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Raffia, a natural lignocellulosic fiber (NLF) extracted from the leaf of the Raphia vinifera palm tree was a long time introduced to the Amazon region. A thermochemical and structural evaluation of the raffia fiber fabric was conducted in the current study. Characterization of the fabric fibers was done using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), lignocellulosic analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermogravimetric analysis showed a loss of moisture at 52.0 °C and the beginning of degradation at 245 °C. During DSC analysis, three peaks were detected: one endothermic peak at 56 °C and two exothermic peaks at 298 and 336 °C, which were linked to the materials in the fibers. The FTIR showed bands indicating molecular vibrations of functional groups present in the constituents of the NLF, like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Moreover, the raffia fiber fabric exhibited a CI of 66.04% and an MFA of 7.24° as shown in the XRD pattern. The moisture content of the raffia fabric was measured at 9.47%. The density of the raffia fabric was measured at 0.95 g/cm³. Furthermore, it has been discovered a chemical composition with 25% lignin, 14% hemicellulose, and 52% cellulose. Moreover, SEM images revealed that the raffia fiber fabric displays surface porosity throughout its entirety. Given the results mentioned above, raffia fabric fibers show great promise for use in engineering applications, as their properties are comparable to those of other NLF composites used in polymer reinforcement.

A Mata Atlântica é um bioma com alta diversidade e endemismo de espécies, porém muito ameaçado pelo desmatamento e fragmentação. O Parque Estadual de Campos do Jordão (PECJ), situado na Serra da Mantiqueira, está em área de Floresta Ombrófila Mista, formação rara no Sudeste do Brasil que abriga espécies ameaçadas de extinção, dentre elas o papagaio-de-peito-roxo, Amazona vinacea, a queixada, Tayassu pecari, e o gato maracajá, Leopardus wiedii. Embora mamíferos tenham grande importância dentro de suas comunidades ecológicas, estudos com o grupo dentro do PECJ são escassos. A lista do último plano de manejo foi composta por dados secundários, registros por entrevistas e dados primários coletados fora do parque. Assim, este trabalho contribui com dados primários à lista de espécies de mamíferos do PECJ. De maio de 2021 a abril de 2023, foram instaladas armadilhas fotográficas em uma grade com 34 pontos de amostragem (5674 armadilhas-dia), a partir dos quais foram obtidos 898 registros independentes de mamíferos, totalizando uma riqueza de 30 espécies, sendo 26 nativas e 4 exóticas. O furão Galictis cuja foi registrado no trabalho, embora sua ocorrência não tenha sido mencionada no último plano de manejo.

Natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) are gaining attention for their use as a reinforcement in traditional and biodegradable polymer matrices due to their renewability, eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and low energy processing requirements. On the other hand, their compatibility with the polymer matrix is limited because of the difference in their hydrophilicity and the hydrophobic nature of polymers. Graphene oxide (GO) is a material gaining interest in its use as a coupling agent between the matrix interface of NLF/polymer owing to its amphiphilic nature. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the application of GO coating on the seven-islands sedge (Cyperus malaccensis), sedge fiber for short. The coating was done using 0.1% of the weight of the fiber. A comparison was made between untreated sedge fibers and those treated with a GO coating regarding their thermal behavior, morphological aspect, and structural characterization. Based on the TGA/DTG curves obtained from thermogravimetric analysis, it was observed that the GO coating resulted in better thermal stability properties. The curves obtained from the differential scanning calorimetry indicated the presence of both endothermic and exothermic peaks that correspond to the microstructures of the fiber. The Fourier transform infrared spectrum confirmed the presence of bands associated with the structure of GO. According to the X-ray diffraction data, there was an increase in the size of the crystallites, which enhanced the adhesion interface. Additionally, the scanning electron microscopy images revealed an effective coating of GO on the surface of the natural fiber. The average roughness parameter (Ra) obtained from an analysis carried out using a profilometer, revealed Ra = 4.623 ± 0.753 and 3.767 ± 1.130 for the untreated sedge fiber and GO-treated sedge fiber, respectively.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a debilitating, painful, and costly condition. Implantable neuromuscular electrical stimulation targeting the multifidus musculature is growing as a non-pharmacologic option for patients with recalcitrant nociceptive mechanical CLBP who have failed conservative treatments (including medications and physical therapy) and for whom surgery is not indicated. Properly selecting patients who meet specific criteria (based on historical results from randomized controlled trials), who diligently adhere to implant usage and precisely implement neuromuscular rehabilitation, improve success of significant functional recovery, as well as pain medication reductions. Patients with nociceptive mechanical CLBP who underwent implanted multifidus neurostimulation have been treated by physicians and rehabilitation specialists who have honed their experience working with multifidus neurostimulation. They have collaborated on consensus and evidence-driven guidelines to improve quality outcomes and to assist providers when encountering patients with this device. Physicians and physical therapists together provide precision patient-centric medical management with quality neuromuscular rehabilitation to encourage patients to be experts of both their implants and quality spine motion to help override long-standing multifidus dysfunction related to their CLBP.

Abstract Two major glycosaminoglycan types, heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), control many aspects of development and physiology in a type-specific manner. HS and CS are attached to core proteins via a common linker tetrasaccharide, but differ in their polymer backbones. How core proteins are specifically modified with HS or CS has been an enduring mystery. By reconstituting glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis in vitro, we establish that the CS-initiating N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase CSGALNACT2 modifies all glycopeptide substrates equally, whereas the HS-initiating N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase EXTL3 is selective. Structure-function analysis reveals that acidic residues in the glycopeptide substrate and a basic exosite in EXTL3 are critical for specifying HS biosynthesis. Linker phosphorylation by the xylose kinase FAM20B accelerates linker synthesis and initiation of both HS and CS, but has no effect on the subsequent polymerisation of the backbone. Our results demonstrate that modification with CS occurs by default and must be overridden by EXTL3 to produce HS.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a severe trauma to the nervous system, leading to significant neurological damage, chronic inflammation, and persistent neuropathic pain. Current treatments, including pharmacotherapy, immobilization, physical therapy, and surgical interventions, often fall short in fully addressing the underlying pathophysiology and resultant disabilities. Emerging research in the field of regenerative medicine has introduced innovative approaches such as autologous orthobiologic therapies, with bone marrow aspirate (BMA) being particularly notable for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. This review focuses on the potential of BMA to modulate inflammatory pathways, enhance tissue regeneration, and restore neurological function disrupted by SCI. We hypothesize that BMA’s bioactive components may stimulate reparative processes at the cellular level, particularly when applied at strategic sites like the sacral hiatus to influence lumbar centers and higher neurological structures. By exploring the mechanisms through which BMA influences spinal repair, this review aims to establish a foundation for its application in clinical settings, potentially offering a transformative approach to SCI management that extends beyond symptomatic relief to promoting functional recovery.

Bamboos occur throughout much of the temperate and tropical world, have rapid growth, and have various commercial and environmental applications. Clonal production of selected plants on a industrial scale is an important strategy for the bamboo sector. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the light spectrum on in vitro multiplication, elongation, adventitious rooting, and anatomical features of the leaf surface of Bambusa vulgaris. In the multiplication and elongation stages, in vitro–established explants were transferred to a culture medium supplemented with 8.88 µmol of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2.69 µmol of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and subjected to four light spectra (i.e., white, blue, green, and red). At the adventitious rooting stage, the culture medium was supplemented with 9.84 µmol of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 5.37 µmol NAA, and 2.22 µmol BAP under identical light spectra. Explant survival was not influenced by light spectra in the multiplication and elongation stages. White (2.2 shoots) and blue (1.8 shoots) light spectra were the most suitable for the number of shoots per explant. The white spectrum was associated with the highest average length of shoots (7.4 cm) and number of leaves per explant (3.0 leaves). The white light spectrum resulted in the highest average chlorophyll a contents (12.60 µg mg−1), total chlorophyll (16.60 µg mg−1), and carotenoids (10.10 µg mg−1). White and blue light spectra resulted in the best responses for vigor, and least senescence and tissue oxidation. White and blue light spectra favored the chlorophyll b content, resulting in 4.60 and 3.60 µg mg−1, respectively. Survival (80.0 %), adventitious rooting (50.0 %), vigor, senescence, and tissue oxidation were favored in the white light spectrum in the adventitious rooting stage. Scanning electron microscopy of leaves exposed to the white light spectrum revealed microtrichomes and spines on the adaxial surface of the leaf blade, papillae and stomata; on the abaxial surface, there were many unicellular trichomes arranged in rows, denoting normal growth and development. These results may help the production of micropropagated plants of Bambusa vulgaris on an industrial scale.

Abstract Background Health data is one of the most valuable assets in health service delivery yet one of the most underutilized in especially low-income countries. Health data is postulated to improve health service delivery through availing avenues for optimal patient management, facility management, and public health surveillance and management. Advancements in information technology (IT) will further increase the value of data, but will also call for capacity readiness especially in rural health facilities. We aimed to understand the current knowledge, attitudes and practices of health workers towards health data management and utilization. Methods We conducted key informant interviews (KII) for health workers and data staff, and focus group discussions (FGD) for the village health teams (VHTs). We used both purposive and convenience sampling to recruit key informants, and convenience sampling to recruit village health teams. Interviews and discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. We manually generated the codes and we used thematic analysis to identify the themes. We also developed a reflexivity journal. Results We conducted a total of 6 key informant interviews and 3 focus group discussions of 29 participants. Our analysis identified 7 themes: One theme underscored the health workers’ enthusiasm towards an optimal health data management setting. The rest of the six themes resonated around working remedies to the systemic challenges that grapple health data management and utilization at facilities in rural areas. These include: Building human resource capacity; Equipping the facilities; Improved coordination with partners; Improved data quality assurance; Promotion of a pull supply system and Reducing information relay time. Conclusion Our findings reveal a plethora of systematic challenges that have persistently undercut optimal routine health data management and utilization in rural areas and suggest possible working remedies. Health care workers express enthusiasm towards an optimal health management system but this isn’t matched by their technical capacity, facility readiness, systems and policy willingness. There is an urgent need to build rural lower facilities’ capacity in health data management and utilization which will also lay a foundation for exploitation of information technology in health.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major polysaccharide component of the extracellular matrix. HA has essential functions in tissue architecture and the regulation of cell behaviour. HA turnover needs to be finely balanced. Increased HA degradation is associated with cancer, inflammation, and other pathological situations. Transmembrane protein 2 (TMEM2) is a cell surface protein that has been reported to degrade HA into ~5 kDa fragments and play an essential role in systemic HA turnover. Methods: We produced the soluble TMEM2 ectodomain (residues 106-1383; sTMEM2) in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and determined its structure using X-ray crystallography. We tested sTMEM2 hyaluronidase activity using fluorescently labelled HA and size fractionation of reaction products. We tested HA binding in solution and using a glycan microarray. Results: Our crystal structure of sTMEM2 confirms a remarkably accurate prediction by AlphaFold. sTMEM2 contains a parallel β-helix typical of other polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, but an active site cannot be assigned with confidence. A lectin-like domain is inserted into the β-helix and predicted to be functional in carbohydrate binding. A second lectin-like domain at the C-terminus is unlikely to bind carbohydrates. We did not observe HA binding in two assay formats, suggesting a modest affinity at best. Unexpectedly, we were unable to observe any HA degradation by sTMEM2. Our negative results set an upper limit for kcat of approximately 10-5 min-1. Conclusions: Although sTMEM2 contains domain types consistent with its suggested role in TMEM2 degradation, its hyaluronidase activity was undetectable. HA degradation by TMEM2 may require additional proteins and/or localisation at the cell surface.

Fast-growing forest species with multiple uses, like bamboo, have aroused interest for their silvicultural applications. Bamboo species are a valuable source of renewable raw material, and Bambusa vulgaris is an economically important species. However, there are limitations to large-scale cloning of adult-selected genotypes. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cloning of Bambusa vulgaris in different culture systems, sucrose and activated charcoal supplementation by the inter-simple-sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. In vitro bud multiplication and shoot elongation were evaluated in three cultivation systems: semi-solid and liquid culture media, and temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB). The sucrose concentrations, 0 and 30 g L−1 were evaluated in the stages. Both the culture media were supplemented with 2.0 mg L−1 benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.5 mg L−1 α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The absence and presence of activated charcoal (100 mg L−1) were evaluated in the in vitro rooting. MS culture medium was supplemented with 2 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 1.0 mg L−1 NAA, and 0.5 mg L−1 BAP. Semi-solid culture medium supplemented with 30 g L−1 of sucrose presented superior emission of bud per explant. Liquid culture medium supplemented with 30 g L−1 of sucrose presented the most elongated shoots. Activated charcoal in the culture medium did not influence the adventitious rooting. Micropropagated plants showed genetic fidelity and were clones of the adult selected plant.

Operators of offshore production units (OPUs) employ risk-based assessment (RBA) techniques in order to minimise inspection expenses while maintaining risks at an acceptable level. However, when human divers and workers are involved in inspections conducted at high heights, the operational risks can be significant. Recently, there has been a growing trend towards the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for inspections of offshore structures as a means to reduce exposure to human risk. This article provides an analysis of these vehicle inspection capabilities and their potential to enhance robustness and safety within the oil and gas industry. The review assesses both the advantages and the drawbacks associated with these innovative systems, providing valuable comparisons and assessments on their potential use as viable alternatives to conventional inspection methods.

Abstract Background Pneumonia is the most common infection after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) occurring in up to 65% of patients who remain comatose after return of spontaneous circulation. Preventing infection after OHCA may (1) reduce exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics, (2) prevent hemodynamic derangements due to local and systemic inflammation, and (3) prevent infection-associated morbidity and mortality. Methods The ceftriaxone to PRevent pneumOnia and inflammaTion aftEr Cardiac arrest (PROTECT) trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center, quadruple-blind (patient, treatment team, research team, outcome assessors), non-commercial, superiority trial to be conducted at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, USA. Ceftriaxone 2 g intravenously every 12 h for 3 days will be compared with matching placebo. The primary efficacy outcome is incidence of early-onset pneumonia occurring

The authors present a magnetically powered, self-clearing implantable catheter that can rapidly remove hematoma from the brain without using drugs. Animals treated with this device had significantly better survival following a hemorrhagic stroke compared with regular catheters.

Due to the current energetic transition, new geological exploration technologies are needed to discover mineral deposits containing critical materials such as lithium (Li). The vast majority of European Li deposits are related to Li–Cs–Ta (LCT) pegmatites. A review of the literature indicates that conventional exploration campaigns are dominated by geochemical surveys and related exploration tools. However, other exploration techniques must be evaluated, namely, remote sensing (RS) and geophysics. This work presents the results of the INOVMINERAL4.0 project obtained through alternative approaches to traditional geochemistry that were gathered and integrated into a webGIS application. The specific objectives were to: (i) assess the potential of high-resolution elevation data; (ii) evaluate geophysical methods, particularly radiometry; (iii) establish a methodology for spectral data acquisition and build a spectral library; (iv) compare obtained spectra with Landsat 9 data for pegmatite identification; and (v) implement a user-friendly webGIS platform for data integration and visualization. Radiometric data acquisition using geophysical techniques effectively discriminated pegmatites from host rocks. The developed spectral library provides valuable insights for space-based exploration. Landsat 9 data accurately identified known LCT pegmatite targets compared with Landsat 8. The user-friendly webGIS platform facilitates data integration, visualization, and sharing, supporting potential users in similar exploration approaches.

With the massive breakthrough recorded in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) from 3.8 % to > 25 %, PSCs have attracted considerable attention in both the academia and industries. However, some challenges remain as barrier in realizing its deployment. To develop a highly efficient PSCs as well as environmentally benign device, simulation and optimization of such devices is desirable. Its impractical as well as wastage of time and money to design a solar cell without simulation works. It minimizes not only the risk, time and money rather analyzes layers’ properties and role to optimize the solar cell to best performance. Numerical modeling to describe PV thin layer devices is a convenient tool to better understand the basic factors limiting the electrical parameters of the solar cells and to increase their performance. In this review article, we focused on the recent advances in modelling and optimization of PSCs using SCAPS-1D with emphasis on absorber and electron transport medium (ETM) thickness.

O objetivo do estudo foi testar se o tempo de recuperação entre o alongamento e o iní­cio da sessão de treinamento de força influencia o número de repetições e o volume total produzidos na sessão. 12 indiví­duos saudáveis ​​do sexo masculino participaram deste estudo (28,6 ± 4,5 anos, 87,9 ± 5,9 kg, 177 ± 3,4 cm). Foram elaboradas três sessões experimentais para familiarização e a realização do teste de uma repetição máxima no leg press. Em seguida, foram realizadas mais quatro visitas em ordem aleatória e contra-balanceada com intervalo de 72 horas entre elas. Em cada visita todos os voluntários realizaram inicialmente o protocolo de alongamento estático e posteriormente a sessão de RT. No entanto, o tempo entre o término do protocolo de alongamento e o iní­cio da sessão de TR variou nas quatro sess´ões experimentais (imediatamente após, 5, 10 e 20 minutos após o alongamento). Resultados: O número de repetições e o volume total diminuí­ram nas sessões realizadas imediatamente (p

Aim: Describe community consultation and surrogate consent rates for two Exception From Informed Consent (EFIC) trials for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) - before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The PEARL study (2016–2018) randomized OOHCA patients without ST-elevation to early cardiac catheterization or not. Community consultation included flyers, radio announcements, newspaper advertisements, mailings, and in-person surveys at basketball games and ED waiting rooms. The PROTECT trial (2021-present) randomizes OOHCA survivors to prophylactic ceftriaxone or placebo; the community consultation plan during the pandemic included city council presentations, social media posts, outpatient flyers, but no in-person encounters. Demographics for PROTECT community consultation were compared to PEARL and INTCAR registry data, with p-value 60 years old (14 % vs 53 %;p

Resumo A análise integrada da morfologia urbana e das características funcionais permite uma melhor compreensão da estrutura e da dinâmica intraurbana das cidades médias, indicando uma série de elementos que demonstram associações entre o espaço intraurbano e a intensidade e qualidade do relacionamento de uma determinada centralidade com o seu entorno. Com base no estudo de caso de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, apresentamos uma proposta metodológica de avaliação de aspectos morfológicos e funcionais de cidades médias, utilizando como principal fonte de dados o Censo Demográfico em conjunto com outras informações geoespaciais livres (i.e., modelo digital de terreno e imagens de satélite). Identificamos a distribuição espacial dos tipos de ocupação, isto é, a densidade de edificações dos tipos domicílio, comércio e serviços e em construção. Ademais, quantificamos e avaliamos as características (renda e estrutura etária) dos vetores de expansão de Monte Claros. Nesse município, identificamos a formação de centralidades intraurbanas menos desenvolvidas em relação a outros polos de desenvolvimento de Minas Gerais (Juiz de Fora, Uberlândia, Pouso Alegre, dentre outros). Na cidade, a concentração das funções em duas centralidades (centro principal e subcentro de maior destaque) amplia a segregação socioespacial, diante da ausência de centralidades importantes nas proximidades das áreas de maior crescimento periférico entre 2000 e 2010.

Poly(3-alkylthiophenes), P3AT, are organic polymers formed by conjugate structures with conductive properties. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been used as an electron acceptor in hybrid solar cells because it offers electron transport properties and can be synthesized by methods in which the variation of synthesis parameters allows morphological control. Different ZnO morphologies allow for distinct properties in terms of electronic transport at the interface of solar cells. ZnO particles were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. ZnO films were deposited by spin-coating in Fluorine Tin Oxide (FTO) and then immersed in solutions containing poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) or poly (3-octylthiophene) (P3OT) polymers. The cell was assembled in the form of a sandwich consisting of: FTO/ZnO,P3AT/Iˉ,I3ˉ/Pt/FTO. UV-vis measurements were performed for bandgap calculation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and J-V curves. The ZnO/P3HT cell presented the best values of J, V and η, indicating an improvement in the electronic transfer processes, with a value of η = 0.56%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v13i2.1451

The annual growth of the world population increasingly provokes the search for highly productive agriculture, with an effective and economical application of fertilizers capable of supplying the necessary nutrients to the plants. In this context, the development of technologies to control these fertilizers in the environment is relevant. This study presents a potential slow-release fertilizer created from the intercalation of urea in the expanded vermiculite (EV) and encapsulated in a sphere constituted of alginate/collagen. The intercalation tests were performed by the mechanochemical process between EV and urea, and the intercalated materials were characterized by XRD, TGA/DSC, and FTIR. The results showed that urea was intercalated at all studied ratios, but the sample containing 20% of urea (EVU20%) did not present peaks from the starting reagents. Thus, the sample EVU20% was chosen for the encapsulation process and release test. Urea concentration released was determined by colorimetric analysis, and the test revealed that the spheres produced with EVU20% encapsulated into an alginate/collagen matrix were able to release the urea up to 210 hours. Therefore, this system has the potential to be a new fertilizer of slow-release to be applied in agriculture, promoting the gradual release of urea for plant development. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v13i2.1488

Resumo No início de 2020, assentamentos urbanos em todo o mundo experimentaram a rápida expansão da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SARS-CoV-2). As cidades foram os focos de contaminação nos países que apresentaram notificações significativas de Covid-19. Neste estudo, investigamos primeiramente a disseminação do novo coronavírus entre cidades espraiadas e compactas, examinando aspectos como densidade urbana, localização de pessoas e empregos e padrões de deslocamento. Nessa análise, a literatura anterior e os dados recentes de três grandes cidades distintas (Nova York, Los Angeles e São Paulo) apoiam a discussão. Com base na revisão da literatura, demonstra-se que a morfologia urbana, a infraestrutura e os projetos de mobilidade e atividades econômicas são aspectos relevantes do desenvolvimento urbano que podem afetar as interações entre os cidadãos e a disseminação da Covid-19. Além disso, observa-se que a escala regional e a análise da rede urbana também são importantes nos estudos que investigam o crescimento da Covid-19. Por fim, a revisão da literatura mostra que a vulnerabilidade socioespacial urbana é relevante em tempos de pandemia, diante das associações entre a disseminação da Covid-19 e aspectos socioespaciais nas cidades, como pobreza e desigualdade.

Abstract A global migration of individuals fleeing persecution, violence and armed conflict reached almost 60 million world-wide in 2015. This world-wide crisis of displacement reflects people seeking safety across borders and oceans; dangerous journeys that compound the trauma endured by these women, men and children. Refugees/asylum seekers face barriers upon entry to the U.S. The Western New York Center for Survivors (WNYCST) provides care coordination/trauma-informed care to mitigate these challenges. The objective of this study was to explore the resettlement experiences of survivors of torture living in Western New York, who had received services from the WNYCST; identifying challenges, unmet needs, and services that were helpful. Secondarily, we describe the experiences of asylum seekers and legally resettled refugees, who due to their differing legal status, might be expected to have different experiences. Data were collected using semi-structured qualitative interviews. Results Three themes emerged: mental health challenges, relating to their experiences in their home country and their separation from family; unmet needs, including lack of a sense of purpose and meaning, difficulty navigating services, and missing connections to community; and coping strategies, including WNYCST assistance with connecting with sources of social support in their new community. WNYCST services were helpful, particularly the assistance and connection with care coordinators and local support groups. This care and outreach helped to mitigate feelings of separation and apartness from their home countries and families. Conclusions Some refugees/asylum seekers continue to struggle with unmet needs, issues of loss and isolation. If care providers recognize signs of stress early, appropriate interventions can be implemented. Care connections and trauma informed treatment with an emphasis on recreating ties with communities, may be one important factor in ensuring successful integration.

Mycoplasma bovis is 1 of several bacterial pathogens associated with pneumonia in cattle. Its role in pneumonia of free-ranging ungulates has not been established. Over a 3-month period in early 2019, »60 free-ranging pronghorn with signs of respiratory disease died in northeast Wyoming, USA. A consistent finding in submitted carcasses was severe fibrinosuppurative pleuropneumonia and detection of M. bovis by PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. Multilocus sequence typing of isolates from 4 animals revealed that all have a deletion in 1 of the target genes, adh-1. A retrospective survey by PCR and immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded lung from 20 pronghorn that died with and without pneumonia during 2007–2018 yielded negative results. These findings indicate that a distinct strain of M. bovis was associated with fatal pneumonia in this group of pronghorn.

A pandemia da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda (SARS-CoV-2) trouxe profundas alterações nos processos educativos em todo o mundo, com a adoção de sistemas híbridos de aprendizagem e de ferramentas de ensino remoto por cursos presenciais tradicionais. Neste artigo, apresentamos uma série de reflexões sobre a educação a distância e o ensino remoto em tempos de pandemia, demonstrando a contribuição de iniciativas extensionistas para o ensino e a divulgação científica a partir do relato de experiência do Canal Descomplicado (YouTube). Inicialmente apresentamos uma discussão conceitual, sobre a educação a distância e o ensino remoto numa perspectiva histórica, focada nas mudanças no papel do professor e nos ambientes de ensino e aprendizagem estimuladas pelo avanço das Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação (TDICs) e pelo novo contexto epidemiológico das sociedades. A seguir, demonstramos como as TDICs, amplamente utilizadas na educação a distância e em iniciativas de ensino remoto, vêm proporcionando novas oportunidades e desafios para a divulgação científica no Brasil. Por fim, refletimos sobre o processo de implementação do projeto Canal Descomplicado, assim como suas principais contribuições para o ensino a divulgação científica em tempos de pandemia.

Abstract Background Frailty is defined as a state of vulnerability to stressors that is associated with higher morbidity, mortality and healthcare utilization in older adults. Ageism is “a process of systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people because they are old.” Explicit biases involve deliberate or conscious controls, while implicit bias involve unconscious processes. Multiple studies show that self-directed ageism is a risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine whether explicit ageist attitudes are associated with frailty in Veterans. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of Veterans 50 years and older who completed the Kogan’s Attitudes towards Older People Scale (KAOP) scale to assess explicit ageist attitudes and the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to evaluate implicit ageist attitudes from July 2014 through April 2015. We constructed a frailty index (FI) of 44 variables (demographics, comorbidities, number of medications, laboratory tests, and activities of daily living) that was retrospectively applied to the time of completion of the KAOP and IAT. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by multinomial logistic regression models with frailty status (robust, prefrail and frail) as the outcome variable, and with KAOP and IAT scores as the independent variables. Age, race, ethnicity, median household income and comorbidities were considered as covariates. Results Patients were 89.76% male, 48.03% White, 87.93% non-Hispanic and the mean age was 60.51 (SD = 7.16) years. The proportion of robust, pre-frail and frail patients was 11.02% (n = 42), 59.58% (n = 227) and 29.40% (n = 112) respectively. The KAOP was completed by 381 and the IAT by 339 participants. In multinomial logistic regression, neither explicit ageist attitudes (KAOP scale score) nor implicit ageist attitudes (IAT) were associated with frailty in community dwelling Veterans after adjusting for covariates: OR = .98 (95% CI = .95–1.01), p = .221, and OR:=.97 (95% CI = .37–2.53), p = .950 respectively. Conclusions This study shows that neither explicit nor implicit ageist attitudes were associated with frailty in community dwelling Veterans. Further longitudinal and larger studies with more diverse samples and measured with other ageism scales should evaluate the independent contribution of ageist attitudes to frailty in older adults.

RESUMO O gênero de musgos Ochrobryum foi escolhido para este estudo fenológico porque possui uma ampla distribuição no Brasil, especialmente nas áreas de Cerrado; nunca foi estudado do ponto de vista ecológico e possui número significativo de amostras no Herbário SP. Nós analisamos 302 exsicatas (totalizando 906 indivíduos - três indivíduos por exsicata), e encontramos padrões fenológicos e alternância de estruturas reprodutivas em relação a sazonalidade. A reprodução sexual em Ochrobryum está relacionada com os períodos chuvosos e a reprodução assexual ocorre em todas as épocas do ano com aumento na estação seca. Nossos resultados demonstram que Ochrobryum alterna seu potencial de colonização sazonalmente.

Devido à piora na qualidade ambiental nas zonas urbanas e no planeta como um todo, o uso de técnicas que possam mitigar os efeitos indesejados da intensa urbanização tem despontado, entre elas, a construção de telhados verdes. Diante desta necessidade de formas mais ecológicas para urbanização, este estudo se propôs a analisar os telhados verdes como estratégia de mitigação da perda de qualidade ambiental nas cidades e também como local para inserção de espécies nativas da flora. O estudo foi realizado por meio de revisão de literatura científica e abordou uma pequena introdução com o atual uso dos telhados verdes pelo mundo, a relação entre o uso dos telhados verdes e os serviços ecossistêmicos e o potencial das espécies nativas para composição destes jardins. O uso dessa técnica e os estudos sobre as espécies vegetais indicadas em sua composição são raros no Brasil e, mesmo em escala global, muitas vezes, limitadas a opções exóticas à maioria das localidades. Os resultados também apresentam uma série de benefícios ambientais pela inserção da técnica. Apontam-se ainda, diversos grupos taxonômicos nativos do Brasil que poderiam ser aproveitados neste segmento. Destacamos, por fim, que o uso das espécies nativas nos telhados verdes pode colaborar com a conservação da flora local, por vezes ameaçada, e também com a geração de renda, por meio da produção e venda de mudas, promovendo a valorização da biodiversidade vegetal e educação para maior consciência da necessidade de conservação da natureza pela sociedade.

Resumo Considerando o recente surgimento de vacinas eficazes contra a Covid-19 e os escassos recursos para atender imediatamente à maior parte da população mundial, as sociedades precisam definir a ordem em que os grupos de cidadãos terão acesso às novas vacinas. As campanhas de vacinação devem priorizar a imunização de indivíduos vulneráveis e encarregados de ajudar outras pessoas, reduzindo as perdas humanas e minimizando os danos sociais e econômicos. No Brasil, os usuários de transporte público nas grandes cidades apresentam altos níveis de vulnerabilidade, diante de fatores relacionados à configuração espacial, à organização dos sistemas de transporte e ao alto percentual de pessoas de baixo nível socioeconômico em grandes periferias que dependem exclusivamente do transporte público para acesso a empregos e serviços básicos. A imunização dos usuários do transporte público pode produzir efeitos práticos relevantes no combate à Covid-19 no Brasil, tais como economia de recursos públicos, redução do número de óbitos e maior eficiência no controle setorizado da doença nas cidades. Portanto, sugerimos que os formuladores de políticas devem considerar os usuários frequentes de transporte público das grandes cidades brasileiras como um grupo-alvo nas campanhas de vacinação, dando a esse grupo um certo nível de prioridade com base em um mapeamento de risco adequado em nível local.

As an important source of lithium and rare earth elements (REE) and other critical elements, pegmatites are of great strategic economic interest for present and future technological development. Identifying new pegmatite deposits is a strategy adopted by the European Union (EU) to decrease its import dependence on non-European countries for these raw materials. It is in this context that the GREENPEG project was established, an EU project whose main objective is to identify new deposits of pegmatites in Europe in an environmentally friendly way. Remote sensing is a non-contact exploration tool that allows for identifying areas of interest for exploration at the early stage of exploration campaigns. Several RS methods have been developed to identify Li-Cs-Ta (LCT) pegmatites, but in this study, a new methodology was developed to detect Nb-Y-F (NYF) pegmatites in the Tysfjord area in Norway. This methodology is based on spectral analysis to select bands of the Sentinel 2 satellite and adapt RS methods, such as Band Ratios and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), to be used as input in the Random Forest (RF) and other tree-based ensemble algorithms to improve the classification accuracy. The results obtained are encouraging, and the algorithm was able to successfully identify the pegmatite areas already known and new locations of interest for exploration were also defined.

En esta investigación se determinó el impacto ambiental por uso de combustibles derivados de petróleo, carbón y gas natural en la planificación de la generación de energía del Sistema Eléctrico Interconectado Nacional (SEIN) en el período 2016-2019. Se ha cuantificado la cantidad de C, CH4, N2O, NOx, CO y NMCOV, emitidos al medio ambiente por uso de los combustibles Diesel 2, Residual 500, Residual 6, Carbón y Gas Natural. Las emisiones mencionadas están en función del tipo de combustible, la energía anual generada por cada grupo térmico y la aplicación de factores de emisión por quema de combustibles para el sector electricidad obtenidos en 1996 por del Panel Intergubernamental de Cambio Climático (IPCC). Se usó el modelo PERSEO para obtener la planificación de la optimización de la expansión de la generación del SEIN en el período 2016-2019. Este modelo fue desarrollado por la Comisión de Tarifas Eléctricas (CTE) el año 2002 y se viene utilizando por el Organismo Supervisor de la Inversión en Energía y Minería (OSINERGMIN).

INTERDONATO, Giann Lucca; QUEIROZ, Marisse Costa de. "Trans-Identidade": a transexualidade e o ordenamento jurídico. Curitiba: Appris, 2017.

Devido aos períodos de crise hídrica nas diferentes Regiões do Brasil é necessário utilizar novas fontes de captação, sendo indispensáveis ensaios de tratabilidade. Foi estudada a viabilidade do uso do Delineamento Composto Central (DCC) nos ensaios de tratabilidade de água como substituição à análise clássica do diagrama de coagulação, por fatorial completo. Os parâmetros de interesse foram a dose de sulfato de alumínio (5 e 60 mg.L-1) e o pH inicial (6 e 8). A variável resposta foi a eficiência de remoção de turbidez. Foi possível maximizar a resposta no ponto de pH inicial de 7,23 e dosagem de 49,9 mg L-1 e encontrar regiões de remoção superior a 80% comuns a ambos os métodos, indicando que o DCC pode ser uma ferramenta viável para análise se comparada com o método convencional, tendo como vantagem a redução da quantidade de ensaios e, consequentemente, o tempo de operação.

Returning to the old model of “travel stories” that for decades dominated the publications under the slogan of Geography, the following article seeks, while highlighting some aspects of the geography of Mozambique and raises more or less evident dilemmas for discussion in that country, transform the experience into a set of reflections of a theoretical and methodological character as a necessary, tool for the development of science itself

Resumo O mundo vem testemunhando a rápida disseminação dos casos confirmados da síndrome respiratória aguda por meio do coronavírus (Sars-CoV-2 Covid-19). Nos primeiros meses de pandemia, as estatísticas indicam que as grandes cidades tornaram-se palcos destacados de contágio e disseminação da Covid-19. Diante desse cenário, o presente estudo oferece argumentos que auxiliam na construção e aferição preliminar de três hipóteses: a estrutura urbana e a organização das cidades interferem na taxa de distanciamento social e, portanto, no ritmo de contágio da doença; na cidade, a forma com que o sistema de transporte de pessoas está estruturado desempenha papel relevante no ritmo de disseminação da Covid-19; e a pandemia e as práticas de distanciamento físico e social alteram os padrões de mobilidade intraurbana. Analisam-se dados nacionais e regionais disponíveis em órgãos oficiais e outros trabalhos empíricos sobre a Covid-19 à luz de estudos teóricos sobre mobilidade urbana. Em seguida, por método indutivo, é feita uma associação destes dados aos diferentes modelos de cidades (compacta x espraiada), considerando, em especial, aspectos de mobilidade urbana. Os argumentos desenvolvidos nesse estudo parecem corroborar o teor central das hipóteses apresentadas. É preciso desenvolver modelos que incorporem estes elementos para avançarmos na compreensão da pandemia e, também, de elementos que auxiliem na construção de cidades mais resilientes a fenômenos como a Covid-19.

O Prof. Guilherme Leiva é Arquiteto e Urbanista (PUCMinas), Mestre em Arquitetura e Urbanismo (UFMG) e Doutor em Demografia (UFMG). Atualmente, trabalha como professor do CEFET, MG. Nessa entrevista, a Prof. Guilherme Leiva fala sobre os desafios da pandemia de COVID-19 e suas associações com fenômenos urbanos. A geografia urbana e o urbanismo podem trazer elementos importantes na superação da crise sanitária. A entrevista foi realizada à distância, seguindo os protocolos de distanciamento social estabelecidos pela Organização Mundial da Saúde.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord, but also involving other regions of the CNS including the area postrema, periaqueductal gray matter, and hypothalamus. Knowledge related to pediatric manifestations of NMOSD has grown in recent years, particularly in light of newer information regarding the importance of not only antibodies to aquaporin 4 (AQP4-IgG) but also myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-IgG) in children manifesting clinically with this syndrome. In this review, we describe the current state of the knowledge related to clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and chronic therapies for children with NMOSD, with emphasis on literature that has been published in the last 5 years. Following the review, we propose recommendations for the assessment/follow up clinical care, and treatment of this population.

In this paper we probe the interaction between sequential and hierarchical learning by investigating implicit learning in a group of school-aged children. We administered a serial reaction time task, in the form of a modified Simon Task in which the stimuli were organised following the rules of two distinct artificial grammars, specifically Lindenmayer systems: the Fibonacci grammar (Fib) and the Skip grammar (a modification of the former). The choice of grammars is determined by the goal of this study, which is to investigate how sensitivity to structure emerges in the course of exposure to an input whose surface transitional properties (by hypothesis) bootstrap structure. The studies conducted to date have been mainly designed to investigate low-level superficial regularities, learnable in purely statistical terms, whereas hierarchical learning has not been effectively investigated yet. The possibility to directly pinpoint the interplay between sequential and hierarchical learning is instead at the core of our study: we presented children with two grammars, Fib and Skip, which share the same transitional regularities, thus providing identical opportunities for sequential learning, while crucially differing in their hierarchical structure. More particularly, there are specific points in the sequence (k-points), which, despite giving rise to the same transitional regularities in the two grammars, support hierarchical reconstruction in Fib but not in Skip. In our protocol, children were simply asked to perform a traditional Simon Task, and they were completely unaware of the real purposes of the task. Results indicate that sequential learning occurred in both grammars, as shown by the decrease in reaction times throughout the task, while differences were found in the sensitivity to k-points: these, we contend, play a role in hierarchical reconstruction in Fib, whereas they are devoid of structural significance in Skip. More particularly, we found that children were faster in correspondence to k-points in sequences produced by Fib, thus providing an entirely new kind of evidence for the hypothesis that implicit learning involves an early activation of strategies of hierarchical reconstruction, based on a straightforward interplay with the statistically-based computation of transitional regularities on the sequences of symbols.

Background: Ageism is the systematic stereotyping and discrimination against older adults. Explicit ageism involves conscious control and implicit ageism involves unconscious processes. Studies have shown that ageist attitudes may be associated with poor clinical outcomes like hospitalizations and mortality. Objective: Determine the association of explicit and implicit ageism with all-cause hospitalizations and mortality in a sample of Veterans. Method: Retrospective cohort study of community-dwelling Veterans 50 years and older who underwent evaluations of explicit ageism using Kogan’s Attitudes Toward Old People Scale and implicit ageism assessed with Implicit Association Test (IAT) during July 2014 to April 2015 and were followed until 2018. Data on all-cause hospitalizations and mortality following the initial assessment of ageism was aggregated. Results: The study included 381 participants, 89.8% male, 48.0% White, and mean age was 60.5 ( SD = 7.2) years. A total of 339 completed the IAT. Over a mean follow-up of 3.2 years ( SD = 0.3), 581 hospitalizations, and 35 deaths occurred. Neither explicit nor implicit ageism was associated with an increased risk for all-cause hospitalization or mortality on follow-up. Discussion: Future research may benefit from investigating whether ageist attitudes may predict all-cause hospitalizations and mortality in longitudinal studies including more diverse samples.

A Profa. Danielle Piuzana é Geóloga (UFMG) e mestre e doutora em Geologia pela UNB. Atualmente, trabalha como professora da UFVJM. Nessa entrevista, a Profª. Danielle Piuzana fala sobre o projeto GAIA, projeto que une ciência e arte no desenvolvimento de práticas pedagógicas e na divulgação científica em Diamantina, Minas Gerais. A entrevista foi elaborada e conduzida por Daniele Sobrinho, Josias Sebastião, Renata Figueiredo, Claudiney Martins, Viviane Ferreira, Sheila Lopes e Douglas Sathler (UFVJM) em dezembro de 2019, na sede do GAIA (UFVJM).

Abstract Background Current therapies for heart failure (HF) are followed by strategies to improve quality of life and exercise tolerance, besides reducing morbidity and mortality. Some HF patients present changes in the musculoskeletal system and inspiratory muscle weakness, which may be restored by inspiratory muscle training, thus increasing respiratory muscle strength and endurance, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2), functional capacity, respiratory responses to exercise, and quality of life. Yoga therapies have been shown to improve quality of life, inflammatory markers, and peak VO2 mostly in HF patients with a reduced ejection fraction. However, the effect of different yoga breathing techniques in patients showing HF with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remain to be assessed. Methods/design A PROBE (prospective randomized open blinded end-point) parallel-group trial will be conducted at two specialized HF clinics. Adult patients previously diagnosed with HFpEF will be included. After signing informed consent and performing a pre-test intervention, patients will be randomized into three groups and provided with either (1) active yoga breathing techniques; (2) passive yoga breathing techniques (pranayama); or and (3) control (standard pharmacological treatment). Follow-up will last 8 weeks (16 sessions). The post-intervention tests will be performed at the end of the intervention period for analysis of outcomes. Interventions will occur continuously according to patients’ enrollment. The main outcome is respiratory muscular resistance. A total of 33 enrolled patients are expected. The present protocol followed the SPIRIT guidelines and fulfilled the SPIRIT checklist. Discussion This trial is probably the first to assess the effects of a non-pharmacological intervention, namely yoga and specific breathing techniques, to improve cardiorespiratory function, autonomic system, and quality of life in patients with HFpEF. Trial registration REBEC Identifier: RBR-64mbnx (August 19, 2012). Clinical Trials Register: NCT03028168. Registered on 16 January 2017).

The purpose of this study was to determine the coefficient of thermal expansion of the biodiesel from the experimental data of density as a function of temperature. For this, we used some fundamentals of thermodynamics. The value obtained for the coefficient of thermal expansion after the linear regression for biodiesel was 8.49 × 10-4 ° C-1, with a correlation coefficient equal to 0.9978

A set of physicochemical properties, viz acidity, color, density, saponification, kinematic viscosity, free glycerol, carbon residue and oxidation stability, were determined for transesterification products from methyl and ethyl alcohol reactions with triacylglycerides of oil-rich natural substrates extracted from fruits of traditionally cultivated plants, namely corn (Zea mays), soybean (Glycine max), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and rapeseed (Brassica napus), and from three other species: physic nut (Jatropha curcas), pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) and macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeate), which are of potential commercial value for the industrial production of biodiesel. The obtained data were compared with the main officially recommended certification indexes. Oils from the two native species from the Brazilian flora, Acrocomia aculeate and Caryocar brasiliense, were confirmed to have real commercial potentiality to produce biodiesel.

O artigo analisa a relação entre o movimento de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Travestis e Transexuais (LGBT) com os governos de Lula da Silva e Dilma Rousseff a partir das políticas participativas por eles implementadas. Estudos empíricos feitos pelo Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (IPEA) apontam para significativa ampliação da estrutura institucional de participação, centrada no aumento de Conferências Nacionais e Conselhos Nacionais de Políticas Públicas. Partindo de estudos qualitativos, a participação política do movimento LGBT como grupo subalterno gerou laços de dependência no que tange a recursos materiais e simbólicos, fazendo-o conformar-se no Estado e não diante deste. Isso repercutiu em sua autonomia e organização gerando a adesão e o consenso ativo do grupo subalterno junto ao bloco no poder. Ao comprometer a constituição do movimento enquanto sujeito político autônomo, a relação aponta para a hegemonia exercida pelo governo sobre a população LGBT.

Our aim was to demonstrate whether one causative agent of meningitis is more likely to cause profound hearing loss and labyrinthitis ossificans. We obtained data from the New South Wales health department for cases of meningitis between 1995 and 2005 (1568 cases) and the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre for cochlear implant patients with hearing loss secondary to meningitis from 1984 to 2005 (70 ears in 59 patients). The aetiological agents were compared with regard to their ability to cause profound hearing loss and cochlear ossification. Neisseria meningitidis resulted in 56.9% of cases of meningitis and 11.4% of the cases of profound hearing loss resulting in cochlear implantation (incidence of profound hearing loss of 0.4%). Streptococcus pneumoniae, however, caused 41.1% of meningitis but 85.7% of cochlear implantation (incidence of 4.6%). Labyrinthitis ossificans was more common after infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae but there was no statistically significant difference between Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or Neisseria meningitidis for labyrinthitis ossificans (p = 0.45, chi-squared test). In conclusion Neisseria meningitidis meningitis carries a very low risk of profound hearing loss but Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis a significantly higher risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]