Showing papers by "Rio de Janeiro State University published in 2000"

Measuring intangible corporate assets: Linking business strategy with intellectual capital

Abstract: Since the beginning of this decade research has been conducted in order to define a feasible and reliable path to measure the intangible assets of a company, also called its intellectual capital Several models have been defined, though problems still remain to be solved In this article a heuristic frame addressing the link between intellectual capital and business strategy is developed, according to the author’s proposed intangible corporate asset taxonomy This model is then applied to a company within the magnesium industry The “time‐lag trap” issue is presented showing the misconceptions arising from the static rather than the dynamic intangible asset valuing approach Future trends such as the creation of the IC elasticity concept and some conclusions in this realm are also presented

Reclink: an application for database linkage implementing the probabilistic record linkage method

Abstract: This paper presents a system for database linkage based on the probabilistic record linkage technique, developed in the C++ language with the Borland C++ Builder version 3.0 programming environment. The system was tested in the linkage of data sources of different sizes, evaluated both in terms of processing time and sensitivity for identifying true record pairs. Significantly less time was spent in record processing when the program was used, as compared to manual processing, especially in situations where larger databases were used. Manual and automatic processes had equivalent sensitivities in situations where we used databases with fewer records. However, as the number of records grew we noticed a clear reduction in the sensitivity of the manual process, but not in the automatic one. Although in its initial stage of development, the system performed well in terms of both processing speed and sensitivity. Although overall performance of algorithms was satisfactory, we intend to evaluate other routines in the attempt to improve the system's performance.

Host Cell Invasion by TRYPANOSOMA cRUZI Is Potentiated by Activation of Bradykinin B2 Receptors

Abstract: The parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi employs multiple molecular strategies to invade a broad range of nonphagocytic cells. Here we demonstrate that the invasion of human primary umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells overexpressing the B2 type of bradykinin receptor (CHO-B2R) by tissue culture trypomastigotes is subtly modulated by the combined activities of kininogens, kininogenases, and kinin-degrading peptidases. The presence of captopril, an inhibitor of bradykinin degradation by kininase II, drastically potentiated parasitic invasion of HUVECs and CHO-B2R, but not of mock-transfected CHO cells, whereas the B2R antagonist HOE 140 or monoclonal antibody MBK3 to bradykinin blocked these effects. Invasion competence correlated with the parasites' ability to liberate the short-lived kinins from cell-bound kininogen and to elicit vigorous intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) transients through B2R. Invasion was impaired by membrane-permeable cysteine proteinase inhibitors such as Z-(SBz)Cys-Phe-CHN2 but not by the hydrophilic inhibitor 1-trans-epoxysuccinyl-l-leucyl-amido-(4-guanidino) butane or cystatin C, suggesting that kinin release is confined to secluded spaces formed by juxtaposition of host cell and parasite plasma membranes. Analysis of trypomastigote transfectants expressing various cysteine proteinase isoforms showed that invasion competence is linked to the kinin releasing activity of cruzipain, herein proposed as a factor of virulence in Chagas' disease.

Poverty and HIV/AIDS: anthropological and sociological aspects.

Abstract: Focusing on the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a summation of several epidemics coexisting in the same space and drawing on Brazilian epidemiological data, we argue that the epidemic there shows variations already described elsewhere, such as feminization, pauperization, juvenization and interiorization, as a result of the deep inequalities characteristic of Brazilian society. We then examine the contributions of three bodies of sociological and anthropological literature related to HIV/AIDS: 1) sociological research and theory on the impact of recent global economic restructuring and social transformation, and its relationship to public health issues; 2) the cross-cultural and cross-national anthropological and sociological literature on structural factors shaping the course of the epidemic in different settings; and 3) the body of anthropological and sociological research on the synergistic effects of HIV/AIDS, social exclusion, and related social problems in pockets of extreme poverty in the large cities of core countries. We conclude that prevention policies for HIV/AIDS should deal comprehensively with diverse dimensions that determine differential vulnerabilities to the epidemic, thus requiring substantial social transformations.

Semantic equivalence of the Portuguese version of the Abuse Assessment Screen tool used for the screening of violence against pregnant women

Abstract: INTRODUCAO: Programas de investigacao epidemiologica e de acao no âmbito da violencia familiar estao em franca ascensao, requerendo instrumentos de afericao adaptados e vertidos para o portugues. O objetivo do estudo e avaliar a equivalencia semântica entre o original em ingles e duas versoes para o portugues do instrumento Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) usado no rastreamento de casos de violencia contra a mulher gravida e recomendar uma versao-sintese para uso corrente. METODOS: O processo de avaliacao de equivalencia semântica envolveu quatro etapas: traducao, retraducao, apreciacao formal de equivalencia e critica final atraves de consultas com especialista na area tematica. RESULTADOS: Para cada item do instrumento apresentam-se os resultados relativos as quatro etapas. O texto cobre cada passo do processo que levou a versao final. As duas versoes mostraram-se bastante semelhantes, com 14 das 15 assertivas similares, embora a segunda versao tenha se mostrado mais adequada, ainda que para alguns itens tenha sido decidido juntar as duas versoes ou mesmo utilizar um item oriundo da versao um. CONCLUSAO: E importante usar mais de uma versao no processo, em varias etapas de avaliacao e de critica, e discutir a pertinencia de se acrescentar uma etapa adicional de interlocucao do instrumento com membros da populacao-alvo.

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Itraconazole Capsules as Antifungal Prophylaxis for Neutropenic Patients

Abstract: To evaluate the efficacy of itraconazole capsules in prophylaxis for fungal infections in neutropenic patients, we conducted a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Patients with hematologic malignancies or those who received autologous bone marrow transplants were assigned either a regimen of itraconazole (100 mg orally twice daily; n=104) or of placebo (n=106). Overall, fungal infections (superficial or systemic) occurred more frequently in the placebo group (15% vs. 6%; P=.03). There were no differences in the empirical use of amphotericin B or systemic fungal infections. Among patients with neutropenia that was profound (<100 neutrophils/mm3) and prolonged (for at least 7 days), those receiving itraconazole used less empirical amphotericin B (22% vs. 61%; P=.0001) and developed fewer systemic fungal infections (6% vs. 19%; P=.04). For patients with profound and prolonged neutropenia, itraconazole capsules at the dosage of 100 mg every 12 h reduce the frequency of systemic fungal infections and the use of empirical amphotericin B.

Rheological, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of polypropylene/ethylene-octene copolymer blends

Abstract: Rheological and morphological studies were performed on polymer blends of ethylene-octene copolymer [polyethylene elastomer (PEE)] and polypropylene (PP). The viscosities of PEE, PP, and PEE/PP blends were analyzed using an Instron capillary rheometer and a Rheometrics Dynamic Stress Rheometer, SR 200. A non-Newtonian flow behavior was observed in all samples in the shear rate range from 27 to 2700 s−1, whereas at shear rates in the range from 0.01 to 0.04 s−1, a Newtonian flow behavior was verified. The scanning electron micrographs showed that dual-phase continuity may occur between 50 and 60 (wt %) of PEE. This result is consistent with the Sperling's model. The mechanical analysis showed that PEE/PP, with 5 wt % of PEE, presented an increase on the mechanical properties and as the PEE content increased, a negative deviation in relation to an empirical equation was observed. Thermal analysis showed that there were no change in the crystallization behavior of the matrix when different elastomer contents were added. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed that samples with low PEE contents presented only one peak, indicating a certain degree of miscibility between the components of these blends. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 75: 692–704, 2000

Cytotoxic Cell Vacuolating Activity from Vibrio cholerae Hemolysin

Abstract: A Vibrio cholerae cytotoxin, designated VcVac, was found to cause vacuolation in Vero cells. It was originally detected in the pathogenic O1 Amazonia variant of V. cholerae and later shown to be produced in environmental strains and some El Tor strains. Comparison of VcVac production in various strains suggested that hemolysin was responsible for the vacuolating phenotype. Genetic experiments established a firm correlation between vacuolation and hemolysin production. The mammalian cell vacuolating activity of the V. cholerae hemolysin is a new property of this protein and points to a previously unknown type of interaction between V. cholerae and its host.

Electrofishing as a sampling technique for coastal stream fish populations and communities in the Southeast of Brazil

Abstract: Electrofishing adequacy was tested as a technique to obtain quantitative data of coastal stream fish populations and communities in the Southeast of Brazil. Seven field trips, between July/94 and July/95, were done in 5 localities of the Ubatiba fluvial system (Marica, RJ). Seventeen species, among the 22 collected, had their numbers estimated through the Zipping method, the model used to test the sampling methodology. At each field trip, three removals with electrofishing were done in each locality and, according to the number of obtained species at each locality/field trip, we analysed 315 cases. Nineteen cases, among 315, showed failure condition. Estimates were significant (p 85%) were found for all estimates. An experimental analyses were done for one locality and, the comparison between the estimates for 3 and 6 successive removals showed a mean error and a standard deviation of 5.5% and 2.1% respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that electrofishing was an efficient method for quantitative data analysis of fish populations and communities in the Ubatiba fluvial system.

Silurian and lower devonian chitinozoan biostratigraphy of the paraná basin in brazil and paraguay

Abstract: The taxonomy and distribution of Chitinozoa from Silurian (Llandovery) and Lower Devonian strata are reported from the Parana Basin in southern Brazil and eastern Paraguay. The pre‐Carboniferous sequences of the Parana Basin in this area are present in three sub‐basins viz., the Alto Garcas (north) and Apucarana (south) sub‐basins in Brazil, and the “East Paraguay Sub‐basin”; in east Paraguay. There is more similarity in the lithology between the Alto Garcas and “East Paraguay”; sub‐basins, than between the former and the Apucarana sub‐basin. Llandoverian and Lochkovian to Pragian beds are present in all sub‐basins. So far, no Emsian beds have been found in outcrops from the north‐northwest margin of the Alto Garcas Sub‐basin, and no early Emsian beds in the outcrops on the northeast margin. Furthermore, Emsian beds could not be identified from the “East Paraguay Sub‐basin”; in the present study. The Early Devonian sequence is more complete in the Apucarana Sub‐basin. It seems that the Apucarana ...

Extraction of the width of the W boson from measurements of σ(pp̄→W+X)×B(W→eν) and σ(pp̄→Z+X)×B(Z→ee) and their ratio

Abstract: We report on measurements on inclusive cross sections times branching fractions into electrons for W and Z bosons produced in p (p) over bar collisions at root s = 1.8 TeV. From an integrated luminosity of 84.5 pb(-1) recorded in 1994-1995 using the D empty set detector at the Fermilab Tevatron, we determine sigma(p (p) over bar--> W + X) x B(W-->e nu) = 2310 +/- 10(stat) +/- 50(syst) +/- 100(lum)pb and sigma(p (p) over bar-->Z + X) x B(Z-->ee)=221+/-3(stat)+/-4(syst)+/-10(lum)pb. From these, we derive sigma(p (p) over bar-->W + X) x B(N-->e nu)/sigma(p (p) over bar-->Z + X) x B(Z-->ee) = 10.43+/-0.15(stat) +/- 0.20(syst) +/- 0.10(NLO), B(W-->e nu) = 0.1044+/-0.0015(stat)+/-0.0020(syst)+/-0.0017(theory)+/-0.0010(NLO). and Gamma(w) = 2169 +/- 0.03 l(stat) +/- 0.042(syst) +/- 0.041(theory)+/- 0.022(NLO)GeV. We use the latter to set a 95% confidence level upper limit on the partial decay width of the W boson into nonstandard model final states, Gamma(W)(inv), of 0.213 GeV. Combining these results with those from the 1992-1993 data gives sigma(p (p) over bar-->W+X) x B(W-->e nu)/sigma(p (p) over bar-->Z+X) x B(Z-->ee) = 10.51+/-0.25, Gamma(W) = 2.152 +/- 0.066 GeV, and a 95% C.L. upper limit an Gamma(W)(inv) of 0.191 GeV. Using a sample with a luminosity of 505 nb(-1) taken at root s = 630 GeV, we measure sigma(p (p) over bar--> W+ X) x B(W --> e nu) = 658 +/- 67 pb.

A locally conservative Eulerian-Lagrangian numerical method and its application to nonlinear transport in porous media

Abstract: Eulerian-Lagrangian and Modified Method of Characteristics (MMOC) procedures provide computationally efficient techniques for approximating the solutions of transport-dominated diffusive systems. The original MMOC fails to preserve certain integral identities satisfied by the solution of the differential system; the recently introduced variant, called the MMOCAA, preserves the global form of the identity associated with conservation of mass in petroleum reservoir simulations, but it does not preserve a localized form of this identity. Here, we introduce an Eulerian-Lagrangian method related to these MMOC procedures that guarantees conservation of mass locally for the problem of two-phase, immiscible, incompressible flow in porous media. The computational efficiencies of the older procedures are maintained. Both the original MMOC and the MMOCAA procedures for this problem are derived from a nondivergence form of the saturation equation; the new method is based on the divergence form of the equation. A reasonably extensive set of computational experiments are presented to validate the new method and to show that it produces a more detailed picture of the local behavior in waterflooding a fractally heterogeneous medium. A brief discussion of the application of the new method to miscible flow in porous media is included.

Quantum transport through ballistic cavities: soft vs hard quantum chaos

Abstract: We study transport through a two-dimensional billiard attached to two infinite leads by numerically calculating the Landauer conductance and the Wigner time delay. In the generic case of a mixed phase space we find a power-law distribution of resonance widths and a power-law dependence of conductance increments apparently reflecting the classical dwell time exponent, in striking difference to the case of a fully chaotic phase space. Surprisingly, these power laws appear on energy scales below the mean level spacing, in contrast to semiclassical expectations.

The effect of drugs on the labeling of blood elements with technetium-99m.

Abstract: The influence of drugs on the labeling of red blood cells and plasma proteins with 99mTc has been reported. Any drug, which alters the labeling of the tracer, could be expected to modify the disposition of the radiopharmaceuticals. Red blood cells (RBC) labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) are used for several evaluations in nuclear medicine. We have evaluated the effect of Thuya occidentalis, Peumus boldus and Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) extracts on the labeling of RBC and plasma and cellular proteins with 99mTc. Blood was incubated with the drugs. Stannous chloride (SnCl2) solutions and 99mTc were added. Plasma (P) and blood cells (BC) were separated. The percentage of radioactivity (%ATI) bound to P and BC was determined. The %ATI on the plasma and cellular proteins was also evaluated by precipitation of P and BC samples with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and isolation of soluble (SF) and insoluble (IF) fractions. The analysis of the results shows that there is a decrease in %ATI (from 97.64 to 75.89 percent) in BC with Thuya occidentalis extract. The labeling of RBC and plasma proteins can be decreased in presence of tobacco. This can be due either a direct or indirect effect (reactive oxygen species) of tobacco. The analysis of radioactivity in samples of P and BC isolated from samples of whole blood treated with Peumus boldus showed a rapid uptake of the radioactivity by blood cells in the presence of the Peumus boldus, whereas there was a slight decrease in the amount of 99mTc radioactivity in the TCA-insoluble fraction of plasma. This study shows that extracts of some medicinal plants can affect the radiolabeling of red blood cells with 99mTc using an in vitro technique.

Neoproterozoic western gondwana assembly and subductionrelated plutonism: the role of the Rio Negro Complex in the Ribeira Belt

Abstract: The assembly of Western Gondwana, during the Neoproterozoic, involved the Sao Francisco/West Congo Craton and its passive margins. The Ribeira Belt lies along the Brazilian Atlantic Coast and is one of the products of the supercontinent amalgamation. Collisional processes were preceded by subduction, recorded by the Rio Negro Complex orthogneisses at the Ribeira Belt. Its plutonites represent a gabbrodiorite- tonalite-throndhjemite plutonic series that evolved from 637 Ma (U-Pb zircon age of the tonalite gneiss) to nearly 600 Ma, at the beginning of the collisional event. Field, petrographic, litogeochemical, and isotopic characteristics of the Rio Negro Complex point to magmatism at a very mature oceanic arc or an immature continental crust as seen along attenuated passive margins. In the latter hypothesis, the margin could be related to a microplate or to the Congo/Angola Craton.

Entre o individualismo e a solidariedade: dilemas da política e da cidadania no Rio de Janeiro

Abstract: The author examines the shaping of a scenario of conflict, insecurity, and fear in the city of Rio de Janeiro during the 1990s. The article presents various emblematic episodes, discussing how they were perceived by various segments of the population and the local media. Two different forms of perceiving the dynamics of violence in the city are demonstrated, along with possibilities for dealing with them. One declares the existence of a war and called for law and order, ruling out any consideration of human rights or demands to respect the civil rights of residents in what were considered war-torn areas. The other position proposed a combination of policies involving public security and the promotion of citizenship. This article analyzes such stances, highlighting the way they approach citizenship and exploring some of their potential political developments.

Nonperturbative study of inverse symmetry breaking at high temperatures

Abstract: The optimized linear $\ensuremath{\delta}$ expansion is applied to multifield ${O(N}_{1})\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{O(N}_{2})$ scalar theories at high temperatures. Using the imaginary time formalism the thermal masses are evaluated perturbatively up to order ${\ensuremath{\delta}}^{2}$ which considers consistently all two-loop contributions. A variational procedure associated with the method generates nonperturbative results which are used to search for parameter values for inverse symmetry breaking (or symmetry nonrestoration) at high temperatures. Our results are compared with the ones obtained by the one-loop perturbative approximation, the gap equation solutions and the renormalization group approach, showing good agreement with the latter method. Apart from strongly supporting inverse symmetry breaking (or symmetry nonrestoration), our results reveal the possibility of other high-temperature symmetry breaking patterns for which the last term in the breaking sequence is ${O(N}_{1}\ensuremath{-}1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{O(N}_{2}\ensuremath{-}1).$