MSc Sound & Vibration Library Induction, October 2010

Library induction and information skills for MSc Sound and Vibration, given in October 2010. As well as an introduction to the hartley Library and the LoC classification scheme, it covers finding material from reading lists, e-journals, making up search strategies and searching online databases using boolean operators.

WAIS seminar: Linked Cultural Media

Wednesday 9th April 2014 Speaker(s): Guus Schreiber Time: 09/04/2014 11:00-11:50 Location: B32/3077 File size: 546Mb Abstract In this talk I will discuss linked data for museums, archives and libraries. This area is known for its knowledge-rich and heterogeneous data landscape. The objects in this field range from old manuscripts to recent TV programs. Challenges in this field include common metadata schema's, inter-linking of the omnipresent vocabularies, cross-collection search strategies, user-generated annotations and object-centric versus event-centric views of data. This work can be seen as part of the rapidly evolving field of digital humanities. Speaker Biography Guus Schreiber Guus is a professor of Intelligent Information Systems at the Department of Computer Science at VU University Amsterdam. Guus’ research interests are mainly in knowledge and ontology engineering with a special interest for applications in the field of cultural heritage. He was one of the key developers of the CommonKADS methodology. Guus acts as chair of W3C groups for Semantic Web standards such as RDF, OWL, SKOS and REFa. His research group is involved in a wide range of national and international research projects. He is now project coordinator of the EU Integrated project No Tube concerned with integration of Web and TV data with the help of semantics and was previously Scientific Director of the EU Network of Excellence “Knowledge Web”.

Arquitetura multiagente baseada em nuvem de partículas para hibridização de metaheurísticas

This thesis proposes an architecture of a new multiagent system framework for hybridization of metaheuristics inspired on the general Particle Swarm Optimization framework (PSO). The main contribution is to propose an effective approach to solve hard combinatory optimization problems. The choice of PSO as inspiration was given because it is inherently multiagent, allowing explore the features of multiagent systems, such as learning and cooperation techniques. In the proposed architecture, particles are autonomous agents with memory and methods for learning and making decisions, using search strategies to move in the solution space. The concepts of position and velocity originally defined in PSO are redefined for this approach. The proposed architecture was applied to the Traveling Salesman Problem and to the Quadratic Assignment Problem, and computational experiments were performed for testing its effectiveness. The experimental results were promising, with satisfactory performance, whereas the potential of the proposed architecture has not been fully explored. For further researches, the proposed approach will be also applied to multiobjective combinatorial optimization problems, which are closer to real-world problems. In the context of applied research, we intend to work with both students at the undergraduate level and a technical level in the implementation of the proposed architecture in real-world problems

Recombinant luteinizing hormone supplementation to recombinant follicle-stimulation hormone during induced ovarian stimulation in the GnRH-agonist protocol: A meta-analysis

Purpose: to compare the efficacy of recombinant LH supplementation for controlled ovarian stimulation in recombinant FSH and GnRH-agonist protocol.Methods: Search strategies included on-line surveys of databases. The fixed effects model was used for odds ratio and effect size (weighted mean difference). Four trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria.Results: a fewer days of stimulation (p < 0.0001), a fewer total amount of r-FSH administered (p < 0.0001) and a higher serum estradiol levels on the day of hCG administration (p < 0.0001) were observed for the r-LH supplementation protocol. However, differences were not observed in number of oocyte retrieved, number of mature oocytes, clinical pregnancy per oocyte retrieval, implantation and miscarriage rates.Conclusions: more randomized controlled trials are necessary before evidence-based recommendations regarding exogenous LH supplementation in ovarian stimulation protocols with FSH and GnRH-agonist for assisted reproduction treatment can be provided.

Relationship between visualization of meiotic spindle in human oocytes and ICSI outcomes: a meta-analysis

The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the influence of meiotic spindle visualization in human oocytes on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. Search strategies included on-line Surveys of databases (MEDLINE, em BASE, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and Ovid). The fixed effect was used for odds ratio. Ten trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria comparing in-vitro and clinical ICSI outcomes with or without visualization of meiotic spindle in fresh and in-vivo matured oocytes. According to the meta-analysis, the results showed statistically significant higher fertilization rate (P < 0.0001) when the meiotic spindle was viewed than when it was not. Moreover, the percentage of pro-nuclear-stage embyros with good morphology (P = 0.003), cleavage rate (P < 0.0001), percentage of day-3 top-quality embryos (P = 0.003) and percentage of embryos that reached the blastocyst stage (P < 0.0001) were statistically significantly better among, embryos derived from oocytes in which meiotic spindle was viewed compared with those in which meiotic spindle was not observed. However, these differences were not observed in the clinical pregnancy or implantation rates. This observation has clinical relevance mainly in countries where there is a legal limit on the number of oocytes to be fertilized. However, additional controlled trials are needed to further confirm these results.

Single-embryo transfer reduces clinical pregnancy rates and live births in fresh IVF and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles: a meta-analysis

Background: It has become an accepted procedure to transfer more than one embryo to the patient to achieve acceptable ongoing pregnancy rates. However, transfers of more than a single embryo increase the probability of establishing a multiple gestation. Single-embryo transfer can minimize twin pregnancies but may also lower live birth rates. This meta-analysis aimed to compare current data on single-embryo versus double-embryo transfer in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles with respect to implantation, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates.Methods: Search strategies included on-line surveys of databases from 1995 to 2008. Data management and analysis were conducted using the Stats Direct statistical software. The fixed-effect model was used for odds ratio (OR). Fixed-effect effectiveness was evaluated by the Mantel Haenszel method. Seven trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria.Results: When pooling results under the fixed-effect model, the implantation rate was not significantly different between double-embryo transfer (34.5%) and single-embryo transfer group (34.7%) (P = 0.96; OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.78, 1.25). on the other hand, double-embryo transfer produced a statistically significantly higher ongoing clinical pregnancy rate (44.5%) than single-embryo transfer (28.3%) (P < 0.0001; OR: 2.06, 95% CI = 1.64,2.60). At the same time, pooling results presented a significantly higher live birth rate when double-embryo transfer (42.5%) (P < 0.001; OR: 1.87, 95% CI = 1.44,2.42) was compared with single-embryo transfer (28.4%).Conclusion: Meta-analysis with 95% confidence showed that, despite similar implantation rates, fresh double-embryo transfer had a 1.64 to 2.60 times greater ongoing pregnancy rate and 1.44 to 2.42 times greater live birth rate than single-embryo transfer in a population suitable for ART treatment.

IVF/ICSI outcomes after culture of human embryos at low oxygen tension: a meta-analysis

Background: Improved pregnancy, implantation, and birth rates have been reported after the use of reduced O2 concentration during embryo culture, mainly due to a reduction of the cumulative detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species. However, some studies have failed to report any positive effects. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of a low-O2 environment on IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes.Methods: All available published and ongoing randomised trials that compared the effects of low (similar to 5%; OC similar to 5) and atmospheric (similar to 20%; OC similar to 20) oxygen concentrations on IVF/ICSI outcomes were included. Search strategies included online surveys of databases from 1980 to 2011. The outcomes measured were fertilisation rate, implantation rate and ongoing pregnancy rates. The fixed effects model was used to calculate the odds ratio.Results: Seven studies were included in this analysis. The pooled fertilisation rate did not differ significantly (P = 0.54) between the group of oocytes cultured at low O2 tension and the group at atmospheric O2 tension. Concerning all cycles, the implantation (P = 0.06) and ongoing pregnancy (P = 0.051) rates were not significantly different between the group receiving transferred sets containing only OC similar to 5 embryos and the group receiving transferred sets with only OC similar to 20 embryos. In a meta-analysis performed for only those trials in which embryos were transferred on day 2/3, implantation (P = 0.63) and ongoing pregnancy (P = 0.19) rates were not significantly different between the groups. In contrast, when a meta-analysis was performed using only trials in which embryos were transferred on days 5 and 6 (at the blastocyst stage), the group with transferred sets of only OC similar to 5 embryos showed a statistically significantly higher implantation rate (P = 0.006) than the group receiving transferred sets with only OC similar to 20 embryos, although the ongoing pregnancy (P = 0.19) rates were not significantly different between the groups.Conclusions: Despite some promising results, it seems too early to conclude that low O2 culture has an effect on IVF outcome. Additional randomised controlled trials are necessary before evidence-based recommendations can be provided. It should be emphasised that the present meta-analysis does not provide any evidence that low oxygen concentration is unnecessary.

What do very nearly flat detectable cosmic topologies Rook like?

Recent studies of the delectability of the cosmic topology of nearly flat universes have often concentrated on the range of values of Omega(0) given by current observations. Here we study the consequences of taking a range of bounds satisfying \Omega(0) - 1\ much less than 1, which include those expected from future observations such as the Planck mission, as well as those predicted by inflationary models. We show that in this limit, a generic detectable non-flat manifold is locally indistinguishable from either a cylindrical (R-2 X S) or toroidal (R x T-2) manifold, irrespective of its global shape, with the former being more likely. Importantly, this is compatible with some recent indications of the alignment of the quadrupole and octupole moments, based on the analysis of the first year WMAP data. It also implies that in this limit an observer would not be able to distinguish topologically whether the universe is spherical, hyperbolic or flat. By severely restricting the expected topological signatures of detectable isometries, our results provide an effective theoretical framework for interpreting cosmological observations, and can be used to confine the parameter spaces which realistic search strategies, such as the 'circles in the sky' method, need to concentrate on.

Uso da suplementação de LH recombinante na estimulação ovariana com protocolos de FSH recombinante e agonistas do GnRH: Uma revisão da literatura

The purpose of this review was to assess the efficacy of recombinant LH (r-LH) supplementation for controlled ovarian stimulation in recombinant FSH (r-FSH) and GnRH-agonist (GnRH-a) protocol for IVF/ICSI cycles. Search strategies included on-line surveys of databases from 1990 to 2006. Four trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria (Lisi et al. 2002, Humaidan et al. 2004, Marrs et al. 2004, Tarlatzis et al. 2006). When the review was carried out advantages were observed for the r-LH supplementation protocol with respect to a fewer days of stimulation, a fewer total amount of r-FSH administered and a higher serum estradiol levels on the day of hCG administration. However, these differences were not observed in number of oocyte retrieved, number of mature oocytes, clinical pregnancy per oocyte retrieval, implantation and miscarriage rates. Nevertheless, more randomized controlled trials are necessary before evidence-based recommendations regarding exogenous r-LH supplementation in ovarian stimulation protocols with r-FSH and GnRH-a for assisted reproduction treatment can be provided.

O emprego de hormônio luteinizante recombinante associado ao hormônio folículo-estimulante recombinante nos protocolos de estimulação ovariana com antagonista do GnRH

The purpose of this investigation was to verify the efficacy of recombinant LH supplementation for controlled ovarian stimulation in GnRH-antagonist protocol for assisted reproductive technologies cycles. Search strategies included on-line surveys of databases from 1990 to 2006. In this review and meta-analysis, the observed advantages for the LH supplementation protocol were a higher serum estradiol levels on the day of hCG administration and a higher number of mature oocytes. However, there were no differences observed in the total amount of r-FSH administered, days of stimulation, number of oocyte retrieved, the clinical pregnancy rate per oocyte retrieval, the implantation rate and miscarriage rate. This result demonstrates that the association of r-LH with r-FSH may prevent any decrease in estradiol after antagonist administration and a significant higher number of mature oocytes was obtained. Nevertheless, additional randomized controlled trials are needed confirm these observations.

GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist in poor ovarian responders: A meta-analysis

The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of gonadotrophin antagonist (GnRH-ant) versus GnRH agonist (GnRHa) as coadjuvant therapy for ovarian stimulation in poor ovarian responders in IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. Search strategies included on-line surveys of databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE and others. A fixed effects model was used for odds ratio (OR) and effect size (weighted mean difference, WMD). Six trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria (randomized controlled trials). There was no difference between GnRH-ant and GnRHa (long and flare-up protocols) with respect to cycle cancellation rate, number of mature oocytes and clinical pregnancy rate per cycle initiated, per oocyte retrieval and per embryo transfer. When the mete-analysis was applied to the two trials that had used GnRH-ant versus long protocols of GnRHa, a significantly higher number of retrieved oocytes was observed in the GnRH-ant protocols [P = 0.018; WMD: 1.12 (0.18, 2.05)]. However, when the meta-analysis was applied to the four trials that had used GnRH-ant versus flare-up protocols, a significantly higher number of retrieved oocytes (P = 0.032; WMD: -0.51, 95% CI -0.99, -0.04) was observed in the GnRHa protocols. Nevertheless, additional randomized controlled trials with better planning are needed to confirm these results.

Recombinant LH supplementation to recombinant FSH during induced ovarian stimulation in the GnRH-antagonist protocol: A meta-analysis

This study aims to compare the efficacy of recombinant LH (rLH) supplementation for ovarian stimulation in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-antagonist protocol for IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. Search strategies included online surveys of databases. The fixed effects model was used for odds ratio (OR) and effect size (weighted mean difference, WMD). Five trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. When the meta-analysis was carried out, advantages were observed for the LH supplementation protocol with respect to higher serum oestradiol concentrations on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration (P < 0.0001; WMD: 514, 95% CI 368, 660) and higher number of mature oocytes (P = 0.0098; WMD: 0.88, 95% CI 0.21, 1.54). However, these differences were not observed in the total amount of recombinant FSH (rFSH) administered, days of stimulation, number of oocytes retrieved, the clinical pregnancy rate per oocyte retrieval, the implantation rate and miscarriage rate. This result demonstrates that the association of rLH with rFSH may prevent any decrease in oestradiol after antagonist administration and that a significantly higher number of mature oocytes was available for laboratory work. Nevertheless, it failed to show any statistically significant difference in clinically significant end-points in IVF (implantation and pregnancy rates). Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results further. © 2007 Published by Reproductive Healthcare Ltd.

Correlação entre a taxa de fertilização e o fuso meiótico em oócitos humanos: Uma meta-análise

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the presence of meiotic spindle in human oocytes and fertilization rates in ICSI cycles. Methods: Search strategies included online surveys of databases from 1990 to 2008. Nine trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria Results: According to the meta-analysis, the results showed statistically significant higher fertilization rate (p<0.0001) when the meiotic spindle was viewed than when it was not. There was heterogeneity in this comparison. Conclusion: The presence of a birefringent meiotic spindle in human oocytes can predict a higher fertilization rate. This observation has clinical relevance mainly in countries where there is a legal limit on the number of oocytes to be fertilized. Copyright - SBRA - Sociedade Brasileira de Reprodução Assistida.

Avaliação comparada do uso de linguagens de indexação em catálogos de bibliotecas universitárias para recuperação por assunto

A comparative evaluation was made of the use of natural language versus two specialized indexing languages, aiming to demonstrate the influence of the availability of indexing languages on the functioning of information retrieval systems. The study was conducted within the ambit of the construction of search strategies by subject in online university library catalogs. The precision ratio was calculated to determine the accuracy of each indexing language in subjectbased information retrieval. From the comparative evaluation of the use of indexing languages, it was concluded that the term specificity required by the user during retrieval was more satisfactory when the query was made through controlled languages, whose availability and simplicity is also an indispensable requisite.

Algoritmos busca tabu paralelos aplicados ao planejamento da expansão da transmissão de energia elétrica

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)