A “Dark Root” of Global History: Contributions made by Oswald Spengler and Arnold Toynbee

This is a historiographical inquire about a specific source of Global History. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the links between Oswald Spengler and Arnold Toynbee’s works and contemporary Global History. Both authors raised a holistic, non-State centric and pretending anti-Eurocentric approach of world history. Nevertheless, both remain as controversial writers for their anti-academic claims, particularly the cyclic vision of history and the intention to predict the future. Despite that, in the following years, several scholars had filtered the controversial elements of those authors to adapt them to scientific standards. Among authors such as Fernand Braudel, Raymond Aron, Martin Wight and Helio Jaguaribe, William McNeill stands out as a fundamental link to contemporary Global History

Uma caracterização dos teores de azoto ureico no leite (AUL/MUN) nas explorações leiteiras da Ilha Terceira

Dissertação de Mestrado, Engenharia Zootécnica, 04 de Junho de 2014, Universidade dos Açores.O azoto ureico no leite (AUL) é uma ferramenta muito útil para monitorizar o estado nutricional proteico de vacas ou de explorações leiteiras com vista a reduzir as perdas e maximizar a eficiência de utilização do azoto fornecido na dieta. A ingestão de proteína é de difícil medição, principalmente devido as imprecisões do teor proteico das ervas das pastagens e da incerteza sobre o consumo de erva, de concentrado e outros alimentos. Assim, os resultados dos teores de ureia no leite fornecem informações valiosas sobre o estado nutricional e de saúde nestes animais, além de evitar despesas desnecessárias com alimentação, devido à sobrealimentação proteica. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi o de efetuar uma caracterização dos teores de azoto ureico e de teor proteico no leite das explorações leiteiras da Ilha Terceira. Procurou-se encontrar alguma relação entre esses dois parâmetros, bem como uma relação entre o AUL e a quantidade de leite entregue na fábrica por produtor. Além disso, tentou-se interpretar a influência das condições climáticas sobre os valores de AUL encontrados e a influência da genética Jersey e Ramo-Grande sobre estes valores. O trabalho foi realizado em colaboração com o Serviço Regional de Classificação de Leite da Ilha Terceira (SERCLAT). Foram analisadas a totalidade das amostras de leite da Ilha Terceira recebidas no laboratório em 2011. Em 2012 não foram analisados os meses de Março, Abril e Maio. A mesma situação ocorreu em 2013, nos meses de Junho e Julho. Neste último ano foram analisadas as amostras até ao final do mês de Agosto. Os valores de AUL obtidos permitem concluir que os produtores da Ilha Terceira, na sua maioria, produzem leite com teor de AUL compreendido no intervalo considerado aceitável, ou seja, entre 12 e 18mg/dL, evidenciando um bom aproveitamento da proteína da dieta. Relativamente ao teor proteico no leite, verificou-se que a maioria das explorações produziram leite com teor proteico igual ou superior a 3,2%. Foi encontrada a existência de correlação significativa entre o AUL e o teor proteico no leite (P <0,001). Além disso, observou-se diferenças significativas (P <0,001) entre os valores de AUL para os teores de proteína no leite inferiores a 3% e superiores a 3,2%. Constatou-se ainda a inexistência de correlação entre os teores de AUL e a quantidade de leite entregue na fábrica pelos produtores. Observou-se a existência de uma correlação significativa (P <0,05), positiva e moderadamente forte entre a precipitação total registada por estações do ano e as 10 respetivas médias de AUL. Através do modelo de regressão linear concluímos que 42,2% da variação dos valores de AUL/estação do ano são explicadas pela precipitação total registada nesses períodos. Por outro a lado, a correlação entre as mesmas médias de AUL e a temperatura média/estação do ano não foi significativa. Em relação aos valores médios de AUL registados por mês, verificou-se a inexistência de correlação significativa com os valores totais de precipitação por mês e com as temperaturas médias mensais registadas. Face aos resultados obtidos, recomendamos a utilização dos valores de AUL por parte dos produtores como ferramenta útil para a gestão da alimentação do rebanho, que permite ajustar os teores de proteína bruta da dieta às necessidades das vacas, levando-se em consideração a influência que as condições climáticas exercem sobre as características nutricionais das pastagens e, consequentemente, nos teores de ureia no leite.ABSTRACT: The milk urea nitrogen (MUN) is a very useful tool to monitor the protein nutritional status of cows or dairy farms to reduce losses and maximize the efficiency of use of nitrogen supplied in the diet. Protein intake is difficult to measure, mainly due to the inaccuracies of the protein content of grass pastures and uncertainty on the consumption of grass, concentrate and other foods. Thus, the results of the levels of urea in milk provide valuable information on the nutritional status and health of these animals, in addition to avoiding unnecessary spending on food, due to overfeeding protein. The main objective of this study was to perform a characterization of the urea nitrogen and protein content in milk levels from dairy farms in Terceira Island. We tried to find some relationship between these two parameters, as well as a relationship between MUN and the amount of milk delivered to the factory by producer. Furthermore, we tried to interpret the influence of climatic conditions on the MUN values found and the influence of genetic Jersey and Ramo-Grande on these values. The work was performed in collaboration with the Regional Laboratories of Milk Classification from Terceira Island (SERCLAT). We analyzed all samples of milk from Terceira Island received in the laboratory in 2011. In 2012 were not analyzed the months of March, April and May. The same situation occurred in 2013, in the months of June and July. This past year we analyzed the samples by the end of August. MUN values obtained indicate that farmers of Terceira, mostly produce milk with MUN content within the range considered acceptable, ie between 12 and 18mg/dL, showing a good utilization of dietary protein. With regard to protein content in milk, it was found that the majority of farms produced milk protein content equal or superior 3,2%. It was found that there is significant correlation between AUL and protein content in milk (P <0,001). Moreover, there are significant differences (P <0,001) between the MUN values for protein content in milk below 3% and more than 3.2%. It was also no correlation between the levels of AUL and the amount of milk delivered to the factory by the farmers. It was observed that there was a significant correlation (P <0,05), positive and moderately strong between total rainfall recorded by seasons and the respective averages of MUN. Through the linear regression model we conclude that 42,2 % of the values variation of AUL/season are explained by the total rainfall recorded in these periods. On the other hand, the correlation between the same MUN values and the average temperature/season was not significant. In relation to the mean MUN values recorded per month, there was a absence significant correlation with the total amounts of precipitation per month and the average monthly temperatures recorded. Considering our results, we recommend using the values of MUN by farmers as a useful tool for the management of cattle feeding, which allows to adjust the crude protein of the diet of cows needs, taking into account the influence that weather have on the nutritional characteristics of the pastures, and consequently the levels of urea in milk

História da Geografia escolar e seus manuais: considerações a partir da Reforma Francisco Campos (1931-32)

Esse artigo tem por objetivo contextualizar e discutir os arcabouços históricos e sociais que envolveram a constituição da disciplina de Geografia no ensino secundário em seus manuais escolares a partir da Reforma Francisco Campos (1931-32). Realizamos uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental e nos fundamentamos no Paradigma Indiciário. Consideramos, a partir da bibliografia e dos indícios, que a disciplina de Geografia se caracterizou por uma “modernização conservadora” em que, apesar de ampliar seu espaço no currículo e buscar renovar seu ensino, funcionou como um aparato ideológico nacionalista de Estado e seus pressupostos renovadores tiveram poucos avanços práticos, configurando uma cultura livresca

Synthesis of Metal Boranes as Solid-State Electrolytes for Next Generation Battery Applications

Modifying conventional batteries by replacing liquid electrolytes with solid ionic conductors is a novel strategy for developing next-generation energy storage devices (solid-state batteries) with increased safety, energy density, and reduced costs. Metal-boranes have shown promising features as solid-state electrolytes, due to their high ionic conductivity and compatibility with alkali-metal anodes. The synthesised metal-boranes demonstrate promising properties for further research and application as solid-state electrolytes in batteries

Emergency surgery and Limitation of therapeutic effort in relation to neurologic deterioration in elderly patients – a survey of European surgeons

Background. In emergency surgery, a very heterogeneous approach is required in the decision making process, especially when considering the patient’s postoperative quality of life as well as medical, ethical, and legal factors. In some cases, the presence of an Advance Directive (AD) form may potentially help resolve the surgeon’s dilemma. Objectives. The primary objective of this survey was to investigate the opinions of surgeons across a representative cross-section of European countries regarding the decision making process using a specific case scenario so as to identify similarities and differences in practice. A secondary objective was to identify the possibility of establishing a more uniform approach and best practice. Method. A survey was conducted of surgeons from a range of European countries. Questionnaires were designed to obtain an overview of decision making in relation to the Limitation of Therapeutic Effort (LTE) using a specific case study and the level of awareness and practical use of ADs. Surveys were distributed via email to the members of the ESTES (European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery) and AEC (Association of Spanish surgeons), with voluntary, anonymous participation. Conclusions. Clear and additional support in the form of legal and ethical guidance with clinical protocols for surgical practice in such case scenarios is necessary. Wider use of ADs, together with education about their role and support for patients and relatives, would benefit the type of patient described in our scenario. A multidisciplinary team should play a more active role in decision making in order to avoid surgical procedures that are potentially futile. The concepts of LTE and Quality of life need a broader understanding among surgeons as well as more consistent application

Experimental Tests and Numerical Simulations for Failure Investigation on Corrugated Boxes Used on Household Appliance Packaging

Packages made of corrugated paper are fundamental to the protection, transportation and handling of the appliance product market. During the storage and sales stages of a product, the package must resist compressive loads in different directions beyond moderate impacts. In this context, the objective of this work is to develop and implement a post-processor that allows the simultaneous analysis of two of the most common failure modes of packages made of corrugated paper: failure due to tensile or compressive stress limit, and failure due to local buckling, when the buckling of the faces of the corrugated paper between two peaks of the fluting waves occurs. It was realized that the current procedure proposed by the literature expend a series of operations, what became the failure analysis for corrugated boxes too lengthy for the immediacy of the industry. Thus, it was chosen to apply a procedure to simplify the failure limit surface. Tensile tests were performed for the characterization of corrugated material used in numerical simulations. Experimental tests were performed on corrugated boxes used on household appliance products. The Tsai-Wu criteria for the material failure evaluation was applied and a modified Nyman-Gustafsson criteria for the local buckling analysis on the numerical simulations was proposed. A good correlation between experimental tests and numerical results was obtained. This work brings high expectations to the agility requested by the industry in the launching of new products

Valoración, análisis y propuestas de cambios en el acueducto de la comunidad de Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

Proyecto de Graduación (Licenciatura en Ingeniería en Construcción) Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Escuela de Ingeniería en Construcción, 2005De una manera técnica, este trabajo detalla el análisis, la valoración y las propuestas de cambio para solventar los problemas de funcionamiento que presenta actualmente el acueducto de la comunidad de Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. El estudio se basó en una exhaustiva recolección de información de campo, programas de medición de presiones, análisis de los hábitos de consumo de la comunidad, determinación de horas y días de consumo máximo, así como la investigación del comportamiento de los sistemas de almacenamiento y de bombeo. El análisis de esta información permitió conocer el modo de operación del sistema actual, para luego plantear los cambios necesarios en las líneas de conducción y distribución de la red, en miras de asegurar una buena cobertura de la comunidad en relación con el suministro de agua potable. Como objetivo principal se propuso determinar si el sistema, como un todo, podría suministrar agua potable a la comunidad a 20 años plazo. Se realizaron proyecciones de crecimiento de población utilizando métodos variados como: el gráfico, el lineal, el geométrico y el logarítmico, para compararlas luego con las proyecciones demográficas elaboradas por el INEC. Se utilizó una cifra conservadora para evadir un mal rediseño del acueducto el cual pudiera perjudicar el suministro de agua en el futuro. Se valoró el aumento del número de habitantes y, asociado a esto, se especificó el caudal requerido para dotar de agua potable a la comunidad de Puerto Viejo. Mediante un sistema computadorizado se logró determinar que la red actual no será capaz de suministrar agua a la población futura. Asimismo, con las proyecciones en la demanda de agua se determinó que la naciente, de la cual actualmente se sirve la comunidad, no es capaz de suministrar el caudal requerido para el período de diseño. Con base en lo anterior, y de una manera breve, se observa la necesidad de rediseñar el acueducto y de que a corto plazo se obtenga una fuente adicional de agua que genere el caudal demandado por los usuarios en un futuro cercano