bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Políticas e práticas de gestão ambiental: uma análise da gestão dos resíduos da construção civil na cidade de Belo Horizonte (MG)
Authors: Silva Paulo José , Brito Mozar José de , Pereira Maria Cecília , Amâncio Robson
Published: October 2012

Este artigo tem por objetivo estudar as práticas de gestão de resíduos da construção civil implementadas pelo poder público municipal na cidade de Belo Horizonte (MG). Para isso, empregou-se o método de estudo de caso articulado com o processo de triangulação das técnicas de coleta de dados. A natureza da problemática estudada exigiu a sistematização de um quadro de referências que inclui algumas reflexões teóricas sobre a relação entre Estado, políticas públicas e gestão ambiental. A análise dos resultados evidencia que o poder público da cidade de Belo Horizonte articulou e implementou um conjunto de políticas e práticas de gestão dos resíduos da construção que deu origem a uma policy network, a qual, além de ser por ele coordenada, envolve a participação de diversos atores sociais públicos e privados. Trata-se de uma configuração institucional com um padrão de relações interdependentes que servem de referência para a concretização das práticas de gestão de resíduos da construção civil. Os resultados deste estudo apontam também os benefícios econômicos, sociais e ambientais, além das dificuldades relativas ao processo de institucionalização das referidas políticas e práticas.
Universidade em tempo de mudança
Authors: Vieira Eleonora Milano Falcão , van Bellen Hans Michael , Fialho Francisco Antonio Pereira
Published: October 2012

Este artigo analisa a presença da universidade num momento de profundas mudanças na sociedade. Particularmente, nas duas últimas décadas, as novas tecnologias da informação e do conhecimento, as novas formas de gestão e organização, as novas necessidades de formação de especialistas e profissionais, bem como os novos comportamentos sociais vêm exigindo uma multiplicidade de funções das instituições de ensino superior. Nem sempre, porém, as universidades desenvolvem ritmos de atualização compatíveis com as exigências de uma sociedade em rápida transformação. Há um descompasso entre o avanço da sociedade e a estabilidade acadêmica na maioria das instituições de ensino superior. Enquanto a sociedade atual trabalha e avança por impulsos de curto prazo, a universidade, ao contrário, atua a médio e a longo prazo. A estrutura organizacional e acadêmica dessas instituições é, muitas vezes, dominada por forte aparato burocrático (nas federais, principalmente) e pela busca de resultados (nas particulares). Essa realidade gera disfunções acadêmicas responsáveis pelo atraso das universidades como instituições a se destacarem vanguarda da sociedade. O tempo de mudança é o tempo da atualização permanente. É preciso, pois, incorporá-la a cada passo dado nas atividades das universidades.
Do quadro aos "quadros": o uso de filmes como recurso didático no ensino de administração
Authors: Mendonça J. Ricardo C. de , Guimarães Flávia Peixoto
Published: October 2012

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar e discutir duas experiências, na graduação e na pós-graduação (Mestrado), nas quais filmes são usados - respectivamente, como estudo de caso e sátira - no ensino de comportamento organizacional e metodologia de pesquisa. Argumenta-se que os filmes são uma poderosa ferramenta não apenas para ilustrar tópicos e conceitos relacionados à administração, mas também para demonstrar aplicações de teorias da área de Comportamento Organizacional, sem contar que podem ser usados para propiciar a discussão sobre abordagens, procedimentos e técnicas de pesquisa. Dessa forma, constituem uma fonte de material pedagógico mais estimulante e motivadora que métodos convencionais de ensino. Esse potencial dos filmes na prática de ensino é demonstrado por meio de dois exemplos baseados, respectivamente, no episódio "Origem Distante" do seriado de ficção científica para TV Jornada nas Estrelas Voyager (Star Trek Voyager) e do longa-metragem Tormenta (White Squall). Defende-se que, com o uso de filmes em sala de aula, os alunos aprendem por meio do processo de aprendizagem social e vivenciam experiências de forma vicária.
Inovando no ensino de administração: uma experiência com a aprendizagem baseada em problemas (PBL)
Authors: Escrivão Filho Edmundo , Ribeiro Luis Roberto de Camargo
Published: October 2012

O objetivo deste artigo é relatar uma experiência educacional inovadora de ensino-aprendizagem de administração em disciplinas de graduação e pós-graduação com a aprendizagem baseada em problemas ou PBL (problem-based learning), como é mundialmente conhecida. A experiência ocorreu numa escola de engenharia de uma universidade pública, em diversos cursos de graduação em engenharia e em disciplinas de pós-graduação. Todas as disciplinas tinham conteúdos de administração, especificamente de "teoria geral da administração" e "introdução à administração". O estudo almeja substituir abordagens didáticas tradicionais e a construção conjunta da mudança entre professor/tutor e alunos. A adoção do PBL foi motivada pelo descompasso entre as exigências e dinâmica da vida profissional e a passividade e alienação dos alunos em sala de aula. A avaliação geral do professor e de 90% dos alunos é que o PBL tem bom resultado na aprendizagem de conceitos, habilidades e atitudes.
O debate teórico-metodológico no campo do secretariado: pluralismos e singularidades
Authors: Sabino Rosimeri Ferraz , Marchelli Paulo Sérgio
Published: October 2012

Neste artigo analisa-se a proposta de uma ciência do Secretariado, abordam-se referenciais teóricos sobre epistemologia e práxis, bem como se explora o universo da área nos aspectos de formação, gênero, condutas legais e cultura organizacional. Busca-se identificar os elementos correspondentes à cientificidade da área do secretariado e o grau de autonomia que se revela na ciência própria que lhe é atribuída. As conclusões confirmam o Secretariado como constituindo um campo interdisciplinar de conhecimentos, que se utiliza de várias ciências tanto com respeito à formação quanto à atuação profissional.
Análise de situações de trabalho: gestão e os usos de si dos trabalhadores de uma empresa do ramo petrolífero
Authors: Lima Estevam Luiz Nascimento , Bianco Mônica de Fátima
Published: October 2012

Este artigo pretende expor as nuances do mundo do trabalho. Discute o trabalho como construção histórica e o contexto atual na gestão de seus processos. Busca-se, em primeiro lugar, entender a relação do trabalhador com os processos de trabalho, com base nos conceitos da ergologia como perspectiva de análise. Para tanto, é apresentado um estudo de caso numa empresa atuante na área de fabricação de tubos flexíveis para exploração de petróleo. A produção dos dados foi obtida por meio de pesquisa documental, com uso de observação participante, reuniões de validação e análise dos dados, assim como entrevistas individuais semiestruturadas. Situações de trabalho e suas complexidades foram analisadas, obtendo-se o entendimento sobre aspectos importantes de como os trabalhadores do setor estudado interagem entre si e com as situações de trabalho, compreendendo os usos de si dos mesmos na gestão de suas atividades.
O papel de um centro de P&D em empresas de ramos tradicionais: o caso da UN de logística da Vale
Authors: Pitassi Claudio
Published: October 2012

Na medida em que o impacto do uso de ciência e tecnologia (C&T) em produtos e processos de quase todos os ramos de negócio se intensifica, cresce a preocupação das empresas com a criatividade, tempestividade e eficiência das suas estruturas de gestão de P&D. O objetivo deste artigo é contribuir para o campo de estudo de gestão de C&T, relatando a evolução do processo de implantação de um modelo de gestão de tecnologia na unidade de negócios (UN) de Logística da Vale, particularmente os fundamentos da proposta de criação de uma estrutura virtual de gestão de tecnologia na UN. O estudo também discute como os fatos ocorridos na Vale entre os anos de 2006 e 2008 repercutiram na decisão de criação de um Centro Tecnológico na mineradora. A metodologia adotada foi o estudo de caso, combinando-a com a de pesquisa-ação. Os dados foram coletados a partir da observação participante do pesquisador durante os dois anos de construção do modelo de gestão de tecnologia, bem como de entrevistas realizadas em visitas de benchmark a empresas atuantes no Brasil e consideradas referência em gestão de P&D. O Referencial teórico reflete a literatura científica a respeito de gestão estratégica C&T, com destaque para novas estruturas de promoção da inovação tecnológica no âmbito das empresas privadas. Dentre os resultados obtidos destacam-se: a preferência dos gestores e especialistas da UN por uma estrutura aberta de gestão de P&D apoiada na rede de alianças com universidades, institutos de pesquisa e, principalmente fornecedores estratégicos; a opção por manter as atividades de desenvolvimento e engenharia nas áreas operacionais da Logística ao invés de centralizá-las em uma área corporativa de gestão estratégica de C&T.
Desvelamento do limiar discursivo de uma marca global em uma cultura local
Authors: Costa Flávia Zimmerle da Nóbrega , Leão André Luiz Maranhão de Souza
Published: October 2012

Com o advento da globalização inicia-se uma nova forma de convivência entre as sociedades, cuja possibilidade contribui para gerar um emaranhado campo de cruzamentos culturais e permite o estabelecimento de valores universais em meios locais. Este contexto, aliado à cultura de massas, promoveu as marcas a símbolos culturais complexos e globais. Inspirados no projeto arqueológico de Michel Foucault, elegemos uma marca global para realizar um estudo de caso fotoetnográfico de práticas cotidianas mundanas. Este processo nos possibilitou realizar a análise por meio de um trabalho de ordenação, definição e descrição, elaborado no interior do campo discursivo, permitindo que os resultados revelassem descrições enunciativas pautadas nas ações de marketing da marca. Estas nos revelaram funções e suas relações nos permitiram decifrar as regras sob as quais essas se encontravam regidas. A análise nos revelou o limiar relacional entre as culturas global e local e nos possibilitou desvelar as relações existentes nesta teia discursiva, possibilitando a compreensão de como uma marca transnacional se estabelece numa cultura local reproduzindo a cultura global. Neste sentido, apontamos alguns caminhos para reflexão acerca das sociedades ocidentais no contemporâneo.
As relações contratuais das indústrias criativas: o caso dos quadrinhos no Ceará
Authors: Batista Paulo César de Sousa , Paiva Thiago Alves , Ramos Roberto Rodrigues , Almeida Priscilla Correa da Hora , Oliveira Leonel Gois Lima
Published: October 2012

O segmento dos quadrinhos, inserido no contexto das indústrias criativas, tem assumido relevância econômica e cultural. Sendo assim, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo principal analisar fatores importantes do processo de contratação dos profissionais dessa área. O foco será na relação contratual entre os dois principais protagonistas das indústrias criativas, o artista e o agente, sendo que as análises serão baseadas na percepção dos artistas a respeito, principalmente, dos custos de transação, direitos autorais, assimetria de informações e agentes de mercado. O estudo de caráter descritivo e exploratório fez uso de métodos qualitativos também nas entrevistas realizadas no trabalho empírico. Os respondentes fazem parte da indústria criativa cearense e atuam no setor de quadrinhos. Os principais resultados encontrados pela análise de conteúdo das entrevistas diz respeito, basicamente, a falta de profissionalismo ainda existente no setor de quadrinhos da indústria criativa cearense. Há ainda, conforme indícios desta pesquisa, falta de visão mercadológica e de mentalidade profissional dos artistas, ausência de agentes especializados para interferir comercialmente, e a ausência de proteção aos direitos autorais e conexos. Acredita-se que os resultados aqui disponibilizados podem gerar informações relevantes para a melhor compreensão do mercado tido como objeto de estudo, e com isso colaborar na profissionalização deste importante segmento cultural para a atual economia.
O tempo como dimensão de pesquisa sobre uma política de diversidade e relações de trabalho
Authors: Irigaray Hélio Arthur Reis , Vergara Sylvia Constant
Published: October 2012

Neste estudo nosso objetivo é apreender o processo de absorção dos deficientes físicos pelas empresas, considerando múltiplos olhares (público interno e externo), e se estes se modificaram ao longo dos anos. Assim, conduzimos uma pesquisa numa empresa aérea que alocou essas pessoas em posições de contato direto com o público. Num primeiro momento, constatamos que a empresa atendeu aos anseios dos seus clientes e empregados. Os empregados não deficientes viam na contratação dos deficientes a possibilidade de benefícios para a organização (melhoria de sua imagem pública) e para si mesmos (repasse de trabalho para os deficientes). Já para os empregados portadores de deficiência, tal situação era aceitável, pois viabilizava sua integração ao grupo. Em 2011, voltamos a campo e entrevistamos representantes das mesmas categorias (passageiros, empregados - deficientes e não - e os gerentes de RH e marketing) para avaliar o impacto da dimensão "tempo". As entrevistas foram transcritas e submetidas à análise do discurso, a qual nos remeteu aos seguintes marcos teóricos: ética, tempo como variável subjetiva e gestão da diversidade da força de trabalho nas organizações. O campo revelou que a naturalização da presença dos deficientes ocorreu de tal forma que, para os passageiros deixou de ser um diferencial da empresa e, para os empregados, algo relevante. A empresa, por sua vez, insiste em buscar visibilidade social e midiática por meio da espetacularização da deficiência. Já os deficientes reclamam que não conseguem fazer carreira, pois encontram o mesmo "teto de vidro" denunciado por outras minorias.
Empreendedorismo na ótica da teoria ator-rede: explorando alternativa às perspectivas subjetivista e objetivista
Authors: Tonelli Dany Flávio , Brito Mozar José de , Zambalde André Luiz
Published: October 2012

Analisar o empreendedorismo explorando as implicações dos pressupostos teórico-metodológicos que a Teoria Ator-Rede (TAR) oferece. Numa visão geral, foram consideradas duas perspectivas teóricas para o empreendedorismo: uma subjetivista e outra objetivista. A perspectiva subjetivista privilegia o indivíduo, juntamente com suas habilidades e capacidades inerentes. Em menor evidência na literatura, a perspectiva objetivista privilegia os aspectos materiais do ambiente como causas do empreendedorismo. Considerando ambas, a principal limitação está no pouco valor que cada lado dedica à influência do outro na análise geral das iniciativas empreendedoras, o que revela assimetria. Esta limitação abriu espaço para a inserção da Teoria Ator-Rede (TAR). Ao desconsiderar a dualidade imposta pelas perspectivas iniciais, a TAR permitiu explorar novas possibilidades de compreensão por meio do conceito de simetria (BLOOR, 1976; LATOUR, 2005; LATOUR e WOOLGAR, 1997). Com base nisso, a TAR considera todas as entidades híbridas, compostas ao mesmo tempo de subjetividade e de objetividade indissociáveis. Isso vai contra o modo assimétrico de tratar a realidade, o qual reproduz uma visão dual, mesmo reconhecendo que ambos os aspectos, subjetivos e objetivos, contribuem para o sucesso ou o insucesso das iniciativas empreendedoras. Entendido dessa forma, o emprendedorismo requer a mobilização de diversos agenciamentos em torno de si, mediante o recrutamento de aliados que passam a integrar um movimento negociado, que requer translação constante de interesses. O descortinar desse movimento revela multiplicidade de relações que envolvem, por exemplo, elementos políticos, sociais, econômicos, culturais, científicos, tecnológicos e os próprios protagonistas que, na história contada, habitualmente são considerados empreendedores.
A presença de agentes intermediadores na formação de redes interorganizacionais: uma análise sob a perspectiva temporal
Authors: Cunha Julio Araujo Carneiro da , Passador João Luiz , Passador Cláudia Souza
Published: October 2012

Nos estudos sobre redes interorganizacionais, existem esforços focados em entender a formação de redes, assunto esse que gera interesse dos formuladores de políticas públicas já que se busca no associativismo promovido pelo Estado e pelas iniciativas privadas, substância para impulsionar o desenvolvimento local. Diante disso, o objetivo do estudo foi verificar, por meio da formalização do Arranjo Produtivo Local (APL) de calçados de Birigüi (SP), se a presença desses agentes é essencial para a formação da rede interorganizacional. Como sustentações teóricas foram abordadas: a evolução temporal das redes; a Teoria Institucional aplicada às redes interorganizacionais; o capital social presente nos laços de relacionamento; a presença de agentes intermediários como coordenadores na governança das redes. A estratégia de pesquisa adotada baseou-se em entrevistas com 32% dos gestores das empresas que participavam formalmente do APL e com uma gestora do agente intermediador, além de observação e análises de pesquisas prévias sobre a industrialização de Birigüi. Como resultados verificou-se haver um legado regional que sustenta uma base de know-how para a industrialização de calçados. No entanto, percebeu-se que os interesses dos participantes do APL eram predominantemente comerciais, sem haver um nível de capital social e de institucionalização desenvolvidos a ponto de se criarem, de forma legítima, associações provenientes de vontades das próprias organizações. Sem esse ambiente institucional fortemente construído na região, não se verificou um racional claro para o associativismo, havendo a percepção de que os ganhos oriundos da participação na rede são futuros. Concluiu-se que a coordenação realizada por um agente intermediador tem poder de articulação limitado na formação de redes interorganizacionais se não existir uma institucionalização prévia que envolva, principalmente, valores e normas de capital social. Sem esses pré-requisitos, o agente intermediador pode acabar por ter funções de governança para ações assessórias da rede.
Offshore wind farm cabling: incidents and required learning
Authors: Boehme Thomas , Robson David J.
Published: October 2012

Until recently, subsea cabling has been considered to be a relatively low risk part of an offshore wind farm. However, many of the existing wind farms have experienced problems related to cabling. Research based on secondary data analysis and interviews with 24 stakeholders confirms that problems are frequently encountered during the installation phase. The immediate causes of incidents identified include inadequacies in planning, risk assessment, design and practices. The prevailing root cause is a lack of knowledge and skills of the people involved, but also deficiencies in contractor selection and project management. According to experienced stakeholders, basic project and risk management should be improved in many of the new organisations entering the growing offshore wind market. The unavailability of dedicated work standards is herein a clear obstacle to successful cable projects. Better knowledge management is hindered by inability and unwillingness to share the lessons learned among the organisations. Research highlights the need for the industry to produce a ‘best practice’ guidance covering all aspects of subsea power cabling throughout its life cycle. As a contractual reference, such a document will establish a common vocabulary, aid stakeholder communication, provide minimum performance targets, facilitate independent verification and enable knowledge sharing.
Public–private partnerships: critical factors for procurement of capital projects
Authors: Amponsah Christian Tabi , Forbes Judith L.
Published: October 2012

Looking for innovative approaches towards procurement of projects through public–private partnerships has become more common in the public sector which has the largest capital project spending. It is used to improve efficiency in the procurement of projects and get more value for money. The critical success factors in public–private partnerships for procurement of capital projects identify factors contributing to the successful procurement of capital projects which is seen as one of the many management practices that contribute to corporate success. A model based on an analytical hierarchy process was developed to investigate the critical success factors using information from owners, project managers, consultants/contractors, financiers and operators worldwide for procurement of capital projects. Owner satisfaction with the delivered project, clearly defined project mission, objective and scope definitions, adequacy of plans and specifications, lack of legal encumbrances, and appropriate funding mechanisms were shown to be the topmost of the success factors.
Assessing labour-based construction works management processes
Authors: Nyando Cleaverson K. , Strasheim Jacobus Alexander van Breda
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this paper was to assess the use of process protocol to analyse and identify the key sequential phases and documentation of the management processes of labour-based works in order to achieve a successful project and process execution. In order to achieve the above aim, a literature review of conference papers, reports, available project documents and limited interviews to officials involved in public works programmes were conducted. The analysis showed that there are seven phases with various deliverables spanning from phase zero to phase six. There are three most common operational levels of the management processes and these are subdivided into national level, integrated local level and project level. The process protocol-based phases consider the whole life cycle of a construction project while integrating the process elements under a common framework. Best practices in management of labour-based works have been used to follow and synthesise the process protocol approach to the management processes of labour-based works.
Enough is enough: the effects of symbiotic ant abundance on herbivory, growth, and reproduction in an African acacia
Authors: Palmer Todd M. , Brody Alison K.
Published: October 2012

Understanding how cooperative interactions evolve and persist remains a central challenge in biology. Many mutualisms are thought to be maintained by “partner fidelity feedback,” in which each partner bases their investment on the benefits they receive. Yet, we know little about how benefits change as mutualists vary their investment, which is critical to understanding the balance between mutualism and antagonism in any given partnership. Using an obligate ant–plant mutualism, we manipulated the density of symbiotic acacia ants (Crematogaster mimosae) and examined how the costs and benefits to Acacia drepanolobium trees scaled with ant abundance. Benefits of ants to plants saturated with increasing ant abundance for protection from branch browsing by elephants and attack by branch galling midges, while varying linearly for protection from cerambycid beetles. In addition, the risk of catastrophic whole‐tree herbivory by elephants was highest for trees with very low ant abundance. However, there was no relationship between ant abundance and herbivory by leaf‐feeding invertebrates, nor by vertebrate browsers such as giraffe, steinbuck, and Grant's gazelle. Ant abundance did not significantly influence rates of branch growth on acacias, but there was a significant negative relationship between ant abundance and the number of fruits produced by host plants, suggesting that maintaining high‐density ant colonies is costly. Because benefits to plants largely saturated with increasing colony size, while costs to plant reproduction increased, we suggest that ant colonies may achieve abundances that are higher than optimal for host plants. Our results highlight the conflicts of interest inherent in many mutualisms, and demonstrate the value of examining the shape of curves relating costs and benefits within these globally important interactions.
Geomechanics Considerations in Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Teklu Tadesse Weldu , Alameri Waleed , Graves Ramona M. , Tutuncu Azra N. , Kazemi Hossein , Alsumaiti Ali M.
Published: October 2012

Geomechanics plays significant role in decisions regarding all phases of exploration and production of oil and gas. Specifically, geomechanics influences prospect appraisal, field development, and primary, secondary, and tertiary production activities. Injection of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) fluids such as polymer, steam and gas/CO2 affect reservoir stress redistribution and re-orientation in the field. Hence geomechanics studies need to be conducted in every step of the EOR processes, from EOR screening to abandonment.

This paper reviews geomechanical issues related to polymer, steam and hydrocarbon gas/CO2 continuous and water-alternating-gas flooding both in sandstone and carbonate formations. A number of published laboratory and field case studies will be presented and discussed in regard to geomechanics issues. The geomechanical effects pertinent to waterflooding and EOR processes in unconventional reservoirs such as shale reservoirs and oil sands will also be discussed. Finally, reservoir properties affected by stress changes and how to incorporate it in reservoir modeling will be discussed.
Geochemical and Geophysical Changes during Ammonia Gas Treatment of Vadose Zone Sediments for Uranium Remediation
Authors: Szecsody J.E. , Truex M.J. , Zhong L. , Johnson T.C. , Qafoku N.P. , Williams M.D. , Greenwood W.J. , Wallin E.L. , Bargar J.D. , Faurie D.K.
Published: October 2012

Low water content sediments were treated with NH3 gas to evaluate changes in U mobility as a potential field remediation method for vadose zone contamination. Injection of NH3 gas created high dissolved NH3 concentrations that followed equilibrium behavior. High NH3 concentration led to an increase in pH from 8.0 to 11 to 13, depending on the water content and NH3 concentration. The increase in pore water pH resulted in a large increase in pore water cations and anions from mineral‐phase dissolution. Minerals showing the greatest dissolution included montmorillonite, muscovite, and kaolinite. Pore water ion concentrations then decreased with time. Simulations based on initial pore water ion concentrations indicated that quartz, chrysotile, calcite, diaspore, hematite, and Na‐boltwoodite (hydrous U silicate) should precipitate. Electrical resistivity and induced polarization tomography (ERT/IP) was able to nonintrusively track these NH3 partitioning, dissolution, and precipitations processes through changes in conductivity and chargeability. Ammonia treatment significantly decreases the amount of U present as adsorbed and aqueous species in field‐contaminated sediments. In contrast, sediments containing a large fraction of U associated with carbonates generally showed little change. Uranium leaching from sediments containing high Na‐boltwoodite decreased significantly by NH3 treatment, but x‐ray absorption near‐edge structure/extended x‐ray absorption fine structure showed no change in the Na‐boltwoodite concentration. Therefore, NH3 treatment of contaminated sediment acts to decrease the highly mobile aqueous and adsorbed U by incorporation into precipitates and appears to decrease mobility of some existing U precipitates (Na‐boltwoodite) as a result of mineral coating.
Parameterizing a Dynamic Architectural Model of the Root System of Spring Barley from Minirhizotron Data
Authors: Garré S. , Pagès L. , Laloy E. , Javaux M. , Vanderborght J. , Vereecken H.
Published: October 2012

The development of models describing water and nutrient fluxes to and through 3‐D spatially resolved root structures in soils brings along the need to predict or describe the root architecture and root growth in detail. However, detailed data to calibrate and validate such architecture and growth models is typically not available. Here, we investigate the sensitivity of the root architecture model RootTyp to changes in its model parameters and reconstructed the root system architecture of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) growing in an undisturbed lysimeter using minirhizotron images at four different depths. Root arrival curves from a series of minirhizotron images were used to parameterize RootTyp using a range of realistic architectures. We adjusted a simple architecture to the data, which contained only long primary roots starting from the seed. This simple model unfortunately could not reproduce the observed increase of root density with depth. The model was subsequently improved by allowing root branching and elongation to be horizon‐dependent and by making reiteration of root tips possible. Reiteration is an alternative form of branching, where secondary roots can become as long and thick as primary roots. Our results show that minirhizotron data do not contain enough information to warrant identification of the parameters governing these processes, as the additional parameters act similarly on data characteristics as the initial ones. Therefore, different experimental techniques should be combined to constrain the model parameters better in the future.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A Review Based on Randomised, Controlled Studies in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Baal W. Marchien van , Kooistra Teake initial , Stehouwer Coen D.A.
Published: October 2012

Epidemiological data suggest that the use of oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) and combined oestrogen / progestagen replacement therapy (HRT) in healthy postmenopausal women is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular events. In sharp contrast, the HERS study, a secondary prevention trial in postmenopausal women with established coronary heart disease, did not show a favourable effect, with a trend towards an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the first year of treatment. This paper provides an overview of randomised, controlled trials (RCTs) in postmenopausal women published in the literature and discusses possible explanations for the contrast between data from the epidemiological studies and the results of the HERS study. ERT and HRT are associated with 1) an improved lipid profile and 2) a decrease in homocysteine and endothelin levels. Data on factor VII and fibrinogen were not consistent. There were insufficient data on the effects on blood pressure, glucose metabolism, vasomotor regulation, arterial stiffness, thrombomodulin, adhesion molecules, and clotting and fibrinolysis, as well as on the effects of route of administration and the role of progestagens. Finally, endothelium-dependent vasodilatation appears to increase with ERT, but the effects of HRT are less clear This paucity of controlled data indicates that, although ERT and HRT improve surrogate measures of risk of atherothrombosis, adverse effects of ERT and HRT on biological mechanisms related to risk of atherothrombosis can by no means be excluded.
Modeling, Instrumentation, Automation, and Optimization of Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Authors: Sweeney Michael W. , Kabouris John C.
Published: October 2012

A review of the literature published in 2011 on topics relating to wastewater treatment innovations in the areas of modeling, instrumentation, automation and optimization of wastewater treatment is presented.
Sustainability
Authors: Zhou Jianpeng , Montalto Franco , Erdal Zeynep K. , McCreanor Philip T.
Published: October 2012

This review on Sustainability covers selected journal articles and conferences papers published in 2011 and is divided into the following sections:  • Sustainable water and wastewater utilities  • Sustainable water resources management  • Industrial and corporate approaches towards sustainability  • Stormwater and green infrastructure  • Sustainability in wastewater treatment  • Life cycle assessment (LCA) applications  • Sustainability and energy in wastewater industry, climate change, and water reuse  • Sustainability rating system  The stormwater and green infrastructure (GI) described the current development in four categories: (1) new studies of GI and low impact development (LID) system performance; (2) GI/LID planning assessments; (3) macro‐scale hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of GI/LID systems; and (4) social implications of GI/LID systems. The sustainability in wastewater treatment reviewed wastewater as a resource, wastewater treatment, and wastewater treatment plant carbon and energy footprint.
Treatment of Pulp and Paper Mill Wastewater
Authors: Begum Jesmin Ara , Menezes Gustavo B. , Moo‐Young H. Keith
Published: October 2012

A review of the literature published in 2011 on topics relating to water pollution control and wastewater treatment issues in the pulp and paper industries is presented. This review is divided into the following sections: physico ‐ chemical treatment processes, biological treatment (aerobic/anaerobic), use of magnetic field and iron‐based complexes, use of mimic enzymes prepared from iron‐based biomimetic compounds, advanced treatment methods, and constructed wetland.
Hazardous Waste Treatment Technologies
Authors: Mahmudov Rovshan Habil , Huang C. P.
Published: October 2012

The article reviews the scientific literature published in 2011 on physical, chemical, and biological treatment of hazardous contaminants and environmental bioremediation.
Emerging Pollutants – Part I: Occurrence, Fate and Transport
Authors: da Silva Allegra K. , Wells Martha J. M. , Morse Audra N. , Pellegrin Marie‐Laure , Miller Sarah M. , Peccia Jordan , Sima Laura C.
Published: October 2012

Part I: Occurrence, Fate, and Transport (this literature review) summarizes research appearing in 2011 on the occurrence of emerging pollutants in wastewater and environmental waters, sources of emerging pollutants, the fate and transport of emerging pollutants in the environment, monitoring approaches, modeling, and regulatory discussions. Toxicity studies are included where relevant specifically to wastewater. Part II: Treatment (the companion to this review) includes discussion of water and wastewater treatment technologies on emerging pollutants.
Economics
Authors: Palley Paul D. , Parcero Miriam E.
Published: October 2012

A review of literature during calendar year 2011 focused on environmental policies and sustainable development, and economic policies. This review is divided into these sections: sustainable development, irrigation, ecosystems and watershed management, climate change and disaster risk management, environmental policies management, economic growth, water supply policies, water consumption, water price regulation, and valuation.
Influence of rhamnolipids, produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCAIM(P), B001380 on Cr(VI) removal capacity in liquid medium
Authors: Avramovic Natasa , Nikolic-Mandic Snezana , Karadzic Ivanka
Published: October 2012

Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCAIM(P), B001380, a propitious bacterial strain
isolated from mineral cutting oil was identified to be chromium tolerant and
a producer of biosurfactant rhamnolipid (RL) with potential application in
heavy metal bioremediation. Culture growth, RL production and Cr(VI) removal
capacity of the strain in the presence of 50 mg L-1 (I) and 100 mg L-1 of
Cr(VI) (II) were studied. Maximum of RL production were found in the
late-stationary phase at 72 h for both Cr(VI)-amended cultures: I (236 mg
L-1) and II (160 mg L-1), as well as the maximum of Cr(VI) removal capacity:
70 % (I) and 57 % (II). The amount of Cr in RL preparation II was 22 mg mg-1
determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). Appearance of a
new band at 914 cm-1 in infrared (IR) spectrum of RL (II) indicated a
significant proof for possible coordination of CrO42-ion with RL. The effect
of Cr(VI) on monorhamnolipids (RL1) and dirhamnolipids (RL2) distribution and
its ratio were studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).
An increase was observed in a RL2/RL1 ratio for II compared to control.
Anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of zinc on rats and its impact on general behavioural parameters
Authors: Samardzic Janko , Savic Kristina , Stefanovic Nemanja , Matunovic Radomir , Baltezarevic Dragana , Obradovic Miljana , Jancic Jasna , Opric Dejan , Obradovic Dragan
Published: October 2012

Background/Aim. Zinc is an essential element which has considerable
interaction with gamma-aminobutyric acid A type receptors (GABAA) and
glutamate receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). It is believed that
zinc acts as a potent inhibitor of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
receptors, and binding to structurally specific site on the GABAA receptor
leads to inhibition of GABA dependent Cl-pass. The aim of our research was to
test the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of zinc after single
application and its influence on general behavioural parameters after
repeated administration. Methods. Male Wistar rats were treated with
increasing doses of zinc histidine dehydrate (10, 20, 30 mg/kg, i.p.). To
determine anxiolytic and antidepressant properties of zinc two models were
used: elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swim test (FST). Behavioural
parameters (stillness and mobility) were, also, recorded after single and
repeated administration of active substance. Results. Testing animals in the
EPM showed a statistically significant difference as follows: dose of 20
mg/kg significantly increased the time animals spent in open arms, indicating
an acute anxiolytic effect, while doses of 30 mg/kg significantly reduced the
time in the open arms, indicating a potentially anxiogenic effect. Testing
the animals by FST showed a statistically significant difference in
immobility time of animals treated with the lowest applied (10 mg/kg) and
highest applied (30 mg/kg) doses of zinc, compared to the control group. The
first day of testing behavioral parameters showed the tendency to increase
locomotor activity of the animals with the lowest dose of zinc (10 mg/kg),
while the following day revealed a reduced activity with the highest dose
applied (30 mg/kg). Conclusion. Zinc has important effects on the CNS: After
single application, in all doses zinc showed antidepressant effects. The
effects of zinc on anxiety and locomotor activity showed dose-dependent
bidirectional effects.
Soft tissue response after Class III bimaxillary surgery
Authors: Jakobsone Gundega , Stenvik Arild , Espeland Lisen
Published: October 2012

Objective:

To analyze the impact of surgical change in anterior face height and skeletal relapse on the long-term soft tissue profile.

Materials and Methods:

Cephalometric radiographs of 81 patients taken before surgery and at five time points during a 3-year follow-up period were analyzed. All patients had Le Fort I and bilateral sagittal split osteotomies. The patients were divided into three subgroups according to the change in anterior face height during surgery. Calculations of soft to hard tissue ratios were based on the long-term soft tissue response relative to the surgical repositioning.

Results:

The horizontal surgical repositioning varied considerably, depending on whether anterior face height was increased or decreased. For upper lip prominence, the pattern of long-term change was the same irrespective of change in face height. In all groups, upper lip thickness decreased in both the short term and the long term, particularly in patients with surgical increase in face height. Lower lip thickness increased in the short term but decreased during the follow-up period. There were significant associations between horizontal soft tissue and corresponding hard tissue changes, except for soft tissue A-point and upper lip, when face height was increased. The ratios were higher for mandibular variables than for maxillary variables, particularly for B-point and pogonion when anterior face height had decreased.

Conclusion:

A change in facial height influences the soft tissue response. The mandibular soft tissues closely follow skeletal relapse beyond 2 months postsurgery. The findings have clinical implications for the relative maxillary and mandibular repositioning when planning surgery.
Two-Year Interfacial Bond Durability and Nanoleakage of Repaired Silorane-Based Resin Composite
Authors: Mobarak E , El-Deeb H
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To investigate the effect of silane primer application, intermediate adhesive agent/repair composite, and storage period on the interfacial microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of repaired silorane-based resin composite compared with unrepaired composites and on the nanoleakage.

Methods

Forty-eight 1-month-old substrate specimens from Filtek P90 were roughened, etched, and distributed over two groups (n=24) based on receiving silane (Clearfil Ceramic Primer) or not. Then, half of the specimens (n=12) were repaired with P90 System Adhesive/Filtek P90 and the other half with Adper Scotchbond Multipurpose adhesive/Filtek Z250 resin composite. Within each repair category, repaired specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C for either 24 hours (n=6) or two years before being serially sectioned into sticks (0.6 ± 0.01 mm2). From each specimen, two sticks were prepared for nanoleakage determination and four sticks were used for μTBS testing. Additional unrepaired specimens from each composite (n=12) were made to determine the cohesive strength at 24 hours and two years. Mean μTBS were calculated and statistically analyzed. Modes of failure were also determined.

Results

General linear model analysis revealed no significant effect for the silane priming, intermediate adhesive agent/repair composite, and storage period or for their interactions on the μTBS values of the repaired specimens. There was no significant difference between the cohesive strength of Filtek P90 and Filtek Z250; both were significantly higher than all repaired categories. At 24 hours, nanoleakage was not detected when silorane-based composite was repaired with the same material. However, after two years, all repair categories showed nanoleakage.

Conclusions

Silane application has no effect on μTBS and nanoleakage. Durability of the interfacial bond of repaired silorane-based resin composite appeared successful regardless of the chemistry of the intermediate adhesive agent/composite used for repair. However, nanoleakage was detected early when a different repair intermediate adhesive agent/composite was used.
Oncology Rehabilitation Provision and Practice Patterns across Canada
Authors: Canestraro Alyssa , Nakhle Anthony , Stack Malissa , Strong Kelly , Wright Ashley , Beauchamp Marla , Berg Katherine , Brooks Dina
Published: October 2012

Purpose: Rehabilitation is increasingly recognized as an important therapeutic intervention for people with cancer. The main objective of this study was to explore the current practice pattern and provision of oncology rehabilitation in Canada. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was administered to Canadian facilities offering cancer treatment and/or listed as offering rehabilitation services during or after cancer treatment (cancer centres, rehabilitation hospitals, community centres, and private clinics). Results: Of the 116 sites contacted, 62 completed the questionnaire, 20 of which reported having an oncology rehabilitation programme. The majority of respondents indicated that they are not meeting their clients' rehabilitation needs. Rehabilitation programmes were provided by multidisciplinary health care teams, the majority of which included a physiotherapist. Funding and availability of resources were identified as the main barriers to the development of oncology rehabilitation programmes. Conclusions: Formal oncology rehabilitation programmes appear to be scarce, despite growing evidence that rehabilitation offers benefits across the cancer survivorship continuum.
Evaluation of an Advanced-Practice Physical Therapist in a Specialty Shoulder Clinic: Diagnostic Agreement and Effect on Wait Times
Authors: Razmjou Helen , Robarts Susan , Kennedy Deborah , McKnight Cheryl , MacLeod Anne Marie , Holtby Richard
Published: October 2012

Purpose: To examine the role of an advanced-practice physiotherapist (APP) with respect to (1) agreement with an orthopaedic surgeon on diagnosis and management of patients with shoulder problems; (2) wait times; and (3) satisfaction with care. Methods: This prospective study involved patients with shoulder complaints who were referred to a shoulder specialist in a tertiary care centre. Agreement was examined on seven major diagnostic categories, need for further examination and surgery, and type of surgical procedure. Wait times were compared between the APP- and surgeon-led clinics from referral date to date of initial consultation, date of final diagnostic test, and date of confirmed diagnosis and planned treatment. A modified and validated version of the Visit-Specific Satisfaction Instrument assessed satisfaction in seven domains. Kappa (κ) coefficients and bias- and prevalence-adjusted kappa (PABAK) values were calculated, and strength of agreement was categorized. Wait time and satisfaction data were examined using non-parametric statistics. Results: Agreement on major diagnostic categories varied from 0.68 (good) to 0.96 (excellent). Agreement with respect to indication for surgery was κ=0.75, p<0.001; 95% CI, 0.62–0.88 (good). Wait time for APP assessment was significantly shorter than wait time for surgeon consultation at all time points (p<0.001); the surgeon's wait time was significantly reduced over 3 years. High satisfaction was reported in all components of care received from both health care providers. Conclusions: Using experienced physiotherapists in an extended role reduces wait times without compromising patient clinical management and overall satisfaction.
Invasive Plant Species in the National Parks of Vietnam
Authors: Tan Dang , Thu Pham , Dell Bernard
Published: October 2012

The impact of invasive plant species in national parks and forests in Vietnam is undocumented and management plans have yet to be developed. Ten national parks, ranging from uncut to degraded forests located throughout Vietnam, were surveyed for invasive plant species. Transects were set up along roads, trails where local people access park areas, and also tracks through natural forest. Of 134 exotic weeds, 25 were classified as invasive species and the number of invasive species ranged from 8 to 15 per park. An assessment of the risk of invasive species was made for three national parks based on an invasive species assessment protocol. Examples of highly invasive species were Chromolaena odorata and Mimosa diplotricha in Cat Ba National Park (island evergreen secondary forest over limestone); Mimosa pigra, Panicum repens and Eichhornia crassipes in Tram Chim National Park (lowland wetland forest dominated by melaleuca); and C. odorata, Mikania micrantha and M. diplotricha in Son Tra Nature Conservation area (peninsula evergreen secondary forest). Strategies to monitor and manage invasive weeds in forests and national parks in Vietnam are outlined.
Increased Incidence and Altered Risk Demographics of Childhood Lead Poisoning: Predicting the Impacts of the CDC’s 5 µg/dL Reference Value in Massachusetts (USA)
Authors: Handler Phoebe , Brabander Daniel
Published: October 2012

In May 2012, the CDC adopted a new sliding scale reference value for childhood lead poisoning, reducing the former 10 µg/dL benchmark by half. Using Massachusetts (MA) as a model state, we estimated the change in the population of 9–47 month-olds at risk for lead poisoning. We then examined the impact of the 5 µg/dL reference value on the demographic characteristics of lead risk in MA communities. We find that the new CDC benchmark will lead to a 1470% increase in childhood lead poisoning cases among 9–47 month-olds in MA, with nearly 50% of the examined communities experiencing an increased prevalence of lead poisoning. Further, the top 10 MA communities with BLLs ≥5 µg/dL have significantly fewer foreign-born residents and significantly larger white populations than the highest risk communities formerly identified by the MA Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. The CDC’s new 5 µg/dL lead poisoning benchmark will drastically increase the number of children with elevated BLLs and alter the distribution and demographics high-risk communities in MA.