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1. Task force of the Brazilian Society of Otology — evaluation and management of peripheral facial palsy

Author

Henrique Furlan Pauna, Vagner Antonio Rodrigues Silva, Joel Lavinsky, Miguel Angelo Hyppolito, Melissa Ferreira Vianna, Mariana de Carvalho Leal Gouveia, Rafael da Costa Monsanto, José Fernando Polanski, Maurício Noschang Lopes da Silva, Vítor Yamashiro Rocha Soares, André Luiz Lopes Sampaio, Raul Vitor Rossi Zanini, Nicolau M. Abrahão, Guilherme Correa Guimarães, Carlos Takahiro Chone, and Arthur Menino Castilho

Subjects
Facial palsy, Facial paralysis, Bell palsy, Facial nerve disease, Herpes Zoster Oticus, Facial nerve trauma, Otorhinolaryngology, RF1-547
Abstract

Objective: To review key evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral facial palsy in children and adults. Methods: Task force members were educated on knowledge synthesis methods, including electronic database search, review and selection of relevant citations, and critical appraisal of selected studies. Articles written in English or Portuguese on peripheral facial palsy were eligible for inclusion. The American College of Physicians’ guideline grading system and the American Thyroid Association’s guideline criteria were used for critical appraisal of evidence and recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Results: The topics were divided into 2 main parts: (1) Evaluation and diagnosis of facial palsy: electrophysiologic tests, idiopathic facial palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, traumatic peripheral facial palsy, recurrent peripheral facial palsy, facial nerve tumors, and peripheral facial palsy in children; and (2) Rehabilitation procedures: surgical decompression of the facial nerve, facial nerve grafting, surgical treatment of long-term peripheral facial palsy, and non-surgical rehabilitation of the facial nerve. Conclusions: Peripheral facial palsy is a condition of diverse etiology. Treatment should be individualized according to the cause of facial nerve dysfunction, but the literature presents better evidence-based recommendations for systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Published
2024
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2. Assessing Fidelity in XAI post-hoc techniques: A Comparative Study with Ground Truth Explanations Datasets

Author

Miró-Nicolau, M., Jaume-i-Capó, A., and Moyà-Alcover, G.

Subjects
Computer Science - Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, Computer Science - Artificial Intelligence
Abstract

The evaluation of the fidelity of eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) methods to their underlying models is a challenging task, primarily due to the absence of a ground truth for explanations. However, assessing fidelity is a necessary step for ensuring a correct XAI methodology. In this study, we conduct a fair and objective comparison of the current state-of-the-art XAI methods by introducing three novel image datasets with reliable ground truth for explanations. The primary objective of this comparison is to identify methods with low fidelity and eliminate them from further research, thereby promoting the development of more trustworthy and effective XAI techniques. Our results demonstrate that XAI methods based on the backpropagation of output information to input yield higher accuracy and reliability compared to methods relying on sensitivity analysis or Class Activation Maps (CAM). However, the backpropagation method tends to generate more noisy saliency maps. These findings have significant implications for the advancement of XAI methods, enabling the elimination of erroneous explanations and fostering the development of more robust and reliable XAI.

Published
2023

3. Toxoplasmosis aguda en embarazadas asintomáticas de Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Author

Fabiano Guerra-Sanches, Antonio N Norberg, Enrique A. Covarrubias-Loayza, Miguel A Aguillar-Uriarte, José T. Madeira-Oliveira, and Nicolau M. Serra-Freire

Subjects
Toxoplasmosis, embarazo, serología, Medicine
Abstract

Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de toxoplasmosis aguda en mujeres embarazadas en la ciudad de Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 2 673 mujeres embarazadas, asintomáticas para toxoplasmosis, durante el 2007. Se determinó IgM anti T. gondii en suero mediante inmunofluorescencia indirecta como diagnóstico de sensibilidad y la confirmación de los casos positivos por medio de ELISA. Se determinó el coeficiente de prevalencia. Resultados: Once (0,41%) tenían anticuerpos IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii, con títulos iguales o mayores a 1:16. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de toxoplasmosis aguda en gestantes asintomáticas de la ciudad del Rio de Janeiro es baja, menor del promedio nacional de Brasil.

Published
2014

4. Rotavirosis en niños de la región de la Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Author

Fabiano Guerra-Sanches, Antonio N Norberg, José T Madeira-Oliveira, Miguel A. Aguilar-Uriarte, Enrique A Covarrubias-Loayza, and Nicolau M Serra-Freire

Subjects
Rotavirus, diarrea, gastroenteritis, Medicine
Abstract

La infección por rotavirus es la principal causa de diarrea aguda en el mundo. Se estima que esta infección es responsable de aproximadamente 138 millones de casos de diarrea aguda y de 44 mil muertes al año en niños con edad menor de cinco años. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de rotavirosis en niños con gastroenteritis atendidos en los servicios de salud de la región de la Baixada Fluminense. Material y métodos: Entre enero de 2009 y abril de 2010 se colectaron muestras fecales de 1067 niños menores de cinco años afectados de gastroenteritis. Se utilizó la técnica de reacción inmunocromatográfica para detectar antígenos de rotavirus (Rotavirus Tira Látex Test Bioeasy). Resultados: El 21,3% de los niños examinados tuvieron antígenos de rotavirus en las muestras fecales. No se encontró diferencias entre niños y niñas. Conclusiones: La incidencia de rotavirosis en la región de la Baixada Fluminense se encuentra en un nivel medio en comparación con poblaciones semejantes en países de Latinoamérica.

Published
2013

5. Sifonápteros de pequenos roedores e marsupiais do Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil Siphonaptera of small rodents and marsupials in the Pedra Branca State Park, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Author

Heloiza H. Oliveira, Adilson B. Almeida, Raimundo W. Carvalho, Valmir Gomes, Nicolau M. Serra-Freire, Igor Quinelato, and Acácio G. Carvalho

Subjects
Siphonaptera, Rodentia, Didelphimorphia, ectoparasitos, pulgas, ectoparasites, fleas, Animal culture, SF1-1100
Abstract

Na Mata Atlântica área correspondente ao espaço geopolítico do Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre outubro de 2005 e outubro de 2007, 160 pequenos mamíferos foram capturados, sendo 64 pequenos roedores e 96 marsupiais. Nestes hospedeiros, foram coletadas seis espécies de pulgas relacionadas a três famílias (Ctenophthalmidae, Rhopalopsyllidae e Pulicidae), totalizando 162 espécimes. Adoratopsylla (Tritopsylla) intermedia intermedia foi a espécie mais freqüente, seguida por Polygenis (Polygenis) occidentalis occidentalis. Novos hospedeiros foram registrados, Philander frenatus e Micoureus paraguayanus para Adoratopsylla (Tritopsylla) intermedia intermedia, bem como a ocorrência de algumas espécies de Siphonaptera encontrados em novo espaço geopolítico, P. o. occidentalis e no município do Rio de Janeiro.In an region of Atlantic Rainforest corresponding to the geopolitical area of the Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, 160 small mammals were captured, of which 64 rodents and 96 marsupials from October 2005 to October 2007. There were collected in these hosts six flea species from three families (Ctenophthalmidae, Rhopalopsyllidae and Pulicidae), totalizing 162 specimens. Adoratopsylla (Tritopsylla) intermedia intermedia was the most common species found, followed by Polygenis (Polygenis) occidentalis occidentalis. Philander frenatus and Micoureus paraguayanus were reported as new hosts to Adoratopsylla (Tritopsylla) intermedia intermedia and P. o. occidentalis was reported for the first time in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Published
2010
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6. Malófagos (Phthiraptera) recolhidos de aves silvestres no Zoológico de São Paulo, SP, Brasil Chewing lice (Phthiraptera) from wild birds in the São Paulo Zoo, State of São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Author

Michel P. Valim, Rodrigo H. F. Teixeira, Marinete Amorim, and Nicolau M. Serra-Freire

Subjects
Amblycera, aves de cativeiro, Ischnocera, piolhos, relação parasito-hospedeiro, captive birds, host-lice relationships, lice, Zoology, QL1-991
Abstract

Vinte e oito espécies de malófagos foram recolhidas de aves silvestres no acervo do Zoológico de São Paulo durante o ano de 2003. Vinte e três foram identificadas ao nível de espécie e cinco ao nível genérico. Os relatos de novas espécies no Brasil e novas associações parasitárias para a literatura são discutidos.Twenty-eight species of chewing lice were recovered from wild birds in the São Paulo Zoo during 2003. Twenty-three were identified to species level and five to the generic level. New species records for Brazil and new host-lice associations are discussed.

Published
2005
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7. Caamembecaia gratiosus n. gen., n. sp. (Acari: Trombiculidae), from Trinomys gratiosus (Gunter) (Rodentia: Echimydae), of Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil

Author

Gilberto S Gazêta, Marinete Amorim, David EP Bossi, Arício X Linhares, and Nicolau M Serra-Freire

Subjects
Caamembecaia gratiosus n. gen., n. sp., Trombiculidae, rodent, Brazil, Microbiology, QR1-502, Infectious and parasitic diseases, RC109-216
Abstract

From June 1999 to May 2001, small mammals were captured in three areas of the Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil and examined for ectoparasites. Analysis of ectoparasites revealed the presence of a new chigger genus and species, Caamembecaia gratiosus, from Trinomys gratiosus. This is the first record of a chigger from T. gratiosus.

Published
2006
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8. Epidemiological aspects of the Brazilian spotted fever: seasonal activity of ticks collected in an endemic area in São Paulo, Brazil

Author

Elba R.S. de Lemos, Raimundo D. Machado, José R. Coura, Maria A.A. Guimarães, Nicolau M. Serra Freire, Marinete Amorim, and Gilberto Salles Gazeta

Subjects
Febre maculosa brasileira, Carrapatos, Sazonalidade, Epidemiologia, Brazilian spotted fever, Ticks, Seasonality, Epidemiology, Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine, RC955-962
Abstract

Ticks were collected from vegetation and animals at monthly intervals during one year (1993-1994) in an endemic area of Brazilian spotted fever in the County of Pedreira, State of São Paulo. Six species of ticks were identified Amblyomma cajennense, Amblyomma cooperi, Amblyomma triste, Anocentor nitens, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Boophilus microplus. Only the first species was sufficiently numerous to permit a quantitative study with seasonal activity, although the distribution and source of capture of other species were observed and are reported. This information is correlated with the epidemiology of tick-borne rickettsiosis.Carrapatos de vegetação e de animais foram coletados mensalmente durante o período de um ano (1993-1994) em uma área endêmica de febre maculosa brasileira no município de Pedreira, São Paulo. Seis espécies de carrapatos foram identificadas Amblyomma cajennense, Amblyomma cooperi, Amblyomma triste, Anocentor nitens, Rhipicephalus sanguineus e Boophilus microplus. Somente a primeira espécie foi suficientemente abundante para permitir um estudo quantitativo com atividade sazonal, embora a distribuição e fonte de captura de outras espécies fossem observadas e aqui relatadas. Estas informações são correlacionadas com a epidemiologia da rickettsiose transmitida por carrapato.

Published
1997
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9. Task force of the Brazilian Society of Otology — evaluation and management of peripheral facial palsy

Author

Pauna, Henrique Furlan, Silva, Vagner Antonio Rodrigues, Lavinsky, Joel, Hyppolito, Miguel Angelo, Vianna, Melissa Ferreira, Gouveia, Mariana de Carvalho Leal, Monsanto, Rafael da Costa, Polanski, José Fernando, Silva, Maurício Noschang Lopes da, Soares, Vítor Yamashiro Rocha, Sampaio, André Luiz Lopes, Zanini, Raul Vitor Rossi, Abrahão, Nicolau M., Guimarães, Guilherme Correa, Chone, Carlos Takahiro, and Castilho, Arthur Menino

Published
2024
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10. Reaction-diffusion equations for the infinity Laplacian

Author

Diehl, Nicolau M. L. and Teymurazyan, Rafayel

Subjects
Mathematics - Analysis of PDEs
Abstract

We derive sharp regularity for viscosity solutions of an inhomogeneous infinity Laplace equation across the free boundary, when the right hand side does not change sign and satisfies a certain growth condition. We prove geometric regularity estimates for solutions and conclude that once the source term is comparable to a homogeneous function, then the free boundary is a porous set and hence, has zero Lebesgue measure. Additionally, we derive a Liouville type theorem. When near the origin the right hand side grows not faster than third degree homogeneous function, we show that if a non-negative viscosity solution vanishes at a point, then it has to vanish everywhere., Comment: 14 pages

Published
2020

13. i-Caloric Effects: a proposal for normalization

Author

Imamura, William, Paixão, Lucas S., Usuda, Érik O., Bom, Nicolau M., Gama, Sergio, Lopes, Éder S. N., and Carvalho, Alexandre Magnus G.

Subjects
Condensed Matter - Materials Science
Abstract

Solid-state cooling based on i-caloric effects is considered the most promising alternative to replace the conventional vapor-compression refrigeration systems. It is possible to define an i-caloric effect as a thermal response registered in a material upon the application of an external field, characterized by an adiabatic temperature change ({\Delta}T_S) or an isothermal entropy change ({\Delta}S_T). Depending on the nature of the external field (magnetic field, electric field or stress field), the i-caloric effects can be categorized as magnetocaloric effect, electrocaloric effect, and mechanocaloric effect. We can still subdivide mechanocaloric effect in: elastocaloric effect, driven by uniaxial stress; barocaloric effect, driven by isotropic stress (pressure); and torsiocaloric effect, driven by a torque in a prismatic bar, causing a pure shear stress of torsion. The study of i-caloric effects dates from the beginning of 19th century. Nevertheless, due to the independent development of investigations on each effect, there are no stablished standards regarding terminology or results evaluation up to now, making the understanding quite challenging for the community. In this context, we present a proposal for normalization of i-caloric effects, considering different aspects, such as nomenclature, thermodynamics and figures of merit., Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures

Published
2018

15. Some properties for the Steklov averages

Author

Chagas, Jocemar Q., Diehl, Nicolau M. L., and Guidolin, Patrícia L.

Subjects
Mathematics - Analysis of PDEs, 33E30, 26B35, 26B05, 35A23, 35A30
Abstract

We derive and present a collection of properties about the Steklov averages, including some results about the derivation with respect to spatial variables, and with respect to time, and a form of the fundamental theorem of the calculus., Comment: 33 pages

Published
2017

16. Large barocaloric effects at low pressures in natural rubber

Author

Usuda, Érik O., Bom, Nicolau M., and Carvalho, Alexandre Magnus G.

Subjects
Condensed Matter - Materials Science
Abstract

Barocaloric effect in vulcanized natural rubber (V-NR) has been investigated. Direct measurements of the temperature change ({\Delta}T) around room temperature (283-333 K) resulted in large values, above 10 K, for a pressure change of 173 MPa. A power law was proposed to fit {\Delta}T as function of the maximum pressure, showing to be suitable for the barocaloric effect in V-NR. Strain was measured as a function of temperature at constant pressures in order to obtain the isothermal entropy change ({\Delta}ST). At 293 K, we obtained a {\Delta}ST of 21 J.kg-1K-1 for a pressure change of only 43.4 MPa. The results presented in this work are compared with those reported recently for PVDF-TrFE-CTFE polymer, showing a better barocaloric performance for V-NR in similar temperature and pressure ranges. These findings evidence the high potential of V-NR for application in solid-state refrigeration based on confined compression, opening new possibilities for i-caloric materials., Comment: 15 pages, 6 figures, 1 table. Correction of Figure 5 and COP value

Published
2017
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17. Measuring activity-rest rhythms under different acclimation periods in a marine fish using automatic deep learning-based video tracking.

Author

Akaarir, Mourad, Martorell-Barceló, Martina, Morro, Bernat, Suau, Margalida, Alós, Josep, Aspillaga, Eneko, Gamundí, Antoni, Grau, Amalia, Lana, Arancha, Nicolau, M. Cristina, Pons, Aina, Rial, Rubén V., Signaroli, Marco, and Barcelo-Serra, Margarida

Subjects
MARINE fishes, BIOLOGICAL monitoring, BIOLOGICAL rhythms, BIOLOGICAL laboratories, CIRCADIAN rhythms, DEEP learning
Abstract

Most organisms synchronize to an approximately 24-hour (circadian) rhythm. This study introduces a novel deep learning-powered video tracking method to assess the stability, fragmentation, robustness and synchronization of activity rhythms in Xyrichtys novacula. Experimental X. novacula were distributed into three groups and monitored for synchronization to a 14/10 hours of light/dark to assess acclimation to laboratory conditions. Group GP7 acclimated for 1 week and was tested from days 7 to 14, GP14 acclimated for 14 days and was tested from days 14 to 21 and GP21 acclimated for 21 days and was tested from days 21 to 28. Telemetry data from individuals in the wild depicted their natural behavior. Wild fish displayed a robust and minimally fragmented rhythm, entrained to the natural photoperiod. Under laboratory conditions, differences in activity levels were observed between light and dark phases. However, no differences were observed in activity rhythm metrics among laboratory groups related to acclimation period. Notably, longer acclimation (GP14 and GP21) led to a larger proportion of individuals displaying rhythm synchronization with the imposed photoperiod. Our work introduces a novel approach for monitoring biological rhythms in laboratory conditions, employing a specifically engineered video tracking system based on deep learning, adaptable for other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2024
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18. Simulation and Testing of a Platooning Cooperative Longitudinal Controller

Author

Hapanchak, Vadym, Costa, António, Macedo, Joaquim, Santos, Alexandre, Dias, Bruno, Nicolau, M. João, Ribeiro, Bruno, Gonçalves, Fábio, Gama, Oscar, Araújo, Paulo, Akan, Ozgur, Series Editor, Bellavista, Paolo, Series Editor, Cao, Jiannong, Series Editor, Coulson, Geoffrey, Series Editor, Dressler, Falko, Series Editor, Ferrari, Domenico, Series Editor, Gerla, Mario, Series Editor, Kobayashi, Hisashi, Series Editor, Palazzo, Sergio, Series Editor, Sahni, Sartaj, Series Editor, Shen, Xuemin (Sherman), Series Editor, Stan, Mircea, Series Editor, Xiaohua, Jia, Series Editor, Zomaya, Albert Y., Series Editor, Ferreira, Joao Carlos, editor, Martins, Ana Lúcia, editor, and Monteiro, Vitor, editor

Published
2019
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19. Task force of the Brazilian Society of Otology — evaluation and management of peripheral facial palsy

Author

Pauna, Henrique Furlan, primary, Silva, Vagner Antonio Rodrigues, additional, Lavinsky, Joel, additional, Hyppolito, Miguel Angelo, additional, Vianna, Melissa Ferreira, additional, Gouveia, Mariana de Carvalho Leal, additional, Monsanto, Rafael da Costa, additional, Polanski, José Fernando, additional, Silva, Maurício Noschang Lopes da, additional, Soares, Vítor Yamashiro Rocha, additional, Sampaio, André Luiz Lopes, additional, Zanini, Raul Vitor Rossi, additional, Abrahão, Nicolau M., additional, Guimarães, Guilherme Correa, additional, Chone, Carlos Takahiro, additional, and Castilho, Arthur Menino, additional

Published
2023
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20. Complex and CR-structures on compact Lie groups associated to Abelian actions

Author

Loeb, J. -J., Manjarin, M., and Nicolau, M.

Subjects
Mathematics - Differential Geometry, 32C10, 32C16
Abstract

It was shown by Samelson and Wang that each compact Lie group K of even dimension admits left-invariant complex structures. When K has odd dimension it admits a left-invariant CR-structure of maximal dimension. This has been proved recently by Charbonnel and Khalgui who have also given a complete algebraic description of these structures. In this article we present an alternative and more geometric construction of this type of invariant structures on a compact Lie group K when it is semisimple. We prove that each left-invariant complex structure, or each CR-structure of maximal dimension with a transverse CR-action by R, is induced by a holomorphic C^l action on a quasi-projective manifold X naturally associated to K. We then show that X admits more general Abelian actions, also inducing complex or CR structures on K which are generically non-invariant.

Published
2006

23. When the alarm bells ring: Why the UN sustainable development goals may not be achieved by 2030

Author

Leal, W, Viera Trevisan, L, Simon Rampasso, I, Anholon, R, Pimenta Dinis, MA, Londero Brandli, L, Sierra, J, Lange Salvia, A, Pretorius, R, Nicolau, M, Paulino Pires Eustachio, JH, Mazutti, J, Leal, W, Viera Trevisan, L, Simon Rampasso, I, Anholon, R, Pimenta Dinis, MA, Londero Brandli, L, Sierra, J, Lange Salvia, A, Pretorius, R, Nicolau, M, Paulino Pires Eustachio, JH, and Mazutti, J

Abstract

When the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were agreed upon by the UN General Assembly in 2015, and subsequently endorsed by most UN Member States, there was a sense of optimism in respect of their timely implementation by 2030. This optimism has now become a concern. This is due to the fact that a combination of unfavourable circumstances and crises have so severely undermined the pursuit of the SDGs, that there are serious concerns about the probability of their achievement by 2030. This paper reports on an expert-driven literature review of the implementation of the SDGs and a bibliometric analysis, aimed at identifying some of the issues which have been slowing SDGs’ progress. Based on the information gathered, it suggests some specific measures which may be deployed, in order to accelerate their implementation by 2030.

Published
2023

24. Promoting gender equality across the sustainable development goals

Author

Leal, W, Kovaleva, M, Tsani, S, Țîrcă, DM, Shiel, C, Dinis, MAP, Nicolau, M, Sima, M, Fritzen, B, Lange Salvia, A, Minhas, A, Kozlova, V, Doni, F, Spiteri, J, Gupta, T, Wakunuma, K, Sharma, M, Barbir, J, Shulla, K, Bhandari, MP, Tripathi, S, Leal, W, Kovaleva, M, Tsani, S, Țîrcă, DM, Shiel, C, Dinis, MAP, Nicolau, M, Sima, M, Fritzen, B, Lange Salvia, A, Minhas, A, Kozlova, V, Doni, F, Spiteri, J, Gupta, T, Wakunuma, K, Sharma, M, Barbir, J, Shulla, K, Bhandari, MP, and Tripathi, S

Abstract

Gender issues, and gender equality in particular, can be regarded as cross-cutting issues in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), even though it is unclear how they are taken into account. This study addresses this information gap by performing an assessment of the emphasis on gender issues across all the other 16 SDGs, in addition to SDG5, through a literature review and case study analysis, the basis for the newly developed framework, highlighting specific actions associated to each SDG. The 13 countries addressed in the 16 case studies include China, India, or Australia and illustrate the inclusion of SDG5 into the SDGs. Using an SDG matrix, the SDG targets are analysed. Those where an emphasis on gender equality is important in allowing them to be achieved are listed. The novelty of our approach resides in offering an in-depth analysis of how gender issues interact with the other SDGs, proposing a new analysis framework clearly identifying SDGs 1, 4, 11, 12, 14 and 16 demanding further attention for successful SD gender implementation and illustrating specific areas where further actions may be necessary, which may be used by policy-makers, raising further awareness on gender equality contribution to achieve the SDGs. A set of recommendations aimed at placing gender matters more centrally in the SDGs delivery are presented as a final contribution. These focus on the need for greater awareness and attention to good practices, to achieve successful implementation initiatives.

Published
2023

26. Acting Environmentally Proactive in an Emerging Market-Oriented Economy

Author

Constantin, L., Teodorescu, C., and Nicolau, M.

Abstract

Abstract: As a new member of the European Union (EU), Romania has to align its economy with that of other EU partners, including the addition of a proactive component to environmental protection. This requires the development of a transitive approach capable of overcoming the difficulties of implementing the sustainability paradigm within an emerging market-oriented economy, which despite its progress, is still not fully prepared to understand and accept sustainability. This paper describes such a transition, showing how INCD ECOIND (the main Romanian Research and Development entity in the field of industrial ecology) reshaped its policies to include in current projects developed with Romanian partners the following elements: the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive, components relating to the REACH Process; the Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) mainframe and assistance in cultivating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an intrinsic part of modern enterprise. Lessons learned from previous and current projects are presented, underlining the complexity of obstacles met and problem-solving procedures derived and verified in practice.

Published
2024
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31. Promoting gender equality across the sustainable development goals

Author

Leal Filho, W, Kovaleva, M, Tsani, S, Țîrcă, D, Shiel, C, Dinis, M, Nicolau, M, Sima, M, Fritzen, B, Lange Salvia, A, Minhas, A, Kozlova, V, Doni, F, Spiteri, J, Gupta, T, Wakunuma, K, Sharma, M, Barbir, J, Shulla, K, Bhandari, M, Tripathi, S, Leal Filho, Walter, Kovaleva, Marina, Tsani, Stella, Țîrcă, Diana-Mihaela, Shiel, Chris, Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta, Nicolau, Melanie, Sima, Mihaela, Fritzen, Barbara, Lange Salvia, Amanda, Minhas, Aprajita, Kozlova, Valerija, Doni, Federica, Spiteri, Jane, Gupta, Tanushka, Wakunuma, Kutoma, Sharma, Mohit, Barbir, Jelena, Shulla, Kalterina, Bhandari, Medani P., Tripathi, Shiv, Leal Filho, W, Kovaleva, M, Tsani, S, Țîrcă, D, Shiel, C, Dinis, M, Nicolau, M, Sima, M, Fritzen, B, Lange Salvia, A, Minhas, A, Kozlova, V, Doni, F, Spiteri, J, Gupta, T, Wakunuma, K, Sharma, M, Barbir, J, Shulla, K, Bhandari, M, Tripathi, S, Leal Filho, Walter, Kovaleva, Marina, Tsani, Stella, Țîrcă, Diana-Mihaela, Shiel, Chris, Dinis, Maria Alzira Pimenta, Nicolau, Melanie, Sima, Mihaela, Fritzen, Barbara, Lange Salvia, Amanda, Minhas, Aprajita, Kozlova, Valerija, Doni, Federica, Spiteri, Jane, Gupta, Tanushka, Wakunuma, Kutoma, Sharma, Mohit, Barbir, Jelena, Shulla, Kalterina, Bhandari, Medani P., and Tripathi, Shiv

Abstract

Gender issues, and gender equality in particular, can be regarded as cross-cutting issues in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), even though it is unclear how they are taken into account. This study addresses this information gap by performing an assessment of the emphasis on gender issues across all the other 16 SDGs, in addition to SDG5, through a literature review and case study analysis, the basis for the newly developed framework, highlighting specific actions associated to each SDG. The 13 countries addressed in the 16 case studies include China, India, or Australia and illustrate the inclusion of SDG5 into the SDGs. Using an SDG matrix, the SDG targets are analysed. Those where an emphasis on gender equality is important in allowing them to be achieved are listed. The novelty of our approach resides in offering an in-depth analysis of how gender issues interact with the other SDGs, proposing a new analysis framework clearly identifying SDGs 1, 4, 11, 12, 14 and 16 demanding further attention for successful SD gender implementation and illustrating specific areas where further actions may be necessary, which may be used by policy-makers, raising further awareness on gender equality contribution to achieve the SDGs. A set of recommendations aimed at placing gender matters more centrally in the SDGs delivery are presented as a final contribution. These focus on the need for greater awareness and attention to good practices, to achieve successful implementation initiatives.

Published
2022

32. The Birth of the Mammalian Sleep

Author

Rial, Rubén V., primary, Canellas, Francesca, additional, Akaârir, Mourad, additional, Rubiño, José A., additional, Barceló, Pere, additional, Martín, Aida, additional, Gamundí, Antoni, additional, and Nicolau, M. Cristina, additional

Published
2022
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33. Scenario analysis report with policy recommendations: An assessment of sustainability, resilience, efficiency and fairness and effective chain relationships in VALUMICS case studies

Author

Olafsdottir, G., Bogason, S. G., Aubert, P.-M, Barling, D., Thakur, M., Duric, I, Nicolau, M., McGarraghy, S., Sigurdardottir, H., Samoggia, A., Holden, N.M., Čechura, L., Jaghdani, T.J., Svanidze, M., Esposito, G., Monticoni, F., Fedato, C., Xhelili, A., Huber, E., Hargaden, V., Saviolidis, N.M., Gorton, M., Hubbard, C., Kahiluoto, H., and Hoang, V.

Subjects
Future scenarios, Integrity, Governance, Fairness, Resilience, digestive, oral, and skin physiology, Economic analysis, Material flow analysis, Modelling, Market power, Life cycle assessment, Policy, Food value chains, Sustainability, Transition, Price transmission
Abstract

The functioning of food value chains entails a complex organisation from farm to fork which is characterised by various governance forms and externalities which have shaped the overall food system. VALUMICS food value chain case studies: wheat to bread, dairy cows to milk, beef cattle to steak, farmed salmon to fillets and tomato to processed tomato were selected to enable explorative and empirical analysis to better understand the functioning of the food system and, to identify the main challenges that need to be addressed to improve sustainability, integrity, resilience, and fairness of European food chains. The VALUMICS system analysis was executed through four operational phases starting with Groundwork & analysis including mapping specific attributes and impacts of food value chains and their externalities. This was followed by Case study baseline analysis, which provided input to the third phase on Modelling and exploration of future scenarios and finally Policy and synthesis of the overall work. This report is an overall synthesis of the VALUMICS results as follows: • Key findings from the VALUMICS project on the functioning of European food value chains and their impacts on more sustainable, resilient, fairer, and transparent food system are summarised through a compilation of 25 Research Findings and Policy Briefs. • By highlighting the major contributions from the research activities throughout the four phases of the VALUMICS project, this report delivers an assessment of various factors influencing sustainability, resilience, efficiency and fairness and effective chain relationships of different food value chains, and their determinants. • The synthesis of the outcome allows the identification of opportunities and challenges characterising the functioning of food supply chains, and thus, the prospects and potentials for strengthening the EU food sector., Citation: Olafsdottir, G., Bogason, S., Aubert, P.M., Barling, D., Thakur, M., Duric, I., Nicolau, M., McGarraghy, S., Sigurdardottir; H., Samoggia, A., Holden N.M., Čechura, L., Jaghdani, T.J., Svanidze, M., Esposito., G., Monticone, F., Fedato, C., Xhelili, A., Huber, E., Hargaden, V., Saviolidis, N M., Gorton, M., Hubbard, C., Kahiluoto, H., Hoang, V.(2021). Scenario analysis report with policy recommendations: An assessment of sustainability, resilience, efficiency and fairness and effective chain relationships in VALUMICS case studies. The VALUMICS project funded by EU Horizon 2020 G.A. No 727243. Deliverable: D8.4, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, 130 pages DOI:10.5281/zenodo.6534011

Published
2021
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34. Putting Solutions on the Table: Successful approaches and interventions to support more sustainable food consumption behaviours in the EU

Author

Nicolau, M., Aubert, P.M, Samoggia, A., and Gorton, M.

Subjects
behaviourally-informed interventions, sustainable food consumption
Abstract

"Putting Solutions on the Table" was the title of a webinar on successful approaches and interventions to support more sustainable food consumption behaviours in the EU. The webinar was organised by the H2020 project VALUMICS and held in July 2021. The purpose of the webinar was to share and discuss insights from existing evidence from hands-on, behaviourally-informed pilot interventions and strategies suitable for the food industry and policy makers in order to drive more sustainable food consumption practices. 170 persons registered for the event and more than 90 joined live to hear and interact on several key questions, notably: • How can we move towards a healthier and more sustainable food consumption, in view of the EU food consumption policy landscape, particularly the Farm to Fork Strategy? • Which sustainable food consumption targets lie ahead of us? • How can food consumption behaviours and solution-oriented interventions trigger and shift towards a more sustainable future? • How are these behavioural interventions applied in real life contexts and what might we learn from them?

Published
2021

37. Frailty Scales for Prognosis Assessment of Older Adult Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Author

Garcia-Blas S, Bonanad C, Fernandez-Cisnal A, Sastre-Arbona C, Ruescas-Nicolau M, D'Gregorio J, Valero E, Minana G, Palau P, Tarazona-Santabalbina F, Ros V, Nunez J, and Sanchis J

Subjects
Clinical Frailty Scale, acute myocardial infarction, Fried's frailty score, frailty, health care economics and organizations
Abstract

We aimed to compare the prognostic value of two different measures, the Fried's Frailty Scale (FFS) and the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), following myocardial infarction (MI). We included 150 patients >= 70 years admitted from AMI. Frailty was evaluated on the day before discharge. The primary endpoint was number of days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) during the first 800 days. Secondary endpoints were mortality and a composite of mortality and reinfarction. Frailty was diagnosed in 58% and 34% of patients using the FFS and CFS scales, respectively. During the first 800 days 34 deaths and 137 admissions occurred. The number of DAOH decreased significantly with increasing scores of both FFS (p < 0.001) and CFS (p = 0.049). In multivariate analysis, only the highest scores (FFS = 5, CFS >= 6) were independently associated with fewer DAOH. At a median follow-up of 946 days, frailty assessed both by FFS and CFS was independently associated with death and MI (HR = 2.70 95%CI = 1.32-5.51 p = 0.001; HR = 2.01 95%CI = 1.1-3.66 p = 0.023, respectively), whereas all-cause mortality was only associated with FFS (HR = 1.51 95%CI = 1.08-2.10 p = 0.015). Frailty by FFS or CFS is independently associated with shorter number DAOH post-MI. Likewise, frailty assessed by either scale is associated with a higher rate of death and reinfarction, whereas FFS outperforms CFS for mortality prediction.

Published
2021

38. Livelihood Outcomes of Informal Cross Border Traders Prior to the Rise of the Virtual Cash Economy in Gweru, Zimbabwe

Author

Dzawanda, B., Nicolau, M. D., Matsa, M., and Kusena, W.

Abstract

ABSTRACTInformal cross border trade (ICBT) is a viable economic activity that many people in Zimbabwe depend upon for their survival during times of economic hardship. The research examined the livelihood outcomes of ICBT during the multi-currency era and prior to the extensive use of the virtual cash economy in Zimbabwe. Data collection instruments comprised closed and open-ended questionnaires, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 497 traders at flea markets in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Results revealed that during the cash economy, ICBT generated livelihood outcomes through the exchange of cash, allowing traders to acquire land and goods and to provide employment. The study recommended the simultaneous use of the virtual cash economy and a cash economy to provide sustainable livelihood outcomes for all stakeholders. In addition, it is recommended that the government of Zimbabwe should integrate ICBT into the mainstream economy by formalization through economic policy.

Published
2023
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40. Mammalian NREM and REM Sleep. Why, How and When

Author

Rial, Rubén Víctor, primary, Akaârir, Mourad, additional, Canellas, Francesca, additional, Gamundi, Antoni, additional, Martín Reina, Aida, additional, Barceló, Pere, additional, Rubiño, José A., additional, and Nicolau, M. Cristina, additional

Published
2021
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42. Relation of Low Lymphocyte Count to Frailty and its 11) Usefulness as a Prognostic Biomarker in Patients >65 Years of Age With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Author

Nunez J, Sastre C, D'Ascoli G, Ruiz V, Bonanad C, Minana G, Valero E, Garcia-Blas S, Mollar A, Villaescusa A, Ruescas-Nicolau M, Nunez E, Formiga F, Chorro F, and Sanchis J

Abstract

Low lymphocyte count, as a marker of inflammation and immunosuppression, may be use-ful for identifying frail patients. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the association between low-relative lymphocyte count (Lymph%) and frailty status in patients >65 years old with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and whether Lymph % is associated with morbimortality beyond standard prognosticators and frailty. In this prospective observational study, we included 488 hospital survivors of an episode of an ACS >65 years old. Total and differential white blood cells and frailty status were assessed at discharge. Frailty was evaluated using the Fried score at discharge and defined as Fried >= 3. The independent association between Lymph% and Fried >= 3 was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The associations between Lymph% with long-term all-cause mortality and recurrent admission were evaluated with Cox regression and shared frailty regression, respectively. The mean age of the sample was 78 +/- 7 years and 41% were females. The median (interquartile range) of the Lymph% was 21% (15 to 27) and 41% showed Fried >= 3. In multivariate analysis, Lymph% was inversely related to the odds of frailty with an exponential increase risk from values below 15% (p = 0.001). Likewise, Lymph% was inverse and independently associated with a higher risk of long-term mortality (p = 0.011), recurrent all-cause (p = 0.020), and cardiovascular readmissions (p = 0.024). In conclusion, in patients >65 years with a recent ACS, low Lymph% evaluated at discharge is associated with a higher risk of frailty. Low Lymph% was also associated with a higher risk of long-term mortality and recurrent admissions beyond standard prognosticators and Fried score. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Published
2020

44. Free Communication Abstracts

Author

Kaul, Prashan T., Passafiume, Jasonm, O’Hara, Bruce F., Vetrivelan, Ramalingam, Mallick, Hruda Nanda, Kumar, Velayadhan Mohan, Zhan, G.-X., Serrano, F., Fenik, P., Hsu, R., Kong, L., Pratico, D., Klann, E., Veasey, S. C., Mahapatra, Ambika Prasad K., Kumar, Velayudhan Mohan, Kuwaki, Tomoyuki, Den, Ben-Shiang, Nakamura, Akira, Zhang, Wei, Yanagisawa, Masashi, Fukuda, Yasuichiro, Andersen, Monica L., Tufik, Sergio, Antunes, Isabela B., Perry, Juliana C., Tufik, S., Andersen, M. L., Batista, M. C., Calzavara, M. B., Costa, J. L., Frussa-Filho, Désarnaud, F., Murillo-Rodriguez, E., Gerashchenko, D., Shiromani, S., Lin, L., Nishino, S., Mignot, E., Shiromani, P. J., Blanco-Centurion, Carlos, Shiromani, Priyattam J., Ling, L., Xu, M., Blanco-Centurion, C., Mikko, Härmä, Mikael, Sallinen, Jain, Shamini, Mills, Paul J., Liu, Lianqi, Ancoli-Israel, Sonia, Haimov, I., Breznitz, N., Shiloh, S., Silvestri, R., Aricò, I., Mento, G., Gagliano, A., Calarese, T., di Perri, C., Epstein, R., Tzischinsky, O., Naveh, R., Herer, P., Pillar, G., Adami, H., Lavie, P., Marks, Gerald A., Sachs, Oren, Birabil, Christian C., Roky, Rachida, Benaji, Brahim, Benchekroun, Majda Taoudi, Chapotot, Florian, Buguet, Alain, Rao, Uma, Poland, Russell E., Puvanendran, K., Mishima, Yumiko, Mishima, Kazuo, Hozumi, Satoshi, Shimizu, Tetsuo, Hishikawa, Yasuo, Toledo, Juan C., Koyama, Yoshimasa, Kayama, Yukihiko, Iwasaki, Hiroshi, Kawauchi, Akihiro, Miki, Tsuneharo, Yaegashi, Hironobu, Takahashi, Yasuro, Inoue, Yuichi, Ishiura, Daiki, Yamamoto, Keisuke, Nakao, Mitsuyuki, Katayama, Norihito, Yamamoto, Mitsuaki, Matsumoto, Yasuhiro, Satoh, Kohtoku, Tozawa, Takuma, Lack, Leon, Bramwell, Toby, Wright, Helen, Gradisar, Michael, Storrs, P., Mckenna, F., Hume, K., Loshkarev, Alexander A., Rodionova, Elena I., Levichkina, Ekaterina V., Pigarev, Ivan N., de Koninck, Joseph, Maganti, Rama, Biswas, Amit, Kiyashchenko, Lyudmila I., Mileykovskiy, Boris Y., Siegel, Jerome M., Methippara, Melvi, Kumar, Sunil, Alam, Noor, Szymusiak, Ronald, Mcginty, Dennis, Richardson, Heidi L., Parslow, Peter M., Walker, Adrian M., Harding, Richard, Horne, Rosemary S. C., Tzchishinsky, O., Shochat, T., Nictren, A., Portnoy, T., Peled, R., Bootzin, Richard, Aparicio, S., Garau, C., Rial, R. V., Nicolau, M. C., Rivero, M., Esteban, S., Barriga, M. C., Kuenzel, H. E., Steiger, A., Held, K., Antonijevic, I. A., Frieboes, R. M., Murck, H., Mairesse, Olivier, de Valck, Elke, Theuns, Peter, Cluydts, Raymond, Gvilia, I., Turner, A., Mcginty, D., Szymusiak, R., Lyamin, O. I., Mukhametov, L. M., Kosenko, P. O., Vyssotski, A. L., Lapierre, J. L., Pokidchenko, T. M., Lipp, H. P., Hsieh, Kc, Nguyen, D., Lai, Y. Y., Ramanathan, Lalini, Bashir, Muhammad-Tariq, Guzman-Marin, Ruben, Xu, Feng, Chew, Keng-Tee, Cassaglia, P., Griffiths, R., Walker, A. M., Grant, D. A., Wild, G. Zoccoli, Matsuura, Noriko, Adachi, Naomi, Kaji, Megumi, Aritomi, Ryoji, Basishvili, T., Gogichadze, M., Rukhadze, I., Emukhvari, N., Fujita, Etsunori, Ogura, Yumi, Ochiai, Naoki, Murata, Kohji, Kamei, Tsutomu, Ueno, Yoshiyuki, Kaneko, Shigehiko, Voss, U., Tuin, I., Kessler, K. R., Morales, B., Ziemann, U., Steinmetz, H., Auburger, G., Mishra, J. P. N., Pedemonte, Marisa, Bentancor, Claudia, Velluti, Ricardo A., Zoccoli, Giovanna, Grant, Daniel A., Wild, Jennene, de Gennaro, Luigi, Curcio, Giuseppe, Fratello, Fabiana, Marzano, Cristina, Moroni, Fabio, Pellicciari, Maria Concetta, Ferrara, Michele, Sforza, Emilia, Pal, Dinesh, Mallick, Birendra Nath, Hornung, Orla P., Regen, Francesca, Danker-Hopfe, Heidi, Dorn, Hans, Schredl, Michael, Heuser, Isabella, Rai, Seema, Alam, Md Noor, Aschbacher, Kirstin, Dimsdale, Joel E., Calleran, Susan, Ziegler, Michael G., Patterson, Thomas L., Grant, Igor, Kang, J.-S., Youngstedt, S. D., Kline, C. E., Zielinski, M., Lee, A., Devlin, T. M., Kripke, D. F., Regen, F., Dorn, H., Danker-Hopfe, H., Bassi, Alejandro, Vivaldi, Ennio A., Ocampo-Garcés, Adrian, Galland, Barbara, Tan, Evan, Taylor, Barry, Goulden, Marie, Peled, Nir, Shitrit, David, Kramer, Mordechai R., Dunleavy, Mark, Lane, Donncha, O’Halloran, Ken, Bradford, Aidan, Sverteczki, Melinda, Sándor, Lázár Alpár, Linda, Havrán, TamÁs, Kis, Péter, Rigó, Szilvia, Csóka, Robert, Bódizs, Mccarley, Robert W., Basheer, Radhika, Strecker, Robert E., Farooqui, Ausaf A., Gulia, Kamalesh K., Balakrishnan, D., Thirunavukkarasu, S., Edwin, R., Virudhagirinathan, B. S., Kumar, Deependra, and Srividya, Rajagopalan

Published
2005
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49. Nonlinear, fractal, and spectral analysis of the EEG of lizard, Gallotia galloti

Author

Gonzalez, Julian, Gamundi, Antoni, Rial, Ruben, Nicolau, M. Cristina, Vera, Luis de, and Pereda, Ernesto

Subjects
Electroencephalography -- Usage, Lizards -- Physiological aspects, Fractals -- Usage, Biological sciences
Abstract

Electroencephalogram (EEG) from dorsal cortex of lizard Gallotia galloti was examined at various temperatures to test the presence of fractal or nonlinear structure during open and closed eyes, with the goal of comparing these results with those reported for human slow-wave sleep (SWS). Qualitative similarities found between lizard and human SWS EEG were in agreement with the hypothesis that reptilian waking could evolve into mammalian SWS.

Published
1999

50. Investigating intracellular persistence of Staphylococcus aureus within a murine alveolar macrophage cell line

Author

Lacoma, A., Cano, V., Moranta, D., Regueiro, V., Domínguez Villanueva, Dídac, Laabei, M., González-Nicolau, M., Ausina, V., Prat, C., Bengoechea, J. A., and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Subjects
0301 basic medicine, Microbiology (medical), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus aureus, Macrophage, Phagocytosis, Immunology, macromolecular substances, macrophage, Biology, Staphylococcal infections, medicine.disease_cause, Microbiology, Cell Line, Persistence, Mice, 03 medical and health sciences, Invasion, Macrophages, Alveolar, medicine, Animals, Humans, Pathogen, Microbial Viability, persistence, Staphylococcal Infections, medicine.disease, invasion, Editorial, 030104 developmental biology, Infectious Diseases, medicine.anatomical_structure, Alveolar macrophage, Parasitology, Intracellular, Respiratory tract, Research Paper
Abstract

Objective: Staphylococcus aureus is a particularly difficult pathogen to eradicate from the respiratory tract. Previous studies have highlighted the intracellular capacity of S.aureus in several phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells. The aim of this study was to define S.aureus interaction within a murine alveolar macrophage cell line.Methods: Cell line MH-S was infected with Newman strain. Molecular mechanisms involved in phagocytosis were explored. To assess whether S.aureus survives intracellularly quantitative (gentamicin protection assays and bacterial plating) and qualitative analysis (immunofluorescence microscopy) were performed. Bacterial colocalization with different markers of the endocytic pathway was examined to characterize its intracellular trafficking.Results: We found that S.aureus uptake requires host actin polymerization, microtubule assembly and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling. Time course experiments showed that Newman strain was able to persist within macrophages at least until 28.5 h post infection. We observed that intracellular bacteria are located inside an acidic subcellular compartment, which co-localizes with the late endosome/lysosome markers Lamp-1, Rab7 and RILP. Colocalization counts with TMR-dextran might reflect a balance between bacterial killing and intracellular survival.Conclusions: This study indicates that S.aureus persists and replicates inside murine alveolar macrophages, representing a privileged niche that can potentially offer protection from antimicrobial activity and immunological host defense mechanisms.

Published
2017

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