Computable general equilibrium models : a literature review

Applied general equilibrium models have become popular tools used on ongoing economic policy debates. In this paper we discuss at length the most proeminent features of applied general equilibrium models in a comprehensive and non-technical way, thus accessible to the reader interested in economic policy but with no prior formal exposure to economic modeling. We rationalize the increasing political demand for such models as policy analysis tools. We argue that applied general equilibrium models are best equipped to model regional economies

Accumulation of heavy metals in sediments of the Parnaíba river delta

This study was carried out to assess the impacts of heavy metals coming into the Parnaíba River Delta in the Brazilian Northeastern region. The sediment concentrations of different heavy metals, such as Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Zn, Cu, Fe, Al and Mn, were measured by flame spectrometry. The sediments were collected from 19 sites distributed along 5 estuarine channels. The average concentrations found for Cu and Zn are compatible with the TEL (Threshold Effect Level). However, Cd concentrations were above the PEL (Probable Effect Level) values, while Ni and Cr showed intermediate mean concentrations. There are no established concentration limits for Mn, Al and Fe. These are the first metal biogeochemistry findings in the area and will contribute to the decision-making of environmental authorities, aiming to control the emissions of metallic pollutants in this important area of the Brazilian coast.Centro de Investigaciones Geológica

Accumulation of heavy metals in sediments of the Parnaíba river delta

This study was carried out to assess the impacts of heavy metals coming into the Parnaíba River Delta in the Brazilian Northeastern region. The sediment concentrations of different heavy metals, such as Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Zn, Cu, Fe, Al and Mn, were measured by flame spectrometry. The sediments were collected from 19 sites distributed along 5 estuarine channels. The average concentrations found for Cu and Zn are compatible with the TEL (Threshold Effect Level). However, Cd concentrations were above the PEL (Probable Effect Level) values, while Ni and Cr showed intermediate mean concentrations. There are no established concentration limits for Mn, Al and Fe. These are the first metal biogeochemistry findings in the area and will contribute to the decision-making of environmental authorities, aiming to control the emissions of metallic pollutants in this important area of the Brazilian coast.Centro de Investigaciones Geológica

XADREZ, DO REAL AO VIRTUAL

Este artigo propõe o AVAX, um ambiente virtual de prática e aprendizagem de Xadrez, baseado na tecnologia de sistemas multiagentes. No AVAX, a comunidade composta por usuários e agentes heterogêneos, forma o que designamos de Comunidade Virtual de Convivência. A realização do AVAX é baseada na FIPA eo ambiente de implementação escolhido é o JADE. Para avaliar o sistema apresentamos uma proposta preliminar, onde se atribuem valores às facilidades encontradas em ambientes típicos para a prática do Xadrez

Electricity consumption forecasting using singular spectrum analysis

Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) is a non-parametric technique that allows the decomposition of a time series into signal and noise. Thus, it is a useful technique to trend extraction, smooth and filter a time series. The effect on performance of both Box and Jenkins' and Holt-Winters models when applied to the time series filtered by SSA is investigated in this paper. Three different methodologies are evaluated in the SSA approach: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Cluster Analysis and Graphical Analysis of Singular Vectors. In order to illustrate and compare the methodologies, in this paper, we also present the main results of a computational experiment with the monthly residential consumption of electricity in Brazil

Family history of hypertension: Impact on blood pressure, anthropometric measurements and physical activity level in schoolchildren

Background: A family history of arterial hypertension (AH), combined with environmental risk factors, is directly related to the development of AH. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of AH, anthropometric indicators and level of physical activity and their association with a family history (FH) of AH in school children. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 118 students, aged between 11 and 17 years, of both sexes. Waist circumference (WC), weight, height, level of physical activity and FH of HA were collected. Body mass index z score (BMI-z) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Binary logistic regression model was used to verify the chance risk, with significance p <0.05. Results: Of the 118 parents who answered the questionnaire, 34.7% had a positive FH of AH. Girls with a positive FH had higher means of WC (p= 0,004), BMI (p=0,020), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0,006) than boys, and a higher risk of being overweight (OR=4,48; 95%CI:1,55–12,94), and having elevated WHtR (OR=5.98; 95%CI:1.66–21.47) and SBP (OR=3,07; 95%CI:1,03–9,13) than girls without a FH, but they practice more vigorours moderate physical activity (MVPA) (p=0,039). On the other hand, no differences in these parameters were observed between boys with and without a FM of AH. Conclusions: Overweight and a FH of hypertension were associated with an increased risk for AH in girls. This was not observed among boys, perhaps due to more active lifestyle.FCT -Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia(UIDB/00317/2020

Comparação do perfil de estilo de vida e a prática de atividade física entre meninas e meninos

The aim of this study was to compare lifestyle profile and physical activity between girls and boys. A total of 336 students 11 to 17 years old participated in the study (51.5% female). Height, body mass, sexual maturation and z-score body mass index (BMI-z) were assessed. The level of physical activity (PA) was determined through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Lifestyle was assessed using the Individual Lifestyle Profile questionnaire (PEVI), computing the total scores from five components and considering the following cutoff points: >30 points = favorable PEVI; and ≤30 points = unfavorable PEVI. Results showed 35.1% of the students were considered overweight, 74.78% did not comply with the recommendations for physical activity and 31.5% presented unfa-vorable PEVI. There was a difference between boys and girls in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p = 0.048). Boys presented better lifestyle (p = 0.06) and had, on average, more light PA (p < 0.01), moderate PA (p < 0.01), vigorous PA (p < 0.01) and MVPA (p < 0.01) than girls. Girls with favorable PEVI had higher average levels of light PA than those with unfavorable PEVI (p < 0.001). It was concluded that boys are more active during the week when compared to girls. However, they also present fewer concerns with preventive behaviors and relationships. Light PA was higher in girls with a favorable lifestyle profile.O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o perfil de estilo de vida e a prática de atividade física entre meninas e meninos. Participaram do estudo 336 escolares, de 11 a 17 anos de de idade (51,5% sexo feminino). Foram avaliados a estatura, massa corporal, maturação sexual e índice de massa corporal escore z (IMC-z). O nível de atividade física (AF) foi analisado pelo International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). O estilo de vida foi avaliado por meio do questionário Perfil do Estilo de Vida Individual (PEVI), analisando o total de escores dos cinco componentes, considerando-se como pontos de corte: >30 pontos = PEVI favorável e ≤30 pontos = PEVI desfavorável. Observou-se que 35,1% dos escolares foram considerados acima do peso, 74,78% não cumprem as recomendações de atividade física e 31,5% apresentaram PEVI desfavorável. Exis tiu diferença entre meninos e meninas para a prática de atividade física moderada e vigorosa (AFMV) (p = 0,048). Os meninos apresentaram melhor estilo de vida (p = 0,06) e praticam em média mais AF leve (p < 0,01), AF moderada (p < 0,01), AF vigorosa (p < 0,01) e AFMV (p < 0,01) do que meninas. Enquanto as meninas com PEVI favorável praticam em média mais AF leve do que aquelas com PEVI desfavorável (p < 0,001). Concluiu-se que meninos praticam mais AF na semana em relação às meninas, entretanto possuem menor preocupação com comportamentos preventivos e relacionamentos. A prática de AF leve foi maior em meninas com perfil de estilo de vida favorável.Portuguese national funds through the FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) within the framework of the CIEC (Research Center for Child Studies of the University of Minho) project under the reference UIDB/00317/202

Efeitos de matéria orgânica e vermiculita na produção de alho

The possible effects of vermiculite and different sources of organic matter on garlic (Allium sativum L.) yield and shell life were studied. GarIic cultivar Amarante was grown in 1980 and 1981 on a Dark-Red Latosol under Cerrado vegetation. Five treatments were utilized: check (no vermiculite and no organic matter), green manure with plowing-under of Crotalaria spectabilis, vermiculite, cattle manure and processed garbage. Shelf life during storage was evaluate by periodic weighing. In the first year weighing was done 60 days after harvest only, whereas in the second year weighing was performed 30, 60, 120 and 150 days after harvest. The profitability estimation used was the average return rate to capital employed in the treatment. As far as bulb yields and profitability were concerned, the best treatments on a two-year basis were processed garbage and cattle manure. The best period for garlic sales were the months of January and February (3rd and 4th weighings).Foram avaliados os efeitos de diferentes fontes de matéria orgânica e vermiculita, sobre a produção e conservação do alho (Allium sativum L.) no armazenamento. A cultivar de alho Amarante foi produzida em Latossolo Vermelho-Escuro (LE), sob vegetação de cerrado, nos anos de 1980 e 1981. Foram utilizados cinco tratamentos: testemunha (sem incorporação de vermiculita ou de matéria orgânica), adubação verde com incorporação de Crotalaria spectabilis, vermiculita, esterco de curral e lixo industrializado. A conservação durante o armazenamento foi avaliada por meio de pesagens periódicas. No primeiro ano, efetuou-se apenas uma pesagem, aos 60 dias após a colheita; e no segundo, quatro pesagens: aos 30, 60, 120 e 150 dias. O indicador de rentabilidade usado foi a taxa média de retorno do capital empregado no tratamento. Em termos de produção de bulbos e rentabilidade, os melhores tratamentos foram o lixo industrializado e o esterco de curral, nos dois anos. A melhor época de venda do alho foi nos meses de janeiro e fevereiro (terceira e quarta pesagem)

Espécies arbustivas selecionadas para o paisagismo no semiárido paraibanoShrub species selected for landscaping in semiarid in the Paraíba state

No Paisagismo, espécies nativas e exóticas das mais diferentes classes de plantas ornamentais têm sido utilizadas para compor diversas paisagens propiciando benefícios estéticos e funcionais. E nas plantas ornamentais, destacam-se os arbustos que são de fundamental importância para uma escolha adequada no contexto paisagístico. No bioma Caatinga, a vegetação é explorada de forma aleatória para os mais diversos usos, levando-as quase à extinção pelo desconhecimento do manejo e usos adequados. Nesse sentido, analisaram-se as potencialidades de espécies arbustivas, de origem nativa ou exótica que estejam adaptadas à região, que possam ser indicadas para o paisagismo urbano e rural no semiárido brasileiro. Para isso, direcionaram-se os estudos ao sertão paraibano em três etapas: seleção e identificação das espécies arbustivas, análise das potencialidades paisagísticas e indicação das espécies para o paisagismo urbano e rural. Os resultados evidenciaram a ocorrência de 27 espécies arbustivas nas microrregiões pesquisadas com potencialidades de uso paisagístico. As espécies foram recomendadas tanto para plantio isolado quanto em associações. Com este estudo, constatou-se a importância das espécies arbustivas para composição paisagística no semiárido paraibano, pelo fato de proporcionarem benefícios estéticos e funcionais nos ambientes em que se inserem.Abstract In Landscaping, native and exotic species from different classes of ornamental plants have been used to compose diverse landscapes, providing aesthetic and functional benefits. And in ornamental plants, shrubs stand out in fundamental importance for a suitable choice in the landscape context. In the Caatinga biome, vegetation is explored at random for different uses, leading to near-extinction by lack of management and appropriate uses. In view of this, we analyzed the potential of shrub species, from native or exotic origin that are adapted to the region, and can be possibly indicated for landscaping in urban and rural Brazilian semiarid. Thus, our study focused on the backlands of Paraíba state in three steps: identification and selection of shrubs, analysis of the landscape potentials and indication of the species for urban and rural landscaping. The results indicated the occurrence of 27 shrub species in the micro regions surveyed with potentials for uses landscape use. The species were recommended for planting both isolated and in associations. This study showed the importance of shrub species to landscape composition in semiarid in Paraíba state as they provide aesthetic and functional benefits in the environment in which they integrate

Spectroscopic analysis of sediments from a tropical estuary in the Brazilian Northeast

The purpose of this work is to characterize the geochemical composition of sediments of the Parnaíba River delta, in terms of trace metal concentrations, using spectroscopic techniques. A profile sampling campaign was carried out in April 2017. The granulometric analysis of the surface sediments showed that the silt + clay fraction added up to 14.31% of the total. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in the profiles were 1.78 mg.kg-1 for Cd; 10.57 mg.kg-1 for Cr; 11.85 mg.kg-1 for Cu; 24.42 mg.kg-1 for Ni; 47.90 mg.kg-1 for Zn; 152.45 mg.kg-1 for Pb; 1887.28 mg.kg-1 for Mn; 1.12% for Al and 3.49% for Fe. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS) applied to the sediments from the coast of Ceará showed the morphological diversity of sediment grains. The infrared spectra presented similar functional groups at all tested points, demonstrating that the clay minerals in the different samples probably have the same origin.Centro de Investigaciones Geológica