beta-glucans in promoting health: Prevention against mutation and cancer

The polysaccharides beta-glucans occur as a principal component of the cellular walls. Some microorganisms, such as yeast and mushrooms, and also cereals such as oats and barley, are of economic interest because they contain large amounts of beta-glucans. These substances stimulate the immune system, modulating humoral and cellular immunity, and thereby have beneficial effect in fighting infections (bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic). beta-Glucans also exhibit hypocholesterolemic and anticoagulant properties. Recently, they have been demonstrated to be anti-cytotoxic, antimutagenic and anti-tumorogenic, making them promising candidate as pharmacological promoters of health. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Short Comments on an Energy Pumping Levels in a MEMS Gyroscope Vibrating Problem, by Using of an Global and Local Optimal Linear Control Design

This paper deals with an energy pumping that occurs in a (MEMS) Gyroscope nonlinear dynamical system, modeled with a proof mass constrained to move in a plane with two resonant modes, which are nominally orthogonal. The two modes are ideally coupled only by the rotation of the gyro about the plane's normal vector. We also developed a linear optimal control design for reducing the oscillatory movement of the nonlinear systems to a stable point.

Competition policies in emerging economies: lessons and challenges from Central America and Mexico

Incluye Bibliografía

The improvement of labour-market institutions in Latin America: progress and challenges

Includes bibliography

SMEs in the environmental goods and services market: identifying areas of opportunity, policies and instruments: case studies: Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Mexico

Includes bibliography

Pension reform in Europe in the 90's and lessons for Latin America

Includes bibliography

Pension reform in Central and Eastern Europe: necessity, approaches and open questions

Includes bibliography

Political violence and economic development in Latin America: issues and evidence

Includes bibliography

Diversity management: Challenges, benefits, and the role of human resource management in Brazilian organizations

Purpose The objective of this study was to analyze the major challenges and benefits of diversity management in Brazilian companies by assessing the role of human resources. Design/methodology/approach A total of 15 case studies were carried out on companies that operate in Brazil. Brazil is a country with considerable diversity and multiracial backgrounds. Findings It was found that diversity management in Brazilian companies is still an emerging issue, and the major challenges are related to discriminatory actions taken by coworkers. Among the 15 companies studied, only four had adopted a consistent set of diversity management and human resources practices. These four companies were the only companies to affirm that diversity management requires the strong support of top management and continuous organization to sustain efforts toward incorporating diversity. Originality/value Research studies on diversity management in Brazil are scarce. The findings of this study, however, can be useful to academic professionals and company directors in countries that exhibit similar characteristics to those of Brazil, or to those who are interested in learning more about Brazil. © 2011 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.

Violence against women in couples: Latin America and the Caribbean. A proposal for measuring its incidence and trends

Includes bibliography

Trafficking in persons, especially women and children in the countries of the Americas. A regional report on the scope of the problem and the governmental and non-governmental response

Includes bibliography

Structural changes in ocean-liner transport and the challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean

Revisa la estructura actual del transporte por barcos conferenciantes, analiza las fuerzas que lo estan reestructurando, los problemas que puedan resultar y sugiere posibles cursos de accion.

Experience acquired in Europe in the integration and co-ordinated operations of national electric power networks

Includes bibliography

The General Agreement on Trade in Services: challenges and opportunities for Latin America and the Caribbean

Includes bibliography