Dinoflagellate cysts in western equatorial Atlantic surface sediments

In contrast to the wide range of studies carried out in temperate and high-latitude oceanic regions, only a few studies have focused on recent and Holocene organic-walled dinoflagellate cyst assemblages from the tropics. This information is, however, essential for fully understanding the ability of species to adapt to different oceanographic regimes, and ultimately their potential application to local and regional palaeoenvironmental and palaeoceanographic reconstructions. Surface sediment samples of the western equatorial Atlantic Ocean north of Brazil, an area greatly influenced by Amazon River discharge waters, were therefore analysed in detail for their organic-walled dinoflagellate cyst content. A diverse association of 43 taxa was identified, and large differences in cyst distribution were observed. The cyst thanatocoenosis in bottom sediments reflects the seasonal advection of Amazon River discharge water through the Guyana Current and the North Equatorial Countercurrent well into the North Atlantic. To establish potential links between cyst distribution and the environmental conditions of the upper water column, distribution patterns were compared with mean temperature, salinity, density and stratification gradients within the upper water column (0-100 m) over different times of the year, using correspondence analysis and canonical correspondence analysis. The analyses show that differences in these parameters only play a subordinate role in determining species distribution. Instead, nutrient availability, or related factors, dominates the distribution pattern. The only possible indicators of slightly reduced salinities are Trinovantedinium applanatum and Lingulodinium machaerophorum. Four assemblage groups of cyst taxa with similar environmental affinities related to specific water masses/currents can be distinguished and have potential for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.

Benthic foraminifera asemblages and isotopic composition of surface sediment samples off Morocco

The influence of different primary productivity regimes on live (Rose Bengal stained) and dead benthic foraminiferal distribution, as well as on the stable carbon isotopic composition of foraminiferal tests, was investigated in sediment surface samples (0-1 cm) from the upwelling region off Morocco between Cape Ghir (31°N) and Cape Yubi (27°N). A combination of factor analysis, detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was applied to the benthic foraminiferal data sets. Five major assemblages for both the live and dead fauna were revealed by factor analysis. In the cape regions organic matter fluxes are enhanced by high chlorophyll-a concentrations in the overlying surface waters. Here, benthic foraminiferal faunas are characterized by identical live and dead assemblages, high standing stocks, and low species delta13C values, indicating constant year-round high productivity. Bulimina marginata dominates the unique fauna at the shallowest station off Cape Ghir indicating highest chlorophyll-a concentrations. Off both capes, the succession of the Bulimina aculeata/Uvigerina mediterranea assemblage, the Sphaeroidina bulloides/Gavelinopsis translucens assemblage, and the Hoeglundina elegans assemblage from the shelf to the deep sea reflects the decrease in chlorophyll-a concentrations, hence the export flux. In contrast, the area between the capes is characterized by differently composed live and dead assemblages, low standing stocks, and less depleted delta13C values, thus reflecting low primary productivity. High foraminiferal numbers of Epistominella exigua, Eponides pusillus, and Globocassidulina subglobosa in the dead fauna indicate a seasonally varying primary productivity signal. Significantly lower mean delta13C values were recorded in Bulimina mexicana, Cibicidoides kullenbergi, H. elegans, U. mediterranea and Uvigerina peregrina. Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi is a faithful recorder of bottom water delta13C in the Canary Islands regions. The mean delta13C signal of this species is not significantly influenced by constant high organic matter fluxes. The species-specific offset between live and dead specimens is the same.

El impacto de la presencia online en las cuentas de Twitter de las universidades vascas y navarras

Las Universidades han tenido que adaptarse a los nuevos modelos de comunicación surgidos en la época de Internet. Dentro de estos nuevos paradigmas las redes sociales han irrumpido y Twitter se ha establecido como una de las más importantes. El objetivo de esta investigación es demostrar que existe una relación entre la presencia online de una Universidad, definida por la cantidad de información disponible en Internet, y su cuenta en Twitter. Para ello se analizó la relación entre la presencia online y los perfiles oficiales de las cinco universidades del País Vasco y Navarra. Los resultados demostraron la existencia de una correlación significativa entre la presencia online de las instituciones y el número de seguidores de sus respectivas cuentas. En segundo lugar, esta investigación se planteó si Twitter puede servir para potenciar la presencia online de una Universidad. Es por eso que se formuló una segunda hipótesis que buscaba analizar si tener varias cuentas en Twitter aumentaría la presencia online de las Universidades. Los hallazgos para esta segunda hipótesis demostraron una correlación muy significativa entre tener varios perfiles en Twitter y la presencia online de las Universidades. Así queda demostrada la importancia de la presencia online para las cuentas de Twitter y la relevancia de Twitter a la hora de potenciar la presencia online de los centros.

Effective end wall profiling rules for a highly loaded compressor cascade

This paper presents a numerical study of a linear compressor cascade to investigate the effective end wall profiling rules for highly-loaded axial compressors. The first step in the research applies a correlation analysis for the different flow field parameters by a data mining over 600 profiling samples to quantify how variations of loss, secondary flow and passage vortex interact with each other under the influence of a profiled end wall. The result identifies the dominant role of corner separation for control of total pressure loss, providing a principle that only in the flow field with serious corner separation does the does the profiled end wall change total pressure loss, secondary flow and passage vortex in the same direction. Then in the second step, a multi-objective optimization of a profiled end wall is performed to reduce loss at design point and near stall point. The development of effective end wall profiling rules is based on the manner of secondary flow control rather than the geometry features of the end wall. Using the optimum end wall cases from the Pareto front, a quantitative tool for analyzing secondary flow control is employed. The driving force induced by a profiled end wall on different regions of end wall flow are subjected to a detailed analysis and identified for their positive/negative influences in relieving corner separation, from which the effective profiling rules are further confirmed. It is found that the profiling rules on a cascade show distinct differences at design point and near stall point, thus loss control of different operating points is generally independent.

Modulação pela progesterona da sensibilidade dolorosa a estímulos mecânicos e isquêmicos em mulheres saudáveis e jovens

BRUNO, S. S. ; SOUSA, M. B. C. . Modulação pela progesterona da sensibilidade dolorosa a estímulos mecânicos e isquêmicos em mulheres saudáveis e jovens. RBGO. Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia , v. 30, p. 306-311, 2008

Internal Control application : Empirical evidence from Sweden

Aim The aim of this study is to explore based on internationally recognised frameworks: 1. how internal control structures are applied in Sweden among different sectors; 2. how organizational size and environment affect internal control structures; and 3. the impact of internal control structures on organizational performance. Methods A quantitative method was used in the data collection and analysis. The sample consisted of 1117 organizations operating in Sweden. A mean analysis was conducted to measure the level of internal control structures among different industries, organizational sizes, and different choices of listing in the stock exchange market. Person’s correlation analysis was then used to explore possible correlations between external environmental factors and internal control structures, and internal control structures and organizational performance. Lastly, a structural model was built to measure the impact of internal control structures on organizational performance. The measurements of internal control structures and organizational performance are based on COSO framework’s principles and objectives. Results This study gives an insight on how internal control structures are applied across industrial sectors in Sweden, with financial institutions and manufacturing organizations having notably higher levels of internal control structures. Additionally, it provides evidence of the impact external environmental factors have on internal control structures. Furthermore, it shows that organizations that are listed in the Swedish stock exchange market have an equivalent level of internal control structures to those registered in the American stock exchange market. In contrast, organisations that are not listed in the stock exchange market have a notably lower level of internal control structures. Lastly, it illustrates the positive impact the presence of internal control structures has on organizational performance. 3 | P a g e Conclusion The results highlight a crucial role the supervisory authority Finansinspektionen (FI) has in regulating the Swedish financial market. They also show that the stability of the Swedish business environment has had a positive impact on the level of internal control structures.

Síndrome de Burnout e autoeficácia: um estudo com profissionais de enfermagem de hospitais privados de Natal/RN

This research verifies the influence of the self-efficacy level on burnout syndrome incidence in relation to nursing professionals from private hospitals located in the Municipality of Natal, State of Rio Grande do Norte. The nature of the research was descriptive, and the used data analysis method was quantitative which was developed through SPSS computational package, version 17.0. The used instrument for the investigation was Maslach-Burnout Inventory (MBI), and the General Perceived Self-efficacy Scale (GPSES) was applied to a sample formed from 230 nursing professionals. The statistic techniques to data analysis were: frequency analysis; factor analysis; Cronbach.s alpha; Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test (KMO); Bartlett efericity test; percentual analysis; Spearman rank correlation analysis; and simple regression. The achieved factors from factor analysis of MBI were the same, taking into account the dimensions which Maslach initially suggested to the instrument (emotional exhaustion, lack of personal realization, and depersonalization). However, one highlights that the low internal consistence of the depersonalization dimension can occur from people.s difficulty (caused by cultural aspects) of assuming this attitude in their work environment. Through GSE, it was achieved a factor which confirmed the unidimensionality showed by the author of the instrument. In relation to the syndrome incidence, it was verified that about 50% of the researched sample presented burnout syndrome evidence. Referring to self-efficacy level, about 65% of the researched sample presented low level of self-efficacy, what can be explained by the work characteristics of these professionals. In relation to the self-efficacy influence on the Burnout syndrome, it was verified that self-efficacy can be one of the aspects which influences occupational stress chronification (burnout), mainly to the personal realization dimension. Therefore, the researched hospital organizations need reflect about their attitudes in respect to their professionals, since the numbers showed a dangerous tendency regarding a predisposition to burnout syndrome of their staff, what implies not only a significant amount of individuals who can present high levels of emotional exhaustion, lack of personal realization, and depersonalization, but also the fact that this group presents low level of self-efficacy

Influência dos intermediários de distribuição de produtos turísticos no processo de decisão do meio de hospedagem pelo consumidor

This study examines the complex hotel buyer decision process in front of the tourism distribution channels. Its objective is to describe the influence level of the tourism marketing intermediaries, mainly the travel agents and tour operators, over the hotel decision process by the buyer-tourist. The data collection process was done trough a survey with three hundred brazilian tourists hosted in nineteen hotels of Natal, capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The data analysis was done using some multivariate statistic techniques as correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, factor analysis and multiple discriminant analysis. The research characterizes the hotel services consumers profile and his trip, and identifying the distribution channels used by them. Furthermore, the research verifies the intermediaries influence exercised over hotel buyer decision process, looking for identify causality relations between the influence level and the buyer profile. Verifies that information about hotels available on internet reduces the probability that this influence can be practiced; however it was possible identifying those consumers considers this information complementary and non-substitutes than the information from intermediaries. The characteristics of the data do not allow indentifying the factors that constraint the intermediaries influence neither identifying discriminant functions of the specific distribution channel choice by consumers. The study concludes that consumers don t agree in have been influenced by intermediaries or don t know if they have, still considering important to consult them and internet doesn t substitute their function as information source

Stratégie d'amélioration de la résistance mécanique des zones de connecteurs

Le bois subit une demande croissante comme matériau de construction dans les bâtiments de grandes dimensions. Ses qualités de matériau renouvelable et esthétique le rendent attrayant pour les architectes. Lorsque comparé à des produits fonctionnellement équivalents, il apparait que le bois permet de réduire la consommation d’énergie non-renouvelable. Sa transformation nécessite une quantité d’énergie inférieure que l’acier et le béton. Par ailleurs, par son origine biologique, une structure en bois permet de stocker du carbone biogénique pour la durée de vie du bâtiment. Maintenant permis jusqu’à six étages de hauteur au Canada, les bâtiments de grande taille en bois relèvent des défis de conception. Lors du dimensionnement des structures, les zones des connecteurs sont souvent les points critiques. Effectivement, les contraintes y sont maximales. Les structures peuvent alors apparaitre massives et diminuer l’innovation architecturale. De nouvelles stratégies doivent donc être développées afin d’améliorer la résistance mécanique dans les zones de connecteurs. Différents travaux ont récemment porté sur la création ou l’amélioration de types d’assemblage. Dans cette étude, l’accent est mis sur le renforcement du bois utilisé dans la région de connexion. L’imprégnation a été choisie comme solution de renfort puisque la littérature démontre qu’il est possible d’augmenter la dureté du bois avec cette technique. L’utilisation de cette stratégie de renfort sur l’épinette noire (Picea Mariana (Mill.) BSP) pour une application structurale est l’élément de nouveauté dans cette recherche. À défaut d’effectuer une imprégnation jusqu’au coeur des pièces, l’essence peu perméable de bois employée favorise la création d’une mince couche en surface traitée sans avoir à utiliser une quantité importante de produits chimiques. L’agent d’imprégnation est composé de 1,6 hexanediol diacrylate, de triméthylopropane tricacrylate et d’un oligomère de polyester acrylate. Une deuxième formulation contenant des nanoparticules de SiO2 a permis de vérifier l’effet des nanoparticules sur l’augmentation de la résistance mécanique du bois. Ainsi, dans ce projet, un procédé d’imprégnation vide-pression a servi à modifier un nouveau matériau à base de bois permettant des assemblages plus résistants mécaniquement. Le test de portance locale à l’enfoncement parallèle au fil d’un connecteur de type tige a été réalisé afin de déterminer l’apport du traitement sur le bois utilisé comme élément de connexion. L’effet d’échelle a été observé par la réalisation du test avec trois diamètres de boulons différents (9,525 mm, 12,700 mm et 15,875 mm). En outre, le test a été effectué selon un chargement perpendiculaire au fil pour le boulon de moyen diamètre (12,700 mm). La corrélation d’images numériques a été utilisée comme outil d’analyse de la répartition des contraintes dans le bois. Les résultats ont démontré une portance du bois plus élevée suite au traitement. Par ailleurs, l’efficacité est croissante lorsque le diamètre du boulon diminue. C’est un produit avec une valeur caractéristique de la portance locale parallèle au fil de 79% supérieure qui a été créé dans le cas du test avec le boulon de 9,525 mm. La raideur du bois a subi une augmentation avoisinant les 30%. Suite au traitement, la présence d’une rupture par fissuration est moins fréquente. Les contraintes se distribuent plus largement autour de la région de connexion. Le traitement n’a pas produit d’effet significatif sur la résistance mécanique de l’assemblage dans le cas d’un enfoncement du boulon perpendiculairement au fil du bois. De même, l’effet des nanoparticules en solution n’est pas ressorti significatif. Malgré une pénétration très faible du liquide à l’intérieur du bois, la couche densifiée en surface créée suite au traitement est suffisante pour produire un nouveau matériau plus résistant dans les zones de connexion. Le renfort du bois dans la région des connecteurs doit influencer le dimensionnement des structures de grande taille. Avec des éléments de connexion renforcés, il sera possible d’allonger les portées des poutres, multipliant ainsi les possibilités architecturales. Le renfort pourra aussi permettre de réduire les sections des poutres et d’utiliser une quantité moindre de bois dans un bâtiment. Cela engendrera des coûts de transport et des coûts reliés au temps d’assemblage réduits. De plus, un connecteur plus résistant permettra d’être utilisé en moins grande quantité dans un assemblage. Les coûts d’approvisionnement en éléments métalliques et le temps de pose sur le site pourront être revus à la baisse. Les avantages d’un nouveau matériau à base de bois plus performant utilisé dans les connexions permettront de promouvoir le bois dans les constructions de grande taille et de réduire l’impact environnemental des bâtiments.

Modulação pela progesterona da sensibilidade dolorosa a estímulos mecânicos e isquêmicos em mulheres saudáveis e jovens

BRUNO, S. S. ; SOUSA, M. B. C. . Modulação pela progesterona da sensibilidade dolorosa a estímulos mecânicos e isquêmicos em mulheres saudáveis e jovens. RBGO. Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia , v. 30, p. 306-311, 2008

Análise das contingências presentes em situação de orientação de pais na clínica analítico-comportamental infantil

A terapia analítico-comportamental infantil, embasada pelos pressupostos do Behaviorismo Radical e pelos princípios da Análise do Comportamento, é caracterizada por atendimento da criança em consultório e orientação de pais. Estudos têm apontado dificuldades encontradas pelos psicólogos em relação aos resultados clínicos no que se refere à generalização de ganhos terapêuticos. Apesar das investigações concluírem que os programas de intervenção com pais têm apresentado resultados satisfatórios, a prática clínica relata problemas em relação à generalização, principalmente quando avaliados ao longo do tempo. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo compreender o processo de orientação de pais a partir de relações de elementos descritos pela literatura como influentes no processo de generalização de ganhos terapêuticos. Foi aplicado questionário, construído pela autora e sua orientadora a partir da bibliografia de referência da área estudada, com análise de especialistas e análise cognitiva dos itens (aplicação a 5 indivíduos com características semelhantes às dos nossos participantes), em 38 pais de crianças atendidas por psicólogos analistas do comportamento na cidade de Fortaleza-Ce, Brasil. Os dados foram avaliados a partir de uma análise descritiva (Tendência Central e Dispersão). Os itens do questionário foram classificados em nove categorias que foram compreendidas a partir da análise de correlação de Spearman por meio do programa estatístico SPSS. Os resultados constataram correlações positivas e significativas entre o processo de generalização e as categorias estudadas (Relação terapêutica; Ocorrência da orientação de pais; Ocorrência da generalização - Percepção dos pais; Treino de habilidades sociais para pais; Dinâmica familiar - Dificuldades no contexto familiar; Dinâmica familiar - Participação do cônjuge nos processos de orientação/generalização; Estabelecimento de regras funcionais pelos pais; Dificuldades pessoais dos pais), indicando que o psicólogo precisa avaliar e intervir nestas variáveis com o objetivo de contribuir para melhores efeitos no processo terapêutico.

Perceção da autoeficácia do terapeuta e aliança terapêutica na perspetiva do cliente

Estudos recentes apontam para a necessidade de explorar o processo psicoterapêutico, na perspetiva do cliente e do terapeuta. Apesar da importância reconhecida do estudo dos mecanismos de transformação terapêutica, existe uma lacuna na investigação no que respeita à associação entre a autoeficácia dos terapeutas e a aliança terapêutica. Com efeito, o objetivo principal do presente estudo foi analisar de que forma a perceção de autoeficácia do terapeuta se relaciona com o modo como o cliente perceciona a aliança terapêutica. Participaram neste estudo 128 participantes, distribuídos por 32 terapeutas e 96 clientes, numa proporção de três clientes para cada terapeuta. A autoeficácia dos terapeutas foi avaliada através do Counselor Activity Self-Efficacy Scales (CASES-G) e a aliança terapêutica percecionada pelos clientes através do Inventário de Aliança Terapêutica (IAT; versão C reduzida). O resultados revelaram que os terapeutas percecionaram-se como eficazes em relação ao processo psicoterapêutico e que os clientes reportaram uma forte aliança terapêutica. As análises de correlação indicaram que a subescala “gestão de sessão” do CASES-G se associou negativamente à subescala “tarefas” do IAT. Estes dados sugerem que um terapeuta mais confiante na sua capacidade para desempenhar competências técnicas específicas no que respeita à gestão da sessão, poderá ter mais dificuldade em investir no cliente e no processo psicoterapêutico, o que se poderá traduzir numa menor sincronia entre ambos e num indicador de perda da qualidade da aliança terapêutica.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en la salud sexual y la salud reproductiva: propuesta de una escala psicométrica

En este artículo se presenta el resultado del análisis de validez y confiabilidad de las escalas propuestas para medir conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en salud sexual y salud reproductiva de la población estudiantil de la Universidad Nacional. La escala inicial estuvo conformada por 288 ítemes divididos en cuatro dimensiones (salud sexual, salud reproductiva, VIH/ SIDA e infecciones de transmisión sexual y uso del condón) y cada dimensión en tres categorías (conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas). El tratamiento de la escala inició con un análisis de validez aparente a partir de la evaluación de 12 personas expertas en la temática, luego se procedió con un análisis de factores, uno de correlación y se terminó con un análisis de confiabilidad que arrojó un Alfa de Cronbach de 0.9290, para concluir que la escala tiene una excelente consistencia interna. Finalmente, se construyó una nueva escala con 128 ítemes agrupados en las tres categorías y las cuatro dimensiones propuestas. Abstract In this document, the results of the validity and reliability analysis of the scales propose to measure knowledge, attitudes and practices in sexual health and reproductive health of the students of the Universidad Nacional, are presented. The scale was primarily composed of 288 items divided in four dimensions (sexual health, reproductive health, HIV/AIDS and sexual transmitted diseases, and condom use), and each dimension in three categories (knowledge, attitudes and practices). The treatment of the scale began with a face validity analysis from the evaluation of 12 experts and then with a factor analysis, correlation analysis and finished with a reliability analysis that gave a result a Cronbach coefficient of 0.9290, leading to the conclusion that the scale has an excellent internal consistency. Finally, a new scale was constructed with 128 items, gathered in the three categories and four dimensions proposed.

Levels of salivary immunoglobulin A under psychological stress and its relationship with rumination and five personality traits in medical students

Background and Objectives: The measurement of salivary immunoglobulin A is a useful and non-invasive method for measuring stress. Personality traits and rumination act as possible mediators in the relationship between psychological stressors and the immune system. This study was aimed to evaluate the levels of salivary IgA under psychological stress and its relationship with rumination and five personality traits in medical students. Methods: In this cross- sectional study, 45 medical students who intended to participate in the final exam were selected by simple random sampling. Two months before the exam, in the basal conditions, the NEO Personality Inventory-Short Form and Emotional Control Questionnaire (ECQ) were completed. Saliva samples were taken from students in both the basal conditions and exam stress conditions. Salivary IgA was measured by an ELISA test. Data was analyzed using paired samples T-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and stepwise regression. Results: A significant reduction of salivary IgA levels was found in exam stress conditions. Also, a significant negative correlation was found between traits of neuroticism and rumination with salivary IgA, as well as a significant positive correlation between of openness to experience and emotional inhibition with salivary IgA. Openness to experience and emotional inhibition may predict a substantial variance (34%) of salivary IgA under exam stress. Conclusions: Salivary IgA is reduced in response to exam stress. In addition, the rumination and personality traits may reduce or increase stress effects on the immune system, particularly the salivary IgA.

Efeitos dos fatores ambientais na comunidade de macrófitas em pequenos cursos lóticos perenes subtropicais

Neste estudo foi investigado como a distribuição das espécies e a produção de biomassa de macrófitas aquáticas são influenciadas pelas condições físico-químicas do ambiente. Também foi avaliado como uma espécie com maior potencial competitivo pode interferir na diversidade de espécies da comunidade macrofítica. Para tanto, em cada um dos três arroios, foram dispostos seis transecções, perpendiculares à margem. Em cada transecção foram demarcadas três unidades amostrais de 1m², nas quais foram registrados os parâmetros fitossociológicos cobertura e frequência relativas e valor de importância. A diversidade de espécies foi estimada pelo índice de Shannon, utilizando os valores de cobertura de espécies. Para determinar a biomassa das macrófitas aquáticas foram usados quadrats de 0,25m², alocados dentro da unidade amostral de 1m² usadas para quantificar os dados fitossociológicos, nos mesmos pontos onde foi feito o levantamento de cobertura da vegetação. Utilizamos como variáveis preditoras a velocidade da corrente, radiação solar incidente, coeficiente de sombreamento, vegetação ripária arbórea adjacente, nitrogênio orgânico dissolvido, carbono orgânico dissolvido e condutividade elétrica. Foram registradas 32 espécies de macrófitas aquáticas, distribuídas em 19 famílias e 28 gêneros. Conforme Análise de Correspondência Canônica (CCA), as espécies com maiores valores de biomassa foram relacionadas a unidades amostrais com alta incidência luminosa. As unidades amostrais com dominância de Pistia stratiotes apresentaram menor diversidade de espécies indicando que esta espécie, quando encontra condições que permitam sua proliferação, pode excluir espécies de menor potencial competitivo. De acordo com GLM (Generalized Linear Model), a ausência de vegetação ripária ou presente em apenas uma das margens e baixas velocidades de corrente configura-se em condições favoráveis ao estabelecimento e desenvolvimento de macrófitas aquáticas, possibilitando produção maiores valores de biomassa.