bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Key Gyratory Compaction Points for Superpave Mix Design in Arizona
Authors: Forstie DA , Corum DK
Published: March 2009

As part of the Arizona Department of Transportation's effort to implement the findings of the Strategic Highway Research Program(SHRP) on volumetric asphaltic concrete mix design, a study is being conducted to evaluate the level of laboratory compaction necessary in the SHRP gyratory compactor to best simulate field density after various levels of traffic. The study considers pavements on Arizona's Interstate highway system. The projects studied were constructed under Arizona's quality assurance specifications, so the materials characteristics at the time of construction are known. Cores removed from these pavements, from two to six years after construction, were tested to determine bulk density, rice density, and then processed through the ignition furnace to determine asphalt content, gradation, fine aggregate specific gravity, and uncompacted voids. The salvaged aggregate from each project, along with a like binder, were combined to form laboratory mix for preparing SHRP gyratory specimens. Based upon an analysis of these results, a revision is recommended to the current SHRP gyratory compaction tables now used in Superpave mix designs.
Moisture Performance Analysis of EPS Frost Insulation
Authors: Ojanen T , Kokko E
Published: March 2009

A horizontal layer of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) is widely used as a frost insulation of building foundations in the Nordic countries. The performance properties of the insulation depend strongly on the moisture level of the material. Experimental methods are needed to produce samples for testing the material properties in realistic moisture conditions.

The objective was to analyse the moisture loads and the wetting mechanisms of horizontal EPS frost insulation. Typical wetting tests, water immersion and diffusive water vapour absorption tests, were studied and the results were compared with the data from site investigations. Usually these tests give higher moisture contents of EPS than what are detected in drained frost insulation applications. Also the effect of different parameters, like the immersion depth and temperature gradient were studied.

Special attention was paid to study the effect of diffusion on the wetting process. Numerical simulation showed that under real working conditions the long period diffusive moisture absorption in EPS frost insulation remained lower than 1 % Vol. Moisture performance was determined experimentally as a function of the distance between the insulation and the free water level in the ground. The main moisture loads and the principles for good moisture performance of frost insulation are presented.
The Effects of Training on the Risk of Avalanche Fatality
Authors: Burtscher M , Nachbauer W
Published: March 2009

The fatal hazard of avalanches is obvious; however, there are no satisfactory solutions for prevention. For many years skiing and mountaineering associations have endeavored to increase mountaineering safety by information programs and instruction courses. However, the effectiveness of such efforts regarding “avalanche safety” remains unclear. Therefore, we studied the influence of training level on the death frequencies in back country skiers in Austria from 1986 through 1995.

The avalanche accidents during mountain sport activities in Austria from 1986 through 1995 were recorded. The number of persons involved in mountain sports and the frequency and duration of such involvement were compiled on the basis of a representative Austrian-wide survey taken in 1984 and in a 1989 microcensus. The training level is assumed to be higher for members of mountaineering associations than nonmembers.

Based on available information regarding the numbers of Austrian members and nonmembers of mountaineering associations and their annual skiing exposure times, relative risk calculations were carried out for these groups.

The overall avalanche fatality rate in back country skiers was low (1 death per 333 350 back country skiing days for members of alpine associations). However, the relative risk to have a fatal avalanche accident was about two times higher in members as compared with nonmembers, which indicates an increasing death risk with increasing training level.

It was observed that current training programs and information were inadequate for reducing the risk of deaths produced by avalanches. In fact it appeared that the present programs and information resulted in underestimation of the risk of avalanche or perhaps encouraged higher risk-taking behavior.
The Deteriorating Artificial Slate
Authors: Gumpertz WH , Condren SJ
Published: March 2009

Wood fibers were substituted for asbestos fibers as reinforcing in cement-fiber shingle products used as imitation roofing slate when governmental action outlawed the use of asbestos in this application. Our field experience with many installations of one brand of these new products, however, has been unsatisfactory. We have observed the rapid deterioration, often within two to three years, of shingles in service, primarily by the development of extensive cracking. Our research finds that these failures result from layering of the mortar materials during manufacture, combined with petrifaction and loss of ductility of the organic fibers. We suggest changes to the requirements of the applicable ASTM standard to help ensure that the product has the attributes necessary for satisfactory performance in service.
Data Acquisition and Management for Geotechnical Instrumentation on the Central Artery/Tunnel Project
Authors: Hawkes M , Marr WA
Published: March 2009

Boston's Central Artery/Tunnel Project has implemented a unique method of subcontracting for monitoring geotechnical instrumentation. The M026J contract includes a provision for the collection of 1.3 million readings over a six-year period. The contract uses a fixed unit cost per reading. This paper describes some aspects of the data acquisition and management processes that handle the flow of data for the project.
Use of Tensiometer for In Situ Measurement of Nitrate Leaching
Authors: Li K , Reddy MR
Published: March 2009

In order to monitor nitrate leaching from non-point source pollution, this study used tensiometers to measure insitu nitrate concentration and soil-moisture potential. Instead of filling the tensiometers with pure water, the study filled the tensiometers with nitrate ionic strength adjuster (ISA, 1 M (NH4)2SO4). After the installation of the tensiometers at various depths along soil profiles, a portable pressure transducer was used to measure the soil moisture potential, and a nitrate electrode attached to an ion analyzer was used to measure the nitrate concentration insitu. The measurement was continuous and non-destructive. To test this method in the laboratory, eight bottles filled with pure sand were treated with known nitrate solutions, and a tensiometer was placed in each bottle. Measurements were taken every day for 30 days. Laboratory test showed a linear relationship between the known nitrate concentration and the tensiometer readings (R2 = 0.9990). Then, a field test was conducted in a watermelon field with green manure mulch. Field data indicated a potential of nitrate leaching below the soil depth of 100 cm when crop uptake of nutrients was low.
Fracture Analyses of an Internally Pressurized Tube Containing an Axial, Through-Wall Crack
Authors: Leitch BW
Published: March 2009

An important aspect of any safety analysis of pressurized components is estimating the in-service fracture toughness and structural stability of these components.Of particular interest in the power generation and process industries is the assurance of leak-before-break for any pressurized components. The fracture toughness values of these components are determined using standard ASTM specimens and testing procedures. For internally-pressurized tubes, the fracture toughness values are used in combination with theoretically-derived crack driving forces to determine the unstable, or critical, crack length. The fracture toughness value of the tubes are found using compact toughness specimens (CTS) removed from the tube wall. Elastic and elastic-plastic, three-dimensional, finite element analyses of standard CTS and axially-cracked, internally pressurized tubes have been performed to examine the various constraint methodologies that can correlate the CTS and pressurized tube fracture values. The stress-based methodologies, viz, J-T/J-Q, von Mises equivalent and principle stress zone volumes, and a stress-strain technique were applied to the analysis results. A direct correlation between the planer CTS crack tip stress fields and the complex three-dimensional stress field at the crack tip of an axially-cracked, internally pressurized tube could not be found.
Significance of Gradient Ratio Test for Determining Clogging Potential of Geotextiles
Authors: Chang DT-T , Nieh Y-C
Published: March 2009

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation and synthesis of the literature on clogging resistance of geotextile. The soils used ranged from sand through silt to fine-grained clay. Fifteen types of geotextile including both woven and nonwoven materials were used. The latter included heat bonded and needle punched versions. The gradient ratio (GR) test was utilized to evaluate clogging characteristics in all the filtration and drainage-related research.

The research has been summarized into three areas of focus. The more pronounced the granular nature of a particular soil (sandy soils) the more definitive the GR test results, and the more clearly defined the contrast between clogging and unhindered filtration. For clayey soils, however, it is difficult to identify clogging using the GR test. It is apparent that the design guide of whether to adopt the FHWA-suggested limit of 3 for GR values should be reconsidered. In a case study of vertical drain applications for example, the stable GR values tend to hover around 5. For silty soils, the need for resistance to clogging narrows the range of suitable materials to the point where it is difficult to find an appropriate type of geotextile. Hence, it is suggested that placing a layer of sandy soil between the geotextile'and the weathered mudstone (the selected silty soil) leads to much better system flow rates and better performance in the GR test. All findings indicate that soil type is an important consideration when using the GR test to evaluate the clogging potential of geotextiles.
Spatial Patterns Analysis of Field Measured Soil Nitrate
Authors: Goderya FS , Dahab MF , Woldt WE , Bogardi I
Published: March 2009

The purpose of this study was to assess the spatial variability of residual soil nitrate, measured in three contiguous 16 ha fields. Available data for residual soil nitrate were examined using conventional statistics. Data tended to be skewed with the mean greater than the median. Geostatistical methods were used to characterize and model the spatial structure. Three dimensional spatial variability was examined using two semivariograms: horizontal-spatial and vertical. Two dimensional horizontal-spatial semivariograms were also computed for each 0.3m (1ft) layer. Semivariogram analysis showed that there were similarities in the patterns of spatial variability for all fields. The results suggest that the spatial patterns in residual soil nitrate may be correlated with irrigation practices. Furthermore, a trend was found to be present along the vertical direction, which may be related to the time of sampling.
Characterization of Dielectric Constant on Fine-Grained Soil Behavior
Authors: Kaya A , Fang H-Y
Published: March 2009

It has been postulated in earlier studies that there is a considerable relationship between some engineering properties of fine-grained soils and the dielectric constant of pore fluid such as with hydraulic conductivity: the lower the dielectric constant, the higher the hydraulic conductivity. However, the mechanisms causing the increase in hydraulic conductivity are not understood well. It is the purpose of this paper to investigate some mechanisms that affect the fine-grained soil behaviors when the dielectric constant of pore fluid is changed. For this reason, the relationships between the dielectric constant of pore fluid and soil-fluid system properties for Atterberg limits, cation exchange capacity, and the zeta potential of kaolinite were determined with different organic solvents. It was observed that as the dielectric constant decreases, kaolinite's liquid limit increases whereas the plastic index remains almost constant. Furthermore, its zeta potential, which is an indication of the thickness of double layer, decreases. It was concluded that when the dielectric constant of pore fluid decreases the surface charge density of soil decreases which causes a higher flow area increasing the hydraulic conductivity.
Effects of Reaction Layer on Interfacial Shear Properties and Strength of Fiber in Silicon-Carbide (SiC) Fiber-Reinforced Titanium Alloy Composite
Authors: Kagawa Y , Masuda C , Fujiwara C , Fukushima A
Published: March 2009

The effect of the interfacial thickness of the reaction layer on the interfacial shear properties and the tensile strength of double carbon-coated SCS-6 SiC fiber in Ti-15Mo-5Zr-3Al alloy matrix composite was examined. The major reaction layer thickness, that is, titanium-carbide (TiC) layer thickness, varied with heat-exposure temperature and time, respectively, and the resultant mean thickness of the reaction layer of the composite ranged from 0.4 to 1.7 μm. The critical interfacial toughness, Gic, and the mean shear sliding resistance, Τs were evaluated by the thin specimen pushout technique. Tensile strength of the silicon-carbide (SiC) fiber extracted from the titanium alloy matrix before and after the heat exposure was determined in relationship to the thickness of the reaction layer. The critical interface toughness, Gic, for the failure of the root of the reaction layer was ≈4 J/m2, and the average shear sliding resistance of the interface, Τs, was 102 to 118 MPa. The interfacial shear mechanical properties were adequate to prevent failure of the fiber due to the stress concentration caused by cracks that formed first in the reaction layer. The results showed that when the growth of reaction layer was within 1.7 μm, the mean strength of the extracted fiber was unaffected by the existence of the reaction layer because of weak bonding between it and the fiber. However, with the increase of the reaction layer thickness, the strength distribution of the extracted fiber tended to Weibull bimodal distribution.
Electrochemical Noise Measurement: The Definitive In-Situ Technique for Corrosion Applications?
Authors: Dawson JL
Published: March 2009

A review is presented of electrochemical noise (EN), the generic term given to fluctuations of current and potential seen in high-temperature corrosion, molten salt corrosion, and aqueous corrosion. EN levels in corrosion and particularly localized corrosion are significantly greater than EN observed in redox systems. EN associated with corrosion is the result of stochastic pulses of current generated by, for example, sudden film rupture, crack propagation, discrete events involving metal dissolution at etch pits, grain boundaries and kink sites, and hydrogen discharge with gas bubble formation and detachment. EN in corrosion includes low-frequency, nonstationary, and weakly stationary processes; transients; and cyclic or oscillatory phenomena.

The use of EN, obtained either by potentiostatic/galvanostatic measurements or at freely corroding potentials, has been shown to offer advantages over conventional DC and AC techniques in research studies, testing, and corrosion monitoring. In many cases, reaction mechanisms can be elucidated and corrosion rate information can be obtained.

Under freely corroding conditions, current noise impulses give rise to changes in potential through the interfacial impedance, 〈In〉 → 〈En〉/|Z|. Correlation of current and potential noise from uniform corrosion may be used to obtain the electrochemical impedance of the corroding interface; these noise signals are produced by weakly stationary or deterministic processes. Corrosion rates may therefore be evaluated from this low-frequency impedance or from the associated but simplified noise resistance, obtained from the standard deviations of the current and potential, σE/σi = Rn. Localized corrosion events produced by Poisson processes can be easily identified from time records and spectral density plots. Localized corrosion involves nonstationary systems. The anodic and cathodic processes can be separated in both time (the anodic event occurring before the cathodic event or vice versa) and space (at different parts of the electrode surface). The electrons produced or consumed during these corrosion events are stored temporarily in the electrochemical double layer and corrosion product film capacitors.

Assessment of individual transients, use of signal analysis techniques, modeling of ensembles of transients as developed for electrocrystallization studies, and use of the chaos theory have all been used in EN evaluations.
Electrochemical Noise Measurement for Determining Corrosion Rates
Authors: Reichert DL
Published: March 2009

Electrochemical noise measurements (ENM), linear polarization tests and mass loss measurements were performed in sulfuric acid, acetic acid and other solutions. The ENM data were converted to corrosion rates by calculating the noise resistance, Rn = σV/σI where σV and σI are the standard deviations of the potential and current. Good correlation among the three methods was obtained for low to moderate corrosion rates, but poor correlation was observed for high rates. ENM has proven valuable for determining corrosion rates in lowconductivity solutions, which are not suitable for linear polarization resistance (LPR) testing, and for measuring very low corrosion rates in which mass loss tests would have required at least 30 days exposure to provide meaningful results.
Pegvisomant-induced cholestatic hepatitis with jaundice in a patient with Gilbert's syndrome
Authors: Bernabeu Ignacio , Cameselle-Teijeiro Jose , Casanueva Felipe F , Marazuela Monica
Published: March 2009

We report on a patient with active acromegaly and Gilbert's syndrome who developed severe hepatic dysfunction during pegvisomant (PEGv) monotherapy. She was partially resistant to all previous therapies, including long-acting somatostatin analogs and cabergoline. Five months after starting PEGv therapy, with an already normalized IGF1, she developed cholestatic liver dysfunction with jaundice. Liver or biliary diseases including biliary sludge, cholelithiasis or liver steatosis were excluded. A liver biopsy was in keeping with drug-induced liver injury. The discontinuation of PEGv was followed by full clinical and biochemical recovery in 6 weeks. PEGv therapy was not resumed. Apart from a minimal increase of bilirubin levels, no liver function test abnormalities were found during the 4-year follow-up period after the PEGv was discontinued. Drug-induced liver injury is the most serious systemic adverse event resulting from PEGv therapy. Since patients with mild and asymptomatic liver disease could be at a higher risk of PEGv-induced hepatotoxicity, frequent monitoring of hepatic enzymes should be required in these cases.
A hybrid form: The second movement of ernst von Dohnányi’s String Quartet in A major (Op. 7)
Authors: Kovács Ilona
Published: March 2009

The form of the second movement of the String Quartet in A major, Op. 7 is original not only in Dohnányi’s oeuvre but in music history in general, as well. This new musical idea is a fusion of two traditional forms: a variation and a ternary form. The theme of the movement is followed by four variations, but at the end of the second one there is an unexpected break: a contrasting Trio-like section comes in between and the flow of variations continues only after it finishes. This unique structure is analysed in detail for the first time in present study. Relying on analyses of Dohnányi’s compositions, this study traces similar formal characteristics in other works of the composer too. Finally, the article provides with an example for this hybrid form in one of its three closest relatives: the second movement of the Piano Quintet in Eb minor, Op. 26.
Revision of scientific manuscripts by non-native English-speaking scientists in response to journal editors’ language critiques
Authors: Englander Karent
Published: March 2009

Scientists’ manuscripts must fulfill the expectations of journal reviewers and editors in order to be published, whether the author’s first language is English or not. However, manuscripts submitted by nonnative-English-speaking scientists are sometimes criticized for their language usage and they require revision. In some cases, these authors do revise their manuscripts, resubmit them, and have them accepted for publication. To date, little had been known about the linguistic changes scientists make to their manuscripts, nor had there been a close descriptive study of the textual revisions that served to satisfy the demands of journal editors. This study uses the systemic functional linguistics approach of discourse analysis to examine the changes made in a small corpus of manuscripts from nonnative-English-speaking scientists that were initially criticized, in part for their language usage, but were later accepted. The results demonstrate that the changes that were made at the lexicogrammatical level were not mere syntactic corrections, but altered the position of the scientist and his text in relation to the scientific community.
Trascription in practice
Authors: Jaffe Alexandra M
Published: March 2009

Transcriptions of spoken data are a central element of much applied linguistic research, serving both as the basis for large-scale corpora used by multiple analysts, and as one of the primary ways in which spoken data is presented in scholarly work. This article applies a political and ideological perspective to the analysis of a specific aspect of transcriptional practice that is seldom given much attention: the use of nonstandard orthography. While orthographic choices are often treated as neutral, transparent or trivial dimensions of applied linguistics transcripts, a review of the literature shows that nonstandard orthographies covertly attribute sociolinguistic stigma to those they represent. It goes on to explore in detail the sociolinguistic and pragmatic information value of nonstandard orthography in transcriptions, considering issues of predictability, consistency, intertextuality, and audience and readers’ interpretive frameworks. The conclusions argue for recognition among applied linguists of the representational work done by nonstandard orthographies and hence, for very selective, principled and explicitly flagged uses of these spellings in academic corpora and transcripts.
International Teaching Assistants and teacher identity
Authors: LoCastro Virginia , Tapper Gordon
Published: March 2009

This paper reports on a study of International Teaching Assistant (ITA) teacher identity construction at a U.S. tertiary institution, an example of an ‘atypical’ research site neglected by the current perspective of Western dominated applied linguistics. The researchers adopt a critical perspective to explore complex micro classroom interactions as well as macro dimensions of the D/discourses woven intertextually into introductory courses in sciences and business. The study focuses in particular on the educational function ITAs perform as NNE speaker teachers, the extent of their accommodation to U.S. pedagogical norms, and the construction of their identities as expert teachers. Video taped classroom sessions as well as interviews and retrospective accounts of five participants comprise rich data for 23 extracts of talk and discussion of ITA pedagogical practices, challenges and conflicts, and attitudes towards negotiation of U.S. norms and their own teacher identities. This interview-based case study raises issues related to teacher training of both ITAs and NE speaker teaching assistants, the role of NNE speakers as sources of diversity and multiculturalism, and the need for increased awareness of U.S. institutions of world Englishes and movement away from the deficit view of international teaching personnel so often observed.
TermFinder
Authors: Peters Pam , Jones Alan , Smith Adam , Winchester-Seeto Theresa , Middledorp Jenny , Petocz Peter
Published: March 2009

The TermFinder project is a new kind of collaboration between academic specialists/teachers and applied linguists/terminographers in creating specialized online termbanks for pedagogical purposes. Although there are technical glossaries on the internet, their ad hoc definitions do not target the needs of novices in the discipline, or those with limited English. Specialized terminology remains a substantial barrier for tertiary students grappling with the foundation concepts, overshadowed by the recent emphasis on generic skills. TermFinder termbanks are customized for designated courses, and informed by a computerized corpus of lecture materials and reading texts used by the lecturer. The terminographer uses the corpus to identify the key terms by frequency and to source natural examples of their usage: their grammar as well as their technical sense(s) and connections with other terms in the discipline. The methodology is new for terminography (ie the description of terminology), though well established in general lexicography. This corpus-informed terminography is also pedagogically-informed, in that the selection and definitions of terms are reviewed in consultation with disciplinary teaching staff. It ensures that (a) necessary lower frequency terms are included; and (b) the definitions drafted by the terminographer are conceptually adequate for the level of student. Pilot testing of the statistics termbank confirms its pedagogical value. TermFinder pages contain verbal, audio and graphic elements to develop students’ understanding of disciplinary concepts through multiple cognitive channels.
Study of mural paintings by Fulvio Pennacchi in São Paulo City by mineralogical techniques
Authors: Del Lama Eliane A. , Tirello Regina A. , Andrade Fábio R.D. de , Kihara Yushiro
Published: March 2009

The present research deals with two mural paintings made in 1947 with the fresco technique by Fulvio Pennacchi in the Catholic Chapel of the Hospital das Clínicas (São Paulo City, Brazil), namely the Virgin Annunciation and the Supper at Emmaus. This study regards the materials and painting techniques used by the artist, based on historical research,on in situ observations and laboratory analytical techniques (stereomicroscopy,scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffractometry, electron microprobe, images obtained with UV-light), aiming to improve the methods of characterization of objects of our cultural heritage, and to enhance its preservation accordingly. The results lead to the identification of the plaster components and of distinct layers in the frescoes, besides further information on grain size, impurities and textures, composition of pigments, and features of deterioration, such as efflorescences. The degree of degradation of the murals painting was assessed by this way. Our data suggest that a single layer of plaster was used by Pennacchi, as a common mortar with fine- and medium-grained aggregates. Differences in texture were obtained by adding gypsum to the plaster.
Comparison of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) concentrations in urban and natural forest soils in the Atlantic Forest (São Paulo State)
Authors: Bourotte Christine , Forti Maria Cristina , Lucas Yves , Melfi Adolpho J.
Published: March 2009

Studies about pollution by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tropical soils and Brazil are scarce. A study was performed to examine the PAHs composition, concentrations and sources in red-yellow Oxisols of remnant Atlantic Forest of the São Paulo State. Sampling areas were located in an urban site (PEFI) and in a natural one (CUNHA).The granulometric composition, pH, organic matter content and mineralogical composition were determined in samples of superficial soils. The sum of PAHs (ΣHPAs) was 4.5 times higher in the urban area than in the natural one. Acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene and fluoranthene have been detected in the soils of both areas and presented similar concentrations. Acenaphthene and fluorene were the most abundant compounds. Pyrene was twice more abundant in the soils of natural area (15 µg.kg-1) than of the urban area and fluoranthene was the dominant compound (203 µg.kg-1) in urban area (6.8 times higher than in the natural area). Some compounds of higher molecular weight, which are tracers of vehicular emissions showed significant concentrations in urban soils. Pyrene represented 79% of ΣPAHs whereas it has not been detected in natural soils. The results showed that forest soils in urban area are characterized by the accumulation of high molecular weight compounds of industrial and vehicular origin.
Influência do tempo de pulverização com aparelho pneumático costal, na cobertura foliar do cafeeiro
Authors: Lorena Neto Bernardo , Corrêa Hermes Geraldo
Published: March 2009

Estudou-se a influência do tempo que plantas de café permanecem sob um fluxo pulverizado, na cobertura foliar obtida. Foi aplicado um volume de 300 ml por planta durante os tempos de 20, 30 e 40 segundos. A cobertura foliar foi avaliada com a técnica do traçante fluo-rescente. Analisados estatisticamente os resultados, concluiu-se que o tempo de 30 segundos foi suficiente para a pulverização das quatro plantas de uma cova nas condições do ensaio, sendo de 0,60 litro/minuto a vazão do bico do pulverizador.
Presença e eficiência de Rhizobium Japonicum em solos cultivados ou não com soja, no estado deSão Paulo
Authors: Lopes Eli Sidney , Giardini Antônio Roberto , Kiihl Romeu A. S.
Published: March 2009

Foi conduzido um ensaio em solução nutritiva sem nitrogênio, com condições assépticas, usando-se como inoculantes para as plantas amostras de solos LR e LB coletadas em locais já cultivados e não com soja, com o objetivo de verificar a presença de Rhizobium capaz de nodular o cultivar santa-rosa. Verificou-se que solos ainda não cultivados com a leguminosa são desprovidos de Rhizobium japonicum, e também que essa bactéria é encontrada em solos previamente cultivados, fixando nitrogênio em quantidades equivalentes à de uma estirpe selecionada.
Teores de proteína, óleo, lisina e triptofano em grãos integrais de diversos cultivares de arroz
Authors: Teixeira J. P. F. , Furlani P. R. , Azzini L. E.
Published: March 2009

Tendo em vista futuros programas de melhoramento da qualidade nutritiva do arroz, foram determinados os teores de óleo, proteína e dos aminoácidos essenciais lisina e triptofano nos grãos descascados dos principais cultivares desse cereal cultivados no Estado de São Paulo. Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os teores desses constituintes, nos diferentes cultivares estudados. A interação variedade-ambiente teve efeito marcante nos teores de proteína dos grãos, com exceção do IAC-47. De uma maneira geral, os teores de lisina e de triptofano foram mais elevados nos materiais que apresentaram teores mais baixos de proteína. Dentre os principais cultivares de arroz atualmente em plantio, o IAC-47 apresentou características promissoras para futuros programas de melhoramento visando melhoria da qualidade nutricional desse cereal.
Casa de parto: simbologia e princípios assistenciais
Authors: Hoga Luiza Akiko Komura
Published: March 2009

A primeira Casa de Parto vinculada ao Programa Saúde da Família possui simbologia específica. Objetivou-se identificar os símbolos que permeiam as idéias, crenças, valores e práticas e os princípios que orientam a assistência prestada na Casa de Parto. O método de pesquisa foi a etnografia e a história oral temática, o recurso empregado para entrevistar enfermeiras obstétricas da Casa. Resultados: A Casa possui o valor simbólico da inovação da assistência ao parto e o cuidado humanizado à gestante é o princípio que norteia as práticas. Considerações finais: A simbologia da Casa e as práticas de cuidado desenvolvidas constituem referência às demais Casas de parto em proposição no Brasil e devem ser conhecidas pelas enfermeiras obstétricas.
Intoxicações por agrotóxicos entre trabalhadores rurais de fruticultura, Bento Gonçalves, RS
Authors: Faria Neice Müller Xavier , Rosa José Antônio Rodrigues da , Facchini Luiz Augusto
Published: March 2009

OBJETIVO: Descrever a exposição ocupacional e a incidência de intoxicações agudas por agrotóxicos, especialmente os organofosforados. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo com 290 agricultores da fruticultura do município Bento Gonçalves, RS, conduzido em duas etapas, no ano 2006. Ambas etapas foram completadas por 241 trabalhadores: no período de baixo uso e de intenso uso dos agrotóxicos. Foram coletados dados sobre a propriedade, exposição ocupacional aos agrotóxicos, dados sociodemográficos e freqüência de problemas de saúde utilizando-se questionário padronizado. As intoxicações foram caracterizadas por relato de episódios, sintomas relacionados aos agrotóxicos e exames de colinesterase plasmática. Os casos foram classificados segundo a matriz proposta pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS). RESULTADOS: Em média foram usados 12 tipos de agrotóxicos em cada propriedade, principalmente glifosato e organofosforados. A maioria usava trator durante a aplicação de pesticidas (87%), entregava as embalagens para a coleta seletiva (86%) e usava equipamentos de proteção durante as atividades com agrotóxicos (>94%). Dentre os trabalhadores, 4% relataram intoxicações por agrotóxicos nos 12 meses anteriores à pesquisa e 19% em algum momento da vida. Segundo o critério proposto pela OMS, 11% foram classificados como casos prováveis de intoxicação aguda. Entre os que tinham usado organofosforados nos dez dias anteriores ao exame, 2,9% apresentaram dois ou mais sintomas relacionados aos agrotóxicos, assim como redução de 20% da colinesterase. CONCLUSÕES: A ocorrência de intoxicações a partir da percepção dos trabalhadores esteve dentro do esperado, mas a estimativa com base na classificação da OMS captou uma proporção maior de casos. A quebra na safra reduziu o uso de inseticidas e pode explicar a baixa ocorrência de alterações laboratoriais. Os critérios para definição de intoxicação por agrotóxicos, bem como os parâmetros oficiais de monitorização, devem ser reavaliados buscando proteger melhor os trabalhadores.
Desempenho do tensiômetro com diferentes sistemas de leitura
Authors: Brito Alexsandro dos Santos , Libardi Paulo Leonel , Mota Jaedson Cláudio Anunciato , Moraes Sergio Oliveira
Published: March 2009

O tensiômetro é o instrumento mais utilizado no campo para medida do potencial mátrico da água, pelo que a avaliação dos seus diferentes sistemas de leitura é muito importante. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar diferentes sistemas de leitura do tensiômetro tradicional em campo e justifica-se porque vai indicar a situação na qual cada sistema deve ou não ser utilizado. Foi realizado um experimento em delineamento inteiramente aleatório e em esquema fatorial 3 x 2 x 2 x 11, ou seja, três sistemas de leitura do tensiômetro (manômetro de mercúrio, vacuômetro de Bourdon e tensímetro digital com transdutor de pressão), duas profundidades de instalação (0,2 e 1,0 m), dois horários de leitura (manhã e tarde) e 11 leituras, com quatro repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F, e as médias foram contrastadas pelo teste de Tukey, a 5 %. Os sistemas também foram analisados com base nos indicadores estatísticos índice de concordância de Willmott, erro máximo, erro absoluto médio, raiz quadrada do erro médio normalizado, coeficiente de determinação, coeficiente de massa residual e eficiência, adotando-se o tensiômetro com manômetro de mercúrio como referência. Concluiu-se que: (a) o vacuômetro de Bourdon é mais exato e eficiente que o tensímetro digital e, na ausência do manômetro de mercúrio, deve ser preferido para a medida do potencial mátrico da água no solo; (b) sempre que o vacuômetro de Bourdon for instalado ao longo do comprimento do tensiômetro sob determinada carga hidráulica, esta deve ser considerada no cálculo do potencial mátrico; e (c) o tensímetro digital superestimou os valores de potencial mátrico em comparação ao manômetro de mercúrio e vacuômetro de Bourdon.
Espectroscopia por ressonância magnética no diagnóstico do câncer de próstata: experiência inicial
Authors: Melo Homero José de Farias e , Szejnfeld Denis , Paiva Cristiano Silveira , Abdala Nitamar , Arruda Homero Oliveira de , Goldman Suzan Menasce , Szejnfeld Jacob
Published: March 2009

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a experiência na implantação de um protocolo de espectroscopia por ressonância magnética do 1H tridimensional (3D 1H MRSI), disponível comercialmente, aplicando-o em pacientes com suspeita de neoplasia prostática e com diagnóstico estabelecido de tumor prostático. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo realizado de forma prospectiva, em 41 pacientes com idades entre 51 e 80 anos (média de 67 anos). Dois grupos foram formados: pacientes com uma ou mais biópsias negativas para câncer e antígeno prostático específico elevado (grupo A) e pacientes com câncer confirmado por biópsia (grupo B). Procurou-se, a partir dos resultados da ressonância magnética e espectroscopia por ressonância magnética, determinar a área-alvo (grupo A) ou a extensão do câncer conhecido (grupo B). RESULTADOS: No diagnóstico de câncer de próstata a espectroscopia por ressonância magnética apresentou especificidade abaixo da descrita pela literatura, cerca de 47%. Já para o estadiamento do tumor diagnosticado, houve correspondência com a literatura. CONCLUSÃO: A implantação e padronização da espectroscopia por ressonância magnética permitiram a obtenção de informações importantes para o diagnóstico presuntivo da existência de câncer de próstata, combinando as imagens por ressonância magnética com os dados metabólicos da espectroscopia por ressonância magnética.
Volume de madeira e concentração foliar de nutrientes em parcelas experimentais de Eucalyptus grandis fertilizadas com lodos de esgoto úmido e seco
Authors: Silva Paulo Henrique Muller da , Poggiani Fábio , Gonçalves José Leonardo de Moraes , Stape José Luiz
Published: March 2009

No Brasil, diversos municípios estão construindo estações de tratamento de esgoto (ETEs), e futuramente serão produzidas anualmente milhares de toneladas de lodo para as quais deverá ser dada destinação adequada. O lodo de esgoto tratado (biossólido) é o resíduo resultante do tratamento do esgoto urbano, e sua disposição final precisa ser bem planejada devido às implicações sanitárias, ambientais, econômicas e sociais. Apresenta elevado teor de matéria orgânica e de nutrientes e poderia ser utilizado como fertilizante em plantios florestais. Esta pesquisa foi realizada na Estação de Ciências Florestais de Itatinga (Universidade de São Paulo), com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adição de três doses (10, 20 e 30 t ha-1) dos lodos de esgoto úmido (torta) e seco (granulado), complementados com K e B e aplicados ao solo nas linhas de plantio em parcelas experimentais de Eucalyptus grandis. Dezoito meses após a implantação das mudas no campo, o volume dos troncos demonstrou aumento significativo (ao redor de 130%) no tocante ao crescimento dos eucaliptos tratados com os biossólidos úmido e seco em relação à testemunha sem aplicação de fertilizante, bem como teve resultado semelhante ao do tratamento com adubo mineral. Entretanto, não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos com a aplicação dos biossólidos úmido e seco. Com relação à nutrição mineral, foi observado aumento da concentração dos elementos P, Ca e Zn nas folhas com as maiores doses dos biossólidos, e verificou-se efeito inverso de Mn. As concentrações foliares de todos os nutrientes nos eucaliptos tratados com os biossólidos mantiveram-se dentro dos limites observados usualmente nas plantações comerciais, não havendo sinais de desequilíbrio nutricional.
Desenvolvimento e avaliação de um protótipo classificador de tábuas usando técnicas de visão artificial
Authors: Gomes José Marcelo , Pinto Francisco de Assis de Carvalho , Lucia Ricardo Marius Della , Khoury Junior Joseph Kalil
Published: March 2009

A classe de qualidade de uma peça de madeira serrada é determinada pelos defeitos apresentados e por algumas características associadas a eles, como: dimensões da peça e dos defeitos, posição dos defeitos, quantidade e tipo. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram desenvolver e avaliar um protótipo para classificação de tábuas de madeira de eucalipto, com base em imagens digitais, composto por uma esteira rolante onde são inseridas as tábuas para obtenção das imagens de suas faces. O protótipo pode utilizar tanto a norma da Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT) quanto a norma comercial de uma serraria. O processo pode ser acompanhado no microcomputador, que apresenta em seguida a imagem da tábua com o resultado final de sua classificação. A taxa de acerto no processo de classificação foi de 64,3%, usando-se a norma da ABNT, e de 81,0% com o emprego da norma comercial. A produtividade do protótipo desenvolvido foi de 7,9 m³ h-1, na classificação de madeira serrada de eucalipto.
Voltaire e a sátira
Authors: Romano Roberto
Published: March 2009

O texto salienta a importância da sátira lucianesca no pensamento das Luzes, em especial nos textos de Voltaire. Ao mesmo tempo, ele busca criticar a carência de humor na filosofia de nossa época, a partir de uma análise comparativa da prosa iluminista com a fala sibilina das correntes filosóficas irracionalistas, em especial as de Martin Heidegger e de seus epígonos.
Alquimia: Isaac Newton revisitado
Authors: Moraes Reginaldo Carmello Corrêa de
Published: March 2009

Nota sobre publicações recentes que revelam aspectos pouco conhecidos da biblioteca de Newton - os numerosos textos religiosos, místicos e herméticos. Os biógrafos de Newton resistiram muito até admitir que os escritos esotéricos fossem genuíno interesse do sábio e que tivessem importância para entender sua trajetória intelectual. As publicações aqui indicadas afirmam o contrário, seguindo trilha aberta por ensaio pioneiro de J. M. Keynes (1946).
Experiência da maternidade no contexto do HIV/Aids aos três meses de vida do bebê
Authors: Gonçalves Tonantzin Ribeiro , Piccinini Cesar Augusto
Published: March 2009

O estudo investigou a experiência da maternidade em portadoras do HIV/Aids aos três meses de vida do filho/a. Participaram seis mães (19 a 30 anos), de nível sócio-econômico baixo, três das quais já eram portadoras da doença quando engravidaram, enquanto as demais souberam no parto. As mães foram entrevistadas e suas respostas foram examinadas por meio de uma análise de conteúdo qualitativa baseada em quatro eixos teóricos: vida-crescimento, relacionar-se primário, matriz de apoio e reorganização da identidade. Os resultados mostraram que as mães tinham muitas preocupações com a possibilidade de infecção do filho/a e com a saúde do bebê, além de sentimentos de incerteza quanto ao futuro, culpa e medo do preconceito. Esses temores pareciam mais intensos para as mães que tiveram seu diagnóstico no parto. O estigma do HIV/Aids, conflitos familiares, dificuldades com o diagnóstico e o tratamento, além de restrições sócio-econômicas e em sua rede de apoio exigiam grande esforço emocional dessas mulheres, sugerindo a necessidade de intervenções psicossociais visando à adesão ao tratamento, à qualidade de vida e ao desenvolvimento do bebê.
Uso de cal virgem para o controle de Salmonella spp. e Clostridium spp. em camas de aviário
Authors: Pra Marcos Antonio Dai , Corrêa Érico Kunde , Roll Victor Fernando , Xavier Eduardo Gonçalves , Lopes Débora Cristina Nichelle , Lourenço Fernanda Fernandes , Zanusso Jerri Teixeira , Roll Aline Piccini
Published: March 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia do uso de cal virgem (CaO) para a redução de Salmonella spp. e Clostridium spp. em cama de aviário. Foram aplicados quatro tratamentos: T1- sem adição de cal virgem (controle), T2- aplicação de cal virgem na dose de 300g m-2, T3- aplicação de cal virgem na dose de 600g m-2 e T4- aplicação de cal virgem na dose de 900g m-2. Os valores médios observados para o pH da cama após o 12° dia de aplicação de cal virgem foram 8,95 e 9,91, 10,75 e 11,11 para os tratamentos 1, 2, 3 e 4, respectivamente. O número mais provável Log10 (UFC) de Salmonella spp. e Clostridium spp foi reduzido em 82 e 97% com a aplicação de cal na dosagem de 300g m-2 e 100% na dosagem de 600 e 900g m-2, ambos diferindo significativamente em relação ao controle (antes da aplicação da cal). A atividade de água da cama reduziu progressivamente (de 0,2 a 3,82%) com a utilização de níveis crescentes de cal. Conclui-se que o uso da cal na cama de aviário, mesmo nas doses mais baixas, reduz o número mais provável de Salmonella e Clostridium ssp.
Tinea capitis em adulto por Trichophyton violaceum no Brasil: relato de um caso e revisão da literatura
Authors: Rodrigues Gustavo da Silva , Oliveira Flávio de Mattos , Pereira Eduardo Figueiredo , Cruz Rosana Ce Bella
Published: March 2009

Tinea capitis, tinha do couro cabeludo, é dermatofitose causada por fungos dos gêneros Trichophyton e Microsporum. Apresenta várias formas clínicas e é quase exclusiva de crianças. Raramente acomete adulto. Relata-se um caso de tinea capitis por T. violaceum em mulher com 65 anos de idade e comentam-se os aspectos nosográficos dessa dermatofitose no Brasil.
Redução dos linfócitos T-CD8+ citotóxicos observada com a terapia Puva em paciente com vitiligo
Authors: Antelo Daniela Pereira , Filgueira Absalom Lima , Cunha José Marcos Telles da
Published: March 2009

Na patogênese do vitiligo tem-se enfatizado o papel das células T citotóxicas. Identificadas pelo antígeno linfocitário cutâneo (CLA), essas células já foram descritas no sangue de pacientes com outras dermatoses e podem ser depletadas pela fototerapia concomitantemente à melhora clínica. Descreve-se caso de vitiligo generalizado com melhora clínica expressiva após Puva, no qual houve redução de 25% dos linfócitos T CD8+-CLA+ circulantes.
Você conhece esta síndrome?
Authors: Pereira Luciana Baptista , Gontijo João Renato Vianna
Published: March 2009

A síndrome de Urbach-Wiethe, também conhecida como lipoidoproteinose ou hialinose cutânea e mucosa (OMIM 247100), é rara genodermatose de herança autossômica recessiva, de patogênese desconhecida, que se caracteriza pela deposição de material hialino na pele, mucosa oral e órgãos internos. Alterações características incluem a rouquidão, pápulas e nódulos na face, especialmente na borda das pálpebras, cicatrizes varioliformes, espessamento difuso e aspecto amarelado da pele e lesões verrucosas em áreas de atrito.
Crianças vivendo com HIV e Casas de Apoio em São Paulo: cultura, experiências e contexto domiciliar
Authors: Abadia-Barrero César Ernesto
Published: March 2009

Este artigo, baseado em pesquisa na área da Antropologia Médica, pretende analisar alguns fatores culturais que influem no desenvolvimento de crianças e adolescentes vivendo com HIV em casas de apoio. Existem semelhanças e diferenças nos padrões de criação de cada instituição e, em conseqüência, no desenvolvimento individual e social das crianças e adolescentes. Uma semelhança marcante é que a melhora na qualidade de vida e o aumento da sobrevida (com muitos virando adolescentes) parece ter-se convertido em um problema para os adultos que cuidam deles. Minha intenção é explicar como este problema deve-se, em grande parte, às idéias e ao imaginário do que a criança com Aids no Brasil representa. Essas idéias são culturalmente construídas e estão em sincronia com as categorias e discussões modernas sobre criança, desenvolvimento e respostas sociais moralmente aceitáveis. O desenvolvimento de crianças e adolescentes vivendo com HIV/Aids questiona as ditas categorias ameaçando, inclusive, os padrões de criação estabelecidos pelos adultos e as estruturas das instituições.