Método de detecção interferométrica de fase, com baixa profundidade de modulação, aplicado à medição de deslocamentos nanométricos em atuadores e mini-manipuladores piezoelétricos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Avaliação da resistência ao arrancamento de mini-implantes ortodônticos: estudo laboratorial

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Sistemas de purificação de bioetanol para mini destilarias de mandioca

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Small-scale landfills: impacts on groundwater and soil

In Brazil, the large quantities of solid waste produced are out of step with public policies, technological developments, and government budgets for the division. In small municipalities, the common lack of technological knowledge and financial conditions for suitable waste disposal has resulted in a large number of illegal dumps. Therefore, small sanitary landfill facilities are working with simplified operations focusing on cost reduction and meeting the economic and technological standards of the city without endangering the environment or public health. Currently, this activity is regulated at a federal level although there is some uncertainty regarding the risk of soil and aquifer contamination as theses facilities do not employ liners. Thus, this work evaluates a small landfill to identify changes in soil and groundwater using geotechnical parameters, monitoring wells, and geophysical tests performed by electrical profiling. It is verified that based on current conditions, no contaminants have migrated via underground water aquifers, and overall no significant changes have occurred in the soil. It is concluded that, despite its simplicity, the method investigated is a viable alternative for the final disposal of municipal solid waste from small cities, especially in developing countries.

Aquecimento e Desaquecimento Vocal em Estudantes de Pedagogia

Introduction: the voice is one of the main features of interaction between teacher and student. As teachers, future teachers are also risk population for the development of dysphonia and may be subject to protective intervention. Purpose: to evaluate the effect of a vocal warm-up and cool-down procedure at Pedagogy students. Method: A quasi-experimental study, pre-posttest without a control group, with fourteen Pedagogy students at a public university, participants of a short course. The analysis was performed by a self-assessment visual analogue scale of 10 cm, considering aspects related to the body and voice. The protocol was implemented in three steps: pre-test, post warm-up and post cool-down, and it was calculated the averages of the variables of discomfort and compared the measurements before and after performing each procedure. It was used the the Wilcoxon signed-rank statiscal test, adopting a significance level of 5%. Results: there was less discomfort with statistical significance after the vocal warm-up (p=0.002) and cool-down (p=0.001), with greater magnitude in both aspects related to voice. Conclusions: The vocal warm-up and cool-down have positive effects on the perception of students and should be taught to future teachers in order to prevent vocal disorders. The vocal cool-down, poorly researched, should not be passed over vocal health practices since its purpose showed obvious improvement in the investigated group.

Determining large scale actual evapotranspiration using agro-meteorological and remote sensing data in the northwest of Sao Paulo State, Brazil

The best irrigation management depends on accurate estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) and then selection of the appropriate crop coefficient for each phenological stage. However, the evaluation of water productivity on a large scale can be done by using actual evapotranspiration (ETa), determined by coupling agrometeorological and remote sensing data. This paper describes methodologies used for estimating ETa for 20 centerpivots using three different approaches: the traditional FAO crop coefficient (K-c) method and two remote sensing algorithms, one called SEBAL and other named TEIXEIRA. The methods were applied to one Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper image acquired in July 2010 over the Northwest portion of the Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The corn, bean and sugar cane crops are grown under center pivot sprinkler irrigation. ET0 was calculated by the Penman-Monteith method with data from one automated weather station close to the study site. The results showed that for the crops at effective full cover, SEBAL and TEIXEIRA's methods agreed well comparing with the traditional method. However, both remote sensing methods overestimated ETa according to the degree of exposed soil, with the TEIXEIRA method presenting closer ETa values with those resulted from the traditional FAO K-c method. This study showed that remote sensing algorithms can be useful tools for monitoring and establishing realistic K-c values to further determine ETa on a large scale. However, several images during the growing seasons must be used to establish the necessary adjustments to the traditional FAO crop coefficient method.

Suicidalidade em pacientes com transtorno de pânico e agorafogia: prevalência e fatores associados

Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva - FMB

Reação postural de pacientes com doença de Parkinson e idosos sadios no teste de retropulsão instrumentado

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Aspects correlates with Scandinavian Stroke Scale for predicting early neurological impairment

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the Alberta Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) for the evaluation of neurological impairment in patients with acute stroke. Method: 59 patients with a first acute ischemic stroke were evaluated. The ASPECTS were evaluated by 2 neurologists at admission and by another neurologist after 48 hours. The NIHSS and SSS was applied to determinate stroke severity. Correlations and agreements were analysed statistically by Spearman and Kappa tests. Results: ASPECTS was correlated with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission (r = -0.52; p < 0.001) and SSS (r = 0.50; p < 0.001). The ASPECTS and SSS items were most correlated with arm (r = 0.52; p < 0.001) and hand (r = 0.49; p < 0.001) motor power, and speech (r = 0.51; p < 0.001). The SSS of 25.5 shows sensitivity (68%) and specificity (72%) when associated with ASPECTS <= 7. Conclusion: The SSS can predict worst neurological impairment when associated with lower values of ASPECTS.

On soft limits of large-scale structure correlation functions

We study soft limits of correlation functions for the density and velocity fields in the theory of structure formation. First, we re-derive the (resummed) consistency conditions at unequal times using the eikonal approximation. These are solely based on symmetry arguments and are therefore universal. Then, we explore the existence of equal-time relations in the soft limit which, on the other hand, depend on the interplay between soft and hard modes. We scrutinize two approaches in the literature: the time-flow formalism, and a background method where the soft mode is absorbed into a locally curved cosmology. The latter has been recently used to set up (angular averaged) 'equal-time consistency relations'. We explicitly demonstrate that the time-flow relations and 'equal-time consistency conditions'are only fulfilled at the linear level, and fail at next-to-leading order for an Einstein de-Sitter universe. While applied to the velocities both proposals break down beyond leading order, we find that the 'equal-time consistency conditions'quantitatively approximates the perturbative results for the density contrast. Thus, we generalize the background method to properly incorporate the effect of curvature in the density and velocity fluctuations on short scales, and discuss the reasons behind this discrepancy. We conclude with a few comments on practical implementations and future directions.

Stunning method in broiler chickens meat processing

Quality is a variable concept, which involves many factors, depending on the consumer market. In meat production, the concern with environmental aspects, animal welfare and the health and safety of workers is increasing. This work studied the effect of controlled atmosphere stunning of broilers on meat features and biochemical parameters for stress. Cobb broilers were stunned by electrical stunning and by controlled atmosphere with 70% CO2 and 70% CO2 + 30% Argon. After stunning, serum levels of glucose, lactate and corticosterone were compared with those of broilers at rest, immediately before transportation and slaughter and after 12 h of feed withdrawal (control group). At slaughter, blood volume drained during bleeding was not different for the stunning methods tested, ranging from 3.3 to 3.4% birds weight. This finding was important to demonstrate that gas stunning was not responsible for the animals′ death. Final pH in breast (6.1 to 6.2) and thigh (6.3 to 6.5) also did not vary among the different stunning methods (P > 0.05). Lightness (L = 60.55) and redness (a = +8.94) values found for breasts from electrical stunning showed that they were darker and redder (P < 0.05), probably due to changes in blood pressure. Glucose and corticosterone levels were not different between gas stunned birds (302.45 to 315.7 mg/dl and 55.71 to 72.49 ng/ml respectively) and birds at rest (305.95 mg/dl and 50.65 ng/ml) (P > 0.05). These stress indicators were higher (337.65 mg/dl for glucose and 104.13 ng/ml for costicosterone) when electrical stunning was used (P < 0.05). Lactate concentrations were lower (5.4 mmol/l) for birds at rest (P < 0.05) but not different for all stunning methods tested (7.3 to 8.1 mmol/l; P > 0.05). These results show that serum glucose may be used as a stress indicator in birds, with the advantage of being a quick and cheap biochemical test. Gas stunning favored birds′ management during slaughter and so reduced workers′ effort and injury hazard and the amount of feces and dust in the room. To make this method available for a large scale process, adjustments in equipments will be necessary to avoid delays in the processing line.

Using landscape metrics to analyze micro-scale soil erosion processes

Methods of recording soil erosion using photographs exist but they are not commonly considered in scientific studies. Digital images may hold an expressive amount of information that can be extracted quickly in different manners. The investigation of several metrics that were initially developed for landscape ecology analysis constitutes one method. In this study we applied a method of landscape metrics to quantify the spatial configuration of surface micro-topography and erosion-related features, in order to generate a possible complementary tool for environmental management. In a 3.7 m wide and 9.7 m long soil box used during a rainfall simulation study, digital images were systematically acquired in four instances: (a) when the soil was dry; (b) after a short duration rain for initial wetting; (c) after the first erosive rain; and (d) after the 2nd erosive rain. Thirteen locations were established in the box and digital photos were taken at these locations with the camera positioned at the same orthogonal distance from the soil surface under the same ambient light intensity. Digital photos were converted into bimodal images and seven landscape metrics were analyzed: percentage of land, number of patches, density of patches, largest patch index, edge density, shape index, and fractal dimension. Digital images were an appropriate tool because they can generate data very quickly. The landscape metrics were sensitive to changes in soil surface micro-morphology especially after the 1st erosive rain event, indicating significant erosional feature development between the initial wetting and first erosive rainfall. The method is considered suitable for spatial patterns of soil micro-topography evolution from rainfall events that bear similarity to landscape scale pattern evolution from eco-hydrological processes. Although much more study is needed for calibrating the landscape metrics at the micro-scale, this study is a step forward in demonstrating the advantages of the method.

A sewage sludge co-composting process using respirometric monitoring method in hermetic rotary reactor

This paper has the objective of monitoring the biological activity of composting process of sewage sludge, sugarcane bagasse and ground coffee in a hermetic rotary reactor using the respirometric method in laboratory scale, in order to obtain parameters and system design for large scale projects. Another particularity of this study is the use of a hermetic reactor with gas purging cycles. Purging was performed when the percentage of oxygen reached less than 5%, thus eliminating the gaseous mixture (with elevated CO2 ratio) and the introduction of environmental air with around 21% of O2, successively until the compost was stabilized. The average purge intervals obtained were 29 h and 2 min with reactor rotation frequency of 15 min. The time of the compost stabilization was optimized in 60% if compared to the 90 days in the traditional method. The results obtained can be used to design the process in industrial scale using a simple O2 gas analyzer.

Reduced serum levels of adiponectin in elderly patients with major depression

Recent studies have implicated adiponectin and other adipocytokines in brain function, particularly in processes related to memory and cognition. Blood levels of adiponectin are reduced in patients with primary cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, and in adult patients with major depression. The aim of the present study is to determine serum levels of adiponectin in a sample of elderly patients with major depressive disorder (MOD) as compared to healthy older adults, and to examine the correlations between adiponectin levels and parameters indicative of mood and cognitive state. We recruited fifty-one unmedicated outpatients with late-life depression (LLD) and 47 age-matched controls in this study. The diagnosis of MDD was made according to the DSM-IV criteria, and the severity of depressive episode was determined with the 21-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HORS). Cognitive state was ascertained with the Cambridge Cognitive Test (CAMCOG) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Serum concentrations of adiponectin were determined using a sandwich ELISA method. Serum levels of adiponectin were significantly reduced in individuals with LLD (F = p < 0.001). Adiponectin level remained significantly reduced in after controlling for BMI index, scores on the CAMCOG, MMSE and HDRS and educational level (p < 0.001). Adiponectin levels showed a negative correlation with HORS scores (r = -0.59, p < 0.001) and BMI index (r = -0.42, p < 0.001); and showed a positive correlation with CAMCOG (r = 0.34, p < 0.01) and MMSE scores (r = 0.20, p = 0.05). The availability of circulating adiponectin is reduced in older adults with major depression, with likely implications on cognitive and mood state. Additional studies are required to determine whether this abnormality pertains to the pathophysiology of geriatric depression per se, or is a consequence of the morbid state. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale to Predict Dysphagia in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose: Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a common manifestation in acute stroke. Aspiration resulting from difficulties in swallowing is a symptom that should be considered due to the frequent occurrence of aspiration pneumonia that could influence the patient's recovery as it causes clinical complications and could even lead to the patient's death. The early clinical evaluation of swallowing disorders can help define approaches and avoid oral feeding, which may be detrimental to the patient. This study aimed to create an algorithm to identify patients at risk of developing dysphagia following acute ischemic stroke in order to be able to decide on the safest way of feeding and minimize the complications of stroke using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NHISS). Methods: Clinical assessment of swallowing was performed in 50 patients admitted to the emergency unit of the University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil, with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, within 48 h after the beginning of symptoms. Patients, 25 females and 25 males with a mean age of 64.90 years (range 26-91 years), were evaluated consecutively. An anamnesis was taken before the patient's participation in the study in order to exclude a prior history of deglutition difficulties. For the functional assessment of swallowing, three food consistencies were used, i.e. pasty, liquid and solid. After clinical evaluation, we concluded whether there was dysphagia. For statistical analysis we used the Fisher exact test, verifying the association between the variables. To assess whether the NIHSS score characterizes a risk factor for dysphagia, a receiver operational characteristics curve was constructed to obtain characteristics for sensitivity and specificity. Results: Dysphagia was present in 32% of the patients. The clinical evaluation is a reliable method of detection of swallowing difficulties. However, the predictors of risk for the swallowing function must be balanced, and the level of consciousness and the presence of preexisting comorbidities should be considered. Gender, age and cerebral hemisphere involved were not significantly associated with the presence of dysphagia. NIHSS, Glasgow Coma Scale, and speech and language changes had a statistically significant predictive value for the presence of dysphagia. Conclusions: The NIHSS is highly sensitive (88%) and specific (85%) in detecting dysphagia; a score of 12 may be considered as the cutoff value. The creation of an algorithm to detect dysphagia in acute ischemic stroke appears to be useful in selecting the optimal feeding route while awaiting a specialized evaluation. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel