MOLECULAR-GEOMETRY AND CHAIN ENTANGLEMENT - PARAMETERS FOR THE TUBE MODEL

The tube diameter in the reptation model is the distance between a given chain segment and its nearest segment in adjacent chains. This dimension is thus related to the cross-sectional area of polymer chains and the nearest approach among chains, without effects of thermal fluctuation and steric repulsion. Prior calculated tube diameters are much larger, about 5 times, than the actual chain cross-sectional areas. This is ascribed to the local freedom required for mutual rearrangement among neighboring chain segments. This tube diameter concept seems to us to infer a relationship to the corresponding entanglement spacing. Indeed, we report here that the critical molecular weight, M(c), for the onset of entanglements is found to be M(c) = 28 A/([R2]0/M), where A is the chain cross-sectional area and [R2]0 the mean-square end-to-end distance of a freely jointed chain of molecular weight M. The new, computed relationship between the critical number of backbone atoms for entanglement and the chain cross-sectional area of polymers, N(c) = A0,44, is concordant with the cross-sectional area of polymer chains being the parameter controlling the critical entanglement number of backbone atoms of flexible polymers.

Strong electronic correlation in the hydrogen chain: A variational Monte Carlo study

<p>In this paper, we report a fully ab initio variational Monte Carlo study of the linear and periodic chain of hydrogen atoms, a prototype system providing the simplest example of strong electronic correlation in low dimensions. In particular, we prove that numerical accuracy comparable to that of benchmark density-matrix renormalization-group calculations can be achieved by using a highly correlated Jastrow-antisymmetrized geminal power variational wave function. Furthermore, by using the so-called "modern theory of polarization" and by studying the spin-spin and dimer-dimer correlations functions, we have characterized in detail the crossover between the weakly and strongly correlated regimes of this atomic chain. Our results show that variational Monte Carlo provides an accurate and flexible alternative to highly correlated methods of quantum chemistry which, at variance with these methods, can be also applied to a strongly correlated solid in low dimensions close to a crossover or a phase transition.</p>

Preval��ncia do consumo de drogas il��citas nas For��as Armadas estudo epidemiol��gico num dos ramos

RESUMO: Desde 1976 que as For��as Armadas desenvolvem ac����es de preven����o do consumo de drogas e ��lcool. Na d��cada de 80 foi criada capacidade laboratorial e deu-se in��cio a um programa de rastreios toxicol��gicos. No quinqu��nio 2001 a 2005, as propor����es de resultados positivos, associando todos os tipos de rastreio, variaram entre 3,7% e 1,5%. De Outubro de 2006 a Julho de 2007 realizou-se um estudo anal��tico transversal, para estimar a preval��ncia do consumo de drogas (canabin��ides, opi��ceos, coca��na e anfetaminas) num dos Ramos das For��as Armadas, com base nos despistes realizados pelo seu laborat��rio. Foi utilizada uma amostra aleat��ria simples de 1039 militares, profissionais (QP) e contratados (RC), no activo e de ambos os sexos. Desde a nomea����o dos militares a rastrear, passando pela cadeia de cust��dia das amostras at�� �� obten����o do resultado foi utilizado apoio inform��tico espec��fico. O processo de pesquisa utilizou duas t��cnicas de triagem por imunoensaio e tecnologia de confirma����o por GC/MS, de acordo com as recomenda����es europeias, permitindo estabelecer uma metodologia standard para organiza����es e empresas. A preval��ncia estimada, de consumidores de droga, foi de 3,8/1.000, para um erro de 0,37%. O n��mero de casos registado (4) n��o permitiu a utiliza����o de testes estat��sticos que conduzissem �� identifica����o de caracter��sticas determinantes da positividade, mas n��o deixou de revelar aspectos inesperados. A observa����o de s��ries de casos e a realiza����o regular de estudos epidemiol��gicos, que ajudem a redefinir grupos alvo e a perceber a dimens��o, as determinantes e as consequ��ncias do consumo de drogas �� sugerida, em conclus��o.--------------------------------------- R��SUM��: Depuis 1976, les Forces Arm��es mettent au point des mesures visant �� pr��venir la consommation de drogues et d'alcool. En 1980, fut cr���� capacit�� laboratoriel et ont ensuite commenc�� un programme de d��pistage toxicologique. Au cours des cinq ann��es allant de 2001 �� 2005, les proportions de consommateurs, impliquant tous les types de d��pistage, allaient de 3,7% �� 1,5 %. D'octobre 2006 �� juillet 2007, une ��tude analytique transversale a ��t�� organis��e pour ��valuer la pr��valence de l���usage de drogues (cannabis, opiac��s, coca��ne et amph��tamines) dans une branche de les Forces Arm��es, bas��e sur les d��pistages faites par un laboratoire militaire, �� l'aide d'un ��chantillon al��atoire de 1039 militaires, professionnels (QP) et sous contract (RC), �� l���actif et des deux sexes. Tout au long du proc��s, de la nomination des donneurs, en passant par la chaine de garde des ��chantillons, jusqu����� obtention du r��sultat, il fut employ�� un appui informatique s��curis��. Le processus de recherche employa deux techniques de tri par imunoessay et la technologie de confirmation GC/MS, selon les recommandations europ��ennes, permettant d'��tablir une m��thodologie standard pour les organisations et les entreprises. La pr��valence estim��e fut de 3,8/1.000 pour une marge d���erreur de 0,37%. Le nombre de cas enregistr��s (4) n'autorise pas l'utilisation de testes statistiques de menant �� l'identification de caract��ristiques d��terminant de la positivit��, mais il permet �� r��v��ler des aspects inattendus. L'observation de s��ries de cas et la tenue r��guli��re d�����tudes ��pid��miologiques, qui contribuent �� red��finir les groupes cibles et de comprendre l'ampleur, les d��terminants et les cons��quences de l'usage de drogues, est sugg��r��, en fin de compte.--------------------------------------- ABSTRACT: Since 1976, the Armed Forces, have been developing measures to prevent the use of drugs and alcohol. In 1980, was created laboratory facility which then started a program of toxicological screenings. In the five years running from 2001 to 2005, the proportions of consumers, involving all types of screening, ranged from 3,7% to 1,5%. From October 2006 to July 2007, a cross-sectional study was held to estimate the prevalence of drug use (cannabinoids, opiates, cocaine and amphetamines) in one branch of the Portuguese Armed Forces, based on laboratory screenings, using a random sample of 1039 military, professional (QP) and enlisted (RC), active-duty and of both sexes. Specific computer support was used all the way, from the appointment, including the chain of custody of samples, to the obtaining of the result. The process of search used two techniques for sorting by immunoassay and confirmation technology GC/MS, according to European recommendations, allowing to establish a standard methodology for organizations and companies. The estimated prevalence of drug users was 3.8/1.000 for a 0.37% error (95% confidence interval). The number of cases registered (4) does not permit use of statistical testing leading to the identification of characteristics weighing in the establishing to extrapolate for the population, but it allows revealing unexpected aspects. The observation of series of cases and the regular holding of epidemiological studies, which help redefine target groups and to understand the extent, the determinants and consequences of drug use, is suggested, in conclusion.

The encounter with the real and post-Soviet trauma : fantasy construction in Russian popular cinema /

This thesis examines the impact of the Soviet Union's collapse on the Russian Symbolic as represented through popular cinema of the post-Soviet period. The disintegration of the USSR in 1991 became one of the most traumatic experiences for many Russian people. The trauma of the collapse of the Soviet Union penetrated the everyday reality of the Russian Symbolic, leaving the traces-symptoms in different cultural fonns like literature, arts, television and cinema. Because popular culture usually reacts very quickly to any social, political and economical shifts in society, it is an excellent barometer for deeper changes in society. Focusing on postSoviet popular cinema, this thesis analyzes the symptoms of cultural and individual trauma occasioned by the momentous changes of the 1990's. This study is grounded in post-analytic theory of Jacques Lacan and its interpretation by Slavoj Zizek, which emphases the traumatic encounter with the Real as a "hard core" of our reality. According to this paradigm, a new chain of signifiers is structured around the traumatic breach in the Symbolic, initiating a process of fantasy construction to deal with consequences of trauma and, thus, to support our Symbolic order. This thesis examines three major fantasy constructions - drinking, traveling to a "happy land" and family reunion and money - in popular films by Alexander Rogozhkin, Yurij Mamin, Georgij Shengelia, Dmitrij Astrakhan, Valerij Todorovskij, Alexej Balabanov, Sergej Bodrov Jr. and Petr Buslov. According to Zizek, enjoyment underlies any fantasy constructions, and that is why after the intrusion of the Real every individual and culture should go through the process of fantasizing about some substitutes which can help to minimize the traumatic effect and which can lead to a partial enjoyment. By analyzing the fantasies about drinking, "happy land", reconstruction of the family bonds and money in Russian popular cinema since 1991, this thesis demonstrates how the traumatic engagement with the Real affected the everyday lives of Russian people, and how individuals tried to fill the gap, the lack, in the post-Soviet Symbolic and "return" the lost feeling of unity and plenitude.

��tude du �� Livre Roisin �� : recueil m��di��val et moderne de la loi de Lille

Le Livre Roisin est l'un des rares coutumiers fran��ais du XIIIe si��cle. Il contient les coutumes de la ville de Lille, mises par ��crit en 1267, puis recopi��es et enrichies en 1297, en 1349 et enfin de fa��on continue jusqu'au XVIe si��cle. Une derni��re copie officielle fut faite en 1618-1619. L'analyse approfondie du plus ancien manuscrit du Livre Roisin qui nous soit parvenu, celui de 1349, r��v��le les secrets de son ��laboration. Les nombreuses chartes, actes, arr��ts et bans joints au coutumier �� proprement parler durant plus de deux si��cles donnent une vue d'ensemble des lois qui r��gissaient les Lillois du Moyen ��ge. Au passage, les producteurs du recueil, les clercs de ville, ont laiss�� des traces de leur travail, de telle sorte qu'il est possible de dresser l'inventaire de leurs responsabilit��s et comprendre l'importance de ces officiers tant dans la perspective des institutions municipales m��di��vales que dans celle de l'historien, pour qui ils font partie de la cha��ne de transmission des textes. De leur c��t��, les r��cepteurs, tout aussi discrets mais pr��sents, se manifestent dans le d��tail de la proc��dure judiciaire que contient le document. L'utilisation qu'ils en ont faite, tant��t pratique, tant��t m��morielle surgit. Il en ressort que le recueil f��t �� la fois un aide-m��moire et un outil de d��fense de l'identit�� urbaine et m��me picarde. Enfin, le Livre Roisin est un outil privil��gi�� pour l'��tude de l'histoire de la ville, puisque sa r��daction et chacune de ses copies sont ancr��es dans des ��v��nements politiques aux cons��quences majeures pour la ville de Lille.

Droit du transport intermodal international de marchandises : une perspective �� supply chain management ��.

La th��se propose d���introduire une perspective globale dans le traitement juridique du transport intermodal international qui prendrait racine dans la strat��gie logistique des entreprises. La conception juridique se heurte, en effet, aux ��volutions op��rationnelles et organisationnelles des transports et aboutit �� une incertitude juridique. Les transporteurs ont d�� s���adapter aux exigences d���optimisation des flux des chargeurs dont les modes de production et de distribution reposent sur le supply chain management (SCM). Ce concept est le fruit de la mondialisation et des technologies de l���information. La concurrence induite par la mondialisation et le pilotage optimal des flux ont impuls�� de nouvelles strat��gies de la part des entreprises qui tentent d���avoir un avantage concurrentiel sur le march��. Ces strat��gies reposent sur l���int��gration interfonctionnelle et interoganisationnelle. Dans cette cha��ne logistique globale (ou SCM) l���intermodal est crucial. Il lie et coordonne les r��seaux de production et de distribution spatialement d��sagr��g��s des entreprises et, r��pond aux exigences de ma��trise de l���espace et du temps, �� moindre co��t. Ainsi, le transporteur doit d���une part, int��grer les op��rations de transport en optimisant les d��placements et, d���autre part, s���int��grer �� la cha��ne logistique du client en proposant des services de valeur ajout��e pour renforcer la comp��titivit�� de la cha��ne de valeur. Il en d��coule une unit�� technique et ��conomique de la cha��ne intermodale qui est pourtant, juridiquement fragment��e. Les Conventions internationales en vigueur ont ��t�� ��labor��es pour chaque mode de transport en faisant fi de l���interaction entre les modes et entre les op��rateurs. L���intermodal est consid��r�� comme une juxtaposition des modes et des r��gimes juridiques. Ce d��pe��age juridique contraste avec la gestion de la cha��ne intermodale dont les composantes individuelles s���effacent au profit de l���objectif global �� atteindre. L���on expose d���abord l���ampleur de l���incertitude juridique due aux difficult��s de circonscrire le champ d���op��rations couvert par les Conventions en vigueur. Une attention est port��e aux divergences d���interpr��tations qui d��bouchent sur la �� d��sunification �� du droit du transport. On s���int��resse ensuite aux interactions entre le transport et la cha��ne logistique des chargeurs. Pour cela, on retrace l�����volution des modes de production et de distribution de ces derniers. C���est effectivement de la strat��gie logistique que d��coule la conception de la cha��ne intermodale. Partant de ce syst��me, on identifie les caract��ristiques fondamentales de l���intermodal. La th��se aboutit �� dissiper les confusions li��es �� la qualification de l���intermodal et qui sont �� la base des divergences d���interpr��tations et de l���incertitude juridique. De plus, elle met en exergue l���unit�� ��conomique du contrat de transport intermodal qui devrait guider la fixation d���un r��gime de responsabilit�� d��di�� �� ce syst��me int��gr�� de transport. Enfin, elle initie une approche ignor��e des d��bats juridiques.

A value chain approach to animal diseases risk management: technical foundations and practical framework for field application

Classical risk assessment approaches for animal diseases are influenced by the probability of release, exposure and consequences of a hazard affecting a livestock population. Once a pathogen enters into domestic livestock, potential risks of exposure and infection both to animals and people extend through a chain of economic activities related to producing, buying and selling of animals and products. Therefore, in order to understand economic drivers of animal diseases in different ecosystems and to come up with effective and efficient measures to manage disease risks from a country or region, the entire value chain and related markets for animal and product needs to be analysed to come out with practical and cost effective risk management options agreed by actors and players on those value chains. Value chain analysis enriches disease risk assessment providing a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration, which seems to be in increasing demand for problems concerning infectious livestock diseases. The best way to achieve this is to ensure that veterinary epidemiologists and social scientists work together throughout the process at all levels.

Second-life retailing: a reverse supply chain perspective

Purpose ��� The authors examine the role of entrepreneurial business models in the reverse supply chain of apparel/fashion retailers. The purpose of this paper is to offer an alternative approach to the ���return to the point of origin��� prevalent in the reverse chain of manufacturers but less technically and economically feasible in the case of apparel/fashion retailers. This approach, second-life retailing, not only reduces waste but also democratises consumption. Design/methodology/approach ��� The paper is based on an extensive literature review, semi-structured interviews with managers of two second-life retailers in Malaysia and observations of a number of stores. Findings ��� Using the Business Model Canvas, the authors demonstrate the essential characteristics of second-life retailers. Retailers in this study, unlike retailers in the developed world, combine traditional business models with off-price retailing. There is no clear demarcation between the forward and reverse supply chain used to manage first- and second-hand retailing. Practical implications ��� The paper demonstrates the potential of innovative business models in the reverse supply chain. It encourages managers to look beyond the ���return to the point of origin��� and seek imaginative alternatives. Such alternatives potentially could result in additional revenue, enhanced sustainability and democratisation of consumption meeting triple bottom line objectives. Originality/value ��� This paper highlights the importance and relevance of entrepreneurial business models in addressing the reverse supply chain, demonstrating this with the aid of two Malaysian off-price retailers. It also contributes to our nascent knowledge by focusing on emerging markets.

RST: Reuse through Speculation on Traces

In this thesis, we present a novel approach to combine both reuse and prediction of dynamic sequences of instructions called Reuse through Speculation on Traces (RST). Our technique allows the dynamic identification of instruction traces that are redundant or predictable, and the reuse (speculative or not) of these traces. RST addresses the issue, present on Dynamic Trace Memoization (DTM), of traces not being reused because some of their inputs are not ready for the reuse test. These traces were measured to be 69% of all reusable traces in previous studies. One of the main advantages of RST over just combining a value prediction technique with an unrelated reuse technique is that RST does not require extra tables to store the values to be predicted. Applying reuse and value prediction in unrelated mechanisms but at the same time may require a prohibitive amount of storage in tables. In RST, the values are already stored in the Trace Memoization Table, and there is no extra cost in reading them if compared with a non-speculative trace reuse technique. . The input context of each trace (the input values of all instructions in the trace) already stores the values for the reuse test, which may also be used for prediction. Our main contributions include: (i) a speculative trace reuse framework that can be adapted to different processor architectures; (ii) specification of the modifications in a superscalar, superpipelined processor in order to implement our mechanism; (iii) study of implementation issues related to this architecture; (iv) study of the performance limits of our technique; (v) a performance study of a realistic, constrained implementation of RST; and (vi) simulation tools that can be used in other studies which represent a superscalar, superpipelined processor in detail. In a constrained architecture with realistic confidence, our RST technique is able to achieve average speedups (harmonic means) of 1.29 over the baseline architecture without reuse and 1.09 over a non-speculative trace reuse technique (DTM).

Cadeia de cust��dia da prova pericial

O objetivo deste estudo explorat��rio e aplicado �� justificar a necessidade de implanta����o de um programa de cadeia de cust��dia no Instituto Laboratorial Criminal da Pol��cia T��cnica e Cient��fica do Estado de Rond��nia a fim de se adequar ��s mudan��as ocorridas no mundo contempor��neo estimuladas pelo avan��o tecnol��gico. O resultado obtido com as entrevistas mostra a n��o percep����o, por parte dos profissionais das organiza����es respons��veis pela autenticidade e idoneidade da prova pericial, das mudan��as provocarem a necessidade de uma busca pela qualidade da prova pericial. E que ocorre em raz��o da falta de uma cultura para o fiel cumprimento da cadeia de cust��dia. Destarte, neste programa n��o pode faltar o desenvolvimento de uma cultura voltada para o cumprimento da cadeia de cust��dia, por esse ser o elemento que tem o poder de transformar e de formar consci��ncias para a percep����o da import��ncia da cadeia de cust��dia na elabora����o da prova pericial com qualidade, bem como mostrar como podemos agir diante desta inova����o estimulada pelas mudan��as do mundo contempor��neo.

Intera����o interdisciplinar e preserva����o da cadeia de cust��dia nos ambientes f��sicos dos setores t��cnico-cient��ficos da pol��cia federal

Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo verificar at�� que ponto as orienta����es repassadas pelo Instituto Nacional de Criminal��stica aos Setores T��cnico-cient��ficos da Pol��cia Federal, em termos de ambiente f��sico, t��m se voltado para a intera����o interdisciplinar entre os peritos e para a preserva����o da cadeia de cust��dia. Para tanto, foi necess��rio recorrer a fundamentos sobre interdisciplinaridade, cadeia de cust��dia, arranjo f��sico na gest��o de processos e ao planejamento de espa��os no sentido de fortalecer o embasamento te��rico para a discuss��o dos dados obtidos na pesquisa de campo. A pesquisa, desenvolvida com a ajuda de entrevistas destinadas aos ocupantes de setores estrat��gicos respons��veis pelas orienta����es e consultas �� documenta����o t��cnica produzida na Pol��cia Federal, foi complementada com a realiza����o de visitas aos setores do Paran��, Santa Catarina, Esp��rito Santo, Goi��s, Alagoas, Rio Grande do Norte e Amazonas, de car��ter explorat��rio e observacional, contemplando desde aspectos gerais associados aos objetos de an��lise at�� as peculiaridades regionais registradas in loco. Foram identificados dois tipos de orienta����es repassadas pelo Instituto Nacional de Criminal��stica, sendo um na fase preliminar de projeto e outro em momento posterior de avalia����o, realizados por grupos distintos de servidores. De norte a sul do pa��s, foram registradas diversas impress��es atuais associadas aos ambientes f��sicos e instala����es dessas unidades e, com base na riqu��ssima experi��ncia obtida em cada localidade, foi poss��vel propor uma modesta sugest��o de melhoria ao arranjo f��sico na unidade do pesquisador e registrar sua implanta����o a posteriori. Mediante a compara����o entre as orienta����es repassadas com as impress��es obtidas nas visitas chegou-se �� identifica����o, por exemplo, de lacunas de comunica����o no ��mbito do pr��prio Instituto Nacional de Criminal��stica, que perde excelentes oportunidades de prover os projetistas com informa����es atualizadas relacionadas aos ambientes f��sicos das descentralizadas. Conclui-se que apesar do avan��o recente em rela����o ao tema, no tocante �� cria����o de propostas preliminares de layout das unidades e �� institui����o das Comiss��es de Avalia����o da Gest��o da Criminal��stica, a unidade central precisa manter um sistema integrado de gest��o dessas informa����es, alinhado ��s novas tend��ncias construtivas e de projetos da Administra����o, de forma a transformar continuamente as observa����es coletadas nas unidades em novas orienta����es e diretrizes capazes de realimentar o sistema.

A emerg��ncia da governan��a socioambiental no mercado internacional de biocombust��veis

O esgotamento das reservas de energia f��ssil e o processo de mudan��as clim��ticas causadas pelas emiss��es de GEEs posicionaram os biocombust��veis como a principal fonte alternativa de energia renov��vel dispon��vel para uso em transportes no curto e m��dio prazos. Contudo, a presen��a de externalidades e assimetrias de informa����o dificultam a verifica����o da sustentabilidade neste setor. Assim, a emerg��ncia do mercado internacional de biocombust��veis mostra-se condicionada pela constru����o de institui����es que garantam a sustentabilidade da produ����o e consumo desses produtos. O processo de constru����o das institui����es de governan��a socioambiental �� afetado por fatores de ordem t��cnica, pol��tica e institucional. Apoiado em aportes te��ricos do institucionalismo econ��mico e sociol��gico, o presente estudo buscou analisar que elementos afetam este processo considerando a trajet��ria de mercados j�� estabelecidos que apresentam carater��sticas an��logas ao setor de biocombust��veis (alimentos org��nicos e produtos florestais). A forma como legisla����es nacionais, acordos internacionais e sistemas de certifica����o privada se desenvolveram e interagiram nesses setores apresenta ader��ncia com o processo de constru����o do mercado de biocombust��veis observado at�� o momento. Dentre os resultados encontrados, observa-se tend��ncia �� converg��ncia entre padr��es de sustentabilidade em diferentes legisla����es nacionais e sistemas de certifica����o privados devido ��s externalidades de rede que conferem maior valor a padr��es adotados por uma gama mais ampla de usu��rios. A Uni��o Europeia desponta como o principal formador de padr��es de sustentabilidade, dado seu perfil importador e o estabelecimento de crit��rios mais amplos nas legisla����es dos Estados Membros, geralmente implementada via integra����o de mecanismos de governan��a p��blicos e privados (meta-standards). Apesar do expressivo potencial de consumo, os EUA apresentam menor influ��ncia nesse processo devido a consider��vel capacidade de produ����o dom��stica e a prioriza����o de elementos estrat��gicos (seguran��a energ��tica e desenvolvimento rural) no desenho de suas pol��ticas de sustentabilidade para combust��veis de biomassa. Na esfera privada, o desenvolvimento de sistemas de certifica����o apresenta-se condicionado por elementos t��cnicos, como a efici��ncia em cobrir crit��rios relevantes e os custos incorridos neste processo; e pol��ticos, relacionados �� capacidade de legitimi����o dos atores envolvidos em cada um destes programas de certifica����o. Tamb��m se observa que carater��sticas tecnol��gicas e organizacionais das cadeias de produ����o de biocombust��veis afetam a expans��o de sistemas de certifica����o, condicionando tanto os custos para o estabelecimento da cadeia de cust��dia como a capacidade de coordena����o de a����es setoriais visando a ado����o de pr��ticas sustent��veis que facilitem a obten����o da certifica����o. Essa rela����o fica evidente em novas na����es que buscam estabelecer um setor bioenerg��tico e enfrentam dificuldades em integrar a agricultura familiar �� modelos de produ����o que respeitem crit��rios socioambientais vigentes no mercado internacional. A pesquisa revelou a necessidade de um entendimento mais aprofundado da interconex��o de novas rotas tecnol��gicas e atores adentrando no mercado internacional de biocombust��veis. A compreens��o dos riscos e potencialidades de novas formas de intera����o p��blica e privada na governan��a socioambiental apresenta-se como um campo prol��fico para futuros estudos neste setor e em outros em que atributos ambientais se mostrem relevantes.

Wood : from the forest to the consumer

Illegal logging causes a number of environmental and social damages in countries where wood is sourced from native forests. Logging in protected areas is an act of irresponsibility that exacerbates the loss of biodiversity. In addition, uncontrolled deforestation and bushfires may aggravate climate change, not to mention the negative effects they impose on local populations, such as the impoverishment of rural communities whose livelihoods depend on forest products. Several studies show that Brazil ranks high in terms of irresponsible use of natural resources, including native wood from the Amazon. Even more worrisome is the fact that the state, despite being responsible for regulating logging activities, is one of the largest consumers of native wood, which subverts the goals of any government committed to sustainable environmental management. By monitoring the development and impacts of illegal timber production and consumption around the world, the Friends of the Amazon Network ��� an initiative by the Getulio Vargas Foundation with support from the British Government and the European Commission ��� identified a need to describe and evaluate, in a brief and instructive manner, the different mechanisms the state has available to reverse this predatory practice. One of the aspects discussed in this book is the role of civil servants in major efforts aimed at repressing illegal logging and timber production, as well as identifying products derived from these activities in order to prevent their consumption. This is the purpose of this publication, which uses detailed infographics and a journalistic approach, including interviews and true stories, to outline the complexity of Amazon timber���s chain of custody ��� from logging, processing and transportation to commercialization in the Brazilian market.

Operations strategy and supply chain management: A Brazilian case study

The objective of this study is to understand how an assembly company, that is considered a focal company in the chain of Brazilian white goods sector, can influence the supply chain management established with its first tier suppliers. This is an exploratory qualitative study in which the information was gathered through direct observations, documents' retention, and data from interviews held with management-level employees of the sales and product development areas of the focal company and of the production area of the suppliers' companies. This study indicates that the operations strategy of the focal company influences the supply chain management and that the common business processes shared by its suppliers are a way to verify the truth of such statement. The suppliers cooperate closely with the focal company when complementing their business processes and consequently supporting the company to pursue its operations strategy. A set of mechanisms to aid the comprehension of how the operations strategy can affect the business processes and therefore to achieve the result of this research were adopted. �� EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2012.

Linear codes over finite local rings in a chain

For a positive integer $t$, let \begin{equation*} \begin{array}{ccccccccc} (\mathcal{A}_{0},\mathcal{M}_{0}) & \subseteq & (\mathcal{A}_{1},\mathcal{M}_{1}) & \subseteq & & \subseteq & (\mathcal{A}_{t-1},\mathcal{M}_{t-1}) & \subseteq & (\mathcal{A},\mathcal{M}) \\ \cap & & \cap & & & & \cap & & \cap \\ (\mathcal{R}_{0},\mathcal{M}_{0}^{2}) & & (\mathcal{R}_{1},\mathcal{M}_{1}^{2}) & & & & (\mathcal{R}_{t-1},\mathcal{M}_{t-1}^{2}) & & (\mathcal{R},\mathcal{M}^{2}) \end{array} \end{equation*} be a chain of unitary local commutative rings $(\mathcal{A}_{i},\mathcal{M}_{i})$ with their corresponding Galois ring extensions $(\mathcal{R}_{i},\mathcal{M}_{i}^{2})$, for $i=0,1,\cdots,t$. In this paper, we have given a construction technique of the cyclic, BCH, alternant, Goppa and Srivastava codes over these rings. Though, initially in \cite{AP} it is for local ring $(\mathcal{A},\mathcal{M})$, in this paper, this new approach have given a choice in selection of most suitable code in error corrections and code rate perspectives.