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INTRODUCTION: After long periods of hospitalization, older adults may develop muscle weakness that can affect their functional independence after discharge. OBJECTIVE: To assess muscle weakness in older patients admitted to an ICU. METHOD: This cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach assessed functional independence with the Katz Index and post-ICU muscle strength with a handgrip strength (HS) test and the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum-score. The sample consisted of 60 patients with an average age of 76 (60–99) years, 36 (60%) of whom were female. RESULTS: Post-ICU, 86.7% of the patients were functionally dependent. Female patients had significantly lower HS than males: 7 (0–24) vs. 17 (1–37) (p < 0.001). Female patients who received mechanical ventilation (MV) or sedation had significantly lower HS and MRC scores than those who did not (p < 0.001): HS MV 1 (0–13) vs. 11 (0–24) p < 0.001; MRC MV 35 (14–48) vs. 43 (27–57) p < 0.001; HS sedation 0 (0–12) vs. 9 (0–24) p < 0.001; MRC sedation 34 (14–36) vs. 42 (22–57) p < 0.001, respectively. Finally, there was an inversely proportional correlation between HS, MRC scores, and ICU length of stay, Spearman's rho = -0.267 (p = 0.0039) and Spearman's rho = -0.347 (p = 0.007), respectively. CONCLUSION: Older women who received mechanical ventilation and sedation have lower muscle strength than those who did not. As the ICU length of stay increases, muscle strength decreases.

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de conhecer o perfil de estudantes surdos, no período de 1856 a 1873, do atual Instituto Nacional da Educação de Surdos – INES. Os dados foram coletados em diversos documentos disponíveis nos seguintes acervos: Instituto Nacional de Educação de Surdos (INES); Biblioteca Nacional; The Center for Research Libraries (CRL); Arquivo Nacional. Foram sistematizados e organizados os dados em categorias de acordo com o tema: matrícula; origem familiar e geográfica; causas da surdez; gênero; proventos das pensões; entrada, permanência e saída de estudantes. Os resultados demonstram a presença de 63 estudantes surdos no período escolhido, sendo que a maioria era do sexo masculino, originária do Rio de Janeiro, recebia as pensões do governo e estudou na escola por mais de seis anos do período previsto, mesmo que muitos não tenham concluído seus estudos.

Abstract Key message Despite been grown under the same climate, oak species are able to correlate with looser, but still identifiable, leaf morphological syndromes, composed by morphological traits with an ecological role in their respective macroclimates. Context Environmental restrictions imposed by climate have been shown to modulate leaf morphology. A reduction of leaf area in hot and dry climates reduces overheating because of a thinner boundary layer. Lobed shapes enhance hydraulic conductivity and faster cooling. Elongated leaves drain more quickly under high precipitation. Trichomes may help to reduce the effects of excessive sun exposure in hot and dry environments. Leaf mass per area (LMA) increases in stressful environments. Aim To assess the influence of global climate and clade on oak leaf syndromes comprising morphological traits with ecological roles. Methods We analyzed seven morphological traits in 141 oak species grown in a botanical garden, characterized into five macroclimates, and explored the partial effects of clade and climate. Results We found significant associations between macroclimate and every morphological trait measured. Temperate species tend to have large, obovate, lobed, malacophyllous leaves. Species occurring in dry habitats usually present small, rounded, pubescent, sclerophyllous leaves. Warm and wet climates induce the development of slender, lanceolate, glabrous leaves with an acuminate apex. Conclusion The functional roles of the different morphological traits are partially confirmed in genus Quercus as a response to the different macroclimates, where different leaf syndromes can be distinguished.

Saxon influences stand out as one of the most notable phenomena in the Late Gothic architecture of Lesser Poland; however, they have been insufficiently discussed to date. Four prominent buildings, likely inspired by Saxon and Lusatian architecture, are analysed in this paper. The first structure under consideration is the cloister around the courtyard of the Collegium Maius of the Jagiellonian University of Cracow. Characterised by its diamond vaults, which are the earliest example of this type in Lesser Poland, the cloister was most probably inspired by the Albrechtsburg in Meissen; it could even have been completed by one of the Meissen masters. The second building examined is the Chapel of Saint James next to the southern tower of Saint Margaret's Church in Nowy Sącz. Its vault was likely a further development of the model from the southwestern bay of the Collegium Maius cloister. The third case study focuses on the Collegium Maius library, erected slightly later than the courtyard. It features two types of net vaults: one is the Saxon modification of the Parlerian design for the Old Town Bridge Tower in Prague, and the other is inspired by the works of Konrad Pflüger in Podelwitz and Görlitz. The last example to be analysed is the gable of the Church of Saint Nicholas in Bochnia. I suggest seeing the closest analogies in the gables of churches and secular buildings in Saxony and Lusatia as well as in the gable of the Church of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine in Żagań, Silesia.

A 27-year-old woman with jaundice and abdominal pain was admitted to an emergency ward. The diagnostic process showed that gallstones were causing her symptoms. The patient was treated via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and during the procedure she suffered a cardiac arrest. Autopsy findings included multiple pulmonary bile emboli as well as features of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Among 22 thus far described cases of bile pulmonary embolism, 13 were associated with medical procedures involving the liver and biliary tract. We present the case report of a pulmonary bile embolism associated with acute pancreatitis treated via ERCP in a woman with gallbladder bile stones.

It is assumed that in the case of contact languages, it is the nonverbal context of use of these languages that may be the key factor in determining the nature of each language. Contact languages, perhaps even to a greater extent than larger or more common, the so called national languages, may establish the identity of the speech communities that use them. The text presents also selected ways in which contact languages arise, adding to the types of languages known to science, such as endogenous and exogenous contact languages, a new name for the category of languages, which are isogenic contact languages.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a global problem. There are few reports in the literature regarding the temporal and spatial parameters of gait in people with OA. The aim of this study was to determine spatiotemporal parameters for the pelvis and lower limbs during walking in women with OA and to compare these parameters with healthy people. For this purpose, a 6 min walking test (6MWT) was carried out. OA subjects had worse outcomes compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Data were collected using IMU sensors integrated into the MoKA system and mounted on indicator points on the body. Limited mobility of the pelvis in the frontal plane was observed in the study group, which influenced walking strategy. For the comparison with the control group at each minute, p < 0.05. IMU sensors attached to the body and integrated in one application provide extensive research and diagnostic capabilities.

Esta tese objetiva analisar o contexto histórico, as condições educacionais e sociais dos/as primeiros/ as estudantes surdos/as que frequentaram o atual Instituto Nacional de Educação dos Surdos (INES), entre 1856 e 1868. Assim, a pesquisa trata de aspectos históricos, culturais e de gestão educacional desta Instituição para que se possa compreender não apenas a história educacional de surdos/as, mas as mazelas sociais, as violências de toda ordem e o protagonismo dos/as surdos/as, que foram silenciados/as pela história oficial. Para tanto, optou-se pela abordagem metodológica qualitativa, balizada pela pesquisa documental e da perspectiva da história cultural, no campo dos Estudos Surdos em Educação. As fontes documentais foram coletadas no acervo histórico do INES, no Arquivo Nacional, na Biblioteca Nacional e no The Center for Research Libraries (CRL). Os dados foram sistematizados com base nas seguintes categorias de análise: i) contexto histórico brasileiro na época da fundação do INES; ii) gestão educacional e perfil de estudantes surdos do INES (1856-1868); e iii) as condições educacionais e sociais dos/as primeiros/as estudantes surdos/as. Os resultados revelam que a criação da primeira escola para surdos do Brasil enfrentou dificuldades como: alteração dos seus diretores; embates com a Comissão Inspetora do governo da época; problemas com professores; revoltas dos estudantes surdos; precariedade no orçamento; implantação de reformas assim como de regulamentos e estrutura institucional. Tais evidências revelam diversas adversidades, inclusive conflitos entre os estudantes surdos e a gestão do INES. Concluímos que o estudo apresenta diversos dados notáveis que auxiliam na análise do contexto histórico, bem como das condições educacionais e sociais dos/as primeiros/as estudantes surdos/as do INES. Além disso, o estudo coloca em evidência e protagonismo dos/as primeiros/as estudantes surdos/as da história da educação do Brasil.

Na última década, após a normatização para uso de remineralizadores na agricultura, diversos estudos têm confirmado efeitos positivos desses produtos nos sistemas agrícolas, sendo esses efeitos mais intensivos em rochas vulcânicas básicas, como o pó de basalto. Nesse contexto, essa pesquisa teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de um pó de basalto filler sobre o crescimento das culturas de alface e repolho e sobre os indicadores químicos do solo. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em vasos, em um delineamento completamente casualizado em um fatorial 2x4x2, sendo dois tipos de solo (Cambissolo e Neossolo quartzarênico), quatro doses de pó de basalto (0, 5, 10 e 20t ha-1) com e sem adubação solúvel, com quatro repetições. Houve interação entre os fatores para todos os indicadores avaliados. O pó de basalto filler foi efetivo em aumentar a produção de massa seca das culturas quando cultivado em Neossolo quartzarênico até a dose de 10t ha-1. Nas duas culturas houve correlação negativa entre pó de basalto e a adubação solúvel. No solo, 115 dias após a incorporação das doses e após o cultivo de alface e repolho, o pó de basalto filler foi eficaz em alterar os atributos do solo, sendo esse efeito mais acentuado no Neossolo. Em ambos os tipos de solos houve aumento quadrático no pH e nos teores de fósforo (P), potássio (K), cálcio (Ca) e na saturação de bases (V%) de acordo com o aumento das doses do produto. Os resultados indicam potencial promissor do produto para uso na agricultura.

Purpose: To perform a systematic review on clinical and radiologic outcomes for meniscus tears treated nonoperatively with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Methods: A literature search was performed according to the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using keywords and Boolean operators in SCOPUS, PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials in April 2023. Inclusion criteria were limited to Level I to IV human studies reporting on outcomes of meniscus tears treated nonoperatively with PRP. Results: A total of 6 studies, consisting of 184 patients, were identified. There was 1 Level I study and 5 Level IV studies. Mean patient age was 47.8 ± 7.9 years, with 62% (n = 114/184) being female. The medial meniscus was treated in 95.7% (n = 157/164) of patients. Mean follow-up ranged from 75.9 days to 31.9 months. Meniscus tears were generally described as chronic, degenerative, or intrasubstance. In 4 studies, magnetic resonance imaging revealed variable improvement in meniscus grade with complete healing in 0% to 44% of patients and partial healing in 0% to 40% of patients. Four of 5 studies reported significant statistical improvement in pain from baseline to final follow-up. Studies reporting on clinical outcomes showed significant improvements Lysholm score (2 studies), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score total score (2 studies), and Tegner score (1 study). Successful return to sport occurred in 60% to 100% of patients. Two studies reported that most patients were either very satisfied or satisfied following treatment. Conclusions: The use of PRP injections for the treatment of meniscus tears led to variable results based on postoperative magnetic resonance evaluation and improvements in clinical outcomes, although the clinical significance remains unclear. The heterogeneity of PRP protocols, short-term follow-up, and lack of comparative studies limit findings. Level of Evidence: Level IV, systematic review of Level I to IV studies.

Appropriate management of radial meniscal tears is complex, with continued efforts focused on optimizing diagnostic methods for identification to help dictate treatment, especially as surgical indications for repair have expanded, coupled with improvements in surgical techniques and instrumentation. Currently, no standardized classification system for radial meniscal tears exists, limiting the ability to accurately characterize injury patterns and guide surgical decision-making.

BackgroundDespite an abundance of injury research focusing on European professional soccer athletes, there are limited injury data on professional soccer players in the United States.PurposeTo describe the epidemiology of injury across multiple years in Major League Soccer (MLS) players.Study designDescriptive epidemiology study.MethodsA web-based health management platform was used to prospectively collect injury data from all MLS teams between 2014 and 2019. An injury was defined as an incident that required medical attention and was recorded into the health management platform anytime over the course of the 2014-2019 seasons. Injuries and exposure data were recorded in training and match settings to calculate injury incidence.ResultsA total of 9713 injuries were recorded between 2014 and 2019. A mean 1.1 injuries per year per player were identified, with midfielders sustaining the largest number of injuries. The most common injuries were hamstring strains (12.3%), ankle sprains (8.5%), and adductor strains (7.6%). The mean time missed per injury was 15.8 days, with 44.2% of injuries resulting in no days missed. Overall injury incidence was 8.7 per 1000 hours of exposure, declining over the course of the investigation, with a 4.1-times greater mean incidence during matches (14.0/1000 h) than training (3.4/1000 h).ConclusionBetween 2014 and 2019, the most commonly reported injuries in MLS players were hamstring strains, ankle sprains, and adductor strains. Injury incidence during matches was 4.1 times greater when compared with training, while overall injury incidence was found to decline during the course of the study period.

Statins are one of the most commonly used lipid-lowering drugs reducing the risk of mortality due to cardiovascular diseases. They are well tolerated and have relatively few side effects which mainly affect skeletal muscle. The impact of statins on skeletal muscle functions depends on the composition of the muscle fibers type. One of the mechanisms of statin-induced myopathy is imbalance between muscle protein synthesis and breakdown.Transcription factor FoxO3a is a key factor regulating muscle protein breakdown. The activity of FoxO3a is regulated namely by phosphorylation via PI3K/Akt pathway. Active, phosphorylated Akt catalyzes the phosphorylation and thus inactivation of FoxO3a. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on FoxO3a and Akt in different skeletal muscles in rats with diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Atorvastatin (20 mg/kg b.w./day) or the vehicle was administered orally 21 days. FoxO3a, Akt and their phosphorylated protein levels were assayed by Western blot in gastrocnemius and soleus muscle. Additionally, muscle total protein level and serum CK activity were measured. In the gastrocnemius muscle atorvastatin decreased total FoxO3a and P-FoxO3a levels with no changes in Akt and P-Akt level. In contrast, in soleus muscle atorvastatin did not change the level of P-FoxO3a. However, total FoxO3a and the P-Akt level decreased. Serum CK activity did not change in both muscle under atorvastatin treatment. In conclusion, the results of our study indicate that atorvastatin affects FoxO3a and Akt in a muscle type-dependent manner.

Background: Anterior shoulder instability is a common problem around the world, with a high risk for recurrence following the index dislocation. Surgical stabilization is commonly indicated for persistent instability, particularly in patients at high risk for recurrence, to minimize the risk of further labral injury and glenoid bone loss. However, there is little known about global geographic differences in the surgical management of anterior shoulder instability. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and systematically review regional differences in the surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability, particularly the indications for and outcomes from bony stabilization procedures compared to soft tissue procedures. Methods: A systematic review, in accordance with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, was performed. Inclusion criteria consisted of level I and II evidence studies evaluating indications, techniques, and outcomes following operative management of anterior shoulder instability published from January 2000 to September 2021. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were grouped into four global regions (Asia, Europe, North America, South America) based on primary study location. Patient demographics, procedural details, patient reported outcomes, and complications (recurrence and reoperation rates) were compared between regions. Results: Sixty (n = 60) studies (5480 patients) were identified. Eighty-six percent of all patients were male, with a mean age of 26.7 years. There was no difference in mean patient age, though patients undergoing bony stabilization procedures were older than those undergoing soft-tissue stabilization procedures (P = .0002) in all regions. The proportion of bony versus soft-tissue procedure groups did not differ significantly among regions. The indications for bony stabilization procedures varied significantly. Mean final follow-up was 3.5 years. Recurrent instability was 5.0% and did not vary across regions. However, recurrent instability occurred more frequently following soft-tissue compared to bony stabilization procedures (P = .017). South American studies utilized fewer anchors during soft tissue stabilization (P < .0001) and reported a higher reoperation rate compared to other regions (P = .009). Conclusion: There is global variation in the reporting of outcomes following surgery for anterior shoulder instability. The proportion of bony and soft-tissue procedures is similar, irrespective of geographic region. Recurrent instability does not vary by region but occurs more frequently following soft-tissue compared to bony stabilization procedures. There are a number of potential medical and nonmedical factors that may affect global variation in the surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability.

Abstract Key message Among the variety of leaf defensive strategies to counteract herbivory attacks, the oak species analyzed in this study maximize investment in no more than one, with high-LMA oaks developing very tough leaves and low-LMA oaks favoring between high concentrations of condensed tannins or high growth rates. Context Plants develop a variety of defense strategies to counteract herbivory attacks, from physical and chemical defenses to tolerance strategies. Tradeoffs between strategies have been widely assessed from a resource allocation perspective, but there is a need to consider eventual interactions among them. Aim We evaluate the among-species tradeoff between three main constitutive plant defense traits, while considering the leaf mass per area ratio (LMA) as a proxy of leaf construction investment on area basis. Methods Leaf toughness measured as work of fracture, condensed tannins, and relative growth rate (RGR) were analyzed in a set of 19 Quercus L. species with contrasting LMA. Results Most species had low values either in two or in the three traits analyzed. Moreover, the highest values of work of fracture appeared in the species with high LMA; the highest values of condensed tannins were found in the species with the lowest LMA; and high values of RGR were measured in species with intermediate or lower values of LMA. Conclusion Oaks showed a trade-off among leaf defensive strategies influenced by LMA. Oaks with high LMA developed very tough leaves while oaks with low LMA presented lower values of toughness but favored between one of the two other strategies.

Accurately estimating the absolute distance and height of objects in open areas is quite challenging, especially when based solely on single images. In this paper, we tackle these issues and propose a new method that blends traditional computer vision techniques with advanced neural network-based solutions. Our approach combines object detection and segmentation, monocular depth estimation, and homography-based mapping to provide precise and efficient measurements of absolute height and distance. This solution is implemented on an edge device, allowing for real-time data processing using both visual and thermal data sources. Experimental tests on a height estimation dataset we created show an accuracy of 98.86%, confirming the effectiveness of our method.

Previous studies investigating temporal changes in dietary supplement (DS) use have used representative samples but have not followed the same cohort over time. This study investigated longitudinal patterns of changes in DS use and factors associated with discontinuing DS use in a single group of active-duty United States military service members (SMs). SMs (n = 5778) completed two identical questionnaires on their DS use and demographic/lifestyle characteristics an average ± standard deviation 1.3 ± 0.2 years apart. Prevalences of reported DS use ≥1 times/week in the baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU) phases were: any DS, BL = 77%, FU = 78%; multivitamins/multiminerals (MVM), BL = 50%, FU = 48%; individual vitamins/minerals, BL = 33%, FU 35%; proteins/amino acids, BL = 43%, FU = 39%; combination products, BL = 44%, FU = 37%; prohormones, BL = 5%, FU = 4%; herbal products, BL = 23%, FU = 21%; joint health products, BL = 12%, FU = 12%; fish oils, BL = 25%, FU = 23%; other DSs, BL = 17%, FU = 17%. Among BL users, the proportions reporting use in the FU phase were: any DS 88%, MVM 74%, protein/amino acids 70%, individual vitamin/minerals 62%, combination products 62%, fish oils 61%, joint health products 57%, herbal products 50%, other DSs 50%, and prohormones 37%. Higher odds of discontinuing any DS use in the follow-up were associated with female gender, younger age, higher BMI, and less weekly resistance training. Overall, prevalence of DS use was relatively consistent in the two phases; however, the cohort changed their use patterns in the follow-up with some discontinuing use and others initiating use, thus maintaining use prevalence over the period. These findings have implications for repeated cross-sectional DS studies where different samples are followed over time.

This longitudinal study examined associations between chronic medical conditions (CMCs) and persistent dietary supplement (DS) use. On two separate occasions, 1.3 ± 0.2 years apart, military service members (SMs) (n = 5778) completed identical questionnaires concerning their DS use in the past 6 months and their demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Medical conditions were obtained from a medical surveillance system six months before the first questionnaire and during the period between questionnaires. Diagnoses were grouped into 19 major (largely systemic) and 9 specific CMCs. Conditions diagnosed in both periods (CMCs) were examined in relation to DS use reported on both questionnaires (persistent DS use). After adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors, higher odds of persistent DS use were found in 7 of the 19 major CMCs and 5 of the 9 specific CMCs. SMs with a CMC had 1.25 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.10–1.41) higher adjusted odds of persistent DS use. The three specific CMCs with the highest adjusted odds of persistent DS use were anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 2.30, 95%CI = 1.36–3.89), depression (OR = 2.12, 95%CI = 1.20–3.73), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR = 2.02, 95%CI = 1.02–4.04). Among DS categories, participants with a CMC had higher adjusted odds of persistent vitamins or mineral use (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.12–1.53). Participants with CMCs had a higher prevalence of persistent DS use, especially individual vitamin and mineral use.

Abstract Background Few available models aim to identify patients at risk of prolonged ventilation after cardiac surgery. We compared prediction models developed in ICU in two adjacent periods of time, when significant changes were observed both in population characteristics and the perioperative management. Methods We performed a retrospective review of two cohorts of patients in our department in two subsequent time periods (July 2007 - December 2008, n = 2165; January 2009 - July 2010, n = 2192). The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee and the individual patient consent was not required. Patients were divided with regard to ventilation time of more or less than 48 hours. Preoperative and procedure-related variables for prolonged ventilation were identified and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed separately for each cohort. Results Most recent patients were older, with more co-morbidities, more frequently undergoing off-pump surgery. At the beginning of 2009 we also changed the technique of postoperative ventilation. Percentage of patients with prolonged ventilation decreased from 5.7% to 2.4% (p < 0.0001).Preoperative and procedure-related variables for prolonged ventilation were identified. Prediction models for prolonged ventilation were different for each cohort. Most recent significant predictors were: aortic aneurysm surgery (OR 12.9), emergency surgery (OR 5.3), combined procedures (OR 5.1), valve procedures (OR 3.2), preoperative renal dysfunction (OR 2.9) and preoperative stroke or TIA (OR 2.8). Conclusions Prediction models for postoperative ventilation should be regularly updated, particularly when major changes are noted in patients' demographics and surgical or anaesthetic technique.

Abstract Objective: This study examined associations between multiple dietary supplement (DS) categories and medical conditions diagnosed by health professionals. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Volunteers completed an online questionnaire on DS use and demographic/lifestyle factors. Medical diagnoses were obtained from a comprehensive military electronic medical surveillance system and grouped into twenty-four clinically diagnosed medical conditions (CDMC). Participants: A stratified random sample of US service members (SM) from all military services (n 26 680). Results: After adjustment for demographic/lifestyle factors (logistic regression), higher risk was found for 92 % (22/24) of CDMC among individual vitamins/minerals users, 58 % (14/24) of CDMC among herbal users, 50 % (12/24) of CDMC among any DS users and 46 % (11/24) of CDMC among multivitamins/multiminerals (MVM) users. Among protein/amino acid (AA) users, risk was lower in 25 % (6/24) of CDMC. For combination products, risk was higher in 13 % (3/24) of CDMC and lower in 8 % (2/24). The greater the number of CDMC, the higher the prevalence of DS use in most DS categories except proteins/AA where prevalence decreased. Conclusions: Users in many DS categories had a greater number of CDMC, but protein/AA users had fewer CDMC; results for combination products were mixed. These data indicate those with certain CDMC were also users in some DS categories, especially individual vitamins/minerals, herbals and MVM. Data are consistent with the perception that use of DS enhances health, especially in those with CDMC. Protein/AA and combination product users were more likely to be younger, more physically active men, factors that likely reduced CDMC.

ABSTRACTBackground Sport-related nutritional supplements (SRNS) include sport drinks, sport bars, and sport gels. This investigation examined temporal patterns in SRNS use and adverse effects (AEs) reported by a single cohort of United States active-duty service members (SMs) surveyed before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods A stratified random sample (n = 22,858) of SMs (Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps) who completed a questionnaire on their SRNS use and AE experiences and were still on active duty were asked to complete the identical questionnaire on a second occasion. Twenty-five percent of successfully contacted SMs completed both questionnaires (n = 5,778) and were included in this investigation. The average ± standard deviation time between questionnaires was 1.3 ± 0.2 years.Results Prevalence of reported SRNS use ≥1 time/week in the baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU) phases were as follows: any SRNS: BL = 46%, FU = 41%; sport drinks: BL = 31%, FU = 28%; sport bars: BL = 30%, FU = 24%; sport gels: BL = 4%, FU = 4%. Reported weekly aerobic and resistance training durations were reduced in the FU period (8% and 26%, respectively). The proportion of SMs reporting SRNS use in both study phases was as follows: any SRNS = 62%, sport drinks = 54%, sport bars = 50%, sport gels = 35%. Prevalence of reported AEs in the BL and FU phases were as follows: any SRNS: BL = 1.9%, FU = 1.9%; sport drinks: BL = 1.0%, FU = 1.3%; sport bars: BL = 1.7%, FU = 1.4%; sport gels: BL = 3.3%, FU = 2.5%. The proportion of SMs reporting AEs in both phases was as follows: any SRNS = 14%, sport drinks = 11%, sport bars = 17%, sport gels = 0%.Conclusions Overall SRNS use prevalence decreased slightly in the FU period, possibly because of reduced physical training related to military restrictions imposed during the emergence of COVID-19 between surveys. A large proportion of SMs reported changing their use patterns in the FU with some discontinuing use and others initiating use. The AE incidence was similarly low in the BL and FU phases, and few SMs reported AEs in both phases suggesting AEs were transitory. AE reporting for SRNSs was much lower than previously found for dietary supplements, possibly because of greater government regulatory control over SRNSs.

As chuvas extremas são responsáveis por graves problemas de erosão e movimentos de massa, como escorregamentos e deslizamentos de solo. A erosividade da chuva é definida como a agressividade da chuva como agente erosivo. A estimativa da erosividade das chuvas é de grande importância para a avaliação da erosão do solo e planejamento de atividades agrícolas e práticas de manejo e conservação do solo. Com o objetivo analisar os índices de agressividade e erosividade da chuva de Ituporanga, SC, foram usados os dados mensais de precipitação pluviométrica do período de 1941 a 2021 da estação pluviométrica da Agência Nacional de Águas e Saneamento Básico (ANA), localizada em Ituporanga, SC. Para o cálculo, foram usados os seguintes índices: Índice de Fournier (IF), Índice de Fournier Modificado (IFM), Índice de Erosividade Total (IET) e o Índice de Erosividade (EI30). O IF médio obtido foi de 18,1, classificado como Baixa agressividade. O IFM foi de 123, classificado com Alta Agressividade. O IET é de 1060,39mm classificado com Baixa. O índice de erosividade EI30 é de 7549 MJ mm ha−1h−1 ano-1, classificado como Alta. A variação anual da chuva determina valores e erosividade da chuva variando de 4.800 a 13.477 MJ mm ha−1h−1 ano-1.

A liquid scintillator consisting of linear alkylbenzene as the solvent and 2,5-diphenyloxazole as the fluor was developed for the SNO+ experiment. This mixture was chosen as it is compatible with acrylic and has a competitive light yield to pre-existing liquid scintillators while conferring other advantages including longer attenuation lengths, superior safety characteristics, chemical simplicity, ease of handling, and logistical availability. Its properties have been extensively characterized and are presented here. This liquid scintillator is now used in several neutrino physics experiments in addition to SNO+.

Oilfield brine is the largest byproduct stream generated during the extraction of crude oil and natural gas and may be considered a resource for the production of potable water and valuable raw materials. The high salinity of such waters limits the application of typical membrane-based techniques. In most oilfields, waste cold energy from the process of the low-temperature separation of natural gas is available and may be used as a source of cold for the freezing desalination (FD) of brine. As a result of the FD process, two streams are obtained: partially desalinated water and concentrated brine. The partially desalinated water may be suitable for non-potable applications or as a feed for membrane desalination. The concentrated brine from the FD could be used as a feed for the recovery of selected chemicals. This paper focuses on verifying the above-described concept of the freezing desalination of oilfield brine on a laboratory scale. The brine from a Polish oilfield located in the Carpathian Foredeep was used as a feed. Four freezing–thawing stages were applied to obtain low-salinity water, which subsequently was treated by reverse osmosis. The obtained permeate meets the criteria recommended for irrigation and livestock watering. The concentrated brine enriched with iodine (48 mg/L) and lithium (14 mg/L) was subjected to recovery tests. Ion exchange resin Diaion NSA100 allowed us to recover 58% of iodine. Lithium recovery using Mn- and Ti-based sorbents varies from 52 to 93%.

Heraclitus of Ephesus (540-475 BC) is not an author of note in organizational and management studies, but his philosophical contributions can certainly offer valuable insights into understanding the role of change in the life cycles of people and organizations. In fragments of his work “On Nature”, Heraclitus highlights the transience of things, emphasizing that everything is in constant flux and transformation: “Nothing is permanent except change” (Kahn, 1979). From this perspective, change seems to be inevitable — even under strong resistance, obstacles, or attempts to deny its inevitability (Baloyannis, 2013).This Heraclitean vision of a world in constant becoming, in which nothing is permanent and everything is in flux, can be particularly relevant to understanding the challenges faced by organizations and their managers in an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable environment (Tsoukas & Chia, 2002). Understanding the inevitability of change processes, whether in the incorporation of new technologies or in the socio-economic and cultural transformations of society, provokes the need to learn to develop specific skills, to adapt to new scenarios which are not always positive, and to assess their impacts and consequences over time in the organizational structure and processes.