Interlinkages and forecasting made possible by the use of the DECOIN analytical tool kit

This technical report is a document prepared as a deliverable [D4.3 Report of the Interlinkages and forecasting prototype tool] of a EU project – DECOIN Project No. 044428 - FP6-2005-SSP-5A. The text is divided into 4 sections: (1) this short introductory section explains the purpose of the report; (2) the second section provides a general discussion of a systemic problem found in existing quantitative analysis of sustainability. It addresses the epistemological implications of complexity, which entails the need of dealing with the existence of Multiple-Scales and non-equivalent narratives (multiple dimensions/attributes) to be used to define sustainability issues. There is an unavoidable tension between a “steady-state view” (= the perception of what is going on now – reflecting a PAST --& PRESENT view of the reality) versus an “evolutionary view” (= the unknown transformation that we have to expect in the process of becoming of the observed reality and in the observer – reflecting a PRESENT --& FUTURE view of the reality). The section ends by listing the implications of these points on the choice of integrated packages of sustainability indicators; (3) the third section illustrates the potentiality of the DECOIN toolkit for the study of sustainability trade-offs and linkages across indicators using quantitative examples taken from cases study of another EU project (SMILE). In particular, this section starts by addressing the existence of internal constraints to sustainability (economic versus social aspects). The narrative chosen for this discussion focuses on the dark side of ageing and immigration on the economic viability of social systems. Then the section continues by exploring external constraints to sustainability (economic development vs the environment). The narrative chosen for this discussion focuses on the dark side of current strategy of economic development based on externalization and the “bubbles-disease”; (4) the last section presents a critical appraisal of the quality of energy data found in energy statistics. It starts with a discussion of the general goal of statistical accounting. Then it introduces the concept of multipurpose grammars. The second part uses the experience made in the activities of the DECOIN project to answer the question: how useful are EUROSTAT energy statistics? The answer starts with an analysis of basic epistemological problems associated with accounting of energy. This discussion leads to the acknowledgment of an important epistemological problem: the unavoidable bifurcations in the mechanism of accounting needed to generate energy statistics. By using numerical example the text deals with the following issues: (i) the pitfalls of the actual system of accounting in energy statistics; (ii) a critical appraisal of the actual system of accounting in BP statistics; (iii) a critical appraisal of the actual system of accounting in Eurostat statistics. The section ends by proposing an innovative method to represent energy statistics which can result more useful for those willing develop sustainability indicators.

Serodiagnosis of chronic Chagas infection by using EIE-Recombinant-Chagas-Biomanguinhos kit

A kit based on an enzyme immunoassay, EIE-Recombinant-Chagas-Biomanguinhos, developed by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, was evaluated for the serodiagnosis of chronic Chagas disease. Evaluation was performed with 368 serum samples collected from individuals living in an endemic area for Chagas disease: 131 patients in the chronic phase with confirmed clinical, epidemiological, and serological diagnosis (indirect immunofluorescence, indirect hemagglutination or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and 237 nonchagasic seronegative individuals were considered negative control. The EIE-Recombinant-Chagas-Biomanguinhos kit showed high sensitivity, 100% (CI 95%: 96.4-100%) and high specificity, 100% (CI 95%: 98-100%). The data obtained were in full agreement with clinical and conventional serology data. In addition, no cross-reaction was observed with sera from patients with cutaneous (n=14) and visceral (n=3) leishmaniasis. However, when these sera were tested by conventional serological assays for Chagas disease, cross-reactions were detected in 14.3% and 33.3% of the patients with cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, respectively. No cross-reactions were observed when sera from nonchagasic seronegative patients bearing other infectious disease (syphilis, n=8; HTLV, n=8; HCV, n=7 and HBV, n=12) were tested. In addition, sera of patients with inconclusive results for Chagas disease by conventional serology showed results in agreement with clinical evaluation, when tested by the kit. These results are relevant and indicate that the refered kit provides a safe immunodiagnosis of Chagas disease and could be used in blood bank screening.

Desarrollo del nuevo karat Starter Kit

El proyecto se desarrolla en el marco de un convenio entre la UAB y la empresa UNIT4 en las oficinas de UNIT4 Ibérica en Barberà del Vallès. El objetivo del proyecto es crear una nueva herramienta, denominada karat Starter Kit Reloaded, que sirva de autoformación y demostración de la plataforma de desarrollo propia utilizada en la empresa (karat) reforzando los puntos débiles de la anterior y manteniendo los puntos fuertes de los que ya disponía.

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders : DSM-IV-TR.

Since the "DSM-IV(R)" was published in 1994, we've seen many advances in our knowledge of psychiatric illness. This "Text Revision" incorporates information culled from a comprehensive literature review of research about mental disorders published since "DSM-IV(R)" was completed in 1994. Updated information is included about the associated features, culture, age, and gender features, prevalence, course, and familial pattern of mental disorders. The "DSM-IV-TR(R)" brings this essential diagnostic tool up-to-date, to promote effective diagnosis, treatment, and quality of care. Now you can get all the essential diagnostic information you rely on from the "DSM-IV(R)" along with important updates not found in the 1994 edition. Stay current with important updates to the "DSM-IV-TR(R)": Benefit from new research into Schizophrenia, Asperger's Disorder, and other conditions Utilize additional information about the epidemiology and other facets of DSM conditions Update ICD-9-CM codes implemented since 1994 (including Conduct Disorder, Dementia, Somatoform Disorders) DSM-IV-TR(R), the handheld version of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, "Fourth Edition, Text Revision, is now available for both Palm OS and PocketPC handhelds. This Text Revision incorporates information culled from a comprehensive literature review of research about mental disorders and includes associated features, culture, age, and gender features, prevalence, course, and familial pattern of mental disorders.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Quit Kit Poster

The Quit Kit promotional materials were developed as part of the smoking cessation campaign which highlights the range of support available and reinforces the message that quitting is achievable with the right support and motivation. Support highlighted in this part of the campaign includes the smoking support services, GP/pharmacy support, helpline, web site www.want2stop.info and a quit kit. �The Quit Kit poster directs individuals to the smokers helpline 0808 812 8008 and www.want2stop.info to register for free Quit Kit

Quit Kit Flyer

The Quit Kit promotional materials were developed as part of the smoking cessation campaign which highlights the range of support available and reinforces the message that quitting is achievable with the right support and motivation. Support highlighted in this part of the campaign includes the smoking support services, GP/pharmacy support, helpline, web site www.want2stop.info and a quit kit. �The Quit Kit flyer allows individuals to register for free Quit Kit on completion of flyer.

Quit Kit Wallet Card

The Quit Kit promotional materials were developed as part of the smoking cessation campaign which highlights the range of support available and reinforces the message that quitting is achievable with the right support and motivation.