bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of patient-specific and conventional instrumentation for total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Abane L. , Anract P. , Boisgard S. , Descamps S. , Courpied J. P. , Hamadouche M.
Published: January 2015

In this study we randomised 140 patients who were due to undergo primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to have the procedure performed using either patient-specific cutting guides (PSCG) or conventional instrumentation (CI).

The primary outcome measure was the mechanical axis, as measured at three months on a standing long-leg radiograph by the hip–knee–ankle (HKA) angle. This was undertaken by an independent observer who was blinded to the instrumentation. Secondary outcome measures were component positioning, operating time, Knee Society and Oxford knee scores, blood loss and length of hospital stay.

A total of 126 patients (67 in the CI group and 59 in the PSCG group) had complete clinical and radiological data. There were 88 females and 52 males with a mean age of 69.3 years (47 to 84) and a mean BMI of 28.6 kg/m2(20.2 to 40.8). The mean HKA angle was 178.9° (172.5 to 183.4) in the CI group and 178.2° (172.4 to 183.4) in the PSCG group (p = 0.34). Outliers were identified in 22 of 67 knees (32.8%) in the CI group and 19 of 59 knees (32.2%) in the PSCG group (p = 0.99). There was no significant difference in the clinical results (p = 0.95 and 0.59, respectively). Operating time, blood loss and length of hospital stay were not significantly reduced (p = 0.09, 0.58 and 0.50, respectively) when using PSCG.

The use of PSCG in primary TKA did not reduce the proportion of outliers as measured by post-operative coronal alignment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:56–63.
The prognostic value of the fracture level in the treatment of Gartland type III supracondylar humeral fracture in children
Authors: Kang S. , Kam M. , Miraj F. , Park S-S.
Published: January 2015

A small proportion of children with Gartland type III supracondylar humeral fracture (SCHF) experience troubling limited or delayed recovery after operative treatment. We hypothesised that the fracture level relative to the isthmus of the humerus would affect the outcome.

We retrospectively reviewed 230 children who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) for their Gartland type III SCHFs between March 2003 and December 2012. There were 144 boys and 86 girls, with the mean age of six years (1.1 to 15.2). The clinico-radiological characteristics and surgical outcomes (recovery of the elbow range of movement, post-operative angulation, and the final Flynn grade) were recorded. Multivariate analysis was employed to identify prognostic factors that influenced outcome, including fracture level. Multivariate analysis revealed that a fracture below the humeral isthmus was significantly associated with poor prognosis in terms of the range of elbow movement (p < 0.001), angulation (p = 0.001) and Flynn grade (p = 0.003). Age over ten years was also a poor prognostic factor for recovery of the range of elbow movement (p = 0.027).

This is the first study demonstrating a subclassification system of Gartland III fractures with prognostic significance. This will guide surgeons in peri-operative planning and counselling as well as directing future research aimed at improving outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:134–40.
The MRI appearances of cancellous allograft bone chips after the excision of bone tumours
Authors: Kang S. , Han I. , Hong S. H. , Cho H. S. , Kim W. , Kim H-S.
Published: January 2015

Cancellous allograft bone chips are commonly used in the reconstruction of defects in bone after removal of benign tumours. We investigated the MRI features of grafted bone chips and their change over time, and compared them with those with recurrent tumour. We retrospectively reviewed 66 post-operative MRIs from 34 patients who had undergone curettage and grafting with cancellous bone chips to fill the defect after excision of a tumour. All grafts showed consistent features at least six months after grafting: homogeneous intermediate or low signal intensities with or without scattered hyperintense foci (speckled hyperintensities) on T1 images; high signal intensities with scattered hypointense foci (speckled hypointensities) on T2 images, and peripheral rim enhancement with or without central heterogeneous enhancements on enhanced images. Incorporation of the graft occurred from the periphery to the centre, and was completed within three years. Recurrent lesions consistently showed the same signal intensities as those of pre-operative MRIs of the primary lesions. There were four misdiagnoses, three of which were chondroid tumours.

We identified typical MRI features and clarified the incorporation process of grafted cancellous allograft bone chips. The most important characteristics of recurrent tumours were that they showed the same signal intensities as the primary tumours. It might sometimes be difficult to differentiate grafted cancellous allograft bone chips from a recurrent chondroid tumour.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:121–8.
Independent validation of the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score and identification of regional variation in patient risk within England
Authors: Rushton P. R. P. , Reed M. R. , Pratt R. K.
Published: January 2015

The Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) was developed to assess the risk of death following a fracture of the hip, based on pre-operative patient characteristics. We performed an independent validation of the NHFS, assessed the degree of geographical variation that exists between different units within the United Kingdom and attempted to define a NHFS level that is associated with high risk of mortality.

The NHFS was calculated retrospectively for consecutive patients presenting with a fracture of the hip to two hospitals in England. The observed 30-day mortality for each NHFS cohort was compared with that predicted by the NHFS using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. The distribution of NHFS in the observed group was compared with data from other hospitals in the United Kingdom. The proportion of patients identified as high risk and the mortality within the high risk group were assessed for groups defined using different thresholds for the NHFS.

In all 1079 hip fractures were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 83 years (60 to 105), 284 (26%) male. Overall 30-day mortality was 7.3%. The NHFS was a significant predictor of 30-day mortality. Statistically significant differences in the distribution of the NHFS were present between different units in England (p < 0.001). A NHFS ≥ 6 appears to be an appropriate cut-point to identify patients at high risk of mortality following a fracture of the hip.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;96-B:100–3.
Validation of primary metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties on the National Joint Registry for England, Wales and Northern Ireland using data from the London Implant Retrieval Centre
Authors: Sabah S. A. , Henckel J. , Cook E. , Whittaker R. , Hothi H. , Pappas Y. , Blunn G. , Skinner J. A. , Hart A. J.
Published: January 2015

Arthroplasty registries are important for the surveillance of joint replacements and the evaluation of outcome. Independent validation of registry data ensures high quality. The ability for orthopaedic implant retrieval centres to validate registry data is not known. We analysed data from the National Joint Registry for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (NJR) for primary metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties performed between 2003 and 2013. Records were linked to the London Implant Retrieval Centre (RC) for validation. A total of 67 045 procedures on the NJR and 782 revised pairs of components from the RC were included. We were able to link 476 procedures (60.9%) recorded with the RC to the NJR successfully. However, 306 procedures (39.1%) could not be linked. The outcome recorded by the NJR (as either revised, unrevised or death) for a primary procedure was incorrect in 79 linked cases (16.6%). The rate of registry-retrieval linkage and correct assignment of outcome code improved over time. The rates of error for component reference numbers on the NJR were as follows: femoral head category number 14/229 (5.0%); femoral head batch number 13/232 (5.3%); acetabular component category number 2/293 (0.7%) and acetabular component batch number 24/347 (6.5%).

Registry-retrieval linkage provided a novel means for the validation of data, particularly for component fields. This study suggests that NJR reports may underestimate rates of revision for many types of metal-on-metal hip replacement. This is topical given the increasing scope for NJR data. We recommend a system for continuous independent evaluation of the quality and validity of NJR data.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:10–18.
Definições, dimensões e determinantes da parentalidade
Authors: Barroso Ricardo G. , Machado Carla
Published: January 2015

É esperado que os progenitores/cuidadores facilitem o desenvolvimento dos seus descendentes ao nível físico, psicológico e social. Ao conjunto de tarefas necessárias para este efeito deu-se o nome de parentalidade, isto é, à prática ou acção de educação, à forma (processo) como os progenitores/cuidadores cuidam do seu filho. No entanto, alguns factores poderão condicionar, e até comprometer, estes comportamentos e tarefas. Este artigo procura apresentar estas dimensões e determinantes da parentalidade, providenciando uma grelha de análise e de avaliação das capacidades e competências parentais para efeitos de investigação e de intervenção.
Resolução de problemas de estrutura aditiva em crianças de 5/6 anos de idade
Authors: Ferreira Maria da Conceição Rodrigues
Published: January 2015

Nesta investigação, tivemos como objecto de estudo compreender as implicações das abordagens teóricas de Piaget (conflito sociocognitivo) e de Vygotsky (instrução mediatizada), no que se refere à resolução de problemas de estrutura aditiva, em crianças sem escolarização formal, nesse domínio do conhecimento. A amostra foi constituída por noventa e seis crianças do 1º ano de escolaridade, do primeiro ciclo do ensino básico, de duas escolas da rede oficial de ensino, da cidade de Coimbra. Os resultados mostraram que as crianças que trabalharam com os seus pares apresentaram resultados positivos no que se refere à conservação das quantidades numéricas, assim como, uma maior capacidade de generalização de estratégias e de explicitação da relação de inversão entre as operações de adição e de subtracção sendo que, quanto mais avançado era o nível de desenvolvimento psicogenético, mais complexas eram as estratégias utilizadas. Tais relações não se verificaram, da mesma forma, entre as crianças que trabalharam com um adulto.
Relação da separação conjugal com as práticas parentais e o comportamento dos filhos
Authors: Leme Vanessa Barbosa Romera , Marturano Edna Maria , Fontaine Anne Marie
Published: January 2015

Este estudo investiga as práticas educativas de mães de famílias nucleares e monoparentais e os comportamentos dos seus filhos na transição para o primeiro ano do ensino fundamental. Participam nesta pesquisa 33 mães de famílias nucleares, 33 mães que se tinham separado há menos de três anos e 33 mães que se tinham separado há mais de três anos. Os instrumentos utilizados são: Questionário Brasileiro de Avaliação do Nível Socioeconómico; Inventário de Práticas Parentais; Sistema de Avaliação de Habilidades Sociais. Os dois últimos instrumentos revelaram ter qualidades psicométricas adequadas. As ANOVAS indicam que as mães de famílias nucleares investem mais na educação dos filhos e manifestavam mais afecto às crianças do que as mães de famílias monoparentais recentes. Contudo, as mães das diferentes configurações familiares não se diferenciam nas práticas disciplinares. As crianças de famílias nucleares manifestam mais habilidades sociais e apresentam menos problemas de comportamento do que as crianças de famílias monoparentais. Na discussão salienta-se que as práticas parentais, o tempo da separação conjugal e o momento do desenvolvimento infantil são variáveis importantes que devem ser consideradas ao investigar-se o impacto das transições familiares sobre o desenvolvimento das crianças.
Felicidade, optimismo, esperança e perdão em jovens, adultos e idosos
Authors: Barros-Oliveira José H.
Published: January 2015

Estão em causa quatro tópicos importantes no âmbito da denominada Psicologia Positiva. Depois de breve introdução teórica, procurando situar cada um deles dentro da ampla bibliografia existente, apresenta-se um trabalho empírico com três grupos de participantes – jovens (N=162), adultos (N=150) e idosos (N=115) – num total de 427 sujeitos. Verificadas as boas características psicométricas das escalas, apresentamse os resultados da análise de variância por idade e por sexo e ainda as correlações existentes entre os quatro construtos. Atendendo à idade, os jovens e os adultos manifestam-se significativamente mais felizes, optimistas e esperançados do que os idosos, enquanto estes apresentam maior capacidade de perdão. Quanto ao sexo, praticamente não há diferenças significativas. Constata-se ainda que a felicidade, o optimismo e a esperança correlacionam bem entre si, mas não com o perdão.
Estudo preliminar do teste Test for Creative Thinking-Drawing Production (TCT-DP)
Authors: Almeida Leonor , Nogueira Sara Ibérico
Published: January 2015

Pretende-se efectuar um estudo Preliminar do teste TCT-DP- Test of Creative Thinking and Drawing Production de Urban e Jellen (1986), que visa uma abordagem holística do denominado pensamento divergente. O teste (Formas A e B) baseia-se em alguns fragmentos de figuras que os sujeitos deverão completar de forma livre. A amostra em que nos baseámos, recolhida em Empresas Consultoras em Recursos Humanos da região de Lisboa, é constituída por 169 trabalhadores Portugueses, com idades superiores a 18 anos e habilitações literárias e profissionais diversas. Para além dos aspectos de adaptação do instrumento à população Portuguesa, foram realizados estudos sobre as qualidades psicométricas do teste na amostra escolhida. Este estudo apontou pistas de investigação relevantes para estudos futuros, exigindo, no entanto, o alargamento da amostra bem como a sua diversificação.
Desemprego: experiências de transição
Authors: Santos Eduardo J. Ribeiro , Ferreira Joaquim A. , Albuquerque Cristina P. , Almeida Helena N. , Mendonça Maria C. , Silva Carla S. , Almeida Joana G.
Published: January 2015

O trabalho afigura-se como determinante para a saúde psicológica e o bem-estar (Blustein, 2008). Contudo, a actual estrutura do mercado de trabalho é complexa, imprevisível e instável, sendo necessário repensar o significado do trabalho na existência humana. O presente artigo incide, na primeira parte sobre os diferentes tipos de transição (voluntária vs. involuntária), e a diversidade de modos de reacção face ao desemprego, e na segunda parte, são apresentadas algumas estratégias de intervenção, no âmbito do aconselhamento de carreira, concebidas como uma (possível) resposta às mudanças que ocorrem ao nível do emprego.
Aplicações da Realidade Virtual na Reabilitação da lesão cerebral adquirida: Estudo das potencialidades de ambientes virtuais na reabilitação de sinistrados: Revisão sistemática
Authors: Mendes Liliana P. V.
Published: January 2015

O presente artigo tem como objectivo sintetizar estudos sobre, incidência, causas e consequências de acidentes rodoviários; aplicabilidade da realidade virtual na reabilitação neurocognitiva de sinistrados; e potencialidades do Second Life para desenvolvimento de autonomia do indivíduo. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura, através da pesquisa manual dos artigos e livros mais citados de outros autores, incluindo estudos de revisão teórica. Critérios de inclusão: dados estatísticos online sobre sinistralidade rodoviária, estudos sobre utilização de ambientes virtuais na reabilitação e avaliação neurocognitiva independentemente da amostra ou défices cognitivos e psicológicos. Foi feita uma revisão sobre os estudos mais citados, para analisar a nomenclatura, indicações e quais os objectivos dos mesmos. Foram identificados 85 estudos de interesse, de entre os quais, evidenciam uma ampla heterogeneidade nos critérios de selecção dos ambientes virtuais, objectivos de estudo, tipos de amostra e tendência para a criação de novos jogos sérios para a avaliação e reabilitação neuropsicológicas de funções cognitivas.
Social influence, competition and the act of lobbying
Authors: Kanol Direnç
Published: January 2015

Despite the observed frequency of firm lobbying, scholars attempting to explain this behavior have had little luck. Pushing away from theories that center on firm characteristics, this paper argues that firm lobbying can be best explained with a sociological model of competitive action. In particular, firms that perceive other firms to have influence on policy are more likely to lobby policy-makers. Since firms are both competitors in a free market and socially embedded actors, their belief in other firms’ influence on policy pushes them to engage in similar behavior in order to increase profit and survive. I test this argument with a combination of quantitative analysis of survey responses from 7247 firms in 40 countries from the World Bank Enterprise Survey and seven qualitative interviews with key firms in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The results provide evidence for the hypothesis. This finding implies that scholars should not only take into account firm characteristics, but also explore the possible effects of how a firm's decision to lobby or not is influenced by its environment.
Floor Tile Energy Harvester for Self-Powered Wireless Occupancy Sensing
Authors: Sharpes Nathan , Vučković Dušan , Priya Shashank
Published: January 2015

We investigate a concept that can reduce the overall power requirement of a smart building through improvements in the real-time control of HVAC and indoor lighting based on the building occupancy. The increased number of embedded sensors necessary to realize the smart building concept results in a complex wiring and power structure. We demonstrate a floor tile energy harvester for creating a wireless and self-powered occupancy sensor. This sensor termed as “Smart Tile Energy Production Technology (STEP Tech)” can be used to control automation in smart buildings such as lighting and climate control based upon the real-time building occupancy mapping. The sensor comprises of piezoelectric transducer, energy harvesting circuit and wireless communication. Modeling and optimization procedure for the piezoelectric cymbal transducer is described within the framework of tiles. The design and selection of a packaging technique and construction of a durable floor tile enclosure aimed at protecting the bulk piezoceramic is discussed within the constraint that the deflection of the tile should be minimal such that it is not readily perceivable by humans, thus not disturbing their gait. Experimental results demonstrate that the piezoelectric tile could provide a promising solution for wireless occupancy sensing.
Zigzag Connected Autotransformer-Based 24-pulse AC-DC Converter
Authors: Xiao-qiang Chen , Hao Qiu
Published: January 2015

In this paper, a zigzag connected autotransformer-based 24-pulse AC-DC converter is designed, modeled and simulated to feed direct torque controlled induction motor drives. Winding arrangements and parameters of the autotransformer and interphase reactor are given. Moreover, the design procedure of the autotransformer is modified to make it suitable for retrofit applications. Simulation results indicate that the system is capable of eliminating up to 21st harmonics in the ac mains current. The effect of load variation and load character is also studied to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed 24-pulse converters. A set of power quality indices at ac mains and dc side are presented to compare the performance of 6-, 12- and 24-pulse converters.
Wax on, wax off: mediatized Asian masculinity through Hollywood martial arts films
Authors: Hiramoto Mie
Published: January 2015

This paper examines the mediatization of Asian masculinity in representative Hollywood martial arts films to expose the essentialism on which such films rely. Asian martial arts films are able to tap into viewers’ familiarity with idealized images of Asian masculinity; such familiarity is an essential part of the pleasure provided by these films and hence of their economic success. This study focuses on non-Asian (that is, western) protagonists’ appropriation of Asian masculinity because it succinctly encapsulates precisely how western hegemonies co-opt and commodify Asian-ness for their own purposes. Such appropriation is a use of intertextuality that not only allows western viewers to easily access a simplified model of Asian masculinity, but also allows them to reference earlier works to further facilitate the mediation and mediatization of Asian masculinity. This is a process which continues to Other and exoticizes Asian identities, even as it ostensibly carves out a niche for Asian bodies and identities in the institution of the film industry.
Tab Aspect Ratio Effect on Supersonic Jet Mixing
Authors: Kaushik Mrinal , Rathakrishnan E.
Published: January 2015

The efficacy of introducing mixing promoting small-scale vortices by two rectangular tabs, of aspect ratio 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0, placed at diametrically opposite locations at the exit of a Mach 1.73 convergent–divergent circular nozzle has been experimentally investigated, for NPRs from 4 to 8, covering overexpanded, correctly expanded and underexpanded states of the jet. The area blockage due to the each tab was 2.5% of the nozzle exit area. Keeping the blockage constant, the aspect ratio (defined as the ratio of length to width of the tab) was varied. A maximum core length reduction of 84.6% was caused by the tabs of aspect ratio 1.0, at underexpanded conditions corresponding to NPR (nozzle pressure ratio) 6. At this NPR, tabs of aspect ratio 1.5 and 2.0 caused core length reduction of 76.9% and 61.5%, respectively. The mixing promoting efficiency of aspect ratio 1.0 is found to be better than 1.5 and 2.0, at all NPRs of the present study, except NPR 5. The shadowgraph pictures of the uncontrolled and controlled jets clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the tabs in weakening the waves in the jet core.
The Necessity Defense and the Moral Limits of Law
Authors: Cotton Michele
Published: January 2015

It is puzzling that American criminal law recognizes self-defense while rejecting the conceptually similar defense of necessity. Necessity applies where pressing circumstances provoke the defendant to commit an otherwise unlawful act, while self-defense applies where an assailing person does so. Different treatment would make sense if the two defenses were morally distinguishable. But they are morally equivalent, whether considered from the perspective of natural law, social contract theory, or utilitarianism. Rather, the motivation appears to be that the necessity defense, unlike self-defense, implies biological determinism, calling into question the criminal law’s traditional assumption that human beings exercise free will in choosing their actions. And, as its treatment of the necessity defense indicates, American criminal law does not simply proceed from an assumption of free will but silences any contradiction. Such a stance means not only that the necessity defense cannot be accommodated, but also that the legal system cannot make use of the insights of the sciences and social sciences to the extent that they describe human behavior deterministically. However, it may be better for the law to embrace a more salutary kind of inconsistency, one that entertains the possibility that the law is capable of moral improvement and self-correction.
Monetary Compensation as a Remedy for Fair Trial Violations under International Criminal Law
Authors: Shereshevsky Yahli
Published: January 2015

When international criminal courts face violations of the right to a fair trial, they encounter a dilemma: if they provide a significant remedy, such as a stay of proceedings, the remedy inevitably undermines the ability to punish the perpetrators of international crimes; on the other hand, if they grant a minimal remedy or no remedy at all, the right to a fair trial is undermined. This dilemma has led to the adoption of an interest-balancing approach to remedies. Under this approach, sentence reduction plays a prominent role in remedying fair trial violations that do not undermine the court’s ability to accurately determine the accused’s guilt. This Article argues that sentence reduction is an inadequate remedy, since it inevitably either harms the goals of international criminal sentencing or does not provide an effective remedy for violations of the right to a fair trial. Instead, monetary compensation should be the remedy for such violations. By granting monetary compensation, the court creates a separation between the punishment and the remedy and thus can usually provide an effective remedy for the accused without harming the main goals of international criminal justice.
Regulation of TRH neurons and energy homeostasis-related signals under stress
Authors: Joseph-Bravo Patricia , Jaimes-Hoy Lorraine , Charli Jean-Louis
Published: January 2015

Energy homeostasis relies on a concerted response of the nervous and endocrine systems to signals evoked by intake, storage, and expenditure of fuels. Glucocorticoids (GCs) and thyroid hormones are involved in meeting immediate energy demands, thus placing the hypothalamo–pituitary–thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axes at a central interface. This review describes the mode of regulation of hypophysiotropic TRHergic neurons and the evidence supporting the concept that they act as metabolic integrators. Emphasis has been be placed on i) the effects of GCs on the modulation of transcription ofTrhin vivoandin vitro, ii) the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which acute or chronic situations of stress and energy demands affect the activity of TRHergic neurons and the HPT axis, and iii) the less explored role of non-hypophysiotropic hypothalamic TRH neurons. The partial evidence gathered so far is indicative of a contrasting involvement of distinct TRH cell types, manifested through variability in cellular phenotype and physiology, including rapid responses to energy demands for thermogenesis or physical activity and nutritional status that may be modified according to stress history.
Weight Reduction: A Typical Issue in the Mechanical Design of Robotic Systems
Authors: Nestor Eduardo Nava Rodriguez
Published: January 2015

This paper illustrates the importance of weight reduction in the mechanical design of robotic systems. Safety and power consumption are the important aspects that deal with the reduction of robot weight for practical applications in the human being environment. A novel approach has been assumed in order to avoid these problems keeping the lightweight of the structure. The weight reduction of the mechanical structure helps to obtain final solutions with feasible characteristics of compactness, robustness and stiffness. These ideas will be explained via several examples. The design process of a new arm has been reported from the study of the mechanical details of a built prototype that presents unsuitable weight. Toques of actuating joints have been checked, at the end of the design process, by developing dynamic simulations of robot operations in order to validate the proposed approach.
Derivation of a Cropping System Transfer Function for Weed Management: Part 1 – Herbicide Weed Management
Authors: Graham Brodie
Published: January 2015

System behaviour is described by the transfer functions, which relate the system’s output to one or more input variables. No-till cropping systems depend on herbicide inputs for weed management and crop yield optimisation. This paper derives the transfer function for crop yield potential as a function of herbicide input, in the presence of herbicide resistance in the weed population, using several mathematical components for crop and weed ecology from published literature. The resulting transfer function reveals the herbicide application rate for optimal crop yield potential and highlights the growing herbicide resistance problem in no-till cropping systems.
The Influence of Religious and Cosmological Beliefs on the Solar Architecture of the Ancient World
Authors: Ezequiel Uson Guardiola  , Joan Lluis Fumado Alsina  , Josep Vives Rego
Published: January 2015

In the earliest civilizations of the Ancient World, sun worship developed in parallel with an understanding of the movement of the stars. That was the origin of an architecture that expressed a number of religious and cosmological beliefs. Studies of ancient archaeological remains have revealed that astronomical orientations strongly influenced the construction of some of the most important ancient architectural monuments.Besides its religious role, the sun regulated the culture of the Ancient World in many of its more practical aspects. For instance, the observation of solar and lunar cycles allowed people to anticipate seasonal change. This provided man with a means of organizing and improving agricultural and livestock activities and, in turn, influenced the construction of the large civil and religious buildings.The complex relationships that developed between cosmology, sun worship, early mathematics, and the orientation of buildings with respect to the position of the sun, also decisively influenced the birth and development of what has come to be known as passive solar design.This article describes some of these influences dating from the megalithic period to the development of Mesopotamian and Egyptian architecture.
Shear Strength of a Crushed Sandstone-Mudstone Particle Mixture
Authors: Jun-Jie Wang  , Zhen-Feng Qiu  , Wen-Jie Deng
Published: January 2015

The present study focuses on the shear strength of a crushed sandstone-mudstone particle mixture. The mixture is widely used as a main filling material in many geotechnical engineering works. In order to investigate the shear strength of the mixture, triaxial tests under different confining pressures in laboratory are performed for 108 specimens with different dry densities and water contents. The dry density of the specimens ranges from 1.80 to 2.10 g/cm3, and the water content from 4.00 to 9.00 % and to saturation. In the tests, four confining pressures, which are 100, 200, 300 and 400 kPa, are applied. The testing results indicate that the angle of shearing resistance of the mixture in unsaturated state ranges from 16.90 to 32.98°. The angle of shearing resistance is generally decreasing with the increase of the confining pressure. With the increase of the dry density, the angle of shearing resistance increases. The angle is generally increasing then decreases as a parabola with the increase of the water content. The wetting may decrease the value of the angle about 0.4 to 2.7°.
Production and Purification of Fungal Milk Clotting Enzyme from Aspergillus candidus
Authors: G. Baskar  , S. Babitha Merlin  , D.V. Sneha  , J. Angeline Vidhula
Published: January 2015

The search for rennet substitutes such as microbial rennet has increased fold due to increase in the demand for cheese products. Microbial rennet covers about one-third of the cheese consumption worldwide. Hence it is important to develop commercially viable and cost efficient method for purification of rennet from microbial sources. Hence the present work was focused on the production and purification of microbial rennet from Aspergillus candidus. The rennet was purified using a two step purification process involving solvent precipitation and chromatographic separation. The purity of the milk clotting enzyme was increased by 7.43 fold by solvent precipitation using equal mixture of 150% (v/v) ethanol-acetone. Then the enzyme was further purified using Diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose chromatography and 10.45 fold increase in enzyme activity was obtained after purification. The temperature of 35°C and substrate concentration of 0.25 mg/ml were found as optimum for maximum enzyme activity. The kinetics of the purified enzyme was studied and the Michaelis-Menten parameters such as rate constant (Km) and the maximum reaction rate (Vmax) were found as 0.059 mg/ml and 8.59 x 10-3 mmol/ml/sec respectively.
Distribution of the elements Cu-Pb-Zn in soils map 168 (Algeria)
Authors: Sánchez Arredondo Luis Hernán
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was the spatial analysis of the elements copper, lead and cinc in soil of the plate 168 (Algeria), located in the southeastern region of Antioquia Colombia. The samples used are part of the "Survey and compilation of information-Map Regional Geochemistry-Ingeominas (Colombia)" and were facilitated by Ingeominas for the project "Geochemical Map of Antioquia". For the preparation of the corresponding baselines, were applied lognormal kriging geostatistical techniques. The assessment of pollution by heavy metals Cu-Pb-Zn in soil horizon plate 168, was developed taking into account the analysis of the background level, Environmental Accumulation and the Index enrichment. The results obtained indicate that content available for the elements Cu-Pb-Zn in these soils pose no real danger to be lower than its content phytotoxicity threshold given by some authors.
Procedure for the recovery of the mined area in the deposit gravel - sand Rio Sagua, Holguin. Cuba
Authors: Oca-Risco Alexis Montes de , Ulloa-Carcassés Mayda , García-Cruz Suraymi
Published: January 2015

The gravel pits are exploitations to extract granular materials, sand and gravel in the alluvial river areas. Excavated voids are not very deep, unlike quarries and generally result in flooded areas. The company building materials in Holguin province has concessioned four deposit and within a gravel pit. The areas damaged by the exploitation of construction materials in the territory occupy about 75 ha, which causes a strong impact on the environment. For this reason it is proposed to develop a procedure to recover the deposit mined area in the gravel - sand Rio Sagua de Holguín as to achieve responsible mining. With the application of scientific methods analyzed the factors influencing the choice of recovery uses the mined area in the study area and developed a procedure consisting of five main stages. With the development of the procedure was shown that it can improve the social and environmental quality in the area affected by the mining activity.
Classification of fine-grained igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks through structured programming
Authors: Orozco-Centeno Wendy Patricia , Branch Bedoya Jhon Willian , Jiménez-Builes Jovani Alberto
Published: January 2015

The study of rocks has become more important, because through the rocks analysis I can be obtained information that can be useful in a lot of fields from mining to construction, passing through many different action fields from materials to processes. In order to analyze the rocks is required a preliminary macroscopic examination of several samples from the field in which one is going to work. The objective of this study is to describe properties such as color, hardness, texture, etc. Then we proceed to do a microscopic analysis, for that we use thin sections that have been prepared in advance from the samples that were used in the initial macroscopic examination, in order to know more properties that can only be seen with a microscope. From this analysis of the optical properties of minerals and mineral associations we can define the type of rock, the formation environments and the behavior of these, among other properties that are outstanding when carrying out a work in a field.
Evaluation of load losses in the ventilation circuit by the use of fortification in coal mines, study case: Nechí Mine, Amagá, Antioquia
Authors: Álvarez-Álvarez Carlos Mauricio , Arias-Quintero Carlos Andrés , Builes-Carvajal Juan Sebastian , Ordóñez-Carmona Oswaldo , Zapata-Madrigal Germán Darío
Published: January 2015

The research aims to identify the variables which influence on the increase of risk for explosions in underground coal mines, especially in the accumulation of coal dust on top of the fortification, as well as analyze how these affect the load losses in the ventilation circuit and the proper evacuation of coal dust. This analysis was carried out by a guide field visits to Nechí Mine (Municipality Amagá, Antioquia) where it was observed that the coal dust accumulated significantly in the wooden doors that in the steel arches, we proceeded to simulate different geometries of fortification and the amount of these for the purpose to determine which is the geometry that contributes to reducing the load losses. After analyzing the different scenarios, the geometry that optimizes the ventilation circuit has been called geometry Circular 2, which shows reduction in load losses of up to 14.67% compared to other geometries analyzed under the same conditions. Whit this, are proposed alternatives more efficient to optimize the ventilation circuit and ensure health and safety conditions for workers inside the mine.
The use of structural proximal tibial allografts coated with human albumin in treating extensive periprosthetic knee-joint bone deficiency and averting late complications. Case report
Authors: Klára Tamás , Csönge Lajos , Janositz Gábor , Pap Károly , Lacza Zsombor
Published: January 2015

The authors report the history of a 74-year-old patient who underwent surgical treatment for segmental knee-joint periprosthetic bone loss using structural proximal tibial allografts coated with serum albumin. Successful treatment of late complications which occurred in the postoperative period is also described. The authors emphasize that bone replacement with allografts is a physiological process that enables the stable positioning of the implant and the reconstruction of the soft tissues, the replacement of extensive bone loss, and also it is a less expensive operation. It has been already confirmed that treatment of lyophilised allografts with albumin improves the ability of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to adhere and proliferate the surface of the allografts, penetrate the pores and reach deeper layers of the graft. Earlier studies have shown osteoblast activity on the surface and interior of the graft. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(2), 67–70.
Clopidogrel resistance in cerebrovascular disease – results of one-year follow-up
Authors: Szapáry László , Koltai Katalin , Tibold Antal , Fehér Andrea , Harang Gábor , Pusch Gabriella , Fehér Gergely
Published: January 2015

Introduction: In an earlier study the authors reported short-term benefits of clopidogrel treatment in patients with cerebrovascular disease. Aim: The aim of the authors was to analyze findings during a 12-month follow-up period. Method: 100 patients with a history of acute stroke or transient ischaemic attack have been included in the study. The efficacy of the therapy was assessed 7 and 28 days as well as 3, 6 and 12 months after initiation of medical therapy. Patients were divided into two parts (clopidogrel responder and resistant) based on their initial laboratory findings. Risk profiles, medical therapy, laboratory parameters and vascular events were compared between the two patient groups. Results: After 7 days of treatment, clopidogrel seemed to be ineffective in 11 patients (11%). Strong, clinically significant correlations were found among blood pressure values, blood glucose and lipid parameters, serum C-reactive protein levels and platelet aggregation levels. An aggressive secondary preventive therapy resulted in a decrease of clopidogrel resistance and improvement in laboratory parameters. Patients who were clopidogrel resistant at baseline had significantly higher rate of vascular events compared to those who were clopidogrel responders (18.1 vs. 4.5%, p<0.01), although clopidogrel resistance was not an independent risk factor of unfavourable vascular outcome using a multivariate analysis. No adverse events or hemorrhagic complications were observed. Conclusions: Clopidogrel resistance and unfavourable outcome seems to be associated with “classical” risk factors underlying the importance of aggressive secondary prevention. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(2), 53–59.
Genetic and immune-toxicologic studies on abnormal thyroid functions in hospital employees exposed to cytostatic drugs
Authors: Tompa Anna , Jakab Mátyás , Biró Anna , Major Jenő
Published: January 2015

Introduction: Environmental exposure to harmful chemicals may produce severe consequences. Aim: The aim of the authors was to perform geno- and immune-toxicological monitoring in female employees occupationally exposed to cytostatic agents in hospitals and compare the findings to those obtained from controls. Method: Altogether 642 women working in hospital who were occupationally exposed to cytostatic drugs and 262 control women participated in the study. Frequency of chromosome aberrations, immune phenotype and activation of lymphocytes, and the production of reactive oxygen-species in neutrophil granulocytes were determined. Results: Markedly higher number (n=39) of thyroid alterations was observed among exposed subjects as compared to controls (n=3). In persons with abnormal thyroid functions, the frequency of chromosome aberrations (3.69%) was significantly higher (3.69%) than in exposed subjects without thyroid alterations (2.43%) and in controls (1.70% and 1.60% in control subjects with and without thyroid alterations, respectively). Significantly increased ratio of helper T lymphocytes and decreased ratio of cytotoxic T cells and transferrin-receptor (CD71) expressing B cells were observed in exposed subjects having abnormal thyroid functions as compared to controls. In addition, the ratio of B cells, CD71 expressing T cells and production of reactive oxygen-intermediates was significantly decreased in exposed subjects with thyroid alterations in comparison to exposed subjects without thyroid alterations. Conclusions: The results indicate increased geno- and immune-toxic effects among exposed subjects having thyroid alterations. Further data are needed to clearly establish the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of this finding. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(2), 60–66.
TOXICITY OF Aaptos suberitoides EXTRACT ON TIGER SHRIMP Penaeous monodon POST LARVAE
Authors: Rosmiati Rosmiati , Suryati Emma
Published: January 2015

Marine sponges contain bioactive compounds which can be used not only for human diseases treatment but also for animal diseases treatment. Aaptos suberitoides has been reported to have potential as antibacterial against Vibrio harveyi in vitro. This study aims to study the toxicity effect of Aaptos suberitoides extract on tiger shrimp Penaeous monodon post larvae. The toxicity study of this extract was done by using soaking method. This experiment used Completely Randomized Design with 6 treatments of A.suberitoides extract namely A). 0 ppm, B). 31.3 ppm, C). 62.5 ppm, D). 125, E). 250 ppm, and F). 500 ppm. Each treatment consisted of 3 replications. Findings showed that A.suberitoides butanol extracts at the concentration up to125 ppm were safe for tiger shrimp post larvae. On the other hand, the higher concentration of that gave a toxic effect on the post larvae. The lowest mortality (20.0%) was obtained on the post larvae treated with butanol extract at the concentration of 31.3 ppm and the highest was found at the concentration of 500 ppm (97.0%). Compared to the negative control (0 ppm), there was no any difference exhibited by the post larvae treated with butanol extract at the concentrations of 31.3, 62.5, and 125 ppm. Beside that, these concentrations gave a normal growth and no abnormal behavior. The histological observation did not also show damage on post larvae haepatopancreas tissue.
Spatial variability of soil potassium in sugarcane areas subjected to the application of vinasse
Authors: CARVALHO LAÉRCIO A. DE , MEURER ISMAEL , JUNIOR CARLOS A. DA SILVA , SANTOS CRISTIANE F.B. , LIBARDI PAULO L.
Published: January 2015

When deposited on land the vinasse can promote improvement in fertility, however, often fertilizer application occurs in areas considered homogeneous, without taking into account the variability of the soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vinasse application on potassium content in two classes of soils cultivated with sugarcane, and characterize the spatial variability of soil using geostatistical techniques. In the 2010 and 2011 crop year, soil samples were collected from an experimental grid at 0-0.2 and 0.2-0.4 m depth in three soils cultivated with sugarcane, totaling 90 samplings in each grid, for the determination of pH, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), aluminum (Al) and potential acidity (H + Al). The data have been submitted to analysis of descriptive statistics and the K attribute was subjected to geostatistical analysis. The coefficient of variation indicated medium and high variability of K for the three soils. The results showed that the spatial dependence of K increased in depth to FRce and decreased to PHlv, indicating that the attribute could have followed the pattern of distribution of clay in depth. The investigation of the spatial variability of K on the surface and subsurface soils provided the definition of management zones with different levels of fertility, which can be organized into sub-areas for a more efficient management of the resources and the environment.
Sublethal effect of concentrations of Metarhizium anisopliae (metsch.) sorok on the larval stage and immunologic characteristics of Diatraea flavipennella (box) (lepidoptera: crambidae)
Authors: GUIMARÃES JENNIFER , MARQUES EDMILSON J. , WANDERLEY-TEIXEIRA VALÉRIA , ALBUQUERQUE AURISTELA C. DE , PASSOS ELIANA M. DOS , SILVA CÍNTHIA C.M. , TEIXEIRA ÁLVARO A.C.
Published: January 2015

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of Metarhizium anisopliae on Diatraea flavipennella and investigate their immune response. Was observed the effect of M. anisopliae against larvae of D. flavipennella sprayed at concentrations of 103, 104, 105 conidia / mL, in which showed differences relative the larval period, extending up to 72.0 days in treatment and 25.0 days in the control. The results for hemocytes revealed that the most frequent cells when sprayed at the concentrations of 103, 105, 107 conidia / mL were the prohemocytes, spherulocytes, plasmatocytes and granulocytes in relation to adipohemocytes and oenocytoids. The level of nitric oxide was different between the control and the concentration 107 spores / mL (24), while the activity of phenoloxidase was similar among treatments in 24 and higher concentration 107 spores / mL (60h). In biochemical profile of hemocytes was a change in carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in response to the fungus. The results indicate that the fungus M. anisopliae can be used in the Integrated Management of D. flavipennella by presenting pathogenicity and interfere with their development even when exposed to small concentrations.
Brazilian natural fiber (jute) as raw material for activated carbon production
Authors: ROMBALDO CARLA F.S. , LISBOA ANTONIO C.L. , MENDEZ MANOEL O.A. , COUTINHO APARECIDO R.
Published: January 2015

Jute fiber is the second most common natural cellulose fiber worldwide, especially in recent years, due to its excellent physical, chemical and structural properties. The objective of this paper was to investigate: the thermal degradation of in natura jute fiber, and the production and characterization of the generated activated carbon. The production consisted of carbonization of the jute fiber and activation with steam. During the activation step the amorphous carbon produced in the initial carbonization step reacted with oxidizing gas, forming new pores and opening closed pores, which enhanced the adsorptive capacity of the activated carbon. N2 gas adsorption at 77K was used in order to evaluate the effect of the carbonization and activation steps. The results of the adsorption indicate the possibility of producing a porous material with a combination of microporous and mesoporous structure, depending on the parameters used in the processes, with resulting specific surface area around 470 m2.g–1. The thermal analysis indicates that above 600°C there is no significant mass loss.