New energy Era: Short Term and Long Term.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beckwith, Robert

This paper examines the causes and effects of the 1973 oil embargo imposed by OPEC. The author notes that since the embargo, little positive action has been taken to reduce American dependence upon a very limited and very expensive energy source. In order to achieve any degree of independence, it will be necessary to repidly expand coal and…

Communication with extraterrestrial intelligences - Possibilities, chances, and perspectives with special attention given to the leaky-embargo hypothesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fiebag, Johannes

1989-12-01

Present SETI projects are described, emphasizing search methods alternative to investigations in the radio range. The possibility that the human race is being studied by alien presences within the solar system is addressed in the context of the 'zoo hypothesis' and the 'leaky embargo' hypothesis. In the former, the aliens prevent any contact with humans, while in the latter occasional contact is permitted.

Cuba Adrift in a Postcommunist World

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-01-01

Union’s collapse. Once the embargo is dismantled and U.S. business interests develop a stake in Cuba, reimp -tion of the embargo would become virtually ...34zero option" this year- a virtual cut-off of imports from the former Soviet Union, forcing them to endure even greater austerity, privations, and...black market and underground capitalist activities, but also crimes of violence that were virtually unheard of in the past. As a consequence, the

Trade and the environment: Discussion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lutz, E.

1992-12-01

The author presents a synopsis of several papers on the issue of international trade and the environment. The papers address the following topics: the complex interrelationships of international trade, environment, and poverty in developing countries; environmental aspects of economic relations between nations; and the debate between environmentalists and free trade advocates. The author also adds comments about the US embargo on Mexican yellow-fin tuna imports, concluding that this unilateral embargo action, while initially creating tentions, may have provided a useful impetus to working out a multinational environmental standard.

Comet Kohoutek, The Arab Oil Embargo, and the Jan 1974 AAS Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duncan, D. K.

1999-05-01

An unlikely combination of factors, including Comet Kohoutek and the Arab Oil embargo, combined to make my first AAS Meeting my most memorable. Three young graduate students confronted lack of gas, lack of money, and lack of planning to attend the Jan 1974 meeting in Tucson, AZ. One, Steve Hawley, displayed skills which would later be valuable when he became the astronaut who launched HST. Although we became stranded in the desert, two of the three of us made it to the meeting, and only one didn't....

Preconception health status of Iraqi women after trade embargo.

PubMed

Abbas, Wafa Abdul Karim; Azar, Najood G; Haddad, Linda G; Umlauf, Mary Grace

2008-01-01

To describe the preconception health status of Iraqi women in 2001 following the trade embargo imposed on Iraq beginning in 1991 and only partially removed in 1996. A descriptive cross-sectional prevalence study. 500 Iraqi women at a premarital clinic in Baghdad in 2001. Women were surveyed for age, area of residence, menstrual history, household crowding, consanguinity, and a family history of congenital problems. Clinical findings regarding height, weight, and hemoglobin level were included in the data. Almost one third of the women were below the age of 20 and the majority were between 20 and 25 years of age. More than half of the women in this study had an intermediate-level education or less and lived in very crowded housing. Most of the women were anemic and reported a delay in menarche, suggesting malnutrition. Most of the women were planning consanguineous unions even though many reported congenital conditions in their family of origin. Young Iraqi women who endured embargo needed, and continue to need, aggressive preventive health services to recoup health gains lost during the 1990s and to address prevention of common congenital disorders.

The US blockade and Cuba's AIDS sanatoria system.

PubMed

Landau, J G

1998-01-01

Cuba's low rate of HIV infection is due to several factors that include early HIV detection campaigns, the sanatoria system, and the U.S. embargo that has restricted sex tourism and drugs. People diagnosed with HIV are scheduled for entry into the sanatoria system within their province. Food and medical care are guaranteed in the sanatoria, as are educational opportunities and work for the unskilled, a powerful incentive in an impoverished nation. Ironically, while the U.S. embargo partly contributes to keeping the HIV infection rate low, it also is severely and adversely affecting public health in Cuba by creating widespread shortages in medical care resources.

The Federal Energy Administration (Institutional Origins of the Department of Energy)

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Anders, R. M.

1980-11-01

The Federal Energy Administration was the successor of the Federal Energy Office, a short-term organization created to coordinate the government's response to the Arab oil embargo. In October 1977, it became part of the Department of Energy. A brief history of the period from 1974 to 1977 specifically concerning these agencies is presented. Discussed are: the Arab Oil Embargo, the Federal Energy Office, the Federal Energy Administration, the Autumn Crisis (1974), Zarb Rebuilds the Agency, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, the Energy Conservation and Production Act, Program Growth, and Energy Reorganization. Records of the Federal Energy Administration are briefly presented.

2016 Oncology Nursing Society Annual Congress: Podium, E-Poster, and Poster Session Abstracts.

PubMed

2016-03-01

Abstracts appear as they were submitted and have not undergone editing or the Oncology Nursing Forum's review process. Only abstracts that will be presented appear online. Poster numbers are subject to change. For updated poster numbers, visit congress.ons.org or check the Congress guide. Data published in abstracts presented at ONS's Annual Congress are embargoed until the conclusion of the presentation. Coverage and/or distribution of an abstract, poster, or any of its supplemental material to or by the news media, any commercial entity, or individuals, including the authors of said abstract, is strictly prohibited until the embargo is lifted. Promotion of general topics and speakers is encouraged within these guidelines.

2018 Congress Poster Abstracts

PubMed

2018-02-21

Each abstract has been indexed according to the first author. Abstracts appear as they were submitted and have not undergone editing or the Oncology Nursing Forum’s review process. Only abstracts that will be presented appear here. Poster numbers are subject to change. For updated poster numbers, visit congress.ons.org or check the Congress guide. Data published in abstracts presented at the ONS 43rd Annual Congress are embargoed until the conclusion of the presentation. Coverage and/or distribution of an abstract, poster, or any of its supplemental material to or by the news media, any commercial entity, or individuals, including the authors of said abstract, is strictly prohibited until the embargo is lifted. Promotion of general topics and speakers is encouraged within these guidelines.

Impact of pinewood nematode in north america: present and future.

PubMed

Bergdahl, D R

1988-04-01

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, pinewood nematode (PWN), is the most serious pest of pine forests in Japan, but in North America its role in pine wilt disease is still being studied. The PWN is known to infest many species of Pinus, with P. nigra, P. sylvestris, and P. thunbergii the most susceptible in the eastern United States. Because of its potential, several European countries (Finland, Norway, and Sweden) and Korea have established embargoes against the importation of coniferous wood from regions of the world known to be infested with the PWN. Although the PWN is not considered an economic pest in North American forests, the recent embargoes have established an impact on current forest management practices and an economic impact on North American export trade.

Arab oil weapon. [documents, treaties, commentaries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Paust, J.J.; Blaustein, A.P.

1977-01-01

This compilation of publications dealing with the Arab oil weapon presents documents and commentaries. In Part I, the Embargo, fhe documents include: Historical Chronologies; The United States Oil Shortage and the Arab-Israelic Conflict; OPEC: Oil Negotations, OPEC, and the Stability of Supply; and OPEC Resolutions and Other Documents. Commentaries include: The Arab Oil Weapon--A Threat to International Peace, by Jordon J. Paust and Albert P. Blaustein; Destination Embargo of Arab Oil: Its Legality Under International Law, by Ibrahim F. I. Shihata; The Arab Oil Weapon: A Reply and Re-Affirmation of Illegality, by Jordan J. Paust and Albert P. Blaustein; Economicmore » Coercion and the International Legal Order, by Richard B. Lillich; Some Politico-Legal Aspects of Resource Scarcity, by Timothy Stanley; and OPEC in the Context of the Global Power Equation, by Jahangir Amuzegar. Part II, The Response, includes the following documents: Presidential Statements: Carter and Ford; The Energy Crisis: Strategy for Cooperative Action, by Henry A. Kissinger; Oil Fields as Military Objectives; and Data and Analysis: Concerning the Possibility of a U.S. Food Embargo as a Response to the present Arab Oil Boycott. The commentaries in Part II are: Oil: The Issue of American Intervention, by Robert W. Tucker; War--The Ultimate Antitrust Actions, by Andrew Tobias; and The Need for Negotiated Reforms, by John H. Jackson. Part III, Legal Framework, contains 10 United Nations documents and 4 treaties. (MCW)« less

Sports Injury Prevention Tip Sheet

MedlinePlus

... Conferences Press Information Media Kits Embargoed Media ... than ever before. Sports help children and adolescents keep their bodies fit and feel good about themselves. However, there are some important injury ...

78 FR 9900 - National Assessment Governing Board; Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-12

... and specifications, developing appropriate student achievement levels for each grade and subject... briefing on the NAEP 2012 Economics Report. The Board will receive an embargoed briefing on preliminary...

Possible extraterrestrial strategy for earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deardorff, J. W.

1986-03-01

A hypothesis concerning the nature of extraterrestrial messages to the earth is proposed. The hypothesis is based on the following assumptions about (1) that they exist in abundance in the Galaxy; (2) that they are benevolent toward earth-based life forms, and (3) that the lack of any human detection of extraterrestrials is due to an embargo designed to prevent any premature disclosure of their existence. It is argued that any embargo not involving alien force must be a leaky one designed to allow a gradual disclosure of the alien message and its gradual acceptance on the part of the general public over a very long time-scale. The communication may take the form of what is now considered magic, and may therefore be misinterpreted as 'magic' by or a hoax by contemporary governments and scientists.

Iran Export Embargo Act

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX

2013-05-21

Senate - 05/21/2013 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

15 CFR 732.1 - Steps overview.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... (Foreign-Produced Direct Product Reexports) for all countries except: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria... end-uses and end-users, countries subject to a comprehensive embargo (e.g., Cuba, Iran, North Korea...

Cuban Libraries: 30 Years after the Revolution.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chepesiuk, Ron

1990-01-01

Discussion of the Cuban library system includes comments from interviews with leading librarians in that country. Effects of the Castro regime and the U.S. embargo on Cuba and its libraries are considered. (MES)

Entering a New Energy Age

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fowler, John M.

1975-01-01

Discusses the oil embargo and its effects on the United States. Also assesses the present energy situation, sources and users of energy, threats to the environment, and the prospect of nuclear energy for the future. (CP)

Pressure deflected: Japan and the 1973 Arab oil embargo

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burridge, J.M.

1988-01-01

Japanese policy toward the Arab states for the five years before the embargo are compared with the five years that followed. Significant events from October 1973 through the February 1974 Washington Conference are described on a virtually daily basis. The study concludes that the late 1973 oil-supply reduction did not result in significantly greater Japanese political support or economic assistance in the 1974-1978 period. Japan did not even carry the only specific commitment in the November 22 statement - that it would reconsider relations with Israel if that country didn't withdraw from the occupied Arab territories. Many factors contributed tomore » this failure - American counter-pressure, Arab disunity, and a worldwide drop in oil demand. In terms of political demands, neither OAPEC nor any individual Arab state ever articulated any specific actions Japan was to take. Finally, the supply of oil was rapidly depoliticized after 1974.« less

Learning to live with OPEC oil: the Arab view

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1983-01-01

Either OPEC or a similar Middle East organizaiton will recapture the dominant role in oil market as non-OPEC oil sources are depleted. An interview with Ali Ahmed Attiga of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) suggests the possibility of another embargo, but emphasizes the common bond that both oil-importing and oil-exporting countries have if they become over-dependent on oil. Attiga points out that OAPEC will produce 40% of the energy consumed at the end of 10 years. He credits the 1973 embargo with reminding the US of its vital interest in the Arab world, but admits it didmore » not accomplish the withdrawal of Israel from occupied territory. In response to other questions Attiga doubts other producers will join OPEC, explains OPEC pricing and production policies, and describes its development programs. 1 figure.« less

Fuel Efficiency Improvement in Rail Freight Transportation

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-12-01

Railroad diesel fuel conservation is becoming increasingly cost-effective. The price of diesel fuel has increased almost two and one-half times since the October 1973 Embargo. The estimated value of diesel fuel, if in short supply, is over 1 dollar a...

Employment Trends in Energy Extraction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greene, Richard

1981-01-01

Between 1973 and 1980, employment in the basic energy extraction industries--coal, oil, and natural gas--has risen by more than 91 percent. The Arab oil embargo and subsequent emphasis on development of domestic energy sources are responsible for this trend. (Author/SK)

15 CFR 746.8 - Rwanda.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Rwanda. 746.8 Section 746.8 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade (Continued) BUREAU OF INDUSTRY AND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS EMBARGOES AND OTHER SPECIAL...

Effects of Raising Speed Limits on Motor Vehicle Emissions

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-03-01

In 1974 the Federal government introduced a national speed limit of 55 miles per hour (mph) in response to the Arab oil embargo and subsequent energy crisis. This limit was raised to 65 mph for rural interstate freeways in 1987. In November of 1995, ...

Continuous freeway illumination and accidents on a section of Rte. I-95.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-01-01

Beginning with the oil embargo of 1973-74, highway lighting and particularly continuous lighting on freeways became one of the first items to be cut back to conserve energy and revenue. During this period of energy shortage, considerable lighting was...

Extraterrestrial Communications.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deardorff, James W.

1987-01-01

Discusses the embargo hypothesis--the theory that Earth is apparently free from alien exploitation because of a presumed cosmic quarantine against this planet--which implies that, instead of being only a few hundred years technologically in advance of earthly civilization, extraterrestrials in charge are likely tens of thousands of years in…

Iran’s Economy

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-12

Agriculture Iran’s agriculture sector is substantial. Iran is a major source of caviar and pistachio nuts, which constitute significant non-oil exports for Iran...prepared meat and fish, and edible nuts and foods ( pistachios ). There is evidence that Iran is able to obtain embargoed U.S. goods through the re

The Public and the Energy Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosa, Eugene

1978-01-01

Reviews findings of 17 national surveys administered between 1973 and 1977 which questioned the severity of the energy problems. Findings reveal that at only one time, during the oil embargo of 1973-1974, did the American public rate energy as a more serious problem than economic inflation. (CP)

Energy and Educational Facilities: Costs and Conservation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Educational Facilities Labs., Inc., New York, NY.

An analysis of energy costs and conservation in educational facilities in the United States is presented in this report. Tables and text give dollar figures for energy expenditures in education since the first oil embargo. Energy conservation through facilities management and through facilities modification is stressed. Recommendations are…

15 CFR 746.5-746.6 - [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false [Reserved] 746.5-746.6 Section 746.5-746.6 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade (Continued) BUREAU OF INDUSTRY AND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS EMBARGOES AND...

An LJ Round Table with the Aggregators.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Albanese, Andrew Richard

2002-01-01

Discusses the growing trend in aggregated article databases and includes individual views from a panel discussion. Highlights include publisher's embargoes of current content; views of academic libraries and of vendors; full-text issues; the Tasini v. New York Times Supreme Court case; consortial buying; and future possibilities. (LRW)

An evaluation of the increase in traffic fatalities in Virginia in 1977.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-01-01

Since the Arab oil embargo of 1973 the number of fatal traffic accidents and fatalities in Virginia has been relatively stable from year to year. However, in September 1977 fatalities began to occur at an alarming rate and by the end of 1977, the tot...

U.S. Energy Prospects: An Engineering Viewpoint.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Academy of Engineering, Washington, DC. Commission on Education.

With the Arab oil embargo of 1973, the United States became aware of its dependence on foreign fuel to maintain its productive capacity, employment base, political autonomy, strategic security, and living standard. An engineering Task Force on Energy was appointed to provide an informed assessment of the realistic strategies that could be…

Iran’s Economic Conditions: U.S. Policy Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-15

Iran is a major world provider source of caviar and pistachio nuts, a significant non-oil export for Iran. The country’s climate and... pistachios ). There is evidence that Iran is able to obtain embargoed U.S. goods through the re- export trade, mainly through Dubai.120 In general

Collaborative Learning: Increasing Students' Engagement Outside the Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hernandez, Rosario

2012-01-01

Several factors, including the Bologna process, the embargo on university posts, and a larger student population pursuing degrees, have contributed to radical changes in teaching, learning, and assessment in Irish higher education in the last few years. Challenges to academics have resulted in curriculum reform, and most importantly, in innovative…

15 CFR Supplement Nos.1-3 to Part 746 - [Reserved

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 15 Commerce and Foreign Trade 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false [Reserved] Nos.1 Supplement Nos.1-3 to Part 746 Commerce and Foreign Trade Regulations Relating to Commerce and Foreign Trade (Continued) BUREAU OF INDUSTRY AND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS EMBARGOES AND...

76 FR 30001 - Amendment to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Libya

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-24

... International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Libya AGENCY: Department of State. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The... regarding Libya to reflect the United Nations Security Council arms embargoes adopted in February and March...: (202) 261-8199; or e-mail: [email protected] . Attn: Part 126, Libya. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On...

The challenge for Cuba.

PubMed Central

Claudio, L

1999-01-01

The restrictions of a U.S. trade embargo and the collapse of the Soviet Union marked the beginning of a period of extreme economic hardship in Cuba. Economic adversity has had tremendous effects, both positive and negative, on all aspects of life on the Island, including environmental and public health. PMID:10210701

Role of the Department of Defense in the Research and Development of Alternative Fuels

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-12

most cost effective defense against another oil embargo than subsidizing synthetic fuels .”57 Again, the political and budgetary climate effectively......to develop technologies that will decrease the nation’s need for fossil fuel . The market demand for fuel -efficient cars sharply increased within the

77 FR 69814 - National Assessment Governing Board; Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-21

... linking study at grade 8 in mathematics and science. The linking study was conducted in 2012 between NAEP and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science (TIMSS) assessments. These data have not yet... Mathematics Curriculum Study. For the NAEP/TIMSS linking study, the Board will receive an embargoed briefing...

Cuban Geography in Higher Education: Survival in the "Special Period."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Mark M.; And Others

1996-01-01

Provides a concise and interesting overview of the state of higher education in Cuba, specifically focusing on geography. The interests, methodologies, and programs of Cuban geographers are similar to other countries, albeit at a truncated level due to the United States embargo. Discusses international educational exchange efforts. (MJP)

Issues Facing Academic Library Consortia and Perceptions of Members of the Illinois Digital Academic Library.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Sam; Dorst, Thomas J.

2002-01-01

Discusses the role of consortia in academic libraries, specifically the Illinois Digital Academic Library (IDAL), and describes a study conducted by the IDAL that investigated issues surrounding full text database research including stability of content, vendor communication, embargo periods, publisher concerns, quality of content, linking and…

Salmonella expression of the avian influenza HA and M2e genes for protection of poultry from lethal challenge

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Avian influenza (AI) is viral disease of poultry and detection in commercial flocks can result in trade embargos causing serious economic impact to the poultry industry. Vaccination is currently used to increase protection of birds against AI and limit transmission to susceptible cohorts. Because ...

U.S. Embargo Walls Us In

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Durand, Cliff; McGuire, Mike

2004-01-01

On June 30, the Bush administration imposed new regulations sharply curtailing already-limited travel to Cuba. A New York Times article published on June 24 characterized the regulations as "part of a broader plan that President Bush announced last month to be tougher on President Fidel Castro and speed a transition to democracy in Cuba.…

Lifting the Differentiation Embargo.

PubMed

Latif, Anne-Louise; Holyoake, Tessa L

2016-09-22

Effective differentiation therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been restricted to a small subset of patients with one defined genetic abnormality. Using an unbiased small molecule screen, Sykes et al. now identify a mechanism of de-repression of differentiation in several models of AML driven by distinct genetic drivers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Iran’s Economic Conditions: U.S. Policy Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-15

is a major world provider source of caviar and pistachio nuts, a significant non-oil export for Iran. The country’s climate and terrain also support...prepared meat and fish, and edible nuts and foods ( pistachios ). There is evidence that Iran is able to obtain embargoed U.S. goods through the re

Jordanian Children in the Eye of the Storm.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Amman (Jordan). Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa.

The Gulf Crisis that erupted in August, 1990 brought Jordan widespread economic devastation, increased poverty, the threat of hunger, health setbacks, and other hardships. Just as the country's economy was beginning to pull out of a lingering recession, Jordan was struck by the economic embargo against Iraq, the influx of over a million evacuees…

Perspectives and Plans for Graduate Studies. 8. Anthropology 1974.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Council of Ontario Universities, Toronto.

At the present time there are two graduate programs in anthropology in Ontario. An examination of the 3-year plans submitted in 1972 revealed that several universities in Ontario were proposing master's work in anthropology. It was decided to place master's work in anthropology under provisional embargo until a "mini-planning assessment"…

Insulating an Ideology: The Enclave Effect on South Florida's Cuban Americans

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Girard, Chris; Grenier, Guillermo J.

2008-01-01

Many Cuban Americans embrace a distinctive anti-Castro ideology. Although this ideology supports the embargo against Cuba--purportedly to bring about the Castro regime's compliance or collapse--the real objectives may be more symbolic than practical. Ultimately, the institutional completeness provided by the enclave in South Florida insulates and…

More to the Story: A Reappraisal of U.S. Intelligence Prior to the Pacific War

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-15

49 Northern China ...French Indochina and the war in China strained diplomatic relations between Imperial Japan and the United States. The resulting embargoes and the...Japan. Relations between Japan and the United States continued to degrade over China and the IJA’s expansion in Indochina. The Japanese authorities

A Review of Energy Models with Particular Reference to Employment and Manpower Analysis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eckstein, Albert J.; Heien, Dale M.

To analyze the application of quantitative models to energy-employment issues, the energy problem was viewed in three distinct, but related, phases: the post-embargo shock effects, the intermediate-term process of adjustment, and the long-run equilibrium. Against this background eighteen existing energy models (government supported as well as…

22 CFR 126.1 - Prohibited exports and sales to certain countries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... imports of defense articles and defense services, destined for or originating in certain countries. This... security and foreign policy of the United States. Information regarding certain other embargoes appears..., except § 123.17 of this subchapter, do not apply with respect to articles originating in or for export to...

The Language of Energy: A Glossary of Words and Phrases Used in the Energy Industry.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Petroleum Inst., Washington, DC.

Provided is an alphabetical list or words and phrases commonly used in the energy industry. Entries range from such general terms as biomass, fossil fuels, and wetlands to such highly specific terms as Arab oil embargo of 1973-74 and Exxon Donor Solvent (EDS) Process. (JN)

English Takes Root in Vietnam.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yablonka, Marc Phillip

1999-01-01

English has emerged as an important language in Vietnam, and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) education exists at all levels of schooling and in business. This paper explains Vietnam's post-embargo quest for English, the effect of economic hardships on education in Vietnam, incoming ESL instructors, and the past, present, and future of languages…

Asia, oil politics, and the energy crisis: the haves and the have-nots

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Howell, L.; Morrow, M.; Caldwell, M.

1974-01-01

A study is made of the politics and economics of oil in Southeast Asia, a region with over half the world's population, but only a small percentage of its oil and gas reserves. The increase in energy costs following the Arab oil embargo was a much more effective barrier to poor countries than the embargo. Without energy supplies these nations cannot develop economically; they will experience more unemployment, migration to cities, slum build-up, malnutrition, and starvation. To better comprehend the Asian situation, the international petroleum system is discussed, considering its effects on those countries which have oil and gas resourcesmore » and those which do not. Petroleum policies of individual Asian countries (e.g., Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Australia) are assessed. Most governments in Asia have participated in what is called ''false'' development. They have exported their oil to receive foreign exchange which has been used to modernize only a tiny part of their economies. Finally, capitalist Australia is examined as an alternate model to the dominant attitudes in Asia. (159 references) (BYB)« less

Factors affecting Iran`s future. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sinai, J.

1993-05-28

This study examines the factors affecting Iran`s future by focusing on the demographic, economic, and military trends in Iran and their impact on the country`s national security objectives in the next decade. The paper also assesses the implications of an economic embargo on Iran and potential Iranian threats to regional and United States national interests.

The export premium: why some logs are worth more abroad.

Treesearch

Donald F. Flora; Wendy J. McGinnis; Christine L. Lane

1993-01-01

For as long as logs have been exported from the Pacific Northwest, they seem to have been worth more offshore than in the domestic market. Five reasons for the export premium are the inconvenience of trade, quality, extra "haul and hassle," continuity in export arrangements, and export embargoes. A large and increasing differential remains between export and...

Youth Unemployment: Implications for Vocational Education R & D. Occasional Paper No. 32.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wills, Joan

Has vocational education been responsible for the unemployed youth in our nation today? No, the vocational education community is not responsible for youth unemployment rates, the shifting labor market demands, the baby bulge, women in the labor force, the oil embargo, or the economic recession. Then what role does the vocational education…

Revisiting the Energy Crisis: How Far Have We Come?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feldman, David Lewis

1995-01-01

This article is a summary of discussions that took place at a symposium attended by scholars and policymakers on the legacy of the 1970s energy crisis. Examines enduring impacts and unresolved issues, the possibility of a future embargo-style crisis, and the future of energy policy. Discusses energy and environment in developing countries. (LZ)

Perspectives and Plans for Graduate Studies 18. Fine Arts 1974-76.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ontario Council on Graduate Studies, Toronto. Advisory Committee on Academic Planning.

In 1973, a provisional embargo in fine arts by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities mandated an internal study before new graduate programs could be funded. The Council of Ontario Universities' recommendations for dance, film, and theater and drama are: that masters' programs be initiated at York University (dance, film, theater, studio art),…

JPRS Report, Near East and South Asia: Pakistan.

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-11-08

23 Helping Set Up Light Industry [JANG 1 Sep...and Israel. and Responsibilities" called for a genuine self-reliance in the field of defence, production and other key industries The realisation of...of the outflow of the resources of the Third World coun- human behaviour . tries, its dependence on the existing currency reserves and embargo on the

Twenty Years of Clean Energy

Science.gov Websites

, 1977 as the Solar Energy Research Institute in the wake of the Arab oil embargo. In 1991, its mission growing dependence on foreign oil while creating thousands of new American jobs. Our use of energy from security and the American economy. The U.S. now imports a larger percentage of its oil from foreign sources

Cuban/US Research Interactions Since 1995

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamargo, Maria C.

Interactions between Cuban physicists and researchers in the United States are difficult, to say the least. The complexities associated with communication and travel between Cuba and the US greatly hamper these efforts. Nevertheless, scientific interactions are permitted within the limits of the US embargo, and travel to Cuba to attend international scientific conferences or for well-documented research and educational purposes is allowed.

Women: Tapping a New Resource for Energy.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Consumer Action Now, New York, NY.

In 1973 the Arab oil embargo triggered what has come to be known as the "energy crisis." In 1974, Consumer Action Now (CAN) decided to devote its full efforts to the grave issues of energy and to look for options that would preserve our choices as a new energy era is entered. Any transition to a more energy-efficient society depends on a…

Towards a Continental Energy Market: From the Energy Crisis to the Free Trade Agreement, 1970-88.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bennett, Paul W.

1989-01-01

Discusses the impact the 1973 oil embargo and resulting energy crisis had on Canadian energy policies, which eventually led in 1987 to the enactment of the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the United States. Includes excerpts of three documents which reveal much about the shift in Canadian policy toward a continental energy market. (LS)

Rosoboronexport Embargo Act of 2014

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Moran, James P. [D-VA-8

2014-07-29

House - 07/29/2014 Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within... (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Converting STEM Doctoral Dissertations into Patent Applications: A Study of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Chemical Engineering Dissertations from CIC Institutions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Butkovich, Nancy J.

2015-01-01

Doctoral candidates may request short-term embargoes on the release of their dissertations in order to apply for patents. This study examines how often inventions described in dissertations in chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, and mathematics are converted into U.S. patent applications, as well as the relationship between dissertation…

Breast Cancer Epidemiology in Puerto Rico

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

estudio no fue disefiado para tratar sus problemas de salud. Sin embargo, su participacion en este estudio es muy importante porque nos ayudar<i a...cigarrillos, exposicion al sol, informacion demogratica, numero de seguro social , historial personal y familiar de enfermedades cronicas, direccion actual e...physical activity, weight history, smoking, sun exposure, demographic characteristics, social security number, personal and familial history of

22 CFR 126.1 - Prohibited exports, imports, and sales to or from certain countries.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... transactions that are prohibited by the embargo and that involve U.S. persons (see § 120.15 of this subchapter... specifying different measures. This would include, but is not limited to, transactions involving trade by U.S. persons who are located inside or outside of the United States in defense articles or services of U.S. or...

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (80th, Chicago, Illinois, July 30-August 2, 1997): Science Communication.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

The Science Communication section of the Proceedings contains the following seven papers: "Getting an Advance Look: Controversies over Embargoes in Science Journalism" (Vincent Kiernan); "Perceptions of Newspaper Bias in a Local Environmental Controversy" (Katherine A. McComas; Clifford W. Scherer; Cynthia Heffelfinger);…

Magnetic Resonance Project 35-26-7: A Cuban Case of Engineering Physics and Biophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabal Mirabal, Carlos A.

The Magnetic Resonance Project 35-26-7 started in December 1987, commissioned by the [then] Cuban Prime Minister, Fidel Castro, who—concerned about introducing technological advancement into the Cuban health [system]—had for some months taken an interest in the possibility of building magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment for medical diagnosis in Cuba (Zito M, Argüelles MM et al, Y sin embargo-: ciencia: hablan 30 investigadores cubanos. Editoria April, Habana, pp 56-66, 1999; Cabal, Biofísica Médica. In: Fidel Castro Dìas-Balart (eds) Cuba. Amanecer del Tercer Milenio. Ciencia, Sociedad y Tecnología: Biofísica Médica. Debate Editorial, Madrid, pp 31-48, 2002). Many of the companies producing MRI equipment were unable to deliver this technology to Cuba due to the bloqueo, the United States embargo against Cuba. Those who were later to advance the project's progress in scientific technology initially regarded the implementation of such a project in a developing country as unfeasible due to its complexity. But Fidel's belief and confidence and in turn the Cuban scientists' commitment to him and to Cuban science proved to be an undeniable factors for its success.

What We Learned From the Oil Crisis of 1973: A 30-Year Retrospective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roeder, John L.

2005-01-01

Thirty years ago, the Arab Oil Embargo caused us to stop taking gasoline for granted and caused the author to start teaching students about the importance of energy in our lives. This retrospective shows the same general patterns discerned from a 20-year retrospective a decade ago: a sharp decrease in energy use following each of the two energy…

Energy Education in the Schools. Results of a Survey of the Penetration of Energy Education into the Classroom.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Janet A.; Fowler, John M.

Nine years after the 1973 oil embargo and the outpouring of educational materials and strategies developed in response to the energy crisis, the extent and content of energy education in the classroom were assessed. Seven thousand randomly selected teachers and principals were surveyed at the end of the 1981-82 school year (1000 each of elementary…

The Conduct of United States Foreign Policy in the Nation's Third Century. Headline Series. No. 231.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Manning, Bayless

This Headline Series, focusing on U.S. foreign policy, is adapted from a series of four lectures by the author delivered at the Claremont University Center in April 1975. Part one discusses the 1973 Mideast oil embargo and the impact of the crisis on future U.S. foreign relations. Especially affected are questions of interdependence, raw…

Maritime Sanctions Enforcement, More Than Just Boardings

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-04

against Rhodesia from 1965-1976 and Iraq from 1990-2003, is necessary in order to distill the commonalities which define the nature of maritime...members nations to sever economic relations with Rhodesia , refuse its government recognition and assistance, and embargo oil shipments bound for... Rhodesia . In addition to the UN’s sanctions, other newly independent colonies in Asia and Africa began clamoring for military action against Rhodesia

The U.S. Embargo on Cuba: A time for Change?

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-06

to protect intellectual property rights. This is tantamount to Cuba producing an American product like Coke or Pepsi and selling it as a Cuban product...intended audience . Primarily because the Cuban Government jams the signal and secondly because it is transmitted between the hours of 0330 and 0800...Cuban broadcast transmissions during prime time hours. Radio Marti’s listening audience has declined to an estimated five percent of the

The Obama Presidency and the Question of Social Justice: A Critical Analysis of the Meaningful Milestone

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanks, Lawrence J.

2009-01-01

On January 20, 2009, essentially 200 years after the enactment of the embargo against the slave trade, 40 years after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America. Using the one drop rule for racial designation which has prevailed in the USA for most of its history,…

Effects of new export rules, a spotted owl plan, and recession on timber prices and shipments from the Douglas-fir region.

Treesearch

Donald F. Flora; Wendy J. McGInnls

1992-01-01

Several recently emplaced and potential Northwest timber policies are causing considerable market turbulence. Estimated were price and volume changes induced by three supply-side policies (a state-log export embargo, forest replanning, and spotted owl reservations) and the demand slide of 1990-91. Impacts were gauged separately and together by using a four-sector model...

Geotechnical Factors in the Dredgeability of Sediments. Report 1. Geotechnical Descriptors for Sediments to be Dredged

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-11-01

objectives of the work unit. executing dredging projects. The disparities increase risk factors and thus the cost of such SUMMARY: The study identified the...geologists, environmental engineers, biologists, estimators, dredging equipment manufacturers, and dredging contractor personnel have methods for...changed dramatically. A major increase has occurred in the level of contract dredging. Environmental concerns, the consequences of the oil embargo of

The U.S.-Saudi Partnership: Is This Marriage Headed for Divorce?

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

water exploration, Crane discovered vast amounts of oil deposits and alerted his engineers to exploit this further. Aramco would later make trillions...British also utilized the Suez Canal as a major trading route to India, and created coaling stations along this route in various ports. More importantly...and Indonesian oil production ramped up output to fill the gap, and by early September 1967, the Arab producers gave up the embargo.101

Balance of Power in Central and Southwest Asia

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-09-01

Mediterranean 17. John Naismitt and Patricia Auburdene, Megatrends 2000 World in the Age of Philip !i, Volume I (New York: Harper, 1972 (New York: Morrow, 1990...York: Harper, 1972 Naismitt, John and Patricia Auburdene. Megatrends 2000. New (1949). York: Morrow, 1990. Clubb, O. Edmund. China and Russia: The...supervised destruction of all use of minimum force to enfrce the trade embargo. chemical and biological weapons, long-range Activity was not limited to

Zimbabwean Nationalism and the Rise of Robert Mugabe.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

embargo of all trade with Rhodesia (with minor exceptions such as medical and educa- tional supplies), on all air and sea shipments of goods to and...of ZANa politiciza- tion and ZANLA military activity throughout Rhodesia and the relative inactivity in these areas by Z&PU/ZIPRA, it became obvious...extended courses in Russia, Cuba, and North Korea (Ref. 85]. In May 1978, Cuba and East Germany began airlifting massive quantities of food and medical

Energy Costs and Energy Conservation Programs in Colleges and Universities: 1972-73, 1974-75. Higher Education Panel Reports, Number 31.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Atelsek, Frank J.; Gomberg, Irene L.

A survey was initiated at the request of the U.S. Office of Education and the Energy Task Force to: (1) measure the increase in energy expenditures since the OPEC oil embargo of 1973-74; (2) assess changes in energy consumption over a two-year period; and (3) examine some of the specific conservation practices of higher education institutions.…

Thiopentone anaesthesia at Pearl Harbor.

PubMed

Bennetts, F E

1995-09-01

A wartime embargo on casualty figures and an imprecise contemporary editorial contributed to the persisting belief that a grossly excessive mortality rate from barbiturate anaesthesia for surgery of the injured occurred after the Japanese attack on the American bases in Hawaii in December 1941. From accounts by surgical staff and official hospital records which have become available through US Freedom of Information legislation, it is clear that the rumoured death rate from this cause has been greatly exaggerated.

Mental Health and Resilience: Soldiers’ Perceptions about Psychotherapy, Medication, and Barriers to Care in the United States Military

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-01

Dr. Benham caused a shut down of all research activities at Fort Drum. This research embargo caused a 6-month delay while we awaited decisions from...as race, gender, and socio-demographic variables. To ourknowledge there have not been any systematic investigations into what soldiers believe...systematic investigations into what soldiers believe about mental health treatment. Moreover, there have been no studies examining how beliefs about

Mental Health and Resilience: Soldiers’ Perceptions about Psychotherapy, Medication, and Barriers to Care in the United States Military

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-01

research group that was also collaborating with Dr. Benham caused a shut down of all research activities at Fort Drum. This research embargo caused a 6...variables. To ourknowledge there have not been any systematic investigations into what soldiers believe about mental health treatment.Results from...knowledge there have not been any systematic investigations into what soldiers believe about mental health treatment. Moreover, there have been no

Homeland Security in Absentia: Policing Miami in the Era of the New U.S.- Cuba Relationship

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-01

relationship between power and choice. A study published in Psychological Science noted, “ people are willing to trade one source of control for the other...heavily Cuban- American dominated community. The political influence of Cubans in Miami became evident by 1985, when they represented the majority... people . b. Political Since 1991, the United Nations has overwhelmingly condemned the U.S. embargo against Cuba, with Israel being the sole American

Solar photochemistry - twenty years of progress, what`s been accomplished, and where does it lead?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blake, D M

1995-01-01

It has been more than 20 years since the first oil embargo. That event created an awareness of the need for alternative sources of energy and renewed interest in combining sunlight and chemistry to produce the chemicals and materials required by industry. This paper will review approaches that have been taken, progress that has been made, and give some projections for the near and longer term prospects for commercialization of solar photochemistry.

The U.S. Arms Embargo of 1975-1978 and Its Effects on the Development of the Turkish Defense Industry

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

in 1974. Several studies provide historical accounts that have been valuable in writing this thesis. For example, Nancy Crawshaw provides a detailed...Turkish President regarding Turkey’s intentions of military intervention in Cyprus. According to Váli, the demeaning tone of 3 Nancy Crawshaw ...252. 21 Crawshaw , “Cyprus: Collapse of the Zurich Agreement,” 341. 22 Váli, Bridge across the Bosphorus, 254. 11

Defense RDT and E Planning and Strategy Parameters: Methodological Considerations

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-12-01

Lions ant, i :,lation, oil embargo, and other mineral scarcities. These factors .o w .vy -.ponr Lne program decisions made during the defense planning...PAGE (When Data Entered) REPOT DCUMNTATON AGEREAD INSTRUCTIONSREPOT DCUMNTATON AGEBEFORC COMPLETING FORM (j . OVT ACCESSION NO.,44- I PIE 4CAIL1...Wilson Boulevard 14 MO NITORING AGENCY NAME & ADDRESS (if diff, from Con~trolling office) I Defense Supply Service-Washington 2’,DCA~FCTOI--uw.A*4c-Room

Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-02

embargo by the European Union to go into full effect by July 1, 2012—there are growing indications that the regime feels economic pressure. Iran’s...Mohajerani, and Mohsen Kadivar. Some well known dissidents who remained in Iran and were arrested in 2010 include filmmaker Jafar Panahi and journalist...7 The designation was made under the authority of the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-132). Iran: U.S. Concerns and

Britain, France and Germany: Priorities for the European Union’s Security and Defense Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

Ronja Kempin and Marco Overhaus, Kein großer Sprung in der Entwicklung der ESVP: Lehren aus der Französischen EU- Ratspräsidentschaft (Berlin...Power," Survival 37, no. 3 (Autumn 1995), 82–103, 96. 144 Marco Overhaus, "German Foreign Policy and the Shadow of the Past," SAIS Review 25, no. 2...have enforced an arms embargo, Marco Overhaus, a research fellow at the German 171 Thomas

Arab tankers move downstream

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oppenheim, V.H.

A second oil embargo is expected to be even more effective than the one of 1973 because heavy Arab investment in tankers gives them greater control over the transportation as well as the supply and price of crude oil. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) nations, having used their surplus capital to buy a tanker fleet, can route oil onto their own ships rather than those of competing companies. Faced with increasing vertical integration of the OPEC nations, the International Energy Authority (IEA) finds its emergency plans for oil sharing threatened. Actual size of the Arab tanker fleet ismore » unknown because of joint ventures and the practice of sailing under flags of convenience, but Saudi Arabia is estimated to have enough ships to carry 50 percent of her oil and Arab control to be about 10 percent of the world tanker capacity. Military action in the event of another embargo is more likely if Arab tankers are present in world sea lanes. Involvement of the major international companies with OPEC allocations divides company loyalties between their suppliers and customers. Joint ventures between Arab oil companies and financial lending institutions are increasing, but could be somewhat balanced if legislation were passed requiring that oil for U.S. markets be transported by secure carriers. The use of surplus tankers as mobile storage units has been proposed as a means of stock-piling oil supplies against a future cutback. (DCK)« less

Oil dependence and Thai foreign-policy behavior during the Arab-Israeli war of October 1973

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Keophumihae, S.

1985-01-01

The purpose of this study is to explain Thai foreign-policy behavior toward the Arab-Israeli conflict during the Arab oil embargo of 1973-1974 in the wake of the October 1973 War. The major hypothesis is that Thai foreign policy behavior shifted from a neutral to a pro-Arab position after the Arab oil embargo. This shift was motivated by Thai oil-import dependence on OAPEC (Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries). Oil has assumed an economic as well as a political dimension. Therefore, its political influence over the oil-dependent states cannot be dismissed. Thai foreign-policy behavior in the Arab-Israeli conflict is analyzed throughmore » the use of the dependence approach, which contends that external reliance is a potent factor for explaining behavior of actors. Thailand's foreign-policy stand is first delineated through the use of documents containing policy statements by Thai delegates to the United Nations. It was found that although Thai public policy statements were never bluntly anti-Israel, they moved from between neutrality before the oil crisis to a pro-Arab position after the oil crisis of 1973-1974. This shift of Thailand's foreign policy behavior position was then measured against its UN voting records. Results of the voting analysis indicated that the shifting of Thai foreign policy behavior during the October war was motivated by Thailand's oil-import dependence.« less

Iran’s Nuclear Future: Critical U.S. Policy Choices

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

embargo as an act of war, and it could respond by attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz, using mines , antiship cruise missiles, or fast patrol boats...even it means we have to compromise on sovereignty by having U.S. troops deployed here” (quoted in Barbara Opall -Rome, “U.S. to Deploy Radar, Troops...2009. As of January 13, 2011: http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA510110 Opall -Rome, Barbara, “U.S. to Deploy Radar, Troops in Israel,” Defense News, August

Manual de reforestación para América Tropical

Treesearch

Blanca I. Ruiz

2002-01-01

Aún cuando las comunidades tengan necesidad apremiante de sembrar árboles y tengan conciencia de ésta, la tarea que enfrentan no es sencilla ni barata (capítulo 5). Sin embargo, los beneficios que proveen los árboles son incontables (capítulo 2). De hecho, sin éstos nuestra civilización no podría existir tal cual la conocemos. Este manual fue escrito para ayudar a...

Striking First: Preemptive and Preventive Attack in U.S. National Security Policy

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202-5050 4570 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh , PA...source of petroleum before a U.S. oil embargo could bring the Japanese war effort in China to its knees .29 Such cases have significant parallels with...anticipation of being attacked are a cen- tral concern in virtually all rules of engagement. 16 Striking First both to serve as a basis for the rest of

Staff Movements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huber, M. C. E.

1986-09-01

Los astronomos de ESO dedican una considerable parte de su tiempo a la preparacion de solicitudes para tiempo de observacion en La Silla. Sin embargo, debido a la gran demanda par los telescopios, se debe hacer una seleccion, aveces drastica, de los programas de observacion presentados. EI Comite de Programas de Observacion (OPC) tiene como tarea evaluar el merito cientifico de las solicitudes presentadas. Basada en las recomendaciones dei OPC, ESO prepara una Lista de Tiempos de Observacion en la cual distribuye el tiempo disponible en los telescopios a los programas mejor evaluados.

Survey of Alternative Fuels for Corps of Engineers Diesel Engine Powered Dredges.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-04-01

due to its physical and chemical properties ; as a result, the extent of engine and fuel system modifications must be considered. Engine performance...17,200 17,629 18,884 Cetane Number 54 24 * 16 21 50 • Not available / 00 -30- H-Coal The physical properties shown in Table 4 would strongly...have the desirable physical and chemical properties been defined to make them totally acceptable as a fuel source. The 1973 oil embargo signaled the

The EU Arms Embargo on China, from 2001 to the Present: Implications for the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-01

navigation, tourism , and a “new mechanism for industrial policy dialogue.” In January 2004 China and France agreed to a “joint declaration to deepen...claim to contribute materially to the key defense issues in the region.”15 Second, European defense industries lack the massive domestic sales of...interests that lies at the heart of United States laws for transatlantic defense cooperation at both the governmental and industrial levels and would

America’s Response to International Terrorism.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-04-02

terrorism, said more than 100 plots against American citizens abroad have been thwarted by a combination of good security, good intelligence and good ...percent t-liey.’ed that TV jou rnal -t covering terrori sts were good . 5. Si ;’,--e.’en percent of the police chiefs said TY lournal i st- c..uld onl...markets., and financial backers to replace goods embargoed or funds withheld by the enforcing country. Secretary of State George P. Shultz said the United

SkyGlowNet as a Vehicle for STEM Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flurchick, K. M.; Craine, E. R.; Culver, R. B.; Deal, S.; Foster, C.

2013-06-01

SkyGlowNet is an emerging network of internet-enabled sky brightness meters (iSBM) that continuously record and log sky brightness at the zenith of each network node site. Also logged are time and weather information. These data are polled at a user-defined frequency, typically about every 45 seconds. The data are uploaded to the SkyGlowNet website, initially to a proprietary area where the data for each institution are embargoed for one or two semesters as students conduct research projects with their data. When released from embargo, the data are moved to another area where they can be accessed by all SkyGlowNet participants. Some of the data are periodically released to a public area on the website. In this presentation we describe the data formats and provide examples of both data content and the structure of the website. Early data from two nodes in the SkyGlowNet have been characterized, both quantitatively and qualitatively, by undergraduate students at NCAT. A summary of their work is presented here. These analyses are of utility in helping those new to looking at these data to understand how to interpret them. In particular, we demonstrate differences between effects on light at night and sky brightness due to astronomical cycles, atmospheric phenomena, and artificial lighting. Quantitative characterization of the data includes statistical analyses of parsed segments of the temporal data stream. An attempt is made to relate statistical metrics to specific types of phenomena.

Implementing renewable energy in Cuba

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hawthorne, W.; Stone, L.; Perez, V.B.H.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the tightening of the US embargo, Cuba has found itself in an energy crisis of enormous magnitude. Faced with this energy crisis and its ensuing black-outs and productivity reductions, Cuba has developed a national energy plan which focuses on energy self-sufficiency and sustainability. Energy efficiency, solar energy, wind power, micro-hydro, and biomass are each included in the plan. Implementation of renewable energy projects in each of these areas has begun throughout the country with the enthusiastic support of Cubasolar, the Cuban renewable energy professional association.

Thailand's Work and Health Transition.

PubMed

Kelly, Matthew; Strazdins, Lyndall; Dellora, Tarie; Khamman, Suwanee; Seubsman, Sam-Ang; Sleigh, Adrian C

2010-09-01

Thailand has experienced a rapid economic transition from agriculture to industry and services, and from informal to formal employment. It has much less state regulation and worker representation relative to developed nations, who underwent these transitions more slowly and sequentially, decades earlier. We examine the strengthening of Thai government policy and legislation affecting worker's health, responding to international norms, a new democratic constitution, fear of foreign importer embargos and several fatal workplace disasters. We identify key challenges remaining for Thai policy makers, including legislation enforcement and the measurement of impacts on worker's mental and physical health.

Confrontando teorías físicas con la Cosmología

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vucetich, H.

Hay numerosas teorías físicas que no pueden contrastarse con el experimento en laboratorio y eso las hace poco interesantes como descripción de la naturaleza. Sin embargo, algunas de estas teorías tienen consecuencias cosmológicas observables y se abre la posibilidad de contrastación a través de la observación. Se discuten las observaciones capaces de poner a prueba tales teorías y se examinan ejemplos de teorías limitadas por la observación.

Sobre el estado evolutivo de β Pictoris

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunini, A.; Benvenuto, O. G.

Desde el descubrimiento de fuertes excesos infrarrojos en β Pictoris, esta estrella ha sido muy estudiada y es considerada candidata a poseer un sistema planetario propio. β Pic está rodeada de un disco asimétrico de polvo que se observa de canto y que esta vacío a distancias <= 40 AU. Esto se considera una fuerte evidencia en favor de la presencia de (al menos) un planeta gigante. Recientemente se han observado líneas de material circunestelar que se han interpretado como consecuencia de la caída de objetos cometarios sobre esta estrella. Recientemente se ha utilizado la existencia del disco de polvo para atribuir una edad corta (pre - secuencia principal) a βPic. Sin embargo, la evaporación de estos cometas provee suficiente polvo como para explicar la presencia del disco observado sin necesidad de edades cortas. En este trabajo mostramos que la comparación entre la tasa de impactos cometarios estimada en el Sistema Solar para diferentes etapas de su evolución y los datos observados en β Pic indica edades avanzadas para β Pic. Esta estimación debe tomarse con cautela ya que depende de la estructura de los sistemas planetarios. Además mostramos que, desde el punto de vista de la evolución estelar y con las incertezas presentes en la luminosidad y la temperatura efectiva, existe un continuo de edades posible para β Pic. Sin embargo, empleando los datos provenientes de los flujos cometarios encontramos que una edad prolongada es consistente con ambos tratamientos.

Characterization of Light at Night Data from Select SkyGlowNet Nodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flurchick, K. M.; Deal, S.; Foster, C.

2013-05-01

Internet-enabled sky brightness meters (iSBMs) that continuously record and log sky brightness at the zenith have been installed at the prototype nodes of a network called SkyGlowNet. Also logged are time and weather information. These data are polled at a user-defined frequency, typically about every 45 seconds. Although the SkyGlowNetdata are used for various professional scientific studies, they are also useful for independent student research projects. In this case, the data are uploaded to the SkyGlowNetwebsite, initially to a proprietary area where the data for each institution are embargoed for one or two semesters as students conduct research projects with their data. When released from embargo, the data are moved to another area where they can be accessed by all SkyGlowNet participants. In this paper, we describe a student project in which the data collected at two SkyGlowNet sites are characterized. The data streams are parsed into homogenous segments and statistical tools are employed to describe variations observed in the data values. We demonstrate how to differentiate between natural phenomena and the effects of artificial lighting on the brightness of the night sky. In our poster we show how these effects compare between sites as separate as Arizona and North Carolina. We also have experimented with the development of statistical metrics that are used to help categorize sky brightness on select nights, and can nearly automatically provide a characterization of the quality of the night sky for astronomical purposes.

TUBERCULOSIS COMO ENFERMEDAD OCUPACIONAL

PubMed Central

Mendoza-Ticona, Alberto

2014-01-01

Existe evidencia suficiente para declarar a la tuberculosis como enfermedad ocupacional en diversos profesionales especialmente entre los trabajadores de salud. En el Perú están normados y reglamentados los derechos laborales inherentes a la tuberculosis como enfermedad ocupacional, como la cobertura por discapacidad temporal o permanente. Sin embargo, estos derechos aún no han sido suficientemente socializados. En este trabajo se presenta información sobre el riesgo de adquirir tuberculosis en el lugar de trabajo, se revisan las evidencias para declarar a la tuberculosis como enfermedad ocupacional en trabajadores de salud y se presenta la legislación peruana vigente al respecto. PMID:22858771

Cuba Country Analysis Brief

EIA Publications

2016-01-01

Cuba imports the majority of their energy needs, but offshore oil and gas potential could help mitigate their reliance imports. Cuba has entered into many agreements with various countries to help with exploration and drilling efforts. As a result of the ongoing U.S. trade embargo against Cuba, U.S. companies are unable to own any Cuban oil assets. However, U.S. oil companies are allowed to participate in drilling as well as sending technology and supplies with an executive license. While there is interest in Cuban offshore assets, the combination of low oil prices and technically challenging fields could be stumbling blocks for foreign investment.

Thailand’s Work and Health Transition

PubMed Central

Kelly, Matthew; Strazdins, Lyndall; Dellora, Tarie; Khamman, Suwanee; Seubsman, Sam-ang; Sleigh, Adrian C

2011-01-01

Thailand has experienced a rapid economic transition from agriculture to industry and services, and from informal to formal employment. It has much less state regulation and worker representation relative to developed nations, who underwent these transitions more slowly and sequentially, decades earlier. We examine the strengthening of Thai government policy and legislation affecting worker’s health, responding to international norms, a new democratic constitution, fear of foreign importer embargos and several fatal workplace disasters. We identify key challenges remaining for Thai policy makers, including legislation enforcement and the measurement of impacts on worker’s mental and physical health. PMID:22318916

Proceedings: Twenty years of energy policy: Looking toward the twenty-first century

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1992-12-31

In 1973, immediately following the Arab Oil Embargo, the Energy Resources Center, University of Illinois at Chicago initiated an innovative annual public service program called the Illinois Energy Conference. The objective was to provide a public forum each year to address an energy or environmental issue critical to the state, region and nation. Twenty years have passed since that inaugural program, and during that period we have covered a broad spectrum of issues including energy conservation nuclear power, Illinois coal, energy policy options, natural gas, alternative fuels, new energy technologies, utility deregulation and the National Energy Strategy.

Un nuevo estudio del cúmulo abierto Tr 14 en la región de Carina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García, B.; Malaroda, S.; Levato, H.; Morrell, N.

Presentamos nuevos datos espectroscópicos de 9 objetos entre los miembros más brillantes de Tr 14. Hemos medido un total de 80 nuevos espectrogramas para contribuir a la determinación de la real naturaleza de estos objetos desde el punto de vista de la duplicidad. Del nuevo material debemos concluir que la mayoría de las estrellas en la muestra son simples. Sin embargo existen algunos objetos cuyo seguimiento debe continuar ya que no nos es posible efectuar conclusiones definitivas con el presente material.

Application of Sampling Based Model Predictive Control to an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

lineales y evita el mínimo local, el cual puede ocasionar que un vehículo quede inmóvil detrás de los obstáculos. El algoritmo SBMPC se aplica a un UAV...en un ambiente cargado de reflexiones de onda y a un UAV en un problema de mínimo común local. El algoritmo es luego usado en un modelo cinemático...tareas difíciles en ambientes atiborrados de reflexiones de onda tales como muelles y puertos. Sin embargo, dado que los UUVs tienen dinámicas áltamente

Case Study in International Cooperation: Cuba's Molecular Immunology Center and Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

PubMed

Evans, Rachel; Reid, Mary; Segal, Brahm; Abrams, Scott I; Lee, Kelvin

2018-04-01

In 1961, the USA severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, and in 1962 an embargo was imposed on trade and financial relations with that country. It was not until five decades later that the USA and Cuba would reestablish relations. This opened the way for the New York State Trade Mission to Cuba in April 2015, during which Cuba's Molecular Immunology Center and Buffalo, New York's Roswell Park Cancer Institute signed a formal agreement that would set in motion biotechnology research collaboration to address one of the most important causes of death in both countries. Significant research from Cuba led to this groundbreaking collaboration. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of this cooperation, from the Molecular Immunology Center's initial investigations, through the opening of a phase I clinical trial at Roswell Park Cancer Institute with therapies developed at the Center. This cooperation was responsible for the first clinical trial for CIMAvax-EGF involving advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients in the USA. A license was also approved by the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control authorizing a commercial partnership for development of biotechnology products, combining the cancer research efforts of both institutions. This unusual collaboration between Cuba and the USA-the US economic embargo and travel restrictions not withstanding-opens good prospects for expanded medical research between the two countries. While political and logistical challenges remain, the shared mission and dedication of these Cuban and US scientists points the way towards relationships that can lead to development, testing, approval and use of promising new therapies for cancer patients. KEYWORDS Biotechnology, clinical trials, cancer vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC, Cuba, USA.

[Not Available].

PubMed

Rojo-Trejo, María Elena; Rangel Peniche, Diana Beatriz; Arellano Jiménez, María Del Rocío; Sabath Silva, Ernesto Francisco

2016-06-30

Introducción: el bajo peso al nacer (BPN) es un factor de riesgo para desarrollar obesidad en la vida adulta.Objetivo: evaluar diferencias en la composición corporal de niños de entre 8 y 10 años de edad con y sin antecedente de BPN.Métodos: fue un estudio observacional, transversal comparativo. Participaron 112 niños (95 con adecuado peso al nacer [APN] y 17 con BPN). Se realizó antropometría (peso, talla, circunferencias de cintura y cadera, pliegue cutáneo de tríceps [PCT] y subescapular [PCSE]).Resultados: se encontró una prevalencia combinada del 41% para sobrepeso y obesidad en ambos grupos de estudio. El porcentaje de grasa corporal total fue menor en las niñas con BPN (no significativo); sin embargo, el indicador PCT-PCSE fue significativamente más alto (p = 0,04) que el de las niñas con APN. En contra de lo esperado, al estratificar según porcentaje de grasa y peso al nacer, se encontró que el grupo con BPN presentó un porcentaje de grasa bajo (p < 0,05) en comparación con el grupo de APN, siendo 6 veces mayor la posibilidad de que un niño con BPN presente porcentaje de grasa total bajo a esta edad.Conclusiones: a estas edades no se encontró mayor porcentaje de grasa en el grupo con BPN en comparación con el de APN; sin embargo, las niñas con BPN presentaron mayor deposición de grasa troncal que las de APN. La deposición de grasa es un indicador que hay que considerar, y no únicamente el índice de masa corporal, en la evaluación nutricia infantil.

In an Age of Open Access to Research Policies: Physician and Public Health NGO Staff Research Use and Policy Awareness.

PubMed

Moorhead, Laura L; Holzmeyer, Cheryl; Maggio, Lauren A; Steinberg, Ryan M; Willinsky, John

2015-01-01

Through funding agency and publisher policies, an increasing proportion of the health sciences literature is being made open access. Such an increase in access raises questions about the awareness and potential utilization of this literature by those working in health fields. A sample of physicians (N=336) and public health non-governmental organization (NGO) staff (N=92) were provided with relatively complete access to the research literature indexed in PubMed, as well as access to the point-of-care service UpToDate, for up to one year, with their usage monitored through the tracking of web-log data. The physicians also participated in a one-month trial of relatively complete or limited access. The study found that participants' research interests were not satisfied by article abstracts alone nor, in the case of the physicians, by a clinical summary service such as UpToDate. On average, a third of the physicians viewed research a little more frequently than once a week, while two-thirds of the public health NGO staff viewed more than three articles a week. Those articles were published since the 2008 adoption of the NIH Public Access Policy, as well as prior to 2008 and during the maximum 12-month embargo period. A portion of the articles in each period was already open access, but complete access encouraged a viewing of more research articles. Those working in health fields will utilize more research in the course of their work as a result of (a) increasing open access to research, (b) improving awareness of and preparation for this access, and (c) adjusting public and open access policies to maximize the extent of potential access, through reduction in embargo periods and access to pre-policy literature.

Open Access Journal Policies: A Systematic Analysis of Radiology Journals.

PubMed

Narayan, Anand; Lobner, Katie; Fritz, Jan

2018-02-01

The open access movement has pushed for greater access to scientific knowledge by expanding access to scientific journal articles. There is limited information about the extent to which open access policies have been adopted by radiology journals. We performed a systematic analysis to ascertain the proportion of radiology journals with open access options. A search was performed with the assistance of a clinical informationist. Full and mixed English-language diagnostic and interventional radiology Web of Science journals (impact factors > 1.0) were included. Nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, physics, and solicitation-only journals were excluded. Primary outcome was open access option (yes or no) with additional outcomes including presence or absence of embargo, complete or partial copyright transfer, publication fees, and self-archiving policies. Secondary outcomes included journal citations, journal impact factors, immediacy, Eigenfactor, and article influence scores. Independent double readings were performed with differences resolved by consensus, supplemented by contacting editorial staff at each journal. In all, 125 journals were identified; review yielded 49 journals (39%, mean impact factor of 2.61). Thirty-six of the journals had open access options (73.4%), and four journals were exclusively open access (8.2%). Twelve-month embargoes were most commonly cited (90.6%) with 28.6% of journals stating that they did not require a complete transfer of copyright. Prices for open access options ranged from $750 to $4,000 (median $3,000). No statistically significant differences were found in journal impact measures comparing journals with open access options to journals without open access options. Diagnostic and interventional radiology journals have widely adopted open access options with a few radiology journals being exclusively open access. Copyright © 2017 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Spanish funded paediatric research: Contribution of Anales de Pediatría to its dissemination].

PubMed

Abad-García, María Francisca; González-Teruel, Aurora; Solís Sánchez, Gonzalo

2017-06-01

To identify Spanish funded paediatric research published in general paediatric journals included in the Web of Science (WoS) from 2010 to 2014) and those published in the Anales de Pediatría. To examine the relationship between funding and the prestige of the journals. To describe the journal conditions to meet the open access criteria. Spanish funded paediatric articles (FA) were identified by using the WoS Funding Agency field, and by reviewing the original documents for the Anales de Pediatria (AP). For the FA published in AP the number and kind of funding agencies were identified. The possible differences in citations between FA and non-funded was assessed for articles published in this journal using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test. For general journals, the patterns of distribution of FA and non-FA were investigated according to the quartile of the journal. The journal's self-archiving conditions were described using Sherpa/romeo database. Funding was received for 27.5%, being 16.6% for those published in AP. In these, 105 funding agencies were identified, with 80% being national. The FA published in AP did not receive significantly more citations. In general journals, the presence of FA is greater in Q1 and Q2 journals. More than half (56%) of articles were published in subscription journals. All journals that publish FA allow self-archiving in repositories, but with embargos of at least 12 months. The role of AP in the dissemination of FA is still limited. Embargos in self-archiving permits compliance of Spanish open access mandate, but may hinder compliance in Europe. Copyright © 2016 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Promising SINEs for embargoing nuclear-cytoplasmic export as an anticancer strategy.

PubMed

Tan, David S P; Bedard, Philippe L; Kuruvilla, John; Siu, Lillian L; Razak, Albiruni R Abdul

2014-05-01

In cancer cells, the nuclear-cytoplasmic transport machinery is frequently disrupted, resulting in mislocalization and loss of function for many key regulatory proteins. In this review, the mechanisms by which tumor cells co-opt the nuclear transport machinery to facilitate carcinogenesis, cell survival, drug resistance, and tumor progression will be elucidated, with a particular focus on the role of the nuclear-cytoplasmic export protein. The recent development of a new generation of selective inhibitors of nuclear export (XPO1 antagonists) and how these novel anticancer drugs may bring us closer to the implementation of this therapeutic strategy in the clinic will be discussed.

Putting the Second Law to Work

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widmer, Thomas F.

2008-08-01

Thermo Electron Corporation was founded in 1956 by Dr. George Hatsopoulos with the goal of applying thermodynamics to the solution of energy problems throughout society. As the company grew from a small research laboratory to a multi-billion dollar Fortune 500 enterprise, the Second Law of thermodynamics played a pivotal role in creating a diversified portfolio of products and services. George and his staff also employed thermodynamics, particularly availability analyses of energy processes, to help guide changes in National policy arising from the 1973 oil embargo. As directors of the company, Professors Joseph Keenan and Elias Gyftopoulos made key contributions to the strategy of applying the Second Law to real-world engineering challenges.

Troubleshooting Public Data Archiving: Suggestions to Increase Participation

PubMed Central

Roche, Dominique G.; Lanfear, Robert; Binning, Sandra A.; Haff, Tonya M.; Schwanz, Lisa E.; Cain, Kristal E.; Kokko, Hanna; Jennions, Michael D.; Kruuk, Loeske E. B.

2014-01-01

An increasing number of publishers and funding agencies require public data archiving (PDA) in open-access databases. PDA has obvious group benefits for the scientific community, but many researchers are reluctant to share their data publicly because of real or perceived individual costs. Improving participation in PDA will require lowering costs and/or increasing benefits for primary data collectors. Small, simple changes can enhance existing measures to ensure that more scientific data are properly archived and made publicly available: (1) facilitate more flexible embargoes on archived data, (2) encourage communication between data generators and re-users, (3) disclose data re-use ethics, and (4) encourage increased recognition of publicly archived data. PMID:24492920

Embargo on Lion Hunting Trophies from West Africa: An Effective Measure or a Threat to Lion Conservation?

PubMed Central

Bouché, Philippe; Crosmary, William; Kafando, Pierre; Doamba, Benoit; Kidjo, Ferdinand Claude; Vermeulen, Cédric; Chardonnet, Philippe

2016-01-01

The W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) ecosystem, shared among Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger, represents the last lion stronghold of West Africa. To assess the impact of trophy hunting on lion populations in hunting areas of the WAP, we analyzed trends in harvest rates from 1999 to 2014. We also investigated whether the hunting areas with higher initial hunting intensity experienced steeper declines in lion harvest between 1999 and 2014, and whether lion densities in hunting areas were lower than in national parks. Lion harvest rate remained overall constant in the WAP. At initial hunting intensities below 1.5 lions/1000km2, most hunting areas experienced an increase in lion harvest rate, although that increase was of lower magnitude for hunting areas with higher initial hunting intensity. The proportion of hunting areas that experienced a decline in lion harvest rate increased at initial hunting intensities above 1.5 lions/1000km2. In 2014, the lion population of the WAP was estimated with a spoor count at 418 (230–648) adults and sub-adult individuals, comparable to the 311 (123–498) individuals estimated in the previous 2012 spoor survey. We found no significant lion spoor density differences between national parks and hunting areas. Hunting areas with higher mean harvest rates did not have lower lion densities. The ratio of large adult males, females and sub-adults was similar between the national parks and the hunting areas. These results suggested that the lion population was not significantly affected by hunting in the WAP. We concluded that a quota of 1 lion/1000km2 would be sustainable for the WAP. Based on our results, an import embargo on lion trophies from the WAP would not be justified. It could ruin the incentive of local actors to conserve lions in hunting areas, and lead to a drastic reduction of lion range in West Africa. PMID:27182985

Embargo on Lion Hunting Trophies from West Africa: An Effective Measure or a Threat to Lion Conservation?

PubMed

Bouché, Philippe; Crosmary, William; Kafando, Pierre; Doamba, Benoit; Kidjo, Ferdinand Claude; Vermeulen, Cédric; Chardonnet, Philippe

2016-01-01

The W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) ecosystem, shared among Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger, represents the last lion stronghold of West Africa. To assess the impact of trophy hunting on lion populations in hunting areas of the WAP, we analyzed trends in harvest rates from 1999 to 2014. We also investigated whether the hunting areas with higher initial hunting intensity experienced steeper declines in lion harvest between 1999 and 2014, and whether lion densities in hunting areas were lower than in national parks. Lion harvest rate remained overall constant in the WAP. At initial hunting intensities below 1.5 lions/1000km2, most hunting areas experienced an increase in lion harvest rate, although that increase was of lower magnitude for hunting areas with higher initial hunting intensity. The proportion of hunting areas that experienced a decline in lion harvest rate increased at initial hunting intensities above 1.5 lions/1000km2. In 2014, the lion population of the WAP was estimated with a spoor count at 418 (230-648) adults and sub-adult individuals, comparable to the 311 (123-498) individuals estimated in the previous 2012 spoor survey. We found no significant lion spoor density differences between national parks and hunting areas. Hunting areas with higher mean harvest rates did not have lower lion densities. The ratio of large adult males, females and sub-adults was similar between the national parks and the hunting areas. These results suggested that the lion population was not significantly affected by hunting in the WAP. We concluded that a quota of 1 lion/1000km2 would be sustainable for the WAP. Based on our results, an import embargo on lion trophies from the WAP would not be justified. It could ruin the incentive of local actors to conserve lions in hunting areas, and lead to a drastic reduction of lion range in West Africa.

In an Age of Open Access to Research Policies: Physician and Public Health NGO Staff Research Use and Policy Awareness

PubMed Central

Maggio, Lauren A.; Steinberg, Ryan M.; Willinsky, John

2015-01-01

Introduction Through funding agency and publisher policies, an increasing proportion of the health sciences literature is being made open access. Such an increase in access raises questions about the awareness and potential utilization of this literature by those working in health fields. Methods A sample of physicians (N=336) and public health non-governmental organization (NGO) staff (N=92) were provided with relatively complete access to the research literature indexed in PubMed, as well as access to the point-of-care service UpToDate, for up to one year, with their usage monitored through the tracking of web-log data. The physicians also participated in a one-month trial of relatively complete or limited access. Results The study found that participants' research interests were not satisfied by article abstracts alone nor, in the case of the physicians, by a clinical summary service such as UpToDate. On average, a third of the physicians viewed research a little more frequently than once a week, while two-thirds of the public health NGO staff viewed more than three articles a week. Those articles were published since the 2008 adoption of the NIH Public Access Policy, as well as prior to 2008 and during the maximum 12-month embargo period. A portion of the articles in each period was already open access, but complete access encouraged a viewing of more research articles. Conclusion Those working in health fields will utilize more research in the course of their work as a result of (a) increasing open access to research, (b) improving awareness of and preparation for this access, and (c) adjusting public and open access policies to maximize the extent of potential access, through reduction in embargo periods and access to pre-policy literature. PMID:26200794

Global Health Cooperation: International Relations' New Frontier.

PubMed

2015-07-01

This issue of MEDICC Review appears in the wake of a media splash on the reopening of the Cuban and US embassies in Washington and Havana, signaling the renewal of full diplomatic relations between the two governments. Although the US embargo is still law and one of the thorniest bilateral issues remaining, the Obama administration's bold opening towards Cuba is being echoed in the chambers of Senate committees, calling for an end to the policy in place since 1962. Meanwhile, people from the United States have begun to travel to Cuba in droves, and for the first time in many years, we perceive real hope that cooperation may replace hostility-at least in the sectors that most matter to ordinary people in both nations.

Nuclear option

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Olson, P.S.

The energy demand complexion of this country is always changing and promises to change in the future. The nuclear industry is responding to changing energy demands through standards writing activities. Since the oil embargo of 1973, there has been a change in the mix of fuels contributing to energy growth in this country; virtually all of the energy growth has come from coal and nuclear power. The predicted expansion of coal use by 1985, over 1977 level, is 37%, while the use of oil is expected to decline by 17%. Use of nuclear power is expected to increase 62% frommore » the 1977 level. The feasibility of using nuclear energy to meet the needs of the USA for electric power is discussed.« less

Primary care in Cuba: a public health approach.

PubMed

Swanson, K A; Swanson, J M; Gill, A E; Walter, C

1995-01-01

Cuba's primary health care model is presented. Unlike ambulatory care services, which are but one component of primary care, Cuba's model is a comprehensive public health approach that meets the World Health Organization's definition of primary care. The history of the development of Cuba's model is presented, including an update on the innovative neighborhood/home clinics. Achievements in health outcomes as a result of Cuba's model and the consequences for women's health care are discussed. Examples are presented of the effects on health care delivery of the economic hardship that Cuba has experienced since 1991 as a result of the loss of 85% of its trade with the former Soviet Union and the intensified U.S. embargo. A critique of Cuba's model concludes the article.

Criptococosis cutánea primaria en paciente inmunocompetente.

PubMed

Vázquez-Osorio, Igor; García-Rodiño, Sara; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Marta; Labandeira, Javier; Suárez-Peñaranda, José Manuel; Sánchez-Aguilar, MDolores; Vázquez-Veiga, Hugo

2016-05-15

La criptococosis cutánea es una micosis propia de pacientes inmunodeprimidos, sobre todo aquellos con infección por el virusde la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Sin embargo, existen casos infrecuentes de criptococosis cutánea en pacientes inmunocompetentes, que suelen simular otras dermatosis, lo que retrasa su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Presentamos el caso de un varón pluripatológico de 79 años, con úlceras dolorosas en dorso de mano derecha que no respondían a tratamientos tópicos. A través del estudio histopatológico y micológico se alcanzó el diagnóstico de criptococosis cutánea primaria, lográndose la remisión de las lesiones tras 6 meses de tratamiento con fluconazol.

On Tokugawa Bakufu's astronomical officials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, Keiji

2005-06-01

Tokugawa Bakufu's astronomical office, established in 1684, is the post for calendar reform. The reform was conducted when the calendar did not predict peculiar celestial phenomena, such as solar or lunar eclipses. It was, so to speak, the theme of the ancient astronomy. From removal of the embargo on importing western science books in 1720, Japanese astronomers studied European astronomy and attempted to apply its knowledge to calendar making. Moreover, they knew the Copernican system and also faced several modern astronomical subjects. The French astronomer Lalande's work "ASTRONOMY" exerted particularly strong influence on astronomers. This paper overviews the activities of Paris observatory and French astronomers in the 17th and 18th centuries, and survey what modern astronomical subjects were. Finally, it sketches a role of the Edo observatory played in the Japanese cultural history.

The "Apollo" of Aeronautics: NASA's Aircraft Energy Efficiency Program, 1973-1987

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, Mark D.

2010-01-01

In fall 1975, 10 distinguished United States Senators from the Aeronautical and Space Sciences Committee summoned a group of elite aviation experts to Washington, DC. The Senators were holding hearings regarding the state of the American airline industry, which was struggling in the wake of the 1973 Arab oil embargo and the dramatically increasing cost of fuel. Providing testimony were presidents or vice presidents of United Airlines, Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, and General Electric. Other witnesses included high-ranking officials from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Air Force, and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Their Capitol Hill testimony painted a bleak economic picture, described in phrases that included immediate crisis condition, long-range trouble, serious danger, and economic dislocation.

Purchasing online journal access for a hospital medical library: how to identify value in commercially available products.

PubMed

Carter, Thomas P; Carter, Anne O; Broomes, Gwendolyn

2006-07-12

Medical practice today requires evaluating large amounts of information which should be available at all times. This information is found most easily in a digital form. Some information has already been evaluated for validity (evidence based medicine sources) and some is in unevaluated form (paper and online journals). In order to improve access to digital information, the School of Clinical Medicine and Research at the University of the West Indies and Queen Elizabeth Hospital decided to enhance the library by offering online full text medical articles and evidence based medicine sources. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the relative value of online journal commercial products available for a small hospital and medical school library. Three reference standards were chosen to represent the ideal list of core periodicals for a broad range of medical care: 2 Brandon/Hill selected lists of journals for the small medical library (BH and BH core) and the academic medical library core journal collection chosen for the Florida State University College of Medicine Medical Library. Six commercially available collections were compared to the reference standards and to the current paper journal subscription list as regards to number of journals matched and cost per journal matched. Ease of use and presence of secondary sources were also considered. The cost per journal matched ranged from US $3194 to $81. Because of their low subscription prices, the Biomedical Reference Collection and Proquest products were the most cost beneficial. However, they provided low coverage of the ideal lists (12-17% and 21-32% respectively) and contained significant embargoes on current editions, were not user friendly and contained no secondary sources. The Ovid Brandon/Hill Plus Collection overcame these difficulties but had a much higher cost-benefit range while providing higher coverage of the ideal lists (14-47%). After considering costs, benefits, ease of use, embargoes, presence of secondary sources (ACP Journal Club, DARE), the Ovid Brandon/Hill Plus Collection was the best choice for our hospital considering our budget. However, the option to individually select our own journal list from Ovid and pay per journal has a certain appeal as well.

The Rise and Decline of U.S. Private Sector Investments in Energy R&D since the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dooley, James J.

2010-11-01

This paper presents two distinct datasets that describe investments in energy research and development (R&D) by the US private sector since the mid1970s, which is when the US government began to systematically collect these data. The first dataset is based upon a broad survey of more than 20,000 firms’ industrial R&D activities. This broad survey of US industry is coordinated by the US National Science Foundation. The second dataset discussed here is a much narrower accounting of the energy R&D activities of the approximately two dozen largest US oil and gas companies conducted by the US Department of Energy’s Energymore » Information Agency. Even given the large disparity in the breadth and scope of these two surveys of the private sector’s support for energy R&D, both datasets tell the same story in terms of the broad outlines of the private sector’s investments in energy R&D since the mid 1970s. The broad outlines of the US private sector’s support for energy R&D since the mid 1970s is: (1) In the immediate aftermath of the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973, there is a large surge in US private sector investments in energy R&D that peaked in the period between 1980 and 1982 at approximately $3.7 billion to $6.7 billion per year (in inflation adjusted 2010 US dollars) depending upon which survey is used (2) Private sector investments in energy R&D declined from this peak until bottoming out at approximately $1.8 billion to $1 billion per year in 1999; (3) US private sector support for energy R&D has recovered somewhat over the past decade and stands at $2.2 billion to $3.4 billion. Both data sets indicate that the US private sector’s support for energy R&D has been and remains dominated by fossil energy R&D and in particular R&D related to the needs of the oil and gas industry.« less

Are probiotics effective to prevent traveler’s diarrhea?

PubMed

Pinos, Yazmín; Castro-Gutiérrez, Victoria; Rada, Gabriel

2016-12-23

La diarrea aguda es la enfermedad más común que afecta a los viajeros, principalmente aquellos que se dirigen a regiones de alto riesgo. El uso de probióticos podría prevenir su aparición, sin embargo, los datos que apoyan su uso no son consistentes y no se recomiendan en las guías clínicas actuales. Utilizando la base de datos Epistemonikos, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples bases de datos, identificamos cuatro revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyen siete estudios aleatorizados pertinentes a esta pregunta. Realizamos un metanálisis y tablas de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. Concluimos que los probióticos podrían prevenir la diarrea del viajero, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja.

Proyecto para la medición sistemática de seeing en CASLEO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández Lajus, E.; Forte, J. C.

La calidad del seeing astronómico es ciertamente uno de los parámetros mas importantes que caracterizan el sitio de un observatorio. Por tanto se desea determinar si el alto valor de seeing observado con el telescopio de 2.15 m se debe a efectos internos y/o del entorno a la cupula o si se debe simplemente al seeing propio del lugar. El actual mecanismo de refrigeración del espejo primario del 2.15, parece haber mejorado notablemente la calidad del seeing. Sin embargo se hace necesario saber hasta que punto el valor del seeing puede ser mejorado. La primera etapa del proyecto consistió en la puesta a punto del telescopio emplazado para este propósito y la adquisición de las primeras medidas tentativas de seeing.

Cuba: plenty of care, few condoms, no corruption.

PubMed

Veeken, H

1995-10-07

The health system in Cuba guarantees accessibility to the entire population, is free of charge, and covers the spectrum from vaccinations to sophisticated interventions. The results are impressive: Cuba's health figures are on a par with developed countries that have 20 times the budget. The country is experiencing a difficult period because of the collapse and loss of support from the Soviet Union; over 30 years' trade embargo by the United States; and the gradual change from a centrally planned economy towards more of a free market system. Shortages are experienced in every sector, and maintaining health care services at the current level is too expensive. Doctors and nurses continue to work towards the goal of health for all Cubans, even though their salaries are minimal. Signs of negligence or corruption, often seen in other socialist countries where incentives for output are lacking, are unknown. Topics such as family planning and AIDS deserve immediate attention.

Iran: World Oil Report 1991

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1991-08-01

This paper reports that at the end of its war with Iraq, Iran embarked on an urgent program to restore its productive capacity. This effort has been hindered by lack of hard currency and, hence, technology, parts, equipment, etc. Iran has been trying to improve relations with the U.S, over the past two years. Recently, the embargo on importing Iranian crude into the U.S. was lifted. Over the past year and a half, Iran accumulated enough money to resume imports of U.S. and other foreign drilling equipment. However, drilling has remained at a low level. Also, efforts to boost outputmore » have been slowed by war damage both on and offshore---particularly the latter---and serious BHP declines in major onshore fields that can only be corrected by ultra- high cost gas injection projects. Currently, large injection projects are only operating in three major fields: Gachsaran, Ahwaz and Marun.« less

25. anniversary of the 1973 oil embargo: Energy trends since the first major U.S. energy crisis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

The purpose of this publication is not to assess the causes of the 1973 energy crisis or the measures that were adopted to resolve it. The intent is to present some data on which such analyses can be based. Many of the trends presented here fall into two distinct periods. From 1973 to the mid-1980`s, prices continued at very high levels, in part because of a second oil shock in 1979--80. During this period, rapid progress was made in raising American oil production, reducing dependence on oil imports, and improving end-use efficiency. After the oil price collapse of the mid-1980`s,more » however, prices retreated to more moderate levels, the pace of efficiency gains slowed, American oil production fell, and the share of imports rose. 30 figs.« less

The Origin of Clusters and Large-Scale Structures: Panoramic View of the High-z Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouchi, Masami

We will report results of our on-going survey for proto-clusters and large-scale structures at z=3-6. We carried out very wide and deep optical imaging down to i=27 for a 1 deg^2 field of the Subaru/XMM Deep Field with 8.2m Subaru Telescope. We obtain maps of the Universe traced by ~1,000 Ly-a galaxies at z=3, 4, and 6 and by ~10,000 Lyman break galaxies at z=3-6. These cosmic maps have a transverse dimension of ~150 Mpc x 150 Mpc in comoving units at these redshifts, and provide us, for the first time, a panoramic view of the high-z Universe from the scales of galaxies, clusters to large-scale structures. Major results and implications will be presented in our talk. (Part of this work is subject to press embargo.)

An Accreting Protoplanet: Confirmation and Characterization of LkCa15b

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Follette, Katherine; Close, Laird; Males, Jared; Macintosh, Bruce; Sallum, Stephanie; Eisner, Josh; Kratter, Kaitlin M.; Morzinski, Katie; Hinz, Phil; Weinberger, Alycia; Rodigas, Timothy J.; Skemer, Andrew; Bailey, Vanessa; Vaz, Amali; Defrere, Denis; spalding, eckhart; Tuthill, Peter

2015-12-01

We present a visible light adaptive optics direct imaging detection of a faint point source separated by just 93 milliarcseconds (~15 AU) from the young star LkCa 15. Using Magellan AO's visible light camera in Simultaneous Differential Imaging (SDI) mode, we imaged the star at Hydrogen alpha and in the neighboring continuum as part of the Giant Accreting Protoplanet Survey (GAPplanetS) in November 2015. The continuum images provide a sensitive and simultaneous probe of PSF residuals and instrumental artifacts, allowing us to isolate H-alpha accretion luminosity from the LkCa 15b protoplanet, which lies well inside of the LkCa15 transition disk gap. This detection, combined with a nearly simultaneous near-infrared detection with the Large Binocular Telescope, provides an unprecedented glimpse at a planetary system during epoch of planet formation. [Nature result in press. Please embargo until released

Exclusive: OPEC's story - denies it is a cartel (in English and Spanish)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1983-03-23

Coverage of OPEC news in the Western press exploded in 1973 during the Arab Oil Embargo and blossomed during the 1979 oil price hike. Since then, however, coverage wanes when OPEC's problems are its own and not widely impacting consuming nations. OPECNA, the OPEC News Agency, was established in 1980 to improve the quantity and quality of world press coverage of OPEC activities. Since then, OPECNA has also been OPEC's historian. It is felt that OPECNA has achieved its principal goal, that of providing reliable and frequent information about OPEC and the activities of its member countries; however, it appearsmore » to have little success in restructuring world opinion. Included here is an exclusive interview by Energy Detente with Mr. Gonzalo Plaza, Director of OPECNA. The Energy Detente fuel price/tax series and industrial fuel prices for March 1983 are presented for countries of the Western Hemisphere.« less

AIDS in Nicaragua: epidemiological, political, and sociocultural perspectives.

PubMed

Low, N; Egger, M; Gorter, A; Sandiford, P; González, A; Pauw, J; Ferrie, J; Smith, G D

1993-01-01

The AIDS epidemic in Nicaragua is several years behind that in the United States and neighboring countries of Central and South America. A combination of events, including the isolation caused by the war of the U.S.-backed Contra army against the Sandinista government, the complete economic embargo imposed on Nicaragua by the United States in 1985, self-sufficiency for blood products, and a low rate of recreational injectable-drug use, have contributed to this situation. Since the Sandinistas were defeated in the general election of 1990, people have returned to Nicaragua from areas where HIV is more prevalent, such as Honduras and the United States. It is probable that many HIV-infected persons have now entered the country. Because of the high rates of sexually transmitted diseases and cultural factors such as "machismo," HIV is likely to spread rapidly by heterosexual transmission, unless effective, culturally appropriate education and sexually transmitted disease prevention programs are implemented now.

Raw materials: U.S. grows more vulnerable to third world cartels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wade, N.

1974-01-18

The success of the Arab oil embargo may be encouraging producers of other scarce raw materials to form a cartel against the United States. Pessimistic and optimistic opinions abound. Most third world countries need to sell as much as they can. The political hues of most potential members of a cartel make an arrangement unlikely, such as in the case where Southern Rhodesia, South Africa, Turkey, and the USSR corner the exportable market of chromium, but a coalition is unlikely. The U. S. government has a powerful weapon against cartels in the form of a massive, billion stockpile of strategicmore » minerals. The nonenergy mineral position of the USA seems certain to weaken in the long haul. Technological advances, recycling, substitution, and changing lifestyles to pay for deferred social costs of past consumption and inequities in distribution seem to be in order. (MCW)« less

Animal health economics: an aid to decisionmaking on animal health interventions - case studies in the United States of America.

PubMed

Marsh, T L; Pendell, D; Knippenberg, R

2017-04-01

For animal disease events the outcomes and consequences often remain unclear or uncertain, including the expected changes in benefits (e.g. profit to firms, prices to consumers) and in costs (e.g. response, clean-up). Moreover, the measurement of changes in benefits and costs across alternative interventions used to control animal disease events may be inexact. For instance, the economic consequences of alternative vaccination strategies to mitigate a disease can vary in magnitude due to trade embargoes and other factors. The authors discuss the economic measurement of animal disease outbreaks and interventions and how measurement is used in private and public decision-making. Two illustrative case studies in the United States of America are provided: a hypothetical outbreak of foot and mouth disease in cattle, and the 2014-2015 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry.

Las Cumbres Observatory Followup of Gravitational Waves - Part 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCully, Curtis; Arcavi, Iair; Howell, D. Andrew

2018-01-01

Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) is a unique followup facility for gravitational-wave detections. It consists of 20 telescopes at 6 sites around the world, working as one robotic, dynamically scheduled global network. This has proven to be extremely useful for gravitational-wave followup during observing run 2 (O2). Given the robotic nature of our network, we are capable of receiving gravitational wave alerts, selecting and prioritizing galaxies to be observed in the localization region, and submitting the observations to the LCO scheduler - all within seconds. Observations can then begin within minutes. We will present our experience employing this strategy during O2, as well as the extensive followup data obtained for one of the triggers. This is talk 3 in a series of three talks (the details of the division of topics between these three talks is embargoed at the time of abstract submission).

Las Cumbres Observatory Followup of Gravitational Waves - Part 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arcavi, Iair; Howell, D. Andrew; McCully, Curtis

2018-01-01

Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) is a unique followup facility for gravitational-wave detections. It consists of 20 telescopes at 6 sites around the world, working as one robotic, dynamically scheduled global network. This has proven to be extremely useful for gravitational-wave followup during observing run 2 (O2). Given the robotic nature of our network, we are capable of receiving gravitational wave alerts, selecting and prioritizing galaxies to be observed in the localization region, and submitting the observations to the LCO scheduler - all within seconds. Observations can then begin within minutes. We will present our experience employing this strategy during O2, as well as the extensive followup data obtained for one of the triggers. This is talk 1 in a series of three talks (the details of the division of topics between these three talks is embargoed at the time of abstract submission).

Las Cumbres Observatory Followup of Gravitational Waves - Part 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Howell, D. Andrew; Arcavi, Iair; McCully, Curtis

2018-01-01

Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) is a unique followup facility for gravitational-wave detections. It consists of 20 telescopes at 6 sites around the world, working as one robotic, dynamically scheduled global network. This has proven to be extremely useful for gravitational-wave followup during observing run 2 (O2). Given the robotic nature of our network, we are capable of receiving gravitational wave alerts, selecting and prioritizing galaxies to be observed in the localization region, and submitting the observations to the LCO scheduler - all within seconds. Observations can then begin within minutes. We will present our experience employing this strategy during O2, as well as the extensive followup data obtained for one of the triggers. This is talk 2 in a series of three talks (the details of the division of topics between these three talks is embargoed at the time of abstract submission).

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schipper, L.; Ketoff, A.; Meyers, S.

This summary report presents information on the end-uses of energy in the residential sector of seven major OECD countries over the period 1960-1978. Much of the information contained herein has never been published before. We present data on energy consumption by energy type and end-use for three to five different years for each country. Each year table is complemented by a set of indicators, which are assembled for the entire 20-year period at the end of each country listing. Finally, a set of key indicators from each country is displayed together in a table, allowing comparison for three periods: earlymore » (1960-63), pre-embargo (1970-73), and recent (1975-78). Analysis of these results, smoothing and interpolation of the data, addition of further data, and analytical comparison of in-country and cross-country trends will follow in the next phase of our work.« less

Frederick Novy and the 1901 San Francisco plague commission investigation.

PubMed

Kazanjian, Powel

2012-11-15

The 1900 San Francisco plague is a significant event in which citizens, physicians, and public health officials denied a diagnosis of plague on economic, political, and social grounds. To resolve the controversy, Surgeon General Walter Wyman appointed an independent federal commission of university-based experts to investigate whether plague was present. I use the activities of Frederick Novy, the commission bacteriologist and professor at the University of Michigan, to explore one circumstance in which bacteriology attempted to redefine traditional conceptions of disease during the early germ era. Novy showed plague was present in the city but without its characteristic clinical features and devastating epidemiological pattern. Physicians who understood plague by its classic features, however, contested Novy's scientific evidence. His bacteriologic redefinition had no special authority to prevail over opposing conceptions about plague; it was accepted and acted upon once it served the overall interest of the city--to avert a trade embargo.

Órbitas caóticas en satelites galácticos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carpintero, D. D.; Muzzio, J. C.; Vergne, M. M.; Wachlin, F. C.

En trabajos anteriores investigamos las órbitas de estrellas que forman los satelites galácticos utilizando análisis de frecuencias. Su uso estaba plenamente justificado por su velocidad y la gran información que brinda, amén de haber dado resultados muy concordantes con los exponentes de Liapunov. Sin embargo, más recientemente, encontramos algunos problemas en la utilización del análisis de frecuencias en sistemas de referencia rotantes (como se utilizan para los satélites), por lo que en este trabajo rehicimos nuestras investigaciones previas utilizando exclusivamente exponentes de Liapunov. Algunas conclusiones anteriores se han confirmado, en tanto que otras deben modificarse. Además, los nuevos resultados muestran que las escalas de tiempo de los procesos caóticos en los satélites galácticos son comparables a, o más cortas que, las escalas de tiempo de otros procesos dinámicos característicos de estos objetos.

El nuevo panorama de la Dinámica Galáctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pivovaroff, Michael James

En general, la tendencia imperante en Dinámica Galáctica ha sido considerar que los movimientos estelares son básicamente regulares y que el caos no tiene mayor relevancia en los sistemas estelares. Sin embargo, en el último lustro se vienen acumulando pruebas de la importancia del movimiento caótico en ciertos sistemas estelares que existen en la naturaleza. Por una parte, sobre todo el grupo de David Merritt, lo ha mostrado en los casos de galaxias elípticas con concentraciones centrales de materia; por otra parte, en nuestro propio grupo, lo hemos mostrado para el caso de los satélites galácticos. Las consecuencias de estos hallazgos son tanto de tipo técnico, por la necesidad de construir modelos que contengan órbitas caóticas, como astrofísico, por los efectos del caos sobre la estacionariedad y evolución de los sistemas estelares en los que se presenta.

Distribución espacial de órbitas con diferentes grados de caoticidad en modelos autoconsistentes de satélites galácticos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muzzio, J. C.; Mosquera, M.

En trabajos anteriores (Carpintero et al., Cel. Mech. Dynam. Astron. 85, 247, 2003), mostramos que las órbitas caóticas son muy importantes en los satélites galácticos. Sin embargo, los únicos modelos autoconsistentes de los que se disponía para ellos eran los de Heggie-Ramamani, cuya función de distribución depende sólo de la energía por lo que no mostraban diferencias entre las distribuciones de sus órbitas regulares y caóticas. Ahora, mediante una aproximación cuadrupolar, hemos logrado construir modelos autoconsistentes de satélites galácticos con distribuciones de velocidades anisotrópicas (lo que indica que sus funciones de distribución no dependen sólo de la energía) y hemos logrado revelar las diferencias entre las estructuras espaciales de las órbitas de distinta caoticidad.

Cuba's Urban Landscape Needs a Second Round of Innovation for Health.

PubMed

Peña, Jorge

2015-07-01

Cuba's economy spiraled downward in the 1990s, reeling from the collapse of European socialism and a tightened US embargo. To mitigate the crash's drastic effects, measures were adopted that transformed our urban landscape, especially in large cities such as Havana, paradoxically linking the period to nascent health-promoting options. One of the most important was the introduction of bicycle lanes on city streets, paths daily ridden by people on the over one million bicycles imported to offset the nearly nonexistent public transport caused by fuel shortages. Second, urban gardens began to sprout up, involving urban dwellers in production of their own food, particularly vegetables. Without minimizing the impact of the crisis, these two seemingly disparate phenomena meant people were getting more exercise, consuming fewer fats and carbohydrates and more fresh vegetables. People were even breathing fresher air, with fewer CO2-belching trucks, old cars and buses on the streets and less diesel used to transport produce in from afar.

órbitas: caos en familia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carpintero, D. D.

Durante los últimos años, ha ido adquiriendo importancia la descripción dinámica de un sistema estelar a través de su estructura orbital, complementando el tradicional uso de la función de distribución en el espacio fase. El desarrollo de esta nueva concepción condujo, con el tiempo, a la conclusión de que las órbitas caóticas juegan un importante papel dinámico en modelos realistas de galaxias. Sin embargo, la determinación de la caoticidad de una órbita, o de la familia regular a la cual pertenece, siguió siendo una tarea artesanal. Nuevos métodos de clasificación fueron surgiendo con el tiempo; hoy en día, se cuenta con métodos que permiten determinar automáticamente el contenido orbital de cualquier potencial arbitrario que se desee para modelar una galaxia, o incluso determinar la familia de una órbita sin siquiera conocer el potencial en el que está sumergida.

EXPERIENCIAS RELACIONADAS A UNA INTERVENCIÓN PARA REDUCIR EL ESTIGMA RELACIONADO AL VIH/SIDA ENTRE ESTUDIANTES DE MEDICINA EN PUERTO RICO

PubMed Central

Cintrón-Bou, Francheska; Varas-Díaz, Nelson; Marzán-Rodríguez, Melissa; Neilands, Torsten B.

2016-01-01

Existe estigma relacionado al VIH. A las personas con VIH/SIDA-PCVS se les viola sus derechos y obstaculiza su bienestar mental/físico. Profesionales de la salud-PS son fuente de apoyo primordial, sin embargo estos/as le estigmatizan. Es útil adiestrar a PS en relación al estigma social. Implantamos la intervención para reducir el estigma relacionado al VIH/SIDA con 507 estudiantes de medicina. Resultó ser una intervención efectiva, hubo reducción en los niveles de estigma a partir de nuestra intervención y diferencias significativas con el grupo control (p≤.05). Generar espacios de adiestramiento para atender el estigma relacionado al VIH/SIDA es pertinente para la psicología comunitaria porque colaboramos en la reducción de actitudes estigmatizantes que afectan adversamente la prevención de nuevas infecciones, la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral y la calidad de vida. PMID:27829690

Cuban epidemic neuropathy, 1991 to 1994: history repeats itself a century after the "amblyopia of the blockade".

PubMed Central

Ordúñez-García, P O; Nieto, F J; Espinosa-Brito, A D; Caballero, B

1996-01-01

The 1991 to 1994 epidemic of neuropathy in Cuba has been one of the more devastating in recent history, affecting more than 50,000 people throughout the entire country with clinical manifestations of optic and peripheral neuropathy. Although the causes are not entirely clear, it seems that a combination of acute nutritional deficiency and the toxic effects of tobacco and possibly other unidentified toxic substances is involved. The epidemic coincided with the acute worsening of the economic situation on the island following political changes in Eastern European countries and a tightening of the US economic embargo. This paper reviews reports of a strikingly similar epidemic known as the "Amblyopia of the Blockade," which occurred in Cuba almost a century ago when the island was undergoing a US naval blockade during the Cuban-Spanish-American war. It discusses the parallelism with the recent epidemic as well as the implications of this historical evidence to clarify further the ultimate causes of these epidemics. PMID:8629731

Las ideologias, las ciencias naturales y sus implicaciones en la educacion cientifica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lozada Roldan, Sandra

Este estudio ausculto las concepciones epistemologicas de los docentes de ciencia del nivel secundario con relacion a las ideologias y las ciencias naturales. Tambien examino las posiciones de los docentes ante asuntos publicos relacionados a la ciencia. Para propositos de este estudio se diseno y se valido el cuestionario con el cual se obtuvieron los resultados. La investigacion es de tipo cuantitativa y se utilizo como diseno la encuesta. El cuestionario se administro en varias actividades de desarrollo profesional para maestros de ciencia. Un total de 78 maestros del nivel secundario respondieron el cuestionario. Para analizar los datos obtenidos se utilizaron estadisticas descriptivas como la distribucion de frecuencia y el porciento. Ademas se establecieron codigos y categorias para describir las posiciones de los maestros ante asuntos publicos relacionados a la ciencia. Los analisis demostraron que entre los docentes participantes de este estudio prevalecen ciertas concepciones epistemologicas adecuadas acerca de las ciencias naturales, a la luz de la literatura consultada. Entre estas concepciones se destacan las siguientes: a) la filosofia materialista de las ciencias naturales, b) la naturaleza tentativa y constructivista del conocimiento cientifico, c) el uso de una metodologia que garantiza cierto grado de objetividad y con el que se justifican y validan los enunciados cientificos y d) la funcion instrumental del conocimiento cientifico. Sin embargo, entre los docentes participantes de este estudio prevalecen ciertas concepciones epistemologicas erroneas acerca de las ciencias naturales, a la luz de la literatura consultada. Entre estas concepciones se destacan las siguientes: a) tendencia inductivista en el que las teorias cientificas comienzan con observaciones que establecen generalizaciones, b) secuencia jerarquica de la metodologia cientifica. Ademas, entre los docentes participantes de este estudio prevalecen concepciones epistemologicas adecuadas acerca de las ideologias, a la luz de la literatura consultada. Entre estas concepciones se destacan las siguientes: a) la funcion de las ideologias y b) la ausencia de validez ante el conocimiento cientifico. Sin embargo, en cuanto a considerar las ciencias naturales como una ideologia mas conocida como cientificismo, no hubo consistencia en las respuestas de los participantes por lo que no es posible afirmarlo o negarlo. Los hallazgos tambien revelaron que entre los docentes participantes hubo posiciones a favor y en contra para las dos situaciones sobre asuntos publicos relacionados a la ciencia que se presentaron. Estas posiciones fueron justificadas con argumentos cientificos y argumentos ideologicos, entre estos, los morales y los economicos. Con este dato se puede afirmar el uso de las ideologias en asuntos publicos relacionados a la ciencia.

Geopressured-geothermal test of the EDNA Delcambre No. 1 well, Tigre Lagoon Field, Vermilion Parish, Louisiana: Analysis of water and dissolved natural gas: Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hankind, B.E.; Karkalits, O.C.

1978-09-01

The presence of large volumes of hot water (250-425 F) containing dissolved natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico coastal areas at depths of 5,000 to 25,000 feet (the geopressured zone) has been known for several years. Because natural gas and oil from conventional production methods were relatively inexpensive prior to 1973, and because foreign oil was readily available, no economic incentive existed for developing this resource. With the oil embargo and the resulting rapid escalation in prices of oil and gas since 1973, a new urgency exists for examining the economic potential of the geopressured-geothermal resource. The main objectivemore » of the research reported here was to determine the volume of gas dissolved in the geopressured water, as well as the qualitative and quantitative composition of the water and the dissolved gas. A further objective was to use an existing shut-in gas well so that drilling time and the attendant costs could be avoided.« less

Los “puntos débiles o sensibles” de los Ensayos Clínicos en niñas/os y adolescentes

PubMed Central

Melamed, Irene N.

2017-01-01

Resumen La revisión ética de un Ensayo Clínico1 que incluye a niñas/os y adolescentes en calidad de participantes, debe centrar su mirada en aspectos relacionados con la vulnerabilidad inherente a esa etapa de la vida, condición que se nutre de elementos biológicos, emocionales, de justicia y de equidad, entre otros. Sin embargo, la visión sugerida en este caso y sin desoír las características mencionadas, es la que busca profundizar en uno de los actores del proceso de investigación: el Ensayo Clínico. El objetivo es poder determinar la presencia o no de “zonas frágiles o de puntos débiles” en su interior, los que al ser individualizados y especialmente considerados, contribuyan a mejorar la calidad de la revisión ética de las investigaciones que son llevadas a cabo en niñas/os y adolescentes. PMID:28757905

Linfoma Nasal de Células T/Natural Killer Extranodal Refractario Mal Diagnosticado, Tratado de Manera Exitosa: Informe de Caso.

PubMed

Saavedra Ramírez, José Domingo

2017-01-01

El linfoma de células T/natural killer extranodal ("extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma", ENKL) nasal es un linfoma no Hodgkin (LNH) agresivo y poco común para el cual no se ha establecido un tratamiento de referencia claro, especialmente en el escenario de la enfermedad recidivante/refractaria. Debido a su rareza, no se han llevado a cabo ensayos aleatorizados específicamente en ENKL nasal; sin embargo, los informes de caso y las series de caso pequeñas ofrecen un conocimiento importante sobre nuevos tratamientos potenciales. Presentamos el informe de caso de un paciente con ENKL nasal (previamente mal diagnosticado como una sinusitis crónica recidivante) en quien la enfermedad progresó durante la quimioterapia con múltiples agentes pero respondió al tratamiento de segunda línea con pralatrexato como agente único. Analizamos opciones de tratamiento para el ENKL nasal recidivante/refractario y sugerimos que el pralatrexato se evalúe más a fondo en este escenario clínico.

El Habano and the world it has shaped: Cuba, Connecticut, and Indonesia.

PubMed

Stubbs, Jean

2010-01-01

In the half century since the 1959 Cuban Revolution, El Habano remains the premium cigar the world over; but both before and since 1959, the seed, agricultural and industrial know-how, and human capital have been transplanted to replicate that cigar in a process accentuated by upheavals and out-migration. The focus here is on a little-known facet of the interconnected island and offshore Havana cigar history, linking Cuba with Connecticut and Indonesia: from when tobacco was taken from the Americas to Indonesia and gave rise to the famed Sumatra cigar wrapper leaf; through the rise and demise of its sister shade wrapper in Connecticut, with Cuban and Sumatra seed, ultimately overshadowed by Indonesia; and the resulting challenges facing Cuba today. The article highlights the role of Dutch, U.S., British, and Swedish capital to explain why in 2009 the two major global cigar corporations, British Imperial Tobacco and Swedish Match, were lobbying Washington, respectively, for and against the embargo on Cuba. As the antismoking, antitobacco lobby gains ground internationally, the intriguing final question is whether the future lies with El Habano or smokeless Swedish snus.

The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative: Progress report and future plans

PubMed Central

Weiner, Michael W.; Aisen, Paul S.; Jack, Clifford R.; Jagust, William J.; Trojanowski, John Q.; Shaw, Leslie; Saykin, Andrew J.; Morris, John C.; Cairns, Nigel; Beckett, Laurel A.; Toga, Arthur; Green, Robert; Walter, Sarah; Soares, Holly; Snyder, Peter; Siemers, Eric; Potter, William; Cole, Patricia E.; Schmidt, Mark

2010-01-01

The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) beginning in October 2004, is a 6-year re-search project that studies changes of cognition, function, brain structure and function, and biomarkers in elderly controls, subjects with mild cognitive impairment, and subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A major goal is to determine and validate MRI, PET images, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/blood biomarkers as predictors and outcomes for use in clinical trials of AD treatments. Structural MRI, FDG PET, C-11 Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) PET, CSF measurements of amyloid β (Aβ) and species of tau, with clinical/cognitive measurements were performed on elderly controls, subjects with mild cognitive impairment, and subjects with AD. Structural MRI shows high rates of brain atrophy, and has high statistical power for determining treatment effects. FDG PET, C-11 Pittsburgh compound B PET, and CSF measurements of Aβ and tau were significant predictors of cognitive decline and brain atrophy. All data are available at UCLA/LONI/ADNI, without embargo. ADNI-like projects started in Australia, Europe, Japan, and Korea. ADNI provides significant new information concerning the progression of AD. PMID:20451868

Linfoma Nasal de Células T/Natural Killer Extranodal Refractario Mal Diagnosticado, Tratado de Manera Exitosa: Informe de Caso

PubMed Central

Saavedra Ramírez, José Domingo

2017-01-01

El linfoma de células T/natural killer extranodal (“extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma”, ENKL) nasal es un linfoma no Hodgkin (LNH) agresivo y poco común para el cual no se ha establecido un tratamiento de referencia claro, especialmente en el escenario de la enfermedad recidivante/refractaria. Debido a su rareza, no se han llevado a cabo ensayos aleatorizados específicamente en ENKL nasal; sin embargo, los informes de caso y las series de caso pequeñas ofrecen un conocimiento importante sobre nuevos tratamientos potenciales. Presentamos el informe de caso de un paciente con ENKL nasal (previamente mal diagnosticado como una sinusitis crónica recidivante) en quien la enfermedad progresó durante la quimioterapia con múltiples agentes pero respondió al tratamiento de segunda línea con pralatrexato como agente único. Analizamos opciones de tratamiento para el ENKL nasal recidivante/refractario y sugerimos que el pralatrexato se evalúe más a fondo en este escenario clínico. PMID:29430232

Spacetime Symphony: APOD and Gravitational Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cominsky, Lynn R.; Simonnet, Aurore; LIGO-Virgo Scientific Collaboration

2017-01-01

In 1915, Albert Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity. In this theory, gravity is not a force, but a property of space and time in the presence of massive objects. A century later, on September 14, 2015, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) received the first confirmed gravitational wave signals. Now known as GW150914, the event represents the coalescence of two distant black holes that were previously in mutual orbit. The LIGO-Virgo Scientific Collaboration planned a detailed social media strategy to publicize the February 11, 2016 press conference that announced this discovery. Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) was a major factor in disseminating the now iconic imagery that was developed, and the LVC worked closely with APOD to ensure that the secrecy would be maintained throughout the press embargo period. Due to the success of our efforts, we repeated the process for the AAS press conference that announced GW151226, the second confirmed gravitational wave event. We have also repurposed the APOD imagery for an online course for community college instructors, as well as in a poster that will be available through CPEPphysics.org (Contemporary Physics Education Project).

An Overview of Rare Earth Science and Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gschneidner, Karl, Jr.

2012-02-01

Currently rare earth science and technology is robust: this includes all the major branches of science -- biochemistry, chemistry, materials and physics. There are, however, currently some anomalies and distortions especially in the technology and applications sector of the rare earth field, which is caused by the dominance of China on the sales of rare earths and rare earth containing products. For the past 5 to 10 years ˜95% of rare earths utilized in commerce came from China. Although Chinese actions have lead to sudden and large price spikes and export embargoes, the rare earths are still available but at a higher cost. The start up of production in 2011 at mines in the USA and Australia will alleviate this situation in about two years. Basic and applied research on the condensed matter physics/materials science has hardly been impacted by these events, but new research opportunities are opening up especially with regard to the USA's military and energy security. Magnets seems to be the hottest topic, but research on battery materials, phosphors and catalysts are also (or should be) strongly considered.

Reconnaissance investigation of the rough diamond resource potential and production capacity of Côte d’Ivoire

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chirico, Peter G.; Malpeli, Katherine C.

2013-01-01

Ethnic and political conflict developed into open civil war in Côte d’Ivoire in 2002, leading to a de facto partitioning of the country into the government-controlled south and the rebel-controlled north. Côte d’Ivoire’s two main diamond mining areas, Séguéla and Tortiya, are located in the north, under what was, until recently, rebel-controlled territory. In an effort to prevent proceeds from diamond mining from funding the conflict, the United Nations (UN) placed an embargo on the export of rough diamonds from Côte d’Ivoire in 2005. That same year, the Kimberley Process (KP), the international initiative charged with stemming the flow of conflict diamonds, acted to enforce this ban by adopting the Moscow Resolution on Côte d’Ivoire, which contained measures to prevent the infiltration of Ivorian diamonds into the legitimate global rough diamond trade. Though under scrutiny by the international community, diamond mining activities continued in Côte d’Ivoire, with artisanal miners exploiting both alluvial deposits in fluvial systems and primary kimberlitic dike deposits. However, because of the embargo, there has been no official record of diamond production since the conflict began in 2002. This lack of production statistics represents a significant data gap and hinders efforts by the KP to understand how illicitly produced diamonds may be entering the legitimate trade. This study presents the results of a multiyear effort to monitor the diamond mining activities of Côte d’Ivoire’s two main diamond mining areas, Séguéla and Tortiya. An innovative approach was developed that integrates data acquired from archival reports and maps, high-resolution satellite imagery, and digital terrain modeling to assess the total diamond endowment of the Séguéla and Tortiya deposits and to calculate annual diamond production from 2006 to 2013. On the basis of currently available data, this study estimates that a total of 10,100,000 carats remain in Séguéla and a total of 1,100,000 carats remain in Tortiya. Production capacity was calculated for the two study areas for the years 2006–2010 and 2012–2013. Production capacity was found to range from between 38,000 carats and 375,000 carats in Séguéla and from 13,000 carats and 20,000 carats in Tortiya. Further, this study demonstrates that artisanal mining activities can be successfully monitored by using remote sensing and geologic modeling techniques. The production capacity estimates presented here fill a significant data gap and provide policy makers, the UN, and the KP with important information not otherwise available.

Haitian AIDS education campaign struggles on despite political turmoil.

PubMed

Aldebron, J

1993-12-01

Haiti's multimedia AIDS education campaign Alerte SIDA has continued despite the economic sanctions and political upheaval that thwarted its original plans. In 1992, the campaign included an aggressive volunteer effort in 140 schools in Port-au-Prince, including a conference, theatrical performances, video presentations, and group discussions. Expansion of the campaign led to creation of a telephone hot line for adolescents, radio spots, peer education sessions, and a multimedia campaign highlighted by six televised roundtable discussions in which young people discussed sex, AIDS, and the involvement of parents in sex education. The next stage of the campaign was to target parents as well as adolescents with educational and discussion sessions and information packets suggesting ways parents could broach the subjects of sex and sexually transmitted diseases with their children. This stage has been preempted by the economic embargo and political discord (which also increased the value of sexual intercourse as solace). Haitians, however, have a history of adapting to situations and making do with what they have. Thus, the work continues, even if it is reduced to impromptu educational sessions held in decrepit school yards. When the classrooms reopen, Alerte SIDA will be on hand to continue its efforts to protect the health of Haiti's children.

Promoting Scientific Cooperation in Times of Diplomatic Challenges: Sustained Partnership between the Cuban Academy of Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

PubMed

Jorge-Pastrana, Sergio; Gual-Soler, Marga; Wang, Tom C

2018-04-01

Scientific research cooperation between Cuba and the USA has a long history that dates back to the 19th century. For the past 200 years, the two countries' relationship has been subject to complex economic, political and social forces. In the second half of the 20th century, the Cuban revolution and the subsequent escalation of the US government embargo impacted every aspect of Cuban life. While science was no exception, scientific interactions never ceased. Over the past decade, scientific cooperation-led and facilitated by scientific organizations such as the Cuban Academy of Sciences, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and others-has steadily increased to address ever more critical issues facing both countries. Science and global health diplomacy were key to reestablishing a trusting and productive relationship of mutual and global benefit after the USA and Cuba restored diplomatic relations in 2015. However, recent changes in Cuba policy by the new US administration are jeopardizing these opportunities for increased scientific cooperation, which are in the best interests of people in both countries. KEYWORDS International cooperation, academies and institutes, Cuba, USA.

The First American Textbook of Surgery

PubMed Central

Smythe, W. Roy

2003-01-01

The first systematic textbook of surgery written in the United States, The Elements of Surgery, was completed in 1813 by John Syng Dorsey, a University of Pennsylvania surgeon. The work thoroughly covered all major clinical areas of surgery of that time in a two-volume, 797-page text. Subsequent editions were published in 1818, 1823, and 1831. It became the standard surgical textbook in this country during that era and was the first American medical text exported abroad for use at the more established European centers of medical education. The reasons for writing the text included a desire to put into print the teachings of Philip Syng Physick (first Chair of the Department of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dorsey’s uncle), the new American nationalism, and socioeconomic pressures forced on the American publishing industry by the War of 1812 and preceding trade embargoes. In addition to extensive exposure to Physick, Dorsey was also uniquely qualified to write and illustrate this text, as he exhibited an unusually succinct style and was a remarkable medical artist. The book was the forerunner to William Gibson’s The Institutes and Practice of Surgery and all American surgical textbooks to follow. PMID:12677156

The impact of economic sanctions on health and human rights in Haiti, 1991-1994.

PubMed Central

Gibbons, E; Garfield, R

1999-01-01

OBJECTIVES: This report examines the impact of an economic embargo from 1991 to 1994 on health, well-being, and human rights in Haiti. METHODS: Data from surveillance systems for nutrition, reportable diseases, and hospital diagnoses were combined with survey data and interviews with affected women, governmental representatives, diplomats, and staff of nongovernmental organizations. RESULTS: Changes included declining income, rising unemployment, poorer nutrition, declining infant mortality, rising mortality among 1- to 4-year-olds, decreased attention to children's well-being and education, and family breakdown. Survival strategies among poor Haitians included changed dietary habits, informal-sector economic activity, moving in with relatives, selling domestic goods, increased informal unions among couples, decreased school attendance, and indentured servitude among children. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of economic sanctions in Haiti resulted in extensive violations of rights; the impact was greatest on the most disadvantaged Haitians. Many Haitian and international supporters of democracy were unaware of the extensive negative impact that sanctions could have. The impact continues now, 5 years after sanctions ended. Modified policies reduced some of the burden of sanctions, and international assistance prevented what otherwise might have become a humanitarian disaster during sanctions. PMID:10511830

CHOQUES AGREGADOS E INVERSIÓN EN CAPITAL HUMANO: EL LOGRO EDUCATIVO SUPERIOR DURANTE LA DÉCADA PERDIDA EN MÉXICO

PubMed Central

Peña, Pablo A.

2014-01-01

Este artículo documenta una respuesta agregada negativa del logro educativo superior (más de 12 años de escolaridad) en México a la recesión de 1982–83 y el estancamiento que le siguió. La respuesta no fue homogénea entre géneros, regiones y entornos familiares. Los hombres experimentaron una caída en el logro mientras que las mujeres experimentaron un crecimiento más lento. En promedio, los estados con un mayor logro antes del choque experimentaron mayores caídas. La respuesta entre distintos entornos familiares no presenta un patrón claro. Sin embargo, el efecto negativo en el logro se observa incluso entre hermanos. La evidencia sugiere una historia por el lado de la demanda: la caída en el ingreso de los hogares parece ser el determinante de la caída/desaceleración del logro educativo superior. La conclusión es que la recesión y la falta de crecimiento que le siguió tuvieron un efecto negativo importante y duradero en la formación de capacidades en México. PMID:25328251

The new military medical ethics: legacies of the Gulf Wars and the War on Terror.

PubMed

Miles, Steven H

2013-03-01

United States military medical ethics evolved during its involvement in two recent wars, Gulf War I (1990-1991) and the War on Terror (2001-). Norms of conduct for military clinicians with regard to the treatment of prisoners of war and the administration of non-therapeutic bioactive agents to soldiers were set aside because of the sense of being in a 'new kind of war'. Concurrently, the use of radioactive metal in weaponry and the ability to measure the health consequences of trade embargos on vulnerable civilians occasioned new concerns about the health effects of war on soldiers, their offspring, and civilians living on battlefields. Civilian medical societies and medical ethicists fitfully engaged the evolving nature of the medical ethics issues and policy changes during these wars. Medical codes of professionalism have not been substantively updated and procedures for accountability for new kinds of abuses of medical ethics are not established. Looking to the future, medicine and medical ethics have not articulated a vision for an ongoing military-civilian dialogue to ensure that standards of medical ethics do not evolve simply in accord with military exigency. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Water and Western Energy: Impacts, Issues, and Choices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haimes, Yacov Y.

Since the 1973 oil embargo numerous studies have been commissioned on the subject of water and energy, and thus the proliferation of books and reports on associated problems is not surprising. The importance of the issues at stake and the realization that we were relatively unprepared to deal with the anticipated high level of future coal and shale development in the West altered our perceptions of many water-energy issues; the issues were elevated, at least in some quarters, from the level of a common planning problem to the level of a crisis. For those of us who were captured in this syndrome and were a part of these “crisis studies,” this document inescapably brings a sense of déja vu.The review of books serves multiple goals and purposes for readers as well as authors. For example, when I read book reviews in Eos, I am most interested in one that briefly introduces the book's topics, indicates the depth and breadth of the discussion, constructively highlights the major attributes and limitations of the book, critically evaluates the book as a whole, and, if possible, suggests other documents that either supplement or complement the book's writings. I will attempt to do just this.

Perspectivas para mejorar la salud sexual de las minorías sexuales y de identidad de género en Guatemala

PubMed Central

Alonzo, Jorge; Mann, Lilli; Simán, Florence; Sun, Christina J.; Andrade, Mario; Villatoro, Guillermo; Rhodes, Scott D.

2016-01-01

Resumen Las minorías sexuales y de identidad de género en Guatemala son afectadas de manera desproporcionada por el VIH y otras infecciones transmitidas sexualmente (ITS). Sin embargo, poco se sabe de los factores que contribuyen al riesgo de infección en estas minorías. Investigadores de Estados Unidos y Guatemala quisimos informarnos sobre las necesidades de salud sexual e identificar características de programas de prevención de VIH/ITS para estas minorías. Llevamos a cabo 8 grupos focales con hombres gay, bisexuales y personas transgénero y entrevistas en profundidad con líderes comunitarios. Utilizamos el Método Comparativo Constante para analizar las transcripciones. Identificamos 24 factores que influyen en la salud sexual y 16 características de programas para reducir el riesgo de VIH/ITS en estas poblaciones. La identificación de factores de conductas sexuales de riesgo y de características de programas potencialmente efectivos ofrece gran potencial para desarrollar intervenciones que contribuyan a reducir el riesgo de infección por VIH/ITS en estas minorías en Guatemala. PMID:27494000

Violencia de Pareja en Mujeres Hispanas: Implicaciones para la Investigación y la Práctica

PubMed Central

Gonzalez-Guarda, Rosa Maria; Becerra, Maria Mercedes

2012-01-01

Las investigaciones sobre la violencia entre parejas sugieren que las mujeres hispanas están siendo afectadas desproporcionadamente por la ocurrencia y consecuencias de este problema de salud pública. El objetivo del presente artículo es dar a conocer el estado del arte en relación a la epidemiologia, consecuencias y factores de riesgo para VP entre mujeres Hispanas, discutiendo las implicaciones para la investigación y la práctica. Investigaciones han demostrado una fuerte asociación del status socioeconómico, abuso de droga y el alcohol, la salud mental, aculturación, inmigración, comportamientos sexuales riesgosos e historia de abuso con la violencia entre parejas. Sin embargo, más estudios se deben llevar a cabo para identificar otros factores de riesgos y de protección a poblaciones hispanas no clínicas. Mientras que el conocimiento sobre la etiología de la VP entre mujeres Hispanas se expanda, enfermeras y otros profesionales de la salud deben desarrollar, implementar y evaluar estrategias culturalmente adecuadas para la prevención primaria y secundaria de la violencia entre pareja. PMID:26166938

Energy policies of the world: Arab states of the Persian Gulf. [Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Oman

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barger, T.C.

An attempt is made to trace the historical and social factors that affect the policies of the Arab states on the Gulf, especially with respect to the oil industry. The states are Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Oman; Oman qualifies as contiguous to the Gulf by reason of its possession of the point of land that comprises the southern shore of the Straits of Hormuz. The book analyzes pricing, production, and participation in the oil industry in the Gulf region; the formation of the organization of OPEC; and the Arab embargo of 1973. By examiningmore » both the general policies of these countries and their individual needs and goals, an objective observer may be able to evaluate the future timing and tenor of energy policy in this region, which will surely affect world policies. Also discussed is the greatest assemblage of offshore oil fields in the world in the Persian Gulf. Considerations in making energy policy and the policies of the seven countries are discussed in Chapters 5 and 6. A bibliographical note follows a concluding chapter. (MCW)« less

Actitudes Éticas de los estudiantes y egresados en carrera de medicina con metodologías activas

PubMed Central

Novaes, Maria Rita Carvalho Garbi; Novaes, Luiz Carlos Garcez; Guilhem, Dirce; Stepke, Fernando Lolas; Silveira, Carla Cristina Costa; Komatsu, Ricardo Shoiti; Trindade, Eliane Mendonça Vilar; Guiotti, Murilo Galvão

2010-01-01

El presente estudio tiene por objeto desarrollar un diagnostico de la inserción integrada de la ética en la carrera de medicina brasileña con una metodología de aprendizaje basada en problemas y describir las percepciones de actitudes éticas de los estudiantes y egresados. El diseño metodológico es un estudio de caso, descriptivo y documental, con abordaje cualitativo y cuantitativo. La muestra de esta investigación ha sido constituida por 120 estudiantes y 40 egresados de dos promociones del Curso de Medicina de la ESCS. Este proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación - SES/DF. Los estudiantes y egresados de la ESCS demostraron un buen manejo en el abordaje de los conflictos éticos y respeto a los pacientes. Sin embargo, el análisis de sensibilidad ética mostró una fragilidad en las percepciones y aptitudes inapropiadas de los estudiantes de la carrera de medicina, identificada básicamente en los años iniciales, que necesitan más discusiones sistematizadas sobre los aspectos éticos y bioéticos integrados a las actividades prácticas para estimular y fortalecer la reflexión ética de los estudiantes. PMID:20981242

Mobilization of energy and space technology (The Durand Lecture for Public Service, AIAA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seamans, R. C., Jr.

1986-04-01

Energy developments in the U.S. from 1973-86 are discussed with an eye to the role of governement and the lessons learned from the Apollo project. The 1973 oil embargo spurred Federal actions to manage national energy resources, plan for crises, promote energy efficiency and explore new energy sources. Initiatives included guaranteed loans and cost-sharing with business through the Synthetic Fuels Corporation, speed limits, tax credits for renewable energy and energy conservation projects, etc. Plans for energy independence for the U.S. by 1980 did not account for the complexity of the energy production, transport, storage and use system. Fuel consumption trends of the main demand centers, transportation, private dwellings, commercial buildings, and manufacturing, are now monitored with data gathered by the DOE Energy Information Agency. It is asserted that coal is favored by utilities due to the need to reduce the burning of oil and gas, the unsure future of nuclear power, and the availability of indigenous fuel supply. The Apollo project revealed the benefits that can accrue to private enterprise from massive government investments in cutting-edge technologies, and provides a lesson that continued funding is necessary to ensure the identification, effectiveness and large scale implementation of alternative energy technologies before the next fuel crisis.

International trade inoperability input-output model (IT-IIM): theory and application.

PubMed

Jung, Jeesang; Santos, Joost R; Haimes, Yacov Y

2009-01-01

The inoperability input-output model (IIM) has been used for analyzing disruptions due to man-made or natural disasters that can adversely affect the operation of economic systems or critical infrastructures. Taking economic perturbation for each sector as inputs, the IIM provides the degree of economic production impacts on all industry sectors as the outputs for the model. The current version of the IIM does not provide a separate analysis for the international trade component of the inoperability. If an important port of entry (e.g., Port of Los Angeles) is disrupted, then international trade inoperability becomes a highly relevant subject for analysis. To complement the current IIM, this article develops the International Trade-IIM (IT-IIM). The IT-IIM investigates the resulting international trade inoperability for all industry sectors resulting from disruptions to a major port of entry. Similar to traditional IIM analysis, the inoperability metrics that the IT-IIM provides can be used to prioritize economic sectors based on the losses they could potentially incur. The IT-IIM is used to analyze two types of direct perturbations: (1) the reduced capacity of ports of entry, including harbors and airports (e.g., a shutdown of any port of entry); and (2) restrictions on commercial goods that foreign countries trade with the base nation (e.g., embargo).

Transplant Medicine in China: Need for Transparency and International Scrutiny Remains.

PubMed

Trey, T; Sharif, A; Schwarz, A; Fiatarone Singh, M; Lavee, J

2016-11-01

Previous publications have described unethical organ procurement procedures in the People's Republic of China. International awareness and condemnation contributed to the announcement abolishing the procurement of organs from executed prisoners starting from January 2015. Eighteen months after the announcement, and aligned with the upcoming International Congress of the Transplantation Society in Hong Kong, this paper revisits the topic and discusses whether the declared reform has indeed been implemented. China has neither addressed nor included in the reform a pledge to end the procurement of organs from prisoners of conscience, nor has the government initiated any legislative amendments. Recent reports have discussed an implausible discrepancy of officially reported steady annual transplant numbers and a steep expansion of the transplant infrastructure in China. This paper expresses the viewpoint that, in the current context, it is not possible to verify the veracity of the announced changes, and it thus remains premature to include China as an ethical partner in the international transplant community. Until we have independent and objective evidence of a complete cessation of unethical organ procurement from prisoners, the medical community has a professional responsibility to maintain the academic embargo on Chinese transplant professionals. © 2016 The Authors. American Journal of Transplantation published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

Estudio participativo para el desarrolllo de un instrumento de observación de violencia escolar

PubMed Central

Medina Santiago, Nilda G.; Rivera, Tania Cruz; Rodríguez, Maryanes Trenche; Báez Ávila, Loggina S.

2018-01-01

La violencia en las escuelas es reconocida como un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial que impacta negativamente el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Sin embargo, en Puerto Rico las estadísticas oficiales y los medios de comunicación generalmente se enfocan en hechos aislados de violencia extrema donde se utilizan armas o se destruye propiedad y no recogen formas de violencia más comunes que suelen ocurrir a diario en las escuelas. En este estudio se utilizó el Instrumento de Observación de Violencia Escolar (INOVE), preparado con el insumo de las comunidades escolares participantes del Proyecto VIAS (Violence and Asthma Health Disparity Network) de la Universidad del Este (UNE), para recopilar información acerca de las características de la violencia en dos escuelas puertorriqueñas. Entre los hallazgos del estudio se destacan diferencias por sexo en cuanto a categorías de violencia observadas y la observación de agresividad en juegos e interacciones entre estudiantes. Los datos recopilados han servido de base para la toma de decisiones en cuanto a la prevención de la violencia en las escuelas participantes y tienen implicaciones para el desarrollo de estrategias y programas de prevención. PMID:29643972

Difusión de Arnold en un modelo simple

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cincotta, P. M.; Nuñez, J. A.; Miloni, O.

Investigadores como Merritt, Valluri, Pfenniger o Contopoulos (por citar los más relevantes) consideran seriamente la hipótesis que la difusión de Arnold juega un rol importante en la evolución dinámica de los sistemas estelares y planetarios. Sin embargo no existe ninguna evidencia. El mayor problema para investigar fenómenos como éste es que uno debe estudiar numéricamente sistemas multidimensionales (más de dos grados de libertad) y visualizar de alguna manera el espacio de fases (más de cuatro dimensiones). Más complicado aún es el caso de difusión de Arnold, donde deben considerarse tiempos de movimiento extremadamente largos y tratar con parámetros exponencialmente pequeños. El propósito de este trabajo es estudiar, en un modelo simple 3D, la existencia o no de difusión de Arnold mediante experimentos numéricos y estimaciones analíticas. Siguiendo los trabajos de Cincotta (2000) y Cincotta, Nuñez y Simo (2000), aquí se pretende ``visualizar" la difusión y, a la vez, determinar la escala de tiempo en la que ésta se podría manifestar. Este trabajo es el escalón inicial para luego abordar este problema en modelos.

Private sector involvement in times of armed conflict: What are the constraints for trading medical equipment?

PubMed

Schmidt, Georg

Today, healthcare facilities are highly dependent on the private sector to keep their medical equipment functioning. Moreover, private sector involvement becomes particularly important for the supply of spare parts and consumables. However, in times of armed conflict, the capacity of the corporate world appears to be seriously hindered. Subsequently, this study researches the influence of armed conflict on the private medical equipment sector. This study follows a qualitative approach by conducting 19 interviews with representatives of the corporate world in an active conflict zone. A semistructured interview guide, consisting of 10 questions, was used to examine the constraints of this sector. The results reveal that the lack of skilled personnel, complicated importation procedures, and a decrease in financial capacity are the major constraints faced by private companies dealing in medical equipment in conflict zones. Even when no official sanctions and embargoes for medical items exist, constraints for trading medical equipment are clearly recognizable. Countries at war would benefit from a centralized structure that deals with the importation procedures for medical items, to assist local companies in their purchasing procedures. A high degree of adaption is needed to continue operating, despite the emerging constraints of armed conflict. Future studies might research the constraints for manufacturers outside the conflict to export medical items to the country of war.

Vietnamese women in struggle for national independence.

PubMed

1998-01-01

The 30-year struggle for independence in Viet Nam took a huge toll on women, but even in the hardest times, Vietnamese women received support from the world-wide women's movement. As the world prepares to enter the new millennium, it is important to determine what policies can be created to prevent war and guarantee peace. These policies must grow out of international agreement on basic principles such as respect for independence and sovereignty and must not resort to the embargoes and sanctions that have placed a disproportionate burden on women and children. Another challenge of the new millennium is to encourage implementation of national programs, policies, and measures to help women realize their rights while preserving traditional family values. Despite the heightened visibility of the international women's movement, women still suffer from widespread inequalities. In accordance with the goals of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the 8th Congress of Vietnamese Women in 1997 created a national plan for women that is a blueprint for the women's movement for the years 1997-2000. Among the goals are creating jobs for women, upgrading their standard of living, eliminating hunger, decreasing poverty, and ensuring that women have educational opportunities. Vietnamese women also seek to strengthen their relationship with other women in the international community, and the Vietnamese Women's Union has actively forwarded the objectives of the Federation of International Democratic Women.

Vietnamese women at solidarity meeting of world women in Cuba.

PubMed

1998-01-01

This article summarizes experiences of a Vietnamese delegation at a solidarity meeting of world women during April 13-16, 1998, in Cuba. The President of the Viet Nam Women's Union headed the delegation. The advisor was the vice-chairperson of the Vietnamese National Assembly. The delegation participated in 6 forums: women and sustainable economic development; women, health, education, and social security; women, communication and the mass media; women in politics and decision-making; women, violence and discrimination; and national independence, sovereignty, peace, and women. The delegation also participated in sessions on women's issues; implementation issues; women parliamentarians; and migrant and displaced women. The delegation met with delegates from other countries and participated in a world meeting and an Asian-Pacific meeting to support Cuban women. The entire delegation presented a stage show of songs, which was well received by the 3000 participants. The delegation met with Cuban delegates to discuss the formation of women's groups and to build better relations between the women of both countries. The delegation visited a training center of women cadres and the center for gender education. Participants adopted the Havana Declaration, which states the intention of world women to eradicate poverty and war and to promote peace, progress, and happiness in all countries. The Havana Declaration condemned the US embargo against Cuba. Fidel Castro spoke and expressed gratitude for the strong support from world women, especially Vietnamese women.

Conflicting energy and environmental policies: The portsmouth oil refinery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Yearn Hong

1984-03-01

This case study presents the series of decision-making processes surrounding a current environmental issue—the Portsmouth oil refinery in Virginia. Crude oil must be refined before it can be used as fuel. Additionally, some oil must be desulfurized for use other than as gasoline. In 1977, the nation imported about one million barrels of oil a day. Although the US Department of Energy has emphasized the critical need for greater east coast refinery capability, the east coast is to supply only 25% of its refined oil needs. In the same year, the east coast met its demands for petroleum products from three sources: (a) refinery production, 22.7%, (b) product imports, 28.0%, and (c) products from the Gulf Coast, 49.3%.1 The energy program after the Arab oil embargo has an objective of encouraging the construction of oil refineries and petrochemical plants in the United States rather than abroad. The tariff is higher on imports of refined oil products than of crude oil, and new refineries are allowed to import a large proportion of their requirements tarifffree. The US federal government does not directly regulate the locations for oil refineries or methods of desulfurization. The oil import program, however, does influence decisions concerning location of desulfurization facilities and refineries, and air and water pollution standards affect methods of refining, besides making desulfurization necessary.

TECNOLOGÍAS DE INFORMACIÓN Y COMUNICACIÓN PARA LA PREVENCIÓN Y CONTROL DE LA INFECCIÓN POR EL VIH Y OTRAS ITS*

PubMed Central

Curioso, Walter H.; Blas, Magaly M.; Kurth, Ann E.; Klausner, Jeffrey D.

2010-01-01

Avances tecnológicos innovadores como Internet, computadoras personales de bolsillo, teléfonos celulares y otros equipos son un arsenal en crecimiento en el esfuerzo de impedir y controlar el VIH y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS). A pesar que existe una diversidad de tecnologías de información y comunicación en diferentes etapas de desarrollo para la prevención del VIH e ITS, la investigación en esta área se encuentra aún en crecimiento, y el impacto en la incidencia de enfermedad, las evaluaciones con diseños rigurosos y los estudios económicos todavía son muy limitados. Sin embargo, algunas de estas evidencias son prometedoras y poseen un gran potencial para su uso en nuestro medio. En este artículo hemos realizado una revisión sistemática de la literatura relacionada con el uso de la tecnología aplicada a la prevención y control del VIH e ITS. De ser usada apropiadamente, esta tecnología podría mejorar la vigilancia del VIH y otras ITS, diagnóstico, notificación de parejas, prevención, manejo clínico, y capacitación de profesionales de la salud. PMID:26339254

IPY Education, Outreach and Communication - Some Lessons Learned (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, D. J.; Salmon, R.; Munro, N.

2009-12-01

IPY Education, Outreach and Communications planning and implementation occurred with a minimum of staff and resources and a maximum of international volunteer enthusiasm and energy. Although many relatively well-funded and remarkable national activities occurred, sharing and promoting these internationally depended entirely on the volunteer networks of individuals and institutions. Through these partnerships we have learned valuable lessons about impact and distribution, and challenged several assumptions about educational partnerships. For example, we learned the importance of regular pre-scheduled events, and how to use networks of volunteer translators and free geobrowser tools. We have learned how best to conduct planning meetings and live events across time zones and hemispheres, and shown how the best concepts and ideas of science education can propagate across age groups and among languages. We have learned the optimal times of year for international events, and the most effective means for international distribution and communication. We have established a rapid-response help desk without home or staff, and sustained active and high-impact interactions with journalists largely without press releases. We have shown that, in general, wide-spread distribution of freely accessible materials produces a better impact than embargoes and restrictions. Most fundamentally, we have exposed a pervasive interest in polar science and a hunger for climate information, and responded with an active, flexible, and efficient network of partners and products.

The vulnerability of the global container shipping network to targeted link disruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viljoen, Nadia M.; Joubert, Johan W.

2016-11-01

Using complex network theory to describe the relational geography of maritime networks has provided great insights regarding their hierarchy and evolution over the past two decades. Unlike applications in other transport fields, notably air transport, complex network theory has had limited application in studying the vulnerability of maritime networks. This study uses targeted link disruption to investigate the strategy specific vulnerability of the network. Although nodal infrastructure such as ports can render a network vulnerable as a result of labour strikes, trade embargoes or natural disasters, it is the shipping lines connecting the ports that are more probably disrupted, either from within the industry, or outside. In this paper, we apply and evaluate two link-based disruption strategies on the global container shipping network, one based on link betweenness, and the other on link salience, to emulate the impact of large-scale service reconfiguration affecting priority links. The results show that the network is by and large robust to such reconfiguration. Meanwhile the flexibility of the network is reduced by both strategies, but to a greater degree by betweenness, resulting in a reduction of transshipment and dynamic rerouting potential amongst the busiest port regions. The results further show that the salience strategy is highly effective in reducing the commonality of shortest path sets, thereby diminishing opportunities for freight consolidation and scale economies.

The Campesino-to-Campesino agroecology movement of ANAP in Cuba: social process methodology in the construction of sustainable peasant agriculture and food sovereignty.

PubMed

Rosset, Peter Michael; Sosa, Braulio Machín; Jaime, Adilén María Roque; Lozano, Dana Rocío Ávila

2011-01-01

Agroecology has played a key role in helping Cuba survive the crisis caused by the collapse of the socialist bloc in Europe and the tightening of the US trade embargo. Cuban peasants have been able to boost food production without scarce and expensive imported agricultural chemicals by first substituting more ecological inputs for the no longer available imports, and then by making a transition to more agroecologically integrated and diverse farming systems. This was possible not so much because appropriate alternatives were made available, but rather because of the Campesino-a-Campesino (CAC) social process methodology that the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP) used to build a grassroots agroecology movement. This paper was produced in a 'self-study' process spearheaded by ANAP and La Via Campesina, the international agrarian movement of which ANAP is a member. In it we document and analyze the history of the Campesino-to-Campesino Agroecology Movement (MACAC), and the significantly increased contribution of peasants to national food production in Cuba that was brought about, at least in part, due to this movement. Our key findings are (i) the spread of agroecology was rapid and successful largely due to the social process methodology and social movement dynamics, (ii) farming practices evolved over time and contributed to significantly increased relative and absolute production by the peasant sector, and (iii) those practices resulted in additional benefits including resilience to climate change.

Opportunities for the power industry in South Africa

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lynch, R.W.; Pinkney, C.; Feld, L.

1996-11-01

South Africa is a country in the midst of transformation. Political changes within the country, and the ensuing empowerment of the black majority, have created a situation where dramatic improvements are needed in the country`s infrastructure in order to enable it to meet the needs of all its people over the coming decades. Largely as a result of the international embargo placed on South Africa during the apartheid era, the South African government became heavily involved in the country`s energy sector. This involvement included development of a synfuels program, price controls in the oil sector, monopolies in both upstream andmore » downstream oil sectors, and a strong centralized electric power company. In 1994, South Africa became the eleventh member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), an organization which was established in 1980 to synchronize development plans for its member countries. SADC is presently working to formulate a regional energy development plan, and coordinate technical information exchanges and joint research needs. Each of the SADC nations have also begun to develop their regional electricity grids and other parts of their energy infrastructure to plan for the growing needs of the 500 million people who live in sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa, in particular, must make significant changes in each of its energy sectors in the near future, to keep up with its growing energy requirements. These changes translate to opportunity for the US Power Industry.« less

Gene order in rosid phylogeny, inferred from pairwise syntenies among extant genomes

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Ancestral gene order reconstruction for flowering plants has lagged behind developments in yeasts, insects and higher animals, because of the recency of widespread plant genome sequencing, sequencers' embargoes on public data use, paralogies due to whole genome duplication (WGD) and fractionation of undeleted duplicates, extensive paralogy from other sources, and the computational cost of existing methods. Results We address these problems, using the gene order of four core eudicot genomes (cacao, castor bean, papaya and grapevine) that have escaped any recent WGD events, and two others (poplar and cucumber) that descend from independent WGDs, in inferring the ancestral gene order of the rosid clade and those of its main subgroups, the fabids and malvids. We improve and adapt techniques including the OMG method for extracting large, paralogy-free, multiple orthologies from conflated pairwise synteny data among the six genomes and the PATHGROUPS approach for ancestral gene order reconstruction in a given phylogeny, where some genomes may be descendants of WGD events. We use the gene order evidence to evaluate the hypothesis that the order Malpighiales belongs to the malvids rather than as traditionally assigned to the fabids. Conclusions Gene orders of ancestral eudicot species, involving 10,000 or more genes can be reconstructed in an efficient, parsimonious and consistent way, despite paralogies due to WGD and other processes. Pairwise genomic syntenies provide appropriate input to a parameter-free procedure of multiple ortholog identification followed by gene-order reconstruction in solving instances of the "small phylogeny" problem. PMID:22759433

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Craig, D.F.

The division was formed in 1946 at the suggestion of Dr. Eugene P. Wigner to attack the problem of the distortion of graphite in the early reactors due to exposure to reactor neutrons, and the consequent radiation damage. It was called the Metallurgy Division and assembled the metallurgical and solid state physics activities of the time which were not directly related to nuclear weapons production. William A. Johnson, a Westinghouse employee, was named Division Director in 1946. In 1949 he was replaced by John H Frye Jr. when the Division consisted of 45 people. He was director during most ofmore » what is called the Reactor Project Years until 1973 and his retirement. During this period the Division evolved into three organizational areas: basic research, applied research in nuclear reactor materials, and reactor programs directly related to a specific reactor(s) being designed or built. The Division (Metals and Ceramics) consisted of 204 staff members in 1973 when James R. Weir, Jr., became Director. This was the period of the oil embargo, the formation of the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) by combining the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) with the Office of Coal Research, and subsequent formation of the Department of Energy (DOE). The diversification process continued when James O. Stiegler became Director in 1984, partially as a result of the pressure of legislation encouraging the national laboratories to work with U.S. industries on their problems. During that time the Division staff grew from 265 to 330. Douglas F. Craig became Director in 1992.« less

Neurobiología del autismo y TDAH mediante técnicas de neuroimagen: divergencias y convergencias

PubMed Central

Proal, Erika; Olvera, Jorge González; Blancas, Aurea S.; Chalita, Pablo J.; Castellanos, F. Xavier

2013-01-01

En el área clínica algunos síntomas del trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH), se presentan en los pacientes con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA). Se ha demostrado que existen alteraciones en circuitos cerebrales que impactan en fallas cognitivas y de comportamiento específicas de cada uno de estos trastornos. Sin embargo, han sido poco estudiados los correlatos cerebrales que hay detrás tanto de las similitudes como de las diferencias sintomatológicas. En la presente revisión se analizaron los estudios meta-analíticos existentes estructurales y funcionales en TDAH y TEA. Por un lado, se observaron convergencias en circuitos como el dorsal atencional, de funciones ejecutivas, visual, somatomotor y circuito de activación por defecto. Estas similitudes posiblemente explican las manifestaciones comórbidas entre los trastornos como la falla en la integración de información, motricidad fina y procesos atencionales específicos. Por otro lado, específicamente en el TDAH se observan déficits en el circuito de recompensa y ventral atencional, sistemas involucrados en la medición de efectos de reforzamiento y monitoreo atencional. En TEA los circuitos más afectados fueron los implicados en procesos de cognición social y lenguaje. En conclusión, existen correlatos neuronales en TEA que explican las manifestaciones clínicas tanto convergentes como divergentes presentes en TDAH. PMID:23897144

High-resolution record of pyrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon deposition during the 20th century.

PubMed

Lima, Ana Lúcia C; Eglinton, Timothy I; Reddy, Christopher M

2003-01-01

A high-resolution record of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) deposition in Rhode Island over the past approximately 180 years was constructed using a sediment core from the anoxic Pettaquamscutt River basin. The record showed significantly more structure than has hitherto been reported and revealed four distinct maxima in PAH flux. The characteristic increase in PAH flux at the turn of the 20th century was captured in detail, leading to an initial maximum prior to the Great Depression. The overall peak in PAH flux in the 1950s was followed by a maximum that immediately preceded the 1973 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil embargo. During the most recent portion of the record, an abrupt increase in PAH flux between 1996 and 1999 has been found to follow a period of near constant fluxes. Because source-diagnostic ratios indicate that petrogenic inputs are minor throughout the record, these trends are interpreted in terms of past variations in the magnitude and type of combustion processes. For the most recent PAH maximum, energy consumption data suggest that diesel fuel combustion, and hence traffic of heavier vehicles, is the most probable cause for the increase in PAH flux. Systematic variations in the relative abundance of individual PAHs in conjunction with the above changes in flux are interpreted in relation to the evolution of combustion processes. Coronene, retene, and perylene are notable exceptions, exhibiting unique down-core profiles.

1995 epizootic of vesicular stomatitis (New Jersey serotype) in the western United States: an entomologic perspective.

PubMed

Schmidtmann, E T; Tabachnick, W J; Hunt, G J; Thompson, L H; Hurd, H S

1999-01-01

Entomologic and epizootic data are reviewed concerning the potential for transmission of vesicular stomatitis (VS) virus by insects, including field data from case-positive premises in New Mexico and Colorado during the 1995 outbreak of the New Jersey serotype (VSNJ). As with previous outbreaks of VSNJ in the western United States, the 1995 epizootic illustrated that risk of exposure is seasonal, increasing during warm weather and decreasing with onset of cool weather; virus activity spread from south to north along river valleys of the southwestern and Rocky Mountain states; clinical disease was detected most commonly in horses, but also occurred in cattle and 1 llama; and most infections were subclinical. Overall, 367 case-positive premises were identified during the 1995 outbreak, with foci of virus activity along the Rio Grande River south of Albuquerque, NM, in southwestern Colorado, and along the Colorado River near Grand Junction, CO. The establishment of a 16-km (10-mile) radius zone of restricted animal movement around confirmed positive premises, along with imposition of state and international embargoes, created economic hardship for livestock owners and producers. The importance of defining the role of blood-feeding insects as biological vectors of VSNJ virus relative to risk factors that promote high levels of insect transmission, such as the presence of livestock along western river valleys, blood feeding activity, and frequent transport of animals for recreational purposes, is emphasized as a basis for developing effective disease management.

Biology of Anastrepha grandis (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Different Cucurbits.

PubMed

Bolzan, Anderson; Nava, Dori E; Garcia, Flávio R M; Valgas, Ricardo A; Smaniotto, Giovani

2015-06-01

Anastrepha grandis (Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the main pests of cucurbits in Brazil. Losses occur due to the damage caused to the fruits and the embargo on exports, as A. grandis is considered a quarantine pest in countries that import Brazilian cucurbits. This study aimed to evaluate the development of A. grandis in hosts of the Cucurbitaceae family. The hosts used were stem squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), squash (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne), chayote [Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz], mini watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai], Spanish melon (Cucumis melo L.), hybrid squash "Tetsukabuto" (C. moschata×Cucurbita maxima Duchesne), and salad cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). We evaluated the viability and duration of egg-to-pupa period, pupal weight, sex ratio, and average number of pupae per fruit under controlled conditions of temperature, relative humidity, and photophase. The preoviposition and oviposition periods, fecundity, fertility, and longevity of females were determined for adults. Hosts of the genus Cucurbita provided a better development of A. grandis in comparison with other hosts, and presented a greater number of insects on fruit as well as higher infestation rate. Fecundity and longevity were also higher for females that developed in hosts of the genus Cucurbita, although values of these biological parameters varied between stem squash, squash, hybrid squash "Tetsukabuto." © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Uso Del Condón en Adolescentes Nahuas, un Modelo Explicativo.

PubMed

Tirado, María de Los Ángeles Meneses; Benavides-Torres, Raquel A; Navarro, Sergio Meneses; de la Colina, Juan Antonio Doncel; Rodríguez, Dora Julia Onofre; Hernández, Francisco Javier Baéz

2018-03-01

En México, la población indígena supera los siete millones de habitantes, en Puebla el grupo más representativo es el Náhuatl. Sin embargo, las condiciones de vida, salud, educación y transporte son precarias para esta población. En los adolescentes, las responsabilidades como el matrimonio, la familia y los compromisos ante la comunidad, favorecen conductas de riesgo sexual que dificultan su desarrollo económico, social y reproductivo. El objetivo fue proponer un modelo explicativo del uso del condón en adolescentes nahuas. Método. Bajo el marco de la teoría social cognitiva, el concepto de valores culturales de Leininger y el proceso de la sustracción teórica, se desarrolló este artículo. Se muestran las relaciones del modelo con las proposiciones y los factores que influyen en el uso del condón para este grupo específico. Finalmente, el modelo explica las variables de interés, los niveles de abstracción y las relaciones entre sí en el contexto náhuatl. El siguiente paso será implementar los indicadores empíricos para conocer el grado de influencia de los factores personales y ambientales hacia el uso del condón en adolescentes nahuas. Resultados que aportarán información para el desarrollo del conocimiento en enfermería y la reducción de riesgo sexual de esta población.

The Cuban health care system and factors currently undermining it.

PubMed

Nayeri, K

1995-08-01

This paper explores the dynamics of health and health care in Cuba during a period of severe crisis by placing it within its economic, social, and political context using a comparative historical approach. It outlines Cuban achievements in health care as a consequence of the socialist transformations since 1959, noting the full commitment by the Cuban state, the planned economy, mass participation, and a self-critical, working class perspective as crucial factors. The roles of two external factors, the U.S. economic embargo and the Council of Mutual Economic Cooperation (CMEA), are explored in shaping the Cuban society and economy, including its health care system. It is argued that the former has hindered health efforts in Cuba. The role of the latter is more complex. While the CMEA was an important source for economic growth, Cuban relations with the Soviet bloc had a damaging effect on the development of socialism in Cuba. The adoption of the Soviet model of economic development fostered bureaucracy and demoralization of Cuban workers. As such, it contributed to two internal factors that have undermined further social progress including in health care: low productivity of labor and the growth of bureaucracy. While the health care system is still consistently supported by public policy and its structure is sound, economic crisis undermines its material and moral foundations and threatens its achievements. The future of the current Cuban health care system is intertwined with the potentials for its socialist development.

The Neotoma Paleoecology Database: An International Community-Curated Resource for Paleoecological and Paleoenvironmental Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, J. W.; Grimm, E. C.; Ashworth, A. C.; Blois, J.; Charles, D. F.; Crawford, S.; Davis, E.; Goring, S. J.; Graham, R. W.; Miller, D. A.; Smith, A. J.; Stryker, M.; Uhen, M. D.

2017-12-01

The Neotoma Paleoecology Database supports global change research at the intersection of geology and ecology by providing a high-quality, community-curated data repository for paleoecological data. These data are widely used to study biological responses and feedbacks to past environmental change at local to global scales. The Neotoma data model is flexible and can store multiple kinds of fossil, biogeochemical, or physical variables measured from sedimentary archives. Data additions to Neotoma are growing and include >3.5 million observations, >16,000 datasets, and >8,500 sites. Dataset types include fossil pollen, vertebrates, diatoms, ostracodes, macroinvertebrates, plant macrofossils, insects, testate amoebae, geochronological data, and the recently added organic biomarkers, stable isotopes, and specimen-level data. Neotoma data can be found and retrieved in multiple ways, including the Explorer map-based interface, a RESTful Application Programming Interface, the neotoma R package, and digital object identifiers. Neotoma has partnered with the Paleobiology Database to produce a common data portal for paleobiological data, called the Earth Life Consortium. A new embargo management is designed to allow investigators to put their data into Neotoma and then make use of Neotoma's value-added services. Neotoma's distributed scientific governance model is flexible and scalable, with many open pathways for welcoming new members, data contributors, stewards, and research communities. As the volume and variety of scientific data grow, community-curated data resources such as Neotoma have become foundational infrastructure for big data science.

Determinacion de periodos fundamentales del suelo mediante vibraciones ambientales en el municipio de Humacao, Puerto Rico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cintron Aponte, Rommel

La tecnica de Nakamura ha sido utilizada a nivel mundial para determinar periodos fundamentales del suelo. La tecnica consiste en calcular y graficar cocientes espectrales H/V de vibraciones ambientales registradas sobre el suelo. Mediciones de vibraciones ambientales fueron tomadas en 151 lugares dentro del municipio de Humacao, localizado al este de Puerto Rico. Los datos se procesaron utilizando espectros de Fourier y espectros de potencia. La tecnica fue validada al compararla con los resultados de cocientes espectrales H/V de registros de sismos debiles y tambien con una modelacion numerica realizada con datos de un ensayo "downhole". Las graficas de los cocientes espectrales H/V fueron divididas en casos y grupos, los cuales dependen de la facilidad para identificar el periodo fundamental pico y amplitudes en frecuencias menores de 1 Hz, respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos con ambos espectros fueron comparados y se concluye que los mismos se complementan para proveer resultados mas confiables. Se crearon mapas de periodos fundamentales, factores de amplitud, isoperiodos y clasificacion sismica de sitio. Los mapas de isoperiodos fueron realizados en las zonas mas pobladas sobre depositos de suelo. El mapa de periodos fundamentales del suelo mostro buena correlacion con la geologia local. El mapa de clasificacion sismica derivado de periodos de sitio fue comparado con el mapa de clasificacion sismica derivado de barrenos geotecnicos. El mapa de clasificacion obtenido de periodos puede sobreestimar un poco algunas clasificaciones del suelo. Sin embargo, este mapa puede proveer un estimado aproximado de la velocidad de onda de corte promedio del suelo hasta una profundidad de 100 pies (30 metros).

PubMed

Escandón-Nagel, Neli

2016-11-29

Introducción: si bien el Trastorno por Atracón es un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria que  no se da exclusivamente en personas obesas, es más común en este grupo que en sujetos con normopeso, sin embargo no todas las personas con malnutrición por exceso presentan Trastorno por Atracón. Objetivo: identificar el conocimiento actual respecto a las diferencias y semejanzas existentes entre personas con malnutrición por exceso con y sin Trastorno por Atracón.Método: para lograr el objetivo anterior, se realizó una revisión de artículos científicos en torno al tema.Resultados: primero se analizó la comorbilidad psicopatológica en obesidad y después se detectaron similitudes y diferencias entre los grupos de interés, tanto en sintomatología general, como así también en sintomatología de la conducta alimentaria. Además, se identificaron algunos aspectos controversiales, en que existe evidencia contradictoria respecto a la comparación intergrupal.Conclusión: de esta revisión se concluye que en el estudio de la obesidad se hace necesario conocer en mayor profundidad las características del subgrupo de pacientes que además presenta Trastorno por Atracón,  ya que estas personas poseen características distintivas cuyo conocimiento permitirá ofrecer tratamientos integrales más adecuados a las necesidades de los pacientes, lo que posibilitará, en consecuencia, diseñar intervenciones más eficaces.

Disparidad en Salud: Un Fenómeno Multidimensional

PubMed Central

Urrutia, Maria-Teresa; Cianelli, Rosina

2012-01-01

La Disparidad en Salud (DS) ha llamado la atención pública desde el siglo pasado, ha sido analizada desde diversas perspectivas y enfoques incluso variados términos han sido utilizados como sinónimos pudiendo llevar a confusión e inequidades al momento de su operacionalización. Sin embargo es importante señalar que las publicaciones coinciden en que la DS es uno de las determinantes esenciales a considerar al momento de definir polĺticas públicas. El propósito de esta publicación es analizar la disparidad en salud incorporando; a) los aspectos claves de su conceptualización, b) la evolución histórica del concepto, c) las estrategias que se han generado para enfrentarla, d) los factores considerados determinantes, y e) los aspectos éticos y la contribución de la investigación en la disminución de la DS. Health Disparities (HD) have been at the center of public attention for the past century. They have been analyzed from diverse perspectives utilizing various terms as synonyms that can lead to confusion and inequality at the moment of operationalization. Despite this, it is important to indicate that publications agree that HD are essential determinants that must be considered in the definition of public policy. The objective of this publication is to analyze health disparities incorporating; (a) key aspects in their conceptualization, (b) the historic evolution of the concept, (c) strategies that have been generated to confront them, (d) determining factors, and (e) ethical aspects and the contribution of research in decreasing HD. PMID:22581053

An Estimate of the Tidal Effects in the Dynamics of the Binary Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Junqueira, S.; de Freitas Pacheco, J. A.

1990-11-01

RESUMEN. Se ha estimado los efectos de marea en los pares dinamicos de galaxias elipticas. Para poder estudiar tales efectos hernos expandido el potencial gravitacional en potencias del cociente plr hasta en el orden 3 correspondientes a las fuerzas de marea. Hemos examina- do la influencia de este termino en el movimiento orbital. Se encon- tr6 el valor de M/LB = 10+7 (en unidades solares) para un ejemplo de 46 pares E-E usando Ia aproximaci6n de marea. De este resultado, no podemos concluir que existen alrededor de las galaxias halos grandes y obscuros. Hemos encontrado tambien que la suposici6n de masas puntuales es una buena aproximaci6n para el sistema fisico. Sin embargo, tal aproximaci6n sobreestima ligeramente el cociente masa-lurninosidad. ABSTRACT. In the present work we have estimated the tidal effects in the dynamics of pairs of elliptical galaxies. In order to study such effects we have expanded the gravitational potential in power of the ratio p/r up to order 3 corresponding to tidal forces. We examined the influence of this term in the orbital motion. The value of M/LB =lOi7 (in solar units) was found for a sample of 46 E-E pairs using the tidal approximation. From this result, we cannot conclude that large dark haloes exist around galaxies. We have also found that the assump- tion of point masses is a good approximation for the physical system. However, such an approximation overestimates slightly the mass-luminosity ratio. Keq wo't : GALAXIES-DYNAMICS

ALHAMBRA-survey: a new tool for photo-z calibrations in absence of spec-z information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molino Benito, A.; Benitez Lozano, N.; The Alhambra-Team

2013-05-01

La estimación de los desplazamientos al rojo (redshift) de las galaxias, derivados mediante fotometría multi-banda, se conoce con el nombre de photometric redshifts (photo-z). Es bien sabido que la precisión alcanzable por estas técnicas puede verse incrementada si se dispone de una muestra espectroscópica de galaxias (cuyos redshifts (spec-z) sean conocidos) con la que re-calibrar los puntos cero fotométricos. (Coe et al. 2006, Ilbert et al. 2008, Molino et al. 2012 in prep). ALHAMBRA-survey, que es un cartografiado extragaláctico (de ˜4 grados cuadrados) dedicado a la realización de un estudio de la evolución de las propiedades y contenido del Universo (Moles et al. 2005, 2008), presenta solapamientos parciales con otros cartografiados espectroscópicos ya existentes con el objetivo de validar y mejorar la precisión de sus photo-z. Sin embargo, dada la variabilidad fotométrica entre sus campos, resulta ineficiente extrapolar las correcciones de punto cero, introduciendo sesgos de inhomogeneidad en la precisión de los resultados. En este trabajo se presenta una nueva metodología que permite mejorar la calibración de los puntos cero fotométricos mediante la utilización de la información estadística proporcionada por los propios photo-z. Mediante esta técnica resulta posible no sólo mejorar la precisión de las estimaciones sino, además, soslayar la necesidad de obtener grandes muestras espectroscópicas.

Recovering from research: a no-fault proposal to compensate injured research participants.

PubMed

Pike, Elizabeth R

2012-01-01

National advisory committees have considered the obligations owed to research participants in the event of research-related injuries. These committees have repeatedly concluded that injured research participants are entitled to compensation for their injuries, that the tort system provides inadequate remedies, and that the United States should adopt no-fault compensation. But because the advisory committees have made no concrete proposals and have taken no steps toward implementing no-fault compensation, the United States continues to rely on the tort system to compensate injured research participants. This Article argues that recent legal developments and a transformation in the global research landscape make maintaining the status quo morally indefensible and practically unsustainable. Recent legal developments exacerbate the longstanding difficulties associated with the tort system as a method of compensation; nearly every injured research participant will have difficulty recovering damages, and certain classes of injured research participants--those in federal research and those abroad--are prevented from recovering altogether, resulting in substantial unfairness. In the past ten years, many of the countries substantially involved in research have mandated systematic compensation. By not mandating compensation, the United States has become a moral outlier and risks having its noncompliant research embargoed by foreign ethics committees, thereby delaying important biomedical advances. This Article examines alternative compensation mechanisms and offers a concrete no-fault compensation proposal built on systems already in place. The proposed system can be implemented in the United States and countries around the world to help harmonize various national compensation systems and to more equitably and effectively make those injured by research whole.

Disparidad en Salud: Un Fenómeno Multidimensional.

PubMed

Urrutia, Maria-Teresa; Cianelli, Rosina

2010-03-01

La Disparidad en Salud (DS) ha llamado la atención pública desde el siglo pasado, ha sido analizada desde diversas perspectivas y enfoques incluso variados términos han sido utilizados como sinónimos pudiendo llevar a confusión e inequidades al momento de su operacionalización. Sin embargo es importante señalar que las publicaciones coinciden en que la DS es uno de las determinantes esenciales a considerar al momento de definir polĺticas públicas. El propósito de esta publicación es analizar la disparidad en salud incorporando; a) los aspectos claves de su conceptualización, b) la evolución histórica del concepto, c) las estrategias que se han generado para enfrentarla, d) los factores considerados determinantes, y e) los aspectos éticos y la contribución de la investigación en la disminución de la DS.Health Disparities (HD) have been at the center of public attention for the past century. They have been analyzed from diverse perspectives utilizing various terms as synonyms that can lead to confusion and inequality at the moment of operationalization. Despite this, it is important to indicate that publications agree that HD are essential determinants that must be considered in the definition of public policy. The objective of this publication is to analyze health disparities incorporating; (a) key aspects in their conceptualization, (b) the historic evolution of the concept, (c) strategies that have been generated to confront them, (d) determining factors, and (e) ethical aspects and the contribution of research in decreasing HD.

In the shadow of a pepper-centric historiography: Understanding the global diffusion of capsicums in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

PubMed

Halikowski Smith, Stefan

2015-06-05

Historians of the Eurasian spice trade focus on the fortunes of black pepper (Piper Nigrum L.), largely because the trading companies of the Dutch and English which they study also did. Capsicum peppers are, however, the world׳s most consumed spice, and their story needs to be told in parallel. The five species of capsicum peppers spread across the world in less than two hundred years following their discovery by Europeans in South and Central America and proved both hardier than Piper nigrum and able to reproduce spontaneously. While the taste was similar but more pungent than black pepper, capsicums provided an important vitamin C and bioflavanoid supplement to poorer people in southern and eastern Europe far from the precepts of good taste as dictated from Paris, and rapidly became a mainstay of tropical cuisine across the world. This contribution seeks both to trace and to understand that diffusion and its principal vectors from historical research amongst a plethora of primary source materials in European and Asian languages. Medical and dietetic reaction is presented from a wide range of contemporary texts. The work proceeds according to deductive reasoning and in comparison to the diffusion of black pepper consumption. It reveals the very different strategies of import substitution and commercial embargo undertaken by Portuguese and Spanish authorities, a somewhat later date of arrival in China than previously thought, and three different, competing lines of entry into an important area of later cultivation, namely Central Europe. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estereotipos Sexuales y su Relación con Conductas Sexuales Riesgosas1,2,3

PubMed Central

Pérez-Jiménez, David; Orengo-Aguayo, Rosaura E.

2012-01-01

Resumen Los estereotipos sexuales son creencias generalmente aceptadas y poco cuestionadas que podrían contribuir a cómo los hombres y las mujeres debemos expresar nuestra sexualidad. Los objetivos de este estudio eran identificar cuántos hombres y mujeres heterosexuales en Puerto Rico endosaban ciertos estereotipos acerca de la sexualidad masculina y femenina y explorar la relación entre el endoso de estos estereotipos sexuales y las actitudes hacia el condón masculino y su uso en relaciones sexuales vaginales Llevamos a cabo un estudio descriptivo-correlacional mediante el cual le administramos dos escalas, una sobre sexualidad masculina y otra sobre sexualidad femenina a un grupo de 429 personas heterosexuales. Encontramos que los hombres endosaron estereotipos sexuales masculinos y femeninos más que las mujeres y que estos tienden a tener una visión más conservadora respecto a la sexualidad femenina que la que tienen sobre su propia sexualidad. Las mujeres, por otra parte, tienden a ver su propia sexualidad y la sexualidad masculina en términos menos estereotipados y más equitativos. También encontramos que a mayor endoso de creencias tradicionales sobre la sexualidad masculina y femenina, peor la actitud hacia el uso del condón masculino. Sin embargo, el endosar estereotipos sexuales masculinos y/o femeninos no se relacionó con el uso del condón. Estos hallazgos contradicen la literatura que sugiere que estos estereotipos sexuales y de género resultan en conductas sexuales de alto riesgo, lo cual tiene implicaciones importantes para el desarrollo e implementación de programas de prevención. PMID:24575164

Financial trends of leading US oil companies: 1968-1985: Discussion paper No. 017R

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sowell, E.

1986-10-01

This study presents a compilation of principal categories of financial data for a sample of leading US based oil companies for the years 1968 through 1985. The categories contained in the compilation are annual financial inflows and outflows, profitability measures and financial position. The period selected exhibits trends prior to and since the Arab oil embargo of 1973/1974. The study is organized into two sections. The first contains a discussion of: (1) the major components of the companies' aggregate primary financial statements; (2) period and subperiod trends of selected items (e.g., revenues, net income, cash flow, capital expenditures); and (3)more » analytical relationships among financial items, as well as their trends (e.g., various measures of profitability, proportion of cash flow allocated to capital expenditures, liquidity ratios, dividend payout ratios). Because of the interrelationship of the primary financial statements, discussion of some items may be subsumed under more than one content heading; thus, net income is covered not only under that heading, but also in connection with profitability, sources of funds and capital expenditures. Where appropriate, data for the sample of companies under study are compared to oil company aggregates developed by other organizations. Similarly, selected comparisons are made in financial data between oil and non-oil companies. The second section of the paper contains comprehensive tables setting forth the data and ratios on which the discussion is based. The purposes of this paper are: (1) to serve as a financial reference source for the API sample of companies (see Appendix A); (2) to present this material for a meaningful historical period; and (3) to elucidate key aspects of oil company financial performance. 6 figs., 6 tabs.« less

Conceptuaciones de los estudiantes de las facultades de educacion y ciencias naturales de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, recinto de Rio Piedras, acerca de la ciencia y la pseudociencia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyes Medina, Hector A.

Esta investigacion describe las conceptuaciones de los estudiantes de tercer ano o mas a nivel de bachillerato de los programas de Educacion en Ciencia y Ciencias Naturales de la Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Rio Piedras, acerca de lo establecido en la literatura para distinguir el conocimiento cientifico de las creencias pseudocientificas. Este estudio se guio por un diseno tipo encuesta transversal que permitio conocer de manera consistente las conceptuaciones de los estudiantes encuestados acerca de la Ciencia y la Pseudociencia. Ademas, permitio desarrollar inferencias estadisticas relacionadas a la poblacion de estudio, sus conceptuaciones y su inclinacion teorica en torno al Realismo y al Racionalismo cientifico moderados. El instrumento utilizado fue el Cuestionario acerca de las concepciones de la ciencia y la pseudocienca en estudiantes universitarios, Reyes (2015). Este cuestionario fue validado mediante la recopilacion de diversas fuentes de evidencias, entre estas se encuentran las evidencias basadas en el contenido, el proceso de respuesta, la estructura interna y de constructo. Tambien, se calculo el Alfa de Crombach para la escala total y para cada componente y se realizo un analisis de factores que demostro la presencia de seis componentes claramente definidos de acuerdo a lo esperado sobre las caracteristicas originales del instrumento. Las estadisticas utilizadas fueron descriptivas. Participaron 302 alumnos, de las facultades de educacion y ciencias naturales. Se encontro que las conceptuaciones de los estudiantes de ambas facultades se inclinan en un 66.2% a favor con lo establecido en el modelo teorico en torno al Realismo y al Racionalismo cientifico moderados. Sin embargo, aun hay un 33.8% de los estudiantes de ambas facultades que poseen conceptuaciones distintas al modelo teorico propuesto.

[Not Available].

PubMed

Villa-González, Emilio; Rodríguez-López, Carlos; Barranco-Ruiz, Yaira; Cabezas-Arévalo, Luis Fabián; Chillón, Palma

2016-06-30

Objetivo: analizar la concordancia de dos métodos de medición (Google MapsTM vs. Sistema de Información Geográfica) para la determinación de la distancia desde el domicilio familiar hasta el colegio.Métodos: un total de 542 escolares de entre 8-11 años de edad (media = 9,36 ± 0,6) del sur de España participaron en el estudio, facilitando la dirección de su domicilio familiar. La distancia desde el domicilio familiar al colegio se calculó mediante la utilización de dos programas diferentes:Google MapsTM y Sistema de Información Geográfica (GIS) en ruta y en línea recta. La asociación entre ambos métodos fue analizada utilizando la correlación de Spearman y el grado de acuerdo a través del coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC), así como el método Bland Altman.Resultados: la correlación entre ambos métodos de medición propuestos fue muy significativa (r = 0,966, p < 0,001; r = 0,984, p < 0,001; y r = 0,954, p < 0,001, respectivamente), y la concordancia fue excelente (ICC = 0,96, p < 0,001; ICC = 0,92, p < 0,001; ICC = 0,97, p < 0,001).Conclusiones: los métodos de medición estudiados podrían ser utilizados en función de las necesidades de la investigación, al presentar ambos una alta concordancia. Sin embargo, se recomienda la utilización del Sistema de Información Geográfica en ruta si se cuenta con medios yfinanciación, por tratarse de un método constatado en fiabilidad y validez.

The Open Data Repositorys Data Publisher

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, N.; Lafuente, B.; Downs, R. T.; Blake, D.; Bristow, T.; Fonda, M.; Pires, A.

2015-01-01

Data management and data publication are becoming increasingly important components of researcher's workflows. The complexity of managing data, publishing data online, and archiving data has not decreased significantly even as computing access and power has greatly increased. The Open Data Repository's Data Publisher software strives to make data archiving, management, and publication a standard part of a researcher's workflow using simple, web-based tools and commodity server hardware. The publication engine allows for uploading, searching, and display of data with graphing capabilities and downloadable files. Access is controlled through a robust permissions system that can control publication at the field level and can be granted to the general public or protected so that only registered users at various permission levels receive access. Data Publisher also allows researchers to subscribe to meta-data standards through a plugin system, embargo data publication at their discretion, and collaborate with other researchers through various levels of data sharing. As the software matures, semantic data standards will be implemented to facilitate machine reading of data and each database will provide a REST application programming interface for programmatic access. Additionally, a citation system will allow snapshots of any data set to be archived and cited for publication while the data itself can remain living and continuously evolve beyond the snapshot date. The software runs on a traditional LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) server and is available on GitHub (http://github.com/opendatarepository) under a GPLv2 open source license. The goal of the Open Data Repository is to lower the cost and training barrier to entry so that any researcher can easily publish their data and ensure it is archived for posterity.

Looking into Pandora's Box: The Content of Sci-Hub and its Usage.

PubMed

Greshake, Bastian

2017-01-01

Despite the growth of Open Access, potentially illegally circumventing paywalls to access scholarly publications is becoming a more mainstream phenomenon. The web service Sci-Hub is amongst the biggest facilitators of this, offering free access to around 62 million publications. So far it is not well studied how and why its users are accessing publications through Sci-Hub. By utilizing the recently released corpus of Sci-Hub and comparing it to the data of  ~28 million downloads done through the service, this study tries to address some of these questions. The comparative analysis shows that both the usage and complete corpus is largely made up of recently published articles, with users disproportionately favoring newer articles and 35% of downloaded articles being published after 2013. These results hint that embargo periods before publications become Open Access are frequently circumnavigated using Guerilla Open Access approaches like Sci-Hub. On a journal level, the downloads show a bias towards some scholarly disciplines, especially Chemistry, suggesting increased barriers to access for these. Comparing the use and corpus on a publisher level, it becomes clear that only 11% of publishers are highly requested in comparison to the baseline frequency, while 45% of all publishers are significantly less accessed than expected. Despite this, the oligopoly of publishers is even more remarkable on the level of content consumption, with 80% of all downloads being published through only 9 publishers. All of this suggests that Sci-Hub is used by different populations and for a number of different reasons, and that there is still a lack of access to the published scientific record. A further analysis of these openly available data resources will undoubtedly be valuable for the investigation of academic publishing.

Energy vulnerability relationships

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shaw, B.R.; Boesen, J.L.

The US consumption of crude oil resources has been a steadily growing indicator of the vitality and strength of the US economy. At the same time import diversity has also been a rapidly developing dimension of the import picture. In the early 1970`s, embargoes of crude oil from Organization of Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) created economic and political havoc due to a significant lack of diversity and a unique set of economic, political and domestic regulatory circumstances. The continued rise of imports has again led to concerns over the security of our crude oil resource but threats to thismore » system must be considered in light of the diversity and current setting of imported oil. This report develops several important issues concerning vulnerability to the disruption of oil imports: (1) The Middle East is not the major supplier of oil to the United States, (2) The US is not vulnerable to having its entire import stream disrupted, (3) Even in stable countries, there exist vulnerabilities to disruption of the export stream of oil, (4) Vulnerability reduction requires a focus on international solutions, and (5) DOE program and policy development must reflect the requirements of the diverse supply. Does this increasing proportion of imported oil create a {open_quotes}dependence{close_quotes}? Does this increasing proportion of imported oil present a vulnerability to {open_quotes}price shocks{close_quotes} and the tremendous dislocations experienced during the 1970`s? Finally, what is the vulnerability of supply disruptions from the current sources of imported oil? If oil is considered to be a finite, rapidly depleting resource, then the answers to these questions must be {open_quotes}yes.{close_quotes} However, if the supply of oil is expanding, and not limited, then dependence is relative to regional supply sources.« less

Identificación de Intervenciones para el Desarrollo Positivo de la Juventud

PubMed Central

Sardiñas, Lili M.; Padilla, Viviana; Aponte, Mari; Boscio, Ana Morales; Pedrogo, Coralee Pérez; Santiago, Betzaida; Morales, Ángela Pérez; Dávila, Paloma Torres; Cesáreo, Marizaida Sánchez

2017-01-01

Resumen En el mundo hay más personas en la etapa de la juventud que en cualquier otra etapa del desarrollo. La juventud en Puerto Rico enfrenta muchas situaciones que inciden en su desarrollo y preparación para la adultez. Por lo tanto, es imperante identificar intervenciones para el desarrollo positivo de la juventud que han demostrado ser basadas en la evidencia. Además, a partir de dicha identificación, desarrollar prácticas que ayuden a los jóvenes a desarrollarse para prevenir situaciones adversas, promover experiencias positivas y propiciar que los niños y jóvenes estén involucrados y comprometidos. Se identificaron 147 intervenciones a través de una revisión tradicional de la literatura científica estadounidense. Los resultados reflejan que las intervenciones atienden la reducción de factores de riesgo y el incremento de factores de protección. Sin embargo, ninguna intervención propicia que los niños y jóvenes estén involucrados y comprometidos con su desarrollo óptimo y con sus comunidades. No obstante, todas brindan herramientas que podrían ser de utilidad para fomentar dichas prácticas en el contexto de Puerto Rico. De las 147 intervenciones identificadas seis están diseñadas para la población puertorriqueña residente en la Isla. Con el propósito de hacer la información accesible a los profesionales y la comunidad se expandió la colección del Archivo de Programas y Prácticas Basadas en Evidencia para la Prevención. PMID:28919943

ACTITUDES HACIA LA COMUNICACIÓN SEXUAL ENTRE PADRES/MADRES Y ADOLESCENTES EN PUERTO RICO*

PubMed Central

Fernández, Ana Michelle; McFarlane, Melvin Negrón; González, Ricardo; Díaz, Leslie; Betancourt-Díaz, Elba; Cintrón-Bou, Francheska; Varas-Díaz, Nelson; Villarruel, Antonia

2017-01-01

RESUMEN La comunicación sobre sexualidad entre padres/madres y adolescentes enfrenta dificultades particulares producto de factores socioculturales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo documentar las actitudes de padres/madres y adolescentes hacia la comunicación sobre temas de sexualidad. Los resultados emanan de la medición inicial del Proyecto Cuídalos. Los datos de este estudio forman parte de un estudio amplio que evaluó un módulo interactivo basado en la web para mejorar comunicación sobre temas de salud entre padres/madres y adolescentes entre 13–17 años. En este artículo, reportamos datos basales que contestaron los/as participantes sobre comodidad al hablar sobre temas de salud sexual. La muestra, de los datos aquí expuestos, estuvo compuesta por 458 diadas de madres/padres y sus hijos/as adolescentes (n=916). Se realizó análisis de frecuencias y medidas de tendencia central con los datos obtenidos inicialmente. La edad promedio de los adolescentes fue de 15 años, de los que un 15% se encontraban activos sexualmente. Los/as adolescentes tienen mejor disposición que los/as padres/madres para hablar sobre sexualidad. Sin embargo, los/as padres/madres entienden que comparten suficiente información sobre temas relacionados a la sexualidad. Los/as padres/madres y adolescentes reportaron algún grado de dificultad e incomodidad al hablar sobre métodos específicos de prevención. Los resultados destacan la necesidad de incorporar a los/as padres/madres en intervenciones con adolescentes sobre temas de salud sexual. En Puerto Rico es necesario desarrollar programas dirigidos a minimizar las conductas sexuales de alto riesgo en jóvenes. PMID:28736599

Perfiles de luminosidad en galaxias con núcleo tipo Seyfert 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boris, N.; Rodriguez-Ardilla, A. A.; Pastoriza, M. G.

Presentamos imágenes CCD en los filtros BVI y Hα de una muestra de 10 galaxias Seyfert 1 y Narrow Line Seyfert 1. Recientes observaciones muestran que hay una diferencia significante en el índice espectral óptico entre NLS1s y Sy1 normales, siendo para las primeras del orden de 2. Otra característica importante es que la mayor parte de las NLS1s muestran tasas de FeII/Hβ mayores que las observadas en otras Sy1s. Desde el punto de vista fotométrico, estas galaxias no tienenningún tipo de estudio previo. Presentamos magnitudes totales, perfiles de luminosidad y mapas de color junto con un detallado análisis de la formación estelar en estos objetos. Encontramos que la descomposición en bulbo + disco representa adecuadamente los perfiles de luminosidad de las galaxias de la muestra. Sin embargo, en todos los casos es necesario que el disco tenga un agujero en su centro. El radio de este agujero va desde los 3 a los 9 kpc. Si bien no tenemos aún una explicación para este hecho, los agujeros parecen estar asociados a anillos circumnucleares de alto oscurecimiento E(B-V) ~1. Los perfiles presentan también un fuerte gradiente de color, siendo notablemente más azules hacia la región nuclear. Los objetos de la muestra cubren todo el rango de tipos morfológicos, no obstante, no encontramos regiones de formación estelar en las regiones exteriores de las galaxias. La formación estelar está confinada a la región nuclear y se data en alrededor de 5 x 107 años.

Pharma Websites and "Professionals-Only" Information: The Implications for Patient Trust and Autonomy.

PubMed

Graber, Mark Alan; Hershkop, Eliyakim; Graber, Rachel Ilana

2017-05-24

Access to information is critical to a patient's valid exercise of autonomy. One increasingly important source of medical information is the Internet. Individuals often turn to drug company ("pharma") websites to look for drug information. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is information on pharma websites that is embargoed: Is there information that is hidden from the patient unless she attests to being a health care provider? We discuss the implications of our findings for health care ethics. We reviewed a convenience sample of 40 pharma websites for "professionals-only" areas and determined whether access to those areas was restricted, requiring attestation that the user is a health care professional in the United States. Of the 40 websites reviewed, 38 had information that was labeled for health care professionals-only. Of these, 24 required the user to certify their status as a health care provider before they were able to access this "hidden" information. Many pharma websites include information in a "professionals-only" section. Of these, the majority require attestation that the user is a health care professional before they can access the information. This leaves patients with two bad choices: (1) not accessing the information or (2) lying about being a health care professional. Both of these outcomes are unacceptable. In the first instance, the patient's access to information is limited, potentially impairing their health and their ability to make reasonable and well-informed decisions. In the second instance, they may be induced to lie in a medical setting. "Teaching" patients to lie may have adverse consequences for the provider-patient relationship. ©Mark Alan Graber, Eliyakim Hershkop, Rachel Ilana Graber. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (http://www.jmir.org), 24.05.2017.

The Astrobiology Habitable Environments Database (AHED)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lafuente, B.; Stone, N.; Downs, R. T.; Blake, D. F.; Bristow, T.; Fonda, M.; Pires, A.

2015-12-01

The Astrobiology Habitable Environments Database (AHED) is a central, high quality, long-term searchable repository for archiving and collaborative sharing of astrobiologically relevant data, including, morphological, textural and contextural images, chemical, biochemical, isotopic, sequencing, and mineralogical information. The aim of AHED is to foster long-term innovative research by supporting integration and analysis of diverse datasets in order to: 1) help understand and interpret planetary geology; 2) identify and characterize habitable environments and pre-biotic/biotic processes; 3) interpret returned data from present and past missions; 4) provide a citable database of NASA-funded published and unpublished data (after an agreed-upon embargo period). AHED uses the online open-source software "The Open Data Repository's Data Publisher" (ODR - http://www.opendatarepository.org) [1], which provides a user-friendly interface that research teams or individual scientists can use to design, populate and manage their own database according to the characteristics of their data and the need to share data with collaborators or the broader scientific community. This platform can be also used as a laboratory notebook. The database will have the capability to import and export in a variety of standard formats. Advanced graphics will be implemented including 3D graphing, multi-axis graphs, error bars, and similar scientific data functions together with advanced online tools for data analysis (e. g. the statistical package, R). A permissions system will be put in place so that as data are being actively collected and interpreted, they will remain proprietary. A citation system will allow research data to be used and appropriately referenced by other researchers after the data are made public. This project is supported by the Science-Enabling Research Activity (SERA) and NASA NNX11AP82A, Mars Science Laboratory Investigations. [1] Nate et al. (2015) AGU, submitted.

A pedagogical walkthrough of computational modeling and simulation of Wnt signaling pathway using static causal models in MATLAB.

PubMed

Sinha, Shriprakash

2016-12-01

Simulation study in systems biology involving computational experiments dealing with Wnt signaling pathways abound in literature but often lack a pedagogical perspective that might ease the understanding of beginner students and researchers in transition, who intend to work on the modeling of the pathway. This paucity might happen due to restrictive business policies which enforce an unwanted embargo on the sharing of important scientific knowledge. A tutorial introduction to computational modeling of Wnt signaling pathway in a human colorectal cancer dataset using static Bayesian network models is provided. The walkthrough might aid biologists/informaticians in understanding the design of computational experiments that is interleaved with exposition of the Matlab code and causal models from Bayesian network toolbox. The manuscript elucidates the coding contents of the advance article by Sinha (Integr. Biol. 6:1034-1048, 2014) and takes the reader in a step-by-step process of how (a) the collection and the transformation of the available biological information from literature is done, (b) the integration of the heterogeneous data and prior biological knowledge in the network is achieved, (c) the simulation study is designed, (d) the hypothesis regarding a biological phenomena is transformed into computational framework, and (e) results and inferences drawn using d -connectivity/separability are reported. The manuscript finally ends with a programming assignment to help the readers get hands-on experience of a perturbation project. Description of Matlab files is made available under GNU GPL v3 license at the Google code project on https://code.google.com/p/static-bn-for-wnt-signaling-pathway and https: //sites.google.com/site/shriprakashsinha/shriprakashsinha/projects/static-bn-for-wnt-signaling-pathway. Latest updates can be found in the latter website.

A cautious approach to a new market

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jackson, D.

1993-03-03

As companies like Shell (London), Total (Paris), and Norsk Hydro (Oslo) spearhead the push into developing Vietnam's largely untapped oil and gas reserves, chemical firms are carefully monitoring events. Some already have fledgling operations there - ICI (London), for example, has established activities covering paints, titanium dioxide, and explosives. But most are waiting for others to go in first, says Patrick Looram, senior associate and director/Southeast Asia with Technomic Consultants, speaking at CW's 1993 Asia/Pacific Chemical Industry conference in Singapore. Describing Vietnam, with its 70-million population, as the last great Asian market,' Looram says the most important industries for themore » chemicals sector in the shorter terms are likely to include textiles, packaging, plastics, food and agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. But he notes the country's chemicals requirements are still at a very early stage, with 1992 plastics demand, for example, put at less than 100,000 m.t. Basic infrastructure requirements are put at $30 billion-$40 billion. Vietnam has a range of measures in place to establish a market economy, such as decentralized control over industry, freeing up of price controls, and liberal foreign investment laws. Fewer than 1,000 of Vietnam's 12,000-plus state enterprises are owned by national government; control is in the hands of the provinces and municipalities. But to get results, Looram says it is necessary to deal directly with plants. Many of these operations, however, are nearly insolvent, and Looram says about a third are expected to close over the next couple of years. The strength of other Asian economies is crucial to Vietnam's development, Looram says, while a lifting of the US embargo on vietnam will play an important role.« less

Evaluating the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide vapour against foot-and-mouth disease virus within a BSL4 biosafety facility.

PubMed

Petit, B M; Almeida, F C; Uchiyama, T R; Lopes, F O C; Tino, K H; Chewins, J

2017-10-01

An evaluation was made of the efficacy of 35% hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in a biosafety facility. Biological indicators (BIs) were produced using three serotypes of FMDV, all with a titre of ≥10 6 TCID 50 per ml. Fifteen BIs of each serotype were distributed across five locations, throughout a 30-m 3 airlock chamber, producing a total of 45 BIs. Thirty-five percent HPV was generated and applied using a Bioquell vaporization module located in the centre of the chamber. After a dwell period of 40 min, the HPV was removed via the enclosures air handling system and the BIs were collected. The surfaces of the BIs were recovered into Glasgow's modified Eagle's medium (GMEM), cultivated in BHK21 Cl13 cell culture and analysed for evidence of cytopathic effect (CPE). No CPE was detected in any BI sample. Positive controls showed CPE. The experimentation shows that FMDV is susceptible to HPV decontamination and presents a potential alternative to formaldehyde. Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is an important pathogen in terms of biosafety due to its infectious nature and wide range of host animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Outbreaks of FMDV can have a severe impact on livestock production, causing morbidity, mortality, reduced yields and trade embargoes. Laboratories studying FMDV must possess BSL4 robust bio-decontamination methods to prevent inadvertent release. Formaldehyde has been the primary agent for environmental decontamination, but its designation as a human carcinogen has led to a search for alternatives. This study shows 35% hydrogen peroxide vapour has the potential to be a rapid, effective, residue-free alternative. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Industrial conversion costs from oil and gas to alternative fuels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Askari, H.; Reichert, A.T.

1977-01-01

From a national standpoint, many questions can be raised on conversion -- whether mandatory or through taxation. 1) Why is it necessary to intervene in the market since price increases will act to allocate available fuels. The desire to reduce dependence on imported oil and gas may be an overriding constraint -- an unproven proposition; some believe that price increases would not have a significant positive impact on output -- a position without a great deal of economic or geological foundation; and the President, for obvious reasons, did not want to force households into conversion nor did he want tomore » propose deregulation which, in the short run, may increase prices directly to consumers but it would be politically more palatable to pass on energy price increase through industry; though astute politically, the economic merit of such a decision is very questionable. 2) Is the cutback of oil and gas consumption being targeted into the least critical area of national need, namely industry. 3) From the national perspective, is conversion desirable as compared to continued dependence on foreign oil for existing plants, with non-petroleum fuel sources for new plants and new residential dwellings. If conversion costs are prohibitive, then it may be ruled out. If conversion costs are low but the real cost of using coal or electricity far exceeds the economic risk of OPEC price increases or embargoes, then again conversion may be ruled out. In short, even if conversion costs are low, it is far from obvious that conversion is desirable. In this paper, the question of conversion cost and its regional implications is examined in detail.« less

PubMed

Müller Velázquez, Lucía; Bobadilla, Fernando; Novosak, Marina; Cortese, Iliana; Laczeski, Margarita

2018-03-20

Streptococcus agalactiae (SGB) es causa de infecciones severas en menores de tres meses. Meningitis, neumonía y sepsis son los principales cuadros en estos niños. Estas infecciones se encuentran entre las más graves que puede sufrir un individuo en sus primeras doce horas de vida. El niño adquiere la infección por transmisión vertical de la madre colonizada. Para prevenir la enfermedad neonatal se recomienda penicilina como droga de elección en la profilaxis intraparto (PIP) en embarazadas colonizadas. Sin embargo, actualmente se han detectado cepas con sensibilidad disminuida a penicilina por lo que resulta importante realizar la vigilancia de la sensibilidad al mismo para asegurar su utilidad durante la profilaxis. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la sensibilidad a penicilina en cepas de SGB recuperados de mujeres embarazadas de 35-37 semanas de gestación. Se estudiaron 96 aislamientos y se determinó la sensibilidad por método epsilométrico Etest® (LIOFILCHEM, Italia), siguiendo las recomendaciones del Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Se obtuvo la Concentración Inhibitoria Mínima (CIM) para cada aislamiento bacteriano. El 100% (96) de las cepas estudiadas fue sensible a penicilina con valores de CIM comprendidos entre 0,012 y 0,094 µg mL-1. Estos resultados indican que penicilina sigue siendo el antimicrobiano de elección durante la profilaxis intraparto, para la prevención de la enfermedad neonatal causada por SGB en nuestra región. Se destaca la importancia de la vigilancia epidemiológica de la sensibilidad a penicilina y a otros antimicrobianos para alertar sobre nuevos mecanismos de resistencia y adecuar estrategias de tratamiento.

Estrategia innovadora enfocada en parejas del mismo sexo para disminuir la infección del VIH en hombres Latinos

PubMed Central

Martinez, Omar; Wu, Elwin; Sandfort, Theo; Shultz, Andrew Z.; Capote, Jonathan; Chávez, Silvia; Moya, Eva; Dodge, Brian; Morales, Gabriel; Porras, Antonio; Ovejero, Hugo

2014-01-01

Resumen El VIH es un problema de salud importante dentro de la comunidad latina de los Estados Unidos. Gracias a los esfuerzos de prevención, los niveles de contagio entre los latinos se han mantenido estables por más de una década. Sin embargo, esta población sigue siendo afectada a niveles muy altos, en particular entre hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH), de origen latino y que hablan principalmente el idioma español. Existen varios factores que contribuyen a la transmisión del VIH entre esta población, como son: el uso de drogas; la violencia dentro de la pareja; la presencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual; relaciones sexuales sin protección, dentro y fuera de la pareja; el evadir la búsqueda de recursos (prueba y tratamiento adecuado) por temor a ser discriminado o por su estatus migratorio; la escasez de recursos económicos o estado de pobreza y los patrones relacionados a la migración. En particular, Investigaciones Epidemiológicas de Comportamientos han determinado: cómo algunas dinámicas en parejas están directamente asociadas a los comportamientos sexuales de riesgos. En consecuencia, es necesaria mayor investigación para identificar esas dinámicas, y a su vez, realizar intervenciones dirigidas a la reducción de conductas de riesgo enfocadas en parejas de hombres del mismo sexo. En este escrito, se describe la importancia del uso de las relaciones de pareja como estrategia en la reducción de la trasmisión del VIH/SIDA en HSH de origen latino y que hablan principalmente el idioma español en los Estados Unidos. PMID:25580466

The Solar Energy Institute: A long-term investment in America's youth

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arwood, J.W.

1999-07-01

Unlike students of a generation ago, today's high school students have had limited personal experience with the energy issues that influence their everyday lives. They have no personal knowledge of the Arab Oil Embargo or the long lines at gas pumps that students in the 1970s encountered. Unlike their counterparts of the 1980s, who demonstrated against nuclear power plant construction projects, today's students have had very little exposure to energy debates of any national or international consequence. What's more, they have only vague memories of the Persian Gulf War and the fight over energy supplies. Fearing that the absence ofmore » crucial, real-life experiences has negatively impacted the energy literacy of today's students, numerous entities have implemented programs designed to introduce young people to a cornucopia of diverse energy issues that affect every aspect of daily life. As part of this educational movement, the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office recognized the fact that young people face an increasingly uncertain energy picture and, as such, one must provide them an education that will allow them to make informed energy decisions in the future. To this end, the Energy Office founded the Solar Energy Institute. What the author has gathered from his two years of experience operating the Solar Energy Institute is that the energy IQ of America's youth, specifically their solar energy IQ, is deficient. The other conclusion he has been able to draw from the program of study is that this summer camp is having a positive impact on students' energy literacy as measured by test scores and a follow-up survey of participants.« less

La formación de la Nube de Oort y el entorno galáctico primitivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández, J. A.

Se analizan las condiciones de formación de la nube de Oort en el medio galáctico primitivo, bajo la suposición de que los objetos que alcanzaron la nube fueron planetesimales residuales eyectados por los planetas gigantes durante las etapas finales de su acreción. Los objetos que adquieren órbitas cuasiparabólicas están sujetos a las perturbaciones de estrellas vecinas y al potencial del disco galáctico, las que desacoplan sus perihelios de la región planetaria, dando a los objetos una larga estabilidad dinámica. Se demuestra que un entorno galáctico como el presente pudo, sin embargo, no ser suficiente para formar un reservorio cometario con una vida dinámica comparable a la vida del sistema solar. La existencia de la nube de Oort después de 4600 millones de años es, pues, una fuerte indicación de que el sistema solar se formó en un entorno galáctico mucho mas denso que el presente, tal vez en una nube molecular y/o un cúmulo abierto, que es el modo de producción de la mayoría de las estrellas. Se encuentra que un campo perturbador externo mas intenso, producto de un entorno galáctico mas denso, sería capaz de formar una nube de Oort mas compacta, con un radio del orden de 103- 104 UA. El campo externo mas intenso cesó de actuar una vez que la nube molecular y/o el cúmulo abierto se disiparon, previniendo entonces que ese mismo campo externo disolviera el reservorio cometario.

[Not Available].

PubMed

Vergara, Diego; Ríos-Reina, Rocío; Úbeda, Cristina; Escudero-Gilete, M Luisa; Callejón, Raquel M

2016-06-30

Introducción: en la actualidad existe un déficit en la evaluación de comedores dirigidos a niños menores de 3 años, a pesar de que se han realizado numerosas intervenciones en los comedores escolares con el fin de conseguir una alimentación segura y adecuada.Objetivo: realizar una evaluación nutricional de los menús ofertados en los centros de educación infantil de Sevilla.Material y métodos: se evaluó la frecuencia, variedad, rotación de alimentos, métodos culinarios e información de los menús de seis centros infantiles de Sevilla. Se valoró el aporte energético y nutricional mediante el programa Dietowin® y el método de pesada.Resultados: las frutas y verduras fueron deficitarias en la mayoría de los menús, y excesivas la carne, patatas, pasta y arroz. Se observó una escasa variedad de recetas por grupo de alimentos y no se daba una información completa del menú. Sin embargo, la variedad de procesos culinarios y la rotación de alimentos fueron adecuadas. Aunque la energía y el aporte de carbohidratos (~55%) se ajustaban a las necesidades, se observó un aporte excesivo de proteínas (~19%) y deficiente de lípidos (< 30%), sobre todo de grasas insaturadas. Respecto a los micronutrientes,solo vitamina C, E y calcio estaban por debajo de lo recomendado.Conclusiones: los centros de educación infantil están haciendo un gran esfuerzo por cumplir las recomendaciones nutricionales, pero todavía deben disminuir el aporte proteico y aumentar las grasas insaturadas de la dieta. Además, deben fomentar la oferta de frutas y verduras, ampliar la variedad de recetas, dar mayor información y disminuir el aporte de alimentos cárnicos.

[Not Available].

PubMed

Pérez-Flores, Juan Emmanuel; Chávez-Tostado, Mariana; Larios-Del-Toro, Youné Elizabeth; García-Rentería, Jesús; Rendrón-Félix, Jorge; Salazar-Parra, Marcela; Irusteta-Jiménez, Leire; Michel-Espinoza, Luis Rodrigo; Márquez-Valdez, Aída Rebeca; Cuesta-Márquez, Lisbeth; Álvarez-Villaseñor, Andrea Socorro; Fuentes-Orozco, Clotilde; González Ojeda, Alejandro

2016-07-19

Introducción: la desnutrición intrahospitalaria se ha descrito hace más de 70 años como un problema frecuente. En México se reportan cifras de entre el 20% al 50%; sin embargo no se ha estudiado su prevalencia ni su asociación con la morbilidad y mortalidad hospitalaria.Objetivos: evaluar el estado nutricional y su relación con la morbimortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes mexicanos.Métodos: cohorte prospectiva de pacientes que ingresaron en un hospital de referencia para una estancia hospitalaria mayor de 5 días. Se capturó peso, talla, índice de masa corporal (IMC), estado nutricional de acuerdo con la valoración global subjetiva (VGS) a su ingreso y egreso hospitalario, así como diagnóstico médico, complicaciones y mortalidad. Los datos fueron analizados mediante la prueba T de Student, prueba Chi-cuadrado y prueba Exacta de Fisher.Resultados: se incluyeron 610 pacientes en total, con un promedio de edad de 50,8 ± 17,32 años, 267 mujeres (43,8%) y 343 hombres (56,2%). Del total, 154 fueron catalogados con sospecha de desnutrición o desnutrición (pacientes expuestos, 25,2%) y 456 bien nutridos (pacientes no expuestos, 74,8%), con una relación de 1 a 3. La morbilidad total de la cohorte tuvo un RR = 2,70, IC 95 % (2,06-3,55) y la mortalidad con un RR = 2,64, IC 95% (1,74-4,0), siendo ambas estadísticamente significativas (p = 0,001).Conclusiones: el diagnóstico de desnutrición al ingreso hospitalario constituye un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones y mortalidad. Este padecimiento al ingreso en comparación con el paciente que no presenta desnutrición incrementó el riesgo de mortalidad hasta en 2.64 veces.

EpideMiology and control measures of outBreaks due to Antibiotic-Resistant orGanisms in EurOpe (EMBARGO): a systematic review protocol

PubMed Central

Nithya, Babu Rajendran; Gladstone, Beryl Primrose; Rodríguez-Baño, Jesús; Sifakis, Frangiscos; Voss, Andreas; Carmeli, Yehuda; Burkert, Francesco Robert; Gkolia, Panagiota; Tacconelli, Evelina

2017-01-01

Introduction Improving our understanding of outbreaks due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and their control is critical in the current public health scenario. The threat of outbreaks due to ARB requires multifaceted efforts. However, a global overview of epidemiological characteristics of outbreaks due to ARB and effective infection control measures is missing. In this paper, we describe the protocol of a systematic review aimed at mapping and characterising the epidemiological aspects of outbreaks due to ARB and infection control measures in European countries. Methods and analysis The databases MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge and Cochrane library will be searched using a 3-step search strategy. Selection of articles for inclusion will be performed by 2 reviewers using predefined eligibility criteria. All study designs will be included if they report an outbreak and define the microbiological methods used for microorganism identification. The target bacteria will be methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, ceftazidime-resistant and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, ceftazidime-resistant and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant and carbapenamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Data will be extracted using a tailored pilot tested form and the quality of reporting will be assessed using the ORION (Outbreak Reports and Intervention Studies Of Nosocomial infections) tool. Data will be synthesised and reported by the type of ARB, setting and country. Infection control measures and bundles of measures will be described. The effectiveness will be reported as defined by the authors. Regression analysis will be used to define independent factors associated with outbreaks' control. Heterogeneity between studies will be assessed by forest plots and I² statistics. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval is not applicable for this study. Findings will be disseminated through journal publication and conference presentations and talks. PMID:28057656

La salud en personas con discapacidad intelectual en España: estudio europeo POMONA-II

PubMed Central

Martínez-Leal, Rafael; Salvador-Carulla, Luis; Gutiérrez-Colosía, Mencía Ruiz; Nadal, Margarida; Novell-Alsina, Ramón; Martorell, Almudena; González-Gordón, Rodrigo G.; Mérida-Gutiérrez, M. Reyes; Ángel, Silvia; Milagrosa-Tejonero, Luisa; Rodríguez, Alicia; García-Gutiérrez, Juan C.; Pérez-Vicente, Amado; García-Ibáñez, José; Aguilera-Inés, Francisco

2011-01-01

Introducción Estudios internacionales demuestran que existe un patrón diferenciado de salud y una disparidad en la atención sanitaria entre personas con discapacidad intelectual (DI) y población general. Objetivo Obtener datos sobre el estado de salud de las personas con DI y compararlos con datos de población general. Pacientes y métodos Se utilizó el conjunto de indicadores de salud P15 en una muestra de 111 sujetos con DI. Los datos de salud encontrados se compararon según el tipo de residencia de los sujetos y se utilizó la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2006 para comparar estos datos con los de la población general. Resultados La muestra con DI presentó 25 veces más casos de epilepsia y el doble de obesidad. Un 20% presentó dolor bucal, y existió una alta presencia de problemas sensoriales, de movilidad y psicosis. Sin embargo, encontramos una baja presencia de patologías como la diabetes, la hipertensión, la osteoartritis y la osteoporosis. También presentaron una menor participación en programas de prevención y promoción de la salud, un mayor número de ingresos hospitalarios y un uso menor de los servicios de urgencia. Conclusiones El patrón de salud de las personas con DI difiere del de la población general, y éstas realizan un uso distinto de los servicios sanitarios. Es importante el desarrollo de programas de promoción de salud y de formación profesional específicamente diseñados para la atención de personas con DI, así como la implementación de encuestas de salud que incluyan datos sobre esta población. PMID:21948011

Declaración SPIRIT 2013: definición de los elementos estándares del protocolo de un ensayo clínico*

PubMed Central

Chan, An-Wen; Tetzlaff, Jennifer M.; Altman, Douglas G.; Laupacis, Andreas; Gøtzsche, Peter C.; Krleža-Jerić, Karmela; Hrobjartsson, Asbjørn; Mann, Howard; Dickersin, Kay; Berlin, Jesse A.; Dore, Caroline J.; Parulekar, Wendy R.; Summerskill, William S.M.; Groves, Trish; Schulz, Kenneth F.; Sox, Harold C.; Rockhold, Frank W.; Rennie, Drummond; Moher, David

2016-01-01

Resumen El protocolo de un ensayo clínico es la base para planificar, ejecutar, publicar y evaluar el ensayo. Sin embargo, los protocolos y las guías que existen para su elaboración varían enormemente en cuanto a su calidad y contenido. En este artículo se describe la elaboración sistemática y el alcance de la Declaración SPIRIT 2013 (denominada así por la sigla en inglés de Standard Protocol items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials o Elementos estándares de un protocolo: recomendaciones para los ensayos de intervención), una guía en la que se establecen los contenidos mínimos que debe tener el protocolo de un ensayo clínico. La lista de comprobación de la declaración SPIRIT, que consta de 33 elementos, se aplica a los protocolos de todos los ensayos clínicos y se centra más en el contenido que en el formato. En esta lista se recomienda hacer una descripción completa de lo que se ha planificado, aunque no se establece cómo diseñar o ejecutar un ensayo. Al brindar orientación sobre los contenidos fundamentales, las recomendaciones SPIRIT procuran facilitar la redacción de protocolos de alta calidad. El cumplimiento de las recomendaciones SPIRIT debería mejorar la transparencia y la exhaustividad de los protocolos de los ensayos en beneficio de los investigadores, los participantes, los pacientes, los patrocinadores, los financiadores, los comités de ética de la investigación o las juntas de revisión institucionales, los revisores, las revistas biomédicas, los registros de ensayos, los formuladores de políticas, los organismos reguladores y otras partes interesadas clave. PMID:27440100

A global checklist of the 932 fruit fly species in the tribe Dacini (Diptera, Tephritidae)

PubMed Central

Doorenweerd, Camiel; Leblanc, Luc; Norrbom, Allen L.; Jose, Michael San; Rubinoff, Daniel

2018-01-01

Abstract The correct application of the scientific names of species is neither easy nor trivial. Mistakes can lead to the wrong interpretation of research results or, when pest species are involved, inappropriate regulations and limits on trade, and possibly quarantine failures that permit the invasion of new pest species. Names are particularly challenging to manage when groups of organisms encompass a large number of species, when different workers employ different philosophical views, or when species are in a state of taxonomic flux. The fruit fly tribe Dacini is a species-rich taxon within Tephritidae and contains around a fifth of all known species in the family. About 10% of the 932 currently recognized species are pests of commercial fruits and vegetables, precipitating quarantines and trade embargos. Authoritative species lists consist largely of scattered regional treatments and outdated online resources. The checklist presented here is the first global overview of valid species names for the Dacini in almost two decades, and includes new lure records. By publishing this list both in paper and digitally, we aim to provide a resource for those studying fruit flies as well as researchers studying components of their impact on agriculture. The list is largely a consolidation of previous works, but following the results from recent phylogenetic work, we transfer one subgenus and eight species to different genera: members of the Bactrocera subgenus Javadacus Hardy, considered to belong to the Zeugodacus group of subgenera, are transferred to genus Zeugodacus; Bactrocera pseudocucurbitae White, 1999, stat. rev., is transferred back to Bactrocera from Zeugodacus; Zeugodacus arisanicus Shiraki, 1933, stat. rev., is transferred back to Zeugodacus from Bactrocera; and Z. brevipunctatus (David & Hancock, 2017), comb. n.; Z. javanensis (Perkins, 1938), comb. n.; Z. montanus (Hardy, 1983), comb. n.; Z. papuaensis (Malloch, 1939), comb. n.; Z. scutellarius (Bezzi, 1916), comb. n.; Z. semisurstyli (Drew & Romig, 2013), comb. n.; and Z. trilineatus (Hardy, 1955), comb. n. are transferred from Bactrocera to Zeugodacus. PMID:29416395

Observación espectroscópica de NGC 2442

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agüero, E.; Bajaja, E.; Paolantonio, S.

La galaxia NGC 2442 (SAB(s)bc pec) fue observada con el telescopio de 2,15 m y el espectrógrafo REOSC del CASLEO utilizando el detector CCD Tektronix de 1024 × 1024 pixels de 24 μ m (0,26"). Las exposiciones fueron realizadas con la ranura de 3,3'' × 348'', en el plano focal, ubicadas en seis posiciones, cinco a 40o de áng. de pos. y una a 79o. La mayor parte de las exposiciones se efectuó con la red de 1200 líneas mm-1, a un ángulo de 25,53o cubriendo el rango de λλ 6200 a 6900 con dispersión de 32Å mm-1 y resolución de 2,5 Å. Las relaciones entre las intensidades de las líneas de emisión en el núcleo de NGC 2442 indican que es un LINER lo cual es compatible con la sugerencia de Shobrook de que se trataría de una galaxia Seyfert u otro tipo de galaxia activa. La temperatura y densidad electrónicas nucleares son Te ~14.000 K y Ne ~ 530 cm-3, respectivamente. Una región a 87'' al NE en cambio, donde las intensidades son también altas, presenta características espectrales típicas de una Región HII con Te ~6500 K y Ne ~10 cm-3. La correlación de las intensidades con el CO en 115 GHz y con el continuo en 843 MHz y de las velocidades ópticas con las del CO, a lo largo del eje mayor, son muy buenas. La mayor resolución angular de las observaciones, sin embargo, permite apreciar la existencia de dos componentes de velocidad en el núcleo que pueden corresponder a un anillo en rotación o a un fenómeno de expansión.

Arctic Energy Resources: Energy Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gryc, George

1984-04-01

Arctic Energy Resources is a volume of 26 papers recording the proceedings of the Comite' Arctique International Conference, held at the Veritas Centre, Oslo, Norway, September 22-24, 1982. This was the fourth of a series of meetings on the Arctic organized by the Comite', an organization established in the Principality of Monaco with the active support of H.S.H. Prince Rainer III. The fourth Conference was opened by H.R.H. Crown Prins Harald of Norway, a noble beginning for a noble objective.The North Polar Region has drawn world attention recently because of several large hydrocarbon and other mineral discoveries and because of major political and environmental actions in the North American Arctic. Since 1923 when Naval Petroleum Reserve number 4 (NPR-4) was established, northern Alaska has been considered a major petroleum province. It was first explored systematically with modern techniques from 1943 to 1953. In 1958, Alaska became a state, and both federal and state lands in northern Alaska were available for private exploration. Building on the knowledge base provided by the Pet-4 program and its spinoff research laboratory at Barrow, industry explored the area east of NPR-4 and discovered the largest hydrocarbon accumulation (9.6 bbl crude oil and 26 Tcf (trillion cubic feet) gas) in North America at Prudhoe Bay. Concerns for environmental impacts, including oil spills, led to the passing of the National Environmental Policy Act in 1969. In 1970, over 9 million acres were set aside, now known as the Arctic National Wildlife Range, and in 1971 the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was passed by the U.S. Congress. The Arab oil embargo of 1973 heightened the energy crisis and changed the economic basis for further exploration in the Arctic. The convergence of these events dramatically changed the balance of power and the pace of activity in the North American Arctic.

A global checklist of the 932 fruit fly species in the tribe Dacini (Diptera, Tephritidae).

PubMed

Doorenweerd, Camiel; Leblanc, Luc; Norrbom, Allen L; Jose, Michael San; Rubinoff, Daniel

2018-01-01

The correct application of the scientific names of species is neither easy nor trivial. Mistakes can lead to the wrong interpretation of research results or, when pest species are involved, inappropriate regulations and limits on trade, and possibly quarantine failures that permit the invasion of new pest species. Names are particularly challenging to manage when groups of organisms encompass a large number of species, when different workers employ different philosophical views, or when species are in a state of taxonomic flux. The fruit fly tribe Dacini is a species-rich taxon within Tephritidae and contains around a fifth of all known species in the family. About 10% of the 932 currently recognized species are pests of commercial fruits and vegetables, precipitating quarantines and trade embargos. Authoritative species lists consist largely of scattered regional treatments and outdated online resources. The checklist presented here is the first global overview of valid species names for the Dacini in almost two decades, and includes new lure records. By publishing this list both in paper and digitally, we aim to provide a resource for those studying fruit flies as well as researchers studying components of their impact on agriculture. The list is largely a consolidation of previous works, but following the results from recent phylogenetic work, we transfer one subgenus and eight species to different genera: members of the Bactrocera subgenus Javadacus Hardy, considered to belong to the Zeugodacus group of subgenera, are transferred to genus Zeugodacus ; Bactrocera pseudocucurbitae White, 1999, stat. rev. , is transferred back to Bactrocera from Zeugodacus ; Zeugodacus arisanicus Shiraki, 1933, stat. rev. , is transferred back to Zeugodacus from Bactrocera ; and Z. brevipunctatus (David & Hancock, 2017), comb. n. ; Z. javanensis (Perkins, 1938), comb. n. ; Z. montanus (Hardy, 1983), comb. n. ; Z. papuaensis (Malloch, 1939), comb. n. ; Z. scutellarius (Bezzi, 1916), comb. n. ; Z. semisurstyli (Drew & Romig, 2013), comb. n. ; and Z. trilineatus (Hardy, 1955), comb. n. are transferred from Bactrocera to Zeugodacus .

Immune responses of poultry to Newcastle disease virus.

PubMed

Kapczynski, Darrell R; Afonso, Claudio L; Miller, Patti J

2013-11-01

Newcastle disease (ND) remains a constant threat to poultry producers worldwide, in spite of the availability and global employment of ND vaccinations since the 1950s. Strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) belong to the order Mononegavirales, family Paramyxoviridae, and genus Avulavirus, are contained in one serotype and are also known as avian paramyxovirus serotype-1 (APMV-1). They are pleomorphic in shape and are single-stranded, non-segmented, negative sense RNA viruses. The virus has been reported to infect most orders of birds and thus has a wide host range. Isolates are characterized by virulence in chickens and the presence of basic amino acids at the fusion protein cleavage site. Low virulent NDV typically produce subclinical disease with some morbidity, whereas virulent isolates can result in rapid, high mortality of birds. Virulent NDV are listed pathogens that require immediate notification to the Office of International Epizootics and outbreaks typically result in trade embargos. Protection against NDV is through the use of vaccines generated with low virulent NDV strains. Immunity is derived from neutralizing antibodies formed against the viral hemagglutinin and fusion glycoproteins, which are responsible for attachment and spread of the virus. However, new techniques and technologies have also allowed for more in depth analysis of the innate and cell-mediated immunity of poultry to NDV. Gene profiling experiments have led to the discovery of novel host genes modulated immediately after infection. Differences in virus virulence alter host gene response patterns have been demonstrated. Furthermore, the timing and contributions of cell-mediated immune responses appear to decrease disease and transmission potential. In view of recent reports of vaccine failure from many countries on the ability of classical NDV vaccines to stop spread of disease, renewed interest in a more complete understanding of the global immune response of poultry to NDV will be critical to developing new control strategies and intervention programs for the future. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Astrobiology Drilling Program of the NASA Astrobiology Institute

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Runnegar, B.

2004-12-01

Access to unweathered and uncontaminated samples of the least altered, oldest, sedimentary rocks is essential for understanding the early history of life on Earth and the environments in which it may have existed. For this reason, the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI) has embarked on two international programs, a series of Field Workshops aimed at making the most important surface samples available to investigators, and the Astrobiology Drilling Program (ADP), which serves to provide access to fresh subsurface samples when the scientific objectives require them. The Astrobiology Drilling Program commenced in Western Australia in 2003 with the initiation of its first project, the Archean Biosphere Drilling Project (ABDP). Funding for the ABDP came mainly from the Japanese Government through Kagoshima University and from NASA through the NAI Team at Pennsylvania State University, but significant technical and logistic support was provided by the Geological of Western Australia and, to a lesser extent, by the University of Western Australia. Six diamond drill cores totalling 1.4 km were obtained from astrobiologically important successions in the 3.3-3.5 Ga-old Pilbara Craton of northern Western Australia. Drilling in 2004 also occurred in Western Australia. The Deep Time Drilling Project (DTDP), a spin-off from the NAI's Mission to Early Earth Focus Group, completed one long hole, aimed mainly at fossil biomolecules (biomarkers) and other geochemical indicators of early life. The DTDP and the ABDP also jointly drilled two other important holes 2004, one through the oldest known erosion surface (and possible soil profile). The other intersected well-preserved middle Archean sediments. These efforts parallel other drilling initiatives within the wider astrobiological community that are taking place in Western Australia, South Africa, Spain, and arctic Canada. The ADP is managed by the NAI through a Steering Committee appointed by the NAI Director. Samples of cores obtained through ADP projects are available to the whole community, following a one year embargo, upon application to project PIs and the ADP Steering Committee.

PubMed

Camino Willhuber, Gaston Oscar; Guzman Mentesana, Gustavo; Baez, Alejandra; Lo Presti, Silvina; Bazán, Carolina; Strauss, Mariana; Fretes, Ricardo; Paglini-Oliva, Patricia Adriana; Rivarola, Hector Walter

2017-09-08

 ResumenIntroducción: la actividad mitocondrial es esencial para el músculo cardíaco y esquelético. La relación entre la disfunción mitocondrial y diferentes condiciones cardiovasculares ha sido bien descrita. El tratamiento farmacológico de la insuficiencia cardíaca implica diferentes medicamentos como: inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de la angiotensina, bloqueadores B-adrenérgicos, glucósidos digitálicos y diuréticos. Los beneficios clínicos del tratamiento son claros, sin embargo, el papel de estos fármacos en el metabolismo mitocondrial no esta bien establecido.Objetivo del estudio: El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue analizar las características estructurales y funcionales de las mitocondrias del músculo cardíaco y esquelético en ratones tratados con fármacos habitualmente utilizados para la insuficiencia cardíaca y compararlo con un grupo control.Métodos: Veinticinco ratones albinos divididos en cinco grupos fueron tratados con la medicación para insuficiencia cardíaca durante 30 días (grupo I a IV). 30 días después del tratamiento se sacrificaron, el corazón y el músculo esquelético se analizaron y se compararon con un grupo control (V).Resultados: La actividad enzimática se incrementó ligeramente en los grupos tratados con medicamentos insuficiencia cardiaca en comparación con el grupo control (p> 0,05). morfología mitocondrial se modificó significativamente en los grupos tratados en comparación con el grupo control, además, el área mitocondrial fue significativamente mayor en los grupos tratados, tanto en el músculo cardíaco y estriado.Conclusiones: Concluimos que la medicación insuficiencia cardíaca podría producir modificaciones en la función mitocondrial; creemos que las mitocondrias pueden mantener la actividad enzimática mediante el aumento de tamaño y modificación de la morfología.

Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 From House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) and Dairy Samples in North Central Florida1.

PubMed

Burrus, Roxanne G; Hogsette, Jerome A; Kaufman, Phillip E; Maruniak, James E; Simonne, Amy H; Mai, Volker

2017-05-01

La detección de Escherichia coli O157:H7 en las lecherías es importante para mejorar la seguridad de los productos lácteos, y se ha llevado a cabo principalmente mediante el aislamiento de las bacterias a partir de las muestras de estiércol. Sin embargo, los componentes biliares presentes en el estiércol complica la identificación genética utilizando la técnica del PCR, y el aislamiento microbiológico se dificulta por la presencia de bacterias competidoras que comparten características microbiológicas similares. El aislamiento de E. coli O157:H7 a partir de la mosca doméstica evita las dificultades asociadas con el estiércol del ganado. El aislamiento de patógenos a partir de las moscas domésticas proporciona información adicional sobre el potencial impacto epidemiológico de la dispersión de la mosca doméstica en la distribución de patógenos, ya que las moscas domésticas se dispersan desde las lecherías donde la E. coli O157:H7 existe en forma endémica en el ganado. En este estudio, se encontró que las moscas domésticas son 2,6 veces más sensibles para la detección de E. coli O157:H7 en las lecherías. Las moscas son más fáciles de capturar y manejar que el estiércol, y deberían ser utilizadas en cualquier ensayo para detectar E. coli O157:H7 en las lecherías y otros establecimientos. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2016. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

Ocean thermal energy conversion: Perspective and status

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas, A.; Hillis, D.L.

1990-01-01

The use of the thermal gradient between the warm surface waters and the deep cold waters of tropical oceans was first proposed by J. A. d'Arsonval in 1881 and tried unsuccessfully be George Claude in 1930. Interest in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and other renewable energy sources revived in the 1970s as a result of oil embargoes. At that time, the emphasis was on large floating plants miles from shore producing 250--400 MW for maintained grids. When the problems of such plants became better understood and the price of oil reversed its upward trend, the emphasis shifted to smallermore » (10 MW) shore-based plants on tropical islands. Such plants would be especially attractive if they produce fresh water as a by-product. During the past 15 years, major progress has been made in converting OTEC unknowns into knowns. Mini-OTEC proved the closed-cycle concept. Cost-effective heat-exchanger concepts were identified. An effective biofouling control technique was discovered. Aluminum was determined to be promising for OTEC heat exchangers. Heat-transfer augmentation techniques were identified, which promised a reduction on heat-exchanger size and cost. Fresh water was produced by an OTEC open-cycle flash evaporator, using the heat energy in the seawater itself. The current R D emphasis is on the design and construction of a test facility to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the open-cycle process. The 10 MW shore-based, closed-cycle plant can be built with today's technology; with the incorporation of a flash evaporator, it will produce fresh water as well as electrical power -- both valuable commodities on many tropical islands. The open-cycle process has unknowns that require solution before the technical feasibility can be demonstrated. The economic viability of either cycle depends on reducing the capital costs of OTEC plants and on future trends in the costs of conventional energy sources. 7 refs.« less

[Not Available].

PubMed

López-Fuenzalida, Antonio; Valdés-Badilla, Pablo; Herrera-Valenzuela, Tomás; Rodríguez Canales, Carolina; Reyes Ponc, Álvaro; Arriaza Ardiles, Enrique; Durán Agüero, Samuel

2016-06-30

Introducción: la categorización del estado nutricional a través del índice de masa corporal (IMC) es uno de los recursos de valoración clínica más utilizados en el síndrome metabólico (SM). Sin embargo, es desconocida su capacidad para identificar las diferencias en la composición corporal.Objetivo: determinar si las variaciones en el estado nutricional se reflejan en la composición corporal en mujeres con SM e identificar la concordancia de clasificación del riesgo cardiometabólico entre el estado nutricional e índices antropométricos.Material y métodos: la muestra incluyó 136 mujeres (edad 42 ± 3,5 años) con SM. Se evaluó el estado nutricional, masa muscular, masa adiposa, perímetro de cintura (PC), índice cintura-cadera (ICC) e índice cintura-estatura (ICE). Se compararon los valores de composición corporale índices antropométricos; adicionalmente se determinó la concordancia clasificatoria del riesgo cardiometabólico entre los índices y el IMC.Resultados: solo la edad (p = 0,358), estatura (p = 0,209) y porcentaje de adiposidad (p = 0,234) no mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos. La mejor concordancia clasificatoria del riesgo cardiometabólico se observó en el PC > 88 cm (94,9%) e ICE ≥ 0,5 (94,1%) al categorizar el IMC en normopeso vs. exceso de peso; mientras que el PC > 88 cm obtuvo mejor concordancia separando al grupo en normopeso-sobrepesovs. obesidad (85,3%), aunque la sensibilidad y especificidad fueron más homogéneas con el ICC ≥ 0,85.Conclusión: el IMC no logra identificar las variaciones de la adiposidad corporal en mujeres con SM agrupadas según su estado nutricional. El IMC presenta mejor sensibilidad que especificidad respecto a los índices considerados para determinar riesgo cardiometabólico en mujeres con SM.

Influencia atmosférica en la rotación terrestre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernández, L. I.; Arias, E. F.; Brunini, C. A.

Las observaciones de los parámetros de la orientación terrestre han alcanzado en estos últimos años una exactitud sin precedentes gracias al uso de modernas técnicas de geodesia espacial. Estudios previos han establecido que las variaciones en la rotación terrestre con períodos iguales o menores que dos años obedecen a cambios en la circulación atmosférica global. Para estos períodos puede comprobarse que existe un gran acuerdo entre las fluctuaciones de la longitud del día (LOD) y los cambios del momento angular atmosférico terrestre (AAM). Sin embargo, no existe un acuerdo general acerca de las causas que provocan las variaciones de largo período de la rotación de la Tierra, también conocidas como ``variaciones decenales''. En nuestro análisis examinamos las correlaciones entre las variaciones de los valores de LOD y las fluctuaciones en la componente polar del momento angular atmosférico terrestre. Con este propósito utilizamos los siguientes juegos de datos: las series de AAM, estimado siguiendo la definición de Barnes et al.(1983) para 2825 días provientes del National Meteorological Center (NMC) y del European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF); y las series de LOD que contienen valores alisados espaciados a intervalos de un día elaborados por el International Earth Rotation Service (IERS). Mostraremos que para los cambios anuales e interanuales en la rotación de la Tierra la influencia atmosférica es asombrosa, mientras que, tanto en las escalas temporales más grandes y como en las más pequeñas, ambas series, geodésica y atmosférica, parecen diverger aún cuando poseemos observaciones obtenidas con las técnicas más modernas al presente.

Duck viral enteritis in domestic muscovy ducks in Pennsylvania

USGS Publications Warehouse

Davison, S.; Converse, K.A.; Hamir, A.N.; Eckroade, R.J.

1993-01-01

Duck viral enteritis (DVE) outbreaks occurred at two different locations in Pennsylvania in 1991 and 1992. In the first outbreak, four ducks died out of a group of 30 domestic ducks; in the second outbreak, 65 ducks died out of a group of 114 domestic ducks, and 15 domestic geese died as well. A variety of species of ducks were present on both premises, but only muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) died from the disease. On necropsy, gross lesions included hepatomegaly with petechial hemorrhages, petechial hemorrhages in the abdominal fat, petechial hemorrhages on the epicardial surface of the heart, and multifocal to coalescing areas of fibrinonecrotic material over the mucosal surface of the trachea, esophagus, intestine, and cloaca. Histologically, the liver had random multifocal areas of necrosis and eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in hepatocytes. DVE virus was isolated and identified using muscovy duck embryo fibroblast inoculation and virus neutralization. /// En dos sitios diferentes se presentaron brotes de enteritis viral de los patos en el estados de Pensilvania en los a??os 1991 y 1992. En el primer brote, cuatro de un lote de 30 patos murieron mientras que en el segundo brote murieron 65 patos de un lote de 114 patos y 15 gansos. En ambas localidades exist?-a una variedad de especies de patos, sin embargo, s??lamente los patos almizcleros (Cairina moschata) murieron. A la necropsia, las lesiones macrosc??picas incluyeron hepatomegalia con hemorragias petequiales, hemorragias petequiales en la grasa abdominal y en la superficie del epicardio, y ?!reas multifocales o coalescentes de material fibrinonecr??tico sobre la superficie de la mucosa de la tr?!quea, es??fago, intestino y cloaca. Histol??gicamente, el h?-gado mostraba ?!reas multifocales de necrosis y cuerpos de inclusi??n intranucleares eosinof?-licos en los hepatocitos. El virus de la enteritis viral de los patos fue aislado e identificado usando fibroblasto de embriones de pato almizclero y mediante la virus neutralizaci??n.

The Open Data Repository's Data Publisher

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stone, N.; Lafuente, B.; Downs, R. T.; Bristow, T.; Blake, D. F.; Fonda, M.; Pires, A.

2015-12-01

Data management and data publication are becoming increasingly important components of research workflows. The complexity of managing data, publishing data online, and archiving data has not decreased significantly even as computing access and power has greatly increased. The Open Data Repository's Data Publisher software (http://www.opendatarepository.org) strives to make data archiving, management, and publication a standard part of a researcher's workflow using simple, web-based tools and commodity server hardware. The publication engine allows for uploading, searching, and display of data with graphing capabilities and downloadable files. Access is controlled through a robust permissions system that can control publication at the field level and can be granted to the general public or protected so that only registered users at various permission levels receive access. Data Publisher also allows researchers to subscribe to meta-data standards through a plugin system, embargo data publication at their discretion, and collaborate with other researchers through various levels of data sharing. As the software matures, semantic data standards will be implemented to facilitate machine reading of data and each database will provide a REST application programming interface for programmatic access. Additionally, a citation system will allow snapshots of any data set to be archived and cited for publication while the data itself can remain living and continuously evolve beyond the snapshot date. The software runs on a traditional LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) server and is available on GitHub (http://github.com/opendatarepository) under a GPLv2 open source license. The goal of the Open Data Repository is to lower the cost and training barrier to entry so that any researcher can easily publish their data and ensure it is archived for posterity. We gratefully acknowledge the support for this study by the Science-Enabling Research Activity (SERA), and NASA NNX11AP82A, Mars Science Laboratory Investigations and University of Arizona Geosciences.

Cirugía de los trastornos del comportamiento: el estado del arte

PubMed Central

Yampolsky, Claudio; Bendersky, Damián

2014-01-01

Introducción: La cirugía de los trastornos del comportamiento (CTC) se está convirtiendo en un tratamiento más común desde el desarrollo de la neuromodulación. Métodos: Este artículo es una revisión no sistemática de la historia, indicaciones actuales, técnicas y blancos quirúrgicos de la CTC. Dividimos su historia en 3 eras: la primera comienza en los inicios de la psicocirugía y termina con el desarrollo de las tícnicas estereotácticas, cuando comienza la segunda era. Ésta se caracteriza por la realización de lesiones estereotácticas. Nos encontramos transitando la tercera era, que comienza cuando la estimulación cerebral profunda (ECP) comienza a ser usada en CTC. Resultados: A pesar de los errores graves cometidos en el pasado, hoy en día, la CTC está renaciendo. Los trastornos psiquiátricos que se más frecuentemente se tratan con cirugía son: depresión refractaria, trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo y síndrome de Tourette. Además, algunos pacientes con agresividad fueron tratados quirúrgicamente. Hay varios blancos estereotácticos descriptos para estos trastornos. La estimulación vagal puede ser usada también para depresión. Conclusión: Los resultados de la ECP en estos trastornos parecen alentadores. Sin embargo, se necesitan más estudios randomizados para establecer la efectividad de la CTC. Debe tenerse en cuenta que una apropiada selección de pacientes nos ayudará a realizar un procedimiento más seguro así como también a lograr mejores resultados quirúrgicos, conduciendo a la CTC a ser más aceptada por psiquiatras, pacientes y sus familias. Se necesita mayor investigación en varios temas como: fisiopatología de los trastornos del comportamiento, indicaciones de CTC y nuevos blancos quirúrgicos. PMID:25165612

Nonspherical Radiation Driven Wind Models Applied to Be Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arauxo, F. X.

1990-11-01

ABSTRACT. In this work we present a model for the structure of a radiatively driven wind in the meridional plane of a hot star. Rotation effects and simulation of viscous forces were included in the motion equations. The line radiation force is considered with the inclusion of the finite disk correction in self-consistent computations which also contain gravity darkening as well as distortion of the star by rotation. An application to a typical BlV star leads to mass-flux ratios between equator and pole of the order of 10 and mass loss rates in the range 5.l0 to Mo/yr. Our envelope models are flattened towards the equator and the wind terminal velocities in that region are rather high (1000 Km/s). However, in the region near the star the equatorial velocity field is dominated by rotation. RESUMEN. Se presenta un modelo de la estructura de un viento empujado radiativamente en el plano meridional de una estrella caliente. Se incluyeron en las ecuaciones de movimiento los efectos de rotaci6n y la simulaci6n de fuerzas viscosas. Se consider6 la fuerza de las lineas de radiaci6n incluyendo la correcci6n de disco finito en calculos autoconsistentes los cuales incluyen oscurecimiento gravitacional asi como distorsi6n de la estrella por rotaci6n. La aplicaci6n a una estrella tipica BlV lleva a cocientes de flujo de masa entre el ecuador y el polo del orden de 10 de perdida de masa en el intervalo 5.l0 a 10 Mo/ano. Nuestros modelos de envolvente estan achatados hacia el ecuador y las velocidads terminales del viento en esa regi6n son bastante altas (1000 Km/s). Sin embargo, en la regi6n cercana a la estrella el campo de velocidad ecuatorial esta dominado por la rotaci6n. Key words: STARS-BE -- STARS-WINDS

PubMed

Damián-Bastidas, Narda; Chala-Florencio, Roni J; Chávez-Blanco, Ricardo; Mayta-Tristán, Percy

2016-11-29

Introducción: el etiquetado nutricional ayuda a los consumidores a realizar elecciones más saludables. Sin embargo, este es poco leído, mal interpretado o no usado.Objetivos: evaluar la frecuencia y los factores asociados a la lectura, el uso y la interpretación de etiquetas nutricionales en usuarios de gimnasios en la ciudad de Huancayo, Perú.Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal en 385 usuarios de una cadena de gimnasios. Se midió la interpretación con un test a partir de dos etiquetas, lectura reportada (frecuentemente o no) y el uso reportado para elegir un producto (frecuentemente o no), así como variables demográficas, dietéticas y relacionadas con el gimnasio. Se evaluó la asociación calculando las razones de prevalencias ajustadas en base a las variables significativas del modelo bivariado.Resultados: los participantes tuvieron una edad media de 27,8 ± 9,3 años, 44,7% fueron varones, 49,4% contaron con educación universitaria. El 27,5% reporta leer frecuentemente y dentro de estos el 55,7% reporta usarlas frecuentemente, asimismo el 17,4% sabe interpretar. La lectura se asoció con factores dietéticos y de uso de gimnasio y la interpretación con capacitación previa de lectura de la etiqueta. El uso fue principalmente para seleccionar productos bajos en grasa total (65,1%), alto en proteínas (64,2%) y en menor proporción, productos bajos en sodio (47,2%).Conclusiones: la frecuencia de lectura, el uso y la interpretación de etiquetas nutricionales en usuarios de gimnasio de Huancayo es baja. La capacitación previa de lectura es un factor necesario para una elección saludable. Es necesario establecer estrategias educativas para enseñar a interpretar de forma adecuada las etiquetas nutricionales.

Ocean thermal energy conversion: Perspective and status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Anthony; Hillis, David L.

The use of the thermal gradient between the warm surface waters and the deep cold waters of tropical oceans was first proposed by J. A. d'Arsonval in 1881 and tried unsuccessfully by George Claude in 1930. Interest in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and other renewable energy sources revived in the 1970s as a result of oil embargoes. At that time, the emphasis was on large floating plants miles from shore producing 250 to 400 MW for maintained grids. When the problems of such plants became better understood and the price of oil reversed its upward trend, the emphasis shifted to smaller (10 MW) shore based plants on tropical islands. Such plants would be especially attractive if they produce fresh water as a by-product. During the past 15 years, major progress has been made in converting OTEC unknowns into knowns. Mini-OTEC proved the closed cycle concept. Cost effective heat exchanger concepts were identified. An effective biofouling control technique was discovered. Aluminum was determined to be promising for OTEC heat exchangers. Heat transfer augmentation techniques were identified, which promised a reduction on heat exchanger size and cost. Fresh water was produced by an OTEC open cycle flash evaporator, using the heat energy in the seawater itself. The current R and D emphasis is on the design and construction of a test facility to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the open cycle process. The 10 MW shore-based, closed cycle plant can be built with today's technology; with the incorporation of a flash evaporator, it will produce fresh water as well as electrical power; both valuable commodities on many tropical islands. The open cycle process has unknowns that require solution before the technical feasibility can be demonstrated. The economic viability of either cycle depends on reducing the capital costs of OTEC plants and on future trends in the costs of conventional energy sources.

El uso de la neuromodulación para el tratamiento del temblor

PubMed Central

Bendersky, Damián; Ajler, Pablo; Yampolsky, Claudio

2014-01-01

Introducción: El temblor puede ser un desorden incapacitante y el tratamiento de primera línea para estos pacientes es farmacológico. Sin embargo, este tratamiento puede llevar a una reducción satisfactoria del temblor en sólo el 50% de los pacientes con temblor esencial. La talamotomía era el tratamiento de elección para el temblor refractario al tratamiento médico hasta que comenzó a utilizarse la estimulación cerebral profunda (ECP) del núcleo ventral intermedio (Vim) del tálamo. En la actualidad, raramente se realiza la talamotomía. Métodos: Este artículo es una revisión no sistemática de las indicaciones, resultados, parámetros de programación y técnica quirúrgica de la ECP del Vim para el tratamiento del temblor. Resultados: Aunque los resultados clínicos son similares usando la talamotomía o la ECP del Vim, la primera causa más efectos adversos que la última. Además, la ECP puede ser usada bilateralmente, mientras que la talamotomía tiene un alto riesgo de causar disartria cuando se realiza de ambos lados. La ECP del Vim logró una adecuada mejoría del temblor en varias series de pacientes con temblor causado por temblor esencial, enfermedad de Parkinson o esclerosis múltiple. Además del Vim, hay otros blancos que están siendo usados por varios autores, tales como la zona incerta y las radiaciones prelemniscales. Conclusión: La ECP del Vim es un tratamiento útil para el temblor incapacitante refractario al tratamiento médico. Es esencial realizar una precisa selección de pacientes, así como utilizar una técnica quirúrgica correcta. Aún se desconoce el mejor blanco estereotáctico para el temblor, aunque el Vim es el más usado. PMID:25165613

Six Common Mistakes in Conservation Priority Setting

PubMed Central

Game, Edward T; Kareiva, Peter; Possingham, Hugh P

2013-01-01

Abstract A vast number of prioritization schemes have been developed to help conservation navigate tough decisions about the allocation of finite resources. However, the application of quantitative approaches to setting priorities in conservation frequently includes mistakes that can undermine their authors’ intention to be more rigorous and scientific in the way priorities are established and resources allocated. Drawing on well-established principles of decision science, we highlight 6 mistakes commonly associated with setting priorities for conservation: not acknowledging conservation plans are prioritizations; trying to solve an ill-defined problem; not prioritizing actions; arbitrariness; hidden value judgments; and not acknowledging risk of failure. We explain these mistakes and offer a path to help conservation planners avoid making the same mistakes in future prioritizations. Seis Errores Comunes en la Definición de Prioridades de Conservación Resumen Se ha desarrollado un vasto número de esquemas de priorización para ayudar a que la conservación navegue entre decisiones difíciles en cuanto a la asignación de recursos finitos. Sin embargo, la aplicación de métodos cuantitativos para la definición de prioridades en la conservación frecuentemente incluye errores que pueden socavar la intención de sus autores de ser más rigurosos y científicos en la manera en que se establecen las prioridades y se asignan los recursos. Con base en los bien establecidos principios de la ciencia de la decisión, resaltamos seis errores comúnmente asociados con la definición de prioridades para la conservación: no reconocer que los planes de conservación son priorizaciones; tratar de resolver un problema mal definido; no priorizar acciones; arbitrariedad; juicios de valor ocultos y no reconocer el riesgo de fracasar. Explicamos estos errores y ofrecemos un camino para que planificadores de la conservación no cometan los mismos errores en priorizaciones futuras. PMID:23565990

Tanque Loma, a new late-Pleistocene megafaunal tar seep locality from southwest Ecuador

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindsey, Emily L.; Lopez R., Eric X.

2015-01-01

Fossil deposits in the petroleum-rich sediments of the Santa Elena Peninsula in southwestern Ecuador contain some of the largest and best-preserved assemblages of Pleistocene megafaunal remains known from the neotropics, and thus represent an opportunity to greatly expand our knowledge of Pleistocene paleoecology and the extinction of Quaternary megafauna in this region. This paper reports data from excavations at Tanque Loma, a late-Pleistocene locality on the Santa Elena Peninsula that preserves a dense assemblage of megafaunal remains in hydrocarbon-saturated sediments along with microfaunal and paleobotanical material. The megafauna bones are concentrated in and just above a ˜0.5 m thick asphaltic layer, but occur sparsely and with poorer preservation up to 1 m above this deposit. Several meters of presumed-Holocene sediments overlying the megafauna-bearing strata are rich in bones of microvertebrates including birds, squamates, and rodents. These are interpreted as raptor assemblages. While over 1000 megafaunal bones have been identified from the Pleistocene strata at Tanque Loma, more than 85% of these remains pertain to a single species, the giant ground sloth Eremotherium laurillardi. Only five other megafauna taxa have been identified from this site, including Glossotherium cf. tropicorum, Holmesina occidentalis, cf. Notiomastodon platensis, Equus (Amerhippus) c.f. santaeelenae, and a cervid tentatively assigned to cf. Odocoileus salinae based on body size and geography. No carnivores have yet been identified from Tanque Loma, and microvertebrate remains are extremely rare in the Pleistocene deposits, although terrestrial snail shells and fragmented remains of marine invertebrates are occasionally encountered. Accelerator Mass Spectrometry radiocarbon dates on Eremotherium and cf. Notiomaston bones from within and just above the asphaltic layer yielded dates of ˜17,000 - 23,500 radiocarbon years BP. Taken together, the taxonomic composition, taphonomy, geologic context, and sedimentology of Tanque Loma suggest that this site represents a bone bed assemblage in a heavily vegetated, low-energy riparian environment with secondary infiltration of asphalt that helped to preserve the bones. The predominance of Eremotherium fossils at this site indicate that it may have been an area where these animals congregated, suggesting possible gregarious behavior in this taxon. The radiocarbon dates so far obtained on extinct taxa at Tanque Loma are consistent with a model positing earlier extinctions of megafauna in tropical South America than of related taxa further south on the continent, although this pattern may be an artifact of low sampling in the region. xml:lang="es" Aunque más de 1.000 huesos de megafauna han sido identificados en los estratos del Pleistoceno en Tanque Loma, más del 85% de esos mismos pertenecen a una sola especie, el perezoso gigante Eremotherium laurillardi. Sin embargo, otros cinco taxones de megafauna han sido recuperados de este sitio, los cuales son: Glossotherium cf. G. tropicorum, Holmesina occidentalis, cf. Notiomastodon platensis, Equus (Amerhippus) c.f. santaelenae y un cérvido identificado tentativamente en base a tamaño y geografía como cf. Odocoileus salinae. Ningún carnívoro ha sido identificado aún en Tanque Loma, y los restos de microvertebrados son muy raros en los estratos del Pleistoceno, aunque las conchas de caracol terrestre y los restos fragmentados de invertebrados marinos son encontrados ocasionalmente dentro de esas capas. Los fechados de radiocarbono por espectrómetro de acelerador de masas (AMS) en huesos de Eremotherium y cf. Notiomastodon de la capa de asfalto y por encima de esta resultaron en ˜17,000-23,500 años radiocarbónicos AP. En conjunto, la tafonomía, la composición taxonómica, el contexto geológico, y la sedimentolgía del sitio Tanque Loma surgieren que esta localidad representa un yacimiento depositado en un ambiente ribereño con bajo flujo y vegetación densa, con infiltraciones secundarias de asfalto lo que ayudó a preservar los huesos. El predominio de fósiles de Eremotherium indican que esta podría haber sido una área donde estos animales se congregaban, sugiriendo un posible comportamiento gregario de este taxón. Las fechas radiocarbónicas obtenidas hasta ahora en taxones extinguidos de Tanque Loma son consistente con el modelo postulado sobre la extinción de la megafauna, la cual habría sido más temprana en las regiones tropicales de Sudamérica que al sur del continente. Sin embargo, este patrón podría ser un artefacto del bajo muestreo en la región.

Apparent Motion of the Sun, Shadows of Objects and Measurement of Time in the View of Seventh Grade Students of Middle School. (Breton Title: Movimento Aparente do Sol, Sombras dos Objetos e Medição do Tempo na Visão de Alunos do Sétimo Ano do Ensino Fundamental.) Movimiento Aparente del Sol, Sombras de los Objetos y Medición del Tiempo en la Visión de Estudiantes del Séptimo Grado del Ciclo Pirmario

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iria Machado, Daniel

2013-07-01

The apparent motion of the Sun on the celestial sphere and the behavior of the shadows of objects over time are observable phenomena in everyday life. However, students often do not have a proper understanding of such occurrences, and can even display misconceptions about them. Therefore, we performed a research in order to know students' notions about these subjects and to evaluate the contribution to their understanding brought about by an activity performed with an interactive sundial in an informal learning environment. We investigated the ideas of 43 students from the seventh grade of middle school by applying a test with open questions before and after an activity with an analemmatic sundial, conducted by a monitor. A significant proportion of students were initially unaware of most of the phenomena treated. The intervention performed helped the students to assimilate new concepts, providing the contact with new phenomena and to a lesser degree, the development of explanations about them, indicating an educational potential of this action. However, the contribution to the understanding of some of the ideas explored was small, pointing to the need to make additional observations, studies and discussions. O movimento aparente do Sol na esfera celeste e o comportamento das sombras dos objetos com o passar do tempo são fenômenos observáveis no dia a dia. No entanto, muitas vezes os estudantes não possuem uma compreensão adequada de tais ocorrências, podendo inclusive exibir concepções alternativas a seu respeito. Por isso, efetuou-se uma pesquisa com o intuito de conhecer as noções dos alunos sobre esses temas e avaliar a contribuição para seu entendimento propiciada por uma atividade feita com um relógio de Sol interativo, em um ambiente de ensino informal. Foram investigadas as ideias de 43 alunos do sétimo ano do Ensino Fundamental mediante a aplicação de um teste com questões abertas antes e depois de uma atividade com um relógio de Sol analemático, conduzida por um monitor. Uma proporção significativa de estudantes desconhecia inicialmente a maioria dos fenômenos tratados. A intervenção realizada colaborou para uma parte dos alunos assimilar novos conceitos, propiciando o contato com novos fenômenos e, em menor grau, a elaboração de explicações a respeito destes, indicando um potencial educativo dessa ação. Porém, a contribuição para o entendimento de algumas das ideias exploradas foi pequena, apontando para a necessidade de se fazer observações, estudos e discussões complementares. El movimiento aparente del Sol en la esfera celeste y el comportamiento de las sombras de los objetos a lo largo del tiempo son fenómenos observables en la vida cotidiana. Sin embargo, los estudiantes a menudo no tienen una adecuada comprensión de dichos problemas, e incluso pueden mostrar conceptos erróneos acerca de ellos. Por lo tanto, se realizó una investigación a fin de conocer las nociones de los estudiantes acerca de estas cuestiones y evaluar la contribución a su comprensión proporcionada por una actividad realizada con un reloj de Sol interactivo, en un entorno informal de aprendizaje. Se investigaron las ideas de 43 estudiantes del séptimo grado del ciclo primario mediante la aplicación de un test con preguntas abiertas antes y después de una actividad con un reloj de Sol analemático, dirigida por un monitor. Una proporción significativa de los estudiantes inicialmente desconocía la mayoría de los fenómenos tratados. La intervención realizada contribuyó para que los estudiantes asimilasen nuevos conceptos, proporcionando el contacto con nuevos fenómenos y, en menor medida, desarrollasen explicaciones acerca de estos, lo que indica un potencial educativo de esta acción. Sin embargo, la contribución a la comprensión de algunas de las ideas exploradas fue pequeña, lo que apunta a la necesidad de hacer observaciones, estudios y debates adicionales.

Metabolic syndrome and quality of life: a systematic review.

PubMed

Saboya, Patrícia Pozas; Bodanese, Luiz Carlos; Zimmermann, Paulo Roberto; Gustavo, Andréia da Silva; Assumpção, Caroline Melo; Londero, Fernanda

2016-11-28

to present currently available evidence to verify the association between metabolic syndrome and quality of life. Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline and LILACS databases were studied for all studies investigating the association with metabolic syndrome and quality of life. Two blinded reviewers extracted data and one more was chosen in case of doubt. a total of 30 studies were included, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, which involved 62.063 patients. Almost all studies suggested that metabolic syndrome is significantly associated with impaired quality of life. Some, however, found association only in women, or only if associated with depression or Body Mass Index. Merely one study did not find association after adjusted for confounding factors. although there are a few studies available about the relationship between metabolic syndrome and quality of life, a growing body of evidence has shown significant association between metabolic syndrome and the worsening of quality of life. However, it is necessary to carry out further longitudinal studies to confirm this association and verify whether this relationship is linear, or only an association factor. apresentar as evidências disponíveis atuais para verificar a associação entre síndrome metabólica e qualidade de vida. Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline e LILACS foram as bases de dados consultadas na identificação de todos os estudos que investigavam a associação entre síndrome metabólica e qualidade de vida. Dois revisores de forma independente e cegados extraíram os dados e, em caso de dúvidas, um outro revisor foi escolhido. um total de 30 estudos foram incluídos, considerando os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, os quais envolveram 62.063 pacientes. A maioria dos estudos sugerem que a síndrome metabólica é significativamente associada à piora da qualidade de vida. Alguns, no entanto, demonstram associação apenas em mulheres, ou somente se associadas à depressão ou índice de massa corporal. Entretanto, um estudo não demonstrou tal associação, após ajuste para os fatores confundidores. apesar de dispormos de poucos estudos a respeito da relação entre síndrome metabólica e qualidade de vida, um número crescente de evidências tem demonstrado uma significativa associação entre a síndrome metabólica e o prejuízo na qualidade de vida. Entretanto, é necessário que sejam conduzidos estudos longitudinais com objetivo de confirmar esta associação e, determinar se esta relação é linear ou somente um fator de associação. presentar las evidencias actualmente disponibles para verificar la asociación entre el síndrome metabólico y la calidad de vida. se consultaron las bases de datos Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline y LILACS para la identificación de todos los estudios que investigaban la asociación entre síndrome metabólico y calidad de vida. Dos revisores de tipo ciego extrajeron los datos y en caso de dudas se eligió un revisor adicional. un total de 30 estudios fueron incluidos, llevando en consideración los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, totalizando 62.063 pacientes. La mayoría de los estudios sugieren que el síndrome metabólico esta significativamente asociado al empeoramiento de la calidad de vida. Algunos, sin embargo muestran asociación solamente en mujeres, o sólo asociados a depresión o índice de masa corporal. También un estudio no mostró esta asociación después de ajustar por los factores confundentes. a pesar de tener a disposición pocos estudios en referencia a la relación entre síndrome metabólico y calidad de vida, un número creciente de evidencias ha demostrado una asociación significativa entre síndrome metabólico y perjuicio de la calidad de vida. Sin embargo es necesario que se realicen estudios longitudinales con el objetivo de confirmar esta asociación y determinar si esta relación es linear o solamente un factor de asociación.

Frictional weakening of Landslides in the Solar System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucas, Antoine; Mangeney, Anne; Ampuero, Jean-Paul

2014-05-01

Landslides are an important phenomenon that shapes the surface morphology of solid planetary bodies, including planets and small bodies. In addition, landslide science aims to predict the maximum distance travelled and the maximum velocity reached by a potential landslide in order to quantify the damage it may cause. On the one hand, observations show that the so-called Heim's ratio (i.e. the ratio between the difference of the height of the initial mass and that of the deposit, and the traveling distance) decreases with increasing volume for landslides observed on Earth [1] and other planets like Mars and icy moons like Iapetus [2], but whether this quantity is a good representation of the effective friction during the flow is still a controversial issue. On the other hand, numerical simulations (either continuous or discrete) of real landslides commonly require the assumption of very small friction coefficient to reproduce the extension of deposits [2-5]. We investigate if a common origin can explain the characteristics of landslides in such variety of planetary environments. Based on analytical and numerical solutions for granular flows constrained by remote-sensing observations [3, 7], we developed a consistent method to estimate the effective friction coefficient of landslides, i.e., the constant basal friction coefficient that reproduces their first-order properties. We show that: i) the Heim's ratio is not equivalent to the effective friction coefficient; ii) the friction coefficient decreases with increasing volume or, more fundamentally, with increasing sliding velocity. Inspired by frictional weakening mechanisms thought to operate during earthquakes [8], we propose an empirical velocity-weakening friction law under an unifying phenomenological framework applicable to small to large landslides observed on Earth and beyond (including icy moons of giant planets) whatever the environment and material involved. References: [1] Legros, Eng. Geol. 2002; [2] Lucas, Nat. Geosc. News & Views, 2012. [3] Lucas & Mangeney, GRL, 2007. [4] Pudasaini & Hutter, Springer, 2007. [5] Campbell et al., JGR, 1995. [6] Smart et al., AGU Fall Meeting, 2010. [7] Lucas et al., JGR, 2011. [8] Rice, JGR, 2006. N.B. This work is subject to press embargo.

Population-Based Inorganic Mercury Biomonitoring and the Identification of Skin Care Products as a Source of Exposure in New York City

PubMed Central

McKelvey, Wendy; Jeffery, Nancy; Clark, Nancy; Kass, Daniel; Parsons, Patrick J.

2011-01-01

Background Mercury is a toxic metal that has been used for centuries as a constituent of medicines and other items. Objective We assessed exposure to inorganic mercury in the adult population of New York City (NYC). Methods We measured mercury concentrations in spot urine specimens from a representative sample of 1,840 adult New Yorkers in the 2004 NYC Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Cases with urine concentrations ≥ 20 μg/L were followed up with a telephone or in-person interview that asked about potential sources of exposure, including ritualistic/cultural practices, skin care products, mercury spills, herbal medicine products, and fish. Results Geometric mean urine mercury concentration in NYC was higher for Caribbean-born blacks [1.39 μg/L; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.14–1.70] and Dominicans (1.04 μg/L; 95% CI, 0.82–1.33) than for non-Hispanic whites (0.67 μg/L; 95% CI, 0.60–0.75) or other racial/ethnic groups. It was also higher among those who reported at least 20 fish meals in the past 30 days (1.02 μg/L; 95% CI, 0.83–1.25) than among those who reported no fish meals (0.50 μg/L; 95% CI, 0.41–0.61). We observed the highest 95th percentile of exposure (21.18 μg/L; 95% CI, 7.25–51.29) among Dominican women. Mercury-containing skin-lightening creams were a source of exposure among those most highly exposed, and we subsequently identified 12 imported products containing illegal levels of mercury in NYC stores. Conclusion Population-based biomonitoring identified a previously unrecognized source of exposure to inorganic mercury among NYC residents. In response, the NYC Health Department embargoed products and notified store owners and the public that skin-lightening creams and other skin care products that contain mercury are dangerous and illegal. Although exposure to inorganic mercury is not a widespread problem in NYC, users of these products may be at risk of health effects from exposure. PMID:20923743

Climate change impairs processes of soil and plant N cycling in European beech forests on marginal soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tejedor, Javier; Gasche, Rainer; Gschwendtner, Silvia; Leberecht, Martin; Bimüller, Carolin; Kögel-Knabner, Ingrid; Pole, Andrea; Schloter, Michael; Rennenberg, Heinz; Simon, Judy; Hanewinkel, Marc; Baltensweiler, Andri; Bilela, Silvija; Dannenmann, Michael

2014-05-01

Beech forests of Central Europe are covering large areas with marginal calcareous soils, but provide important ecological services and represent a significant economical value. The vulnerability of these ecosystems to projected climate conditions (higher temperatures, increase of extreme drought and precipitation events) is currently unclear. Here we present comprehensive data on the influence of climate change conditions on ecosystem performance, considering soil nitrogen biogeochemistry, soil microbiology, mycorrhiza ecology and plant physiology. We simultaneously quantified major plant and soil gross N turnover processes by homogenous triple 15N isotope labeling of intact beech natural regeneration-soil-microbe systems. This isotope approach was combined with a space for time climate change experiment, i.e. we transferred intact beech seedling-soil-microbe mesocosms from a slope with N-exposure (representing present day climate conditions) to a slope with S exposure (serving as a warmer and drier model climate for future conditions). Transfers within N slope served as controls. After an equilibration period of 1 year, three isotope labeling/harvest cycles were performed. Reduced soil water content resulted in a persistent decline of ammonia oxidizing bacteria in soil (AOB). Consequently, we found a massive five-fold reduction of gross nitrification in the climate change treatment and a subsequent strong decline in soil nitrate concentrations as well as nitrate uptake by microorganisms and beech. Because nitrate was the major nutrient for beech in this forest type with little importance of ammonium and amino acids, this resulted in a strongly reduced performance of beech natural regeneration with reduced N content, N metabolite concentrations and plant biomass. These findings provided an explanation for a large-scale decline of distribution of beech forests on calcareous soils in Europe by almost 80% until 2080 predicted by statistical modeling. Hence, we question the sustainability of such forests under projected climate change conditions, but also discuss potential mitigation and adaptation options. Important comment: The topic of this abstract is subject to a press embargo, because it is in review at a Nature Journal

Estudio fenomenologico del conocimiento curricular y conocimiento de contenido en maestros de matematica a nivel secundario

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cardona Tomassini, Ivan Javier

En esta investigacion se estudio el fenomeno del conocimiento de contenido y el conocimiento curricular de maestros de matermaticas y como estos dos componentes se reflejan en su conocimiento pedagogico del contenido. El conocimiento de contenido es el conocimiento que tienen los maestros de los contenidos de una disciplina y sobre la estructura de su organizacion (Shulman, 1986). El conocimiento curricular es el conocimiento que los maestros poseen sobre los componentes de un curriculo disenado para ensenar un topico de una materia especifica a un nivel particular, la variedad de instrumentos instruccionales disponibles para implementar el mismo y como utilizar los instrumentos curriculares disponibles (Ball & Bass, 2003; Choppin, 2009; Hill, Rowan, & Ball, 2005). Este estudio se enmarca en el paradigma cualitativo, teniendo como diseno el estudio fenomenologico (Lucca y Berrios, 2009; McMillan, 2004). Los participantes fueron seis maestros de matermaticas del nivel superior (10mo a 12mo grado). Al momento de la investigacion los participantes ensenaban en escuelas publicas o privadas de Puerto Rico. Para recolectar la informacion se utilizo un grupo focal en donde los maestros resolvieron seis ejercicios matematicos y posteriormente reflexionaron en forma grupal sobre las soluciones. Tambien se realizo un analisis de documentos de planificacion y se llevaron a cabo entrevistas semiestructuradas. Se exploraron los contenidos relacionados a la ecuacion de una recta, rectas verticales y horizontales, suma y multiplicacion de polinomios, resolucion de ecuaciones cuadraticas y distancia entre dos puntos del plano cartesiano. Los resultados muestran que los participantes tienen dominio procesal de los contenidos correspondientes a las rectas verticales y horizontales, la suma y multiplicacion de polinomios, el calculo distancia entre dos puntos del plano cartesiano. Sin embargo, se noto cierta dificultad en la explicacion conceptual de los contenidos relacionados a la ecuacion de la recta, las rectas verticales y horizontales y la solucion de ecuaciones cuadraticas. Lo cual permite concluir que los participantes demuestran mejor dominio del conocimiento procesal que del conocimiento conceptual. Estos es un reflejo del efecto de una instruccion enfocada en desarrollar los procesos algoritmicos ya que la explicacion con sentido de los procesos pasa a un segundo plano.

What hope for Haiti?

PubMed

Di Blasi, F

1992-01-01

The population, environmental, and economic problems of Haiti must be solved through a national change in attitude, an emphasis on the individual value of children, a social concern for urgent action on sustainable development, and shared responsibility in the international community. The impact of colonialism was to lay waste to subsistence practices which were ecologically balanced. This first nation of self-liberated slaves has problems deeply rooted in the past, which have been worsened by the ruling elite's exploitation. There is extreme poverty, boat people, deforestation, environmental degradation, civil liberty abuses, and a struggle for democracy. Population growth as well as, indirectly, death, hunger, and disease, have contributed to the immigration of Haitians to the US, Canada, France, and neighboring islands. Fertility has been high for the past 20 years. The family planning challenges are discussed in light of the 10% acceptance rate and met demand. The host country's ability to cope with the burden of supplying employment, social services, and legal protection accounts for the reluctance to accept greater numbers of Haitians. Rural-to-urban migration has created nightmares within Haiti. Cite Soleil has a population density of 25,000 people/sq. kilometer, and more than 33% of rural areas is unfit for habitation. The urban slums offer a substandard quality of life due to infiltration of sea water into the soil which prohibits vegetative growth, due to sanitation deficits, and due to inadequate clean water supplies. The example of a small sugar merchant with an income of $40/month reflects the ability to survive but with no provision for empowerment or betterment for the future for the grandchildren in her care. Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau attests to the difficulties and, maybe, impossibilities of turning around the process of environmental devastation and overpopulation. The ecological problems are primarily due to salinization and deforestation; the pressure for fuelwood has increased since the trade embargo, which prevents importation of butane and propane. Tree planting of 20 million/year yields 2-3 million actually surviving. Destructive fishing, quarrying, and agricultural techniques continue to waste resources.

Effect of acclimation to outdoor condition on the sexual performance of mass-produced Medflies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pereira, R.; Silva, N.; Quintal, C.

Application of the sterile insect technique (SIT) as part of integrated area-wide programs to control the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) require that the released males attract wild females and transfer sterile sperm. However, knowledge about male sexual performance after they are released is scarce. We conducted a study to evaluate male sexual performance in field cage tests, according to standard quality control procedures. Mass-reared 5-d-old sterile males from the genetic sexing strain VIENNA 7mix2000 were acclimated for 0, 1, and 3 d to outdoor conditions before competing with wild males for wild females. Although the proportion ofmore » mating (PM) in the test was satisfactory, the resulting relative sterility index (RSI) data showed no significant differences among the treatments. The data indicate that pre-conditioning males to outdoor conditions in Madeira did not confer an advantage in field cage sexual performance. (author) [Spanish] La aplicacion de la tecnica del insecto esteril (TIE) como parte de un programa integrado de amplio efecto para el control de la mosca mediterranea de la fruta Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) requiere que los machos liberados atraigan las hembras naturales y transfieran su esperma. Sin embargo, el conocimiento del desempeno sexual de los machos despues de ser liberados es muy escaso. Nosotros realizamos un estudio para evaluar el desempeno sexual de los machos en pruebas usando jaulas del campo, segun los procedimientos estandardizados de calidad. Machos esteriles de 5 dias de edad de la raza que separa los sexos geneticamente VIENNA 7mix2000 criados en masa fueron aclimatados por 0, 1 y 3 dias en condiciones de campo antes de competir con machos naturales para las hembras naturales. Aunque la proporcion del apareamiento en la prueba fue satisfactorio, el indice relativo de esterilidad (IRS) resultante no mostro ninguna diferencia significativa entre los tratamientos. Los datos indicaron que al condicionar los machos anteriormente a las condiciones de campo en Madeira no conferio ventaja alguna en el desempeno sexual en la jaula de campo. (author)« less

The rise of health biotechnology research in Latin America: A scientometric analysis of health biotechnology production and impact in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba and Mexico

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

This paper analyzes the patterns of health biotechnology publications in six Latin American countries from 2001 to 2015. The countries studied were Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba and Mexico. Before our study, there were no data available on HBT development in half of the Latin-American countries we studied, i.e., Argentina, Colombia and Chile. To include these countries in a scientometric analysis of HBT provides fuller coverage of HBT development in Latin America. The scientometric study used the Web of Science database to identify health biotechnology publications. The total amount of health biotechnology production in the world during the period studied was about 400,000 papers. A total of 1.2% of these papers, were authored by the six Latin American countries in this study. The results show a significant growth in health biotechnology publications in Latin America despite some of the countries having social and political instability, fluctuations in their gross domestic expenditure in research and development or a trade embargo that limits opportunities for scientific development. The growth in the field of some of the Latin American countries studied was larger than the growth of most industrialized nations. Still, the visibility of the Latin American research (measured in the number of citations) did not reach the world average, with the exception of Colombia. The main producers of health biotechnology papers in Latin America were universities, except in Cuba were governmental institutions were the most frequent producers. The countries studied were active in international research collaboration with Colombia being the most active (64% of papers co-authored internationally), whereas Brazil was the least active (35% of papers). Still, the domestic collaboration was even more prevalent, with Chile being the most active in such collaboration (85% of papers co-authored domestically) and Argentina the least active (49% of papers). We conclude that the Latin American countries studied are increasing their health biotechnology publishing. This strategy could contribute to the development of innovations that may solve local health problems in the region. PMID:29415003

Use of IPA to demonstrate loss of forest interior birds from isolated woodlots

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robbins, C.S.; Boone, D.D.; Purroy, F.J.

1983-01-01

'Empleo de indices puntuales de abundancia (IPA) para demostrar la perdida de aves forestales en bosques aislados'. En Maryland, E.U., se seleccionaron bloques boscosos de diferente superficie, divididos en seis clase de tamano (2,8-6 ha, 7-14, 20-30, 34-80, 105-1300, mayores de 4000 ha). En estas ?islas' forestales fue programado un conjunto de muestreos puntuales con estas caracteristicas: 1) Cada punto se visito tres veces. 2) En cada visita se hicieron cuatro censos consecutivos de 5 minutos de duracion, empleando diferentes simbolos para machos cantores, adultos no cantores, aves en vuelo y aves inmaduras. 3) Los conteos se hicieron en tres epocas: final de Mayo, mitad de Junio y final de Junio. 4) Se dividio el tiempo de censo en tres priodos horarios: 5,15-6,30 ; 6,30-8; 8-9,30 hrs. 5) Los puntos se agruparon en co juntos de 4 a 9, considerando que un conjunto es el nlimero que un observador puede cubrir por manana. 6) La vegetacion fue descrita exhaustivamente en cuanto composicion y fisionomla. El principal objetivo que se busca consiste en conocer los requisitos areales de ciertas especies de bosque muy sensibles a la fragmentacion del habitat. Puede observarse (Figura 1) que una serie de migrantes de largo alcance se asientan en relacion con el aumento de la superficie del rodal arbo1ado, sabre todo en macizos de 4.000 o mas hectareas. Sin embargo, las especies sedentarias (Fig. 2) tienen pauta de presencia irregular en funcion del area, forestal, con tendencia a presentarse menos en los bosques mas extensos, Dryocopus pileatus, por excepcion, reacciona negativamente al pequeno tamano de la parcela arbolado, prefiriendo bosques grandes. Parecida respuesta da tambien Sitta carolinensis. Aunque se sabe poco de las exigencias areales de las aves forestales americanas, el metodo de los IPA resulta muy adecuado para esta clase de investigacion de tanto interes en gestion ambiental, posibilitando colectar gran cantidad de datos comparables en un periodo de tiempo muy corto.

Data Collection, Collaboration, Analysis, and Publication Using the Open Data Repository's (ODR) Data Publisher

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lafuente, B.; Stone, N.; Bristow, T.; Keller, R. M.; Blake, D. F.; Downs, R. T.; Pires, A.; Dateo, C. E.; Fonda, M.

2017-12-01

In development for nearly four years, the Open Data Repository's (ODR) Data Publisher software has become a useful tool for researchers' data needs. Data Publisher facilitates the creation of customized databases with flexible permission sets that allow researchers to share data collaboratively while improving data discovery and maintaining ownership rights. The open source software provides an end-to-end solution from collection to final repository publication. A web-based interface allows researchers to enter data, view data, and conduct analysis using any programming language supported by JupyterHub (http://www.jupyterhub.org). This toolset makes it possible for a researcher to store and manipulate their data in the cloud from any internet capable device. Data can be embargoed in the system until a date selected by the researcher. For instance, open publication can be set to a date that coincides with publication of data analysis in a third party journal. In conjunction with teams at NASA Ames and the University of Arizona, a number of pilot studies are being conducted to guide the software development so that it allows them to publish and share their data. These pilots include (1) the Astrobiology Habitable Environments Database (AHED), a central searchable repository designed to promote and facilitate the integration and sharing of all the data generated by the diverse disciplines in astrobiology; (2) a database containing the raw and derived data products from the CheMin instrument on the MSL rover Curiosity (http://odr.io/CheMin), featuring a versatile graphing system, instructions and analytical tools to process the data, and a capability to download data in different formats; and (3) the Mineral Evolution project, which by correlating the diversity of mineral species with their ages, localities, and other measurable properties aims to understand how the episodes of planetary accretion and differentiation, plate tectonics, and origin of life lead to a selective evolution of mineral species through changes in temperature, pressure, and composition. Ongoing development will complete integration of third party meta-data standards and publishing data to the semantic web. This project is supported by the Science-Enabling Research Activity (SERA) and NASA NNX11AP82A, MSL.

The rise of health biotechnology research in Latin America: A scientometric analysis of health biotechnology production and impact in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba and Mexico.

PubMed

León-de la O, Dante Israel; Thorsteinsdóttir, Halla; Calderón-Salinas, José Víctor

2018-01-01

This paper analyzes the patterns of health biotechnology publications in six Latin American countries from 2001 to 2015. The countries studied were Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba and Mexico. Before our study, there were no data available on HBT development in half of the Latin-American countries we studied, i.e., Argentina, Colombia and Chile. To include these countries in a scientometric analysis of HBT provides fuller coverage of HBT development in Latin America. The scientometric study used the Web of Science database to identify health biotechnology publications. The total amount of health biotechnology production in the world during the period studied was about 400,000 papers. A total of 1.2% of these papers, were authored by the six Latin American countries in this study. The results show a significant growth in health biotechnology publications in Latin America despite some of the countries having social and political instability, fluctuations in their gross domestic expenditure in research and development or a trade embargo that limits opportunities for scientific development. The growth in the field of some of the Latin American countries studied was larger than the growth of most industrialized nations. Still, the visibility of the Latin American research (measured in the number of citations) did not reach the world average, with the exception of Colombia. The main producers of health biotechnology papers in Latin America were universities, except in Cuba were governmental institutions were the most frequent producers. The countries studied were active in international research collaboration with Colombia being the most active (64% of papers co-authored internationally), whereas Brazil was the least active (35% of papers). Still, the domestic collaboration was even more prevalent, with Chile being the most active in such collaboration (85% of papers co-authored domestically) and Argentina the least active (49% of papers). We conclude that the Latin American countries studied are increasing their health biotechnology publishing. This strategy could contribute to the development of innovations that may solve local health problems in the region.

The drama of Puna: For and against the Hawai'i geothermal project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keyser, William Henry

The geothermal project was conceived in the context of the international oil business and the economic growth of Hawai'i. From the point of view of the State, the geothermal project is necessary because imported petroleum provides Hawai'i with 911/2 percent of its total energy. That petroleum consists of 140,000 b/d of crude (1990) and it comes from Alaska, Indonesia and a few other suppliers. However, the Alaskan North Slope is beginning to run dry and the Southeast Asian suppliers of crude will be exporting less petroleum as time goes on. Increasingly, Hawai'i will become dependent on "unstable Middle Eastern" suppliers of crude. From this worry about the Middle East, the State seeks indigenous energy to reduce its dependence on petroleum and to support economic growth. Hence, the geothermal project was born after the 1973 oil embargo. The major source of geothermal energy is the Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island. Kilauea is characterized by the Kilauea caldera and a crack in the Island which extends easterly from the caldera to Cape Kumukahi in Puna and southwest to Pahala in Ka'u. The eastern part of the crack is approximately 55 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide. The geothermal plants will sit on this crack. While the State has promoted the geothermal project with the argument of reducing "dependence" on imported petroleum, it hardly mentions its goal of economic growth. The opponents have resisted the project on the grounds of protecting Pele and Hawaiian gathering rights, protecting the rain forest, and stopping the pollution in the geothermal steam. What the opponents do not mention is their support for economic growth. The opposition to the project suggests a new environmental politics is forming in Hawai'i. Is this true? The dissertation will show that the participants in this drama are involved in a strange dance where each side avoids any recognition of their fundamental agreement on economic growth. Hence the creation of a new environmental politics which accounts for the danger inherent in economic growth, the eventual depletion of petroleum and the West's imperative to conquer nature is very problematic.

EpideMiology and control measures of outBreaks due to Antibiotic-Resistant orGanisms in EurOpe (EMBARGO): a systematic review protocol.

PubMed

Babu Rajendran, Nithya; Gladstone, Beryl Primrose; Rodríguez-Baño, Jesús; Sifakis, Frangiscos; Voss, Andreas; Carmeli, Yehuda; Burkert, Francesco Robert; Gkolia, Panagiota; Tacconelli, Evelina

2017-01-05

Improving our understanding of outbreaks due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and their control is critical in the current public health scenario. The threat of outbreaks due to ARB requires multifaceted efforts. However, a global overview of epidemiological characteristics of outbreaks due to ARB and effective infection control measures is missing. In this paper, we describe the protocol of a systematic review aimed at mapping and characterising the epidemiological aspects of outbreaks due to ARB and infection control measures in European countries. The databases MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge and Cochrane library will be searched using a 3-step search strategy. Selection of articles for inclusion will be performed by 2 reviewers using predefined eligibility criteria. All study designs will be included if they report an outbreak and define the microbiological methods used for microorganism identification. The target bacteria will be methicillin-resistant and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, ceftazidime-resistant and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, ceftazidime-resistant and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant and carbapenamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Data will be extracted using a tailored pilot tested form and the quality of reporting will be assessed using the ORION (Outbreak Reports and Intervention Studies Of Nosocomial infections) tool. Data will be synthesised and reported by the type of ARB, setting and country. Infection control measures and bundles of measures will be described. The effectiveness will be reported as defined by the authors. Regression analysis will be used to define independent factors associated with outbreaks' control. Heterogeneity between studies will be assessed by forest plots and I² statistics. Ethical approval is not applicable for this study. Findings will be disseminated through journal publication and conference presentations and talks. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Trait differences between naturalized and invasive plant species independent of residence time and phylogeny

PubMed Central

Gallagher, R V; Randall, R P; Leishman, M R

2015-01-01

The ability to predict which alien plants will transition from naturalized to invasive prior to their introduction to novel regions is a key goal for conservation and has the potential to increase the efficacy of weed risk assessment (WRA). However, multiple factors contribute to plant invasion success (e.g., functional traits, range characteristics, residence time, phylogeny), and they all must be taken into account simultaneously in order to identify meaningful correlates of invasion success. We compiled 146 pairs of phylogenetically paired (congeneric) naturalized and invasive plant species in Australia with similar minimum residence times (i.e., time since introduction in years). These pairs were used to test for differences in 5 functional traits (flowering duration, leaf size, maximum height, specific leaf area [SLA], seed mass) and 3 characteristics of species’ native ranges (biome occupancy, mean annual temperature, and rainfall breadth) between naturalized and invasive species. Invasive species, on average, had larger SLA, longer flowering periods, and were taller than their congeneric naturalized relatives. Invaders also exhibited greater tolerance for different environmental conditions in the native range, where they occupied more biomes and a wider breadth of rainfall and temperature conditions than naturalized congeners. However, neither seed mass nor leaf size differed between pairs of naturalized and invasive species. A key finding was the role of SLA in distinguishing between naturalized and invasive pairs. Species with high SLA values were typically associated with faster growth rates, more rapid turnover of leaf material, and shorter lifespans than those species with low SLA. This suite of characteristics may contribute to the ability of a species to transition from naturalized to invasive across a wide range of environmental contexts and disturbance regimes. Our findings will help in the refinement of WRA protocols, and we advocate the inclusion of quantitative traits, in particular SLA, into the WRA schemes. Diferencia de Características entre Especies de Plantas Naturalizadas e Invasoras Independientes del Tiempo de Residencia y de la Filogenia Resumen La habilidad para predecir cuáles plantas exóticas harán la transición de naturalizadas a invasoras antes de su introducción a regiones nuevas es un objetivo clave para la conservación y tiene el potencial de incrementar la eficiencia de la evaluación de riesgo de hierbas (ERH). Sin embargo, múltiples factores contribuyen al éxito invasor de las plantas (p. ej.: características funcionales, características de cobertura, tiempo de residencia, filogenia) y todos deben considerarse simultáneamente para poder identificar correlaciones significativas del éxito invasor. Recopilamos en Australia 146 parejas de especies de plantas invasoras y naturalizadas emparejadas filogenéticamente (congéneres) y con tiempos de residencia mínima similares (es decir, el tiempo transcurrido desde su introducción en años). Estas parejas se usaron para probar diferencias en cinco características funcionales (duración de la floración, tamaño de la hoja, altura máxima, área específica de la hoja [AEH], masa de la semilla) y en tres características de cobertura nativa de las especies (ocupación de bioma, temperatura media anual y amplitud de pluviosidad) entre especies invasoras y naturalizadas. Las especies invasoras, en promedio, tuvieron una mayor AEH, periodos de floración más largos y fueron más altas que sus parientes congéneres naturalizadas. Las invasoras también exhibieron una mayor tolerancia a diferentes condiciones ambientales en su cobertura nativa, donde ocuparon más biomas y una mayor amplitud de pluviosidad y condiciones de temperatura que sus congéneres naturalizadas. Sin embargo, ni la masa de la semilla ni el tamaño de hoja difirieron entre las parejas de especies naturalizadas e invasoras. Un hallazgo relevante fue el papel de la AEH en la distinción entre las parejas naturalizadas e invasoras. Las especies con valores altos de AEH estuvieron asociadas típicamente con tasas mayores de crecimiento, pérdida rápida de volumen de material de hojas y periodos de vida más cortos que aquellas especies con AEH baja. Este conjunto de características puede contribuir a la habilidad de las especies para llevar a cabo la transición de naturalizada a invasora a lo largo de una amplia cobertura de contextos ambientales y regímenes de perturbación. Nuestros hallazgos ayudarán en la mejora de los protocolos de ERH, y abogamos por la inclusión de las características cuantitativas, en particular la AEH, en los esquemas de ERH. PMID:25369762

Ethics of xenotransplantation: animal issues, consent, and likely transformation of transplant ethics.

PubMed

Daar, A S

1997-01-01

The shortage of organs, breakthroughs in research, involvement of biotechnology companies, absence of ethically more acceptable alternatives, and a vaguely perceived "time to put man on the moon" feeling have contributed to the current reawakening of interest in xenotransplantation. The focus of ethical attention has changed from the moral correctness of using animals for research/therapy to an increasingly appreciated danger of the establishment and spread of xenozoonoses in recipients, their contacts, and the general public. The United Kingdom has established an embargo on clinical trials and has set up a national regulatory authority to oversee and coordinate the development of research, establish guidelines, and decide on when trials can proceed. In the United States, on the other hand, the overall attitude is to "proceed with caution," and the Food and Drug Administration has approved a number of xenotransplant studies. The Public Health Service guidelines on reducing infection risk are still evolving and are likely to end up being more cautions than they are currently. There are a number of reasons for not using subhuman primates for xenotransplantation, including their closeness to humans, the likelihood of passing on infections, their depletability (gorillas, chimpanzees), their slow breeding, and the expense of breeding them under specified-pathogen free conditions. The pig, although domesticated and familiar, is too distant to evoke the same feelings we have for primates, has the correct-size organs, is probably less likely to pass on infections, breeds rapidly, and is not endangered; moreover, millions of them are eaten every year. Although drawing ethical conclusions is difficult, at this stage of knowledge and debate it seems acceptable to manipulate pigs genetically and to proceed to using their organs for xenotransplantation trials when infection control measures and the scientific base justify it. The question of informed consent is likely to be a vexing one. It might end up more of a binding legal contract than consent as we understand it now. Xenotransplantation is also unlikely to cost less than, or significantly alleviate the shortage of, cadaveric organs in the short term. The international dimension of the risk of infection is becoming obvious, but there has so far been no effort to convene an international forum to agree on universally acceptable guidelines.

Examining adherence among challenging patients in public and private HIV care in Argentina

PubMed Central

Jones, Deborah; Cook, Ryan; Cecchini, Diego; Sued, Omar; Bofill, Lina; Weiss, Stephen; Waldrop-Valverde, Drenna; Lopez, Maria R; Spence, Andrew

2015-01-01

Treatment engagement, retention and adherence to care are required for optimal HIV outcomes. Yet, patients may fall below the treatment recommendations for achieving undetectable viral load or not be retained in care. This study examined the most challenging patients in Buenos Aires, Argentina, those non-adherent to HIV care. Men (n = 61) and women (n = 59) prescribed antiretrovirals (ARVs) and non-adherent to treatment in the prior 3 to 6 months were enrolled and assessed regarding adherence, knowledge, motivation and attitudes regarding treatment. Private clinic patients had lower viral load and higher self-reported adherence than public clinic patients. Motivations to be adherent and positive beliefs regarding ARVs were associated with increased adherence in public clinic participants. Increased self-efficacy was associated with increased adherence among participants from both clinics. Results support patient and provider interventions that strengthen the characteristics supporting adherence, engagement and retention in public and private clinic settings. Resumen El compromiso, la retención en el cuidado y adherencia al tratamiento son esenciales para el manejo óptimo del paciente con VIH. Sin embargo, muchos pacientes con VIH no siguen las el tratamiento para lograr tener una carga viral indetectable, o no permanecen bajo cuidado médico. Este estudio examina los pacientes más difíciles de retener en el cuidado médico en Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hombres (n = 61) y mujeres (n = 59) a los que se les habían recetado antiretrovirales pero seguían el tratamiento en los últimos 3 - 6 meses participaron en el estudio. Adherencia, conocimiento, motivación y actitudes frente al tratamiento fueron evaluados. Los pacientes en la clínica privada tenían menor carga viral y mejor adherencia que los de la clínica pública. Motivación y pensamientos positivos con respecto a antiretrovirales estaban asociados con mejor adherencia en los pacientes de la clínica pública. La autoeficacia estaba asociada con mejor adherencia en los pacientes en las dos clínicas. Los resultados indican que son necesarias intervenciones en pacientes y médicos para mejorar adherencia, compromiso y retención en el cuidado tanto en clínicas públicas como privadas. PMID:25777507

Concepciones y concepciones alternativas de estudiantes universitarios/as de biologia y futuros maestros/as de Ciencia de escuela secundaria sobre la teoria de evolucion biologica por seleccion natural

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morales Ramos, Egda M.

La teoria de evolucion biologica (TEB) por seleccion natural es uno de los conceptos unificadores mas importantes del curriculo de Biologia. En Puerto Rico se han hecho pocas investigaciones que abunden sobre las concepciones y concepciones alternativas (CA) que tienen los estudiantes universitarios/as de Biologia y los maestros/as de Ciencia del nivel secundario sobre esta teoria. La politica publica educativa actual establece mediante documentos normativos como los Estandares de contenido y Expectativas de grado del Programa de Ciencias [Puerto Rico Core Standards] la ensenanza de esta teoria. Sin embargo, no se encontraron preguntas sobre la seleccion natural en los ejercicios de practica provistos por el Departamento de Educacion para las pruebas estandarizadas lo cual puede influir para que no se ensene adecuadamente. Las preguntas de investigacion fueron 1. ¿Cuales son las concepciones y concepciones alternativas de estudiantes universitarios/as y de los futuros maestros y maestras de Ciencia sobre la TEB? 2. ¿Cuales conceptos que seleccionan los estudiantes universitarios/as y los futuros maestros y maestras de Ciencia sobre la TEB coinciden con lo aceptado como valido por la comunidad cientifica? y 3. ¿Como comparan las respuestas de la prueba original. v. Entendiendo el cambio biologico que mide concepciones y CA sobre la TEB por seleccion natural, con las de la traducida al idioma espanol? Se utilizo el metodo cuantitativo con un diseno de investigacion transversal por encuesta. La tecnica principal para recopilar los datos fue una prueba con doce items, que formo parte de un instrumento para el cual se recopilaron diversas fuentes de evidencia acerca de su validez. Las muestras estuvieron formadas por 69 estudiantes de Ciencias Naturales y por 16 estudiantes futuros maestros y maestras del nivel secundario de la UPR-RP. Se utilizaron estadisticas descriptivas, analisis de Ji cuadrado y se calcularon los coeficientes alfa de Cronbach y de Spearman. Estos demostraron que la prueba es confiable para medir las concepciones y CA de la TEB por seleccion natural. Aunque los estudiantes escogieron conceptos relacionados con esta teoria, mantienen en sus procesos de razonamiento CA sobre la seleccion natural que no se limitan a la lamarckiana y a la teleologica.

Curvas de fusión de regiones genómicas específicas: una herramienta prometedora para el diagnóstico y tipificación de las especies causantes de la leishmaniasis cutánea en Colombia.

PubMed

Marin, Johana; Urrea, Daniel; Muskus, Carlos; Echeverry, María Clara; Mejía, Ana María; Triana, Omar

2017-12-01

Introducción. La leishmaniasis cutánea es una enfermedad causada por parásitos del género Leishmania que tiene gran incidencia en Colombia. El diagnóstico y la identificación de la especie infecciosa son factores críticos en el momento de escoger e iniciar el tratamiento. Actualmente, los métodos de diagnóstico y tipificación requieren procedimientos complejos, por lo que es necesario validar nuevos marcadores moleculares y métodos que simplifiquen el proceso.Objetivo. Desarrollar una herramienta basada en la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) con curvas de fusión (High Resolution Melting; PCR-HRM) para el diagnóstico y tipificación de las tres especies de Leishmania de importancia epidemiológica en casos de leishmaniasis cutánea en Colombia.Materiales y métodos. Los genomas de Leishmania panamensis, L. braziliensis y L. guyanensis se compararon mediante métodos bioinformáticos. Las regiones específicas de especie identificadas se validaron mediante PCR. Para los marcadores seleccionados se diseñó una PCR-HRM y se estimaron algunos parámetros de validez y seguridad usando aislamientos de pacientes colombianos caracterizados previamente mediante PCR y análisis de polimorfismos en la longitud de los fragmentos de restricción (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism - RFLP; PCR-RFLP) del gen hsp70.Resultados. El análisis genómico comparativo mostró 24 regiones específicas de especie. Sin embargo, la validación mediante PCR solo identificó un marcador específico para cada especie de Leishmania. Los otros marcadores mostraron amplificación cruzada. El límite de detección para los tres marcadores seleccionados fue de un parásito, mientras que la sensibilidad, la especificidad, el valor predictivo positivo y el negativo fueron de 91,4, 100, 100 y 75 %, respectivamente.Conclusiones. Las tres regiones seleccionadas pueden emplearse como marcadores moleculares en el diagnóstico y tipificación de las especies causantes de la leishmaniasis cutánea en Colombia.

[Media impact of the SESPAS (Spanish Public Health Association) 2000 report

PubMed

Alvarez-Dardet, C; Martín-Llaguno, M

2000-01-01

To measure the mediatic effect of different communication strategies used in public health advocacy. More specifically, to compare the effectiveness of the World Wide Web as a tool to attract the attention of journalists, with other more traditional formulas. For the Spanish Public Health Association (SESPAS) Report 2000, two types of media strategies to communicate the report contents were programmed: a) traditional and passive strategies, centred in approaching journalists through press releases and press conferences around the SESPAS meeting (November 15-20 1999); b) interactive strategies, since August 15 to December 30, focused towards attracting health journalists to the non-embargoed, full text SESPAS report launched in a web site. To facilitate the web page use, we wrote a letter, in the first week of August, to all the members of the Spanish Health Communicators Association giving them the URL and the website map. In parallel, a monitoring system of the media impact was established from August to December 99, covering 250 magazines and 70 newspapers, in order to locate and recover all the stories about the SESPAS report for further analysis. Sixty-six stories were recovered; they were published in 32 press media from 24 provinces with an advertising value of 18,243,873 Ptas. As a whole, smaller circulation rate papers published more stories than larger ones. During five months, the SESPAS report was present in the press agenda, even though stories were not distributed homogeneously over time. Information concentrated around three moments: the first one, a week after our summer mailing; the second one, in the occasion of the publication of a story about the increase in traffic accidents in El País, and the third one during the SESPAS meeting. There were significant differences among those stories published from the traditional strategies of communication and those published from the interactive ones, the latter being more diverse, with more contributions of the journalists and tackling a wider range of issues. The combination of traditional and alternative communication strategies was a effective option. Unlike previous experiences in this occasion, with the network aid, the presence of SESPAS in media was not punctual around the Congress, but maintained during five months. The results and the obtained experience of this research can be useful for future public health advocacy interventions in Spain.

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo para infecciones del tracto urinario de inicio en la comunidad causadas por Escherichia coli productor de betalactamasas de espectro extendido en Colombia

PubMed Central

Blanco, Victor M.; Maya, Juan J.; Correa, Adriana; Perenguez, Marcela; Muñoz, Juan S.; Motoa, Gabriel; Pallares, Christian J.; Rosso, Fernando; Matta, Lorena; Celis, Yamile; Garzon, Martha; Villegas, y María V.

2016-01-01

RESUMEN Introducción Las infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU) son frecuentes en la comunidad. Sin embargo, la información de aislamientos resistentes en este contexto es limitada en Latinoamérica. Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar la prevalencia y los factores de riesgo asociados con ITU de inicio en la comunidad (ITU-IC) causadas por Escherichia coli productor de betalactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE) en Colombia. Materiales y métodos Entre agosto y diciembre de 2011 se realizó un estudio de casos y controles en 3 instituciones de salud de tercer nivel en Colombia. Se invitó a participar a todos los pacientes admitidos a urgencias con diagnóstico probable de ITU-IC, y se les pidió una muestra de orina. En los aislamien-tos de E. coli se realizaron pruebas confirmatorias para BLEE, susceptibilidad antibiótica, caracterización molecular (PCR en tiempo real para genes bla, repetitive element palindromic PCR [rep-PCR], multilocus sequence typing [MLST] y factores de virulencia por PCR). Se obtuvo información clínica y epidemiológica, y posteriormente se realizó el análisis estadístico. Resultados De los 2.124 pacientes seleccionados, 629 tuvieron un urocultivo positivo, en 431 de estos se aisló E. coli, 54 fueron positivos para BLEE y 29 correspondieron a CTX-M-15. La mayoría de los aislamientos de E. coli productor de BLEE fueron sensibles a ertapenem, fosfomicina y amikacina. La ITU complicada se asoció fuertemente con infecciones por E. coli productor de BLEE (OR = 3,89; IC 95%: 1,10–13,89; p = 0,03). E. coli productor de CTX-M-15 mostró 10 electroferotipos diferentes; de estos, el 65% correspondieron al ST131. La mayoría de estos aislamientos tuvieron 8 de los 9 factores de virulencia analizados. Discusión E. coli portador del gen blaCTX-M-15 asociado al ST131 sigue siendo frecuente en Colombia. La presencia de ITU-IC complicada aumenta el riesgo de tener E. coli productor de BLEE, lo cual debe tenerse en cuenta para ofrecer una terapia empírica adecuada. PMID:26774256

Sistemas Correctores de Campo Para EL Telescopio Cassegrain IAC80

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galan, M. J.; Cobos, F. J.

1987-05-01

El proyecto de instrumentación de mayor importancia que ha tenido el Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias en los últimos afios ha sido el diseflo y construcción del te1escopio IAC8O. Este requería del esfuerzo con junto en mec´nica, óptica y electrónica, lo que facilitó la estructuración y el crecimiento de los respectivos grupos de trabajo, que posteriormente se integraron en departamentos En su origen (1977), el telescopio IAC80 fue concebido como un sistema clásico tipo Cassegrain, con una razón focal F/i 1.3 para el sistema Casse grain y una razón focal F/20 para el sistema Coudé. Posteriormente, aunque se mantuvo la filosofia de que el sistema básico fuera el F/11.3, se consideró conveniente el diseño de secundarios para razones focales F/16 y F/32, y se eliminó el de F/20. Sin embargo, dada la importancia relativa que un foco estrictamente fotográfico tiene en un telescopio moderno, diseñado básicamente para fotometría fotoeléctrica y con un campo util mínimamente de 40 minutos de arco, se decídió Ilevar a cabo el diseño de un secundario F/8 con un sistema corrector de campo, pero que estuviera formado únicamente por lentes con superficies esféricas para que asl su construcción fuera posible en España ó en México. La creciente utilización de detectores bidimensionales para fines de investigación astron6mica y la viabilidad de que en un futuro cercano éstos tengan un área sensible cada vez mayor, hicieron atractiva la idea de tener diseñado un sistema corrector de campo para el foco primario (F/3), con un campo útil mínimo de un grado, y también con la limitante de que sus componentes tuvieron sólamente supérficies esféricas. Ambos diseños de los sis-temas correctores de campo se llevaron a cabo, en gran medida, como parte de un proyecto de colaboración e intercambio en el área de diseño y evaluación de sistemas ópticos.

ESA to present the latest Venus Express results to the media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2007-11-01

The launch of Venus Express back in November 2005 represented a major milestone in the exploration of Venus — a planet unvisited by any dedicated spacecraft since the early 1990s. One of the fundamental questions being addressed by the Venus Express mission is why a world so similar to Earth in mass and size has evolved so differently, to become the noxious and inhospitable planet it is today. Since it started its scientific observations in July 2006, Venus Express has been making the most detailed study of the planet’s thick and complex atmosphere to date. The latest findings not only highlight the features that make Venus unique in the solar system but also provide fresh clues as to how the planet is — despite everything — a more Earth-like planetary neighbour than one could have imagined. The results will appear in a special section of the 29 November issue of the journal Nature containing nine individual papers devoted to Venus Express science activities. Media organisations interested in attending the press conference are invited to register via the form attached below. Media that cannot attend will have the opportunity to follow the press conference via the following phone line: +33 1 58 99 57 42 (listening-mode only).The results presented at the press conference are embargoed until 28 November 19:00 CET. For more information ESA Media Relations Office Tel: +33 1 5369 7299 Fax: +33 1 5369 7690 Media event programme ‘Venus: a more Earth-like planetary neighbour’ Latest results from Venus Express 28 November 2007, 15:00, room 137 ESA Headquarters, 8-10 rue Mario-Nikis, Paris 15:00 Introduction, by Håkan Svedhem, ESA Venus Express Project Scientist 15:07 Venus: What we knew before, by Fred Taylor, Venus Express Interdisciplinary Scientist 15:15 Temperatures in the atmosphere of Venus, by Jean-Loup Bertaux, SPICAV Principal Investigator 15:25 The dynamic atmosphere of Venus, by Giuseppe Piccioni, VIRTIS Principal Investigator 15:40 Venus’s atmosphere and the solar wind, by Stas Barabash, ASPERA Principal Investigator 15:50 Climate and evolution, by David Grinspoon, Venus Express Interdisciplinary Scientist 16:00 Conclusion, by Dmitri Titov, Venus Express Science Coordinator and VMC scientist 16:05 Questions and Answers 16:25 Individual interviews 17:30 End of event

Combustion inputs into a terrestrial archive over 265 years as evidenced by BPCA molecular markers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanke, Ulrich M.; Eglinton, Timothy I.; Wiedemeier, Daniel B.; Schmidt, Michael W. I.

2015-04-01

Pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) such as char and soot is produced during the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuel. It is composed of condensed aromatic structures and can resist degradation processes, maybe over long periods of time. Land-use changes, industrial activity and its transport by wind and water affect the fluxes of PyOM from the source to its sedimentary archive. Investigating environmental PyOM with the molecular marker benzene polycarboxylic acid (BPCA) method provides various information about quantity, quality (BPCA distribution pattern) and about its isotopic composition (13C and 14C). Assessing PyOM quality can indicate whether it is mostly combustion condensate (soot) or combustion residue (charcoal) and potentially allow source apportionment. Our study area is the Pettaquamscutt River catchment area (35 km2), Rhode Island, U.S.A. It is located down-wind of industrial areas recording deposition of long-distance atmospheric transport as well as local catchment inputs, both from natural and anthropogenic sources. We investigated 50 samples of a sediment record over a time span of 265 years (1733-1998 AD). Previous investigations provided information on the age of deposition, the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) as well as of the radiocarbon contents of total organic carbon (TOC) and PAH (Lima, 2004). We used the BPCA molecular marker method to quantify and characterize PyOM in the same record. First results show that quantity and quality of PyOM change over 265 years. Our investigation aims at understanding how different sources of PyOM are reflected in terrestrial archives by comparing the results of BPCA with radiocarbon-dated TOC and PAH records. Among other aspects, the PAH record reflects the Great Depression and the 1970s oil embargo in North America. We interpret the BPCA distribution patterns regarding the simultaneous shift of dominant fuels including wood, coal, petroleum and gas. Future work will include compound-specific radiocarbon analysis of BPCA molecular markers to improve our understanding of the sources and residence time of PyOM. References Lima, A.L.C., 2004. Molecular and Isotopic Records of Combustion Inputs to the Environment Over the Last 250 Years, doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (MIT/WHOI).

PubMed

Valero Chávez, Francisco Javier; Luengo Pérez, Luis Miguel; Cubero Juánez, Javier

2016-09-20

Introducción: ante las nuevas implicaciones atribuidas a la vitamina D y la asociación con enfermedades tales como el cáncer, diabetes, enfermedades cardiovasculares, autoinmunes y mortalidad, no es de extrañar que se haya defendido la medición de los niveles de vitamina D en la población general. Sin embargo, no existen datos experimentales que demuestren la viabilidad y rentabilidad de la estrategia de cribado en la población y tampoco se ha comprobado la existencia de beneficios para la salud, por lo que en la actualidad solo es aconsejable la medida de 25 (OH) vitamina D en los grupos de personas de alto riesgo como indican las guías clínicas internacionales.Objetivos: analizar las peticiones de vitamina D comprobando si se adecuan a las guías clínicas.Métodos: realizamos un estudio descriptivo transversal en el Área de Salud de Badajoz (España) estudiando las peticiones de determinación de vitamina D durante 12 meses consecutivos (n = 3.907). En dicho estudio revisamos el diagnóstico de petición y la historia clínica del paciente para discriminar entre peticiones que se adecuaban a las guías clínicas y peticiones injustificadas. Por último, realizamos el estudio económico.Resultados: en nuestros resultados encontramos que casi un tercio de peticiones no se adecuaban a las guías clínicas, en patologías tales como diabetes, dislipemias e hipertensión en las que no está recomendada la medición de los niveles de vitamina D, por lo que suponía un exceso de gasto para el sistema sanitario. Gasto que se incrementa cada año, tanto es así que se ha producido un aumento en las peticiones de más del 1.000% en los últimos 6 años.Conclusiones: concluimos la necesidad de crear protocolos de petición de vitamina D que se ajusten a las guías clínicas hasta que existan más estudios experimentales sobre las nuevas implicaciones de la vitamina D y así conseguir una correcta utilización de los recursos económicos del hospital.

Mapa Geologico de Venezuela a Escala 1:750,000

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hackley, Paul C.; Urbani, Franco; Karlsen, Alex W.; Garrity, Christopher P.

2006-01-01

Se presenta un mapa geologico digital de Venezuela sobre un fondo de relieve sombreado. Los datos geologicos e hidrologicos del norte del rio Orinoco proceden de la digitalizacion de mapas geologicos en papel a escala 1:500.000. Estos datos fueron integrados con el mapa geologico digital del Escudo de Guayana Venezolano, a su vez derivado de hojas en papel a escala 1:500.000. La informacion sobre los tipos de fallas mostrados en el mapa es igual que en las fuentes originales. Los poligonos geologicos fueron atribuidos por edad, litologia y nombre de la unidad siguiendo el Codigo geologico de Venezuela. Se incorporaron revisiones significativas de la geologia de la Cordillera de la Costa a partir de las nuevas hojas integradas a escala 1:25.000. Toda esta informacion geologico-estructural se sobrepuso a una imagen de relieve sombreado, producida por el procesamiento de los datos de radar interferometrico con 90 m (3 arcosegundos) de resolucion espacial obtenidos por la mision topografica de radar del transbordador espacial (SRTM). Las areas de la base de datos del SRTM carentes de informacion fueron llenadas por medio de la interpolacion de los datos de las celdas adyacentes. Para producir la imagen de relieve sombreado se uso una direccion de iluminacion de 315 deg con un angulo de 65 deg sobre el horizonte. La proyeccion usada en el mapa es conica equidistante, con latitudes de 4 y 9 deg norte como paralelos estandar y una longitud de 66 deg al oeste como meridiano central. Los datos en el mapa proceden primordialment de hojas a escala 1:500.000 y el producto esta preparado para una impresion optima en escala 1:750.000. Los usuarios pueden obtener ampliaciones mayores, sin embargo no se garantiza la precision del mapa a escalas mas detalladas. Especialmente en la region de Guayana, al sobreponer los mapas geologicos sobre la reciente imagen SRTM, se notan grandes discrepancias no sistematicas tanto en contactos como en fallas. Esto es debido a que los mapas geologicos de Guayana tienen como base topografica las imagenes de radar de vision lateral (SLAR), con muy control de campo de los a?os 1970's. La correccion de estos desfases esta planificada para el futuro.

Biotransformation of pesticides in saturated-zone materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoyle, Blythe L.; Arthur, Ellen L.

Many studies have been conducted to evaluate pesticide contamination of groundwater in the United States, but investigations of pesticide biotransformation in saturated zones are much less numerous than in surface soils. Because results of studies using soils are not directly applicable to the subsurface, the purpose of this paper is to illustrate examples of pesticide biotransformation in saturated-zone materials. Although it must be considered with caution, the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) "Pesticides in Ground Water Database" was used to focus the discussion on the biotransformation potential of dibromoethane (EDB), atrazine, acetanilide herbicides, and aldicarb, all of which have been detected in groundwater in the United States. Results of more than two dozen studies indicate that a biotransformation potential for these pesticides exists in saturated-zone materials, although for any given pesticide substantial differences in biotransformation occurred. These variations were due both to differences in experimental methods and to heterogeneities in the subsurface materials under investigation. However, because biotransformation mechanisms were not well investigated, it is generally not possible to extrapolate predictions of biotransformation potential beyond the specific sites investigated. These results highlight the need to better understand microbial genetic regulation of biotransformation processes so that genetic information may be effectively incorporated into future investigations of biotransformation potential in the subsurface. Résumé De nombreuses études ont été réalisées pour évaluer le degré de pollution des aquifères par les pesticides aux États-Unis, mais les recherches concernant la biotransformation des pesticides dans les eaux souterraines sont beaucoup moins nombreuses que dans les sols. Du fait que les résultats des études concernant les sols ne sont pas directement applicables au milieu souterrain, le propos de cet article est d'illustrer par des exemples la biotransformation des pesticides dans les nappes. Bien qu'il faille la considérer avec précaution, la base de données sur les pesticides dans les eaux souterraines de l'Agence américaine pour la protection de l'environnement a été utilisée pour centrer la discussion sur le potentiel de biotransformation du dibromoéthane (EDB), de l'atrazine, des désherbants acétanildés et de l'aldicarb, qui tous ont été détectés dans les nappes des États-Unis. Les résultats de plus de deux douzaines d'études indiquent qu'il existe un potentiel de biotransformation de ces pesticides dans les nappes, bien qu'entre chacun de ces pesticides il existe des différences très nettes dans la biotransformation. Ces variations sont en fait dues à la fois à des différences dans les méthodes expérimentales et dans les hétérogénéités dans les matériaux étudiés. Cependant, parce que les mécanismes de la biotransformation ne sont pas bien étudiés, il est en général impossible d'extrapoler les prédictions du potentiel de biotransformation à des sites d'étude spécifiques. Ces résultats soulignent la nécessité de mieux comprendre la régulation génétique microbienne des processus de biotransformation, pour que l'information génétique puisse être efficacement prise en compte dans les futures recherches sur le potentiel de biotransformation dans le sous-sol. Resumen Se han llevado a cabo un gran número de estudios para evaluar la contaminación por pesticidas en los acuíferos de los Estados Unidos de América. Sin embargo, las investigaciones sobre biotransformación de pesticidas en la zona saturada son mucho menos numerosas que en suelos. Como los resultados obtenidos en suelos no son directamente transladables a la zona saturada, el objetivo de este artículo es mostrar ejemplos de biotransformación de pesticidas en la zona saturada. Aunque debe tomarse con cautela, la base de datos "Pesticides in Ground Water Database (Base de Datos de Pesticidas en Aguas Subterráneas)" perteneciente a la US EPA (Agencia de Protección Ambiental de los EEUU) se usó para centrar la discusión en la biotransformación potencial de diversos compuestos orgánicos detectados en diversos acuíferos de los EEUU. Los resultados de más de dos docenas de estudios indican que la biotransformación potencial de estos pesticidas en la zona saturada es posible, aunque para un pesticida dado pueden presentarse grandes diferencias, debidas tanto a diferencias en los métodos experimentales como a la heterogeneidad de los materiales. Sin embargo, no es posible en general extrapolar las predicciones de biotransformación potencial más allá de las zonas específicas estudiadas, al no haberse investigado en detalle sus mecanismos. Los resultados del estudio indican la necesidad de entender mejor la regulación genética de los procesos de biotransformación, para que la información genética pueda incorporarse de manera efectiva en las investigaciones futuras de biotransformación potencial en acuíferos.

Niveles de referencia de osteocalcina en población sana de México.

PubMed

Nieto-Flores, Jesús; Villafán-Bernal, José Rafael; Rivera-León, Edgar Alfonso; Llamas-Covarrubias, Iris Monserrat; González-Hita, Mercedes Elvira; Alcalá-Zermeno, Juan Luis; Sánchez-Enríquez, Sergio

2018-01-01

Se ha demostrado que la osteocalcina tiene una relación inversa con la glucemia, resistencia a la insulina y adiposidad. Determinar la concentración sérica normal de osteocalcina en adultos sanos mexicanos y compararlos con los reportados en otras poblaciones. Se determinó la concentración sérica de osteocalcina carboxilada y pobremente carboxilada en 100 adultos sanos mediante inmunoensayo enzimático; se calculó la concentración de osteocalcina total. Se hizo una comparación descriptiva con valores de otras poblaciones reportadas en la literatura. Las medianas de las concentraciones de osteocalcina carboxilada y pobremente carboxilada fueron 3.22 ng/mL y 1.61 ng/mL, respectivamente; la media de osteocalcina total fue 7.40 ± 5.11 ng/mL. No hubo diferencia significativa entre los valores de osteocalcina total en nuestra población y los de poblaciones en las que se utilizaron métodos de cuantificación similares al nuestro. La concentración sérica promedio de osteocalcina total en la población analizada fue de 7.40 ng/mL. Las variaciones sutiles entre poblaciones son atribuibles a factores genéticos y poblacionales, sin embargo, el método de cuantificación fue el único que se comprobó influye significativamente en los niveles de osteocalcina en poblaciones sanas. Osteocalcin has been shown to have an inverse relationship with blood glucose, insulin resistance and adiposity. To determine osteocalcin normal serum concentration in Mexican healthy adults and compare it with values reported in other populations. Carboxylated and undercarboxylated osteocalcin serum concentrations were determined in 100 healthy adults by means of enzyme immunoassay; osteocalcin total concentration was calculated. A descriptive comparison was made with other populations' values reported in the literature. Carboxylated and undercarboxylated osteocalcin median concentrations were 3.22 ng/mL and 1.61 ng/mL, respectively. Mean total osteocalcin was 7.40 ± 5.11 ng/mL. There was no significant difference between the osteocalcin values in our population and those of populations where similar quantification methods to ours were used. Osteocalcin total serum concentration mean in the analyzed population was 7.40 ng/mL. There are subtle variations between populations that are attributable to genetic and population factors; however, the quantification method was the only variable that was shown to significantly influence on osteocalcin levels in healthy populations. Copyright: © 2018 SecretarÍa de Salud.

PubMed

Rivera, Souhail Malavé; Díaz, Nelson Varas

2006-01-01

Las profesiones de la salud tienen un papel social dual. Por un lado, velan por el mantenimiento de la salud de la población protegiendo el bien común. Por el otro, dictaminan las formas saludables, y por lo tanto socialmente apropiadas, de ser, actuar y pensar. Este último papel, está más ligado al control social de la población que a una preocupación altruista hacia la misma. A través de esta supervisión y control, se construyen los sujetos a los cuales todos/as debemos aspirar a ser para gozar de aceptación social. Los/as profesionales de la salud han jugado un rol protagónico en dicho proceso, siendo los agentes que delimitan y definen lo que es enfermo vs. saludable, útil vs. inútil, apropiado vs. inapropiado. En el caso de la epidemia del VIH, este esfuerzo se ha hecho cada vez más vigente ya que estos/as profesionales juegan un papel importante en el tratamiento de las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA (PVVS). Sin embargo, su función está plasmada de definiciones que sirven para criminalizar a las PVVS. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la manera en que una muestra de profesionales de la salud en Puerto Rico construyen a las PVVS. Con este propósito, entrevistamos 80 profesionales de la salud y estudiantes de estas profesiones. Estas entrevistas fueron grabadas, transcritas y sometidas a un análisis de discurso. Los resultados reflejaron que según las personas participantes: 1) la PVVS no es una persona "normal" o funcional bajo los estándares sociales debido a que su salud no se los permite, 2) representa una carga para la sociedad incluyendo familiares, amigos/as, el mundo del trabajo, e incluso para el gobierno, 3) debe ser vigilada porque representa un riesgo para la persona seronegativa que es descrita como saludable y productiva, y 4) necesita que su salud y conducta sexual sean controladas por vía legal y/o por las personas que representan las instituciones sociales, como lo son los/as profesionales de la salud. En este artículo abordamos el potencial rol de la psicología para servir como vehículo de reconstrucción de dichas nociones, tomando en consideración su propio rol en la formación y mantenimiento de dicho sujeto socialmente deseable.

Coal reserves and resources as well as potentials for underground coal gasification in connection with carbon capture and storage (CCS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilse, Jürgen

2010-05-01

Coal is the energy source with the largest geological availability worldwide. Of all non-renewable energies coal and lignite accounting for 55 % of the reserves and some 76 % of the resources represent the largest potential. Reserves are those geological quantities of a mineral which can currently be mined under technically and economically viable conditions. Resources are those quantities which are either proven but currently not economically recoverable or quantities which can still be expected or explored on the basis of geological findings. The global availability of energy source does not only depend on geological and economic factors. The technical availability, e.g. mining and preparation capacities, the sufficient availability of land and sea-borne transportation as well as transloading capacities and also a political availability are required likewise. The latter may be disturbed by domestic-policy disputes like strikes or unrest or by foreign-policy disputes like embargos, trade conflicts or even tensions and wars in the producing regions. In the energy-economic discussion the reach of fossil primary energies plays a central role with the most important questions being: when will which energy source be exhausted, which impact will future developments have on the energy price, what does the situation of the other energies look like and which alternatives are there? The reach of coal can only be estimated because of the large deposits on the one hand and the uncertain future coal use and demand on the other. The stronger growth of population and the economic catching-up process in the developing and threshold countries will result in a shift of the production and demand centres in the global economy. However, also in case of further increases the geological potential will be sufficient to reliably cover the global coal demand for the next 100 years. The conventional mining of seams at great depths or of thin seams reaches its technical and economic limits. However, these otherwise unprofitable coal deposits can be mined economically by means of underground coal gasification, during which coal is converted into a gaseous product in the deposit. The synthesis gas can be used for electricity generation, as chemical base material or for the production of petrol. This increases the usability of coal resources tremendously. At present the CCS technologies (carbon capture and storage) are a much discussed alternative to other CO2 abatement techniques like efficiency impovements. The capture and subsequent storage of CO2 in the deposits created by the actual underground gasification process seem to be technically feasible.

Marginal notes for a centenary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balázs, Lajos G.

2001-10-01

The Astronomical Research Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences celebrated its centenary on the 20th of May 1999. Due to several political and economical crises it was not so easy in Central Europe in the past century to produce scientific results up to the prevailing international standards. Regular professional astronomical activity started in Hungary with the foundation of the university in Nagyszombat near to the present Bratislava. In 1777 the university was transferred to Buda and an observatory was installed in the tower of the royal palace. At the beginning of the 19th century, in 1815, a new university observatory was opened on the top of the Gellert Hill. The observatory was completely destroyed during the siege of the Buda castle in 1849. The other professional astronomical observatory of Karoly Nagy at the town Bicske, completed just at the beginning of the war in 1848-49, was never allowed to make a contribution. A new start for Hungarian astronomy came from Miklós Konkoly Thege when he established his private observatory in Ógyalla. A significant step in the life of the observatory was when it became the property of the state on the 20th of May, 1899. Astronomical photometry was chosen as the main research field of the new national observatory. The first world war led to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire and resulted in the splitting of Ógyalla from Hungary. The instrumentation was transferred to Hungary and the government decided in 1921 to build a new institute on the Schwabian Hills close to Buda. Research on variable stars became the main field of the new institute, in particular the study of period changes of short-period cepheids. After the second world war solar physics was restarted in the institute and as a result a new independent observatory was formed in 1958. A significant development was the introduction of photoelectric observations. In the fifties a decision was made on building a new mountain station on Piszkesteto of the Matra mountain NE from Budapest. In 1982 the solar physics observatory joined the national observatory again and the Astronomical Research Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences was formed. The change of the political system in 1990 removed the embargo for products of high technology and a significant modernization was carried out in the institute. The centenary is an important occasion for thinking on the main issues of strength keeping our institute in existence.

Development cooperation in water and sanitation: is it based on the human rights framework?

PubMed

Brown, Colin; Heller, Léo

2017-07-01

The water and sanitation sector is verifiably receiving increased attention and funding through international development cooperation. Not least because of the way that it affects incentives and institutions in partner countries, development cooperation can have either positive or negative effects on human rights though. The consolidated frameworks for the human rights to water and sanitation is becoming linked to the international community's coordinated development efforts, as evidenced notably in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, a review of major funders' official policies for development cooperation in the sector suggests that many only partially endorse the frameworks for the human rights to water and sanitation. An observation of development cooperation flows to the sector allows the hypothesis to be advanced that worldwide inequalities in access to these services may be reduced through a full and clear application of the human rights framework in development cooperation activities. The article presents findings of this research and explores key stakes for development cooperation in the water and sanitation sector that are relevant for their ability to either negatively or positively contribute to the realization of human rights. Resumen El sector de agua y saneamiento ha recibido creciente atención y financiación a través de la cooperación internacional para el desarrollo. La cooperación para el desarrollo puede tener efectos tanto positivos cuanto negativos sobre los derechos humanos. El hito que consolida los derechos humanos al agua y al saneamiento están articulados a esfuerzos de cooperación para el desarrollo promovidos por la comunidad internacional, como se evidencia en la Agenda 2030 para el Desarrollo Sostenible. Sin embargo, una revisión de las políticas oficiales de los principales financiadores del sector sugiere que muchos de ellos aprueban solo parcialmente los hitos de los derechos humanos al agua y el saneamiento. La observación de los flujos de esta cooperación para el sector permite formular la hipótesis de que las desigualdades en el acceso a estos servicios en diferentes partes del mundo pueden reducirse con la aplicación completa y clara del marco de los derechos humanos en las actividades de cooperación para el desarrollo. El artículo presenta los resultados de esta investigación y explora los desafíos de la cooperación para el desarrollo del sector de agua y aguas residuales que son relevantes para impactar tanto negativamente cuanto positivamente a los derechos humanos.

Insertion of Astronomy as a High School Subject. (Spanish Title: Inserción de Astronomia Como Materia del Ciclo Secundario.) Inserção da Astronomia Como Disciplina Curricular do Ensino Médio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dias, Claudio André C. M.; Santa Rita, Josué R.

2008-12-01

Astronomy is considered among the first sciences that man dominated, however, the basic skills for the construction of knowledge, relatively to the contents "Earth and the Universe" are not being developed properly for the majority of students concluding the high school level. The students are concluding this teaching cycle without proper knowledge of several subjects in the area of Astronomy, which are mandatory in the national Curricular National Parameters (PCN). Because of this discrepancy, this work stresses the need of the incorporation of a specific subject of Astronomy in the high school, in order to reduce the gap between what is taught and which should be taught. La Astronomía es considerada una de las primeras ciencias que el hombre dominó. Sin embargo, las habilidades básicas para la construcción del conocimento, relativo al eje temático "Tierra y Universo", no vienen siendo trabajadas adecuadamente con la mayoría de los alumnos que concluyen el ciclo escolar medio. Los alumnos están concluyendo este nivel de enseñanza sin conocimentos de varios temas en el área de Astronomía, que son obligatorios según los Parámetros Curriculares Nacionales (PCN). En virtud de esta discrepancia, este trabajo enfatiza la necesidad de incorporar una disciplina específica de Astronomía em el ciclo medio, em pro de la reducción de las distorsiones entre lo que es enseñado y lo que se debe enseñar. A Astronomia é considerada uma das primeiras ciências que o homem dominou, porém as competências básicas para a construção do conhecimento, relativo ao eixo temático "Terra e Universo", não vêm sendo trabalhadas a contento com a maioria dos alunos que concluem o ensino médio. Os alunos estão concluindo este nível de ensino sem conhecimento de vários temas na área de Astronomia, que são obrigatórios nos Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais (PCN). Em virtude desta discrepância, este trabalho vem evidenciar a necessidade da incorporação de uma disciplina específica de Astronomia, no ensino médio, em prol da redução das distorções entre o que é ensinado e o que se deve ensinar.

[In Process Citation].

PubMed

Cuerda, Cristina; Álvarez, Julia; Ramos, Primitivo; Abánades, Juan Carlos; García-de-Lorenzo, Abelardo; Gil, Pedro; De-la-Cruz, Juan José

2016-03-25

Introducción: la desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad (DRE) es un problema sociosanitario frecuente que afecta preferentemente a los mayores de 65 años, que aumenta la morbimortalidad y disminuye la calidad de vida.  Objetivo: estudiar la prevalencia de DRE en mayores de 65 años en diferentes centros sociosanitarios del Servicio Regional de Bienestar Social de la Comunidad de Madrid. Métodos: estudio transversal en 33 centros sociosanitarios de Madrid (6 centros de atención primaria [AP], 9 centros de mayores [CM], 9 hospitales [H] y 9 residencias [R]) seleccionados mediante muestreo polietápico. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, sexo, nivel de dependencia según la escala de incapacidad de la Cruz Roja, motivo de ingreso y enfermedad de base, hábitat (urbano-periurbano-rural) y distribución geográfica (norte centro-sur). Como herramienta de cribado nutricional se utilizó el Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA-cribaje) en todos los centros. En los pacientes con cribado positivo (en riesgo-desnutrición) se realizó el MNA-evaluación. El estudio estadístico se realizó con el paquete SSS 21.0 e incluyó estadística descriptiva, test de Chi-cuadrado y prueba exacta de Fisher, ANOVA de un factor, Kruskal-Wallis y análisis de regresión logística (RL) binaria univariante y multivariante. Se consideró significación estadística p < 0,05. Resultados: se reclutaron 1.103 sujetos (275 AP, 278 CM, 281 H, 269 R), edad media de 79,5 ± 8,4 años (41,2% varones, 58,8% mujeres). Los sujetos procedentes de H y R tuvieron un mayor grado de incapacidad (p < 0,001). La prevalencia global de DRE fue del 10%, encontrándose un 23,3% en riesgo de desnutrición, con diferencias entre los cuatro tipos de centros sociosanitarios (p < 0,001). El análisis univariante de RL mostró diferencia significativas en la prevalencia de desnutrición según la edad, sexo, grado de dependencia, tipo de centro sociosanitario, hábitat y zona geográfica. Sin embargo, en el análisis multivariante solo el grado de dependencia, el tipo de centro y el hábitat tuvieron significación estadística. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de DRE en mayores de 65 años en la Comunidad de Madrid es del 10%, encontrándose además un 23,3% en riesgo de desnutrición. Las únicas variables que se relacionaron de forma independiente con la desnutrición en el análisis multivariante fueron el nivel de dependencia de los pacientes y el tipo y hábitat de centro sociosanitario.

Defining the Impact of Non-Native Species

PubMed Central

Jeschke, Jonathan M; Bacher, Sven; Blackburn, Tim M; Dick, Jaimie T A; Essl, Franz; Evans, Thomas; Gaertner, Mirijam; Hulme, Philip E; Kühn, Ingolf; Mrugała, Agata; Pergl, Jan; Pyšek, Petr; Rabitsch, Wolfgang; Ricciardi, Anthony; Richardson, David M; Sendek, Agnieszka; VilÀ, Montserrat; Winter, Marten; Kumschick, Sabrina

2014-01-01

Non-native species cause changes in the ecosystems to which they are introduced. These changes, or some of them, are usually termed impacts; they can be manifold and potentially damaging to ecosystems and biodiversity. However, the impacts of most non-native species are poorly understood, and a synthesis of available information is being hindered because authors often do not clearly define impact. We argue that explicitly defining the impact of non-native species will promote progress toward a better understanding of the implications of changes to biodiversity and ecosystems caused by non-native species; help disentangle which aspects of scientific debates about non-native species are due to disparate definitions and which represent true scientific discord; and improve communication between scientists from different research disciplines and between scientists, managers, and policy makers. For these reasons and based on examples from the literature, we devised seven key questions that fall into 4 categories: directionality, classification and measurement, ecological or socio-economic changes, and scale. These questions should help in formulating clear and practical definitions of impact to suit specific scientific, stakeholder, or legislative contexts. Definiendo el Impacto de las Especies No-Nativas Resumen Las especies no-nativas pueden causar cambios en los ecosistemas donde son introducidas. Estos cambios, o algunos de ellos, usualmente se denominan como impactos; estos pueden ser variados y potencialmente dañinos para los ecosistemas y la biodiversidad. Sin embargo, los impactos de la mayoría de las especies no-nativas están pobremente entendidos y una síntesis de información disponible se ve obstaculizada porque los autores continuamente no definen claramente impacto. Discutimos que definir explícitamente el impacto de las especies no-nativas promoverá el progreso hacia un mejor entendimiento de las implicaciones de los cambios a la biodiversidad y los ecosistemas causados por especies no-nativas; ayudar a entender cuáles aspectos de los debates científicos sobre especies no-nativas son debidos a definiciones diversas y cuáles representan un verdadero desacuerdo científico; y mejorar la comunicación entre científicos de diferentes disciplinas y entre científicos, administradores y quienes hacen las políticas. Por estas razones y basándonos en ejemplos tomados de la literatura, concebimos siete preguntas clave que caen en cuatro categorías: direccionalidad, clasificación y medida, cambios ecológicos o socio-económicos, y escala. Estas preguntas deberían ayudar en la formulación de definiciones claras y prácticas del impacto para encajar mejor con contextos científicos, de las partes interesadas o legislativos específicos. PMID:24779412

The case for policy-relevant conservation science

PubMed Central

Rose, David C

2015-01-01

Drawing on the “evidence-based” (Sutherland et al. 2013) versus “evidence-informed” debate (Adams & Sandbrook 2013), which has become prominent in conservation science, I argue that science can be influential if it holds a dual reference (Lentsch & Weingart 2011) that contributes to the needs of policy makers whilst maintaining technical rigor. In line with such a strategy, conservation scientists are increasingly recognizing the usefulness of constructing narratives through which to enhance the influence of their evidence (Leslie et al. 2013; Lawton & Rudd 2014). Yet telling stories alone is rarely enough to influence policy; instead, these narratives must be policy relevant. To ensure that evidence is persuasive alongside other factors in a complex policy-making process, conservation scientists could follow 2 steps: reframe within salient political contexts and engage more productively in boundary work, which is defined as the ways in which scientists “construct, negotiate, and defend the boundary between science and policy” (Owens et al. 2006:640). These will both improve the chances of evidence-informed conservation policy. El Caso para la Ciencia de la Conservación con Relevancia Política Resumen A partir del debate “con base en evidencia” (Sutherland et al. 2013) versus “informado con evidencia” (Adams & Sandbrook 2013), debate que se ha vuelto prominente en la ciencia de la conservación, argumento que la ciencia puede ser influyente si mantiene una referencia dual (Lentsch & Weingart 2011) que contribuya a las necesidades de quienes hacen la política a la vez que mantiene un rigor técnico. En línea con dicha estrategia, los científicos de la conservación cada vez reconocen más la utilidad de construir narrativas con las cuales pueden mejorar la influencia de sus evidencias (Leslie et al. 2013; Lawton & Rudd 2014). Sin embargo, sólo contar historias rara vez es suficiente para influir sobre la política; en su lugar, estas narrativas deben ser políticamente relevantes. Para asegurar que la evidencia sea persuasiva junto con otros factores en un proceso complejo de fabricación de políticas, los científicos de la conservación pueden seguir dos pasos: rediseñar el marco de trabajo a partir de contextos políticos salientes y participar con mayor productividad en el trabajo fronterizo, que se define como los métodos con los cuales los científicos “construyen, negocian y defienden la frontera entre la ciencia y la política” (Owens et al. 2006:640). Estos pasos incrementarán la oportunidad de políticas de conservación informadas con evidencias. PMID:25545991

Mating opportunities in Sangalopsis veliterna females: Costs and benefits

PubMed Central

Hernández Duran, Linda C.; Fajardo Medina, Gonzalo E.; Fuentes Quinter, Luz S.; Martin, Oliver

2014-01-01

Abstract In nature, females of several animal taxa exhibit considerable variation in their mating system, and this variation involves different balances of costs (e.g., energetic, reproductive) and benefits (e.g., increased net reproductive rate of the female, increased longevity). Many studies have focused on discovering the potential advantages and disadvantages that females could have when increasing their mating rate and the possible evolutionary consequences that may result. Butterflies and moths are an ideal study system because it is easy to determine and to manipulate experimentally their mating frequency. In this study, the effect of continuous availability of different numbers of males (1, 2, 4, 8) on female mating rate and fitness components was estimated by comparing the number of spermatophores in the corpus bursa (an estimate of the number of copulations, but not of the number males involved in these copulations), female longevity, lifetime number of laid eggs (fecundity), and proportion of hatching eggs (fertility) in the moth Sangalopsis veliterna Druce (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). The results showed that there were no significant differences in either fertility or fecundity when treatments were compared, but longevity and in some cases fecundity increased when females had several matings. Resumen En la naturaleza, hembras de varios taxa animal muestran una variación considerable en su sistema de apareamiento, esta variación involucra diferentes costos (energéticos, reproductivos, etc) y beneficios (aumento de la tasa reproductiva neta de la hembra, mayor longevidad, entre otros). En años recientes, muchos estudios se han enfocado en descubrir las potenciales ventajas y desventajas que las hembras podrían tener al aumentar su número de cópulas y las posibles consecuencias evolutivas que podrían resultar. Las mariposas y polillas son un sistema de estudio ideal, dada la facilidad para determinar y manipular experimentalmente su frecuencia de apareamiento. En este estudio, el efecto de la disponibilidad continua de diferente número de machos (1, 2, 4, 8) sobre la frecuencia de apareamiento de las hembras y los componentes del potencial reproductivo (fitness) fueron estimados al comparar el número de espermatóforos hallados en la bursa copulatrix (un estimado del número de copulas, pero no del número de machos involucrados en estas copulas), la longevidad de las hembras, número de huevos colocados (fecundidad) y proporción de huevos fecundados (fertilidad) en la polilla Sangalopsis veliterna Druce (Lepidóptera: Geometridae). Los resultados indican que no existen diferencias en la fertilidad ni en la fecundidad; sin embargo la longevidad aumentó a medida que se las hembras presentaron más de una cópula y de igual manera en algunos casos la fecundidad aumentó con varios apareamientos. PMID:25205137

Aging as a predictor of nursing workload in Intensive Care Unit: results from a Brazilian Sample.

PubMed

Ferretti-Rebustini, Renata Eloah de Lucena; Nogueira, Lilia de Souza; Silva, Rita de Cassia Gengo E; Poveda, Vanessa de Brito; Machado, Selma Pinheiro; Oliveira, Elaine Machado de; Andolhe, Rafaela; Padilha, Katia Grillo

2017-04-03

Verify if aging is an independent predictor of NW in ICU, according to age groups, and its predictive value as a determinant of NW in ICU. Study was conducted from 2012 to 2016. A convenience sample composed by patients (age ≥ 18) admitted to nine ICU belonging to a Brazilian hospital, was analyzed. Age was assumed as an independent variable and NW (measured by the Nursing Activities Score - NAS) as dependent. Linear regression model and ROC curve were used for the analysis. 890 participants (361 older people), mostly males (58.1%). The mean NAS score was higher among older participants in comparison to adults (p=0.004) but not within categories of aging (p=0.697). Age was responsible for 0.6% of NAS score. Each year of age increases NAS score in 0.081 points (p=0.015). However, age was not a good predictor of NAS score (AUC = 0.394; p=0.320). The care of older people in ICU is associated with an increase in NW, compared to adults. Aging can be considered an associated factor but not a good predictor of NW in ICU. Verificar si el envejecimiento es un predictor independiente de la Carga de Trabajo de Enfermería (CTE) en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), según grupos etarios y su valor predictivo como determinante de la CTE en la UCI. Se analizó una muestra de conveniencia compuesta por pacientes (edad ≥ 18) ingresados en nueve UCI pertenecientes a un hospital brasileño. La edad se asumió como variable independiente y como variable dependiente la carga de trabajo de enfermería -medida por el sistema Nursing Activities Score (NAS) de puntuación de actividades de enfermería. Para el análisis, se utilizaron el modelo de regresión lineal y la curva ROC. 890 participantes (361 adultos mayores), en su mayoría varones (58,1%). La puntuación NAS promedio fue mayor entre los participantes adultos mayores en comparación con los adultos (p=0,004), pero no en las categorías de envejecimiento (p=0,697). La edad fue responsable del 0,6% de la puntuación NAS. Cada año de edad aumenta la puntuación NAS en 0,081 puntos (p=0,015). Sin embargo, la edad no resultó un buen predictor de la puntuación NAS (AbC=0,394; p=0,320). El cuidado de los adultos mayores en UCI se asocia con un aumento de la CTE en comparación con los adultos. El envejecimiento puede considerarse un factor asociado, pero no un buen predictor de la CTE en UCI.

Lesiones subcutáneas dolorosas en paciente con melanoma metastásico: un caso de paniculitis linfocítica asociado a vemurafenib.

PubMed

Benavente-Villegas, Felipe; Ferrando-Roca, Francisco; Dolz-Gaitón, Raquel; Royo-Peiró, María

2017-10-15

Vemurafenib ha probado ser una herramienta útil en el tratamiento de melanoma metastásico con mutación BRAF-V600E. Los efectos adversos incluyen artralgias, fatiga y toxicidad cutánea, siendo infrecuente la paniculitis. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 43 años con melanoma metastásico que desarrolla lesiones subcutáneas dolorosas en miembros inferiores y superiores, asociadas a clínica sistémica después de 2 semanas de inicio de tratamiento con Vemurafenib + Cobimetinib. La histología demostró paniculitis linfocitaria septal y lobulillar. La paciente tuvo mala tolerancia al tratamiento anti diana a dosis plenas, requiriendo su ajuste, generando una corticodependencia para controlar sintomatología, y que finalmente obligó a la descontinuación de la terapia dirigida contra melanoma.  A la fecha, se han descrito 29 casos en la literatura de paniculitis asociada a vemurafenib, siendo la mayoría paniculitis neutrofílicas con adecuado control de sintomatología asociando antiinflamatorios no esteroidales y/o corticoides orales sin requerir en su mayoría modificación de la terapia contra melanoma; sin embargo hay que tener presente que pueden haber casos con mala evolución que obligan a la reducción de dosis de vemurafenib y descontinuar el tratamiento, como ha ocurrido en nuestro reporte.Vemurafenib has proven to be a useful tool in the treatment of metastatic melanoma with BRAF-V600E mutation. Adverse effects include arthralgia, fatigue, and skin toxicity; panniculitis is a rare complication. We present the case of a 43-year-old patient with metastatic melanoma who developed painful subcutaneous nodules of the lower and upper limbs and associated systemic clinical symptoms after 2 weeks of treatment with vemurafenib plus cobimetinib. Histology showed a septal and lobular lymphocytic panniculitis.The patient had poor tolerance of the full-dose treatment, requiring its adjustment. Systemic corticosteroids were required to control symptomatology, which finally forced the discontinuation of the medication.To date, 29 cases have been described in the literature of panniculitis associated with vemurafenib. Most of these have been neutrophilic panniculitis, but adequate control of symptoms is usually achieved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or oral corticosteroids without requiring modification of melanoma therapy. However, it must be borne in mind that there may be cases that force the reduction and discontinuation ofvemurafenib treatment. We believe that this histological variant of lymphocytic panniculitis and its poor response to decrease in vemurafenib makes this case unusual and instructive.

Regulando la Enfermedad a través de la Definición y la Restricción: Profesionales de la Salud Hablan sobre el VIH/SIDA1

PubMed Central

Rivera, Souhail Malavé; Díaz, Nelson Varas

2009-01-01

Resumen Las profesiones de la salud tienen un papel social dual. Por un lado, velan por el mantenimiento de la salud de la población protegiendo el bien común. Por el otro, dictaminan las formas saludables, y por lo tanto socialmente apropiadas, de ser, actuar y pensar. Este último papel, está más ligado al control social de la población que a una preocupación altruista hacia la misma. A través de esta supervisión y control, se construyen los sujetos a los cuales todos/as debemos aspirar a ser para gozar de aceptación social. Los/as profesionales de la salud han jugado un rol protagónico en dicho proceso, siendo los agentes que delimitan y definen lo que es enfermo vs. saludable, útil vs. inútil, apropiado vs. inapropiado. En el caso de la epidemia del VIH, este esfuerzo se ha hecho cada vez más vigente ya que estos/as profesionales juegan un papel importante en el tratamiento de las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA (PVVS). Sin embargo, su función está plasmada de definiciones que sirven para criminalizar a las PVVS. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la manera en que una muestra de profesionales de la salud en Puerto Rico construyen a las PVVS. Con este propósito, entrevistamos 80 profesionales de la salud y estudiantes de estas profesiones. Estas entrevistas fueron grabadas, transcritas y sometidas a un análisis de discurso. Los resultados reflejaron que según las personas participantes: 1) la PVVS no es una persona “normal” o funcional bajo los estándares sociales debido a que su salud no se los permite, 2) representa una carga para la sociedad incluyendo familiares, amigos/as, el mundo del trabajo, e incluso para el gobierno, 3) debe ser vigilada porque representa un riesgo para la persona seronegativa que es descrita como saludable y productiva, y 4) necesita que su salud y conducta sexual sean controladas por vía legal y/o por las personas que representan las instituciones sociales, como lo son los/as profesionales de la salud. En este artículo abordamos el potencial rol de la psicología para servir como vehículo de reconstrucción de dichas nociones, tomando en consideración su propio rol en la formación y mantenimiento de dicho sujeto socialmente deseable. PMID:22025907

Temporal Evolution of Water Use for Thermoelectric Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reedy, R. C.; Scanlon, B. R.

2013-12-01

The long lifespan of power plants (30 - 50 yr) results in the current power plant fleet representing a legacy of past variations in fuel availability and costs, water availability and water rights, and advances in technologies, such as combined cycle plants, which impact trends in water consumption. The objective of this study was to reconstruct past water consumption and withdrawal of thermoelectric generation based on data on controls, including fuel types, generator technologies, and cooling systems, using Texas as a case study and comparing with the US. Fuel sources in Texas varied over time, from predominantly natural gas in the 1960s and early 1970s to coal and nuclear sources following the 1973 oil embargo and more recently to large increases in natural gas generation (85% increase 1998 - 2004) in response to hydraulic fracturing and low natural gas prices. The dominant generator technology in Texas was steam turbines until the early 1990s; however, combined cycle plants markedly increased in the late 1990s (400% increase 1998 - 2004). Proliferation of cooling ponds in Texas, mostly in the 1970s and 1980s (340% increase) reflects availability of large quantities of unappropriated surface water and increases in water rights permitting during this time and lower cost and higher cooling efficiency of ponds relative to wet cooling towers. Water consumption for thermoelectricity in Texas in 2010 totaled ~0.53 km3 (0.43 million acre feet, maf), accounting for ~4% of total state water consumption. High water withdrawals (32.3 km3, 26.2 maf) mostly reflect circulation between cooling ponds and power plants. About a third of the water withdrawals is not required for cooling and reflects circulation by idling plants being used as peaking plants. Controls on water consumption include (1) generator technology/thermal efficiency and (2) cooling system resulting in statewide consumption for natural gas combined cycle generators with mostly cooling towers being 60% lower than that of traditional coal, nuclear, or natural gas steam turbine generators with mostly cooling ponds. The primary control on water withdrawals is cooling system, with ~ two orders of magnitude lower withdrawals for cooling towers relative to once-through ponds statewide. Increases in natural gas combined cycle plants with cooling towers in response to high production of low-cost natural gas has greatly reduced water demand for thermoelectric cooling since 2000. A similar approach will be applied to thermoelectric generation throughout the US using information on fuel sources, generator technologies and cooling systems to better understand current water use for thermoelectric generation based on the legacy of past drivers and long lifespans of power plants. Understanding the historical evolution of water needs for thermoelectricity should allow us to better project future water needs.

Male courtship behavior in Ceratitis Capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) that have received Aromatherapy with ginger root oil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Briceno, D.; Eberhard, W.; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

The results of previous studies that showed that exposing mass-reared male Mediterranean fruit flies Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) to ginger root oil ('aromatherapy') increases the likelihood of mating with wild females were confirmed. The increased male success could be due to female responses to changes in male behavior or male pheromones. There were no significant differences in the types of courtship movements executed by males with and without aromatherapy. The durations of movements also did not differ when mass-reared males were paired with mass-reared females; however, when they were paired with wild females, there were a few, small differences. Previous studiesmore » indicated that the effectiveness of the male long-distance attractant pheromone is not affected by aromatherapy, but these studies did not consider pheromones released at close range during courtship, which behavioral analyses suggest may be different. We propose the following possible explanation for the different effects of aromatherapy with different females. Selection on males under mass rearing may have altered their close-range pheromones in ways that can be remedied by aromatherapy; and only wild females respond because the pheromonal responsiveness of mass-reared females has also changed. We propose observations that could test these ideas. (author) [Spanish] Los resultados de estudios previos que muestran que al exponer machos criados en masa de la mosca mediterranea de la fruta Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) al aceite de la raiz del jengibre ('aromaterapia') aumento la probabilidad del apareamiento con hembras naturales fueron confirmados. El aumento en el exito de los machos puede ser debido a las respuestas de las hembras a los cambios en el comportamiento o feromonas de los machos. No hubo una diferencia significativa en la clase de los movimientos del cortejo ejecutados por los machos con y sin la aromaterapia. La duracion de los movimientos tampoco fue diferente cuando los machos criados en masa fueron apareados con hembras criadas en masa; sin embargo, cuando ellos fueron apareados con hembras naturales, resultaron unas pequenas diferencias. Los estudios previos indicaron que la eficacia de la feromona atrayente de machos de larga distancia no esta afectada por la aromaterapia, pero estos estudios no consideran las feromonas sueltas en un rango corto durante el cortejo, cuando el analisis de comportamiento sugiere que puede ser diferente. Nosotros proponemos la explicacion siguiente para los efectos diferentes de la aromaterapia con las diferentes hembras. La seleccion de machos bajo condiciones de cria en masa puede haber alterado las feromonas de rango corto de manera que puede ser remediada por la aromaterapia; y solamente las hembras naturales responden por que tambien ha cambiado la respuesta de las hembras criadas en masa a la feromona. Nosotros indicamos observaciones que pueden probar estas ideas. (author)« less

The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative: A review of papers published since its inception

PubMed Central

Weiner, Michael W.; Veitch, Dallas P.; Aisen, Paul S.; Beckett, Laurel A.; Cairns, Nigel J.; Green, Robert C.; Harvey, Danielle; Jack, Clifford R.; Jagust, William; Liu, Enchi; Morris, John C.; Petersen, Ronald C.; Saykin, Andrew J.; Schmidt, Mark E.; Shaw, Leslie; Siuciak, Judith A.; Soares, Holly; Toga, Arthur W.; Trojanowski, John Q.

2012-01-01

The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is an ongoing, longitudinal, multicenter study designed to develop clinical, imaging, genetic and biochemical biomarkers for the early detection and tracking of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The study aimed to enroll 400 subjects with early mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 200 subjects with early AD and 200 normal controls and $67 million funding was provided by both the public and private sectors including the National Institutes on Aging, thirteen pharmaceutical companies and two Foundations that provided support through the Foundation for NIH (FNIH). This article reviews all papers published since the inception of the initiative and summarizes the results as of February, 2011. The major accomplishments of ADNI have been 1) the development of standardized methods for clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in a multi-center setting; 2) elucidation of the patterns and rates of change of imaging and CSF biomarker measurements in control, MCI and AD patients. CSF biomarkers are consistent with disease trajectories predicted by β amyloid (Aβ) cascade [1] and tau mediated neurodegeneration hypotheses for AD while brain atrophy and hypometabolism levels show predicted patterns but exhibit differing rates of change depending on region and disease severity; 3) the assessment of alternative methods of diagnostic categorization. Currently, the best classifiers combine optimum features from multiple modalities including MRI, FDG-PET, CSF biomarkers and clinical tests; 4) the development of methods for the early detection of AD. CSF biomarkers, Aβ42 and tau as well as amyloid PET may reflect the earliest steps in AD pathology in mildly or even non-symptomatic subjects and are leading candidates for the detection of AD in its preclinical stages; 5) the improvement of clinical trial efficiency through the identification of subjects most likely to undergo imminent future clinical decline and the use of more sensitive outcome measures to reduce sample sizes. Baseline cognitive and/or MRI measures generally predicted future decline better than other modalities whereas MRI measures of change were shown to be the most efficient outcome measures; 6) the confirmation of the AD risk loci CLU, CR1 and PICALM and the identification of novel candidate risk loci; 7) worldwide impact through the establishment of ADNI-like programs in Europe, Asia and Australia; 8) understanding the biology and pathobiology of normal aging, MCI and AD through integration of ADNI biomarker data with clinical data from ADNI to stimulate research that will resolve controversies about competing hypotheses on the etiopathogenesis of AD thereby advancing efforts to find disease modifying drugs for AD; and 9) the establishment of infrastructure to allow sharing of all raw and processed data without embargo to interested scientific investigators throughout the world. The ADNI study was extended by a two year Grand Opportunities grant in 2009 and a renewal of ADNI (ADNI2) in October, 2010 through to 2016, with enrollment of an additional 550 participants. PMID:22047634

Assessment of the Effects of Economic Sanctions on Iranians’ Right to Health by Using Human Rights Impact Assessment Tool: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Kokabisaghi, Fatemeh

2018-01-01

Background: Over the years, economic sanctions have contributed to violation of right to health in target countries. Iran has been under comprehensive unilateral economic sanctions by groups of countries (not United Nations [UN]) in recent years. They have been intensified from 2012 because of international community’s uncertainty about peaceful purpose of Iran’s nuclear program and inadequacy of trust-building actions of this country. This review aimed to identify the humanitarian effects of the sanctions on the right of Iranians to health and the obligations of Iran and international community about it. Methods: To assess economic sanction policies and identify violated rights and the obligations of states according to international human rights laws, in this study, Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIA) tool is used. Applying this tool requires collection of evidences regarding the situation of rights. To provide such evidence, a systematic review of literature which involved 55 papers retrieved from the web-based databases and official webpages of Iran’s government and UN’ health and human rights committees and organizations was done. All articles about the consequences of economic sanctions related to nuclear activities of Iran on welfare and health of Iranians published from January 2012 till February 2017 in English and Persian languages were included. Search terms were economic sanctions, embargoes, Iran, welfare, health and medicine. Additional studies were identified by cross checking the reference lists of accessed articles. All selected papers were abstracted and entered into a matrix describing study design and findings, and categorized into a framework of themes reflecting the areas covered (health and its determinants). According to HRIA framework, related obligations of Iran and other states about adverse effects of the sanctions on Iranians’ right to health were extracted. Results: The sanctions on Iran caused a fall of country’s revenues, devaluation of national currency, and increase of inflation and unemployment. These all resulted in deterioration of people’s overall welfare and lowering their ability to access the necessities of a standard life such as nutritious food, healthcare and medicine. Also, the sanctions on banking, financial system and shipment led to scarcity of quality lifesaving medicines. The impacts of sanctions were more immense on the lives of the poor, patients, women and children. Humanitarian exemptions did not protect Iranians from the adverse effects of sanctions. Conclusion: Countries which imposed economic sanctions against Iran have violated Iranians’ right to health. International community should have predicted any probable humanitarian effects of sanctions and used any necessary means to prevent it. Furthermore, Iran should have used any essential means to protect people from the adverse effects of sanctions. Now, they should work on alleviation of the negative effects of sanctions. Even though, some of the effects such as disability and death cannot be compensated. In future, before imposition of sanctions, decisions makers should advice an international order to prevent such impacts on targeted countries’ populations. PMID:29764102

Capture of Anastrepha species (Diptera: Tephritidae) with multilure traps and biolure attractants in Guatemala

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martinez, A.J.; Salinas, E.J.; Rendon, P.

Two trapping systems were compared in a study in Guatemala during the wet season, May through Dec 2001. Trap/lure combinations consisting of green or yellow-based plastic McPhail-like traps baited with a synthetic 2-component lure (putrescine and ammonium acetate) and 300 mL of propylene glycol antifreeze as a preservative were compared to the traditional glass McPhail baited with torula yeast/borax and 300 mL of water. Both systems captured several key Anastrepha species including Anastrepha ludens Loew, A. obliqua, Macquart, A. serpentina Weidemann, A. striata Schiner, A. distincta Greene, A. fraterculus Weidemann as well as Ceratitis capitata Weidemann. Additionally, 13 other Anastrephamore » spp. were captured with the synthetic lure. The plastic traps captured more key flies than the McPhail trap except for A. distincta where there were no significant differences between the yellow-based plastic trap and the McPhail trap and no significant differences between any trap and lure for trapping A. fraterculus. The synthetic lure lasted 10 weeks. The sex ratio was female-biased for almost all captured key species in both systems. Moreover, there were significant numbers of captured nontarget insects in all traps; however, the captured flies in those traps with the synthetic lure were not adversely affected by these insects. Propylene glycol-based antifreeze was a superior preservative when compared to borax/water. (author) [Spanish] En Guatemala, se compararon dos sistemas de trampeo durante la epoca lluviosa de Mayo a Deciembre, 2001. Combinaciones de trampa/atrayente que consistieron de trampas de plastico con bases verdes o amarillos y con atrayentes sinteticos (acetate de amoniaco y putrecina) fueron comparadas con el sistema de trampeo tradicional McPhail de vidrio cebada con torula y borax en agua. Los dos sistemas capturaron moscas del genero Anastrepha incluyendo Anastrepha ludens Loew, A. obliqua, Macquart, A. serpentina Weidemann, A. striata Schiner, A. distincta Greene, A. fraterculus Weidemann y Ceratitis capitata Weidemann. Ademas, se capturaron 13 especias adicionales de Anastrepha asi como Toxotrypana curvicauda Gerstaecker con el cebo sintetico. El cebo sintetico fue efectivo por diez semanas sin recebar. Las trampas de plastico capturaron mas moscas del genero Anastrepha que la trampa de cristal McPhail. Las excepciones fueron A. distincta en donde no hubo differencias el la captura con la trampa de plastico con base amarillo y la trampa McPhail de cristal asi como A. fraterculus en donde no hubo differencias comparando la captura de moscas con ambos sistemas. La proporcion sexual de las moscas capturadas con los dos sistemas fue al favor de las hembras. La captura de otros tipos de insectos fue significantemente elevado, sin embargo, las moscas capturadas con los cebos sinteticos no fueron afectados adversamente por estos insectos. El 10% del anticongelante, glicol propilico, fue superior al borax/agua como conservador de las moscas capturardas. (author)« less

Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture versus Sham Acupuncture: a Systematic Review.

PubMed

Carlos, Luís; Cruz, Lóris Aparecida Prado da; Leopoldo, Vanessa Cristina; Campos, Fabrício Ribeiro de; Almeida, Ana Maria de; Silveira, Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira

2016-08-15

to identify and synthesize the evidence from randomized clinical trials that tested the effectiveness of traditional Chinese acupuncture in relation to sham acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women with breast cancer. systematic review guided by the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Citations were searched in the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and LILACS. A combination of the following keywords was used: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, and vasomotor symptoms. a total of 272 studies were identified, five of which were selected and analyzed. Slight superiority of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture was observed; however, there were no strong statistical associations. the evidence gathered was not sufficient to affirm the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture. identificar e sintetizar as evidências oriundas de ensaios clínicos randomizados que testaram a efetividade da acupuntura tradicional chinesa em relação à sham acupuntura para o tratamento dos fogachos em mulheres com câncer de mama no climatério. revisão sistemática guiada pelas recomendações da Colaboração Cochrane. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL Cochrane, CINAHL e LILACS. Adotou-se a combinação dos descritores: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, vasomotor symptoms. foram identificados 272 estudos, sendo 5 selecionados e analisados. Foi observada discreta superioridade da acupuntura tradicional em relação à sham, entretanto, sem fortes associações estatísticas. as evidências obtidas não foram suficientes para afirmar quanto à efetividade da acupuntura tradicional em relação à sham. Identificar y sintetizar la evidencia de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado que examinó la eficacia de la acupuntura tradicional en relación a la acupuntura sham para el tratamiento de sofocos en las mujeres menopáusicas con cáncer de mama. Revisión sistemática guiada por las recomendaciones de la Colaboración Cochrane. Las referencias bibliográficas se buscaron en las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE vía PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL y LILACS. Se utilizó una combinación de las siguientes palabras clave: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, vasomotor symptoms. Se identificó un total de 272 estudios, cinco de los cuales fueron seleccionados y analizados. Se encontró una ligera superioridad de la acupuntura tradicional comparada con la acupuntura sham; sin embargo, no se encontraron asociaciones estadísticas fuertes. La evidencia obtenida no fue suficiente para confirmar la eficacia de la acupuntura tradicional comparada con la acupuntura sham.

Habitus furibundo en el gueto estadounidense1

PubMed Central

Bourgois, Philippe; Castrillo, Fernando Montero; Hart, Laurie; Karandinos, George

2014-01-01

Resumen Durante cinco años, un torbellino cotidiano de tiroteos, apuñalamientos y asaltos afectó a la venta de drogas al aire libre en el vecindario puertorriqueño de Filadelfia, donde residíamos y conducíamos nuestro trabajo de campo. La industria de los narcóticos ha venido a llenar el vacío que dejó la desindustrialización, convirtiendo al antiguo distrito fabril de la ciudad en un mercado de narcóticos a cielo abierto que emplea en sus niveles más bajos a jóvenes puertorriqueños y cuyos clientes son principalmente heroinómanos blancos de bajos recursos. La capacidad para movilizar la furia asegura el éxito en la economía de las drogas, garantiza protección en las cárceles y le provee un ingreso mínimo a una población de bajos recursos estigmatizada cuyos miembros frecuentemente reciben diagnósticos médicos de discapacidad cognitiva. Muchos residentes buscan alianzas en redes sociales que los comprometen a participar en intercambios solidarios de violencia auxiliar. Una dinámica de acumulación primitiva corporizada mata, hiere, discapacita o encarcela a la mayoría de estos empleados de bajo nivel y a sus clientes. Los inflados márgenes de ganancia alrededor de esta dinámica dependen de la violencia y la coerción. Un habitus furibundo impulsa a los vendedores callejeros a defender violentamente el micro monopolio de poder de sus jefes en la economía subterránea como si fuese un asunto de diversión. Estos miembros de los niveles más bajos de la industria del narcotráfico se apresuran a fraguar transacciones comerciales en ausencia de un marco legal en un ambiente de escasez que sin embargo se ve inundado por enormes flujos de dinero, drogas adictivas y armas automáticas. Tras las drásticas reformas a los programas de seguridad social, la mano izquierda del Estado, en la forma de los servicios sociales, intenta prolongar los subsidios para individuos vulnerables diagnosticándolos como discapacitados cognitivos permanentes necesitados de fuerte medicación farmacéutica. La mejor manera de asegurar la continuidad de este frágil subsidio resulta ser los estallidos periódicos de violencia autoinfligida. Simultáneamente, con la anuencia de la mano derecha del Estado, en las cárceles violentas y hacinadas marcadas por formas hostiles de supervisión, la furia se convierte en una valiosa estrategia de protección física para los internos. En resumen, la violencia expresiva se convierte en una base práctica para el sostenimiento económico y para forjar el sentido de dignidad entre hombres y mujeres. PMID:24532976

Speaking, writing, and memory span in children: output modality affects cognitive performance.

PubMed

Grabowski, Joachim

2010-02-01

Low-level processes of children's written language production are cognitively more costly than those involved in speaking. This has been shown by French authors who compared oral and written memory span performance. The observed difficulties of children's, but not of adults' low-level processes in writing may stem from graphomotoric as well as from orthographic inadequacies. We report on five experiments designed to replicate and expand the original results. First, the French results were successfully replicated for German third-graders, and for university students. Then, the developmental changes of the cognitive costs of writing were examined during primary school, comparing the performance of second- and fourth-graders. Next, we show that unpractised writing modes, which were experimentally induced, also lead to a decrease of memory performance in adults, which supports the assumption that a lack of graphomotoric automation is responsible for the observed effects in children. However, unpractised handwriting yields clearer results than unpractised typing. Lastly, we try to separate the influences of graphomotoric as opposed to orthographic difficulties by having the words composed through pointing on a "spelling board". This attempt, however, has not been successful, probably because the pointing to letters introduced other low-level costs. In sum, throughout the four years of primary school, German children show worse memory span performance in writing compared to oral recall, with an overall increase in both modalities. Thus, writing had not fully caught up with speaking regarding the implied cognitive costs by the end of primary school. Therefore, conclusions relate to the question of how to assess properly any kind of knowledge and abilities through language production. Los procesos de bajo nivel en la producción de lenguaje escrito en niños son más costosos a nivel cognitivo que los que están implicados en el habla. Esto ha sido demostrado por autores franceses quiénes compararon la ejecución en la capacidad de retención en la memoria oral y escrita. Las dificultades observadas en niños, pero no en adultos, en procesos de bajo nivel en la escritura pueden derivarse de la inadecuación grafomotriz u ortográfica. Informamos sobre cinco experimentos diseñados para replicar y ampliar los resultados originales. Primero, los resultados franceses fueron replicados con éxito para alemanes en tercer curso y para estudiantes universitarios. Después, los cambios evolutivos en costes cognitivos en la escritura fueron estudiados durante la educación primaria, comparando la ejecución de los alumnos del segundo y cuarto curso. Posteriormente, demostramos que las formas de escribir no practicadas, que se han inducido experimentalmente, conducen a la disminución de la ejecución en la memoria también en adultos, lo cual apoya la hipótesis de que la falta de la automatización grafomotriz es la responsable de los efectos encontrados en niños. Sin embargo, la escritura a mano muestra resultados más claros que la escritura a máquina. Por último, hemos intentado separar la influencia de la grafomotricidad frente a las dificultades ortográficas componiendo las palabras señalando en una "pizarra de ortografía". Este intento, sin embargo, no ha tenido éxito, probablemente porque señalar letras ha introducido otros costes de bajo nivel. Resumiendo, a lo largo de los cuatro años de la educación primaria, los niños alemanes muestran peor ejecución en retención en memoria en la escritura, en comparación con el recuerdo oral, con un incremento general en ambas modalidades. Por tanto, al final de la educación primaria, la escritura no ha igualado todavía el habla en cuanto a los costes cognitivos. Por consiguiente, las conclusiones están relacionadas con la cuestión de cómo evaluar cualquier tipo de conocimiento o habilidades mediante la producción de lenguaje. Les processus de bas niveau de la production du langage écrit chez les enfants sont cognitivement plus coûteux que ceux impliqués dans le langage parlé. Ceci a été démontré par des auteurs français qui ont comparé la performance de l'étendue de la mémoire orale et écrite. L'observation de difficultés dans les processus de bas niveau dans l'écriture chez les enfants, et non chez les adultes, pourrait être due aux inadéquations graphomotoriques et orthographiques. Nous rapportons cinq expérimentations dont le but était de répliquer et d'élargir les résultats originaux. Premièrement, les résultats français ont été répliqués avec succès pour les élèves allemands de troisième année et pour les étudiants universitaires. Ensuite, les changements développmentaux des coûts cognitifs de l'écriture ont été examinés à l'école primaire en comparant la performance des élèves de deuxième et de quatrième années. Par la suite, nous avons montré que les modes d'écriture non pratiqués qui étaient expérimentalement induits indiquent une diminution de la performance de la mémoire, chez les adults aussi, ce qui supporte la supposition qu'un manque d'automatisme graphomotorique est responsable des effets observés chez les enfants. Cependant, une écriture à la main sans entraînement mène à des résultats plus claires que la dactylographie sans entraînement. Enfin, nous avons tenté de séparer les influences des difficultés graphomotoriques versus difficultés orthographiques à travers la composition des mots en les indiquant sur un tableau d'ortographe. Cependant, cette tentative n'a pas réussi, probablement à cause du fait d'indiquer les lettres présente d'autres coûts dont le niveau est bas. En résumé, à travers les quatre années de l'école primaire, les enfants allemands montrent une pire performance de l'étendue de mémoire dans l'écriture, en comparaison au rappel oral, avec une augmentation globale dans les deux modalités. Ainsi, toujours à la fin de l'école primaire, l'écriture n'a pas rattrapé l'expression orale en ce qui concerne les coûts cognitifs implicites. Par conséquent, les conclusions se rapportent à la question de comment évaluer correctement n'importe quel type de connaissances et d'habiletés à travers la production du langage.

Managing Proliferation Issues with Iran

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nelson, C. Richard; Saltiel, David H.

2002-02-15

Any government in Tehran will be inclined to seek weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and missile delivery options given the realities of its strategic environment. These weapons might help Iran to deter potential external threats, to achieve equality with other major regional powers armed with WMD, and to attain self-reliance in national security, given the isolating experience of arms embargoes. A more pluralist leadership in the future, however, may examine broader choices and trade-offs, and perhaps be less likely to cross key thresholds in WMD acquisition. In any event, Iran's WMD behavior is likely to be determined by both externalmore » factors, mainly the availability of crucial components, and internal factors, including calculations of costs, risks, and benefits. Among the benefits, psychological factors, such as prestige, will play an important role. Other important factors that might well shape Iran's WMD behavior include developments in Iraq, relations with the United States and other Gulf states, Israeli-Palestinian relations and the future price of oil. This paper offers recommendations on how the United States can best hope to influence Iranian decisions regarding the acquisition of WMD and missile delivery systems if the United States decides to pursue more direct engagement with Tehran. An engagement-nonproliferation strategy should involve at least three types of parallel efforts: public, private and indirect. Public efforts should seek to create a more positive, less-threatening image of the United States among opinion leaders in Iran. Private efforts should seek to determine the purposes, nature and extent of Iran's efforts to develop WMD and missiles and to suggest better alternatives for Iran's security and prestige needs. Indirect efforts should involve key third countries and organizations in an attempt both to address Iran's security concerns and to deny Iran access to critical WMD and missile technology and components. Russian policy, in particular, will continue to play a vital role in determining the extent to which Iran is able to pursue WMD options. Without a fundamental change in the regional security environment, however, there is little reason to expect changes in Iranian WMD and missile policies, and the United States, acting alone and short of war, cannot prevent Iran from ultimately developing WMD and delivery systems. Furthermore, U.S. policies that take a tougher line with Russia, China and North Korea are not likely to lead to more restraint among these potential sources of WMD and missile technology. In the absence of engagement with Iran, unilateral U.S. economic sanctions will remain the principal, if flawed, U.S. policy tool for seeking to prevent Iran from acquiring WMD. The rationale is that by discouraging trade and investment, particularly in Iran's energy sector, the government of Iran will have less revenue to pursue proliferation. Without broad international support for economic isolation, however, such an effort may hinder Iran's WMD programs, though it cannot block them. Finally, options are needed to deal with major failures in nonproliferation efforts. These options include measures to deter Iranian use of WMD, to defend against their use if deterrence fails, and to destroy Iranian WMD capabilities should the need arise.« less

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative: A review of papers published since its inception

PubMed Central

Weiner, Michael W.; Veitch, Dallas P.; Aisen, Paul S.; Beckett, Laurel A.; Cairns, Nigel J.; Green, Robert C.; Harvey, Danielle; Jack, Clifford R.; Jagust, William; Liu, Enchi; Morris, John C.; Petersen, Ronald C.; Saykin, Andrew J.; Schmidt, Mark E.; Shaw, Leslie; Shen, Li; Siuciak, Judith A.; Soares, Holly; Toga, Arthur W.; Trojanowski, John Q.

2014-01-01

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is an ongoing, longitudinal, multicenter study designed to develop clinical, imaging, genetic, and biochemical biomarkers for the early detection and tracking of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study aimed to enroll 400 subjects with early mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 200 subjects with early AD, and 200 normal control subjects; $67 million funding was provided by both the public and private sectors, including the National Institute on Aging, 13 pharmaceutical companies, and 2 foundations that provided support through the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. This article reviews all papers published since the inception of the initiative and summarizes the results as of February 2011. The major accomplishments of ADNI have been as follows: (1) the development of standardized methods for clinical tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in a multicenter setting; (2) elucidation of the patterns and rates of change of imaging and CSF biomarker measurements in control subjects, MCI patients, and AD patients. CSF biomarkers are consistent with disease trajectories predicted by β-amyloid cascade (Hardy, J Alzheimers Dis 2006;9(Suppl 3):151–3) and tau-mediated neurodegeneration hypotheses for AD, whereas brain atrophy and hypometabolism levels show predicted patterns but exhibit differing rates of change depending on region and disease severity; (3) the assessment of alternative methods of diagnostic categorization. Currently, the best classifiers combine optimum features from multiple modalities, including MRI, [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, CSF biomarkers, and clinical tests; (4) the development of methods for the early detection of AD. CSF biomarkers, β-amyloid 42 and tau, as well as amyloid PET may reflect the earliest steps in AD pathology in mildly symptomatic or even nonsymptomatic subjects, and are leading candidates for the detection of AD in its preclinical stages; (5) the improvement of clinical trial efficiency through the identification of subjects most likely to undergo imminent future clinical decline and the use of more sensitive outcome measures to reduce sample sizes. Baseline cognitive and/or MRI measures generally predicted future decline better than other modalities, whereas MRI measures of change were shown to be the most efficient outcome measures; (6) the confirmation of the AD risk loci CLU, CR1, and PICALM and the identification of novel candidate risk loci; (7) worldwide impact through the establishment of ADNI-like programs in Europe, Asia, and Australia; (8) understanding the biology and pathobiology of normal aging, MCI, and AD through integration of ADNI biomarker data with clinical data from ADNI to stimulate research that will resolve controversies about competing hypotheses on the etiopathogenesis of AD, thereby advancing efforts to find disease-modifying drugs for AD; and (9) the establishment of infrastructure to allow sharing of all raw and processed data without embargo to interested scientific investigators throughout the world. The ADNI study was extended by a 2-year Grand Opportunities grant in 2009 and a renewal of ADNI (ADNI-2) in October 2010 through to 2016, with enrollment of an additional 550 participants. PMID:23932184

Education Through Aerospace Components. (Spanish Title: Educación Através de Elementos Aeroespaciales.) Educação Através de Elementos Aeroespaciais

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbosa Loureda, Oswaldo; Sobral de Araújo, Jéssyca B.

2008-12-01

Education is a field that needs development. For such purposes, there are various methods and tools that suggest ideas in favor of the improvement of the Brazilian people in the pedagogical, psychological and cultural aspects. Teaching is an act that demands a lot of care and responsibility; the behavior and performance of an individual in the society is the result of way that people was educated. However, the area of hard sciences demands a special attention, because the acquired knowledge is essential for the personal development of the individual and the technological future of the country. As an alternative or complementary tool for education it is suggested the use of aerospace element, since they show a vast amount of subjects qualitatively dealing with abilities of great importance for the future professional life of the students. A new Race happens, however this time the goal is not the Moon, but knowledge. El área educacional es un campo que necesita desarrollo. Para esto se dispone de diversos métodos y medios que pueden implantar ideas en pro del avance del pueblo brasilero en los aspectos pedagógicos, psicológicos y culturales. Alfabetizar es un acto que exige mucho cuidado y responsabilidad; el comportamento y desempeño de un individuo en la sociedad es el resultado de la manera en que fue educado. En particular, el área de ciencias exactas exige especial atención, pues los conocimientos adquiridos son imprescindibles para el desarrollo personal del individuo y también para el futuro tecnológico del País. Como medio alternativo o complementar de enseñanza se sugiere el uso de elementos aeroespaciales, debido a que compreende una vasta cantidad de disciplinas cualitativamente involucradas en la adquisición de habilidades de gran importancia para su vida profesional futura. Una nueva Carrera está em marcha, sin embargo esta vez la meta no es la Luna, sino el conocimiento. A área educacional é um campo que necessita de desenvolvimento. Para tal, dispõe-se de diversos métodos e meios que vêm implantar idéias em prol do avanço do povo brasileiro nos aspectos pedagógicos, psicológicos e culturais. Alfabetizar é um ato que exige muito cuidado e responsabilidade; o comportamento e desempenho de um indivíduo na sociedade é resultado da maneira com que ele foi instruído. Contudo, a área de exatas exige especial atenção, pois os conhecimentos adquiridos são imprescindíveis para o desenvolvimento pessoal do individuo, assim como para o futuro tecnológico do País. Como meio alternativo ou complementar de ensino é sugerido o uso de elementos aeroespaciais, devido ao fato de comportar uma vasta quantidade e qualidade de disciplinas envolvidas respectivamente com competências de grande importância para sua vida profissional futura. Uma nova Corrida acontece, porém dessa vez a meta não é a Lua e sim o conhecimento.

A Digital Knowledge Preservation Platform for Environmental Sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguilar Gómez, Fernando; de Lucas, Jesús Marco; Pertinez, Esther; Palacio, Aida; Perez, David

2017-04-01

The Digital Knowledge Preservation Platform is the evolution of a pilot project for Open Data supporting the full research data life cycle. It is currently being evolved at IFCA (Instituto de Física de Cantabria) as a combination of different open tools that have been extended: DMPTool (https://dmptool.org/) with pilot semantics features (RDF export, parameters definition), INVENIO (http://invenio-software.org/ ) customized version to integrate the entire research data life cycle and Jupyter (http://jupyter.org/) as processing tool and reproducibility environment. This complete platform aims to provide an integrated environment for research data management following the FAIR+R principles: -Findable: The Web portal based on Invenio provides a search engine and all elements including metadata to make them easily findable. -Accessible: Both data and software are available online with internal PIDs and DOIs (provided by Datacite). -Interoperable: Datasets can be combined to perform new analysis. The OAI-PMH standard is also integrated. -Re-usable: different licenses types and embargo periods can be defined. -+Reproducible: directly integrated with cloud computing resources. The deployment of the entire system over a Cloud framework helps to build a dynamic and scalable solution, not only for managing open datasets but also as a useful tool for the final user, who is able to directly process and analyse the open data. In parallel, the direct use of semantics and metadata is being explored and integrated in the framework. Ontologies, being a knowledge representation, can contribute to define the elements and relationships of the research data life cycle, including DMP, datasets, software, etc. The first advantage of developing an ontology of a knowledge domain is that they provide a common vocabulary hierarchy (i.e. a conceptual schema) that can be used and standardized by all the agents interested in the domain (either humans or machines). This way of using ontologies is one of the basis of the Semantic Web, where ontologies are set to play a key role in establishing a common terminology between agents. To develop the ontology we are using a graphical tool called Protégé. Protégé is a graphical ontology-development tool which supports a rich knowledge model and it is open-source and freely available. However in order to process and manage the ontology from the web framework, we are using Semantic MediaWiki, which is able to process queries. Semantic MediaWiki is an extension of MediaWiki where we can do semantic search and export data in RDF and CSV format. This system is used as a testbed for the potential use of semantics in a more general environment. This Digital Knowledge Preservation Platform is very closed related to INDIGO-DataCloud project (https://www.indigo-datacloud.eu) since the same data life cycle approach is taking into account (Planning, Collect, Curate, Analyze, Publish, Preserve). INDIGO-DataCloud solutions will be able to support all the different elements in the system, as we showed in the last Research Data Alliance Plenary. This presentation will show the different elements on the system and how they work, as well as the roadmap of their continuous integration.

Breakfast of champions or kiss of death? Survival and sexual performance of protein-fed, sterile Mediterranean fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yuval, B.; Maor, M.; Levy, K.

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is increasingly being used around the world to control Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), the Mediterranean fruit fly as part of an area-wide integrated approach. One option that may improve the effectiveness of the SIT, by increasing the sexual competitiveness of released sterile males, consists of feeding males protein during the post-teneral stage, a diet that increases sexual performance of wild males. We examine the effects of diet on the successive hurdles males must overcome in order to inseminate females, i.e., joining leks, copulating females, having their sperm stored and inhibition of female remating. Inmore » addition, we address the effects of diet on post-release foraging success, longevity, and the ability to withstand starvation. While protein feeding universally increases the sexual success of wild males, its effect on sterile males varies with strain, experimental settings, and environmental conditions. In some cases, treatments that resulted in the best sexual performance were significantly associated with increased vulnerability to starvation. However, no particular diet affected the ability of sterile males to find nutrients in the field when these where available. We suggest it may be better to release relatively short-lived flies that are highly competitive, rather than long-lived, sexually ineffective ones. (author) [Spanish] El uso de la tecnica de insecto esteril (TIE) esta aumentando alrededor del mundo para el control de Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), la mosca mediterranea de la fruta como parte de un enfoque integrado por toda el area. Una opcion que puede mejorar la eficiencia de TIE, por medio del aumento de la capacidad de los machos esteriles liberados para competir, consiste en la alimentacion de los machos con proteina durante la etapa de pos-teneral, una dieta que aumenta el desempeno sexual de los machos naturales. Nosotros examinamos los efectos de la dieta sobre los obstaculos sucesivos que los machos tienen que superar para inseminar las hembras, i.e., unir con otros machos en areas para el apareamiento, copula de las hembras, almacenar esperma e inhibir el re-apareamiento de hembras. Ademas discutimos los efectos de la dieta sobre el exito de su actividad forrajera despues de ser liberados, la longevidad y la habilidad para aguantar la inanicion. Mientras que la alimentacion con proteina universalmente aumentan el exito sexual de los machos naturales, su efecto sobre los machos esteriles varia segun la raza, el lugar de los experimentos y las condiciones ambientales. En algunos casos, los tratamientos que resultaron con mejor desempeno sexual fueron asociados significativamente con el aumento de la vulnerabilidad a la inanicion. Sin embargo, ninguna dieta en particular afecto la habilidad de los machos esteriles para encontrar nutrientes en el campo cuando fueron disponibles. Nosotros sugerimos que puede ser mejor el liberar moscas que tienen una vida relativamente corta y que son mas competidoras, en vez de moscas que tienen una vida larga y sexualmente inefectiva. (author)« less

Access and preservation of digital research content: Linked open data services - A research library perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kraft, Angelina; Sens, Irina; Löwe, Peter; Dreyer, Britta

2016-04-01

Globally resolvable, persistent digital identifiers have become an essential tool to enable unambiguous links between published research results and their underlying digital resources. In addition, this unambiguous identification allows citation. In an ideal research world, any scientific content should be citable and the coherent content, as well as the citation itself, should be persistent. However, today's scientists do not just produce traditional research papers - they produce comprehensive digital collections of objects which, alongside digital texts, include digital resources such as research data, audiovisual media, digital lab journals, images, statistics and software code. Researchers start to look for services which allow management of these digital resources with minimum time investment. In light of this, we show how the German National Library of Science and Technology (TIB) develops supportive frameworks to accompany the life cycle of scientific knowledge generation and transfer. This includes technical infrastructures for • indexing, cataloguing, digital preservation, DOI names and licencing for text and digital objects (the TIB DOI registration, active since 2004) and • a digital repository for the deposition and provision of accessible, traceable and citeable research data (RADAR). One particular problem for the management of data originating from (collaborating) research infrastructures is their dynamic nature in terms of growth, access rights and quality. On a global scale, systems for access and preservation are in place for the big data domains (e.g. environmental sciences, space, climate). However, the stewardship for disciplines without a tradition of data sharing, including the fields of the so-called long tail, remains uncertain. The RADAR - Research Data Repository - project establishes a generic end-point data repository, which can be used in a collaborative way. RADAR enables clients to upload, edit, structure and describe their (collaborative) data in an organizational workspace. In such a workspace, administrators and curators can manage access and editorial rights before the data enters the preservation and optional publication phase. RADAR applies different PID strategies for closed vs. open data. For closed datasets, RADAR uses handles as identifiers and offers format-independent data preservation between 5 and 15 years, which can also be prolonged. By default, preserved data are only available to the respective data curators, which may selectively grant other researches access to preserved data. For open datasets, RADAR provides a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to enable researchers to clearly reference and reuse data and to guarantee data accessibility. RADAR offers the publication service of research data together with format-independent data preservation for an unlimited time period. Each published dataset can be enriched with discipline-specific metadata and an optional embargo period can be specified. With these two services, RADAR aims to meet demands from a broad range of specialized research disciplines: To provide a secure, citable data storage and citability for researchers which need to retain restricted access to data on one hand, and an e-infrastructure which allows for research data to be stored, found, managed, annotated, cited, curated and published in a digital platform available 24/7, on the other.

Quality control method to measure predator evasion in wild and mass-reared Mediterranean fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hendrichs, M.; Wornoayporn, V.; Hendrichs, J.

Sterile male insects, mass-reared and released as part of sterile insect technique (SIT) programs, must survive long enough in the field to mature sexually and compete effectively with wild males for wild females. An often reported problem in Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) SIT programs is that numbers of released sterile males decrease rapidly in the field for various reasons, including losses to different types of predators. This is a serious issue in view that most operational programs release sterile flies at an age when they are still immature. Previous field and field-cage tests have confirmed that fliesmore » of laboratory strains are less able to evade predators than wild flies. Such tests involve, however, considerable manipulation and observation of predators and are therefore not suitable for routine measurements of predator evasion. Here we describe a simple quality control method with aspirators to measure agility in medflies and show that this parameter is related to the capacity of flies to evade predators. Although further standardization of the test is necessary to allow more accurate inter-strain comparisons, results confirm the relevance of measuring predator evasion in mass-reared medfly strains. Besides being a measure of this sterile male quality parameter, the described method could be used for the systematic selection of strains with a higher capacity for predator evasion. (author) [Spanish] Insectos machos esteriles criados en forma masiva para ser liberados en programas que utilizan la tecnica del insecto esteril (TIE), tienen que tener la capacidad de sobrevivir en el campo el tiempo necesario para poder madurar sexualmente y competir efectivamente con los machos silvestres por hembras silvestres. Un problema frecuentemente reportado por dichos programas de la mosca del Mediterraneo, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), es que el numero de machos esteriles de laboratorio liberados en el campo, decrecen rapidamente por varias razones, incluyendo perdidas debidas a diferentes tipos de depredadores. Estudios anteriores conducidos en el campo, y en jaulas de campo, han confirmado que las cepas de machos de laboratorio tienen menos capacidad de evadir depredadores que los machos silvestres. Estos estudios involucran, sin embargo, una considerable cantidad de manipulacion y observacion de depredadores, por lo que no son adecuados para ser usados como medidas rutinarias en los programas de cria masiva. Aqui describimos un metodo sencillo de control de calidad usando aspiradores para medir agilidad en la mosca del Mediterraneo y mostramos que este parametro esta relacionado a la capacidad de la moscas a evadir a depredadores. Aunque aun es necesario refinar la estandarizacion de este metodo para permitir la comparacion entre cepas, los resultados confirman la importancia de tener un metodo rutinario para medir la capacidad de evasion de depredadores en cepas de cria de laboratorio de la mosca del Mediterraneo. Ademas de medir este parametro de control de calidad de los machos esteriles, el metodo descrito podria tambien ser usado para la seleccion sistematica de cepas con una mayor capacidad de evasion de depredadores. (author)« less

Biochemical polymorphisms in Spanish Avileña-Negra Iberica cattle.

PubMed

Arranz, J J; Bayón, Y; Medjugorac, I; Primitivo, F

1994-01-12

Thirteen biochemical blood polymorphisms were analysed in a population of 149 Spanish Avileña-Negra Ibérica cattle. The study revealed variation at the following nine loci: HBB, CA, NP, CP, AMY1, ALB, GC, TF and PTF2. The following systems were monomorphic: CAT, DIA1, MDH1 and ME1. Using polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, a slow, migrating pair of bands was found in the GC protein system. This pattern is probably controlled by the GC(C) allele, described in only a few cases in cattle. Furthermore, starch-gel electrophoresis allowed the detection of a variant with intermediate mobility between the ALB(A) and the ALB(B) alleles at the albumin locus. A variant with a similar electrophoretic pattern has occasionally been reported in cattle. However, utilizing IEF under denaturing conditions, such a variant could not be differentiated from the ALB(A) allele and thus its significance is not clear. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Biochemischer Polymorphismus in spanischen Avileña-Negra Iberica Rindern Insgesamt 13 biochemische Systeme wurden in einer Population von 149 spanischen Avilena-Negra-Iberika-Rindern hinsichtlich Polymorphismus analysiert. Es zeigten sich Varianten bei folgenden Loci: HBB, CA, NP, CP, AMY1, ANB, GC, TF und BTF2, während CAT, DEA, MDH1 und ME1 monomorph sind. Bei stärke Gel-Elektrophorese wurde im Albumin-Locus eine Variante mit intermediärer Mobilität zwischen ALB(A) und ÄLB(B) Allel entdeckt. Eine solche Variante wurde bisher nur sehr selten bei Rindern beobachtet. Darüber hinaus wurde bei Polyacrylamid-Gel-Elektrophorese ein langsam wanderndes Paar von Bändern im GC-Proteinsystem gefunden. Dieses Muster ist wahrscheinlich von dem selten vorkommenden GC(C) -Allel verursacht. RESUMEN: Se analizaron trece polimorfismos bioquímicos sanguíneos en una población de 149 animales de la raza Avileña-Negra Ibérica de ganado vacuno. El estudio reveló la existencia de variación en los nueve loci siguientes: HBB, CA, NP, CP, AMY1, ALB, GC, TF y PTF2. Fueron monomórficos los sistemas siguientes: CAT, DIA1, MDH1 y ME1. Utilizando eletroforesis en gel de poliacrilamida se encontró un par de bandas de migración lenta en el sistema de la proteína GC. Este patrón probablemente está controlado por el infrecuente alelo GC(C) , descrito en unos pocos casos en el ganado vacuno. Además, la electroforesis en gel de almidón permitió detectar en el locus de la albúmina una banda con movilidad intermedia entre los alelos ALB(A) y ALB(B) . Una variante con un patrón electroforético similar ha sido descrita en muy pocas ocasiones en el ganado vacuno. Sin embargo, la utilización de IEF en condiciones desnaturalizantes no permitió diferenciar esta variante del alelo ALB(A) y, por lo tanto, el significado de la misma no está claro. 1994 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Research Enabled through Eighteen Years of Geodesy Data Sharing by the UNAVCO Data Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boler, F. M.; Meertens, C. M.; Kreemer, C. W.; Blewitt, G.

2009-12-01

UNAVCO, the NSF and NASA-funded facility that supports and promotes Earth science by advancing high-precision techniques for the measurement of crustal deformation, has operated a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data archive since 1992. UNAVCO’s Data Policy includes immediate open access to data from continuous GNSS stations and open access after a 2-year embargo period for campaign data. Presently, the GNSS archive holds 3,500,000 files of data, taken principally at a large and growing globally-distributed set of permanent high precision GNSS stations. Each day on average 2,000 new files are archived and 33,000 files are distributed. The spatial and temporal resolution now available for GNSS data enables quantification of motions of the Earth’s crust at all scales with unprecedented detail and precision, leading to fundamental discoveries in plate boundary processes, continental deformation, earthquake processes, magmatic systems, and global and regional hydrological mass movements. The Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) is the UNAVCO-operated 1100-station geodesy component of EarthScope that studies the three-dimensional strain field resulting from active plate boundary deformation across the western US. Processing of the entire set of data by the PBO Analysis Centers (MIT, New Mexico Tech and Central Washington U.) has added position time series to the open GNSS data products available from the UNAVCO Data Center. This data set forms the basis for an overarching analysis of various non-tectonic processes, such as the effect of soil moisture on multi-path. With the ultimate goal of understanding tectonic and magmatic motions, the ability to model these signals and remove them to further elucidate the tectonic signal alone is crucial. GNSS data are also leading to global strain-rate maps with unprecedented resolution, which allow an integrated description of the surface kinematics accounting for rigid plates and plate boundary zone deformation [Kreemer et al., 2003]. An important contribution to these analyses for the Great Basin is MAGNET, a 307-station array operated by the University of Nevada with 30-50 active stations per day since 2004 [Blewitt et al., 2004]. The simultaneous increase in GNSS data and analysis expertise now allows for routine global analysis of many thousands of GNSS stations. Such analysis ensures that all phase ambiguities are fixed and that common-mode errors are significantly reduced and thereby allow for increased spatial and temporal resolution for strain-rate models and other solid-earth investigations. These examples highlight two research areas where exciting advances are built upon the GNSS data available from the UNAVCO Data Center. The continued open availability of GNSS data will provide an invaluable resource for refinement of current understanding of geodesy and completely new discoveries into the future. Blewitt, G., C. Kreemer, and W.C. Hammond (2009). Geodetic observation of contemporary deformation in the northern Walker Lane: 1. Semipermanent GPS strategy, p. 1-15, doi: 10.1130/2009.2447(03). Kreemer, C., W.E. Holt, and A.J. Haines, An integrated global model of present-day plate motions and plate boundary deformation, Geophys. J. Int., 154, 8-34, 2003.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of the smear test and its relation with female age.

PubMed

Silveira, Nara Sibério Pinho; Vasconcelos, Camila Teixeira Moreira; Nicolau, Ana Izabel Oliveira; Oriá, Mônica Oliveira Batista; Pinheiro, Patricia Neyva da Costa; Pinheiro, Ana Karina Bezerra

2016-06-14

to verify the association among the knowledge attitude and practice of women in relation to the smear test and the age range. a cross-sectional research was undertaken, associated with the knowledge, attitude and practice survey at a Primary Health Care service. The sample consisted of 775 women, distributed in three age ranges: adolescent, young and elderly. although high rates of inappropriate knowledge were found in all age ranges, it was significantly higher among the adolescents (p=0.000). A similar trend was found in the attitude component, with percentages of inappropriateness in adolescence that drop as age advances (p=0.000). Nevertheless, no statistical difference among the groups was found in terms of practice (p=0.852). the study demonstrated a relation between the age range and knowledge, attitude and practice of the smear test. verificar a associação entre o conhecimento, atitude e prática de mulheres em relação ao exame colpocitológico e a faixa etária. trata-se de pesquisa de corte transversal associada ao inquérito conhecimento, atitude e prática, em uma Unidade de Atenção Primária à Saúde. A amostra foi composta por 775 mulheres, distribuídas em três faixas etárias: adolescentes, jovens e idosas. embora o conhecimento inadequado tenha tido altas taxas em todas as faixas etárias, foi significativamente superior entre as adolescentes (p=0,000). Tendência semelhante no componente atitude por apresentar percentuais de inadequabilidade na adolescência e decair com o avançar da idade (p=0,000). Todavia, não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos quanto à prática (p=0,852). o estudo demonstrou relação entre a faixa etária e o conhecimento, a atitude e a prática do exame colpocitológico. verificar la asociación entre el conocimiento, la actitud y práctica de mujeres con relación a la prueba colpocitológica y el rango de edad. se trata de investigación trasversal asociada a la encuesta conocimiento, actitud y práctica, en una Unidad de Atención Primaria de Salud. La muestra abarcó a 775 mujeres, distribuidas en tres rangos de edad: adolescentes, jóvenes y ancianas. aunque el conocimiento inadecuado tenga mostrada altas tasas en todos los rangos de edad, fue significativamente superior entre las adolescentes (p=0,000). Tendencia semejante en el componente actitud, debido a porcentajes de inadecuación en la adolescencia, disminuyendo con el avance de la edad (p=0,000). Sin embargo, no fue encontrada diferencia estadística entre los grupos respecto a la práctica (p=0,852). el estudio demostró relación entre el rango de edad y el conocimiento, la actitud y la práctica de la prueba colpocitológica.

Eco-environmental problems and effective utilization of water resources in the Kashi Plain, western Terim Basin, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Nian-Feng; Tang, Jie; Han, Feng-Xiang

2001-02-01

Since ancient times, water resources, mainly from melting snow in the high mountains, have nourished a large area of an oasis in the Kashi Plain in the western Terim Basin, China. In the last half-century, however, the rapid growth of population and the overexploitation of water, soil, and biological resources have led to drought, salinization, and desertification in the area, and consequently have hindered the development of sustainable agriculture. In this study, groundwater reservoirs with sustainable water supplies equivalent to 44.65×108 m3/year were identified, which has made it possible to implement several projects in the area to improve the ecological and agricultural environment. Three strategies are proposed for the integrated development and management of both surface-water and groundwater resources in the area. Résumé. Depuis des temps anciens, les ressources en eaux, provenant surtout de la fonte des neiges en montagne, ont alimenté une large part d'une oasis de la plaine de Kashi, dans le bassin occidental de Terim (Chine). Au cours des derniers cinquante ans, toutefois, l'accroissement rapide de la population et la surexploitation de l'eau, des sols et des ressources biologiques ont provoqué la sécheresse, la salinisation et la désertification de la région cela a eu pour conséquence d'entraver le développement d'une agriculture durable. Cette étude identifie les réserves en eau souterraine, susceptibles de fournir durablement 44,65×108 m3/an, ce qui a permis de réaliser plusieurs projets dans cette région pour améliorer l'environnement écologique et agricole. Trois stratégies sont proposées pour le développement intégré et la gestion simultanée des ressources en eau de surface et en eau souterraine de cette région. Resumen. Los recursos hídricos, procedentes fundamentalmente del deshielo en alta montaña, han nutrido desde tiempo inmemorial una gran área de un oasis situado en las llanuras de Kashi, en la cuenca occidental de Terim (China). Sin embargo, en la última mitad de siglo, el rápido aumento de población y la sobreexplotación de los recursos hídricos, pedológicos y biológicos han producido la sequía, salinización y desertificación en la zona, y, por consiguiente, han obstaculizado el desarrollo de una agricultura sostenible. En este estudio, se identificaron reservorios de agua subterránea con unos recursos equivalentes a 44,65×108 m3/a, hecho que ha permitido establecer varios proyectos en el área para mejorar el medio ambiente ecológico y agrícola. Se proponen tres estrategias para el desarrollo integrado y la gestión en la zona, tanto de los recursos superficiales como de los subterráneos.

Assessment of the Effects of Economic Sanctions on Iranians' Right to Health by Using Human Rights Impact Assessment Tool: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Kokabisaghi, Fatemeh

2018-01-20

Over the years, economic sanctions have contributed to violation of right to health in target countries. Iran has been under comprehensive unilateral economic sanctions by groups of countries (not United Nations [UN]) in recent years. They have been intensified from 2012 because of international community's uncertainty about peaceful purpose of Iran's nuclear program and inadequacy of trust-building actions of this country. This review aimed to identify the humanitarian effects of the sanctions on the right of Iranians to health and the obligations of Iran and international community about it. To assess economic sanction policies and identify violated rights and the obligations of states according to international human rights laws, in this study, Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIA) tool is used. Applying this tool requires collection of evidences regarding the situation of rights. To provide such evidence, a systematic review of literature which involved 55 papers retrieved from the web-based databases and official webpages of Iran's government and UN' health and human rights committees and organizations was done. All articles about the consequences of economic sanctions related to nuclear activities of Iran on welfare and health of Iranians published from January 2012 till February 2017 in English and Persian languages were included. Search terms were economic sanctions, embargoes, Iran, welfare, health and medicine. Additional studies were identified by cross checking the reference lists of accessed articles. All selected papers were abstracted and entered into a matrix describing study design and findings, and categorized into a framework of themes reflecting the areas covered (health and its determinants). According to HRIA framework, related obligations of Iran and other states about adverse effects of the sanctions on Iranians' right to health were extracted. The sanctions on Iran caused a fall of country's revenues, devaluation of national currency, and increase of inflation and unemployment. These all resulted in deterioration of people's overall welfare and lowering their ability to access the necessities of a standard life such as nutritious food, healthcare and medicine. Also, the sanctions on banking, financial system and shipment led to scarcity of quality lifesaving medicines. The impacts of sanctions were more immense on the lives of the poor, patients, women and children. Humanitarian exemptions did not protect Iranians from the adverse effects of sanctions. Countries which imposed economic sanctions against Iran have violated Iranians' right to health. International community should have predicted any probable humanitarian effects of sanctions and used any necessary means to prevent it. Furthermore, Iran should have used any essential means to protect people from the adverse effects of sanctions. Now, they should work on alleviation of the negative effects of sanctions. Even though, some of the effects such as disability and death cannot be compensated. In future, before imposition of sanctions, decisions makers should advice an international order to prevent such impacts on targeted countries' populations. © 2018 The Author(s); Published by Kerman University of Medical Sciences. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

2014 Update of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative: A review of papers published since its inception.

PubMed

Weiner, Michael W; Veitch, Dallas P; Aisen, Paul S; Beckett, Laurel A; Cairns, Nigel J; Cedarbaum, Jesse; Green, Robert C; Harvey, Danielle; Jack, Clifford R; Jagust, William; Luthman, Johan; Morris, John C; Petersen, Ronald C; Saykin, Andrew J; Shaw, Leslie; Shen, Li; Schwarz, Adam; Toga, Arthur W; Trojanowski, John Q

2015-06-01

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is an ongoing, longitudinal, multicenter study designed to develop clinical, imaging, genetic, and biochemical biomarkers for the early detection and tracking of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The initial study, ADNI-1, enrolled 400 subjects with early mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 200 with early AD, and 200 cognitively normal elderly controls. ADNI-1 was extended by a 2-year Grand Opportunities grant in 2009 and by a competitive renewal, ADNI-2, which enrolled an additional 550 participants and will run until 2015. This article reviews all papers published since the inception of the initiative and summarizes the results to the end of 2013. The major accomplishments of ADNI have been as follows: (1) the development of standardized methods for clinical tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in a multicenter setting; (2) elucidation of the patterns and rates of change of imaging and CSF biomarker measurements in control subjects, MCI patients, and AD patients. CSF biomarkers are largely consistent with disease trajectories predicted by β-amyloid cascade (Hardy, J Alzheimer's Dis 2006;9(Suppl 3):151-3) and tau-mediated neurodegeneration hypotheses for AD, whereas brain atrophy and hypometabolism levels show predicted patterns but exhibit differing rates of change depending on region and disease severity; (3) the assessment of alternative methods of diagnostic categorization. Currently, the best classifiers select and combine optimum features from multiple modalities, including MRI, [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, amyloid PET, CSF biomarkers, and clinical tests; (4) the development of blood biomarkers for AD as potentially noninvasive and low-cost alternatives to CSF biomarkers for AD diagnosis and the assessment of α-syn as an additional biomarker; (5) the development of methods for the early detection of AD. CSF biomarkers, β-amyloid 42 and tau, as well as amyloid PET may reflect the earliest steps in AD pathology in mildly symptomatic or even nonsymptomatic subjects and are leading candidates for the detection of AD in its preclinical stages; (6) the improvement of clinical trial efficiency through the identification of subjects most likely to undergo imminent future clinical decline and the use of more sensitive outcome measures to reduce sample sizes. Multimodal methods incorporating APOE status and longitudinal MRI proved most highly predictive of future decline. Refinements of clinical tests used as outcome measures such as clinical dementia rating-sum of boxes further reduced sample sizes; (7) the pioneering of genome-wide association studies that leverage quantitative imaging and biomarker phenotypes, including longitudinal data, to confirm recently identified loci, CR1, CLU, and PICALM and to identify novel AD risk loci; (8) worldwide impact through the establishment of ADNI-like programs in Japan, Australia, Argentina, Taiwan, China, Korea, Europe, and Italy; (9) understanding the biology and pathobiology of normal aging, MCI, and AD through integration of ADNI biomarker and clinical data to stimulate research that will resolve controversies about competing hypotheses on the etiopathogenesis of AD, thereby advancing efforts to find disease-modifying drugs for AD; and (10) the establishment of infrastructure to allow sharing of all raw and processed data without embargo to interested scientific investigators throughout the world. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Lean thinking in health and nursing: an integrative literature review.

PubMed

Magalhães, Aline Lima Pestana; Erdmann, Alacoque Lorenzini; Silva, Elza Lima da; Santos, José Luís Guedes Dos

2016-08-08

to demonstrate the scientific knowledge developed on lean thinking in health, highlighting the impact and contributions in health care and nursing. an integrative literature review in the PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Emerald, LILACS and SciELO electronic library databases, from 2006 to 2014, with syntax keywords for each data base, in which 47 articles were selected for analysis. the categories were developed from the quality triad proposed by Donabedian: structure, process and outcome. Lean thinking is on the rise in health surveys, particularly internationally, especially in the USA and UK, improving the structure, process and outcome of care and management actions. However, it is an emerging theme in nursing. this study showed that the use of lean thinking in the context of health has a transforming effect on care and organizational aspects, promoting advantages in terms of quality, safety and efficiency of health care and nursing focused on the patient. evidenciar o conhecimento científico desenvolvido sobre pensamento Lean na área da saúde, destacando o impacto e as contribuições no cuidado em saúde e enfermagem. revisão integrativa da literatura a partir das bases de dados PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Emerald, LILACS e na biblioteca eletrônica SciELO, de 2006 a 2014, com sintaxe de palavras-chaves para cada base, selecionados 47 artigos para análise. as categorias foram elaboradas a partir da tríade de qualidade proposta por Donabedian: estrutura, processo e resultado. O pensamento Lean está em ascensão nas pesquisas sobre saúde, principalmente no âmbito internacional, com destaque para os Estados Unidos e Reino Unido, melhorando a estrutura, o processo e o resultado a partir das ações assistenciais e gerenciais. Porém, é uma temática incipiente na enfermagem. por meio desse estudo observou-se que a utilização do pensamento Lean, no contexto da saúde, tem um efeito transformador nos aspectos assistenciais e organizacionais, promovendo vantagens em termos de qualidade, segurança e eficiência dos cuidados de saúde e enfermagem com foco no paciente. evidenciar el conocimiento científico desarrollado sobre el pensamiento Lean en el área de la salud (destacando el impacto y las contribuciones en el cuidado de la salud) y en la enfermería. revisión integradora de la literatura a partir de las bases de datos PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Emerald, LILACS y en la biblioteca electrónica SciELO, de 2006 a 2014, con sintaxis de palabras clave para cada base; fueron seleccionados 47 artículos para análisis. las categorías fueron elaboradas a partir de la tríade de calidad propuesta por Donabedian: estructura, proceso y resultado. El pensamiento Lean está en ascensión en las investigaciones sobre salud, principalmente en el ámbito internacional, con destaque para los Estados Unidos y Reino Unido, mejorando la estructura, el proceso y el resultado a partir de acciones asistenciales y administrativas. Sin embargo, es una temática incipiente en la enfermería. por medio de ese estudio se observó que la utilización del pensamiento Lean, en el contexto de la salud, tiene un efecto transformador en los aspectos asistenciales y organizacionales, promoviendo ventajas en términos de calidad, seguridad y eficiencia de los cuidados de salud y enfermería con enfoque en el paciente.

Lunar Phases and Earthly Events: Beliefs from Different Education Levels. (Spanish Title: Fases de la Luna y Acontecimientos Terrestres: Creencia de Distintos Niveles de Instrucción.) As Fases da Lua e os Acontecimentos Terrestres: a Crença de Diferentes Níveis de Instrução

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darroz, Luiz Marcelo; da Rosa, Cleci Teresinha Werner; Alves Vizzotto, Patrick; Becker da Rosa, Álvaro

2013-12-01

This article presents the result of a research carried out in the first semester of 2013 with a group of 80 subjects from different education levels. In this research, we sought to investigate the earthly events that this group of people attributes to the phenomenon of lunar phases. For data collection we used semi-structured interviews guided by questions that aimed to keep the focus on subjects of the investigation. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and the results were compared to scientific studies in the area after being quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. Research data showed that the Moon and the phenomenon of lunar phases still fascinate and raise the interest of people. However, the lack of knowledge to find correct explanations to the phenomena involving the moon ends up originating a series of beliefs about its influence on earthly events. En este artículo se presenta el resultado de una investigación realizada en el primer semestre de 2013 con a un grupo de 80 individuos de distintos niveles de instrucción. En esta investigación, tratamos de averiguar cuáles son los acontecimientos terrestres que este grupo de personas atribuye al fenómeno las fases lunares. Como instrumento de colecta de datos, se emplearon entrevistas semiestructuradas guiadas por preguntas que trataban de mantener la atención de los entrevistados en el objeto investigado. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas y transcriptas, y los resultados, después de ser analizados cuantitatativa y cualitativamente, fueron confrontados con estudios científicos del área. Los datos de la investigación demuestran que la Luna y de sus fases continúan fascinando y despertando el interés de la población. Sin embargo, la falta de conocimientos para encontrar explicaciones correctas relacionadas a los fenómenos que ocurren con el astro acaba originando una serie de creencias en la población sobre su influencia en los sucesos terrestres. Apresenta-se neste artigo o resultado de uma pesquisa realizada no primeiro semestre de 2013 junto a um grupo de 80 sujeitos de diferentes níveis de instrução. Nesta pesquisa, buscou-se averiguar os acontecimentos terrestres que esse grupo de pessoas atribui ao fenômeno das fases lunares. Como instrumento de coleta de dados, foram empregadas entrevistas semiestruturadas guiadas por questões que buscavam manter a atenção dos entrevistados no objeto de investigação. As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas, e os resultados, após serem analisados quanti e qualitativamente, foram confrontados com estudos científicos da área. Os dados da pesquisa demonstram que a Lua e suas fases continuam fascinando e despertando o interesse da população. No entanto, a falta de conhecimentos para proferir explicações corretas relativas aos fenômenos que ocorrem com o astro acaba originando uma série de crenças na população sobre sua influência nos acontecimentos terrestres.

panMetaDocs, eSciDoc, and DOIDB - an infrastructure for the curation and publication of file-based datasets for 'GFZ Data Services'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulbricht, Damian; Elger, Kirsten; Bertelmann, Roland; Klump, Jens

2016-04-01

With the foundation of DataCite in 2009 and the technical infrastructure installed in the last six years it has become very easy to create citable dataset DOIs. Nowadays, dataset DOIs are increasingly accepted and required by journals in reference lists of manuscripts. In addition, DataCite provides usage statistics [1] of assigned DOIs and offers a public search API to make research data count. By linking related information to the data, they become more useful for future generations of scientists. For this purpose, several identifier systems, as ISBN for books, ISSN for journals, DOI for articles or related data, Orcid for authors, and IGSN for physical samples can be attached to DOIs using the DataCite metadata schema [2]. While these are good preconditions to publish data, free and open solutions that help with the curation of data, the publication of research data, and the assignment of DOIs in one software seem to be rare. At GFZ Potsdam we built a modular software stack that is made of several free and open software solutions and we established 'GFZ Data Services'. 'GFZ Data Services' provides storage, a metadata editor for publication and a facility to moderate minted DOIs. All software solutions are connected through web APIs, which makes it possible to reuse and integrate established software. Core component of 'GFZ Data Services' is an eSciDoc [3] middleware that is used as central storage, and has been designed along the OAIS reference model for digital preservation. Thus, data are stored in self-contained packages that are made of binary file-based data and XML-based metadata. The eSciDoc infrastructure provides access control to data and it is able to handle half-open datasets, which is useful in embargo situations when a subset of the research data are released after an adequate period. The data exchange platform panMetaDocs [4] makes use of eSciDoc's REST API to upload file-based data into eSciDoc and uses a metadata editor [5] to annotate the files with metadata. The metadata editor has a user-friendly interface with nominal lists, extensive explanations, and an interactive mapping tool to provide assistance to scientists describing the data. It is possible to deposit metadata templates to fill certain fields with default values. The metadata editor generates metadata in the schemas ISO19139, NASA GCMD DIF, and DataCite and could be extended for other schemas. panMetaDocs is able to mint dataset DOIs through DOIDB, which is our component to moderate dataset DOIs issued through 'GFZ Data Services'. DOIDB accepts metadata in the schemas ISO19139, DIF, and DataCite. In addition, DOIDB provides an OAI-PMH interface to disseminate all deposited metadata to data portals. The presentation of datasets on DOI landing pages is done though XSLT stylesheet transformation of the XML-based metadata. The landing pages have been designed to meet needs of scientists. We are able to render the metadata to different layouts. Furthermore, additional information about datasets and publications is assembled into the webpage by querying public databases on the internet. The work presented here will focus on technical details of the software stack. [1] http://stats.datacite.org [2] http://www.dlib.org/dlib/january11/starr/01starr.html [3] http://www.escidoc.org [4] http://panmetadocs.sf.net [5] http://github.com/ulbricht

The residual and direct effects of reduced-risk and conventional miticides on twospotted spider mites, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and predatory mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liburd, O.E.; White, J.C.; Rhodes, E.M.

2007-03-15

The residual effects of several reduced-risk and conventional miticides were evaluated in strawberries (Fragaria z ananassa Duchesne) on the twospotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and on 2 predatory mites, Neoseiulus californicus McGregor and Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae). Experiments were conducted in the laboratory and greenhouse. The greenhouse experiments also tested the direct effects of the miticides on TSSM. The efficacy of conventional and reduced-risk miticides was evaluated on strawberry leaf discs and on whole plants for control of TSSM. Furthermore, the residual effects of these miticides were evaluated on whole strawberry plants against selective predatorymore » mites. For TSSM, 5 treatments were evaluated: a conventional miticide; fenbutatin-oxide (Vendex[reg]) and 3 reduced-risk miticides; binfenazate (Acramite 50WP[reg]), activated garlic extract (Repel[reg]), sesame seed and castor oil (Wipeout[reg]), and a water-treated control. For predatory mites, the residual effects of only Acramite[reg] and Vendex[reg] were evaluated. Acramite[reg] was the most effective acaricide in reducing TSSM populations in both the laboratory and greenhouse experiments. Vendex[reg] and Wipeout[reg] were also effective in the laboratory, but did not cause significant reduction of TSSM in the greenhouse. Repel[reg] was the least effective of the 4 pesticides evaluated. Neither Acramite[reg] nor Vendex[reg] had a significant effect on either predatory mite species. However, there appeared to be more predatory mites on the Vendex[reg]-treated plants than on the Acramite[reg]-treated plants. There were significantly more predatory mites of both species on the cue plants, which were inoculated with TSSM versus the non-cue plants, which were not inoculated. (author) [Spanish] Los efectos residuales en poblaciones de la 'arana roja', Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranichidae) y de los acaros predadores Neoseiulus californicus McGregor y Phytoseilus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) causados por varios acaricidas convencionales y de riesgo-reducido fueron evaluados en fresas (Fragaria x ananassa Duchense). Los experimentos fueron realizados en laboratorio e invernadero. Los experimentos en el invernadero evaluaron tambien el efecto directo de los acaricidas en la 'arana roja'. La eficacia para controlar la 'arana roja' de los acaricidas convencionales y de riesgo-reducido fue evaluada en discos de las hojas y en plantas de fresa, y los efectos residuales de los acaricidas en los acaros predadores fueron evaluados en plantas completas. Para la 'arana roja' se evaluaron cinco tratamientos: el acaricida convencional fenbutatin-oxido (Vendex[reg]), 3 acaricidas de riesgo-reducido binfenazate (Acaramite 50WP[reg]), extracto de ajo activado (Repel[reg]), aceite de semillas de ajonjoli y ricino (Wipeout[reg]) y un control tratado con agua. Para los acaros predadores solamente los efectos de Acaramite[reg] y Vendex[reg] fueron evaluados. Acaramite[reg] fue el tratamiento mas efectivo para la 'arana roja' en el laboratorio y el invernadero. Vendex[reg] y Wipeout[reg] fueron tambien efectivos en el laboratorio, pero no causaron una reduccion significativa de 'aranas rojas' en el invernadero. Repel[reg] fue el tratamiento evaluado menos eficaz. Ni Acaramite[reg] ni Vendex[reg] redujeron significativamente las poblaciones de acaros predadores. Sin embargo, aparentemente hay mas acaros predadores en Vendex[reg] que en Acaramite[reg]. Tambien se encontraron significativamente mas acaros predadores en plantas inoculadas que en plantas no inoculadas. (author)« less

Application of Three-Dimensional Models for the Teaching of Time Zones. (Breton Title: Aplicação de Modelos Tridimensionais Para o Ensino de Fusos Horários.) Aplicación de Modelos Tridimensionales Para la Enseñanza de Husos Horarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azevedo Sobreira, Paulo Henrique

2012-07-01

There are several interesting astronomical topics that must be addressed in the High School and Elementary/Middle School in the disciplines of Geography and of Sciences. Among them, the topic of time zones which is one of the most important to understand the correlation of the Earth's rotation and its implications on daily activities of citizens in local scale, regional and global scales which involve problems of time differences. For the teaching of time zones in the lessons of Geography, for example, there are bi-dimensional representations of thematic maps of world time zones, textbooks and atlas. It happens that teachers face some difficulties to permit its students to view three-dimensionally this astronomical phenomenon from the textbooks available in schools. The aim of this paper is to present two proposals with low-cost materials, which allow the preparation of three-dimensional models for the teaching of time zones. Há vários temas astronômicos interessantes que devem ser trabalhados nos Ensinos Médio e Fundamental, nas disciplinas de Geografia e de Ciências. Entre eles, o tema dos fusos horários que é um dos mais importantes para se correlacionar a rotação da Terra e suas implicações nas atividades cotidianas dos cidadãos em escala local, regional e global, que envolvem problemas de diferenças horárias. Para o ensino dos fusos horários nas aulas de Geografia, por exemplo, há representações bidimensionais de mapas temáticos de fusos horários mundiais, nos livros didáticos e nos atlas. Ocorre que os professores enfrentam algumas dificuldades para possibilitar aos seus alunos a visão tridimensional deste fenômeno astronômico, a partir dos materiais didáticos disponíveis nas escolas. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar duas propostas para a confecção de materiais de baixo custo, que possibilitem a elaboração de modelos tridimensionais para o ensino dos fusos horários. Hay algunos temas astronómicos interesantes que se deben trabajar en la enseñanza media y básica, en las asignaturas de Geografía y de Ciencias. Entre ellos, el de los husos horarios que es uno de los más importantes para correlacionar la rotación de la Tierra y sus implicaciones en las actividades diarias de los ciudadanos en escala local, regional y global, y en general, cuestiones que implican problemas de las diferencias horarias. Para la enseñanza de los husos horarios en las clases de Geografía, por ejemplo, hay representaciones bidimensionales de los mapas temáticos de husos horarios mundiales, en libros y atlas didácticos. Sin embargo, los profesores se enfrentan con algunas dificultades para hacer posible que sus alumnos tengan una visión tridimensional de este fenómeno astronómico, usando los materiales didácticos disponibles en las escuelas. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar la construcción de dos propuestas de materiales de bajo costo, que hacen posible la elaboración de modelos tridimensionales para la enseñanza de los husos horarios.

Assessment of the culture of safety in public hospitals in Brazil.

PubMed

Carvalho, Rhanna Emanuela Fontenele Lima de; Arruda, Lidyane Parente; Nascimento, Nayanne Karen Pinheiro do; Sampaio, Renata Lopes; Cavalcante, Maria Lígia Silva Nunes; Costa, Ana Carolina Pinto

2017-03-02

to assess the culture of safety in three public hospitals. transversal study undertaken in three Brazilian public hospitals, with health professionals through applying the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ). Scores greater than or equal to 75 were considered positive. a total of 573 professionals participated in the study, including nurse technicians and auxiliary nurses 292 (51%), nurses 105 (18.3%), physicians 59 (10.3%), and other professionals 117 (20.4%). The mean of the SAQ varied between 65 and 69 in the three hospitals. Among the domains, however, 'Job satisfaction' presented a higher score, and the opposite was observed for the domain 'Perceptions of management'. The outsourced professionals presented a better perception of the culture of safety than did the statutory professionals. The professionals with higher education presented a better perception of the stressing factors than did the professionals educated to senior high school level. the level of the culture of safety found is below the ideal. The managerial actions are considered the main contributing factor to the culture's weakness; however, the professionals demonstrated themselves to be satisfied with the work. evaluar la cultura de seguridad en tres hospitales públicos. estudio transversal realizado en tres hospitales públicos brasileños, desarrollado con profesionales de la salud aplicando el Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ). Fueron considerados positivos puntajes mayores o iguales a 75. participaron del estudio 573 profesionales, incluyendo técnicos y auxiliares de enfermería 292 (51%), enfermeros 105 (18,3%), médicos 59 (10,3%), y otros profesionales 117 (20,4%). El promedio del SAQ varió entre 65 a 69 en los tres hospitales. Sin embargo, en los dominios, Satisfacción en el Trabajo presentó mayor puntaje y lo opuesto fue observado en el dominio Percepción de la Administración. Los profesionales tercerizados presentaron mejor percepción de la cultura de seguridad que los profesionales estatutarios. Los profesionales de nivel superior presentaron mejor percepción de los factores estresores que los profesionales de nivel medio. el nivel de cultura de seguridad encontrado se encuentra debajo de lo ideal. Las acciones administrativas son consideradas como el principal contribuyente para la fragilidad de la cultura, entretanto los profesionales se demostraron satisfechos con el trabajo. avaliar a cultura de segurança em três hospitais públicos. estudo transversal realizado em três hospitais públicos brasileiros, desenvolvido com profissionais de saúde aplicando-se o Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ). Foram considerados positivos escores maiores ou iguais a 75. participaram do estudo 573 profissionais, incluindo técnicos e auxiliares de enfermagem 292 (51%), enfermeiros 105 (18,3%), médicos 59 (10,3%), e outros profissionais 117 (20,4%). A média do SAQ variou entre 65 a 69 nos três hospitais. No entanto, entre os domínios, Satisfação no trabalho apresentou maior escore e o oposto foi observado no domínio Percepção da gerência. Os profissionais terceirizados apresentaram melhor percepção da cultura de segurança do que os profissionais estatutários. Os profissionais de nível superior apresentaram melhor percepção dos fatores estressores do que os profissionais de nível médio. o nível de cultura de segurança encontrado é abaixo do ideal. As ações gerenciais são consideradas o principal contribuinte para a fragilidade da cultura, entretanto os profissionais demonstraram-se satisfeitos com o trabalho.

2014 Update of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative: A review of papers published since its inception

PubMed Central

Weiner, Michael W.; Veitch, Dallas P.; Aisen, Paul S.; Beckett, Laurel A.; Cairns, Nigel J.; Cedarbaum, Jesse; Green, Robert C.; Harvey, Danielle; Jack, Clifford R.; Jagust, William; Luthman, Johan; Morris, John C.; Petersen, Ronald C.; Saykin, Andrew J.; Shaw, Leslie; Shen, Li; Schwarz, Adam; Toga, Arthur W.; Trojanowski, John Q.

2016-01-01

The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is an ongoing, longitudinal, multicenter study designed to develop clinical, imaging, genetic, and biochemical biomarkers for the early detection and tracking of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The initial study, ADNI-1, enrolled 400 subjects with early mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 200 with early AD, and 200 cognitively normal elderly controls. ADNI-1 was extended by a 2-year Grand Opportunities grant in 2009 and by a competitive renewal, ADNI-2, which enrolled an additional 550 participants and will run until 2015. This article reviews all papers published since the inception of the initiative and summarizes the results to the end of 2013. The major accomplishments of ADNI have been as follows: (1) the development of standardized methods for clinical tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in a multicenter setting; (2) elucidation of the patterns and rates of change of imaging and CSF biomarker measurements in control subjects, MCI patients, and AD patients. CSF biomarkers are largely consistent with disease trajectories predicted by β-amyloid cascade (Hardy, J Alzheimer’s Dis 2006;9(Suppl 3):151–3) and tau-mediated neurodegeneration hypotheses for AD, whereas brain atrophy and hypometabolism levels show predicted patterns but exhibit differing rates of change depending on region and disease severity; (3) the assessment of alternative methods of diagnostic categorization. Currently, the best classifiers select and combine optimum features from multiple modalities, including MRI, [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, amyloid PET, CSF biomarkers, and clinical tests; (4) the development of blood biomarkers for AD as potentially noninvasive and low-cost alternatives to CSF biomarkers for AD diagnosis and the assessment of α-syn as an additional biomarker; (5) the development of methods for the early detection of AD. CSF biomarkers, β-amyloid 42 and tau, as well as amyloid PET may reflect the earliest steps in AD pathology in mildly symptomatic or even nonsymptomatic subjects and are leading candidates for the detection of AD in its preclinical stages; (6) the improvement of clinical trial efficiency through the identification of subjects most likely to undergo imminent future clinical decline and the use of more sensitive outcome measures to reduce sample sizes. Multimodal methods incorporating APOE status and longitudinal MRI proved most highly predictive of future decline. Refinements of clinical tests used as outcome measures such as clinical dementia rating-sum of boxes further reduced sample sizes; (7) the pioneering of genome-wide association studies that leverage quantitative imaging and biomarker phenotypes, including longitudinal data, to confirm recently identified loci, CR1, CLU, and PICALM and to identify novel AD risk loci; (8) worldwide impact through the establishment of ADNI-like programs in Japan, Australia, Argentina, Taiwan, China, Korea, Europe, and Italy; (9) understanding the biology and pathobiology of normal aging, MCI, and AD through integration of ADNI biomarker and clinical data to stimulate research that will resolve controversies about competing hypotheses on the etiopathogenesis of AD, thereby advancing efforts to find disease-modifying drugs for AD; and (10) the establishment of infrastructure to allow sharing of all raw and processed data without embargo to interested scientific investigators throughout the world. PMID:26073027

Hydrochemistry of waters from five cenotes and evaluation of their suitability for drinking-water supplies, northeastern Yucatan, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alcocer, Javier; Lugo, Alfonso; Marín, Luis E.; Escobar, Elva

Waters from five cenotes that are currently being used for aquatic recreational activities and that lie along the Cancun-Tulum touristic corridor, Mexico, were evaluated hydrochemically to determine whether the cenotes may be considered as potential drinking-water sources. Several parameters exceed the Mexican Drinking Water Standards (MDWS), but since they do not pose a significant health threat, four of the five cenotes may be used as drinking-water sources. The common contaminants in the Yucatan Peninsula, fecal coliforms and nitrate, are in most cases below the MDWS (0-460 MPN/100ml and 0.31-1.18mg/L, respectively). Although these four cenotes meet the MDWS, a careful groundwater management policy needs to be developed to avoid contamination (fecal and nitrates) and salt-water intrusion. Résumé Les eaux de cinq cénotés, qui sont normalement utilisées pour des activités de plein air, dans la région touristique de Cancun-Tulum (Mexique), ont été soumises à analyses chimiques pour savoir si les cénotés peuvent être considérés comme des sources d'eau potable. Plusieurs paramètres dépassent les normes mexicaines en matière d'eau potable; mais comme ceux-ci ne posent pas de problème réel de santé, quatre des cinq cénotés peuvent être captés pour l'eau potable. Les contaminants habituels dans les eaux de la presqu'île du Yucatan, coliformes fécaux et concentrations élevées en nitrate, sont la plupart du temps au-dessous des normes (respectivement 0 à 460 germes/100ml et 0,31 à 1,18mg/l). Bien que ces quatre cénotés satisfassent aux normes, il est nécessaire de mettre en place des règles précises de l'utilisation de l'eau souterraine, afin d'éviter la contamination par les germes fécaux et par les nitrates, ainsi que l'intrusion marine. Resumen Se analizó hidroquímica y bacteriológicamente el agua de algunos cenotes localizados a lo largo del corredor turístico Cancun-Tulum, que actualmente se utilizan para diversas actividades recreativas, para determinar su potencial de uso como fuente de abastecimiento de agua potable. La mayor parte de los parámetros excedieron los criterios establecidos en la Norma Mexicana para Agua Potable (NMAP), sin embargo, como éstas no representan una riesgo para la salud, el agua de cuatro de los cinco cenotes puede ser emplada como fuente de abastecimiento de agua potable. Los contaminantes comúnes del agua subterránea de la península de Yucatán, coliformes fecales y nitratos, se encuentran en la mayoría de los casos por debajo de la NMAP (0-460 NMP/ 100ml y 0.31-1.18mg/l, respectivamente). A pesar de que estos cuatro cenotes cumplen con la NMAP, es necesario desarrollar una política de manejo adecuada del agua subterránea para evitar la contaminación de este recurso (fecal y por nitratos), así como la intrusión de agua salina.

Número de ganglios linfáticos metastásicos como determinante de los resultados después de prostatectomía radical de rescate para el cáncer de próstata de radiación recurrente

PubMed Central

Gugliemetti, G; Sukhu, R; Conca Baenas, M A.; Meeks, J; Sjoberg, D D.; Eastham, J A.; Scardino, P T.; Touijer, K

2017-01-01

Resumen Antecedentes La presencia de metástasis en los ganglios linfáticos (MGL) en la prostatectomía radical de rescate (PRs) se asocia con un mal pronóstico. Los factores predictivos de resultados en este contexto siguen siendo indeterminados. El objetivo fue evaluar el papel de número de ganglios linfáticos positivos sobre el resultado de los pacientes con MGL después de PRs y para el cáncer de próstata de radio-recurrente. Material y métodos Se analizaron los datos de una cohorte consecutiva de 215 hombres tratados con PRr en una sola institución. Se utilizaron los modelos de regresión de riesgos proporcionales de Cox univariante para la recurrencia bioquímica (RBQ) y los resultados metastásicos, con el antígeno prostático específico, la puntuación de Gleason, la extensión extraprostática, la invasión de vesículas seminales, el tiempo entre la terapia de radiación y PRr y el número de ganglios positivos como factores predictivos. Resultados De los 47 pacientes con MGL, 37 desarrollaron RBQ, 11 desarrollaron metástasis a distancia y 4 fallecieron con una mediana de seguimiento de 2,3 años para los supervivientes. El riesgo de metástasis aumentó con mayores niveles preoperatorios de PSA (HR 1,19 por 1 ng/ml; IC del 95%: 1,06, 1,34; p = 0,003). Los factores predictivos restantes no alcanzaron niveles convencionales de significación. Sin embargo, la eliminación de 3 o más ganglios linfáticos positivos demostró una asociación positiva, como se esperaba, con enfermedad metastásica (HR 3,44, IC: 0,91, 13,05; p = 0,069) en comparación con uno o dos ganglios positivos. Del mismo modo, la presencia de extensión extraprostática, invasión de vesículas seminales y grado de Gleason superior a 7 también demostraron una asociación positiva con un mayor riesgo de metástasis, con índices de riesgo de 3,97 (IC del 95% 0,50; 31,4; p = 0,2), 3,72 (IC 95% 0,80, 17,26; p = 0,1) y 1,45 (IC del 95% 0,44, 4,76; p = 0,5), respectivamente. Conclusiones En los pacientes con MGL después de PRr para el cáncer de próstata radiorecurrente, es probable que el riesgo de metástasis a distancia esté influenciado por el número de ganglios positivos (3 o más), alto PSA preoperatorio, grado de Gleason y estadio patológico avanzado. Estos resultados son consistentes con los hallazgos del número de ganglios (de 1 a 2 frente a 3 o más ganglios positivos) como un indicador pronóstico después de la prostatectomía radical primaria y fortalecen la petición de una revisión de la estadificación ganglionar del cáncer de próstata. PMID:27184342

F-8 SCW in flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A Vought F-8A Crusader was selected by NASA as the testbed aircraft (designated TF-8A) to install an experimental Supercritical Wing in place of the conventional wing. The unique design of the Supercritical Wing (SCW) reduces the effect of shock waves on the upper surface near Mach 1, which in turn reduces drag. In this photograph a Vought F-8A Crusader is shown being used as a flying testbed for an experimental Supercritical Wing airfoil. The smooth fairing of the fiberglass glove with the wing is illustrated in this view. This is the configuration of the F-8 SCW aircraft late in the program. The SCW team fitted the fuselage with bulges fore and aft of the wings. This was similar to the proposed shape of a near-sonic airliner. Both the SCW airfoil and the bulged-fuselage design were optimal for cruise at Mach 0.98. Dr. Whitcomb (designer of the SCW) had previously spent about four years working on supersonic transport designs. He concluded that these were impractical due to their high operating costs. The high drag at speeds above Mach 1 resulted in greatly increased costs. Following the fuel-price rises caused by the October 1973 oil embargo, airlines lost interest in near-sonic transports. Rather, they wanted a design that would have lower fuel consumption. Dr. Whitcomb developed a modified supercritical-wing shape that provided higher lift-to-drag ratios at the same speeds. He did this by using thicker airfoil sections and a reduced wing sweepback. This resulted in an increased aspect ratio without an increase in wing weight. In the three decades since the F-8 SCW flew, the use of such airfoils has become common. The F-8 Supercritical Wing was a flight research project designed to test a new wing concept designed by Dr. Richard Whitcomb, chief of the Transonic Aerodynamics Branch, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia. Compared to a conventional wing, the supercritical wing (SCW) is flatter on the top and rounder on the bottom with a downward curve at the trailing edge. The Supercritical Wing was designed to delay the formation of and reduce the shock wave over the wing just below and above the speed of sound (transonic region of flight). Delaying the shock wave at these speeds results in less drag. Results of the NASA flight research at the Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, (later renamed the Dryden Flight Research Center) demonstrated that aircraft using the supercritical wing concept would have increased cruising speed, improved fuel efficiency, and greater flight range than those using conventional wings. As a result, supercritical wings are now commonplace on virtually every modern subsonic commercial transport. Results of the NASA project showed the SCW had increased the transonic efficiency of the F-8 as much as 15 percent and proved that passenger transports with supercritical wings, versus conventional wings, could save $78 million (in 1974 dollars) per year for a fleet of 280 200-passenger airliners. The F-8 Supercritical Wing (SCW) project flew from 1970 to 1973. Dryden engineer John McTigue was the first SCW program manager and Tom McMurtry was the lead project pilot. The first SCW flight took place on March 9, 1971. The last flight of the Supercritical wing was on May 23, 1973, with Ron Gerdes at the controls. Original wingspan of the F-8 is 35 feet, 2 inches while the wingspan with the supercritical wing was 43 feet, 1 inch. F-8 aircraft were powered by Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines. The TF-8A Crusader was made available to the NASA Flight Research Center by the U.S. Navy. F-8 jet aircraft were built, originally, by LTV Aerospace, Dallas, Texas. Rockwell International's North American Aircraft Division received a $1.8 million contract to fabricate the supercritical wing, which was delivered to NASA in December 1969.

Puerto Rico, humedales [Puerto Rico, wetlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Adams, D. Briane; Hefner, John M.; Dopazo, Teresa

1999-01-01

La isla de Puerto Rico, localizada al noreste del Mar Caribe y sus islas principales, Vieques, Culebra e Isla de Mona, poseen humedales en abundancia . El clima subtropical, la lluvia abundante y las complejas formas topográficas y geológicas de estas islas dan origen a los humedales, que varían desde los raros e inusuales bosques cubiertos por nubes en las tierras altas, hasta los extensos manglares, yerbas marinas y arrecifes de coral a lo largo de las costas Norte y Sur. Sin embargo, los humedales en Puerto Rico han disminuido en los últimos siglos como resultado del aumento en el desarrollo agrícola, poblacional y turístico. Algunos tipos de humedales como los bosques de palo de pollo (Pterocarpus officinalis) se han reducido a sólo unos pocos remanentes (figura 1).Biológicamente hablando, los humedales de las islas están entre las áreas más productivas. Los humedales asociados con el bosque pluvial en las tierras altas del interior de Puerto Rico contienen varias plantas raras y especies de animales que no se encuentran en otras partes de la Isla. El agua de escorrentía proveniente de los humedales en las partes altas de la Isla proveen una fuente de agua que utilizan varias ciudades para abasto público. Los humedales costeros como los mangles, los colchones de yerbas marinas y los arrecifes de coral proveen áreas para la reproducción y crianza de varios peces, crustáceos y otras especies en la cadena alimenticia (López y otros, 1988). De esta manera, los humedales costeros contribuyen a la productividad biológica de las aguas llanas del mar alrededor de las islas . Los humedales también estabilizan las costas atrapando y reteniendo sedimentos no consolidados y amortiguan la acción de las olas y de las tormentas que tienen el potencial de causar daños en la zona.El valor de los humedales de Puerto Rico para la vida silvestre está muy bien documentado . Por ejemplo, las salinas de Cabo Rojo, en la costa suroeste, proveen áreas para el descanso y la alimentación de cientos de aves migratorias en ruta entre Norte y Suramérica. Antes del drenaje de los humedales costeros para propósitos agrícolas, pantanos de agua dulce como los de la Laguna Cartagena, Laguna Guánica y Ciénaga El Anegado proveían hábitat a más de 1 00 especies de aves residentes y migratorias . Los humedales de las tierras altas del área central son el último refugio de la cotorra puertorriqueña, una especie en peligro de extinción. Aún los humedales del área metropolitana de San Juan (Laguna La Torrecilla, Torrecilla Baja, Laguna de Piñones hasta Punta Vacía Talega) proveen un hábitat excelente para la vida silvestre, mantienen criaderos de peces de alto valor económico y proveen recreación y oportunidades educativas a la población urbana.Treintiocho especies de vertebrados, moluscos y crustáceos, y 46 especies de aves, algunos raros o en peligro de extinción como la mariquita, el alcatraz, el pato dominicano, el pato silbón y la paloma cabeciblanca han sido observados en el área . También las playas asociadas con estos humedales urbanos proveen sitios de anidaje para las tortugas carey de concha y tinglar, ambas en peligro de extinción (Del Llano y otros, 1986).

Nosema ceranae Winter Control: Study of the Effectiveness of Different Fumagillin Treatments and Consequences on the Strength of Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies.

PubMed

Mendoza, Y; Diaz-Cetti, S; Ramallo, G; Santos, E; Porrini, M; Invernizzi, C

2017-02-01

In Uruguay, colonies of honey bees moving to Eucalyptus grandis plantation in autumn habitually become infected with the microsporidian Nosema ceranae , a parasite that attacks the digestive system of bees. Beekeepers attributed to N. ceranae depopulation of the colonies that often occurs at the end of the blooming period, and many use the antibiotic fumagillin to reduce the level of infection. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of four different fumagillin treatments and determine how this antibiotic affects the strength of the colonies during the winter season. The colonies treated with fumagillin in July showed less spore load at the end of applications, being the most effective the following treatments: the four applications sprayed over bees of 30 mg of fumagillin in 100 ml of sugar syrup 1:1, and four applications of 90 mg of fumagillin in 250 ml of sugar syrup 1:1 using a feeder. However, 2 month after the treatment applications, the colonies treated with fumagillin were the same size as the untreated colonies. In September, the colonies treated and not treated with fumagillin did not differ in colony strength (adult bee population and brood area) or spores abundance. Our study demonstrates that fumagillin treatment temporarily decreased the spore load of N. ceranae , but this was not reflected in either the size of the colonies or the probability of surviving the winter regardless of the dose or the administration strategy applied. Given the results obtained, we suggest to not perform the pharmacological treatment under the conditions described in the experiment. En Uruguay las colonias de abejas melíferas que se trasladan a las forestaciones de Eucalyptus grandis en otoño indefectiblemente se infectan con el microsporido Nosema ceranae , parásito que ataca el sistema digestivo de las abejas. Los apicultores atribuyen a N. ceranae el despoblamiento de las colonias que ocurre con frecuencia al terminar el periodo de floración y muchos emplean el antibiótico fumagilina para reducir el nivel de infección. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la eficacia de cuatro tratamientos diferentes con fumagilina y determinar cómo incide en la fortaleza de las colonias durante la invernada. Las colonias tratadas con fumagilina en julio presentaron una menor carga de esporas al terminar las aplicaciones, siendo los tratamientos más eficaces el de 4 aplicaciones mediante asperjado sobre las abejas de 30 mg de fumagilina en 100 ml de jarabe de azúcar 1:1, y el de 4 aplicaciones de 90 mg de fumagilina en 250 ml de jarabe de azúcar 1:1 utilizando un alimentador. Sin embargo, durante el período de experimentación, las colonias tratadas con antibiótico presentaron igual tamaño que las colonias no tratadas. En setiembre, las colonias tratadas y no tratadas con fumagilina no se diferenciaron en la intensidad de infección ni en su tamaño. En las condiciones en que se realizó el estudio, la aplicación de fumagilina disminuyó temporalmente la carga de esporas de N. ceranae pero esto no se reflejó en el tamaño de las colonias ni en la probabilidad de sobrevivir el invierno. © The Authors 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Victimization, perception of insecurity, and changes in daily routines in Mexico.

PubMed

Ávila, María Elena; Martínez-Ferrer, Belén; Vera, Alejandro; Bahena, Alejandro; Musitu, Gonzalo

2016-10-03

To analyze the relationships between victimization, perception of insecurity, and changes in routines. The 8,170 subjects of both sexes (49.9% women and 50.1% men) aged between 12 and 60 years, selected from a proportional stratified sampling, participated in this study. The measuring instrument was an adaptation of the National Survey on Victimization and Perception of Public Security. Chi-square tests were performed. The results show significant differences on victimization and sex regarding perception of insecurity, restrictions on everyday activities, and protection measures. 13.1% of those interviewed claimed to have been victims of a crime in the past 12 months. 52.7% of women considered their municipality as unsafe or very unsafe. In the case of men, this percentage was 58.2%. Female victims reported significant restrictions in everyday activities when compared to non-victims. In relation to men, the percentage of victims with a high restriction of activities was higher in male victims than non-victims. In the group of victimized women, the segment of women who opted for increased measures of protection against crime was larger than expected, while those of non-victims who took less protective measures was lower than expected. These same results were observed in the group of men. The experience of victimization implies a greater perception of insecurity. However, the climate of insecurity is widespread in a large number of citizens. Gender differences in a high-crime environment show the importance of investigating in depth the roles of both genders in the perception of insecurity and changes in routines. Analizar las relaciones existentes entre victimización, percepción de inseguridad y cambios en las rutinas. Participaron en este estudio 8,170 sujetos de ambos sexos (49.9% mujeres y 50.1% hombres) de entre 12 y 60 años, seleccionados a partir de un muestro estratificado proporcional. El instrumento de medida fue una adaptación de la Encuesta Nacional de Victimización y Seguridad Pública. Se realizaron pruebas Chi-cuadrado. Los resultados evidencian diferencias significativas en cuanto a victimización y sexo con respecto a percepción de inseguridad, restricciones de actividades cotidianas y medidas de protección. Un 13.1% de las personas entrevistadas afirmaron haber sido víctimas de un delito en los últimos doce meses. El 52.7% de las mujeres consideraron su municipio como inseguro o muy inseguro. En el caso de los hombres, este porcentaje fue de 58.2%. Las mujeres víctimas señalaron restricciones en la vida cotidiana significativas en comparación con las no víctimas. Con relación a los hombres, el porcentaje de víctimas con un alta restricción de actividades fue mayor en los hombres víctimas que en los hombres no víctimas. En el grupo de mujeres victimizadas, el segmento de mujeres que optaron por mayores medidas de protección frente a la delincuencia fue mayor de lo esperado, mientras que las mujeres no víctimas que asumieron menores medidas de protección fue menor de lo esperado. Estos mismos resultados se observaron en el grupo de los hombres. La experiencia de victimización lleva implícita una mayor percepción de inseguridad. Sin embargo, el clima de inseguridad se encuentra diseminado en gran cantidad de la ciudadanos. Las diferencias de género en un clima de alta criminalidad muestran la importancia de investigar a profundidad los roles de ambos sexos en la percepción de inseguridad y los cambios en las rutinas.

Effects of pre-irradiation conditioning of Medfly pupae (Diptera: Tephritidae): Hypoxia and quality of sterile males

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nestel, D.; Nemny-Lavy, E.; Islam, S.M.

Irradiation of pupae in sterile insect technique (SIT) projects is usually undertaken in hypoxic atmospheres, which have been shown to lessen the deleterious effects of irradiation on the quality of adult sterile flies. Although this is the accepted technology in most mass-rearing and sterilization facilities, to date no information has been generated on the actual levels of oxygen (O{sub 2}) in pupae-packing containers during irradiation. The present study utilized recently-developed technology to investigate the O{sub 2} level inside bags in which pupae of Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) are packed prior to irradiation, the ability of pupae tomore » create hypoxic environments in these bags, and the effect of O{sub 2} atmospheres on the quality of irradiated males. Pupae, 1 d before adult emergence, were shown to deplete the O{sub 2} level in sealed bags in approximately 1 h. The rate of O{sub 2} consumption was dependent upon pupal age and incubation temperature. Incubation temperature did not significantly affect the quality of pupae or mating capacity of resultant adult males if pupae were irradiated under maximal hypoxic conditions inside packing bags. In contrast, mating competitiveness drastically decreased when pupae were irradiated under ambient O{sub 2} conditions, with the packing bag open. There was no difference in the mating capacity of males when pupae were irradiated in sealed bags under either 10% or 2% O{sub 2} levels, or under maximal hypoxia. Normal doses of fluorescent dye, applied to pupae to mark sterile flies, did not affect the ability of pupae to create hypoxic conditions inside packing bags, nor the quality control parameters of either pupae or adults. Current practices in mass-rearing facilities are discussed in the light of these results. (author) [Spanish] La irradiacion de pupas en proyectos de mosca esteril usualmente se hace bajo condiciones de hipoxia. Esta condicion ha demostrado ser menos detrimente a la calidad de las moscas que la irradiacion en atmosferas con proporcion normal de oxigeno. Aunque esta ha sido por mucho tiempo parte del protocolo de irradiacion en plantas de produccion de mosca esteril, hasta ahora no se ha medido el contenido de oxigeno dentro de los recipientes de empaque de pupa durante la irradiacion. El presente estudio investigo los contenidos de O{sub 2} en los contenedores de pupas de la mosca de las frutas del Mediterraneo (Ceratitis capitata Wiedeman), la habilidad de pupas de crear hipoxia dentro de los contenedores, y los efectos del contenido de O{sub 2} durante la irradiacion del contenedor en la calidad y capacidad de apareamiento de moscas esteriles. Pupas de un dia antes de emerger como adultos crearon atmosferas de maxima hipoxia dentro del empaque en aproximadamente una hora. La proporcion de consumo de O{sub 2} en contenedores sellados es dependiente de la edad de la pupa, y de la temperatura de incubacion. La temperatura de incubacion no afecto significativamente la calidad ni la capacidad de apareamiento de machos derivados de pupas irradiadas bajo condiciones de hipoxia. Sin embargo, la capacidad de apareamiento de machos irradiados como pupas en contenedores abiertos y en condiciones oxigenadas fue drasticamente afectada. En comparacion a los resultados anteriores, atmosferas de 2% y 10% O{sub 2} durante la irradiacion no afectaron la capacidad de apareamiento de moscas esteriles. Polvo fluorescente, aplicado a pupas para marcar las moscas esteriles, no tuvo efectos sobre la capacidad de las pupas de crear hipoxia. Los resultados de este estudio se discuten en base a las practicas actuales de produccion e irradiacion. (author)« less

Europe, Japan and North America Prepare for Joint Construction of the Giant Radio Telescope "ALMA" in Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2001-04-01

Caption : PR Photo 14/01 shows how the ALMA facility may look like when it is ready at Chajnantor. Courtesy NAOJ . Representatives from Europe, Japan, and North America met in Tokyo today and signed a Resolution affirming their mutual intent to construct and operate a giant radio telescope in co-operation with the Republic of Chile, where the telescope will be located. The Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) is conceived as a radio telescope comprised of sixty-four transportable 12-meter diameter antennas distributed over an area 14 km in extent. Japanese participation will allow enhanced imaging and spectroscopy, especially at submillimeter wavelengths. By pointing all the antennas in unison toward a single astronomical object, and combining the signals detected by all the antennas with a super-fast digital signal processor, this gigantic radio telescope achieves an imaging detail 10 times better than that of the Hubble Space Telescope. The combined area of all 64 antennas used to collect signals from celestial objects is more than 40 times larger than that available to astronomers using existing submillimeter telescopes. ALMA will be built on the Andean plateau at 5,000 meters altitude near the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. This site provides the exceptionally dry atmospheric conditions necessary for astronomical observations at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths (wavelengths between the radio and far-infrared spectral regions). Observations with this telescope will have a profound impact on virtually all fields of astrophysical research. The most important targets include the most distant (i.e., the youngest) galaxies as they emerged in the early Universe. These are expected to have become rapidly enshrouded in the dust produced by the first stars; the dust absorbs much of the starlight making the galaxies difficult to see in the optical wavebands, but these same galaxies shine brightly at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths. In our own Galaxy, ALMA will study the morphology, the motions and the chemistry of dust-enshrouded regions where stars and planets are being formed. ALMA will shed light on these optically `dark' celestial regions that carry key information on the origin of the richness of structure in the Universe and clues to the origin of life. ALMA is a merger of three large projects - The Millimeter Array (MMA) of the United States, the Large Southern Array (LSA) of Europe, and the Large Millimeter and Submillimeter Array (LMSA) of Japan - each of which has been endorsed as the top-priority project in their respective astronomical communities. The European and North American projects were merged into ALMA in 1999 and joint design and development of ALMA began at that time. The National Research Council of Canada is participating with the U.S. in the project. With Japan joining the project as a third partner equal with North America and Europe, and with Chile also taking part, ALMA has become one of the first truly global projects in the history of fundamental science. In the agreement signed today, the partners pledge to use their best efforts to obtain full approval and funding for their participation in ALMA. With the schedule planned, the telescope should be in full operation in 2010. Note [1]: This Press Release is issued jointly by ESO for its members plus UK and Spain, by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and by CONICYT in Chile. The embargo period coincides with a Press Conference by the partners in Tokyo (Japan). Links to earlier Press Releases etc. about ALMA are found on the dedicated webpage.

Controlled fires, politics, and the media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoof, Cathelijne; Kettridge, Nicholas; Gray, Alan; Ascoli, Davide; Fernandes, Paulo; Marrs, Rob; Allen, Katherine; Doerr, Stephan; Clay, Gareth; McMorrow, Julia; Vandvik, Vidgis; Davies, Matt

2017-04-01

A golden rule in science communication is to be in charge - particularly when communicating sensitive topics. When our recent review on the use of fire and UK peatlands (Davies et al. 2016a) was accidentally released into the public domain prior to publication, we were certainly not in charge. The international fire ecology literature recognises that there are many potential benefits from the controlled use of fire, yet this tool is frequently viewed negatively in the UK. This may be at least partly due to its association with (creating habitat for) grouse hunting. In Davies et al. (2016a) we highlighted this controversy. We countered recent publications that portrayed controlled fires as having predominantly negative impacts on the environment (including water quality), often based on studies of potentially severe wildfires. We furthermore explored both the benefits and negative consequence of controlled burns. As fire is a highly political and emotional topic in the UK, we planned a press release upon publication of our paper to take the lead in the communication. The accidental release however prevented us from doing so, and came about inadvertently through one of us following the new rules of publication for University staff within the UK, designed to satisfy the Research Excellence Framework guidelines, i.e. that the accepted version of all papers should be entered immediately on acceptance into institutional repositories. To avoid similar issues, we suggest that all authors of commentary papers, especially if controversial, should endure that embargo terms are enforced in repository depositions strictly to prevent this happening. Ironically, our paper that called for informed, unbiased debate was used out of context by groups aligned with different wider environmental, social and political agendas. Our scientific credibility was consequently questioned in a blog by a prominent Guardian journalist, who disagreed with us on the focus of our review (fire effects, not the ideal state of the British uplands). We responded to his arguments not just informally but also in the peer-reviewed literature (Davies et al. 2016b). Though it may be unconventional, and not suited to all journals, we hope that more scientists (like for instance Wynne-Jones 2016) will discuss their challenges with science communication in the peer-reviewed literature, to not only create a scientific record of these cases for study but also to provide potential inspiration and support for scientists in similar situations. Likewise, we very much welcome peer-reviewed journals like Proceedings of Peerage of Science and Nature Conservation that facilitate scientific debate after the typical process of paper publication -comment - response, and that are thereby willing to consider and publish commentaries and debates that may originate outside the scientific literature. - Davies GM, Kettridge N, Stoof CR, Gray A, Ascoli D, Fernandes PM, Marrs R, Allen KA, Doerr SH, Clay GD, McMorrow J, Vandvik V (2016a) The role of fire in UK peatland and moorland management: the need for informed, unbiased debate. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London B: Biol.Sci. 371. - Davies GM, Kettridge N, Stoof CR, Gray A, Marrs R, Ascoli D, Fernandes PM, Allen KA, Doerr SH, Clay GD, McMorrow J, Vandvik V (2016b) Informed debate on the use of fire for peatland management means acknowledging the complexity of socio-ecological systems. Nature Conservation, 16, 59. ** this paper was initially submitted to the peer-reviewed commentary journal Proceedings of Peerage of Science that offers forwarding of accepted manuscripts to other journals that do have impact factors. After acceptance in ProPoS, this manuscript was then forwarded, assessed and accepted by Nature Conservation ** - Wynne-Jones S (2016) Flooding and media storms - controversies over farming and upland land-use in the UK. Land Use Policy, 58, 533-536.

Measurement of the area of venous ulcers using two software programs.

PubMed

Eberhardt, Thaís Dresch; Lima, Suzinara Beatriz Soares de; Lopes, Luis Felipe Dias; Borges, Eline de Lima; Weiller, Teresinha Heck; Fonseca, Graziele Gorete Portella da

2016-12-19

to compare the measurement area of venous ulcers using AutoCAD(r) and Image Tool software. this was an assessment of reproducibility tests conducted in a angiology clinic of a university hospital. Data were collected from 21 patients with venous ulcers, in the period from March to July of 2015, using a collection form and photograph of wounds. Five nurses (evaluators) of the hospital skin wound study group participated. The wounds were measured using both software programs. Data were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficient, concordance correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. The study met the ethical aspects in accordance with current legislation. the size of ulcers varied widely, however, without significant difference between the measurements; an excellent intraclass and concordance correlation was found between both software programs, which seem to be more accurate when measuring a wound area >10 cm². the use of both software programs is appropriate for measurement of venous ulcers, appearing to be more accurate when used to measure a wound area > 10 cm². comparar a mensuração de área de úlceras venosas por meio dos softwares AutoCAD(r) e Image Tool. trata-se de um estudo de avaliação de reprodutibilidade de testes, realizado em um ambulatório de angiologia de um hospital universitário. Os dados foram coletados de 21 pacientes com úlceras venosas, no período de março a julho de 2015, por meio de formulário de coleta e fotografia das feridas. Cinco enfermeiros (avaliadores) do Grupo de Estudos de Lesões de Pele do hospital participaram da pesquisa. As feridas foram mensuradas em ambos os softwares. Os dados foram analisados por meio do Coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, Coeficiente de correlação de concordância e procedimento de Bland e Altman. A pesquisa respeitou os aspectos éticos de acordo com a legislação vigente. os tamanhos das úlceras apresentaram grande amplitude, porém, sem diferença significativa entre as mensurações, existe excelente correlação intraclasse e de concordância entre os softwares, os quais parecem ser mais precisos na mensuração de feridas com área > 10 cm². o uso de ambos os softwares é indicado para a mensuração de úlceras venosas, parecendo ser mais precisos quando utilizados para mensurar feridas com área > 10 cm². comparar la medida del área de úlceras venosas por medio de los softwares AutoCAD(r) e Image Tool. se trata de un estudio de evaluación de reproducibilidad de pruebas, realizado en un ambulatorio de angiología de un hospital universitario. Los datos fueron recolectados de 21 pacientes con úlceras venosas, en el período de marzo a julio de 2015, por medio de formulario de recolección y fotografías de las heridas. Cinco enfermeros (evaluadores) del Grupo de Estudios de Lesiones de Piel del hospital participaron de la investigación. Las heridas fueron medidas en ambos softwares. Los datos fueron analizados por medio de: Coeficiente de correlación intraclase, Coeficiente de correlación de concordancia y Procedimiento de Bland y Altman. La investigación respetó los aspectos éticos de acuerdo con la legislación vigente. los tamaños de las úlceras presentaron gran amplitud, sin embargo, sin diferencia significativa entre las medidas; existe excelente correlación intraclase y de concordancia entre los softwares, los que parecen ser más precisos en medidas de heridas con área > 10 cm². el uso de ambos softwares es indicado para medir úlceras venosas, pareciendo ser más precisos cuando utilizados para medir heridas con área > 10 cm².

Compatibility and competitiveness of a laboratory strain of Anastrepha Fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) after irradiation treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Allinghi, A.; Calcagno, G.; Gomez Cendra, P.

We evaluated under semi-natural field cage conditions sexual compatibility and competitiveness of a laboratory strain (LAB) compared to a wild population (TUC) of Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann). The LAB strain is produced under semi-mass rearing conditions at the Estacion Experimental Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres facility (Tucuman, Argentina). Wild flies were obtained at Horco Molle (Tucuman, Argentina) from infested guava fruits. LAB pupae were irradiated ({sup 60}Co) 48 h before adult emergence. The tested doses were 0 (control), 40, 70, and 100 Gy. Twenty-five males and 25 females each of TUC and LAB were released into cages and mating pairs collected. Only 1more » irradiation dose was considered at a time. Females were separated and allowed to lay eggs into artificial fruits to estimate induced sterility from the corresponding hatching rate. Copulation start time did not differ significantly between strains nor among irradiation treatments. Copulation duration showed highly significant differences among irradiation doses, but no differences between strains. The index of sexual isolation (ISI) and the relative sterility index (RSI) indices indicated that LAB and TUC are fully compatible, males from TUC and LAB did not differ in mating competitiveness, and irradiation within the range tested did not affect these indices. Non-irradiated LAB females exhibited higher mating propensity than TUC ones. However, a significant reduction in the female relative performance index (FRPI) index was observed with increasing irradiation dose. The analysis of induced sterility indicated that treatment with 40 Gy reduces male fertility from about 80% to 0.75%, and higher doses produce total sterility. In females, the 40 Gy dose reduces fertility to about 2% and higher doses prevent egg laying. (author) [Spanish] Se evaluo bajo condiciones semi-naturales en jaulas de campo la compatibilidad y la competitividad sexual de una linea de laboratorio (LAB) con respecto a una poblacion salvaje (TUC) de Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann). La linea de laboratorio se produce en condiciones de cria semi-masiva en las instalaciones de la Estacion Experimental Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres (Tucuman, Argentina). Las moscas salvajes se obtuvieron de frutas infestadas de guayabos en Horco Molle (Tucuman, Argentina). Las pupas de laboratorio fueron irradiadas ({sup 60}Co) 48 horas antes de la emergencia del adulto. Las dosis utilizadas fueron 0 (control), 40, 70, y 100 Gy. Se liberaron 25 machos y 25 hembras de TUC y LAB dentro de las jaulas y se recolectaron las parejas formadas. Solo se considero 1 dosis de irradiacion por vez. Las hembras apareadas fueron separadas y se les permitio poner huevos en frutas artificiales para estimar la esterilidad inducida a traves del porcentaje de eclosion. La hora de inicio de la copula no difirio significativamente entre poblaciones ni entre los tratamientos de irradiacion. La duracion de la copula mostro grandes diferencias entre dosis de irradiacion pero no entre cepas. Los indices ISI (aislamiento) y el RSI (esterilidad relativa) indican que LAB y TUC son totalmente compatibles, los machos de TUC y LAB no difieren en su competitividad y la irradiacion dentro del rango de dosis utilizadas tampoco afecto este indice. Las hembras LAB no irradiadas muestran una mayor propension para el apareamiento que las hembras de TUC. Sin embargo se observo una reduccion significativa del indice FRPI (actuacion relativa de hembras) a medida que se aumenta la dosis de irradiacion. El analisis de la esterilidad inducida indica que con dosis de 40 Gy la fertilidad disminuye del 80% al 0.75%, y con dosis mayores la esterilidad fue total. Las hembras irradiadas con dosis de 40 Gy tienen una fertilidad de aproximadamente 2% y con dosis mayores no ponen huevos. (author)« less

The Need to Disentangle Key Concepts from Ecosystem-Approach Jargon

PubMed Central

WAYLEN, K A; HASTINGS, E J; BANKS, E A; HOLSTEAD, K L; IRVINE, R J; BLACKSTOCK, K L

2014-01-01

The ecosystem approach—as endorsed by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) in 2000—is a strategy for holistic, sustainable, and equitable natural resource management, to be implemented via the 12 Malawi Principles. These principles describe the need to manage nature in terms of dynamic ecosystems, while fully engaging with local peoples. It is an ambitious concept. Today, the term is common throughout the research and policy literature on environmental management. However, multiple meanings have been attached to the term, resulting in confusion. We reviewed references to the ecosystem approach from 1957 to 2012 and identified 3 primary uses: as an alternative to ecosystem management or ecosystem-based management; in reference to an integrated and equitable approach to resource management as per the CBD; and as a term signifying a focus on understanding and valuing ecosystem services. Although uses of this term and its variants may overlap in meaning, typically, they do not entirely reflect the ethos of the ecosystem approach as defined by the CBD. For example, there is presently an increasing emphasis on ecosystem services, but focusing on these alone does not promote decentralization of management or use of all forms of knowledge, both of which are integral to the CBD’s concept. We highlight that the Malawi Principles are at risk of being forgotten. To better understand these principles, more effort to implement them is required. Such efforts should be evaluated, ideally with comparative approaches, before allowing the CBD’s concept of holistic and socially engaged management to be abandoned or superseded. It is possible that attempts to implement all 12 principles together will face many challenges, but they may also offer a unique way to promote holistic and equitable governance of natural resources. Therefore, we believe that the CBD’s concept of the ecosystem approach demands more attention. La Necesidad de Desenredar Conceptos Clave del Argot Ambiente-Estrategia Resumen La estrategia ambiental – como es promocionada por la Convención Biológica sobre Diversidad en 2000 – es una estrategia para un manejo holístico, sustentable y equitativo de recursos naturales, que habrá de implementarse por vía de los 12 Principios de Malawi. Estos principios describen la necesidad de manejar la naturaleza en términos de ecosistemas dinámicos, mientras se compromete totalmente con las personas locales. Es un concepto ambicioso. Hoy en día, el término es común en la investigación y la literatura de políticas sobre el manejo ambiente. Sin embargo, se han relacionado múltiples significados con el término, lo que resulta en confusión. Revisamos referencias a la estrategia ambiental de 1957 a 2012 e identificamos tres usos principales: como una alternativa para manejo ambiental o basado en ecosistemas; en referencia a una estrategia integrada y equitativa para el manejo de recursos según la CBD; y como un término que indica un enfoque en el entendimiento y la valuación de los servicios ambientales. Aunque los usos de este término y sus variantes pueden traslaparse en su significado, típicamente no reflejan en su totalidad los valores de la estrategia ambiental como fue definida por la CBD. Por ejemplo, actualmente hay un énfasis creciente en los servicios ambientales, pero enfocarse solamente en estos no promueve la descentralización del manejo o el uso de todas las formas de conocimiento, siendo ambas integrales para el concepto de la CBD. Resaltamos que los Principios de Malawi están en riesgo de ser olvidados. Para entender mejor estos principios, se requiere de más esfuerzo para implementarlos. Dichos esfuerzos deben ser evaluados, idóneamente con estrategias comparativas, antes de permitir que el concepto de la CBD de manejo holístico y comprometido socialmente sea abandonado o reemplazado. Es posible que los intentos por implementar los 12 principios juntos enfrentarán muchos obstáculos, pero también pueden ofrecer una forma única de promover el gobierno holístico y equitativo de los recursos naturales. Así, creemos que el concepto de estrategia ambiental de la CBD exige mayor atención. PMID:25039668

Indicators to assess the quality of programs to prevent occupational risk for tuberculosis: are they feasible?

PubMed

Santos, Talita Raquel Dos; Padoveze, Maria Clara; Nichiata, Lúcia Yasuko Izumi; Takahashi, Renata Ferreira; Ciosak, Suely Itsuko; Gryschek, Anna Luiza de Fátima Pinho Lins

2016-06-07

to analyze the feasibility of quality indicators for evaluation of hospital programs for preventing occupational tuberculosis. a descriptive cross-sectional study. We tested indicators for evaluating occupational tuberculosis prevention programs in six hospitals. The criterion to define feasibility was the time spent to calculate the indicators. time spent to evaluate the indicators ranged from 2h 52min to 15h11min 24sec. The indicator for structure evaluation required less time; the longest time was spent on process indicators, including the observation of healthcare workers' practices in relation to the use of N95 masks. There was an hindrance to test one of the indicators for tuberculosis outcomes in five situations, due to the lack of use of tuberculin skin test in these facilities. The time requires to calculate indicators in regarding to the outcomes for occupational tuberculosis largely depends upon the level of organizational administrative structure for gathering data. indicators to evaluate the structure for occupational tuberculosis prevention are highly feasible. Nevertheless, the feasibility of indicators for process and outcome is limited due to relevant variations in administrative issues at healthcare facilities. analisar a viabilidade de indicadores de qualidade para avaliação de programas hospitalares de prevenção de tuberculose ocupacional. estudo descritivo transversal. Testaram-se indicadores de avaliação de programas de prevenção de tuberculose ocupacional em seis hospitais. O critério para definir a viabilidade foi o tempo necessário para aplicar os indicadores. o tempo necessário para avaliar os indicadores variou de 02'52'' até 15h11'24''. O indicador para a avaliação da estrutura demandou menor tempo; o maior tempo foi utilizado com os indicadores de processo, incluindo a observação das práticas dos trabalhadores de saúde em relação ao uso de máscaras N95. Um dos indicadores de resultados de tuberculose deixou de ser testado em cinco situações devido à falta de uso do teste tuberculínico nessas instituições. O tempo necessário para aplicar indicadores em relação aos resultados de tuberculose ocupacional depende em grande parte do nível da organização da estrutura administrativa para a coleta de dados. os indicadores de avaliação da estrutura de prevenção de tuberculose ocupacional são altamente viáveis. No entanto, a viabilidade de aplicação dos indicadores de processo e de resultado é limitada devido a variações relevantes em questões administrativas nas instituições de saúde. analizar la viabilidad de los indicadores de calidad de la evaluación de los programas hospitalarios para la prevención de la tuberculosis en el trabajo. estudio descriptivo transversal. Se probaron los indicadores dirigidos a evaluar los programas para la prevención de la tuberculosis laboral en seis hospitales. El criterio para definir la viabilidad fue el tiempo para aplicar los indicadores. el tiempo empleado para la evaluación de los los indicadores varió desde 02'52 '' hasta 15h11'24 ''. El indicador para la evaluación de la estructura requiere menos tiempo; se invirtió más tiempo en los indicadores de proceso, lo que incluye la observación de las prácticas de los empleados del cuidado de salud en relación con el uso de máscaras N95. No se pudo probar uno de los indicadores de resultados de tuberculosis en cinco situaciones debido a la falta de uso de la prueba de la tuberculina en estas centros. El tiempo necesario para aplicar los indicadores en relación con los resultados por tuberculosis laboral depende en gran medida del nivel de organización de la estructura administrativa para la recopilación de datos. los indicadores para evaluar la estructura para la prevención de la tuberculosis laboral son altamente factibles. Sin embargo, la viabilidad de aplicación de los indicadores de proceso y el resultado es limitada debido a las variaciones relevantes en cuestiones administrativas en los centros sanitarios.

Impact of payments for environmental services and protected areas on local livelihoods and forest conservation in northern Cambodia

PubMed Central

Clements, Tom; Milner-Gulland, E J

2015-01-01

The potential impacts of payments for environmental services (PES) and protected areas (PAs) on environmental outcomes and local livelihoods in developing countries are contentious and have been widely debated. The available evidence is sparse, with few rigorous evaluations of the environmental and social impacts of PAs and particularly of PES. We measured the impacts on forests and human well-being of three different PES programs instituted within two PAs in northern Cambodia, using a panel of intervention villages and matched controls. Both PES and PAs delivered additional environmental outcomes relative to the counterfactual: reducing deforestation rates significantly relative to controls. PAs increased security of access to land and forest resources for local households, benefiting forest resource users but restricting households’ ability to expand and diversify their agriculture. The impacts of PES on household well-being were related to the magnitude of the payments provided. The two higher paying market-linked PES programs had significant positive impacts, whereas a lower paying program that targeted biodiversity protection had no detectable effect on livelihoods, despite its positive environmental outcomes. Households that signed up for the higher paying PES programs, however, typically needed more capital assets; hence, they were less poor and more food secure than other villagers. Therefore, whereas the impacts of PAs on household well-being were limited overall and varied between livelihood strategies, the PES programs had significant positive impacts on livelihoods for those that could afford to participate. Our results are consistent with theories that PES, when designed appropriately, can be a powerful new tool for delivering conservation goals whilst benefiting local people. El Impacto de los Pagos por Servicios Ambientales y Áreas Protegidas sobre la Subsistencia Local y la Conservación del Bosque en el Norte de Camboya Resumen Los impactos potenciales de los pagos por servicios ambientales (PSA) y áreas protegidas (APs) sobre los resultados ambientales y las subsistencias locales en los países en desarrollo son polémicos y se han debatido ampliamente. La evidencia disponible es escasa; ha habido pocas evaluaciones rigurosas de los impactos ambientales y sociales de las APs y particularmente los PSA. Medimos el impacto sobre los bosques y el bienestar humano en tres diferentes programas de PSA que se llevan a cabo dentro de dos APs en el norte de Camboya usando un panel de aldeas de intervención y controles emparejados. Tanto los PSA como las APs brindaron resultados ambientales adicionales en relación a los contrafácticos, esto quiere decir que redujeron las tasas de deforestación significativamente en relación a los controles. Las áreas protegidas incrementaron el acceso seguro a los recursos del suelo y el bosque para las viviendas locales, beneficiando a los usuarios de los recursos del bosque pero restringiendo la habilidad de las viviendas para expandirse y diversificar su agricultura. Los impactos de los pagos por servicios ambientales sobre el bienestar de las viviendas estuvieron relacionados con la magnitud de los pagos proporcionados. Los dos programas de PSA de mayor paga y con conexión al mercado tuvieron impactos positivos significativos, mientras que un programa de menor paga con el objetivo de proteger a la biodiversidad no tuvo un efecto detectable sobre las viviendas, a pesar de sus resultados ambientales positivos. Las viviendas que se inscribieron a los programas de PSA con mayor paga, sin embargo, necesitaban típicamente más bienes capitales, por lo que eran menos pobres y tenían mayor seguridad alimentaria que otros aldeanos. Por esto, mientras los impactos de las APs sobre el bienestar de las viviendas fueron limitados en general y variaron dependiendo de las estrategias de subsistencia, los programas de PSA tuvieron impactos positivos significativos sobre las viviendas para aquellos que podían costear participar. Nuestros resultados son congruentes con las teorías de que los PSA, cuando se designan apropiadamente, pueden ser una herramienta poderosa y novedosa para obtener objetivos de conservación mientras se beneficia a la gente local. PMID:25492724

Microbial degradation of chloroethenes in groundwater systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradley, Paul M.

The chloroethenes, tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) are among the most common contaminants detected in groundwater systems. As recently as 1980, the consensus was that chloroethene compounds were not significantly biodegradable in groundwater. Consequently, efforts to remediate chloroethene-contaminated groundwater were limited to largely unsuccessful pump-and-treat attempts. Subsequent investigation revealed that under reducing conditions, aquifer microorganisms can reductively dechlorinate PCE and TCE to the less chlorinated daughter products dichloroethene (DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC). Although recent laboratory studies conducted with halorespiring microorganisms suggest that complete reduction to ethene is possible, in the majority of groundwater systems reductive dechlorination apparently stops at DCE or VC. However, recent investigations conducted with aquifer and stream-bed sediments have demonstrated that microbial oxidation of these reduced daughter products can be significant under anaerobic redox conditions. The combination of reductive dechlorination of PCE and TCE under anaerobic conditions followed by anaerobic microbial oxidation of DCE and VC provides a possible microbial pathway for complete degradation of chloroethene contaminants in groundwater systems. Résumé Les chloroéthanes, tétrachloroéthane (PCE) et trichloroéthane (TCE) sont parmi les polluants les plus communs trouvés dans les aquifères. Depuis les années 1980, on considère que les chloroéthanes ne sont pas significativement biodégradables dans les aquifères. Par conséquent, les efforts pour dépolluer les nappes contaminées par des chloroéthanes se sont limités à des tentatives de pompage-traitement globalement sans succès. Des travaux ultérieurs ont montré que dans des conditions réductrices, des micro-organismes présents dans les aquifères peuvent, par réduction, dégrader les PCE et TCE en composés moins chlorés, comme le dichloréthane (DCE) et le chlorure de vinyl (VC). Bien que des études de laboratoire réalisées avec des micro-organismes adaptés aux composés halogénés montrent que la réduction complète en éthane est possible, dans la plupart des nappes la réaction de déchloration par réduction s'arrête apparemment au DCE et au VC. Cependant, des recherches récentes menées sur des sédiments d'un aquifère et d'alluvions ont démontré que l'oxydation microbienne de ces descendants réduits peut se produire de manière significative dans des conditions de redox anérobies. La déchloration par réduction de PCE et de TCE dans des conditions anérobies suivie par une oxydation microbienne anérobie des DCE et VC fournit une piste microbienne possible pour obtenir une dégradation complète des chloroéthanes polluants dans les aquifères. Resumen Los cloroetanos (tetracloroetano PCE y tricloroetano TCE) son contaminantes muy habituales en los acuíferos. Hasta 1980 se consideraba que los cloroetanos no eran biodegradables y, por tanto, los métodos de rehabilitación en acuíferos contaminados con cloroetanos se limitaban al pump-and-treat, generalmente con poco éxito. Posteriormente se vio que, en condiciones reductoras, algunos microorganismos pueden reducir PCE y TCE a unos subproductos menos clorados, como el dicloroetano (DCE) y el cloruro de vinilo (VC). Aunque estudios de laboratorio recientes sugieren que la reducción completa a etano es posible, en la mayoría de los sistemas acuíferos la decloración suele detenerse en los DCE o VC. Sin embargo, investigaciones más recientes en acuíferos y sedimentos fluviales demuestran que la oxidación microbiana de estos subproductos puede ser importante bajo condiciones redox anaerobias. La combinación de la reducción de PCE y TCE en condiciones anaerobias seguida de la oxidación microbiana anaerobia de DCE y VC proporciona un método potencial para la degradación total de los cloroetanos en los sistemas acuíferos.

"Infinitos"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1994-04-01

On Friday, 22 April 1994, a new science exhibition ``Infinitos", arranged jointly by Lisboa'94, CERN and ESO, will open at the Museu de Electricidade on the waterfront of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. In a series of spectacular displays, it illustrates man's current understanding of how the Universe works - from the tiniest structures of matter to the most far flung galaxies. On this day, it will be inaugurated by the President of Lisboa'94, Prof. Vitor Constancio, the Portuguese Science Minister, Prof. L. Valente de Oliveira, Prof. C. Llewellyn Smith, Director General of CERN [2] and Dr. P. Creola, President of ESO Council. This exhibition is part of a rich cultural programme taking place at Lisbon during 1994 in the frame of ``Lisboa 94 - European City of Culture", after which it will travel to major cities around Europe. The frontiers of our knowledge push into inner space - the structure of the smallest components of matter - and into outer space - the dramatic phenomena of distant galaxies. Two of Europe's leading science organisations are playing a crucial role in this great human adventure. The European Laboratory for Particle Physics, CERN, operates the mighty accelerators and colliding beam machines to penetrate deep into matter and recreate the conditions which prevailed in the Universe a tiny fraction of a second after the Big Bang. The European Southern Observatory, ESO, operates the largest optical observatory in the world with a range of advanced telescopes searching the sky to study the evolution and content of our Universe. The ``Infinitos'' exhibition uses many modern exhibition techniques, including sophisticated audio-visual presentations and interactive video programmes. Visitors enter through a gallery of portraits of the most celebrated scientists from the 16th to 20th centuries and an exhibition of art inspired by scientific research. After passing a cosmic ray detector showing the streams of particles which pour down constantly from outer space, visitors continue into a central area where they are confronted with the essential questions of astro- and particle physics, f.inst. ``What is the Universe made of?'', ``How was the Universe created?'', ``What is in the sky?'', ``What is Dark Matter?'', ``Where does the stuff in our bodies come from?'', and ``Are we alone in the Universe?'' A central theme of this display is ``What we don't know''. In the second part of the exhibition visitors are shown the instruments and techniques used in today's big science research which will help to provide the answers. There are special displays on Europe's future large research projects such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, which will bring protons into head-on collision at higher energies (14 TeV) than ever before to allow scientists to penetrate still further into the structure of matter and recreate the conditions prevailing in the Universe just 10-12 seconds after the "Big Bang" when the temperature was 10^16 degrees. Another highlight is a large interactive model of ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT), the world's most ambitious optical telescope project, now under construction. The telescope's unequalled potential for exciting astronomical observations at the outer reaches of the Universe is clearly explained. Special emphasis is given to the contribution of Portuguese research institutes to the work of CERN and ESO, and particle physicists and astronomers from Portugal will be present at the exhibition to talk to visitors about their work. This exhibition will remain open until 12 June 1994 and will be a major attraction, also to the many tourists visiting this year's European City of Culture. 1. This is a joint Press Release of Lisboa'94, CERN and ESO. 2. CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, has its headquarters in Geneva. At present, its Member States are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Israel, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Yugoslavia (status suspended after UN embargo, June 1992), the European Commission and Unesco have observer status.

Spatial patterns of carbon, biodiversity, deforestation threat, and REDD+ projects in Indonesia

PubMed Central

Murray, Josil P; Grenyer, Richard; Wunder, Sven; Raes, Niels; Jones, Julia PG

2015-01-01

There are concerns that Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) may fail to deliver potential biodiversity cobenefits if it is focused on high carbon areas. We explored the spatial overlaps between carbon stocks, biodiversity, projected deforestation threats, and the location of REDD+ projects in Indonesia, a tropical country at the forefront of REDD+ development. For biodiversity, we assembled data on the distribution of terrestrial vertebrates (ranges of amphibians, mammals, birds, reptiles) and plants (species distribution models for 8 families). We then investigated congruence between different measures of biodiversity richness and carbon stocks at the national and subnational scales. Finally, we mapped active REDD+ projects and investigated the carbon density and potential biodiversity richness and modeled deforestation pressures within these forests relative to protected areas and unprotected forests. There was little internal overlap among the different hotspots (richest 10% of cells) of species richness. There was also no consistent spatial congruence between carbon stocks and the biodiversity measures: a weak negative correlation at the national scale masked highly variable and nonlinear relationships island by island. Current REDD+ projects were preferentially located in areas with higher total species richness and threatened species richness but lower carbon densities than protected areas and unprotected forests. Although a quarter of the total area of these REDD+ projects is under relatively high deforestation pressure, the majority of the REDD+ area is not. In Indonesia at least, first-generation REDD+ projects are located where they are likely to deliver biodiversity benefits. However, if REDD+ is to deliver additional gains for climate and biodiversity, projects will need to focus on forests with the highest threat to deforestation, which will have cost implications for future REDD+ implementation. Los Patrones Espaciales del Carbono, la Biodiversidad, la Amenaza de Deforestación y los Proyectos REDD+ en Indonesia Resumen Actualmente hay preocupación por que las Emisiones Reducidas de la Deforestación y Degradación del Bosque (REDD+, en inglés) puedan fallar en la entrega de co–beneficios potenciales de la biodiversidad si se enfocan en áreas de alto carbono. Exploramos los traslapes espaciales entre los stocks de carbono, la biodiversidad, las amenazas proyectadas de deforestación y la ubicación de proyectos REDD+ en Indonesia, un país tropical a la vanguardia del desarrollo REDD+. Para la biodiversidad, reunimos datos sobre la distribución de vertebrados terrestres (hábitats de anfibios, mamíferos, aves y reptiles) y plantas (modelos de distribución de especies para ocho familia). Después investigamos la congruencia entre las diferentes medidas de la riqueza de la biodiversidad y los stocks de carbono en la escala nacional y sub–nacional. Finalmente mapeamos proyectos REDD+ activos e investigamos la densidad de carbono y la riqueza potencial de la biodiversidad y modelamos presiones de deforestación dentro de estos bosques en relación con áreas protegidas y no protegidas. Hubo poco traslape interno entre los diferentes hotspots (el 10% más rico de las celdas) de riqueza de especies. Tampoco hubo congruencia espacial consecuente entre los stocks de carbono y las medidas de la biodiversidad: una correlación negativa débil en la escala nacional enmascaró las relaciones altamente variables y no-lineales isla por isla. Los proyectos REDD+ actuales estuvieron ubicados preferencialmente en áreas con una riqueza total de especies y con una riqueza de especies amenazadas más altas pero con densidades de carbono más bajas que en las áreas protegidas y los bosques sin protección. Aunque un cuarto del área total de estos proyectos REDD+ está bajo una presión de deforestación relativamente alta, la mayoría del área REDD+ no lo está. Por lo menos en Indonesia, los proyectos REDD+ de primera generación están ubicados en donde tengan probabilidad de entregar beneficios para la biodiversidad. Sin embargo, si se espera que REDD+ entregue beneficios adicionales para el clima y la biodiversidad, los proyectos necesitarán enfocarse en los bosques con la mayor amenaza de deforestación, lo que tendrá implicaciones de costo para la implementación futura de REDD+. PMID:25864538

Sexual competitiveness and compatibility between mass-reared sterile flies and wild populations of Anastrepha Ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) from different regions in Mexico

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Orozco-Davila, D.; Hernandez, R.; Meza, S.

The mass-reared colony of Anastrepha ludens (Loew) currently used in Mexico for suppression of the Mexican fruit fly has been in use for over 10 years. Sterile flies are released into a wide range of environmental conditions as part of an integrated area-wide approach to suppress diverse populations of this pest in the Mexican Republic. This paper assesses the performance of the sterile flies interacting with wild populations from the different environments. We investigated the sexual compatibility and competitiveness of the sterile flies when competing with wild populations from 6 representatives Mexican states: Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Michoacan, andmore » Chiapas. Results show that the males of the wild populations differed in the time to the onset and peak of sexual activity. Nevertheless, the index of sexual isolation (ISI) reflected sexual compatibility between the populations and the mass-reared strain, indicating that the sterile individuals mate satisfactorily with the wild populations from the 6 states. The male relative performance index (MRPI) showed that the sterile male is as effective in copulating as the wild males. The female relative performance index (FRPI) reflected a general tendency for wild females to copulate in greater proportion than the sterile females, except for the strains from Tamaulipas and Chiapas. In general, the lower participation of the sterile females in copulation increases the possibilities of sterile males to mate with wild females. The relative sterility index (RSI) showed that the acceptance by wild females of the sterile males (25-55%) was similar to that of wild males. Females of the Chiapas strain showed the lowest acceptance of sterile males. Finally, the results obtained in the Fried test (which measures induced sterility in eggs) showed a competitiveness coefficient ranging from 0.2 to 0.5. This suggests that sterile males successfully compete and are compatible with flies from different geographic origins. (author) [Spanish] La colonia actualmente usada para controlar la mosca mexicana de la fruta, Anastrepha ludens (Loew), en Mexico tiene mas de 10 anos en cria masiva. Los insectos esteriles son liberados en una gran variedad de condiciones ambientales como parte de un control integrado para suprimir diversas poblaciones de esta plaga dentro de la Republica Mexicana. El objetivo de este documento esta dirigido a revisar el desempeno de las moscas esteriles frente a poblaciones silvestres procedentes de diferentes ambientes y para esto se realizaron comparaciones de compatibilidad y competitividad sexual de las moscas esteriles contra poblaciones silvestres de seis estados representativos de la Republica Mexicana: Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Michoacan y Chiapas. Los resultados obtenidos manifiestan diferencias en el horario de inicio de llamado y mayor actividad sexual del macho entre las moscas provenientes de cada estado. Sin embargo el indice de aislamiento (ISI) reflejo compatibilidad sexual entre la cepa de laboratorio y todas las poblaciones analizadas, indicando que los individuos esteriles pueden aparearse satisfactoriamente con las poblaciones silvestres de los seis estados. El indice de efectividad de apareamiento del macho (MRPI) reflejo de manera global que los machos esteriles son tan efectivos para copular como los silvestres. El indice de efectividad de apareamiento de la hembra (FRPI) reflejo que en la mayoria de los estados las hembras silvestres copularon en mayor proporcion que las hembras esteriles, excepto para las poblaciones de Tamaulipas y Chiapas. En general, la baja participacion de las hembras esteriles en el campo permitio al macho esteril ampliar su probabilidad de apareamiento con las hembras silvestres. En cuanto al indice de esterilidad relativa (RSI), observamos que la aceptacion de las hembras silvestres al macho esteril (25-55%) fue similar a la de los machos silvestres. Las hembras de la poblacion de Chiapas registro la menor aceptacion. Finalmente, los resultados obtenidos en la prueba de Fried, la cual determina la esterilidad inducida presentaron un coeficiente de competitividad entre 0.2 y 0.5. Esto sugiere que los machos esteriles compliten exitosamente y son compatibles con moscas de diferentes origenes geograficos. (author)« less

Taking a look to promoting health and complications' prevention: differences by context.

PubMed

Freire, Rosa Maria de Albuquerque; Landeiro, Maria José Lumini; Martins, Maria Manuela Ferreira Pereira da Silva; Martins, Teresa; Peres, Heloísa Helena Ciqueto

2016-08-08

to acknowledge and compare the health promotion and complications' prevention practices performed by nurses working in hospital and primary health care contexts. descriptive, exploratory and crosscutting study, performed with 474 nurses selected by convenience sampling. It was used a form that encompassed two categories of descriptive statements about quality in the professional exercise of nurses. This study had ethical committee approval. the nurses' population was mainly women (87,3%) with an average age of 35,5 years. There was more practices of the hospital's nurses related to the identification of potential problems of the patient (p=0.001) and supervision of the activities that put in place the nursing interventions and the activities that they delegate (p=0.003). the nurses perform health promotion and complications' prevention activities, however not in a systematic fashion and professional practices differ by context. This study is relevant as it may promote the critical consciousness of the nurses about the need of stressing quality practices. conhecer e comparar as práticas de promoção da saúde e prevenção de complicações de enfermeiros que exercem em contexto hospitalar e em cuidados de atenção básica à saúde. estudo descritivo, exploratório e transversal desenvolvido com 474 enfermeiros, selecionados por meio de amostragem por conveniência. Foi utilizado questionário que integrou duas categorias de enunciados descritivos de qualidade do exercício profissional dos enfermeiros. O estudo foi aprovado em comitê de ética. a maioria dos enfermeiros era do sexo feminino (87,3%), com idade média de 35,5 anos. Houve mais práticas dos enfermeiros dos cuidados básicos à saúde relativamente a promoção de estilos de vida saudável (<0.001) e encaminhamento de situações problemáticas identificadas, para outros profissionais (p=0.039). Houve mais práticas dos enfermeiros do hospital relativamente a identificação dos problemas potenciais do paciente (p=0.001) e supervisão das atividades que concretizam as intervenções de enfermagem e as atividades que delegam (p=0.003). os enfermeiros realizam atividades de promoção da saúde e prevenção de complicações, porém, não de forma sistemática e as práticas profissionais diferem com relação ao contexto. Este estudo é relevante na medida em que pode promover a conscientização dos enfermeiros para a necessidade de reforçar práticas de qualidade. conocer y comparar las practicas de promoción de la salud y prevención de complicaciones, de los enfermeros que ejercen en el contexto de hospitales y en cuidados de atención primaria de salud. estudio descriptivo, exploratorio y transversal, desarrollado con 474 enfermeros, seleccionados por muestreo de conveniencia. Se utilizó un cuestionario que integra dos categorías de enunciados descriptivos de la calidad del ejercicio profesional de los enfermeros. El estudio fue aprobado en comité de ética. la mayoría de los enfermeros eran del sexo femenino (87,3%) con una edad promedio de 35,5 años. Se encontraron mayor cantidad de prácticas de estos enfermeros en cuidados primarios en relación a la promoción de estilos de vida saludable (<0.001) y referencia de situaciones problemáticas para otros profesionales (p=0.039). También se encontraron más prácticas de los enfermeros de hospital en relación a identificación de problemas potenciales del paciente (p=0.001) y supervisión de las actividades que concretan las intervenciones de enfermería y las actividades que delegan (p=0.003). los enfermeros realizan actividades de promoción de salud y prevención de complicaciones, sin embargo, no en forma sistemática, y las prácticas varían en relación al contexto. Este estudio es relevante en la medida que puede promover la concientización de los enfermeros para la necesidad de reforzar prácticas de calidad.

Differences in foot self-care and lifestyle between men and women with diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Rossaneis, Mariana Angela; Haddad, Maria do Carmo Fernandez Lourenço; Mathias, Thaís Aidar de Freitas; Marcon, Sonia Silva

2016-08-15

to investigate differences with regard to foot self-care and lifestyle between men and women with diabetes mellitus. cross-sectional study conducted in a sample of 1,515 individuals with diabetes mellitus aged 40 years old or older. Poisson regression models were used to identity differences in foot self-care deficit and lifestyle between sexes, adjusting for socioeconomic and clinical characteristics, smoking and alcohol consumption. foot self-care deficit, characterized by not regularly drying between toes; not regularly checking feet; walking barefoot; poor hygiene and inappropriately trimmed nails, was significantly higher among men, though men presented a lower prevalence of feet scaling and use of inappropriate shoes when compared to women. With regard to lifestyle, men presented less healthy habits, such as not adhering to a proper diet and taking laboratory exams to check for lipid profile at the frequency recommended. the nursing team should take into account gender differences concerning foot self-care and lifestyle when implementing educational activities and interventions intended to decrease risk factors for foot ulceration. investigar as diferenças no autocuidado com os pés e no estilo de vida entre mulheres e homens diabéticos. estudo transversal realizado com uma amostra de 1.515 diabéticos com 40 anos ou mais. Foram utilizados modelos de regressão de Poisson para identificar diferenças entre os sexos na prevalência de déficit de autocuidado com os pés e no estilo de vida, ajustando-se por características socioeconômicas, clínicas, tabagismo e alcoolismo. a prevalência de déficit de autocuidado com os pés, caracterizada por baixa frequência de secagem dos espaços interdigitais; da não avaliação periódica dos pés; do hábito de andar descalço; de higiene insatisfatória e corte inadequado de unhas foi significativamente maior entre os homens. Contudo, eles apresentaram menor prevalência na prática de escaldar os pés e no uso de calçados inadequados em comparação às mulheres. Em relação ao estilo de vida, os homens também apresentaram comportamentos menos saudáveis pois tem significativamente menor controle alimentar e não realizam os exames laboratoriais referentes ao perfil lipídico na frequência recomendada. considerar as diferenças de gênero no autocuidado com os pés e no estilo de vida permite à equipe de enfermagem direcionar atividades educacionais e intervenções nos fatores de risco à ulceração dos pés. investigar las diferencias en el autocuidado de los pies y estilo de vida entre mujeres y hombres diabéticos. estudio transversal realizado con una muestra de 1.515 diabéticos con 40 años o más. Fueron utilizados los modelos de regresión de Poisson para identificar diferencias entre los sexos en la prevalencia de déficit de autocuidado de los pies y estilo de vida, ajustándolas por características socioeconómicas, clínicas, tabaquismo y alcoholismo. la prevalencia de déficit de autocuidado de los pies, caracterizada por: baja frecuencia de secado de los espacios interdigitales; falta de evaluación periódica de los pies; hábito de andar descalzo; higiene insatisfactoria; y, corte inadecuado de uñas, fue significativamente mayor entre los hombre. Sin embargo, estos presentaron menor prevalencia en la práctica de escaldar los pies y en el uso de calzados inadecuados en comparación a las mujeres. En relación al estilo de vida, los hombres también presentaron comportamientos menos saludables ya que tienen significativamente menor control alimentario y no realizan los exámenes de laboratorio referentes al perfil lipídico, con la frecuencia recomendada. considerar las diferencias de género en el autocuidado de los pies y en el estilo de vida, le permite al equipo de enfermería realizar actividades educacionales e intervenciones en los factores de riesgo para la ulceración de los pies.

Production of Liquid Synthetic Fuels from Carbon, Water and Nuclear Power on Ships and at Shore Bases for Military and Potential Commercial Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Locke Bogart, S.; Schultz, Ken; Brown, Lloyd

2006-07-01

It is demonstrable that synthetic fuels (jet/diesel/gasoline {approx_equal} (CH{sub 2}){sub n}) can be produced from carbon, water, and nuclear energy. What remains to be shown is that all system processes are scalable, integrable, and economical. Sources of carbon include but are not limited to CO{sub 2} from the atmosphere or seawater, CO{sub 2} from fossil-fired power plants, and elemental carbon from coal or biomass. For mobile defense (Navy) applications, the ubiquitous atmosphere is our chosen carbon source. For larger-scale sites such as Naval Advance Bases, the atmosphere may still be the choice should other sources not be readily available. However, at many locations suitable for defense and, potentially, commercial syn-fuel production, far higher concentrations of carbon may be available. The rationale for this study was manifold: fuel system security from terrorism and possible oil embargoes; rising demand and, eventually, peaking supply of conventional petroleum; and escalating costs and prices of fuels. For these reasons, the initial parts of the study were directed at Syn-fuel production for mobile Naval platforms and shore sites such as Rokkasho, Japan (as an exemplar). Nuclear reactors would provide the energy for H{sub 2} from water-splitting, Membrane Gas Absorption (MGA) would extract CO{sub 2} from the atmosphere, the Reverse Water-Gas Reaction (RWGR) would convert the CO{sub 2} to CO, and the resultant H{sub 2} and CO feeds would be converted to (CH{sub 2})n by the Fischer-Tropsch reaction. Many of these processes exist at commercial scale. Some, particularly MGA and RWGR, have been demonstrated at the bench-scale, requiring up-scaling. Likewise, the demonstration of an integrated system at some scale is yet to be done. For ship-based production, it has been shown that the system should be viable and, under reasonable assumptions, both scalable and economical for defense fuels. For the assumptions in the study, fuel cost estimates range from {approx}more » $2.55 to $$4.75 per gallon with a nominal cost of {approx} $$3.65 per gallon. For large installations and advanced nuclear power and hydrogen production systems (high temperature reactors and thermo-chemical hydrogen production), then fuel production might be produced at near-commercial fuel prices. For the H2-MHR and plausible assumptions and estimates of CO{sub 2} extraction and fuel synthesis capital and operating costs, such fuels might have nominal and low production costs ranging from {approx} $2.40 to $$1.70 per gallon, respectively, for a Public Sector Fixed Charge Rate of 5%. Next, it was shown that for CO{sub 2} provided from a fossil-fired power plant, a CO{sub 2} 'disposal' fee of $$30/tonne and a Fixed Charge Rate of 10%, then syn-fuel might be produced at {approx} $3.00 and $2.45 (nominal cost values) and $1.90 and $$1.85 (low cost values) per gallon by LWRs and H2-MHRs, respectively. Last, it was shown that nuclear-produced H{sub 2} and O{sub 2} could convert coal to liquid fuels at very low cost. For a Fixed Charge Rate of 10% and nominal plant costs, fuel costs ranged from {approx} $$1.60 (LWR) per gallon to {approx} $$1.30 (H2-MHR) for an assumed CO{sub 2} avoidance credit of $$30/Tonne. Our studies have shown that the addition of nuclear-produced hydrogen and oxygen to the coal syn-fuel process can greatly reduce CO{sub 2} production and, for modest CO{sub 2} credit, can further reduce the cost of the syn-fuel. Capturing CO{sub 2} from stack gas or even the air will further reduce the amount of CO{sub 2} that must be dealt with. This last case is independent of the price of fossil fuels and liquid fuel production costs and prices will have been capped. Of possibly even greater importance, the carbon fuel cycle will have been closed, thus minimizing or eliminating concerns with Global Climate Change. (authors)« less

Elastoplasticidad anisotropa de metales en grandes deformaciones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caminero Torija, Miguel Angel

El objetivo de este trabajo es el desarrollo de modelos y algoritmos numericos que simulen el comportamiento del material bajo estas condiciones en el contexto de programas de elementos finitos, dando como resultado predicciones mas precisas de los procesos de conformado y deformacion plastica en general. Para lograr este objetivo se han desarrollado diversas tareas destinadas a mejorar las predicciones en tres aspectos fundamentales. El primer aspecto consiste en la mejora de la descripcion del endurecimiento cinematico anisotropo en pequenas deformaciones, lo cual se ha realizado a traves de modelos y algoritmos implicitos de superficies multiples. Ha sido estudiada la consistencia de este tipo de modelos tanto si estan basados en una regla implicita similar a la de Mroz o en la regla de Prager. Ademas se han simulado los ensayos de Lamba y Sidebottom, obteniendo, en contra de la creencia general, muy buenas predicciones con la regla de Prager. Dichos modelos podrian ser extendidos de forma relativamente facil para considerar grandes deformaciones a traves de procedimientos en deformaciones logaritmicas, similares a los desarrollados en esta tesis y detallados a continuacion. El segundo aspecto consiste en la descripcion de la anisotropia elastoplastica inicial. Esto se ha conseguido mediante el desarrollo de modelos y algoritmos para plasticidad anisotropa en grandes deformaciones, bien ignorando la posible anisotropia elastica, bien considerandola simultaneamente con la anisotropia plastica. Para ello ha sido necesario desarrollar primero un nuevo algoritmo de elastoplasticidad anisotropa en pequenas deformaciones consistentemente linealizado y sin despreciar ningun termino, de tal forma que se conserve la convergencia cuadratica de los metodos de Newton. Este algoritmo en pequenas deformaciones ha servido para realizar la correccion plastica de dos algoritmos en grandes deformaciones. El primero de estos algoritmos es una variacion del clasico algoritmo de Eterovic y Bathe para incluir la posibilidad de plasticidad anisotropa con endurecimiento mixto. Este primer algoritmo esta restringido a casos de isotropia elastica. La isotropia elastica es una hipotesis bastante habitual en plasticidad anisotropa y tiene la ventaja de que permite el uso de formulaciones mixtas u/p. El segundo algoritmo, mas complejo y general, incluye la posibilidad de elasticidad anisotropa, plasticidad anisotropa y endurecimiento mixto. Este algoritmo supone una contribucion importante ya que esta basado en hipotesis comunmente aceptadas y utilizadas en elastoplasticidad isotropa: descomposicion multiplicativa del gradiente de deformaciones en parte elastica y parte plastica, descripcion hiperelastica sencilla en funcion de deformaciones logaritmicas e integracion exponencial que conserva el volumen. Ademas, la estructura final del algoritmo es modular y relativamente sencilla, consistiendo en un pre- y un postprocesador geometrico y una correccion plastica realizada en pequenas deformaciones. El algoritmo esta consistentemente linealizado para conservar la convergencia cuadratica asintotica de los metodos de Newton y la forma final que toma dicha linealizacion es similar al caso de isotropia elastoplastica implementado; consiste en el modulo tangente algoritmico de pequenas deformaciones sobre el que se aplica una transformacion para convertirlo en el de grandes deformaciones. Todos estos modelos han sido implementados en un codigo propio de elementos finitos denominado DULCINEA, el cual tiene formulaciones lagrangianas totales y actualizadas para grandes deformaciones. Una de las tareas necesarias para poder realizar las simulaciones, ha sido el estudio e implementacion de diferentes elementos que no sufran el bloqueo volumetrico severo que se observa en formulaciones estandar basadas en desplazamientos. Este bloqueo se debe a la condicion de quasi-incompresibilidad que imponen los modelos de plasticidad desviadores y consiste en una respuesta exageradamente rigida de la solucion obtenida por el metodo de los elementos finitos estandar. Entre los elementos implementados cabe destacar el basado en la formulacion mixta u/p, que contiene una interpolacion adicional de grados de libertad de presion. Estos grados de libertad adicionales habitualmente son internos al elemento en mecanica de solidos. En este trabajo se ha desarrollado e implementado en DULCINEA una familia de elementos tridimensionales mixtos en grandes deformaciones que incluye el caso particular BMIX 27/27/4, basado en la formulacion u/p, constituido por 27 nudos, con 27 puntos de integracion estandar y 4 grados de libertad de presiones, y que pasa la condicion Inf-Sup o de Babuska-Brezzi. Sin embargo, se ha observado que la formulacion u/p presenta ciertas limitaciones bajo las hipotesis conjuntas de anisotropia elastica y anisotropia plastica. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Urbanization and the groundwater budget, metropolitan Seoul area, Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yoon-Young; Lee, Kang-Kun; Sung, Ig Hwan

2001-07-01

The city of Seoul is home to more than 10 million people in an area of 605 km2. Groundwater is ed for public water supply and industrial use, and to drain underground facilities and construction sites. Though most tap water is supplied from the Han River, the quantity and quality of groundwater is of great concern to Seoul's citizens, because the use of groundwater for drinking water is continuously increasing. This study identifies the major factors affecting the urban water budget and quality of groundwater in the Seoul area and estimates the urban water budget. These factors include leakage from the municipal water-supply system and sewer systems, precipitation infiltration, water-level fluctuations of the Han River, the subway pumping system, and domestic pumping. The balance between groundwater recharge and discharge is near equilibrium. However, the quality of groundwater and ability to control contaminant fluxes are impeded by sewage infiltration, abandoned landfills, waste dumps, and abandoned wells. Résumé. La ville de Séoul possède une population de plus de 10 millions d'habitants, pour une superficie de 605 km2. Les eaux souterraines sont pompées pour l'eau potable et pour les usages industriels, ainsi que pour drainer les équipements souterrains et les sites en construction. Bien que l'essentiel de l'eau potable provienne de la rivière Han, la quantité et la qualité de l'eau souterraine présentent un grand intérêt pour les habitants de Séoul, parce qu'on utilise de plus en plus l'eau souterraine pour l'eau potable. Cette étude identifie les facteurs principaux qui affectent la qualité de l'eau souterraine dans la région de Séoul et fait l'estimation du bilan d'eau urbaine. Les principaux facteurs affectant le bilan d'eau urbaine et la qualité de l'eau souterraine sont les fuites du réseau d'adduction et du réseau d'égouts, l'infiltration des eaux de précipitation, les fluctuations du niveau de la rivière Han, le réseau de pompage du métro et les pompages privés. Le bilan entre la recharge de la nappe et sa décharge est proche de l'équilibre. Cependant, les infiltrations d'eaux usées, les décharges abandonnées, les décharges d'ordures et les puits abandonnés portent atteinte à la qualité de l'eau souterraine et à la capacité de contrôler les flux de contaminants. Resumen. La ciudad de Seúl tiene más de 10 millones de habitantes en un área de 605 km2. Se bombea aguas subterráneas para abastecimiento urbano y para usos industriales, así como para el drenaje de instalaciones subterráneas y de solares en construcción. Aunque la mayor parte del agua de boca procede del río Han, los ciudadanos de Seúl están muy concienciados por la cantidad y calidad de las aguas subterráneas, ya que su explotación para uso de boca está experimentando un continuo incremento. El presente estudio identifica los factores que más afectan a la calidad de las aguas subterráneas en el área de Seúl y hace una estimación del balance de agua en el territorio urbano. Entre los factores principales que afectan al balance y a la calidad de las aguas subterráneas, se incluye el lixiviado de la red municipal de suministro y de la red de alcantarillado, la infiltración de agua de lluvia, las fluctuaciones del nivel del río Han, el sistema de bombeo del metro y los bombeos domésticos. El balance entre la recarga y la descarga en el acuífero está próximo al equilibrio. Sin embargo, la calidad de las aguas subterráneas y la capacidad de controlar los flujos de contaminación están amenazadas por la infiltración de aguas residuales, vertederos abandonados, depósitos de residuos y pozos abanadonados.

Psychometric properties of the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale in Mexican elderly women.

PubMed

Enríquez-Reyna, María Cristina; Cruz-Castruita, Rosa María; Ceballos-Gurrola, Oswaldo; García-Cadena, Cirilo Humberto; Hernández-Cortés, Perla Lizeth; Guevara-Valtier, Milton Carlos

2017-06-05

analyze and assess the psychometric properties of the subscales in the Spanish version of the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale in an elderly population in the Northeast of Mexico. methodological study. The sample consisted of 329 elderly associated with one of the five public centers for senior citizens in the metropolitan area of Northeast Mexico. The psychometric properties included the assessment of the Cronbach's alpha coefficient, the Kaiser Meyer Olkin coefficient, the inter-item correlation, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. in the principal components analysis, two components were identified based on the 43 items in the scale. The item-total correlation coefficient of the exercise benefits subscale was good. Nevertheless, the coefficient for the exercise barriers subscale revealed inconsistencies. The reliability and validity were acceptable. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the elimination of items improved the goodness of fit of the baseline scale, without affecting its validity or reliability. the Exercise Benefits/Barriers subscale presented satisfactory psychometric properties for the Mexican context. A 15-item short version is presented with factorial structure, validity and reliability similar to the complete scale. analisar e avaliar as propriedades psicométricas das subescalas que compõem a versão em espanhol da Escala de Benefícios/Barreiras para o Exercício em uma população idosa do nordeste do México. estudo metodológico. A amostra abrangeu 329 idosas adstritas a uma das cinco casas de convivência públicas da área metropolitana do Nordeste mexicano. As propriedades psicométricas incluíram a avaliação do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, o coeficiente Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin, a correlação inter-itens, análise fatorial exploratória e confirmatória. na análise de componentes principais, foram identificados dois componentes a partir dos 43 itens da escala. O coeficiente de correlação item-total da subescala benefícios do exercício foi adequado. Porém, o coeficiente da subescala barreiras para o exercício mostrou inconsistências. A confiabilidade e validade foram aceitáveis. A análise fatorial confirmatória revelou que a eliminação de itens melhorava a qualidade de ajuste do modelo basal da escala sem afetar sua validade ou confiabilidade. a Escala de Benefícios/Barreiras para o Exercício apresenta parâmetros psicométricos satisfatórios para o contexto mexicano. Apresenta-se uma versão reduzida de 15 itens com estrutura fatorial, validade e confiabilidade similares aos da escala completa. analizar y evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de las subescalas que componen la versión en español de la Escala Beneficios/Barreras para el Ejercicio en población anciana del noreste de México. estudio metodológico. La muestra estuvo constituida por 329 ancianas adscritas a alguna de cinco casas-club públicas del área metropolitana del noreste de México. Las propiedades psicométricas incluyeron la evaluación del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, el coeficiente Kaiser Meyer Olkin, la correlación inter-ítem, análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio. en el análisis de componentes principales se identificaron dos componentes a partir de los 43 ítems de la escala. El coeficiente de correlación ítem-total de la subescala beneficios del ejercicio fue bueno. Sin embargo, el de barreras para el ejercicio mostró inconsistencias. La confiabilidad y validez fueron aceptables. Con el análisis factorial confirmatorio se identificó que la eliminación de ítems mejoraba la calidad de ajuste del modelo basal de la escala sin afectar su validez ni confiabilidad. la Escala Beneficios/Barreras para el Ejercicio presenta parámetros psicométricos satisfactorios para el contexto mexicano. Se presenta una versión corta de 15 ítems con estructura factorial, validez y confiabilidad similares a los de la escala completa.

Nursing care missed in patients at risk of or having pressure ulcers.

PubMed

Valles, Jonathan Hermayn Hernández; Monsiváis, María Guadalupe Moreno; Guzmán, Ma Guadalupe Interial; Arreola, Leticia Vázquez

2016-11-21

to determine the nursing care missed as perceived by the nursing staff and its relation with the nursing care missed identified in the assessment of patients at risk of or having pressur ulcers. descriptive correlation study. The participants were 161 nurses and 483 patients from a public hospital. The MISSCARE survey was used in combination with a Nursing Care Assessment Form for Patients at Risk of or having pressure ulcers. For the analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. the nursing staff indicated greater omission in skin care (38.5%), position change (31.1%) and the registration of risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers (33.5%). The nursing care missed identified in the assessment related to the use of pressure relief on bony prominences and drainage tubes interfering in the patient's movements (both with 58.6%) and the use of pneumatic mattresses (57.6%). a high percentage of nursing care missed was found according to the staff's perception. Nevertheless, the assessment of the nursing care missed was much higher. No significant relation was found between both. Therefore, it is a priority to reflect on the importance of objective patient assessments. determinar o cuidado de enfermagem omitido percebido pela equipe de enfermagem e sua relação com o cuidado omitido identificado na avaliação de pacientes com risco ou com de úlceras por pressão. estudo descritivo correlacional. Participaram 161 enfermeiras e 483 pacientes de um hospital público. Foram utilizados o levantamento MISSCARE e um Formulário de Avaliação de Cuidados de Enfermagem em Pacientes com Risco ou com úlceras por pressão. Para a análise foi utilizada estatística descritiva e inferencial. a equipe de enfermagem assinalou que há maior omissão no cuidado da pele (38,5%), reposicionamento (31,1%) e no registro de fatores de risco para o aparecimento de úlceras por pressão (33,5%). Os cuidados de enfermagem omitidos identificados na avaliação foram o uso de redutor de pressão em proeminências ósseas e tubos de drenagem que interferem nos movimentos do paciente (ambos com 58,6%) e uso de colchões pneumáticos (57,6%). foi encontrada alta porcentagem de cuidado de enfermagem omitido na percepção da equipe. Porém, a avaliação do cuidado omitido foi muito superior. Não foi encontrada associação significativa entre ambos, priorizando reflexões sobre a importância de avaliações objetivas dos pacientes. determinar el cuidado de enfermería perdido percibido por el personal de enfermería y su relación con el cuidado perdido identificado en la valoración de pacientes con riesgo o con presencia de úlceras por presión. estudio descriptivo correlacional. Participaron 161 enfermeras y 483 pacientes de un hospital público. Se utilizó la encuesta MISSCARE y una Cédula de Valoración de Cuidados de Enfermería en Pacientes con Riesgo o con úlceras por presión. Para el análisis se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial. el personal de enfermería señaló que existe mayor omisión en el cuidado de la piel (38.5%), cambio de posición (31.1%) y en el registro de factores de riesgo para la aparición de úlceras por presión (33.5%). Los cuidados de enfermería perdidos identificados en la valoración fueron uso de liberador de presión en prominencias óseas y tubos de drenaje que interfieren en movimientos del paciente (ambos con 58.6%) y uso de colchones neumáticos (57.6%). se encontró un alto porcentaje de cuidado de enfermería perdido de acuerdo a la percepción del personal, sin embargo, el cuidado perdido valorado fue mucho mayor. No se encontró relación significativa entre ambos por lo que es prioritario reflexionar acerca de la importancia de realizar valoraciones objetivas en los pacientes.

Geothermal energy: clean power from the Earth's heat

USGS Publications Warehouse

Duffield, Wendell A.; Sass, John H.

2003-01-01

Societies in the 21st century require enormous amounts of energy to drive the machines of commerce and to sustain the lifestyles that many people have come to expect. Today, most of this energy is derived from oil, natural gas, and coal, supplemented by nuclear power. Local exceptions exist, but oil is by far the most common source of energy worldwide. Oil resources, however, are nonrenewable and concentrated in only a few places around the globe, creating uncertainty in long-term supply for many nations. At the time of the Middle East oil embargo of the 1970s, about a third of the United States oil supply was imported, mostly from that region. An interruption in the flow of this import disrupted nearly every citizen’s daily life, as well as the Nation’s economy. In response, the Federal Government launched substantial programs to accelerate development of means to increasingly harness “alternative energies”—primarily biomass, geothermal, solar, and wind. The new emphasis on simultaneously pursuing development of several sources of energy recognized the timeless wisdom found in the proverb of “not putting all eggs in one basket.” This book helps explain the role that geothermal resources can play in helping promote such diversity and in satisfying our Nation’s vast energy needs as we enter a new millennium. For centuries, people have enjoyed the benefits of geothermal energy available at hot springs, but it is only through technological advances made during the 20th century that we can tap this energy source in the subsurface and use it in a variety of ways, including the generation of electricity. Geothermal resources are simply exploitable concentrations of the Earth’s natural heat (thermal energy). The Earth is a bountiful source of thermal energy, continuously producing heat at depth, primarily by the decay of naturally occurring radioactive isotopes—principally of uranium, thorium, and potassium—that occur in small amounts in all rocks. This heat then rises to and through the Earth’s surface, where it escapes into the atmosphere. The amount of heat that flows annually from the Earth into the atmosphere is enormous—equivalent to ten times the annual energy consumption of the United States and more than that needed to power all nations of the world, if it could be fully harnessed. Even if only 1 percent of the thermal energy contained within the uppermost 10 kilometers of our planet could be tapped, this amount would be 500 times that contained in all oil and gas resources of the world. How might we benefit from this vast amount of thermal energy beneath our feet? Where, by what means, and how much of the Earth’s natural heat can be usefully harnessed? These are especially important questions to contemplate, because global population is expected to soon exceed seven billion and many scientists believe that the world’s fossilfuel resources may be substantially depleted within this century. Faced with such prospects, both the public and private sectors are working toward more fully utilizing the Earth’s abundant thermal energy and other alternative energy resources. A skeptic might question the wisdom of devoting much national effort to geothermal energy development, especially because many experts think that geothermal heat can contribute at most about 10 percent to the Nation’s energy supply using current technologies. However, ongoing advances in exploration and heat-extraction technologies are improving our ability to use the resource and may substantially increase the geothermal contribution to the Nation’s energy supply. In an attempt to help national planners and average citizens alike understand the nature and energy potential of geothermal resources, this book (1) describes the distribution and nature of geothermal energy, (2) reviews the common types of geothermal systems that provide useful energy with current technology, (3) considers potential geothermal resources that might someday be tapped with developing technologies, and (4) summarizes the role of earth-science information in assessing and harnessing geothermal resources wherever they occur worldwide. The predecessor to this book (Tapping the Earth’s Natural Heat, U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1125, published in 1994) summarized the situation in the early 1990s. In an effort to support national energy planners, this new circular incorporates more recent advances in geothermal science and technology.

Efectos de la irradiación iónica en hielos de moléculas carbonadas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Satorre, M. A.

En Astrofísica podemos encontrar numerosos contextos en los cuales se observan moléculas en estado sólido que, en condiciones estándar de presión y temperatura, se encontrarían como gases o líquidos. Dichas moléculas se denominan hielos y han sido observadas en nubes densas del medio interestelar, en envolturas circumestelares, en satélites del Sistema Solar, en cometas, etc. Los hielos pueden ser alterados en su composición química debido a diversos factores como por ejemplo variaciones de temperatura o aportes energéticos por parte de la irradiación, ya sea tanto de fotones ultravioleta como de iones. Dependiendo del escenario astrofísico que analicemos, unos factores cobran más importancia que otros. Los experimentos de laboratorio muestran el efecto que produce sobre la composición de los hielos la irradiación iónica, en particular sobre los que contenían alguna molécula con átomos de carbono. Dicha composición se analiza con espectroscopía IR en el rango de 2 a ˜ 25μ m. La aplicabilidad de los resultados de los experimentos es distinta dependiendo de la composición química inicial de los hielos, del tipo de ion utilizado y de la dosis total de irradiación. Existen efectos generales de la irradiación sobre la materia en los experimentos de relevancia astrofísica como son: - la formación de nuevas moléculas, que pueden incluir o no el ion incidente; - la progresiva pérdida de hidrógeno (carbonización) cuando irradiamos muestras que originalmente contienen una determinada relación carbono/hidrógeno; - la variación de la temperatura de sublimación que presentan algunos hielos. Esto puede suceder tanto en hielos que estaban presentes antes de la irradiación como en hielos formados por ésta. Se presentará el papel del ion en la formación de nuevas moléculas a partir de las que originalmente se encontraban en el hielo. Al penetrar en él, el ion provoca distintos procesos como rotura de enlaces y excitaciones electrónicas. En la mayor parte de los casos las especies producidas por la rotura del enlace, se recombinan volviendo a formar la molécula original. Sin embargo un pequeño porcentaje es capaz de formar nuevas moléculas. Si el ion queda implantado en el hielo y es reactivo (H+, C+,ldots) podría formar parte de una molécula nueva que incorpora un átomo que inicialmente no se encontraba presente en el hielo. También se presentará un contraejemplo para demostrar que no es posible asegurar que siempre que implantemos un ion reactivo, éste formará parte de nuevas moléculas en la mezcla. También se presentará la formación de nuevas moléculas a partir de la irradiación de hielos de metano, que llevan a la formación de otros compuestos como acetileno, eteno, etano,... en los cuales la relación C/H ha variado. Además de estos compuestos se forma también un residuo carbonoso (refractario) que es estable a temperatura ambiente y cuya composición química no es bien conocida. Por último, el aumento de la temperatura de sublimación es también una consecuencia de la irradiación, aunque la magnitud del aumento depende de la mezcla original y de la irradiación sufrida. Existen moléculas que llegan a variar su temperatura de sublimación en decenas de grados. Para el caso de moléculas carbonadas se forman especies por irradiación que son estables a temperatura ambiente. Con todo ello se muestra que los experimentos de laboratorio pueden ayudarnos a comprender la formación, destrucción y variación de las propiedades físicas de los hielos de interés astrofísico con la irradiación.

Effective Universal Coverage of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 in Chile.

PubMed

Guerrero-Núñez, Sara; Valenzuela-Suazo, Sandra; Cid-Henríquez, Patricia

2017-04-06

determine the prevalence of Effective Universal Coverage of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 in Chile and its relation with the variables: Health Care Coverage of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2; Average of diabetics with metabolic control in 2011-2013; Mortality Rate for Diabetes Mellitus; and Percentage of nurses participating in the Cardiovascular Health Program. cross-sectional descriptive study with ecological components that uses documentary sources of the Ministry of Health. It was established that there is correlation between the Universal Effective Coverage of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 and the independent variables; it was applied the Pearson Coefficient, being significant at the 0.05 level. in Chile Universal Health Care Coverage of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (HbA1c<7% estimated population) is less than 20%; this is related with Mortality Rate for Diabetes Mellitus and Percentage of nurses participating in the Cardiovascular Health Program, being significant at the 0.01 level. effective prevalence of Universal Health Coverage of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is low, even though some regions stand out in this research and in the metabolic control of patients who participate in health control program; its relation with percentage of nurses participating in the Cardiovascular Health Program represents a challenge and an opportunity for the health system. determinar a prevalência de Cobertura Universal Efetiva da Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 em Chile e sua relação com as variáveis; Cobertura da Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2, Média de diabéticos com controle metabólico em 2011-2013, Taxa de Mortalidade por Diabetes Mellitus e Percentagem de participação de enfermeiras no Programa de Saúde Cardiovascular. estudo descritivo transversal com componentes ecológicos, utilizando fontes documentais do Ministério da Saúde. Foi estabelecida correlação entre Cobertura Universal Efetiva da Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 e as variáveis independentes, aplicando o Coeficiente de Pearson, sendo significante ao 0,05. no Chile a Cobertura Universal Efetiva da Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (HbA1c<7% em população estimada) é menor que 20%. Esta se relaciona com uma Taxa de Mortalidade por Diabetes Mellitus e Percentagem de participação de enfermeiras no Programa de Saúde Cardiovascular, que ademais é significativa ao 0,01. a prevalência de Cobertura Universal Efetiva da Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 é baixa, mesmo quando algumas regiões se destacam nas pesquisas e no controle metabólico de pacientes assistentes ao controle. Sua relação com a Percentagem de participação de enfermeiras no Programa de Saúde Cardiovascular se constitui em um desafio e oportunidade em saúde. determinar la prevalencia de la Cobertura Universal Efectiva de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en Chile y su relación con las variables: Cobertura de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2, Promedio de diabéticos con control metabólico en 2011-2013, Tasa de Mortalidad por Diabetes Mellitus y Porcentaje de participación de enfermeros en el Programa de Salud Cardiovascular. estudio descriptivo transversal con componentes ecológicos, utilizando fuentes documentales del Ministerio de Salud. Se estableció que existe correlación entre la Cobertura Universal Efectiva de la Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 y las variables independientes, aplicando el Coeficiente de Pearson, siendo significativa al nivel 0,05. en Chile la Cobertura Universal Efectiva de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (HbA1c<7% en población estimada) es menor que 20%; esta se relaciona con la Tasa de Mortalidad por Diabetes Mellitus y con el Porcentaje de participación de enfermeras en el Programa de Salud Cardiovascular, que es significativa al nivel 0,01. la prevalencia de Cobertura Universal Efectiva de la Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 es baja; sin embargo algunas regiones se destacan en la cobertura y en el control metabólico de pacientes que participan del control de salud. La relación de la cobertura con el porcentaje de participación de enfermeras en el Programa de Salud Cardiovascular es un desafío y una oportunidad en salud.

The RESOLVE Trial for people with chronic low back pain: protocol for a randomised clinical trial.

PubMed

Bagg, Matthew K; Hübscher, Markus; Rabey, Martin; Wand, Benedict M; O'Hagan, Edel; Moseley, G Lorimer; Stanton, Tasha R; Maher, Chris G; Goodall, Stephen; Saing, Sopany; O'Connell, Neil E; Luomajoki, Hannu; McAuley, James H

2017-01-01

Low back pain is the leading worldwide cause of disability, and results in significant personal hardship. Most available treatments, when tested in high-quality randomised, controlled trials, achieve only modest improvements in pain, at best. Recently, treatments that target central nervous system function have been developed and tested in small studies. Combining treatments that target central nervous system function with traditional treatments directed towards functioning of the back is a promising approach that has yet to be tested in adequately powered, prospectively registered, clinical trials. The RESOLVE trial will be the first high-quality assessment of two treatment programs that combine central nervous system-directed and traditional interventions in order to improve chronic low back pain. To compare the effectiveness of two treatment programs that combine central nervous system-directed and traditional interventions at reducing pain intensity at 18 weeks post randomisation in a randomised clinical trial of people with chronic low back pain. Two-group, randomised, clinical trial with blinding of participants and assessors. Two hundred and seventy-five participants with chronic low back pain that has persisted longer than 3 months and no specific spinal pathology will be recruited from the community and primary care in Sydney, Australia. Both of the interventions contain treatments that target central nervous system function combined with treatments directed towards functioning of the back. Adherence to the intervention will be monitored using an individual treatment diary and adverse events recorded through passive capture. Participants are informed prior to providing informed consent that some of the treatments are not active. Blinding is maintained by not disclosing any further information. Complete disclosure of the contents of the intervention has been made with the UNSW HREC (HC15357) and an embargoed project registration has been made on the Open Science Framework to meet the Declaration of Helsinki requirement for transparent reporting of trial methods a priori. Participants randomised to Intervention A will receive a 12-session treatment program delivered as 60-minute sessions, scheduled approximately weekly, over a period of 12 to 18 weeks. All treatment sessions are one-on-one. The program includes a home treatment component of 30minutes, five times per week. The intervention comprises discussion of the participant's low back pain experience, graded sensory training, graded motor imagery training and graded, precision-focused and feedback-enriched, functional movement training. Treatment progression is determined by participant proficiency, with mandatory advancement at set time points with respect to a standard protocol. Participants randomised to Intervention B will receive a 12-session treatment program of the same duration and structure as Intervention A. The intervention comprises discussion of the participant's low back pain experience, transcranial direct current stimulation to the motor and pre-frontal cortices, cranial electrical stimulation, and low-intensity laser therapy and pulsed electromagnetic energy to the area of greatest pain. Treatment is delivered according to published recommendations and progressed with respect to a standard protocol. The primary outcome is pain intensity at 18 weeks post randomisation. Secondary outcomes will include disability, depression, pain catastrophising, kinesiophobia, beliefs about back pain, pain self-efficacy, quality of life, healthcare resource use, and treatment credibility. Assessment will occur at baseline and at 18, 26 and 52 weeks after randomisation. Treatment credibility will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks after randomisation only. A statistician blinded to group status will analyse the data by intention-to-treat using linear mixed models with random intercepts. Linear contrasts will be constructed to compare the adjusted mean change (continuous variables) in outcome from baseline to each time point between intervention A and intervention B. This will provide effect estimates and 95% confidence intervals for any difference between the interventions. Preliminary data suggest that combining treatments that target central nervous system function with traditional interventions is a promising approach to chronic low back pain treatment. In the context of modest effects on pain intensity from most available treatments, this approach may lead to improved clinical outcomes for people with chronic low back pain. The trial will determine which, if either, of two treatment programs that combine central nervous system-directed and traditional interventions is more effective at reducing pain intensity in a chronic low back pain cohort. Central nervous system-directed interventions constitute a completely new treatment paradigm for chronic low back pain management. The results have the potential to be far reaching and change current physiotherapy management of chronic low back pain in Australia and internationally. Copyright © 2016 Australian Physiotherapy Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Descriptive attributes used in the characterization of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in rural populations of the Atlantic forest (Misiones-Argentina)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Abstract Background Human beings employ a combination of morphological, sensorial, utilitarian, cultural and ecological characters when they identify and classify organisms. Ethnotaxonomy has provided a store of information about the characters cultures employ when they identify and classify a vast diversity of taxonomic groups. Nevertheless, some more research is needed to provide a comparison of the characters employed in the description of taxons, and an analysis of the extent to which those descriptors are represented. Stingless bees constitute a diverse group of social insects that have been widely studied from an ethnobiological perspective due to their utilitarian and cultural importance. The objective of this study is to identify the elements local people consider when characterizing stingless bees, and how important these elements are in the study of local classifications. Methods The methodology used involves semi-structured interviews and trips with the informants to rural areas. Locally known ethnospecies are characterized, descriptive traits and salient criteria used in those characterizations are identified, and the frequency of reference of descriptive traits and salient criteria are estimated. Besides, the descriptive traits used for each ethnospecies are compared, and the contribution of the characterizations as a heuristic strategy in the study of folk classification systems is analyzed. Results The use of 19 biological descriptors (grouped according to 4 salient criteria) and of comparisons among ethnospecies was found. Results suggest the existence of group and specific descriptors. Researchers identified which ethnospecies are considered similar, how less important traits contribute to descriptions, the relation between specific descriptors and ethnospecies, the presence of cognitive prototypes, and the most relevant salient properties from the emic perspective. Conclusions The estimated importance of attributes descriptors allowed us to identify the spectrum of salient properties relevant from the emic perspective to characterize the stingless bees. In this sense, the analysis proposed here is useful to study folk taxonomy in culturally heterogeneous groups or multicultural regions, where the linguistic elements usually employed cannot be applied. Resumen Antecedentes Los seres humanos, al identificar y clasificar a los organismos emplean una combinación de características morfológicas, sensoriales, utilitarias, culturales y ecológicas. Entre los aportes generados desde la etnotaxonomía, se ha obtenido información sobre los caracteres utilizados para identificar y clasificar una gran diversidad de grupos taxonómicos. Sin embargo, aún faltan trabajos donde se comparen los caracteres utilizados en las descripciones de taxones y se analice en qué medida estos descriptores se encuentran representados. Las abejas sin aguijón conforman un diverso grupo de insectos sociales que han sido estudiadas desde la perspectiva etnobiológica, dada su importancia utilitaria y cultural. Los interrogantes que guían este trabajo son ¿Qué elementos tienen en cuenta los pobladores para caracterizar a las abejas sin aguijón? y ¿Qué importancia revisten los mismos en el estudio de las clasificaciones locales? Métodos Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y recorridos en áreas rurales con los informantes. Se caracterizan a las etnoespecies conocidas localmente; se identifican los atributos descriptores y los criterios emergentes utilizados para dichas caracterizaciones; y se estima la frecuencia de citas de los atributos descriptores y criterios emergentes. Por otra parte, se comparan los atributos descriptores empleados para cada etnoespecie y se analiza el aporte de las caracterizaciones como estrategia heurística en el estudio de los sistemas de clasificación folclóricos. Resultados Se halló el empleo de 19 descriptores biológicos (que fueron agrupados en 4 criterios emergentes) y de comparaciones entre etnoespecies. Los resultados sugieren la existencia de descriptores de grupo y descriptores específicos. Se identificaron cuales etnoespecies son consideradas similares, cómo contribuyen a las descripciones los atributos de menor peso, la relación entre los descriptores específicos y las etnoespecies, la presencia de prototipos cognitivos, así como las propiedades emergentes más relevantes desde la perspectiva émica. Conclusiones La importancia estimada de los atributos descriptores nos ha permitido identificar el espectro de propiedades emergentes que son relevantes desde la perspectiva emic para caracterizar las abejas sin aguijón. En este sentido el análisis aquí propuesto es de utilidad para estudiar taxonomías folclóricas en grupos heterogéneos culturalmente o en regiones pluriculturales, donde los elementos lingüísticos usualmente empleados no son aplicables. PMID:22330012

The role of the Spanish Committee of the International Association of Hydrogeologists in the management and protection of Spain's groundwater resources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Custodio, Emilio; Llamas, M.-Ramón; Villarroya, Fermín

Spain is a relatively large European country (ca. 500,000km2) with extensive semiarid areas in which there exists a large number of good aquifers. In some areas, these aquifers are intensively developed and are the most important sources of fresh water. Nevertheless, groundwater development and protection has rarely been duly considered by the Spanish Water Administration, despite the pressure to remedy this situation by various groups of experts, some of them members of the Water Administration. The Spanish Committee of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) has been very active during the last decade in promoting activities to spread groundwater science, technology, and management in Spain and outside, mostly in Latin America, and in trying to orient water policy toward issues of groundwater. These activities include mainly the organization of technical and scientific meetings on current topics such as groundwater in the new Water Act, overexploitation, groundwater in water-resources planning, groundwater pollution, natural-recharge estimation and others. The impact of these activities on the recent water policy of Spain seems significant, and the experience gained may be applicable to other countries. Résumé L'Espagne est un pays européen assez étendu (500,000km2 environ), où existent des zones semi-arides possédant de nombreux aquifères intéressants. Dans certaines régions, ces aquifères sont intensivement exploités et constituent les sources essentielles d'eau douce. Cependant, l'exploitation et la protection des eaux souterraines ont rarement été prises en compte de façon correcte par l'Administration Espagnole de l'Eau, malgré les pressions exercées pour remédier à la situation par différents groupes d'experts, dont certains sont membres de l'Administration de l'Eau. Le Comité Espagnol de l'Association Internationale des Hydrogéologues (AIH) a été particulièrement actif au cours de ces dix dernières années pour promouvoir des activités de diffusion des sciences, de la technologie et de la gestion de l'eau en Espagne et à l'étranger, surtout en Amérique latine, et pour tenter d'orienter la politique de l'eau à l'égard des eaux souterraines. Ces activités incluent principalement l'organisation de réunions techniques et scientifiques sur des sujets classiques tels que l'eau souterraine dans la nouvelle Loi sur l'Eau, la surexploitation, l'eau souterraine dans la gestion des ressources en eau, la pollution de l'eau souterraine, l'estimation des écoulements naturels, entre autres. Les retombées de ces activités sur la récente politique de l'eau en Espagne paraissent significatives et l'expérience acquise peut être appliquée à d'autres pays. Resumen España es un país relativamente grande (unos 500,000km2) con áreas extensas en las que existe un elevado número de buenos acuíferos. En algunas zonas estos acuíferos son intensamente aprovechados y constituyen el recurso más importante de agua dulce. Sin embargo, el aprovechamiento y la protección de las aguas subterráneas pocas veces han sido debidamente considerados por la Administración hidráulica española, a pesar de la presión ejercida por distintos grupos y por algunos miembros responsables de la propia Administración hidráulica para corregir esta situación. Durante el último decenio el Comité Español de la Asociación Internacional de Hidrogeólogos (AIH) ha sido muy activo en promover reuniones para difundir la ciencia, la tecnología y la adecuada gestión del agua subterránea en España y en el extranjero, especialmente en Ibero-América. También ha intentado que los temas referentes al agua subterránea tuviesen la oportuna consideración en la política hidrológica general. Estas actividades han consistido principalmente en la organización de reuniones científicas y técnicas sobre temas actuales tales como el agua subterránea en la planificación hidrológica, contaminación del agua subterránea, estimación de la recarga natural y otros. El impacto de estas actividades en la reciente política hidráulica española parece significativo. La experiencia general puede ser aplicable a otros países.

Drug-drug interactions and adverse drug reactions in polypharmacy among older adults: an integrative review.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Maria Cristina Soares; Oliveira, Cesar de

2016-09-01

to identify and summarize studies examining both drug-drug interactions (DDI) and adverse drug reactions (ADR) in older adults polymedicated. an integrative review of studies published from January 2008 to December 2013, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, in MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases were performed. forty-seven full-text studies including 14,624,492 older adults (≥ 60 years) were analyzed: 24 (51.1%) concerning ADR, 14 (29.8%) DDI, and 9 studies (19.1%) investigating both DDI and ADR. We found a variety of methodological designs. The reviewed studies reinforced that polypharmacy is a multifactorial process, and predictors and inappropriate prescribing are associated with negative health outcomes, as increasing the frequency and types of ADRs and DDIs involving different drug classes, moreover, some studies show the most successful interventions to optimize prescribing. DDI and ADR among older adults continue to be a significant issue in the worldwide. The findings from the studies included in this integrative review, added to the previous reviews, can contribute to the improvement of advanced practices in geriatric nursing, to promote the safety of older patients in polypharmacy. However, more research is needed to elucidate gaps. identificar e sintetizar estudos que examinam as interações medicamentosas (IM) e reações adversas a medicamentos (RAM) em idosos polimedicados. revisão integrativa de estudos publicados de janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2013, de acordo com critérios de inclusão e exclusão, nas bases de dados eletrônicas MEDLINE e EMBASE. foram analisados 47 estudos de texto completo, incluindo 14,624,492 idosos (≥ 60 anos): 24 (51,1%) sobre RAM, 14 (29,8%) sobre IM e 9 estudos (19,1%) que investigaram tanto IM como RAM. Encontramos uma variedade de desenhos metodológicos. Os estudos revisados reforçaram que a polifarmácia é um processo multifatorial, e os preditores e a prescrição inadequada estão associados a resultados negativos de saúde, como aumento da frequência e tipos de RAM e IM envolvendo diferentes classes de drogas, além disso, alguns estudos mostram as intervenções mais bem-sucedidas para otimizar a prescrição. IM e RAM entre idosos continuam a ser um problema significativo no mundo todo. Os resultados dos estudos incluídos nesta revisão integrativa, adicionado às revisões anteriores, podem contribuir para a melhoria das práticas avançadas de enfermagem geriátrica, para promover a segurança dos pacientes idosos em polifarmácia. No entanto, são necessárias mais pesquisas para elucidar lacunas. identificar y resumir los estudios que analizan tanto las interacciones medicamentosas (IM) como las reacciones adversas a medicamentos (RAM) en los adultos mayores polimedicados. revisión integradora de estudios publicados entre enero de 2008 a diciembre de 2013, siguiendo criterios de inclusión y exclusión, en las bases de datos electrónicas MEDLINE y EMBASE. cuarenta y siete estudios de texto completo incluidos fueron analizados incluyendo 14,624,492 adultos mayores (≥ 60 años), de ellos 24 (51,1%) en relación con RAM, 14 (29,9%) con IM y 9 estudios (19,1%) que investigaron tanto IM como RAM. Encontramos una gran variedad de diseños metodológicos. Los estudios revisados reforzaron el concepto que la polifarmacia es un proceso multifactorial, y los predictores y la prescripción inadecuada se asocian con resultados negativos para la salud tales como el aumento de la frecuencia y tipos de RAM y IM implicando diferentes clases de fármacos, además que algunos estudios muestran cuales son las intervenciones más exitosas para optimizar la prescripción. IM y RAM siguen siendo un problema importante en el mundo entero entre los adultos mayores. Los resultados de los estudios incluidos en esta revisión integradora, sumado a las revisiones previas, pueden contribuir a la mejora de las prácticas avanzadas de enfermería geriátrica, para promover la seguridad de los pacientes de mayor edad en la polifarmacia. Sin embargo, se necesita más investigación para esclarecer los vacíos de conocimiento.

Scheme for development of monitoring networks for springs in Bavaria, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bender, Steffen; Einsiedl, Florian; Wohnlich, Stefan

2001-03-01

The present groundwater monitoring network in Bavaria consists mostly of wells and only a small number of natural groundwater springs, all of which are analyzed for mainly the common physical and chemical constituents in groundwater. In order to develop a long-term groundwater management plan for all the groundwater resources of Bavaria, the Bavarian State Office for Water Management intends to establish a separate spring-monitoring network throughout the 11 groundwater provinces of the state. As a first step, significant physicochemical parameters that show considerable annual fluctuation (after monitoring 1-3 years) were determined at 21 springs or spring systems to create a basic data set to guide future monitoring. A selection procedure was developed around four parameters: (1) geological units, which includes the principal aquifers; (2) rate of spring discharge; (3) land utilization within a catchment; and (4) approximate size of the subterranean catchment. However, in the initial phase of the study, only the first three parameters were investigated. These parameters established a matrix for evaluating each groundwater region of Bavaria to aid in the selection of additional springs for the proposed monitoring network. Résumé. Le réseau actuel de surveillance des eaux souterraines en Bavière consiste surtout en des puits avec seulement un petit nombre de sources, tous analysés pour l'essentiel pour les composants courants physiques et chimiques des eaux souterraines. Afin de développer un plan de gestion à long terme des eaux souterraines de la Bavière, l'Office bavarois pour la gestion de l'eau cherche à mettre en place un réseau séparé de surveillance des sources dans les onze provinces hydrogéologiques du lander. Dans un premier temps, les paramètres physico-chimiques significatifs qui présentent des variations annuelles considérables, après 1 à 3 ans de surveillance, ont été déterminés à 21 sources ou groupes de sources pour constituer un jeu de données de base pour guider la future surveillance. Une procédure de sélection a été développée autour de quatre paramètres: (1) les unités géologiques, comprenant les principaux aquifères, (2) le débit des sources, (3) l'occupation du sol dans le bassin, et (4) la dimension approximative du bassin d'alimentation souterrain. Toutefois, dans la phase initiale de l'étude, seuls les trois premiers paramètres ont été étudiés. Ces paramètres constituent une matrice d'évaluation de chaque région hydrogéologique de Bavière pour aider à la sélection de sources supplémentaires destinées au réseau de surveillance proposé. Resumen. La red de muestreo actual de aguas subterráneas en Bavaria (Alemania) está formada sobre todo por pozos, mientras que apenas hay unos pocos manantiales naturales. Los análisis incluyen, principalmente, los parámetros físico-químicos habituales. Con el objeto de desarrollar un plan de gestión de las aguas subterráneas en Bavaria a largo plazo, el Consejo del Estado para la Gestión del Agua pretende establecer una red de muestreo de manantiales diferenciada en las once regiones en que se divide el estado desde el punto de vista de las aguas subterráneas. Como primer paso, se determinaron los parámetros físico-químicos significativos que mostraban una fluctuación anual considerable (tras un muestreo de 1 a 3 años), con la finalidad de crear una base de datos elemental que canalizara los muestreos futuros. Se desarrolló un procedimiento de selección con base en cuatro parámetros: (1) unidades geológicas y acuíferos principales; (2) caudal del manantial; (3) uso del suelo dentro de la cuenca; y (4) tamaño aproximado de la zona de captación subterránea. Sin embargo, sólo se investigaron los tres primeros parámetros durante la fase inicial del estudio. Con ellos, se estableció una matriz para evaluar cada zona acuífera dentro de Bavaria y ayudar en la inclusión de otros manantiales en la red de muestro propuesta.

Social representations of the health care of the Mbyá-Guarani indigenous population by health workers.

PubMed

Falkenberg, Mirian Benites; Shimizu, Helena Eri; Bermudez, Ximena Pamela Díaz

2017-02-06

to analyze the social representations of health care of the Mbyá-Guarani ethnic group by multidisciplinary teams from the Special Indigenous Health District in the south coast of Rio Grande do Sul state (Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Litoral Sul do Rio Grande do Sul), Brazil. a qualitative method based on the theory of social representations was used. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 20 health workers and by participant observation. The interviews were analyzed with ALCESTE software, which conducts a lexical content analysis using quantitative techniques for the treatment of textual data. there were disagreements in the health care concepts and practices between traditional medicine and biomedicine; however, some progress has been achieved in the area of intermedicality. The ethnic boundaries established between health workers and indigenous peoples based on their representations of culture and family, together with the lack of infrastructure and organization of health actions, are perceived as factors that hinder health care in an intercultural context. a new basis for the process of indigenous health care needs to be established by understanding the needs identified and by agreement among individuals, groups, and health professionals via intercultural exchange. analisar as representações sociais do cuidado em saúde entre trabalhadores que atuam em equipes multidisciplinares no Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Litoral Sul do Rio Grande do Sul, junto à etnia Mbyá-Guarani. utilizou-se método qualitativo, fundamentado na teoria das Representações Sociais. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 20 trabalhadores e da observação participante. As entrevistas analisadas com o software ALCESTE, o qual realiza a análise lexical de conteúdo por meio de técnicas quantitativas de tratamento de dados textuais. verificou-se que existe tensão entre as concepções e práticas de cuidado da medicina tradicional e da biomedicina, mas observam-se alguns avanços na perspectiva da intermedicalidade. Fronteiras étnicas estabelecidas entre os trabalhadores e os indígenas, baseadas em suas representações de cultura e família, da mesma maneira que a falta de infraestrutura e os modos de organização do trabalho em saúde são percebidos como fatores que dificultam o cuidado em contextos de interculturalidade. é preciso estabelecer novas bases para o processo de cuidar em saúde indígena, a partir da compreensão das necessidades representadas, negociadas entre sujeitos individuais e coletivos e os profissionais nas instituições de saúde em um diálogo intercultural de múltiplas vozes. analizar las representaciones sociales de la atención de la salud del grupo étnico Mbyá-Guaraní por equipos multidisciplinarios del Distrito Sanitario Especial Indígena en la costa sur del estado de Rio Grande do Sul (Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena Litoral Sul do Rio Grande do Sul), Brasil. se utilizó un método cualitativo basado en la teoría de las representaciones sociales. Los datos fueron recogidos a través de entrevistas semi-estructuradas con 20 trabajadores de la salud y por observación de los participantes. Las entrevistas fueron analizadas con el programa ALCESTE, que realiza un análisis de contenido léxico utilizando técnicas cuantitativas para el tratamiento de datos textuales. hubo desacuerdos en los conceptos y prácticas de atención médica entre medicina tradicional y biomedicina; sin embargo, se han logrado algunos avances en el área de la intermedicina. Las barreras étnicas establecidas entre los trabajadores de la salud y los pueblos indígenas basados en sus representaciones de la cultura y la familia, junto con la falta de infraestructura y organización de las acciones de salud, son percibidas como factores que obstaculizan la atención sanitaria en un contexto intercultural. es necesario establecer una nueva base para el proceso de atención de salud indígena mediante la comprensión de las necesidades identificadas y por acuerdo entre individuos, grupos y profesionales de la salud a través del intercambio intercultural.

Medicinal ethnobotany in Huacareta (Chuquisaca, Bolivia)

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to document the types of diseases treated by the use of medicinal plants, their main applications and also to have a report of the major diseases treated at the Hospital of San Pablo de Huacareta (Chuquisaca Bolivia). Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews on the use medicinal plants with 10 local informants, and categorized the kinds of diseases treated by traditional medicine. We obtained reports of cases treated at the Hospital of Huacareta in order to compare the use frequency of traditional medicine and allopathic medicine for the treatment of recurrent diseases in the area. Results Our survey identified 258 traditional medicine uses, spanning a total of 13 diseases categories and including 91 native and exotic plant species and one unidentified sample plant type. Gastrointestinal disorders (55%) were most frequently treated with medicinal plants, followed by afflictions of the musculoskeletal system (25%) and dermatological disorders (24%). Hospital information indicates that the most common diseases are acute respiratory infections (47%) and acute diarrheal diseases (37%). The herbal remedies were mostly used in the form of teas and decoctions. The informants used mainly native plant species, although exotic species has been introduced to the pharmacopoeia. Conclusions The treatment of gastrointestinal disorders is the primary objective of the medical ethnobotany of the inhabitants of Huacareta, while respiratory system diseases are mostly treated in the hospital. Looking at the data from the Hospital records we can infer that gastrointestinal disorders are among the most common diseases in the study area. For most respondents, traditional medicine is a reliable choice for the care of their illnesses. However, the preference of the population for either traditional medicine or allopathic medicine needs to be clarified in future comparative studies to obtain more convincing results. The results presented can be used as a base for subsequent work related to traditional medicine and its contribution to allopathic medicine in San Pablo de Huacareta. Resumen Introducción El objetivo del presente estudio fue documentar los tipos de enfermedades tratadas mediante el uso de plantas medicinales, sus aplicaciones principales y también tener un reporte de las enfermedades mayormente atendidas en el Hospital de San Pablo de Huacareta (Chuquisaca, Bolivia). Métodos Se realizaron encuestas semiestructuradas a 10 informantes locales anotando los usos atribuidos a sus plantas medicinales, se agruparon las plantas por categorías de enfermedades tratadas en la medicina tradicional. Se obtuvieron reportes de casos tratados en el Hospital de Huacareta para poder relacionar el tratamiento de enfermedades recurrentes en la zona entre la medicina tradicional y la medicina occidental. Resultados Se reportaron 91 especies nativas y exóticas, además de un espécimen indeterminado exótico que intervienen en un total de 258 aplicaciones medicinales, las cuales son empleadas en un total de 13 categorías de enfermedades. Los desórdenes gastrointestinales (55%) son mayormente tratados mediante plantas medicinales, seguidas de las afecciones al sistema esqueleto-muscular (25%) y enfermedades dermatológicas (24%). La información del Hospital indica que las enfermedades más frecuentes son Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas (47%) y Enfermedades Diarreicas Agudas (37%). Los remedios vegetales se emplean en forma de infusiones y cocciones principalmente. Se emplean mayormente plantas nativas, también se introdujo en la farmacopea médica el uso de plantas exóticas al lugar. Conclusiones El tratamiento de trastornos gastrointestinales constituye el objetivo primordial de la etnobotánica médica de los habitantes de Huacareta, las enfermedades del sistema respiratorio, son mayormente tratadas en el Hospital. Observando los datos del libro de consultas del Hospital, se puede inferir que los desórdenes gastrointestinales están entre las enfermedades más frecuentes en el área estudiada. Para la mayoría de los entrevistados, la medicina tradicional es una opción confiable para la atención de sus enfermedades. Sin embargo, la preferencia de los habitantes entre la medicina tradicional y la medicina alopática podría ser clarificada a partir de futuros estudios comparativos que permitan obtener resultados más convincentes. Los resultados expuestos pueden ser usados como una base de datos para posteriores trabajos relacionados a la medicina tradicional y su contribución con la medicina alopática en San Pablo de Huacareta. PMID:22856877

Estudio epidemiológico de sucesos traumáticos, trastorno de estrés post-traumático y otros trastornos psiquiátricos en una muestra representativa de Chile

PubMed Central

Pérez Benítez, Carlos I.; Vicente, Benjamin; Zlotnick, Caron; Kohn, Robert; Johnson, Jennifer; Valdivia, Sandra; Rioseco, Pedro

2010-01-01

RESUMEN Durante la década de 1990 en los Estados Unidos (EU), el conocimiento sobre el trastorno de estrés post-traumático (TEPT) evolucionó de estudios específicos en un principio, sobre veteranos de guerra y sobre víctimas de desastres, a estudios epidemiológicos más tarde, sin embargo, la epidemiología del TEPT en países en desarrollo ha sido un área poco estudiada hasta ahora. Los expertos en el área de trauma han propuesto que los sucesos traumáticos que ocurren en la niñez son más perjudiciales para la salud mental que aquellos que ocurren más tarde en la vida. Este trabajo revisa los resultados de un estudio epidemiológico llevado a cabo en Chile. Específicamente, se revisan los resultados sobre las tasas de prevalencia del TEPT, traumas asociados más frecuentemente con él, así como la comorbilidad de este trastorno con otros trastornos psiquiátricos a lo largo de la vida. Igualmente se analizaron las diferencias del TEPT en cada sexo, así como la exposición a traumas en una muestra representativa de chilenos. Además se comparó la prevalencia de trastornos psiquiátricos en personas que sufrieron su primer trauma durante la niñez, durante la edad adulta, o que no reportaron traumas durante su vida. En estos estudios epidemiológicos se usaron módulos del TEPT y trastorno de personalidad antisocial (TPA) de la entrevista diagnóstica siguiendo los criterios del DSM-III-R (DIS–III-R). Para evaluar el resto de los trastornos psiquiátricos se usó la Entrevista Diagnóstica Internacional Compuesta (CIDI). Estos instrumentos fueron administrados en tres ciudades chilenas a 2390 personas mayores de 15 años. Para estimar los errores estándares (EE) debido al diseño de la muestra y a la necesidad de ajuste se usó el método Taylor de linearización seriada. También se usó un análisis de regresión logística para examinar la relación entre el TEPT, los factores demográficos de riesgo y el tipo de trauma. Además se utilizó la regresión logística multivariada para evaluar si la relación entre el TEPT y el sexo pudiera ser explicada por medio de otros factores de riesgo, así como para calcular las tasas y la oportunidad relativa (razón de productos cruzados) de trastornos psiquiátricos a lo largo de la vida. El primer análisis arrojó que la prevalencia de TEPT a lo largo de la vida fue de 4.4% (2.5% para hombres y 6.2% para mujeres). De los hechos traumáticos reportados, la violación sexual tuvo una correlación más alta con el TEPT que los demás hechos traumáticos. Las mujeres tuvieron más probabilidades de experimentar TEPT que los hombres, después de controlar la variable asalto violento. El segundo análisis evidenció que los que habían sufrido traumas a lo largo de la vida tuvieron mayor probabilidad de tener un trastorno psiquiátrico en comparación con aquellos que no reportaron traumas. También se encontró que los que sufrieron su primer trauma durante la infancia tuvieron más probabilidad de desarrollar trastornos de pánico a lo largo de la vida que aquellos que sufrieron su primer trauma en la edad adulta, independientemente del número de traumas que sufrieron y de las diferencias demográficas. Aunque Chile tiene un contexto histórico-cultural y una economía diferente a otros países en los que se ha estudiado anteriormente la epidemiología del TEPT, el presente estudio reflejó tendencias similares a las reportadas en estudios previos. Los hallazgos expuestos enfatizan la importancia de investigar la prevalencia del TEPT, los patrones de comorbilidad del TEPT y las diferencias de sexo en la prevalencia del TEPT en diferentes países. También estos resultados sugieren que los sucesos traumáticos en la infancia (y no en la adultez) pueden estar relacionados con la ocurrencia de trastornos psiquiátricos específicos. PMID:21113425

Microbial populations in contaminant plumes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haack, Sheridan K.; Bekins, Barbara A.

Efficient biodegradation of subsurface contaminants requires two elements: (1) microbial populations with the necessary degradative capabilities, and (2) favorable subsurface geochemical and hydrological conditions. Practical constraints on experimental design and interpretation in both the hydrogeological and microbiological sciences have resulted in limited knowledge of the interaction between hydrogeological and microbiological features of subsurface environments. These practical constraints include: (1) inconsistencies between the scales of investigation in the hydrogeological and microbiological sciences, and (2) practical limitations on the ability to accurately define microbial populations in environmental samples. However, advances in application of small-scale sampling methods and interdisciplinary approaches to site investigations are beginning to significantly improve understanding of hydrogeological and microbiological interactions. Likewise, culture-based and molecular analyses of microbial populations in subsurface contaminant plumes have revealed significant adaptation of microbial populations to plume environmental conditions. Results of recent studies suggest that variability in subsurface geochemical and hydrological conditions significantly influences subsurface microbial-community structure. Combined investigations of site conditions and microbial-community structure provide the knowledge needed to understand interactions between subsurface microbial populations, plume geochemistry, and contaminant biodegradation. La biodégradation efficace des polluants souterrains requiert deux éléments: des populations microbiennes possédant les aptitudes nécessaires à la dégradation, et des conditions géochimiques et hydrologiques souterraines favorables. Des contraintes pratiques sur la conception et l'interprétation des expériences à la fois en microbiologie et en hydrogéologie ont conduit à une connaissance limitée des interactions entre les phénomènes hydrogéologiques et microbiologiques des environnements souterrains. Ces contraintes pratiques sont dues à des contradictions entre les échelles d'étude de l'hydrogéologie et de la microbiologie et à des limitations pratiques sur la capacitéà définir avec précision les populations microbiennes dans les échantillons. Cependant, des progrès dans l'application de méthodes d'échantillonnage à l'échelle locale et des approches pluridisciplinaires des études de terrain ont commencéà améliorer de façon significative notre compréhension des interactions hydrogéologiques et microbiologiques. De plus, les analyses moléculaires et sur les cultures des populations microbiennes présentes dans les panaches de pollution souterraine ont mis en évidence une adaptation significative de ces populations aux conditions environnementales du panache. Les résultats d'études récentes laissent penser que la variabilité des conditions géochimiques et hydrologiques souterraines influence significativement la structure des communautés microbiennes souterraines. Des recherches combinées sur les conditions de terrain et sur la structure des communautés microbiennes apportent les informations nécessaires à la compréhension des interactions entre les populations microbiennes souterraines, la géochimie du panache et la biodégradation du polluant. Para que la biodegradación de los contaminantes en el subsuelo sea eficiente se requiere: (1) una población microbiana con capacidad de degradación y (2) unas condiciones hidrológicas y geoquímicas favorables. Las restricciones de tipo práctico en los diseños y la interpretación de experimentos, tanto hidrogeológicos como microbiológicos, han dado lugar a un conocimiento limitado de la interrelación entre estas dos ciencias por lo que respecta al subsuelo. Estas restricciones incluyen: (1) inconsistencias entre las escalas de investigación en ambas ciencias (hidrogeología y microbiología) y (2) limitaciones prácticas para definir poblaciones microbianas en las muestras. Sin embargo, los avances en la aplicación de métodos de muestreo a pequeña escala y las investigaciones de campo con equipos interdisciplinares están mejorando significativamente el conocimiento de las interacciones entre hidrogeología y microbiología. Del mismo modo, los análisis moleculares y de cultivos sobre poblaciones microbianas en penachos contaminados han mostrado la adaptación de los microbios a las condiciones naturales. Estudios recientes sugieren que la variabilidad en las condiciones geoquímicas e hidrogeológicas del subsuelo afecta enormemente la estructura de la comunidad microbiana. Las investigaciones que combinan las condiciones del medio con la estructura de la comunidad microbiana proporcionarán el conocimiento necesario para entender las complejas relaciones entre las poblaciones microbianas subsuperficiales, la geoquímica de los penachos de contaminación y la biodegradación de los contaminantes.

Achieving Open Access to Conservation Science

PubMed Central

Fuller, Richard A; Lee, Jasmine R; Watson, James E M

2014-01-01

Conservation science is a crisis discipline in which the results of scientific enquiry must be made available quickly to those implementing management. We assessed the extent to which scientific research published since the year 2000 in 20 conservation science journals is publicly available. Of the 19,207 papers published, 1,667 (8.68%) are freely downloadable from an official repository. Moreover, only 938 papers (4.88%) meet the standard definition of open access in which material can be freely reused providing attribution to the authors is given. This compares poorly with a comparable set of 20 evolutionary biology journals, where 31.93% of papers are freely downloadable and 7.49% are open access. Seventeen of the 20 conservation journals offer an open access option, but fewer than 5% of the papers are available through open access. The cost of accessing the full body of conservation science runs into tens of thousands of dollars per year for institutional subscribers, and many conservation practitioners cannot access pay-per-view science through their workplace. However, important initiatives such as Research4Life are making science available to organizations in developing countries. We urge authors of conservation science to pay for open access on a per-article basis or to choose publication in open access journals, taking care to ensure the license allows reuse for any purpose providing attribution is given. Currently, it would cost $51 million to make all conservation science published since 2000 freely available by paying the open access fees currently levied to authors. Publishers of conservation journals might consider more cost effective models for open access and conservation-oriented organizations running journals could consider a broader range of options for open access to nonmembers such as sponsorship of open access via membership fees. Obtención de Acceso Abierto a la Ciencia de la Conservación Resumen La ciencia de la conservación es una disciplina de crisis en la que los resultados del cuestionamiento científico deben hacerse disponibles de manera rápida para quienes están implementando el manejo. Evaluamos la extensión a la cual está disponible para el público la investigación científica publicada desde el año 2000 en 20 revistas de ciencia de la conservación. De los 19, 207 artículos publicados, 1, 667 (8.68%) están libres para descargar de un repositorio oficial. Además, sólo 938 artículos (4.88%) cumplen con la definición estándar de acceso abierto en la cual el material puede reutilizarse libremente siempre y cuando se le dé atribución a los autores. Esto se compara pobremente con un conjunto comparable de 20 revistas de biología evolutiva, donde 31.93% de los artículos están libres para descargar y el 7.94% son de acceso abierto. Diecisiete de las 20 revistas de conservación ofrecen una opción de acceso abierto, pero menos del 5% de los artículos están disponibles por medio del acceso abierto. El costo de acceder al cuerpo completo de la ciencia de la conservación llega a estar entre los miles de dólares por año para suscriptores institucionales, y muchos practicantes de la conservación no pueden acceder a la ciencia de paga en sus lugares de trabajo. Sin embargo, iniciativas importantes como Research4Life están poniendo a la ciencia a disponibilidad de organizaciones en países en desarrollo. Urgimos a los autores de la ciencia de la conservación que paguen por acceso abierto en una base por artículo o que escojan publicar en revistas de acceso abierto, tomando en consideración asegurar que la licencia permita reutilizar siempre y cuando se proporcione atribución. Actualmente, costaría $51 millones hacer que toda la ciencia de la conservación publicada desde 2000 esté disponible libremente al pagar las cuotas de acceso abierto que actualmente impuestas a los autores. Los publicadores de revistas de la conservación pueden considerar modelos más rentables para el acceso abierto y las organizaciones orientadas a la conservación que administran revistas podrían considerar un campo más amplio de opciones de acceso abierto para quienes no son miembros, como el patrocinio de acceso abierto por medio de pagos de membrecía PMID:25158824

The effects of acupressure on labor pains during child birth: randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Mafetoni, Reginaldo Roque; Shimo, Antonieta Keiko Kakuda

2016-08-08

to analyze the effects of acupressure on the sanyinjiao point for pregnant women in labor at public maternity wards. single-blind controlled clinical trial, randomly done employing a pragmatic profile. We selected 156 pregnant women in their ≥ 37 week/s, who had cervical dilations of ≥ 4 cm and with two or more contractions in 10 minutes. The pregnant women were randomly divided into three groups at a university hospital in the suburbs of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in order to receive either acupressure treatment, a placebo or participate as part of a control group. The acupressure was applied on the sanyinjiao point during the contractions for 20 minutes. Then the intensity of the pain was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The averages for the pain measured using the VAS were not different for the three groups that were a part of the study (p-value=0.0929), however they were less in the acupressure groups immediately after receiving the treatment (p-value=<0.0001). This was also the case where the treatment lasted for 1 hour (p-value=0.0001). This was the case in comparison with placebo and control groups. the use of acupressure on the sanyinjiao point is a useful way to alleviate pain in a non-invasive manner. It can improve the quality of care given to pregnant women in labor. Register: RBR-9mhs8r. analisar os efeitos da acupressão no ponto sanyinjiao sobre a dor na fase ativa do trabalho de parto, em gestantes atendidas em maternidade pública. trata-se de um ensaio clínico controlado e randomizado, simples-cego e de caráter pragmático. Foram selecionadas 156 mulheres com idade gestacional ≥ 37 semanas, dilatação cervical ≥ 4 cm e com duas ou mais contrações em 10 minutos. As gestantes foram divididas aleatoriamente em três grupos em um hospital universitário do interior do estado de São Paulo, Brasil, para receber acupressão, placebo ou participar como controle. A acupressão foi aplicada no ponto sanyinjiao durante as contrações, por 20 minutos, e a intensidade da dor avaliada por meio de uma Escala Analógica Visual (EAV). as médias de dor pela EAV não foram diferentes nos três grupos na admissão (p-valor=0,0929), porém foram menores no grupo de acupressão imediatamente após (p-valor=<0,0001) e com 1 h do tratamento (p-valor=0,0001) ao se comparar com placebo e controle. a acupressão no ponto sanyinjiao se mostrou uma medida útil no alívio da dor, não invasiva e um meio de melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados a parturiente. Registro: RBR-9mhs8r. analizar los efectos de la acupresión, en el punto sanyinjiao, sobre el dolor en la fase activa del trabajo de parto, en embarazadas atendidas en maternidad pública. ensayo clínico controlado y aleatorio, simple ciego y de carácter pragmático. Fueron seleccionadas 156 mujeres con edad gestacional ≥ 37 semanas, dilatación cervical ≥ 4 cm y con dos o más contracciones en 10 minutos. Las embarazadas fueron divididas aleatoriamente en tres grupos en un hospital universitario del interior del estado de Sao Paulo, Brasil, para recibir acupresión, placebo o participar como control. La acupresión fue aplicada en el punto sanyinjiao durante las contracciones, por 20 minutos; la intensidad del dolor fue evaluada por medio de una Escala Analógica Visual (EAV). los promedios del dolor por la EAV no fueron diferentes en los tres grupos en la admisión (valor p=0,0929), sin embargo fueron menores en el grupo de acupresión inmediatamente después (valor p=<0,0001) y también después de 1 hora del tratamiento (valor p=0,0001) al compararse con el placebo y control. la acupresión en el punto sanyinjiao se mostró una medida útil en el alivio del dolor, no invasiva y un medio de mejorar la calidad de los cuidados la parturienta. Registro: RBR-9mhs8r.

Stages of change of behavior in women on a multi-professional program for treatment of obesity.

PubMed

Bevilaqua, Cheila Aparecida; Pelloso, Sandra Marisa; Marcon, Sonia Silva

2016-10-10

to ascertain the effectiveness of an intervention program in relation to anthropometric measurements and stage of readiness for behavioral change in women with excess weight. the intervention group (IG) was made up of 13 women, and the control group (CG), by 20. The intervention lasted 16 weeks, and included the practice of guided physical activity three times a week, and health education once a week. The application of the questionnaire on stage of readiness for behavioral change, and the anthropometric evaluations, were undertaken at two points - before and after the period of intervention. The statistical analysis involved tests of comparison and association. in general, at the first point, the participants in the two groups were predisposed to make changes in what they ate and in their physical activity. However, significant difference was only observed in relation to weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-hip ratio and readiness for change among the members of the intervention group. the intervention programmed was effective in weight loss, reduction of waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, and in changing behaviors related to the practicing of physical exercise and eating habits. verificar a efetividade de um programa de intervenção sobre medidas antropométricas e o estágio de prontidão para mudança de comportamento em mulheres com excesso de peso. o grupo intervenção (GI) foi constituído por 13 mulheres e o grupo controle por 20. A intervenção teve duração de 16 semanas e incluiu prática de atividade física orientada três vezes na semana e educação em saúde uma vez na semana. A aplicação do questionário de estágio de prontidão para mudança de comportamento e as avaliações antropométricas foram realizadas em dois momentos, antes e após o período de intervenção. A análise estatística envolveu testes de comparação e associação. em geral, no momento inicial, as participantes dos dois grupos estavam pré dispostas a realizarem mudanças na alimentação e na atividade física. No entanto, só foi observada diferença significativa em relação ao peso, índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência da cintura e relação cintura-quadril e prontidão para mudança entre as integrantes do grupo intervenção. a intervenção programada foi efetiva na perda de peso, diminuição da circunferência da cintura e relação cintura-quadril e na mudança de comportamentos relacionados à prática de exercícios físicos e alimentar. verificar la efectividad de un programa de intervención sobre medidas antropométricas y de la fase de preparación para cambio de comportamiento, en mujeres con exceso de peso. el grupo intervención (GI) estuvo constituido por 13 mujeres y el grupo control por 20. La intervención tuvo duración de 16 semanas e incluyó práctica orientada de actividad física tres veces en la semana y educación en salud una vez por semana. La aplicación del cuestionario de fase de preparación para cambio de comportamiento y para las evaluaciones antropométricas fueron realizadas en dos momentos, antes y después del período de intervención. El análisis estadístico se realizó con pruebas de comparación y asociación. en general, en el momento inicial, las participantes de los dos grupos estaban predispuestas a realizar cambios en la alimentación y en la actividad física. Sin embargo, solamente entre las integrantes del grupo intervención fue observada diferencia significativa en relación: al peso; al índice de masa corporal (IMC); a la circunferencia de la cintura y relación cintura-cadera; y, a la preparación para el cambio. la intervención programada fue efectiva en: pérdida de peso, disminución de la circunferencia de la cintura y relación cintura-cadera, y en el cambio de comportamiento relacionado a la práctica de ejercicios físicos y de alimentación.

Negative pressure of the environmental air in the cleaning area of the materials and sterilization center: a systematic review.

PubMed

Ciofi-Silva, Caroline Lopes; Hansen, Lisbeth Lima; Almeida, Alda Graciele Claudio Dos Santos; Kawagoe, Julia Yaeko; Padoveze, Maria Clara; Graziano, Kazuko Uchikawa

2016-09-01

to analyze the scientific evidence on aerosols generated during cleaning activities of health products in the Central Service Department (CSD) and the impact of the negative pressure of the ambient air in the cleaning area to control the dispersion of aerosols to adjacent areas. for this literature systematic review the following searches were done: search guidelines, manuals or national and international technical standards given by experts; search in the portal and databases PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Web of Science; and a manual search of scientific articles. the five technical documents reviewed recommend that the CSD cleaning area should have a negative differential ambient air pressure, but scientific articles on the impact of this intervention were not found. The four articles included talked about aerosols formed after the use of a ultrasonic cleaner (an increased in the contamination especially during use) and pressurized water jet (formation of smaller aerosols 5μm). In a study, the aerosols formed from contaminated the hot tap water with Legionella pneumophila were evaluated. there is evidence of aerosol formation during cleanup activities in CSD. Studies on occupational diseases of respiratory origin of workers who work in CSD should be performed. analisar as evidências científicas sobre aerossóis gerados durante atividades de limpeza dos produtos para saúde no Centro de Material e Esterilização (CME) e o impacto da pressão negativa do ar ambiente na área de limpeza para controle da dispersão de aerossóis para áreas adjacentes. para essa revisão sistemática de literatura foram realizadas: busca de diretrizes, manuais ou normas técnicas nacionais e internacionais indicadas por especialistas; busca no portal e bases de dados PUBMED, SCOPUS, Cinahl e Web of Science; e busca manual de artigos científicos. Os cinco documentos técnicos analisados preconizam que na área de limpeza do CME haja diferencial negativo de pressão do ar ambiente, porém não foram encontrados artigos científicos sobre o impacto dessa intervenção. Os quatro artigos incluídos trataram dos aerossóis formados após uso de lavadora ultrassônica (aumento da contaminação principalmente durante o uso) e do jato de água pressurizado (formação de aerossóis menores que 5µm). Em um estudo foram avaliados aerossóis formados a partir de torneira de água quente contaminada com Legionella pneumophila. há evidências sobre formação de aerossóis durante atividades de limpeza em CME. Estudos sobre doenças ocupacionais de origem respiratória dos trabalhadores que atuam em CME devem ser realizados. examinar la evidencia científica sobre los aerosoles generados durante las actividades de limpieza de productos de salud en el Centro de Materiales y Esterilización (CME) y el impacto de la presión negativa del aire ambiente en la zona de limpieza para controlar la dispersión de aerosoles a las zonas adyacentes. para esta revisión sistemática de literatura se llevaron a cabo: búsqueda de directrices, manuales o normas técnicas nacionales e internacionales impartidas por expertos; búsqueda en las bases de datos PUBMED, SCOPUS, Cinahl y Web of Science; y búsqueda manual de artículos científicos. Los cinco documentos técnicos analizados recomiendan que el área de limpieza del CME tenga un diferencial negativo de presión en el aire ambiente, aunque no se han encontrado artículos científicos sobre el impacto de esta intervención. Los cuatro artículos incluidos fueron sobre los aerosoles formados después del uso de la lavadora ultrasónica (aumento de la contaminación, especialmente durante el uso) y chorro de agua a presión (formación de aerosoles menores a 5µm). De esta forma, en un solo estudio se evaluaron los aerosoles formados a partir de un grifo de agua caliente contaminada con Legionella pneumophila. hay evidencia de formación de aerosoles durante las actividades de limpieza en CME. Sin embargo, es necesario realizar estudios sobre las enfermedades profesionales de origen respiratorio de los trabajadores que trabajan en CME.

Learning about the Sky from the Environment: An Experience Working Along One Year with Students of Elementary Education. (Spanish Title: Aprendiendo sobre EL Cielo Desde el Entorno: Una Experiencia Trabajando Durante un Año Junto a Estudiantes del Primario.) Aprendendo sobre o Céu a Partir do Entorno: Uma Experiência de Trabalho ao Longo de um Ano com Alunos de Ensino Fundamental

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longhini, Marcos Daniel; Gomide, Hanny Angeles

2014-12-01

Research developed with 95 students of the 6th year of elementary education in a public school of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. It was a continuous work from February to December 2013, which led the students to participate in activities of observation of the environment, specifically the sky, analyzing the changes occurred. We focused on the study of variations in temperature, rainfall, day length, variations in the size of the shadows and changes in the aspect of the Moon. Our focus of analysis targeted the discussion of the knowledge that these students had about the topics indicated and as they entered the stage during the implementation of the proposal. The results showed a limited perception that students have of their environment, however, lately expanded due to the undertaken activities, especially in relation to the Moon. Working with systematic measure procedures reveals the careful handling of data so that they become understandable to students, and working with the shadows points towards the students first understand how shadows are formed, and then apply this knowledge to Astronomy. Finally, we conclude that the lived process consisted of an initial step of a work that should be encouraged for the subsequent years of training of these students. Proyecto de investigación desarrollado con 95 alumnos del sexto año de primaria en una escuela pública de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Fue un trabajo continuo, de febrero a diciembre de 2013, que llevó a los estudiantes a participar en actividades de observación de su entorno, entre ellas, el cielo, analizando los cambios ocurridos. Nos centramos en el estudio de las variaciones en la temperatura, las precipitaciones, la duración del día, las variaciones en el tamaño de las sombras y los cambios en los aspectos de la Luna. Nuestro foco de análisis se centró en discutir el conocimiento que estos estudiantes tenían sobre los temas indicados al inicio y término de la propuesta. Los resultados mostraron una percepción limitada que los estudiantes tienen de su alrededor la cual, sin embargo, se expandió debido a las actividades llevadas a cabo, sobre todo en relación con la Luna. Trabajar con medidas sistemáticas revela el manejo cuidadoso de los datos para que sean comprensibles para los estudiantes, así como el trabajo con las sombras para que comprendan primero como se forman estas para después trabajarlas en Astronomía. Por último, llegamos a la conclusión de que el proceso desarrollado consistió en una etapa inicial de una obra que debe ser profundizado en los años posteriores de la formación de estos estudiantes. Projeto de pesquisa desenvolvido com 95 alunos do 6º ano do Ensino Fundamental de uma escola pública estadual de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Foi um trabalho contínuo, de fevereiro a dezembro de 2013, o qual levou os alunos a participarem de atividades de observação do entorno, dentre ele, o céu, analisando as mudanças ocorridas. Focamos no estudo das variações de temperaturas, chuvas, duração do dia, variações do tamanho das sombras e mudanças nos aspectos da Lua. Nosso foco de análise centrou-se em discutir os conhecimentos que os referidos alunos tinham acerca dos temas indicados no início e ao término da implementação da proposta. Os resultados mostraram a percepção limitada que os estudantes possuem de seu entorno, todavia, ampliada em função das atividades desenvolvidas, principalmente no que se refere à Lua. O trabalho com medidas sistemáticas revela o cuidado no tratamento dos dados para que eles se tornem compreensíveis aos alunos, assim como o trabalho com as sombras sinaliza para que os alunos primeiramente compreendam como as sombras são formadas para depois trabalhar isso em Astronomia. Por fim, concluímos que o processo vivido constituiu-se em uma etapa inicial de um trabalho que deve ser estimulado para os anos subsequentes da formação desses alunos.

E-Science and Protein Crystallography

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miller, Laniece E.; Powell, James E. Jr.

2012-08-09

Dr. Zoe Fisher is the instrument scientist for the Protein Crystallography Station (PCS) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center's (LANSC) Lujan Neutron Scattering Center. She helps schedule researchers who intend to use the instrument to collect data, and provides in depth support for their activities. Users submit proposals for beam/instrument time via LANSCE proposal review system. In 2012, there were about 20 proposals submitted for this instrument. The instrument scientists review the proposals online. Accepted proposals are scheduled via an aggregate calendar which takes into account staff and resource availability, and the scientist is notified via email when theirmore » proposal is accepted and their requested time is scheduled. The entire PCS data acquisition and processing workflow is streamlined through various locally developed and commercial software packages. One 24 hour period produces one 200 Mb file, giving a total of maybe 2-5 Gb of data for the entire run. This data is then transferred to a hard disk in Dr. Fisher's office where she views the data with the customer and compresses the data to a text format which she sends them. This compression translates the data from an electron density to structural coordinates, which are the products submitted to a protein structure database. As noted above, the raw experimental data is stored onsite at LANSCE on workstations maintained by the instrument scientist. It is extraordinarily rare for anyone to request this data, although the remote possibility of an audit by a funding organization motivates its limited preservation. The raw data is not rigorously backed up, but only stored on a single hard drive. Interestingly, only about 50% of the experimental data actually ends up deposited and described in peer reviewed publications; the data that is not published tends to either not be viable structures or is calibration data. Dr. Fisher does protein crystallography research using both neutron and x-ray scattering techniques. Many of the major funders as well as the major journals dealing with protein crystallography require deposition of the structural data in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Files formatted for the PDB are automatically generated when the data is compressed. The header files in the PDB included experimental conditions of the experiment as well as experimental methods. Depending on the completeness and how 'hot' of a topic, it may not be needed to contact the original experimenter about using the data. Having said that, not all of the data is accurate and does requires some back and forth with the creators of the data. The RCSB PDB staff at Rutgers University goes through all submissions and works with the submitters to verify that the data meets their minimum standards of completeness and robustness. The Protein Data Bank (PDB) was initially created by Walter Hamilton at Brookhaven National Laboratory in 1971 after discussions about the value of scientists having access to structural biology data. Originally a partnership between Brookhaven and the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Center, the idea was conceived as a global initiative, which is certainly has become with partner sites in the US, Europe, and Japan. The PDB now contains structures determined from many different experimental techniques (Berman et al. 2012). Deposited structures are assigned a unique ID, and the structures are embargoed until the publication that references and describes them is published. The PDB staff often monitors these publications and takes the initiative to release protein structures when papers describing them are published. Dr. Fisher records setup and experimental details in word documents and inserts printed copies into paper lab notebooks. These details appear in the final published papers and the header files for structures in the PDB. Analysis of data collected at the PCS is performed with a combination of locally developed tools and commercial products which are capable of outputting data suitable for importing into the PDB. While the original output data from the LANL instrument is stored indefinitely on a hard disk, the analysis results in a text file that, as described above, which represents the structure of the protein, which can be modeled and explored via tools that scientists in this domain have access to and are familiar with. The entire process is well understood and well-supported by software used by researchers in this field. The incorporation of the PDB into research-analysis-publication is embraced by the international community of researchers in this field. There are mirror depository sites for the PDB in several countries. Curation of the submitted protein structures is rigorous, although Dr. Fisher noted that some structures are rushed to publication with what she termed 'bogus filler', which is possible since protein structures are 50-70% water.« less

Re-Creating Missing Population Baselines for Pacific Reef Sharks

PubMed Central

Nadon, Marc O; Baum, Julia K; Williams, Ivor D; Mcpherson, Jana M; Zgliczynski, Brian J; Richards, Benjamin L; Schroeder, Robert E; Brainard, Russell E

2012-01-01

Summary Abstract Sharks and other large predators are scarce on most coral reefs, but studies of their historical ecology provide qualitative evidence that predators were once numerous in these ecosystems. Quantifying density of sharks in the absence of humans (baseline) is, however, hindered by a paucity of pertinent time-series data. Recently researchers have used underwater visual surveys, primarily of limited spatial extent or nonstandard design, to infer negative associations between reef shark abundance and human populations. We analyzed data from 1607 towed-diver surveys (>1 ha transects surveyed by observers towed behind a boat) conducted at 46 reefs in the central-western Pacific Ocean, reefs that included some of the world's most pristine coral reefs. Estimates of shark density from towed-diver surveys were substantially lower (<10%) than published estimates from surveys along small transects (<0.02 ha), which is not consistent with inverted biomass pyramids (predator biomass greater than prey biomass) reported by other researchers for pristine reefs. We examined the relation between the density of reef sharks observed in towed-diver surveys and human population in models that accounted for the influence of oceanic primary productivity, sea surface temperature, reef area, and reef physical complexity. We used these models to estimate the density of sharks in the absence of humans. Densities of gray reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), and the group “all reef sharks” increased substantially as human population decreased and as primary productivity and minimum sea surface temperature (or reef area, which was highly correlated with temperature) increased. Simulated baseline densities of reef sharks under the absence of humans were 1.1–2.4/ha for the main Hawaiian Islands, 1.2–2.4/ha for inhabited islands of American Samoa, and 0.9–2.1/ha for inhabited islands in the Mariana Archipelago, which suggests that density of reef sharks has declined to 3–10% of baseline levels in these areas. Resumen Los tiburones y otros depredadores mayores son escasos en la mayoría de los arrecifes de coral, pero estudios de su ecología histórica proporcionan evidencia cualitativa de que los depredadores una vez fueron numerosos en estos ecosistemas. Sin embargo, la cuantificación de la densidad de tiburones en ausencia de humanos (línea de base) es obstaculizada por la falta de datos de series de tiempo pertinentes. Recientemente, los investigadores han utilizado muestreos visuales submarinos, de extensión espacial limitada o de diseño no estándar, para inferir asociaciones negativas entre la abundancia de tiburones de arrecife y las poblaciones humanas. Analizamos datos de 1607 muestreos por remolque de buzos (transectos >1ha muestreados por observadores remolcados por una lancha) realizados en 46 arrecifes en el Océano Pacífico centro-occidental, arrecifes que incluyeron algunos de los más prístinos del mundo. Las estimaciones de densidad de tiburones fue sustancialmente menor (<10%) que estimaciones publicadas a partir de muestreos a lo largo de transectos pequeños (<0.02 ha), lo cual no es consistente con las pirámides de biomasa invertidas (la biomasa de depredadores es mayor que la biomasa de presas) reportadas para arrecifes prístinos por otros autores. Examinamos la relación entre la densidad de tiburones de arrecife observados en los muestreos por remolque de buzos y la población humana en modelos y consideramos la influencia de la productividad oceánica primaria, la temperatura de la superficie del mar, la superficie del arrecife y su complejidad física. Utilizamos estos modelos para estimar la densidad de tiburones en ausencia de humanos. Las densidades de Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, Triaenodon obesus y el grupo de “tiburones estrictamente arrecifales” incrementó sustancialmente a medida que disminuyó la población humana y que incrementó la productividad primaria y la temperatura de la superficie del mar (o superficie del arrecife, que estaba altamente correlacionada con la temperatura. Las densidades basales simuladas de tiburones arrecifales en ausencia de humanos fueron 1.1–2.4/ha para las Islas Hawaianas, 1.2–2.4/ha en islas deshabitadas de Samoa Americana y 0.9–2.1/ha e islas deshabitadas del Archipiélago Mariana, lo que sugiere que la densidad de tiburones arrecifales ha declinado entre 3 -10% en relación con los niveles basales en esas áreas. PMID:22536842

Men's health: non-communicable chronic diseases and social vulnerability.

PubMed

Bidinotto, Daniele Natália Pacharone Bertolini; Simonetti, Janete Pessuto; Bocchi, Silvia Cristina Mangini

2016-08-15

to evaluate the relationship between absences in scheduled appointments and the number of non-communicable chronic diseases and to investigate the relationship between spatial distribution of these diseases and social vulnerability, using geoprocessing. a quantitative study of sequential mixed approach by analyzing 158 medical records of male users to relate the absences and 1250 medical records for geoprocessing. the higher the number of absences in the scheduled medical appointments, the less were the number of non-communicable chronic diseases and the ones listed in the International Classification of Diseases in single men. There were 21 significant geostatistically cases of glucose intolerance in the urban area. Of these, 62% lived in a region with a social vulnerability rating of Very Low, Medium 19%, 14% Low and 5% High. it was observed that the older the men, the greater is the number of chronic diseases and the less they miss scheduled appointments. Regarding the use of geoprocessing, we obtained a significant number of cases of glucose intolerance in urban areas, the majority classified as Very Low social vulnerability. It was possible to relate the spatial distribution of these diseases with the social vulnerability classification; however, it was not possible to perceive a relationship of them with the higher rates of social vulnerability. avaliar a relação entre as faltas em consultas agendadas e o número de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e averiguar a relação entre distribuição espacial dessas doenças e vulnerabilidade social, utilizando-se o geoprocessamento. estudo quantitativo, de abordagem mista sequencial, sendo analisados 158 prontuários de usuários do sexo masculino para se relacionar as faltas e 1250 prontuários para o geoprocessamento. quanto maior o número de faltas nas consultas médicas agendadas, menores foram a quantidade de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e as listadas na Classificação Internacional de Doenças em homens solteiros. Obtiveram-se 21 casos geoestatisticamente significantes de intolerância à glicose na zona urbana. Desses, 62% moravam em região com a classificação de vulnerabilidade social Muito Baixa, 19% Média, 14% Baixa e 5% Alta. observou-se que quanto mais velhos os homens, maior é o número de doenças crônicas instaladas e menos eles faltam em consultas agendadas. Quanto ao uso do geoprocessamento, obteve-se número de casos significantes de intolerância à glicose na zona urbana, sendo a maioria classificada como vulnerabilidade social Muito Baixa. Pôde-se relacionar a distribuição espacial dessas doenças com a classificação de vulnerabilidade social, porém, não foi possível perceber uma relação delas com índices mais elevados de vulnerabilidade social. evaluar la relación entre las faltas en las citas programadas y el número de enfermedades crónicas y para investigar la relación entre la distribución espacial de estas enfermedades y la vulnerabilidad social, utilizando geoprocesamiento. estudio cuantitativo de enfoque mixto secuencial y siendo analizadas 158 historias clínicas de los usuarios masculinos para relacionar las faltas y 1250 registros de geoprocesamiento. cuanto mayor eran el número de ausencias en las citas médicas programadas, menores fueron el número, para los hombres solteiros, de enfermedades crónicas y de las incluídas en la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades. Se obtuvieron 21 casos de intolerancia a la glucosa geoestadísticamente significativos en el área urbana. De éstos, el 62% viven en una región con calificación de vulnerabilidad social muy baja 19%, media, 14% baja y 5% Alta. se observó que cuanta mayor la edad de los hombres, mayor es el número de enfermedades crónicas instaladas y menos faltas en las citas programadas. Respecto al uso de geoprocesamiento, obtuvimos número significativo de casos de intolerancia a la glucosa en las zonas urbanas, la mayoría clasificada como vulnerabilidad social Muy baja. Se podría relacionarse la distribución espacial de estas enfermedades con la clasificación de la vulnerabilidad social, sin embargo, no fue posible ver una relación de esto con mayores tasas de vulnerabilidad social.

A method for designing configurations of nested monitoring wells near landfills

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hudak, Paul F.

A method was devised for designing configurations of monitoring wells, consisting of vertically nested intakes in boreholes. The network-design method involves analyzing a subset of potential contaminant plumes emerging from the downgradient margin of a landfill. Plume widths are evaluated along selected equipotential lines and compared to the lengths of those lines. The method was applied to a 32-ha solid-waste landfill in Tarrant County, Texas, USA. Sixtynine potential source nodes were considered. A 15-borehole network devised by the method registered 93 detections in total, detecting all 69 model-generated plumes by at least one borehole. Based on an enumeration procedure, a minimum of 10 boreholes was needed to detect all of the model-generated plumes. However, the less conservative 10-borehole network had little capability for backup detection. An existing monitoring network of seven downgradient wells detected only 38 model-generated plumes. Results of this study illustrate a practical need for structured approaches to designing detection-based groundwater-monitoring configurations. Résumé Une méthode a été développée pour fournir les caractéristiques de puits de surveillance, avec des points de prélèvements superposés en forage. La méthode de réalisation du réseau s'appuie sur l'analyse d'un ensemble de panaches de pollution potentiels provenant du bord en aval d'une décharge. Les largeurs de panache sont estimées le long d'isopièzes sélectionnées et sont comparées à leur longueur. Cette méthode a été appliquée à une décharge de déchets solides couvrant 32ha, dans le canton de Tarrant (Texas, Etats-Unis). 69 noeuds de source potentielle de pollution ont été pris en compte. Un réseau de 15 forages, défini par la méthode, a enregistré au total 93 alarmes, détectant les 69 panaches simulés dans au moins un forage. Une procédure de dénombrement précise qu'un minimum de 10 forages est nécessaire pour détecter tous les panaches simulés par le modèle. Cependant, le réseau minimal de 10 forages offre une faible aptitude de détection. Un réseau existant de contrôle de 7 puits situés en aval ne détectent que 38 panaches simulés par le modèle. Les résultats de cette étude illustrent la nécessité pratique d'approches structurées pour la définition des caractéristiques de surveillance d'une nappe basée sur la détection. Resumen Se ha puesto en marcha un método para diseñar la configuración de los pozos de observación, que consiste en estudiar las captaciones en tramos anidados verticalmente. El método de diseño de redes incluye el análisis de un subconjunto de penachos de contaminación que emergen potencialmente aguas abajo de un vertedero. Se evalúa la anchura de los penachos a lo largo de líneas equipotenciales seleccionadas y se compara con la longitud de estas líneas. El método se aplicó a un vertedero de sustancias sólidas con una extensión de 32 hectáreas en Tarrant County, Texas, EEUU. Se consideraron 69 fuentes de contaminación potencial. Una red de 15 sondeos, seleccionada mediante el nuevo método, registró un total de 93 detecciones, consiguiendo detectar el total de los 69 penachos generados en por lo menos un pozo. Basándose en un procedimiento de enumeración, se vio se requería un mínimo de 10 sondeos para registrar la totalidad de los penachos. Sin embargo, esta red de 10 sondeos se considera muy poco conservativa, ya que tenía una capacidad limitada para detectar los puntos de partida. Una red ya existente, formada por siete pozos aguas abajo de la zona de vertido, detectó sólo 38 de los penachos. Los resultados de este estudio ilustran la necesidad práctica de metodologías estructuradas para diseñar las configuraciones de redes de observación.

Manchester Triage System: main flowcharts, discriminators and outcomes of a pediatric emergency care.

PubMed

Amthauer, Camila; Cunha, Maria Luzia Chollopetz da

2016-08-29

to characterize the care services performed through risk rating by the Manchester Triage System, identifying demographics (age, gender), main flowcharts, discriminators and outcomes in pediatric emergency. cross-sectional quantitative study. Data on risk classification were obtained through a search of computerized registration data from medical records of patients treated in the pediatric emergency within one year. Descriptive statistics with absolute and relative frequencies was used for the analysis. 10,921 visits were conducted in the pediatric emergency, mostly male (54.4%), aged between 29 days and two years (44.5%). There was a prevalence of the urgent risk category (43.6%). The main flowchart used in the care was worried parents (22.4%) and the most prevalent discriminator was recent event (15.3%). The hospitalization outcome occurred in 10.4% of care performed in the pediatric emergency, however 61.8% of care needed to stay under observation and / or being under the health team care in the pediatric emergency. worried parents was the main flowchart used and recent events the most prevalent discriminator, comprising the hospitalization outcomes and permanency in observation in the pediatric emergency before discharge from the hospital. caracterizar os atendimentos realizados por meio da classificação de risco pelo Sistema de Triagem de Manchester, identificando dados demográficos (idade, sexo), principais fluxogramas, discriminadores e desfechos na emergência pediátrica. estudo quantitativo transversal. Os dados referentes à classificação de risco foram obtidos por meio de uma pesquisa ao registro informatizado de dados dos prontuários dos pacientes atendidos na emergência pediátrica no período de um ano. Para análise foi utilizada estatística descritiva com frequências absolutas e relativas. foram realizados 10.921 atendimentos na emergência pediátrica, em sua maioria do sexo masculino (54,4%), com idade entre 29 dias e dois anos (44,5%). Houve prevalência da categoria de risco urgente (43,6%). O principal fluxograma utilizado nos atendimentos foi pais preocupados (22,4%) e o discriminador mais prevalente foi evento recente (15,3%). O desfecho de internação hospitalar ocorreu em 10,4% dos atendimentos realizados na emergência pediátrica, entretanto 61,8% dos atendimentos necessitaram permanecer em observação e/ou ficar sob os cuidados da equipe de saúde na emergência pediátrica. pais preocupados foi o principal fluxograma utilizado e evento recente o discriminador mais prevalente, constando-se os desfechos de hospitalização e de permanencia em observação na emergência pediátrica, antes da alta para o domicílio. caracterizar la atención recibida por calificación de riesgo por el sistema de triaje de Manchester, identificando los datos demográficos (edad, sexo), principales organigramas, discriminadores y los resultados en la emergencia pediátrica. estudio cuantitativo transversal. Los datos sobre la clasificación de riesgo se obtuvieron a través de una búsqueda de los datos de registro informático de los registros médicos de los pacientes tratados en la emergencia pediátrica en el período de un año. Para el análisis se utilizó la estadística descriptiva con frecuencias absolutas y relativas. se llevaron a cabo 10.921 consultas en urgencias pediátricas, en su mayoría hombres (54,4%), con edades comprendidas entre 29 días y dos años (44,5%). Hubo una prevalencia de la categoría de riesgo urgente (43,6%). El diagrama de flujo principal utilizado en los cuidados fue padres preocupados (22,4%) y el discriminador más prevalente fue el evento reciente (15,3%). El resultado de internación se produjo en el 10,4% de los casos realizados en la emergencia pediátrica, sin embargo el 61,8% de las visitas precisaron permanecer en observación y/o estar bajo el cuidado del equipo de atención médica en la emergencia pediátrica. padres preocupados fue el diagrama de flujo principal utilizado y los eventos recientes el discriminador más frecuente, constatando los resultados de hospitalización y permanencia en la observación en la emergencia pediátrica antes del alta a la casa.

Spatial characteristics of groundwater temperature in the Ishikari Lowland, Hokkaido, northern Japan: analytical and numerical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dim, J. R.; Sakura, Y.; Fukami, H.; Miyakoshi, A.

2002-03-01

In porous sediments of the Ishikari Lowland, there is a gradual increase in the background geothermal gradient from the Ishikari River (3-4 °C 100 m-1) to the southwest highland area (10 °C 100 m-1). However, the geothermal gradient at shallow depths differs in detail from the background distribution. In spite of convective heat-flow loss generally associated with groundwater flow, heat flow remains high (100 mW m-2) in the recharge area in the southwestern part of the Ishikari basin, which is part of an active geothermal field. In the northeastern part of the lowland, heat flow locally reaches 140 mW m-2, probably due to upward water flow from the deep geothermal field. Between the two areas the heat flow is much lower. To examine the role of hydraulic flow in the distortion of the isotherms in this area, thermal gradient vs. temperature analyses were made, and they helped to define the major components of the groundwater-flow system of the region. Two-dimensional simulation modeling aided in understanding not only the cause of horizontal heat-flow variations in this field but also the contrast between thermal properties of shallow and deep groundwater reservoirs. Résumé. Dans les sédiments poreux des basses terres d'Ishikari, on observe une augmentation graduelle du gradient géothermal général depuis la rivière Ishikari (3-4 °C 100 m-1) vers la zone élevée située au sud-ouest (10 °C 100 m-1). Toutefois, le gradient géothermal aux faibles profondeurs diffère dans le détail de la distribution générale. Malgré la perte de flux de chaleur par convection, généralement associée aux écoulements souterrains, le flux de chaleur reste élevé (100 mW m-2) dans la zone de recharge de la partie sud-ouest du bassin de l'Ishikari, qui appartient à un champ géothermal actif. Dans la partie nord-est des basses terres, le flux de chaleur atteint localement 140 mW m-2, probablement à cause d'un écoulement souterrain ascendant depuis le champ géothermal profond. Entre les deux zones, le flux de chaleur est beaucoup plus faible. Afin de déterminer le rôle du flux d'eau souterraine dans la distorsion des isothermes dans cette zone, des analyses du gradient thermal en fonction de la température ont été réalisées elles ont permis de définir les composantes majeures du système aquifère régional. Une modélisation deux-dimensionnelle pour la simulation a ensuite contribué à la compréhension non seulement de la cause des variations horizontales du flux de chaleur dans cette région, mais également du contraste entre les propriétés des réservoirs superficiel et profond. Resumen. En los sedimentos porosos de las tierras bajas de Ishikari, hay un incremento gradual en el gradiente geotérmico desde el río Ishikari (3-4 °C 100 m-1) hacia la zona elevada del sudoeste (10 °C 100 m-1). Sin embargo, el gradiente geotérmico a profundidades someras difiere de la distribución de fondo. A pesar de las pérdidas por el flujo convectivo de calor asociadas generalmente al flujo de aguas subterráneas, el flujo de calor permanece elevado (100 mW m-2) en el área de recarga, hacia el sudoeste de la cuenca del Ishikari, la cual pertenece a un campo geotérmico activo. Al nordeste de las tierras bajas, el flujo de calor alcanza 140 mW m-2, probablemente por el flujo ascendente de agua procedente del campo geotérmico profundo. Entre ambas áreas, el flujo de calor es mucho menor. Para examinar el papel del flujo hidráulico en la distorsión de las isotermas de esta región, se ha comparado el gradiente térmico con la temperatura, con lo cual se ha podido definir los componentes mayoritarios del sistema de flujo de las aguas subterráneas. El uso de modelos bidimensionales ha servido para comprender no sólo del origen de las variaciones horizontales del flujo de calor en este campo, sino también el contraste entre las propiedades térmicas de los reservorios someros y profundos de aguas subterráneas.

Monitoring artificially stimulated fluid movement in the Cretaceous Dakota aquifer, western Kansas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macfarlane, Allen; Förster, Andrea; Merriam, Daniel; Schrötter, Jörg; Healey, John

2002-10-01

Aquifer properties can be evaluated by monitoring artificially stimulated fluid movements between wells, if the fluid is heated. Changes in the temperature profile recorded in observation wells indicate the flow path of the heated fluid, which in effect acts as a tracer. A fluid-flow experiment in the Cretaceous Dakota Formation at the Hodgeman County site, west-central Kansas, demonstrated the advantage of using the distributed optical-fiber temperature sensing method for monitoring transient temperature conditions in this hydrological application. The fluid flow in the aquifer was increased by producing water from a pumping well and injecting heated water in an injection well 13 m (43 ft) distant from the pumping well. The time-temperature series data obtained and compared with results from previous pumping tests point to interwell heterogeneity of the aquifer and to a zone in the sandstone aquifer of high hydraulic conductivity. However, the experiment would have allowed further clarification of aquifer heterogeneity and thermal properties if at least one observation well had been present between the injection and production wells. Résumé. Les caractéristiques d'un aquifère peuvent être évaluées en effectuant un suivi des mouvements du fluide stimulés artificiellement entre des puits, si le fluide est chauffé. Les variations de profils de température enregistrés dans les puits d'observation donnent des informations sur les directions d'écoulement du fluide chauffé, qui en fait se comporte comme un traceur. Réalisée dans la formation crétacée de Dakota, sur le site du Comté de Hodgeman (centre-ouest du Kansas), une expérience a démontré l'intérêt d'utiliser la méthode de détection distribuée de température par fibres optiques pour suivre les variations de température dans cette application hydrologique. L'écoulement du fluide dans l'aquifère a été favorisé en extrayant de l'eau par pompage et en injectant de l'eau chaude dans un puits d'injection distant de 13 m du puits de pompage. La chronique de température obtenue et comparée aux résultats d'essais de pompage précédents fait apparaître l'hétérogénéité de l'aquifère entre les puits et l'existence d'une zone de forte conductivité hydraulique dans l'aquifère de grès. Toutefois, l'expérience aurait fourni des éclaircissements supplémentaires sur l'hétérogénéité de l'aquifère et sur ses propriétés thermiques si au moins un puits d'observation avait été placé entre le puits d'injection et le puits de pompage. Resumen. Se puede evaluar las propiedades de un acuífero mediante la observación del movimiento de un fluido, calentado artificialmente, entre pozos. Los cambios registrados en el perfil de temperatura de los pozos de observación indican la trayectoria del fluido calentado, el cual actúa como un trazador. Un experimento de este tipo que se realizó en la formación cretácica de Dakota, en el condado de Hodgeman (porción occidental del centro de Kansas, Estados Unidos de América), demostró la ventaja de utilizar el método del sensor de temperatura con fibra óptica distribuída para medir condiciones transitorias de temperatura en esta aplicación hidrológica. El flujo del fluido en el acuífero aumentó con el bombeo de un pozo y la inyección de agua caliente en otro sondeo, que distaba 13 m (43 pies) del primero. Las series de temperatura obtenidas y comparadas con resultados de ensayos de bombeo previos resaltan la heterogeneidad del acuífero entre ambos pozos, así como la existencia de una zona de elevada conductividad hidráulica en el acuífero de la arenisca. Sin embargo, el experimento habría proporcionado más información sobre la heterogeneidad de la formación y sus propiedades termales si se hubiera dispuesto al menos de un punto de observación entre los pozos de inyección y bombeo.

Analysis of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) to characterize microbial communities in aquifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, Christopher T.; Scow, Kate M.

This paper reviews published applications of lipid-based biochemical techniques for characterizing microbial communities in aquifers and other deep subsurface habitats. These techniques, such as phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, can provide information on a variety of microbial characteristics, such as biomass, physiology, taxonomic and functional identity, and overall community composition. In addition, multivariate statistical analysis of lipid data can relate spatial or temporal changes in microbial communities to environmental factors. The use of lipid-based techniques in the study of groundwater microbiology is advantageous because they do not require culturing and can provide quantitative data on entire communities. However, combined effects of physiological and phylogenetic changes on the lipid composition of a community can confound interpretation of the data, and many questions remain about the validity of various lipid techniques. Despite these caveats, lipid-based research has begun to show trends in community composition in contaminated and pristine aquifers that contribute to our understanding of groundwater microbial ecology and have potential for use in optimization of bioremediation of groundwater pollutants. Résumé Ce papier passe en revue les applications des techniques biochimiques basées sur les lipides pour caractériser les communautés microbiennes présentes dans les aquifères et dans les autres habitats souterrains profonds. Ces techniques, telles que l'analyse des acides gras phospholipidiques (PLFA), peuvent fournir des informations sur un ensemble de caractères microbiens, tels que la biomasse, la physiologie, l'identité taxonomique et fonctionnelle, et surtout la composition de la communauté. En outre, l'analyse statistique multivariée des données sur les lipides peut établir les liens entre des changements spatiaux ou temporels dans la communauté microbienne et des facteurs environnementaux. L'utilisation des techniques basées sur les lipides dans l'étude de la microbiologie des eaux souterraines est intéressante parce qu'elle ne nécessite pas de mise en culture et qu'elle peut fournir des données quantitatives sur les communautés dans leur ensemble. Toutefois, les effets combinés de changements physiologiques et phylogénétiques sur la composition d'une communauté peuvent brouiller l'interprétation des données de nombreuses questions se posent sur la validité des différentes techniques lipidiques. Malgré ces oppositions, la recherche basée sur les lipides a commencéà montrer des tendances dans la composition des communautés dans les aquifères pollués et dans ceux non perturbés ces résultats contribuent ainsi à notre compréhension de l'écologie microbienne des eaux souterraines et montrent qu'il existe un potentiel pour leur utilisation en vue d'une optimisation de la dépollution biologique des eaux souterraines. Resumen Se revisan distintas técnicas bioquímicas que se basan en el análisis de lípidos para caracterizar las comunidades microbianas en hábitats subsuperficiales, incluyendo acuíferos. Estas técnicas, entre las que se incluye el análisis de ácidos grasos fosfolípidos (PLFA), pueden proporcionar información sobre toda una serie de características de las comunidades microbianas, como su biomasa, fisiología, identidad taxonómica y funcional y composición. Además, el análisis estadístico multivariado de los datos de lípidos permite relacionar los cambios espaciales o temporales en las comunidades microbianas con factores ambientales. Las técnicas basadas en lípidos son muy útiles para el estudio microbiológico de las aguas subterráneas, puesto que no requieren cultivos y además proporcionan datos cuantitativos de comunidades completas. Sin embargo, la acción combinada de los cambios fisiológicos y filogenéticos en la composición de lípidos en una comunidad pueden confundir la interpretación de los datos, por lo existen muchas cuestiones abiertas respecto a la validez de algunas de estas técnicas. A pesar de estas dificultades, estas técnicas han permitido detectar diferentes tendencias en la composición de las comunidades en acuíferos con y sin contaminación, lo que contribuye a nuestro entendimiento de la ecología microbiana de los acuíferos. Este último aspecto tiene un uso potencial en la optimización de los métodos de biorremediación de acuíferos.

Arsenic contamination of groundwater: Mitigation strategies and policies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alaerts, Guy J.; Khouri, Nadim

Contamination of groundwater by arsenic from natural geochemical sources is at present a most serious challenge in the planning of large-scale use of groundwater for drinking and other purposes. Recent improvements in detection limits of analytical instruments are allowing the correlation of health impacts such as cancer with large concentrations of arsenic in groundwater. However, there are at present no known large-scale technological solutions for the millions of people-mostly rural-who are potentially affected in developing countries. An overall framework of combating natural resource degradation is combined with case studies from Chile, Mexico, Bangladesh and elsewhere to arrive at a set of strategic recommendations for the global, national and local dimensions of the arsenic ``crisis''. The main recommendations include: the need for flexibility in the elaboration of any arsenic mitigation strategy, the improvement and large-scale use of low-cost and participatory groundwater quality testing techniques, the need to maintain consistent use of key lessons learned worldwide in water supply and sanitation and to integrate arsenic as just one other factor in providing a sustainable water supply, and the following of distinct but communicable tracks between arsenic-related developments and enhanced, long-term, sustainable water supplies. La contamination des eaux souterraines par l'arsenic provenant de sources naturelles est actuellement un sujet des plus graves dans l'organisation d'un recours à grande échelle des eaux souterraines pour la boisson et d'autres usages. De récentes améliorations dans les limites de détection des équipements analytiques permettent de corréler les effets sur la santé tels que le cancer à de fortes concentrations en arsenic dans les eaux souterraines. Toutefois, il n'existe pas actuellement de solutions technologiques à grande échelle connues pour des millions de personnes, surtout en zones rurales, qui sont potentiellement affectées dans les pays en développement. Un cadre d'ensemble pour lutter contre la dégradation naturelle des ressources est associé à des études de cas au Chili, au Mexique, au Bangladesh et ailleurs afin d'établir un ensemble de recommandations stratégiques pour les dimensions globale, nationale et locale de la «crise» de l'arsenic. Les principales recommandations sont les suivantes: le besoin d'une flexibilité pour élaborer une stratégie de diminution de l'arsenic, l'amélioration et l'utilisation à grande échelle de techniques peu coûteuses et associant les populations pour tester la qualité de l'eau souterraine, le besoin de maintenir un usage logique des leçons clés acquises de par le monde pour l'alimentation en eau et la santé publique, celui d'intégrer l'arsenic simplement comme un autre facteur pour assurer une alimentation durable en eau, et pour suivre des pistes distinctes mais communicables entre les développements liés à l'arsenic et les alimentations durables en eau mises en valeurs à long terme. La contaminación de las aguas subterráneas con arsénico procedente de fuentes geoquímicas naturales es actualmente uno de los retos principales de la planificación a gran escala de las aguas subterráneas para uso de boca y otros fines. Las recientes mejoras en los límites de detección del instrumental analítico permiten correlacionar impactos en la salud tales como el cáncer con concentraciones elevadas de arsénico en las aguas subterráneas. Sin embargo, a fecha de hoy no existen soluciones tecnológicas de gran escala para millones de personas-población principalmente rural-que están potencialmente afectadas en los países en vías de desarrollo. Se combina un enfoque general para combatir la degradación de los recursos naturales con estudios concretos de Chile, México, Bangladesh y cualquier otro lugar que permita obtener un conjunto de recomendaciones estratégicas para las dimensiones global, nacional y local de la ``crisis'' del arsénico. Las recomendaciones principales incluyen la necesidad de flexibilizar la elaboración de cualquier estrategia de mitigación del arsénico la mejora y uso a gran escala de técnicas de muestreo de las aguas subterráneas que sean económicas y participativas; la necesidad de mantener un uso coherente de las lecciones clave aprendidas a nivel mundial en el suministro y saneamiento del agua y de integrar el arsénico como otro factor más en la consecución de un suministro sustentable de agua; y el seguimiento de trazas distintas pero comunicables entre los desarrollos relacionados con el arsénico y los abastecimientos de agua sustentables a largo plazo.

Prediction uncertainty of plume characteristics derived from a small number of measuring points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

French, H. K.; van der Zee, S. E. A. T. M.; Leijnse, A.

A small number of measuring points may inflict a bias on the characterisation of flow and transport based on field experiments in the unsaturated zone. Simulation of pure advective transport of a Gaussian plume through a setup of 30 regularly placed measuring points revealed regular temporal fluctuations about the real spatial moments. An irregular setup predicted both irregular fluctuations and larger discrepancies from the real value. From these considerations, a regular setup is recommended. Spatial moments were sensitive to the plume size relative to the distance between individual measuring points. To reduce prediction errors of the variance, the distance between the measuring points should be less than twice the standard deviation of the examined plume. The total size of the setup should cover several standard deviations of the plume to avoid mass being lost from the monitored area. Numerical simulations of a dispersing plume (comparing calculations based on 9000 nodes with 30 measuring points) revealed that vertical and horizontal centres of mass were predicted well at all degrees of heterogeneity, and the same was the case for horizontal variances. Vertical variances were more susceptible to prediction errors, but estimates were of the same order of magnitude as the real values. Résumé Lorsque l'on cherche à caractériser l'écoulement et le transport à partir d'expériences de terrain dans la zone saturée, il arrive qu'un petit nombre de points introduisent un biais. La simulation d'un transport purement advectif d'un panache gaussien au travers d'un ensemble de 30 points de mesures espacés régulièrement fait apparaître des variations temporelles régulières autour des moments spatiaux réels. Un ensemble irrégulier conduit à prédire à la fois des variations irrégulières et de plus grandes divergences par rapport à la valeur réelle. A partir de ces constations, un ensemble régulier est recommandé. Les moments spatiaux sont apparus sensibles à la dimension du panache en fonction de la distance entre les différents points de mesure. Afin de réduire les erreurs de prédiction de la variance, la distance entre les points de mesure doit être inférieure au double de l'écart-type du panache examiné. La dimension totale de l'ensemble doit couvrir une étendue de plusieurs écarts-types du panache pour éviter qu'une partie de la matière échappe à la zone surveillée. Des simulations numériques du panache en dispersion (les calculs de comparaison sont basés sur 9000 nœuds avec 30 points de mesure) montrent que le centre vertical et le centre horizontal de la matière dispersée ont été bien prédits à tous les degrés d'hétérogénéité, de même que pour les variances horizontales. Les variances verticales ont été plus sensibles aux erreurs de prédiction, mais les estimations étaient du même ordre de grandeur que les valeurs réelles. Resumen Un número pequeño de puntos de medida puede producir un sesgo en la caracterización en campo del flujo y transporte de solutos en la zona no saturada. La simulación de transporte advectivo (no difusivo) de un penacho Gaussiano a travs de un conjunto de 30 puntos de medida regularmente distribuidos revelan fluctuaciones temporales regulares de los momentos espaciales del penacho. Una distribución irregular de puntos de medida predijo a su vez fluctuaciones irregulares, más alejadas de la realidad, por lo que se recomienda el uso de esquemas de muestreo regulares. Los momentos espaciales fueron sensibles a la relación entre tamaño del penacho y distancia entre puntos de medida. Para reducir los errores en la predicción de la varianza, la distancia entre puntos de observación debe ser menor que dos veces la desviación estándar del penacho. El tamaño del área muestreada debe cubrir varias desviaciones estándar del penacho para evitar perder parte de la masa. Las simulaciones numricas en un penacho dispersivo, comparando los cálculos basados en 9000 nudos con las 30 medidas, mostraron que las posiciones de los centros de masa y las varianzas en dirección horizontal se predijeron bien independientemente del grado de heterogeneidad. Las varianzas verticales, sin embargo, fueron más susceptibles a errores de predicción, pero las estimaciones eran del mismo orden de magnitud que los valores reales.

Groundwater socio-ecology and governance: a review of institutions and policies in selected countries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherji, Aditi; Shah, Tushaar

2005-03-01

Groundwater is crucial for the livelihoods and food security of millions of people, and yet, knowledge formation in the field of groundwater has remained asymmetrical. While, scientific knowledge in the discipline (hydrology and hydrogeology) has advanced remarkably, relatively little is known about the socio-economic impacts and institutions that govern groundwater use. This paper therefore has two objectives. The first is to provide a balanced view of the plus and the down side of groundwater use, especially in agriculture. In doing so, examples are drawn from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Spain and Mexico—all of which make very intensive use of groundwater. Second, institutions and policies that influence groundwater use are analyzed in order to understand how groundwater is governed in these countries and whether successful models of governance could be replicated elsewhere. Finally, the authors argue that there is a need for a paradigm shift in the way groundwater is presently perceived and managed—from management to governance mode. In this attempt, a number of instruments such as direct regulation, indirect policy levers, livelihood adaptation and people's participation will have to be deployed simultaneously in a quest for better governance. L'eau souterraine est cruciale pour la survie et la sécurité alimentaire de plusieurs millions de personnes mais cependant la foramtion en matière d'eaux souterraines reste asymmétrique. Alors que la connaissance scientifique dans la discipline (hydrologie et hydrogéologie) a avancée de manière remarquable, on connaît peu de choses sur les impacts socio-économiques et les institutions qui gouvernent l'utilisation des eaux souterraines. Cet article a par conséquent deux objectifs. Le premier est d'assurer un point de vue balancé entre le côté positif et le côté négatif de l'utilisation de l'eau souterraine, spécialement en agriculture. De cette manière, des exemples d'utilisation intensive des eaux souterraines sont présentés, provenant de pays tels que l'Inde, le Pakistan, le Bangladesh, la Chîne, l'Espagne et le Mexique. En second lieu, les institutions et les politiques qui influencent l' utilisation de l'eau souterraine sont analysées de telle manière à comprendre comment l'eau souterraine est gérée dans ces pays et comment les modèles de gestion présentant un certain succès pourraient être répliqués ailleurs. Finalement, les auteurs arguent qu'il existe un besoin pour un changement de paradigme dans le sens où l'eau souterraine est actuellement perçue et gérée du mode administratif au mode gouvernemental. Dans cette démarche un certain nombre d'instruments comme la régulation directe, les leviers politiques indirectes, l'adaptation vitale et la participation populaire devront être déployées simultanément dans la quête d'une meilleure gestion. El agua subterránea es crítica para la subsistencia y para la salubridad de la comida de millones de personas. Sin embargo, la formación de conocimientos en el campo de aguas subterráneas ha permanecido asimétrico. Mientras que el concocimiento científico en la disciplina (hidrología e hidrogeología) ha avanzado increíblemente, se conoce relativemente poco sobre los impactos socio-económicos y las instituciones que controlan el uso del agua subterránea. Este artículotiene dos objetivos. El primero es presenter una visión balanceada de los aspectos positivos y negativos concernientes al uso de agua subterránea, especialmente en la agricultura. Con este objetivo se presentan ejemplos de la India, Pakistán, Bangladesh, China, España y México ya que todos estos países hacen uso intensivo del agua subterránea. El segundo objetivo es el análisis de las instituciones y políticas que influyen en el uso del agua subterránea con el fin de entender cómo se gobierna el agua subterránea en estos países y si los modelos exitosos que pueden ser replicados en otros lugares. Finalmente los autores proponen que existe la necesidad de cambiar el paradigma en lo referente a la percepción y al manejo del agua subterránea desde su administración hasta su gobierno. En este intento, con el objeto de alcanzar un mejor gobierno, se debe implementar un número de instrumentos simultáneamente i.e la regulación directa, la política indirecta, la adaptación de las actividades de subsistencia y la participación de los usarios.

Perceptional gaps among women, husbands and family members about intentions for birthplace: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Shimpuku, Yoko; Madeni, Frida Elikana; Horiuchi, Shigeko; Leshabari, Sebalda Charles

2017-01-30

women are more likely to give birth at a health facility when their families agree with the birthplace. However, in rural areas of Tanzania, women are often marginalized from decision-making. This study predicted birthplace intention and identified factors to reduce perceptional gaps among pregnant women, husbands and family members. explanatory cross-sectional survey was conducted in three villages in North Eastern Tanzania. Participants were 138 pregnant women and their families who answered the Birth Intention Questionnaire (BIQ), measuring knowledge, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms and intention for birthplace. Descriptive analysis, ANOVA, Chi-square, and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data. the regression model showed that knowledge, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms predicted intention for birthplace (R2 = .28). While 81% of pregnant women thought their husbands were decision-makers for their birth, only 38% of husbands and 37% of family members agreed. Pregnant women had significantly lower scores on the item "I will prepare for childbirth with my family" compared with husbands (p < .01) and other family members (p < .001). providing evidence-based birth preparation and reducing the identified perceptual gaps may enhance women's intention to deliver at health facilities. as mulheres são mais propensas a dar à luz em um centro de saúde quando suas famílias estão de acordo com o local de nascimento. No entanto, nas áreas rurais da Tanzânia, as mulheres são muitas vezes marginalizadas do processo de decisão. Este estudo fez previsoes de intenção para o local do parto e fatores para reduzir as lacunas de percepção entre as mulheres grávidas, seus maridos e familiares identificados. estudo transversal explicativo realizado em três aldeias no nordeste da Tanzânia. Os participantes foram 138 mulheres grávidas e suas famílias que responderam ao Questionário de Intenção sobre Parto (BIQ), medindo o conhecimento, atitude, percepcão de controle comportamental, normas subjetivas e intenção para lugar de parto. Análise descritivas, ANOVA, Qui-quadrado e regressão linear múltipla foram utilizados para analisar os dados. o modelo de regressão mostrou que o conhecimento, percepcão de controle comportamental e normas subjetivas previram intenção de lugar de parto (R2 = 0,28). Enquanto 81% das mulheres grávidas pensavam que seus maridos eram os decisores para seu parto, apenas 38% dos maridos e 37% dos membros da família concordaram. As mulheres grávidas tiveram escores significativamente mais baixos sobre o item "Vou me preparar para o parto com a minha família", em comparação com os maridos (p < 0,01) e outros membros da família (p < 0,001). Proporcionar preparação para o parto baseada em evidencias e a redução das lacunas de percepção identificadas podem melhorar a intenção das mulheres para dar à luz em unidades de saúde. las mujeres son más propensas a dar a luz en un centro de salud cuando sus familias están de acuerdo con el lugar de parto. Sin embargo, en las zonas rurales de Tanzania, las mujeres son a menudo marginadas de la toma de decisiones. Este estudio predijo la intención del lugar de parto y los factores identificados para reducir la brecha de percepción entre las mujeres embarazadas, esposos y miembros de la familia. encuesta transversal explicativa llevada a cabo en tres aldeas en el noreste de Tanzania. Los participantes fueron 138 mujeres embarazadas y sus familias, que respondieron al Cuestionario sobre Intención del Parto (BIQ), que mide el conocimiento, la actitud, percepción de control del comportamiento, las normas subjetivas y la intención de lugar de parto. Se utilizaron análisis descriptivo, ANOVA, Chi-cuadrado y regresión lineal múltiple para analizar los datos. el modelo de regresión mostró que el conocimiento, la percepción de control del comportamiento, y las normas subjetivas predijeron la intencion del lugar de parto (R2 = 0,28). Mientras que el 81% de las mujeres embarazadas pensaba que sus maridos estaban encargados de tomar decisiones para el nacimiento, sólo el 38% de los esposos y el 37% de los miembros de la familia estuvieron de acuerdo. Las mujeres embarazadas tenían puntuaciones significativamente más bajas en el tema "Me prepararé para el parto con mi familia", en comparación con los maridos (p < 0,01) y otros miembros de la familia (p < 0,001). proporcionar la preparación al parto basada en la evidencia y reducir las brechas de percepción identificadas pueden mejorar intención de las mujeres a dar a luz en centros de salud.

Patterns of evolution of research strands in the hydrologic sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwartz, F. W.; Fang, Y. C.; Parthasarathy, S.

2005-03-01

This paper examines issues of impact and innovation in groundwater research by using bibliometric data and citation analysis.The analysis is based on 3120 papers from the journal Water Resources Research with full contents and their citation data from the ISI Web of Science. The research is designed to develop a better understanding of the way citation numbers can be interpreted by scientists. Not surprisingly, the most highly cited papers appear to be pioneers in the field with papers departing significantly from what has come before and to be effective in creating similar, follow-on papers. Papers that are early contributions to a new research strand that is highly influential will be on average highly cited. However, the importance of a research strand as measured by citations seems to fall with time. The citation patterns of some classic papers show that the activity in the topical area and impact of follow-on papers gradually decline with time, which has similarities with Kuhn's ideas of revolutionary and normal science. The results of this study reinforce the importance of being a pioneer in a research strand, strategically shifting research strands, adopting strategies that can facilitate really major research breakthroughs. L'article examine les problèmes d'impact et d'innovation dans la recherche des eaux souterraines en utilisant les données bibliométriques et l'analyse des citations. L'analyse a été faite sur 3120 articles parus dans Water Resources Research en tenant compte de leur texte complet et de toutes citations parues dans l' ISI Web de la Science. Le but de la recherche a été de mieux comprendre comment le nombre des citations peut être interprété par les scientifiques. Ce n'est pas une surprise que les plus cités articles soient les articles-pionniers dans leurs domaines, qui s'écartent d'une manière significative de ce qui a été écrit auparavant et qui ont été suivi par des nouveaux articles. Les articles qui présentent une première contribution dans leur domaine et qui ont beaucoup influencé la recherche sont en général les plus cités. Il semble que la diminution de l'importance d'un domaine de recherche est aussi reflétée par le nombre de citations. Le modèle des citations des quelques articles classiques montre que l'activité dans le domaine ainsi que l'impact sur les articles suivantes déclinent progressivement pendant le temps ce qui présente une analogie avec les idées de Kuhn sur la science normale et révolutionnaire. Le résultat de l'étude renforce une fois de plus l'importance d'être un pionnier dans un domaine, en faisant avancer la recherche dans le domaine respectif, en adoptant des stratégies qui peuvent créer des percées majeures dans la recherche. Este artículo examina los temas de impacto e innovación en la investigación de las aguas subterráneas, mediante el uso de datos bibliométricos y del análisis de las referencias bibliográficas. El análisis se basó en 3120 artículos de la revista Water Resources Research, con el contenido completo y sus datos de referencias bibliográficas obtenidos de la Red de Ciencia ISI. La investigación se diseñó para desarrollar un entendimiento mayor de la forma en que la cantidad de citas bibliográficas puede ser interpretada por los científicos. No es sorprendente que los artículos más citados, parecen ser los pioneros en el campo, siendo artículos que divergen significativamente de lo que se ha hecho anteriormente, los cuales son efectivos creando de manera similar otros artículos "seguidores". Los artículos que son contribuciones iniciales en una línea de investigación nueva, la cual es de alta influencia, serán en promedio citados muy frecuentemente. Sin embargo, la importancia de una línea de investigación, de acuerdo a su medida por las veces que es citada, parece disminuir con el tiempo. Las tendencias en cuanto a hacer citas bibliográficas de algunos artículos clásicos, muestran que la actividad en el área de actualidad, lo mismo que el impacto de los artículos "seguidores", declinan con el tiempo gradualmente, lo cual muestra parecidos con las ideas de Kuhn acerca de la ciencia revolucionariay la ciencia normal. Los resultados de este estudio refuerzan la importancia de ser un pionero en una línea de investigación, cambiando estratégicamente de líneas de investigación y adoptando estrategias que puedan facilitar verdaderos avances en investigaciones de trascendencia.

Geographic range size and extinction risk assessment in nomadic species

PubMed Central

Runge, Claire A; Tulloch, Ayesha; Hammill, Edd; Possingham, Hugh P; Fuller, Richard A

2015-01-01

Geographic range size is often conceptualized as a fixed attribute of a species and treated as such for the purposes of quantification of extinction risk; species occupying smaller geographic ranges are assumed to have a higher risk of extinction, all else being equal. However many species are mobile, and their movements range from relatively predictable to-and-fro migrations to complex irregular movements shown by nomadic species. These movements can lead to substantial temporary expansion and contraction of geographic ranges, potentially to levels which may pose an extinction risk. By linking occurrence data with environmental conditions at the time of observations of nomadic species, we modeled the dynamic distributions of 43 arid-zone nomadic bird species across the Australian continent for each month over 11 years and calculated minimum range size and extent of fluctuation in geographic range size from these models. There was enormous variability in predicted spatial distribution over time; 10 species varied in estimated geographic range size by more than an order of magnitude, and 2 species varied by >2 orders of magnitude. During times of poor environmental conditions, several species not currently classified as globally threatened contracted their ranges to very small areas, despite their normally large geographic range size. This finding raises questions about the adequacy of conventional assessments of extinction risk based on static geographic range size (e.g., IUCN Red Listing). Climate change is predicted to affect the pattern of resource fluctuations across much of the southern hemisphere, where nomadism is the dominant form of animal movement, so it is critical we begin to understand the consequences of this for accurate threat assessment of nomadic species. Our approach provides a tool for discovering spatial dynamics in highly mobile species and can be used to unlock valuable information for improved extinction risk assessment and conservation planning. Tamaño de Extensión Geográfica y Evaluación de Riesgo de Extinción en Especies Nómadas Resumen El tamaño de extensión geográfica se conceptualiza frecuentemente como un atributo fijo de las especies y se trata como tal para los propósitos de cuantificación de riesgo de extinción; se asume que las especies que ocupan extensiones geográficas más pequeñas tienen un riesgo de extinción más alto, cuando todo lo demás es igual. Sin embargo, muchas especies son móviles y sus movimientos varían desde migraciones de ida y vuelta relativamente predecibles hasta movimientos irregulares complejos, como los que muestran las especies nómadas. Estos movimientos pueden llevar a expansiones sustanciales temporales y a una reducción de las extensiones geográficas, todo esto con el potencial de llegar a niveles que pueden presentar un riesgo de extinción. Al enlazar los datos de presencia con las condiciones ambientales al momento de la observación de las especies nómadas pudimos modelar las distribuciones dinámicas de 43 especies de aves de zonas áridas a lo largo de la isla de Australia durante cada mes a lo largo de once años y calculamos el tamaño de extensión mínima y el alcance de las fluctuaciones en el tamaño de extensión geográfica a partir de estos modelos. Hubo una enorme variabilidad en la distribución espacial pronosticada a lo largo del tiempo: diez especies variaron en el tamaño de extensión geográfica por más de una orden de magnitud y dos especies variaron por más de dos órdenes de magnitud. Durante situaciones de condiciones ambientales pobres, varias especies que actualmente no se encuentran clasificadas como amenazadas a nivel global redujeron sus extensiones a áreas muy pequeñas, esto a pesar de su gran tamaño de extensión geográfica normal. Este hallazgo genera preguntas sobre lo idóneo de las evaluaciones convencionales del riesgo de extinción con base en el tamaño estático de extensión geográfica (p. ej.: la Lista Roja de la UICN). Se pronostica que el cambio climático afectará los patrones de las fluctuaciones de recursos en casi todo el hemisferio sur, donde el nomadismo es la forma dominante de movimiento de animales, así que es crítico que comencemos a entender las consecuencias de esto para tener una evaluación certera del riesgo de extinción de especies nómadas. Nuestra estrategia proporciona una herramienta para descubrir las dinámicas espaciales de especies con movilidad alta y puede usarse para liberar información valiosa para una mejor evaluación de riesgo de extinción y planeación de la conservación. PMID:25580637

A Diagnostic Assessment for the Teaching of Astronomy. (Spanish Title: Una Evaluación Diagnóstica Para la Enseñanza de la Astronomia.) Uma Avaliação Diagnóstica Para o Ensino da Astronomia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pacifico Ribeiro de Assis Silveira, Felipa; Soares Gomes de Sousa, Célia Maria; Moreira, Antonio

2011-07-01

This article aims to present the results of a diagnostic evaluation, used as a tool for collecting data on prior knowledge of scientific concepts needed to understand the topic "Earth and Universe", from a group comprised of 47 students of 6th grade. The educational method of diagnosing the student's prior knowledge before teaching them is founded on the Meaningful Learning theory, proposed by David Ausubel. The diagnostic evaluation consisted of 25 questions; the answers were analyzed and categorized, making possible their interpretation, which allows us to understand the meanings assigned by the student to these concepts. It follows from the diagnostic evaluation, that the majority of students surveyed had difficulties in exposing scientific concepts on the topic "Earth and Universe" when starting the 6th grade. However, we identified relevant ideas and representations that contributed to the re-signification of scientific concepts proposed for the teaching of the subject in this grade. The results of diagnostic evaluation served as reference to the organization of the syllabus, making possible the learning process by matching the sequence of teaching to the students" characteristics and context of the classroom. It is expected that other researchers in this topic can also use the instrument presented in this paper. Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar los resultados de una evaluación diagnóstica, utilizada como una herramienta para recoger datos sobre el conocimiento previo de los conceptos científicos necesarios para comprender el tema "Tierra y Universo", de un grupo compuesto por 47 alumnos de 6º grado de la escuela primaria. La acción pedagógica del diagnóstico de los conocimientos previos del estudiante antes de enseñarles está justificada por la teoría del Aprendizaje Significativo, propuesta por David Ausubel. La evaluación de diagnóstico consistió en 25 preguntas, las respuestas fueron analizadas y clasificadas objetivando-se su interpretación, lo que nos permite comprender los significados asignados por el estudiante a estos conceptos. Se desprende de la evaluación diagnóstica que la mayoría de los encuestados ha tenido dificultades para exponer los conceptos científicos sobre el Universo y la Tierra, para iniciar el 6 º grado. Sin embargo, se identificaron ideas relevantes y las representaciones que contribuyeron a la re-significación de los conceptos científicos propuestos para la enseñanza del tema en esta serie. Los resultados de la evaluación diagnóstica han servido como referencia para la organización del Programa, facilitando el proceso de aprendizaje, haciendo coincidir la secuencia didáctica a las características de los estudiantes y el contexto del aula. Se espera que el instrumento presentado en este documento también pueda ser utilizado por otros investigadores en investigaciones relacionadas con el tema. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar os resultados de uma avaliação diagnóstica, utilizada como instrumento para a coleta de dados sobre o conhecimento prévio de conceitos científicos, necessários à compreensão do tema Terra e Universo, de um grupo composto por 47 estudantes, da 6ª série do Ensino Fundamental. A ação pedagógica de diagnosticar os conhecimentos prévios, do estudante, antes de ensiná-los, tem fundamento na teoria da Aprendizagem Significativa, proposta por David Ausubel. Essa avaliação diagnóstica foi composta por 25 questões, cujas respostas foram analisadas e categorizadas visando sua interpretação, o que permitiu compreender os significados atribuídos pelo estudante a esses conceitos. Conclui-se, a partir da avaliação diagnóstica, que a maioria dos estudantes pesquisados apresentou dificuldades em expor conceitos científicos sobre o tema Terra e Universo ao iniciar a 6ª série. Entretanto, foram identificadas ideias e representações relevantes que contribuíram para a (re)significação dos conceitos científicos propostos para o ensino do tema nessa série. Os resultados da avaliação diagnóstica serviram como referência para a organização do plano de ensino, viabilizando o processo de aprendizagem, por adequar a sequência didática às características dos estudantes e ao contexto da sala de aula. É esperado que o instrumento apresentado nesse artigo possa ser utilizado também por outros pesquisadores em investigações relacionadas ao tema.

Advice given to women in Argentina about breast-feeding and the use of alcohol

PubMed Central

Pepino, M. Yanina; Mennella, Julie A.

2006-01-01

Objective To explore the types of advice that women in Argentina received from health professionals, family members, and friends about drinking alcoholic beverages and about alcohol usage during pregnancy and lactation. Methods In December 2001 and December 2002, structured interviews were conducted with a total of 167 women who were then breast-feeding or who had recently breast-fed their infant. Mothers were asked about the type of advice, if any, that they had received about the use of alcohol from health professionals and from family members and friends. Also included were questions related to the usage of the traditional Argentine beverage “mate” (an infusion widely consumed in South America that is prepared from the leaves of the Ilex paraguayensis plant) and the types of advice the women had received about breast-feeding and neonatal care in general. Results Of the 167 women studied, 96.4% of them reported that their physician had advised them to breast-feed their infant. In addition, 93.4% of the women said they had treated their infant’s umbilical cord stump with alcohol. Fewer than half of the women (46.7%) reported that their physician had advised them about drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, and even fewer (25.7%) received such advice during lactation. Family and friends were about equally likely to give advice about the consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy (42.6%) and during lactation (47.9%). However, the type of advice changed, with the family and friends being significantly more likely to encourage drinking when the women were lactating than when they were pregnant (P < 0.001). Family members and friends also encouraged the drinking of mate to increase milk production. Conclusions As in other cultures, in Argentina the belief exists that alcohol enhances lactation. However, the majority of women whom we interviewed had not been counseled by their health professional about the consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy and lactation. There is a need for professional development strategies that will address women’s awareness of the risks of alcohol consumption and alcohol usage. RESUMEN Objetivo Explorar el tipo de consejos que los profesionales de la salud, parientes y amigos le dieron a una muestra de mujeres en Argentina acerca del consumo de bebidas alcohólicas y el uso de alcohol durante el embarazo y la lactancia. Métodos En diciembre de 2001 y diciembre de 2002 se llevaron a cabo entrevistas estructuradas con un total de 167 mujeres que estaban amamantando o que habían amamantado recientemente. A las madres se les preguntó qué tipo de consejos, en caso de haberlos, les dieron los profesionales de la salud y sus parientes y amistades acerca del consumo de alcohol. También se plantearon preguntas sobre la bebida tradicional argentina, el mate —infusión muy popular en América del Sur que se prepara con las hojas de la planta Ilex paraguayensis— y la clase de consejos que recibieron las mujeres acerca de la lactancia materna y los cuidados neonatales en general. Resultados De las 167 mujeres estudiadas, 96,4% indicaron que el médico les había aconsejado que amamantaran a su hijo. Además, 93,4% afirmaron que habían frotado con alcohol el muñón umbilical del niño. Menos de la mitad de las mujeres (46,7%) indicaron haber recibido del médico asesoramiento acerca del consumo de bebidas alcohólicas durante el embarazo, y un porcentaje aun menor (25,7%) indicó haber recibido este tipo de asesoramiento durante la lactancia. Los parientes y amigos mostraron aproximadamente la misma propensión a aconsejar acerca del consumo de bebidas alcohólicas durante el embarazo (42,6%) y la lactancia (47,9%). No obstante, el tipo de consejo fue distinto en uno y otro caso, en el sentido de que los parientes y amigos mostraron una proclividad mayor (en grado estadísticamente significativo) a alentar a la mujer a consumir bebidas alcohólicas durante la lactancia que durante el embarazo (P < 0,001). Los parientes y amigos también alentaron el consumo de mate para estimular la producción de leche. Conclusiones Como en otros contextos culturales, en Argentina existe la creencia de que el alcohol mejora la lactancia. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las mujeres entrevistadas no habían recibido asesoramiento profesional acerca del consumo de bebidas alcohólicas durante el embarazo y la lactancia. Se necesitan estrategias profesionales orientadas a lograr que las mujeres cobren mayor conciencia de los riesgos asociados con el consumo y uso del alcohol. PMID:15673483

PFI-ZEKE (Pulsed Field Ionization-Zero Electron Kinetic Energy) para el estudio de iones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castaño, F.; Fernández, J. A.; Basterretxea, A. Longarte. F.; Sánchez Rayo, M. N.; Martínez, R.

Entre las áreas hacia donde ha evolucionado la Química en los últimos años están los estudios de sistemas con especies reactivas de alta energía y los dominados por fuerzas intermoleculares débiles, con energías de unas pocas kcal/mol. En efecto, el estudio de las propiedades de los iones, comenzando por su relación con la molécula neutra de la que procede, la energía de ionización, los estados vibracionales y rotacionales, energías de enlace de Van der Waals entre el ión y una amplia variedad de otras moléculas, sus confórmeros o isómeros y sus reacciones o semi-reacciones químicas están en la raíz de la necesidad de la espectroscopía conocida como PFI-ZEKE, Pulsed Field Ionization-Zero Electron Kinetic Energy. Entre las aplicaciones que requieren estos conocimientos se encuentran la generación de plasmas para la fabricación de semiconductores, memorias magnéticas, etc, así como los sistemas astrofísicos, la ionosfera terrestre, etc. La espectroscopía ZEKE es una evolución de las de fluorescencia inducida por láser, LIF, ionización multifotónica acrecentada por resonancia, REMPI, con uno y dos colores y acoplada a un sistema de tiempo de vuelo, REMPI-TOF-MS, y las espectroscopías de doble resonancia IR-UV y UV-UV. Sus espectros y la ayuda de cálculos ab inicio permite determinar las energías de enlace de complejos de van der Waals en estados fundamental y excitados, identificar confórmeros e isómeros, obtener energías de ionización experimentales aproximadas (100 cm-1) y otras variables de interés. Al igual que con LIF, REMPI y dobles resonancias, es posible utilizar muestras gaseosas, pero los espectros están muy saturados de bandas y su interpretación es difícil o imposible. Se evitan estas dificultades estudiando las moléculas o complejos en expansiones supersónicas, donde la T de los grados de libertad solo alcanzan unos pocos K. Para realizar experimentos de ZEKE hay que utilizar una propiedad recientemente descubierta, que va en contra de lo esperado en otros sistemas físicos y que consiste en que los altos estados Rydberg de átomos, moléculas y sus complejos de van der Waals (o de los iones) tienen tiempos de vida de centenas de μ s. En resumen, el experimento y la espectroscopía ZEKE consiste en excitar un átomo, molécula o cluster sucesivamente a dos estados excitados selectivos de manera que el final sea un estado Rydberg. A continuación se aplica un campo eléctrico variable que lo ioniza y después de un cierto retraso se aplica un campo eléctrico de extracción, tanto para el electrón como para el ión. El espectro de los iones, es un espectro ZEKE. Hay varias alternativas para hacer este último proceso. El estudio de la espectroscopía y propiedades de iones y sus clusters requiere el conocimiento detallado de la espectroscopía de la molécula neutra, los estados Rydberg, de los confórmeros y sus complejos. Todo ello implica el haber estudiado los sistemas por LIF, REMPI y doble resonancia (hole burning IR-UV, UV-UV). Además solo es posible interpretar los resultados y obtener la información contenida en los espectros con ayuda de cálculos cuánticos ab initio. Hasta el momento hemos aplicado tanto el ZEKE como el conjunto de técnicas mencionadas anteriormente, a varias molécula de interés químico general como anilina y sus derivados, así como sus complejos con agua y amoniaco. Sin embargo, el método es muy versátil y puede aplicarse a iones de átomos, iones múltiples, moléculas sencillas y sus clusters así como a sus semi-reacciones. Como ejemplo de uno de estos espectros PFI-ZEKE se presenta aquí el caso del amonibenzonitrilo, ABN y solamente en su estado fundamental. En la conferencia se presentarán espectros ZEKE del ABN y moléculas similares en estados vibracionales intermedios (islas de estabilidad), así como la determinación de potenciales de ionización precisos, energías de enlace de compuestos del ión con varios disolventes y otras propiedades de interés, discutiendo sus resultados.

The situation of nursing education in Latin America and the Caribbean towards universal health.

PubMed

Cassiani, Silvia Helena De Bortoli; Wilson, Lynda Law; Mikael, Sabrina de Souza Elias; Peña, Laura Morán; Grajales, Rosa Amarilis Zarate; McCreary, Linda L; Theus, Lisa; Agudelo, Maria Del Carmen Gutierrez; Felix, Adriana da Silva; Uriza, Jacqueline Molina de; Gutierrez, Nathaly Rozo

2017-05-11

to assess the situation of nursing education and to analyze the extent to which baccalaureate level nursing education programs in Latin America and the Caribbean are preparing graduates to contribute to the achievement of Universal Health. quantitative, descriptive/exploratory, cross-sectional study carried out in 25 countries. a total of 246 nursing schools participated in the study. Faculty with doctoral level degrees totaled 31.3%, without Brazil this is reduced to 8.3%. The ratio of clinical experiences in primary health care services to hospital-based services was 0.63, indicating that students receive more clinical experiences in hospital settings. The results suggested a need for improvement in internet access; information technology; accessibility for the disabled; program, faculty and student evaluation; and teaching/learning methods. there is heterogeneity in nursing education in Latin America and the Caribbean. The nursing curricula generally includes the principles and values of Universal Health and primary health care, as well as those principles underpinning transformative education modalities such as critical and complex thinking development, problem-solving, evidence-based clinical decision-making, and lifelong learning. However, there is a need to promote a paradigm shift in nursing education to include more training in primary health care. avaliar a situação da educação em enfermagem e analisar o quanto os programas de educação em enfermagem, no nível de Bacharelado na América Latina e no Caribe, estão preparando graduados a contribuir para o alcance da Saúde Universal. estudo quantitativo, descritivo/exploratório, transversal, realizado em 25 países. um total de 246 escolas de enfermagem participaram do estudo. O corpo docente com nível de Doutorado totalizou 31,3%; sem o Brasil o número fica reduzido a 8,3%. A razão entre experiências clínicas nos serviços de atenção primária à saúde e nos serviços hospitalares foi de 0,63, indicando que os estudantes têm mais experiências clínicas nos cenários hospitalares. Os resultados sugeriram necessidade de aprimoramento relacionada ao acesso à Internet; tecnologia da informação; acesso para portadores de deficiências; avaliação do programa, do corpo docente e dos estudantes; e aos métodos de ensino/aprendizagem. há heterogeneidade na educação em enfermagem na América Latina e no Caribe. Os currículos de enfermagem incluem, geralmente, os princípios e valores da Saúde Universal e da atenção primária à saúde, bem como aqueles princípios subjacentes às modalidades de educação transformativa, como o desenvolvimento de pensamento crítico e complexo, a solução de problemas, a tomada de decisão clínica baseada em evidências, e aprendizagem contínua. No entanto, é preciso promover uma mudança de paradigma na educação em enfermagem que inclua mais treinamento na atenção primária à saúde. evaluar la situación de la educación en enfermería y analizar en qué grado los programas de educación de enfermería a nivel de grado en América Latina y el Caribe están preparando a los graduados para contribuir al logro de la Salud Universal. se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal, cuantitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio en 25 países. participaron en el estudio 246 escuelas de enfermería. El porcentaje de profesores con títulos de doctorado fue de 31,3%; pero, si se excluye a Brasil esta cifra se reduce a 8,3%. La proporción de la experiencia clínica adquirida en los servicios de atención primaria de salud en relación con la adquirida en servicios hospitalarios fue de 0,63, lo que indica que los estudiantes adquieren la mayor parte de su experiencia clínica en entornos hospitalarios. Los resultados mostraron una necesidad de mejorar el acceso a internet; la tecnología de la información; la accesibilidad para las personas discapacitadas; la evaluación de los programas, de los profesores y de los estudiantes; y los métodos de enseñanza y aprendizaje. hay heterogeneidad en la educación en enfermería en América Latina y el Caribe. En general, los programas de estudios de enfermería han adoptado los principios y los valores de la Salud Universal y la atención primaria de salud, así como los principios que sustentan las modalidades de educación transformadora, como son el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico y complejo, la solución de problemas, la toma de decisiones clínicas basadas en la evidencia y el aprendizaje a lo largo de toda la vida. Sin embargo, hay necesidad de promover un cambio en el paradigma de la educación en enfermería, a fin de que abarque más capacitación en la atención primaria de salud.

Stratigraphic and geochemical controls on naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater, eastern Wisconsin, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schreiber, M. E.; Simo, J. A.; Freiberg, P. G.

High arsenic concentrations (up to 12,000μg/L) have been measured in groundwater from a confined sandstone aquifer in eastern Wisconsin. The main arsenic source is a sulfide-bearing secondary cement horizon (SCH) that has variable thickness, morphology, and arsenic concentrations. Arsenic occurs in pyrite and marcasite as well as in iron oxyhydroxides but not as a separate arsenopyrite phase. Nearly identical sulfur isotopic signatures in pyrite and dissolved sulfate and the correlation between dissolved sulfate, iron, and arsenic concentrations suggest that sulfide oxidation is the dominant process controlling arsenic release to groundwater. However, arsenic-bearing oxyhydroxides can potentially provide another arsenic source if reducing conditions develop or if they are transported as colloids in the aquifer. Analysis of well data indicates that the intersection of the SCH with static water levels measured in residential wells is strongly correlated with high concentrations of arsenic in groundwater. Field and laboratory data suggest that the most severe arsenic contamination is caused by localized borehole interactions of air, water, and sulfides. Although arsenic contamination is caused by oxidation of naturally occurring sulfides, it is influenced by water-level fluctuations caused by municipal well pumping or climate changes, which can shift geographic areas in which contamination occurs. Résumé De fortes concentrations en arsenic, jusqu'à 12000μg/L, ont été mesurées dans l'eau souterraine d'un aquifère gréseux captif, dans l'est du Wisconsin. La principale source d'arsenic est un horizon à cimentation secondaire (SCH) comportant des sulfures, dont l'épaisseur, la morphologie et les concentrations en arsenic sont variables. L'arsenic est présent dans la pyrite et dans la marcassite, de même que dans des oxy-hydroxydes de fer, mais non pas dans une phase séparée d'arsénopyrite. Les signatures isotopiques du soufre presque identiques dans la pyrite et dans les sulfates dissous et la corrélation entre les concentrations en sulfates, en fer et en arsenic dissous laissent penser que l'oxydation des sulfures est le processus dominant contrôlant la libération de l'arsenic dans les eaux souterraines. Cependant, les oxy-hydroxydes contenant de l'arsenic sont susceptibles d'être une autre source d'arsenic si des conditions réductrices apparaissent ou s'ils sont transportés dans l'aquifère sous forme de colloïdes. L'analyse des données provenant de puits montre que l'intersection entre le SCH et les niveaux statiques des puits domestiques est fortement corrélée à de fortes concentrations en arsenic dans les eaux souterraines. Des données de terrain et de laboratoire conduisent à penser que la contamination en arsenic la plus forte est causée par l'interaction localisée aux forages entre l'air, l'eau et les sulfures. Bien que la contamination en arsenic soit causée par l'oxydation de sulfures présents naturellement, elle est influencée par les fluctuations du niveau piézométrique causées par les pompages du captage municipal ou par les variations climatiques, ce qui peut conduire au déplacement des zones géographiques où se produisent les contaminations. Resumen Se han medido concentraciones de arsénico muy altas (de hasta 12000μg/L) en las aguas subterráneas de un acuífero confinado, en areniscas, localizado en la parte oriental de Wisconsin (EEUU). La fuente principal de arsénico es un horizonte de cementación secundaria (SCH) con un alto contenido en sulfuros, y con una gran variabilidad en espesor, morfología y concentraciones de As. El arsénico aparece en piritas y marcasitas, además de en oxihidróxidos de hierro, pero no como una fase independiente de arsenopiritas. El hecho que la marca isotópica de piritas y sulfatos disueltos sea muy similar, y que exista una gran correlación entre las concentraciones de sulfato disuelto, hierro y arsénico sugiere que la oxidación de sulfuros es el proceso que controla la aportación de arsénico al agua subterránea. Sin embargo, los oxihidróxidos con alto contenido en arsénico podrían suponer otra fuente de arsénico si se llegaran a desarrollar condiciones reductoras o si se transportaran como coloides por el acuífero. De los datos procedentes de pozos, se ve una fuerte correlación entre la presencia de altas concentraciones de As en el agua y que el nivel freático intersecte el SCH. Los datos de campo y de laboratorio indican que los puntos con mayor contaminación de arsénico son debidos a interacciones de carácter local y en los propios pozos entre aire, agua y sulfuros. Aunque la contaminación por As está causada por la oxidación de sulfuros presentes de manera natural, también está muy influenciada por las fluctuaciones en los niveles freáticos causadas por bombeos o cambios climáticos.

Plan for a groundwater monitoring network in Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Shiang-Kueen

In Taiwan, rapid economic growth, rising standards of living, and an altered societal structure have in recent years put severe demands on water supplies. Because of its stable quantity and quality, groundwater has long been a reliable source of water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial users, but the establishment of a management program that integrates groundwater and surface-water use has been hampered by the lack of groundwater data. In 1992, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) initiated a program entitled "Groundwater Monitoring Network Plan in Taiwan." Under this program, basic groundwater data, including water-level and water-quality data, are being collected, and a reliable database is being established for the purpose of managing total water resources. This paper introduces the goals, implementation stages, and scope of that plan. The plan calls for constructing 517 hydrogeologic survey stations and 990 groundwater monitoring wells within 17 years. Under this program, water-level fluctuations are continuously monitored, whereas water-quality samples are taken for analysis only at the initial drilling stage and, subsequently, at the time when a monitoring well is being serviced. In 1996, the DWR and the Water Resources Planning Commission were merged to form today's Water Resources Bureau. Résumé A Taïwan, l'expansion économique rapide, l'amélioration des conditions de vie et la transformation de la structure sociale ont provoqué, ces dernières années, une très forte demande en eau. Du fait de sa constance en qualité et en quantité, l'eau souterraine a longtemps été considérée comme une ressource en eau sûre pour les usages domestiques, agricoles et industriels. Mais la mise en place d'un programme de gestion intégrant les utilisations d'eaux souterraines et de surface a été gênée par l'absence de données sur les eaux souterraines. En 1992, le Département des Ressources en Eau a lancé le programme "Plan pour un réseau de suivi des eaux souterraines à Taïwan". D'après ce programme, les données de base concernant les eaux souterraines, comprenant les mesures de niveau et les données de qualité, ont été acquises ; une base de données sûre est en cours d'élaboration, dans le but de gérer l'ensemble des ressources en eau. Cet article présente les buts, les stades de développement et une vue d'ensemble de ce plan. Le plan impose la mise en place de 517 stations de mesures hydrogéologiques et de 990 piézomètres en 17 ans. Selon ce programme, les variations du niveau des nappes doivent être suivies en continu, tandis que des échantillons pour la qualité de l'eau seront prélevés pour analyses uniquement au cours de la phase de foration, puis au moment de la mise en service des piézomètres. En 1996, le Département des Ressources en Eau et la Commission de Planification des Ressources en Eau ont été réunis pour former l'actuel Bureau des Ressources en Eau. Resumen En Taiwan, el rápido crecimiento económico, el aumento en el nivel de vida y los cambios sociales en los últimos años han resultado en un aumento en la demanda de agua. Por su estabilidad en términos de cantidad y calidad, las aguas subterráneas han sido durante años la fuente de agua para usos domésticos, agrícolas e industriales. En los últimos años, sin embargo, el establecimiento de un programa de gestión conjunta de aguas superficiales y subterráneas se ha visto comprometido por la falta de datos correspondientes a estas últimas. En 1992, el Departamento de Recursos de Agua (DWR) inició un programa titulado "Plan de Red de Control de Aguas Subterráneas en Taiwan". Bajo este programa, se están recogiendo datos básicos, incluyendo niveles piezométricos y datos de calidad, y se está construyendo una base de datos con el propósito de gestionar los recursos de agua totales. Este artículo presenta el marco, los objetivos y el estado de implantación del plan, que pretende la construcción de 517 estaciones de medida hidrogeológicas y 990 pozos de observación durante un periodo de 17 años. Bajo este programa, los niveles de agua se miden continuamente, mientras que las muestras para análisis de calidad se toman sólo durante la perforación y cuando el pozo está en servicio. En 1996, el DWR y la Comisión de Planificación de los Recursos de Agua se unieron para formar la actual Oficina de Recursos de Agua.5

Regional characterisation of hydraulic properties of rock using air-lift data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wladis, David; Gustafson, Gunnar

Hydrogeologic studies are commonly data-intense. In particular, estimations of hydraulic properties of hard rock often require large amounts of data. In many countries, large quantities of hydrogeologic data have been collected and archived over the years. Therefore, the use of existing data may provide a cost-efficient alternative to collecting new data in early stages of hydrogeologic studies, although the available data may be considered imprecise. Initially, however, the potential usefulness, i.e., the expected accuracy, of the available data in each specific case must be carefully examined. This study investigates the possibilities of obtaining estimates of transmissivity from hard-rock air-lift data in Sweden within an order of magnitude of results obtained from high-quality injection-test data. The expected accuracy of the results was examined analytically and by means of statistical methods. The results were also evaluated by comparison with injection-test data. The results indicate that air-lift data produce estimates of transmissivity within an order of magnitude compared to injection-test data in the studied examples. The study also shows that partial penetration and hydrofracturing may only affect the estimations approximately half an order of magnitude. Thus, existing data may provide a cost-efficient alternative to collection of new data in early stages of hydrogeologic studies. Résumé Les études hydrogéologiques reposent en général sur un nombre important de données. En particulier, l'estimation des propriétés hydrauliques des roches indurées exige souvent un grand nombre de données. Dans de nombreuses régions, des données hydrogéologiques très nombreuses ont été recueillies et archivées depuis longtemps. C'est pourquoi le recours à des données existantes peut être une alternative intéressante en termes de coût par rapport à l'obtention de nouvelles données dans les premières étapes des études hydrogéologiques, même si les données disponibles présentent une certaine imprécision. Au départ, il faut cependant examiner l'utilité potentielle, c'est-à-dire la précision attendue, de données imprécises dans chaque cas spécifique. Cette étude analyse les possibilités d'obtenir des estimations de transmissivitéà partir de données d'air-lift dans des roches de socle en Suède, au mieux à un facteur 10 près par rapport aux données d'excellente qualité fournies par des essais d'injection. La précision attendue des résultats a été examinée analytiquement et grâce à des méthodes statistiques. Les résultats ont aussi été comparés aux données d'essais d'injection. Les résultats indiquent que les données obtenues par air-lift fournissent des estimations de transmissivitéà un facteur 10 près par comparaison avec celles des essais d'injection des exemples étudiés. L'étude montre aussi que la pénétration partielle et la fracturation hydraulique peuvent affecter les estimations seulement d'environ un facteur 5. Ainsi, le recours à des données existantes peut être économiquement plus intéressant que le recueil de nouvelles données dans les premières étapes des études hydrogéologiques. Resumen Los estudios hidrogeológicos, en general, y las estimaciones de propiedades hidráulicas en rocas, en particular, requieren gran cantidad de datos. En muchos países se han creado grandes bases de datos hidrogeológicos, recogidos y almacenados a lo largo de los años. Por tanto, el uso de los datos ya existentes, aunque imprecisos, puede suponer una alternativa barata a la recopilación de nuevos datos, particularmente en las primeras fases de un estudio hidrogeológico. Sin embargo la precisión y utilidad del método deben analizarse para cada caso específico. En este estudio se contempla la posibilidad de, a partir de datos de ensayos de inyección de aire realizados en Suecia, obtener valores estimativos de transmisividad dentro del orden de magnitud de los resultados obtenidos de ensayos de inyección de alta calidad. La precisión del método se examinó de manera analítica y mediante métodos estadísticos, así como mediante la comparación con los datos de ensayos de inyección tradicionales. Del trabajo se observa que los datos procedentes de ensayos de inyección de aire dan lugar a unas estimaciones de transmisividad dentro del mismo orden de magnitud que los datos obtenidos en ensayos de inyección para los ejemplos que se han estudiado. También se concluye que la penetración parcial y la hidrofractura afectan las estimaciones de transmisividad en medio orden de magnitud, como mucho. Por tanto, el uso de los datos ya existentes es una alternativa eficiente y barata a la recopilación de nuevos datos en una primera fase de un estudio hidrogeológico.

Geologically based model of heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity in an alluvial setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fogg, Graham E.; Noyes, Charles D.; Carle, Steven F.

Information on sediment texture and spatial continuity are inherent to sedimentary depositional facies descriptions, which are therefore potentially good predictors of spatially varying hydraulic conductivity (K). Analysis of complex alluvial heterogeneity in Livermore Valley, California, USA, using relatively abundant core descriptions and field pumping-test data, demonstrates a depositional-facies approach to characterization of subsurface heterogeneity. Conventional textural classifications of the core show a poor correlation with K; however, further refinement of the textural classifications into channel, levee, debris-flow, and flood-plain depositional facies reveals a systematic framework for spatial modeling of K. This geologic framework shows that most of the system is composed of very low-K flood-plain materials, and that the K measurements predominantly represent the other, higher-K facies. Joint interpretation of both the K and geologic data shows that spatial distribution of K in this system could not be adequately modeled without geologic data and analysis. Furthermore, it appears that K should not be assumed to be log-normally distributed, except perhaps within each facies. Markov chain modeling of transition probability, representing spatial correlation within and among the facies, captures the relevant geologic features while highlighting a new approach for statistical characterization of hydrofacies spatial variability. The presence of fining-upward facies sequences, cross correlation between facies, as well as other geologic attributes captured by the Markov chains provoke questions about the suitability of conventional geostatistical approaches based on variograms or covariances for modeling geologic heterogeneity. Résumé Les informations sur la texture des sédiments et leur continuité spatiale font partie des descriptions de faciès sédimentaires de dépôt. Par conséquent, ces descriptions sont d'excellents prédicteurs potentiels des variations spatiales de la conductivité hydraulique (K). L'analyse de l'hétérogénéité des alluvions complexes de la vallée de Livermore (Californie, États-Unis), sur la base de descriptions de carottes relativement nombreuses et de données d'essais de pompage, montre que l'hétérogénéité souterraine peut être caractérisée par une approche des faciès de dépôt. Des classifications conventionnelles de la texture de la carotte montrent une corrélation médiocre avec K; toutefois, une amélioration ultérieure des classifications de texture en faciès de dépôt de chenal, de levée d'inondation, de coulée boueuse et de plaine d'inondation a fourni un cadre systématique pour une modélisation spatiale de K. Ce cadre géologique montre que le système est composé pour l'essentiel par des matériaux d'inondation à très faible perméabilité ceci laisse envisager qu'on ne peut pas supposer que K suit une distribution log-normal, sauf peut-être à l'intérieur de chaque faciès. Une modélisation par chaîne de Markov de la probabilité de passage, représentant la corrélation spatiale dans les faciès et entre eux, prend en compte les faits géologiques intéressants tout en fournissant une approche nouvelle pour une caractérisation statistique de la variabilité spatiale des faciès. La présence de séquences à faciès tronqués vers le haut, d'une corrélation croisée entre faciès, ainsi que d'autres caractères géologiques pris en compte par les chaînes de Markov conduisent à se poser des questions sur l'adéquation des approches géostatistiques conventionnelles utilisant les variogrammes ou les covariances pour modéliser l'hétérogénéité géologique. Resumen La información respecto a la textura de los sedimentos y la continuidad espacial es inherente a las descripciones de las facies deposicionales sedimentarias. De este modo, estas descripciones se convierten en excelentes predictores potenciales de las variaciones espaciales de la conductividad hidráulica (K). El análisis de la heterogeneidad en un aluvial en el Valle de Livermore (California, EEUU), a partir de las relativamente abundantes descripciones de testigos y de datos de ensayos de bombeo es una muestra del método de la facies deposicional para caracterizar la heterogeneidad subsuperficial. Las clasificaciones texturales convencionales de los testigos muestran una correlación pobre con K; sin embargo, el posterior refinamiento de la clasificación en canales, diques, flujo de derrubios y llanura de inundación revela un marco sistemático para la modelización espacial de K. Este marco geológico muestra que la mayor parte del sistema está compuesto por materiales de la llanura de inundación, de muy baja permeabilidad, y sugiere que no debe asumirse que K tiene una distribución log-normal, excepto quizás para cada facies por separado. Un modelo de cadena de Markov, tanto para representar la correlación espacial en cada facies como la relación entre las distintas facies, capta las características geológicas más importantes, a la vez que presenta un nuevo método para la caracterización estadística de la variabilidad espacial de las hidrofacies. La presencia de secuencias de facies más finas hacia la superficie, la correlación cruzada entre facies y otros atributos captados por las cadenas de Markov cuestionan lo adecuado de los métodos geoestadísticos convencionales basados en variogramas y covarianzas para modelar la heterogeneidad.

In situ and laboratory investigations of fluid flow through an argillaceous formation at different scales of space and time, Tournemire tunnel, southern France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boisson, Jean-Yves; Bertrand, Lucien; Heitz, Jean-François; Golvan, Yann Moreau-Le

2001-01-01

In the context of a research and development program on waste disposal, an experimental site (Tournemire tunnel, Aveyron, France) was selected by the French Institute for Nuclear Protection and Safety (IPSN) in order to undertake studies on potential fluid flow at different scales of space and time within a 250-m-thick argillaceous formation. The argillite has a low natural water content ( 3-5%) and very low radii access porosity. Diffusion (tritiated water) coefficients (1×10-12 to 2×10-11 m2/s) and hydraulic conductivities derived from different types of laboratory tests (10-14 to 10-13 m/s) are characteristics of a very low-permeable rock. In situ hydraulic tests (including long-term hydraulic-head measurements) were used to obtain values for hydraulic head and hydraulic conductivity at a scale of 1-10 m (10-13 to 10-11 m/s). Despite uncertainties on these data (due to a scale factor, presence of fissures, and possible artefacts due to hydro-chemo-mechanical coupling), it is expected that fluid flow is essentially governed by diffusion processes. Identification of possible natural flows at larger scales of time and space was investigated using natural isotopic tracers from interstitial fluids. Modelling, based on the deuterium profile along the clay formation and assuming pure diffusion processes, provides estimations of possible flow times. However, lack of knowledge concerning the past geological evolution of the site and the possible role of a fracture network do not permit reduction of uncertainties on these estimations at this stage. Résumé. Dans le cadre de son programme de recherche et développement sur les stockages de déchets, un site expérimental (tunnel de Tournemire, Aveyron, France) a été sélectionné par l'Institut de Protection et Sûreté Nucléaire (IPSN) pour conduire des études sur les possibilités de transferts de fluides à différentes échelles de temps et d'espace au sein d'une formation argileuse de 250 m d'épaisseur. L'argilite est caractérisée par de faibles teneurs en eau ( 3-5%) et de très petits rayons d'accès de pores. Les coefficients de diffusion à l'eau tritiée (1×10-12 à 2×10-11 m2/s) et les conductivités hydrauliques déduites de différents types d'essais au laboratoire (10-13 à 10-14 m/s) sont caractéristiques d'une roche très imperméable. Des tests hydrauliques in situ (y compris une mesure de charge à long terme) ont fourni des valeurs approchées des charges et un ordre de grandeur des perméabilités à l'échelle de 1-10 m (10-11 à 10-13 m/s). En dépit des incertitudes sur ces données (facteur d'échelle, présence de fissures, et artéfacts possibles dus aux couplages hydro-chimique et mécanique) on suppose que les transferts sont essentiellement gouvernés par des processus diffusifs. La reconnaissance de transferts naturels possible à une plus grande échelle de temps et d'espace a été étudiée à partir des traceurs isotopiques naturels des fluides interstitiels. Une modélisation, basée sur un profil en deutérium le long de la colonne argileuse et postulant un processus diffusif a permis de proposer une estimation de temps de transfert possible, mais le manque de connaissances précises au stade actuel de l'étude concernant l'évolution géologique passée du site et le rôle possible de la fracturation ne permet pas de réduire les incertitudes constatées sur ces estimations. Resumen. Dentro del contexto de un programa de investigación y desarrollo para la eliminación de residuos, el Instituto Francés de Protección Nuclear y Seguridad seleccionó un emplazamiento experimental en el túnel de Tournemire (Aveyron, Francia) para llevar a cabo estudios sobre el flujo potencial de fluídos a diferentes escalas temporales y espaciales, en una formación arcillosa de 250 m de espesor. La argilita tiene un contenido natural bajo de agua ( 3-5%) y una porosidad accesible muy pequeña. Los coeficientes de difusión de agua con tritio (entre 10-12 y 2×10-11 m2/s) y las conductividades hidráulicas calculadas a partir de diferentes ensayos de laboratorio (entre 10-13 y 10-14 m/s) son característicos de rocas de muy baja permeabilidad. Se hicieron ensayos hidráulicos in-situ (incluyendo medidas de nivel piezométrico de larga duración) para obtener valores del nivel piezométrico y de la conductividad hidráulica a una escala de 1-10 m (con valores entre 10-11 y 10-13 m/s). A pesar de las incertidumbres sobre estos datos (debido a factores de escala, a la presencia de fisuras y a posibles artificios ocasionados por el acoplamiento hidro-quimiomecánico), se espera que el flujo de fluídos esté esencialmente controlado por procesos de difusión. La identificación de posibles flujos naturales a escalas temporales y espaciales mayores fue investigada mediante trazadores isotópicos naturales del fluído intersticial. La modelación, basada en el perfil de deuterio a lo largo de la formación de arcilla y en la hipótesis de procesos puramente difusivos, proporciona estimaciones de posibles tiempos de tránsito. Sin embargo, la falta de conocimiento sobre la evolución geológica del lugar y sobre el rol potencial de una red de fracturas no permite reducir las incertidumbres asociadas, en el momento actual, a dichas estimaciones.

Workaholism and work-life imbalance: does cultural origin influence the relationship?

PubMed

Aziz, Shahnaz; Adkins, Carrie T; Walker, Alan G; Wuensch, Karl L

2010-02-01

In recent years, workaholism has become prevalent throughout organizations and has captured the attention of organizational leaders as well as the academic and scientific communities. Most research in this area has focused on the negative consequences of workaholism, specifically work-life imbalance. One area of research that has largely been ignored is the potential influence of demographic variables on the relationship between workaholism and work-life imbalance. Therefore, the current study focused on how cultural origin might influence the intensity of this relationship. Based on relative deprivation theory and previous empirical work, it was expected that cultural origin would moderate the relationship between workaholism and work-life imbalance. Specifically, it was predicted that Caucasian participants would score higher on levels of workaholism than Black participants, and that the relationship between workaholism and work-life imbalance would be stronger for Caucasians than for Blacks. The results revealed that high levels of workaholism were significantly correlated with high levels of work-life imbalance. However, results also indicated that cultural origin did not moderate the relationship between workaholism and work-life imbalance, and there was no significant mean difference between Caucasian and Black participants on our measure of workaholism. These findings are important in that it is essential for employers to be aware of workaholic tendencies so they can better handle the negative consequences that result for the organization, and to also help promote the well-being of their employees. En los últimos años la adicción al trabajo se ha vuelto muy popular en las organizaciones y ha capturado la atención tanto de líderes organizacionales, así como de las comunidades científicas y académicas. La mayoría de investigaciones en esta área se han focalizado en las consequencias negativas de la adicción al trabajo (workoholismo), específicamente en el desequilibrio entre trabajo-vida. Una área de investigación que ha sido ignorada por mucho tiempo es la influencia potencial de las variables demográficas sobre la relación entre adicción al trabajo y el desequilibrio trabajo-vida. Por este motivo es que el presente estudio se focalizó en como el origen cultural puede influenciar la intensidad de esta relación. Tomando como base la teoría de la deprivación relativa y estudios empíricos previos, se esperó que el origen cultural moderaría la relación entre adicción al trabajo y desequilibrio trabajo-vida. Específicamente se pudo predecir que los participantes caucásicos mostraron más elevados puntajes en los niveles de adicción al trabajo que los participantes negros, y que la relación entre adicción al trabajo y desequilibrio trabajo-vida era más intensa entre los caucásicos que entre los negros. Los resultados revelaron que elevados niveles de adicción al trabajo correlacionaron significativamente con altos niveles de desequilibrio trabajo-vida. Sin embargo los resultados también revelaron que el origen cultural no moderaba la relación entre adicción al trabajo y desequilibrio trabajo-vida, y que además no había una diferencia significativa de medias entre los participantes caucásicos y negros respecto de nuestras mediciones de adicción al trabajo. Estos resultados son importantes en la medida en que es esencial para los empleadores el ser conscientes respecto de las tendencias de adicción al trabajo, lo que les permitirá manejar con mayor efectividad las consequencias negativas para la empresa resultantes de estas tendencias, y por otro lado apoyar a sus empleados en la promoción de su bienestar. Au cours des dernières années, le travaillolisme (workaholism) a pris de l'ampleur dans les organisations et a capté l'attention à la fois des dirigeants d'organisations et des communautés académique et scientifique. La majorité de la recherche dans ce domaine fut orientée sur les conséquences négatives du travaillolisme et, plus spécifiquement, sur le conflit travail-vie. Un champ de recherche qui a été largement ignoré est l'influence potentielle des variables démographiques sur la relation entre le travaillolisme et le conflit travail-vie. La présente étude visait à comprendre comment l'origine culturelle peut influencer l'intensité de cette relation. Se basant sur la théorie de la privation relative et sur les travaux empiriques antérieurs, il était attendu que l'origine culturelle allait jouer un rôle modérateur dans la relation entre le travaillolisme et le conflit travail-vie. Plus spécifiquement, il était prédit que les participants caucasiens allaient obtenir des scores plus élevés de travaillolisme comparativement aux participants noirs, et que la relation entre le travaillolisme et le conflit travail-vie allait être plus forte pour les caucasiens que pour les noirs. Les résultats ont révélé que des niveaux élevés de travaillolisme étaient significativement corrélés avec des niveaux élevés de conflit travail-vie. Cependant, les résultats ont aussi indiqué que l'origine culturelle ne modère pas la relation entre le travaillolisme et le conflit travail-vie. De plus, il n'y avait pas de différence significative entre les participants caucasiens et les participants noirs sur notre mesure de travaillolisme. Ces résultats sont importants puisqu'il est essentiel pour les employeurs d'être à l'affût des tendances travaillolistes pour qu'ils puissent mieux en gérer les conséquences négatives pour l'organisation, ainsi que pour aider à promouvoir le bien-être de leurs employés. diferenciaban en algunos aspectos.

Effects of positive and negative delusional ideation on memory.

PubMed

Sugimori, Eriko; Tanno, Yoshihiko

2010-04-01

We investigated the relationship between levels of delusional ideation (whether positive or negative delusions) and the activation and distortion of memory by using pairs of positive and negative adjectives describing personality traits where those adjectives had similar meanings. We presented one of each pair of adjectives in the learning phase. Immediately after the learning phase in Experiment 1, we asked whether each adjective had been presented. Participants with high (positive or negative) delusional ideation were more likely to indicate that they had learned adjectives that they had not actually learned. This finding suggested that non-learned positive (or negative) adjectives that were associated with learned negative (or positive) adjectives were more likely to be activated in participants prone to positive (or negative) delusional ideation. However, in Experiment 2, two forced-choice tests were conducted immediately after the learning phase. In this context, participants, regardless of their proneness to delusional ideation, could almost always correctly distinguish what had and had not been presented, suggesting that the activation of learned items was still stronger than that for non-learned items in the immediate test. As time passed, the proportion of false alarms for positive or negative adjectives was higher in the two forced-choice tests among those with high proneness to (positive or negative) delusional ideation, suggesting that participants with delusional ideation were increasingly likely to depend on internal conditions for retrieval over time. Nous avons examiné la relation entre les niveaux d'idéation illusoire (qu'elle soit positive ou négative) et l'activation et la distorsion de la mémoire, en utilisant des paires d'adjectifs positifs et négatifs à significations similaires décrivant des traits de personnalité. Nous avons présenté un membre de chaque paire d'adjectifs lors d'une phase d'apprentissage. Dans une première expérience, immédiatement après la phase d'apprentissage, nous avons demandé si chaque adjectif avait été présenté. Les participants ayant un niveau d'idéation illusoire (positive ou négative) élevé étaient plus susceptibles d'indiquer qu'ils avaient appris les adjectifs qu'ils n'avaient pas appris. Ce résultat suggérait que les adjectifs positifs (ou négatifs) non appris qui étaient associés à des adjectifs négatifs (ou positifs) appris étaient plus susceptibles d'être activés chez les participants portés à l'idéation illusoire positive (ou négative). Dans une deuxième expérience, deux tests à choix forcés ont été menés immédiatement après la phase d'apprentissage. Dans ce contexte, les participants, indépendamment de leur tendance à l'idéation illusoire, pouvaient presque toujours distinguer correctement ce qui avait été présenté de ce qui n'avait pas été présenté, suggérant que l'activation des items appris était encore plus forte que celle des items non appris dans le test immédiat. Avec le temps, la proportion de fausses alarmes pour les adjectifs positifs ou négatifs était plus élevée dans les deux tests à choix forcés chez les participants portés à l'idéation illusoire (positive ou négative), ce qui suggère que les participants avec idéation illusoire étaient de plus en plus susceptibles de dépendre de leurs conditions internes lors du rappel à mesure que le temps passait. En este estudio se investigó la relación entre los niveles de ideación delusional (tanto delusiones positivas como negativas) y la activación y distorsión de la memoria a través del uso de pares de adjetivos positivos y negativos que describen rasgos de personalidad. Estos pares de adjetivos tenían significados similares. En la fase de aprendizaje se presentó un miembro de cada par de adjetivos. Inmediatamente después de la fase de aprendizaje se realizó el primer experimento, en el cual se preguntó al participanten si es que se le habían presentado cada uno de los adjetivos. Los participantes con elevada ideación delusiva (positiva o negativa) reportaran con una mayor probabilidad haber aprendido adjetivos que en realidad no se les había presentado. Este hallazgo sugiere que adjetivos positivos (o negativos) no aprendidos que estaban asociados con adjetivos negativos (o positivos) aprendidos, tenían una mayor probabilidad de ser activados en participantes propensos a una ideación delusiva positiva (o negativa). En el segundo experimento se llevaron a cabo inmediatamente después de la fase de aprendizaje dos pruebas de decisión forzada. En este contexto se pudo observar que los participantes a pesar de su tendencia hacia una ideación delusional, lograron distinguir en la mayoría de los casos correctamente entre los adjetivos que les fueron presentado y lo que no. Esto sugiere que la activación de los items aprendidos fue mucho más intensa que la de los items no aprendidos en el test. Sin embargo se pudo observar en los participantes de las dos pruebas de decisión forzada que con el paso del tiempo el porcentaje de falso reconocimiento de adjetivos positivos y negativos fue más elevado entre aquellas personas con una alta tendencia hacia una ideación delusional (positiva o negativa). Esto sugiere que en participantes con ideación delusional el reconocimiento de información a lo largo del tiempo probablemente es muy dependiente de condiciones internas.

Good clinical outcomes from a 7-year holistic programme of fistula repair in Guinea

PubMed Central

Delamou, Alexandre; Diallo, Moustapha; Beavogui, Abdoul Habib; Delvaux, Thérèse; Millimono, Sita; Kourouma, Mamady; Beattie, Karen; Barone, Mark; Barry, Thierno Hamidou; Khogali, Mohamed; Edginton, Mary; Hinderaker, Sven Gudmund; Ruminjo, Joseph; Zhang, Wei-Hong; De Brouwere, Vincent

2015-01-01

Objectives Female genital fistula remains a public health concern in developing countries. From January 2007 to September 2013, the Fistula Care project, managed by EngenderHealth in partnership with the Ministry of Health and supported by USAID, integrated fistula repair services in the maternity wards of general hospitals in Guinea. The objective of this article was to present and discuss the clinical outcomes of 7 years of work involving 2116 women repaired in three hospitals across the country. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study using data abstracted from medical records for fistula repairs conducted from 2007 to 2013. The study data were reviewed during the period April to August 2014. Results The majority of the 2116 women who underwent surgical repair had vesicovaginal fistula (n = 2045, 97%) and 3% had rectovaginal fistula or a combination of both. Overall 1748 (83%) had a closed fistula and were continent of urine immediately after surgery. At discharge, 1795 women (85%) had a closed fistula and 1680 (79%) were dry, meaning they no longer leaked urine and/or faeces. One hundred and fifteen (5%) remained with residual incontinence despite fistula closure. Follow-up at 3 months was completed by 1663 (79%) women of whom 1405 (84.5%) had their fistula closed and 80% were continent. Twenty-one per cent were lost to follow-up. Conclusion Routine programmatic repair for obstetric fistula in low resources settings can yield good outcomes. However, more efforts are needed to address loss to follow-up, sustain the results and prevent the occurrence and/or recurrence of fistula. Objectifs La fistule génitale féminine reste un problème de santé publique dans les pays en développement. De janvier 2007 à septembre 2013, le projet Fistula Care, géré par Engender Health en partenariat avec le Ministère de la Santé et soutenu par l’USAID, a intégré les services de réparation de fistules dans les maternités des hôpitaux généraux en Guinée. L'objectif de cet article est de présenter et de discuter les résultats cliniques de sept années de travail impliquant 2116 femmes traitées dans trois hôpitaux à travers le pays. Méthodes Il s'agit d'une étude de cohorte rétrospective utilisant des données extraites des dossiers médicaux de réparations de fistules menées de 2007 à 2013. Les données de l’étude ont été analysées au cours de la période allant d'avril à août 2014. Résultats La majorité des 2116 femmes qui ont subi une réparation chirurgicale avaient une fistule vésico vaginale (n = 2 045, 97%) et 3% avaient une fistule recto vaginale ou une combinaison des deux. Au total, 1748 (83%) femmes ont eu leur fistule refermée et sont devenues continentes d'urine immédiatement après la chirurgie. À la sortie, 1795 femmes (85%) avaient une fistule fermée et 1680 (79%) étaient sèches, c'est à dire qu'elles n'avaient plus de fuite d'urine et/ou de matières fécales. 115 (5%) femmes avaient toujours une incontinence résiduelle malgré la fermeture de la fistule. Le suivi à trois mois a été complété par 1663 (79%) femmes dont 1405 (84,5%) ont eu leur fistule fermée et 80% étaient continentes. 21% ont été perdues au suivi. Conclusion La réparation programmatique de routine de la fistule obstétricale dans les régions à faibles ressources peut donner de bons résultats. Toutefois, davantage d'efforts sont nécessaires pour remédier à la perte au suivi, maintenir les résultats et prévenir l'apparition et/ou la réapparition de fistules. Objetivos La fístula genital femenina continúa siendo una preocupación de salud pública en países en vías de desarrollo. Entre Enero 2007 y Septiembre 2013, el proyecto Fistula Care, manejado por EngenderHealth junto con el Ministerio de Salud de Guinea, y financiado por USAID, integró los servicios de reparación de fistula en las maternidades de hospitales generales en Guinea. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar y discutir los resultados clínicos de 7 años de trabajo con 2116 mujeres intervenidas en tres hospitales del país. Métodos Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes utilizando datos tomados de historias clínicas de reparaciones de fístula realizadas entre el 2007 y el 2013. Los datos del estudio se revisaron durante el periodo entre Abril y Agosto 2014. Resultados La mayoría de las 2116 mujeres que se sometieron a la reparación quirúrgica tenían una fistula vesico-vaginal (n = 2045, 97%) y 3% tenían una fístula recto-vaginal o una combinación de ambas. En general, 1748 (83%) tenían la fístula cerrada y eran continentes inmediatamente después de la cirugía. En el momento del alta, 1795 mujeres (85%) tenían la fistula cerrada y 1680 (79%) estaban secas, es decir que ya no perdían orina y/o heces. 115 (5%) continuaron teniendo incontinencia residual a pesar de que la fistula estaba cerrada. El seguimiento a los tres meses se completó para 1663 (79%) mujeres, de las cuales 1405 (84.5%) tenían la fistula cerrada y 80% eran continentes. Un 21% fueron perdidas durante el seguimiento. Conclusión La reparación rutinaria programada de la fístula obstétrica en lugares con pocos recursos puede dar buenos resultados. Sin embargo, se requieren más esfuerzos para resolver la pérdida durante el seguimiento, mantener los resultados y prevenir la aparición y/o reaparición de la fístula. PMID:25706671

Contemporary attitudes and their ideological representation in Flanders (Belgium), Poland, and the Ukraine.

PubMed

Hiel, Alain Van; Kossowska, Malgorzata

2007-02-01

The present research tests the validity of a two-dimensional cultural and economic right-wing model of ideology, as well as the relationships between these dimensions and attitudes toward recent political issues. Opinions about environmentalism, war on terror, and European Union enlargement were selected as representative contemporary attitudes. The present research questions were investigated in a Flemish (N = 176), Polish (N = 93), and Ukrainian (N = 93) sample. The results revealed that two dimensions underlie the ideological spectrum in all samples, one referring to cultural conservatism and right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), and one referring to economic conservatism and social dominance orientation (SDO). Although the validity of differentiating between these ideological dimensions has been amply illustrated in studies on Western samples, the replication of these dimensions in former communist countries add to their validity and generality, because these countries have a specific political culture and history. However, important cross-cultural differences with respect to the representation of the contemporary attitudes in this two-dimensional ideological space were obtained as well. Whereas the war on terror attitude was meaningfully related to the cultural right-wing dimension in all samples, the relationships for the environmentalism and EU enlargement attitudes were sample dependent. These cross-cultural differences were explained in terms of saliency of the issue (nonsignificant versus significant relationships in the case of environmentalism) and pragmatic concerns in terms of profits and costs (in the case of EU enlargement). In the discussion it is also argued that the closer correspondence between the ideological representation of these attitudes in Polish and Western society may be caused by the fact that communism was less successful in penetrating political mentality in Poland than in the Ukraine. La présente recherche teste la validité d'un modèle idéologique d'extrême droite à deux dimensions culturelle et économique ainsi que les relations entre ces dimensions et les attitudes envers les enjeux politiques récents. Les opinions sur l'environnementalisme, sur la guerre contre le terrorisme et sur l'élargissement de l'Union Européenne (UE) ont été sélectionnés comme étant des attitudes contemporaines représentatives. Les présentes questions de recherche ont été examinées dans un échantillon flamand (N = 176), polonais (N = 93) et ukrainien (N = 93). Les résultats ont révélé que deux dimensions sont sous-jacentes au spectre idéologique dans tous les échantillons: une de ces dimensions réfère au conservatisme culturel et à l'autoritarisme d'extrême droite (RWA en anglais) et l'autre réfère au conservatisme économique et à la théorie de la dominance sociale (SDO en anglais). Même si la validité de la différentiation entre ces dimensions idéologiques a été amplement illustrée dans les études sur les échantillons occidentaux, la réplication de ces dimensions dans les anciens pays communistes ajoute à leur validité et à leur généralisabilité parce que ces pays ont une culture et une histoire politique spécifique. Cependant, d'importantes différences trans-culturelles en ce qui concerne la représentation des attitudes contemporaines dans cet espace idéologique à deux dimensions ont également été obtenues. Tandis que la guerre contre le terrorisme a été liée significativement à la dimension culturelle d'extrême droite dans tous les échantillons, les relations pour l'environnementalisme et les attitudes envers l'élargissement de l'UE variaient selon les échantillons. Ces différences trans-culturelles ont été expliquées en termes de degré de saillance du sujet (relations non significatives versus significatives dans le cas de l'environnementalisme) et des soucis pragmatiques quant aux profits et aux coûts (dans le cas de l'élargissement de l'UE). Dans la discussion, il est aussi argumenté que la correspondance plus étroite entre la représentation idéologique de ces attitudes dans les sociétés polonaise et occidentale peut être due au fait que le communisme a moins réussi à pénétrer la mentalité politique en Pologne qu'en Ukraine. La presente investigación somete a prueba la validez de un modelo de dos dimensiones, cultural y económico de ideología de derecha, así como las relaciones entre estas dimensiones y actitudes hacia temas políticos recientes. Las opiniones sobre el ambiente, la guerra al terror, y la ampliación de la Unión Europea se seleccionaron como actitudes representativas contemporáneas. Se investigaron las preguntas de investigación en muestras flamencas (N = 176), polacas (N = 93) y ucranianas (N = 93). Los resultados revelan que subyacen dos dimensiones al espectro ideológico en todas las muestras, una se refiere al conservadurismo cultural y al autoritarismo de derecha (AD), y otra que se refiere al conservadurismo económico y a la orientación de dominancia social (ODS). A pesar de que los estudios en muestras occidentales han ilustrado ampliamente la validez de las diferencias entre estas dimensiones ideológicas, la réplica de estos estudios en países anteriormente comunistas contribuye a su validez y generalidad, porque estos países poseen una cultura e historia política específica. Sin embargo, también se obtuvieron diferencias interculturales importantes respecto a la representación de las actitudes contemporáneas en este espacio ideológico de dos dimensiones. En tanto que la guerra al terror se relacionó de manera significativa a la dimensión de derecha en todas las muestras, las relaciones para el ambientalismo y la ampliación de la Unión Europea dependieron de la muestra. Las diferencias interculturales se explican en términos de la notoriedad del tema (relaciones no significativas contra significativas en el caso del ambientalismo) y preocupaciones pragmáticas en términos de ganancias y costes (en el caso de la ampliación de la Unión Europea). En la discusión, se argumenta también que el hecho de que el comunismo penetrara en la mentalidad política con menos éxito en Polonia que en la Ucrania podría ser la causa de la correspondencia cercana entre la representación ideológica de estas actitudes en Polonia y la de la sociedad occidental.

Geochemical and stable isotopic evolution of the Guarani Aquifer System in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sracek, Ondra; Hirata, Ricardo

2002-09-01

The purpose of this report is to explain geochemical and stable isotopes trends in the Brazilian unit of the Guarani Aquifer System (Botucatu and Piramboia aquifers) in São Paulo State, Brazil. Trends of dissolved species concentrations and geochemical modeling indicated a significant role of cation exchange and dissolution of carbonates in downgradient evolution of groundwater chemistry. Loss of calcium by the exchange for sodium drives dissolution of carbonates and results in Na-HCO3 type of groundwater. The cation-exchange front moves downgradient at probably much slower rate compared to the velocity of groundwater flow and at present is located near to the cities of Sertãozinho and Águas de Santa Barbara (wells PZ-34 and PZ-148, respectively) in a shallow confined area, 50-70 km from the recharge zone. Part of the sodium probably enters the Guarani Aquifer System. together with chloride and sulfate from the underlying Piramboia Formation by diffusion related to the dissolution of evaporates like halite and gypsum. High concentrations of fluorine (up to 13.3 mg/L) can be explained by dissolution of mineral fluoride also driven by cation exchange. However, it is unclear if the dissolution takes place directly in the Guarani Aquifer System or in the overlying basaltic Serra Geral Formation. There is depletion in δ2H and δ18O values in groundwater downgradient. Values of δ13C(DIC) are enriched downgradient, indicating dissolution of calcite under closed system conditions. Values of δ13C(DIC) in deep geothermal wells are very high (>-6.0‰) and probably indicate isotopic exchange with carbonates with δ13C about -3.0‰. Future work should be based on evaluation of vertical fluxes and potential for penetration of contamination to the Guarani Aquifer System. Résumé. Cet article a pour objet d'expliquer l'évolution de la géochimie et des isotopes stables dans l'unité brésilienne du système aquifère du Guarani (aquifères de Botucatu et Piramboia), dans l'État de Sao Paulo (Brésil). L'évolution des concentrations des espèces dissoutes et la modélisation géochimique ont fait apparaître le rôle notable des échanges de cations et de la dissolution des carbonates de l'amont vers l'aval des nappes. La perte de calcium par échange de cation avec le sodium pilote la dissolution des carbonates et donne naissance à des eaux souterraines à faciès Na-HCO3. Le front d'échange de cation se déplace vers l'aval probablement plus lentement que la vitesse d'écoulement de l'eau souterraine et est actuellement situé à proximité des villes de Sertaozinho et de Aguas de Santa Barbara (respectivement puits PZ-34 et PZ-148), dans une zone captive proche de la surface, à 50-70 km de la zone de recharge. Une partie du sodium provient probablement du système aquifère du Guarani, associée aux chlorures et aux sulfates de la formation Piramboia sous-jacente, par diffusion liée à la dissolution d'évaporites comme la halite et le gypse. De fortes concentrations en fluorures (jusqu'à 13,3 mg/L) peuvent être expliquées par la dissolution d'un minéral fluoré également pilotée par l'échange de cations. Cependant, on ne sait pas bien si la dissolution intervient directement dans le système aquifère du Guarani ou dans la formation basaltique sus-jacente de Serra Geral. Les valeurs de δ2H et δ18O décroissent vers l'aval de la nappe. Les valeurs de δ13C du carbone minéral dissous sont enrichies vers l'aval, indiquant qu'il se produit une dissolution de calcite en système fermé. Les valeurs de δ13C du carbone minéral dissous dans les puits géothermaux profonds sont très élevées (supérieures à -6,0‰) et rendent probablement compte d'échanges isotopiques avec des carbonates possédant un δ13C d'environ -3,0‰. De prochaines études devront s'attacher à évaluer les flux verticaux et le potentiel de pénétration de contamination du système aquifère du Guarani. Resumen. El propósito de este informe es explicar las tendencias geoquímicas y de los isótopos estables en la unidad brasileña del Sistema Acuífero Guaraní (acuíferos de Botucatu y Piramboya), en el Estado de Sao Paulo. Las concentraciones de especies disueltas y los resultados de modelaciones geoquímicas indican que el intercambio catiónico y la disolución de carbonatos desempeñan un papel importante en la evolución aguas abajo del acuífero. La disminución de calcio por el intercambio con sodio origina la disolución de carbonatos, dando lugar a aguas subterráneas de tipo bicarbonatado sódico. El frente de intercambio catiónico se desplaza a una velocidad probablemente mucho más lenta que la del flujo de agua; actualmente, se halla cerca de las ciudades de Sertaozinho y Aguas de Santa Bárbara (pozos PZ-34 y PZ-148, respectivamente), en una zona confinada somera que dista entre 50 y 70 km del área de recarga. Parte del sodio entra probablemente en el Sistema Acuífero Guaraní junto con el cloruro y el sulfato procedentes de la Formación Piramboia inferior, debido a la difusión relacionada con la disolución de evaporitas como la halita y los yesos. Se puede explicar las elevadas concentraciones de flúor (hasta 13,3 mg/L) por la disolución de fluoruro mineral, que sucede también por intercambio catiónico. Sin embargo, no está claro si la disolución ocurre directamente en el Sistema Acuífero Guaraní o en la Formación basáltica superior de Serra Geral. Hay una reducción de δ2H y de δ18O a favor del gradiente hidráulico. Hay un enriquecimiento en δ13C inorgánico aguas abajo, lo que indica que la calcita se disuelve en condiciones de sistema cerrado. Los valores de δ13C inorgánico en pozos geotérmicos profundos son muy altos (mayores que -6,0‰), y probablemente apuntan a un intercambio isotópico con carbonatos de δ13C que tiene un valor del orden del -3,0‰. Las líneas de investigación deberían centrarse en evaluar los flujos verticales y el potencial de penetración de contaminantes en el Sistema Acuífero Guaraní.

Parent-child conflict and psychological maladjustment: a mediational analysis with reciprocal filial belief and perceived threat.

PubMed

Yeh, Kuang-Hui; Tsao, Wei-Chun; Chen, Wei-Wen

2010-04-01

Empirical research has shown that parent-child conflict is positively related to poor adjustment in adolescents; however, the underlying processes have not been adequately examined. To explore the possible mediating pathways, reciprocal filial belief and perceived threat were chosen to represent two likely mechanisms accounting for how parent-child conflict harms adolescents' perceptions of their relationship with their parents and their self-perceptions within their cognitive-appraisal framework. The former operates by attenuating children's affection towards their parents and the latter by lowering their self-perceptions. This study also distinguishes internalizing from externalizing problems in order to examine whether lower reciprocal filial belief more strongly mediates the relation between conflict with parents and adolescents' externalizing problems and whether perceived threat more strongly mediates the relation between conflict with parents and adolescents' internalizing problems. Hypotheses are as follows: (1) the more parent-child conflict adolescents report, the less reciprocal filial belief they recognize, which, in turn, leads to more maladjustments, especially externalizing ones; (2) the more parent-child conflicts adolescents report, the more threat they perceive, which, in turn, leads to more maladjustments, especially internalizing ones. Participants consisted of 603 Taiwanese adolescents (226 males and 377 females) aged 15 to 19 (average age = 16.95; SD = 0.78). Structural equation modelling analyses confirmed the hypotheses. However, the three direct effects of conflict on internalizing problems, aggression, and deviant behaviour were still significant. In addition, a greater effect of the paternal than the maternal role on the link between conflict and attenuated reciprocal filial belief, and between perceived threat and internalizing problems, was identified. Implications for understanding the mediation processes responsible for all indirect effects, even the subsidiary ones, and the greater impact of conflict with the father than with the mother are discussed. Limitations of the study and considerations for future research are also addressed. La recherche empirique a indiqué que le conflit parent-enfant est positivement lié à une faible adaptation chez les adolescents; cependant, les processus sous-jacents n'ont pas été adéquatement examinés. Pour explorer les trajectoires de médiation possibles, la croyance filiale réciproque et la menace perçue ont été sélectionnées afin de représenter deux méchanismes plausiblement responsables de comment le conflit parent-enfant nuit aux peceptions des adolescents de leur relation avec les parents ainsi que de leurs auto-perceptions dans le cadre de leur évaluation cognitive. Le premier fonctionne en atténuant l'affection des enfants envers leurs parents et le dernier fonctionne en diminuant leurs auto-perceptions. Cette étude distingue aussi les problèmes internalisés de ceux qui sont externalisés dans le but d'examiner si la plus faible croyance de filiation réciproque médie fortement la relation entre le conflit avec les parents et les problèmes externalisés des adolescents et si la menace perçue médie plus fortement la relation entre le conflit avec les parents et les problèmes internalisés des adolescents. Les hypothèses sont les suivantes: (1) plus il y a de conflit parent-enfant rapporté par les adolescents, moins il y aura de croyance filiale réciproque reconnue par les adolescents qui, en revanche, mènera à plus de mésadaptation surtout externalisée. L'échantillon incluait 603 participants (226 mâles et 377 femelles) âgés entre 15 et 19 ans (âge moyen = 16.95; SD = 0.78). Une analyse de modélisation par équation structurelle a confirmé les hypotheses. Cependant, les trois effets directs du conflit sur les problèmes internalisés, sur l'agression et sur le comportement déviant étaient toujours significatifs. De plus, nous avons observé un plus grand effet du rôle paternel plus que maternel sur le lien entre le conflit et la croyance filiale réciproque atténuée ainsi qu'entre la menace perçue et les problèmes internalisés. Les implications pour la compréhension des processus de médiation responsables pour tous les effets indirects, même ceux qui sont accessoires, et le plus grand impact du conflit avec le père plus qu'avec la mère sont discutés. Les limites de l'étude et les considérations pour la recherche future sont aussi abordées. La investigación empírica ha demostrado que el conflicto entre padres e hijos está positivamente relacionado con pobre ajuste en adolescentes; no obstante, el proceso subyacente no ha sido examinado adecuadamente. Para explorar posibles caminos, se eligieron la creencia filial recíproca y la amenaza percibida con el objetivo de representar dos posibles mecanismos explicativos de cómo el conflicto padres-hijos daña la percepción de los adolescentes de su relación con los padres y su auto-percepción dentro de su marco de valoración cognitiva. El primero actúa atenuando el afecto de los hijos hacia los padres y el último bajando su auto-percepción. Este estudio también distingue los problemas interiorizados de los exteriorizados para examinar si la baja creencia filial recíproca es un mediador más fuerte de la relación entre el conflicto con los padres y los problemas exteriorizados de los adolescentes y si la amenaza percibida es un mediador más fuerte de la relación entre el conflicto con los padres y los problemas interiorizados de los adolescentes. Se han planteado las siguientes hipótesis: (1) cuanto más conflicto entre padres e hijos refieran los adolescentes, menor será el reconocimiento de la creencia filial recíproca, lo cual llevará a inadaptación, sobre todo, exteriorizada; (2) cuanto más conflicto entre padres e hijos refieran los adolescentes, mayor será la amenaza percibida, lo cual llevará a mayor inadaptación, sobre todo interiorizada. La muestra consistió de 603 adolescentes taiwaneses (226 chicos y 377 chicas) entre 15 y 19 años de edad (media edad = 16.95; DT = 0.78). Los análisis de los modelos de ecuaciones estructurales confirmaron las hipótesis. Sin embargo, los tres efectos directos de los conflictos en la internalización de los problemas, agresión y comportamiento anormal seguían siendo significativos. Además, se identificó un efecto mayor del rol paternal en comparación con el rol maternal en la relación entre conflicto y la creencia filial reciproca atenuada y entre la amenaza percibida y la internalización de los problemas. Se discuten las implicaciones para la comprensión del proceso mediador responsable de todos los efectos indirectos, incluso los subsidiarios, y el mayor impacto del conflicto con los padres que con las madres. Igualmente, se discuten las limitaciones del estudio y las consideraciones para la investigación futura.

A quantitative synthesis of the medicinal ethnobotany of the Malinké of Mali and the Asháninka of Peru, with a new theoretical framework

PubMed Central

Bletter, Nathaniel

2007-01-01

Background Although ethnomedically and taxonomically guided searches for new medicinal plants can improve the percentage of plants found containing active compounds when compared to random sampling, ethnobotany has fulfilled little of its promise in the last few decades to deliver a bounty of new, laboratory-proven medicinal plants and compounds. It is quite difficult to test, isolate, and elucidate the structure and mechanism of compounds from the plethora of new medicinal plant uses described each year with limited laboratory time and resources and the high cost of clinical trials of new drug candidates. Methods A new quantitative theoretical framework of mathematical formulas called "relational efficacy" is proposed that should narrow down this search for new plant-derived medicines based on the hypothesis that closely related plants used to treat closely related diseases in distantly related cultures have a higher probability of being effective because they are more likely to be independent discoveries of similar plant compounds and disease mechanisms. A prerequisite to this hypothesis, the idea that empirical testing in traditional medicine will lead to choosing similar medicinal plants and therefore the medicinal flora of two distant cultures will prove to be more similar than their general flora, is tested using resampling statistics on cross-cultural field data of the plants used by the Malinké of Mali and the Asháninka of Peru to treat the diseases malaria, African sleeping sickness, Chagas' disease, leishmaniasis, diabetes, eczema, asthma, and uterine fibroids. Results In this case, the similarity of the medicinal floras is found to be significantly greater than the similarity of the general floras, but only when the diseases in question are grouped into the categories of parasitic and autoimmune diseases. Conclusion If the central theoretical framework of this hypothesis is shown to be true, it will allow the synthesis of medicinal plant information from around the world to pinpoint the species with the highest potential efficacy to take into the laboratory and analyze further, ultimately saving much field and laboratory time and resources. Spanish abstract Las búsquedas que utilizan la etnomedicina y la taxonomía para descubrir nuevas plantas medicinales, pueden aumentar la probabilidad de éxito de encontrar compuestos químicos activos en plantas, en comparación con las búsquedas aleatorias. A pesar de lo anterior, en las últimas décadas, la etnobotánica no ha cumplido con las expectativas de proveer numerosas plantas medicinales y químicos nuevos una vez examinados en el laboratorio. Cada año se describen una plétora de plantas medicinales y sus usos, sin embargo las limitaciones de tiempo y recursos en los laboratorios, unidos al alto coste de los ensayos clínicos de las drogas potenciales, hacen muy difícil probar, aislar, y elucidar la estructura y el mecanismo de los compuestos de estas plantas. Se propone un nuevo marco teórico cuantitativo cuyo fin es focalizar la búsqueda de nueva plantas medicinales. Este marco teórico está basado en la hipótesis que las plantas cercanamente relacionadas, usadas para tratar enfermedades cercanamente relacionadas en culturas distantemente relacionadas, tienen una eficacia potencial más alta, debido a que es más probable que estos hallazgos sean descubrimientos independientes de compuestos químicos similares. Parte de esta hipótesis, que las escogencias racionales se hacen para elegir plantas medicinales similares y que la flora medicinal de dos culturas distantes es más similar que su flora general, se probó usando métodos estadísticos de remuestreo con datos de campo de la comunidad Malinké de Malí y de la Asháninka de Perú, y las enfermedades de paludismo, enfermedad africana del sueño, enfermedad de Chagas, leishmania, diabetes, eczema, asma, y fibromas uterinos. Se encontró, en este caso, que la similitud de las floras medicinales es significativamente mayor a la similitud de las floras generales, solamente cuando las enfermedades analizadas se agruparon en las categorías de enfermedades parasitarias y enfermedades autoinmunes. Si se demostrara que las otras partes de esta hipótesis son ciertas, se podría sintetizar la información sobre plantas medicinales alrededor del mundo, para establecer así las plantas potencialmente más eficaces para llevarlas al laboratorio y analizarlas más profundamente. French abstract Par rapport aux recherches menées de façon aléatoire, les recherches effectuées par des critères ethnobotaniques et taxonomiques ont de meilleures chances à découvrir de nouvelles plantes médicinales à produit chimique actifs. Pendant les dernières décennies pourtant, l'ethnobotanique a réalisé peu de ces promesses à révéler un grand nombre de plantes médicinales et de nouveaux produits chimiques, testés au laboratoire. Avec les ressources limitées pour la recherche au laboratoire et le coût élevé des épreuves cliniques pour trouver de nouveaux candidats aux médicaments, il est difficile d'étudier, d'isoler et d'élucider la structure et le mécanisme des produits chimiques de chacune des nombreuses plantes médicinales (et les utilisations de ces plantes) décrites chaque année. Nous proposons une nouvelle technique théorique et quantitative pour préciser la recherche de nouvelles plantes médicinales; elle est basée sur l'hypothèse que les plantes étroitement apparentées, employées pour traiter les maladies étroitement apparentées dans les cultures très éloignées les unes des autres, ont une potentialité d'efficacité supérieure parce qu'elles représentent la découverte indépendante des propriétés chimiques semblables des plantes. Une partie de cette hypothèse-qui démontre que la sélection des plantes médicinales semblables est un choix rationnel et qu'il y a davantage de ressemblance dans la flore médicinale de deux cultures éloignées que dans leur flore générale-est examinée par un re-échantillonnage des données de recherches effectuées parmi les Malinké au Mali et les Asháninka au Pérou, en particulier sur la malaria, la maladie africaine du sommeil, la maladie de Chagas, la leishmania, le diabète, l'eczéma, l'asthme et les fibromes utérins. Dans ces cas précis, la similitude de la flore médicinale s'avère sensiblement plus grande que la similitude de la flore générale, mais seulement quand les maladies en question sont regroupées ensemble comme maladies parasitaires et auto-immunitaires. Si cette hypothèse est prouvée, elle permettra la synthèse des informations recueillies sur les plantes médicinales du monde entier pour en sélectionner de façon plus précise celles qui sont les plus efficaces et qui méritent analyse plus approfondie au laboratoire. Asháninka abstract Aayiantyarori iròpero aavintane, ontzimatye ancovacovatero ayotero ovaqueraripaye incashi iyoyetziri ashaninka, ayotzityaro aajatzi iyotane viracocha paitachari "quimica" ancantero aaca oshintsinka inchashipaye. Atziri yotacotzirori cametsa, ishtoriajacotzirori iyotane ashaninkapaye te iroñàrantero maaroni ocaratzi yamenacotaqueri laboratorioki. Aaviantyarori cametsa, ayotacotero aavintarontsiyetatsiri osamani antzimaventero ishtoriatacotaro, aajatzi osheki opinata ampinaventero aparopaye inchashi, acoviriqui ayotacotero, osaretsikipaye. Tzimatsi ovaquerari quenquishiriantsitatsiri ero opinata osheki ashitoriatacotero aparopaye inchashi, asampiyetatyrey pashinipaye atziri saicatsiri intaina puitarika inchasshi yavintari, ajatzirica oshiyaro ayotzi aaca, quemetachari atziri saikatsiri nampitsiki malinke aajatzi ishiyari ashaninka saicatsiri peruki, tzimatsi inchashi aajatzi yaavintari osheki okamètsatzi aririka anteri mantsiyarentsi icantaitziri ompetarentsi catsirentsi, pochokirentsi, patsarontsi(matatsi) ashipetate maaroni, ampochavathate, ancainikentsite, oncatsithakite tsinani. Aririka añaker aajatzi ahiyaro inchashi yaavintayetari pashinipaye atziri intainasatzi irdotake ahitoriatacoperoteri anàashityard aavintarontsi ovamairiri shithanentsi, onàshitaavintarontsi tzicaacoventairi ero antane mantsiyarentsi. Omanperotatyarica iròperotzi avintarontsi, oshitovake laboratorioki aritaque iyoitanaquero maaroni quipatsiki iroperori avintarontsi. PMID:18053260

Vaginal progesterone vs intramuscular 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate for prevention of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth in singleton gestations: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Saccone, G; Khalifeh, A; Elimian, A; Bahrami, E; Chaman-Ara, K; Bahrami, M A; Berghella, V

2017-03-01

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have recently compared intramuscular 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) with vaginal progesterone for reducing the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) in singleton gestations with prior SPTB. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of vaginal progesterone compared with 17-OHPC in prevention of SPTB in singleton gestations with prior SPTB. Searches of electronic databases were performed to identify all RCTs of asymptomatic singleton gestations with prior SPTB that were randomized to prophylactic treatment with either vaginal progesterone (intervention group) or intramuscular 17-OHPC (comparison group). No restrictions for language or geographic location were applied. The primary outcome was SPTB < 34 weeks. Secondary outcomes were SPTB < 37 weeks, < 32 weeks, < 28 weeks and < 24 weeks, maternal adverse drug reaction and neonatal outcomes. The summary measures were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% CI. Risk of bias for each included study was assessed. Three RCTs (680 women) were included. The mean gestational age at randomization was about 16 weeks. Women were given progesterone until 36 weeks or delivery. Regarding vaginal progesterone, one study used 90 mg gel daily, one used 100 mg suppository daily and one used 200 mg suppository daily. All included RCTs used 250 mg intramuscular 17-OHPC weekly in the comparison group. Women who received vaginal progesterone had significantly lower rates of SPTB < 34 weeks (17.5% vs 25.0%; RR, 0.71 (95% CI, 0.53-0.95); low quality of evidence) and < 32 weeks (8.9% vs 14.5%; RR, 0.62 (95% CI, 0.40-0.94); low quality of evidence) compared with women who received 17-OHPC. There were no significant differences in the rates of SPTB < 37 weeks, < 28 weeks and < 24 weeks. The rate of women who reported adverse drug reactions was significantly lower in the vaginal progesterone group compared with the 17-OHPC group (7.1% vs 13.2%; RR, 0.53 (95% CI, 0.31-0.91); very low quality of evidence). Regarding neonatal outcomes, vaginal progesterone was associated with a lower rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission compared with 17-OHPC (18.7% vs 23.5%; RR, 0.63 (95% CI, 0.47-0.83); low quality of evidence). For the comparison of 17-OHPC vs vaginal progesterone, the quality of evidence was downgraded for all outcomes by at least one degree due to imprecision (the optimal information size was not reached) and by at least one degree due to indirectness (different interventions). Daily vaginal progesterone (either suppository or gel) started at about 16 weeks' gestation is a reasonable, if not better, alternative to weekly 17-OHPC injection for prevention of SPTB in women with singleton gestations and prior SPTB. However, the quality level of the summary estimates was low or very low as assessed by GRADE, indicating that the true effect may be, or is likely to be, substantially different from the estimate of the effect. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. COMPARACIÓN ENTRE LA PROGESTERONA VAGINAL Y EL 17Α-HIDROXIPROGESTERONA CAPROATO INTRAMUSCULAR PARA LA PREVENCIÓN DEL PARTO PRETÉRMINO ESPONTÁNEO RECURRENTE EN EMBARAZOS CON FETO ÚNICO: REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA Y METAANÁLISIS DE ENSAYOS CONTROLADOS ALEATORIOS: RESUMEN OBJETIVO: Recientemente se han realizado varios ensayos controlados aleatorios (ECA) que comparaban el caproato de 17α-hidroxiprogesterona (17-OHPC, por sus siglas en inglés) por vía intramuscular con la progesterona por vía vaginal para la reducción del riesgo de parto pretérmino espontáneo (PPTE) en embarazos con feto único de gestantes con historial de PPTE. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática y metaanálisis fue evaluar la eficacia de la progesterona vaginal en comparación con la 17-OHPC en la prevención de embarazos con feto único de gestantes con historial de PPTE. MÉTODOS: Se realizaron búsquedas en bases de datos electrónicas para identificar todos los ECA con embarazos de feto único asintomáticos con historial de PPTE antes de ser asignados al azar a un tratamiento profiláctico, ya fuera con progesterona vaginal (grupo de intervención) o con 17-OHPC intramuscular (grupo de control). No se aplicaron restricciones respecto al idioma o la ubicación geográfica. El resultado primario fue PPTE < 34 semanas. Los resultados secundarios fueron PPTE <37 semanas, < 32 semanas, < 28 semanas y < 24 semanas, la reacción materna adversa al fármaco y los resultados neonatales. Las medidas del resumen se reportaron como riesgo relativo (RR) con IC del 95%. Para cada estudio incluido se evaluó el riesgo de sesgo. Se incluyeron tres ECA (680 mujeres). La media de la edad gestacional en el momento de la aleatorización fue de 16 semanas. A las mujeres se les administró progesterona hasta la semana 36 o hasta el parto. Con respecto a la progesterona vaginal, un estudio utilizó gel de 90 mg diariamente, otro utilizó un supositorio diario de 100 mg y el otro utilizó un supositorio diario de 200 mg. Todos los ECA incluidos en el grupo de comparación utilizaron 250 mg semanales de 17-OHPC por vía intramuscular. Las mujeres que recibieron progesterona vaginal tuvieron tasas significativamente más bajas de PPTE < 34 semanas (17,5% vs. 25,0%; RR 0,71 (IC 95%, 0,53-0,95); calidad de la evidencia baja) y < 32 semanas (8,9% vs. 14,5%; RR 0,62 (IC 95%, 0,40-0,94); calidad de evidencia baja), en comparación con las mujeres que recibieron 17-OHPC. No hubo diferencias significativas en las tasas de PPTE < 37 semanas, < 28 semanas y < 24 semanas. La tasa de mujeres que reportaron reacciones adversas a los medicamentos fue significativamente menor en el grupo de progesterona vaginal en comparación con el grupo de 17-OHPC (7,1% vs. 13,2%; RR 0,53 (IC 95%, 0,31-0,91); calidad de la evidencia muy baja). En cuanto a los resultados neonatales, la progesterona vaginal se asoció a una menor tasa de admisiones en la unidad neonatal de cuidados intensivos en comparación con la 17-OHPC (18,7% vs. 23,5%; RR 0,63 (IC 95%, 0,47-0,83); calidad de evidencia baja). Para la comparación del 17-OHPC con la progesterona vaginal se rebajó la calidad de las pruebas para todos los resultados en al menos un grado debido a imprecisiones (no se alcanzó el tamaño óptimo de la información) y en al menos un grado debido al carácter indirecto de los estudios (diferentes intervenciones). La progesterona vaginal administrada diariamente (ya fuera como supositorio o como gel) desde la semana 16 de gestación es una alternativa razonable, si no mejor, a una inyección semanal de 17-OHPC para la prevención de PPTE en mujeres con embarazos de feto único e historial de PPTE. Sin embargo, el nivel de calidad de las estimaciones del resumen fue bajo o muy bajo según lo evaluado por GRADE, lo que indica que el verdadero efecto puede ser, o es probable que sea, sustancialmente diferente de la estimación del efecto. 17Α-:META: : (randomized controlled trials,RCTs)(spontaneous preterm birth,SPTB)17α-(intramuscular 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate,17-OHPC)SPTB。metaSPTB17-OHPCSPTB。 : ,SPTBRCTs,RCTs()17-OHPC()。。34SPTB。37、32、2824SPTB,。(relative risk,RR)95%CI。。 : 3RCTs(680)。16。,36。,90 mg,100 mg,200 mg。,RCTs250 mg 17-OHPC。17-OHPC,34 [17.5%25.0%;RR,0.71(95% CI,0.53 ~ 0.95);]32[8.9%14.5%;RR,0.62(95% CI,0.40 ~ 0.94);]SPTB。37、2824SPTB。17-OHPC,[7.1%13.2%;RR,0.53(95% CI,0.31 ~ 0.91);]。,17-OHPC,[18.7%23.5%;RR,0.63(95% CI,0.47 ~ 0.83);]。17-OHPC,(),()。 : SPTBSPTB,16()17-OHPC,。,GRADE,,。. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Constraining performance assessment models with tracer test results: a comparison between two conceptual models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKenna, Sean A.; Selroos, Jan-Olof

Tracer tests are conducted to ascertain solute transport parameters of a single rock feature over a 5-m transport pathway. Two different conceptualizations of double-porosity solute transport provide estimates of the tracer breakthrough curves. One of the conceptualizations (single-rate) employs a single effective diffusion coefficient in a matrix with infinite penetration depth. However, the tracer retention between different flow paths can vary as the ratio of flow-wetted surface to flow rate differs between the path lines. The other conceptualization (multirate) employs a continuous distribution of multiple diffusion rate coefficients in a matrix with variable, yet finite, capacity. Application of these two models with the parameters estimated on the tracer test breakthrough curves produces transport results that differ by orders of magnitude in peak concentration and time to peak concentration at the performance assessment (PA) time and length scales (100,000 years and 1,000 m). These differences are examined by calculating the time limits for the diffusive capacity to act as an infinite medium. These limits are compared across both conceptual models and also against characteristic times for diffusion at both the tracer test and PA scales. Additionally, the differences between the models are examined by re-estimating parameters for the multirate model from the traditional double-porosity model results at the PA scale. Results indicate that for each model the amount of the diffusive capacity that acts as an infinite medium over the specified time scale explains the differences between the model results and that tracer tests alone cannot provide reliable estimates of transport parameters for the PA scale. Results of Monte Carlo runs of the transport models with varying travel times and path lengths show consistent results between models and suggest that the variation in flow-wetted surface to flow rate along path lines is insignificant relative to variability in the amount of diffusive capacity that can be accessed along the transport pathway. Contraindre le bilan des performances des modèles avec les résultats de traçages: une comparaison entre deux modèles conceptuels. Des tests de traçage sont mis en oeuvre pour étudier les paramètres de transport de soluté d'une roche sur une longueur de 5 m. Deux différents modèles de transport de soluté dans un milieu à double porosité fournissent des estimation des courbes de restitution. L'une des conceptualisations (unique taux de restitution) emploie un seul coefficient effectif de diffusion dans une matrice possédant une pénétration infinie en profondeur. Par ailleurs, la rétention du traceur entre les différentes lignes d'écoulement peut varier comme le rapport des débits aux surfaces mouillées et comme le rapport de la différence de débits entres les lignes d'écoulement. L'autre conceptualisation (taux multiple) emploie une distribution continue de coefficients de diffusion dans une matrice à capacité variable et finit. L'application de ces deux modèles avec les pa! ramètres estimés grâce aux courbes de restitution produit des résultats de transport qui différent de plusieurs ordres de grandeur dans la magnitude du pic, le temps du pic de concentration, au bilan des performances (PA) et aux échelles de distance (100,000 ans et 1,000 m). Ces différences sont éxaminées par l'intermédiaire des temps limites pour que la capacité diffusive équivaille à un milieu infini. Ces limites sont comparées à travers les modèles conceptuels ainsi que les temps caractéristiques de diffusion à l'échelle du test de traçage et à l'échelle du PA. Par ailleurs, les différences entre les modèles sont éxaminées en réestimant les paramètres pour le modèle à taux multiple à partir des résultats du modèle à double porosité à l'échelle du PA. Les résultats indiquent que pour chaque modèle la valeur de la capacité diffusive dans un milieu infini sur une période de temps spécifiée explique les différences entre les modèles et le ! fait que le test de traçage seul ne permet pas de déterminer les paramètres de transport à l'échelle du PA. Les résultats des simulations Monte Carlo du modèle de transport avec des temps et des distances de transport variables montrent des résultats concordances entre les différents modèles et suggère que la variation que la variation entre surface mouillée et le rapport de la différence de débits entre les lignes d'écoulement est insignifiante, en regard de la variabilité du montant de la capacité diffusive qui peut être accessible le long de la ligne de transport. Delimitando la eficacia de modelos de evaluación con resultados de pruebas de trazadores: una comparación entre dos modelos conceptuales. Se llevaron a cabo pruebas de trazadores para evaluar los parámetros de transporte de solutos en un rasgo rocoso a lo largo de una trayectoria de transporte de 5 m. Dos diferentes conceptualizaciones del transporte de solutos de porosidad doble aportan estimados de las curvas de avance de trazadores. Una de las conceptualizaciones (ritmo único) utiliza un coeficiente de difusión efectiva único en una matriz con profundidad de penetración infinita. Sin embargo, la retención del trazador entre diferentes trayectorias de flujo puede variar debido a que la relación entre la superficie mojada de flujo y el ritmo de flujo difiere entre las líneas de trayectoria. La otra conceptualización (multi-ritmo) utiliza una distribución continua de coeficientes de ritmos de difusión múltiple en una matriz con capacidad variable pero finita. La aplicación de los dos modelos con los parámetros estimados en base a las curvas de avance de trazadores producen resultados de transporte que difieren en varios órdenes de magnitud, tanto en concentración pico como en el tiempo en que se alcanza la concentración pico, en las escalas de evaluación de eficacia (PA) de tiempo y longitud (100,000 años y 1,000 m). Estas diferencias se examinan mediante el cálculo de límites de tiempo en que se considera que la capacidad difusiva actúa como un medio infinito. Estos límites se comparan en ambos modelos conceptuales y contra los tiempos característicos para difusión en escalas de PA y de prueba de trazador. Adicionalmente, se examinan las diferencias entre los modelos calculando de nuevo los parámetros para el modelo multi-ritmo a partir del modelo tradicional de doble porosidad a escala PA. Los resultados indican que para cada modelo la cantidad de la capacidad difusiva que actúa como un medio infinito sobre la escala de tiempo especificada explica las diferencias entre los resultados del modelo y que las pruebas de trazadores por sí solas no aportan cálculos confiables de los parámetros de transporte para la escala PA. Los resultados provenientes de corridas Monte Carlo de los modelos de transporte con distintos tiempos de viaje y diferentes longitudes de trayectorias muestran resultados consistentes entre modelos y sugieren que la variación en la relación de superficie de flujo mojada a ritmo de flujo a lo largo de las líneas de trayectoria es insignificante en relación con la variabilidad en la cantidad de capacidad difusiva que puede alcanzarse a lo largo de la trayectoria de transporte.

Aquifer overexploitation: what does it mean?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Custodio, Emilio

2002-02-01

Groundwater overexploitation and aquifer overexploitation are terms that are becoming common in water-resources management. Hydrologists, managers and journalists use them when talking about stressed aquifers or some groundwater conflict. Overexploitation may be defined as the situation in which, for some years, average aquifer ion rate is greater than, or close to the average recharge rate. But rate and extent of recharge areas are often very uncertain. Besides, they may be modified by human activities and aquifer development. In practice, however, an aquifer is often considered as overexploited when some persistent negative results of aquifer development are felt or perceived, such as a continuous water-level drawdown, progressive water-quality deterioration, increase of ion cost, or ecological damage. But negative results do not necessarily imply that ion is greater than recharge. They may be simply due to well interferences and the long transient period that follow changes in the aquifer water balance. Groundwater storage is depleted to some extent during the transient period after ion is increased. Its duration depends on aquifer size, specific storage and permeability. Which level of "aquifer overexploitation" is advisable or bearable, depends on the detailed and updated consideration of aquifer-development effects and the measures implemented for correction. This should not be the result of applying general rules based on some indirect data. Monitoring, sound aquifer knowledge, and calculation or modelling of behaviour are needed in the framework of a set of objectives and policies. They should be established by a management institution, with the involvement of groundwater stakeholders, and take into account the environmental and social constraints. Aquifer overexploitation, which often is perceived to be associated with something ethically bad, is not necessarily detrimental if it is not permanent. It may be a step towards sustainable development. Actually, the term aquifer overexploitation is mostly a qualifier that intends to point to a concern about the evolution of the aquifer-flow system in some specific, restricted points of view, but without a precise hydrodynamic meaning. Implementing groundwater management and protection measures needs quantitative appraisal of aquifer evolution and effects based on detailed multidisciplinary studies, which have to be supported by reliable data. Resumé. La surexploitation de l'eau souterraine et la surexploitation des nappes sont des termes qui deviennent d'usage commun en gestion de l'eau. Plusieurs hydrologues, aménageurs et journalistes en font usage quand on parle d'une nappe exploitée intensivement et qui présente des situations conflictives. On peut définir la surexploitation comme étant la situation dans laquelle l'extraction moyenne d'eau souterraine est plus grande ou proche de la recharge moyenne pendant quelques années. Mais le taux ansi que la surface de cette recharge sont souvent tres incertains et peuvent changer dûs a des activitées humaines et à l'exploitation de la nappe elle-méme. Du point de vue pratique on souvent considère qu'il y a surexploitation quand on observe or on s'aperçoit de certains résultats négatifs de l'exploitation, tels qu'une diminution continue du niveau de l'eau, une detérioration de sa qualité, une augmentation du coût d' extraction, ou dommages écologiques. Mais ces effets négatifs n' impliquent pas nécessairement que l'extraction soit plus grande que la recharge. Ils peuvent étre simplement le résultat d'interférences ou d'une longue période transitoire qui suivent les changements dans les termes du bilan hydrique. Cette période transitoire a une durée que dépend de la taille de la nappe, et de son coefficient d' emmagasinement et de sa perméabilité. Les extractions d'eau de la nappe comportent une diminution de l'emmagasinement d'eau souterraine pendant le période transitoire. A fin de pouvoir décider du degré de "surexploitation de la nappe" conseillé ou admisible on a besoin de la description detaillée et à jour des effets de l'exploitation et des mesures de correction adoptées. Cette décision ne peut pas étre prise uniquement à partir de regles générales et l'appui de quelques observations indirectes. On a besoin de controle, d'une bonne connaissance de la nappe, et de calculer ou modeliser le comportement, en faisant appel à l'ensemble des objectifs et politiques établies par une institution de gestion, avec l'implication des personnes qui sont intéressées par l'eau souterraine, et tenant compte des conditions environmentales et sociales. La surexploitation de nappes, qui souvent est associée a quelque chose éthiquement nocive, n'est pas necessairement ainsi pendant un certain temps, et peut être une étape dans l'évolution vers un développement durable. Réellement la designation de surexploitation de nappes est surtout un adjectif que a pour but de qualifier une évolution préoccupante sous certains points de vue, mais sans une signification hydrodynamique précise. Pour adopter des mesures de gestion et protection, on a besoin de l'évaluation quantitative de l'évolution de la nappe et de ses effets, ce qui doit déboucher sur des études detaillées dans un contexte multidisciplinaire, et sur de bonnes données. Resumen. La sobreexpolotación del agua subterránea y la sobreexplotacion de acuíferos son conceptos que se están convirtiendo en términos de uso común en gestión hídrica. Muchos hidrólogos, gestores y periodistas las usan para referirse a un acuífero explotado intensamente o que presenta situaciones conflictivas. La sobreexplotación se puede definir como la situación en la que durante varios años la extracción media de agua subterránea de un acuífero supera o se aproxima a la recarga media. Pero la tasa y también la superficie sobre la que se realiza esta recarga son a menudo muy inciertas, y pueden cambiar por actividades humanas y por la propia explotación del acuífero. Sin embargo, en la práctica se suele considerar que hay sobreexplotación cuando se observan o se perciben ciertos resultados negativos de la explotación, tales como un descenso continuado del nivel del agua, un deterioro de su calidad, un encarecimiento del agua extraída, o daños ecológicos. Pero estos efectos no están necesariamente relacionados con el hecho de que la extracción sea mayor que la recarga, puesto que pueden ser simplemente el resultado de interferencias o del dilatado período transitorio que sigue a los cambios en los términos del balance de agua, y cuya duración depende del tamaño del acuífero, y de su permeabilidad y coeficiente de almacenamiento. Las extracciones del acuífero suponen una disminución del almacenamiento de agua subterránea durante este periodo transitorio. Para decidir que grado de "sobreexplotación del acuífero" es aconsejable o admisible hace falta la consideración detallada y actualizada de los efectos de la explotación y las medidas de corrección que se adopten. Para esa decisión no basta con reglas generales y el apoyo de algunas observaciones indirectas. Se necesitan observaciones de control, buen conocimiento del acuífero y cálculos o modelación del comportamiento, y todo ello en el marco de un conjunto de objetivos y políticas establecidas por una institución de gestión, con la implicación de aquellos que tienen un interés en el agua subterránea, y teniendo en cuenta los condicionantes ambientales y sociales. La sobreexplotación de acuíferos, que con frecuencia suele asociarse a algo éticamente malo, no tiene por qué ser necesariamente así durante cierto tiempo, sino una etapa en la evolución hacia un desarrollo sustentable. En la realidad la designación de sobreexplotación de acuíferos es principalmente un adjetivo que trata de calificar a una evolución preocupante bajo determinados puntos de vista, sin que tenga una significación hidrodinámica precisa. Para adoptar medidas de gestión y de protección se necesita la evaluación cuantitativa de la evolución del acuífero y sus efectos, que se derivan de estudios de detalle en un contexto multidisciplinar y de datos fiables.

GENOME ENABLED MODIFICATION OF POPLAR ROOT DEVELOPMENT FOR INCREASED CARBON SEQUESTRATION

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Busov, Victor

DR5 as a reporter system to study auxin response in Populus Plant Cell Reports 32:453-463 Auxin responsive promoter DR5 reporter system is functional in Populus to monitor auxin response in tissues including leaves, roots, and stems. We described the behavior of the DR5::GUS reporter system in stably transformed Populus plants. We found several similarities with Arabidopsis, including sensitivity to native and synthetic auxins, rapid induction after treatment in a variety of tissues, and maximal responses in root tissues. There were also several important differences from Arabidopsis, including slower time to maximum response and lower induction amplitude. Young leaves and stemmore » sections below the apex showed much higher DR5 activity than did older leaves and stems undergoing secondary growth. DR5 activity was highest in cortex, suggesting high levels of auxin concentration and/or sensitivity in this tissue. Our study shows that the DR5 reporter system is a sensitive and facile system for monitoring auxin responses and distribution at cellular resolution in poplar. The Populus AINTEGUMENTA LIKE 1 homeotic transcription factor PtAIL1 controls the formation of adventitious root primordia. Plant Physiol. 160: 1996-2006 Adventitious rooting is an essential but sometimes rate-limiting step in the clonal multiplication of elite tree germplasm, because the ability to form roots declines rapidly with age in mature adult plant tissues. In spite of the importance of adventitious rooting, the mechanism behind this developmental process remains poorly understood. We have described the transcriptional profiles that are associated with the developmental stages of adventitious root formation in the model tree poplar (Populus trichocarpa). Transcriptome analyses indicate a highly specific temporal induction of the AINTEGUMENTA LIKE1 (PtAIL1) transcription factor of the AP2 family during adventitious root formation. Transgenic poplar samples that overexpressed PtAIL1 were able to grow an increased number of adventitious roots, whereas RNA interference mediated the down-expression of PtAIL1 expression, which led to a delay in adventitious root formation. Microarray analysis showed that the expression of 15 genes, including the transcription factors AGAMOUS-Like6 and MYB36, was overexpressed in the stem tissues that generated root primordia in PtAIL1-overexpressing plants, whereas their expression was reduced in the RNA interference lines. These results demonstrate that PtAIL1 is a positive regulator of poplar rooting that acts early in the development of adventitious roots. Genomes. 7: 91-101 Knowledge of the functional relationship between genes and organismal phenotypes in perennial plants is extremely limited. Using a population of 627 independent events, we assessed the feasibility of activation tagging as a forward genetics tool for Populus. Mutant identification after 2 years of field testing was nearly sevenfold (6.5%) higher than in greenhouse studies that employed Arabidopsis and identical transformation vectors. Approximately two thirds of all mutant phenotypes were not seen in vitro and in the greenhouse; they were discovered only after the second year of field assessment. The trees? large size (5-10 m in height), perennial growth, and interactions with the natural environment are factors that are thought to have contributed to the high rate of observable phenotypes in the field. The mutant phenotypes affected a variety of morphological and physiological traits, including leaf size and morphology, crown architecture, stature, vegetative dormancy, and tropic responses. Characterization of the insertion in more than 100 events with and without mutant phenotypes showed that tags predominantly (70%) inserted in a 13-Kbp region up- and downstream of the genes? coding regions with approximately even distribution among the 19 chromosomes. Transcriptional activation was observed in many proximal genes studied. Successful phenotype recapitulation was observed in 10 of 12 retransformed genes tested, indicating true tagging and a functional relationship between the genes and observed phenotypes for most activation lines. Our studies indicate that in addition to associating mapping and QTL approaches, activation tagging can be used successfully as an effective forward gene discovery tool in Populus. This study describes functional characterization of two putative poplar PHOTOPERIOD RESPONSE 1 (PHOR1) orthologues. The expression and sequence analyses indicate that the two poplar genes diverged, at least partially, in function. PtPHOR1_1 is most highly expressed in roots and induced by short days, while PtPHOR1_2 is more uniformly expressed throughout plant tissues and is not responsive to short days. The two PHOR1 genes also had distinct effects on shoot and root growth when their expression was up- and downregulated transgenically. PtPHOR1_1 effects were restricted to roots while PtPHOR1_2 had similar effects on aerial and below-ground development. Nevertheless, both genes seemed to be upregulated in transgenic poplars that are gibberellin-deficient and gibberellin-insensitive, suggesting interplay with gibberellin signalling. PHOR1 suppression led to increased starch accumulation in both roots and stems. The effect of PHOR1 suppression on starch accumulation was coupled with growth-inhibiting effects in both roots and shoots, suggesting that PHOR1 is part of a mechanism that regulates the allocation of carbohydrate to growth or storage in poplar. PHOR1 downregulation led to significant reduction of xylem formation caused by smaller fibres and vessels suggesting that PHOR1 likely plays a role in the growth of xylem cells. Species within the genus Populus are among the fastest growing trees in regions with a temperate climate. Not only are they an integral component of ecosystems, but they are also grown commercially for fuel, fiber, and forest products in rural areas of the world. In the late 1970s, they were designated as a bioenergy crop by the U.S. Department of Energy, as a result of research following the oil embargo. Populus species also serve as model trees for plant molecular biology research. In this article, we will review recent progress in the genetic improvement of Populus, considering both classical breeding and genetic engineering for bioenergy, as well as in using transgenics to elucidate gene functionality. A perspective for future improvement of Populus via functional genomics will also be presented. The role of gibberellins (GAs) in regulation of lateral root development is poorly understood. We show that GA-deficient (35S:PcGA2ox1) and GA-insensitive (35S:rgl1) transgenic Populus exhibited increased lateral root proliferation and elongation under in vitro and greenhouse conditions, and these effects were reversed by exogenous GA treatment. In addition, RNA interference suppression of two poplar GA 2-oxidases predominantly expressed in roots also decreased lateral root formation. GAs negatively affected lateral root formation by inhibiting lateral root primordium initiation. A whole-genome microarray analysis of root development in GA-modified transgenic plants revealed 2069 genes with significantly altered expression. The expression of 1178 genes, including genes that promote cell proliferation, growth, and cell wall loosening, corresponded to the phenotypic severity of the root traits when transgenic events with differential phenotypic expression were compared. The array data and direct hormone measurements suggested crosstalk of GA signaling with other hormone pathways, including auxin and abscisic acid. Transgenic modification of a differentially expressed gene encoding an auxin efflux carrier suggests that GA modulation of lateral root development is at least partly imparted by polar auxin transport modification. These results suggest a mechanism for GA-regulated modulation of lateral root proliferation associated with regulation of plant allometry during the stress response. Here we summarize progress in identification of three classes of genes useful for control of plant architecture: those affecting hormone metabolism and signaling; transcription and other regulatory factors; and the cell cycle. We focus on strong modifiers of stature and form that may be useful for directed modification of plant architecture, rather than the detailed mechanisms of gene action. Gibberellin (GA) metabolic and response genes are particularly attractive targets for manipulation because many act in a dose-dependent manner; similar phenotypic effects can be readily achieved in heterologous species; and induced pleiotropic effects--such as on nitrogen assimilation, photosynthesis, and lateral root production--are usually positive with respect to crop performance. Genes encoding transcription factors represent strong candidates for manipulation of plant architecture. For example, AINTEGUMENTA, ARGOS (auxin-regulated gene controlling organ size), and growth-regulating factors (GRFs) are strong modifiers of leaf and/or flower size. Plants overexpressing these genes had increased organ size and did not display negative pleiotropic effects in glasshouse environments. TCP-domain genes such as CINCINNATA, and the associated regulatory miRNAs such as miRJAW, may provide useful means to modulate leaf curvature and other foliage properties. There are considerable opportunities for comparative and translational genomics in nonmodel plant systems.« less

NTT Observations Indicate that Brown Dwarfs Form Like Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2001-06-01

Dusty Disks Detected around Very Young Substellar Objects in the Orion Nebula Summary An international team of astronomers [2] is announcing today the discovery of dusty disks surrounding numerous very faint objects that are believed to be recently formed Brown Dwarfs in the Orion Nebula [3]. This finding is based on detailed observations with SOFI, a specialised infrared-sensitive instrument at the ESO 3.5-m New Technology Telescope at the La Silla Observatory. It is of special interest because it sheds light on the origin and nature of substellar objects, known as "Brown Dwarfs" . In particular, these results suggest that Brown Dwarfs share a common origin with stars and that Brown Dwarfs are more similar in nature to stars than to planets and, like stars, have the potential to form with accompanying systems of planets. Moreover, the presence of dusty protoplanetary disks around the faintest objects in the Orion Nebula cluster confirms both the membership of these faint stars in the cluster and their nature as bona-fide substellar objects, making this the largest population of Brown Dwarf objects yet known . These important results are being reported today to the American Astronomical Society Meeting in Pasadena (California, USA). PR Photo 22a/01 : Infrared picture of the Orion Nebula (NTT + SOFI). PR Photo 22b/01 : "Finding Chart" for Very Young Brown Dwarfs in the Orion Nebula. PR Photo 22c/01 : Animated GIF presentation of PR Photos 22a+b/01. Faint substellar objects in the Milky Way Over the past 5 years, several groups of astronomers have identified a type of very faint, substellar objects within our Milky Way galaxy. These gaseous objects have very low masses and will never shine like normal stars because they cannot achieve central temperatures high enough for sustained thermal nuclear reactions to occur in their cores. Such objects weigh less than about 7% of our Sun and have been variously called "Brown Dwarfs" , "Failed Stars" or "Super Planets" . Indeed, since they have no sustained energy generation by thermal nuclear reactions, many of their properties are more similar to those of giant gas planets in our own solar system such as Jupiter, than to stars like the Sun. For example, even though their masses range between 10-70 times that of Jupiter (the largest and most massive planet in our solar system), the sizes of Brown Dwarfs are still comparable to that of Jupiter, approximately 140,000 km, or roughly 10 times smaller than the Sun. Are Brown Dwarfs giant planets or failed stars? Among the most fundamental issues raised by the existence of Brown Dwarfs is the question of their origin and genetic relationship to planets and stars. Are Brown Dwarfs giant planets or small, failed stars, or perhaps something completely different? The critical test needed to resolve this very basic question is to learn whether Brown Dwarfs form by a process similar to what produces stars or rather to one which produces planets. Stars are thought to form when gravity causes a cold, dusty and rarefied cloud of gas to contract. Such clouds are inevitably rotating so the gas naturally collapses into a rotating disk before it falls onto the forming star. These disks are called circumstellar or protoplanetary disks . They have been found around virtually all young stars and are considered to be sites of planet formation. Gravity helps planets form too, but this occurs by condensation and agglomeration of material contained in the circumstellar disk around a young star. Thus, stars form with a disk around them while planets form within disks around young stars . The planets in our own solar system were formed in such a circumstellar disk around the young Sun about 4.6 billion years ago. To date, the most important observations bearing on the question of Brown Dwarf origin have been: * the observed lack of Brown Dwarf companions to normal stars (something astronomers have called the "Brown Dwarf desert"), and * the existence of free-floating Brown Dwarfs in the Milky Way galaxy. Both facts would appear to imply a stellar, rather than a planet-like origin for these objects. However, one might also explain these observations if most Brown Dwarfs initially formed as companions to stars (within circumstellar disks), but were later ejected from the systems, e.g., because of gravitational effects during encounters with other stars. So the issue of Brown Dwarf origin is still unsettled. NTT observations of substellar objects in the Orion Nebula ESO PR Photo 22a/01 ESO PR Photo 22a/01 [Preview - JPEG: 400 x 434 pix - 192k] [Normal - JPEG: 800 x 877 pix - 496k] [Full Resolution - JPEG: 1772 x 1943 pix - 1.2Mb Caption : PR Photo 22a/01 shows a colour composite of near-infrared images of the central regions of the Orion Nebula, obtained on March 14, 2000, with the SOFI instrument at the ESO 3.5-m New Technology Telescope (NTT) at La Silla. Three exposures were made through J- (wavelength 1.25 µm here colour-coded as "blue"), H- (1.65 µm; "green") and Ks-filters (2.16 µm; "red"), respectively. The central group of bright stars is the famous "Trapezium" . The total effective exposure time was 86.4 seconds per band. The sky field measures about 4.9 x 4.9 arcmin 2 (1024 x 1024 pix 2 ). North is up and East is left. ESO PR Photo 22b/01 ESO PR Photo 22b/01 [Preview - JPEG: 400 x 439 pix - 35k] [Normal - JPEG: 800 x 877 pix - 90k] Caption : PR Photo 22b/01 contains the corresponding "finding chart" with the positions of the very young Brown Dwarfs in the Orion Nebula that were studied during the present investigation. The starlike symbols represent the brightest stars in PR Photo 22a/01 and are plotted for reference. In this chart, very young Brown Dwarfs are represented by a double open circle (if a dusty disk was detected) or with a single open circle (if no dusty disk was detected). The scale is exactly as in PR Photo 22a/01 . ESO PR Photo 22c/01 ESO PR Photo 22c/01 [Animated GIF: 482 x 465 pix - 248k] Caption : PR Photo 22c/01 is an animated GIF-composite of PR Photo 22a/01 and PR Photo 22b/01 for easy comparison. To resolve this mystery, an international team of astronomers [2] has obtained sensitive near-infrared observations of young Brown Dwarf candidates in the Trapezium cluster , at the centre of the Orion Nebula. For this, they used the state-of-the-art near-infrared SOFI instrument on the ESO 3.5-m New Technology Telescope (NTT) at the La Silla Observatory (Chile). The Trapezium Cluster is a group of young stars that appears to the unaided eye as a faint central 'star' in the Orion Nebula . This cluster is located at a distance of about 1200 light-years and contains nearly 1000 stars, most of which are younger than 1 million years. The stars in this cluster are in their infancy when compared to our middle-aged Sun that is about 4.6 billion years old (reduced to a human timescale, they would be just 3 days old, compared to the Sun's 40 years). Among the hundreds of normal stars in the Trapezium Cluster, astronomers have previously identified a population of objects so faint that they have been considered as prime candidates for very young Brown Dwarfs. The observations obtained with the NTT benefitted from superb atmospheric conditions (e.g., a seeing of 0.5 arcsec) and allowed the astronomers to examine the near-infrared light of more than 100 of the Brown Dwarf candidates in the cluster. More than half of them were found to have excess near-infrared light , compared to that a normal young Brown Dwarf should emit. The only plausible explanation is that this extra light originates from glowing, hot dust within protoplanetary disks surrounding these objects . It was the same method, albeit at longer infrared wavelengths, that first led to the discovery of dust disks around several normal stars, some of which have later been studied in much detail, e.g., that at the southern star Beta Pictoris. In fact, and strongly supporting this explanation, twenty-one of the Brown Dwarf candidates detected via the NTT observations are also identified with optical "proplyds" , the famous dusty disks first imaged in 1994 by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) at optical wavelengths, cf. the corresponding HST Press Release and images [4]. Dusty disks The presence of such hot and dusty disks around these objects is a clear sign of their extreme youth - this in turn confirms both their membership in the young cluster and their nature as bona-fide substellar objects . Thus, the Trapezium Cluster contains the largest population (approximately 100) of Brown Dwarfs yet known. Indeed, only about 80 freely floating Brown Dwarfs have so far been positively identified outside this cluster. " Brown Dwarfs are considerably easier to detect and study when they are young, because they are ten times larger and thousands of times brighter during their early youth than during their middle age " says Elizabeth Lada from the University of Florida and a member of the team. Her colleague August Muench explains that " even at their brightest, however, most Brown Dwarfs are still 100 or more times intrinsically fainter than our Sun, explaining why astronomers have great difficulties in detecting such objects ". A common origin of normal stars and Brown Dwarfs " The high incidence of disks around both young stars and Brown Dwarfs in this cluster strongly suggests that both stars and Brown Dwarfs trace their origin to a common physical process and that Brown Dwarfs are more similar in nature to stars than to planets " says Charles Lada from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Moreover, as is the case for stars, the disks that surround Brown Dwarfs may be capable of forming systems of planets. According to João Alves from ESO, " it is entirely possible that the Milky Way Galaxy contains numerous planetary systems that orbit cold and dark, failed stars. Whether these disks can indeed form planetary systems, however, still remains to be determined ". Even if Brown Dwarfs do have planetary systems, their planets would not have a stable climate and thus would be inhospitable to life as we know it. This is because Brown Dwarfs do not generate their own energy for any substantial period of time but instead fade rapidly as they age. The next steps For the moment being, the detection of disks around the Brown Dwarf candidates in the Trapezium Cluster rests entirely on the measurements of the near-infrared colours of these objects. Additional confirmation of the presence of such dust disks can be obtained with sensitive infrared observations made at longer wavelengths. Such observations are possible with the largest ground-based telescopes like the VLT [5] or with the upcoming NASA infrared satellite mission ( SIRTF ). Notes [1]: This ESO Press Release is issued in parallel with a Press Release on the same subject by the American Astronomical Society (AAS). The indicated embargo corresponds to the time of release at the AAS meting in Pasadena. [2]: The team consists of João F. Alves (ESO, Garching, Germany), Charles J. Lada (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge MA, USA), Elizabeth A. Lada and August A. Muench (both Department of Astronomy, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, USA). The research reported here was supported in part by the US National Science Foundation. [3]: Other ESO Press Communications about Brown Dwarfs include PR 07/97 , PR 14/99 and PR 16/00. Discoveries of exoplanets and other small objects, some of which have masses near the borderline between Brown Dwarfs and planets, are reported in PR 18/98 , PR 13/00 and PR 07/01. A spectacular infrared image of the Orion Nebula with the VLT and the ISAAC instrument was published earlier this year ( PR Photo 03a/01 ) with a discussion about small objects within this nebula. [4]: More information about "proplyds" (PROto-PLanetarY DiskS) is available in ESO PR 06/97 that discusses the discovery of the first such object outside the Orion Nebula. [5]: The VLT is already equipped with one instrument suited for such measurements, the Infrared Spectrometer And Array Camera (ISAAC) - examples of mid-infrared observations of the giant planet Jupiter have just been published as ESO PR Photos 21a-f/01. The NAOS-CONICA adaptive optics multi-mode instrument will enter into operation later in 2001, to be followed by the VLT Mid Infrared Spectrometer/Imager (VISIR). Another powerful mid-infrared facility at ESO is the Thermal Infrared Multimode Instrument (TIMMI2) , now in operation at the ESO 3.6-m telescope on La Silla and with which observations of the central part of the Orion Nebula were recently made, cf. PR Photos 12a-e/01.