ecirc

Although the construction industry, especially because of its relationship with other economic sectors, is one of the most important sectors that plays a key role in a country's economic growth, the construction supply chain has been considered less attention. Therefore, construction supply chain network design is of great importance for not only the companies but also governments. Thus, presenting an original mixed integer linear programming model, this paper introduces an optimal framework for a multi-project multi-resource multi-supplier construction supply chain network design for large construction companies with a decentralized procurement strategy. The main objective is to design a reliable supply chain model based on the quality of projects under the certain predefined budget, considering the entire supply chain as a single entity. Using a bi-objective approach to formulate the chain and the Lp-metric approach to solve the problem, make it possible to obtain a single-objective structural framework to reliability-quality trade-off consideration. To solve the problem in small and medium scales, GAMS software is employed, and a hybrid algorithm based on Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm is developed to solve the large-scaled problem. The results show the capability of the model to attain optimal size of the chain as well as the quality-reliability trade-off considering a pre-specified budget. And, to the best of authors knowledge this is the first to obtain such a structured integrated framework in the construction supply chain.

Annona muricata Linnaeus (Annonaceae), popularly known as graviola, is used in folk medicine as both sedative and anticonvulsant. This study correlates the neurochemical profile with the behavioral effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Annona muricata (HLEAM) in mice, proposing to elucidate their mechanism of action on the central nervous system. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The acute toxicity (median lethal dose - LD50) was determined by probitos method using the percentage of mortality based on the Hippocratic screen. HLEAM (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) was tested, intraperitoneally (i.p.), in models of sedation, anxiety, motor coordination and seizures. The endogenous levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and DOPAC were assayed by reverse-phase HPLC with electrochemical detection. The HPLC analysis of extract revealed the presence of flavonoids (quercetin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin, rutin and kaempferol) and phenolics acids (gallic, chlorogenic, ellagic and caffeic acids). The LD50 was 1091.7 mg/kg and Hippocratic screening indicated central nervous system depressant effect. HLEAM presented sedatives effects at doses 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, and anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects at a dose of 100 mg/kg. In addition, these effects were partially reversed by flumazenil. The monoamines analysis by HPLC showed that HLEAM decreased the level of norepinefrine and dopamine in the mouse brain striatum. Thus, the results indicate a possible interaction of HLEAM with the GABAergic and monoaminergic systems, adding medicinal value to the popular use of the plant for the treatment of behavioral and neurological disorders.

Musculoskeletal pain is commonly reported in dentists and can start from their training period and continue throughout their practice if preventive or corrective measures are not implemented. To evaluate the perception of dental students in relation to the risk factors that may contribute to the musculoskeletal pain, and verify how the existence of painful symptoms influences the perception of risk factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 241 dental students at public university of São Paulo, Brazil in 2016. The data were collected through interviews, using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire for Musculoskeletal Symptom and the Work-Related Activities that May Contribute to Job-Related Pain Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 21.0. Painful symptoms were observed in 199 participants (83.0%). Most students had their perception classified as minimal to moderate (86.3%). A statistically significant association (P=0.005) was found when the test of association between the perception of risk factors and the presence of painful symptoms was performed. The highest averages were found in the issues related to repetition of movement, followed by work-related factors and finally the risks to external factors. There are statistically significant differences in the average perception when comparing the group with and without pain for each question of the instrument when comparing the body areas. Undergraduate students are aware of the factors that contribute to health issues and development of musculoskeletal pain, and in particular, there is a greater perception among those who may have had any symptoms.