Economic and environmental efficiency in Europe: evidence from a new stochastic frontier model

This study aims to evaluate the resource and environment efficiency problem of European countries. We specify a new stochastic frontier model where Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is considered as the desirable output and Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions as the undesirable output. Capital, Labour, Fossil fuels and Renewable Energy consumption are regarded as inputs. The study is divided into two distinct periods, 2000-2004 and 2005-2011, in order to evaluate the difference between efficiency levels before and after the establishment of environmental targets related with the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol in 2005. A maximum entropy approach to assess technical efficiency is discussed

Demystifying endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) during pregnancy

Background: For many years, ERCP was avoided in pregnancy given the concerns regarding the adverse effects that, with special focus on radiation, could occur in the developing fetus. However, the postponement or rejection of ERCP in pregnant women, may lead to a higher risk for mother and fetus, especially when the indication is unequivocal, namely cholangitis, biliary pancreatitis and symptomatic choledocholithiasis. Summary and key messages: This review aims to summarize the scarce literature on the subject in order to plan ERCP in pregnancy with the highest safety. The use of techniques that reduce radiation and increase the protection of pregnant women allow radiation levels far below the safety limits. We also discuss the various alternatives of ERCP without radiation. EUS can eliminate the need for ERCP with doubtful choledocholithiasis and plan the best approach in those with previous evidence. The possibility of performing “ERCP” with a linear echoendoscope uniquely under ultrasound control has been described. Conversely, the two-step strategy (initial sphincterotomy with stent placement without fluoroscopy and after delivery, ERCP with lithiasis extraction) proved to be safe obviating fluoroscopy. In conclusion, ERCP can be performed in pregnancy safely and effectively with minimal radiation or even no-radiation at all.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Influência dos parâmetros de corte na maquinação do alumínio 7050

Uma das principais desvantagens da maquinaria CNC é o seu elevado custo operacional, porém este valor pode aumentar exponencialmente caso os parâmetros de corte não sejam os ideais. Neste trabalho são estudados os parâmetros de corte (velocidade de corte, velocidade de avanço, penetração radial e penetração axial) e o efeito que estes parâmetros têm na rugosidade superficial e na taxa de remoção de material durante a fresagem de uma liga de alumínio AL7050. Para tal análise foi maquinado um provete a partir de um bloco de alumínio da liga estudada. Neste provete foram testadas duas séries de dezasseis ensaios. Nestes ensaios foi utilizado o método de Taguchi, em que foi construída uma matriz ortogonal L16 e foram definidos quatro níveis para cada parâmetro. Também foi registada a rugosidade media das superfícies horizontal e lateral, alem da taxa de remoção de material. A partir da matriz ortogonal criada foi possível criar uma análise de variação ANOVA, que consiste em três gráficos: gráfico de efeitos principais na rugosidade da superfície horizontal, gráficos de efeitos principais na rugosidade da superfície lateral, e o gráfico de efeitos principais na taxa de remoção de material. Podendo assim tirar conclusões sobre os efeitos dos parâmetros de corte na liga de alumínio AL7050.One of the main disadvantages of CNC machinery is its high operating cost, but this value can increase exponentially if the cutting parameters are not ideal. In this work, the cutting parameters (cutting speed, feed rate, radial penetration, and axial penetration) and the effect these parameters have on the surface roughness and material removal rate during the milling of an AL7050 aluminum alloy were studied. For this analysis, a specimen was machined from an aluminum block of the studied alloy. In this specimen, two series of sixteen tests were tested. Through the test piece, the Taguchi method was used, in which an L16 orthogonal matrix was built and four levels were defined for each parameter. The average roughness of the horizontal and lateral surfaces was also recorded, as well as the material removal rate. From the orthogonal matrix created, it was possible to create an analysis variation ANOVA, that consists of three graphs: main effect graph on horizontal surface roughness, main effect graph on lateral surface roughness, and the main effect graph on material removal rate. Thus, being able to draw conclusions about the effects of the cutting parameters in the aluminum alloy AL7050

Portal Cavernoma Cholangiopathy Secondary to Polycythemia Vera: Case Report and Echoendoscopic Findings

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Project results presentation (deliverable D18)

This document is a report which collects together the CYCLOPS project results for dissemination to different interested audiences such as Grid communities and Civil Protection agencies. It also reports on national and international initiatives and projects, SMEs, training activities and related projects. The structure of this document shows the approach used in the project. Following an introduction, it describes a set of related projects, namely grid- based technologies/EGEE, risk management, and GMEs-based services. It then presents the business of Civil Protection and the use cases selected. These highlight the grid requirements for Grid-based CP applications. The research strategies and enhancements needed for the EGEE infra-structure are identified, based on the use cases. Dissemination of training and knowledge to different communities are also key points of the project.FP

Agonistic behaviour and control of access to hiding places in two intertidal blennies, Lipophrys pholis and Coryphoblennius galerita (Pisces: Blenniidae)

In this study we investigated the relationships between dominance rank and access to shelters in captive groups of Lipophrys pholis and Coryphoblennius galerita, as well as the effects of group size and shelter availability. Dominance rank was strongly correlated with size in juvenile L. pholis and with sex and size in adult C. galerita, males being dominant over females of similar size. Access to shelters was significantly correlated with dominance rank. For both species, most interactions occurred out of shelters. Direct disputes over shelters were always initiated by the dominant fish and the initiator was always the winner. The rate of aggression per fish per unit time decreased with an increase in the number of fish in L. pholis but not in C. galerita. No significant differences were found in groups differing in the number of shelters. C. galerita showed a higher rate of agonistic interactions and a higher proportion of overt aggression than L. pholis. It is suggested that one of the functions of agonistic interactions in these fishes is the control of a set of shelters, in the network of pathways used by each individual within its home range, minimising the time required to hide in case of danger

Tidal activity rhythms and depth distribution of rocky shore fish in an altered intertidal environment

In this note we report on changes of activity level of littoral fish and their use of different microhabitats in an altered intertidal environment, where intertidal fish are never emersed and turbulence is confined to high tides. Despite these atypical conditions, the structure of the assemblage is basically the same found in a typical rockyshore situation. Two intertidal fish known to possess internal tidal rhythms, Lipophrys pholis and Coryphoblennius galerita, retain those rhythms in these altered conditions, and the associated social changes in L. pholis are also retained. These observations support the studies of Gibson (1971), who showed that changes in hydrostatic pressure were of prime importance in keeping the tidal rhythm entrained. The subtidal Parablennius pilicornis, on the contrary, is more active during low tide than at high tide. The hypothesis that some subtidal species are excluded from the intertidal by a turbulence-avoiding mechanism is discussed