bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemorragia digestiva provocada por tumor estromal gastrointestinal avançado de duodeno
Authors: Cruz Jr Ruy Jorge , Glyniadakis Nicolas , Cavalcante Rafael Noronha , Cepeda Lourdes Alves , Vincenzi Rodrigo
Published: April 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: O tumor estromal gastrointestinal (GIST) é neoplasia pouco freqüente, sendo rara a combinação de acometimento duodenal e hemorragia digestiva, por isso apresenta-se este relato. RELATO DO CASO: Homem de 64 anos admitido com quadro de dor abdominal, melena e tumoração palpável em epigástrio e hipocôndrio esquerdo, sendo notado um tumor de paredes espessadas e conteúdo cístico na tomografia computadorizada de abdome, em topografia de cauda pancreática. Encontrado na laparotomia de urgência tumor em quarta porção duodenal com invasão de cólon em ângulo esplênico, sendo realizada ressecção em bloco do duodeno acometido, segmento de cólon transverso e descendente, com boa evolução pós-operatória. Diagnosticado por imunoistoquímica GIST de duodeno com invasão de parede colônica, sendo o tratamento complementado com mesilato de imatinib. CONCLUSÃO: A hemorragia digestiva é uma das possíveis complicações do GIST. Apenas o tratamento cirúrgico precoce é capaz de prevenir as graves complicações do choque hemorrágico.
Análise comparativa entre métodos de carregamento de cargas e análise postural de auxiliares de enfermagem
Authors: Batiz Eduardo Concepción , Vergara Lizandra Garcia Lupi , Licea Olga Elena Anzardo
Published: April 2012

Os auxiliares de enfermagem estão expostos a cargas de trabalho prejudiciais à saúde devido a vários fatores, dentre eles o peso a ser manipulado, as posturas assumidas e as condições físicas do ambiente hospitalar. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar os resultados da aplicação de três métodos, dois relacionados com carregamento de carga e outro de análise postural, a fim de verificar a existência de riscos de problemas dorsolombares em auxiliares de enfermagem na manipulação e carregamento de pacientes. Para atingir o objetivo do trabalho, foi aplicado o Método NIOSH, o "Guia Técnico para Avaliação e Prevenção dos Riscos Relativos à Manipulação Manual de Cargas" e o método REBA. Os resultados mostraram a existência de sintomas de fatiga e dores no corpo, principalmente na região lombar, dorsal e cervical dos auxiliares de enfermagem e que o peso manipulado está acima do valor recomendado pelos dois métodos aplicados, caracterizando alto risco dorsolombar.
Relationship among social support, treatment adherence and metabolic control of diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Gomes-Villas Boas Lilian Cristiane , Foss Milton Cesar , Freitas Maria Cristina Foss de , Pace Ana Emília
Published: April 2012

This cross-sectional and quantitative study aimed to analyze the relationship among social support, adherence to non-pharmacological (diet and physical exercise) and pharmacological treatments (insulin and/or oral anti-diabetic medication) and clinical and metabolic control of 162 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Data were collected through instruments validated for Brazil. Social support was directly correlated with treatment adherence. Adherence to non-pharmacological treatment was inversely correlated with body mass index, and medication adherence was inversely correlated with diastolic blood pressure. There were no associations between social support and clinical and metabolic control variables. Findings indicate that social support can be useful to achieve treatment adherence. Studies with other designs should be developed to broaden the analysis of relations between social support and other variables.
Presenteeism in hospital nurses
Authors: Umann Juliane , Guido Laura de Azevedo , Grazziano Eliane da Silva
Published: April 2012

This quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional research aimed to determine the estimated productivity of health-related limitations at work in 129 nurses working in direct care delivery to critical and potentially critical patients. Instruments were applied for socio-demographic and functional characterization and for the evaluation of presenteeism (Work Limitations Questionnaire). Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software was used for data analysis. In this study, 75% of nurses obtained a lost productivity index of up to 4.84%. The physical demand domain represented the major limitation for these professionals (25%). Presenteeism was directly correlated to health care, occurrence and number of absences, and indirectly related to work time at the unit. It was concluded that organizational or individual factors influence individuals' productivity, in view of the circumstances involving care delivery to critical and potentially critical patients.
Active cutaneous warming systems to prevent intraoperative hypothermia: a systematic review
Authors: Poveda Vanessa de Brito , Martinez Edson Zangiacomi , Galvão Cristina Maria
Published: April 2012

This study analyzed the evidence available in the literature concerning the effectiveness of different active cutaneous warming systems to prevent intraoperative hypothermia. This is a systematic review with primary studies found in the following databases: CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and Medline. The sample comprised 23 randomized controlled trials. There is evidence in the literature indicating that the circulating water garment system is the most effective in maintaining patient body temperature. These results can support nurses in the decision-making process concerning the implementation of effective measures to maintain normothermia, though the decision of health services concerning which system to choose should also take into account its cost-benefit status given the cost related to the acquisition of such systems.
Buschke -Loewenstein tumor: identification of HPV type 6 and 11
Authors: Braga Juliana Casagrande Tavoloni , Nadal Sidney Roberto , Stiepcich Monica , Framil Valéria Maria de Souza , Muller Helena
Published: April 2012

The authors report a case of exuberant giant condyloma acuminatum of Buschke-Loewenstein in a male patient, slow-growing, progressive and with locally destructive behavior in the inguinal, body of the penis, scrotum, perineal and perianal regions. After surgery he showed no signs of recurrence in 20 months of follow-up. The identification of HPV types 6 and 11 was performed using in situ hybridization.
Psoriasis, lymphoma and etanercept: is there a correlation?
Authors: Miranda Ludmilla Queirós , Bressan Aline Lopes , Rehfeldt Fernanda Valente da Silva , Vasconcelos Bárbara Nader , Gripp Alexandre Carlos
Published: April 2012

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect skin and joints. Their treatment varies depending on the severity and includes topical and systemic. Among the latter are the immunobiological that target the T cell We report a case that demonstrates the close relationship between psoriasis, lymphoma and biologic therapies.
Case for diagnosis
Authors: Cherobin Ana Carolina Figueiredo Pereira , Oliveira Felipe Osta de , Baeta Isabela Guimarães Ribeiro , Vale Everton Carlos Siviero do
Published: April 2012

Dyschromicum erythema perstans, or ashy dermatosis, is a rare chronic acquired skin disease characterized by gray hyperpigmented patches with erythematous borders. Its etiology is unknown and there is no specific treatment for the condition. We report a case of ashy dermatosis in a 41-year-old patient with extensive lesions on the trunk and limbs.
Prevalence of dermatologic disorders in 15 patients with acromegaly
Authors: Resende Mariângela , Bolfi Fernanda , Nunes Vânia dos Santos , Miot Hélio Amante
Published: April 2012

Acromegaly is a chronic, insidious and rare disease, caused by hyper secretion of the growth hormone, which metabolic and trophic effects commonly result in cutaneous manifestations, sometimes preceding other clinical symptoms. The authors have assessed 15 patients with acromegaly and found dermatologic lesions in all of them, mainly skin thickening, acrochordons, epidermoid cysts, pseudoacanthosis nigricans, seborrheic keratosis, melanocytic naevi and lentiginous spots.
Gagueira na web: qualidade da informação
Authors: Silveira Priscilla Carla Menezes , Costa Antônia Eliana dos Santos , Lima Cleone Cassemiro de
Published: April 2012

OBJETIVO: avaliar as informações sobre gagueira em sites brasileiros na rede mundial de computadores visando, especificamente, investigar a qualidade das informações nos sites sobre gagueira e averiguar a natureza e conteúdo das informações dos sites. MÉTODO: tratou-se de um estudo descritivo. Os sites foram selecionados por meio de uma busca no Google, por página somente no Brasil, usando como termo de busca "gagueira". Os 5 sites elegíveis foram averiguados quanto a sua natureza e conteúdo das informações e avaliados quanto à qualidade dessas informações, utilizando-se dos critérios da HONcode, por 2 pesquisadores, onde foi utilizado o índice de concordância de Kappa. RESULTADOS: verificou-se principalmente que nenhum dos sites avaliados segue as exigências de todos os critérios. CONCLUSÃO: não há qualidade em suas informações de acordo com os critérios propostos pela HONcode (2009).
Synchrotron 3D SAXS analysis of bone nanostructure
Authors: Seidel Robin , Gourrier Aurelien , Kerschnitzki Michael , Burghammer Manfred , Fratzl Peter , Gupta Himadri Shikhar , Wagermaier Wolfgang
Published: April 2012

The complex structure of bone requires a structural description of the material at different hierarchical levels. At the micrometer level, collagen fibril orientation and osteocyte network architecture can be described by different light microscopy methods. However, further investigation of the nanostructure of bone requires high-resolution techniques such as electron microscopy as well as x-ray scattering methods. The basic building blocks at the nanometer level are organic type I collagen fibrils reinforced by nanoparticles of carbonated apatite mineral. Most commonly, these fibrils aggregate into lamellae of about 5 µm width, in both compact and spongy bone. The architecture of the mineral platelets and the collagen fibrils influences the mechanical properties. Models of twisted and rotated plywood motifs have been proposed, although detailed quantitative characterization at length scales comparable to typical tissue unit sizes are still lacking. Here, we describe a scanning small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) method to reconstruct the variation of the three-dimensional habit of mineral platelets within osteonal bone. We find that the platelets change their orientation at micrometer resolution and are organized structurally by a repeating unit of about 5 µm, which is in agreement with previous wide-angle x-ray diffraction microtexture measurements. At the spatial resolution of the microbeam used (1 µm), we observe fiber geometry. The presented SAXS reconstruction technique could also be applied to the analysis of nanoparticle orientation in highly textured biomaterials.
Unbound material characterisation with Nottingham asphalt tester
Authors: Kim Sunghwan , Gopalakrishnan Kasthurirangan , Ceylan Halil
Published: April 2012

The resilient modulus (MR) of unbound materials is a required input in most of the mechanistic-based pavement analysis and design process and has a significant effect on the projected pavement performance in the mechanistic–empirical pavement design guide programme or AASHTOWare DARwin. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) recently acquired a servo-hydraulic dynamic loading materials test system known as the Nottingham asphalt tester (NAT). The Iowa DOT NAT is a hybrid servo-hydraulic machine designed for testing not only hot-mix asphalt performance properties but also unbound materials' MR (although this has not been verified so far). The primary objectives of this research are to update and verify the capacity of the Iowa DOT hybrid NAT for testing unbound material's MR through a detailed laboratory testing programme and regression analyses using non-linear stress-dependent models.
Compressive strength of concrete after early loading
Authors: Claisse Peter , Dean Christopher
Published: April 2012

In modern construction projects it is necessary to work with concrete at a time before its strength can be fully developed. Applying large construction loads to a structure can lead to a reduction in strength if the serviceability limit has been exceeded. However, the effects of smaller compressive loading on concrete cubes, below the serviceability limit state, have been found to have a positive impact on the 28 day ultimate strength. The results from this study indicate the 28 day strength of wet cured concrete cubes increased on average by 6% when specimens were loaded up to 90% of their ultimate strength at 1, 3 or 7 days after casting. Concrete specimens under the same conditions loaded past the point of maximum stress at an early age displayed a reduction in strength from 5% or greater, depending upon the extent of the loading. This phenomenon of increased strength after loading and subsequent curing has been reported in the literature for many years, but the use of modern compressive test apparatus has enabled the present authors to show that the final strength has a high level of correlation with the displacement during the initial early loading. The experiments carried out in the present study were to simulate high construction loading at early ages to better understand the effects of early loading and the changes in ultimate strength at later age.
A new approach to stone deformation: stone deformability index
Authors: Karaca Zeki , Onargan Turgay
Published: April 2012

In the present study the deformation behaviour of marbles (Nacre, Yatağan White, Milas White) and limestones (Bursa Beige, Burdur Beige, Orient Pink) over short time periods was investigated under two loads, 19 MPa and 75% uniaxial compressive strength (σUCS) for 7 h. During the 19 MPa tests, all specimens demonstrated a regularly non-linear elasticity in secondary stage but this regularly non-linear elasticity was not observed during the 75% σUCS tests. The non-linear elasticity decreased as a function of time and ultimately ended. In the secondary stage, the ratio of the lowest strain value, εl, to final strain value, εf, was defined as the stone deformability index (SDi). Building stone type and strain value were observed to be two important factors in SDi, which was found to be lower for the limestones than the marbles. The SDi decreased with increasing stone strength. The crystalline size was also observed to be an important factor in the SDi of marbles.
Study on Failure Plane of Bulk Solid in Squat Silos
Authors: Chen Changbing
Published: April 2012

With the increasing volume demand of silos, squat silo diameters are bigger and bigger. However, present wall
pressure computation methods are mostly based on small diameter silos. To solve this problem, systematical research on
the wall pressure in squat silos is of great importance. For now, in the Chinese code the wall pressure computation
methods are based on the limit equilibrium theory to be calculated, which define the orientation of the failure plane in the
bulk solid within the silo. The rupture angle is a key parameter to silos’ wall pressure. Therefore the value and direction of
rupture angle are researched by theoretical method in this paper, which has heavy significance and provide an important
basis for the large diameter silo design.
Weakly one-based geometric theories
Authors: Berenstein Alexander , Vassiliev Evgueni
Published: April 2012

We study the class of weakly locally modular geometric theories introduced in [4], a common generalization of the classes of linear SU-rank 1 and linear o-minimal theories. We find new conditions equivalent to weak local modularity: “weak one-basedness”, absence of type definable “almost quasidesigns”, and “generic linearity”. Among other things, we show that weak one-basedness is closed under reducts. We also show that the lovely pair expansion of a non-trivial weakly one-basedω-categorical geometric theory interprets an infinite vector space over a finite field.
Children With Islet Autoimmunity and Enterovirus Infection Demonstrate a Distinct Cytokine Profile
Authors: Yeung Wing-Chi G. , Al-Shabeeb Ammira , Pang Chi Nam Ignatius , Wilkins Marc R. , Catteau Jacki , Howard Neville J. , Rawlinson William D. , Craig Maria E.
Published: April 2012

Cytokines are upregulated in prediabetes, but their relationship with Enterovirus (EV) infection and development of islet autoimmunity is unknown. Cytokines (n = 65) were measured using Luminex xMAP technology in a nested case-control study of 67 children with a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes: 27 with islet autoantibodies (Ab+) and 40 age-matched persistently autoantibody negative (Ab−) control subjects. Of 74 samples, 37 (50%) were EV-PCR+ in plasma and/or stool (EV+) and the remainder were negative for EV and other viruses (EV−). Fifteen cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were elevated (P ≤ 0.01) in Ab+ versus Ab− children (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-5, IL-7, IL-12(p70), IL-16, IL-17, IL-20, IL-21, IL-28A, tumor necrosis factor-α, chemokine C-C motif ligand [CCL]13, CCL26, chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 5, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and thrombopoietin); most have proinflammatory effects. In EV+ versus EV− children, IL-10 was higher (P = 0.005), while IL-21 was lower (P = 0.008). Cytokine levels did not differ between Ab+EV+ and Ab+EV− children. Heat maps demonstrated clustering of some proinflammatory cytokines in Ab+ children, suggesting they are coordinately regulated. In conclusion, children with islet autoimmunity demonstrate higher levels of multiple cytokines, consistent with an active inflammatory process in the prediabetic state, which is unrelated to coincident EV infection. Apart from differences in IL-10 and IL-21, EV infection was not associated with a specific cytokine profile.
CCR5 Plays a Critical Role in Obesity-Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Insulin Resistance by Regulating Both Macrophage Recruitment and M1/M2 Status
Authors: Kitade Hironori , Sawamoto Kazuki , Nagashimada Mayumi , Inoue Hiroshi , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Sai Yoshimichi , Takamura Toshinari , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Miyamoto Ken-ichi , Ginsberg Henry N. , Mukaida Naofumi , Kaneko Shuichi , Ota Tsuguhito
Published: April 2012

C-C motif chemokine receptor (CCR)2 and its ligand, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, are pivotal for adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) recruitment and the development of insulin resistance. However, other chemokine systems also may play a role in these processes. In this study, we investigated the role of CCR5 in obesity-induced adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance. We analyzed expression levels of CCR5 and its ligands in white adipose tissue (WAT) of genetically (ob/ob) and high-fat (HF) diet–induced obese (DIO) mice. Furthermore, we examined the metabolic phenotype of Ccr5−/− mice. CCR5 and its ligands were markedly upregulated in WAT of DIO and ob/ob mice. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis also revealed that DIO mice had a robust increase in CCR5+ cells within ATMs compared with chow-fed mice. Furthermore, Ccr5−/− mice were protected from insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and hepatic steatosis induced by HF feeding. The effects of loss of CCR5 were related to both reduction of total ATM content and an M2-dominant shift in ATM polarization. It is noteworthy that transplantation of Ccr5−/− bone marrow was sufficient to protect against impaired glucose tolerance. CCR5 plays a critical role in ATM recruitment and polarization and subsequent development of insulin resistance.
Antioxidant supplementation and serum lipids in patients with Graves' disease: Effect on LDL-cholesterol
Authors: Vrca Vesna , Mayer Ljiljana , Škreb Franjo , Rahelić Dario , Marušić Srećko
Published: April 2012

Antioxidant supplementation and serum lipids in patients with Graves' disease: Effect on LDL-cholesterol

The effect of supplementation with a fixed combination of antioxidants (beta-carotene, selenium, vitamins C and E) on serum lipids was monitored in patients with newly detected Graves' disease. Measurements were made prior to the commencement of therapy and after 30 and 60 days. Patients were randomized into two groups. Test group comprised patients who received antioxidant supplementation in addition to methimazole, while patients treated with methimazole only were in the control group. The concentration of total and HDL-cholesterol increased significantly in test and control groups (p < 0.05) but these groups did not differ significantly. Concentration of LDL-cholesterol increased significantly in the test group only (p < 0.005) and was significantly different from the control group 60 days after the commencement of therapy (p < 0.005). Significant increase in the LDL-cholesterol concentration in the test group requires further investigations.
Stability studies of chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles for gene delivery to lung epithelial cells
Authors: Mohammadi Zohreh , Dorkoosh Farid , Hosseinkhani Saman , Amini Tina , Rahimi Amir , Najafabadi Abdolhossein , Tehrani Morteza
Published: April 2012

Stability studies of chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles for gene delivery to lung epithelial cells

A successful gene delivery system requires efficiency and stability during storage. Stability studies are imperative for nanomedicines containing biotechnological products such as plasmids and targeting peptides. Chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles are novel non-viral vectors for specific gene delivery to the lung epithelial cells. In this study, the storage stability of chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles at -20, 5 and 24 °C was examined. Size, zeta potential and transfection efficiency of these nano-particles in storage were also evaluated. Stability studies showed that chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles were stable after 1 month when stored at -20 °C and retained their initial size, zeta potential and transfection efficiency. However, their stability was not desirable at 5 and 24 °C. Based on these results, it can be concluded that chitosan-DNA-FAP-B nanoparticles can be a promising candidate for gene delivery to lung epithelial cells with good storage stability at -20 °C during 1 month.
Development and characterization of thermosensitive pluronic-based metronidazole in situ gelling formulations for vaginal application
Authors: Ibrahim El-Sayed , Ismail Sayed , Fetih Gihan , Shaaban Omar , Hassanein Khaled , Abdellah Noura
Published: April 2012

Development and characterization of thermosensitive pluronic-based metronidazolein situgelling formulations for vaginal application

The purpose of this study was to develop pluronic-basedin situgelling formulations of metronidazole (MTZ) for treatment of bacterial vaginosis, aimed at prolonging the residence time, controlling drug release, enhancing efficacy, decreasing recurrence, and increasing patient compliance. Thein situgel formulations were prepared using different concentrations of pluronic F-127 (PF-127) alone and in combination with pluronic F-68 (PF-68). The prepared formulations were evaluated for their gelation temperature (Tgel),in vitrodrug release, rheological properties, mucoadhesion properties and tolerability by vaginal mucosa in tissue levels. TheTgeldecreased with increasing PF-127 concentration. TheTgelwas modulated by addition of PF-68 to be within the acceptable range of 25-37 °C. With increasing pluronic concentration, thein vitrodrug release decreased, viscosity and mucoadhesive force increased. Histopathological examination of rabbit vaginas from the control and treated groups revealed normal histology of the vagina and cervix. Based on thein vitroevaluation of prepared formulations, thein situgelling liquid formulated with PF-127/PF-68 (20/10 %,m/m) was selected for further clinical evaluation.
N-Glycosylation Pattern of Human Placental Insulin-Like Growth Factor and Insulin Receptors in Well-Controlled Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Robajac Dragana , Masnikosa Romana , Filimonović Dejan , Miković Željko , Nedić Olgica
Published: April 2012

N-Glycosylation Pattern of Human Placental Insulin-Like Growth Factor and Insulin Receptors in Well-Controlled Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a complex disease that leads to alterations in the glycosylation of proteins. Insulin-like growth factor and insulin receptors are involved in the regulation of fetal and placental growth and development. In this work the N-glycans of these receptors, originating from placentas obtained from pregnancies complicated by pregestational insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, were studied. Diabetic mothers were under regular insulin therapy. Solubilised membrane samples from healthy and diabetic placentas were analysed using lectin-affinity chromatography. N-glycans bound to insulin-like growth factor and insulin receptors were studied in terms of their interaction with eleven agarose-immobilised lectins: wheat germ agglutinin, succinylated wheat germ agglutinin,Ricinus communisagglutinin I,Sambucus nigraagglutinin,Erythrina cristagallilectin,Ulex europaeusagglutinin,Lens culinarisagglutinin,Canavalia ensiformislectin,Phaseolus vulgariserythro- and leukoagglutinin andMaackia amurensisagglutinin. A very similar type of N-glycans and content of the terminal saccharide residues were found in both groups of placentas. The results of this work suggest that the tight glycemic control may prevent alterations in the glycosylation of insulin-like growth factor and insulin receptors, thus maintaining physiological homeostasis during pregnancy and fetal growth.
Methane production during laboratory-scale co-digestion of cattle slurry with 10 wt. % of various biowastes
Authors: Rusín Jiří , Chamrádová Kateřina , Obroučka Karel , Kuča Roman
Published: April 2012

Methane production during laboratory-scale co-digestion of cattle slurry with 10 wt. % of various biowastes

The paper summarizes the results from twenty model tests of continuous one-stage mesophilic anaerobic co-digestion of cattle slurry (90 wt. %) and various biowastes (10 wt. %). Digestion was conducted in 0.06 m3 reactors with hydraulic retention times ranging from 60 to 98 days during the research period 2007-2010. Methane production intensity and specific methane production are discussed. The highest methane production intensity (0.85 mN
3.m-3.d-1) was from a mixture of 63 wt. % of total solids from biscuit meal EKPO - EB and from 37 wt. % of total solids from cattle slurry. The highest specific methane production from 1 kg of added organic compounds (0.67 mN
3.kgVSp
-1) was given by a mixture containing 61 wt. % of total solids using spring barley Aksamit (milled grain) and 39 wt. % of total solids from cattle slurry. The highest substrate-specific methane production (0.92 mN
3.kgVSp
-1) was from milled grains of winter rye Aventino.
Influence of surface treatment on the wetting process of jute fibres with thermosetting polyester resin
Authors: Bogdan-Włodek Aleksandra , Kozioł Mateusz , Myalski Jerzy
Published: April 2012

Influence of surface treatment on the wetting process of jute fibres with thermosetting polyester resin

The aim of this study is the evaluation of the effect of chemical treatment of jute fibres on their permeability with polyester resin and determination of optimal treatment parameters. Unmodified jute fabric by LENTEX, Poland and polyester resin ESTROMAL 14 were used in the experiments. NaOH and KOH water solutions (various concentration - from 1 to 15% - and treatment duration - from 0.5 to 6h), vinyl acetate, methanol, toluene diizocyanate were used for the treatment. Determination of the effect of the chemical treatment on fiber-resin interaction was made in: infiltration of resin into reinforcement structure tests and fabric absorbability tests. Three criteria: time of penetration of resin into the reinforcing fabric, fabric absorbability and the area of a part of the specimen cross-section penetrated with the resin were taken into account. The fabrics treated with 1-5% - long-time and 15% short-time NaOH and KOH water solutions showed the best results within the tested criteria. These results do not correspondent directly with the mechanical properties of cured composites manufactured on the base of the treated fabrics. Alkali- and organic treatments significantly improve the mechanical performance of natural fibres reinforced composites, but organic treatments (methanol, toluene diisocyanate) gives better improvement in mechanical properties in comparison with the alkali-treatments. The measurement methods applied in the study may be generally useful in the evaluation of the effect of chemical treatment of natural fibres on their wettability with the liquid matrix.
Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured molybdenum & tungsten carbide materials, and study of diffusion model
Authors: Covington Leroy , Munirathinam Kamalesh , Islam Akand , Roberts Kenneth
Published: April 2012

Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured molybdenum & tungsten carbide materials, and study of diffusion model

Powders of two molybdenum carbides (Mo2C and MoC1-x) and tungsten carbide (WC) were prepared by means of temperature programmed reaction (TPR) method. Mo2C and MoC1-x were synthesized by reacting MoO3 with a preselected molar ratio of methane/hydrogen and carbon monoxide/hydrogen gas mixtures respectively. WC was prepared using tungsten oxide (WO3) and a methane/hydrogen gas mixture. These carbides were ultrasonically dispersed in de-ionized water. Samples were characterized using room temperature x-ray diffraction and scanning microscopy. A kinetic diffusion model is also studied to determine diffusivities in solids where the diffusing species desorbs or reacts at the external surfaces, and where the diffusivity does not vary appreciably with concentrations. The method involves measuring the flux of the diffusive species into the solid under the influence of a temperature program.
Optimization of process parameters using response surface methodology for the removal of phenol by emulsion liquid membrane
Authors: Balasubramanian A. , Venkatesan S.
Published: April 2012

Optimization of process parameters using response surface methodology for the removal of phenol by emulsion liquid membrane

Emulsion liquid membrane technique (ELM) was used for the extraction of phenol from synthetic and industrial effluents. In this study, the liquid membrane used for phenol removal was composed of kerosene as the solvent, Span-80 as the surfactant and Sodium hydroxide as an internal reagent. Statistical experimental design was applied for the optimization of process parameters for the removal of phenol by ELM. The effects of process parameters namely, Surfactant concentration, membrane or organic to internal phase ratio (M/I) and emulsion to an external phase ratio (E/E) on the removal of phenol were optimized using a response surface method. The optimum conditions for the extraction of phenol using Response surface methodology were: surfactant concentration - 4.1802%, M/I ratio: 0.9987(v/v), and E/E ratio: 0.4718 (v/v). Under the optimized condition the maximum phenol extraction was found to be 98.88% respectively.
Biodiesel production from Argemone mexicana seed oil using crystalline manganese carbonate
Authors: Rao Rajeshwer , Zubaidha Pudukulathan , Kondhare Dasharath , Reddy Narender , Deshmukh Sushma
Published: April 2012

Biodiesel production from Argemone mexicana seed oil using crystalline manganese carbonate

This communication explores the feasibility of biodiesel production from a weed plant Argemone mexicana seed oil and an efficient catalyst crystalline manganese carbonate. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study making use of pure, crystalline, ash colored manganese carbonate as a heterogeneous catalyst for the production of methyl esters as fuel from Argemone mexicana seed oil. The optimum process conditions for the conversion of Argemone mexicana oil to its methyl ester by transesterification required 1% manganese carbonate as catalyst with alcohol to oil ratio 5:1 at 60°C to yield biodiesel of 99.99% purity. The methyl esters obtained were examined by Gas chromatography analysis.
The predictive value of on-ice special tests in relation to various indexes of aerobic and anaerobic capacity in ice hockey players
Authors: Roczniok Robert , Maszczyk Adam , Czuba Miłosz , Stanula Arkadiusz , Pietraszewski Przemysław , Gabryś Tomasz
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The main goal of this study was to determine the predictive value of the indexes of aerobic and anaerobic endurance in relation to specific on-ice tests performed by hockey players that focus on strength, power, speed as well as speed and strength endurance.

Methods

Ice hockey players, who were members of the U20 (under 20 years of age) Polish National Ice Hockey Team, were selected from the Athletic School in Sosnowiec, Poland. Parameters that determine anaerobic and aerobic capacity were evaluated and a special physical fitness assessment was made based on a battery of ice-hockey specific tests. The degree and direction of correlations between the individual parameters of anaerobic and aerobic endurance and the special physical fitness test were calculated.

Results

The obtained results found significant correlations between maximal power obtained from the Wingate test and certain aspects of the special physical fitness test, specifically the 6 × 9 turns, 6 × 9 stops and 6 × 30 m endurance tests. Significant correlations of the above-mentioned special physical fitness tests were also observed with the aerobic capacity parameter, VO2max.

Conclusions

The obtained results could be considerably useful in training, as well as providing much more information on athletes which can then be suited for more personalized forms of training.
Wealth and the quality of life for physical education teachers
Authors: Demuth Anna
Published: April 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess the perceived quality of life of physical education teachers depending on their standard of living.

Methods

The study included 287 graduates of the University Schools of Physical Education in Poznań and Wrocław, of whom 165 were men and 122 were women aged 40 to 60 years. The perceived quality of life was assessed on the basis of Kowalik's Quality of Life Questionnaire. The relationship between the perceived quality of life and the standard of living was then established, with statistical analysis performed using two stratum weights (k), the Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's rank correlation (r).

Results

The majority of the studied participants positively assessed their lives, with no significant differentiation found between genders in their satisfaction in various spheres of life. However, only half of the respondents were satisfied by their level of income. A higher standard of life was found to be linked to higher life satisfaction, where the level of wealth significantly differentiated only in the perceived quality of life in the studied women.

Conclusions

The surveyed graduates were found to be a very homogenous group of professionals in terms of their quality of life level. Only financial status was found to significantly differentiate in the level of satisfaction of the surveyed women.
My own body as a form of otherness in paul ricoeur's philosophy
Authors: Żarowski Mirosław
Published: April 2012

The philosophical rehabilitation of the body and corporeality, as undertaken by Paul Ricoeur, may be inscribed as a critique of the model of modern subjectivity as prefigured in the Cartesian Cogito of self-consciousness, self-awareness and substantial identity. This dominating paradigm of thinking cannot be preserved any longer in the face of Nietzsche and Freud, as well as of contemporary linguistics. This model reduced corporeality as a residuum of what is other than I to a handy object of scientific and technological exploration. Whereas, according to Ricoeur, otherness is not something that only accidentally happens to ego. It is not an unessential element and a negative aspect of a subject's and person's identity. Becoming oneself and understanding oneself take place in the medium of the Other. Otherness is for the identity of human ego something internal and originary, reaching us in a sphere of what is truly our own. The hermeneutics of being oneself, rejecting an appearance and the temptation of direct cognition, consists in the analysis of three figures of Otherness, which seem to be consecutively: my own body, the Other and Conscience. Under the influence of the Husserlian distinction of "my own body" and "a body among other bodies", as well as the Heideggerian existentials describing "being-in-the-world", Ricoeur postulates, in a way similarly to Marcel and Merleau-Ponty, a reinterpretation of traditional understanding of both subjectivity and objectivity, as well as the very cognitive act of doing so. Its pre-reflexive foundation was uncovered by existential hermeneutics. The phenomena of being a body and having it appear to be problematic to the utmost, thus opening access to originary relationships between a man and the world as a correlation of bodily intentionality.
Identification of PCH1 Eyespot Resistance Gene in the Collection of Wheat Lines (Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Kwiatek Michał , Pankiewicz Katarzyna , Wiśniewska Halina , Korbas Marek , Danielewicz Jakub
Published: April 2012

Identification of PCH1 Eyespot Resistance Gene in the Collection of Wheat Lines (Triticum AestivumL.)

Endopeptidase markerEpD1band STS markerXustSSR2001-7DLare closely linked to very effective eyespot resistance genePch1. Because of this, the aim of this study was to compare the results obtained under lab conditions using such markers with the results obtained under field conditions. 134 wheat breeding lines andTriticum aestivumL. var. Randevous used as a eyespot resistance control were analized. The combination of three methods allowed to select eight completely resistant or high resistant lines, that could be used in following breeding processes. Results obtained using endopeptidase and STS markers in 100% correlate with the phenotyping scoring.
Effects of UV-Light, Temperature and Storage on the Stability and Biological Effectiveness of Some Insecticides
Authors: Soliman Mahmoud
Published: April 2012

Effects of UV-Light, Temperature and Storage on the Stability and Biological Effectiveness of Some Insecticides

The degradation and biological effectiveness of five insecticides, ES-Fenvalerate (Soumi Gold), pirimicarb (Afox), imidacloprid (Emax), buprofenzin (Ablloud) and methomyl (Methiolate) in their aqueous preparations and emulsifiable concentrates, on immature stages of whitefly insectBemisia tabaci. when exposed to UV-light, two different temperatures and daylight and dark storage after exposure intervals was studied. The results indicated the degradation rates of the five tested insecticides varied according to the chemical structure, time of exposure and wavelength of UV-rays used. Of all the five insecticides, methomyl was the most affected by UV-rays. Losses of ES-Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid, buprofenzin and methomyl within this period were 11.30, 14.80, 29.03, 31.83 and 39%, respectively after one hour to UV-ray exposure. A significant increase in LC50value was obtained when ES-Fenvalerate in aqueous preparation was exposed to UV-light for 6 hr. The LC50values and their confidence ranges in aqueous preparations and emulsifiable concentrates were 107.5 ppm (51.7-199.2) and 93.10 ppm (48.3-150.4). The residual level of Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid, buprofenzin and methomyl were 13.52, 17.54 ppm; 12.67, 15.87 ppm; 11.78, 16.47 ppm; 11.38, 14.73 ppm; and 11.36, 11.83 ppm for two days exposed to daylight and dark storage. Insecticides could be arranged according to LC50values at zero-time as follow: ES-Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid, buprofenzin and methomyl. The corresponding values of LC50were 3.40, 15.4, 15.6, 16.2 and 23.5 ppm for daylight storage. On the other hand, the dark storage exposure for the tested insecticides could be arranged according to LC50values as follow: ES-Fenvalerate, imidacloprid, pirimicarb, buprofenzin and methomyl. The corresponding LC50were 3.20, 14.8, 14.9, 15.9 and 21.3 ppm, respectively. In general, the amount recovered after a one day, 45°C exposure were 14.63, 12.84, 12.79, 12.14 and 11.76 ppm, for ES-Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid, buprofenzin and methomyl, respectively. While the amounts recovered after a three day 45°C exposure were 9.28, 8.34, 7.76, 7.72 and 5.83 ppm for ES-Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid, buprofenzin and methomyl, respectively. Efficiency against whitefly insect,B. tabaciimmature stages was affected when aqueous preparations of the five tested insecticides were stored at 45°C for one and three days, compared to those stored under normal condition of 25°C for the same periods of time. Generally it could be concluded that buprofenzin n and methomyl, were more affected by UV-light, storage and temperature than ES-Fenvalerate, pirimicarb, imidacloprid.
Application of Modern Management Concepts by Polish Companies - Analysis of Research Results
Authors: Lisiński Marek , Sroka Włodzimierz , Brzeziński Paweł , Jabłoński Adam , Stuglik Joanna
Published: April 2012

Application of Modern Management Concepts by Polish Companies - Analysis of Research Results

Our article presents the results of research on the use of modern management concepts in companies from the so-called traditional sectors of the economy in Lesser Poland and Silesia Voivodeships. The study group consists of 125 companies operating in metallurgy- and steel-related sectors such as machinery, coke, mining and energy. Studies have confirmed that the companies surveyed utilise modern management concepts in their activities, although such utilisation is highly diverse (only one company pointed out that it does not utilise any such concepts). The most popular management concepts are controlling and outsourcing. In contrast, Balanced Scorecard and Business Process Reengineering belong to the group of rarely used strategies.
Giving-up Management System Certification: a Potential Early Warning Signal?
Authors: Alič Milena
Published: April 2012

Giving-up Management System Certification: a Potential Early Warning Signal?

The paper presents the dynamics in number of top management system certificates (ISO 9001, ISO 14001) focusing on the situation in Slovenia in the last two years when a significant increase of cancelled certificates was noticeable. We studied this phenomenon in order to find out its reasons and effects on the performance of the organizations. Some recognized relations between quality management systems and company performance from literature review were used for setting hypotheses which were analytically proved. We assumed that quitting management system certificates was related to decrease in business performance. Empirical part of our research was based on the data of Slovenian certification bodies and on published annual financial reports of Slovenian organizations. In the survey some characteristics and performance of the organizations which gave up certification were analysed. We came to interesting findings that cancelling certificates was related to decrease in business performance and often even to closing of organizations. The downsizing of the business was increasing through the time. So, 2 years after cancelling certificates only 8% of the organizations still present growth in their income and revenue, besides almost 40% of them quit or would have to quit their business. It was also found out that the business performance after cancellation of the certificates was related to the business performance before it and to the reason for cancellation as well. Two years after cancellation there was a 3-times higher proportion of failed organizations (= 45% of previously non-profitable organizations) among the organizations that had operated at a loss before the cancellation of their certificates, compared to those previously having a profit. Among the claimed reasons for certificate cancellation organizational changes (in 35% of all the organizations losing certificates) and cancellation of certificates by certification bodies (in 41% of these organizations) were the most common ones related to the failure of these organizations.
Asymmetric and Nonlinear Impact of Attribute-Level Performance on Overall Customer Satisfaction in the Context of Car Servicing of Four European Automotive Brands in Slovenia
Authors: Ažman Slavko , Gomišček Boštjan
Published: April 2012

Asymmetric and Nonlinear Impact of Attribute-Level Performance on Overall Customer Satisfaction in the Context of Car Servicing of Four European Automotive Brands in Slovenia

The paper examines the nonlinearity and asymmetry between the satisfaction with individual attributes of the service and overall satisfaction in the context of passenger car servicing in Slovenia. The data set that was analysed was acquired from a regular survey on customer satisfaction with vehicle repair and maintenance services of four European automotive brands in Slovenia, carried out in 2005 and 2006 through 12,941 computer-assisted telephone interviews. Specifically, this study utilizes regression analysis in order to test the asymmetry and nonlinearity of the link between the attribute-level performance and overall satisfaction.

The results show that the influence of dissatisfaction is different from the influence of satisfaction, and that the influence of satisfaction on overall satisfaction is greater than the influence of dissatisfaction. The results also show that nonlinearity is applicable to certain attributes of vehicle servicing, but not to all.

We can sum up that precise knowledge of the correlation between the attribute-level performance of vehicle servicing and overall service satisfaction is important. Results show that caution must be employed in the evaluation of the importance of individual attributes on overall satisfaction, since the importance can change depending on the level of satisfaction. It appears that focusing on improving satisfaction is more important than focusing on lessening dissatisfaction. Results also show that the improvement of attribute-level performance offers diminishing returns; therefore, selective investment in activities for increasing customer satisfaction is sensible if satisfaction levels are already relatively high.
Acute Effects of Hamstring Stretching on Sagittal Spinal Curvatures and Pelvic Tilt
Authors: López-Miñarro Pedro , Muyor José , Belmonte Felipe , Alacid Fernando
Published: April 2012

Acute Effects of Hamstring Stretching on Sagittal Spinal Curvatures and Pelvic Tilt

The aim of this study was to determine acute effects of hamstring stretching in thoracic and lumbar spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt. Fifty-five adults (29.24 ± 7.41 years) were recruited for this study. Subjects performed a hamstring stretching protocol consisting of four exercises. The session consisted of 3 sets of each exercise and subjects held the position for 20 seconds with a 30-second rest period between sets and exercises . Thoracic and lumbar spinal angles and pelvic tilt were measured with a SpinalMouse in relaxed standing, sit-and-reach test and Macrae & Wright position. Hamstring extensibility was determined by active straight leg raise test and sit-and-reach score. All measures were performed before and immediately after the hamstring stretching protocol. Active straight leg raise angle and sit-and-reach score significantly improved immediately after the stretching protocol (p<0.001). Greater anterior pelvic tilt (p<0.001) and lumbar flexion (p<0.05) and a smaller thoracic kyphosis in the sit-and-reach (p<0.001) were found after the stretching protocol. However, stretching produced no significant change on spinal curvatures or pelvic tilt in standing and maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed. In conclusion, static stretching of the hamstring is associated to an immediate change in the sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic position when performing trunk flexion with knees extended, so that allowing for greater lumbar flexion and anterior pelvic tilt and lower thoracic kyphosis. Hamstring stretching is recommended prior to sport activities involving trunk flexion with the knees straight.