Superconducting nanowire quantum interference device based on Nb ultrathin films deposited on self-assembled porous Si templates.

Magnetoresistance oscillations were observed on networks of superconducting ultrathin Nb nanowires presenting evidence of either thermal or quantum activated phase slips. The magnetic transport data, discussed in the framework of different scenarios, reveal that the system behaves coherently in the temperature range where the contribution of the fluctuations is important.

Waste with chrome in the Portland cement clinker production.

Hazardous wastes, coming from industries are usually used in the Portland cement production in order to save energy, costs and/or stabilize toxic substances and heavy metals inside the clinker. This work focuses on the effect produced on the Portland cement clinker when it is obtained using tanned leather shavings whit chrome salts as part of the process. The raw materials were clinkered in laboratory with different percentages of shavings, which contained 2% of Cr(2)O(3). DTA-TG of the raw mixtures was performed to evaluate the thermal behavior changes that can take place during the clinkering process, analyzing the crystalline phases obtained by XRD. The milling behavior of clinkers was studied, analyzing also the refractoriness variation on those clinkers. The chrome retention was evaluated by leaching tests. The structural modification determined by the chrome presence in the silicate structure brought consequences in the hydration speed, mechanical resistance and pore distribution.

[Nursing research projects in CNPQ (National Council for Scientific and Technologic Development): their trajectory, themes and adherences--1998/2000]. / Os projetos de pesquisa de enfermagem no CNPq: seu percurso, suas temáticas, suas aderências--1998/2000.

The present study analyses the themes proposed by research projects in nursing. It focuses on the projects that were sent to a Brazilian governmental research fomentation agency--CNPq--in the period of time between November 1998 and November 2000. The objective of this work is to identify the recurrent themes proposed in nursing research projects, and discuss its adherence to lines of research under study by nursing professionals which have the support of CAPES. It also relates these themes to the priorities of research established by CNPq. In order to achieve the objectives mentioned, an exploratory and descriptive study was carried out. The primary sources were evaluation grids of research projects. The secondary sources were studies, written and statistics reports from CNPq. Results show that most of the scholarships awarded by CNPq are in the southeast region of Brazil, where a larger number of researchers and post-graduation programs are concentrated. It also reveals that there is a diversity of themes being explored and that there is a relation between the themes and the parameters adopted for the studies.

[Nursing as a history subject: reflecting on the theme]. / A enfermagem como objeto da história: uma reflexão sobre o tema.

In this study we propose a reflection on nursing as an object of history. Our proposal is based on studies which have dealt with the history of nursing in Brazil and with the new perspectives of history studies. Our reflection is guided by an analysis of the history of nursing in Brazil and the social circumstances which determined the development of this profession in this context. This research adopted methodological proposals which are usually used in historical studies. The data collection was done through oral history and the analysis of documentary sources. The review of the social phenomenon, through the data collected, showed the importance of studies of historic nature and how much these can help on the understanding of the nursing professional identity as well as on the strengthening of this category. We hope that this project motivates the production of other works on this subject and calls the attention for the importance of preserving our historical memory.

Bowel problems in patients with systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The impact of systemic sclerosis on bowel function is still unknown. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the frequency and severity of colorectal problems among patients with systemic sclerosis and to determine whether these problems are associated with age, gender, type of systemic sclerosis, or time since diagnosis. METHODS: A detailed questionnaire describing diarrhoea, constipation, obstructed defecation, faecal incontinence, bowel habits, social activities, and quality of life was sent to 96 consecutive patients with systemic sclerosis. RESULTS: Among 83 respondents (86%) 16% did not have a normal desire to defecate, 18% regularly needed digital stimulation or evacuation of the rectum, and 38% had faecal incontinence. Most patients (79%) had episodes of diarrhoea, and 38% had this once or more each month. Overall, 20% reported that colorectal dysfunction caused some or a major restriction of social activities or the quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal dysfunction is very common among patients with systemic sclerosis, often restricting social activities and the quality of life. Therefore, further studies of colorectal pathophysiology in patients with systemic sclerosis are needed.