bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estratégias tecnológicas em transformação: um estudo da indústria farmacêutica brasileira
Authors: Santos Maria Clara Bottino Gonçalves , Pinho Marcelo
Published: June 2012

Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar a extensão das mudanças nas estratégias tecnológicas de um grupo de empresas farmacêuticas de capital nacional ensejadas por alterações no ambiente institucional ocorridas na década de 1990, como as leis de patentes e do medicamento genérico. Essas mudanças institucionais poderiam induzir transformações na inserção de mercado e na posição competitiva dessas empresas e desencadear um processo de intensificação do esforço de pesquisa e desenvolvimento de tecnologia farmacêutica no país, com ampliação dos recursos dedicados a esse fim, montagem de novas estruturas organizacionais e formação de esquemas de cooperação com agentes externos às empresas. Do ponto de vista metodológico, esta pesquisa, embora precedida de uma revisão abrangente da literatura pertinente, caracteriza-se como um estudo de multicasos. As empresas que compõem a amostra pesquisada foram definidas a partir do cruzamento de dois critérios: i) são todas empresas de porte relevante, situadas entre as maiores no ranking nacional do setor; e ii) a identificação na literatura setorial de casos que sugeriam inflexão nas estratégias tecnológicas. A pesquisa confirmou que as empresas estudadas passaram por uma significativa intensificação do esforço tecnológico, o que não impede que, relativamente ao padrão de concorrência vigente em escala internacional, esses esforços continuem a ser em média pequenos e tenham impactos modestos.
Reabilitação profissional no Brasil: elementos para a construção de uma política pública
Authors: Maeno Maria , Vilela Rodolfo Andrade de Gouveia
Published: June 2012

Partindo de uma retrospectiva histórica da reabilitação profissional, o objetivo do presente ensaio é refletir sobre as possibilidades de se construir uma política pública, tendo como objetivo a real reinclusão social dos acidentados e adoecidos e não um mecanismo de desfecho burocrático para a redução de custos com benefícios previdenciários. Voltado para os trabalhadores com restrições decorrentes de acidentes traumáticos, o serviço de reabilitação profissional do Instituto Nacional de Seguro Social (INSS), existente até os anos 1990, mostrava-se insuficiente para promover a reinserção de trabalhadores com agravos de perfil epidêmico, particularmente Lesões por Esforços Repetitivos/Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho (LER/DORT). Nessa época, reflexo da política privatizante, promoveu-se um desmonte nessas estruturas dentro do INSS e a delegação da reinserção dos trabalhadores às empresas. A construção de uma política pública de reabilitação profissional exige: a inserção da saúde do trabalhador nas políticas de desenvolvimento econômico; a desconstrução da cultura e da máquina previdenciária voltada prioritariamente para os custos; a real articulação da Saúde e da Previdência Social em projetos nacionais e locais; a inclusão do caráter distributivo nos planos de modernização; o monitoramento da trajetória dos trabalhadores; e a transparência institucional.
O Agente Comunitário de Saúde na Estratégia de Saúde da Família: uma investigação das condições de trabalho e da qualidade de vida
Authors: Ursine Bárbara Lyrio , Trelha Celita Salmaso , Nunes Elisabete de Fátima Polo Almeida
Published: June 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar as condições de trabalho e a qualidade de vida dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS) que atuam na região sul do município de Londrina, no estado do Paraná, Brasil, em 2009. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, transversal e quantitativo. A população pré-selecionada era composta por 77 funcionários, destes, 73 responderam a um instrumento abordando aspectos sociodemográficos, de saúde e de trabalho e a outro denominado World Health Organization Quality of Life, versão abreviada (WHOQOL-Bref). A maioria dos ACS era do gênero feminino (63 - 86,3%); média de idade de 33,5 ± 9,2 anos; 49 (67,1%) tinha ensino médio completo; e predomínio de casados 35 (47,9%). As condições de trabalho eram precárias e produtoras de sofrimento e, além disso, os ACS recebiam baixa remuneração. Houve avaliação positiva para as questões que compõem a qualidade de vida geral e para os domínios físico, psicológico, relações sociais e avaliação intermediária para o domínio meio ambiente. É necessário oferecer atenção a estes trabalhadores a fim de proporcionar o cuidado em saúde adequado à população, às famílias e às comunidades.
Análise preliminar de riscos sobre o gerenciamento dos resíduos de serviços de saúde de uma instituição de ensino em Mato Grosso do Sul: estudo de caso
Authors: Shinzato Marjolly Priscilla , Hess Sônia Corina , Boncz Marc Árpád , Macente Douglas Fernando Carlos , Skowronski Josué
Published: June 2012

No presente trabalho foram caracterizados, qualitativa e quantitativamente, os resíduos de serviços de saúde (RSS) do Centro de Ensino em Saúde (CES) de uma instituição pública de ensino localizada em Campo Grande-MS. Foi investigado o gerenciamento dos resíduos de 25 laboratórios de ensino e pesquisa, que geram em média 155,9 kg de RSS por semana. Determinou-se para o CES as taxas de geração de resíduos iguais a 0,29 kg.pesquisa-1.dia-1 e 0,11 kg.aula-1.dia-1; respectivamente, para as atividades de pesquisa e ensino. Após a análise preliminar de riscos, verificou-se que a instituição apresenta riscos químicos e biológicos que se estendem para fora do limite de suas instalações, impactando direta ou indiretamente a sociedade e o ambiente. Muitos laboratórios se enquadraram na categoria de risco máximo, sendo os mais críticos os de Patologia, Histologia, Anatomia Humana e Anatomia Veterinária.
Gestão ambiental e interesses corporativos: imagem ambiental ou novas relações com o ambiente?
Authors: Almeida Júnior Antônio Ribeiro de , Gomes Helena Lemos dos Reis Magalhães
Published: June 2012

Este artigo trata da emergência de um novo sistema de comunicação ambiental a serviço das grandes corporações. Este sistema agrega novos agentes entre os quais podemos destacar: ONGs supostamente ambientalistas, empresas de certificação ambiental, instituições que promovem premiações ambientais. Argumenta-se que esta situação transformou as condições em que ocorre o embate sobre as questões ambientais e sobre as potenciais soluções para estas questões. A pesquisa funda-se em uma revisão da literatura sobre o assunto e em uma análise qualitativa de um conjunto de publicidades brasileiras que se utiliza de temas ambientais. Neste conjunto de publicidades, aparecem elementos para construirmos hipóteses sobre as articulações realizadas pelo setor corporativo para responder ao desafio ambientalista.
O processo de trabalho na supervisão clínico-institucional nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS)
Authors: Silva Gilson Mafacioli da , Beck Carmem Lúcia Colomé , Figueiredo Ana Cristina Costa de , Prestes Francine Cassol
Published: June 2012

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever e analisar o processo de trabalho dos supervisores clínico-institucionais dos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS) no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratório-descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa. Os sujeitos foram dez supervisores, e a técnica de coleta de dados foi feita a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática. Como resultados identificaram-se ferramentas utilizadas pelo supervisor como suporte para sua prática no processo de trabalho, destacando-se: o mapeamento do processo de trabalho no CAPS, a experiência profissional na clínica e na saúde pública, com ênfase no SUS, o uso da escuta e da palavra, e a construção coletiva dos casos clínicos.
Acidentes de trabalho com mototaxistas
Authors: Amorim Camila Rego , Araújo Edna Maria de , Araújo Tânia Maria de , Oliveira Nelson Fernandes de
Published: June 2012

A utilização da motocicleta como meio de trabalho vem contribuindo para o aumento no número dos acidentes de trânsito e se constituindo em acidentes de trabalho para os mototaxistas. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a incidência anual de acidentes de trabalho entre mototaxistas cadastrados em Feira de Santana, BA. Trata-se de um estudo de caráter descritivo e censitário. Foram entrevistados 267 profissionais dos 300 cadastrados na Secretaria Municipal de Transporte e Trânsito - SMTT, através de questionário estruturado. Procedeu-se à análise descritiva e foram estimadas incidências anuais de acidentes de trabalho segundo as variáveis de interesse. Calcularam-se os riscos relativos e, como medida de significância estatística, utilizou-se o teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson e o teste exato de Fisher, adotando-se p < 0,05. Utilizou-se a regressão logística no intuito de realizar a análise simultânea das variáveis estudadas. Observou-se uma incidência anual de acidentes de trabalho de 10,5%. Ocorreram lesões leves, principalmente ferimentos (48,7%), sendo necessário afastamento das atividades laborais para 27% dos profissionais. Na análise de regressão logística verificou-se associação entre quantidade de dias de trabalho por semana, presença de fadiga em membros inferiores e queixa musculoesquelética e os acidentes de trabalho. O conhecimento acerca das condições de trabalho e dos acidentes envolvidos nessa atividade pode ser de grande importância para a adoção de políticas de educação no trânsito, com vistas à prevenção de acidentes e melhoria das condições de trabalho e de vida desses profissionais.
Oncologia de Cabeça e Pescoço: enquadramento epidemiológico e clínico na avaliação da Qualidade de Vida Relacionada com a Saúde
Authors: Silveira Augusta , Gonçalves Joaquim , Sequeira Teresa , Ribeiro Cláudia , Lopes Carlos , Monteiro Eurico , Pimentel Francisco Luís
Published: June 2012

A importância das doenças oncológicas como causa de morbilidade e mortalidade está em crescimento, sendo reconhecido o seu impacto social e peso global pelos custos económicos e sociais envolvidos na sua prevenção, tratamento e reabilitação. As patologias oncológicas de cabeça e pescoço representam um dos seis tumores malignos mais prevalentes em todo o mundo, com um valor estimado de 900.000 novos casos diagnosticados anualmente em escala mundial. Estes doentes oncológicos apresentam deterioração de funções básicas que, quando percepcionadas, têm impacto negativo na sua Qualidade de Vida. Um registo oncológico adequado permite uma análise mais rigorosa dos resultados obtidos na avaliação da Qualidade de Vida Relacionada com a Saúde. Este estudo incluiu 380 doentes oncológicos de cabeça e pescoço e demonstra que as mulheres apresentam resultados de Qualidade de Vida globalmente inferiores. Salienta-se ainda a importância do diagnóstico precoce em oncologia, que se relaciona frequentemente com melhores scores e conclui-se que a localização do tumor tem impacto sobre a autopercepção de Qualidade de Vida. Os valores de Qualidade de Vida Relacionada com a Saúde devem ser interpretados à luz das variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas, para melhor se avaliar a Patologia Oncológica de Cabeça e Pescoço numa perspectiva epidemiológica no sentido de melhor compreender o processo saúde - doença.
Desempenho de idosos com presbiacusia em tarefas de controle inibitório
Authors: Costa Ana Lúcia Pires Afonso da , Zimmer Márcia Cristina
Published: June 2012

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho de idosos em tarefa não verbal ligada a funções executivas, a fim de verificar a hipótese de que idosos usuários de próteses auditivas obteriam escores mais altos do que idosos não usuários de próteses na tarefa proposta. MÉTODOS: A tarefa Simon, administrada individualmente em um laptop com o software e-prime, foi utilizada para mensurar aspectos ligados a funções executivas por meio de uma condição controle e duas condições de teste. Na condição controle, os estímulos - quadrados coloridos - eram apresentados no centro da tela. As condições de teste subdividiam-se em condições laterais congruentes - estímulos posicionados no mesmo lado da tela em que a tecla do computador a ser selecionada para a resposta - e laterais incongruentes - em que os estímulos aparecem no lado da tela oposto ao da tecla a ser selecionada. A diferença de tempo de reação entre as condições congruente e incongruente é chamada de efeito Simon. Os idosos foram agrupados em três grupos: um grupo controle de indivíduos com audição normal; indivíduos com presbiacusia, usuários de próteses auditivas; e indivíduos com presbiacusia não usuários de próteses auditivas. RESULTADOS: A análise estatística apontou diferença entre o grupo sem perda auditiva (controle) e o grupo de não usuários de prótese auditiva somente no tempo de reação (TR) na condição controle. Nas demais comparações não foram encontradas diferenças. CONCLUSÃO: A hipótese levantada não foi corroborada, o que aponta a necessidade de utilização de novos métodos exploratórios de observação dos fenômenos estudados.
Caracterização do padrão de fechamento velofaríngeo em pacientes com fissura palatina
Authors: Di Ninno Camila Queiroz de Moraes Silveira , Rezende Ana Luiza de Freitas , Jesus Jessica Danielle Santos de , Pires Josiana da Silva , Godinho Ricardo Neves , Britto Denise Brandão de Oliveira e
Published: June 2012

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o padrão de fechamento velofaríngeo de pacientes operados de fissura palatina e sua relação com gênero, faixa etária, tipo de fissura e diagnóstico da função velofaríngea. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo realizado a partir de 89 exames de nasofaringoscopia de pacientes operados de fissura palatina, entre 4 e 47 anos (média=17,32±10,50). Os dados foram analisados quanto ao gênero; faixa etária (4 a 8, 9 a 12 anos, 13 a 18 e acima de 18 anos); tipo de fissura (pós-forame e transforame); diagnóstico da função velofaríngea (adequada, marginal e inadequada) e padrão de fechamento velofaríngeo (coronal, circular, circular com prega de Passavant e sagital). Os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Na amostra estudada, 59,55% eram do gênero feminino; 39,33% tinham mais de 18 anos de idade; 44,94% apresentavam fissura pós-forame e 55,06% transforame; 14,61% fechamento adequado, 53,93% marginal e 31,46% inadequado. Quanto ao padrão de fechamento, 37,08% apresentaram fechamento coronal, 33,71% circular, 15,73% circular com Passavant e 13,48% sagital. Houve relação do padrão de fechamento com o diagnóstico da função velofaríngea (p=0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A maior parte da amostra apresentou fechamento velofaríngeo coronal, seguido pelo circular, circular com Passavant e sagital. Não houve relação entre o padrão de fechamento e as variáveis gênero, faixa etária e tipo de fissura, mas observou-se influência relacionada ao diagnóstico da função velofaríngea.
Recursos de ênfase utilizados por indivíduos com e sem treinamento de voz e fala
Authors: Borrego Maria Cristina de Menezes , Behlau Mara
Published: June 2012

OBJETIVO: Investigar como indivíduos com e sem treinamento vocal utilizam recursos de ênfase em duas palavras previamente selecionadas na leitura de texto. MÉTODOS: Setenta e sete indivíduos de 19 a 57 anos de idade formaram dois grupos: 51 alunos de curso de radialista denominados grupo treinado - GT e 26 indivíduos sem experiência em locução, denominados grupo não-treinado - GNT. Eles leram uma notícia duas vezes enfatizando, a cada leitura, uma palavra: "negocia" e "reformas". As leituras foram gravadas em dois momentos com intervalo de dois meses entre elas, correspondentes ao início e ao final do curso de radialista do GT. O material foi submetido à avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da ocorrência, avaliação e forma de utilização da ênfase; identificação visual da espectrografia para delimitação das pausas junto às palavras estudadas; análise acústica da duração e frequência fundamental das ênfases. Testes estatísticos foram aplicados. RESULTADOS: GT foi melhor avaliado quanto à qualidade da utilização da ênfase que GNT, não havendo diferença na sua ocorrência e forma de utilização. "Reformas" teve maior ocorrência de ênfase e foi melhor avaliada que "negocia". GT usou menos pausas que GNT. Na análise acústica, "reformas" durou mais que "negocia" no GNT. A média da frequência fundamental de "negocia" foi maior que "reformas". CONCLUSÃO: Os grupos comportaram-se de forma semelhante, demonstrando que enfatizar obedece a individualidade dos falantes. GT apresentou mais habilidade na distribuição das pausas. As ênfases ocorreram diferentemente entre as palavras respeitando aspectos sintático-semânticos.
A computational analysis of locomotor anatomy and body mass evolution in Allosauroidea (Dinosauria: Theropoda)
Authors: Bates Karl T. , Benson Roger B. J. , Falkingham Peter L.
Published: June 2012

We investigate whether musculoskeletal anatomy and three-dimensional (3-D) body proportions were modified during the evolution of large (>6000 kg) body size in Allosauroidea (Dinosauria: Theropoda). Three adaptations for maintaining locomotor performance at large body size, related to muscle leverage, mass, and body proportions, are tested and all are unsupported in this analysis. Predictions from 3-D musculoskeletal models of medium-sized (Allosaurus) and large-bodied (Acrocanthosaurus) allosauroids suggest that muscle leverage scaled close to isometry, well below the positive allometry required to compensate for declining muscle cross-sectional area with increasing body size. Regression analyses on a larger allosauroid data set finds slight positive allometry in the moment arms of major hip extensors, but isometry is included within confidence limits. Contrary to other recent studies of large-bodied theropod clades, we found no compelling evidence for significant positive allometry in muscle mass between exemplar medium- and large-bodied allosauroids. Indeed, despite the uncertainty in quantitative soft tissue reconstruction, we find strong evidence for negative allometry in the caudofemoralis longus muscle, the single largest hip extensor in non-avian theropods. Finally, we found significant inter-study variability in center-of-mass predictions for allosauroids, but overall observe that consistently proportioned soft tissue reconstructions produced similar predictions across the group, providing no support for a caudal shift in the center of mass in larger taxa that might otherwise reduce demands on hip extensor muscles during stance. Our data set provides further quantitative support to studies that argue for a significant decline in locomotor performance with increasing body size in non-avian theropods. However, although key pelvic limb synapomorphies of derived allosauroids (e.g., dorsomedially inclined femoral head) evolved at intermediate body sizes, they may nonetheless have improved mass support.
Behavioral biology of trace fossils
Authors: Plotnick Roy E.
Published: June 2012

The potential of the ichnofossil record for exploring the evolution of behavior has never been fully realized. Some of this is due to the nature of the trace fossil record itself. Equally responsible is the separation of ichnology from the relevant areas of modern behavioral biology. The two disciplines have virtually no concepts, methods, or literature in common. The study of animal behavior and its evolution is thus bereft of the rich data and insights of ichnologists.

One potential pathway forward is for ichnologists to adopt and adapt the movement ecology paradigm proposed several years ago by Ran Nathan and colleagues. This approach views movement as resulting from interactions of the organism's internal state, its movement abilities, and its sensory capabilities with each other and with the external environment. These interactions produce a movement path. The adoption of this paradigm would place trace fossil studies in a far wider common context for the study of movement, while providing the dimension of the evolution of movement behavior in deep time to neontological studies.

A second component of this integration would be for paleontologists to develop ataphonomy of behaviorthat places in a phylogenetic context the range of possible behaviors that organisms can carry out and assesses the potential of each of these behaviors in leaving a diagnostic trace. Parallel to other taphonomic concepts, this approach assesses the preservation potential of particular behaviors;behavioral fidelityis the extent to which trace fossils preserve these original behavioral signals.
Associated evolution of bipedality and cursoriality among Triassic archosaurs: a phylogenetically controlled evaluation
Authors: Kubo Tai , Kubo Mugino O.
Published: June 2012

Bipedalism evolved more than twice among archosaurs, and it is a characteristic of basal dinosaurs and a prerequisite for avian flight. Nevertheless, the reasons for the evolution of bipedalism among archosaurs have barely been investigated. Comparative analysis using phylogenetically independent contrasts showed a significant correlation between bipedality (relative length of forelimb) and cursoriality (relative length of metatarsal III) among Triassic archosaurs. This result indicates that, among Triassic archosaurs, bipeds could run faster than quadrupeds. Bipedalism is probably an adaptation for cursoriality among archosaurs, which may explain why bipedalism evolved convergently in the crocodilian and bird lineages. This result also indicates that the means of acquiring cursoriality may differ between archosaurs and mammals.
Macroevolutionary trends in silicoflagellate skeletal morphology: the costs and benefits of silicification
Authors: van Tol Helena M. , Irwin Andrew J. , Finkel Zoe V.
Published: June 2012

The silicoflagellates are a class of enigmatic chrysophytes characterized by netlike skeletons composed of opaline silica. Other major groups of siliceous plankton—the diatoms and radiolarians—exhibit evidence of decreasing size or silicification over the Cenozoic. We investigated trends in the silicoflagellate fossil record by constructing a species-level database of diversity and morphological metrics. This new database reveals a proliferation of silicoflagellate species with spined skeletons along with an increase in the mean number of spines per species over the Cenozoic. Although there is little change in skeleton size or silicification among species with spines, those without spines are larger than species with spines and exhibit a decrease in size toward the present. Increased grazing pressure combined with declining surface silicate availability may have shifted the costs and benefits of silicification, causing divergent responses in skeletal morphology between these different morphological lineages of silicoflagellates over time. We postulate that diminishing Cenozoic surface silicic acid availability may have predisposed large spineless silicoflagellate species to extinction, whereas increased grazing pressure may have contributed to the extinction of all remaining spineless species within the edible size range of grazers.
Multilayers as 3D nanostructured porous constructs
Authors: Sher Praveen , Mano João F.
Published: June 2012

In this work, the three-dimensional (3D) structure and replication of pomelo (Citrus maxima) peel as silica on several hierarchical levels is reported. The native peel as well as mineralized and calcined replica were assessed by their dimensional changes and their structures investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Computed x-ray microtomography yielded a detailed 3D model of the gradient foam structure, demonstrating the true replication of the entire structure on the millimeter and micrometer scales. SAXS evidenced the replication of the single cellulose fibrils on the nanometer scale. This work therefore demonstrates the possibility of transforming complex low-density polysaccharide templates into silica with nanometer precision, yielding inorganic, temperature-resistant gradient foam structures.
Long‐term population dynamics of seeded plants in invaded grasslands
Authors: Rinella Matthew J. , Mangold Jane M. , Espeland Erin K. , Sheley Roger L. , Jacobs James S.
Published: June 2012

In recent decades, dozens of studies have involved attempts to introduce native and desirable nonnative plant species into grasslands dominated by invasive weeds. The newly introduced plants have proved capable of establishing, but because they are rarely monitored for more than four years, it is unknown if they have a high likelihood of persisting and suppressing invaders for the long term. Beyond invaded grasslands, this lack of long‐term monitoring is a general problem plaguing efforts to reintroduce a range of taxa into a range of ecosystems. We introduced species from seed and then periodically measured plant abundances for nine years at one site and 15 years at a second site. To our knowledge, our 15‐year data are the longest to date from a seeding experiment in invaded, never‐cultivated grassland. At one site, three seeded grasses maintained high densities for three or more years, but then all or nearly all individuals died. At the second site, one grass performed similarly, but two other grasses proliferated and at least one greatly suppressed the dominant invader (Centaurea maculosa). In one study, our point estimate suggests that the seeded grassThinopyrum intermediumreducedC. maculosabiomass by 93% 15 years after seeding. In some cases, data from three and fewer years after seeding falsely suggested that seeded species were capable of persisting within the invaded grassland. In other cases, data from as late as nine years after seeding falsely suggested seeded populations would not become large enough to suppress the invader. These results show that seeded species sometimes persist and suppress invaders for long periods, but short‐term data cannot predict if, when, or where this will occur. Because short‐term data are not predictive of long‐term seeded species performances, additional long‐term data are needed to identify effective practices, traits, and species for revegetating invaded grasslands.
Coverage‐based rarefaction and extrapolation: standardizing samples by completeness rather than size
Authors: Chao Anne , Jost Lou
Published: June 2012

We propose an integrated sampling, rarefaction, and extrapolation methodology to compare species richness of a set of communities based on samples of equal completeness (as measured by sample coverage) instead of equal size. Traditional rarefaction or extrapolation to equal‐sized samples can misrepresent the relationships between the richnesses of the communities being compared because a sample of a given size may be sufficient to fully characterize the lower diversity community, but insufficient to characterize the richer community. Thus, the traditional method systematically biases the degree of differences between community richnesses. We derived a new analytic method for seamless coverage‐based rarefaction and extrapolation. We show that this method yields less biased comparisons of richness between communities, and manages this with less total sampling effort. When this approach is integrated with an adaptive coverage‐based stopping rule during sampling, samples may be compared directly without rarefaction, so no extra data is taken and none is thrown away. Even if this stopping rule is not used during data collection, coverage‐based rarefaction throws away less data than traditional size‐based rarefaction, and more efficiently finds the correct ranking of communities according to their true richnesses. Several hypothetical and real examples demonstrate these advantages.
Footprint of recycled water subsidies downwind of Lake Michigan
Authors: Bowen Gabriel J. , Kennedy Casey D. , Henne Paul D. , Zhang Tonglin
Published: June 2012

Continental evaporation is a significant and dynamic flux within the atmospheric water budget, but few methods provide robust observational constraints on the large‐scale hydroclimatological and hydroecological impacts of this ‘recycled‐water' flux. We demonstrate a geospatial analysis that provides such information, using stable isotope data to map the distribution of recycled water in shallow aquifers downwind from Lake Michigan. The δ2H and δ18O values of groundwater in the study region decrease from south to north, as expected based on meridional gradients in climate and precipitation isotope ratios. In contrast, deuterium excess (d = δ2H − 8 × δ18O) values exhibit a significant zonal gradient and finer‐scale spatially patterned variation. Local d maxima occur in the northwest and southwest corners of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, where ‘lake‐effect' precipitation events are abundant. We apply a published model that describes the effect of recycling from lakes on atmospheric vapor d values to estimate that up to 32% of recharge into individual aquifers may be derived from recycled Lake Michigan water. Applying the model to geostatistical surfaces representing mean d values, we estimate that between 10% and 18% of the vapor evaporated from Lake Michigan is re‐precipitated within downwind areas of the Lake Michigan drainage basin. Our approach provides previously unavailable observational constraints on regional land‐atmosphere water fluxes in the Great Lakes Basin and elucidates patterns in recycled‐water fluxes that may influence the biogeography of the region. As new instruments and networks facilitate enhanced spatial monitoring of environmental water isotopes, similar analyses can be widely applied to calibrate and validate water cycle models and improve projections of regional hydroecological change involving the coupled lake‐atmosphere‐land system.
Oil refinery wastewater treatment in biofilm reactor followed by sand filtration aiming water reuse
Authors: Dias Isabelli N. , Cerqueira Ana C. , Sant'Anna Geraldo L. , Dezotti Marcia
Published: June 2012

Oil refinery wastewater was sequentially treated in a moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and a slow-rate sand filter (SF) in order to obtain an effluent with adequate characteristics for downstream reverse osmosis (RO) operation. Experiments were conducted in bench scale units and the results showed that the MBBR was able to remove 90% chemical oxygen demand (COD), 75% NH4+, 95% phenols, operating with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 9 h. Additional removal of COD (15–40%) and ammonia (30–60%) was achieved in the slow-rate SF that was also effective for removing microorganisms. The silt density index (SDI) of the treated wastewater (4.5) was below the maximum limit recommended for RO operation. The quality of the effluent from the combined treatment system (MBBR+SF) was already adequate for cooling tower make-up. The RO produced an effluent with quality compatible with that required for use in boilers.
The application of UASB-MBR with partial nitrification-denitrification in wastewater reclamation in warm climate
Authors: Wong F. S. , Fang W. , Moy Y. P. , Lin S.
Published: June 2012

An up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) process has been successfully applied for the treatment of municipal wastewaters with methane production for energy recovery. A membrane bioreactor (MBR) was coupled to the UASB to further improve carbon removal. Nitrogen removal was conducted with the UASB-MBR integrated system under optimum conditions which promoted nitrogen removal through a shortcut nitrification-denitrification process. The process achieved 69–86% of soluble chemical oxygen demand (CODsolu) removal and 56–80% of total nitrogen (TN) removal. Biogas production was between 25 and 76 L/m3 wastewater (50–75% methane content) for the treatment of high-strength municipal wastewater. As the anaerobic process combined with a shortcut nitrogen removal step can achieve reduction of footprint, lower greenhouse gas emission and a potential for bioenergy recovery, the integrated UASB-MBR system could be a better choice for municipal wastewater treatment than the conventional activated sludge treatment process in warm climatic conditions.
Academic Research and Standard-Setting: The Case of Other Comprehensive Income
Authors: Rees Lynn L. , Shane Philip B.
Published: June 2012

SYNOPSIS:

This paper links academic accounting research on comprehensive income reporting with the accounting standard-setting efforts of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). We begin by discussing the development of reporting other comprehensive income, and we identify a significant weakness in the FASB's Conceptual Framework, in the lack of a cohesive definition of any subcategory of comprehensive income, including earnings. We identify several attributes that could help allocate comprehensive income between net income, other comprehensive income, and other subcategories. We then review academic research related to remaining standard-setting issues, and identify gaps in academic research where hypotheses could be developed and tested. Our objectives are to (1) stimulate standard-setters to better conceptualize what is meant by other comprehensive income and to distinguish it from earnings, and (2) stimulate researchers to develop and test hypotheses that might help in that process.
Effects of inulin or yeast cell-wall extract on nutrient digestibility, fecal fermentative end-product concentrations, and blood metabolite concentrations in adult dogs fed raw meat–based diets
Authors: Beloshapka Alison N. , Duclos Laura M. , Vester Boler Brittany M. , Swanson Kelly S.
Published: June 2012

Objective—To determine the effects of raw meat–based diets with and without inulin or yeast cell-wall (YCW) extract on macronutrient digestibility, blood cell counts, serum metabolite concentrations, and fecal fermentative end-product concentrations in healthy adult dogs.

Animals—6 healthy adult spayed female dogs (mean ± SD age, 5.5 ± 0.5 years; mean body weight, 8.5 ± 0.5 kg).

Procedures—Dogs were fed each of the following 6 diets for 21 days, the order of which was randomly assigned in a Latin square design: beef control, beef and 1.4% inulin, beef and 1.4% YCW extract, chicken control, chicken and 1.4% inulin, and chicken and 1.4% YCW extract. Each diet trial consisted of a phase for diet adaptation (days 0 to 14) and a phase for measurement of urine and fecal output and content (days 15 to 20). On day 21, food was withheld for blood sample collection. Afterward, the next diet trial began immediately.

Results—All dogs maintained desirable fecal quality characteristics and produced low fecal volume. All diets were highly digestible (protein digestibility > 88%; fat digestibility > 97%). Differences in fermentative end-product concentrations among all diets were minor, but a significant increase in fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations was evident when dogs were fed beef-based diets with inulin and YCW extract. Fecal spermine concentrations were higher with diets containing inulin and YCW extract than with control diets. Blood cell counts and serum metabolite values were within reference limits after each trial. All diets resulted in maintenance of nitrogen balance.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested the raw meat–based diets evaluated were highly digestible in dogs. The increase in fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations achieved when inulin and YCW extract were included may be beneficial to canine health.
Frequency of spontaneous canine herpesvirus-1 reactivation and ocular viral shedding in latently infected dogs and canine herpesvirus-1 reactivation and ocular viral shedding induced by topical administration of cyclosporine and systemic administration of corticosteroids
Authors: Ledbetter Eric C. , da Silva Erotides C. , Kim Sung G. , Dubovi Edward J. , Schwark Wayne S.
Published: June 2012

Objective—To determine the frequency of spontaneous canine herpesvirus-1 (CHV-1) reactivation and ocular viral shedding in latently infected dogs and the effect of topical ocular administration of cyclosporine.

Animals—8 mature Beagles with experimentally induced latent CHV-1 infection.

Procedures—Following induction of primary ocular CHV-1 infection, the presence of reactivatable CHV-1 latency was confirmed by systemically administering prednisolone to the dogs. Dogs were then monitored for 36 weeks via clinical examination and conjunctival sample CHV-1 PCR assay performed at 4-day intervals and CHV-1 virus neutralization antibody assay performed at 2-week intervals. During weeks 16 to 32, dogs were administered 0.2% cyclosporine ointment in both eyes twice daily and blood cyclosporine concentrations were monitored. During weeks 33 to 36, the presence of reactivatable CHV-1 latency was reconfirmed via systemic administration of prednisolone.

Results—Reactivation of latent CHV-1 was not detected via clinical examination or viral shedding during the initial 32 weeks, including before and during topical ocular administration of cyclosporine, and there were no significant differences in CHV-1 virus neutralization titer increases between the study periods. Blood cyclosporine concentrations were less than assay detection limits in all dogs on the sampling days. Systemic administration of corticosteroids repeatedly resulted in ocular disease and viral shedding.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Spontaneous CHV-1 reactivation did not occur frequently in latently infected mature dogs, and this was not altered by topical ocular administration of cyclosporine. This characteristic may be a factor contributing to the lower frequency of recurrent herpetic ocular disease in dogs relative to other host species and their associated alphaherpesviruses.
Ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics and oral absorption of generic ciprofloxacin tablets in dogs
Authors: Papich Mark G.
Published: June 2012

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in dogs, including oral absorption following administration of generic ciprofloxacin tablets.

Animals—6 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—In a crossover study design, ciprofloxacin was administered as a generic tablet (250 mg, PO; mean dose, 23 mg/kg) and solution (10 mg/kg, IV) to 6 dogs. In a separate experiment, 4 of the dogs received ciprofloxacin solution (10 mg/mL) PO via stomach tube (total dose, 250 mg). Blood samples were collected before (time 0) and for 24 hours after each dose. Plasma concentrations were analyzed with high-pressure liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed by means of compartmental modeling.

Results—When ciprofloxacin was administered as tablets PO, peak plasma concentration was 4.4 μg/mL (coefficient of variation [CV], 55.9%), terminal half-life (t1/2) was 2.6 hours (CV, 10.8%), area under the time-concentration curve was 22.5 μg•h/mL (CV, 62.3%), and systemic absorption was 58.4% (CV, 45.4%). For the dose administered IV, t1/2 was 3.7 hours (CV, 52.3%), clearance was 0.588 L/kg/h (CV, 33.9%), and volume of distribution was 2.39 L/kg (CV, 23.7%). After PO administration as a solution versus IV administration, plasma concentrations were more uniform and consistent among dogs, with absorption of 71% (CV, 7.3%), t1/2 of 3.1 hours (CV, 18.6%), and peak plasma concentration of 4.67 μg/mL (CV, 17.6%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Inconsistent oral absorption of ciprofloxacin in some dogs may be formulation dependent and affected by tablet dissolution in the small intestine. Because of the wide range in oral absorption of tablets, the dose needed to reach the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic target concentration in this study ranged from 12 to 52 mg/kg (CV, 102%), with a mean dose of 25 mg/kg, once daily, for bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration ≤ 0.25 μg/mL.
Platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation in blood samples from dogs with systemic inflammatory disorders
Authors: Dircks Brigitte Hedwig , Mischke Reinhard , Schuberth Hans-Joachim
Published: June 2012

Objective—To evaluate platelet-neutrophil aggregate (PNA) formation and neutrophil shape as indicators of neutrophil activation in dogs with systemic inflammatory diseases and after blood sample incubation with various platelet and neutrophil agonists.

Animals—20 dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and 10 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—Neutrophils were isolated from blood samples directly after blood sample collection and after incubation of blood samples with phorbol myristate acetate, collagen, adenosine diphosphate, epinephrine, or various concentrations of lipopolysaccharide or arachidonic acid. CD61+ neutrophils as an indicator of PNA formation were evaluated, and neutrophil size and granularity were assessed via flow cytometry.

Results—Dogs with SIRS had more PNA formation, larger neutrophil size, and less granularity relative to control dogs, but no differences were evident when these dogs were grouped by whether they had sepsis (n = 6) or disseminated intravascular coagulation (12). A significant increase in PNA formation occurred after neutrophil incubation with all agonists, and incubation with phorbol myristate acetate elicited the strongest response. Neutrophils increased in size and decreased in granularity after incubation with all agonists except epinephrine. Incubation with lipopolysaccharide or arachidonic acid resulted in a dose-dependent effect on PNA formation and neutrophil shape.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—SIRS appeared to increase the degree of PNA formation and neutrophil shape change. Similar changes after neutrophil incubation with platelet agonists suggested that platelet activation has a role in PNA formation. Additional studies are necessary to determine the clinical importance and diagnostic value of PNA formation in dogs with SIRS and sepsis.
Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of two partial intravenous anesthetic protocols, compared with isoflurane alone, to maintain general anesthesia in horses
Authors: Nannarone Sara , Spadavecchia Claudia
Published: June 2012

Objective—To compare the ability of 2 partial IV anesthesia (PIVA) techniques to maintain anesthesia, compared with isoflurane alone, in horses.

Animals—45 horses.

Procedures—Client-owned horses requiring general anesthesia for a variety of procedures of at least 1 hour's duration were randomly allocated to 3 groups (n = 15/group) that differed for the maintenance protocol. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane with a starting end-tidal isoflurane concentration of 1.3% (isoflurane group) or a concentration of 1% supplemented with an adjustable continuous infusion of guaifenesin-ketamine (IGK group) or romifidine-ketamine (IRK group). A predefined scoring system was used to assess anesthetic depth and to adjust anesthetic delivery. The need for rescue anesthetics and recovery quality were compared.

Results—A mean ± SD end-tidal isoflurane concentration of 1.36 ± 0.16% was necessary to maintain a surgical plane of anesthesia in the isoflurane group. Mean infusion rates of 5.0 ± 1.3 μL/kg/min and 5.1 ± 0.8 μL/kg/min were necessary to maintain a surgical plane of anesthesia in the IRK and IGK groups, respectively. A lower need for ketamine as a rescue anesthetic was observed in the IGK group, compared with the isoflurane group. Higher blood pressure and lower heart rates were found at selected time points for the IRK group, compared with the IGK and isoflurane groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Both PIVA protocols were satisfactory to maintain smooth and stable surgical anesthesia in horses. The present study supports previous findings in which PIVA has isoflurane-sparing effects. Furthermore, PIVA did not impair recovery quality.
Diagnosis of lameness in dogs by use of artificial neural networks and ground reaction forces obtained during gait analysis
Authors: Kaijima Makiko , Foutz Timothy L. , McClendon Ronald W. , Budsberg Steven C.
Published: June 2012

Objective—To evaluate the accuracy of artificial neural networks (ANNs) for use in predicting subjective diagnostic scores of lameness with variables determined from ground reaction force (GRF) data.

Animals—21 adult mixed-breed dogs.

Procedures—The left cranial cruciate ligament of each dog was transected to induce osteoarthritis of the stifle joint as part of another study. Lameness scores were assigned and GRF data were collected 2 times before and 5 times after ligament transection. Inputs and the output for each ANN were GRF variables and a lameness score, respectively. The ANNs were developed by use of data from 14 dogs and evaluated by use of data for the remaining 7 dogs (ie, dogs not used in model development).

Results—ANN models developed with 2 preferred input variables had an overall accuracy ranging from 96% to 99% for 2 data configurations (data configuration 1 contained patterns or observations for 7 dogs, whereas data configuration 2 contained patterns or observations for 7 other dogs). When additional variables were added to the models, the highest overall accuracy ranged from 97% to 100%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—ANNs provided a method for processing GRF data of dogs to accurately predict subjective diagnostic scores of lameness. Processing of GRF data via ANNs could result in a more precise evaluation of surgical and pharmacological intervention by detecting subtle lameness that could have been missed by visual analysis of GRF curves.
Rectal duplication, rare cause of constipation — case report
Authors: Marjanovic Zoran , Djordjevic Ivona , Slavkovic Andjelka , Krstic Marijana
Published: June 2012

Digestive tract duplications are uncommon congenital anomalies, encountered mostly in the first 3 months of life. Overall the rectum is the least common site of alimentary duplications. We represent a case of large cystic non-communicating duplication that manifested with constipation and profuse rectal bleeding. When diagnosis was established, surgery was planned and the cyst was enucleated completely. Histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis.
Curbing the Cost of Cancer Treatment- A Pipe Dream or a viable possibility for the Government?
Authors: Sharan Krishna
Published: June 2012

Cancer is on the rise, and is known to cause significant impact on the health and socio-economics of a Nation. Initiatives must be taken by the Government to bring down the preventable cancers by primary and secondary prevention strategies. Steps must also be taken to regulate the prices of anti-cancer medicines, and corruption must be checked. Only then will it be possible to provide affordable treatment for a patient suffering from cancer. Lastly, despite the phenomenal growth of Oncology as a science, the single most important factor that has improved the outcome of a patient with cancer is awareness. It is the knowledge of the lady who just felt a lump in her breast that she needs to show it to a doctor, or the understanding of a person that practicing a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer, that has made the maximum impact on the outcome of this disease called cancer. A simple step of spreading awareness in the hazards of smoking and tobacco consumption and conducting smoking cessation programs could bring down the incidence of various cancers like lung cancers, head and neck cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, etc. significantly.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v2i1.6377 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2012;2 (1):168-170