bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desempenho de idosos em testes específicos: efeito de grupo de estimulação
Authors: Lira Juliana Onofre de , Rugene Olinda Tereza , Mello Patrícia Cotting Homem de
Published: September 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: Com o envelhecimento, pode ocorrer um declínio cognitivo. Sabe-se que melhorar o desempenho das funções cognitivas em idosos tem consequências importantes em sua qualidade de vida. A literatura sugere que o treinamento pode aprimorar as funções cognitivas em idosos saudáveis. OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito de grupo de estimulação cognitiva em idosos saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal no qual foram avaliados 32 participantes escolarizados, com idade acima de 60 anos, divididos em dois grupos. O grupo-caso participou de 10 sessões de estimulação cognitiva em grupo. O grupo-controle foi formado por 15 indivíduos, com idade e escolaridade similares. A amostra foi avaliada antes e após a intervenção, através de uma versão adaptada da bateria CERAD, teste do relógio e check-list de queixas cognitivas. Foi usada uma análise descritiva, bem como o teste t-pareado, com o intuito de observar as diferenças entre os grupos após a estimulação. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças entre os grupos quanto à idade, gênero e escolaridade. Na avaliação inicial, os grupos não apresentaram diferenças no desempenho dos testes aplicados. Na testagem após a intervenção, foi observada melhora apenas no grupo-caso nas tarefas de nomeação, fluência semântica, fluência total (bateria CERAD) e desenho do relógio, assim como na check-list de queixas cognitivas. CONCLUSÃO: A estimulação cognitiva realizada diminuiu as queixas cognitivas dos idosos participantes e melhorou seu desempenho em testes cognitivos.
Envelhecimento bem-sucedido e as aprendizagens no esporte competitivo: uma forma de adaptação de atletas que praticam corrida
Authors: Almeida Sionara Tamanini de
Published: September 2012

Um arranjo conceitual que descreve o processo de envelhecimento bem-sucedido na perspectiva life-span é o modelo de estratégias denominado de seleção, otimização e compensação. Tais estratégias evocam maneiras de alcançar objetivos de vida e promovem crescimento pessoal. Compensar ou otimizar atitudes através das aprendizagens é o foco do estudo que teve como objetivo investigar as aprendizagens de atletas durante os anos de prática da modalidade esportiva da corrida através de uma pesquisa qualitativa realizada com atletas do sexo masculino provenientes de diferentes clubes e sociedades esportivas do Brasil. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada e de um questionário sociodemográfico, após uma triagem realizada com 83 atletas. O grupo de 11 atletas entrevistados (  ou = 59,91; DP = ±10,58 anos) demonstrou em suas respostas diferentes tipos de aprendizagens que garantiram desenvolvimento pessoal e no esporte e os auxiliaram em atividades cotidianas. Além disso, para desenvolver essas aprendizagens, os atletas utilizaram vários tipos de espaços e pessoas, o que demonstrou que eles são seres autônomos diante do seu aprendizado e vão à busca da solução para seus problemas.
Medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados para idosos e sua presença no SUS: avaliação das listas padronizadas
Authors: Obreli Neto Paulo Roque , Cuman Roberto Kenji Nakamura
Published: September 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a existência de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados para uso em idosos (PIM), e de alternativas farmacoterapêuticas mais seguras nas listas padronizadas municipais de medicamentos da atenção primária à saúde. Realizou-se estudo transversal, multicêntrico, exploratório, de natureza quantitativa nos 12 municípios que compõem a microrregião de Ourinhos, São Paulo, Brasil no período de maio a julho de 2009. Utilizamos como técnica a consulta a documentos (listas padronizadas municipais de medicamentos). O critério de Beers foi utilizado como ferramenta para classificação dos PIM. Foi encontrada alta prevalência de PIM, representando de 19,6% a 29,6% do número total de medicamentos padronizados nas listas padronizadas municipais Os PIM que atuam no sistema nervoso foram os mais prevalentes, seguidos pelos que atuam no sistema cardiovascular e no sistema músculoesquelético, respectivamente. O número de PIM, constante das listas padronizadas municipais de medicamentos avaliadas, que apresentavam alguma alternativa farmacoterapêutica mais segura entre as especialidades farmacêuticas padronizadas, variou de 50,0% a 84,2% dos PIM, com um valor médio de 73,2%. Esses resultados indicam a necessidade da adoção de estratégias como a implantação de protocolos clínicos para prescrição para idosos, mudanças no ensino médico e acompanhamento multiprofissional dos pacientes idosos, para evitar a prescrição de PIM para esta faixa da população.
A osteoporose e a mulher envelhecida: fatores de risco
Authors: Sampaio Parizza Ramos de Leu , Bezerra Armando José China , Gomes Lucy
Published: September 2012

A osteoporose é uma doença silenciosa, o que implica reconhecer os fatores de risco inerentes a cada mulher para se determinar estratégias de melhoria da qualidade de vida. OBJETIVO: verificar a chance de as mulheres terem fatores de risco para osteoporose, através do questionário proposto pelo estudo do European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study Group (EVOS) e avaliar o desempenho nas atividades da vida diária em relação às ações mais executadas no dia a dia pelo questionário Atividades Instrumentais da Vida Diária (AIVD). O exame da densitometria óssea foi realizado para diagnosticar a osteoporose. METODOLOGIA: aplicaram-se a ficha com dados sociodemográficos e o questionário EVOS no primeiro tempo e após o questionário de AIVD e o exame de densitometria óssea nas mulheres na pós-menopausa, com idade = 60 anos. RESULTADOS: foram analisadas 58 mulheres, com idade média de 67,3 anos. O índice de massa corporal (IMC), um dos fatores de risco, foi considerado fator preditor para ausência de osteoporose, pois as mulheres deste estudo apresentavam sobrepeso. Dezesseis (28%) apresentavam osteoporose, com escores médios significativamente menores que aquelas que não têm osteoporose, para os itens: consegue fazer compras (p=0,006), consegue fazer trabalhos manuais (p=0,018) e cuidar das finanças (p=0,014). CONCLUSÃO: a variável IMC na regressão logística teve relevância no questionário EVOS. Na análise do questionário de AIVD, as mulheres com osteoporose apresentam significância em relação às que não tinham osteoporose, para os itens: consegue fazer compras, consegue fazer trabalhos manuais e cuidar das finanças.
Envelhecimento e longevidade no Rio Grande do Sul: um perfil histórico, étnico e de morbi-mortalidade dos idosos
Authors: Gottlieb Maria Gabriela Valle , Schwanke Carla Helena Augustin , Gomes Irênio , Cruz Ivana Beatrice Mânica da
Published: September 2012

O Estado Rio Grande do Sul apresenta uma grande diversidade étnica e cultural na sua população. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre o perfil genético desta população em relação às doenças crônicas não-transmissíveis (DCNT) e o do padrão de herança de acordo com a origem étnica. Fatores como etnia e composição genética, em conjunto com a Reforma Sanitária brasileira e com o estilo de vida, têm possivelmente contribuído de forma substancial para o aumento da expectativa média de vida ao nascer e da longevidade dos gaúchos. A população do Rio Grande do Sul tem apresentado um acelerado processo de envelhecimento populacional e com um padrão diferenciado de morbi-mortalidade para as faixas etárias acima de 60 anos. O aumento da longevidade da população trouxe consigo um aumento não somente da incidência e prevalência, mas também da mortalidade por DCNT, tais como doenças cardiovasculares e neoplasias. Por isso, as políticas públicas de saúde precisam contemplar as peculiaridades étnicas, culturais e biológicas para que a população possa envelhecer com qualidade de vida. É dentro desse contexto que o presente artigo pretende contribuir na discussão do processo de envelhecimento populacional do Rio Grande do Sul.
Consequências das quedas em idosos vivendo na comunidade
Authors: Maia Bruna Carla , Viana Patrick Silva , Arantes Paula Maria Machado , Alencar Mariana Asmar
Published: September 2012

As quedas em idosos são um problema frequente, com importantes consequências físicas, psicológicas e sociais. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistematizada da literatura sobre as consequências das quedas em idosos vivendo na comunidade. A busca foi realizada entre junho a outubro de 2008 nas bases de dados eletrônicas Medline, Lilacs, PEDro e SciELO. Apenas artigos em inglês, português e espanhol foram considerados para esta revisão. Foram identificados inicialmente 114 artigos potencialmente relevantes. Após análise do título e dos resumos, considerando-se critérios de inclusão e exclusão predeterminados, foram selecionados para esta revisão dez artigos. Foram identificadas as seguintes consequências: fraturas, imobilização, lesões de tecidos moles, contusões, entorses, feridas e abrasões, lesões musculares e neurológicas, surgimento de outras doenças, dor, declínio funcional e da atividade física, atendimento médico, hospitalização, reabilitação, medo de cair, abandono de atividades, tristeza, mudança na vida/comportamentos, sentimento de impotência, declínio em atividade social, perda de autonomia e da independência, mudança de domicílio/ ambiente, rearranjo familiar e morte. As fraturas e o medo de uma nova queda ficaram dentre as consequências mais citadas. O conhecimento das consequências físicas, psicológicas e sociais das quedas em idosos é de extrema importância, pois ele auxiliará no delineamento das estratégias preventivas e de reabilitação de tais repercussões.
Water barrier properties of starch-clay nanocomposite films
Authors: Slavutsky Aníbal Marcelo , Bertuzzi María Alejandra , Armada Margarita
Published: September 2012

The functional properties of corn starch based films were improved by incorporating nanoclay (Montmorillonite). Nanoclay was incorporated in the polymer matrix using two different methodologies and the films were formed by casting. The effect of film preparation methodology and of the nanoclay concentration on the physicochemical properties of the films was studied. Depending on film preparation method used, intercalated or exfoliated nanocomposite films were obtained. The FTIR spectra showed a strong interaction between the montmorillonite and the starch molecules. Opacity was dependent on the nanoclay dispersion method used. Water vapor solubility and permeability decreased with increasing montmorillonite content and were affected by the dispersion method. Water diffusion was only dependent on the nanoclay content due to the increase in tortuosity of the diffusion path, caused by the nanoparticles. The results showed that the incorporation of 5% of montmorillonite using an adequate dispersion method, improved the water resistance and barrier properties of corn starch based films. Nanoparticles reduced the damage caused to the properties of these hydrophilic films by the increase in moisture content.
Mechanical properties of a high amylose content corn starch based film, gelatinized at low temperature
Authors: Bertuzzi Maria Alejandra , Gottifredi Juan Carlos , Armada Margarita
Published: September 2012

In the present study, a better knowledge of the influence of plasticizer content, storage relative humidity and film thickness on the mechanical properties of high amylose corn starch based films gelatinized at low temperature, is presented. The mechanical properties, tensile strength and percentage of elongation at break of high amylose corn starch films plasticized with glycerol were evaluated using tension tests. The films exhibited an increase in elongation and a decrease in tensile strength with increasing plasticizer concentration. When the glycerol level was high, some fissures were detected in the dry films, possible due to phase separation (starch-glycerol) phenomena. Film crystallinity is related to the reorganization capacity of the polymer chain, and thus the relative film crystallinity should increase with plasticizer content (glycerol and water). The mechanical properties were found to be strongly dependent on the water content due to the hydrophilic nature of starch films. The influence of moisture sorption on tensile strength was similar to that of plasticization with glycerol. The relationship between polymer chain mobility and water content explained this behavior. Elongation suffered a different effect and maximum values were reached at 45% relative humidity. The final drop in elongation was due to a softening of the structure at high relative humidity. The thicker the film the longer the drying time required, leading to greater relative crystallinity due to the corresponding increase in the possibility for chain reorganization. As a consequence, linear increases in tensile strength and elongation were observed with film thickness over the whole range studied (30 to 100 µm).
Estabilidade de extrato de tomate em embalagens metálicas com baixo revestimento de estanho
Authors: Dantas Sílvia Tondella , Gatti Jozeti Barbuti , Dantas Fiorella Balardin Hellmeister , Saron Elisabete Segantini , Kiyataka Paulo Henrique Massaharu
Published: September 2012

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o desempenho de latas de três peças eletrossoldadas, com corpo produzido em folha de flandres com camada de estanho de 2,0 g.m-2 no lado interno, contendo 350 g de extrato de tomate; o material dessa lata é uma alternativa à folha comumente utilizada no Brasil para acondicionamento de extrato de tomate, com 2,8 g de Sn.m-2. As latas contendo o produto foram condicionadas a 35 °C pelo período de 24 meses. Durante a estocagem, foram realizadas avaliações periódicas, incluindo determinações de estanho, ferro e cromo no alimento, pressão interna, composição gasosa do espaço livre e avaliação da aparência da superfície interna da embalagem, com o objetivo de se verificar a interação embalagem-alimento. Após o período estudado, pôde-se concluir que essa embalagem é uma opção viável para 13 meses de estocagem do produto, à temperatura ambiente de até 35 °C.
Aquatic macrophytes as indicators of water quality in subtropical shallow lakes, Southern Brazil
Authors: Pereira Sabrina Amaral , Trindade Cláudio Rossano Trindade , Albertoni Edélti Faria , Palma-Silva Cleber
Published: September 2012

AIMS: We evaluated the potential of aquatic macrophyte communities as bioindicators in six small shallow lakes. METHODS: The sampling was conducted monthly for one year, during which all macrophytes were surveyed, and the water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, total alkalinity, chlorophyll-a, suspended matter, total nitrogen (Nt) and total phosphorus (Pt) were measured. RESULTS: In total, forty-three species were recorded, and there were significant differences in the species richness and limnological conditions among the lakes studied. A canonical correspondence analysis showed that the concentration of nutrients (Nt and Pt), chlorophyll-a, suspended matter, dissolved oxygen and pH were the most important predictors of the distribution of macrophytes. Some emergents were related to the high concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll-a, and suspended matter. Moreover, the most submersed species were associated with environments with low nutrient concentrations and the lowest values chlorophyll-a and suspended matter. In addition, some species submerged and floating were related to low values pH, alkalinity and dissolved oxygen. Limnological differences between lakes may be cited as the main causes of the observed heterogeneous distribution of macrophytes. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the importance of limnological characteristics of the different environments in the macrophyte community composition and the potential role of this community as a bioindicator in shallow lakes in southern Brazil.
Hydrological stress as a limiting factor of the invasion of Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857) in the Upper Paraná River (Brazil)
Authors: Campos Mônica de Cássia Souza , Lanzer Rosane , Castro Paulo de Tarso
Published: September 2012

Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857), is an asiatic mussel that arrived in South America in 1991. Since 2004, we have noticed that the advance of this species in the lower Paranaíba River, a tributary of the Upper Paraná River, is slow when compared to the average speed of 240 km/year in the Paraná River (middle and lower course). AIM: The goal of this work is to understand what factors are limiting the spread of L. fortunei in this stretch of the Paranaíba River. METHODS: Its occurrence and dispersion were sampled twelve times between March 2006 and November 2007 in the Paranaíba River, including the São Simão hydroelectric reservoir. Physicochemical characteristics of the water were analysed, and a Stream Length-Gradient Index calculated for the study area. RESULTS: Adult mussels were easily found attached to the hulls of barges that travel on this stretch of the Paraná-Tietê waterway and on vessels that were docked in the harbours of grain exporters located in São Simão (GO). However, no larvae or adults were found near the harbours or upstream from them at the São Simão hydroelectric reservoir. The pH and concentration of calcium and dissolved oxygen values among lotic habitats and the reservoir were similar: DO values were close to 7 mg.L-1, the average pH was near 7, average values of total Ca ranged between 4 and 6 mg.L-1 and the chlorophyll-a levels were not restrictive to the mussel. CONCLUSION: Physical and chemical water parameters show that habitats were suitable for establishment of the mussel. In addition to a low pressure of propagules, this paper proposes some hydrological variables, such as the energy of the fluvial stretches, expressed by the Stream Length-Gradient Index and changes in flow downstream of the dam as barriers to the establishment of the species, discouraging larval settlement, and decreasing survival and recruitment.
Space-temporal dynamics of limnological variables in a floodplain wetland located at Ribeira do Iguape Valley (São Paulo, Brazil) at different hydrological periods
Authors: Benassi Roseli Frederigi , Freire Rogério Herlon Furtado , Calijuri Maria do Carmo
Published: September 2012

AIM: The main goal of this research was to investigate the influence of the hydrological pulses on the space-temporal dynamics of physical and chemical variables in a wetland adjacent to Jacupiranguinha River (São Paulo, Brazil); METHODS: Eleven sampling points were distributed among the wetland, a tributary by its left side and the adjacent river. Four samplings were carried out, covering the rainy and the dry periods. Measures of pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and redox potential were taken in regular intervals of the water column using a multiparametric probe. Water samples were collected for the nitrogen and total phosphorus analysis, as well as their dissolved fractions (dissolved inorganic phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus, ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate). Total alkalinity and suspended solids were also quantified; RESULTS: The Multivariate Analysis of Variance showed the influence of the seasonality on the variability of the investigated variables, while the Principal Component Analysis gave rise in two statistical significant axes, which delimited two groups representative of the rainy and dry periods. Hydrological pulses from Jacupiranguinha River, besides contributing to the inputs of nutrients and sediments during the period of connectivity, accounted for the decrease in spatial gradients in the wetland. This "homogenization effect" was evidenced by the Cluster Analysis. The research also showed an industrial raw effluent as the main point source of phosphorus to the Jacupiranguinha River and, indirectly, to the wetland; CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, considering the scarcity of information about the wetlands in the study area, this research, besides contributing to the understanding of the influence of hydrological pulses on the investigated environmental variables, showed the need for adoption of conservation policies of these ecosystems face the increase anthropic pressures that they have been submitted, which may result in lack of their ecological, social and economic functions.
Acute Liver Failure following Cleft Palate Repair: A Case of Therapeutic Acetaminophen Toxicity
Authors: Iorio Matthew L. , Cheerharan Meera , Kaufman Stuart S. , Reece-Stremtan Sarah , Boyajian Michael
Published: September 2012

Background

Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic agent in the pediatric population. While the hepatotoxic effects of the drug have been well recognized in cases of acute overdose and chronic supratherapeutic doses, the toxic effects of acetaminophen are rarely documented in cases where therapeutic guidelines are followed.

Case

An 8-month-old boy underwent cleft palate repair and placement of bilateral myringotomy tubes. His anesthetic course was uneventful, consisting of maintenance with desflurane and fentanyl. He received acetaminophen for routine postoperative pain management and was tolerating liquids and discharged home on postoperative day 1. On day 3, the child was profoundly lethargic with multiple episodes of emesis and was taken to the emergency department. He suffered a 45-second tonic-clonic seizure in transport to the regional children's medical center, and initial laboratory results demonstrated acute hepatitis with AST 24,424 U/L, ALT 12,885 U/L, total bilirubin 3.1 mg/dL, and a serum acetaminophen level of 83 μg/mL. Aggressive supportive measures including blood products and periprocedural fresh frozen plasma, piperacillin/tazobactam, and intravenous infusions of N-acetylcysteine, sodium phenylacetate and sodium benzoate, carnitine, and citrulline were administered. His metabolic acidosis and acute hepatitis began to correct by day 4, and he was discharged home without further surgical intervention on day 15.

Conclusion

Although acetaminophen is an effective and commonly used analgesic in pediatric practice, hepatotoxicity is a potentially devastating complication. This report challenges the appropriateness of existing guidelines for acetaminophen administration and emphasizes the importance of close follow-up and hydration after even relatively minor surgery.
The Value of Geriatric Assessments in Predicting Treatment Tolerance and All-Cause Mortality in Older Patients With Cancer
Authors: Hamaker Marije E. , Vos Alinda G. , Smorenburg Carolien H. , Rooij Sophia E. , Munster Barbara C.
Published: September 2012

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the predictive value of geriatric assessments for survival in older cancer patients.Describe the predictive value of geriatric assessments for treatment tolerance (such as toxicity of chemotherapy and perioperative complications) in older cancer patients.Explain the concept of frailty compared to individual geriatric conditions.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Background.

Awareness of the use of geriatric assessments for older patients with cancer is increasing. The aim of this review is to summarize all available evidence on the association between geriatric assessments and relevant oncologic outcomes.

Method.

A systematic search was conducted in Medline and Embase of studies on geriatric assessment in oncology, focusing on the association between baseline assessment and outcome.

Results.

The literature search identified 2008 reports; 51 publications from 37 studies were selected for inclusion in the review. The quality of studies was heterogeneous and generally poor. A median of five geriatric conditions were assessed per study (interquartile range: 4–8). Little consistency was found in the results of the studies. Furthermore, different tools appear to be predictive depending on the outcome measure: frailty, nutritional status, and comorbidity assessed by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics were predictive for all-cause mortality; frailty was predictive for toxicity of chemotherapy; cognitive impairment and activities of daily living impairment were predictive for chemotherapy completion; and instrumental activities of daily living impairment was predictive for perioperative complications.

Conclusion.

Although various geriatric conditions appear to be of some value in predicting outcome in elderly patients with cancer, the results are too inconsistent to guide treatment decisions. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of geriatric assessments in the oncologic decision-making process for these patients.
Three-dimensional analysis of a concrete-face rockfill dam
Authors: Mahabad Nariman Mahabadi , Imam Reza , Javanmardi Yousef , Jalali Hossein
Published: September 2012

The behaviour of a proposed concrete-face rockfill dam and its face slab during first impounding are examined using three-dimensional finite-element modelling, verified by results of empirical relationships and observed behaviour of similar dams. The study is carried out on the Glevard dam, a 110 m high concrete-face rockfill dam with a crest length of 276 m. Two models are used for the face slab, one with vertical joints and one without. Friction contacts are used between the concrete face and the underlying rockfill, and between adjacent slab pieces, such that relative sliding at these contacts is allowed. Slab deformations and stresses, joint openings and axial forces obtained for the two models are compared. Results indicate that while neglecting face slab joints in the analysis may not significantly influence the calculated total deformations, it can result in substantial underestimation of in-plane horizontal deformations and axial forces, especially near the abutments. In-plane deformations influence the performance of water stops and leakage through slab joints, and axial forces influence slab design. Results also show that using relatively simple geometry and material modelling in a three-dimensional finite-element analysis can yield results in reasonably good agreement with the observed behaviour and the empirical relations obtained from similar dams.
Numerical study of ground vibration due to impact pile driving
Authors: Khoubani Ali , Ahmadi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: September 2012

Ground vibration due to pile driving is a long-lasting concern associated with the foundation construction industry. It is of great importance to estimate the level of vibration prior to the beginning of pile driving, to avoid structural damage, or disturbance of building occupants. In this study, an axisymmetric finite-element model that utilises an adaptive meshing algorithm has been introduced, using the commercial code Abaqus, to simulate full penetration of the pile from the ground surface to the desired depth by applying successive hammer impacts. The model has been verified by comparing the computed particle velocities with those measured in the field. The results indicate that the peak particle velocity at the ground surface does not occur when the pile toe is on the ground surface; as the pile penetrates into the ground, the particle velocity reaches a maximum value at a critical depth of penetration. Some sensitivity analyses have been performed to evaluate the effect of soil, pile and hammer properties on the level of vibrations. The results show that increase in pile diameter, hammer impact force, soil–pile friction and reduction in soil elastic modulus can increase the peak particle velocity.
On the behaviour of flexible retaining walls under seismic actions
Authors: CONTI R. , MADABHUSHI G.S.P. , VIGGIANI G.M.B.
Published: September 2012

This paper describes an experimental investigation of the behaviour of embedded retaining walls under seismic actions. Nine centrifuge tests were carried out on reduced-scale models of pairs of retaining walls in dry sand, either cantilevered or with one level of props near the top. The experimental data indicate that, for maximum accelerations that are smaller than the critical limit equilibrium value, the retaining walls experience significant permanent displacements under increasing structural loads, whereas for larger accelerations the walls rotate under constant internal forces. The critical acceleration at which the walls start to rotate increases with increasing maximum acceleration. No significant displacements are measured if the current earthquake is less severe than earthquakes previously experienced by the wall. The increase of critical acceleration is explained in terms of redistribution of earth pressures and progressive mobilisation of the passive strength in front of the wall. The experimental data for cantilevered retaining walls indicate that the permanent displacements of the wall can be reasonably predicted adopting a Newmark-type calculation with a critical acceleration that is a fraction of the limit equilibrium value.
Accounting for partial material factors in numerical analysis
Authors: POTTS D.M. , ZDRAVKOVIC L.
Published: September 2012

The concept of a safety factor in the design of geotechnical structures has traditionally been developed within the framework of classical soil mechanics, where the analysis methods for its calculation involve simple limit equilibrium or limit analysis approaches. Therefore the inclusion of a safety factor within an advanced analysis method, such as finite elements or finite differences, is a more complex issue. In particular, the problem arises with design codes, such as Eurocode 7, in which partial factors on soil strength (or partial material factors) must be accounted for. Eurocode 7 implies that a numerical analysis should be performed accounting for a characteristic strength, which is reduced by partial factors. There are two ways in which such partial factors can be included in numerical analysis: one in which the strength is reduced at the beginning of the analysis, and the other in which this is done during the analysis. Eurocode 7 gives no guidance as to which one of these two approaches is more appropriate to apply. More importantly, there is no guidance on the appropriate numerical procedure that should be implemented in any software in order to perform the required strength reduction during the analysis in the latter approach. Therefore different software programs account for this in different ways, and mostly only for simple constitutive models. This paper presents, first, a consistent methodology for accounting for partial material factors in finite-element analysis, which can be applied to any constitutive model. It then demonstrates the implications of the two ways the partial material factors can be introduced in any analysis, using the example of a bearing capacity problem and employing constitutive models of increasing complexity. The paper shows that the two approaches for accounting for partial material factors may lead to different results, and that it is therefore necessary to develop a rational set of guidelines for their inclusion in advanced numerical analysis.
Spatial forecasting of switchgrass productivity under current and future climate change scenarios
Authors: Behrman Kathrine D. , Kiniry James R. , Winchell Michael , Juenger Thomas E. , Keitt Timothy H.
Published: September 2012

Evaluating the potential of alternative energy crops across large geographic regions, as well as over time, is a necessary component to determining if biofuel production is feasible and sustainable in the face of growing production demands and climatic change. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a native perennial herbaceous grass, is a promising candidate for cellulosic feedstock production. In this study, current and future (from 2080 to 2090) productivity is estimated across the central and eastern United States using ALMANAC, a mechanistic model that simulates plant growth over time. The ALMANAC model was parameterized for representative ecotypes of switchgrass. Our results indicate substantial variation in switchgrass productivity both within regions and over time. States along the Gulf Coast, southern Atlantic Coast, and in the East North Central Midwest have the highest current biomass potential. However, these areas also contain critical wetland habitat necessary for the maintenance of biodiversity and agricultural lands necessary for food production. The southern United States is predicted to have the largest decrease in future biomass production. The Great Plains are expected to experience large increases in productivity by 2080–2090 due to climate change. In general, regions where future temperature and precipitation are predicted to increase are also where larger future biomass production is expected. In contrast, regions that show a future decrease in precipitation are associated with smaller future biomass production. Switchgrass appears to be a promising biofuel crop for the central and eastern United States, with local biomass predicted to be high (>10 Mg/ha) for ∼50% of the area studied for each climate scenario. In order to minimize land conversion and loss of biodiversity, areas that currently have and maintain high productivity under climate change should be targeted for their long‐term growth potential.
‘I Feel Absolutely Incompetent’: Professionalism, Policy and Early Childhood Teachers
Authors: Bradbury Alice
Published: September 2012

There is an ongoing debate over the nature and necessity of teacher ‘professionalism’, particularly in early childhood education. In England, this sector was a particular focus of the education policies of Labour governments in the 2000s, and this had a significant impact on early childhood teachers and classrooms. This article examines the impact of a specific policy: the introduction of a statutory assessment system called the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) for teachers working with children aged four to five years in primary schools in England. Data from year-long ethnographic studies of two classrooms and extensive interviews with the class teachers are used to explore the relationship between this policy and the teachers' ideas about their own professionalism and status. It is argued that the introduction of the EYFSP has had contradictory effects on teachers: it raises their status and demarcates specific early years expertise, but simultaneously requires them to provide evidence of their judgements. Furthermore, the extent of the EYFSP requirements results in teachers feeling incompetent and also engaging in practices of ‘cynical compliance’, where they adhere only to the minimum standards. It is argued that this policy has emotional costs for teachers as it has an impact on their views of themselves as professionals.
The Role of Cultural Artefacts in Play as Tools to Mediate Learning in an Intercultural Preschool Programme
Authors: Hennig Kelly , Kirova Anna
Published: September 2012

Starting with the research question ‘What is the role of play as a means of genuine inclusion of home language and cultural traditions in an intercultural early learning programme?’, the article focuses on the role of cultural artefacts in a programme in which the majority of the children were refugees from Africa. The sociocultural theory of learning of Vygotsky and the activity theory of Leontiev provided the theoretical framework for the study. From a sociocultural perspective, materials are cultural objects within the social context and their use and functions are adaptive, depending on the activities that are also social. By engaging in these habitual activities and interactions, children become a part of their cultural world. Ethnographic data collection methods were employed to address the research question. A description of a play episode was used as an example of a young child's use of her appropriated knowledge of a particular cultural practice (singing while doing housework) and a cultural object (artefact) as a tool to mediate her learning. The authors argue that the example demonstrates that the presence of cultural artefacts allowed the child's home culture to emerge as the dominant one in the early childhood setting. The authors believe that the mindful, deliberate introduction of cultural artefacts by the first-language facilitators and cultural brokers who were members of the classroom teaching team allowed the child to consolidate her learning from both her home and her school environments in a manner consistent with her cultural background. The study suggests possible tools and forms of analysis that provoke early childhood educators to extend themselves outside of their own knowledge systems so that they can better facilitate children's ongoing negotiations among their multiple worlds.
The Value of Childcare: Class, Gender and Caring Labour
Authors: Andrew Yarrow , Newman Brian
Published: September 2012

Despite increasing attention being paid to early childhood services as the foundation for lifelong learning, one issue seems to be consistently ignored — staff wages. The authors argue that this constitutes ongoing exploitation of childcare staff, and that this exploitation is a result of gendered and classed discourses around caring labour. As with other feminised fields, this caring labour involves a high level of emotional management, of the self and others, which remains undervalued as a skill within discourses of professionalisation. The authors suggest that only by recognising the unequal distribution of wages across the education sector and significantly increasing the pay of early childhood staff will early childhood services deliver the educational advantages hoped for by governments.
Standards-Based Curricula in a Denationalised Conception of Education: The Case of Sweden
Authors: Sundberg Daniel , Wahlström Ninni
Published: September 2012

In this article, the authors examine the development of the Swedish educational reform of 1991 from an international and European perspective, and from the perspective of what counts as knowledge in a recently implemented Swedish curriculum reform. With effect from 2011, the Swedish Government has significantly reshaped the curricula for pre-school, compulsory school and upper secondary school education, but in terms of governing principles for schools, these curriculum reforms can be regarded as a continuation of the 1991 reform. The authors argue that this latest reform, as part of an international policy discourse, can be said to represent a denationalised and instrumental conception of education, and that the implications for the formation of knowledge within this conception can be understood as a standards-based curriculum shaped by two powerful international influences: a technical-instrumental discourse of curriculum, emphasising the form, structure and function of the curriculum; and a neo-conservative discourse of curriculum, with an emphasis on curriculum content as a given and uncontested body of knowledge.
‘Europe’ as an Alibi: An Overview of Twenty Years of Policy, Curricula and Textbooks in the Republic of Cyprus — And Their Review
Authors: Philippou Stavroula
Published: September 2012

This article compares discourses on ‘Europe’ in Greek-Cypriot policy, curricula and textbooks over approximately the last twenty years, from the early 1990s, when Cyprus applied for European Union (EU) membership, until 2011–12, the school year during which the recently revised curricula were gradually introduced to schools for implementation. This period spans both before and after the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU in 2004, the year when an educational reform was also launched. As this reform has been mainly materialised through curriculum review processes, and as ‘Europe’ has been repeatedly invoked to legitimise and explain its necessity, it renders Cyprus a useful case study, within the problematique of this special issue, in terms of exploring the shaping and governing of a European education policy space via ‘European’ curricula. Findings indicate distinct differences and continuities between the two periods; although ‘Europe’ increasingly provides a framework to legitimise curricular innovation towards tolerance and respect for diversity, human rights and democracy, reconciliation and inclusion, it is not systematically addressed in curriculum texts in locally relevant ways to alleviate existing tensions between ethno-national and state identities which have historically fuelled inter-communal conflict and division in Cyprus. Moreover, the construction of citizens seems to increasingly draw from the knowledge economy paradigm and from discourses of efficiency and competitiveness, despite a parallel (and more publicised) agenda for social justice and inclusion in the recent curriculum review documentation.
Association between body mass index, body fat per cent and muscle power output in soccer players
Authors: Nikolaidis Pantelis
Published: September 2012

The objectives of this study were to examine (a) the prevalence of overweight/obesity, (b) the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and body fat percent (BF), and (c) the association between BMI, BF and power output in adult male soccer players. Members of competitive soccer clubs (n=169, aged 22.7±4.2yr) were examined for anthropometric characteristics and body composition, and performed the physical working capacity in heart rate 170 min−1 test (PWC170), a force-velocity test (F-v) and the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). Based on international BMI cut-off points, 17.8% (n=30) of participants were classified as overweight. BMI was correlated with BF (r=0.67, p<0.001) and could be predicted based on the equation BF=1.193·BMI-12.24 (standard error of estimate 2.49). BMI and BF were in inverse relationship with mean power during WAnT (r=−0.30, p<0.001; r=−0.47, p<0.001, respectively). BF was also in inverse relationship with PWC170 (r=−0.26, p<0.001) and maximal power of the F-v test (r=−0.18, p=0.020).The prevalence of overweight among participants was lower than what is observed in general population. The findings confirmed previous observations on general population about the negative effect of overweight and fatness on selected parameters of physical fitness.
Association of CSF glucose concentration with neurosyphilis diagnosis
Authors: Pastuszczak Maciej , Wojas-Pelc Anna , Jaworek Andrzej
Published: September 2012

The most specific criterion for diagnosing neurosyphilis is a reactive CSF VDRL. Unfortunately, there are in Europe, including Poland small number of specialized laboratories for serological diagnosis of syphilis. Thus, CSF serology results are obtained with delay. Therefore, the decision on recommended therapy for neurosyphilis is taken on the basis of CSF basic tests. In this paper we attempt to determine the utility of CSF glucose concentration and its cut-off values in prediction of asymptomatic neurosyphilis. CSF and blood were collected from 55 HIV-uninfected patients with syphilis of unknown duration. Patients with neurosyphilis (14.5%) were characterized by higher CSF pleocytosis (p<0.0001), elevated CSF protein concentration (p<0.05) and lower CSF glucose concentration (p<0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis identified CSF pleocytosis and CSF glucose concentration as the two independent predictors of reactive CSF VDRL (p<0.0001). In the selected group of patients with CSF pleocytosis ≥5/µL (n=25) CSF glucose concentration ≤2.72 mmol/L was associated with 100% sensitivity (95%CI: 63–100%) and 100% specificity (95%CI: 75.3–100%) for reactive CSF VDRL. CSF glucose concentration may be particularly useful as a predictive marker of neurosyphilis in HIV uninfected patients with syphilis of unknown duration with CSF plecytosis ≥5/µL.
Sepsis with multiple abscesses caused by staphylococcus warneri: a case report
Authors: Ivić Ivo , Karanović Jakica , Pavičić-Ivelja Mirela
Published: September 2012

Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus warneri is a rare cause of human disease, which as a rule manifests as an insidious and protracted infection of various prostheses and endovascular catheters. A case of Staphylococcus warneri sepsis with multiple abscesses in an immunocompetent patient free from the usual predisposing factors for coagulase-negative staphylococcal infection is presented. To our knowledge, this is the first case of sepsis with multiple abscesess caused by this bacterium reported in the literature.
Application of time-gated CCD camera with image intensifier in contactless detection of absorbing inclusions buried in optically turbid medium which mimics local changes in oxygenation of the brain tissue
Authors: Sawosz P. , Zolek N. , Kacprzak M. , Maniewski R. , Liebert A.
Published: September 2012

The near infrared spectroscopy may be implemented using various optoelectronic techniques, however, most of them do not allow to carry out measurements at short source-detector separation. We propose a method, based on time-gated intensified CCD camera, which allows for contactless measurements and can be carried out at short source-detector separation. This technique was tested on a phantom with absorbing inclusions buried in an optically turbid medium which mimics local changes in oxygenation of the brain tissue.
Postoperative imaging of vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Ginat Daniel T. , Martuza Robert L.
Published: September 2012

Symptomatic vestibular schwannomas can be treated with resection (translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid [suboccipital], or middle cranial fossa approaches) or stereotactic radiosurgery. When appropriate, auditory brainstem stimulators can also be implanted in patients with current or impending hearing loss due to bilateral vestibular schwannomas. Imaging plays a prominent role in determining management following these procedures. In this article, the expected postoperative imaging appearances are depicted. The radiological features of complications are also reviewed, including recurrent tumor, fat graft necrosis, CSF leakage, infection, hydrocephalus, cerebral infarction, venous sinus thrombosis, hemorrhage, and temporal lobe and cerebellar contusions.
Intraoperative neuromonitoring techniques in the surgical management of acoustic neuromas
Authors: Oh Taemin , Nagasawa Daniel T. , Fong Brendan M. , Trang Andy , Gopen Quinton , Parsa Andrew T. , Yang Isaac
Published: September 2012

Unfavorable outcomes such as facial paralysis and deafness were once unfortunate probable complications following resection of acoustic neuromas. However, the implementation of intraoperative neuromonitoring during acoustic neuroma surgery has demonstrated placing more emphasis on quality of life and preserving neurological function. A modern review demonstrates a great degree of recent success in this regard. In facial nerve monitoring, the use of modern electromyography along with improvements in microneurosurgery has significantly improved preservation. Recent studies have evaluated the use of video monitoring as an adjunctive tool to further improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgery. Vestibulocochlear nerve monitoring has also been extensively studied, with the most popular techniques including brainstem auditory evoked potential monitoring, electrocochleography, and direct compound nerve action potential monitoring. Among them, direct recording remains the most promising and preferred monitoring method for functional acoustic preservation. However, when compared with postoperative facial nerve function, the hearing preservation is only maintained at a lower rate. Here, the authors analyze the major intraoperative neuromonitoring techniques available for acoustic neuroma resection.