Permanent Protection Research Articles

Volatile inhibitors of atmospheric corrosion. IV. Evolution of vapor-phase protection in the light of patent literature

The review analyzes the patent literature dealing with metal protection by volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCIs) and materials based thereon. It has been found inhibitors of atmospheric corrosion with vapor pressure above 10 –5 mmHg can be used as VCIs, including nitrogen-containing bases of various nature, salts of nitrogen-containing bases with some inorganic or organic acids, organic nitro compounds, esters of organic and inorganic acids, heterocyclic nitrogen-containing compounds, etc. Vapor-phase metal protection is also performed using non-volatile compounds and formulations that can release compounds of the above types upon hydrolysis. VCIs for temporary protection can be used in the form of active compounds, solutions, packaging materials, porous emitters, inhibited air, or in special forms intended for the protection of specific product types. VCIs can be used for permanent protection of metal articles within polymer coatings (paints) and working liquids (hydraulic, cooling liquids, etc.).

Córregos urbanos na visão da justiça ambiental: Uma reflexão na bacia hidrográfica do córrego da Onça - Três Lagoas/MS - Brasil

The term emerged to oppose the distribution of risks and benefits that happens unevenly. In this context, this article aimed to think about the concept of environmental justice and the equipment distribution in urban areas of permanent protection, as well as the consequences of this distribution in relation to socioeconomic status. The methodological procedures were based on bibliographical survey of articles and relevant legislation, mapping of riparian vegetation and the galleries of rainwater through the use of satellite imagery and data from the municipal government and the Geographic Information System. Site visits complemented the development of the research. It was observed that the injustices can be found in the geographical distributions of various issues related to the economic development.

Team science on a smaller scale

Team science on a smaller scale

Afforestation effects on vegetation structure and diversity of grasslands in southern Brazil: The first years

We evaluated the effects of afforestation on the composition and structure of southern Brazilian subtropical grasslands directly beneath tree plantations, in pastures, and in permanent protection areas near watercourses. Cover of plants was registered in 120 plots of 1m2 in grasslands located at two distances from small watercourses in pasture and eucalypt plantation areas within a livestock ranching landscape. Livestock density is reduced in plantation areas. Species composition beneath tree plantations was significantly different from both pasture and nearby permanent protection areas. Permanent protection areas near plantations were also compositionally different from pastures. Eucalypt plantation was the environment type where ruderals were most abundant. Growth form cover distribution in pasture areas showed a consistent pattern, with graminous herbs being the most common growth form followed by prostrate herbs, prostrate subshrubs, and standing subshrubs. In plantation areas, the dominance of the graminoid herb growth form increased markedly, as well as standing herbs. These increases occurred mainly at the expense of prostrate herbs and subshrubs, which were significantly reduced. Plot-level species density was significantly affected by distance from watercourse and, more importantly, was significantly influenced by the interaction between management regime and distance to watercourse. It was reduced in eucalypt plantations relative to permanent protected areas. Current management of eucalypt plantations in southern Brazil produce unsuitable conditions for grassland species to thrive within plantations. Livestock densities <1.0animalunitha−1 in eucalypt plantations undermines the ability of surrounding permanent protection areas to act as ecological networks for biodiversity conservation.

A qualidade sócioambiental em assentamentos rurais do Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

O processo de Reforma Agrária é oferecido como uma possível estratégia para redução da pobreza e aumento da equidade social, mas depende de políticas públicas eficientes, tornando os agricultores beneficiados auto-sustentáveis. Objetivando apresentar as principais problemáticas socioambientais de 33 assentamentos rurais do Rio Grande do Norte (nordeste brasileiro), foram avaliados aspectos sociais, econômicos e ambientais de 631 famílias desses assentamentos e de 16 relatórios PRAD (Plano de Recuperação de Áreas Degradadas) do período de 2007 a 2010. Observou-se que a emancipação de um assentamento, medida através da geração de renda, grau de escolaridade e mudanças de hábitos ambientais, não está ligada ao seu tempo de fundação, e que a sua renda pouco depende da agricultura, sendo afetada principalmente pela proximidade de centros urbanos, pelo número de aposentados na família e pela participação em programas sociais. Os dados ambientais apontam o baixo nível de escolaridade e a maior idade dos assentamentos como fatores determinantes para o aumento da degradação das Reservas Legais e Áreas de Proteção Permanentes. Esses dados sugerem que o processo de Reforma Agrária ainda é deficiente na região nordeste, não priorizando a independência social dos assentamentos e ignorando a sua temática ambiental.

Intragraft CD11b+IDO+ Cells Mediate Cardiac Allograft Tolerance by ECDI-Fixed Donor Splenocyte Infusions

We have previously shown that pre- and post-transplant infusions of donor splenocytes treated with 1-ethyl-3-(3'-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (ECDI-SPs) provide permanent donor-specific protection of islet allografts. The efficacy of donor ECDI-SPs in protecting vascularized cardiac allografts and mechanism(s) of protection are unknown. In this study, we show that infusions of ECDI-SPs significantly prolong cardiac allograft survival concomitant with an impressive accumulation of CD11b(+) IDO(+) cells in the cardiac allograft, and that the presence of this population is dependent on Gr1(+) cells. Consequently, depletion of Gr1(+) cells or inhibition of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) activity abrogates graft protection by ECDI-SPs infusions. In addition, T cells from ECDI-SPs treated recipients secrete high levels of interleukin 10 and interleukin 13 upon in vitro restimulation, which are also dampened in recipients treated with the IDO inhibitor. Furthermore, combination of donor ECDI-SPs with a short course of rapamycin provides indefinite cardiac allograft survival in 100% of the recipients. These findings reveal a novel mechanism of donor ECDI-SPs in inducing cardiac transplant tolerance and provide several targets that are amenable to therapeutic manipulations for tolerance induction for cardiac transplantation.

Pressão de preconsolidação como ferramenta de análise da sustentabilidade estrutural de classes de solos com diferentes usos

O principal problema ambiental causado pelo uso do solo em áreas de preservação permanente longitudinais aos rios é a supressão da mata ciliar. O tipo e a intensidade desse uso alteram a estrutura do solo e comprometem as funções físicas dessas áreas, principalmente próximo aos cursos d'água. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a sustentabilidade estrutural, a partir do ensaio de compressão uniaxial, de três classes de solo (Cambissolo Háplico, Argissolo Amarelo e Gleissolo Háplico) e o impacto de diferentes tipos de usos do solo - não permitido pela legislação ambiental - de áreas de preservação permanente na sub-bacia do rio Ribeira de Iguape, SP. Foram delimitadas na área experimental três classes de solo: Cambissolo, Argissolo e Gleissolo. Numa primeira etapa, compararam-se as três classes de solos sob mata nativa e sob pastagem. Na segunda, avaliou-se a influência de diferentes tipos de uso do solo - cultivo de banana, pastagem degradada, uso silvipastoril e mata nativa - sobre a estrutura de um Cambissolo. A pressão de preconsolidação mostrou-se ferramenta capaz de identificar a degradação nos solos. O uso do solo nas áreas de preservação permanente altera a pressão de preconsolidação do solo, causando sua degradação estrutural, colocando em risco a sustentabilidade das terras, e não deve ser permitido. O Gleissolo mostrou maiores valores de pressão de preconsolidação em função de teores crescentes de água e, portanto, maior capacidade de suporte de carga em relação ao Cambissolo e Argissolo. O cultivo de banana foi o tipo de uso que mais degradou os solos das áreas de preservação permanente.

Social protection to achieve sustainable inclusion: A European imperative in the current economic crisis

AbstractPreventing social exclusion has become a critical issue in the European Union (EU) as a result of cutbacks in social expenditure imposed by Member States’ exploding debt. This issue sits at the intersection of employment and training policies and of reforms seeking to adapt social protection systems to the new realities of the present socio‐economic context (population ageing, family instability, massive unemployment, employment insecurity, in‐work poverty and persistent and increasing social inequality). This article will show that promoting social protection as part of a social investment approach is an excellent means of reconciling the objectives of equal opportunity over the life cycle, sustained economic performance (improved structural competitiveness) and strengthened social cohesion in the interest of collective well‐being. Particular emphasis is given to the need to promote universal and individual rights to mobility and lifelong training, which would constitute new social guarantees, offsetting requirements linked to labour market flexibility. The article also emphasizes the importance of incorporating these rights throughout the EU as part of a wider social protection floor. This would offer permanent protection against the risk of exclusion in the Union, promote the economic and social integration sought since the revised Lisbon Strategy (2003‐2005), and create confidence and hope among Europe's citizens.

Systematic review: early infant feeding and the prevention of coeliac disease

PREVENTCD, Prevent Coeliac Disease, is an international project investigating the hypothesis of possible induction of tolerance to gluten in genetically predisposed children through introducing small quantities of gluten during the period of breastfeeding. To summarise current knowledge on the possible relationship between early feeding practices and the risk of coeliac disease (CD). The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched in May 2011, and the search was updated in January 2012, and again in July 2012. Breastfeeding (BF) and CD: some studies show a protective effect of BF, while others show no effect. No studies have shown a long-term preventive effect. BF at the time of gluten introduction and CD: Results from a meta-analysis of five observational case-control studies suggest that BF at gluten introduction is associated with a lower risk of CD compared with formula feeding. It is unclear whether BF provides a permanent protection or only delays the onset of CD. Timing of gluten introduction: The data suggest that both early (≤4 months) and late (≥7 months) introduction of gluten may increase the risk of CD. Amount of gluten at weaning (and later) and CD: One incident case-referent study documented that the introduction of gluten in large amounts compared with small or medium amounts increased the risk of CD. In the absence of clear evidence, in order to decrease the risk of later coeliac disease, it is reasonable to avoid both early (<4 months) and late (≥7 months) introduction of gluten, and to introduce gluten while the infant is still being breastfed. Future studies may clarify the remaining uncertainties.

Meio ambiente urbano e questão social: habitação popular em áreas de preservação ambiental

O artigo discute a relação entre cidade e meio ambiente como questão pública, face à multiplicação das ocupações de áreas de preservação ambiental por moradias de baixa renda. Embora o meio ambiente seja parte integrante, e não mero "cenário" da vida social, é recente o reconhecimento da dimensão ecológica da questão urbana. A discussão é feita à luz do caso de uma favela de Fortaleza, localizada em área de preservação permanente. Um projeto da Prefeitura para remover seus moradores para um conjunto nas proximidades atraiu novos ocupantes, cuja retirada imediata da área foi exigida pelo Ministério Público. Face à insuficiência de recursos para garantir habitação aos "invasores", sua remoção engendrou um dilema ético e social, contrapondo o direito à habitação ao direito ao meio ambiente saudável.

Façade Elements for Natural Ventilation and Sound Insulation

The indoor environmental comfort requires nowadays the pursuit of architectural alternatives with less energy demand. In hot and humid climates, natural ventilation is one of the design strategies that can be applied to reduce energy consumption in buildings. According to this vision, elements with apertures ( cobogó or combogó, as they are popularly known in northeastern Brazil) are architectural elements that provide permanent natural ventilation, sun protection and natural lighting. However, there are acoustic problems associated with the sound insulation that they provide. The present study had the goal of developing elements with apertures to mitigate the conflict between the thermal-acoustic comfort demands. The sound insulation performance of the elements was evaluated in situ according to the ISO 140–5 standard. The natural ventilation characteristics of the elements were investigated by means of computer simulations, using methods of computational fluid dynamics – CFD. Four types of elements had been proposed, which were acoustically evaluated in different mounts on a wall-like facade. The results showed how difficult is to control the transmission of sound at low frequencies in facades with apertures, however, satisfactory sound insulation results were obtained with one type of mounting, which gave an Weighted Standardized Level Difference Dnt, w value of 27 dB. The CFD simulations show that because of its geometrical characteristics, this mounting also provides the best flow conditions for internal natural ventilation, despite the fact that its % of open area of 12% is not the highest amongst the proposed elements. Calculated values of measures of comfort ventilation show that the mountings with the best sound insulation characteristics are also capable of providing adequate values of ventilation ratios and air changes per hour in the test suite that was used for measuring sound insulation.

Trajno varovana kmetijska zemljišča in bližina vodnih virov, primernih za namakanje

To aid the formation of the suggested areas of permanently protected agricultural land, an allocation algorithm was developed and used to establish the irrigation water use potential of surface waters streams, reservoirs, groundwater and treated municipal wastewater, with the case study area of Slovenia. The result is a map of the irrigation water use potential, regarding the location and water source use suitability for irrigation. The map shows areas where the permanent protection of agricultural land would be either most suitable either least suitable. The appearance of the map depends on several water management aspects, i.e. water demand management, water use administration, the targeted management of water infrastructure and the development of new water sources.

Panorama socioambiental do igarapé Caranã, Boa Vista - Roraima

The dynamics of production of urban space in Boa Vista in the 1980s and 1990s of the twentieth century and, more recently, at the beginning of this century, has not been assisted sustainably by managers federal, state and municipal. In particular with respect to the intense process of environmental degradation in the urban context of the city as a result of migration sponsored by the most Governors of Roraima, which promoted the mobility of people from other states to the state of Roraima, in particular for capital Boa Vista, with the promise of homeownership and work. Such flows, without proper planning, caused irregular occupation in APP's (Permanent Protection Areas), located in the west of the city. Therefore, this study aims to show the reality of the watershed Carana stream situated in the western city of Boa Vista, involving its complex environmental issue, as the use of its water resources and their limitations with respect to the illegal occupation of their margins. Also, propose public policies for a participatory environmental management aimed at solving existing environmental impacts in this area.

Total synthesis of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor of the human lymphocyte CD52 antigen.

The first total synthesis of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor bearing a polyunsaturated arachidonoyl fatty acid is reported. This lipid is found in mammalian GPIs that do not undergo lipid remodeling, a process that has important implications in the localization and function of GPI-anchored proteins. Incorporation of the oxidation- and reduction-sensitive arachidonoyl lipid in the target GPI was accomplished by using the para-methoxybenzyl (PMB) group for permanent hydroxyl group protection, which featured a selective, rapid, and efficient global deprotection protocol. The flexibility of this synthetic strategy was further highlighted by the inclusion of two additional GPI core structural modifications present in the GPI anchor of the human lymphocyte CD52 antigen.

Soil microbial biomass under different management and tillage systems of permanent intercropped cover species in an orange orchard

To mitigate soil erosion and enhance soil fertility in orange plantations, the permanent protection of the inter-rows by cover species has been suggested. The objective of this study was to evaluate alterations in the microbial biomass, due to different soil tillage systems and intercropped cover species between rows of orange trees. The soil of the experimental area previously used as pasture (Brachiaria humidicola) was an Ultisol (Typic Paleudult) originating from Caiuá sandstone in the northwestern part of the State of Paraná, Brazil. Two soil tillage systems were evaluated: conventional tillage (CT) in the entire area and strip tillage (ST) (strip width 2 m), in combination with different ground cover management systems. The citrus cultivar 'Pera' orange (Citrus sinensis) grafted onto 'Rangpur' lime rootstock was used. Soil samples were collected after five years of treatment from a depth of 0-15 cm, under the tree canopy and in the inter-row, in the following treatments: (1) CT and an annual cover crop with the leguminous species Calopogonium mucunoides; (2) CT and a perennial cover crop with the leguminous peanut Arachis pintoi; (3) CT and an evergreen cover crop with Bahiagrass Paspalum notatum; (4) CT and a cover crop with spontaneous Brachiaria humidicola grass vegetation; and (5) ST and maintenance of the remaining grass (pasture) of Brachiaria humidicola. Soil tillage and the different cover species influenced the microbial biomass, both under the tree canopy and in the inter-row. The cultivation of brachiaria increased C and N in the microbial biomass, while bahiagrass increased P in the microbial biomass. The soil microbial biomass was enriched in N and P by the presence of ground cover species and according to the soil P content. The grass species increased C, N and P in the soil microbial biomass from the inter-row more than leguminous species.

Use of Dermasilk briefs in recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis: safety and effectiveness

Despite the generally excellent results achieved with fluconazole 150 mg weekly in recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RVVC), some patients with a long history of disease do not achieve complete resolution of symptoms following antimycotic treatment. It is thought that use of tight synthetic fabric underwear could be a significant factor in causing recurrence. We decided to compare underwear made of Dermasilk®, a pure fibroin fabric impregnated with a permanent antimicrobial protection, with a cotton placebo to see whether it could be a useful adjunctive tool in the management of RVVC. We recruited 96 women who had a long-term history of RVVC and had not responded to oral antimycotics with complete satisfaction. The patients were randomly divided into two groups and instructed to use either white cotton placebo briefs or Dermasilk® briefs. Both groups were treated with fluconazole 150 mg once weekly for 6 months. After 6 months, the Dermasilk group showed a statistically significant greater decrease of itching, burning, erythema and a smaller number of recurrences than the cotton group. Our work suggests that Dermasilk® briefs could be a useful adjunctive tool in addition to antimycotic treatment to help relieve the discomfort of recurrent vulvovaginitis.

Gene transfer as a strategy to achieve permanent cardioprotection I: rAAV-mediated gene therapy with inducible nitric oxide synthase limits infarct size 1 year later without adverse functional consequences

The ultimate goal of prophylactic gene therapy is to confer permanent protection against ischemia. Although gene therapy with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is known to protect against myocardial infarction at 3days and up to 2months, the long-term effects on myocardial ischemic injury and function are unknown. To address this issue, we created a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector carrying the iNOS gene (rAAV/iNOS), which enables long-lasting transgene expression. The ability of rAAV/iNOS to direct the expression of functional iNOS protein was confirmed in COS-7 cells before in vivo gene transfer. Mice received injections in the anterior LV wall of rAAV/LacZ or rAAV/iNOS; 1year later, they underwent a 30-min coronary occlusion (O) and 4h of reperfusion (R). iNOS gene transfer resulted in elevated iNOS protein expression (+3-fold vs. the LacZ group, n=6; P<0.05) and iNOS activity (+4.4-fold vs. the LacZ group, n=6; P<0.05) 1year later. Infarct size (% of risk region) was dramatically reduced at 1year after iNOS gene transfer (13.5±2.2%, n=12, vs. 41.7±2.9%, n=10, in the LacZ group; P<0.05). The infarct-sparing effect of iNOS gene therapy at 1year was as powerful as that observed 24h after ischemic preconditioning (six 4-min O/4-min R cycles) (19.3±2.3%, n=11; P<0.05). Importantly, compared with the LacZ group (n=11), iNOS gene transfer (n=10) had no effect on LV dimensions or function for up to 1year (at 1year: FS 34.5±2.0 vs. 34.6±2.6%, EF 57.0±2.0 vs. 59.7±2.9%, LVEDD 4.3±0.1 vs. 4.2±0.2mm, LVESD 2.8±0.1 vs. 2.9±0.2mm) (echocardiography). These data demonstrate, for the first time, that rAAV-mediated iNOS gene transfer affords long-term, probably permanent (1year), cardioprotection without adverse functional consequences, providing a strong rationale for further preclinical testing of prophylactic gene therapy.

Photocatalystic Cathodic Protection of TiO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Coating on AZ31 Magnesium Alloy

Nano TiO2 and S, N co-doped TiO2 composite coatings with WO3 transitional layer were deposited on AZ31 magnesium alloy by sol-gel method. The morphologies, structure, mechanical properties, compositional depth profiles and anti-corrosion performance of the as prepared coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, nanoscratch test, glowing discharge optical emission spectrometry and electrochemical method, respectively. The results show that the nano TiO2 coatings are continuous, uniform and dense with thickness ca.3-5μm, elements in the interface diffuse mutually during heat treatment; S-N co-doped TiO2 enhances the interface adhesion, WO3 transitional layer increases the total coating thickness and strengthens the adhesion to substrate with respect to unitary TiO2 coating; S, N co-doped TiO2 acts as visible light photocatalyst that can provide permanent cathodic protection for AZ31 magnesium using WO3 as electron restoring material.

Unilateral Brain Hypothermia as a Method to Examine Efficacy and Mechanisms of Neuroprotection Against Global Ischemia

Hypothermia, especially applied during ischemia, is the gold-standard neuroprotectant. When delayed, cooling must often be maintained for a day or more to achieve robust, permanent protection. Most animal and clinical studies use whole-body cooling-an arduous technique that can cause systemic complications. Brain-selective cooling may avoid such problems. Thus, in this rat study, we used a method that cools one hemisphere without affecting the contralateral side or the body. Localized brain hypothermia was achieved by flushing cold water through a metal tube attached to the rats' skull. First, in anesthetized rats we measured temperature in the cooled and contralateral hemisphere to demonstrate selective unilateral cooling. Subsequent telemetry recordings in awake rats confirmed that brain cooling did not cause systemic hypothermia during prolonged treatment. Additionally, we subjected rats to transient global ischemia and after recovering from anesthesia they remained at normothermia or had their right hemisphere cooled for 2 days (∼32°C-33°C). Hypothermia significantly lessened CA1 injury and microglia activation on the right side at 1 and 4 week survival times. Near-complete injury and a strong microglia response occurred in the left (normothermic) hippocampus as occurred in both hippocampi of the untreated group. Thus, this focal cooling method is suitable for evaluating the efficacy and mechanisms of hypothermic neuroprotection in global ischemia models. This method also has advantages over many current systemic cooling protocols in rodents, namely: (1) lower cost, (2) simplicity, (3) safety and suitability for long-term cooling, and (4) an internal control-the normothermic hemisphere.

Permanent protection of PLG scaffold transplanted allogeneic islet grafts in diabetic mice treated with ECDI-fixed donor splenocyte infusions

Allogeneic islet cell transplantation is a promising treatment for human type 1 diabetes. Currently, human islets are transplanted via intra-portal infusions. While successful, it leads to significant early islet attrition from instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction. An extra-hepatic site was established by transplanting islet-loaded microporous poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) scaffolds into the epididymal fat pad in syngeneic islet transplant models. This study examined this technology in allogeneic islet transplantation and determined whether transplant tolerance could be effectively induced to protect PLG scaffold transplanted allogeneic islets. The efficacy of an established tolerance induction strategy using donor splenocytes treated with ethylcarbodiimide(ECDI) was tested. ECDI-fixed donor splenocytes were infused 7 days before and 1 day after islet transplantation. Immediate normoglycemia was restored, and treated mice maintained indefinite normoglycemia whereas untreated mice rejected islet grafts within 20 days of transplantation. Interestingly, efficacy of tolerance induction was superior in PLG scaffold compared with intra-portal transplanted islets. Protection of PLG scaffold islet allografts was associated with several mechanisms of immune regulation. In summary, PLG scaffolds can serve as an alternative delivery system for islet transplantation that does not impair tolerance induction. This approach of combining tolerance induction with scaffold islet transplantation has potential therapeutic implications for human islet transplantation.