Investigating the level of awareness of building assessment tools in the construction industry of Botswana

Environmental building assessment tools have been developed to measure how well or poorly a building is performing, or likely to perform, against a declared set of criteria, or environmental considerations, in order to achieve sustainability principles. Knowledge of environmental building assessment tools is therefore important for successful design and construction of environmentally friendly buildings for countries. The purpose of the research is to investigate the knowledge and level of awareness of environmental building assessment tools among industry practitioners in Botswana. One hundred and seven paper-based questionnaires were delivered to industry practitioners, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, real estate developers and academics. Users were asked what they know about building assessment, whether they have used any building assessment tool in the past, and what they perceive as possible barriers to the implementation of environmental building assessment tools in Botswana. Sixty five were returned and statistical analysis, using IBM SPSS V19 software, was used for analysis. Almost 85 per cent of respondents indicate that they are extremely or moderately aware of environmental design. Furthermore, the results indicate that 32 per cent of respondents have gone through formal training, which suggests ‘reasonable knowledge’. This however does not correspond with the use of the tools on the ground as 69 per cent of practitioners report never to have used any environmental building assessment tool in any project. The study highlights the need to develop an assessment tool for Botswana to enhance knowledge and further improve the level of awareness of environmental issues relating to building design and construction.

Modelling the resistance of Enterprise Architecture adoption: linking strategic level of Enterprise Architecture to organisational changes and change resistance

During the last few years Enterprise Architecture (EA) has received increasing attention among industry and academia. By adopting EA, organisations may gain a number of benefits such as better decision making,increased revenues and cost reduction, and alignment of business and IT. However, EA adoption has been found to be difficult. In this paper a model to explain resistance during EA adoption process (REAP) is introduced and validated. The model reveals relationships between strategic level of EA, resulting organisational changes, and sources of resistance. By utilising REAP model, organisations may anticipate and prepare for the organisational change resistance during EA adoption.

Unpacking the mechanism by which psychological ownership manifests at the level of the individual: a dynamic model of identity and self

Increasing prominence of the psychological ownership (PO) construct in management studies raises questions about how PO manifests at the level of the individual. In this article, we unpack the mechanism by which individuals use PO to express aspects of their identity and explore how PO manifestations can display congruence as well as incongruence between layers of self. As a conceptual foundation, we develop a dynamic model of individual identity that differentiates between four layers of self, namely, the “core self,” “learned self,” “lived self,” and “perceived self.” We then bring identity and PO literatures together to suggest a framework of PO manifestation and expression viewed through the lens of the four presented layers of self. In exploring our framework, we develop a number of propositions that lay the foundation for future empirical and conceptual work and discuss implications for theory and practice.

Evaluation on the effectiveness of actions for controlling infestation by rodents in Campo Limpo region, Sao Paulo Municipality, Brazil

Rodents are responsible for the transmission of more than 60 diseases both to human beings and to domestic animals. The increase in rodent infestation in a given area brings several health problems to the nearby population. Thus, when infestation increases, it is time to take intervention measures. Although many countries have implemented programs aimed at controlling rodent infestation, literature on studies evaluating the effectiveness of intervention measures in urban areas is scarce. Aimed at contributing to the understanding of rodents` population dynamics in urban areas, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the control methods proposed by ""Programa de Vigilancia e Controle de Roedores do Municipio de Sao Paulo`` (Program for Rodents Surveillance and Control in Sao Paulo Municipality), conducted on Jardim Comercial District. As a first step, a survey to assess infestation rates was conducted in 1529 dwellings located in the area studied. After that, a chemical control upon rodents was accomplished in every dwelling infested. One week and six months after completion of control measures, a new evaluation on infestation rates was carried out, in order to verify the effectiveness of the procedures taken and to estimate the re-infestation capacity. Initial infestation rate was 40.0%, and the final infestation rate, 14.4%. Therefore, the effectiveness of the control methods utilized was 63.8%. It can thus be concluded that the control methods applied were quite effective.

Influence of genetic type and level of concentrate in the finishing diet on carcass and meat quality traits in beef heifers

Carcass and meat quality traits of thirty-six feedlot beef heifers from different genetic groups (GG) fed at two concentrate levels (CL) were evaluated using 12- Nellore (NE), 12 - 1/2Angus x 1/2Nellore (AN) and 12 - 1/2Simmental x 1/2Nellore (SN) animals. Six heifers of each GG were randomly assigned into one of two treatments: concentrate at 0.8% or 1.2% of body weight (BW). Heifers fed concentrate at 0.8% of BW had greater (P<0.05) dressing percentage. None of the proximate analysis components of the beef were affected (P>0.05) by either CL or GG. Heifers from the AN group had higher (P<0.05) carcass weights, 12th rib fat thickness and lower dressing percentage (P<0.05) compared to the other groups. NE heifers had greater WBSF values (P<0.05) than the other genetic groups. Data suggest that the concentrate level can be reduced without compromising meat quality traits. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mucociliary clearance and its relation with the level of physical activity in daily life in healthy smokers and nonsmokers

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

Evaluation of level of DNA damage in blood leukocytes of non-diabetic and diabetic rat exposed to cigarette smoke

The objective of the present study was to use the comet assay to evaluate the steady-state level of DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes from diabetic and non-diabetic female Wistar rats exposed to air or to cigarette smoke. A total of 20 rats were distributed into four experimental groups (n= 5 rats/group): non-diabetic (control) and diabetic exposed to filtered air; non-diabetic and diabetic exposed to cigarette smoke. A pancreatic beta (beta)-cytotoxic agent, streptozotocin (40 mg/kg b.w.) was used to induce experimental diabetes in rats. Rats placed into whole-body exposure chambers were exposed for 30 min to filtered air (control) or to tobacco smoke generated from 10 cigarettes, twice a day, for 2 months. At the end of the 2-month exposure period, each rat was anesthetized and humanely killed to obtain blood samples for genotoxicity analysis using the alkaline comet assay. Blood wleukocytes sampled from diabetic rats presented higher DNA damage values (tail moment =0.57 +/- 0.05; tail length =19.92 +/- 0.41, p < 0.05) compared to control rats (tail moment =0.34 +/- 0.02; tail length= 17.42 +/- 0.33). Non-diabetic (tail moment =0.43 +/- 0.04, p > 0.05) and diabetic rats (tail moment= 0.41 +/- 0.03, p > 0.05) exposed to cigarette smoke presented non-significant increases in DNA damage levels compared to control group. In conclusion, our data show that the exposure of diabetic rats to cigarette smoke produced no additional genotoxicity in peripheral blood cells of female Wistar rats. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Performance, carcass characteristics and gain cost of feedlot cattle fed a high level of concentrate and different feed additives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding cattle with isoprotein and isoenergetic diets, with and without the addition of polyclonal antibody preparation (PAP), yeasts (YST) or monensin sodium (MON) on performance, carcass characteristics and gain cost in feedlot. Ninety-five 20-month old bullocks (323.3±21.8 kg) were distributed in 25 pens. The completely randomized experimental design had a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement and the treatments were replicated 5 times. There was no effect of MON for DMI throughout the feedlot period; however, MON reduced the dry matter intake (DMI) in g/kg of BW in the first 28 days when compared with the other treatments. The gain cost decreased with MON addition in relation to the other treatments. Inclusion of YST decreased average daily gain (ADG), final body weight, hot carcass weight, carcass weight, gain to feed ratio and DMI in g/kg body weight, worsening feed conversion and increasing the gain cost in the feeding periods. Inclusion of PAP increased ADG and decreased the gain cost, besides improving feed conversion. For MON and PAP, a difference was found for kidney-pelvic fat and kidney-pelvic fat per 100 kg of hot carcass weight. For MON and YST, there was a difference in ADG, feed conversion, gain cost and carcass yield and kidney-pelvic fat per 100 kg of hot carcass. Treatment YST worsened performance in relation to the non-supplemented treatments. Feeding PAP to animals did not influence performance and carcass characteristics of bullocks in feedlot negatively. Thus, PAP shows potential to substitute MON in cattle feeding using isoprotein and isoenergetic diets.

Dentists' level of knowledge of the treatment plans for periodontal ligament injuries after dentoalveolar trauma

This study investigated the level of knowledge held by dentists about the possible treatment plan procedures for periodontal ligament injuries after dentoalveolar trauma. A 5-item self-applied questionnaire was prepared with questions referring to the professional profile of the interviewees and to the treatment plan they would propose for periodontal ligament injuries secondary to dentoalveolar trauma. The questionnaires were filled out by 693 dentists attending the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Society for Dental Research, and the data obtained were subjected to descriptive analysis. Either the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was applied to assess associations among variables, at a 5% level of significance. The results revealed that dentists experienced difficulty in establishing a treatment plan for subluxation, and for extrusive, lateral and intrusive luxations. In general, holding a dental specialty degree had no influence on the knowledge about treatment plan procedures for the most severe injuries. It could be concluded that the dentists participating in this study, whether specialists or not, did not have sufficient knowledge to treat most of the periodontal ligament injuries resulting from dentoalveolar trauma adequately.

Digital Radiographic Evaluation of the Level of Alveolar Bone Crest in External Hexagon Implants Submitted to 2 Types of Implant Abutments Under Immediate Loading

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate by means of digital radiography the behavior of the alveolar bone crest in external hexagon implants following the use of 2 different types of abutments, one for conventional cemented prosthesis and one for modified cemented prosthesis.Methods: Ten external hexagon implants (platform 4.1) were placed in 5 patients. Initial instrumentation was carried out to obtain primary stability of the temporary prostheses under immediate loading. Each patient received both abutments for conventional and modified cemented prosthesis. Standardized digital periapical radiographies were performed at times T0 (immediately after implant placement) and T1 (4 months after implant placement). A straight line was initially established from the implant platform to the distal and mesial periimplantar marginal bone tissue (immediately in contact with the implant) and measured by digital radiography, using Sidexis version 2.3 (Sirona Dental Systems GmbH, Bensheim, Germany) software. The data were submitted to paired-samples t-test analysis.Results: There was no significant difference between the conventional and modified cemented prosthesis. In both cases, t-test results were within the null hypothesis level.Conclusion: The abutment for the modified cemented prosthesis resulted in no significant radiographic difference of alveolar bone crest height, when compared with the conventional cemented prostheses.

Evaluation of Bone Insertion Level of Support Teeth in Class I Mandibular Removable Partial Denture Associated With an Osseointegrated Implant: A Study Using Finite Element Analysis

Purpose: This study evaluated the influence of distal extension removable partial denture associated with implant in cases of different bone level of abutment tooth, using 2D finite element analysis.Materials and Methods: Eight hemiarch models were simulated: model A-presenting tooth 33 and distal extension removable partial denture replacing others teeth, using distal rest connection and no bone lost; model B-similar to model A but presenting distal guide plate connection; model C-similar to model A but presenting osseointegrated implant with ERA retention system associated under prosthetic base; model D-similar to model B but presenting osseointegrated implant as described in model C; models E, F, G, and H were similar to models A, B, C, and D but presenting reduced periodontal support around tooth 33. Using ANSYS 9.0 software, the models were loaded vertically with 50 N on each cusp tip. For results, von Mises Stress Maps were plotted.Results: Maximum stress value was encountered in model G (201.023 MPa). Stress distribution was concentrated on implant and retention system. The implant/removable partial denture association decreases stress levels on alveolar mucosa for all models.Conclusions: Use of implant and ERA system decreased stress concentrations on supporting structures in all models. Use of distal guide plate decreased stress levels on abutment tooth and cortical and trabecular bone. Tooth apex of models with reduced periodontal support presented increased stress when using distal rest. (Implant Dent 2011;20:192-201)

Phylogenetic analysis reveals a high level of speciation in the Paracoccidioides genus

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Proteomic profiling of the molecular targets of interactions of the mastoparan peptide Protopolybia MP-III at the level of endosomal membranes from rat mast cells

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

Depressive symptoms and level of physical activity in patients with Alzheimer's disease

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