Suchergebnisse

Describes some of the main social and political consequences of the emergence of the cocaine trade in Brazilian Amazonia, taking as an example the state of Acre. Drug trafficking, which concerns all sections of society has like other illegal networks, become an alternative to the rubber industry which has been in crisis since the 1980s. Its implications differ however, in the northern and southern parts of the state. In the latter, especially in the capital, Acres, the development of a local market of urban consumers is closely connected to police corruption and the illegal use of violence by law enforcement agencies. (Original abstract - amended)

Anti-personnel mines have evolved into the military device of choice in many regional conflicts across the world. The author commences his analysis of this development by considering the impact of anti-personnel mines on civilian populations and the reasons historically articulated for their use. After evaluating their relative costs and benefits, the author proceeds to analyze the problem of anti-personnel mines under the principles of international law. First, the author considers legal principles regarding the permissible use of force by combatants, generally referred to as jus in bello. Next, the author evaluates the use of anti-personnel mines under jus in bello and determines that their use is not justified under that principle. The author then argues that the use of anti-personnel mines violates jus cogens norms of international law. The author concludes that civilized nations of the world should abolish the use of such ordinances as a peremptory norm of international law.

Water delivered by dental unit water systems (DUWS) in general dental practices can harbor high numbers of bacteria, including opportunistic pathogens. Biofilms on tubing within DUWS provide a reservoir for microorganisms and should be controlled. This study compared disinfection products for their ability to meet the American Dental Association's guideline of <200 CFU · ml−1 for DUWS water. Alpron, BioBlue, Dentosept, Oxygenal, Sanosil, Sterilex Ultra, and Ster4Spray were tested in DUWS (n = 134) in Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, The Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Weekly water samples were tested for total viable counts (TVCs) on yeast extract agar, and, where possible, the effects of products on established biofilm (TVCs) were measured. A 4- to 5-week baseline measurement period was followed by 6 to 8 weeks of disinfection (intermittent or continuous product application). DUWS water TVCs before disinfection ranged from 0 to 5.41 log CFU · ml−1. Disinfectants achieved reductions in the median water TVC ranging from 0.69 (Ster4Spray) to 3.11 (Dentosept) log CFU · ml−1, although occasional high values (up to 4.88 log CFU · ml−1) occurred with all products. Before treatment, 64% of all baseline samples exceeded American Dental Association guidelines, compared to only 17% following commencement of treatment; where tested, biofilm TVCs were reduced to below detectable levels. The antimicrobial efficacies of products varied (e.g., 91% of water samples from DUWS treated with Dentosept or Oxygenal met American Dental Association guidelines, compared to 60% of those treated with Ster4Spray). Overall, the continuously applied products performed better than those applied intermittently. The most effective products were Dentosept and Oxygenal, although Dentosept gave the most consistent and sustained antimicrobial effect over time.