Sustainability of food supply chains – mapping food waste and by-product synergies

Purpose: This conceptual paper introduces the theoretical and methodological basis of an analytical framework conceived with the purpose of bringing industrial ecology perspectives into the core of the underlying disciplines supporting studies concerned with environmental sustainability aspects beyond product life cycle boundaries in a supply chain. Research Approach: To develop the framework, we draw from a previous LCA-driven methodological approach applied to investigate industrial activities with the purpose of defining industrial ecology strategies for the development of ‘eco-industrial clusters’. We expand on this approach by combining it with the waste model for the food sector to classify the inventory of food waste and by-products generated in different stages of a food supply chain. Finally, food waste and by-product flows are considered with basis on the European waste hierarchy model and core industrial symbiosis concepts. These flows depict two time-related scenarios: 1. Present scenarios showing the status quo of current waste and by-product flows, and 2. Future scenarios pointing out potential food waste and by-product synergies along the supply chain. Findings and Originality: Different ecosystems scenarios are expected to emerge from the analysis applied in different industrial stages of a food supply chain: Farming, manufacturing, and retailing. The scenarios are the main outcomes of the analysis process and they ultimately describe potential food waste and by-product synergies not only within and between core industrial activities of the supply chain being studied, but also potential industrial linkages with organisations outside the supply chain that are nonetheless located in areas adjacent to the core industries in the supply chain being analyzed. Research Impact: By bringing industrial ecology perspectives into the analytical framework developed, the paper provides a valuable and innovative contribution to the wider debate on how supply chains meet the challenges of sustainability. Given the pressing challenges faced by the food sector, the framework focuses upon waste minimization through industrial linkages in food supply chains. The combination of industrial ecology practice with basic LCA elements, the waste hierarchy model, and the spatial scale of industrial symbiosis allows the standardization of qualitative analyses and associated outcomes. Such standardization enables comparative analysis not only between different stages of a supply chain, but also between different supply chains. Practical Impact: The analytical approach proposed contributes more coherently to the wider circular economy aspiration of optimizing the flow of goods to get the most out of raw materials and cuts wastes to a minimum. The transition to a circular economy based upon circular design and production, new circular business models involving reverse cycles and cascading of products, by-products and waste, as well as cross-cycle and cross-sector collaborations beyond traditional supply chain boundaries, requires a refreshed understanding of more current circular supply chain archetypes

Bank liquidity and financial stability.

Fluctuations in investor risk aversion are often cited as a factor explaining crises on financial markets. The alternation between periods of bullishness prompting investors to make risky investments, and periods of bearishness, when they retreat to the safest forms of investments, could be at the root of sharp fluctuations in asset prices. One problem in the assessment of these different periods is clearly distinguishing the risk perceived by agents from risk aversion itself. There are several types of risk aversion indicators used by financial institutions (the VIX, the LCVI, the GRAI, etc.). These indices, which are estimated in diverse ways, often show differing developments, although it is not possible to directly assess which is the most accurate. An interesting method in this respect is to link the indicators to financial crises. In principle, financial crises should coincide with periods in which risk aversion increases. Here we estimate probabilities of financial crises –currency and stock market crises– using the different risk aversion indicators as explanatory variables. This allows us to assess their respective predictive powers. The tests carried out show that risk aversion does tend to increase before crises, at least when it is measured by the most relevant indices. This variable is a good leading indicator of stock market crises, but is less so for currency crises.

A gravidez complicada pelo diabetes mellitus - análise dos resultados maternos e perinatais

Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Curso de Medicina. Departamento de Tocoginecologia

Tariff discrimination on Brazil's soluble coffee: an economic analysis

This article evaluates the impacts of the imposition of tariffs on the Brazilian soluble coffee mainly by European countries as of the 1990s. More particularly, it verifies whether the imposition of discriminatory trade tariffs by the European Union and of non-discriminatory ones by some Eastern European countries reflects on the international demand for this commodity. For this purpose, dynamic models of global demand for Brazilian soluble coffee were estimated for the 1995-2003 period using data from the International Coffee Organization. Findings suggest that existing tariffs significantly account for the reduction of Brazilian share of soluble in the world market

Lipid peroxidation biomarkers in atherosclerosis

A aterosclerose é caracterizada por uma resposta inflamatória crônica da parede arterial, iniciada por uma lesão do endotélio, cuja etiologia está relacionada à modificação oxidativa da lipoproteína de baixa densidade. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar os principais metabólitos envolvidos nos processos bioquímicos de peroxidação lipídica, discutindo as vantagens e desvantagens dos métodos empregados para a mensuração dos biomarcadores de peroxidação lipídica relacionados com a aterosclerose. A avaliação da oxidação das lipoproteínas pode ser realizada pela determinação dos produtos gerados durante a peroxidação lipídica, como os isoprostanos, hidroperóxidos lipídicos, aldeídos, fosfolípides oxidados e os produtos da oxidação do colesterol. A suscetibilidade das partículas de lipoproteína de baixa densidade à oxidação pode ser avaliada in vitro, após a indução da peroxidação lipídica por azoiniciadores radicalares lipossolúveis, hidrossolúveis, ou mais comumente, pelos íons cobre. Por outro lado, as modificações da lipoproteína de baixa densidade, pela ação das lipoxigenases e peroxidases, ou oxidação não-enzimática, resultam no aumento da carga negativa destas partículas e podem contribuir para a geração in vivo de uma subfração de lipoproteína de baixa densidade minimamente oxidada, denominada lipoproteína de baixa densidade eletronegativa (lipoproteína de baixa densidade). A determinação das concentrações desta partícula pode ser realizada em plasma por cromatografia líquida ou por imunoensaios..Diversos métodos podem ser utilizados para a avaliação dos biomarcadores de peroxidação lipídica in vivo e in vitro, porém, a definição do marcador mais adequado, depende de uma avaliação criteriosa das vantagens, desvantagens e particularidades de cada análise, levando-se em consideração os objetivos do estudo que será conduzido.Atherosclerosis is characterized by a chronic inflammatory response in the arterial wall triggered by endothelial injury. Its etiology is associated with the oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein. The objective of this work is to present the main metabolites involved in the biochemical process of lipid peroxidation and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the methods used to measure the lipid peroxidation biomarkers associated with atherosclerosis. Lipoprotein oxidation can be assessed by determining the products generated during lipid peroxidation, such as isoprostanes, lipid hydroperoxides, aldehydes, oxidized phospholipids and products of cholesterol oxidation. The susceptibility of low density lipoprotein particles to oxidation can be assessed in vitro after induction of lipid peroxidation by oil-soluble or water-soluble azo initiators or more commonly by copper ions. On the other hand, low density lipoprotein modification by lipoxygenases and peroxidases or non-enzymatic oxidation increases the negative charge of these particles and may contribute to in vivo generation of a minimally oxidized low density lipoprotein subfraction called electronegative low density lipoprotein (low density lipoprotein). Plasma concentrations of these particles can be determined by liquid chromatography or immunoassays. Many methods can be used to assess lipid peroxidation biomarkers in vivo and in vitro, however determination of the most suitable biomarker depends on a minute assessment of the advantages, disadvantages and particularities of each analysis, bearing in mind the objectives of the study that will be performed

REFLEXÕES SOBRE O PROCESSO DE INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO EM CURSOS SUPERIORES DE GRADUAÇÃO TECNOLÓGICA: A EXPERIÊNCIA DA FACULDADE DE TECNOLOGIA DE AMERICANA

Este trabalho apresenta um recorte temático de uma pesquisa em desenvolvimento na Faculdade de Tecnologia de Americana, vinculada ao Centro Estadual de Educação Tecnológica Paula Souza, cujo objetivo é analisar criticamente as ações de internacionalização, para compreender suas características e refletir como tal processo pode contribuir com as estratégias de cooperação internacional, geração de novos conhecimentos e com o fortalecimento do ensino, pesquisa e extensão em instituições de ensino superior. A análise dos dados coletados a partir de pesquisa documental, questionários e entrevistas semiestruturadas fornecerá subsídios para proceder à caracterização dos programas e ações de internacionalização em desenvolvimento na Fatec Americana. Análises preliminares indicam que essas ações podem contribuir com a formação técnica e acadêmica de seus alunos, aperfeiçoar suas competências linguísticas bem como ampliar a capacidade de compreender diversidades interculturais em ambientes profissionais/educacionais. As reflexões ainda em desenvolvimento poderão contribuir também para que gestores acadêmicos procedam à adequação dos programas de internacionalização de instituições de ensino superior

LDL: from metabolic syndrome to instability of the atherosclerotic plaque

The dyslipidemia of the metabolic syndrome (MS) confers an elevated cardiovascular risk and is characterized by increased concentrations of triglycerides, decreased HDL-cholesterol and qualitative alterations in LDL which renders it more atherogenic, like the small dense LDL. Modified forms of LDL (mLDL) have been detected in vivo in the plasma and atherosclerotic plaques. A minor fraction of the total LDL has an electronegative charge and is represented by a heterogenic subpopulation of particles [LDL(-)], with higher potential to induce endothelial injury. It could be derived from oxidation, glication or other processes that alter its chemical composition and is increased in diabetic, hypercholesterolemic subjects, and in those with established coronary artery disease. mLDL are internalized by macrophages through scavenger receptors, originating foam cells and inducing an immune-inflammatory reaction. In the atherosclerotic process, the action of mLDL continues until plaque rupture and thrombogenesis, when it promotes apoptosis in endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and activates matrix metalloproteinases, weaken the fibrous cap, and further enhance the inflammatory process that ends in the thrombus formation. Development of new laboratory methods is necessary to enhance the clinical applicability of mLDL and the predictive power of the conventional lipid profile and other cardiovascular risk factors of the MS.A dislipidemia da síndrome metabólica (SM) confere elevado risco cardiovascular e caracteriza-se por aumento dos triglicérides, diminuição da HDL e alterações qualitativas da LDL, tornando-a mais aterogênica, como a LDL pequena e densa. LDLs modificadas (LDLm) foram detectadas in vivo no plasma e em placas ateroscleróticas. Uma pequena porcentagem do total de LDLs plasmáticas apresenta maior carga negativa na superfície [LDL(-)], sendo uma sub-população heterogênea de partículas com maior poder de agressão ao endotélio. Origina-se da oxidação, glicação ou outros processos que alteram sua composição química, estando aumentada em indivíduos diabéticos, hipercolesterolêmicos e naqueles com doença isquêmica cardíaca. A LDLm, ao ser fagocitada pelo receptor scavenger do macrófago, transforma-o numa célula espumosa e inicia uma reação imune-inflamatória. A participação da LDLm no processo aterogênico continua até a ruptura da placa e trombogênese, quando ela induz apoptose em células endoteliais e musculares lisas, aumenta a produção de metaloproteinases que digerem a matriz, fragilizando a cápsula, e exacerba a inflamação que concorre para o desenvolvimento do trombo. O aprimoramento dos ensaios laboratoriais para a LDLm permitirá maior aplicabilidade clínica, melhorando o poder preditivo de eventos cardiovasculares em relação ao perfil lipídico convencional e demais fatores de risco presentes na SM.UNIFESP-EPMUSP Faculdade de Ciências FarmacêuticasUSP Faculdade de Saúde Pública Departamento de NutriçãoUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

AÇÕES COLETIVAS: DESENVOLVIMENTO PARA ARRANJOS PRODUTIVOS INSERIDOS NO CONTEXTO DO AGRO-NEGÓCIO E TURISMO RURAL

No intuito de se tornarem competitivas, as organizações passaram a desenvolver fortes relacionamentos entre si. O que ocorre são formas de governança baseadas na cooperação e complementaridade, como no caso dos arranjos produtivos. Quanto mais coletividade, maior a possibilidade de eficiência das firmas. Contudo, estas formas são complexas e necessitam ser mais exploradas. Assim, este estudo investigou quais os fatores determinantes para o desenvolvimento de ações coletivas no arranjo produtivo do Vale dos Vinhedos, bem como o impacto dessas ações. Para tanto, realizaram-se entrevistas com figuras-chave do objeto de estudo. Como principais resultados identificaram-se alguns fatores determinantes para o desencadeamento das ações coletivas e ainda evidenciou-se que estas ações tiveram um impacto significativo em termos de vantagens competitivas e desenvolvimento regional para todo o contexto do arranjo.---------------------------------------------The organizations started to develop strong relationships to each other with the intention to became competitive. What happens are governance forms based on cooperation and complementarity, as in the case of the productive arrangements. The more collectivity, larger the possibility of efficiency of the firms. However, these forms are complex and need to be more explored. So, this study investigated which are the decisive factors for the development of collective actions in the productive arrangement of the Vineyards Valley, besides investigating the impact of those actions. For so much, it was took place interviews with key-agents of the study object. As main results it was identified some decisive factors for the development of the collective actions, and also, was still evidenced that these actions had a significant impact in terms of competitive advantages and regional development for the arrangement.Ações Coletivas, Desenvolvimento regional, Arranjo, Collective actions, Regional development, Arrangement, Community/Rural/Urban Development,