bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School, department, and instructor determinants of teaching methods in undergraduate economics courses
Authors: Harter Cynthia , Schaur Georg , Watts Michael
Published: August 2014

The choice of teaching methods and materials is affected by key school, departmental, and faculty characteristics. We investigate the effects of such characteristics and estimate how much changes in some school and departmental policies affect the probability that economics instructors will use particular teaching methods and materials in four different types of courses. As schools and departments change policies, often in response to changes in resource bases, they may not take into account how that affects faculty teaching and student time investments in coursework. That raises concerns about the relationship between these constraints, policies, and possible decreases in the quality of college graduates.
Dynamic Scoring in a Romer‐Style Economy
Authors: Scrimgeour Dean
Published: August 2014

This article analyzes how changes in tax rates affect government revenue in a Romer‐style endogenous growth model. Lower tax rates on financial income (returns to physical capital and intellectual property) are partially self‐financing primarily because lower financial income taxes stimulate innovation and enhance labor productivity in the long run. In the baseline calibration, about half of a tax cut is self‐financing in the long run, substantially more than in the Ramsey model. The dynamics of the economy's response to a tax cut are very sluggish and, for some variables, nonmonotonic.
Comparison of Effects of Tooth Extraction and Air-rotor Stripping Therapy on Tooth-size Discrepancy in Class I Borderline Patients
Authors: Kaya Demet , Taner Tülin , Germeç-Çakan Derya
Published: August 2014

Aim

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of tooth extraction and air-rotor stripping therapy on tooth-size discrepancy, and to compare the changes between two groups.

Materials and methods

The sample comprised the preand post-treatment dental models of 20 postadolescent class I borderline patients. First group was composed of dental models of 10 patients (mean age of 17.1 ± 2.5 years) treated with four first premolars extraction. Second group included dental models of 10 patients (mean age of 18.8 ± 2.7 years) treated with air-rotor stripping. Treatment effects on Bolton overall and anterior ratios/values were analyzed by paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test was used for intergroup comparisons.

Results

The change in Bolton overall ratio was found statistically significant for the extraction and insignificant for the air-rotor stripping group. A statistically significant decrease was observed in Bolton anterior ratio for the air-rotor stripping group. Neither four premolars extraction nor air-rotor stripping therapy created statistically significant changes in Bolton overall/anterior values. The changes in Bolton overall ratio/value did not show a statistically significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion

This study showed that tooth extraction or air-rotor stripping therapy did not have an unfavorable effect on toothsize discrepancy in class I borderline patients.

How to cite this article

Kaya D, Taner T, Germeç-Çakan D. Comparison of Effects of Tooth Extraction and Air-rotor Stripping Therapy on Tooth-size Discrepancy in Class I Borderline Patients. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2014;3(1):8-13.
Evaluation of Life Quality in Patients with Oral Mucosal Lesions
Authors: Baharvand Maryam , Karami Hossein , Mortazavi Hamed
Published: August 2014

Aim

The mouth does many functions, such as speaking, chewing, taste perception and swallowing. Therefore, any pathologic changes of oral mucosa might affect patients’ life quality. The aim of this study was to investigate quality of life (QoL) in patients with oral mucosal lesions.

Materials and methods

A total of 40 patients with oral mucosal lesions attending at Oral Medicine Department of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Dental School entered in a cross-sectional study. Variables, such as age, sex, level of education, kind of lesions, systemic disease and medicine consumptions were recorded in data sheets, and QoL was assessed using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire -Head and Neck 35 (EORTC-QLQ-H&N35). Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 16), backward regression model, student's t-test and Chi-square test.

Results

Out of 40 patients with mean age of (44 ± 13), 25(62.5%) were women and 15(37.5%) were men. The mean score of life quality was 43.8 ± 9.8 (range of score: 30-120), whereas in mostly frequent oral lesions it was reported to be 41.7 ± 6.4 (lichen planus), 40.8 ± 6.7 (mucocele), 42.4 ± 7.2 (irritation fibrosis), respectively. Regression analysis showed that higher levels of education affect quality of life and its aspects of pain, sexual function, xerostomia, swallowing and speaking negatively. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis deteriorated aspects of pain, and eating of QoL. However, irritation fibrosis and mucocele aggravated QoL in terms of swallowing and social relationship respectively.

Conclusion

Oral mucosal lesions deteriorate QoL mildly. Different dimensions of life quality can be affected by recurrent aphthous stomatitis, irritation fibrosis and mucocele.

How to cite this article

Baharvand M, Karami H, Mortazavi H. Evaluation of Life Quality in Patients with Oral Mucosal Lesions. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2014;3(1):29-32.
Esthetic and Functional Rehabilitation of Fractured Central Incisors using Biological Post
Authors: Iftekhar Huma , Andrabi Mukhtar
Published: August 2014

Conventional root canal treatment aims to remove the microorganisms and pulp tissue from the canal system and repair the tooth by filling the canal system and restoring the lost coronal tissue. Anterior tooth fracture, as a result of traumatic injuries, frequently occurs in dentistry. Proper reconstruction of extensively damaged teeth can be achieved with the use of natural teeth used as post. In some cases, surgical retreatment of previously failed surgery is indicated because this is the most appropriate way of ensuring the effective removal of any remaining microorganisms. This case report refers to the esthetics and functional rehabilitation of extensively damaged maxillary incisors through the preparation and adhesive cementation of ‘Biological Posts’ in a young patient. Biological posts obtained through natural, extracted teeth from another individual—represents a low-cost option and alternative technique for the morphofunctional recovery of extensively damaged anterior teeth.

How to cite this article

Iftekhar H, Kumar A, Andrabi M. Esthetic and Functional Rehabilitation of Fractured Central Incisors using Biological Post. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2014; 3(1):44-48.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A Genetic Disorder with Oral Manifestations
Authors: Desiate Apollonia , Cantore Stefania , Ballini Andrea
Published: August 2014

The case of a 74-year-old man who was diagnosed as having hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), with telangiectasies localized in oral district is presented. This condition is an autosomal dominant mucocutaneous and visceral fibrovascular dysplasia in which telangiectasia, arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms may be widely distributed throughout the cardiovascular system. It is usually recognized as a ‘triad’ of telangiectasia, recurrent epistaxis and a family history of the disorder. The nature of the practice of dentistry necessitates a broad understanding of the systemic diseases reflected in the oral cavity. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is one such disease.

How to cite this article

Ballini A, Cantore S, Desiate A. Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A Genetic Disorder with Oral Manifestations. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2014; 3(1): 49-52.
High natural erosion rates are the backdrop for enhanced anthropogenic soil erosion in the Middle Hills of Nepal
Authors: West A. J. , Arnold M. , Aumaître G. , Bourlès D. L. , Keddadouche K. , Bickle M. , Ojha T.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Although agriculturally accelerated soil erosion is implicated in the unsustainable environmental degradation of mountain environments, such as in the Himalaya, the effects of land use can be difficult to quantify in many mountain settings because of the high and variable natural background rates of erosion. In this study, we present new long-term denudation rates, derived from cosmogenic 10Be analysis of quartz in river sediment from the Likhu Khola, a small agricultural river basin in the Middle Hills of central Nepal. Calculated long-term denudation rates, which reflect background natural erosion processes over 1000+ years prior to agricultural intensification, are similar to present-day sediment yields and to soil loss rates from terraces that are well-maintained. Similarity in short- and long-term catchment-wide erosion rates for the Likhu is consistent with data from elsewhere in the Nepal Middle Hills, but contrasts with the very large increases in short-term erosion rates seen in agricultural catchments in other steep mountain settings. Our results suggest that the large sediment fluxes exported from the Likhu and other Middle Hills rivers in the Himalaya are derived in large part from natural processes, rather than from soil erosion as a result of agricultural activity. Because of the high natural background rates, simple comparison of short- and long-term rates may not reveal unsustainable soil degradation, particularly if much of the catchment-scale erosion flux derives from mass wasting. Correcting for the mass wasting contribution in the Likhu implies minimum catchment-averaged soil production rates of ~0.25–0.35 mm yr−1. The deficit between these production rates and soil losses suggests that terraced agriculture in the Likhu may not be associated with a large systematic soil deficit, at least when terraces are well maintained, but that poorly managed terraces, forest and scrubland may lead to rapid depletion of soil resources.
A supervised method for object-based 3D building change detection on aerial stereo images
Authors: Qin R. , Gruen A.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. There is a great demand for studying the changes of buildings over time. The current trend for building change detection combines the orthophoto and DSM (Digital Surface Models). The pixel-based change detection methods are very sensitive to the quality of the images and DSMs, while the object-based methods are more robust towards these problems. In this paper, we propose a supervised method for building change detection. After a segment-based SVM (Support Vector Machine) classification with features extracted from the orthophoto and DSM, we focus on the detection of the building changes of different periods by measuring their height and texture differences, as well as their shapes. A decision tree analysis is used to assess the probability of change for each building segment and the traffic lighting system is used to indicate the status "change", "non-change" and "uncertain change" for building segments. The proposed method is applied to scanned aerial photos of the city of Zurich in 2002 and 2007, and the results have demonstrated that our method is able to achieve high detection accuracy.
Terrestrial Mobile Mapping: photogrammetric simulator
Authors: Taglioretti C. , Manzino A. M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Nowadays many types of sensors are used for terrestrial mobile mapping (TMM): IMU, odometers, GNSS, cameras, etc., and it is essential to understand how these sensors can improve the solution in terms of precision, accuracy and reliability. TMM issues are characterized by many variables: vehicle trajectory, the height of the buildings and the distance between them, traffic conditions, the presence or absence of trees, the level of illumination, etc. The aim of this study is to determine how photogrammetric measurements can improve the quality of TMM solution at least concerning magnitude and error propagation when there is no GNSS signal (for example in an urban canyon). Another purpose of the study was to determine the most suitable design project for a specific relief in order to obtain the best possible photogrammetric results. By analyzing the error propagation in the various components of relative orientation along the trajectory and considering a sequence of images characterized by an overlap varying between 60 to 90% and the same number of tie points, results were obtained which confirmed the reliability of the data produced by the simulator. These results are shown in this paper.
Scalable and Detail-Preserving Ground Surface Reconstruction from Large 3D Point Clouds Acquired by Mobile Mapping Systems
Authors: Craciun D. , Serna Morales A. , Deschaud J.-E. , Marcotegui B. , Goulette F.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The currently existing mobile mapping systems equipped with active 3D sensors allow to acquire the environment with high sampling rates at high vehicle velocities. While providing an effective solution for environment sensing over large scale distances, such acquisition provides only a discrete representation of the geometry. Thus, a continuous map of the underlying surface must be built. Mobile acquisition introduces several constraints for the state-of-the-art surface reconstruction algorithms. Smoothing becomes a difficult task for recovering sharp depth features while avoiding mesh shrinkage. In addition, interpolation-based techniques are not suitable for noisy datasets acquired by Mobile Laser Scanning (MLS) systems. Furthermore, scalability is a major concern for enabling real-time rendering over large scale distances while preserving geometric details. This paper presents a fully automatic ground surface reconstruction framework capable to deal with the aforementioned constraints. The proposed method exploits the quasi-flat geometry of the ground throughout a morphological segmentation algorithm. Then, a planar Delaunay triangulation is applied in order to reconstruct the ground surface. A smoothing procedure eliminates high frequency peaks, while preserving geometric details in order to provide a regular ground surface. Finally, a decimation step is applied in order to cope with scalability constraints over large scale distances. Experimental results on real data acquired in large urban environments are presented and a performance evaluation with respect to ground truth measurements demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Sensors integration for smartphone navigation: performances and future challenges
Authors: Aicardi I. , Dabove P. , Lingua A. , Piras M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Nowadays the modern smartphones include several sensors which are usually adopted in geomatic application, as digital camera, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers, inertial platform, RFID and Wi-Fi systems. In this paper the authors would like to testing the performances of internal sensors (Inertial Measurement Unit, IMU) of three modern smartphones (Samsung GalaxyS4, Samsung GalaxyS5 and iPhone4) compared to external mass-market IMU platform in order to verify their accuracy levels, in terms of positioning. Moreover, the Image Based Navigation (IBN) approach is also investigated: this approach can be very useful in hard-urban environment or for indoor positioning, as alternative to GNSS positioning. IBN allows to obtain a sub-metrical accuracy, but a special database of georeferenced images (Image DataBase, IDB) is needed, moreover it is necessary to use dedicated algorithm to resizing the images which are collected by smartphone, in order to share it with the server where is stored the IDB. Moreover, it is necessary to characterize smartphone camera lens in terms of focal length and lens distortions. The authors have developed an innovative method with respect to those available today, which has been tested in a covered area, adopting a special support where all sensors under testing have been installed. Geomatic instrument have been used to define the reference trajectory, with purpose to compare this one, with the path obtained with IBN solution. First results leads to have an horizontal and vertical accuracies better than 60 cm, respect to the reference trajectories. IBN method, sensors, test and result will be described in the paper.
Comedy Vérité: Arrested Development and the Docusoap Form
Authors: Madison David
Published: August 2014

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When the Falling is Done
Authors: Tess Alexis
Published: August 2014

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References - Volume 4
Authors: Fifth Forbes &
Published: August 2014

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Dear Sarah
Authors: Pattengale Michael
Published: August 2014

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ALTERAÇÕES FLORÍSTICAS EM UMA FLORESTA ESTACIONAL SEMIDECIDUAL NO MUNICÍPIO DE VIÇOSA, MG, ENTRE 1994 E 2008
Authors: Figueiredo Lívia Thaís Moreira de , Soares Carlos Pedro Boechat , Souza Agostinho Lopes de , Martins Sebastião Venâncio
Published: August 2014

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar mudanças na composição florística de uma Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, através do monitoramento de 10 parcelas permanentes instaladas na Mata da Silvicultura, Viçosa, Minas Gerais. Foram identificados e medidos todos os indivíduos com DAP ≥5 cm, nos anos de 1994, 1997, 2000, 2004 e 2008. Os resultados encontrados mostraram que a área em estudo encontra-se em estágio médio de sucessão, apresentando dominância de espécies secundárias iniciais e tardias. Verificou-se, também, que em função do avanço sucessional da floresta, ocorreram mudanças na composição florística da área ao longo do período monitorado.Palavras-chave: Dinâmica florestal; diversidade; sucessão florestal. AbstractFloristic changes in a tropical semideciduous forest in Viçosa, MG, between 1994 and 2008. This research aimed to evaluate changes in floristic composition of a tropical semideciduous forest, by monitoring 10 permanent plots established in the “Mata da Silvicultura”, Viçosa, Minas Gerais. All individuals with DBH ≥ 5 cm were identified and measured in the years 1994, 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2008. The results revealed that the focused area lies in the intermediate stage of succession, presenting dominance of early and late secondary species. It was also verified that, depending on the progress of the forest succession, changes have occurred in the composition of flora in the area by the monitored period.Keywords: Forest dynamic; diversity; forest succession.
PADRÕES ESPACIAIS NA REGENERAÇÃO DE Ocotea odorifera NA FLORESTA NACIONAL DE IRATI, PR
Authors: Dalmaso Cilmar Antonio , Inoue Mario Takao , Oliveira Filho Paulo Costa de , Marcelino Vânia Rossetto
Published: August 2014

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de analisar e descrever os padrões espaciais e as características quali-quantitativas da regeneração da espécie arbórea Ocotea odorifera (Vell.) Rohwer (canela-sassafrás) num fragmento de Floresta Ombrófila Mista localizado na Floresta Nacional de Irati, região centro-sul do estado do Paraná. Para tanto, foram selecionados três hectares de amostra para coleta de informações sobre altura, diâmetro e localização de todos os indivíduos de canela-sassafrás com altura total ≥30 cm. Análises univariadas por meio da função K de Ripley foram realizadas, para descrever os padrões espaciais dos indivíduos em fases distintas de regeneração e das árvores adultas dessa espécie com diferentes tamanhos. A espécie apresentou em geral um padrão espacial agregado para a regeneração natural em todas as escalas analisadas, sugerindo ser um padrão característico da espécie nas fases iniciais. A mudança do padrão agregado para aleatório foi comprovada com a análise espacial para as diferentes classes de tamanho dos indivíduos de canela-sassafrás. Algumas inferências foram feitas em relação aos processos subjacentes, que podem estar associados com os resultados. É possível afirmar que a espécie apresenta potencialidades para o manejo e a conservação com excelente capacidade de regeneração natural.Palavras-chave: Floresta com Araucária; autoecologia; estatística espacial; canela-sassafrás. AbstractSpatial pattenrs for Ocotea odorifera regeneration in National Forest, Irati, Pr. The present research aimed to analyze and describe spatial patterns and quali-quantitative features of natural regeneration of tree species of Ocotea odorifera (Vell.) Rohwer (canela-sassafrás) in a fragment of Mixed Ombrophyllous Forest (Araucarian Forest) located at the National Forest of Irati, Paraná State, Southern Brazil. Three plots of one hectar each were sampled and height, diameter and location informations were collected for all plants of canela-sassafrás with total height ≥ 30 cm. Univariate analyzes using K-function of Ripley were done in order to describe spatial patterns of plants at different regeneration phases as well as of canela-sassafrás adults. Generally, this species presented an aggregated spatial pattern at all considered scales of regeneration, suggesting to be a typical pattern at initial phases of this species. The change from aggregated to random spatial pattern was tested analyzing different size classes of canela-sassafrás. Some inferences were made considering subjacent processes that could be associated to obtained results. It is possible to say that the studied species presents potencialities for its management and conservation with excellent natural regeneration capacity. Keywords: Araucaria Forest; auto-ecology; spatial statistics; canela-sassafrás.
AVALIAÇÃO DA EFICIÊNCIA DO HERBICIDA IMAZAPYR NA REDUÇÃO DA DEFORMAÇÃO RESIDUAL LONGITUDINAL EM Eucalyptus dunnii
Authors: Souza Marcos Aurélio Mathias , Matos Jorge Luis Monteiro de , Bechara Fernando Campanhã
Published: August 2014

Este trabalho avaliou a eficiência do herbicida Imazapyr (“Chopper”) na redução de tensões de crescimento em árvores de Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden. Foram testadas 20 árvores de 14 anos em Canoinhas, SC. Este trabalho foi subdivido em duas etapas: 1 (calibração) e 2 (execução). Em ambas, fixaram-se dois pinos no DAP das árvores, um pino distante 45 mm do outro (fixados na direção da grã), para indicar a intensidade da deformação residual longitudinal (DRL). Após a calibragem do aparelho, foi feito um furo de2 cm de diâmetro, com um arco de pua, entre os dois pinos, com o objetivo de liberar as tensões e registrar as deformações. As deformações foram medidas sob dois tratamentos – testemunha e com uso de Imazapyr – e comparadas através de análise de variância, em três momentos (1, 15 e 30 dias após a aplicação do herbicida). Apesar de os resultados preliminares (0,103 e 0,135 mm, com e sem herbicida, respectivamente) terem apontado que o herbicida foi, estatisticamente, eficiente na redução das tensões de crescimento em toretes, na etapa 2 as médias em árvores em pé com aplicação de herbicida das três medições (0,131, 0,127 e 0,127 mm) apresentaram apenas uma tendência de queda da DRL.Palavras-chave: Tensões de crescimento; metodologias não destrutivas; eucalipto. AbstractEvaluation of Imazapyr herbicide efficiency in reduction of longitudinal residual strain in Eucalyptus dunnii. This research evaluated the efficiency of the systemic herbicide Imazapyr ("Chopper") in reduction of growth stress of Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden trees. We tested twenty 14-year-old trees in Canoinhas-SC. This research was divided in two stages: 1 (calibration) and 2 (execution). In both, we fixed two pins in the trees DBH: one pin 45 mm apart from each other, aiming to release tensions and register deformations. We measured deformations in two treatments – control and with Imazapyr – and compared it by variance analysis in three moments (1, 15 and 30 days before the herbicide application). Even though the preliminary results (0.103 e 0.135 mm, with and without herbicide, respectively) pointed that the herbicide was, statistically, efficient in the reduction of growth tensions in short logs, in the second stage, the averages in standing trees with application of herbicide of the three measurements (0.131; 0.127; and 0.127 mm) presented only a tendency to decrease in DRL.Keywords: Growth strain; non-destructive methods; eucalyptus.
INFLUENCIA DE LA INTENSIDAD DE RALEOS EN LA PERFORMANCE DE UN HARVESTER DE RUEDAS EN EL NORESTE ARGENTINO
Authors: Mac Donagh Patricio Miguel , Hildt Eduardo , Friedl Ramón Alejandro , Zaderenko Constantino , Alegranza Diego Alberto
Published: August 2014

Se analizóla performancede un “harvester” sobre ruedas en plantaciones de Pinus spp. en la provincia de Misiones, en tres operaciones: primer raleo en 4 líneas a la vez (R1-4L), primer raleo en 7 líneas a la vez (R1-7L), y segundo raleo (R2).Las operaciones se realizaron en terrenos suavemente ondulados. Se analizaron tiempos y rendimientos del harvester realizando, volteo, desrame y trozado. El harvester presentó una productividad media de 14,2 m3/h ef para la situación R1-4L, 12,15 m3/h ef para la situación R1-7L y 30,81 m3/h ef en la situación R2. Se ajustaron modelos matemáticos empleando como principales variables el DAP y el volumen por árbol. Se obtuvieron coeficientes de determinación ajustados (R2 aj) del orden del 65% para R1-4L, 59% para R1-7L y del 41% para R2. El costo de producción total presentó un comportamiento inverso al de la productividad. El tipo de intervención y el volumen de los árboles cosechados fueron los principales factores que condicionaron la productividad de la operación de cosecha. La operación R2 presentó el menor costo de las tres, mientras que la operación R1-4L presentó un costo inferior al de la alternativa evaluada (R1-7L).Palabras claves: Pinus; cosecha forestal; aclareos. ResumoInfluência da intensidade do desbaste no desempenho de um harvester sobre pneus no nordeste Argentino. Foi analisado o desempenho de um “harvester” sobre pneus em plantios de Pinus spp. na província de Misiones, em três operações: primeiro desbaste em quatro linhas (R1-4L), primeiro desbaste em sete linhas (R1-7L) e segundo desbaste (R2). As operações foram realizadas em relevos suaves. Foram analisados tempos e rendimentos do harvester realizando corte, desgalhamento e traçamento. O harvester apresentou uma produtividade media de 14,2 m3/h ef para a situação R1-4L, 12,15 m3/h ef para R1-7L e 30,81 m3/h ef em R2. Foram ajustados modelos matemáticos empregando como principais variáveis o DAP e o volume por árvore. Foram obtidos coeficientes de determinação ajustados (R2aj) da ordem de 65% para R1-4L, 59% para R1-7L e de 41% para R2. O custo de produção total apresentou um comportamento inverso ao da produtividade. O tipo de operações e o volume das árvores colhidas foram os principais fatores que afetaram a produtividade das operações de colheita. A operação R2 apresentou o menor custo das três, enquanto que a operação R1-4L apresentou um custo inferior ao da alternativa avaliada (R1-7L).Palavras-chave: Pinus; colheita florestal; desbastes.
PROPRIEDADES FÍSICAS E MECÂNICAS DA MADEIRA DE Toona ciliata EM DIFERENTES IDADES
Authors: Braz Rafael Leite , Oliveira José Tarcísio da Silva , Arantes Marina Donária Chaves , Rodrigues Brunela Pollastrelli
Published: August 2014

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar a madeira de árvores de Toona ciliata (cedro australiano) aos 6, 12 e 18 anos de idade, provenientes de um plantio florestal na região de Venda Nova do Imigrante, ES. Foram avaliadas as propriedades físicas quanto à densidade básica e à retratibilidade e as propriedades mecânicas quanto à resistência à compressão axial e ao módulo de ruptura e módulo de elasticidade à flexão estática da madeira. Foram utilizadas três árvores para cada idade, das quais foram retiradas toras, que foram desdobradas em pranchas radiais para retirada de corpos de prova, ensaiados de acordo com as normas MB 26/40 (ABNT, 1940) e NBR 7190 (1997). Observou-se o aumento da densidade básica e a redução das contrações tangencial e volumétrica e do fator anisotrópico em função do aumento da idade. O uso da madeira deve ser limitado em situações que exijam elevada resistência mecânica e na fabricação de produtos com elevada estabilidade dimensional. Deve-se optar por árvores com idades superiores, viabilizando a aplicabilidade da madeira com qualidade para diversos fins.Palavras-chave: Cedro australiano; resistência da madeira; estabilidade dimensional. AbstractPhysical and mechanical properties of wood of Toona ciliata at different ages. The objective of the present study was to characterize the wood of trees Toona ciliata at 6, 12 and 18 years old, coming from forest plantations in the region of Venda Nova do Imigrante at Espírito Santo State in Brazil. We evaluated the physical properties as the specific gravity and shrinkage, and the mechanical parameters in relation to the compressive strength and modulus of rupture and elasticity in static bending. We use tree logs that were sawed and prepared the samples for analysis according to standards MB 26/40 (ABNT, 1940) e NBR 7190 (1997). We observed an increase in specific gravity and decrease of tangential and volumetric shrinkages and the anisotropic factor with the increase for the age. The use of this wood should be limited in situations which high mechanical strength is required and manufacture of products with high dimensional stability. We should opt for more aged trees, allowing the applicability of quality wood for various purposes.Keywords: Australian cedar; wood resistance; dimensional stability.
COMPORTAMENTO DO FOGO EM QUEIMAS CONTROLADAS DE VEGETAÇÃO DE ESTEPE NO MUNICÍPIO DE PALMEIRA, PARANÁ, BRASIL
Authors: Seger Celso Darci , Batista Antonio Carlos , Tetto Alexandre França , Soares Ronaldo Viana
Published: August 2014

As queimas controladas constituem práticas de manejo utilizadas em diferentes tipos de vegetação e difundidas em vários países. No entanto, para a realização de tais práticas com segurança e eficiência é fundamental o conhecimento do comportamento do fogo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi caracterizar o comportamento do fogo em queimas controladas de vegetação Estepe Gramíneo-Lenhosa no estado do Paraná. Para isso, foi instalado um experimento no município de Palmeira, onde 20 parcelas foram queimadas, sendo metade a favor e metade contra o vento. A carga de material combustível fino estimada foi de 2,26 kg.m-2, com teor médio de umidade de 50,45%. A quantidade de material consumido pela queima foi de 1,76 kg.m-2, com uma eficiência média de queima de 76,86%. As médias obtidas, a favor e contra o vento, foram respectivamente: velocidade de propagação do fogo de 0,049 e 0,012 m.s-1, altura das chamas de 1,34 e 0,843 m, intensidade do fogo de 210,53 e 50,68 kcal.m-1.s-1 e calor liberado de 4.067,19 e 4.508,92 kcal.m-2. Os resultados permitiram concluir que as queimas controladas em vegetação de campos naturais, realizadas dentro dos critérios estabelecidos de planos de queima, são viáveis e seguras sob o ponto de vista de perigo de incêndios.Palavras chave: Queima prescrita; material combustível; intensidade do fogo; perigo de incêndios. AbstractFire behavior of prescribed burns in grassland on Palmeira county, Paraná, Brazil. The prescribed burns are practices of management used in different types of vegetation and widespread in several countries. However, to carry out such practices safely and effectively is fundamental knowledge of fire behavior. The aim of this study was to characterize the fire behavior in controlled burning of grassland vegetation in Paraná state. For this, an experiment was conducted in Palmeira County, where 20 plots were burned, half in favor and half against the wind. The estimated fine fuel loading was 2.26 kg.m-2, with average moisture content of 50.45%. The fuel consumption by burning was 1.76 kg.m-2 with an average efficiency of burning of 76.86%. The averages, for and against the wind, were: speed of fire spread of 0.049 and 0.012 m.s-1, the flame height of 1.34 m and 0.843, fire intensity of 210.53 and 50.68 kcal.m-1.s-1 and heat released from 4,067.19 and 4,508.92 kcal.m-2. The results show that the controlled burnings of grasslands vegetation, carried out within the established criteria burning plans are feasible and safe from the aspect of fire danger.Keywords: Prescribed burns; fuel loading; fire intensity; fire risk.
ESTUDO COMPARATIVO DO XILEMA SECUNDÁRIO DE TRÊS ESPÉCIES ORNAMENTAIS DE Euphorbia
Authors: Siegloch Anelise Marta , Cardoso Marchiori José Newton , Rodrigues dos Santos Sidinei
Published: August 2014

São anatomicamente descritos os xilemas secundários de Euphorbia cotinifolia L., E. pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzch e E. tirucalli L. As descrições anatômicas seguem IAWA (1989). Para as três espécies, foram confirmados os seguintes detalhes anatômicos mencionados na literatura para família Euphorbiaceae e gênero Euphorbia: poros em múltiplos radiais; placas de perfuração simples; pontoações intervasculares de diâmetro médio; pontoações raio-vasculares alongadas; parênquima axial com 2-4 células por série; raios com 1-3 células de largura; fibras frequentemente gelatinosas; e presença de laticíferos radiais.Palavras-chave: Análise de agrupamento; estudo anatômico; Euphorbiaceae. AbstractComparative study of the secondary xylem of three ornamental Euphorbia species. The wood anatomy of Euphorbia cotinifolia, E. pulcherrima and E. tirucalli, are described. The anatomical descriptions follow IAWA (1989). The following details mentioned in the literature to family Euphorbiaceae and genus Euphorbia were confirmed to the three species: radial multiple pores; simple perforation plates; medium size intervessel pits; elongated vascular-ray pits, axial parenchyma in series with 2-4 cells; rays with 1-3 cells wide; usually gelatinous fibers; and laticifers in rays.Keywords: Cluster analysis; euphorbiaceae; wood Anatomy.
Malignant epithelioid angiomyolipoma invading inferior vena cava: Using a temporary vena cava filter to prevent tumor emboli during nephrectomy.
Authors: Li Xiang , Liu Runming , He Dalin
Published: August 2014

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is generally considered to be benign and malignant angiomyolipoma is rare. This paper presents an extremely rare case of epithelioid AML with tumour thrombus invading inferior vena cava (IVC). We present the case of a 36-year-old woman with epithelioid AML with tumour thrombus invading inferior vena cava who underwent radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy. As an adjunctive procedure, a temporary IVC filter was placed in suprarenal position before operation. One week after surgery, the temporary IVC filter was retrieved by femoral approach. Three months postoperatively, a computed tomography scan and abdominal ultrasonogaphy showed no evidence of thrombus in IVC or renal vein and no sign of tumour recurrence. Epithelioid AML is extremely rare and can be malignant, with invasion of the IVC or renal vein. Implanting temporary filter can prevent fatal pulmonary complication and avoid potential the side effects of permanent filter.
The usefulness of stone density and patient stoutness in predicting extracorporeal shock wave efficiency: Results in a North African ethnic group
Authors: Abdelaziz Hamdoune , Elabiad Yassine , Aderrouj Ilyas , Janane Abdellatif , Ghadouane Mohamed , Ameur Ahmed , Abbar Mohamed
Published: August 2014

Introduction: We determine the role of stone density and skin-to-stone distance (SSD) by non-contrast computed tomography of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (CT-KUB) in predicting the success of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).Methods: We evaluated 89 patients who received ESWL for renal and upper ureteric calculi measuring 5 to 20 mm, over a 12-month period. The mean stone density in Hounsfield units (HU) and mean SSD in mm was determined on pre-treatment CT-KUB at the CT workstation. ESWL was successful if post-treatment residual stone fragments were ≤3 mm.Results: ESWL success was observed in 68.5% of patients. Mean stone densities were 505 ± 153 and 803 ± 93 HU in the ESWL successful and failure groups, respectively (p < 0.001, student’s t-test). The mean SSD were 10.6 ± 2.0 and 11.2 ± 2.6 cm in ESWL successful and failure groups, respectively; this was not statistically significant.Conclusions: This study shows that stone density can help to predict the outcome of ESWL. We propose that stone density <500 HU are highly likely to result in successful ESWL. Conversely, stone densities >800 HU are less likely to be successful.
Postoperative mortality and complications after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in Quebec: A population-based analysis during the years 2000-2009
Authors: Zakaria Ahmed Ahmed Sayed , Santos Fabiano , Dragomir Alice , Tanguay Simon , Kassouf Wassim , Aprikian Armen
Published: August 2014

Introduction: Radical cystectomy (RC) is a very complex urologic procedure. Despite improvements in practice, technique and process of care, it is still associated with significant complications, including death, with reported postoperative mortality rates ranging from 0.8% to 8%. We examine the quality of surgical care indicators and document the mortality rates at 30, 60 and 90 days after RC across Quebec.Methods: Within the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) administrative database (this database provides prospectively collected universal data on all medical services) and the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) database (this provides vital status data), we used procedure codes to identify patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer in Quebec over 10 years (between 2000 and 2009), as well as RC outcomes and dates of death. Data obtained were retrospectively analyzed in relation to multiple parameters, including patient characteristics and healthcare providers’ volumes. The outcomes analyzed included postoperative complications and mortality rates at 30, 60 and 90 days.Results: A total of 2778 RC were performed in 48 hospitals by 122 urologists across Quebec. Among them, 851 (30.6%) patients had at least one postoperative complication and 350 (12.6%) patients had more than one complication. The overall mortality rates at 30, 60 and 90 days were 2.8%, 5.3% and 7.5%, respectively, with significantly elevated 90-day mortality rates in some centres. In the multivariate analysis, increased age was associated with increased risk of post-RC complications and mortality. For example, patients over 75 had more chance of having at least one postoperative complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.31-2.11) and mortality at 90 days (OR 3.28, 95% CI: 2.05-5.26). Provider volume effect on outcomes was statistically significant, with large hospitals having decreased risk of 30-day mortality (OR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12-0.70), 60-day mortality (OR 0.41, 95% CI:0.26-0.82) and 90-day mortality (OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.29-0.93) when compared to smaller hospitals. Surgeon volume showed weak, but not statistically significant, evidence of reduced odds of mortality for the high-volume surgeon. Limitations of our study include reliance on administrative data, which lack some relevant clinical information (such as patient functional status and tumour pathological characteristics) to perform risk adjustment analysis.Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that postoperative outcomes after RC in Quebec varies based on several parameters. In addition, 30-day postoperative mortality after RC in Quebec appears acceptable. However, 90-day postoperative mortality rates remain significantly elevated in some centres, particularly in the elderly. This requires further research.
Benign phyllodes tumour of the prostate: An extremely rare entity
Authors: Aydogdu Ozgu , Atesci Yusuf Ziya , Karakose Ayhan , Demirtas Eren
Published: August 2014

Benign phyllodes tumour (BPT) of the prostate is a very rare neoplasm. It is composed of hyperplastic and neoplastic glandular stromal proliferation. Patients with BPT of the prostate generally present with lower urinary tract symptoms and hematuria. BPT of the prostate can potentially cause recurrent obstructive symptoms. Complete transurethral resection (TUR) and close postoperative follow-up is recommended. A 59-year-old man presented with dysuria and obstructive urinary symptoms. Flexible cystoscopy revealed prostatic hyperplasia and a polypoidal lesion originating from the right lateral lobe of the prostate. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 3 × 2.5-cm mass lesion in the right lateral lobe of the prostate. TUR of the prostate was performed and the pathological examination revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia and benign phyllodes tumour of the prostate.
The Optimal Share of Variable Renewables: How the Variability of Wind and Solar Power affects their Welfare-optimal Deployment
Authors: Hirth Lion
Published: August 2014

This paper estimates the welfare-optimal market share of wind and solar power, explicitly taking into account their output variability. We present a theoretical valuation framework that consistently accounts for the impact of fluctuations over time, forecast errors, and the location of generators in the power grid on the marginal value of electricity from renewables. Then the optimal share of wind and solar power in Northwestern Europe’s generation mix is estimated from a calibrated numerical model. We find the optimal long-term wind share to be 20%, three times more than today; however, we also find significant parameter uncertainty. Variability significantly impacts results: if winds were constant, the optimal share would be 60%. In addition, the effect of technological change, price shocks, and policies on the optimal share is assessed. We present and explain several surprising findings, including a negative impact of CO2 prices on optimal wind deployment.
Benchmarking Cost of Milk Production in 46 Countries
Authors: Hemme Torsten , Uddin Mohammad Mohi , Ndambi Oghaiki Asaah
Published: August 2014

The global dairy industry is facing challenges due to the extremely volatile milk price and a substantial increase of feed prices. The goal of this study, therefore, was to compare and benchmark the cost of milk production in 46 countries representing 87% of the world's total milk production, using a standard method developed by the International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN). Two typical farms were selected per country; one average-sized and one larger farm. The cost of milk production in 2010 ranged from 16.91US-$/100kg Energy Corrected Milk (ECM) in Armenia to 97.27 US-$/100kg ECM in Switzerland, with cost differences mainly driven by the diversity in farming and feeding systems. Based on costs, world regions were categorized into four levels: 40-50 US-$ in the EU, Middle East and China; 30-40 US-$ in the USA, Brazil, CEEC and Oceania; <30 US-$ in Africa, Asia, South America; >60 US-$ in Austria, Norway, Switzerland and Canada. The major drivers for this variation were ranked as; purchased feed cost (the highest) followed by labor, land and machinery costs. Regression analyzes showed that costs were highly correlated milk yield and milk price but not to herd size.
Growth and Land Use with Agriculture and Industry
Authors: Zhang Wei-Bin
Published: August 2014

This paper develops an economic growth model with economic structure and geography. The economy consists of one agricultural and one industrial sector and economic geography consists of urban and rural areas. The model synthesizes the main ideas in the Solow growth, the Alonso urban, and the von-ThÃ¼nen's agricultural models in a compact framework. We simulate the model. We demonstrate that the economic geography has a unique equilibrium point with the specified parameter values. We examine changes in the preference, productivity, urban and regional amenities, transportation conditions, the population, and land endowment upon the long-term economic growth, structure, and geography.
Management of Low Bone Mass in Female Athletes
Authors: Choi Hoon
Published: August 2014

As female athletic participation has increased, the positive effects of exercise on health have become evident. However, with this growth in sports activity, a set of health problems unique to the female athlete has emerged. The female athlete triad and its components can occur in females of all ages in every sport. The Female Athlete Triad poses serious health risks, both short and long term, to the overall well-being of affected individuals. Sustained low energy availability can impair health, causing many medical complications within the skeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular, reproductive, and central nervous systems. With the surge of females participating in athletics within the past 10 to 15 years, it is both conceivable and likely that the prevalence of this syndrome will continue to grow. Therefore, it is imperative that appropriate screening and diagnostic measures are enacted by a multidisciplinary team of health care providers, counselors, teachers, and dieticians in order to provide the proper care to affected athletes. Initial awareness should take place within the educational confines of elementary and high schools. Screening for female athletes exhibiting risk factors for the triad should also take place at the time of sports physicals. If one component of the triad is identified, the clinician should take the time to effectively workup the other. Treatment for each component of the triad includes both pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures, with emphasis placed upon increased energy availability and overall improved nutritional health. Using this all-encompassing type of approach, sports medicine practitioners should feel empowered to continue to promote the lifelong well-being of female athletes in the years to come.
Diagnostic Value of Preoperative Serum Thyroglobulin Measurement for the Diagnosis of Malignancy in Follicular or Hürthle Cell Neoplasms of the Thyroid Gland
Authors: Kim Nam Kyu , Kang Seong Joo , Lee Weon Hyoung , Yeo Go Eun , Han You Jin , Kim Bu Kyung , Kwon Su Kyoung , Park Yo-Han , Choi Young Sik
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this retrospective study was whether serum Tg predicts malignancy in follicular or Hürthle-cell neoplasms on fine needle aspiration.

Methods

A chart review of 111 patients (90 females, 21 males; mean age 46.8 ± 11.9 years) with follicular or Hürthle-cell neoplasms on fine needle aspiration, who were surgically treated between Sep. 2001 and Sep. 2011, was performed. Predictive factors for malignancy were identified by the chi-squared test and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

There were no differences between 41 malignant and 70 benign lesions in serum Tg or any of the normalized indexes. Receiver-operator characteristic analysis revealed no cutoff value. Lesions with serum Tg levels greater than 500 g/L had no significant difference. And also there were no independent predictors of malignancy by multivariate logistic regression.

Conclusions

In this study, the author found that serum Tg has poor accuracy for predicting malignancy in follicular or Hürthle cell neoplasms on fine needle aspiration.