The step project:societal and political engagement of young people in environmental issues

Decisions on environmental topics taken today are going to have long-term consequences that will affect future generations. Young people will have to live with the consequences of these decisions and undertake special responsibilities. Moreover, as tomorrow’s decision makers, they themselves should learn how to negotiate and debate issues before final decisions are made. Therefore, any participation they can have in environmental decision making processes will prove essential in developing a sustainable future for the community.However, recent data indicate that the young distance themselves from community affairs, mainly because the procedures involved are ‘wooden’, politicians’ discourse alienates the young and the whole experience is too formalized to them. Authorities are aware of this fact and try to establish communication channels to ensure transparency and use a language that speaks to new generations of citizens. This is where STEP project comes in.STEP (www.step4youth.eu) is a digital Platform (web/mobile) enabling youth Societal and Political e-Participation in decision-making procedures concerning environmental issues. STEP is enhanced with web/social media mining, gamification, machine translation, and visualisation features.Six pilots in real contexts are being organised for the deployment of the STEP solution in 4 European Countries: Italy, Spain, Greece, and Turkey. Pilots are implemented with the direct participation of one regional authority, four municipalities, and one association of municipalities, and include decision-making procedures on significant environmental questions.</p

Mechanical and tribological characterisation of a diamond-like carbon coating applied by chemical vapour deposition on ceramic tiles

Modifying ceramic tile functionality in order to improve their performance is a continuous challenge for ceramic industry. One technique emerging as an alternative in the ceramic products is the use of advanced thin coatings applied by means of chemical vapour deposition technology (CVD) which allows obtaining coatings with low friction coefficients and high hardness. The present study examines the application of a high-performance diamond-like-carbon (DLC) coating by CVD plasma enhanced (PECVD) on a glazed ceramic wall tiles, used as substrate. The mechanical and tribological properties of the uncoated and the PECVD–DLC coated tile were characterised. Dynamic indentation, wear, and scratch tests were carried out, and the surface analysis (microstructure and roughness) of the coating–substrate system was studied. The results showed that tile wear resistance, scratch resistance, and microhardness improved on applying the DLC coating. No important changes in roughness were observed in comparison with that of the original glazed tile. These properties only improved to a limited extent under very severe wear conditions.Modificar la funcionalidad de las baldosas para mejorar sus prestaciones es un reto continuo para la industria cerámica. Una técnica que está emergiendo como alternativa en los productos cerámicos es el uso de recubrimientos avanzados de bajo espesor aplicados mediante la tecnología de deposición química de vapor (CVD), la cual permite la obtención de recubrimientos con bajo coeficiente de fricción y elevada dureza. En el presente artículo se estudió la aplicación de un recubrimiento de elevadas prestaciones diamond-like carbon (DLC) aplicado por la técnica CVD asistida por plasma (PECVD) sobre baldosas cerámicas esmaltadas, las cuales actuaron como soporte de la aplicación. Se caracterizaron las propiedades del sistema recubrimiento/soporte, tanto mecánicas como tribológicas, llevándose a cabo ensayos de indentación dinámica, ensayos de desgaste y rayado, así como un análisis superficial (microestructura y rugosidad). Tras la obtención de resultados y su posterior evaluación, se observó una mejora en las propiedades del material cerámico con la aplicación del recubrimiento DLC, tales como la resistencia al desgaste y al rayado, así como su microdureza. No se observaron modificaciones importantes en la rugosidad, con respecto al sustrato original. La mejora de propiedades es limitada cuando las condiciones de desgaste son muy severas

Challenges in Engineering Estimates for Best-Value Design-Build Highway Projects

Traditional design&ndash;bid&ndash;build guidelines suggest that engineering estimates should be within +/&minus;10% of the lowest contractor bid and recommend this value as a reference to identify anomalies in the bidding process. This guidance, however, neglects delivery approaches such as design&ndash;build (D&ndash;B). This research examines 305 D&ndash;B highway projects procured using best-value and identifies the underlying reasons for bid dispersion and cost estimates inaccuracies. This study found an average bid dispersion of 27%, suggesting that a larger threshold (i.e., 25%) is needed to account for the inherent variability of D&ndash;B projects. This study also found that engineering estimates are on average 2% more than the awarded price. This result contradicts findings in existing literature and suggests that current practice in D&ndash;B best-value may be more conservative than other procurement methods. The study explores four potential reasons for bid dispersion and engineering estimate inaccuracies and suggests strategies for improvement. By providing a better understanding of bid dispersion and engineering estimate accuracy, this study will ultimately assist in the development of new policies and processes for D&ndash;B best-value projects.</p

Structured Approach for Best-Value Evaluation Criteria: US Design–Build Highway Procurement

In best-value procurement, current practice shows that cost is frequently more influential than noncost factors, and consequently, the lowest bidder is chosen in most cases; thus, a best-value selection is not achieved. Design-builders cannot offer the best value in their proposals if evaluation criteria do not show precisely what constitutes best value and how best value is scored. Thus, the aim of this research is twofold: first, to identify how highway agencies articulate evaluation criteria and, second, to propose a structured approach that enhances current practice on writing evaluation criteria. Through the lens of decision analysis, the researchers conducted a content analysis on 540 evaluation criteria included in 98 requests for proposal (RFPs) from 21 states across the United States. The study showed that 43% of evaluation criteria were generic, 53% used a generic constructed scale, and 4% assigned points or levels directly. These three groups represent different levels of specificity in writing evaluation criteria. Building upon these levels and on decision analysis theory principles, this research proposes a structured approach to support highway agencies in the process of crafting evaluation criteria. More precise and specific evaluation criteria will enhance the proposals&rsquo; ability to offer the best value, which, in turn, will enhance the best-value selection process as a whole. &nbsp;</p

Importance of Noncost Criteria Weighing in Best-Value Design–Build US Highway ProjectsE DESIGN-BUILD U.S. HIGHWAY PROJECT

United States highway agencies use best-value procurement with a fixed price to select design-builders.&nbsp; This method enables public agencies to choose the best proposer by assessing several factors in addition to price. Theoretically, considering cost and non-cost factors in the selection enhances the probability of selecting the proposer that provides the best value for each dollar spent.&nbsp; However, bidding results from the last 15 years show that 80% of best-value procurements are awarded the proposer with the lowest bid.&nbsp; The selection seems thus to be biased towards price. This research explores the balance between cost and non-cost components in best-value procurement by identifying how weights and scores influence the selection. The goal of this analysis is to determine the ranges of weights that better balance cost and non-cost factors in the weighted criteria best-value procurement. This study characterized a first-of-a-kind dataset of 882 non-cost scores and 1,158 cost scores from 347 best-value highway projects. The study applied simulation to the weighted criteria award algorithm to explore the balance between cost and non-cost factors and derive recommendations about how to make non-cost factors more influential. The results show that weight of cost higher or equal to 57% will result in a lowest price selection. Highways agencies should be aware of how weights and scores impact the best-value selection so that they can align these elements with their selection objectives.</p

Aerobic training is better than resistance training on cardiac function and autonomic modulation in female ob/ob mice

This study evaluated the effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise training on cardiac function and autonomic modulation in female ob/ob mice. Methods: Four-week-old female wild type and obese (ob/ob) mice were divided into five groups (n = 8): control (WT), obese (OB) obese + aerobic training (OBA), obese + resistance training (OBR), and obese + combined training (OBC). The exercise training was performed on treadmill and/or ladder at 40-60% maximum test during 8 weeks. Cardiac function was measured using echo machine. Heart rate variability (HRV) was evaluated in the time and frequency domain. Results: OB group presented higher body weight gain (similar to 600%), glycemia (similar to 44%) and glucose intolerance (similar to 150%), reduction of cardiac vagal modulation, evidenced by a lower RMMSD (similar to 56%), total power and high frequency band, and a higher isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) (similar to 24%) in relation to the WT group. Aerobic and combined training led to a lower IVRT (OBA: similar to 14%; OBC: similar to 14%) and myocardial global index (OBA: similar to 37%; OBC: similar to 44%). The OBA group presented an increased in vagal indexes of HRV than the other ob/ob groups. A negative correlation was observed between the delta of aerobic exercise capacity and MPI (r = 0.45; p = 0.002) and exercise capacity and body weight gain (r = 0.39; p = 0.002). Conclusion: Only the obese females underwent to aerobic exercise training showed improvement in cardiac function and HRV. Moreover, the aerobic exercise capacity as well as a greater responsivity to aerobic exercise training is intimately associated with these improvements, reinforcing the importance of aerobic exercise training to this population10CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP427892/2018-0; 457200/2014-6; 401781/2012-7; 479076/2012-0; 563961/2010-4; 307138/2015-1; 307833/2017-8; 309684/2016-199999.008874/20142018/19006-2; 2018/17183-4; 2015/11223-6; 2011/15828-9; 2010/17188-

Association between Diastolic Dysfunction with Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Females ob/ob Mice

Objective: To evaluate autonomic and cardiovascular function, as well as inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in ob/ob female mice. Methods: Metabolic parameters, cardiac function, arterial pressure (AP), autonomic, hormonal, inflammatory, and oxidative stressmarkers were evaluated in 12-weeks female wild-type (WT group) and ob/ob mice (OB group). Results: OB animals showed increased body weight, blood glucose, and triglyceride levels, along with glucose intolerance, when compared to WT animals. Ejection fraction (EF) and AP were similar between groupshowever, the OB group presented diastolic dysfunction, as well as an impairment on myocardial performance index. Moreover, the OB group exhibited important autonomic dysfunction and baroreflex sensitivity impairment, when compared to WT group. OB group showed increased Angiotensin II levels in heart and renal tissuesdecreased adiponectin and increased inflammatory markers in adipose tissue and spleen. Additionally, OB mice presented a higher damage to proteins and lipoperoxidation and lower activity of antioxidant enzymes in kidney and heart. Correlations were found between autonomic dysfunction with angiotensin II and inflammatory mediators, as well as between inflammation and oxidative stress. Conclusions: Our results showed that female adult ob/ob mice presented discrete diastolic dysfunction accompanied by autonomic disorder, which is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in these animals.CAPESCNPqFAPESPCNPq Fellowship (CNPq-BPQ)Univ São Paulo, Fac Med, Heart Inst InCor, Hypertens Unit, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Nove Julho, Translat Physiol Lab, São Paulo, BrazilNova Southeastern Univ, Inst Neuro Immune Med, Dept Integrat Immunol Cardiovasc Res, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314 USAUniv Fed São Paulo, Dept Med, Nephrol Div, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Estadual Campinas, Fac Phys Educ, Dept Adapted Phys Act, Campinas, SP, BrazilUniv Fed São Paulo, Dept Med, Nephrol Div, São Paulo, BrazilCNPq: 457200/2014-6CNPq: 401781/2012-7CNPq: 479076/2012-0CNPq: 563961/2010-4FAPESP: 2015/11223-6FAPESP: 2011/15828-9FAPESP: 2010/17188-4Web of Scienc

Segurança contra incêndio em unidades básicas de saúde

Nowadays it is widely recognized the demand of a modernization of the Government and his administrative entities. According to the legislation referent to fire prevention the Firefighters were the most proactive entity concerning the creation of legislation based on the tragic incidents and the experience acquired in daily routines. A fire can occur in any situation whether exist or not human activities and Basic Health Units are not free from this event and unfortunately a real possibility of this happening due to elevated fire charge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and that employees have in relation to Fire Safety theme and confront the findings with the needs required by law due to the non-mandatory fire brigade constitution in Basic Health Units with ground floor and inferior to 750 m² whose requisites fulfill the vast majority of buildings. The research method is qualitative observational and descriptive by convenience sample in nine Basic Health Units in city council Santo André,(São Paulo, Brazil) with the aim to enrich the health professionals knowledge about fire prevention was also evaluated in this case study.Hoje em dia reconhece-se a necessidade de uma modernização dos Estados e respectivos aparelhos administrativos. No contexto normativo e referente à prevenção de incêndios, o Corpo de Bombeiros foi à entidade mais atuante na criação de legislações e normas, baseando-se nos trágicos acontecimentos e na experiência adquirida no atendimento diário de ocorrências. O incêndio pode atacar qualquer local onde existam ou não atividades humanas sendo que os estabelecimentos assistenciais de saúde (EAS) não estão isentos deste infortúnio e infelizmente existe a possibilidade real de que possam acontecer novas tragédias relacionadas com incêndios dado que a carga de incêndio. O objectivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar o nível de conhecimento que os funcionários de Unidades Básicas de Saúde possuem em relação à temática Segurança contra Incêndio e confrontar os resultados com o exigido legislação vigente confrontando os achados com o Decreto Estadual 5.6819/11 devido à não obrigatoriedade de constituição de brigada de incêndio nas unidades básicas de saúde, com menos de 750 m², piso térreo, constituindo a grande maioria das edificações do sistema de Saúde Brasileiro. O método de investigação é um qualitativo observacional e descritivo por amostra de conveniência em noveUnidades Básicas de Saúde no município de Santo André, São Paulo, Brasil, com o objetivo de aprofundar o nível de conhecimento que os funcionários possuem em relação à temática Segurança contra Incêndio

Exercise training prevents diastolic dysfunction induced by metabolic syndrome in rats

OBJECTIVE: High fructose consumption contributes to the incidence of metabolic syndrome and, consequently, to cardiovascular outcomes. We investigated whether exercise training prevents high fructose diet-induced metabolic and cardiac morphofunctional alterations. METHODS: Wistar rats receiving fructose overload (F) in drinking water (100 g/l) were concomitantly trained on a treadmill (FT) for 10 weeks or kept sedentary. These rats were compared with a control group (C). Obesity was evaluated by the Lee index, and glycemia and insulin tolerance tests constituted the metabolic evaluation. Blood pressure was measured directly (Windaq, 2 kHz), and echocardiography was performed to determine left ventricular morphology and function. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA, with significance set at p&lt;0.05. RESULTS: Fructose overload induced a metabolic syndrome state, as confirmed by insulin resistance (F: 3.6 +/- 0.2 vs. C: 4.5 +/- 0.2 mg/dl/min), hypertension (mean blood pressure, F: 118 +/- 3 vs. C: 104 +/- 4 mmHg) and obesity (F: 0.31 +/- 0.001 vs. C: 0.29 +/- 0.001 g/mm). Interestingly, fructose overload rats also exhibited diastolic dysfunction. Exercise training performed during the period of high fructose intake eliminated all of these derangements. The improvements in metabolic parameters were correlated with the maintenance of diastolic function. CONCLUSION: The role of exercise training in the prevention of metabolic and hemodynamic parameter alterations is of great importance in decreasing the cardiac morbidity and mortality related to metabolic syndrome

Height and body-mass index trajectories of school-aged children and adolescents from 1985 to 2019 in 200 countries and territories: a pooled analysis of 2181 population-based studies with 65 million participants

Summary Background Comparable global data on health and nutrition of school-aged children and adolescents are scarce. We aimed to estimate age trajectories and time trends in mean height and mean body-mass index (BMI), which measures weight gain beyond what is expected from height gain, for school-aged children and adolescents. Methods For this pooled analysis, we used a database of cardiometabolic risk factors collated by the Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration. We applied a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate trends from 1985 to 2019 in mean height and mean BMI in 1-year age groups for ages 5–19 years. The model allowed for non-linear changes over time in mean height and mean BMI and for non-linear changes with age of children and adolescents, including periods of rapid growth during adolescence. Findings We pooled data from 2181 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight in 65 million participants in 200 countries and territories. In 2019, we estimated a difference of 20 cm or higher in mean height of 19-year-old adolescents between countries with the tallest populations (the Netherlands, Montenegro, Estonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for boys; and the Netherlands, Montenegro, Denmark, and Iceland for girls) and those with the shortest populations (Timor-Leste, Laos, Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea for boys; and Guatemala, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Timor-Leste for girls). In the same year, the difference between the highest mean BMI (in Pacific island countries, Kuwait, Bahrain, The Bahamas, Chile, the USA, and New Zealand for both boys and girls and in South Africa for girls) and lowest mean BMI (in India, Bangladesh, Timor-Leste, Ethiopia, and Chad for boys and girls; and in Japan and Romania for girls) was approximately 9–10 kg/m2. In some countries, children aged 5 years started with healthier height or BMI than the global median and, in some cases, as healthy as the best performing countries, but they became progressively less healthy compared with their comparators as they grew older by not growing as tall (eg, boys in Austria and Barbados, and girls in Belgium and Puerto Rico) or gaining too much weight for their height (eg, girls and boys in Kuwait, Bahrain, Fiji, Jamaica, and Mexico; and girls in South Africa and New Zealand). In other countries, growing children overtook the height of their comparators (eg, Latvia, Czech Republic, Morocco, and Iran) or curbed their weight gain (eg, Italy, France, and Croatia) in late childhood and adolescence. When changes in both height and BMI were considered, girls in South Korea, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and some central Asian countries (eg, Armenia and Azerbaijan), and boys in central and western Europe (eg, Portugal, Denmark, Poland, and Montenegro) had the healthiest changes in anthropometric status over the past 3·5 decades because, compared with children and adolescents in other countries, they had a much larger gain in height than they did in BMI. The unhealthiest changes—gaining too little height, too much weight for their height compared with children in other countries, or both—occurred in many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, New Zealand, and the USA for boys and girls; in Malaysia and some Pacific island nations for boys; and in Mexico for girls. Interpretation The height and BMI trajectories over age and time of school-aged children and adolescents are highly variable across countries, which indicates heterogeneous nutritional quality and lifelong health advantages and risks