bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dificuldades enfrentadas pelo cuidador na inclusão escolar de crianças com paralisia cerebral
Authors: Araujo Denize Arouca , Lima Elenice Dias Ribeiro de Paula
Published: May 2012

A inclusão de crianças com deficiência na rede comum de ensino é um grande desafio. Associado à insegurança dos pais, muitas escolas não se sentem preparadas para receber o aluno com deficiência. De modo geral, os cuidadores, principais responsáveis por garantir o bem-estar, a assistência e a prestação de cuidados à criança, reconhecem a importância da escola em seu desenvolvimento. Porém, demonstram temores ao perceber o despreparo da instituição para receber a criança com deficiência. Sendo o cuidador um dos importantes pilares para viabilizar a inclusão escolar, este estudo teve por objetivo identificar os fatores dificultadores percebidos pelo cuidador da criança com paralisia cerebral em relação à sua entrada e permanência na escola comum. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, de natureza descritiva, cujos resultados revelam que a falta de formação dos professores, o despreparo físico das escolas e a falta de um estagiário são fatores percebidos pelos cuidadores como grandes dificultadores da inclusão da criança em escola comum.
Longevity of Oncidium varicosum (Orchidaceae) inflorescences treated with 1-methylciclopropene
Authors: Mattiuz Claudia Fabrino Machado , Mattiuz Ben-Hur , Rodrigues Teresinha de Jesus Deléo , Pietro Júlia de , Martins Ramilo Nogueira , Grossi Selma de Fátima
Published: May 2012

Oncidium varicosum belongs to Orchidaceae family and nowadays it is commercialized on large scale due to its potential as cut flower. The species distinguishes decoratively in function of the high number of flowers golden yellow that compose its great and delicate inflorescence. The hormone ethylene performs an important function in the processes related with the senescence of cut flowers, and especially in relation to orchids anti-ethylene treatments are recommended to extend the vase life. Among chemicals used today for the postharvest treatment of flowers the 1-methylciclopropene (1-MCP) is an efficient inhibitor of autocatalytic production of ethylene. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of 1-methylciclopropene (Control and 1-MCP: 250ppb, 500ppb, 1000ppb) upon physiological aspects of cut inflorescences of Oncidium varicosum. The best treatment was 1-MCP 1000ppb and the flowers presented larger values of water content, soluble carbohydrates, reducing sugars, carotenoids and the respiration rates were lower. These results contributed to higher quality and longer life of inflorescences.
O ensino médio e as novas diretrizes curriculares nacionais: entre recorrências e novas inquietações
Authors: Moehlecke Sabrina
Published: May 2012

Em maio de 2011, o Conselho Nacional de Educação aprova parecer que estabelece novas diretrizes curriculares nacionais para o ensino médio no Brasil. Diante dos múltiplos olhares e perspectivas a partir das quais é possível analisar as atuais políticas para o ensino médio, pretende-se, neste ensaio, identificar o que as novas diretrizes curriculares trazem de novo para a organização do ensino médio no Brasil. Desse modo, a primeira parte do texto é dedicada à contextualização de algumas das principais mudanças pelas quais passou o ensino médio no país, especialmente em termos legais, das condições de acesso e permanência e das políticas na área. Em seguida, são identificadas as principais críticas feitas às DCNEM de 1998 nos estudos e pesquisas realizadas sobre o assunto desde então para, ao final do artigo, se analisar até que ponto as novas diretrizes dialogam com esses questionamentos e inquietações, quais as novas possibilidades de organização do ensino médio que trazem para o país e que desafios continuam na agenda de debates.
História da educação e formação de professores
Authors: Mcculloch Gary
Published: May 2012

Nos últimos trinta anos, a história da educação na Inglaterra, como em muitos outros países, tem sido excluída do currículo de formação de professores. Este encaminhamento tem implicações significativas para a natureza da formação de professores no que diz respeito à relação entre a prática e a teoria. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo avalia a mudança de posição da história da educação como campo de estudo e de pesquisa em relação às suas contribuições para a formação de professores. Demonstramos, a partir da revisão da literatura especializada, que a pesquisa em história da educação tem se desenvolvido de forma exemplar em nível internacional, porém, o resultado desse empreendimento não chega aos programas de formação de professores, tendo como consequência a falta entre os professores de uma compreensão crítica da história da profissão docente, dos professores e da pedagogia e da educação em geral. Dessa forma, este paradoxo que envolve, por um lado, o crescimento da pesquisa sobre a história da profissão docente entre os especialistas e, por outro, a sua ausência nos cursos de formação de professores é o tema principal dessa reflexão. Nas conclusões desse artigo argumenta-se no sentido de que esta pesquisa recente na história da docência tem muito a contribuir para a formação de professores, e que o distanciamento entre a história e o currículo de formação de docentes deve ser superado.
Validação do Inventário de Concepções de Deficiência em Situações de Trabalho (ICD-ST)
Authors: Carvalho-Freitas Maria Nivalda de
Published: May 2012

A análise e gestão das condições de inserção de pessoas com deficiência é uma nova necessidade nas organizações de trabalho em função da Lei de Cotas. O objetivo deste estudo foi construir e validar uma escala sobre as formas como as pessoas percebem a deficiência e as possibilidades de trabalho das pessoas com deficiência (PcDs). A escala intitulada "Inventário de Concepções de Deficiência em Situações de Trabalho" foi aplicada em 163 gerentes de 18 empresas brasileiras. Por meio da análise fatorial exploratória, geraram-se sete fatores: Espiritual, Normalidade, Inclusão, Desempenho, Benefícios, Vínculo e Treinamento. Os coeficientes de fidedignidade variaram de 0,53 a 0,81, com resultado de 0,69 para a escala total. Os fatores possuem sentido teórico, tendo como referências a literatura e a avaliação de juízes. A validação do ICD-ST fornece evidências de que diferentes formas de perceber a deficiência podem ser identificadas em gestores que atuam com pessoas com deficiência.
Treino cognitivo em adultos maduros e idosos: impacto de estratégias segundo faixas de escolaridade
Authors: Teixeira-Fabrício Aline , Lima-Silva Thaís Bento , Kissaki Priscilla Tiemi , Vieira Marcela Guidetti , Ordonez Tiago Nascimento , Oliveira Thalita Bianchi de , Aramaki Flávia Ogava , Souza Patrícia Ferreira , Yassuda Mônica Sanches
Published: May 2012

Objetivou-se com este estudo testar a eficácia de treino cognitivo de seis sessões, baseado na apresentação e prática de estratégias de memória (categorização) e na realização de atividades que recrutam as funções executivas, oferecido a idosos. Objetivou-se, também, identificar e comparar as estratégias mnemônicas utilizadas pelos participantes antes e após treino, segundo faixas de escolaridade. Participaram do estudo 31 idosos, divididos em Grupo 1 (com até 8 anos de escolaridade) e Grupo 2 (com 9 anos ou mais). Foram aplicadas questões sociodemográficas, escalas cognitivas e uma lista de estratégias possíveis para identificação das estratégias usadas. Os resultados indicaram a influência da escolaridade no uso de estratégias de memória no pré-teste. No pós-teste, apontaram para aumento na velocidade de processamento e na utilização de estratégias. Concluiu-se que o uso de estratégias, a autoeficácia para a memória e o ganho após o treino cognitivo podem ser influenciados pela escolaridade.
Hipnose em pacientes oncológicos: um estudo psicossomático em pacientes com câncer de próstata
Authors: Caire Licia Ferreira
Published: May 2012

A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo interpretar e compreender o impacto das ressignificações vivenciais experienciadas em estado hipnótico por pacientes com câncer de próstata sobre a autopercepção de saúde, crença no tratamento e capacidade de prospectar o futuro. Foram acompanhados 12 sujeitos durante 5 sessões de 1 hora de hipnoterapia escalonadas semanalmente. Os instrumentos consistiram em entrevistas individuais, intervenções hipnóticas e registros das entrevistas. Foi eleita a Técnica de Análise Temática para a seleção de temas a serem analisados. Os discursos emergidos nas entrevistas iniciais apresentaram semelhanças no que concerne às vivencias coexistenciais e os tópicos notáveis analisados foram: Sentimentos e impulsos ao impacto do diagnóstico, Significado do câncer e crença na cura, Autopercepção da melhora do câncer, Retomada da capacidade de prospectar o futuro. A conclusão indicou que 100% dos pacientes acompanhados referiram melhora na saúde, certeza da cura, retomada do humor e incremento nas estratégias de enfrentamento às situações estressógenas.
Desempenho do cultivo da berinjela em plantio direto submetida a diferentes lâminas de irrigação
Authors: Lima Márcio E. de , Carvalho Daniel F. de , Souza Adilson P. de , Rocha Hermes S. , Guerra José G. M.
Published: May 2012

Este estudo foi conduzido no município de Seropédica, RJ, com o objetivo de se determinar, em cultivo orgânico e sistema de plantio direto, a produtividade da cultura da berinjela sob diferentes lâminas de irrigação e sistemas de cultivo (consorciada com leguminosa e solteira). O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de blocos ao acaso, no esquema de parcela subdividida com quatro repetições caracterizando, na parcela, os tratamentos equivalentes à lâmina de irrigação (40; 70; 100 e 120% ETc) e, na subparcela, os sistemas de cultivo consorciado com feijão caupi e solteiro. Ambos os sistemas de cultivo não influenciaram a produtividade final da berinjela; no entanto, considerando as diferentes lâminas, a maior produtividade comercial foi de 65,41 Mg ha-1, obtida para uma lâmina total de 690,04 mm (106,8% ETc). A menor lâmina aplicada resultou em qualidade inferior dos frutos em relação às maiores lâminas, sendo a taxa de descarte dos frutos de 3 e 14%, respectivamente, para a maior e a menor lâmina.
Cinética de congelamento do feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) a baixas temperaturas
Authors: Cavalcanti-Mata Mario E. R. M. , Morais José O. de , Duarte Maria E. M. , Farias Paulo de A. , Queiroz Alexandre J. de M.
Published: May 2012

O objetivo neste trabalho foi obter as curvas de congelamento do feijão, cultivar 'gordo', nas temperaturas de -25, -50, -170 e -196 ºC e determinar sua difusividade térmica efetiva. Com vista à obtenção das curvas de congelamento das sementes nas temperaturas de -25 e -50 ºC utilizou-se um freezer criogênico horizontal; para a temperatura de -170 ºC, o vapor de nitrogênio e, para a temperatura de -196 ºC, as sementes foram submersas no nitrogênio líquido. Afim de expressar o comportamento cinético do congelamento das sementes de feijão, foi usado o modelo de Fourier levando-se em consideração o primeiro termo da série, além dos Modelos I e II de Cavalcanti-Mata & Duarte. Os resultados obtidos indicam que os três modelos representam satisfatoriamente os dados experimentais da cinética de congelamento; apesar disto, com o Modelo II de Cavalcanti-Mata & Duarte se obtém o maior coeficiente de determinação. Constata-se também que, para congelar as sementes de feijão até atingir o equilíbrio térmico na temperatura de -25 ºC, o tempo necessário foi de 1200 min; em temperatura de -50 ºC o equilíbrio foi atingido com 480 min; a -170 ºC o equilíbrio se deu em 180 min e, a -196 ºC, em 30 min.
Distribuição dos comandos de operação em tratores agrícolas nacionais com até 55 kW de potência
Authors: Nietiedt Gustavo H. , Ribas Rodrigo L. , Schlosser José F. , Frantz Ulisses G. , Casali André Luis , Uhry Daniel
Published: May 2012

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, comparar a localização dos comandos de operação em quatro tratores agrícolas novos, na faixa de 55 kW de potência: John Deere 5603, Massey Ferguson 4275, New Holland TL75E e Valtra A750. Utilizaram-se, como referência, as normas ABNT NBR ISO 4253 (1999) para determinação do Ponto de Referência do Assento (SIP) e ISO 15077 (1996), para determinação das regiões de alcance do operador sentado e das posições dos comandos de operação em relação ao SIP. Na análise do perfil vertical longitudinal os comandos frequentemente utilizados estiveram presentes, em maior número, na Zona de Conforto no trator Valtra A750 (38,5% dos comandos). Neste mesmo perfil, o trator John Deere 5603 apresentou não só 60,0% de seus comandos localizados dentro da Zona de Acesso mas também o menor percentual de comandos na Zona Inacessível do trator (20,0% dos comandos); já no perfil superior horizontal o trator Massey Ferguson 4275 apresentou 60,0% dos comandos na Zona de Conforto enquanto o trator Valtra A750 obteve o maior percentual de comandos localizados na Zona de Acesso e menor percentual na Zona Inacessíve, com 38,5 e 23,0%, respectivamente.
Modificações faciais em clientes submetidos a tratamento estético fonoaudiológico da face em Clínica-Escola de Fonoaudiologia
Authors: Arizola Hilda Gabriela Arantes de , Brescovici Silvana Maria , Delgado Susana Elena , Ruschel Caroline Kurtz
Published: May 2012

OBJETIVO: identificar possíveis modificações faciais em pacientes submetidos à tratamento estético fonoaudiológico da face na Clínica-Escola de Fonoaudiologia e verificar se estas modificações foram percebidas pelo cliente, por terceiros e por fonoaudiólogos, e constatar o grau de satisfação do cliente com o resultado. MÉTODO: participaram do estudo 11 mulheres com idade de 40 a 50 anos (média de idade 44,5 ± 3,6 anos), excluíram-se as com tratamento fonoaudiológico estético ou cirurgia faciais prévios e patologias neurológicas. Submeteram-se a 10 sessões de terapia, com exercícios estáticos e dinâmicos. Responderam questionário sobre modificações percebidas por elas ou referidas por terceiros. Suas fotos pré e pós tratamento foram analisadas por fonoaudiólogos especialistas em motricidade orofacial identificando presença ou ausência de modificações. Em escala análoga visual de 100 mm, marcaram seus graus de satisfação com aparência facial pré e pós tratamento. RESULTADOS: todas (100%) perceberam modificações faciais: diminuição das rugas dos olhos e dos lábios (100%) e diminuição do sulco nasolabial, lábios mais definidos, pele mais viçosa e brilhante e suavização das marcas de expressão (90,91%). Terceiros referiram modificação: diminuição das olheiras pele mais viçosa e brilhante (45,45%). Não se encontrou concordância entre os três especialistas, embora tenham percebido em maior ou menor grau modificações na maioria das variáveis analisadas. O grau médio de satisfação com a aparência facial aumentou de 46,18 para 82,09 (p=0,05). CONCLUSÃO: o tratamento fonoaudiológico proporcionou modificações faciais percebidas pelas clientes, por terceiros e pelos especialistas. Elas mostraram-se mais satisfeitas com o aspecto estético da face após a intervenção fonoaudiológica.
Características estruturais e agronômicas da Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés submetida a doses de nitrogênio
Authors: Cabral Welton Batista , Souza Alexandre Lima de , Alexandrino Emerson , Toral Fábio Luiz Buranelo , Santos Josimar Nogueira dos , Carvalho Marcus Vinícius Pavoni de
Published: May 2012

Objetivou-se neste experimento avaliar as características estruturais e agronômicas da Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés sob diferentes doses de nitrogênio (0; 125; 250; 375 e 500 kg.ha-1 de N) cultivadas no Campus Universitário de Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, no período de 12/10/2006 a 23/8/2007. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos às análises estatísticas agrupando-se os dados em dois períodos, águas e ao longo do ano. As doses de N influenciaram o número de folhas aparecidas para a época chuvosa, assim como o número de folhas verdes. O número de folhas totais foi influenciado pelas doses de N nas águas e ao longo do ano. Houve incremento de 27% no comprimento médio da lâmina foliar para a dose de 343,9 kg.ha-1 de N para o período das águas. A densidade de perfilhos foi influenciada pelas doses de N para ambos os períodos de avaliação, sendo que a altura das plantas foi influenciada pelas doses de N para as duas épocas avaliadas. O aumento na disponibilidade de matéria seca por hectare foi de 87,5% para a maior dose de N nas águas (333,3 kg.ha-1 de N) em comparação ao tratamento testemunha. A adubação nitrogenada influencia positivamente todas as características relacionadas ao crescimento e à produção de massa, principalmente no período chuvoso, quando a adubação deve ser parcelada em quatro ou cinco doses, não justificando adubações no período seco do ano.
The sensory acceptability of a tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) mechanically separated meat-based spread
Authors: Freitas Daniela De Grandi Castro , Resende Alda Letícia da Silva Santos , Furtado Angela Aparecida Lemos , Tashima Luana , Bechara Henrique Muniz
Published: May 2012

Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) is an alternative for the diversification of new fish-based products and also as a solution for the use of waste from the filleting industries. Tilapia MSM was used in this study for the formulation of a fish spread aimed at investigating its acceptability by consumers. Two spread formulations were prepared with different types of commercial salt: seasoned salt (A) and common salt (B). The consumers (112) evaluated their acceptance with respect to overall impression, spreadability, appearance and flavour acceptability on a 9-point hedonic scale. A microbiological analysis of the Tilapia MSM was also carried out and the chemical composition of the Tilapia MSM-based spread determined. When considering the acceptance of all the consumers, the overall impression, appearance and flavour were significantly (P < 0.05) lower for the spread made with common salt (B). However, three different consumer segments could be found from the overall impression of the Tilapia MSM-based spread. The largest segment also preferred the spread made with the seasoned salt (A), but both products were well accepted. The tilapia MSM presented adequate quality as a raw material according to the technical regulations for microbiological standards. The final product presented the following chemical composition: moisture - 62.17%; ash - 2.11%; protein - 9.75% and lipid - 18.81%. These results could be of great importance for the industry in developing and marketing new products obtained from mechanically separated Tilapia meat.
Expert Opinion: Future Frontiers and Challenges in Cancer Medicine
Authors: Johnston Patrick G. , Lawler Mark
Published: May 2012

This article is the first in a series in European Perspectives that will engage with the European Oncology community to identify the ways in which the aspiration for enhanced standard of care for the cancer patient can be realized.
Quantification of sustainability principles in bridge projects
Authors: Spencer Phillippa C. , Hendy Chris R. , Petty Robert
Published: May 2012

Quantifying civil engineering projects in terms of sustainability and meeting carbon dioxide reduction targets is a new challenge for the civil engineering industry. While the development of carbon accounting tools has helped to identify areas of bridge design and construction which have the greatest carbon dioxide emissions, quantifying sustainability overall has been less well studied. The sustainability index for bridges described in this paper is a significant step towards facilitating systematic quantification of the sustainability of schemes through a simple, graphical tool. The output identifies where improvements can be made on a design and allows comparison of alternatives. It can be used throughout the design process to monitor decisions, the success of design changes and to inform decisions on future projects, thereby improving the sustainability of designs. The overall sustainability index rating enables targets to be set for the desired sustainability performance of bridges produced by an organisation. The methodology can be adopted by clients so that, once the key attributes are set and weighted accordingly, designs can be benchmarked across their whole bridge stock. This paper presents the background to the development of the sustainability index, its key features and examples of its use and benefits.
Deflection and frequency monitoring of the Forth Road Bridge, Scotland, by GPS
Authors: Roberts Gethin W. , Brown Christopher J. , Meng Xiaolin , Ogundipe Oluropo , Atkins Christopher , Colford Barry
Published: May 2012

The use of carrier phase kinematic GPS (global positioning system) has evolved into a reliable technique to measure both the three-dimensional magnitudes and frequencies of movements of structures. Techniques have been developed that tackle errors caused by multipath, tropospheric delay and issues relating to satellite geometry. GPS-derived movements compare well with data from both design predictions and structural models. Results from field trials carried out on the Forth Road Bridge are presented. This paper brings together key results that outline the procedure as well as a series of new data that indicate other potential applications. GPS data were collected continuously over a period of 46 h at a minimum rate of 10 Hz. During the trials wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity and temperature were also recorded. Frequently there was very heavy traffic flow, and at one point a special load (a 100-t lorry) passed over simultaneously to the heavy daytime flow of traffic. Data from a planned load trial during a brief bridge closure are reported and compared with the limited results available from a finite element model. Measured vibration frequencies are also computed from GPS data and compared with those given in the literature. In addition, results indicating the change in structural characteristics are also presented – in particular changes of mass associated with changes in traffic loading are observed. The results show the performance of GPS as it has developed in recent years, and that it can now reliably be used as a significant part of structural health monitoring schemes, giving both the magnitude of quasi-static deflections in known time periods and hence the frequency of dynamic movements of structures.
Barriers to retrofit of domestic housing stock with low and zero carbon dioxide technologies
Authors: Lowery David Mark , Theobald Kate , Waggott Andrew , Walker Sara Louise
Published: May 2012

This paper explores a range of barriers to the implementation of retrofit programmes to domestic properties, through reporting on the process of delivering a social housing retrofit project by a registered social landlord (RSL) in Sunderland, in the North East of England. The paper first describes the policy context for RSLs in terms of the housing condition requirements and targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions set by national government, and the subsequent shift by RSLs to retrofitting their properties to higher energy performance standards. During the project, a number of barriers were identified by the project team (which includes the authors), relating to decision-making processes, communication between partners, procurement and supply chains training and internal expertise, energy consumption monitoring and the type of low and zero carbon dioxide technologies to install. The article explores these, both as experienced and reported by the RSL, and identified by the wider project team, and considers what lessons could be learned regarding delivery of similar projects in the social housing sector.
Manual pit emptying as a sustainable livelihood in Ghana
Authors: Nkansah Andrews , Fisher Julie , Khan Muhammad Sohail
Published: May 2012

On-plot sanitation is vital in many low-income country urban areas. Pit emptying is critical to its sustainability and small-scale manual emptiers play a key role in this. This paper investigates the sustainability of manual pit emptying as a livelihood option, focusing on the key sustainable livelihood factors relating to the human, social, physical and financial capitals of manual emptiers. These relate to: their role as emptiers; the employment systems and equipment; their health, well-being, social status and the acceptability of the job they do. The paper concludes that the current state of pit-emptying practice does not represent a sustainable long-term livelihood option for manual pit emptiers, as long as it continues with no improvements in technology, insufficient financial incentives and inadequate health and safety measures. Recommendations to improve sustainability include: improvements in emptying technology; provision of subsidies and free medical care; and health and safety education.
Embankment dam probabilistic assessment for climate scenarios
Authors: Preziosi Marie-Christine , Micic Tatyana
Published: May 2012

For small earthfill dams exposed to climate scenarios such as those defined in UKCP09, deterministic assessments are insufficient, and more sophisticated models are required. This paper presents a hybrid probabilistic methodology that quantitatively measures the notional reliability index against upstream and downstream slope failure for such dams exposed to variable precipitation. Upstream and downstream slope stability are selected here as representative significant limit states governing the dam's long-term performance. The governing equations for the limit states are defined using the sliding-block method incorporating the effects of infiltration through the embankment. Using standard and sloping Green–Ampt and closed-form van Genuchten methods, the rainfall effects on soils with variable saturation are considered, and the standard first-order second moment method is applied. The probabilistic model encompasses uncertainties associated with soil properties, dam geometry and rainfall parameters. The paper demonstrates notional reliability indices for the dam for selected precipitation scenarios. A benchmark is developed that reflects the critical conditions conducive to slope failure. The paper reflects on the implication of inclusion of probabilistic climate models for associated risks. Therefore the analysis is an effective new management tool for risk assessment of embankment dams as categorised by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
Reliability of flood embankments: a new methodology
Authors: Redaelli Marco
Published: May 2012

Predicting the structural performance of embankments in extreme hydraulic conditions is essential to flood risk assessment. It is, however, a difficult task, owing to the general lack of information about the characteristics and conditions of earth structures in geographically extended and heterogeneous flood defence networks. The approach to flood embankment reliability currently adopted in the UK has some problematic aspects. In particular, the modelling of piping through the embankment is not completely satisfactory. Moreover, the use of condition grades, which lump together factors affecting different failure modes, may be misleading. The methodology presented in this paper, developed to overcome these limitations, is based on the estimate of the probability of breaching associated with a limited range of water levels. In this work, while other failure modes are treated with the traditional methods of structural reliability, through-piping is addressed with a rigorous elicitation of subjective probabilities. The methodology explicitly links the lack of knowledge to the uncertainty about the performance prediction. The final users are provided with tabulated solutions for a quick reliability assessment, the evaluation of uncertainty and the identification of the information needed to produce a better prediction.
Some geotechnical aspects of raising the Mangla dam, Pakistan
Authors: Hieatt Michael , Abbas Shah Syed Raghib , Khan Rashid Ali , Ali Manzoor , Asghar Naveed , Sheikh Saleem , Mason Peter John , Molyneux J. Dominic , Khan Ghulam Raza , Humayun Ijaz Ahmad
Published: May 2012

The Mangla dam project in Pakistan was the largest embankment dam project in the world when it was completed in 1967. The 260 km2 reservoir is formed by four major dams, each with a different cross-section, and each a significant structure. The original designs included provision for raising the dams by up to 12 m to offset the effects of future sedimentation. In 2000, capacity lost due to sedimentation became a significant issue. The government of Pakistan decided to exploit the raising provisions of the original design, and store flood water that was routinely being released. Following studies to confirm the most economic extent of raising, the original designs were reviewed and modified. Since the 1960s there have been advances in geotechnical and seismic engineering, changes in design parameters and information from 40 years' performance of the dams, all of which had to be taken into account in revisiting the designs for the raising. As a result, the dam cross-sections for the raised embankments have been adjusted using updated parameters, and the opportunity has been taken to address some areas of seepage that have been under observation since the original construction. Construction for a 9 m raise began in 2004 and was completed in December 2009. The total length of dam embankment after raising is 14 km, with a maximum height of 148 m. The work required 31 million m3 of fill materials, and is one of the largest dam-raising projects ever undertaken.
Long-term behaviour of embankment dams: seven Greek dams
Authors: Dounias George T. , Anastasopoulos Kostas , Kountouris Argyris
Published: May 2012

The long-term deformation of embankment dams is one of the key safety issues. Mechanisms affecting the post-construction deformation of embankment dams are briefly described. The long-term deformation of seven large Greek dams is presented by examining the crest deformations. The older dams have attained a nearly constant rate of deformation that is very small. More than 100 years are required in order for the crest settlements to reach the design camber, and in some cases many hundreds of years. The crest deformations differ for each dam, but some patterns are identified for similar dams. Factors that influence the deformations include the materials of construction, the core location, the valley geometry and the reservoir fluctuations. Of particular interest are the horizontal crest deflections for dams with central cores, where movements towards upstream are occasionally observed.
Effect of soil particle mineralogy on embankment dams
Authors: Sadrekarimi Abouzar
Published: May 2012

The 1971 San Fernando earthquake led to the failure and large displacement of the Lower San Fernando dam, which was constructed by the hydraulic filling method. Hydraulic filling has been condemned as producing liquefiable sand deposits, and in situ relative densities as large as 60% have been reported in the Lower San Fernando dam. On the other hand, laboratory element tests on loosest specimens of primarily quartz sands, pluviated through air or water (resembling the soil fabric produced by hydraulic filling) have been dilative, which brings into question the failure mechanism of the Lower San Fernando dam. In this paper, the behaviour of the dam during the 1971 earthquake is studied using the results of an improved sliding-block deformation analysis, which incorporates the shearing behaviour from ring shear tests of two sands with different mineralogies: quartz sand, and albite sand with some carbonates. The results indicate that sand particle composition and compressibility may have caused the failure and large displacement of the Lower San Fernando dam, even in a dense state (relative density ∼60%).
Modified Terzaghi consolidation curves with effective stress-dependent coefficient of consolidation
Authors: Abuel-Naga H. M. , Pender M. J.
Published: May 2012

One of the assumptions of the standard consolidation theory used in soil mechanics is that the coefficient of consolidation is a material property that remains constant during the consolidation process. This note demonstrates numerically the effect on the consolidation rate of a coefficient of consolidation that changes with increasing effective stress. The letter proposes a set of dimensionless consolidation curves when the coefficient of consolidation is changing linearly over the incremental effective stress generating the consolidation.
Application of image subtraction data to quantify suffusion
Authors: Rosenbrand E. , Dijkstra J.
Published: May 2012

A method for the study of suffusion by means of visualisation experiments is presented. Suffusion is the removal of the finest grains from a widely graded soil due to seepage flow. The mobilisation and transport of grains is strongly coupled to the structure of the soil. Images are acquired at suitable spatial and temporal scales that allow for the coupled study of particle movement as well as the change in structure of the sample. The observations are made for a gap-graded plane strain sample behind a transparent window. Image subtraction is used for analysis of the results, i.e. the identification of areas of the sample where particle movement occurs, the evolution of the locations where particles are removed and their corresponding transportation paths and the evolution of particle motion over the height of the sample. The presented method therefore employs the same dataset to study particle motion and sample structure in space and time, thereby providing a means to address the coupling between them.
Analysis of steel–concrete composite column subject to blast
Authors: Kang Kok Wei , Lee Siew Chin , Liew Richard J. Y.
Published: May 2012

The single-degree-of-freedom method is commonly used to approximate the dynamic response of structures subjected to blast loading. One of the limitations of this method is that it cannot capture the multi-failure modes of the structural members. The rigid–plastic method is thus, proposed in this paper as an alternative analytical approach to estimate the blast response of concrete-filled steel composite columns. The rigid–plastic results are compared with single-degree-of-freedom calculations as well as numerical simulations in order to assess the competency of the proposed method. Due to the assumption of rigid–plastic material behaviour in the rigid–plastic analysis, the accuracy of this method is influenced by the extent of plastic deformation of the structural member. For the case of impulsive blast loading, the rigid–plastic estimations are found to be closer to the numerical results than those obtained using the single-degree-of-freedom method. Numerical analysis was also conducted to compare the performance of concrete-filled steel composite column to a reinforced concrete column. A significant improvement in the blast resistance of the composite column was observed from the comparison.
Fish Pathogenic Bacteria (Aeromonas Hydrophilia) Induced Histopathological Attributes in the Spleen and Lymph-Nodes of Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Pramanik AK , Santra KB
Published: May 2012

The effect of fish pathogenic bacteria, Aeromonas hydrophilia on the spleen and lymph-nodes of male Swiss albino mice has been investigated and examined histopathologically. Morphological and histological changes on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 30th day of infection were noticed. Time exposure showed no significant difference in body weight between control and treated mice but the value showed a tendency towards increment. Spleen weight was increased significantly (p < 0.001) at 14th and 21 st days of post treated mice. The treatment groups showed hepatocellular necrosis of spleen and other immuno- responsive tissue like lymph-node of mice also. The damaging nature of the immuno-responsive tissues of mice to the pathogenesis of bacteria, Aeromonas hydrophilia is provoked in the results obtained.
Ground-level Concentration of Ozone in Ambient Air in Chittagong (Bangladesh) City
Authors: Begum BA , Saroar G , Nasiruddin M , Biswas SK
Published: May 2012

The distribution of the ground-level ozone concentration in Chittagong city was continuously monitored at air monitoring station in Chittagong city during period of December 2006 to December 2007. The results of this study have revealed that the ground-level ozone concentration in Chittagong city varied from season to season. The highest ground-level ozone concentration was found in winter. The groundlevel ozone concentration has also a clear diurnal cycle - with higher values in the daytime and notably becomes zero at night depending on season. Meteorological conditions are known to influence the formation and dispersion of ground-level ozone concentration. At temperature lower than 20°C, the concentration of ozone becomes high where as at high temperature (> 30°C), the concentration becomes low. It has also been found that at low wind speed, the ozone concentration is high and at high wind speed, the concentration becomes low due to dispersion. The results also establish that the during the study periods, the ozone concentration was below the Bangladesh National Ambient Air Quality Standard (BNAAQS) of 80 ppb (annual average). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i1.10729 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(1), 83-88, 2012
Antibiotic resistant patterns of bacterial isolates from ready-to-eat (RTE) street vended fresh vegetables and fruits in Dhaka City
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Khan Mr , Saha Mihir Lal
Published: May 2012

Key words: Enteric bacteria; lactose fermenter; non-lactose fermenter; antibiotic resistanceDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsr.v24i2.10769 Bangladesh J. Sci. Res. 24(2):127-134, 2011 (December)
Principes de détermination de la peine, politiques publiques et modération en matière de recours à l’incarcération : la rupture du Canada avec son histoire
Authors: Doob Anthony N.
Published: May 2012

Bien que le Canada n’ait jamais réussi à atteindre une grande cohérence en matière de détermination de la peine, pendant plus d’un siècle, les taux d’incarcérations y sont demeurés constants, alors que d’autres pays, notamment les États-Unis, ont vu leurs niveaux d’emprisonnement augmenter considérablement. Une explication partielle de cette stabilité réside dans la tradition canadienne de scepticisme à l’égard des bénéfices de l’emprisonnement – une position qui fut jusqu’en 2006 partagée par les gouvernements fédéraux libéraux et conservateurs. Toutefois, les juges chargés de prononcer les peines n’ont jamais reçu de directives claires du Parlement sur les objectifs qui devraient être concrètement associés aux décisions portant sur les sentences. Les politiques de détermination de la peine basées sur des principes clairs ont connu un rapide déclin à partir de 2006 avec l’introduction par les Conservateurs de nombreux projets de lois pénales modifiant l’économie de la punition. Dans son ensemble, cette activité législative représente l’antithèse d’une réforme de la justice pénale réfléchie et fondée sur des principes. En 1999, Jean-Paul Brodeur décrivait les valeurs qui sous-tendaient les politiques de détermination de la peine comme « rien de moins qu’une catastrophe morale ». Il ne fait aucun doute sur la manière dont il aurait qualifié la période qui s’est amorcée en 2006.
Principled sentencing, politics, and restraint in the use of imprisonment: Canada’s break with its history
Authors: Doob Anthony N.
Published: May 2012

Bien que le Canada n’ait jamais réussi à atteindre une grande cohérence en matière de détermination de la peine, pendant plus d’un siècle, les taux d’incarcérations y sont demeurés constants, alors que d’autres pays, notamment les États-Unis, ont vu leurs niveaux d’emprisonnement augmenter considérablement. Une explication partielle de cette stabilité réside dans la tradition canadienne de scepticisme à l’égard des bénéfices de l’emprisonnement – une position qui fut jusqu’en 2006 partagée par les gouvernements fédéraux libéraux et conservateurs. Toutefois, les juges chargés de prononcer les peines n’ont jamais reçu de directives claires du Parlement sur les objectifs qui devraient être concrètement associés aux décisions portant sur les sentences. Les politiques de détermination de la peine basées sur des principes clairs ont connu un rapide déclin à partir de 2006 avec l’introduction par les Conservateurs de nombreux projets de lois pénales modifiant l’économie de la punition. Dans son ensemble, cette activité législative représente l’antithèse d’une réforme de la justice pénale réfléchie et fondée sur des principes. En 1999, Jean-Paul Brodeur décrivait les valeurs qui sous-tendaient les politiques de détermination de la peine comme « rien de moins qu’une catastrophe morale ». Il ne fait aucun doute sur la manière dont il aurait qualifié la période qui s’est amorcée en 2006.
Réflexion autour de la banalité du mal inspirée d’une conversation avec Jean-Paul Brodeur
Authors: Tanner Samuel
Published: May 2012

Si la notoriété de Jean-Paul Brodeur est en grande partie due à ses recherches sur la police, il est un autre domaine, plus méconnu du grand public, qui le passionnait et le fascinait, à savoir les formes extrêmes de violence, dont le génocide et le crime contre l’humanité. Dans le cadre de cet article, je prolonge un dialogue que nous avions entamé avec Jean-Paul à propos du concept de banalité du mal, développé par Hannah Arendt. En particulier et à partir des contextes yougoslave et rwandais, je propose une extension de cette notion appliquée non pas tant ici aux fonctionnaires et bureaucrates, tels qu’ils constituaient le centre d’attention de la philosophie, alors concentrée sur l’Holocauste, mais bien plutôt des exécuteurs de terrain. Cette réflexion préliminaire révèle que la notion de banalité du mal peut être déclinée en quatre formes caractérisant la participation des exécuteurs ; soit la banalité de la similitude, de la familiarité, de l’idée et enfin de répétition.
Some thoughts on the banality of evil, inspired by a conversation with Jean-Paul Brodeur
Authors: Tanner Samuel
Published: May 2012

Si la notoriété de Jean-Paul Brodeur est en grande partie due à ses recherches sur la police, il est un autre domaine, plus méconnu du grand public, qui le passionnait et le fascinait, à savoir les formes extrêmes de violence, dont le génocide et le crime contre l’humanité. Dans le cadre de cet article, je prolonge un dialogue que nous avions entamé avec Jean-Paul à propos du concept de banalité du mal, développé par Hannah Arendt. En particulier et à partir des contextes yougoslave et rwandais, je propose une extension de cette notion appliquée non pas tant ici aux fonctionnaires et bureaucrates, tels qu’ils constituaient le centre d’attention de la philosophie, alors concentrée sur l’Holocauste, mais bien plutôt des exécuteurs de terrain. Cette réflexion préliminaire révèle que la notion de banalité du mal peut être déclinée en quatre formes caractérisant la participation des exécuteurs ; soit la banalité de la similitude, de la familiarité, de l’idée et enfin de répétition.
Transcriptional Regulation of Murine IL-33 by TLR and Non-TLR Agonists
Authors: Polumuri Swamy Kumar , Jayakar Gift Gunaraj , Shirey Kari Ann , Roberts Zachary J. , Perkins Darren J. , Pitha Paula M. , Vogel Stefanie N.
Published: May 2012

IL-33, a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, is produced by many cell types, including macrophages, yet its regulation is largely unknown. Treatment of primary murine macrophages with a panel of TLR (e.g., TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR9) agonists and non-TLR (e.g., MDA5, RIG-I) agonists revealed a pattern of gene and protein expression consistent with a role for IFN regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3) in the expression of IL-33. Accordingly, induction of IL-33 mRNA was attenuated in IRF-3−/− macrophages and TBK-1−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Despite the fact that all IL-33 agonists were IRF-3 dependent, LPS-induced IL-33 mRNA was fully inducible in IFN-β−/− macrophages, indicating that IL-33 is not dependent on IFN-β as an intermediate. Epinephrine and Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT), cAMP-activating agents, activate CREB and greatly synergize with LPS to induce IL-33 mRNA in macrophages. Both LPS-induced and ACT/LPS-enhanced expression of IL-33 mRNA was partially, but significantly, inhibited by the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 but not by tyrosine kinase or protein kinase C inhibitors. Two IL-33 mRNA species derived from two alternative promoters encode full-length IL-33; however, the shorter “A” species is preferentially induced by all IL-33–inducing agonists except Newcastle disease virus, a RIG-I agonist that induced expression of both “A” and “B” transcripts. Together, these studies greatly extend what is currently known about the regulation of IL-33 induction in macrophages stimulated by bacterial and viral agonists that engage distinct innate immune signaling pathways.
α-1 Antitrypsin Promotes Semimature, IL-10–Producing and Readily Migrating Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells
Authors: Ozeri Eyal , Mizrahi Mark , Shahaf Galit , Lewis Eli C.
Published: May 2012

Tolerogenic IL-10–positive CCR7-positive dendritic cells (DC) promote T regulatory (Treg) cell differentiation upon CCR7-dependent migration to draining lymph nodes (DLN). Indeed, in human DC deficiencies, Treg levels are low. α-1 antitrypsin (AAT) has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers, promote a semimature LPS-induced DC phenotype, facilitate Treg expansion, and protect pancreatic islets from alloimmune and autoimmune responses in mice. However, the mechanism behind these activities of AAT is poorly understood. In this study, we examine interactions among DC, CD4+ T cells, and AAT in vitro and in vivo. IL-1β/IFN-γ–mediated DC maturation and effect on Treg development were examined using OT-II cells and human AAT (0.5 mg/ml). CCL19/21-dependent migration of isolated DC and resident islet DC was assessed, and CCR7 surface levels were examined. Migration toward DLN was evaluated by FITC skin painting, transgenic GFP skin tissue grafting, and footpad DC injection. AAT-treated stimulated DC displayed reduced MHC class II, CD40, CD86, and IL-6, but produced more IL-10 and maintained inducible CCR7. Upon exposure of CD4+ T cells to OVA-loaded AAT-treated DC, 2.7-fold more Foxp3+ Treg cells were obtained. AAT-treated cells displayed enhanced chemokine-dependent migration and low surface CD40. Under AAT treatment (60 mg/kg), DLN contained twice more fluorescence after FITC skin painting and twice more donor DC after footpad injection, whereas migrating DC expressed less CD40, MHC class II, and CD86. Intracellular DC IL-10 was 2-fold higher in the AAT group. Taken together, these results suggest that inducible functional CCR7 is maintained during AAT-mediated anti-inflammatory conditions. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism behind the favorable tolerogenic activities of AAT.
BLIMP-1 and STAT3 Counterregulate MicroRNA-21 during Plasma Cell Differentiation
Authors: Barnes Nicholas A. , Stephenson Sophie , Cocco Mario , Tooze Reuben M. , Doody Gina M.
Published: May 2012

During cellular differentiation, mRNA transcription and translation require precise coordination. The mechanisms controlling this are not well defined. IL-21 is an important regulator of plasma cell differentiation, and it controls the master regulator of plasma cell differentiation, B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (BLIMP-1), via STAT3 and IRF4. Among the other targets of STAT3 is microRNA-21 (miR-21). miR-21 is the most frequently deregulated microRNA in malignancy, including B cell lymphomas, and it has oncogenic potential downstream of STAT3. However, the regulation and function of miR-21 during plasma cell differentiation are not characterized. In contrast to the induction of miR-21 observed in response to STAT3 activation in other systems, we demonstrate that miR-21 is repressed during IL-21–driven plasma cell differentiation. We explored the molecular basis for this repression and identify primary miR-21 transcription as a direct target of BLIMP-1–dependent repression, despite continued STAT3 activation and phospho-STAT3 binding to the primary miR-21 promoter. Thus, STAT3 and BLIMP-1 constitute an incoherent feed-forward loop downstream of IL-21 that can coordinate microRNA with mRNA expression during plasma cell differentiation.