bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelos de afilamento para o sortimento do fuste de Pinus taeda L
Authors: Souza Carlos Alberto Martinelli de , Chassot Tatiane , Finger César Augusto Guimarães , Schneider Paulo Renato , Fleig Frederico Dimas
Published: December 2008

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar diferentes modelos de afilamento do fuste de Pinus taeda para estimar variáveis de interesse ao longo do fuste. Foram avaliadas as funções propostas por Anony, Kozak, Munro, Silva & Sterba, Prodan e o Polinômio de 5° grau. O estudo teve como base dados de cubagem rigorosa de 68 árvores, provenientes de plantios com idade de 25 anos, pertencentes à empresa Florestal Gateados Ltda, localizada no município de Campo Belo do Sul, Santa Catarina (SC), Brasil. A partir das estatísticas coeficiente de determinação ajustado (R²aj), erro padrão das estimativas (Syx), desvio médio, média das diferenças (md) e desvio padrão das diferenças (dpd) foi selecionado o Polinômio do 5° grau para estimar as variáveis ao longo do fuste, como a altura comercial, o volume comercial, os diâmetros e os volumes das 1ª e 2ª toras. Em relação à altura comercial, a equação proveniente do modelo escolhido apresentou resultados sem tendências e com erros oscilando em intervalo pequeno. Em se tratando do volume comercial, pode ser observada certa tendência em subestimativas para as árvores com menores DAP e uma leve tendência para aquelas árvores com maior DAP. Em relação ao diâmetro e ao volume da 1a tora, houve superestimativa dos valores, mas com erros baixos, principalmente para o diâmetro. Para as estimativas do diâmetro e do volume da 2ª tora, os resultados foram melhores do que os encontrados na 1a tora, com leve tendência em subestimar o diâmetro e, praticamente, sem tendência para o volume.
Emergência de plântulas de Erythrina velutina em diferentes posições e profundidades de semeadura
Authors: Cardoso Edson de Almeida , Alves Edna Ursulino , Bruno Riselane de Lucena Alcântara , Alves Anarlete Ursulino , Alves Adriana Ursulino , Silva Kelina Bernardo
Published: December 2008

Com o objetivo de estudar a influência da posição e da profundidade de semeadura sobre a emergência de plântulas e o vigor de sementes de mulungu foram instalados testes de germinação em areia sob ambiente protegido. Os tratamentos, representados pela posição e pela profundidade de semeadura das sementes em relação ao substrato foram os seguintes: semente com o hilo voltado para baixo, para cima e para o lado nas profundidades de 1 a 5cm. Cada um dos tratamentos constou de quatro repetições de 25 sementes, avaliados pelo teste de emergência, vigor da primeira contagem, velocidade de emergência, comprimento e massa seca do hipocótilo e das raízes. Os resultados mostraram que, para o mulungu, a profundidade de semeadura dever ser entre 1 e 2cm e, a melhor posição foi aquela em que as sementes ficaram com o hilo voltado para baixo.
Pênfigo foliáceo em cabra Boer
Authors: Macêdo Juliana Targino Silva Almeida , Riet-Correa Franklin , Dantas Antônio Flávio Medeiros , Simões Sara Vilar Dantas
Published: December 2008

Pênfigo foliáceo é uma doença auto-imune crônica da pele observada com freqüência em cães e, com menor freqüência, em outras espécies animais. Neste trabalho é descrito um caso desta enfermidade no semi-árido da Paraíba, em uma cabra da raça Boer, que apresentava lesões crônicas de pele com extensas áreas alopécicas irregulares, esfoliativas, com crostas amareladas e bilaterais que afetavam a região dorsal da escápula, do tórax, do dorso, da parede do abdominal, da garupa, dos membros pélvicos e da cauda. No rodete coronário, havia espessamento da pele e lesões crostosas. Microscopicamente foram observadas hiperqueratose, espongiose e pústulas intracorneais ou subcornais afetando epiderme e infundíbulos. Nas pústulas, havia grande quantidade de neutrófilos, eosinófilos e células acantolíticas. Na derme, havia acentuada congestão e moderado infiltrado inflamatório composto por eosinófilos, raros plasmócitos, linfócitos e macrófagos, principalmente na periferia de capilares e nos folículos pilosos. Os achados macro e microscópicos são característicos de pênfigo foliáceo. Esta enfermidade é rara em caprinos e, provavelmente, este seja o primeiro relato da doença no Brasil.
Amostragem, caracterização de sintomas e escala diagramática da mancha graxa dos citros (Mycosphaerella citri) no Recôncavo Baiano
Authors: Silva Suely Xavier de Brito , Laranjeira Francisco Ferraz , Soares Ana Cristina Fermino , Michereff Sami Jorge
Published: December 2008

O Recôncavo da Bahia é uma região de clima propício à mancha graxa dos citros (Mycosphaerella citri), doença nunca antes estudada no Brasil. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram definir o tamanho mínimo de amostra para quantificar a incidência, caracterizar os sintomas da doença e elaborar uma escala diagramática para a avaliação de sua severidade. A partir de uma amostragem piloto realizada por avaliação de cinco folhas por quadrante, quatro quadrantes por planta e 30 plantas em cada um dos 10 pomares visitados no município de Cruz das Almas, foi determinado que o tamanho mínimo da amostra em quadrantes e folhas seria de quatro e 16 plantas, respectivamente. De 320 folhas coletadas de diferentes plantas em 11 pomares, foi constatada uma grande quantidade de lesões (média de 131) por folha sintomática, em sua maioria diminutas (média de 0,014cm²). A severidade variou de 0,15% a 35,85%, com média de 7,3%. Com base na severidade real em campo, foi elaborada uma escala diagramática com seis níveis: 1%, 2%, 5%, 9%, 18% e 36% de área foliar lesionada. Cinqüenta imagens de folhas foram submetidas a avaliadores por duas vezes, os quais estimaram a severidade com e sem a utilização da escala, constatando-se um discreto benefício no grau de precisão e de acurácia das estimativas com o uso da escala.
Sleep/wake cycle of women submitted to elective gynecological surgery with a one-day hospital stay
Authors: Zaros Maria Cristina , Ceolim Maria Filomena
Published: December 2008

The aim of this descriptive study was to compare preoperative and post-operative sleep/wake cycle (SWC) patterns of 22 women undergoing elective surgery, with up to one day of hospitalization. The study was approved by the local Review Board. Voluntary women (average age 39 ± 9) filled out a Sleep Journal for 23 consecutive days, before and after the surgery (46 days total). Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon's matched-pairs test. The findings showed slight and transitory SWC changes (increased latency, reduced efficiency and later wake-up time) after the surgery. Nevertheless, sleep quality was improved and there was a fast return to the SWC patterns observed before the intervention, perhaps due to the early exposition to daily routine, e.g. the environmental clues that are important to rhythmic synchronization.
Family perspective on a family care program
Authors: Shimizu Helena Eri , Rosales Carlos
Published: December 2008

This study aimed at assessing the family's perspective on a family care program to better understand the challenges and potential capacities for changing the health care model. A qualitative study was carried out to assess the Family Health Program in the city of São Sebastião, Brasília, Brazil. Data was collected through direct systematic observations of the workflow developed by the program's team, and through focal groups with family members. The discourse of the collective subject was used in data analysis and showed that health prevention and promotion actions and the relationship between providers and consumers were positively evaluated while access to health services, drugs and providers was negatively evaluated. There is no assurance of comprehensive and continuous care to the family, which points to the need of reviewing the strategies of health service organization for more effective involvement of the community to meet their health needs.
Liver transplantation: evidence for nursing care
Authors: Mendes Karina Dal Sasso , Galvão Cristina Maria
Published: December 2008

Evidence-based practice is the adopted theoretical and methodological framework and the integrative literature review was the research method used for this study. This study aimed to search and evaluate evidence available in literature about scientific knowledge on nursing care to adult patients submitted to liver transplantation during the perioperative period. Lilacs, Medline and Cinahl were used for the search, which resulted in a sample of 20 scientific papers. The results evidenced publications on nursing care to prepare the patient, prevent injuries, on the importance of a documentation system, prevention and early detection of complications, as well as education on immunosuppressive therapeutics, patient education and nursing activities in the pre, intra and postoperative periods, and the nurses' role in providing nutritional and emotional support to patients and family members.
Trauma na infância e adolescência: epidemiologia, tratamento e aspectos econômicos em um hospital público
Authors: Franciozi Carlos Eduardo da Silveira , Tamaoki Marcel Jun Sugawara , Araújo Eduardo Fiorentino Alves de , Dobashi Eiffel Tsuyoshi , Utumi Carlos Eduardo , Pinto José Antônio , Ishida Akira
Published: December 2008

INTRODUÇÃO: A realização deste trabalho foi motivada pela escassez de artigos encontrados na literatura que estudam o politrauma na infância e na adolescência.. O objetivo é descrever o perfil epidemiológico das lesões traumáticas na infância tratadas num centro de trauma, avaliar os aspectos econômicos relacionados com o gasto hospitalar e o tempo de internação de acordo com o tratamento realizado. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: analisamos todos os prontuários do hospital Geral de Pirajussara no período de dezembro de 2005 a dezembro de 2006. Obtivemos 182 pacientes, sendo 71% do sexo masculino e 29% do feminino; 48% brancos e 52% não brancos. RESULTADOS: houve predominância dos indivíduos do sexo masculino com 71% dos pacientes. O mecanismo de trauma mais freqüente foi a queda (36%). A média de dias de internação foi 4,1 dias, com gasto estimado de R$ 649,50 para cada paciente. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 2,74%, sendo o traumatismo crânio-encefálico responsável por 80% da mortalidade e os maus tratos presentes em 40% dos óbitos. CONCLUSÃO: a população pediátrica tem particularidades que a tornam distinta da população adulta em relação à epidemiologia e manejo das lesões.
A Laserterapia de baixa intensidade acelera a regeneração de nervos periféricos
Authors: Endo Cristina , Barbieri Cláudio Henrique , Mazzer Nilton , Fasan Valéria S.
Published: December 2008

Há evidências de que a terapia com o laser pode estimular a regeneração de nervos e esta hipótese foi testada em ratos. Uma lesão por esmagamento controlado foi produzida no nervo isquiático de 20 ratos Wistar, metade dos quais foram submetidos a irradiação efetiva com o laser de arseneto de gálio (AsGa) e a outra metade a irradiação simulada, durante dez dias consecutivos, começando no primeiro dia pós-operatório. Os resultados foram avaliados com três semanas pela medida do índice funcional do isquiático (IFC) em intervalos semanais e pela medida do número total de fibras nervosas e da densidade de fibras dos nervos, após o sacrifício dos animais na terceira semana, com o nível de significância de 5% (p<0.05). Observou-se melhora progressiva do IFC tanto nos nervos irradiados como nos controles (69% e 45%, respectivamente), com diferença significante entre ambos na segunda semana (p=0,04). A densidade de fibras aumentou para os nervos irradiados e diminuiu para os nervos controle, a diferença entre ambos sendo significante (p=0,001). Os autores concluem que a terapia com o laser de baixa intensidade efetivamente acelera a regeneração do nervo isquiático do rato.
Fracionamento de carboidratos e compostos nitrogenados de genótipos de capim-elefante aos 56 dias de rebrota
Authors: Lima Erico da Silva , Silva José Fernando Coelho da , Vásquez Hernán Maldonado , Araújo Saulo Alberto do Carmo , Rocha Tiago Cunha , Costa Dorival Pereira Borges da
Published: December 2008

Objetivou-se neste estudo determinar as frações de carboidratos e de compostos nitrogenados de genótipos de capim-elefante, em um único corte aos 56 dias de idade, na primavera. Avaliaram-se 12 genótipos de capim-elefante em um delineamento de blocos ao acaso com três repetições, no qual a parcela experimental foi composta de quatro linhas com 3 m de comprimento, espaçadas 1 m e adubadas com 100 kg de P2O5, 100 kg de N, 60 kg de K2O e 25 kg de micronutrientes/ha. As frações de carboidratos A + B1, B2 e C diferiram entre os genótipos. Os genótipos CNPGL 92-94-01, CNPGL 92-70-02, CNPGL 91-06-02, CNPGL 91-25-01, CNPGL 93-32-02 e Cameroon apresentaram os menores valores da fração C de carboidratos. Entre as frações nitrogenadas, apenas as frações B3 e C apresentaram diferenças. Os menores valores da fração C nitrogenada foram observados nos genótipos CNPGL 92-70-02, Napier, CNPGL 94-07-02 e CNPGL 91-25-01.
Produção e valor nutritivo do capim-tanzânia fertilizado com nitrogênio e fósforo
Authors: Patês Neusete Maria da Silva , Pires Aureliano José Vieira , Carvalho Gleidson Giordano Pinto de , Oliveira Aline Cardoso , Foncêca Marcelle Pereira , Veloso Cristina Mattos
Published: December 2008

O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adubação nitrogenada e fosfatada sobre a produção de matéria seca (MS) da parte aérea e das raízes, o teor e a produção de proteína bruta (PB) e de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN). Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 × 2, composto de quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 50, 100 e 150 mg/dm³) e duas doses de P2O5 (0 e 45 mg/dm³) com quatro repetições. As sementes da gramínea foram estabelecidas em vasos com capacidade de 6,3 L, de modo que, após desbaste, permaneceram três plantas por vaso. Observou-se interação entre doses de nitrogênio e a produção de MS da parte aérea e de raízes. As produções estimadas de MS da parte aérea obtidas com associação de nitrogênio (0, 50, 100 e 150 mg/dm³) e P2O5 (45 mg/dm³) foram de 4,7; 18,5; 32,3 e 46,1 g/vaso e a produção de MS de raízes, de 6,3; 41,7; 77,1 e 112,5 g/vaso, respectivamente. As doses de nitrogênio e fósforo não influenciaram o teor de FDN, mas afetaram o de PB, que foi maior nas doses mais altas de nitrogênio sem adição de fósforo. A adubação com doses crescentes de nitrogênio associadas a P2O5 aumenta a produção e o valor nutritivo do capim-tanzânia.
Resposta de pastagens perenes à adubação com chorume suíno: cultivar Tifton 85
Authors: Scheffer-Basso Simone Meredith , Ellwanger Marcelo de Faria , Scherer Clênio Valdeni , Fontaneli Roberto Serena
Published: December 2008

O trabalho foi conduzido com o objetivo de verificar a resposta de uma pastagem de capim-tifton à adubação com chorume suíno (CS). O chorume suíno foi aplicado após os cortes em 15/10/2003 (emparelhamento), 24/11/2003, 10/1/2004 e 25/2/2004 nas doses de: 0, 15, 30 e 45 m³/ha/corte, totalizando 0, 60, 120 e 180 m³/ha na primavera-verão. Em 10/4/2004, foi realizado o último corte, quando não foi mais aplicado chorume suíno. A maior produção de MS (2.232 kg/ha) foi obtida no segundo corte (janeiro de 2004), com 30 m³/ha, 347% superior à obtida sem aplicação de chorume suíno. A resposta da produção total de MS à adubação com chorume suíno foi quadrática e resultou em produções de 1.397 (sem CS), 2.971 (15 m³), 4.696 (30 m³) e 4.714 (45 m³) kg/ha. A eficiência (24,5 kg MS/m³/ha) do chorume suíno não diferiu entre as doses aplicadas, mas variou de 5,6 a 49,7 kg MS/m³/ha entre os cortes. A extração máxima de nitrogênio foi de 28 kg N/ha (30 m³ ) e a recuperação de nitrogênio variou de 2% (quarto corte) a 12% (segundo corte). Os teores de PB e FDA foram afetados pela aplicação de chorume suíno e pela data de corte e variaram de 8,3 (sem chorume) a 10,7% (30 m³) no primeiro corte e de 45,9 (sem chorume) a 42,8% (45 m³) no último corte. A aplicação de chorume suíno é uma alternativa para aumentar a produção de pastagens de capim-tifton 85. Sugere-se a dose de 30 m³/ha como valor-referência para aplicação depois de cada corte ou pastejo.
Influência do processamento do grão de milho na digestibilidade de rações e no desempenho de bezerros
Authors: Vargas Junior Fernando Miranda de , Sanchez Luis Maria Bonnecarrère , Wechsler Francisco Stefano , Bianchini Waldmaryan , Oliveira Marcus Vinicius Morais de
Published: December 2008

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do processamento grão de milho (inteiro, tratado com uréia ou moído na forma de quirera) sobre a digestibilidade de rações e no desempenho de bezerros desmamados precocemente e mantidos em regime de confinamento. A dieta foi formulada com silagem de sorgo como volumoso, em uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 40:60, na matéria seca. A digestibilidade in vivo da matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, celulose, energia bruta e amido, o pH das fezes e o consumo de MS foram efetuados em um ensaio com seis bezerros, castrados, com sete meses de idade. A influência das dietas no desempenho dos animais foi avaliada em ensaio com 15 bezerros não-castrados e idades semelhantes aos do ensaio de digestibilidade, com peso vivo inicial médio de 159 kg. O processamento do grão de milho não influenciou as variáveis analisadas, exceto o pH das fezes, que apresentou valor mais baixo nos animais que receberam dieta contendo grão de milho moído.
Study of polycondensation process of metakaolin-based geopolymeric cement using semi-empirical AM1 calculations
Authors: Yunsheng Z. , Wei S. , Zongjin L. , Yantao J.
Published: December 2008

In the present study all possible reaction pathways involved in the polycondensation process of metakaolin-based geopolymeric cement were systemically discussed according to thermodynamic theory. The reaction energy of every possible polycondensation pathway was also calculated using the semi-empirical AM1 method. The optimum polycondensation pathway was analysed on the basis of the energy-minimised principle. The calculation results showed that framework clusters should be primary polycondensation products of geopolymeric cement made with NaOH or KOH-activated metakaolin, which was also verified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy equipped with magic angle spinning technique. In addition, the semi-empirical AM1 calculations revealed that the existence of sheet polycondensation clusters was also possible, the amount of which depended on the types of alkaline solution.
Construction of a deep shaft for Crossrail
Authors: McNamara A. M. , Roberts T. O. L. , Morrison P. R. J. , Holmes G.
Published: December 2008

An 8·2 m diameter, 37·5 m deep shaft has been successfully constructed from within the basement of a new development, Moorhouse, near Moorgate in the City of London. Programme constraints led to the shaft being constructed after completion of the foundations, basements and most of the superstructure for the development. At its closest point the shaft is less than 2 m from the large-diameter piles that support Moorhouse, and the presence of these foundations placed tight constraints on acceptable ground movements associated with construction of the shaft. The depth of the shaft is such that it penetrates through stiff London Clay and is founded at the bottom of the Lambeth Group. The paper describes the contingency measures to deal with potentially difficult ground conditions, including the water-bearing layers of the Lambeth Group. The construction processes included a complex temporary works dewatering system around the shaft, with the option to carry out additional dewatering from within the shaft during excavation. Provision was also made for radial grouting to ‘restress’ the ground, to prevent long-term settlement of the Moorhouse piles, should the need arise. The success of the project was due, in no small part, to the detailed planning and consideration of contingency measures to deal with perceived risk.
A long-term, multitrophic level study to assess pulp and paper mill effluent effects on aquatic communities in four us receiving waters: Background and status
Authors: Hall Timothy J , Fisher Robert P , Rodgers John H , Minshall G Wayne , Landis Wayne G , Kovacs Tibor G , Firth Barry K , Dubé Monique G , Deardorff Thomas L , Borton Dennis L
Published: December 2008

An industry-funded, long-term, receiving water study was initiated in 1998/1999 to address questions about the potential effects of pulp and paper mill effluent discharges on US receiving waters. Although the study continues, the knowledge gained to date provides an opportunity to reflect on the study development process, its progress, and its outcomes. As a backdrop to a series of articles in this special issue describing study results, this article describes the process by which study information objectives were identified as well as the process by which the experimental design was developed. A review of past literature and research identified gaps in long-term population/community data about effluent effects and that, consequently, emerged as a primary information objective. The selected streams for study included 1) Codorus Creek (Pennsylvania, USA), 2) Leaf River (Mississippi, USA), 3) McKenzie River (Oregon, USA), and 4) Willamette River (Oregon) represent a blend of mill process types, coldwater and warmwater stream types, and a range of effluent concentrations. Measurements included numbers of periphyton, macroinvertebrate, and fish communities; the assessment of water and effluent quality; laboratory bioassays; and fish full-life-cycle assays. Information objectives included addressing natural variability and, consequently, the study included long-term temporal (>10 y) and watershed-scale spatial frameworks. Regional-scale ecological risk assessments were performed for each site that aided in placing each site in an ecological and regulatory context. An adaptive-management process is described that allowed for modifications over time as a result of lessons learned as the study progressed. Results from the initial 7 to 8 y of monitoring, as described in the series of articles in this special issue, provide a unique data set with respect to addressing point-source pulp and paper mill effluent discharge concerns and may serve as a template for others to use in developing monitoring or management programs to assess or address water quality conditions or concerns.
Voluntary Demand for Internal and External Auditing by Family Businesses
Authors: Carey Peter , Simnett Roger , Tanewski George
Published: December 2008

This study investigates voluntary demand for auditing by family businesses, a significant but relatively unexplored segment of the economy. The paper considers demand for both internal and external auditing by using survey data to investigate the impact of firm characteristics linked to the cost vs. benefit of engaging an auditor. Variables examined are firm size, debt, and two agency proxies that measure separation of ownership and control, namely, the proportion of nonfamily management in the firm, and the proportion of nonfamily representation on the board of directors. The paper also considers the association between internal and external auditing.

Descriptive results on voluntary demand for auditing by 186 family businesses revealed that internal audit was more prevalent than external audit, and outsourcing was a common method for providing internal audit. Results from logistic regression analyses provide support for the hypothesized impact of the two agency proxies and firm debt on demand for external audit, but do not explain the demand for internal audit. For firms that voluntarily engaged an auditor (internal and/or external audit), the negative and significant correlation between internal and external audit suggest that in the family business environment they are more commonly viewed as substitute rather than complementary responses.
Assurance on Sustainability Reporting: An Auditor's View
Authors: Wallage Philip
Published: December 2008

This article discusses initial experiences with a new assurance service: the verification of sustainability reports providing assertions regarding financial, environmental, and social issues. For illustration purposes, references to the verification of The Shell Report 2000 are made. Because of the new content and format of sustainability reports, established standards for reporting and verification are not yet available. Therefore, applying specifically developed criteria is inevitable.

In this article, examples and characteristics of criteria that are needed to evaluate management assertions regarding sustainability are described. Furthermore, verification procedures that can be used and the content and design of a conclusion on a sustainabilty audit are described. It can be concluded that the verification of sustainability reports is a very challenging assurance service for financial auditors. Academics should be challenged as well, because of the need for further research in this area.
Why Do Auditors Over-Rely on Weak Analytical Procedures? The Role of Outcome and Precision
Authors: Glover Steven M. , Prawitt Douglas F. , Wilks T. Jeffrey
Published: December 2008

Recent evidence from highly publicized frauds and from the Public Oversight Board's Panel on Audit Effectiveness (2000) indicates that auditors sometimes over-rely on evidence provided by weak substantive analytical procedures. In Experiment 1 we examine whether auditors' assessments of evidence quality are affected by a “favorable outcome” bias, manifested when an analytical procedure indicates that the balance under examination is fairly stated. In Experiment 2 we examine whether an explicit ex ante prompt can activate knowledge that will sensitize auditors to the weaknesses of an unreliable substantive analytical procedure.

The first experiment provides evidence that auditors attribute more strength to a weak, aggregate-level analytical procedure that produces an expectation that is not significantly different from the unaudited numbers (i.e., a “favorable” outcome), than to the same analytical procedure that produces an expectation that is significantly different from the unaudited numbers. Further, auditors in the “favorable outcome” condition adjust their initial assessments down to a level very similar to that of auditors in the “unfavorable outcome” condition after seeing a more precise analytical procedure, while auditors in the unfavorable outcome condition do not change from their initial assessment after seeing the more precise procedure. Taken together, our results suggest that when a low-quality analytical procedure yields no significant difference, auditors tend to overestimate the strength of the evidence provided. Results from the second experiment indicate that the explicit consideration of potential weaknesses associated with the highly aggregated analytical procedure reduces auditors' assessments of the strength of evidence obtained from the aggregate procedure. Subjects' explanations suggest that the prompt activated their knowledge of the factors contributing to the quality of the analytical procedure.
Structural and magnetic characterisation of the perovskite oxides La0.7Ca0.3−x
NaxMnO3
Authors: Tozri Anowar , Bejar Moez , Dhahri Essebti , Hlil EL
Published: December 2008

X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and magnetic measurements were performed in order to investigate the effect of Na+ ion substitution for Ca2+ ions on the crystallographic structure, the character of magnetic ordering, and the effect of transition temperature in La0.7Ca0.3−x
NaxMnO3 manganites series (0 ⩽ × ⩽ 0.2). All samples crystallise in an orthorhombic structure with the Pnma space group. We have found a strong dependence of structural and magnetic properties on the cation-size disorder parameter σ
2. The temperature dependence of magnetization of all samples obeys the Bloch T
3/2 law. The values of the spin wave constant at low temperature B increase with the increase of x and the Curie temperature decreases. It is concluded that the substitution of Ca by Na+ ions causes a decrease in total exchange integral Aof the samples.
Combustion synthesis and luminescent properties of green-emitting phosphor (Sr, Zn) Al2O4: Eu2+, B3+ for white light emitting diodes (WLED)
Authors: Yao Shan-Shan , Li Yuan-Yuan , Chen Dong-Hua , Tang Wan-Jun , Peng Yu-Hua
Published: December 2008

In this study, the phosphors (Sr1−x
, Znx)0.9(Al2−y
, By)O4 doped 10 mol % Eu2+, were prepared by combustion method as the fluorescent material for white light emitting diodes (WLEDs), performing as a light source. The luminescent properties were investigated by changing the combustion temperature, the boron concentration, and the ratio of Sr to Zn. The luminescence, crystallinity and particle morphology were investigated by using a luminescence spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The highest intensity of Sr0.9(Al2−y
, By)O4: Eu0.12+ phosphor was achieved when the combustion temperature was 600° and the concentration of B3+ was 8 mol % of the aluminate. A new blue emission was observed when the high Zn concentration (x ⩾ 0.8), and this blue emission disappeared with the Zn concentration became lower than 0.8. The combustion method synthesized phosphor (Sr0.6, Zn0.4)0.9(Al1.92, B0.08)O4: Eu0.12+ showed 3.3 times improved emission intensity compared with that of the Sr0.9(Al1.92, B0.08)O4:Eu0.12+ phosphor under λex = 390 nm.
Role of Carboxyl Groups in the Secondary Structure and Function of Sturgeon Gonadotropin
Authors: Zenkevičs Henriks , Vosekalna Ilze , Vose Vija
Published: December 2008

Role of Carboxyl Groups in the Secondary Structure and Function of Sturgeon Gonadotropin

Free negatively charged carboxyl groups were selectively modified (neutralised) in sturgeon (Acipenser güldenstädti Br.) gonadotropic hormone (GTH) α and β subunits. Eleven free carboxyl groups, three in the α and eight in the β subunit, were neutralised by reaction with glycine ethyl ester. Investigation of reassociated α-β dimers (recombinants) comprising one or both modified subunits showed that specific hormonal activity was completely lost while immunoreactivity was lowered in comparison with that of the standard α-β dimer. CD-spectroscopy of the modified subunits did not indicate any considerable changes in their spatial structure. A conclusion was made that free COOH groups of GTH were important as bearers of the negative charge necessary for the hormone activity on the level of the hormone-specific membrane receptors.
Implementation of Trophic Status Index in Brackish Water Quality Assessment of Baltic Coastal Waters
Authors: Boikova Elmīra , Botva Uldis , Līcīte Vita
Published: December 2008

Implementation of Trophic Status Index in Brackish Water Quality Assessment of Baltic Coastal Waters

The assessment of the trophic state of marine coastal waters is one of the leading initiatives declared in the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed ecosystem which consists of subregions with wide salinity and seasonality gradients. Anthropogenic impact results in eutrophication processes on different scales. Efficient eutrophication control and environmental management in the Baltic Sea, according to WFD, requires a prerequisite of common and sensitive indicators for the European coastal waters including the Baltic Sea. In this article the Trophic Status Index TRIX, recently succcesfully implemented in Mediterranean and Northern European sea coastal waters as a holistic approach indicator, was implemented for the Gulf of Rīga and Latvian Baltic Sea coastal water quality assessment between 1999 and 2005.
Anaesthesiological Maintenance of Patients with Obesity
Authors: Vyzhigina Margarita , Titov Viktor , Zhukova Svetlana , Kurilova Oksana
Published: December 2008

Anaesthesiological Maintenance of Patients with Obesity

Pathophysiological features of morbid obesity and the associated functional-anatomical changes in an organism demand the special approach to anaesthesiological maintenance. Methods of anaesthesiological protection and maintenance of effective gas exchange in morbide obesity patients have been proved. Anaesthesias for 110 patients have been analysed. Multicomponent anesthesia with traditional and combined artificial lung ventilation (ALV) (IPPV+HFJV) (intermittent positive pressure ventilation and high frequency jet ventilation) was used. Since 2000, morbid obesity patients receive intubation only with fibrobronchoscope with self breathing under local anesthesia. In IPPV for morbid obesity patients high peak pressure in airways, low V/Q, and low PaO2 occurs. Technology of combined ALV (IPPV+HFJV) has led to pressure decrease in airways and to effective arterial oxygenation improvement, intrapulmonary shunt has decreased. Retrospective analysis of anesthesia components revealed that the applied anaesthetic doses correspond to calculations on ideal body weight, and not true weight. Thus, anaesthesiological maintenance of operated patients with morbid obesity requires trachea intubation with fibroscope under local anaesthesia with self-breathing; high efficiency of ALV methods, allowing lower pressure in airways and high oxygenation (IPPV+HFJV), which provides effective gas exchange; doses correction of intravenous anaesthetics for due body weight is required.
Top of Line Pipeline Corrosion Management Through Innovate Subsea Facility Design
Authors: Douglas Benjamin , Pugh Dylan , Monahan Craig C. , Russ Paul R.
Published: December 2008

The Kipper gas field (~0.7 Tcf gross) in the Gippsland Basin, Australia is being developed by subsidiaries of ExxonMobil (32.5% & Operator), BHP Billiton (32.5%) and Santos (35%) utilising a subsea well and pipeline tieback. The facilities design required close attention to the process, materials and corrosion design challenges associated with handling water-saturated raw gas streams containing up to 12% CO2 and low levels of H2S. These challenges have been met through an integrated approach to address top of line corrosion (TOLC) risks.

A Corrosion Resistant Alloy (CRA) Subsea Cooler was developed by leveraging proprietary tools and local industry experience. The Subsea Cooler is designed to reduce the raw gas temperature and condense bulk water vapour, reducing the TOLC potential before entry to the Carbon Steel (CS) pipeline. This enables use of inhibited CS for the 18 km Kipper subsea tie-back, minimising use of CRA and overall cost. This hybrid solution offers another option for increasingly complex flow assurance challenges to support Subsea developments in the face of increasing materials cost pressures.

The 350mm diameter pipeline is configured in a piggable loop configuration for inspection and batch pigging to support corrosion control and monitoring. The configuration also enhances operability over the life of the depletion drive reservoir, while providing hydraulic capacity equivalent to a single 450mm diameter line.

This design addresses the challenges of providing robust corrosion control while minimising the use of expensive CRA materials. Challenges encountered included: •Maturity of TOLC theoretical models in presence of H2S•Limited industry capability for testing effectiveness of inhibited TOLC systems•Industry accepted materials selection parameters•Non-standard heat transfer application
Reservoir Static Connectivity and Heterogeneity Analysis (RCHA) and the Impact on Flow Behavior
Authors: Tang Hong , Liu Ning
Published: December 2008

Based on previous studies, multiple SCH parameters are used to quantify reservoir performance. Static connectivity is quantified by fraction of connected pore volume between wells. Static heterogeneity is defined by Dykstra-Parson Coefficient, Lorenz Coefficient weighted by cell volume. Two-phase streamline simulation is used to exam the dynamic performances and validate the SCH analysis.

The impact of static modeling parameters on flow responses is studied. Geological factors include net-to-gross (NTG), interbed connectivity, intrabed heterogeneity, and reservoir log cutoff. Intrabed heterogeneity is usually misrepresented due to maximum entropy assumption, stationary assumption of geostatistics and upscaling. The intrabed heterogeneity is modeled by Vdp based permeability multiplier. The flow responses of these modeling factors are examined by a D-optimal design. The study is applied to a shallow marine reservoir in the South Africa. The study indicates that SCH study is particularly useful for green field with high heterogeneity and low NTG.

Probably, due to complex flow geometry and interwell connectivity, single static parameter is not good enough to be a satisfying proxy for dynamic response. However, a simple stepwise regression successfully generates a robust static proxy for cumulative oil production total. The SCH study provides a quantitative estimation of uncertainty of reservoir ultimate recovery distribution. The permeability intralayer heterogeneity is sensitive to the recovery factor. At early stage of reservoir development, the quick SCH analysis help geologists rank the reservoir models upfront and save the model cycling time. Furthermore, these methods can be used for infill drilling design and production forecasting.

Introduction

Geostatistical models are built to simulate the fluid flow and capture the uncertainty range of flow responses. Current common practice is to ranks geological models based on hydrocarbon in place (HCIP). The rank is served as a proxy of the reserve or recoverable hydrocarbon. However, studies showed the HCIP may not be a good proxy for reserve. Larue and Legarre (2004) stated the reservoir connectivity may change the recovery dramatically if the gross NTG is smaller than 30%. Results obtained demonstrate that the rank of OIP is very different from rank of recoverable oil. Jennings et al. (2007), Li and White. (2003) concluded the reservoir heterogeneity and flow baffles significantly change the flow recovery. In addition, The visually complicated geological models may not be significantly different in terms of flow responses(Jian et al. (2000)). Model and quantify the reservoir connectivity/heterogeneity upfront and select representative static models for simulation is critical for successful field development plan and better business decision.
Congenital dermoid tumor in a child at initial myelomeningocele closure: an etiological discussion
Authors: Ramos Edwin , Marlin Arthur E. , Gaskill Sarah J.
Published: December 2008

The authors report on a case of a full-term infant with lumbar myelomeningocele who was found to have an intramedullary mass at the time of surgical repair of the defect. The intramedullary mass was consistent with a dermoid tumor both macroscopically and microscopically. This case provides evidence that dermoid tumors occurring at the site of previous surgical myelomeningocele repair are not always a consequence of incomplete excision of the dermal elements.
Alfred Russel Wallace, journalist
Authors: SMITH CHARLES H.
Published: December 2008

To date little attention has been paid to how Alfred Russel Wallace's skill as a writer helped advance his career. Here, a small discovery is reported which contributes to such an understanding: Wallace apparently had a standing arrangement with a London magazine to provide eyes-in-the-field reports when he set out for Singapore in early 1854.
Correspondence of Charles Darwin on James Torbitt's project to breed blight-resistant potatoes
Authors: DEARCE M.
Published: December 2008

The most prolific of Darwin's correspondents from Ireland was James Torbitt, an enterprising grocer and wine merchant of 58 North Street, Belfast. Between February 1876 and March 1882, 141 letters were exchanged on the feasibility and ways of supporting one of Torbitt's commercial projects, the large-scale production and distribution of true potato seeds (Solan um tuberosum) to produce plants resistant to the late blight fungus Phytophthora infestans, the cause of repeated potato crop failures and thus the Irish famines in the nineteenth century. Ninety-three of these letters were exchanged between Torbitt and Darwin, and 48 between Darwin and third parties, seeking or offering help and advice on the project. Torbitt's project required selecting the small proportion of plants in an infested field that survived the infection, and using those as parents to produce seeds. This was a direct application of Darwin's principle of selection. Darwin cautiously lobbied high-ranking civil servants in London to obtain government funding for the project, and also provided his own personal financial support to Torbitt.
Food Intakes by Preschool Children in Flanders Compared with Dietary Guidelines
Authors: Huybrechts Inge , Matthys Christophe , Vereecken Carine , Maes Lea , Temme Elisabeth  HM , Van Oyen Herman , De Backer Guy , De Henauw Stefaan
Published: December 2008

The objective of this study was to compare food group intakes among preschool children with food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) and to determine the proportion of children meeting these guidelines. Food consumption of preschool children (2.5-6.5 years) living in Flanders (Belgium) were assessed in a cross-sectional study, using proxy reported 3d estimated dietary records (EDR) (n 696). Statistical modelling was used to account for within-individual variation in the 3d EDR. Mean daily intakes of most food groups (beverages, vegetables, fruit and milk) were below the minimum recommendations. Only ‘grains and potatoes’ and ‘meat products’ were in line with the recommendations and ‘bread and cereals’ showed borderline intakes. Mean intakes of energy-dense and low-nutritious foods, which are discouraged within a healthy diet (like snacks and sugared drinks), were high. Furthermore, the percentage of children complying with the different food-based dietary guidelines was for most food groups extremely low (ranging from approximately 4% for fluid and vegetable intakes up to 99% for potato intakes). Boys had in general higher mean intakes of the recommended food groups. In conclusion, preschool children in Flanders follow eating patterns that do not meet Flemish FBDG. Although the impact of these eating habits on preschooler’s current and future health should be further investigated, it is clear that nutrition education and intervention are needed among preschool children and their parents in Flanders.
An Annual Plant Growth Proxy in the Mojave Desert Using MODIS-EVI Data
Authors: Wallace Cynthia S.A. , Thomas Kathryn A.
Published: December 2008

In the arid Mojave Desert, the phenological response of vegetation is largely dependent upon the timing and amount of rainfall, and maps of annual plant cover at any one point in time can vary widely. Our study developed relative annual plant growth models as proxies for annual plant cover using metrics that captured phenological variability in Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) satellite images. We used landscape phenologies revealed in MODIS data together with ecological knowledge of annual plant seasonality to develop a suite of metrics to describe annual growth on a yearly basis. Each of these metrics was applied to temporally-composited MODIS-EVI images to develop a relative model of annual growth. Each model was evaluated by testing how well it predicted field estimates of annual cover collected during 2003 and 2005 at the Mojave National Preserve. The best performing metric was the spring difference metric, which compared the average of three spring MODIS-EVI composites of a given year to that of 2002, a year of record drought. The spring difference metric showed correlations with annual plant cover of R2 = 0.61 for 2005 and R2 = 0.47 for 2003. Although the correlation is moderate, we consider it supportive given the characteristics of the field data, which were collected for a different study in a localized area and are not ideal for calibration to MODIS pixels. A proxy for annual growth potential was developed from the spring difference metric of 2005 for use as an environmental data layer in desert tortoise habitat modeling. The application of the spring difference metric to other imagery years presents potential for other applications such as fuels, invasive species, and dust-emission monitoring in the Mojave Desert.
A Passive Wireless Temperature Sensor for Harsh Environment Applications
Authors: Wang Ya , Jia Yi , Chen Qiushui , Wang Yanyun
Published: December 2008

High temperature sensors capable of operating in harsh environments are needed in order to prevent disasters caused by structural or system functional failures due to increasing temperatures. Most existing temperature sensors do not satisfy the needs because they require either physical contact or a battery power supply for signal communication, and furthermore, neither of them can withstand high temperatures nor rotating applications. This paper presents a novel passive wireless temperature sensor, suitable for working in harsh environments for high temperature rotating component monitoring. A completely passive LC resonant telemetry scheme, relying on a frequency variation output, which has been applied successfully in pressure, humidity and chemical measurement, is integrated with a unique high-k temperature sensitive ceramic material, in order to measure the temperatures without contacts, active elements, or power supplies within the sensor. In this paper, the high temperature sensor design and performance analysis are conducted based on mechanical and electrical modeling, in order to maximize the sensing distance, the Q factor and the sensitivity. In the end, the sensor prototype is fabricated and calibrated successfully up to 235ºC, so that the concept of temperature sensing through passive wireless communication is proved.
Spectral and Spatial-Based Classification for Broad-Scale Land Cover Mapping Based on Logistic Regression
Authors: Mallinis Georgios , Koutsias Nikos
Published: December 2008

Improvement of satellite sensor characteristics motivates the development of new techniques for satellite image classification. Spatial information seems to be critical in classification processes, especially for heterogeneous and complex landscapes such as those observed in the Mediterranean basin. In our study, a spectral classification method of a LANDSAT-5 TM imagery that uses several binomial logistic regression models was developed, evaluated and compared to the familiar parametric maximum likelihood algorithm. The classification approach based on logistic regression modelling was extended to a contextual one by using autocovariates to consider spatial dependencies of every pixel with its neighbours. Finally, the maximum likelihood algorithm was upgraded to contextual by considering typicality, a measure which indicates the strength of class membership. The use of logistic regression for broad-scale land cover classification presented higher overall accuracy (75.61%), although not statistically significant, than the maximum likelihood algorithm (64.23%), even when the latter was refined following a spatial approach based on Mahalanobis distance (66.67%). However, the consideration of the spatial autocovariate in the logistic models significantly improved the fit of the models and increased the overall accuracy from 75.61% to 80.49%.