bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insatisfação com a imagem corporal e relação com estado nutricional, adiposidade corporal e sintomas de anorexia e bulimia em adolescentes
Authors: Martins Cilene Rebolho , Pelegrini Andreia , Matheus Silvana Corrêa , Petroski Edio Luiz
Published: August 2010

Objetivos: Identificar a prevalência de insatisfação com a imagem corporal e de sintomas de anorexia e bulimia em adolescentes do sexo feminino da cidade de Santa Maria (RS) e verificar a associação da insatisfação com a imagem corporal com estado nutricional, adiposidade corporal e sintomas de anorexia e bulimia. Método: Foram analisadas 258 adolescentes do sexo feminino (11 a 13 anos), estudantes de escolas públicas. Aplicou-se o Body Shape Questionnaire e o Teste de Atitudes Alimentares (EAT-26). Foram calculados o índice de massa corporal e o percentual de gordura. Foram utilizados o teste qui-quadrado e a regressão logística. Resultados: A prevalência de insatisfação com a imagem corporal foi de 25,3% e a de sintomas de anorexia e bulimia foi de 27,6%. A insatisfação com a imagem corporal apresentou associação com o estado nutricional, sendo que as adolescentes com excesso de peso apresentaram maior insatisfação (razão de chances = 2,64; IC95%= 1,02-6,83). Conclusão: As prevalências de insatisfação corporal e sintomas de anorexia e bulimia foram elevadas. O estado nutricional parece ser o melhor preditor da insatisfação corporal.
Reação em campo à murcha bacteriana de cultivares de tomate em Roraima
Authors: Lima Hyanameyka E de , Rêgo Elizanilda R do , Cavalcante Gilcianny P , Rêgo Mailson M do , Cota Luciano V
Published: August 2010

A murcha bacteriana causada por Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) é a doença bacteriana mais importante do tomateiro na Região Norte do Brasil. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o nível de resistência de cultivares de tomate, avaliar o progresso da murcha bacteriana nesses genótipos a fim de conhecer o comportamento da doença nos diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento da cultura, para auxiliar no manejo da epidemia, e determinar a época crítica para o desenvolvimento da doença nessas cultivares nas condições de Roraima. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em um campo naturalmente infestado com a biovar 1 de Rasltonia solanacearum, por dois anos. A área tinha um histórico de quatro anos de plantios sucessivos com plantas de tomate suscetíveis à murcha bacteriana, e as perdas alcançando até 100%. Para condução do experimento foram utilizadas mudas das cultivares Majestade, Nemonetta, Carmen, Liliane, Santa Clara, Sensação, San Vito, Gaúcho Melhorado, Hector e Laura. Foram feitas seis avaliações do número de tomateiros que apresentavam murcha irreversível e/ou morte durante o ciclo da cultura. Foram determinadas as variáveis área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença (AACPD) e a taxa de progresso da doença (r), incidência média (Y50), incidência máxima (Ymáx) e a incidência final da doença. Os valores de AACPD e da variável r para a cultivar Majestade foram menores que para as demais, demonstrando que houve menor incidência de plantas doentes nesta cultivar, indicando resistência. Embora o nível de resistência apresentado por esta cultivar não seja muito elevado, o cultivo da mesma é recomendável e viável para o plantio no Estado de Roraima, especialmente considerando-se os altos preços do tomate, que são adquiridos de outras regiões produtoras no país, embora somente esta resistência não garanta, sozinha, o controle adequado da doença, sendo necessárias outras medidas de controle associadas.
Cooperação internacional e políticas de ação afirmativa: o papel da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS)
Authors: Maio Marcos Chor , Pires-Alves Fernando A. , Paiva Carlos Henrique Assunção , Magalhães Rodrigo Cesar da Silva
Published: August 2010

O artigo analisa o processo de formulação, legitimação e implementação de uma política de recorte racial no âmbito da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS). O trabalho compreende a emergência do tema no interior da organização internacional, a dinâmica institucional em torno da questão e as propostas centradas na população negra na América Latina. Essas são abordadas com base nas interações estabelecidas entre a OPAS e um conjunto de agências intergovernamentais e organizações privadas com atuação relevante no domínio da saúde internacional. O envolvimento da OPAS com a temática étnico-racial fornece elementos para entendimento do duplo papel desempenhado por organizações intergovernamentais no novo cenário global: como atores sociais e arenas. Como ator social importante no campo da saúde internacional, a OPAS produziu e disseminou valores e enunciados prescritivos relacionados com a temática étnico-racial. Como arena, a organização mostrou-se permeável a interesses de origens variadas, com sua burocracia interna procurando movimentar-se em sintonia com os mesmos.
Desigualdades justas e igualdade complexa
Authors: Kerstenetzky Celia Lessa
Published: August 2010

Num diálogo com as teorias normativas contemporâneas, e valendo-se com seus conceitos e idéias, discute-se o problema das desigualdades justas. Apresenta-se a proposição de um igualitarismo complexo (que considera outras dimensões além da igualdade em sentido estrito).
Importância e medidas de controle para Alphitobius diaperinus em aviários
Authors: Japp Anne Karoline , Bicho Carla de Lima , Silva Ana Vitória Fischer da
Published: August 2010

O crescimento da produção avícola provocado pela alta demanda do mercado acarreta um aumento da criação de aves em confinamento, o que resulta em um aumento da densidade das aves dentro do galpão. Em função disso, há um incremento da umidade da cama aviária, proveniente tanto das excretas das aves, como da água dos bebedouros, que favorece o crescimento de populações do coleóptero Alphitobius diaperinus, popularmente conhecido como cascudinho. O contato direto do inseto com a cama das aves, assim como a alimentação a partir de aves moribundas e mortas, faz do A. diaperinus um veiculador de diversos patógenos, sendo destacados bactérias, protozoários e vírus que causam imunossupressão nas aves. Além da relação com os patógenos, os cascudinhos podem provocar danos nas instalações avícolas, pois, na fase larval, escavam túneis no material isolante para empuparem e destroem a proteção de poliuretano usada para isolamento térmico dos galpões em países de clima frio, a qual precisa ser trocada a cada dois ou três anos. Outro fator prejudicial às aves é a substituição da ração balanceada por larvas e adultos do coleóptero, uma vez que afeta o ganho de peso, principalmente, das mais jovens. Frente ao exposto, a presença do cascudinho em instalações avícolas torna-se um problema, tanto sanitário, como financeiro. O controle do A. diaperinus é considerado difícil, e inseticidas químicos são comumente utilizados em aviários, mas apresentam desvantagens, pois deixam resíduos na carcaça, bem como no meio ambiente. A presença de alta quantidade de matéria orgânica nos aviários provoca a diminuição da efetividade dos inseticidas químicos. Vários estudos vêm sendo desenvolvidos na busca de alternativas, como, por exemplo, nematoides e fungos entomapatogênicos, mas até o momento não são produzidos em escala comercial. Outra linha de pesquisa é a utilização de terra diatomácea, um pó-inerte que não deixa resíduos na carne de frango e no ambiente.
Comparison of microbial load in immersion chilling water and poultry carcasses after 8, 16 and 24 working hours
Authors: Cavani Ricardo , Schocken-Iturrino Ruben Pablo , Garcia Teresa Cristina Fernandes Lopes , Oliveira Adriana Cássia de
Published: August 2010

Poultry processing facilities are known for using a great amount of water, which is mainly used on carcasses chilling stage. In Brazil, meat regulations state that each chiller tank must be emptied, cleaned and sanitized every 8 working hours. The aim of the current study was to assess the microbial load of chiller water used in poultry immersion chilling system after 8, 16 and 24 working hours in order to evaluate the reduction of water changes and chiller sanitization. Conventional physicochemical and microbiological assays were done in water supply samples (n=69) to suppress interferences caused by freshwater addition; pre chilled (n=345) post chilled carcasses (n=345) and chiller water samples of the last stage (n=69). The results showed no significant differences on microbial load samples between the three shifts suggesting that the proposed reduction may be secure and reduces the volume of wastewater that would impact the environment, besides improving the rational use of processing time.
Melatonin in maturation media fails to improve oocyte maturation, embryo development rates and DNA damage of bovine embryos
Authors: Takada Luciana , Martins Junior Alicio , Mingoti Gisele Zoccal , Balieiro Julio César Carvalho , Coelho Lia Alencar
Published: August 2010

Melatonin (MEL) acts as a powerful scavenger of free radicals and direct gonadal responses to melatonin have been reported in the literature. Few studies, however, have evaluated the effect of MEL during in vitro maturation (IVM) on bovine embryos. This study tested the addition of MEL to maturation medium (MM) with no gonadotropins on nuclear maturation and embryo development rates and the incidence of DNA damage in resulting embryos. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were aspirated from abattoir ovaries and cultured in MM (TCM-199 medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum - FCS) at 39ºC and 5% CO2 in air. After 24 hours of culture in MM with 0.5 µg mL-1 FSH and 5.0 µg mL-1 LH; 10-9 M MEL) or 10-9 M MEL, 0.5 µg mL-1 FSH and 5.0 µg mL-1 LH, the oocytes were stained with Hoechst 33342 to evaluate nuclear maturation rate. After in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, development rates were evaluated and the blastocysts were assessed for DNA damage by Comet assay. There was no effect of melatonin added to the MM, alone or in combination with gonadotropins, on nuclear maturation, cleavage and blastocyst rates. These rates ranged between 88% to 90%, 85% to 88% and 42% to 46%, respectively. The extent of DNA damage in embryos was also not affected by MEL supplementation during IVM. The addition of 10-9 M MEL to the MM failed to improve nuclear maturation and embryo development rates and the incidence of DNA damage in resulting embryos, but was able to properly substitute for gonadotropins during IVM.
Adaptation and validation of an oral anticoagulation measurement of treatment adherence instrument
Authors: Carvalho Ariana Rodrigues da Silva , Dantas Rosana Aparecida Spadoti , Pelegrino Flávia Martinelli , Corbi Inaiara Scalçone Almeida
Published: August 2010

This methodological study adapted and analyzed the psychometric properties of the Measurement of Treatment Adherence (MTA) instrument for Brazilian users of oral anticoagulation therapy. Its final version was tested with 178 individuals. The average of answers for all questions ranged from 4.6 to 5.8 and 97.2% of the individuals were considered adherent. Moderate correlations were obtained between the adherence measure and the Mental health and Vitality domains of the SF-36. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.60 and the ceiling effect occurred in answers to all items. These results indicate weak evidence of the validity, reliability and responsiveness of the MTA-adapted version for users of oral anticoagulant therapy.
Prevalence of risk factors for breast neoplasm in the city of Maringá, Paraná state, Brazil
Authors: Matos Jéssica Carvalho de , Pelloso Sandra Marisa , Carvalho Maria Dalva de Barros
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of the risk factors for breast cancer among women between 40 and 69 years old in the city of Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil. An analytical, exploratory and cross-sectional study was carried out through a population research at homes in Maringá. The sample was composed of 439 women between 40 and 69 years old. The data were collected by home interviews, stored using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software and presented in tables as absolute and relative frequency. The predominant ethnical group was Caucasian with an average age of 52 years. Among risk factors identified in the present study, an expressive number of overweight women were found. It is important and necessary to put in practice actions that identify the modifiable risk factors for the development of breast tumors in order to reduce morbidity and mortality levels due to this pathology.
Evaluation of quality of life and depression in nursing technicians and nursing assistants
Authors: Rios Kátia Assalvi , Barbosa Dulce Aparecida , Belasco Angélica Gonçalves Silva
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and depression, and relate them to the sociodemographic characteristics of nursing technicians and nursing assistants in a private hospital. This was an epidemiological and cross-sectional study. The number of technicians and assistants who participated in this study was 266. The instruments used were the WHOQOL-BREF and the Beck Depression Inventory. The evaluation of quality of life of nursing technicians and assistants showed similar values to those found in individuals with chronic diseases. The presence of health problems led to higher indices of depression and lower QoL scores in the general and psychological domains and correlated to labor activity. Night-shift workers had higher scores of depression. Understanding factors, related to professional activities, which trigger health problems and alter quality of life, can provide tools in the search for alternatives to remedy or mitigate their effects.
The scientific study of happiness and health promotion: an integrative literature review
Authors: Scorsolini-Comin Fabio , Santos Manoel Antônio dos
Published: August 2010

The article aims to trace the profile of publications concerning the concept of subjective well-being (SWB), considered the scientific study of happiness, as well as discussing the impact of this accumulated understanding on health promotion. The revision was carried out in the databases PubMed, MedLine, PsycINFO, SciELO, LILACS and PEPSIC using the descriptor subjective well-being. Articles published in indexed periodicals between 1970 and 2008 were selected. From the inclusion/exclusion criteria 19 publications were selected in full for discussion. Of these, the majority were related to the health area and did not approach the concept of SWB directly, but touched on this together with the notions of well-being, satisfaction and quality of life. There were few publications that approached the term conceptually or that defined the instruments used for the assessment of SWB. Concluding, the results confirm the relevance of the theme for health promotion and the necessity of investigations related to the practices of health professionals .
Assistência ao familiar cuidador em convívio com o alcoolista, por meio da técnica de solução de problemas
Authors: Gonçalves Jurema Ribeiro Luiz , Galera Sueli Aparecida Frari
Published: August 2010

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo oferecer treinamento aos familiares cuidadores de pacientes alcoolistas, por meio da técnica de solução de problemas. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, do qual participaram 8 familiares cuidadores. Realizaram-se três reuniões nas quais foram trabalhados temas como alterações do comportamento e esgotamento de quem cuida. Desses encontros, emergiram sentimentos que a situação alterações do comportamento mobiliza, autocuidado do cuidador através do compartilhamento das responsabilidades com familiares e outros e busca por atendimento especializado. Os participantes do estudo consideraram positiva a intervenção proposta, pois possibilitou a reflexão acerca de suas vivências e o seu potencial para manejar dificuldades. Acredita-se, aqui, que esse seja um horizonte a ser trilhado pelo enfermeiro, munido de capacitação para prestar assistência ao familiar cuidador.
El papel de los profesionales en centros de atención en drogas en ambulatorios de la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Díaz Heredia Luz Patricia , Marziale Maria Helena Palucci
Published: August 2010

Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y trasversal, desarrollado con 93 profesionales, que tuvo por objetivo caracterizar el papel de los profesionales que se desempeñaban en los centros de atención en drogadicción en ambulatorios de la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia. Los resultados mostraron que los profesionales que se encontraron con mayor frecuencia fueron los psicólogos (38%) y los que desempeñaban actividades terapéuticas eran el 34%. Se evidencia que los enfermeros, que correspondieron al 8% del profesionales, enfatizaron su papel en el ámbito administrativo (43%) y predominantemente en los aspectos de promoción del auto cuidado (100%), prevención (57%) y muy poco en la rehabilitación y reinserción social (14%). Los papeles desempeñados por los profesionales coinciden con lo esperado a respecto de las actividades de las diferentes profesiones, con excepción de los terapeutas ocupacionales. Se considera que las enfermeras necesitan ganar más espacio dentro del equipo de atención a los usuarios de drogas.
The development of institutional theory in the field of organization studies in Brazil
Authors: Guarido Filho Edson Ronaldo , Machado-da-Silva Clóvis L.
Published: August 2010

This article is based on the assumption that the construction of scientific knowledge is a social process characterized by the recursive dynamic between the social and intellectual dimensions. In light of this statement, we investigated how the construction of the institutional perspective is delineated in the context of organizational studies in Brazil from 1993 to 2007, considering transformations in its substantive content as well as the social organization of scientists. The study is based on documentary research of published articles in scientific journals and at academic events. We analyzed social networks of authorship in order to map the cooperation relationships between researchers, and we also used scientometric analysis, based on cited and co-cited authors, for mapping the intellectual framework throughout the period under study. The findings reveal that social ties among scientists in the field of institutional theory are representative of intellectual affinity, which means that there are social mechanisms working in the process of diffusion of ideas and formation of shared understandings, both aspects regarded to social embeddedness of researchers in the clusters in which they belong.
Contracts, trust and information systems innovation
Authors: Lopez Jimenez Liliana
Published: August 2010

This paper discusses the use of contracts as the prevailing coordination mechanism in IS innovation processes in which an external provider is appointed. Drawing from a theoretical framework founded on systems theory, structuration theory and neo-institutionalism, this paper argues that IS innovations take place in a relatively weak institutional context, which accounts for the generalised preference for contracts over other coordination mechanisms (i.e. trust) as a means of governing interorganizational exchange. Based on secondary data, two constituent elements of the institutional context of IS innovations are analysed, namely the institutional aspects of the IT industry and the legal system. Our argument has both academic and practical implications. Academic implications emphasize the importance of acknowledging the institutional dimension of contracts and trust. Regarding practice, the need for a better understanding of the role of contracts is suggested.
Herbicides as Probes in Plant Biology
Authors: Dayan Franck E. , Duke Stephen O. , Grossmann Klaus
Published: August 2010

Herbicides are small molecules that inhibit specific molecular target sites within plant biochemical pathways and/or physiological processes. Inhibition of these sites often has catastrophic consequences that are lethal to plants. The affinity of these compounds for their respective target sites makes them useful tools to study and dissect the intricacies of plant biochemical and physiological processes. For instance, elucidation of the photosynthetic electron transport chain was achieved in part by the use of herbicides, such as terbutryn and paraquat, which act on photosystem II and I, respectively, as physiological probes. Work stemming from the discovery of the binding site of PS II–inhibiting herbicides was ultimately awarded the Nobel Prize in 1988. Although not as prestigious as the seminal work on photosynthesis, our knowledge of many other plant processes expanded significantly through the ingenious use of inhibitors as molecular probes. Examples highlight the critical role played by herbicides in expanding our understanding of the fundamental aspects of the synthesis of porphyrins and the nonmevalonate pathway, the evolution of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase, cell wall physiology, the functions of microtubules and the cell cycle, the role of auxin and cyanide, the importance of subcellular protein targeting, and the development of selectable markers.
The Critical Weed-Free Period in Carrot
Authors: Swanton Clarence J. , O'Sullivan John , Robinson Darren E.
Published: August 2010

Seeding date and the duration of weed emergence influenced the duration of the critical weed-free period in carrot. The critical weed-free period extended up to 930 growing degree days (GDD), when carrot was seeded in late April. In contrast, the critical weed-free period was short and lasted 414 to 444 GDD, when seeded in mid to late May and weed biomass was less than 650 g m−2. It is important for growers to scout fields for weeds until 930 GDD to protect the yield potential of the carrot crop in earlier planted crops; however, for carrot planted in mid to late May, weeds emerging after 444 GDD did not reduce yield. A useful strategy to reduce reliance on herbicide application would be to delay planting until late in May.
Herbicide and Pharmaceutical Relationships
Authors: Duke Stephen O.
Published: August 2010

For many years, virtually all pharmaceutical companies had an agrochemical division. This was partly to maximize the benefits of expensive chemical synthesis efforts by searching for many types of useful biological activities. Leads for pharmaceuticals and pesticides often overlap, in some cases leading to similar compounds used for human health and weed management purposes. This review will focus on herbicides and herbicide classes that have potential pharmaceutical properties, both as therapeutic agents that act through human molecular target sites and those that act on infectious agents. An example of the first case is compounds that target plant acetyl coenzyme A carboxylases, inhibiting fatty acid synthesis, and similar compounds used in humans as anti-inflammatory agents. Another such example is the triketone class of compounds that can act both as herbicides and as treatments for the genetic disease tyrosinemia, targeting the same enzyme in both cases. Examples of the second case are the relatively large number of herbicides that have activity against the malaria protozoan (Plasmodiumspp.). It turns out thatPlasmodiumspp. and related disease organisms have an organelle that is apparently analogous to the plant plastid, the apicoplast. Herbicides such as dinitroanilines are active against several protozoan parasites by the same mechanism by which they kill plants, interaction with tubulin to halt cell division and other tubulin-dependent processes. These and other multiple activities of various herbicides and herbicide classes provide perspective on the broad biological activity of herbicides and related compounds.
Herbicides as Ripeners for Sugarcane
Authors: Dalley Caleb D. , Richard Edward P.
Published: August 2010

Chemical ripening of sugarcane is an important component to profitable sugar production in the United States as well as other sugarcane industries throughout the world. Harvesting of sugarcane often begins before the sugarcane reaches the desirable maturity level. This is especially true in the Louisiana sugarcane industry where the window for harvesting is limited because of the risk of freezing temperatures encountered in a temperate climate. Research on the application of chemicals, mostly of herbicide origin, to enhance sucrose accumulation (ripening) or limit flowering to conserve stored sucrose has been conducted for more than 60 yr. The only sugarcane ripener currently registered for use in the United States is glyphosate applied before harvest. The herbicide fluazifop is used as the primary ripener of sugarcane in South Africa. The herbicides glyphosate, fluazifop, and sulfometuron-methyl and the growth regulators ethephon and trinexapac-ethyl are registered for use in Brazil. There is a continuing need to evaluate sugarcane ripeners to increase the utility of currently registered ripeners and to find additional ripeners for use by sugarcane industries. The need for alternatives to glyphosate is especially critical before a glyphosate-tolerant sugarcane can be utilized to improve control of problematic weeds.
Responses of Rice Flatsedge (Cyperus iria) and Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) to Rice Interference
Authors: Chauhan Bhagirath S. , Johnson David E.
Published: August 2010

Rice flatsedge and barnyardgrass are widespread and competitive weeds in direct-seeded rice. Developing integrated weed management strategies that elevate suppression of weeds by rice through crop density, nutrition, and cultivar choice requires better understanding of the extent to which rice interferes with the growth of these weeds and how these species respond to resource limitation with crop interference. Rice interference reduced the height of barnyardgrass but did not affect height of rice flatsedge. These weed species were able to grow taller than rice and thus avoided being shaded. Increased specific stem length under crop interference may demonstrate a strategy of stem elongation to allow the top portion of the weeds to be kept out of shade. Rice interference reduced inflorescence and shoot biomass of both weed species. Barnyardgrass showed the ability to reduce the effects of rice interference by increasing leaf weight ratio. The present study shows that crop interference alone may reduce weed growth but may not give complete control of these weed species. This highlights the need for the integration of management practices to achieve control of these weed species.
Hexazinone and Fertilizer Impacts on Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) in Wild Blueberry
Authors: Kennedy Karen J. , Boyd Nathan S. , Nams Vilis O.
Published: August 2010

Sheep sorrel is an invasive, creeping perennial weed of lowbush blueberry fields. It is one of the most prominent weeds in blueberry fields in Nova Scotia and is responsible for decreasing yields. Three levels of fertilizer (0, 20, 40 kg N ha−1) and two levels of hexazinone (0 or 1.92 kg ai ha−1) were applied to experimental plots to determine their effects on sheep sorrel density. Sprout-year hexazinone reduced sheep sorrel densities, which led to increased yields. Fertilizer increased weed density in the absence of herbicides, had no effect on density in the presence of herbicides, tended to have no impact on floral buds, and did not increase yields. Fruiting-year hexazinone decreased sheep sorrel densities in some situations, but did not result in yield increases.
Strategies for Faculty-Student Engagement: How Community College Faculty Engage Latino Students
Authors: Cejda Brent D. , Hoover Richard E.
Published: August 2010

Student-faculty engagement has been identified as the best predictor of Latino student persistence (Hurtado & Carter, 1997). This study explores the strategies that community college faculty employ to engage Latino students. Findings indicate that knowledge, appreciation, and sensitivity to Hispanic cultures and an understanding of the preferred learning styles of Latino students are important considerations to establishing classroom environments that engage Latino students and, thus, facilitate their retention and academic success.
Leaving the Community College: A Profile of Community College Starters outside of the Classroom
Authors: Mullin Christopher M.
Published: August 2010

A substantive amount of research has been conducted on how work influences persistence and completion, for those who decide to leave we know little about where they go to work and how much they earn. The purpose of this study was to explore the work behaviors of a cohort of students who began their postsecondary experience at a community college for those who, within 6 years after high school, leave the community college without a certificate or degree—“leavers”—are compared with their peers who earned a certificate or degree. Utilizing a student unit-record dataset, “leavers” were more likely to be African American or Latino with low levels of college readiness. For the first 5 years after high school, “leavers” had higher median quarterly earnings than those who completed. Lastly, the industry employing the largest number of “leavers” was full-service restaurants. Implications and direction for future research are presented.
A Concept of the Object State Identification
Authors: Grabski Franciszek , Jaźwiński Jerzy
Published: August 2010

A Concept of the Object State Identification

Relations between features and requirements are the basis for an object state identification. States of the object are defined by a finite partition of the Cartesian product of the future space C and the requirements space W. In many cases there are possible measurement random errors in assessing futures of the object. Hence, two type errors may be made. A I - Type error and a II -Type error are defined in this paper. Several examples of the introduced notions application are presented in this paper.
Reliability Assessment of Existing Concrete Bridges
Authors: Marková Jana
Published: August 2010

Reliability Assessment of Existing Concrete Bridges

The remaining working life of an existing reinforced concrete bridge is analysed considering the serviceability limit states of crack width. Two new models of crack width provided Eurocode EN 1992 and in the Model Code 2010 are applied. The probabilistic methods of structural reliability are used for assessing the crack width limits and remaining working life of existing concrete bridges. It appears that the initial reliability with respect to the serviceability requirements resulting from the original design of the bridge seems to satisfy the required target reliability level recommended in Eurocodes. However, the reliability index significantly decreases with the reduction of the reinforcement area due to corrosion.
Fuzzy Interpretation of a Transport System Operation Quality Assessment
Authors: Muślewski Łukasz
Published: August 2010

Fuzzy Interpretation of a Transport System Operation Quality Assessment

The paper deals with issues connected with an assessment of transport systems operation quality. The considerations concern real, systems with an intended set of operations, belonging to socio - technical systems of the type whose operation quality assessment is performed depending on value changes of features describing actions of operators, technical objects operated by them and he impact of he environment. Their assessment and providing them with the required functional and operational quality, both in terms of their operation safety efficiency, reliability and ecology, provides basis for accomplishment of the transport service according to the set requirements. This work presents possibilities of application of elements of fuzzy logic in selected stages of the assessment, on the basis of the developed method and the assessment model. Operation quality has been defined as being expressed by means of numerical values identified features, whereas it should be emphasized, that in some cases their direct identification is a significant problem. In connection with this, there was built a fuzzy assessment model for which the scope of changes of the system analyzed features is covered with fuzzy numbers, whereas, their sharp values account for the model initial data. Then, there was presented a fuzzy representation of values of features determined for the system assessment, their graphic interpretation was presented, along with an example of application of fuzzy logic elements for a municipal transport system assessment.
Computer-Aided Risk Analysis of Power Units
Authors: Rusin Andrzej , Wojaczek Adam
Published: August 2010

Computer-Aided Risk Analysis of Power Units

Analysis of technical risk connected with operation of power units constitutes very important element of general assessment of operation quality. It takes into consideration and connects together economic aspects and unit operation safety. The SKOR computer software described below is provided for technical risk quantitative assessment created by power units elements. Results of calculations of damage probability of turbine caused by various damages scenarios are presented in the paper. The programme allows the risk assessment in off-line mode of specific power unit. It may constitute an essential help for inspection, control, planning, operation and repairs services.
Numerical Verification of Engineering Decisions for Safety of Trunklines
Authors: Seleznev Vadim , Aleshin Vladimir
Published: August 2010

Numerical Verification of Engineering Decisions for Safety of Trunklines

The article presents basic theoretical statements for a method of numerical verification of engineering decisions accepted at design of new trunklines or remodeling of already existing ones. Numerical verification is aimed to guaranteed revealing and effective correction of engineering errors. Such errors can result in decrease of reliability, industrial safety, ecological compatibility and efficiency of further operation of a designed pipeline. The suggested method is based on computational prediction of designed pipeline behavior under rated operating conditions and in emergencies. To perform such forecasting it is necessary (in addition to the development of pipeline project) to create a set of ad hoc computational technologies and high accurate computer simulators. Copyright © 2010 Journal of KONBiN.
Integrated Safety Management System of the Railway Transport
Authors: Sitarz Marek , Chruzik Katarzyna , Mańka Ilona
Published: August 2010

Integrated Safety Management System of the Railway Transport

The railway transport safety is the basic criterion responsible for its functioning evaluation, furthermore, it decides about its efficiency and also about the wide perceived grade of transport service quality. All parties, who are involved in the railway transport apply safety related procedures and they carry out the risk assessment regarding the process, which they perform for the railway engineering. In the article, there has been presented the present prevailing condition, but also the new legal requirements, connected with the safety in railway transport at the stage of design, manufacturing as well as the repair of products belonging to the railway transport, and also within the process of transport and management of both the railway infrastructure and railway sidings.
Pole Placement Approach to Crane Control Problem
Authors: Smoczek Jarosław , Szpytko Janusz
Published: August 2010

Pole Placement Approach to Crane Control Problem

The time and positioning accuracy of transportation operations realized by material handling systems are more and more significant problem in automated manufacturing processes, as well as the exploitation quality, safety and reliability, which can be met by implementing automation systems and improving control quality of material handling devices. The presented problem of anti-sway control system was solved using pole placement method employed to the time-discrete closed loop crane control system, which can be used in adaptive solutions. The proposed solution is based on the assumption, that crane nonlinear system is considered as a linear model with varying parameters.
Analysis of Undesirable Events Scenarios in Water Supply System by Means of Fault Tree Method
Authors: Tchorzewska-Cieslak Barbara , Boryczko Krzysztof
Published: August 2010

Analysis of Undesirable Events Scenarios in Water Supply System by Means of Fault Tree Method

The operation of water distribution subsystem (WDS) is inseparably linked with the possibility of occurrence of failures, which are often random. Such events can cause interruptions in the supply of water or secondary water pollution in the water-pipe network, which main reason are unfavourable hydraulic conditions of the network operation (low-speed flow), combined with older pipelines or chemical instability of water. In order to determine stationary and unstationary likelihood of occurrence of peak undesirable event (threat to water consumers) Fault Tree Analysis was used, utilizing BlockSim 7. The expanded fault tree for different combinations of failure scenarios, was analysed. The paper contains the methodology of the analysis and an example of application.
Identification of Undesirable Events in the Municipal Transport System
Authors: Woropay Maciej , Bojar Piotr , Migawa Klaudiusz
Published: August 2010

Identification of Undesirable Events in the Municipal Transport System

Road transport systems are socio-technical systems of the type Human - Technical object- Environment . In these systems hazards can be caused by: the human H, the technical object TO, and influence of the environment on the technical object and people who are present in the system and its environment. The authors of the paper make an attempt to evaluate the level of threats resulting from intended or not intended actions of people situated in this environment.
Development of community infrastructure through community forestry funds: what infrastructure gets priority?
Authors: Pokharel RK
Published: August 2010

Community forestry is a well established management form in Nepal. The success ofcommunity forestry in improving the forest condition encouraged the government to initiatesome developmental works beyond the fulfillment of only basic forestry needs. This paperseeks to explore the investment made by CFUGs in community infrastructures and theirpriorities as well. Primary data from three mid-hill districts of Nepal were collected fromquestionnaire survey of 100 CFUGs. The results suggested that community infrastructurewas the largest category of expenditures of CFUG funds wherein the majority of theCFUG accorded investment priority to schools. This paper concludes that higher CFUGincome has led to a proportionately higher investment in community infrastructures andsuggests that it was necessary to increase CFUG income to promote investment incommunity infrastructures. Investing CFUG funds on schools is a good harbinger of localdevelopment that contributes to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal ofuniversal primary education.Key words: CFUG; CFUG funds; community forestry; community infrastructuresDOI: 10.3126/banko.v20i1.3508Banko Janakari, Vol. 20, No. 1 pp.44-50
New addition of Barleria prionites L. (Acanthaceae) to the flora of Nepal
Authors: Bhatt GD , Kurmi PP , Baral SR
Published: August 2010

DOI: 10.3126/banko.v20i1.3509Banko Janakari, Vol. 20, No. 1 pp.51-52
Microstructural development of the hot extruded magnesium alloy AZ31 under cyclic testing conditions
Authors: Huppmann Michael , Stark Sebastian , Reimers Walter
Published: August 2010

A study of the internal strain (stress) evolution during uni-axial cyclic deformation along the prior extrusion axis with fully reversed total constant strain amplitudes εA (0.5% < εA < 5%) was investigated by using in-situ high energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The deformation is dominated by {1012} 〈1011〉 twinning and detwinning mechanisms within the textured hot extruded magnesium alloy AZ31. The results show a strong load partitioning between the internal stresses of (1010) and (1120) parent grains and of the (0002) twinned daughter grains that are relaxed. Following the evolution of the twinning/detwinning behavior and the hkil dependent microstresses as a function of cycling numbers, two different regimes were observed whereby it was found that the transition between these regimes is marked by an applied strain amplitude of eA = 0.625%.
Introduction
Authors: Podolinská Tatiana
Published: August 2010

Anthropologists in their quest to define the key symbols or the root metaphors of contemporary modern living in Europe suggest that popularity is a strong indicator of dominant culture thematics (Ortner 1973; Fernandéz 2002). Among the most significant phenomena of the new era is religion, and currently the most topical is discussion of the new visibility of religion in the public sphere (Zinser 2007).
Attitudes towards Religion(s) in a 'Non-believing' Czech Republic
Authors: Nešpor Zdeněk R.
Published: August 2010

The Czech Republic is widely known as 'the least religious' country in the world. However, Czechs might be considered unchurched rather than nonreligious, with various forms of modern New Age spirituality steadily gaining in popularity. The question is, therefore, what is the position of religion - both 'traditional' and 'new' - within a 'non-believing' society? The article commences with a presentation of data taken from two recent sociological surveys on religion, but the author mainly exploits ethnographical research carried out in the medium-sized Czech town of Česká Lípa to address the issue. This research examined both 'old' and 'new' church religion, 'alternative' spiritual outlets, and the religious attitudes of the general population. The author concludes that the traditional religionists of various denominations, followers of the New Age movement(s), and the 'rest' of the population can be seen as three distinctive groups within society and that mutual understanding and acceptance are practically non-existent.
Vamps and Villains or Citizen-Subjects? Converting a Third-Person Self-Conception of the Indian Christians into a First-Person Narrative
Authors: Sebastian Mrinalini
Published: August 2010

This article examines the historical factors that gave rise to stereotypes about Christians as aliens who are estranged from the ways of the dominant culture. On the basis of an analysis of the use of stereotypes about Christians in a renowned novel by the Kannada writer Kuvempu it argues that such articulations shape the persistent view that Christians represent Western culture and values. Internalisation of this third-person perspective by the Indian Christians has obstructed a clear articulation of their self-perception as a minority group in a multi-religious context. This article will argue that it is important for the Christian minority to develop a first-person narrative that is neither defensive nor passive.
Use of a Multiplexed CMOS Microarray to Optimize and Compare Oligonucleotide Binding to DNA Probes Synthesized or Immobilized on Individual Electrodes
Authors: Maurer Karl , Yazvenko Nina , Wilmoth Jodi , Cooper John , Lyon Wanda , Danley David
Published: August 2010

The CombiMatrix microarray with 12,544 electrodes supports in situ electrochemical synthesis of user-defined DNA probes. As an alternative, we immobilized commercially synthesized DNA probes on individual electrodes coated with electropolymerized polypyrrole (Ppy). Hybridization was measured using a biotinylated target oligonucleotide and either Cy5-streptavidin and fluorescence detection or horseradish peroxidase-streptavidin and enzyme-enhanced electrochemical detection. Detection efficiencies were optimized by varying the deposition of the Ppy, the terminal groups on the DNA probes, and other factors that impacted fluorescence quenching and electrical conductivity. Optimized results were compared against those obtained using a microarray with the same DNA sequences synthesized in situ. Immobilized probes produced higher fluorescence signals, possibly by providing a greater stand off between the Cy5 on the target oligonucleotide and the quenching effects of the Ppy and the platinum electrode.
The Case of the Lacking Carbonates and the Emergence of Early Life on Mars
Authors: Fernández-Remolar David Carlos , Sánchez-Román Mónica , Amils Ricardo
Published: August 2010

The mineralogical characterization of Mars by different exploration missions, provides a new image of the earliest conditions that prevailed on the planet surface. The detection of extensive deposits of phyllosillicates has been considered to be as a result of the production of hydrated silicates through alteration and precipitation under neutral to sub-alkaline conditions. Although extensive deposits of carbonates should precipitate beneath a thick CO2-bearing atmosphere, only a few outcrops of Mg-rich carbonates have been detected on Mars. Paradoxically those carbonates occur in association with geological units exposed to acidic paleoenvironments. Given such geochemical conditions on Earth, the carbon cycle is intimately associated with life, then, we can assume that the presence or absence of microbial communities should have impacted the distribution of those carbonate compounds on Mars. In this paper, we suggest three potential geobiological scenarios to explain how the emergence of life on Mars would have impacted the carbon cycle and, hence, the formation of carbonates on a planetary scale.
Supporting Creativity and Appreciation of Uncertainty in Exploring Geo-coded Public Health Data
Authors: Sutcliffe A. , De Bruijn O. , McNaught J. , Procter R. , Jarvis Paul , Buchan I. , Thew S. L.
Published: August 2010

Background and Objectives: We present a prototype visualisation tool, ADVISES (Adaptive Visualization for e-Science), designed to support epidemiologists and public health practitioners in exploring geo-coded datasets and generating spatial epidemiological hypotheses. The tool is designed to support creative thinking while providing the means for the user to evaluate the validity of the visualization in terms of statistical uncertainty. We present an overview of the application and the results of an evaluation exploring public health researchers’ responses to maps as a new way of viewing familiar data, in particular the use of thematic maps with adjoining descriptive statistics and forest plots to support the generation and evaluation of new hypotheses.

Methods: A series of qualitative evaluations involved one experienced researcher asking 21 volunteers to interact with the system to perform a series of relatively complex, realistic map-building and exploration tasks, using a ‘think aloud’ protocol, followed by a semi-structured interview The volunteers were academic epidemiologists and UK National Health Service analysts.

Results: All users quickly and confidently created maps, and went on to spend substantial amounts of time exploring and interacting with system, generating hypotheses about their maps.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the tool is able to support creativity and statistical appreciation among public health professionals and epidemiologists building thematic maps. Software such as this, introduced appropriately, could increase the capability of existing personnel for generating public health intelligence.