Search

This work presents a theoretical-experimental study in permanent regime of the three-phase induction generator of squirrel cage connected directly to the distribution network at fixed speed. The study is based on the operation of the induction generator that operates with the capacitor bank and without the presence of the capacitor bank to show the improvement of the power factor of the induction generator when in connection with the electric distribution network.

Neste artigo, foram analisados os resultados oriundos de uma aula inédita, onde foi utilizado o software GeoGebra como recurso tecnológico e cuja utilização teve o propósito de auxiliar na construção de conceitos matemáticos. A referida aula ocorreu em uma escola estadual no município de Natal/RN em uma turma da 2ª série do ensino médio composta por 24 alunos. A aula inédita foi desenvolvida a partir de uma sequência didática investigativa. Os assuntos abordados nessa aula foram relações trigonométricas: seno, cosseno e tangente. Esse tema se apresenta como conteúdo matemático bastante útil na resolução de problemas do cotidiano e no exercício de algumas atividades profissionais. A escolha pelo software GeoGebra se deu pelo fato de que ele permite construções precisas e adequadas ao conteúdo de trigonometria. Os dados observados, indicam melhoria na participação dos estudantes nas atividades desenvolvidas, justificando assim, o uso de tecnologias digitais no Ensino da Matemática.

Background: Many governments have introduced pay-for-performance programmes to incentivise health providers to improve quality of care. Evidence on whether these programmes reduce or exacerbate disparities in health care is scarce. In this study, we aimed to assess socioeconomic inequalities in the performance of family health teams under Brazil's National Programme for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ). Methods: For this longitudinal study, we analysed data on the quality of care delivered by family health teams participating in PMAQ over three rounds of implementation: round 1 (November, 2011, to March, 2013), round 2 (April, 2013, to September, 2015), and round 3 (October, 2015, to December, 2019). The primary outcome was the percentage of the maximum performance score obtainable by family health teams (the PMAQ score), based on several hundred (ranging from 598 to 914) indicators of health-care delivery. Using census data on household income of local areas, we examined the PMAQ score by income ventile. We used ordinary least squares regressions to examine the association between PMAQ scores and the income of each local area across implementation rounds, and we did an analysis of variance to assess geographical variation in PMAQ score. Findings: Of the 40 361 family health teams that were registered as ever participating in PMAQ, we included 13 934 teams that participated in the three rounds of PMAQ in our analysis. These teams were located in 11 472 census areas and served approximately 48 million people. The mean PMAQ score was 61·0% (median 61·8, IQR 55·3–67·9) in round 1, 55·3% (median 56·0, IQR 47·6–63·4) in round 2, and 61·6% (median 62·7, IQR 54·4–69·9) in round 3. In round 1, we observed a positive socioeconomic gradient, with the mean PMAQ score ranging from 56·6% in the poorest group to 64·1% in the richest group. Between rounds 1 and 3, mean PMAQ performance increased by 7·1 percentage points for the poorest group and decreased by 0·8 percentage points for the richest group (p

BackgroundEvidence on the effect of pay-for-performance (P4P) schemes on provider performance is mixed in low-income and middle-income countries. Brazil introduced its first national-level P4P scheme in 2011 (PMAQ-Brazilian National Programme for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality). PMAQ is likely one of the largest P4P schemes in the world. We estimate the association between PMAQ and hospitalisations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) based on a panel of 5564 municipalities.MethodsWe conducted a fixed effect panel data analysis over the period of 2009–2018, controlling for coverage of primary healthcare, hospital beds per 10 000 population, education, real gross domestic product per capita and population density. The outcome is the hospitalisation rate for ACSCs among people aged 64 years and under per 10 000 population. Our exposure variable is defined as the percentage of family health teams participating in PMAQ, which captures the roll-out of PMAQ over time. We also provided several sensitivity analyses, by using alternative measures of the exposure and outcome variables, and a placebo test using transport accident hospitalisations instead of ACSCs.ResultsThe results show a negative and statistically significant association between the rollout of PMAQ and ACSC rates for all age groups. An increase in PMAQ participating of one percentage point decreased the hospitalisation rate for ACSC by 0.0356 (SE 0.0123, p=0.004) per 10 000 population (aged 0–64 years). This corresponds to a reduction of approximately 60 829 hospitalisations in 2018. The impact is stronger for children under 5 years (−0.0940, SE 0.0375, p=0.012), representing a reduction of around 11 936 hospitalisations. Our placebo test shows that the association of PMAQ on the hospitalisation rate for transport accidents is not statistically significant, as expected.ConclusionWe find that PMAQ was associated with a modest reduction in hospitalisation for ACSCs.

Specially in the mining, steelmaking and oil industries, Pulse Width Modulation Voltage Source Inverters (PWM-VSI) driving induction motors located far away are often present. In this case, due to the long cable used for the converter-to-motor connection, several unwanted high-frequency phenomena are generated. In this context, a new configuration for drive systems was proposed, in which the rectifier is kept in its original position and the inverter bridge is installed near the driven motor, whose environment is always more hostile and can compromise its lifetime. In spite of the various technical-economic advantages from this new configuration, new concerns regarding the system reliability arise. In this way, the aim of the present study is to discuss, in a qualitative way, the main stressors present in typical motor drive applications, the dominant failure mechanisms of the critical components and the potential problems resulting from the inverter installation in harsh environments, along with the possible solutions to reduce them.

Resumo: Neste artigo, apresentamos algumas reflexões decorrentes de nossa pesquisa que teve como principal objetivo responder ao seguinte questionamento: Quais os equívocos e distorções existentes na apresentação do conteúdo da lei da Indução Eletromagnética de Michael Faraday (lei de Faraday) em sites da web e vídeos do YouTube? Nossa investigação envolveu uma breve revisão histórica sobre a lei de Faraday e uma análise de como esse tópico é apresentado em sites da web e vídeos do YouTube. Para isso, empregamos os procedimentos metodológicos de pesquisa bibliográfica conforme descritos por Salvador (1981), uma vez que tínhamos como objetivo compreender, analisar e confrontar criticamente um determinado conteúdo de diversas fontes bibliográficas. Em síntese, podemos afirmar que a lei da Indução Eletromagnética de Michael Faraday, conforme apresentada nos sites e vídeos analisados, difere da que o britânico enunciou em 1832, em seu primeiro artigo da série Pesquisas Experimentais em Eletricidade e, posteriormente, em outros textos. Palavras-chave: Lei de Faraday. Sites da Web. Vídeos do YouTube. Equívocos e Distorções.

In recent years, the number of cases with severe Plasmodium vivax malaria has shown an increasing trend. It is, therefore, important to identify routine laboratory markers that best characterize the acute disease phase and can serve as a tool for clinical follow-up of patients. In a cohort study, we followed 87 patients with acute P. vivax monoinfection acquired in an endemic region of the Brazilian Amazon. Forty-two different biochemical and hematological parameters frequently tested in clinical routine were evaluated at the acute phase and the convalescent phase. A total of 42 laboratory tests were performed: biochemical parameters measured were serum lipids levels, aminotransferases, bilirubin, amylase, glucose, urea, creatinine, albumin, globulin, uric acid, C-reactive protein, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. Hematological parameters included total and differential white blood cell and platelet counts, hemoglobin concentration, mean platelet volume, platelet width distribution, and plateletcrit. Our results show that several biochemical and hematological parameters were associated with acute phase P. vivax malaria and these parameters reverted to normal values in the convalescent phase. The use of these parameters during diagnosis and follow-up of the infection is a useful clinical tool to evaluate the clinical course and therapeutic response of patients with uncomplicated vivax malaria.

Acute infection with Plasmodium vivax, classically associated with benign disease, has been presenting as serious and even fatal disease in recent years. Severe disease is mainly due to biochemical and hematological alterations during the acute phase of infection. In the present cross-sectional study, the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) was evaluated as a method for identifying patients at risk of severe vivax malaria. This retrospective study included 130 patients with confirmed P. vivax infection between June 2006 and January 2018. Clinical-epidemiological data were obtained from medical records. Hematological and biochemical parameters were determined using automated equipment. The criteria of severity for infection by Plasmodium falciparum, established by the World Health Organization (WHO), were adapted to classify patients with danger signs of severe vivax malaria. Of the 130 patient's records evaluated, 19 (14.6%) had one or more signs and symptoms of severe malaria. The mean APRI values among patients with and without severe malaria were 2.11 and 1.09, respectively (p = 0.044). Among those with severe disease, the proportion with an APRI value above 1.50 was 30% compared to the 10% among those without severe disease (p = 0.007). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% CI), calculated to assess the accuracy of the APRI in discriminating between patients with and without severe disease, was 0.645 (0.494; 0.795). An APRI cutoff of 0.74 resulted in sensitivity of 74.0%, specificity of 56.0%, and accuracy of 65.0%. This study shows that the APRI is elevated in patients with evidence of infection by P. vivax. Based on the good sensitivity found in this study, we conclude that this simple index can serve as a diagnostic biomarker to identify patients at risk of severe disease during the acute phase of P. vivax infection.

This work presents a theoretical-experimental study in permanent regime of the three-phase induction generator of squirrel cage connected directly to the distribution network at fixed speed. With the expansion of distributed generation, the three-phase induction machine operating as a generator becomes a viable option for cost reduction in the implementation or expansion of power generation. The experimental test was performed in a laboratory with a 1-cv squirrel cage induction motor, connecting in the electrical network through a transformer. When the motor is driven above the synchronous speed (1800 rpm) by means of a primary mover it acts as a generator. The induction generator with squirrel cage has great robustness, requires no maintenance in the excitation system, nor synchronization system for use in distributed generation and is cheaper in front of the synchronous generator. The induction generator does not need a synchronization system because it is sufficient to set it as the empty motor and accelerate it to about 5% of the synchronous speed to operate as a generator.

Objetivo: Objetivou-se analisar a estratégia do acolhimento na Atenção Básica no município de Campina Grande, Paraíba, a partir da avaliação externa do primeiro ciclo do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de estudo descritivo, exploratório, quantitativo, realizado entre maio e outubro de 2012. O grupo amostral foi composto por profissionais de saúde de nível superior, vinculados a 92 equipes de Saúde da Família, sendo um profissional de cada equipe. Utilizou-se para coleta de dados um formulário, denominado de Módulo II, preenchido pelo pesquisador. Os dados obtidos foram duplamente digitados e submetidos à análise estatística descritiva no SPSS 17.0. Resultados: A partir dos dados encontrados, constatou-se que 51,7% das Unidades Básicas de Saúde afirmaram realizar o acolhimento, e 46,1% das equipes de Saúde da Família relataram executar o acolhimento durante os cinco dias da semana. No entanto, somente 13,5% das equipes de Saúde da Família referiram a existência de protocolos com definição de diretrizes terapêuticas para acolhimento à demanda espontânea/urgência. 48,3% das equipes de Saúde da Família declararam realizar avaliação de risco e vulnerabilidade no acolhimento dos usuários, porém apenas 22,5% dos profissionais relataram terem sido capacitados para desempenharem essa ação. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a estratégia do acolhimento vem acontecendo no município em estudo de forma pontual, apoiada ainda na perspectiva médico/hegemônica. DESCRITORES: Avaliação em Saúde. Atenção Primária à Saúde. Estratégia Saúde da Família.

Although serum lipids are known to be altered in Plasmodium falciparum-induced malaria, little is known about such changes due to Plasmodium vivax infection. This cohort study assessed serum concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in 164 patients in the acute phase of malaria caused by P. vivax and characterized these changes in the convalescent phase after treatment with chloroquine and primaquine. Compared to reference values, serum total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL levels were lower and triglyceride levels were higher in the acute phase. Moreover, the parasite density was negatively correlated with LDL (r=-0,189; p=0.027) and HDL (r=-0,256; p=0.001) serum levels. Eighty patients returned for clinical and laboratory revaluation 7-12days after treatment initiation. All patients showed parasite clearance and the absence of symptoms during the convalescent phase. Analysis of the serum lipids of these 80 patients showed significant increases in the serum levels of total cholesterol (p0.0001), LDL (p0.0001), and HDL (p0.0001) as well as a significant reduction in triglycerides (p=0.004), indicating a trend towards a return to normal levels. This transient change in lipid profile between the acute and convalescent stages may be useful for the clinical monitoring of patients treated for vivax malaria.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death around the world and although the different clinical approaches have helped to increase survival rates, incidence is still high and so its mortality. Chemotherapy is the only approach which is systemic, reaching cancer cells in all body tissues and the search for new potent and selective drugs is still an attractive field within cancer research. Naphthoquinones, natural and synthetic, have garnered much attention in the scientific community due to their pharmacological properties, among them anticancer action, and potential therapeutic significance. Many mechanisms of action have been reported which also depend on structural differences among them. Here, we describe some of the most relevant mechanisms of action reported so far for naphthoquinones and highlight novel targets which are being described in the literature. Furthermore, we gather some of the most impressive efforts done by researchers to harness the anticancer properties of these compounds through specifically designed structural modifications.

Introduction Leprosy reactions, classified as type 1 and type 2 reactions, are acute clinical conditions of exacerbation of localized or systemic inflammatory response inpatients with leprosy. No laboratory biomarker is available to predict the emergence of these reactions. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an accurate biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of various inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. Objective This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of the NLR in the diagnosis of leprosy reactions. Materials and methods NLR was calculated for all patients and a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were generated to identify the NLR cut-off point. Results A total of 123 patients with leprosy were included, 98 with leprosy reactions of which 56 (45.5%) had type 1 and 42 (34.1%) with type 2. Mean NLR was higher among patients with reactions than among those without. It was also statistically higher among patients with type 2 reactions than in those with type 1 reactions. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to identify the NLR cut-off point. The area under the ROC curve was 0.794 for diagnosis of any leprosy reaction and 0.796 for the diagnosis of type 2 reaction. The NLR cut-off points for diagnosis of any leprosy reaction and for type 2 reaction were 2.75 (sensitivity 61.0%, specificity 92.0%, accuracy 77.0%) and 2.95 (sensitivity 81.0%, specificity 74.0%, accuracy 78.0%), respectively. Conclusion These results suggest that NLR could be a potential biomarker for diagnosis of leprosy reaction and useful for discriminating patients with type 2 reactions from those with type 1 leprosy reactions., Health Sciences; Infectious Disease; Medical Microbiology; Clinical Research; Diagnostics; Biomarkers; Leprosy; leprosy reaction; neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; diagnosis; biomarker

The aim of this study is to report and analyze the effect of the More Doctors Program on the expansion of Family Medicine Residency (FMR), based on the strategies developed in Paraíba. A systematization of the experience was carried out by means of a conversation wheel, plus documentary analysis. A set of strategies (partnerships between Higher Education Institutions and Health Secretariats, state FMR workshops, institutional support of municipalities, articulation between the programs of provision of the federal government, regional residences, complementation of scholarship, among others) that resulted in new programs of FMR in interior of the state and a rate of expansion and occupation higher than the national average. This experience presented innovations and advances in the formation of generalists and in the teaching-service integration, with the consequent strengthening of Primary Care. Resumo O objetivo do estudo é relatar e analisar o efeito do Programa Mais Médicos (PMM) na expansão de programas de residência de Medicina de Família e Comunidade (RMFC), a partir das estratégias desenvolvidas na Paraíba. Realizou-se sistematização da experiência por meio de roda de conversa e análise documental. A partir da articulação dos atores locais integrada às políticas nacionais de expansão da RMFC, desenvolveram-se um conjunto de estratégias (parcerias entre instituições de ensino superior e secretarias de saúde, oficinas estaduais da RMFC, apoio institucional de municípios, articulação entre os programas de provimento do governo federal, residências regionais, complementação de bolsa, entre outros) que resultaram na interiorização da residência e em uma taxa de expansão e ocupação superior à média nacional. Essa experiência apresentou inovações e avanços na formação de generalistas e na integração ensino-serviço, com o consequente fortalecimento da Atenção Básica (AB). Resumen El objetivo del estudio es relatar y analizar el efecto del Programa Más Médicos en la expansión de programas de Residencia de Medicina de Familia y Comunidad (RMFC), a partir de las estrategias desarrolladas en el Estado de Paraíba. Se realizó la sistematización de la experiencia por medio de una ronda de conversaciones y análisis documental. A partir de la articulación de los actores locales, integrada a las políticas nacionales de expansión de la RMFC, se desarrolló un conjunto de estrategias (alianzas entre Instituciones de Enseñanza Superior y Secretarías de Salud, talleres estatales de la RMFC, apoyo institucional de municipios, articulación entre los programas de provisión del gobierno federal, residencias regionales, complementación de bolsa, entre otros) que resultaron en llevar la residencia al interior del estado y en un índice de expansión y ocupación superior al promedio nacional. Esta experiencia presentó innovaciones y avances en la formación de generalistas y en la integración enseñanza-servicio, con el consiguiente fortalecimiento de la Atención Básica.

INTRODUCTION Uric acid is one of the compounds associated with the inflammatory process in malaria. It acts as an indicator of cellular damage by activating the immune response and inflammatory process. METHODS: We measured serum concentrations of uric acid in 60 symptomatic patients before and after treatment for malarial infections caused by Plasmodium vivax. RESULTS: Lower serum concentrations of uric acid were found during the acute phase of P. vivax malaria compared to those in its convalescent phase (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the acute phase of malaria had lower uric acid levels than those in its convalescent phase.

Proximal femoral nails with a helical blade are a new generation of implants used for treating transtrochanteric fractures. The blade design provides rotational and angular stability for the fracture. Despite greater biomechanical resistance, they sometimes present complications. In the literature, there are some reports of cases of perforation of the femoral head caused by helical blades. Here, a clinical case of medial migration of the helical blade through the femoral head and acetabulum into the pelvic cavity is presented.

This study aims to investigate the sewage sludge (SS) drying process by incorporating a by-product formed in the pulp and paper industry (green liquor dregs - GLD) as drying adjuvant. Through an innovative approach, the drying kinetics was modelled, and the final dried product was tested for soil applications. After the characterization phase, small cylinders of SS without and with 0.15 g GLD g SS−1wb (SS_GLD) were dried in isothermal conditions at 70, 100, and 130 °C. The experimental data were fitted by Fick's second law and thin-layer models, and good results were achieved in both cases (R2 > 0.98 and RMSE

To evaluate the prevalence, location, length, diameter, and distances related to the incisive canal (IC) and the need for cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a complementary exam prior to surgery in the mental region. One hundred CBCT images from patients of both genders aged 27 to 73 years were evaluated. At every 3 mm, the diameter (DIAM) of the right and left ICs and their location, their distance to base of the jaw (BIC), the buccal (BAIC) and lingual (LAIC) aspects, and their length were measured. The 100 patients comprised 50 men (50%) and 50 women (50%). The IC was detected in 78 patients, more frequently in women (80%) than in men (76%). Measurements were taken in millimeters. The mean measurements for the two sides and for men and women combined were as follows: BIC = 10.0, BAIC = 4.0, LAIC = 6.2, ICL = 19.9, and DIAM = 1.4. The measurements show the need for care from professionals when performing intraosseous surgical procedures in the mental region. The distances between the IC and the references studied must be observed. Thus, CBCT becomes essential for surgical planning in the mental region. The mental region of the mandible is considered a safe area to perform surgical procedures such as the placement of osseointegrated implants, orthognathic surgery, and the removal of bone grafts. However, this region includes important neurovascular structures that must be considered or else hemorrhage and neurologic disorders can be experienced.

AIM: To verify the factors influencing user’s satisfaction regarding the health services offered in the Primary Health Care of Paraíba and its macro-regional health care units based on data from the 2nd PMAQ-AB External Evaluation Cycle. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out based on secondary data, and logistic regression models were developed with user’s satisfaction (obtained by cluster analysis) as dependent variable. Explanatory variables selected included: user’s gender; access to health services; receptivity to spontaneous demand; scheduling appointment at health units; comprehensive health care; bonding, accountability and coordination of care; home visit; mechanisms of user participation and interaction. RESULTS: It was verified that macro-regional units 1 and 4 presented higher percentage of users who were not satisfied with their mechanism of participation in the unit, through suggestions / complaints and physical examinations during consultations. The regression model demonstrated the factors that negatively influence satisfaction, some of them: the unit's operating hours do not meet users' needs (OR = 0.60), the user cannot make a complaint or suggestion at the health unit (OR = 0.68), the user could not schedule appointment for the same day (OR = 0.83), professionals never ask about the user’s relatives (OR = 0.81) and the Community Health Worker does not make home visits (OR = 0.78). CONCLUSION: There are weaknesses, such as the relationship between user and health professional, the coordination of care and participation / social control in the unit.

Over the years, with the increasing development of engineering materials, the emergence of new composites, fiber metal laminated, biomaterials, metal alloys etc., and with demand for products less expensive, less polluting and more efficient, the manufacturing engineering also needs to develop to be able to process these new materials. Materials and tool geometries, intelligent mechanisms, modular machines, also follow this setting. To that end, this work comes to raise the main parameters that influence in the hole quality surface of finished product. Were used two polymeric materials, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), two feed rates, three rotations and three tool geometries, allowing to identify which of these parameters have greater influence on the thrust force and the characteristics of the finished product and dimensional deviation.

Resumo O PMAQ-AB tem dentre suas diretrizes estimular a orientação dos serviços mediante as necessidades e a satisfação dos usuários. Este estudo objetiva identificar os principais fatores que influenciam na Satisfação do Usuário com os serviços de Atenção Básica por regiões do Brasil. Utilizando dados secundários do 1° Ciclo do PMAQ-AB, desenvolveu-se modelos de regressão logística por região tendo como variável dependente a satisfação do usuário (obtida por análise de agrupamento). Com base nos modelos obtidos, pode-se destacar que o usuário resolver seus problemas na US e sentir-se respeitado pelos profissionais de saúde são os fatores mais importantes, em todas as regiões do Brasil, referente à sua satisfação. Porém, podem-se destacar outros fatores por região: o horário de funcionamento (Nordeste); profissionais perguntarem pelos familiares (Norte); interesse dos profissionais sobre outras necessidades de saúde (Centro-Oeste); ser escutado sem ter hora marcada (Sul); e retirar suas dúvidas após a consulta (Sudeste). Conclui-se que os fatores influenciadores da satisfação dos usuários da AB variam de acordo com a região e estão relacionados principalmente com a qualificação do acesso, ao atendimento das necessidades dos usuários e aos aspectos do processo de trabalho. Abstract The National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care (Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica, PMAQ-AB) aimed to improve healthcare public service quality and satisfaction of health service users. This study’s objective was to identify the main factors influencing user satisfaction with primary care (PC) services by region in Brazil. Using secondary data from the 1st Cycle of PMAQ-AB, logistic regression models were developed by region, with user satisfaction as the dependent variable, as defined by cluster analysis. Based on the obtained models, the health unit’s ability to solve users’ problems and feeling respected by the health providers were the most important factors for user satisfaction in all regions in Brazil. However, other important factors by region included the following: the health unit’s hours of operation meeting the user’s needs (Northeast); providers asking about family members (North); providers asking about other health needs (Midwest); users being seen without an appointment (South); and users asking questions after the appointment (Southeast). In conclusion, the factors influencing user satisfaction with PC vary according to region and are mainly associated with access quality, meeting users’ needs, and work process organization.

Transfusion-transmitted malaria is a severe disease with high fatality rate. Most Brazilian blood banks in the Amazon region perform malaria screening using microscopic examination (thick smears). Since low parasite concentrations are expected in asymptomatic blood donors a high sensitivity test should be used for donor screening. This study determined the sensitivity of a nested-PCR for plasmodium detection in pooled samples. We performed a one-stage criterion validation study with 21 positive samples pooled with samples from ten negative volunteer until three different concentrations were reached (0.33; 0.25; 0.20 parasites/μL - p/μL). Nested PCR was performed as described by Snounou et al. (1993). Sensitivities (and confidence intervals) were determined by stratum of final parasite concentration on the pooled samples. All samples with parasitemia values of 0.33 and 0.25 p/μL had 100% sensitivity (95%CI=86.3-100). One negative result was obtained from a sample with 0.20 p/μL sensitivity=95.2% (95%CI=76.2-99.9). Compared to parasitemia detectable under ideal conditions of thick smear, this nested-PCR in pooled sample was able to detect 40 times more parasites per microliter. Nested-PCR in pooled samples should be considered as a high sensitive alternative to thick smear for donor screening in blood banks at endemic regions. Local authorities need to assess cost:benefit advantages of this method compared to alternatives.

The development of new materials based on industrial wastes has been the focus of much research for a sustainable world. The growing demand for tyres has been every year exacerbating environmental problems due to indiscriminate disposal in the nature, making a potentially harmful waste to public health. The incorporation of rubber particles from scrap tyres into polymeric composites has achieved high toughness and moderate mechanical properties. This work investigates the geometric effects (thickness, width and internal cell angle) of auxetic structures made of recycled rubber composites based on experimental and numerical data. The response surface models integrated with the swarm intelligence and finite element analysis were proposed in order to obtain a range of solutions that provides useful information to the user during the selection of geometric parameters for reentrant cells. The results revealed the cell thickness ranges from 39-40 mm and 5.98-6 mm, and the cell angle range from -0.01 to -0.06º maximize the ultimate strength. The same parameters were able to optimize the modulus of elasticity of rubber auxetic structures, excepting for the angle factor which must be set between -30º and 27.7º. The optimal Poisson's ratio was found when the cell angle ranged from -30º to -28.5º, cell width ranged from 5-5.6 mm and 2 mm in thickness.

Introduction: In remote areas of the Amazon Region, diagnosis of malaria by microscopy is practically impossible. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of two rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) targeting different malaria antigens stored at room temperature in the Brazilian Amazon Region. Methodology: Performance of the OptiMal Pf/Pan test and ICT-Now Pf/Pan test was analyzed retrospectively in 1,627 and 1,602 blood samples, respectively. Tests were performed over a 15-month period. Kits were stored at room temperature in five community health centres located in the Brazilian Amazon Region. RDT results were compared with thick blood smear (TBS) results to determine sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the RDT. Results: The sensitivities of the OptiMal Pf/Pan test were 79.7% for Plasmodium falciparum malaria diagnosis and 85.7% for non-P. falciparum infections. The results showed a crude agreement of 88.5% for P. falciparum, and 88.3% for non-P. falciparum infections (Kappa index = 0.74 and 0.75, respectively). For the ICT-Now Pf/Pan test (CI 95%), the sensitivities were 87.9% for P. falciparum malaria diagnosis and 72.5% for non-P. falciparum infection. Crude agreement between the ICT-Now Pf/Pan test and TBS was 91.4% for P. falciparum and 79.7% for non-P. falciparum infection. The Kappa index was 0.81 and 0.59 for the final diagnosis of P. falciparum and non-P. falciparum, respectively. Higher levels of parasitaemia were associated with higher crude agreement between RDT and TBS. Conclusions: The sensitivities of RDTs stored at room temperature over a 15-month period and performed in field conditions were lower than those previously reported.

Timber is the oldest construction materials in the world, have been widely used in structures in addition to having a high longevity, if treated properly (maintenance). If this does not occur, the wood deteriorates due to the action of insects, fungi and other aggressive agents. There are several materials and techniques used to reinforce the damaged parts. This paper presents an experimental study ofEucalyptus grandis and Pinus elliiottiitimber beams rein forced with sisal fibres laminated composite materials. The co mposite material and the wood were prepared for testing. In order to simulate the defect, some parts were cracked. The study was to determine the maximu m load (rupture) applied on the timberin the conditions: without defect, with defect and without composite and with defect and with composite, aiming to verify the efficiency of the laminate as reinforcement in the wooden beams. The experimental results indicate the possible use of the laminated composite as reinforcement, presenting considerable increase in the maximu m strength supported by the timber when compared to unreinforced cracked condition, being more efficient for the Pinus elliiottii species.

Composite materials are widely employed in the naval, aerospace and transportation industries owing to the combination of being lightweight and having a high modulus of elasticity, strength and stiffness. Drilling is an operation generally used in composite materials to assemble the final product. Damages such as the burr at the drill entrance and exit, geometric deviations and delamination are typically found in composites subjected to drilling. Drills with special geometries and pilot holes are alternatives used to improve hole quality as well as to increase tool life. The present study is focused on the drilling of a sandwich composite material (two external aluminum plates bound to a polyethylene core). In order to minimize thrust force and burr height, the influence of drill geometry, the pilot hole and the cutting parameters was assessed. Thrust force and burr height values were collected and used to perform an analysis of variance. The results indicated that the tool and the cutting speed were the parameters with more weight on the thrust force and for burr height they were the tool and the interaction between tool and feed. The results indicated that drilling with a pilot hole of O4 mm exhibited the best performance with regard to thrust force but facilitated plastic deformation, thus leading to the elevation of burr height, while the lowest burr height was obtained using the Brad and Spur drill geometry.

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o monóxido de carbono exalado, a carboxihemoglobina e as variáveis cardiopulmonares em idosos praticantes de exercícios em ambientes externos e correlacionar com clima e poluição. Estudo ecológico temporal com 118 idosos ativos em Cuiabá. Foram obtidas informações sobre uso de medicamentos, tabagismo, antropometria, espirometria, peak-flow, saturação de oxigênio, frequência cardíaca, monóxido de carbono exalado, carboxihemoglobina, além de dados climáticos, queimadas e poluição. Temperatura ambiental, umidade relativa do ar e queimadas correlacionaram com monóxido de carbono exalado e carboxihemoglobina (p < 0,05). Frequência cardíaca correlacionou com alterações de temperatura ambiental, tempo de exposição solar e umidade relativa (p < 0,05). Idosos sofrem influências ambientais alterando níveis de monóxido de carbono, carboxihemoglobina e frequência cardíaca, sendo necessário monitoramento destes durante os exercícios, sugerindo-se o uso do monoxímetro para avaliação de exposição a poluentes. Abstract This article aims to analyze levels of exhaled carbon monoxide, carboxyhemoglobinand cardiopulmonary variables in old people practicing exercise in external environments, and correlate them with climate and pollution factors. Temporal ecological study with118 active elderly people in the city of Cuiabá, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Data were obtained on use of medication, smoking, anthropometric measurements, spirometry, peak flow, oxygen saturation, heart rate, exhaled carbon monoxide, carboxyhemoglobin, climate, number of farm fires and pollution. Correlations were found between on the one hand environmental temperature, relative humidity of the air and number of farmers’ fires, and on the other hand levels of carbon monoxide exhaled and carboxyhemoglobin (p < 0.05).There was a correlation between heart rate and changes in environmental temperature, time of exposure to the sun and relative humidity (p < 0.05). In elderly people, environmental factors influence levels of exhaled carbon monoxide, carboxyhemoglobin and heart rate. There is thus a need for these to be monitored during exercise. The use of a carbon monoxide monitor to evaluate exposure to pollutants is suggested.

Background Childbirth and labor, in the past decades, have been suffering modifications towards the increasing necessity of humanization at labor and childbirth practices. The doulas have been presenting a important role in women’s support with good results in some countries. This article intends to analyze the implementation of a voluntary doula’s program at a large maternity in Brazil’s public health system. Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional study was realized between June, 2015, and March, 2016. The presence or absence of the doula’s support was considered along side the labor type, pain medications use, oxytocin use and skin-to-skin contact between mother and child. It was also analyzed women’s satisfaction and the correlation with the doula’s support. Pearson's chi-squared test and a 0,05 statistical significance was used. Findings A statistic association between the doula’s support and a decrease in cesarean sections number was found. Considering women with vaginal deliveries, a statistic association between the presence of the doulas and a increase in skin-to-skin contact and women satisfaction was reported. No significant correlation between the doulas and the use of pain medications, oxytocin use and episiotomy was found. Conclusions The results tend to related the presence of the doulas with some good practices indicators, matching researches in other countries. Regardless of the cross-sectional study limitations, the presence of the voluntary doula’s program is perceived as satisfactory.

Dengue fever (DF) is an acute infection caused by a flavivirus. Although most patients present mild symptoms, some progress to a severe condition characterized by hypovolemic shock and hemorrhagic phenomena. The main feature of this severe form of DF is plasma leakage. Gallbladder wall thickening (GBWT), ascites and pleural effusion represent the sonographic triad of plasma leakage in DF. To evaluate the plasma leakage triad in severe DF with emphasis on the GBWT. Thirty-seven children with severe DF underwent abdominal US on the day of admittance and on the day of discharge, or 7 days after the first examination if the child was still hospitalized. Of the 37 children, 33 (89.2%) presented GBWT, 29 (78.4%) ascites and 26 (70.3%) pleural effusion. All of these findings had resolved by the second examination. Of the 33 GBWTs, 29 (87.9%) presented a reticular pattern, which could be considered typical of plasma leakage in patients with severe DF. GBWT, ascites and pleural effusion are transient findings in DF. The authors have described a typical reticular pattern of GBWT that can be used to diagnose and follow up on patients with severe DF and should not be considered an acalculous cholecystitis.

Objetivo: Analisar os marcadores hepáticos (transaminases) em pacientes com malária causada pelo Plasmodium vivax. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal retrospectivo, incluindo pacientes que apresentaram monoinfecção pelo P. vivax. O teste de Mann-Whitney U ou o teste t de Student foram utilizados para comparar a atividade média das transaminases de acordo com a classificação clínica e epidemiológica do paciente infectado. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis foi utilizado para comparar a média da atividade das transaminases de acordo com a classificação da infecção. Valores de p

IMPLANTAÇÃO DO PILAR ruju BOTUCATU NA unesp PARA INTEGRAÇÃO AO SISTEMA GEODÉSICO BRASILEIRO Vilmar Antonio Rodrigues1; Lincoln Gehring Cardoso2; Luciano Nardini Gomes21 Campus Experimental de Registro, Faculdade de Agronomia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Registro, SP, vilmar@goeproj.unesp.br2 Departamento de Engenharia Rural, Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP. 1 RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi implantar um pilar geodésico no Campus Universitário de Botucatu – SP (Rubião Júnior) da Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), utilizando estações ativas da Rede Brasileira de Monitoramento Contínuo (RBMC) como referência, visando adensamento do Sistema Geodésico Brasileiro (SGB). No planejamento do rastreio, alguns aspectos de otimização do pilar foram considerados: no levantamento de campo, utilizou-se para rastrear o vértice, o equipamento Receptor GPS Topcon Hiper GGD e a rede RBMC e, no processamento dos dados, o software Topcon Tools versão 6.04 realizou a solução da ambigüidade, bem como o tratamento das injunções durante o ajustamento do pilar. Os resultados obtidos permitiram a implantação de um pilar com acurácia melhor que 1 ppm, compatível com a rede RBMC, atendendo assim às especificações do IBGE. PALAVRAS CHAVE: geodésia, geoprocessamento, GPS. RODRIGUES, V. A.; CARDOSO, L. G.; GOMES, L. N. IMPLANTATION OF BOTUCATU RUJU PILLAR AT UNESP FOR INTEGRATION IN THE BRAZILIAN GEODESIC SYSTEM 2 ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to implant a geodesic pillar in the campus of Botucatu (Rubião Júnior) of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), using active stations of the Brazilian Net of Continuous Monitoring (RBMC) as reference, aiming at inclusion in the Brazilian Geodesic System (BGS). In the planning of the trace, some aspects of the pillar optimization were considered: the field evaluation, the equipment Receiver GPS Topcon Hiper GGD and the net RBMC were used to trace the height, and the Topcon Tools 6.04 version software was use for the data processing, the ambiguity solution, as well as the treatment of injunctions during the column adjustment. The obtained results allowed the implantation of a more accurate pillar then 1ppm compatible to the RBMC net, meeting the specification of IBGE. KEY WORDS: geodesy, geoprocessing, GPS.

In this work, the Hertz vector potential method was used to obtain the dyadic Green’s function components for frequency selective surfaces (FSS) on an anisotropic layer. The considered structures are composed by periodic arrays of conducting crossed dipole and rectangular patch elements. Results of reflected power were obtained by using the moment method. Curves for the reflected power versus frequency are presented as function of the structural parameters, assuming x, y, and z orientation for the optical axis in the anisotropic substrate.

O artigo analisa as concepções sobre o cuidado em saúde em autores da Educação Popular em Saúde, tomando como referência fundamental a obra de Eymard Mourão Vasconcelos publicada entre 1994 e 2009. Trata-se de pesquisa bibliográfica, de natureza qualitativa, de nível exploratório e caráter analítico e que além de sistematizar as formulações deste autor, aponta para possibilidades de debate com diversos estudiosos do tema do cuidado. Os textos foram agregados nas seguintes categorias: relações de poder no cuidado em saúde; críticas à biomedicina; o atendimento individual; a abordagem à família. Procura-se estimular a produção de novos conceitos a partir da integração entre formulações de pensadores que não têm se aproximado, apesar de potenciais proximidades temáticas. The article analyzes the conceptions about health care in authors of Popular Education in Health, with fundamental reference to the works of Eymard Mourão Vasconcelos published between 1994 and 2009. It is a literature research, qualitative, exploratory level, analytical and that besides of systematizing the formulations of this author, points to several possibilities for discussion with researchers of the theme of care. The texts were grouped into the following categories: power relations in health care; critiques to biomedicine, individual care, the approach to the family. It seeks to stimulate the production of new concepts from the integration between formulations of thinkers who have not themselves approached, despite it’s potential thematic nearby. El artículo analiza las concepciones sobre la atención de la salud en los autores de la Educación Popular en Salud, teniendo como obra de referencia fundamental lo que Eymard Mourao Vasconcelos publicó entre 1994 y 2009. Se trata de una investigación de la literatura, de naturaleza cualitativa, con nivel de análisis exploratorio y, además de la sistematización de las formulaciones de este autor, apunta a varias posibilidades para la discusión con los académicos en materia de la atención de la salud. Los textos se agrupan en las siguientes categorías: relaciones de poder en el cuidado en salud; críticas de la biomedicina; la atención individual; el acercamiento a la familia. Se trata de estimular la producción de los nuevos conceptos de la integración entre las formulaciones de los pensadores que no se han acercado, a pesar de las posibles similitudes temáticas.

Introduction Angiogenic factors such as angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) are biomarkers produced during activation and dysfunction of the vascular endothelium in several infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of Ang-1 and Ang-2 and to establish their relationship with the main indicators of worst-case prognosis in patients with P. vivax malaria. Methods This is a retrospective case-control study nested within a cohort of symptomatic malaria patients. A potentially severe case was defined as a patient that presented at least one of the main indicators of the worst-case prognosis for falciparum malaria, as established by the World Health Organization. Ang-2 and Ang-1 and the Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio were used to analyze the role of angiopoietins as biomarkers in signaling potentially severe vivax malaria. ROC curves were generated to identify a cut-off point discriminating between the angiopoietin concentrations that were most strongly associated with potential infection severity. Results The serum levels of Ang-2 and the Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio were higher in the case group. In contrast, the serum levels of Ang-1 were lower in the cases than in the control patients. The blood count for platelets showed a positive correlation with Ang-1 and a negative correlation with Ang-2 and with the Ang-2/Ang-1 ratio. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for serum angiopoietins, as an indicator of worst-case prognosis in a potentially severe P. vivax malarial infection, was larger in the subgroup of patients with platelet counts

A degradação física do solo é um dos principais processos responsáveis pelo aumento da erosão hídrica. Os preparos convencionais normalmente são aceleradores desse processo, enquanto a semeadura direta apresenta-se como um sistema de manejo conservacionista, pois mantém os resíduos culturais na superfície e preserva a matéria orgânica do solo. Contudo, a semeadura direta pode também aumentar a densidade e diminuir a porosidade total na superfície do solo. O trabalho foi desenvolvido numa Terra Bruna estruturada, no município de Lebon Régis - SC, no perí odo de junho de 1995 a maio de 1999. Os tratamentos de preparo do solo, preparo convencional com uma aração com arado "fuçador" de tração de animal + uma gradagem com tração mecânica e semeadura direta com semeadora "saraquá", foram executados em quatro repetições. No início, a área experimental foi cultivada com aveia e, a partir do segundo cultivo, milho e aveia em semeadura direta e milho e pousio no preparo convencional, ambos em sucessão. Em maio de 1999, foram avaliadas a densidade do solo, macroporosidade, microporosidade, porosidade total, fósforo extraível, potássio trocável e carbono orgânico nas camadas de 0-2,5; 2,5-5,0; 5,0-10,0 e 10,0-15,0cm de profundidade. A densidade do solo, macroporosidade e microporosidade no solo sob semeadura direta foram semelhantes aos valores do solo sob preparo convencional, em todas as profundidades. O carbono orgânico, fósforo extraível e potássio trocável apresentaram maiores valores na semeadura direta do que no preparo convencional, na camada de 0-5,0cm. Soil physical degradation is one of the main factors responsible for water erosion. The conventional tillage, usually, acellerates soil degradation process because it involves an intense soil tillage, whereas no-tillage is considered a soil conservation management system because it preserves crop residue on the soil surface, and increase soil organic matter. However, no-tillage may also increase soil surface density and decrease surface total porosity. This study was conducted in Lebon Régis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, on a Hapludox soil, from June 1995 to May 1999. Two soil tillage treatments were used: conventional tillage (animal traction plowing) and no-tillage. Each tillage treatment was replicated four times. The crops used were oat and maize in no-tillage system and maize and fallow in conventional tillage system. Soil bulk density, organic carbon, macroporosity, microporosity, total porosity, phosphorus and potassium were evaluated in the soil layers of 0-2.5, 2.5-5.0, 5.0-10.0 and 10.0-15. 0cm depth. The values of soil bulk density, macroporosity and microporosity did not differ in all layers studed. The organic carbon, phosphorus and potassium values were higher for no-tillage than conventional tillage, for the 0-5.0cm layer.

The production increase of a continuous processing line is directly related to an increased processing speed of the material. In this context, this work presents a technical analysis involving the various equipment of a continuous annealing and pickling line of steels, focusing on the characterization and possible expansion of its speed limit. Based on the working fundamentals and operational characteristics of the equipment of each line section, it was identified its maximum capacity concerning the highest running speed achievable. The results indicated that the accumulation lengths of loop cars, speed and power capacity of electric motors, furnace heat and electrolytic pickling capacity are not on their edge limits, pointing to the possibility of significant speed gains. Step-down gearboxes, on the other hand, proved to be undersized, indicating the need for re-powering, even if they are to operate on the current speed. Apart from the gearboxes, the next speed limitation was imposed by the electric motors; however, they still can deliver a speed increase of 17 meters/minute. It is worthy mentioning that the evaluation methodology proposed here can also be applied to other types of production lines, which can also be optimized.

This open retrospective cohort study aimed to describe the incidence of recurrent Plasmodium vivax malaria and associated factors in Porto Velho, Rondônia State, Brazil, in 2009. Data were collected from the National Information System for Malaria Epidemiological Surveillance. There were 23,365 reported P. vivax malaria cases in 2009, 23% of which were classified as relapses. Incidence density of P. vivax recurrence was 45.1/100 patient-years, mostly occurring between the 4th and 13th week after initiating treatment. Male gender, shorter time since onset of symptoms, and higher parasitemia in the initial infection increased the risk of relapse during the year, with a 10% reduction in relative risk for longer symptoms and 11% and 15% increases in relative risk for males and higher initial parasitemia, respectively. However, the results show low clinical relevance for these associations, thereby limiting their applicability to decision-making at the public health level.

Sixty-two patients with idiopathic Parkinson disease and 30 patients of a control group were clinically evaluated in the light of cognitive and/or psychic impairments according to DSM III-R, mini-mental state examination and Hamilton rating scale for depression. These patients were also submitted to electroencephalogram registration (EEG) with photic stimulation. From the parkinsonian group, 45.2% did not have mental manifestations as classified in the DSM III-R. Other 24.2% had depression, 14.5% had anxiety, 12.9% had dysthymic disorder and 3.2% had dementia. Considering the EEG, 58.1% of the parkinsonian patients had theta waves bilaterally, with predominance in frontal temporal or temporal areas, though more frequent on the left hemisphere than on the right one. Only 16.7% of the patients from the control group had these same findings in the EEG but neither of the two groups had their EEG modified by photic stimulation. The EEG findings were statistically significant when both groups were compared. However, these findings were not significant comparing parkinsonian patients with psychic impairment with the ones who did not have such impairments.

O artigo revisa a produção acadêmica brasileira sobre a educação popular em saúde, matriz teórica que agrega um conjunto relevante de pesquisadores e militantes políticos na saúde coletiva brasileira. Caracteriza-se como uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, de nível exploratório e de caráter analítico. Com base em pesquisa bibliográfica no SciELO e em livros e capítulos de livros, elaboramos uma sistematização da produção da educação popular em saúde, apresentando um resgate do processo histórico de constituição da educação popular em saúde como fruto da atuação de diversos movimentos sociais, uma descrição das características gerais da educação popular em saúde, suas grandes pautas, a maneira como os autores desta perspectiva compreendem a atuação educativa dos serviços de saúde junto à população, suas críticas e disputas com o modo hegemônico de se organizar a educação e a atenção à saúde, bem como algumas contribuições que agregam aos que se propõem a seguir suas bases e preceitos. This article reviews the Brazilian literature on popular health education, a theoretical area that includes a relevant group of the country's public health researchers and political activists. This was a qualitative, exploratory, analytical study. Based on a search in the SciELO database and books and book chapters, we systematized the academic output on popular health education in Brazil. The article discusses the historical process in which popular health education was constructed by various social movements. We further analyze the general characteristics of popular health education and its main agendas, the ways by which authors with this perspective view the educational work of health services for the population, and their critiques and disputes with the hegemonic approach to the organization of education and health care. Finally, we identify several additional contributions to popular health education's foundations and principles.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os bloqueadores neuromusculares (BNM) são fármacos utilizados para produzir relaxamento da musculatura esquelética e facilitar a intubação traqueal (IT). A literatura descreve como sendo necessárias duas doses efetivas (DE95) o ideal para a IT. O rocurônio é um BNM não-despolarizante do tipo esteróide, sintético e de duração intermediária. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar e comparar as condições de intubação traqueal (IT), utilizando uma e duas doses efetivas (DE95) do rocurônio, seguindo os critérios da Conferência de Consenso de Copenhague. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 60 pacientes divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos de 30, de ambos os sexos, idades entre 20 e 60 anos, estado físico ASA I e II, Mallampati 1 e 2, índice de massa corporal (IMC) < 35, submetidos a anestesia geral. No Grupo 1 (G1) foi administrado 0,3 mg.kg-1 (1 DE95) e no Grupo 2 (G2), 0,6 mg.kg-1 DE95 (2 DE95) de rocurônio. Os parâmetros para a avaliação da IT foram baseados nos critérios da Conferência de Consenso de Copenhague (Good Clinical Research Practice): laringoscopia, cordas vocais (posição e movimentação), reação à inserção do tubo e/ou a insuflação do balonete (movimento dos membros e tosse). RESULTADOS: Todas as intubações foram consideradas excelentes ou boas (aceitáveis), não havendo, portanto, nenhum caso em que não se logrou êxito ou que tenha sido classificado como ruim (inaceitável). Os resultados da análise estatística não foram significativos. Portanto, não houve diferença clínica significativa em nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados. CONCLUSÕES: O rocurônio tanto na dose de 0,3 mg.kg-1 quanto na de 0,6 mg.kg-1 DE95 proporcionou condições clinicamente aceitáveis de IT nos procedimentos eletivos. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuromuscular blockers (NMB) are used to induce relaxation of skeletal muscles and facilitate tracheal intubation (TI). According to the literature, two effective doses (ED95) of NMB are ideal for TI. Rocuronium is a steroid-type, synthetic, non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker of medium duration. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the conditions of tracheal intubation with one and two effective doses (ED95) of rocuronium, following the criteria of the Copenhagen Consensus Conference. METHODS: Sixty patients of both genders, ages 20 to 60 years, physical status ASA I and II, Mallampati 1 and 2, body mass index (BMI) < 35, who underwent general anesthesia, randomly divided in two groups of 30 patients, were evaluated. Group 1 (G1) received 0.3 mg.kg-1 of rocuronium (1 ED95), and Group 2 (G2) received 0.6 mg.kg-1 (2 DE95). Parameters used to evaluate TI were based on the criteria of the Copenhagen Consensus Conference (Good Clinical Research Practice): laryngoscopy, vocal cords (position and movements), reaction to the insertion of the tube and/or filling of the cuff (movements of limbs and cough). RESULTS: All intubations were considered excellent or good (acceptable); therefore, there were no cases of failure or any intubation considered bad (unacceptable). The results of the statistical analysis were not significant. Consequently, we did not observe any clinically significant differences in the parameters evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Both doses of rocuronium, 0.3 mg.kg-1 and 0.6 mg.kg-1 ED95, provided clinically satisfactory parameters of TI in elective procedures. JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Los bloqueadores neuromusculares (BNM) son fármacos utilizados para producir el relajamiento de la musculatura esquelética y facilitar la intubación traqueal (IT). La literatura describe que son necesarias de los dosis efectivas (DE95) lo ideal para la IT. El rocuronio es un BNM no despolarizador del tipo esteroide, sintético y de duración intermedia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar y comparar las condiciones de intubación traqueal (IT), utilizando una y de los dosis efectivas (DE95) del rocuronio, secundando los criterios de la Conferencia de Consenso de Copenhague. MÉTODO: Se estudiaron 60 pacientes divididos aleatoriamente en 2 grupos de 30, de ambos sexos, edades entre 20 y 60 años, estado físico ASA I y II, Mallampati 1 y 2, índice de masa corporal (IMC) < 35, sometidos a anestesia general. En el Grupo 1 (G1) se administró 0,3 mg.kg-1 (1 DE95) y en el Grupo 2 (G2) 0,6 mg.kg-1 DE95 (2 DE95) de rocuronio. Los parámetros para la evaluación de la IT fueron en base a los criterios de la Conferencia de Consenso de Copenhague (Good Clinical Research Practice): Laringoscopia, cuerdas vocales (posición y movimiento), reacción a la inserción del tubo y/o a la insuflación del globo (movimiento de los miembros y tos). RESULTADOS: Todas las intubaciones se consideraron excelentes o buenas boas (aceptables), y no hubo ningún caso en que no se logró el éxito o que no haya sido clasificado como malo (inaceptable). Los resultados del análisis estadístico no arrojaron nada de importante. Por tanto, no hubo diferencia clínica significativa en ninguno de los parámetros evaluados. CONCLUSIONES: El rocuronio tanto en la dosis de 0,3 mg.kg-1 como en la de 0,6 mg.kg-1 DE95 proporcionó condiciones clínicamente aceptables de IT en los procedimientos de elección.

Este trabalho propõe o estudo do fluxo de potência continuado utilizando a formulação de injeção de corrente em coordenadas retangulares. As principais vantagens desta formulação, frente à metodologia polar convencional, são decorrentes principalmente da estrutura e da montagem da matriz Jacobiana, a qual é formada basicamente pelos elementos da matriz admitância nodal. As simulações realizadas em diversos sistemas testes, de diferentes portes e características, validam a metodologia proposta. This paper proposes the continuation power flow using the current injection formulation in rectangular coordinates. The main advantages of this new approach, as compared with the polar conventional methodology, are mainly due to the Jacobian matrix structure, composed basically by the nodal admittance matrix elements. The simulations carried out using many different test systems, validate the proposed methodology.