bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A humanização através do programa Recrutas da Alegria da FURG: um relato de experiência
Authors: Floss Mayara , Porto Bruna de Lima , Dall'Agnol Arthur Ferronato , Costa Marilice Magroski Gomes da , Susin Lulie Rosane Odeh
Published: December 2013

As transformações nas condições sociais de trabalho surgidas nas últimas décadas restringiram a disponibilidade do contato profissional-paciente, levando a uma fragmentação e desumanização do cuidado à saúde. Dessa necessidade surgiu o programa Recrutas da Alegria (RA), da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (Furg), com a ideia de "formar um profissional diferente", com o intuito de horizontalizar as relações com a equipe hospitalar e a abordagem dos pacientes. O RA é promovido pelos cursos da área de saúde da Furg e é uma ação de extensão. As atividades são desenvolvidas na Ala Pediátrica do Hospital Universitário Dr. Miguel Riet Corrêa Júnior (HU). Esta experiência demonstrou que a humanização não é um fato isolado, não acontece em apenas um ambiente, mas constitui comportamentos e atitudes que se refletem na atuação dos acadêmicos. O programa permite aos acadêmicos questionar o papel do médico e do estudante do curso de Medicina, bem como valorizar as histórias que vão além da história clínica, compreendendo o paciente como um todo.
Fatores organizacionais e psicossociais associados ao risco de LER/DORT em operadores de máquinas de colheita florestal
Authors: Silva Emília Pio , Minette Luciano Jose , Souza Amaury Paulo , Marçal Marcio Alves , Sanches André Luis Petean
Published: December 2013

A organização do trabalho e os fatores psicossociais têm sido apontados como responsáveis pelos casos de LER/DORT, estando estes fatores relacionados à atividade dos operadores de máquinas florestais. Diante disso, buscou-se estudar e descrever os fatores de risco ligados a estes aspectos. A pesquisa compreendeu uma variação do sistema de colheita florestal de toras curtas (cut-to-length). O sistema empregado foi harvester e forwarder. A população do estudo foi constituída por operadores de máquinas de colheita de uma empresa de base florestal. Para a descrição dos aspectos da organização do trabalho foram realizadas observações in loco, almejando entender e descrever o dia-a-dia de trabalho, ou seja, o comportamento dos trabalhadores no posto de trabalho. Um questionário foi idealizado e desenvolvido especificamente para o estudo em questão. Ao término da pesquisa pode-se concluir que o trabalho pode ter impactos diferentes em trabalhadores expostos às mesmas condições de trabalho, o que pode ser explicado pelos fatores organizacionais e psicossociais.
Bioprospecção de isolados de Bacillus spp. como potenciais promotores de crescimento de Eucalyptus urograndis
Authors: Moreira Ana Ligia de Lima , Araújo Fabio Fernando de
Published: December 2013

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar características bioquímicas de interesse agronômico e correlação com a promoção de crescimento de plantas em isolados de Bacillus sp. originários da rizosfera de eucalipto. O trabalho foi conduzido em laboratório e casa de vegetação. A partir do isolamento de bactérias da rizosfera de plantas, oriundas de diferentes municípios da região oeste paulista, conseguiu-se 127 isolados de Bacillus spp. Foram realizados testes bioquímicos para caracterização dos isolados bacterianos quanto ao antagonismo a fungos fitopatogênicos, produção de auxinas, produção de amônia e atividade enzimática. Na etapa final foi avaliado o potencial dos isolados, caracterizados previamente em condições de laboratório, para promoção de crescimento de plantas, utilizando-se a inoculação das bactérias em mudas de eucalipto e cultivo das plantas em casa de vegetação durante 90 dias. Avaliou-se variáveis de crescimento do eucalipto objetivando-se selecionar os melhores isolados e também correlacionar as diferentes variáveis analisadas no trabalho. O protocolo de bioprospecção de Bacillus sp. na rizosfera foi válido para se encontrar rizobactérias promissoras no aumento do crescimento do eucalipto. Foram selecionados cinco isolados como promissores para ação no crescimento de eucalipto. O potencial antagônico a fungos fitopatogênicos e produção de amônia apresentados pelos isolados de rizobactérias foi útil na fase inicial de seleção de rizobactérias promotoras do crescimento de eucalipto, pois apresentou correlação significativa com o crescimento das plantas.
The cities of need: capitalism and subjectivity in the contemporary metropolis
Authors: Baptista Luis Antonio dos Santos
Published: December 2013

The objective of this article is to reflect upon the articulations between subjectivity and capitalism, the focal analysis on social life in contemporary metropolises. Inspired by Walter Benjamin, among other researchers, the author presents the narrow connection between the urban projects of Western cities and the forms of sensibility and the construction of the feeling of alterity. The article, using current scenes of daily life, underscores the singular characteristics of the production of subjectivities through contemporary capitalism, such as the disposability of social relations, the search for pleasure that is never satiated, the indifference, and the singular individualism of present day cities that predominates in the profusion of images of consumption and velocity.
A methodological approach for working with families in suas: a critical reading through the lens of citizenship
Authors: Afonso Maria Lucia Miranda , Hennon Charles B. , Carico Tina L. , Peterson Gary W.
Published: December 2013

The paper reviews the current National Policy of Social Welfare in Brazil and the work developed with families within the Brazilian social protection approach. It describes the Unified System of Social Welfare and explores the relationship of the Basic Social Protection to the Bolsa Família Program, the Brazilian program of conditional cash transfer to vulnerable families. It discusses the principles of the methodology for working with vulnerable families in the Unified System of Social Welfare and analyzes examples of social interventions. It argues that the work developed with families must be based on participatory and dialogical approaches, including follow-up methods, group dynamics, action-research, and other interventions. The paper concludes with questions regarding the use of a socio-educational methodology as a component of policies for vulnerability reduction, social development and the promotion of citizenship.
Uma avaliação empírica da competição eleitoral para a Câmara Federal no Brasil
Authors: Silva Glauco Peres da
Published: December 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar empiricamente a competição eleitoral para o cargo de deputado federal no Brasil e a sua dimensão regional, que se apoia nos conceitos de distritos eleitorais informais (AMES, 2001; 2003) ou grotões políticos (HUNTER E POWER, 2007; ZUCCO, 2008). Este artigo considera as eleições entre 1994 e 2010 e utiliza um indicador de desequilíbrio (TAAGEPERA, 1979) em análise temporal como critério básico da avaliação do controle regional do voto, já que o Número Efetivo de Partidos (NEP) não capta a descentralização da disputa eleitoral. Os resultados indicam que a ausência de competição não é regra da disputa política no país, que a tese dos distritos eleitorais carece de evidência empírica e que os políticos que evitam a competição nem sempre se elegem e não são os mesmos em uma mesma localidade ao longo do tempo.
Durkheim, Mauss e a atualidade da escola sociológica francesa
Authors: Martins Paulo Henrique , Guerra Juliana de Farias Pessoa
Published: December 2013

A escola sociológica francesa tem importância amplamente reconhecida para o desenvolvimento da sociologia acadêmica e contemporânea, o que se deve às contribuições de E. Durkheim e M. Mauss em primeiro lugar, mas igualmente a autores como C. Lévi-Strauss, G. Gurvitch, P. Bourdieu, A. Caillé entre outros. Porém, há um dado curioso: apesar de sua fama, desconhecem-se as características próprias da escola sociológica francesa no universo da teoria sociológica contemporânea. Por desconhecerem suas características alguns autores buscam enquadrar a sociologia francesa dentro do paradigma dualista agência x estrutura, de origem anglo-saxônico. Ora, tal identificação é um erro epistemológico e impede entender que a sociologia francesa parte de outro paradigma: a lógica "efervescente" durkheimiana de diferenciação social que se desenvolve pela sistematização das noções de representação, simbolismo e totalidade social. Uma chave importante para o desvendamento da escola francesa, sobretudo de sua atualização teórica no contexto de individualização social que presenciamos na experiência das modernidades, é a sistematização por Mauss dos estudos sobre o dom, da regra tripartite do dar, receber e retribuir.
Ver e ser visto: o poder do olhar e o olhar de volta
Authors: Zoettl Peter Anton
Published: December 2013

Observações feitas durante uma oficina de vídeo participativo num bairro de imigrantes em Lisboa servem como ponto de partida para uma reflexão antropológico-visual sobre o "poder do olhar". O olhar das instituições do estado e dos agentes do poder, tanto do estado como da sociedade (como, por exemplo, dos media), refletem relações de poder e consolidam-nas. Os habitantes dos bairros desprivilegiados da periferia são o objeto de um olhar que os constitui na sua alteridade, e por meio do qual são apresentados, na sua "marginalidade imagética", à sociedade portuguesa como um todo. "Exibir", "ocultar" e "vigiar" são identificadas como formas "poderosas" de lidar com questões da visibilidade pública, e como elementos de uma "gramática" e ordem sócio-espacial do olhar, vigente nos centros urbanos do país.
Práticas de formação colaborativa de professores/as de inglês: representações de uma experiência no Pibid
Authors: Mateus Elaine
Published: December 2013

Este estudo tem o objetivo de analisar representações de práticas de formação colaborativa de professores/as de inglês, pela perspectiva de licenciandos/ as envolvidos/as no Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência (Pibid) Letras-Inglês-Universidade Estadual de Londrina (Capes 01/2011). Os dados, gerados por meio de um questionário em escala Likert e de um grupo focal, foram analisados com base na análise de discurso crítica, com destaque às categorias de metáfora e de avaliação. Os resultados indicam tensões entre representações que giram ao redor das metáforas troca de ideias e troca de figurinhas, cada uma representando aspectos em termos de regras de participação e de papéis sociais (in)desejáveis. O estudo aponta para implicações que as posições híbridas trazem para as práticas de formação de professores/as no interior do Pibid.
A verbo-visualidade a serviço da patemização em livros ilustrados
Authors: Feres Beatriz dos Santos
Published: December 2013

Este trabalho, pautado prioritariamente na Teoria Semiolinguística de Análise do Discurso, pretende problematizar aspectos da semiose verbo-visual de livros ilustrados no que concerne ao processo da patemização, i.e., ao desencadeamento de emoções a partir da encenação descritiva. Pressupõe-se que a patemização, de caráter intencional, é acionada na interação texto-leitor em função de um planejamento discursivo manifesto em representações (verbais e visuais) dotadas de uma valoração cultural propensa à emoção reativa. A complementaridade observada entre palavra e imagem nos livros ilustrados analisados não só permite uma maior densidade significativa, mas também a exacerbação de qualidades e categorias nem sempre "significáveis". A simbolização por via analógica atualizada nas imagens (visuais ou metafóricas), ou na superposição de ambas, complexifica a significação, possibilitando-lhe não só efeitos de sentido, mas também efeitos sentidos, suscitados pelos saberes de conhecimento e de crença nos quais se fundam as representações, sejam elas configuradas verbal ou visualmente.
A análise do discurso diante de estranhos espelhos: visualidade e (inter)discursividade na pintura
Authors: Mazzola Renan Belmonte , Gregolin Maria do Rosário Valencise
Published: December 2013

Este artigo intenciona compreender a dimensão discursiva das pinturas por meio da análise do discurso ancorada em Michel Foucault. Recorta-se a figura do espelho em pinturas canônicas com vistas a observar seu funcionamento discursivo enquanto elemento do enunciado artístico visual. Apresenta três partes: a primeira, que determina o lugar ocupado pelo discurso estético nos trabalhos de Michel Pêcheux e de Michel Foucault; a segunda, que se concentra na análise de três pinturas europeias, a saber, As meninas, de Velásquez; Um bar em Folies-Bergère, de Manet; e As ligações perigosas, de Magritte; e a terceira parte, que discute a intersecção entre visualidade e interdiscursividade a partir (a) das reflexões de M. Foucault acerca do discurso estético e (b) da figura do espelho presente nessas pinturas.
Application of surface free energy techniques to evaluate bitumen-aggregate bonding strength and bituminous mixture moisture sensitivity
Authors: Grenfell James R. A. , Ahmad Naveed , Liu Yawen , Apeagyei Alex K. , Airey Gordon D. , Large David
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a combination of surface free energy testing techniques for aggregates and bitumen, with mechanical moisture-sensitivity assessment techniques for identification of compatible bitumen–aggregate combinations. Results from the surface free energy measurements and calculations were compared with data from the rolling bottle test and the saturation ageing tensile stiffness test in order to establish relationships amongst the three techniques. The mineralogical composition and microstructure of the aggregates were characterised using a mineral liberation analyser. For the same bitumen type, moisture sensitivity of mixtures containing limestone aggregates were found to be lower than mixtures containing granite aggregates. The presence of high amounts of quartz and feldspar (up to 50%) in the granite compared with almost none in limestone, and the significant amount of calcite in limestone (96% or more) versus none in granite were cited as possible reasons for the differences in performance of the two aggregate types. The porosity of the worst performing aggregates was higher than the best performing aggregate. The study concludes that moisture damage in the bituminous mixture is a function of the physico-chemical surface free energy properties of bitumen and aggregates as well as the mineralogical composition of aggregates.
Drying temperature and water content–strength correlations
Authors: O’Kelly Brendan C.
Published: December 2013

For water content determinations on organic soils, several researchers have adopted lower oven-drying temperatures in the range 35−90°C (instead of the standardised range for mineral soils of 100–110°C) in order to prevent possible charring, oxidation and (or) vaporisation of substances other than water. However, at too low a temperature, not all of the relevant water is driven off. One major consequence of using such a wide range of drying temperatures for more sensitive materials is to produce considerable disparity in interpolated index values and in deduced correlations between water content and other engineering properties. This paper discusses the pros and cons regarding the oven-drying temperature adopted for routine water content determinations on organic sludges and residues. It concludes by recommending a standardised oven temperature of 105–110°C or 105 ± 5°C, a 24-h drying period and a suggested minimum wet specimen mass of 50 g.
Analysis of investment decisions in Irish state infrastructure
Authors: Moloney Mary , McKeogh Eamon
Published: December 2013

Ireland was the envy of Europe and indeed the world with its apparent economic success, during what was termed the ‘Celtic tiger’ years. Nevertheless, it is now evident that despite the considerable monies invested in physical infrastructure, Ireland still ranks poorly in its state of infrastructure internationally. This paper identifies that government investment in physical infrastructure was clearly stimulated and influenced by the housing boom that Ireland experienced in the period 2000–2008. The physical infrastructural networks analysed in this paper are the water, wastewater and roads networks, as these are entirely funded by government/public monies. This paper uses correlation analysis to investigate the relationship between investment (2003–2009) and a range of determinants, and draws a number of conclusions: water and wastewater and to a lesser extent roads capital investment was driven by the house construction industry, which in turn lacked monitoring of housing numbers and their spatial distribution; and government tax incentives further fuelled the housing industry and thus infrastructure investment. The evidence in this paper clearly identifies the need for a comprehensive and holistic planning framework at national and regional level to ensure that future investment in Ireland's infrastructural networks contributes to Ireland's recovery and growth.
Growing season and spatial variations of carbon fluxes of Arctic and boreal ecosystems in Alaska (USA)
Authors: Ueyama Masahito , Iwata Hiroki , Harazono Yoshinobu , Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Oechel Walter C. , Zona Donatella
Published: December 2013

To better understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of CO2 exchange between Arctic ecosystems and the atmosphere, we synthesized CO2 flux data, measured in eight Arctic tundra and five boreal ecosystems across Alaska (USA) and identified growing season and spatial variations of the fluxes and environmental controlling factors. For the period examined, all of the boreal and seven of the eight Arctic tundra ecosystems acted as CO2 sinks during the growing season. Seasonal patterns of the CO2 fluxes were mostly determined by air temperature, except ecosystem respiration (RE) of tundra. For the tundra ecosystems, the spatial variation of gross primary productivity (GPP) and net CO2 sink strength were explained by growing season length, whereas RE increased with growing degree days. For boreal ecosystems, the spatial variation of net CO2 sink strength was mostly determined by recovery of GPP from fire disturbance. Satellite‐derived leaf area index (LAI) was a better index to explain the spatial variations of GPP and NEE of the ecosystems in Alaska than were the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI). Multiple regression models using growing degree days, growing season length, and satellite‐derived LAI explained much of the spatial variation in GPP and net CO2 exchange among the tundra and boreal ecosystems. The high sensitivity of the sink strength to growing season length indicated that the tundra ecosystem could increase CO2 sink strength under expected future warming, whereas ecosystem compositions associated with fire disturbance could play a major role in carbon release from boreal ecosystems.
Biological control of toxic cyanobacteria by mixotrophic predators: an experimental test of intraguild predation theory
Authors: Wilken Susanne , Verspagen Jolanda M. H. , Naus-Wiezer Suzanne , Van Donk Ellen , Huisman Jef
Published: December 2013

Intraguild predators both feed on and compete with their intraguild prey. In theory, intraguild predators can therefore be very effective as biological control agents of intraguild prey species, especially in productive environments. We investigated this hypothesis using the mixotrophic chrysophyte Ochromonas as intraguild predator and the harmful cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa as its prey. Ochromonas can grow photoautotrophically, but can also graze efficiently on Microcystis. Hence, it competes with its prey for inorganic resources. We developed a mathematical model and parameterized it for our experimental food web. The model predicts dominance of Microcystis at low nutrient loads, coexistence of both species at intermediate nutrient loads, and dominance of Ochromonas but a strong decrease of Microcystis at high nutrient loads. We tested these theoretical predictions in chemostat experiments supplied with three different nitrogen concentrations. Ochromonas initially suppressed the Microcystis abundance by >97% compared to the Microcystis monocultures. Thereafter, however, Microcystis gradually recovered to ∼20% of its monoculture abundance at low nitrogen loads, but to 50–60% at high nitrogen loads. Hence, Ochromonas largely lost control over the Microcystis population at high nitrogen loads. We explored several mechanisms that might explain this deviation from theoretical predictions, and found that intraspecific interference at high Ochromonas densities reduced their grazing rates on Microcystis. These results illustrate the potential of intraguild predation to control pest species, but also show that the effectiveness of their biological control can be reduced in productive environments.
Biotic mechanisms of community stability shift along a precipitation gradient
Authors: Hallett Lauren M. , Hsu Joanna S. , Cleland Elsa E. , Collins Scott L. , Dickson Timothy L. , Farrer Emily C. , Gherardi Laureano A. , Gross Katherine L. , Hobbs Richard J. , Turnbull Laura , Suding Katharine N.
Published: December 2013

Understanding how biotic mechanisms confer stability in variable environments is a fundamental quest in ecology, and one that is becoming increasingly urgent with global change. Several mechanisms, notably a portfolio effect associated with species richness, compensatory dynamics generated by negative species covariance and selection for stable dominant species populations can increase the stability of the overall community. While the importance of these mechanisms is debated, few studies have contrasted their importance in an environmental context. We analyzed nine long‐term data sets of grassland species composition to investigate how two key environmental factors, precipitation amount and variability, may directly influence community stability and how they may indirectly influence stability via biotic mechanisms. We found that the importance of stability mechanisms varied along the environmental gradient: strong negative species covariance occurred in sites characterized by high precipitation variability, whereas portfolio effects increased in sites with high mean annual precipitation. Instead of questioning whether compensatory dynamics are important in nature, our findings suggest that debate should widen to include several stability mechanisms and how these mechanisms vary in importance across environmental gradients.
Improving Maternal Health in Pakistan: Toward a Deeper Understanding of the Social Determinants of Poor Women’s Access to Maternal Health Services
Authors: Mumtaz Zubia , Salway Sarah , Bhatti Afshan , Shanner Laura , Zaman Shakila , Laing Lory , Ellison George T. H.
Published: December 2013

Evidence suggests national- and community-level interventions are not reaching women living at the economic and social margins of society in Pakistan. We conducted a 10-month qualitative study (May 2010–February 2011) in a village in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected using 94 in-depth interviews, 11 focus group discussions, 134 observational sessions, and 5 maternal death case studies. Despite awareness of birth complications and treatment options, poverty and dependence on richer, higher-caste people for cash transfers or loans prevented women from accessing required care. There is a need to end the invisibility of low-caste groups in Pakistani health care policy. Technical improvements in maternal health care services should be supported to counter social and economic marginalization so progress can be made toward Millennium Development Goal 5 in Pakistan.
Influenza Vaccine Text Message Reminders for Urban, Low-Income Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Stockwell Melissa S. , Westhoff Carolyn , Kharbanda Elyse Olshen , Vargas Celibell Y. , Camargo Stewin , Vawdrey David K. , Castaño Paula M.
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We evaluated the impact of influenza vaccine text message reminders in a low-income obstetric population.

Methods. We conducted a randomized controlled trial that enrolled 1187 obstetric patients from 5 community-based clinics in New York City. The intervention group received 5 weekly text messages regarding influenza vaccination starting mid-September 2011 and 2 text message appointment reminders. Both groups received standard automated telephone appointment reminders. The prespecified endpoints were receipt of either pre- or postpartum influenza vaccination calculated cumulatively at the end of each month (September–December 2011).

Results. After adjusting for gestational age and number of clinic visits, women who received the intervention were 30% more likely to be vaccinated as of December 2011 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.003, 1.69 end of September: AOR = 1.34; 95% CI = 0.98, 1.85; October: AOR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.05, 1.75; November: AOR = 1.27; 95% CI = 0.98, 1.65). The subgroup of women early in the third trimester at randomization showed the greatest intervention effect (December 31: 61.9% intervention vs 49.0% control; AOR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.12, 3.15).

Conclusions. In this low-income obstetric population, text messaging was associated with increased influenza vaccination, especially in those who received messages early in their third trimester.
A Quasi-Experimental Analysis of Maternal Altitude Exposure and Infant Birth Weight
Authors: Zahran Sammy , Breunig Ian M. , Link Bruce G. , Snodgrass Jeffrey G. , Weiler Stephan
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We analyzed singleton births to determine the relationship between birth weight and altitude exposure.

Methods. We analyzed 715 213 singleton births across 74 counties from the western states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2000. Birth data were obtained from the Division of Vital Statistics, National Center for Health Statistics, for registered births.

Results. Regression analyses supported previous research by showing that a 1000-meter increase in maternal altitude exposure in pregnancy was associated with a 75.9-gram reduction in birth weight (95% confidence interval = −84.1, −67.6). Quantile regression models indicated significant and near-uniform depressant effects from altitude exposure across the conditional distribution of birth weight. Bivariate sample-selection models showed that a 1000-meter increase in altitude exposure, over and above baseline residential altitude, decreased birth weight by an additional 58.8 grams (95% confidence interval = −98.4, −19.2).

Conclusions. Because of calculable health care–related costs associated with lower birth weight, our reported results might be of interest to clinicians practicing at higher altitudes.
Assessing Vadose Zone Biodegradation by a Multicomponent Gas Transport Model
Authors: Fen Chiu-Shia
Published: December 2013

This study calibrated a gas transport model that uses multicomponent approaches, i.e., the dusty gas model (DGM) and Stefan–Maxwell (SM) equations, to soil gas concentration depth profiles to determine aerobic biodegradation rates of hydrocarbons in unsaturated soils. I found that viscous advection induced by multicomponent gas transport in porous systems and Knudsen diffusion may be neglected for soil systems with intrinsic permeabilities >10−13 m2, and intrinsic permeability of low‐permeability layers, such as cemented limestone or concrete pavement on the ground surface, calibrated by the DGM model ranged from 10−15 to 10−18 m2. The SM model may be applicable for gas transport in soil systems with low‐permeability layers if low obstruction factor values are assigned for these layers. The obstruction factor defined in the DGM and SM equations accounts for impedance to gas diffusion in unsaturated soils and is similar to tortuosity for Fick's law of diffusion. Results further showed that flux rates of hydrocarbon vapors from sources in unsaturated soils need to be measured or assessed before models are fitted to hydrocarbon vapor depth profiles. If the flux rates are not assessed, and if the obstruction factor and intrinsic permeability in the low‐permeability layers are of uncertain magnitudes, models may produce nonunique results for biodegradation rates of hydrocarbons. Thus, I propose a two‐step procedure for determining aerobic biodegradation rates of hydrocarbons.
Application of artificial neural network, fuzzy logic and decision tree algorithms for modelling of streamflow at Kasol in India
Authors: Senthil kumar A. R. , Goyal Manish Kumar , Ojha C. S. P. , Singh R. D. , Swamee P. K.
Published: December 2013

The prediction of streamflow is required in many activities associated with the planning and operation of the components of a water resources system. Soft computing techniques have proven to be an efficient alternative to traditional methods for modelling qualitative and quantitative water resource variables such as streamflow, etc. The focus of this paper is to present the development of models using multiple linear regression (MLR), artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy logic and decision tree algorithms such as M5 and REPTree for predicting the streamflow at Kasol located at the upstream of Bhakra reservoir in Sutlej basin in northern India. The input vector to the various models using different algorithms was derived considering statistical properties such as auto-correlation function, partial auto-correlation and cross-correlation function of the time series. It was found that REPtree model performed well compared to other soft computing techniques such as MLR, ANN, fuzzy logic, and M5P investigated in this study and the results of the REPTree model indicate that the entire range of streamflow values were simulated fairly well. The performance of the naïve persistence model was compared with other models and the requirement of the development of the naïve persistence model was also analysed by persistence index.
Analytical solution for soil water redistribution during evaporation process
Authors: Teng Jidong , Yasufuku Noriyuki , Liu Qiang , Liu Shiyu
Published: December 2013

Simulating the dynamics of soil water content and modeling soil water evaporation are critical for many environmental and agricultural strategies. The present study aims to develop an analytical solution to simulate soil water redistribution during the evaporation process. This analytical solution was derived utilizing an exponential function to describe the relation of hydraulic conductivity and water content on pressure head. The solution was obtained based on the initial condition of saturation and an exponential function to model the change of surface water content. Also, the evaporation experiments were conducted under a climate control apparatus to validate the theoretical development. Comparisons between the proposed analytical solution and experimental result are presented from the aspects of soil water redistribution, evaporative rate and cumulative evaporation. Their good agreement indicates that this analytical solution provides a reliable way to investigate the interaction of evaporation and soil water profile.
A study to estimate the fate and transport of bacteria in river water from birds nesting under a bridge
Authors: Nayamatullah M. M. M. , Bin-Shafique S. , Sharif H. O.
Published: December 2013

To investigate the effect of input parameters, such as the number of bridge-dwelling birds, decay rate of the bacteria, flow at the river, water temperature, and settling velocity, a parametric study was conducted using a water quality model developed with QUAL2Kw. The reach of the bacterial-impaired section from the direct droppings of bridge-nesting birds at the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, Texas was estimated using the model. The concentration of Escherichia coli bacteria were measured upstream, below the bridge, and downstream of the river for one-and-a-half years. The decay rate of the indicator bacteria in the river water was estimated from the model using measured data, and was found to be 6.5/day. The study suggests that the number of bridge-dwelling birds, the decay rate, and flow at the river have the highest impact on the fate and transport of bacteria. The water temperature moderately affects the fate and transport of bacteria, whereas, the settling velocity of bacteria did not show any significant effect. Once the decay rates are estimated, the reach of the impaired section was predicted from the model using the average flow of the channel. Since the decay rate does not vary significantly in the ambient environment at this location, the length of the impaired section primarily depends on flow.
Raising discharge standards leads to environmental problem shifting in China
Authors: Zhu Lingyun , Liu Beibei , Wang Feng , Bi Jun
Published: December 2013

The discharge standards for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in China are trending towards increasingly stringent nutrient removal requirements over recent decades. However, the current paradigm for WWTPs has a singular focus on effluent quality, seldom considering the broader environmental consequences of the treatment required to meet these more stringent limits. In this article, the operating data of 17 WWTPs with three different discharge standards were collected. Using an inventory-type approach, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and eutrophication potential (EP) of each plant were calculated. Results show diminishing marginal returns in terms of pollution reduction as the level of treatment increases, taking environmental influences into consideration. Therefore, the strictest standards are not the most cost-effective ones in current China. Rather than focusing strictly on point source dischargers and requiring advanced treatments, regulatory agencies should reconsider their water quality protection strategies.
Comparison of imidazolium ionic liquids and traditional organic solvents: effect on activated sludge processes
Authors: Gendaszewska Dorota , Liwarska-Bizukojc Ewa
Published: December 2013

Data concerning the biodegradability and ecotoxicity of ionic liquids (ILs) obtained so far are insufficient in the context of IL removal from wastewater in activated sludge systems. Thus, in this work the selected imidazolium ionic liquids and two organic solvents (methanol and acetone) were tested with respect to their influence on activated sludge processes, particularly on the morphology of sludge flocs. The presence of ionic liquids with the chemical structure of 1-alkyl-3-methyl imidazolium bromide in wastewater did not deteriorate biological wastewater treatment processes if their concentration was not higher than 5 mg l−1. Regarding the structure of the ILs studied, the longer the alkyl substituent was, the stronger the effect on sludge flocs. The highest decrease in activated sludge floc area and biomass concentration was exerted by the ionic liquid with the longest alkyl chain, i.e. 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide. The action of both methanol and acetone on floc size, activated sludge concentration and efficiency of organic pollutants removal was weaker compared to all tested 1-alkyl-3-methyl imidazolium bromides.
Distal radius fractures: Systematic review
Authors: Milutinovic Suzana , Andjelkovic Sladjana , Palibrk Tomislav , Zagorac Slavisa , Bumbasirevic Marko
Published: December 2013

Distal radius fractures are an increasingly prevalent upper extremity injury,
especially among elderly patients. They represent approximately 3% of all
upper extremity injures. Severity of these fractures is directly related to
bone mineral density of the patient, and clinical results are dependent on
this parameter as well. There is a bimodal distribution of these injuries,
with a peak between 18 to 25 years of age, predominantly male population and
a second peak in the elderly, older than 65 years, predominantly female
population. Early reports of fractures of the distal radius considered these
fractures to be group of injuries with a relatively good prognosis
irrespective of the treatment given. When it comes to complex fractures,
regardless of the method applied, major or minor functional invalidity
persists. With that in mind fractures of the distal radius are medical,
social and economic problems of modern society.
Mechanochemical synthesis of CaO•ZnO.K2CO3 catalyst: Characterization and activity for methanolysis of sunflower oil
Authors: Kesic Zeljka , Lukic Ivana , Zdujic Miodrag , Jovalekic Cedomir , Liu Hui , Skala Dejan
Published: December 2013

The goal of this study was to prepare CaO.ZnO catalyst which contain small
amount of K2CO3 and analyze its activity for biodiesel synthesis. Catalyst
was prepared using the following procedure: CaO and ZnO (molar ratio of 1:2),
water and K2CO3 (in various amounts) were mechanochemically treated and after
milling heated at 700 oC in air atmosphere for obtaining mixed CaO?ZnO/xK2CO3
oxides (x = 0, 1, 2 and 4; mole of K2CO3 per 10 mole of CaO). All the samples
were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma
(ICP), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis
(TGA), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron
microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), particle size laser
diffraction (PSLD) distribution, solubility measurement of Ca, Zn and K ions
in methanol as well as by determination of their alkalinity (Hammett
indicator method). Prepared CaO?ZnO/xK2CO3 composite powders were tested as
catalysts for methanolysis of sunflower oil at 70?C using molar ratio of
sunflower oil to methanol of 1:10 and with 2 mas% of catalyst based on oil
weight. The presence of K2CO3 in prepared samples was found to increase the
activity of catalyst, and that such effect is caused by
homogeneous-heterogeneous catalysis of biodiesel synthesis.
Change of n-type to p-type conductivity of the semiconductor passive film on N-steel: Enhancement of the pitting corrosion resistance
Authors: Metikos-Hukovic Mirjana , Grubac Zoran , Omanovic Sasha
Published: December 2013

The electrochemically-assisted modification of the N-austenitic stainless
steel (ASS N25) surface was successfully employed to improve barrier
properties of the passive film in a chloride containing solution. The
chemical composition, electronic and barrier properties of the surface film
before and after the electrochemical treatment were examined using X-ray
photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
(EIS). Electrochemical measurements were carried out in a corrosion testing
solution. The excellent corrosion resistance (both pitting and general) of
the N-steel?s modified surface was discussed according to the Mott-Schottky
analysis of the interfacial capacitance of the space charge layer and EIS
results. The conductivity change of the surface film from an n- to a p-type
in the pitting susceptible region was explained using the XPS analysis and
semiconducting properties of the film.
The Disclosure of Non-GAAP Earnings Information in the Presence of Transitory Gains
Authors: Curtis Asher B. , McVay Sarah E. , Whipple Benjamin C.
Published: December 2013

We examine the disclosure of non-GAAP earnings information in quarters containing transitory gains to investigate whether the primary motivation for these managers to disclose non-GAAP earnings is to inform or mislead. In this setting, non-GAAP earnings are more informative than GAAP earnings, even though they are lower than GAAP earnings. Thus, managers motivated to inform stakeholders about sustainable earnings will disclose non-GAAP earnings information excluding the gain, whereas managers motivated to report higher earnings will obscure the transitory nature of the gain by focusing on GAAP earnings. We find evidence that managers' disclosure choices vary widely across firms, and these choices affect investors' perceptions of core operating earnings. We then contrast how the same firm discloses non-GAAP earnings in the presence of transitory losses to provide additional evidence on the motives of individual firms' disclosures. We conclude that the most pervasive motivation to disclose non-GAAP earnings in the presence of transitory gains is to inform. An economically significant proportion of firms, however, appear opportunistic in that they only disclose non-GAAP earnings information when it increases investors' perceptions of core operating earnings. Our evidence is important because we speak to the influence that each motive has on the choice to disclose non-GAAP earnings and we provide evidence on the underlying motives behind specific firms' disclosures.

Data Availability: All data are available from the sources cited in the text.
Tone Management
Authors: Huang Xuan , Teoh Siew Hong , Zhang Yinglei
Published: December 2013

We investigate whether and when firms manage the tone of words in earnings press releases, and how investors react to tone management. We estimate abnormal positive tone, ABTONE, as a measure of tone management from residuals of a tone model that controls for firm quantitative fundamentals such as performance, risk, and complexity. We find that ABTONE predicts negative future earnings and cash flows, is positively associated with upward perception management events, such as, just meeting/beating thresholds, future earnings restatements, SEO, and M&A, and is negatively associated with a downward perception management event, stock option grants. ABTONE has a positive stock return effect at the earnings announcement and a delayed negative reaction in the one and two quarters afterward. Balance sheet constrained firms and older firms are more likely to employ tone management over accruals management. Overall, the evidence is consistent with managers using strategic tone management to mislead investors about firm fundamentals.
Altered Spontaneous Brain Activity in Type 2 Diabetes: A Resting-State Functional MRI Study
Authors: Cui Ying , Jiao Yun , Chen Yu-Chen , Wang Kun , Gao Bo , Wen Song , Ju Shenghong , Teng Gao-Jun
Published: December 2013

Previous research has shown that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Patients with impaired cognition often show decreased spontaneous brain activity on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). This study used rs-fMRI to investigate changes in spontaneous brain activity among patients with T2DM and to determine the relationship of these changes with cognitive impairment. T2DM patients (n = 29) and age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy control subjects (n = 27) were included in this study. Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) values were calculated to represent spontaneous brain activity. Brain volume and cognition were also evaluated among these participants. Compared with healthy control subjects, patients with T2DM had significantly decreased ALFF and ReHo values in the occipital lobe and postcentral gyrus. Patients performed worse on several cognitive tests; this impaired cognitive performance was correlated with decreased activity in the cuneus and lingual gyrus in the occipital lobe. Brain volume did not differ between the two groups. The abnormalities of spontaneous brain activity reflected by ALFF and ReHo measurements in the absence of structural changes in T2DM patients may provide insights into the neurological pathophysiology underlying diabetes-associated cognitive decline.
Gabapentin is neuroprotective through glutamate receptor-independent mechanisms in staurosporine-induced apoptosis of cultured rat cerebellar neurons
Authors: Popescu Bogdan , Ţuineag Maria , Stoica Radu
Published: December 2013

The anticonvulsants that are currently available modulate the activity of neuronal receptors and ion channels, which are equally involved in apoptotic pathways. We investigated the hypothesis that gabapentin (GP), an anticonvulsant without effect on glutamate receptors acting as GABA analog, has neuroprotective properties. For comparison, we chose topiramate (TPM), which has been reported to be neuroprotective via AMPA receptors blockade. For this purpose, we used rat cerebellar granule neuron (CGN) cultures and we triggered apoptosis independent of glutamate receptors with staurosporine, a broad-spectrum protein kinase inhibitor. GP at therapeutic range concentration significantly increased cell viability in CGN cultures maintained in physiological KCl concentration and reversed apoptosis induced by staurosporine. Blockade of NMDA or AMPA receptors by MK801 or NBQX, respectively, did not alter GP neuroprotection, which was reversed instead by GABA. In contrast, protective effect of TPM on STS-treated CGN cultures was annihilated by NBQX, and not altered by MK801 or GABA. Treatments with neuroprotective concentrations of GP or TPM did not modify the expression of neuronal cell adhesion molecule or synaptophysin or the morphological aspect of neuronal endings. In summary, we report that GP is neuroprotective through glutamate-receptor independent mechanisms and without alteration of neuronal plasticity markers, which makes it a possible candidate for clinical neuroprotection trials.
The effect of nucleus accumbens lesions on appetite, sexual function, and nicotine dependence in recovering heroin addicts
Authors: Wang Yarong , Zhu Jia , Chen Ling , Liu Yijun , Li Qiang , Yang Weichuan , Li Wei , Zhao Liyan , Gold Mark , Sun Jifeng , Wang Wei
Published: December 2013

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a key part of the neural circuitry that creates reward, pleasure and motivation that facilitates human feeding, sexual and smoking behaviors. In the brain reward system, the NAc is a crucial component responsible for natural and drug-induced reinforcement behaviors. Yet it is unclear whether NAc is indispensible for all reward behaviors in human beings. The present study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of NAc ablation on sexual function, appetite, and nicotine dependence level in chronic heroin users. Eighteen former heroin-dependent patients (male) with bilateral NAc ablation via stereotactic radiofrequency surgery for alleviating drug psychological dependence were recruited. Their postoperative time ranged from 12 to 103 months. All subjects received MRI scans for assessing the accuracy of the lesion site. Evaluation of appetite, sexual function, and nicotine dependence were measured using the Simplified Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire, the Brief Sexual Function Inventory, and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, respectively. After precluding the potential confounding variables, such as drug use (dosage and duration), post-operation duration, age, body-weight, marital status and education level, ANOVA with repeated measures revealed that the NAc ablation improved the patients’ appetite, sexual drive and sexual satisfaction. Yet there was no change in male erectile function, ejaculatory function, or nicotine dependence levels compared to the preoperative. These may suggest that although NAc is a key part of the neural circuitry, the NAc surgical lesions left the fundamental aspects of natural and drug-induced reinforcement and motivation almost intact.
Uniformly invariant normed spaces
Authors: Forouzanfar AM , Khorshidvandpour S , Bahmani Z
Published: December 2013

In this work, we introduce the concepts of compactly invariant and uniformly invariant. Also we define sometimes C-invariant closed subspaces and then prove every m-dimensional normed space with m > 1 has a nontrivial sometimes C-invariant closed subspace. Sequentially C-invariant closed subspaces are also introduced. Next, An open problem on the connection between compactly invariant and uniformly invariant normed spaces has been posed. Finally, we prove a theorem on the existence of a positive operator on a strict uniformly invariant Hilbert space. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v10i0.7555 BIBECHANA 10 (2014) 31-33