Unlocking the Potential of Women in the Rural Development Process of Republic of Srpska: The Role of Extension Service

In Bosnia Herzegovina the development of clear policy objectives and endorsement of a long-term, coherent and mutual agricultural and rural development policy have also been affected by structural problems: a lack of reliable information on population and other relevant issues, the absence of an adequate land registry system and cadastre. Moreover in BiH the agricultural and rural sectors are characterized by many factors that have typically affected transition countries such as land fragmentation, lack of agricultural mechanization and outdated production technologies, and rural aging, high unemployment and out-migration. In such a framework the condition and role of women in rural areas suffered for the lack of gender disaggregated data and a consequent poor information that lead to the exclusion of gender related questions in the agenda of public institutions and to the absence of targeted policy interventions. The aim of the research is to investigate the role and condition of women in the rural development process of Republic of Srpska and to analyze the capacity of extension services to stimulate their empowerment. Specific research questions include the status of women in the rural areas of Republic of Srpska, the role of government in fostering the empowerment of rural women, and the role of the extension service in supporting rural women. The methodology - inspired by the case study method developed by R. Yin - is designed along the three specific research questions that are used as building blocks. Each of the three research questions is investigated with a combination of methodological tools - including surveys, experts interviews and focus groups - aimed to overcome the lack of data and knowledge that characterize the research objectives.

3D Surveying and Data Management towards the Realization of a Knowledge System for Cultural Heritage

The research activities involved the application of the Geomatic techniques in the Cultural Heritage field, following the development of two themes: Firstly, the application of high precision surveying techniques for the restoration and interpretation of relevant monuments and archaeological finds. The main case regards the activities for the generation of a high-fidelity 3D model of the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna. In this work, aimed to the restoration of the manufacture, both the geometrical and radiometrical aspects were crucial. The final product was the base of a 3D information system representing a shared tool where the different figures involved in the restoration activities shared their contribution in a multidisciplinary approach. Secondly, the arrangement of 3D databases for a Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach, in a process which involves the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of historical buildings, towards a so-called Historical Building Information Model (HBIM). A first application was conducted for the San Michele in Acerboli’s church in Santarcangelo di Romagna. The survey was performed by the integration of the classical and modern Geomatic techniques and the point cloud representing the church was used for the development of a HBIM model, where the relevant information connected to the building could be stored and georeferenced. A second application regards the domus of Obellio Firmo in Pompeii, surveyed by the integration of the classical and modern Geomatic techniques. An historical analysis permitted the definitions of phases and the organization of a database of materials and constructive elements. The goal is the obtaining of a federate model able to manage the different aspects: documental, analytic and reconstructive ones.

At the intersection of Behavioural Economics, Nudging and Regulation: Rethinking the process of nudge design for regulation

Alongside the developments in behavioural economics, the concept of nudge was introduced as an intervention able to guide individual behaviour towards better choices without using coercion or incentives. While behavioural teams were created inside governmental units and regulatory authorities, nudging emerged in regulatory discourse, being increasingly regarded as a regulatory instrument that could overcome the disadvantages of other tools. This thesis analyses the viability of incorporating nudges into regulation. In particular, it investigates the implications for regulators of bringing iterative experimental testing – a widespread nudge design methodology outside regulation – into their own design practices. Nudges outside regulation are routinely designed using experiments of all kinds. This thesis intends to answer whether design premises rooted in iterative experimentation are still valid in the regulatory space, an arena that nudging entered into and that is distinct from the one where it originally emerged. The design and provision of nudges using the premises of iterative experimental testing is possible, but at a cost and burden for regulatory nudge designers. Therefore, the thesis evaluates how this burden can be reduced, in particular how nudges can be feasibly designed and provided through regulation or, put differently, how to more efficiently design and provide nudging as a regulatory tool.

Multi-functional electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reaction: towards the modulation of selectivity

The electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) is a captivating strategy for the conversion of CO2 into fuels, to realize a carbon neutral circular economy. In the recent years, research has focused on the development of new materials and technology capable of capturing and converting CO2 into useful products. The main problem of CO2RR is given by its poor selectivity, which can lead to the formation of numerous reaction products, to the detriment of efficiencies. For this reason, the design of new electrocatalysts that selectively and efficiently reduce CO2 is a fundamental step for the future exploitation of this technology. Here we present a new class of electrocatalysts, designed with a modular approach, namely, deriving from the combination of different building blocks in a single nanostructure. With this approach it is possible to obtain materials with an innovative design and new functionalities, where the interconnections between the various components are essential to obtain a highly selective and efficient reduction of CO2, thus opening up new possibilities in the design of optimized electrocatalytic materials. By combining the unique physic-chemical properties of carbon nanostructures (CNS) with nanocrystalline metal oxides (MO), we were able to modulate the selectivity of CO2RR, with the production of formic acid and syngas at low overpotentials. The CNS have not only the task of stabilizing the MO nanoparticles, but the creation of an optimal interface between two nanostructures is able to improve the catalytic activity of the active phase of the material. While the presence of oxygen atoms in the MO creates defects that accelerate the reaction kinetics and stabilize certain reaction intermediates, selecting the reaction pathway. Finally, a part was dedicated to the study of the experimental parameters influencing the CO2RR, with the aim of improving the experimental setup in order to obtain commercial catalytic performances.

Neo-commodification of persons: exploitation of personal data and impact on the sharing economy

The notion of commodification is a fascinating one. It entails many facets, ranging from subjective debates on desirability of commodification to in depth economic analyses of objects of value and their corresponding markets. Commodity theory is therefore not just defined by a single debate, but spans a plethora of different discussions. This thesis maps and situates those theories and debates and selects one specific strain to investigate further. This thesis argues that commodity theory in its optima forma deals with the investigation into what sets commodities apart from non-commodities. It proceeds to examine the many given answers to this question by scholars ranging from the mid 1800’s to the late 2000’s. Ultimately, commodification is defined as a process in which an object becomes an element of the total wealth of societies in which the capitalist mode of production prevails. In doing so, objects must meet observables, or indicia, of commodification provided by commodity theories. Problems arise when objects are clearly part of the total wealth in societies without meeting established commodity indicia. In such cases, objects are part of the total wealth of a society without counting as a commodity. This thesis examines this phenomenon in relation to the novel commodities of audiences and data. It explains how these non-commodities (according to classical theories) are still essential elements of industry. The thesis then takes a deep dive into commodity theory using the theory on the construction of social reality by John Searle.

Towards the sustainable production of methyl methacrylate: A comparative analysis of industrial chemical production processes using life cycle assessment methodology

Increasing environmental awareness has been a significant driving force for innovations and process improvements in different sectors and the field of chemistry is not an outlier. Innovating around industrial chemical processes in line with current environmental responsibilities is however no mean feat. One of such hard to overhaul process is the production of methyl methacrylate (MMA) commonly produced via the acetone cyanohydrin (ACH) process developed back in the 1930s. Different alternatives to the ACH process have emerged over the years and the Alpha Lucite process has been particularly promising with a combined plant capacity of 370,000 metric tonnes in Singapore and Saudi Arabia. This study applied Life Cycle Assessment methodology to conduct a comparative analysis between the ACH and Lucite processes with the aim of ascertaining the effect of applying principles of green chemistry as a process improvement tool on overall environmental impacts. A further comparison was made between the Lucite process and a lab-scale process that is further improvement on the former, also based on green chemistry principles. Results showed that the Lucite process has higher impacts on resource scarcity and ecosystem health whereas the ACH process has higher impacts on human health. On the other hand, compared to the Lucite process the lab-scale process has higher impacts in both the ecosystem and human health categories with lower impacts only in the resource scarcity category. It was observed that the benefits of process improvements with green chemistry principles might not be apparent in some categories due to some limitations of the methodology. Process contribution analysis was also performed and it revealed that the contribution of energy is significant, therefore a sensitivity analysis with different energy scenarios was performed. An uncertainty analysis using Monte Carlo analysis was also performed to validate the consistency of the results in each of the comparisons.

Oxidative Stress And Susceptibility To Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Precedes The Onset Of Diabetes In Autoimmune Non-obese Diabetic Mice.

Beta cell destruction in type 1 diabetes (TID) is associated with cellular oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathway of cell death. The aim of this study was to determine whether oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are present in T1D model (non-obese diabetic mouse, NOD) and if they are related to the stages of disease development. NOD mice were studied at three stages: non-diabetic, pre-diabetic, and diabetic and compared with age-matched Balb/c mice. Mitochondria respiration rates measured at phosphorylating and resting states in liver and soleus biopsies and in isolated liver mitochondria were similar in NOD and Balb/c mice at the three disease stages. However, NOD liver mitochondria were more susceptible to calcium-induced mitochondrial permeability transition as determined by cyclosporine-A-sensitive swelling and by decreased calcium retention capacity in all three stages of diabetes development. Mitochondria H2O2 production rate was higher in non-diabetic, but unaltered in pre-diabetic and diabetic NOD mice. The global cell reactive oxygen species (ROS), but not specific mitochondria ROS production, was significantly increased in NOD lymphomononuclear and stem cells in all disease stages. In addition, marked elevated rates of 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (H2DCF) oxidation were observed in pancreatic islets from non-diabetic NOD mice. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) and lipidomic approach, we identified oxidized lipid markers in NOD liver mitochondria for each disease stage, most of them being derivatives of diacylglycerols and phospholipids. These results suggest that the cellular oxidative stress precedes the establishment of diabetes and may be the cause of mitochondrial dysfunction that is involved in beta cell death.

Spectroscopic characterization and investigation of the dynamic of charge compensation process of supramolecular films derived from tetra-2-pyridyl-1,4-pyrazine ligand

This work describes the infrared spectroscopy characterization and the charge compensation dynamics in supramolecular film FeTPPZFeCN derived from tetra-2-pyridyl-1,4-pyrazine (TPPZ) with hexacyanoferrate, as well as the hybrid film formed by FeTPPZFeCN and polypyrrole (PPy). For supramolecular film, it was found that anion flux is greater in a K+ containing solution than in Li+ solution, which seems to be due to the larger crystalline ionic radius of K+. The electroneutralization process is discussed in terms of electrostatic interactions between cations and metallic centers in the hosting matrix. The nature of the charge compensation process differs from others modified electrodes based on Prussian blue films, where only cations such as K+ participate in the electroneutralization process. In the case of FeTPPZFeCN/PPy hybrid film, the magnitude of the anions’s flux is also dependent on the identity of the anion of the supporting electrolyte.

The Process of Simulation Authoring/Creation by Chemistry Teachers: A Service Learning Experience

Two case studies are presented to describe the process of public school teachers authoring and creating chemistry simulations. They are part of the Virtual Didactic Laboratory for Chemistry, a project developed by the School of the Future of the University of Sao Paulo. the documental analysis of the material produced by two groups of teachers reflects different selection process for both themes and problem-situations when creating simulations. The study demonstrates the potential for chemistry learning with an approach that takes students' everyday lives into account and is based on collaborative work among teachers and researches. Also, from the teachers' perspectives, the possibilities of interaction that a simulation offers for classroom activities are considered.

Effects of Laser on the Synovial Fluid in the Inflammatory Process of the Knee Joint of the Rabbit

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-level laser (LLL) energy on the clinical signs of inflammation and the cellular composition of synovial fluid (SF) in the inflamed knee of the rabbit. Background Data: There are few findings related to the effects of LLL on SF in inflammatory processes and there is little knowledge about the optimal parameters for reducing joint inflammation. Materials and Methods: Inflammation in the right knee of 36 rabbits was induced by intracapsular injection (0.2 mL) of Terebinthina commun (Tc). The animals were randomly assigned to three groups: acute experimental group (AEG), chronic experimental group (CEG), and control group (CG), which only received Tc. Each group was divided in two subgroups of six animals each. The AEG and CEG groups began to receive laser treatment 2 and 5 d after the induction of inflammation, respectively. Laser irradiation at a wavelength of 830 nm, power output of 77 mW, and power density of 27.5 W/cm(2) was applied daily for 7 d for either 0.12 sec or 0.32 sec, resulting in doses of 3.4 J/cm(2) and 8 J/cm(2), respectively. Body mass, joint perimeter, joint temperature, and the morphology of the SF were analyzed. Results: There was no statistically significant differences between groups in the body mass, joint perimeter, and SF morphology. Conclusion: Laser irradiation with the selected parameters produced only a few subtle differences in the inflammatory signs and the SF. The lack of effects may have been due to the short irradiation time.

Evaluation of Laser Phototherapy in the Inflammatory Process of the Rat's TMJ Induced by Carrageenan

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate, by light microscopy, the effects of laser phototherapy (LPT) at 780nm or a combination of 660 and 790 nm, on the inflammatory process of the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) induced by carrageen. Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are frequent in the population and generally present an inflammatory component. Previous studies have evidenced positive effects of laser phototherapy on TMDs. However, its mechanism of action on the inflammation of the TMJ is not known yet. Materials and Methods: Eighty-five Wistar rats were divided into 9 groups: G1, Saline; G2, Saline + LPT IR; G3, Saline + LPT IR + R; G4, Carrageenan; G5, Carrageenan + LPT IR; G6, Carrageenan + LPT IR + R; G7, previous LPT + Carrageenan; G8, previous LPT + carrageenan + LPT IR; and G9, previous LPT + carrageenan + LPT IR + R, and then subdivided in subgroups of 3 and 7 days. After animal death, specimens were taken, routinely cut and stained with HE, Sirius Red, and Toluidine Blue. Descriptive analysis of components of the TMJ was done. The synovial cell layers were counted. Results: Injection of saline did not produced inflammatory reaction and the irradiated groups did not present differences compared to non-irradiated ones. After carrageenan injection, intense inflammatory infiltration and synovial cell layers proliferation were observed. The infrared irradiated group presented less inflammation and less synovial cell layers number compared to other groups. Previous laser irradiation did not improve the results. Conclusion: It was concluded that the LPT presented positive effects on inflammatory infiltration reduction and accelerated the inflammation process, mainly with IR laser irradiation. The number of synovial cell layers was reduced on irradiated group.

The role of electron localization in the atomic structure of transition-metal 13-atom clusters: the example of Co(13), Rh(13), and Hf(13)

The crystalline structure of transition-metals (TM) has been widely known for several decades, however, our knowledge on the atomic structure of TM clusters is still far from satisfactory, which compromises an atomistic understanding of the reactivity of TM clusters. For example, almost all density functional theory (DFT) calculations for TM clusters have been based on local (local density approximation-LDA) and semilocal (generalized gradient approximation-GGA) exchange-correlation functionals, however, it is well known that plain DFT fails to correct the self-interaction error, which affects the properties of several systems. To improve our basic understanding of the atomic and electronic properties of TM clusters, we report a DFT study within two nonlocal functionals, namely, the hybrid HSE (Heyd, Scuseria, and Ernzerhof) and GGA + U functionals, of the structural and electronic properties of the Co(13), Rh(13), and Hf(13) clusters. For Co(13) and Rh(13), we found that improved exchange-correlation functionals decrease the stability of open structures such as the hexagonal bilayer (HBL) and double simple-cubic (DSC) compared with the compact icosahedron (ICO) structure, however, DFT-GGA, DFT-GGA + U, and DFT-HSE yield very similar results for Hf(13). Thus, our results suggest that the DSC structure obtained by several plain DFT calculations for Rh(13) can be improved by the use of improved functionals. Using the sd hybridization analysis, we found that a strong hybridization favors compact structures, and hence, a correct description of the sd hybridization is crucial for the relative energy stability. For example, the sd hybridization decreases for HBL and DSC and increases for ICO in the case of Co(13) and Rh(13), while for Hf(13), the sd hybridization decreases for all configurations, and hence, it does not affect the relative stability among open and compact configurations.

Frozen Chicken for Wild Fish: Nutritional Transition in the Brazilian Amazon Region Determined by Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotope Ratios in Fingernails

Objectives: Amazonian populations are experiencing dietary changes characteristic of the nutrition transition. However, the degree of change appears to vary between urban and rural settings. To investigate this process, we determined carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in fingernails and dietary intake of Amazonian populations living along a rural to urban continuum along the Solimoes River in Brazil. Methods: Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios were analyzed from the fingernails of 431 volunteer subjects living in different settings ranging from rural villages, small towns to urban centers along the Solimoes River. Data from 200 dietary intake surveys were also collected using food frequency questionnaires and 24-h recall interviews in an effort to determine qualitative aspects of diet composition. Results: Fingernail delta(13)C values (mean standard deviation) were -23.2 +/- 1.3, 20.2 +/- 1.5, and 17.4 +/- 1.3 parts per thousand and delta(15)N values were 11.8 +/- 0.6, 10.4 +/- 0.8, and 10.8 +/- 0.7 parts per thousand for those living in rural villages, small towns, and major cities, respectively. We found a gradual increase in the number of food items derived from C(4) plant types (meat and sugar) and the replacement of food items derived from C(3) plant types (fish and manioc flour) with increasing size of urban centers. Conclusion: Increasing urbanization in the Brazilian Amazon is associated with a significant change in food habits with processed and industrialized products playing an increasingly important role in the diet and contributing to the nutrition transition in the region. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 23:642-650, 2011. (C) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Role of kinin B1 and B2 receptors in memory consolidation during the aging process of mice

Under physiological conditions, elderly people present memory deficit associated with neuronal loss. This pattern is also associated with Alzheimer`s disease but, in this case, in a dramatically intensified level. Kinin receptors have been involved in neurodegeneration and increase of amyloid-beta concentration, associated with Alzheimer`s disease (AD). Considering these findings, this work evaluated the role of kinin receptors in memory consolidation during the aging process. Male C57BI/6 (wt), knock-out B1 (koB1) or B2 (koB2) mice (3, 6, 12 and 18-month-old - mo; n = 10 per group) were submitted to an acquisition session, reinforcement to learning (24 h later: test 1) and final test (7 days later: test 2), in an active avoidance apparatus, to evaluate memory. Conditioned avoidance responses (CAR, % of 50 trials) were registered. In acquisition sessions, similar CAR were obtained among age matched animals from all strains. However, a significant decrease in CAR was observed throughout the aging process (3mo: 8.8 +/- 2.3%; 6mo: 4.1 +/- 0.6%; 12mo: 2.2 +/- 0.6%, 18mo: 3.6 +/- 0.6%, P < 0.01), indicating a reduction in the learning process. In test 1, as expected, memory retention increased significantly (P < 0.05) in all 3- and 6-month-old animals as well as in 12-month-old-wt and 12-month-old-koB1 (P < 0.01), compared to the training session. However, 12-month-old-koB2 and all 18-month-old animals did not show an increase in memory retention. In test 2, 3- and 6-month-old wt and koB1 mice of all ages showed a significant improvement in memory (P < 0.05) compared to test 1. However, 12-month-old wt and koB2 mice of all ages showed no difference in memory retention. We suggest that, during the aging process, the B1 receptor could be involved in neurodegeneration and memory loss. Nevertheless, the B2 receptor is apparently acting as a neuroprotective factor. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Political Systems and the Perspective on Nursing Education during the Spanish Transition (from the Franco Regime to Democracy). A Contribution based on Nursing History

The aim of this study is to describe the changes in nursing education during the process prior to and after the establishment of democracy in Spain. It begins with the hypothesis that differences in social and political organization influenced the way the system of nursing education evolved, keeping it in line with neopositivistic schemes and exclusively technical approaches up until the advent of democracy. The evolution of a specific profile for nursing within the educational system has been shaped by the relationship between the systems of social and political organization in Spain. To examine the insertion of subjects such as the anthropology of healthcare into education programs for Spanish nursing, one must consider the cultural, intercultural and transcultural factors that are key to understanding the changes in nursing education that allowed for the adoption of a holistic approach in the curricula. Until the arrival of democracy in 1977, Spanish nursing education was solely technical in nature and the role of nurses was limited to the tasks and procedures defined by the bureaucratic thinking characteristic of the rational-technological paradigm. Consequently, during the long period prior to democracy, nursing in Spain was under the influence of neopositivistic and technical thinking, which had its effect on educational curricula. The addition of humanities and anthropology to the curricula, which facilitated a holistic approach, occurred once nursing became a field of study at the university level in 1977, a period that coincided with the beginnings of democracy in Spain.