The refugee and humanity : a theoretical study of the enjoyment of human rights in the case of Hirsi Jamaa and others v. Italy

This essay explores the refugee’s access to human rights in regard to the case of Hirsi Jamaa and others v. Italy. The status of refugee, official or not, entails certain rights and state obligation, but the correlation between refugee rights and human rights is problematic. The analysis of the case parties’ arguments for and against violation of relevant articles of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, shows how the parties define concepts crucial to the concept of refugee. The comparison of the summarized results with theories relating to the refugee conception and humanhood, conjures an image of the refugee as less than human, lacking a political voice, and in extension unable to enjoy human rights to the full

Development of an integrative approach for the characterization of ecological risk on marine transition ecosystems: the Sado Estuary as a case study

Estuaries and other transitional waters are complex ecosystems critically important as nursery and shelter areas for organisms. Also, humans depend on estuaries for multiple socio-economical activities such as urbanism, tourism, heavy industry, (taking advantage of shipping), fisheries and aquaculture, the development of which led to strong historical pressures, with emphasis on pollution. The degradation of estuarine environmental quality implies ecologic, economic and social prejudice, hence the importance of evaluating environmental quality through the identification of stressors and impacts. The Sado Estuary (SW Portugal) holds the characteristics of industrialized estuaries, which results in multiple adverse impacts. Still, it has recently been considered moderately contaminated. In fact, many studies were conducted in the past few years, albeit scattered due to the absence of true biomonitoring programmes. As such, there is a need to integrate the information, in order to obtain a holistic perspective of the area able to assist management and decision-making. As such, a geographical information system (GIS) was created based on sediment contamination and biomarker data collected from a decade-long time-series of publications. Four impacted and a reference areas were identified, characterized by distinct sediment contamination patterns related to different hot spots and diffuse sources of toxicants. The potential risk of sediment-bound toxicants was determined by contrasting the levels of pollutants with available sediment quality guidelines, followed by their integration through the Sediment Quality guideline Quotient (SQG-Q). The SQG-Q estimates per toxicant or class was then subjected to georreferencing and statistical analyses between the five distinct areas and seasons. Biomarker responses were integrated through the Biomarkers Consistency Indice and georreferenced as well through GIS. Overall, in spite of the multiple biological traits surveyed, the biomarker data (from several organisms) are accordant with sediment contamination. The most impacted areas were the shipyard area and adjacent industrial belt, followed by urban and agricultural grounds. It is evident that the estuary, although globally moderately impacted, is very heterogeneous and affected by a cocktail of contaminants, especially metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. Although elements (like copper, zinc and even arsenic) may originate from the geology of the hydrographic basin of the Sado River, the majority of the remaining contaminants results from human activities. The present work revealed that the estuary should be divided into distinct biogeographic units, in order to implement effective measures to safeguard environmental quality

Nanomedicines, a strategy to evade multidrug resistance

Multidrug resistance is a major problems associated with cancer chemotherapy. Efflux transports is one of the numerous mechanisms involved in multidrug resistance. P-glycoprotein is a transmembrane protein, responsible for drug efflux, which decreases drugs intracellular bioavailability, consequently decreasing their efficacy against cancer. Cancer growth and dissemination depends on the expression of transcriptional factors such as, Twist. Among other features, this protein is related with cells chemoresistance possible by regulation of multidrug resistance pathways including the P-glycoprotein expression. The herein study proposes to demonstrate if paclitaxel entrapped nanoparticles is an effective system in evading multidrug resistance mechanisms and if functionalization of a specific antibody against cancer stem cells receptors (anti-CD44v6) has the capability to target selectively these cells increasing nanoparticles efficacy. Therefore solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared and a breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-436) was exposed to them in order to assess unloaded nanoparticles cytotoxic effects, increased pharmacologic efficacy of loaded nanoparticles relative to the free drug and their ability to evade multidrug resistance. The proposed solid lipid nanoparticles system proved to be capable of efficiently evading multidrug resistance mechanisms; however no improvement was added when these nanoparticles were functionalized with the antibody in the in vitro studies. However, the nanoparticles system is effective against multidrug resistance mechanisms

Modification of microclimate by an isolated ash-tree (Fraxinus angustifolia

Estudaram-se as alterações microclimáticas decorrentes da presença de árvores isoladas de freixo (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) num lameiro próximo de Alfaião (41º 46’ 55’’ N; 6º 24’ 51’’ W; 510m de altitude), no distrito de Bragança (Nordeste de Portugal), em que o clima é do tipo Csb de Köppen. O lameiro localiza-se no fundo de um pequeno vale, cujos solos correspondem a Fluvissolos êutricos. Durante três anos mediu-se a radiação solar global incidente em campo aberto e a transmitida através da copa da árvore, a temperatura do ar e do solo sob e fora do coberto e a precipitação incidente sob a copa e em campo aberto. Em todas as estações do ano a presença da árvore alterou significativamente o microclima sob a mesma devido à intercepção de radiação solar (cerca de 25 a 35% no Inverno e de 55 a 65% no Verão) e de cerca de 40% do total anual da precipitação bruta (52-56% no período de Maio- Setembro e 35% no período de ausência de folhagem). As temperaturas médias do ar sob a influência da copa (SIC) da árvore foram superiores às observadas fora da influência da copa (FIC), com as diferenças máximas ocorrendo durante o período nocturno e sendo da ordem de 3ºC no Verão e de 5ºC no Inverno. Os valores médios da temperatura do solo foram superiores na área SIC durante o Inverno (1,1ºC à profundidade de 20 cm) e no Verão na área FIC (1ºC à profundidade de 2 cm). As amplitudes térmicas no ar e no solo da área SIC foram inferiores às observadas na FIC. As condições microclimáticas observadas sob coberto poderão favorecer o desenvolvimento da vegetação herbácea no fim do Inverno, o que pode afectar a produção de biomassa das herbáceas.Changes in microclimate caused by an isolated ash tree (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) were assessed in a pasture land close to Bragança (41º 46’ 55’’ N; 6º 24’ 51’’ W; 510m de altitude), in Northeastern Portugal), where climate is Csb according to Köppen. The experimental site was located in the bottom of a small valley, and soils mostly fit the Eutric Fluvisols. Solar radiation, rainfall, and air and soil temperature were measured during three years beneath the tree canopy and in the open. Results showed that the microclimate conditions under the tree canopy were significantly different from those in the open. This is due to solar radiation interception (about 25 a 35% in winter and 55 a 65% in summer) and the interception of about 40% of the gross rainfall (52-56% during May- -October, and 35% when the foliage was absent). Mean air temperatures under the canopy were higher than those in the open, with the differences being greater at nigth, reaching about 3ºC in summer and 5ºC in winter. Compared to the open, mean soil temperatures in winter were higher (about 1ºC at 20 cm depth) beneath the canopy, but were smaller (1ºC at 2 cm depth) in summer. Amplitudes of soil and air temperature were lower under the tree canopy than in the open. These microclimate conditions under the canopy may favour both the herbaceous biomass production and the earlier development of herbaceous at the end of winter

Influência da copa de Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl nas características do gotejo e do escorrimento ao longo do tronco.

O presente estudo teve como objectivo avaliar o efeito da copa de freixo nas características do gotejo e do escorrimento ao longo do tronco. A partir da análise química das soluções recolhidas quantificaram-se os nutrientes provenientes da atmosfera, bem como os transferidos da árvore para o solo através do gotejo e escorrimento ao longo do tronco. A passagem da precipitação através da copa conduziu, em geral, a um aumento dos valores de pH, dos teores de carbono (COD) e azoto (NOD) orgânicos dissolvidos e de nutrientes da solução de gotejo, em relação à precipitação bruta, devido à lavagem e/ou lixiviação dos tecidos vegetais. As concentrações de elementos na solução de escorrimento ao longo do tronco foram bastante superiores às do gotejo e precipitação bruta. Assim, os fluxos anuais em 2001 de COD, NOD, N-NH4+, N-NO3-, Cl, K, Na, Ca, Mg e P na precipitação bruta foram, respectivamente, 3.93, 0.92, 0.20, 0.06, 1.81, 2.40, 1.11, 1.16, 0.29 e 0.06g m-2; os valores referentes ao gotejo foram de 8.65, 1.12, 0.20, 0.03, 3,63, 4.22, 1.43, 1.70, 0.91 e 0.26g m-2. Em relação ao escorrimento ao longo do tronco, os fluxos variarão naturalmente com a área em torno do tronco da árvore, susceptível de ser influenciada por esta solução. As elevadas quantidades de nutrientes restituídas ao solo pelo gotejo e pelo escorrimento ao longo do tronco em relação à precipitação bruta, poderão contribuir para a diferenciação das características do solo sob a copa das árvores

Avaliação de agroecossistemas em processo de transição para a produção orgânica em Brasília, Distrito Federal

Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (graduação)—Universidade de Brasília, Faculdade UnB de Planaltina, 2016.O presente trabalho refere-se ao relatório de estágio na área de sistema orgânico de produção animal da EMBRAPA- Cerrados. O objetivo geral consiste em avaliar os impactos socioambientais e ecológicos de dois agroecossistemas em transição agroecológica, realizar comparações temporais baseadas em dados dos anos de 2014 e 2016; ambos localizam-se em Brasília, Distrito Federal. As análises temporais enfatizam os principais fatores das mudanças complexas da sustentabilidade dos agroecossistemas, verificadas por meio de sistema de indicadores denominado de - Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental da Inovação Tecnológica Agropecuária (AMBITEC-AGRO), constituído por módulos integrados, com sete componentes de desempenho ecológico e socioambiental: (i) uso de insumos/recursos; (ii) qualidade ambiental; (iii) respeito ao consumidor; (iv) emprego; (v) renda; (vi) saúde; e, (vii) gestão/administração. E, no conjunto, o sistema é composto por 25 indicadores, todos organizados em matrizes de ponderação automatizadas, elaborado pelo Embrapa. No mundo, as terras agrícolas geridas organicamente são ocupadas principalmente com pastagens, culturas permanentes, florestas e outras atividades. O valor de mercado dos produtos orgânicos certificados tem apresentado crescimento significativo nas ultimas décadas. A maioria dos produtores são agricultores familiares que vivem em países em desenvolvimento. No Brasil, os principais produtos orgânicos comercializados no mercado interno são: hortigranjeiros frescos, cereais, conservas e laticínios. E, os principais produtos exportados são: café, açúcar, cacau, soja, óleos, frutas secas, caju e mate. O mercado de produtos orgânicos vem desenvolvendo-se com os processos de certificação de produtores, adequando-se os agroecossistemas às normas vigentes, o que é de fundamental importância para a geração de renda monetária para os produtores familiares, a segurança alimentar da sociedade e para promoção do desenvolvimento sustentável. Os agroecossistemas avaliados cessaram a produção orgânica de leite bovino porque o preço praticado para no mercado era semelhante ao do leite convencional, carência de mão de obra especializada, intensidade de trabalho, falta de assistência técnica e carências nos serviços de extensão rural, ineficiência de política pública de incentivos à transição orgânica dos sistemas de produção animal. Segundo os produtores “o mercado e nem o consumidor reconhecem o leite como produto orgânico, por falta de ação do governo e da concorrência desleal que há das grandes produtoras de leite, tanto no mercado local como nacional”, em outras palavras “a falta de incentivos governamentais, politicas e pesquisas específicas nos leva a aprender errando”. A renda dos agroecossistemas em transição agroecológica é oriunda da diversificação da produção orgânica vegetal e criações de pequenos animais. Conclui-se que o processo de transição da produção convencional para sistemas orgânicos apresenta dificuldades de adaptação na gestão, que por vezes pode implicar na paralisação de atividades menos rentáveis e, em consequência, direcionar esforços para investimentos atividades inovadoras. O AMBITEC-AGRO é uma ferramenta de pesquisa e extensão, além de ser um instrumento didático-pedagógico, mas que apresenta limitações, devendo-se adaptar alguns de seus indicadores para estudos de casos dos agroecossistemas em transição agroecológica.This paper rk refers to the probation report in organic system area of animal production made in Embrapa Cerrados, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil. The objective was to evaluate the environmental and ecological impacts of the two agroecosystems in agroecological transition, comparisons based on data from the years 2014 and 2016. The analysis emphasize the key factors of the complex changes in the sustainability of agro-ecosystems, verified through system of indicators called - Environmental Impact Assessment of Agricultural Technological Innovation (AMBITEC-AGRO) consisting of integrated modules, with seven components of environmental performance: (i) use of inputs/resources; (ii) environmental quality; (iii) respect for the consumer; (iv) employment; (v) income; (vi) health; and (vii) management administration. the whole system is composed of 25 indicators, all organized in automated weighing matrix developed by Embrapa. Globally, agricultural land organically managed are mainly occupied with pasture, permanent crops, forests and other activities. The market value of certified organic products has shown significant growth in recent decades. Most producers are small farmers living in developing countries. In Brazil, the main organic products sold in the domestic market are: horticulture, cereals and dairy products. The main export products are coffee, sugar, cocoa. The organic market is developing with the certification processes, adapting the agroecosystems to current rules, which is crucial for generating cash income for family farmers, food security for society and promoting sustainable development. Evaluated agroecosystems ceased production of organic cow milk because the price charged to the market was similar to that of conventional milk, lack of skilled labor, work intensity, lack of technical assistance and needs in rural extension services, inefficiency of the policy public and incentives to organic transition According to the producers ‘ market and not the consumer recognize the milk as organic produce, for lack of government action and unfair competition there are the major producers of milk, both local and national market […] and ‘the lack of governmental policies and incentives specific research leads us to learn erring. The income of agro-ecosystems in agroecological transition comes from the diversification of organic vegetable production and creation of small animals. It is concluded that the conventional production process of transition to organic systems presents difficulties in adapting the management, which can sometimes entail the shutdown of less profitable activities and therefore direct efforts to investments innovative activities. The AMBITEC-AGRO is a research and extension tool, besides being a didactic and pedagogical tool, but it has limitations and should adapt some of its indicators for case studies of agro-ecosystems in agroecological transition

WebAssembly versus JavaScript: Energy and runtime performance

The worldwide Web has dramatically evolved in recent years. Web pages are dynamic, expressed by programs written in common programming languages given rise to sophisticated Web applications. Thus, Web browsers are almost operating systems, having to interpret/compile such programs and execute them. Although JavaScript is widely used to express dynamic Web pages, it has several shortcomings and performance inefficiencies. To overcome such limitations, major IT powerhouses are developing a new portable and size/load efficient language: WebAssembly.In this paper, we conduct the first systematic study on the energy and run-time performance of WebAssembly and JavaScript on the Web. We used micro-benchmarks and also real applications in order to have more realistic results. Preliminary results show that WebAssembly, while still in its infancy, is starting to already outperform JavaScript, with much more room to grow. A statistical analysis indicates that WebAssembly produces significant performance differences compared to JavaScript. However, these differences differ between micro-benchmarks and real-world benchmarks. Our results also show that WebAssembly improved energy efficiency by 30%, on average, and showed how different WebAssembly behaviour is among three popular Web Browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox. Our findings indicate that WebAssembly is faster than JavaScript and even more energy-efficient. Additionally, our benchmarking framework is also available to allow further research and replication.This work is financed by National Funds through the Portuguese funding agency, FCT -Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia within project UIDB/50014/2020. Additionally, this paper acknowledges the support of the Erasmus+ Key Action 2 project No. 2020-1-PT01-KA203-078646: "SusTrainable -Promoting Sustainability as a Fundamental Driver in Software Development Training and Education"

Fitorremediação de chumbo por feijão-de-porco em um Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico tratado com EDTA

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, em condições de casa de vegetação, os efeitos do ácido etilenodiamino tetraacético (EDTA) no potencial fitoextrator do feijão-de-porco (Canavalia ensiformis L.). Amostras de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico foram tratadas com seis doses de Pb (0, 100, 200, 350, 1.200 e 2.400 mg kg-1 de solo) aplicadas como Pb(NO3)2 com e sem a aplicação de EDTA (0 e 0,5 g kg-1, respectivamente) e colocadas em vasos. A concentração de Pb2+, Cl-, NO3-, NH4+, SO4(2-), H2PO4-, Zn2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Al3+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ e COD (carbono orgânico dissolvido) foram determinadas no extrato de saturação (razão solo:água de 1:0,3) e utilizadas para especiação iônica através do software Visual-Minteq 2.30. A disponibilidade de Pb foi avaliada com solução extratora de ácido dietilenotriamino pentacético (DTPA). O solo tratado com EDTA apresentou maior concentração de Pb (como PbEDTA2-) e Fe (como FeEDTA-) na solução do solo levando a maior absorção destes elementos pelo feijão de porco. Por outro lado reduziu a concentração das espécies Pb-COD e Fe-COD. O EDTA também contribuiu com melhor nutrição da planta devido ao aumento da concentração de outros nutrientes (Ca, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe e Mn) na parte aérea. A produção de matéria seca foi constante mesmo para as doses mais altas de Pb no solo. O feijão-de-porco possui potencial fitorremediador. O extrator DTPA foi efetivo em avaliar a disponibilidade de Pb para as plantas para todas as doses de Pb aplicadas.A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) addition to soils on the lead (Pb) phytoextraction potential of jack beans (Canavalia ensiformis L.). In a pot experimentSoil samples (dystrophic Rhodic Hapludox) were treated with six Pb rates (0, 100, 200, 350, 1,200, and 2,400 mg kg-1 soil) applied as Pb(NO3)2 without and with EDTA application (0 and 0.5 g kg-1, respectively). Lead, Cl-, NO3-, NH4+, SO4(2-), H2PO4-, Zn2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Al3+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and DOC (dissolved organic carbon) concentrations obtained in a saturation soil extract (soil:water ratio of 1:0.3) were used for Pb speciation by means of the software Visual-Minteq 2.30. Soil Pb-availability was assessed with Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extraction. EDTA treated soils showed higher Pb (as PbEDTA2-), and Fe (as FeEDTA-) concentrations in soil solution leading to higher uptake of these elements by the jack bean. On the other hand, it decreased the concentration of stable complexes as Pb-DOC and Fe-DOC. EDTA also induced better nutrition to plants building up the concentration of non target metals (Ca, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in shoots. Shoot dry matter yield remained constant even at the highest Pb rates after EDTA treatment. Jack bean can be considered as a potential Pb-phytoextractor. In addition, the DTPA solution was effective to assess Pb availability to the plants at all applied Pb rates

Discurso de abertura do I workshop de geociências

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