bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parâmetros antropométricos e síndrome metabólica em diabetes tipo 2
Authors: Castro Simone Henriques de , Mato Haroldo José de , Gomes Marilia de Brito
Published: November 2006

Visando avaliar o valor do índice de massa corporal (IMC) como preditor de circunferência abdominal de risco cardiovascular (CARCV) e de diagnóstico de síndrome metabólica (CASM) em pacientes com DM tipo 2 (DM 2), avaliamos o IMC e a CA em 753 pacientes com DM 2 (472 mulheres) com 23 ± 8 anos. Todos os participantes foram divididos em grupos de acordo com a presença de CARCV e CASM, sendo avaliado o melhor ponto de corte de IMC preditor destas alterações nas mulheres e nos homens. Nas mulheres, o IMC > 25,0 kg/m² foi o melhor preditor da CARCV, sendo a área sob a curva ROC e IC 95% de 0,7202 (0,6753 - 0,7652) e de CASM [0,8318 (0,7928 - 0,8708)]. Nos homens, o IMC > 25,0 kg/m² foi melhor preditor da presença de CARCV [0,8527 (0,8098 - 0,8955)], sendo o IMC > 30,0 kg/m² melhor preditor da CASM [0,9071 (0,8708 - 0,9433)]. Concluímos que o cálculo do IMC pode ser uma maneira prática para avaliação de síndrome metabólica e risco cardiovascular em países onde nem sempre estão disponíveis material e treinamento adequado para avaliação da CA. Estudos prospectivos são necessários para avaliar necessidade de mudança nos pontos de corte adotados como indicativos destas alterações nos diabéticos.
Prevalência de síndrome metabólica em uma área rural do semi-árido baiano
Authors: Oliveira Ernesto P. de , Souza Mirabeau Levi A. de , Lima Maria das Dores A. de
Published: November 2006

O crescimento de alterações da tolerância à glicose em populações rurais e a carência de dados nacionais sobre ocorrência de Síndrome Metabólica (SM) motivaram o desenvolvimento deste estudo de prevalência de SM no distrito rural de Cavunge, semi-árido baiano. Amostra aleatória de base populacional foi constituída por 240 indivíduos com idade > 25 anos, 102 (42,5%) homens e 138 (57,5%) mulheres, idade média 49,5 ± 14,9, variando de 25 a 87 anos. Para diagnóstico, utilizou-se a I Diretriz Brasileira de Diagnóstico e Tratamento da SM. A prevalência bruta foi de 30,0% e, após ajustamento por idade, 24,8%. Freqüência de SM foi maior em mulheres (38,4%) que em homens (18,6%), mais elevada entre aqueles com idade > 45 anos (41,4%) que naqueles com idade < 45 anos (15,9%). Estratificação por sexo e idade revelou prevalência maior entre mulheres com idade > 45 anos (56,9%), possivelmente associada à menopausa. Presença de SM na ausência de seus componentes melhor estabelecidos, alteração da glicemia e obesidade, sugere a importância do diagnóstico sindrômico, sinalizado pelo elevado valor preditivo encontrado para algumas alterações metabólicas isoladas. A alta prevalência justifica atenção ao tratamento do conjunto da síndrome, retardando ou evitando conseqüências futuras, como diabetes e doença cardiovascular.
Perfil lipídico de pacientes com alto risco para eventos cardiovasculares na prática clínica diária
Authors: Moreira Rodrigo O. , Santos Raul D. , Martinez Lilton , Saldanha Fabiana C. , Pimenta Jara Lucia A.C. , Feijoo Josefina , Jahnke Natalie , Mangile Otávio C. , Kupfer Rosane
Published: November 2006

Embora existam recomendações especificas envolvendo o tratamento das dislipidemias em pacientes com alto risco, estas recomendações dificilmente são seguidas adequadamente. O objetivo deste estudo é investigar fatores de risco em pacientes com alto risco cardiovascular acompanhados ambulatorialmente no Brasil e Venezuela. Os prontuários de 412 pacientes foram selecionados em 4 instituições. Os pacientes foram divididos conforme a utilização de hipolipemiantes. Pacientes sem hipolipemiantes apresentavam níveis mais elevados de colesterol total (p< 0,001), LDL colesterol (p< 0,001) e HDL colesterol (p< 0,001), além de menores níveis de triglicérides (p< 0,001). O uso de hipolipemiantes foi associado à diminuição dos níveis de colesterol total (251,0 ± 40,0 para 196,0 ± 46,0), LDL colesterol (168,0 ± 36,0 para 116,0 ± 39,0), HDL colesterol (51,0 ± 46,0 para 46,0 ± 12,0) e triglicérides (181,0 ± 120,0 para 160,0 ± 79,0). Concluímos que apenas um pequeno percentual de pacientes, mesmo em uso de estatinas, apresenta níveis de colesterol compatível com os atualmente recomendados. Desta forma, embora as recomendações para tratamento das dislipidemias sejam bem conhecidas, um pequeno percentual de pacientes atinge os valores desejados de colesterol. É necessário um melhor controle dos níveis lipídicos dos pacientes, tanto através da utilização de doses maiores de estatinas como da utilização da associação de hipolipemiantes.
Efeitos da terapia estrogênica transdérmica isolada ou associada à progesterona micronizada nos fatores de coagulação em mulheres menopausadas com e sem sobrepeso
Authors: Farias Marilea de , Cruz Lusanere , Clapauch Ruth , Siqueira Claudio
Published: November 2006

Analisamos efeitos da reposição hormonal sobre coagulação em 45 mulheres menopausadas, divididas em Grupo 1 (N= 22, histerectomizadas) e Grupo 2 (N= 23, menopausa espontânea), com idade média de 51,6 anos e IMC médio de 27,1 kg/m², sem diferenças significativas no basal. No grupo 1 usamos 17-beta estradiol, 50 mcg/dia, transdérmico contínuo. No grupo 2 foi associada progesterona micronizada 200 mg/dia cíclica por 12 dias. Avaliou-se mensalmente por 3 meses a média de 2 amostras de TAP, PTT, fibrinogênio e plaquetas. No grupo total houve encurtamento do PTT a partir da 2ª avaliação (p= 0,006). Fibrinogênio no grupo 2 sofreu menor queda no grupo 1 a partir da 2ª avaliação (p= 0,0005). As pacientes com IMC > 25 apresentaram maior encurtamento do TAP (p= 0,040) e menor queda do fibrinogênio (p= 0,033) do que as de IMC < 25. Efeitos pró-trombóticos predominaram, especialmente nas mulheres com sobrepeso e que usaram progesterona.
Seasonal abundance of equine strongyles (Nematoda: Strongylidae) in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Martins I.V.F. , Pereira M.J.S. , Grisi L. , Scott F.B.
Published: November 2006

The seasonal abundance of lumenal and larval forms of equine strongyles in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was evaluated. Thirty horses referred to the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro were necropsied and their gastrointestinal tracts were separated into stomach, small intestine, cecum, ventral colon, dorsal colon and rectum. Two aliquots of 5% of the content were collected and examined for the presence of small strongyles and the rest of the content was examined for the presence of large strongyles. The mesenteric artery, liver, pancreas and peritoneum were examined for the presence of strongyle larvae. The mucosa of intestine segments was cut into parts of equal length, and each one was examined by the mural transillumination technique. Higher abundances of larvae of Strongylus equinus (P<0.10) and of adults Strongylus vulgaris (P<0.05) were observed during the dry season. Encysted cyathostome larvae had the highest abundance during the rainy season (P<0.02).
Análise de sensibilidade da margem bruta da receita e dos custos do confinamento de diferentes grupos genéticos
Authors: Ferreira I.C. , Silva M.A. , Reis R.P. , Euclides Filho K. , Figueiredo G.R. , Fridrich A.B. , Corrêa G.S.S. , Valente B.D. , Felipe-Silva A.S.
Published: November 2006

Análises de sensibilidade da margem bruta foram realizadas com dados de desempenho e custos de 149 animais confinados por períodos variáveis de acordo com acabamento de carcaça dos grupos genéticos: Nelore sobreano, Nelore desmamado, ½ Valdostana ½ Nelore, ½ Simental ½ Nelore, ½ Braford ½ Brangus, ½ Braford ¼ Angus ¼ Nelore, Brangus, ½ Canchim ¼ Angus ¼ Nelore e ½ Canchim ¼ Simental ¼ Nelore. Sensibilidade da margem bruta foi realizada com variações nos preços de venda da carne e de compra do milho, soja, silagem de milho e boi magro, mantendo-se os demais preços fixos. Com o preço da carne a 0,99 US$/kg, o Nelore sobreano foi mais eficiente nas variações do milho, soja e silagem de milho; Brangus foi mais eficiente nas variações do preço de compra do boi. Com preço da carne a 1,27 US$/kg, a margem bruta foi positiva para todos grupos genéticos nas variações do milho, soja e silagem de milho, exceto Nelore desmamado. Na variação de preços de compra do boi, apenas Brangus apresentou margem bruta positiva. A margem bruta foi mais sensível às variações no preço de compra dos animais do que no preço de venda da carne.
Exigências de lisina, com base no conceito de proteína ideal, para suínos machos castrados dos 96 aos 120kg, selecionados para eficiência de crescimento
Authors: Arouca C.L.C. , Fontes D.O. , Veloso J.A.F. , Moreira H.F.V. , Marinho P.C.
Published: November 2006

Determinaram-se as exigências de lisina para suínos machos castrados utilizando-se 50 animais em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (0,5; 0,6; 0,7; 0,8 e 0,9% de lisina total), cinco repetições e dois animais por baia. Adicionaram-se aminoácidos sintéticos para manter o nível de acordo com o perfil da proteína ideal. Houve efeito quadrático dos tratamentos sobre o ganho de peso diário e conversão alimentar. O modelo linear response plateau ajustou-se melhor aos dados de conversão alimentar. Observou-se aumento linear do consumo de lisina diário, espessura de toucinho na 10ª costela e espessura de toucinho na última costela. Não houve efeito sobre o consumo de ração diário, espessura de toucinho no P1, espessura de toucinho no P2, profundidade de lombo, porcentagem de carne magra, taxa de deposição de carne magra diária, rendimento de carcaça, comprimento de carcaça pelo método brasileiro, comprimento de carcaça pelo método americano e sobre o peso e rendimento dos cortes cárneos. Suínos machos castrados de 96 a 120kg, selecionados para eficiência de crescimento, exigiram 0,61% de lisina total, correspondendo ao consumo de 22,74g/dia.
Comparação entre o método de referência e a análise eletrônica na determinação da contagem de células somáticas do leite bovino
Authors: Silveira T.M.L. , Fonseca L.M. , Lago T.B.N. , Veiga D.R.
Published: November 2006

Avaliou-se a metodologia eletrônica de determinação da contagem de células somáticas por citometria de fluxo, utilizando-se 48 amostras individuais de leite de vaca da raça Holandesa e cinco amostras de leite de conjunto. A contagem média de células somáticas das amostras individuais foi de 353.000 cel/ml (5,55log cel/ml) usando-se metodologia de referência e 328.000 cel/ml (5,52log cel/ml) usando-se o contador eletrônico. Para amostras de tanque, as médias foram 382.000 cel/ml (5,58log cel/ml) e 329.000 cel/ml (5,52log cel/ml) de CCS, respectivamente, para análise feita por microscopia direta e pelo equipamento eletrônico. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os valores obtidos nas análises realizadas pelo método de referência e pelo analisador eletrônico rápido. Foi avaliada a qualidade das amostras-padrão de origem americana e canadense, por meio da contagem de células somáticas, pelo método de microscopia direta. Os resultados foram comparados aos valores declarados no laudo de análise das amostras, emitidos pelo laboratório fornecedor das amostras-padrão.
Tabela de vida de fertilidade de Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan & Legner (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) em pupas de Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Thomazini Marcílio J. , Berti Filho Evoneo
Published: November 2006

Determinou-se em laboratório o potencial de crescimento populacional do parasitóide Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan & Legner (25±1ºC, 70±10% U.R. e 14h de fotofase). Para isso, 30 fêmeas do parasitóide, com 0 a 24h de idade, foram individualizadas com 15 pupas de mosca doméstica, com 24 a 72h de idade. As pupas foram trocadas diariamente. A sobrevivência dos imaturos de M. uniraptor foi de 97,2%. As fêmeas do parasitóide apresentaram longevidade média estimada em 13,17 dias, com capacidade inata de aumentar em número de 0,22; taxa líquida de reprodução de 119,01; razão finita de aumento de 1,24; tempo médio entre gerações de 21,93 dias e tempo de duplicação da população de 3,18 dias. Estes valores demonstram que M. uniraptor possui alto potencial de crescimento populacional.
Determinação da concentração diagnóstica de pirimicarbe para a detecção de populações de Myzus persicae (Sulz.) (Homoptera: Aphididae) com diferentes níveis de esterases
Authors: Furiatti Rui S. , Lázzari Sonia M. N.
Published: November 2006

Resultados de bioesnsaios com pirimicarbe, associados aos níveis de esterases totais obtidos através de testes colorimétricos, foram utilizados nesta pesquisa para determinar concentrações diagnostica para a avaliação da resistência de populações de Myzus persicae a inseticidas em cultura de batata Coletas de M. persicae foram feitas ao acaso em plantas de batata de plantações comerciais, na região de Curitiba, Piraí do Sul e Contenda, no Paraná, e Ibicoara na Bahia, durante o período de 1994 a 1996. A CL50 foi estimada submetendo-se os afídeos a bioensaios com concentrações (g/100 ml) de 0.0125; 0.025; 0.05 e 0,1% foram congelados uma hora após o tratamento e submetidos à avaliação das esterases totais, através de ensaio colorimétrico. Na concentração de 0,0125%, a mortalidade foi muito baixa, enquanto que a 0,1% a mortalidade atingiu 100% da população, indicando que a concentração diagnostica encontra-se dentro desta faixa. A diferença foi significativa entre as mortalidades nas concentrações de 0,025 e 0.05% em cada população estudada, mas não entre as populações coletadas nas quatro regiões. A concentração de 0,05% de pirimicarbe causa a mortalidade de aproximadamente 50% dos indivíduos altamente resistentes (R2), 72% dos levemente resistentes (R1) e 89,7% dos suscetíveis (S), podendo ser utilizada para diagnosticar populações resistentes de M. persicae. A determinação desta concentração diagnóstica é importante nos programas de manejo da resistência da praga em cultivo de batata, pois os indivíduos podem ser avaliados quanto à resistência nesta única concentração e, assim, baixa freqüência de resistência podem ser detectadas.
Effect of the synergists piperonyl butoxide and DEF in deltamethrin resistance on strains of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae)
Authors: Lorini Irineu , Galley David J.
Published: November 2006

Synergists are an important research tool in the laboratory to help to determine the mechanisms of resistance involved in a particular population. This kind of investigation has produced valuable results in understanding resistance to pesticides. The ability of these compounds in suppressing deltamethrin resistance on four strains of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Two susceptible strains, obtained from the eighth generation in laboratory without any selection were tested; other two resistant strains consisted in the fifth deltamethrin selected generation. Each strain was bioassayed on filter paper impregnated with deltamethrin associated with a synergist in different proportions, following the methods recommended by FAO for assessing resistance. The synergists tested were piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF), at the following proportions 1:0, 1:5, 1:10 and 1:15 of deltamethrin and the synergist, respectively. Both synergists showed a role in blocking enzymes involved in detoxifying deltamethrin. PBO conferred up to 27 times higher toxicity ratios in the resistant strains than in the susceptible ones. DEF was less effective in reducing the lethal dose of deltamethrin with ratios up to five times.
Resistência cruzada entre o dicofol e outros acaricidas em Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)
Authors: Alves Everaldo B. , Omoto Celso , Franco Claudio R.
Published: November 2006

Relações de resistência cruzada entre o dicofol e alguns acaricidas recomendados na cultura de citros foram avaliadas em Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) para identificar produtos alternativos a serem utilizados em um programa de manejo da resistência ao dicofol. Linhagens de B. phoenicis susceptível e resistente ao dicofol foram testadas com os acaricidas óxido de fenbutatina, propargite, fempiroximato e bromopropilato. A linhagem de B. phoenicis resistente ao dicofol apresentou resistência cruzada positiva ao bromopropilato e resistência cruzada negativa ao fempiroximato. Não foi detectada resistência cruzada entre o dicofol e os acaricidas óxido de fenbutatina e propargite. Os resultados indicam que dentre os acaricidas testados, somente o bromopropilato deve ser evitado em programas de manejo da resistência de B. phoenicis ao dicofol.
Nível de controle e danos de Sternechus subsignatus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) em soja, no sistema de plantio direto
Authors: Silva Mauro T.B.
Published: November 2006

Os estudos foram conduzidos nas safras agrícolas de 1987/88, 1988/89 e 1992/93, em Cruz Alta, no Rio Grande do Sul, com o objetivo de avaliar os níveis de infestação e danos de Sternechus subsignatus (Boheman) em soja, no plantio direto. Infestações de um e dois adultos/m de fileira de soja, durante os estádios fenológicos da planta V2 a V5, causaram reduções significativas na produtividade em relação à testemunha (nível zero). Aumentando o número de adultos/m, diminuiu o número de plantas vivas, a altura de plantas e altura de inserção primeira vagem (correlações negativas significativas) e aumentou o número de plantas atacadas e mortas (correlações positivas e significativas). Foram observadas correlações negativas significativas da produtividade com o número de plantas atacadas e mortas, e correlações positivas significativas da produtividade com o número de plantas vivas, altura de plantas e altura de inserção da primeira vagem. A partir de 20% de plantas atacadas foram observadas diferenças na produtividade em relação à testemunha. Com base nos danos produzidos pelo inseto, sugere-se o nível de controle de 0,4 adultos/m de fileira de soja, como indicador para aplicação de inseticidas, via foliar, para proteção das plantas de soja.
Esfarelando tempos não ensimesmados
Authors: Chnaiderman Miriam
Published: November 2006

Seria a concepção freudiana de memória ligada ao conceito de identidade ou, ao contrário, seria o núcleo do questionamento de qualquer essência fundante da subjetividade humana? Historicizando e situando o conceito de memória em Freud, a partir de Ribot e Bergson, e percorrendo abordagens tanto de filósofos como Derrida e Lévinas quanto dos pós-freudianos Monique Schneider e P. Fédida, mostramos como é a noção de identidade na teoria psicanalítica que acaba tendo que ser repensada.
Do problema da alteridade no pensamento freudiano: uma construção
Authors: Moreira Jacqueline de Oliveira
Published: November 2006

Procura-se refletir sobre o tema da alteridade em Freud, pensando as relações do autor com o pensamento greco-romano e a tradição judaica. Objetiva-se, ainda, construir algumas figuras de alteridade, capturar os diferentes graus de comparecimento do Outro que podem ser pensados como causas do sujeito. A partir da leitura dos artigos técnicos de Freud, busca-se apreender as diferentes figuras de alteridade que atravessam a teoria e a clínica freudianas.
High-Temperature Mechanical Properties of the Platinum Group Metals
Authors: Weiland R. , Lupton D. F. , Fischer B. , Merker J. , Scheckenbach C. , Witte J.
Published: November 2006

In order to provide reliable data on the high-temperature deformation behaviour of iridium, the high-temperature material properties such as stress-rupture strength, high-temperature tensile strength and creep behaviour are determined for pure iridium in the temperature range 1650–2300°C. Analyses of the stress-rupture curves and the creep behaviour of pure iridium samples at 1650°C, 1800°C and 2000°C imply that the fracture behaviour is controlled by two different fracture mechanisms depending on test conditions, in particular applied load and test temperature. The existence of the different fracture modes is confirmed by SEM examination of the fracture surface of samples ruptured at high temperatures. Anomalies in the creep curves and the results of high-temperature tensile tests indicate that dynamic recrystallisation plays an important role in the high-temperature deformation behaviour of pure iridium.
The availability of phosphorus in municipal wastewater sludge as a function of the phosphorus removal process and sludge treatment method
Authors: Kyle Michael A. , McClintock Samuel A.
Published: November 2006

The objective of this study was to determine the availability of phosphorus contained in different wastewater sludges and sludge‐soil mixtures. The sludges studied included raw and aerobically digested sludges from activated sludge treatment plants using four different methods of phosphorus removal: alum addition, ferric chloride addition, anaerobic/oxic biological phosphorus removal, and no provision for excess phosphorus removal. Test methods used to determine phosphorus availability of the sludges included the equilibrium phosphorus concentration test and soil‐incubation tests. The soil‐incubation studies consisted of soil and soil‐sand mixtures spiked with sludges. Testing on the pots compared initial pots to final pots after leaching with distilled water. Results showed that based on most measures, phosphorus was the most available from fertilizer. Phosphorus was also highly available from sludges generated without using chemical addition for phosphorus removal. Phosphorus availability of digested sludges versus raw sludges varied, depending on the method of analysis.
Preliminary assessment of the removal of volatile organic compounds in a biological selector process
Authors: Parker Wayne , Monteith Hugh , Melcer Henryk
Published: November 2006

The fate of selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in anoxic or anaerobic selectors was investigated at pilot scale. Tetrachloroethylene, 1,4‐dichlorobenzene, and 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene were consistently removed at efficiencies in excess of 30%. The removals observed in this study were highly compound specific. Compounds with similar chemical structures such as toluene and 1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene displayed substantially different behavior. The selector biomass concentration and hydraulic retention time were found to have little apparent effect on the VOC removal efficiencies. However, the results were confounded by a change in wastewater temperature that also influenced the loading of nitrate on the selector. The results of these experiments demonstrate the potential of selector technologies for reducing the mass loading of VOCs to aeration basins. The lower mass loadings should reduce the mass of aerobically recalcitrant VOCs that will be stripped to the atmosphere.
Control of volatile organic compound emissions using a compost biofilter
Authors: Ergas Sarina J. , Schroeder Edward D. , Chang Daniel P. Y. , Morton Robert L.
Published: November 2006

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted using a pilot‐scale compost biofilter (approximately 5.7 m3/min) to determine the potential of using biofiltration for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from gas streams at publicly owned treatment works. Six compounds commonly found in wastewaters (benzene, trichloromethane, dichloromethane, toluene, tetrachloroethene, and trichloroethene) were selected for quantitative evaluation of removal efficiency. Gas fluxes through the biofilters ranged from 0.3 to 1.8 m3/m2·min with corresponding pressure drops of 0.1 to 0.7 kPa. Removals of aromatic VOCs averaged greater than 80% during an 8.5‐month field study and were typically greater than 90 to 95%, despite highly variable inlet concentrations. Removals of chlorinated VOCs were inconsistent and ranged from none to more than 60%. Low removals of the chlorinated compounds were believed to be due, in part, to the low inlet airstream concentrations, which were generally less than 70 ppb. Removal of H2S and odors was excellent throughout the studies, consistent with the findings of other investigators.
Pilot scale evaluation of anaerobic codigestion of primary and pretreated waste activated sludge
Authors: Knezevic Zorica , Mavinic Donald S. , Anderson Bruce C.
Published: November 2006

Pilot‐scale (160 L) research on enhancement of anaerobic codigestion of combined primary sludge and waste activated sludge (WAS) was performed, using low‐level alkaline solubilization of waste activated sludge. Solubilization was performed by the addition of 15 meq/L of calcium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide in the first part of the research (data already published), followed by the addition of 15.0, 12.5, or 10.0 meq/L of only sodium hydroxide in the next phase; mechanical anoxic mixing times of 5, 4, and 3 hours were employed. The previous work examined the effects of decreasing solids retention time (SRT) on digester operational efficiency; the subsequent research work examined the effects of different sodium hydroxide dosages and mixing times on digester efficiency. The overall performance of three pilot‐scale digesters, including a control unit, was monitored. This research showed that solubilization of WAS did not have any appreciable effect on actual digester volatile mass reduction efficiency. However, better overall volatile mass reduction (solubilization process plus anaerobic digestion) was achieved in the chemically altered units. Better chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was also observed in these units. Solubilization of WAS with sodium hydroxide also improved unit gas production (volume of gas produced per volatile mass removed in the digester). Overall, the experimental unit receiving WAS pretreated with different dosages of sodium hydroxide outperformed both the control and the other unit using calcium hydroxide (from previous work) as the solubilizing chemical. Waste activated sludge pretreatment allowed a decrease in digester SRT from 25 to 10 days, without major effects on process efficiency or effluent quality. It enhanced volatile mass reduction, COD removal, and unit gas production.
Biological oxygen transfer enhancement in wastewater treatment systems
Authors: Sundararajan Anand , Ju Lu‐Kwang
Published: November 2006

The occurrence of biological oxygen transfer enhancement was investigated with samples of influent wastewater and wastewater solids collected from a nearby wastewater treatment plant. The potential mechanisms for the enhancement, namely, cell respiration, physical presence of solids, and wastewater modification, were studied in isolation by careful experimental design. The physical presence of nonrespiring solids was found to retard oxygen transfer, presumably because of the lower oxygen permeability in the solids layer accumulated near the bubble surfaces. On the other hand, cell respiration and wastewater modification enhanced the oxygen transfer rates. Overall oxygen transfer enhancements of approximately 20% were observed.
Protozoan communities and contamination of several fluvial systems
Authors: Fernandez‐Leborans G. , Novillo A.
Published: November 2006

Eleven stations in six rivers in the Comunidad Autonoma de Madrid (Spain) were studied during February 1993 to describe the protozoan communities and analyze the presence of lead and cadmium. The most polluted areas were Fuente del Fresno (Jarama River), where the levels of dissolved heavy metals were 10 μg/L of cadmium and 1 140 μg/L of lead acid, Torrej6n de Ardoz (Henares River) where there was 15 μg cadmium and 1 140 μg/L of lead. These two areas showed the greatest amount of industrial effluents, and the protozoan response expressed itself by the presence of resistant species such Euglena gracilis; density and biomass were not affected, although there were changes in the trophic structure, with a predominance of bacterivore and nonselective protozoans. The effects of the heavy metals were masked by the organic pollution. In the stations in well‐oxygenated waters, there was a predominance of photoautotrophs and diatoms. In all zones a significant correlation between the density of bacteria and protozoans was observed. The trophic structure of the protozoan communities in the different water courses was influenced by the amount of food available and by organic pollution.
Use of ethylene and ethane as primary substrates for aerobic cometabolism of vinyl chloride
Authors: Freedman David L. , Herz Steven D.
Published: November 2006

A significant problem encountered with anaerobic reductive dechlorination of polychlorinated ethylenes during groundwater remediation is accumulation of vinyl chloride (VC). Even when reduction of VC proceeds to ethylene and/or ethane, low levels of VC may persist. The purpose of this study was to examine use of ethylene and ethane as primary substrates for aerobic cometabolism of VC. Both ethylene‐ and ethane‐grown enrichment cultures (developed with activated sludge inoculum) readily consumed VC. The ethylene culture exhibited an initial preference for VC over ethylene but then switched after several weeks. This culture was unable to use ethane or VC as sole substrates. Although VC inhibited ethylene use, growth on ethylene still occurred in the presence of VC. The ethane‐grown culture was able to use both VC and ethylene as sole substrates. When all three compounds were present, ethylene was consumed first, followed by VC and ethane. Thus, the presence of ethylene and/or ethane with VC may eliminate the need to add a primary substrate (for example, methane, toluene, or phenol) to sustain cometabolism of VC below the regulatory limit.
A dynamic solids inventory model for activated sludge systems
Authors: Ji Zhong , McCorquodale John A. , Zhou Siping , Vitasovic Zdenko
Published: November 2006

Clarifier hydrodynamics plays an important role in the activated sludge process. Attention has long been focused on the biological behavior of the aeration basin in the secondary treatment system. One‐dimensional settler models or empirical relationships have typically been coupled in wastewater treatment plant simulation systems to represent the clarifier. The research on the hydrodynamic aspects of the process are currently restricted to a clarifier uncoupled from the aeration basin. In this paper, a dynamic model of the activated sludge process is presented in which balanced emphasis is put on the hydrodynamic aspect of the system. The model integrates a biological reaction submodel for an aeration basin with a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic solids transport submodel for the secondary clarifier. A verification of the model is carried out against a set of field data and shows good agreement. The model has been used to investigate the response and the interdependency of the aerator and clarifier in the activated sludge system.
Laboratory simulation of belt press dewatering: Application of the Darcy equation to gravity drainage
Authors: Severin Blaine F. , Grethlein Hans E.
Published: November 2006

Belt‐thickening processes are used for preliminary dewatering of flocculent sludges such as polymer‐conditioned wastewater sludges, industrial sludges, and water treatment silts. These processes are also directly or indirectly used as the lead‐in step in belt‐pressing dewatering of these types of sludges. In the belt press application, improperly drained sludge can yield failure of the subsequent pressing steps. This paper is Part I of a series on the laboratory simulation of belt‐pressing dynamics and addresses the mathematics of the gravity drainage of conditioned sludges through short depths on fabric filter cloth. The rate of water drainage through the fabric filter for sludge from a given source and treated with constant polymer doses per dry weight of sludge solids is a function of the total volume of the sample, the solids fraction within the sample, the specific resistance of the forming cake, and the specific resistance of the filter cloth. A drainage rate model that fits the general shape of drainage rate from numerous sludges is derived. Methods for using the proper test volume in batch tests in relation to full‐scale dynamic presses are presented. Finally, a simple test method for determining the resistance through the filter cloth on full‐scale presses is suggested. Data from 12 test conditions including five types of sludges are analyzed. The model appears to adequately account for volumetric changes, sludge concentration changes, and changes in belt resistance in laboratory drainage tests.
Violence and injuries among school children in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Bojanic Janja , Matovic-Miljanovic Sanja , Jankovic Slavenka , Jandric Ljubica , Raznatovic-Djurovic Milena
Published: November 2006

Introduction. There are only a limited number of researches on the frequency, extent, causality and the location of injuries among young people. It is difficult to say to which extent the risky behavior in youth is really spread, because there are no routine data on this issue. In the Republic of Srpska, the first nationwide survey on health behavior of school aged children was conducted, comprising a very important area of health behavior related to injuries, violence and harassment. The aim of this paper was to investigate the risky behavior of school children in the Republic of Srpska in relation to injuries, violence and harassment. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Srpska during 2002, on a selected sample of schools and covered a total of 1783 pupils, 15 years of age. The survey instrument was the international standard questionnaire, modified for the Republic of Srpska region. Results. Almost a quarter of all polled school children of both sexes have participated in fights. More than 10% of boys carry weapons. Injuries have mostly occurred during sports activities, on sports grounds (35.8%), at home (26.9%), in the school yard (14.5%), in the street or parking lots (11.4%) and in the country side (5.6%). Conclusion. The existing violence and injuries among school children indicate a clear need for improvement of mutual communication and tolerance among pupils and involvement of all relevant community members: parents, teachers, health workers and the entire society in health education of school children. .
Previous obstetric history and cervical legth in pregnancy
Authors: Petrovic Djordje , Novakov-Mikic Aleksandra , Mandic Vesna , Potic Zoran
Published: November 2006

Introduction. The cervical length is a predictor of premature delivery or abortion. In order to detect the risks of such complications, it is necessary to establish the factors affecting the length of the cervix. Material and methods. A transversal prospective study was carried out in a sample of 579 pregnant women with low risk, singleton pregnancies of various gestational ages. Cervical length was measured by transvaginal ultrasound as part of routine pregnancy monitoring. At the same time, data on previous first-trimester or mid-trimester abortions, as well as on premature deliveries and term deliveries, were collected and taken into consideration. Results. The cervical length in primiparous women was not statistically significantly longer than in women with a previous pregnancy, except during the second trimester, (primiparous women: 33.8 mm. women with a previous pregnancy: 35.8 mm). Bearing in mind the empirical facts that the cervix in primiparous women. since intact, is significantly longer, the above mentioned findings cannot be easily explained. The cervix in women with a previous vaginal delivery was statistically significantly longer (35.6 mm) than in women with no vaginal delivery (34.09) (p=0.0l 1). In women with previous abortions of any kind, the cervical length was 34.2 mm. The cervical length in women without previous abortions was 34. 7 mm, and there were no significant differences. Moreover, no statistically significant differences were established in women with or without previous abortions, regardless of the type. Conclusion. Taking into consideration the data from previous obstetric histories, the results of our study indicate that cervices of women. .
The incidence of sudden cardiac death in athletes
Authors: Popovic Dejana , Mazic Sanja , Nesic Dejan , Scepanovic Ljiljana , Aleksandric Branimir , Ostojic Miodrag
Published: November 2006

Introduction. Despite remarkable advances in medicine and sports, sudden cardiac death remains a significant problem. Incidence of sudden cardiac death. The incidence of sudden cardiac death varies in different studies and there are no systematic data about it. It varies in different types of sports, with age and sex. Sudden cardiac death and physical activity. Many changes in cardiac morphology and function represent an adaptive response to physical activity. As a result, the heart undergoes profound morphologic, functional and electro-physiological alterations. But as there are different kinds of physical activities, the degree of these morphological changes is highly variable. It is needless to say how important it is to know which changes in the heart due to physical activity are normal, and when they are pathological. Considering the results of many studies, the main cause of sudden cardiac death is hypertrophic cardiomiopathy. Conclusion. It is very important to distinguish physiological changes of the heart due to physical activity, and pathological changes due to some cardiac diseases. That is why, clear recommendations on intensity, type, duration and frequency of physical training in every sports discipline are necessary. That is the only way to decrease the incidence of sudden cardiac death in athletes. .
Femoro-popliteal reconstructions: "insitu" versus "reversed" technique: comparative results
Authors: Vukobratov Vladimir , Kacanski Milos , Pasternak Janko , Nikolic Dragan , Popovic Vladan , Obradovic Jovan
Published: November 2006

Introduction. Infrainguinal arterial reconstruction is a procedure with two main types of autologous venous grafts: reversed-vein bypass grafting, and the in situ bypass grafting. Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages, and the aim of this study was to compare the results of each technique. Material and methods. In the period from 1999 to 2003, 118 patients with infrainguinal arterial occlusive disease (IAOD) undenvent reconstruction surgery at the Vascular and Transplantation Surgery Clinic in Novi Sad. 141 reconstruction procedures were performed using the autologous great saphenous vein. The patients were divided into two groups: group I included 72 patients with "in situ " by?pass grafts and group II included 46 with 55 "reversed" bypass grafts. The postoperative function was evaluated by using a pocket-sized Doppler sonography, and by assessment of the postoperative increase in API in regard to preoperative values. Results. Statistical analysis of the investigated groups of patients and X2 showed that there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative patency, complication rate and number of salvaged limbs. Conclusion. We can conclude that both investigated reconstruction techniques have advantages and minor disadvantages: they are applicable, safe and reliable and each has a specific range of indications. .
Effects of reperfusion on late potentials of the QRS complex in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Matunovic Radomir , Cosic Zoran , Tavciovski Dragan , Romanovic Radoslav
Published: November 2006

Introduction. Cardiac rhythm disorders are common in patients after myocardial infarction. They play an important role in the course and in prognosis of this illness. Signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECGj is a non-invasive diagnostic method for the induction of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Early opening of the infarct-related artery decreases occurrence of ventricular disorders in these patients. The aim of this study was to establish the connection between the late potentials of the ORS complex (SAECG) and unsuccessful reperfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Material and methods. After myocardial infarction, presence of SAECG was examined in patients receiving reperfusion therapy in order to establish the treatment outcome. Late potentials in SAECG were determined by computer measurements in regard to criteria for its positivity. Results. The study group consisted of 33 patients. Out of 23 patients with successful reperfusion, only 6 (26.1%) had late potentials, in contrast to the group without reperfusion, 8 (80%) out of 10 patients had late potentials. Conclusion. Based on our results, we can conclude that there is a significant association between the presence of late ORS-complex potentials (SAECG) and unsuccessful reperfusion. Also, we can conclude that presence of late potentials is an independent predictor of infarct-related artery patency in patients with AMI treated with thrombolytic therapy. .
Finding minimal branchings with a given number of arcs
Authors: Cvetkovic Dragos , Cangalovic Mirjana
Published: November 2006

We describe an algorithm for finding a minimal s-branching (where s is a given number of its arcs) in a weighted digraph with an a symetric weight matrix. The algorithm uses the basic principles of the method (previously developed by J. Edmonds) for determining a minimal branching in the case when the number of its arcs is not specified in advance. Here we give a proof of the correctness for the described algorithm.
A two-phase linear programming approach for redundancy allocation problems
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Chih
Published: November 2006

Provision of redundant components in parallel is an efficient way to increase the system reliability, however, the weight, volume and cost of the system will increase simultaneously. This paper proposes a new two-phase linear programming approach for solving the nonlinear redundancy allocation problems subject to multiple linear constraints. The first phase is used to approximately allocate the resource by using a general linear programming, while the second phase is used to re-allocate the slacks of resource by using a 0-1 integer linear programming. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Reducing off-line to on-line: An example and its applications
Authors: Demange Marc
Published: November 2006

We study on-line versions of maximum weighted hereditary subgraph problems for which the instance is revealed in two clusters. We focus on the comparison of these on-line problems with their respective off-line versions. In [3], we have reduced on-line versions to the off-line ones in order to devise competitive analysis for such problems. In this paper, we first devise hardness results pointing out that this previous analysis was tight. Then, we propose a process that allows, for a large class of hereditary problems, to transform an on-line algorithm into an off-line one with improvement of the guarantees. This result can be seen as an inverse version of our previous work. It brings to the fore a hardness gap between on-line and off-line versions of those problems. This result does not apply in the case of maximizing a k -colorable induced subgraph of a given graph. For this problem we point out that, contrary to the first case, the on-line version is almost as well approximated as the offline one. .
A bicriterion Steiner tree problem on graph
Authors: Vujosevic Mirko , Stanojevic Milan
Published: November 2006

This paper presents a formulation of bicriterion Steiner tree problem which is stated as a task of finding a Steiner tree with maximal capacity and minimal length. It is considered as a lexicographic multicriteria problem. This means that the bottleneck Steiner tree problem is solved first. After that, the next optimization problem is stated as a classical minimums Steiner tree problem under the constraint on capacity of the tree. The paper also presents some computational experiments with the multicriteria problem.
A technique for improving readability of Forrester diagram in system dynamics
Authors: Yang Wei-Tzen , Kuo Nai-Wen
Published: November 2006

We describe a three-pass algorithm for improving the readability of Forrester Diagram in system dynamics. The first pass converts Forrester Diagram to recurrent hierarchy. The second pass sorts the vertices on each level, with the goal of minimizing crossings. The third pass is a finite tuning of the layout that determines the horizontal positions of vertices. An illustrative example is given to verify the result. .
Graph radio coloring concepts
Authors: Kalfakakou R. , Nikolakopoulou G. , Savvidou E. , Tsouros M.
Published: November 2006

The evolution of the telecommunication technology, such as mobile telecommunication equipment, radio, television, teleconferencing, etc necessitated the existence of numerously broadcast channels. However the corresponding frequencies may interfere for reason of distance, geographical or atmospherical structure or for a variety of other factors. In the present paper we give the definition of the graph radio coloring concept which is a graph coloring generalization. We also introduce radio coloring invariants which are of a great practical importance to problems regarding the allocation of diverse frequencies in order to avoid interference occurrences between channel transmissions. A heuristic algorithm that finds approximate values of the radio chromatic number and radio chromatic cost of a given graph is developed and the result of a computational experiment of the proposed algorithm is given. .
Bi-induced sub graphs and stability number
Authors: Zverovich I.E. , Zverovich O.I.
Published: November 2006

We define a 2-parametric hierarchy CLAP (m, n) of bi-hereditary classes of graphs, and show that a maximum stable set can be found in polynomial time within each class CLAP (m, n). The classes can be recognized in polynomial time.
Stable sets of weak tournaments
Authors: Lahiri Somdeb
Published: November 2006

In this paper we obtain conditions on weak tournaments, which guarantee that every non-empty subset of alternatives admits a stable set. We also show that there exists a unique stable set for each non-empty subset of alternatives which coincides with its set of best elements, if and only if, the weak tournament is quasi-transitive. A somewhat weaker version of this result, which is also established in this paper, is that there exists a unique stable set for each non-empty subset of alternatives (: which may or may not coincide with its set of best elements), if and only if the weak tournament is acyclic.
On some interconnections between combinatorial optimization and extremal graph theory
Authors: Cvetkovic Dragos , Hansen Pierre , Kovacevic-Vujcic Vera
Published: November 2006

The uniting feature of combinatorial optimization and extremal graph theory is that in both areas one should find extrema of a function defined in most cases on a finite set. While in combinatorial optimization the point is in developing efficient algorithms and heuristics for solving specified types of problems, the extremal graph theory deals with finding bounds for various graph invariants under some constraints and with constructing extremal graphs. We analyze by examples some interconnections and interactions of the two theories and propose some conclusions.
Liquidity management and futures hedging under deposit insurance: An option-based analysis
Authors: Lin Jyh-Horng , Chang Chuen-Ping
Published: November 2006

Theories on financial futures hedging are generally based on a portfolio-choice approach. This paper presents an alterative: a firm-theoretic model of bank behavior with financial futures under deposit insurance. Assuming that the bank is a certificate of deposit (CD) rate-setter and faces random CDs, expressions for the optimal futures hedge are derived under the option-based valuation. When the bank is in a bad state of the world, a decrease in the short position of the futures decreases the loan rate and increases the CD rate; an increase in the deposit insurance premium increases the loan rate and decreases the CD rate. We also show that the bank?s amount of futures increases with a lower expected futures interest rate.