bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring lateropulsion following stroke: A feasibility study using Wii Balance Board technology
Authors: Birnbaum Melissa A. , Brock Kim , Clark Ross A. , Hill Keith
Published: April 2018

The aim of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility and utility of using Wii Balance Board-derived centre of pressure data as measures of balance in people with lateropulsion following stroke. Ten individuals with lateropulsion, between one and twelve weeks post stroke, participated in this study. Participants were assessed on four occasions over a two-week period, performing a number of tasks sitting and standing on the Wii Balance Board, in addition to clinical measures. Feasibility was determined by participant retention and the percentage of testing occasions ceased prematurely. Clinical utility was explored through visual analysis of the Wii Balance Board-derived data. Participant retention was 100%. Cessation of testing due to discomfort or fatigue occurred 20% of the time. For the static balance tasks, mediolateral amplitude emerged as a variable of interest. Wii Balance Board-derived centre of pressure data from static sitting and standing tasks appeared to capture useful information about individuals with varying degrees of lateropulsion and displayed change over time. The use of Wii Balance Board technology as a measure for balance in individuals with lateropulsion appears feasible. A larger measurement study is required to establish the reliability and validity of this technology in this important clinical sub-group.
Moving the Needle on our Med-Peds Residency Board Pass Rate
Authors: O'Keefe Siobhán , Turner Mary Catherine , Brinn Nathan Andrew , Newton Dale
Published: April 2018

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. IntroductionThe national pass rates for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) Certification Exams (CE) has declined for combined internal medicine-pediatric (Med-Peds) residents. The lower board pass rate is especially evident in smaller institutions like our own.Methods We instituted a board preparation assistance program where each resident is stratified into a color zone according to their in-training exam (ITE) scores.ResultsThe ITE results of 67 residents from 12 classes were analyzed. 65.7% were graduates of medical schools within the United States (US) and 85.1% were allopathic graduates. Mean scores for USMLE step 1 and step 2 were 213 and 217 respectively. Mean ITE scores increased in each post-graduate year.Our first time ABIMCE board pass remained constant at 73% before the intervention and 75% after the intervention with 84% of residents ever passing the ABIMCE prior to the intervention and 81% after. Our first time ABPCE board pass rate is much improved from 46% to 75% and our overall pass rate improved from 57% to 93% (p=0.0121). On multivariate analyses there was no association between passing either the ABIMCE or ABPCE and any of our measured variables.ConclusionsIt is encouraging that our ITE scores and ABPCE and ABIMCE pass rates are improving although this seems to be due to factors other than our intervention. Other institutions that struggle with poor board pass rates may be interested in our approach.
Virtual Spinal Tap: using haptic data to learn procedures with feel
Authors: Topps David , Korolenko Mike , de Domenico Jamie , Newhouse Donna
Published: April 2018

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. Distributed medical education programs have trouble providing suitable resources for certain forms of clinical training. Certain procedures are harder to learn because watching a skilled practitioner tells the learner little. Using a dual-control haptic device interface, and anatomically accurate virtual spinal models, we were able to create a Virtual Spinal Tap to improve the verisimilitude of an online learning experience. The devices and interfaces provided the means to measure and reproduce the subtle forces involved in a procedure that is learned by feel. Integration of this model with other simulation modalities would enhance its applicability.
Alien Plant Diversity in Mediterranean Wetlands: A Comparative Study within Valencian, Balearic and Sardinian Floras
Authors: MAYORAL Olga , MASCIA Francesco , PODDA Lina , LAGUNA Emilio , FRAGA Pere , RITA Juan , FRIGAU Luca , BACCHETTA Gianluigi
Published: April 2018

Although wetlands provide an important range of environmental, social and economic services, they are increasingly subjected to anthropogenic perturbations, amongst which invasion by alien plants is particularly alarming. This paper focuses on the alien flora of wetlands from three territories belonging to the western Mediterranean area: one continental (Valencian Community) and two insular (Balearic Islands and Sardinia), providing a complete checklist for the three territories and a general comparison. In total, 380 alien taxa from 89 families have been reported, being the Valencian Community the area richer in taxa (312), followed by the Balearic Islands (151) and Sardinia (134). The invasive component includes 77 taxa, of which nine are common to the three territories - and have been recognised as the most invasive ones in Mediterranean islands - and six are considered invasive worldwide (Ailanthus altissima, Arundo donax, Cortaderia selloana, Oxalis pes-caprae, Ricinus communis and Eichhornia crassipes). Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) revealed that the three territories do not show statistically relevant differences in relation to the alien species present in wetlands and their characteristics. The information on the characteristics of plants in similar habitats of the same biogeographic region provides a portrait of the current dimensions of the phenomenon in Western Mediterranean wetlands and is especially useful from the management perspective: its predictive value can be applied in establishing a prioritization of control measures of those most invasive species and will help screening new introductions with invasive potential.
Nutritional Traits of Silage Produced from Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Cultivated Using Conventional Technology versus Organic Technology in Support of Higher Dairy Productions
Authors: MARCHIȘ Ioan Zamfir , LADOȘI Daniela , OROIAN Camelia , ODAGIU Antonia , IUGA Vasile , PAȘCALĂU Simona , COROIAN Aurelia
Published: April 2018

As consequence of increasing need of higher livestock productions, in conditions of assuring environmental sustainability, comparative tests of properties of forages obtained by application of conventional technologies compared with those obtained as result of organic practices, may be useful. Thus our trial covers issues concerning comparative study of nutritional traits, expresses through chemical composition indices, of silage obtained from alfalfa resulted from two types of cultivation technologies, conventional, and organic, respectively. The experiment was carried out in a familiar farm located near Huedin, County of Cluj, Romania. Higher contents of dry matter, acid detergent fibre, and ammonia are reported in silage obtained from alfalfa cultivated in organic technology, compared to silage obtained from alfalfa conventionally produced. The ammonia content of silage obtained from alfalfa cultivated using conventional technology, reported as % from dry matter, is the single chemical index where high diversity within individual values was identified. Correlations of similar intensities were identified between the indices of the chemical composition of the silage obtained from both, conventionally and organic, cultivated alfalfa. The alfalfa cultivated in organic system promotes higher amounts of crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, and total volatile fatty acids, in alfalfa silage.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity in 73 Kentucky Bluegrass Materials by SSR and SRAP Markers
Authors: YUAN Xiaojun , TU Mingyue , HE Yali , WANG Weiqian , LI Jun , ZHOU Shumin
Published: April 2018

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensisL.) (KBG) is a commonly used grass that possesses excellent quality, as well as a complex genetic background and reproductive patterns. In this study, a total of 73 KBG germplasms were collected, of which 49 were imported varieties, 5 were Chinese breeding varieties, and 19 were wild materials. A total of 70 simple sequence repeat (SSR) and 75 sequence-related amplification polymorphism (SRAP) markers were selected to use for genetic diversity analysis. From these studies, high levels of polymorphisms were observed in SRAPs (91.8%) and SSRs (94.5%), respectively. Three dendrograms that were generated from SRAP, SSR, and SRAP+SSR combined data revealed a general similarity for the positioning of the majority of materials. However, certain materials, including Z65, Z25, and Z27, were found to be located in diverse clusters among different dendrograms. Further analysis demonstrated no significant association between geographical origin and molecular marker clusters in the wild materials. Combined with the seedling phenotype identification carried out in our prior study, it seems as though there is no significant relationship between agronomic characterization and marker-based clustering in these materials, except for in the case of leaf color. These studies provided an increased understanding of genetic diversity among KBG materials, which will be beneficial for genetic improvement and germplasm conservation in the future.
The Effects of NPR1 Dependent Salicylic Acid Change in Increasing Salt Tolerance of Soybean Leaves by Acclimation
Authors: SARISOY Ufkun , SECKIN DINLER Burcu , TASCI Eda
Published: April 2018

Non-expressor of Pathogen Related 1 (NPR1) is a regulatory gene of the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway, the detailed mechanism of which is still not well understood. This study investigated the effects of NPR1-dependent SA level change on increasing salt tolerance of soybean leaves with acclimation. Salt-sensitive (‘SA88’) and salt-tolerant (‘Erensoy’) soybean (Glycine max L.) plants were treated with increasing NaCl concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 mM; acclimation) and with 100 mM NaCl directly (non-acclimation) in two groups. The results showed that acclimation treatment alleviated salt-induced damage in the sensitive cultivar with increasing superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, and decreasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. However, the APX, CAT, and GST enzyme activities were increased by acclimation treatment, with the highest increase observed in GST enzymes. Interestingly, the Gmnpr1 gene expression was upregulated in all treatments but was more pronounced in non-acclimation. Furthermore, the highest increase in endogenous SA level was under acclimation treatment in ‘SA88’. In conclusion, the results firstly showed that an acclimation process is useful for increasing salt tolerance in sensitive soybean plants with only ROS-inducted NPR1-independent SA accumulation but not through the NPR1-dependent SA signaling pathway.
Micropropagation and Composition of Essentials Oils in Garden Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.)
Authors: KULPA Danuta , WESOŁOWSKA Aneta , JADCZAK Paula
Published: April 2018

Thymus vulgaris L. is an important aromatic plant, because of the synthesis and production of its essential oils for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In this study, we developed a micropropagation protocol for T. vulgaris ‘Słoneczko’ and evaluated the potential of micropropagated plants for essential oil production with industrial application. The seeds were soaked for 10 min in 10% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution. Then, each seed was put into a 20 ml test tube filled with 5ml of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. Half of the cultures were subjected to light intensity which was maintained at 40 µEm−2s−1, and the other half was cultured in the dark. Shoot explants were multiplied in vitro using MS medium supplemented with BAP, 2iP or KIN. The results obtained indicate that the cytokinin which had the most positive impact on plant development at the multiplication stage was 5 mg dm−3 2iP. Single-node fragments of shoots cultured on MS medium without plant growth regulators were transferred to MS medium supplemented with IAA, IBA and NAA at concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 mgdm−3. The best rooting of shoots was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 2 mgdm−3 IBA. The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation in Deryng and Clevenger apparatus from in vitro shoot cultures of T. vulgaris L. were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Analysis revealed the presence of 54 components represented mainly by oxygenated monoterpenes (56.81-57.28%) and monoterpene hydrocarbons (31.90-33.72%). Among identified constituents, the most abundant were thymol (33.37-34.05%), γ-terpinene (11.62-11.91%), p-cymene (9.81-10.07%), carvacrol (5.63-5.96%), carvacrol methyl ether (3.86-3.87%) and linalool (3.16-3.36%).
Nutrient Uptake and Utilization and Antioxidants of Fruits in Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Cultivar ‘Autumn Bliss’ in response to Fertilization under Extended Photoperiod
Authors: AN Baiyi , WEI Hongxu , LI Linlin , GUO Peng
Published: April 2018

Annual-fruiting cultivars of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) complete its entire cycle of vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting in one growing season, which has not been well studied in response to treatments of photoperiod and fertilization. In this study, micro-propagated plantlets of ‘Autumn Bliss’ were planted in a greenhouse at Dalian, Northeast China. Some were treated with fertilizers at the rate of 12 g per plant (N-P2O5-K2O, 14-14-14) under extended photoperiod of 17 h with PPFD of 240 μmol m-2 s-1 at dark-time (Pho.+Fert.), while others were treated with longer photoperiod (Pho.) or with the control. Compared to the control, both growth and biomass in shoot part of ‘Autumn Bliss’ were promoted by the Pho.+Fert. treatment, but foliar nutrients declined as the symptom of nutrient dilution. The Pho. treatment had no effect on either growth or nutrient uptake in leaves, resulting in the symptom of nutrient depletion compared to the Control. Soil P availability positively correlated with foliar P concentration but negatively correlated with root length. Only the Pho.+Fert. treatment resulted in the advance of fruiting by two months at July when fruits were measured to have acceptable fruit weight of about 3 g and contents of anthocyanin at ~26.4 mg cyaniding-3-glucoside equiv. 100 g-1 Fw and total phenolic content at ~17.5 mg GAE 100 g-1 Fw.
Effects of 5-aminolevulinic Acid on the Photosynthesis, Antioxidant System, and α-Bisabolol Content of Matricaria recutita
Authors: LIU Xiaomeng , ZHU Li , SONG Qiling , CHANG Jie , YE Jiabao , ZHANG Weiwei , LIAO Yongling , XU Feng
Published: April 2018

Matricaria recutita is a widely used medicinal plant with broad pharmacological effects, and α-bisabolol is the main active ingredient of this plant. To improve its α-bisabolol content, M. recutita was sprayed with different concentrations (1.0, 2.0,and 4.0 mmol.L−1) of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or with water as a control to study the effects of ALA treatment on the photosynthesis, antioxidant system, and α-bisabolol content of M. recutita. Results showed that the photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, soluble protein, total amino acids, soluble sugar, and α-bisabolol of M. recutita were significantly increased. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase of M. recutita were also enhanced by ALA treatment. Optimal results were obtained when the concentration of ALA was 2.0 mmol.L−1. Results showed that ALA treatment could improve the α-bisabolol content of M. recutita, and the underlying physiological mechanism was analyzed. ALA treatment was an effective measure for improving the medicinal value of M. recutita.
Seasonal Quality Assessment of Leaves and Stems of Fodder Ligneous Species
Authors: PARISSI Zoi M. , ABRAHAM Eleni M. , ROUKOS Christos , KYRIAZOPOULOS Apostolos P. , PETRIDIS Antonios , KARAMERI Evagelia
Published: April 2018

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of seasonality on the chemical composition and concentration of phenolic compounds in some ligneous species. The research was conducted at the Aristotle University’s farm, Thessaloniki, Greece. From five ligneous species (Robinia pseudoacacia var. monophylla, Amorpha fruticosa, Colutea arborescens, Morus alba and Arbutus unedo) samples (leaves and twigs) were collected during two different seasons (spring and autumn). All samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) and in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility (IVDMD), as well as for total phenols (TPH), total tannins (TT) and condensed tannins (CT). The CP content was generally lower and higher in leaves and stems of A. unedo and R. pseudoacacia, respectively compared to the other tested species. A. unedo had the highest values in NDF and ADL in leaves and the highest ADL content in stems. M. alba and C. arborescens in leaves and C. arborescens in stems had the lowest values of ADL content. M. alba had the significantly highest value in IVDMD and A. unedo the lowest one in both leaves and stems. Season had no significant effect on TPH, TT, and CT of leaves, while in stems they were significantly higher in autumn. A. unedo had the highest concentration of TPH, TT and R. pseudoacacia of CT in the leaves. TPH, TT, and CT concentration in stems was significantly higher in A. unedo. According to the findings, the impact of maturation on the type and the concentration of phenols and tannins is species-dependent.
Determination of Camellia oleifera Abel. Germplasm Resources of Genetic Diversity in China using ISSR Markers
Authors: CHENG Junyong , JIANG Dezhi , CHENG Hua , ZHOU Xihua , FANG Yingyou , ZHANG Xuehua , XIAO Xian , DENG Xianzhen , LI Linling
Published: April 2018

Camellia oleifera is one of the four woody oil plants in the world, which is widely cultivated in South China. To examine the genetic diversity of C. oleifera in China, the diversity and genetic relationships among and within major populations of 109 varieties of C. oleifera were analyzed using ISSR markers. Twenty-three ISSR primers out of 49 primers yielded approximately 487 legible bands. A total of 335 of these bands were polymorphic markers, and the ratio of polymorphism was 68.86%. From the results, Zhejiang province showed the highest populations genetic diversity (H value 0.18), while Guangxi population showed the lowest genetic diversity (H 0.0851). Base on the bands, the genetic similarity coefficient ranged from 0.61 to 0.93 using NTSYS2.10e software. When coefficient was 0.75, 109 cultivars were divided into 11 categories and categories I contain 79 varieties by UPGMA cluster analysis. The test varieties divided into 7 sub-groups when categories were 0.75, which show a close genetic relationship. Results advised that Hunan is the main producing area of C. oleifera, with enriched C. oleifera variety and complex topography, and therefore has a high genetic diversity. Meanwhile, the main varieties of C. oleifera in Hubei are imported from Hunan, which results in fewer varieties and reduces the genetic diversity of C. oleifera. The ISSR profiles can improve C. oleifera germplasm management and provide potential determine correlations between different varieties and its distribution in different province.
Effect of Bacterial-algal Biostimulant on the Yield and Internal Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Produced for Spring and Summer Crop
Authors: KOPTA Tomáš , PAVLÍKOVÁ Marcela , SĘKARA Agnieszka , POKLUDA Robert , MARŠÁLEK Blahoslav
Published: April 2018

Plant biostimulants can enhance crop nutrition status, stress tolerance, yield and quality in environment-friendly manner. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an algae and bacteria preparations on the yield and nutritional parameters of leaf and romaine lettuce cultivated for spring and summer crop. The application of a combined biostimulant consisting of plant growth-promoting bacteria (Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megatherium, Azotobacter sp., Azospirillum sp., and Herbaspirillum sp.) and fresh water algae (Chlorella vulgaris) was done by watering the lettuce every 14 days, and a determination of the fresh weight, total antioxidant capacity, and total carotenoids content was performed. The result revealed that the application of bacterial-algal preparation significantly affected the plant weight of both romaine and leaf lettuce in spring and summer seasons. The highest increase in the weight of romaine lettuce reached 18.9% in the spring crop, while in the case of leaf lettuce, biostimulant treatment led to a 22.7% higher weight in the summer crop. Total antioxidant capacity and total carotenoids content showed increased values in the summer crop of romaine lettuce, while for the leaf lettuce there were no differences between treatments. Therefore, the positive effect of bacterial-algal treatment on lettuce yield, total antioxidant capacity and total carotenoids confirm that it could be applied for improving romaine lettuce yield quality and quantity, especially in stress, summer conditions.
Physiological Responses under Drought Stress of Improved Drought-Tolerant Rice Lines and their Parents
Authors: LARKUNTHOD Preeyanuch , NOUNJAN Noppawan , SIANGLIW Jonaliza L , TOOJINDA Theerayut , SANITCHON Jirawat , JONGDEE Boonrat , THEERAKULPISUT Piyada
Published: April 2018

Many of the economically important rice cultivars including ‘Khao Dawk Mali 105’ (KDML105) or jasmine rice, one of the world’s famous rice exported from Thailand suffers from drought due to erratic rainfalls and limited irrigation. To improve drought tolerance and reserve genetic background of KDML105, chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSL) containing drought tolerant quantitative trait loci (DT-QTL) has been previously developed by backcrossing between KDML105 and drought tolerant donor, IR58586-F2-CA-143 (DH212). To understand the physiological responses related to drought tolerance in CSSL lines compared to parents, two CSSLs namely CSSL1-16 and CSSL1-18, respectively were used in this study. Twenty-one-d-old hydroponically grown plants were subjected to 20% PEG for 0, 7, 14 d and then recovered from stress for 3 d. The results indicated that CSSL lines especially, CSSL1-16 showed better performance under drought stress compared to their recurrent parent. Drought tolerance superior CSSL1-16 line was indicated by high water status (high relative water content and leaf water potential), good osmotic adjustment, high proline and greater membrane stability. Moreover, this line was able to resume growth after stress recovery whereas other lines/cultivar could not recover. Similarly, drought tolerant donor showed high water status suggesting that well-maintained plant water status was associated with drought tolerant trait. It could be concluded that the highest drought tolerant line was CSSL1-16 followed by DH212, CSSL1-18 and KDML105. It would be interesting to go further into introgressed section in CSSL1-16 to identify potential candidate genes in DT-QTL for breeding drought tolerant rice in the future.
Impact of Wheat Residue on Soil Erosion Processes
Authors: KAVIAN Ataollah , GHOLAMI Leila , MOHAMMADI Maziar , SPALEVIC Velibor , FALAH SORAKI Moghadeseh
Published: April 2018

Soil erosion is one of the key challenges in soil and water conservation. Vegetation that covers soil and organic and inorganic mulch is very useful for the control of erosion processes. This study examined treatment with wheat residual (as agriculture mulch) on infiltration, time to runoff, runoff coefficient, sediment concentration and soil erosion processes. The study has been conducted for sandy-loam soil taken from summer rangeland (Northern Iran) with simulated rainfall intensities of 50 and 100 mm h-1. The experiment was conducted in slopes of 30% in three replications with two amounts of wheat residual of 50 and 90 %. The results showed that conservation percent of soil erosion for wheat residual 50 and 90% was 61.68 and 73.25%, respectively (in rainfall intensity of 50 mm h-1). Also, the conservation percent of soil erosion for wheat residual of 50 and 90% cover was 70.68 and 90.55, respectively (in rainfall intensity of 100 mm h-1). It was concluded that the conservation treatments could reduce runoff coefficient, sediment concentration and soil erosion and increase the time to runoff and infiltration coefficient. This effect was significant on time for infiltration, sediment concentration and soil erosion variables (R2=0.99), time to runoff and runoff coefficient variables (R2=0.95). The interaction effects of rainfall intensity and soil conservation was significant for sediment concentration and soil erosion variables (R2=0.99).
Synthesis and characterization of Mo2 C based materials over activated carbon derived from sewage sludge pyrolysis for catalytic applications
Authors: Alexandrino A. C. , Sousa J. F. de , Souza C. P. de , Araújo C. P. B. de , Souto M. V. M.
Published: April 2018

Abstract Transition metal carbides have been successfully used as substitute materials for conventional noble metal catalyst in several important industrial reactions due to their interesting physicochemical properties. Surface structure, chemical composition and metal-support interactions, as well as processing conditions, are of utmost importance in the use of such materials in catalysis. The present study aimed to synthesize and evaluate pure molybdenum carbide with and without support, and bimetallic Mo-Ni carbide over a carbon active support derived from sewage sludge pyrolysis. The support was chemically (KOH) and physically (thermal treatment) activated before use. TG/DTG, XRD, XRF, SEM, BET and particle size evaluation were performed, together with adsorption/desorption isotherms. Results indicated that the applied synthesis method was adequate for the obtainment of pure materials. The increase in surface area of the support was significant, from 13 to 141 m².g-1 after the thermal and chemical treatment; also, supporting Mo2C over carbon provided an increase from 45 to 73 m².g-1 in surface area, which indicated its potential as a catalytic material as well as the effectiveness of the applied methodology.
Síntese e caracterização do material hidrotalcita-hidroxiapatita dopado com nanotubos de carbono e sua aplicação na catálise da reação de transesterificação
Authors: Rodrigues E. , Brasil H. , Barros T. , Pereira C. , Reis M. A. L. dos , Almeida O.
Published: April 2018

Resumo Este trabalho teve por objetivo a síntese e caracterização do material hidrotalcita-hidroxiapatita (HTHAp) dopado com três diferentes proporções (1, 5 e 15% p/p) de nanotubos de carbono (NTC) a fim de avaliar seu potencial como catalisador heterogêneo na reação de metanólise do óleo de soja. A síntese do material HTHAp foi realizada pelo método de coprecipitação (10≤pH≤11) com homogeneização ultrassônica e tratamento hidrotérmico a 80 °C. DRX, MEV/EDS, FT-IR, Raman, fisissorção de N2 e TG/DTA foram as técnicas de caracterização utilizadas. A amostra HTHAp1NTC, dopada a 1% p/p, foi testada como catalisador em duas condições de temperatura (180 e 240 °C), 4 h de tempo de reação, carga de 2,5% de catalisador e razão álcool:óleo de 12:1. A dopagem contribuiu para melhorar propriedades estruturais, morfológicas e a estabilidade térmica do material. Os resultados de rendimento obtidos de 35,2% (180 °C) e 40,5% (240 °C) qualificam o material HTHAp dopado com NTC como catalisador em potencial na reação de transesterificação.
Síntese in situ pelo método hidrotérmico de heteroestruturas de titanato-ferritas e sua atividade fotocatalítica
Authors: Troque B. F. , Eliziário S. A. , Godinho M. J. , Kiminami R. H. G. A.
Published: April 2018

Resumo A aplicação de fotocatalisadores na forma de heteroestruturas tem se destacado através da propriedade de degradação de diversos compostos orgânicos no tratamento de efluentes. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi sintetizar compostos heteroestruturados à base de titanato-ferritas pelo método hidrotérmico in situ para aplicação em processo foto-Fenton. Os materiais sintetizados in situ foram caracterizados por difratometria de raios X, espectroscopia de infravermelho, espectroscopia de reflectância difusa, área específica superficial por BET e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. A síntese in situ de SrTiO3-CoFe2O4 e SrTiO3-NiFe2O4 foi desenvolvida de forma inédita neste trabalho, resultando com sucesso em sistemas heteroestruturados sem presença de fases secundárias, distribuição altamente homogênea das fases constituintes com tamanho médio de partículas nanométrico e garantia de reprodutibilidade do método. A atividade fotocatalítica dos compostos sintetizados foi investigada por meio da degradação do corante Rodamina B, utilizando luz visível, onde o sistema SrTiO3-CoFe2O4 apresentou a melhor atividade fotocatalítica degradando 82% do corante.
Structural and optical properties of AgCl-sensitized TiO2 (TiO2 @AgCl) prepared by a reflux technique under alkaline condition
Authors: Mu’izayanti V. A. , Sutrisno H.
Published: April 2018

Abstract The AgCl-sensitized TiO2 (TiO2@AgCl) has been prepared from the precursor of TiO2-rutile type which on its surface adsorb chloride anion (Cl-) and various amounts of silver using AgNO3 as starting material: AgNO3/(AgNO3+TiO2) mass ratio of 0.00, 1.14, 3.25, 6.38 and 10.32%. Reflux under alkaline condition was the employed technique. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy. The sample without the addition of AgNO3 was analyzed by scanning electron microscope and surface area analyzer. The morphology of the sample showed a distribution of microspheres of approximately 0.5 to 1.0 µm and the specific surface area was 68 m2/g. XRD patterns indicated that the sample without the addition of AgNO3 contained two types of TiO2: rutile (major) and anatase (minor), whereas the samples with the addition of AgNO3 consisted of one phase of AgCl and two types of TiO2: rutile and anatase. The bandgaps of the samples were in the range of 2.97 to 3.24 eV, which were very close to the bandgap of intrinsic TiO2 powder. The presence of 0.8, 2.6 and 4.4 wt% of AgCl in each sample resulted in an additional bandgap in visible light region of 1.90, 1.94 and 2.26 eV, respectively, whereas the presence of 9.4 wt% of AgCl in the sample resulted in two bandgaps in visible light region of 1.98 and 1.88 eV.
Effect of carboxymethylcellulose on the rheological and filtration properties of bentonite clay samples determined by experimental planning and statistical analysis
Authors: Brito B. M. A. , Bastos P. M. , Gama A. J. A. , Cartaxo J. M. , Neves G. A. , Ferreira H. C.
Published: April 2018

Abstract Over the past few years, considerable research has been conducted using the techniques of mixture delineation and statistical modeling. Through this methodology, applications in various technological fields have been found/optimized, especially in clay technology, leading to greater efficiency and reliability. This work studied the influence of carboxymethylcellulose on the rheological and filtration properties of bentonite dispersions to be applied in water-based drilling fluids using experimental planning and statistical analysis for clay mixtures. The dispersions were prepared according to Petrobras standard EP-1EP-00011-A, which deals with the testing of water-based drilling fluid viscosifiers for oil prospecting. The clay mixtures were transformed into sodic compounds, and carboxymethylcellulose additives of high and low molar mass were added, in order to improve their rheology and filtrate volume. Experimental planning and statistical analysis were used to verify the effect. The regression models were calculated for the relation between the compositions and the following rheological properties: apparent viscosity, plastic viscosity, and filtrate volume. The significance and validity of the models were confirmed. The results showed that the 3D response surfaces of the compositions with high molecular weight carboxymethylcellulose added were the ones that most contributed to the rise in apparent viscosity and plastic viscosity, and that those with low molecular weight were the ones that most helped in the reduction of the filtrate volume. Another important observation is that the experimental planning and statistical analysis can be used as an important auxiliary tool to optimize the rheological properties and filtrate volume of bentonite clay dispersions for use in drilling fluids when carboxymethylcellulose is added.
Evolution and characterization of eggshell as a potential candidate of raw material
Authors: Zaman T. , Mostari Mst. S. , Mahmood Md. A. Al , Rahman Md. S.
Published: April 2018

Abstract Characterization of both uncalcined and calcined eggshells was done in this work. Raw eggshells turned out as a good source of calcite phase. Calcined eggshells had a mixture of lime and portlandite phase. A significant impact of calcination temperature on the percentage of generated phases was observed. Qualitative as well as semi-quantitative phase analysis, morphological characterization and physical property estimation was done for the produced powder. The influence of synthesized raw material on soil stabilization and biomaterial formation was further assessed. The eggshell turned out as a potential source of raw material for various sectors.
Leptophlebiidae (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) from state of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Costa Sabrina Santos , Souza Francine Novais , Nogueira Maria Adonay Melo , Santos Edineusa Pereira dos , Sousa Michelle Maria Lima de , Silva Vinicius de Assis , Almeida Everlin , Mariano Rodolfo
Published: April 2018

Abstract Leptophlebiidae is the family with the most diversity of species and wide distribution in the Southern Hemisphere. There are 95 species of Leptophlebiidae recorded in Brazil, but for the state of Bahia there are only 21 species. A check list and new records of Leptophlebiidae (Ephemeroptera) are presented to the State of Bahia. A total of 16 genera and 40 species of Leptophlebiidae were identified on this study. The species Fittkaulus cururuensis, Hylister obliquus, Miroculis (atroari) duckensis and Miroculis (Ommaethus) froehlichi are reported for the first time to the State of Bahia, increasing the number of Leptophlebiidae species from 21 to 25. Now, the Bahia is one of the states with the largest number of Leptophlebiidae species records, behind only of the state of Espírito Santo which has 26 species of this family.
Hexapod decomposers of Serra de Santa Catarina, Paraíba, Brazil: an area with high potential for conservation of Caatinga biodiversity
Authors: Ernesto Matilde Vasconcelos , Liberal Carolina Nunes , Ferreira Aila Soares , Alves Ana Claudia Firmino , Zeppelini Douglas , Martins Celso Feitosa , Pereira-Colavite Alessandre , Creão-Duarte Antônio José , Vasconcellos Alexandre
Published: April 2018

Abstract: In detritus-based trophic systems, springtails, dung beetles, saprophagous calyptrate flies and termites consume and fragment organic matter and control populations of decomposer microorganisms, exerting a strong influence on energy and nutrient fluxes. A faunal inventory of these four groups of hexapods was performed in Serra de Santa Catarina (SSC), an area of arboreal-shrub caatinga located in the state of Paraíba, with the purpose of characterizing the assemblages of these taxa, and highlighting their unique links to the local ecosystem. Samplings were performed in May, 2014, and April, 2015, both during the rainy season. Standard sampling protocols for biodiversity inventory of the various taxa were used, including both active and passive sampling methods. In general, 114 species of hexapods were captured, with 26 species of springtails, 20 dung beetles, 30 saprophagous calyptrate flies and 38 termites, with sampling sufficiency varying from 69.5 to 96.8% of total estimated richness. Species richness of the groups are among the highest recorded for a single area of Caatinga, with some taxa being recorded for the first time for the domain. Several morphospecies had indeterminate taxonomic status, especially springtails and termites, and are quite likely new species to science. The structure of the assemblages of springtails, dung beetles, saprophagous calyptrate flies and termites recorded in SSC, suggest that this conserved area is unique within the highly impacted landscape of Caatinga, and has great potential for the conservation of biodiversity of this domain in the Northeast Region of Brazil.
Narrativas de vida como estratégia de ensino-aprendizagem na formação em saúde
Authors: Imbrizi Jaquelina Maria , Kinker Fernando Sfair , Azevedo Adriana Barin de , Jurdi Andrea Perosa Saigh
Published: April 2018

A produção escrita de narrativas tem se apresentado como estratégia de ensino-aprendizagem na formação em saúde do campus Baixada Santista da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Neste artigo, discutimos como os estudantes se apropriam desta atividade e como os professores estabelecem critérios para avaliar o material que substitui a prova. São apresentadas três experiências: o memorial; a biografia sobre o brincar e a história de vida dos usuários de um Núcleo de Atenção Psicossocial (Naps). O método se baseou na escolha de trechos dos escritos dos estudantes de 2014 e posterior análise à luz de autores que discutem narrativas. Os dados produzidos apontam a importância de considerar o processo criativo na elaboração de um texto; a transitoriedade entre a verticalidade da história singular e a horizontalidade da cultura; e a reflexão acerca da constituição subjetiva no encontro com a diferença.
Inserção da fisioterapia na atenção primária à saúde: análise do cadastro nacional de estabelecimentos de saúde em 2010
Authors: Tavares Larissa Riani Costa , Costa José Luiz Riani , Oishi Jorge , Driusso Patricia
Published: April 2018

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a distribuição de fisioterapeutas na atenção primária à saúde (APS) no Brasil, e analisar a relação do número de habitantes por fisioterapeuta na APS, de acordo com o Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES). Foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo, a partir de dados do CNES e do Censo Demográfico de 2010. A partir disso, foram identificados 6.917 cadastros de fisioterapeutas na APS, com predomínio na região Sudeste (49%), a qual, em junto com a Sul, foram as regiões com melhores relações de habitantes por fisioterapeuta na APS (aproximadamente 23.000/1), enquanto na região Norte foram observados 32.000 habitantes por profissional. Dos municípios do Brasil, 47% possuem fisioterapeuta na APS, e a análise por porte populacional indicou maior percentual de fisioterapeutas na APS em municípios de pequeno porte (39%) e médio porte (34%). A melhor relação entre habitantes por fisioterapeuta ocorreu nos municípios de pequeno porte do Sudeste (6.948/1), e a pior em metrópoles do Centro-Oeste (371.672/1). Observou-se, ainda, que municípios de pequeno porte apresentam fisioterapeutas apenas na APS, ao passo que, por outro lado, a maioria dos municípios de demais portes possui fisioterapeutas em todos os níveis de atenção.
O tempo de uso do sensor de movimento interfere na escolha do desfecho de atividade física na vida diária em pacientes com DPOC?
Authors: Schneider Lorena Paltanin , Furlanetto Karina Couto , Hernandes Nidia Aparecida , Pitta Fabio
Published: April 2018

RESUMO Este estudo analisa a atividade física na vida diária (AFVD) de pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC), quantificada em três diferentes períodos de uso diário do sensor de movimento: 8 horas, 12 horas e período de tempo acordado, a fim de identificar se os desfechos de AFVD diferem entre si. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 45 pacientes (66±8 anos) classificados com DPOC de moderada a grave. A AFVD foi avaliada utilizando-se o monitor de atividade física SenseWear Armband (SAB) durante 7 dias consecutivos, 24 horas por dia. Compararam-se os resultados de AFVD fornecidos pelo monitor nos três períodos de avaliação dentro das 24 horas de uso. Os desfechos de sedentarismo e de atividade física (número de passos e gasto energético total) foram diferentes nos três períodos de utilização do SAB, com maiores valores na avaliação por período de tempo acordado. Quanto aos desfechos de atividade física estratificados por idade - 3 ou 2 equivalentes metabólicos (MET) -, os resultados foram similares na avaliação por 12 horas e por período de tempo acordado. Concluiu-se, afinal, que o uso do monitor de atividade física durante o tempo acordado é o desfecho mais indicado para monitoração acurada e completa de sedentarismo e atividade física em pacientes com DPOC.
Eficácia do Nintendo Wii em desfechos funcionais e de saúde de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Braz Nayara Felicidade Tomaz , Dutra Letícia Rocha , Medeiros Paulo Eduardo Souza , Scianni Aline Alvim , Faria Christina Danielli Coelho de Morais
Published: April 2018

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar sistematicamente a literatura sobre a eficácia do Nintendo Wii na melhora de desfechos funcionais e de saúde de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson. A revisão foi desenvolvida seguindo o PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), com buscas nas bases de dados MEDLINE, SciELO, LILACS e PEDro mediante estratégia de busca composta pela combinação dos termos “Wii”, “Doença de Parkinson”, “reabilitação” e “fisioterapia”, seguida de busca manual. Os critérios de inclusão foram: estudos experimentais ou quase-experimentais relacionados a intervenções envolvendo o uso do Nintendo Wii para melhora de desfechos funcionais em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson, publicados até fevereiro de 2016, sem restrição de idioma. A qualidade metodológica dos estudos foi avaliada pela escala PEDro. Dos 701 estudos encontrados, foram selecionados sete que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão, a maioria (57,14%) apresentava qualidade metodológica ruim e era do tipo quase-experimental. Os resultados sugerem que o uso do Wii parece eficaz para melhora de desfechos funcionais (equilíbrio, mobilidade, desempenho motor e independência) e de saúde (diminuição do risco de quedas), sendo mais consistentes os resultados para melhora do equilíbrio. São necessários estudos com melhor qualidade metodológica para o estabelecimento das evidências e, ainda, padronizações sobre os tipos de jogos, intensidade e frequência adequados para cada tipo de paciente com DP.
Controle postural de mulheres com dismenorreia primária em dois momentos do ciclo menstrual
Authors: Stallbaum Joana Hasenack , Silva Fabrício Santana da , Saccol Michele Forgiarini , Braz Melissa Medeiros
Published: April 2018

RESUMO A dismenorreia primária (DP) é uma dor pélvica ou abdominal inferior relacionada à menstruação, associada a pontos dolorosos miofasciais, cuja presença é capaz de alterar a percepção somatossensorial e a ativação muscular, o que pode interferir no controle postural. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a influência da DP no controle postural estático de mulheres em dois momentos do ciclo menstrual, com e sem dor. Foram avaliadas 19 universitárias (22,4±3,0 anos) com DP por meio da escala visual analógica, algometria e plataforma de força. Os dados foram submetidos à estatística descritiva e verificados quanto à normalidade (Shapiro-Wilk) e às variáveis comparadas, utilizando-se o teste t de Student e o teste de Wilcoxon. O grupo avaliado apresentou uma dor considerada moderada (4,1±2,3), e os valores de limiar de dor à pressão foram menores no momento com dor quando comparado ao sem dor, na região do abdômen direito (p=0,04) e lombossacral bilateral (p<0,05), indicando maior sensibilidade local. Quanto ao controle postural, houve maior amplitude de deslocamento anteroposterior do centro de pressão, tanto na condição “olhos abertos” quanto “olhos fechados”, bem como na velocidade média e área da elipse do centro de pressão, na condição “olhos fechados”, durante o momento com DP. Essas alterações indicam maior necessidade de ajustes posturais na DP, possivelmente em virtude de uma interferência da dor sobre a propriocepção. Concluiu-se que houve maior sensibilidade dolorosa na fase menstrual do ciclo e que a dor interferiu sobre o controle postural deste grupo, eventos que foram intensificados pela ausência de visão.
Efectos del cátodo y del ánodo de la corriente directa en los cambios de fuerza de prensión palmar: valoración a través de dinamometría
Authors: Ortiz Hernán Andrés de la Barra , Opazo Jaime , Poblete Iván Romero , Santis José Mora
Published: April 2018

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo es investigar los efectos polares de la corriente directa sobre la fuerza muscular, evaluada con dinamómetro manual. Los valores de la fuerza muscular en kilogramos fueron comparados antes y después del procedimiento en 3 grupos (Anodo, Catodo y Control). El diseño es Ensayo Clínico Aleatorio controlado. La investigación se realizó el Laboratorio de Fisioterapia de la Universidad Andrés Bello (Escuela de Kinesiología Santiago). El estudio se llevó a cabo con ciento cincuenta participantes voluntarios sanos. La intervención consistió en la aplicación de una sesión de corriente directa a una intensidad de 2mA por 12 minutos con un electrodo de 48cm2 (dosis 24mA.min y densidad de corriente 0,04mA/cm2). La diferencia entre los grupos radicaba en la estimulación con el cátodo o ánodo. La aplicación de la corriente se realizaba luego de la evaluación dinamométrica inicial. Cómo outcome principal se estimó la diferencia de Fuerza Máxima de prensión palmar (Kg). Esta se obtuvo de la diferencia del mejor valor de fuerza máxima pre intervención con el mejor valor de fuerza máxima post intervención. Los resultados indican que no existen cambios estadísticamente significativos en los grupos intervenidos (p valor = 0,88) al comparar las diferencias de fuerzas máximas (FMdif). Sin embargo, se aprecia una mínima mejora de la fuerza al comparar los grupos sólo considerando hombres del grupo cátodo (p valor = 0,94, y leve disminución al comparar sólo para mujeres del grupo ánodo (p valor = 0,91).Cómo conclusión se destaca que aparentemente la corriente directa no generaría mayores cambios en la fuerza de prensión manual luego de una sesión de intervención sobre el antebrazo. Sin embargo, existen variaciones positivas de fuerza en hombres del grupo cátodo y negativas mujeres del grupo ánodo al analizarlos independientemente, aunque estas modificaciones no resultan estadísticamente significativas.
CONDICIONANTES DA DISPOSIÇÃO DE PARTICIPAR E ACEITAR PAGAMENTOS POR SERVIÇOS AMBIENTAIS: UM ESTUDO DE CASO NO BRASIL
Authors: Ouverney Isaque Regis , Motta Ronaldo Seroa da , Ortiz Ramon Arigoni , Coelho Paulo Sérgio
Published: April 2018

RESUMO Este estudo estima a probabilidade de produtores rurais participarem de um programa de pagamentos por serviços ambientais (PSA) na bacia do rio Paraíba do Sul, Brasil, para atividades de conversão produtiva, conservação e regeneração florestal, com base numa pesquisa de campo junto aos potenciais provedores. A estratégia de identificação condiciona as funções de probabilidade a participar do programa de PSA e a aceitar o pagamento proposto a fatores econômicos e percepções com técnicas de análise fatorial e testa modelos econométricos em um e dois estágios. Os resultados apontam que a adesão a programas de PSA é influenciada não apenas por fatores relativos ao custo financeiro de oportunidade para a adoção das novas atividades, mas, principalmente, por fatores relativos ao conhecimento prévio dos provedores sobre questões relativas ao programa e suas percepções de risco e incerteza quanto ao nível de esforço necessário para a adequação as atividades oferecidas.