Trade Integration and Business Cycle Synchronization in the Euro Area: The Case of Southern European Countries

( Sofia Gouveia ),( Leonida Correia ) 세종대학교 경제통합연구소(구 세종대학교 국제경제연구소) 2013 Journal of Economic Integration Vol.28 No.1

This paper examines synchronization in the euro area and the role of intra-EMU trade from 1981 to 2011, focusing in particular on southern European countries. The results indicate that the intensification of synchronisation that occurred in the nineties across almost all countries could partially be explained by the increase in trade, which has been strengthened since the start of the run-up to the EMU. For southern European economies, the results are mixed. We find also that trade imbalances have grown over time, becoming more evident in the common currency period. Furthermore, we document a positive and significant relationship between intra-EMU trade linkages and cyclical correlations

Acupuncture in the Management of Intraoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Francisco Gouveia,Carmen Oliveira,Nuno Losa 사단법인약침학회 2016 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.9 No.6

Intraoperative and postoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV and PONV, respectively) are common complications of anesthesia with significant associated morbidity. Strategies for their prevention and treatment have been organized in pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures. Acupuncture at PC6 has demonstrated efficacy in randomized trials, although evidence regarding its efficacy in treating IONV and PONV has not yet been fully established. We present the case of a patient who underwent peripheral vascular surgery on a limb under a subarachnoid block and who developed IONV refractory to conventional pharmacological therapy. Acupuncture at the PC6 and the TF4 points proved to be an effective alternative treatment to conventional pharmacological treatment and resulted in almost immediate cessation of IONV.

Crack constitutive model for the prediction of punching failure modes of fiber reinforced concrete laminar structures

A. Ventura-Gouveia,Joaquim A.O. Barros,Álvaro F.M. Azevedo 사단법인 한국계산역학회 2011 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.8 No.6

The capability of a multi-directional fixed smeared crack constitutive model to simulate the flexural/punching failure modes of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) laminar structures is discussed. The constitutive model is implemented in a computer program based on the finite element method, where the FRC laminar structures were simulated according to the Reissner-Mindlin shell theory. The shell is discretized into layers for the simulation of the membrane, bending and out-of-plane shear nonlinear behavior. A stress-strain softening diagram is proposed to reproduce, after crack initiation, the evolution of the normal crack component. The in-plane shear crack component is obtained using the concept of shear retention factor, defined by a crack-strain dependent law. To capture the punching failure mode, a softening diagram is proposed to simulate the decrease of the out-of-plane shear stress components with the increase of the corresponding shear strain components, after crack initiation. With this relatively simple approach, accurate predictions of the behavior of FRC structures failing in bending and in shear can be obtained. To assess the predictive performance of the model, a punching experimental test of a module of a façade panel fabricated with steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete is numerically simulated. The influence of some parameters defining the softening diagrams is discussed.

Antioxidant, Antinociceptive, and Anti-inflammatory Properties of the Ethanolic Extract of Combretum duarteanum in Rodents

Marcos G.S. Gouveia,Maria A. Xavier,Andre´ S. Barreto,Daniel P. Gelain,Joa˜o P.A. Santos,Adriano A.S. Arau´jo,Francilene A. Silva,Jullyana S. Quintans,Maria F. Agra,Analu´cia G.S. Cabral,Josean F. Tav 한국식품영양과학회 2011 Journal of medicinal food Vol.14 No.11

The antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract from leaves of Combretum duarteanum (EEC) were assessed in rodents through in vitro tests. The antioxidant activity was investigated by using thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), hydroxyl radical–scavenging, and scavenging activity of nitric oxide assays. The antinociceptive activity was investigated by using acetic acid–induced writhing, formalin, and hot-plate tests in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in rats by using the carrageenan-induced hind-paw edema test and arachidonic acid–induced paw edema test. EEC possesses a strong antioxidant potential according to the TBARS, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radical–scavenging assays; it also presented scavenger activity in all in vitro tests. After intraperitoneal injection, EEC (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes (38.1%, 90.6%, and 97.8%, respectively) in a writhing test and the number of paw licks during phase 1 (30.5% and 69.5%, higher doses) and phase 2 (38.1%, 90.6%, and 97.8%, all doses) of a formalin test when compared with the control group. Naloxone (1.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) antagonized the antinociceptive action of EEC (400 mg/kg), and this finding suggests participation of the opioid system. Administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg (intraperitoneally) of EEC exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenin test, which was based on interference with prostaglandin synthesis. This finding was confirmed by the arachidonic acid test. Together, these results indicate that properties of EEC might be further explored in the search for newer tools to treat painful inflammatory conditions, including those related to pro-oxidant states.

An In Vitro and In Vivo Study of the α-Amylase Activity of Phaseolamin

Neire Moura de Gouveia,Fernanda Vieira Alves,Fabiana Barcelos Furtado,Danielli Luana Scherer,Antonio Vicente Mundim,Foued Salmen Espindola 한국식품영양과학회 2014 Journal of medicinal food Vol.17 No.8

We evaluated the polypeptide profiles, inhibition of human salivary a-amylase activity, and hemagglutination properties of a commercial phaseolamin sample. We also performed an in vivo assay to investigate the effects of a commercial phaseolamin treatment (100, 500, or 1500 mg/kg) over 20 days on the glycemia, body weight, and serum biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase) of nondiabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The in vitro evaluation showed defined protein profiles, low hemagglutination activity, and high a-amylase inhibition. None of the experimental groups treated with phaseolamin or acarbose showed decreases in body weight. Our data demonstrate that phaseolamin inhibits amylase activity in vitro, reduces blood glucose levels, decreases or attenuates some of the renal and hepatic effects of diabetes in streptozotocin-induced rats, and could therefore have therapeutic potential in the treatment or prevention of the complications of diabetes.

Cinnamon: an aromatic condiment applicable to chronic kidney disease

Moreira Laís de Souza Gouveia,Brum Isabela de Souza da Costa,de Vargas Reis Drielly C. M.,Trugilho Liana,Chermut Tuany R.,Esgalhado Marta,Cardozo Ludmila F. M. F.,Stenvinkel Peter,Shiels Paul G.,Mafra 대한신장학회 2023 Kidney Research and Clinical Practice Vol.42 No.1

Cinnamon, a member of the Lauraceae family, has been widely used as a spice and traditional herbal medicine for centuries and hasshown beneficial effects in cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. However, its effectiveness as a therapeutic intervention forchronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unproven. The bioactive compounds within cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde, cinnamicacid, and cinnamate, can mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperglycemia, gut dysbiosis, and dyslipidemia, which are commoncomplications in patients with CKD. In this narrative review, we assess the mechanisms by which cinnamon may alleviate complicationsobserved in CKD and the possible role of this spice as an additional nutritional strategy for this patient group.

Effects of the Intake of Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) and Derivatives on Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review

Luciana de Almeida Vittori Gouveia,Carolina Alves Cardoso,Glaucia Maria Moraes de Oliveira,Glorimar Rosa,Annie Seixas Bello Moreira 한국식품영양과학회 2016 Journal of medicinal food Vol.19 No.4

This study is aimed at assessing the scientific evidence on the effect of the intake of sesame seeds and derivatives on oxidative stress of individuals with systemic hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. A systematic review was conducted in seven databases (Lilacs, PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Trip Database, and Scielo) from September 2013 to January 2014. Clinical trials on the intake of sesame seeds and derivatives assessing the outcomes related to oxidative stress were retrieved. The risk of bias in the results of the studies selected was assessed according to the criteria of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. This review included seven clinical trials showing that the intake of sesame resulted in the increase in enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, as well as in a reduction in oxidative stress markers. This was mainly observed with the use of sesame oil for hypertensive individuals during 2 months and black sesame meal capsules for prehypertensive individuals during four weeks. Most studies involved a small number of participants, sample size being considered a limiting factor for this review. In addition, a significant heterogeneity was observed in the type of population studied and the type of sesame and derivatives used, as well as their amount. The follow-up time was considered a limiting factor, because it varied in the different studies. The high risk of randomization and blinding biases found in the studies assessed determines lower scientific evidence of the results. Despite the limitations and biases identified in this systematic review, sesame showed relevant effects on oxidative stress, suggesting it could increase the antioxidant capacity.

Amino Acid-Based Material for the Complementary Therapy of Decubitus Ulcers

( Frederico Nogueira ),( Isabel C. Gouveia ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2017 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.27 No.4

Chronic wounds, pressure sores, lesions, and infections of microbial origin in bedridden, paralyzed, or malnutrition patients remain the object of study of many researchers. A variety of factors behind the development of these disorders are related to the patient`s immune system, making it unable to respond effectively to the treatment of the wound. These factors can be properly controlled, giving particular importance to the ethiology and stage of the wound, as well as the time periods corresponding to the replacement of the dressings. The present research reports a novel foam/soft material, L-Cys-g-PCL, with an application for decubitus/pressure ulcers, especially for wounds with a difficult healing process due to infections and constant oxidation of the soft tissues. During this work, the interactions between S. aureus and L-Cys-g-PCL foam were studied under conditions that simulate decubitus ulcers; namely, pH and exudate. The effects of duration of grafting (1 or 8 h) and pH (7.0 and 8.9) on wettability, surface energy, swelling, and porosity were also evaluated. Results showed an effective microbicidal activity exhibiting an inhibition ratio of 99.73% against S. aureus. This new L-Cys-g-PCL soft material showed saftey to contact skin, ability to be shaped to fill in sunken holes (craters) - pressure ulcers stage III - and to act as a smart material responsive to pH, which can be tailored to develop better swelling properties at alkaline pH where exudates are normally higher, so as to address exudate self-cleaning and prevention of desiccation.

Improving Productivity and Sequestering Carbon Using Organic Amendments in Contrasting Soils

Renaldo Belfon,Gaius Eudoxie,Gregory Gouveia,Paul Voroney 한국토양비료학회 2014 한국토양비료학회 학술발표회 초록집 Vol.2014 No.6

Electronic Structure, Morphological Aspects, Optical and Electrochemical Properties of RuO2 Nanocrystals

R. C. Silva,A. F. Gouveia,J. C. Sczancoski,R. S. Santos,J. L. S. Sá,E. Longo,L. S. Cavalcante 대한금속·재료학회 2019 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.15 No.5

This letter reports the synthesis of RuO2nanocrystals by the anionic surfactant-assisted hydrothermal method at 90 °C for24 h followed by heat treatment at 500 °C for 1 h. These crystals were structurally characterized by means of X-ray diffraction(XRD) and Rietveld refinement analysis. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was employed to observethe morphological features these crystals. The optical behavior was investigated by ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. First-principles quantum mechanical calculations based on the density functional theory at the B3LYP level wereemployed to obtain the electronic band structure and density of states. For electrochemical behavior, the supercapacitorproperties of RuO2crystals were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. XRD patterns and Rietveld refinement data indicatethat RuO2crystals have a rutile-type tetragonal structure. FE-SEM images showed the presence of sphere-like RuO2crystalswith an average crystal sized at around 19.13 nm. The experimental band gap energy (Egap[exp]) was estimated at 2.60 eV byusing UV–Vis spectroscopy, while the theoretical calculations indicate an Egap[theo] at 1.92 eV. These calculations revealed aband structure predominantly composed of O 2p orbitals (valence band) and Ru 4d orbitals (conduction band). The specificcapacitance measured for RuO2film was 193 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1 in an electrode with 0.5 mg of electroactive material in 1 MNa2SO4solution.