Trends in domestic electricity consumption in Botswana

Data on electricity consumption patterns relating to different end uses in domestic houses in Botswana is virtually non-existent, despite the fact that the total electricity consumption patterns are available. This can be attributed to the lack of measured and quantified data and in other instances the lack of modern technology to perform such investigations. This paper presents findings from initial studies that are envisaged to bridge the gap. Electricity consumption patterns of 275 domestic households in Gaborone (the capital city of Botswana) have been studied. This was carried out through a questionnaire survey and electricity measurements. Households were categorized based on the number of people occupying the house. From the study, it was evident that the number of people influences the amount of energy a household use although this cannot be treated as an independent factor when assessing energy use. The study also indicated that heating, cooling and domestic hot water (DHW) account for over 30% of energy used in the home. This is worth considering in energy consumption reduction measures. Due to a small sample size, it would not be wise to draw sweeping conclusions from the analysis of this paper or to make statements that would be aimed at influencing policies. However, the results presented forms a formidable base for further research, which is currently on going.

Environmental Objectives, Cost Efficiency, and Multivariate Stochastic Control

This paper is concerned with the cost efficiency in achieving the Swedish national air quality objectives under uncertainty. To realize an ecologically sustainable society, the parliament has approved a set of interim and long-term pollution reduction targets. However, there are considerable quantification uncertainties on the effectiveness of the proposed pollution reduction measures. In this paper, we develop a multivariate stochastic control framework to deal with the cost efficiency problem with multiple pollutants. Based on the cost and technological data collected by several national authorities, we explore the implications of alternative probabilistic constraints. It is found that a composite probabilistic constraint induces considerably lower abatement cost than separable probabilistic restrictions. The trend is reinforced by the presence of positive correlations between reductions in the multiple pollutants.

Redução do imposto sobre produtos industrializados: uma análise econômico-tributária dos reais efeitos das medidas de incentivo ao mercado automotivo

Aborda-se as medidas de redução da alíquota do Imposto sobre Produtos Industrializados para o mercado automotivo, como instrumento extrafiscal de incentivo ao setor em questão, diante dos efeitos da crise econômica mundial de 2008. O estudo efetuado tem como objetivo verificar os reais efeitos econômico-tributários da redução do IPI para o setor automotivo, verificando se as vendas, de fato, aumentaram com os programas de incentivo, assim como em que medida o consumidor final foi beneficiado pela desoneração tributária concedida pelo Governo. Como forma de viabilizar o estudo proposto, serão analisados os diferentes programas de incentivo ao setor automobilístico, levando em consideração seus períodos de vigência e evolução das alíquotas no decorrer do tempo. Nesse sentido, demonstra-se necessário analisar a progressão das vendas no período analisado, assim como a evolução dos preços dos automóveis objetos do benefício fiscal. Conforme se verificará, as medidas de redução do IPI proporcionaram a recuperação do setor automotivo, com um considerável aumento nas vendas, além de terem beneficiado o consumidor final, com uma significativa redução do preço de mercado dos automóveis.

Redução de danos e o saber-fazer de profissionais de um CAPS ad em Natal-RN

The present study had as a main objective to analyze how the professionals at a CAPS ad unit in Natal-RN conceive the knowledge-practice process with regard to the Harm Reduction Policy (HRP) towards alcohol and other drugs. For the accomplishment of this proposal, it was intended: 1) Verifying the possibilities and limits of the HRP implementation at a CAPS ad unit in Natal-RN; 2) Relating the professionals knowledge at a CAPS ad unit in Natal in regard to the Harm Reduction Policy; 3) Enumerating the HRP programmatic actions at the institution. The research had exploratory, descriptive and qualitative approach aspects, guided by the concepts of biopower and self care proposed by Michel Foucault. Data collection occurred in June and July 2011, in which the focal group technique was used. After that, collect field material was analyzed through the content analysis method proposed by Minayo. The results showed some conceptual and practical approach between the harm reduction strategy and the knowledge-practice of the professionals at this CAPS ad unit. The discursive models about drug usage, especially the moral-legal model, still have a significant role in the daily lives of these professionals, being amplified by some demands of their jobs or even through the instituted discourse. The individuals recognize the need for less prohibited practices and more socializing ones, identifying them with the Harm Reduction (HR) logic, when there is a coherent and well-founded understanding about HR among the professionals. Distorted and reductionist views about HR as considering the simple instrumental function of this strategy (distribution of basic supplies) among the professionals, represent one of the main barriers for its implementation. There are few programmatic activities that are related to the RD strategy at this CAPS ad unit which makes a more effective appropriation by the working team difficult to reach. The working processes and the postures adopted by this CAP ad unit professionals have been showing that many of their practices and conceptions were modified to the detriment of new necessities emerged from the demands. Consequently, the self care notion is revealed which brings the need for the valorization of these care agents roles, that is, their collective and individual contribution.

A redução de danos no atendimento especializado em álcool e outras drogas

The harm reduction HR is the official policy of Ministry of Public Health to deal with problem derived from alcohol consumption and other drugs AD. The HR refers to policies and support programs whose purpose is to reduce the risks related to the use of AD, without necessarily decrease individual consumption. This research aim was to analyze the HR conceptions and practices at two specialized institutions for AD users: 1) Psychosocial Care Center Alcohol and Drugs III (CAPSad III); 2) Therapeutic Community Fazenda da Esperança (FE) Dom Bosco. This is a qualitative research that used the following methodological tools: semi-structured interview with 21 professionals; socio demographic file and rounds of conversation with 63 participants users; participant observation and field journal. The interviews with professionals have characterized HR as a less complex and cheap treatment. At FE the HR proposal does not make part of their actions, being considered ―against the human being dignity‖. At CAPSad III is understood as an ―inevitable‖ guideline to service, once users do not remain abstinent. The users understand RD as an improvement in healthy conditions, social relations and work that occurs with the decreasing consumption of AD. They use the HR when they avoid situations that facilitate AD consumption, share relapse prevention strategies and, exclusively at CAPSad III, decrease psychotropic consumption. Stands out as an analyzer the HR comprehension as a less efficient treatment that opposes to the objective of both institutions, which is abstinence. The HR is not operationalize in daily routine by professionals and users as a healthy promotion strategy, however, the users are more affected to HR and produce strategies to face the difficulties arising from the AD consumption

Suporte ao uso de álcool e drogas na atenção primária: um estudo com equipes de Natal/RN

National surveys indicate that 6.8 % of the brazilian population is dependent on alcohol and 1 % dependent on illicit drugs, representing a significant portion of the population affected by this issue . Primary Care becomes instrumental in expanding the coverage of this demand and in reducing unnecessary referrals for specialized care. This study aimed to investigate the responsiveness and institutional support of Primary Care Teams in relation to the demands of alcohol and drugs users. The research was conducted in a Family Health Unit in West Sanitary District of Natal City. With quantitative and qualitative nature, our study consisted of two stages. At first, we performed a mapping of alcohol and other drugs abusive use in a sample of the population assisted by Family Heath Teams, using sociodemographic questionnaire and ASSIST (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test). 406 questionnaires were completed. Of these questionnaires, 27.8% are men and 72.2% women, of which 56% are between 20 and 39 years-old, they are housewives, have a stable relationship and are consumers of tobacco (37.6%), marijuana (13%) and especially alcohol (57%). In second stage, two Conversation Circles with Family Health Teams and the referential Family Health Support Center were formed to discuss the data of the mapping realized in the previous phase. The circles, which had participation of 20 of the 37 professional teams from Family Health and 2 from Family Health Support Center, showed a lack of professional training in the subject; inability of the healthcare network in the user embracement; belief of professionals that nothing can be done when matter is alcohol and drugs; and referencing as the only care action performed by teams. Thus we point out the need to support an approach on issues of alcohol and drugs which consider gender issues, investing in Harm Reduction Policy as a possibility of working in this context for recognizing each user in their uniqueness and strategizing with them to promote health in a broad and contextualized way

Social Panorama of Latin America 2004

Includes bibliography

Avaliação dos efeitos citotóxicos, genotóxicos, mutagênicos, antigenotóxicos, antimutagênicos e anticarcinogênicos do Lupinus albus em camundongos Mus musculus

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Política de redução de danos, vulnerabilidade e sexualidade: a opinião de psicólogos que atuam na clinica e no centro de atenção psicossocial - CAPS

Pós-graduação em Psicologia do Desenvolvimento e Aprendizagem - FC

Delenda proibicionismo: apontamentos críticos ao paradigma de guerra às drogas

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Comportamento da cana-de-açúcar em duas safras e atributos físicos do solo, sob diferentes tipos de preparo

The tillage comprises on average 25% of the cost of deploying a reed, so this cost reduction measures are desirable since they do not compromise the quality of the operation and longevity of sugarcane. The objective was to evaluate the effect of different tillage systems in Acrustox, correlating soil physical properties and characteristics of sugarcane agroindustrial plant cane and ratoon cane. We used five types of soil tillage, over experimental design in blocks with five replications. The particle size was measured every 0.1 m to 0.4 m depth, through deformed soil samples collected at the end of the first growth cycle of the culture. For other soil physical properties: bulk density, total porosity and water content, assessments were performed at the end of each cycle, collecting soil samples in layers of 0-0.20 to 0.21-0.40 m, in addition to performing the penetration resistance, using a penetrometer impact. The response of sugarcane depending on the types of tillage was determined from the evaluation of productivity per hectare of stem (TCH), sugar (TPH), the values of pol % cane (AP), sugar total recoverable (ATR) and fiber samples collected at harvest stalk of sugarcane plant and ratoon cane. In the tillage studied, there was a change of the physical attributes of the soil, causing reduced productivity in 2009/2010 crop, compared with the 2008/2009 season. In tillage system of furrowing direct lowest result was observed for TCH, especially in 2009/2010 crop, when the difference with conventional tillage was 20.53 Mg ha(-1).

Processos geodinâmicos associados a mudanças de uso da terra: o caso da microbacia hidrográfica do Córrego Caçula (Ilha Solteira - SP)

Pós-graduação em Engenharia Civil - FEIS

A avaliação da efetividade de um modelo de intervenção breve (método BASICS) para o uso de risco de álcool em estudantes do ensino médio

Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva - FMB

Pharmacological interventions in the treatment of the acute effects of cannabis: a systematic review of literature

Abstract Background Cannabis intoxication is related to a number of physical and mental health risks with ensuing social costs. However, little attention has been given to the investigation of possible pharmacological interactions in this condition. Objective To review the available scientific literature concerning pharmacological interventions for the treatment of the acute effects of cannabis. Methods A search was performed on the Pubmed, Lilacs, and Scielo online databases by combining the terms cannabis, intoxication, psychosis, anxiety, and treatment. The articles selected from this search had their reference lists checked for additional publications related to the topic of the review. Results The reviewed articles consisted of case reports and controlled clinical trials and are presented according to interventions targeting the physiological, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms provoked by cannabis. The pharmacological interventions reported in these studies include: beta-blockers, antiarrhythmic agents, antagonists of CB-1 and GABA-benzodiazepine receptors, antipsychotics, and cannabidiol. Conclusion Although scarce, the evidence on pharmacological interventions for the management of cannabis intoxication suggests that propanolol and rimonabant are the most effective compounds currently available to treat the physiological and subjective effects of the drug. Further studies are necessary to establish the real effectiveness of these two medications, as well as the effectiveness of other candidate compounds to counteract the effects of cannabis intoxication, such as cannabidiol and flumazenil.

Noise mapping of highly trafficked roads of the province of Bologna according to D.Lgs. 194/2005

The European Community has stressed the importance of achieving a common understanding to deal with the environmental noise through community actions of the Member States. This implies the use of harmonized indicators and specific information regarding the values of indicators, the exceedance of limits and the number of people and dwellings exposed to noise. The D.Lgs. 149/2005 in compliance with the European Directive 2002/49/EC defines methodologies, noise indicators and types of outputs required. In this dissertation the work done for the noise mapping of highly trafficked roads of the Province of Bologna will be reported. The study accounts for the environmental noise generated by the road infrastructure outside the urban agglomeration of Bologna. Roads characterized by an annual traffic greater than three millions of vehicles will be considered. The process of data collection and validation will be reported, as long as the implementation of the calculation method in the software and the procedure to create and calibrate the calculation model. Results will be provided as required by the legislation, in forms of maps and tables. Moreover results regarding each road section accounted will be combined to gain a general understanding of the situation of the overall studied area. Although the understanding of the noise levels and the number of people exposed is paramount, it is not sufficient to develop strategies of noise abatement interventions. Thus a further step will be addressed: the creation of priority maps as the basis of action plans for organizing and prioritizing solutions for noise reduction and abatement. Noise reduction measures are reported in a qualitative way in the annex and constitute a preliminary research.