bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Obtaining to Degradation of PHB:Material Properties. Part I
Authors: dos Santos Antonio José , Oliveira Dalla Valentina Luiz Veriano , Hidalgo Schulz Andrey Alayo , Tomaz Duarte Márcia Adriana
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a review of the chemical, physical and morphological characteristics, as well as the existing applications and mechanisms forthe production of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate). This biopolymer, which isobtained from renewable sources, degrades when exposed in biologicallyactive environments and is biocompatible, that is, it is not rejected by thehuman body in health applications. However, in spite of presenting simi-lar properties with some conventional plastics, the PHB exhibits fragilebehavior and thermal instability when processed. The literature proposesthe use of blends, the development of copolymers or the insertion of addi-tives in an attempt to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of PHB.
EXERCÍCIO FÍSICO COMO TERAPIA NÃO FARMACOLÓGICA NO TRATAMENTO DA DISMENORREIA PRIMÁRIA: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA
Authors: Silva Joelma Regina de Assis da , Regis Taiane Sousa , Silva Ana Quênia Gomes da
Published: November 2017

Introdução: A dismenorreia primária é caracterizada como uma dor pélvica associada a outros sintomas. É uma queixa ginecológica frequente que pode ocasionar queda de rendimento e produtividade nas mulheres afetadas, sendo comumente tratada por automedicações apesar dos efeitos colaterais que esta prática pode desencadear. Objetivo: Analisar a eficácia dos exercícios físicos no tratamento da sintomatologia da dismenorreia primária. Materiais e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de revisão sistemática, conduzido conforme a metodologia PRISMA. Artigos classificados como ensaios clínicos randomizados controlados foram pesquisados nas bases de dados PEDro, PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE e CENTRAL. Os artigos foram avaliados quanto a sua qualidade metodológica através da escala PEDro. Resultados: Cinco artigos foram incluídos para análise com amostra total de 436 mulheres com sintomas dismenorreicos que foram submetidas ou não a um protocolo de exercícios físicos. O escore médio geral, resultante da avaliação da qualidade dos estudos, foi de 4,6. Todos os artigos avaliados apresentaram resultados benéficos advindos da prática de exercícios físicos no tratamento da dismenorreia primária, para pelo menos uma variável avaliada. Conclusão: Identificaram-se evidências de que a prática de exercícios físicos pode reduzir a sintomatologia associada á dismenorreia primária. sendo, portanto, passível de ser considerada como um tratamento eficaz em detrimento ao uso de fármacos. A elaboração de um instrumento de avaliação mais fiável e assertivo acerca da totalidade da sintomatologia relacionada á dismenorreia primária. é necessária para contribuir com a produção de estudos futuros padronizados que permitam uma análise e comparação de resultados de maneira mais consistente.
CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE O RISCO PARA QUEDAS E A INDEPENDÊNCIA FUNCIONAL DE PACIENTES HEMIPARÉTICOS
Authors: De Paula Simone , Laux Kelin Cristina , Sartori Gabriela Carolini , Griebler Kétlin Caroline
Published: November 2017

Introdução: O Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) é uma das mais importantes doenças crônicas no Brasil e que pode resultar em sequelas neurológicas, sendo a principal delas, a hemiparesia. A hemiparesia é o comprometimento unilateral do corpo, caracterizado, principalmente, pela presença de assimetria postural. Em virtude da fraqueza muscular, da espasticidade e, principalmente, do déficit de equilíbrio, pacientes hemiparéticos podem sofrer prejuízo no controle postural e no equilíbrio; sendo estes, considerados os principais mecanismos envolvidos na elevada prevalência de quedas. Objetivo: Correlacionar o risco para quedas com o nível de independência funcional de pacientes hemiparéticos. Materiais e métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, realizado com 12 pacientes hemiparéticos e 12 indivíduos saudáveis (grupo controle). O equilíbrio funcional e o risco de quedas foram mensurados através do teste Timed Up and Go (TUG), em ambos os grupos. O nível de independência funcional dos pacientes hemiparéticos foi avaliado com base no índice de Katz. Resultados: Na avaliação do TUG, os pacientes do grupo de hemiparéticos apresentaram um tempo de deslocamento significativamente maior (57,75 ± 11,8s) que os participantes do grupo controle (7,12 ± 0,29s). Através da aplicação do Coeficiente de Pearson, pode-se observar que houve uma correlação moderada e inversamente proporcional (r=- 0,61) entre o número de funções independentes e o tempo de deslocamento no TUG (p < 0,05). Conclusão:. Os resultados deste estudo confirmaram a relação entre risco de quedas e capacidade funcional em pacientes com hemiparesia pós-AVC.
FUNCTIONAL, PULMONARY, METABOLIC AND QUALITY OF LIFE RESPONSES AFTER CARDIOVASCULAR REHABILITATION PROGRAM
Authors: Porto Jéssica Santana , Dultra Bastos Gabriela Lorena , Borges Queila , Claro Thaissa , Feitosa Cristiane , Prado Eloísa , Feitosa Gustavo , Darzé Eduardo Sahade , Ritt Luiz Eduardo Fonteles
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND: clinical trials showed improvement in functional capacity, quality of life, morbidity and mortality with cardiovascular rehabilitation (CVR). OBJECTIVE: to verify clinical responses of a CVR program in a tertiary center. METHODS: 85 patients evaluated in a CVR program. Results for functional capacity obtained by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), sitting rising chair test (SRCT), six minute step test (6MST), inspiratory pressure (Pins), expiratory pressure (Pexp), peak-flow and quality of life score (Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Quality of Life Score - MLWHFS) were compared before and after the program. RESULTS: 69% were men, mean age was 61 ± 15 years and the mean ejection fraction was 61 ± 24%. There was an absolute mean increase of 2.4 ± 3.5 ml -1.kg -1.min -1 in peak VO2(p <0.001), 14 ± 17 repetitions on the SRCT (p <0.001), 44 ± 41 steps on the 6MST (p <0.001). In pulmonary function, there was an increase of -20 ± 40 cmH2O in Pins (p <0.01) and of 9 ± 29 cmH2O (p <0.001) in Pexp and 52 ± 77 L.min-1 in peak-flow (p <0.01) and there was a significant gain in quality of life with a mean reduction of 21 ± 15 points in the MLWHFS (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: CVR program resulted in a increase in functional, pulmonary capacity and improvement of quality of life. These data reproduce and reinforce the findings of randomized clinical trials, but in a real and uncontrolled clinical setting.
Awareness to sun exposure and use of sunscreen by the general population
Authors: Al Robaee Ahmad A.
Published: November 2017

Sun exposure has a pathogenic effect on the development of skin cancer, whose prevalence increases worldwide. Educational programs are carried out to change high risk sun exposure behaviours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Saudi population regarding sun exposure and the risk of skin cancers, as well as to study their sun-protective attitudes and practices. A cross-sectional population-based survey using specially devised questionnaire on a stratified random sample of general population in Qassim Province between January and March 2010. One thousand three hundred and seventy six persons participated in the study. A high sun exposure of more than 10 hours per week was reported by 661 persons (48%). Fifty six percent of respondents were aware of the association between sun exposure and skin cancer but the rate of sun screen use was only 8.3%. Socio-demographic factors more likely to be associated with sunscreen use were: females, higher social class, higher levels of education, type 4 skin and married individuals. This study has indicated a low rate of sunscreen use by our population despite reasonably good knowledge about the hazards of sun exposure. This necessitates the need for health education program. We hope that the results of our study will be used for setting up a sun policy for Saudi general public.
Ocular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis-different forms and frequency
Authors: Zlatanović Gordana , Veselinović Dragan , Cekić Sonja , Živković Maja , Đorđević- Jocić Jasmina , Zlatanović Marko
Published: November 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with a number of extra-articular organ manifestations. Ocular manifestations involved with RA are keratoconjunctivitis sicca, episcleritis, scleritis, corneal changes, and retinal vasculitus. The etiopathogenesis of this autoimmune disorder is still unknown. Aim of our study was to present different ocular manifestations of RA and their frequency. We have examined 691 patient with the diagnoses of RA. All examined patients were in I or II stage of the disease according to criteria of The American College of Rheumatology. Ophthalmological exam obtained: visual acuity by Snellen sings, biomicroscopy of anterior segment, Schirmer test, tear break-up time (BUT), applanation tonometry and indirect ophthalmoscopy. In all patients with retinal vasculitis fotofundus and in indicated cases fluorescein angiography was preformed. The most common manifestation of ocular involvement was keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Episcleritis was diagnosed in 5.06% patients with RA, while scleritis was present in 2.06% of patients. Diffuse scleritis was present in one patient, while nodular was present in 13 patients. There were no patients with posterior or necrotizing scleritis among examined patients. Sclerosing keratitis was diagnosed in 11 female patients. It is characterized with peripheral thickening and opacification of the stroma adjacent to the site of inflammation. Posterior scleritis or scleromalacia of cornea was not present in our patients, because all of them were in I or II stage of disease. Retinal vasculitis was present in three patients, two male and one female patient (0.45%). Ocular manifestation was present in 27.2% of patients. Women were more affected.
Dissolution Studies of Physical Mixtures of Indomethacin with Alpha- and Gamma-Cyclodextrins
Authors: Vranić Edina , Uzunović Alija
Published: November 2017

Oral administration of indomethacin has been limited by its poor water solubility. Cyclodextrins have been recognized as potential candidates to overcome the poor solubility of indomethacin through the formation of inclusion complexes.The aim of our study was to compare the dissolution profiles of pure indomethacin and its mixtures with α- and γ-cyclodextrins The inclusion complexes of indomethacin with α- and γ-cyclodextrins were prepared by direct mixing in dissolution vessel. Fixed volumes of the dissolution medium were withdrawn at 0,5; 1 and 4 hours. Dissolution tests were performed on the USP Apparatus 2, rotating speed 100 rpm at 37±0,5°C, 500 ml, distilled water and 0,1 M HCl solution). Quantification of dissolved indomethacin was performed by UV/VIS spectrophotometric method at the absorption maximum around 320 nm.The results were expressed as relative dissolution rate (ratio between indomethacin dissolved from its physical mixtures with α- and γ-cyclodextrins and that dissolved the pure drug).Relative dissolution rates of indomethacin in combination with α- and γ-cyclodextrins at the end of testing were in the range of 91,66 to 337,14 % (for α- cyclodextrin) and in the range of 128,57 to 301,92 % (for γ-cyclodextrin).The complexation of indomethacin with α- and γ-cyclodextrins resulted in the enhancement of dissolution rate.
Multimedia database development for innovative application about fish fauna for inland water ecosystem management
Authors: Panitsidis Konstandinos , Andreopoulou Zacharoula , Kokkinakis Antonios
Published: November 2017

This paper describes the development of an innovative application with a multimedia database, concerning the management of fresh water fish fauna in the inland water ecosystems of Greece. This database is a baseline for keeping descriptive information of fresh water fish fauna and bibliographic spread reports. The database has provision for both descriptive and geographic mapping (GIS). The sources of the data used for the database population were from a) The Red Book of Endangered Animals of Greece b) IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and c) Ministry of Environment & Energy (Study 6: Supervision and Evaluation of the Conservation status of fish species of Community interest in Greece). A detailed description will be made for the development of the stages of the database (Conceptual - Logical - Physical Design). The database management system was developed in Microsoft Access and in pgAdmin, which is an open source administration and development platform for PostgreSQL. In addition, we will mention the filling of the database and the Entity - Relationship Model. The database due to its structure and data it will be able to provide answers to hypothetical scenarios to the application that will use it. Furthermore, the aim of this project is to construct a database that will provide ichthyologic and environmental data. The main advantage is the compatibility with various software platforms and that it can be easily expanded.
TREFF: Reflectometer and instrument component test beamline at MLZ
Authors: Link Peter , Vezhlev Egor , Mattauch Stefan , Ofner Andreas
Published: November 2017

TREFF is a high resolution polarized neutron reflectometer and instrument component test beamline resulting in a highly modular instrument providing a flexible beam line for various applications.
Dyslipidemia in chronic kidney disease excluding diabetic and nephrotic aetiology
Authors: Velayudham Rajendran , Sivasubramanian Senthilkumar
Published: November 2017

Background: Dyslipidemia is hypothesized as one of the risk factor of chronic kidney disease and plays an important role in the progression of renal failure. The present study was conducted to assess the association between ratio of TG/HDL-C and CKD and other abnormalities in the lipid profile in CKD patients.Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Government General Hospital from July 2013 to November 2013. 100 patients with CKD were included as study cases. 100 healthy patients from the same hospital, who came with different illness other than the study disease were included as controls. Fasting lipid profile was done – total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) were measured and low-density lipoproteins, & TG/HDL ratio were calculated. Comparison of lipid parameters among study and control groups was done. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: Majority of the study patients were under the age group of 40-50 years. Male dominance (86%) was seen in the study group. The association of HDL, LDL, TGL, TGL/HDL, TC parameters and stages of CKD was observed and found to be statistically significant (p value <0.0001 and <0.05). Comparison of lipid parameters among study and control groups were done and difference was found to be statistically significant (p value <0.0001).Conclusions: Dyslipidemia should be treated in early stages of CKD to prevent secondary complications.
Clinico-epidemiological study of dengue cases in a tertiary care hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
Authors: Bhardwaj Lalit Mohan , Borthakur Swapnav , Bhattacharyya Prabhas Chandra
Published: November 2017

Background: Dengue fever (DF) is a common mosquito borne disease caused by dengue virus and is transmitted by Aedes mosquito. It is one of the major public health problems in India. A large-scale outbreak of dengue fever occurred in 2016 involving several districts of Assam. Here we report our experience with Dengue cases. The present study was aimed to assess clinical and epidemiological aspects of dengue cases presenting in down town hospital, Guwahati, Assam.Methods: A record based retrospective study conducted in our centre. Total 880 fever cases, fulfilling WHO criteria for dengue suspicion were included in our study. Required data from the entire laboratory confirmed cases from 1st January to 31st December 2016 were collected from MRD (medical record department) and analysed. Epidemiological data were compared with previous year’s available data from 1st January to 31st December 2015.Results: The number of dengue cases in 2016 clearly outnumbered the dengue cases in past years. Most of the cases were in the age group 20-50 years with a male preponderance. The outbreak occurred during the months of August-November indicating increased vector transmission in the monsoon and post monsoon periods. Average days of hospital stay were 6 days.Conclusions: Measures can be taken both at personal and government level to reduce morbidity and mortality from dengue particularly during the monsoon period.
Clinical profile of patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Kumar Chakrabarti Sumit , Chakraborty Sucharita , Sinharay Keshab
Published: November 2017

Background: It has been seen that Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is one of the most mutual gastrointestinal emergencies for physicians and surgeons. In the recent past studies, there is raised incidence of peptic ulcer with raised frequency of bleeding from it. The range of upper GI bleeding fluctuates from region to region and relies on the status of the centre in hospital hierarchy.Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, hospital-based, single centre study was carried out on 150 patients admitted in tertiary care hospital with the presentation of GI bleeding. A detailed patient history was taken followed by required clinical and laboratory investigations. Then patients were resuscitated and subjected to endoscopic procedure.Results: 150 patients were treated among which 105 were male (70%) and 45 females (30%). 111 patients (74%) had upper GI bleed, 28 patients (19%) had lower GI bleed, and 11 patients (7%) had obscure bleed. 41% of the population were diagnosed to have peptic ulcer (gastric or duodenal) as the cause behind GI bleed forming the main aetiology in this study population, 26% had oesophageal varices constituting second important cause of GI bleed, and 7% had obscure bleed. Those who had undergone UGI endoscopy or sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy within last one month and who were having GI bleed following GI surgery were excluded from the study.Conclusions: It was seen that upper GI bleeding is more common than lower GI bleeding. Peptic ulcer was the chief cause resulting in gastrointestinal bleed followed by oesophageal varices. Gastrointestinal bleeding was more common in male population affecting mainly subjects over 40 years of age.
A correlative study to evaluate the gestational age by sonological measurement of placental thickness in normal second and third trimester pregnancy
Authors: Pant Sunil , Dashottar Sunita
Published: November 2017

Background: The dating of the pregnancy starts well before the fertilization has occurred because the gestational age is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP). Accurate knowledge of the Gestational Age (GA) is the key for the good antenatal care and successful deliveries of babies. Menstrual history can be unreliable or misleading at many times. There may be fallacy in the measurement of the fetal biometric parameters in estimating the gestational age in some situation. So, there is a need of another parameter for supplementing the gestational age estimation with minimal error. The aim of the study was to evaluate the placental thickness as a parameter for estimation of gestational age and also to assess the growth pattern of placenta with advancing gestational age.Methods: A total of 110 pregnant women who selected randomly from the antenatal clinics (between the gestational ages from 14 weeks to 40 weeks) who did not have any maternal or fetal complications. The biometric parameters: Biparietal Diameter (BPD), Head Circumference (HC), Abdominal Circumference (AC), Femur Length (FL) and the Placental thickness (PT) were measured by ultrasound machine LOGIQ P5 unit with a curvilinear 3.5 MHz transducer. Mean value of the placental thickness along with the standard deviation (SD) and 95% confidence interval were calculated for each gestational age from 14 weeks to 40 weeks. Pearson’s correlation analysis and linear regression analysis was done quantifying the relationship between the gestational age in weeks and the placental thickness in millimetres.Results: The mean values of placental thickness show a perfect positive relationship (increasing trend) with gestational age and the mean value of placental thickness almost correspond to the gestational age till 35 weeks of the gestational age and fall marginally from 36 weeks. Placental thickness showed positive and significant correlation with gestational age (P-value<0.001) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of 0.990.Conclusions: Placental thickness can be an additional parameter for estimation of the gestational age as it almost corresponds with the gestational age in second and third trimesters. Also, any abnormal placental thickness for the particular gestational age should raise the suspicion of underlying fetal or maternal disease condition which can cause an increased or decreased in the placental thickness and should be addressed in time.
A clinical study of pulmonary function tests in patients with COPD exacerbation
Authors: A. L. Shivaraj , B. J. Arun , A. D'Souza George , Nagaraj Niranjan
Published: November 2017

Background: COPD is now recognized as an important cause of morbidity and mortality world over. This study aims to assess the serial change in spirometric values and 6-minute walking distance in COPD patients following exacerbation.Methods: A prospective study of 40 patients who were admitted to St. Johns Medical College Hospital with Acute Exacerbation of COPD. After proper history, initial assessment and evaluation, appropriate treatment started according to standard hospital protocols. Spirometry and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) was done at discharge and at an interval of two and six months during follow up. All the collected data was tabulated and statistically analysed by using software’s SAS 9.2, SPSS 15.0.Results: Among the 40 patients studied, there was a 9.18% drop in FVC (from 2.83 litres to 2.57 litres), 13.26% change in the FEV1/FVC ratio with a mean drop of 150 ml in FEV1 (1.5 litres to 1.35 litres) and 25 meters decline of 6MWD from 391.45 to 366.63 over 6 months follow up period, although none of them were statistically significant.Conclusions: A drop in FEV1 and (6MWD) minute walk distance was found in our study population over 6 months follow period after COPD exacerbations which is in line with the various study reports available in the literature reinforcing the fact that patients with increased airway inflammation show faster decline in FEV1.
Knowledge, attitude and perception of physicians towards adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting: a pharmacovigilance study
Authors: Adhikari Anjan , Indu Rania , Ray Moumita , Bhattacharya Sangita , Biswas Rahul , Das Anup Kumar
Published: November 2017

Background: Contribution of physicians, in adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting and monitoring, to develop a global database is enormously significant to ensure safety of medicine. But, in reality, due to lack of awareness among the healthcare providers, under-reporting of suspected ADRs is a major problem, especially in countries like India. Present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the physicians regarding self-reporting of ADR in a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational and questionnaire-based study involving physicians of different clinical departments. This questionnaire-based study was conducted to obtain the demography as well as information on knowledge, attitude and perception of physicians towards ADR reporting. Ethical clearance was obtained prior to start the study.Results: 50 doctors were included in the study after their verbal consent. It was revealed that average time taken to complete the answering of questionnaire by the physicians was 15 minutes. Among the study population (n=50), 54% of the participants were Postgraduate doctors and the rest 46% were graduates. 92% believed that it is necessary and would be beneficial for the patient to report ADRs. 74% also believed that ADR reporting is a professional obligation for doctors.Conclusions: Present study evaluated that majority of the healthcare professionals had good knowledge and attitude about pharmacovigilance and understand the need for reporting, but the rate of reporting was very low. More interactive training programme is needed to increase the awareness of reporting ADRs by healthcare professionals.
Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica: an uncommon aetiology for recurrent lower respiratory tract infection
Authors: Sabir Mele Chelakkoth , Manappallil Robin George , Babu Harish , Mampilly Neena
Published: November 2017

Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica is a rare and benign condition characterised by development of osteocartilaginous nodules within the submuscosal layer of the trachea with sparing of the posterior wall. Majority of the patients remain asymptomatic throughout their lives unless severe airway obstruction develops; in which case patients present with symptoms such as dyspnoea, hoarseness of voice, persistent and often productive cough, haemoptysis, and pneumonia. This is the case of a middle-aged lady who presented with complaints of recurrent lower respiratory tract infection and was diagnosed to have tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica on computed tomography imaging, bronchoscopy and histopathological examination.
Unusual case of nail in lung
Authors: Arbat Ashok P. , Arbat Sameer A. , S. Ghadge Meenakshi , Upadhye Jayshree J.
Published: November 2017

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a health problem that can be seen in all age groups, and it requires urgent diagnosis and intervention. We report an unusual case of nail in lung. 45 years old male was referred to us with history of aspiration of nail 2 Days back and cough. X-ray Chest PA view showed radio-opaque foreign body in right lung-lower zone. Patient had undergone bronchoscopy 2 days ago with report stating, “Normal study; No foreign body Seen” Counselling of the patient and relatives was done. Informed consent was taken. Under general anaesthesia with intubation, fluoroscopy guided video bronchoscopy was performed with external diameter 5.6mm and working channel 2mm. Foreign body was localized and removed It’s an innovative technique with multi-disciplinary approach. Counselling of the patient and relatives is important.
Reversible cardiomyopathy as a rare presentation of sheehan’s syndrome-case report and review of literature
Authors: Hayat Bhat Mohmmad , Bagdadi Farhana , Rafi Asma , Ahmad Shah Parvaiz
Published: November 2017

Sheehan’s syndrome is a clinical condition characterised by post-partum panhypopitutarism caused by necrosis of the pituitary gland. The hypervascularity of the pituitary gland during pregnancy makes it vulnerable to arterial pressure changes and prone to haemorrhage in the post-partum period. The cardinal features are lethargy, secondary amenorrhea and lactational failure. The diagnosis in immediate post-partum period is difficult and require a high degree of suspicion. Cardiac involvement in sheehan’s syndrome is known but rare.We hereby present a case of post-partum cardiomyopathy with relatively poor response to anti failure treatment. Patient however responded to hormone replacement including glucocorticoids and levothyroxine, after proper confirmation of the hypopituitary state. Cardiac dysfunction markedly reversed with the institution of replacement therapy.
A plataforma jurídica das declarações e convenções internacionais que sustentam a Constituição Federal junto as Comunidades Tradicionais
Authors: Bugarim Jonatha Pereira , Abreu Joniel Vieira de , Dias Daniella Maria dos Santos
Published: November 2017

Esta pesquisa versa sobre os Povos e Comunidades tradicionais em face do Dec. 6.040/2007, da Constituição Federal e das Declarações e Convenções Internacionais. O objetivo do estudo é identificar o que os aparelhos internacionais versam sobre os Povos. O recurso metodológico utilizado foi, a pesquisa bibliográfica, realizada a partir da análise pormenorizada de autores como Piovesan (2012), Manaus (2007), Comparato (2004) e outros, assim como documentos jurídicos internacionais, dissertações e teses. Portanto como conclusão desse estudo, percebe-se que os povos e comunidades tradicionais possuem direitos protetivos que buscam reconhecer e valorizar a categoria, sendo que esta proteção estar fundamentada principalmente na Constituição federal. Nesse prumo a Convenção nº169 da Organização Internacional do Trabalho, foi a percussora em debate sobre os povos e comunidades tradicionais, fortalecendo a importância em se reconhecer a pluralidade cultural dos diferentes grupos étnicos.
Juízes ou experts? Uma comparação acerca das construções jurídicas de verdades em casos difíceis
Authors: De Barros Marco Antonio Loschiavo Leme
Published: November 2017

O texto discute o argumento que experts conseguem decidir da melhor maneira casos que envolvam conhecimento científico em relação aos juízes. Trata-se de um debate sobre a alocação da decisão na sociedade complexa. Para tanto o estudo adota como recorte o exame dos tribunais administrativos no Brasil, bem como é feita uma comparação com o Judiciário. O principal exame é o Tribunal do Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica. Após a descrição da prática decisória desse tribunal, o estudo revela as tensões ocultadas pela atuação dos conselheiros a partir da relação entre direito e ciência. A questão é saber como o direito opera com o conhecimento científico para a tomada de decisão. O texto constata que tanto experts quanto juízes compartilham problemas relacionados com a construção de verdades jurídicas em casos difíceis, seja pelo fato de tribunais administrativos mimetizarem as estruturas do Judiciário, ou por revelar a fragilidade da operação dos conhecimentos científicos pelo direito. Ao invés de acreditar que prevalece uma neutralidade e segurança na atuação dos experts no interior do sistema jurídico, é preferível denunciar as ambiguidades que se autorreproduzem nas práticas decisórias para efetivamente produzir estruturas adequadas para o futuro.
O Direito Ambiental Internacional: um olhar da Ciência Pós-Normal
Authors: Da Silva Antonio Carlos Nisoli Pereira , Rei Fernando Cardozo Fernandes
Published: November 2017

O Direito Ambiental Internacional - DAI apresenta característica dinâmica, multidimensional e autonomia, pois representa uma evolução diferenciada no tempo e no espaço, a partir de uma finalidade específica de tutelar o meio ambiente em sua dimensão global, com objeto próprio, meios regulatórios e produção normativa peculiar. O presente artigo, que utilizou o método dedutivo, através de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, pretende analisar a necessidade de repensar a atuação das ciências jurídicas e sociais na esteira de atuação internacional, bem como, desenvolver e fortalecer as alternativas jurídicas de resolução de problemas complexos globais, a partir das possíveis contribuições da teoria da Ciência Pós Normal. A conclusão do trabalho reconhece a necessidade do desenvolvimento e aperfeiçoamento de técnicas que possam conduzir a resolução de problemas próprios do século XXI, articulando os mais diversos ramos científicos sob a égide da governança, na esperança de uma evolução mais eficaz frente aos problemas suscitados.
Características das famílias atendidas pelo Programa Primeira Infância Melhor na cidade de Pelotas, RS
Authors: Dos Santos Thamires De Mattos , Castelli Rochele Dias
Published: November 2017

Introdução: O programa Primeira Infância Melhor (PIM) é uma política pública que visa promover o desenvolvimento integral de crianças. Conhecer as características da população atendida pelo programa pode auxiliar na escolha de estratégias adequadas que visem intervenções precoces mais eficazes e menos onerosas. Objetivo: Descrever as características sociodemográficas e frequência da estimulação familiar dirigida às crianças, entre zero e três anos, assistidas pelo PIM em Pelotas-RS. Materiais e métodos: as variáveis foram coletadas no banco de dados do referido programa, onde os dados cadastrais foram inseridos após aplicação de questionário estruturado realizado por visitadores treinados. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 1077 famílias. O principal cuidador da criança é a mãe (89% n=958), enquanto o principal provedor econômico é o pai (48,8% n=526). A maioria das famílias (87,3% n=940) recebe até dois salários mínimos. Quanto à estimulação infantil a maioria das famílias nunca mostra figuras ou livros (52,6% n=567) e nem contam histórias (57,8% n=623) para a criança. Conclusão: este estudo oferece resultados relevantes que podem servir de norte para novas pesquisas referentes ao tema, assim como dados importantes a serem somados na elaboração de intervenções e colaboração de políticas públicas voltadas à primeira infância.
O efeito de aulas de hóquei indoor semanais no desenvolvimento motor de escolares de 8 a 10 anos
Authors: Lopes Nádia Gomes , Toigo Adriana Marques
Published: November 2017

Objetivo: Investigar as contribuições da iniciação esportiva ao hóquei indoor para o desenvolvimento motor (motricidade fina, motricidade global, equilíbrio, esquema corporal, organização espacial e organização temporal) de crianças de 8 a 10 anos, e compará-las a crianças de mesma idade cujas aulas de Educação Física não contemplaram a iniciação a esse esporte. Método: 21 crianças (grupo experimental) foram submetidas a prática semanal de hóquei durante as aulas de Educação Física, durante 10 semanas, e comparadas àquelas cujas aulas não incluíram o ensino desse esporte (grupo controle; n = 30). A bateria de testes utilizada foi a Escala de Desenvolvimento Motor, a qual foi aplicada antes e após a intervenção com hóquei. Resultados: O grupo experimental apresentou diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre o pré e o pós-teste na idade motora geral, motricidade fina, motricidade grossa, esquema corporal/rapidez e quociente motor geral, representando uma diminuição no atraso motor. No pós-teste entre os grupos, somente a variável quociente motor geral organização espacial apresentou diferença. Conclusão: O hóquei indoor, como modalidade de iniciação esportiva nas aulas de Educação Física, evidenciou potencial para desenvolver aspectos psicomotores em razão da diversidade de seu repertório motor.
Algunas controversias que presenta la infracción de una norma jurídica como primer elemento de la conducta desleal tipificada en el artículo 18 de la ley de competencia desleal
Authors: Sevilla Ibáñez Lina Marcela
Published: November 2017

Las normas de competencia desleal se han encaminado a castigar las ventajas dentro del mercado que se adquieren de forma ilegítima. Sin embargo, las estipulaciones normativas que protegen la competencia no se han visto desde una única interpretación, razón por la cual se hace necesario ahondar sobre la tipificación que consagró el artículo 18 de la Ley 256 de 1996. Concretamente, el presente trabajo se enfocará en analizar las diferentes controversias que surgen de la ventaja anticompetitiva que produce la violación de una norma; esto, como elemento normativo del tipo que protege al competidor afectado por dicha conducta.
La nueva gestión pública basada en rankings: de la planeación a la evaluación
Authors: Valdez Zepeda Andrés , Vergara Ochoa Arturo
Published: November 2017

Este artículo da cuenta del surgimiento y desarrollo de una nueva tendencia de gestión de los asuntos públicos y de gobierno a nivel global, que se denomina gestión por rankings. Este tipo de gestión es el resultado de una medición del desempeño, realizada usualmente por un agente o institución externa prestigiosa, que usando una metodología basada generalmente en indicadores, audita y evalúa los resultados, logros y avances en la gestión de gobierno, mismos que ranquea en un listado en comparación con otros gobiernos. Como tendencia global, la gestión sustentada en rankings no se presenta como una alternativa, sino como una verdadera necesidad de las dependencias públicas y de gobierno, que no solo les ayuda en los procesos de mejora continua, sino que también genera incentivos muy importantes, como el prestigio, el reconocimiento social, la construcción y el mejor posicionamiento de marca.
Where Are We Going Wrong?
Authors: Kaur Sharanjit , Smith-Fehr Julie , Stockham Jana , Bowen Angela
Published: November 2017

Despite efforts to achieve the World Health Organization’s best practice standards for a Baby-Friendly status, only 54% of babies discharged from a tertiary-care hospital in 2015 were exclusively breastfed. This is despite an initiation rate for breastfeeding of 92%. This report describes maternal and nurse beliefs about exclusive breastfeeding, supplementation, and human milk banking. To help us understand our high levels of formula supplementation, we surveyed 94 mothers and 75 nurses and found differing beliefs about formula supplementation and the use of human donor milk. The breastfeeding policy was not being followed. Maternal and nurse breastfeeding education, along with up to date breastfeeding policies, are essential for organizations to meet the World Health Organization’s standards to achieve Baby-Friendly status.
Community Consensus: Here’s to the “Typical” Member
Authors: Spady Darcy
Published: November 2017

President's column

Not everyone can be the top dog, and I should know. I have spent a lot of my career in the middle of the pack.

Some of my professors, who must be suffering from amnesia, gave glowing remarks about me as a student. Not true—I was average. I scrambled to get assignments done, scrambled to study for exams (and pass them). It seemed to me that I worked very hard for every little inroad that I gained. I graduated at one of the worst times in the history of our industry, 1986, and was one of the 37 members of my class of 38 who did not get a job. Throughout my career, I had bad luck as often as good luck. The good times were sweet, but the bad times were typical.

The one thing that let me to excel in my career was my SPE involvement, and it made the difference between drudgery and enjoyment.

Basically, I was a grinder (allow me to use an ice hockey term). An average middle or back-of-the-pack guy who enjoyed life but ground away during most of my career. What a glorious, normal place to be!

Now for the good news: SPE is incredibly proficient at disseminating technical information and our very purpose is to make all members the best they can be, even the “average grinder.” At SPE, those members in the middle of the pack are really important, influential, and a well-regarded part of society.

I love the stories of the hard worker beating the odds. My SPE career is full of them, and as I travel as SPE President, I am so proud to lift these people up by acknowledging their great work. No member is average—they are all superstars.

People such as Howard Duhon, who has been likened to “the smartest man who ever lived.” But, if you asked Howard, he would say he is just a good ole boy from Louisiana.

People such as the PetroBowl team from the University of Benin who, despite losing their team captain and other players to visa issues, traveled the world to attend ATCE in San Antonio. With only two players, this team made it to the championship final, taking second place.

People such as Andrea Payer-Moser from the Vienna Basin Section who turned a routine presidential visit into a tremendous motivational experience for people in two countries. Twice.
After Drop in Activity, Haynesville Shale Sees Resurgence
Authors: Whitfield Stephen
Published: November 2017

What was once old is now new again in US natural gas production. Once a crown jewel of shale in the US, the Haynesville has seen a resurgence in activity after a steady drop. Now, as natural gas consumption increases and the oil price remains low, companies are taking advantage of a potentially valuable opportunity in the area.

Located in east Texas and northern Louisiana (Fig. 1) the Haynesville was the largest US producer of shale gas. In November 2011, it averaged a record high production of 10.4 Bcf/D—but as natural gas prices decreased in the years leading to the oil price downturn, other plays in the Appalachian region of the US such as the Marcellus and the Utica began to surpass it in production. By 2015, shale gas production in relatively liquids-rich areas such as the Eagle Ford and the Permian were also producing more than the Haynesville.

The demise of the Haynesville appeared to be short-lived, though. In the past 18 months, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) noted significant increases in drilling activity and well production rates, which have raised overall natural gas production in the region. Natural gas production reached 6.9 Bcf/D in September after remaining near 6.0 Bcf/D on average for the past 3 years.

Beyond the Numbers

Fig. 2 highlights some of the trends in the Haynesville. The EIA projected natural gas production to increase by 146 MMcf/D from October to November 2017. Rig count has nearly doubled from 2015 to the end of 2017.

A drop in well costs has helped drive the surge in activity. In 2014, the Haynesville had the most expensive costs in the US primarily because of the challenges its fuel-bearing rocks presented. The formations were among the deepest in the country, with some as deep as 15,000 ft. In the Appalachian region, wells are in areas where formations range from 2,000- to 12,000-ft depth. The shale formation thickness in the Haynesville is slightly narrower than other US shale plays as well, ranging from 100 to 350 ft.

In addition, the high pressure and temperature conditions led to stimulation treatments consisting of high-strength proppant and more thermally stable fluids. These fluids consisted of large polymer loadings of guar and sometimes derivatized guar gelling agents. Higher-quality resin-coated and ceramic prop-pants were commonly pumped as the primary proppant, increasing costs and forcing companies to adopt a strategy of “quality over quantity” in terms of production volumes (SPE 187315).
Digitalization of Oil and Gas Facilities Reduces Cost and Improves Maintenance Operations
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: November 2017

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper OTC 27788, “Digitalization of Oil and Gas Facilities Reduces Cost and Improves Maintenance Operations,” by H. Devold, T. Graven, and S.O. Halvorsrød, ABB, prepared for the 2017 Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, 1–4 May. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2017 Offshore Technology Conference. Reproduced by permission.

The digitalization of oil and gas facilities is becoming a new technical arena. Effective solutions can be used to convert data into information and knowledge, which can then be used to improve maintenance operations. This paper discusses several aspects of this process, ranging from a discussion of maintenance strategies to the opportunities presented by extracting new information from big data.

Introduction

Fieldbuses, device diagnostics, and advanced management-and-control systems collect large amounts of data, but acquiring and applying methods of exploiting the data have lagged. End users have expressed doubts that they are realizing value from these solutions and have wondered whether a return to simpler systems is needed. In this paper, the authors conclude that condition-based maintenance can reduce the cost of maintenance operations significantly and that further potential in predictive-maintenance regimes exists as experience with base data is gained.

Reactive, Scheduled, and Condition-Based Maintenance Strategies

A reactive, or break-and-fix, type of maintenance strategy will often present the lowest maintenance operation cost, seen in isolation. But also implied is the cost of production unavailability, the safety risk posed by very hazardous events, and the risk of high repair costs after catastrophic equipment failure.

Scheduled or periodic maintenance requires one to estimate failure modes and consequences for all equipment in the plant; then, on the basis of the equipment’s expected lifetime, one calculates inspection intervals and replacement cycles. Because this is often impractical to perform for each individual piece of equipment, equipment is divided into classes depending on type and is given maintenance that is based on that type and its criticality. This approach can have some undesirable effects, including the following:

The 80:20 rule may apply; it states that 80% of maintenance intervention is caused by 20% of equipment.

A conservative approach that prioritizes avoiding operational failures will lead to short inspection intervals and high maintenance costs.

Many sources conclude that human error is the source of as much as 50% of all maintenance issues. Thus, an excessive maintenance intensity will by itself lead to additional failures and the need for even more maintenance.
Technology Focus: Bit Technology and Bottomhole Assemblies (December 2017)
Authors: Mensa-Wilmot Graham
Published: November 2017

Technology Focus

Drilling-efficiency improvements, needed to ensure continuous reductions in project cycle time, require holistic drilling-system evaluations. Bottomhole assemblies (BHAs), as part of the drilling system, have dominating effects on the functionality and effectiveness of other system components. BHA design, usage, and monitoring must promote drilling-system compatibility, efficiency, and reliability.

BHA design must provide or contribute to the creation of operational conditions that ensure efficient failure and removal of rocks. Additionally, it must enable the use of appropriate drilling parameters as needed by specific applications without compromising efficiencies of other drilling-system components. Research continues to investigate rock-failure mechanisms and the implications the processes have on drilling performance. Through this effort, it has been identified that different drilling parameters are needed for dissimilar rock types, even when rock hardness, hole sizes, well profiles, and hydraulic considerations are the same. In most cases, these findings dictate the need for different BHAs to accommodate appropriate parameter ranges and sweet spots.

BHA usage must not create conditions that initiate or promote dynamic dysfunctions. Such a condition, while compromising the functional efficiencies of other drilling-system components, also promotes premature downhole-tool failures. The contributions of micro-doglegs to dynamic dysfunctions, excessive torque and drag, poor weight-on-bit transfer, and other issues have been known for a long time. Research into this area is providing a deeper understanding, together with findings that are bound to improve drilling-parameter management and overall drilling efficiency.

Appropriate parameter ranges, and improved BHA compliance with regard to vibrations, improve drilling efficiency. These conditions, though beneficial, are not sufficient to ensure BHA reliability.  Considering the effect that BHA failures (e.g., twistoff) have on project cycle time and operational costs, investigators have taken a deeper dive into this issue. With the “whys” and “hows” of BHA failures identified, work flows have been developed to address these reliability issues.

Ensuring BHA efficiency and reliability is critical for drilling performance. These requirements must thread through BHA design, usage, and monitoring. Yes, the industry has the tools and know-how, and it can be done.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE 183870 A Modified Three-Point-Contact Approach for Dogleg-Severity Modeling by Hossam Gharib, Halliburton, et al.

SPE 183037 Testing and Characterization of Shock and Vibration Loads To Enhance Drilling-Tool Reliability and Efficiency by Dennis Heinisch, Baker Hughes, a GE company, et al.

OTC 27575 Applying Real-Time Data Analytics To Detect Underreamer Failure Early During Hole Enlargement While Drilling in Deepwater Gulf of Mexico by Xianping Wu, Shell, et al.