and extend it to first-order classical logic with completeness results. We use a Church style extension of Parigot's lambda-mu-calculus to represent proofs of first-order classical logic. We present some relations with Krivine's classical realizability and applications to type isomorphisms.
No recurrence in otoplasty: Is that possible?
Authors: Andjelkov Katarina , Sforza Marcos , Zaccheddu Renato , Lazovic Goran , Colic Miodrag
Published: November 2010

Introduction. Otoplasty or correction of prominent ears, is one of most
commonly performed surgeries in plastic surgery both in children and adults.
Until nowadays, there have been more than 150 techniques described, but all
with certain percentage of recurrence which varies from just a few up to
24.4%. Objective. The authors present an otoplasty technique, a combination
of Mustardj?s original procedure with other techniques, which they have been
using successfully in their everyday surgical practice for the last 9 years.
The technique is based on posterior antihelical and conchal approach.
Methods. The study included 102 patients (60 males and 42 females) operated
on between 1999 and 2008. The age varied between 6 and 49 years. Each
procedure was tailored to the aberrant anatomy which was analyzed after
examination. Indications and the operative procedure are described in stepby-
step detail accompanied by drawings and photos taken during the surgery.
Results. All patients had bilateral ear deformity. In all cases was performed
a posterior antihelical approach. The conchal reduction was done only when
necessary and also through the same incision. The follow-up was from 1 to 5
years. There were no recurrent cases. A few minor complications were
presented. Postoperative care, complications and advantages compared to other
techniques are discussed extensively. Conclusion. All patients showed a high
satisfaction rate with the final result and there was no necessity for
further surgeries. The technique described in this paper is easy to reproduce
even for young surgeons.
Chlorhexidine as a root canal irrigant: Antimicrobial and scanning electron microscopic evaluation
Authors: Pavlovic Violeta , Zivkovic Slavoljub
Published: November 2010

Introduction. Selection of irrigant is very important for longterm success of
root canal therapy. Objective. This study was undertaken to evaluate the
antimicrobial effects of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate solution (CHX) against
five selected microorganisms and to evaluate its efficacy in root canal
cleaning. Methods. In this study, by agar diffusion test, were evaluated
antimicrobial effects of three root canal irrigants: 5.25% NaOCl, 2.5% NaOCl
and 2% CHX. The microorganisms tested in this study were Staphylococcus
aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and
Candida albicans. A scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate root
canal cleaning ability of 5.25% NaOCl, 2.5% NaOCl, 2% CHX and 15% EDTA.
Twelve extracted single-root human teeth were divided into four groups
depending on the irrigant used during instrumentation. Mechanical preparation
was performed with Step back technique and K files. Data were analyzed
statistically by Student?s t-test. Results 5.25% NaOCl was the most effective
against all tested microorganisms. 2.5% NaOCl and 2% CHX showed antimicrobial
effects against all tested microorganisms but zones of inhibition were
smaller. The best results in root canal walls cleaning were obtained in the
group where the irrigant was 15% EDTA (score 2.33). In 5.25% NaOCl, 2.5%
NaOCl and 2% CHX groups, there was more smear layer (score 4 and 5).
Conclusion. 2% chlorhexidine digluconate showed strong antimicrobial effect
on the tested microorganisms, but was not effective in cleaning root canal
walls.
Trends of risk factors in coronary surgery
Authors: Mihajlovic Bogoljub , Nicin Svetozar , Cemerlic-Adjic Nada , Pavlovic Katica , Dodic Slobodan , Velicki Lazar , Fabri Miklos
Published: November 2010

Introduction. In current era of widespread use of percutaneous coronary
interventions (PCI), it is debatable whether coronary artery by-pass graft
(CABG) patients are at higher risk. Objective. The aim of the study was to
evaluate trends in risk profile of isolated CABG patients. Methods. By
analysing the EuroSCORE and its risk factors, we reviewed a consecutive group
of 4675 isolated CABG patients, operated on during the last 8 years
(2001-2008) at our Clinic. The number of PCI patients was compared to the
number of CABG patients. For statistical analyses, Pearson?s chi-square and
ANOVA tests were used. Results. The number of PCI increased from 159 to 1595
(p<0.001), and the number of CABG from 557 to 656 (p<0.001). The mean
EuroSCORE increased from 2.74 to 2.92 (p=0.06). The frequency of the
following risk factors did not change over years: female gender, previous
cardiac surgery, serum creatinine >200?mol/l, left ventricular dysfunction
and postinfarct ventricular septal rupture. Chronic pulmonary disease,
neurological dysfunction, and unstable pectoral angina declined significantly
(p<0.001). Critical preoperative care declined from 3.1% in 2001 to 0.5 % in
2005, than increased and during the last 3 years did not change (2.3%). The
mean age increased from 56.8 to 60.7 (p<0.001) and extracardiac arteriopathy
increased from 9.2% to 22.9% (p<0.001). Recent preoperative myocardial
infarction increased from 11% to 15.1% (p=0.021), while emergency operations
increased from 0.9% to 4.0% (p=0.001). Conclusion. The number of CABG
increases despite the enlargement of PCI. The risk for isolated CABG given by
EuroSCORE increases over years. The risk factors, significantly contributing
to higher EuroSCORE are: older age, extracardiac arteriopathy, recent
myocardial infarction and emergency operation.
Influence of metabolism modifiers of cyclic nucleotides on contractility of right ventricle of rat heart with intact and removed endocardial endothelium
Authors: Smiljic Sonja , Radovic Dragica , Miletic Milanka , Nestorovic Vojkan , Trajkovic Goran , Savic Sladjana
Published: November 2010

Introduction. Endocardial endothelium, a natural biological barrier between
circulating blood in heart ventricle and cells, creates a complex yet finely
tuned balance of interactions with the immediate environment. Objective. We
investigated the roles of theophylline, nonspecific phosphodiesterase
inhibitor, and imidazole, an activator of phosphodiesterase on contractility
of the right ventricle of rat heart, with intact and removed endocardial
endothelium. Methods. Adult rats, of both sexes, type Wistar albino, were
used in this experiment. All experiments were conducted on the preparations
of the right ventricle using two experimental models. In the first
experimental model, an endocardial endothelium (EE) was preserved, and in the
second model, an endocardial endothelium (-EE) was removed using 1% solution
Triton X-100. Results. Theophylline (1x10-2 mol/l) expressed the positive
inotropic effect on the heart, regardless of the presence of the endocardial
endothelium. Inotropic response as multiple process can be induced by
inhibition of phosphodiesterase, accumulation of cyclic nucleotides and
activation of Ca2+ channels. Imidazole (2x10-3 mol/l) increased the
contractility of the right ventricle of the heart with EE. The modulator
effect of endocardial endothelium on contractility of imidazole proved to be
significant. As imidazole influenced the contractility of the right ventricle
only in the presence of the endocardial endothelium, it is assumed that its
effect is mediated via deliverance of endothelial mediators with positive
inotropic effect. Conclusion. An intact endocardial endothelium is necessary
for completion of contractile performance of the heart.