Zn(0.97)M(0.03)O (M = Co, Fe, and V) pigments: thermal, structural, and optical characterization

Zinc oxide is a widely used white inorganic pigment. Transition metal ions are used as chromophores and originate the ceramic pigments group. In this context, ZnO particles doped with Co, Fe, and V were synthesized by the polymeric precursors method, Pechini method. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG) techniques were used to accurately characterize the distinct thermal events occurring during synthesis. The TG and DSC results revealed a series of decomposition temperatures due to different exothermal events, which were identified as H(2)O elimination, organic compounds degradation and phase formation. The samples were structurally characterized by X-Ray diffractometry revealing the formation of single phase, corresponding to the crystalline matrix of ZnO. The samples were optically characterized by diffuse reflectance measurements and colorimetric coordinates L*, a*, b* were calculated for the pigment powders. The pigment powders presented a variety of colors ranging from white (ZnO), green (Zn(0.97)Co(0.03)O), yellow (Zn(0.97)Fe(0.03)O), and beige (Zn(0.97)V(0.03)O).

Estimated alcohol-caused deaths in Australia, 1990-97

The purpose of the study was to provide updated estimates of alcohol-caused mortality rates in Australia between 1990 and 1997, making adjustments for changes in the prevalence of high-risk alcohol use estimated on the basis of per capita alcohol consumption (PCAC). Deaths wholly and partially attributable to high-risk alcohol consumption were extracted from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Mortality Datafile (1990-1997) and multiplied by specific aetiologicalfractions, which in turn were adjusted by changes in the prevalence of high-risk alcohol use estimated on the basis of annual changes in PCAC. The yearly trends in age-standardized rates of estimated alcohol-caused deaths were compared with those using (i) aetiological fractions unadjusted for changes in PCAC, and (ii) wholly alcohol-caused conditions only (thus requiring no application of aetiological fractions). The age-standardized rates of all alcohol-caused deaths among males aged 15 + years declined from 1990 (4.01110000) to 1993 (3.19/10000) and decreased far more slowly up to 1997 (3.15/10000)-16% overall. For females, these rates declined steadily from 1990 (1.75/10000) to 1997 (1.33/10000)-19% overall. Similar patterns in time trends were noted for estimated alcohol-caused death rates calculated as in (i) and (ii). However, the proportional decreases in rates (21.6%for males; 24. O%for females) would have been underestimated by 16% (males) and 19% (females) if the alcohol aetiological fractions had not been adjusted to take account of the estimated annual changes in the prevalence of high-risk drinking. The declines in estimated alcohol-caused death rates were more pronounced than the 9% decline in PCAC, and were due mainly to decreasing death rates for stroke (men and women), alcoholic liver cirrhosis and road injuries (men only). When aetiological fractions are used to measure temporal trends in estimated alcohol-caused death rates from official mortality statistics, they should account for annual changes in the prevalence of high-risk drinking. Such changes in prevalence can be deduced from yearly fluctuations in PCAC.

The epidemiology of overweight and obesity among Australian children and adolescents, 1995-97

A study attempts to determine the population prevalence of overweight and obesity among Australian children and adolescents, based on measured body mass index (BMI) to determine if overweight and obesity are distributed differentially across the population of young Australians. Data from three independent surveys were analyzed and results indicate that the population prevalence and distribution of overweight, obesity and overweight/obesity combined were 79%-81%, 14%-16%, 5% and 19%-21% (boys) respectively, and 76%-79%, 16%-18%, 5%-6% and 21%-24% (girls). There were no consistent relationships between the prevalence of overweight/obesity and sex, age or SES. It is concluded that some 19%-23% of Australian children and adolescents are either overweight or obese. Only cultural background differential warrant a targeted health promotion response.

A mudança no padrão de financiamento da agricultura brasileira no período 1965-97

O presente trabalho é um estudo histórico-descritivo sobre as diferentes formas de financiamento da agricultura e de suas relações com as políticas macroeconômicas adotadas no Brasil no período 1965-97. Buscaram-se mostrar as mudanças que ocorreram no padrão de financiamento da agricultura e se as diferentes formas de financiamento agrícola foram coerentes com os objetivos das políticas macroeconômicas. O padrão de financiamento da agricultura brasileira evoluiu e adaptou-se ao contexto econômico do país em cada fase da sua história. As diferentes formas de financiar a agricultura estão associadas aos interesses políticos e econômicos de cada etapa do desenvolvimento brasileiro, havendo coerência entre as políticas macroeconômicas e as políticas agrícolas durante todo o período. O processo de modernização e industrialização da agricultura teve o seu desenvolvimento sustentado no crédito agrícola, por intermédio do financiamento de máquinas, implementos e insumos que foram produzidos pelo setor industrial. Com a crise fiscal presente no país desde os anos 80, os recursos oriundos do Governo Federal passaram a ser substituídos por recursos dos Governos Estaduais e Municipais e pela iniciativa privada.