bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sistema Integrado de Contabilidade, como ferramenta de controle e acompanhamento da execução orçamentária e financeira: o caso do Estado do Ceará
Authors: Meneses Roberto Viera de , Marques Érico Veras
Published: September 2018

Os Sistemas de Informação (SI), baseados na Tecnologia de Informação e Comunicação (TCI), são capazes de processar grande volume de dados de forma rápida e precisa, bem como estocar (armazenar) e acessá-los rapidamente, além de fornecer comunicação a contento e otimizar as informações para suportar a tomada de decisão. O Estado do Ceará, buscando a otimização, a captação e a aplicação dos recursos e possibilitando a transparência dos atos e fatos da Administração Pública, implantou, em 1981, o Sistema Informatizado em Contabilidade Pública, denominado de Sistema Integrado de Contabilidade (SIC), que tem como missão precípua possibilitar a administração dos recursos públicos, de forma eficaz, eficiente e efetiva. O objetivo geral deste estudo é analisar a contribuição do SIC no controle e acompanhamento da execução orçamentária e financeira do Estado do Ceará, isto é, sua efetiva contribuição, a realidade, o grau de sua performance e eficiência no atendimento à finalidade para a qual foi implantado e criado, há trinta anos. A metodologia aplicada constou de um estudo de caso único, compreendendo coleta e análise de dados, a partir de entrevistas e questionários com respondentes, selecionado por meio de uma amostra por julgamento, seguida de considerações e conclusões. Os resultados decorrentes da pesquisa apontam, de um lado, para um consenso sólido e majoritário atestando a importância e a qualidade da atuação do SIC no cenário contábil e financeiro do Estado, mas, por outro lado, para a inegável premência por sua imediata atualização e modernização, de modo a corrigir pontos de estrangulamento, que impedem, inegavelmente, uma melhor performance.
Desafios das parcerias Público-Privadas frente às questões postas no Ordenamento Jurídico Brasileiro
Authors: Cordeiro Júnior José Teni
Published: September 2018

O presente artigo será dedicado ao exame das parcerias público-privadas, conhecidas no seio da sociedade pela sigla PPP, destacando-se sua origem e conceituação, à luz não só da legislação nacional pertinente, mas também segundo diversos estudiosos que se debruçam sobre essa novel espécie de contrato em que participam a administração pública e o particular. Também serão enfocadas algumas de suas particularidades, em especial o que essa ficção jurídica trouxe de inovação ao Direito brasileiro, passando-se essa análise pelos princípios constitucionais que a abriga, bem como aqueles contra os quais ela vai de encontro.
Paridade na pensão por morte instituída por servidor público nos moldes das emendas constitucionais 41/03 e 47/05
Authors: Monte Meiry Mesquita , Pereira Alexey Tavares
Published: September 2018

O presente estudo visa examinar as hipóteses e os requisitos para manutenção da paridade nas pensões por morte deferidas com base no regime próprio de previdência social após a Emenda Constitucional 41, de 2003. Para tanto, buscamos delinear os institutos incidentes sobre a matéria, trazendo seus conceitos e principais características, as inovações legislativas operadas posteriormente, especialmente a Medida Provisória 167, de 2004, e a Emenda Constitucional 47, de 2005, bem como o entendimento dos tribunais superiores sobre a questão. Por fim, destacamos as tendências legislativas sobre o tema, matéria ainda em debate no Congresso Nacional.
Do impacto das Contribuições Sociais PIS/Pasep e COFINS na fatura de energia elétrica e da necessidade de restabelecer o equilíbrio econômicofinanceiro do Contrato de Concessão
Authors: Lima Francisco Fernando Antonio Albuquerque
Published: September 2018

Com o advento das Leis n.ºs 10.637/2002 e 10.833/2003, os tributos PIS/Pasep e COFINS passaram a incidir de forma não-cumulativa, além de terem suas alíquotas majoradas de 0,65% e 3%, respectivamente, para 1,65% e 7,6%. Dentro deste contexto, a ANEEL passou a homologar as tarifas de energia elétrica sem levar a efeito os referidos tributos, ficando as concessionárias expressamente autorizadas a proceder com o repasse direto destes aos consumidores finais. A propósito, tal procedimento encontra embasamento jurídico sólido que o reveste de legalidade, mormente considerando a existência de estudos técnicos demonstrando o impacto destas alterações no equilíbrio econômico-financeiro do Contrato de Concessão.
Os pareceres jurídicos administrativos e a responsabilidade do advogado parecerista no âmbito da administração pública
Authors: Rubio Vivian Zendron
Published: September 2018

O artigo tem como objetivo abordar o tema da consultoria e assessoramento jurídicos junto à Administração Pública e sua influência sobre as decisões das autoridades públicas gestoras. Pretende-se interpretar, à luz da legislação competente, os diferentes tipos e aspectos dos pareceres jurídicos administrativos, diferenciando-os quanto ao poder de vinculação de seus termos sobre os atos de gestão posteriormente executados. Será analisada, ainda, a possibilidade de atribuir ao advogado público parecerista parcela de responsabilidade por consulta jurídica emitida com dolo ou culpa, considerando-se a natureza do parecer e a medida de contribuição e influência sobre decisão terminativa que venha a ser declarada irregular frente aos órgãos fiscalizadores. Através da interpretação do funcionamento da máquina pública, será possível examinar a relativização da inviolabilidade do advogado frente aos princípios norteadores da Administração Pública.
Análise da prestação de contas de Governo da Administração Pública Municipal sob a ótica da LRF: um estudo do município de Fortaleza de 1998 a 2004
Authors: Costa Rômulo Bernardino Lopes da
Published: September 2018

A Prestação de Contas é um ato de grande relevância que o administrador público realiza. É através desse ato que o governante demonstra sua capacidade de governar com ética, responsabilidade e eficiência. O presente artigo aborda os aspectos relativos à Prestação de Contas de Governo realizadas diretamente pelo chefe do Poder Executivo, com o objetivo específico de verificar os impactos que a Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal causou na forma como as mesmas são prestadas. Antes da promulgação da Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal, o principal problema existente consistia-se no fato de que o processo de prestação de contas era baseado em uma série de leis, decretos e instruções normativas que dificultavam uma melhor análise dessas contas. Com relação a metodologia, foi utilizada pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e Estudo de Caso, tendo como principais fontes: livros, documentos obtidos junto ao Tribunal de Contas dos Municípios do Estado do Ceará, bem como diversas outras publicações. Assim, concluiu-se que a Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal trouxe uma série de benefícios para a forma como são prestadas as contas de governo, tornando mais exigentes e transparentes os atos e fatos da Administração Pública.
Os Tribunais de Contas e as inovações no exercício do controle externo e o seu caráter preventivo
Authors: Gonçalves Carla Maria Barreto , Ehrich Carlos Henrique de Castro
Published: September 2018

Tem por objetivo este estudo apresentar e analisar o papel fundamental dos Tribunais de Contas no atual contexto administrativo, assim como o respectivo posicionamento da sociedade brasileira diante deste; em especial vem propor uma nova perspectiva teórica do exercício do controle externo, tendo como método, ou até mesmo objetivo, a atuação preventiva em sua persecução implacável pela eficaz e regular gestão dos recursos públicos visando o benefício da sociedade. Vem também apontar e reconhecer as louváveis iniciativas de tal exercício na sua forma diferenciada, buscando agir prioritariamente através da precaução e esclarecimento sobre o tema, assim como em seu eterno aperfeiçoamento de seu trabalho com novos procedimentos, propostas e parcerias fundamentais à eficiência.
Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal: art. 16. Subsídios para Interpretação
Authors: Oliveira Austen S.
Published: September 2018

O artigo 16 da Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal, que dispõe sobre a ne-cessidade de elaboração de estimativa do impacto orçamentário financeiro para três exercícios e a declaração do ordenador da despesa sobre sua compatibilidade com o Plano Plurianual, com as Diretrizes Orçamentárias e com o Orçamento, quando ela decorrer da criação, ampliação ou aperfeiçoamento da ação governa-mental com aumento de gastos, ora vem sendo interpretado como aplicável a to-do e qualquer contrato, ora só com aqueles decorrentes da execução de projetos (não de atividades). O artigo procura dar subsídios à interpretação da norma, mostrando que ela se aplicaria de maneira diferente, em execução tanto de proje-tos quanto de atividades, mas só quando há aumento da despesa orçamentária fixada e por decorrência de criação expansão ou aperfeiçoamento da ação gover-namental. Não se aplicaria, portanto, na execução normal das ações consignadas na Lei Orçamentária.
Sistema Integrado de Contabilidade (SIC) como Ferramenta de Controle Externo sob a Ótica dos Servidores do Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Ceará (TCE)
Authors: Andrade Giovana de Albuquerque , Peter Maria da Glória Arrais
Published: September 2018

A Constituição determina que a fiscalização contábil, financeira, orçamentária, operacional e patrimonial da União e das entidades da administração direta e indireta será exercida pelo Congresso Nacional, mediante controle externo, e pelo sistema de controle interno de cada Poder. No âmbito do Estado do Ceará, o Tribunal de Contas do Estado do Ceará (TCE) é o órgão de controle externo responsável por essa fiscalização, utilizando o Sistema Integrado de Contabilidade (SIC) como ferramenta auxiliar na fiscalização dos jurisdicionados. Deste modo, objetivou-se no presente trabalho verificar a contribuição do SIC no contexto das atividades de controle externo exercidas pelos servidores do TCE. Para tanto, foi realizada inicialmente uma pesquisa bibliográfica acerca do controle externo, das competências do TCE e acerca do SIC. Em seguida, realizou-se uma pesquisa de campo, com aplicação de questionários junto aos servidores para a coleta dos dados sobre o sistema. Ressalte-se que o universo da pesquisa foi o total de servidores que executam atividades de controle, sendo adotado como critério na amostra intencional, a utilização do SIC no desenvolvimento dessas atividades. Após a coleta, esses dados foram trabalhados e estudados, sendo demonstrados os resultados obtidos com o auxílio de tabelas, quadros e gráficos. Ao término, foi possível delinear o perfil dos servidores que utilizam o SIC, bem como identificar a percepção destes quanto aos benefícios e limitações desse sistema. Constatou-se, portanto, que o SIC contribui positivamente para as atividades de controle externo mais relevantes do TCE, contudo, é preciso aperfeiçoá-lo em alguns pontos, bem como é necessário que os servidores aprofundem o seu conhecimento no SIC por meio de treinamentos, visando utilizá-lo de maneira mais eficiente.
Pregão para contratação de Bens e Serviços em Tecnologia da Informação – Sistema (software) em Gestão Pública
Authors: Costa Gustavo Vidigal
Published: September 2018

Este estudo de Direito Administrativo Aplicado, notadamente, o Instituto das Licitações aborda a forma adequada de Contratação de Bens e Serviços em Tecnologia da Informação de Sistemas em Gestão Pública. São delineados os conceitos, entendimentos do Tribunal de Contas da União, doutrina pátria que norteiam a possibilidade de utilização da modalidade Pregão para contratação de tais bens e serviços em Tecnologia da Informação. Caracterização como bens e serviços comuns, parametrizáveis, usualmente encontrados no mercado que elidem a escolha do tipo “técnica e preço” para contratação. Interpretação atual da legislação sobre a matéria.
Receitas Correntes em Municípios Cearenses: Autonomia ou Dependência?
Authors: Silva Filho Luís Abel da , Queiroz Silvana Nunes de , Silva William Gledson e , Silva Adriano Olivier de Freitas e
Published: September 2018

Inúmeros trabalhos sobre finanças públicas municipais procuram discutir a autonomia municipal como geradora de receitas ou o nível de dependência dessas entidades em relação ao Estado e à União. Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a Capacidade de Arrecadação Própria (CAP) e o Grau de Dependência (GD) dos municípios cearenses, bem como avaliar a participação das variáveis: Receita Tributária (RT), Fundo de Participação dos Municípios (FPM) e Outras Transferências Constitucionais (OTC) na variação das Receitas Correntes (RC) municipais. A fim de mensurar o impacto da variação de cada uma das variáveis explicativas na varia-ção de um ponto percentual na variável explicada, foram utilizados dados da Secretaria do Tesouro Nacional (STN), tabulados com o auxílio do modelo de Regressão Múltipla (log-log). Os resultados desta investigação constatam, por um lado, pequena participação da Receita Tributária (RT) nas Receitas Correntes (RC) dos municípios; e, por outro lado, participação elevada das transferências constitucionais. Além disso, nos três grupos de municípios, aqui estratificados, constatou-se baixa participação da RT na variação da RC.
Cognitive Tagging of Neurons: CREMediated Genetic Labeling and Characterization of the Cells Involved in Learning and Memory
Authors: Ivashkina O. I. , Vorobyeva N. S. , Gruzdeva A. M. , Roshchina M. A. , Toropova K. A. , Anokhin K. V.
Published: September 2018

In this study, we describe use of Cre-mediated recombination to obtain a permanent genetic labeling of the brain neuronal networks activated during a new experience in animals. This method utilizes bitransgenic Fos-Cre-eGFP mice in which a green fluorescent protein is expressed upon tamoxifen-induced Cre-recombination only in the cells where immediate early gene c-fos expression takes place due to the new experience. We used the classical fear conditioning model to show that ex vivo microscopy of the eGFP protein in Fos-Cre-eGFP mice enables mapping of the neurons of the various brain regions that undergo Cre-recombination during acquisition of a new experience. We exposed the animals to the new environment in brief sessions and demonstrated that double immunohistochemical staining enables a characterization of the types of neocortical and hippocampal neurons that undergo experience-dependent Cre-recombination. Notably, Fos-Cre-eGFP labeled cells appeared to belong to excitatory pyramidal neurons rather than to various types of inhibitory neurons. We also showed that a combination of genetic Cre-eGFP labeling with immunohistochemical staining of the endogenous c-Fos protein allows one to identify and compare the neuronal populations that are activated during two different episodes of new experiences in the same animal. This new approach can be used in a wide spectrum of tasks that require imaging and a comparative analysis of cognitive neuronal networks.
Jabir deltopektoral pada rekonstruksi diseksi leher radikal: seri kasus berbasis bukti
Authors: Widiarni Dini , Adham Marlinda , Martiastini Rossa
Published: September 2018

Latar belakang: Jabir deltopektoral merupakan salah satu pilihan untuk rekonstruksi defek yang luasakibat tindakan ekstirpasi tumor dan pemberian radioterapi pada keganasan kepala leher. Jabir deltopektoralbukan merupakan pilihan utama dalam rekonstruksi defek kepala leher, namun pada kondisi tertentu, jabirtersebut memiliki tingkat keberhasilan yang lebih baik dibandingkan dengan metode jabir yang lain. Tujuan:Mengingatkan kembali para ahli THT tentang indikasi dan teknik penggunaan jabir deltopektoral pada kasusrekonstruksi defek akibat reseksi tumor dengan telaah sistematis kepustakaan. Kasus: Dilaporkan tiga kasuspenggunaan jabir deltopektoral sebagai penutup defek, satu kasus laki-laki 73 tahun dengan unknown primarytumor dengan penyulit diabetes melitus yang dilakukan tindakan diseksi leher radikal. Dua kasus lain dengandefek akibat stoma rekuren pascalaringektomi total. Penatalaksanaan: Pada ketiga kasus ini dilakukanpenutupan defek menggunakan jabir deltopektoral. Kesimpulan: Pada kondisi pemakaian jabir bebasmerupakan kontraindikasi, adanya keterbatasan fasilitas atau dokter ahli serta kondisi sistemik pasien maka jabirdeltopektoral merupakan salah satu alternatif untuk rekonstruksi defek luas pada daerah kepala leher, sebelumatau sesudah radioterapi.Kata kunci : jabir deltopektoral, rekonstruksi, defek kepala leher.ABSTRACTBackground: Deltopectoral flap is one of the options for execessive defect caused by tumor ablation andradioterapy in head and neck cancer. Deltopectoral flap is not the main option in head and neck reconstruction,but in some certain condition, it has a better success rate than other flap techniques. Purpose: To presentevidence based case report in order to broaden otolaryngologists’ knowledge about indications and techniquesof deltopectoral flap in reconstruction of defect caused by tumor resection. Cases: We reported 3 cases ofdeltopectoral flap used as a defect closure, one of them was a man 73 years old who had an unknown primarytumor with diabetic status and had undergone radical neck dissection. Two other cases were patients withdefect caused by postlaryngectomy reccurent stoma. Management: We used deltofectoral flap for closing thedefect our patients. Conclusion: In conditions in which the use of free flaps are contraindicated, limitedinstrumentations or experienced surgeons, and poor systemic condition of the patient, deltopectoral flap can beconsidered as an alternative for reconstruction of wide defect of the neck, either pre or post radiotherapy.Keywords: deltopectoral flap, reconstruction, head neck defect.
Penutupan defek dasar tengkorak dengan pendekatan endoskopi menggunakan jabir Hadad-Bassagasteguy
Authors: Dharmabakti Umar Said , Warganegara Hably
Published: September 2018

Latar belakang: Defek pada dasar tengkorak dapat menyebabkan kebocoran cairan serebrospinal (CSS) ke rongga hidung. Defek ini berisiko menyebabkan komplikasi yang berbahaya dan mungkin fatal, oleh karena itu perlu penatalaksanaan segera berupa rekonstruksi penutupan. Penutupan defek dengan pendekatan endoskopi dilaporkan memiliki angka keberhasilan yang tinggi. Jabir nasoseptal atau yang dikenal juga sebagai jabir HadadBassagasteguy (HB) merupakan jabir pilihan untuk menutup defek dasar tengkorak.Tujuan: Kasus ini diajukan untuk menyampaikan pengetahuan adanya jabir dari mukoperikondrium dan mukoperiosteum septum yang menjadi pilihan untuk menutup defek dasar tengkorak. Kasus: Dilaporkan pasien seorang wanita usia 42 tahun dengan diagnosis rinore CSS spontan. Defek teridentifikasi pada sisi lateral sinus sfenoid kanan. Penatalaksanaan: Dilakukan penutupan defek per endoskopi menggunakan obliterasi tandur lemak dan jabir HB. Pada follow up selama 1,5 tahun tidak didapatkan kebocoran CSS berulang. Kesimpulan: Jabir nasoseptal merupakan pilihan dalam penutupan defek dasar tengkorak yang memiliki proses penyembuhan lebih cepat dan menurunkan risiko terjadinya kebocoran CSS berulang pasca penutupan.Kata kunci: Defek dasar tengkorak, jabir Hadad-Bassagasteguy, jabir nasoseptal.
Tumor Dabska sinonasal
Authors: Suwanto Suriya , Nuaba Gde Ardika , Sucipta Wayan
Published: September 2018

Latar belakang: Tumor Dabska adalah salah satu jenis tumor pembuluh darah dengan keganasan intermediate dan dikenal sebagai angiosarkoma derajat rendah. Tumor ini merupakan neoplasma yang sangat jarang dan hanya 31 kasus dilaporkan di seluruh dunia.Tujuan: Memperkenalkan tumor Dabska berikut tatalaksana dalam bidang THT-KL. Kasus: Satu kasus tumor Dabska sinonasal pada seorang wanita berusia 35 tahun. Penatalaksanaan: Penatalaksanaan sesuai literatur adalah eksisi luas dan radioterapi. Pada pasien ini, eksisi luas tidak dapat dilaksanakan karena besarnya ukuran massa tumor sehingga radioterapi dipilih sebagai modalitas terapi. Pasien meninggal dunia pascaradioterapi.Kesimpulan: Tumor Dabska adalah tumor pembuluh darah yang jarang ditemukan. Penatalaksanaan adalah dengan eksisi luas dan radioterapi. Kata kunci: Tumor Dabska, endovascular papillary hemangioendothelioma, tumor vaskular.
Miringoplasti transkanal dengan tandur mukoperikondrium tragus. Pengalaman di RSUD Prof. Dr. Margono Soekarjo, Purwokerto
Authors: Darmawan Anton Budhi
Published: September 2018

Latar belakang: Perforasi membran timpani merupakan kasus yang sering dijumpai di klinik THT. Perforasi yang tidak dapat menutup secara spontan memerlukan tindakan operatif. Miringoplasti merupakan suatu prosedur rekonstruktif terbatas, untuk memperbaiki membran timpani. Miringoplasti juga dikenal dengan timpanoplasti tipe 1. Tujuannya ialah untuk memperbaiki membran timpani, memperbaiki pendengaran dan juga untuk mencegah kekambuhan keluarnya cairan. Ada beberapa pendekatan untuk melakukan miringoplasti, salah satunya adalah transkanal. Miringoplasti transkanal biasanya digunakan untuk memperbaiki perforasi sentral atau posterior membran timpani dengan liang telinga yang cukup lebar sehingga mudah untuk visualisasi membran timpani. Tandur mukoperikondrium tragus dipilih karena teknik pengambilan relatif mudah dengan hasil penutupan membrantimpani baik. Tujuan: Makalah ini bertujuan untuk melaporkan pengalaman operasi miringoplasti transkanal dengan tandur perikondrium tragus di RSUD Prof. Dr. Margono Soekarjo, Purwokerto. Kasus: Dilaporkan tiga kasus Otitis Media Supuratif Kronik (OMSK) tipe tubotimpanal inaktif, dengan perforasi sentral yang dilakukan miringoplasti transkanal dengan tandur perikondrium tragus. Penatalaksanaan: Ketiga pasien menjalani tindakan miringoplastitranskanal dengan tandur perikondrium tragus. Dari hasil evaluasi 3 bulan pascaoperasi didapatkan hasil penutupan membran timpani dan perbaikan ambang dengar dari ketiga pasien tersebut.Kesimpulan: Miringoplasti transkanal dapat digunakan sebagai prosedur operasi penutupan perforasi sentral atau posterior membran timpani pada pasien dengan liang telinga lebar, yang memungkinkan membran timpani dapat tervisualisasi dengan baik.Kata kunci: Perforasi membran timpani, miringoplasti, transkanal, tandur perikondrium tragus.
Tuberkulosis tonsil dan nasofaring disertai limfadenopati servikal dan tuberkulosis milier
Authors: Hayati Rina , Saragih Abdul Rachman
Published: September 2018

Latar belakang: tuberkulosis pada saluran nafas atas sangat jarang dijumpai dan biasanya disertai dengan penyakit paru primer. Dengan kemajuan pengobatan tuberkulosis saat ini, infeksi mycobacterium pada tonsil dan nasofaring jarang dijumpai. Limfadenopati servikal merupakan simptom yang sering terjadi, dan seharusnya didiagnosis banding dengan suatu massa di kepala dan leher. Tujuan: untuk menambah pengetahuan dalam mendiagnosis dan menangani tuberkulosis tonsil dan nasofaring yang jarang dijumpai. Kasus: Seorang anak laki-laki 14 tahun dikonsulkan dengan masa dileher bilateral disertai disfagia, demam dan malaise selama satu bulan. Penatalaksanaan: Pasien awalnya kami diagnosis banding sebagai suatu massa di kepala leher. Setelah ditegakkan diagnosis sebagai tuberkulosistonsil dan nasofaring disertai limfadenopati servikal dan tuberkulosis milier, diberikan terapi dengan anti tuberkulosis dan diperoleh hasil yang baik. Kesimpulan: Tuberkulosis sebaiknya dimasukkan sebagai diagnosis banding suatu massa di kepala dan leher terutama jika gambaran klinis dan pencitraan yang dijumpai tidak khas, sementara itu biopsi dan gambaran mikrobiologi selalu harus dipertimbangkan. Kata kunci: tuberkulosis nasofaring, tonsil, millier, limfadenopati. ABSTRACTBackground: Tuberculosis (TB) of the upper aerodigestive tract is rare and is usually associated with primary pulmonary disease. With recent advances in medical treatment of tuberculosis, mycobacterial infection of the nasopharynx and tonsil becomes very rare. The most common presenting symptom is cervical lymphadenopathy, so TB should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses of the head and neck. Purpose: To remind Otolaryngologists about the diagnosis and management of nasopharyngeal and tonsillar tuberculosis, which become rare case nowadays. Case: A 14-year-old boy was consulted with bilateral neck masses, disphagia, fever and malaise for one month. Case Management: At first we made a differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses of the head and neck. After he was diagnosed as nasopharyngeal and tonsilar tuberculosis with cervical lymphadenopathy and millier tuberculosis, the patient was treated with anti tuberculosis medication and the result was  good. Conclusion: TB should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses of the head and neck, particularly when the imaging findings and clinical presentation are atypical, at which point appropriate biopsies and microbiologic studies should be conducted. Keyword : Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis, tonsilar tuberculosis, cervical lymphadenopathy, milliertuberculosis
Enhanced regional AT2-receptor and PKCε expression during cardioprotection induced by AT1-receptor blockade after reperfused myocardial infarction
Authors: Jugdutt Bodh I , Balghith Mohammed
Published: September 2018

We assessed the effects of the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1-receptor) blocker, candesartan, (CN, 1 mg/kg i.v. over 30 minutes pre-ischaemia) alone or after intracoronary administration of Ang II type 2 receptor (AT 2-receptor) blocker (PD 123319), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (chelerythrine), endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor (NG-monomethyl-L-arginine or L-NMMA), and bradykinin (BK) -B2 receptor inhibitor (HOE140) on in vivo left ventricular (LV) function and remodelling (echocardiograms/ Doppler) and haemodynamics in 30 dogs with reperfused anterior infarction (90 minutes ischaemia, 120 minutes reperfusion), and ex vivo infarct size, AT1-receptor/AT2-receptor proteins and PKC ε (immunoblots), and cyclic guanosine 3', 5' monophosphate (cGMP, immunoassay). Compared with controls, CN inhibited the Ang II pressor response, reduced LV preload, improved LV systolic and diastolic function, limited LV remodelling, decreased infarct size, and increased AT2-receptor and PKC proteins in the infarct zone (IZ), and these responsesε were abrogated by PD 123319, chelerythrine, L-NMMA and HOE140. In addition, the increase in LV cGMP with CN was attenuated by PD 123319, L-NMMA and HOE140. The overall results suggest that AT2-receptor activation and signalling via BK, PKCε and cGMP contribute to cardioprotection associated with AT1-receptor blockade during ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Reducing the Operational Cost of Cloud Data Centers through Renewable Energy
Authors: Laganà Demetrio , Mastroianni Carlo , Meo Michela , Renga Daniela
Published: September 2018

The success of cloud computing services has led to big computing infrastructures that are complex to manage and very costly to operate. In particular, power supply dominates the operational costs of big infrastructures, and several solutions have to be put in place to alleviate these operational costs and make the whole infrastructure more sustainable. In this paper, we investigate the case of a complex infrastructure composed of data centers (DCs) located in different geographical areas in which renewable energy generators are installed, co-located with the data centers, to reduce the amount of energy that must be purchased by the power grid. Since renewable energy generators are intermittent, the load management strategies of the infrastructure have to be adapted to the intermittent nature of the sources. In particular, we consider EcoMultiCloud , a load management strategy already proposed in the literature for multi-objective load management strategies, and we adapt it to the presence of renewable energy sources. Hence, cost reduction is achieved in the load allocation process, when virtual machines (VMs) are assigned to a data center of the considered infrastructure, by considering both energy cost variations and the presence of renewable energy production. Performance is analyzed for a specific infrastructure composed of four data centers. Results show that, despite being intermittent and highly variable, renewable energy can be effectively exploited in geographical data centers when a smart load allocation strategy is implemented. In addition, the results confirm that EcoMultiCloud is very flexible and is suited to the considered scenario.
Design, Analysis and Testing of a New Compliant Compound Constant-Force Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhi , Wang Guangwei , Xu Qingsong
Published: September 2018

This paper presents the design and testing of a novel flexure-based compliant compound constant-force mechanism (CCFM). One uniqueness of the proposed mechanism lies in that it achieves both constant-force input and constant-force output, which is enabled by integrating two types of sub-mechanisms termed active and passive constant-force structures, respectively. Unlike conventional structures, the active constant-force structure allows the reduction on input force requirement and thus the enlargement of motion stroke provided that the maximum stress of the material is within allowable value. While the passive one offers a safe environmental interaction during the contact process. Analytical model of the proposed CCFM is derived which is verified by simulation study with finite element analysis (FEA). A prototype mechanism is fabricated by a 3D printer to demonstrate the performance of the proposed CCFM design. Experimental results reveal the effectiveness of the reported CCFM.
Validating a Reduced-Order Model for Synthetic Jet Actuators Using CFD and Experimental Data
Authors: Persoons Tim , Cressall Rick , Alimohammadi Sajad
Published: September 2018

Synthetic jet actuators (SJA) are emerging in various engineering applications, from flow separation and noise control in aviation to thermal management of electronics. A SJA oscillates a flexible membrane inside a cavity connected to a nozzle producing vortices. A complex interaction between the cavity pressure field and the driving electronics can make it difficult to predict performance. A reduced-order model (ROM) has been developed to predict the performance of SJAs. This paper applies this model to a canonical configuration with applications in flow control and electronics cooling, consisting of a single SJA with a rectangular orifice, emanating perpendicular to the surface. The practical implementation of the ROM to estimate the relationship between cavity pressure and jet velocity, jet velocity and diaphragm deflection and applied driving voltage is explained in detail. Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to assess the reliability of the reduced-order model. The CFD model itself has been validated with experimental measurements. The effect of orifice aspect ratio on the ROM parameters has been discussed. Findings indicate that the ROM is capable of predicting the SJA performance for a wide range of operating conditions (in terms of frequency and amplitude).
Study on Microstructure and Fatigue Damage Mechanism of 6082 Aluminum Alloy T-Type Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welded Joint
Authors: Duan Chenfeng , Yang Shanglei , Gu Jiaxing , Xiong Qi , Wang Yuan
Published: September 2018

In this experiment, the T-joint of a 6082 aluminum alloy was welded by metal inert gas (MIG) welding and a fatigue test was carried out at room temperature. The mechanisms of generating pores and of fatigue fracture in welded joints are revealed in the case of incomplete penetration. There are two main types of pores: pores that are not welded and pores that are near the upper weld line of the weld. During welding, bubbles in the molten pool are adsorbed on the surface oxide film that is not penetrated, and cannot be floated to form pores; since it is a T-shaped welded joint, the molten pool is overhanged during welding, thereby forming pores near the fusion line. The fatigue strength of the welded joint based on the S–N curve at 107 cycles is estimated to be 37.6 MPa, which can reliably be predicted in engineering applications. Fatigue tests show that fatigue cracks are all generated in the pores of the incomplete penetration, and it and the pores form a long precrack, which leads to large stress concentration, and the fracture occurs under a small applied load. Grain morphology around the pores also has a large effect on the fatigue properties of the T-weld joint. In the weld’s fatigue fracture, it was found that the crack stable-extension zone exhibited ductile-fracture characteristics, and the instantaneous fault zone is composed of a large number of tear-type dimples showing ductile fractures.
Secure Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Communications Based on F–M Synchronization of Fractional-Order Chaotic Systems with Non-Identical Dimensions and Orders
Authors: Ouannas Adel , Debbouche Nadjette , Wang Xiong , Pham Viet-Thanh , Zehrour Okba
Published: September 2018

This paper investigates the F – M synchronization between non-identical fractional-order systems characterized by different dimensions and different orders. F – M synchronization combines the inverse generalized synchronization with the matrix projective synchronization. In particular, the proposed approach enables the F – M synchronization to be achieved between an n-dimensional master system and an m-dimensional slave system. The developed approach is applied to chaotic and hyperchaotic fractional systems with the aim of illustrating its applicability and suitability. A multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) secure communication system is also developed by using the F – M synchronization and verified through computer simulations.
Ionophores: Potential Use as Anticancer Drugs and Chemosensitizers
Authors: Kaushik Vivek , Yakisich Juan Sebastian , Kumar Anil , Azad Neelam , Iyer Anand K. V.
Published: September 2018

Ion homeostasis is extremely important for the survival of both normal as well as neoplastic cells. The altered ion homeostasis found in cancer cells prompted the investigation of several ionophores as potential anticancer agents. Few ionophores, such as Salinomycin, Nigericin and Obatoclax, have demonstrated potent anticancer activities against cancer stem-like cells that are considered highly resistant to chemotherapy and responsible for tumor relapse. The preclinical success of these compounds in in vitro and in vivo models have not been translated into clinical trials. At present, phase I/II clinical trials demonstrated limited benefit of Obatoclax alone or in combination with other anticancer drugs. However, future development in targeted drug delivery may be useful to improve the efficacy of these compounds. Alternatively, these compounds may be used as leading molecules for the development of less toxic derivatives.
Rare Stochastic Expression of O6-Methylguanine- DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT) in MGMT-Negative Melanoma Cells Determines Immediate Emergence of Drug-Resistant Populations upon Treatment with Temozolomide In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Chen Thomas C. , Chan Nymph , Minea Radu O. , Hartman Hannah , Hofman Florence M. , Schönthal Axel H.
Published: September 2018

The chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ) kills tumor cells preferentially via alkylation of the O6-position of guanine. However, cells that express the DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), or harbor deficient DNA mismatch repair (MMR) function, are profoundly resistant to this drug. TMZ is in clinical use for melanoma, but objective response rates are low, even when TMZ is combined with O6-benzylguanine (O6BG), a potent MGMT inhibitor. We used in vitro and in vivo models of melanoma to characterize the early events leading to cellular TMZ resistance. Melanoma cell lines were exposed to a single treatment with TMZ, at physiologically relevant concentrations, in the absence or presence of O6BG. Surviving clones and mass cultures were analyzed by Western blot, colony formation assays, and DNA methylation studies. Mice with melanoma xenografts received TMZ treatment, and tumor tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. We found that MGMT-negative melanoma cell cultures, before any drug treatment, already harbored a small fraction of MGMT-positive cells, which survived TMZ treatment and promptly became the dominant cell type within the surviving population. The MGMT-negative status in individual cells was not stable, as clonal selection of MGMT-negative cells again resulted in a mixed population harboring MGMT-positive, TMZ-resistant cells. Blocking the survival advantage of MGMT via the addition of O6BG still resulted in surviving clones, although at much lower frequency and independent of MGMT, and the resistance mechanism of these clones was based on a common lack of expression of MSH6, a key MMR enzyme. TMZ treatment of mice implanted with MGMT-negative melanoma cells resulted in effective tumor growth delay, but eventually tumor growth resumed, with tumor tissue having become MGMT positive. Altogether, these data reveal stochastic expression of MGMT as a pre-existing, key determinant of TMZ resistance in melanoma cell lines. Although MGMT activity can effectively be eliminated by pharmacologic intervention with O6BG, additional layers of TMZ resistance, although considerably rarer, are present as well and minimize the cytotoxic impact of TMZ/O6BG combination treatment. Our results provide rational explanations regarding clinical observations, where the TMZ/O6BG regimen has yielded mostly disappointing outcomes in melanoma patients.
Cavitation Erosion and Jet Impingement Erosion Behavior of the NiTi Coating Produced by Air Plasma Spraying
Authors: Shi Zhenping , Wang Jiqiang , Wang Zhengbin , Qiao Yanxin , Xiong Tianying , Zheng Yugui
Published: September 2018

Cavitation erosion and jet impingement erosion can result in a great loss of materials. NiTi alloy is a very promising candidate to acquire cavitation erosion resistance and jet impingement erosion resistance because of its superelasticity. Due to the high cost and poor workability of NiTi alloy, many people tried to overcome such drawbacks by preparing NiTi coatings on the basis of deteriorating the good properties as little as possible. From the aspect of the application of NiTi coating, the erosion resistance should be evaluated comprehensively. One of these evaluations involves the comparison of cavitation erosion resistance and jet impingement erosion resistance of NiTi. This evaluation has not been made thus far. Thus, in this study, the NiTi coating was prepared by air plasma spraying (APS) using pre-alloyed NiTi powder. Its microstructure, chemical composition and phase transformation were identified. Cavitation erosion behavior and jet impingement erosion behavior of the as-sprayed NiTi coating were compared. The results showed that the coating exhibited better jet impingement erosion resistance than cavitation erosion resistance. This was attributed to the oxides, impurities, cracks and pores that existed in the coating, whose effects on deteriorating the cavitation erosion were far greater than those worsening the jet impingement erosion.
A (k, n)-Threshold Progressive Visual Secret Sharing without Expansion
Authors: Chen Ying-Yu , Huang Bo-Yuan , Juan Justie Su-Tzu
Published: September 2018

Visual cryptography (VC) encrypts a secret image into n shares (transparency). As such, we cannot see any information from any one share, and the original image is decrypted by stacking all of the shares. The general (k, n)-threshold secret sharing scheme (SSS) can similarly encrypt and decrypt the original image by stacking at least k (≤ n) shares. If one stack is fewer than k shares, the secret image is unrecognizable. Another subject is progressive visual secret sharing, which means that when more shares are progressively stacked, the combined share becomes clearer. In this study, we constructed an advanced scheme for (k, n)-threshold SSS that can be encrypted in VC for any positive integers n ≥ k ≥ 2 through the method of combination, and the size of each share is the same as that of the original image. That is, no pixel expansion is required. Our scheme is novel, and the results from the theoretical analysis and simulation reveal that our scheme exhibits favorable contrast to that of other related schemes.
First Record of Juncaceicola as Endophytic Fungi Associated with Deschampsia antarctica Desv.
Authors: De Andrade Guilherme , Cañón Ehidy , Alves Rodrigo , Schmitz Daniela , Schünemann Adriano , De Albuquerque Margéli , Putzke Jair , Pereira Antônio , De Carvalho Victoria Filipe
Published: September 2018

In the current study, we present the molecular characterization of an endophyte fungus associated with the leaves of Deschampsia antarctica Desv. (Poaceae), a monocot species native to Antarctica. The isolate was obtained from 90 leaf fragments from two distinct collection sites, both located on Half Moon Island, South Shetland Islands and Maritime Antarctica. The internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) was sequenced and the endophytic fungus was identified as belonging to the genus Juncaceicola Tennakoon, Camporesi, Phook and K.D. Hyde (99% nucleotide sequence identity). When compared to all fungi of the genus Juncaceicola deposited in data base, our isolate showed greater proximity with Juncaceicola typharum, however, because it presents a low bootstrap value to be considered a new species, we treat it as Juncaceicola cf. typharum. Moreover, the identification of our isolate as belonging to the genus Juncaceicola makes this the first occurrence of a species of this genus to be associated with the leaves of Antarctic plants. This work is considered as a starting point for other studies with fungi of this genus associated with leaves of Deschampsia antarctica, as it presents results from two collection points on a single Antarctic island, suggesting that new sites and new Antarctic islands should be explored.
Fault Diagnosis with False and/or Missing Alarms in Distribution Systems with Distributed Generators
Authors: Shen Guang , Zhang Yong , Qiu Haifeng , Wang Chongyu , Wen Fushuan , Salam Md. , Weng Liguo , Yu Bin , Chen Jie
Published: September 2018

A comprehensive method is presented in this work to locate faults in distribution systems with distributed generators (DGs). A two-level model is developed for this purpose with both telecommunication and telemetering data employed, so as to make good use of fused information for attaining a more credible optimization solution under scenarios with alarm distortions of feeder terminal units (FTUs) or loss during communication. First, at the upper level, an analytic model is developed to search all potential faulted sections/candidates based on the telecommunication data. Then, on the lower level, a model is presented using the telemetering data to identify the most likely fault location from the candidates provided by the upper model. The essential features of the two-level diagnosis model are demonstrated through a number of case studies. Simulation results have shown that the proposed approach is capable of not only locating the faulted section(s) in a distribution system with DGs but also identifying false and/or missing alarms.
Reserve Allocation of Photovoltaic Systems to Improve Frequency Stability in Hybrid Power Systems
Authors: Tavakkoli Mehdi , Adabi Jafar , Zabihi Sasan , Godina Radu , Pouresmaeil Edris
Published: September 2018

This study suggests a model to include a solar power system or photovoltaic system (PV) in the control of frequency by taking into account a percentage of the PV power production for back-up reserve. This is done by investigating two scenarios: PV contribution in (1) initial primary frequency control and (2) entire primary frequency control. As explained in section three, 10% power of the PV modules which receive more than 400 w/m2 irradiation is allocated for the power reserve. The power generation of photovoltaic systems depends largely on weather conditions which makes their output power associated with some degree of uncertainty. For this reason, in this paper, a PV system is considered along with conventional hydro and thermal units and they are modeled in MATLAB/Simulink (version 9.3, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA) with the purpose of exploring the behavior of the intended method. In the next phase, for further studies, this system is extended to multi-area power systems including gas turbines. The results of the simulation demonstrated that the photovoltaic involvement in the control of frequency can successfully amend the frequency of the overall network. Not only it can decrease the overshoot and undershoot of the frequency response, it has the ability to improve the settling time as well, which helps the system reach the steady state easily and in shorter time. Specifically, the overshoot has reached nearly zero in both one area and two area systems and undershoot has declined up to 60% and 50% in the one area and two-area system, respectively. Considering settling time, while it had a negligible improvement in the one area system, it showed a remarkable enhancement in the two-area system, which improved from about 25 s to 6 s by using the proposed method.
Economic Feasibility of Energy Supply by Small Modular Nuclear Reactors on Small Islands: Case Studies of Jeju, Tasmania and Tenerife
Authors: Hong Sanghyun , Brook Barry W.
Published: September 2018

Small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) offer the promise of providing carbon-free electricity and heat to small islands or isolated electricity grids. However, the economic feasibility of SMRs is highly system-dependent and has not been studied in this context. We selected three case-study islands for such an evaluation: Jeju, Tasmania and Tenerife based on their system complexity. We generated 100,000 electricity-mix cases stochastically for each island and examined the system-level generation-cost changes by incrementing the average generation cost of SMRs from USD$60 to 200 MWh−1. SMRs were found to be economically viable when average generation cost was <$100 MWh−1 for Jeju and <$140 MWh−1 for Tenerife. For Tasmania the situation was complex; hydroelectric power is an established competitor, but SMRs might be complementary in a future “battery of the nation” scenario where most of the island’s hydro capacity was exported to meet peak power demand on the mainland grid. The higher average generation cost of SMRs makes it difficult for them to compete economically with a fossil fuel/renewable mix in many contexts. However, we have demonstrated that SMRs can be an economically viable carbon-free option for a small island with a limited land area and high energy demand.
Dynamic Modeling of a Hybrid Propulsion System for Tourist Boat
Authors: Barelli Linda , Bidini Gianni , Gallorini Federico , Iantorno Francesco , Pane Nicola , Ottaviano Panfilo Andrea , Trombetti Lorenzo
Published: September 2018

Interest in designing more efficient and versatile ships comes from increasingly stringent regulations on emissions. In this context, a possible solution to overcome these limits may be the replacement of marine propulsion systems based on diesel engines with hybrid architectures. This paper provides a dynamic analysis of a hybrid marine propulsion system (HPS) consisting of an internal combustion engine and an electric engine coupled with a battery pack. A dynamic simulation of a daily working cycle was carried out based on a real load demand. The instantaneous behavior of each component was evaluated. A brief summary of the HPS performance, varying the battery pack capacity, was provided together with an estimation of its impact on the system efficiency. Referring to this last point, the adoption of a hybrid system has permitted a decrease in the specific consumption, on a given route, of about 2% with respect to the case where the propulsion is entrusted only to the diesel engine.