One vote, many Mexicos: Income and vote choice in the 1994, 2000, and 2006 presidential elections

Using multilevel modeling of state-level economic data and individual-level exit poll data from the 1994, 2000 and 2006 Mexican presidential elections, we find that income has a stronger effect in predicting the vote for the conservative party in poorer states than in richer states -- a pattern that has also been found in recent U.S. elections. In addition (and unlike in the U.S.), richer states on average tend to support the conservative party at higher rates than poorer states. Our findings raise questions regarding the role that income polarization and region play in vote choice. The electoral results since 1994 reveal that collapsing multiple states into large regions entails significant loss of information that otherwise may uncover sharper and quiet revealing differences in voting patterns between rich and poor states as well as rich and poor individuals within states

Effect of cough technique and cryogen gas on temperatures achieved during simulated cryotherapy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cryotherapy is often used to treat cervical precancer in developing countries. There are different methods and cryogen gases used for cryotherapy, including the freeze-flush-freeze (cough) technique employed to minimize gas blockage. However, there is limited information to compare their effectiveness.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using a tissue model, we compared temperature-time curves for four cryotherapy methods: uninterrupted freezing with nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), and two methods using a standard and extended version of the cough technique with CO₂.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Uninterrupted freezing with both N₂O and CO₂produced tissue temperatures less than -20°C (-40°C and -30°C respectively). CO₂cryotherapy procedures using the two cough techniques produced temperatures greater than -20°C in the model tissue.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>CO₂cryotherapy using the cough technique may not achieve sufficiently low temperatures to produce the desired therapeutic effect. Other alternatives to the prevention of gas blockage should be developed.</p

Desidratação de rodelas de cenouras: avaliação dos pré-tratamentos na cinética de secagem e na qualidade do material produzido

A preservação dos alimentos pela secagem é um dos métodos mais antigos de conservação e é até hoje utilizado pelo homem. Nos alimentos desidratados, devido a atividade de água reduzida, os microorganismos praticamente não se desenvolvem. Deste modo, a maioria das reações químicas e enzimáticas que provocam alterações nos alimentos serem inibidas. Os produtos agrícolas desidratados vêm nos últimos anos ganhando bastante espaço no mercado consumidor, principalmente os legumes e hortaliças. Neste trabalho, foi estudado o processo de desidratação de cenouras em secador de bandejas pré-tratados por processos de: secagem osmótica em solução de cloreto de sódio (5 e 10%) e xarope de sacarose (35 e 50ºBrix), branqueamento com vapor d´água (100ºC) e com pré-secagem instantânea a altas temperaturas (120 e 150ºC). Além disso, foi avaliado o efeito da temperatura (70, 80 e 90ºC) na secagem de rodelas naturais. Em todos os ensaios foram determinadas as curvas de secagem, e a partir dessas ajustados modelos cinéticos que representassem o processo. Os materiais desidratados foram submetidos a análise sensorial de um grupo de 15 provadores, que avaliaram segundo uma escala hedônica de 1-9 os produtos a eles servidos. Dos resultados, o uso da desidratação osmótica com xarope além de acelerar a desidratação melhora os aspectos sensoriais do produto, em especial o tratado a 50ºBrix. No que diz respeito às salmouras seu uso só prejudicou o processo, pouco influindo na cinética e prejudicando o sabor. O efeito da temperatura é positivo, porém a níveis superiores a 90ºC se tem perda nas características organolépticas. No caso do uso da secagem instantânea quando se retoma o nível de temperatura até 80ºC se tem alta taxa de aumento na velocidade de secagem e não ocorrem perdas sensoriais. Além desse nível o material perde totalmente suas características. O uso do branqueamento provoca um retardo na desidratação, porém realça as propriedades organolépticas (em especial a cor) e diminui os efeitos do armazenamento no produto

MÃE ANA: OS FUNDAMENTOS DA CIÊNCIA DOS ENCANTADOS [SALGADO PARAENSE]

O artigo apresenta a trajetória e a cosmovisão de Mãe Ana, rezadeira centenária iniciada junto aos príncipes e princesas encantados do “fundo oceânico”, moradora da Vila de Japerica, região do Salgado paraense. Por meio de pesquisa de campo antropológica pretende-se analisar como a narradora elabora o que denomina de “ciência dos encantados” a partir das noções de “máquina de rezar”, “pé de mandioca” e “contas”, estes últimos termos utilizados pela rezadeira para explicitar a dinâmica dos corpos no mundo, as noções de saúde e doença e a capacidade transformacional dos encantados

Water Absorption Behavior of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) and Oil Palm Kernel Shell (OPKS) as Fillers in Acrylic Thermoplastic Composites

In recent years, the use of oil palm wastes has been an interesting approach for the development of sustainable polymer matrix composites. Nevertheless, the water absorption behavior of these materials is one of the most critical factors for their performance over time. In this study, the water uptake characteristics of acrylic thermoplastic matrix composites reinforced separately with oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and oil palm kernel shell (OPKS) were evaluated through immersion test in distilled water. The specimens of both composites were manufactured using the compression molding technique at three temperatures (80, 100, and 120 °C) using different particle sizes (425–600 and 600–850 µm). The composites, before and after the absorption test, were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The evaluation was complemented by the application of the Fickian diffusion model. Overall results showed that water absorption capacity decreased at a higher processing temperature and a larger particle size. In particular, it was observed that the type of reinforcement also influenced both water absorption and diffusivity. OPKS/acrylic and OPEFB/acrylic composites reached a maximum absorption of 77 and 86%, with diffusivities of 7.3 × 10−9 and 15.2 × 10−9 m2/min, respectively. Experimental evidence suggested that the absorption mechanism of the composites followed a non-Fickian model (n < 1.0).Fil: Almeida Naranjo, Cristina E.. Escuela Politécnica Nacional; Ecuador. Universidad de Las Américas; EcuadorFil: Valle, Vladimir. Escuela Politécnica Nacional; EcuadorFil: Aguilar, Alex. Escuela Politécnica Nacional; EcuadorFil: Cadena, Francisco. Escuela Politécnica Nacional; EcuadorFil: Kreiker, Jeronimo Rafael. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro Experimental de la Vivienda Económica; ArgentinaFil: Raggiotti, Barbara Belen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional. Facultad Regional Córdoba. Departamento de Ingeniería Civil. Centro de Investigación, Desarrollo y Transferencia de Materiales y Calidad; Argentin

Fullerenes in circumstellar and interstellar environments

We recently identified several emission bands in the Spitzer-IRS spectrum of the unusual planetary nebula Tc 1 with the infrared active vibrational modes of the neutral fullerene species C60 and C70. Since then, the fullerene bands have been detected in a variety of sources representing circumstellar and interstellar environments. Abundance estimates suggest that C60 represents ~0.1%-1.5% of the available carbon in those sources. The observed relative band intensities in various sources are not fully compatible with single-photon heating and fluorescent cooling, and are better reproduced by a thermal distribution at least in some sources. The observational data suggests that fullerenes form in the circumstellar environments of evolved stars, and survive in the interstellar medium. Precisely how they form is still a matter of debate.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures. To appear in the proceedings of IAU symposium 280 "The Molecular Universe

Antarctic geoconservation: a review of current systems and practices

The prohibition of commercial mineral resource extraction through the Antarctic Treaty System has removed one significant source of potential damage to Antarctica's geological and geomorphological values. However, given the on-going increase in Antarctic tourism and scientific footprint, some high-quality geological features may be vulnerable to human impact, such as damage due to the construction of logistical facilities, unregulated collection of geological specimens or oversampling for scientific purposes. The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty puts in place a framework for the protection of Antarctica's environmental, scientific, historic, wilderness and aesthetic values. However, the Antarctic Protected Area system is still immature and further implementation of existing management tools may be required to protect the diverse range of vulnerabilities, qualities and spatial scales represented in the geology and geomorphology of the continent. At sites where high-quality mineralogical or palaeontological specimens exist in limited quantities, considerations of how best to prevent oversampling and manage access to remaining material may be supported by assessment of cumulative impacts. Examination of the level of Antarctic specimen loans from a selection of national geological collections suggested that existing publically accessible geological collections could be better utilized, which could reduce environmental impact and oversampling at vulnerable Antarctic sites

Growth, development and nutritional value of Amaranthus tricolor L. as affected by salinity and harvesting procedure

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Low crop productivity in arid and semi-arid regions is a problem caused by water stress as well as associated high levels of soil and water salinity. An increased demand for salt tolerant crops is experienced in these regions. Amaranth is a glycophyte and C4 dicotyledonous crop, well adapted to arid and semi-arid regions. Previous studies on the physiological response of salt-stressed amaranths have indicated that this crop is salt tolerant. As vegetable, amaranths can be harvested by uprooting and by topping. The most common harvesting method is by topping, allowing repeated harvesting. When harvested by topping, the cutting height is an important parameter that may be manipulated to optimise growth rates. In this study, plants were exposed to different salt stress levels and harvesting procedures while yield and quality of Amaranthus tricolor were investigated. Nutrient solutions at four different electrical conducti vi ty (EC) levels were used to fertigate the plants. At high EC levels (4 mS cm-l and 8 mS cm-lj, the length and diameter of main stems, internode lengths, stem weights as well as root weights were reduced, especially with a longer growth period. However, the shoot: root ratio and leaf protein yields increased and flowering was delayed. The best leaf yield was obtained where plants were fertigated at an EC of 4 mS cm-l for 45 days. The cutting height did not affect leaf yield, growth rates and leaf protein yield in plants fertigated at EC levels of 1, 2 and 4 mS cm-l. At an EC of 8 mS cm-l, the growth rate recovered to a value similar to that of plants fertigated with an EC of 2 mS cmonly where plants were topped at 25%. With this less destructive cutting height (topped at 25%), leaf yields, growth rates and ·leaf calcium and protein yields at an EC of 8 mS cm" were superior to that of plants topped at 50%. In plants topped at 25%, the recovered growth rates at EC 8 mS cm-l was probably due to more photosynthetic active tissue left after cuttings, resulting in the accumulation of compatible solutes for osmotic adjustment.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die invloed van soutstremmings en oesprosedures op die groei, ontwikkeling en blaarkwaliteit van Amaranthus trico~or L. Lae produksie van gewasse in ariede en semi-ariede gebiede is 'n probleem wat veroorsaak word deur watertekorte asook geassosieerde hoë peile van grondverbrakking en soute in water. 'n Verhoogde vraag na soutverdraagsame gewasse word in hierdie gebiede ervaar. Amaranthus is 'n glikofiet en dikotiele C4 gewas wat goed in ariede en semi-ariede streke aangepas is. Vorige ondersoeke oor die fisiologiese reaksie van Amaranthus op soutstremmings het daarop gedui dat die gewas soutverdraagsaam is. As groentegewas word dit ge-oes deur dit uit te trek of deur dit gereeld te top. Waar dit getop word is die oes-tophoogte 'n belangrike parameter wat gemanipuleer kan word om die groeitempo te optimaliseer. In hierdie ondersoek is plante aan verskillende peile van soutstremmings en oesprosedures blootgestel terwyl die opbrengs en kwaliteit van Amaranthus tricolor ondersoek is. Voedingsoplossings is teen vier elektriese geleidingspeile (EC) gebruik om plante te voedsproei. Teen hoë EC peile (4 mS cm-l en 8 mS cm-l ), het lengtes en die deursnit van hoofstamme, internode lengtes, stam massas en wortelmassas afgeneem, veral met lang groeiperiodes. Die opbrengs het egter bogroei:wortel verhouding en toegeneem terwyl blomvorming blaarproteien vertraag is. Die beste blaar opbrengs is na 45 dae verkry waar plante teen 'n EC van 4 mS cm-l gevoedsproei is. Oes-tophoogte het nie blaar opbrengs, groeitempo of blaar protei en opbrengs beïnvloed met EC waardes in voedingsoplossings van 1, 2 en 4 mS cm-l nie. Met' n EC van 8 mS cm-l het die groeitempo herstel tot 'n vlak, gelykwaardig aan wat by 'n EC van 2 mS cm-l verkry is, slegs waar teen 25% tophoogtes ge-oes is. Met hierdie minder destruktiewe oesmetode (oes-tophoogte 25%), was blaar opbrengs, groei tempo en blaar kalsium en -proteien opbrengste by 'n EC van 8 mS cm-l betekenisvol beter as waar die oes-topdiepte 50% was. Plante wat met 25% topdieptes ge-oes is se herstel in groetempo teen EC 8 mS cm-1 was waarskynlik te danke aan meer fotosinteties aktiewe materiaal wat na oes op plante gelaat is. Dit kon tot die akkumulasie van oplosbare stowwe en osmotiese aanpassings aanleiding gegee het

IMPACTS CAUSED BY THE INADEQUATE DEPOSITION OF THE RESIDUE OF THE RIO GRANDE DO NORTE AGROINDUSTRIES

The current consumer market is eager for products with great practicality and quick preparation. Among these, in recent years, a great emphasis has been given to the use of fruit pulps for the preparation of juice and other derived products. This work consists of a balance sheet of the industries making juice from fruit pulps of the state of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil), with respect to the disposal of waste and the impact associated with the activities developed by them. The work was developed through a bibliographic research and the survey of data in 12 agroindustries of fruits processing in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, by applying a standard questionnaire. The results demonstrate a critical level with the improper disposal of waste in inappropriate places and low rates of preventive practices or the reuse of these. The management of liquid effluents is not treated with the degree of importance that is required and the exposure of emissions to the atmosphere is practically done in a grossly way, without any treatment. The paper explores such results and suggests an alternative proposal for the recycling of the wastes of those industries as food and as a food of animal origin.IMPACTOS CAUSADOS PELA DISPOSIÇÃO INADEQUADA DE RESÍDUOS EM AGROINDÚSTRIAS DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE. O atual mercado consumidor é ávido por produtos com grande praticidade e rápido preparo. Dentre esses, nos últimos anos, dado um grande destaque ao uso de polpas de frutas para o preparo de sucos e outros derivados. Este trabalho consiste de um balanço da situação das indústrias de beneficiamento de polpas de frutas do estado Rio Grande do Norte (Brasil), com relação à disposição final de resíduos e o impacto associado pelas atividades desenvolvidas por estas. O trabalho foi desenvolvido através de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e levantamento de dados em 12 agroindústrias de processamento de frutas do estado do Rio Grande do Norte, mediante a aplicação de um questionário padrão. Os resultados demonstram um nível de criticidade com a disposição inadequada de resíduos em locais inapropriados e baixos índices de práticas preventivas ou de reuso desses. O gerenciamento dos efluentes líquidos não é tratado com o grau de importância que se requer e a exposição de emissões para a atmosfera praticamente é feito de forma bruta, sem nenhum tratamento. O trabalho explora tais resultados e sugere uma proposta de alternativas para o reaproveitamento dos resíduos dessas indústrias como alimentação humana e como um alimento de origem animal