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Trichilemmal horn or trichilemmal keratosis is a benign neoplasm, that occurs more frequently in females and in the age group over 50 years old. Clinically, it presents as a cutaneous horn and histologically shows trichilemmal keratinization at the base of the lesion.As an uncommon pathology, in this case report, we will present the case of a young man (14 years old), presenting a keratotic lesion on the forehead for eight months, which revealed the diagnosis of trichilemmal horn after lesion exeresis and anatomopathological analysis.

Odemira, in the southeast litoral of Portugal, has 33% of migrant citizens, mostly from Southeast Asia, going up to 50% counting transient citizens. Most of them do not speak English, making communication with health services difficult. They tend to live in overcrowded houses with unsanitary conditions. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, all the above resulted in high incidence and ineffective contact tracing (CT), testing and isolation by the public health teams. It was essential to develop strategies to manage and control outbreaks, and also to achieve health equity. Our experience can be useful for other countries in dealing with their multicultural communities. This intervention started in march 2020 and is still ongoing. The aims were to improve the accuracy of epidemiological surveys (ES) and CT, to more easily stop transmission, to develop the communication skills of health professionals and to improve migrant's healthcare access. For this, the focus was on digital written communication tools (Whatsapp, translation apps). It was created a toolkit to guide ES and CT tailored to the migrant population, with tips and best practices, and used translated information materials about preventive COVID-19 measures. Workshops were led with health professionals. It was stablished work with local NGOs, creating social media campaigns during crucial events (Holi holliday). As results. it was achieved a better ES output, more accurate CT and better transmission control, with noticeable differences between march 2020 and now. The relationship with this community improved, having better access to services and their needs met. Health professionals reported being more at ease dealing with these patients. Our experience shows it's possible to communicate effectively despite language and cultural barriers, that cultural knowledge is important in advancing public health goals and that multidisciplinary and intersectoral work is essential to effective interventions. Key messages This intervention allowed us to achieve a better output of epidemiological surveys, more accurate contact tracing and were more effective in breaking transmission chains and controlling outbreaks. It was achieved a better understanding and relationship with this community, with better ability to respond to their needs and promoting their access to healthcare.

Background Suicide and voluntary self-harm (SVSA) accounted for 0.95% of all deaths in Portugal in 2017. Economic evaluation includes indirect costs analysis, relating to Years of Life Lost (YLL) and premature death. This study aimed to estimate and compare the indirect costs from loss of productivity due to SVSA and 12 other causes of death in 2017. Methods YLL were adapted to the working age (18–66 years-old) ‘Years of Productivity Lost’ (YPL) adjusting the groups 15–19 years-old and under, and disregarding the ages over 66 years-old. The causes of death were based on the European Shortlist. The loss of productivity from deaths was estimated from the YPL and the ‘Apparent Productivity of Work’, with an annual discount rate of 3%, translated into % of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017. The calculations were performed for the SVSA and for 12 causes of death selected from national Priority Health Programs. The INE and Pordata databases for the year 2017 were used. Calculations were performed using Microsoft Excel for Office 365 software version 2102. Results The estimated costs from loss of productivity by SLAV deaths in 2017 represented approximately 0.16% of GDP. It is the third highest among the 13 causes of death analyzed, ranking behind malignant neoplasm of larynx/trachea/bronchi/lung and ischaemic heart disease. Conclusions Prioritization of health resources may benefit by integrating lost productivity concepts with other indicators. Limitations include predictable increase of retirement age in the future and the oversimplified calculation of productivity costs. Future studies may include sensitivity assessments and other relevant variables.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to prove and qualify the influence of textured surface substrates morphology and chemical composition on the growth and propagation of transplanted corals. Use additive manufacturing and silicone moulds for converting three-dimensional samples into limestone mortar with white Portland cement substrates for coral growth. Design/methodology/approach Tiles samples were designed and printed with different geometries and textures inspired by nature marine environment. Commercial coral frag tiles were analysed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify the main chemical elements. Raw materials and coral species were selected. New base substrates were manufactured and deployed into a closed-circuit aquarium to monitor the coral weekly evolution process and analyse the results obtained. Findings Experimental results provided positive statistical parameters for future implementation tests, concluding that the intensity of textured surface, interfered favourably in the coralline algae biofilm growth. The chemical composition and design of the substrates were determinant factors for successful coral propagation. Recesses and cavities mimic the natural rocks aspect and promoted the presence and interaction of other species that favour the richness of the ecosystem. Originality/value Additive manufacturing provided an innovative method of production for ecology restoration areas, allowing rapid prototyping of substrates with high complexity morphologies, a critical and fundamental attribute to guarantee coral growth and Crustose Coralline Algae. The result of this study showed the feasibility of this approach using three-dimensional printing technologies.

Climate change projections based on the emission of greenhouse effect gases suggest an increase in the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, in up to 750 ppm. In this scenario, we have significant changes in plant development, and consequently, in agricultural systems. This study aims to evaluate the interaction between culture (Glycine max) and weed (Amaranthus viridis and Euphorbia heterophylla) in two conditions of CO2, 400 and 800 ppm. The results showed that the coexistence of culture with both weed species resulted in a mutual loss, with decrease in dry mass productivity of culture + weeds, in both conditions of CO2. However, when the culture is grown in association with E. heterophylla, total dry mass of culture + weed was smaller at 800 ppm. Soybean was more aggressive in comparison to the A. viridis in both the concentrations of CO2, but not in relation to the E. heterophylla., {"references":["NOAA. Earth System Research Laboratory. Trends in atmospheric carbon dioxide. Available in: www.esrl.noaa.gov. Access in: 20/01/2017.","IPCC, Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Stocker, T.F., D. Qin, G.-K. Plattner, M. Tignor, S. K. Allen, J. Boschung, A. Nauels, Y. Xia, V. Bex and P.M. Midgley (eds.)). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.","L. Q. Jing, Y. Z. Wu, S. T. Zhuang, Y. X. Wang, J. G. Zhu and L. X. Yang, \"Effects of CO2 enrichment and spikelet removal on rice quality under open-air field conditions\" Journal of Integrative Agriculture, vol. 15, no. 9, pp. 2012–2022, 2016.","E. A. Ainsworth, A. Rogers, A. D. B. Leakey, L. E. Heady, Y. Gibon, M. Stitt and U. Schurr, \"Does elevated atmospheric (CO2) alter diurnal C uptake and the balance of C and N metabolites in growing and fully expanded soybean leaves?\", Journal of Experimental Botany, vol. 58, pp. 579–591, 2007.","F. M. Damatta, A. Grandis, B. C. Arenque and M. S. Buckeridge, \"Impacts of climate changes on crop physiology and food quality\", Food Research International, vol. 43, pp. 1814-1823, 2010.","M. Tausz, S. T. Posch, R. M. Norton, G. J. Fitzgerald, M. E. Nicolas and S. Seneweera, \"Understanding crop physiology to select breeding targets and improve crop management under increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations\" Environmental and Experimental Botany, vol. 88, pp. 71– 80, 2013.","B. A. Kimball, K. Kobayashi and M. Bindi, \"Responses of agricultural crops to free-air CO enrichment\", Advances in Agronomy, vol. 77, pp. 293–368, 2002.","K. Hikosaka, Y. Onoda, T. Kinugasa, H. Nagashima, N. P. R. Anten and T. Hirose, \"Plant responses to elevated CO2 concentration at different scales: leaf, whole plant, canopy, and population\", Ecological Research, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 243–253, May 2005.","H. Y. Kim, M. Lieffering, K. Kobayashi, M. Okada and S. Miura, \"Seasonal changes in the effects of elevated CO2 on rice at three levels of nitrogen supply: a free air CO2enrichment (FACE) experiment\", Global Change Biology, vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 826–837, June 2003. \n[10]\tC. Potvin and B. R. Strain, \"Effects of CO2 enrichment and temperature on growth in two C4weeds, Echinochloa crus-galli and Eleusine indica\" Canadian Journal of Botany, vol. 63, no. 9, pp. 1495-1499, 1985.\n[11]\tS. D. Smith, B. R. Strain and T. D. Sharkey, \"Effects of CO2 Enrichment on Four Great Basin Grasses\", Functional Ecology, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 139-143, 1987.\n[12]\tS. J. E. Wand, G. F. Midgley, M. H. Jones, P. S. Curtis, \"Responses of wild C4 and C3 grass (Poaceae) species to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration: a meta-analytic test of current theories and perceptions\" Global Change Biology, vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 723–741, Aug 1999. \n[13]\tJ. F. Weltzin, R. T. Belote and N. Sanders, \"Biological invaders in a greenhouse world: will elevated CO2 fuel plant invasions?\", Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 146-153, 2003.\n[14]\tL. H. Ziska, \"Evaluation of the growth response of six invasive species to past, present and future atmospheric carbon dioxide\", Journal of Experimental Botany, vol. 54, pp. 395–404, 2003.\n[15]\tD. T. Patterson, \"Weeds in a changing climate\", Weed Science, vol. 43, pp. 685–700, 1995.\n[16]\tD. T. Patterson, J. K. Westbrock, R. J. V. Joyce, P. D. Lingren and J. Rogasik, \"Weeds, insects and diseases\", Climate Change, vol.43, pp.711-727, 1999.\n[17]\tR. P. Rigoli, D. Agostinetto, C. E. Schaedler, T. Dal Magro and S. P. Tironi, \"Relative competitive ability of wheat (Triticum aestivum) intercropped with Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) or wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum)\", Planta Daninha, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 93-100, 2008.\n[18]\tT. Dal Magro, P. Soldatelli, D. Agostinetto and L. Vargas, \"Supressão da dormência de sementes de capim pé de galinha (Eleusine indica) (Published Conference Proceedings style)\", in Proc. 27th Brazilian Weed Science Conf., Ribeirão Preto, 2010, pp. 1177-1181.\n[19]\tM. A. Bianchi, N. G. Fleck and F. P. Lamego, \"Proportion among soybean and competitor plants and the relations of mutual interference\", Ciência Rural, vol. 36, no. pp. 1380-1387, 2006.\n[20]\tS. Radosevich, J. Holt and C. Ghersa, \"Weed ecology: implications for management\". 2nd ed. New York: Willey, 1997, ch. 6.\n[21]\tC. J. T. Spitters, \"On descriptive and mechanistic models for inter-plant competition, with particular reference to crop-weed interaction\". In: R. Rabbinge, J. Goudriaan, H. Van Keulen, F. W. T. P. De Vries and H. H. Van Laar, Theoretical production ecology: reflections and prospects, 1990, pp. 217-236.\n[22]\tC. T. Wit, \"On competition\", Verslagen Landbouwkundig Onderzoek., vol. 66, no. 8, pp. 182, 1960.\n[23]\tD. Agostinetto, L. Galon, P. V. D. Moraes, R. P. Rigoli, S. P. Tironi and L. E. Panozzo, \"Relative competitivity between flooded rice cultivars and Echinochloa spp.\", Planta Daninha, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 757-766, 2008.\n[24]\tR. D. Cousens and P. O'Neil, \"Density dependence in replacement series experiments\", Oikos vol. 66, pp. 347–352, 1993.\n[25]\tJ. L. Harper, \"Population Biology of Plants\", London: Academic Press, 1977. 892p.\n[26]\tL. Taiz and E. Zeiger, \"Plant physiology\". 4th ed. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates, 2006, ch. 9.\n[27]\tQ. Zeng, B. Liu, B. Gilna, Y. Zhang, C. Zhu, H. Ma, J. Pang, G. Chen and J. Zhu, \"Elevated CO2 effects on nutrient competition between a C3 crop (Oryza sativa L.) and a C4 weed (Echinochloa crusgalli L.) nutrient cycling\", Agroecosystems, vol. 89, pp. 93–104, 2011.\n[28]\tC. Zhu, Q. Zeng, L. H. Ziska, J. Zhu, Z. Xie and G. Liu, \"Effect of nitrogen supply on carbon dioxide-induced changes in competition between rice and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli)\", Weed Science, vol. 56, pp. 66–71, 2008."]}

A simple PCR-RFLP consisting in the digestion of a fragment of the 12S ribosomal RNA (12SrRNA) with species-specific restriction enzymes (MboII and HinfI) was developed to distinguish northeastern Atlantic species in the genus Atherina. Unambiguous identification of morphologically similar sympatric species is frequently difficult, especially when younger specimens are included in the analysis. Genetic and morphological analysis of a total of 123 atherinids collected near the mouth of the Tagus estuary (west Portugal) confirmed that only Atherina presbyter (sand smelt) adults and juveniles are recurrently using these marine rocky habitats as spawning and nursery grounds, respectively. The importance of applying non-destructive methods is emphasized. In the future, the conditions involved in the transition from marine A. presbyter to estuarine/ riverine A. boyeri should be further evaluated along with the ability of larvae and juveniles to cope with river flow and tidal currents drift. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT); FEDER; EMAC-Empresa Municipal de Ambiente de Cascais, E.M., S.A info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The aim of this work was to demonstrate that ionic liquids (ILs) as electrolytes for several applications have been explored. We have explored their potential as solvent-free electrolytes dispersed in natural polymer matrix and as electrolytes for electrosynthesis. The ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate ([C2mim][C2SO4]) was dispersed in gelatin and agar, producing free-standing-electrolyte membranes thermally stable up to 200 °C and an ionic conductivity of 9.73 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 30 °C and 2.37 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 100 °C for Gelatin[C2mim][C2SO4] and 1.10 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 30 °C and 7.24 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 100 °C for Agar[C2mim][C2SO4] films. These samples were then tested in electrochromic devices (ECDs) revealing electrochemical reversibility during more than 200 color/bleaching cycles. Moreover, the electrochemical behavior of (1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)nickel(II) bromide, [Ni(tmc)]Br2, at a glassy carbon electrode in the absence and in the presence of unsaturated halides in the ionic liquids, [C2mim][C2SO4] and N,N,N-trimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([N1 1 1 2(OH)][NTf2]), has been examined by cyclic voltammetry. It was observed that [Ni(tmc)]2+ complex was reduced in a reversible one-electron step and the electrogenerated [Ni(tmc)]+ complex catalytically reduced the carbon–halogen bond of unsaturated halides. The obtained results showed that the investigated ionic liquids are good candidates for use as electrolytes in either solid or liquid form.

Autoimmunity has been associated with vitamin D deficiency and resistance, with gene polymorphisms related to vitamin D metabolism frequently described in affected patients. High doses of vitamin D3 may conceivably compensate for inherited resistance to its biological effects. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of prolonged high-dose vitamin D3 treatment of patients with psoriasis and vitiligo. Nine patients with psoriasis and 16 patients with vitiligo received vitamin D3 35,000 IU once daily for six months in association with a low-calcium diet (avoiding dairy products and calcium-enriched foods like oat, rice or soya “milk”) and hydration (minimum 2.5 L daily). All psoriasis patients were scored according to “Psoriasis Area and Severity Index” (PASI) at baseline and after treatment. Evaluation of clinical response of vitiligo patients required a quartile grading scale. All patients presented low vitamin D status (serum 25(OH)D3 ≤ 30 ng/mL) at baseline. After treatment 25(OH)D3 levels significantly increased (from 14.9 ± 7.4 to 106.3 ± 31.9 ng/mL and from 18.4 ± 8.9 to 132.5 ± 37.0 ng/mL) and PTH levels significantly decreased (from 57.8 ± 16.7 to 28.9 ± 8.2 pg/mL and from 55.3 ± 25.0 to 25.4 ± 10.7 pg/mL) in patients with psoriasis and vitiligo respectively. PTH and 25(OH)D3 serum concentrations correlated inversely. The PASI score significantly improved in all nine patients with psoriasis. Fourteen of 16 patients with vitiligo had 25–75% repigmentation. Serum urea, creatinine and calcium (total and ionized) did not change and urinary calcium excretion increased within the normal range. High-dose vitamin D3 therapy may be effective and safe for vitiligo and psoriasis patients.

Manaus, the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas, is developing very rapidly. Its pollution plume contains aerosols from fossil fuel combustion mainly due to vehicular emission, industrial activity, and a thermal power plant. Soil resuspension is probably a secondary source of atmospheric particles. The plume transports from Manaus to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility ARM site at Manacapuru urban pollutants as well as pollutants from pottery factories along the route of the plume. Considering the effects of particulate matter on health, atmospheric particulate matter was evaluated at this site as part of the ARM Facility’s Green Ocean Amazon 2014/15 (GoAmazon 2014/15) field campaign. Aerosol or particulate matter (PM) is typically defined by size, with the smaller particles having more health impact. Total suspended particulate (TSP) are particles smaller than 100 μm; particles smaller than 2.5 μm are called PM2.5. In this work, the PM2.5 levels were obtained from March to December of 2015, totaling 34 samples and TSP levels from October to December of 2015, totaling 17 samples. Sampling was conducted with PM2.5 and TSP high-volume samplers using quartz filters (Figure 1). Filters were stored during 24 hours in a roommore » with temperature (21,1oC) and humidity (44,3 %) control, in order to do gravimetric analyses by weighing before and after sampling. This procedure followed the recommendations of the Brazilian Association for Technical Standards local norm (NBR 9547:1997). Mass concentrations of particulate matter were obtained from the ratio between the weighted sample and the volume of air collected. Defining a relationship between particulate matter (PM2.5 and TSP) and respiratory diseases of the local population is an important goal of this project, since no information exists on that topic.« less

Introduction: The high prevalence of temporomandibular disorders and tinnitus along with the negative effects on the quality of life of affected individuals makes this association a matter of public health. Objective: To assess the knowledge of primary health care professionals about the interrelationship between temporomandibular disorders and tinnitus. Materials and Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study, using a structured, self-administered questionnaire for a group of 54 dental surgeons. The statistical analysis used involved descriptive analyses through absolute and relative frequency distributions. Results: The results showed that the professionals do not, as a routine, examine the temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles during physical examination. In addition, there was a low percentage of correct answers on questions that assess knowledge. Conclusions: There is a need to inform dentists about the interrelationship between temporomandibular disorders and tinnitus. Furthermore, there is a need to encourage managers to establish teaching and learning tools that support and strengthen the role of dentists in primary health care. In this way, routine visits might minimize these disorders, and thus contribute to the quality of life of the population.

Room temperature ionic liquids, such as N,N,N-trimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [N1 1 1 2(OH)][NTf2] and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethylsulfate, [C2mim][C2SO4], have been used for the electroreductive intramolecular cyclization of unsaturated bromo derivatives 1 in Ni(II)-catalyzed reactions. Controlled-potential electrolyses led to five-membered-ring compounds in moderate to good yields. Cyclic voltammetry in these ionic liquid systems was also investigated., Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The work presents the implementation in software of an adaptive method for reducing the non-uniformity of the frequency-response-curve, by covering certain walls of small rectangular rooms, with a particular type of a passive acoustical treatment, consisting of porous absorbents covered with perforated sheets, in which each perforation behaves independently as Helmholtz resonators. The method employs new developments of another publication for finding the modal parameters, namely natural frequencies and associated damping constants, of rectangular rooms with arbitrary (uniform) wall-impedances. The adaptive software is capable of continuously improving the implemented type of acoustical treatment and would allow the implementation of new types of treatments as desired. Some testing results are presented, demonstrating the ability of the software for finding best parameters of the acoustical treatment, giving as input data the room dimensions and source/receiver locations only.

Biopolymer-based materials have been of particular interest and they are alternatives to synthetic polymers based on the decreasing oil resources. The polymer electrolytes were doped with choline-based IL N,N,Ntrimethyl- N-(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([N1 1 1 2(OH)][NTf2]), or Er (CF3SO3)3 or both. The polymer electrolytes were employed in the production of glass/ITO/WO3/electrolyte/ CeO2–TiO2/ITO/glass electrochromic devices (ECDs). The lowest onset temperature for the degradation of all the SPEs is at ~130 °C for the Gellan Er (CF3SO3)3 (10:1) this temperature range of stability is wide enough for a material to be applied as an electrolyte/separator component in electrochemical devices. The three ECDs displayed fast switching speed (ca. 15 s). Gellan [N1 1 1 2(OH)][NTf2] Er (CF3SO3)3 (5:1:10) exhibited an electrochromic contrast of 4.2% in the visible region, the coloration efficiency attained at 555 nm was 3.5 and 0.90 cm-2 C-1 in the “colored” and “bleached” states, respectively, and the open circuit memorywas 48 h. Preliminary tests performed with a prototype electrochromic device (ECD) incorporating WO3 as cathodic electrochromic layer, are extremely encouraging., We are grateful to the Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia and FEDER (ELECTRA-PTDC/CTM/099124/2008, PEst-C/QUI/UI0686/2013, PEst-OE/EQB/LA0004/2011 and PTDC/CTM-NAN/121274/2010 and Pest-OE/QUI/UI0616/2014) and COST Action (MP1202880, Rational design of hybrid organic inorganic interfaces) for financial support of this work.r The authors are also grateful to, FAPESP, CNPq and CAPES for financial support. M. M. Silva acknowledges CNPq, for the mobility grant provided by this institution. The authors are also grateful to Dr. Ivana Cesarino for AFM analysis.

Epoxy resin composites are frequently applied in moulds manufactured with rapid tooling technologies that are used for wax and polymer materials injection. With the propose of enlarging the application field of the polymer matrix systems, it is fundamental to select adequate dispersed phases and analyse their influence on the composite properties in order to reinforce the polymer matrix and tailor the properties according to the tools specifications. Thermal conductivity and wear resistance are critical parameters for a good service performance and durability of the mould. Metallic fillers allow significant improvement in the resin thermal conductivity. In this work, it was possible to show that small amounts of milled fibres enhance the wear resistance, with little changes in the processability and in the allowed aluminium concentration in the resin matrix. A tribological study of these materials was performed involving the neat resin, the aluminium filled resin and tri-phase composites composed by epoxy, aluminium particles and milled glass or carbon fibres. The study was focused on the role of the particles and fibres in the friction and wear at room temperature and at a typical plastic injection temperature of 160 degrees C. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Epoxy-based composites moulds are frequently used for wax and polymer materials injection. Tri-phase materials, composed by an epoxy resin, aluminium particles and milled fibres, were produced, with mechanical and thermal performances better than the single materials, increasing the competitiveness of the epoxy rapid tooling processes. Charpy impact tests were employed to obtain a qualitative indication of the composites toughness. The electronic instrumentation of these tests allows a more accurate differentiation of the impact behaviour of the neat resins, the aluminium filled resins and the tri-phase composites (composed by epoxy, aluminium particles and milled glass or carbon fibres), and to consequently tailor the composites mechanical properties for rapid tooling applications.

Recent discoveries from planetary missions show that serpentinization process may act significantly on the geological evolution and potential habitability of the icy bodies of the Solar System, like Enceladus or Europa. Here we review the available experimental data so far about methane formation occurring during serpentinization, which is potentially relevant to icy moons, and present our results using awaruite as a catalyst of this process. The efficiency of awaruite and high pressure in the Fischer-Tropsch and Sabatier Type reactions are evaluated here when olivine is incubated.

When producing a new component there is usually a trial and error stage to tune the process in order to obtain a part without defects, using the right quantity of raw material. At this stage, the previous experience of designers and manufacturers should give an important aid to reduce trials. However, the use of new materials associated with new shape designs creates the possibility of new behaviours. For this reason, while producing a component it is very important that we get some directions in order to avoid possible defects in it. For such an objective, the finite element simulation has been proving that, at the design stage, it can give important answers in analysing the process and predicting the defects that may occur. Therefore, modifications can be made easily, before tool manufacturing and part production, reducing the trial and error stage and its associated costs. This paper presents the modelling of components with complex shape to be manufactured by closed die forging and sheet metal forming and one tries to show how numerical simulation may help in defining the shape and size of initial material or blank and predict the forces needed to define the press to be used in the process, as well as the possible defects.

The rapid depletion of fossil fuel resources and environmental concerns has given awareness on generation of renewable energy resources. Among the various renewable resources, hybrid solar and wind energy seems to be promising solutions to provide reliable power supply with improved system efficiency and reduced storage requirements for stand-alone applications. This paper presents a feasibility assessment and optimum size of photovoltaic (PV) array, wind turbine and battery bank for a standalone hybrid Solar/Wind Power system (HSWPS) at remote telecom station of Nepal at Latitude (27{\deg}23'50") and Longitude (86{\deg}44'23") consisting a telecommunication load of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), Repeater station and Code Division Multiple Access Base Transceiver Station (CDMA 2C10 BTS). In any RES based system, the feasibility assessment is considered as the first step analysis. In this work, feasibility analysis is carried through hybrid optimization model for electric renewables (HOMER) and mathematical models were implemented in the MATLAB environment to perform the optimal configuration for a given load and a desired loss of power supply probability (LPSP) from a set of systems components with the lowest value of cost function defined in terms of reliability and levelized unit electricity cost (LUCE). The simulation results for the existing and the proposed models are compared. The simulation results shows that existing architecture consisting of 6.12 kW KC85T photovoltaic modules, 1kW H3.1 wind turbine and 1600 Ah GFM-800 battery bank have a 36.6% of unmet load during a year. On the other hand, the proposed system includes 1kW *2 H3.1 Wind turbine, 8.05 kW TSM-175DA01 photovoltaic modules and 1125 Ah T-105 battery bank with system reliability of 99.99% with a significant cost reduction as well as reliable energy production.

The actual competition environment characterized by fast variations and consumer's sharp necessity in aesthetic satisfaction demands a constant adaptation of the companies, at the development and production levels. The production of decorating glass parts by thermoforming, with three-dimensional shapes, demands expensive moulds. The complexity associated to the manufacture of these moulds by traditional methods represents a substantial aggravation in price and development time of the final product, makes their production not attractive. The present work presents adequate methodologies for glass artefacts production by thermoforming, which are based on rapid prototyping models and ceramic moulds hardened by a sol-gel reaction (indirect rapid tooling process). This technology allows the reduction in the time to market and opens new opportunities in the design of new and bold artefacts.

It is well known that Rapid Prototyping (RP) and Rapid Tooling (RT) are fundamental technologies to reduce the time tomarket and consequently increase productivity and competitiveness of companies working in different industrial sectors.RT with epoxy resins is presently accepted as an established process of indirect rapid tooling. However, patents,processing difficulties and companies limitations disable a wider implementation of this technology.This paper presents the experimental results of a detailed work, conducted at INEGI, to manufacture moulds for plasticinjection, with tailored properties, using RP models and aluminium filled and fibres reinforced epoxy resins.

Epoxy-based composites moulds are frequently used for wax and polymer materials injection.Tri-phase materials, composed by an epoxy resin, aluminium particles and milled glass orcarbon fibres were produced with better mechanical and thermal performances than the single materials,increasing the competitiveness of the epoxy rapid tooling processes. Charpy Impact testswere employed to obtain a qualitative indication of the composites toughness. The electronic instrumentationof these tests allows a more accurate differentiation of the impact behaviour of theneat and aluminium filled resins, and the tri-phase composites, and consequently, more rigorouslytailor their properties.

Rapid Prototyping (RP) and Rapid Tooling (RT) are well known processesfor rapidly develop new products and consequently reduce the time to market. InPortugal, many companies are still not exploring the full advantages of usingthese technologies for new products development and produce reduced runs.This work presents some results obtained with composite tools manufactured forthermoplastics injection. These tools are obtained by casting a aluminium filledresin or by arc spray metal tooling over Rapid Prototyping models.Different properties, such as: moulds roughness, hardness and the wear weredetermined and compared, and the suitability of these processes are evaluated torapidly produce prototype moulds to inject thermoplastic models and pre series.

Metallic powders are typically mixed with epoxy and polyurethane resin systems to improve the moulds thermal conductivity. The critical problem to produce these mixtures for Rapid Tooling applications is the difficulty of eliminating the entrapped air, introduced during the processing due to the high viscosity of the mixture, especially in the presence of high aluminium concentrations. When air bubbles are retained in the resin/model interface, superficial defects are generated which render inoperative the Rapid Tooling moulds, and consequently the advantages of these new technologies. In this work, a specific methodology is presented to reduce the porosity level, not only in these typical mixtures, but also in hybrid ones, manufactured with aluminium particles and milled fibres, which have a even worse tendency to produce pores in the composite interface.

Aluminium filled epoxies moulds have been used in indirect rapid tooling. These moulds, which have a low cost processing, are very competitive, when applied in the manufacturing of low volume series. The geometry and the size distribution of the aluminium particles affect significantly the powder packing density, the resin ratio, the thermal conductivity, the curing time, the homogeneity and the mechanical characteristics of the tool. Using three high temperature epoxy resins it was possible to understand the resin behaviour in the presence of the aluminium filler and formulate filled resins with the best compromise of mechanical, thermal and processing performance.

Designing freeform surfaces and renderings for communication purposes. Nowadays, technological advances in CAD/CAM and Rapid Prototyping (RP) systems demand the integration of CAD models in the industrial downstream processes. Rapid Prototyping systems emerged in 1987 and are closer to the revolutionary concept "a factory in a box". These new technologies are becoming a powerful tool for concurrent engineering, creating in this way a new competitive edge. Economic concept modellers are now commercially available and supported by Internet infrastructures, can play an important role in the future evolution and market demand of these additives manufacturing processes. The aim of this study is to present a survey of the historical and future evolution of RP technologies and the specific implications in the design methodology.

Very useful engineering models for product development can be rapidly available using Rapid Prototyping technologies. A diversity of industrial sectors can benefit from the use of these technologies, through speed improvement in the product development phase and consequently minimising the time to market. Rapid Prototyping technologies also allow the direct or indirect production of metallic prototypes to be used in the development of fully or semifunctional products, like house ware, kitchen and bathroom taps, sand castings, die castings and components to be produced by pressure die casting for the automotive industry. It is the aim of this work to describe a 3 years experience in the development of metallic conversion techniques, to supply functional metallic prototypes for different national companies. The advantages and the disadvantages of some possible complementary technologies to obtain functional prototypes of products that will be produced by pressure die casting are presented. The "lost model" technique using LOM, Thermoject, SLA "Quick Cast", and the "lost wax" will be compared in terms of accuracy, speed and costs, with techniques that use silicone and the resin filled moulds, considering the production of pre-series of 3 to 50 prototypes.

The effects of atropine and methotrimeprazine on epinephrine-induced ventricular arrhythmias were evaluated in halothane-anesthetized dogs. Ten mixed-breed dogs were assigned to 3 treatments (saline, atropine, and methotrimeprazine) in a randomized complete block design. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with halothane (1.5 minimum alveolar concentration) in oxygen. Controlled ventilation was used throughout to maintain eucapnia. Saline, atropine (0.05 mg/kg, i.v.) or methotrimeprazine (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) were administered and, 5 minutes later the arrhythmogenic dose of epinephrine (ADE) was measured by i.v. infusion of progressively increasing infusion rates of epinephrine, until the ventricular arrhythmia criterion was met (at least 4 ectopic ventricular contractions (EVCs) during a 15-second period). Data were analyzed using a student's t-test for ADE values and multivariate profile analysis for heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure (ABP), and rate pressure product (RPP). The ADE increased in atropine- and methotrimeprazine-treated groups, whereas 1 and 4 animals from these groups did not develop any ventricular arrhythmia, respectively. Epinephrine induced multiform premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in the atropine group, whereas ventricular escape beats were observed in the control and methotrimeprazine groups. Heart rate and RPP decreased, and ABP increased at the time of ADE observation in the control group. Epinephrine infusion in the atropine group caused marked increases in HR, ABP, and RPP, which were associated with pulsus alternans in 2 animals. It was concluded that 1) the presence of cholinergic blockade influences the type of ventricular arrhythmia induced by epinephrine; 2) increased ADE values recorded following atropine administration must be cautiously interpreted, since in this situation the PVCs were associated with signs of increased myocardial work and ventricular failure; and 3) the use of a broader arrhythmia criterion (EVCs instead of PVCs) may not allow a direct comparison between ADE values, since it includes ventricular arrhythmias mediated by different mechanisms.

Two HIV-seronegative patients with cryptococcal disease refractory to conventional antifungal therapy were submitted to an evaluation of the immune system. Hypogammaglobulinemia was found in both and associated with abnormal function of cell-mediated immunity. Hypogammaglobulinemia is considered as a possible predisposing factor for cryptococcal infection. The importance of the antibodies on the control of Cryptococcus neoformans infection is discussed.

Histoplasmosis is caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. It manifests by the presence of fever as the only symptom in most individuals. The disease may present as self-limited pneumonia, or as an hematogenous widespread fungal infection with a potentially fatal outcome in elderly individuals and people with compromised T-cell mediated immunity. Here, we report a case of disseminated cutaneous histoplasmosis in a patient with AIDS. The patient was a 33 year old male homosexual, intravenous drug user, who had been diagnosed with HIV infection 5 years earlier. He was in good health, but had erythematous papules and pustules in the skin of the scalp, face, back, thighs, abdomen, palms, and soles. He was placed on anti-retroviral therapy, fluconazole for mucosal candidiasis, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for pneumocystis prophylaxis, and antibiotics for the skin pustules. The skin lesions improved remarkably within 14 days. He was discharged and soon lost to follow-up. After his discharge, skin biopsy and fungal culture results revealed H. capsulatum. He was seen again 1 year later. The interim history revealed that he had taken fluconazole 100 mg/day for 1 month and fluconazole 150 mg/week for 7 months. He had not continued anti-retroviral therapy, nor taken other antifungal drugs. The clinical evolution of the disease was exceptional in that there was disappearance of all the skin lesions attributed to histoplasmosis with fluconazole. Although itraconazole remains the drug of choice for histoplasmosis. Cutaneous histoplasmosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atypical cutaneous lesions in individuals infected with HIV.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome in 8 dogs of surgical reduction of congenital humeroulnar luxation by using the transarticular pin. Five cases were bilateral and 3 were unilateral, for a total of 13 elbows. The treatment was performed in animals between 45 and 150 days of age. Articular stabilization was achieved by using a transarticular pin driven from the caudal aspect of the olecranon into the body of the humerus or into the distal condyle and distal metaphysis of the humerus. The follow-up period was between 1 and 19 months. There were 5 postsurgical reluxations, 3 related to the insertion of the pin into the humeral condyle and 2 related to the insertion into the humeral body. These animals needed further surgery. Six animals showed near normal return to limb function and 2 had lameness. We conclude that the use of the transarticular pin is an effective and simple method for the treatment of humeroulnar congenital elbow luxation.

The authors report a case of disseminated cutaneous infection with Sporothrix schenckii in a previously asymptomatic HIV-infected 30 year-old man. Extensive cutaneous involvement was observed with suppurative collections and ulcerations. The agent was isolated in culture. Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B proved to be effective.

Several cases of post mortem hematoma resulting from harvesting of the eye globes for transplantation, and susceptible of being misinterpreted as representing ante mortem trauma, are presented. Based on these cases the authors make a few considerations about the mechanisms of their production and technical procedures to avoid them.

Friction and diffusion coefficients can be derived simply by combining statistical arguments with the Feynman path integral method. A transport equation for Feynman's influence functional is obtained, and transport coefficients are deduced from it. The expressions are discussed in the limits of weak, and of strong coupling.

Companies are continuously under pressure to innovate their products and processes. In Portugal, there are already several examples of enterprises that have chosen research groups, associated to universities, to straighten collaboration seeking the development of new materials and advanced technological processes, to produce components with complex shapes, high surface quality, and others, at low cost, for continuously more demanding applications. Unfortunately, these cases are still a very small number, and many efforts have to be done to enlarge the collaboration university-companies. Ti and other reactive alloys are important groups of metals that are under intense and continuous research and development. For example, the high mechanical properties, low density, osteointegration behavior, corrosion resistance to fluids and tissues of the human body, the ability to be sterilized, and the possibility to obtain complex shapes, makes Ti a very attractive material for medical applications. The investment casting process, using lost wax or lost rapid prototyping models, allows designers a great amount of freedom and capacity to quickly produce castings of high dimensional accuracy and excellent surface quality suitable for different applications. Many of the castings obtained by this process are immediately ready for use, avoiding costly machining operations and joining processes, making the process very attractive to produce precision parts in Ti and other reactive alloys. However, the high reactivity of the Ti raises several compatibility problems with the traditional materials employed on the ceramic shells for casting steels and non ferrous alloys. The fragile surface layer obtained on the interface Ti-ceramic shell, result of the Ti reaction with oxygen and nitrogen of the shell, significantly reduces the mechanical properties of the cast parts, making them useless. The aim of the present work is the study of the interface properties of the Ti-ceramic shell, in order to be able to manufacture ceramic shells of low chemical reactivity for the investment casting process of reactive alloys, namely; titanium alloys, inconel, aluminotitanates, and others. Ceramic shells manufactured with calcium and yttria stabilized zirconia and other non reactive ceramics were employed and the metallic interface characterized in terms of microscopic and microhardness properties.