The impact of adding SBAS data on GPS data processing in southeast of Brazil: Preliminary result

Nowadays, L1 SBAS signals can be used in a combined GPS+SBAS data processing. However, such situation restricts the studies over short baselines. Besides of increasing the satellite availability, SBAS satellites orbit configuration is different from that of GPS. In order to analyze how these characteristics can impact GPS positioning in the southeast area of Brazil, experiments involving GPS-only and combined GPS+SBAS data were performed. Solutions using single point and relative positioning were computed to show the impact over satellite geometry, positioning accuracy and short baseline ambiguity resolution. Results showed that the inclusion of SBAS satellites can improve the accuracy of positioning. Nevertheless, the bad quality of the data broadcasted by these satellites limits their usage. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2012.

Early light reduction for preventing retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants

BackgroundRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a complex condition of the developing retinal blood vessels and is one of the leading causes of preventable childhood blindness. Several risk factors for ROP have been studied over the past 50 years. Among them, general immaturity (low birth weight and low gestational age) and prolonged oxygen therapy have been consistently related to disease onset. However, it is understood that the progression of the disease is multifactorial and may be associated with others risk factors, such as multiple gestation, apnoea, intracranial haemorrhage, anaemia, sepsis, prolonged mechanical ventilation, multiple transfusions and light exposure. Furthermore, the precise role of these individual factors in the development of the disease has not yet been well established.ObjectivesTo determine whether the reduction of early environmental light exposure reduces the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or poor ROP outcomes among very low birth weight infants.Search methodsWe searched the following databases: the Cochrane Neonatal Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, HealthSTAR, Science Citation Index Database, CANCERLIT, the Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials and www.clinicaltrials.gov. We also searched previous reviews including cross-references, abstracts, conference and symposia proceedings, and contacted expert informants. This search was updated in October 2012.Selection criteriaRandomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that reduced light exposure to premature infants within the first seven days following birth were considered for this review. We also considered cluster-randomised controlled trials.Data collection and analysisData on clinical outcomes including any acute ROP and poor ROP outcome were extracted by both review authors independently and consensus reached. We conducted data analysis according to the standards of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group.Main resultsData from four randomised trials with a total of 897 participants failed to show any reduction in acute ROP or poor ROP outcome with the reduction of ambient light to premature infants' retinas. The overall methodological quality of the included studies was about evenly split between those in which the classification was unclear and those in which the studies were categorised as low risk of bias. There was no report on the secondary outcomes considered in this review: quality of life measures; and time of exposure to oxygen.Authors' conclusionsThe evidence shows that bright light is not the cause of retinopathy of prematurity and that the reduction of exposure of the retinas of premature infants to light has no effect on the incidence of the disease.

Inquérito de suplementação nutricional e experiência no treinamento resistido entre jovens do interior e litoral paulista

To the practitioners of resistance exercise, a better performance is associated with nutritional habits and the help of nutritional supplements. Whatever, this use has been made improperly and without foundation, advised by persons not trained, leading to misuse. To analyze the profile of practitioners in the knowledge of and access to supplements, as well as knowledge about the sport and the need to use additional food resources. A questionnaire will be used to youths aged 15 to 21 consumers of nutritional supplements on the sports, the substance used, why the substance used, who appointed her, which substances have been used, satisfaction with that product, and socioeconomic characteristics of the individual. The data will be correlated by Pearson's correlation coefficient. It is expected that the abuse of supplements is associated with ease by socioeconomic status and experience in the sport for the little progress with the adoption of a routine training exercise in the circumstances only. The major difference compared to the goal of practice, was the motivation for the improvement of physical fitness (Guaruja 21% and Bauru 9.6%), with the intention of increasing muscle mass response occurring closer (Guaruja 22% and Bauru 19.2%) among respondents, and reported more emphasis on the Interior Health (17.3%). The use of supplements is somewhat similar to trends involving body aesthetics and fitness for participation in sports, in the Coast (hypertrophy: 33% body fat reduction, improved endurance and improved performance in sports: 20%), and beauty, fitness and health, the Interior (hypertrophy: 41% increase in strength: 22%, and quality of life: 15%). Interest in the use of supplements is mostly aimed at the improvement of overload training (Guaruja 67% and Bauru 56%) but the sources of information on the use of supplements have become more secure among the respondents of the Interior (gym teacher: 20%, Conferences and Symposia: 12%, and the...

Book Review of Entomology at the Land Grant University: Perspectives from the Texas A&M University Department Centenary Edited by Kevin M. Heinz, Raymond Frisbie, and Carlos Bogran

This book offers the texts of twenty-four presentations given in a series of mini symposia organized to commemorate the centennial of Texas A&M's Department of Entomology. Although not stated explicitly by the editors, the central theme for these symposia seems to be the contributions of the discipline of entomology to modern society. The presentations cover a wide range of topics dealing with the importance of insects in both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems; insects as models for scientific research; challenges associated with effective management of those species that are pests in systems designed for food and fiber production; and the role of entomology departments within academic institutions, particularly land-grant universities. The list of contributors to these symposia is impressive, as are the universities and other institutions they represent across the United States as well as in Europe and Africa.

Just a Tea Stall Girl: Lessons from India

This article charts the learning of a female academic who travelled and volunteered in southern India during a sabbatical leave from her university. Opportunities to discover gender, race and class connections ranged from tea-stall conversations to academic symposia; from outings with impoverished Indian families to excursions with social justice organizations. The author explores topics that include dowry, politics, globalization, communalism, and poverty. To illustrate her learning, she draws on the work of such renowned Indian scholars as Ali Ashgar Engineer and Vandana Shiva.