Journal articles on the topic 'Fattor permeabilità'

La Sindrome Nefrosica Idiopatica (Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome, INS) ricorre essenzialmente in presenza di due glomerulopatie: la MCN (Minimal Change Nephropathy) e la FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis). La prima ha un decorso più benigno ed è più frequente nei bambini, mentre la seconda ha un decorso più severo, può portare a Insufficienza Renale Cronica Terminale e può re-cidivare nel trapianto. Soprattutto per la FSGS sono state identificate possibili eziologie virali o genetiche, oltre a forme secondarie in corso di altre malattie, per cui non è semplice classificare queste glomerulopatie. Le forme ricorrenti nel rene trapiantato costituiscono un gruppo più omogeneo. I fattori che sembrano essere comuni alla MCN e alla FSGS, anche se maggiormente espressi e studiati nella seconda, sono la lesione glomerulare caratterizzante a carico dei podociti, e il frequente riscontro di sostanze circolanti, definite fattori di permeabilità (PFs), capaci di indurre proteinuria. Corticosteroidi e Immunosoppressori sono la terapia standard della INS. Tuttavia, la presenza di casi farmaco-resistenti e l'identificazione di alcuni PFs circolanti hanno consentito di utilizzare nuove terapie dirette a bloccare la sintesi o l'azione di queste molecole e hanno fornito un ulteriore razionale alla loro rimozione mediante plasmaferesi convenzionale (PEX) o aferesi selettiva.

Abstract Mine water inrush is one of the important factors threatening safe production in mines. The accurate understanding of the mine groundwater flow field can effectively reduce the hazards of mine water inrush. Numerical simulation is an important method to study the groundwater flow field. This paper numerically simulates the groundwater seepage field in the GaoSong ore field. In order to ensure the accuracy of the numerical model, the research team completed 3,724 field fissure measurements in the study area. The fracture measurement results were analyzed using the GEOFRAC method and the whole-area fracture network data were generated. On this basis, the rock mass permeability coefficient tensor of the aquifer in the study area was calculated. The tensor calculation results are used in the numerical model of groundwater flow. After calculation, the obtained numerical model can better represent the groundwater seepage field in the study area. In addition, we designed three different numerical models for calculation, mainly to explore the influence of the tensor assignment of permeability coefficient on the calculation results of water yield of the mine. The results showed that irrational fathom tensor assignment would cause a significant deviation in calculation results.

Este estudo foi desenvolvido tendo como objetivo estimar a suscetibilidade à erosão dos solos da bacia hidrográfica do rio Catorze, no município de Francisco Beltrão – PR. Coletaram-se amostras ao longo da Bacia, em horizonte superficial, e posteriormente, desenvolveu-se análise granulométrica. Partindo dos resultados da análise, utilizou-se da equação desenvolvida por Denardin (1990), que considera os teores óxido de alumínio, areia, matéria orgânica, e permeabilidade do solo, para estimar os valores do fator K (erodibilidade). Através do software Spring 5.1.8, classificaram-se os solos da Bacia, e utilizando programa LEGAL, atribuiu-se os valores de K para os solos classificados, resultando em uma grade retangular com os valores do fator erodibilidade de toda a Bacia. Produziram-se cartas de classificação do solo e do fator erodibilidade, com o auxílio do software Scarta 5.1.8. As equações para estimar os valores do fator erodibilidade, dependem das características físicas, químicas e biológicas dos solos e são desenvolvidas na tentativa de minimizar erros e se aproximar de um valor real do fator K. Os valores encontrados para o fator erodibilidade na bacia do rio Catorze, variam entre 0,0611 e 0,1238 t.ha-1.h.mm-1.ha.MJ-1, mostrando uma erodibilidade elevada, principalmente para os neossolos, que são solos menos desenvolvidos. Esses valores encontrados para o fator K mostram a necessidade de uma adequação no uso e nas práticas conservacionistas ao longo da Bacia, utilizando para isso, o mapa da erodibilidade desenvolvido através de geoprocessamento, onde é possível visualizar as áreas mais suscetíveis à erosão, podendo aplicar o controle e prevenção dos processos erosivos. Palavras-chave: Erodibilidade, fator K, bacia hidrográfica Soil Properties of Catorze River Watershed that Enhance Erosion Laminar ABSTRACT This study was developed aiming to estimate the susceptibility to soil erosion of Catorze River watershed, in the municipality of Francisco Beltrão - PR. Samples were collected throughout the basin in the surface horizon, and subsequently developed particle size analysis. Based on the results of the analysis, we used the equation developed by Denardin (1990), which considers the levels of aluminum oxide, sand and organic matter, and the permeability of the soil, and found values of the K factor (erodibility). Through the Spring software 5.1.8, the soils were classified Basin, and using LEGAL program was given the values of K for soils classified, resulting in a rectangular grid with the values of the erodibility factor of the entire basin. Was produced letters soil classification and erodibility of the factor with the aid of software Scarta 5.1.8. The equations for estimating erodibility factor values depend on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and are developed in order to minimize mistakes and get closer to an actual value of the factor K. The values found for the factor in erodibility Catorze River watershed range between 0.0611 and 0.1238 t ha-1.h.mm-1.ha.MJ-1, showing a high erodibility, especially for neossolos, soils that are less developed. These values for the K-factor shows the need for an adjustment in the use and conservation practices throughout the basin, using for this, the map of erodibility developed through GIS, where you can view the areas most susceptible to erosion and may apply control and prevention of erosion.Key Words: Erodibility, K factor, watershed

Akshiis the most important Gyan Indriya. It is the site of Alochaka Pitta.SushrutaThe Father of Surgery has recommended “Kriyakalpa”for the management of Akshi Roga. The term Kriyakalparefers to the treatment, which can be applied for almost all types of Akshi Roga.Kriyakalpacomprises ofTarpana, Putpaka, Seka, Aschyotana and Anjana. Akshi Tarpana is a procedure to ensure that the healthy status of the eye is maintained in a normal condition as well as diseased states. In this procedure medicated oil or ghee is retained in the eyes for fixed time in a specific formed frame. According to modern pharmacology, drug penetration depends upon permeability of layers. The epithelium & endothelium of cornea is highly permeable for lipid content, while stroma is permeable to only water content. Thus, fat soluble and water-soluble drugs readilypenetrate these layers. In this article there is a review on Akshi TarpanaKarma, their indications, contraindications and possible mode of action is discussed.

ABSTRACT. This article presents results achieved by a series of studies aiming to evaluate petrophysical properties from digital images of sedimentary rocks. This characterization from digital images occur in the pores and grain scale, but it is confronted with the same properties as they are conventionally measured on the centimeter scale of laboratory rock samples. The properties evaluated were the porosity of macro and micro pores, mineral composition, the size distribution of grains and pores, sphericity and roundness of the mineral grains, permeability, the quality of grain-grain contacts, elastic wave velocities and electrical properties of the rocks. Predictive models for permeability and elastic velocities of carbonate rocks are presented for the estimation of these properties from the extracted parameters of rocks´ digital images. Beyond of elastic properties (e.g. VP and VS), important parameters for estimation of hydrocarbon reserves, such as tortuosity factor and saturation and cementation coefficients, are evaluated through the digital models of rock.Keywords: X-ray microtomography, rock characterization, petrophysics, carbonate, sandstone, shale.RESUMO. Este artigo apresenta resultados alcançados por uma série de estudos realizados com o objetivo de avaliar propriedades petrofísicas de rochas sedimentares a partir de imagens digitais dessas rochas. Essa caracterização a partir de imagens digitais ocorre na escala de poros e grãos, mas ela é confrontada com as mesmas propriedades medidas de forma convencional na escala de amostras de rochas com dimensões centimétricas. As propriedades avaliadas foram a porosidade de macro e de micro poros, a composição mineral, a distribuição de tamanhos de grãos e de poros, a esfericidade e o grau de arredondamento dos grãos minerais, a permeabilidade, a qualidade dos contatos intergrãos, as velocidades das ondas elásticas e as propriedades elétricas das rochas. Modelos preditivos para a permeabilidade e as velocidades elásticas de rochas carbonáticas são apresentados para a estimativa dessas propriedades a partir de parâmetros extraídos de imagens digitais de rochas. Além de propriedades elásticas (como VP e VS), parâmetros importantes para a estimativa de reservas de hidrocarbonetos, tais como o fator de tortuosidade e os coeficientes de saturação e de cimentação, são avaliados criteriosamente através dos modelos digitais de rocha.Palavras-chave: Microtomografia de raios x, caracterização de rochas, petrofísica, carbonato, arenito, folhelho.

Objetivou-se avaliar fitocomplexos, como agentes de oclusão de dentina tubular, para o tratamento da hipersensibilidade dentinária. Dezesseis terceiros molares foram cortados transversalmente para obtenção de discos de dentina com espessura de 1 mm. Os espécimes foram divididos em 4 grupos (n4), de acordo com o tratamento: oxa-gel (Kota) (controle), extrato seco liofilizado de manjericão, hortelã e espinafre, na concentração de 5%. No teste de permeabilidade dentinária, os discos foram submetidos ao condicionamento com ácido fosfórico 37%, para medição da condutância hidráulica (Pmax). Após aplicação dos tratamentos por 5 minutos, mediu-se a condutância hidraúlica (Pmin). A resistência dos tratamentos ao desafio ácido foi avaliada após aplicação do ácido cítrico 7%, por 1 min. Para verificar a formação de oxalato de cálcio no FTIR, os discos foram tratados, conforme seu respectivo grupo, por 5 min. Na análise estatística, realizou-se o teste ANOVA um fator, seguido do pós-teste de Tukey (p≤0,05) para analisar a permeabilidade. Entre os tratamentos não houve diferença significante na permeabilidade dentinária (p0,683), porém quando todos tratamentos foram comparados, mostraram-se resistentes ao desafio ácido (p0,01). No FTIR realizou-se uma análise qualitativa, onde apenas o grupo hortelã não apresentou uma precipitação de oxalato considerável. Conclui-se que os fitocomplexos foram capazes de ocluir os túbulos dentinários e permitiram a deposição de oxalato de cálcio, sendo bastante promissores no tratamento da hipersensibilidade dentinária.Palavras-chave: Dentin Sensitivity. Dentin Permeability. Calcium Oxalate.

Angioedema is a disease characterized by various triggers and an increasing prevalence. The great Greek physician Hippocrates (377-460 BC), considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine and "Father of the Western Medicine," already used the term oídēma to describe „swelling of organs“. It took many centuries later until the first description of angioedema as a distinct medical entity was minted by Quinсke in 1882. The contemporary perception, defines аngioedema as a transient swelling of the skin or submucosal surface due to increased vascular permeability of small venules. The overlying skin may be normal or mildly erythematous. Over time, many causes and factors that cause or trigger angioedema have been discussed. There are two main types of angioedema without urticarial (histaminergic and nonhistaminergic) as the role of histamine in the pathogenesis of the disease is crucial. Angioedema is a frequent clinical condition that sometimes can be life-threatening. Different types of angioedema can be challenging to distinguish clinically. However, establishing a correct diagnosis is critical as different forms of angioedema require distinct treatment approaches. Implementation of contemporary differential diagnostic approaches could be a prerequisite for an accurate diagnosis, which secures appropriate management strategies are possible.

- Uno di problemi che si pongono quando si parla di abusi dei colletti bianchi nel mondo del lavoro č quello di sottoporre al giudizio della collettivitŕ condotte discutibili sul piano etico, manageriale, professionale e giuridico delle quali perň č difficile avere conoscenza in quanto esse vengono consumate al riparo di organizzazioni legali e, spesso, poco permeabili alla societŕ. Una forma di controllo privilegiata per la qualitŕ delle informazioni che č in grado di fornire č la denuncia pubblica degli abusi del prestatore di lavoro legato all'organizzazione da un rapporto di dipendenza. La cultura anglosassone ha metaforicamente etichettato tale pratica con il termine di "whistleblowing", letteralmente "soffiare il fischietto", cioč dare un segnale di allarme per gli abusi osservati nel luogo di lavoro. Questo articolo intende offrire una rassegna sistematica dei principali temi esistenti in materia. Sono pertanto oggetto di trattazione i seguenti argomenti: le relazioni fra gli abusi dei colletti bianchi e le organizzazioni legali; le tipologie di abusi piů comuni; il profilo identitario di coloro che denunciano; i fattori oggettivi che influenzano le decisioni di denuncia; i rischi legati alle attivitŕ di denuncia; l'efficacia, la tutela giuridica e le policy del whistle blowing. La tesi conclusiva č che la denuncia pubblica degli abusi deve fare leva sulla responsabilitŕ personale e che il contesto organizzativo e istituzionale nei quali i prestatori di lavoro operano devono svolgere una funzione di incentivo e protezione dell'iniziativa individuale.

Abstract Abstract 856 Fibrinogen plays a central role in maintaining hemostasis. Disruption of its normal function may lead to hemorrhagic or thrombotic events. Fibrinogen is encoded by three genes, FGA, FGB, and FGG, clustered on chromosome 4q28-q31. Hereditary defects of fibrinogen, although uncommon, can affect the quantity (hypofibrinogenemia and afibrinogenemia) or the quality (dysfibrinogenemia) of the circulating protein. We report a family with two affected individuals (father and daughter) that presented with a mild bleeding predisposition, but also exhibited thrombotic events, i.e. unprovoked deep vein thrombosis in a father and an in utero middle cerebral artery stroke in a daughter. The Clauss fibrinogen levels for the father and daughter were 105 and 98 mg/dL (normal 150–400 mg/dL) and fibrinogen antigen levels were 138 and 152 mg/dL (normal 170–400 mg/dL), respectively. Thrombin times were prolonged in both patients. All other coagulation factors were within normal range and the patients did not carry either the prothrombin G20210A or factor V Leiden mutation. All exons and intron-exon junctions of the three fibrinogen genes were sequenced. The father and daughter were found to be heterozygous for a novel missense mutation in the gamma chain (Ala315Asp) while this mutation was not observed in an unaffected family member (mother of the daughter). Transient transfection experiments using CHO-K1 cells showed that gamma chain with p.Ala315Asp mutation was detected in both cell lysates and supernatant, although in reduced amount as compared with cells transfected with wild-type (WT) FGG cDNA. Structurally, there was no significant difference in fibrin fiber diameter, as measured manually by scanning electron microscopy, between the affected (father and daughter), and the daughter's unaffected mother. Similarly, there was no difference in thrombus height between the three individuals. As expected, hydraulic permeability of platelet rich plasma clots correlated with the fibrinogen levels in each person. Clotting kinetics in plasma of affected family members was consistent with hypofibrinogenemia, but did not suggest abnormal fibrin polymerization. Clot structure and fibrin deposition was further characterized with a microfluidics flow assay, an experimental technique in which platelet and fibrin accumulation is observed in real-time using fluorescent probes in whole blood under shear stress on a collagen/tissue factor micropatterned surface. Interestingly, fibrin density and platelet accumulation, as measured by platelet and fibrin surface area coverage, was highest in the father and daughter, the two individuals with hypofibrinogenemia and thrombotic phenotype. In order to evaluate the possible changes resulting from the Ala315Asp mutation we examined predicted alterations in protein structure, energy, and protein-protein interaction between two fibrinogen molecules via in silico molecular modeling using published protein crystal structure. The molecular modeling showed that alanine for aspartic acid substitution predicted to result in substantial changes in overall conformation of the interaction interface (distal D-domain) between the two fibrinogen molecules due to introduction of a bulkier side chain. Potential energy (energy of minimization) for Ala315Asp mutant homodimer, and for WT-mutant heterodimer were lower than the WT homodimer, predicting a more stable structure from an energetic standpoint. Overall interaction energy (measurement of the energy of association between the two molecules) was lower for Ala315Asp mutant homodimer as compared with WT homodimer or WT-mutant heterodimer, suggesting more favorable interaction for Ala315Asp mutant dimers. Overall, the in silico modeling studies predicted that Ala315Asp mutation may lead to more rapid or stronger interaction between fibrinogen molecules. These data suggest that a novel FGG mutation, c.944C>A, that predicts pAla315Asp change, if expressed and incorporated into fibrinogen molecule in vivo, may result in a more stable or more resistant to lysis clot. Characterizing the association between a specific genetic defect and its phenotypic expression will advance the current understanding of the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of the inherited disorders of fibrinogen, and may contribute to the development of safer therapeutic interventions for the patients with fibrinogen disorders. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Darcy was known as a very generous engineer. He is undoubtedly the father of the science of fluid flow in soils for his experiment on the flow of water through a sand column which was published in his book ‘Les fontainespubliques de la ville de Dijon in 1856, named after him as Darcy’s law. For the practical computation, this equation was developed by Dupuit & Thiem, and then it called Dupuit-Thiem equation. This equation was redeveloped by many researchers in many variations with different parameters especially for radial flow in pumping and recharging systems. Their basic pumping system equations for a confined and unconfined aquifer as well as for full penetration well with a fully perforated casing. In the practical implementation, this condition rarely occurs especially for thick aquifer; therefore many researchers developed a correction for those formulas from full penetration to be partial penetration wells. Partial penetration well is a well which its depth or tip of its casing does not reach an impermeable stratum beneath the aquifer. Despite the correction, those formulas still have difficulty in computing the design of pumping system due to its need for hydraulic gradient data which can only be defined by two real time data of piezometric head before and after pumping related to the horizontal distance of both points. So in this paper will be presented some inventions of computation methods for instance: recharge systems, the drawdown of pumping, pumping on the aquifer, water losses on the lake, permeability test, pumping test analysis and partial penetration well equation.

ROOT VOLUME AND DRY MATTER OF PEANUT PLANTS AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL BULK DENSITY AND SOIL WATER STRESS. Charles Duruoha1; Cassio Roberto Piffer2; Paulo Roberto Arbex Silva21United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS), National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, Auburn, AL - U.S.A., duruohan@juno.com2Departamento de Engenharia Rural, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo 1 ABSTRACT Soil compaction may be defined as the pressing of soil to make it denser. Soil compaction makes the soil denser, decreases permeability of gas and water exchange as well as alterations in thermal relations, and increases mechanical strength of the soil. Compacted soil can restrict normal root development. Simulations of the root restricting layers in a greenhouse are necessary to develop a mechanism to alleviate soil compaction problems in these soils. The selection of three distinct bulk densities based on the standard proctor test is also an important factor to determine which bulk density restricts the root layer. This experiment aimed to assess peanut (Arachis hypogea) root volume and root dry matter as a function of bulk density and water stress. Three levels of soil density (1.2, 1.4, and 1.6g cm-3), and two levels of the soil water content (70 and 90% of field capacity) were used. Treatments were arranged as completely randomized design, with four replications in a 3x2 factorial scheme. The result showed that peanut yield generally responded favorably to subsurface compaction in the presence of high mechanical impedance. This clearly indicates the ability of this root to penetrate the hardpan with less stress. Root volume was not affected by increase in soil bulk density and this mechanical impedance increased root volume when roots penetrated the barrier with less energy. Root growth below the compacted layer (hardpan), was impaired by the imposed barrier. This stress made it impossible for roots to grow well even in the presence of optimum soil water content. Generally soil water content of 70% field capacity (P<0.0001) enhanced greater root proliferation. Nonetheless, soil water content of 90% field capacity in some occasions proved better for root growth. Some of the discrepancies observed were that mechanical impedance is not a good indicator for measuring root growth restriction in greenhouse. Future research can be done using more levels of water to determine the lowest soil water level, which can inhibit plant growth. KEY WORDS: Soil compaction; water stress; soil bunk; root volume; root growth DURUOHA, C.; PIFFER, C. R.; SILVA, P. R. A. MATÉRIA SECA E VOLUME DE RAÍZES DE PLANTAS DE AMENDOIMEM FUNÇÃO DADENSIDADEE DO DÉFICIT DE ÁGUA DO SOLO. 2 RESUMO O conceito de compactação do solo não inclui apenas a redução do solo, mas também no resultante decréscimo em permeabilidade para trocas gasosas e água, assim como alterações em relação térmica e aumento na resistência mecânica do solo. Um solo compactado pode restringir o desenvolvimento radicular normal da planta. Simulações de camadas de restrição de raízes em casa de vegetação são necessárias para desenvolver mecanismos que reduzam problemas de compactação dos solos. A seleção de três diferentes densidades de solo, baseadas no ensaio de Proctor, é também um fator importante para determinar qual densidade restringe a penetração da raiz. O presente trabalho foi realizado para avaliar o volume e matéria seca radicular em função da densidade do solo e da disponibilidade hídrica em amendoim (Arachis hypogea). Foram utilizados três níveis de densidade do solo (1,2; 1,4 e1,6 gcm-3) e dois níveis de teor de água no solo (70 e 90% da capacidade de campo). Os tratamentos foram inteiramente casualizados com quatro repetições em arranjo fatorial (3 x 2). Os resultados sugerem que a produção de amendoim geralmente responde favoravelmente à compactação subsuperficial, na presença de impedância mecânica elevada. Este resultado claramente indica a habilidade da raiz em penetrar na camada de impedimento com menor densidade. O volume radicular não foi afetado pelo aumento da densidade do solo e esta impedância mecânica aumentou o volume radicular quando as raízes penetraram em barreiras com menor compactação. O crescimento radicular abaixo da camada compactada foi afetado pela barreira imposta. Esta compactação impossibilitou que as raízes crescessem mesmo na presença de teor de água ótimo. O teor de água de 70 % da capacidade de campo (P<0,0001) proporcionou maior proliferação radicular. Foi observado que a impedância mecânica não é um bom indicador para a avaliação da restrição de crescimento radicular no trabalho em casa de vegetação. UNITERMOS: compactação do solo, capacidade de campo e crescimento radicular.

EditorialWhen consulting with the Marconi company in 1995, Prof. Sir John Pendry uncovered exotic structures that gave negative permittivity and negative permeability, respectively. In 1999, Prof. Pendry introduced split ring resonators (SRRs), and later in 2000, Prof. David Smith and Prof. Sheldon Schultz experimentally showed that periodic array of SRRs and continuous wires previously proposed by Prof. Pendry could exhibit simultaneously negative values of effective permeability and permittivity at the same frequency. Shortly after, Prof. Pendry revealed that a slab of material with simultaneous negative permittivity and permeability could challenge the Abbé diffraction limit on traditional lenses and focus all Fourier components of a point object onto a perfect image, leading to a “perfect lens”. The vision of a perfect lens attracted extensive research interest and opened a new field which was later widely known as metamaterials. Now two decades on, the explosion of metamaterials has revolutionized numerous researches in physics, materials science, chemistry, and engineering. To shed light on the research direction of metamaterials, Light: Science & Applications invited Sir John Pendry, father and living legend of metamaterials, to speak about the future of metamaterials. The original interview can be accessed in Supplementary video.

Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential since the human body does not produce them and they are obtained mainly from the diet. They confer flexibility, fluidity and selective permeability to the membranes, which favors cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of deficiencies in vision and neural development in infants and children, and dementia in older adults; some of them are precursors in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Some effects have also been seen in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. These effects can be explained through the specific actions of each of them. Dietary fat influences the modulation of immune functions and inflammatory processes; most of the impact is attributed to long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). The EPA exerts: hypotriglyceridemic effect at LDL and VLDL level; hypocholesterolemic effect due to increase in bile efflux and reverse cholesterol transport; antithrombotic effect due to the formation of Series 3 eicosanoids. DHA: increases the fluidity of neuronal, glial, and cone and rod membranes; decreases neuronal apoptosis; facilitates the recycling of neurotransmitters; regulates the expression of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism as a ligand for PPARs; inhibits insulin resistance to muscle and fat tissues. The intake recommendations are: 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids: 2.5-9% of energy intake/daily, and ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: 0.6-2.0% of energy intake/daily. Key words: omega-3 fatty acids; food sources; immune system; pathologies.

A região do Taquaril em Belo Horizonte abriga mais de 30.000 habitantes adensados em uma pequena área de 145,2 ha. Durante períodos chuvosos, mais de 60% dessa área se enquadra nas categorias de alto risco de escorregamento. Um talude representativo da maioria dos taludes presentes na área foi escolhido para a execução de um estudo de retroanálise de sua estabilidade. Foi observado que, as ações antrópicas, associadas às características geológicas desfavoráveis dos terrenos, são as principais causas dos escorregamentos. O terreno caracteriza-se por encostas bem inclinadas, constituídas por filitos e xistos alterados, cobertos por depósitos de tálus e colúvio inconsolidados. Os depósitos de tálus e colúvio retardam a saturação das descontinuidades dos maciços rochosos e o fator de segurança de rupturas planares e em cunha, nestes casos, é superior a um. A retroanálise apontou baixa resistência para os depósitos de encosta. Pequenas taxas de precipitação podem desencadear escorregamentos de menor volume, mas, durante chuvas intensas, as superfícies de ruptura se tornam mais extensas e profundas, geralmente atingindo o contato entre solo e maciço.Palavras-chave: Retroanálise, escorregamentos, Taquaril. ABSTRACT: SLOPE STABILITY BACK ANALYSIS: A CASE STUDY AT TAQUARIL SLUM, BELO HORIZONTE CITY, BRAZIL. Taquaril risk area is located close to Belo Horizonte city, Brazil. Over 60% of this area was evaluated as being prone to landslides. A representative 25 m slope in this area was chosen to perform a retro-analysis of their stability. It has been observed that antropic actions associated with geological and geomorphological characteristics of the area are the main causes of landslides. Steepy inclined slopes composed by weathered phyllites and schists and also by unconsolidated colluvium and talus deposits characterize the terrain. Topography is being modified and heaps of garbage and waste material from constructions are daily thrown along the slopes and drainages, creating piles of waste deposits placed in unstable conditions. Nowadays shallow landslides are more numerous and dangerous than wedge and planar failures of rock mass, which presents low permeability despite the presence of fractures set. Saturation of the rock mass when covered by slope deposits is difficult to occur and, in this case, the safety factor for wedge or planar failure is up to one. Geotechnical analysis has shown low resistance values for slope deposits. Low precipitation rates may causes shallow slide surfaces, but during intense rain these surfaces are deeper, almost enclosing the rock mass contact.Keywords: retro-analysis, landslides, Taquaril

Laidlaw, S.J. An Infidel in Paradise. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2013. Print.In S.J. (Susan) Laidlaw’s first novel, she takes us to a contemporary Canadian diplomatic compound in Pakistan. Emma, the sixteen-year-old protagonist, has been suddenly uprooted from a comfortable life in the Philippines. Her father has left her family and her mother has moved Emma and her two siblings to Islamabad. Suffering from culture shock, adjusting to a new school, and playing parent to her younger sister, Emma is frustrated and takes her anger out on her family. Emma offends a dreamy young man, Mustapha, whom she meets on her first day at her new school and she is subsequently labeled as rude and racist. However, we know from listening to Emma’s inner dialogue that she is neither, and her interactions reinforce this. In the time-honored literary romance tradition, Emma’s clash with Mustapha does not prevent them from developing feelings for each other. Mustapha, however, is promised in an arranged marriage. Their drama comes to a head when threats against the American embassies shake the international community in Islamabad, leaving Emma in a life threatening situation.This novel is well-written and wonderfully real. Emma’s anger with a sub-text of guilt, her raw frustration with her new situation, and her inability to deal with her feelings all rang true. The little touches, like Emma’s interaction with a slobbery dog, hit home: “He licks my hand, which is gross but also comforting. I wipe it on my jeans when he’s not looking”. Emma cares about the people and creatures around her, although she is terrified of being hurt. She is angry at her parents, but she also understands why they separated. Her feelings of being alone are exasperated by the extreme culture shock and she is having trouble coping. Emma’s flouting of local tradition caught me by surprise; for one so well-traveled with a diplomat parent, she did not give much credence to local customs. Perhaps it is her form of rebellion.Laidlaw addresses socio-cultural issues with honesty and frankness. She does not separate the ‘us’ from the ‘them,’ identifying cultural boundaries but noting the permeability of those boundaries. Laidlaw broaches intercultural conflict openly, acknowledging that her protagonists’ countrymen are not necessarily welcome, but few people mean to cause harm.I would recommend this book for anyone 12 and up. A somewhat graphic scene near the end of the book may be too much for younger readers. I hope Laidlaw continues with additional novels as these themes are critical to explore and she does it so well. Note: my favorite part of the novel is the Urdu glossary at the back; it’s a very nice touch.Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReviewer: Jorden SmithJorden Smith joins the team as a book reviewer. Jorden is a Public Services Librarian in Rutherford Humanities and Social Sciences Library at the University of Alberta. She is an avid fiction reader and subscribes to Hemingway’s belief that “there is no friend as loyal as a book.”