bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Defect Detection for TFT-LCD Array Process Using Quasiconformal Kernel Support Vector Data Description
Authors: Liu Yi-Hung , Chen Yan-Jen
Published: September 2011

Defect detection has been considered an efficient way to increase the yield rate of panels in thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) manufacturing. In this study we focus on the array process since it is the first and key process in TFT-LCD manufacturing. Various defects occur in the array process, and some of them could cause great damage to the LCD panels. Thus, how to design a method that can robustly detect defects from the images captured from the surface of LCD panels has become crucial. Previously, support vector data description (SVDD) has been successfully applied to LCD defect detection. However, its generalization performance is limited. In this paper, we propose a novel one-class machine learning method, called quasiconformal kernel SVDD (QK-SVDD) to address this issue. The QK-SVDD can significantly improve generalization performance of the traditional SVDD by introducing the quasiconformal transformation into a predefined kernel. Experimental results, carried out on real LCD images provided by an LCD manufacturer in Taiwan, indicate that the proposed QK-SVDD not only obtains a high defect detection rate of 96%, but also greatly improves generalization performance of SVDD. The improvement has shown to be over 30%. In addition, results also show that the QK-SVDD defect detector is able to accomplish the task of defect detection on an LCD image within 60 ms.
Biomedical Exploitation of Chitin and Chitosan via Mechano-Chemical Disassembly, Electrospinning, Dissolution in Imidazolium Ionic Liquids, and Supercritical Drying
Authors: Muzzarelli Riccardo A. A.
Published: September 2011

Recently developed technology permits to optimize simultaneously surface area, porosity, density, rigidity and surface morphology of chitin-derived materials of biomedical interest. Safe and ecofriendly disassembly of chitin has superseded the dangerous acid hydrolysis and provides higher yields and scaling-up possibilities: the chitosan nanofibrils are finding applications in reinforced bone scaffolds and composite dressings for dermal wounds. Electrospun chitosan nanofibers, in the form of biocompatible thin mats and non-wovens, are being actively studied: composites of gelatin + chitosan + polyurethane have been proposed for cardiac valves and for nerve conduits; fibers are also manufactured from electrospun particles that self-assemble during subsequent freeze-drying. Ionic liquids (salts of alkylated imidazolium) are suitable as non-aqueous solvents that permit desirable reactions to occur for drug delivery purposes. Gel drying with supercritical CO2 leads to structures most similar to the extracellular matrix, even when the chitosan is crosslinked, or in combination with metal oxides of interest in orthopedics.
NMR Studies and Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Synthetic Dendritic Antigens
Authors: Montañez Maria Isabel , Najera Francisco , Perez-Inestrosa Ezequiel
Published: September 2011

A series of synthetic benzylpenicillinoylated dendrimers has been prepared using up to 4th generation PAMAM dendrimers. These nanoconjugates, as nanosized Dendritic Antigens, are useful in the diagnostic evaluation of drug allergy due to specific molecular recognition with the Human Immunological System (IgE). The morphology and dimensions of the conjugates coupled to the orientation of the peripheral benzylpenicillin residues in the dendrimers may play key roles in such molecular recognition processes. Herein, the characterization and conformation of these structures are studied by a detailed analysis of 1D (1H and 13C NMR) and 2D NMR (1H,1H-NOESY) spectra. These dendrimers in explicit solvent were studied by the atomistic forcefield-based molecular dynamics. Structural properties such as shape, radius-of-gyration and distribution of the monomers will be discussed in relation to the experimental observations.
Biofilm Fixed Film Systems
Authors: Gullicks Harvey , Hasan Hasibul , Das Dipesh , Moretti Charles , Hung Yung-Tse
Published: September 2011

The work reviewed here was published between 2008 and 2010 and describes research that involved aerobic and anoxic biofilm treatment of water pollutants. Biofilm denitrification systems are covered when appropriate. References catalogued here are divided on the basis of fundamental research area or reactor types. Fundamental research into biofilms is presented in two sections, Biofilm Measurement and Characterization and Growth and Modeling. The reactor types covered are: trickling filters, rotating biological contactors, fluidized bed bioreactors, submerged bed biofilm reactors, biological granular activated carbon, membrane bioreactors, and immobilized cell reactors. Innovative reactors, not easily classified, are then presented, followed by a section on biofilms on sand, soil and sediment.
Risk Assessment of Aluminum in Drinking Water between Two Residential Areas
Authors: Dzulfakar Mohd A. , Shaharuddin Mohd S. , Muhaimin Abdul A. , Syazwan Aizat I.
Published: September 2011

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sungai Lembing (SL) and Bukit Ubi (BU), Kuantan, Malaysia. The main objectives of this epidemiological study were to determine the aluminum concentration in drinking water, to compare with the government standard and to perform health risk assessment prediction among respondents from these two residential areas. A total of 100 respondents were selected from the study areas based on a few inclusive and exclusive criteria. Two duplicates of treated water samples were taken from each respondent's house using a 200 mL high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle and 0.4 mL (69%) pure concentrated nitric acid added as preservative. Aluminum concentrations were analyzed using Lambda 25 UV/V spectrophotometer. The result showed that the mean concentration of aluminum in drinking water from SL was 0.11 ± 0.0634 mg/L and 0.12 ± 0.0462 mg/L for BU. The mean value of Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) in SL (0.0035 ± 0.0028 mg/kg/day) was lower compared to BU (0.0037 ± 0.0021 mg/kg/day). The Hazard Index (HI) calculation showed all respondents had HI less than 1. In conclusion, there was unlikely potential for adverse health effects from aluminum intake in drinking water. However, it was necessary for some action to be taken in order to reduce aluminum levels found in drinking water in both locations.
Neuroéconomie et sciences économiques
Authors: McCabe Kevin A.
Published: September 2011

Neuroeconomics and the Economic Sciences.

Neuroeconomics is the newest of the economic sciences with a focus on how the embodied human brain interacts with its institutional and social environment to make economic decisions. This paper presents an overview of neuroeconomics methods and reviews a number of results in this emerging field of study.
Neuroéconomie : une relecture critique
Authors: Harrison Glenn W.
Published: September 2011

Mieux comprendre la manière dont fonctionne le cerveau devrait nous aider à mieux comprendre le comportement économique. Mais certains voudraient nous faire croire que cela est déjà le cas et que des connaissances venant des neurosciences ont déjà apporté de nouvelles connaissances en économie qu’il n’aurait été possible de découvrir sans elles. Pour la plupart il ne s’agit que de marketing académique, et afin de revenir vers des considérations de fond, il nous faut apprécier l’écume des choses pour ce qu’elle est. Débarrassé de cette écume, que reste-t-il ? La réponse est qu’il reste beaucoup d’éléments sur la table, mais que tout ceci n’est que potentiel. Ce n’est pas une mauvaise chose ou même une raison pour arrêter ici l’effort, mais cela nous montre la nécessité d’une sérieuse reconsidération de ce qu’est la neuroéconomie et de son pouvoir explicatif dans la littérature. La neuroéconomie peut être une discipline précieuse, mais pas de la façon dont elle est pratiquée et « vendue » aujourd’hui. Ceci est vrai plus généralement de l’économie comportementale, qui partage beaucoup de défauts méthodologiques de la neuroéconomie. explicatif dans la littérature. La neuroéconomie peut être une discipline précieuse, mais pas de la façon dont elle est pratiquée et «vendue» aujourd’hui. Ceci est vrai plus généralement de l’économie comportementale, qui partage beaucoup de défauts méthodologiques de la neuroéconomie.
Commentaires sur « Neuroéconomie : une relecture critique »
Authors: Stanton Angela A.
Published: September 2011

Neuroeconomics : A Critique of « Neuroeconomics : A Critical Reconsideration ».

Some economists believe that the work of neuroeconomists threatens the theory of economics. Glenn Harrison’s paper "Neuroeconomics : A Critical Reconsideration" provides some support for this threatened view, though some of the points he makes are disguised (Harrison, 2008). The field of neuroeconomics is barely into its teenage years ; and it is trying to do what ? Criticize and redesign the field of economics developed over hundreds of years ? But that is not what neuroeconomics is trying to do, in spite of all the efforts of some economists trying to place it into that shoebox (see the argument in great detail in Caplin and Schotter (2008)). Neuroeconomics is a Mendelian-Economics of sort ; it is a science that is able to generate data by fixing the environment to some degree, varying a single independent variable for its affects, and is able to see each individual’s choices from initiation of the decision-making process to its outcome. Mainstream economics, on the other hand, looks at the average of the outcomes of many individuals and proposes how people chose those outcomes, retroactively. The two fields, neuroeconomics and mainstream economics, are evaluating two sides of the same coin : one with and the other without ceteris paribus ; they are not necessarily in conflict with one another.
Pollution diffuse aux nitrates et incitations économiques
Authors: Willinger Marc , Verchère Alban , Spaeter Sandrine , Cochard François
Published: September 2011

Bien que la France ait écarté jusqu’ici l’idée de recourir à des instruments incitatifs pour réduire la pollution diffuse aux nitrates, cet article revient sur le potentiel de ces instruments tels qu’ils ont été employés par certains de nos voisins européens ou, à défaut, tels plusieurs expériences menées sur le terrain que les dispositifs doivent être les plus efficients possibles, mais aussi paraître justes aux acteurs, sans quoi se pose la question de leur acceptabilité. Pour autant, les dispositifs les plus ambitieux ont des coûts de mise en oeuvre élevés qui peuvent dissuader les régulateurs. Il convient donc de trouver des moyens de les réduire, question que nous abordons ici en évoquant alors deux pistes prometteuses : l’introduction de la rétroactivité dans les contrôles d’une part et le recours à des inspections ambiantes d’autre part. qu’ils ont été conçus et testés en laboratoire. Il ressort en particulier de l’analyse de
Interaction Analysis in Hybrid Learning Environment
Authors: Osorio-Gómez Luz Adriana , Duart Josep M
Published: September 2011

Interaction analysis in virtual and hybrid learning environments is a complex issue, since it is necessary to go beyond a quantitative approach (number of messages) and obtain information about interaction dynamics in the context of educational activities. This article presents a set of interaction analysis strategies, which were designed during the development of a doctoral thesis in response to the two challenges identified: First, how can interaction be observed? And second, how can interaction be related to academic performance? The strategies designed provide elements for the analysis of educational activities, of asynchronous on-line discussions, of interaction representation and of the relationship between interaction and academic performance. For the analysis of educational activities, elements of sociocultural activity theory were used. For asynchronous on-line discussions, a content analysis of discussion transcripts was performed using a group of categories reflecting the knowledge construction process. Interaction was represented using the forograma technique, which is an alternative strategy for evaluating on-line discussion forums. The relationship between interaction and academic performance was established by comparing interaction dynamics and the academic performance results of the groups selected. Finally, an example is given to show how the strategies are applied.

El análisis de la interacción en ambientes virtuales e híbridos es un tema complejo, puesto que es necesario superar la aproximación cuantitativa, número de mensajes, y lograr información sobre las dinámicas de interacción, en el marco de las actividades educativas. En este trabajo se presenta un conjunto de estrategias para el análisis de la interacción, las cuales se diseñaron durante el desarrollo de una tesis doctoral, como respuesta a dos retos que fueron identificados: ¿cómo observar la interacción?, ¿cómo relacionar la interacción con el rendimiento académico? Las estrategias diseñadas ofrecen elementos para el análisis de las actividades educativas, análisis de las discusiones virtuales asincrónicas, representación de las interacciones y la relación entre la interacción y el rendimiento académico. El conjunto de estrategias permitió reconocer el fenómeno de la interacción en el marco de actividades educativas, así como el proceso o dinámica en la interacción grupal, que muestra la evolución del grupo hacia la construcción de conocimiento. Por otro lado, también permitió analizar los procesos virtuales de interacción y establecer comparaciones entre las dinámicas de los grupos y la relación entre éstas y los resultados de rendimiento académico. Si bien el grupo de estrategias surgen en un estudio específico, ofrecen herramientas que pueden utilizarse en otros contextos. La manera de utilizar las estrategias se ilustra en este artículo con un ejemplo.
Consumption Patterns and Uses of Photography in Digital Era among Communication Students
Authors: Marzal-Felici Javier , Soler-Campillo María
Published: September 2011

This paper presents the results of a research study exploring consumer behaviour and uses of photography among first-year students of the Degrees in Journalism, Audiovisual Communication, and Advertising and Public Relations in four Spanish universities (University of Malaga, University of Santiago de Compostela, University of the Basque Country and Universitat Jaume I in Castellón). As it is well known, the emergence of digital technologies has caused far-reaching transformations in the field of photography. These changes have affected production, distribution and circulation processes. However, digital technology has particularly changed the concept of photography itself as a means of expression and communication, above all among young people. Changes in how photography is perceived nowadays, brought about by the onset of digitalization, in turn raises a series of questions that merit reflection. To this end, a survey was designed and administered to a total of 467 communication sciences students in Spain. The results of this research reveal, on the one hand, how these communication students relate to the use of photography today; on the other hand, and more importantly, the results throw some light on how to approach the teaching of digital photography in a higher education context.

Se presenta una investigación sobre los hábitos de consumo y usos de la fotografía entre estudiantes de primer curso de las licenciaturas en periodismo, comunicación audiovisual y publicidad y relaciones públicas, en cuatro universidades españolas (Universidad de Málaga, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Universidad del País Vasco y Universitat Jaume I de Castellón). Como es sabido, la aparición de las tecnologías digitales en el campo de la fotografía ha provocado profundas transformaciones en el panorama fotográfico. Estos cambios han afectado a los procesos de producción, a los modos de distribución y circulación de las imágenes. Pero, sobre todo, ha tenido notables consecuencias en la forma misma de conceptualizar la fotografía como forma de expresión y comunicación, y en los usos de la fotografía, en especial entre los más jóvenes. La digitalización ha contribuido a transformar, asimismo, la propia percepción del medio fotográfico, que merece una reflexión en estos momentos. A tal fin, se ha diseñado una encuesta que ha sido realizada a un total de 467 estudiantes de ciencias de la comunicación de nuestro país. En definitiva, el análisis de las respuestas que ofrece la presente investigación nos ha permitido, por un lado, tomar conciencia sobre cómo se relacionan estos estudiantes de comunicación con el medio fotográfico en la actualidad. Pero, sobre todo, se trata de una investigación que nos ofrece algunas pistas sobre cómo abordar, en plena era digital, la enseñanza de la fotografía en el contexto educativo universitario.
Structures and Archetypal Content in Advertising Communication
Authors: García-García Francisco , Baños-González Miguel , Fernández-Fernández Paloma
Published: September 2011

The aim of this investigation is the study of publicity from the point of view of the archetypes, following a hermeneutic model of analysis of the content; through this we have studied the presence of the Greek mythological figures in comparison with the characters that appear in the advertising messages of perfumes, which at first allows us to observe the analogy of the gods of the old Greek Mythology with real human archetypes; secondly, it allows us to dig deeper into these advertising contents to know if these stories are purely commercial or if they could be interpreted with other meanings. The results of this analysis show a high participation of the female archetype of the woman as a wife, related to the goddess Hera, and followed by the archetype of the sensuality represented by the Aphrodite goddess and that of the goddess Artemisia or goddess of liberty; in perfume commercials aimed at men, the biggest frequency in the myth of Zeus and of Narcissus is emphasized, as archetypes of power and success, continued by the presence of the myth of Odysseus, the hero’s archetype, known as a model of strategist and intelligence; in commercials aimed at both sexes the myth of Dionysus as archetype of the party and transformation is the most relevant, followed by the myth of the brothers Hera-Zeus that become husbands and fathers of the Greek Panteon of Mithological Gods.

Esta investigación tiene como objeto el estudio de la publicidad desde la óptica de los arquetipos, siguiendo un modelo hermenéutico de análisis del contenido; a través de él hemos estudiado la presencia de las figuras mitológicas griegas más conocidas en comparación con los personajes que aparecen en los mensajes publicitarios de perfumes, lo que nos permite observar en primer lugar la analogía de los dioses de la Antigua Mitología Griega con arquetipos humanos reales; en segundo lugar, nos permite profundizar en estos contenidos publicitarios para saber si estos relatos son puramente comerciales o admiten otras interpretaciones. Los resultados de este trabajo revelan la mayor presencia del arquetipo femenino de la mujer como pareja, relacionado con la diosa Hera, modelo de esposa, seguido en frecuencia por el arquetipo de la sensualidad representado por la diosa Afrodita y en tercer lugar el de la diosa Artemisa o la libertad; en los anuncios de perfumes dirigidos al sector masculino destaca la mayor frecuencia del mito de Zeus y de Narciso, como arquetipos del poder y el éxito, seguido del mito de Odiseo, arquetipo del héroe, reconocido como modelo del estratega y la inteligencia; en los anuncios dirigidos a ambos sexos el mito de Dionisos como arquetipo de la fiesta y la transformación es el más relevante, seguido del mito de los hermanos Hera-Zeus que evolucionaron a esposos y padres del Panteón griego.
Treatment of Steroid and Cyclosporine-Resistant Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Children
Authors: Nikibakhsh A. A. , Mahmoodzadeh H. , Karamyyar M. , Hejazi S. , Noroozi M. , Macooie A. A.
Published: September 2011

Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in children carries a significant risk of progression to end-stage renal failure (ESRF). We report a two-step protocol adapted in children with SRNS. Thirty-seven SRNS were treated with cyclosporine A (CyA) in association with prednisolone (alternate day) for 6 months (first-step treatment). Twelve patients (32.4%) went into complete remission, and 2 (5.4%) got partial remission. The other 23 cases who were steroid and CyA resistant entered a second-step treatment with withdrawing steroids, with CyA (5 mg/kg/day) in association with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 30 mg/kg/day for 6 months. Complete remission was observed in 11 cases (47.82%) and partial remission in 2 cases (8.7%). After two steps of treatment, 27/37 children went into total remission. In steroid and CyA-resistant INS, the association of MMF with CyA was able to induce remission in about half cases without relevant side effects.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of primary pneumothorax: talc pleurodesis or pleural abrasion? Retrospective multicentre study
Authors: Zabaleta Jon , Aguinagalde Borja , Alvarez Carlos , Fuentes Marta G. , Bazterargui Nerea , Izquierdo José M , Emparanza José I.
Published: September 2011

In the treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) the latest guidelines recommend video-assisted thoracoscopy, but do not specify the best technique for performing pleurodesis. Indeed, there are no clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of talc pleurodesis, mechanical pleurodesis and pleurectomy. Our objective was to compare outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for primary pneumothorax with the talc procedure or with pleural abrasion using dry gauze. Patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for PSP in two hospitals were retrospectively recruited between 2007 and 2008, and followed-up until December 2010. The variables measured to compare the outcomes were: recurrence, complications, and mortality, as well as the duration of air leaks and of drainage and the length of postoperative hospital stay (in days). Statistical analysis: The two groups were compared using the Chi square test for qualitative variables and nonparametric tests for continuous variables. A total of 106 interventions were carried out in 104 patients (74 in group A: pleural abrasion with dry gauze; 32 in group B: chemical pleurodesis with talc), with a mean age of 28 years (median 25) and 85.6% were male. Complications were observed in nine patients (8.5%) and there were no deaths in the 30 days after surgery; there were, however, four cases of recurrence (3.8%). The mean air leak duration was 0.78 days (median 0), the mean drainage duration 1.95 days (median 1) and the mean length of postoperative hospital stay 2.68 days (median 2). In 74 cases (69.8%), mechanical pleurodesis was performed, while 32 cases were treated with talc (30.2%). Comparing the two groups, we did not find statistically significant differences in recurrence (4.1% vs 3.1%, P=0.82), complications (6.8% vs 12.5%, P=0.45) or mortality (no cases of death). On the other hand, the mean postoperative hospital stay was lower in the mechanical pleurodesis group than in the talc group (2.2 vs 3.8 days, P=0.005). Video-assisted surgery in the treatment of PSP is a safe technique. In the mechanical pleurodesis group, we observed the same rate of recurrence, half the number of complications and a shorter hospital stay. We consider it necessary that well-designed multicentre clinical trials be carried out to compare these techniques and determine which produces the best outcomes, providing stronger scientific evidence given that the data available to date are not conclusive.
Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine - From molecular embryology to tissue engineering
Authors: Redi Carlo Alberto
Published: September 2011

Maria J. Barrero and Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte sign a very interesting paper on EMBO reports (Regenerating the epigenome, EMBO reports 12:208-215, 2011) where they point out that Organisms have evolved two strategies by which to achieve this: the maintenance of adult stem cells and the induction of stemcell properties in differentiated cells. In both cases, cells must undergo extensive epigenetic reprogramming to attain the specialized functions of the new tissue. Ultimately, the regenerative capacity of a tissue might depend on the plasticity of the cellular epigenome, which determines the ability of the cell to respond to injuryrelated signals. Understanding this epigenetic plasticity will allow the development of strategies to stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissues and organs in humans...
Levels of Circulating MMCN-151, a Degradation Product of Mimecan, Reflect Pathological Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice
Authors: Barascuk N. , Vassiliadis E. , Zheng Q. , Wang Y. , Wang W. , Larsen L. , Rasmussen L.M. , Karsdal M.A.
Published: September 2011

Aim

Arterial extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is one of the major hallmarks of atherosclerosis. Mimecan, also known as osteoglycin has been implicated in the integrity of the ECM. This study assessed the validity of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed to measure a specific MMP12-derived fragment of mimecan, MMCN-151, in apolipoprotein-E knockout (ApoE-KO) mice.

Methods and Results

A mouse monoclonal antibody raised against MMCN-151 was used to develop a competitive ELISA. The assay was validated using samples from 20 ApoE-KO and 20 wild type [C57 BL/6] male mice fed a normal or high-fat diet (HFD) for up to 20 weeks. The technical reliability of the assay was established with intra-assay variability <2% and inter-assay variability < 10%. The lowest limit of quantification of MMCN-151 was 0.5 ng/ml. ApoE-KO mice fed a HFD for 20 weeks had four-fold increased circulating levels of MMCN-151 compared to baseline, whereas MMCN-151 levels in control mice on HFD increased two-fold compared with baseline. After 10 weeks of a HFD, a significant difference in MMCN-151 levels was observed between ApoE-KO and control mice ( P = 0.005) and became more significant at 20 weeks ( P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The newly developed assay is a reliable detector of MMCN-151 levels which ultimately may be useful indicators of arterial remodeling in patients affected by atherosclerotic disease.
Valor justo da Tractebel Energia: uma avaliação a partir dos principais modelos de precificação de ativos
Authors: Campos Renato , Vital Juliana Tatiane , Moritz Gilberto de Oliveira , Costa Alexandre Marino
Published: September 2011

O presente estudo teve como objetivo definir o atual valor justo da Tractebel Energia, a partir dos principais modelos de precificação de ativos. A empresa objeto foi tomada como base em função de seu crescimento estável e da facilidade de se obter dados, uma vez que é sediada na cidade de Florianópolis. Não obstante, a volatilidade com que suas ações têm sido precificadas despertou interesse. Com isso, este estudo pretendeu fornecer subsídio para a tomada de decisão de investidores, no que diz respeito à compra ou venda das ações da empresa. Para tanto, a fundamentação teórica tratou sobre o conceito de avaliação de ativos e dos principais modelos disponíveis, ressaltando suas aplicações e limitações, os quais são: avaliação contábil, relativa, modelo de dividendo descontado e fluxo de caixa descontado. No que tange ao aspecto metodológico, a pesquisa se enquadra em exploratória, descritiva, eminentemente quantitativa, estudo de campo e de caso. Além disso, fez-se uso de investigação documental, bibliográfica, entrevista e do programa Economática. Com isso, a análise de dados procurou inicialmente levantar as premissas demandadas por cada um dos modelos analisados e aplicá-los. Os resultados obtidos foram então comparados entre si e ajustados, para que houvesse uma coerência. Posteriormente foi adotada uma média aritmética para se atribuir um valor justo à empresa. A partir desta média definiu-se um intervalo de aceitação, em função da variabilidade dos resultados e da incerteza nas estimativas.
Rumo à gestão estratégica de recursos humanos: estudo de caso em uma organização pública paulista
Authors: Freitas Wesley Ricardo Souza , Jabbour Charbel José Chiappetta
Published: September 2011

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as principais características das práticas de Recursos Humanos numa organização pública paulista, além de procurar responder à questão: a gestão de Recursos Humanos na organização Y é compatível com os atuais paradigmas dessa área de gestão, considerados mais estratégicos? Para realização desta pesquisa, adotou-se uma abordagem qualitativa, através do estudo de caso. Os dados primários foram obtidos através de entrevistas informais e dados secundários foram obtidos através da análise de informações e documentos disponibilizados no site da organização e também da observação direta da rotina organizacional. Os resultados alcançados indicam que, apesar da organização utilizar a denominação “administração estratégica de Recursos Humanos”, apresenta uma abordagem voltada para a administração dos aspectos legais e operacionais da área. As práticas de recursos humanos encontram-se desintegradas e algumas inexistem dentro de uma perspectiva sistêmica (plano de carreira e treinamento). O artigo registra diversas propostas para que a organização analisada tenha uma gestão de recursos humanos mais estratégica. Acredita-se que se a organização adotar algumas das melhorias propostas neste artigo estará caminhando rumo à modernização de sua gestão e inserindo-se no novo contexto da nova gestão pública.
Responsabilidade socioambiental corporativa e indicador de maturidade mediando desempenho estratégico para as organizações
Authors: Gomes Giovanni de Araujo , Gonçalves Carlos Alberto , Pardini Daniel Jardim , Muniz Reynaldo Maia
Published: September 2011

O ambiente de negócios tem apresentado constantes desafios aos dirigentes de empresas. Nesse contexto, a permanente vigilância, reflexo da competitividade e busca de produtividade, faz com as atenções estejam voltadas aos fatores antecedentes e, consequentemente, para a dimensão Responsabilidade Socioambiental Corporativa (RSAC). O trabalho analisa e estima a intensidade das relações entre os fatores valor da marca, reputação da empresa, satisfação dos interessados (stakeholders) e riscos de externalidades, como satélites explicativos da RSAC. E, além dos testes de aderência no modelo relacional, propõe e testa uma equação para dimensionar o grau de Maturidade em Responsabilidade Socioambiental Corporativa Setorial (RSAC), procurando analisar e identificar, em que estágio a RSAC afeta os construtos finais enquanto retorno estratégico para as organizações. Esta pesquisa foi realizada no setor da construção civil de Minas Gerais, representado por seus gestores, e os dados coletados por meio de um survey usando um questionário com questões estruturadas com variação likert. Os dados foram avaliados mediante análise de equações estruturais usando o LVPLS. Para a mensuração das ações em Responsabilidade Socioambiental, utilizaram-se os modelos conhecidos nas organizações e academia, tais como o Índice de Sustentabilidade Empresarial, os Dow Jones Indexes, o indicador do Instituto Ethos e a representação teórica de Hopkins (1997).
Using ground based radar interferometry during emergency: the case of the A3 motorway (Calabria Region, Italy) threatened by a landslide
Authors: Del Ventisette C. , Intrieri E. , Luzi G. , Casagli N. , Fanti R. , Leva D.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. The rapid assessment of the evolution of the phenomena which occur during an emergency, along with an all weather and h24 monitoring capability, are probably the main characteristics of a system aimed at optimizing intervention in natural disasters, such as landslide collapses. A few techniques are able to provide all these features remotely, hence assuring safe conditions to operators. This paper reports on an application of the GB-InSAR (Ground-Based Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) technique to monitor a landslide threatening an infrastructure, the A3 motorway in the Calabria Region (Southern Italy), in emergency conditions. Here, it is evaluated how well this technique is able to satisfy these requirements. On 30 January 2009, a mass movement never detected before and located near Santa Trada viaduct caused the closure of that sector of the A3 motorway. The prompt installation of a GB-InSAR permitted to follow and to understand the temporal evolution of the landslide until the end of the emergency and then safely reopen of the motorway. The main steps of the GB-InSAR interferometry data interpretation used in managing this emergency are described and discussed here. In detail, data collected through a continuous acquisition have permitted the division of the unstable area into three smaller zones characterized by different extents of displacement.
Imunização contra hepatite B em profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde: revisão integrativa
Authors: Milani Rafael Mello , Canini Silvia Rita Marin da Silva , Garbin Livia Maria , Teles Sheila Araujo , Gir Elucir , Pimenta Flaviana Regina
Published: September 2011

O objetivo desta revisão integrativa foi identificar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre o índice de adesão à imunização contra hepatite B por profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde e fatores que aumentam ou diminuem a adesão. A busca foi realizada na base de dados Medline. Dezenove estudos compuseram a amostra, todos com nível de evidência seis. A taxa de adesão variou segundo a categoria profissional e o curso de graduação na área da saúde. Os fatores que contribuíram para melhor adesão foram vacina disponível no serviço e sem custos; e para a baixa adesão foram o custo elevado da vacina, descrédito quanto ao seu benefício e pouco investimento em campanhas de vacinação. Identificou-se a necessidade de estudos com outros delineamentos capazes de fornecer melhores subsídios para aumentar os níveis de adesão à vacinação e conseqüentemente a segurança de profissionais e estudantes da área da saúde. Descritores: Imunização; Hepatite B; Fidelidade a Diretrizes; Pessoal de Saúde.
Definições para o resultado de enfermagem comportamento de prevenção de quedas: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Vitor Allyne Fortes , Araújo Thelma Leite de
Published: September 2011

Devido à necessidade de mensurar o risco de quedas em concordância à linguagem padronizada de enfermagem, foi selecionado o resultado de enfermagem Comportamento para Prevenção de Quedas da Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC), com objetivo de identificar evidências sobre seus elementos, mensuração, comparação com indicadores existentes e construir definições constitutivas. Foi efetuada revisão integrativa entre abril e novembro de 2009, mediante identificação da questão, estabelecimento de critérios de inclusão/exclusão, extração das informações, avaliação, interpretação e síntese. Destacaram-se pesquisas transversais e perspectivas de especialistas. Os indicadores Uso de recursos de correção da visão e Uso de sapatos amarrados e do tamanho adequado foram considerados insuficientes para avaliar fatores de risco como déficits sensoriais e roupas/calçados inadequados. Percebe-se que algumas definições precisam ser melhor desenvolvidas e que esse resultado de enfermagem merece refinamento sobretudo referente aos indicadores. Foram identificados 22 indicadores e definições foram propostas baseadas nas evidências da literatura. Descritores: Enfermagem; Processo de Enfermagem; Avaliação em Enfermagem; Acidentes por quedas; Prevenção.
Neurofunctional Evaluation of Young Male Offspring of Rat Dams with Diabetes Induced by Streptozotocin
Authors: Delascio Lopes Carla , Sinigaglia-Coimbra Rita , Mazzola Jacqueline , Camano Luiz , Mattar Rosiane
Published: September 2011

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease, being one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. As a consequence, pregnancy-associated diabetes is increasingly common. Given the numerous studies about the influence of diabetes on offspring of diabetic rat dams, the neurological outcome is of outmost importance. This paper aimed at evaluating the neurofunctional performance of young male offspring of rat dams with diabetes induced by streptozotocin. Diabetes was induced in Wistar female rats by streptozotocin administration, while control groups received vehicle injection. At two-month survival period, male offspring from each group were randomized to the water maze Morris test, in order to assess their neurofunctional status. There was no significant difference between the groups as assessed by the Morris water maze test for spatial reference task. Our results point to the need of further investigation on the offspring neurofunctional performance.
Birth Order Effects on the Separation Process in Young Adults: An Evolutionary and Dynamic Approach
Authors: Ziv Ido , Hermel Orly
Published: September 2011

The present study analyzes the differential contribution of a familial or social focus in imaginative ideation (the personal fable and imagined audience mental constructs) to the separation–individuation process of firstborn, middleborn, and lastborn children. A total of 160 young adults were divided into 3 groups by birth order. Participants’ separation–individuation process was evaluated by the Psychological Separation Inventory, and results were cross-validated by the Pathology of Separation–Individuation Inventory. The Imaginative Ideation Inventory tested the relative dominance of the familial and social environments in participants’ mental constructs. The findings showed that middleborn children had attained more advanced separation and were lower in family-focused ideation and higher in nonfamilial social ideation. However, the familial and not the social ideation explained the variance in the separation process in all the groups. The findings offer new insights into the effects of birth order on separation and individuation in adolescents and young adults.
Targeting π‐Conjugated Multiple Donor–Acceptor Motifs Exemplified by Tetrathiafulvalene‐Linked Quinoxalines and Tetrabenz[bc,ef,hi,uv]ovalenes: Synthesis, Spectroscopic, Electrochemical, and Theoretical Characterization
Authors: Jia Hong‐Peng , Ding Jie , Ran Ying‐Fen , Liu Shi‐Xia , Blum Carmen , Petkova Irina , Hauser Andreas , Decurtins Silvio
Published: September 2011

An efficient synthetic approach to a symmetrically functionalized tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivative with two diamine moieties, 2‐[5,6‐diamino‐4,7‐bis(4‐pentylphenoxy)‐1,3‐benzodithiol‐2‐ylidene]‐4,7‐bis(4‐pentylphenoxy)‐1,3‐benzodithiole‐5,6‐diamine (2), is reported. The subsequent Schiff‐base reactions of 2 afford large π‐conjugated multiple donor–acceptor (D–A) arrays, for example, the triad 2‐[4,9‐bis(4‐pentylphenoxy)‐1,3‐dithiolo[4,5‐g]quinoxalin‐2‐ylidene]‐4,9‐bis(4‐pentylphenoxy)‐1,3‐dithiolo[4,5‐g]quinoxaline (8) and the corresponding tetrabenz[bc,ef,hi,uv]ovalene‐fused pentad 1, in good yields and high purity. The novel redox‐active nanographene 1 is so far the largest known TTF‐functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with a well‐resolved 1H NMR spectrum. The electrochemically highly amphoteric pentad 1 and triad 8 exhibit various electronically excited charge‐transfer states in different oxidation states, thus leading to intense optical intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT) absorbances over a wide spectral range. The chemical and electrochemical oxidations of 1 result in an unprecedented TTF⋅+ radical cation dimerization, thereby leading to the formation of [1⋅+]2 at room temperature in solution due to the stabilizing effect, which arises from strong π–π interactions. Moreover, ICT fluorescence is observed with large solvent‐dependent Stokes shifts and quantum efficiencies of 0.05 for 1 and 0.035 for 8 in dichloromethane.
Mapping maize genes: A series of research‐based laboratory exercises
Authors: Makarevitch Irina , Kralich Elizabeth
Published: September 2011

Open‐ended, inquiry‐based multiweek laboratory exercises are the key elements to increasing students' understanding and retention of the major biological concepts. Including original research into undergraduate teaching laboratories has also been shown to motivate students and improve their learning. Here, we present a series of original laboratory exercises on fine mapping novel maize mutations producing interesting phenotypes. In this 4‐week lab series, students get involved in the whole process of identifying novel genes controlling specific phenotypes, from phenotype characterization and choosing appropriate molecular markers to calculating the genetic distance between the mutation and the marker and finding possible candidate genes using a complete genome sequence. We chose to use maize mutant lines produced by TILLING project. These lines have been partially mapped to a chromosomal bin by a high‐throughput bulk segregant analysis; however, the exact map positions for these mutations have never been determined. Mapping these novel maize mutations provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research as a part of their classroom experience and to contribute to the field of maize genetics. The laboratory series was well received by the students, and the assessment results demonstrated an improvement of student learning of gene mapping, molecular marker analysis, and positional cloning concepts. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 39, No. 5, pp. 375–383, 2011
A participatory learning approach to biochemistry using student authored and evaluated multiple‐choice questions
Authors: Bottomley Steven , Denny Paul
Published: September 2011

A participatory learning approach, combined with both a traditional and a competitive assessment, was used to motivate students and promote a deep approach to learning biochemistry. Students were challenged to research, author, and explain their own multiple‐choice questions (MCQs). They were also required to answer, evaluate, and discuss MCQs written by their peers. The technology used to support this activity was PeerWise—a freely available, innovative web‐based system that supports students in the creation of an annotated question repository. In this case study, we describe students' contributions to, and perceptions of, the PeerWise system for a cohort of 107 second‐year biomedical science students from three degree streams studying a core biochemistry subject. Our study suggests that the students are eager participants and produce a large repository of relevant, good quality MCQs. In addition, they rate the PeerWise system highly and use higher order thinking skills while taking an active role in their learning. We also discuss potential issues and future work using PeerWise for biomedical students. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Vol. 39, No. 5, pp. 352–361, 2011
Long‐lasting neuroprotective effect of sildenafil against 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine‐ induced 5‐hydroxytryptamine deficits in the rat brain
Authors: Puerta Elena , Barros‐Miñones Lucia , Hervias Isabel , Gomez‐Rodriguez Violeta , Orejana Lourdes , Pizarro Neus , de la Torre Rafael , Jordán Joaquín , Aguirre Norberto
Published: September 2011

Sildenafil, given shortly before 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), affords protection against 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) depletions caused by this amphetamine derivative by an acute preconditioning‐like mechanism. Because acute and delayed preconditionings do not share the same mechanisms, we investigated whether sildenafil would also protect the 5‐HT system of the rat if given 24 hr before MDMA. For this, MDMA (3 × 5 mg/kg i.p., every 2 hr) was administered to rats previously treated with sildenafil (8 mg/kg p.o.). One week later, 5‐HT content and 5‐HT transporter density were measured in the striatum, frontal cortex, and hippocampus of the rats. Our findings indicate that sildenafil afforded significant protection against MDMA‐induced 5‐HT deficits without altering the acute hyperthermic response to MDMA or its metabolic disposition. Sildenafil promoted ERK1/2 activation an effect that was paralleled by an increase in MnSOD expression that persisted 24 hr later. In addition, superoxide and superoxide‐derived oxidants, shown by ethidium fluorescence, increased after the last MDMA injection, an effect that was prevented by sildenafil pretreatment. Similarly, MDMA increased nitrotyrosine concentration in the hippocampus, an effect not shown by sildenafil‐pretreated rats. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that sildenafil produces a significant, long‐lasting neuroprotective effect against MDMA‐induced 5‐HT deficits. This effect is apparently mediated by an increased expression of MnSOD and a subsequent reduced susceptibility to the oxidative stress caused by MDMA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decrease in the expression of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii induces antinociception and increases blood pressure
Authors: Marques‐Lopes J. , Martins I. , Pinho D. , Morato M. , Wilson S.P. , Albino‐Teixeira A. , Tavares I.
Published: September 2011

N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDAR) have a role in cardiovascular control at the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), eliciting increases or decreases in blood pressure (BP), depending on the area injected with the agonists. In spite of the association between cardiovascular control and pain modulation, the effects of manipulating NMDAR in pain responses have never been evaluated. In this study, we decreased the expression of NMDAR in the NTS using gene transfer to target receptor subunits and evaluate long‐term effects. Seven days after the injection of lentiviral vectors containing the NR1a subunit cDNA of NMDAR, in antisense orientation, into the intermediate NTS of Wistar rats, BP was measured, and the formalin test of nociception was performed. The antisense vector induced a decrease of NR1 expression in the NTS and elicited BP rises and hypoalgesia. Antisense vectors inhibited formalin‐evoked c‐Fos expression in the spinal cord, indicating decreased nociceptive activity of spinal neurons. Using a time‐course approach, we verified that the onset of both the increases in BP and the hypoalgesia was at 4 days after vector injection into the NTS. The injection of NMDA into the NTS reversed the effects of antisense vectors in pain behavioral responses and spinal neuronal activation and decreased BP and heart rate. The present study shows that the NR1 subunit of the NMDAR at the NTS is critical in the regulation of tonic cardiovascular and nociceptive control and shows an involvement of the nucleus in the modulation of sustained pain. © 2011Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microtubule‐associated protein 2, an early blood marker of ischemic brain injury
Authors: Park Dongsun , Joo Seong S. , Lee Hong J. , Choi Kyung‐Chul , Kim Seung U. , Kim Yun‐Bae
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive and rapid blood marker to detect ischemic brain injury, because imaging techniques have a limited capacity to identify lesions during the first crucial hours without massive tissue destruction. Rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion for various durations (0.5–3 hr), followed by reperfusion. At different time points after ischemia and/or ischemia‐reperfusion, the amounts of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were analyzed by Western blotting. Brain infarction was observed in an ischemia‐duration‐dependent manner. GFAP was drastically increased in the CSF 24 and 48 hr after reperfusion, without change in the serum level. Serum levels of MAP2 remarkably increased as early as 0.5 hr of ischemia, much earlier than the observation of minimal tissue injury 3 hr following occlusion. The serum MAP2 level was further increased by a short period (2 hr) of reperfusion, even in 0.5‐ and 1‐hr ischemic rats, despite not observing any typical tissue injuries 24 hr after reperfusion. These results indicate that the MAP2 protein may be able to detect early neuronal injuries, because the level of this protein in the blood spikes before the appearance of visible macrolesions. Therefore, MAP2 could potentially be used as a novel early marker for the detection of a neurotoxic insult. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.