Village fissioning in Amazônia: a critique of monocausal determinism

Deterministic theories proposing the existence of limiting factors to cultural development in Amazonia are criticized here. An alternative hypothesis based on the concept of “domestic mode of production” is suggested based on the discussion of two case studies

Codes over a weighted torus

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Effect of non-structural masonry brick infill walls on the robustness of a RC

Western countries are increasingly demanding for robust structures, i.e., structures capable of withstanding local damage caused by unforeseen extreme events without triggering a progressive collapse, thus reducing the magnitude and proportion of the resulting consequences. In this paper, the robustness of framed RC buildings is analysed by comparing the reliability of the damaged structure with that of the original structure and considering (or not) the contribution of the masonry infill walls. To validate the adopted methodology, this is tested on a residential RC building severely damage due to a landslide, herein considered as case-study. A numerical model of the original, as well as, of the damaged structure is defined using force-based finite elements with distributed plasticity. Masonry infill walls are modelled as equivalent internal struts. Monte Carlo simulation and FORM coupled with artificial neural networks and response surface polynomials are used in parallel to perform the reliability analyses of both original and damaged structures. Obtained results show that the masonry infill walls are fundamental to contain damage progression after the failure of a couple of columns. In fact, without these non-structural elements, the structure would lack in robustness, and the probability of failure would be above 99%. On the contrary, by considering the structural contribution of the masonry infill walls, the robustness of the structure would be circa of 30% corresponding to a failureprobability of 6%

False hyperparathyroids secondary to biotin prolonged use: a case report

A 55-year-old overweight female patient with elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, without any other major plasma biochemical abnormalities, and with normal vitamin D and calcium levels. The condition was suggestive of normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. Bone densitometry and 24-hour calciuria were normal. After extensive investigation and possible referral for exploratory surgery, the patient reported continued and chronic use of biotin supplementation (2.5 mg per day). Repeated tests after discontinuing the use of vitamin B7 showed normal PTH levels without surgical or pharmacological interventions. Biotin supplementation associated with the use of this vitamin as a component of biological assays for hormone dosage can generate incorrect laboratory results, which puts medical conduct at risk with inaccurate diagnoses and unnecessary procedures. Although, different substances or emotional conditions can interfere with hormone dosages, one must consider the use of food supplements such as biotin since it can also generate unreliable results. Discontinuation of the use of biotin, in addition to the assessment of serum biotin levels prior to hormone dosing is necessary for a correct evaluation of serum PTH levels. This study was analyzed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee, and obtaining the Informed Consent Form according to CNS/CONEP Resolution 466/12

Investigação clínica e neurofisiológica de família com doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth tipo 2 com sinais piramidais

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a hereditary neuropathy of motor and sensory impairment with distal predominance. Atrophy and weakness of lower limbs are the first signs of the disease. It can be classified, with the aid of electromyography and nerve conduction studies, as demyelinating (CMT1) or axonal (CMT2). OBJECTIVE: Clinical and neurophysiological investigation of a large multigenerational family with CMT2 with autosomal dominant mode of transmission. METHOD: Fifty individuals were evaluated and neurophysiological studies performed in 22 patients. RESULTS: Thirty individuals had clinical signs of motor-sensory neuropathy. Babinski sign was present in 14 individuals. Neurophysiological study showed motor-sensory axonal polyneuropathy. CONCLUSION: The clinical and neurophysiological characteristics of this family does not differ from those observed with other forms of CMT, except for the high prevalence of Babinski sign.A doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) é uma neuropatia hereditária de acometimento sensitivo e motor de predomínio distal. Atrofia e fraqueza em membros inferiores são os primeiros sinais da doença. Pode ser classificada, com auxílio da eletroneuromiografia, em desmielinizante (CMT1) ou axonal (CMT2). OBJETIVO: Investigação clínica e neurofisiológica de família com portadores de CMT2 de herança dominante. MÉTODO: Foi feita avaliação neurológica de 50 indivíduos e eletroneuromiografia em 22 pacientes. RESULTADOS: Trinta indivíduos tinham sinais clínicos de neuropatia sensitivo-motora. Sinal de Babinski estava presente em 14 indivíduos. A eletroneuromiografia demonstrou polineuropatia axonal sensitiva e motora. CONCLUSÃO: As características clínicas e neurofisiológicas desta família não se diferem das observadas em outras formas de CMT, exceto pela alta prevalência de sinal de Babinski

The Sérgio Buarque de Holandas Weberian thought as an Explanation for Corruption in Brazilian Society

The present article aims to expose more precisely the influences of Max Weber s thinking on S rgio Buarque de Holanda s main work Ra zes do Brasil Considering that the work of Holanda represents a fundamental contribution to the sociological studies on corruption in Brazil it is necessary in order to reduce recurring misunderstandings a detailed presentation of the Weberian theoretical basis and its incorporation along Ra zes do Brasil Holanda s perspective on the constitutive elements of Brazilian culture and institutions is in constant dialogue with Weberian notions of traditional domination affective social action patrimonialism and traditional social action Such conceptions are circumscribed in the great theory of social rationalization produced by the german sociologist and in the work of the Brazilian historian result in the diagnosis of a society deeply oriented by personalism traditionalism patrimonialism and cordiality Finally we tried to demonstrate how these characteristics of Brazilian society still benefit the practice of corruption insofar as they do not produce the formally rationalized culture guided by the valorisation of the legal norms compliance and do not create rigid and impersonal institutions to limit the relations between the public sphere and the private spher

Mechanical performance of eco-efficient hollow clay bricks incorporating industrial nano-crystalline aluminium sludge

In this paper, mechanical properties of a new structural and eco-efficient hollow clay bricks are investigated. The principal goal was to recycle residual sludge from aluminium anodizing industries by incorporating it in the raw material of bricks, thus contributing for the sustainability of the construction sector. It was also an objective to enhance thermal properties of the bricks, contributing to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, and maintain their mechanical properties. A large set of mechanical tests was conducted. A comparison between traditional, structural, and the new eco-efficient bricks is established. Results show that the mechanical properties of the new bricks and masonry are not significantly affected by the aluminium sludge, thus allowing their use without strength limitations, and taking advantage from the thermal improved performance