Biochronostratigraphy and paleoenvironment analysis of Neogene deposits from the Pelotas Basin (well 2-TG-96-RS), Southernmost Brazil

This paper presents the integration of micropaleontological (palynology and foraminifera) and isotopic (87Sr/86Sr) analysis of a selected interval from the well 2-TG-96-RS, drilled on the onshore portion of the Pelotas Basin, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A total of eight samples of the section between 140.20 and 73.50 m in depth was selected for palynological analysis, revealing diversified and abundant palynomorph associations. Species of spores, pollen grains and dinoflagellate cysts are the most common palynomorphs found. Planktic and benthic calcareous foraminifera were recovered from the lowest two levels of the section (140.20 and 134.30 m). Based on the stratigraphic range of the species of dinoflagellate cysts and sporomorphs, a span age from Late Miocene to Early Pliocene is assigned. The relative age obtained from the 87Sr/86Sr ratio in shells of calcareous foraminifers indicates a Late Miocene (Messinian) correspondence, corroborating the biostratigraphic positioning performed with palynomorphs. Paleoenvironmental interpretations based on the quantitative distribution of organic components (palynomorphs, phytoclasts and amorphous organic matter) throughout the section and on foraminiferal associations indicate a shallow marine depositional environment for the section. Two palynologicals intervals were recognized based on palynofacies analysis, related to middle to outer shelf (140.20 to 128.90 m) and inner shelf (115.75 to 73.50 m) conditions

The study of most important factors influencing physician choice

Abstract Objectives: physician-patient relationship has its own effect on medical condition and the nature of this relationship partly depends on the selective criteria that a patient has in his/her mind for choosing a physician. Material and methods: 493 persons of various age groups were selected through the cluster sampling method from 25 regions of Yazd city. In first step of research, subjects were asked to write down five most important factors in physician choice and in second step they were asked to prioritize selective criteria in a 21-items questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, kruskal-wallis and Mann Whitney test. Results: one third of participants believe that the most important criteria for selecting a physician is the knowledge and experience of the physician and other important factors include spending enough time for examination and being particularly interested in the patients' problems. Although there was no significant difference between males and females attitude, the difference among age groups was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Physicians' awareness of the most important factors which place on choosing them specially attention to scientific qualification, communication skills and quality of medical services causes more physicians' successful function and more patients' satisfaction