bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Solvent-free Room Temperature Molten Salt Electrolyte Based on LiODFB and 2-Oxazolidinone for EDLCs
Authors: Zhao Pingying , Qi Kefeng , Xiang Feng , Zhang Rongbin , Gu Ningyu , Yang Zhenyu
Published: February 2014

A series of new room temperature molten salt electrolyte based
on lithium oxalyldifluoroborate (LiODFB) and 2-Oxazolidinone
(C3H5NO2, OZO) for EDLCs were
synthesized by a facile and fast route. The investigation of the
electrochemical characteristics of LiODFB-OZO molten salt
electrolytes and the evaluation of LiODFB-OZO complex as
electrolyte for EDLCs shows that the resulting molten salt
exhibits excellent thermal stability, high ionic conductivity (up
to ∼ 12.8 mS cm
–1), a wide
electrochemical stability window (∼ 3.8 V) and lower
electron-transfer resistance (∼ 4.8 Ω).The EDLCs with the
LiODFB-OZO complex electrolyte can be charged up to 3.0 V. At 30°C
the EDLCs with LiODFB-OZO complex electrolyte based on activated
carbon electrodes deliver a stable specific capacitance of
∼ 83.9 F g
–1; At 70°C, they can
deliver stable capacities of up to
∼ 106.1 F g
–1 (current density,
1 mA cm
–2). It is reasonable to assume
that LiODFB-OZO complex system has some advantages as electrolyte
for EDLCs with high energy density and high-power density,
especially at elevated temperatures.
Seasonal variation in plasma free normetanephrine concentrations: implications for biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma
Authors: Pamporaki Christina , Bursztyn Michael , Reimann Manja , Ziemssen Tjalf , Bornstein Stefan R , Sweep Fred C G J , Timmers Henri , Lenders Jacques W M , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: February 2014

Background

Higher plasma concentrations of catecholamines in winter than in summer are established; whether this impacts plasma concentrations of metanephrines used for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma is unknown.

Objective

In this study, we examined seasonal variations in plasma concentrations of metanephrines, the impact of this on diagnostic test performance and the influences of forearm warming (‘arterialization’ of venous blood) on blood flow and measured concentrations.

Methods

Measurements of plasma concentrations of metanephrines were recorded from 4052 patients tested for pheochromocytoma at two clinical centers. Among these patients, 107 had tumors. An additional 26 volunteers were enrolled for measurements of plasma metanephrines and forearm blood flow before and after forearm warming.

Results

There was no seasonal variation in the plasma concentrations of metanephrines among patients with pheochromocytoma, whereas among those without tumors, plasma concentrations of normetanephrine were higher (P<0.0001) in winter than in summer. Lowest concentrations of normetanephrine were measured in July, with those recorded from December to April being more than 21% higher (P<0.0001). These differences resulted in a twofold higher (P=0.0012) prevalence of false-positive elevations of normetanephrine concentrations in winter than in summer, associated with a drop in overall diagnostic specificity from 96% in summer to 92% in winter (P=0.0010). Forearm warming increased blood flow and lowered (P=0.0020) plasma normetanephrine concentrations.

Conclusions

Plasma concentrations of normetanephrine are subject to seasonal variation with a resulting higher prevalence of false-positive results in winter than in summer. Lowered plasma concentrations of normetanephrine with forearm warming suggest an effect of temperature. These results have implications for considerations of temperature to minimize false-positive results.
Concerns about the widespread use of rodent models for human risk assessments of endocrine disruptors
Authors: Habert René , Muczynski Vincent , Grisin Tiphany , Moison Delphine , Messiaen Sébastien , Frydman René , Benachi Alexandra , Delbes Géraldine , Lambrot Romain , Lehraiki Abdelali , N'Tumba-Byn Thierry , Guerquin Marie-Justine , Levacher Christine , Rouiller-Fabre Virginie , Livera Gabriel
Published: February 2014

Fetal testis is a major target of endocrine disruptors (EDs). During the last 20 years, we have developed an organotypic culture system that maintains the function of the different fetal testis cell types and have used this approach as a toxicological test to evaluate the effects of various compounds on gametogenesis and steroidogenesis in rat, mouse and human testes. We named this test rat, mouse and human fetal testis assay. With this approach, we compared the effects of six potential EDs ((mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), cadmium, depleted uranium, diethylstilboestrol (DES), bisphenol A (BPA) and metformin) and one signalling molecule (retinoic acid (RA)) on the function of rat, mouse and human fetal testis at a comparable developmental stage. We found that the response is similar in humans and rodents for only one third of our analyses. For instance, RA and MEHP have similar negative effects on gametogenesis in the three species. For another third of our analyses, the threshold efficient concentrations that disturb gametogenesis and/or steroidogenesis differ as a function of the species. For instance, BPA and metformin have similar negative effects on steroidogenesis in human and rodents, but at different threshold doses. For the last third of our analyses, the qualitative response is species specific. For instance, MEHP and DES affect steroidogenesis in rodents, but not in human fetal testis. These species differences raise concerns about the extrapolation of data obtained in rodents to human health risk assessment and highlight the need of rigorous comparisons of the effects in human and rodent models, when assessing ED risk.
Near-Absent Levels of Segregational Variation Suggest Limited Opportunities for the Introduction of Genetic Variation Via Homeologous Chromosome Pairing in Synthetic NeoallotetraploidMimulus
Authors: Modliszewski Jennifer L , Willis John H
Published: February 2014

Genetic variation is the fundamental medium of evolution. In allopolyploids, which are the product of hybridization and whole genome duplication, if homologous chromosomes always pair, then all descendants of a single diploid F1 hybrid lineage will be genetically identical. Contrarily, genetic variation among initially isogenic lineages is augmented when homeologous chromosomes pair; this added variation may contribute to phenotypic evolution. Mimulus sookensis is a naturally occurring, small-flowered allotetraploid derived from the large-flowered Mimulus guttatus and small-flowered Mimulus nasutus. Because diploid F1 hybrids between M. guttatus and M. nasutus have large flowers, phenotypic evolution post-polyploidization is implied in M. sookensis. Here, we present genetic and phenotypic analyses of synthetic neoallotetraploid Mimulus derived from a cross between M. guttatus and M. nasutus. Genetic marker data from S2 and BC1N progeny suggest that chromosomes regularly pair with their homologous counterpart. By measuring the phenotype of synthetic neoallotetraploids, we demonstrate that polyploidization per se does not induce the small flowers of M. sookensis. Moreover, phenotypic measurements of synthetic allotetraploid F2s and S4 families suggest that rare homeologous recombination events have a negligible phenotypic effect in the first few generations. In total, the results are consistent with either exceedingly rare homeologous pairing and recombination or spontaneous fragment loss. The low levels of fragment loss and phenotypic variation in neoallotetraploids suggest that homeologous recombination after polyploidization is not a major mechanism of phenotypic evolution in M. sookensis. Rather, it may be that spontaneous mutations or epigenetic changes after allopolyploidization have driven phenotypic evolution in M. sookensis.
Fast and Efficient Estimation of Individual Ancestry Coefficients
Authors: Frichot Eric , Mathieu François , Trouillon Théo , Bouchard Guillaume , François Olivier
Published: February 2014

Inference of individual ancestry coefficients, which is important for population genetic and association studies, is commonly performed using computer-intensive likelihood algorithms. With the availability of large population genomic data sets, fast versions of likelihood algorithms have attracted considerable attention. Reducing the computational burden of estimation algorithms remains, however, a major challenge. Here, we present a fast and efficient method for estimating individual ancestry coefficients based on sparse nonnegative matrix factorization algorithms. We implemented our method in the computer program sNMF and applied it to human and plant data sets. The performances of sNMF were then compared to the likelihood algorithm implemented in the computer program ADMIXTURE. Without loss of accuracy, sNMF computed estimates of ancestry coefficients with runtimes ∼10–30 times shorter than those of ADMIXTURE.
Enhancing the Power to Detect Low-Frequency Variants in Genome-Wide Screens
Authors: Lin Chang-Yun , Xing Guan , Ku Hung-Chih , Elston Robert C , Xing Chao
Published: February 2014

In genetic association studies a conventional test statistic is proportional to the correlation coefficient between the trait and the variant, with the result that it lacks power to detect association for low-frequency variants. Considering the link between the conventional association test statistics and the linkage disequilibrium measure r2, we propose a test statistic analogous to the standardized linkage disequilibrium D′ to increase the power of detecting association for low-frequency variants. By both simulation and real data analysis we show that the proposed D′ test is more powerful than the conventional methods for detecting association for low-frequency variants in a genome-wide setting. The optimal coding strategy for the D′ test and its asymptotic properties are also investigated. In summary, we advocate using the D′ test in a dominant model as a complementary approach to enhancing the power of detecting association for low-frequency variants with moderate to large effect sizes in case-control genome-wide association studies.
Tissue Scaffold Engineering by Micro-Stamping
Authors: Schmitt Eric C. , White Robert D. , Sagar Amrit , James Thomas P.
Published: February 2014

A hand operated benchtop stamping press was developed to conduct research on microscale hole fabrication in polymer membranes for applications as scaffolds in tissue engineering. A biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, poly(ε-caprolactone), was selected for micropunching. Membranes between 30 μm and 50 μm thick were fabricated by hot melt extrusion, but could not be stamped with a 200 μm circular punch at room temperature, regardless of die clearance due to excessive strain to fracture. This problem was overcome by cooling the membrane and die sets with liquid nitrogen to take advantage of induced brittle behavior below the polymer’s glass transition temperature. While cooled, 203 μm hole patterns were successfully punched in 33 μm thick poly(ε-caprolactone) membranes with 11% die clearance, achieving 71% porosity.
Temperature dependence of magnetic and magnetotransport properties in BiFeO3 thin films by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Tiberto P. , Barrera G. , Celegato F. , Coïsson M. , Rizzi P. , Vinai F. , Garcia Castro A.C. , Salamanca-Riba L. , Vispute R.D. , Espinoza Beltran F.J. , Sandaña J. Muñoz
Published: February 2014

Multiferroic BFO/SRO/Si trilayers have been prepared by pulsed laser deposition in the form of thin films. As a function of the BFO layer thickness, magnetic and magneto-transport properties have been investigated at room temperature and down to 5 K. At low BFO layer thickness, a residual γ-Fe2O3 phase, which interacts interfacially with the SRO and BFO layers, is responsible for moderately hard magnetic properties of the film. On increasing BFO layer thickness, more homogeneous deposits are obtained with uniform magnetic and magneto-resistive properties.
Search for the Major Chlorine-Related Defects in CdTe:Cl
Authors: Krasikov Dmitry , Knizhnik Andrey , Potapkin Boris , Sommerer Timothy
Published: February 2014

Understanding the effect of chlorine-related defects on the CdTe electric properties is important both for obtaining high resistivity CdTe-based detectors and for high efficiency CdTe-based thin-film solar cells. The actual mechanism of the effect of Cl on electric properties of CdTe is not clear and different sometimes contradictory hypotheses appear. For example ClTeVCd shallow acceptor complex defect was proposed both as a reason of increased carrier concentration in CdTe thin film and also as a reason of high resistivity of CdTe:Cl thin films. In the present work we are trying to clarify the effect of Cl on CdTe electric properties and to find the reason of high resistivity of CdTe:Cl crystals using first principles calculations and defect chemistry modeling. For the first time we are trying to develop a model capable to describe experimental data on both high temperature and room temperature conductivity of CdTe:Cl.
Correlation of resistance switching behaviors with dielectric functions of manganite films: A study by spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Yamada Masaki , Nakamura Toshihiro , Sakai Osamu
Published: February 2014

Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3(PCMO) films were deposited on LaAlO3(100) substrates under pressure from 1.33 to 5.33 Pa by RF magnetron sputtering. Resistance switching and dielectric functions of PCMO films were studied by DC current-voltage characteristic measurements and spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) measurements. Resistance switching was observed in the devices composed of PCMO films deposited under low pressures of 1.33 and 2.67 Pa. SE measurements revealed that dielectric functions also depended on deposition pressure. PCMO films deposited under lower pressure had larger high-frequency dielectric constant, larger oscillator strength of the electric dipole charge transitions in MnO6octahedral complexes, and lower oscillator strength ofd-dtransitions in Mn3+and Mn4+ions. SE measurements suggested that oxygen vacancies and MnO6octahedral complexes play an important role in resistance switching in PCMO films.
Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Oxide Compounds
Authors: Hering K.P. , Polity A. , Kramm B. , Portz A. , Meyer B.K.
Published: February 2014

The p-type conducting Copper-oxide compound semiconductors (Cu2O, CuO) provide a unique possibility to tune the band gap energies from 2.1 eV to the infrared at 1.40 eV into the middle of the efficiency maximum for solar cell applications. By a pronounced non-stoichiometry the electronic properties may vary from insulating to metallic conduction. They appear to be an attractive alternative absorber material in terms of abundance, sustainability, non-toxicity of the elements, and numerous methods for thin film deposition that facilitate low cost production. The synthesis and characterization of Cu2O thin films used as p-type absorbers in heterojunction solar cells will be reported. We discuss properties of the undoped non-stoichiometric Cu2O, controlled p-type doping by nitrogen, analysis of band offsets by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition we show proof of concept for an increase in photovoltaic conversion efficiency in AlGaN/Cu2O heterostructures due to a more favorable band alignment.
Gerador de alta frequência como recurso para tratamento de úlceras por pressão: estudo piloto
Authors: Korelo Raciele Ivandra Guarda , Oliveira Joselia Jucirema Jarschel de , Souza Renata Simone Araújo , Hullek Reni de Fátima , Fernandes Luiz Claudio
Published: February 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: Após a descoberta da existência de campos elétricos em lesões de tecidos, começou-se a empregar a aplicação externa de correntes elétricas na cicatrização de feridas. Baseados nesses conceitos, estudos mostram que a estimulação elétrica por alta frequência (HF - high frequency) é concebida como uma opção útil no processo cicatricial. Apesar dessa afirmativa, não há consenso entre os pesquisadores para sua utilização no tratamento de afecções da pele, sendo utilizada empiricamente no tratamento de feridas crônicas. OBJETIVO: Investigar o uso do gerador de alta frequência sobre a dor, cicatrização e área de superfície de úlceras de pressão (UP). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo piloto de ensaio clínico controlado realizado na Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo do Hospital de Clínicas do Paraná em oito indivíduos (49,6 ± 15,9 anos de idade), com diagnóstico clínico de UP grau II e III, classificados pela National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP). Indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos: controle (n = 2) e alta frequência (n = 6), com aplicação diária durante dez dias. Avaliou-se dor (por meio da Escala Visual Analógica - EVA), processo de cicatrização da úlcera (por meio do Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing - PUSH Tool e do Pressure Score Status Tool - PSST) e a área de superfície da úlcera (planimetria e ImageJ). RESULTADOS: Houve efeito significativo intragrupo (pré e pós-intervenção) na utilização do gerador de alta frequência no processo de cicatrização (PUSH Tool de 8,6 ± 5,8 para 5,1 ± 5,5, p = 0,04 e PSST de 31,3 ± 5,6 para 18 ± 6,5, p = 0,02) e área de superfície da úlcera (planimetria de 690,3 ± 622,6 para 470 ± 642,4, p = 0,02 e ImageJ de 786,5 ± 690,9 para 537,0 ± 719,3, p = 0,02). Também houve diferença significativa entre os grupos controle e grupo alta frequência em todas as variáveis do estudo (p = 0,04). CONCLUSÕES: A utilização do gerador de alta frequência causou melhora na cicatrização de pacientes com UP. Contudo, são necessários mais estudos com maior número de indivíduos para corroborar tais resultados. Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa agrega valor à procura de alternativas de tratamento para UP.
Avaliação de diferentes parâmetros para interpretar a necessidade de descanso em ergonomia
Authors: Moriguchi Cristiane Shinohara , Trevizani Taísa , Oliveira Ana Beatriz de , Coury Helenice Jane Cote Gil
Published: February 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: A Escala de Necessidade de Descanso (Enede) tem sido amplamente utilizada na ergonomia. No entanto, não há ponto de corte validado na literatura que permita identificar de forma consensual altos níveis de necessidade de descanso. OBJETIVO: Comparar a utilização de diferentes parâmetros matemáticos para interpretação dos dados da Enede, sendo eles tercil, quartil e média, assim como pontos de corte já sugeridos pela literatura, no sentido de investigar o comportamento desses parâmetros na identificação de altos níveis de necessidade de descanso. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 679 trabalhadores, sendo 192 trabalhadores da indústria, 128 profissionais de enfermagem e 359 operadores de teleatendimento. A coleta de dados foi realizada pela aplicação de questionários. RESULTADOS: A distribuição dos resultados variou consideravelmente entre os grupos. As separatrizes definidas com base na distribuição dos dados (tercil e quartil) apresentaram valores semelhantes a alguns pontos de corte descritos na literatura. Os diferentes pontos de corte propostos pela literatura não identificaram quantidades similares de trabalhadores com altos níveis de necessidade de descanso. A distribuição não normal de duas das populações mostrou que a média pode não ser um parâmetro adequado. DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÕES: Os diferentes parâmetros matemáticos utilizados para identificar altos níveis de necessidade de descanso não conduziram a resultados equivalentes, sugerindo cautela na sua seleção. Até que estudos com maiores populações estejam disponíveis, a utilização da própria distribuição dos dados de um grupo é mais recomendada que a utilização de pontos fixos para identificar altos níveis de necessidade de descanso.
Benefícios da modificação do estilo de vida na síndrome metabólica
Authors: Valmorbida Luiza Armani , Borsatto Alice Carvalho , Feoli Ana Maria , Antunes Maria Terezinha , Breigeiron Márcia Koja , Macagnan Fabrício Edler
Published: February 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: Os principais fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares hipertensivas e isquêmicas da síndrome metabólica (SM) podem ser favoravelmente modificados pelo estilo de vida (EV). OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de um programa de modificação do estilo de vida sobre os fatores de risco cardiovascular de voluntários com síndrome metabólica (SM). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico em que oito voluntários (cinco mulheres) com diagnóstico de SM foram submetidos, ao longo de três meses, à intervenção nutricional quinzenal e a um programa de exercício físico, realizado em esteira rolante com intensidade de 65% a 75% da frequência cardíaca máxima, com duração de 30 minutos, três vezes por semana. Após o programa os dados foram comparados pelo teste t de Student. RESULTADOS: Houve redução significativa da pressão arterial sistólica (-7,5%), triglicerídeos (-6,7%) e lipoproteínas de alta densidade (-8%). Além disso, o índice de trabalho cardíaco avaliado em repouso reduziu significativamente (-11%), ao passo que o condicionamento físico expresso pelo trabalho muscular e consumo de oxigênio aumentaram significativamente (29% e 24%, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: Até o momento, esses resultados indicam que a mudança nos hábitos alimentares associados à prática regular de exercício físico pode reduzir beneficamente as concentrações de triglicerídeos, bem como a PAS e o DP. Além disso, devido à relevância dos resultados obtidos ao final do programa, acredita-se que a continuidade das atividades propostas neste estudo possa beneficiar outros indivíduos com SM.
Correlação entre três instrumentos de avaliação para risco de quedas em idosos
Authors: Santos Fernanda Pains Vieira dos , Borges Larissa de Lima , Menezes Ruth Losada de
Published: February 2014

INTRODUÇÃO: Métodos clínicos e laboratoriais estão sendo cada vez mais desenvolvidos para avaliar os diferentes aspectos do equilíbrio postural e estabelecer parâmetros para identificação de idosos com maior risco de quedas. OBJETIVOS: Analisar a correlação entre três testes utilizados para avaliar o risco de quedas em idosos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Tratou-se de um estudo analítico transversal realizado com 49 idosos comunitários, hígidos, com diferentes níveis de condicionamento físico. Foram utilizados dois testes clínicos, o Timed Up and Go (TUG) e o QuickScreen Clinical Fall Risck Assessment (QuickScreen), e um laboratorial, o Biodex Balance System - Modo Fall Risck (BBS-FR). A correlação dos dados foi realizada por meio da aplicação do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman, com nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: Verificou-se correlação positiva e moderada entre o QuickScreen e o BBS-FR (r = 0,35; p = 0,01) e entre o QuickScreen e o TUG (r = 0,32; p = 0,02). Não houve correlação significativa entre o BBS-FR e o TUG (r = 0,10; p = 0,47). CONCLUSÃO: Os testes analisados são complementares, tendo em vista que não se correlacionaram fortemente e mostraram-se com particularidades e limitações distintas. Entretanto, sugerimos a utilização do instrumento QuickScreen no ambiente clínico, já que este foi o que melhor se correlacionou com o dispositivo laboratorial, o BBS-FR, e o que mais identificou idosos ativos com risco de quedas. Dessa forma, o QuickScreen avaliou o risco de quedas de forma mais ampla, uma vez que engloba questões não abordadas pelos dois outros testes estudados.
Desafios do planejamento municipal de saneamento básico em municípios de pequeno porte: a percepção dos gestores
Authors: Lisboa Severina Sarah , Heller Léo , Silveira Rogério Braga
Published: February 2014

A Lei nº 11.445/2007 estabelece diretrizes para o saneamento básico no Brasil, apresentando, dentre outros direcionamentos, o planejamento como aspecto fundamental da gestão dos serviços. Buscando contribuir para a discussão, o presente trabalho identifica os principais fatores que dificultam esse processo de planejamento em nível municipal, sobretudo em municípios de menor porte, e os aspectos que motivam a elaboração do plano. O trabalho utiliza metodologia qualitativa de coleta e análise de dados, com realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores de 15 municípios localizados na Zona da Mata de Minas Gerais, e emprega a técnica de Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo para analisar as informações obtidas. As principais dificuldades identificadas são a indisponibilidade de recursos financeiros e a limitação quanto à qualificação profissional e capacidade técnica municipal. No entanto, ao vencer o primeiro obstáculo, a qualificação profissional pode ser parcialmente resolvida mediante realização de capacitação e contratação de profissionais, o que pode igualmente superar as dificuldades metodológicas. Questões como integração de órgãos das áreas que compõem o saneamento, vontade política e outros fatores também foram apontadas como obstáculos ao planejamento. Apesar das dificuldades, a elaboração dos planos é vista com otimismo e significativa motivação, percebendo-se que estes possivelmente não teriam seu desenvolvimento conduzido apenas pela motivação do cumprimento à demanda da legislação e sim pela convicção dos seus reais benefícios
Desnitrificação em um sistema simplificado de tratamento de esgoto
Authors: Tonetti Adriano Luiz , Coraucci Filho Bruno , Guimarães José Roberto , Fadini Pedro Sergio , Nicolau Cintia Elena
Published: February 2014

Nesta pesquisa, foram operados três filtros anaeróbios com tempo de detenção hidráulica nominal de nove horas, sendo o efluente gerado disposto nos leitos de quatro filtros de areia em distintas taxas de aplicações. No primeiro filtro de areia, foram aplicados 50 L.m-2 uma vez por dia. No segundo, terceiro e quarto filtros, essa mesma carga foi disposta em 2, 3 e 4 horários, com aplicações espaçadas entre as 9h e as 16h, correspondendo às taxas de 100, 150 e 200 L.m-2.dia-1. Após a passagem pelo leito de areia, o efluente era encaminhado para reatores de desnitrificação preenchidos com brita 1. Os filtros de areia apresentaram uma grande capacidade de nitrificação e, após a adição da fonte externa de carbono, o reator de desnitrificação que recebia uma única disposição diária de 50 L.m-2 propiciou uma diminuição na concentração de N-total de 43,5%.
Estimativa da produtividade de trigo em função da adubação nitrogenada utilizando modelagem neuro fuzzy
Authors: Silva Aldo A. V. da , Silva Inara A. F. , Teixeira Filho Marcelo C. M. , Buzetti Salatiér , Teixeira Marcelo C. M.
Published: February 2014

Atualmente, novas técnicas de processamento de dados, tais como redes neurais, lógica nebulosa (fuzzy) e sistemas híbridos, são utilizadas para elaborar modelos de predição em sistemas complexos e estimar parâmetros desejados. Neste artigo investigou-se a habilidade de se desenvolver um modelo de inferência adaptativo neuro fuzzy para estimação da produtividade de trigo utilizando-se uma base de dados da combinação dos seguintes tratamentos: cinco doses de N (0, 50, 100, 150 e 200 kg ha-1); três fontes (Entec, sulfato de amônio e ureia); duas épocas de aplicação de N (na semeadura ou em cobertura) e dois cultivares de trigo (E21 e IAC 370), avaliados durante dois anos, em Selvíria, MS. Através dos dados de entrada e saída o sistema de inferência neuro fuzzy adaptativo apreende e posteriormente pode estimar um novo valor de produção de trigo com base em doses diferenciadas de N. O erro de predição da produtividade de trigo em função das cinco doses de N, obtido com o sistema neuro fuzzy, foi menor que o valor obtido utilizando-se uma aproximação quadrática. Os resultados mostraram que o sistema neuro fuzzy é viável para desenvolver um modelo de predição visando estimar a produtividade de trigo em função da dose de N.
A internação para usuários de drogas: diálogos com a reforma psiquiátrica
Authors: Assis Jaqueline Tavares de , Barreiros Graziella Barbosa , Conceição Maria Inês Gandolfo
Published: February 2014

O artigo tem como objetivo analisar as variantes do cuidado para pessoas em sofrimento decorrente do uso de drogas, tecendo um paralelo com o percurso da reforma psiquiátrica brasileira. Para isso, apresenta-se um breve panorama das conquistas da reforma psiquiátrica para o processo de cuidado no campo da saúde mental, levantando questionamentos sobre a implantação dessa forma de cuidado no tratamento do usuário de drogas. Aponta-se para os perigos advindos do rumo atual que o campo tem tomado devido à utilização indistinta de paradigmas contraditórios que defendem práticas de internação de longo prazo.
Reducing risk factors in overweight adult users of the family health strategy of the Distrito Federal
Authors: Romeiro Caroline , Nogueira Júlia Aparecida Devidé , Dutra Eliane Said , Carvalho Kênia Mara Baiocchi de
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of a multidisciplinary program to promote healthy habits on anthropometric and biochemical parameters on participants of the Family Health Strategy of the Distrito Federal. METHODS: The sample consisted of 279 overweight and obese adults of both sexes divided into two groups: intervention (IG, n=198) and control group (CG, n=89). The IG received standard Family Health Strategy care plus a multidisciplinary health promoting program that included dietary interventions and physical activity, called Set Waist Program. The control group received only standard ESF care. Data were collected at baseline and after 4 and 8 months of follow up. Body mass index, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were assessed. RESULTS: Prevalence of obesity (63.3% to 49.4%, p=0.027) and waist circumference (102.2cm to 94.8cm, p<0.0001) were significantly reduced in IG. Total cholesterol, LDL and HDL-cholesterol were reduced in both groups. CONCLUSION: Reductions in anthropometric measures were maximized through simple interventions that stimulated lifestyle changes. These results suggest that multidisciplinary initiatives such the Set Waist Program can be incorporated into other Family Health Strategy teams to optimize the control of obesity and health promotion. Participant compliance is an issue that deserves further investigation.
Gestão Social sob a lente estruturacionista
Authors: Peres Júnior Miguel Rivera , Pereira José Roberto , Oliveira Lucas Canestri de
Published: February 2014

A Gestão Social - como campo de estudo e como prática social - tem buscado se consolidar como um tipo de gestão pública não estatal, em que a sociedade é a protagonista da ação. Grande parte dos estudos da área fundamenta-se na perspectiva crítica, em especial na teoria da ação comunicativa de Habermas. Pretende-se, aqui, indicar um novo caminho teórico para a análise da Gestão Social, fundamentado na Teoria da Estruturação, proposta pelo sociólogo inglês Anthony Giddens. Tendo entre seus principais pressupostos a dualidade da estrutura (a estrutura é, ao mesmo tempo, meio e resultado da ação) e o reconhecimento da ação humana como intencional, reflexiva e cognoscitiva, entende-se que a perspectiva estruturacionista fornece subsídios consistentes para a compreensão das práticas de Gestão Social, especialmente no que diz respeito ao processo de estruturação do sistema deliberativo e da formação da esfera pública, bases de sustentação teórica da Gestão Social. Para viabilizar essa nova abordagem, este artigo propõe um arcabouço teórico que incorpora o sistema deliberativo de Mansbridge (1999) ao modelo estruturacionista multidimensional de sistemas sociais de Whittington (1992). Neste arcabouço, à semelhança do que foi estabelecido por Whittington (1992) para os demais sistemas sociais, são definidos as regras e os recursos básicos (as propriedades estruturadas na perspectiva giddensiana) do sistema deliberativo, respectivamente, argumentação deliberativa e participação dialógica. O arcabouço sugere, ainda, que essas propriedades são, simultaneamente, meio e resultado das práticas de gestão social (entendida como ação gerencial dialógica) configurando aquela que é a concepção central da Teoria da Estruturação: a noção de dualidade da estrutura. Com seu framework, Whittington (1992) entende que está "colocando Giddens em ação", contribuindo para que a Teoria da Estruturação seja utilizada em pesquisas empíricas, não se restringindo às discussões ontológicas. Com a agregação de um sistema deliberativo a esse modelo, acredita-se que se possa contribuir para a consolidação da Gestão Social, estabelecendo uma interface teórica profícua com a Teoria da Estruturação.
Clarifications, guidelines and questions about the dental bleaching "associated" with orthodontic treatment
Authors: Consolaro Alberto , Consolaro Renata Bianco , Francischone Leda
Published: February 2014

With regard to the best moment for carrying out or recommending dental bleaching to orthodontic patients, some explanations and orientations are given in order to answers the following questions: 1) Why orthodontic treatment completion is considered the best opportunity for carrying out the procedure? 2) Why dental bleaching should not be performed immediately before orthodontic treatment? 3) If that would be possible at any special case, what would that be? 4) Why dental bleaching should not be performed during orthodontic treatment? 5) If that would be possible at any special case, what would that be? This article highlights why it is essential to protect both the mucosa and the cervical region, regardless of the moment when dental bleaching is performed, whether associated with orthodontic treatment or not. The "how", "why" and "if" of whether or not it is convenient to perform dental bleaching before orthodontic treatment are still a matter of clinical suggestion, as it is a procedure that is under analysis, empirical knowledge waiting for scientific proof or disproof! Although tooth enamel has adamantine fluid flowing within it, providing a specific metabolism that is peculiar to its own and which could scientifically explain and base the option of carrying out teeth whitening before and during orthodontic treatment, we must still be very careful.
Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of an instrument designed for the assessment of quality of life in orthognatic patients
Authors: Araújo Adriana Monteiro de , Miguel José Augusto Mendes , Gava Eveline Coutinho Baldoto , Oliveira Branca Heloisa de
Published: February 2014

INTRODUCTION: The Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) was developed in 2000 and validated in 2002, aiming at assessing the impact and the benefits of orthosurgical treatment on patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: Cross-culturally translate into Brazilian Portuguese and back-translate into English a quality of life instrument, assuring maintenance of its properties. METHODS: At first, equivalence of concepts and items was discussed by a group of specialists who scrutinized all questionnaire items. Additionally, four patients in need of orthosurgical treatment were interviewed by means of the focus group methodology. Relevance of the questionnaire items was assured prior to its translation which was carried out by two translators who worked independently. Both translations were tested in 20 patients and then consolidated. The consolidated questionnaire version was back-translated into English by two translators who worked independently, and the consolidated back-translation was assessed by the authors of the original questionnaire as well as by the researchers. RESULTS: The OQLQ was translated into Brazilian Portuguese. This translation was tested in a pilot study comprising 12 patients, aged between 16 and 34 years old. CONCLUSION: The OQLQ Brazilian Portuguese translation proves to be an appropriate instrument to access the impact of dentofacial deformities on the quality of life of patients in the Brazilian public health system and who are in need of orthosurgical treatment.
Sunspot numbers: Implications on Eastern African rainfall
Authors: Gachari Francis , Mulati David M. , Mutuku Joseph N.
Published: February 2014

Following NASA’s prediction of sunspot numbers for the current sunspot cycle, Cycle 24, we now include

sunspot numbers as an explanatory variable in a statistical model. This model is based on fitting monthly

rainfall values with factors and covariates obtained from solar–lunar geometry values and sunspot numbers.

The model demonstrates high predictive skill in estimating monthly values by achieving a correlation

coefficient of 0.9 between model estimates and the measurements. Estimates for monthly total rainfall for the

period from 1901 to 2020 for Kenya indicate that the model can be used not only to estimate historical values

of rainfall, but also to predict monthly total rainfall. We have found that the 11-year solar sunspot cycle has

an influence on the frequency and timing of extreme hydrology events in Kenya, with these events occurring

every 5±2 years after the turning points of sunspot cycles. While solar declination is the major driver of

monthly variability, sunspots and the lunar declinations play a role in the annual variability and may have

influenced the occurrence of the Sahelian drought of the mid-1980s that affected the Sahel region including

the Greater Horn of Africa. Judging from the reflection symmetry, the trend of the current maximum and the

turning point of the sunspot minimum at the end of the Modern Maximum, with a 95% level of confidence,

drought conditions similar to those of the early 1920s may reoccur in the year 2020±2.
A centrifugal microfluidic platform for point-of-care diagnostic applications
Authors: Hugo Suzanne , Land Kevin , Madou Marc , Kido Horacio
Published: February 2014

Microfluidic systems enable precise control over tiny volumes of fluid in a compact and low-cost form, thus

providing the ideal platform on which to develop point-of-care diagnostic solutions. Centrifugal microfluidic

systems, also referred to as lab-on-a-disc or lab-on-a-CD systems, provide a particularly attractive solution

for the implementation of microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic solutions as a result of their simple and

compact instrumentation, as well as their functional diversity. Here we detail the implementation of a

centrifugal microfluidic platform – the first of its kind in South Africa – as a foundation for the development

of point-of-care diagnostic applications for which both the need and impact is great. The centrifugal

microfluidic platform consists of three main components: a microfluidic disc device similar in size and

shape to a CD, a system for controlling fluid flow on the device, and a system for recording the results

obtained. These components have been successfully implemented and tested. Preliminary test results show

that microfluidic functions such as pumping and valving of fluids can be successfully achieved, as well as

the generation of monodisperse microfluidic droplets, providing a complete centrifugal microfluidic platform

and the building blocks on which to develop a variety of applications, including point-of-care diagnostics.

The lab-on-a-disc platform has the potential to provide new diagnostic solutions at the point-of-need in

health- and industry-related areas. This paves the way for providing resource limited areas with services

such as improved, decentralised health-care access or water-quality monitoring, and reduced diagnosis

times at a low cost.
Climate-readiness, competition and sustainability: an analysis of the legal and regulatory frameworks for providing water services in Sydney
Authors: Chong Joanne
Published: February 2014

This paper examines whether key legislative and regulatory frameworks for the provision of water services in Sydney, Australia, successfully support the complex task of planning and managing urban water systems to balance water security, cost and sustainability considerations. The challenges of managing urban water systems under a changing and uncertain climate became starkly apparent during Australia's ‘Millennium Drought’, a decade-long period of extremely dry conditions throughout the 2000s. As the drought progressed, several state and territory governments assumed control of planning and approvals processes in order to implement large water-supply infrastructure projects with great urgency. However, at the end of the decade La Niña rains saturated catchments, spilled over dam walls and devastated several communities with flooding. Analysis of the frameworks for third-party access, private-sector participation, planning, and water-conservation initiatives reveals that the rules, roles and responsibilities of the many actors are interlinked but not always effectively integrated. The introduction and expansion of competition in the urban water industry are an ongoing experiment with great influence on the governance of the sector and the ways in which water services are planned for and provided.
Computational modelling techniques in the optimization of corrosion control for reducing lead in Canadian drinking water
Authors: Hayes C. R. , Croft T. N. , Campbell A. , Douglas I. P. , Gadoury P. , Schock M. R.
Published: February 2014

Compliance modelling has been used to good effect in the optimization of plumbosolvency control in the UK and was evaluated in the Canadian and US contexts via three case studies. In relation to regulatory compliance, supplementary orthophosphate dosing could be justified in one water supply system but not in one other. Compliance modelling indicated that Health Canada's Tier 1 protocol is much less stringent than its Tier 2 protocol and that optimization based on 6+ hour stagnation samples vs 15 μg/l is likely to be more stringent than that based on 30 min stagnation samples vs 10 μg/l. The modelling of sequential sampling for an individual home indicated that sample results could be markedly affected by the length of the lead service line, by the length of the copper premise pipe and by pipe diameters. The results for sequential sampling were also dependent on flow characteristics (plug vs laminar). For either regulatory compliance assessment or for the optimization of plumbosolvency control measures, routine sequential sampling from the same houses at a normalized flow will minimize these variable effects.
Political Literacy in Japan and England
Authors: Davies Ian , Mizuyama Mitsuharu , Ikeno Norio , Parmenter Lynne , Mori Chiho
Published: February 2014

The authors discuss findings from the project ‘Political Literacy in Japan and England’. They do so to follow up on work published in this journal in 2011. The now completed project involved two schools in England and three schools in Japan, and had the aim of exploring what teachers would do in each country when asked to use the same approach to political literacy. That approach to political literacy was based on an attempt to promote discourse around a range of political concepts. Citizenship education in England, at the time of the project, was relatively secure as a National Curriculum subject established in schools since 2002. In Japan, there was a dynamic picture in which a variety of initiatives to promote understanding of and participation in contemporary society was embraced by individual teachers. In both countries, there was a focus on enhancing students' knowledge and skills in ways that were not always aligned very explicitly or precisely with particular political concepts or the promotion of specific types of discourse. The authors suggest that teachers in their sample espouse a commitment to concepts but actually emphasise content in their classroom work; they do not always help students to attain high levels of achievement in relation to ability to discuss; and the purpose of a positive classroom atmosphere may only be loosely attached to specific learning goals for political literacy.
Interferometric out-of-focus imaging simulator for irregular rough particles
Authors: Brunel M. , Coetmellec S. , Gréhan G. , Shen H.
Published: February 2014

We present the development of an original simulator to predict interferometric out-of-focus patterns created by irregular rough particles. Despite important simplifications of the scattering properties, this simulator allows to predict quantitative properties of the speckle-like patterns: i.e. the dimension of the central peak of the 2D-autocorrelation of the pattern. This parameter can then be linked to the size and the shape of the particle projected on the CCD sensor, in cases where there is no exact theoretical formulation to calculate the scattered intensity. An experimental demonstration is performed with irregular NaCl salt crystals.
Efficacy of Misoprostol as a Post Abortion Care
Authors: Jha M , Chitrakar NS , Shakya B , Jha R
Published: February 2014

Aims: This study was done to find the efficacy of Misoprostol as a post-abortion care in our setting. Methods: Women with incomplete abortion of gestational age ≤ 12 weeks or uterine size ≤ 12 weeks with open cervical os, haemoglobin ≥ 9 gm% and stable physical condition; were given 600 microgram Misoprostol orally and were observed for 24 hours for complete expulsion. If the patient failed to expel within 24 hours of Misoprostol administration manual vacuum aspiration or suction evacuation was done. Results: One hundred and twenty-two women were enrolled in the study. Among them, 41% had complete expulsion within 24 hours of administration of misoprostol and 49% had incomplete expulsions. The success rate was high in the group of < 8 weeks of pregnancy. Among 50 (41%) successful cases, 38 (76%) belonged to 8 weeks of gestation by bimanual examination (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Single dose of oral Misoprostol was effective, safe and alternative method to the management of incomplete abortion compared to the manual vacuum aspiration or suction evacuation in case of early pregnancy abortion.Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 8 / No. 2 / Issue 16 / July-Dec, 2013 / 71-74 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i2.9778
Confidence in the Police: Variation across Groups Classified as Visible Minorities
Authors: Sprott Jane B. , Doob Anthony N.
Published: February 2014

Public confidence in the police is obviously important and is likely to vary across racial/cultural groups and across Canada. However, when national data are being used, differences in views are generally examined through the lens of visible minorities as a composite group compared to non-visible minorities. Using data from the 2009 General Social Survey on Victimization, we argue that it is an oversimplification to talk about the views of visible minorities in relation to the police. Such broad categories of people hide the more nuanced manner in which some groups differ from others on some questions in some locations.
Informationsgehalt des schweißpunktabhängigen Emissionsgrades
Authors: Zubert Boris , Hönl Fabian , Gühmann Clemens , Rethmeier Michael
Published: February 2014

Kurzfassung

Bei der thermografischen Prüfung von Widerstandspunktschweißverbindungen wird die Emissivität der Fügeverbindung bisher als Störgröße angesehen und – wenn möglich – unterdrückt. Nachfolgende Arbeit untersucht, ob eine für diese Prüfung nutzbare Korrelation zwischen Emissionsgrad des Kappenabdrucks und Schweißpunktdurchmesser besteht. Dazu werden 60 Blechproben in drei praxisrelevanten Materialkombinationen und mit unterschiedlicher Anbindungsqualität vermessen. Über die thermografische Grundgleichung kann die Emissivität bestimmt werden. Der Punktdurchmesser wird zerstörend ermittelt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine Korrelation der beiden Messwerte auf, die umso höher ausfällt, je geringer die Emissivität des Grundwerkstoffes ist. Abschließend wird ein Ausblick auf die Verwendbarkeit dieses Zusammenhangs in der thermografischen Schweißpunktprüfung gegeben.