Degenerate hope bifurcations in Chua's system

In this paper we study the local codimension one, two and three Hopf bifurcations which occur in the classical Chua's differential equations with cubic nonlinearity. A detailed analytical description of the regions in the parameter space for which multiple small periodic solutions bifurcate from the equilibria of the system is obtained. As a consequence, a complete answer for the challenge proposed in [Moiola & Chua, 1999] is provided. © 2009 World Scientific Publishing Company.

Rules of origin and trade facilitation in preferential trade agreements in Latin America

Includes bibliography

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation does not increase blood pressure of healthy elderly women

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is an attractive method to increase strength and proprioception of elderly individuals. However, a major clinical concern about the prescription of PNF is the belief that it can cause a cardiovascular overload, because it involves close-to-maximal loads and isometric contractions. Yet the acute effect of a PNF training session on cardiovascular response in elderly individuals is still unknown. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of PNF on diastolic and systolic blood pressure of healthy elderly people. Fifteen older women (mean age 72.40±6.82 years) performed three sets (five repetitions each) of three different PNF techniques (rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversion, and isotonic combination), executing a single movement pattern. Diastolic and systolic blood pressure (DBP and SBP) were evaluated by means of a manual sphygmomanometer immediately before and during the last two repetitions (last set) of each technique. A two-way ANOVA test (time and technique) was performed to investigate the PNF effect on blood pressure. No time (preexercise to postexercise) (p=0.33 for DBP; p=0.06 for SBP) or PNF technique (p=0.75; p=0.81) effect were observed. In conclusion, we can state that the execution of these PNF techniques is safe for the cardiovascular system of healthy elderly women, because no blood pressure increases were found. Copyright © Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

Students' foregrounds: Hope, despair, uncertainty

A foreground is formed through the possibilities, tendencies, propensities, obstructions, barriers, hindrances, et cetera, which his or her context provides for a person. Simultaneously, a foreground is formed through the person's interpretations of these possibilities, tendencies, propensities, obstructions, barriers, hindrances. A foreground is a fragmented, partial, and inconsistent constellation of bits and pieces of aspirations, hopes, and frustrations. It might be both promising and frightening; it is always being rebuilt and restructured. Foregrounds are multiple as one person might see very different possibilities; at the same time they are collective and established through processes of communication. In this article educational meaning is discussed in terms of relationships between the students' foregrounds and activities in the classroom. I illustrate how students' dreams might be kept in cages, and how this has implications for how they engage or do not engage in learning processes. I investigate how a foreground might be ruined, and in what sense a ruined foreground might turn into a learning obstacle. Finally, I discuss processes of inclusion and exclusion with reference to the notion of foreground. © 2012. The Authors.

Facilitation of sodium intake by combining noradrenaline into the lateral parabrachial nucleus with prazosin peripherally

Injections of noradrenaline into the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) increase arterial pressure and 1.8% NaCl intake and decrease water intake in rats treated with the diuretic furosemide (FURO) combined with a low dose of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril (CAP). In the present study, we investigated the influence of the pressor response elicited by noradrenaline injected into the LPBN on FURO + CAP-induced water and 1.8% NaCl intake. Male Holtzman rats with bilateral stainless steel guide-cannulas implanted into LPBN were used. Bilateral injections of noradrenaline (40 nmol/0.2 μl) into the LPBN increased FURO + CAP-induced 1.8% NaCl intake (12.2 ± 3.5, vs., saline: 4.2 ± 0.8 ml/180 min), reduced water intake and strongly increased arterial pressure (50 ± 7, vs. saline: 1 ± 1 mm Hg). The blockade of the α1 adrenoceptors with the prazosin injected intraperitoneally abolished the pressor response and increased 1.8% NaCl and water intake in rats treated with FURO + CAP combined with noradrenaline injected into the LPBN. The deactivation of baro and perhaps volume receptors due to the cardiovascular effects of prazosin is a mechanism that may facilitate water and NaCl intake in rats treated with FURO + CAP combined with noradrenaline injected into the LPBN. Therefore, the activation of α2 adrenoceptors with noradrenaline injected into the LPBN, at least in dose tested, may not completely remove the inhibitory signals produced by the activation of the cardiovascular receptors, particularly the signals that result from the extra activation of these receptors with the increase of arterial pressure. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Informe final de la Reunión de Expertos sobre Problemas de Facilitación y el Fortalecimiento de las Instituciones de Transporte = Final report of the Meeting of Experts on Facilitation Problems and the Strengthening of Transport Institutions

Informe final de la Reunion convocada para identificar los principales problemas de facilitacion que se confrontan en cada ambito, fijar prioridades y sugerir medidas que puedan contribuir a la superacion de dichos problemas por parte de los paises, y prestar asistencia a la Secretaria para establecer un programa de accion mas permanente y estable en la materia.

Procedimientos comerciales y facilitación comercial = Trade procedures and trade facilitation

Contiene los analisis de los expertos en problemas de facilitacion del comercio en lo que se refiere a simplificacion de los procedimientos comerciales a nivel nacional, su armonizacion y uniformacion a nivel regional y sub-regional; la situacion actual dentro de los mecanismos de integracion; las necesidades del fortalecimiento institucional; y la consideracion de posibles acciones de seguimiento.

Draft report of Meeting of Experts on Facilitation Problems and the Strengthening of Transport Institutions

Informe de la reunión sobre facilitación del comercio y fortalecimiento institucional del transporte internacional de los países miembros del CDCC. Contiene un resumen de los debates, recomendaciones para un programa de cooperación entre los países del Caribe, lista de participantes y lista de documentos.

Memorandum sobre facilitación del comercio y de su documentación en América Latina = Memorandum on trade facilitation and documentation in Latin America

Incluye Bibliografía