bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confiabilidade intra e interexaminadores e erro da medição no uso do goniômetro e inclinômetro digital
Authors: Santos Carolline Maciel dos , Ferreira Gilver , Malacco Priscilla Lorenzatto , Sabino George Schayer , Moraes Geraldo Fabiano de Souza , Felício Diogo Carvalho
Published: May 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: A amplitude de movimento articular (ADM) é um importante componente avaliado durante o exame físico; porém, para que essa mensuração possa ser utilizada, é necessário que ela seja confiável e que suas propriedades de medida sejam conhecidas. OBJETIVOS: Verificar a confiabilidade inter e intraexaminadores das medidas realizadas pelo goniômetro e inclinômetro na avaliação da ADM de flexão e extensão de joelho e cotovelo, e determinar o erro padrão da medição (EPM) dos instrumentos em questão. MÉTODOS: Foi avaliada ADM de flexão e extensão de cotovelo e joelho, bilateralmente, de uma amostra de indivíduos jovens saudáveis do gênero masculino, com faixa etária entre 18 e 30 anos, utilizando um inclinômetro digital e um goniômetro universal. RESULTADOS: A confiabilidade interexaminador variou de pequena a muito alta para os dois instrumentos, apresentando CCI de 0,24 a 0,96 para as medidas feitas com o goniômetro, e de 0,02 a 0,98 para o inclinômetro. O único movimento que obteve confiabilidade muito alta para ambos os aparelhos e examinadores foi a flexão de joelho. O EPM determinado por meio da goniometria e inclinometria variou entre 0,21 e 12,75 graus. CONCLUSÃO: O inclinômetro digital apresenta melhores índices de confiabilidade que o goniômetro para as medidas de ADM. Apenas quatro medidas obtiveram CCI alto e EPM abaixo de dois graus, e, assim, foram consideradas apropriadas para serem utilizadas clinicamente, todas essas realizadas com o inclinômetro.
Um olhar sobre a linguagem escrita e os processos de referenciacão em cartas notariais
Authors: Dutra Jaqueline Aparecida dos Santos , Roman Elódia Constantino
Published: May 2012

Para um trabalho satisfatório com a escrita, não basta tê-la somente como instrumento de comunicação, visto que o processo de apropriação da linguagem por meio da escrita envolve muitos aspectos além do conhecimento do alfabeto ou o domínio da técnica. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é refletir sobre a importância da escrita na constituição dos sujeitos e da sociedade. O foco está nas escolhas linguísticas e nas estratégias de referenciação textual empregadas na construção do documento denominado carta notarial, produzido no ano de 1803. Com base em Fisher (2009), Olson (1997), Bourdieu (1998), Mondada & Dubois (2003), Koch (2008), entre outros, observou-se como a escrita é compreendida sob diferentes perspectivas. Os resultados obtidos revelam que a seleção lexical na linguagem escrita é realizada com base nas intenções do autor do texto perante seu interlocutor. Da mesma forma, atuam como elementos instituidores de valores e crenças individuais e coletivas.
Um percurso teórico-metodológico para o estudo de constelações de gêneros
Authors: Araújo Júlio César
Published: May 2012

Neste ensaio, proponho um percurso teórico-metodológico que permita fundamentar uma possível reflexão sobre o fenômeno de agrupamentos de gêneros discursivos. Para tanto, empreendo uma análise dos argumentos de Marcuschi (2000) e de Bakhtin ([1929] 2002) acerca do agrupamento de gêneros. Embora haja discrepâncias entre uma e outra proposta de conceber uma constelação de gêneros, é possível estabelecer um ponto consensual entre esses estudiosos, na medida em que ambos salientam as tendências dos gêneros às variações e às transmutações. Os efeitos dessa análise permitem a conclusão de que um estudo que queira empreender a caracterização de uma constelação de gêneros deve se estruturar a partir de três eixos temáticos fundamentais: a(s) esfera (s) de comunicação em que tais gêneros se ambientam; os rastros deixados durante o seu processo de formação e os propósitos comunicativos atendidos por cada gênero dentro da constelação.
Propósito comunicativo em análise de gêneros
Authors: Biasi-Rodrigues Bernardete , Bezerra Benedito Gomes
Published: May 2012

Com base na teoria de gêneros conhecida como Escola Britânica ou abordagem sociorretórica, o objetivo deste trabalho é discutir o conceito de propósito comunicativo, visto como critério relevante para o estudo dos gêneros. A discussão concentra-se na definição de propósito comunicativo conforme apresentada por Swales (1990) e posteriormente revisada por Askehave e Swales (2001) e Swales (2004), em que se discute o uso do propósito não como critério imediato para a identificação do gênero, mas, em função de uma análise fundamentada no entorno social, como descoberta resultante do próprio processo de análise. Encarando-se o propósito comunicativo desta forma, procura-se estabelecer procedimentos seguros para o reconhecimento do status do gênero ao final da investigação, sem deixar de manter a relevância do conceito como critério de análise.
A subsunção da categoria suporte de gêneros pela noção de interação
Authors: Távora Antônio Duarte Fernandes
Published: May 2012

Como os elementos que constituem o suporte como categoria podem ser usados na análise de gêneros e como o conceito de interação subsume a noção de suporte? Essa inquietação direciona a construção da discussão do presente ensaio. A tentativa de resposta para o problema de como o suporte, como categoria, pode ser usado na análise de gêneros parte da constituição material e da configuração formal, elaboradas em Távora (2008). Nesse texto, o autor trata a constituição material e a configuração formal como subcategorias que constituem o suporte e permitem explicar a relação suporte/gênero em diferentes possibilidades de pesquisa. É a partir da orientação teórica e metodológica posta por Bakhtin/Volochínov (2006) que se discute a segunda parte da questão apresentada. Conclui-se com um balanço do alcance das proposições teóricas levantadas neste ensaio.
As abordagens tipológicas dos textos
Authors: Sousa Socorro Cláudia Tavares de
Published: May 2012

Inserido na área da Linguística Textual, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo investigar a noção de "tipo textual" e de "sequência textual" no interior do quadro teórico elaborado por Koch e Fávero (1987) e por Adam (1992, 2008). Para realizarmos este intento, inicialmente discutimos a noção de tipologia, em seguida analisamos as diferentes terminologias e conceitualizações utilizadas para designar os "esquemas textuais" e por fim examinamos como as noções de "tipo textual" e "sequência textual" são apresentadas nas tipologias selecionadas. A análise desses construtos teóricos nos permitiu constatar: aspectos convergentes no que se refere à natureza cognitiva das noções e a existência de uma quantidade limitada de "tipos textuais"; e aspectos divergentes no que se refere à relação de influência dos fatores sociais na constituição das noções analisadas e a não coincidência dos tipos apresentados.
Evidence of institutionalizing elements in the Balanced Scorecard in the book Strategy in action: a view based on institutional theory
Authors: Russo Paschoal Tadeu , Parisi Claudio , Megliorini Evandir , Almeida Claudiane Barbosa de
Published: May 2012

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a methodology that allows managers to define and implement a set of financial or nonfinancial indicators in a balanced way to assess an organization's performance from four viewpoints. Many companies are unsuccessful in their implementation of the BSC. This lack of success may be attributed to different factors, such as strategic problems, planning failures, and poorly defined targets and goals. However, the failed implementation may be attributed in part to the failure to institutionalize habits and routines. In this regard, this objective of this paper is to use institutional theory to determine whether the book Strategy in Action: Balanced Scorecard contains evidence that the BSC model proposed by the authors (Kaplan & Norton) includes elements that favor the model's institutionalization. For this purpose, a qualitative bibliographic survey was prepared. The survey revealed 404 clues that were rated according to Tolbert and Zucker's description of the processes inherent to institutionalization and to Scott's proposed framework of legitimation/legitimizing. These findings suggest that the book primarily legitimizes the BSC by examining organizations and describes it as an acknowledged management instrument. The aspects supporting the semi-institutional stage (26% of the findings) and the total institutionalization stage (10% of findings) suggest that the authors intended to propose a tool without focusing on the institutionalization process, which may partly explain the great difficulty faced by companies attempting to implement this methodology.
An analysis of the deinstitutionalization of inflation-adjusted accounting practices in Brazilian companies
Authors: Rezende Amaury José , Guerreiro Reinaldo , Dalmácio Flávia Zóboli
Published: May 2012

This article aims to analyze the deinstitutionalization of the inflation-adjustment accounting practices used by large Brazilian companies. The theoretical assumptions used were based on institutional theory, which provides a sociological interpretation of human behavior that recognizes the phenomenon of limited rationality and the political character of social action. Analyses were based on the empirical approach that was proposed by Oliver (1992). The research strategy consisted of questionnaires and interviews conducted in a population of 118 large Brazilian companies from Exame Magazine's list of the 500 largest companies. The primary respondents were accountants and controllers. Factor analysis, one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test were conducted using the approach proposed by Oliver (1992), and the research included 22 variables comprising 12 constructs and 6 qualitative hypotheses regarding the pressures that motivate the deinstitutionalization of inflation-adjusted accounting practices. Therefore, with regard to the constructs assessed, emphasis was placed on identifying the political pressures (the environment) and the functional pressures in both the organizational and environmental dimensions. However, the social pressures did not prove to be significant. We conclude that the process of deinstitutionalization results from a distinct combination of institutional factors, and these results are consistent with the findings from research conducted in the US market and in the UK.
Tradução e adaptação cultural do Questionário Aberdeen para Veias Varicosas
Authors: Leal Flávia de Jesus , Couto Renata Cardoso , Pitta Guilherme Benjamin Brandão , Leite Priscilla Tosatti Ferreira , Costa Larissa Maranhão , Higino Wesley J. F. , Sousa Marina Sandrelle Correia de
Published: May 2012

CONTEXTO: Atualmente há um crescente interesse por instrumentos de avaliação em saúde produzidos e validados em todo o mundo. Apesar disso, ainda não temos no Brasil instrumentos que avaliem o impacto da doença venosa crônica na vida de seu portador. Para utilização dessas medidas torna-se necessária a realização da tradução e da adaptação cultural ao idioma em questão. OBJETIVO: Traduzir e adaptar culturalmente para a população brasileira o Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ- Brasil). MÉTODOS: O processo consistiu de duas traduções e duas retrotraduções realizadas por tradutores independentes, da avaliação das versões seguida da elaboração de versão consensual e de pré-teste comentado. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes do pré-teste eram do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 49,9 anos, média de tempo de resposta 7,73 minutos, que variou entre 4,55 minutos (tempo mínimo) a 10,13 minutos (tempo máximo). Escolaridade: 20% analfabetismo funcional, 1º grau completo e 2º grau completo; 30% 1º grau incompleto; e 10% 3º grau completo. Gravidade clínica 40% C3 e C6S, 10% C2 e C5, havendo cinco termos incompreendidos na aplicação. CONCLUSÕES: A versão na língua portuguesa do Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire está traduzida e adaptada para uso na população brasileira, podendo ser utilizada após posterior análise de suas propriedades clinimétricas.
Extended Benefit from Sequential Administration of Docetaxel after Standard Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, and Cyclophosphamide Regimen for Node-Positive Breast Cancer: The 8-Year Follow-Up Results of the UNICANCER-PACS01 Trial
Authors: Coudert Bruno , Asselain Bernard , Campone Mario , Spielmann Marc , Machiels Jean-Pascal , Pénault-Llorca Frédérique , Serin Daniel , Lévy Christelle , Romieu Gilles , Canon Jean-Luc , Orfeuvre Hubert , Piot Gilles , Petit Thierry , Jerusalem Guy , Audhuy Bruno , Veyret Corinne , Beauduin Marc , Eymard Jean-Christophe , Martin Anne-Laure , Roché Henri ,   UNICANCER Breast Group
Published: May 2012

Purpose.

The initial report from the Programme Action Concertée Sein (PACS) PACS01 trial demonstrated a benefit at 5 years for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates with the sequential administration of docetaxel after FEC100 (fluorouracil 500 mg/m2, epirubicin 100 mg/m2, and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2) for patients with node-positive, operable breast cancer. We evaluate here the impact of this regimen at 8 years.

Patients and Methods.

Between June 1997 and March 2000, a total of 1,999 patients (age <65) with localized, resectable, non-pretreated, unilateral breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive either standard FEC100 for 6 cycles or 3 cycles of FEC100 followed by 3 cycles of 100 mg/m2 docetaxel (FEC-D), both given every 21 days. Radiotherapy was mandatory after conservative surgery and tamoxifen was given for 5 years to hormone receptor (HR)-positive patients. Five-year DFS was the trial's main endpoint. Updated 8-year survival data are presented.

Results.

With a median follow-up of 92.8 months, 639 patients experienced at least one event. A total number of 383 deaths were registered. Eight-year DFS rates were 65.8% with FEC alone and 70.2% with FEC-D. OS rates at 8 years were 78% with FEC alone and 83.2% with FEC-D. Cox regression analysis adjusted for age and number of positive nodes showed a 15% reduction in the relative risk of relapse and a 25% reduction in the relative risk of death in favor of FEC-D. Significant relative risk reductions were observed in the HR-positive, HER2-positive, and Ki67 ≥20% subpopulations.

Conclusion.

Benefits for DFS and OS rates with the sequential FEC-D regimen are fully confirmed at 8 years.
Influence of colemanite admixture on Portland cement durability
Authors: Erdogmus Ertugrul , Erdoğan Yunus , Gencel Osman , Targan Serif , Avciata Ulvi
Published: May 2012

In this study, the compressive strength of mortar prepared by Portland cement (PC) and different proportions of blast furnace slag, fly ash and colemanite concentrator waste was examined at the end of the 2nd, 7th, 28th, 60th and 90th days. Moreover, some mortars were kept in 50 g/l sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) solution according to ASTM C1012 for 6 months to determine their sulfate resistance. The first length of some mortars made with alkali reactive sand together with additives mentioned above or PC according to ASTM C1260 was measured to detect their alkali–aggregate reaction resistance and then their final lengths were measured after being kept in 1 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution at a temperature of 80°C for 14 days. The results were compared both among themselves and with Portland cement. In addition, the microstructures of some samples scanned by scanning electron microscopy were photographed. It was found that all the additives had positive effects on sulfate and ASR resistance.
Consulting stakeholders when selecting a structural form
Authors: Rogers Margaret , Rogers Martin
Published: May 2012

The authors have constructed a model for choosing between ten structural steel and concrete forms for an office block on the basis of a number of decision criteria, including cost, initial embodied energy, frame construction time and overall construction time. A multi-criteria decision model was utilised within this analysis, resulting in a ranking from 1 to 10 of the different structural options. A centrally important part of the modelling process was the assignment of importance weightings by different stakeholders to the four criteria, with these weightings then input directly into the multi-criteria decision model. Stakeholders were divided into different groupings with potentially significant inputs into the planning/design/construction process, including engineers, architects, planners, contractors and developers. The decision model was then run using each set of weightings derived from the weighting preferences of the different groupings. This paper outlines the method used to derive the weightings, analyses the effect the different weighting inputs have on the rankings of the ten structural options examined, and thus demonstrates how the views of the various stakeholders in this decision-making process regarding the choice of an optimal structural form can be accommodated using a weighted multi-criteria decision model.
Autonomic Cardiac Regulation During Spontaneous Nocturnal Hypoglycemia in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Koivikko Minna L. , Tulppo Mikko P. , Kiviniemi Antti M. , Kallio Mika A. , Perkiömäki Juha S. , Salmela Pasi I. , Airaksinen K.E. Juhani , Huikuri Heikki V.
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE

Experimental clamp studies have suggested that hypoglycemia evokes a reduction of cardiac vagal control in patients with type 1 diabetes. However, there are limited data on the influence of spontaneous nocturnal hypoglycemia on cardiac autonomic regulation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Adults with type 1 diabetes (n = 37) underwent continuous glucose monitoring via a subcutaneous sensor as well as recording of R-R interval or electrocardiogram for 3 nights. Heart rate (HR) variability was analyzed during periods of hypoglycemia (glucose <3.5 mmol/L) (minimum length of 20 min) and a control nonhypoglycemic period (glucose >3.9 mmol/L) of equal duration and at the same time of night.

RESULTS

The duration of hypoglycemic and control episodes (n = 18) ranged from 20 to 190 min (mean 71 min). HR (62 ± 7 vs. 63 ± 9 beats per min; P = 0.30) or the high-frequency component of HR power spectrum (2,002 ± 1,965 vs. 1,336 ± 1,506 ms2; P = 0.26) did not change during hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia resulted in a significant decrease in the low-frequency component of HR variability (2,134 ± 1,635 vs. 1,169 ± 1,029 ms2, respectively; P = 0.006). The decline in the glucose concentration displayed a significant positive correlation with the decrease of the low-frequency component of HR variability (r = 0.48; P = 0.04). The latter was closely related to an increase in muscle sympathetic nerve activity recorded in 10 subjects during controlled sympathetic activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous nocturnal hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes results in a reduction of the low-frequency component of HR, which is best explained by excessive sympathetic activation without a concomitant withdrawal of vagal outflow.
Metal-metabolomics of microalga Chlorella sorokiniana growing in selenium- and iodine-enriched media
Authors: Gómez-Jacinto Veronica , García-Barrera Tamara , Garbayo-Nores Ines , Vilchez-Lobato Carlos , Gómez-Ariza José-Luis
Published: May 2012

The microalga Chlorella sorokiniana has been used to accumulate selenium and iodine from culture media enriched with these elements as a first stage in the production of supplemented foods. The microalgal colony was grown in a conventional culture medium containing iodine (KI) at concentrations in the range of 150–4000 μg mL−1. Similar experiments were performed with selenium (SeO42−) at concentrations in the range of 20–500 μg mL−1. The concentration of iodine and selenium in the culture medium was analytically monitored daily and the viability of the colony was checked by biomass concentration measurement and by evaluation of the total content of chlorophyll and carotenoids. In addition, photosynthetic activity and the number of cells were also monitored. Iodine accumulation in the algal biomass increased rapidly with time and reached a steady state after 4 h of exposure. With Se exposure the colony viability decreased, although the culture grew well with concentrations of the element of 50 μg mL−1 in the culture medium; this experiment produced Se-enrichment in the alga (3 μg g−1) within 100 h. Sequential extraction of an algal pellet was performed in order to separate Se compounds according to their affinity with the following solvents: hot water to recover low molecular mass Se species, enzymatic extraction with driselase for species associated with the cell wall, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) for water insoluble selenoproteins and, finally, enzymolysis with lipase and pronase that release and fragment residual selenoproteinsproducing compounds with low molecular mass. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with an ICP-MS detector showed the preponderance of Se-containing molecules with low molecular mass, possibly seleno-amino acids. Only a peak of low intensity located at 10 min was observed in the SDS extract that could be associated with a protein with molecular mass of 67 kDa. Finally, analysis of the aqueous extract of alga by reverse-phase chromatography with inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (RPC-ICP-MS) detection revealed the presence of selenocysteine (SeCys2), selenomethylselenocysteine (SeMetSeCys), selenomethionine (SeMet), and Se(VI), particularly the last two species.
Production of Geotrichum candidum polygalacturonases via solid state fermentation on grape pomace
Authors: Illková Kateřina , Zemková Zuzana , Flodrová Dana , Jäger Jakub , Benkovská Dagmar , Omelková Jiřina , Vadkertiová Renáta , Bobáľová Janette , Stratilová Eva
Published: May 2012

Geotrichum candidum CCY 16-1-29 (teleomorph Galactomyces geotrichum) is able to grow and produce polygalacturonase of remarkable activities on pectin or grape pomace as a sole carbon source. The highest activities of extracellular enzymes were found on the third and the seventh day of cultivation. After extraction and precipitation, polygalacturonases produced in these cultivation periods were characterized. Production of multiple forms of polygalacturonase was observed in both cultivation periods. Two major forms, polygalacturonase with random action pattern (endo-PGase, EC 3.2.1.15) and oligogalacturonate hydrolase (exoPGase, exopolygalacturonase preferring oligogalacturonides as substrates), as well as numerous minor forms were detected by IEF-PAGE using the print technique detection. EndoPGase was identified by mass spectrometry. The major forms have similar isoelectric points (below pH 6.0) and pH optima (4.6 and 4.8, respectively). pH optimum of 4.6 was associated with exoPGase and that of 4.8 with endoPGase. Both enzymes were stable after freeze-drying and storage at 4°C. EndoPGase had molecular mass of about 29 kDa (36 kDa by SDS-PAGE) as determined by gel filtration, temperature optimum of about 45°C and it was stable only below 35°C. Molecular mass of exoPGase was about 50 kDa, its temperature optimum was about 60°C, and it was stable to 60°C. Optimal substrate for exoPGase was a pentamer, for endoPGase it was a pectate. Values of K m for optimal substrate reached the values of 11.4 × 10−5 M for for exoPGase and 6.6 × 10−5 M for endoPGase. Pectin methylesterase as another pectolytic enzyme was also identified by mass spectrometry.
Optimized K-means (OKM) clustering algorithm for image segmentation
Authors: Siddiqui F. , Mat Isa N.
Published: May 2012

This paper presents the optimized K-means (OKM) algorithm that can homogenously segment an image into regions of interest with the capability of avoiding the dead centre and trapped centre at local minima phenomena. Despite the fact that the previous improvements of the conventional K-means (KM) algorithm could significantly reduce or avoid the former problem, the latter problem could only be avoided by those algorithms, if an appropriate initial value is assigned to all clusters. In this study the modification on the hard membership concept as employed by the conventional KM algorithm is considered. As the process of a pixel is assigned to its associate cluster, if the pixel has equal distance to two or more adjacent cluster centres, the pixel will be assigned to the cluster with null (e. g., no members) or to the cluster with a lower fitness value. The qualitative and quantitative analyses have been performed to investigate the robustness of the proposed algorithm. It is concluded that from the experimental results, the new approach is effective to avoid dead centre and trapped centre at local minima which leads to producing better and more homogenous segmented images.
Influence of the Brownian movement on the motion of nanoand micro-particles in the inhomogeneous optical field
Authors: Zenkova C. , Gorsky M. , Soltys I. , Angelsky P.
Published: May 2012

The motion of light scattering particles of the Mie and Rayleigh micro- and nano-range type in the inhomogeneously-polarized optical field, with allowance made for the Brownian movement, is analysed in the paper. The spatial modulation of polarization in the observation plane determines the spatial modulation of the volume energy density. That is why the velocity and the resulting optical force, which cause the motion of the testing particles, change according to the degree of coherence of the interacting fields. The influence of the forces which arise in the viscous medium and cause the Brownian movement upon the mechanisms of manipulating and trapping testing particles by the optical field is studied.
Dispersion management in soft glass all-solid photonic crystal fibres
Authors: Buczynski R. , Pniewski J. , Pysz D. , Stepien R. , Kasztelanic R. , Kujawa I. , Filipkowski A. , Waddie A. , Taghizadeh M.
Published: May 2012

The development of all-solid photonic crystal fibres for nonlinear optics is an alternative approach to air-glass solid core photonic crystal fibres. The use of soft glasses ensures a high refractive index contrast (> 0.1) and a high nonlinear coefficient of the fibres. We report on the dispersion management capabilities in all-solid photonic crystal fibres taking into account four thermally matched glasses which can be jointly processed using the stack-and-draw fibre technique. We present structures with over 450 nm broadband flat normal dispersion and ultra-flat near zero anomalous dispersion below 5 ps/nm/km over 300 nm dedicated to supercontinuum generation with 1540 nm laser sources. The development of an all-solid photonic crystal fibre made of F2 and NC21 glasses is presented. The fibre is used to demonstrate supercontinuum generation in the range of 730–870 nm (150 nm) with flatness below 5 dB.
Dendrochronological methods for reconstructing mass movements — An example of landslide activity analysis using tree-ring eccentricity
Authors: Malik Ireneusz , Wistuba Małgorzata
Published: May 2012

Dendrochronological methods can be applied to the reconstruction of different types of environmental events such as climate changes, fires, glacier movements, floods, earthquakes, volcano activity. In the field of geomorphology dendrochronology is increasingly frequently used for the absolute dating of different types of mass-movements (rock falls, landslides and debris flows, etc.). Trees growing on slopes transformed by mass-movements are tilted and wounded while their stems and root systems are exposed or buried under sediment. These events are recorded in wood anatomy as eccentric growth, reaction wood, scar overgrowth by callous tissue, changes in cell size or adventitious root production. Dating changes in wood anatomy allows to date and precisely reconstruct the spatial and temporal occurrence of mass-movements with at least one year resolution. The paper provides a review of existing dendrochronological tools used in geomorphology and also an example of the application of eccentric tree-growth to reconstruct landsliding. Using tree-ring eccentricity allows to (1) obtain a dynamic depiction of slopes, (2) study landslide activity, not only contemporary, but also in the last tens of hundreds of years (depending on the stand age).
Early development of late Vistulian (Weichselian) lacustrine sediments in the Żabieniec swamp (central Poland)
Authors: Pawłowski Dominik
Published: May 2012

The early sedimentological and ecological developmental stages of a late Vistulian lake in the Żabieniec swamp near Łódź (central Poland) were analysed by radiometric dating, changes in the frequency of specimens and species composition of Cladocera and multivariate statistical analysis (DCA). The longevity of the lake resulted in a fairly complete sedimentary record from approximately 22 ka to 11 ka cal BP. Species composition and the variability in the frequency of Cladocera specimens has made it possible to distinguish eleven zones of their development, which are well correlated with radiocarbon data. The results were compared to those from other sites of north and central Europe. The initial Cladocera development comprises the richest and oldest late Vistulian Cladocera record in Europe. These cladoceran assemblages show that a deep, oligotrophic, moderately cold-water lake was present at the beginning. It appears that the cladoceran development was mainly due to climate change, but also to changes in locally prevailing conditions in the water body. The high frequency of cladocerans, as well as the presence of cladoceran taxa preferring warmer water, was noted before approximately 16 ka BP. The biota suggests that the Oldest Dryas cooling was not severe and fairly variable in terms of humidity and temperature. The changes in Cladocera composition give evidence of what is described as the Intra-Bølling Cold Oscillation. It is also concluded that the Bølling is represented by two phases in the Żabieniec lake sediments.
Chromophore Poling in Thin Films of Organic Glasses. 2. Two-Electrode Corona Discharge Setup
Authors: Vilitis O. , Muzikante I. , Rutkis M. , Vembris A.
Published: May 2012

Chromophore Poling in Thin Films of Organic Glasses. 2. Two-Electrode Corona Discharge Setup

In Part 1 of the article we provided description of the corona discharge physics and overview of the methods used for corona poling in thin organic films. Subsequent sections describe comparatively simple technical methods for poling the organic nonlinear optical polymers using a two-electrode (point-to-plate or wire-to-plate) technique. The polarization build-up was studied by the DC positive corona method for poling the nonlinear optical (NLO) polymers. The experimental setup provides the corona discharge current from 0.5 μA up to 3 μA by applying 3 kV - 12 kV voltage to the corona electrode and makes possible selection among the types of corona electrodes (needle, multi-needle, wire, etc.). The results of experimental testing of the poling setup show that at fixed optimal operational parameters of poling - the sample orientation temperature and the discharge current - the corona charging of polymeric materials can successfully be performed applying the two-electrode technique. To study the dynamics of both poling and charge transport processes the three-electrode charging system - a corona triode - should be applied.
Evaluation of Multimedia Applications in a Cluster-Oriented Environment
Authors: Czarnul Paweł , Dziubich Tomasz , Krawczyk Henryk
Published: May 2012

Evaluation of Multimedia Applications in a Cluster-Oriented Environment

In the age of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Web and the Internet have changed significantly the way applications are developed, deployed and used. One of recent trends is modern design of web-applications based on SOA. This process is based on the composition of existing web services into a single scenario from the point of view of a particular user or client. This allows IT companies to shorten the product-time to market process. On the other hand, it raises questions about the quality of the application, trade-offs between quality factors and attributes and measurements of these. Services are usually hosted and executed in an environment managed by its provider that assures the quality attributes such as availability or throughput. Therefore, in this paper an attempt has been made to perform quality measurements towards the creation of efficient, dependable and user-oriented Web applications. First, the process of designing service-based applications is described. Next, metrics for subsequent measurements of efficiency, dependability and usability of distributed applications are presented. These metrics will assess the efforts and trade-offs in a Web-based application development. As examples, we describe a pair of multimedia applications which we have developed in our department and executed in a cluster-based environment. One of them runs in the BeesyCluster middleware and the second one in the Kaskada platform. For these applications we present results of measurements and conclude about relations between quality attributes in the presented application development model. This knowledge can be used to reason about such relations for new similar applications and be used in rapid and quality development of the latter.
Diagnosis of Incipient Faults in Nonlinear Analog Circuits
Authors: Deng Yong , Shi Yibing , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2012

Diagnosis of Incipient Faults in Nonlinear Analog Circuits

Considering the problem to diagnose incipient faults in nonlinear analog circuits, a novel approach based on fractional correlation is proposed and the application of the subband Volterra series is used in this paper. Firstly, the subband Volterra series is calculated from the input and output sequences of the circuit under test (CUT). Then the fractional correlation functions between the fault-free case and the incipient faulty cases of the CUT are derived. Using the feature vectors extracted from the fractional correlation functions, the hidden Markov model (HMM) is trained. Finally, the well-trained HMM is used to accomplish the incipient fault diagnosis. The simulations illustrate the proposed method and show its effectiveness in the incipient fault recognition capability.
Mobile Navigation System for Visually Impaired Users in the Urban Environment
Authors: Kamiński Łukasz , Bruniecki Krzysztof
Published: May 2012

Mobile Navigation System for Visually Impaired Users in the Urban Environment

This paper describes the prototype version of a mobile application supporting independent movement of the blind. Its objective is to improve the quality of life of visually impaired people, providing them with navigational assistance in urban areas. The authors present the most important modules of the application. The module for precise positioning using DGPS data from the ASG-EUPOS network as well as enhancements of positioning in urban areas, based on the fusion with other types of data sources, are presented. The devices, tools and software for the acquisition and maintenance of dedicated spatial data are also described. The module responsible for navigation with a focus on an algorithms' quality and complexity, as well as the user interface dedicated for the blind are discussed. The system's main advantages over existing solutions are emphasized, current results are described, and plans for future work briefly outlined.
Validation of Services Supporting Healthcare Standards Conformance
Authors: Górski Janusz , Jarzębowicz Aleksander , Miler Jakub
Published: May 2012

Validation of Services Supporting Healthcare Standards Conformance

The paper presents the results of experimental validation of a set of innovative software services supporting processes of achieving, assessing and maintaining conformance with standards and regulations. The study involved several hospitals implementing the Accreditation Standard promoted by the Polish Ministry of Health. First we introduce NOR-STA services that implement the TRUST-IT methodology of argument management. Then we describe and justify a set of metrics aiming at assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of the services. Next we present values of the metrics that were built from the data collected. The paper concludes with giving the interpretation and discussing the results of the measurements with respect to the objectives of the validation experiment.
Tolerance to water stress in boron-deficient tea (Camellia sinensis) plants
Authors: Hajiboland Roghieh , Bastani Soodabe
Published: May 2012

The effects of boron (B) deficiency and water stress were studied in tea plants (Camellia sinensis [L.] O. Kuntze) grown in growth chambers in perlite irrigated with a nutrient solution. Dry matter production was reduced significantly by both low B supply and water stress. Shoot-root translocation of B declined in water-stressed plants. In addition, the re-translocation of B was impaired under drought, which was reflected in a significantly lower ratio of B content of young to old leaves in both B-deficient and B-sufficient plants. Leaf photochemical parameters were negatively influenced by B deficiency and water stress in the old but not in the young leaves. Although B-deficient plants were more conservative in relation to water loss following elevated stomatal limitation, their water potential was lower than in B-sufficient plants irrespective of the watering regime. Under the combined effects of B deficiency and water stress, the reduction in the CO2 assimilation rate was more prominent than that under a single stress factor. The reduction of the net assimilation rate (A) in B-deficient plants due to water stress and in water-stressed plants due to low B supply were not accompanied by significant changes in the stomatal conductance, suggesting an involvement of non-stomatal factors. The activity of antioxidant enzymes and proline content increased under B deficiency and water stress conditions. Our results suggested that, in young leaves that have been developed under water stress, an acclimation to water stress conditions occurred that was well reflected in their more stable photochemistry, water relations and an efficient antioxidant defence system compared with the older leaves.
Reasoning About Evolution’s Grand Patterns
Authors: Novick Laura R. , Catley Kefyn M.
Published: May 2012

Tree thinking involves using cladograms, hierarchical diagrams depicting the evolutionary history of a set of taxa, to reason about evolutionary relationships and support inferences. Tree thinking is indispensable in modern science. College students’ tree-thinking skills were investigated using tree (much more common in professional biology) and ladder (somewhat more common in textbooks) cladogram formats. Students’ responses to questions assessing five tree-thinking skills provided evidence for several perceptual and conceptual factors that impact reasoning (e.g., the Gestalt principles of good continuation and spatial proximity, prior knowledge). Instructional implications of the results include using the tree format for initial instruction and clarifying that most recent common ancestry determines evolutionary relatedness. Broader implications for designing scientific diagrams and promoting diagrammatic literacy are considered.
Deconstructing the Conservancy Map: Hxaro, N!ore, and Rhizomes in the Kalahari
Authors: Vermeylen Saskia , Davies Gemma , van der Horst Dan
Published: May 2012

To stand a chance of reclaiming their pre-colonial rights, indigenous peoples often have to deploy the tools and logic of the colonial state. Through a case study of community conservancy in Namibia, we demonstrate that the same holds for the practice of participatory mapping. We engage with J.B. Harley's deconstruction of maps and use our ethnographic data to reveal the silences and lies inherent in the rigid cartographic representations of conservancy maps. The indigenous peoples in our case study are the San, who have been marginalized and displaced from their land. We highlight how these people, once perceived by the colonialists as “rootless,” do have strong relational connections across the landscape. We argue that the practice of counter-mapping, along with its critique, is incomplete without full attention to the silences of the map and the relational rhizomes (across boundaries) of the peoples involved.
Heart rate responses of two breeds of four-gaited horses to a standardised field gaited test
Authors: Manso Filho H.C. , Manso H.E.C.C.C. , McKeever K.H. , Duarte S.R.R. , Abreu J.M.G.
Published: May 2012

In order to understand how gaited horses use their energy during exercise, a standardised field gaited test (SFGT) was developed to assess energy expenditure of four beat gaited horses independently of size, sex or breed. This work aimed at developing such an SFGT, using as main measurement parameter the heart rate (HR) of horses during the SFGT performance. Thirty-one four beat gaited horses were evaluated and divided into two groups: FIT (conditioned) and UNFIT (not conditioned). Horses were submitted to the SFGT and their heart rates were measured with a heart rate monitor as follows: right after being mounted, at the beginning of pre-test (HRSADDLE); at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes of four beat gait dislocation; and at 15 minutes after the recovery period (T+15). Maximum HR (HRMAX); HR percentage over 150 beats per minute (HR%≯150), HR percentage over 170 beats per minute (HR%≯170), and average HR during the four beat gait stage (HRM@M) of SFGT were calculated. Results were analysed by ANOVA for repeated measures. Where significant differences were observed, ‘T’ test was performed and significance was set at 5%. The FIT group presented HRMAX, HR+15, HRM@M, HR%≯150 and HR%≯170 rates lower (P<0.05) than the UNFIT group. It was noted that there was a negative correlation between fitness and HRMAX (R=−0.67; P<0.001) and a positive correlation between HRMAX and HR+15 (R=0.60; P<0.001) when comparing the FIT to the UNFIT horses. In conclusion, during the SFGT, the FIT group was more efficient in energy expenditure than the UNFIT group, based on the results observed for the significantly lower HRs during the SFGT. It is relevant to note that the SFGT developed and used in this research, which was easily reproduced and accurate, was able to detect and confirm important adaptations related to fitness in the athletic horse.
Effects of light-dark cycle manipulation on critical velocity and anaerobic running capacity in Wistar rats
Authors: de Barros Manchado-Gobatto F. , Gomes de Araujo G. , Ribeiro C. , Barbosa Araújo M. , Soares de Alencar Mota C. , Alexandre Gobatto C. , Rostom de Mello M.A.
Published: May 2012

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the light-dark cycle on the critical velocity (CV) and the anaerobic capacity (ARC) of running rats. The entire experiment utilised two separate groups under two conditions: a regular light-dark cycle 12/12 hours (light on from 6:00 to 18:00 - RC group) and an altered light-dark cycle 12/12 hours (light on from 18:00 to 6:00 - AC group). First, running rat groups were selected. The animals were submitted to four exercise tests (25, 30, 35 and 40 m/min) performed until exhaustion. The times to exhaustion for each running intensity were recorded (tlim). The CV and ARC were estimated from the linear regression of ‘velocity vs. 1/tlim’, where the CV and ARC were the linear and slope coefficients, respectively. The running rat groups showed a significant difference in percent selection under the two light cycles (16.4% and 28.9% of running rats in the RC and AC groups, respectively). The CV was highest in the AC condition (CVRC = 22.7±0.8 m/min and CVAC = 25.5±0.4 m/min), but the ARC (ARCRC = 22.80±2.76 m and ARCAC = 21.80±4.93 m) and the linear fit (R2
RC = 0.88±0.03 and R2
AC = 0.85±0.02) were not different in both conditions These results indicate that caution is necessary when varying the circadian rhythm of rats submitted to running exercise, especially because their aerobic condition is improved when an altered light-dark cycle is used.
Horse walker use in dressage horses
Authors: Walker T.J. , Collins S.N. , Murray R.C.
Published: May 2012

Horse walkers have become popular in the modern exercise regime for dressage horses, however recent investigations of injury risk factors have indicated a significant association between horse walker use and lameness. A detailed telephone questionnaire was conducted to document horse walker usage and assess whether horse walker use could predispose dressage horses to lameness. Information on horse walker features and use, and individual horse lameness history was recorded. Chi-squared tests were performed to identify horse walker variables associated with lameness. Although analyses failed to establish a direct link between lameness and any specific horse walker feature, the high proportion of lame horses in this study suggests that there is an underlying and, as yet, unidentified cause of lameness related to horse walker usage.
The metabolic response to treadmill graded exercise: traditional vs. underwater
Authors: Watson P. , Mendonca C. , Lehnhard R.A. , Tu S. , Butterfield S.A. , Bouchard T. , McKeever K.H.
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the metabolic effect(s) of four graded exercise tests (GXT) performed on the underwater treadmill (UWT), and compare them to the results from performing the standard Bruce protocol on a traditional land treadmill (LT). Twelve male Division I college athletes performed the stand Bruce protocol on a LT and 4 different GXT protocols on the UWT. Each test was performed to volitional max. oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and blood lactate (BL), which were measured at regular intervals throughout each of the GXTs. A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine any main effect among the variables within the protocols and within the stages. Established effects were identified further using Tukey's post-hoc analysis. VO2 and HR were positively correlated in all the GXTs, (r=0.992−0.999). When comparing the UWT GXTs to the Bruce, significant (P≤0.001) differences were found within certain stages for each of the dependent variables. While the Bruce resulted in attainment of VO2max, (mean = 55.72±5.92 ml/kg/min), only one of the UWT GXTs resulted in the same level of metabolic stress. At maximum speed and water velocity, the UWT produced a mean VO2 of 53.9±3.68 ml/kg/min. HR and RER both increased by stage in all the GXTs as did BL. The onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) was identified in all of the GXTs with the exception of one of the UWTs. Mean BL at OBLA ranged from, 3.12+1.31 to 5.98+4.24 mmol/dl. Our results suggest that an UWT GXT protocol can be developed that would produce metabolic results similar to the Bruce through stage 5. Buoyancy and variation in biomechanics need to be studied further for their effects on energy metabolism while performing work on the UWT. However, this study provides a better understanding of the metabolic demands at different treadmill speeds and water jet settings with the UWT.
A brief review of Professor Jean-Paul Brodeur’s discussion of private security in Chapter 8 of his book, The Policing Web
Authors: Stenning Philip
Published: May 2012

Dans cette contribution, je me penche sur la manière dont Jean-Paul Brodeur aborde le sujet de la sécurité privée dans le huitième chapitre de son livre, The Policing Web. J’estime que ce livre représente la première tentative « sérieuse » par un chercheur spécialisé dans les questions policières de développer une « théorie du policing » qui intègre le phénomène moderne de la sécurité privée et « plurielle ». Cet objectif n’est toutefois pas complètement atteint dans le livre, pour des raisons que Jean-Paul Brodeur expose lui-même à ses lecteurs. J’examine son argumentaire sur les difficultés d’obtenir une définition consensuelle de la « sécurité privée », l’importance qu’il accordait à l’étude de l’évolution des technologies de sécurité et leurs implications pour sa théorie du policing, ainsi que sur sa qualification de la sécurité privée comme une modalité de la haute police. Selon moi, ses réflexions représentent une contribution significative à la littérature et nous incitent à combler le déficit de connaissances au sujet de la sécurité privée au XXIe siècle.