Suchergebnisse

In African Agrarian Societies greeting and leave-taking rituals are an essential part of the communication processes that constitute these societies as collective entities. Through elaborate forms of greeting and leave-taking people initiate and end communication and interaction processes within a framework of collective identities and cultures. Intricate greeting rituals allow to deal with all forms of encounters, with living people as well as with the spirits of the deceased. Greeting rituals are acquired through lengthy periods of learning. Their mastery is the sign of being an adult and competent member of society. External actors from different cultures often seem to be unaware of the subtleties of these greeting rituals. They ignore them at a cost. This essay provides some insights into the inner workings of African societies concerning the framing of most of their internal and external communication processes that are as vital for their lifeworlds as they are for their interaction with external actors from different spheres. Analysing the societies in a comprehensive manner as self-organising entities within an ethnic matrix clearly shows the limits of reducing greeting rituals to mere speech acts between individuals and proves that some of the fundamental assumptions of modern communication theories are not valid for African Agrarian Societies.

The Tocantins Fossil Trees Natural Monument ("Monumento Natural das Árvores Fossilizadas do Tocantins") is a Fully Protected Conservation Unit (CU), which has 16 years of activities, since October 2016. In order to contribute to improving the management of the unit we present a synopsis of the actions developed by the staff, infrastructure, challenges and researches carried out in the CU. The provided information was collected from the report of the Unit´s supervisor and also obtained from literature. The developed investigations covered different areas of knowledge. The history of the CU was marked by some progress since 2013. Social-environmental activities are carried out inside the Conservation Unit and its buffer zones. In order to guide the conservation of the CU are performed courses and anti-fire measures, which are held periodically, directed to the Unit staff and local duelers from the MNAFTO. However, the latest survey evidences that the situation of the CU is far from ideal and a revision of the management plan is required.

The bioaccumulation of the heavy metals Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb was determined in the livers, kidneys and muscles of Oncorhynchus mykiss trout at seven production centers in the province of Yauli, Junín-Peru. The determination and quantification of total heavy metals in water samples collected monthly from the production sites and in 28 trout that averaged 250 g and 27 cm was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, according to the methodology recommended by FAO. Levels of Zn, Fe and Pb were found to exceed the environmental quality standards established by the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment for the rivers of the coast and highlands, as well as the quality standards of the European Union for the cultivation of trout, while levels of Cu conformed with those standards. Concentration of Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb in the livers, kidneys and muscles exceeded the maximum permissible limits established by the European Union for fish meat and by the Mexican official standard, NOM-027-SSA1-1993, for fresh, refrigerated and frozen fishery products, in the case of Pb. The correlation between the concentrations of copper, zinc, iron and lead in the water and the concentrations of these metals in the livers, kidneys and muscles is low and not significant, except for copper, which had a significant correlation. ; The bioaccumulation of the heavy metals Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb was determined in the livers, kidneys and muscles of Oncorhynchus mykiss trout at seven production centers in the province of Yauli, Junín-Peru. The determination and quantification of total heavy metals in water samples collected monthly from the production sites and in 28 trout that averaged 250 g and 27 cm was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, according to the methodology recommended by FAO. Levels of Zn, Fe and Pb were found to exceed the environmental quality standards established by the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment for the rivers of the coast and highlands, as well as the quality standards of the European Union for the cultivation of trout, while levels of Cu conformed with those standards. Concentration of Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb in the livers, kidneys and muscles exceeded the maximum permissible limits established by the European Union for fish meat and by the Mexican official standard, NOM-027-SSA1-1993, for fresh, refrigerated and frozen fishery products, in the case of Pb. The correlation between the concentrations of copper, zinc, iron and lead in the water and the concentrations of these metals in the livers, kidneys and muscles is low and not significant, except for copper, which had a significant correlation. ; A bioacumulação de metais pesados de Cu, Zn, Fe e Pb no fígado, rim e músculo da truta Oncorhynchus mykiss foi determinada em sete centros de produção na província de Yauli, Junín-Peru. A determinação e quantificação do total de metais pesados em amostras de água coletadas mensalmente nos locais de produção e em 28 trutas de 250 g e 27 cm em média foram realizadas por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica, de acordo com a metodologia recomendada pela FAO. Com exceção do Cu, alguns níveis de Zn, Fe e Pb foram encontrados na água em padrões de qualidade ambiental superiores aos estabelecidos pelo Ministério do Meio Ambiente do Peru para os rios do litoral e planalto, e aos padrões de qualidade da União Europeia para o cultivo da truta. A concentração de Cu, Zn, Fe e Pb no fígado, nos rins e nos músculos excedeu os limites máximos permitidos pela União Europeia para a carne de peixe; e pela NOM-027-SSA1-1993 mexicana para os produtos frescos da pesca, refrigerados e congelados, no caso de Pb. A correlação entre a concentração de cobre, zinco, ferro e chumbo em água e a concentração destes metais no fígado, rim e no músculo, é baixa e não significativa, exceto para cobre que teve correlação significativa.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as condições fisico-químicas e microbiológicas do Córrego do Tanquinho, localizado em área altamente urbanizada e industrializada no município de Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil, considerando variações espaciais e temporais. Os parâmetros limnológicos avaliados foram: pH, temperatura, turbidez, condutividade e oxigênio dissolvido (OD), com medições realizadas in situ. Os níveis de metais no sedimento e em água superficial foram analisados por Espectrofotometria de Absorção Atômica. Para a determinação dos Coliformes Totais e Escherichia coli foi empregada a técnica dos Tubos Múltiplos com utilização de substrato cromogênico. Os parâmetros OD, E. coli e a concentração dos metais Cu e Mn na água encontram-se em desacordo com a legislação. Os metais encontrados em maior concentração no sedimento foram Mn, Cr e Zn. A avaliação microbiológica evidenciou o despejo de esgoto doméstico no córrego e as concentrações de metais indicam a possível ocorrência de efluentes industriais, podendo gerar graves problemas de saúde pública. O diagnóstico espacial indicou os locais de amostragem com as piores condições microbiológicas e altas concentrações de metais, enquanto que a influência temporal foi observada no pH, Mn e Cr em água superficial, e Mn, Cr e Pb nos sedimentos. Os resultados mostraram que o Córrego do Tanquinho é um corpo hídrico impactado. Recomenda-se a realização de outros estudos que possam esclarecer melhor a origem das cargas poluidoras, além da conscientização da população e da adoção de medidas que possibilitem a recuperação e proteção desse corpo hídrico. ; The aim of the study was to evaluate the physico-chemical and microbiological conditions of Tanquinho's Stream, located in a highly urbanized and industrialized area in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil, taking into account spatial and temporal variations. The following limnological parameters were evaluated: pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity and dissolved oxygen (DO), with measurements in situ. Metal levels in sediment and surface water were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The Multiple Tubes technique with chromogenic substrate was used to determine Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli. The parameters of DO, E. coli and the concentration of Cu and Mn in the water are not in accordance with national legislation. The metals found in higher concentrations in the sediment were Mn, Cr and Zn. The microbiological evaluation showed sewage discharges into the stream and the metal concentrations indicate possible industrial effluents, which may cause serious public health problems. The spatial diagnosis indicated the sampling sites with the worst microbiological conditions and high concentrations of metals, while the temporal influence was observed in the pH, Mn and Cr in surface water, and Mn, Cr and Pb in the sediments. The results indicate that Tanquinho's Stream is an impacted water body. It is recommended that further studies be conducted to clarify the source of pollutants and to assess the degree of public awareness, and that measures be adopted to ensure the recovery and protection of this water body. ; O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as condições fisico-químicas e microbiológicas do Córrego do Tanquinho, localizado em área altamente urbanizada e industrializada no município de Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil, considerando variações espaciais e temporais. Os parâmetros limnológicos avaliados foram: pH, temperatura, turbidez, condutividade e oxigênio dissolvido (OD), com medições realizadas in situ. Os níveis de metais no sedimento e em água superficial foram analisados por Espectrofotometria de Absorção Atômica. Para a determinação dos Coliformes Totais e Escherichia coli foi empregada a técnica dos Tubos Múltiplos com utilização de substrato cromogênico. Os parâmetros OD, E. coli e a concentração dos metais Cu e Mn na água encontram-se em desacordo com a legislação. Os metais encontrados em maior concentração no sedimento foram Mn, Cr e Zn. A avaliação microbiológica evidenciou o despejo de esgoto doméstico no córrego e as concentrações de metais indicam a possível ocorrência de efluentes industriais, podendo gerar graves problemas de saúde pública. O diagnóstico espacial indicou os locais de amostragem com as piores condições microbiológicas e altas concentrações de metais, enquanto que a influência temporal foi observada no pH, Mn e Cr em água superficial, e Mn, Cr e Pb nos sedimentos. Os resultados mostraram que o Córrego do Tanquinho é um corpo hídrico impactado. Recomenda-se a realização de outros estudos que possam esclarecer melhor a origem das cargas poluidoras, além da conscientização da população e da adoção de medidas que possibilitem a recuperação e proteção desse corpo hídrico.

The present work evaluate the chemical conditions of the Murucupi river with relationship to the physical-chemical parameters and the presence of chemical elements in the water and correlations. The Murucupi river is located in the amazon region close the aluminum production area. Were analyzed the major, minor and trace elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Al, Ba, Mn, Sr, Zn, Ni, Pb e Cu), and physical-chemical parameters, acidity, total alkalinity, organic matter, pH, turbidity, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen (OD) and total hardness. 13 collection points were selected along this river. In relation to the physical-chemical parameters the pH and OD only presented values in non conformity with the strip of values established by the resolution 357/05 of CONAMA. In relation to the chemical elements were found only the aluminum (Al: 356.04µg/L) and the iron (Fe: 1080.80µg/L), were in non conformity with the legislation. This results shows the anthropogenic influence in the contamination of the Amazon rivers from the production of aluminum reject. ; O presente estudo avalia as condições químicas do rio Murucupi em relação aos parâmetros físico-químicos e à presença de elementos químicos na água e suas correlações. O rio Murucupi localiza-se na região amazônica próximo a uma planta de produção de alumínio. 13 pontos foram selecionados ao longo do rio. Foram analisados os macroelementos, microelementos, elementos traço (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Al, Ba, Mn, Sr, Zn, Ni, Pb e Cu) e os parâmetros físico-químicos, acidez, alcalinidade total, matéria orgânica, pH, turbidez, temperatura, condutividade, oxigênio dissolvido (OD) e dureza total. Em relação aos parâmetros físico-químicos somente o pH e o OD apresentaram valores em não conformidade com a faixa de valores estabelecidos pela resolução 357/05 do CONAMA. Quanto aos elementos químicos somente o alumínio (Al: 356,04 µg/L) e o ferro (Fe: 1080,80 µg/L), estiveram em não conformidade com a legislação. Estes resultados apontam para uma possível influência antropogênica na contaminação dos rios da Amazônia por efluentes da produção do alumínio. ; O presente estudo avalia as condições químicas do rio Murucupi em relação aos parâmetros físico-químicos e à presença de elementos químicos na água e suas correlações. O rio Murucupi localiza-se na região amazônica próximo a uma planta de produção de alumínio. Foram analisados os elementos maiores, menores e traço (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Al, Ba, Mn, Sr, Zn, Ni, Pb e Cu) e os parâmetros físico-químicos, acidez, alcalinidade total, matéria orgânica, pH, turbidez, temperatura, condutividade, oxigênio dissolvido (OD) e dureza total. 13 pontos foram selecionados ao longo do rio. Em relação aos parâmetros físico-químicos somente o pH e o OD apresentaram valores em não conformidade com a faixa de valores estabelecidos pela resolução 357/05 do CONAMA. Quanto aos elementos químicos somente o alumínio (Al: 356,04µg/L) e o ferro (Fe: 1080,80µg/L), estiveram em não conformidade com a legislação. Estes resultados apontam para uma possível influência antropogênica na contaminação dos rios da Amazônia por rejeitos da produção do alumínio.

Coastal areas provide important benefits to humans in terms of food resources and ecosystem services. At the same time, human activities can have significant negative impacts on ecosystem health. Thus, control of watershed pollution is both necessary and essential in order to reduce and systematically eliminate the detrimental consequences that are evident in marine and estuarine ecosystems. The present study investigated the distribution of metals at the Guandu Watershed. Five sampling sites were selected for the soil analysis. Samples were collected from February 2013 to December 2014 and analysed for concentrations of As, Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Co, using ICP. For control, some samples were used in uncontaminated areas outside the direct effect of chemical industries. The data indicate the presence of metals at the research sites. While the levels of contamination are still slightly below the peak concentrations established by Brazilian legislation, they are approaching levels of concern, particularly with regard to As, Cd, Pb and Cr. The results indicate that the use of water from the Guandu Watershed for recreational purposes and fishing is harmful to both human health and the environment. ; As zonas costeiras proporcionam benefícios importantes para os seres humanos em termos de recursos alimentares e serviços ecossistêmicos. Ao mesmo tempo, as atividades humanas podem ter impactos negativos significativos sobre a saúde dos ecossistemas. Assim, o controle da poluição das bacias hidrográficas, além de necessária, é fundamental para reduzir e sistematicamente eliminar as atuais consequências impactantes que são evidentes nos ecossistemas marinhos e estuarinos. O presente estudo investigou a distribuição de metais na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Guandu. Cinco pontos de amostragem foram selecionados para as análises de solo. As amostras foram coletadas a partir de fevereiro a novembro de 2014, e analisadas para as concentrações de As, Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni e Co, utilizando ICP. Para o controle, algumas amostras foram utilizadas em áreas não-contaminadas, fora do efeito direto das indústrias químicas. Os dados indicam a presença dos metais pesquisados no solo dos locais de pesquisa estão contaminados; ainda que levemente abaixo das concentrações máximas estabelecidas por referência brasileira, mas atingindo concentrações preocupantes, destacando As, Cd, Pb e Cr. No que diz respeito aos resultados, sinaliza que o uso da água da bacia hidrográfica do Guandu para fins recreativos e pesca é prejudicial para a saúde humana e ambiente. ; Coastal areas provide important benefits to humans in terms of food resources and ecosystem services. At the same time, human activities can have significant negative impacts on ecosystem health. Thus, control of watershed pollution is both necessary and essential in order to reduce and systematically eliminate the detrimental consequences that are evident in marine and estuarine ecosystems. The present study investigated the distribution of metals at the Guandu Watershed. Five sampling sites were selected for the soil analysis. Samples were collected from February 2013 to December 2014 and analysed for concentrations of As, Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Co, using ICP. For control, some samples were used in uncontaminated areas outside the direct effect of chemical industries. The data indicate the presence of metals at the research sites. While the levels of contamination are still slightly below the peak concentrations established by Brazilian legislation, they are approaching levels of concern, particularly with regard to As, Cd, Pb and Cr. The results indicate that the use of water from the Guandu Watershed for recreational purposes and fishing is harmful to both human health and the environment.

This study evaluates the rainwater harvesting system to determine the chemical quality of the water and allocate it for use. Samples were collected in the city of Rio de Janeiro at the points of Direct Precipitation (DP), First Flush (FF) and Reservoir (RR). The methodology involved carrying out an analysis of Ca, Cd, Cu, Na, Ni, Fe, K, Mg, Pb, Zn, conductivity, turbidity, pH and chloride. The R language was used for the principal component analysis, Pearson coefficient correlation, hierarchical cluster analysis, Tukey test and boxplot. The results show that when there is no interference from the catchment surface (DP), the rainwater has a low concentration of metals, although the first millimeters of rain have a concentration above what is permissible in the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health (Ordinance n° 05/2017). The disposal system (FF) reduced the concentration of pollutants in the RR, but not enough to comply with legislation. It was noted that Ca, K and Na are the main metals found in rainwater. During the dry period, there were significant correlations between the physico-chemical and meteorological parameters. The high concentration of metals in the wet period suggests that rain assists the cleaning of the atmosphere and that most metals are present in the form of aerosols or fine particles suspended in the air. The findings reveal significant indications of acid rain and pre-treatment is recommended to ensure rainwater can be used safely for more mundane purposes. ; This study evaluates the rainwater harvesting system to determine the chemical quality of the water and allocate it for use. Samples were collected in the city of Rio de Janeiro at the points of Direct Precipitation (DP), First Flush (FF) and Reservoir (RR). The methodology involved carrying out an analysis of Ca, Cd, Cu, Na, Ni, Fe, K, Mg, Pb, Zn, conductivity, turbidity, pH and chloride. The R language was used for the principal component analysis, Pearson coefficient correlation, hierarchical cluster analysis, Tukey test and boxplot. The results show that when there is no interference from the catchment surface (DP), the rainwater has a low concentration of metals, although the first millimeters of rain have a concentration above what is permissible in the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health (Ordinance n° 05/2017). The disposal system (FF) reduced the concentration of pollutants in the RR, but not enough to comply with legislation. It was noted that Ca, K and Na are the main metals found in rainwater. During the dry period, there were significant correlations between the physico-chemical and meteorological parameters. The high concentration of metals in the wet period suggests that rain assists the cleaning of the atmosphere and that most metals are present in the form of aerosols or fine particles suspended in the air. The findings reveal significant indications of acid rain and pre-treatment is recommended to ensure rainwater can be used safely for more mundane purposes. ; Este estudo avalia o sistema de captação de água da chuva para verificar a qualidade química da água e alocá-la para uso. As amostras foram coletadas na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, na Precipitação Direta (DP), First Flush (FF) e Reservatório (RR). A metodologia consiste em análises de Ca, Cd, Cu, Na, Ni, Fe, K, Mg, Pb, Zn, condutividade, turbidez, pH e cloreto. A linguagem R foi utilizada através da análise de componentes principais, correlação linear de Pearson, análise hierárquica de agrupamentos, teste de Tukey e boxplot. Os resultados indicam que a água da chuva sem interferência da superfície de captação (PD) apresenta baixa concentração de metais, porém os primeiros milímetros de chuva apresentam uma concentração acima da permitida pela Portaria nº 05/2017 do Ministério da Saúde. O sistema de descarte (FF) reduziu a concentração dos poluentes no RR, mas não o suficiente para atender a legislação. Observou-se que Ca, K e Na são os principais metais encontrados na água da chuva. O período seco apresentou correlações significativas entre os parâmetros físico-químicos e meteorológicos. A alta concentração de metais no período úmido indica que a chuva promove a limpeza da atmosfera e que a maioria dos metais está presente na forma de aerossóis e em partículas finas suspensas no ar. Os resultados indicam características de chuva ácida e sugere-se o pré-tratamento da água da chuva para uso com segurança em fins menos nobres.

O rio Tapajós é um dos principais rios do Estado do Pará, fazendo parte da Bacia Amazônica, a maior bacia hidrográfica do mundo, entretanto, o aumento populacional e o desenvolvimento da agropecuária na região tem gerado o aporte de contaminantes nesse importante rio da região. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade da água do rio Tapajós quanto à presença de metais e aos parâmetros físico-químicos, tendo como base a resolução 357-05 do CONAMA. Foram selecionadas sete estações de amostragem ao longo do rio, na camada superficial, intermediária e fundo no período de maior precipitação pluviométrica. Os elementos Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Ba, Mn, Sr, Ti, Ag, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb e Zn foram determinados usando a espectrometria de emissão atômica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-AES), o As foi determinado por ICP-AES com geração de hidretos, Hg foi determinado por absorção atômica com vapor frio e os parâmetros físico-químicos foram avaliados usando diversas técnicas. Em quase todos os pontos os elementos Al e Fe se apresentaram em não conformidade com os valores permitidos pela legislação brasileira, com valores médios de 280,01±294,69 µg/L e 564,89±326,5 µg/L, respectivamente. Foram observadas excelentes correlações entre Ca e Mg, Ca e Sr, Mg e Sr, Mn e Ba, Sr e OD e Mg e OD. O rio Tapajós apresentou níveis elevados de Al e Fe que comprometem a qualidade deste importante rio da Amazônia e podem causar problemas para a saúde da população. ; The Tapajós river is the main rivers of the Pará State and part of the Amazon basin is the largest world river basin, however, the population growth and development of agriculture in the region has generated the input of contaminants in this important river. The objective of this study was to evaluate the water quality of the Tapajós river in the presence of metals and physico-chemical parameters based on the CONAMA 357-05 resolution. Seven sampling stations were selected along the river in the surface, intermediate and bottom layers in low rainfall periods. The elements Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Ba, Mn, Sr, Ti, Ag, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), As was determined by ICP-AES with hydride generation, Hg was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption and the physico-chemical parameters were evaluated using various techniques. In almost all respects the elements Al and Fe are not presented in accordance with the values allowed by Brazilian legislation, with average values of 280.01 ± 294.69 ?g/L and 564.89 ± 326.5 ?g/L, respectively. There were excellent correlations between Ca and Mg, Ca and Sr, Mg and Sr, Mn and Ba, Sr and OD, Mg and OD. The Tapajós River showed high levels of Al and Fe that compromises the quality of this important river of the Amazon and can cause problems for the health of the population. ; O rio Tapajós é um dos principais rios do Estado do Pará, fazendo parte da Bacia Amazônica, a maior bacia hidrográfica do mundo, entretanto, o aumento populacional e o desenvolvimento da agropecuária na região tem gerado o aporte de contaminantes nesse importante rio da região. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade da água do rio Tapajós quanto à presença de metais e aos parâmetros físico-químicos, tendo como base a resolução 357-05 do CONAMA. Foram selecionadas sete estações de amostragem ao longo do rio, na camada superficial, intermediária e fundo no período de maior precipitação pluviométrica. Os elementos Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Ba, Mn, Sr, Ti, Ag, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb e Zn foram determinados usando a espectrometria de emissão atômica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-AES), o As foi determinado por ICP-AES com geração de hidretos, Hg foi determinado por absorção atômica com vapor frio e os parâmetros físico-químicos foram avaliados usando diversas técnicas. Em quase todos os pontos os elementos Al e Fe se apresentaram em não conformidade com os valores permitidos pela legislação brasileira, com valores médios de 280,01±294,69 µg/L e 564,89±326,5 µg/L, respectivamente. Foram observadas excelentes correlações entre Ca e Mg, Ca e Sr, Mg e Sr, Mn e Ba, Sr e OD e Mg e OD. O rio Tapajós apresentou níveis elevados de Al e Fe que comprometem a qualidade deste importante rio da Amazônia e podem causar problemas para a saúde da população.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the importance of children's literature in the early grades of elementary school. Taking as the object of analysis our practices while fellows of the Initiation Teaching Program (PIBID), where we develop different activities different than children experience routinely at school, using as resource main the story telling, without taking the literature with didactic or pedagogical function, but valorizing the aesthetic and creative possibilities of that language. For the theoretical foundation, we support in Soares (1999), Bettelheim (1996), Lajolo and Zilberman (2004), Abromovich (1993) and Aguiar (2001), among other reference texts. The study is justified by the fact that the classes with differentiated methodologies hold the gaze of the student, and to work the literature with children, enhancing the taste and the pleasure of reading by encouraging their expressions, opinions, construction and reconstruction of ideas, become the classes more significants for the class.

Taking into account a brief review of literature on cluster of enterprises, the paper focuses on the development of technological capacities in the neo-schumpeterian theoretical framework. The emphasis is on the local factors that are embedded in the process of technological learning. The case study is on the cluster of ceramics industry located in the south of Santa Catarina state. The specific objective was to understand the development path and the entrepreneurial interactions within the local system of innovation. ; Taking into account a brief review of literature on cluster of enterprises, the paper focuses on the development of technological capacities in the neo-schumpeterian theoretical framework. The emphasis is on the local factors that are embedded in the process of technological learning. The case study is on the cluster of ceramics industry located in the south of Santa Catarina state. The specific objective was to understand the development path and the entrepreneurial interactions within the local system of innovation.

The European Council on Foreign Relations has published last July a report on the European Union's Security & Defence policies. The report has strong & weak points & it should be analyzed taking into account the present state of European Security & Defence Policy. Portugal is strongly committed to the development of ESDP. Adapted from the source document.

During the Eisenhower administration American policy towards the European colonies in Black Africa went through a number of tactical options including the maintenance of its anti-colonial traditions. In the Congo the international pressure were accompanied by the development of political opposition to the continuation of Belgian colonial rule which had been established in the process of taking over King Leopold's Congo's free state. Adapted from the source document.

The Georgian-Russian conflict in August 2008 underscored the need for the EU to devise a different model of relationship with Moscow. The implications of the conflict have specific European dimensions, in which EU-Russia relations are a cornerstone. The solution to the Georgian crisis is located at two complementary levels: the implementation of the Medvedev-Sarkozy peace plan & the rethinking of the cooperation with the Kremlin. In that sense, there is a need to operationalize a model of "selective cooperation" towards Russia in order to create a more constructive relationship. Adapted from the source document.

This paper provides some of the most important aspects of Brazilian internal conditions, external politics and regional integration in order to clarify why the country performs the role of a "global player", taking into account the world tendencies. The Brazilians favorable domestic advances, together with the international dynamics concerning both economic and political prospects, will lead to an increasing interaction among nations and, more broadly, the continents, operating efficiently towards globalization. (Polit Externa/DÜI)

Coordination of economic policies among the countries participating in Mercosul - Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay - is discussed, emphasizing exchange policies and the relationship to regional monetary integration. After dealing with terminology, coordination of exchange policies is examined more specifically, taking into account that monetary integration implies some level of rigidity in exchange rates and of convertibility of regional currencies. Finally, suggestions are made of possible steps in order to progress in coordination among Mercosul countries