bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Method Using Growth Dynamics to Quantify Microbial Contamination of Kaolinite Slurries
Authors: Smith Christopher W. , Babb Christopher M. , Snapp Sara J. , Kohlhagen Glenda B. , Barkovskii Andrei L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe early and sensitive detection of microbial contamination of kaolinite slurries is needed for timely treatment to prevent spoilage. The sensitivity, reproducibility, and time required by current methods, such as the dip-slide method, do not meet this challenge. A more sensitive, reproducible, and efficient method is required. The objective of the present study was to develop and validate such a method. The new method is based on the measured growth kinetics of indigenous kaolinite-slurry microorganisms. The microorganisms from kaolinite slurries with different contamination levels were eluted and quantified as colony-forming units (CFUs). Known quantities of E. coli (ATCC 11775) were inoculated into sterilized kaolinite slurries to relate kaolinite-slurry CFUs to true microbial concentrations. The inoculated slurries were subsequently incubated, re-extracted, and microbial concentrations quantified. The ratio of the known inoculated E. coli concentration to the measured concentration was expressed as the recovery efficiency coefficient. Indigenous microbial communities were serially diluted, incubated, and the growth kinetics measured and related to CFUs. Using the new method, greater optical densities (OD) and visible microbial growth were measured for greater dilutions of kaolinite slurries with large microbial-cell concentrations. Growth conditions were optimized to maximize the correlation between contamination level, microbial growth kinetics, and OD value. A Standard Bacterial Unit (SBU) scale with five levels of microbial contamination was designed for kaolinite slurries using the experimental results. The SBU scale was validated using a blind test of 50 unknown slurry samples with various contamination levels provided by the Imerys Company. The validation tests revealed that the new method using the SBU scale was more time efficient, sensitive, and reproducible than the dip-slide method.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Mesoporous Magadiite Plates via Heterogeneous Nucleation
Authors: Ma Yalu , Liu Na , Jin Xiaoning , Feng Tianshi 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe conventional cauliflower-like shape of magadiite imposes serious limitations on its applications in adsorption, catalysis, ion exchange, etc. To overcome this problem, a method to prepare it with plate-like structures was developed. This novel approach is based on an interface-controlled heterogeneous nucleation process. Zirconia grinding balls with diameters of 2.0 mm were dispersed in the starting solution to provide solid-liquid interfaces. Then the starting solution with a SiO2:NaOH:H2O molar ratio of 9:2:75 was subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 433 K for 96 h. The presence of the solid-liquid interface improved the crystallization yield and controlled the morphology and specific surface area of the crystals. With the zirconia balls, the yield and sizes of the plate-like magadiite were 52 wt.% and 1–3 μm, respectively. In the absence of zirconia balls, the yield was smaller (45 wt.%) and magadiite shaped like cauliflower was formed. The plate-like magadiite had a specific surface area of 66 m2 g−1 and a pore-size distribution between 4 and 5 nm, compared with a surface area of 28 m2 g−1 for the cauliflower-like magadiite. In addition, the plate-like magadiite was a more effective ion exchanger than the cauliflower-like magadiite with a cation exchange capacity of 64.5 mmol/100 g (compared to 53.8 mmol/100 g for the cauliflower-like form) and it had a faster sorption rate for calcium ions.
Enhancement of the Adsorption of Phenol Red from Wastewater Onto Clinoptilolite by Modification with N-Terminated Siloxanes
Authors: Vala Remy M. K. , Tichagwa L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe present study investigated the use of local and affordable clinoptilolite for the removal of persistent dyes from water. To improve its adsorption capacity, Na-clinoptilolite was modified chemically with two N-terminated siloxanes (molar mass: 2600 and 11000 g/mol) and used to adsorb the dye phenol red. The results of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that N-terminated siloxanes were grafted successfully onto clinoptilolite. Examination by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy supported the suggestion of modifications observed by FTIR. The modified clinoptilolite showed improved adsorption properties for phenol red: up to 0.32 mg of phenol red were removed per g of clinoptilolite modified with N-terminated siloxanes from water, while HCl-treated clinoptilolite removed only 0.15 mg after 4 h. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to obtain isotherm parameters. Results (with R2 > 0.84) from pseudo-first and pseudo-second order equations suggested that adsorption could have involved chemisorption and physisorption, probably because of the mineral-organic nature of the materials prepared.
Effects of Coagulation-Bath Temperature And Montmorillonite Nanoclay Content on Asymmetric Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Membranes
Authors: Hajasgarkhani Mohammad Ali , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud , Saljoughi Ehsan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA major problem with polymeric membranes is low hydrophilicity and consequently a tendency to fouling. Preparing composite membranes is one way to improve the properties and performance of the neat membrane. In the present study, the effects of coagulation-bath temperature (CBT) and the hydrophilic nanoclay concentration of montmorillonite (MMT) on the morphology and performance of asymmetric cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) membranes were investigated. The membranes were prepared via phase inversion induced by immersion precipitation in a water-coagulation bath. The morphology of the membranes prepared was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The permeation performance of the membranes prepared was studied by experiments using pure water and bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions as feeds. The results showed that the membrane thickness and pure water flux (PWF) were increased by adding up to 2 wt.% MMT nanoclay to the casting solution. These two parameters decreased with further addition of MMT, however. In addition, the results obtained in the case of filtration of BSA solution indicated that the addition of MMT in the casting solution increased permeate flux and reduced BSA rejection slightly. Furthermore, increasing the MMT nanoclay concentration in the casting solution increased pure water flux recovery and consequently decreased the fouling. Decreasing the CBT in the presence of MMT during membrane preparation resulted in the formation of a more porous structure and consequently increased the flux and simultaneously decreased the BSA rejection.
Harmonization of Measurement Results of the Alcohol Biomarker Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin by Use of the Toolbox of Technical Procedures of the International Consortium for Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Results
Authors: Weykamp Cas , Wielders Jos , Helander Anders , Anton Raymond F , Bianchi Vincenza , Jeppsson Jan-Olof , Siebelder Carla , Whitfield John B , Schellenberg François 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The need for equivalent results of routine measurement procedures for the alcohol biomarker carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) has been recognized by the IFCC. This article describes a project to harmonize CDT as conducted by an IFCC working group initiated for this purpose.

METHODS
We used procedures for achieving harmonization as developed by the Consortium for Harmonization of Clinical Laboratory Results to assess the suitability of a candidate reference measurement procedure (cRMP), candidate reference materials (cRMs), and the success of efforts to achieve harmonization.

RESULTS
CDT measurement procedures in routine use showed good reproducibility (CV 1.1%–2.8%) and linearity (r &gt; 0.990) with variable slopes (0.766–1.065) and intercepts (−0.34 to 0.92) compared to the cRMP. Heterogeneity after simulated harmonization was 4.7%. cRMs of frozen human native sera demonstrated commutability and 3-year stability for routine measurement procedures. The cRMP provided reproducible value assignment to cRMs with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 0.03% at the 1.2% CDT level and 0.06% at the 4.4% CDT level. Harmonization efforts reduced the intermeasurement CV from 8.8% to 3.4%, allowed 99% recovery of the values assigned with the cRMP, and demonstrated 99% of results within the desirable allowable total error. Harmonization was less successful in samples with low CDT and high trisialotransferrin concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS
Harmonization of CDT is possible with frozen human native sera as cRMs with values assigned by use of the cRMP. We propose the cRMP as a candidate international conventional reference measurement procedure and cRMs as candidate international calibrators.
The Machine Question: Ethics, Alterity, and Technology
Authors: Gunkel David J. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Ethics, especially communication ethics, is customarily understood as being concerned with questions of responsibility for and in the face of an other with whom we interact and exchange information. This Other is more often than not conceived of as another human being. This anthropocentric assumption has been significantly challenged by computer technology, intelligent systems, virtual realities, and cybernetics, all of which introduce the possibility of communicative others that are and remain otherwise. This article investigates the unique ethical challenges, complications, and possibilities introduced by these other forms of otherness that populate and are encountered in the new environment of cyberspace.
Aprendizagem discente e estratégia docente: metodologias para maximizar o aprendizado no curso de engenharia de produção
Authors: Carmo Breno Barros Telles do , Barroso Suelly Helena de Araújo , Albertin Marcos Ronaldo 
Published: April 2014

Atualmente, observa-se uma demanda por engenheiros com perfil diferente dos formados nos anos 90. Antes, os mesmos exerciam uma função mais tecnicista, o que dominava os currículos daquela época. Agora, é necessário que os mesmos possuam não somente o conhecimento técnico, mas também possuam outras habilidades e capacidade de análise crítica sobre projetos e situações. Assim, os professores necessitam desenvolver, além da capacidade técnica, estas habilidades nos alunos. O presente artigo apresenta uma análise das estratégias de ensino adotadas pelos professores do ciclo profissional do curso de engenharia de produção mecânica sob a ótica do diagrama de desenvolvimento dos quatro domínios (cognitivo, psicomotor, afetivo e social) e descreve uma pesquisa realizada junto aos alunos do curso de Engenharia de Produção Mecânica da Universidade Federal do Ceará, com o intuito de avaliar o perfil de aprendizagem dos mesmos, confrontado com o desempenho médio no curso. Para tanto, serão identificadas as estratégias de ensino que são mais eficientes para o aprendizado do corpo discente. Por último, foram experimentadas algumas metodologias baseadas em pesquisa de campo e em trabalhos grupais. Observou-se que estas metodologias inovadoras se mostraram eficientes para o processo de aprendizagem da turma analisada.
Análise do ensino de teoria econômica nos cursos de engenharia de produção em seus aspectos curriculares
Authors: Silva Antonio Marcos Rodrigues e , Stano Rita de Cássia Magalhães Trindade , Rezende Marcelo Lacerda 
Published: April 2014

A Engenharia de Produção é uma das áreas que tem chamado a atenção, especialmente por sua sinergia com outros ramos do saber. Pensar a educação em Engenharia de produção passa, necessariamente, pelo pensar em seu relacionamento e interdependência com as demais áreas afins. Neste sentido, coloca-se a sua relação com a Ciência Econômica. Apesar de os objetivos das duas ciências e seus métodos serem distintos, se tocam em muitos pontos. Assim, a contribuição do estudo de Economia está diretamente associada ao modo como serão trabalhados tais conteúdos nos cursos de Engenharia de Produção, passando, inclusive pela escolha desses conteúdos a serem cobertos nos cursos. Motivado pelo exposto, o objetivo do presente trabalho é analisar o ensino de Economia nos cursos de Engenharia de Produção no Brasil. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa documental, com a utilização da Análise de Conteúdo dos Planos de Ensino das disciplinas ligadas à Economia dos cursos de 15 Instituições. Verificou-se que os conteúdos trabalhados são abrangentes, com ênfase para as disciplinas com maior conteúdo teórico da Ciência Econômica. Porém, a forma de trabalhá-los, bem como a maneira como os alunos são avaliados, ainda é de caráter tradicional.
Contribuição do método analytic hierarchy process (AHP) para auxílio ao processo decisório de terceirizar ou internalizar atividades no contexto de uma empresa de base tecnológica
Authors: Reis Luciana Paula , Ladeira Marcelo Bronzo , Fernandes June Marques 
Published: April 2014

A definição de um modelo de negócio exige, entre outras decisões, a estruturação da cadeia de valor de organizações nascentes. Essa estruturação depende, por sua vez, da decisão de terceirizar ou internalizar conjuntos de processos e suas respectivas atividades. Essa decisão, fundamentalmente estratégica, demanda uma definição correta das atividades que efetivamente agregam valor ao negócio, sendo desejável, portanto, uma metodologia capaz de auxiliar o gestor no processo de tomada de decisão. Este artigo tem como objetivo propor um processo de auxílio à decisão de terceirizar ou internalizar atividades no contexto de uma Empresa de Base Tecnológica (EBT), utilizando-se da estratégia de pesquisa-ação associada aos métodos do Processo Analítico Hierárquico (Analytic Hierarchy Process / AHP) e da técnica de grupo focal. O estudo apresenta como resultado a estruturação do processo decisório e de critérios relevantes para a identificação de atividades a serem internalizadas pela EBT.
A QUALIDADE EM SERVIÇOS NO CONTEXTO DA COMPETITIVIDADE
Authors: Freitas André Luís 
Published: April 2014

Desde a década de 80, a busca pela Excelência em Serviços e o interesse pela mensuração da qualidade de serviços têm se caracterizado como uma importante estratégia utilizada pelas organizações para obter a vantagem competitiva. A literatura científica sobre este assunto até os tempos atuais é rica e diversificada, apesar de alguns aspectos ainda gerarem contradições entre os pesquisadores. Neste contexto, este trabalho se propõe a abordar conceitos e aspectos tradicionalmente empregados no âmbito da qualidade em serviços, destacando técnicas e metodologias que buscam a Excelência em Serviços e a mensuração da qualidade em serviços.
Gerenciamento da cadeia de suprimentos no setor automobilístico: um estudo de caso no consórcio modular
Authors: Firmo Ana Carolina , Lima Renato 
Published: April 2014

O ambiente industrial envolvido em alta competitividade de mercado vem apresentando novas técnicas de gestão, entre as quais se insere o Gerenciamento da Cadeia de Suprimentos (Supply Chain Management – SCM). O objetivo desse trabalho é analisar as práticas de SCM no setor automobilístico, em especial, o arranjo produtivo do consórcio modular. Após a realização de um levantamento bibliográfico sobre SCM e práticas de SCM no ramo automobilístico, foi conduzido um estudo de caso na planta da Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus, localizada na cidade de Resende – RJ, no qual foram entrevistados alguns dos gerentes industriais dos módulos que compoem o consórcio modular, além de observações diretas efetuadas pelo pesquisador. De modo geral, pode-se constatar que o arranjo produtivo tipo Consórcio Modular é mais adequado às atividades relacionadas à montagem do que as de fabricação. Destaca-se também a maior integração da montadora com seus fornecedores, conseqüência da proximidade física entre os mesmos e do maior envolvimento dos fornecedores, desde o projeto até a montagem final do veículo.
<b>Avaliação ergonômica: Revisão dos métodos para avaliação postural</b>
Authors: Cardoso Junior Moacyr Machado 
Published: April 2014

O grupo de doenças conhecido como LER/Dort representa uma grande preocupação dos profissionais das áreas de saúde e segurança do trabalho. Este grupo de doenças tem forte associação com posturas inadequadas, aplicação de forças e outros fatores de risco desencadeadores de distúrbios osteomusculares. O presente trabalho apresenta e discute três métodos expeditos para avaliação postural, conhecidos nos meios técnicos e científicos por OWAS, RULA e REBA. A conclusão é que todos os métodos apresentam potencial para aplicação e que propiciam uma sistemática de avaliação, que apesar de não ser extremamente precisa, permite ao avaliador uma padronização na coleta de dados que levam em consideração os principais fatores de risco relacionados aos distúrbios osteomusculares. Não é possível fazer uma recomendação direta de qual método utilizar em cada situação, sendo necessário conhecer a atividade a ser avaliada e a características de cada método. Palavras-Chave: Ergonomia; Avaliação Postural; LER/DORT ,.,,.,h
<b>A aplicação da teoria das restrições (toc) e da simulação na gestão da capacidade de atendimento em hospital de emergência</b>
Authors: Sabbadini Francisco Santos , Gonçalves Antônio Augusto , De Oliveira Mário Jorge Ferreira 
Published: April 2014

No ambiente hospitalar os serviços envolvem processos complexos, de alto risco e custos elevados, particularmente numa unidade de emergência hospitalar. Essa é uma das áreas mais complexas e críticas de um hospital, onde a rapidez no atendimento é fundamental. A agilidade no encaminhamento dos pacientes que necessitam de cuidados médicos é fator crítico de sucesso para redução de seqüelas e nas chances de restabelecimento. Nesse contexto, torna-se importante a gestão da capacidade de atendimento, a adequada alocação e o dimensionamento dos recursos. Este artigo objetiva investigar alternativas que agilizem o atendimento a pacientes. Neste contexto são aplicados princípios de gestão da capacidade de serviços, feita a análise do fluxo de tratamento a pacientes, utilizada a teoria das restrições na identificação de gargalos e desenvolvido um modelo de simulação a eventos discretos. A partir desse ferramental teórico elaborou-se uma proposta de melhoria para a redução do tempo entre o registro do paciente de urgência e o início do seu efetivo tratamento. Palavras-chave: Teoria das restrições (TOC) , Gestão da capacidade de serviços, Simulação, Hospital, serviços de saúde.
Introducing Carbon Taxes in Russia: The Relevance of Tax-Interaction Effects
Authors: Orlov Anton , Grethe Harald 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe theoretical literature on the double-dividend concept is mainly focused on pre-existing distortionary taxes in the labour and capital markets; the relevance of interactions with other taxes is often neglected. Using an analytical model and a numerical general equilibrium model, we analyse the welfare effects of carbon taxes and their interaction with other taxes applied in Russia. We find that substituting carbon taxes for labour taxes in Russia can substantially reduce the cost of carbon taxation compared to returning carbon tax revenues to households in lump-sum form and can even result in welfare gains in Russia. In conclusion, introducing carbon taxes has an indirect corrective effect with respect to the distorting effect of export taxation on energy resources. Furthermore, welfare costs of carbon taxation can be significant under the assumption of perfect international mobility of capital. Nevertheless, the cost can be more than compensated in case of a high carbon trade price.
Effect of Cooling Rate on Boron Removal and Solidification Behavior of Al-Si Alloy
Authors: Li Yanlei , Chen Jian , Ban Boyuan , Zhang Taotao , Dai Songyuan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe effect of cooling rate on boron removal and solidification behavior of Al-Si alloy with different silicon contents were studied during solar grade silicon purification. It is found that the boron removal rate is controlled by kinetic factor. A method is proposed to calculate apparent segregation coefficient of solidification process that spans over a temperature range. This apparent segregation coefficient is used to evaluate purification effect in alloy system with changing segregation coefficients. When average solidification temperature decreases, the apparent segregation coefficient of boron decreases. The average width and mass of primary silicon flakes decrease with increasing cooling rate. Impurity elements form intermetallic compound phases such as α-Al
Real-Time Implementation of Type-2 FLC–Based Shunt Active Filter Control Strategies (p–q and Id–Iq) with Different Fuzzy MFs for Power Quality Improvement
Authors: Mikkili Suresh , Panda Anup Kumar 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
This research article proposes the shunt active filter (SHAF) control strategies (p–q and Id–Iq), which are used to improve the power quality of the electrical network by mitigating the harmonics with the help of Type-2 fuzzy logic controller (Type-2 FLC) different membership functions (MFs). Three-phase reference current waveforms generated by proposed scheme are tracked by the three-phase voltage source converter in a hysteresis band control scheme. The performance of the proposed control strategies has been evaluated in terms of harmonic mitigation and DC link voltage regulation under various source conditions. In order to maintain DC link voltage constant and to generate the compensating reference currents, we have developed Type-2 FLC with different fuzzy MFs (trapezoidal, triangular and Gaussian). The SHAF with proposed Type-2 FLC using Gaussian MF is able to eliminate the uncertainty in the system and SHAF gains outstanding compensation abilities. The detailed real-time results using real-time digital simulator are presented to support the feasibility of proposed control strategies.
Recommendations of activity restriction in high-risk pregnancy scenarios: a Danish national survey
Authors: Bendix Jane , Hegaard Hanne Kristine , Bergholt Thomas , Langhoff-Roos Jens 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Aims: To describe specific recommendations of activity restriction, place of care, expected beneficial and adverse effects, and recommended antithrombotic prophylaxis in nine clinical scenarios.

Methods: A national survey. All members of the Danish Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Danish Association of Midwives were asked to complete a tested, structured questionnaire.

Results: We sent 1815 invitations; the overall response rate was 54%. A majority of clinicians recommended some form of activity restriction in the nine scenarios. The midwives recommended strict or moderate activity restriction more often than obstetricians in five of the nine scenarios, in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour, cervical ripening, total placenta praevia, and intrauterine growth restriction, whereas no differences were found in the remaining scenarios. Compared to the obstetricians, the midwives also reported that they expected the recommendation to be more effective. Most midwives and obstetricians reported that they thought strict activity restriction was associated with severe or moderate adverse effect, and recommended antithrombotic prophylaxis.

Conclusions: Danish obstetricians and midwives prescribe activity restriction in most high-risk pregnancies. The degree of activity restriction and the presumed effect vary between clinicians. This may reflect different attitudes and lack of guidelines based on clinical studies of a possible benefit of activity restriction.