bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disrupting Prefrontal Cortex Prevents Performance Gains from Sensory-Motor Training
Authors: Filmer Hannah L. , Mattingley Jason B. , Marois René , Dux Paul E.
Published: November 2013

Humans show large and reliable performance impairments when required to make more than one simple decision simultaneously. Such multitasking costs are thought to largely reflect capacity limits in response selection (Welford, 1952; Pashler, 1984, 1994), the information processing stage at which sensory input is mapped to a motor response. Neuroimaging has implicated the left posterior lateral prefrontal cortex (pLPFC) as a key neural substrate of response selection (Dux et al., 2006, 2009; Ivanoff et al., 2009). For example, activity in left pLPFC tracks improvements in response selection efficiency typically observed following training (Dux et al., 2009). To date, however, there has been no causal evidence that pLPFC contributes directly to sensory-motor training effects, or the operations through which training occurs. Moreover, the left hemisphere lateralization of this operation remains controversial (Jiang and Kanwisher, 2003; Sigman and Dehaene, 2008; Verbruggen et al., 2010). We used anodal (excitatory), cathodal (inhibitory), and sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to left and right pLPFC and measured participants' performance on high and low response selection load tasks after different amounts of training. Both anodal and cathodal stimulation of the left pLPFC disrupted training effects for the high load condition relative to sham. No disruption was found for the low load and right pLPFC stimulation conditions. The findings implicate the left pLPFC in both response selection and training effects. They also suggest that training improves response selection efficiency by fine-tuning activity in pLPFC relating to sensory-motor translations.
A θ–γ Oscillation Code for Neuronal Coordination during Motor Behavior
Authors: Igarashi Jun , Isomura Yoshikazu , Arai Kensuke , Harukuni Rie , Fukai Tomoki
Published: November 2013

Sequential motor behavior requires a progression of discrete preparation and execution states. However, the organization of state-dependent activity in neuronal ensembles of motor cortex is poorly understood. Here, we recorded neuronal spiking and local field potential activity from rat motor cortex during reward-motivated movement and observed robust behavioral state-dependent coordination between neuronal spiking, γ oscillations, and θ oscillations. Slow and fast γ oscillations appeared during distinct movement states and entrained neuronal firing. γ oscillations, in turn, were coupled to θ oscillations, and neurons encoding different behavioral states fired at distinct phases of θ in a highly layer-dependent manner. These findings indicate that θ and nested dual band γ oscillations serve as the temporal structure for the selection of a conserved set of functional channels in motor cortical layer activity during animal movement. Furthermore, these results also suggest that cross-frequency couplings between oscillatory neuronal ensemble activities are part of the general coding mechanism in cortex.
Signaling through ERK1/2 Controls Myelin Thickness during Myelin Repair in the Adult Central Nervous System
Authors: Fyffe-Maricich Sharyl L. , Schott Alexandra , Karl Molly , Krasno Janet , Miller Robert H.
Published: November 2013

Oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the CNS, exquisitely tailor the thickness of individual myelin sheaths to the diameter of their target axons to maximize the speed of action potential propagation, thus ensuring proper neuronal connectivity and function. Following demyelinating injuries to the adult CNS, newly formed oligodendrocytes frequently generate new myelin sheaths. Following episodes of demyelination such as those that occur in patients with multiple sclerosis, however, the matching of myelin thickness to axon diameter fails leaving remyelinated axons with thin myelin sheaths potentially compromising function and leaving axons vulnerable to damage. How oligodendrocytes determine the appropriate thickness of myelin for an axon of defined size during repair is unknown and identifying the signals that regulate myelin thickness has obvious therapeutic implications. Here, we show that sustained activation of extracellular-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in oligodendrocyte lineage cells results in accelerated myelin repair after injury, and is sufficient for the generation of thick myelin sheaths around remyelinated axons in the adult mouse spinal cord. Our findings suggest a model where ERK1/2 MAP kinase signaling acts as a myelin thickness rheostat that instructs oligodendrocytes to generate axon-appropriate quantities of myelin.
Frontotemporal Network Connectivity during Memory Encoding Is Increased with Aging and Disrupted by Beta-Amyloid
Authors: Oh Hwamee , Jagust William J.
Published: November 2013

Approximately 30% of cognitively normal older adults harbor brain β-amyloid (Aβ), a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease associated with neural alterations and episodic memory decline. We examined how aging and Aβ deposition affect neural function during memory encoding of visual scenes using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in humans. Thirty-six cognitively normal older people underwent fMRI scanning, and positron emission tomography with [11C] Pittsburgh compound B to measure fibrillar brain Aβ; 15 young subjects were studied with fMRI. Older adults without Aβ deposition showed reduced regional brain activation (compared with young subjects) with decreased task-independent functional connectivity between parahippocampal gyrus and prefrontal cortex. In this network, task-related connectivity was increased compared with young subjects, and the degree of connectivity was related to memory performance. In contrast, older individuals with Aβ deposition showed no such increased task-related network connectivity, but did display increased regional activity unassociated with performance. These findings suggest that network connectivity plays a significant role in compensating for reduced regional activity during successful memory encoding in aging without Aβ deposition, while in those with Aβ this network compensation fails and is accompanied by inefficient regional hyperactivation.
Is diabetes in Cushing's syndrome only a consequence of hypercortisolism?
Authors: Giordano Carla , Guarnotta Valentina , Pivonello Rosario , Amato Marco Calogero , Simeoli Chiara , Ciresi Alessandro , Cozzolino Alessia , Colao Annamaria
Published: November 2013

Objective

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most frequent complications of Cushing's syndrome (CS). The aim of this study was to define the changes in insulin sensitivity and/or secretion in relation to glucose tolerance categories in newly diagnosed CS patients.

Design

Cross-sectional study on 140 patients with CS.

Methods

A total of 113 women (80 with pituitary disease and 33 with adrenal disease, aged 41.7±15.7 years) and 27 men (19 with pituitary disease and eight with adrenal disease, aged 38.1±20.01 years) at diagnosis were divided according to glucose tolerance into normal glucose tolerance (CS/NGT), impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance (CS/prediabetes), and diabetes (CS/DM) groups.

Results

Seventy-one patients had CS/NGT (49.3%), 26 (18.5%) had CS/prediabetes and 43 (30.8%) had CS/DM. Significant increasing trends in the prevalence of family history of diabetes (P<0.001), metabolic syndrome (P<0.001), age (P<0.001) and waist circumference (P=0.043) and decreasing trends in HOMA-β (P<0.001) and oral disposition index (DIo) (P<0.002) were observed among the groups. No significant trends in fasting insulin levels, area under the curve for insulin (AUCINS), Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity (ISI-Matsuda) and visceral adiposity index were detected.

Conclusions

Impairment of glucose tolerance is characterized by the inability of β-cells to adequately compensate for insulin resistance through increased insulin secretion. Age, genetic predisposition and lifestyle, in combination with the duration and degree of hypercortisolism, strongly contribute to the impairment of glucose tolerance in patients with a natural history of CS. A careful phenotypic evaluation of glucose tolerance defects in patients with CS proves useful for the identification of those at a high risk of metabolic complications.
Avaliação das causas de recusa familiar a doação de órgãos e tecidos
Authors: Pessoa João Luis Erbs , Schirmer Janine , Roza Bartira de Aguiar
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliação das causas de recusa familiar para a doação de órgãos e tecidos. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal correlacional sobre as causas de recusa familiar para a doação de órgãos e tecidos. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o teste Qui-Quadrado e o t-Student. RESULTADOS: A pesquisa destacou que os principais motivos de recusa relacionados são: não compreensão do diagnóstico de morte encefálica (21%), religiosidade (19%), falta de competência técnica da equipe (19%), tempo longo processo (10%), falecido não era doador (9%), medo da mutilação (5,2%), enterrado como veio ao mundo (3,4%), qualidade do atendimento (3,4%), decisão de um único membro da família (3,4%), experiência negativa em outro processo de doação (1,7%), transferência do corpo (1,7%). CONCLUSÃO: As causas de recusa familiar estão ligadas a não compreensão do diagnostico da morte encefálica pelos familiares, aspectos ligados a religião, despreparo do profissional que realizou a entrevista.
Prevalência e fatores de risco independentes à tricomoníase em mulheres assistidas na atenção básica
Authors: Lima Morgana Cristina Leôncio de , Albuquerque Thalita Valéria , Barreto Neto Augusto Cesar , Rehn Vitorina Nerivânia Covello
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência e os fatores associados à tricomoníase em mulheres assistidas na atenção primária. MÉTODOS: Foi desenvolvido um estudo transversal envolvendo uma amostra 314 prontuários, aleatoriamente selecionados por um processo de amostragem sistemática, entre as mulheres atendidas em serviços de atenção básica à saúde. Foram analisadas variáveis socioeconômicas, demográficas e clínicas. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de Trichomonas vaginalis foi de 10,5%, sendo que 35% das mulheres analisadas residiam na zona rural. A análise de regressão logística ajustada mostrou como preditores independentes para a presença da tricomoníase: a elevada pressão arterial, odor vaginal desagradável e dispareunia. CONCLUSÃO: A aplicabilidade prática dos resultados refere-se a subsídios para o planejamento de novas ações de enfermagem para a prevenção e redução da prevalência da tricomoníase em mulheres.
Comparação entre as intervenções de enfermagem realizadas e os registros em sistema informatizado para atenção básica
Authors: Bonfim Daiana , Laus Ana Maria , Fugulin Fernanda Maria Togeiro , Gaidzinski Raquel Rapone
Published: November 2013

OBJETIVO: Comparar as intervenções realizadas pela equipe de enfermagem em uma Unidade de Atenção Primária à Saúde com as intervenções registradas em sistema de informação. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, exploratório realizado em duas etapas em uma Unidade de Saúde considerada de boas práticas de enfermagem. Etapa 1: observação direta, não participativa e estruturada durante cinco dias. Etapa 2: aplicação da técnica de mapeamento cruzado nas atividades registradas no sistema informatizado, adequando-as em linguagem padronizada de intervenções de enfermagem. RESULTADOS: Identificou-se que 23,5% e 27,2% das intervenções realizadas pela equipe de enfermagem e enfermeiros foram registradas no sistema informatizado. CONCLUSÃO: O sistema informatizado apresenta campos insuficientes para relatar o trabalho realizado pela equipe de enfermagem em Unidade de Atenção Primária à Saúde.
Simulações espacialmente explícitas dos estoques de carbono orgânico de um LATOSSOLO BRUNO por meio da integração do modelo century com GIS
Authors: Lopes Fabíola , Mielniczuk João , Bortolon Elisandra Oliveira , Tornquist Carlos Gustavo , Giasson Elvio
Published: November 2013

Os modelos de simulação, uma vez calibrados localmente, são ferramentas úteis para a avaliação dos impactos da agricultura sobre a dinâmica do carbono orgânico do solo (COS) e planejamento de sistemas agrícolas sustentáveis em escala regional. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a dinâmica do COS em um LATOSSOLO BRUNO Aluminoférrico típico muito argiloso, localizado em uma região de clima subtropical, por meio de simulações com o modelo Century - versão 4.0, apoiado em levantamentos históricos e técnicas de geoprocessamento e sensoriamento remoto. Verificou-se que, para o período atual, a mudança de uso do solo, representada pela conversão da vegetação nativa em agricultura, causou uma redução no conteúdo de carbono ao longo dos anos, sendo que as lavouras com maior tempo de exploração e submetidas ao preparo convencional apresentaram os menores estoques. Por outro lado, nas simulações futuras (ano 2058), verifica-se que as lavouras, quando sob manejos conservacionistas, podem recuperar, e até superar, os estoques de COS encontrados no solo sob vegetação nativa de campo.
Oviposition preference of the neotropical brown stink bug Euschistus heros on artificial substrates of different colors
Authors: Krinski Diones , Favetti Bruna Magda , Lima Adielson Gonçalves de , Brum Tatiane Regina
Published: November 2013

This study aimed to evaluate the oviposition preference of the Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.) on artificial substrates of different colors (felt woven). For this, ten pairs of stink bugs were transferred into plastic pots. Each pot contained seven felts of 6x20 cm (100% polyester-atoxic) of different colors (white, black, blue, green, red, yellow and brown). The pots were evaluated daily for three weeks (21 days) being counted the number of eggs, clutches and eggs per clutch for each color of felt. The choice test was set in a completely randomized design. Data obtained was submitted to the analysis of variance and means were compared by Scott-Knott test at 5% probability. During the evaluation were produced 7074 eggs distributed in 977 clutches, accounting a mean of 7.06±0.67 eggs per clutch. Results indicated that females laid a significantly greater number of eggs (2380 and 1686) and a greater number of clutches (319 and 233) on the yellow and white felts, respectively, than on the remaining substrates. The substrates in color red, black and brown were the least preferred, and the colors blue and green were intermediate when compared with others. Therefore, the substrates colored yellow and white are suggested to be used in rearing E. heros in the laboratory.
Estimates of (co)variance components and genetic parameters for growth traits in Suffolk lambs
Authors: Tamioso Priscilla Regina , Alberti Filho Jaime Luiz , Dias Laila Talarico , Teixeira Rodrigo de Almeida
Published: November 2013

The study aimed to estimate the components of (co)variance and heritability for weights at birth (BW), weaning (WW) and 180 days of age (W180), as well as the average daily gains from birth to weaning (ADG1), birth to 180 days of age (ADG2) and weaning to 180 days of age (ADG3) in Suffolk sheep. Thus, three different single-trait animal models were fitted, considering the direct additive genetic effect (Model 1), the direct additive genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects (Model 2), and in Model 3, in addition to those in Model 2, the maternal additive genetic effect was included. After comparing models through the likelihood ratio test (LRT), model 3 was chosen as the most appropriate to estimate heritability for BW, WW and ADG1. Model 2 was considered as the best to estimate the coefficient of heritability for W180 and ADG2, and model 1 for ADG3. Direct heritability estimates were inflated when maternal effects were ignored. According to the most suitable models, the heritability estimates for BW, WW, W180, ADG1, ADG2 and ADG3 were 0.06, 0.08, 0.09, 0.07, 0.08 and 0.07, respectively, indicating low possibility of genetic gain through individual selection. The results show the importance of including maternal effects in the models to properly estimate genetic parameters even at post-weaning ages.
Tratamento térmico do silano para melhorar a cimentação adesiva de restaurações cerâmicas odontológicas
Authors: Peixoto F. L. M. , Batitucci E. , Daroz C. B. S. , Sampaio F. H. R.
Published: November 2013

O sucesso da cimentação adesiva para restaurações cerâmicas odontológicas está, em parte, relacionado com a correta indicação de um tratamento superficial do substrato cerâmico. Diversos tipos de tratamento da superfície interna das restaurações cerâmicas têm sido propostos na literatura, dentre os quais se destacam o condicionamento com ácido hidrofluorídrico e a silanização. Todavia, o condicionamento com ácido pode reduzir a resistência da cerâmica dependendo da extensão de remoção da fase cristalina, além de exigir grande cautela durante manuseio deste tipo de ácido por ser um material altamente tóxico. Com a possibilidade de otimizar a efetividade da silanização pelo seu aquecimento no momento da evaporação, surge em vista uma nova possibilidade na Odontologia; a de suprimir a utilização do ácido hidrofluorídrico como condicionador para tratamento de superfície das cerâmicas no consultório odontológico e junto com ele os seus riscos a saúde humana em virtude de sua alta toxicidade. Desta forma, o objetivo desta revisão de literatura é abordar o tratamento térmico do silano como forma de melhorar a cimentação adesiva de restaurações cerâmicas.
Incorporation of sugarcane bagasse ash waste as an alternative raw material for red ceramic
Authors: Faria K. C. P. , Holanda J. N. F.
Published: November 2013

The sugarcane industry generates huge amounts of sugarcane bagasse ashes (SCBA). This work investigates the incorporation of a SCBA waste as an alternative raw material into a clay body, replacing natural clay material by up to 20 wt.%. Clay ceramic pieces were produced by uniaxial pressing and fired at temperatures varying from 700 to 1100 ºC. The technological properties of the clay ceramic pieces (linear shrinkage, apparent density, water absorption, and tensile strength) as function of the firing temperature and waste addition are investigated. The phase evolution during firing was followed by X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the SCBA waste could be incorporated into red ceramics (bricks and roofing tiles) in partial replacement for natural clay material. These results confirm the feasibility of valorisation of SCBA waste to produce red ceramic. This use of SCBA can also contribute greatly to reducing the environmental problems of the sugarcane industry, and also save the sources of natural raw materials used in the ceramic industry.
Prevenção e detecção do câncer bucal: planejamento participativo como estratégia para ampliação da cobertura populacional em idosos
Authors: Bulgareli Jaqueline Vilela , Diniz Olívia Cristina Caseto Furian , Faria Eduardo Tanajura de , Vazquez Fabiana de Lima , Cortellazzi Karine Laura , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: November 2013

Considerando a abordagem do câncer bucal um problema de saúde pública e a necessidade de fortalecer o diagnóstico precoce para garantir um prognóstico favorável aos pacientes, o município de Marília (SP) realiza anualmente uma ação de prevenção e detecção precoce do câncer bucal. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o planejamento participativo das equipes das unidades de saúde, buscando elencar as dificuldades encontradas e as estratégias adotadas no período de cinco anos (2006-2011), através da análise da cobertura de exames bucais de prevenção e detecção da doença. As estratégias para enfrentamento das dificuldades, aspectos de coordenação e vigilância epidemiológica levantadas pelos cirurgiões-dentistas, geraram um incremento na cobertura de exames realizados na população (> 60 anos) passando de uma cobertura de 21% em 2006 para 62% em 2011. Conclui-se que o desenvolvimento das estratégias com participação das equipes de saúde vem repercutindo em resultados bastante satisfatórios, garantindo que as lesões de câncer bucal sejam diagnosticadas e tratadas precocemente sob a ótica de um prognóstico mais favorável.
Hábitos alimentares na prevenção de doenças cardiovasculares e fatores associados em idosos hipertensos
Authors: Gadenz Sabrina Dalbosco , Benvegnú Luís Antônio
Published: November 2013

As doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte e incapacidade em idosos. Nesta pesquisa, foram identificados hábitos alimentares saudáveis e fatores associados à prevenção de doenças cardiovasculares entre idosos hipertensos. Realizou-se um estudo transversal com coleta de dados primários em uma unidade de saúde da família pertencente a um município do interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Participaram do estudo 212 idosos hipertensos. Verificou-se maior prevalência de idosos jovens, do sexo feminino, com poucos anos de estudo e de baixa renda. Os hábitos alimentares saudáveis dos idosos hipertensos avaliados estão aquém daqueles preconizados. Fatores socioeconômicos, características de saúde e utilização dos serviços de saúde influenciaram na prática de hábitos alimentares saudáveis. Os resultados desse estudo sugerem que os idosos hipertensos estão encontrando dificuldade para adotar hábitos alimentares saudáveis; contribuem ainda para a definição de estratégias para o trabalho cotidiano de prevenção e controle das doenças cardiovasculares em idosos.
Avaliação dos serviços de farmácia dos hospitais estaduais do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Authors: Silva Mario Jorge Sobreira da , Magarinos-Torres Rachel , Oliveira Maria Auxiliadora , Osorio-de-Castro Claudia Garcia Serpa
Published: November 2013

Este artigo apresenta o resultado de avaliação das farmácias dos hospitais próprios do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Para a avaliação normativa foram empregados 62 indicadores de estrutura e processo, que permitiram verificar a adequação das atividades da farmácia hospitalar. Em seguida, os serviços foram estratificados por nível de complexidade do hospital. Em cada estrato foi aplicado um algoritmo de pontuação escalonada de acordo com as atividades executadas. Os hospitais foram então hierarquizados em cada estrato, sendo escolhidos para o estudo de casos múltiplos o pior e o melhor serviço de cada nível de complexidade, perfazendo um total de seis unidades. Nestas, foram aplicados 16 indicadores de resultados. Os dados foram analisados por síntese de casos cruzados. A avaliação do desempenho mostrou que apenas uma unidade realizava a contento as atividades de gerenciamento e programação. Quatro realizavam inadequadamente a aquisição de medicamentos. Os piores resultados de desempenho nos seis hospitais estudados foram relacionados ao componente armazenamento, e os melhores à atividade de distribuição. Os dados são preocupantes, por serem as atividades avaliadas consideradas centrais da farmácia hospitalar.
Analgésicos, antipiréticos e anti-inflamatórios não esteroides em prescrições pediátricas
Authors: Ferreira Tânia Regina , Barberato Filho Silvio , Borgatto Adriano Ferreti , Lopes Luciane Cruz
Published: November 2013

O uso de analgésicos, antipiréticos e anti-inflamatórios não esteroides por crianças muitas vezes não tem aprovação das agências reguladoras, nem respaldo das evidências científicas. Prescrições pediátricas podem ser influenciadas por fatores que não favorecem o uso racional dos medicamentos desta classe. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a utilização de analgésicos, antipiréticos e anti-inflamatórios não esteroides em crianças, considerando os setores público (SUS) e privado (N-SUS). A amostra foi composta por 150 prescrições (101 SUS e 49 N-SUS) seguidas de entrevista aos cuidadores, em dezoito locais (nove drogarias privadas e nove Unidades de Saúde do SUS). Os medicamentos foram prescritos de forma apropriada, segundo faixa etária, somente em 21,8% (SUS) e 29,6% (N-SUS) das prescrições. Mais de 95% das receitas, independente da origem, não atenderam aos critérios estabelecidos para avaliação do uso racional, com erros de dose, frequência e duração do tratamento. A análise das prescrições de analgésicos, antipiréticos e anti-inflamatórios não esteroides para crianças não apresentou diferenças significantes nos setores público e privado.
Avaliação da efetividade na mudança de hábitos com intervenção nutricional em grupo
Authors: Franzoni Bruna , Lima Lena Azeredo de , Castoldi Luciana , Labrêa Maria da Graça Alves
Published: November 2013

O padrão alimentar inadequado, a inatividade física, o tabagismo e o consumo de álcool representam um complexo de fatores de risco para doenças e agravos não transmissíveis. A promoção de práticas alimentares saudáveis representa estratégia fundamental para o enfrentamento dos problemas alimentares e nutricionais da atualidade. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar se a participação do usuário em uma intervenção nutricional em grupo foi capaz de modificar os seus hábitos alimentares. A pesquisa foi realizada em um serviço público de saúde, em Porto Alegre [RS]. Trata-se de um estudo experimental, de natureza quali-quantitativa, no qual os participantes do grupo foram avaliados antes e depois da intervenção nutricional. A amostra final foi de 10 participantes, de ambos os sexos, com idade média de 48 anos, predomínio de ensino médio, com renda familiar média de dois salários mínimos e prevalência de sobrepeso. Os resultados demonstraram que o objetivo do estudo foi atingido, uma vez que o grupo apresentou melhora dos hábitos alimentares, com consequente perda de peso. Conclui-se que houve a efetividade na intervenção realizada em grupo, com ênfase na alimentação e nutrição, e se recomenda a sua implantação na rotina dos serviços do Sistema Único de Saúde.
Timber gridshells: beyond the drawing board
Authors: Tang Gabriel
Published: November 2013

In March 2011, a week-long workshop that invited participation from all architecture and architectural technology students at Sheffield Hallam University, UK was organised with the objective of enhancing students' thinking and experience by construction thinking. It was aimed at creating a sense of realness to realise a design project collectively. Timber was set as the material of exploration. The students had to make use of bending to design and create a timber gridshell structure. This made use of a quality traditionally felt to be a structural weakness of the material. To do this, students form-found non-mathematically and non-digitally using paper gridmats. This paper describes the aims, activity and outcome of the timber gridshell workshop as a way of preparing architects and technologists of the future and introducing the challenges of architectural design in terms of economics and construction process, aesthetics, effective communication and structural intuition by working with a given material – all important aspects in achieving effective architecture.
A scenario-based analysis of building energy performance
Authors: Caputo Silvio , Caserio Maria , Coles Richard , Jankovic Lubo , Gaterell Mark R.
Published: November 2013

Inherent to the sustainability discourse is concern about the long-term future. If sustainable, cities must deliver positive benefits over their possibly long lifetime. Yet in formulating guidance and negotiating design choices for urban development, the consideration of uncertainty and potential future adverse conditions leading to failure is difficult to deal with. In this paper an approach to this issue that can inform the planning and/or urban design process is presented. It is based on a scenario analysis methodology (futures analysis), which herein is used to appraise the energy-efficiency strategies currently recommended in the UK planning system and best practice. The built environment is one of the major consumers of energy, and its energy efficiency is thereby central to any attempt to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Through the analysis, some important factors that could undermine good energy performance emerge. Such findings can lead to the making of decisions that can enhance urban resilience. The first part of the paper provides an overview of the energy-efficient strategies examined, as well as current approaches for considering the evolution of present conditions when planning. The second part presents the futures analysis and its significance is demonstrated through a case study.
A sheet erodibility parameter for water erosion modeling in regions with low intensity rain
Authors: Hussein Mohammad H.
Published: November 2013

Soil erodibility reflects the soil effect on the detachment process by rainfall and runoff; an evaluation of this parameter for single storm events was carried out using natural runoff plot data collected for two rainfall seasons in northern Iraq. The region is characterized by a semiarid Mediterranean-type climate with normal rainfall intensity below 20 mm/h and dominant sheet erosion on agricultural land. The plots were three 30 × 3 m and three 10 × 3 m, in fallow, situated on a 6% uniform slope; the soil at the site has a silty clay loam texture and belongs to the Calciorthid suborder. Sheet erosion rate was assumed linearly proportional to the storm power and the sheet flow power; a steady-state turbulent and kinematic sheet flow was also assumed. The results indicated a dominant detachment by rainfall with a substantial variability in storm by storm calculated sheet erodibility. The two-parameter lognormal probability distribution fitted the obtained sheet erodibility values reasonably well. Using this probability distribution, a representative sheet erodibility value of 0.056 × 10−3kg/J was obtained for use at the experimental site.
Estimating the contribution of groundwater to rootzone soil moisture
Authors: Zhu Yonghua , Ren Liliang , Horton Robert , Lü Haishen , Chen Xi , Jia Yangwen , Wang Zhenlong , Sudicky E. A.
Published: November 2013

In the Huaibei Plain basin, China, soybean is a main crop. During the soybean growth period, rainfall can vary largely and depth to watertable can also vary largely. The amount of water supplied to the soybean rootzone by groundwater affects soybean growth and yield. Accurate simulation of groundwater contributions to soybean rootzone soil moisture (groundwater contribution) can be important for determining irrigation to and drainage from soybean fields. Based on field observations and local weather data of 2005, HYDRUS-1D was validated by comparing simulated and measured rootzone soil water contents. The validated model was used to estimate the daily groundwater contributions for three different soybean hydrological growing seasons, i.e., an average year (1997), a wet year (2005), and a dry year (2004) with soybean growth at its optimal state. The main results were: (1) seasonal groundwater contribution was 157 mm in the experimental field, and the estimated groundwater contributions were 158, 222, and 387 mm in the wet, average, and dry seasons, respectively; (2) the groundwater contribution was about 63% of the total seasonal transpiration in the experimental field, and those were about 142, 80, and 66% of the total seasonal transpiration in dry, average, and wet seasons, respectively.
Evaluation of different data management scenarios for estimating daily reference evapotranspiration
Authors: Shiri Jalal , Sadraddini Ali Ashraf , Nazemi Amir Hossein , Kisi Ozgur , Marti Pau , Fard Ahmad Fakheri , Landeras Gorka
Published: November 2013

Temperature and solar radiation-based modeling procedures are reported in this study for estimating daily reference evapotranspiration (ET0) by using gene expression programming (GEP) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). A comparison is also made among these techniques and the corresponding traditional temperature/radiation-based ET0 estimation equations. Two data management scenarios were evaluated for estimating ET0: (1) the models were trained and tested using the local data of each studied weather station; and (2) the models were trained using the pooled data from all the stations and tested in each individual station. The GEP and ANFIS models were found to be better than the Hargreaves–Samani, Makkink and Turc ET0 equations in the first scenario. Comparison of GEP and ANFIS models trained with pooled data and tested for each station showed that the ANFIS models generally performed better than the GEP models. However, the comparison of GEP and ANFIS models trained and tested with pooled data revealed that the GEP models performed better than the ANFIS models in the second scenario.
Optimization of the ozone dosage at the drinking water treatment plant of Kluizen
Authors: Cromphout Jan , Goethals Stefanie , Verdickt Liesbeth
Published: November 2013

De Watergroep, a Flemish drinking water utility, aims to optimize the ozonation process at the Kluizen surface waterworks in order to obtain sufficient inactivation of pathogenic micro-organisms while minimizing the formation of bromate. In literature, the inactivation of micro-organisms is described as a first order process in ozone exposure (ozone concentration multiplied by exposure time or CT value). In the full-scale plant, the ozone exposure was determined at different temperatures and ozone doses, and an empirical relation between ozone exposure, ozone dose and temperature was derived. Based on the results, the optimum ozone dose required to obtain a Log 2 removal of viruses and a Log 1 removal of Giardia was determined as a function of temperature. Bromate formation was found to be dependent on the ozone dose rather than on the CT value. Therefore, an empirical relation between bromate formation, ozone dose and temperature was established. Bromate formation was found to be far below the legal standard of 10 μg/L when the optimum ozone dose, required to achieve the disinfection goals for viruses and Giardia, is applied.
Drought forecasting using new machine learning methods / Prognozowanie suszy z wykorzystaniem automatycznych samouczących się metod
Authors: Belayneh Anteneh , Adamowski Jan
Published: November 2013

In order to have effective agricultural production the impacts of drought must be mitigated. An important aspect of mitigating the impacts of drought is an effective method of forecasting future drought events. In this study, three methods of forecasting short-term drought for short lead times are explored in the Awash River Basin of Ethiopia. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was the drought index chosen to represent drought in the basin. The following machine learning techniques were explored in this study: artificial neural networks (ANNs), support vector regression (SVR), and coupled wavelet-ANNs, which pre-process input data using wavelet analysis (WA). The forecast results of all three methods were compared using two performance measures (RMSE and R2). The forecast results of this study indicate that the coupled wavelet neural network (WA-ANN) models were the most accurate models for forecasting SPI 3 (3-month SPI) and SPI 6 (6-month SPI) values over lead times of 1 and 3 months in the Awash River Basin in Ethiopia.
Some examples comparing static and dynamic network approaches in water resources allocation models for the rivers of high instability of flows /
Authors: Wojas Włodzimierz , Tyszewski Sylwester
Published: November 2013

In this paper the authors compare two mathematical approaches to the problem of determination of optimal water resources allocation. We compare standard static approach based on static network flow model in pure or generalized network with the dynamic approach based on MDGNFM model presented in [WOJAS 2008]. This comparison is done in the framework of three worked examples of water system. We discuss the following aspects: a possibility to guarantee in the model the availability of the water which is allocated to user in analysed time period; the influence of a choice of the length of time step on the final result, a possibility to consider different summary times in water allocation paths. Comparative analysis can recommend the dynamic approach as more appropriate in the case of water systems of high instability of water flows.
The influence of hydrotechnical conditions on energy production in small-scale hydropower plants / Wpływ warunków hydrotechnicznych na wielkość produkcji energii w małych elektrowniach wodnych
Authors: Bukowski Marcin
Published: November 2013

Polish accession to the EU was followed by a need of adaptation of Polish legislation to the European requirements, also with regard to the energetic sector. The need of achieving 15% share of electric power from renewable sources in the total energy consumption till the year 2010 is a consequence of this decision. This target may be achieved in Polish conditions based on water and wind energy and from biomass combustion. The paper presents the influence of hydrologic conditions and technical parameters on the amount of produced energy. Factors affecting energy production in small hydropower plants were analysed. The formula was proposed to describe the effect of water flow in a river on energy production in small hydropower plants.
Small water bodies formed after peat digging in Dobrzyńskie Lakeland / Małe zbiorniki wodne powstałe po wydobyciu torfu na Pojezierzu Dobrzyńskim
Authors: Koprowski Jan , Łachacz Andrzej
Published: November 2013

Post-peat water bodies formed as a result of peat digging for fuel in the 19th and the first half of the 20th century are common in the middle part of Dobrzyńskie Lakeland. In many cases peat was dug almost completely to form small water bodies. In the studied part of the lakeland 56.24 ha or 10.20% of peatland area have been exploited. The share of peatlands in the surface area of particular regions varied from 3.79% to 9.81%. The degree of peat exploitation also varied. Peat coverage of 7.06% was larger than the mean for Poland (3.80%) but close to that in young glacial areas. A group of water bodies formed after peat digging differed in terms of water quality. Physical and chemical properties of waters in studied water bodies are typical of surface and shallow ground waters in young glacial areas. They are fresh waters of a slightly higher content of mineral ions and of neutral to alkaline pH. Their electrolytic conductivity ranged between 300 and 500 μS∙cm-1. Bicarbonates and calcium dominated their ionic composition. Post-peat water bodies were colonised by pleustonic and rush plant communities. Their species composition indicates eutrophic habitat conditions. Despite the fact that post-peat water bodies were formed as a result of intense environmental disturbance, now they increase landscape diversity of the middle part of Dobrzyńskie Lakeland and are habitats of many rare and endangered plant species.
Impact of peat excavation on water condition in the adjacent raised bog / Oddziaływanie kopalni torfu na warunki wodne na przyległym torfowisku wysokim
Authors: Mioduszewski Waldemar , Kowalewski Zbigniew , Wierzba Marek
Published: November 2013

Wetlands, in which peat lands are included, as valuable ecosystems are strongly dependent of water that should be saved. On the other hand, peat is a valuable resource e.g. used in gardening. In this paper hydrologic research for evaluation of influence of excavation sites on the water conditions in raised bog have been presented. One of the Polish peat mines is directly adjacent to the natural raised bog that is a protected nature reserve and situated in the area of Natura 2000. The first attempts of industrial peat excavation, in the area, took place in 1970 (more than 40 years ago). Research on groundwater level, peat moisture and precipitation has been carried out. It has been proved that raised bogs of meaningful environmental values situated in the vicinity of the excavation site preserve their ecological value. The study shown that it is worth to protect raised bog even in such inconvenient situation. Some recommendation to preserve the natural value of the raised bog has been given.
Economic assessment of the development opportunities of farms participating in agri-environmental programmes / Ekonomiczna analiza możliwości rozwoju gospodarstw rolnych uczestniczących w programach rolno-środowiskowych
Authors: Jankowska-Huflejt Halina , Prokopowicz Jerzy
Published: November 2013

The study was conducted in 2007 with the inquiry method in 30 farms which specialised in livestock production based on own grasslands and participated in the Rural Development Programme in the years 2004-2006. The mean farm area was 19.69 ha (from 2.2 ha to182.0 ha) and farms were divided into 4 groups: 1-10; 10-20; 20-50 and >50 ha. The share of permanent grasslands was 53.8% on average. The crop structure was subject to the production of bulk feeds and feed grain (oats), cereal mixtures, triticale and barley. The mean share of cereals was 78.5 %, root crops - 9.4 % and legumes - 2.1 %. The highest livestock (cattle, pigs, horses, poultry) density (mean of 0.5 LU per ha of agricultural land) was in farms from the group of 20-50 ha. Both the farm investments in fixed assets and average direct costs of plant and animal production were low. The revenue from agricultural production was medium to low. The proportion of subsidies from the RDP was high (17%). Gross margin in farms was medium and low. Its value per 1 ha of agricultural land (AL) and per capita increased with the increase of farm surface area (except for a group of 20.1-50.0 ha). The effectiveness of fixed assets was high, its index ranged from 0.39 to 0.58 with a mean of 0.43. Only 23% of surveyed farms had a chance of further development.
A Cyclic Voltammetric Study of the Redox Reaction of Cu(II) in Presence of Ascorbic Acid in Different pH Media
Authors: Haque Farhana , Rahman MS , Ahmed Etmina , Bakshi PK , Shaikh AA
Published: November 2013

The electrochemical redox behavior of Cu(II), and Cu(II) in presence of ascorbic acid has been investigated at glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in aqueous phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at various pH. In the studied pH range the voltammogram consists of a cathodic and an anodic peak. Cu(II) follows one step two-electron transfer electrochemical redox reaction. The intensities of both cathodic and anodic peak current increase with increasing scan rate that are consistent with Randles-Sevcik equation. The linear behavior of peak current with the square root of scan rate indicates that the electrochemical processes are diffusion controlled. In presence of ascorbic acid both of the cathodic and anodic peak current of Cu(II) is reduced and peak positions are shifted compared to those of Cu(II) alone. These observation suggest that Cu(II) undergoes a strong interaction with ascorbic acid in the studied medium. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17064 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 161-166, 2013 (July)
A General Method of Detecting Confounded Effect in pn (p is prime) Factorial Experiments
Authors: Khan Md Kamrul Hasan , Jalil MA
Published: November 2013

A general detection method of confounded effect in a given plan of a pn (p is prime) factorial experiment with a single effect confounded is proposed. The method is described by introducing some new equations called detection equations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v61i2.17071 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 61(2): 203-206, 2013 (July)
Effect of Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors Clustering with or without Arterial Hypertension on Arterial Stiffness: A Narrative Review
Authors: Athyros Vasilios , Reklou Andromachi , Lazarides Antonis , Mitsiou Eudoxia , Karagiannis Asterios
Published: November 2013

The clustering of cardio-metabolic risk factors, either when called metabolic syndrome (MetS) or not, substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and causes mortality. One of the possible mechanisms for this clustering's adverse effect is an increase in arterial stiffness (AS), and in high central aortic blood pressure (CABP), which are significant and independent CVD risk factors. Arterial hypertension was connected to AS long ago; however, other MetS components (obesity, dyslipidaemia, dysglycaemia) or MetS associated abnormalities not included in MetS diagnostic criteria (renal dysfunction, hyperuricaemia, hypercoaglutability, menopause, non alcoholic fatty liver disease, and obstructive sleep apnea) have been implicated too. We discuss the evidence connecting these cardio-metabolic risk factors, which negatively affect AS and finally increase CVD risk. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of possible lifestyle and pharmacological interventions on all these cardio-metabolic risk factors, in an effort to reduce CVD risk and identify features that should be taken into consideration when treating MetS patients with or without arterial hypertension.
Above-Ground Biomass and Biomass Components Estimation Using LiDAR Data in a Coniferous Forest
Authors: He Qisheng , Chen Erxue , An Ru , Li Yong
Published: November 2013

This study aims to estimate forest above-ground biomass and biomass components in a stand of Picea crassifolia (a coniferous tree) located on Qilian Mountain, western China via low density small-footprint airborne LiDAR data. LiDAR points were first classified into ground points and vegetation points. After, vegetation statistics, including height quantiles, mean height, and fractional cover were calculated. Stepwise multiple regression models were used to develop equations that relate the vegetation statistics from field inventory data with field-based estimates of biomass for each sample plot. The results showed that stem, branch, and above-ground biomass may be estimated with relatively higher accuracies; estimates have adjusted R2 values of 0.748, 0.749, and 0.727, respectively, root mean squared error (RMSE) values of 9.876, 1.520, and 15.237 Mg·ha−1, respectively, and relative RMSE values of 12.783%, 12.423%, and 14.163%, respectively. Moreover, fruit and crown biomass may be estimated with relatively high accuracies; estimates have adjusted R2 values of 0.578 and 0.648, respectively, RMSE values of 1.022 and 5.963 Mg·ha−1, respectively, and relative RMSE values of 23.273% and 19.665%, respectively. In contrast, foliage biomass estimates have relatively low accuracies; they had an adjusted R2 value of 0.356, an RMSE of 3.691 Mg·ha−1, and a relative RMSE of 26.953%. Finally, above-ground biomass and biomass component spatial maps were established using stepwise multiple regression equations. These maps are very useful for updating and modifying forest base maps and registries.
Identification of Novel Small Molecules as Inhibitors of Hepatitis C Virus by Structure-Based Virtual Screening
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Xian , Li Shanshan , Wang Yulan , Zhou Nannan , Luo Cheng , Luo Xiaomin , Zheng Mingyue , Jiang Hualiang , Chen Kaixian
Published: November 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/NS4A serine protease is essential for viral replication, which is regarded as a promising drug target for developing direct-acting anti-HCV agents. In this study, sixteen novel compounds with cell-based HCV replicon activity ranging from 3.0 to 28.2 μM (IC50) were successfully identified by means of structure-based virtual screening. Compound 5 and compound 11, with an IC50 of 3.0 μM and 5.1 μM, respectively, are the two most potent molecules with low cytotoxicity.