Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina published in 1988"

Effects of Prereading Activities on EFL Reading by Brazilian College Students

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of three prereading activities (pictorial context, vocabulary preteaching, and prequestioning) and a control condition on the reading comprehension of 40 undergraduate Brazilian EFL students. In a Latin square design, all subjects read four different reading passages, each passage under one of the four conditions. Immediately after reading a passage, subjects answered an 8-item open-ended test and a 10-item multiple-choice test. Multivariate analysis of variance tests on the two measures revealed significant effects for prereading and passage. Further investigation through Tukey's HSD revealed that all three prereading activities produced significantly higher multiple-choice scores than the control condition. Vocabulary preteaching resulted in increased comprehension compared with the control but was significantly less effective than the other two strategies. Results of the study are interpreted through a schema-theoretic view of the reading process.

Indexing the engineering properties of residual soil

Abstract: The geological study of the formation and structure of in situ residual soils is well advanced; the study of the engineering properties of these soils much less so. In particular, no methods exist whereby mechanical properties can be related to geological descriptions, or to simple index tests, as is done for sedimentary soils. The methods for sedimentary soils are inappropriate for residual soils, yet no alternatives have been developed. Most residual soils are weakly bonded, and they may have widely varying void ratios. A laboratory study of how these two features influence engineering behaviour is being conducted, based mainly on the testing of an artificial material in which both can be varied under control. Initial results from this study show that engineering behaviour depends on the void ratio of the soil related to that which the soil can have in the un-bonded ‘de-structured’ state. This indicates that it is useful to index the in situ void ratio of residual soils in relation to void ratio in the de-structured state, in a manner similar to the indexing of sands by relative density or of sedimentary clays by liquidity index. Simple methods whereby this may be done are suggested and discussed.

The competitive antagonistic effect of compounds from Mandevilla velutina on kinin-induced contractions of rat uterus and guinea-pig ileum in vitro.

Abstract: 1. Pure non-peptide compounds obtained in crystal form from the crude extract of the plant Mandevilla velutina (Apocynaceae) were analysed for their antagonistic effects on rat uterine and guinea-pig smooth muscle contractions induced by bradykinin (Bk), lisyl-bradykinin (L-Bk), acetylcholine (ACh), oxytocin and histamine, in vitro. 2. Pre-incubation of rat uterine muscle with compounds MV 8608, MV 8609, MV 8610, MV 8611 and MV 8612 (5 to 40 micrograms ml-1) caused parallel and concentration-dependent rightward displacements of the Bk concentration-response curves (1 to 1000 nM). Schild plots of these data were linear (correlation close to 1) and yielded nominal pA2 values (g ml-1) of 5.7, 5.6, 5.4, 5.7 and 5.3, respectively. Compounds MV 8608, MV 8611 and MV 8612 (5 to 20 micrograms ml-1) also caused concentration-dependent and parallel displacements to the right of the concentration-response curve to L-Bk (1 to 10,000 nM). The Schild plots were linear and furnished nominal pA2 values (g ml-1) of 5.4, 5.8 and 5.1, respectively. With the exception of the antagonist effect of compound MV 8606 against Bk-induced contraction, all compounds behaved as simple competitive kinin antagonists since the calculated slopes were not different from unity. 3. In the guinea-pig ileum, both MV 8608 and MV 8612 (5 to 20 micrograms ml-1), produced concentration-dependent rightward displacements of the concentration-response curve to Bk (0.1 to 1000 nM) when the experiments were performed in the presence but not in the absence of atropine (2.5 microM). However, in contrast to the result obtained in the rat uterus, compound MV 8608 also caused a significant reduction of the maximal response to Bk. The Schild plot for compound MV 8612 was linear (correlation close to unity) and furnished a nominal pA2 value (g ml-1) of 5.3 and a slope not different from unity. 4. In rat uterine muscle, compounds MV 8608 and MV 8612 at concentrations producing marked rightward displacements of the kinin concentration-response curves (10 and 20 micrograms ml-1), did not influence the uterine contractile response to oxytocin or ACh, indicating some selectivity towards kinin receptors. Similarly, compound MV 8612 (10 and 20 ygml 1) did not interfere with the sensitivities or the maximal responses to ACh and histamine in the guinea-pig ileum, whereas compound MV 8608 (10 and 20ug ml-1) caused a slight reduction of ACh- and histamine-induced maximal contractions, allied to decrease of the sensitivity to histamine at concentrations of 20pgml-1 or more. 5. These results extend our previous data, indicating the existence of several non-peptide compounds in the crude extract of Mandevilla velutina that act as simple, competitive, selective and reversible kinin receptor antagonists in the rat isolated uterus and guinea-pig ileum smooth muscle.

Magnetic phase diagram of NiCl 2 ⋅ 4 H 2 O

Abstract: The magnetic phase diagrams of the monoclinic antiferromagnet ${\mathrm{NiCl}}_{2}$\ensuremath{\cdot}${4\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O were determined from differential susceptibility measurements, for external fields applied along the easy axis (c), and along the two principal perpendicular directions (b and a'). The N\'eel temperature is ${T}_{N}$=3.00\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 K. The T=0 transition fields are ${H}_{c}$(0)=68.35 kOe, ${H}_{b}$(0)=77.54 kOe, ${H}_{a\mathcal{'}}$(0)=86.40 kOe, and ${H}_{\mathrm{SF}}$(0)=23.0 kOe for the spin-flop transition. These fields were used to determine the parameters of a spin Hamiltonian that included anisotropic exchange and orthorhombic single-ion anisotropy. The results show a slightly anisotropic exchange and a strong crystalline-field anisotropy in the plane perpendicular to the easy axis. Several aspects of the phase diagrams are discussed and found to be consistent with such a spin Hamiltonian. In particular, spin-wave calculations of the low-T paramagnetic boundaries yielded results that agreed with the data not only in the predicted ${T}^{2}$ dependence, but also in the coefficients of the ${T}^{2}$.

Evaluation of pharmacological activity of a crude hydroalcoholic extract from Jatropha elliptica

Abstract: The pharmacological effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Jatropha elliptica was analysed in in vivo and in vitro models. When given orally in mice, the extract showed a low acute toxicity (LD50 5 g/kg). In a dose of 0.5 or 1 g/kg p.o. the extract did not interfere with diuresis in the rat, but was found to be effective in blocking rat paw oedema induced by carrageenan and partially, serotonin-induced oedema. In the same dose, the extract failed to inhibit rat paw oedema induced by dextran and the increase of rat cutaneous vascular permeability caused by Bothrops Jararaca venom, dextran, histamine, PAF-acether and serotonin. Pre-incubation of the isolated rat uterus and guinea-pig ileum with the extract (0.2–0.8 mg/mL), produced a concentration-related and non-competitive inhibition of contractions induced by acetylcholine and bradykinin. However, the extract was about 2-fold more potent in inhibiting the contraction of both agonists in guinea-pig ileum than in rat uterine muscle. In rat aorta, the extract (50–100 μg/mL) caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of noradrenaline-evoked contractions, being about 5-fold more potent when compared to the IC50 values obtained in rat uterus.

Presence of Trypanosoma cruzi in the anal glands of naturally infected opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Abstract: Cette etude montre pour la premiere fois que le parasitisme des glandes anales de l'opposum par T. cruzi peut etre observe chez des animaux naturellement infectes. Ce parasitisme peut etre un nouveau mecanisme de transmission de T. cruzi a l'homme et a d'autres mammiferes sans interference du vecteur insecte et ce mecanisme peut etre responsable des epidemies de maladie de Chagas dans les regions non endemiques

Antagonistic effect of Mandevilla velutina extract on kinin-induced contractions of guinea-pig and cat ileum longitudinal smooth muscle.

Abstract: 1. 1. The effect of aqueous/alcoholic extract of Mandevilla velutina on bradykinin (BK), lysyl-bradykinin (L-BK), methionyl-lysyl-bradykinin (M-L-BK), acetylcholine (Ach) and histamine (Hist)-induced contractions in the isolated muscle from guinea-pig and cat lieum was analysed. 2. 2. In the presence of atropine and pyrilamine, the extract (0.5–2 mg/ml) caused a parallel and concentration-dependent rightward displacement to all three kinins dose-response curves. Schild plots yielded nominal PA2 values (g/ml) of 3.2, 3.3 and 3.8 respectively, but slopes of BK and M-L-BK were different from unity. 3. 3. M. velutina extract (1 and 2 mg/ml) also concentration-dependently inhibited the contractile response evoked by BK in the isolated cat ileum and produced only slight depressions of the Ach and His-contractions (<20%) suggesting some selectivity towards kinin receptors. 4. 4. These findings and those previously reported indicate that the active principles present in the crude extract of M. velutina competitively antagonizes kinin-induced contractions in several smooth muscle preparations.

Profissionalização da enfermagem: uma necessidade social

Abstract: The presente condition of Brazilian nursing faces the perspective of undergoing change, on account of a new Law having been approved, which controls its exercise, and of its anacting. As such, the Brazilian Nursing Association, Santa Catarina Chapter, through the 15 th Catarinense Nursing Workshop ("Jornada Catarinense de Enfermagem"), offers for debate, as Central Theme, a few strategias, on an effort to redimension nursing practice. Make part of this document: Profession concept and the social division of work; a few reflections on nursing history and work division within nursing; the legislation and the need for professionalism. On its conclusion, the document proposes, as of now, besides other strategies, the professionalism of nursing attendants, since they make up the overwhelming majority of nursing practitioners in the country

Blockade of the bradykinin-evoked diphasic response of isolated rat duodenum by the crude extract of and compounds obtained from Mandevilla velutina.

Abstract: The influence of an aqueous/ethanolic extract of M. velutina (CE) and of two compounds (MV 8608 and MV 8612) purified from the plant on BK-, Ad- and K+-induced responses of the rat duodenum was analyzed in vitro. In preparations precontracted with Ca2+, the CE (1 and 2 mg/ml) markedly inhibited BK-induced relaxation in a dose-dependent manner but was less effective against Ad-induced relaxation. The CE (0.5 mg/ml) also antagonized BK-induced relaxation and contraction of strips bathed in normal medium. The two compounds from M. velutina (10 and 20 micrograms/ml) also promoted a dose-dependent blockade of both responses to BK, only slightly depressing the response to K+.

Aspectos anatômicos da lâmina foliar de Ocotea porosa (Nees et Mart. ex Nees) J. Angely (lauraceae)

Abstract: Anatomic aspects of leaves of Ocotea porosa (mesophyll, leaf margin and midvein) are investigated. The leaves are dorsiventral, with the palisade parenchyma (with two cellular layers, adaxial) and spongy parenchyma (abaxial). Almost the whole leaf margin is occupied by mechanical tissue(sclerenchyma). The vascular bundle of the midvein is collateral, with the vascular cambium, being surrounded by a sheath of sclerenchyma. Needle and tablet-shaped crystals are found in the mesophyll. Idioblastic secretory cells with variable content (essential oils and/or mucilage) are observed in the mesophyll, margins and midvein.

Enfermagem: sua prática e organização

Abstract: The central theme of the XVI Catarinense Nursing Workshop tries to focus the main factors interfering with the practice and organization of nursing, and endeavors to apprehend its organization within health services, making at the same time a few reflections on this theme. It also seeks to question, albeit on an incipient way, those most controversial situations in the nursing sphere such as its not always harmonious working relations the role played by the many categories of which nursing is made up, and the stand still the nursing category goes through at the present junctures

Estudo sobre nascidos vivos em maternidades: 1. Peso ao nascer, sexo, tipo de nascimento e filiação previdenciária das mães

Abstract: O peso ao nascer do recem-nascido e o resultado de diversos fatores (orgânicos, psiquicos e sociais) sobre o potencial genetico do feto. E natural que sua distribuicao seja diferente conforme as caracteristicas da populacao. Desta maneira, pretendeu-se estudar o peso ao nascer dos recem-nascidos vivos, de 1978 e 1979, de duas grandes maternidades de Florianopolis, SC (Brasil), nas quais ocorrem 90% dos partos da regiao, segundo sexo, tipo de nascimento e filiacao previdenciaria das maes. Observou-se que a media de peso ao nascer dos 18.491 recem-nascidos vivos estudados foi de 3.347,6g. Nessa populacao ocorreu 5,3% de baixo peso ao nascer e 11,1% de criancas com 4.000g ou mais. As criancas do sexo masculino pesaram ao nascer mais que as do sexo feminino, sendo esta diferenca estatisticamente significativa. O mesmo fato ocorreu com as criancas de nascimentos unicos e multiplos, tendo os primeiros peso ao nascer maior que os segundos, sendo tambem esta diferenca estatisticamente significativa. O estudo da relacao entre a filiacao previdenciaria das maes e o peso ao nascer das criancas mostrou que as mulheres da classe "indigente/serv. social" tiveram numero significativamente maior de recem-nascidos de baixo peso do que os de outras categorias sociais. Esses dados mostram que a populacao estudada apresentou uma baixa incidencia de baixo peso ao nascer, com uma distribuicao de peso ao nascer semelhante a de paises adiantados.

A eficácia de três atividades pré-leitura na compreensão de leitura de alunos de inglês como língua estrangeira (ile) ao ler textos em inglês

Abstract: A finalidade deste estudo foi determinar os efeitos de tres atividades de pre-leitura na compreensao de alunos de ingles como lingua estrangeira (ILE) ao ler textos em ingles. Este estudo esta fundamentado em pesquisas anteriores com atividades de pre-leitura e na teoria de esquemas. Nos ultimos 10 ou 15 anos tem se discutido muito e enfatizado a importância do conhecimento anterior do aluno na determinacao da compreensao de texto (Rumelnart, 1977, Anderson, 1977, e outros). Varias pesquisas fortaleceram esta ideia. Os achados destas pesquisas indicam que sujeitos com um conhecimento previo solido tiveram um desempenho significativamente melhor nos testes de compreensao de leitura do que aqueles com pouco conhecimento previo.

The extended Graetz problem with arbitrary boundary conditions in an axially heat conducting tube

Abstract: An analytical solution for the extended Graetz problem with prescribed wall temperature, heat flux or a linear combination of temperature and heat flux is presented. The present solution is derived from a superposition principle which is proposed here in order to reduce the problem to equivalent integral equations. The complex Fourier transform and the convolution theorem is used to obtain analytical expansions in terms of exponential functions for the temperature distribution and heat flux at the wall. The solutions obtained in this way are proved to be mathematically simple and easy to handle in small sized computers. A general solution for the particular geometry of a pipe is presented. This solution is extended to the case of an axially heat conducting pipe. The combined effect of both the Peclet number and the wall to the fluid conductivity ratio on the temperature and the heat flux distributions at the wall is analysed.

Hemofilia A - revisão bibliográfica, testes laboratoriais em seis famílias e detecção de portadoras

Abstract: Os objetivos do presente trabalho foram realizar: 1. Uma revisao bibliografica sobre hemofilia A. 2. O diagnostico de hemofilicos A atraves das dosagens de FVIII:C e FVIII:RAg. 3. O estudo genetico das familias de hemofilicos A atraves da analise de genealogias. 4. A deteccao de portadoras de hemofilia A atraves da analise de genealogias e de testes laboratoriais. Foram testadas 24 pessoas de 6 genealogias, sendo 9 hemofilicos A, 8 portadoras provaveis e 7 portadoras certas. Uma amostra controle de 25 mulheres saudaveis foi tambem testada, apresentando nivel medio de FVIII:C de 97+/-26% e de FVIII:RAg de 99+/-19%. Os niveis medios de FVIII:C e FIII:RAg na amostra de portadoras certas foram de 77+/-31% e 132+/-49% respectivamente. Os metodos utilizados neste trabalho, para deteccao de portadoras, nao atendem completamente as expectativas das pessoas que procuram o aconselhamento genetico, mas sao os unicos viaveis de serem realizados em condicoes brasileiras. Tecnicas mais sofisticadas, tais como a analise de DNA, deveriam ser implantadas a medio prazo.

Osteologia do complexo craniano de Pachypops adspersus (Steindachner) (Osteichthyes, sciaenidae)

Abstract: The osteology of the cephalic bones of young and adult fishes of Pachypops adspersus ( Steindachner) group is analised here, having in view the importance of these structural components on taxonomic, phylogenetic and evaluative interpretation of the TELEOSTEI. The present study includes the neurocranium and splancnocranium. With the obtained results, it is discussed the phylogenetic position the species studied among the PERCOIDEI.

Aspectos filogenéticos e evolutivos de Pachypops adspersus (Steindachner), com base na anatomia do complexo caudal (Osteichthyes, Sciaenidae)

Abstract: Com base em uma serie composta por individuso jovens e adultos, analisou-se a estrutura do complexo caudal de Pachypops adspersus (Steindachner). Os resultados obtidos nao apenas permitiram a confirmacao da posicao sistematica deste grupo de peixes nos graus taxonomicos de Super-Ordem (Acanthopterygii), Ordem (Perciformes), Sub-ordem (Percoidei) e Familia (Sciaenidae), como tambem o conhecimento mais amplo das caracteristicas morfo-anatomicas e evolutivas da especie e, por extensao, da propria familia a que pertence.