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BackgroundAging of the global population is slowly paving the way for new markets for care products and services. The desire of older people to maintain their independence while remaining at home is boosting the development of ambient assisted living (AAL) solutions. Lack of user awareness of AAL solutions paired with an insufficient use of user-centered and participatory design approaches in the development of these products has hindered the uptake of these solutions by end users. ObjectiveThis study aims to describe the usability and users’ experiences within a novel platform, ActiveAdvice, aimed at offering advice and a holistic market overview of AAL products and services. MethodsUsability tests were performed on the developed platform among identified prospective end users, with 32 older adults and informal carers from 4 European countries being part of the user tests. The usability and appeal of the web interface design, information flow, and information architecture were analyzed by collecting both objective and subjective measures. These would include pretest and posttest surveys, along with a series of think-aloud tasks to be performed within the platform. ResultsThe outcomes suggest that the ActiveAdvice platform’s objectives and functionalities are mostly aligned with the needs and expectations of end users, who demonstrated interest in using it, stressing its purpose along with its simple and intuitive interaction. Task completion rates were high, and participants had good satisfaction rates when navigating the platform. However, the tests still advocate for an improved design at some points and better disclosure of information. ConclusionsOur findings shed light on a few peculiarities of interface design, information architecture, user needs, and preferred functionalities, which should be applied to future developments of similar platforms with related services. The AAL field could benefit from tools supporting the dissemination of available AAL solutions and how they can improve one's quality of life. These tools may benefit not only older adults but also caregivers, business owners, and governmental employees.

This paper aims to develop sustainable geopolymer composites reinforced with silverskin fibers derived from coffee industry waste. Geopolymer and geopolymer composites were synthesized from blast furnace slags (BFS) with a solid/liquid (alkaline solution) ratio of 1.4. A sodium metasilicate/sodium hydroxide (Na2SiO3/NaOH) mixture at a mass ratio of 2.5 served as the alkaline activator in the geopolymerization process. The composites were evaluated by incorporating 2%, 3%, and 5% by weight of silverskin fibers, which were used in their natural form (SGCn), after treatment with sodium hydroxide (SGCNaOH), and after treatment with sodium hydroxide followed by a steam explosion process (SGCSE).Characterizations of the geopolymer composites included X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) for elemental oxide identification, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for functional group detection, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal stability assessment. The influence of fibers on the hardness of the geopolymer materials was evaluated using hardness scale measurements. Morphologies, microstructures, and elemental compositions were analyzed through field emission gun scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FEG-SEM/EDS).The results demonstrate that the incorporation of silverskin fibers, especially those treated with NaOH and subjected to steam explosion, significantly enhances the thermal stability of geopolymer composites. The 5% NaOH-treated fiber composite exhibited the highest Tmax and Tend, indicating superior thermal stability. Additionally, the 5% SGCNaOH composite showed the highest residual mass, further supporting the enhanced thermal stability of these composites.Unlike other fibers, which showed a decrease in hardness, the addition of SGCSE fibers maintains a relatively high hardness in the geopolymer composites. The 2% SGCSE composite exhibited an average hardness equal to that of the pure geopolymer at 66 Shore D.These findings underscore the potential of using treated silverskin fibers to develop more thermally stable, cost-effective, and sustainable geopolymer materials. By utilizing industrial residues and waste, these advanced materials can be applied in the production of construction and building materials, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.

Nanocomposites of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) containing fibrillated cellulose extracted from eucalyptus fibers were prepared and characterized. This study focuses initially on the method to follow the acid treatment of eucalyptus cellulose fibers (ECF) through an experimental design, where the studied parameters were the H2SO4 concentration, hydrolysis time, and reaction temperatures as independent variables for statistical analysis. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the ECF revealed that mild hydrolysis conditions shifted the degradation temperature of the fibers to higher values. The crystallinity index (CI) obtained by the X-ray diffraction was greater when intermediate hydrolysis conditions (30% H2SO4, 60 °C, 150 min) were employed. Afterward, the most promising ECFs hydrolyzed according to the experimental design were used to produce nanocomposites of PHB(ECF/PHB) containing 5 wt% of the fiber reinforcement via twin-screw mini extruder Haake MiniLab II operating at 180 °C, and varying the rotation speeds (60, 120, and 180 rpm). The ECF/PHB nanocomposites were characterized by TGA and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), through which the selected composites with higher thermal and mechanical properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile test, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ECF/PHB nanocomposites processed at 120 rpm resulted in a material with improved properties. The DMA storage and loss moduli as well as the tensile elastic modulus increased 65%, 196% and 15%, respectively, as compared to the neat PHB. The SEM of the composites revealed nanowhiskers, microcrystalline and microfibrillated cellulose incorporated into PHB, which were attributed to improvements in the thermal and mechanical properties of the PHB matrix.

Background: Success in resuscitation depends not only on the timeliness of the maneuvers but also on the quality of chest compressions. Factors such as the rescuer position and arm angle can significantly impact compression quality. Aim: This study explores the influence of rescuer positioning and arm angle on the quality of chest compressions among healthcare professionals experienced in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Methods: In this international, multicentric, randomized crossover simulation trial with independent groups, healthcare professionals were assigned to one of four positions: kneeling on the floor, standing, standing on a step stool, and kneeling on the bed. Participants performed two 3-minute trials of uninterrupted chest compressions at arm angles of 90° and 105°. Compression quality was assessed, using manikin derived data. Results: A total of 76 participants entered the study. Those using a 90° arm angle exhibited higher compression scores than those at a 105° angle. Rescuers standing on a step stool maintained higher scores over time when compared to other groups. In contrast, rescuers kneeling on the bed consistently scored below 75% throughout the trial, with particularly low scores at the 105° angle. Conclusion: Rescuer position and arm angle significantly influence CPR quality, with a 90° arm angle and elevated positioning optimizing compression depth and effectiveness. The results recommend against kneeling on the bed due to its negative impact on chest compression quality.

Fluorene-benzothiadiazole (PFBT), commercially known as F8BT, and fluorene-thiophene (PFT) copolymers were synthesized by the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling polycondensation technique in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst (Aliquat 336). These novel copolymers showed higher molar masses, lower dispersivity, and thermal stability above 400 °C when synthesized under the modified (M) action of Aliquat 336 (F8BT-M). Polymer Light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) were assembled with the novel synthesized copolymers as the emitter layer. For F8BT-M, a maximum luminance of 327 cd/m2 was achieved, while a diode containing just the commercial F8BT resulted in only 210 cd/m2. As for the PFT copolymers, it was observed that for the Aliquat 336 sample synthesized in a 60h extended (E) (PFT-ME), the luminance of the PLED was much higher than that where the reaction time was 48 h (PFT-M), with a luminance of 168 cd/m2 and 54 cd/m2, respectively. Without Aliquat 336, the PFT copolymer did not show an electroluminescent signal. The improved electroluminescence in the copolymers with Aliquat 336 was attributed to the improved synthesis conditions, i.e., reaction time and catalytic system employed. The results suggest that copolymers with luminescent and morphological properties, more suitable for light-emitting devices, might be obtained with simple modifications during synthetic polycondensation reactions.

Abstract BackgroundThe use of a smartphone built-in microphone for auscultation is a feasible alternative to the use of a stethoscope, when applied by physicians. ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aims to assess the feasibility of this technology when used by parents—the real intended end users. MethodsPhysicians recruited 46 children (male: n=33, 72%; age: mean 11.3, SD 3.1 y; children with asthma: n=24, 52%) during medical visits in a pediatric department of a tertiary hospital. Smartphone auscultation using an app was performed at 4 locations (trachea, right anterior chest, and right and left lung bases), first by a physician (recordings: n=297) and later by a parent (recordings: n=344). All recordings (N=641) were classified by 3 annotators for quality and the presence of adventitious sounds. Parents completed a questionnaire to provide feedback on the app, using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (“totally disagree”) to 5 (“totally agree”). ResultsMost recordings had quality (physicians’ recordings: 253/297, 85.2%; parents’ recordings: 266/346, 76.9%). The proportions of physicians' recordings (34/253, 13.4%) and parents' recordings (31/266, 11.7%) with adventitious sounds were similar. Parents found the app easy to use (questionnaire: median 5, IQR 5-5) and were willing to use it (questionnaire: median 5, IQR 5-5). ConclusionsOur results show that smartphone auscultation is feasible when performed by parents in the clinical context, but further investigation is needed to test its feasibility in real life.

Most mobile health (mHealth) decision support systems currently available for chronic obstructive respiratory diseases (CORDs) are not supported by clinical evidence or lack clinical validation. The development of the knowledge base that will feed the clinical decision support system is a crucial step that involves the collection and systematization of clinical knowledge from relevant scientific sources and its representation in a human-understandable and computer-interpretable way. This work describes the development and initial validation of a clinical knowledge base that can be integrated into mHealth decision support systems developed for patients with CORDs. A multidisciplinary team of health care professionals with clinical experience in respiratory diseases, together with data science and IT professionals, defined a new framework that can be used in other evidence-based systems. The knowledge base development began with a thorough review of the relevant scientific sources (eg, disease guidelines) to identify the recommendations to be implemented in the decision support system based on a consensus process. Recommendations were selected according to predefined inclusion criteria: (1) applicable to individuals with CORDs or to prevent CORDs, (2) directed toward patient self-management, (3) targeting adults, and (4) within the scope of the knowledge domains and subdomains defined. Then, the selected recommendations were prioritized according to (1) a harmonized level of evidence (reconciled from different sources); (2) the scope of the source document (international was preferred); (3) the entity that issued the source document; (4) the operability of the recommendation; and (5) health care professionals’ perceptions of the relevance, potential impact, and reach of the recommendation. A total of 358 recommendations were selected. Next, the variables required to trigger those recommendations were defined (n=116) and operationalized into logical rules using Boolean logical operators (n=405). Finally, the knowledge base was implemented in an intelligent individualized coaching component and pretested with an asthma use case. Initial validation of the knowledge base was conducted internally using data from a population-based observational study of individuals with or without asthma or rhinitis. External validation of the appropriateness of the recommendations with the highest priority level was conducted independently by 4 physicians. In addition, a strategy for knowledge base updates, including an easy-to-use rules editor, was defined. Using this process, based on consensus and iterative improvement, we developed and conducted preliminary validation of a clinical knowledge base for CORDs that translates disease guidelines into personalized patient recommendations. The knowledge base can be used as part of mHealth decision support systems. This process could be replicated in other clinical areas.

With its extensive production and consumption, the coffee industry generates significant amounts of lignocellulosic waste. This waste, primarily comprising coffee biomasses, is a potential source of cellulose. This cellulose can be extracted and utilized as a reinforcing agent in various biocomposites with polymer matrices, thereby creating high-value products. One such biodegradable polymer, Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), is notable for its properties that are comparable with low-density polyethylene, making it an excellent candidate for packaging applications. However, the wider adoption of PBAT is hindered by its relatively high cost and lower thermomechanical properties compared with conventional, non-biodegradable polymers. By reinforcing PBAT-based biocomposites with cellulose, it is possible to enhance their thermomechanical strength, as well as improve their water vapor and oxygen barrier capabilities, surpassing those of pure PBAT. Consequently, this study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the latest processing techniques for deriving cellulose from the coffee industry’s lignocellulosic by-products and other coffee-related agro-industrial wastes. It also focuses on the preparation and characterization of cellulose-reinforced PBAT biocomposites.

Novel nanocomposites of polyamide-11 (PA11) reinforced with commercial graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) in amounts of 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 wt.% were prepared and characterized for their thermal stability and aging performance. The processing of the nanocomposites was carried out by mixing PA11 in the molten state employing a double screw mini-extruder at 200 °C under 60 rpm screw speed, with a residence time of 7 min. The incorporation of GNP increased the thermal stability of PA11, particularly in the amount of 1.0 wt.%, as observed by thermogravimetric analysis. X-ray diffraction indicated that the composites' crystallinity increased with 1.0 and 2.5 wt.% of GNP. Evidence of agglomerates formation in the sample with 5.0 wt.% of GNP suggests it to be less dispersed in the PA11 matrix and associated with reduction in crystallinity. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed that GNP promoted an increase in the storage and loss moduli. The increase of GNP in the PA11 matrix enhanced the water contact angle and, therefore, provided greater hydrophilicity of the nanocomposite. The GNP reinforcement prevents the decrease in the molar mass of PA11, estimated by the corrected inherent viscosity (CIV) measured with aging time into water at 85 °C, when compared to the performance of neat PA11. All nanocomposites had CIV values above 1.20 dL/g before and after the aging test. Therefore, using the lowest GNP content of 1.0 wt.% proved to be the more efficient for application in flexible oil/gas pipelines.

A new technique based on the modified Hummer's method to synthesize reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with high purity, as well as enhanced quality and low layer stacking is presented. It aims to demystify traditional considerations made from X-ray diffraction by introducing comprehensive models to determine the number of stacked layers, as well as understand and respect the limit of the physical phenomenon involved in the technique. Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposites incorporated with up to 5.0 wt.% of rGO were processed via extrusion without using a compatibilizing agent. The results showed that the rGO nanoparticles display a good interface with the PVDF matrix without agglomeration. In addition, there was an improvement in the nanocomposite's stability and thermal resistance. The rGO acted as a nucleating agent, increasing the degree of crystallinity in 33% of the PVDF for all concentrations. The values of water contact angle raised from around 70° in the neat matrix to 80° in the nanocomposite. Scanning electron fractographies demonstrated the tendency of the reinforcement effect of rGO, favoring a greater ductility for cyclical loads. Finally, the results showed that incorporating rGO led to increased nanocomposite thermal performance compared to the neat polymer, revealing a promising candidate for ducts and oil pipelines.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is well known for its remarkable mechanical properties including excellent ballistic performance. These properties might be further improved by reinforcement fillers, especially nanoparticles (NPs). In the present work, UHMWPE is incorporated with 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 wt% of boron carbide (B4C) NPs by twin-screw extrusion at 200 °C. These nanocomposites are characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and then, for the first time, ballistic tested with 0.22 caliber ammunition. HRTEM images reveal B4C NPs with sizes in the range of 10–55 nm. SEM disclosed uniform incorporation of 0.01 and 0.05 wt% B4C NPs. The nanocomposites crystallinity index, obtained by XRD, remained practically constant (44–49%) but significantly lower than the neat UHMWPE (66%). A slight decrease in the nanocomposite's thermal stability was shown by TGA, while no significant changes were found by DSC as compared to the neat UHMWPE. The DMA properties of all nanocomposites were improved. In particular, the storage modulus of the 0.05 wt% B4C nanocomposite increased by 89% compared to neat UHMWPE. The ballistic result of the 0.05 wt% B4C nanocomposite showed the lowest bullet penetration depth and confirmed its advantage for personal armor application.

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with commercial rutile-TiO2, SiO2, α-Al2O3, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared via extrusion using different contents, from 0.1 to 10 wt.%. The effect of the nanoparticles in the matrix on several material characteristics, such as the thermal and mechanical properties, crystallinity degree, and permeability to CO2, were examined. X-ray diffraction and infrared analyses revealed that the successful incorporation of increasing amounts of nanoparticles in the PVDF matrix reduced the total crystallinity but increased the β-phase content in almost all nanocomposites, suggesting an improved interaction between filler and polymer.The degree of crystallinity was between 30 and 38%, and good stability to thermal degradation of the obtained.The highlight of the present work is the observation that PVDF/rutile-TiO2 and PVDF/SiO2 nanocomposites showed an increased barrier to CO2 compared with PVDF. Such a conclusion tends to demonstrate that rutile-TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles associated with PVDF resulted in materials applicable in the barrier layer of flexible risers.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a systemic, immune-mediated disease characterized by inflammatory manifestations in the skin and joints. Vitamin D deficiency is currently considered a pandemic and is associated with comorbidities including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D [25(OH)D] in patients with plaque psoriasis, with and without PsA, and of independent predictors of serum 25(OH)D levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among 300 patients at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data (psoriasis area and severity index [PASI], family history, age at onset, disease duration, and the presence of PsA according to Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis), skin phototype, and season of the year were reviewed. RESULTS: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was highly prevalent in patients with psoriasis with and without PsA (82.2% and 74.9%, respectively). An inverse correlation between PASI and vitamin D was found (without PsA r = –0.59 and, PsA r = –0.52, P < 0.001), and multivariate regression revealed that hypovitaminosis D was associated with disease severity, season, and phototype. It was confirmed by binary logistic regression between PASI and vitamin D deficiency (< 30 ng/mL), (odds ratio, OR 1.78 CI: –0.20–0.53, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was highly prevalent in psoriatic patients with and without PsA. Season and skin phototype were associated with 25(OH)D levels. An inverse association between PASI and serum 25(OH)D levels was established.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is a public health problem associated with several chronic inflammatory and immunological diseases, including psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with plaque psoriasis. A comparison was made between vitamin D levels in patients with psoriasis and those with other non-inflammatory dermatoses without photosensitivity. In addition, it evaluated the effects of the patients’ Fitzpatrick skin phototype and the season of the year on the serum levels of vitamin D. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora (MG), Brazil. METHODS: A review of dermatology patients’ demographic data, including skin phototype and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], over 12 months in 2016. RESULTS: This study included 554 patients: 300 patients allocated to the plaque psoriasis group and 254 control patients with other dermatological diseases. Regarding the season of the year, 229, 132, 62, and 131 participants were evaluated in summer, autumn, winter, and spring, respectively. As for the skin phototype, 397, 139, and 18 patients had phototypes III, IV, and V, respectively. The serum levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in the psoriasis group (24.91 ± 7.16 ng/mL) than in the control group (30.37 ± 8.14 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was present in 76.66% of patients with psoriasis versus 53.94% of control patients. Vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was observed in 25% of the patients with psoriasis versus 8.66% in the control group (P < 0.001). The season and patient’s skin phototype were independent predictors of serum vitamin D levels.

As an alternative for ordinary Portland cement, geopolymers are cost effective materials that can be prepared with relatively low energy consumption and substantial reduction of CO2 emissions. In the present study the characteristics of novel hybrid composite of geopolymer foam (GPF)/polylactic acid (PLA) and their efficiency in removing copper(II) and zinc(II) to treat high volumes of polluted water are investigated. Contrary to the conventional methods for removing heavy metals, the newly developed composites are ecological, low-cost, easily available, and economically viable alternatives providing good physical-chemical stability, ion-exchange properties, and a porous structure. Based on the sustainable advantage to produce geopolymers from recycled materials, GPFs were obtained from blast furnace slag (BFS) by reacting 20 ml of an 8 M alkaline solution of sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3) with BFS particles and later addition of hydrogen peroxide. GPFs were produced with a stoichiometry of 1.4 and 1.6 g/L between BFS/alkali solution with a 1.6 ml solution of hydrogen peroxide 50% to develop porosity into the materials. Finally, the GPFs were coated with PLA. Specimens of GPF/PLA composites were characterized by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy. Adsorption analysis of Cu(II) and Zn(II), as well as ion-exchanges from aqueous solution through the composite with 1.4 and 1.6 stoichiometry, were performed using deionized water containing 0.80% Cu(II) or Zn(II). The test resulted in high performance for retaining Cu(II) and Zn(II). Under CO2 pressure at 50 bar, the gas permeation tests confirmed porous formations into the geopolymer foams coated with molten PLA.

Currently, medical education context poses different challenges to anatomy, contributing to the introduction of new pedagogical approaches, such as computer-assisted learning (CAL). This approach provides insight into students' learning profiles and skills that enhance anatomy knowledge acquisition. To understand the influence of anatomy CAL on spatial abilities, a study was conducted. A total of 671 medical students attending Musculoskeletal (MA) and Cardiovascular Anatomy (CA) courses, were allocated to one of three groups (MA Group, CA Group, MA + CA Group). Students' pre-training and post-training spatial abilities were assessed through Mental Rotations Test (MRT), with scores ranging between 0-24. After CAL training sessions, students' spatial abilities performance improved (9.72 ± 4.79 vs. 17.05 ± 4.57, P < 0.001). Although male students in both MA Group and CA Group show better baseline spatial abilities, no sex differences were found after CAL training. The improvement in spatial abilities score between sessions (Delta MRT) was correlated with Musculoskeletal Anatomy training sessions in MA Group (r = 0.333, P < 0.001) and MA + CA Group (r = 0.342, P < 0.001), and with Cardiovascular Anatomy training sessions in CA Group (r = 0.461, P = 0.001) and MA + CA Group (r = 0.324, P = 0.001). Multiple linear regression models were used, considering the Delta MRT as dependent variable. An association of Delta MRT to the amount of CAL training and the baseline spatial abilities was observed. The results suggest that CAL training in anatomy has positive dose-dependent effect on spatial abilities.

Fibers obtained from fallen leaves of the almond tree (Terminalia catappa L.) were incorporated into sustainable composites with recycled polypropylene (PPr) as a matrix. The fibers were used in two conditions: (i) as-collected from fallen leaves and (ii) after treatment by the steam explosion process. PPr composites with concentrations of 1, 5, 10, and 15 wt.% of raw or treated fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the addition of 1 wt.% of treated fibers of almond tree leaves increased the thermal stability of the PPr. Moreover, the composite residue at 700 °C decreased due to the lower content of lignin in the fiber. X-ray diffraction disclosed that the treated fiber had increased crystallinity, and the composites with 1 and 5 wt.% of theses fibers acted as β-nucleating agent, promoting its preferential growth on the (041) crystal face in α-PP. Tensile tests revealed that PPr composite with 1 wt.% of team-exploded, although less ductile, display superior tensile strength and elastic modulus, which characterizes a reinforcement effect. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the less ductility of fibers treated composites. Moreover, voids in the fiber/matrix interface were attributed to fibers agglomeration for higher contents in the composite. It was concluded that the best obtained results for the reinforcement of 1 wt.% of fiber treated by steam explosion indicated a promising all recycled novel PPr composite.

Resumo A variabilidade e beleza das ações técnicas individuais do basquetebol são decorrentes das necessidades táticas impostas aos jogadores durante o jogo e fazem parte importante do espetáculo, impactando positivamente os espectadores e mídia. Entre várias formas de fintas, arremessos, passes e bandejas, destacam-se as enterradas, enquanto momento de grande notoriedade no jogo, bem como tema de eventos específicos dedicados a ela no basquetebol masculino. Visando a realização do 1º Torneio de Enterradas no Jogo das Estrelas LBF 2018, o objetivo do estudo foi qual altura do aro necessária para que as jogadoras brasileiras pudessem realizar enterradas. Foi utilizada a altura alcançada no teste de impulsão vertical em progressão de 91 jogadoras participantes das nove equipes na temporada 2018. Verificamos que 25 % dos jogadores masculinos brasileiros de elite enterram em jogos oficiais. Assim, o critério para definir a altura do aro foi que a mesma porcentagem de jogadoras femininas pudessem enterrar, considerando a altura alcançada no teste e a necessidade de passar a bola sobre o aro. Foi determinada a altura de 2.75 m do aro em relação ao solo. Oito jogadoras participaram do evento, sendo quatro brasileiras e quatro argentinas, sendo que cinco delas conseguiram realizar enterradas. Deve-se ressaltar que a altura do aro não foi alterada para os jogos da temporada, e considerar que essa mudança pode não implicar no surgimento de enterradas em partidas oficiais, dado que a dinâmica do jogo é diferente da dinâmica no Torneio de Enterradas e que as jogadoras necessitam de um tempo de adaptação. Palavras-chave: Aro; rendimiento; impulsão; Capacidade Física. Abstract The variability and beauty of basketball's individual technical actions arise from the tactical needs imposed on players during the game, as an important part of the spectacle that positively impacts spectators and media. Among the many feints, throws, passes and layups, are the slam dunks, a notorious moment in the game, and also theme of specific events in men's basketball. In view of the realization of the 1st Slam Dunk Tournament during the 2018 LBF All Stars Games, the aim of the study was to determine the ideal hoop height for Brazilian female players to be able to slam dunk. We analyzed the height achieved in the progressive vertical jump test of 91 female players participating in the nine teams in the 2018 season. Findings suggest that 25% of the elite Brazilian male players slam dunk in official games. Thus, the criteria for defining the hoop height was that the same percentage of female players could slam dunk, considering the height reached on the test and the need to take the ball over the hoop. This resulted in 2.75 m as the height of the rim from the ground. Eight players participated in the event, four Brazilian and four Argentinian, and five of them managed to dunk. It should benoted that the height of the rim has not changed for the regular games of the season, and that this change may not imply the emergence of dunks in official matches, as the game dynamics are different from the dynamics in the Dunk Tournament and that the players need some time to adapt. Keywords: Aro; Performance; Impulsion; Physical Ability. Resumen La variabilidad y hermosura de las acciones técnicas individuales del baloncesto se derivan de las necesidades tácticas impuestas a los jugadores durante el juego y son una parte importante del espectáculo, que impacta positivamente a los espectadores y a la prensa. Entre las muchas maneras de fintas, tiros, pases y entradas, están los mates, como un momento de gran notoriedad en el juego en el baloncesto masculino. Con el objetivo de celebrar el primer “Torneo de mates LBF 2018”, el objetivo del estudio fue determinar la altura del aro necesario para que las jugadoras brasileñas pudieran concretizar los mates. Utilizamos la altura alcanzada en la prueba de salto vertical progresivo de 91 jugadoras de los nueve equipos de la temporada 2018. Encontramos que el 25% de los jugadores masculinos brasileños de élite son capaces de hacer mates en los juegos oficiales. Por lo tanto, el criterio para definir la altura del aro fue que el mismo porcentaje de jugadoras femeninas pudiera concluye mates, considerando la altura alcanzada en la prueba de salto y la necesidad de pasar la pelota sobre el aro. Así, llegamos a la altura del aro desde 2,75 m del suelo. Ocho jugadoras participaron en el evento, cuatro brasileñas y cuatro argentinas, cinco de ellas lograron actuar mates. Cabe señalar que la altura del aro no fue cambiada para los partidos de la temporada, con lo cual esta altura puede no implicar la aparición de mates en esta condición, ya que la dinámica del juego es diferente de la dinámica en el Torneo de mates. Palabras clave: Aro; rendimiento; empuje; Capacidad Física.

An organic photovoltaic cell (OPV) is a subcategory of the third generation of photovoltaic cells. Advantages of OPV include lightness and ease of production in industrial scale. This work proposes the synthesis and characterization of two novel random and block copolymers for OPV containing fluorene (F), thiophene (T) and benzothidiazole (B) as structural units. Polymerizations were performed via the Suzuki-Miyaura mechanism. The yields obtained for both copolymers were around 65% with corresponding molar masses measured by GPC of 3394 and 4598 g/mol. From TGA, the onset degradation temperature was approximately 415 °C, while the maximum degradation temperature was around 440 °C, for both copolymers. FTIR and NMR analyses confirmed the ratio of aliphatic and aromatic carbons in the structure of both copolymers. Difference of chaining between both copolymers was verified by 13CNMR and XRD. The energy values of HOMO were -5.76 eV for random and -5.74 eV for block copolymer. Through UV-Vis spectroscopy, optical bandgaps of 2.39 and 2.34 eV were obtained for random and block polymers, respectively. Finally, LUMO energy levels of -3.37 eV (random) and -3.40 eV (block) were calculated by subtracting the optical band gap from the HOMO energy. Mobility measurements by JV method were performed in pure polymer films, rendering 1.91 × 10−6 and 1.35 × 10-8 cm2 /V.s for random and block copolymers, respectively. Copolymers were applied in conventional and inverted devices, presenting diode behavior. Energy efficiency obtained was higher for the block copolymer, which was consistent with the obtained interplanar distances estimated by XRD.

Bone remodeling for spontaneous regeneration might be achieved by a combination of collagen and hydroxyapatite (HA). The aim of the present study is to synthesize and characterize hybrid composites of HA and carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) with different types of collagen. For these hybrid composite synthesis, HA or CHA precursors were precipitated in solutions containing either hydrolyzed collagen (HC) or type II collagen (COL). For control, pure HA and CHA were synthesized in the absence of collagen. During the HA-based materials synthesis, in addition to HA, another calcium phosphate phase, brushite, was also produced, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the composites, HA presented preferential crystalline growth on the (211) crystallographic plane due to the influence of both collagens. On the other hand, CHA was precipitated in its pure form, although a reduction in the crystallinity was observed with the incorporation of the carbonate groups. Calcium/phosphorous (Ca/P) mass ratios determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were very close to those expected for HA, 1.67, and brushite, 1.00, confirming the formation of two calcium phosphate phases. SEM/EDS results showed higher values of Ca/P for CHA than for HA, which indicates that some phosphate groups were replaced by carbonated ones.

The coffee ripe red bean is a worldwide food commodity consumed mainly as a beverage made from the roasted beans. A secondary product of the coffee industry is the oil extracted from unripe green beans. This extraction generates a solid green coffee cake (GCC) with potential to be applied as polymer composite reinforcement. For this purpose, the GCC must be treated to improve the reinforcing characteristics. The present work investigated initially the treatment of GCC by the steam explosion process and then evaluated the use of treated GCC fibers as reinforcement of composites with polypropylene (PP) matrix. The best GCC/water ratio was first determined in a steam jet reactor in association with thermogravimetric analysis. PP composites incorporated with 2 and 5 wt% by GCC fibers were fabricated by extrusion. Both plain as received and the best steam-blown GCC/PP composites were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamical-mechanical analysis (DMA). The incorporation of treated GCC provided a higher thermostability to the composite, disclosed by DSC, as compared to the plain PP reference sample. It was also revealed that incorporation of treated GCC increased the composite degree of crystallinity. The DMA showed an improvement in the storage modulus in the range of 14–22% and decrease in the glass transition in PP/fiber composites compared to plain PP.

In recent years, attention has focused on studies about myrmecofauna in urban environments, due to its high possibility of causing damage to food storage and household structures. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the genera of ants and analyze their frequency and diversity in two neighborhoods in the municipality of Barreiras-BA. The study was conducted in Riachinho neighborhood, located on the edge of the urban perimeter and in Renato Gonçalves neighborhood in the central area of the city. The ants were collected weekly, using trap baits, in 180 houses, from November 2016 to April 2017. The collected ants were transported to the Zoology and Entomology Laboratory (LaZooEn) in the Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Campus IX. For identification, stereomicroscope and dichotomous key were used. A group of 14,846 ants were collected, of which 9,686 were collected in Renato Gonçalves neighborhood, and 5,160 in Riachinho neighborhood. Three subfamilies were identified, which included ten genera, being Paratrechina, Brachymyrmex and Tapinoma were among the most frequent. Paratrechina was the most representative (85.32%) in Riachinho, and Brachymyrmex, the most frequent in Renato Gonçalves (54.40%). The accumulation curves obtained were satisfactory in both areas, higher than 80%. Regarding Shannon index, it was found that Riachinho presented a lower diversity (H'= 0.663) than in Renato Gonçalves neighborhood (H'= 0.875). Studies addressing the occurrence of myrmecofauna may be paramount to collaborate with conservation practices both in the case of threatened species and for pest control practices.

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to better understand the perceptions, actions, and interventions of Physical Education teachers at public state schools in the Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo, regarding didactic-methodological spectra in futsal classes In Brazil, futsal is part of the team sport that must be presented in Physical Education classes, according to educational regulatory documents. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight teachers (three women and one man in each state), whose content was explored through a thematic analysis. Results: The results show a strong singularity of futsal as the content of Physical Education in schools and the relationship with its cultural impact. Different teaching concepts and methodologies used by teachers were identified, as well as a strong connection between experiences with futsal of students and the pedagogical practices adopted. Gender issues were highlighted, showing a contradiction between motivation to change the scenario and a school classes organization that promotes its maintenance. Conclusion: The study supports discussions about teacher actions epistemologically based on traditional teaching perspectives.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare yet debilitating neurodegenerative disorder originating from an increase in CAG repeats within the HTT gene. Despite ongoing research, a curative treatment for HD remains elusive, with current therapeutic strategies primarily targeting symptom management. Among the spectrum of HD symptoms, motor impairments are often the most obvious and disabling. To standardize treatment regimens and enhance patient care and quality of life, global evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) have been published to reduce variations in care. The integration of these guidelines into clinical information systems could significantly improve physician adherence to them, thereby optimizing patient outcomes. This study aims to develop an openEHR template specifically designed to represent recommendations for managing Huntington's motor symptoms, contributing to standardized care delivery, and enabling the seamless exchange of treatment information among different healthcare providers involved in the management of HD. We assessed the International Guidelines for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease commissioned by the European Huntington's Disease Network (EHDN) and selected the most representative variables regarding the HD motor symptoms. The openEHR template development followed the methodological guidance of the openEHR data modeling approach ('odma'). A total of 101 data items were extracted from the guideline section related to motor symptoms. After the classification and merging of these data elements, six domain concepts were organized for the motor symptom's treatment of Huntington's disease. This study successfully developed an openEHR template for managing Huntington's disease motor symptoms. These advancements have the potential to enhance treatment outcomes and transform care delivery for Huntington's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partindo do diálogo entre literatura e psicanálise, este artigo visa apresentar uma possível leitura do romance A cor púrpura, de Alice Walker, segundo a teoria winnicottiana do amadurecimento. Neste romance, Walker apresenta a triste história de Celie, uma jovem negra arrancada violentamente do convívio de seus filhos e de sua irmã. Casada com um homem violento, Celie vive como se não tivesse existência. O ambiente opressor e violento descrito por Walker ilustra bem as falhas ambientais que Winnicott considera presentes na constituição do falso self. Em contrapartida, a construção do verdadeiro self, caracterizado pela criatividade e pelo “gesto espontâneo”, pressupõe um processo de subjetivação marcado por uma experiência afetiva e “suficientemente boa” da alteridade. Neste sentido, é possível compreender as transformações vividas por Celie em seu encontro com Shug Avery, de modo a vivenciar a sua própria feminilidade. A experiência do encontro humano possibilita processos de ressignificação e de elaboração das falhas ambientais, por conseguinte, processos de desenvolvimento emocional. Neste romance, o tempo da narrativa revela o tempo do amadurecimento humano, destacando-se, ao lado da crítica social, a relação dos componentes masculinos e femininos que integram o ser e o fazer como dimensões fundamentais e constitutivas do self.

O estudo tem como objetivo analisar as intervenções técnico-táticas dos goleiros finalistas da Copa do Mundo de 2014, durante a fase eliminatória, a fim de comparar os goleiros das seleções finalistas (Alemanha e Argentina) entre si e em confronto com seus adversários, além de verificar a média de ações dos goleiros observados para entendimento da posição. O trabalho contabilizou as ações dos goleiros, divididas em ofensivas e defensivas e as ações anteriores às intervenções dos goleiros, provenientes dos adversários e companheiros. Os resultados observados foram: a) para entendimento da posição de goleiro, constatando a média por jogo de 43,3 ações, com 79% de ações ofensivas e 21% de ações defensivas; b) comparação entre os goleiros finalistas, no qual podemos verificar que o goleiro alemão apresenta maior número de ações por jogo, tendo o passe com os pés como ação mais utilizada, já o goleiro argentino apresenta o número de ações menor que o da média de goleiros, e maior prevalência de lançamentos. Conclui-se que o goleiro alemão foi mais efetivo no conjunto de ações mesmo errando mais fundamentos que o argentino, que por sua vez falhou em escolher os lançamentos como principal forma de reposição de bola. ABSTRACT Neuer vs. Romero: technical-tactical comparison between the goalkeepers of the finalists of the FIFA World Cup 2014 This study aims to compare the interventions, technical and tactical, made by the finalists goalkeepers in the World Cup 2014, during the knockout stages in order to compare both goalkeepers of the two teams that made to the final (Germany and Argentina) against each other as well against other opponents, besides checking the average of the goalkeepers actions were observed for understanding of the position itself. The project divided the actions of goalkeepers in: offensive and defensive actions and the earlier interventions of the goalkeepers, provided by the opponents and teammates. The Results were: a) to understand the goalkeeper position considering the average by 43.3% of the actions, with 79% of offensive actions and 21% of defensive actions; b) comparison between goalkeeper has a higher number of actions per game, and passing using the feet is the most action used, pointing that the Argentine goalkeeper had a lowest number of actions comparing with other adversaries and a higher use of launching. It follows that the German goalkeeper was more effective in his actions, but missed more often than the argentine goalkeeper, whose failed to choose launching as his main technique of putting the ball back in the game.

The process of Team Sports Training has been suffering reviews due to way as is materialized, because the coach does not always have arguments and teaching methods that combine with what in scientific literature has defended. We still perceives a training decontextualized of game logic, believing that the technical improvement will supply all elements, which composes the Team Sports. On the other hand, the Motor Praxeology presents itself as an important theory that will can guide the coach’s teaching practice, in which he systematises the internal logic of these modalities. This way, we realized a bibliography and exploratory research with the objective to analyse the implications of Motor Praxeology concepts in Team Sport training process. From Motor Praxeology and its elements, we presented new assumptions to Training with the aim of helping the coaches materialize in their teaching practice looking for a more effective performance in this process.

Abstract Background Internal grade inflation is a documented practice in secondary schools (mostly in private schools) that jeopardises fairness with regard to access to medical school. However, it is frequently assumed that the higher internal grades are in fact justifiable, as they correspond to better preparation of students in private schools in areas that national exams do not cover but nevertheless are important. Consequently, it is expected that students from private schools will succeed better in medical school than their colleagues, or at least not perform worse. We aimed to study whether students from private schools do fare better in medical school than their colleagues from public schools, even after adjusting for internal grade inflation. Methods We analysed all students that entered into a medical course from 2007 to 2014. A linear regression was performed using mean grades for the 1st-year curse units (CU) of the medical school curriculum as a dependent variable and student gender, the nature of students’ secondary school (public/private), and whether their secondary school highly inflated grades as independent variables. A logistic regression was also performed, modelling whether or not students failed at least one CU exam during the 1st year of medical school as a function of the aforementioned independent variables. Results Of the 1709 students analysed, 55% came from public secondary schools. Private (vs. public) secondary school (β = − 0.459, p

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between hemoglobin levels of mothers and their children on exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life. Methods: Cross‐sectional study with 221 binomials (mother–child) enrolled in a breastfeeding support program, who were stratified into six groups according to the children's age group. The sample consisted of children born at term with normal weight, with no neonatal complications and whose mothers did not have anemia or infectious disease at the time of data collection. Interviews were carried out with the mothers, blood was collected by peripheral venipuncture from mothers and children, and children's anthropometric data were assessed. Pearson's correlation coefficients between the hemoglobin levels of mothers and children were calculated. Six multiple linear regression models were adjusted with regression coefficient estimates, considering as statistically significant associations with p ≤ 0.05. Results: The correlation coefficients of hemoglobin levels of mothers and children ranged from 0.253, at three months, to 0.601, at five months. The hemoglobin level of mothers was correlated with the hemoglobin level of their children at four months (r = 0.578) and at five months (r = 0.601). In the adjusted multiple linear regression, the regression coefficients were higher at four months (β = 1.134; p = 0.002) and at five months (β = 0.845; p

Conventional lung auscultation is essential in the management of respiratory diseases. However, detecting adventitious sounds outside medical facilities remains challenging. We assessed the feasibility of lung auscultation using the smartphone built-in microphone in real-world clinical practice. We recruited 134 patients (median[interquartile range] 16[11–22.25]y; 54% male; 31% cystic fibrosis, 29% other respiratory diseases, 28% asthma; 12% no respiratory diseases) at the Pediatrics and Pulmonology departments of a tertiary hospital. First, clinicians performed conventional auscultation with analog stethoscopes at 4 locations (trachea, right anterior chest, right and left lung bases), and documented any adventitious sounds. Then, smartphone auscultation was recorded twice in the same four locations. The recordings (n = 1060) were classified by two annotators. Seventy-three percent of recordings had quality (obtained in 92% of the participants), with the quality proportion being higher at the trachea (82%) and in the children’s group (75%). Adventitious sounds were present in only 35% of the participants and 14% of the recordings, which may have contributed to the fair agreement between conventional and smartphone auscultation (85%; k = 0.35(95% CI 0.26–0.44)). Our results show that smartphone auscultation was feasible, but further investigation is required to improve its agreement with conventional auscultation.

O goleiro de futebol é caracterizado por uma série de peculiaridades em relação aos demais jogadores, conforme previsto nas regras. Decorrente disso, muitas vezes ele é visualizado de maneira fragmentada do contexto do jogo e seu processo de treinamento ocorre de forma muito particular em relação ao restante da equipe, centrado na repetição e aprimoramento de gestos técnicos. Para contrapor esta concepção, a presente pesquisa realiza uma análise a respeito da atuação do goleiro a partir da lógica interna do futebol, propondo implicações para o seu processo de treinamento. Esta é estruturação é realizada a partir de uma pesquisa teórica, utilizando os instrumentos da Praxiologia Motriz, os quais apontam a participação do goleiro nos aspectos comunicacionais do jogo bem como o restante dos participantes. Neste sentido, a Ação Motriz do goleiro só tem sentido a partir das demandas que o jogo apresenta, precisando ser desenvolvidas a partir da especificidade das situações que emergem no futebol e da necessidade de leitura e adaptação do goleiro a cada momento do jogo, no contexto de interação entre companheiros e adversários. O elemento opositivo ganha relevo na participação do goleiro no jogo, devendo ser central no processo de treinamento ao passo que proporciona os aspectos de imprevisibilidade presentes no jogo. ABSTRACT The football goalkeeper: a vision from motor praxiology The football goalkeeper is characterized by a series of peculiarities in relation to the other players, as provided in the rules. As consequence, he is often seen in a fragmented way from the context of the match, and his training process takes place in a very particular way in relation to the rest of the team, focused on the repetition and improvement of technical gestures. In order to counter this conception, the present research analyzes the goalkeeper's performance from the internal logic of football, proposing implications for his training process. This structuring is carried out based on a theoretical research, using the tools of the Motor Praxeology, which points out the participation of the goalkeeper in the communicational aspects of the game as well as the rest of the participants. In this regard, the motor actions of the goalkeeper only make sense as of the demands that the game presents, needing to be developed based on the specificity of the situations that emerge in football and the need of reading and adaptation of the goalkeeper in each moment of the match, in the context of interaction among teammates and opponents. The opposing element gains importance in the participation of the goalkeeper in the match, and should be central to the training process as it provides the aspects of unpredictability present in the match.

Os riscos advindos de inundação em áreas urbanas estão normalmente associados ao processo de ocupação desordenado e sem planejamento observado em muitas cidades brasileiras, trazendo inúmeros prejuízos sociais e ambientais. Por essa razão, o maior conhecimento de todos os fatores que influenciam nesse processo de ocupação (espaço, população e meio ambiente) são fundamentais para um melhor planejamento de futuras áreas a serem ocupadas e também para traçar estratégias para minimizar os riscos já existentes. Portanto, este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar os riscos de inundação no perímetro urbano de Paracatu-MG, por meio da elaboração do modelo Modelo de Reclassificação de Variáveis e aplicação da técnica de processo analítico hierárquico (AHP), utilizando software livre. Nos resultados alcançados foi constatado que as áreas de risco alto e muito alto estão localizadas no sul da cidade, e apresentam como principais características a urbanização acentuada, baixas declividades e relevo plano, sendo estes os fatores primordiais que contribuem para ocorrência de inundações. Em contrapartida, áreas consideradas como de risco baixo e muito baixo estão distribuídas onde predominam relevo ondulado, a existência de áreas permeáveis e vegetação, pois esses fatores contribuem para que não ocorram inundações além de garantir uma qualidade ambiental em áreas urbanas.

O Brasil enfrenta atualmente dificuldades no combatea leishmaniose visceral humana.De acordo a Organização Mundial da Saúde, a eutanásia dos cães sintomáticos e soropositivos é uma das medidas de controle do agravo, conforme decreto vigente 51.838, de 14 de março de 1963, o que se torna importantediscutir o diálogo entre Saúde e Direito como estratégia para se evitar a expansão da doença, devido à resistência dos proprietários em entregar seus cães, com alto valor afetivo, a zoonoses. Conclui-se que para uma política pública efetiva vários elementos devem levados em consideração, sobretudo a interdisciplinaridade, enfatizando reflexões jurídicas e saúde, envolvendo questões que permeiam as relações humanas no contexto da ética e da legislação.

Resumo Objetivos: Investigar a associação das comorbidades com a limitação da mobilidade e com a incapacidade funcional em pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR), bem como identificar o indicador de comorbidade mais apropriado para determinar essa associação. Métodos: Em um estudo transversal foram incluídos 60 pacientes com AR por um período de 11 meses. Comorbidades foram avaliadas por meio de três indicadores: (i) número total de comorbidades (NCom); (ii) índice de comorbidade de Charlson (ICC); e (iii) índice de comorbidade funcional (ICF). A atividade da doença foi avaliada pelo Índice de Atividade da Doença 28 (DAS-28/VHS). A capacidade funcional foi mensurada pelo Questionário de Avaliação da Saúde (HAQ) e a mobilidade foi mensurada pelos testes senta-levanta da cadeira cinco vezes (TSL) e timed get up and go (TUG). A análise estatística foi feita por meio de regressão múltipla log-linear Stepwise com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: No modelo final, apenas o fator comorbidades (ICF) esteve associado à mobilidade (TSL e TUG). O escore no ICF explicou 19,1% da variabilidade do TSL (coeficiente de determinação [R2] = 0,191) e 19,5% da variabilidade do TUG (R2 = 0,195). Em relação à incapacidade funcional (HAQ), os fatores associados foram o fator comorbidades (ICF) e a atividade da doença (DAS-28/VHS) que em conjunto explicaram 32,9% da variabilidade do escore do HAQ (R2 ajustado = 0,329). Conclusão: As comorbidades estão associadas com a limitação da mobilidade e a incapacidade funcional em pacientes com AR. O ICF demonstrou ser um indicador de comorbidade apropriado para determinar essa associação.

The ex utero intrapartum treatment is a rare surgical procedure performed in cases of expected postpartum fetal airway obstruction. The technique lies on a safe establishment of a patent airway during labor in anticipation of a critical respiratory event, without interrupting maternal-fetal circulation. Anesthetic management is substantially different from that regarding standard cesarean delivery and its main goals include uterine relaxation, fetal anesthesia and preservation of placental blood flow. We present the case of an ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure performed on a fetus with a large cervical lymphangioma and prenatal evidence of airway compromise. Modifications to the classic ex utero intrapartum treatment management strategies were successfully adopted and will be discussed in the following report.

In this study, polymeric nanocomposites based on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles were prepared by radical mass polymerization in the presence of filler. Nanoparticles of SiC with and without surface treatment with organosilane were obtained .The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TGA) and Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG SEM) with an energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detector. The produced nanocomposites showed well-dispersed SiC incorporation in the PMMA matrix. The results pointed that the surface treatment on SiC fillers was successful on enhancing the interaction between the organic matrix and the inorganic filler.

Among different etiologic factors, fungal endometritis is a common cause of decreased mare’s fertility. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of Dermatobac®, a microculture system originallydevelopedfortheisolationoffungithatconcerns Human Medicine. In Experiment 1, standard (ATCC) strains of Candida (n=4) and Aspergyllus (n=1) were grown and visually analyzed daily for 7 days. For Experiment 2, 34 mares were selected and subjected to material harvesting for completion of uterine cytology as well as seeding with Dermatobac®. After 24h of cultivation, the macroscopic observation of all Candida and Aspergyllus strains (Experiment 1) was possible. In Experiment 2, five animals showed presence of yeast on cytologic slides (14.71%), results also confirmed sowing in Dermatobac® system (100% sensitivity). Five false positive cases were observed, characterized by microbiological growth in Dermatobac® but not confirmed by endometrial cytology, determining specificity of 85%. However, the results did not compromise the efficiency of Dermatobac® system given all contaminants presented differentiated morphology and higher growing time (P