bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk-return and difference of Ipe wood price in Pará and São Paulo markets
Authors: Barbosa Humberto Figueira , Rego Lyvia Julienne Sousa , Piero Márcio Elly , Noce Rommel , Oliveira Juliana Mendes de , Gama João Ricardo Vasconcellos
Published: June 2014

This study estimated the relation risk-return and the trend of the price difference among the markets of consumers of Ipê amarelo (Tabebuia serratifolia) sawn wood in the State of Pará and the cities of Baurú, Campinas, and Sorocaba,. It was considered as indicative of risk the Coefficient of Variation (CV), and as indicative of return the Rate of Geometric Growth (RGG) of the price series that was also used to estimate the trend of the price difference among the markets. It was noted that the risk-return relationship is coherent in all markets, and the city of Sorocaba stands out with the greatest estimative in both risk and return, and presents increase trend of the price difference among State of Pará market, which presented a temporal deficit in the price increase compared to other markets analyzed.
In vitro establishment and multiplication of genotypes of Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden
Authors: Navroski Marcio Carlos , Reiniger Lia Rejane Silveira , Araújo Maristela Machado , Curti Aline Ritter , Pereira Mariane de Oliveira
Published: June 2014

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of genotypes of Eucalyptus dunnii on in vitro establishment and also the influence of genotypes grown in different concentrations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) on in vitro multiplication. Explants were obtained from 10 parent plants selected in the field as a function of their superior phenotype characteristics. For in vitro establishment, 10 genotypes were evaluated, while in vitro multiplication consisted of 30 treatments which corresponded to combinations of six genotypes found to succeed in the in vitro establishment and five BAP concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 mg L-1). Different behaviors were observed regarding the genotypes as to in vitro establishment rates, in which genotypes 3, 6 and 7 had establishment rates of over 70%, against 40% to 6.6% for the other genotypes. Genotypes 1, 5, 8 and 9 were later discarded due to the reduced number of explants successfully established. Factors such as microbial contamination and phenol oxidation posed a threat to in vitro establishment. The genotypes of Eucalyptus dunnii interacted differently with BAP in in vitro multiplication, noting that the concentration 0.50 mg L-1 positively influenced bud formation on the explants in most genotypes. Hyperhydricity was relatively low when 0.50 mg L-1 BAP was used and thus does not pose a threat to in vitro multiplication of nodal segments of Eucalyptus dunnii.
Fim de linha na arte: pintores retratistas de rua
Authors: Dabul Lígia , Barreto Rodrigo
Published: June 2014

A partir da descrição da trajetória de retratistas com formação em artes plásticas que trabalham nas ruas do Rio de Janeiro, este artigo discute a constituição da condição de artista por atores sociais das classes populares. São trazidos para a análise vínculos entre espaços sociais apartados - de um lado, aquele onde esses artistas tiveram sua formação artística e para onde gostariam de estar produzindo sua arte e, de outro, aquele em que interagem com outros retratistas que consideram desqualificados e com quem disputam clientela e espaço de trabalho. A disseminação e a diversidade de configurações que práticas artísticas assumem e a maneira por vezes tensa por meio da qual convivem indicam os limites da compreensão da experiência desses artistas plásticos a partir exclusivamente das suas impossibilidades de inserção no chamado campo artístico. O artigo enfatiza como concepções de arte e de artista que operam em processos muito restritivos de formação de artistas plásticos incidem extensivamente nas formas pelas quais, em diferentes contextos, artistas das classes populares se especificam e a arte é avaliada. Essas concepções também trespassam o significado que atribuem à venda de seus produtos e à sua relação com clientes, e o modo como aferem a capacidade de os clientes compreenderem a sua arte.
Plasticidade e pessoalidade no espiritismo crioulo cubano
Authors: Santo Diana Espírito
Published: June 2014

Neste artigo defendo que as formas crioulas do espiritismo cubano propõem uma sofisticada cosmologia do Self, na qual a psique humana e seu universo circundante de espíritos protetores são incorporados em uma só relação de produção mútua. Estas teorizações subvertem leituras lineares de identidades (entidades) espirituais como fragmentos de imaginários nacionais, sugerindo em seu lugar a importância de um cosmos fluido, plástico, onde as formas espirituais dependem de repertórios culturais e pessoais, formas estas que também permanecem parcialmente "outras" para quem as apreende, retendo assim a sua capacidade transformadora. Estes temas são explorados por meio de uma justaposição de discursos antropológicos e indígenas sobre a psicologia das manifestações espirituais, e também através da observação de casos de mais amplo alcance de plasticidade ontológica no espiritismo e na religião afro-cubana.
Pacificação e tutela militar na gestão de populações e territórios
Authors: Oliveira João Pacheco de
Published: June 2014

Este artigo pretende focalizar distintas modalidades de gestão tutelar sobre territórios e populações postas em prática pelos governantes em diferentes momentos da história do Brasil. Pondo em conexão dados procedentes de domínios de investigação da antropologia e das ciências humanas que muito raramente dialogam entre si (como é o caso dos estudos sobre indígenas e aqueles sobre favelas e periferias), o artigo objetiva promover comparações etnográficas que destaquem aspectos pouco considerados do processo de construção nacional (nation building), estabelecendo uma ponte analítica que possibilite aprofundar a compreensão sobre os diferentes usos de uma mesma categoria em distintos contextos e explicitar hipóteses para a pesquisa e a investigação sistemática.
Efeito analgésico e anti-inflamatório do extrato aquoso das folhas de trevo-roxo (Scutellaria agrestis A. St.-Hil. ex Benth. - Lamiaceae) em roedores
Authors: Oliveira A.B. , Barbosa G.S. , Verdam M.C. , Ohana D.T. , Mendonça M.S. , Meira R.M.S.A.
Published: June 2014

Scutellaria agrestis é utilizada por comunidades ribeirinhas do Amazonas principalmente para o tratamento de otites por via tópica utilizando-se o extrato bruto obtido por maceração. O presente trabalho visou investigar preliminarmente o perfil fitoquímico, a segurança toxicológica e as ações analgésica, anti-inflamatória e antiedematogência do extrato aquoso das folhas de S. agrestis. Foram coletados 80 indivíduos da espécie no horto medicinal da Universidade Nilton Lins, Manaus, Brasil. O perfil fitoquímico foi obtido por meio de prospecção da droga vegetal para heterosídeos cianogênicos, terpenos, compostos fenólicos e alcaloides. A toxicologia foi avaliada pelo teste de toxicidade aguda. As atividades analgésicas/ anti-inflamatórias foram analisadas por meio dos testes de formalina em camundongos e a atividade antiedematogência, pelo teste de edema de pata em ratos. Os metabólitos detectados foram fenóis (taninos hidrolisáveis, cumarinas e várias classes de flavonoides) e terpenos (esteroides livres, saponinas). Não foi possível estabelecer DL50, haja visto que o extrato não provocou a morte de nenhum animal durante o teste de toxicidade aguda, provavelmente devido à ausência de heterosídeos cianogênicos na sua composição. Apesar de não provocar morte, considerou-se que o extrato apresenta uma discreta toxicidade, uma vez que foi observada a ocorrência de espasmos na primeira hora de observação dos animais. O extrato apresentou ainda efeito analgésico e anti-inflamatório significativo nas doses de 30, 100 e 300 mg/kg pelo teste da formalina, sendo o resultado na maior dose equivalente ao obtido com a droga padrão (fentanil). No entanto, não observamos efeito antiedematogênico nas doses testadas durante as 5 horas de registro do edema de pata. Os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa conferem base científica preliminar quanto à segurança e ao efeito analgésico e antiinflamatório da droga vegetal, o que indica que tal espécie é promissora e expressamente recomendada para maiores estudos farmacológicos in vitro e in vivo.
Atividade antioxidante e toxicidade preliminar do extrato e frações obtidas das folhas e cascas do caule de Dasyphyllum tomentosum (Spreng.) Cabrera
Authors: Paula C.S. , Canteli V.C.D. , Verdam M.C.S. , Kalegari M. , Campos R. , Hirota B.C.K. , Miguel O.G.M. , Miguel M.D.
Published: June 2014

Dasyphyllum tomentosum (Spreng.) Cabrera, açucará ou espinho-de-agulha, pertence à família Asteraceae, a qual compreende muitas espécies com propriedades terapêuticas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar extratos e frações de folhas e de cascas do caule de D. tomentosum, com relação as atividade antioxidante, citotóxica e hemolítica em testes in vitro. Todas as amostras apresentaram atividade antioxidante pelo método de inibição de DPPH, com destaque para a fração acetato de etila obtida das folhas cuja atividade foi comparável à dos padrões ácido ascórbico e rutina. Com relação à redução do complexo fosfomolibdênio, observou-se que esta mesma fração foi semelhante somente a rutina enquanto a fração obtida das cascas do caule apresentou resultado superior. Não foi observada atividade citotóxica e hemolítica frente aos modelos utilizados com os extratos e frações. Os resultados obtidos demonstram o potencial antioxidante da espécie sem apresentar toxicidade.
Efeito genotóxico e antiproliferativo de Mikania cordifolia (L. F.) Willd. (Asteraceae) sobre o ciclo celular de Allium cepa L.
Authors: Dias M.G. , Canto-Dorow T.S. , Coelho A.P.D. , Tedesco S.B.
Published: June 2014

As plantas com potencial medicinal têm sido muito utilizadas para o tratamento de doenças no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito genotóxico e antiproliferativo de infusões de Mikania cordifolia (L.F.) Willd. sobre o ciclo celular de Allium cepa L. Foram coletadas duas populações no município de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, e, para cada uma, foram preparados dois tratamentos em duas concentrações: 4g/500mL e 16g/500mL, além de um controle positivo composto por 10% de glifosato em 90% água, um herbicida amplamente utilizado com conhecido potencial genotóxico, e de um controle negativo composto por água destilada. Após período de 24 horas, as radículas foram coletadas das infusões, fixadas em etanol-ácido acético (3:1) por 24 horas e estocadas em etanol 70%. Foram analisadas células em todas as fases do ciclo celular de A. cepa, totalizando 2500, para cada grupo de bulbos. Os índices mitóticos (IM) foram calculados e submetidos à análise estatística pelo teste χ² a 5%. Os resultados mostraram que, em ambas as populações de M. cordifolia, houve redução do IM de todos os tratamentos em relação ao controle negativo. Em ambas as populações, obteve-se aumento nos valores dos índices mitóticos em função do aumento da concentração da infusão. Ocorreram aberrações cromossômicas em ambas as populações estudadas. Concluiu-se que as infusões de M. cordifolia, nas concentrações estudadas, possuem efeito antiproliferativo e mutagênico sobre o ciclo celular de A. cepa.
Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de sucupira (Pterodon emarginatus Vogel)
Authors: Ferreira S.B. , Dantas I.C. , Catão R.M.R.
Published: June 2014

A utilização de plantas com fins terapêuticos é uma das mais antigas formas de prática medicinal da humanidade. Isso tem despertado o interesse científico através de estudos sobre as atividades antimicrobianas de extratos e óleos essenciais de plantas com a finalidade de criar alternativas para o combate aos microrganismos resistentes aos antimicrobianos disponíveis atualmente. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a possível atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de Pterodon emarginatus Vogel frente às cepas bacterianas padrão de Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 e Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. O óleo essencial de P. emarginatus foi extraído através do método de hidrodestilação por arraste a vapor utilizando aparelho de Clevenger modificado. A atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada utilizando o método de difusão em meio sólido, pela técnica de pour plate, usando o óleo essencial puro (100%) e nas seguintes diluições: 32%, 16%, 8%, 4%, 2%, 1% e 0,5%. Nenhuma das concentrações testadas do óleo essencial formou halo de inibição para as cepas de Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 e Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Dessa forma, conclui-se que o óleo essencial de P. emarginatus não possui atividade antimicrobiana contra S. aureus, P. aeruginosa e E. coli.
Plasticidade fenotípica de Baccharis genistelloides subsp. crispa (Spreng.) Joch. Müll. (2006) - Asteraceae - sob manejo orgânico
Authors: Sousa L.A. , Gratão A.S. , Leite M.N. , Andrade F.M.C. , Cecon P.R. , Freitas G.B.
Published: June 2014

O objetivo deste trabalho, relacionado a produção orgânica, utilizou preparados homeopáticos visando incremento na biomassa e no teor de flavonóides em plantas dióicas de carqueja. Os tratamentos foram: controle com água, controle com álcool 70%, Phosphorus 12CH, Sulphur 6CH, e a combinação destas homeopatias. Variações fenotípicas foram registradas a partir da análise de crescimento, realizada quinzenalmente durante 60 dias e dos caracteres morfológicos, tais como: como altura, número de ramificações, comprimento do ramo principal, diâmetro do caule e ala caulinar mediana. Na colheita foram medidos: a fitomassa fresca/seca e o volume de raiz. Posteriormente, foi quantificado o teor de flavonóides totais conforme as análises prescritas pela Farmacopéia Brasileira. O experimento foi avaliado em delineamento de blocos casualizados (2x5x2), sendo suas médias avaliadas pelo teste Tukey e o coeficiente de variação ambiental para estimar a plasticidade. Quanto ao estudo do crescimento da planta ao longo do tempo, verificou-se aumento linear simples para a maioria das variáveis nos dois sexos. Foram detectadas respostas plásticas na maioria dos caracteres avaliados. De acordo com os resultados, em ambos os sexos, 60 dias de cultivo são suficientes para obtenção de matéria prima com teor aceitável de flavonóides, bem como para verificação dos efeitos de patogenesia e similitude na aplicação de preparados homeopáticos Phosphorus 12CH, Sulphur 6CH e sua combinação Phosphorus 12CH + Sulphur 6CH. A fitomassa e o teor de flavonóides totais foram semelhantes entre plantas dióicas durante o período de estudo.
Reguladores vegetais e substratos no enraizamento de estacas de erva-baleeira (Varronia curassavica Jacq.)
Authors: Mendes A.D.R. , Lacerda T.H.S. , Rocha S.M.G. , Martins E.R.
Published: June 2014

A erva-baleeira, espécie medicinal anti-inflamatória, pode ser propagada por sementes, no entanto, o desenvolvimento de métodos eficientes para a propagação vegetativa possibilitará a uniformidade nas populações e a clonagem de plantas de interesse quanto aos aspectos agronômico e de composição química. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos do ácido naftaleno acético (NAA) e do ácido indolbutírico (IBA) e de diferentes substratos no enraizamento de estacas semi-lenhosas de erva-baleeira. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em casa de vegetação em Montes Claros em delineamento inteiramente casualizados. Para o experimento teste da influência das auxinas, as estacas foram submetidas a tratamentos com NAA e IBA nas concentrações de 0, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 e 4000 mg L-1, e para o experimento dos substratos, cinco substratos foram avaliados (vermiculita expandida + casca de arroz parcialmente carbonizada (proporção de 1:1); vermiculita expandida; substrato orgânico comercial para hortaliça (Tropstrato HT ®); areia; solo + compostagem (proporção de 1:1)). Após 90 dias, para ambos os experimentos, foram avaliadas porcentagem de estacas enraizadas, de estacas mortas, de estacas vivas com calos, de estacas mortas com calos, número de raízes formadas por estaca e comprimento das três maiores raízes (cm). O regulador vegetal ideal para o enraizamento da espécie é o IBA, na concentração de 2.000 mg L-1, sendo que o NAA não é recomendado para a indução radicial em estacas erva-baleeira. O substrato vermiculita com casca de arroz carbonizada na proporção de 1:1 proporcionou maior porcentagem de enraizamento nas estacas da erva-baleira que o substrato solo + compostagem (1:1), os demais substratos não diferenciaram entre si.
Recipientes e substratos na produção de mudas e no cultivo hidropônico de tomilho (Thymus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Donegá M.A. , Ferezini G. , Mello S.C. , Minami K. , Silva S.R.
Published: June 2014

Bandejas com diferente número de células (128, 200 e 288) e dois substratos (fibra de casca de coco e casca de pinus) foram avaliados para a produção de mudas de tomilho e sobre o desempenho das plantas em sistema hidropônico. Para ambos os experimentos, o delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso. As mudas provenientes de estaquia foram avaliadas aos 30 dias quanto ao comprimento e massa seca de raízes. Aos 40 dias após o transplante das mudas, as plantas cultivadas em sistema hidropônico foram avaliadas quanto à massa fresca da parte aérea, massa seca da parte aérea e massa seca das raízes. A maior massa seca de raízes foi obtida para as mudas cultivadas em substrato à base de casca de fibra de coco. As mudas com maior comprimento de raízes foram obtidas nas bandejas com 128 e 200 células. As plantas de tomilho provenientes de mudas produzidas em bandejas de 128 células apresentaram maior massa fresca da parte aérea, massa seca da parte aérea e massa seca das raízes.
Medicamentos Fitoterápicos na odontologia: evidências e perspectivas sobre o uso da aroeira-do-sertão (Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemão)
Authors: Machado A.C. , Oliveira R.C.
Published: June 2014

Nas pesquisas com fitoterápicos o uso popular pode sugerir espécies potencialmente importantes, porém, faz-se necessário uma série de estudos, entre eles, a identificação de espécies com comprovada ação farmacológica e/ou substâncias biologicamente ativas. O uso de fármacos fitoterápicos na prática clínica, tratamento e prevenção de afecções de menor severidade vêm sendo reconhecido pelo SUS ultimamente. Apesar da utilização de plantas medicinais na odontologia ser ainda pouco explorada, existe pesquisa científica sobre os efeitos antimicrobiano, analgésico e antinflamatório de algumas espécies, entre elas: óleo de copaíba, extrato de romã, cravo da Índia, malva, tanchagem, amoreira, sálvia, e camomila. Nesta revisão o objetivo foi reunir informação sobre o potencial da aroeira-do-sertão (M. urundeuva All), planta utilizada na medicina tradicional nordestina e em alguns países da América do Sul, como fitoterápico na odontologia. Os extratos de aroeira são obtidos através do preparo das folhas, raízes, entrecasca e casca do tronco e galhos. Da casca de M. urundeuva já foram isoladas: chalconas diméricas: urundeuvina A, B, C, e matosina. Encontramos pesquisas sobre os seguintes efeitos da aroeira-do-sertão: ação antimicrobiana; antiinflamatória/cicatrizante no tratamento de ferimentos; gastrites; úlceras gástricas; cervicites; vaginites e hemorróidas. A aroeira conta com bons resultados em pesquisas que avaliaram o controle de microorganismo relacionado à patologias bucais, tal como S. mutans. No entanto, necessita-se de estudos para comprovar seu mecanismo de ação e definir condições seguras para seu uso em patologias específicas.
Optimization approaches to mpi and area merging-based parallel buffer algorithm
Authors: Fan Junfu , Ji Min , Gu Guomin , Sun Yong
Published: June 2014

On buffer zone construction, the rasterization-based dilation method inevitably introduces errors, and the double-sided parallel line method involves a series of complex operations. In this paper, we proposed a parallel buffer algorithm based on area merging and MPI (Message Passing Interface) to improve the performances of buffer analyses on processing large datasets. Experimental results reveal that there are three major performance bottlenecks which significantly impact the serial and parallel buffer construction efficiencies, including the area merging strategy, the task load balance method and the MPI inter-process results merging strategy. Corresponding optimization approaches involving tree-like area merging strategy, the vertex number oriented parallel task partition method and the inter-process results merging strategy were suggested to overcome these bottlenecks. Experiments were carried out to examine the performance efficiency of the optimized parallel algorithm. The estimation results suggested that the optimization approaches could provide high performance and processing ability for buffer construction in a cluster parallel environment. Our method could provide insights into the parallelization of spatial analysis algorithm.
Avaliação de uma técnica para geração de modelos digitais de superfície utilizando múltiplas imagens
Authors: Oliveira Raquel Alves de , Tommaselli Antonio Maria Garcia
Published: June 2014

A utilização de imagens ópticas para a geração de Modelos Digitais de Superfície (MDSs) é explorada há muitos anos e os resultados dependem, além das características do projeto (resolução das imagens, tamanho da área de sobreposição entre as imagens, etc), das técnicas de correspondência de imagens aplicadas e da capacidade computacional para o processamento das imagens. Os pontos gerados com erros no processo de correspondência influenciam diretamente a qualidade dos produtos obtidos e, consequentemente, aumentam a necessidade da etapa onerosa de edição. O objetivo deste trabalho é a avaliação da técnica de geração de MDSs utilizando a correspondência simultânea entre múltiplas imagens pelo método de busca em linhas verticais (Vertical Line Locus-VLL). Nos experimentos foram utilizadas seis imagens da área urbana de Presidente Prudente-SP, com elemento de resolução aproximado de 7cm. Para análise da qualidade foram gerados MDSs de uma pequena área contendo áreas homogêneas, padrão repetitivo, objetos em movimento incluindo sombras e árvores grandes. O MDS obtido foi comparado com dados de varredura a LASER (Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation) e com o MDS gerado pelo software Leica Photogrammetric Suite (LPS). Os resultados mostraram a compatibilidade da qualidade entre os modelos gerados pela técnica implementada e os dados de referência.
Consideration of reinforced concrete crushing through cohesive models
Authors: Evangelho T. B. , Bittencourt E.
Published: June 2014

In this work, the overlapping crack mode is considered. It permits the modeling of concrete crushing through cohesive surfaces, in a similar way used to simulate fracture. The material is considered in damage when the surfaces interpenetrate each other. Besides simplicity, the big advantage of the methodology is the fact that constitutive relations are independent of the material scale. A generalization is here introduced to consider mixed crushing. Exploratory applications are made considering super-reinforced beams. The effects of the height of the beams, compressive rebars and stirrups are investigated. A good fitting with experiments is obtained.
Influence of the reinforcement corrosion on the bending moment capacity of reinforced concrete beams: a structural reliability approach
Authors: Liberati E. A. P. , Leonel E. D. , Nogueira C. G.
Published: June 2014

Reinforced concrete structures are, certainly, one of the most used types of structure around world. When it is located in non-aggressive environments, it respects, in general, the structural life predicted. Unless the structure be used improperly. However, the durability of these structures is strongly connected to degradation processes whose origin is environmental and/or functional. Among these processes, it is worth to mention those related to corrosion of reinforcements. The reinforcement's corrosion is directly related to the durability and safety of concrete structures. Moreover, the chlorides diffusion is recognized as one of major factors that triggers the corrosion. Therefore, at modelling accurately the chloride diffusion, the corrosion of reinforcements can be better evaluated. Consequently, design criteria can be more realistically proposed in order to assure safety and economy into reinforced concrete structures. Due to the inherent randomness present on chloride diffusion and corrosion, these phenomena can only be properly modelled considering probabilistic approaches. In this paper, the durability of a beam designed using the criteria proposed by ABNT NBR 6118:2003 [1] is assessed using probabilistic approaches. The corrosion time initiation is determined using Fick's diffusion law whereas Faraday's corrosion laws are adopted to model the steel loss. The probability of structural failure is determined using Monte Carlo simulation. The mentioned beam is analysed considering different failure scenarios in order to study the influence of water/cement ratio and environmental aggressiveness on the probability of failure. Based on these results, some remarks are performed considering NBR recommendations and the real probability of failure.
Statistical analysis and conformity testing of concrete in port construction work
Authors: Larrossa M. C. , Real M. V. , Dias C. R. R. , Magalhães F. C.
Published: June 2014

Conformity control of concrete is part of a range of control and standard methods which must be employed in all construction work to assure its compliance with quality requirements. The compressive strength of the concrete is considered as a random variable that must be controlled by standardized sampling and testing in order to ensure the structural safety. Therefore, the use of a large amount of compressive strength test results of concretes with similar characteristics has been seen as an important tool in the assessment of current standard norms. This paper describes an analysis based on the conformity control used in large port construction works which have recently been carried out in the Rio Grande Port, located in Rio Grande, RS, Brazil. Statistical analyses were performed and acceptance tests of the product were conducted. They were based on the acceptance criteria of different methodologies from different continents and showed the variations that can occur in the results of the conformity testing, depending on the adopted model. It is worth mentioning that the concrete used in port construction works in the region has been in accordance with current Brazilian norms.
Design of reinforced concrete walls casted in place for the maximum normal stress of compression
Authors: Braguim T. C. , Bittencourt T. N.
Published: June 2014

It is important to evaluate which designing models are safe and appropriate to structural analysis of buildings constructed in Concrete Wall system. In this work it is evaluated, through comparison of maximum normal stress of compression, a simple numerical model, which represents the walls with frame elements, with another much more robust and refined, which represents the walls with shells elements. The designing of the normal stress of compression it is done for both cases, based on NBR 16055, to conclude if the wall thickness initially adopted, it is enough or not.
Cervical Brachytherapy Exchange: Steps Toward Oncology Capacity Building in Botswana
Authors: Bvochara-Nsingo Memory , Grover Surbhi , Gierga David P. , Makufa Remigio , Efstathiou Jason A. , Dixit Nayha , Clayman Rebecca H. , Russell Anthony H. , Lin Lilie L. , Kasese Joseph
Published: June 2014

To help share technical knowledge of brachytherapy and the care of patients with cervical cancer in Botswana, a series of visits was organized by two centers in the United States, Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania. As a result of those visits, necessary future steps were recognized. Such clinical visits are important for facilitating the exchange of knowledge and learning between institutions in developing and developed countries.
Hydro-actuation of ice plant seed capsules powered by water uptake
Authors: Razghandi Khashayar , Bertinetti Luca , Guiducci Lorenzo , Dunlop John W. C. , Fratzl Peter , Neinhuis Christoph , Burgert Ingo
Published: June 2014

Unlike well-known plant hydro-actuation systems that respond to changes in relative humidity (RH) (e.g. wheat awns), ice plant seed capsules undergo a reversible origami-like unfolding and release their seeds only in response to exposure to liquid water. The engine for ice plant actuation was found to be the water uptake and swelling of a highly swellable cellulosic inner layer (CIL) inside the cell lumen of a hygroscopic tissue responsible for the unfolding movement. CIL was found to have an open structure with porous lamellae filling the gap between denser cellulosic mats. Thermogravimetric analysis of water–CIL interaction showed that the initial enthalpy-driven adsorption of water can only account for increasing the moisture content up to about 0·4 mg/mg, which is not sufficient to initiate the actuation. By applying a combined chemo-mechanical model, we could show that the entropic gain of the system through further water uptake (40–350 wt%) is sufficient to accomplish a full opening of the seed capsules through a sophisticated design at various hierarchical levels of the system. The principles behind this actuation mechanism may inspire the development of hydro-responsive devices that, although being highly hydrophilic, only respond to liquid water and not to changes in RH.
Boussinesq modelling of tsunami and storm wave impact
Authors: McCabe Maurice , Stansby Peter K. , Rogers Benedict D. , Cunningham Lee S.
Published: June 2014

Many coastal protection structures in the UK have been designed for storm surges with appropriate return periods, but their performance during tsunami-type waves is uncertain. A shallow water and Boussinesq model is well suited to the investigation of both near-shore storm waves and tsunami waves. This paper makes use of the model to compare the effect on coastal structures of solitary waves and storm waves. Wave run-up parameters for both types of wave are generated and shown to be in good agreement with experimental data. The equations behind the model were derived assuming a small bed slope and therefore are not suitable for modelling waves interacting with vertical and near-vertical structures. However, the introduction of a reverse momentum term, to take account of a jet of water typical of a breaking wave impacting against a structure, allows wave overtopping volumes to be well predicted, although it had a minor effect on the forces acting on the structure. Comparisons with experimental data, for both solitary waves and storm waves, are presented. Using this model, the difference between the impact, in terms of wave forces and wave overtopping, of tsunami waves and storm waves for a given structure is investigated.
Molecular features of water films created with bubbles at silica surfaces
Authors: Wang Xuming , Yin Xihui , Nalaskowski Jakub , Du Hao , Miller Jan D.
Published: June 2014

Sum frequency vibrational spectroscopy (SFVS) spectra indicate that a very ordered water structure exists in the stable water film at a hydrophilic silica surface during contact with a bubble and that the extent of hydrogen bonding increases with an increase in contact pressure. In contrast, the SFVS spectra of water at a hydrophobic silica surface show a lack of hydrogen bonding and are characterized by a distinct absorption at about 3700 cm−1, similar to the spectrum of the air/water interface. These results suggest the presence of a water exclusion zone at the hydrophobic surface, as supported by X-ray reflectivity measurements reported in the literature, by AFM images, and by results from molecular dynamics simulations. Of course, the water film at the hydrophobic surface is unstable with film thinning and rupture upon bubble contact. Under these circumstances, it is shown that an attractive van der Waals force between a bubble and the hydrophobic surface can be expected when the water exclusion zone is taken into consideration. As the thickness of the water exclusion zone increases to a thickness corresponding to the size of nanobubbles, the calculated attractive van der Waals force increases. This analysis may help to explain the so-called ‘short-range’ and ‘long-range’ hydrophobic forces.
Development over London Underground tunnels: No. 1 Grafton Street
Authors: Perry Paul
Published: June 2014

This paper describes a case history associated with the design of a building scheme at a site in Mayfair, London situated directly above the existing London Underground's Victoria Line tunnels. It confirms how this important constraint of the presence of the tunnels, influenced the design and how the railway protection measures were agreed and implemented. It explains the development of the feasibility scheme, the detailed design of a raft foundation solution, the retained façade scheme and the requirement to limit settlement, thus restricting the effect on the existing tunnels. It shows that predictions of heave due to demolition, and settlement due to construction, were assessed as realistic and compared favourably against actual monitoring results obtained during the works. The paper suggests ‘best practice' when achieving railway protection measures for building structure design and provides recommendations for future projects above existing tunnels.
Design methods for flexibly formed concrete beams
Authors: Orr John J. , Darby Antony , Ibell Tim , Evernden Mark
Published: June 2014

This paper presents an iterative method for the design of structurally optimised, simply supported, flexibly formed, concrete beams. The design and construction method using flexible formwork has been shown to facilitate material savings of up to 40%, providing significant opportunities for low-carbon-dioxide concrete design. The proposed method considers both ultimate and serviceability limit states for the optimised beam. The iterative nature of the design process, and its interdependency with the construction method, is demonstrated. Further considerations such as reinforcement detailing, methods to support the flexible mould and alternative support conditions are also discussed. It is demonstrated that replacing conventional orthogonal moulds with a flexible system composed primarily of high-strength, low-cost fabric sheets, utilises concrete to create extraordinary possibilities for highly optimised, low-carbon-dioxide, architecturally interesting building forms.
Reserves and Parameter Estimation using Rate-Transient and Decline Curve Analysis
Authors: Obe E. Akinlolu , Onyekonwu Mike O.
Published: June 2014

Traditional decline curve analysis enables estimation of reserves whilst pressure transient analysis enables the calculation well and reservoir parameters. The combination of both methods should enable the simultaneous estimation of reserves and well and reservoir parameters. However in the Niger delta, due to disruption of operations for a number of reasons, it is becoming increasing difficult to obtain required bottom hole pressure surveys for analytical purposes.

The paper’s objective is to design a methodology for obtaining reserves and reservoir/well parameters, with decline data and a minimum of BHP data. Combining rate-transient analysis with decline curve analysis allows us to attempt this.

In this paper, solutions of this combination have been applied to typical Niger Delta wells using Fetkovich, Blasingame and Agarwal-Gardner type curve. Satisfactory and reliable results comparable with the well-known and understood method of well test analysis were achieved. Furthermore, the author developed dimensionless type curves using available field data for the specific reservoirs, and for use in other wells.

From this work, it has been demonstrated that with the recent advancements in decline curve analysis, reliable results can be obtained, comparable to pressure transient analysis. Hence it should be increasingly attractive, especially in the Niger Delta, where BHP data is not current for many wells.
Alveolar Antral Artery Isolation During Sinus Lift Procedure with the Double Window Technique
Authors: Maridati Paolo , Stoffella Enrico , Speroni Stefano , Cicciu Marco , Maiorana Carlo
Published: June 2014

The sinus lift technique, introduced in 1976 by Tatum and subsequently described by Boyne in 1980, is nowadays considered a safe and reliable procedure for the rehabilitation of the atrophic upper posterior maxilla.

The alveolar antral artery (AAA) is anastomoses between the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and the infraorbital artery (IOA) and may be present in the sinusal antrostomy. The haemorrhage of this vascular bundle represents the second intra-operatory complication in term of frequency during sinus lift procedure.

Purpose of this study was to illustrate and describe a new technique allowing the AAA isolation during sinus lift procedure in cases in which the artery is clearly present inside the surgical area, detectable through CT scan exam. Presence, course and possible identification of the alveolar antral artery are also discussed, according to the studies present in the literature.
Influence of an Intervention to Prevent Early Childhood Caries Initiated before Birth on Children’s Use of Dental Services up to 7 Years of Age
Authors: Plutzer Kamila , Keirse Marc J.N.C
Published: June 2014

Background :

In a previously reported randomised controlled trial, advising first time mothers on the prevention of early childhood caries from before their child was born, decreased the prevalence of early childhood caries at 20 months of age 5-fold.

Objective:

We examined the effect of the intervention on the frequency and nature of dental visits up to 7 years of age.

Methods:

Of 649 expectant mothers who participated in the trial, 277 completed a “Child Oral Health Survey” 7 years later. Their answers were compared with those of a comparison group of 277 mothers selected at random among those living in the same area with a first child born in the same year enrolled with the South Australian School Dental Services (SA SDS).

Results:

Only 1.5% of children had a dental visit before 12 months of age and only 4% before 2 years of age unless a dental problem had arisen. The age at the first visit did not differ among groups, but the reasons for the visit did as did the number of visits and the need for treatment under sedation or anaesthesia. In the trial group, 34% of first visits were for pain, 29% for injury, and 29% for concern with appearance. In the comparison group, pain was the main concern in 49%, injury in 9.5%, and appearance in 25% (p=0.019). Over time, children in the trial had an average of 2.2 visits compared with 3.1 in the comparison group. In the intervention group of the trial, no child had required treatment under sedation or general anaesthesia compared with 2.9% in the control group, and 6.5% in the comparison group. Only 15% of mothers reported that they had received any information on caries prevention from health care professionals other than dental care practitioners.

Conclusion:

Providing first-time mothers with guidance on the prevention of childhood caries decreased the use of dental services to deal with problems in preschool children.
“When Nothing Matters, Things Just Happen”: Young Parenting Women's Reflections on Caring, Health, and Justice
Authors: Gubrium Aline , Barcelos Christie , Buchanan David , Gubrium Erika
Published: June 2014

The field of public health frequently issues calls for social justice, but it is not clear that everyone agrees on what this means or how to achieve it. To assess lay citizens' views on the relationship between justice and health, we conducted individual interviews with 19 young parenting women to hear and discuss their thoughts about the causes of health disparities, ways to reduce them, and the nature of the just society. A salient theme to emerge in these interviews was the topic of “caring.” This article reports on four categories identified under the theme of caring: 1) observations of apathy and indifference; 2) the effects of not caring; 3) models of caring; and 4) the pull of caring. Based on these results, the article outlines a grounded theory on the role of caring in conceptualizing health motivation.
A Community-Based Intervention to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening among Asian American Women
Authors: Wu Tsu-Yin , Lin Chiuman , Chen Shu-Ling , Jung Yoolim
Published: June 2014

Cancer is the leading cause of death for Asian Americans, and breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed among Asian American women. Despite the alarming facts, Asian American women have low breast cancer screening rates. This study examined the effects of a culturally appropriate community-based breast intervention program on participants' knowledge about breast cancer and intention for screening among Southeast Asian and South Asian women in Michigan. Data were collected from 166 women. At baseline, participants had limited knowledge of breast cancer screening guidelines and misconceptions about the risk factors of breast cancer. After the educational intervention, participants reported significantly higher knowledge scores related to breast cancer and screening recommendations and intentions to obtain follow-up CBE and mammograms. This culturally appropriate intervention provides strategies to overcome personal instructional barriers to meet the needs of this group for early detection and cancer control.
Predicting Childhood Obesity Prevention Behaviors Using Social Cognitive Theory among Upper Elementary African-American Children
Authors: Elmore Shakeyrah , Sharma Manoj
Published: June 2014

Childhood obesity is a major public health problem in the African-American community. Commonly suggested public health strategies to reduce childhood obesity are limiting television viewing, encouraging daily moderately intense physical activity of at least 60 minutes per day, increasing fruit and vegetable intake to five or more cups per day, and increasing water consumption. This study examined the extent to which selected social cognitive theory constructs can predict these four behaviors in African-American upper elementary children. A 56-item valid and reliable scale was administered to 222 students. Glasses of water consumed were predicted by self-control for drinking water and self-efficacy for drinking water ( R2 = 0.123). Fruits and vegetables consumed were predicted by self-efficacy for eating fruits and vegetables ( R2 = 0.083). For designing primary prevention interventions to reduce childhood obesity in the African-American community, social cognitive theory provides a useful framework.
Exploring the Association of Sense of Coherence, and Spiritual and Religious Beliefs in a Rural Population Group on the Island of Crete, Greece
Authors: Stefanaki Ioanna N. , Shea Sue , Linardakis Manolis , Symvoulakis Emmanouil K. , Wynyard Robin , Lionis Christos
Published: June 2014

Objectives/Aim:

This article reports the results of an observation study, aimed at exploring an association between spirituality, religiousness, and sense of coherence in a population group residing in a rural area of Crete, Greece.

Study Design and Methods:

The study was conducted during the period 2007–2009. Subjects aged 65 years and older ( n = 118) living in two remote and rural villages in the Heraklion county (Crete) were eligible. Eighty-nine people (51 women and 38 men) participated. Demographic data were obtained, and all participants were asked to complete the Greek version of the self-reported Royal Free Interview for Spiritual and Religious Beliefs, and the Sense of Coherence Scale.

Results:

Most participants reported strong religious beliefs and this was found to be related with increased age. Widowed participants expressed greater religiousness and spirituality ( p = 0.029). The total score for Sense of Coherence was negatively correlated with gender (women have lower scores, p < 0.05), marital status (widows presented lower scores, p < 0.001), and increased age. A strong positive correlation of the Sense of Coherence score with the Spiritual Scale as measured by three questions of the Royal Free Interview was also identified ( p = 0.039).

Conclusions:

The impact of gender and marital status seem to be emerging determinants in defining sense of coherence among inhabitants of rural Crete. The positive association between religious/spiritual beliefs and sense of coherence deserves further attention to promote a multidimensional approach in its study.
Treatment Preferences among Problem Drinkers in Primary Care
Authors: Lieberman Daniel Z. , Cioletti Anne , Massey Suena H. , Collantes Rochelle S. , Moore Brad B.
Published: June 2014

Objective:

Alcohol misuse is common among primary care patients, yet many do not receive treatment because doctors believe problem drinkers are “in denial,” or are unwilling to change their drinking habits. The real problem, however, may be that patients are being offered treatment modalities that do not meet their needs. This study was designed to measure the acceptability of various treatment options among drinkers who were currently not receiving treatment.

Method:

Patients in a primary care clinic were given a self-report questionnaire that included: (1) the Alcohol Use Disorders Questionnaire, (2) a measure of readiness to change drinking behavior, and (3) a list of treatment modalities to be rated based on level of interest.

Results:

Within a random sample of 402 patients, 40.2% reported high risk drinking and 16.3% reported problem drinking. Among the latter group, 89.3% were either considering change, or had begun to take steps to make changes in their drinking behaviors. When asked about treatment preferences, the modalities most frequently recommended by physicians—group therapy and Alcoholics Anonymous—were among the least acceptable. The most popular options were getting help from a primary care doctor and taking a medication that would make it easier to avoid drinking without making them sick if they drank.

Conclusions:

The belief that problem drinkers are unwilling to change was not supported by this study. Treatment for problem drinking should involve a collaborative evaluation of options with an emphasis on patient preference and treatment within the primary care setting.
What Can the Medical Education Do for Eliminating Stigma and Discrimination Associated with Mental Illness among Future Doctors? Effect of Clerkship Training on Chinese Students' Attitudes
Authors: Shen Yidong , Dong Huixi , Fan Xiaoduo , Zhang Zhanchou , Li Lehua , Lv Hailong , Xue Zhimin , Guo Xiaofeng
Published: June 2014

Objective:

The study was to examine the changes in attitudes towards psychiatry and mental illness among Chinese medical students during their psychiatry clerkship training.

Methods:

The Attitudes Towards Mental Illness (AMI) and the Attitudes Towards Psychiatry-30 (ATP-30) questionnaires were administered to 325 fourth-year Chinese medical students before and after they completed an 8-week psychiatry clerkship training.

Results:

After the clerkship training, there was a significant improvement in attitudes towards psychiatry and mental health as reflected by the total scores on ATP-30 (103.4 ± 8.6 versus 111.8 ± 9.6, p < 0.001) and AMI (58.9 ± 6.3 versus 64.1 ± 6.6, p < 0.001). The proportions of students who showed positive attitudes to psychiatry and mental illness were significantly increased on most of the items on ATP-30 and AMI after rotation ( p's = 0.027). Although there was a significant change after training, the percentage of the students who would consider psychiatry as their future medical specialty was still on a low level (6.5% versus 11.4%, before versus after rotation, p = 0.028).

Conclusions:

The results of our study suggested that psychiatry clerkship training may improve medical students' attitudes towards psychiatry and mental illness, but its influence on medical students' consideration to choose psychiatry as a future medical career is limited. The students who did not consider psychiatry as a future career held less positive attitudes to psychiatrists, psychiatric patients and the treatment.