Consolidation and chromatic reintegration of historical renders with lime-based pozzolanic products

Historical renders are exposed to several degradation processes that can lead to a wide range of anomalies,such as scaling, detachments, and pulverization. Among the common anomalies, the loss of cohesion and of adhesion are usually identified as the most difficult to repair; these anomalies still need to be deeply studied to design compatible, durable, and sustainable conservation treatments. The restitution of render cohesion can be achieved using consolidating products. Nevertheless, repair treatments could induce aesthetic alterations, and, therefore, are usually followed by chromatic reintegration. This work aims to study the effectiveness of mineral products as consolidants for lime-based mortars and simultaneously as chromatic treatments for pigmented renders. The studied consolidating products are prepared by mixing air lime,metakaolin, water, and mineral pigments. The idea of these consolidating and coloring products rises from a traditional lime-based technique, the limewash, widely diffused in southern Europe and in the Mediterranean area. Consolidating products were applied and tested on lime-based mortar specimens with a low binder–aggregate ratio and therefore with reduced cohesion. A physico-mechanical, microstructural, and mineralogical characterization was performed on untreated and treated specimens, in order to evaluate the efficacy and durability of the treatments. Accelerated aging tests were also performed to assess consolidant durability, when subjected to aggressive conditions. Results showed that the consolidants tested are compatible, effective, and possess good durability.

Epidemiological study on leishmaniasis in an area of environmental tourism and ecotourism, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, 2006-2007

The aims of this study were to carry out a serological survey of canine leishmaniasis and identify the phlebotomine fauna in the urban area of Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul. The serological survey was conducted on a sample of 303 dogs, by means of the indirect immunofluorescence test. Phlebotomines were captured using automated light traps. The serological survey found that 30% of the dogs were seropositive, both from the center and from all districts of the town. A total of 2,772 specimens of phlebotomines were caught and the species most found was Lutzomyia longipalpis (90.4%), which corroborated its role as the vector of for canine visceral leishmaniasis in the region. Phlebotomines of the species Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (the main vector for Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis) and Nyssomyia whitmani (the vector for Leishmania (Viannia) brasiliensis) were also caught. The findings indicate the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance, with attention towards diminishing the vector breeding sites and the transmission of these diseases in that region.

Botnet cluster identification

Botnets are a group of computers infected with a specific sub-set of a malware family and controlled by one individual, called botmaster. This kind of networks are used not only, but also for virtual extorsion, spam campaigns and identity theft. They implement different types of evasion techniques that make it harder for one to group and detect botnet traffic. This thesis introduces one methodology, called CONDENSER, that outputs clusters through a self-organizing map and that identify domain names generated by an unknown pseudo-random seed that is known by the botnet herder(s). Aditionally DNS Crawler is proposed, this system saves historic DNS data for fast-flux and double fastflux detection, and is used to identify live C&Cs IPs used by real botnets. A program, called CHEWER, was developed to automate the calculation of the SVM parameters and features that better perform against the available domain names associated with DGAs. CONDENSER and DNS Crawler were developed with scalability in mind so the detection of fast-flux and double fast-flux networks become faster. We used a SVM for the DGA classififer, selecting a total of 11 attributes and achieving a Precision of 77,9% and a F-Measure of 83,2%. The feature selection method identified the 3 most significant attributes of the total set of attributes. For clustering, a Self-Organizing Map was used on a total of 81 attributes. The conclusions of this thesis were accepted in Botconf through a submited article. Botconf is known conferênce for research, mitigation and discovery of botnets tailled for the industry, where is presented current work and research. This conference is known for having security and anti-virus companies, law enforcement agencies and researchers.

Hábitos e problemas do sono das crianças dos 2 a 10 anos

RESUMO: Enquadramento: O sono é cada vez mais reconhecido como um fator determinante na Saúde Infantil porque, quando desadequado, pode ter consequências na regulação emocional e do comportamento, nas funções cognitivas, no rendimento académico, na regulação do peso e no risco de lesões acidentais. Os hábitos e problemas do sono das crianças portuguesas não se encontram ainda bem caracterizados. Este conhecimento é importante para o desenvolvimento da investigação e para a promoção da saúde nesta área. Objetivos: Adaptar e validar o Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) para a cultura portuguesa; Caracterizar os hábitos de sono de uma amostra de crianças dos 2 aos 10 anos tendo em vista a obtenção de dados de referência; Estimar a prevalência dos problemas do sono na perspetiva dos pais; Avaliar se existem diferenças nos hábitos e problemas do sono entre as regiões de média-alta e baixa densidade populacional; Identificar potenciais consequências dos problemas do sono. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, descritivo e correlacional. A versão portuguesa do questionário (CSHQ-PT) foi desenvolvida de acordo com as orientações previamente publicadas e validada numa amostra de 315 crianças dos 2 aos 10 anos. Para o estudo dos hábitos e problemas do sono, o CSHQ-PT foi distribuído aos pais de 2257 crianças recrutadas em 17 zonas de agrupamentos escolares (15 escolhidos de forma aleatória) das áreas da Grande Lisboa, Península de Setúbal e Alentejo, compreendendo zonas litorais e do interior, e de alta, média e baixa densidade populacional. Foram obtidos 1450 (64%) questionários válidos. Resultados: O CSHQ-PT mostrou propriedades psicométricas semelhantes às das versões de outros países e adequadas para a investigação. A avaliação dos hábitos de sono nos dias de semana mostrou que as crianças se deitam, em média, pelas 21h 44m (DP 38 min.). A necessidade da companhia dos pais para adormecer diminui com a idade, ocorrendo em 49% das crianças aos 2-3 anos e 10% aos 9-10 anos. O hábito de adormecer a ver televisão foi descrito em 15,8% das crianças. O tempo total de sono diário diminui com a idade, com uma diferença mais marcada dos 2 para os 3 anos e dos 3 para os 4 anos, quando a sesta se torna menos frequente. No fim de semana, 25% das crianças dormia pelo menos mais uma hora. As diferenças nos hábitos de sono entre regiões de média-alta e de baixa densidade populacional foram reduzidas, sem reflexo na duração média do sono. Considerando valores de referência de outros países, verificou-se que 10% das crianças estudadas tinha uma duração do sono dois desvios-padrão abaixo da média esperada para a idade. A prevalência dos problemas do sono na perspetiva dos pais foi de 10,4%, sem diferenças significativas entre classes etárias, subgrupos de nível educacional dos pais, nem entre zonas de média-alta e baixa densidade populacional. Estes problemas do sono mostraram-se associados, sobretudo, à duração do sono insuficiente, resistência em ir para a cama, dificuldade em adormecer sozinho, despertares noturnos frequentes e ocorrência de parassónias. A baixa prevalência de problemas do sono identificados pelos pais contrasta com cotações elevadas no CSHQ-PT que traduzem comportamentos-problema mais frequentes, que são bem aceites por alguns pais. O Índice de Perturbação do Sono foi mais elevado nas famílias com menor nível educacional. Em análise multivariada mostraram valor preditivo para a sonolência diurna: o tempo total de sono diário, a diferença da duração do sono noturno durante a semana e no fim de semana, a frequência de algumas parassónias e o hábito de adormecer a ver televisão. O rendimento escolar mostrou associação com os problemas do sono, que são mais frequentes nas crianças com dificuldades escolares e hiperatividade/problemas de atenção. A relação entre estas variáveis é complexa. Conclusões: Este estudo mostrou que os problemas comportamentais do sono e a privação de sono são frequentes na população estudada. Estes problemas têm consequências, uma vez que correspondem a uma frequência mais elevada de sintomas de sonolência diurna, por comparação com outros países. Perante este cenário, é muito importante reforçar a promoção de hábitos de sono saudáveis e continuar a estudar as consequências do sono desadequado nas crianças portuguesas. -----------ABSTRACT:Framework: Sleep is increasingly being recognized as important to Child Health, for inadequate sleep may impact behavioral and emotional regulation, cognitive functions, academic performance, weight regulation and the risk of accidental injuries. The sleep habits and sleep problems of Portuguese children are not well characterized. This knowledge is important to support further studies and health promotion actions. Objectives: Develop and validate a Portuguese version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ-PT); Characterize the sleep habits and problems in a sample of Portuguese children from the ages of 2 to 10 for future reference; Estimate the prevalence of parent-defined sleep problems; Assess whether there are differences in sleep habits and problems between regions of medium-high and low population densities; Identify potential consequences of sleep problems. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study. The Portuguese version of the questionnaire (CSHQ-PT) was developed according to published guidelines and validated in a sample of 315 children from 2 to 10 years old (y.o.). In order to study sleep habits and problems we delivered the CSHQ-PT to 2257 children recruited from 17 school districts (15 were chosen randomly) in areas with low, medium and high population densities, including coastline and inland regions. 1450 (64%) valid questionnaires were obtained. Results: The CSHQ-PT demonstrated psychometric properties that were similar to the versions from other countries and adequate for research. The evaluation of sleep habits showed that on schooldays children go to bed, on average, at 21h 44m (SD 38 min.). The need of having the parent in the room at bedtime decreases with the age of the child, occurring in 49% of children with 2-3 y.o. and 10% of children between 9 and 10 y.o. The habit of going asleep while watching TV was reported in 15,8% of the children. Total sleep time diminishes with the age of the child, having a major decrease from 2 to 3 y.o. and from 3 to 4 y.o., along with less frequent naps. During the weekend, 25% of the children sleep at least one extra hour. Considering reference values from other series, we found that 10% of the children had a sleep duration two standard deviations below the mean for the age. The differences in sleep habits between regions of medium-high and low population densities are few, and there are no differences in average sleep durations. The prevalence of parent-defined sleep problems was 10.4%. There were no significant differences between age classes, parent education subgroups or between regions of medium-high and low population densities. These sleep problems were associated with insufficient sleep duration, bedtime resistance, difficulty in falling asleep alone, frequent night awakenings and the occurrence of parasomnias. The low prevalence of parent-defined sleep problems contrasts with high CSHQ scores meaning that problematic behaviors are more frequent, but acceptable to some parents. The Sleep Disturbance Score was higher in families with a lower educational level. In multivariate analysis, the following factors predicted the daytime somnolence score: total sleep time, the difference in night sleep duration between the weekend and school days, the frequency of some parasomnias and the habit of falling asleep while watching TV. School achievement showed a negative correlation with the sleep problems, which are more frequent in children with school difficulties and hyperactivity/attention problems. The relationship between these variables is complex. Conclusions: This study evidenced that behavioral sleep problems and sleep deprivation are common in our population. These sleep problems have consequences as they correspond to more symptoms of excessive daytime somnolence comparing to other countries. Therefore, we reinforce the importance of promoting healthy sleep habits and further study the consequences of inadequate sleep in Portuguese children.

Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Governador Valadares, a transmission area for American tegumentary leishmaniasis in State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: A study on the phlebotomine sandfly fauna was carried out in an endemic area for American tegumentary leishmaniasis in the municipality of Governador Valadares, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Captures were undertaken using HP light traps in four districts, on three nights per month, for one year (from January to December 2008). Correlations between climatic factors (temperature, relative air humidity and rainfall) and the numbers of sandflies collected was observed. RESULTS: 5,413 phlebotomine specimens were caught and were identified as belonging to 12 species. Of these specimens, 2,851 (52%) were females and 2,562 (48%) were males. CONCLUSIONS: Lutzomyia intermedia predominated (29.9% of the species caught), thus suggesting that they were responsible for transmission of American tegumentary leishmaniasis, together with L. whitmani, which was also found in the area (4.3%). The presence of L. longipalpis (11.9%), the main vector for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil, is an important finding, which makes rigorous entomological surveillance of the area necessary.

Perfil de internamentos por Depressão Major no SNS português nos anos de 2008 e 2013 : variação em período de crise económica

RESUMO - O início da crise económica global colocou Portugal num contexto de restrição orçamental que gerou repercussões em várias áreas, especificamente na saúde mental das pessoas, evidenciadas a partir de 2009. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o impacto da crise económica no perfil de internamentos por Depressão Major na população em idade ativa nos hospitais do SNS em Portugal Continental. Tratou-se de um estudo epidemiológico, observacional, descritivo e transversal. Foi efetuada uma análise individual, concretizada através da análise dos episódios de internamento; e ecológica, ao nível de distritos; nos anos de 2008 e 2013. Foram analisados dados relativos aos episódios de internamento, à população em idade ativa e às camas de internamento de psiquiatria. Os resultados permitem afirmar que os distritos com menores índices de urbanização e de densidade populacional apresentaram taxas de internamento por Depressão Major, na população em idade ativa, mais elevadas, e os seus habitantes apresentaram um risco de internamento superior, em ambos os períodos. Observou-se um aumento da taxa de internamentos e do risco de internamento por Depressão Major, na maioria dos distritos, no período de crise económica. Adicionalmente, verificou-se que a taxa de internamentos foi influenciada positivamente pelo número de camas disponíveis e ocorreu um aumento do número de internamentos por Depressão Major por cama de internamento disponível, no período de crise económica. Este estudo, de carater exploratório e com limitações identificadas, permitiu observar a variação geográfica e temporal do internamento por Depressão Major fomentando a necessidade de investigação futura neste âmbito.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Shigella spp. isolated in the State of Pará, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Shigella spp. are Gram-negative, nonsporulating, rod-shaped bacteria that belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae and are responsible for shigellosis or bacillary dysentery, an important cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We studied the antibiotic resistance profiles of 122 Shigella spp. strains (81 S. flexneri, 41 S. sonnei, 1 S. boydii) isolated from patients (female and male from 0 to 80 years of age) presenting diarrhea in different districts of the State of Pará, in the North of Brazil. The antibiotic resistance of the strains, isolated from human fecal samples, was determined by the diffusion disk method and by using the VITEK-2 system. RESULTS: The highest resistance rate found was the resistance rate to tetracycline (93.8%), followed by the resistance rate to chloramphenicol (63.9%) and to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (63.1%). Resistance to at least three drugs was more common among S. flexneri than S. sonnei (39.5% vs. 10%). Six (4.9%) strains were susceptible to all the antibiotics tested. All strains were susceptible to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid and nitrofurantoin. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of multidrug resistance in Shigella spp. are a serious public health concern in Brazil. It is extremely important to continuously monitor the antimicrobial resistances of Shigella spp. for effective therapy and control measures against shigellosis.

Analysis of sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Barra do Garças, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, and the influence of environmental variables on the vector density of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912)

INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis is an infectious and parasitic zoonotic, non-contagious, vector-borne disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In Brazil, the major vector of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi (Cunha & Chagas, 1934) is Lutzomyia longipalpis. Barra do Garças, State of Mato Grosso, was designated as a priority area by the Brazilian Ministry of Health for american visceral leishmaniasis, and it is important to identify the vector species present in this municipality. Our objective was to raise sandflies and study the influence of environmental variables on the vector density of Lutzomyia longipalpis. METHODS: We performed entomological monitoring in 3 districts using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps and recorded human cases of american visceral leishmaniasis in the city. We calculated the relative frequency and richness of sandflies and applied a transfer function model to the vector density correlate with relative humidity. RESULTS: The sandfly population was composed of 2 genera and 27 species, totaling 8,097 individuals. Monitoring identified Lutzomyia longipalpis (44%), followed by Lutzomyia lenti (18.9%), Lutzomyia whitmani (13.9%), Lutzomyia carmelinoi (9.1%), Lutzomyia evandroi (5.1%), Lutzomyia termitophila (3.3%), Lutzomyia sordellii (1.9%), and 20 other species (<4%). The male:female ratio was 3.5:1. We observed high species diversity (Dα = 6.65). Lutzomyia longipalpis showed occurrence peaks during the rainy season; there was a temporal correlation with humidity, but not with frequency or temperature. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis in the urban area of Barra do Garças underscores the changing disease profile, which was previously restricted to the wild environment.

Epidemiology of malaria in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul, State of Acre, Brazil, in 2010: uses of a control chart at the local level

INTRODUCTION: This study describes the uses of a control chart in the malaria surveillance at the local level, signaling whether there is a need to intensify or adapt control measures. METHODS: The districts of Cruzeiro do Sul (n=14), State of Acre, Brazil, were classified into three groups: I) those with an incidence lower than expected; II) those with an incidence within the expected range; and III) those with an epidemic. RESULTS: Thirteen of the fourteen districts had outbreaks of malaria at some point in 2010, and six districts showed persistent malaria epidemic throughout the year. CONCLUSIONS: The control chart may help the malaria control at the local level.

Indicadores de prognóstico em utentes com disfunção do ombro submetidos a uma intervenção terapêutica direcionada para a estabilidade dinâmica da escápulo-torácica

RESUMO: Introdução/ Objetivo: Segundo a revisão sistemática de Chester e colaboradores (2013b)apenas dois fatores de prognóstico demonstraram uma associação consistente com o resultado que foram a duração dos sintomas e a funcionalidade na avaliação inicial. O objetivo do estudo é identificar indicadores de bom e mau prognóstico em utentes com disfunção do complexo articular do ombro (DCAO), tendo por base, aspetos da avaliação inicial do utente e critérios de alta de abolição da dor, aumento da funcionalidade e da estabilidade dinâmica considerando uma intervenção terapêutica direcionada para o aumento da estabilidade dinâmica da escápulo-torácica. Metodologia: Efetuou-se um estudo de coorte clínico retrospetivo. Para tal, aplicou-se um protocolo de intervenção terapêutica e analisou-se os resultados. A amostra foi constituída por 82 indivíduos com DCAO [53 com síndrome do conflito subacromial (SCSA) e 29 com instabilidade da glenoumeral (IGU)], residentes nos distritos de Lisboa, Setúbal e Santarém com o intuito de iniciar tratamento de fisioterapia. A análise dos dados foi efetuada tendo em consideração dois procedimentos: análise univariada (através do método de Kaplan-Meier para cada CVP) e análise multifatorial (pela análise de regressão de Cox e regressão logística nos grupos de utentes com SCSA, IGU e DCAO). Resultados: O tempo mediano de continuação no tratamento em fisioterapia foi de 7 semanas para os utentes com SCSA e 6 semanas para utentes com IGU. Segundo o teste de Logrank, na análise univariada, existem sete e oito covariáveis preditoras (CVP) com associação estatisticamente significativa (p<0,05) para o subgrupo SCSA e IGU, respectivamente. De acordo com estes resultados, a primeira parte da DASH e a SPADI são as únicas CVP com associação comuns às duas disfunções. Pela análise multifatorial e, em congruência com o teste de Wald, nenhuma das CVP contribui estatisticamente para o modelo preditivo de continuidade do tratamento de fisioterapia em qualquer um dos três modelos estudados: subgrupo SCSA, subgrupo IGU e utentes com DCAO. Conclusão: Por uma análise univariada verificou-se que existem CVP associadas à alta dos tratamentos em fisioterapia e estas não são as mesmas em ambas as DCAO. Contudo, a magnitude do efeito de cada CVP nos modelos multifatoriais definidos para os grupos de utentes com SCSA, IGU e DCAO não demonstraram valor estatisticamente significativo pelo que não foi possível determinar modelos de prognóstico em utentes com DCAO.-------------ABSTRACT: Background/ Purpose: According with the systematic review from Chester and collaborators (2013b) just two prognostic factors demonstrated a consistent association with the outcome: the duration of symptoms and functionality in the initial assessment. The purpose of the study is to identify indicators of good and poor prognosis in patients with shoulder’s dysfunctions, based on aspects of the initial assessment and discharge criteria of absence of pain, increased functionality and dynamic stability considering a therapeutic intervention used to increase the dynamic stability of scapulo-thoracic. Methodology: It was conducted a retrospective study of clinical cohort. For this purpose it was applied a protocol with therapeutic intervention and the results were analyzed. The sample consisted of 82 individuals with shoulder’s dysfunction (53 with subacromial impingement (SIMP) and 29 with shoulder instability (SINS) residing in the districts of Lisbon, Setúbal and Santarém in order to start physiotherapy. Data analysis was performed taking into account two procedures: univariate analysis [using the Kaplan-Meier method for each co-variant predictor variable (CVP)] and multifactorial analysis [analysis by Cox regression and logistic regression on groups of patients with SIMP, SINS and shoulder’s dysfunction (SD)]. Results: The median time of follow-up treatment at physical therapy was 7 weeks for patients with SIMP and 6 weeks for patients with SINS. According to the Logrank test in the univariate analysis, there are seven and eight CVP with a statistically significant association (p<0.05) for the patients with SIMP and SINS, respectively. According to these results, the first part of the DASH and SPADI are the only CVP common to both disorders association. By multifatorial analyses, and in agreement with the Wald test, none of the CVP contributes statistically to the predictive model of continuity of physiotherapy treatment in any of the three studied models: patients with SIMP, patients with SINS and patients with SD. Conclusion: In an univariate analysis, it was verified that there are CVP associated with discharge from treatments of physical therapy and these are not the same in both SD. However, the magnitude of effect of each CVP in multifactorial models for defined patients groups with SIMP, SINS and SD showed no statistically significant. Therefore, it was not possible to determine prognostic models for patients with SD.

Enterobius vermicularis infection is well controlled among preschool children in nurseries of Taipei City, Taiwan

INTRODUCTION: Whether Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infections among preschool children in Taipei City had truly declined was investigated. METHODS: A total of 6,661 preschool children from 28 nurseries were randomly selected from 4 major geographic districts in Taipei City to examine the status of pinworm infection by using adhesive thin cellophane tape swab method. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of pinworm infection was 0.5% (30/6,661). Boys (0.6%; 21/3,524) had higher prevalence than girls (0.3%; 9/3,137) (p=0.06). Southern district (0.6%; 10/1,789) showed insignificantly higher prevalence than Western district (0.2%; 1/606) (p=0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Pinworm screening program remains necessary for some parts of Taipei City.

Search-for-yield in Portuguese fixed-income mutual funds and monetary policy

This paper studies the effects of monetary policy on mutual fund risk taking using a sample of Portuguese fixed-income mutual funds in the 2000-2012 period. Firstly I estimate time-varying measures of risk exposure (betas) for the individual funds, for the benchmark portfolio, as well as for a representative equally-weighted portfolio, through 24-month rolling regressions of a two-factor model with two systematic risk factors: interest rate risk (TERM) and default risk (DEF). Next, in the second phase, using the estimated betas, I try to understand what portion of the risk exposure is in excess of the benchmark (active risk) and how it relates to monetary policy proxies (one-month rate, Taylor residual, real rate and first principal component of a cross-section of government yields and rates). Using this methodology, I provide empirical evidence that Portuguese fixed-income mutual funds respond to accommodative monetary policy by significantly increasing exposure, in excess of their benchmarks, to default risk rate and slightly to interest risk rate as well. I also find that the increase in funds’ risk exposure to gain a boost in return (search-for-yield) is more pronounced following the 2007-2009 global financial crisis, indicating that the current historic low interest rates may incentivize excessive risk taking. My results suggest that monetary policy affects the risk appetite of non-bank financial intermediaries.

Experimental characterization of an earth eco-efficient plastering mortar

Earthen plastering mortars are becoming recognized as highly eco-efficient. The assessment of their technical properties needs to be standardized but only the German standard DIN 18947 exists for the moment. An extended experimental campaign was developed in order to assess multiple properties of a ready-mixed earth plastering mortar and also to increase scientific knowledge of the influence of test procedures on those properties. The experimental campaign showed that some aspects related to the equipment, type of samples and sample preparation can be very important, while others seemed to have less influence on the results and the classification of mortars. It also showed that some complementary tests can easily be performed and considered together with the standardized ones, while others may need to be improved. The plaster satisfied the requirements of the existing German standard but, most importantly, it seemed adequate for application as rehabilitation plaster on historic and modern masonry buildings. Apart from their aesthetic aspect, the contribution of earthen plasters to eco-efficiency and particularly to hygrometric indoor comfort should be highlighted.

Spatial distribution of leprosy in areas of risk in Vitoria, State of Espirito Santo, Brazil, 2005 to 2009

Introduction Leprosy remains a relevant public health issue in Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of new cases of leprosy and to detect areas with higher risks of disease in the City of Vitória. Methods The study was ecologically based on the spatial distribution of leprosy in the City of Vitória, State of Espírito Santo between 2005 and 2009. The data sources used came from the available records of the State Health Secretary of Espírito Santo. A global and local empirical Bayesian method was used in the spatial analysis to produce a leprosy risk estimation, and the fluctuation effect was smoothed from the detection coefficients. Results The study used thematic maps to illustrate that leprosy is distributed heterogeneously between the neighborhoods and that it is possible to identify areas with high risk of disease. The Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.926 (p = 0.001) for the Local Method indicated highly correlated coefficients. The Moran index was calculated to evaluate correlations between the incidences of adjoining districts. Conclusions We identified the spatial contexts in which there were the highest incidence rates of leprosy in Vitória during the studied period. The results contribute to the knowledge of the spatial distribution of leprosy in the City of Vitória, which can help establish more cost-effective control strategies because they indicate specific regions and priority planning activities that can interfere with the transmission chain.

The quest for growth in the German organic food retail market: Historical trends, current strategies, and future outlook

This paper aims to provide strategies for the organic supermarket chain “Alnatura” to shape the demand and its market share of the organic food & beverage (F&B) market in Germany within the next five years. Through the historic evolution and the current market assessment of Germany, compared to a benchmark country (US), as well as prospective trends in Germany, reasons and opportunities for market growth are evaluated. In addition, an industry attractiveness, competitor and company analysis is executed. Based on those findings and a conducted survey, suggestions to adjust Alnatura´s current business strategies are deduced and finally examined on its risk and feasibility.