The microstructure of a melt-spun Zr28Ni44Cu28 (at. %) alloy was characterized in order to determine the structures and compositions of the crystalline phases that compete with glass formation during rapid solidification. Two crystalline phases were identified, namely, a face centered cubic (FCC) zirconium oxide phase and a primitive cubic version of the big-cube oxide phase, using a combination of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Our results indicate that the Zr-O atomic pair interaction is preferential compared to the other atomic pair possibilities, supporting the formation of Zr-based oxides over the equilibrium phases in the ternary Zr-Ni-Cu system. Further, the results provide insight into the mechanisms of oxygen-induced crystallization in Zr-based BMGs and the corresponding decrease in glass forming ability (GFA) with increasing oxygen concentrations.

Abstract: On December 3, 2017, Bolivian voters went to the polls to vote for their national judges. Bolivia is the only country in modern world history to use direct elections to select its judges, and the adoption and implementation of these elections has been highly contentious. We report on this election and contend that though formally compliant with the Bolivian Constitution, the MAS supermajority used its powers to limit the ability of the public to make its voice heard in an electorally meaningful way. Voters registered their discontent by spoiling more ballots than in any election in Bolivian history. Relying on original survey data as well as municipal-level election returns, we demonstrate that candidates' electoral fates in this election were tied more closely to their position on the ballot than their ascriptive characteristics or professional qualifications, and voters' decisions to cast spoiled votes correlate strongly with their dissatisfaction with the broader MAS political project.

Resumen: El día 3 de diciembre de 2017, los electores bolivianos fueron a las urnas para votar directamente por sus jueces y magistrados nacionales. Bolivia es el único país en la historia del mundo moderno que utiliza elecciones para seleccionar a sus jueces de jurisdicción nacional, las elecciones de 2017 son las segundas de este tipo y han generado mucha polémica. Aquí informamos sobre esta elección y afirmamos que, aunque haya cumplido formalmente con la Constitución Plurinacional, el gobierno del Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) limitó sistemáticamente la capacidad del pueblo boliviano de expresar su voluntad electoral. Los votantes registraron su descontento anulando más papeletas que en cualquier otra elección en la historia boliviana. Al analizar datos originales de una encuesta de opinión pública y los resultados electorales a nivel municipal, demostramos que la posición en la papeleta electoral explica más que las características o las calificaciones profesionales de los candidatos que ganaron, mientras que votar en blanco o anular el voto fue una expresión de insatisfacción con el proyecto político más amplio del MAS.

Abstract I argue that the Formula of Humanity, the principle that we should always treat the humanity of a person as an end in itself and never as a mere means, is a principle of pure practical reason. Insofar as that principle is also the fundamental grounds of morality, it follows, then, that all autonomous rational agents are committed to morality.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the association between hypoxia during embryo development and oral clefts in an animal model, and to evaluate the association between polymorphisms in the HIF-1A gene with oral clefts in human families. Material and Methods The study with the animal model used zebrafish embryos at 8 hours post-fertilization submitted to 30% and 50% hypoxia for 24 hours. At 5 days post-fertilization, the larvae were fixed. The cartilage structures were stained to evaluate craniofacial phenotypes. The family-based association study included 148 Brazilian nuclear families with oral clefts. The association between the genetic polymorphisms rs2301113 and rs2057482 in HIF-1A with oral clefts was tested. We used real time PCR genotyping approach. ANOVA with Tukey's post-test was used to compare means. The transmission/disequilibrium test was used to analyze the distortion of the inheritance of alleles from parents to their affected offspring. Results For the hypoxic animal model, the anterior portion of the ethmoid plate presented a gap in the anterior edge, forming a cleft. The hypoxia level was associated with the severity of the phenotype (p<0.0001). For the families, there was no under-transmitted allele among the affected progeny (p>0.05). Conclusion Hypoxia is involved in the oral cleft etiology, however, polymorphisms in HIF-1A are not associated with oral clefts in humans.

Abstract In spite of many genetic studies that contributed for a deep knowledge about the peopling of the Americas, no consensus has emerged about important parameters such as the effective size of the Native Americans founder population. Previous estimates based on genomic datasets may have been biased by the use of admixed individuals from Latino populations, while other recent studies using samples from Native American individuals relied on approximated analytical approaches. In this study we use resequencing data for nine independent regions in a set of Native American and Siberian individuals and a full-likelihood approach based on isolation-with-migration scenarios accounting for recent flow between Asian and Native American populations. Our results suggest that, in agreement with previous studies, the effective size of the Native American population was small, most likely in the order of a few hundred individuals, with point estimates close to 250 individuals, even though credible intervals include a number as large as ~4,000 individuals. Recognizing the size of the genetic bottleneck during the peopling of the Americas is important for determining the extent of genetic markers needed to characterize Native American populations in genome-wide studies and to evaluate the adaptive potential of genetic variants in this population.

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli causes various ailments such as septicemia, enteritis, foodborne illnesses, and urinary tract infections which are of concern in the public health field due to antibiotic resistance. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are known for their biocompatibility and antibacterial activity, and may prove to be an alternative method of treatment, especially as wound dressings. In this study, we compared the antibacterial efficacy of two polymer-coated silver nanoparticles either containing 10% Ag (Ag 10% + Polymer), or 99% Ag (AgPVP) in relation to plain uncoated silver nanoparticles (AgNP). Atomic force microscopy was used to characterize the nanoparticles, and their antibacterial efficacy was compared by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bacterial growth curve assays, followed by molecular studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and (qRT- PCR). AgNP inhibited the growth of E. coli only at 0.621 mg/mL, which was double the concentration required for both coated nanoparticles (0.312 mg/mL). Similarly, bacterial growth was impeded as early as 8 h at 0.156 mg/mL of both coated nanoparticles as compared to 0.312 mg/mL for plain AgNP. SEM data showed that nanoparticles damaged the cell membrane, resulting in bacterial cell lysis, expulsion of cellular contents, and complete disintegration of some cells. The expression of genes associated with the TCA cycle (aceF and frdB) and amino acid metabolism (gadB, metL, argC) were substantially downregulated in E. coli treated with nanoparticles. The reduction in the silver ion (Ag+) concentration of polymer-coated AgNP did not affect their antibacterial efficacy against E. coli.

Timor-Leste is in the process of addressing a key issue for the country’s health sector: a medical workforce that is too small to provide adequate care. In theory, a bilateral programme of medical cooperation with Cuba created in 2003 could solve this problem. By the end of 2013, nearly 700 new doctors trained in Cuba had been added to Timor-Leste’s medical workforce and by 2017 a further 328 doctors should have been trained in the country by Cuban and local health professionals. A few more doctors who have been trained in Indonesia and elsewhere will also soon enter the workforce. It is expected that the number of physicians in Timor-Leste in 2017 will be more than three times the number present in the country in 2003. Most of the new physicians are expected to work in rural communities and support the national government’s goal of improving health outcomes for the rural majority. Although the massive growth in the medical workforce could change the way health care is delivered and substantially improve health outcomes throughout the country, there are challenges that must be overcome if Timor-Leste is to derive the maximum benefit from such growth. It appears crucial that most of the new doctors be deployed in rural communities and managed carefully to optimize their rural retention.

Resumen Timor-Leste se encuentra en proceso de abordar una cuestión clave para el sector sanitario del país: un personal médico demasiado escaso para proporcionar una atención adecuada. En teoría, un programa bilateral de cooperación médica con Cuba, creado en el año 2003, podría solucionar este problema. A finales de 2013, casi 700 médicos nuevos formados en Cuba se unieron al personal médico de Timor-Leste, y se espera que profesionales de la salud nacionales y cubanos formen a otros 328 médicos en el país hasta 2017. En Indonesia y otros lugares han recibido formación algunos médicos más, que se sumarán pronto a este personal. Se espera que el número de médicos en Timor-Leste triplique en el año 2017 el número de médicos existentes en el país en 2003. La mayoría de estos médicos nuevos trabajarán en comunidades rurales y respaldarán el objetivo del gobierno nacional de mejorar los resultados sanitarios de la mayoría rural. Aunque el incremento masivo del personal médico podría cambiar el modo de proporcionar la atención sanitaria y mejorar notablemente los resultados sanitarios en todo el país, hay desafíos que es necesario superar si Timor-Leste pretende obtener el máximo beneficio de dicho crecimiento. Parece fundamental que la mayor parte de los nuevos médicos se despliegue en comunidades rurales y se gestione con gran atención para optimizar su permanencia en dichas zonas.

Résumé Le Timor-Leste s'occupe actuellement d'un problème essentiel du secteur de la santé du pays: l’effectif médical est trop restreint pour pouvoir dispenser des soins adéquats. En théorie, un programme bilatéral de coopération médicale avec Cuba créé en 2003 pourrait résoudre ce problème. À la fin de 2013, près de 700 nouveaux médecins formés à Cuba ont rejoint l'effectif médical du Timor-Leste et d'ici 2017, 328 médecins supplémentaires devraient avoir été formés dans le pays par des professionnels de la santé locaux et cubains. Quelques autres médecins, formés en Indonésie et ailleurs, intégreront bientôt cet effectif médical. On s’attend à ce que le nombre de médecins exerçant dans le Timor-Leste en 2017 soit trois fois supérieur au nombre de médecins présents dans le pays en 2003. La plupart des nouveaux médecins devraient travailler dans les communautés rurales et soutenir l'objectif du gouvernement national d'améliorer l'état de santé de la majorité rurale. Bien que l'augmentation importante de l'effectif médical puisse changer la manière de dispenser les soins de santé et améliorer considérablement la santé dans l'ensemble du pays, des défis doivent être surmontés pour que le Timor-Leste puisse tirer le bénéfice maximal de cette augmentation. Il semble crucial que la majorité des nouveaux médecins soient déployés dans les communautés rurales et gérés soigneusement pour qu’ils restent le plus possible dans les zones rurales.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a percepção das notas musicais RÉ, FÁ, e LÁ em adultos jovens. Participaram do estudo 20 homens e 20 mulheres de 18 a 29 anos, saudáveis, não músicos e não usuários de fármacos ou outras substâncias tóxicas. Realizou-se um teste de discriminação de notas musicais com escolha forçada entre duas alternativas, por meio do qual os participantes escolheram um estímulo previamente apresentado. Comparou-se a frequência de acertos na discriminação das notas musicais em relação ao sexo dos participantes. Encontraram-se diferenças estatisticamente significantes na nota musical Fá, sendo que os homens apresentaram maior quantidade de acertos que as mulheres. Esses resultados encontrados sugerem diferença na percepção das notas musicais para mulheres e homens.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of musical notes D, F, and A in young adults. The study included 20 men and 20 women, aged 18 to 29 years, healthy, non-musicians, and non-users of drugs or other toxic substances. Participants did a two-alternative forced choice discrimination test of musical notes, in which they were asked to select the stimulus that was previously presented. The frequency of correct discrimination of the musical notes was compared between both sexes. Statistically significant differences in the musical note F were found. Men had a higher number of hits than women. These results suggest differences in the perception of musical notes by women and men.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the acute metabolic and cardiovascular responses to walking exercise at an intensity corresponding to the heart rate of claudication pain onset and to investigate the effects of a 12-week walking training program at this intensity on walking capacity. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with intermittent claudication were randomly allocated to the walking training (n = 17) or control (CO, n = 12) group. The walking training group performed an acute exercise session comprising 15×2-min bouts of walking at the heart rate of claudication pain onset, with 2-min interpolated rest intervals. The claudication symptoms and cardiovascular and metabolic responses were evaluated. Walking training was then performed at the same intensity twice each week for 12 weeks, while the control group engaged in twice weekly stretching classes. The claudication onset distance and total walking distance were evaluated before and after the interventions. Brazilian Registry Clinical Trials: RBR-7M3D8W. RESULTS: During the acute exercise session, the heart rate was maintained within tight limits. The exercise intensity was above the anaerobic threshold and >80% of the heart rate peak and VO2peak. After the exercise training period, the walking exercise group (n = 13) showed increased claudication onset distance (309±153 vs. 413±201m) and total walking distance (784±182 vs. 1,100±236m) compared to the control group (n = 12) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Walking exercise prescribed at the heart rate of claudication pain onset enables patients with intermittent claudication to exercise with tolerable levels of pain and improves walking performance.

As a member of the European Union (EU), Austrian nation has gradually incorporated International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Normas Internacionales de Información Financiera (NIIF) in spanish, to its accounting and Disclosure of Financial Information processes in replacement of Local National Standards called Unternehmensgesetzbuch (UGB). During this process of convergence, prudence principle has been in crisis within IFRS conceptual frame because it has been changed by fair value principle. That is way this paper presents the basic principles of national Austrian, UGB, compared with those of the IFRS to analyze, first, the reasons why prudence concept went into crisis and, secondly, if fair value principle is right to replace it.

Al ser un país miembro de la Unión Europea (UE), la nación austríaca ha venido incorporando paulatinamente las International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Normas Internacionales de Información Financiera (NIIF) en español, a sus procesos contables y de revelación de información financiera en remplazo de las normas nacionales locales conocidas como Unternehmensgesetzbuch (UGB). Durante este proceso de convergencia, el principio prudencia ha entrado en crisis dentro del marco conceptual de las IFRS a cambio del principio valor justo o razonable. Es por ello que este trabajo presenta los principios básicos del sistema austriaco nacional, UGB, en comparación con los de las IFRS con el fin de analizar, por un lado, las razones por las cuales el concepto prudencia entro en crisis y, por otro, si el principio valor justo o razonable es el indicado para remplazar al primero.

Apresenta nota biográfica da ornitóloga alemã Emília Snethlage (1868-1929) e comentários sobre dois documentos traduzidos do alemão: um relato de viagem inédito ao rio Tocantins, de 1907, e o obituário escrito por Emil-Heinrich Snethlage, publicado em 1930. Destaca a singularidade da trajetória profissional da cientista, que trabalhou no Brasil a partir de 1905, o valor de sua obra e aspectos de sua narrativa. Os nomes científicos citados nos textos foram atualizados.

The article presents biographical note of German ornithologist Emilie Snethlage (1868-1929) and comments on two documents translated from German: a previously unpublished account of the journey to the Tocantins River, 1907, and the obituary written by Emil Heinrich-Snethlage, published in 1930. It highlights the singularity of the professional career of a scientist who worked in Brazil since 1905, the value of her work and aspects of her narrative. Scientific names cited in the texts were updated.

Baseado na discussão entre tornar o disclosure ambiental obrigatório ou não, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar se as práticas de evidenciação ambiental das companhias analisadas reagem aos distintos estímulos regulatórios de seus países de origem. A resposta desta pergunta é útil no sentido de determinar a eficácia da introdução de mecanismos regulatórios nas práticas de evidenciação ambiental. Uma vez que o disclosure ambiental é, predominantemente, voluntário as companhias podem simplesmente suplantar a regulação, tornando-a sem sentido. Para o desenho metodológico, optou-se por uma abordagem descritiva de cunho predominantemente quantitativo. A amostra foi selecionada de empresas do setor de petróleo e gás natural de quatro países com similaridades culturais: os Estados Unidos, o Canadá, a Inglaterra e a Austrália. Os dados analisados foram coletados nos relatórios anuais no ano de 2007. Para classificar os dados ambientais utilizou-se uma escala adaptada de dois trabalhos consagrados no meio da evidenciação ambiental, o estudo de Clarkson et al. (2008) e o de Wiseman (1982). O teste estatístico (teste H) comprovou que existem diferenças significativas entre os níveis de evidenciação ambiental das companhias da amostra pertencentes aos países mais regulados em comparação com os menos regulados e essas diferenças só foram significativas nos itens de divulgação obrigatória, o que comprova que o disclosure ambiental das companhias reage aos estímulos regulatórios de seus países.

Based on different opinions concerning the need for mandatory environmental disclosure, the main purpose of this research was to verify whether or not the company's environmental reporting practices react to different regulatory stimuli. The answer to this question is useful to evaluate the effectiveness of the introduction of regulatory mechanisms in environmental disclosure practices. Since environmental disclosure is mainly voluntary, companies can simply override regulation, making it pointless. The method of research chosen was of a descriptive and predominantly quantitative nature. The companies selected as samples were from the oil and natural gas sectors from four different countries who share cultural similarities, such as the United States, Canada, England and Australia. The environmental information was collected from annual reports year ended 2007. In order to classify the environmental data used, a suitable comparative analysis of two consecrated works was used -the study of Clarkson et al. (2008) and the study of Wiseman (1982). The statistical tests proved that there are significant differences between the regulated and the unregulated countries, and the greatest differences were found when mandatory disclosure was utilized, thus proving that countries can indeed react to different regulatory stimuli.