HIV/AIDS risk among female sex workers who use crack in Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To understand the social context of female sex workers who use crack and its impact on HIV/AIDS risk behaviors. METHODODOLOGICAL PROCEDURES: Qualitative study carried out in Foz do Iguaçu, Southern Brazil, in 2003. Twenty-six in-depth interviews and two focus groups were carried out with female commercial sex workers who frequently use crack. In-depth interviews with health providers, community leaders and public policy managers, as well as field observations were also conducted. Transcript data was entered into Atlas.ti software and grounded theory methodology was used to analyze the data and develop a conceptual model as a result of this study. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS: Female sex workers who use crack had low self-perceived HIV risk in spite of being engaged in risky behaviors (e.g. unprotected sex with multiple partners). Physical and sexual violence among clients, occasional and stable partners was widespread jeopardizing negotiation and consistent condom use. According to health providers, community leaders and public policy managers, several female sex workers who use crack are homeless or live in slums, and rarely have access to health services, voluntary counseling and testing, social support, pre-natal and reproductive care. CONCLUSIONS: Female sex workers who use crack experience a plethora of health and social problems, which apparently affect their risks for HIV infection. Low-threshold, user-friendly and gender-tailored interventions should be implemented, in order to increase the access to health and social-support services among this population. Those initiatives might also increase their access to reproductive health in general, and to preventive strategies focusing on HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.

Futuros sobre a margem operacional da refinação do petróleo bruto: crack spreads

Mestrado em Contabilidade Internacional

Evolução do consumo de crack em coorte com histórico de tratamento

OBJETIVO: Analisar a evolução do consumo entre usuários de crack com histórico de tratamento. MÉTODOS: Uma coorte de, originalmente, 131 dependentes de crack admitidos em uma enfermaria de desintoxicação em São Paulo, SP, entre 1992 e 1994, foi re-entrevistada em três ocasiões: 1995-1996, 1998-1999 e 2005-2006. As variáveis averiguadas foram: dados demográficos, comportamento sexual de risco, padrões de consumo de crack e outras substâncias, prisões, desaparecimentos e óbitos. Na análise estatística empregou-se o teste de qui-quadrado, a regressão logística multinomial e regressão de Cox. RESULTADOS: Dos pacientes avaliados, 43 estavam abstinentes do crack (12 meses ou mais), 22 eram usuários, 13 estavam presos, dois desaparecidos e 27 estavam mortos. Foram identificados três grupos com trajetórias distintas de consumo pós-alta. Comportamento seguro com uso de preservativo foi identificado como fator relacionado ao grupo de abstinentes estáveis (p = 0,001). Teste HIV positivo na internação (p = 0,046); consumo de cocaína aspirada no último ano (p = 0,001) e tempo de uso de cocaína aspirada na vida (mais de 132 meses) (p = 0,000) foram fatores relacionados a uso de longo termo. Uso pregresso de cocaína endovenosa aumentou em 2,5 vezes as chances de óbito em 12 anos (p = 0,031) (IC95%: 1,08; 5,79). CONCLUSÕES: A recorrência e persistência do consumo nos anos pós-alta de tratamento refletem novas modalidades de uso do crack. Por outro lado, padrões de abstinência estável apontam a viabilidade dos processos de recuperação relativos ao uso de crack.

Fissura por crack: comportamentos e estratégias de controle de usuários e ex-usuários

OBJETIVO: Compreender a fissura do usuário de crack, bem como descrever os comportamentos desenvolvidos sob fissura e estratégias utilizadas para seu controle. PROCEDIMENTOS METODOLÓGICOS: Estudo qualitativo com amostra intencional por critérios de 40 usuários e ex-usuários de crack em São Paulo, SP, nos anos de 2007 e 2008. Os entrevistados foram recrutados pela técnica da bola de neve e submetidos à entrevista semi-estruturada em profundidade, até a saturação teórica. Após transcrição literal, seguiu-se a análise do conteúdo das entrevistas para elaboração de inferências e hipóteses alicerçadas nessas narrativas. ANÁLISE DOS RESULTADOS: Os entrevistados estavam igualmente distribuídos quanto ao sexo, possuíam idade entre 18 e 50 anos, abrangeram todos os níveis de escolaridade e a maior parte possuía poucos recursos financeiros. Além da fissura sentida na abstinência de crack e da fissura induzida por pistas ambientais e emocionais, constatou-se um tipo de fissura que faz parte do próprio efeito do crack. Esta última apareceu como forte fator mantenedor dos binges de consumo, que foram os maiores responsáveis pelo rebaixamento de valores do usuário, sujeitando-o a práticas arriscadas para a obtenção da droga. Os métodos mais citados para a obtenção de crack ou dinheiro para comprá-lo foram: prostituição, manipulação de pessoas, endividamento, troca de pertences por crack e roubo. Foram relatadas estratégias para o alívio da fissura e táticas farmacológicas e comportamentais para evitar o seu desenvolvimento, como: comer, ter relação sexual, jogar futebol, trabalhar, evitar o contexto social de uso de crack e usar drogas que causam sonolência. CONCLUSÕES: Os binges de consumo de crack são causados pela fissura induzida durante o uso da droga. As medidas criadas pelo próprio usuário para lidar com a sua fissura melhoram sua relação com o crack e podem ser ferramenta importante para o aprimoramento do tratamento.

Periodic paths on nonautonomous graphs

We define nonautonomous graphs as a class of dynamic graphs in discrete time whose time-dependence consists in connecting or disconnecting edges. We study periodic paths in these graphs, and the associated zeta functions. Based on the analytic properties of these zeta functions we obtain explicit formulae for the number of n-periodic paths, as the sum of the nth powers of some specific algebraic numbers.

Mode III interlaminar fracture of carbon/epoxy laminates using the edge crack torsion (ECT) test

The mode III interlaminar fracture of carbon/epoxy laminates was evaluated with the edge crack torsion (ECT) test. Three-dimensional finite element analyses were performed in order to select two specimen geometries and an experimental data reduction scheme. Test results showed considerable non-linearity before the maximum load point and a significant R-curve effect. These features prevented an accurate definition of the initiation point. Nevertheless, analyses of non-linearity zones showed two likely initiation points corresponding to GIIIc values between 850 and 1100 J/m2 for both specimen geometries. Although any of these values is realistic, the range is too broad, thus showing the limitations of the ECT test and the need for further research.

From quality gurus and TQM to ISO 9001:2015: a review of several quality paths

A revision of several paths for the Quality journey is presented: from Quality Gurus and Total Quality Management (TQM) models to the ISO 9000 International Standards Series. Since ISO 9001:2008 is now in the revision process to the expected ISO 9001:2015 version, an analysis is made of he proposed changes and the underlying reasons and the impacts foreseen on the more than 1.3 Million certified organizations. This revision should be a step towards TQM and reflect the changes of an increasingly complex, demanding and dynamic environment, while assuring that complying organizations are able to provide conformity products and services that satisfy their customers. Major benefits are expected such as less emphasis on documentation and new/reinforced approaches: consideration of Organizational Context and (relevant) Stakeholders, Risk Based thinking and Knowledge Management.

Competitive paths for methanol decomposition on ruthenium: a DFT study

Methanol decomposition is one of the key reactions in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) state-of-the-art technology, research, and development. However, its mechanism still presents many uncertainties, which, if answered, would permit us to refine the manufacture of DMFCs. The mechanism of methanol decomposition on ruthenium surfaces was investigated using density functional theory and a periodic supercell approach. The possible pathways, involving either initial C−H, C−O or O−H scission, were defined from experimental evidence regarding the methanol decomposition on ruthenium and other metallic surfaces. The study yielded the O−H scission pathway as having both the most favorable energetics and kinetics. The computational data, which present a remarkable closeness with the experimental results, also indicate methanol adsorption, the starting point in all possible pathways, to be of weak nature, implying a considerable rate of methanol desorption from the ruthenium, compromising the reaction.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SMOKING, CRACK COCAINE ABUSE AND THE DISCONTINUATION OF COMBINATION ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN RECIFE, PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL

Despite the effectiveness of combination antiretroviral therapy in the treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), nonadherence to medication has become a major threat to its effectiveness. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported irregular use of antiretroviral therapy and the factors associated with such an irregularity in PLWHA. A cross-sectional study of PLWHA who attended two referral centers in the city of Recife, in Northeastern Brazil, between June 2007 and October 2009 was carried out. The study analyzed socioeconomic factors, social service support and personal habits associated with nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy, adjusted by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of PLWHA who reported irregular use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) was 25.7%. In the final multivariate model, the irregular use of cART was associated with the following variables: being aged less than 40 years (OR = 1.66, 95%-CI: 1.29-2.13), current smokers (OR = 1.76, 95%-CI: 1.31-2.37) or former smokers (OR = 1.43, 95%-CI: 1.05-1.95), and crack cocaine users (OR = 2.79, 95%-CI: 1.24-6.32). Special measures should be directed towards each of the following groups: individuals aged less than 40 years, smokers, former smokers and crack cocaine users. Measures for giving up smoking and crack cocaine should be incorporated into HIV-control programs in order to promote greater adherence to antiretroviral drugs and thus improve the quality of life and prolong life expectancy.

Portuguese Ministers, 1851-1999: Social Background and Paths to Power

Disponível em: http://193.136.113.6/Opac/Pages/Search/Results.aspx?SearchText=UID=bb8aa8d5-c6b6-466a-81bb-fe8a67693cee&DataBase=10449_UNLFCSH

Historic and potential technology transition paths of grid battery storage: Co-evolution of energy grid, electric mobility and batteries

Scarcity of fuels, changes in environmental policy and in society increased the interest in generating electric energy from renewable energy sources (RES) for a sustainable energy supply in the future. The main problem of RES as solar and wind energy, which represent a main pillar of this transition, is that they cannot supply constant power output. This results inter alia in an increased demand of backup technologies as batteries to assure electricity system safety. The diffusion of energy storage technologies is highly dependent on the energy system and transport transition pathways which might lead to a replacement or reconfiguration of embedded socio-technical practices and regimes (by creating new standards or dominant designs, changing regulations, infrastructure and user patterns). The success of this technology is dependent on hardly predictable future technical advances, actor preferences, development of competing technologies and designs, diverging interests of actors, future cost efficiencies, environmental performance, the evolution of market demand and design and evolution of our society.

Breaking the Pattern and Creating New Paths – Feminist Mizrahi Women Artists in Israel

This article addresses the work of Mizrahi women artists, i.e., Israeli-Jewish women of Asian or African ethnic origin, using the artist Vered Nissim as a case study. Nissim seeks to affirm the politics of identity and recognition, as well as feminism in order to create a paradigm shift with regards to the local regime of cultural representations in the Israeli art scene. Endeavouring to find ways of undermining the rigid imbalances between different social groups, she calls for a comprehensive reform of the status quo through artistic activism. Nissim employs a style, content, and medium that disrupts the accepted social order, using humour and irony as unique weapons with which she takes liberties with conventional moral, social, and economic values. Placing issues of race, class and gender at the centre of her work, she seeks to undermine and problematize essentialist attitudes, highlighting the political intersections of different identity categories as the critical analysis of intersectionality unfolds.

Comparing standard and low-cost tools for gradient evaluation along potential cycling paths

Promoting the use of non-motorized modes of transport, such as cycling, is an important contribution to the improvement of mobility, accessibility and equity in cities. Cycling offers a fast and cheap transportation option for short distances, helping to lower pollutant emissions and contributing to a healthier way of life. In order to make the cycling mode more competitive in relation to motorized traffic, it is necessary to evaluate the potential of alternatives from the perspective of the physical effort. One way to do so consists of assessing the suitability of locations for implementing cycling infrastructures. In this work, four tools to determine the gradient along potential cycling paths are compared. Furthermore, an evaluation of the reliability of some low-cost tools to measure this parameter was conducted, by comparison with standard measurements using cartographic plans, on a field case study applied to the city of Braga, Portugal. These tools revealed a good level of accuracy for the planning stage, but proved to be less reliable for use in design.

A model to simulate the moment-rotation and crack width of FRC members reinforced with longitudinal bars

The present work describes a model for the determination of the moment–rotation relationship of a cross section of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) elements that also include longitudinal bars for the flexural reinforcement (R/FRC). Since a stress–crack width relationship (σ–w)(σ–w) is used to model the post-cracking behavior of a FRC, the σ–w directly obtained from tensile tests, or derived from inverse analysis applied to the results obtained in three-point notched beam bending tests, can be adopted in this approach. For a more realistic assessment of the crack opening, a bond stress versus slip relationship is assumed to simulate the bond between longitudinal bars and surrounding FRC. To simulate the compression behavior of the FRC, a shear friction model is adopted based on the physical interpretation of the post-peak compression softening behavior registered in experimental tests. By allowing the formation of a compressive FRC wedge delimited by shear band zones, the concept of concrete crushing failure mode in beams failing in bending is reinterpreted. By using the moment–rotation relationship, an algorithm was developed to determine the force–deflection response of statically determinate R/FRC elements. The model is described in detail and its good predictive performance is demonstrated by using available experimental data. Parametric studies were executed to evidence the influence of relevant parameters of the model on the serviceability and ultimate design conditions of R/FRC elements failing in bending.

Estratégias desenvolvidas por usuários de crack para lidar com os riscos decorrentes do consumo da droga

OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, sob a ótica de usuários de crack, quais são as estratégias que eles utilizam para minimizar ou evitar os riscos decorrentes do consumo de crack. MÉTODO: Utilizou-se método qualitativo de pesquisa, desenvolvido mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas em profundidade. Foi entrevistada uma amostra intencional por critérios, composta por 30 usuários de crack, selecionados por meio de informantes-chave e distribuídos em oito diferentes cadeias. As entrevistas foram transcritas literalmente, inseridas e analisadas no software NVivo 8, com exploração dos dados mediante a técnica de análise de conteúdo. RESULTADOS: Os entrevistados acreditam que os maiores riscos decorrentes da dependência do crack sejam os relacionados aos efeitos psíquicos da droga, como fissura, sintomas paranoides transitórios e sintomas depressivos, assim como os decorrentes da ilegalidade dela, como a polícia e as questões referentes ao tráfico. Entretanto, os riscos de complicações físicas do consumo quase não foram apontados. As estratégias se concentraram no controle dos efeitos psíquicos, principalmente pelo consumo de álcool e maconha. Para lidar com as consequências da ilegalidade da droga, mostraram se preocupar com a postura que adotam perante o traficante e a polícia. CONCLUSÕES: As estratégias desenvolvidas pelos usuários focam na tentativa de se autoprotegerem principalmente dos episódios de violência e no alívio de sintomas desagradáveis causados pela droga - principalmente fissura e sintomas paranoides transitórios. Essas estratégias podem parecer efetivas a curto prazo, porém apresentaram riscos de longo prazo, tais como dependência de álcool e maconha.