La penalidad de la ebriedad en el código penal y en la praxis judicial bonaerense 1878-1888

La sanción del código penal en la provincia de Buenos Aires en el año 1877, fijó en el homicidio la penalidad y determinó las circunstancias del delito mediante la enumeración de los atenuantes y agravantes. El objetivo era contemplar todas las posibilidades del delito para reducir el "arbitrio judicial". Sin embargo, deteniéndonos en los cambios operados en cuanto a la ebriedad en la normativa legal y en la práctica judicial, se puede observar que la función del juez no se redujo únicamente a computar la pena según el delito. A su cargo quedó la apreciación de las pruebas y la interpretación legal. En este sentido, la ley dejó márgenes para considerar a la ebriedad como atenuante o no de la penalidad. Sin embargo, los jueces le negaron tal beneficio al imputado, lo cual marcó una ruptura con respecto al período anterior. Interpretación que estuvo determinada no por un cambio en la percepción sobre el efecto del alcohol como perturbador de la conciencia, sino por ciertos prejuicios que otorgaron una jerarquía y un valor a los motivos que pudieran cegar al trasgresor. Considerada aun como un vicio y no una patología, revelaron la condena a esta práctica social determinando que hechos ya no quedaban comprendidos como circunstancias atenuantes. En definitiva, la ebriedad posibilita apreciar el complejo proceso de codificación que consistió no únicamente en la aplicación literal de la ley sino también en la interpretación que de ella se hiciera.

El sector agropecuario en la región de Los Lagos y el paradigma "Chile potencia alimentaria" : Desafíos para la política agraria nacional

La reestructuración del modelo económico en Chile a mediados de los setenta impactó a todos los sectores productivos y el sector agropecuario no fue una excepción. Se iniciaba así el comienzo de la "Era agroexportadora", que fomentaba aquellas orientaciones productivas con claras ventajas competitivas en los mercados internacionales. El paradigma agrícola chileno se ha caracterizado por funcionar sobre la base de salarios bajos, disponibilidad de mano de obra y tipo de cambio favorable. En 2006, y en este escenario, se ha implementado la política pública denominada "Chile Potencia Alimentaria 2020", que buscar reforzar la fórmula anterior. Esta iniciativa considera estrategias de crecimiento que invisibilizan la estructura bimodal agraria presente en el país. A lo anterior se suma el agravante de que territorios (como la Región de Los Lagos en el sur de Chile) con orientaciones productivas tradicionales (ganaderas específicamente) presentan posiciones manifiestamente vulnerables, especialmente de aquellos grupos de productores que se caracterizan por funcionar con racionalidades distintas de la empresarial.

Real exchange rate appreciation, resource boom, and policy reform in Myanmar

In the five-year period from 2006 to 2011, the real exchange rate of the Myanmar kyat appreciated 200 percent, signifying that the value of the US dollar in Myanmar diminished to one third of its previous level. While the resource boom is suspected as a source of the real exchange rate appreciation, its aggravation is related to administrative controls on foreign exchange and imports. First, foreign exchange controls prevented replacement of the negotiated transactions of foreign exchange with the bank intermediation. This hampered government interventions in the market. Second, import controls repressed imports, aggravating excess supply of foreign exchange. Relaxation of administrative controls is necessary for moderating currency appreciation.

Modelo prospectivo de cooperación universitaria transfronteriza para la sostenilibidad : caso, espacios urbanos, insulares y costeros del Caribe y Centroamérica

Ante la cuestión ¿La universidad debe amoldarse a la realidad ambiental o debe precursar nuevas realidades? se propone demostrar la factibilidad de alcanzar aproximaciones objetivables hacia el desarrollo sostenible, mediante la cooperación universitaria transfronteriza en ambientes urbanos insulares y costeros de la subregión del Caribe y Centroamérica. Se desarrolla el estudio en cuatro momentos: momento proyectivo en el cual se delimita el problema y se contextualiza su significación en el plano teórico de las sub-áreas implicadas. Fue reconocida la existencia de un problema social que, más allá de significar una actuación negativa intencional humana, revela una insuficiencia en el aprovechamiento de un potencial conocido y estratégico cuyos síntomas suelen ser: crisis ambiental generalizada; poca capacidad de respuesta por parte de las universidades ante las exigencias del desarrollo sostenible; incipientes estrategias de cooperación interinstitucional con refuerzo negativo en la atomización de esfuerzos materiales y comunicacionales. Se contrastaron enfoques y se adoptó una postura ante un hecho determinante: La universidad como articulador del desarrollo sostenible; hecho concretado en un objeto investigable: la cooperación universitaria como estrategia aún no focalizada en acercamientos al desarrollo sostenible. En la estrategia de abordaje de la investigación, la gestión fue considerada hipótesis de trabajo no positivista, generando en consecuencia la aplicación de adaptaciones a metodologías reconocidas, contextualizadas dentro de una particular visión sobre del hecho investigado. En el momento metodológico se describe el diseño concreto y los procedimientos de abordaje del problema en todas sus fases. En el momento técnico, fueron aplicados instrumentos y técnicas para obtener los datos diagnósticos e iniciar el diseño de un modelo de cooperación universitaria para el desarrollo sostenible. El diagnóstico se basó en estrategias cuali-cuantitativas que permitieron el análisis de resultados en la aplicación de encuestas, entrevistas a expertos, análisis prospectivo estructural, situacional e integrado. La construcción del modelo se desarrolló con fundamento en experiencias de cooperación previas, adoptando modelos de gestión de relevante alcance científico como referencias de aplicación. Se trata de una investigación socio-ambiental cuyo objeto de estudio la identifica como no experimental, aplicada; basada en el análisis descriptivo de datos cualicuantitativos, conducidos en un diseño de campo devenido finalmente en un proyecto factible. La información se recolectada por observación de campo, aplicación de instrumentos y dinámicas inspiradas en grupos de enfoque a escala local y nacional; con sujetos pertenecientes al sistema de educación universitaria e instancias gubernamentales y sociales propias del ámbito seleccionado. Conduce el estudio a la presentación del modelo MOP-GECUDES, descrito en cuanto a sus dimensiones, variables, estrategias; con 166 indicadores clasificados en 49 categorías, expresados en metas. Se presenta en 24 procedimientos, apoyados en 47 instrumentos específicos consistentes en aplicaciones prácticas, hojas metodológicas o manual de instrucciones para la operacionalización del modelo. Se complementa el diseño con un sistema de procedimientos surgidos de la propia experiencia, lo que le atribuye el modelo diseñado el rasgo particular de haber sido diseñado bajo sus propios principios. Faced with the question: Does the college must conform to the environmental reality or has to should promote new realities? This research aims to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving objectifiable approaches towards sustainable development through cross-border university cooperation in urban, coastal and islands space" of Caribbean and Central American. This study is developed in four stages: projective moment, in which delimits the problem, and contextualizes its importance in their theoretical subareas. It was recognized that there is a social problem, that beyond an intentional human action negative, reveals a deficience ability in exploiting potential strategic known and whose symptoms are: widespread environmental crisis, poor ability to answer on the part of universities to the demands of sustainable development; emerging interagency cooperation strategies with the aggravating fragmentation of resources. Were contrasted Approaches and was been adopted a stance before a triggering event: The university as articulator of sustainable development. Fact materialized in a study object: university cooperation as a strategy that yet has not been focused on approaches to sustainable development. In research approach, the management was considered as a working-hypothesis not positivist, consequently, were applied adjustments recognized methodologies that were contextualized within the author's personal view on the matter under investigation. En el momento metodológico se describe el diseño concreto y los procedimientos de abordaje del problema en todas sus fases. At the methodological time, describes the design and procedures to address the problem in all its phases. At the technical time, were applied tools directed to obtain diagnostic data and start designing a model of university cooperation for sustainable development. The diagnosis was based on qualitative and quantitative strategies that allowed the analysis of findings in the surveys, expert interviews, prospective analysis, and structural situational and integrated. Construction of the model was developed on the basis of cooperation experiences of the author, adopting management models relevant scientific scope and application references. It is a socio-environmental research with a not-experimental focus of study, applied, based on the descriptive analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, conducted in a field design that finally was been become a feasible project. The information is collected by field observation, application of instruments inspired in dynamic focus groups at local and national levels, with individual-subjects of the university education system; the government bodies and the social groups of the selected area. The Study leads to the presentation of the model MOP-GECUDES, described in terms of their dimensions, variables, strategies; with 166 indicators classified in 49 categories, expressed in its activities and goals. It comes in 24 procedures, supported by 47 specific instruments consisting of practical applications, methodology sheets or instructions for the operationalization of the model. Design is complemented with a system of procedures arising from the own experience. This have the particular attribute of generate a model than has been designed under its own principles.

Amelioration of a degraded acid soil from SW Spain by no-tillage and Ca-amendment

En los suelos, el exceso de acidez lleva asociado deficiencias en ciertos nutrientes y una alta disponibilidad de aluminio, tóxico para los cultivos propios del ambiente mediterráneo. Su laboreo, provoca la pérdida de materia orgánica (MO), deteriora su estructura y reduce la actividad biológica, provocando en última instancia una menor calidad del suelo. Es de esperar pues que cuando se labran suelos ácidos, sus problemáticas particulares tiendan a agravarse. En nuestra zona de estudio, la “raña” de Cañamero (Extremadura, España), predominan los suelos muy ácidos y degradados por un laboreo inadecuado. Las rañas constituyen amplias plataformas casi horizontales, con unos suelos muy viejos (Palexerults), que se caracterizan por tener el complejo de cambio dominado por el aluminio, y un pH ácido que decrece en profundidad. Poseen un potente horizonte Bt rico en arcillas caoliníticas, que propicia que en periodos con exceso de lluvia, se generen capas colgadas de agua cercanas a la superficie. En torno a los años 1940’s estos suelos, que previamente sostenían un alcornocal, o su matorral de sustitución, se pusieron en cultivo. El laboreo aceleró la mineralización de la materia orgánica, agravó los problemas derivados del exceso de acidez y condujo al abandono de los campos cultivados por falta de productividad. Para recuperar la calidad de estos suelos degradados y obtener unos rendimientos compatibles con su uso agrícola es necesario, por un lado, aplicar enmiendas que eleven el pH y reduzcan la toxicidad del aluminio y, por otro, favorecer el incremento en el contenido en MO. En 2005 se implantó en esta raña un ensayo de campo para estudiar la influencia del no laboreo y de la utilización de una enmienda cálcica en parámetros relacionados con la calidad del suelo en un cultivo forrajero. El diseño experimental fue en parcelas divididas con cuatro repeticiones donde el factor principal fue el tipo de laboreo, no laboreo (NL) frente a laboreo convencional (LC), y el factor secundario el uso o no de una enmienda cálcica. La enmienda consistió básicamente en una mezcla de espuma de azucarería y yeso rojo y se incorporó al comienzo del ensayo hasta los 7 cm de profundidad. Desde el comienzo del ensayo el NL influyó positivamente en el contenido de carbono orgánico total (COT) y particulado (COP), mientras que la enmienda tuvo una ligera influencia al principio del ensayo en ambos pero su efecto positivo se desvaneció con el paso del tiempo. Los mayores contenidos en COT y POC se observaron cuando se combinó el NL con la enmienda. La enmienda incrementó con rapidez el pH, y el Ca, y disminuyó el contenido en aluminio hasta una profundidad de 50 cm, incluso en NL, y mejoró ligeramente la agregación del suelo. El NL por sí solo, gracias al aumento en POC, TOC y las proteínas del suelo relacionadas con la glomalina (PSRG), que son capaces de formar compuestos estables no tóxicos con el aluminio, también contribuyó a la reducción de la toxicidad de aluminio en la capa más superficial. Cuando en las campañas con exceso de precipitaciones se generaron capas colgadas de agua próximas a la superficie, el NL generó unas condiciones más favorables para la germinación y desarrollo del cultivo, resultando en una producción más alta que el LC. A ello contribuyó la mayor capacidad de almacenamiento de agua y la mayor transmisividad de esta hacia abajo, en la capa más superficial (0-5 cm) que propició una menor saturación por agua que el LC. Respecto a los parámetros relacionados con la agregación, el NL aumentó los macroagregados hasta los 10 cm de profundidad y favoreció la acumulación de CO y N en todas las fracciones de tamaño de agregados. Sin embargo, la recuperación del grado de macroagregación tras el cese del laboreo resulta lenta en comparación con otros suelos, posiblemente debido al bajo contenido en arcilla en el horizonte Ap. En comparación con el NL, la enmienda mostró también un efecto positivo, aunque muy ligero, en la agregación del suelo. En contradicción con otros estudios en suelos ácidos, nuestros resultados indican la existencia de una jerarquía de agregados, y destacan el papel importante de la MO en la mejora de la agregación. Tanto el NL como la enmienda favorecieron por separado varias propiedades químicas, físicas y biológicas del suelo, pero, en general, encontramos los mayores beneficios con su uso combinado. Además, a largo plazo el efecto positivo de NL en las propiedades del suelo fue en aumento, mientras que el efecto beneficioso de la enmienda se limitó básicamente a las propiedades químicas y se desvaneció en pocos años. Destacamos que las condiciones meteorológicas a lo largo del ensayo beneficiaron la producción de biomasa en NL, y en consecuencia las propiedades relacionadas con la materia orgánica, por lo que son un factor a tener en cuenta a la hora de evaluar los efectos de la enmienda y el laboreo sobre las propiedades del suelo, especialmente en zonas donde esas condiciones son muy variables entre una campaña y otra. Los resultados de este estudio han puesto de manifiesto que el NL no ha mermado la eficacia de la enmienda caliza, posiblemente gracias a la alta solubilidad de la enmienda aplicada, es más, el manejo con NL y enmienda es el que ha favorecido en mayor medida ciertos parámetros de calidad del suelo. Por el contrario el LC sí parece anular los beneficios de la enmienda en relación con las propiedades relacionadas con la MO. Por tanto, cabe concluir que la combinación de NL y la enmienda es una práctica adecuada para mejorar las propiedades químicas y físicas de suelos ácidos degradados por el laboreo. ABSTRACT Excessive acidity in soils is associated with deficiencies in certain nutrients and high concentrations of available aluminum, which is toxic for most Mediterranean crops. Tilling these soils results in the loss of soil organic matter (SOM), damages soil structure and reduces biological activity, ultimately degrading soil quality. It is expected, therefore, that when acid soils are tilled, their particular problems will tend to get worse. In our study area, the "Cañamero’s Raña” (Extremadura, Spain), acid soils degraded by an inappropriate tillage prevail. Rañas are large and flat platforms with very old soils (Palexerults), which are characterized by an exchange complex dominated by aluminum and an acid pH which decreases with depth. These soils have a strong Bt horizon rich in kaolinite clays, which encourages the formation of perched water-tables near the soil surface during periods of excessive rain. During the first third of the 20th century, these soils, that previously supported cork oak or its scrub replacement, were cultivated. Tillage accelerated the mineralization of the SOM, aggravating the problems of excessive acidity, which finally led to the abandonment of the land due to low productivity. To recover the quality of these degraded soils and to obtain consistent yields it is necessary, first, to apply amendments to raise the pH and reduce aluminum toxicity, and second to encourage the accumulation of SOM. In 2005 a field trial was established in the Raña to study the influence of no-tillage and the use of a Ca-amendment on soil quality related parameters in a forage crop agrosystem. The experimental design was a split-plot with four replicates where the main factor was tillage type, no-tillage (NT) versus traditional tillage (TT) and the secondary factor was the use or not of a Ca-amendment. The Ca-amendment was a mixture of sugar foam and red gypsum that was incorporated into the top 7 cm of the soil. Since the beginning of the experiment, NT had a positive influence on total and particulate organic carbon (TOC and POC, respectively), while the Ca-amendment had a small positive influence at the beginning of the study but its effect diminished with time. The highest TOC and POC contents were observed when NT and the Ca-amendment were combined. The Ca-amendment, even under NT, rapidly increased pH and Ca, and decreased the aluminum content to a depth of 50 cm, as well as improving soil aggregation slightly. NT, due to the increased POC, TOC and Glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSP), which can form stable non-toxic compounds with aluminum, also contributed to the reduction of aluminum toxicity in the upper layer. When perched water-tables near the soil surface were formed in campaigns with excessive rainfall, NT provided more favorable conditions for germination and crop development, resulting in higher yields compared with TT. This was directly related to the higher water storage capacity and the greater transmissivity of the water downwards from the upper layers, which led to lower water saturation under NT compared with TT. With regards to the aggregation-related parameters, NT increased macroaggregation to a depth of 10 cm and favored the accumulation of OC and N in all aggregate size fractions. However, the degree of recovery of macroaggregation after tillage ceased was slow compared with other soils, possibly due to the low clay content in the Ap horizon. Compared with NT, the Ca-amendment had a slight positive effect on soil aggregation. In contrast to other studies in acid soils, our results indicate the existence of an aggregate hierarchy, and highlight the important role of SOM in improving aggregation. Both NT and the Ca-amendment separately favored various chemical, physical and biological soil properties, but in general we found the greatest benefits when the two treatments were combined. In addition, the positive effect of NT on soil properties increased with time, while the beneficial effect of the Ca-amendment, which was limited to the chemical properties, vanished after a few years. It is important to note that the meteorological conditions throughout the experiment benefited biomass production under NT and, as a consequence, organic matter related properties. This suggests that meteorological conditions are a factor to consider when evaluating the effects of Ca-amendments and tillage on soil properties, especially in areas where such conditions vary significantly from one campaign to another. The results of this study show that NT did not diminish the effectiveness of the Ca-amendment, possibly due to the high solubility of the selected amendment. Moreover, the combination of NT and the Ca-amendment was actually the management that favored certain soil quality parameters the most. By contrast, TT seemed to nullify the benefits of the Ca-amendment with regards to the OM related properties. In conclusion, the combination of NT and the application of a Ca-amendment is an advisable practice for improving the chemical and physical properties of acid soils degraded by tillage.

A INFLUÊNCIA DO STRESS NA EXPRESSÃO CLÍNICA DA ASMA INFANTIL

A asma é a doença crônica mais freqüente na infância e o stress é considerado um dos agentes desencadeantes e agravantes do broncoespasmo nesses pacientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a influência do stress na expressão clínica da asma e sua associação com as crises em crianças. Para verificar a presença de stress, utilizou-se a Escala de Stress Infantil (LIPP E LUCARELLI, 1998) e por meio de um questionário aplicado aos pais, observou-se freqüência de sintomas e crises de asma, as alterações do sono, o absenteísmo escolar, as limitações à prática de atividade física, a freqüência de uso de broncodilatador, as condutas dos pais durante as crises de asma, os fatores associados ao desencadeamento das crises, o poder aquisitivo e o grau de instrução do chefe da família. Observou-se que as crianças com asma estavam mais estressadas que as crianças do grupo controle, principalmente aquelas com maior gravidade da doença. Os resultados indicam que a presença de stress pode intensificar a freqüência de sintomas da asma, a limitação à atividade física, o absenteísmo escolar e as interrupções do sono. O maior tempo de diagnóstico de asma implicou em menor ocorrência de stress, sugerindo a existência de um fator de adaptação à doença. Conclui-se que o stress é um fator importante no desencadeamento e agravamento das crises de asma nas crianças e observa-se a necessidade de maiores pesquisas na aérea para aprofundar os conhecimentos sobre esse assunto.

A INFLUÊNCIA DO STRESS NA EXPRESSÃO CLÍNICA DA ASMA INFANTIL

A asma é a doença crônica mais freqüente na infância e o stress é considerado um dos agentes desencadeantes e agravantes do broncoespasmo nesses pacientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a influência do stress na expressão clínica da asma e sua associação com as crises em crianças. Para verificar a presença de stress, utilizou-se a Escala de Stress Infantil (LIPP E LUCARELLI, 1998) e por meio de um questionário aplicado aos pais, observou-se freqüência de sintomas e crises de asma, as alterações do sono, o absenteísmo escolar, as limitações à prática de atividade física, a freqüência de uso de broncodilatador, as condutas dos pais durante as crises de asma, os fatores associados ao desencadeamento das crises, o poder aquisitivo e o grau de instrução do chefe da família. Observou-se que as crianças com asma estavam mais estressadas que as crianças do grupo controle, principalmente aquelas com maior gravidade da doença. Os resultados indicam que a presença de stress pode intensificar a freqüência de sintomas da asma, a limitação à atividade física, o absenteísmo escolar e as interrupções do sono. O maior tempo de diagnóstico de asma implicou em menor ocorrência de stress, sugerindo a existência de um fator de adaptação à doença. Conclui-se que o stress é um fator importante no desencadeamento e agravamento das crises de asma nas crianças e observa-se a necessidade de maiores pesquisas na aérea para aprofundar os conhecimentos sobre esse assunto.

Vanishing lines in the sand – Why a new map of the Middle East is necessary. CEPS Commentary, 1 October 2013

As the stalemate in Syria drags on, territorial divisions in the country are becoming more entrenched and the civil war is spreading to Syria’s neighbours; aggravating long-standing sectarian divisions in the whole region. In the view of Steven Blockmans, a lasting agreement cannot be reached in the Middle East if world powers stick to infamous 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement in which France and the UK secretly dealt with what came to be called the ‘Syria Question’. Any way out of the quagmire will require a grand bargain – one that establishes a new order in the whole region and draws borders accordingly.

The Ghost of Deflation Past. CEPS Hi-level Brief, 13 December 2013

This note takes a look at the development of monetary aggregates and debt in the G7 (US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan), plus non-G7 euro-area countries, which have an important bearing on the future development of price levels. It also discusses the problem of restoring external competitiveness in the weaker euro-area countries without aggravating their debt burden. The key conclusions are i) monetary and debt developments in the G7 countries point to relatively sluggish growth but do not signal deflation risks and ii) the realignment of ‘internal real exchange rates’ in the euro area will most likely come through a rise in prices in Germany (and a few other stronger countries). The lessons learned in the early 1930s have made a come-back of deflation quite unlikely.

Allergy - 5: Allergy and the skin: eczema and chronic urticaria

Eczema is common, occurring in 15%-20% of infants and young children. For some infants it can be a severe chronic illness with a major impact on the child's general health and on the family. A minority of children will continue to have eczema as adults. The exact cause of eczema is not clear, but precipitating or aggravating factors may include food allergens (most commonly, egg) or environmental allergens/irritants, climatic conditions, stress. and genetic predisposition. Management of eczema consists of education; avoidance of triggers and allergens; liberal use of emollients or topical steroids to control inflammation; use of antihistamines to reduce itch; and treatment of infection if present. Treatment with systemic agents may be required in severe cases, but must be supervised by an immunologist. Urticaria (hives) may affect up to a quarter of people at some time in their lives. Acute urticaria is more common in children, while chronic urticaria is more common in adults. Chronic urticaria is not life-threatening, but the associated pruritus and unsightly weals can cause patients much distress and significantly affect their daily lives. Angioedema coexists with urticaria in about 50% of patients. It typically affects the lips, eyelids, palms, soles and genitalia. Management of urticaria is through education; avoidance of triggers and allergens (where relevant); use of antihistamines to reduce itch; and short-term use of corticosteroids when antihistamine therapy is ineffective. Referral is indicated for patients with resistant disease.

A INFLUÊNCIA DO STRESS NA EXPRESSÃO CLÍNICA DA ASMA INFANTIL

A asma é a doença crônica mais freqüente na infância e o stress é considerado um dos agentes desencadeantes e agravantes do broncoespasmo nesses pacientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a influência do stress na expressão clínica da asma e sua associação com as crises em crianças. Para verificar a presença de stress, utilizou-se a Escala de Stress Infantil (LIPP E LUCARELLI, 1998) e por meio de um questionário aplicado aos pais, observou-se freqüência de sintomas e crises de asma, as alterações do sono, o absenteísmo escolar, as limitações à prática de atividade física, a freqüência de uso de broncodilatador, as condutas dos pais durante as crises de asma, os fatores associados ao desencadeamento das crises, o poder aquisitivo e o grau de instrução do chefe da família. Observou-se que as crianças com asma estavam mais estressadas que as crianças do grupo controle, principalmente aquelas com maior gravidade da doença. Os resultados indicam que a presença de stress pode intensificar a freqüência de sintomas da asma, a limitação à atividade física, o absenteísmo escolar e as interrupções do sono. O maior tempo de diagnóstico de asma implicou em menor ocorrência de stress, sugerindo a existência de um fator de adaptação à doença. Conclui-se que o stress é um fator importante no desencadeamento e agravamento das crises de asma nas crianças e observa-se a necessidade de maiores pesquisas na aérea para aprofundar os conhecimentos sobre esse assunto.

The durability of glass fibre reinforced cements made with new cementitious matrices

Widespread use of glass fibre reinforced cement (GRC) has been impeded by concerns over its durability. Three degradation mechanisms are proposed - fibre corrosion, Ca(OHh precipitation and matrix densification - although their relative importance is debated. Matrices with reduced alkalinities and Ca(OH)2 contents are being developed; the aim of this study was to investigate their hydration and interaction with alkali-resistant fibres to determine the factors controlling their long-term durability, and assess the relevancy of accelerated ageing. The matrices studied were: OPC/calcium-sulphoaluminate cement plus metakaolin (C); OPC plus metakaolin (M); blast-furnace slag cement plus a micro-silica based additive (D); and OPC (O). Accelerated ageing included hot water and cyclic regimes prior to tensile testing. Investigations included pore solution expression, XRD, DTA/TG, SEM and optical petrography. Bond strength was determined from crack spacings using microstructural parameters obtained from a unique image analysis technique. It was found that, for the new matrices - pore solution alkalinities were lower; Ca(OH)2 was absent or quickly consumed; different hydrates were formed at higher immersion temperatures; degradation under 65°C immersion was an order of magnitude slower, and no interfilamental Ca(OH)2 was observed .It was concluded that: fibre weakening caused by flaw growth was the primary degradation mechanism and was successfully modelled on stress corrosion/static fatigue principles. OPC inferiority was attributed partly to its higher alkalinity but chiefly to the growth of Ca(OH)2 aggravating the degradation; and hot water ageing although useful in model formulation and contrasting the matrices, changed the intrinsic nature of the composites rather than simply accelerating the degradation mechanisms.

Dapsone induces oxidative stress and impairs antioxidant defenses in rat liver

Dapsone (DDS) is currently used in the treatment of leprosy, malaria and in infections with Pneumocystis jirovecii and Toxoplasma gondii in AIDS patients. Adverse effects of DDS involve methemoglobinemia and hemolysis and, to a lower extent, liver damage, though the mechanism is poorly characterized. We evaluated the effect of DDS administration to male and female rats (30 mg/kg body wt, twice a day, for 4 days) on liver oxidative stress through assessment of biliary output and liver content of reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and expression/activities of the main antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase. The influence of DDS treatment on express ion/activity of the main DDS phase-II- metabolizing system, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), was additionally evaluated. The involvement of dapsone hydroxylamine (DDS-NHOH) generation in these processes was estimated by comparing the data in male and female rats since N-hydroxylation of DDS mainly occurs in males. Our studies revealed an increase in the GSSG/GSH biliary output ratio, a sensitive indicator of oxidative stress, and in lipid peroxiclation, in male but not in female rats treated with DDS. The activity of all antioxidant enzymes was significantly impaired by DDS treatment also in male rats, whereas UGT activity was not affected in any sex. Taken together, the evidence indicates that DDS induces oxidative stress in rat liver and that N-hydroxylation of DDS was the likely mediator. Impairment in the activity of enzymatic antioxidant systems, also associated with DDS-NHOH formation, constituted a key aggravating factor.

Evaluating and Selecting a Property Management System

In his study - Evaluating and Selecting a Property Management System - by Galen Collins, Assistant Professor, School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Northern Arizona University, Assistant Professor Collins states briefly at the outset: “Computerizing a property requires a game plan. Many have selected a Property Management System without much forethought and have been unhappy with the final results. The author discusses the major factors that must be taken into consideration in the selection of a PMS, based on his personal experience.” Although, this article was written in the year 1988 and some information contained may be dated, there are many salient points to consider. “Technological advances have encouraged many hospitality operators to rethink how information should be processed, stored, retrieved, and analyzed,” offers Collins. “Research has led to the implementation of various cost-effective applications addressing almost every phase of operations,” he says in introducing the computer technology germane to many PMS functions. Professor Collins talks about the Request for Proposal, its conditions and its relevance in negotiating a PMS system. The author also wants the system buyer to be aware [not necessarily beware] of vendor recommendations, and not to rely solely on them. Exercising forethought will help in avoiding the drawback of purchasing an inadequate PMS system. Remember, the vendor is there first and foremost to sell you a system. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the adjectives unreliable and unethical are on the table, but do be advised. Professor Collins presents a graphic outline for the Weighted Average Approach to Scoring Vendor Evaluations. Among the elements to be considered in evaluating a PMS system, and there are several analyzed in this essay, Professor Collins advises that a perspective buyer not overlook the service factor when choosing a PMS system. Service is an important element to contemplate. “In a hotel environment, the special emphasis should be on service. System downtime can be costly and aggravating and will happen periodically,” Collins warns. Professor Collins also examines the topic of PMS system environment; of which the importance of such a factor should not be underestimated. “The design of the computer system should be based on the physical layout of the property and the projected workloads. The heart of the system, housed in a protected, isolated area, can support work stations strategically located throughout the property,” Professor Collins provides. A Property Profile Description is outlined in Table 1. The author would also point out that ease-of-operation is another significant factor to think about. “A user-friendly software package allows the user to easily move through the program without encountering frustrating obstacles,” says Collins. “Programs that require users to memorize abstract abbreviations, codes, and information to carry out standard routines should be avoided,” he counsels.

Perfil de mães e o desfecho do nascimento prematuro ou termo

The birth or delivery under 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered a global public health problem, since it is seen as one of the main risk factors for neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in the first week of life. This study had the objective of analyzing the profile of mothers of premature and full-term babies for the outcome of birth. This is an analytical-descriptive and cross-sectional study, with a sample of 109 mothers of all the premature babies and 135 mothers of the randomly selected full-term babies, by drawing, occurred in the period from April to September 2015, in a public maternity. Data were organized on Microsoft Excel 2013; subsequently, there was the analysis of the analytical-descriptive statistics, through Statistica 10, through which the frequencies, proportions, p values, with 5% significance level, through the Chi-square test, were identified. The project was submitted to the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, receiving a favorable opinion (nº 1047431/2015). This study has enabled us to identify that the socioeconomic profile of mothers of premature and full-term babies showed, in both, low schooling level and low income. In addition, our data point out in the two groups, before and during pregnancy, a high prevalence of sedentariness; statistical significance for overweight and obesity before and during pregnancy, with 42,22% prevalence before pregnancy of mothers of premature babies and 48,62% of mothers of full-term babies; with high blood pressure during pregnancy in 32,11% of mothers of premature babies and 17,04% of mothers of full-term babies. Moreover, pregnancy was only planned in 33,33%, and also unwanted by 21,1% of mothers of premature babies, while 40,37% of mothers of full-term babies planned pregnancy and 17,78% had unwanted pregnancy. With respect to the aggravating factor “illicit drugs”, there was consumption during pregnancy on the part of 8,26% of mothers of premature babies. The most frequent complications were: vaginal bleeding (in 43,12% of mothers of premature babies and 20% of mothers of full-term babies); urinary infection (in 44,95% of mothers of premature babies and 40% of mothers of full-term babies); and stressful pregnancy (in 62,96% of mothers of premature babies and 47,41% of mothers of full-term babies). Accordingly, babies were born with health problems in 58,10% of premature births and there was healthy birth in 96,30% of full-term babies. Therefore, the profile of mothers with obesity and overweight, unwanted pregnancy, user of illegal drugs during pregnancy, stressful pregnancy and vaginal bleeding may be associated with the birth of premature baby as unfavorable and hazardous event for the child’s health.