Between system maker and privileges taker: the role of China in the Greater Mekong Sub-region

Utilizing China's leadership projects in the Great Mekong Sub-Region (GMS) as a case study, this paper aims to investigate whether China qualifies as an international leader. This work argues that its geographic position and economic rise allow China to be a "system maker and privilege taker," which is a dual role forming in economic-political relations in the GMS in the last ten years. China is among major driving forces to set up an economic zone in GMS. Growing Chinese regional power is intimately related to the creation of various hubs connecting regional transportation, communication and energy systems that foster the economic development of this region. However, China also proves dark sides of rising powers which take advantage of their privileges to gain benefits. As a "system maker" with its own position and capability, China has notably benefited from building hydropower systems. More importantly, while China is pursuing its benefits and privileges, its hydropower projects have caused some negative effects for the ecosystem in the region. The inflation of dam constructions in both China and GMS countries is raising concerns about using natural resources of the Mekong River. Our concluding part addresses the pressing need to start a serious discussion on the balance between national interests and regional solidarity within the formulation of Chinese foreign policy in GMS.

Nicolas Sanson and his Map: The Course of the Amazon River

One of the first scientific maps of the Amazon region, The Course of the Amazon River (Le Cours de La Rivière des Amazones), was constructed by Nicolas Sanson, a French cartographer of the seventeenth century, and served as the prototype for many others. The evaluation of this chart, until now, has been that it is a very defective map, a sketch based on a historical account, according to the opinion of La Condamine. Thus, the aim of the present work was to prove that the map of the Amazon River traced by Nicolas Sanson is a scientific work, a map that presents precise geographic coordinates considering its time, shows a well-determined prime meridian, and also employs a creative methodology to deduce longitudes from latitudes and distances that had been covered. To show such characteristics, an analysis of the accuracy of the map was made by comparing its latitudes and longitudes with those of a current map. We determined the prime meridian of this map and analyzed the methodology used for the calculation of longitudes. The conclusion is that it is actually a good map for the time, particularly considering the technology and the limited information that Sanson had at his disposal. This proves that the negative assertion of La Condamine is unfounded.

Sôbre uma propriedade da equação utilizada para interpolação da Lei de Mitscherlich

The author proves that equation, Σy n ΣZx | ΣxyZx ΣxZx ΣxZ2x | = 0, Σy ΣZx Σy2x | where Z = 10-cq and q is a numerical constant, used by Pimentel Gomes and Malavolta in several articles for the interpolation of Mitscherlih's equation y = A [ 1 - 10 - c (x + b) ] by the least squares method, always has a zero of order three for Z = 1. Therefore, equation A Zm + A1Zm -1 + ........... + Am = 0 obtained from that determinant can be divided by (Z-1)³. This property provides a good test for the correctness of the computations and facilitates the solution of the equation.

Sôbre um sistema de equações relativas a um modêlo matemático de populações de Himenópteros endogâmicos

This paper deals with the solution of a system of equations relating with a mathematical model of populations of endogamic Hymenoptera. The Author proves that, unless inequality (5.1) 4R5 + 8R R4 - 4R R³ + 8R² (R -1) R² - A a A a A a a A - R² (4R² + 4R - 1) R +2R³ < 0 a a A a is satisfied, one of the genes is eliminated from the population. He shows that the relative frequencies of different kinds of matings in the population can be obtained when the root R between zero and VRa of equation 2R4 + 2R³ -2R² (RA + Ra) - R(RA +Ra) + 2RA Ra =0 is known. In special, if we let b = RA / Ra > 1 , inequation (5.1) shows that we must have __________________ b³ + 2b² + b + V2b4 + 2b³ - 2b² + 2b Ra < __________________________________ = f(b) 2 (b4 + 2b³ + 2b - 1) The greatest value of f (b) is 0,75 and is obtained for b = 1, that is for RA = Ra.

Dois teoremas sôbre a função gama

This paper proves the following theorems on the gamma function: Theorem I The integral ∫O∞ t u e-t dt = Γ ( u + 1 ) , where u, real or complex, is such that R (u) > -1, will not change its value if we substitute z = Q (cos φ + i sen φ) for the real variable t, being jconstant and such that - Π/2 < φ < Π/2 , Theorem II The integral ∫-∞∞ w2u + 1 e -w² dw = Γ ( u + 1 ) , where 2u + 1 is supposed to be a non negative even integer, will not change its value if we substitute z = w + fi, f being a real constant, for the real variable w. The proof of both theorems is obtained by means of the well known Cauchy theorem on contour integrals on the complex plane, as suggested by CRAMÉR (1, p. 126) and LEVY (3, p. 178).

Production technology for entomopathogenic fungus using a biphasic culture system

The objective of this research was to evaluate combinations of liquid media obtained from agro-industrial residues and by-products, with solid media prepared with mixtures of grains and their derivatives, aiming to increase the production of JAB 02 and JAB 45 isolates of Lecanicillium lecanii. Sporulation, conidial viability and process yield were evaluated as well as the production costs using the JAB 45 isolate as a model system were analyzed. The production of JAB 02 was not increased using the biphasic culture. For JAB 45, some combinations provided an increase in yield, especially cheese whey with wheat bran and wheat grain, with lower production costs. Viability was not influenced by the production method, and the combinations showed no differences in the process yield. The biphasic method is suitable for the production of L. lecanii, and proves to be an appropriate technology to use in mass production by biofactories.

Principal components analysis for quality evaluation of cooled banana 'Nanicão' in different packing

This work aims determinate the evaluation of the quality of 'Nanicão' banana, submitted to two conditions of storage temperature and three different kinds of package, using the technique of the Analysis of Principal Components (ACP), as a basis for an Analysis of Variance. The fruits used were 'Nanicão' bananas, at ripening degree 3, that is, more green than yellow. The packages tested were: "Torito" wood boxes, load capacity: 18 kg; "½ box" wood boxes, load capacity: 13 kg; and cardboard boxes, load capacity: 18 kg. The temperatures assessed were: room temperature (control); and (13±1ºC), with humidity controlled to 90±2,5%. Fruits were discarded when a sensory analysis determined they had become unfit for consumption. Peel coloration, percentages of imperfection, fresh mass, total acidity, pH, total soluble solids and percentages of sucrose were assessed. A completely randomized design with a 2-factorial treatment structure (packing X temperature) was used. The obtained data were analyzed through a multivariate analysis known as Principal Components Analysis, using S-plus 4.2. The conclusion was that the best packages to preserve the fruit were the ½ box ones, which proves that it is necessary to reduce the number of fruits per package to allow better ventilation and decreases mechanical injuries and ensure quality for more time.

Avaliação da eficiência de degradação de hidrocarbonetos aromáticos por bactérias provinientes de estação de tratamento de efluente de refinaria de petróleo

Three bacterial strains were isolated from the activated sludge system of petroleum refinery wastewater, identified by partial sequencing of 16S rDNA, and classified as Acinetobacter genomospecies 3, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus flexus. The degradation efficiency of aromatic hydrocarbons was evaluated by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. In a mineral medium containing anthracene and phenanthrene and the consortium of microorganisms, the removal efficiency was 96% and 99%, respectively, after 30 days. The good rate of hydrocarbon degradation proves the operational efficiency of the microbial consortium in treating effluents containing these compounds.

Hydrozoa e Scyphozoa existentes no instituto paulista de oceanografia

Continuing the inventory of the Coelenterate Fauna of the Brazilian coast, 23 species of Hydrozoa and a Scyphomedusa are recorded from different points of the coast aproximately between 22º and 24º lat. S. Of these, 14 species were already known from other points of the coast and the remaining 10 were unknown from this latitude. Two species are here listed as new, they are: Halocordyle fragHis and Calicella gabriellae. 1. - Halocordyle fragilis, Stechow's (1923) correction of the generic name Pennaria has been followed, shows remarkable distinctive specific characters such as: alternate distribution of the cladii which do not lie all in the same plane, they are inserted at random on the hydrocaulus with a tendency towards a spiral dexiotropic distribution, sparse distribution of the pedicels which are alternate and not all located on the same side of the hydrocladium, and, finally, the long, wiry aspect of the colony which is as brittle as light glass. This characteristics are not sufficient, to my belief, to establish a new genus, since the polyps and the gonophores are entirely of the Halocordyle type, but they confer upon the species a very peculiar habitus. 2. - Calicella gabriellae forms erect hydrocauli which are extremely soft and flexuose, with hydrothecate and intermediate internodes. The thecae are deep, cylindrical, with a conical base, there are 10-12 long and narrow opercular valves. The gonangia are small, conical, with a short distal digitiform process. The included sporosac exhibits maturing ova. Dynamena heteroclonta described by Jarvis (1922) as a new species, is here considered as a new form of the very variable species Dynamena quadridentata. Schizotricha billardi nom. nov., is specifically separated from Sch. diaphana (Heller) to which it had been identified up to know. The Brazilian colonies agree with the French Somaliland specimens described by Billard (1904) and they are reunited in a new species named after the French worker. The main difference, between the two mentioned species are: shape and size of the gonothecae, of the thecae and of the nematophores. A description is given of all the species not previously recorded from the Brazilian coast as well as biological observations on Olindias sambaquiensis whose shoals during winter months are very large and may entangle partially the fishermen's nets. Its feeding and swimming habits are described and the species proves to be an excellent laboratory animal both for class and research purposes, for it easily endures long transportation (even up to 12 hours during summer months) as well as unoxygenized acquaria and nevertheless greadily feeds on any animal food.

A melancholy skeptic

Hume variously viewed the association of philosophy and melancholy in different stages of his development. In this essay I propose to follow this progress, beginning with his youthful belief that a philosophical life would shelter its pursuer from melancholy. In my hypothesis, for the mature Hume knowledge in the broad sense of wide experience alone can ease melancholy states, while knowledge as narrow rational speculation proves itself untenable, as it triggers a state of melancholy despair in the agent.

Immunohistochemical detection of Tritrichomonas foetus in experimentally infected mice

The need to intensify knowledge of the pathogenesis of bovine genital trichomoniasis (BGT) led to the use of alternative animal models such as the mouse. Nevertheless, it is necessary to elucidate the dynamics of the infection in this animal species, evaluating different stages of the colonization and evolution of the pathological alterations. The immunohistochemistry (IHC) offers advantages over the routine histopathological staining techniques for the detection of the protozoan in tissues, cellular detritus and inside the macrophages. The goal of the present study was to demonstrate the presence of Tritrichomonas foetus in the reproductive tract of infected mice using an IHC technique. Female BALB/c mice were infected with a suspension of T. foetus by intravaginal route, in the estrum phase, detected by exfoliative vaginal cytology. After 10 weeks, the animals were sacrificed; uterus and vagina were fixed and histologically processed. Some slides were stained with HE. The rest of the slides were processed for IHC. An immunoadsorbed polyclonal serum against T. foetus was used. The avidine-biotine technique (HistoMouse, Zymed™) was employed. The histopathological studies showed a dilation of the uterine glands, presence of macrophages in the lumen of the organ and inner part of the endometrial glands. No T. foetus was identified using this method. The IHQ allowed additionally the identification of the protozoan in the endometrium, endometrial glands, uterine lumen and inside neutrophils and macrophages. The cytological studies stained with IHC showed either isolated T. foetus adhered to epithelial cells or inside macrophages. This technique proves to be a useful tool for the study of the pathogenesis of bovine genital trichomoniasis (BGT) in an experimental model.

Evaluation of bursal lymphoid depletion: comparison between the conventional histology method and digital lymphocyte depletion evaluation system

Abstract: Fifty-five bursa of Fabricius (BF) were evaluated by optical microscopy for three different avian histopathologists (H1, H3 and H4) to determine the degree of lymphoid depletion. One histologist evaluated the same slides at two different times (H1 and H2) with four-months interval between the observations. The same BFs were evaluated using the system of Digital Lymphocyte Depletion Evaluation (ADDL), being performed by three differents operators of the system, not histopathologists. The results showed was a significant difference between the histopathologists and between the scores established by the same expert (H1 and H2). However, there were not significant differences between the scores with the ADDL system, obtained using ADDL. The results make clear the fragility of the subjective lymphocyte depletion score classification by the traditional histologic method, while the ADDL system proves to be more appropriated for the assessment of the lymphoid loss in the BF.

A simple model for the estimation of congenital malformation frequency in racially mixed populations

A simple model is proposed, using the method of maximum likelihood to estimate malformation frequencies in racial groups based on data obtained from hospital services. This model uses the proportions of racial admixture, and the observed malformation frequency. It was applied to two defects: postaxial polydactyly and cleft lip, the frequencies of which are recognizedly heterogeneous among racial groups. The frequencies estimated in each racial group were those expected for these malformations, which proves the applicability of the method.