bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of obesity in children and adolescents
Authors: Krasnoperova O I , Smirnova E N , Chistousova G V , Baturin V I , Toropova E A
Published: March 2014

Obesity is a multifactorial disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the etiological factors contributing to the formation of obesity in children and adolescents. Study included two groups of children. Main group: 101 children with obesity aged 10 to 17 years, body mass index (BMI) 31,27±0,51 kg/m 2. Comparison group: of 14 children aged 10 to 17 years, without obesity, BMI 18,54±0,11 kg/m 2. In all children we evaluated perinatal and family history, lifestyle and diet, anthropometric parameters, assessed the progress of sexual development. We found that the manifestation of the disease occurred in the early school years, and in boys significantly earlier than in girls. Mothers of obese children had complications during pregnancy (such as toxaemia, the risk of miscarriage, hypertension, previous medical abortions). The children in the majority of cases were early nursed on milk formula, had violations in feeding regime, and hypokinesia. The disease was shown to run in families.
The scheme of preoperative preparation of the patients presenting with pheochromocytoma
Authors: Bel'tsevich D G , Lysenko M A , Kuznetsov N S , Kats L E , Vanushko V É , Soldatova T V , Iukina M Iu , Gazizova D O , Mel'nichenko G A
Published: March 2014

The results of analysis of mortality and probability of the development of "uncontrollable hemodynamics" syndrome were used to estimate the necessity of preoperative preparation for the patients with pheochromocytoma to be exposed to different treatment strategies at different time periods. The scheme of preoperative preparation described in this paper is based on the experience with the application of two different regimens of preoperative prescription of alpha-adrenoblockers to 106 patients.
Detemir (Levemir): modern paradigms of insulin therapy
Authors: Ruiatkina L A , Sorokin M Iu
Published: March 2014

Peculiarities of the molecular structure of Levemir (detemir) account for low variability of its pharmacodynamic properties and are responsible for the more predictable hypoglycemic effect and the lower risk of general and nocturnal hypoglycemic episodes in different age-groups of the patents suffering type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus compared with other preparations of basal insulin. Moreover, insulin detemir (Levemir) does not affect the body weight of the patients due to its central action (rapid penetration across the hematoencephalic barrier, control of hunger and satiation, improved recognition of hypoglycemic states) and the influence on the synthesis of hormones regulating appetite and energy metabolism. Insulin detemir is shown to possess neurotropic properties, such as hepato-selective action on the liver, lipid metabolism, and sodium re-absorption.
The role of mineral and bone metabolism disorders in the development and progression of cardiac and renal pathology in the patients presenting with long-lasting type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Biragova M S , Gracheva S A , Glazunova A M , Dubrovskaia T I , Martynov S A , Manchenko O V , Ul'ianova I N , Il'in A V , Shamkhalova M Sh , Shestakova M V
Published: March 2014

The present study included a total of 96 patients with long-lasting type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and early (0-5) stages of chronic renal disease (CRD). Replacement renal therapy (RRT) consisted of programmed hemodialysis (PHD) and kidney transplantation (KT). Routine clinical examination was supplemented by the assessment of phosphorous and calcium metabolism indices, measurement of cardiac pathology markers, and studies of coronary artery calcification with the use of multispiral computed tomography (MSCT) of the heart with the calculation of the Agatston score index. It was shown that the impairment of the renal function was accompanied by a rise in the phosphorus, parathormone, and FGF-23 levels, increased vitamin D deficiency (with a slight deviation of its levels from the reference values in the patients at high risk of cardiovascular events treated with PHD). In the patients who had undergone KT and showed fairly good function of the renal transplant, the above parameters were similar to those of the patients with stage 0-4 CRD which suggested their normalization in case of adequate RRT during DM1. The progress of cardiovascular pathology with the deterioration of the renal function was manifested as an increase of NT-proBNP levels in parallel to the duration of CRD (r=0.304; p<0.05), decrease of the glomerular filtration rate (p=-0.540; p<0.05), and their significant correlation with the main characteristics of mineral homeostasis. The degree of coronary artery calcification was related to the patients' age, duration of DM1, and severity of arterial hypertension. The high Agatston score index and pronounced left ventricular hypertrophy in the patients following KT are supposed to reflect the irreversible character of certain cardiovascular lesions persisting despite optimal RRT and positive dynamics of phosphorus and calcium metabolism and NT-proBNP levels. It is concluded that the development and progression of renal dysfunction are associated with the disturbances of mineral and bone metabolism that promote further progress of cardiovascular pathology that is the main cause of mortality among this cohort of patients.
The course of pregnancy and labour in a patient with the remission of Cushing's disease treated with ibandronic acid (Bonviva) for severe steroid-induced osteoporosis. A case report and literature review
Authors: Dragunova N V , Belaia Zh E , Kolesnikova G S , Rozhinskaia L Ia
Published: March 2014

Therapy with bisphosphonates (BP) is recognized to be "the golden standard" for the treatment of osteoporosis of different etiology. However, the data on the use of BP by the women during pregnancy and lactation are scarce. This paper reports a case of gestation, labour, and lactation in a patient treated with ibandronic acid (Bonviva) for severe steroid-induced osteoporosis attributable to Cushing's disease. To our knowledge, the application of ibandronic acid during pregnancy has never been described in the literature before. The present study has demonstrated that therapy with ibandronic acid does not necessarily require the interruption of pregnancy or cessation of birth feeding. Nevertheless, the treatment of the women of reproductive age with BP can be prescribed only upon strict indications.
The prevalence and possible mechanisms of the development of neoplasms in the patients with acromegalia
Authors: Oleĭnik O V , Molitvoslovova N N
Published: March 2014

The authors present the data on the prevalence of malignant tumours of the thyroid glands, gastrointestinal tract, mammary glands, prostate, and testicles in the patients presenting with acromegalia. The possible mechanisms of the development of neoplasms in the patients with acromegalia and immunological characteristics of the tumours in the patients with acromegalia are discussed.
Comparative analysis of direct renin levels and plasma renin activity for the purpose of monitoring the patients with congenital adrenal cortical hyperplasia
Authors: Ionova T A , Kolesnikova G S , Kalinchenko N Iu
Published: March 2014

The high prevalence of diseases associated with the disturbances in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) including those affecting the children dictates the necessity of the development and application of highly specific, accurate, and sensitive indices. One of them widely used at present is plasma renin activity (PRA). Meanwhile, foreign researchers have demonstrated significant correlation between PRA and direct renin concentration that can be determined by a technically simpler and readily available method. We are unaware of the studies with the application of this approach reported in the Russian-language publications. The present work was designed to consider the possibility of using direct rennin levels and PRA for monitoring health conditions of the children presenting with congenital adrenal cortical hyperplasia. PRA and direct rennin concentrations were determined with the use of the relevant assay kits in 72 patients admitted to the Pediatric Department of Endocrinological Research Centre. Group 1 was comprised of 44 patients presenting with congenital adrenal cortical hyperplasia (CAH), group 2 consisted of 28 patients with the presumably unaffected adrenal function. Direct rennin concentrations and PRA are known to have virtually identical diagnostic value, i.e. they can equally well be used to diagnose disorders of RAAS functions including those in the patients with CAH. However, the measurement of direct rennin permits to more precisely detect hyperaldosteronism and identify children exhibiting symptoms of mineralocorticoid overdose. The patients with the supposedly normal functioning adrenal glands were also found to show high percentage of abnormal PRA values and direct rennin levels which suggests the relationship between the functions of RAAS and other endocrine organs.
Modelos de referência para desenvolvimento de produtos: classificação, análise e sugestões para pesquisas futuras
Authors: Salgado Eduardo Gomes , Salomon Valério Antonio Pamplona , Mello Carlos Henrique Pereira , Fass Flávia Duque Marassi , Xavier Amanda Fernandes
Published: April 2014

Os modelos de referência para o processo de desenvolvimento de produtos podem contribuir para facilitar a compreensão e a comunicação entre os coordenadores do projeto do produto, para auxiliar nas decisões sobre as funções da gestão do projeto, tais como o planejamento e organização. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a literatura sobre os modelos para o processo de desenvolvimento de produtos e propor sugestões para pesquisas futuras. O método de pesquisa utilizado foi de cunho conceitual-teórico e o resultado obtido foi a identificação dos setores industriais que não possuem modelos de referência para o processo de desenvolvimento de produtos, tais como o militar, biotecnológico, naval e Arranjos Produtivos Locais, de acordo com a literatura pesquisada. Além disso, o resultado mais significativo obtido pelo estudo é a percepção de que existe uma tendência de desenvolver modelos mais específicos para cada setor industrial. As principais contribuições deste trabalho são mapear os estudos já realizados sobre a adaptação de modelos de referência para o PDP e identificar lacunas para pesquisas futuras nesta área de conhecimento.
Avaliação de desempenho ambiental: estudo de caso na indústria papeleira
Authors: Antonov Paula , Sellitto Miguel Afonso
Published: April 2014

A inerente complexidade do tema desempenho ambiental torna difícil sua mensuração, remetendo a metodologias apoiadas na avaliação dos diferentes fatores capazes de influenciar o desempenho global. Associado ao desempenho ambiental está a necessidade de criar metodologias que permitam sua avaliação ao longo do tempo e facilitem a comparação entre operações de diferentes organizações ou de um mesmo grupo empresarial. A medição de desempenho ambiental surge em diversas fontes, no entanto, não se identificou uma metodologia dominante, que seja amplamente reconhecida e aceita pela comunidade acadêmica e pelas organizações. O objetivo geral deste artigo é testar um método de avaliação de desempenho ambiental em uma operação de manufatura, realizando um estudo de caso na indústria papeleira. Os resultados podem ser comparados com outras operações e serem usados, cumulativamente, em cadeias produtivas. Os objetivos específicos são: (i) modelar o desempenho ambiental da operação; (ii) usar o modelo para mensurar o desempenho; e (iii); interpretar os resultados e concluir. Inicialmente é feita uma revisão sobre temas relacionados à medição de desempenho ambiental, passando então a descrever a metodologia de pesquisa e os resultados da aplicação. O método compreende cinco construtos, avaliados por gestores e especialistas no processo segundo seu potencial de melhoria no desempenho ambiental: resíduos sólidos; efluentes líquidos; emissões atmosféricas; uso de recursos naturais e energéticos; e atendimento à legislação. Os construtos são apreendidos por indicadores qualitativos avaliados categoricamente. O resultado final é um índice de 76,69%, que representa o desempenho ambiental da operação.
Modelo para identificação de ações de melhoriade desempenho aliadas à Estratégia
Authors: Gerolamo Mateus Cecílio , Esposto Kleber Francisco , Carpinetti Luiz C. R.
Published: April 2014

This article presents a proposal of a conceptual model to identify initiatives of performance improvement, which are aligned to the organizational strategy. It makes a revision that approaches important themes as Strategy & Environment, Improvement & Change Management and Performance Assessment. It enhances it more and more present need for change and it revises the improvement approaches explaining both, continuous improvement and reengineering, as important for the organization. In this proposal, it is seen steps for Manage the Improvement & Change that it could be understood as a cycle PDCA for the performance improvement. In the phase P, it analyzes the strategic planning that will support the identification of change actions. The implementation of improvement actions and systems of performance measurement belongs to the phase D. In the phase C, it can be appraised the actions and in the case of success it is possible to consolidate the improvements and change and the new system of performance measurement. It concludes emphasizing the importance and limitations of this work. Keywords: Strategy, Improvement & Change Management, and Performance Assessment.
O reflexo da mudança organizacional sobre o desempenho de uma empresa de autopeças: um estudo de caso
Authors: De Oliveira Francisco Alexandre , Duarte Roberto Nunes , Montevechi José Arnaldo Barra
Published: April 2014

Many researchers have developed some studies in the area of change organizational structure. But, there are some questions about this subject. On this way, this article aimed to get a case study about the consequence of organizational change on the performance of a manufacturing industry that was functional and now it has a matricial structure. The industry was broken down in five mini factories with base on its line product and each mini factory is management by a boss with a multiskil group. The firm was evaluated on two aspects: management human resource and quality process. The results show that the quality of products and the organizational enviroment improved. Keywords: organizational framework, human resource, quality.
PRODUCT'S SAFETY INDEX
Authors: Carpes Jr Widomar , Sell Ingeborg
Published: April 2014

Depois de diferenciar entre segurança e confiabilidade e revisar formas de medí-las, este artigo apresenta um novo método para mensurar a segurança de produtos, utilizando-se da freqüência e das conseqüências dos acidentes havidos com eles. Ao final, é feita uma aplicação do método para a mensuração da segurança de equipamentos utilizados na indústria moveleira.
GESTÃO DO RELACIONAMENTO COM O CLIENTE EM MERCADOS BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS
Authors: Prieto Vanderli , Carvalho Marly
Published: April 2014

Este artigo trata da aplicação do conceito de Gestão do Relacionamento com o Cliente (CRM) no segmento  business-to-business.O conceito representa o desafio de enxergar cada cliente como se fosse o seu próprio mercado. No segmento  business-to-business a transação de valor econômico é alta e a perda de um único cliente pode resultar em impacto significativamente negativo para as receitas. Isto demanda um investimento ainda maior em construir e manter um relacionamento com os clientes. O objetivo deste artigo  é indicar aspectos críticos na implementação do CRM relacionados à estratégia da empresa e à estrutura de CRM. O artigo descreve uma experiência com a automação da força de vendas (SFA), que é uma das dimensões tecnológicas do CRM. A metodologia de pesquisa adotada foi o estudo de caso em uma empresa global de engenharia eletroeletrônica. Neste artigo primeiramente são introduzidos os conceitos de CRM e SFA e então são discutidos aspectos da implementação do CRM no segmento  business-to-business.  As conclusões nos permitem perceber que a estrutura de CRM provê maior produtividade à área de Vendas e transfere o controle da gestão do relacionamento com o cliente do vendedor para a empresa e que tais resultados são apoiados em ações estratégicas sistematicamente conduzidas.
O CUSTEIO-ALVO COMO SUPORTE ÀS DECISÕES PARA DESENVOLVER NOVOS PRODUTOS: UM ESTUDO EM INDÚSTRIA MOVELEIRA
Authors: Colauto Romualdo , Beuren Ilse Maria
Published: April 2014

O trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar a aplicação da metodologia do custeio-alvo como suporte à decisões de desenvolvimento de novos produtos em indústria moveleira. Os procedimentos metodológicos consistiram de uma pesquisa exploratória, realizada por meio de um estudo de caso, tendo uma empresa brasileira fabricante de móveis sob medida como sujeito d a pesquisa. Assim, inicia-se com uma breve incursão nos aspectos conceituais do target costing,  após contempla-se a abordagem da engenharia de valor, a seguir mostra-se a aplicação do custeio-alvo em uma indústria moveleira e apresenta-se as considerações finais do estudo. Os resultados da pesquisa evidenciam a viabilidade de aceitação de novo produto que atende às expectativas do cliente e ao mesmo tempo contemple o lucro operacional -meta estabelecido pela empresa.
DISCUSSÃO DE ESPECIFICAÇÕES PARA PROJETO DE VIATURA BLINDADA DE COMBATE DE FUZILEIROS
Authors: Da Silva Leonardo , Proença Júnior Domício
Published: April 2014

Essa dissertação discute os parâmetros para o projeto de uma viatura de combate de fuzileiros (VBC-Fzo).  A definição das especificações da viatura começou com a análise da necessidade de combinação de infantaria e carros de combate. As formas de cooperação desses  dois elementos  foram  modeladas. Com base nesse modelo,  foram  discutidas as vantagens e as características de combate da infantaria equipada com  uma viatura blindada específica.  A etapa  seguinte  foi apresentar  e discutir  as características da VBC-Fzo, bem como problemas ligados à determinação do tamanho e da composição do grupo de combate transportado pela viatura. Na conclusão,  foram apresentadas especificações para o projeto de viatura blindada de fuzileiros, com ênfase na mobilidade estratégica aérea.
 Sistema para avaliação da qualidade de pescados
Authors: Fernandes Anita Maria da Rocha , Tomasi Maico , Pessatti Marcos Luiz
Published: April 2014

Este trabalho descreve o funcionamento do software PAQPesc. Ele tem como funcionalidade principal avaliar a qualidade de pescados. O software utiliza técnicas de inteligência artificial e é construído na linguagem de programação PHP. Ele possui uma interface web, de forma que possa ser implantado em empresas produtoras ou em mercados pesqueiros, estando disponível aos clientes em estações ou pela Internet. Para o correto funcionamento do sistema, ele deve ser alimentado com os dados dos lotes produzidos e suas respectivas análises de qualidade: química, microbiológica e sensorial. O sistema permite ainda que o usuário solicite um diagnóstico geral da qualidade do pescado, apresentando-o na tela e possibilitando sua impressão. As análises químicas e microbiológicas são realizadas em laboratórios. Estas informações oriundas dos laboratórios são incluídas por usuários cadastrados com login e senha, permitindo que usuários cadastrados ou não ao utilizar o sistema possam ter acesso aos dados. As informações referentes às análises sensoriais podem ser incluídas por qualquer pessoa que deseje usar o sistema. Além do diagnóstico, também é possível utilizar o sistema para gerar estatísticas sobre a qualidade dos pescados disponibilizando-as para consulta e impressão.   Palavras-chave: Inteligência Artificial. Sistemas de Informação. Qualidade do Pescado.
Qualidade percebida e satisfação de clientes: um estudo exploratório sobre serviços prestados por uma agência de comunicação
Authors: Milan Gabriel Sperandio , Brentano Juliana , De Toni Deonir
Published: April 2014

O presente trabalho apresenta uma pesquisa exploratória realizada junto a uma agência de comunicação de pequeno porte. O estudo está voltado à ampliação do entendimento sobre a satisfação de clientes em relação aos serviços prestados. Neste sentido, por meio de entrevistas individuais, foi realizado um levantamento da percepção dos clientes no intuito de verificar quais são os principais atributos do serviço em relação à sua satisfação. Com base em tal análise, foram identificadas, também, as principais oportunidades que a empresa possui para a qualificação dos seus serviços, desdobrando-as em possíveis ações.   Palavras-chave: Qualidade em Serviços, Satisfação de Clientes, Retenção de Clientes.
Tipologia do consumo de frutas: um estudo sobre o comportamento do consumidor de banana
Authors: Barros Marcelo Andrade Bezerra , Lopes Geraldo Majella Bezerra , Wanderley Múcio de Barros
Published: April 2014

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar as preferências do consumidor de banana. As informações pesquisadas apontam que o fruto ideal para o consumidor deve ser grande, sem manhas nas cascas, em fase de maturação e sem a utilização de aditivos químicos para induzir seu amadurecimento. O preço não é um fator preponderante na tomada de decisão do consumidor. A Pacovan e a Prata são os cultivares preferidos. A presente pesquisa forneceu
subsídios para a montagem de um programa governamental de diversificação produtiva da Zona da Mata Pernambucana, que tem na bananicultura uma opção viável para melhorar a qualidade de vida da população local.

Palavras-chave: Comportamento do consumidor. Consumo de frutas. Bananicultura.
Uso do Quality Function Deployment (QFD) na definição do peso das perspectivas e indicadores no Scorecard
Authors: Leal João Batista Sobreira , Pereira Néocles Alves
Published: April 2014

Este artigo apresenta a experiência de uma empresa de bens de capital brasileirano uso do Quality Function Deployment (QFD) na determinação do peso de cada perspectiva e indicadores de desempenho do Balanced Scorecard. Mostra o método e o modelo de cálculo adotado, tomando-se como exemplo a área de caldeiraria da empresa. Esta necessidade de modelar o método de cálculo nasceu com a necessidade de avaliar o grau de conformidade de cada área com a estratégia da empresa, produzindo um escore que pudesse ser comparado entre as diversas áreas. Isto evitaria a distorção que seria provocada se o peso das medições fosse definido segundo um critério aleatório de cada área.

Palavras-Chave: Gestão, Qualidade, Desempenho, Scorecard, medição, peso.
Formulação de estratégias de preço no setor de software: o caso do produto outsourcing de desenvolvimento e manutenção de software
Authors: Bornia Antonio Cezar , Mafra Priscilla Martins Ramos , Júnior Walter Serra
Published: April 2014

O presente artigo tem como objetivo geral discutir a formulação de estratégias de preço no setor de software. No intuito de alcançar o objetivo proposto, apresentam-se os modelos de estratégias de preços e o procedimento para a formulação de estratégias de preço, composto por cinco etapas: análise externa e interna, consolidação, posicionamento, formalização da estratégia de preço e acompanhamento do mercado. Quanto à metodologia, o estudo classifica-se como qualitativo, exploratório, descritivo, documental, de campo e estudo de caso, conforme a abordagem de Vergara (1998). No estudo de caso, aplica-se o modelo para a formulação de estratégias de preço em uma empresa do setor de software, analisando-se o produto outsourcing de desenvolvimento e manutenção de software. Como principais contribuições, ressaltam-se: a aplicação do procedimento de precificação que enfatiza a lógica do apreçamento estratégico e a formulação de estratégias de preços, resultando na análise de cinco fatores principais: qualidade, comparação com a concorrência, ciclo de vida da empresa, ciclo de vida do produto e características do segmento-alvo. Fundamentando-se nos fatores analisados, uma possível estratégia a ser adotada, considerando as características do produto e da empresa, é a estratégia de preço e valor superior.

Palavras-chave: Estratégias de precificação. Formulação do preço. Empresas de software.
AS OPÇÕES REAIS APLICADAS NO ORÇAMENTO DE CAPITAL
Authors: Martins Antonio Lopo , Castro Miguel Angel Rivera , Gomes Sonia Maria da Silva
Published: April 2014

As técnicas tradicionais de orçamento de capital, como o fluxo de caixa descontado e o valor presente líquido, não incorporam as flexibilidades existentes em um projeto de investimento, elas tendem a distorcer o valor de certos investimentos, principalmente aqueles que são propostos em cenários de incerteza e risco. Por essa razão, procurou-se, neste estudo, demonstrar que a Teoria das Opções Reais (TOR) é uma metodologia útil para avaliar e indicar a melhor opção para projeto de investimento de expansão. Para alcançar o objetivo proposto utilizou-se o método de procedimento estudo de caso, tendo como unidade de caso o Resort Praia Hotel do Litoral Norte de Salvador. O estudou desenvolveu-se da seguinte forma: primeiro identificou o valor presente líquido tradicional e depois incorporou a ele a volatilidade de cada incerteza analisada. Segundo, como as opções reais são análogas às opções financeiras, foi necessário identificar elementos que compusessem as terminologias das opções financeiras com o intuito de obter o valor da opção real. Para isso utilizou-se o modelo de precificação de opções de Black & Scholes conjuntamente com um simulador computacional (SLS) para obter o valor presente líquido expandido. Com o resultado deste estudo foi possível constatar que usando a ferramenta tradicional de orçamento de capital o Valor Presente Liquido (VPL) é negativo, portanto o projeto de expansão do Hotel seria rejeito. Enquanto pela aplicação da metodologia TOR o projeto apresenta Valor Presente Expandido positivo o que representaria uma ótima oportunidade de investimento.

Palavras-chave: Orçamento de capital, Opções reais, Análise de investimento.
The Effect of Parental Migration on the Educational Attainment of Their Left-Behind Children in Rural China
Authors: Wang Sophie Xuefei
Published: April 2014

About 60 million children under the age of 18 are left behind by their parents in rural China. This paper studies the effect of migrant parents on the educational attainment of their left-behind children in rural China. A theoretical model of optimal schooling in the context of parental migration is proposed. Then, reduced-form equations are estimated using probit model, instrumental variables probit model, and linear instrumental variables model. Results show that parental migration has a negative effect on children’s school enrollment. This negative effect is significant and sizable on the school enrollment of boys, but insignificant on the school enrollment of girls. The most important source of this robust negative effect on boys is the absence of fathers. Results suggest that left-behind mothers or relatives cannot fulfill fathers’ role successfully in disciplining boys and help with their educational needs.
Synthesis and performance of a self crosslinkable acrylate copolymer with high compatibility for an oil well cement modifier
Authors: He Xianru , Chen Qian , Feng Chunhui , Wang Liang , Hou Hailong
Published: April 2014

High performance cement slurry polymer modifiers are increasingly in demand in the cementing process of oil and gas. A new polymer modifier with outstanding fluid loss control and high strength and toughness was synthesized by the main monomers butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), acrylamide (AM), the functional monomers vinyltriethoxysilane (VTS), glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and the initiator of ammonium persulfate (APS) through emulsion polymerization. By using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, a laser particle analyzer, a scanning electron microscope and a differential scanning calorimeter, we studied the mechanism of fluid loss control and microstructure of polymer latex cement slurries. The experimental results showed that the copolymer could be crosslinked at 160°C and have the lowest fluid loss control, 12 ml, when the polymer content reached 5%. Acrylate latex modified by the silane coupling agent VTS had excellent performance on fluid loss control, as well as mechanical properties for oil well cement. These results have a potential significant value for the development of a new polymer cement modifier with high thermal stability and durability.
Water absorption and thickness swelling behavior of almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) shell particles and coconut (Cocos nucifera) fiber hybrid epoxy-based biocomposite
Authors: Chaudhary Arun Kumar , Gope Prakash Chandra , Singh Vinay K.
Published: April 2014

In this research, the suitability of almond shell and coconut fiber as a renewable agricultural residue for the manufacturing of biocomposite to be used as a replacement of wood was investigated. The use of agriculture waste as a reinforcement in composite may result in several environmental and socioeconomic benefits. A biocomposite containing different weight percentages of almond shell particle (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 wt%) and coconut fiber (2, 4, and 6 wt%) mixed with 20 wt% almond shell particles was made using epoxy resin and 0.5 wt% tricresyl phosphate. The water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), and morphology [scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] test of the biocomposite were determined. The rate of WA is less in saline water (SW) compared to rainwater (RW). The influence of the addition of coconut fiber is more compared with the almond shell particles for both the WA and TS.
Many Parameter Sets in a Multicompartment Model Oscillator Are Robust to Temperature Perturbations
Authors: Caplan Jonathan S. , Williams Alex H. , Marder Eve
Published: April 2014

Neurons in cold-blooded animals remarkably maintain their function over a wide range of temperatures, even though the rates of many cellular processes increase twofold, threefold, or many-fold for each 10°C increase in temperature. Moreover, the kinetics of ion channels, maximal conductances, andCa2+buffering each have independent temperature sensitivities, suggesting that the balance of biological parameters can be disturbed by even modest temperature changes. In stomatogastric ganglia of the crabCancer borealis, the duty cycle of the bursting pacemaker kernel is highly robust between 7 and 23°C (Rinberg et al., 2013). We examined how this might be achieved in a detailed conductance-based model in which exponential temperature sensitivities were given byQ10parameters. We assessed the temperature robustness of this model across 125,000 random sets ofQ10parameters. To examine how robustness might be achieved across a variable population of animals, we repeated this analysis across six sets of maximal conductance parameters that produced similar activity at 11°C. Many permissible combinations of maximal conductance andQ10parameters were found over broad regions of parameter space and relatively few correlations amongQ10s were observed across successful parameter sets. A significant portion ofQ10sets worked for at least 3 of the 6 maximal conductance sets (∼11.1%). Nonetheless, noQ10set produced robust function across all six maximal conductance sets, suggesting that maximal conductance parameters critically contribute to temperature robustness. Overall, these results provide insight into principles of temperature robustness in neuronal oscillators.
Luminescence characteristics of quartz from Brazilian sediments and constraints for OSL dating
Authors: GUEDES CARLOS C.F. , SAWAKUCHI ANDRE O. , GIANNINI PAULO C.F. , DEWITT REGINA , AGUIAR VITOR A.P.
Published: April 2014

This study analyzes the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) characteristics of quartz grains from fluvial, eolian and shallow marine sands of northeastern and southeastern Brazil, with especial focus on the applicability of the single-aliquot regenerative dose (SAR) dating protocol. All analyzed Brazilian sediments presented relatively high OSL sensitivity and good behavior regarding their luminescence characteristics relevant for radiation dose estimation. However, some samples from the Lençóis Maranhenses region in northeastern Brazil showed inadequate OSL sensitivity correction, hampering the implementation of the SAR protocol and their ability to behave as a natural dosimeter. While the shallow marine and eolian samples showed a narrow and reliable dose distribution, the fluvial sample had a wide dose distribution, suggesting incomplete bleaching and natural doses estimates dependent on age models.
Pollen grain morphology of Fabaceae in the Special Protection Area (SPA) Pau-de-Fruta, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: LUZ CYNTHIA F.P. DA , MAKI ERICA S. , HORAK-TERRA INGRID , VIDAL-TORRADO PABLO , MENDONcA FILHO CARLOS VICTOR
Published: April 2014

The presented paper considered the pollen morphology of thirteen species belonging to seven genera of the Fabaceae family occurring in the Pau-de-Fruta Special Protection Area (SPA), Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The pollen grains of six species of Chamaecrista [C. cathartica (Mart.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, C. debilis Vogel, C. flexuosa (L.) Greene, C. hedysaroides (Vogel) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, C. glandulosa (L.) Greene, and C. papillata H.S. Irwin & Barneby] have a similar morphology, characterized by three long colporated apertures with a central constriction. The species share specific morphological features regarding pollen size, endoaperture type (circular, lalongate or lolongate) and SEM ornamentation patterns of the exine (rugulate with perforations or perforate). Andira fraxinifolia Benth., Dalbergia miscolobium Benth, Galactia martii DC, Periandra mediterranea (Vell.) Taub., Senna rugosa (G.Don) H.S. Irwin & Barneby and Zornia diphylla (L.) Pers showed different pollen types in small to large size; oblate spheroidal to prolate form; colpus or colporus apertures; circular, lalongate or lolongate endoapertures and distinctive SEM ornamentation patterns of the exine (perforate, microreticulate, reticulate or rugulate with perforations). Only Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville presents polyads. The pollen morphology variation of these species allowed the Fabaceae family to be characterized as eurypalynous in the SPA Pau-de-Fruta.
Environmental pathways and human exposure to manganese in southern Brazil
Authors: HERMES NADIR , SCHNEIDER ROSANA C.S. , MOLIN DANIELA D. , RIEGEL GUILHERME Z. , COSTA ADILSON B. , CORBELLINI VALERIANO A. , TORRES JOAO P.M. , MALM OLAF
Published: April 2014

The study of environmental pathways and human exposure to Manganese (Mn) in Southern Brazil was performed using two steps. The first step consisted of taking water samples from the surface of the Pardinho River. The average results from this technique showed a significant increase of pollutants, including increased levels of Mn, above the environmentally acceptable standard recommended by the Brazilian National Environment Council. Additionally, 64 soil samples were taken from areas with and without agricultural activity. Many results were above the mean crust and did not indicate significant differences of Mn levels between the sampled areas. For the second step, 12 families were selected and assessed for exposure to Mn in a region with high levels of Mn in the soil. Most of the analyzed foods contained amounts of Mn above the reference values, indicating that food can be an important source of exposure. The Mn content from the hair of most subjects studied was also high compared to reference values from non-exposed populations. Although the contamination appeared to come from a natural origin, the results found in the present study showed that the Mn levels present in the Pardinho River Basin are a relevant public health issue.
Trichostrongylus and Haemonchus anthelmintic resistance in naturally infected sheep from southern Brazil
Authors: KLAUCK VANDERLEI , PAZINATO RAFAEL , LOPES LEANDRO S. , CUCCO DIEGO C. , LIMA HORACIO L. DE , VOLPATO ANDREIA , RADAVELLI WILLIAN M. , STEFANI LENITA C.M. , SILVA ALEKSANDRO S. DA
Published: March 2014

The anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants is a common problem and concern worldwide. The aim of this study was to verify anthelmintic treatment efficacy in naturally infected sheep. This study was conducted on nine herds that used the same anthelmintic management for over a year. In each farm, the animals were divided into two groups: untreated control group (n = 5) and treated (n = 10) according to the number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG). The treatment effect was checked based on EPG results and larval culture performed before treatment and 10 days after treatment. Significant differences were not observed (P> 0.05) on EPG results between untreated and treated groups. The coproculture showed that the animals were infected primarily byHaemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp.,Teladorsagia spp., Cooperia spp. andOesophagostomum spp. In all farms, anthelmintic resistance by genera Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus was found, but this resistance varied greatly between farms.Haemonchus spp. showed resistance to closantel, levamisole, and albendazole. Trichostrongylus spp. was shown to be resistant to closantel, levamisole, and albendazole. The drugs tested showed to be efficient against the genera Teladorsagia,Cooperia, and Oesophagostomum. Based on these results, we conclude that the anthelmintic resistance to the tested drugs is a problem present in the farms evaluated.
Taxonomic notes on Lyroglossa and Pteroglossa (Orchidaceae: Spiranthinae): two new generic records for the flora of Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: BUZATTO CRISTIANO ROBERTO , SINGER RODRIGO B. , BORDIGNON SÉRGIO A.L.
Published: March 2014

Lyroglossa and Pteroglossa(Orchidaceae: Spiranthinae) are first recorded for Rio Grande do Sul. Descriptions, illustrations, taxonomic notes and distribution are presented. We also provide an artificial key to distinguish the genera of the “Stenorrhynchos Clade” reported so far in Rio Grande do Sul.
Suicide attempts in a emergency hospital
Authors: Alves Verônica de Medeiros , Silva Amanda Mirlla Santos da , Magalhães Ana Paula Nogueira de , Andrade Tiago Gomes de , Faro Ana Cristina Mancussi e , Nardi Antonio E.
Published: March 2014

This study aimed to characterize the profiles of suicide attempts that were attended to in the Hospital of Alagoas in the year 2010. Four hundred sixty-one charts and service bulletins were analyzed. Patients attempting suicide were predominately female. There were significant difference for suicide attempts (SAs) among men and women in the age of 10 to 19 years and 60 to 69 years. Women have tried more suicide aged between 10 and 19 years and men between 60 and 69 years. The ingestion of drugs was the most frequent method for women; and poisoning, use of sharp objects and hanging for men. The results of this study may contribute to elaboration, planning and implementation of preventive measures to reduce cases of SAs.
The history of neurosurgery at the University of Sao Paulo
Authors: Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , Taricco Mario Augusto , Plese José Píndaro P. , Flores Camila , Teixeira Saulo A. , Luzio José
Published: March 2014

The history of neurosurgery at University of São Paulo comes from 1918, since its origins under the Department of Neurology from Chair of Psychiatric Clinic and Nervous Diseases. Professor Enjolras Vampré was the great inspiration for such medical specialty in the State of Sao Paulo. In 1929, the first neurosurgical procedures were performed in the recently (at time) organized Section of Neurosurgery. The official inauguration of the Division of Functional Neurosurgery occurred at June 1977, with the presence of worldwide well-known neuroscientists. The division suffered a deep streamlining under the leadership of Professor Raul Marino Jr., between the decades of 1990 and 2000. At this time, it was structured with the sections of neurological surgery, functional neurosurgery and neurosurgical emergency. Since 2008, Professor Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira is the Chairman of the Division and has provided the Division with the best available technological resources, performing more than 3,000 surgeries a year and training professionals who will, certainly, be some of the future leaders of brazilian neurosurgery.
Mortalidade perinatal no município de Salvador, Bahia: evolução de 2000 a 2009
Authors: Jacinto Elsa , Aquino Estela M L , Mota Eduardo Luiz Andrade
Published: March 2014

OBJETIVO Analisar a evolução da mortalidade perinatal quanto à dimensão do problema e sua extensão. MÉTODOS Estudo descritivo de tendência temporal com 10.994 óbitos perinatais, de mães residentes em Salvador, BA, com idade gestacional ≥ 22 semanas, idade do recém-nascido até seis dias e 500 g ou mais de peso ao nascer, registrados de 2000 a 2009. Utilizaram-se dados do Sistema de Informações de Nascidos Vivos e do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade do sitio eletrônico do Datasus/Ministério da Saúde. Calcularam-se taxas de mortalidade perinatal e fetal/1.000 nascimentos e neonatal precoce/1.000 nascidos vivos. Aplicaram-se: teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson para diferenças em proporções, teste de sequências ( runs ), cálculo de médias móveis e coeficiente de determinação linear (R 2 ) para análise de tendência. Utilizou-se a classificação de Wigglesworth para causas de morte. RESULTADOS A taxa de mortalidade perinatal mostrou tendência decrescente, sendo reduzida em 42,0% no período (de 33,1 (2000) para 19,2 (2009)), com maior contribuição da taxa neonatal precoce (-56,3%). A mortalidade fetal representou grande proporção (61,9%) da taxa de mortalidade perinatal em 2009. A classificação dos óbitos apontou como causas mais frequentes de óbito perinatal: asfixia intraparto (8,8/1.000), imaturidade (7,1/1.000) e malformações congênitas (1,3/1.000). CONCLUSÕES Mesmo em declínio, a taxa de mortalidade perinatal continua elevada e o predomínio recente da mortalidade fetal indica mudança no perfil de causas e impacto nas ações de prevenção. A consulta pré-natal de qualidade com controle de riscos e melhoria da assistência ao parto pode reduzir a ocorrência de causas evitáveis.
Direct treatment costs of HIV/AIDS in Portugal
Authors: Perelman Julian , Alves Joana , Miranda Ana Cláudia , Mateus Céu , Mansinho Kamal , Antunes Francisco , Oliveira Joaquim , Poças José , Doroana Manuela , Marques Rui , Teófilo Eugénio , Pereira João
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE To analyze the direct medical costs of HIV/AIDS in Portugal from the perspective of the National Health Service. METHODS A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted for 150 patients from five specialized centers in Portugal in 2008. Data on utilization of medical resources during 12 months and patients’ characteristics were collected. A unit cost was applied to each care component using official sources and accounting data from National Health Service hospitals. RESULTS The average cost of treatment was 14,277 €/patient/year. The main cost-driver was antiretroviral treatment (€ 9,598), followed by hospitalization costs (€ 1,323). Treatment costs increased with the severity of disease from € 11,901 (> 500 CD4 cells/µl) to € 23,351 (CD4 count ≤ 50 cells/ µl). Cost progression was mainly due to the increase in hospitalization costs, while antiretroviral treatment costs remained stable over disease stages. CONCLUSIONS The high burden related to antiretroviral treatment is counterbalanced by relatively low hospitalization costs, which, however, increase with severity of disease. The relatively modest progression of total costs highlights that alternative public health strategies that do not affect transmission of disease may only have a limited impact on expenditure, since treatment costs are largely dominated by constant antiretroviral treatment costs.
Development and validation of the Family Vulnerability Index to Disability and Dependence (FVI-DD)
Authors: Amendola Fernanda , Alvarenga Márcia Regina Martins , Latorre Maria do Rosário Dias de Oliveira , Oliveira Maria Amélia de Campos
Published: March 2014

This exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study aimed to develop and validate an index of family vulnerability to disability and dependence (FVI-DD). This study was adapted from the Family Development Index, with the addition of social and health indicators of disability and dependence. The instrument was applied to 248 families in the city of Sao Paulo, followed by exploratory factor analysis. Factor validation was performed using the concurrent and discriminant validity of the Lawton scale and Katz Index. The descriptive level adopted for the study was p < 0.05. The final vulnerability index comprised 50 questions classified into seven factors contemplating social and health dimensions, and this index exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82). FVI-DD was validated using both the Lawton scale and Katz Index. We conclude that FVI-DD can accurately and reliably assess family vulnerability to disability and dependence.
Direct cost of connecting, maintaining and disconnecting patient-controlled analgesia pump
Authors: Gouvêa Áquila Lopes , Lima Antônio Fernandes Costa
Published: March 2014

Quantitative research that aimed to identify the mean total cost (MTC) of connecting, maintaining and disconnecting patient-controlled analgesia pump (PCA) in the management of pain. The non-probabilistic sample corresponded to the observation of 81 procedures in 17 units of the Central Institute of the Clinics Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo. We calculated the MTC multiplying by the time spent by nurses at a unit cost of direct labor, adding the cost of materials and medications/solutions. The MTC of connecting was R$ 107.91; maintenance R$ 110.55 and disconnecting R$ 4.94. The results found will subsidize discussions about the need to transfer money from the Unified Health System to hospitals units that perform this technique of analgesic therapy and it will contribute to the cost management aimed at making efficient and effective decision-making in the allocation of available resources.
Nursing: promoting the health of overweight children and adolescents in the school context
Authors: Gonzaga Nathalia Costa , Araújo Thelma Leite de , Cavalcante Tahissa Frota , Lima Francisca Elisângela Teixeira , Galvão Marli Teresinha Gimeniz
Published: March 2014

The study aimed to analyze the nursing interventions related to the competencies of health promotion of overweight children and adolescents in the school context, in light of the Galway Consensus through an integrative review. Articles published between 1988 and June, 2013 were found in the databases CINAHL, SCOPUS, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS and SciELO. A total of 139 publications were obtained from indexed descriptors. Ten articles were selected after reading. The most evident competencies for health promotion were: catalyzing change, needs assessment and impact assessment. The highlights were activities of health education and partnerships with other health professionals and the families of students. It was found that the skills of health promotion developed by nurses can contribute to the adoption of healthy habits by overweight children and adolescents.