bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of cut type on fresh-cut 'menina brasileira' zucchini quality
Authors: Boas Brígida Monteiro Vilas , Alves Juliana Alvarenga , Boas Eduardo Valério de Barros Vilas
Published: January 2012

Market sales of ready-to-use fresh fruit and vegetables have grown quickly in the recent years as a result of changes in consumer attitudes. The goal of this work was to evaluate the effect of two kinds of cuts on the physiological, physical, physical-chemical, chemical and biochemical traits of fresh-cut 'Menina Brasileira' zucchini stored in rigid polypropylene packages, with lids of the same material containing sliced and grated zucchini and stored at 5º C, for 15 days. The variables respiratory rate, pH, L* value, soluble pectin, PME and PG activity, was interactively affected by the cut type and storage time factors. The variables mass loss, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and total pectin variable were only significantly affected by storage time factor. It can be concluded that sliced 'Menina Brasileira' zucchini shows a higher titratable acidity and soluble solids and a lower respiratory rate, pectin soluble and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity when compared with grated zucchini, contributing to the preservation of quality attributes.
Water adsorption isotherms and isosteric sorption heat of spray-dried and freeze-dried dehydrated passion fruit pulp with additives and skimmed milk
Authors: Catelam Kelly Tafari , Trindade Carmen Sílvia Fávaro , Romero Javier Telis
Published: January 2012

Moisture equilibrium data of passion fruit pulp powders with maltodextrin and gum arabic were obtained by two different drying methods (spray drying and freeze drying) and determined at 20, 30, 40 and 50º C. Skimmed milk was used to substitute part of these additives in the samples. One formulation using passion fruit pulp/maltodextrin/skimmed milk (PMS) was prepared, and another using passion fruit pulp/gum arabic/skimmed milk (PGS). The behavior of curves was type III, according to Brunauer's classification. GAB models were fitted to experimental equilibrium data. The parameters obtained from GAB models was affected by the presence of additives. The behavior of the sorption isotherms for different temperatures are similar, noting only a small effect of temperature. There were little differences between both drying methods and additives used in relation to equilibrium moisture content. The parameters obtained with the addition of the skimmed milk were considered satisfactory (Xm values ranged from 0,04084 to 0,06488 in dry basis), demonstrating that it is an effective and cheap alternative for regular additives. A progressive increase in the heat of sorption in relation to decreasing moisture content was observed and the heat of sorption values of different samples are all similar, comparing the relative equilibrium moisture content.
Metabolizable energy of corn hybrids for broiler chickens at different ages
Authors: Kato Reinaldo Kanji , Bertechini Antonio Gilberto , Fassani Edison José , Brito Jerônimo Avito Gonçalves de , Castro Solange de Faria
Published: January 2012

We determined the values of apparent metabolizable (AME), apparent corrected (AMEn), true (TME) and true corrected (TMEn) energy of six corn hybrids for broiler chickens in phases 1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-35 and 36-42 day-old birds, using the substitution method (40%) of reference diet with the test ingredient. Ross-308 male chicks (1,134) were allotted to metabolism cages and the number of birds per experimental unit was adjusted to suit each bird's density stage in the cage, using six replicates. Simultaneously, birds continue to fast for the determination of metabolic and endogenous losses for each study phase. The birds received water and food ad libitum during the experimental period. The birds were maintained in metabolism cages for seven days, four days for adaptation to the cage and food, and three days for excreta collection. The corn energy values were significantly lower only in the pre-initial phase (1-7 days). Thus, broiler feed formulations of AMEn values for corn of 3563 kcal/kg DM for 1 to 7 days and 3778 kcal/kg DM from 7-day-old birds are recommended.The agronomic characteristics of the corn had no influence on the birds energy levels.
Análise de Custo-efetividade do rastreamento do câncer de mama com mamografia convencional, digital e ressonância
Authors: Peregrino Antonio Augusto de Freitas , Vianna Cid Manso de Mello , Almeida Carlos Eduardo Veloso de , Gonzáles Gabriela Bittencourt , Machado Samara Cristina Ferreira , Silva Frances Valéria Costa e , Rodrigues Marcus Paulo da Silva
Published: January 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar análise de custo efetividade da intervenção das mamografias convencional e digital e da ressonância magnética no rastreamento de câncer de mama, comparando com o não rastreamento. Foi construído um modelo markoviano, numa uma coorte hipotética de 100 mil mulheres com rastreamento bianual, cuja linha de base é a história natural da doença. Modelaram-se quatro cenários distintos: (1) a história natural do câncer de mama como linha de base; (2) mamografia com filme convencional; (3) mamografia digital e (4) e ressonância magnética. Os custos dos cenários modelados variaram desde R$ 194.216,68 para a história natural, até R$ 48.614.338,31 para o rastreamento com ressonância magnética. As diferenças de efetividade entre as intervenções variaram de 300 até 78.000 anos de vida ganhos, na coorte de 100 mil mulheres. Em relação à Razão de Custo-Efetividade Incremental, em termos de custo por ano de vida ganhos, a estratégia do rastreamento mamográfico convencional produziu um ano extra por R$ 13.573,07. A Razão de Custo Efetividade Incremental (ICER) da ressonância magnética foi de R$ 2.904.328,88 em relação ao não rastreamento. O estudo mostrou que é mais custo-efetivo realizar o rastreamento com a mamografia convencional do que as outras tecnologias de intervenção.
O papel profissional do enfermeiro no Sistema Único de Saúde: da saúde comunitária à estratégia de saúde da família
Authors: Backes Dirce Stein , Backes Marli Stein , Erdmann Alacoque Lorenzini , Büscher Andreas
Published: January 2012

Objetiva-se, com este trabalho, possibilitar um olhar retrospectivo do papel profissional do enfermeiro no Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro, bem como compreender o significado de sua prática social neste campo de discussões e significações teórico-práticas. Utilizou-se como referencial metodológico a Grounded Theory e como técnica de coleta de dados a entrevista, realizada entre maio a dezembro de 2007, com 35 profissionais da saúde e outros. A codificação e análise dos dados evidenciaram que o Sistema Único de Saúde e, de modo especial a Estratégia Saúde da Família, podem/devem ser considerados estratégias facilitadoras e estimuladoras do processo de ampliação e consolidação do cuidado de enfermagem como prática social empreendedora, à medida que sinalizam para uma nova abordagem de intervenção comunitária, pela valorização do ser humano como um ser singular e multidimensional, inserido em seu contexto real e concreto.
Experiências e tendências internacionais de modelos de cuidado para com o idoso
Authors: Veras Renato Peixoto
Published: January 2012

A profunda transformação socioeconômica do Brasil é impulsionada, inclusive, pela mudança demográfica. Gastos em saúde aumentarão devido ao aumento da população idosa e ao maior uso dos serviços de saúde. A Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar publicou uma resolução que incentiva a participação de beneficiários de planos de saúde em programas de envelhecimento ativo, com a possibilidade de descontos nas mensalidades. Assim, idosos passam a receber benefícios pecuniários para aderir a programas de saúde preventiva e de detecção precoce de doenças. Avaliamos as perspectivas nos Estados Unidos e no Reino Unido, analisando seus erros e acertos, aprendizado que talvez permita a formulação de ações de saúde mais adequadas para nossos idosos e com melhor relação custo-benefício. Este artigo de Opinião visa demonstrar às operadoras brasileiras que é hora de mudar e estimular a discussão sobre a necessidade de novas estratégias. O foco criativo deve ser dirigido ao cuidado dos idosos, que são os que mais sofrem os efeitos de sua própria fragilidade e os que mais demandam serviços de saúde.
Padrão de incorporação de fármacos antiretrovirais pelo sistema público de saúde no Brasil
Authors: Duarte Paulo Schiavom , Ramos Daniel Garkauskas , Pereira Júlio Cesar Rodrigues
Published: January 2012

OBJETIVO: avaliar o padrão de incorporação de fármacos antiretrovirais pelo Sistema Público de Saúde no Brasil (SUS). MÉTODOS: baseando-se em trabalhos prévios publicados na literatura médica foram propostos três indicadores a serem utilizados na análise da incorporação de fármacos: intervalo conhecimento-incorporação, massa crítica de conhecimento e intervalo validação-incorporação. Utilizando-se as bases de dados do Departamento de Informática do SUS (Datasus) e do Sistema de Controle Logístico de Medicamentos (SICLOM) foram selecionados dois grupos de tecnologias farmacológicas (medicações antiretrovirais e medicações de dispensação em caráter excepcional). RESULTADOS: os medicamentos antiretrovirais analisados foram incorporados de maneira mais precoce que os medicamentos de dispensação em caráter excepcional, tanto no que se refere ao intervalo "conhecimento-incorporação" quanto ao intervalo "validação-incorporação", e apresentam uma menor "massa crítica de conhecimento" para a incorporação. CONCLUSÃO: Os medicamentos antiretrovirais têm sido incorporados de maneira mais rápida, e após a publicação de um menor número de artigos científicos, quando em comparação aos medicamentos de dispensação em caráter excepcional.
Hepatite A: soroprevalência e fatores associados em escolares de São Luís (MA), Brasil
Authors: Gomes Márcia Andréa Costa , Ferreira Adalgisa de Sousa Paiva , Silva Antonio Augusto Moura da , Souza Eliane Rabelo de
Published: January 2012

OBJETIVOS: Estimar a prevalência de anticorpos contra o vírus da hepatite A (antiVHA-IgG) em escolares de 7 a 14 anos de escolas públicas e privadas e identificar fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos e sanitários associados à prevalência de antiVHA-IgG. MÉTODOS: Estudo soroepidemiológico para detecção de antiVHA-IgG, de abril de 2002 a abril de 2004, em 462 escolares de São Luís, com idades compreendidas entre 7 e 14 anos, do ensino fundamental. Participaram 30 escolas aleatoriamente selecionadas, com probabilidade proporcional ao número de alunos matriculados, sendo 23 públicas e 7 privadas. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de questionário estruturado. Para se identificar variáveis independentemente associadas à prevalência do antiVHA-IgG, foi realizada análise de regressão de Poisson múltipla, sendo estimadas as RPs ajustadas e respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. Somente permaneceram no modelo final aquelas variáveis associadas com a prevalência da hepatite A com p < 0,10. Foi adotado o nível de significância de 0,05 (α = 0,05). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de antiVHA-IgG foi de 64%, sendo de 71,5% nas escolas públicas e de 36,5% nas privadas. Após análise multivariável, idade de 11 a 14 anos, mais de uma pessoa por dormitório e menos de dois banheiros por domicílio foi associada a maiores prevalências de antiVHA-IgG. Maior escolaridade dos pais esteve associada à menor prevalência de antiVHA-IgG. CONCLUSÕES: A hepatite A é endêmica nos escolares de São Luís, com taxa de prevalência semelhante àquela encontrada em outras regiões do país com condições socioeconômicas e sanitárias similares. Fatores historicamente associados à maior prevalência da hepatite A foram também identificados nesta população.
Investigação em farmacoepidemiologia de campo: uma proposta para as ações de farmacovigilância no Brasil
Authors: Mota Daniel Marques
Published: January 2012

O presente artigo tem como objetivos propor e descrever a investigação em farmacoepidemiologia de campo como função primordial de farmacovigilância a ser conduzida pelas vigilâncias sanitárias municipais, estaduais e/ou federal frente à notificação, comunicação e ou rumores nos meios de comunicação social de casos de eventos adversos relacionados com medicamentos. Inicialmente fazemos uma contextualização da farmacovigilância, incluindo definição, eventos de interesse e principais funções. Na sequência, descrevemos a investigação em farmacoepidemiologia de campo orientada para a execução dos doze passos da investigação. Logo a seguir, apresentamos uma caracterização geral de investigações em farmacoepidemiologia de campo realizadas no Brasil. Finalmente, argumentamos que a investigação em farmacoepidemiologia de campo constitui importante instrumento para o aperfeiçoamento das ações de farmacovigilância visando a melhoria da segurança de pacientes no país.
Tradução e adaptação transcultural da Recent-Onset Arthritis Disability (ROAD) index para o português do Brasil
Authors: Ribeiro Natalia Pinho de Oliveira , Schier Alexandre Rafael de Mello , Nardi Antonio Egidio , Silva Adriana Cardoso de Oliveira e , Gutierrez Marwin , Salaffi Fausto
Published: January 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: Com a crescente procura pelo acompanhamento psicológico de pacientes com doenças crônicas e indicações clínicas para o monitoramento de suas capacidades físicas e psíquicas, existe a necessidade de instrumentos que possibilitem essa avaliação. A artrite reumatoide é uma doença que vem sendo amplamente estudada para que novas drogas e tratamentos sejam desenvolvidos, porém instrumentos psicométricos desenvolvidos para essa população específica ainda são raros. OBJETIVO: Descrever a adaptação transcultural, para o português brasileiro, da Recent-Onset Arthritis Disability (ROAD) index. MÉTODOS: O processo envolveu duas traduções e retrotraduções realizadas por quatro tradutores independentes, a avaliação das versões fornecidas, seguida da elaboração de uma versão sintética por especialistas no assunto. O processo foi finalizado com a aplicação experimental do instrumento. RESULTADOS: Todas as etapas do processo são descritas. Não foram percebidas dificuldades de compreensão na autoaplicação da escala, que foi realizada por grupos de diferentes níveis de instrução, compreendendo desde ensino fundamental até nível universitário completo. CONCLUSÃO: Ao final do estudo, é apresentada a versão final da ROAD em português brasileiro. O instrumento adaptado foi considerado adequado e correspondente ao instrumento original.
BlowFlow - a New Tool within Blowout Risk Management
Authors: Arild Ø , Fjelde K. K. , Merlo A. , Daireaux B. , Løberg T.
Published: January 2012

Blowouts represent one of the most severe threats associated with exploration and exploitation of petroleum resources, involving the risk of losing human lives, environmental and economic values. In particular, today's focus on protection of the environment and the ambitions of the industry to operate safely in environmentally sensitive areas generates a need for improved cross disciplinary tools and work processes within blowout risk management. This paper will present a methodology aiming to form the foundation for a new standard for blowout risk assessment. Both details of the analysis method and its contributions to improving the risk management work process will be addressed. The new methodology combines knowledge from different technical disciplines by merging hydraulic flow modelling and different blowout duration models in a Monte Carlo simulation framework, and differs from traditional blowout evaluation methods both in terms of how to collect input data to the analysis and the way the final result is presented and communicated. This methodology introduces a common working platform for HSE engineers and the other disciplines involved in well planning, thus improving cross communication between different disciplines. The paper will present the building blocks of the methodology and illustrate its application on a case from the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
Inculcating Safe Sex Attitudes in South African Adolescents: A Directive for the Government's Anti-HIV/AIDS Policy
Authors: D'Souza Jayesh
Published: January 2012

South Africa has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world. Much blame for this has been laid on the apathy of the South African government and the cultural traits of South Africans. AIDS prevention research calls for early childhood education to raise awareness of the causes, dangers, and prevention of HIV/AIDS. This study involved surveys among a select sample of South African adolescents to determine their sexual attitudes before and after a cognitive-behavioral intervention. Overall, the results did not make a significant difference in their attitudes, suggesting pre-adolescent sex education might prove to be a more useful tool in anti-HIV/AIDS education. Risky sexual behavior, under the influence of alcohol, also serves as a warning to educate young consumers of alcohol.
Internet Use among Chinese-American Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Yi Jenny , Zahn Marion P.
Published: January 2012

This study describes information seeking behaviors and patient characteristics associated with Internet use by 72 Chinese-American breast cancer survivors diagnosed in the past 5 years and living in Houston, Texas. Face-to-face interviews showed that only 56% used the Internet for health information; only 9% used e-mail or visited a website to communicate with a doctor's office or get online provider advice. Results indicate that health providers who want to reach breast cancer patients with limited English skills need to take into account this low use of Internet resources and web-based information. Particularly important is the need to develop and make available culturally effective and appropriate health information in the native languages of the patients to promote greater health literacy.
Commercial Charcoal Production in the Ibarapa District of Southwestern Nigeria: Forestry Dividends and Welfare Implications
Authors: Salami Kabiru K. , Brieger William R.
Published: January 2012

Logging activities have long provided both wood fuel and charcoal for household and commercial use in rural and urban communities in developing countries. However, logging problems range from deforestation to threatened household air quality from burning wood and charcoal. This exploratory case study triangulated 15 in-depth interviews among charcoal bulk buyers and the workers, observations of workers at two èédú (charcoal) commercial depots in Igbo-Ora and of workers in the forest, and review of studies in academic database. Three categories of people are working in the business ranging from the producers in the forests ( alaake) to the bulk buyers ( olowo) in the middle and the wholesalers ( ajagunta) in the city. A small team of 4–8 people can produce three pickup truck loads of charcoal in 2 weeks, and a large team between 7–8 loads. The olowo and the alaake have associations, membership cards, and meet to discuss business progress and regulate members' economic behavior. Close to 35,000 bags of charcoal of 450 pickup trucks may make the journey weekly from Ibarapa. Overall, the charcoal business is informal, and the local people also frown at cutting any useful indigenous trees ascertaining that an individual's actions may affect the whole community. The role of community health educators is important in the dissemination of effects of deforestation through charcoal production.
Women's Empowerment and Regional Variation of Contraceptive Norms in Bangladesh
Authors: Deb Suman , Kabir Ahmad , Kawsar L. A.
Published: January 2012

Using data derived from the 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), this study investigates the regional variation of contraceptive norms according to the empowerment status of women in Bangladesh. The result suggests that contraceptive norms vary from region to region. Logistic regression analysis suggests that there exists a positive relationship between women's empowerment and use of contraceptive methods in all regions except Barisal and Chittagong. The result also indicates that women's empowerment has a significant positive effect on contraceptive norms in the Dhaka, Khulna, and Rajshahi regions.
How do pairs matched in physical attractiveness form if people are unaware of their own attractiveness?
Authors: Kościński Krzysztof
Published: January 2012

The correlation of physical attractiveness in romantic partners has been widely documented. However, it has also repeatedly been demonstrated that people are largely unaware of their own attractiveness, which raises the question about the mechanism responsible for the within-pair matching. One hitherto unexplored possibility is that low accuracy in attractiveness self-assessments results from methodological drawbacks. Participants were usually asked to rate their attractiveness on a numeric scale, and independent judges evaluated them on the basis of facial photographs. We hypothesized that the accuracy of self-assessment may be increased if (1) participants and judges evaluate the same characteristic, e.g., both groups assess facial attractiveness, (2) own attractiveness is estimated in a comparative manner (with reference to attractiveness of other individuals) rather than by abstract numbers, (3) judges rate attractiveness of people as seen in video clips rather than in photographs. To test these hypotheses we photographed and videotaped faces of 96 women and 78 men. Independent judges rated attractiveness from these photographs and video clips, and the participants assessed own attractiveness in several ways. None of the above hypotheses was confirmed by statistical analysis. We discuss how the within-pair matching in attractiveness can arise, given such poor awareness of own appeal.
Short communications
Authors: Woźniak Tomasz
Published: January 2012

Short communications
Anthropometric characteristics and somatotype of Greek male and female flatwater kayak athletes
Authors: Diafas Vassilios , Dimakopoulou Eleni , Diamanti Vassiliki , Zelioti Danae , Kaloupsis Socratis
Published: January 2012

Anthropometric characteristics and somatotype of Greek male and female flatwater kayak athletes

Study aim: To investigate some anthropometric characteristics of male and female kayakers of four competitive categories.

Material and methods: Anthropometric characteristics of 83 kayak athletes were measured during the 2009 Greek Cup. Kayakers were divided into four groups according to their competitive category: Women (n = 13; mean age 22.7 ± 3.1 years), Junior Female (n = 15; mean age 16.2 ± 1.1 years), Men (n = 27; mean age 23.7 ± 4.6 years) and Junior Male (n = 28; mean age 16.3 ± 1.2 years).

Results: In both groups, the BMI, lean body mass, and relaxed and flexed arm girth were significantly different with respect to age group; body mass was significantly different, but only in male groups. No differences were found between groups on body fat.

Conclusions: The data provided in this study could be used as a guideline for talent identification from the general population and may help coaches establish a specific kayak anthropometric profile in order to distinguish an elite kayak athlete.
Utilisation of bleed steam heat to increase the upper heat source temperature in low-temperature ORC
Authors: Mikielewicz Dariusz , Mikielewicz Jarosław
Published: January 2012

Utilisation of bleed steam heat to increase the upper heat source temperature in low-temperature ORC

In the paper presented is a novel concept to utilize the heat from the turbine bleed to improve the quality of working fluid vapour in the bottoming organic Rankine cycle (ORC). That is a completely novel solution in the literature, which contributes to the increase of ORC efficiency and the overall efficiency of the combined system of the power plant and ORC plant. Calculations have been accomplished for the case when available is a flow rate of low enthalpy hot water at a temperature of 90 °C, which is used for preliminary heating of the working fluid. That hot water is obtained as a result of conversion of exhaust gases in the power plant to the energy of hot water. Then the working fluid is further heated by the bleed steam to reach 120 °C. Such vapour is subsequently directed to the turbine. In the paper 5 possible working fluids were examined, namely R134a, MM, MDM, toluene and ethanol. Only under conditions of 120 °C/40 °C the silicone oil MM showed the best performance, in all other cases the ethanol proved to be best performing fluid of all. Results are compared with the "stand alone" ORC module showing its superiority.
New technique of the local heat flux measurement in combustion chambers of steam boilers
Authors: Taler Jan , Taler Dawid , Sobota Tomasz , Dzierwa Piotr
Published: January 2012

New technique of the local heat flux measurement in combustion chambers of steam boilers

A new method for measurement of local heat flux to water-walls of steam boilers was developed. A flux meter tube was made from an eccentric tube of short length to which two longitudinal fins were attached. These two fins prevent the boiler setting from heating by a thermal radiation from the combustion chamber. The fins are not welded to the adjacent water-wall tubes, so that the temperature distribution in the heat flux meter is not influenced by neighbouring water-wall tubes. The thickness of the heat flux tube wall is larger on the fireside to obtain a greater distance between the thermocouples located inside the wall which increases the accuracy of heat flux determination. Based on the temperature measurements at selected points inside the heat flux meter, the heat flux absorbed by the water-wall, heat transfer coefficient on the inner tube surface and temperature of the water-steam mixture was determined.
Thermomechanical CSM analysis of a superheater tube in transient state
Authors: Taler Dawid , Madejski Paweł
Published: January 2012

Thermomechanical CSM analysis of a superheater tube in transient state

The paper presents a thermomechanical computational solid mechanics analysis (CSM) of a pipe "double omega", used in the steam superheaters in circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers. The complex cross-section shape of the "double omega" tubes requires more precise analysis in order to prevent from failure as a result of the excessive temperature and thermal stresses. The results have been obtained using the finite volume method for transient state of superheater. The calculation was carried out for the section of pipe made of low-alloy steel.
The effect of the internal reheat application on the efficiency of the 900 MW ultra-supercritical coal-fired power unit
Authors: Łukowicz Henryk , Dykas Sławomir , Stępczyńska Katarzyna , Rulik Sebastian
Published: January 2012

The effect of the internal reheat application on the efficiency of the 900 MW ultra-supercritical coal-fired power unit

The paper presents a thermal-economic analysis of a 900 MW coal-fired power unit for ultra-supercritical parameters with internal steam reheat. The subject of the study was the cycle proposed as the "initial thermal cycle structure" during the completion of the project "Advanced Technologies for Energy Generation" with the steam parameters of 650/670 °C/30 MPa. Two configurations of internal reheat were analysed: with a four- and seven-section exchanger. The effect of reheat on the operation of the power unit under a partial load was also analysed, and preliminary calculations of the heat exchange area of the internal reheat were made.
Verification of heat flux and temperature calculation on the control rod outer surface
Authors: Taler Jan , Cebula Artur
Published: January 2012

Verification of heat flux and temperature calculation on the control rod outer surface

The paper presents heat transfer calculation results concerning a control rod of Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The part of the control rod, which is the object of interest, is surrounded by a mixing region of hot and cold flows and, as a consequence, is subjected to thermal fluctuations. The paper describes a numerical test which validates the method based on the solution of the inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP). The comparison of the results achieved by two methods, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and IHCP, including a description of the IHCP method used in the calculation process, shows a very good agreement between the methods.
Application of CFD technique for modelling of the thermoacoustic engine
Authors: Rulik Sebastian , Remiorz Leszek , Dykas Sławomir
Published: January 2012

Application of CFD technique for modelling of the thermoacoustic engine

The paper is concerned with an important issue from the field of thermoacoustics - the numerical modelling of the flow field in the thermoacoustic engine. The presented way of modelling is based on the solution to fundamental fluid mechanics equations that govern the flow of compressible, viscous, and heat-transferring gas. The paper presents the way of modelling the thermoacoustic engine, the way of conducting calculations and the results which illustrate the correctness of the selected computational technique.
Transfer function matrix model of the bubbling fluidized bed boiler
Authors: Porzuczek Jan
Published: January 2012

Transfer function matrix model of the bubbling fluidized bed boiler

The paper presents proposal of a model of the fluidized bed boiler adapted for use in model-based controllers e.g. predictive, adaptive or internal model control (IMC). The model has been derived in the form of transfer function matrix which allows its direct implementation in the controller structure. Formulated model takes into consideration the principal cross-coupling between process variables which enables the opportunity to search for feasibility of decoupling control. The results of the identification of the dynamics of the 2 MW industrial bubbling fluidized bed boiler using the proposed model form was presented. According to the experimental data it was found that despite of introduced simplifications presented model allows the boiler behavior prediction.
Optimization of guide vane positions in bended inflow of mechanical draft wet-cooling tower
Authors: Klimanek Adam , Musioł Tomasz , Stechman Adam
Published: January 2012

Optimization of guide vane positions in bended inflow of mechanical draft wet-cooling tower

Optimization of vane positions in a mechanical draft wet-cooling tower is presented in this paper. The originally installed, equally spaced, vanes produced non-uniform air velocity distribution reducing the performance of the fill of the cooling tower. A 2D CFD model of the tower has been created. The model has then been used to determine the objective function in the optimization procedure. The selected objective function was the standard deviation of the velocity of air entering the fill. The Goal Driven Optimization tools of the ANSYSWorkbench 2.0 have been used for the optimization and the ANSYS Fluent 13.0 as a flow solver. The optimization allowed reduction of the objective function and producing a more uniform air flow.
Mutwillig den Wald einzäunen (Essay)
Authors: Hostettler Martin
Published: January 2012

Willfully fencing the forest (essay)

The right to access forests and pastures occasionally leads to discussions in forest policy circles. This essay discusses the “cathedral of property” perspective by Calabresi and Melamed and proposes a new idea for local regulation concerning the right of free access to forests. First, it describes the problem and explains the difference between four rules developed by Calabresi and Melamed. Thereafter, it advocates the protection of the right to access forests by Rule 4. This means, the forest owners themselves may deny free access to their forest, however with liability for damages. This essay indicates how Rule 4 could be formulated and how it could be implemented on the forest area.
Verfügungsrechte vertraglich regeln: ein Modell zur Vermeidung von Umweltkonflikten?
Authors: Wagner Stefan
Published: January 2012

Contractual regulation of property rights: a model for avoiding environmental conflicts?

The article presents “The problem of social cost” by Coase within the current legal context. It illustrates the challenges, which the purely market-oriented solution to environmental conflicts is confronted with. Thereafter, it outlines the application area of the solutions bound by contracts in nature conservation legislation, hunting and forest law.
Implementation of a multi-level evaluation strategy: a case study on a program for international medical graduates
Authors: Nestel Debra , Regan Melanie , Vijayakumar Priyanga , Sunderji Irum , Haigh Cathy , Smith Cathy , Wright Alistair
Published: January 2012

Evaluation of educational interventions is often focused on immediate and/or short-term metrics associated with knowledge and/or skills acquisition. We developed an educational intervention to support international medical graduates working in rural Victoria. We wanted an evaluation strategy that included participants??reactions and considered transfer of learning to the workplace and retention of learning. However, with participants in distributed locations and limited program resources, this was likely to prove challenging. Elsewhere, we have reported the outcomes of this evaluation. In this educational development report, we describe our evaluation strategy as a case study, its underpinning theoretical framework, the strategy, and its benefits and challenges. The strategy sought to address issues of program structure, process, and outcomes. We used a modified version of Kirkpatrick?占퐏 model as a framework to map our evaluation of participants??experiences, acquisition of knowledge and skills, and their application in the workplace. The predominant benefit was that most of the evaluation instruments allowed for personalization of the program. The baseline instruments provided a broad view of participants??expectations, needs, and current perspective on their role. Immediate evaluation instruments allowed ongoing tailoring of the program to meet learning needs. Intermediate evaluations facilitated insight on the transfer of learning. The principal challenge related to the resource intensive nature of the evaluation strategy. A dedicated program administrator was required to manage data collection. Although resource-intensive, we recommend baseline, immediate, and intermediate data collection points, with multi-source feedback being especially illuminating. We believe our experiences may be valuable to faculty involved in program evaluations.
Do Parents Still Matter Regarding Adolescents’ Alcohol Drinking? Experience from South Africa
Authors: Hoque Muhammad , Ghuman Shanaz
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to improve our understanding of adolescents’ perceptions of parental practices relating to their (adolescents’) alcohol use. A total of 704 students were conveniently selected and completed self-administered questionnaires. More than half (54%) of the adolescents reported that they had consumed alcohol at some time in their life. Parental marital status was significantly associated with whether adolescents ever consumed alcohol or not (p < 0.05). A large number of mothers/female guardians (66.3%) and fathers/male guardians (69.3%) did not allow alcohol use at home. More mothers (54.6%) and fathers (65.3%) were not aware of their adolescents’ alcohol consumption (p < 0.05). Adolescents were more likely to use alcohol when they reported that they had often seen either their father or mother drunk or both (p < 0.05). There were also significant associations between parents’ views against alcohol use and their adolescents’ alcohol use (p < 0.05). Prevalence of alcohol uptake was quite high among these adolescents. Compulsory parenting programmes and skills development should be practiced by education, health, cultural and religious groups. Parents should be motivated to delay the age at which their children are initiated into alcohol use and be provided with guidance on how to counteract social pressures.
Non Coding RNAs and Viruses in the Framework of the Phylogeny of the Genes, Epigenesis and Heredity
Authors: Frías-Lasserre Daniel
Published: January 2012

The origin of genes is one of the most enigmatic events in the origin of life. It has been suggested that noncoding (nc) RNA was probably a precursor in the formation of the first polypeptide, and also at the origin of the first manifestation of life and genes. ncRNAs are also becoming central for understanding gene expression and silencing. Indeed, before the discovery of ncRNAs, proteins were viewed as the major molecules in the regulation of gene expression and gene silencing; however, recent findings suggest that ncRNA also plays an important role in gene expression. Reverse transcription of RNA viruses and their integration into the genome of eukaryotes and also their relationship with the ncRNA suggest that their origin is basal in genome evolution, and also probably constitute the first mechanism of gene regulation. I am to review the different roles of ncRNAs in the framework of gene evolution, as well as the importance of ncRNAs and viruses in the epigenesis and in the non-Mendelian model of heredity and evolution.
Occurrence and Biodegradation of Nonylphenol in the Environment
Authors: Mao Zhen , Zheng Xiao-Fei , Zhang Yan-Qiu , Tao Xiu-Xiang , Li Yan , Wang Wei
Published: January 2012

Nonylphenol (NP) is an ultimate degradation product of nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPE) that is primarily used in cleaning and industrial processes. Its widespread use has led to the wide existence of NP in various environmental matrices, such as water, sediment, air and soil. NP can be decreased by biodegradation through the action of microorganisms under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Half-lives of biodegradation ranged from a few days to almost one hundred days. The degradation rate for NP was influenced by temperature, pH and additions of yeast extracts, surfactants, aluminum sulfate, acetate, pyruvate, lactate, manganese dioxide, ferric chloride, sodium chloride, hydrogen peroxide, heavy metals, and phthalic acid esters. Although NP is present at low concentrations in the environment, as an endocrine disruptor the risks of long-term exposure to low concentrations remain largely unknown. This paper reviews the occurrence of NP in the environment and its aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation in natural environments and sewage treatment plants, which is essential for assessing the potential risk associated with low level exposure to NP and other endocrine disruptors.
Biodegradable Nanoparticles of mPEG-PLGA-PLL Triblock Copolymers as Novel Non-Viral Vectors for Improving siRNA Delivery and Gene Silencing
Authors: Du Jing , Sun Ying , Shi Qiu-Sheng , Liu Pei-Feng , Zhu Ming-Jie , Wang Chun-Hui , Du Lian-Fang , Duan You-Rong
Published: January 2012

Degradation of mRNA by RNA interference is one of the most powerful and specific mechanisms for gene silencing. However, insufficient cellular uptake and poor stability have limited its usefulness. Here, we report efficient delivery of siRNA via the use of biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) made from monomethoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly-l-lysine (mPEG-PLGA-PLL) triblock copolymers. Various physicochemical properties of mPEG-PLGA-PLL NPs, including morphology, size, surface charge, siRNA encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release profile of siRNA from NPs, were characterized by scanning electron microscope, particle size and zeta potential analyzer, and high performance liquid chromatography. The levels of siRNA uptake and targeted gene inhibition were detected in human lung cancer SPC-A1-GFP cells stably expressing green fluorescent protein. Examination of the cultured SPC-A1-GFP cells with fluorescent microscope and flow cytometry showed NPs loading Cy3-labeled siRNA had much higher intracellular siRNA delivery efficiencies than siRNA alone and Lipofectamine-siRNA complexes. The gene silencing efficiency of mPEG-PLGA-PLL NPs was higher than that of commercially available transfecting agent Lipofectamine while showing no cytotoxicity. Thus, the current study demonstrates that biodegradable NPs of mPEG-PLGA-PLL triblock copolymers can be potentially applied as novel non-viral vectors for improving siRNA delivery and gene silencing.
A Set of Novel Microsatellite Markers Developed for Luculia yunnanensis (Rubiaceae), an Endangered Plant Endemic to Yunnan, China
Authors: Ma Hong , Wang Lan , Wan Youming , Li Hongzhe , Li Zhenghong , Liu Xiuxian , Liang Ning , Li Wenjuan
Published: January 2012

The genus Luculia Sweet contains about five species of small trees or shrubs and is a member of the family Rubiaceae (tribe Cinchoneae). Luculia yunnanensis is an endangered ornamental shrub endemic to southwest China. Only two natural populations of L. yunnanensis exist in the wild according to our field investigation. It can be inferred that L. yunnanensis is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild and an urgent conservation strategy is required. By using a modified biotin-sterptavidin capture method, 24 primer sets were identified in two wild populations. Of these primers, 11 displayed polymorphisms and 13 were monomorphic. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to four, values for observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.833 and from 0.431 to 0.771, with averages of 0.389 and 0.614, respectively. These markers will be useful for further investigation of conservation of resources, selecting parental types in cross-breeding, evolution of this species at the molecular level and related research in Luculia species.
Synthesis of Stable and Soluble One-Handed Helical Homopoly(substituted acetylene)s without the Coexistence of Any Other Chiral Moieties via Two-Step Polymer Reactions in Membrane State: Molecular Design of the Starting Monomer
Authors: Abe Yunosuke , Aoki Toshiki , Jia Hongge , Hadano Shingo , Namikoshi Takeshi , Kakihana Yuriko , Liu Lijia , Zang Yu , Teraguchi Masahiro , Kaneko Takashi
Published: January 2012

A soluble and stable one-handed helical poly(substituted phenylacetylene) without the coexistence of any other chiral moieties was successfully synthesized by asymmetric-induced polymerization of a chiral monomer followed by two-step polymer reactions in membrane state: (1) removing the chiral groups (desubstitution); and (2) introduction of achiral long alkyl groups at the same position as the desubstitution to enhance the solubility of the resulting one-handed helical polymer (resubstitution). The starting chiral monomer should have four characteristic substituents: (i) a chiral group bonded to an easily hydrolyzed spacer group; (ii) two hydroxyl groups; (iii) a long rigid hydrophobic spacer between the chiral group and the polymerizing group; (iv) a long achiral group near the chiral group. As spacer group a carbonate ester was selected. The two hydroxyl groups formed intramolecular hydrogen bonds stabilizing a one-handed helical structure in solution before and after the two-step polymer reactions in membrane state. The rigid long hydrophobic spacer, a phenylethynylphenyl group, enhanced the solubility of the starting polymer, and realized effective chiral induction from the chiral side groups to the main chain in the asymmetric-induced polymerization. The long alkyl group near the chiral group avoided shrinkage of the membrane and kept the reactivity of resubstitution in membrane state after removing the chiral groups. The g value (g = ([θ]/3,300)/ε) for the CD signal assigned to the main chain in the obtained final polymer was almost the same as that of the starting polymer in spite of the absence of any other chiral moieties. Moreover, since the one-handed helical structure was maintained by the intramolecular hydrogen bonds in a solution, direct observation of the one-handed helicity of the final homopolymer has been realized in CD for the solution for the first time.
Point Cloud Generation from Aerial Image Data Acquired by a Quadrocopter Type Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and a Digital Still Camera
Authors: Rosnell Tomi , Honkavaara Eija
Published: January 2012

The objective of this investigation was to develop and investigate methods for point cloud generation by image matching using aerial image data collected by quadrocopter type micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging systems. Automatic generation of high-quality, dense point clouds from digital images by image matching is a recent, cutting-edge step forward in digital photogrammetric technology. The major components of the system for point cloud generation are a UAV imaging system, an image data collection process using high image overlaps, and post-processing with image orientation and point cloud generation. Two post-processing approaches were developed: one of the methods is based on Bae Systems’ SOCET SET classical commercial photogrammetric software and another is built using Microsoft®’s Photosynth™ service available in the Internet. Empirical testing was carried out in two test areas. Photosynth processing showed that it is possible to orient the images and generate point clouds fully automatically without any a priori orientation information or interactive work. The photogrammetric processing line provided dense and accurate point clouds that followed the theoretical principles of photogrammetry, but also some artifacts were detected. The point clouds from the Photosynth processing were sparser and noisier, which is to a large extent due to the fact that the method is not optimized for dense point cloud generation. Careful photogrammetric processing with self-calibration is required to achieve the highest accuracy. Our results demonstrate the high performance potential of the approach and that with rigorous processing it is possible to reach results that are consistent with theory. We also point out several further research topics. Based on theoretical and empirical results, we give recommendations for properties of imaging sensor, data collection and processing of UAV image data to ensure accurate point cloud generation.
A Sustainable Ethanol Distillation System
Authors: Yang Yuelei , Boots Kevin , Zhang Dan
Published: January 2012

The discarded fruit and vegetable waste from the consumer and retailer sectors provide a reliable source for ethanol production. In this paper, an ethanol distillation system has been developed to remove the water contents from the original wash that contains only around 15% of the ethanol. The system has an ethanol production capacity of over 100,000 liters per day. It includes an ethanol condenser, a wash pre-heater, a main exhaust heat exchanger as well as a fractionating column. One unique characteristic of this system is that it utilizes the waste heat rejected from a power plant to vaporize the ethanol, thus it saves a significant amount of energy and at the same time reduces the pollution to the environment.
Développement durable : discours consensuels et pratiques discordantes. Montpellier et Nîmes
Authors: Bernié-Boissard Catherine , Chevalier Dominique
Published: January 2012

Résumé Cet article propose d’interroger, à travers l’exemple des agglomérations de Montpellier et de Nîmes en Languedoc-Roussillon, les adaptations et les décalages existant entre les discours, parfois injonctifs, prônant l’application des principes souvent peu explicités du développement durable dans le champ urbain, et les pratiques des acteurs des collectivités territoriales à différentes échelles, au cours des années 1990-2000. Il met en évidence l’écart entre les consensus sur les objectifs – désormais inscrits dans les documents de planification et d’aménagement, particulièrement en matière de maîtrise de l’étalement urbain dans une région soumise à une forte pression foncière due à l’attractivité – et les freins à la mise en œuvre, à partir d’entretiens et d’observations de terrain.
Le sujet, la psychanalyse et l'art contemporain
Authors: Rivera Tania
Published: January 2012

Résumé À partir du travail de Sophie Calle, cet essai tente de cerner quelque chose de fondamental dans le dialogue entre art et psychanalyse : l’un et l’autre visent à éveiller des effets de sujet . En renouvelant ses rapports à l’art à travers la production contemporaine, la théorie psychanalytique peut donc être fidèle à ce qui est son thème central, en mettant en acte elle-même une sorte de subversion du sujet.