bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing comprehensive performance of biofilm formation and water quality in drinking water distribution systems
Authors: Liu Li , Liu Yanyan , Lu Qingqing , Chen Guowei , Wang Gang
Published: August 2016

Environmental fluctuations shape biofilm formation in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) and therefore distributed water quality. Yet the comprehensive performance in response to complex environmental conditions remains unclear. We investigated biofilm formation and distributed water quality under various nutrients, including chlorine concentrations and hydrodynamic conditions. Results showed that environmental fluctuations collectively induced changes in microbial propagation, which were mostly associated with turbidity variations, concentrations of total organic carbon, NH4+-N and soluble phosphorus compared to the other parameters. Fuzzy pattern recognition analysis integrating multiple water quality indicators revealed that low nutrient availability and addition of mild chlorine at 0.50 mg/L at 0.50 m/s flow velocity were the most favorable conditions screened for optimized comprehensive performance, while nutrient supplements yielded significant performance deterioration. These quantitative estimations offer new insights into advanced understanding of the system performance responding to often complex environmental fluctuations, essential for optimized design and practical functioning of DWDSs.
Aplicação da ferramenta Kit The Comex como fator de inserção no comércio exterior: o case de duas pequenas empresas na cidade de Campinas/SP
Authors: Pozo Hamilton , De martino Ricardo Lorenzo
Published: August 2016

O objetivo desta pesquisa é aplicar o material kit The Comex em duas microempresas localizadas na cidade de Campinas/SP e avaliar sua eficácia. Trata-se de uma ferramenta de auxílio e aprendizado direcionada às micro e pequenas empresas (MPE) para práticas de comércio exterior. Elaborado como ferramenta, o produto desenvolvido busca proporcionar às empresas melhor atuação e fortalecimento em comércio exterior. A pesquisa é um estudo de caso, referente a um fenômeno atual e real das micro e pequenas empresas nesse tipo de comércio. Em razão do atual cenário do comércio exterior, onde fatores específicos inibem as empresas de lançarem-se ao mercado internacional, o kit The Comex constitui uma opção para que essas empresas estejam mais bem preparadas para atuarem nesse setor. Como o idioma Inglês ainda é um obstáculo a ser superado por essas empresas, e dadas às oportunidades que há em um universo cada vez mais globalizado e competitivo, a aplicação do kit The Comex possibilita um melhor entendimento técnico e também do vocabulário utilizado no comércio internacional. A pesquisa proporcionou às empresas que aplicaram o kit The Comex ampliar sua participação no comércio internacional e, também, resultou no registro dos direitos autorais da ferramenta, pelos autores.
Sustentabilidade na Organização Contemporânea Brasileira: uma análise literária sob o planejamento estratégico
Authors: Bartolomeo Ricardo Di , Da Silva Emerson Pereira , Fonseca Cesar Da Costa
Published: August 2016

O presente artigo propõe uma abordagem nas organizações sob os aspectos relacionados à visão, atitude e ações corretamente sustentáveis como fatores de diferenciação e competitividade de mercado, além de se fazer cumprir as responsabilidades legais. Para atingir a proposta de estudo, revisou-se a literatura sobre sustentabilidade e sua influência no aumento de clientes e parceiros comerciais. Os resultados demosntraram que a elaboração adequada de um planejamento estratégico é fundamental para que as organizações possam ser reconhecidas como sustentáveis.
Saúde e segurança no trabalho – na percepção dos alunos de uma faculdade paulista
Authors: Barreto Antonio Fernandes , Alexandre Ailton , Santos Aline Gabriela Almeida , Da Silva Diego Rodrigo
Published: August 2016

O objetivo da presente pesquisa é investigar na percepção dos alunos de uma faculdade localizada na região da grande São Paulo, as condições de trabalho que esses foram submetidos como trabalhadores nas suas empresas contratantes. Utilizou-se como instrumento de pesquisa um questionário, adaptado, desenvolvido por Miranda Junior (2009), com escala de concordância tipo Likert de cinco pontos, e por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica buscou-se conhecer a importância do sistema de gestão de saúde e segurança no trabalho. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como de natureza exploratória, cujos métodos empregados são o qualitativo e o quantitativo na avaliação do modelo utilizado. Os resultados foram analisados com a aplicação de estatística não paramétrica pela análise das medianas e comparação de dados, obtendo-se como resultado a neutralidade das condições de Segurança e Saúde do Trabalho demonstrada pela amostra pesquisada, além da confiabilidade no instrumento utilizado e confirmação da literatura pesquisada.
Um estudo bibliométrico sobre as publicações em periódicos acadêmicos na temática gestão ambiental
Authors: Luna Roger Augusto , De Almeida e Silva Luis Felipe , De Moura Alexandre Ramos
Published: August 2016

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar a evolução do interesse na publicação junto às linhas de pesquisa que versam sobre assuntos voltados à gestão ambiental em periódicos acadêmicos. Para tanto, realizou-se a análise bibliométrica nos artigos disponibilizados na base de dados Scielo. A metodologia empregada foi quantitativa, considerando os periódicos acadêmicos classificados, prioritariamente, pelo sistema Qualis/Capes como A1, A2, B1 e B2 no ano de 2012. Como resultado observou-se a evolução na temática voltada à gestão ambiental, com grande índice de publicações nos anos de 2006 e 2012, resultantes das aplicações e certificações do Sistema de Gestão Ambiental - ISO 14000 - nas indústrias, além da conferencia Rio+20 realizada no ano de 2012. Também se constatou a pluralidade de interesse de diversas áreas do conhecimento e de diversas instituições de ensino (IE). A partir destes resultados apresentados, o intuito foi o de contribuir com o fomento da temática da Gestão Ambiental dentro do mundo acadêmico e empresarial.
Motivação no trabalho - estudo sobre o nível de satisfação dos trabalhadores em uma confecção
Authors: Pires Roseli Vieira , Carvelo Luciene Rodrigues , Da Silva Jose Humberto
Published: August 2016

A motivação é de fato relevante porque vêm do intimo do ser humano, no caso a empresa deve oferecer instrumentos que facilitem o trabalho dos seus colaboradores, a melhoria contínua do empregado requer mudanças no clima organizacional, ao exigir, principalmente que seja proposto aos funcionários poder mostrar que ele é capaz de ser considerado excelente, conduzindo-o com estímulos aumentando a sua capacidade, dedicação, persistência responsabilidade e comprometimento, o trabalho tem como objetivo realizar um estudo sobre o nível de motivação dos funcionários de uma confecção, como alicerce teórico fundamentou-se em: motivação, motivação no trabalho e em algumas teorias sobre o tema, para tanto foi utilizado como método a aplicação de um questionário com amostra correspondente a 50% dos colaboradores da empresa,por meio da análise dos dados percebe-se que eles não se sentem motivados, o condizente por ela não se utilizar de políticas motivacionais, e que o relacionamento com o chefe impõe uma pressão psicológica ao ambiente de trabalho reprimindo o colaborador em desempenhar eficientemente a sua função.
O comportamento pré-estabelecido nas relações interpessoais organizacionais
Authors: Avila Newton Fernandes de
Published: August 2016

O presente artigo permite um estudo sobre o comportamento e a comunicação e, tem a preocupação não somente de informar, mas, fazer refletir as ações e reações em um universo contemporâneo. Assim, para atingir o objetivo proposto, buscou-se como metodologia, o referencial teórico relacionado ao conhecimento e a comunicação nas organizações. Desta forma, constatou-se a necessidade do indivíduo de estar em constante aprendizagem para assim criar e estabelecer proximidades entre a ação e a capacidade de ultrapassar limites, não se restringindo o conhecimento ao pensamento e sim a aplicação prática da comunicação, permeando a percepção e modificando comportamentos.
O reflexo do controle interno e do COSO para a auditoria e a governança corporativa a partir de uma pesquisa exploratória
Authors: Vieira Eloir Trindade Vasques , De Freitas José Claudio
Published: August 2016

A partir de pesquisa bibliográfica este trabalho demonstrou que o controle interno, o COSO –The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, a auditoria interna e a governança corporativa são meios eficientes de garantir a continuidade da organização. Reafirmando que o processo desenvolvido pode proporcionar segurança, e confiabilidade aos gestores da empresa. Foi percebida a importância do controle interno e seus reflexos para as organizações, fazendo uso das técnicas de auditoria interna, que proporciona aos interessados todas as informações para um melhor controle, aumentando o valor da organização e o interesse dos investidores, acionistas em saber como estão as finanças, o patrimônio e a capacidade de honrar os compromissos. Além do uso do controle interno e dos princípios da governança para melhores práticas de gestão e controle.
Estudo de caso: variáveis que influenciam nas faltas às consultas e nas consultas realizadas em um plano de saúde
Authors: De Castro Neto Sandoval , Picchiai Djair
Published: August 2016

O tema gestão em saúde vem sendo cada vez mais discutido no Brasil nos últimos anos. No país o acesso à saúde se dá pelos sistemas público ou privado. O artigo se restringe ao modelo de sistema privado, especificamente ao plano de saúde, focando o estudo na questão de agendamento de consultas de uma operadora de plano de saúde, situada na cidade de Jundiaí, estado de São Paulo. É tanta a relevância do tema agendamento de consultas médicas para os pacientes que a própria Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar, a ANS, tem interferido dispondo de regulações normativas (RN). Outro problema discutido é a ocupação de horários nas agendas médicas por pacientes que faltam a estas consultas sem qualquer explicação. Portanto, o que é considerado “falta” neste trabalho é o caso em que, apesar de todas essas medidas, o paciente faltou sem qualquer aviso. O trabalho se propõe a discutir se o gênero e a idade do paciente influenciam na quantidade de consultas que ele utiliza no seu plano de saúde, e se o grau de escolaridade do paciente influencia na quantidade de faltas às consultas no seu plano de saúde. Estudo de abordagem quantitativa utilizou-se a metodologia de casos de uso, que fez uso da técnica de pesquisa científica associação-regressão, a partir do levantamento no banco de dados da empresa. O estudo conclui que a idade e do gênero do paciente influenciam na quantidade de consultas agendadas por este paciente enquanto que o grau de escolaridade do paciente pouco influencia.
Influência da controladoria na geração das informações para o processo de gestão de custos de indústrias moveleiras na região de Francisco Beltrão –PR
Authors: Pedro Garcia Garcia Osmarina , Olesczuk Soutes Dione , Garcia Elias
Published: August 2016

O surgimento da Controladoria está ligado à necessidade de melhorar a gestão da empresa. Uma das formas que a controladoria encontra para garantir a continuidade da empresa é a gestão para redução de custos e despesas, com objetivo de tornar o produto mais competitivo perante seus concorrentes. Para isso, os gestores passaram a contar com a controladoria como uma importante ferramenta de auxílio na tomada de decisão. Para demonstrar alguns benefícios da controladoria, optou-se em efetuar este estudo, realizado por meio de levantamento, de forma descritiva, qualitativa e quantitativa em dez indústrias de móveis de pequeno e médio porte. O objetivo principal da pesquisa é de evidenciar a influência da controladoria na geração das informações para o processo de gestão de custos de indústrias moveleiras da região de Francisco Beltrão-PR. Ao final, foi possível constatar que a controladoria influencia na redução de custos por meio de informações confiáveis, geradas por ferramentas ágeis, compiladas pelos controllers e repassadas aos gestores que auxilia para a tomada de decisões.
Analisando os aspectos que impactam a satisfação no trabalho de profissionais da geração Y na região Sul – Brasil
Authors: Brito Lucas Charão , Obregon Sandra Leonara , Lopes Luis Felipe Dias
Published: August 2016

A geração Y caracteriza-se por indivíduos inseridos desde seu nascimento (1980-1994) em um processo de interatividade mais evoluído, digitalizado, o que gera, na maioria das vezes, uma grande diferença comportamental com as gerações antecessoras (TAPSCOTT, 2010). Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo é analisar os aspectos organizacionais que impactam a satisfação de profissionais da geração Y. Metodologicamente, este estudo tem uma abordagem descritiva e quantitativa, pautado em uma survey com amostra de 225 profissionais. Os resultados demonstram que os estudados estão satisfeitos com o ambiente organizacional, o relacionamento interpessoal e a natureza do trabalho. Entretanto, remuneração, oportunidades nos processos de promoção e no envolvimento nas ações de tomada de decisão ainda são aspectos considerados insatisfatórios.
Paradigmas para avaliação de clima organizacional em um instituto público de pesquisas
Authors: Rodrigues Jorge Luiz Knupp , Nunes Fernanda Maria Guadalupe , Silva Jose Luis Gomes da , Santos Neusa Maria Bastos Fernandes dos
Published: August 2016

Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar os fatores relevantes para avaliação de Clima Organizacional de um Instituto Público de Pesquisas da área de C&T, com sede situada no Vale do Paraíba Paulista considerando suas especificidades e a percepção de seus servidores com relação às variáveis deste ambiente de trabalho. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa do tipo exploratória descritiva, assumindo a forma de levantamento. A Instituição participante da pesquisa possui 1.075 servidores públicos ativos e a amostra utilizada no levantamento de dados foi de 149 respondentes, na qual foi aplicado um questionário, cujos dados obtidos foram tabulados e analisados estatisticamente. Foi constatada a estabilidade do instrumento por meio do Teste de Alfa de Cronbach, que indicou a confiabilidade das respostas da pesquisa e os Testes de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin – KMO e de Esfericidade de Bartlett, indicaram que a Análise Fatorial poderia ser utilizada nessa massa de dados. A técnica da Análise Fatorial foi aplicada e os resultados demonstraram que 10 agrupamentos das Questões/Indicadores são adequados para este estudo. Após a análise dos agrupamentos foram identificados os seguintes Fatores como relevantes para o clima estudado: Identidade e Segurança, Autonomia, Realização e Satisfação com o Trabalho, Desenvolvimento Profissional, Comprometimento e Trabalho em Equipe, Liderança, Salário, Interação, Satisfação com a Instituição e Estrutura Organizacional. Este trabalho atingiu seu objetivo e seu resultado favorece novos estudos sobre o tema, bem como fornece subsídios para a elaboração de um instrumento para pesquisa de Clima Organizacional adequado às especificidades da Instituição em questão.
Competitividade da América Latina – um estudo à luz do modelo Porteriano
Authors: Da Silva Ana Valeria Barbosa , Serralvo Francisco Antonio , Romaro Paulo
Published: August 2016

O objetivo deste artigo é explorar o modelo de Diamante Nacional de Porter. Começamos fazendo uma análise crítica ao conceito de competitividade implícito no modelo. A partir desse conceito, exploramos, de forma crítica, os quatro componentes que formam o diamante de Porter, tendo como objetivo entender suas limitações. Ao analisar três dos principais modelos existentes de ranqueamento de países e cidades, com base em três dos modelos mais conhecidos: o Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), o World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) e o Índice de Competitividade Urbana (ICUR), pode-se verificar o nível de aderência dos três rankings ao modelo de Porter. Por fim, procuramos analisar os fatores que mais se destacam como sendo “de sucesso” ou “de fracasso” em cidades da América Latina.
Mapeamento das micro e pequenas empresas do ramo industrial localizadas nas cidades de Agudo e Silveira Martins –RS
Authors: Hartmann Sturm Carla , Souto Bolzan Medeiros Flaviani , Schrippe Patrícia , Weise Andreas Dittmar
Published: August 2016

No desenvolvimento de um país são as empresas as responsáveis por gerar emprego, pagar tributo e, consequentemente, ocasionar desenvolvimento econômico e regional. No Brasil, a maior parte dessas instituições é formada por empresas de micro e pequeno porte que, muitas vezes, enfrentam dificuldades para sobrevivência no mercado. Por isso, são necessários investimentos e incentivos públicos para fomentar o seu desenvolvimento tornando-as competitivas. Assim, o presente artigo pretende desenvolver um mapeamento das micro e pequenas empresas do ramo industrial localizadas nas cidades de Agudo e Silveira Martins, no Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Utilizou-se uma pesquisa descritiva, quanto aos fins, e bibliográfica, quanto aos meios, sendo elaborado um questionário para a coleta dos dados. Como resultados obtidos, foram encontradas dez microempresas e três empresas de pequeno porte em Agudo – RS, sendo que os principais ramos industriais são o setor madeireiro e a fabricação de produtos de padaria, em que atuam 65,5% dos funcionários das micro e pequenas empresas analisadas no município. Já em Silveira Martins – RS foram constatadas seis microempresas e apenas uma como pequena empresa. Constatou-se, ainda, que o principal ramo industrial é o setor madeireiro (seis empresas), no qual 96% dos funcionários atuam em alguma atividade relacionada ao processamento de madeira.
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Authors: M K
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Tecnologias Limpas nas Micro e Pequenas Empresas: evidências empíricas sobre o impacto das Regulamentações Ambientais
Authors: Silva Orlando Roque da , Santos Fernando De Almeida
Published: August 2016

Este artigo se insere no esforço, atualmente em curso, de compreender as forças que regulama interação entre empresas e meio ambiente, mais especificamente aquelas induzidas pelasregulamentações ambientais. A proposição fundamental do artigo é que a regulamentaçãoambiental pode tanto evidenciar lacunas nos processos de gestão ambiental, sugerir potenciaismelhorias, aumentar a sensibilização para os problemas ambientais, reduzir a incerteza dosinvestimentos ambientais e criar condições para a inovação, como também, representar maisum custo para as empresas e, como tal, prejudicar a competitividade ou impor barreiras àinovação, por meio da não utilização de tecnologias limpas no processo produtivo. O presenteartigo apresenta os resultados de um estudo exploratório realizado em micro e pequenasempresas. Os resultados obtidos mostram que ainda não é possível afirmar que asregulamentações ambientais são vetores indutores de alterações do processo produtivovisando à redução na geração de resíduos, efluentes líquidos e emissões atmosféricas. Osresultados mostram, também, que as empresas que introduziram modificações em seusprocessos produtivos, devido às regulamentações ambientais, tiveram algum tipo de apoio deinstituições universitárias ou de pesquisa.
Comunicação Empresarial escrita: Os desafios da informação nas Micro e Pequenas Empresas
Authors: Tacini Renata Ferreira , Nishimura Cintia Harumi , Oliveira Claudia Lopes de Castro , Silveira Jessica Pereira , Ajouri Yasmin
Published: August 2016

A eficácia na comunicação é o alicerce para ser bem-sucedido no mundo corporativo. Isso éexigência de um mundo globalizado em que as relações comerciais são realizadas quase quecompletamente por meio da língua escrita. Partimos desse pressuposto para discutir aimportância da informação e do uso adequado da língua escrita nos ambientes empresariais,especificamente, do universo das micros e pequenas empresas. Interessa-nos, portanto, nesteestudo, realizar um levantamento das formas de comunicação escrita utilizadas no dia a diadessas empresas, bem como, verificar o uso da norma padrão culta da língua portuguesa, aclareza, a objetividade e a preocupação com a eficácia.
Topicality of the Second Vatican Council Constitution Dei Verbum in Contemporary Biblical Studies
Authors: Zbroja Bogdan
Published: August 2016

Artykuł traktuje o zakorzenieniu konstytucji o Bożym Objawieniu Soboru Watykańskiego II we współczesnym naukowym i eklezjologicznym podejściu do Pisma Świętego. Biblia bowiem wyrasta z wiary Kościoła i tę wiarę, wraz z Tradycją, buduje. Całość opracowana jest w trzech punktach. Najpierw uwaga skupia się na Bogu, który objawia człowiekowi samego siebie i swą wolę zbawienia ludzkości. Następnie jest mowa o sposobach komunikowania się Boga z człowiekiem przy pomocy autorów ludzkich oraz długi proces tworzenia dzieł natchnionych kanonu ksiąg świętych. Jest wreszcie podkreślona konieczność odpowiedzi człowieka na Boże Słowo, dzięki czemu istota ludzka wchodzi w dialog zbawczy ze swoim Ojcem, przez Jego Syna w Duchu Świętym. Wspólnota wiary Kościoła stanowi naturalne środowisko badań, lektury i życia Słowem Bożym, do czego zachęca w swoim zakończeniu Konstytucja Dei Verbum (nr 25).
Impact of different Tillage practices on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Pool in Rice-Wheat Cropping System
Authors: Kumari Aradhna , Singh Santosh Kumar
Published: August 2016

Conventional agriculture can result in loss of organic matter (OM), resulting in degradation of cultivated soil. A study was conducted to assess the impact of different tillage treatments in rice and wheat cropping system on soil organic carbon and nitrogen pool. The experiment was carried out in split plot design with four main plot treatments viz. P (direct dry seeding by zero till drill), P 1 2 (direct seeding of sprouted rice in puddle condition), P (hand transplanting) and P (transplanting 3 4 by self-propelled rice trans planter) while the sub plot treatment (for wheat) included T 1 (conventional sowing), T (bed planting), T (strip till drilling) and T (zero till drilling). Significant 2 3 4 variations in SOC and soil nitrogen pool were observed in wheat tillage treatments for D (0-10cm) 1 soil depth. The T and T treatments had significantly higher values of SOC pool as compared to T . 4 3 1 Similar trend was also observed for soil nitrogen. Rice tillage treatments did not have any significant impact on SOC and soil nitrogen at D or subsequent depths. The summarized depths 0- 1 30 and 0-60 cm did not show any impact of the tillage treatments on SOC or soil nitrogen pools.In rice tillage treatments, SOC pool ranged from 26.06 Mg/m3 (P ) to 27.61 Mg/m3 (P ) while the range 4 1 for wheat tillage treatment was 26.30 Mg/m3 (T ) to 26.75 Mg/m3 (T ). At D depth soil N pool was 4 1 1 found to be statistically higher for T and T tillage treatments in wheat, whereas T tillage treatment 3 4 2 was found to be statistically at par with T . This is because of the presence of higher amount of SOM 1 in T and T . A high and positive correlation between SOC and total N was observed because most of 3 4 the nitrogen present in soil is in organic form.
Effect of Organic Amendments along with Fly Ash on Soil Quality under Vertisol (Typic Haplustert) of India
Authors: Saha R , Malakar Kamlesh , COUMAR VASSANDA , SOMASUNDARAM J , Mohanty M
Published: August 2016

An incubation study was conducted to characterize soil quality as affected by organic amendments (FYM, biochar and, poultry manure @ 25 t ha-1) along with or without fly ash (@ 22.4 t ha-1) in Vertisol. Physical and chemical parameters of soil quality like pH, EC, bulk density, porosity, moisture content, organic carbon and available N, P, K measured at the end of incubation period i.e. 10th week showed that combined application of soil amendments (FYM + fly ash, biochar + fly ash, poultry manure + fly ash) had significantly better results than individual application of the respective soil amendments. Soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and dehydrogenase enzyme activity (DHA) increased steadily up to 6th weeks of incubation with a marginal decrease during last phase. At the end of incubation period (10th week), SMBC and DHA was highest in the soil amended with FYM + fly ash; T (476.6 mg/kg of soil and 10.28 μg TPF g-1 soil h-1). The soils treated with 5 organic amendments particularly FYM and poultry manure along with fly ash showed best performance in terms of soil quality improvement in Vertisol.
Basal Insulin Use With GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Authors: Anderson Sarah L. , Trujillo Jennifer M.
Published: August 2016

IN BRIEF The combination of basal insulin and a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist is becoming increasingly common and offers several potential benefits to patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinical studies have demonstrated improved glycemic control and low risks of hypoglycemia and weight gain with the combination, which provides a safe and effective alternative to basal-bolus insulin with less treatment burden. Fixed-ratio combination products that administer both agents in a single injection are in the pipeline and will offer additional options for clinicians and patients. This review focuses on the rationale for, clinical evidence on, and implications of using this combination of therapies in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Folic acid deficiency related to hyperhomocystinemia has less correlation with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
Authors: Begum Shamim Ara , Khalil Ibrahim , Mandal Chanchal Kumar , Hasan Md Moynul , Kawsar Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2016

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a different degree of the glucose intolerance that begins during pregnancy. GDM affects maternal and child health and is associated with a potential for preeclampsia, caesarean delivery due to macrosomic baby and type 2 diabetes in the mother, and with higher rates of perinatal mortally and many abnormalities in the infant. Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid. Hyperhomocysteinemia(Hcy) is increased homocysteine levels which are associated folic acid deficiency. Hcy is regulated by several factors including genetically determined metabolic enzyme alteration, nutritional status, underlying disease, certain medication, age and pregnancy. A total of (40 case+40control) 80 patients are included in this study, it was observed that majority 21(52.5%) patients were age belonged to 31-35 years in case group and 17(42.5%) patients were age belonged to 31-35 years in control group. The mean age was found 30.5±4.2 years in case group and 29.05±4.2 years in control group. Majority 19(47.5%) patients had 3rd gravida in case group and 20(50.0%) patients had 3rd gravida in control group. Majority patients BMI belonged to 25-29.9 kg/m2 (over weight) in both groups which was 21(52.5%) in case and 32(80.0%) in control group. The mean BMI was found 28.9±3.4 kg/m2 in case and 28.53±2.9 kg/m2 in control group. The difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05) between two groups. Studies have shown that folate deficiency is associated with increased homocysteine levels in blood.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2016; 6 (1): 01-07
A Study to Explore the Relationship between Dental Caries and Weight of the Slum Living Children in Dhaka
Authors: Mahjabeen Riftana , Sharmin Dilruba , Anwar Nabila , Nawshin Syeda Rubaiya , Haque Sejuty , Khan Mahfujul Haq
Published: August 2016

Background and Objectives: Dental caries or decay is the most significant dental disease of childhood in Bangladesh. It is also reported to affect the anthropometric outcomes of children. So the objective was to assess the relationship between dental decay and weight of the children living in various slum areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the children in a slum area of Mirpur, Dhaka. The children were selected by using simple random sampling technique. A total of 310 children were interviewed and examined on the basis of the questions regarding their age, gender, height, weight, nutrition, socio-economic status and clinical conditions.Results: The study showed an inverse relationship between dental decay and weight among the children. Among 310 children about 40.64% were suffering from dental caries and 95.5% children were underweight. Children with at least one decayed tooth were significantly more likely to be underweight with odds ratios 0.614, 0.763 for the age group of below 6 years and above 12 years.Conclusion: The study depicted an inverse relationship between dental decay and weight among the children of slum dwellers in Dhaka and emphasized on the necessity of implementing proper dental health care policies and programs among those socio-economically deprived people.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2016; 6 (1): 21-29
Influence of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus on periodontal conditions in a population of Dhaka City
Authors: Ahmed Salauddin , Khan Md Asif Iqbal , Iqbal Md Ashif , Hossain Mahfuz , Ahmed Shahabuddin , Ahmed Suraiya
Published: August 2016

Background: Periodontal disease is a destructive type of oro-dental disease because of potential damage to the dentition resulting early loss of teeth. Patients suffering from both diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease present the challenge of managing two chronic diseases as each of which may influence the other.Purpose: The aim of this study was to find out the influence of periodontal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a population of Dhaka City.Methods: The clinical study carried out in a reputed dental clinic of Dhaka, Uttara; consist of 132 type 2 diabetic patients as cases and 30 non-diabetic persons as controls. The cases include two age groups: one of which was considered as middle age group (4055yrs, both male and female) while the other age group consisting participants both sexes of 56-70yrs, were considered as elderly group. The middle age group was again divided into two categories, group A consisting of 22 patients on non-drug therapy but on regular physical exercise, restricted diet and other directions as per physician, while patients from group B were on oral drug therapy (oral hypoglycemic tablets). Thirty (30) non-diabetic persons belonging to both sexes and aged between 4055yrs (n=15) and 5670 yrs (n=15) respectively were selected as controls. Clinical exam was performed by a trained periodontologist and Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) were determined according to the preset criteria. The periodontal pocket depth (PPD), Clinical attachment loss (CAL)) and severity of periodontitis (mild, moderate, severe) were recorded among the two groups of NIDDM cases and the healthy controls.Results: An increase in the periodontal destruction (CAL) was apparent in type 2 diabetic patients compared to the non-diabetic controls. Drug dependent middle age group (both male-female) demonstrated more disease prevalence than the same age group of non-drug dependent NIDDMs. All the elderly patients under oral drug therapies had high prevalence of periodontal disease of variable severity. Non-diabetic controls presented with 13.3% and 33.3% disease prevalence in 40-55 yrs and 56-70 yrs age groups respectively.Conclusion: Periodontal disease is more prevalent in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and particularly patients on oral hypoglycemic agents had more periodontal tissue break down. It was also apparent from the findings of the study that periodontal destruction is more prevalent in ageing subjects suffering from NIDDM.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2016; 6 (1): 35-39
Corticosteroid in various Oral lesions
Authors: Iqbal Md Ashif , Quader SM Abdul , Mohol Jesmin , Gupta Sudeshna Priyadarshini Das
Published: August 2016

Corticosteroids, since their introduction have become one of the most widely prescribed class of drugs. They belong to a class of chemicals that includes steroid hormones that are produced naturally in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates and analogous to those that are synthesized in laboratories. They have been used extensively in managing many oral lesions due to their excellent anti-inflammatory and immunemodulators effects. However, considering their potential and significant side effects, they are sometimes termed as the double edge sword in the field of medicine. Their successful use depends upon the comprehension of the disease process. This includes an appropriate diagnosis, a clear view of the desirable treatment outcome and understanding of whether the treatment is aimed at the management of a chronic disease or enhanced resolution of a short  term condition. The possible side effects of systemic corticosteroids must be weighed against probable risks. This article is aimed at reviewing the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of various oral lesions, and deriving a certain protocol for the same.Update Dent. Coll. j: 2016; 6 (1): 52-58
Associations of Serum Manganese Levels with Prediabetes and Diabetes among ≥60-Year-Old Chinese Adults: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Wang Xuan , Zhang Mingyue , Lui Guang , Chang Hong , Zhang Meilin , Liu Wei , Li Ziwei , Liu Yixin , Huang Guowei
Published: August 2016

Older adults can experience glucose metabolism dysfunction, and although manganese may help regulate glucose metabolism, there is little information regarding this association among older people. This cross-sectional study included 2402 Chinese adults who were ≥60 years old in 2013 (Tianjin, China), and evaluated the associations of serum manganese with prediabetes and diabetes. Serum manganese levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the sex-specific associations of manganese levels with diabetes and prediabetes after adjusting for confounding factors (age, sex, life style factors, and health status). Based on the WHO criteria, prediabetes was observed in 15.1% of men and 13.4% of women, while diabetes was observed in 30.0% of men and 34.4% of women. In the final model, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for prediabetes according to manganese quartile were 1.000, 0.463 (0.269–0.798), 0.639 (0.383–1.065), and 0.614 (0.365–1.031) among men and 1.000, 0.773 (0.498–1.200), 0.602 (0.382–0.947), and 0.603 (0.381–0.953) among women (p for trend = 0.134 and 0.015, respectively). The lowest prevalence of diabetes among men occurred at a moderate range of serum manganese (p < 0.05). Therefore, appropriate serum manganese levels may help prevent and control prediabetes and diabetes.
Establishment and Characterization of Immortalized Minipig Neural Stem Cell Line
Authors: Choi Sung S. , Yoon Seung-Bin , Lee Sang-Rae , Kim Sun-Uk , Cha Young Joo , Lee Daniel , Kim Seung U. , Chang Kyu-Tae , Lee Hong J.
Published: August 2016

Despite the increasing importance of minipigs in biomedical research, there has been relatively little research concerning minipig-derived adult stem cells as a promising research tool that could be used to develop stem cell-based therapies. We first generated immortalized neural stem cells (iNSCs) from primary minipig olfactory bulb cells (pmpOBCs) and defined the characteristics of the cell line. Primary neural cells were prepared from minipig neonate olfactory bulbs and immortalized by infection with retrovirus carrying the v-myc gene. The minipig iNSCs (mpiNSCs) had normal karyotypes and expressed NSC-specific markers, including nestin, vimentin, Musashi1, and SOX2, suggesting a similarity to human NSCs. On the basis of the global gene expression profiles from the microarray analysis, neurogenesis-associated transcript levels were predominantly altered in mpiNSCs compared with pmpOBCs. These findings increase our understanding of minipig stem cells and contribute to the utility of mpiNSCs as resources for immortalized stem cell experiments.
The Syntax of simple and compound tenses in Ndebele
Authors: Pietraszko Joanna Aleksandra
Published: August 2016

It is a widely accepted generalization that verbal periphrasis is triggered by increased inflectional meaning and a paucity of verbal elements to support its realization. This work examines the limitations on synthetic verbal forms in Ndebele and argues that periphrasis in this language arises via a last-resort grammatical mechanism. The proposed trigger of auxiliary insertion is c-selection – a relation between inflectional categories and verbs.
English inversions as constructional alloforms
Authors: Birner Betty
Published: August 2016

This paper analyzes English inversion as an 'alloform' (Birner 2013) of both preposing and postposing. Birner 1996b analyzes inversion as subject to a negative constraint, disallowing new before old information. The need for this constraint vanishes, however, if inversion is viewed as being an alloform of preposing in cases where the preposed information is discourse-old, and an alloform of postposing in cases where the postposed information is discourse-new. Cases that satisfy both constraints are ambiguous between preposing and postposing, the infelicity of cases that satisfy neither constraint falls out automatically, and additional properties of inversion are readily explained.
The (non)-projective properties of the Japanese counter-expectational intensifier yoppodo
Authors: Sawada Osamu
Published: August 2016

This paper investigates the projective and non-projective properties of the Japanese counter-expectational intensifier yoppodo. Yoppodo has some unique semantic and pragmatic characteristics that ordinary intensifiers do not. In adjectival environments, yoppodo must co-occur with an inferential evidential marker (modal) and infers a high degree via the evidence. It also conventionally implicates that the high degree is above a speaker’s expectation. The interesting feature of yoppodo is that its relationship with an evidential marker is tied up in the issue of projectability. If yoppodo is embedded under an attitude predicate and there is an evidential modal in the embedded clause, then yoppodo’s counter-expectational meaning is subject-oriented. However, if yoppodo is embedded under an attitude predicate and there is an evidential modal in the main clause, then yoppodo’s counter-expectational meaning is speaker-oriented. I argue that the projective property of yoppodo is different from both typical conventional implicatures (e.g., expressives, appositives; see Potts 2005, 2015; Tonhauser et al. 2013) and typical presuppositions, and I claim that it belongs to a new type of projective content, a “dependent projective content.” This paper provides a new perspective for the theories and classification of projective content.
A functional account of grammatical number in English reflexive pronouns
Authors: Stern Nancy
Published: August 2016

Number morphology appears twice in English reflexive pronouns, first on the pronominal-possessive portion of the form, and second on the inflectional ending.  Usually, the two number markings co-vary, but ‘crossed’ number forms like ourself and themself – and even myselves and herselves – are also attested. This paper argues that the two opportunities to signal number can be creatively exploited for communicative purposes, and are not controlled syntactically. The data and analysis presented provide support for a view of grammatical categories (even those commonly regarded as syntactically determined) as independent bearers of meaning.
Curative Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Crinum Giganteum on NMDA-Receptor Antagonist-Induced Schizophrenic Wistar Rat Model
Authors: Finbarrs-Bello Elizabeth , Obikili Emmanuel Nebeuwa , Anayochukwu Esom Emmanuel , Godson Anyanwu Emeka
Published: August 2016

AIM: This study evaluated the curative potential of Crinum giganteum in the treatment of schizophrenia using an NMDA-receptor antagonist-induced schizophrenic Wistar rat model. METHODS: Twenty-five adult Wistar rats of both sexes of average weights 180 g were divided into two groups: control and schizophrenic rat models. The controls received 0.1 ml of 0. 9% saline, while schizophrenia was induced in models using 25 mg/kg of ketamine hydrochloride (i.p.) for 7 days. On the 8 day models were divided into groupâ€™s k1, k2, k3 and k4 of 5 rats each. K1 and the controls were sacrificed then, groups k2 and k3 were treated with 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg aqueous leaf extract of Crinum giganteum while, k4 (standard) received 25 mg/kg of chlorpromazine orally for 28 days. Amygdala were harvested, processed and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H &E) stain, Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) marker was also used to monitor the curative effect on the amygdala.RESULTS: Degenerative changes and increased NSE immunoreactivity were observed in the untreated models. Extract-treated models showed normal amygdala and negative NSE immunoreactivity while chlorpromazine treated models revealed decreased NSE immunoreactivity.CONCLUSION: Crinum giganteum extracts exhibits better curative effect than the standard antipsychotic agent.
Early Identification of Transformation in the Proficiency Level of Critical Thinking
Authors: Swing Velmarie King
Published: August 2016

Critical Thinking (CT) in the nurse graduate continues to be a topic of concern in the academic and acute care settings. Few studies focus on early evaluation of Critical Thinking Skills (CTS). The purpose of this chapter is to show how the non-experimental, explanatory, quantitative study, the Kaplan CTIT, was employed to determine if a transformation in the level of CTS occurs within the first semester of associate degree nursing students. Participants completed the pretest in the first three weeks of classes. Posttests were given after course finals. A significant transformation in the level of CT occurred. The estimated change in CT test scores was 2.04, with 95% confidence. Implications for early measurement of CTS in nursing programs reveals if teaching methodology is providing the necessary input for developing CTS or if evaluation and changes are needed.
Health, Digitalization, and Individual Empowerment
Authors: Lagumdzija Alena , Swing Velmarie King
Published: August 2016

Internet, eHealth and digitalization have opened information access for patients and medical health users. Digitalization provides an opportunity for telemedicine, storage of Electronic Patient Records (EPRs) and net communication for both medical staff and patients with access. Digitalization and technical improvement have increased the usage of Internet based technologies and telephones for positive health coaching and digital-learning applications for all medical users, school staff, and students. The effect of Information Technology on healthcare and medical services can be described as revolutionary. Increasingly, the utilization of digital equipment and medical technology are employed in patients' homes.
Phraseology in English as an Academic Lingua Franca
Authors: Chen Meilin
Published: August 2016

Under the context of English as a Lingua Franca, this chapter explores the use of English prepositional verbs in writing by Chinese university students in comparison with that by their American and British counterparts. A written learner corpus compiled by the author and four native comparable corpora were used for both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The overall frequency of prepositional verbs in the five corpora shows that Chinese learners use fewer prepositional verbs in comparison with their American and British counterparts. Qualitative analysis, on the other hand, shows that Chinese learners are capable of producing an adequate number of prepositional verbs that stylistically appropriate. Moreover, differences are also found between the native novice writers in regard to both the frequency and the stylistic features of the prepositional verbs in the four native corpora. The results lead to critical discussion about the use of native corpora as the benchmark in learner corpus research.
Seduction and Mutually Assured Destruction
Authors: Martins Ana Cabral
Published: August 2016

In cinema, the most prevalent representation of the figure of the seductress has been the femme fatale or the “vamp”. This chapter will explore the femme fatale in various incarnations in American cinema throughout its history. This chapter will also overview several definitions of femme fatale, and its connection with sex, seduction and destruction, in cinema's history, principally the American silent film's “vamp”, personified by the actress Theda Bara; and the 1940s filmnoir's femme fatale, personified by actresses such as Rita Hayworth and Barbara Stanwyck. In an attempt to trace a connection between different embodiments of the femme fatale in American cinema, this chapter will focus, in particular, on David Fincher's cinematic adaptation of the pulp fiction novel Gone Girl (2012), by Gillian Flynn. Not only does Gone Girl (David Fincher, 2014) offer one of the most recent interpretations of the traditional film noir trope, it also provides a modern update of the femme fatale.
Business Fabric and Place Branding
Authors: Speranza Philip , Prager Benjamen
Published: August 2016

In some downtown locations entrepreneurship is flourishing. While current geospatial analysis including planning scaled Geospatial Information Systems provide zip code or census trade information, the street-scale dimension of business fabric goes unmeasured. The research presented in this chapter investigate use of a new geospatial methodology to formulate, collect data and analyze and visualize business, architectural and entrepreneurial data at the resolution of individual street addresses. On-site data was collected at street address for downtown business areas in Barcelona, Spain, Portland and Eugene, Oregon, and Jersey City, New Jersey. The finding reveal new understanding of both methodologies to compute and communicate understandings of business fabric and also initial affirmations of geospatial relationship between business activities and benefits of nearby urban design amenities such as open space, third-space and affordability.
City Branding and the Power of Netnography in the Era of Social Media
Authors: Özbölük Tuğba
Published: August 2016

The development of Web 2.0 tools has changed the ways that cities communicate and build their brands. A growing number of travelers are influenced by user generated content, presenting a number of challenges and opportunities for city branding. This chapter will focus on the use of Internet and social media as international marketing communications techniques for cities and destinations. The chapter offers insights to city branding practitioners on how online city branding is carried out and suggests that using social media is an appropriate strategy to promote cities because of its participative and interactive nature. However, it is also emphasized that city branding practitioners should evaluate social media as an opportunity to get closer to customer, instead of a mechanism to be controlled. Exploring implications for practitioners, the chapter can be regarded as an important contribution to an area which is still fairly new and unexplored. The chapter also contributes to the city branding literature by introducing the use of netnography in city branding research.
The Role of Culture in City Branding
Authors: Ozer Selda Uca
Published: August 2016

City branding means all types of image development studies for a city in order to attract more visitors, raise the quality of life and awareness of the city and provide development etc. Today, the increasing competition among the cities has made city branding a necessity. There are different strategies implemented for city branding. The mostly used strategy among those is the culture-focused branding studies. Culture has a critical importance for city branding and it is used as an international strategy for the economic, social and environmental renovation of cities. Marketing the cultural city sources and activities in an efficient way and branding the city accordingly have become increasingly important. In this chapter, the role and importance of culture which is one of the most important strategies used in city branding has been discussed in detail. Also, the cases of cultural cities which become successfully different from their rivals with their cultural heritage and the strategies implemented in these cases have been analyzed.