Evaluation of an indicator for water yield in a watershed of Alto Rio Grande Region, State of Minas Gerais , Brazil

The Brazilian Law stipulates that water is a limited natural resource doted of economic value, thus it is necessary to develop mechanisms for its adequate management. Actions that encourage the farmers to apply soil conservation practices with the purpose of increase water yield from springs and to promote improvement of its quality, reducing production of sediment transportation, is being encouraged by governments, even with financial compensation for owners. From these assertions, this study aims to quantify the benefits of the conservation actions of the management units and to characterize a Water Yield Indicator (WYI) to support sustainable actions in the watershed of Alto Rio Grande region, in the state of Minas Gerais (MG). To assess the impact of actions it were identified four scenarios of land use and occupation of the watershed from Marcela stream which is located in Alto Rio Grande Region. After analyzing the results, it can be stated that the scenarios simulation has demonstrated important changes in water yield and that the definition of the Water Yield Index from the junction of the erosion potential with the water storage potential, has proved effective, as it integrate quantity and quality of water.

Translation into Brazilian Portuguese, cultural adaptation and evaluation of the reliability of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire

The objective of the present study was to translate, adapt and validate a Brazilian Portuguese version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire. The study was carried out in two steps. The first was to translate the DASH into Portuguese and to perform cultural adaptation and the second involved the determination of the reliability and validity of the DASH for the Brazilian population. For this purpose, 65 rheumatoid arthritis patients of either sex (according to the classification criteria of the American College of Rheumatology), ranging in age from 18 to 60 years and presenting no other diseases involving the upper limbs, were interviewed. The patients were selected consecutively at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of UNIFESP. The following results were obtained: in the first step (translation and cultural adaptation), all patients answered the questions. In the second step, Spearman's correlation coefficients for interobserver evaluation ranged from 0.762 to 0.995, values considered to be highly reliable. In addition, intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.97 to 0.99, also highly reliable values. Spearman's correlation coefficients and the intraclass correlation coefficients obtained during intra-observer evaluation ranged from 0.731 to 0.937 and from 0.90 to 0.96, respectively, being highly reliable values. The Ritchie Index showed a weak correlation with Brazilian DASH scores, while the visual analog scale of pain showed a good correlation with DASH score. We conclude that the Portuguese version of the DASH is a reliable instrument.

Liposomal photosensitizers: potential platforms for anticancer photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy is a well-established and clinically approved treatment for several types of cancer. Antineoplastic photodynamic therapy is based on photosensitizers, i.e., drugs that absorb photons translating light energy into a chemical potential that damages tumor tissues. Despite the encouraging clinical results with the approved photosensitizers available today, the prolonged skin phototoxicity, poor selectivity for diseased tissues, hydrophobic nature, and extended retention in the host organism shown by these drugs have stimulated researchers to develop new formulations for photodynamic therapy. In this context, due to their amphiphilic characteristic (compatibility with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances), liposomes have proven to be suitable carriers for photosensitizers, improving the photophysical properties of the photosensitizers. Moreover, as nanostructured drug delivery systems, liposomes improve the efficiency and safety of antineoplastic photodynamic therapy, mainly by the classical phenomenon of extended permeation and retention. Therefore, the association of photosensitizers with liposomes has been extensively studied. In this review, both current knowledge and future perspectives on liposomal carriers for antineoplastic photodynamic therapy are critically discussed.

Distribution of aflatoxin contamination in maize samples

The distribution of the aflatoxin contamination was studied among four maize fractions, separated according to Brazilian grading rules for maize. The fraction that contained fermented, moldy, heated and sprouted grains normally had the highest levels of aflatoxin. However, the fraction contribution to the whole sample contamination level took into account the contamination fraction level and its weight to the whole sample. Considering this, the fraction that contained insect damaged, hollow, up to ¼ fermented and grains damaged by other causes was normally the fraction responsible for the total contamination level in the samples. Nevertheless, the fraction contributions were variable from sample to sample. Therefore, in conclusion, it was not possible to establish a standard behavior for grain fraction-type contribution for different maize lots. The Brazilian grading by qualitative types applied to samples did not show statistic correlation with aflatoxin contamination levels (P<0.05). Two type-1 samples (the best quality type) presented contamination of 380 and 146ng/g. The number of samples with contamination levels above those allowed by Brazilian law (20ng/g) was the same for qualitative types 2, 3, and BS (Below Standard).

Isotope analysis (δ13C) of pulpy whole apple juice

The objectives of this study were to develop the method of isotope analysis to quantify the carbon of C3 photosynthetic cycle in pulpy whole apple juice and to measure the legal limits based on Brazilian legislation in order to identify the beverages that do not conform to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA). This beverage was produced in a laboratory according to the Brazilian law. Pulpy juices adulterated by the addition of sugarcane were also produced. The isotope analyses measured the relative isotope enrichment of the juices, their pulpy fractions (internal standard) and purified sugar. From those results, the quantity of C3 source was estimated by means of the isotope dilution equation. To determine the existence of adulteration in commercial juices, it was necessary to create a legal limit according to the Brazilian law. Three brands of commercial juices were analyzed. One was classified as adulterated. The legal limit enabled to clearly identify the juice that was not in conformity with the Brazilian law. The methodology developed proved efficient for quantifying the carbon of C3 origin in commercial pulpy apple juices.

Carbon isotope analysis in apple nectar beverages

The aims of this study were to use the isotope analysis method to quantify the carbon of C3 photosynthetic cycle in commercial apple nectars and to determine the legal limit to identify the beverages that do not conform to the safety standards established by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply. These beverages (apple nectars) were produced in the laboratory according to the Brazilian legislation. Adulterated nectars were also produced with an amount of pulp juice below the permitted threshold limit value. The δ13C values of the apple nectars and their fractions (pulp and purified sugar) were measured to quantify the C3 source percentage. In order to demonstrate the existence of adulteration, the values found were compared to the limit values established by the Brazilian Law. All commercial apple nectars analyzed were within the legal limits, which enabled to identify the nectars that were in conformity with the Brazilian Law. The isotopic methodology developed proved efficient to quantify the carbon of C3 origin in commercial apple nectars.

Fitness to stand trial : how discourses of rationality, reasonableness and culpability inform the law and psychiatry to create standards of normal

The objective of this thesis is to demonstrate the importance of the concepts of rationality, reasonableness, culpability and autonomy that inform and support our conception of both the person and the punishable subject. A critical discourse analysis tracing these concepts through both the law and psychological tools used to evaluate the fitness of a person reveals that these concepts and their implied values are inconsistently applied to the mentally disordered who come into conflict with the law. I argue that the result of this inconsistency compromises a person's autonomy which is a contradiction to this concept as a foundational principle of the law. Ultimately, this thesis does not provide a solution to be employed in policy making, but its analysis leaves open possibilities for further exploration into the ways legal and social justice can be reconciled.

National Application of International Law: The Statutory Interpretation Perspective

Reprinted with permission of the Publisher from The Canadian Yearbook of Internation Law, 41 by Don McRae © University of British Columbia Press 2003. All rights reserved.

Les effets de l'européanisation de la lutte contre la migration irrégulière sur les droits humains des migrants

Les politiques migratoires européennes sont conçues en termes de contrôle de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers. Depuis la mise en place des conditions de libre circulation dans les années 1980, l’Union européenne est impliquée dans le traitement des non-nationaux qui, auparavant, relevait exclusivement de la discrétion étatique. La migration et l’asile sont aujourd’hui des domaines de compétence partagée entre l’Union et ses membres. La priorité est accordée à la lutte contre la migration irrégulière, perçue non seulement comme un défi à la souveraineté, mais aussi comme une menace à l’État providence et un risque pour la sécurité. Cette recherche porte sur l’européanisation de la lutte contre la migration irrégulière et ses effets sur les droits humains des étrangers. Il est soutenu que l’européanisation définie comme un processus de construction, de diffusion et d’institutionnalisation des normes, des pratiques et des convictions partagées, permet aux États d’atteindre leur objectif de limiter le nombre d’étrangers indésirés, y compris des demandeurs d’asile, sur leur sol. L’européanisation légitime et renforce les mesures préventives et dissuasives existantes à l’encontre des migrants clandestins. De nouvelles normes communes sont produites et de nouveaux dispositifs de coopération européenne sont créés en vue de réprimer la migration irrégulière. Ce phénomène transforme le paradigme migratoire dans les États membres ainsi que les pays candidats à l’adhésion qui se trouvent désormais chargés de la sécurisation des frontières extérieures de l’Union. La recherche démontre que ces développements ont un impact négatif sur les droits fondamentaux. Ils exacerbent aussi la vulnérabilité des demandeurs d’asile assimilés aux migrants économiques. Une analyse comparative de l’européanisation du renvoi forcé en France, au Royaume-Uni et en Turquie montre que la politique européenne engendre des atteintes aux droits et libertés des étrangers et limite leur capacité de contester les violations devant les tribunaux. L’accent est mis sur la nécessité de trouver un équilibre entre la préoccupation légitime des États et de l’Union d’assurer la sécurité et le bien-être de leurs citoyens et la protection des droits des migrants irréguliers. Il revient ultimement aux tribunaux de veiller à ce que le pouvoir discrétionnaire étatique s’exerce en stricte conformité avec les normes constitutionnelles et les obligations internationales découlant du droit international des réfugiés et des droits de l’homme.

Right to Maintenance Under Criminal Law - A Critical Study

Some study has been made earlier, but no attempt has ever been made to make the study comprehensive and comparative. There exists also no information as to the working of the system. Hence the work is undertaken to provide first hand knowledge of the legal institutions that had handled and now handles annually large masses of deprived and neglected population. An investigation is also necessary to know the legal and social characteristics of the jurisdiction enjoined on the court so that this will help compare the law in the statute with the law and practice. The evaluation of the working system in the changed social atmosphere is also an urgent need of the hour

La autonomía y descentralización del modelo federal venezolano. Una mutación del federalismo dual en el marco del ordenamiento latinoamericano

En la presente investigación se estudió la organización administrativa y territorial de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, para poder identificar si se podían definir y catalogar a Venezuela como un Estado federal como manda su Constitución, o si por el contrario, podríamos estar hablando de una organización distinta llámese autonómica o unitaria, o simplemente un modelo federal diferente al dual influenciado por las diferentes formas de organización.

Sobre a importância de construir uma teoria do Direito Internacional em face do nacionalismo

The present essay is based on a lecture delivered on the 25 August 2011 at the KIMEP (Kazakhstan Institute of Management, Economics and Strategic Research). Its principal aim is to explore the relationship between international law and nationalism, whilst arguing that both concepts cannot be viewed as two separate and self-contained realities, but should rather be considered in light of their mutual interaction. The external actions of a nation are reflected internally. Similarly, its internal actions have external repercussions. In this work, such consequences are examined in a nation-state with an authoritarian structure as opposed to those found in a democratic nation-state. Additionally, the concept of nationalism is studied in its variant forms in both these contexts, leading to the premise that an aggressive and expansionist nation-state is unlikely to be guided by a constitution that places a high value on democracy and freedom. A nation which does not respect the liberties of its own nationals will undoubtedly disrespect other States and their nationals, and vice-versa. This begs the question: should international law be irresponsive and neutral in these cases? Although briefly, this work also discusses a personalist or individualist type of nationalism by exploring its foundations and advantages and, consequently, postulating its legitimacy and compatibility with the underlying tenets of international law.

Os itinerários de Reintegração Social de adolescentes privados de liberdade em Teresina - Piauí, Brasil

A dissertação “Reintegração Social de Adolescentes Privados de Liberdade em Teresina” tem como objetivo analisar como se materializam os itinerários de reintegração social de adolescentes privados de liberdade e inseridos no Centro Educacional Masculino (CEM), em Teresina, Estado do Piauí, tendo sido considerada para a análise dos dados a articulação entre as possibilidades e oportunidades oferecidas aos adolescentes e as suas reais necessidades, desejos e sonhos para uma reintegração segura ao meio social. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida na cidade de Teresina, junto aos adolescentes envolvidos com a prática de atos infracionais, sentenciados judicialmente e submetidos à Medida Socioeducativa de Internação, que segundo a Lei Brasileira n. 8.069 de 13 de Julho de 1990 – Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (ECA), as pessoas que compõem esse segmento da sociedade brasileira são consideradas sujeitos de Direitos e se encontram em situação peculiar de desenvolvimento pessoal e social. Os resultados apresentados revelam que o programa oficial de reintegração social de adolescentes do Piauí apresenta uma proposta de trabalho elaborada dentro do modelo determinado pelo ECA. Porém o desenvolvimento do trabalho de modo geral não ocorre de forma a garantir o que teoricamente apresenta, isto é, ações concretas que garantam o desenvolvimento psicossocial dos jovens, pois verificamos uma visível desarticulação entre necessidades e ofertas de oportunidades, bem como, a ausência de um grupo formado concretamente de educadores preparados para propor e executar ações que ofereçam meios para o adolescente moderar-se e viabilizar-se como pessoa e cidadão produtivo e assim poder construir seu projeto de vida e garantir seu retorno seguro ao meio social, familiar e comunitário.

A laicidade do estado brasileiro e os feriados nacionais

A laicidade do Estado brasileiro, presente desde a primeira Constituição republicana, sofreu variações em sua práxis ao longo da história. A relação entre Igreja e Estado nunca foi de total separação no Brasil e um dos fatores responsáveis por isso é a religiosidade popular, com um sincretismo pouco visto em outras nações do mundo. Diante disso e da tradição cristã católica, imiscuída no povo brasileiro desde os primórdios de sua colonização, fizeram com que feriados de cunho religioso permanecessem no calendário oficial do país, a despeito de ser um Estado laico. As razões que levaram a isso só podem ser compreendidas com uma análise da evolução do conceito de laicidade nos textos constitucionais do Brasil independente e da influência dos costumes no ordenamento jurídico pátrio.