No abstract

Fluorescent particles can be markers of bioaerosols and are therefore relevant to nosocomial infections. To date, little research has focused on fluorescent particles in occupied indoor environments, particularly hospitals. In this study, we aimed to determine the spatial and temporal variation of fluorescent particles in two large hospitals in Brisbane, Australia (one for adults and one for children). We used an Ultraviolet Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (UVAPS) to identify fluorescent particle sources, as well as their contribution to total particle concentrations. We found that the average concentrations of both fluorescent and non-fluorescent particles were higher in the adults' hospital (0.06×10 and 1.20×10 particles/m , respectively) than in the children's hospital (0.03×10 and 0.33×10 particles/m , respectively) (P<.01). However, the proportion of fluorescent particles was higher in the children's hospital. Based on the concentration results and using activity diaries, we were able to identify sources of particle production within the two hospitals. We demonstrated that particles can be easily generated by a variety of everyday activities, which are potential sources of exposure to pathogens. Future studies to further investigate their role in nosocomial infection are warranted.

This study aimed to analyze the risk of infection (influenza and tuberculosis) for individuals participating in physical exercise. This was achieved by assessment of carbon dioxide (CO) concentrations, and examination of the physical characteristics of a number of gyms to determine whether there was a relationship to CO levels. This study was performed in three different gyms ventilated with either split system or central system air conditioners. The risk of airborne infection (percent of susceptible persons infected) was estimated for each gym using the Wells-Riley model. The risk of infection increased during periods of peak occupancy where the ventilation required by occupants was greater. In each gym, the highest risk of infection occurred during the evening where occupancy and CO levels were high. The infection risk for influenza was high in all situations due to the high quantum generation rate for this agent. This study suggests that inefficient ventilation in gyms is a significant problem, with high CO concentrations resulting in impaired air quality and high health risks to users, including increased risk of infections such as influenza and tuberculosis.

No abstract

As part of a monitoring program conducted by IDAD -Institute for Environment and Development and supported by regional municipal solid waste (MSW) management authorities, dioxin concentrations in ambient air were measured in three regions of Portugal: Porto, Lisbon and Madeira. These independent studies were performed with the intention of providing data as a basis for the evaluation of potential impacts of the operation of recently built MSW incinerators. Thus, 170 samples were collected in nine different sites from January 1999 till present. The measured levels revealed an extremely variable content of PCDDs/PCDFs depending both on the area and the season of the year. Samples taken in Porto and Lisbon reveal a similar homologue structure even if concentrations measured in the Porto region are significantly greater. Data from Madeira is characteristic of a remote site with some of the congeners concentrations below the detection limit.

No abstract

Contemporary Australian drug policy is characterized by a tension between punitive law and order responses that invoke the myth of sovereign power and responsibilizing strategies that “(re)moralize” individuals, holding them responsible for their safety, security, and well-being. This article argues that this blending of neoliberal techniques of governance, such as harm minimization, with neoconservative methods of rule typified in prohibitionist policies, presents a paradoxical policy response to illicit drug use. We explore the development and contemporary practice of a dualistic Australian drug policy that, on the one hand, promotes pragmatic interventions based on harm reduction while, on the other, relies on law and order strategies and traditional penal powers to deter illicit drug use. Drawing on Pat Carlen’s concept of imaginary penalities, we argue that this imaginary form of drug control is underpinned largely by symbolic measures that, in attempting to address public demands for safety and security, reproduce a punitive form of governance that fails to achieve its desired outcomes. Using qualitative interview data from a sample of 29 people who used drugs, and 15 professionals working in the drugs field, this article investigates responses to the contemporary governance of illicit drugs in Queensland. Based on the research findings, we argue that the conjoined nature of Australian drugs governance can be understood as imaginary drug control because it constantly recreates the conditions that perpetuate drug-related harm.

Dedico este trabalho a uma pessoa que foi muito importante em todas as etapas de minha vida e que, por circunstâncias do destino, teve que nos deixar antes da conclusão desse trabalho, meu pai. Meu pai, lembrar de você é lembrar seus ensinamentos e exemplos de vida... É lembrar a sua vida humilde, porém cheia de garra e ternura... Você partiu sem que eu tivesse tempo de lhe agradecer por tudo. Você partiu antes do final de mais uma importante conquista dessa vida... Gostaria muito que você estivesse aqui para compartilharmos esse importante momento Gostaria muito que você não tivesse nos deixado dessa forma. Onde quer que você esteja, quero dizer que você faz parte deste caminho... Quero dizer que ainda sinto o ombro amigo que sempre me estimulou a seguir em frente. Obrigado pela vida, pelos abraços calorosos ou simplesmente pelos momentos que passamos juntos. Obrigado pelos exemplos de luta, que perduraram até seus momentos finais em meio a muita dor e sofrimento. Obrigado pela espera para que eu pudesse lhe dar o último abraço. Meu pai, aceite esta homenagem em meio a lágrimas e saudades... Em meio a muito, muito orgulho por ter sido seu filho. Obrigado por tudo... Da mesma forma, dedico o trabalho a minha querida mãe, também fundamental nessa caminhada. E dedico-o à minha esposa e à minha filha, que sempre estiveram ao meu lado. Sou grato também aos meus irmãos Batista, Luciano, Cesário e Luana e à minha avó Carmem. v AGRADECIMENTOS Ao meu orientador, Prof. Dr. Arlindo Tribess, pela amizade, apoio técnico e pessoal à realização deste trabalho, pelo seu companheirismo e incentivo em todos os momentos.