Brazilian results on structural masonry concrete blocks

The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanical behavior of concrete blocks and prisms when performing axial compression tests within the Brazilian base of knowledge, intending to foment data of this kind for a world-based network. The blocks were built using five different mixtures in which the quantity of cement and the compacting ratio (density) were varied (during the fabrication process). The three-course-high prisms were assembled using 1 cm (0.39 in.) thick full-bedded joints, always trying to leave the mortar's characteristics constant. The axial compression tests were conducted according to Brazilian practice code recommendations, because most of these standards are very similar to international practice codes. The compressive strength, strains, and rupture form of each mixture studied were recorded. Attempts were made to correlate the strength, efficiency ratio (block strength/prism strength) of the prisms, strains, and rupture form; with the quantity of cement and compacting ratio. The data are presented in tables and figures, and the obtained results are discussed throughout the text. Copyright © 2007, American Concrete Institute. All rights reserved.

International recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with acquired hemophilia A.

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by autoantibodies directed against circulating coagulation factor (F) VIII. Typically, patients with no prior history of a bleeding disorder present with spontaneous bleeding and an isolated prolonged aPTT. AHA may, however, present without any bleeding symptoms, therefore an isolated prolonged aPTT should always be investigated further irrespective of the clinical findings. Control of acute bleeding is the first priority, and we recommend first-line therapy with bypassing agents such as recombinant activated FVII or activated prothrombin complex concentrate. Once the diagnosis has been achieved, immediate autoantibody eradication to reduce subsequent bleeding risk should be performed. We recommend initial treatment with corticosteroids or combination therapy with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide and suggest second-line therapy with rituximab if first-line therapy fails or is contraindicated. In contrast to congenital hemophilia, no comparative studies exist to support treatment recommendations for patients with AHA, therefore treatment guidance must rely on the expertise and clinical experience of specialists in the field. The aim of this document is to provide a set of international practice guidelines based on our collective clinical experience in treating patients with AHA and contribute to improved care for this patient group.

Tax incentives applied against externalities: International examples of fat tax and carbon tax

This study assesses the Pigou taxes introduced as a response to negative externalities in practice. The authors analyze the international practice and effectiveness of taxation on food products harmful to health and on carbon emissions harmful to the environment and, in relation to these two types of taxes, the focus is on the opportunities and the factors reducing efficiency.

Improving the public management career: report for the ministry of planning, budgeting e management, federal government of Brazil

This report sets out the findings and recommendations of a review of the Public Management Career (EPPGG) undertaken between 5 and 9 January 2009. The purpose of the review was to clarify EPPGG???s role, functions and profile, and to develop proposals for improving its effectiveness and management, taking account of the context within which such improvements would have to be implemented. Specific objectives were to examine a number of human resources management (HRM) aspects of the career in the light of international practice, including recruitment; initial education; professional development; performance evaluation; deployment; mobility and networking.

Five generations of peace operations: from the "thin blue line" to "painting a country blue"

This article combines both international practice and analytical contributions into a systematic and synthetic presentation of the evolution of peace operations from their modern inception in 1948 to the present. It seeks to serve a didactic purpose in proposing a basic structure for Brazilian scholars' burgeoning debate on peace operations and intervention, rather than a definitive characterization of blue helmet practice. Peace operations' progression is traced through five analytical "generations," each adding a crucial factor distinguishing it from its predecessors. Each generation is placed in relation to changes in the nature of conflict and in the interpretation of the foundational principles of peace operations, and links to broader theoretical issues in International Relations are made explicit at each stage.

Revised Criteria and Procedures for the Establishment of New Primary Schools - Report of the Commission on School Accommodation

Part One explores the background factors relating to new school establishment, outlines the views received as a result of consultation with the public and the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) and reviews international practice in relation to establishment of new schools. The population of the country experienced an unprecedented increase in the past ten years. Despite the current economic downturn, the effect of this recent population increase is that growth in demand for school places is set to increase over the short to medium term. The overriding objective is to ensure that a school place is available to every child. Part Two explores issues around planning for new schools in the future. It discusses patron selection, the mechanism for identifying the need for a new school and proposals for cost effectiveness, including campus arrangements. A school is of central importance to a local community and therefore the establishment of a new school must be carried out with reference to the overall plan of the local authority for any given area. Guidelines published under Section 28 of the Planning Act entitled “The Provision of Schools and the Planning System” (July 2008) establish a 7 framework for co-operation between the Department and planning authorities to ensure the timely and cost-effective provision of school facilities.

Regulação do sector farmacêutico em Cabo Verde: o desafio da criação de uma agência de regulação

O medicamento é uma tecnologia cuja importância é indiscutível seja para a saúde, como enquanto factor económico de crescimento e desenvolvimento. A sua regulação está fundamentada acrescidos os factores da sua essencialidade, da assimetria de informação, da cadeia de intermediários, dos interesses financeiros, dos requisitos para a demonstração de eficácia e segurança e as normas para promover a sua utilização eficiente. O Estado tem diversas abordagens possíveis para a regulação farmacêutica que implica sempre a existência de uma estrutura orgânica que assuma as atribuições de forma eficaz e eficiente. Este trabalho discute o modelo de regulação farmacêutica para as condições específicas de Cabo Verde usando como linhas de pesquisa (1) o enquadramento geral da prática de regulação a nível internacional, as recomendações da OMS e os países de referência no âmbito da Comunidade dos Países de Língua Oficial Portuguesa para procurar caracterizar esse processo, identificar as diferenças entre a regulação implementada em países mais desenvolvidos e os países em desenvolvimento e decidir se as agências de regulação podem ser vistas como uma transferência de tecnologia de gestão; (2) o modelo de institucionalização da regulação farmacêutica previsto para Cabo Verde e aquele que foi na prática implementado, com ênfase nas competências, estratégia de intervenção e constrangimentos, para por fim (3) proceder-se à elaboração de uma apreciação crítica, sob o pano de fundo da harmonização técnica e normativa, retomando as recomendações da OMS, a prática internacional neste contexto, corporizada pelos casos da experiência no Brasil e em Portugal e o modelo conceptualizado, relacionando as disparidades com os constrangimentos identificados. Feita a apreciação crítica propõe-se um novo modelo de regulação fazendo referência à revisão dos estatutos da autoridade reguladora e a alterações do figurino institucional.

Apropiación de los derechos sexuales y reproductivos. Un estudio de las condiciones socioeconómicas en jóvenes y adolescentes residentes del barrio Las Aguas de Bogotá

Este estudio inquiere por la apropiación de los Derechos Sexuales y Reproductivos de los jóvenes y adolescentes a partir de sus condiciones socioeconómicas. En este sentido, se analiza cómo el ingreso económico, la religión, la escolaridad, entre otros, influyen en la apropiación de estos derechos al condicionar la toma de decisiones seguras y efectivas para el ejercicio de una sexualidad sana y responsable. Mediante una encuesta aplicada a 72 jóvenes y adolescentes residentes del barrio Las Aguas de Bogotá, se indagó por los conocimientos, la toma de decisiones y las valoraciones en torno al tema de sexualidad. Se concluyó que hay un amplio desconocimiento de los Derechos Sexuales y Reproductivos pero existe cierta autonomía y responsabilidad en el ejercicio de la sexualidad.

Abordagens institucionalistas das parcerias público-privadas: as experiências da Inglaterra e de Minas Gerais

Parcerias Público-Privadas representaram um dos pilares das Reformas do Estado internacionalmente. No Brasil, modalidades de parcerias foram introduzidas durante o curso dos anos 90, culminando com a aprovação da Lei das Parcerias Público-Privadas, instituídas com o objetivo de estimular investimentos em infra-estrutura após a primeira etapa de privatizações e concessões, sob a inspiração da experiência britânica de Private Finance Initiative. O aparente isomorfismo sugerido pelas melhores práticas internacionais, contudo, não raramente obscurece variedades histórico-institucionais que influenciam o desenho das PPPs entre os países, em especial a estrutura de incentivos e a credibilidade de longo prazo dos contratos. O objeto deste trabalho é discutir como a literatura institucionalista de diferentes tradições teóricas – sociologia, economia e ciência política – explica a interação entre o ambiente institucional e as estruturas de governança das parcerias, modulando suas características e influindo nos resultados. Ao fim, descreve, à luz da experiência britânica de parcerias, a implantação do programa de PPP no Estado de Minas Gerais, ilustrando variáveis e hipóteses extraídas da literatura.

Análise experimental de lajes lisas unidirecionais de concreto armado com pilares retangulares ao puncionamento

Foram analisadas experimentalmente 8 (oito) lajes lisas de concreto armado sem armadura de cisalhamento, variando-se a taxa de armadura de flexão secundária e a maior dimensão dos pilares (cmax). As lajes de dimensões (1.800 x 1.800 x 110) mm, mesma armadura flexão principal, menor dimensão dos pilares (cmin) constante e igual a 85 mm, resistência à compressão do concreto em torno de 40 MPa foram submetidas à carga no centro (punção simétrica), que simula um pilar interno de um pavimento. A aplicação da carga foi realizada em trechos de pilares moliticamente ligados às lajes com 150 mm de altura, com índices de retangularidade (r = cmax/cmin) variando de 1 a 7. O objetivo foi avaliar a influência do índice de retangularidade, que neste caso refletiu no aumento do perímetro de controle, no comportamento das lajes sob flexão, e possivelmente uma ruptura mais dúctil. O objetivo foi também analisar as cargas de ruptura estimadas a partir das recomendações de seis códigos de projeto nacionais e internacionais, comparando com os resultados experimentais obtidos e avaliando as estimativas ao puncionamento, uma vez que, quando as dimensões dos pilares são substancialmente diferentes pode ocorrer a polarização de tensões e o ganho de resistência não ocorre de forma diretamente proporcional ao aumento do perímetro dos pilares. Após analisar as influências do índice de retangularidade dos pilares e as contribuições da taxa de armadura de flexão secundária nas cargas últimas das lajes e nos modos de ruptura, observou-se que os resultados experimentais indicaram que essas variáveis além de elevar a resistência da ligação podem fornecer certa ductilidade à ruptura da laje. Observou-se também que a taxa de crescimento das resistências obtidas nos ensaios diminui com incrementos no perímetro de controle. Das observações referentes à comparação entre os valores de resistências das lajes, obtidas nos ensaios, verificou-se que o aumento da carga de ruptura experimental não se apresentou de forma linear, indicando que a taxa de crescimento da carga diminui com o aumento do perímetro do pilar ou da relação cmax/cmin quando se mantém constante a menor dimensão do pilar (Cmin).

Análise experimental de lajes lisas nervuradas de concreto armado com armadura de cisalhamento

Lajes lisas nervuradas bidirecionais são elementos estruturais de concreto armado apoiados diretamente sobre pilares, sujeitas a solicitações importantes nas duas direções, possibilitam maior velocidade na execução da obra e economia considerável de formas e concreto e, conseqüentemente, mão-de-obra. Este trabalho visa contribuir para o estudo do comportamento deste tipo de laje, quanto a resistência ao cisalhamento nas nervuras e à punção na região maciça das lajes, através de ensaios de 8 lajes lisas nervuradas bidirecionais de concreto armado. Foram realizadas análises comparativas entre os resultados obtidos experimentalmente e os fornecidos por normas técnicas nacionais e internacionais. As lajes eram quadradas de lado igual a 1.800 mm de comprimento e altura total de 140 mm. A seção transversal das lajes foi formada por nervuras de 50 mm de largura na base menor e 100 mm na base maior e os vazios entre as nervuras foram preenchidos com blocos de EPS (poliestireno expandido). As principais variáveis consideradas foram o tipo de armadura de cisalhamento nas nervuras (treliça, estribo vertical fechado e estribo aberto inclinado a 45) e a utilização de estribo aberto inclinado a 45 como armadura de punção na região maciça. Foram apresentados e analisados os resultados observados para os deslocamentos verticais, deformação nas armaduras de cisalhamento e de flexão, e a propagação das fissuras. Os valores observados para cargas últimas foram comparados com os resultados estimados. Observou-se que as armaduras de cisalhamento nas nervuras não ocasionaram ganhos significativos na resistência última e que a armadura de punção elevou significativamente a resistência das lajes.

Heavy metal and petroleum product concentrations in waters at the Obskaya 1 drill site

During recent years, the basins of the Kara Sea (Kamennomysskaya, Obskaya, and Chugor'yakhinskaya structures) in the Russian Federation have been considered as promising regions for oil and gas exploration and, simultaneously, as possible paths of relatively cheap pipeline and tanker transportation of hydrocarbons projected for recovery. On the other hand, exploration operations, recovery, and transportation of gas pose a considerable risk of accidents and environmental pollution, which causes a justified concern about the future state of the ecological system of the Gulf of Ob and the adjoining parts of the Kara Sea. Therefore, regular combined environmental investigations (monitoring) are the most important factor for estimating the current state and forecasting the dynamics of the development of estuary systems. The program of investigations (schedule, station network, and measured parameters) is standardized in accordance with the international practice of such work and accounts for the experience of monitoring studies of Russian and foreign researchers. Two measurement sessions were performed during ecological investigations in the region of exploration drilling: at the beginning at final stage of drilling operations and borehole testing; in addition, natural parameters were determined in various parts of the Ob estuary before the beginning of investigations. Hydrophysical and hydrochemical characteristics of the water medium were determined and bottom sediments and water were analyzed for various pollutants (petroleum products, heavy metals, and radionuclides). The forms of heavy-metal occurrence in river and sea waters were determined by the method of continuous multistep filtration, which is based on water component fractionation on membrane filters of various pore sizes. These investigations revealed environmental pollution by chemical substances during the initial stage of drilling operations, when remains of fuels, oils, and solutions could be spilled, and part of the chemical pollutants could enter the environment. Owing to horizontal and vertical turbulent diffusion, wave mixing, and the effect of the general direction of currents in the Ob estuary from south to north, areas are formed with elevated concentrations of the analyzed elements and compounds. However, the concentration levels of chemical pollutants are practically no higher than the maximum admissible concentrations, and their substantial dissipation to the average regional background contents can be expected in the near future. Our investigations allowed us to determine in detail the parameters of anthropogenic pollution in the regions affected by hydrocarbon exploration drilling in the Obskii and Kamennomysskii prospects in the Gulf of Ob and estimate their influence on the ecological state of the basin of the Ob River and the Kara Sea on the whole.

Evaluación de la distribución de riesgos en los distintos modelos de asociación público-privada para la provisión de infraestructura carretera en México

México es de los pocos países en el mundo que ha realizado dos grandes programas para la construcción de autopistas en colaboración con el sector privado. El primero, fue realizado entre 1989 y 1994, con resultados adversos por el mal diseño del esquema de concesiones; y, el segundo con mejores resultados, en operación desde 2003 mediante nuevos modelos de asociación público-privada (APP). El objetivo de la presente investigación es estudiar los modelos de asociación público-privada empleados en México para la provisión de infraestructura carretera, realizando el análisis y la evaluación de la distribución de riesgos entre el sector público y privado en cada uno de los modelos con el propósito de establecer una propuesta de reasignación de riesgos para disminuir el costo global y la incertidumbre de los proyectos. En la primera parte se describe el estado actual del conocimiento de las asociaciones público-privadas para desarrollar proyectos de infraestructura, incluyendo los antecedentes, la definición y las tipologías de los esquemas APP, así como la práctica internacional de programas como el modelo británico Private Finance Initiative (PFI), resultados de proyectos en la Unión Europea y programas APP en otros países. También, se destaca la participación del sector privado en el financiamiento de la infraestructura del transporte de México en la década de 1990. En los capítulos centrales se aborda el estudio de los modelos APP que se han utilizado en el país en la construcción de la red de carreteras de alta capacidad. Se presentan las características y los resultados del programa de autopistas 1989-94, así como el rescate financiero y las medidas de reestructuración de los proyectos concesionados, aspectos que obligaron a las autoridades mexicanas a cambiar la normatividad para la aprobación de los proyectos según su rentabilidad, modificar la legislación de caminos y diseñar nuevos esquemas de colaboración entre el gobierno y el sector privado. Los nuevos modelos APP vigentes desde 2003 son: nuevo modelo de concesiones para desarrollar autopistas de peaje, modelo de proyectos de prestación de servicios (peaje sombra) para modernizar carreteras existentes y modelo de aprovechamiento de activos para concesionar autopistas de peaje en operación a cambio de un pago. De estos modelos se realizaron estudios de caso en los que se determinan medidas de desempeño operativo (niveles de tráfico, costos y plazos de construcción) y rentabilidad financiera (tasa interna de retorno y valor presente neto). En la última parte se efectúa la identificación, análisis y evaluación de los riesgos que afectaron los costos, el tiempo de ejecución y la rentabilidad de los proyectos de ambos programas. Entre los factores de riesgo analizados se encontró que los más importantes fueron: las condiciones macroeconómicas del país (inflación, producto interno bruto, tipo de cambio y tasa de interés), deficiencias en la planificación de los proyectos (diseño, derecho de vía, tarifas, permisos y estimación del tránsito) y aportaciones públicas en forma de obra. Mexico is one of the few countries in the world that has developed two major programs for highway construction in collaboration with the private sector. The first one was carried out between 1989 and 1994 with adverse outcomes due to the wrong design of concession schemes; and, the second one, in operation since 2003, through new public-private partnership models (PPPs). The objective of this research is to study public-private partnership models used in Mexico for road infrastructure provision, performing the analysis and evaluation of risk’s distribution between the public and the private sector in each model in order to draw up a proposal for risk’s allocation to reduce the total cost and the uncertainty of projects. The first part describes the current state of knowledge in public-private partnership to develop infrastructure projects, including the history, definition and types of PPP models, as well as international practice of programs such as the British Private Finance Initiative (PFI) model, results in the European Union and PPP programs in other countries. Also, it stands out the private sector participation in financing of Mexico’s transport infrastructure in 1990s. The next chapters present the study of public-private partnerships models that have been used in the country in the construction of the high capacity road network. Characteristics and outcomes of the highway program 1989-94 are presented, as well as the financial bailout and restructuring measures of the concession projects, aspects that forced the Mexican authorities to change projects regulations, improve road’s legislation and design new schemes of cooperation between the Government and the private sector. The new PPP models since 2003 are: concession model to develop toll highways, private service contracts model (shadow toll) to modernize existing roads and highway assets model for the concession of toll roads in operation in exchange for a payment. These models were analyzed using case studies in which measures of operational performance (levels of traffic, costs and construction schedules) and financial profitability (internal rate of return and net present value) are determined. In the last part, the analysis and assessment of risks that affect costs, execution time and profitability of the projects are carried out, for both programs. Among the risk factors analyzed, the following ones were found to be the most important: country macroeconomic conditions (inflation, gross domestic product, exchange rate and interest rate), deficiencies in projects planning (design, right of way, tolls, permits and traffic estimation) and public contributions in the form of construction works.

Combating corruption in Ukraine – the beginning of a long march. OSW COMMENTARY Number 170, 06.05.2015

From a public opinion point of view, corruption has been the gravest problem of today’s Ukraine, excepting the armed conflict in the east of the country. The government might be able to delay certain key reforms such as the constitutional reform or the reform of local government structures, however, without stepping up measures to combat corruption they would face the risk of losing social support which has already been weak. There is no single strategy for combating corruption in Ukraine. What has been implemented is a series of often contradictory concepts and actions (initiated by the president’s office, the government, civil society institutions, or launched to meet the requirements of donors). The successes of the new government have included efforts aimed at fighting corruption at the middle level of government and the introduction of legislative changes in compliance with international practice. The main weaknesses, on the other hand, have been the lack of efficient mechanisms to implement the adopted legislation to ensure that an individual charged with corruption (regardless of political connections) could be effectively tried and the money received as bribery could be returned to the state. Similarly, the judiciary system has not been prepared to actively handle corruption cases.

Diretrizes para o gerenciamento de riscos em contratos de obras públicas : estudo de caso da contratação integrada

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade de Tecnologia, Departamento de Engenharia Civil e Ambiental, 2015.