bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Educação ambiental crítica: do socioambientalismo às sociedades sustentáveis
Authors: Lima Gustavo Ferreira da Costa
Published: May 2009

O artigo reflete sobre o contexto histórico e teórico de formação da educação ambiental brasileira a partir da perspectiva do que se convencionou chamar de educação ambiental crítica. Partindo de um referencial teórico-conceitual da ecologia política, da teoria crítica e do pensamento complexo, problematiza as origens e os desdobramentos político-culturais, os argumentos e movimentos sociais que formataram essa tendência pedagógica de marcante presença na realidade educacional e ambiental brasileira. À luz desses referenciais, o artigo revisa e sistematiza a produção pertinente a esse novo campo de conhecimento e ação e, nesse sentido, dialoga, por meio desta produção, com os pesquisadores, educadores, agentes públicos e de organizações da sociedade civil que, nas décadas recentes, se envolveram com práticas e reflexões sobre a relação entre sociedade, educação e meio ambiente no Brasil. Investiga, para tanto, o debate, a diferenciação e as disputas internas ao campo da educação ambiental no Brasil, o processo de constituição do socioambientalismo que se coloca em contraposição a outra tendência conservacionista de educação ambiental e a construção de uma crítica a uma educação para o desenvolvimento sustentável, proposto pela UNESCO e demais setores interessados na conservação do status quo e numa sustentabilidade orientada pelas forças do mercado. Destaca, assim, em uma perspectiva histórica, as matrizes filosóficas, as posições político-pedagógicas e as forças sociais que inspiraram a emergência da educação ambiental crítica assim como as contribuições decisivas que esse processo legou ao avanço ético e político das relações entre a educação, a sociedade e o meio ambiente no Brasil.
Profissão docente: uma instituição psicossocial
Authors: Barros Carmen Lúcia Souza , Mazzotti Tarso Bonilha
Published: May 2009

Atualmente ocorre um amplo debate a respeito do caráter profissional da atividade docente. Em uma das vertentes, afirma-se que uma profissão caracteriza-se pela existência de pessoas consideradas modelos ou líderes profissionais, o que não se encontra entre os professores. Para verificar a existência de líderes profissionais, aplicou-se um breve questionário a 700 professores que trabalham no município de Queimados, estado do Rio de Janeiro, com o retorno de 650. Solicitou-se que o entrevistado nomeasse um(a) professor(a) ao qual recorre quando tem algum problema " de ensino" ou " educação" . A ampla dispersão das respostas indica que não há, de fato, líderes profissionais. Desagregando os dados, verifica-se que as indicações tendem a ser no âmbito de cada unidade escolar (61,85%), ainda que ocorram muitas (36,46%) fora de suas unidades. A principal conclusão é que a unidade escolar, como grupo psicossocial, requer um exame mais acurado, pois os professores só o são neles e por eles. Tal grupo condiciona a maior ou menor eficácia de seus trabalhos, e quanto maior a coesão, mais satisfeitos estão, mesmo que o resultado de suas ações não seja o que outros consideram adequado, especialmente os atores sociais externos ao grupo imediato. A não existência de líderes profissionais é uma evidência de que se trata de um trabalho cujas regras e saberes são as dos grupos imediatos, o que nos leva a afirmar que a escola é a unidade psicossocial a ser investigada para compreendermos as resistências às mudanças.
Travessias da aula em campo na geografia escolar: a necessidade convertida para além da fábula
Authors: Oliveira Christian Dennys Monteiro de , Assis Raimundo Jucier Sousa de
Published: May 2009

O ensino de geografia cultiva um vínculo de identidade com o mundo exterior: a aula em campo. Os desafios para investigação escolar das instituições, localidades e relações são enormes. Esse exercício didático é o alvo do presente texto, cujo objetivo é mostrar a preocupação e o avanço, de alguns estudiosos, na construção de uma 'teoria' das aulas de campo, aqui denominadas aulas em campo. A proposta corresponde à apresentação e discussão de certas abordagens específicas para esse tipo de aula. No entanto, esse cultivo não se realiza de forma contínua nem está no centro do planejamento da geografia escolar. Ele aparece como uma exceção contra a qual os autores aqui citados reagem, caracterizam limites e potencialidades e direcionam soluções. Para tanto, propõem seu resgate nas diversas formas de atividades externas ao espaço escolar: excursões, visitas, estudos do meio, turismo. A força pedagógica da aula em campo encontra-se, todavia, na capacidade da interação professor-aluno em apreender com o lugar-mundo e planejar-se no improviso, o que, na conclusão do artigo, aparece como defesa de uma postura estratégica da gestão do retorno à sala de aula. Chamada de autobiografia coletiva da aula anterior, o texto propõe ampliar a relevância das discussões sobre a experiência do campo para potencializar os conteúdos e métodos de aprendizagem, lembrando que a aula em campo é, tal qual inspiração artística, um vetor insubstituível de compreensão do espaço em nível escolar.
New Era of Personalized Medicine: A 10-Year Anniversary
Authors: Jørgensen Jan Trøst
Published: May 2009

This letter comments on progress since the publication 10 years ago of the article by Langreth and Waldholz announcing a new era in personalized medicine.
High-resolution genomic profiling reveals gain of chromosome 14 as a predictor of poor outcome in ileal carcinoids
Authors: Andersson Ellinor , Swärd Christina , Stenman Göran , Ahlman Håkan , Nilsson Ola
Published: May 2009

Ileal carcinoids are malignant neuroendocrine tumours of the small intestine. The aim of this study was to obtain a high-resolution genomic profile of ileal carcinoids in order to define genetic changes important for tumour initiation, progression and survival. Forty-three patients with ileal carcinoids were investigated by high-resolution array-based comparative genomic hybridization. The average number of copy number alterations (CNAs) per tumour was 7.1 (range 1–22), with losses being more common than gains (ratio 1.4). The most frequent CNA was loss of chromosome 18 (74%). Other frequent CNAs were gain of chromosome 4, 5, 14 and 20, and loss of 11q22.1–q22.2, 11q22.3–q23.1 and 11q23.3, and loss of 16q12.2–q22.1 and 16q23.2-qter. Two distinct patterns of CNAs were found; the majority of tumours was characterized by loss of chromosome 18 while a subgroup of tumours had intact chromosome 18, but gain of chromosome 14. Survival analysis, using a series of Poisson regressions including recurrent CNAs, demonstrated that gain of chromosome 14 was a strong predictor of poor survival. In conclusion, high-resolution profiling demonstrated two separate patterns of CNAs in ileal carcinoids. The majority of tumours showed loss of chromosome 18, which most likely represents a primary event in the development and pathogenesis of tumours. A different genetic pathway is operative in a subgroup of tumours; this is characterized by gain of chromosome 14 and is strongly associated with poor prognosis. Predictive fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of chromosome 14 status in patients with ileal carcinoids is suggested.
Scintillator‐based flat‐panel x‐ray imaging detectors
Authors: Granfors Paul R. , Albagli Douglas
Published: May 2009

Abstract— Large‐area amorphous‐silicon flat‐panel x‐ray imaging detectors were introduced commercially about 10 years ago and have seen a steady increase in both volume and number of applications since. The flat‐panel‐detector industry was made possible by manufacturing methods and equipment first developed for the display industry. Here, the different types of flat‐panel detectors are described, with focus on the scintillator‐based TFT/photodiode detector. The manufacturing process used for these detectors is explained and compared to that for displays. Detector operation is detailed, and the various medical and industrial applications are described. Finally, the performance metrics for these detectors and the impact of the performance requirements on detector design are discussed.
Photoconductor‐based (direct) large‐area x‐ray imagers
Authors: Zentai George
Published: May 2009

Abstract—A brief overview of the present status of active‐matrix flat‐panel direct x‐ray imagers (D‐AMFPI) is given. The spatial resolutions of direct and indirect imagers are compared, and it is pointed out that the lack of light scattering greatly improves resolution. Furthermore, the resolution does not degrade as layers of the x‐ray detector materials become thicker for better x‐ray absorption at higher x‐ray energies, opposite to that of indirect imagers. Different direct x‐ray conversion materials are compared, how the physical properties influence the x‐ray detection efficiency, and imager stability are discussed. Ghosting and image‐lag properties are also weighted. A few x‐ray‐sensitive photoconductor materials produce very‐high x‐ray conversion efficiency, which could be advantageous for low‐dose fluoroscopy to overcome the noise of the readout electronics. Last, but not least, the manufacturing advantage of the direct imagers is emphasized. The direct imagers do not needp‐i‐nphotodiodes, so the a‐Si TFT matrices for these arrays can be manufactured at any LCD manufacturing sites and not only at a few, very specialized companies where thep‐layers for the photodiodes can be deposited.
The costs of anti‐herbivore defense traits in agricultural crop plants: a case study involving leafhoppers and trichomes
Authors: Kaplan Ian , Dively Galen P. , Denno Robert F.
Published: May 2009

The expression of plant defenses is thought to entail costs (e.g., the allocation of resources away from growth or reproduction) that constrain the evolution of plant genotypes maximally defended against herbivores. Although central to the ecological theory underlying plant–insect interactions at large, the concept of defense costs is particularly evident in agricultural crops where plants may be under simultaneous selection for enhanced growth and/or reproduction (i.e., yield) and anti‐herbivore resistance traits that deter pests. In this study we investigate the role of trichomes as a resistance mechanism against a sap‐feeding insect (the leafhopper, Empoasca fabae) on potato. Natural variation in trichome density among 17 potato cultivars was used to test for the role of trichomes as a putative defense against leafhoppers, and evidence of costs in trichome expression. Two different types of costs were explored: (1) allocation costs (i.e., the relationship between trichomes and yield), and (2) costs involving trade‐offs with alternative defense strategies (e.g., tolerance). Although leafhopper abundance did not decrease as trichome density increased, leafhopper injury to potato plants (foliar necrosis) was negatively correlated with trichome density. As a result, the per capita effect of leafhopper adults and nymphs on foliar damage was lower on plants with high trichome densities. We found no evidence, however, for costs of expressing this resistance trait; trichomes were not correlated with either potato yield or tolerance to herbivory. Thus, selection for multiple plant defenses to alleviate the impact of pests in agronomic crops may indeed be possible without inherent losses in plant yield.
Ecological, behavioral, and genetic factors influencing the recombinant control of invasive pests
Authors: Bax Nicholas J. , Thresher Ronald E.
Published: May 2009

Invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity, cost the world economy billions of dollars annually, and are often difficult, if not impossible, to control using current approaches. Recombinant technologies could revolutionize management of such pests but would be subject to a range of genetic, behavioral, and ecological factors that could limit their efficacy or applicability. We use a realistically parameterized combined population dynamics/genetics model to assess the potential of, and constraints on, a suite of recombinant approaches that have been suggested for pest control. We show that, of the options suggested to date, a genetic construct that distorts operational sex ratios by sterilizing, killing, or sex‐changing one gender and being inherited through the other, is not only potentially the most effective means of pest control, but also one that remains effective over the widest range of ecological and behavioral conditions. All methods, however, are sensitive in particular to the degree of density dependence in the pest population and to operational issues such as maximum copy number and stocking levels, which affect introgression rates. Optimal investment strategies for an integrated pest management program that includes the nonlinear interactions of recombinant strategies and complementary management options can be assessed through the sensitivity analyses. The subtle effects of even minor variability in some parameters, such as extra mortality due to the presence of the construct, further suggest that genetic techniques be applied in an active adaptive management framework, so that strategies can be regularly optimized as the impacts of a release program are assessed.
Development and application of DNA techniques for validating and improving pinniped diet estimates
Authors: Tollit Dominic J. , Schulze Angela D. , Trites Andrew W. , Olesiuk Peter F. , Crockford Susan J. , Gelatt Thomas S. , Ream Rolf R. , Miller Kristina M.
Published: May 2009

Polymerase chain reaction techniques were developed and applied to identify DNA from >40 species of prey contained in fecal (scat) soft‐part matrix collected at terrestrial sites used by Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in British Columbia and the eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Sixty percent more fish and cephalopod prey were identified by morphological analyses of hard parts compared with DNA analysis of soft parts (hard parts identified higher relative proportions of Ammodytes sp., Cottidae, and certain Gadidae). DNA identified 213 prey occurrences, of which 75 (35%) were undetected by hard parts (mainly Salmonidae, Pleuronectidae, Elasmobranchii, and Cephalopoda), and thereby increased species occurrences by 22% overall and species richness in 44% of cases (when comparing 110 scats that amplified prey DNA). Prey composition was identical within only 20% of scats. Overall, diet composition derived from both identification techniques combined did not differ significantly from hard‐part identification alone, suggesting that past scat‐based diet studies have not missed major dietary components. However, significant differences in relative diet contributions across scats (as identified using the two techniques separately) reflect passage rate differences between hard and soft digesta material and highlight certain hypothesized limitations in conventional morphological‐based methods (e.g., differences in resistance to digestion, hard part regurgitation, partial and secondary prey consumption), as well as potential technical issues (e.g., resolution of primer efficiency and sensitivity and scat subsampling protocols). DNA analysis of salmon occurrence (from scat soft‐part matrix and 238 archived salmon hard parts) provided species‐level taxonomic resolution that could not be obtained by morphological identification and showed that Steller sea lions were primarily consuming pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) and chum (Oncorhynchus keta) salmon. Notably, DNA from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) that likely originated from a distant fish farm was also detected in two scats from one site in the eastern Aleutian Islands. Overall, molecular techniques are valuable for identifying prey in the fecal remains of marine predators. Combining DNA and hard‐part identification will effectively alleviate certain predicted biases and will ultimately enhance measures of diet richness, fisheries interactions (especially salmon‐related ones), and the ecological role of pinnipeds and other marine predators, to the benefit of marine wildlife conservationists and fisheries managers.
Anthropogenic and climate influences on biogeochemical dynamics and molecular‐level speciation of soil sulfur
Authors: Solomon Dawit , Lehmann Johannes , Kinyangi James , Pell Alice , Theis Janice , Riha Susan , Ngoze Solomon , Amelung Wulf , Preez Chrisdu , Machado Stephen , Ellert Ben , Janzen Henry
Published: May 2009

The soil environment is a primary component of the global biogeochemical sulfur (S) cycle, acting as a source and sink of various S species and mediating oxidation state changes. However, ecological significance of the various S forms and the impacts of human intervention and climate on the amount and structural composition of these compounds are still poorly understood. We investigated the long‐term influences of anthropogenically mediated transitions from natural to managed ecosystems on molecular‐level speciation, biogeochemical dynamics, and the apparent temperature sensitivity of S moieties in temperate, subtropical, and tropical environments with mean annual temperature (MAT) ranging from 5°C to 21°C, using elemental analysis and X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. Land‐use and land‐cover changes led to the depletion of total soil S in all three ecoregions over a period of up to 103 years. The largest decline occurred from tropical forest agroecosystems (67% Kakamega and 76% Nandi, Kenya), compared to losses from temperate (36% at Lethbridge, Canada, and 40% at Pendleton, USA) and subtropical (48% at South Africa) grassland agroecosystems. The total S losses correlated significantly with MAT. Anthropogenic interventions profoundly altered the molecular‐level composition and resulted in an apparent shift in oxidation states of organic S from native ecosystems composed primarily of S moieties in intermediate and highly reduced oxidation states toward managed agroecosystems dominated by organic S rich in strongly oxidized functionalities. The most prominent change occurred in thiols and sulfides, the proportion of which decreased by 46% (Lethbridge) and 57% (Pendleton) in temperate agroecosystems, by 46% in subtropical agroecosystems, and by 79% (Nandi) and 81% (Kakamega) in tropical agroecosystems. The proportion of organic S directly linked to O increased by 81%, 168%, 40%, 92%, and 85%, respectively. Among the various organic S functionalities, thiols and sulfides seem to have higher apparent temperature sensitivity, and thus these organic S moieties may become prone to losses due to land‐use changes, even from the cooler regions of the world if MAT of these regions rise in the future.
Growth and nutritional state of American Crow nestlings vary between urban and rural habitats
Authors: Heiss Rebecca S. , Clark Anne B. , McGowan Kevin J.
Published: May 2009

In urbanized areas, many adult birds find sufficient foods to survive, but the anthropogenic foods that are abundant there may be detrimental to nestling growth. In fact, American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) nestlings are smaller in suburban than rural areas, possibly because of nutrient limitation. Here, we seek to identify possible causes of size differences by comparing both size and blood chemistry measures in rural and suburban crow nestlings. We quantified land use in known crow territories and distinguished three distinct environments: suburban‐residential, suburban‐managed (e.g., golf courses), and rural. We measured nestlings near fledging age in each environment and bled them for determination of unbound plasma calcium, total protein, and corticosterone. We supplemented a subset of broods in suburban‐residential and rural areas with a food high in protein and calcium. Rural nestlings were significantly larger than suburban‐residential crows and had higher total serum protein. Nestlings in suburban‐managed areas were intermediate in size and serum protein but had the lowest plasma calcium levels. Nestling corticosterone levels did not differ significantly among habitats, indicating that, although suburban nestlings may be food‐limited, they were not starving. Supplemented nestlings in suburban‐residential areas were significantly larger in some growth measures than their unsupplemented counterparts. Unexpectedly, supplemented rural nestlings were significantly smaller than unsupplemented rural ones, suggesting that parents use easily accessible food even when it is nutritionally suboptimal. Our results indicate that nestlings in suburban areas are nutrient restricted, rather than calorie restricted.
Physiological responses to fertilization recorded in tree rings: isotopic lessons from a long‐term fertilization trial
Authors: Brooks J. Renée , Coulombe Rob
Published: May 2009

Nitrogen fertilizer applications are common land use management tools, but details on physiological responses to these applications are often lacking, particularly for long‐term responses over decades of forest management. We used tree ring growth patterns and stable isotopes to understand long‐term physiological responses to fertilization using a controlled fertilization experiment begun in 1964 in Washington State (USA), in which three levels of nitrogen fertilizer were applied: 157, 314, and 471 kg/ha. Basal area increment (BAI) increased more than fourfold in the highest treatment to twofold in the lowest, and a significant increase in BAI was observed for 20 years. Latewood Δ13C sharply decreased by 1.4‰ after fertilization and was significantly lower than controls for four years, but no differences existed between fertilization levels, and the effect disappeared after four years, indicating that intrinsic water use efficiency (A/gs) increased in response to fertilization. Earlywood Δ13C showed similar trends but was more variable. Latewood δ18O increased significantly above controls by ∼2‰ in all treatments, but the duration differed with treatment level, with the effect being longer for higher levels of fertilization and lasting as long as nine years after fertilization. Because source water and relative humidity were the same between experimental plots, we interpreted the δ18O increase with treatment as a decrease in leaf‐level transpiration. Earlywood δ18O did not show any treatment effects. Because the Pacific Northwest has a mediterranean climate with dry summers, we speculated that fertilization caused a substantial increase in leaf area, causing the trees to transpire themselves into drought stress during the late summer. We estimate from the δ18O data that stomatal conductance (gs) was reduced by ∼30%. Using the Δ13C data to estimate assimilation rates (A),Aduring the late season was also reduced by 20–30%. If leaf‐levelAdecreased, but BAI increased, we estimated that leaf area on those trees must have increased by fourfold with the highest level of treatment within this stand. This increase in leaf area resulting from fertilization caused a hydraulic imbalance within the trees that lasted as long as nine years after treatment at the highest levels of fertilization.
Mapping the bycatch seascape: multispecies and multi‐scale spatial patterns of fisheries bycatch
Authors: Lewison Rebecca L. , Soykan Candan U. , Franklin Janet
Published: May 2009

Fisheries bycatch is a worldwide conservation issue. Despite a growing awareness of bycatch problems in particular ocean regions, there have been few efforts to identify spatial patterns in bycatch events. Furthermore, many studies of fisheries bycatch have been myopic, focusing on a single species or a single region. Using a range of analytical approaches to identify spatial patterns in bycatch data, we demonstrate the utility and applications of area and point pattern analyses to single and multispecies bycatch seascapes of pelagic longline fisheries in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We find clear evidence of spatial clustering within bycatch species in both ocean basins, both in terms of the underlying pattern of the locations of bycatch events relative to fishing locations and for areas of high bycatch rates. Furthermore, we find significant spatial overlap in the pattern of bycatch across species relative to the spatial distribution in fishing effort and target catch. These results point to the importance of considering spatial patterns of both single and multispecies bycatch to meet the ultimate goal of reducing bycatch encounters. These analyses also highlight the importance of considering bycatch relative to target catch as a way of identifying areas where fishing effort reduction may help to reduce multispecies bycatch with minimal impact on target catch.
Effects of agricultural subsidies of nutrients and detritus on fish and plankton of shallow‐reservoir ecosystems
Authors: Pilati Alberto , Vanni Michael J. , González María J. , Gaulke Alicia K.
Published: May 2009

Agricultural activities increase exports of nutrients and sediments to lakes, with multiple potential impacts on recipient ecosystems. Nutrient inputs enhance phytoplankton and upper trophic levels, and sediment inputs can shade phytoplankton, interfere with feeding of consumers, and degrade benthic habitats. Allochthonous sediments are also a potential food source for detritivores, as is sedimenting autochthonous phytodetritus, the production of which is stimulated by nutrient inputs. We examined effects of allochthonous nutrient and sediment subsidies on fish and plankton, with special emphasis on gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum). This widespread and abundant omnivorous fish has many impacts on reservoir ecosystems, including negative effects on water quality via nutrient cycling and on fisheries via competition with sportfish. Gizzard shad are most abundant in agriculturally impacted, eutrophic systems; thus, agricultural subsidies may affect reservoir food webs directly and by enhancing gizzard shad biomass. We simulated agricultural subsidies of nutrients and sediment detritus by manipulating dissolved nutrients and allochthonous detritus in a 2 × 2 factorial design in experimental ponds.

Addition of nutrients alone increased primary production and biomass of zooplanktivorous fish (bluegill and young‐of‐year gizzard shad). Addition of allochthonous sediments alone increased algal sedimentation and decreased seston and sediment C:P ratios. Ponds receiving both nutrients and sediments showed highest levels of phytoplankton and total phosphorus. Adult and juvenile gizzard shad biomass was enhanced equally by nutrient or sediment addition, probably because this apparently P‐limited detritivore ingested similar amounts of P in all subsidy treatments. Nutrient excretion rates of gizzard shad were higher in ponds with nutrient additions, where sediments were composed mainly of phytodetritus. Therefore, gizzard shad can magnify the direct effects of nutrient subsidies on phytoplankton production, and these multiple effects must be considered in strategies to manage eutrophication and fisheries in warmwater reservoir lakes where gizzard shad can dominate fish biomass.
Acute and chronic toxicity of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate to the endangered topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) and fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Adelman Ira R. , Kusilek Luke I. , Koehle Jessica , Hess Jonathan
Published: May 2009

Toxicity tests with ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate were conducted on the endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) to determine if current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) water quality criteria are protective of this species. Results from acute lethal and chronic growth tests are reported for both Topeka shiners and fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Embryolarval tests were conducted with only fathead minnows because Topeka shiner embryos were not available. Predicted outcomes for Topeka shiner embryo-larval toxicity endpoints were calculated by comparing relationships between growth tests and embryo-larval tests for fathead minnows and extrapolating those relationships to Topeka shiners. Results show that the U.S. EPA's criterion for total ammonia-nitrogen (TAN), 1.24 mg/L when early life stages are present, would be protective, given that our most sensitive result was a predicted maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) for Topeka shiners at 5.63 mg/L TAN, calculated from the fathead minnow chronic embryo-larval test. The U.S. EPA's criterion for nitrite (5 mg/L) would not be protective, given that our most sensitive result was a predicted MATC for Topeka shiners of 3.97 mg/L NO2-N, calculated from the fathead minnow chronic embryo-larval test. However, nitrite is generally transient, and unpublished field data show levels far lower than the criterion. Finally, the U.S. EPA's recommendation of a maximum of 90 mg/L NO3-N for the protection of warmwater fishes would protect Topeka shiners but not fathead minnows. For Topeka shiners, the MATC from the 30-d juvenile growth test was 360 mg/L NO3-N, but for fathead minnows, the MATC was 84 mg/L. More field sampling may be needed to determine if levels comply with criteria, especially in Topeka shiner critical habitat.
Europe, Women, and Work: Is the “Adult Worker” Ideal Achieved?
Authors: Montanari Ingalill
Published: May 2009

Against the background of an overall increase in female labor force participation in Europe, this article presents a comparative analysis of the development of the extent and quality of women's participation in market work over the last 15 years in relation to selected sectoral and, with regard to the service sector, subsectoral sites in which women perform their market work. This is an explorative test of the utility of the theoretical perspective that focuses on the gendered division of total necessary work in society, production as well as reproduction, in order to explain gender inequality. Countries examined are the “old E.U.” member states in various constellations. Data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Labor Organization, European Social Survey, and Luxembourg Income Study are used.
Market-Oriented, Demand-Driven Health Care Reforms and Equity in Health and Health Care Utilization in Sweden
Authors: Burström Bo
Published: May 2009

In international comparisons, the Swedish health care system has been seen to perform well. In recent years, market-oriented, demand-driven health care reforms aimed at free choice of provider by patients and free establishment of doctors are increasingly promoted in Sweden. The stated objective is to improve access and efficiency in health services and to provide more and/or better services for the money. Swedish health policy aims to provide equal access to care, based on equal need. However, the social and economic gradient in disease and ill health does not translate into the same social and economic gradient in demand for health services. A market-oriented, demand-driven health care system runs the risk of defeating the health policy aims and of further increasing gaps between social groups in access and utilization of health care services, to the detriment of those with greater needs, unless it is coupled with need-based allocation of resources and empowerment of these groups.
The Cultural Production of Health Inequalities: A Cross-Sectional, Multilevel Examination of 52 Countries
Authors: Mansyur Carol Leler , Amick Benjamin C. , Harrist Ronald B. , Franzini Luisa , Roberts Robert E.
Published: May 2009

In a 2001 report, the U.S. National Institutes of Health called for more integration of the social sciences into health-related research, including research guided by theories and methods that take social and cultural systems into consideration. Based on a theoretical framework that integrates Hofstede's cultural dimensions with sociological theory, the authors used multilevel modeling to explore the association of culture with structural inequality and health disparities. Their results support the idea that cultural dimensions and social structure, along with economic development, may account for much of the cross-national variation in the distribution of health inequalities. Sensitivity tests also suggest that an interaction between culture and social structure may confound the relationship between income inequality and health. It is necessary to identify important cultural and social structural characteristics before we can achieve an understanding of the complex, dynamic systems that affect health, and develop culturally sensitive interventions and policies. This study takes a step toward identifying some of the relevant cultural and structural influences. More research is needed to explore the pathways leading from the sociocultural environment to health inequalities.
Toward an Ecosocial Epidemiological Approach to Goiter and Other Iodine Deficiency Disorders: A Case Study of India's Technocratic Program for Universal Iodization of Salt
Authors: Priya Ritu , Kotwal Atul , Qadeer Imrana
Published: May 2009

The program of universal salt iodization (USI) was intensified in the 1990s. Unfortunately, a recent World Health Organization review finds that there was a global increase of 31.7 percent in total goiter rate from 1993 to 2003. However, the WHO review places only 1 country as severely, 13 as moderately, and 40 as mildly deficient in populations' iodine nutrition, and places 43 countries at optimal, 24 at high, and 5 at excessive levels of iodine nutrition. Thus, it is imperative to weigh the benefits and risks of intensifying USI further. The WHO review places India in the category of “adequate” iodine nutrition, but in 2005 the Government of India promulgated a universal ban on sale of non-iodized salt, calling iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) a major public health problem. This article attempts to understand these contradictions and weigh the benefits and costs of USI. Based on a review of studies since the 1920s, the authors reconstruct the evolution of IDD control in India. Conceptual and methodological limitations challenge the evidence base and rationale of stricter implementation of USI now. Finding evidence for its negative impact, the authors recommend a reexamination of the USI strategy and propose a safer, people-centered, ecosocial epidemiological approach rather than a universal legal ban.
The Potential Impact of the World Trade Organization's General Agreement on Trade in Services on Health System Reform and Regulation in the United States
Authors: Skala Nicholas
Published: May 2009

The collapse of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Doha Round of talks without achieving new health services liberalization presents an important opportunity to evaluate the wisdom of granting further concessions to international investors in the health sector. The continuing deterioration of the U.S. health system and the primacy of reform as an issue in the 2008 presidential campaign make clear the need for a full range of policy options for addressing the national health crisis. Yet few commentators or policymakers realize that existing WTO health care commitments may already significantly constrain domestic policy options. This article illustrates these constraints through an evaluation of the potential effects of current WTO law and jurisprudence on the implementation of a single-payer national health insurance system in the United States, proposed incremental national and state health system reforms, the privatization of Medicare, and other prominent health system issues. The author concludes with some recommendations to the U.S. Trade Representative to suspend existing liberalization commitments in the health sector and to interpret current and future international trade treaties in a manner consistent with civilized notions of health care as a universal human right.
State Downsizing as a Determinant of Infant Mortality and Achievement of Millennium Development Goal 4
Authors: Palma-Solís Marco Antonio , Díaz Carlos Álvarez-Dardet , Franco-Giraldo Álvaro , Hernández-Aguado Ildefonso , Pérez-Hoyos Santiago
Published: May 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the worldwide effect of state downsizing policies on achievement of U.N. Millennium Development Goal 4 (MDG4) on infant mortality rates. In an ecological retrospective cohort study of 161 countries, from 1978 to 2002, the authors analyzed changes in government consumption (GC) as determining exposure to achievement of MDG4. Descriptive methods and a multiple logistic regression were applied to adjust for changes in gross domestic product, level of democracy, and income inequality. Excess infant mortality in the exposed countries, attributable to reductions in GC, was estimated. Fifty countries were found to have reduced GC, and 111 had increased GC. The gap in infant mortality rate between these groups of countries doubled in the study period. Non-achievement of MDG4 was associated with reductions in GC and increases in income inequality. The excess infant mortality attributable to GC reductions in the exposed countries from 1990 to 2002 was 4,473,348 deaths. The probability of achieving MDG4 seems to be seriously compromised for many countries because of reduced public sector expenditure during the last 25 years of the 20th century, in response to World Bank/International Monetary Fund Washington Consensus policies. This seeming contradiction between the goals of different U.N. branches may be undermining achievement of MDG4 and should be taken into account when developing future global governance policy.
The effect of the operation conditions and the extraction techniques on the yield, kinetics and composition of methanol extracts of Hieracium pilosella L.
Authors: Stanojevic Ljiljana , Stankovic Mihajlo , Cakic Milorad , Nikolic Vesna , Nikolic Ljubisa , Ristic Dusica
Published: May 2009

The optimal operational extraction conditions were determined by investigating the influence of the methanol concentration, solvomodule and temperature of the maceration extraction on the yield and kinetics of total extractive matter, chlorogenic acid, umbelliferone and apigenin-7-O-glucoside from Hieracium pilosella L. Based on the results of Soxhlet and Tillepape extraction kinetics investigations of the total extractive matter and the components under the optimal maceration operation conditions it was found that the highest yields of the extractive matter and investigated bioactive components extracted from the dry plant material were obtained by using the Soxhlet extraction method. The contents of chlorogenic acid, umbelliferone and apigenin-7-O-glucoside in the extracts were determined by HPLC method. Chlorogenic acid is the component with the highest share in all the extracts.
Circulating immune complexes, immunoglobulin G, salivary proteins and salivary immunoglobulin A in patients with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Hadzi-Mihailovic Milos , Jankovic Ljiljana , Cakic Sasa
Published: May 2009

Introduction. Sj?gren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder, with its major clinical manifestations resulting from changes in exocrine glands. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate serum concentrations of circulating immune complexes (CIC) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), and salivary proteins (SP) and salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in 40 patients with SS, and to correlate these values among themselves, as well as with the unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR) and the duration of disease. Methods. The total of 40 patients were included in this research. CIC was determined using the solution of polyethylene glycol and IgG with the standard procedure of radial immunodiffusion. SP was investigated by the method of Lowry and sIgA was separated from the whole saliva using the method of immune chromatography. Results. The values of most of the studied parameters exceeded the normal range in a high degree: CIC 72.5%, IgG 70%, SP 80%. The concentrations of CIC were significantly higher in the patients with the duration of disease less than 10 years. With the decrease of USFR, the concentration of sIgA and IgG were increased with statistical significance. Conclusion The increased prevalence of abnormal values of CIC, IgG and SP indicate that the patients with SS have developed a higher level of immune reactivity. These results could be useful in diagnosis and disease activity monitoring.
Effects of natural factors of Niska Banja spa on indexes of mobility of vertebral column in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Nedovic Jovan , Stamenkovic Bojana , Stojanovic Sonja , Stankovic Aleksandra , Dimic Aleksandar
Published: May 2009

Introduction. Ankylosing spondilitis (AS) is a disease from a group of seronegative spondyloarthropathies with the prevalence of 0.1% affecting mainly young males, which also gives sociomedical significance to the disease. Among all inflammatory arthropathies, AS is the most suitable for balneotherapy. Thermomineral water of the Niska Banja spa is homeothermic, oligomineral, alkaline, low radioactive radon water and also, in conjunction with mineral peloid, is considered to be optimal for this indication. Objective. Our aim was to investigate the effects of natural factors of the Niska Banja spa as a part of complex treatment on the indexes of mobility of the vertebral column in the patients with AS. Methods. The study enrolled 40 patients with the average age of 48.0?14.82 years and the average duration of disease of 16.9?6.42 years. Patients were treated with hydro- and peloid- otherapy during the average of 17.23?2.71 days. At the beginning and at the end of treatment, a number of indexes of spinal mobility were measured. The statistical significance of differences was calculated using the Student's t-test. Results. All of the measured indexes were better after balneotherapy reaching statistically significant differences in regard to the wall-to-occiput distance (p<0.05), the index of sagittal mobility of the cervical (p<0.05) and lumbar (p<0.005) spine. Conclusion. The application of natural factors of the Niska Banja spa during complex treatment of the patients with AS is accompanied with the objective increase of the spine mobility.
Meningitis as cochlear implant complication
Authors: Kosanovic Rade , Ivankovic Zoran , Babac Snezana , Stojanovic Sandra , Petrovic-Lazic Mirjana , Jecmenica Jovana
Published: May 2009

Over the last several decades, cochlear implantation has been fully proven as the treatment for profound hearing losses. The direct electrical stimulation of the spiral ganglion hair cells through the electrode inserted in the cochlear scala tympani is the essence of the cochlear implant (CI) functioning. Modern technological development has introduced unexpected technical quality possibilities of the device itself, as well as coding strategies, which further enable improved patients' rehabilitation results. Nevertheless, in spite of cochlear implantation becoming a routine surgical procedure, which has been changing lives of thousands of profoundly deaf adults and children, it has possible complications. Though rare, these complications could lead to severe, even fatal consequences. Bacterial meningitis represents one of the most severe postoperative complications. In this article, our five-year experience with cochlear implantation is shown, compared to other, much bigger, experiences. Despite severity and a potentially fatal outcome of meningitis, it has rarely been seen, and the precise connection between surgical procedure and this complication is not yet clear. Do cochlear implants increase the risk of bacterial meningitis? Are deafness-associated factors predisposing the bacterial meningitis occurrence, independently from the implant? These are the questions that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CI surgeons have been facing, as well as manufacturers and patients with their families.
Biologic therapy of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Damjanov Nemanja , Vojinovic Jelena
Published: May 2009

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic/rheumatoid arthritis (JIA) are chronic, inflammatory, systemic, auto-immune diseases characterized by chronic arthritis leading to progressive joint erosions. The individual functional and social impact of rheumatoid arthritis is of great importance. Disability and joint damage occur rapidly and early in the course of the disease. The remarkably improved outcomes have been achieved initiating biologic therapy with close monitoring of disease progression. Biologic agents are drugs, usually proteins, which can influence chronic immune dysregulation resulting in chronic arthritis. According to the mechanism of action these drugs include: 1) anti-TNF drugs (etanercept, infiximab, adalimumab); 2) IL-1 blocking drugs (anakinra); 3) IL-6 blocking drugs (tocilizumab); 4) agents blocking selective co-stimulation modulation (abatacept); 5) CD 20 blocking drugs (rituximab). Biologics targeting TNF-alpha with methotrexate have revolutionized the treatment of RA, producing significant improvement in clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes not seen previously. The new concept of rheumatoid arthritis treatment defines early diagnosis, early aggressive therapy with optimal doses of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and, if no improvement has been achieved during six months, early introduction of biologic drugs. The three-year experience of biologic therapy in Serbia has shown a positive effect on disease outcome.
Moisture intrusion in viscoelastic porous media: Induced-stress and deformation
Authors: Miguel António , Heitor Reis
Published: May 2009

Porous media exposed to humid air absorb moisture which can lead to extensive internal damage and failure. In this paper, we analyze numerically the influence of the moisture intrusion in a two-layer viscoelastic porous media. The relationship between air humidity and moisture content inside the porous media was examined. It was also found that the local stress increases with the exposure time to humid air but decreases with initial moisture content of the porous medium. Furthermore, the stress components were tensile at the centre of the medium and compressive near the medium surface. The ultimate strength of the medium was only exceeded for the stresses in axial and tangential directions.
Mathematical model of unsteady gas to solid particles heat transfer in fluidized bed
Authors: Stojiljkovic Mladen , Stojanovic Branislav , Janevski Jelena , Ilic Gradimir
Published: May 2009

The mathematical model of unsteady one-dimensional gas to particles heat transfer for non-isothermal fluidized bed with periodic heating of solid particles has been described. The method of numerical solution of governing differential equations, the algorithm and the computer program, have been presented. By using mathematical model and computer program, the temperature profiles for interstitial gas, gas in bubbles, and solid particles along the height of fluidized bed in function of time, have been determined. The results obtained on the basis of prediction method are compared to the experimental results of the authors; the satisfactory agreement has been found for interstitial gas temperature and solid particle temperature. On the basis of this comparison, the mathematical model has been verified.
A study on spontaneous ignition of bituminous coal
Authors: Li Xin-Rui , Koseki Hiroshi , Iwata Yusaku
Published: May 2009

The thermal properties of four bituminous coals were studied using isothermal and temperature-programmed calorimeters, such as a differential thermal analysis, a heat flux calorimeter C80 and an thermal activity monitor (TAM-III). The corresponding spontaneous ignition was measured in an adiabatic spontaneous ignition tester. It was found that there were weak exothermic activities in bituminous coal at 50-100?C and meanwhile carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide was generated. These thermal behaviors are responsible for the self heating from 50?C and spontaneous ignition at 80?C.
Study of mechanically activated coal combustion
Authors: Burdukov Anatolij , Popov Vitalij , Faleev Valentin
Published: May 2009

Combustion and air gasification of mechanically activated micro-ground coals in the flux have been studied. Influence of mechanically activated methods at coals grinding on their chemical activeness at combustion and gasification has been determined. Intense mechanical activation of coals increases their chemical activeness that enables development of new highly boosted processing methods for coals with various levels of metamorphism.