bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Performance of Vegetation Indices to Estimate Nitrogen Nutrition Index in Pepper
Authors: de Souza Romina , Peña-Fleitas M. Teresa , Thompson Rodney B. , Gallardo Marisa , Padilla Francisco M.
Published: February 2020

Vegetation indices (VIs) can be useful tools to evaluate crop nitrogen (N) status. To be effective, VIs measurements must be related to crop N status. The nitrogen nutrition index (NNI) is a widely accepted parameter of crop N status. The present work evaluates the performance of several VIs to estimate NNI in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum). The performance of VIs to estimate NNI was evaluated using parameters of linear regression analysis conducted for calibration and validation. Three different sweet pepper crops were grown with combined irrigation and fertigation, in Almería, Spain. In each crop, five different N concentrations in the nutrient solution were frequently applied by drip irrigation. Proximal crop reflectance was measured with Crop Circle ACS470 and GreenSeeker handheld sensors, approximately every ten days, throughout the crops. The relative performance of VIs differed between phenological stages. Relationships of VIs with NNI were strongest in the early fruit growth and flowering stages, and less strong in the vegetative and harvest stages. The green band-based VIs, GNDVI, and GVI, provided the best results for estimating crop NNI in sweet pepper, for individual phenological stages. GNDVI had the best performance in the vegetative, flowering, and harvest stages, and GVI had the best performance in the early fruit growth stage. Some of the VIs evaluated are promising tools to estimate crop N status in sweet pepper and have the potential to contribute to improving crop N management of sweet pepper crops.
Perception in the Dark; Development of a ToF Visual Inertial Odometry System
Authors: Chen Shengyang , Chang Ching-Wei , Wen Chih-Yung
Published: February 2020

Visual inertial odometry (VIO) is the front-end of visual simultaneous localization and mapping (vSLAM) methods and has been actively studied in recent years. In this context, a time-of-flight (ToF) camera, with its high accuracy of depth measurement and strong resilience to ambient light of variable intensity, draws our interest. Thus, in this paper, we present a realtime visual inertial system based on a low cost ToF camera. The iterative closest point (ICP) methodology is adopted, incorporating salient point-selection criteria and a robustness-weighting function. In addition, an error-state Kalman filter is used and fused with inertial measurement unit (IMU) data. To test its capability, the ToF–VIO system is mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform and operated in a variable light environment. The estimated flight trajectory is compared with the ground truth data captured by a motion capture system. Real flight experiments are also conducted in a dark indoor environment, demonstrating good agreement with estimated performance. The current system is thus shown to be accurate and efficient for use in UAV applications in dark and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-denied environments.
Near-Infrared Tunable Laser Absorption Spectroscopic Acetylene Sensor System Using a Novel Three Mirror-Based, Dense Pattern Gas Cell
Authors: Zhong Guoqiang , Ma Zhuo , Wang Junbo , Zheng Chuantao , Zhang Yu , Wang Yiding , Tittel Frank K.
Published: February 2020

By contrast with the widely reported traditional two mirror-based Herriott cell, a three mirror-based dense pattern gas cell was proposed, of which the modeling and design were proven to be effective through a comparison between the simulated spot pattern and effective path length and those of the experimental results. A mechanical structure was designed to adjust the position/angle of the three mirrors for aligning the optical path. The experimentally measured reflection number was 60, resulting in an optical path length of ~11 m, which agrees well with the theoretical value of 10.95 m. Combined with a near-infrared laser with a center wavenumber located at an acetylene (C2H2) absorption line of 6521.2 cm−1, a C2H2 sensor system was established to verify the feasibility of the three mirror-based gas cell. Assisted by a data acquisition (DAQ) card, a LabVIEW platform was developed to generate the drive signal of the laser and acquire the second harmonic (2f) signal from the output of the detector. Through Allan variance analysis, the limit of detection (LoD) of the sensor system is 4.36 ppm at an average time of 0.5 s; as the average time exceeds 10 s, the LoD is <1 ppm. The proposed model and design of the three mirror-based gas cell can be used to realize similar gas cells with different absorption path lengths for gas detection based on infrared absorption spectroscopy.
Muscle Activation in Middle-Distance Athletes with Compression Stockings
Authors: Moreno-Pérez Diego , Marín Pedro J. , López-Samanes Álvaro , Cejuela-Anta Roberto , Esteve-Lanao Jonathan
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in electromyographic activity with the use of gradual compression stockings (GCSs) on middle-distance endurance athletes’ performance, based on surface electromyography measurement techniques. Sixteen well-trained athletes were recruited (mean ± SD: age 33.4 ± 6.3 years, VO2max 63.7 ± 6.3 mL·kg−1·min−1, maximal aerobic speed 19.7 ± 1.5 km·h). The athletes were divided into two groups and were assigned in a randomized order to their respective groups according to their experience with the use of GCSs. Initially, a maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) test was performed to standardize the athletes’ running speeds for subsequent tests. Afterward, electromyographic activity, metabolic, and performance variables for each group were measured with surface electromyography. In addition, blood lactate concentration was measured, both with and without GCSs, during 10 min at 3% above VT2 (second ventilatory threshold), all of which were performed on the track. Next, surface electromyography activity was measured during a 1 km run at maximum speed. No significant changes were found in electromyography activity, metabolic and performance variables with GCSs use (p > 0.164) in any of the variables measured. Overall, there were no performance benefits when using compression garments against a control condition.
Fully Integrated Photoacoustic NO2 Sensor for Sub-ppb Level Measurement
Authors: Dong Yang , Gu Mingsi , Zhu Gongdong , Tan Tu , Liu Kun , Gao Xiaoming
Published: February 2020

A fully integrated photoacoustic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) sensor is developed and demonstrated. In this sensor, an embedded photoacoustic cell was manufactured by using an up-to-date 3D printing technique. A blue laser diode was used as a light source for excitation of photoacoustic wave in the photoacoustic cell. The photoacoustic wave is detected by a sensitive microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone. Homemade circuits are integrated into the sensor for laser diode driving and signal processing. The sensor was calibrated by using a chemiluminescence NO–NO2–NOX gas analyzer. And the performance of this sensor was evaluated. The linear relationship between photoacoustic signals and NO2 concentrations was verified in a range of below 202 ppb. The limit of detection was determined to 0.86 ppb with an integration time of 1 s. The corresponding normalized noise equivalent absorption was 2.0 × 10−8 cm−1∙W∙Hz−1/2. The stability and the optimal integration time were evaluated with an Allan deviation analysis, from which a detection limit of 0.25 ppb at the optimal integration time of 240 s was obtained. The sensor was used to measure outdoor air and the results agree with that obtained from the NO–NO2–NOX gas analyzer. The low-cost and portable photoacoustic NO2 sensor has a potential application for atmospheric NO2 monitoring.
Structural Damage Localization and Quantification Based on a CEEMDAN Hilbert Transform Neural Network Approach: A Model Steel Truss Bridge Case Study
Authors: Mousavi Asma Alsadat , Zhang Chunwei , Masri Sami F. , Gholipour Gholamreza
Published: February 2020

Vibrations of complex structures such as bridges mostly present nonlinear and non-stationary behaviors. Recently, one of the most common techniques to analyze the nonlinear and non-stationary structural response is Hilbert–Huang Transform (HHT). This paper aims to evaluate the performance of HHT based on complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) technique using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) as a proposed damage detection methodology. The performance of the proposed method is investigated for damage detection of a scaled steel-truss bridge model which was experimentally established as the case study subjected to white noise excitations. To this end, four key features of the intrinsic mode function (IMF), including energy, instantaneous amplitude (IA), unwrapped phase, and instantaneous frequency (IF), are extracted to assess the presence, severity, and location of the damage. By analyzing the experimental results through different damage indices defined based on the extracted features, the capabilities of the CEEMDAN-HT-ANN model in detecting, addressing the location and classifying the severity of damage are efficiently concluded. In addition, the energy-based damage index demonstrates a more effective approach in detecting the damage compared to those based on IA and unwrapped phase parameters.
Single Remote Sensing Image Super-Resolution with an Adaptive Joint Constraint Model
Authors: Fu Lingli , Ren Chao , He Xiaohai , Wu Xiaohong , Wang Zhengyong
Published: February 2020

Remote sensing images have been widely used in many applications. However, the resolution of the obtained remote sensing images may not meet the increasing demands for some applications. In general, the sparse representation-based super-resolution (SR) method is one of the most popular methods to solve this issue. However, traditional sparse representation SR methods do not fully exploit the complementary constraints of images. Therefore, they cannot accurately reconstruct the unknown HR images. To address this issue, we propose a novel adaptive joint constraint (AJC) based on sparse representation for the single remote sensing image SR. First, we construct a nonlocal constraint by using the nonlocal self-similarity. Second, we propose a local structure filter according to the local gradient of the image and then construct a local constraint. Next, the nonlocal and local constraints are introduced into the sparse representation-based SR framework. Finally, the parameters of the joint constraint model are selected adaptively according to the level of image noise. We utilize the alternate iteration algorithm to tackle the minimization problem in AJC. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves good SR performance in preserving image details and significantly improves the objective evaluation indices.
Assessment of Soil Erosion in the Qinba Mountains of the Southern Shaanxi Province in China Using the RUSLE Model
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Su Yuan
Published: February 2020

The Southern Shaanxi Province, an important ecological security barrier area in central China, is the primary water source of the south-to-north water transfer project in China. However, severe soil erosion seriously affects the safety of regional ecological security and water quality of the water diversion project. To reveal the characteristics and variation of soil erosion in the southern Shaanxi Province after the implementation of a series of eco-environmental construction measures, in this study, the spatio-temporal characteristics of soil erosion from 2000 to 2014 were evaluated based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The average soil erosion of southern Shaanxi Province in China was characterized as slight (less than 500 t·km–2·a–1) and mild erosion (500–2500 t·km–2·a–1) with an average soil erosion modulus of 1443.49 t·km–2·a–1, 1710.49 t·km–2·a–1, 1771.99 t·km–2·a–1 and 1647.74 t·km–2·a–1 in 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2014, respectively. The results revealed an increase in soil erosion until 2000 and a mitigation during the period of 2000 to 2014. After 2010, the soil erosion was controlled effectively. The spatial distribution of soil erosion displayed obvious spatial heterogeneity, and the high soil erosion (greater than 2500 t·km–2·a–1) was primarily distributed in the north-central and south counties of the study area. The soil erosion remained high and aggravated in six counties (i.e., Zhen’an, Zhashui, Ningshan, Ningqiang, Lueyang and Shanyang), and high erosion (greater than 5000 t·km–2·a–1) was found in the regions with slope gradients greater than 35 degrees and the middle mountainous (800–2000 m) regions. Therefore, the eco-environmental construction measures could effectively control soil erosion. However, unreasonable human activities remain the primary cause of soil erosion in the southern Shaanxi Province. In the future, more comprehensive and thorough ecological construction measures will be necessary to ensure regional ecological security and the eco-environmental quality of water sources.
Exogenous Application of Proline and Salicylic Acid can Mitigate the Injurious Impacts of Drought Stress on Barley Plants Associated with Physiological and Histological Characters
Authors: Abdelaal Khaled A. A. , Attia Kotb A. , Alamery Salman F. , El-Afry Mohamed M. , Ghazy Abdelhalim I. , Tantawy Dalia S. , Al-Doss Abdullah A. , El-Shawy El-Sayed E. , M. Abu-Elsaoud Abdelghafar , Hafez Yaser M.
Published: February 2020

Barley is a very important crop worldwide and has good impact in preserving food security. The impacts of 10 mM proline and 0.5 mM salicylic acid were evaluated on water stressed barley plants (Hordeum vulgare L. Giza126). Salicylic acid and proline treatments led to increased stem length, plant dry weights, chlorophyll concentration, relative water content, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and grain yield under drought stress. Nevertheless, lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage (EL), superoxide (O2·−), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) significantly decreased in treated barley plants with proline and salicylic acid in both growing seasons as compared with drought treatment only, which caused significant decrease in stem length, plant dry weights, chlorophyll concentration, activity of antioxidant enzymes, as well as biological and grain yield. These results demonstrated the importance of salicylic acid and proline as tolerance inducers of drought stress in barley plants.
Impacts of Urban Form on Thermal Environment Near the Surface Region at Pedestrian Height: A Case Study Based on High-Density Built-Up Areas of Nanjing City in China
Authors: Yang Junyan , Shi Beixiang , Xia Geyang , Xue Qin , Cao Shi-Jie
Published: February 2020

The continuous worsening of urban thermal environments poses a severe threat to human health and is among the main problems associated with urban climate change and sustainable development. This issue is particularly severe in high-density built-up areas. Existing studies on the thermal environments (temperature data extracted from satellite remote sensing images) are mainly focused on urban canopy areas (airspace below the average height of trees or buildings) rather than the near surface region (at pedestrian height). However, the main outdoor activity space of urban residents is the area near surface region. Hence, this study aims to investigate the influence of urban form (i.e., building density, height, and openness) on thermal environment near the surface region. The high-density built-up areas of a typical megacity (i.e., Nanjing) in China were selected, and the thermal environments of 26 typical blocks were simulated using ENVI-met software. Temperature field measurements were carried out for simulation validation. On this basis, a classified and comparative study was conducted by selecting the key spatial form elements that affect thermal environments. The results showed that in actual high-density built-up areas, single urban form parameter does not determine the thermal environments near the urban surface but mainly affected by the use (function) of space. For this study, the overall thermal environment of a street block is optimal when the building density is between 40% and 50% and the average building height is between 8 and 17 stories. Nonetheless, the urban form can be improved to optimize the overall effects on building functions and thermal environments. Furthermore, function-specific urban form optimization strategies were proposed to optimize thermal environments according to specific functional needs.
Are the Blockchain-Based Patents Sustainable for Increasing Firm Value?
Authors: Kim Horim , Kim Jaeyoung , Jang Kyungmyung , Han Jaemin
Published: February 2020

Blockchain technology is changing conventional online transaction systems by eliminating payment gateway firms. The blockchain technology is highly attractive and has earned a lot of attention from investors and firms. To protect blockchain technology, firms acquire a patent of blockchain for enhancing the value of their blockchain technology. However, the sustainable value for a patent of blockchain has not been clearly explored. For this reason, our research attempted to explore the relationship between a patent of blockchain and firm value. We used a real options theory and built robust empirical tests based on United State Patents and Trademark Office (USPTO) data. We collected the patents of blockchains from 2014 to 2018 and matched financial data from the Compustat database. In total, we found 153 panel observations. Our results suggest that a firm’s patent of blockchain originality and t-1 lagged effects for a firm’s patent of blockchain generality are positively associated with firm value in general. In addition, the sustainable value for the patent of blockchain affects firms differently based on their industry. We found that the sustainable value for the patent of blockchain originality was positively and exclusively associated with the software industry, while the sustainable value for the patent of blockchain generality was positively and exclusively associated with the hardware industry.
Empirical Evaluation of the Impact of Resilience and Sustainability on Firms’ Performance
Authors: Balugani Elia , Butturi Maria Angela , Chevers Delroy , Parker David , Rimini Bianca
Published: February 2020

The concepts of resilience and sustainability appear multi-dimensional and correlated, depending on the context. Operational sustainability practices can enhance the resilience of a firm, and support its growth. This study aims at analyzing the impact of a sustainability strategy, measured by means of a sustainability maturity index (SMI), on the financial performance of a company. Since the SMI is strictly correlated to resilience capabilities, the performed analysis represents a first level integration of the sustainability and resilience indicators in a common framework. A data sample from 53 organizations was collected through structured interviews and analyzed to identify possible relationships between the SMI and the financial performance indexes. The analysis does not support commonly reported arguments: we show that profitability does not show a significant relationship with sustainable strategic intent. Interestingly, firm country of origin, size of the organization, and market focus, likewise, do not have a significant relationship with SMI. Arguably, multi-dimensional company performance, including both financial and non-financial measures, should be considered to assess the impact of sustainability practices. Moreover, further investigations are needed to capture firms’ nonfinancial indicators of performance that are related to sustainability and resilience, for building up a unified framework enabling trade-off analysis.
Landscape Management through Change Processes Monitoring in Iran
Authors: Zabihi Mohsen , Moradi Hamidreza , Gholamalifard Mehdi , Khaledi Darvishan Abdulvahed , Fürst Christine
Published: February 2020

The presented research investigated and predicted landscape change processes (LCPs) in the Talar watershed, northern Iran. The Land Change Modeler was used for change analysis, transition potential modeling, and prediction of land use/land cover (LULC) map. The evaluation of projected LULC map was performed by comparing the real and predicted LULC maps for the reference year, 2014. Landscape metrics and change processes were investigated for the period 1989–2014 and for exploring the situation in 2030. Results illustrated that the increase in agricultural land and residential areas took place at the expense of forest and rangeland. The distance from forests was the most sensitive parameter for modeling the transition potentials. The modelling of the LULC change projected the number of patches, the landscape shape index, interspersion and juxtaposition index, and edge density, Euclidean nearest-neighbor distance, and area-weighted shape index will amount to 65.3, 7.63, 20.1, 8.77, −1.35, and 0.61% as compared to 2014, respectively. Our findings indicated that the type of change processes that occurred was not entirely the same in 1989–2000 and 2000–2014. In addition, change processes in the creation of dry farming, orchard, and residential classes, attrition of forest and rangeland categories, and dissection in irrigated farming are projected. The dynamics of landscape metrics and change processes combined in one analytical framework can facilitate understanding and detection of the relationship between ecological processes and landscape pattern. The finding of current research will provide a roadmap for improved LULC management and planning in the Talar watershed, southern coast of the Caspian Sea.
Complexity Stage Model of the Medical Device Development Based on Economic Evaluation—MedDee
Authors: Marešová Petra , Peter Lukáš , Honegr Jan , Režný Lukáš , Penhaker Marek , Augustýnek Martin , Mohelská Hana , Klímová Blanka , Kuča Kamil
Published: February 2020

The development of a new product is essential for the progress and success of any company. The medical device market is very specific, which is challenging. Therefore, this paper assesses an economic model for medical device evaluation using the economic, health, technology regulatory, and present market knowledge to enable the cost–time conception for any applicant. The purpose of this study is to propose a comprehensive stage model of the medical device development to subsequently describe the financial expenditure of the entire development process. The identification of critical steps was based on the literature review, and analysis, and a comparison of the available medical device development stages and directives. Furthermore, a preliminary assessment of the medical device development steps and procedures on the basis of the interviews was performed. Six interviews were conducted with an average duration of one hour, focusing on areas: relevance and level of detail of the medical device development stages, involvement of economic methods, and applicability of the proposed model. Subsequently, the improvement and modification of the medical device investment process, based on respondents’ responses, were conducted. The authors have proposed the complexity model MedDee—Medical Devices Development by Economic Evaluation. This model is comprised of six phases: initiation, concept, design, production, final verification, and market disposition in which the economic methods are incorporated.
Integration of 3D Geological Modeling and Geothermal Field Analysis for the Evaluation of Geothermal Reserves in the Northwest of Beijing Plain, China
Authors: Zhu Zhenzhou , Lei Xiaodong , Xu Nengxiong , Shao Dongyue , Jiang Xingyu , Wu Xiong
Published: February 2020

With the increasing demand for energy and the growing concern for atmospheric pollution in Beijing, China, the exploitation and utilization of geothermal resources are becoming more desirable. The study combined three-dimensional geological modeling with geothermal field analysis to make clear the potential and distribution of geothermal resources in the northwest of the Beijing plain, which could provide a scientific basis for rational utilization in the study area. Based on the analysis of the geological data and geothermal conditions, we created a 3D geological model of the study area, and then added isothermal surfaces into the model and analyzed the heat flow to enhance the understanding of the present geothermal field. After that, the volumes of different temperature intervals of heat reservoirs were calculated accurately and automatically by the integration of the model and the isothermal surfaces. Finally, the geothermal reserves were calculated by the improved volumetric method, and the distribution of resources was analyzed comprehensively. The results showed that, in the study area, the heat flow values ranged from 49 to 99 mW m−2, and the average elevations of 25 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C isothermal surfaces were at −415 m, −1282 m, and −2613 m, respectively. The geothermal reserves were 5.42 × 1019 J and the volume of the heat reservoir was 4.88 × 1011 m3. The geothermal resources of the study area had good potential and could support local green development.
Determination of the levels of serum oxidative indicator, cytokine and some biochemical parameters in horses naturally infected with Theileria equi
Authors: ÖZDEK Uğur , OĞUZ Bekir , KÖMÜROĞLU Ahmet Ufuk , DEĞER Yeter
Published: February 2020

Equine theileriosis is considered as a serious problem because of harmful effects on the health and performance of equids. Despite the importance of this disease, there are few studies in related to clinical pathologic changes in equine theileriosis especially in horses. In this study, the oxidative stress biomarkers, cytokines, enzymes, lipid profile, electrolytes, minerals and some metabolites were evaluated in horses naturally infected with Theileria equi (n=22) and healthy (n=7). In infected horses, the serum concentrations of MDA, IFN-γ, total protein, globulin, bilirubin (total, direct, indirect), triglyceride, glucose, iron, chloride, sodium and copper with enzyme activities of ALP, AST and GGT were found significantly higher, however concentrations of GSH, albumin, total cholesterol, HDL, TIBC, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc and manganese with enzyme activity of CAT were found lower when compared to the healthy horses (P<0.05). The changes in TNF-α, creatinine, urea and LDL concentrations were not statistically significant (P>0.05).The results indicate that there are significant changes in the oxidative indicator, cytokine, and biochemical parameters of horses in T. equi infection and that these changes may be useful in the evaluation of the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of theileriosis. In addition, comprehensive studies are needed to better understand the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of theileriosis.
The role of micronutrients in high-yielding dairy ruminants: Choline and vitamin E
Authors: PINOTTI Luciano , MANONI Michele , FUMAGALLI Francesca , ROVERE Nicoletta , TRETOLA Marco , BALDI Antonella
Published: February 2020

This review addresses the potential role of antioxidants and methyl-group sources in optimising the metabolic health of dairy ruminants. The productivity of high-yielding dairy cows has increased over the past 40 years and the milk yield has doubled. Such increases in milk production have been observed not only in dairy cows but also to some extent in other dairy ruminants such as ewes, goats and buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). As a consequence, in all specialized dairy ruminants it is essential to optimize the macro and micro-nutrient supply, especially during the most critical period in the animals' production cycle i.e. from parturition until the peak of lactation. In this critical phase, an array of factors can enhance the balance between the intake and demand for nutrients, although the availability and supply of the selected micronutrients is also important. The supplementation of dietary antioxidants or boosting the endogenous methyl group status, via vitamin E, selenium and choline are proposed as possible strategies in maintaining stable metabolic health and optimising milk production.
Alteração de Equilíbrio na Doença de Alzheimer
Authors: Brucki Sonia MD
Published: February 2020

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Frontotemporal dementia deficit in Theory of Mind assessed with Happé’s Test
Authors: Serrani Daniel
Published: February 2020

Objective. search whether a specific deficit in Theory of Mind (ToM) can be found in fronto-temporal dementia (FTD) but not in Alzheimer Type dementia (AD). The search was further supported with brain neuro-images analysis. Method. Neuropsychological tests, executive function tests, Yesavage depression scale and ToM tests using Happe’s strange stories tests (SST) were administered, to highlight any differences between Alzheimer and Frontotemporal dementia patients in their capacity to build inferences of other subject’s mental states and interpreting a non literal or metaphoric sentence. With this purpose 20 patients with AD and 20 with FTD, age, sex, literacy and IQ matched were selected for this study. Analysis: data were analyzed with ANOVA and correlation tests Results. Patients with FTD performed worst than AD in SST but had identical outcomes in physical events control task. These results didn’t show a meaningful correlation with EF tests. Discussion. Both groups offered low contextual content answers, but the percentage was greater with FTD. Those results are correlated with hypometabolism in ventromedial and dorsolateral brain areas, demonstrated with SPECT. Conclusions. FTD patients show a specific deficit in Theory of Mind which renders them incapable of building inferences on mental states.
Perfil epidemiológico de indivíduos com Esclerose Múltipla de uma associação de referência
Authors: Baggio Bruna Finato , Teles Rodolfo Alex , Renosto Alexandra , Alvarenga Luiz Fernando Calage
Published: February 2020

Introdução. A esclerose múltipla (EM) é uma doença desmielinizante do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC), onde o desempenho motor é alterado significativamente. Objetivo. Traçar o perfil predominante dos indivíduos com esclerose múltipla em uma associação de referência em Caxias do Sul. Método. Foram avaliados 13 pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de EM, quanto à qualidade de vida, nível de independência funcional, fadiga, risco de quedas. Resultados. A média da idade dos pacientes foi 45 ± 11 anos (média ± dp), com maior prevalência o gênero feminino e etnia caucasiana. A população investigada apresentou qualidade de vida muito boa, dependência leve para atividades funcionais, fadiga acentuada, risco de queda baixo. Conclusão. Considerando-se as variáveis analisadas neste estudo, pode-se observar a relevância de traçar o perfil de indivíduos com EM, visando à importância de uma equipe multidisciplinar identificar as principais alterações funcionais destes pacientes.
Relação entre Fadiga e Qualidade de Vida em Pacientes com Esclerose Múltipla
Authors: Astudilla Pâmela , Machado Renata , Peralles Simone , Striebel Vera Lúcia Widniczck
Published: February 2020

Introdução. A Esclerose Múltipla é uma doença crônica de caráter inflamatório e degenerativo, que acomete adultos jovens, preferencialmente mulheres. Suas manifestações clínicas ocorrem de acordo com as áreas desmielinizadas, sendo a fadiga o principal sintoma referido pelos pacientes. A fadiga consiste em exaustão constante presente em várias doenças do sistema nervoso central. A Esclerose Múltipla leva a incapacidades que interferem nas atividades de vida diária causando um impacto negativo na Qualidade de Vida. Objetivo. Esta revisão de literatura teve como objetivo relacionar a fadiga com a qualidade de vida, caracterizando-as e descrevendo suas influências nestes indivíduos. Conclusão. A fadiga é um sintoma incapacitante que está diretamente relacionada à QV, porém existem outros fatores que podem interferir neste aspecto. Para minimizar tais efeitos seria necessário traçar um perfil de condicionamento físico específico para que estes pacientes possam praticar exercícios físicos regulares.
Efeitos do treinamento físico sobre a força muscular em paraplégicos
Authors: Bortolloti Lígia Franciele , Tsukamoto Heloísa Freiria
Published: February 2020

Objetivo. Verificar os efeitos do treinamento físico com membros superiores (MMSS) na força muscular (FM) de paraplégicos. Método. Participaram sete paraplégicos (seis homens) com idade média de 40,28±15,9 anos. Utilizou-se, no início e fim do tratamento, o Teste de Uma Repetição Máxima (1RM) e a manovacuometria, para avaliar a FM dos MMSS e dos músculos respiratórios, respectivamente. A capacidade funcional foi dada pela Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF). O treinamento físico foi realizado três vezes por semana, num total de 20 sessões. O protocolo de tratamento consistia de exercícios de aquecimento, alongamentos e fortalecimento muscular, realizado com 70% de 1RM nas 10 primeiras sessões, e 90% nas últimas. Ao final, uma entrevista para avaliar a satisfação dos pacientes em relação ao treinamento proposto foi aplicada. A análise estatística foi realizada pelos testes Kolmogorov-Smirnov e Wilcoxon, adotando p<0,05. Resultados. Houve ganho significante de FM dos MMSS direito e esquerdo ao final do treinamento (p=0,018 e p=0,017 respectivamente) e todos os participantes relataram maior facilidade em realizar suas atividades cotidianas. A manovacuometria não mostrou diferença significativa. Conclusão. O período de sete semanas de treinamento foi suficiente para promover ganhos significantes na FM de paraplégicos, facilitando o desempenho de suas atividades diárias.>
Facilitação Neuromuscular Proprioceptiva em tatame na reaquisição de funções na lesão medular
Authors: Alencar Roselene Ferreira de , Cordeiro Tatiane Guedes Ferreira , Anjos Patrícia Geysiane S dos , Cavalcanti Poliana L
Published: February 2020

A lesão raquimedular é uma das formas mais graves entre as lesões incapacitantes. Quando um indivíduo sofre tal lesão ocorre interferência da transmissão dos impulsos nervosos motores e sensoriais, além de modificações autonômicas gerando intenso conflito econômico e social para o paciente, família e sociedade. É essencial que se estabeleça um tratamento fisioterapêutico adequado proporcionando reaprendizado como também retorno as atividades funcionais anteriormente realizadas importantes para as atividades de vida diária. A Facilitação Neuromuscular Proprioceptiva (FNP) tem o objetivo primário de facilitar o paciente a alcançar o mais alto nível funcional reforçando e utilizando o que ele pode fazer. Este relato de caso é de caráter exploratório e descritivo com o objetivo de mensurar os efeitos da aplicação da FNP em atividades de tatame na reaquisição de padrões motores normais em um paciente com lesão medular traumática acompanhado no centro universitário de João Pessoa. Constatou-se que a FNP contribuiu para o processo de aprendizagem motora neste paciente, favorecendo a reaquisição dos padrões motores, e proporcionando maior independência e qualidade de vida.
Modelos de Reabilitação Fisioterápica em Pacientes Adultos com Sequelas de AVC Isquêmico
Authors: Piassaroli Cláudia Araújo de Paula , Almeida Giovana Campos de , Luvizotto José Carlos , Suzan Ana Beatriz Biagioli Manoel
Published: February 2020

Este trabalho tem como objetivo verificar na literatura a existência de protocolos de reabilitação fisioterápica para pacientes com sequelas de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi) e a elaboração de uma sugestão de tratamento fisioterápico para estes pacientes, visando a melhora nas atividades de vida diária (AVD´s). A metodologia utilizada foi revisão bibliográfica através de artigos científicos indexados nas seguintes bases de dados: Lilac’s, Scielo, Medline, Pubmed, bem como livros e monografias. O tema foi escolhido devido ser o AVCi responsável por 80% dos casos, e o AVC hemorrágico pelos outros 20% das incidências. Cerca de 40% dos pacientes com AVC portarão sequelas permanentes, dificultando as AVD´s, necessitando de cuidados especiais, e acompanhamento por equipe multidisciplinar. Reintegrar o paciente no ambiente social é um desafio que envolve todas as pessoas inseridas no processo. Após um curto período de flacidez, o paciente entra no estado de espasticidade muscular, que é uma das severas limitações que ele vai apresentar. A adesão do paciente e cuidadores, além da precocidade do tratamento são fundamentais para a melhora do paciente.
Relação da Sobrecarga do Cuidador, Perfil Funcional e Qualidade de Vida em Crianças com Paralisia Cerebral
Authors: Barbosa Ana Paula Machi , Zampa Tamires Nicoly , Iwabe Cristina , Diz Maria Angélica da Rocha
Published: February 2020

Objetivo. Avaliar a influência do comprometimento motor na qua­lidade de vida de crianças com Paralisia Cerebral (PC) e a sobrecarga do seu cuidador. Método. Foram avaliadas 12 crianças, seis do gênero feminino e seis do masculino, com diagnóstico clínico de PC qua­driplégicos e diplégicos, na faixa de 5 a 12 anos de idade, através das escalas Avaliação de Qualidade de Vida (AUQEI), versão brasileira da Burden Interview (BI), e Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Utilizou-se o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson para analisar a correlação entre as variáveis. Resultados. A classificação do GMFCS variou dos níveis II ao V, sendo mais freqüente o nível IV (50%); o escore da escala AUQEI apresentou média de 46,75 (má­ximo de 78); na BI verificou-se escore médio de 24,16 (máximo de 88). Observou-se correlação forte significativa somente entre o tipo de PC e o GMFCS; houve correlação significativa intermédia entre tipo de GMFCS e AUQEI; não houve correlações entre as demais variá­veis. Conclusão. O comprometimento motor da criança com PC não apresenta relação preditiva entre o estresse e a sobrecarga do cuidador; nem tão pouco com a qualidade de vida relatada por essas crianças.
A Imersão Altera os Parâmetros Ventilatórios de Indivíduos com Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne?
Authors: Fernandes Alba Barros Souza
Published: February 2020

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Simulação Mental de Movimentos
Authors: Bastos Aline Furtado , Souza Gabriela Guerra Leal , Souza Maitê Mello Russo de , Pinto Talita Peixoto , Lemos Thiago Thiago , Imbiriba Luís Aureliano
Published: February 2020

Introdução. A imagética motora (IM) consiste na evocação do plano motor de uma dada ação sem que haja a execução do movimento. Objetivo. Realizar uma revisão e análise crítica sobre a IM, discutin­do as características neurofisiológicas, as diferenças entre as estratégias de simulação e sua aplicação clínica no contexto da reabilitação de pacientes pós-Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC). Método. Busca de artigos indexados pelas bases ISI e Medline, publicados entre 1980 e 2012, nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol. Discussão. A IM é capaz de levar a ativações cerebrais, fisiológicas e comportamentais semelhantes às ocorridas durante a execução motora. Entretanto, a IM pode ser realizada utilizando duas possíveis estratégias, a cinestésica e a visual, e cada uma delas provoca distintos padrões de ativação cortical. Observou-se que o treinamento com a IM é capaz de gerar ganhos funcionais em pacientes pós-AVC. No entanto, não foi possível pa­dronizar a utilização do protocolo mais adequado, visto que ainda não há um consenso quanto à frequência, duração, a estratégia de IM e a fase da doença mais apropriada para sua aplicação. Conclusão. Apesar dos avanços, ainda há necessidade de mais estudos a fim de determi­nar as diretrizes para a utilização da IM na reabilitação motora e seus benefícios a longo prazo.
Leucodistrofia Metacromática
Authors: Ribeiro Erica de Queiroz , Ribeiro Maysa Ferreira Martins
Published: February 2020

A Leucodistrofia Metacromática (LDM) é uma patologia de caráter autossômico recessivo, causada pela deficiência da enzima arilsulfatase A, a evolução clínica da LDM cursa fundamentalmente com altera­ções neurológicas. Objetivo. descrever a evolução clínica, com ênfase nas características neuromotoras de dois irmãos que apresentam diag­nóstico de LDM infantil. Método. relato de caso de dois irmãos, uma menina com oito anos e um menino com seis anos de idade. Foi colhi­da a história clínica por meio da análise dos prontuários, entrevistas, exame físico, avaliação fisioterapêutica, avaliação do tônus muscular pela Escala Ashoworth Modificada, avaliação da função motora gros­sa por meio do Sistema de Classificação da Função Motora Grossa em LDM (GMFCS-LDM), fotos antigas e fotos atuais. Resultados. a evolução clínica nos dois casos iniciou com perda gradativa de sus­tentação postural, hipertonia muscular crescente, encurtamentos musculares e deformidades osteomusculares. A progressão do compro­metimento neuromotor evoluiu com perda da funcionalidade, total dependência para a realização das atividades de vida diária, múltiplas complicações sistêmicas, grave comprometimento do sistema respira­tório, internações frequentes por pneumonia. Conclusão. o quadro clínico dos dois irmãos é semelhante e compatível com descrições da literatura, entretanto, o irmão mais novo tem apresentado regressão clínica mais acelerada.
Efeito da Terapia de Restrição e Indução ao Movimento em Pacientes Hemiparéticos Crônicos Pós-AVC
Authors: Magalhães Jéssica Paula , Letiere Miriangrei , Silva Adriana Teresa , Kosour Carolina , Reis Luciana Maria dos
Published: February 2020

O Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) geralmente causa hemiparesia, com assimetria corporal e dificuldade nos movimentos. A Terapia de Restrição e Indução ao movimento (TRIM) objetiva recuperar a fun­ção do membro superior parético de pacientes após AVC. Objetivo. Avaliar o efeito da TRIM na recuperação da função motora, qualida­de e habilidade dos movimentos do membro superior em pacientes hemiparéticos crônicos após AVC. Método. O estudo foi realizado com cinco pacientes apresentando diagnóstico médico de AVC, com hemiparesia crônica de membro superior. Os pacientes foram avalia­dos pré e pós-tratamento pela escala de avaliação de Fugl-Meyer (FM) e pelo Teste de Habilidade Motora do Membro Superior (THMMS). O tratamento consistiu na aplicação de um protocolo modificado da TRIM, por um período de 2 semanas, 5 sessões semanais, com du­ração de 3 horas, totalizando 10 sessões. Resultados. No THMMS, foi observada melhora do nível de habilidade funcional e qualidade do movimento em todos os sujeitos analisados (p=0,00). Os resulta­dos também evidenciaram aumento nas pontuações da escala de FM (p=0,00). Conclusão. Concluiu-se que a TRIM foi eficiente no trata­mento desses pacientes com hemiparesia crônica secundária ao AVC, uma vez que foi observada melhora da funcionalidade do membro superior afetado após intervenção.
A Fisioterapia na Amiotrofia Espinhal Progressiva Tipo I
Authors: Jorge Michele Gomes Andrade Vasconcellos , Carrapatoso Beatriz Cantanhede , Fernandes Alba Barros Souza
Published: February 2020

A amiotrofia espinhal progressiva tipo I constitui a forma mais grave das amiotrofias, com início por volta dos seis meses de vida, levando ao óbito ainda na infância. Objetivo. Avaliar o papel da fisioterapia, através de uma revisão da literatura, na prevenção e no tratamento dos sinais e sintomas da amiotrofia espinhal progressiva tipo I, mi­nimizando as complicações motoras e respiratórias e melhorando a qualidade de vida. Método. Pesquisa eletrônica nas bases de dados Cochrane Library, Ibecs, Lilacs, Medline, PEDro e Scielo, no perí­odo de 1999 a 2012, nos idiomas português e inglês, com os des­critores: doenças neuromusculares, amiotrofia espinhal progressiva, Werdning Hoffman, fisioterapia, distúrbios ventilatórios, fraqueza muscular. Resultados. Dos 43 artigos pesquisados, foram utilizados 20 artigos. Destes, apenas seis analisavam a importância do tratamen­to fisioterapêutico no tratamento da amiotrofia espinhal progressiva. Conclusões. A fisioterapia é fundamental e obrigatória para crianças com amiotrofia espinhal progressiva, com o objetivo de retardar ou impedir que as complicações apareçam precocemente, através do ma­nejo profilático e terapêutico das infecções respiratórias, contraturas e deformidades, tornando a criança o mais funcional possível, além de promover assistência ventilatória adequada, podendo aumentar a sobrevida e a qualidade de vida.
Associação Entre Níveis de Vitamina D e Esquizofrenia
Authors: Eserian Jaqueline Kalleian , Kalleian Eugênia Aparecida
Published: February 2020

Objetivo. Realizar uma revisão da literatura sobre a associação entre baixos níveis de vitamina D e desenvolvimento de esquizofrenia. Mé­todo. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica baseada em estudos ex­perimentais pré-clínicos, observacionais e de revisão, através das bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS e BIREME, utilizando os descritores vitamina D, sistema nervoso central, deficiência de vitaminas e esqui­zofrenia, nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. Os critérios de inclusão compreendiam abordagem direta do tema e disponibilidade eletrônica. Resultados. Foram encontrados 35 artigos, sendo selecio­nados 13 artigos, de acordo com os critérios de inclusão. Conclusão. O estudo verificou a existência de uma associação entre baixos níveis de vitamina D e desenvolvimento de esquizofrenia, embora não se saiba ao certo como essa associação é estabelecida, devido à carência de estudos experimentais na área. É necessária a realização de estudos mais aprofundados, uma vez que baixos níveis de vitamina D são co­muns e prevalentes na população.
Aplicabilidade Clínica da Variabilidade da Frequência Cardíaca
Authors: Lopes Polyana Figueiredo Fernandes , Oliveira Maria Izabel Bezerra de , André Samanta Max de Sousa , Nascimento Daiany Laise Araújo do , Silva Cynthia Sara de Souza , Rebouças Gleidson Mendes , Felipe Thiago Renee , Albuquerque Filho Nailton José Brandão de , Medeiros Humberto Jefferson de
Published: February 2020

Objetivo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar aspectos conceituais da Variabilidade da Frequência Cardíaca (VFC), seus dispositivos de mensuração, índices utilizados para sua análise e utilização clínica. Método. Uma revisão de literatura não sistemática realizada através de busca eletrônica conduzidas nas seguintes bases de dados: Medline/ PubMed, Lilacs, Ovid, Science Direct e Biomed Central acerca da utilização clínica da VFC. Resultados. A VFC compreende as osci­lações entre os intervalos RR que refletem as modificações na frequ­ência cardíaca em função da atuação conjunta das divisões simpática e parassimpática do sistema nervoso autônomo. Sua análise pode ser executada em função de dois parâmetros: domínio de tempo e do­mínio de frequência. O eletrocardiograma, conversores analógicos e cardiofrequencímetros são os principais instrumentos utilizados para obtenção de seus índices, onde a alta variabilidade indica boa adap­tação fisiológica do organismo, enquanto que sua redução tem sido apontada como importante indicador para o surgimento de patologias ou de complicações em pacientes com doenças de base conhecidas. Conclusâo. O estudo da VFCvem se apresentando como importante ferramenta de avaliação do funcionamento do organismo em condi­ções normais e patológicas proporcionando assim o desenvolvimento de ações pelos profissionais da saúde visando prevenção e/ou detecção de várias fisiopatologias.