Reviving earthen architecture in Palestine: The added significances of the building sustainability and an opportunity for the future

Several attempts have emerged recently in Palestine aiming to find an economical-environmental alternative building material beside the widely-used natural stone as a main building material, due to some factors related to the cost and the negative effects of stone mining areas on the local environment. Similar attempts had a certain response to the peculiar social needs and economic situation there. The efforts led to revive earthen architecture on organizational and individual levels, producing a certain number of earthen buildings in the last few years. In order to evaluate the appropriateness of earth as an alternative raw material in Palestine, the paper outlines the general advantages and limits of this building material, in comparison with the current prevalent way of construction and discussing the different needs in rural and in urban contexts, taking into account the housing emergency due to the successive military attacks there. As in other realities, also in Palestine a radical transformation has occurred in the traditional built environment that is possible to be assessed by a multi-scale analysis, in the urban fabric as well as in the minor building components. In addition, the critical condition as a consequence of the well-known peculiar political situation, distinguishes the social housing situation in Palestine, increasing the humanitarian aspects in the wider scenario of the social, economic, and environmental aspects. The aims of the building sustainability, mainly focused on the energy efficiency and environmental impacts in the European Union, but in a context such as Palestine, it acquires an added significance. The earth architecture could assume the role of a social inclusion tool, thanks to its inherent meanings that overstep the material and technical dimension, to the human factor being the main leverage of innovation. The paper will describe some strategic and integrated proposals aiming to face the limits of earthen architecture, discussing if and how the revival of this ancestral building material can help in gaining a useful innovation for the future, in Palestine as well as in the most parts of the Mediterranean region

An Eddy Current Analysis System for Nuclear Fan Cooler Inspection Data Analysis and Interpretation

Accurate defect detection and sizing of flaws is of importance to the nuclear utility industry and the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with decisions of economic and environmental consequence dependent on these results. Success to date has been achieved in the inspection of steam generators where eddy current techniques have been developing for several years. No NRC regulations currently require fan cooler unit (FCU) inspections; therefore, the corresponding in-service inspection (ISI) procedures are not nearly as mature

Properties of galaxy halos in Clusters and Voids

We use the results of a high resolution N-body simulation to investigate the role of the environment on the formation and evolution of galaxy-sized halos. Starting from a set of constrained initial conditions, we have produced a final configuration hosting a double cluster in one octant and a large void extending over two octants of the simulation box. We present results for two statistics: the relationship between 1-D velocity dispersion and mass and the probability distribution of the spin parameter $P(\lambda)$. The \svm relationship is well reproduced by the Truncated Isothermal Sphere (TIS) model introduced by Shapiro et al. (1999), although the slope is different from the original prediction. A series of \svm relationships for different values of the anisotropy parameter $\beta$, obtained using the theoretical predictions by Lokas and Mamon (2001) for NFW density profiles are found to be only marginally consistent with the data. Using some properties of the equilibrium TIS models, we construct subsamples of {\em fiducial} equilibrium TIS halos from each of the three subregions, and we study their properties. For these halos, we do find an environmental dependence of their properties, in particular of the spin parameter distribution $P(\lambda)$. We study in more detail the TIS model, and we find new relationships between the truncation radius and other structural parameters. No gravitationally bound halo is found having a radius larger than the critical value for gravithermal instability for TIS halos (\rt $\ge 34.2 r_{0}$, where $r_{0}$ is the core radius of the TIS solution). We do however find a dependence of this relationship on the environment, like for the $P(\lambda)$ statistics. These facts hint at a possible r\^{o}le of tidal fields at determining the statistical properties of halos.Comment: 12 pages, 14 figures. Accepted by MNRAS. Adopted an improved algorithm for halo finding and added a comparison with NFW model

Toxoplasma gondii infection, congenital toxoplasmosis, toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis and neurotoxoplasmosis: an overview

Introduction: The toxoplasmosis disease resulting from Toxoplasma gondii infection can manifest itself in many ways, however, congenital, ocular and cerebral forms require greater care. The infection by this protozoan is directly related to environmental and economic factors of the region. Objective: The present study, through a review in the literature, aimed to reinforce the knowledge about the infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii and its main clinical manifestations. Methods: This is a literature overview from academic books and scientific articles available in the Scientific Electronic Library Online, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health and Google Scholar databases. To search the publications, the following descriptors were used: Toxoplasma gondii, toxoplasmosis, congenital toxoplasmosis, ocular toxoplasmosis and cerebral toxoplasmosis. The most relevant articles corresponding to the period from 2000 to 2017 were selected. Development: Toxoplasmosis may be of congenital or acquired origin after birth. The congenital form occurs during the embryonic/fetal life and through the passage of Toxoplasma gondii through the transplacental route. Ocular disease is common in both congenital and acquired infections and is closely associated with the presence of neurotoxoplasmosis in AIDS patients. Conclusion: Thus, immunocompromised patients and immunosuppressed patients are considered to be risk groups for Toxoplasma gondii infection

Insect repellents: recommendations for use in children

OBJETIVO: Apresentar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o uso de repelentes de insetos em crianças, com ênfase especial na proteção contra mosquitos. FONTES DE DADOS: Realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados Pubmed e Lilacs, cujos artigos incluíam produtos comercialmente disponíveis no Brasil. Foram selecionados artigos publicados nos últimos dez anos em língua inglesa ou portuguesa, referentes a crianças, obtidos com as seguintes palavras-chave: "insect repellents", "children", "mosquitoes", "N,N-dietil-metatoluamida (DEET)". SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Entre os repelentes tópicos, DEET, icaridina e óleo natural de eucalipto-limão apresentam, em concentrações adequadas, perfil de segurança favorável e são eficazes na prevenção de picadas de mosquitos em crianças e adultos. Em geral, são indicados para crianças acima de dois anos de idade. Medidas físicas são fundamentais para proteger lactentes jovens, especialmente menores de seis meses, com destaque para o uso de telas com permetrina. CONCLUSÕES: Os mosquitos são vetores de doenças infectoparasitárias que acometem, anualmente, milhões de pessoas no mundo e causam milhares de mortes. O combate aos mosquitos inclui medidas ambientais e de proteção individual. O uso de repelentes tópicos para proteção individual da criança exige cuidados específicos e conhecimento quanto ao produto ideal para cada idade, especialmente quando consideradas sua eficácia e segurança.OBJECTIVE: To present a literature review about the use of insect repellents on children, highlighting the protection against mosquitoes. DATA SOURCES: Pubmed and Lilacs databases were searched for articles in English and Portuguese published in the last ten years with the following key-words: "insect repellents", "children", "mosquitoes", "N,N-dietil-metatoluamida (DEET)". DATA SYNTHESIS: Concerning topical repellents, DEET, icaridine and natural oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective to prevent mosquito bites in children and adults and have favorable safety profile when used in appropriate concentration. They are generally recommended for children older than two years-old. Physical barriers are essential for infant protection, especially if they are six months old or less, with special interest in the permethrin-treated nets. CONCLUSIONS: Mosquitoes are vectors of a variety of infectious and parasitic diseases which annually affect millions of people and cause thousands of deaths worldwide. The combat to mosquitoes includes individual and environmental measures. Topic repellents for children's individual protection demand specific handling attention and knowledge about the ideal product for each age, especially regarding their efficacy and safety

Principais plantas medicinais e fitoterapia na terapêutica de afecções estomacais: uma revisão bibliográfica

Introduction: The use of phytotherapy is increasingly common in Brazil and in the world, but most of the treatment of popular use, including for the gastric system, does not have the correct study to prove its efficacy and risks. Methods: To describe the therapeutic purposes of medicinal plants for stomach disorders and the toxicological activities of some of them. Development: A bibliographic survey of articles and theses was carried out that approached the medicinal plants of greater popular use approved or not by ANVISA. Conclusion: There are several effective therapies, but they should be used with caution and guidance to avoid adverse effects typical of any other medicine. Their use with appropriate recommendations should be encouraged because cause less risk compared to allopathic medicines. In addition, the importance of more in-depth studies on these plants is emphasized since many of them do not have concrete data of their active principles and action in the organism.Introdução: O uso da fitoterapia está cada vez mais comum no Brasil e no mundo, mas grande parte dos tratamentos de uso popular, inclusive para o sistema gástrico, não tem o correto estudo para comprovação de sua eficácia e riscos. Métodos: Descrever os fins terapêuticos das plantas medicinais voltadas a afecções de estômago e as atividades toxicológicas de algumas delas. Desenvolvimento: Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico de artigos e teses que abordavam as plantas medicinais de maior uso popular aprovadas ou não pela ANVISA. Conclusão: Existem diversas terapêuticas eficazes, porém devem ser usados com cautela e orientação para evitar efeitos adversos próprios de qualquer outro medicamento. Seu uso com as devidas recomendações deve ser incentivado por terem maior possibilidade de cura e menos riscos em comparação com os medicamentos alopáticos. Além disso ressalta-se a importância de estudos mais aprofundados sobre essas plantas visto que grande parte delas não possuem dados concretos de seus princípios ativos e ação no organismo

A utilização popular da planta medicinal brasileira Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC. (“macela, marcela”) sobre as afecções do trato digestório

Introduction: Medicinal plants are extremely consumed in several countries for treating diseases, including diseases of the digestive tract. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutical use, in a popular way, of the Brazilian medicinal plant Achyrocline satureioides ("macela") on the diseases of the digestive system. Methods: This is a systematic review study, carried out between April and June of 2018, searching for scientific articles in the index bases "Scielo" and "Google Scholar" with the key words: "Achyrocline satureioides", "medicinal plant", "macela" and "ethnobotany". Development: Of the 84 articles retrievied in the search, 73 were excluded by the application of some criteria, remaining 11 studies to compose the review. Most of the popular quotes corresponded to the prevention, cure or treatment of diseases that affect the digestive tract. The selected studies, in their predominance, were carried out in three states of Brazil: Ceará, Paraíba, Minas Gerais, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul. Conclusion: The main ethnomedical uses of the "macela” are consonant with the literature, regarding to the research related to the plant pharmacology.Introdução: Plantas medicinais são extremamente consumidas em vários países para o tratamento de doenças, incluindo para o tratamento de doenças do trato digestório. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi a investigação do emprego terapêutico, de forma popular, da planta medicinal brasileira Achyrocline satureioides (“macela”) sobre as enfermidades do sistema digestório. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de revisão sistemática, realizada no período entre abril e junho de 2018, sendo feita a busca de artigos científicos nas bases indexadoras “Scielo” e “Google Acadêmico” com as palavras chaves: “Achyrocline satureioides”, “planta medicinal”, “macela” e “etnobotânica”. Desenvolvimento: Dos 84 artigos encontrados na busca, 73 foram excluídos pela aplicação de alguns critérios, restando 11 estudos para compor a revisão. A maioria das citações populares correspondia à prevenção, cura ou tratamento frente às doenças que acometem o trato digestório. Os estudos selecionados, em sua predominância, foram realizados em três estados do Brasil: Ceará, Paraíba, Minas Gerais, Paraná. Conclusão: Os principais usos etnomédicos da “macela” estão consonantes com a literatura, no que diz respeito às pesquisas relacionadas à farmacologia da planta

Capim - santo (Cymbopogon citratus - DC) Stapf – Poaceae: uso popular versus comprovação científica, perspectivas para novos tratamentos do câncer

Introduction: Phytotherapics are industrialized products, technically elaborated exclusively of plant raw materials with one or more active principles, provided they are not isolated, characterized by the knowledge of their efficacy and efficiency, from clinical evidence, risks related to their use, capacity reproduction and maintenance of its quality. Methods: The main keywords (MEDLINE, PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO and BDTD) were used in the Portuguese and English languages between 2000 and 2017, using the keywords "Cymbopogon citratus, capim-santo, therapeutic study and popular use". Development: Cymbopogon citratus Stapf is a perennial herb native to India and brought to Brazil in colonial times, popularly known as lemongrass, lemongrass or lemon grass. It has numerous studies that report the use of the plant with various therapeutic effects, Such as: antispasmodic, analgesic, antimicrobial, sedative, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diuretic and tranquilizer, in addition to being used also for flu, as an expectorant and treatment of high blood pressure. Conclusion: All these indications were referred to as popular use and some scientific studies conducted tests suggesting these activities, but no scientific studies were found to prove the effects of treating influenza, sputum, high blood pressure and diuretics. Two studies have revealed that the plant has a substance that was able to inhibit the development of the skin tumor and the growth of cancer cells showing to be promising for the development of cancer drugs.  Introdução: Fitoterápicos são produtos industrializados, tecnicamente elaborados exclusivamente de matérias-primas vegetais com um ou mais princípios ativos, desde que não sejam isolados, caracterizados pelo conhecimento de sua eficácia e eficiência, a partir de evidências clínicas, riscos relacionados ao seu uso, capacidade de reprodutividade e manutenção de sua qualidade. Métodos: Foram utilizadas as palavras-chave “Cymbopogon citratus, capim-santo, estudo terapêutico e uso popular” nos principais indexadores (MEDLINE, PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO e BDTD), em língua portuguesa e inglesa entre os anos de 2000 a 2017. Desenvolvimento: Cymbopogon citratus Stapf é uma erva perene originária da Índia e trazida para o Brasil na época colonial, conhecida popularmente como capim-limão, capim-santo ou grama de limão, possui inúmeros estudos que relatam a utilização da planta com diversos efeitos terapêuticos, tais como: antiespasmódico, analgésico, antimicrobiano, sedativo, anti-inflamatório, antipirético, diurético e tranquilizante, além de ser usada também para gripe, como expectorante e tratamento da pressão alta. Conclusões: Todas essas indicações foram referidas como uso popular e alguns estudos científicos realizaram testes que sugerem essas atividades, porém não foram encontrados estudos científicos que comprovassem os efeitos para tratar a gripe, expectoração, pressão alta e diurético. Dois estudos revelaram que a planta possui uma substância que foi capaz de inibir o desenvolvimento do tumor de pele e o crescimento de células cancerígenas mostrando ser promissora para o desenvolvimento de medicamentos para o câncer

Canabidiol: os recursos terapêuticos da maconha

Introduction: Marijuana is a substance derived from the plant Cannabis sativa used for centuries for medicinal, economic, recreational and religious purposes. The controversy surrounding this substance is that although it has psychotropic effects on the body, marijuana has a relevant therapeutic potential. Methods: This is a bibliographic research carried out in journals in the SciELO database, dissertation and national interviews published from 2006 to 2017, using phytotherapy, medicinal plants and marijuana as descriptors. Development: The study found that marijuana has been shown to be effective in treating glaucoma, depression, seizures, nausea due to chemotherapy, in stimulating appetite in patients with symptomatic HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and that there is no evidence of physical dependence even in frequent use and high amounts of the plant. The study also emphasized that canabidiol is a promising alternative for the treatment of epilepsy. Conclusion: There is a need for more studies involving marijuana in order to increase the knowledge of the process of its therapeutic use, thus contributing to undoubtedly prove its medicinal applicability and strengthen the release of its as a medicine.Introdução: A maconha é uma substância derivada da planta Cannabis sativa usada há séculos para fins medicinais, econômicos, recreativos e religiosos. A controvérsia envolvendo a referida substância é que, embora possua efeitos psicotrópicos no organismo, a maconha apresenta relevante potencial terapêutico. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica realizada em periódicos na base de dados SciELO, dissertação e entrevistas nacionais publicadas no período de 2006 a 2017, utilizando como descritores: fitoterapia, plantas medicinais e maconha. Desenvolvimento: A análise apontou que a maconha tem se mostrado efetiva no tratamento de glaucoma, depressão, crises convulsivas, náuseas decorrentes de quimioterapia, no estímulo do apetite em pacientes portadores de HIV (vírus da imunodeficiência humana) sintomáticos e, que, não há evidências de dependência física mesmo em uso frequente e quantidades elevadas da planta. O estudo enfatizou ainda que o canabidiol é uma alternativa promissora para o tratamento de epilepsia. Conclusão: Há necessidade de mais estudos envolvendo a maconha de modo a ampliar os conhecimentos do processo de seu uso terapêutico, contribuindo, assim, para comprovar de modo indubitável, sua aplicabilidade medicinal e fortalecer a liberação de seu como medicamento