bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O que se aprende além das letras: um estudo sobre a alfabetização de pessoas idosas
Authors: Costa Patrícia Claudia da
Published: August 2012

Com o objetivo de refletir sobre a importância da manutenção de espaços educativos que atendam às necessidades e desejos de pessoas idosas que têm interesse de participar de ações educativas não-formais, este artigo apresenta alguns dos resultados obtidos em pesquisa de Mestrado conduzida pela metodologia de pesquisa-formação História de Vida, realizada com um grupo de sete educandas idosas, com idades entre 60 e 73 anos, do Programa Movimento de Alfabetização de Jovens e Adultos - MOVA-Guarulhos. Expõe e analisa as razões pelas quais tais sujeitos não se alfabetizaram em outras fases da vida e resolveram, na fase idosa, integrar um núcleo de alfabetização onde convivem com pessoas de todas as faixas etárias acima dos 16 anos. Evidencia as conquistas observadas pelos próprios sujeitos diante de suas experiências como pessoas em processo de alfabetização, muitas delas que extrapolam o âmbito da aprendizagem da leitura e da escrita, especialmente aquelas relacionadas ao desenvolvimento da oralidade e os ganhos na convivência social dela decorrente de variadas formas. Conclui que a frequência ao núcleo de alfabetização contribui para a formação do sujeito, proporcionando algumas conquistas pessoais que não são diretamente relacionadas com o domínio da leitura e da escrita - fato que deve ser considerado para o aprimoramento das ações educativas voltadas ao público idoso.
Avaliação da qualidade de vida e tomada de decisão em idosos participantes de grupos socioterápicos da cidade de Arroio do Meio, RS, Brasil
Authors: Bajotto Aletheia Peters , Goldim José Roberto
Published: August 2012

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os domínios da qualidade de vida (Questionário WHOQOL-OLD) e a capacidade de tomada de decisão (Questionário de Avaliação do Desenvolvimento Psicológico Moral) de idosos que participam de grupos socioterápicos da cidade de Arroio do Meio, RS. Realizou-se pesquisa caracterizada como transversal, observacional, descritiva, em indivíduos que participavam de grupos de idosos. Da amostra de 133 idosos, o domínio "Intimidade" obteve a média mais expressiva (69,12+23,52); "Autonomia" alcançou uma média baixa (38,68+16,76) e a média do desenvolvimento Psicológico- Moral dos participantes foi de 4,4, situando-os na fase Conscienciosa. Os idosos de Arroio do Meio apresentam-se satisfeitos com a capacidade de estabelecer relacionamentos íntimos e pessoais e com a participação social na comunidade. Apresentaram um escore global de qualidade de vida baixo, mas são completamente capazes de tomar decisões em seu melhor interesse.
Desempenho cognitivo em diferentes níveis de escolaridade de adultos e idosos ativos
Authors: Coelho Flávia Gomes de Melo , Vital Thays Martins , Novais Iane de Paiva , Costa Geni de Araújo , Stella Florindo , Santos-Galduroz Ruth Ferreira
Published: August 2012

OBJETIVO: Comparar o desempenho cognitivo em diferentes níveis de escolaridade de indivíduos adultos e idosos praticantes de atividade física. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 122 indivíduos sem comprometimento cognitivo, idade entre 46 a 85 anos e escolaridade entre 1 a 15 anos, praticantes de atividade física há mais de 6 meses no Programa de Atividades Físicas e Recreativas para a Terceira Idade. Foi aplicada uma bateria de testes cognitivos para verificar as seguintes variáveis: memória de curto prazo, linguagem, aprendizagem, taxa de esquecimento e funções executivas. RESULTADOS: O teste de Kruskal-Wallis apontou diferenças entre os grupos, com diferentes níveis de escolaridade, apenas para a memória de curto prazo, sendo que o teste de U Mann Whitney demonstra diferença entre o grupo de menor escolaridade (1-4 anos) com o grupo de maior escolaridade (> 12 anos). CONCLUSÃO: Diante disso, sugere-se que adultos e idosos ativos, em diferentes níveis de escolaridade, apresentam um perfil cognitivo semelhante para os seguintes domínios cognitivos: linguagem, aprendizagem, taxa de esquecimento e funções executivas.
Influência do treinamento de força muscular e de flexibilidade articular sobre o equilíbrio corporal em idosas
Authors: Albino Igna Luciara Raffaeli , Freitas Cíntia de la Rocha , Teixeira Adriane Ribeiro , Gonçalves Andréa Krüger , Santos Ana Maria Pujol Vieira dos , Bós Ângelo José Gonçalves
Published: August 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: O aumento da proporção de idosos na população mundial traz à tona a discussão a respeito de eventos incapacitantes nessa faixa etária, entre os quais se destaca a ocorrência de quedas. A redução da flexibilidade articular e da força muscular são as principais variáveis motoras relacionada às maiores limitações das atividades de vida diária (AVDs) e aos altos índices de quedas registrados na população idosa. OBJETIVO: este estudo se propõe a verificar a influência do treinamento de força muscular e de flexibilidade articular sobre o equilíbrio corporal em idosas. METODOLOGIA: A amostra foi composta por 22 mulheres, de 60 a 75 anos, participantes de dois programas de atividade física. Sete sujeitos participaram do programa de força e 15 fizeram parte do programa de flexibilidade. O equilíbrio foi avaliado antes e após o período de treinamento (Escala de Berg). RESULTADOS: constatou-se que, em ambos os grupos, o equilíbrio se mostrou significativamente maior após os programas de treinamento. No grupo que participou do treinamento de força, a média dos pontos pré e pós-treinamento foi de 53 e 55,86, respectivamente. No grupo que participou do treinamento de flexibilidade, as médias pré e pós foram 52,47 e 55,47 pontos, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: constatou-se que os dois treinamentos produziram melhoras nos índices de equilíbrio corporal de idosas, o que provavelmente poderá influenciar na redução da incidência de quedas e da perda da independência física, assim como na obtenção de melhor qualidade de vida.
Segurança alimentar em domicílios chefiados por idosos, Brasil
Authors: Rosa Tereza Etsuko da Costa , Mondini Lenise , Gubert Muriel Bauermann , Sato Geni Satiko , Benício Maria Helena D'Aquino
Published: August 2012

A segurança alimentar nos domicílios chefiados por idosos tem uma dimensão especial no que se refere às condições de saúde e bem-estar, uma vez que parece evidente a importância de garantir a este contingente populacional a possibilidade de continuar a contribuir na sociedade de forma ativa e produtiva. OBJETIVO: Determinar a prevalência de insegurança alimentar em domicílios cujos chefes são idosos, segundo características sociodemográficas. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo descritivo com domicílios cujos chefes têm 60 anos ou mais de idade declarada, selecionados da Pesquisa Nacional de Amostra de Domicílios - PNAD 2004. Empregou-se a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar, classificando-se os domicílios em segurança alimentar e insegurança alimentar leve, moderada e grave. A análise descritiva dos dados incluiu a distribuição de frequência dos domicílios de acordo com os níveis de insegurança alimentar nos estratos das variáveis sociodemográficas, levando-se em consideração o efeito do desenho. RESULTADOS: O estudo mostrou que 29,8% dos domicílios se encontravam na condição de insegurança alimentar e que tal condição estava significativamente associada com regiões menos abastadas (Norte/Nordeste, rural), com os segmentos populacionais mais desfavorecidos (mais pobres e menos escolarizados) e, ainda com características de gênero (mulheres) e raciais (indígenas, pardos e pretos) as quais sabidamente ocupam os níveis inferiores da hierarquia social. CONCLUSÃO: A distribuição da insegurança alimentar em domicílios chefiados por idosos segue tendência similar dos domicílios brasileiros, ratificando a maior prevalência desta condição nos estratos socioeconômicos mais desfavorecidos da população ou entre características associadas à pobreza.
Estudos sobre envelhecimento no Brasil: revisão bibliográfica
Authors: Bezerra Fernanda Carvalho , Almeida Maria Irismar de , Nóbrega-Therrien Sílvia Maria
Published: August 2012

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica dos estudos sobre envelhecimento no âmbito das ciências da saúde, a fim de apresentar um panorama do que tem sido pesquisado sobre o assunto na América Latina e no Brasil no período de 1982 a 2010. Utilizou-se a bases de dados LILACS disponível on line na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Constatou-se um aumento expressivo do número de publicações a partir de 2006, principalmente nas categorias: estado de saúde (51%, n=318), avaliação cognitiva (12,72%, n=66), estudos sociodemográficos (6,16% n=32), medicamentos (3,27% n=17) e avaliação funcional (3,08% n=16). Na categoria estado de saúde, houve maior número de publicações relativas a atividade física (17,9% n=57), doenças cardiovasculares (11,95% n=38), dieta (7,6% n=24), saúde bucal (6,6% n=21), menopausa/andropausa (6,3% n=20), quedas (5,97% n=19), atividade sexual (5,03% n=16) e depressão (4,1% n=13). Concluiu-se que é importante estudar estes temas relacionados à senescência, para contribuir com a qualidade de vida nesta faixa etária.
Percepção de profissionais de saúde em relação ao cuidado a pessoas idosas institucionalizadas
Authors: Piexak Diéssica Roggia , Freitas Paula Hübner , Backes Dirce Stein , Moreschi Claudete , Ferreira Carla Lizandra de Lima , Souza Martha Helena Teixeira de
Published: August 2012

OBJETIVO: conhecer o significado que profissionais de saúde atribuem ao cuidado de pessoas idosas institucionalizadas. MÉTODO: pesquisa qualitativa, exploratório-descritiva, realizada em uma instituição de longa permanência para idosos localizada na região central do Rio Grande do Sul. Participaram do estudo 14 profissionais de saúde: enfermeiros, farmacêutico, fisioterapeuta, médico, nutricionista e técnicos de enfermagem. Os dados foram coletados entre agosto e setembro de 2009, por meio de um questionário semiestruturado. RESULTADOS: os dados analisados resultaram em três categorias: Cuidando de pessoas idosas, Percebendo a equipe multidisciplinar e Enfrentando a nova realidade. CONCLUSÃO: o cuidado de pessoas idosas institucionalizadas constitui um desafio crescente para os profissionais de saúde, a ser superado por meio do trabalho multidisciplinar.
Coordenação global, equilíbrio, índice de massa corporal e nível de atividade física: um estudo correlacional em idosos de Ivoti, RS, Brasil
Authors: Piccoli João Carlos Jaccottet , Quevedo Daniela Muller de , Santos Geraldine Alves dos , Ferrareze Matheus Elias , Gluher Adriana
Published: August 2012

OBJETIVO: Buscou-se verificar se existe correlação entre o índice de massa corporal, nível de atividade física em METs, coordenação global e equilíbrio estático de idosos da cidade de Ivoti, RS. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo de corte transversal que avaliou 202 idosos, de ambos os gêneros, residentes em Ivoti-RS e selecionados por conveniência. Para as avaliações foram utilizados testes de coordenação global e de equilíbrio, o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ) formato curto, e calculado o Índice de Massa Corporal segundo os pontos de corte propostos: desnutrição: <22,0 kg/m², eutrofia: de 22,0 a 27,0 kg/m² e obesidade: >27,0 kg/m². O nível de atividade foi classificado em Mets-min/semana como: muito ativo de 1500 a 3000 Mets-min./semana; suficientemente ativo, entre 1499 e 600 Mets-min./semana e insuficientemente ativo, menos de 600 Mets-min./semana. Os dados foram submetidos à estatística descritiva e correlação de Spearman (α = 0,05), através do programa SPSS, versão 16.0. O estudo foi aprovado pelo CEP da Universidade Feevale, Novo Hamburgo, RS. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por 62 (30,7%) homens e 140 (69,3%) mulheres, idade média masculina de 69,53 ± 6,23 e feminina de 67,52 ± 5,69 anos. A idade média geral da amostra foi de 68,14 ± 5,92 anos. Foram verificadas associações negativas entre as variáveis IMC e coordenação global e IMC e equilíbrio, r= -0,423 (p<0,01) e r= -0,3060 (p<0,01) respectivamente. Porém, quando estratificadas por gênero, essas associações não foram significativas nos homens. O nível de atividade física demonstrou correlação negativa com a variável IMC (r= -0,219) e com a idade (r= -0,241); da mesma forma, apresentou correlação positiva com a coordenação motora (r= 0,274) e o equilíbrio (r=0,191). Mas o IMC e o equilíbrio, assim como a idade e o equilíbrio, não apresentaram correlação nas pessoas idosas suficientemente ativas. A coordenação global e o equilíbrio estão relacionados positivamente ao nível de atividade física apenas nas mulheres. Entretanto, o IMC está relacionado negativamente ao nível de atividade física em ambos os sexos. CONCLUSÃO: Para as mulheres da amostra, o alto valor do IMC gerou possivelmente resultados inferiores no desempenho dos testes de coordenação global e equilíbrio. Tal fato não pôde ser observado entre os homens, mas constatou-se correlação positiva entre o nível de atividade física em METs totais, coordenação global e equilíbrio na amostra total do estudo.
The Utility of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Inhibition for Cancer
Authors: Sahebjam Solmaz , Siu Lillian L. , Razak Albiruni A.
Published: August 2012

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been implicated in tumor initiation and metastasis across different malignancies. Major mechanisms by which the Hh pathway is aberrantly activated can be attributed to mutations of members of Hh pathway or excessive/inappropriate expression of Hh pathway ligands. The Hh signaling pathway also affects the regulation of cancer stem cells, leading to their capabilities in tumor formation, disease progression, and metastasis. Preliminary results of early phase clinical trials of Hh inhibitors administered as monotherapy demonstrated promising results in patients with basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, but clinically meaningful anticancer efficacy across other tumor types seems to be lacking. Additionally, cases of resistance have been already observed. Mutations of SMO, activation of Hh pathway components downstream to SMO, and upregulation of alternative signaling pathways are possible mechanisms of resistance development. Determination of effective Hh inhibitor-based combination regimens and development of correlative biomarkers relevant to this pathway should remain as clear priorities for future research.
Photovoltaic and solar-assisted ground-source heat pump systems
Authors: Varney Kevin E. , Vahdati M.
Published: August 2012

This review investigates the performance of photovoltaic and solar-assisted ground-source heat pumps in which solar heat is transferred to the ground to improve the coefficient of performance. A number of studies indicate that, for systems with adequately sized ground heat exchangers, the effect on system efficiency is small: about 1% improvement if the heat source is photovoltaic, a 1–2% decline if the source is solar thermal. With possible exceptions for systems in which the ground heat exchanger is undersized, or natural recharge from ground water is insufficient, solar thermal energy is better used for domestic hot water than to recharge ground heat. This appears particularly true outside the heating season, as although much of the heat extracted from the ground can be replaced, it seems to have little effect on the coefficient of performance. Any savings in electrical consumption that do result from an improved coefficient can easily be outweighed by an inefficient control system for the circulation pumps.
RETHINKING REINFORCEMENT: ALLOCATION, INDUCTION, AND CONTINGENCY
Authors: Baum William M.
Published: August 2012

The concept of reinforcement is at least incomplete and almost certainly incorrect. An alternative way of organizing our understanding of behavior may be built around three concepts: allocation, induction, and correlation. Allocation is the measure of behavior and captures the centrality of choice: All behavior entails choice and consists of choice. Allocation changes as a result of induction and correlation. The term induction covers phenomena such as adjunctive, interim, and terminal behavior—behavior induced in a situation by occurrence of food or another Phylogenetically Important Event (PIE) in that situation. Induction resembles stimulus control in that no one‐to‐one relation exists between induced behavior and the inducing event. If one allowed that some stimulus control were the result of phylogeny, then induction and stimulus control would be identical, and a PIE would resemble a discriminative stimulus. Much evidence supports the idea that a PIE induces all PIE‐related activities. Research also supports the idea that stimuli correlated with PIEs become PIE‐related conditional inducers. Contingencies create correlations between “operant” activity (e.g., lever pressing) and PIEs (e.g., food). Once an activity has become PIE‐related, the PIE induces it along with other PIE‐related activities. Contingencies also constrain possible performances. These constraints specify feedback functions, which explain phenomena such as the higher response rates on ratio schedules in comparison with interval schedules. Allocations that include a lot of operant activity are “selected” only in the sense that they generate more frequent occurrence of the PIE within the constraints of the situation; contingency and induction do the “selecting.”
THE BEHAVIORAL PHARMACOLOGY OF EFFORT‐RELATED CHOICE BEHAVIOR: DOPAMINE, ADENOSINE AND BEYOND
Authors: Salamone John D. , Correa Merce , Nunes Eric J. , Randall Patrick A. , Pardo Marta
Published: August 2012

For many years, it has been suggested that drugs that interfere with dopamine (DA) transmission alter the “rewarding” impact of primary reinforcers such as food. Research and theory related to the functions of mesolimbic DA are undergoing a substantial conceptual restructuring, with the traditional emphasis on hedonia and primary reward yielding to other concepts and lines of inquiry. The present review is focused upon the involvement of nucleus accumbens DA in effort‐related choice behavior. Viewed from the framework of behavioral economics, the effects of accumbens DA depletions and antagonism on food‐reinforced behavior are highly dependent upon the work requirements of the instrumental task, and DA‐depleted rats show a heightened sensitivity to response costs, especially ratio requirements. Moreover, interference with accumbens DA transmission exerts a powerful influence over effort‐related choice behavior. Rats with accumbens DA depletions or antagonism reallocate their instrumental behavior away from food‐reinforced tasks that have high response requirements, and show increased selection of low reinforcement/low cost options. Nucleus accumbens DA and adenosine interact in the regulation of effort‐related functions, and other brain structures (anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, ventral pallidum) also are involved. Studies of the brain systems regulating effort‐based processes may have implications for understanding drug abuse, as well as symptoms such as psychomotor slowing, fatigue or anergia in depression and other neurological disorders.
Tactical techno-economic analysis of electricity generation from forest, fossil, and wood waste fuels in a heating plant
Authors: Palander Teijo , Vesa Lauri
Published: August 2012

The Finnish energy industry is subject to policy decisions regarding
renewable energy production and energy efficiency regulation. Conventional
electricity generation has environmental side-effects that may cause global
warming. Renewable fuels are superior because they offer near-zero net
emissions. In this study, we investigated a heating mill's ability to
generate electricity from forest fuels in southern Finland on a 1-year
strategic decision-making horizon. The electricity-generation, -purchase, and
-sales decisions are made using three different energy efficiency and forest
technology rates. Then the decision environment was complicated by the
sequence-dependent procurement chains for forest fuels (below-ground) on a
tactical decision-making horizon. With this aim, fuel data of three forest
fuel procurement teams were collected for 3 months. The strategic fuel
procurement decisions were adjusted to the changed decision environment based
on a tactical techno-economic analysis using forest technology rates. The
optimal energy product and fuel mixtures were solved by minimizing
procurement costs, maximizing production revenues, and minimizing energy
losses.
Role of the national energy system modelling in the process of the policy development
Authors: Pusnik Matevz , Sucic Boris , Urbancic Andreja , Merse Stane
Published: August 2012

Strategic planning and decision making, nonetheless making energy policies
and strategies, is very extensive process and has to follow multiple and
often contradictory objectives. During the preparation of the new Slovenian
Energy Programme proposal, complete update of the technology and sector
oriented bottom up model of Reference Energy and Environmental System of
Slovenia (REES-SLO) has been done. During the redevelopment of the REES-SLO
model trade-off between the simulation and optimisation approach has been
done, favouring presentation of relations between controls and their effects
rather than the elusive optimality of results which can be misleading for
small energy systems. Scenario-based planning was integrated into the MESAP
(Modular Energy System Analysis and Planning) environment, allowing
integration of past, present and planned (calculated) data in a comprehensive
overall system. Within the paper, the main technical, economic and
environmental characteristics of the Slovenian energy system model REES-SLO
are described. This paper presents a new approach in modelling relatively
small energy systems which goes beyond investment in particular technologies
or categories of technology and allows smooth transition to low carbon
economy. Presented research work confirms that transition from environment
unfriendly fossil fuelled economy to sustainable and climate friendly
development requires a new approach, which must be based on excellent
knowledge of alternative possibilities of development and especially
awareness about new opportunities in exploitation of energy efficiency and
renewable energy sources.
Recycling and recovery of post-consumer plastic solid waste in a European context
Authors: Brems Anke , Baeyens Jan , Dewil Raf
Published: August 2012

The disposal of waste plastics has become a major worldwide environmental
problem. The USA, Europe and Japan generate annually about 50 million tons of
post-consumer plastic waste, previously landfilled, generally considered as a
non-sustainable and environmentally questionable option. Landfill sites and
their capacity are, moreover, decreasing rapidly, and legislation is
stringent. Several European Directives and US legislation concern plastic
wastes and the required management. They are briefly discussed in this paper.
New processes have emerged, i.e., advanced mechanical recycling of plastic
waste as virgin or second grade plastic feedstock, and thermal treatments to
recycle the waste as virgin monomer, as synthetic fuel gas, or as heat source
(incineration with energy recovery). These processes avoid land filling,
where the non-biodegradable plastics remain a lasting environmental burden.
The paper reviews these alternative options through mostly thermal processing
(pyrolysis, gasification and waste-to-energy). Additional research is,
however, still needed to confirm the potential on pilot and commercial scale.
Fossil fuel savings, carbon emission reduction and economic attractiveness of medium-scale integrated biomass gasification combined cycle cogeneration plants
Authors: Kalina Jacek
Published: August 2012

The paper theoretically investigates the system made up of fluidized bed
gasifier, SGT-100 gas turbine and bottoming steam cycle. Different
configurations of the combined cycle plant are examined. A comparison is made
between systems with producer gas (PG) and natural gas (NG) fired turbine.
Supplementary firing of the PG in a heat recovery steam generator is also
taken into account. The performance of the gas turbine is investigated using
in-house built Engineering Equation Solver model. Steam cycle is modeled
using GateCycleTM simulation software. The results are compared in terms of
electric energy generation efficiency, CO2 emission and fossil fuel energy
savings. Finally there is performed an economic analysis of a sample project.
The results show relatively good performance in the both alternative
configurations at different rates of supplementary firing. Furthermore,
positive values of economic indices were obtained.
A numerical evaluation of prediction accuracy of CO2 absorber model for various reaction rate coefficients
Authors: Shim S.M. , Lee S.J. , Kim W.S.
Published: August 2012

The performance of the CO2 absorber column using mono-ethanolamine (MEA)
solution as chemical solvent are predicted by a One-Dimensional (1-D) rate
based model in the present study. 1-D Mass and heat balance equations of
vapor and liquid phase are coupled with interfacial mass transfer model and
vapor-liquid equilibrium model. The two-film theory is used to estimate the
mass transfer between the vapor and liquid film. Chemical reactions in
MEA-CO2-H2O system are considered to predict the equilibrium pressure of CO2
in the MEA solution. The mathematical and reaction kinetics models used in
this work are calculated by using in-house code. The numerical results are
validated in the comparison of simulation results with experimental and
simulation data given in the literature. The performance of CO2 absorber
column is evaluated by the 1-D rate based model using various reaction rate
coefficients suggested by various researchers. When the rate of liquid to gas
mass flow rate is about 8.3, 6.6, 4.5 and 3.1, the error of CO2 loading and
the CO2 removal efficiency using the reaction rate coefficients of Aboudheir
et al. is within about 4.9 % and 5.2 %, respectively. Therefore, the reaction
rate coefficient suggested by Aboudheir et al. among the various reaction
rate coefficients used in this study is appropriate to predict the
performance of CO2 absorber column using MEA solution. [Acknowledgement. This
research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the
National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Ministry of
Education, Science and Technology (2011-0017220)].
Dynamic modeling of а heating system using geothermal energy and storage tank
Authors: Milanovic Predrag , Ecim Olivera , Jelic Milos , Tomic Vojislav
Published: August 2012

This paper analyzes a greenhouse heating system using geothermal energy and
storage tank and the possibility of utilization of insufficient amount of
heat from geothermal sources during the periods with low outside air
temperatures. Crucial for these analyses is modelling of the necessary yearly
energy requirements for greenhouse heating. The results of these analyses
enable calculation of an appropriate storage tank capacity so that the energy
efficiency of greenhouse heating system with geothermal energy could be
significantly improved.
The importance of CO2 capture and storage: A geopolitical discussion
Authors: Johnsson Filip , Kjärstad Jan , Odenberger Mikael
Published: August 2012

The CO2 capture and storage (CCS) technology is since more than ten years
considered one of the key options for the future climate change mitigation.
This paper discusses the implications for the further development of CCS,
particularly with respect to climate change policy in an international
geopolitics context. The rationale for developing CCS should be the
over-abundance of fossil fuel reserves (and resources) in a climate change
context. From a geopolitical point, it can be argued that the most important
outcome from the successful commercialisation of CCS will be that fossil
fuel-dependent economies with large fossil fuel resources will find it easier
to comply with stringent greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets (i.e. to
attach a price to CO2 emissions). This should be of great importance since,
from a geopolitical view, the curbing on GHG emissions cannot be isolated
from security of supply and economic competition between regions. Thus,
successful application of CCS may moderate geopolitical risks related to
regional differences in the possibilities and thereby willingness to comply
with large emission cuts. In Europe, application of CCS will enhance security
of supply by fuel diversification from continued use of coal, especially
domestic lignite. Introduction of CCS will also make possible negative
emissions when using biomass as a fuel, i.e. in so called Biomass Energy CCS
(BECCS). Yet, the development of BECCS relies on the successful development
of fossil fuelled CCS since BECCS in itself is unlikely to be sufficient for
establishing a cost efficient CCS infrastructure for transport and storage
and because BECCS does not solve the problem with the abundant resources of
fossil fuels. Results from research and development of capture, transport and
storage of CO2 indicate that the barriers for commercialization of CCS should
not be technical. Instead, the main barriers for implementation of CCS seem
to be how to reach public acceptance, to reduce cost and to establish a high
enough price on CO2 emissions. Failure to implement CCS will require that the
global community, including Europe, agrees to almost immediately to start
phasing out the use of fossil fuels, an agreement which seems rather
unlikely, especially considering the abundant coal reserves in developing
economies such as China and India.
An Examination of the Credence Attributes of an Audit
Authors: Causholli Monika , Knechel W. Robert
Published: August 2012

SYNOPSIS:

An audit consists of two main components: (1) the assessment of risk, and (2) the planning and execution of audit procedures. Both activities require a great deal of professional judgment. In this sense, the auditor is an expert who is best positioned to assess the risk and to conduct the audit in accordance with professional auditing standards. We use a simple decision-making framework to illustrate an auditor's possible strategies when an auditee cannot directly determine the effort level required to conduct an audit appropriately. We discuss and compare three economic perspectives for the audit: search goods, experience goods, and credence goods. Based on the economic theory of credence goods, we predict that a seller has incentives to act strategically when buyers are faced with considerable uncertainties relating to a service they purchase. Specifically, we argue that an auditor might have incentives to (1) under-audit, (2) over-audit, or (3) overcharge. These strategic actions have important implications for audit quality, efficiency, and regulation. We also discuss the professional and institutional arrangements that serve to limit the strategic behavior of auditors. Finally, we discuss previous empirical and behavioral audit evidence in the context of the credence aspects of an audit.
Enhancing Perceived and Actual Audit Committee Effectiveness through Financial Expert Certification
Authors: Grenier Jonathan , Ballou Brian , Philip Seth
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this paper is to generate and inform academic, practitioner, and regulatory discussion on means to promote perceived and actual audit committee effectiveness. As one potential method, we propose that the SEC initiate a CPE-driven certification program for audit committee members designated as financial experts. Our proposal addresses many of the challenges that post-SOX audit committees face (cf. Beasley et al. 2009; Cohen et al. 2010) by emphasizing their oversight role, sharing audit committee best practices, enhancing the accountabilities of external auditors, and sending a strong signal to stakeholders that the audit committee owns the audit process.
Effects of two training curricula on basic laparoscopic skills and surgical performance among veterinarians
Authors: Fransson Boel A. , Ragle Claude A. , Bryan Margaret E.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To compare laparoscopic skills among veterinarians before and after undertaking 1 of 2 programs of simulation training.

Design—Evaluation study.

Sample Population—17 veterinarians at 1 institution.

Procedures—Basic skills were tested by use of the McGill inanimate system for training and evaluation of laparoscopic skills (MISTELS). Surgical performance was assessed through an objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS). Both tests were performed prior to and after a 12-session training program, consisting of MISTELS exercises (curriculum A) or a variety of exercises (curriculum B).

Results—Curriculum B led to improvement of scores obtained with both the MISTELS and the OSATS. Curriculum A did not result in higher scores obtained with the MISTELS, compared with curriculum B. Curriculum A did not lead to an improvement of scores obtained with the OSATS. Participant-perceived value of the training program was correlated positively with the improvement of scores for MISTELS suturing tasks and scores obtained with the OSATS. Time spent in clinical laparoscopic surgery and curriculum B training were both positively correlated with the post-training OSATS scores but not with post-training MISTELS scores. Conversely, simulation training time correlated with an increase in MISTELS scores but not OSATS scores.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—MISTELS training resulted in significant improvement of basic laparoscopic skills but not in the assessment used for surgical performance. This may have been due to the small number of study participants, the assessment tool, or the method of training. A varied curriculum may be advantageous when training veterinarians for clinical laparoscopic practice.
Protective effects against abortion and fetal infection following exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus and bovine herpesvirus 1 during pregnancy in beef heifers that received two doses of a multivalent modified-live virus vaccine prior to breeding
Authors: Givens M. Daniel , Marley M. Shonda D. , Jones Craig A. , Ensley Douglas T. , Galik Patricia K. , Zhang Yijing , Riddell Kay P. , Joiner Kellye S. , Brodersen Bruce W. , Rodning Soren P.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To determine whether administration of 2 doses of a multivalent, modified-live virus vaccine prior to breeding of heifers would provide protection against abortion and fetal infection following exposure of pregnant heifers to cattle persistently infected (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and cattle with acute bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1) infection.

Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Animals—33 crossbred beef heifers, 3 steers, 6 bulls, and 25 calves.

Procedures—20 of 22 vaccinated and 10 of 11 unvaccinated heifers became pregnant and were commingled with 3 steers PI with BVDV type 1a, 1b, or 2 for 56 days beginning 102 days after the second vaccination (administered 30 days after the first vaccination). Eighty days following removal of BVDV-PI steers, heifers were commingled with 3 bulls with acute BHV1 infection for 14 days.

Results—After BVDV exposure, 1 fetus (not evaluated) was aborted by a vaccinated heifer; BVDV was detected in 0 of 19 calves from vaccinated heifers and in all 4 fetuses (aborted after BHV1 exposure) and 6 calves from unvaccinated heifers. Bovine herpesvirus 1 was not detected in any fetus or calf and associated fetal membranes in either treatment group. Vaccinated heifers had longer gestation periods and calves with greater birth weights, weaning weights, average daily gains, and market value at weaning, compared with those for calves born to unvaccinated heifers.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Prebreeding administration of a modified-live virus vaccine to heifers resulted in fewer abortions and BVDV-PI offspring and improved growth and increased market value of weaned calves.
Fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts in healthy alpaca crias and their dams
Authors: Burton Alexandra J. , Nydam Daryl V. , Mitchell Katharyn J. , Bowman Dwight D.
Published: August 2012

Objective—To determine the apparent prevalence of shedding of Cryptosporidium spp in healthy alpaca crias and their dams on 14 farms in New York and 1 farm in Pennsylvania.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—110 alpaca crias and their 110 dams.

Procedures—Fecal samples were obtained from 220 alpacas at 14 alpaca farms in New York and 1 farm in Pennsylvania. For each animal, age, sex, and health condition were recorded. A fecal score (1 = normally formed; 2 = soft or loose; 3 = diarrhetic) was recorded for each cria. Cryptosporidium oocysts were identified in fecal samples by a direct immunofluorescence assay.

Results—Apparent prevalence of fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts was 8% (95% confidence interval, 4% to 15%) in dams and was 7% (95% confidence interval, 3% to 13%) in crias. There was no significant difference in age between dams with positive fecal test results for Cryptosporidium oocysts (median age, 4 years; range, 3 to 8 years) and dams with negative results (median age, 4 years; range, 2.5 to 19 years). No significant difference was found in age between crias with positive fecal test results (median age, 20 days; range, 7 to 53 days) and those with negative results (median, 36 days; range, 2 to 111 days). No significant difference in fecal scores was found between crias with positive versus negative fecal test results.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—A higher than previously reported apparent prevalence of fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts in healthy alpacas was found. A zoonotic risk should be considered, especially for Cryptosporidium parvum.
Hermann Schloffer and the origin of transsphenoidal pituitary surgery
Authors: Schmidt Richard F. , Choudhry Osamah J. , Takkellapati Ramya , Eloy Jean Anderson , Couldwell William T. , Liu James K.
Published: August 2012

A little over a century ago, in 1907, at the University of Innsbruck, Hermann Schloffer performed the first transsphenoidal surgery on a living patient harboring a pituitary adenoma. Schloffer used a superior nasal route via a transfacial lateral rhinotomy incision. This was perhaps his greatest academic contribution to neurosurgery. Despite the technological limitations of that time, Schloffer's operation was groundbreaking in that it laid the foundation for future development and refinement of transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, influencing prominent surgeons such as Oskar Hirsch and Harvey Cushing. Even after undergoing multiple modifications and a brief fall into obscurity, the transsphenoidal approach has endured through generations of surgeons and remains the preferred approach for lesions of the sella turcica to this day. Although Schloffer performed primarily abdominal surgery in his practice, his contributions to the transsphenoidal approach have had a lasting impact in the field of pituitary and skull base surgery. The authors review the life and career of Hermann Schloffer, the surgical details of his transsphenoidal operation, and the legacy that it has left on the field of pituitary surgery.
La evaluación de las bibliotecas de instituciones cubanas de investigación en biotecnología
Authors: Salgado-Batista Darlin , Guzmán-Sánchez Maria Victoria , Macías-Rivero Yaidelyn
Published: August 2012

La evaluación del desempeño de las Bibliotecas y su vínculo con el buen funcionamiento de las actividades de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D) es incuestionable. Aunque los indicadores para la evaluación de bibliotecas han sido ampliamente aborda dos, se ha hecho poco para las bibliotecas vinculadas a los centros de alta tecnología, tales como los dedicados a la biotecnología. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la situación actual de la evaluación del desempeño en 22 bibliotecas pertenecientes a instituciones cubanas de investigación en biotecnología. Los elementos aquí presentados fueron recogidos a partir de la aplicación de una encuesta, en la cual se indagó sobre el uso y la importancia que le confiere el personal bibliotecario a este tipo de estudio. Los resultados de este trabajo pueden contribuir con el desarrollo de indicadores de desempeño para las bibliotecas pertenecientes a centros de I+D. Servirán, también, para enriquecer estudios comparativos entre diferentes tipos de bibliotecas.
Factores externos y rasgos estructurales que caracterizan el desarrollo de los cibermedios en América
Authors: Said-Hung Elias , Valencia-Cobos Jorge
Published: August 2012

Este artículo analiza 111 medios digitales de 25 países de todo el continente americano, con el fin de caracterizar y comparar el desarrollo existente en los medios digitales e identificar los aspectos socio-económicos y tecnológicos que distinguen e inciden en estos portales en cada país y región de dicho continente. Este artículo se basa en los resultados hallados en el proyecto «El desarrollo de los medios digitales en el continente americano, España, Portugal y Reino Unido», realizado en 2011 en la Universidad del Norte; además de los indicadores dispuestos por el Banco Mundial sobre cada país, los cuales permiten ver, entre otras cosas, el desarrollo de los medios digitales en toda América, las debilidades que tienen en la profundización, herramientas de interacción y la personalización de la información publicada en estos medios, además de una segmentación del desarrollo de estos medios por regiones, con diferencias sustantivas en cuanto a la concentración demográfica, conectividad y número de abonados a Internet y el porcentaje de población rural, entre otros aspectos, entre los países analizados. Asimismo, se logra establecer como uno de los factores externos que inciden en el tema tratado la densidad de usuarios conectados a Internet.
Análisis de la actividad investigadora en arquitectura y urbanismo según los resultados de la CNEAI
Authors: Guardiola-Víllora Arianna , Basset-Salom Luisa
Published: August 2012

Los sexenios de investigación, creados inicialmente como complemento retributivo, se han convertido en un indicador de calidad imprescindible para el personal docente e investigador de las universidades españolas. Con objeto de conocer la situación actual de la investigación reconocida por el Ministerio de Educación en las áreas relacionadas con el estudio de la Arquitectura y el Urbanismo, en este trabajo se analizan los resultados de la última evaluación de la CNEAI, en aquellas áreas de conocimiento del campo 6.3 «Arquitectura, Ingeniería Civil, Construcción y Urbanismo», que se han considerado áreas de investigación de los arquitectos profesores numerarios de universidad. De este trabajo se deduce la necesidad de desarrollar nuevas estrategias que contribuyan a dar mayor visibilidad y reconocimiento a la labor investigadora realizada por los arquitectos, que dista mucho de la oficialmente reconocida.
Triple Helix, Quadruple Helix and Quintuple Helix and How Do Knowledge, Innovation and the Environment Relate to Each Other?
Authors: Carayannis Elias , Campbell David F.J.
Published: August 2012

This article develops an inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary framework of analysis that relates knowledge, innovation and the environment (natural environments) to each other. For that purpose the five-helix structure model of the Quintuple Helix is being introduced. The Triple Helix model, designed by Etzkowitz and Leydesdorff (2000), focuses on the relations of universities, industry and governments. The Quadruple Helix (Carayannis & Campbell, 2009) blends in the perspective of a media-based and culture-based public. The Quintuple Helix finally frames knowledge and innovation in the context of the environment (natural environments). Therefore, the Quintuple Helix can be interpreted as an approach in line with sustainable development and social ecology. “Eco-innovation” and “eco-entrepreneurship” should be processed in such a broader understanding of knowledge and innovation.
Building an Eco-Innovation Cluster
Authors: De Gouvea Raul , Kassicieh Sul
Published: August 2012

This paper discusses the creation of an innovation water cluster in the Brazilian Amazon region, capitalizing in the region’s unique global competitive advantage in the development of a water innovation economy. The existence of academic institutions, research agencies, a manufacturing park, and unique natural resources offer the right environment for the creation of this water eco-innovation cluster in the city of Manaus. The development of an innovation economy in the city of Manaus in the Amazon will promote a new cycle of economic development in the region, and induce a new cycle of attraction of environmental technology companies to the Amazon region of Brazil. In addition, it will also address social objectives of the Amazon region, increasing social-economic welfare and promoting eco-competitiveness as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. This paper outlines a link between cluster theory and a water diamond model with sustainability as its major goal.
Assessment of Pollutant Loads of Runoff in Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Adeyemo Josiah , Adeyemo Folasade , Otieno Fred
Published: August 2012

Pollutants in stormwater are detrimental to the receiving water bodies. The study of pollutants in stormwater is important to know the appropriate management techniques to remove these pollutants. This paper presents an explorative study of runoff in Pretoria, South Africa. Common pollutants in stormwater are studied to determine their correlation with total suspended solids found in four different sites in Pretoria. The metals are strongly correlated with total suspended solids. It is suggested that treatment of pollutants by treating or removing solids may be extended to other heavy metals and nutrients to improve stormwater quality. In this study, some contaminants are identified to be associated with traffic volume. In this paper, the authors suggest that efforts should be made nationally and internationally to redesign vehicular products to eliminate the traffic contaminants in stormwater.
New Developments in Real-Time Kinematic Water Quality Monitoring of Lakes and River Basins
Authors: Novelli Luca , Vianello Michele , Weimin Hong , Bonadonna Lucia , Forte Tiziana
Published: August 2012

The kinematic approach to water monitoring of rivers and lakes was by Archimedes Logica under the EU initiatives (LIFE1996) for the monitoring of the Lagoon of Venice. These systems were limited to the measurement of typical basic parameters: pH, Eh, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, temperature and immersion depth. However, this earlier system was unable to help against pollution from hydrocarbons. In this paper, the authors present a new kinematic monitoring system named AQUARIUS, which integrates a new generation of automatic chemical and biological analyzers. Automatic sampling and measurement equipment for micro-organism discrimination and counting are present, especially for detecting dangerous species like toxic algae. This article describes the wide spectrum of applications of the new AQUARIUS system: safety control of freshwater reservoirs, detection of urban and agriculture impacts on inland waters and early warning detection of man-made accidents, which are aided by the adoption of new mobile measurement equipment and broadband data channels offered by the modern 3G network.
Rich and Dynamic Library Catalogs
Authors: Gozali Jesse Prabawa , Kan Min-Yen
Published: August 2012

The authors redesign the user interface of an online library catalog, leveraging current Web technologies that allow dynamic and fine-grained user interaction. Over the course of their iterative design and test cycle, they identified four key areas where such dynamic Web technologies can be used to improve the support for typical information seeking strategies, namely: 1) the use of overview + details, 2) a tabular data display, 3) using tabs as a history mechanism, and 4) embedding a suggestion bar. The authors believe that the revised affordances created by their changes in these four areas will inform the design of future search interfaces.