bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of geotechnical risks of road projects using Mads-Mosar method
Authors: Benachenhou Kamila Amel , Verdel Thierry , Allal Mohammed Amine , Lakermi Anis
Published: May 2016

For the last few years, roads and motorways projects have been developing in Algeria, where the risk management remains timorous. Indeed, these projects exhibit many geotechnical disorders of natural or anthropic origin, which disturb their progress. Furthermore, the latent effects of these disorders can affect the life of the works as well as the safety and comfort of the users. Therefore, this paper addresses the use of the MADS-MOSAR method as a risk assessment method that can be used in the construction area to consider a wide range of risk sources including non-geotechnical ones. This method, which is widely used in industry, is tentatively used to identify the causes and consequences of undesired geotechnical events in the case of the main slip road “A” at the exchange of the RN02 road in Tlemcen, Algeria. The choice of this method implies first a system modelling approach and a functional analysis to inventory all possible sources of danger and all possible interactions and to perform a global risk assessment. At the end, we show the relevance of this method in the field of geotechnical risk management for road projects.
Influence of neural network structure and data-set size on its performance in the prediction of height of growth hormone-treated patients
Authors: Smyczyńska Urszula , Smyczyńska Joanna , Tadeusiewicz Ryszard
Published: May 2016

It is well known that the structure of neural network and the amount of available training data influence the accuracy of developed models; however, the exact character of this relation depends on the chosen problem. Thus, it was decided to analyze what impact these parameters have on the solution of the problem on which we work – the prediction of final height of children treated with growth hormone. It was observed that multilayer perceptron with a wide range of numbers of hidden neurons (from 1 to 100) could solve the problem almost equally well. Thus, this task seems to be rather simple, not requiring complex models. Larger networks tended to produce less accurate results and did not generalize well while working with the data not used in training. Repeating the experiment with the training data set reduced to 50% of its original content, as expected, caused a decrease in accuracy.
Anencephaly with placental adhesion
Authors: Mina Shyam Sundar , Kashyap Archana , Arya Sugandha
Published: May 2016

Anencephaly is a serious neural tube defect, in which the brain and cranial vault are grossly malformed. It occurs due to failure of cranial neurulation during embryonic development of cranial tissues. Anomalous placental attachment on an anencephalic head of a newborn is extremely rare. We report two cases of anencephaly in which the placenta were anomalously attached on an anencephalic head.
International agency over local land: Mine expansion and industrial priorities in the Town of Asbestos, Canada
Authors: Horssen Jessica van
Published: May 2016

From the late 19th to the late 20th century, the cities and industries of the world became increasingly reliant on fireproof materials made from asbestos. In focusing on the town of Asbestos, Canada, this paper will show how this process of market boom and bust shaped a fierce local culture rooted in working and living on a rapidly changing environment. By analyzing the successive expansions of the giant mine located in the centre of Asbestos, this paper will highlight how unique understandings of self and place develop in mining communities and form a complex culture rooted in a constantly changing environment.
Generic and disease-specific quality of life in adolescents with type 1 diabetes: comparison to age-matched healthy peers
Authors: Lukács Andrea , Sasvári Péter , Török András , Barkai László
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) on the basis of the pediatric quality of life inventory™ (PedsQL™) generic and diabetes-specific modules, and to compare it to that of healthy peers.

This retrospective case-control study involved 650 participants between ages of 13 and 19 years including 296 adolescents with T1DM from four diabetes centers and 354 healthy peers matched for age and gender from three different cities of the country. Participants completed the validated PedsQL™ for assessing the HRQoL. The analysis included an independent t-test to compare the means of the total and subscales of the PedsQL™ between boys and girls as well as between a healthy group and a group with T1DM. Gender differences in exercise, insulin therapy modalities were evaluated with the Pearson χ

Adolescents with T1DM have similar HRQoL in all domains when compared to their healthy counterparts. Females report worse HRQoL regardless of the presence of the disease. Insulin pump therapy facilitates better glycemic control and HRQoL. Regular exercise positively correlates with the generic HRQoL in both groups; however, it has no relationship with glycemic control.

Optimal metabolic control and improved HRQoL are the eventual goals of diabetes management. Despite the difficulties, adolescents with diabetes can manage their disease well and live normal lives, similar to their healthy peers. Although diabetes-related problems exist, it seems that regular exercise and staying physically active, as well as promoting insulin pump therapy where it is applicable are related to favorable HRQoL.
The BV solution of the parabolic equation with degeneracy on the boundary
Authors: Zhan Huashui , Chen Shuping
Published: May 2016

Consider a parabolic equation which is degenerate on the boundary. By the degeneracy, to assure the well-posedness of the solutions, only a partial boundary condition is generally necessary. When 1 ≤ α < p – 1, the existence of the local BV solution is proved. By choosing some kinds of test functions, the stability of the solutions based on a partial boundary condition is established.
The Moor for the Malayali Masses: A Study of "Othello" in "Kathaprasangam"
Authors: Thomas Sanju
Published: May 2016

Shakespeare, undoubtedly, has been one of the most important Western influences on Malayalam literature. His works have inspired themes of classical art forms like kathakali and popular art forms like kathaprasangam. A secular story telling art form of Kerala, kathaprasangam is a derivative of the classical art form, harikatha. It was widely used to create an interest in modern Malayalam literature and was often used as a vehicle of social, political propaganda. The story is told by a single narrator who masquerades as the characters, and also dons the mantle of an interpreter and a commentator. Thus, there is immense scope for the artist to rewrite, subvert and manipulate the story. The paper explores V. Sambasivan’s adaptation of Othello in kathaprasangam to bring out the transformation the text undergoes to suit the cultural context, the target audience and the time-frame of the performance. The text undergoes alteration at different levels—from English language to Malayalam, from verse to prose, from high culture to popular art. The paper aims at understanding how a story set in a different time and distant place converses with the essential local milieu through selective suppression, adaptation and appropriation.
Liberation as a Paradigm for Full Humanity in Africa
Authors: Tshuma Ephraim
Published: May 2016

The study is a response to the call for papers that focuses on African issues and discusses the issue of liberation. This paper seeks to explore the theme of liberation beginning with its definition. It will then proceed by looking at the history of Israel discussing the Egyptian bondage. The identity and role of Moses will also be explored in light of the prominent role that the Hebrew Bible gives him in the exodus motifs. It also highlights the life and role of Jesus of Nazareth in human liberation. In addition it will also highlight the importance of liberation and will pay attention to the fight for freedom and independence in Africa. Finally it looks at the quest for liberation among marginalized women and children in Africa looking at their struggles in the 21st century. The essay will use examples from both theological and secular sources. The Biblical/theological examples will be drawn from the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and commentaries. Since Africa is very big although sharing related issues, I will use specific examples from Zimbabwe and also use general information from across the continent.
Characteristics and Drivers of the Swiss “Job Miracle”
Authors: Siegenthaler Michael , Graff Michael , Mannino Massimo
Published: May 2016

Switzerland’s employment growth since the early 2000s was very high in both historical and international perspective, despite solid real wage increases and only moderate GDP growth. Yet, the reasons for the remarkable creation of jobs are largely unknown. We aim at filling this gap by studying the underlying characteristics and drivers of the Swiss “job miracle”. We first outline the characteristics of the “job miracle” and show that the observed job growth correlates with a substantial increase in the labor intensity of economic activity. We then discuss five potential drivers of the unprecedented employment growth, which are consistent with the facts. Our empirical results suggest that immigration was the key factor in explaining the “job miracle” as it raised local demand and thereby triggered the creation of additional jobs.
Cooling of Moving Wavy Surface through MHD Nanofluid
Authors: Mehmood Ahmer , Iqbal Muhammad Saleem , Mustafa Irfan
Published: May 2016

Heat transfer analysis has been carried out in the Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) boundary layer formed near the wavy rough plate moving in x-direction. Due to the presence of metallic nanoparticle in the fluid and enhanced surface area of the plate as a consequence of surface texture, an increase in heat transfer rates is expected. However, the calculation of these enhanced rates of heat transfer is not straightforward because the convection phenomena become more complicated due to the motion of nanoparticle in the base fluid and also the waviness of the plate surface. The contribution of nanoparticle toward convective heat transfer is manifold which requires a suitable model in order to capture the correct physics. Famous Tiwari and Das model has been utilised in the current study. Percent increase in the rate of heat transfer is calculated for the nanoparticle of different metals, such as MWCNT, SWCNT, Al2O3, TiO2 and Ag. Appreciable increase in the rate of heat transfer is observed, which is 24% at the most for Al2O3 nanoparticle. The effect of applied magnetic field on the velocity profile, skin friction coefficient, and Nusselt number has also been presented through graphs. The concentration of the nanoparticle has been limited up to 10%.
Graded Neuronal Modulations Related to Visual Spatial Attention
Authors: Mayo J. Patrick , Maunsell John H. R.
Published: May 2016

Studies of visual attention in monkeys typically measure neuronal activity when the stimulus event to be detected occurs at a cued location versus when it occurs at an uncued location. But this approach does not address how neuronal activity changes relative to conditions where attention is unconstrained by cueing. Human psychophysical studies have used neutral cueing conditions and found that neutrally cued behavioral performance is generally intermediate to that of cued and uncued conditions (Posner et al., 1978; Mangun and Hillyard, 1990; Montagna et al., 2009). To determine whether the neuronal correlates of visual attention during neutral cueing are similarly intermediate, we trained macaque monkeys to detect changes in stimulus orientation that were more likely to occur at one location (cued) than another (uncued), or were equally likely to occur at either stimulus location (neutral). Consistent with human studies, performance was best when the location was cued, intermediate when both locations were neutrally cued, and worst when the location was uncued. Neuronal modulations in visual area V4 were also graded as a function of cue validity and behavioral performance. By recording from both hemispheres simultaneously, we investigated the possibility of switching attention between stimulus locations during neutral cueing. The results failed to support a unitary “spotlight” of attention. Overall, our findings indicate that attention-related changes in V4 are graded to accommodate task demands.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTStudies of the neuronal correlates of attention in monkeys typically use visual cues to manipulate where attention is focused (“cued” vs “uncued”). Human psychophysical studies often also include neutrally cued trials to study how attention naturally varies between points of interest. But the neuronal correlates of this neutral condition are unclear. We measured behavioral performance and neuronal activity in cued, uncued, and neutrally cued blocks of trials. Behavioral performance and neuronal responses during neutral cueing were intermediate to those of the cued and uncued conditions. We found no signatures of a single mechanism of attention that switches between stimulus locations. Thus, attention-related changes in neuronal activity are largely hemisphere-specific and graded according to task demands.
Limitations of Neural Map Topography for Decoding Spatial Information
Authors: Avitan Lilach , Pujic Zac , Hughes Nicholas J. , Scott Ethan K. , Goodhill Geoffrey J.
Published: May 2016

Topographic maps are common throughout the nervous system, yet their functional role is still unclear. In particular, whether they are necessary for decoding sensory stimuli is unknown. Here we examined this question by recording population activity at the cellular level from the larval zebrafish tectum in response to visual stimuli at three closely spaced locations in the visual field. Due to map imprecision, nearby stimulus locations produced intermingled tectal responses, and decoding based on map topography yielded an accuracy of only 64%. In contrast, maximum likelihood decoding of stimulus location based on the statistics of the evoked activity, while ignoring any information about the locations of neurons in the map, yielded an accuracy close to 100%. A simple computational model of the zebrafish visual system reproduced these results. Although topography is a useful initial decoding strategy, we suggest it may be replaced by better methods following visual experience.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTA very common feature of brain wiring is that neighboring points on a sensory surface (eg, the retina) are connected to neighboring points in the brain. It is often assumed that this “topography” of wiring is essential for decoding sensory stimuli. However, here we show in the developing zebrafish that topographic decoding performs very poorly compared with methods that do not rely on topography. This suggests that, although wiring topography could provide a starting point for decoding at a very early stage in development, it may be replaced by more accurate methods as the animal gains experience of the world.
GEP- NETS UPDATE: Genetics of neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Crona Joakim , Skogseid Britt
Published: May 2016

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, arising from neuroendocrine cells that are dispersed throughout the body. Around 20% of NETs occur in the context of a genetic syndrome. Today there are at least ten recognized NET syndromes. This includes the classical syndromes: multiple endocrine neoplasias types 1 and 2, and von Hippel–Lindau and neurofibromatosis type 1. Additional susceptibility genes associated with a smaller fraction of NETs have also been identified. Recognizing genetic susceptibility has proved essential both to provide genetic counseling and to give the best preventive care. In this review we will also discuss the knowledge of somatic genetic alterations in NETs. At least 24 genes have been implicated as drivers of neuroendocrine tumorigenesis, and the overall rates of genomic instability are relatively low. Genetic intra-tumoral, as well as inter-tumoral heterogeneity in the same patient, have also been identified. Together these data point towards the common pathways in NET evolution, separating early from late disease drivers. Although knowledge of specific mutations in NETs has limited impact on actual patient management, we predict that in the near future genomic profiling of tumors will be included in the clinical arsenal for diagnostics, prognostics and therapeutic decisions.
Determinants of Genetic Diversity of Spontaneous Drug Resistance in Bacteria
Authors: Couce Alejandro , Rodríguez-Rojas Alexandro , Blázquez Jesús
Published: May 2016

Any pathogen population sufficiently large is expected to harbor spontaneous drug-resistant mutants, often responsible for disease relapse after antibiotic therapy. It is seldom appreciated, however, that while larger populations harbor more mutants, the abundance distribution of these mutants is expected to be markedly uneven. This is because a larger population size allows early mutants to expand for longer, exacerbating their predominance in the final mutant subpopulation. Here, we investigate the extent to which this reduction in evenness can constrain the genetic diversity of spontaneous drug resistance in bacteria. Combining theory and experiments, we show that even small variations in growth rate between resistant mutants and the wild type result in orders-of-magnitude differences in genetic diversity. Indeed, only a slight fitness advantage for the mutant is enough to keep diversity low and independent of population size. These results have important clinical implications. Genetic diversity at antibiotic resistance loci can determine a population’s capacity to cope with future challenges (i.e., second-line therapy). We thus revealed an unanticipated way in which the fitness effects of antibiotic resistance can affect the evolvability of pathogens surviving a drug-induced bottleneck. This insight will assist in the fight against multidrug-resistant microbes, as well as contribute to theories aimed at predicting cancer evolution.
Жизненные стратегии равноногих ракообразных в условиях черноморского сообщества обрастания
Authors: Varigin A. Y.
Published: May 2016

Рассмотрены характерные черты жизненных стратегий двух массовых видов равноногих ракообразных Idotea balthica basteri (Pallas, 1772) и Lekanesphaera monodi (Arcangeli, 1934), совместно обитающих в сообществе обрастания прибрежной зоны Одесского залива Черного моря. Отмечена сбалансированность межвидовых отношений изучаемых видов в данном сообществе. Их конкурентные отношения носили диффузный характер, отражающий относительно слабые по силе межвидовые взаимодействия. Экологические ниши этих видов перекрывались лишь по местообитанию. По трофическим и временным характеристикам конкуренция между ними ослаблена. Отмечена эффективность жизненных стратегий обоих видов ракообразных, что подтверждается их массовостью в сообществе обрастания Одесского залива Черного моря.
Indication of the condition of woody plants of parks in Dnipropetrovsk on morpho-physiological indexes
Authors: Ivanchenko О. E. , Bessonova V. P.
Published: May 2016

The condition of woody plants of parks in the city of Dnipropetrovsk on morpho-physiological index of model trees was investigated. The highest values on the V.A. Alekseev vitality index were recorded for plants in Gagarin Park and Sevastopolskiy Park, the lowest values for Kalinin Park and Мolodezhnyj Park. The lowest values for length and thickness of annual sprouting relative to the control (Petrikovka Park) were found in Kalinin, Globa and Molodezhnyj parks for all studied species of trees, the smallest difference from the control group of plants being found for Robinia pseudoacacia L. There was a lower quantity of leaves on the annual sprouting in plants in Globa, Kalinin and Мolodezhnyj parks. In other parks, the difference between the experiment and the control was not statistically significant. The area of leaves in the trees was lower in the city parks compared with those of the park in the village, with the exception of Gagarin Park. More important, relative to the above-mentioned parameters, were differences in the assimilation area of the annual sprouting, with the exception of Gagarin Park. The amount of chlorophyll a + b in leaves of woody plants of different parks of the city less than in control. The greatest differences of pigment concentration in the leaves of Acer platanoides L. and Tilia plathyphyllos Scop. were found in Kalinin Park. For the leaves of the R. pseudoacacia no significant differences were found between the content of the amount of chlorophyll a + b in the trees which grow in Gagarin, Khmelnitsky and Sevastopolskiy parks and the background values for this parameter. It was found that the amount of chlorophyll a + b in the leaves of T. plathyphyllos and R. pseudoacacia by weight of the leaves on the annual sprouting was lower in the city parks compared with the trees in the village park, with the exception of Gagarin Park. For A. platanoides this difference was found to be significant in all experimental sites. It is appropriate to use such parameters as the length of the annual sprouting as a bioindicator of the environment annual sprouting, the leaf area, the content of chlorophyll a + b based on the weight of the leaves annual sprouting and assimilation area. As test-objects species sensitive to anthropogenic pollution, such as T. plathyphyllos and A. platanoides should be used. The trees in the best condition of vitality (according to the whole complex of indicators) are those in Gagarin, Shevchenko and Sevastopolskiy parks, the worst are in Kalinin, Globa and Мolodezhnyj parks.
Response of soil microflora to impact of heavy metals in zones of influence of railway transport
Authors: Bobryk N. , Kryvtsova M. , Nikolajchuk V. , Voloshchuk I.
Published: May 2016

Monitoring research on the areas intensively and continuously affected by technogenic loading has remained topical until nowadays. The soil as a basic component of many ecosystems, including the structure of its microbial cenoses, remains an informative index of a system’s overall stability. The areas affected by railway transport have been scarcely studied. Due to the above, the aim of this work has been to establish the transformation regularities of soil microbial cenoses of territories close to railways and to establish the groups of microorganisms that are a sensitive criterion of technogenic vehicular influence. For the purpose of microbiological research, soil samples were taken at different distances from the railway track (0, 25, 50, 100 and250 m) within five monitoring sections of the Tchop – Uzhhorod – Sambor railway (in the territory of Zakarpatska oblast). The number of ecological trophic groups was identified by means of inoculation on nutrient media using the method of serial dilution of soil suspensions. The research showed that in all types of soils that were adjacent to railway tracks, the number of ammonifiers and spore microbiota was high due to the high content of heavy metals (beyond the background levels). Besides, the bacterial microflora on beef-extract agar was characterized by homogeneity with domination of enteric bacteria and spore bacteria. Simultaneously, the numbers of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, micromycetes, oligonitrophils, amylolytic and pedotrophic microflorae were shown to be low compared to the control. Farther from the railway track, pigmental species of bacteria appeared in the soil samples, attesting to the activity of self-purification processes. Correlation analysis of the data showed that the soil microbiota of the railway-side areas was undergoing changes as affected by heightened contents of heavy metals. Existence of medium and close connections was established between the number of microorganisms of ecological trophic groups and the content of acid-soluble lead forms at the levels of 0.72–1.72 maximum permissible concentrations. It was the nitrogen-fixing microorganisms and microscopic fungi that showed a fast response to heavy metals, which was an indication of their possible use as indicators of the ecological state of technogenically transformed soils.
Checklist of the brachyuran crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda) in the rocky subtidal of Vitória Archipelago, southeast coast of Brazil
Authors: Alves Douglas Fernandes Rodrigues , Barros-Alves Samara De Paiva , Cobo Valter José , Lima Daniel José Marcondes , Fransozo Adilson
Published: May 2016

Biodiversity can be useful as an ecosystem indicator for conservation and monitoring, through continuous assessment of its main properties including stability, primary productivity, exploitation tolerance and even global environmental changes. The main purpose of this study was to provide a checklist of the crabs associated with subtidal rocky bottoms at the Vitoria Archipelago, southeastern Brazilian coast. Monthly collections were carried out from February 2004 through January 2006 on three islands at the Vitória Archipelago (23°44’S-45°01’W). The crabs were hand-caught by SCUBA divers during the daytime, in rock subtidal. A total of 3084 individuals were caught, belonging to 42 species, 28 genera, and 12 families, highlighting Mithraculus forceps (1528) and Stenorhynchus seticornis (407) representing more than 60% of the sample. On the other hand, Dromia erythropus, Moreiradromia antilensis, Ebalia stimpsoni, Garthiope spinipes and Tumidotheres maculatus had only one individual sampled.
Arborescent angiosperms of Mundanthurai Range in the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) of the southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Richard Paulraj Selva Singh , Muthukumar Selvaraj Abraham
Published: May 2016

The present study was carried out to document the diversity of arborescent angiosperm taxa of Mundanthurai Range in the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) of the southern Western Ghats in India. During the floristic survey carried out from January 2008 to December 2010, a total of 247 species and intraspecific taxa of trees and shrubs representing 175 genera in 65 families were recorded. The most speciose families are Euphorbiaceae (27 spp.), Rubiaceae (17 spp.), Myrtaceae (14 spp.), Lauraceae (13 spp.) and Annonaceae (11 spp.). Of the 247 taxa, 27 species are endemic only to this region which includes Agasthiyamalaia pauciflora, Elaeocarpus venustus, Garcinia travancorica, Gluta travancorica, Goniothalamus rhynchantherus, Homalium travancoricum, Homaium jainii, Orophea uniflora, Phlogacanthus albiflorus, Polyalthia shendurunii, Symplocos macrocarpa and Symplocos sessilis. This clearly signifies that this range is relevant to the conservation of the local flora.
Ichthyofauna, Uberabinha River (Upper Paranaíba River Basin), Triangle Mineiro region, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Sampaio Wagner Martins Santana , Belei Frederico , Giongo Patrícia , Silva Willian Lopes
Published: May 2016

The Uberabinha River is a tributary to the Paranaíba River and, up to now, data about its ichthyofauna was still unknown. Currently the fish community suffers threats due to environmental degradation and the construction of hydroelectric dams. The present study sought to survey the ichthyofauna of the Uberabinha River. Samples were collected in November 2011 and January 2012 using gill nets, cast nets, trawls and sieves. We captured 844 individuals, totaling 36 species of fish. This is the first record of fish from the Uberabinha River and is probably an altered assemblage due to environmental impacts caused by human actions.
Wpływ procesów integracyjnych na handel międzynarodowy – przypadek krajów rozwijających się
Authors: Zysk Wojciech
Published: May 2016

The study attempts to verify the hypothesis that the positive effects of regional integration processes of international business in developing countries lead to an increase in the value of trade, both in terms of growth rates of exports and imports, as well as an increase in the share of exports and imports in the total exchange inside the created groups. The international integration of developing countries brings them benefits as a result of customs duties and other barriers between themselves being reduced. The growth rate of exports and imports within the group is higher than the rate of growth of trade in the rest of the region and the rest of the world, and the share of exports and imports throughout the internal exports and imports is higher than the share of exports and imports with the rest of the world in total exports and imports.
Using Bayesian Statistics in Enterprise Demography
Authors: Kotlebová Eva , Láska Ivan
Published: May 2016

Knowledge of the number of different kinds of enterprises that will be created in a coming year is essential information. It can be used in macroeconomic analyses and as a constituent of the background for economic policy.From a demographics point of view, we consider the creation (birth) of some enterprise as a basic indicator. It can also be approached from the point of view of inference, as the creation of enterprise is influenced by a wide variety of inputs. Enterprise creation may therefore be thought of as a random process.The analytic tools Bayesian statistics provide make it possible involve more kinds of information into statistical analysis and gradually update the parameter estimations. We used the conjugate family Poisson / gamma to estimate the number of enterprises to be created in a coming year. The considerations were concerned with the mean square error, which was used as the main criterion of the point estimation quality. We solved two kinds of problems: to find a Bayesian point estimation that has a smaller mean square error than the classical one in a predetermined interval, and, along with it, to model prior information in a very simple way.In finding some connection among the variables contained in the conjugate family Poisson / gamma, we solved both presented problems and also developed a simple algorithm for optimal point estimation of the Poisson distribution parameter. This algorithm was used to estimate the number of enterprises created.
Obesity: Current Global and Russian Trends
Authors: Razina A. O. , Runenko S. D. , Achkasov E. E.
Published: May 2016

The review of literature presents the results of recent epidemiological studies in obese people in Russia and abroad taking into account gender, age, ethnic, social, and geographical factors. The increase of obesity prevalence among different population groups including children and adolescents was registered. The risks of health problems associated with overweight and obesity probably leading to disability and mortality were analyzed. It was shown that the energy imbalance played a key role in the etiopathogenesis of obesity among many other factors. This occurs as a consequence of discrepancy between energy consumption and energy discharge especially under the conditions of hypokinesia in all spheres of modern life. Particular attention was paid to the analysis of environmental factors, increasing urbanization, and socio-economic conditions of modern life. The fundamental importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the development of prevention and treatment and rehabilitation programs was accentuated. The attention was paid to the role of economic factors in the development of carbohydrate metabolism disorders. The important role of the goverment was shown in the development of health improvement programs including improvement of the environmental situation, change in anthropogenic environment due to physical activity. The preferred direction of comprehensive programs of prevention and treatment of obesity were defined including optimization of the motor regime, diet correction, increasing the motivation to healthy lifestyle, physical education and sports, as well as increasing the individual’s personal responsibility for their health.
DYNAMICS AND PREDICTION OF DIAMETRIC STRUCTURE IN TWO ATLANTIC FOREST FRAGMENTS IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL
Authors: Batista Anderson Pedro Bernardina , Rodal Maria Jesus Nogueira , Silva José Antonio Aleixo da , Silva Ana Carolina Borges Lins e , Alves Junior Francisco Tarcisio , Mello José Márcio de
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT Monitoring analyses aim to understand the processes that drive changes in forest structure and, along with prediction studies, may assist in the management planning and conservation of forest remnants. The objective of this study was to analyze the forest dynamics in two Atlantic rainforest fragments in Pernambuco, Brazil, and to predict their future forest diameter structure using the Markov chain model. We used continuous forest inventory data from three surveys in two forest fragments of 87 ha (F1) and 388 ha (F2). We calculated the annual rates of mortality and recruitment, the mean annual increment, and the basal area for each of the 3-year periods. Data from the first and second surveys were used to project the third inventory measurements, which were compared to the observed values in the permanent plots using chi-squared tests (a = 0.05). In F1, a decrease in the number of individuals was observed due to mortality rates being higher than recruitment rates; however, there was an increase in the basal area. In this fragment, the fit to the Markov model was adequate. In F2, there was an increase in both the basal area and the number of individuals during the 6-year period due to the recruitment rate exceeding the mortality rate. For this fragment, the fit of the model was unacceptable. Hence, for the studied fragments, the demographic rates influenced the stem density more than the floristic composition. Yet, even with these intense dynamics, both fragments showed active growth.
CLASSIFICATION OF FOREST ROADS AND DETERMINATION OF ROUTE USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
Authors: Silva Fabrício , Minette Luciano José , Souza Amaury Paulo de , Moraes Ângelo Casali de , Schettino Stanley
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT Geographic Information System (GIS) is an indispensable software tool in forest planning. In forestry transportation, GIS can manage the data on the road network and solve some problems in transportation, such as route planning. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the pattern of the road network and define transport routes using GIS technology. The present research was conducted in a forestry company in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The criteria used to classify the pattern of forest roads were horizontal and vertical geometry, and pavement type. In order to determine transport routes, a data Analysis Model Network was created in ArcGIS using an Extension Network Analyst, allowing finding a route shorter in distance and faster. The results showed a predominance of horizontal geometry classes average (3) and bad (4), indicating presence of winding roads. In the case of vertical geometry criterion, the class of highly mountainous relief (4) possessed the greatest extent of roads. Regarding the type of pavement, the occurrence of secondary coating was higher (75%), followed by primary coating (20%) and asphalt pavement (5%). The best route was the one that allowed the transport vehicle travel in a higher specific speed as a function of road pattern found in the study.
Sistema de apoio à avaliação de impactos da poluição sonora sobre a saúde pública
Authors: Bressane Adriano , Mochizuki Patricia Satie , Caram Rosana Maria , Roveda José Arnaldo Frutuoso
Published: May 2016

Resumo: O objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver um sistema de apoio à avaliação da poluição sonora, aplicado na zona central de Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brasil. Para isso, dados foram obtidos por meio de medições sonoras e entrevistas com a população, gerando como indicadores o nível sonoro equivalente (Leq ), o índice de ruído de tráfego (LTNI ) e um diagnóstico participativo (Dp ), integrados por intermédio de um sistema de inferência fuzzy (SIF). Como resultado, o sistema proposto permitiu classificar os pontos avaliados quanto ao grau de impacto da poluição sonora sobre a saúde da população (IPS ) na área de estudo, que pode ser considerado significativo em 31,4% dos pontos e muito significativo em 62,9%. A possibilidade de adequar o SIF de acordo com as condições de estudo viabiliza a sua generalização e, desta forma, apoia a avaliação e respectiva gestão do ruído ambiental em outras regiões.
EMPREENDEDORISMO EM EMPRESAS FAMILIARES: A PESQUISA ATUAL E OS DESAFIOS FUTUROS
Authors: BORGES ALEX FERNANDO , BRITO MOZAR JOSÉ DE , LIMA JUVÊNCIO BRAGA DE , CASTRO CAROLINA LESCURA DE CARVALHO
Published: May 2016

RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar uma revisão do escopo da literatura disponível sobre empreendedorismo em empresas familiares. Originalidade/lacuna/relevância/implicações: Apesar de outros trabalhos de revisão de literatura sobre empresas familiares indicarem a existência de artigos que abordam a temática do empreendedorismo, não existem estudos sistemáticos de revisão sobre as especificidades das relações existentes entre os dois campos. Principais aspectos metodológicos: A partir da técnica de revisão de escopo da literatura, foi efetuado um levantamento da produção científica publicada em periódicos de reconhecida relevância para a área de empresas familiares. Identificaram-se 73 artigos científicos que trataram da temática, os quais foram categorizados de acordo com o periódico de origem, o tema de pesquisa abordado e a metodologia empregada. Síntese dos principais resultados: A leitura integrada dos artigos identificados permitiu verificar a exploração de diferentes temas de pesquisa e abordagens metodológicas para compreender a manifestação do empreendedorismo em empresas familiares. Principais considerações/conclusões: Concluímos que o alcance do potencial do campo do empreendedorismo em empresas familiares passa, necessariamente, pela construção de um quadro teórico capaz de contribuir para a compreensão de aspectos intrínsecos à natureza de empresas familiares. Ao mesmo tempo, tal abordagem, ao englobar fenômenos que se complementam sob o prisma da interação entre família e empresa, contribuiria de forma importante para a geração de conhecimentos mais aprofundados acerca da realidade desse tipo de organização e para a abertura de novas avenidas de pesquisa em empreendedorismo e em empresas familiares.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS OF IMMIGRANTS IN ITALY: FRAMING REAL AND SYMBOLIC BORDERS
Authors: BRUNO Marco
Published: May 2016

Abstract The “need” to build walls and barriers, restore boundaries, restraining “waves” of refugees and migrants, appears one of the most urgent priorities involving European countries. In Italian media and political debate this theme has been very important in last years also regard a peculiar kind of border, the maritime one, for the centrality acquired by Lampedusa and other coasts, also as symbolic space of construction of relationship with the “Other”. On the other hand, the media defined also “symbolic internal borders”, by focusing on certain themes or images of migrations. The contribution aims to explore and deconstruct the main mechanisms of representation and news-media construction of immigrant image in Italy. Through frame analysis (mostly carried out with qualitative and non-standard methods) will be enlightened three main discursive dimensions: a) the so-called “landing emergency” (as external border); b) the central interest on crime news where immigrants are protagonists, and c) the cultural-religious dimension of immigration (both as internal border).
Estratégia Saúde da Família em Cena: a Formação Bioética dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde, em Três Atos
Authors: Vidal Selma Vaz , Gomes Andréia Patrícia , Siqueira-Batista Rodrigo
Published: May 2016

RESUMO Este artigo expõe e discute os resultados da I Oficina de Formação em Bioética e Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) – dirigida aos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS) –, espaço criado com o intuito de proporcionar oportunidades para o (re)conhecimento e a argumentação sobre problemas éticos na Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), permitindo a incorporação da bioética na construção de competências para o trabalho na ESF. O método utilizado abrangeu uma abordagem quanti-qualitativa e descritiva. Cinquenta e três ACS participantes da ESF – residentes e atuantes no município de Magé – assinaram o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido, e, destes, 43 devolveram o questionário de avaliação da oficina. Para efeitos de exposição, apresenta-se a trajetória em três atos organizativos: 1º ato – preparação; 2º ato – realização; 3º ato – visões. Os resultados e a discussão se iniciaram com a construção do perfil dos ACS. Emergiram das respostas dos participantes da I Oficina três quadros demonstrativos e uma categoria de análise. Nas conclusões, destaca-se a bioética, como caixa de ferramentas capaz de propiciar aos ACS conceitos, teorias e métodos éticos para o pleno exercício do cuidado no âmbito da Estratégia Saúde da Família.
Knowledge of Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation among Brazilian Medical Students
Authors: Moura Felipe Scipião , Carvalho Felipe Veiga de , Martins Maria do Carmo de Carvalho e , Vasconcelos Gerardo Mesquita , Mello Patrícia Machado Veiga de Carvalho
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT Introduction Sudden death is a substantial public health problem, representing a major cause of mortality worldwide. Suitable initial care is essential for a good prognosis of these patients. Objectives To assess the knowledge of the 2010 guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among medical students in their final year of undergraduate training. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 217 medical students enrolled in the sixth year of accredited medical schools in Brazil. A structured questionnaire with 27 items was used to record the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and to assess their knowledge base of the 2010 ILCOR guidelines for CPR. Results Only fifty (23.04%) out of 217 students achieved results considered as satisfactory in the written evaluation. The average score obtained was 56.74% correct answers. Seventeen percent of the students had never performed CPR maneuvers and 83.80% had never performed cardioversion or defibrillation. Conclusions The knowledge base of medical students regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation is low. Considering these medical students are in their final year of medical school, this study reveals a worrisome scenario.
Os desembarques de cativos africanos e as rotinas médicas no Porto do Recife antes de 1831
Authors: Carvalho Marcus J. M. de , Albuquerque Aline Emanuelle De Biase
Published: May 2016

Resumo: A Provedoria-Mor da Saúde de Pernambuco foi criada em 1810. A partir de então, os navios negreiros que chegavam no Recife passaram a ser visitados por agentes da saúde que verificavam se os escravizados recém-desembarcados traziam doenças consideradas contagiosas, de acordo com a medicina da época. Apenas aqueles que traziam esses males eram mandados para o Lazareto de Santo Amaro para serem tratados. Uma vez curados, eram devolvidos a seus donos para serem vendidos. Os empregados da Provedoria da Saúde vistoriaram navios negreiros que trouxeram mais de 47 mil pessoas para o Recife. Seus relatos das visitas ajudam-nos a entender o funcionamento do tráfico de escravos num dos principais portos brasileiros antes que este fosse decretado totalmente ilegal, em 1831.
A estrutura do conhecimento nas universidades ocidentalizadas: racismo/sexismo epistêmico e os quatro genocídios/epistemicídios do longo século XVI
Authors: Grosfoguel Ramón
Published: May 2016

Este artigo discute a estrutura epistêmica do mundo moderno em relação aos quatro genocídios/epistemicídios do longo século XVI (1450-1650). Argumenta-se que o privilégio epistêmico do homem ocidental foi construído às custas do genocídio/epistemicídios dos sujeitos coloniais. O artigo relaciona o racismo/sexismo epistêmico da estrutura das universidades ocidentalizadas e do mundo moderno ao genocídio/epistemicídio contra muçulmanos e judeus na conquista de Al-Andalus, contra povos nativos na conquista das Américas, contra povos africanos na conquista da África e a escravização dos mesmos nas Américas e, finalmente, contra as mulheres europeias queimadas vivas acusadas de bruxaria. Esses quatro genocídios/epistemicídios são fundantes da estrutura epistêmica moderno-colonial e das universidades ocidentalizadas. A tese principal deste artigo é que a condição de possibilidade para o cartesianismo idolátrico dos anos 1640 que assume o olho de Deus e arroga-se o direito de dizer "penso, logo existo" é o "extermino, logo existo".
Uma epistemologia para a próxima revolução
Authors: Alcoff Linda Martín
Published: May 2016

Este artigo discute a necessidade de desenvolvimento de uma epistemologia decolonial revolucionária, identificando dois obstáculos para a formulação de uma nova epistemologia: um relacionado à própria epistemologia e outro às discussões sobre identidade. Argumenta-se pela necessidade de um debate propositivo e reconstrutivo sobre a verdade, bem como de uma discussão reconstrutiva sobre como e por quem o conhecimento é produzido. Por outro lado, defende-se que as concepções que asseveram que toda e qualquer reivindicação por identidade seja marcada por um excesso de essencialismo emergem também como obstáculo. Em seu lugar, propõem-se explicações mais fidedignas acerca da realidade que possam avaliar em que contexto os movimentos sociais baseados em identidades se tornam estreitos e conformistas e quando significam uma ampliação da participação política e da formação de coalizões.
Estrutura administrativa do governo brasileiro, cultura política e a busca pela sociedade ideal
Authors: Netto José Veríssimo Romão
Published: May 2016

A organização e a estrutura do governo central brasileiro mudaram drasticamente entre o período monárquico (1824-1889) e o atual período democrático (1985). No entanto, é possível identificar uma convergência teórica entre alguns autores brasileiros que têm não apenas refletido sobre a estrutura do Estado no Brasil, mas têm agido sobre ela: visconde do Uruguai (ministro e senador durante o primeiro período do Império no Brasil, um dos principais responsáveis pelo Movimento do Regresso - 1834-1840); Oliveira Vianna (burocrata e responsável por importantes mudanças na estrutura do Estado e sua relação com a sociedade brasileira durante as décadas de 1930-1940); Guerreiro Ramos (deputado federal e burocrata no Departamento de Administração e Serviço Público, peça fundamental para a reforma do Estado burocrático brasileiro 1940-1964); e Bresser-Pereira (titular do Ministério da Administração Federal e Reforma do Estado - 1995- 1998 -, responsável pela reforma gerencial do Estado brasileiro). O que é interessante notar sobre esses autores-atores é que, durante os seus respectivos períodos e com suas percepções sobre a política e a sociedade brasileiras, eles propugnaram que, por intermédio da reforma da estrutura político-administrativa do Estado, seria possível mudar a cultura política do povo brasileiro. Durante suas ações políticas como agentes fiduciários do Estado, buscaram - dentro de seus próprios contextos históricos e políticos - o autogoverno, a democracia ou sua qualificação.