Second-order scattering sensor based on the Zn0.97La0.03O compound for selective and stable detection of glycated albumin.

Here, we presented a second-order scattering sensor based on the Zn0.97La0.03O compound (LaZnO) for selective and stable detection of glycated albumin (GA, glycemic long-term biomarker). The LaZnO sample was obtained through the co-precipitation method and then characterized using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, the selectivity, molecular interference, temporal stability, and pH effects of the LaZnO SOS signal in the absence and presence of GA were investigated. The results indicate the stability of the SOS signal over more than 60 days. Assays conducted within the pH range of 5 to 8 indicate that the detection of GA remains unaffected under the given conditions. Selectivity studies show that the SOS signal of LaZnO is reduced only upon contact with GA, while interference studies show that detection is not affected by other chemical species. Additionally, the calibration curve test showed high sensitivity of the material, with a detection limit of 0.55 µg/ml. All the results suggest that LaZnO can deliver efficiency, selectivity, accuracy, and fast response as a GA biosensor, emphasizing LaZnO's usefulness in detecting protein biomarkers.

Experience Sampling and Programmed Intervention Method and System for Planning, Authoring, and Deploying Mobile Health Interventions: Design and Case Reports.

BACKGROUND: Health professionals initiating mobile health (mHealth) interventions may choose to adapt apps designed for other activities (eg, peer-to-peer communication) or to employ purpose-built apps specialized in the required intervention, or to exploit apps based on methods such as the experience sampling method (ESM). An alternative approach for professionals would be to create their own apps. While ESM-based methods offer important guidance, current systems do not expose their design at a level that promotes replicating, specializing, or extending their contributions. Thus, a twofold solution is required: a method that directs specialists in planning intervention programs themselves, and a model that guides specialists in adopting existing solutions and advises software developers on building new ones. OBJECTIVE: The main objectives of this study are to design the Experience Sampling and Programmed Intervention Method (ESPIM), formulated toward supporting specialists in deploying mHealth interventions, and the ESPIM model, which guides health specialists in adopting existing solutions and advises software developers on how to build new ones. Another goal is to conceive and implement a software platform allowing specialists to be users who actually plan, create, and deploy interventions (ESPIM system). METHODS: We conducted the design and evaluation of the ESPIM method and model alongside a software system comprising integrated web and mobile apps. A participatory design approach with stakeholders included early software prototype, predesign interviews with 12 health specialists, iterative design sustained by the software as an instance of the method's conceptual model, support to 8 real case studies, and postdesign interviews. RESULTS: The ESPIM comprises (1) a list of requirements for mHealth experience sampling and intervention-based methods and systems, (2) a 4-dimension planning framework, (3) a 7-step-based process, and (4) an ontology-based conceptual model. The ESPIM system encompasses web and mobile apps. Eight long-term case studies, involving professionals in psychology, gerontology, computer science, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, show that the method allowed specialists to be actual users who plan, create, and deploy interventions via the associated system. Specialists' target users were parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, older persons, graduate and undergraduate students, children (age 8-12), and caregivers of older persons. The specialists reported being able to create and conduct their own studies without modifying their original design. A qualitative evaluation of the ontology-based conceptual model showed its compliance to the functional requirements elicited. CONCLUSIONS: The ESPIM method succeeds in supporting specialists in planning, authoring, and deploying mobile-based intervention programs when employed via a software system designed and implemented according to its conceptual model. The ESPIM ontology-based conceptual model exposes the design of systems involving active or passive sampling interventions. Such exposure supports the evaluation, implementation, adaptation, or extension of new or existing systems.

Conhecimento de puérperas sobre boas práticas em centro de parto / Knowledge of puerperals about good practices in delivery centers / Conocimiento de mujeres embarazadas sobre buenas prácticas en un centro de parto

Objetivo: analisar o conhecimento das puérperas acerca das boas práticas realizadas por enfermeiros na assistência ao parto e nascimento. Método: trata-se de um estudo transversal desenvolvido no centro de parto normal e alojamento conjunto de um hospital municipal. Contouse com a participação de 204 puérperas internadas com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos. Realizouse a coleta de dados no período de agosto a novembro de 2018 por meio da aplicação de um formulário estruturado. Analisaram-se os dados por meio da estatística descritiva e analítica. Resultados: evidenciou-se que as puérperas têm conhecimento quanto às posições que promovem o maior conforto durante o trabalho de parto e parto, bem como o direito a se ter um acompanhante. Revelou-se, porém, o conhecimento reduzido no que se refere às práticas não farmacológicas para o alívio da dor. Conclusão: verifica-se a necessidade de se intensificar as ações durante a assistência pré-natal na perspectiva de se empoderar a mulher para o trabalho de parto e parto.(AU)

Objective: to analyze the knowledge of puerperal women about good practices, performed by nurses, in delivery and childbirth care. Method: this is a cross-sectional study developed in the normal delivery center and joint housing of a municipal hospital. A total of 204 pueperal women were admitted at the age of 18 or older. Data was collected from August to November 2018 through the application of a structured form. The data was analyzed by means of descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: it has been shown that puerperal women are aware of the positions that promote greater comfort during labor and delivery, as well as the right to have a companion. However, it was revealed the reduced knowledge regarding non-pharmacological practices for pain relief. Conclusion: there is a need to intensify actions during prenatal care with a view to empowering women to labor and delivery.(AU)

Objetivo: analizar el conocimiento de las puérperas sobre las buenas prácticas que realizan los enfermeros en el parto y nacimiento. Método: se trata de un estudio transversal realizado en el centro de maternidad normal y alojamiento conjunto de un hospital municipal. Participaron 204 puérperas hospitalizadas de 18 años o más. La recolección de datos se realizó de agosto a noviembre de 2018 mediante la aplicación de un formulario estructurado. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva y analítica. Resultados: se evidenció que las puérperas conocen las posturas que promueven una mayor comodidad durante el trabajo de parto y el parto, así como el derecho a tener un acompañante. Sin embargo, se reveló poco conocimiento sobre las prácticas no farmacológicas para el alivio del dolor. Conclusión: es necesario intensificar las acciones durante la atención prenatal desde la perspectiva del empoderamiento de la mujer para el trabajo de parto y el parto.(AU)

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Point-of-Care Rapid Testing Versus Laboratory-Based Testing for Antenatal Screening of Syphilis in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Severe consequences of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and high increasing incidence of congenital syphilis remains an important public health problem in Brazil. Our objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of a rapid point-of-care test (RT) and treatment of positive mothers immediately compared with a laboratory-based standard test (ST) with treatment at next follow-up visit. METHODS: A decision analytic model was developed to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between antenatal syphilis screening strategies. The model was built with lifetime horizon from Brazilian health system perspective using 3% and 5% discount rates. A hypothetical cohort of pregnant women at reproductive age were used in the model. Health outcomes: low birth weight, stillbirths, neonatal deaths and congenital syphilis were estimated in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost. Microcosting study and secondary data provided parameters of direct medical costs. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: For base case, the mean cost per pregnant woman screened was $2.63 (RT) and $2.48 (ST), respectively. Maternal syphilis was associated with a loss of 0.0043 DALYs (RT) and 0.0048 DALYs (ST) per mother screened. Expected value of incremental cost per DALY averted was $298.08. After 10 000 probabilistic sensitivity analysis model runs, incremental cost and health benefits were $0.15 (95% credible interval -1.56 to 1.92) and 0.00042 DALYs (95% credible interval -0.0036 to 0.0044), respectively, with a mean ICER of $357.44 per DALY. Screening with RT has a 58% chance of being the optimal strategy at a threshold of $3,200 per DALY. CONCLUSIONS: In Brazil, antenatal screening with syphilis RT and immediate treatment is likely to be cost-effective compared with standard screening and must be prioritized in local settings.

Melatonin reduces aggressiveness and improves oxidative status of matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) subjected to social challenge.

Melatonin is a hormone that can modulate aggressive interactions in fish, stimulate antioxidant enzymes, and neutralize the biological damage caused by high free radical production. Fish, especially those kept in artificial environments, are subject to damage caused by free radicals resulting from stressful conditions, such as a social challenge. The matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) arouses great commercial interest and has been widely used in farming systems. However, these animals have a high frequency of aggressive behavior and cannibalism, which is considered a limiting factor for the production system. Thus, we evaluated the influence of melatonin on aggressiveness and oxidative stress parameters in matrinxã juveniles, testing whether melatonin increases glutathione concentrations and reduces lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) during social challenge. For this, 24 fish were subjected to three concentrations of melatonin in water: control (0 µmol/L), low MEL (1 µmol/L), and high MEL (10 µmol/L), with eight replicates each. The fish were isolated for 96 h, subjected to the mirror test (social challenge), and then euthanized and dissected to remove the liver. Melatonin reduced total aggressive interactions in animals treated with melatonin (P = 0.036), increased glutathione concentrations (P = 0.002), and decreased levels of lipid peroxidation (P = 0.001). We concluded that melatonin reduces aggressiveness and acts as a potent antioxidant in matrinxã juveniles, contributing to the reduction in stress levels and thus improving the maintenance conditions of animals in production systems.

Percepção de docentes de Odontologia sobre o uso de dentes humanos como recurso educativo em atividades pré-clínicas / Perception of dental professorsabout the use of human teeth as an educational resource in pre-clinical activities

O estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a percepção de docentes de Odontologia em relação à utilização de dentes humanos extraídos e dentes artificiais em atividades pré-clínicas. Utilizou-se um questionário com perguntas objetivas e subjetivas aplicado aos professores cirurgiões-dentistas do Curso de Odontologia Centro Universitário de Anápolis -UniEVANGÉLICA. Dos 50 professores que correspondiam aos critérios de elegibilidade, obteve-se taxa de resposta de 76%. A média do tempo de formado dos docentesé de 20±9,7 anos e a média do tempo de docência de 17±10,5 anos. Quando questionados se dentes humanos deveriam ser utilizados como recursos educativos, a maioria (89,4%) respondeu que sim e em relação à aquisição de habilidades psicomotoras dos estudantes 68,4% acreditam que os dentes humanos são mais vantajosos. Citaram como desvantagem do uso aspectos relacionados à biossegurança (36,8%), dificuldade para obtenção dos dentes (21%), riscos de comercialização (15,7%) e aspectos éticos (15,7%). A maioria dos docentes de Odontologia do cursoavaliado entendem que o uso de dentes humanos em atividades pré-clínicas tem maior potencial pedagógico, além de favorecer o desenvolvimento de habilidades motoras em comparaçãoao uso de dentes artificiais (AU).

The present study aimed toassess the dental professor perception in relation to the use of extracted human teeth and artificial teeth in pre-clinical activities.A questionnaire was used with objective and subjective questions applied to professors of dental surgeons from the Dentistry Course Centro Universitário de Anápolis -UniEVANGÉLICA. Of the 50 professorswho met the eligibility criteria, a response rate of 76% was obtained. The average length of time for professorsto graduate is 20 ± 9.7 years andthe average teaching time is 17 ± 10.5 years. When asked whether human teeth should be used as educational resources, the majority (89.4%) answered yes, and concerning the acquisition of psychomotor skills by students, 68.4% believe that human teeth are more advantageous. He mentioned the disadvantage of using aspects related to biosafety (36.8%), difficulty in obtaining teeth (21%), risks of commercialization (15.7%), and ethical aspects (15.7%). Most dental professors in the evaluated course understand that the use of human teeth in pre-clinical activities has greater pedagogical potential, in addition to favoring the development of motor skills compared to the use of artificial teeth (AU).

Treatment of oily effluent using a low-cost biosurfactant in a flotation system.

Fuel and lubricating oil leaks produce an oily wastewater that creates an environmental problem for industries. Dissolved air flotation (DAF) has been successfully employed for the separation of oily contaminants. Collectors constitute an auxiliary tool in the DAF process that enhances the separation efficiency by facilitating the adhesion of the contaminant particles. The use of biosurfactants as collectors is a promising technology in flotation processes, as these biomolecules are biodegradable and non-toxic. In the present study, a biosurfactant was produced from the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa UCP 0992 cultivated in 0.5% corn steep liquor and 4.0% vegetable oil residue in a bioreactor at 225 rpm for 120 h, resulting in a surface tension of 26.5 mN/m and a yield of 26 g/L. The biosurfactant demonstrated stability when exposed to different temperatures, heating times, pH values and salt and was characterised as a glycolipid with a critical micelle concentration of 600 mg/L. A central composite rotatable design was used to evaluate the effect of the crude biosurfactant added to a laboratory DAF prototype on the removal efficiency of motor oil. The isolated and formulated forms of the biosurfactant were also tested in the prototype after the optimisation of the operational conditions. The results demonstrated that all forms of the biosurfactant increased the oil separation efficiency of the DAF process by 65 to 95%. In conclusion, the use of biosurfactants is a promising alternative as an auxiliary tool in flotation processes for the treatment of oily waters generated by industrial activities.

Recovery of contaminated marine environments by biosurfactant-enhanced bioremediation.

The need to remediate areas contaminated by petroleum products has led to the development of novel technologies for treating such contaminants in a non-conventional manner, that is, without the use of chemical or physical methods. Biosurfactants are amphipathic biomolecules produced by microorganisms that can be used in bioremediation processes in environments contaminated by petroleum products due to their excellent tensioactive properties. The aim of the present study was to produce a biosurfactant from Pseudomonas aeruginosa UCP 0992 cultivated in 0.5% corn steep liquor and 4.0% vegetable oil residue in a 1.2-L bioreactor employing a central composite rotatable design to optimize the cultivation conditions for maximum yield. The best results were achieved with aeration rate of 1.0 vvm and 3.0% inoculum at 225 rpm for 120 h, resulting in a surface tension of 26.5 mN/m and a biosurfactant yield of 26 g/L. Kinetic and static assays were then performed with the biosurfactant for the removal of motor oil adsorbed to sand, with removal rates around 90% and 80%, respectively, after 24 h. Oil degradation experiments with the bacterium and the combination of the bacterium and biosurfactant were also conducted to simulate the bioremediation process in sand and seawater samples (duration: 75 and 30 days, respectively). In both cases, oil degradation rates were higher than 90% in the presence of the biosurfactant and the producing species, indicating the potential of the biomolecule as an adjuvant in petroleum decontamination processes in the marine environment.

Elementos relevantes en la intervención terapéutica de jóvenes que cometen infracciones sexuales: la percepción de adolescentes chilenos egresados de un programa especializado / Relevant elements in the therapeutic intervention of young people who have committed sexual offences: perception of the Chilean adolescents emerging from a specialized program / Elementos relevantes na intervenção terapêutica de jovens que cometem infrações sexuais: a percepção de adolescentes chilenos egressos de um programa especializado

Resumen El objetivo de la investigación es estudiar la percepción de jóvenes chilenos egresados de un programa dirigido a adolescentes que cometen actos sexualmente abusivos. En el estudio se aplicó una metodología de tipo cualitativa, utilizando como instrumentos de producción de información la entrevista semi-estructurada y la revisión documental de fichas clínicas. El análisis se realizó mediante la técnica de la Teoría Fundamentada. Los resultados alcanzados apuntan a la importancia en la especialización de las metodologías y técnicas aplicadas, tanto en la evaluación diagnóstica como en el proceso terapéutico. Se observó también la relevancia que tiene la figura del terapeuta como elemento facilitador del éxito en la intervención, y la imperativa necesidad de perfeccionamiento en las técnicas para abordar los contenidos asociados al reconocimiento y responsabilización del hecho abusivo. Finalmente, se concluye la necesidad de mayor investigación sobre las distintas trayectorias de adolescentes que cometen delitos sexuales, a modo de generar terapias con mayor nivel de especialización.

Abstract The objective of this investigation is to study the perception of young Chilean people; they are emerging from a program addressed to adolescents who have committed sexually abusive acts. This study implements a qualitative methodology; semi-structured interview and medical records document review were used as information production instruments. The analysis was conducted by means of the grounded theory technique. The achieved results point to the importance in the specialization of methodologies and applied techniques, in both the diagnostic evaluation and the therapeutic process. It was observed the relevance of the therapist figure as a facilitator element of the success in the intervention; and also the imperious necessity of enhancing the techniques to approach the contents associated with the recognition and accountability of the abusive act. Finally, this concludes that further research is required with regard to the different trajectories of adolescents who have committed sexual offences, so therapies with a higher level of specialization to be generated.

Resumo O objetivo da pesquisa é analisar a percepção dos jovens chilenos egressos de um programa dirigido a adolescentes que cometem atos sexualmente abusivos. No estudo foi utilizada uma metodologia qualitativa, usando como instrumentos para a coleta de dados a entrevista semiestruturada e a revisão documental de fichas clínicas. A análise realizou-se por meio da técnica de teoria fundamentada. Os resultados obtidos apontam a importância da especialização das metodologias e técnicas aplicadas, tanto na avaliação diagnóstica quanto no processo terapêutico. Observaram-se também a relevância da figura do terapeuta como facilitador para o sucesso da intervenção e a imperativa necessidade de aperfeiçoamento das técnicas para a abordagem dos conteúdos associados ao reconhecimento e responsabilização do ato abusivo. Finalmente, concluise que é necessária uma pesquisa mais ampla acerca das distintas trajetórias de adolescentes que cometem delitos sexuais, de modo que sejam fomentadas terapias com maior nível de especialização.

Use of bacterial biosurfactants as natural collectors in the dissolved air flotation process for the treatment of oily industrial effluent.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the separation of oil from water using a bench-scale DAF prototype with the addition of biosurfactants isolated from Pseudomonas cepacia CCT6659 and Bacillus cereus UCP1615. The best operating conditions for the DAF prototype were determined using a central composite rotatable design. The results demonstrated that the biosurfactants from P. cepacia and B. cereus increased the oil separation efficiency from 53.74% (using only microbubbles) to 94.11 and 80.01%, respectively. The prediction models for both DAF-biosurfactant systems were validated, showing an increase in the efficiency of the DAF process from 53.74% to 98.55 and 70.87% using the formulated biosurfactants from P. cepacia and B. cereus, respectively. The biosurfactant from P. cepacia was selected as the more promising product and used for the treatment of oily effluent from a thermoelectric plant, achieving removal rates ranging between 75.74 (isolated biosurfactant) and 95.70% (formulated biosurfactant), respectively.

A new methodology for royalties distribution of the Itaipu hydroelectric plant: The hydrographic basin as the unit of analysis.

Over the past few years, many sectors such as energy generation, industry, domestic supply, and agriculture have encountered serious environmental problems due to the lack of rainfall. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to review the current methodology of royalties distribution from Itaipu hydroelectric plant. In the proposed approach, two criteria were considered to establish the division of Itaipu royalties: (1) the relative percentage of the water flow in the generation of electricity and, (2) the relative percentage of the drop in the height of water. 62 hydroelectric plants were evaluated in this study. In 52 plants the water flow was the factor that most contributed to the generation of electricity. In 2013, 346 municipalities benefited the Itaipu royalties. With the proposed methodology, 1,327 municipalities will receive the resource, what would increase the revenue of each of these municipalities by, on average, US$ 87,436.91 per year. The methodology presented herein proposes a reduction in the environmental disparity that now exists in Brazil, through improvement to Government instruments and environmental policies. The distribution of royalties throughout the watershed can provide additional resources to support payment programs for environmental services at the state and municipality levels.

Judicialização da saúde: onde encontrar respostas e como buscar evidências para melhor instruir processos / Lawsuits in health: where to find answers and how to seek evidence to better instruct processes / Judicialización de la salud: donde encontrar respuestas y cómo buscar evidencias para mejor instruir procesos

: Objetivo: demostrar como formular perguntas no campo da judicialização da saúde e como buscar evidências da literatura científica para melhor instruir processos. Métodos: revisão de artigos referente ao campo de sistematização de pesquisa científica para tomada de decisões e caracterização das opções de perguntas existentes e bases de dados relevantes. Resultados: Existem quatro métodos para elaboração de uma pergunta estruturada contendo informações sobre População, Intervenção, Comparador, Outcomes (desfechos), sendo os acrônimos PICO, SPIDER, SPICE, ECLIPSE os mais usados. A formulação da pergunta subsidia de forma mais adequada a busca nos diferentes tipos de bases da literatura. Essas bases podem ser de estudos de síntese e revisões sistemáticas; bases da literatura gerais; bases de produção técnica científica específicas; bases de dados consideradas literatura cinza e bases de guias e diretrizes clinicas. Conclusão: o uso de evidencias cientificas tem se tornado cada vez mais necessário com a judicialização requerendo a prática de fazer perguntas para buscar respostas na literatura científica visando instruir processos judiciais no campo da saúde.

Objective: to demonstrate how to formulate questions in the field of lawsuits in health care sector and how to seek evidence from the scientific literature to better instruct processes. Methods: review of articles referring to the field of systematization of scientific research for decision making and characterization of existing question options and relevant databases. Results: There are four methods for elaborating a structured question containing information on Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes, with the acronyms PICO, SPIDER, SPICE, ECLIPSE the most used. The formulation of the question more that adequately subsidizes the search in the different types of bases of the literature. These bases may be of synthesis studies and systematic reviews; bases of the general literature; specific scientific technical production bases; databases considered gray literature and bases of guides and clinical guidelines. Conclusion: the use of scientific evidence has become increasingly necessary for lawsuits in health care sector requiring the practice of asking questions to seek answers in the scientific literature to instruct judicial processes in the field of health.

Objetivo: demostrar cómo formular preguntas en el campo de la judicialización de la salud y cómo buscar evidencias de la literatura científica para mejor instruir procesos. Métodos: revisión de artículos referente al campo de sistematización de investigación científica para toma de decisiones y caracterización de las opciones de preguntas existentes y bases de datos relevantes. Resultados: Hay cuatro métodos para elaborar una pregunta estructurada que contiene información sobre Población, Intervención, Comparador, Outcomes (resultados), siendo los siglos PICO, SPIDER, SPICE, ECLIPSE los más usados. La formulación de la pregunta subsidia de forma más adecuada la búsqueda en los diferentes tipos de bases de la literatura. Estas bases pueden ser de estudios de síntesis y revisiones sistemáticas; bases de la literatura general; bases de producción técnica científica específicas; bases de datos consideradas literatura gris y bases de guías y directrices clínicas. Conclusión: el uso de evidencias científicas se ha vuelto cada vez más necesario con la judicialización requiriendo la práctica de hacer preguntas para buscar respuestas en la literatura científica para instruir procesos judiciales en el campo de la salud.

Assistência e acompanhamento de enfermagem a mulheres com diabetes gestacional / Nursing care and follow-up to women with gestational diabetes

Introdução: O diabetes gestacional é definido como qualquer grau de redução da tolerância à glicose, cujo início ou detecção ocorre durante a gravidez. O controle inadequado do DMG aumenta os riscos, as complicações e os efeitos adversos para o binômio mãe-filho no período pré-natal e neonatal. Objetivos: Identificar a ocorrência de rastreamento positivo para diabetes entre gestantes e destacar a assistência de enfermagem prestada a essas mulheres. Método: Uma revisão integrativa de modo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa. Resultados: Selecionou-se 06 artigos que foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Discussão: Foi verificado que valorizar a interação entre profissional e paciente é um aspecto primordial do cuidado de enfermagem configurando-se como um passo importante para o sucesso da relação entre os dois. Considerações finais: Identificamos que a ocorrência do diabetes gestacional é um fator cada vez mais inserido na realidade da atuação da enfermagem, seja em âmbito primário, secundário ou terciário.

Itaipu royalties: The role of the hydroelectric sector in water resource management.

For countries dependent on hydroelectricity, water scarcity poses a real risk. Hydroelectric plants are among the most vulnerable enterprises to climate change. Investing in the conservation of the hydrographic basin is a solution found by the hydropower sector. Given the importance of the Itaipu plant to the energy matrix of Brazil and Paraguay, the aim of this study is to review the current distribution of royalties from Itaipu, using the hydrographic basin as a of criterion of analysis. Approximately 98.73% of the Itaipu basin is in Brazil. The flow contributes 99% of the total electricity generated there, while the drop height of the water contributes only 1%. Under the current policy, royalties are shared equally between Brazil and Paraguay. In the proposed approach, each country would receive a percentage for their participation in the drop height and water flow in the output of the turbines, which are intrinsic factors for electricity generation. Thus, Brazil would receive 98.35% of the royalties and Paraguay, 1.65%. The inclusion of the hydrographic basin as a criterion for the distribution of royalties will promote more efficient water resource management, since the payment will be distributed throughout the basin of the plant. The methodology can be applied to hydroelectric projects worldwide.

Application of bacterial and yeast biosurfactants for enhanced removal and biodegradation of motor oil from contaminated sand

Background This study investigated the potential application of two biosurfactants for enhanced removal capability and biodegradation of motor oil contaminated sand under laboratory conditions. The biosurfactants were produced by the yeast Candida sphaerica and by the bacterium Bacillus sp. cultivated in low-cost substrates. The ability of removing motor oil from soil by the two biosurfactants was identified and compared with that of the synthetic surfactants Tween 80 and Triton X-100. Results Both crude and isolated biosurfactants showed excellent effectiveness on motor oil removal from contaminated sand under kinetic conditions (70-90%), while the synthetic surfactants removed between 55 and 80% of the oil. A contact time of 5-10 min under agitation seemed to be enough for oil removal with the biosurfactants and synthetic surfactants tested. The crude and the isolated biosurfactant from C. sphaerica were able to remove high percentages of motor oil from packed columns (around 90%) when compared to the biosurfactant from Bacillus sp. (40%). For the degradation experiments conducted in motor oil contaminated sand enriched with sugar cane molasses, however, oil degradation reached almost 100% after 90 d in the presence of Bacillus sp. cells, while the percentage of oil degradation did not exceed 50% in the presence of C. sphaerica. The presence of the biosurfactants increased the degradation rate in 10-20%, especially during the first 45 d, indicating that biosurfactants acted as efficient enhancers for hydrocarbon biodegradation. Conclusions The results indicated the biosurfactants enhancing capability on both removal and rate of motor oil biodegradation in soil systems.

Characterization of a biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas cepacia CCT6659 in the presence of industrial wastes and its application in the biodegradation of hydrophobic compounds in soil.

The bacterium Pseudomonas cepacia CCT6659 cultivated with 2% soybean waste frying oil and 2% corn steep liquor as substrates produced a biosurfactant with potential application in the bioremediation of soils. The biosurfactant was classified as an anionic biomolecule composed of 75% lipids and 25% carbohydrates. Characterization by proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H and (13)C NMR) revealed the presence of carbonyl, olefinic and aliphatic groups, with typical spectra of lipids. Four sets of biodegradation experiments were carried out with soil contaminated by hydrophobic organic compounds amended with molasses in the presence of an indigenous consortium, as follows: Set 1-soil+bacterial cells; Set 2-soil+biosurfactant; Set 3-soil+bacterial cells+biosurfactant; and Set 4-soil without bacterial cells or biosurfactant (control). Significant oil biodegradation activity (83%) occurred in the first 10 days of the experiments when the biosurfactant and bacterial cells were used together (Set 3), while maximum degradation of the organic compounds (above 95%) was found in Sets 1-3 between 35 and 60 days. It is evident from the results that the biosurfactant alone and its producer species are both capable of promoting biodegradation to a large extent.

Consecuencias psicosociales de la privación de la libertad en imputados inocentes / Psychosocial consequences of innocent persons being deprived of their liberty / Consequências psicossociais da privação da liberdade em imputados inocentes

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las consecuencias psicosociales en sujetos privados de la libertad que resultaron inocentes. El marco teórico incluyó los conceptos de psicología jurídica, presunción de inocencia, verdad jurídica, privación de la libertad, efectos de la prisionización y estigmatización social. El instrumento empleado para la recolección de información fue una entrevista semiestructurada, que logró dar cuenta de los efectos psicológicos y sociales de la privación de la libertad en personas que fueron imputadas y que resultaron finalmente inocentes, según la verdad jurídica. Se concluye con la ratificación de las consecuencias psicosociales del hecho de estar privados de la libertad, y con una reflexión acerca de la actuación de los operadores del sistema judicial y la dificultad para detectar los errores.

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as consequências psicossociais nos sujeitos privados da liberdade que ficaram inocentes. O quadro teórico incluiu os conceitos da psicologia legal, da presunção do inocência, da verdade legal, da privação da liberdade, dos efeitos do encarceramento e da estigmatização social. O instrumento usado para a coleta das informações foi uma entrevista semiestruturada, e evidenciou os efeitos psicológicos e sociais da privação da liberdade nas pessoas que foram imputadas e ficaram inocentes, de acordo com a verdade legal. O artigo conclui com o ratificação das consequências psicossociais do fato de estar privados da liberdade, e com uma reflexão sobre o desempenho dos operadores do sistema judicial e da dificuldade para detectar os erros.

This study was aimed at describing the psychosocial consequences affecting individuals who after having been deprived from their liberty were found innocent. The theoretical frame included concepts such as legal psychology, the presumption of innocence and the in dubio pro-reo, i. e. “when in doubt, for the accused” principles, judicial truth, deprivation of liberty, and the effects of prisonization and social stigmatization. The instrument used in the gathering of information was a semi-structured interview which succeeded in accounting for the psychological and social consequences of deprivation of liberty for innocent people wrongfully convicted, according to the juridical truth. The study concludes with the ratification of such effects and consequences and the usual difficulty in error detecting and correcting.

Factores asociados a la reincidencia en delitos patrimoniales, según sexo: estudio desde la perspectiva personal de condenados(as) en dos penales de Santiago de Chile / Factors associated with recidivism or repeated serious offenses against persons or properties (“delitos patrimoniales”) depending on gender: a study from the personal perspective of male and female convicts at two correctional institutions in Santiago de Chile / Os fatores associados à reincidência em crimes patrimoniais, de acordo com o sexo: estudo desde a perspectiva pessoal dos condenados e condenadas em duas prisões de Santiago do Chile

Se indagó acerca de los factores que hombres y mujeres, de una población intrapenitenciaria del Centro de Cumplimiento Penitenciario Colina II y el Centro Penitenciario Femenino, asocian como más significativos a la hora de reincidir. La muestra estuvo conformada por 53 hombres y 53 mujeres reincidentes, condenados por delitos patrimoniales en un régimen cerrado. Para la recolección de la información se utilizaron dos instrumentos: una entrevista semiestructurada y un cuestionario ad hoc. Los resultados obtenidos indican como los factores más asociados a la reincidencia: “Consumo problemático de alcohol y drogas”, “Control de impulsos” y la participación en los “Programas de reinserción laboral”. Existen diferencias según el sexo: mientras los hombres señalan como más determinantes de reincidencia la participación en los “Programas de reinserción laboral” y la escasa “Capacitación laboral”, las mujeres relacionan como más preponderantes el “Consumo problemático de alcohol y drogas” y la falta de “Control de impulsos” al momento de delinquir.

The study inquired about the factors that men and women belonging in an intra-correctional population of both the “Centro de Cumplimiento Penitenciario Colina II” and the “Centro Penitenciario Femenino” tend to associate as more significant at the time of reoffending. The sample consisted 106 persistent offenders (53 men and 53 women) convicted for offenses against persons or property within a closed system. For the gathering of information, two instruments were used: a semi-structured interview, and an ad hoc questionnaire. The results so obtained indicate how those factors more associated with recidivism such as the “problematical use of alcohol and drugs”, “poor impulse control”, and the participation in “reinsertion-to-work programs”. There are differences depending on gender: while males point out at the latter and “poor work training”, women think that most significant are “problematical use of alcohol and drugs”, and “lack of impulse control” at the time of committing a crime.

Investigação sobre os fatores que os homens e as mulheres, de uma população intra-penitentiária do Centro de Cumprimento Penitenciário Colina II e o Centro Penitenciário Feminino, associam como mais significativo na hora de reincidir. A amostra foi conformada por 53 homens e por 53 mulheres dos reincidentes, condenados por crimes patrimoniais em um regime fechado. Para a coleta da informação dois instrumentos foram usados: uma entrevista semi-estruturada e um questionário ad-hoc. Os resultados obtidos indicam os seguintes fatores como os mais associados à reincidência: “consumo problemático do álcool e drogas”, “controle dos impulsos” e a participação nos “programas do reinserção ao trabalho”. Existem diferenças segundo o sexo: enquanto os homens indicam que os fatores mais determinantes de reincidência são aqueles relacionados com a participação nos “programas do reinserção ao trabalho” e a escala de “treinamento de trabalho”, as mulheres relacionam como mais predominantes “o consumo problemático do álcool e as drogas” e a falta do “controle dos impulsos” na hora de quebrar a lei.