Paleomagnetic study of the Great Foum Zguid dyke (southern Morocco): A positive contact test related to metasomatic processes

When a paleomagnetic pole is sought for in an igneous body, the host rocks should be subjected to a contact test to assure that the determined paleopole has the age of the intrusion. If the contact test is positive, it precludes the possibility that the measured magnetization is a later effect. Therefore, we investigated the variations of the remanent magnetization along cross-sections of rocks hosting the Foum Zguid dyke (southern Morocco) and the dyke itself. A positive contact test was obtained, but it is mainly related with Chemical/Crystalline Remanent Magnetization due to metasomatic processes in the host-rocks during magma intrusion and cooling, and not only with Thermo-Remanent Magnetization as ordinarily assumed in standard studies. Paleomagnetic data obtained within the dyke then reflect the Earth magnetic field during emplacement of this well-dated (196.9 +/- 1.8 Ma) intrusion.

Development of an in situ penetration test for the uptake of preservatives in applied wood

This paper concerns the study of biocides application in old timber structures of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ail.), previously impregnated with other products. A method was developed in laboratory to determine in situ the penetration depth of a product applied superficially. As initial treatment, three traditional products for sawn timber for buildings were used and, for new treatments, two newer, more environmentally benign products were used. Their ability to penetrate the pre-treated surfaces was evaluated after 1, 2 and 3 applications at 24 hours intervals and the results obtained are presented. Finally, the applicability of the developed test to the in-situ evaluation of timber structures is also discussed.

Dispositional optimism is unidimensional or bidimensional? The Portuguese Revised Life Orientation Test

The aim of the study is to adapt and then discuss the appropriateness of the Life Orientation Test as a one or two dimension scale. The research includes two studies; one is composed of a sequential sample of 280 people with multiple sclerosis, 71% female, and another includes a convenience sample of 615 individuals from the community, 51.1% female. Because the construct is built upon a theoretical assumption that has one dimension, we examine the hypothesis of one or two factor solutions through confirmatory factor analysis, and the two-dimension solution premise demonstrates better adjustment for both samples. The other psychometric properties explored show appropriate results for the Portuguese sample, and similar to the original ones; the Test therefore seems appropriate for use in cross cultural studies. Based on our results, we discuss whether the questionnaire is a one or two dimension instrument, concluding that it appears appropriate to accept the recommendations of the original authors to use it as a one-dimensional tool and, when necessary, to use both dimensions. - RESUMO: El objetivo del estudio es adaptar y discutir la adecuación de la prueba de Orientación de la Vida en una o dos escalas de dimensión. La investigación engloba dos estudios, uno constituido por una muestra secuencial de 280 personas con esclerosis múltiple, 71% mujeres y otro con una muestra de conveniencia de la comunidad de 615 individuos, 51,1% del sexo femenino. Como el constructo se asienta sobre la presunción teórica de que tiene una dimensión, inspeccionamos la hipótesis de una o dos soluciones de factor a través del análisis factorial confirmatorio y la hipótesis de dos dimensiones manifiesta un mejor ajuste para ambas muestras. Las otras propiedades psicométricas exploradas muestran los resultados apropiados para la muestra portuguesa, y semejantes a los originales. Parece apropiado para los estudios culturales transversales. Basándonos en nuestros resultados, discutimos si el cuestionario es un instrumento de una o dos dimensiones, concluyéndose que parece conveniente seguir las recomendaciones de los autores originales, para utilizarlo como un instrumento unidimensional y, si fuera necesario necesario, utilizar cada una de las dimensiones.

Performance of an immunochromatography test for vivax malaria in the Amazon region, Brazil

The study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the ICT malaria Pf/PvTM test for vivax malaria diagnosis in Belém, Amazon region, Brazil. The results of blood malaria parasites examination using an immunochromatography test were compared with thick blood film (TBF) examination. It was also evaluated the performance of this test storaged at three different temperatures (25°C, 30°C, and 37°C) for 24 hours before use. Overall sensitivity of ICT Pf/PvTM was 61.8% with a specificity of 100%, positive and negative predictive value of 100% and 71.8%, respectively and accuracy of 80.6%. The test sensitivity was independent of the parasite density. This test needs to be further reviewed in order to have better performance for P. vivax malaria diagnosis.

Design of a new test chamber for evaluation of the toxicity of rubber infill

A test chamber was projected and built (according to ISO 16000-9 Standard) to simulate atmospheric conditions experienced by rubber infill (when applied in synthetic turf pitches) and measure accurately the airborne emissions of pollutants such as dusts and volatile organic compounds (VOC), as well as pollutants present in leachates. It should be pointed out that standard ISO 16000-9 is only concerned with the determination of the emission of VOC from building products and furnishing (not specific of synthetic turf materials), whereas other standards are concerned with the emission of leachates only. This procedure is to be considered as a technical option to the lysimeter "global turf system evaluation" when the rubber infill alone is to be evaluated. The advantage of the proposed option considering this "test chamber" is its simplicity and economy. This test chamber is actually installed and being used for tests in LAIST.

Electric vehicles in urban areas: test cases using a scenario simulator

Electric vehicles introduction will affect cities environment and urban mobility policies. Network system operators will have to consider the electric vehicles in planning and operation activities due to electric vehicles’ dependency on the electricity grid. The present paper presents test cases using an Electric Vehicle Scenario Simulator (EVeSSi) being developed by the authors. The test cases include two scenarios considering a 33 bus network with up to 2000 electric vehicles in the urban area. The scenarios consider a penetration of 10% of electric vehicles (200 of 2000), 30% (600) and 100% (2000). The first scenario will evaluate network impacts and the second scenario will evaluate CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Solubility of red 153 and blue 1 in supercritical carbon dioxide

Solubilities of red 153, (3-[[4-[[5,6(or 6,7)-dichloro-2-benzothiazolyl]azo]phenyl]ethylamino]propanenitrile), an azo compound, and disperse blue1 (1,4,5,8-tetraaminoantraquinone) in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO(2)) were measured at T = (333.2 to 393.2) K over the pressure range (12.0 to 40.0) MPa by a flow type apparatus. The solubility of red 153 (0.985. 10(-6) to 37.2. 10(-6)) in the overall region of measurements is found to be significantly higher than that of disperse blue 1 (1.12.10(-7) to 4.89.10(-7)). The solubility behavior of disperse red 153 follows the general solubility trend displayed by disperse dyes with a crossover pressure at about 20 MPa. On the other hand, blue 1, which is a disperse anthraquinone dye, exhibits unexpected behavior not recorded previously there is no crossover pressure at the temperature and pressure ranges studied, and the dye's solubility at T = 333.2 K practically does not increase with pressure. To the best of our knowledge, there are no previous measurements of blue 1 solubility in SC CO(2) reported in the literature. The experimental data were correlated by using the Soave Redlich Kwong equation of state (EoS) with the one-fluid van der Waals mixing rule, and an acceptable correlation of the solubility data for both dyes was obtained.

Predicted VO2 on 6 minutes walk test for FAP liver transplanted patients

Physical function is limited post-liver transplantation and exercise training can improve exercise capacity following transplantation but previously assessment of functional capacity is necessary. The 6 minute walk test (6MWT) is routinely used for studying patient’s exercise capacity and is less expensive and time consuming than a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPXT). There have been some studies looking at the relationship between 6MWT and peak VO2 in patients but few presented an adequate equation for predicted peak VO2 from 6MWT to transplanted patients and none for Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy (FAP) liver transplanted patients (FAPTx). The aim of this study was to compare the validity of 6 equations as predictors of VO2 from the 6MWT and compare it with directly measured VO2 in patients FAPTx.

The darmstadt challenge (the turing test revisited)

Significant work has been done in the areas of Pervcomp/Ubicomp Smart Environments with advances on making proactive systems, but those advances have not made these type of systems accurately proactive. On the other hand a great deal is needed to make systems more sensible/sensitive and trustable (both in terms of reliability and privacy). We put forward the thesis that a more integral and social-aware sort of intelligence is needed to effectively interact, decide and act on behalf of people’s interest and that a way to test how effective systems are achieving these desirable behaviour is needed as a consequence. We support our thesis by providing examples on how to measure effectiveness in variety of different environments.

Blue rayon e teste Salmonella/microssoma na avaliação da qualidade de águas costeiras

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver estratégia para o monitoramento passivo das águas do estuário de Santos quanto à presença de atividade genotóxica e de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos. MÉTODOS: Estudo realizado no estuário de Santos, Estado de São Paulo, em 2002. Foram selecionados e avaliados dois pontos de amostragem com diferentes graus de contaminação em duas campanhas de amostragem, utilizando a técnica de blue rayon in situ, análises químicas e o ensaio de Salmonella/microssoma com as linhagens bacterianas sensíveis a diferentes classes de compostos. Os extratos foram submetidos ao teste de Salmonella/microssoma em microssuspensão com as linhagens TA98, TA100, YG1041 e YG1042 na presença e ausência de ativação metabólica, e a análises químicas. RESULTADOS: O ponto 1, que apresentou sedimento com altas concentrações de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos, mostrou maior freqüência de resultados positivos para o ensaio Samonella/microssoma e maiores concentrações de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos em ambas as campanhas em comparação com o ponto 2, menos contaminado. A linhagem que se mostrou mais sensível foi a YG1041, que permitiu comparações entre locais com diferentes graus de contaminação. CONCLUSÕES: A combinação da técnica de blue rayon in situ com o ensaio Salmonella/microsoma com a linhagem YG1041 e as análises químicas se mostraram eficientes. Foi possível recuperar os compostos genotóxicos, e os hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos analisados, parecendo ser uma estratégia adequada para o monitoramento da qualidade das águas do estuário de Santos.

Efeitos da ingestão de simbiótico e indol-3-carbinol sobre o processo de carcinogênese química de cólon em ratos Wistar alimentados com dieta contendo heme

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

An application of structural equation modeling of test dispositional optimism as mediator or moderator in quality of life in patients with chronic disease

The aim of the present study was to test a hypothetical model to examine if dispositional optimism exerts a moderating or a mediating effect between personality traits and quality of life, in Portuguese patients with chronic diseases. A sample of 540 patients was recruited from central hospitals in various districts of Portugal. All patients completed self-reported questionnaires assessing socio-demographic and clinical variables, personality, dispositional optimism, and quality of life. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the moderating and mediating effects. Results suggest that dispositional optimism exerts a mediator rather than a moderator role between personality traits and quality of life, suggesting that “the expectation that good things will happen” contributes to a better general well-being and better mental functioning.

An Unprovoked Attack by a Blue Shark Prionace glauca (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhinidae) on a Spear Fisherman in Terceira Island, Azores, Northeast Atlantic

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Role of the wider Azores region as a nursery ground for North Atlantic blue shark (Prionace glauca)

Tese de Doutoramento, Ciências do Mar (Ecologia Marinha)

Estudo da obtenção de gelatina a partir de raspa Wet-Blue da indústria de curtumes

Mestrado em Engenharia Química. Ramo Tecnologias de Protecção Ambiental.