bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuberculosis of the spine
Authors: Jain A. K.
Published: June 2010

The dismal outcome of tuberculosis of the spine in the pre-antibiotic era has improved significantly because of the use of potent antitubercular drugs, modern diagnostic aids and advances in surgical management. MRI allows the diagnosis of a tuberculous lesion, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 88%, well before deformity develops. Neurological deficit and deformity are the worst complications of spinal tuberculosis. Patients treated conservatively show an increase in deformity of about 15°. In children, a kyphosis continues to increase with growth even after the lesion has healed. Tuberculosis of the spine is a medical disease which is not primarily treated surgically, but operation is required to prevent and treat the complications. Panvertebral lesions, therapeutically refractory disease, severe kyphosis, a developing neurological deficit, lack of improvement or deterioration are indications for surgery. Patients who present with a kyphosis of 60° or more, or one which is likely to progress, require anterior decompression, posterior shortening, posterior instrumented stabilisation and anterior and posterior bone grafting in the active stage of the disease. Late-onset paraplegia is best prevented rather than treated. The awareness and suspicion of an atypical presentation of spinal tuberculosis should be high in order to obtain a good outcome. Therapeutically refractory cases of tuberculosis of the spine are increasing in association with the presence of HIV and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
The Detection of Simulated Retinoblastoma by Using Red-Reflex Testing
Authors: Li Jennifer , Coats David K. , Fung Derrick , Smith E. O'Brian , Paysse Evelyn
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the ability to detect simulated retinoblastoma by using the red-reflex test.

METHODS:

Discs that simulated retinoblastoma lesions were affixed to the retina of model eyes with an 8- or 3-mm pupil. The diameter, height, and location of the discs varied. Five examiners evaluated the red reflex with direct ophthalmoscopy by using straight-on and oblique viewing. The generalized estimating equation was used to assess the effects of pupil dilation and observer viewing orientation on tumor detection.

RESULTS:

Significant 3-way interactions between pupil dilation, observer orientation, and tumor diameter (P < .004) or height (P < .02) were detected; these relationships depended on tumor diameter and height. A similar 3-way interaction was found between pupil dilation, observer orientation, and tumor location in degrees from the fovea (P < .001). Oblique viewing and pupillary dilation improved the tumor-detection rate. With straight-on viewing, the degree of detection was <48% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 39%–57%) for even the largest lesions, compared with 96% (95% CI: 93%–98%) for oblique viewing. For peripheral lesions, the percentage detection for straight-on viewing was 35% (95% CI: 21%–50%) for 30° from the fovea and 16% (95% CI: 2%–31%) for 60° from the fovea; these detection rates significantly improved with oblique viewing to 70% or higher (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Detection of simulated retinoblastoma was better when lesions were large and when oblique viewing and dilation were used. Peripheral location was negatively associated with detection. Red-reflex testing to detect leukocoria may be improved with oblique viewing and pharmacologic dilation.
Sleep disorders and quality of life of harvesters rural labourers
Authors: Lima Joseane , Rossini Sueli , Reimão Rubens
Published: June 2010

The various kinds of work may interfere in the laborer's quality of sleep. Among the factors, the unemployment caused by the period between the coffee harvests on the agriculture of South Minas may influence the appearance of anxiety and depression symptoms, and it may cause impairments to the quality of life and changes in the rural laborers' pattern of sleep. OBJECTIVE: To appraise the sleep and the effects on the quality of life in the rural laborers in the period between the coffee harvests. METHOD: In the study-group, 40 patients, rural laborers, were evaluated, and in the control-group, 40 patients, fixed laborers. Instruments used: clinical interview, The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality, Index Beck Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life. RESULTS: The study-group showed impairment in the quality of the sleep; anxiety and depression signals and symptoms were high in both groups; being them higher in the harvesters laborers; the quality of life presented good levels in both groups, with losses in the domain "social relationship" between the harvesters; the sleep disturbances influenced the appearance of anxiety and depression signs and symptoms, but they did not interfere in the perception of the quality of life. CONCLUSION: The rural laborers that have fixed labors are less exposed to the symptoms of anxiety and depression - along with sleep disorders - than the harvesters laborers. Thus, the study-group's perception of the quality of life is better than the control-group's.
Intramedullary tumors in children: analysis of 24 operated cases
Authors: Gepp Ricardo de Amoreira , Couto Jose Mauro Cardoso , Silva Maria Dorvalina da , Silva Régis Tavares da , Neri Eidmar Augusto
Published: June 2010

Intramedullary tumors are rare. The authors reviewed 24 cases operated between 1996 and 2006. The study assessed the clinical characteristics and surgical results based upon the neurological function. METHOD: Medical records of patients with intramedullary astrocytoma and ependymoma were reviewed. The minimal follow up time was 6 months and, at the end of this period, a comparative analysis of the neurological function was performed based using the McCormick scale score. RESULTS: Most patients had astrocytoma (75%). Male gender was more prevalent (58.3%). The most common type of tumor was graded as I or II, and in three cases these were malignant. The total resection of the tumor was achieved in 20.8% of the cases. The statistical analysis did not show a statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative grades at McCormick scale. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that microsurgery to intramedullary tumors did not significantly alter the neurological function after six months.
[NO TITLE AVAILABLE]
Authors: Krug C. A. , Carvalho Alcides
Published: June 2010

No presente artigo, após uma descrição detalhada dos caracteres da variedade anomala de C. arabica, são relatados os resultados da sua análise genética. Concluiu-se que se trata de uma forma recessiva em relação ao tipo normal da espécie, propondo-se para o único par de gens responsáveis o símbolo an an. A ação dêste par de gens é notável, afetando a quase totalidade dos caracteres da planta, como : porte, ramificação, fôlhas, flores, frutos e sementes. O F1, normal x anômala, demonstra dominância praticamente total do tipo normal, manifestando-se a presença do alelo recessivo apenas esporadicamente, deformando, possivelmente sob ação de determinados fatôres do meio ambiente, ou em consequência de alguma anomalia citológica, os ápices de alguns pares de fôlhas.
Informática em enfermagem: desenvolvimento de software livre com aplicação assistencial e gerencial
Authors: Santos Sérgio Ribeiro dos
Published: June 2010

O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um sistema de informação em enfermagem com aplicação na assistência de enfermagem e no gerenciamento do serviço. O SisEnf - Sistema de Informação em Enfermagem - é um software livre composto pelo módulo assistencial de enfermagem: histórico, exame clínico e plano de cuidados; o módulo gerencial compõe-se de: escala de serviço, gestão de pessoal, indicadores hospitalares e outros elementos. O sistema foi implementado na Clínica Médica do Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley, da Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Tendo em vista a necessidade de aproximação entre usuário e desenvolvedor, e a constante mudança de requisitos funcionais durante o processo iterativo, foi adotado o método do processo unificado. O SisEnf foi desenvolvido sobre plataforma WEB e com emprego de software livre. Portanto, o trabalho desenvolvido procurou auxiliar o processo de trabalho da enfermagem que agora terá oportunidade de incorporar a tecnologia da informação na sua rotina de trabalho.
Meninas Catarinas: a vida perdida ao ser mãe
Authors: Souza Maria de Lourdes de , Burgardt Diego , Ferreira Luiz Alberto Peregrino , Bub Maria Bettina Camargo , Monticelli Marisa , Lentz Haimée Emerich
Published: June 2010

A razão da mortalidade materna é um indicador para análise das condições de vida e de assistência prestada à mulher, e instrumento para avaliar o cumprimento dos direitos constitucionais relativos à vida e à saúde. Esta pesquisa demonstra a vida perdida de mulheres adolescentes associadas à gestação, parto e puerpéreo, em Santa Catarina, no período de 1994-2005. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório quantitativo. Encontrou-se no período 72 mortes maternas em adolescentes, sendo que 67% foram obstétrica direta, 23% obstétrica indireta e 9% acidentais e incidentais. A razão da mortalidade materna entre adolescentes foi elevada e a maioria dos óbitos poderia ter sido evitada, pois existem recursos técnicos para prevenir e controlar suas causas. A situação identificada demonstra a ausência de assistência de qualidade. Para reduzir estas mortes é fundamental o cuidado de enfermagem, numa ação articulada com outros profissionais e diferentes segmentos organizados da sociedade.
O significado da velhice e da experiência de envelhecer para os idosos
Authors: Freitas Maria Célia de , Queiroz Terezinha Almeida , Sousa Jacy Aurélia Vieira de
Published: June 2010

O estudo objetivou conhecer e analisar o significado da velhice e da experiência de envelhecer para os idosos moradores da zona rural do Estado do Ceará. Pesquisa descritiva-exploratória, realizada com 48 idosos, homens e mulheres, cadastrados e atendidos na estratégia saúde da família da zona rural do Ceará, no primeiro semestre de 2005. Os discursos dos idosos revelaram que a velhice traz muitas perdas, principalmente quando acometidos pelo adoecimento. No entanto, relatam que, hoje, são felizes pelas conquistas pessoais e materiais, além da família que conseguiram formar. A experiência de envelhecer e a velhice para o grupo pesquisado revelam-se como acontecimento positivo, comparado aos mitos e preconceitos oriundos do meio urbano.
Adolescência na percepção de professores do ensino fundamental
Authors: Roehrs Hellen , Maftum Mariluci Alves , Zagonel Ivete Palmira Sanson
Published: June 2010

Pesquisa qualitativa realizada com 11 professores de um colégio estadual de Curitiba, para apreender como os professores do ensino fundamental percebem a adolescência. As informações foram coletadas por meio da estratégia Discussão de Grupo e organizadas em quatro categorias temáticas. Identificou-se nos relatos dos professores a pluralidade de significações atribuídas ao processo de adolescer, com ênfase na singularidade da adolescência. A adolescência se constitui em fenômeno singular, apresenta variações de acordo com a cultura, classe social, raça, gênero e idade, configurando distintas formas de vivenciá-la. Mesmo com essa diversidade, é possível desenvolver relações com adolescente que incluam a atenção, dedicação, conforto, paciência e sensibilidade, além da transmissão dos conteúdos curriculares.
Quem mandou ficar velho e morar na rua?
Authors: Brêtas Ana Cristina Passarella , Marcolan João Fernando , Rosa Anderson da Silva , Fernandes Flávia Saraiva Leão , Raizer Milena Veiga
Published: June 2010

Esta pesquisa é um estudo de caso qualitativo, e integra o estudo Envelhecimento, saúde e trabalho. Esse recorte teve por objetivo conhecer o significado do envelhecimento na rua para um idoso em situação de rua. A narrativa foi trabalhada à luz dos eixos temáticos: história do envelhecimento e história de vida na rua. Depreendemos que a rua quase sempre é um ambiente hostil para o idoso. Não garante condições básicas de vida, interferindo na saúde mental das pessoas que nela são obrigadas a viver, particularmente o idoso. A rua, por não mostrar possibilidades de saída, aliada às condições de vida do idoso em situação de rua leva a um processo gradual da perda da autoestima, interferindo sobremaneira no autocuidado. Acrescido a essas questões, constatamos que o comprometimento da capacidade funcional coloca em risco a sobre/vida do idoso em situação de rua.
Modelo de avaliação da qualidade da informação estratégica bancária
Authors: Calazans Angélica Toffano Seidel , Costa Sely Maria de Souza
Published: June 2010

A informação estratégica de qualidade mostra-se essencial às organizações à medida que contribui para a identificação de desafios, oportunidades, riscos e outras questões relevantes. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade da informação, identificando aspectos de gestão da informação que a influenciam, mediante estudos de caso em duas organizações bancárias federais brasileiras, o que permitiu a construção e implementação de um modelo para avaliação da qualidade da informação estratégica. O estudo fundamentou-se em abordagens qualitativa e quantitativa e na respectiva triangulação dos dados. O modelo teórico conceitual da pesquisa estabelece que a avaliação da qualidade da informação estratégica envolve a classificação, a avaliação da informação e a identificação dos aspectos que impactam a qualidade por meio da análise do processo de gestão da informação. Identificou-se que informação estratégica, no contexto estudado, constitui-se de informação solicitada, formal, interna e tratada. Os principais elementos de qualidade são "livre de erro" e "fidedigna". O nível da qualidade da informação estratégica é satisfatório, os processos de gestão são diferenciados e as fases da gestão que impactam as características de qualidade são similares. Os procedimentos metodológicos utilizados credenciam positivamente os resultados à medida que o modelo construído e implementado demonstrou ser consistente e aplicável.
Detecção de Pseudomonas viridiflava em sementes importadas de couve chinesa (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis)
Authors: Maciel Karen Wolf , Almeida Irene Maria Gatti , Silva Harllen Sandro Alves , Rodrigues Lucas Mateus Sivero , Beriam Luís Otávio Saggion
Published: June 2010

A ocorrência de Pseudomonas viridiflava é descrita em sementes de couve chinesa (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis) importadas do Japão. Do ponto de vista epidemiológico, a detecção dessa bactéria é de extrema importância. Embora já existam, em nosso país, relatos desse patógeno nas culturas de alface, alho, cebola, cenoura, feijão e mandioca, sua presença em sementes de couve chinesa pode se constituir num risco potencial para outras espécies de brássicas aqui cultivadas.
Persistence of the biocide activity of atrazine in soils of the southeast of Buenos Aires Province
Authors: Delmonte A.A. , Bedmar F. , Mantecón J.D. , Echeverría H. , Barassi C.A.
Published: June 2010

Atrazine persistence in soils of the southeast of Buenos Aires Province, was studied by an oat bioassay. Atrazine doses of 0.58, 1.16, and 2.32 mg.g-1 dry soil weight (DSW) were applied to pots containing soils from Balcaree, A. Gonzáles Chaves and San Cayetano sites, whose organic matter (OM) content of soils were 5.70, 5.15, and 3,84%, respectively. Avena sativa cv. Millauquén plants were grownth in the pots under greenhouse conditions at different times after atrazine application. Shoots were evenly cut above the soil and dry weight determined as a measure of plant growth. Plants grown in non-sprayed soil were used as controls. Relative dry weight (RDW) of shoots was calculated as percentage of control. Atrazine phytotoxicity was expressed in terms of 50 % plant growth reduction (GR50) in the soils under study. Herbicide persistence was expressed in terms of days after treatment (DAT) needed for the plant to achieve 80% of RDW. Atrazine GR50 values of 0.30, 0.64, and 0.90 mg.g-1 DSW in soils from San Cayetano, Balcare and A.G. Chaves, were respectively obtained at 42 DAT. Herbicide persistences at the recommended dose (1.16 mg.g-1) were 100, 143, and 221 DAT for A.G. Chaves, Balcarce and San Cayetano soils, respectively. San Cayetano soil had both the lowest OM content and cation exchange capacity (CEC), as well as the highest pH, of all the soil studied here. These results were consistent with both the lowest GR50 and the highest persistence abtained for atrazine in this soil.
Superação da dormência de sementes de carrapicho-beiço-de-boi
Authors: Martins Cibele C. , Mendonça Cristina G. , Martins Dagoberto , Velini Edivaldo D.
Published: June 2010

Visando a obtenção de um tratamento para acelerar a germinação de sementes de Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.) DC., foram realizados dois experimentos, nos quais, segmentos unisseminados de lomentos (testemunha) foram submetidos a debulha manual; debulha manual seguida por escarificação manual empregando-se lixa n. 220; debulha mecânica (processador doméstico ); escarificação química com H2SO4 (95%) por 1,5 e 8 mim pré-aquecimento à 53°C por 4,10 e 16h em estufa com circulação forçada de ar; embebição, utilizando-se H,0 à 80°C por 1,3,5 e 10 min; H20 à 27°C por 2h e embebição com alternância térmica (H,0 à 80°C/ 5min e H20 à 13 °C / 1min) . Para a avaliação dos tratamentos foram empregados os testes de germinação, de emergência de plântulas em solo (E), de primeira contagem de germinação (PG) e de emergência (PE), índices de velocidade de germinação (I.V.G.) e de emergência (I.V.E.), e o comprimento de plântulas (CP). 0 delineamento estatístico adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado com 4 repetições de 100 (G, PG, I.V.G.) ou 20 sementes (C P) por tratamento no primeiro experimento e 4 repetições de 50 (G, PG, I.V.G.) ou 100 sementes (E, PE, I.V.E.) no segundo experimento. No primeiro experimento, os tratamentos que provocaram significativa redução da dormência (D) e, conseqüente elevação da germinação (G), em comparação à testemunha (D=82%; G=15%) foram, em ordem decrescente de eficácia: debulha e escarificação manuais (D=3%; G= 92%), debu lha mecânica (D=13%; G= 81%), embebição em H20 à 80°C por 1min (D=68%; G= 29%) e por 3 min (D=65%; G=32%). No segundo experimento, (testemunha com D=93% e G=3%) destacaram-se: debulha e escarificação manuais (D=2%; G= 93%), debulha mecânica (D = 2%; G = 87%), embebição em H20 à 80°C por 5min e alternância térmica (ambos com D=85% e G= 11%). 0s testes de vigor PC, I.V. G., I.V. E., CP, e E corroboraram esses resultados. 0s métodos de escarificação manual com lixa 220 e debulha mecânica, empregando-se processa dor, podem ser recomendados para a superação da dormência e promoção da germinação de sementes de D. tortuosum.
São Paulo Antigo, uma encomenda da modernidade: as fotografias de Militão nas pinturas do Museu Paulista
Authors: Lima Solange Ferraz de , Carvalho Vânia Carneiro de
Published: June 2010

Por ocasião das comemorações do centenário da Indendência do Brasil em 1922, o então diretor do Museu Paulista, Affonso de Escragnole Taunay, empenhou-se na montagem de exposições voltadas para a reconstituição arcaizante do passado urbano de São Paulo. Parte desse projeto consistiu em encomendas de pinturas realizadas a partir de matrizes fotográficas do século passado. O presente estudo discute as estratégias visuais presentes na transcodificação de objetos iconográficos de natureza diversa no ãmbito do espaço celebrativo do Museu e seus desdobramentos ideológicos, implícitos nas ações de caráter nacionalista,-educacional e preservacionista.
Sintomas do modo de vida burguês no Vale do Paraíba, Séc.XIX: fazenda São Fernando, Vassouras, RJ Exploração arqueológica e museológica
Authors: Lima Tania Andrade , Bruno Maria Cristina O. , Fonseca Marta P. R. da
Published: June 2010

No âmbito de um projeto voltado para investigar arqueologicamente o surgimento do modo de vida burguês, que antecede a instalação da Durguesia propriamente dita no país, vêm sendo pesquisadas unidades de produção de café implantadas em meados do século passado no Vale do Paraíba Fluminense. A Fazenda São Fernando, situada no município de Vassouras RJ, na condição de um dos mais notáveis exemplos do processo de expansão, apogeu e decadência desta monocultura na região, foi trabalhada com vistas a se tornar um dos espaços destinados ao connecimento e divulgação desse passado. A Arqueologia e a Museologia, operando em fina sintonia, estão expondo e restituindo à comunidade as informações recuperadas em escavações sistemáticas na área e desta forma garantindo a preservação da sua memória.
Recidiva pós cardiomiotomia: diagnóstico, opções técnicas e resultados
Authors: Trevenzol Hélio Ponciano , Silva-Neto Walter de Biase da , Alves Leosarte , Quireze-Jr Claudemiro , Penhavel Félix André Sanches , Abreu-Neto Iron Pires de , Zorzin Rafael Quixabeira
Published: June 2010

INTRODUÇÃO: A miotomia no tratamento do megaesôfago apresenta bons resultados, tanto a via abdominal, aberta, ou laparoscópica, quanto a via torácica. Entretanto, independentemente da técnica empregada, segundo alguns estudos, de 6 a 25% dos pacientes apresentarão recidiva da disfagia precocemente ou a longo prazo. OBJETIVO: Revisão do diagnóstico, terapêutica e resultados no megaesôfago recidivado. Método - Foram levantados os trabalhos publicados na Medline, Pubmed, Scielo, CAPS, Chocraine, Lilacs e utilizadas as palavras-chave acalasia, acalásia-recorrência, megaesôfago e megaesôfago-recorrência. RESULTADOS: As opções cirúrgicas para tratamento da recidiva do megaesôfago são mostradas sob formas bastante variadas e com detalhes técnicos pessoais bem diversificados. As técnicas utilizadas basicamente foram: remiotomia, cardioplastias, esofagectomia e mucosectomia, incluindo as variantes destas operações. CONCLUSÃO: Os autores concluem que a escolha da técnica deve ser individualizada baseando-se na causa da recidiva, que deve ser minuciosamente investigada no pré-operatório. A remiotomia representa a alternativa mais exequível, com menor morbimortalidade e resultados satisfatórios, com efetividade na melhora da disfagia, porém com esofagite leve em 40% dos casos e queda no índice de satisfação ao longo dos anos de pós-operatório, chegando a 57,1% após 20 anos.
O complexo regulador da assistência à saúde na perspectiva de seus sujeitos operadores
Authors: Ferreira Janise Braga Barros , Mishima Silvana Martins , Santos José Sebastião dos , Forster Aldaísa Cassanho , Ferraz Clarice Aparecida
Published: June 2010

Trata-se de pesquisa avaliativa objetivando avaliar aspectos do resultado da implantação do Complexo Regulador (CR) na organização do sistema público de saúde de Ribeirão Preto-SP. O cenário foi o espaço funcional do CR. Foram entrevistados trabalhadores de diferentes categorias que atuavam na gestão e no nível operacional do CR e o material analisado segundo análise temática. Os achados mostram que o CR provocou alterações na acessibilidade organizacional e equidade da rede de saúde, tanto na atenção ambulatorial quanto hospitalar; destacou a necessidade de constituição de rede resolutiva e humanizada e mostrou ser ferramenta profícua de avaliação e gestão. A implantação alterou o processo de trabalho dos sujeitos e teve pouco reconhecimento junto aos usuários do SUS. A avaliação apontou que, apesar do pouco tempo de implantação, a estratégia do CR tem potência para colaborar na sustentabilidade do SUS, mas se fazem necessários: investimento, divulgação e aperfeiçoamento.
Tempo de uso em pastagens e volume dos macroporos do solo na Amazônia Central
Authors: Tarrá Ivan L. C. , Luizão Flávio de J. , Wandelli Elisa V. , Teixeira Wenceslau G. , Morais Wellington J. , Castro José G. D.
Published: June 2010

A qualidade do solo em funcionamento através do tempo no interior dos agroecossistemas é um aspecto indispensável para melhorar a sustentabilidade de uso do solo nas regiões tropicais. Neste cenário, quantificar os efeitos do tempo de uso em pastagens sobre os diferentes componentes do solo (macroporos), é importante para determinar os planos de manejo e recuperação mais adequados para essas áreas. Neste estudo se avaliou o efeito do tempo de uso em pastagem (4, 5, e 8 anos) sobre o volume dos macroporos após dez anos de abandono e nove de recuperação mediante sistemas de capoeiras e agroflorestais. O volume dos macroporos foi medido em três profundidades (0-5; 5-10 e 10-15 cm) em cilindros de aço com 100 cm³. O volume dos macroporos do solo diminuiu significativamente com o aumento no tempo de uso das áreas como pastagens, evidenciando o efeito do tempo de uso em pastagens sobre o volume dos macroporos do solo ≥ 50 µm, principalmente na primeira camada do solo (0-5 cm) por ter sido esta diretamente afetada pelo pisoteio animal. Sugere-se, portanto, que o tempo de recuperação do solo seja superior a 10 anos para que as características do solo sejam recuperadas.
Previsão de comportamentos de consumo usando a personalidade
Authors: Monteiro Plínio Rafael Reis , Veiga Ricardo Teixeira , Gonçalves Carlos Alberto
Published: June 2010

O relacionamento entre personalidade e consumo não tem sido plenamente investigado na disciplina Comportamento do Consumidor, uma vez que estudos anteriores indicaram que a personalidade não é útil para prever hábitos de consumo. Desafiando esse pressuposto, Mowen (2000) propõe o Modelo 3M, que presume que a personalidade pode ser usada para prever comportamentos de maneira eficiente. Este estudo empregou esse modelo para investigar a participação em esportes e hábitos de moda de 863 estudantes de uma capital brasileira, demonstrando confiabilidade e validade moderadas das escalas adaptadas e relevando suporte para as hipóteses básicas de pesquisa. Traços compostos e situacionais também tiveram efeitos significativos sobre os traços de nível mais elevado, confirmando as hipóteses de pesquisa e sustentando a idéia de organização hierárquica da personalidade. De um modo geral, os modelos teóricos concebidos para explicar os hábitos de moda e participação em esportes, como traços superficiais de personalidade, conseguiram explicar em média 68% da variância desses construtos.
New Insights in Collagen Turnover in Orofacial Cleft Patients
Authors: Gagliano Nicoletta , Carinci Francesco , Moscheni Claudia , Torri Carlo , Pezzetti Furio , Scapoli Luca , Martinelli Marcella , Gioia Magda , Stabellini Giordano
Published: June 2010

Objective

We aimed to characterize the fibroblast phenotype of patients by analyzing gene and protein expression of cleft lip and/or cleft palate fibroblasts in relation to collagen turnover and extracellular matrix remodeling.

Patients

Human palatal fibroblasts were obtained from three healthy subjects without cleft lip and/or cleft palate and from three subjects with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Collagen turnover–related gene and protein expression were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western and dot blots, and sodium dodecyl sulfate zymography.

Results

Cleft lip and/or cleft palate fibroblasts, compared with controls, displayed a down-regulation of collagens type I and III messenger RNA ( p < .0001 and p < .001, respectively) but an opposite tendency to increase protein levels. Cleft lip and/or cleft palate cells had higher lysyl hydroxylase-2b messenger RNA levels expressed in relation to collagen type I messenger RNA, down-regulated matrix metalloproteinase-1, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1, and Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine messenger RNA ( p < .0001 and p < .01, respectively). Pro–matrix metalloproteinase-1 tended to decrease, and pro–matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 were down-regulated ( p < .01, p < .05, respectively), as was Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine protein expression ( p < .05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the cleft lip and/or cleft palate fibroblast phenotype is characterized by a tendency toward interstitial collagen deposition due to posttranslational modifications, such as decreased collagen degradation by matrix metalloproteinases and increased collagen cross-links. These findings may contribute to the knowledge of the cleft lip and/or cleft palate fibroblast phenotype and may be useful to the surgeon when considering the potential wound contraction and subsequent undesired scarring in cleft lip and/or cleft palate ocurring after the surgical closure of a cleft palate.
Comparison of At-home and In-office Tooth Whitening Using a Novel Shade Guide
Authors: da Costa J. B. , McPharlin R. , Paravina R. D. , Ferracane J. L.
Published: June 2010

Clinical Relevance

Five days of at-home whitening with 10% carbamide peroxide (eight hours/day) produces a similar tooth whitening result as one in-office treatment with 25% hydrogen peroxide (one hour).
Postpartum endoanal ultrasound findings in primiparous women after vaginal delivery
Authors: Sudoł-Szopinńska Iwona , Radkiewicz Justyna , Szopiński Tomasz , Panorska Anna K. , Jakubowski Wiesław , Kawka Jarosław
Published: June 2010

Background: Natural childbirth is regarded as the most frequent cause of anal sphincter defects. The majority of obstetric injuries are detectable only by anal endosonography (AES), in from 6.8% to 35% of women after vaginal delivery.

Purpose: To evaluate prospectively anal sphincters in primiparous women in the first days after delivery to estimate the prevalence of anal sphincter defects and to correlate selected risk factors with the recognized injuries.

Material and Methods: A total of 112 consecutive primiparous women aged 19–40 years (mean 29.3 years) underwent three-dimensional (3D) AES with the use of a BK Medical scanner Profocus 2202 in the first weeks after delivery.

Results: Twelve tears (10.7%) in the perineum, including three extending to anal sphincters (2.6%) were found on AES. As many as 86 (76.8%) women had medio-lateral episiotomies due to the practice pattern in our hospital or as a consequence of obstetric factors. The statistical analysis did not prove a significant association between diagnosed injuries and episiotomy ( P=0.73), nor a traumatic effect of epidural anesthesia, fetus head circumference ≥34 cm, or birth weight ≥3525 g.

Conclusion: Anal sphincter tears following childbirth were found in only 2.6% of primiparous women, suggesting that vaginal delivery might not imply high risk of pelvic floor damage as has previously been assumed. The results do not confirm that medio-lateral episiotomy is conducive to obstetric anal sphincter defects.
Antioxidative effects of stabilized and unstabilized defatted rice bran methanolic extracts on the stability of rice bran oil under accelerated conditions
Authors: Adam Mariod Abdalbasit , Altine Adamu Hadiza , Ismail Maznah , Ismail Norsharina
Published: June 2010

The present research assessed the antioxidant activity against the synthetic 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, and β-carotene–linoleic acid assay of the methanolic extracts of defatted rice bran from stabilized and unstabilized rice bran. The effects of the extracts (0.1 and 0.25% w/w) on the oxidative stability of refined-bleached rice bran oil were determined and compared with those of BHA (synthetic antioxidant). The study was carried out over a 168 hr period at 70°C and the progression of oxidation was measured by peroxide value, p-anisidine value, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). The relative % of residual α-tocopherol and γ-oryzanol of the rice bran oil containing methanolic extracts of stabilized and unstabilized defatted rice bran during storage at 70°C were studied.
How to Market OR/MS Decision Support
Authors: Ueda Masayuki
Published: June 2010

This research examines what decision makers must do to utilize OR/MS decision support. The author investigates OR/MS decision support from a new viewpoint of service. Firstly, OR/MS decision support provides information to aid in decision making, and it is shown that OR/MS decision support shares characteristics with service and can be considered a kind of service. This paper analyzes OR/MS decision support from the viewpoint of what is necessary for high quality service, and the issue of a communication gap is clarified. Through analyzing preceding research in OR/MS (Operations Research/Management Science), the author discovers a communication gap between decision makers and decision supporters. Finally, the author shows that it is effective to utilize “problem specification”, which is a decision-maker friendly description of problems proposed by research group including the author, as one approach to bridge the communication gap.
Adaptation and Dependability and Their Key Role in Modern Software Engineering
Authors: De Florio Vincenzo , Blondia Chris
Published: June 2010

Current software systems and the environments such systems are meant for requiring a precise characterization of the available resources and provisions to constantly re-optimize in the face of endogenous and exogenous changes and failures. This paper claims that it is simply not possible today to conceive software design without explicitly addressing adaptability and dependability. As an example, the authors remark on how mobile computing technologies call for effective software engineering techniques to design, develop and maintain services that are prepared to continue the distribution of a fixed, agreed-upon quality of service despite of the changes in the location of the client software, performance failures, and the characteristics of the environment. This paper concludes that novel paradigms are required for software engineering so as to provide effective system structures for adaptive and dependable services while keeping the design complexity under control. In this paper, the authors discuss this problem and propose one such structure, also briefly surveying the major milestones in the state of the art in this domain.
Generalized Rough Logics with Rough Algebraic Semantics
Authors: Dai Jianhua
Published: June 2010

The collection of the rough set pairs  of an approximation (U, R) can be made into a Stone algebra by defining two binary operators and one unary operator on the pairs. By introducing a more unary operator, one can get a regular double Stone algebra to describe the rough set pairs of an approximation space. Sequent calculi corresponding to the rough algebras, including rough Stone algebras, Stone algebras, rough double Stone algebras, and regular double Stone algebras are proposed in this paper. The sequent calculi are called rough Stone logic (RSL), Stone logic (SL), rough double Stone logic (RDSL), and double Stone Logic (DSL). The languages, axioms and rules are presented. The soundness and completeness of the logics are proved.
Feature Reduction with Inconsistency
Authors: Liu Yong , Jiang Yunliang , Yang Jianhua
Published: June 2010

Feature selection is a classical problem in machine learning, and how to design a method to select the features that can contain all the internal semantic correlation of the original feature set is a challenge. The authors present a general approach to select features via rough set based reduction, which can keep the selected features with the same semantic correlation as the original feature set. A new concept named inconsistency is proposed, which can be used to calculate the positive region easily and quickly with only linear temporal complexity. Some properties of inconsistency are also given, such as the monotonicity of inconsistency and so forth. The authors also propose three inconsistency based attribute reduction generation algorithms with different search policies. Finally, a “mini-saturation” bias is presented to choose the proper reduction for further predictive designing.
The Core Critical Success Factors in Implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
Authors: Hanafizadeh Payam , Gholami Roya , Dadbin Shabnam , Standage Nicholas
Published: June 2010

The Implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems require huge investments while ineffective implementations of such projects are commonly observed. A considerable number of these projects have been reported to fail or take longer than it was initially planned, while previous studies show that the aim of rapid implementation of such projects has not been successful and the failure of the fundamental goals in these projects have imposed huge amounts of costs on investors. Some of the major consequences are the reduction in demand for such products and the introduction of further skepticism to the managers and investors of ERP systems. In this regard, it is important to understand the factors determining success or failure of ERP implementation. The aim of this paper is to study the critical success factors (CSFs) in implementing ERP systems and to develop a conceptual model which can serve as a basis for ERP project managers. These critical success factors that are called “core critical success factors” are extracted from 62 published papers using the content analysis and the entropy method. The proposed conceptual model has been verified in the context of five multinational companies.
A Framework for Analyzing the Role of ICT on Agricultural Commercialization and Household Food Security
Authors: Okello Julius J. , Al-Hassan Ramatu , Okello Ruth M.
Published: June 2010

Lack of agricultural information has been attributed to the inability of smallholder farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Recent efforts to improve smallholder access to agricultural information have seen increased application of ICT technologies in developing agriculture. These efforts use ICT-based market information to reduce transaction costs of smallholder participation in markets, promote commercialization, and improve household food security. Emerging studies document the benefits of such ICT-based applications in agriculture, including increased incomes and improved performance of agricultural markets. Unfortunately these studies have been context specific and the link between provision of ICT-based market information, smallholder commercialization and household security remains unclear. This paper develops a framework that can be used to analyze the link between ICT application in smallholder agriculture, household commercialization, and food security. The paper generates testable hypotheses relating ICT application in agriculture and reduction in transactions costs, smallholder farmer commercialization, and household food security. It then provides illustrative cases where ICT application in agriculture has benefited smallholder production and improved market performance. However, more research must be done to test the generated hypotheses. The paper discusses the implications of the framework for practitioners.
Bridging the Digital Divide by Open Source
Authors: Pscheidt M. , van der Weide Th.P.
Published: June 2010

In this article the authors show how open source software can be used as an instrument to tackle certain issues of the digital divide. This article elaborates the relationship between the digital divide, appropriate technology and open source. The authors present some aspects and possible building blocks that are to be taken into account for the successful and sustainable development and implementation of open source systems in institutions of higher learning in developing countries.The study is motivated by the context encountered in a development aid project with the aim to develop and implement an academic registration and information system (ARIS) for Mozambican universities. The ideas and findings presented here are based on a theoretical literature review in order to build a theoretical model of best practice in the context of North-South collaborations.
Synthetic Video Generation for Evaluation of Sprite Generation
Authors: Chen Yi , Aygün Ramazan S.
Published: June 2010

Sprite generation is the process of aligning, warping, and blending of pixels that belong to an object in a video. The evaluation of the correctness of a sprite is usually accomplished by a combination of objective and subjective evaluations. Availability of ground-truth image would help mere objective evaluation. In this paper, the authors present video generation from an image based on various camera motion parameters to be used as ground-truth for the sprite evaluation. This paper introduces a framework for evaluation of sprite generation algorithms. Experiments under the proposed framework were performed on the synthetic videos of different camera motion patterns to reveal the components of the sprite generation algorithm to be improved.
Multi-Fractal Analysis for Feature Extraction from DNA Sequences
Authors: Kinsner Witold , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2010

This paper presents estimations of multi-scale (multi-fractal) measures for feature extraction from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences, and demonstrates the intriguing possibility of identifying biological functionality using information contained within the DNA sequence. We have developed a technique that seeks patterns or correlations in the DNA sequence at a higher level than the local base-pair structure. The technique has three main steps: (i) transforms the DNA sequence symbols into a modified Lévy walk, (ii) transforms the Lévy walk into a signal spectrum, and (iii) breaks the spectrum into sub-spectra and treats each of these as an attractor from which the multi-fractal dimension spectrum is estimated. An optimal minimum window size and volume element size are found for estimation of the multi-fractal measures. Experimental results show that DNA is multi-fractal, and that the multi-fractality changes depending upon the location (coding or non-coding region) in the sequence.
Relevant and Non-Redundant Amino Acid Sequence Selection for Protein Functional Site Identification
Authors: Das Chandra , Maji Pradipta
Published: June 2010

In order to apply a powerful pattern recognition algorithm to predict functional sites in proteins, amino acids cannot be used directly as inputs since they are non-numerical variables. Therefore, they need encoding prior to input. In this regard, the bio-basis function maps a non-numerical sequence space to a numerical feature space. One of the important issues for the bio-basis function is how to select a minimum set of bio-basis strings with maximum information. In this paper, an efficient method to select bio-basis strings for the bio-basis function is described integrating the concepts of the Fisher ratio and “degree of resemblance”. The integration enables the method to select a minimum set of most informative bio-basis strings. The “degree of resemblance” enables efficient selection of a set of distinct bio-basis strings. In effect, it reduces the redundant features in numerical feature space. Quantitative indices are proposed for evaluating the quality of selected bio-basis strings. The effectiveness of the proposed bio-basis string selection method, along with a comparison with existing methods, is demonstrated on different data sets.
Feature Based Rule Learner in Noisy Environment Using Neighbourhood Rough Set Model
Authors: Liu Yang , Jiao Luyang , Bai Guohua , Feng Boqin
Published: June 2010

From the perspective of cognitive informatics, cognition can be viewed as the acquisition of knowledge. In real-world applications, information systems usually contain some degree of noisy data. A new model proposed to deal with the hybrid-feature selection problem combines the neighbourhood approximation and variable precision rough set models. Then rule induction algorithm can learn from selected features in order to reduce the complexity of rule sets. Through proposed integration, the knowledge acquisition process becomes insensitive to the dimensionality of data with a pre-defined tolerance degree of noise and uncertainty for misclassification. When the authors apply the method to a Chinese diabetic diagnosis problem, the hybrid-attribute reduction method selected only five attributes from totally thirty-four measurements. Rule learner produced eight rules with average two attributes in the left part of an IF-THEN rule form, which is a manageable set of rules. The demonstrated experiment shows that the present approach is effective in handling real-world problems.
The Formal Design Model of a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS+)
Authors: Wang Yingxu , Ngolah Cyprian F. , Zeng Guangping , Sheu Philip C.Y. , Choy C. Philip , Tian Yousheng
Published: June 2010

A real-time operating system (RTOS) provides a platform for the design and implementation of a wide range of applications in real-time systems, embedded systems, and mission-critical systems. This paper presents a formal design model for a general RTOS known as RTOS+ that enables a specific target RTOS to be rigorously and efficiently derived in real-world applications. The methodology of a denotational mathematics, Real-Time Process Algebra (RTPA), is described for formally modeling and refining architectures, static behaviors, and dynamic behaviors of RTOS+. The conceptual model of the RTOS+ system is introduced as the initial requirements for the system. The architectural model of RTOS+ is created using RTPA architectural modeling methodologies and refined by a set of Unified Data Models (UDMs). The static behaviors of RTOS+ are specified and refined by a set of Unified Process Models (UPMs). The dynamic behaviors of the RTOS+ system are specified and refined by the real-time process scheduler and system dispatcher. This work is presented in two papers; the conceptual and architectural models of RTOS+ is described in this paper, while the static and dynamic behavioral models of RTOS+ will be elaborated in a forthcoming paper.
The Significance of the Ethics of Respect
Authors: Esquirol Josep M.
Published: June 2010

In this paper, the author examines the idea of respect and makes this the cornerstone of a new approach to ethics that is particularly well suited to addressing the challenges society faces in an age shaped so profoundly by technology. The author uncovers a wealth of meaning in the notion of ‘respect’ and shows how this relates to the gaze. The attentive gaze is seen as the essence of respect. This thought-provoking analysis is presented in a straightforward way and is certainly open to further development and refinement in fields such as ecology, medicine, education and the promotion of civic-mindedness.
How Can the Problems of An Ethical Judgment on Science and Technology Be Correctly Approached?
Authors: Agazzi Evandro
Published: June 2010

Two opposite positions are currently dividing the field of discussion regarding the ethical evaluation of science and technology. On the one hand, many people maintain that such a judgment must not be introduced or, less radically, that it needs not be looked for; on the other hand, several scholars maintain that such a judgment is legitimate or, more radically, mandatory. Therefore, it is advisable to examine the arguments of both parties in order to see not so much which viewpoint is right but, perhaps, to what extent both might be right.
Characterisation of Full-Field Deformation Behaviour Using Digital Imaging Techniques
Authors: Tai Y.H. , Zanganeh M. , Asquith D. , Yates J.R.
Published: June 2010

Optical techniques for displacement measurements have become more common in recent years. The current preferred technique is digital image correlation (DIC) which works very well but has limitations for measuring diametral contractions in cylindrical specimens using a standard 3D system. To overcome the limitations of using either a diametral clip gauge or standard 3D DIC, a method has been developed for measuring diametral contractions simultaneously in two directions using a standard 3D DIC system in conjunction with an edge detection algorithm. Results have shown the method to work well.