bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT OF OLDER OBESE PATIENTS CANDIDATES FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY
Authors: PAJECKI Denis , SANTO Marco Aurélio , KANAGI Ana Lumi , RICCIOPPO Daniel , CLEVA Roberto de , CECCONELLO Ivan
Published: July 2014

Context Obesity in the elderly is associated with exacerbation of functional decline (dependency), that occurs with aging, because of decreased muscle mass and strength, and increased joint dysfunction. Consequently, there is progressive loss of independence, autonomy, chronic pain and impaired quality of life. The weight loss can bring benefits in all these aspects, especially when accompanied by exercises. Elderly patients with morbid obesity may be submitted to surgical treatment, taking into account that the massive weight loss, eventually caused by bariatric surgery, may exacerbate the loss of muscle mass and nutritional complications that may bring harm to the overall health and quality of life of these patients. The functional assessment of elderly patients, candidates for bariatric surgery and the extent to which surgery can bring benefits to the patients, in the field of functionality, has still to be determined. Objective To describe profile functionality in obese elderly referred to a bariatric surgery program. Methods Patients with age ≥60 and BMI ≥35 underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment that evaluates co morbidities, medication use, ability to perform basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and the “Timedupandgo” test to evaluate mobility, whose cut-off point was ≤10 seconds. Statistical analysis was performed in order to see if there is a positive correlation of dependency with BMI and age (over or under 65 years). Results Forty subjects have completed evaluation. The mean age was 64.1 years (60-72) and 75% were women. They had an average weight of 121.1 kg (72.7-204) and a mean BMI of 47.2 kg/m2 (35.8-68.9). 16 patients (40%) have shown dependency for activities of daily living, 19 (47,5%) for instrumental activities of daily living and 20 patients (50%) had a “Timedupandgo” test over 10 seconds. Statistical analysis (t-Student, Mann-Whitney, Binary Logistic Regression) has shown positive correlation of dependency in activities of daily living for BMI >49 kg/m2, dependency in instrumental activities of daily living for BMI >46,5 kg/m2, and “Timedupandgo” test greater than 10 seconds for BMI >51 kg/m2 (P<0,05). No dependency difference was observed for patients over or under 65 years age. Conclusions Functional decline is observed in almost half of the morbid obese patients over 60 years old. It is related to increasing BMI (BMI >46,5 kg/m2) but not related to age (60 to 65 years or over 65 years). Functional decline should be considered a co-morbidity in the elderly obese patients and should be assessed before bariatric surgery in this population.
CORRELATION BETWEEN PLATELET COUNT AND BOTH LIVER FIBROSIS AND SPLEEN DIAMETER IN PATIENTS WITH SCHISTOSOMIASIS MANSONI
Authors: MEDEIROS Tibério B , DOMINGUES Ana Lucia C , LUNA Carlos F , LOPES Edmundo P
Published: July 2014

Context Studies have described the correlation between platelet count and the stages of fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis, but few publications have studied this correlation in Schistosomiasis mansoni. Objectives Therefore, this study aimed to correlate platelet count with both the periportal fibrosis pattern and spleen diameter evaluated by ultrasound exam in patients with Schistosomiasis mansoni. Methods Patients with Schistosomiasis mansoni were evaluated by abdominal ultrasound by a single examiner for the determination of periportal fibrosis pattern (Niamey classification) and spleen diameter. Platelet counts were performed in an automated cell counter. Results One hundred eighty-seven patients with Schistosomiasis mansoni (mean age: 50.2 years) were included in the study, 114 of whom (61%) were women. Based on the Niamey classification, the ultrasound analysis revealed that 37, 64, 64 and 22 patients exhibited patterns C, D, E and F, respectively. In these four groups, the mean number of platelets was 264, 196, 127 and 103 x 109/L and mean spleen diameter was 9.2, 11.9, 14.9 and 16.2 centimeters, respectively. A reduction in platelet count was significantly associated with both the progression of the periportal fibrosis and the increase in spleen size. Conclusions Platelet count in patients with Schistosomiasis mansoni was inversely correlated with the severity of periportal fibrosis and spleen diameter.
Governança e cidadania empresarial
Authors: Alves Lauro Eduardo Soutello
Published: July 2014

O artigo procura traçar a evolução recente do conceito de cidadania empresarial e de sua principal manifestação: a evolução de padrões de comportamento empresarial socialmente responsável. Busca diferenciar a empresa oportunista e a empresa cidadã. Procura, ainda, inserir o conceito de comportamento socialmente responsável no contexto mais amplo da governança social, econômica e política. Além disso, sugere o possível caminho para uma investigação empírica capaz de determinar se a sustentabilidade das empresas ocorre em virtude de padrões de comportamento antes responsável do que oportunista. Retrata também a evolução recente de códigos de conduta empresarial em nível nacional e internacional. Termina com uma análise das possíveis implicações sociais e políticas da universalização da governança em geral e da cidadania empresarial em particular, tanto para os países avançados quanto para os emergentes.
Efeitos de treinamento nos desempenhos individual e organizacional
Authors: Freitas Isa Aparecida de , Borges-Andrade Jairo Eduardo
Published: July 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um método para identificar efeitos de treinamento nos desempenhos dos indivíduos e da organização, combinação ainda rara na literatura científica. Foi realizado no Banco do Brasil, com 218 profissionais que fizeram um MBA em Marketing. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas e questionários de auto e heteroavaliação. Nos questionários foi avaliada a contribuição do treinamento para a melhoria do desempenho individual e organizacional, e o suporte à transferência de treinamento. Nas entrevistas foram levantados indicadores de melhoria do desempenho organizacional para os maiores impactos percebidos pelos respondentes. Os resultados indicam que, para a maioria dos desempenhos individuais e organizacionais, o impacto percebido do treinamento foi avaliado entre bom e ótimo. A metodologia utilizada foi considerada adequada para a identificação de melhorias nos desempenhos organizacionais, percebidos como os mais afetados pelo treinamento. Também foram discutidas implicações metodológicas, teóricas e perspectivas futuras.
Ação comunicativa e estudos organizacionais
Authors: Vizeu Fábio
Published: July 2014

A teoria da ação comunicativa (TAC) tem sido uma importante referência para os estudos sociais, especialmente por permitir um melhor entendimento dos processos de socialização e individuação na modernidade. Tem sido crescente a adoção da TAC também na área de estudos organizacionais. Todavia, seu entendimento é dificultado pela complexidade e abstração que envolve essa teoria. Assim, o presente artigo empreende a análise dos principais elementos da teoria de ação de Habermas que se aplicam aos estudos organizacionais, de maneira a permitir a compreensão das contribuições que oferecem à pesquisa nessa área. Nesse sentido, destacamos a crítica à racionalidade instrumental, a questão da reconstrução racional do ato de fala e a idéia de comunicação sistematicamente distorcida. Por fim, novas diretrizes e perspectivas foram propostas.
Verificação da e-TailQ como instrumento para mensurar a qualidade no varejo eletrônico
Authors: Vieira Valter Afonso
Published: July 2014

Para entender a percepção do consumidor quanto ao varejo eletrônico em sua dimensionalidade, este artigo objetiva (a) verificar as propriedades psicométricas do instrumento e-TailQ no varejo eletrônico brasileiro e (b) identificar a associação dos fatores da escala com variáveis de marketing. A amostra é composta por 344 pessoas que já compraram bens no varejo eletrônico, e é configurada como uma survey do tipo bola de neve por conveniência. Os resultados demonstraram que o subconstruto qualidade de serviço ao consumidor foi eliminado da estrutura por apresentar altos valores omissos; a qualidade de design relacionou-se significativamente com satisfação, boca-a-boca e lealdade; e a variável qualidade de preenchimento teve relações positivas com lealdade, satisfação e boca-a-boca, mas negativa com valor.
Representação, crise e mal-estar institucional
Authors: Nogueira Marco Aurélio
Published: July 2014

Tomando como ponto de partida a constatação de que as democracias contemporâneas não podem funcionar sem parlamentos ativos, o artigo procura dialogar com a recorrente imagem de uma "crise de representação" no Estado contemporâneo, ou seja, com as dificuldades que esse instituto tem manifestado para se atualizar e permanecer cumprindo funções estratégicas nas complexas sociedades dos dias correntes. Para tanto, considera que os problemas da legitimidade nos sistemas políticos atuais estão relacionados com a questão da crise do Estado e da política impulsionada pelas novas formas adquiridas pela estrutura econômica e pela sociabilidade do capitalismo contemporâneo. Sua hipótese de fundo sugere que as transformações da sociedade capitalista - a hipermodernidade - puseram em xeque e ultrapassaram a representação, deixando-a defasada e com sérias dificuldades operacionais.
Concepções de qualidade da educação básica forjadas por meio de avaliações em larga escala
Authors: Sousa Sandra Zákia
Published: July 2014

Afirmando como ponto de partida a necessária relação entre avaliação educacional e uma dada concepção de qualidade, o texto explora que noção de qualidade da educação básica vem sendo difundida por meio da avaliação em larga escala, com base em contribuições de pesquisas que tratam de características dos delineamentos adotados e de usos de seus resultados. Em seguida, sinaliza alternativas de redirecionamento e ampliação da noção de avaliação no âmbito das políticas públicas, remetendo a uma abordagem que integra fluxos concomitantes e complementares de informação e decisão, potencialmente capaz de induzir a alterações no processo de produção de melhoria da educação pública.
Questões, objetos e perspetivas em avaliação
Authors: Afonso Almerindo Janela
Published: July 2014

O texto pretende revisitar e sinalizar alguns problemas que se colocam ao campo da avaliação educacional. Tendo em conta o ensino não superior, o autor faz a crítica à excessiva centralidade da avaliação dos alunos, à qual tem vindo a subordinar-se (frequentemente de forma contraditória e com consequências muito discutíveis) a avaliação institucional das escolas, a avaliação do desempenho profissional dos professores e, mesmo, a avaliação das políticas educacionais. Chamando a atenção para a necessidade de constituir como objeto de estudo as conexões e interações entre as diferentes formas de avaliação, o artigo também coloca em causa as chamadas políticas de responsabilização, e sublinha, em consequência disso, ser urgente pensar em formas alternativas de accountability.
Acumulação de capacidades tecnológicas: evidências em empresas de construção civil constituintes de uma rede de aprendizagem
Authors: Freitas Ana Augusta Ferreira de , Heineck Luiz Fernando Mahlmann
Published: July 2014

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar os benefícios da associação de empresas do setor da construção civil em redes de aprendizagem em termos da acumulação de capacidades tecnológicas. Uma pesquisa de campo foi procedida para identificar a trajetória tecnológica de onze empresas, considerando três funções específicas: processo e organização da produção, projeto e equipamentos. A estrutura relacional da rede foi examinada, associando a centralidade de cada empresa à sua performance inovadora. Como resultados, foi possível observar que (1) embora as empresas estejam evoluindo, principalmente nos últimos anos e depois da inserção na rede, estas ainda não alcançaram níveis inovadores de capacidade tecnológica, (2) a densidade da rede formada para fins de fluxo de conhecimento técnico é menos densa do que as relações formadas para outros fins (comerciais e sociais) e (3) a performance inovadora está relacionada à posição central ocupada pela empresa dentro da rede, como fornecedora de conhecimento. Em termos de implicações teóricas, esta pesquisa aumenta a compreensão acerca do impacto da aprendizagem gerada por empresas constituintes de redes de aprendizagem no acúmulo de capacidades tecnológicas.
Desenvolvimento de aplicativo em ambiente BIM, segundo princípios da Coordenação Modular
Authors: Romcy Neliza Maria e Silva , Cardoso Daniel , Bertini Alexandre Araújo , Paes André
Published: July 2014

onsiderando que a Coordenação Modular e o Building Information Modeling (BIM) surgem como estratégias para melhorar a indústria AEC, o presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar a associação de ambos, através do desenvolvimento de uma aplicação para fins demonstrativos, além do registro da sua metodologia. O artigo apresenta o processo de customização do aplicativo BIM, sendo o estudo dividido em três etapas: Concepção, Desenvolvimento e Validação. Os resultados incluem a criação da versão inicial de um plug-in, com a função de gerar automaticamente as paginações de blocos cerâmicos para a alvenaria racionalizada; a proposição de uma metodologia para o reconhecimento de regras de construção para objetos modulados, no caso, sistemas construtivos; e a verificação que BIM e Coordenação Modular utilizados em conjunto podem ampliar os benefícios obtidos por cada uma separadamente.
Simulação da movimentação de pessoas em situações de emergência: aspectos ergonômicos e computacionais com autômatos Fuzzy e sua aplicação ao projeto arquitetônico
Authors: Braga Henrique Costa , Moita Gray Farias , Camargo Fausto , Almeida Paulo Eduardo Maciel de
Published: July 2014

Este artigo apresenta o programa computacional Fuga, desenvolvido para simular a movimentação de pessoas em ambientes construídos durante uma situação de abandono. Esse programa se baseia na modelagem celular e possui como principais paradigmas a utilização de aspectos ergonômicos associados à movimentação humana e a utilização da Lógica Fuzzy como ferramenta de inteligência computacional para emulação do processo de tomada de decisão humana. Os aspectos ergonômicos e o processo de tomada de decisões são apresentados. É realizada uma validação do modelo, assim como várias simulações, ilustrando como pode ser utilizado na concepção de ambientes mais seguros, de uma forma que dificilmente seria obtida pela simples aplicação das legislações vigentes.
Leguminosae em savanas do estuário amazônico brasileiro
Authors: Silva Wanderson Luis da Silva e , Rocha Antônio Elielson da , Santos João Ubiratan Moreira dos
Published: July 2014

As savanas do estuário amazônico são formações ainda pouco estudadas e se estendem do estado do Pará ao do Amapá. Estas áreas são consideradas de extrema importância biológica para a conservação, haja vista sua grande diversidade florística, tendo as Leguminosae como um dos componentes dominantes. Com o objetivo de identificar a diversidade da família nestas áreas, foram realizadas coletas entre maio e junho/2010 e junho e julho/2011, sendo a lista de espécies complementada com dados das coleções dos herbários MG e IAN. As Leguminosae foram representadas por 19 gêneros e 33 espécies. A subfamília Papilionoideae apresentou maior número de gêneros e espécies (16 e 26, respectivamente), seguida de Caesalpinioideae (um gênero e seis espécies) e Mimosoideae (uma espécie). Entre as espécies estudadas na área, houve predomínio de herbáceas, trepadeiras lenhosas (lianas) e herbáceas e arbustos ou subarbustos, ocorrendo apenas dois representantes arbóreos. Os gêneros com maior diversidade de espécies nas áreas foram: Chamaecrista (seis), Aeschynomene, Clitoria e Stylosanthes (três cada um). Tephrosia sessiliflora representa uma nova ocorrência para o estado do Amapá.
Flora fanerogâmica da Serra do Ouro Branco, Minas Gerais, Brasil: Cyperaceae
Authors: Longhi-Wagner Hilda Maria , Araújo Ana Claudia
Published: July 2014

Foi realizado o levantamento das espécies de Cyperaceae na Serra do Ouro Branco da Cadeia do Espinhaço, no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, com base em coletas realizadas no local e revisão de herbários. Foi confirmada a ocorrência dos seguintes gêneros por ordem de riqueza específica: Rhynchospora (20 espécies), Bulbostylis (11), Eleocharis e Scleria (três espécies cada), Cyperus e Lagenocarpus (duas espécies cada), Cryptangium, Fimbristylis, Lipocarpha, Machaerina e Trilepis (uma espécie cada), totalizando 46 espécies. Este trabalho apresenta chaves para a identificação dos gêneros e espécies, descrições e ilustrações das mesmas, além de dados sobre sua distribuição geográfica geral e habitats preferenciais na área estudada, bem como um glossário da terminologia morfológica usada em Cyperaceae.
Rubiaceae da Serra Negra, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Juliana Amaral de , Salimena Fátima Regina G. , Zappi Daniela
Published: July 2014

O presente trabalho é parte dos estudos florísticos da Serra Negra, incluída no Complexo da Mantiqueira, situada no sul da Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Rubiaceae está representada nesta região por 26 gêneros e 48 espécies. Psychotria é o gênero mais representativo com 12 espécies, seguido por Borreria (5), Coccocypselum (4), Manettia (3), Margaritopsis (2) e Palicourea (2), enquanto Alseis, Amaioua, Bathysa, Chomelia, Cordiera, Coussarea, Coutarea, Diodia, Emmeorhiza, Faramea, Galianthe, Galium, Guettarda, Hillia, Hindsia, Ladenbergia, Posoqueria, Remijia, Rudgea e Schizocalyx estão representados por uma espécie cada. É apresentado um novo registro para a flora de Minas Gerais, Psychotria pallens, e uma nova localidade para Hindsia ibitipocensis, espécie ameaçada de extinção e conhecida até este trabalho apenas para o Parque Estadual do Ibitipoca. São incluídos chave de identificação, descrições, ilustrações, comentários taxonômicos, ecológicos e distribuição geográfica para as espécies.
Nota taxonômica em Aechmea Ruiz & Pav. (Bromeliaceae, Bromelioideae) e primeiro registro de Aechmea triangularis L.B.Sm. no estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Miyamoto Shyguek Nagazak Alves , Tardivo Rosângela Capuano
Published: July 2014

Durante o estudo taxonômico do gênero Aechmea Ruiz & Pav. no estado do Paraná, Brasil, Aechmea guaratubensis E. Pereira não foi encontrada em campo ou herbários, com exceção do holotypus. Este nome é proposto aqui como nova sinonímia de Aechmea recurvata (Klotzsch) L.B.Sm. Por outro lado, Aechmea triangularis L.B.Sm., conhecida até então como endêmica do estado do Espírito Santo, é registrada pela primeira vez no estado do Paraná.
Diatomáceas planctônicas e de sedimento superficial em represas de abastecimento da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, SP, Sudeste do Brasil
Authors: Almeida Pryscilla Denise , Bicudo Denise de Campos
Published: July 2014

Este estudo apresenta e compara a composição florística das diatomáceas planctônicas e de sedimentos superficiais das represas de abastecimento do Sistema Alto Cotia (represas Pedro Beicht e Cachoeira da Graça), inseridas na Reserva Florestal do Morro Grande. Foram realizadas coletas em sete estações nos períodos seco e chuvoso, e de sedimento superficial no período seco. As amostragens foram acompanhadas de análises físicas e químicas da água. Foram identificados 23 táxons distribuídos em 11 gêneros. São disponibilizados dados morfométricos, comentários relevantes e distribuição espacial das espécies. A riqueza foi mais elevada no sedimento, com oito espécies exclusivas. A análise de agrupamento indicou que a composição das diatomáceas variou mais entre compartimentos (água e sedimento) do que entre represas ou períodos climáticos. O trabalho acresce três novas ocorrências para o Brasil e, além dessas, quatro para o Estado de São Paulo, contribuindo com informações inéditas em represas de abastecimento consideradas como referência para a Região Metropolitana de São Paulo.
Criptógamos do Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga, São Paulo, SP. Algas 36: Bacillariophyceae (Cymbellales)
Authors: Marquardt Gisele Carolina , Bicudo Carlos Eduardo de Mattos
Published: July 2014

Foi providenciado o levantamento florístico da ordem Cymbellales (Bacillariophyceae) na área do PEFI, Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga, São Paulo, SP, Brasil, com base na análise de 28 unidades amostrais. Amostras de plâncton foram obtidas com auxílio de rede e as de perifíton pela coleta e remoção das diatomáceas aderidas aos talos de macrófitas aquáticas submersas. O material foi oxidado e analisado em microscopia de luz e eletrônica de varredura. Seis gêneros e o total de 36 táxons foram identificados. Características morfológicas e dimensões das frústulas foram providenciadas para todos os táxons registrados. Das espécies identificadas, as seguintes 13 são novos registros para o PEFI: Cymbella tropica, C. turgidula var. venezoelana, Encyonema neogracile var. tenuipunctata, E. angustecapitatum, E. cf. brevicapitatum, Placoneis constans var. symmetrica, P. hambergii, P. undulata, Gomphonema parvulum var. exilissimum, G. augur var. turris, G. brasiliense subsp. pacificum, G. laticollum e G. urugayense.
High-strength scaffolds for bone regeneration
Authors: Meredith James , Mallick Kajal K.
Published: July 2014

Repair of large skeletal defects that are intrinsic to skeletal stability represents the greatest challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. 1 Despite extensive research to replicate the mechanical properties of bones in a synthetic alternative none are commercially available. This research reports a practical solution to this challenge by applying the extrusion process used for the production of ceramic exhaust catalysts to calcium phosphate bone graft substitutes. Clay-like hydroxyapatite (HA) pastes formed in a high-shear mixer were extruded through a complex die, dried and finally fired to form highly porous and strong monoliths. Five different samples were produced with differing wall thickness, cell pitch and porosity. The resulting HA monoliths had primary axis compressive strength of 142–265 MPa and compressive modulus of 3·9–4·4 GPa. These values well correspond to cortical bone and are exceptional given the bulk porosity of the samples varied from 54·4% to 63·1%. All samples supported the proliferation of MG63 cells with only a marginal difference between the samples. It is expected that calcium phosphate-based extruded monoliths will provide a possible commercial alternative to autograft and allograft for large structural bone defects.
Engineering or food? mechanisms of facilitation by a habitat‐forming invasive seaweed
Authors: Wright Jeffrey T. , Byers James E. , DeVore Jayna L. , Sotka Erik E.
Published: July 2014

Nonnative species that form novel habitats strongly affect ecosystem processes. The effects of these ecosystem engineers can be both positive and negative but the mechanisms behind their effects are not well described. In this study we determined the relative importance of three main mechanisms by which invasive ecosystem engineers can facilitate native fauna. The engineer may provide new physical structure that reduces harsh abiotic conditions or gives refuge from predation (both engineering mechanisms), or provide a new profitable food resource (a trophic mechanism). The invasive seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla is a novel addition to estuarine intertidal mudflats of the southeastern United States. The epifaunal amphipod Gammarus mucronatus is up to 100 times more abundant on Gracilaria‐invaded mudflats compared to uninvaded mudflats. Feeding assays, a survivorship experiment and stable isotope analysis demonstrated that Gammarus consumes little Gracilaria and cannot survive on Gracilaria alone. However, the structural engineering effects of Gracilaria greatly enhanced the survivorship of Gammarus in the presence of predators during high tide and when exposed to harsh abiotic conditions during low tide. Our results demonstrate that invasive ecosystem engineers can dramatically affect the distribution and abundance of native species by providing a novel protective structure.
XML to annotations mapping definition with patterns
Authors: Nosál’ Milan , Porubän Jaroslav
Published: July 2014

Currently, the most commonly created formal languages are configuration
languages. So far source code annotations and XML are the leading notations
for configuration languages. In this paper, we analyse the correspondence
between these two formats. We show that there are typical XML to annotations
mapping solutions (mapping patterns) that indicate a correspondence between
embedded and external metadata formats in general. We argue that mapping
patterns facilitate creating configuration tools and we use a case study to
show how they can be used to devise a mapping between these two notations.
Towards building a forensics aware language for secure logging
Authors: Zawoad Shams , Mernik Marjan , Hasan Ragib
Published: July 2014

Trustworthy system logs and application logs are crucial for digital
forensics. Researchers have proposed different security mechanisms to ensure
the integrity and confidentiality of logs. However, applying current secure
logging schemes on heterogeneous formats of logs is tedious. Here, we propose
Forensics Aware Language (FAL), a domain-specific language (DSL) through
which we can apply a secure logging mechanism on any format of logs. Using
FAL, we can define log structure, which represents the format of logs and
ensures the security properties of a chosen secure logging scheme. This log
structure can later be used by FAL to serve two purposes: it can be used to
store system logs securely and it will help application developers for secure
application logging by generating the required source code.
Scandinavian baffle boiler design revisited
Authors: Stepanov Borivoj , Pesenjanski Ivan , Spasojevic Momcilo
Published: July 2014

The aim of this paper is to examine whether the use of baffles in a
combustion chamber, one of the well-known low-cost methods for the boiler
performance improvement, can be enhanced. Modern day tools like computational
fluid dynamics were not present at the time when these measures were
invented, developed and successfully applied. The objective of this study is
to determine the influence of location and length of a baffle in a furnace,
for different mass flows, on gas residence time. The numerical simulations
have been performed of a simple Scandinavian stove like furnace. The
isothermal model is used, while air is used as a medium and turbulence is
modeled by realizable k-epsilon model. The Lagrange particle tracking is used
for the residence time distribution determination. The statistical analysis
yielded the average residence time. The results of the computational fluid
dynamics studies for different baffle positions, dimensions and flow rates
show from up to 17% decrease to up to 13 % increase of residence time. The
conclusion is that vertical position of the baffle is the most important
factor, followed by the length of the baffle, while the least important
showed to be the mass flow.
Modeling and control of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with the air compressor according to requested electrical current
Authors: Malekbala Mohammad , Khodadadi Azadboni , Kazempoor Pejman
Published: July 2014

The aim of this paper is to design and investigate the dynamic behavior of a
PEM fuel cell system. Dynamic analysis of a PEM fuel cell system has been
done in Matlab\Simulink software according to electrical current that has
been applied from hybrid system. In addition, dynamical fuel cell system has
been explained according to oriented control that is started from air
injection compressor model. Also hydrogen valve actuator has been controlled
according to the compressor model. The results of the fuel cell dynamic model
as well as the applied compressor model are fully validated based on the
available results in the open literature. Finally, the effects of several
operating parameters of the fuel cell system such as anode and cathode
pressures, cell voltage, compressor voltage, compressor mass flow rate
variation with respect to inlet pressure ratio, net and stack powers on the
dynamic behavior of the hybrid system are investigated. The results show that
the model can predict the dynamic behavior of the fuel cell system accurately
and it can be used directly for any control purposes.
Climate changes instead of global warming
Authors: Radovanovic Milan , Ducic Vladan , Mukherjee Saumitra
Published: July 2014

Air temperature changes on Earth in recent years are the subject of numerous
and increasingly interdisciplinary research. In contrast to, conditionally
speaking, generally accepted views that these changes are conditioned
primarily by anthropogenic activity, more results appear to suggest that it
is dominant natural processes about. Whether because of the proven existence
of areas in which downtrends are registered or the stagnation of air
temperature, as opposed to areas where the increase is determined, in
scientific papers, as well as the media, the increasingly present is the use
of the term climate changes instead of the global warming. In this paper, we
shall try to present arguments for the debate relating to the official view
of the IPCC, as well as research indicating the opposite view.
Working conditions as one of the areas for implementing the concept of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Cierniak-Emerych Anna , Zięba Kamil
Published: July 2014

Implementation of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) concept is presented, as it applies to the practice of companies. The authors focus on an isolated area of CSR implementation, namely the improvement of working conditions, in the context of selected international standards and norms directly referencing the CSR concept. Circumstances of practical implementations in this area are presented, based on results of pilot empirical studies. The context of the implementations is analysed, as well as their correlations with the task of practical realization of the CSR concept.
Influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on safety culture
Authors: Górny Adam
Published: July 2014

Both safety culture and corporate social responsibility are essential drivers of enterprise value. By recognizing and adopting the principles of social responsibility, an organization may achieve a lasting competitive advantage on its markets. In their overall efforts, organizations must not ignore the need to care for the working environment and treat their workers in a proper way. As it turns out, measures conducted in the pursuit of social responsibility may be derived from a company’s emerging safety culture, which is equally important for an enterprise’s competitive position.
Industrial chains and innovation activity in Małopolska region in 2008-2010
Authors: Świadek Arkadiusz , Szopik-Depczyńska Katarzyna
Published: July 2014

The main objective of the study was an attempt to search for the conditions affect the nature of supply chains for enterprises innovative activity within the regional industrial systems, and consequently determine the frame conditions for the model of regional innovation networks, taking into account the specificities of Małopolskie region. The study was based on a questionnaire on a group of 500 companies from Małopolska. The study used probity modeling. This method is an effective research tool for large, but the static tests in which the dependent variable has a qualitative character.
Global Existence and Stability for Neutral Functional Evolution Equations with State-Dependent Delay
Authors: Baliki Abdessalam , Benchohra Mouffak
Published: July 2014

In this paper we prove the global existence and attractivity of mild solutions for neutral semilinear evolution equations with state-dependent delay in a Banach space.
‘By Force of Participation and Conjunction in Him’: John Jewel and Richard Hooker on Union with Christ
Authors: Gazal André A.
Published: July 2014

The author of a Christian Letter cited a passage from John Jewel’s A Reply to Harding’s Answer in which the first major apologist of the Elizabethan Settlement spoke of the role of faith and the sacraments in union with Christ. Andrew Willet, the likely author of this work, quoted it against Richard Hooker in order to show how the latter contravened the sacramental theology of the national Church as interpreted by Jewel as one of the foremost expositors of its doctrine. Jewel, however, in his Reply to Harding’s Answer, enumerates four means of the Christian’s union with Christ: the Incarnation, faith, baptism, and the Eucharist-a fact overlooked in A Christian Letter by its author in his endeavor to impeach Hooker’s orthodoxy. Proceeding from the observation that both Jewel and Hooker believed that the locus of Christian salvation is union with Christ, this essay compares the two divines’ respective views of this union by examining the manner in which they understand the role of each of these means forming and maintaining this union. On the basis of this comparison, the essay argues that A Christian Letter misrepresented Jewel’s position and that Hooker’s view of union with Christ was essentially the same as the late bishop of Salisbury’s, notwithstanding some differences in detail and emphases. The article concludes with the opinion that Hooker represents continuity of a particular soteriological emphasis in the Elizabethan Church that can possibly be traced back to Jewel as a representative of the Reformed tradition stressing this doctrine.
The Influence of the Renaissance on Richard Hooker
Authors: Grislis Egil
Published: July 2014

Like many writers after the Renaissance, Hooker was influenced by a number of classical and Neo-Platonic texts, especially by Cicero, Seneca, Hermes Trimegistus, and Pseudo-Dionysius. Hooker’s regular allusions to these thinkers help illuminate his own work but also his place within the broader European context and the history of ideas. This paper addresses in turn the reception of Cicero and Seneca in the early Church through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Hooker’s use of Ciceronian and Senecan ideas, and finally Hooker’s use of Neo-Platonic texts attributed to Hermes Trismegistus and Dionysius the Areopagite. Hooker will be shown to distinguish himself as a sophisticated and learned interpreter who balances distinctive motifs such as Scripture and tradition, faith, reason, experience, and ecclesiology with a complex appeal to pagan and Christian sources and ideas.
Simple Vector Considerations to Assess the Polarity of Partially Fluorinated Alkyl and Alkoxy Groups
Authors: Müller Klaus
Published: July 2014

While H/F exchange at aryl groups or introduction of CF3 units have dominated medicinal chemistry for decades, the use of partially fluorinated alkyl and alkoxy groups has come into focus more recently. A simple bond vector analysis scheme, based on the assumption of context-independent
bond polarities as well as idealized configurational and conformational geometries, is applied to small alkyl and alkoxy groups with prototypic fluorination patterns for qualitative assessments of relative polarities as well as polarity modulation by conformational change. Combined with a
constant volume increase for each hydrogen/fluorine exchange these polarity estimates can be translated into expected lipophilicity shifts (?logP), using a simple parameterization scheme derived from experimental logP values. While terminal monofluoro- and gem-difluoromethyl
groups in small aliphatic units are correctly predicted to show lower lipophilicity compared to their tri- or non-fluorinated congeners, vicinal difluoro and bis-vicinal trifluoro patterns are identified to exhibit significantly lower lipophilicities than their respective geminal di-
and trifluoro substituted counterparts. The trifluoromethoxy group is diagnosed as an intrinsically lipophilic unit compared to the parent methoxy group. The difluoromethoxy group is of particular interest as it can easily interconvert between a highly lipophilic and a polar conformation,
thus enabling this unit to adjust to polarity changes of the molecular environment. For di- and trifluoroalkoxy groups, again the vic-difluoro and bis-vic-trifluoro substitution patterns stand out as most promising to keep lipophilicity low. The 1,3-difluoro pattern next
to an ether moiety shows an interesting conformational dependence of polarity, similar to the difluoromethoxy group. While very qualitative in nature, the simple bond vector analysis promises to be a useful tool for the identification of lipophilicity-lowering fluorinated alkyl or alkoxy groups
and particularly those groups that display marked conformation-dependent lipophilicity and thus potentially serve as 'environmental adaptors'.
Selective Incorporation of Difluoromethylene Moieties into Arenes Assisted by Transition Metals
Authors: Gao Bing , Ni Chuanfa , Hu Jinbo
Published: July 2014

Fluorinated compounds are of significant importance in various fields due to their unique chemical, physical, and biological properties. Accordingly, the incorporation of fluorine atom(s) or fluorine-containing functionalities into organic molecules has received considerable attention.
For decades, extensive reports and reviews mainly focused on the fluorination and perfluoroalkylation (especially trifluoromethylation) whereas the preparation of partially fluorinated compounds was less developed. Difluoromethylated arenes and their derivatives (ArCF2R, R ?
F, Rf, H) have been found to be as important in pharmaceuticals as trifluoromethylated arenes. However, it is only recently that these compounds have experienced a revival of interest from synthetic chemists. The direct construction of carbon(sp2)–carbon(sp3)
bonds via transition metal-mediated cross-coupling reactions represents one of the most straightforward strategies for the introduction of difluoromethylene moieties (CF2R, R ? F, Rf) to aromatic compounds. This mini-review focuses on recent advances of this research topic from both synthetic and mechanistic perspectives.
Disease Cell models – Their Use in Industry TEDD Workshop in Sion on 27 March 2014
Authors: Graf-Hausner Ursula , Heinzelmann Elsbeth
Published: July 2014

On 27 March 2014, experts met at the first TEDD Workshop 2014, held at the HES-SO Valais/Wallis in Sion, to present innovative cell models for industrial applications. This was the first time that a TEDD event had been organized in French-speaking Switzerland and it offered local network partners an opportunity to showcase their research activities.
Socio-Technical and Cultural Approaches to Energy Consumption: An Introduction
Authors: Horta Ana , Wilhite Harold , Schmidt Luísa , Bartiaux Françoise
Published: July 2014

Energy consumption inconspicuously bridges nature and culture. Modern societies and cultures depend on intensive energy use from the extraction of natural resources. In fact, the industrialization process required large amounts of energy, but main sources such as oil and coal, have been gradually depleted and found to be heavily polluting the environment. Despite their environmental impacts, these resources have provided cheap and abundant power to fuel technological progress and economic growth. (See Agustoni and Maretti [2012] for a good historical summary of the relations between energy production and usages.)
A Transformative Practice? Meaning, Competence, and Material Aspects of Driving Electric Cars in Norway
Authors: Ryghaug Marianne , Toftaker Marit
Published: July 2014

This article focuses on the introduction of electric vehicles in Norway and how electrical cars are understood culturally in relation to conventional car use. Theoretically, elements of social practice theory and the analysis of processes of domestication are combined to frame practical, cognitive, and symbolic dimensions of electric car use. The empirical data consists of individual and focus group interviews with electric car users. The analysis unpacks the implications of user-designated meaning in driving practices, competencies considered necessary when driving electric cars, and the material aspects regarded as critical features of electric car driving. Preliminary findings suggest that the practice of electric car driving alters user habits by making transportation needs more salient and raises both the technological and energy consumption awareness of users.
Examining the Dynamics of Energy Demand through a Biographical Lens
Authors: Butler Catherine , Parkhill Karen Anne , Shirani Fiona , Henwood Karen , Pidgeon Nick
Published: July 2014

It is widely recognized that a major challenge in low carbon transitioning is the reduction of energy consumption. This implies a significant level of transformation in our ways of living, meaning the challenge is one that runs deep into the fabric of our personal lives. In this article we combine biographical research approaches with concepts from Bourdieu's practice theory to develop understanding of processes of change that embed particular patterns of energy consumption. Through an analysis of “case biographies” we show the value of biographical methods for understanding the dynamics of energy demand.
Sustained high basal motion of the Greenland ice sheet revealed by borehole deformation
Authors: Ryser Claudia , Lüthi Martin P. , Andrews Lauren C. , Hoffman Matthew J. , Catania Ginny A. , Hawley Robert L. , Neumann Thomas A. , Kristensen Steen S.
Published: July 2014

Ice deformation and basal motion characterize the dynamical behavior of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS). We evaluate the contribution of basal motion from ice deformation measurements in boreholes drilled to the bed at two sites in the western marginal zone of the GrIS. We find a sustained high amount of basal motion contribution to surface velocity of 44–73% in winter, and up to 90% in summer. Measured ice deformation rates show an unexpected variation with depth that can be explained with the help of an ice-flow model as a consequence of stress transfer from slippery to sticky areas. This effect necessitates the use of high-order ice-flow models, not only in regions of fast-flowing ice streams but in all temperate-based areas of the GrIS. The agreement between modeled and measured deformation rates confirms that the recommended values of the temperature-dependent flow rate factor A are a good choice for ice-sheet models.
Humanoid Assessing Rehabilitative Exercises
Authors: Delconte G. , Simonov M.
Published: July 2014

Introduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “New Methodologies for Patients Rehabilitation”.

Background: The article presents the approach in which the rehabilitative exercise prepared by healthcare professional is encoded as formal knowledge and used by humanoid robot to assist patients without involving other care actors.

Objectives: The main objective is the use of humanoids in rehabilitative care. An example is pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients. Another goal is the automated judgment functionality to determine how the rehabilitation exercise matches the pre-programmed correct sequence.

Methods: We use the Aldebaran Robotics’ NAO humanoid to set up artificial cognitive application. Pre-programmed NAO induces elderly patient to undertake humanoid-driven rehabilitation exercise, but needs to evaluate the human actions against the correct template. Patient is observed using NAO’s eyes. We use the Microsoft Kinect SDK to extract motion path from the humanoid’s recorded video. We compare human- and humanoid-operated process sequences by using the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) and test the prototype.

Results: This artificial cognitive software showcases the use of DTW algorithm to enable humanoids to judge in near real-time about the correctness of rehabilitative exercises performed by patients following the robot’s indications.

Conclusion: One could enable better sustainable rehabilitative care services in remote residential settings by combining intelligent applications piloting humanoids with the DTW pattern matching algorithm applied at run time to compare humanoid- and human-operated process sequences. In turn, it will lower the need of human care.
Prediction Model for Glucose Metabolism Based on Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Kataoka H. , Nakajima N. , Watabe T. , Fujimoto S. , Okuhara Y. , Hatakeyama Y.
Published: July 2014

Objectives: We developed a robust, long-term clinical prediction model to predict conditions leading to early diabetes using laboratory values other than blood glucose and insulin levels. Our model protects against missing data and noise that occur during long-term analysis.

Methods: Results of a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were divided into three groups: diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and normal (n = 114, 235, and 325, respectively). For glucose metabolic and lipid metabolic parameters, near 30-day mean values and 10-year integrated values were compared. The relation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and variations in HbA1c was analyzed in 158 patients. We also constructed a state space model consisting of an observation model (HDL-C and HbA1c) and an internal model (disorders of lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism) and applied this model to 116 cases.

Results: The root mean square error between the observed HbA1c and predicted HbA1c was 0.25.

Conclusions: In the observation model, HDL-C levels were useful for prediction of increases in HbA1c. Even with numerous missing values over time, as occurs in clinical practice, clinically valid predictions can be made using this state space model.
Development and characterization of EST‐SSR markers for the Solidago virgaurea complex (Asteraceae) in the Japanese archipelago
Authors: Sakaguchi Shota , Ito Motomi
Published: July 2014

• Premise of the study: We developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) for the Solidago virgaurea complex, an ecologically and morphologically diverse species complex in the Japanese archipelago, to elucidate population genetic structure and examine taxonomic boundaries.

• Methods and Results: Utilizing the RNA sequencing data obtained by next‐generation sequencing techniques, 15 polymorphic EST‐SSR markers with three to 14 alleles were developed, most of which were transferable to different Solidago species native to Eurasia and North America.

• Conclusions: The EST‐SSR markers developed in this study may be useful for elucidating the population structure and taxonomic delimitation of the species complex, as well as for investigating the population genetics and reproductive ecology of Solidago species.
ACOUSTIC EMISSION IN THE FRICTION OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Authors: Filonenko Sergey , Kosmach Aleksandr
Published: July 2014

The model of acoustic emission signal formation during friction and wearing of surfaces of composite materials was examined. The forms of acoustic emission resultant signals were shown. The regularities of parameter change in acoustic emission resultant signals with an increasing rotation speed were determined according to the results of modeling. It was found that theoretical and experimental results of acoustic emission signals registered during friction of composite material surface layers agree well.
THE FRICTION MECHANISM BETWEEN SURFACES WITH REGULAR MICRO GROOVES UNDER BOUNDARY LUBRICATION
Authors: Kindrachuk Myroslav , Radionenko Oleksandr , Kryzhanovskyi Andrii , Marchuk Volodymyr
Published: July 2014

The results of research related to the influence of partially regular microrelief parameters on the adhesion component of the friction factor under boundary lubrication are presented. It has been shown that micro grooves are effective under boundary friction on precision surfaces with low roughness when lack of film and probability of seizure appear. The deformation component of the friction force of surfaces with micro grooves has been studied. The time of micro running-in was the key factor while assessing the dependence of the deformation component on friction when taking into account the depth of micro grooves and their relative area. The research was conducted using a tribometer according to the friction model entitled “shaft & flexible steel tape”.