Use of Alternative Tobacco Products in Multiethnic Youth from Jujuy, Argentina

This study examines alternative tobacco use among Latin American youth. A self-administered survey in a random sample of 27 schools was administered in 2004 in Jujuy, Argentina (N = 3218). Prevalence of alternative tobacco product use was 24.1%; 15.3% of youth used hand-rolled cigarettes, 7.8% smoked cigars, 2.3% chewed tobacco leaf and 1.6% smoked pipe. Among youth who never smoked manufactured cigarettes, alternative product use was rare (2.9%), except for chewing tobacco (22%). In multivariate logistic regression boys were more likely than girls to smoke pipe (OR = 3.1; 95% CI 1.1–8.7); indigenous language was associated with smoking hand-rolled cigarettes (OR = 1.4; 95% CI-1.1–1.9) and pipe (OR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.5–3.4). Working in tobacco sales was a risk factor for chewing tobacco (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.7–4.9) and smoking hand-rolled cigarettes (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.1–1.8). Having friends who smoked was associated with chewing tobacco (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.0–3.2) and with smoking cigars (OR = 2.1; 95% CI 1.5–2.9). Current drinking and thrill-seeking orientation were associated with cigars and pipe smoking. Findings highlight the importance of surveillance of alternative tobacco products use and availability among youth and for addressing identified risk factors

Salsalate treatment improves glycemia without altering adipose tissue in nondiabetic obese hispanics.

ObjectiveSalsalate treatment has well-known effects on improving glycemia, and the objective of this study was to examine whether the mechanism of this effect was related to changes in adipose tissue.MethodsA randomized double-blind and placebo-controlled trial in obese Hispanics (18-35 years) was conducted. The intervention consisted of 4 g day(-1) of salsalate (n = 11) versus placebo (n = 13) for 4 weeks. Outcome measures included glycemia, adiposity, ectopic fat, and adipose tissue gene expression and inflammation.ResultsIn those receiving salsalate, plasma fasting glucose decreased by 3.4% (P < 0.01), free fatty acids decreased by 42.5% (P = 0.06), and adiponectin increased by 27.7% (P < 0.01). Salsalate increased insulin AUC by 38% (P = 0.01) and HOMA-B by 47.2% (P < 0.01) while estimates of insulin sensitivity/resistance were unaffected. These metabolic improvements occurred without changes in total, abdominal, visceral, or liver fat. Plasma markers of inflammation/immune activation were unchanged following salsalate. Salsalate had no effects on adipose tissue including adipocyte size, presence of crown-like structures, or gene expression of adipokines, immune cell markers, or cytokines downstream of NF-κB with the exception of downregulation of IL-1β (P < 0.01).ConclusionsFindings suggest that metabolic improvements in response to salsalate occurred without alterations in adiposity, ectopic fat, or adipose tissue gene expression and inflammation

Biological control of tephritid fruit flies in the Americas and Hawaii: A review of the use of parasitoids and predators

Biological control has been the most commonly researched control tactic within fruit fly management programs. For the first time, a review is carried out covering parasitoids and predators of fruit flies (Tephritidae) from the Americas and Hawaii, presenting the main biological control programs in this region. In this work, 31 species of fruit flies of economic importance are considered in the genera Anastrepha (11), Rhagoletis (14), Bactrocera (4), Ceratitis (1), and Zeugodacus (1). In this study, a total of 79 parasitoid species of fruit flies of economic importance are listed and, from these, 50 are native and 29 are introduced. A total of 56 species of fruit fly predators occur in the Americas and Hawaii.Fil: Garcia, Flávio R. M.. Universidade Federal de Pelotas; BrasilFil: Ovruski Alderete, Sergio Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos; ArgentinaFil: Suárez, Lorena. Dirección de Sanidad Vegetal; ArgentinaFil: Cancino, Jorge. Programa Moscafrut Sagarpa-iica; MéxicoFil: Liburd, Oscar E.. University of Florida; Estados Unido

Cooper-Harper Experience Report for Spacecraft Handling Qualities Applications

A synopsis of experience from the fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft communities in handling qualities development and the use of the Cooper-Harper pilot rating scale is presented as background for spacecraft handling qualities research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E). In addition, handling qualities experiences and lessons-learned from previous United States (US) spacecraft developments are reviewed. This report is intended to provide a central location for references, best practices, and lessons-learned to guide current and future spacecraft handling qualities RDT&E

Country and gender differences in the association between violence and cigarette smoking among youth

Background: Exposure to violence in youth may be associated with substance use and other adverse health effects. This study examined cigarette smoking in two middle-income areas with different levels and types of exposure to violence. Methods: Association of exposure to verbal and physical violence with cigarette smoking in the West Bank oPt (2008) and in Jujuy Argentina (2006) was examined using cross-sectional surveys of 14 to 17-year old youth in 7th to 10th grade using probabilistic sampling. Results: Violence exposure rates were more than double for Palestinian girls (99.6% vs. 41.2%) and boys (98.7% vs. 41.1%) compared with Argentinians. The rate of current cigarette smoking was significantly higher among Argentinian girls compared with Palestinian girls (33.1% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.001). Exposure to verbal violence from family and to physical violence increased the odds of current cigarette smoking, respectively, among Argentinian girls (aOR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.0–1.7; aOR = 2.5, 95%CI = 1.7–3.8), Palestinian girls (aOR 2.2, 95%CI = 1.1–2.4; aOR = 2.0, 95%CI = 1.1–3.6) and Argentinian boys (aOR = 1.5, 95%CI = 1.1–2.0; aOR = 2.2, 95%CI = 1.6–3.0), but not among Palestinian boys. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of producing context and gender specific evidence from exposure to violence, to inform and increase the impact of targeted smoking prevention strategies.Fil: Abu Rmeileh, Niveen M. E.. Birzeit University; Palestina (ANP)Fil: Alderete, Ethel del Carmen. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Unidad Ejecutora en Ciencias Sociales Regionales y Humanidades. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Unidad Ejecutora en Ciencias Sociales Regionales y Humanidades; Argentina. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Regional; ArgentinaFil: Husseini, Abdullatif. Birzeit University; Palestina (ANP)Fil: Livaudais Toman, Jennifer. University of California; Estados UnidosFil: Pérez Stable, Eliseo J.. National Institutes of Health; Estados Unido

Aproximación al enfoque por competencias genéricas en la asignatura proyecto final de carrera

En las Licenciaturas en Sistemas o sistemas de información un desafío es la elaboración de un producto que integre articuladamente diversos conceptos de la disciplina y contemple las tecnologías emergentes. Se presenta una reflexión preliminar en torno al enfoque por competencias propuesto para la asignatura Proyecto Final de Carrera. Se expone el diseño metodológico seguido y los resultados logrados que reflejan como las competencias genéricas propuestas por el CONFEDI se evidencian en esta asignatura. Lo expuesto se constituye en un insumo de valor para todo proceso de enseñanza que además contribuye a la efectividad en el proceso de formación y graduación de estudiantes de la Licenciatura en Sistemas proporcionando un marco teórico para la orientación de este proyecto. La presente indagación permitirá continuar con el abordaje sustentado en un enfoque por competencias orientado a la formación de profesionales que contemple aspectos disciplinares, tecnológicos y sociales.Tema: Educación en Tecnología.Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informátic

Aproximación al enfoque por competencias genéricas en la asignatura proyecto final de carrera

En las Licenciaturas en Sistemas o sistemas de información un desafío es la elaboración de un producto que integre articuladamente diversos conceptos de la disciplina y contemple las tecnologías emergentes. Se presenta una reflexión preliminar en torno al enfoque por competencias propuesto para la asignatura Proyecto Final de Carrera. Se expone el diseño metodológico seguido y los resultados logrados que reflejan como las competencias genéricas propuestas por el CONFEDI se evidencian en esta asignatura. Lo expuesto se constituye en un insumo de valor para todo proceso de enseñanza que además contribuye a la efectividad en el proceso de formación y graduación de estudiantes de la Licenciatura en Sistemas proporcionando un marco teórico para la orientación de este proyecto. La presente indagación permitirá continuar con el abordaje sustentado en un enfoque por competencias orientado a la formación de profesionales que contemple aspectos disciplinares, tecnológicos y sociales.Tema: Educación en Tecnología.Red de Universidades con Carreras en Informátic

Estudio de morteros que contienen escamas de plástico procedente de residuos post-industriales

This work proposes the utilization of industrial residues of PET (Polyethylene Terephtalate) as a partial substitute of arids (sand) in mortar making for construction components. Therefore, the environmental impact of large volumes of plastic of urban residues could be decreased. When PET scales were added to mortars in partial replacement of sand, lower unitary weight, acceptable absorption and resistances according to international specifications were achieved. Mortars with 66% of sand replacement by scales and without any additive, showed optimal characteristics to be used in concret block manufacturing.Este trabajo de investigación se desarrolla a partir de la hipótesis de utilizar los desechos post-industriales de PET (Tereftalato de Polietileno) como sustituto de áridos (arena), ingrediente de morteros, en la fabricación de componentes constructivos. En dicho trabajo se estudian las propiedades físico-químicas de distintos morteros en los que se reemplazó el contenido de árido por escamas de plástico en distintas proporciones. Se compararon y evaluaron las propiedades físico-mecánicas de los morteros en estudio con los convencionales mediante ensayos de resistencia a la flexión, compresión, absorción, durabilidad y microfotografías por barrido electrónico. Estos estudios determinaron que el agregado de PET en morteros puede ser usado como un posible sustituto de áridos, ya que se obtuvieron morteros con 66% de reemplazo de arena por escamas que presentaron menor peso unitario, absorción aceptable y resistencias acordes a las exigidas por normas