bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTEGRATION OF THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH WITH THE EDUCATION IN THE ALBANIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
Authors: Cinga Zhuljeta
Published: May 2014

In the framework of the trends of development of Higher Education in Europe and all over the world, especially with the Bologna Process, The National Strategy of Higher Education, N S H E2008-2013, has put forward the main problems of the system of higher education so that Albania may have its own place in the European Higher Education Area.One of the main problems has been thereformation ofhigher education, the improvement of the teaching system and scientific research which until now have been completely separated from each other, the scientific research was carried out in the research institutes outside of the higher education, which were mainly subject to theScienceAcademy. The reforms undertaken in the area of higher education and of the base research aim at the integration of these two systems in the system of higher education having as the primary goal the increase of quality in universities especially in the second and third cycle of study.Through this article we want to present an innovation in the system of public higher education, the integration of the scientific research with the process of teaching in the higher education, to expose the priorities, the performance, the weaknesses which are observed, the reasons and the future perspectives
THE USE OF CASE STUDIES IN THE BUSINESS ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING
Authors: Strelchonok Angela , Ludviga Iveta
Published: May 2014

The paper is concerned with methodological aspects of using Case studies in Business English language teaching at University level. It emphasizes the benefits and opportunities of the Case study method as well as the role Case studies play in practicing and developing language, business communication and managerial skills. The paper analyses Case study as an example of Task-Based Learning (TBL) method which focuses on communicative approach towards problem solving tasks presented in authentic Case studies. The paper deals with language and subject matter integration in the creation and implementation of Case studies in the Business English classroom which involves collaborative work of English language and subject matter lecturers. The integrated approach strengthens both students’ subject matter knowledge and language competence. The result of lecturer collaboration is the creation of Case study “Rukisu teja” which is based on a real Latvian family-run business and can be incorporated into both Business English and Entrepreneurship courses.
Making Eye Contact: The performance art of Mary Beth Edelson as public pedagogy
Authors: Bickel Barbara , Sims Megan
Published: May 2014

In the context of a university community, this article presents a visual and textual first-hand reflection by the co-authors (participating faculty and student) on public performance as an art intervention challenging alienation. Making Eye Contact, led by internationally known feminist artist Mary Beth Edelson, offered students and community members a way to connect with unknown ‘others’, and cross barriers of race, gender, class and the busyness of life in a digital age. The authors will situate the performance art of Making Eye Contact as a significant art event that became a form of public pedagogy. This article offers a generic template for others to create a Making Eye Contact performance. It also attempts to articulate the learning rendered possible through public performances, offering a case for introducing arts-based interventions into classroom and campus environments as learning opportunities.
Grassroots empowerment with design in a community of practice in Turkey
Authors: Kaya Cigdem , Gelmez Koray
Published: May 2014

This study is about developing novel ideas for packaging and branding of locally bottled tomatoes, which is a traditional food preparation craft of women in western Turkey. In this region preparing fresh tomato preserve for private consumption is an annual and seasonal practice made in summer as a preparation for winter. One of the towns famous for this craft is Salihli where approximately 155,000 people live. Located in the western Aegean region of Turkey, Mediterranean climate prevails in Salihli making it an agriculture town. A group of women in Salihli requested our assistance as product designers to prepare their products for selling in contemporary markets. The participants of our research had entrepreneurial motivation. Adopting a bottom-up approach, we explored how new design ideas emerged in a group when working with professional designers in two workshops. The research emphasizes co-creation and learning self-innovation as a sociocultural practice defined as situated learning.
Review
Authors: Goodman Joshua
Published: May 2014

The Routledge History of Social Protest in Popular Music, Jonathan C. Friedman (ed.) (2013) New York and Abingdon: Routledge, 414 pp., ISBN: 9780415509527, h/bk, £140.00
Relações interativas e o processo de produção de textos: relato reflexivo sobre a revisão compartilhada
Authors: Aliberti Larissa Carolina Barbosa
Published: May 2014

Este artigo apresenta reflexões sobre uma experiência pedagógica relacionada à produção de textos narrativos desenvolvida com estudantes do segundo ano do Ensino Fundamental 1 em uma escola da rede particular da zona centro-sul de São Paulo. Tem-se como finalidade apresentar considerações sobre a importância da realização de atividades interativas relacionadas à escrita para potencializar a qualidade da produção das crianças e sua apropriação de procedimentos de revisão de textos. A análise foi composta de registro em vídeo e transcrição de uma situação de revisão coletiva de um trecho de conto. Considera-se que a troca de saberes entre alunos-alunos e alunos-professor possibilita avanço da competência escritora, especificamente, através de discussões coletivas e análises em pequenos grupos, a respeito dos textos e das formas de produzi-los e aprimorá-los.
Construindo a gestão democrática em uma escola de educação infantil: análise das estratégias de desenvolvimento de uma reunião de equipe
Authors: Nishioka Luciana Kazuko , Ferreira Marisa Vasconcelos
Published: May 2014

Tem sido um desafio para os sistemas de ensino e as unidades de educação infantil a concretização em ações cotidianas dos princípios da gestão democrática. Ainda hoje a prática de alguns gestores parece priorizar aspectos burocráticos e administrativos em detrimento da atuação focada na coordenação de uma equipe composta por pessoas em torno de um trabalho coletivo. Este artigo busca refletir sobre possíveis condições e estratégias que podem facilitar a ação dos gestores, especificamente, no desenvolvimento de reuniões (administrativas ou pedagógicas) e contribuir para a realização de um trabalho em equipe na perspectiva de uma gestão democrática. No presente artigo, iniciamos discutindo sobre o desafio da gestão democrática, focando a perspectiva da Educação Infantil e abordando a ação específica dos gestores na unidade. Seguimos delimitando ações da gestão na organização dos eventos de reunião, considerando-os enquanto ambientes formativos. A base de dados foi construída a partir da observação de uma reunião de equipe e da entrevista com a diretora da instituição pesquisada. Por fim, tecemos considerações afirmando a possibilidade e necessidade de assumir estratégias que favoreçam o trabalho coletivo, desde que o gestor assuma seu papel de articulador e a equipe atue com compromisso e envolvimento em objetivos comuns. Reuniões pedagógicas bem estruturadas, em espaço e tempo adequados, que garantam a participação de todos em torno do alcance de metas e objetivos comuns, podem ser caminhos para um melhor aproveitamento de espaços que a escola dispõe.
Editorial
Authors: Prado Renata Lopes Costa , Prado Ricardo , Jalbut Magdalena Viggiani
Published: May 2014

O início da profissão de professor costuma ser recordado pelos

profissionais mais experientes como um período estimulante,

mas desafiador.
Reflexões sobre a participação de um aprendiz em uma Comunidade de Prática
Authors: Polifemi Marcos Cesar
Published: May 2014

Neste artigo, após discutir brevemente o conceito de comunidades e refletir, especificamente, sobre alguns dos elementos comuns a diferentes tipos de comunidade, analisarei a iniciação de um participante novato em uma Comunidade de Prática, sob a perspectiva de sua participação periférica legítima (LAVE; WENGER, 1991). Este estudo de caso (NUNAN, 1992), conduzido a partir da análise das interações ocorridas em um curso a distância de formação continuada para coordenadores, permitiu observar a ocorrência de estratégias discursivas que indicam a importância de se assumir, declaradamente, uma postura de aprendiz como forma de obter uma melhor acolhida do restante do grupo e, com isso, construir um contexto apropriado para que a colaboração e a aprendizagem possam ocorrer.
Resolução de conflitos: sentimentos e justificativas de adolescentes
Authors: Vicentin Vanessa Fagionatto , Leme Maria Isabel da Silva
Published: May 2014

Estudiosos da área apontam três principais estilos de resolução de conflito: agressivo, submisso e assertivo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar possíveis relações entre estratégia de solução de conflito, expressão de sentimentos e justificativa indicadas por adolescentes. Participaram da investigação 84 estudantes com idades entre 12 e 16 anos. O instrumento utilizado foi uma adaptação do questionário derivado da escala Children’s Action Tendency Scale (DELUTY, 1981). As respostas predominantes relacionadas aos conflitos foram submissão e coerção. Grande parte dos participantes não se pronunciou com relação aos sentimentos provocados pelas situações descritas pelo questionário. A avaliação que visou comparar a expressão de sentimentos com as justificativas das respostas de enfrentamento dos participantes nas situações de conflito mostrou várias associações significativas por meio do teste exato de Fisher. Com relação à expressão de sentimentos, muitos conflitos apresentaram associações positivamente significativas entre as respostas agressivas e ausência de manifestação sobre o afeto despertado pela situação.
Excesso de atividades, consumo e superproteção: possíveis fatores de tédio em crianças
Authors: Kunsch Clarice Krohling
Published: May 2014

Neste trabalho, procurou-se entender as relações entre padrões de consumo e a vivência do tédio em crianças. O tédio está relacionado com a falta de motivação, a apatia e a falta de sentidos na própria vida. Nem as crianças estão escapando disso. Elas estão menos interessadas por atividades típicas da infância, como brincar. Para entender os motivos que estariam levando as crianças ao tédio, verificou-se como é estabelecida a rotina extraescolar de crianças oriundas de famílias de alto poder aquisitivo. As agendas dessas crianças estão ocupadas por diversas atividades que visam a um futuro promissor, os equipamentos eletrônicos estão mais acessíveis e os adultos são cada vez mais controladores esuperprotetores. Nesse cenário, o tédio se impõe.
Microscopic analysis of minas frescal cheese sold in city of Londrina-PR
Authors: Maia Luciana Furlaneto , Bonfante Raissa Curti
Published: May 2014

Cheese are considered highly perishable foods, so it must be produced with raw materials of good quality, subject to an efficient quality control, besides their transport, storage and marketing appropriate to avoid  vehiculation of diseases. The presence of impurities in food may be indicative of neglect at some point in the process, moreover, the insects and mites can act as backers of microbiological contaminants such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, protozoa and helminths. This study aimed to verify the hygienic conditions of Minas frescal type cheese sold in food markets in the city of Londrina-PR, according to the nature and amount of foreign material (dirt) present. Twenty samples of cheese were washed with kerosene and filtered on filter paper, whose content was analyzed retained a standard optical microscope (increased 400 times). The results showed that 100% of the samples contained at least one type of foreign matter, demonstrating poor hygienic quality. These date showed that is important to monitor these products since they can be vehicles of diseases, endangering the health of consumers.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i1.16
Inactivation of antinutritional factors that compose the grain and soybean and losses in the extrusion process
Authors: Mantovani Daniel , Corazza Marcos Lúcio , Cardozo Filho Lúcio , Da Costa Silvio Claudio
Published: May 2014

 
Extrusion is a process in which the soybean is plasticized and baked through a process combination  that involves high temperature, reduced time, pressure and friction, to inactivate the antinutritional factors present in soybeans, among them factor antitrypsin, chymotrypsin and others. Thus, the study aimed to evaluate losses during extrusion processing of soybean after the reactor output. A total of 10 samples were collected from the final product and then classified into six groups: total sample grain; normal whole; spoiled whole; burnt whole; normal broken, and burnt broken. The analyses were performed based on the quality controls such as moisture; crude protein; soluble protein, and urease. However, the physical-chemical analyses results found for normal whole grain were mostly different (P < 0.05) from those found for the other samples evaluated. The burnt broken grains presented lower (P < 0.05) values of humidity, crude protein, soluble protein and urease in relation to those obtained for normal whole grain. It was concluded that after the extrusion process the samples of grains whole normal and broken represent up the largest yield of the final portion (90%) and urease, soluble protein within values parameters required by the National Association of Feed Manufacturers. However 10% of the samples final fraction showed low nutritional value and should be used for other purposes.

 

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i1.32
Research on Staphylococcus aureus in four varieties of cheese produced in a dairy from the northwest of Paraná
Authors: Menezes Leidiane Andréia Acordi , Fuzinatto Mariana Manfroi , Stefanoni Franciele , De Lima Ezequiel , De Lima Denise Pastore
Published: May 2014

Cheese is frequently pointed as a potential vehicle of diseases transmitted by food, due to its rich composition, humidity and the excess of manipulation. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main microorganisms responsible for outbreaks of food poisoning by ingestion of milk and cheese contaminated with preformed enterotoxins. In this context, this paper aims to evaluate the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus in 46 cheese samples of four varieties, which are: frescal, mozzarella, danbo and ricotta, produced by the same dairy from the northwest of Paraná from August 2009 to July 2010. According to the obtained results, 95.65% of the analyzed samples followed the RDC nº 12/01 established standards by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). It is believed that the unsatisfactory results obtained in two of the studied samples, frescal and ricotta, were due to poor hygiene of equipment and of the handlers, contaminated raw material or post-processing contamination.

 

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i1.36
Influence of nutrients addition in the fermentation kinetics of Japanese Grape juice by Saccharomyces SP.
Authors: Todescato Diego , Catarina Letícia S. , Fortes Loana D. , Lopes Toni Jefferson , Da Silva Adriano , Costelli Murilo Cesar , Cancelier Adriano
Published: May 2014

The production of a fermented distilled drink from Japanese grape is presented as a good option of income complement to small farmers. The fermentative tests were conducted under different juice dilutions of Japanese grape (30 and 50%), different temperatures (30 and 35 °C), with and without the addition of micronutrients (sources of K+, Mn++). The analyses carried during the fermentative process are related to the concentration of substrate (sugar) and cells, with pH supervision and ethanol production. In accordance with the data obtained, it was verified a considerable microbial growth for the test with 2.5g of yeast, 30% of juice diluted in water at 30 °C and with potassium addition as micronutrient, suggesting that the same is capable of metabolize the sugars that are present in the broth converting it into biomass and secondary metabolites, even in low concentrations. So the use of Japanese grape (Hovenia dulcis) can be suggested as carbon and nutrients source for fermentative processes using Saccharomyces cerevisiae commercial strains, under moderate conditions of operation, for the production of ethanol or other metabolites with possible commercial interest.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i1.40
Determination of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa).
Authors: Buratto Ana Paula , Carpes Solange Teresinha , Dalla Vecchia Paula , Schroll Loss Edenes Maria
Published: May 2014

The Brazil nut is a nut grown in the Amazon region, with high caloric and proteic content. This nut contains selenium and phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties, which are widely used to combat the free radicals responsible for premature aging and degenerative diseases. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and antimicrobial potential of Bertholletia excelsa nuts. To determine the antioxidant activity was employed the method of DPPH free radical sequestration. The antimicrobial activity was determined by the agar diffusion method with Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. The antioxidant activity evaluation showed the percentage of 71.86 ± 1.56% AA. The antimicrobial activity assays showed that the ethanolic extract of Brazil nut was not able to inhibit the growth of bacterial strains, both Gram - positive.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i1.41
America conquers the World: A History of spread of American spices from the navigations of the sixteenth century.
Authors: Bracht Fabiano , Conceição Gisele Cristina da , Santos Christan Fausto Moraes dos
Published: May 2014

From the beginning of the fifteenth century, it is observed a phenomenon that had as one of its main features, the spread of trade, cultivation and consumption of some specific varieties of plants. Although, modern historiography has a reasonable volume of studies published about the spices of the East as well as the economic impact of these in the Renaissance, an issue still remains, that is related to the dissemination and use of some American plants which in turn have also become spices of considerable economic, cultural and gastronomical importance.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i1.42
Influence of operational conditions on obtaining polystyrene nanoparticles.
Authors: Da Silva-Buzanello Rosana Aparecida , Esperança Eduardo De Souza , De Souza Mateus Ferreira , Leimann Fernanda Vitória , Gonçalves Odinei Hess
Published: May 2014

Polymeric particles presenting sizes in the nanometric scale can be readily obtained by the miniemulsification/solvent evaporation technique using ultrasound as the energy source. The applicability of such nanoparticles dispersions depend on their stability and homogeneity during their use as drug carriers or as food and chemical additives. Moreover, nanoparticles size is important since it influences their efficiency as final products, regardless of their application. In this work polystyrene nanoparticles were obtained by the miniemulsification/solvent evaporation technique evaluating the influence of time and ultrasound application, polystyrene concentration and mass of disperse phase on the nanoparticles average size and size distribution. The increase in polystyrene concentration and in the amount of disperse phase led to an increase in the nanoparticles average size. In all experimental conditions stable miniemulsions were obtained and the nanoparticles size distributions were sharp and monodisperse.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i1.53
Physico-Chemical Analysis of artisanal and industrialized Minas Frescal cheese commercialized in Londrina-PR
Authors: Ricardo Naiara Ramos , Katsuda Marly Sayuri , Maia Luciana Fulaneto , Abrantes Lorena Fernandes , Oshiro Leila Matsunaga
Published: May 2014

The artisan cheese production is an important income source for family farmers, however the lack of standardization and negligence in the preparation of the product generates a low quality cheese. The production of cheese of good quality finds some obstacles, because milk does not contribute in many ways to ensure the characteristics of the product. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical characteristics of 20 Minas Frescal cheeses, of which 10 samples were artisanal and 10 have industrial production. The handmade cheeses were sold in street markets and all the samples had no labeling and sanitary inspection seal. The industrialized were obtained in supermarkets, all the 20 samples were acquired in Londrina-PR. The analyses performed were  moisture, fat (d.b.), pH and acidity. The fat analysis showed that 50% of samples from artisanal cheeses and 40% of industrialized ones violate the current laws. The pH of artisanal cheese samples ranged between 5.2 and 6.7 and the acidity ranged between 0.06 and 2.41%. The variation in acidity showed that the cheeses are made without standard and quality control of raw material. In industrialized cheeses the pH ranged between 5.3 and 6.5 and acidity between 0.2 and 1.4%. With this work we concluded that the small producers and industries do not pay attention to physico-chemical parameters essential to the quality of the cheese.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i2.48
Microbiological quality of artisanal ice cream and pasteurized syrup produced in a city of Paraná State (Brazil)
Authors: Tonet Andressa , Tonietti Andressa Naielli , Ribeiro Alessandraq Braga , Bagarin Alessandra Mara , Domingos Vanessa Neres
Published: May 2014

The ice cream is classified as an iced food, whose composition is favorable to microbial development when not stored, pasteurized or produced using Good Manufacturing Practices. The ice cream has no visible deterioration even when produced in unsatisfactory hygienic-sanitary conditions that may cause injury to the health of its consumers. In addition, ice cream is a foodstuff largely consumed by children who are more vulnerable to infections. This study aimed to evaluate the hygienic-sanitary conditions of artisanal ice cream produced in four establishments in Campo Mourão, PR (Brazil). Sixteen samples of two different flavors of ice cream (chocolate and flakes) and eight samples of syrup were analyzed in duplicate. Were quantified coliforms at 35ºC and 45°C (MPN/g), mesophyll (CFU/g), coagulase-positive staphylococci (CFU/g), Salmonella spp., molds and yeasts (CFU/g). Analyses were performed according to Ruling nº 62, August 26, 2003 of MAPA. All samples revealed the absence of Salmonella spp. and coagulase positive staphylococci. For eight samples of syrup and 16 samples of ice cream  analyzed, 25%  were outside the range allowed by the RDC nº 12, of January 2, 2001 (ANVISA) for coliforms at 35ºC (>102/g). Therefore, only one ice cream producer offer products suitable for consumption, indicating that there is much to be done on the hygienic sanitary control of establishments producing ice cream.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i2.51
Evaluation of the caseinomacropeptide (CMP) content in raw and uht milk during storage time.
Authors: Closs Elaine , Volken de Souza Claucia Fernanda
Published: May 2014

Coolers are used in raw milk storage in order to inhibit the growth of lactic acid producer mesophilic microorganisms. However, refrigerated milk is a favorable environment to psychrotrophic aerobic bacteria growth. These psychrotrophic bacteria promote proteolysis which is of concern to the dairy industry since it may indicate a false positive of fraudulent addition of whey to raw milk. This study evaluated the influence of storage time on the presence of caseinmacropeptide (CMP) in raw milk during storage as well as in ultra-high temperature milk (UHT) throughout its shelf life. Three different determination methods were compared each other, namely the standard chromatographic method and two spectroscopy methods for the quantitative determination of sialic acid. One is based on the determination of ninhydrin acid and the other one is an adapted method using the Ehrlich reagent. An increase of CMP content throughout the storage period for the cooled raw milk and UHT milk was detected despite the fact that none had cheese whey. The spectrophotometric methods showed correlation coefficients greater than 0.97 with the chromatographic method established by Brazilian legislation. The results indicate that the spectrophotometric method using the ninhydrin acid can be used as an alternative method for the determination of CMP in milk samples.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i2.54
Diagnostic of the harvesting and processing conditions of honey from the Apis mellifera bees.
Authors: Dutra Mariana Borges de Lima , Chaves José Benício Paes , Message Dejair , Da Silva Aline Fonseca , Dutra André Moreira , Gomes José Carlos
Published: May 2014

Although its potential for the production of high honey amounts, Brazilian producers need to be adapted to the new commercialization requirements that involve traceability and application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GPM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the conditions under which the honey harvesting and processing is carried out. The apiaries and honey houses of 13 beekeepers were investigated during the harvesting and processing from May to July 2006 using questionnaire application and. The results indicated that only 23.1% of the beekeepers correctly accomplish the management in the apiaries. 15.4% of the evaluated facilities were in accordance with the Brazilian legislation, whereas the use of utensils and equipments under bad conditions or their absence were observed in 61.5 % of the apiaries and honey houses. The aspects concerning to personal, equipments and facilities hygiene were not in accordance to the Good Manufacturing Practices for food production. Training the manufacturers in respect to management, harvest and extraction of the honey is recommended to improve the quality of the product and to enhance the competitiveness of the Brazilian honey in more demanding markets.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i2.55
Evaluation of nutritional quality and total polyphenols content from pineapple (Smooth Cayenne) as function of post-harvest storage temperature.
Authors: Damasceno Evelyn Ivana Trindade , Maciel Lorena Pedreiro , Pinto Anne Suelen Oliveira , Franco Thais Cristina M. , Moreira Bastos Camila Travassos da Rosa , Da Silva Luiza Helena Meller
Published: May 2014

The pineapple (Smooth Cayenne) is a fruit consumed worldwide. The use of temperature is one of the most effective treatments for the extension of its consumption, but at low temperatures it may develop physiological disorders, which can affect its quality. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of pineapple fruit when stored at room temperature (30 ºC) and under refrigeration at 7 ° C. The quality indexes evaluated in this study were pH, acidity, soluble solids, vitamin C, citric acid, color, peroxidase enzyme activity and total polyphenols. The results showed lower loss of vitamin C, lower pH values and soluble solids, lower color variation considering the chromaticity coordinates a * and b * indicated that the cooling temperature has lower effect on the physical and chemical composition of the fruit.

 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14685/rebrapa.v2i2.61
Structure and magnetic properties of hydrides based on Uranium bcc alloys
Authors: Havela Ladislav , Paukov Mykhaylo , Tkach Ilya , Matej Zdenek , Kim-Ngan N.-T.H. , Andreev Alexander V.
Published: May 2014

γ-U alloys with Mo or Zr are more resistant to hydrogen than U metal. High pressures of H are needed to produce hydrides. Amorphous structure of UH3Mox can be represented as the cubic structure of β-UH3 type with grain size around 1 nm. UH3Zrx are formed in the cubic α-UH3 type of structure. All the hydrides are ferromagnets, with magnetic parameters (magnetic moments, Curie temperature) exceeding those of β-UH3 (0.9 μB/U, 165-170 K). It is deduced that α-UH3 has magnetic properties very similar to β-UH3, despite rather different U-U spacing.
Market Readiness of Organic Photovoltaics for Building Integration
Authors: der Wiel Bas van , Egelhaaf Hans-Joachim , Issa Hermann , Roos Maria , Henze Norbert
Published: May 2014

If a photovoltaic (PV) technology is assessed today in a technical framework, then efficiency is the most commonly addressed parameter, followed by service lifetime. Cost, as the third parameter of the "magic triangle", is even less often reported. However, if a new technology is prepared to enter a market, other important parameters have to be considered, especially if non-standard PV applications are targeted.

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) is a well known but young PV technology of the so called third generation, which offers unique advantages for integrated products such as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). In this contribution we would like to highlight some of the advantages and challenges which are specific to the application of OPV in the field of building integration. Architectural design features of OPV include the ability to adapt semi-transparency, color and shape of the module. Moreover, glass-laminated OPV modules are deemed suitable for BIPV because of their ease of integration, good fire resistance, high energy harvest per nominal watt-peak and long lifetimes.
Unlubricated Sliding Behavior of Metals
Authors: Rigney D.A. , Hammerberg J.E.
Published: May 2014

Scientists and engineers still debate the relative contributions of roughness and interlocking of asperities, adhesion and interatomic forces, and elastic and plastic deformation in friction phenomena. However a central point of agreement does exist: Friction involves energy dissipation, or the conversion of mechanical work into heat. Therefore any mechanism that allows for this energy dissipation during sliding interactions of materials deserves consideration, whether it occurs strictly at the nominal sliding interface or within material at some distance from that interface.

If the interactions are limited to atomic distances, it is entirely appropriate to focus attention on atoms at the two surfaces (see the articles by M.O. Robbins and J. Krim and J.A. Harrison and S.S. Perry in this issue). Friction is then a surface phenomenon. However if the sliding conditions lead to extensive plastic deformation of either material—over distances readily detectable by eye or by optical microscopy—then the associated energy dissipation is likely to account for most of the frictional losses. In such cases, friction involves more than processes occurring at the surface.
Z-Contrast Imaging of Grain-Boundary Core Structures in Semiconductors
Authors: Chisholm M.F. , Pennycook S.J.
Published: May 2014

Interest in semiconductor grain boundaries relates to the development of polycrystalline materials for photovoltaics and integrated-circuit interconnects. Although these structures are responsible for deleterious electrical effects, there are few experimental techniques available to study them at the required atomic scale. Therefore models of the physical processes occurring at grain boundaries have necessarily taken a macroscopic approach. Fortunately recent developments have resulted in tools that provide unprecedented glimpses into these interfaces and that will allow us to address anew the connection between grain-boundary structure and properties.

Z-Contrast Imaging

When exploring the unknown, we rely heavily on our eyes (incoherent imaging) to provide a direct image of a new object. In order to explore the unforeseen atomic configurations present at extended defects in materials, it again would be desirable if one could obtain a directly interpretable image of the unfamiliar structures present in the defect cores. Z-contrast electron microscopy provides such a view with both atomic resolution and compositional sensitivity.

This high-resolution imaging technique differs from conventional high-resolution phase-contrast imaging. The phase-contrast technique produces a coherent image, an interference pattern formed by recombining the waves diffracted by the specimen. In the Z-contrast technique, the image is incoherent; it is essentially a map of the scattering power of the specimen. Additionally as was first determined by Lord Rayleigh, the incoherent mode of image formation has double the resolving power of the coherent mode.
Stress Determination in Textured Thin Films Using X-Ray Diffraction
Authors: Clemens B.M. , Bain J.A.
Published: May 2014

Thin film stresses are important in many areas of technology. In the semiconductor industry, metal interconnects are prone to stress voiding and hillock formation. Stresses in passivation layers can lead to excessive substrate curvature which can cause alignment difficulty in subsequent lithographic processing. In other thin film applications, stresses can cause peeling from mechanical failure at the film-substrate interface. Beyond these issues of reliability, stress and the resulting strain can be used to tune the properties of thin film materials. For instance, strain, coupled with the magnetostrictive effect, can be utilized to induce the preferred magnetization direction. Also, epitaxial strains can be used to adjust the bandgap of semiconductors. Finally, the anomalous mechanical properties of multilayered materials are thought to be partially due to the extreme strain states in the constituents of these materials. To fully optimize thin film performance, a fundamental understanding of the causes and effects of thin film stress is needed. These studies in turn rely on detailed characterization of the stress and strain state of thin films.

X-ray diffraction and the elastic response of materials provide a powerful method for determining stresses. Stresses alter the spacing of crystallographic planes in crystals by amounts easily measured by x-ray diffraction. Each set of crystal planes can act as an in-situ strain gauge, which can be probed by x-ray diffraction in the appropriate geometry. Hence it is not surprising that x-ray diffraction is one of the most widely used techniques for determining stress and strain in materials. (For reviews of this topic, see References 5–7.) This article is a tutorial on the use of x-ray diffraction to extract the stress state and the unstrained lattice parameter from thin films. We present a handbook of useful results that can be widely applied and should be mastered by anyone seriously interested in stresses in crystalline thin films with a crystallographic growth texture.
Menopausa e síndrome metabólica
Authors: Meirelles Ricardo M. R.
Published: May 2014

A incidência de doença cardiovascular aumenta consideravelmente após a menopausa. Um dos motivos para o crescente risco cardiovascular parece ser determinado pela síndrome metabólica, da qual todos os componentes (obesidade visceral, dislipidemia, hipertensão arterial e distúrbio do metabolismo glicídico) se associam à maior incidência de coronariopatia. Após a menopausa, a síndrome metabólica é mais prevalente do que na pré-menopausa, podendo ter importante papel na ocorrência de infarto do miocárdio e outras morbidades ateroscleróticas e cardiovasculares. A obesidade, componente primordial da síndrome metabólica, se associa ainda ao aumento da incidência de câncer de mama, endométrio, intestino, esôfago e rim. O tratamento da síndrome metabólica se baseia na mudança de hábitos de vida e, quando necessário, no emprego de medicação dirigida aos seus componentes. Na presença de sintomas de síndrome do climatério, a terapia hormonal, quando indicada, concorrerá também para a melhora da síndrome metabólica.
Prolactinoma
Authors: Glezer Andrea , Bronstein Marcello D.
Published: May 2014

Os prolactinomas são os adenomas de hipófise mais comuns e frequentemente afetam mulheres jovens, em faixa etária de fertilidade. A hiperprolactinemia causa hipogonadismo, irregularidade menstrual ou amenorreia em mulheres, níveis baixos de testosterona sérica em homens e infertilidade e disfunção sexual em ambos os gêneros. Macroprolactinomas podem causar cefaleia, aliteração visual e hipopituitarismo. O tratamento clínico com agonista dopaminérgico é o padrão-ouro, sendo a cabergolina a droga de escolha por sua maior eficácia e tolerabilidade. Em cerca de 20% dos casos, o tratamento é parcial ou totalmente ineficaz, situação na qual a cirurgia, em geral por via transesfenoidal, está indicada. A radioterapia é indicada somente para controle de crescimento tumoral em casos invasivos/agressivos. Nos macroprolactinomas invasivos, a abordagem em geral necessária é a de diversas modalidades terapêuticas combinadas, incluindo debulking e drogas recém-aprovadas como a temozolamida. Com relação à gestação, a droga de escolha para induzir a ovulação ainda é a bromocriptina. Nos casos de microprolactinomas e de macroprolactinomas intrasselares, o agonista dopaminérgico pode ser suspenso após a confirmação da gestação. Nos macroprolactinomas, o manejo deve ser individualizado.
Female infertility of endocrine origin
Authors: Weiss Rita Vasconcellos , Clapauch Ruth
Published: May 2014

Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive, with no contraception, after one year of regular intercourse in women < 35 years and after 6 months in women > 35 years. A review on causes, management and treatment of endocrine causes of was performed. Epidemiological data suggest that around 10% to 15% of couples are infertile. Anovulatory problems are responsible from 25% to 50% of causes of . Advanced age, obesity, and drugs, have a negative effect on fertility. Different hypothalamic, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and ovarian disorders may affect fertility as well. Infertility is a growing phenomenon in developed societies. We here provide information about how to identify endocrine patients with ovulatory dysfunction. Women must be advised about limiting factors to be avoided, in order to protect their fertility. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(2):144-52
Effects of endocrine disruptors in the development of the female reproductive tract
Authors: Costa Elaine Maria Frade , Spritzer Poli Mara , Hohl Alexandre , Bachega Tânia A. S. S.
Published: May 2014

Environmental agencies have identified a growing number of environmental contaminants that have endocrine disrupting activity, and these can become a major public health problem. It is suggested that endocrine disruptors could account for the higher-than-expected increase in the prevalence of some non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, thyroid diseases, and some cancers. Several endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), such as pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, dioxins, and phytoestrogens, can interact with the female reproductive system and lead to endocrine disruption. Initially, it was assumed that EDCs exert their effects by binding to hormone receptors and transcription factors, but it is currently known that they may also alter the expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis or catabolism of steroids. Biomonitoring studies have identified these compounds in adults, children, pregnant women, and fetuses. Among the diseases of the female reproductive tract associated with EDCs exposure are the following: precocious puberty, polycystic ovary syndrome, and premature ovarian failure. The different populations of the world are exposed to a great number of chemicals through different routes of infection; despite the various available studies, there is still much doubt regarding the additive effect of a mixture of EDCs with similar mechanisms of action.
Postpartum glucose tolerance status 6 to 12 weeks after gestational diabetes mellitus: a Brazilian cohort
Authors: Weinert Letícia Schwerz , Mastella Livia Silveira , Oppermann Maria Lúcia Rocha , Silveiro Sandra Pinho , Guimarães Luciano Santos Pinto , Reichelt Angela Jacob
Published: May 2014

Objectives: The aims of this study were to estimate the local rate of postpartum diabetes screening after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnancies, and to identify clinical variables associated with retesting rates and with the persistence of decreased glucose tolerance. Subjects and methods: Prospective cohort of GDM women with prenatal delivery at a specialized center, from November 2009 to May 2012. All women were advised to schedule a 6 weeks postpartum 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Results: Of the 209 women included, 108 (51.7%) returned to be tested with fasting plasma glucose (n = 14), OGTT (n = 93) or random glucose (n = 1). Return was associated with lower parity rate (2 vs. 3, p < 0.001) and higher pregnancy 2-h OGTT (165 vs. 155 mg/dL, p = 0.034), but not with socio-demographic characteristics. Four women (3.7%) had diabetes, 22 (20.4%) had impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. Persistent hyperglycemia was associated with a positive family history of diabetes (relative risk - RR 2.41, p = 0.050), diagnostic 2-h OGTT in pregnancy (RR 1.01, p = 0.045), insulin use during pregnancy (RR 2.37, p = 0.014), and cesarean section (RR 2.61, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Even though postpartum abnormalities were frequent in GDM, rates of postpartum diabetes screening were undesirably low. As no specific clinical profile defines who will adhere to postpartum testing, it is essential to encourage all women to reevaluate their glucose status, particularly those with a family history of diabetes and more severe hyperglycemia. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(2):197-204
Clinical management of transsexual subjects
Authors: Costa Elaine Maria Frade , Mendonca Berenice Bilharinho
Published: May 2014

Transsexual subjects are individuals who have a desire to live and be accepted as a member of the opposite sex, usually accompanied by a sense of discomfort with, or inappropriateness of, one’s anatomic sex, and a wish to have surgery and hormonal treatment to make one’s body as congruent as possible with one’s preferred sex. They seek to develop the physical characteristics of the desired gender, and should undergo an effective and safe treatment regimen. The goal of treatment is to rehabilitate the individual as a member of society in the gender he or she identifies with. Sex reassignment procedures necessary for the treatment of transsexual patients are allowed in our country, at Medical Services that have a multidisciplinary team composed of a psychologist, a social worker, a psychiatrist, an endocrinologist and surgeons (gynecologists, plastic surgeons, and urologists). Patients must be between 21 to 75 years old and in psychological and hormonal treatment for at least 2 years. Testosterone is the principal agent used to induce male characteristics in female transsexual patients, and the estrogen is the chosen hormone used to induce the female sexual characteristics in male transsexual patients. Based on our 15 years of experience, we can conclude that testosterone and estradiol treatment in physiological doses are effective and safe in female and male transsexual patients, respectively.
Emulsifying and gelling properties of weakfish myofibrillar proteins as affected by squid mantle myofibrillar proteins in a model system
Authors: Suarez Daniela Mariel , Manca Emilio , Crupkin Marcos , Paredi Maria Elida
Published: May 2014

The aim of the present work was to investigate the physicochemical, biochemical and functional characteristics of both the myofibrils (MF) and actomyosin (AM) of squid mantle (Illex argentinus) and weakfish (Cynoscion guatucupa) muscles, and evaluate the influence of the addition of myofibrilar proteins from the squid mantle on the physicochemical and functional properties of those of the weakfish. After extraction, purification and characterization of the MF and AM of both species, emulsions of each protein fraction from each muscle were formulated. Mixtures of the MF or AM of both species were also analyzed. The emulsifying properties were monitoring using the Emulsifying Activity Index (EAI) and Emulsion Stability (ES). In addition, gel pastes were formulated from the squid mantle, weakfish muscle and the mixture of both species, and the following functional properties of the gels assessed: water holding capacity, colour, textural profile analysis (TPA) (hardness, elasticity, cohesiveness, gumminess) and gel strength. The EAI values of emulsions formulated with the MF of the mantle were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those formulated from those of weakfish. The incorporation of squid MF in the mixture increased the EAI values. Conversely, the highest ES values were obtained with weakfish MF, and the incorporation of MF weakfish in the mixture increased the ES values. Similar EAI and ES behaviours were observed for the AM of the corresponding species. Irrespective of the thermal treatment, the gel strength of the gelled paste of squid muscle was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of weakfish muscle and of those obtained with the different mixtures. The behaviours of the expressible moisture (EM) from the gelled pastes were similar to those of gel strength. Irrespective of the thermal treatment, the pastes formulated with a high weakfish: mantle ratio showed less water loss. The gelled pastes of squid mantle showed the highest values for whiteness (WI) and the incorporation of squid muscle protein improved the WI of the mixtures.
Caracterização físico-química de cervejas elaboradas com mel
Authors: Brunelli Luciana Trevisan , Mansano Alexandre Rodrigues , Venturini Filho Waldemar Gastoni
Published: May 2014

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi produzir e caracterizar físico-quimicamente cervejas elaboradas com mel. Os ensaios de produção de cerveja foram feitos com nove tratamentos, combinação de três concentrações de extrato original (11, 13 e 15 ºBrix) e três porcentagens de mel na formulação do mosto (0%, 20% e 40%). O experimento foi inteiramente casualizado com duas repetições, perfazendo dezoito parcelas experimentais. A mosturação foi realizada pelo processo de infusão, sendo o mel adicionado na etapa de fervura. Depois de clarificado, o mosto teve seu teor de extrato corrigido com água, sendo inoculado com levedura de baixa fermentação. A fermentação ocorreu a 10 ºC. A cerveja foi engarrafada manualmente e armazenada em freezer à temperatura de 0 ºC por 15 dias, para sua maturação. As cervejas foram analisadas quanto ao teor alcoólico, extrato real, extrato aparente, cor, amargor, turbidez, pH, acidez total e gás carbônico, densidade de espuma e total de espuma. Os resultados das análises físico-químicas das cervejas foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey, ao nível de 5% de probabilidade. Todas as cervejas foram classificadas como claras. A presença de mel na formulação favoreceu a carbonatação, aumentou a densidade de espuma e total de espuma, mas, em contrapartida, as cervejas ficaram menos amargas e com menor acidez.
Drying of banana paste in rotatory dryer with inert bed
Authors: Cabrera-Padilha Rebeca Yndira , Oladeinde Taiwo Olawale , Finzer José Roberto Delalibera , Limaverde José Romario
Published: May 2014

The objective of this research was to study the drying of "nanica" banana paste (variety belonging to the subgroup Cavendish) in a rotary dryer with an inert bed (RDIB). Preliminary tests were carried out to adjust the operational process parameters. An experimental design (central composite design) was used for the final drying experiments with the following variables: the drying time and the mass of paste fed into the dryer, and as responses: the moisture content and the yield in banana flour. As a result of the tests carried out according to the experimental design, a beige-coloured product, composed of banana powder and flakes was obtained with a characteristic banana aroma. A multiple linear regression of the experimental results was used to determine the influence of the process variables. The best operational conditions allowed for the manufacture of a product with 8.0% moisture content (wet weight base) and a flour production efficiency of 72.9%.