bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral vascular insufficiency impairs functional capacity in patients with heart failure
Authors: Murayama Renato , Carraro Laura Dutra , Galvanin Thalissa , Izukawa Nilo Mitsuru , Umeda Iracema , Oliveira Mayron Faria
Published: September 2014

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome in which effort limitation is associated with deterioration of peripheral musculature. Improving survival rates among these patients have led to the appearance of cases in which other pathologies are associated with HF, such as peripheral vascular insufficiency (PVI). The combination of these two pathologies is common, with significant repercussions for affected patients. OBJECTIVE: To compare functional limitations and quality of life between patients with HF in isolation or HF + PVI. METHOD: Twelve patients with HF+PVI were paired to 12 patients with HF in isolation. All had ejection fraction <40%. The following were conducted: 6 minute walk test (6MWT), chair test (CT), step test (ST), one repetition maximum test (1RM) and quality of life questionnaire. RESULTS: The results for the 6MWT (311±27 vs. 447±29), ST (49±3 vs. 81±10) and CT (17±1 vs. 21±1) were lower in the HF+PVI group than in the HF group (p<0.05). The HF+PVI group exhibited a reduction in the number of steps taken from the first to the second minute of the ST, in relation to the HF group. The HF group exhibited better HR recovery than the HF+PVI group (50±4 vs. 26±3; p<0.05). No differences were found in results for the Borg scale, the peripheral muscle strength test (1RM) or the questionnaires (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study participants who had mixed disease exhibited a greater degree of functional impairment than the group with HF, without reporting worsened quality of life.
Inflammatory markers, endothelial function and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Teixeira Bruno Costa , Lopes André Luiz , Macedo Rodrigo Cauduro Oliveira , Correa Cleiton Silva , Ramis Thiago Rozales , Ribeiro Jerri Luiz , Reischak-Oliveira Alvaro
Published: September 2014

The need to study cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has become more and more relevant as their prevalence has increased over the years. An intact endothelial wall is essential to vascular health. Certain factors are responsible for maintaining this tissue intact, including nitric oxide (NO), which provokes dilation of blood vessels in response to shear stress. Expression of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme, which produces nitric oxide in response to increases in blood flow, is of fundamental importance to maintenance of the vascular system. When this enzyme is inhibited, nitric oxide production is reduced, causing endothelial dysfunction. Since C-reactive protein inhibits production of nitric oxide by the eNOS enzyme, it is one of the causes of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular events. The objective of the present study was to review scientific articles in the literature related to the subject 'inflammatory markers and endothelial function'. A wide-ranging review of the current literature was conducted, using systematic analysis of bibliographic references indexed in PubMed, Scielo, Medline and LILACS database, for the years 1992 to 2013. The studies reviewed show that increases in inflammation causes reductions in NO and increases in cardiovascular events. Increased inflammation is associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases.
Spontaneous dissection of the celiac trunk: report of three cases and review of the literature
Authors: Melo Ernesto Lima Araujo , Siqueira Rainne André , Paula Francisco Thiago Martins de
Published: September 2014

Spontaneous dissection of the celiac trunk is quite an uncommon medical condition, with few case reports in the medical literature. Sudden epigastric abdominal pain is the most common complaint reported by patients, but due to the rarity of this disease in clinical practice and the nonspecific nature of its symptoms, a high degree of clinical suspicion is needed to establish diagnosis. However, improvements in imaging techniques are facilitating diagnosis of this clinical entity, increasing its detection rate. The ideal treatment has not yet been fully established in the literature and the available therapeutic strategies are conservative medical treatment, surgical revascularization or endovascular intervention. In this article we report on three cases of spontaneous dissection of the celiac trunk and conduct a review of the literature on this disease
Exame físico na criança: um guia para o enfermeiro
Authors: Vasconcelos Josilene de Melo Buriti , Pereira Maria Auxiliadora , Oliveira Elizalva Felix de
Published: September 2014

O exame físico constitui-se numa importante etapa dentro do processo de avaliação à criança, através do qual o enfermeiro enriquece as informações obtidas durante a entrevista e fundamenta a assistência de enfermagem. Na atualidade, mediante o crescente interesse dos enfermeiros em aplicar o processo de enfermagem em todas as suas etapas, o exame físico tem ocupado lugar de destaque, por permitir que os enfermeiros conheçam as necessidades de seus clientes, no que diz respeito aos seus aspectos físicos e fisiológicos, permitindo a identificação dos diagnósticos de enfermagem, alem de servir como recurso para avaliação efetiva das intervenções de enfermagem. Este estudo, de caráter bibliográfico, objetivou elaborar um guia para realização do exame físico na criança, a ser utilizado por enfermeiros, durante o processo de avaliação à criança. Nele apresentamos o exame físico de forma sistemática, utilizando a seqüência céfalo-caudal, descrevendo os possíveis achados normais e anormais ao examinarmos a criança.
Gravidez na adolescência: da prática disciplinadora à pedagogia libertadora
Authors: Martini Jussara Gue , Gregis Cristiano , Jardim Luciane
Published: September 2014

A proposta deste artigo é relatar as atividades de educação em saúde desenvolvidas em uma escola básica de São Leopoldo, como parte da metodologia de uma investigação sobre gravidez na adolescência. Nosso objetivo é discutir as concepções de educação em saúde, presentes nas abordagens sobre sexualidade no espaço escolar e relatar uma experiência de articulação entre pesquisa e saúde escolar. As oficinas, enquanto espaços de coleta dos dados, envolvendo 836 estudantes da 3ª a 8ª série do ensino fundamental, seus professores e acadêmicos do curso de pedagogia, demonstraram que é possível, partindo de uma prática libertadora, desenvolver a educação em saúde. Embasada em concepções da pesquisa conscientizante, a investigação se propôs a contribuir na formação de sujeitos comprometidós e responsáveis por suas escolhas, articulando pesquisa e educação em saúde no espaço da escola básica.
História da enfermagem: um roteiro para o ensino das práticas cuidativas
Authors: Mantovani Maria de Fátima , Silveira Maria de Fátima de Araújo , Cade Nágela Valadão
Published: September 2014

O trabalho objetiva apresentar um roteiro, na forma de script de um programa jornalístico e de variedades, similar aos televisivos, contextualizando as práticas cuidativas nos diferentes momentos sócio-econômicos e históricos das sociedades, abordando a inserção social do homem com os modos de produção e a interferência destes no cuidado aos enfermos. Analisa, ainda, a concepção de saúde e doença e as relações de poder que envolvem as práticas de cuidar.
A profissão de enfermagem no século XXI
Authors: Machado Maria Helena
Published: September 2014

O presente artigo apresenta a análise sociológica da profissão de enfermagem enfocando as especificidades da profissão a partir dos elementos constitutivos de uma profissão segundo o construto teórico da sociologia das profissões.Ao final do século XX e início do novo milênio a enfermagem se depara com questões cruciais da profissão que recoloca a necessidade de reestruturar as considerações estratégicas que compõem a agenda política da corporação. Saber específico, qualificação profissional, especificidades do processo de trabalho, monopólio do exercício profissional, conformação da equipe hierarquizada de enfermagem, são alguns dos itens que este artigo aborda. Sendo uma das profissões essenciais da saúde, a enfermagem necessita chegar ao próximo século com nova perspectiva de como e que condições vai exercer o oficio no contexto de mudanças paradigmáticas. Desta forma, uma agenda política da corporação terá que contemplar os vários aspectos constitutivos de uma profissão, ou seja, saber especifico, mercado exclusivo de trabalho, forma de organização, entre outros.
Quem são as mulheres e porque vão procurar o serviço de assistência pré-natal das unidades de saúde de Ribeirão Preto
Authors: Oba Maria das Dores do Vale , Tavares Maria Solange Guarino
Published: September 2014

Este estudo foi realizado em duas Unidades Básicas Distritais de Saúde de Ribeirão Preto-S.P., localizadas na região central e oeste do município e que realizam atendimento às gestantes. Objetivo do trabalho foi conhecer e identificar os motivos e o perfil das mulheres que utilizam estes serviços. Utiliza-se a abordagem qualitativa. Observa-se que os motivos da procura ao atendimento pré-natal foram: proximidade da Unidade de Saúde às residências, necessidade de acompanhamento médico, oportunidade de utilizar as tecnologias disponíveis (ultra-sonografia, exames de análise clínicas, odontologia, medicamentos e etc.) e a preocupação em ter um encaminhamento médico ao hospital para realizar o parto. O perfil das mulheres que utilizam estas Unidades Básicas Distritais de Saúde foram de: baixa escolaridade e renda familiar e sem nenhum tipo de convênio médico e, portanto, elas dependem única e exclusivamente do Sistema Único de Saúde, para o acompanhamento no pré-natal, resolução do parto e seguimento no puerpério.
Evaluation of maternal and neonatal hospital care: quality index of completeness
Authors: Silva Ana Lúcia Andrade da , Mendes Antonio da Cruz Gouveia , Miranda Gabriella Morais Duarte , Sá Domicio Aurélio de , Souza Wayner Vieira de , Lyra Tereza Maciel
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE Develop an index to evaluate the maternal and neonatal hospital care of the Brazilian Unified Health System.METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study of national scope was based on the structure-process-outcome framework proposed by Donabedian and on comprehensive health care. Data from the Hospital Information System and the National Registry of Health Establishments were used. The maternal and neonatal network of Brazilian Unified Health System consisted of 3,400 hospitals that performed at least 12 deliveries in 2009 or whose number of deliveries represented 10.0% or more of the total admissions in 2009. Relevance and reliability were defined as criteria for the selection of variables. Simple and composite indicators and the index of completeness were constructed and evaluated, and the distribution of maternal and neonatal hospital care was assessed in different regions of the country.RESULTS A total of 40 variables were selected, from which 27 single indicators, five composite indicators, and the index of completeness of care were built. Composite indicators were constructed by grouping simple indicators and included the following variables: hospital size, level of complexity, delivery care practice, recommended hospital practice, and epidemiological practice. The index of completeness of care grouped the five variables and classified them in ascending order, thereby yielding five levels of completeness of maternal and neonatal hospital care: very low, low, intermediate, high, and very high. The hospital network was predominantly of small size and low complexity, with inadequate child delivery care and poor development of recommended and epidemiological practices. The index showed that more than 80.0% hospitals had a low index of completeness of care and that most qualified heath care services were concentrated in the more developed regions of the country.CONCLUSIONS The index of completeness proved to be of great value for monitoring the maternal and neonatal hospital care of Brazilian Unified Health System and indicated that the quality of health care was unsatisfactory. However, its application does not replace specific evaluations.
Trends in public health policies addressing violence against women
Authors: Loría Kattia Rojas , Rosado Teresa Gutiérrez , Espinosa Leonor María Cantera , Marrochi Leda María Marenco , Sánchez Anna Fernández
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE To analyze the content of policies and action plans within the public healthcare system that addresses the issue of violence against women.METHODS A descriptive and comparative study was conducted on the health policies and plans in Catalonia and Costa Rica from 2005 to 2011. It uses a qualitative methodology with documentary analysis. It is classified by topics that describe and interpret the contents. We considered dimensions, such as principles, strategies, concepts concerning violence against women, health trends, and evaluations.RESULTS Thirteen public policy documents were analyzed. In both countries’ contexts, we have provided an overview of violence against women as a problem whose roots are in gender inequality. The strategies of gender policies that address violence against women are cultural exchange and institutional action within the public healthcare system. The actions of the healthcare sector are expanded into specific plans. The priorities and specificity of actions in healthcare plans were the distinguishing features between the two countries.CONCLUSIONS The common features of the healthcare plans in both the counties include violence against women, use of protocols, detection tasks, care and recovery for women, and professional self-care. Catalonia does not consider healthcare actions with aggressors. Costa Rica has a lower specificity in conceptualization and protocol patterns, as well as a lack of updates concerning health standards in Catalonia.
Regional governance: strategies and disputes in health region management
Authors: Santos Adriano Maia dos , Giovanella Ligia
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE To analyze the regional governance of the health systemin relation to management strategies and disputes.METHODOLOGICAL PROCEDURES A qualitative study with health managers from 19 municipalities in the health region of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. Data were drawn from 17 semi-structured interviews of state, regional, and municipal health policymakers and managers; a focus group; observations of the regional interagency committee; and documents in 2012. The political-institutional and the organizational components were analyzed in the light of dialectical hermeneutics.RESULTS The regional interagency committee is the chief regional governance strategy/component and functions as a strategic tool for strengthening governance. It brings together a diversity of members responsible for decision making in the healthcare territories, who need to negotiate the allocation of funding and the distribution of facilities for common use in the region. The high turnover of health secretaries, their lack of autonomy from the local executive decisions, inadequate technical training to exercise their function, and the influence of party politics on decision making stand as obstacles to the regional interagency committee’s permeability to social demands. Funding is insufficient to enable the fulfillment of the officially integrated agreed-upon program or to boost public supply by the system, requiring that public managers procure services from the private market at values higher than the national health service price schedule (Brazilian Unified Health System Table). The study determined that “facilitators” under contract to health departments accelerated access to specialized (diagnostic, therapeutic and/or surgical) services in other municipalities by direct payment to physicians for procedure costs already covered by the Brazilian Unified Health System.CONCLUSIONS The characteristics identified a regionalized system with a conflictive pattern of governance and intermediate institutionalism. The regional interagency committee’s managerial routine needs to incorporate more democratic devices for connecting with educational institutions, devices that are more permeable to social demands relating to regional policy making.
Biological drugs for the treatment of psoriasis in a public health system
Authors: Lopes Luciane Cruz , Silveira Miriam Sanches do Nascimento , Camargo Iara Alves de , Barberato-Filho Silvio , Del Fiol Fernando de Sá , Osorio-de-Castro Claudia Garcia Serpa
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE To analyze the access and utilization profile of biological medications for psoriasis provided by the judicial system in Brazil.METHODSThis is a cross-sectional study. We interviewed a total of 203 patients with psoriasis who were on biological medications obtained by the judicial system of the State of Sao Paulo, from 2004 to 2010. Sociodemographics, medical, and political-administrative characteristics were complemented with data obtained from dispensation orders that included biological medications to treat psoriasis and the legal actions involved. The data was analyzed using an electronic data base and shown as simple variable frequencies. The prescriptions contained in the lawsuits were analyzed according to legal provisions.RESULTS A total of 190 lawsuits requesting several biological drugs (adalimumab, efalizumab, etanercept, and infliximab) were analyzed. Patients obtained these medications as a result of injunctions (59.5%) or without having ever demanded biological medication from any health institution (86.2%), i.e., public or private health services. They used the prerogative of free legal aid (72.6%), even though they were represented by private lawyers (91.1%) and treated in private facilities (69.5%). Most of the patients used a biological medication for more than 13 months (66.0%), and some patients were undergoing treatment with this medication when interviewed (44.9%). Approximately one third of the patients discontinued treatment due to worsening of their illness (26.6%), adverse drug reactions (20.5%), lack of efficacy, or because the doctor discontinued this medication (13.8%). None of the analyzed medical prescriptions matched the legal prescribing requirements. Clinical monitoring results showed that 70.3% of the patients had not undergone laboratory examinations (blood work, liver and kidney function tests) for treatment control purposes.CONCLUSIONS The plaintiffs resorted to legal action to get access to biological medications because they were either unaware or had difficulty in accessing them through institutional public health system procedures. Access by means of legal action facilitated long-term use of this type of medication through irregular prescriptions and led to a high rate of adverse drug reactions as well as inappropriate clinical monitoring.
Farelo integral de arroz parboilizado submetido a armazenamento prolongado para alimentação de codornas de corte
Authors: Farias Nadja Naiara Pereira , Freitas Ednardo Rodrigues , Xavier Regina Patrícia de Souza , Braz Nádia de Melo , Tavares Thais Cruz Lopes , Figueiredo Carlos Weiber Silva , Fernandes Danilo Rodrigues , Nascimento Germano Augusto Jerônimo do
Published: September 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a estabilidade oxidativa do farelo integral de arroz parboilizado (FIAP) durante o armazenamento e os efeitos do seu uso na alimentação de codornas de corte. Foram utilizados 245 animais com sete dias de idade, de ambos os sexos, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos, em arranjo fatorial 2x2+1, e sete repetições de sete aves. Avaliaram-se os seguintes tratamentos: dieta controle, sem adição de FIAP; e níveis de inclusão, na dieta controle, de 10 e 20% de FIAP armazenado por 180 dias (FIAPA) ou de FIAP novo (FIAPN). Houve oxidação lipídica do FIAP durante o armazenamento, e o índice de acidez foi de 4,25 e 63,50 (% em ácido oleico) e o de peróxido foi de 15,64 e 38,28 meq kg-1 para FIAPN e FIAPA, respectivamente. A inclusão do FIAP resultou em menor digestibilidade da matéria seca e do nitrogênio e em maior valor de energia metabolizável da ração, em comparação à ração controle. A inclusão de 20% de FIAPA resultou em menor energia metabolizável da ração do que a adição do FIAPN. As inclusões não influenciaram desempenho, características da carcaça, pesos relativos do fígado e do pâncreas, e crescimento e qualidade óssea. O FIAPA, mesmo com rancidez, pode ser utilizado na alimentação de codornas de corte em níveis de até 20% de inclusão.
Parâmetros biológicos e tabela de vida de fertilidade de Neopamera bilobata (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae) em morangueiro
Authors: Kuhn Taciana Melissa de Azevedo , Loeck Alci Enimar , Zawadneak Maria Aparecida Cassilha , Garcia Mauro Silveira , Botton Marcos
Published: September 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os parâmetros biológicos e determinar a tabela de vida de fertilidade de Neopamera bilobata (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae) em morangueiro. O experimento foi realizado no Laboratório de Entomologia da Embrapa Uva e Vinho, em Bento Gonçalves, RS, em câmara climatizada (a 23±1°C, 70±10% UR e fotófase de 12 horas). Utilizaram-se folíolos, flores, frutos verdes e maduros de morangueiro 'Aromas' como alimento para os percevejos. O desenvolvimento das fases imaturas e os parâmetros biológicos dos adultos foram monitorados diariamente. O percevejo N. bilobata não completou o ciclo biológico em folíolos e flores de morangueiro. Em frutos maduros e verdes, o tempo de desenvolvimento da ninfa ao adulto foi de 32,8±9,12 e 36,7±6,80 dias, com viabilidade de 27,3 e 51%, respectivamente. O período de oviposição foi de 34,7±21,2 dias, com 319,1±262,7 ovos em frutos maduros, e de 43,9±18,3 dias, com 318,2±144,7 ovos em frutos verdes. Neopamera bilobata completa seu ciclo biológico na cultura do morangueiro. Frutos verdes de morangueiro são mais adequados ao desenvolvimento deste inseto do que frutos maduros.
Produtividade e características biométricas do capim-braquiária em sistema silvipastoril
Authors: Bosi Cristiam , Pezzopane José Ricardo Macedo , Sentelhas Paulo Cesar , Santos Patrícia Menezes , Nicodemo Maria Luiza Franceschi
Published: September 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade e as características biométricas do capim-braquiária (Urochloa decumbens) sob pastejo, em sistema silvipastoril. Avaliou-se um sistema com árvores nativas de interesse comercial, plantadas em renques, no sentido norte-sul, espaçados por 17 m. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e parcelas subdivididas, tendo-se avaliado o ciclo de rebrota da forragem nas parcelas, e a distância desta em relação aos renques, nas subparcelas. Sete ciclos de rebrota foram avaliados, em quatro distâncias dos renques: a 2 e a 6 m do renque leste, e a 2 e a 6 m do renque oeste. Quantificou-se a produtividade de matéria seca, o índice de área foliar (IAF), a área foliar específica (AFE) e a altura das plantas. A produtividade de forragem, nos dois primeiros ciclos, e o IAF, no segundo e no terceiro ciclo, diminuiram com níveis de sombra acima de 39 e 40%, respectivamente. Já a altura de plantas aumentou com sombreamentos superiores a 53%, nos quatro primeiros ciclos; o que também ocorreu com a AFE, com sombreamento superior a 66%, nos três primeiros ciclos.
Biometric analysis of protein and oil contents of soybean genotypes in different environments
Authors: Rodrigues Josiane Isabela da Silva , Arruda Klever Márcio Antunes , Cruz Cosme Damião , Piovesan Newton Deniz , Barros Everaldo Gonçalves de , Moreira Maurilio Alves
Published: September 2014

The objective of this work was to identify by biometric analyses the most stable soybean parents, with higher oil or protein contents, cultivated at different seasons and locations of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Forty-nine genotypes were evaluated in the municipalities of Viçosa, Visconde do Rio Branco, and São Gotardo, in the state of Minas Gerais, from 2009 to 2011. Protein and oil contents were analyzed by infrared spectrometry using a FT-NIR analyzer. The effects of genotype, environment, and genotype x environment interaction were significant. The BARC-8 soybean genotype is the best parent to increase protein contents in the progenies, followed by BR 8014887 and CS 3032PTA276-3-4. Selection for high oil content is more efficient when the crossings involve the Suprema, CD 01RR8384, and A7002 genotypes, which show high mean phenotypic values, wide adaptability, and greater stability to environmental variation.
Cultura cívico-escolar católica e desfiles patrióticos no Brasil do início do século XX
Authors: Bencostta Marcus Levy
Published: September 2014

A narrativa adotada neste artigo apresenta uma intriga histórica que tem origem em um conjunto de interpretações que propõe analisar as estratégias utilizadas pela hierarquia da Igreja Católica que incentivaram em seus documentos episcopais as manifestações culturais de caráter cívico nas instituições educacionais sob sua tutela. O artigo centra sua investigação nos desfiles patrióticos de escolares e colegiais que aconteceram no início do século XX, que homenageavam em diferentes momentos a República. Nesse sentido, toma o exemplo das escolas administradas pela Congregação Salesiana de Dom Bosco, em especial, o Liceu Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora de Campinas (São Paulo).
A presença do Novo Mundo na iconografia da morte e dos sonhos de São Francisco Xavier: a missão jesuítica e as partes e gentes do Império Português
Authors: Lima Luís Filipe Silvério , Silva Bianca Carolina Pereira Da
Published: September 2014

A proposta deste artigo é analisar diferentes leituras pictóricas da morte e dos sonhos de S. Francisco Xavier, desde inícios do século XVII até a parte da pesquisa em relação à morte deriva de monografia defendida em 2010 na Unifesp. Versões da parte sobre o sonho foram apresentadas em congressos em 2010 e uma prévia bastante resumida foi publicada na Revista de História da Biblioteca Nacional (n. 93, Junho de 2013). Gostaríamos de agradecer às contribuições feitas naquelas ocasiões pela audiência e pela banca, bem como também agradecemos a André Tavares, Evergton Sales Souza, Renato Cymbalista e aos pareceristas. A pesquisa contou com o apoio do CNPq e da Fapesp. meados do século XVIII. Se o jesuíta, mesmo antes de sua canonização em 1622 era entendido como Apóstolo do Oriente, a partir da segunda metade do século XVII, ocorreu uma mudança iconográfica pela qual aos personagens e elementos asiáticos somaram-se africanos e índios americanos na representação da cena de sua morte e de seus sonhos. Pretende-se a partir desse câmbio imagético analisar a construção de um programa visual da hagiografia de Xavier, no qual a vinculação exclusiva com o Oriente é suplantada pelos esforços em caracterizá-lo como exemplo máximo para a Missão, aplicável também - e sobretudo - às Américas. Interessam aqui em particular essas modulações no caso do Brasil e do Império Português.
"Novos Brasis" em África: desenvolvimento e colonialismo português tardio
Authors: Castelo Cláudia
Published: September 2014

Este artigo analisa a evolução das ideias e das práticas do Estado colonial português no que toca ao desenvolvimento da "África portuguesa", entre os anos 1930 e 1974. Até aos anos 1960, o esforço modernizador de Portugal nas colónias privilegiou a construção e o melhoramento de infraestruturas. O modelo de desenvolvimento assentava na exploração económica dos recursos naturais e no trabalho forçado dos indígenas, em benefício dos interesses metropolitanos e dos colonos brancos. Depois do início da guerra colonial (1961), o discurso e a prática política mudaram, privilegiando a criação de "sociedades multirraciais", através do incremento do povoamento branco. O desenvolvimento social (educação, saúde pública, programas de desenvolvimento comunitário etc.) e o bem-estar das populações africanas foram uma preocupação muito tardia do Governo português, se comparada com o que se passou nos impérios inglês ou francês. Esta mudança foi determinada pelo contexto internacional, pelas recomendações da cooperação técnico-científica internacional e por alguns estudos de pesquisadores sociais e agrónomos portugueses.
Microalbuminuria in Healthy Adolescents: A Comparative Study at High Altitude and at Sea Level
Authors: Hurtado Abdias , Cancino Raquel , Figueroa Joel , Padilla Euclides , Morales Christian , Ortiz Irma , Sharma Shailendra , Johnson Richard J , Pando Jackeline
Published: September 2014

Background :

High altitude is associated with hypobaric hypoxia and increased risk for microalbuminuria in adults. We hypothesized that healthy adolescents at higher altitude might have an increased frequency of microalbuminuria in comparison with a group of adolescents living at sea level.

Methods :

We evaluated the presence of microalbuminuria in adolescents at sea level (n=68, altitude 130 meters) and at high altitude (n=114, altitude 3200 meters) living in Peru. Each subject was evaluated for body mass index, Blood Pressure, microalbuminuria, proteinuria, hematuria and leukocyturia in a first morning urine sample. Subjects with a positive test for microalbuminuria underwent repeat testing one or two weeks after the initial screening.

Results :

Subjects at sea level and high altitude had similar age, weight, height and blood pressure (p=NS). Microalbuminuria without any other urinary abnormality, was higher in the first screening among adolescents residing at high altitude compared to those living at sea level (42 vs15, p: 0.0215). In the second screening the results were similar in both groups (31 vs 11, p: 0.0879).

Conclusion :

Persistent microalbuminuria was observed in more than one-quarter of adolescents living at high altitude. This study suggests that subtle renal injury may occur early in subjects living at high altitude.
Test spectra experimental construction for evaluating gamma-spectrometry computer codes for the 235U determination
Authors: Karfopoulos Konstantinos , Karangelos Dimitrios , Anagnostakis Marios , Simopoulos Simos
Published: September 2014

The determination of 235U in environmental samples from its 185.72 keV
photons may require the deconvolution of the multiplet photopeak at ~186 keV,
due to the co-existence of the 186.25 keV photons of 226Ra in the spectrum.
Successful deconvolution depends on many parameters, such as the detector
characteristics, the activity concentration of the 235U and 226Ra in the
sample, the background continuum in the 186 keV energy region and the
gamma-spectrometry computer code used. In this work two sets of experimental
test spectra were constructed for examining the deconvolution of the
multiplet photopeak performed by different codes. For the construction of the
test spectra, a high-resolution low energy germanium detector was used. The
first series consists of 140 spectra and simulates environmental samples
containing various activity concentration levels of 235U and 226Ra. The
second series consists of 280 spectra and has been derived by adding 137Cs,
corresponding to various activity concentration levels, to specific first
series test spectra. As the 137Cs backscatter edge is detected in the energy
region of the multiplet photopeak at ~186 keV, this second series of test
spectra tests the analysis of the multiplet photopeak in high background
continuum conditions. The analysis of the test spectra is performed by two
different g-spectrometry analysis codes: (a) spectrum unix analysis code, a
computer code developed in-house and (b) analysis of germanium detector
spectra, a program freely available from the IAEA. The results obtained by
the two programs are compared in terms of photopeak detection and photopeak
area determination.
Determination of true coincidence correction factors using Monte-Carlo simulation techniques
Authors: Chionis Dionysios , Savva Marilia , Karfopoulos Konstantinos , Anagnostakis Marios
Published: September 2014

Aim of this work is the numerical calculation of the true coincidence
correction factors by means of Monte-Carlo simulation techniques. For this
purpose, the Monte Carlo computer code PENELOPE was used and the main program
PENMAIN was properly modified in order to include the effect of the true
coincidence phenomenon. The modified main program that takes into
consideration the true coincidence phenomenon was used for the full energy
peak efficiency determination of an XtRa Ge detector with relative efficiency
104% and the results obtained for the 1173 keV and 1332 keV photons of 60Co
were found consistent with respective experimental ones. The true coincidence
correction factors were calculated as the ratio of the full energy peak
efficiencies was determined from the original main program PENMAIN and the
modified main program PENMAIN. The developed technique was applied for 57Co,
88Y, and 134Cs and for two source-to-detector geometries. The results
obtained were compared with true coincidence correction factors calculated
from the "TrueCoinc" program and the relative bias was found to be less than
2%, 4%, and 8% for 57Co, 88Y, and 134Cs, respectively.
Gamma-ray irradiation tests of CMOS sensors used in imaging techniques
Authors: Cappello Salvatore , Pace Calogero , Parlato Aldo , Rizzo Salvatore , Tomarchio Elio
Published: September 2014

Technologically-enhanced electronic image sensors are used in various fields
as diagnostic techniques in medicine or space applications. In the latter
case the devices can be exposed to intense radiation fluxes over time which
may impair the functioning of the same equipment. In this paper we report the
results of gamma-ray irradiation tests on CMOS image sensors simulating the
space radiation over a long time period. Gamma-ray irradiation tests were
carried out by means of IGS-3 gamma irradiation facility of Palermo
University, based on 60Co sources with different activities. To reduce the
dose rate and realize a narrow gamma-ray beam, a lead-collimation system was
purposely built. It permits to have dose rate values less than 10 mGy/s and
to irradiate CMOS Image Sensors during operation. The total ionizing dose to
CMOS image sensors was monitored in-situ, during irradiation, up to 1000 Gy
and images were acquired every 25 Gy. At the end of the tests, the sensors
continued to operate despite a background noise and some pixels were
completely saturated. These effects, however, involve isolated pixels and
therefore, should not affect the image quality.
Test of the GEM front tracker for the SBS spectrometer at Jefferson lab
Authors: Mammoliti Francesco , Bellini Vincenzo , Capogni Marco , Cisbani Evaristo , Musico Paolo , Noto Francesco , Perrino Roberto , Ruscica Giosue , Sutera Maria
Published: September 2014

A new Large-Acceptance Forward Angle Spectrometer (Super BigBite) is under
development at JLab/Hall A to optimally exploit the exciting opportunities
offered by the 12 GeV upgrade of the electron beam. The tracking of this new
apparatus is based on the gas electron multiplier technology, which has been
chosen to optimize cost/performance, position resolution and meet the high
hits rate (>1 MHz/cm2). The first gas electron multiplier detector prototypes
were designed, built and tested at the DESY test beam facility in Hamburg, by
using an electron beam with energy from 2.0 to 6.0 GeV. In particular, two
gas electron multiplier chambers (10 x 10 cm2 and 40 x 50 cm2, respectively)
were equipped with a new implementation of the APV25 readout chip.
Measurements were performed at different impact points and angles between the
electron beam and the plane of the gas electron multiplier chambers. In this
report we present the technical characteristics of the detector and comment
on the presently achieved performance.
Set-up and first operation of a plasma oven for treatment of low level radioactive wastes
Authors: Nachtrodt Frederik , Tietsch Wolfgang , Mostacci Domiziano , Scherer Ulrich
Published: September 2014

An experimental device for plasma treatment of low and intermediate level
radioactive waste was built and tested in several design variations. The
laboratory device is designed with the intention to study the general effects
and difficulties in a plasma incineration set-up for the further future
development of a larger scale pilot plant. The key part of the device
consists of a novel microwave plasma torch driven by 200 W electric power,
and operating at atmospheric pressure. It is a specific design characteristic
of the torch that a high peak temperature can be reached with a low power
input compared to other plasma torches. Experiments have been carried out to
analyze the effect of the plasma on materials typical for operational
low-level wastes. In some preliminary cold tests the behavior of stable
volatile species e. g., caesium was investigated by TXRF measurements of
material collected from the oven walls and the filtered off-gas. The results
help in improving and scaling up the existing design and in understanding the
effects for a pilot plant, especially for the off-gas collection and
treatment.
First steps in the development of a possible measurement method to estimate the radon concentration as an indicator of the indoor air quality
Authors: Roessler Franz , Azzam Jai , Grimm Volker , Hingmann Hans , Orovwighose Tina , Jach Nina , Schanze Tomas , Breckow Joachim
Published: September 2014

The energy conservation regulation provides upper limits for the annual
primary energy requirements for new buildings and old building renovation.
The actions required could accompany a reduction of the air exchange rate and
cause a degradation of the indoor air quality. In addition to climate and
building specific aspects, the air exchange rate is essentially affected by
the residents. Present methods for the estimation of the indoor air quality
can only be effected under test conditions, whereby the influence of the
residents cannot be considered and so an estimation under daily routine
cannot be ensured. In the context of this contribution first steps of a
method are presented, that allows an estimation of the progression of the air
exchange rate under favourable conditions by using radon as an indicator.
Therefore mathematical connections are established that could be affirmed
practically in an experimental set-up. So this method could provide a tool
that allows the estimation of the progression of the air exchange rate and in
a later step the estimation of a correlating progression of air pollutant
concentrations without limitations of using the dwelling.
Dimensions of bank capital regulation: A cross-country analysis
Authors: Marinc Matej , Mrak Mojmir , Rant Vasja
Published: September 2014

This paper identifies the main dimensions of capital regulation. We use
survey data from 142 countries from the World Bank?s (2013) database covering
various aspects of bank regulation. Using multiple explorative factor
analysis, we identify two main dimensions of capital regulation: complexity
of capital regulation and stringency of capital regulation. We show that even
countries with a common legal and regulatory framework differ substantially
in terms of capital regulation. For example, the level of stringency of
capital regulation varies substantially across the EU countries, potentially
distorting the level playing field.
China’s unification: Myth or reality?
Authors: Estrada Mario , Park Donghyun
Published: September 2014

This paper evaluates the prospect of a possible unification between People?s
Republic of China (Mainland China) and Republic of China (Taiwan) from a
multi-dimensional perspective which encompasses the political, social,
economic, and technological dimensions. The underlying idea is to evaluate
the possibility of a partial or total reunification between the two countries
in a more comprehensive way than just assessing the economic costs and
benefits. Our evaluation is based on the application of the GDRI-Model, which
looks at unification and regional integration simultaneously from the
political, economic, social and technological perspectives.
The Politics of the ICT4ED (Fatih) Project in Turkey
Authors: Tolu Hüseyin
Published: September 2014

Information and communications technology (ICT) is crucial in any contemporary society, especially if its online presence is to be widely significant, but, in a national context, it is important to investigate whether there is a compelling ICT ‘politic’ in the education sector in Turkey. This study specifically focuses on the ICT for Educational Development (ICT4ED) (Fatih) project, valued at US$8 billion, which is an embodiment of future educational reform in centralist Turkey. The study investigates the level of policy-making capacity within the scope of the Fatih project, which promises to fully integrate ICT into education in order to solve many educational issues, such as establishing entrepreneurialism in education, improving ICT sectors, exporting educational services to other nations for profit, and, ultimately, meeting the overarching purpose of Turkey becoming a competitive nation. The discourse of the government is to explore technological opportunities within education in order to create new ‘profitable’ avenues that conceive education as a ‘commodity’ and a ‘private good’, which is another feature of fragmented centralisation through public-private partnership(s) for both covert and overt privatisations. While the Fatih project defines the future as having new, ‘fully integrated ICT in education’, this study presents three main normative arguments — with regard to the project's political execution, technical development and philosophical conception — to refute its objectives and highlight that it is destined to fail, and to suggest what urgent matters the ICT4ED politic should highlight in future education.
Unfunded Public Pension Liabilities and Local Citizen Oversight
Authors: Rich Kevin T. , Zhang Jean X.
Published: September 2014

SYNOPSIS

We examine whether unfunded public pension liabilities are associated with citizen oversight through legislative and electoral means in local governments. Our focus on municipal pension plans is timely and relevant, given the prevalence of underfunded pension plans and the GASB's recently issued statements on state and local pension reporting. Using a sample of 84 locally administered municipal defined benefit pension plans in 2009, we find evidence that the level of unfunded pension obligations is negatively associated with both provisions allowing direct citizen participation in the legislative process and electoral voter activism in the form of recent recall attempts. Overall, our empirical evidence is consistent with citizen oversight mechanisms playing an important role in the pension funding decisions of municipal governments.

JEL Classifications: G34; H55; H72.
Welcome to the Day-to-Day of Internal Auditors: How Do They Cope with Conflicts?
Authors: Roussy Mélanie
Published: September 2014

This paper proposes a “micro-level” analysis of the way in which internal auditors express role conflicts in their day-to-day practice and how they perceive, manage, and resolve them. From this perspective, I analyze real-life experiences described by 42 interviewed internal auditors. Using a theoretical lens specifically designed for this purpose, I highlight the complexity and magnitude of the role conflicts they experience during the internal audit process, along with the strategic and dynamic coping processes they mobilize, while remaining concretely grounded in their specific context. Thus, this study makes an original contribution to the development of new knowledge on internal auditing and concludes that internal auditors tend to lack independence and audit committee members often exercise disturbingly weak power (on the internal audit function), as compared to the top managers. Accordingly, this paper points to the difficulty of applying an idealized conception of independence and purist governance principles to practice. It also questions the appropriateness of considering internal auditing as a meaningful independent assurance device in operating the corporate governance “mosaic” (Cohen, Krishnamoorthy, and Wright 2002).
Rough I-Convergence
Authors: Dündar Erdinç , Çakan Celal
Published: September 2014

In this work, using the concept of I-convergence and using the concept of rough convergence, we introduced the notion of rough I-convergence and the set of rough I-limit points of a sequence and obtained two rough I-convergence criteria associated with this set. Later, we proved that this set is closed and convex. Finally, we examined the relations between the set of I-cluster points and the set of rough I-limit points of a sequence
On Lacunary p-Absolutely Summable Fuzzy Real-Valued Double Sequence Space
Authors: Dutta Amar Jyoti , Esi Ayhan , Tripathy Binod Chandra
Published: September 2014

In this article, we introduce the class of p-absolutely summable fuzzy real valued double sequence (2lp)F
θ We have studied some algebraic properties like solid, symmetric, convergence free, sequence algebra. Further, we establish some relation with the class of p-Cesàro summable double sequences and some other important inclusion results.
Solutions to the Quasistatic Problem from the theory of Inelastic Deformations with Linear Growth Condition
Authors: Glen Łukasz
Published: September 2014

This paper refers to standard models in the theory of inelastic deformations. We assume that non-linear inelastic constitutive function is of monotone type, that the growth condition holds and that the model is quasistatic. Initial, generic problem is transformed into an evolution equation in a maximal monotone field. Then we find solutions with very low regularity requirements of the forces acting on a body
Antimicrobial effect of an aqueous extract of Potentilla erecta rhizome
Authors: Synowiec Alicja , Gniewosz Małgorzata , Bączek Katarzyna , Przybył Jarosław L.
Published: September 2014

Potentilla erecta is a therapeutic plant used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory states, wounds and diseases of the alimentary tract. The results of the study reveal the effects of an aqueous extract of P. erecta rhizome on certain microorganisms occurring in food. The main components of the extract were catechins. The extract was shown to display an inhibiting effect against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, as well as against yeast such as Candida lipolitica KKP 322 and Hansenula anomala R 26. The extract did inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacteria, however, no inhibiting effects were observed on moulds in the studied range of concentrations, i.e. 0.13 to 64 mg dry matter/ml.
Parameters Estimation for the Spherical Model of the Human Knee Joint Using Vector Method
Authors: Ciszkiewicz A. , Knapczyk J.
Published: September 2014

Position and displacement analysis of a spherical model of a human knee joint using the vector method was presented. Sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation were performed using the evolutionary algorithm method. Computer simulations for the mechanism with estimated parameters proved the effectiveness of the prepared software. The method itself can be useful when solving problems concerning the displacement and loads analysis in the knee joint
Application of Multi-Valued Weighting Logical Functions in the Analysis of a Degree of Importance of Construction Parameters on the Example of Hydraulic Valves
Authors: Deptuła A.
Published: September 2014

In the optimization process, changes in the construction parameters value influence the behaviour of functions depending on time. Weighting logical coefficients for the stabilisation time are taken into consideration here, i.e., a shorter (better) stabilisation time has a more important (bigger) value of the weighting coefficient. An example of applying weighting logical functions in the analysis of a degree of importance of construction parameters of a hydraulic valve is presented in the paper