bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinal Cord–Midbrain Functional Connectivity Is Related to Perceived Pain Intensity: A Combined Spino-Cortical fMRI Study
Authors: Sprenger Christian , Finsterbusch Jürgen , Büchel Christian
Published: March 2015

The dynamic interaction between ascending spinocortical nociceptive signaling and the descending control of the dorsal horn (DH) by brain regions such as the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) plays a critical role in acute and chronic pain. To noninvasively investigate the processing of nociceptive stimuli in humans, previous fMRI studies either focused exclusively on the brain or, more recently, on the spinal cord. However, to relate neuronal responses in the brain to responses in the spinal cord and to assess the functional interplay between both sites in normal and aberrant conditions, fMRI of both regions within one experiment is necessary. Employing a new MRI acquisition protocol with two separate slice stacks, individually adapted resolutions and parameter settings that are dynamically updated to the optimized settings for the respective region we assessed neuronal activity in the spinal cord and in the brain within one measurement at 3 T. Using a parametric pain paradigm with thermal stimulation to the left radial forearm, we observed BOLD responses in the ipsilateral DH of the spinal segment C6 and corresponding neuronal responses in typical pain-processing brain regions. Based on correlations of adjusted time series, we are able to reveal functional connectivity between the spinal C6-DH and the thalamus, primary somatosensory cortex, bilateral insula, bilateral striatum, and key structures of the descending pain-modulatory system such as the PAG, the hypothalamus, and the amygdala. Importantly, the individual strength of the spinal–PAG coupling predicted individual pain ratings highlighting the functional relevance of this system during physiological pain signaling.
Olig1 Function Is Required for Oligodendrocyte Differentiation in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Dai Jinxiang , Bercury Kathryn K. , Ahrendsen Jared T. , Macklin Wendy B.
Published: March 2015

Oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination are tightly regulated processes orchestrated by a complex transcriptional network. Two bHLH transcription factors in this network, Olig1 and Olig2, are expressed exclusively by oligodendrocytes after late embryonic development. Although the role of Olig2 in the lineage is well established, the role of Olig1 is still unclear. The current studies analyzed the function of Olig1 in oligodendrocyte differentiation and developmental myelination in brain. Both oligodendrocyte progenitor cell commitment and oligodendrocyte differentiation were impaired in the corpus callosum ofOlig1-null mice, resulting in hypomyelination throughout adulthood in the brain. As seen in previous studies with this mouse line, although there was an early myelination deficit in the spinal cord, essentially full recovery with normal spinal cord myelination was seen. Intriguingly, this regional difference may be partially attributed to compensatory upregulation of Olig2 protein expression in the spinal cord after Olig1 deletion, which is not seen in brain. The current study demonstrates a unique role for Olig1 in promoting oligodendrocyte progenitor cell commitment, differentiation, and subsequent myelination primarily in brain, but not spinal cord.
Glucose Induces Sensitivity to Oxygen Deprivation and Modulates Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling and Lipid Biosynthesis inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Garcia Anastacia M , Ladage Mary L , Dumesnil Dennis R , Zaman Khadiza , Shulaev Vladimir , Azad Rajeev K , Padilla Pamela A
Published: March 2015

Diet is a central environmental factor that contributes to the phenotype and physiology of individuals. At the root of many human health issues is the excess of calorie intake relative to calorie expenditure. For example, the increasing amount of dietary sugars in the human diet is contributing to the rise of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes have compromised oxygen delivery, and thus it is of interest to investigate the impact a high-sugar diet has on oxygen deprivation responses. By utilizing the Caenorhabditis elegans genetic model system, which is anoxia tolerant, we determined that a glucose-supplemented diet negatively impacts responses to anoxia and that the insulin-like signaling pathway, through fatty acid and ceramide synthesis, modulates anoxia survival. Additionally, a glucose-supplemented diet alters lipid localization and initiates a positive chemotaxis response. Use of RNA-sequencing analysis to compare gene expression responses in animals fed either a standard or glucose-supplemented diet revealed that glucose impacts the expression of genes involved with multiple cellular processes including lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, stress responses, cell division, and extracellular functions. Several of the genes we identified show homology to human genes that are differentially regulated in response to obesity or type 2 diabetes, suggesting that there may be conserved gene expression responses between C. elegans fed a glucose-supplemented diet and a diabetic and/or obesity state observed in humans. These findings support the utility of the C. elegans model for understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating dietary-induced metabolic diseases.
Circumcision and Muslim Women’s Identity in Indonesia
Authors: Octavia Lanny
Published: March 2015

In Indonesia, female circumcision is generally perceived as a traditional heritage that must be respected and preserved, as well as a religious injunction that must be followed and implemented. Despite there being a lack of religious arguments, the practice has been deemed as a medium to Islamize a girl and as a strong marker of a girl’s Islamic identity. On the other hand, female circumcision is also associated with local tradition. The practice is intended to purify and preserve a girl’s honor. This reflects a patriarchal ideology that emphasizes the importance of protecting female chastity. This paper unfolds the complicated nature of female circumcision in Indonesia, and examines whether it serves as an expression of religious belief, as a preservation of local tradition or as a violation of human rights.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v21i3.1217
Los derechos económicos en una sociedad decente y en teorías de la justicia
Authors: Guerra González María Del Rosario
Published: March 2015

En este artículo se demuestra mediante un análisis documental, con metodología hermenéutica, que los derechos económicos tienen una base ética pero que son más que esto, porque pueden reclamarse en los aspectos nacional, regional e internacional, a pesar de ser progresivos.La contribución de la investigación es subsanar errores en el tema de derechos económicos, situarlos en una "sociedad decente" y mostrar posibilidades y límites de las teorías sobre la justicia de John Rawls, Thomas Scanlon y Amartya Sen, con respecto a este tema. Se proponen nuevos derechos para darles mayor eficacia a los existentes.
Divisas e imperialismo en las crisis económicas argentinas
Authors: Burachik Gustavo
Published: March 2015

Este artículo trata sobre la naturaleza de las crisis económicas en la Argentina. La opinión usual las vincula con la escasez de divisas. En este ensayo se polemiza con esta tesis. El punto de partida del análisis es la teoría del imperialismo. A principios del siglo XX, la economía mundial adquiere ciertos rasgos que condicionan las relaciones económicas entre países. El análisis busca asociar el movimiento de entrada y salida de divisas de la Argentina y el fenómeno de las crisis económicas con estos condicionantes históricos.
Estructura productiva desequilibrada: un análisis de las contribuciones de Marcelo Diamand a la teoría económica
Authors: Dvoskin Ariel , Feldman Germán
Published: March 2015

El artículo analiza las contribuciones del economista estructuralista argentino Marcelo Diamand en las décadas de 1970 y 1980. Se examina, en particular, el concepto de estructura productiva desequilibrada y sus implicaciones en la distribución del ingreso, el nivel general de precios y la dinámica de las cantidades producidas en las economías latinoamericanas, con especial foco en el caso argentino. De nuestro trabajo se desprende que la obra de Diamand tiene una notable relevancia para entender los actuales desafíos que enfrenta la economía argentina en su intento de lograr un proceso de crecimiento sostenido.
Una aproximación a los cambios en la composición económica de la clase dominante en el nuevo modo de desarrollo argentino (2002-2009)
Authors: López Emiliano
Published: March 2015

Este artículo apunta a dar cuenta de los cambios económicos de las clases dominantes en el marco del nuevo modo de desarrollo en la Argentina del siglo XXI. El texto intentará rastrear los procesos de recomposición económica de las clases dominantes luego de la salida devaluatoria de la crisis neoliberal en Argentina, específicamente en el periodo 2002-2009. Abordamos aquí, de manera renovada, las clásicas preguntas elaboradas en los estudios latinoamericanos de economía política: qué fracciones lideran el proceso de acumulación, cuál es el origen de estas fracciones y en qué ramas de la producción se ubican.
Neodesarrollismo y el tipo de cambio competitivo
Authors: Fiorito Alejandro , Guaita Nahuel , Guaita Silvio
Published: March 2015

En este trabajo se intenta mostrar que las modificaciones en los tipos de cambio tienen efectos limitados en el aumento del producto, mientras que, inversamente, esos cambios impactan especialmente en la distribución del ingreso al incidir en los precios domésticos. Se analizan y muestran múltiples referencias de la literatura internacional que cuestionan este "consenso de tipos de cambio competitivos". Se realizan correlaciones que muestran resultados distintos de los obtenidos en Rodrik (2008) con los mismos datos utilizados, aunque simplemente cambiando la metodología de datos de panel y usando en cambio una más convencional de series de tiempo.
List of marine crabs (Decapoda: Anomura and Brachyura) of shallow littoral of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Authors: Diez García Yander Luis , Capote Abdiel Jover
Published: March 2015

Marine crustaceans constitute one of the best studied groups in the Cuban waters. However, the level of systematic knowledge about them differs among the ecoregions of the platform. This paper presents the systematic list of hermit, porcelain and brachyuran crabs of the coast of Santiago de Cuba, on the southeast platform of Cuba. The records of the species have been compiled between 2009 and 2013, in ten locations, which differ in the type of habitats. Additional material was examined in the collection of the Universidad de Oriente Museum Charles Ramsdem. Eighty-one species are represented (seven hermits, eight porcelains and sixty-six true crabs). Data on their local and global distribution, their habitat, and notes on their reproductive period and fishing use are also provided.
Lippia alba essential oil promotes survival of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) infected with Aeromonassp.
Authors: SUTILI FERNANDO J. , CUNHA MAURO A. , ZIECH ROSANGELA E. , KREWER CARINA C. , ZEPPENFELD CARLA C. , HELDWEIN CLARISSA G. , GRESSLER LETICIA T. , HEINZMANN BERTA M. , VARGAS AGUEDA C. , BALDISSEROTTO BERNARDO
Published: March 2015

In vitro and in vivo activity of the Lippia alba essential oil (EO) against Aeromonas sp. was evaluated. In the in vitro assay the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of EO for Aeromonas cells were determined using the microdilution method. Twenty five strains of Aeromonassp. isolated from infected fish obtained from local fish farms were used. MIC and MBC values were 2862 and 5998 µg mL-1 for L. alba EO and 0.5 and 1.2 µg mL-1for gentamicin, respectively. In the in vivo assay silver catfish juveniles (Rhamdia quelen) (7.50 ± 1.85 g and 10.0 ± 1.0 cm) with typical injuries associated to Aeromonas infection were divided into four treatments (in triplicate n=10): untreated fish (negative control), 10 mg L-1 of gentamicin, and 20 or 50 µL L-1 of EO. Fish were maintained in aerated 20 L plastic boxes. After 10 days survival of silver catfish infected with Aermonas sp. and treated with essential oil (50 µL L-1) was greater than 90%.
Butia capitata (Mart.) Becc. lamina anatomy as a tool for taxonomic distinction from B. odorata (Barb. Rodr.) Noblick comb. nov (Arecaceae)
Authors: SANT'ANNA-SANTOS BRUNO F. , CARVALHO JÚNIOR WELLINGTON G.O. , AMARAL VANESSA B.
Published: March 2015

The distinction between Butia capitata and B. odorata is based only on a few morphological characteristics, therefore there is a need for additional studies for supporting the separation of the species. As lamina anatomy characteristics are relevant in circumscribing Arecaceae taxa, this work aimed to describe B. capitata lamina anatomy and compare it with B. odorata. Samples from the middle portion of the pinnae were collected and processed in accordance with standard plant anatomy techniques. The epidermis is uniseriate and composed of a thick cuticle and epicuticular waxes into like hooked filaments. The subsidiary cells that arch over the guard cells are located at the hypodermis. The mesophyll is isobilateral and compact. The vascular bundles are collateral with a sclerenchymatic sheath extension that reaches the hypodermis. The stegmata cells have spherical and druse-like silica bodies. The midrib faces the adaxial surface with a thick fibrous layer surrounding the vascular bundles adjacent to the chlorenchyma. The stratified expansion tissue is on the abaxial surface, within the boundary between the mesophyll and midrib. Raphides are only found in B. capitata. Small bundles of the midrib fully surround the fibrous cylinder only in B. odorata. These characteristics are diagnostic and useful for supporting the proposed separation.
Isolation, characterization and evaluation of antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of estragole, obtained from the essential oil of croton zehntneri (euphorbiaceae)
Authors: ANDRADE THALLITA C.B. , LIMA SIDNEY G. DE , FREITAS RIVELILSON M. , ROCHA MÁRCIO S. , ISLAM TOREQUL , SILVA TERESINHA G. DA , MILITÃO GARDENIA C.G.
Published: March 2015

Croton zehntneri (Euphorbiaceae) is a native aromatic plant from Northeast region of Brazil. The monoterpenoid estragole (ESL) has been isolated by classical chromatographic methods from the essential oil (EO) of C. zehnteneri leaves and characterized by GC-FID and GC-MS, its antimicrobial and cytotoxic potentials being assessed. The analysis of the EO enabled the identification of 100% of the integrated constituents, of which yield was about 1.8%. The main components identified were: eucalyptol, estragole (84.7%) and spathulenol. The dosage of 50 μg/disk of ESL presented fairly significant zones of inhibition against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi. The ESL presented toxicity against Artemia salina with LC50 and LC90 of 4,54 and 8,47 μg mL-1. However, in tumor inhibition assays (human cells), there were no rewarding inhibition in any of the human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HEP-2 and NCI-H292).
Modelagem probabilística de eventos de precipitação extrema no estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Caldeira Tamara L. , Beskow Samuel , Mello Carlos R. de , Faria Lessandro C. , Souza Mayara R. de , Guedes Hugo A. S.
Published: March 2015

A gestão de cheias em bacias hidrográficas brasileiras deve ser discutida e priorizada, porém o cenário atual indica lacunas quanto às informações hidrológicas com variabilidade espacial e temporal condizentes. A modelagem probabilística de eventos extremos de precipitação, buscando a extrapolação para uma frequência e duração, pode servir como excelente ferramenta de análise e tomada de decisões. O objetivo principal deste trabalho foi analisar o ajuste de diferentes modelos probabilísticos a séries de precipitação máxima diária anual no Rio Grande do Sul. Séries pluviométricas de 342 estações foram ajustadas às distribuições Log-Normal a 2 e 3 parâmetros e Gumbel e a adequação foi realizada pelos testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnov e Qui-Quadrado. Todas as distribuições de probabilidade consideradas foram adequadas; entretanto, a distribuição Log-Normal a 3 parâmetros apresentou os melhores ajustes segundo os resultados do teste Qui-Quadrado. Os parâmetros das distribuições de probabilidades apresentaram variabilidade ao longo do estado e forte relação com a localização, sugerindo que a regionalização de chuvas intensas pode ser empregada no Rio Grande do Sul como excelente ferramenta de gestão.
Análise da hidratação de grãos de alpiste
Authors: Lisbôa Jemima F. , Silva José N. , Cavalcanti Mônica T. , Silva Emanuelle M. C. A. , Gonçalves Mônica C.
Published: March 2015

Neste trabalho se objetivou estudar o fenômeno de hidratação em grãos de alpiste (Phalaris canariensis L.) em diferentes temperaturas. Foram utilizados grãos secos de alpiste, embebidos em água destilada, nas temperaturas de 10, 25 e 45 °C. O aumento da temperatura resultou em aumento da taxa de absorção de água e o modelo de Peleg se ajustou satisfatoriamente aos dados experimentais. O coeficiente efetivo de difusão aumentou com a variação crescente da temperatura, de 2,396 até 2,428×10-13 m2 s-1. A dependência do coeficiente efetivo de difusão com a temperatura pode ser descrita pela relação de Arrhenius apresentando, para a faixa de temperatura estudada, a magnitude da energia de ativação aparente para o processo de 39,239 ± 4,3463.
Estabilidade física e química de licores de graviola durante o armazenamento em condições ambientais
Authors: Oliveira Emanuel N. A. de , Santos Dyego da C. , Gomes Josivanda P. , Rocha Ana P. T. , Albuquerque Esther M. B. de
Published: March 2015

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, desenvolver e avaliar a estabilidade de licores de graviola acondicionados em embalagens de polietileno durante o armazenamento por 240 dias em condições ambientais. Foram elaboradas 5 formulações de licores variando-se as concentrações de polpa (300, 400 e 500 g) e xarope de sacarose (50, 60 e 70 °Brix). As polpas foram maceradas em álcool comercial por 20 dias; em seguida, as misturas foram filtradas, adicionadas de xarope e submetidas a um envelhecimento acelerado em banho-maria, a 60 °C, pelo período de 2 h. Os licores foram acondicionados em embalagens de polietileno de baixa densidade e armazenados em temperatura e umidade relativa médias de 26 °C e 78%, respectivamente. No tempo inicial e a cada 60 dias de estocagem, por 240 dias, os licores foram submetidos às análises de teor alcoólico, açúcares totais, sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez total titulável (ATT), razão SST/ATT, pH, atividade de água e cor (L*, a* e b*). Observou-se que o armazenamento promoveu aumentos significativos (p < 0,05) nos valores de açúcares totais, SST e cromaticidades a* e b*. Os parâmetros de teor alcoólico, atividade de água, pH e luminosidade (L*) foram reduzidos enquanto que a ATT e a razão SST/ATT permaneceram estáveis ao final da estocagem.
Qualidade física do solo sob diferentes sistemas de manejo e aplicação de dejeto líquido suíno
Authors: Oliveira Dener M. S. , Lima Renato P. de , Verburg Ernst E. Jan
Published: March 2015

A aplicação em solos agrícolas tem sido a principal alternativa para destinar o grande volume de dejetos líquidos suínos (DLS) gerados nos ambientes de produção. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar possíveis modificações nos atributos físicos do solo decorrentes do sistema de manejo e aplicação de DLS. O estudo foi desenvolvido no município de Arapoti, PR, em agosto de 2012. Foram amostradas cinco áreas: floresta nativa, pastagem com adubação química e aplicação de DLS, plantio convencional com adubação química e aplicação de DLS, plantio direto com adubação química, plantio direto com adubação química e aplicação de DLS. Os atributos físicos do solo avaliados foram: densidade do solo (Ds), porosidade total (Pt), macroporosidade (Ma), razão macro e microporosidade (Ma/Mi) e resistência à penetração (RP). A adoção dos diferentes sistemas de manejo agrícola alterou a qualidade física do solo elevando a Ds e a RP e reduzindo o volume de poros. O solo manejado sob pastagem apresentou os maiores valores de RP. Não foram constatadas alterações nos atributos físicos do solo pela aplicação de DLS nos diferentes sistemas de manejo avaliados.
Determinação das propriedades geométricas, físicas e mecânicas do sistema fruto-pedúnculo-ramo do cafeeiro
Authors: Coelho Andre L. de F. , Santos Fábio L. , Pinto Francisco A. C. , Queiroz Daniel M. de
Published: March 2015

O método de elementos finitos tem sido empregado no projeto de máquinas e para o estudo do comportamento dinâmico do cafeeiro. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, determinar as propriedades geométricas, físicas e mecânicas do sistema fruto-pedúnculo-ramo do cafeeiro. As dimensões foram determinadas por meio de processamento de imagens, as massas e os volumes mensurados utilizando-se balança e proveta, respectivamente. Os módulos de elasticidade foram determinados por meio de ensaios mecânicos de compressão, tração e flexão, para os frutos, pedúnculos e ramos, respectivamente. Os coeficientes de Poisson foram determinados a partir das deformações longitudinais e transversais dos frutos e pedúnculos. A razão de amortecimento foi determinada por meio das curvas de decaimento utilizando-se o método de decremento logaritmo. Concluiu-se que as dimensões e a massa dos frutos apresentaram tendência de aumento na medida em que seu estádio de maturação evoluiu. Os módulos de elasticidade dos frutos e dos pedúnculos no estádio de maturação verde foram superiores aos valores para o estádio de maturação cereja.
Moderators of the association between discrimination and alcohol consumption: findings from a representative sample of Brazilian university students
Authors: Coelho Isabela Zeni , Bastos João Luiz , Celeste Roger Keller
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Few studies about discrimination and patterns of alcohol consumption among youth populations have been conducted outside the United States addressing different types of discriminatory experiences, in addition to racially motivated events. This study investigated moderators of the association between discrimination attributed to single and multiple reasons and patterns of alcohol consumption.Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled a representative sample (n = 1,264) of undergraduate students from Florianópolis, southern Brazil, in 2013. Analyses included adjustment of associations for covariates in ordinal logistic regression models and the examination of effect modification by common mental disorders, year of study and age.Results: Discrimination was reported by 65.8% of the students, and alcohol consumption, by 80.0%. Over half of the students reported being discriminated against for two or more reasons. The odds of alcohol-related problems were higher among lastyear students that reported discrimination (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.0-3.4) or multiple reasons for being discriminated against (OR = 2.3, 95%CI 1.3- 4.3), when compared to first-year students that did not report discrimination. For the whole sample, there were no associations between discrimination, discrimination attributed to multiple reasons and patterns of alcohol consumption (OR = 1.0, 95%CI 0.8-1.4; and OR = 0.9, 95%CI 0.5-1.6).Conclusions: The effects of discrimination on the patterns of alcohol consumption are seen at a critical period in university life, specifically during the completion of undergraduate studies.
Valorização do patrimônio científico e tecnológico brasileiro: descobrindo conjuntos de objetos de C&T pelo Brasil
Authors: Granato Marcus , Maia Elias da Silva , Santos Fernanda Pires
Published: March 2015

A maior parte dos bens que constituem o patrimônio cultural da Ciência e Tecnologia (C&T) está para ser descoberta. O conhecimento acumulado sobre o tema ainda é limitado e há um risco real de que os objetos já tenham sido modernizados ou descartados. Nos últimos quatro anos, desenvolveu-se um projeto de pesquisa, envolvendo várias iniciativas para preservar este tipo de patrimônio: um levantamento nacional para construir um panorama do estado atual desse patrimônio; estudos sobre a legislação de proteção ao patrimônio de alguns países, inclusive o Brasil; e dois estudos de caso de coleções de objetos de C&T (Observatório do Valongo e Colégio Pedro II, ambos no Rio de Janeiro). Este artigo apresenta uma visão geral dos resultados obtidos e, em especial, dos levantamentos de conjuntos de objetos de C&T. Utilizou-se um recorte em relação a áreas do conhecimento e período histórico, compreendendo objetos pertencentes à s ciências exatas, à s diferentes especialidades de engenharia, bem como geografia, geologia e oceanografia, e fabricados até 1960. A partir da adaptação de um formulário usado em pesquisas similares em Portugal, elaborou-se uma ficha de registro, que permitiu identificar conjuntos de objetos em museus, universidades e institutos de pesquisa. Pôde-se, com isso, observar que as coleções mais bem preservadas estão nos poucos museus dedicados à área, enquanto as universidades detêm a maior parte dos artefatos, e que a esmagadora maioria dos objetos foi produzida no século XX.
A moda no MASP de Pietro Maria Bardi (1947-1987)
Authors: Bonadio Maria Claudia
Published: March 2015

O objetivo deste artigo é evidenciar a centralidade das ações ligadas à moda e à formação da Seção de Costumes do MASP no projeto de museu e na concepção de arte de Pietro Maria Bardi no período 1947-1987, e como tais ações teriam sido relevantes para a instituição de uma visualidade e uma história para a moda nacional. Demonstra-se como a trajetória de P. M. Bardi na Itália, ou seja, sua atuação como galerista e comerciante de artes, jornalista, bem como seu contato com a ideologia e as ações do Regime Fascista no campo das artes e da moda, influenciou diretamente suas ações em relação ao design de moda. Essas ideias e experiências foram fundamentais para direcionar sua atuação no MASP e, em especial suas iniciativas na área do design. Nota-se ainda como a atuação de Bardi no campo do design de moda foi também influenciada pelas ideias propagadas pela Bauhaus e Le Corbusier, assim como por seu olhar estrangeiro, que acaba por levá-lo a recuperar, nas referentes iniciativas, as tradições e a cultura brasileiras, gerando uma produção que dialoga com o modernismo brasileiro, uma vez que usa a experiência internacional para valorizar o nacional.
Particle mechanics approach to continuum constitutive modelling
Authors: Dean E. T. R.
Published: March 2015

A new type of constitutive model is proposed for soils, based on three foundations. The first foundation involves a new approach to Cauchy’s concept of stress, based on a way of organizing particle mechanical information. This leads to a description of effective stress that is consistent with Terzaghi’s principle but contains more information than a tensor. The second foundation involves the load-spreading and displacement-spreading effects of particles in an aggregate. The third foundation takes account of recent proposals in the thermomechanics of granular media. A simple model is then proposed based on expectations inferred from published data of asymptotic proportional straining. Validation calculations are presented showing realistic predictions for monotonic and cyclic plasticity, critical states, dilation, induced anisotropy and non-coaxiality as a result of principal axis rotation. The model suggests that a yield envelope, plastic flow and critical states are not fundamental properties but emergent ones. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of possibilities for further developments.
Asset system of systems resilience planning: the Toronto case
Authors: Bristow David N.
Published: March 2015

In 2012, the City of Toronto Environment Office undertook a resilience assessment project with the objective of understanding critical infrastructure interdependencies, to create a platform for stakeholder collaboration on issues related to extreme events, and to improve the city’s ability to survive and recover from extreme events efficiently. Herein this project is reviewed for its large contribution to the planning of urban resilience through the construction and analysis of dependencies of core city functions. This structure is generalised and formalised into a repeatable methodological form invoking the unique attributes of the vitae (of life) system of systems formalism to link urban resilience planning to the fundamentals of survival, vitality and conviviality as desirable outputs of integrated disaster management and of urban planning and asset management for sustainable urban communities.
Influencia del capital físico y humano en la supervivencia de nuevas empresas
Authors: Revuelto Taboada Lorenzo , Simón Moya Virginia
Published: March 2015

El propósito de este estudio es analizar la influencia del capital físico y humano en la supervivencia de nuevas empresas en diferentes contextos económicos. Para ello, se lleva a cabo un estudio utilizando un modelo logit que analiza las probabilidades de supervivencia de las empresas de nueva creación. Los resultados muestran que tanto el capital humano como el físico influyen en la supervivencia de las empresas en el corto y largo plazo, siendo especialmente importante el papel que desempeña el capital humano. Las implicaciones del estudio giran en torno a dos hallazgos sustanciales. El primero es que destaca el potencial de los gobiernos en la promoción de formas más eficientes de emprendimiento. El segundo es que el tipo de motivación –necesidad u oportunidad– del emprendedor y la importancia de ciertos tipos de capital también determinan las probabilidades de supervivencia de las empresas.
Relación entre variables sociodemográficas, psicosociales y de marketing político en la conducta de voto y abstencionismo de jóvenes
Authors: Rubiano Moreno Jessica , Barreto Galeano María Idaly
Published: March 2015

Este artículo presenta una investigación, de tipo descriptivo mediante encuestas, que tiene como objetivo establecer la relación entre las variables sociodemográficas, psicosociales y de marketing político con la participación electoral de jóvenes bogotanos de 18 a 25 años. Para ello se diseñó una encuesta de 54 preguntas que se aplicó a 273 jóvenes universitarios pertenecientes a dos universidades de la ciudad (Universidad Nacional de Colombia y Fundación Universitaria Cafam). Los resultados muestran que la edad, el género, la socialización política y la imagen del candidato son las variables que aumentan la probabilidad de voto en los jóvenes universitarios bogotanos. La importancia de esta investigación en psicología del consumidor es resaltar el consumo político responsable a partir de una educación política que les brinde herramientas a los jóvenes del país para utilizar su derecho al voto y elegir con criterios claros un candidato.
Capacidad de absorción de la inflación y su efecto sobre el precio de las acciones: una revisión de la literatura
Authors: Jareño Francisco , Cano Carlos
Published: March 2015

Este artículo aborda la capacidad de absorción de la inflación que tienen las empresas clasificadas por sectores, así como su impacto en el precio de las acciones. Se comienza justificando la importancia del tema objeto de estudio, para luego presentar una revisión de la literatura internacional. Se destacan los trabajos pioneros en la materia y se aporta una clasificación de los estudios examinados. Luego, se analiza el caso español, para finalizar con las principales conclusiones del estudio. Según los autores, la capacidad de absorción de la inflación permite conocer la habilidad que tienen las empresas de un determinado sector para trasladar a precios los cambios inflacionistas que acontecen en la economía. Las empresas con alta capacidad de absorción de la inflación tenderán a presentar cotizaciones más elevadas y, además, serán menos sensibles a cambios inflacionistas.
Análisis de la relación circular entre reputación corporativa y creación de valor económico patrimonial
Authors: Daza-Izquierdo Julio
Published: March 2015

Determinar si las compañías deben incorporar aspectos sociales en sus estrategias de gestión conducentes a satisfacer las expectativas de sus distintos stakeholders presenta posturas teóricas y evidencia empírica previa tanto a favor como en contra. El objetivo del presente estudio consiste en analizar la relación existente entre reputación corporativa y creación de valor económico patrimonial en las empresas cotizadas en el mercado bursátil español durante el periodo 2000-2012 aplicando una metodología de datos de panel. Los resultados obtenidos nos indican que la reputación influye positivamente en la creación de valor económico patrimonial, y que, al mismo tiempo, un mayor valor empresarial repercute en una mayor reputación corporativa, dando muestras de una relación bidireccional que retroalimenta las dos variables objeto de estudio. Estos resultados tienen importantes implicaciones para la gestión, ya que legitiman la integración de prácticas de responsabilidad social corporativa en las grandes empresas españolas cotizadas en bolsa.
Encuestas telefónicas: estrategias para mejorar la colaboración
Authors: Díaz de Rada Vidal , Portilla Idoia
Published: March 2015

Este artículo analiza qué aspectos pueden afectar la participación en las encuestas telefónicas y plantea estrategias para mejorarla. El objetivo es ayudar al desarrollo de este tipo de investigaciones de mercado y opinión para lograr información válida para la toma de decisiones empresariales o el conocimiento del estado de opinión.

El trabajo se divide en tres partes. En primer lugar, se realiza una revisión de la literatura para determinar los aspectos que pueden limitar la participación, estudiando la situación en España. En segundo lugar, se analizan once encuestas telefónicas y presenciales realizadas en este país, destacando sus aciertos y errores para determinar los motivos por los que no se responde a una encuesta. En tercer lugar, se proponen diez estrategias para reducir la no respuesta en encuestas telefónicas y que deberían aplicarse durante el proceso de recogida de la información. Su puesta en práctica permitiría reducir la no respuesta y alentar la cooperación logrando información de mayor calidad, algo vital para la gestión de empresas y gobiernos.
Atmospheric Venting of Flammable Gas to a “Safe Area”: Comparing Guidelines to Calculations
Authors: Ramirez J. , Morrison T. , Hart R. , Hetrick T.
Published: March 2015

Venting, purging, or blowing down flammable gas-containing piping systems and vessels may pose unintended fire and explosion hazards to personnel. In fact, several high-profile incidents have occurred in recent years highlighting this hazard. Industrial safety standards and guidelines exist as a basis for safely designing venting systems, but can a designer rely solely upon these standards for every situation? Certainly, site-specific constraints can be incorporated into a hazard analysis to understand potential adverse outcomes of a venting process. In this paper we give a brief overview of the existing safety standards applicable to blowdown and gas purging operations of flammable gas-containing systems, with particular emphasis on API Standard 521, and its provisions pertaining to atmospheric releases. We employ consequence modeling software tools to illustrate the influence of relevant system parameters on vapor cloud dispersion and compare the results with respect to the API Standard 521. Guidance will be presented for the designer to consider when evaluating their specific venting systems.
Veterans Diversity Group Launches Mission: Camouflage to Coveralls
Authors: Duhon Lamar , Wright Anthony E. , Perkins David L. , Petty J. Ryan , White Chris J. , Cox Michelle P. , Crawford Ron
Published: March 2015

This paper will describe the launch of a military veteran-themed diversity group at a large oil and gas service company and the value added to the company. The diversity group's mission is to provide veterans and veteran supporters with networking and professional-development opportunities, as well as a platform for providing community service and veteran activism. The diversity group was launched with the vision of creating a professional development network for employees, attracting talented veterans to the company, and benefiting the company and local communities. In an effort to achieve this mission, the diversity group hosts two quarterly service and social events. Social events have focused on internal networking, mentoring, and professional development for group members, while the service events have focused on activities, such as supporting a military-related charity or local charity initiatives.

To date, the diversity group has partnered with two 501c3 charities to help drive awareness and increase fundraising efforts, including purchasing a mortgage-free home for a veteran, hosting several community service and professional-development events, creating a national hiring campaign in partnership with the company internal Global Talent Acquisition team, and planning a trip to Washington D.C. to lobby Congress and Veterans Affairs officials to provide diversity group members the opportunity to promote veterans-in-the-workforce initiatives and energy-sector interests.

This diversity group allows employees to grow their professional network and develop their career while learning more about the company. It also provides employees with a platform for veteran-themed social activism and community participation. The group allows veteran employees to experience camaraderie similar to their experience while in the military. The goal of this paper is to introduce our diversity group to the broader energy industry and to serve as a model for other companies wishing to foster employee growth, tying the company to the community.
Micromechanical Analysis of Seismic Triggered by Hydraulic Fracturing in Unconsolidated Formations
Authors: Li Wenjing
Published: March 2015

With the widely application of hydraulic fracturing in unconventional resources, there is growing public concern over potential risk induced by hydraulic fracturing, such as trigged seismic events. Although, microseismicity is proven to be a successful fracture diagnostic method for identifying fracture geometry and fracture propagation behavior for stimulation optimization and assessing hydraulic fracturing performances; it is still facing some challenges: one is identifying the generation mechanism, as well as the source model for extracting information, which is still being investigated. The other one is pre-existing natural fractures network which makes the hydraulic fractures patterns induced by fluid flow become even more complicated. This paper demonstrates that Discrete Element Method (DEM) is one of the promising methods for simulation of microseismicity especially for unconsolidated formation, as it models rock dynamic behavior, regarding the rock as the assemble of particles. By using DEM and Pipe Network Approximation fluid flow scheme, a fully coupled geomechanical-fluid model has been developed for unconsolidated formation, aims at observing the source parameters of microseismicity induced by hydraulic fracturing treatment. The model developed in this paper analyzes the moment tensor by Hudson T-k plot. The results indicate the tensile and shearing crackings are the dominant rock failure mode. Understanding the triggering mechanisms of seismic events induced by stimulation can help us improve the performance of hydraulic fracturing and in the meantime reduce the potential risk for environment
The Organizational Ombuds Office and Corporate Social Responsibility: Driving Values in an Organization
Authors: Bonnivier B. M. , Brooke-Lander M. C. , Lewis M. R.
Published: March 2015

When employees experience conflicts and concerns in the workplace, and cannot see a way to satisfactorily address them, their lives at work may become increasingly difficult, affecting the quality of their work and productivity. Ultimately, they may see that the only option available to resolve the problem is to leave the company.

In 2012, Baker Hughes executives voluntarily established an organizational ombuds office (OOO) that follows the ethical principles of the International Ombudsman Association: independence, neutrality, informality and confidentiality. The OOO provides a safe place where employees can obtain information, discuss their concerns, and evaluate options. The ombuds1 works with employees through any job-related issue, from a minor annoyance to a serious concern on policy or law. In addition, the ombuds can bring systemic issues to the attention of leadership; this provides an additional means for employee concerns to be safely and confidentially relayed to the highest levels of the organization.

By mid-November 2014, over 1000 employees reached out to the OOO with a range of questions and concerns. These employees represented all levels of the organization, all groups and product lines, ranging from the newly hired to long-tenured employees.

The OOO complements and supports the company's corporate social responsibility objectives in considering the needs and expectations of one of our most important stakeholder groups – our employees. The company's investment in this resource demonstrates to employees that they are part of an organization that attends to their wellbeing. In addition, the existence and use of the OOO assures the company's core values and code of conduct are not merely philosophical, but an integral part of how employees work.

In this paper, we discuss how the OOO was established within Baker Hughes and share our experiences in the preparation and implementation, establishment and operation of the function. We share the range of benefits it brings to our employees, the company and the broader community as a key component of our corporate social responsibility strategy.
Emergency Preparedness for Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
Authors: McNally Paul , Minyard Edward
Published: March 2015

Effective emergency preparedness and response benefits from the implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS) to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency responses associated with Oil and Gas exploration and production (E&P) and preserve corporate integrity and reputation. Succesful Implementation of the ICS on fires, natural disasters, and acts of terrorism highlight the need to incorporate ICS in all Oil and Gas Incidents such as well blowouts, fires, personnel injuries, pipeline ruptures, spills and uncontrolled releases particularly those associated with the recent onshore shale oil and gas boom, which bring E&P operations close to residential areas. The ICS, developed by the US Forest Services in the 1970s and now used by most first responders, is a standardized emergency management system with proven key concepts that reduce costs, establishes objectives, mitigates environmental and human impacts, reduces recovery time, and preserves corporate image and intergrity. This paper describes the benefits of ICS, and provides recommendations for incorporating ICS into Emergency Response Plans (ERPs), training, practice drills, and actual incidents. It will show how ICS key concepts, such as management by objectives, communications, chain of command, span of control, and unity of command, should be incorporated into ERPs.
Integration of HSE into Project Planning: Maximizing HSE in Facility Design
Authors: Rowbottom Ron , Jones Mark , Cobb JoAnn
Published: March 2015

The integration of HSE as a critical component of project planning during facility design and collaboration between architects, contractors, HSE professionals, and operations personnel ensures sustainability, safety and process flow elements are addressed from the conceptual stage.

The paper will outline methodology for the LEAN design process integration of human/environmental factors into facility design to meet operational needs and minimize impacts on Health, Safety and the Environment for the Oklahoma City project.

The LEAN design process will be discussed to illustrate how elements of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), ASTM International E60 “Specification for Minimum Environmental, Social, and Economic requirements for a Building Promoting Sustainability” and similar standards can be incorporated as cost effective enhancements.

Case Study:

The paper will describe the design of a new facility in Oklahoma City, USA to demonstrate the planning process through LEAN teams to map process flows, and

Design new approaches to manufacturing and work process including “hands free” handling Minimize environmental footprint in regards to chemical usage Enhance energy efficiency using LED and natural lighting Manage electrical high peak demand associated with specific operations Maximize water reuse and recycling, Ensure proper traffic and logistics flow

The case study will demonstrate how the integration of Environmental, Health and Safety into the project planning from inception optimizes facility operations, the application process for permits, waste management, water management, energy resource reduction, employee health and safety and overall sustainability.

The holistic design process is more than just putting buildings on a piece of land or choosing a pre-built facility. By utilizing a collaborative team approach that is engaged in planning, with emphasis on HSE, the total project planning utilizing LEAN principles avoids significant HSE risks and rework or retrofits on completed projects.
An Integrated Approach to Noise Management in an Oil and Gas Processing Facility Offshore Trinidad
Authors: Dukharan Premraj
Published: March 2015

Noise exposure is an important element of a safe and healthy environment on an offshore platform. The effect of noise is well documented and the operator of the field placed great emphasis on the management of noise to the benefit of the workforce.

Noise management is best handled at the design phase of any offshore platform construction project. However it is not always possible or feasible to apply designs such that the cumulative noise levels with all the contained processing equipment on the platform, is below the acceptable, normalized noise exposure level.

This paper describes the processes and systems used to manage noise exposure on the facility. This process had three discrete steps. Firstly an exercise was undertaken to map the facility and identify areas of high noise levels while in operation. The workforce was then divided into similar exposure groups (SEGs) and a quantitative noise assessment was done with each individual making up the various SEGs. This data were then normalized to determine any normalized exposure above the threshold of 85dBA. After identifying and assessing the noise levels, the next step involved exposure control. Control was implemented using a hierarchical system – elimination followed by engineering controls and supplemented with administrative controls to meet the company's public health targets. The paper describes one engineering control in which an acoustic wrap was installed on a control valve and the resulting impact it had on the noise levels on the facility. The next step was in evaluating the effectiveness of the controls implemented. This involved taking routine audiometric tests on individuals of the various SEGs and comparing this with their established baseline. It describes how deviation from the baseline was handled, and the important role the company's doctor played in the entire process.

Although noise levels as high as 105dBA exist on the platform, the noise management and controls implemented were effective as there have been no cases of noise induced hearing loss on the facility to date.