bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of elastic stiffness coefficients of an orthorhombic physical model using group velocity analysis on transmission data
Authors: Mahmoudian Faranak , Margrave G. F. , Daley P. F. , Wong J. , Henley D. C.
Published: December 2013

We acquired 3C ultrasonic transmission seismograms, measured group velocities associated with the three quasi-body wave types, and determined density-normalized stiffness coefficients ([Formula: see text]) over an orthorhombic physical (laboratory) model. The estimation of [Formula: see text] is based on an approximate relationship between the nine orthorhombic [Formula: see text] and group velocities. Estimation of the anisotropic [Formula: see text] is usually done using phase velocities with well-known formulas expressing their theoretical dependence on [Formula: see text]. However, on time-domain seismograms, arrivals are observed traveling with group velocities. Group velocity measurements are found to be straightforward, reasonably accurate, and independent of the size of the transducers used. In contrast, the accuracy of phase velocities derived from the [Formula: see text] transform analysis was found to be very sensitive to small differences in picked arrival times and to transducer size. Theoretical phase and group velocities, calculated in a forward manner from the [Formula: see text] estimates, agreed with the originally measured phase and group velocities, respectively. This agreement confirms that it is valid to use easily measured group velocities with their approximate theoretical relationship to the [Formula: see text] to determine the full stiffness matrix. Compared to the phase-velocity procedure, the technique involving group velocities is much less prone to error due to time-picking uncertainties, and therefore is more suitable for analyzing physical model seismic data.
A Statue to Nasser? Eurafrica, the Colonial Roots of European Integration, and the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize
Authors: Hansen Peo , Jonsson Stefan
Published: December 2013

In response to a widespread idea of the European Union as a “peace project,” an idea disseminated especially after the EU received the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize, this essay retrieves some of the historical causes of the foundation of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957. The essay emphasizes specific geopolitical and colonial incentives that had lain behind the European integration project ever since the pan-European blueprints the interwar period and which became critical with the Suez crisis and decolonization movements of the 1950s. As the essay demonstrates, practically all of the visions, movements, and concrete institutional arrangements working toward European integration during this period placed Africa’s incorporation into the European enterprise as a central objective. As much of the scholarly, political, and journalistic accounts at the time testify, European integration was inextricably bound up with a Eurafrican project. According to the intellectual, political, and institutional discourse on Eurafrica, a future European community presupposed the transformation of the strictly national colonial projects into a joint European colonization of Africa. Strong evidence suggests that these ideas were instrumental in the actual diplomatic and political constitution of the EEC, or of Europe as a political subject, in 1957. The essay discusses why the EU’s colonial origins have been consigned to oblivion in mainstream research and why this history is of continued concern to the world.
The Barbary Pirates
Authors: Murphy Martin N.
Published: December 2013

This essay describes the piracy that took place in the Mediterranean from the time of ancient Greece to Barbary. It explains the corso, the sea war between nonstate but state-endorsed Christian and Muslim parties, with reference to the Knights of Malta and, more extensively, the Barbary corsairs. Although the essay focuses primarily on history, it also draws some conclusions about piracy and the international system today. The essay notes a prevailing assumption that contemporary piracy off Somalia and that perpetrated by the Barbary pirates is similar, but it further notes that any similarities are slight and superficial. At the same time, similarities rooted in economic, social, and political change do exist between all outbreaks of depredation at sea and the responses to them.
Us-Turkish Relations: In Search of a New Paradigm
Authors: Ustun Kadir , Kanat Kilic Bugra
Published: December 2013

US-Turkish relations are in the best shape of recent memory. President Barack Obama’s first official overseas visit (in 2009) was meant to start a new type of relationship with Turkey, dubbed the “model partnership,” but the bilateral relations received particular attention in the wake of two major diplomatic crises in 2010: a flotilla incident—when the ship the Mavi Marmara, owned by a Turkish nonprofit organization, was boarded by the Israeli military while on the way to Gaza with aid—and Turkey’s “no” vote at the UN Security Council on sanctions against Iran. Both of these crises had to do with regional issues of vital importance for both the United States and Turkey. The Arab Spring that began in late 2010, however, created a new dynamic that rendered cooperation between the two countries critical.
The hydrodynamics of hovering in Antarctic krill
Authors: Murphy David W. , Webster Donald R. , Yen Jeannette
Published: December 2013

Lay Abstract

Antarctic krill, one of the most important species of the Southern Ocean ecosystem, are denser than water and must swim continuously to avoid sinking. They swim by beating their five pairs of swimming legs in a sequential pattern from back to front. Hovering by continuous swimming is costly in energy, and we hypothesize that the observed sequential stroking pattern provides an efficient means for krill to remain in the water column. Our goal was to measure the flow around a swimming Antarctic krill to understand the swimming mode and the induced water motion. We used four high‐speed cameras filming at 400 frames per second to measure the three‐dimensional flow produced by a krill hovering in an aquarium, allowing us to estimate the energy required. An additional estimate was made based on a theoretical model that is usually applied to helicopter hovering. The detailed velocity measurements provided information about the flow induced by the motion of the individual legs and the added benefit of the leg moving into water that was already flowing due to the motion of the previous leg. The water motion underneath the krill appeared as a time‐varying jet consistent with that observed for other multilegged swimming animals that use the sequential stroking pattern. This suggested that Antarctic krill are operating in a similar regime of high energy efficiency.
Telomerase-mediated telomere elongation from human blastocysts to embryonic stem cells
Authors: Zeng Sicong , Liu Lvjun , Sun Yi , Xie Pingyuan , Hu Liang , Yuan Ding , Chen Dehua , Ouyang Qi , Lin Ge , Lu Guangxiu
Published: December 2013

High telomerase activity is a characteristic of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), however the regulation and maintenance of correct telomere length in hESCs is unclear. In this study we investigated telomere elongation in hESCs in vitro and found that telomeres lengthened from derivation in blastocysts through early expansion, but telomere length stabilized at later passages. We report that the core unit of telomerase, hTERT, was highly expressed in hESCs in blastocysts and throughout long-term culture; furthermore, this was regulated in a Wnt–β-catenin signaling dependent manner. Our observations that the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway was suppressed in hESCs and that hTERT knockdown partially inhibited telomere elongation, demonstrated that high telomerase activity was required for telomere elongation. We observed that chromatin modification through trimethylation of H3K9 and H4K20 at telomeric regions decreased during early culture. This was concurrent with telomere elongation, suggesting that epigenetic regulation of telomeric chromatin may influence telomerase function. By measuring telomere length in 96 hESC lines, we were able to establish that telomere length remained relatively stable at 12.02±1.01 kb during later passages (15–95). In contrast, hESCs with genomic instability and hESC-derived teratomas displayed variations in telomere length. In summary, we propose that correct, stable telomere length may serve as a potential biomarker for genetically stable hESCs.
Mathematical and Quantitative Methods: Jane Austen, Game Theorist
Authors: Vohra Rakesh V.
Published: December 2013

Rakesh V. Vohra of University of Pennsylvania reviews, “Jane Austen, Game Theorist” by Michael Suk-Young Chwe. The Econlit abstract of this book begins: “Explores the ways in which the core ideas of game theory appear in Jane Austen's novels. Discusses the argument; game theory in context; folk tales and human rights; game theory in Flossie and the Fox; Austen's six novels; Austen's foundations of game theory; Austen's competing models; Austen on what strategic thinking is not; Austen's innovations; Austen on strategic thinking's disadvantages; Austen's intentions; Austen on cluelessness; and real-world cluelessness. Chwe is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles.”
COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF A COMPANY
Authors: Шеремет Анатолий , Shyeryemyet Anatoliy
Published: December 2013

This article presents the system of economic indicators as

the basis of the comprehensive economic managerial analysis in the

market economy. The author deals with the performance indicators

of economic activity and suggests original methods of its complex

evaluation.
INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT IN MODERNIZATION SYSTEM OF RUSSIAN ECONOMY
Authors: Дунаев Олег , Dunayev Olyeg
Published: December 2013

Based on analysis of the modern economy, the article discovers key external challenges that make innovative development of the Russian economy the key element for modernization of the country. It defines systemic institutional factors that safeguard the innovative economic growth and specifically form a model to innovatively manage the growth of modernization subjects' competitiveness. The author formulates the notion of innovative/ entrepreneurial management and key values for an innovative organization, such as: strategy guaranteeing a temporary monopolistic rent; strategic control; organizational capital and the integrated structure of its components, sustainable financing sources.
PECULIARITY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PRACTICAL USING OF FUNCTION-COST ANALYSIS, MODEL-BUILDING AT ENTERPRISES
Authors: Рыжова Валентина , Ryzhova Valentina
Published: December 2013

The article represents significance of practical using of

function-cost analysis as a method of increasing of competitiveness

of investigating object. Unlike traditional methods and approach

FCA has its principals being universal and effective. Ways of its improving

are determined.
ENTERPRISE PROPERTY COMPLEX PROFIT POTENCIAL HARMONIZATION FROM THE POSITION OF VALUE ANALYSIS THEORY
Authors: Ковалев Анатолий , Kovalyev Anatoliy
Published: December 2013

The article suggests to use the profit potencial conception,

well known from the value appraisal theory, at base value appraisal

by profitable approach. Discount net profit method allows to determine

enterprise property complex value as a whole. Farther from

the find property complex value singles out base value by the method

of residues. It is shown that the value result is adequate only when

there is a harmonicity or correspondence by profit potencial between

the base and building in which the base is exploited.
MANAGEMENT OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY OF A COMPANY IN NONEQUILIBRIUM CONDITIONS
Authors: Анискин Юрий , Aniskin Yuriy
Published: December 2013

Primary regulations of management of business activity in nonequilibrium conditions on a basis of maintenance of economical proportions according to the criterion of finance stability are considered in this article.
REEQUIPPING MECHANISM FOR THE SMALL AND MIDDLE MACHINE BUILDING FACTORIES WITH USING OF FINANCIAL LEASING
Authors: Тихонов Геннадий , Tikhonov Gennadiy
Published: December 2013

The technique for evaluation of financial state of small and middle enterprises is described in order to support their reequipping by means of financial leasing. The author offers to evaluate not only particular financial indices of enterprises relatively on the low limits recommended, but also a summary index, and ranking them in accordance with the index. This leasing method will allow to increase the effectiveness of lease agreement and to enlarge conditions for reequipping of small and middle machine building enterprises.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CLASSICAL SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL LAW
Authors: Рожнов Артемий , Rozhnov Artemiy , Баумштейн Антон , Baumshteyn Anton
Published: December 2013

The article gives the periods of formation and development of the classical school of criminal law. It presents the views of Montesquieu, Voltaire, Cesare Beccaria, Kant, Hegel, etc.
APPLICATION THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES PRINCIPLE OF SOCIAL STATE
Authors: Сафонов Владимир , Safonov Vladimir
Published: December 2013

The article reveals the problem of applying the principle of the social state in the practice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Book Review—On The Customer Service Solution: Managing Emotions, Trust, and Control to Win Your Customer's Business
Authors: Breidbach Christoph F.
Published: December 2013

I review the book The Customer Service Solution: Managing Emotions, Trust, and Control to Win Your Customer's Business by Sriram Dasu and Richard B. Chase (ISBN 978-0-07-180993-1, Copyright © 2013).
Forecasting the Demand for Electric Vehicles: Accounting for Attitudes and Perceptions
Authors: Glerum Aurélie , Stankovikj Lidija , Thémans Michaël , Bierlaire Michel
Published: December 2013

In the context of the arrival of electric vehicles on the car market, new mathematical models are needed to understand and predict the impact on the market shares. This research provides a comprehensive methodology to forecast the demand of a technology that is not widespread yet, such as electric cars. It aims at providing contributions regarding three issues related to the prediction of the demand for electric vehicles: survey design, model estimation, and forecasting. We develop a stated preferences (SP) survey with personalized choice situations involving standard gasoline/diesel cars and electric cars. We specify a hybrid choice model accounting for attitudes toward leasing contracts or practical aspects of a car in the decision-making process. A forecasting analysis based on the collected SP data and additional market information is performed to evaluate the future demand for electric cars.
Screening the future: Ground/figure relations and media inheritance in WALL-E
Authors: Taylor Norman
Published: December 2013

Marshall McLuhan’s deployment of figure and ground to explain media relations has been complicated by new technologies that open the control and flow of information to general users. This renders contingent the reading of context and content as users familiarize themselves with new forms. At such times, according to McLuhan, creative works may aid adjustments in perspective. Gilles Deleuze argues, for example, that the moving image inherited an essence from the traditional arts but had to adjust the gaze of users to a new logic of display. One way this was done was through framing a screen as a figure in the text of a moving picture scenario. In this way early film characterized how (and how not) to gaze at the screen itself and later, techniques of production were devised to sustain a seamless immersion in the ground of screen entertainments. By presenting technology as a narrative figure (a robot) that gains understanding of human behaviour through screens, the feature animation, WALL-E (Stanton, 2008), offers an opportunity to interrogate the shifting boundaries of human and digital cultures, suggesting the need for McLuhanite adjustment of Deleuzian claims about technological inheritance.
Eighteenth-century mapping of Cape Breton Island
Authors: MacLeod Erna
Published: December 2013

This article examines historic changes occurring in Europe related to printing and cartography as they played out on Cape Breton Island during the eighteenth century. The research explores Cape Breton maps as one example of the reciprocal relationship between technologies, ideas and natural environments. The advent of print engendered a transformation in human thought that elevated rational, scientific ways of knowing. Technology and ideology worked hand in hand to reshape the world through the use of increasingly accurate maps to explore and exploit new territory. The gradual shift from imaginative to increasingly accurate cartographic representations reveals the blending and balancing of artistic and scientific sensibilities in Europe and the New World. Advances in Europeans’ ability to more accurately map trade routes led to expanded knowledge about the world, particularly about peripheral regions with strategic or commercial potential. Cape Breton maps illustrate changes occurring in Europe and intimate the global consequences of those changes. Cape Breton’s geographic positioning and abundant cod stocks made the island important to both France and England. Cape Breton maps evolved through an exchange of ideas occurring in both Europe and the New World, particularly at Louisbourg because of its pivotal role as a centre for trade and military activity in the Anglo-French competition for control of North America.
Who defines “local”? Resistance to harmonizing standards in ethical markets
Authors: McCaffrey Sara Jane , Kurland Nancy
Published: December 2013

Standards for “ethical” goods provide activists and mission-driven producers with opportunities to clarify decisions for so-called “ethical consumers” and spur growth in these new markets. But certification schemes also raise monitoring challenges, and may confuse consumers and create opportunities for cooptation by large corporate competitors. In this interview-based study, we examined the localism movement to understand why social movement leaders might resist harmonization of standards. We find that leaders define “local” in at least five ways, and argue that they resist harmonization of local for pragmatic, philosophical, and strategic reasons. We conclude that tolerance for multiple standards could be beneficial for core activists in market-oriented social movements. If and when these groups turn more systematically to the political system, maintaining loose and multiple standards may impede policy success. The “buy local” case suggests, however, that as long as the market remains activists’ primary mechanism for social change, decentralized governance and multiple standards in ethical markets allow activists to maintain a powerful voice in defining ethical products and business practices.
Low bone mineral density is related to high physiological levels of free thyroxine in peri-menopausal women
Authors: van Rijn L E , Pop V J , Williams G R
Published: December 2013

Objective

To determine whether thyroid hormone (free thyroxine (fT4)) rather than TSH is directly related to bone mineral density (BMD).

Design

Cross-sectional population cohort study of peri-menopausal women.

Methods

Of a sample of 6846 peri-menopausal Dutch women who participated in an osteoporosis-screening programme, a cohort of 2584 was randomly selected for the assessment of thyroid function (TSH, fT4and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Abs)). TPO-Ab-positive women, with a previous history of thyroid dysfunction, overt thyroid disease, subclinical hypothyroidism, osteoporosis or bilateral oophorectomy and those receiving thyroid hormone or hormone replacement therapy were excluded. Of 1477 eligible women, 1426 had TSH and fT4within the reference range and 51 had low or undetectable serum TSH. BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and low BMD was defined as <0.937 g/cm2.

Results

The mean BMD in the 51 women with low or undetectable serum TSH was 0.984 g/cm2compared with 1.001 g/cm2in the remaining 1426 (t=0.94,P=0.35); 33% of women with low or undetectable serum TSH had low BMD compared with 34% in 1426 euthyroid women. High fT4but not low TSH in euthyroid women was related to low BMD by multiple logistic regression corrected for age, BMI and smoking (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.02–1.69).

Conclusions

Higher fT4levels within the normal reference range but not low or undetectable serum TSH were independently related to decreased BMD at lumbar spine in peri-menopausal women.
Development of a novel immunoperoxidase monolayer assay for detection of swine Hepatitis E virus antibodies based on stable cell lines expressing the ORF3 protein
Authors: Liang Huanbin , Wang Heng , Zhang Liangquan , Gu Honglang , Zhang Guihong
Published: December 2013

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) strains are classified into 4 genotypes by nucleotide sequencing. Genotypes 3 and 4 infect humans and animals via HEV-contaminated food or water. HEV RNA was detected by PCR and antibodies were detected by ELISA. Since human studies showed that HEV IgG antibodies in sera can persist for extended periods, diagnosis of HEV infection in swine or humans is mainly based on serological detection using commercial ELISA kits. However, there is no supplemental method to verify ELISA results. Hence, we developed a novel method used for mutual correction of these common processes. Here, a modified stable HepG2 cell line was transfected with pcDNA3.1-ORF3 to express the swine HEV ORF3 protein. Based on this cell line, a novel immunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA) was developed to detect antibodies against HEV. The results show that this method has good specificity, sensitivity and repeatability. When used to investigate 141 porcine serum samples, the IPMA had a coincidence rate of 92.2% with a commercial ELISA kit. The established IPMA described herein is valuable as a supplemental method to ELISA and can differentiate infections by HEV and other viruses.
Prediction of sepsis-related outcomes in neonates through systematic genotyping of polymorphisms in genes for innate immunity and inflammation: a narrative review and critical perspective
Authors: Carvalho Juliana Kilesse , Moore Daniella Batalha , Luz Ricardo Alves , Xavier-Elsas Pedro Paulo , Gaspar-Elsas Maria Ignez Capella
Published: December 2013

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Neonatal sepsis is associated with premature birth and maternal infection. Large-scale studies seek to define markers that identify neonates at risk of developing sepsis. Here, we examine whether the scientific evidence supports systematic use of polymorphism genotyping in cytokine and innate immunity genes, to identify neonates at increased risk of sepsis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Narrative literature review conducted at Fernandes Figueira Institute, Brazil. METHODS: The literature was searched in PubMed, Embase (Excerpta Medica Database), Lilacs (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and Cochrane Library. From > 400,000 references, 548 were retrieved based on inclusion/exclusion criteria; 22 were selected for detailed analysis after quality assessment. RESULTS: The studies retrieved addressed the impact of gene polymorphisms relating to immune mechanisms (most often TNF-a, LT-a, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-1ra, L-selectin, CD14 and MBL) or inflammatory mechanisms (ACE and angiotensin II receptors; secretory PLA2; and hemostatic factors). Despite initial reports suggesting positive associations between specific polymorphisms and increased risk of sepsis, the accumulated evidence has not confirmed that any of them have predictive power to justify systematic genotyping. CONCLUSIONS: Sepsis prediction through systematic genotyping needs to be reevaluated, based on studies that demonstrate the functional impact of gene polymorphisms and epidemiological differences among ethnically distinct populations.
Acolhimento e Vínculo em um Serviço de Assistência a Portadores de Transtornos Alimentares
Authors: Ramos Tatiane Mitleton Borges , Pedrão Luiz Jorge
Published: December 2013

Acolhimento e vínculo são dispositivos técnicos e políticos que visam a garantir uma assistência qualificada em saúde. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o acolhimento e o vínculo entre profissionais e usuários de um serviço de assistência multidisciplinar para pessoas diagnosticadas com transtornos alimentares. Foram entrevistados 16 usuários e sete profissionais. Foi utilizada avaliação qualitativa de quarta geração. Os resultados foram agrupados em três unidades temáticas: postura, técnica e acesso. A análise dos dados, a partir das dimensões mencionadas, evidenciou alguns elementos necessários para que o acolhimento e o vínculo no serviço se estabelecessem: integralidade no serviço, intersetorialidade, interdisciplinaridade, formação profissional e humanização da assistência. Concluiu-se que, na perspectiva de usuários e profissionais, o serviço busca oferecer um atendimento usuário-centrado por meio de procedimentos que priorizam a dimensão humana do sujeito atendido, com considerável efetividade em suas ações, apesar de algumas limitações e deficiências.
Consequences of Exposure to Domestic Violence for Children: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Lourenco Lelio Moura , Baptista Makilim Nunes , Senra Luciana Xavier , Adriana A. Almeida , Basilio Caroline , Bhona Fernanda Monteiro de Castro
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of the literature on the consequences of exposure to domestic violence – DV for children. The period 2005-2011 was searched in Medline, Lilacs, Scielo, Web of Science, Dialnet, Redalyc, Google Scholar and PsycInfo, using the following descriptors: intimate partner violence , domestic violence , violence descriptors ( physical , sexual, psychological ), and child , exposure or witness . The author, country, methodology, journal and the consequences of exposure to DV were considered. 122 articles were selected. The United States and Brazil accounted for 78.7% of the publications, with children being the main victims (51.6%). The major impacts upon children´s health were posttraumatic stress and insecurity (75.8%).
A implicação do apoio social no viver de pessoas com hipertensão arterial
Authors: Tavares Roseneide dos Santos , Silva Denise Maria Guerreiro Vieira da
Published: December 2013

Objetivou-se conhecer os tipos de apoio oferecidos pela rede de apoio social aos hipertensos e as implicações no viver. Estudo qualitativo cuja metodologia baseou-se na Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados. Foram entrevistadas 35 pessoas entre outubro de 2008 e agosto de 2010, sendo 22 hipertensas obrigatoriamente cadastradas no HIPERDIA numa Unidade de Saúde em Belém/PA, 5 familiares, 5 profissionais de saúde e 3 representantes de instituições da comunidade referenciados pelos hipertensos como integrantes da rede de apoio. Os dados foram submetidos aos procedimentos de codificação: análise, comparação e categorização. A categoria "Identificando os tipos de apoio social oferecidos às pessoas no seu viver com hipertensão arterial" foi a Condição Interventora da Teoria. Os tipos de apoio emocional, informacional e instrumental originaram-se principalmente das relações familiares e podem significar alternativas no tratamento, caracterizando um cuidado centrado no hipertenso e sua rede de relações, requerendo atenção dos profissionais de saúde, inclusive do enfermeiro.
Conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem sobre avaliação comportamental de dor em paciente crítico
Authors: Souza Regina Cláudia Silva , Garcia Dayse Maioli , Sanches Mariana Bucci , Gallo Andréa Maria Alice , Martins Cássia Pimenta Barufi , Siqueira Ivana Lúcia Correa Pimentel
Published: December 2013

Estudo transversal prospectivo que teve como objetivo descrever o conhecimento da equipe de enfermagem sobre uma avaliação comportamental de dor. Realizado em hospital privado da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, em novembro de 2011, com profissionais de enfermagem de uma UTI geral adulto. Estes responderam a um questionário com dados sociodemográficos e questões referentes ao conhecimento sobre uma avaliação comportamental de dor. A análise dos dados foi descritiva e a média de acertos por categoria profissional foi comparada por teste Mann-Whitney. Dos 113 participantes, mais de 70% demonstraram ter conhecimento sobre os principais aspectos dessa avaliação e não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as categorias profissionais. Concluiu-se que o conhecimento dos profissionais foi satisfatório, mas pode ser aprimorado.
Educação em saúde no serviço de radiologia: orientações para punção aspirativa de mama e tireóide
Authors: Rosini Ivone , Salum Nádia Chiodelli
Published: December 2013

Trata-se de pesquisa convergente assistencial desenvolvida no Serviço de Radiologia de hospital-escola, cujo objetivo é conhecer as expectativas e dúvidas dos clientes submetidos à Punção Aspirativa por Agulha Fina de mama e tireoide. A coleta de dados ocorreu de setembro de 2010 a abril de 2011, por meio de 10 encontros educativos em sala de espera e entrevistas com 88 clientes. Os resultados apresentam: percepção dos clientes em face do exame, o câncer como estigma e a educação em saúde como estratégia de enfrentamento. Revelaram também presença de sentimento de medo do procedimento e do diagnóstico de câncer. A prática educativa em sala de espera é um espaço que minimiza a ansiedade e permite a troca de experiências e conhecimentos entre profissional e cliente, bem como favorece uma rede de apoio entre os clientes. Caracteriza-se como espaço importante de atuação do enfermeiro no Serviço de Radiologia.
Implicações da visibilidade da enfermagem no exercício profissional
Authors: Avila Liziani Iturriet , Silveira Rosemary Silva da , Lunardi Valéria Lerch , Fernandes Geani Farias Machado , Mancia Joel Rolim , Silveira Juliana Teixeira da
Published: December 2013

A construção da imagem da Enfermagem é permeada por aspectos históricos, socioeconômicos e culturais. Ao explorar esta temática, objetivou-se conhecer a percepção dos enfermeiros acerca da visibilidade do cotidiano de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem. Pesquisa qualitativa do tipo exploratória, com 30 enfermeiros de um hospital universitário do sul do país. Os dados foram coletados, de julho a outubro de 2012, através de entrevista semi-estruturada e submetidos à análise textual discursiva. Os resultados apontam que a visibilidade da Enfermagem está relacionada à trajetória histórica da profissão, à falta de reconhecimento da cientificidade da Enfermagem, à veiculação errônea na mídia, aos comportamentos inadequados perante a equipe e, ainda, à sobrecarga de trabalho. Assim, a desmistificação da imagem da profissão inclui uma busca de maior visibilidade midiática, realização de marketing pessoal, comportamento adequado perante a equipe de saúde e demonstração de autonomia profissional, desafios estes que deverão ser superados pela Enfermagem.
Influence of polyphenols on low-loaded synthetic winery wastewater constructed wetland treatment with different plant species
Authors: Mena J. , Gómez R. , Villaseñor J. , de Lucas A.
Published: December 2013

Synthetic wastewaters simulating physically pre-treated low-loaded winery effluents were treated for four months with five pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSF-CWs) using different plants. Species under study were Phragmites australis (HSSF-CW2), Lythrum salicaria (HSSF-CW3), Cladium mariscus (HSSF-CW4), and Iris pseudacorus (HSSF-CW5). The designation HSSF-CW1 was not planted, and was used as a control. The mean dissolved oxygen and oxidation  –  reduction potential values in all HSSF-CWs indicated anaerobic conditions in the bulk liquid. High pollutant-removal efficiencies were obtained. Apparently, the species with higher growth (Phragmites, Lythrum, and particularly Iris) improved total nitrogen (TN) and nitrogen as ammonium (N-NH4+) removals, but adversely affected sulphate (SO42−) anaerobic reduction. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies were high, although there were no clear indications how the kinds of plants might have influenced this parameter. A statistical analysis of variance indicated that only N-NH4+ removal efficiencies were statistically different owing to the influence of the different plants. In a second 6 month experimental period, polyphenols (13  mg L−1) were added to the synthetic wastewater to study possible inhibition effects. The addition of polyphenols did not seem to cause inhibition effects on COD, TN, and N-NH4+ removals, but clearly negatively affected SO42− removal. A new two-way analysis of variance confirmed that only SO42− removal was negatively affected by polyphenols, while the effects of the different plants were only significant for N-NH4+ removal. Polyphenols were nearly completely removed. First order rate constants obtained for COD, TN, SO42−, and polyphenol removals were similar to those reported by other authors.
Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification in non-planted pilot-scale modified vertical flow constructed wetland system
Authors: Xu Zuxin , Du Xiaoli , Wang Sheng
Published: December 2013

Rural wastewater containing low chemical oxygen demand (COD), but relatively high concentration of total nitrogen comprised of dominant ammonia-nitrogen, was treated in two vertical flow wetland systems whose effluent were discharged intermittently. A substantial loss of total nitrogen (30·3%) was found in a modified wetland system, which introduced an air pipe to enhance oxygen transfer, whereas only a minor loss (17·9%) in the conventional wetland. The correlation between pH, nitrite and nitrate concentrations, ammonia-nitrogen and nitrate-nitrogen distribution along with the depth in the wetlands indicated that the removal of total nitrogen did not follow the classic nitrification and denitrification pathway in the modified wetland system. Through mass balance calculation and theoretical analysis, it was found that simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) was responsible for the transformation of soluble nitrogen into gaseous nitrogen in the modified wetland, thereby causing the loss of total nitrogen. The results showed that SND can be stimulated in aerobic wetland systems and its occurrence may depend on the biofilm thickness, the hydraulic detention time, and the type and population of microorganisms present in the wetland systems.
Traitement et stabilisation chimique de déchets d’aluminerie contaminés en ions fluorures (in French)
Authors: Bongo Ghislain , Mercier Guy , Drogui Patrick , Blais Jean-François
Published: December 2013

Les déchets d’aluminerie sont contaminés par les ions fluorures. Ils contiennent entre 2 et 323  g F−/kg. L’application du test de TCLP (« toxicity characteristics leaching procedure ») les définit comme matière résiduelle dangereuse face à la limite réglementaire imposée par le ministère du Développement Durable de l’Environnement et des Parcs (MDDEP) du Québec (<150  mg F−/L). L’extraction des ions fluorures par des étapes de lixiviations successives en milieu acide (H2SO4, pH  1,5), a permis d’obtenir un taux d’enlèvement maximal de 33  % (m/m). La lixiviation acide n’est pas suffisante pour atteindre la norme recommandée (TCLP  <  150  mg F−/L) et ce, quelle que soit la concentration en solides totaux (1  % à 16  %) utilisée lors du traitement. La stabilisation chimique préalable à l’aide de Ca(OH)2 employée à une concentration variant entre 10 et 12  g/L, dans une suspension de résidus EC (100  g/L), a donné des TCLP à 110 et 115  mg F−/L. Il a été possible de précipiter 98  % des ions F− du lixiviat par abaissement du pH de 11,9 à des valeurs comprises entre 7,0 et 8,5 avec H2SO4, 10 mol/L.
Membrane concentrate management options: a comprehensive critical review
Authors: Chelme-Ayala Pamela , Smith Daniel W. , El-Din Mohamed Gamal
Published: December 2013

Membrane processes have become a competitive option to conventional treatment technologies because of the high quality of the product water. In particular, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis have been found to remove materials like natural organic matter, disinfection by-products, and endocrine-disrupting compounds. However, an issue identified as one of the major drawbacks for the adoption of pressure-driven membrane processes is the need for additional treatment of the concentrate stream. Few studies dealing with membrane concentrate treatment have been published. The majority of the published studies address the disposal of concentrate into receiving waters bodies and sewer systems. In this review paper, the characteristics of membrane concentrate in terms of water quality and their impact on receiving water bodies are discussed. In addition, several approaches to the removal of pollutants and disposal options for membrane concentrates are examined.
Optimization of growth media for enhanced production of laccase by Cryptococcus albidus and its application for bioremediation of chemicals
Authors: Singhal Anjali , Choudhary Gaurav , Thakur Indu Shekhar
Published: December 2013

Cryptococcus albidus , isolated from the sediments of Century Pulp and Paper Mill, Lalkuan, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India, produced a copper containing oxidase, laccase, that was capable of degrading environmental pollutants. Bagasse was the most efficient inducer for laccase production. The Taguchi approach was used to optimize the growth media for five factors, i.e., pH, copper sulphate, carbon, nitrogen, and the inducer at four levels using an M-16 orthogonal array. The optimum conditions for laccase production were pH (6), CuSO4 (2  mmol/L), meat peptone (0·5%), glucose (0·1%), and bagasse (1·0%). After optimization, laccase production increased seven times from 32 to 219  IU/mg. The inducer (bagasse) had maximum effect on laccase production leading to 52% increase, while pH had minimum effect with 7% increase. Growth media with laccase activity (2 U/mL) was applied for the bioremediation of dyes, effluent, and chemical compounds. These experiments showed that the growth media with laccase activity (2 U/mL) produced by Cryptococcus albidus had good potential for bioremediation of toxic and recalcitrant compounds. Further, the laccase enzyme extracted from the growth media was fractionated by DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography, and the molecular weight of the enzyme determined by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS  –  PAGE) was found to be 64  kDa. The activity of laccase was confirmed by native PAGE, in which ABTS was used for staining gel.
Valorisation de coproduits de l’industrie agro-alimentaire par production de compost de haute qualité (in French)
Authors: Boutin Élaine , Blais Jean-François , Mercier Guy , Drogui Patrick , Chartier Myriam
Published: December 2013

Les industries de transformation alimentaire génèrent des quantités imposantes de coproduits organiques, lesquels demeurent, même aujourd’hui, peu valorisés. La présente recherche a permis de réaliser un inventaire détaillé des coproduits générés dans des usines de production de biscuits, chocolat, céréales et barres collations et d’identifier des formulations adéquates de mélanges d’intrants (écailles de cacao, résidus de biscuits et céréales, boues physico-chimiques et biologiques) pour des essais de compostage. Un dispositif expérimental comprenant six tas de compost d’approximativement une tonne métrique, et aérés par retournement manuel, a ensuite été opéré pendant une période de 4 mois. Des températures maximales se situant entre 60 et 68°C ont été mesurées dans les différents tas au cours de la période de compostage, alors que des températures moyennes supérieures à 50°C ont été maintenues pendant des périodes se situant entre 6 et 10 semaines. Des composts d’excellente qualité, répondant aux exigences de qualité AA (normes du Bureau de normalisation du Québec) en termes de teneurs en contaminants métalliques et microbiens et de stabilité microbiologique, ont été générés au terme de la période de compostage. Ces essais ont aussi démontré que les écailles de cacao, un coproduit important de la fabrication du chocolat, constituent un excellent agent de foisonnement de compostage.
Evaluation of treatment options for Atlantic Canadian seafood processing plant effluent
Authors: Jamieson Bryan Lee , Gonçalves Alex Augusto , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate different effluent treatment options for Atlantic Canadian seafood processing plants. Bench-scale testing with a 25-mesh screen, sedimentation (SED), and dissolved air flotation (DAF) was conducted. Treatment by SED and DAF was successful in reducing contaminant concentrations with maximum observed percent reductions: biochemical oxygen demand, BOD5 (90%); chemical oxygen demand, COD (60%); turbidity (99%); total suspended solids, TSS (95%); and ammonia nitrogen, NH3-N (50%). Bench-scale 25-mesh screen runs for select effluent types showed poor reduction efficiencies and appeared to provide inadequate removal of contaminants. Sedimentation and DAF using alum were effective at removing solids but less effective at removing soluble effluent components. Improved performance may be possible with further treatment technology optimization on an effluent specific basis.
Influence of phosphorus, potassium, and copper on methane biofiltration performance
Authors: Nikiema Josiane , Brzezinski Ryszard , Heitz Michèle
Published: December 2013

In addition to a carbon source, bacteria require for growth a variety of nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and several other micronutrients including copper. The study described in this paper was conducted with the aim of determining the influence of phosphorus, potassium, and copper on methane elimination in a biofilter. The study revealed that the particular phosphorus concentration leading to the greatest methane elimination capacity, which was 44·7  g m−3 h−1 at a methane inlet load of 75  g m−3 h−1, was 3·1  g/L. The influence of the phosphorus concentration on the methane elimination capacities was also investigated for methane inlet loads of between 8 and 95  g m−3 h−1. The optimum range of the nitrogen  –  phosphorus mass ratios, determined during this study ranged from 0·5 to 2·5. It was established that, in comparison with phosphorus, potassium does not seem to be a determining element for the biological removal efficiency and does not significantly affect the microorganisms’ behaviour. However, a concentration of 0·076  g/L of potassium is recommended in the irrigation nutrient solution for an inlet load of 75  g m−3 h−1. The influence of the copper concentration was also studied by varying its concentration between the values of 0 and 0·006  g/L. The results have also shown that copper has a minor impact on the biofiltration of methane. This paper is the first report describing the influence of several nutrients in a biofilter. The knowledge provided by this study is necessary for the achievement of a biofilter indebted to methane control.
Predicting areas of high diesel particulate matter emissions in Phoenix, Arizona, using spatial analysis techniques
Authors: Penfold Bryan M. , Hafner Hilary R. , Brown Steven G.
Published: December 2013

Growing evidence suggests that inhalation exposure to diesel exhaust, including diesel particulate matter (DPM), causes acute and chronic health effects. As a result, interest in monitoring diesel exhaust has increased. Maps of emissions sources, emissions activity data, and meteorology were combined within a geographic information system (GIS) suitability model to produce a composite map identifying areas where DPM emissions are likely to be high. The results of the GIS model were compared with (i) the locations of existing monitoring sites in Phoenix, Arizona, and (ii) the spatial distribution of population. The results indicate that two existing sites are located in areas where DPM emissions are predicted to be high; however, incorporating meteorology as a factor showed that one site is located upwind of a predicted high DPM area. Consideration of population density showed high density in two areas that appear to be moderately influenced by DPM.
Sexual Orientation and Suicide Ideation, Plans, Attempts, and Medically Serious Attempts: Evidence From Local Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, 2001–2009
Authors: Stone Deborah M. , Luo Feijun , Ouyang Lijing , Lippy Caroline , Hertz Marci F. , Crosby Alex E.
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We examined the associations between 2 measures of sexual orientation and 4 suicide risk outcomes (SROs) from pooled local Youth Risk Behavior Surveys.

Methods. We aggregated data from 5 local Youth Risk Behavior Surveys from 2001 to 2009. We defined sexual minority youths (SMYs) by sexual identity (lesbian, gay, bisexual) and sex of sexual contacts (same- or both-sex contacts). Survey logistic regression analyses controlled for a wide range of suicide risk factors and sample design effects.

Results. Compared with non-SMYs, all SMYs had increased odds of suicide ideation; bisexual youths, gay males, and both-sex contact females had greater odds of suicide planning; all SMYs, except same-sex contact males, had increased odds of suicide attempts; and lesbians, bisexuals, and both-sex contact youths had increased odds of medically serious attempts. Unsure males had increased odds of suicide ideation compared with heterosexual males. Not having sexual contact was protective of most SROs among females and of medically serious attempts among males.

Conclusions. Regardless of sexual orientation measure used, most SMY subgroups had increased odds of all SROs. However, many factors are associated with SROs.
The Association Between Sexual Orientation Identity and Behavior Across Race/Ethnicity, Sex, and Age in a Probability Sample of High School Students
Authors: Mustanski Brian , Birkett Michelle , Greene George J. , Rosario Margaret , Bostwick Wendy , Everett Bethany G.
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We examined the prevalence and associations between behavioral and identity dimensions of sexual orientation among adolescents in the United States, with consideration of differences associated with race/ethnicity, sex, and age.

Methods. We used pooled data from 2005 and 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys to estimate prevalence of sexual orientation variables within demographic sub-groups. We used multilevel logistic regression models to test differences in the association between sexual orientation identity and sexual behavior across groups.

Results. There was substantial incongruence between behavioral and identity dimensions of sexual orientation, which varied across sex and race/ethnicity. Whereas girls were more likely to identify as bisexual, boys showed a stronger association between same-sex behavior and a bisexual identity. The pattern of association of age with sexual orientation differed between boys and girls.

Conclusions. Our results highlight demographic differences between 2 sexual orientation dimensions, and their congruence, among 13- to 18-year-old adolescents. Future research is needed to better understand the implications of such differences, particularly in the realm of health and health disparities.