bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A humanização do parto como ferramenta no combate à violência obstétrica: Um estudo teórico reflexivo
Authors: Britto Lidiane Barbosa , Gonçalves Wesley Mateus dos Santos , Andrade Ana Fátima Souza Melo de , Teles Weber de Santana , Silva Max Cruz da , Torres Ruth Cristini , Barros Ângela Maria Melo Sá , Santos Junior Paulo Celso Curvelo , Azevedo Marcel Vinícius Cunha , Debbo Alejandra
Published: July 2021

Objetivou-se contribuir para a ampliação do conhecimento da população em geral, principalmente, mulheres e comunidade acadêmica, acerca da humanização do parto e violência obstétrica. Estudo teórico reflexivo, descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, para sua execução foram utilizadas as seguintes bases de dados: SCIELO, BVS, que está integrada a outros bancos como a LILACS, PAHO, WHOLIS e PUBMED. Foram selecionados um total de 33 artigos, sendo 3 internacionais e 30 de origem nacional. Em sua maioria, estudos transversais e descritivos, com abordagem qualitativa. Foram utilizados como critérios de inclusão, artigos originais em português e em inglês, respeitando o limite de tempo de publicação entre os anos de 2011 e 2021. As temáticas que nortearam a pesquisa foram: violência obstétrica; pré-natal: a preparação para o parto, a educação da gestante e inserção do parceiro/pai; humanização no período gravídico-puerperal; atuação do enfermeiro e sensibilização da equipe para humanização; conhecimento das mulheres sobre seus direitos no período gestacional e puerperal. Percebeu-se a importância de sensibilizar a equipe, realizar mais pesquisas sobre essas temáticas por parte dos profissionais e por parte dos acadêmicos, para que assim ocorra a ampliação do conhecimento de toda a população.
Características epidemiológicas da Meningite na 7ª Regional de Saúde do Estado do Paraná, no período de 2010-2019
Authors: Signorati Mateus , Signorati Adrieli
Published: July 2021

Objetivos: Caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico da população diagnosticada com meningite na 7ª Regional de Saúde no Estado do Paraná entre os anos de 2010 a 2019. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo descritivo-retrospectivo, de natureza quantitativa realizado a partir de dados disponíveis no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) entre 2010 e 2019, frente as variáveis: detecção geral, sexo, raça, idade, critério diagnóstico, etiologia e desfecho. Os dados foram tabulados nos softwares Microsoft Excel e Microsoft Word. Resultados: 252 novos casos de meningite foram notificados na 7ª Regional de Saúde do Estado do Paraná no período do estudo, sendo que 63,1% são pertencentes ao sexo masculino e 83,7% são declarados brancos. No que tange a faixa etária, 25,1% das notificações ocorreram em crianças menores de 01 ano de idade. Dos 252 casos, 36,1% ocorreram devido a agentes virais e 146 foram confirmados por meio do exame quimiocitológico do líquor. A maior parte dos pacientes evoluiu a alta hospitalar e 13 casos evoluíram a óbito, todos apresentando etiologia bacteriana. Discussão e conclusão do estudo: Doença grave e temporalmente ilimitada, a meningite é um problema de saúde pública, sendo que conhecer os mais afetados por ela é primordial para orientar os serviços de saúde na elaboração de medidas de prevenção e educação em saúde.
Caracterização morfológica, física e química de solos da bacia hidrográfica do médio curso do rio Teles Pires, no Município de Alta Floresta - MT
Authors: Oliveira Ademilso Sampaio de , Pierangeli Maria Aparecida Pereira , Sousa Juberto Babilônia de , Lopes Humbelina Silva Siqueira , Galbiati Carla , Souza Célia Alves de , Claudino Wesley Vicente
Published: July 2021

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as feições morfológicas e pedogenética dos solos e suas características químicas e físicas na bacia hidrográfica do Médio Curso do Rio Teles Pires (BHMTP). Para isso, foram estudados seis perfis de solo, em trincheiras, ao longo das margens direita e esquerda do Rio Teles Pires, localizados nas Fazenda Encanto da Natureza, Fazenda São José, Rio Teles Pires, Fazenda Estrada do Espanhol, Comunidade Bonfim e Fazenda Vaca Branca. Foram feitas em cada horizonte as análises morfológicas descritivas e posteriormente coletados solos para análises físicas e químicas. Por meio da interpretação das avaliações morfológicas dos perfis, associada aos resultados de análises físico-químicas dos solos, os solos foram classificados até o quarto nível categórico, sendo dois ARGISSOLO VERMELHO-AMARELO Distrófico típico (PVAd), localizados sobre a margem esquerda do rio; dois Latossolos, LATOSSOLO VERMELHO Eutrófico típico (LVe) e LATOSSOLO VERMELHO-AMARELO Distrófico típico (LVAd) localizados à direita do rio; um GLEISSOLO HÁPLICO Tb Distrófico plintossólico (GXbd) localizado à esquerda e um CAMBISSOLO HÁPLICO Tb Distrófico (CXbd) à direita do rio Teles Pires. Em geral, os solos apresentaram texturas médias em todos os perfis. A saturação por Al3+ foi elevada na maioria dos horizontes, refletindo os baixos valores de pH e menores teores de Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ e, consequentemente, menores saturação por bases, exceto o LVe, cuja CTC foi alta. Todos os solos apresentaram média capacidade de troca de cátions (CTC), fato que reflete a mineralogia típica de solos intemperizados.
Aplicativo para promoção da saúde ocupacional de profissionais da saúde em um hospital universitário
Authors: Inocêncio Jemima Silva , Madureira Daniel Silva de , Silva Simone de Cássia
Published: July 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o desenvolvimento de um aplicativo móvel para promoção da saúde ocupacional de profissionais da saúde em um hospital universitário. Trata-se de um estudo metodológico com interface participativa, de produção tecnológica, realizado a partir das etapas de elaboração textual do material disponível, mapeamento dos requisitos, prototipagem das telas do sistema e desenvolvimento da primeira versão. O aplicativo By Your Side (BYS) é uma ferramenta de promoção da saúde ocupacional, disponível gratuitamente para Android e iOS. Dentre as atividades propostas, destacam-se as orientações nutricionais, exercícios físicos, técnicas de relaxamento, cuidados com a saúde mental, orientações sobre o atendimento com profissionais, divulgação de programas da instituição, alertas de medicamentos, calculadoras para o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e ingestão de água, entretenimento, diário de anotações e fórum com grupos e salas. O aplicativo disponibiliza os locais, dias disponíveis e fluxos dos atendimentos com profissionais para facilitar o acesso e adesão do usuário. Conclui-se que o BYS tem o potencial de ajudar os profissionais da área da saúde, promovendo uma vida mais saudável, aliviando a carga de estresse do trabalho, por meio de diversas atividades relacionadas a saúde física e mental.
Eficiência fotoquímica de Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck em função da cobertura do solo em diferentes horários
Authors: Souza José Thyago Aires , Ribeiro João Everthon da Silva , Ramos João Paulo Farias , Araújo Jucilene Silva , Ferreira Thiago Costa , Oliveira Raucha Carolina de
Published: July 2021

A palma forrageira é a principal cultura xerófila cultivada no Brasil, entretanto seu crescimento e produção podem ser influenciados pelo desempenho fotoquímico do Fotossistema II, independentemente do sistema de cultivo. Neste contexto objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência fotoquímica de Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck em função da cobertura do solo em diferentes horários de avaliação. A pesquisa foi realizada na Estação Experimental Pendência, pertencente à Empresa Paraibana de Pesquisa, Extensão Rural e Regularização Fundiária (EMPAER-PB), município de Soledade, estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições no esquema fatorial 2 × 4, correspondente ao solo sem e com cobertura morta e quatro horários de avaliação da fluorescência da clorofila a, 08:00, 11:00, 14:00 e 17:00 horas. Foram analisadas as variáveis: fluorescência inicial, fluorescência variável, fluorescência máxima, relação e rendimento quântico potencial. O uso de cobertura morta elevou as fluorescências máxima e variável, especialmente nos primeiros horários de avaliação, a atividade fotoquímica do fotossistema II foi mais elevada às 17:00 horas.
Análise ergonômica da UTI Neonatal e a sua influência sobre as lesões nos profissionais de saúde
Authors: Portela Ravena da Silva , Lemos Taciany Alves Batista , Marques Klycia Machado Silva , Marques Bruna Bezerra , Rocha Izaura Maria , Ribeiro Letice Mendes , Carvalho Ana Flávia Machado de , Carvalho Gabriela Dantas , Silva Marcello de Alencar , Feitosa Maura Cristina Porto
Published: July 2021

A ergonomia apresenta papel de grande relevância no ambiente de trabalho, abrangendo a relação do homem com as diversas tecnologias presentes nesses ambientes. Deve ser considerado as dimensões como, altura e largura das superfícies de trabalho, limites de alcance de equipamentos, relacionando-os com as atividades dos profissionais de saúde. O presente trabalho objetivou identificar os riscos ergonômicos mais frequentes aos quais os profissionais da saúde da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva neonatal (UTIN) estão expostos. A pesquisa foi realizada em uma maternidade pública de referência no estado do Piauí. A amostra foi composta por 70 funcionários voluntários. Os critérios de inclusão foram funcionários entre 30 a 50 anos, de ambos os sexos, que já estavam há no mínimo 1 ano exercendo a atual função dentro da empresa. Para a coleta dos dados, foi elaborado um questionário sobre ergonomia, aplicado de forma individual. Em seguida, realizou-se a avaliação ergonômica da UTIN, através de registros fotográficos do ambiente e equipamentos, utilizando como referência as normas regulamentadoras relativas à ergonomia. Por fim, os dados coletados, foram organizados em planilhas do programa Microsoft Office Excel 2013, e exportados para o programa SPSS 22.0. Os resultados apresentaram que o ambiente constitui incompatibilidade com os resultados de ordem físico-ambiental determinados pelas normas regulamentadora, apresentando falhas de concepção organizacional, iluminação, temperatura e ruídos. Sendo assim, as inadequações foram explanadas, apontando as exigências necessárias para o melhoramento do setor e seu atendimento às normas de compatibilidade em relação aos aspectos analisados, para que embasasse medidas para adequação do ambiente.
Tratamentos de superfícies de implantes de titânio e zircônia: Revisão de literatura
Authors: Abreu Ellen Christine Rodrigues de , Macedo Debora Serrano de , Pejão Sisleide , Cosimato Paulo Luis , Sendyk Wilson Roberto , Marão Heloisa Fonseca , Pimentel Angelica Castro
Published: July 2021

Os diferentes tratamentos de superfície sobre os implantes dentários têm a premissa de aprimorar a interface de contato entre osso e implante, acelerando o processo de osseointegração. O objetivo desta revisão de literatura foi verificar os diferentes tipos de tratamentos de superfície dos implantes dentários de titânio e zircônia, suas características e ações sobre a osseointegração. Para isso, foram realizadas pesquisas nas bases de dados nacionais e internacionais: PUBMED, SciELO e Google Scholar. Os dados encontrados demonstram que tanto em implantes de titânio quanto em zircônia, as superfícies podem ser modificadas, com o objetivo de uma melhoria no desempenho biológico acelerando o processo inicial de cicatrização, a fim de promover uma estabilidade inicial superior aos implantes sem tratamento. Ainda, as alterações que promovem uma maior energia de superfície, aumentando a molhabilidade e hidrofilicidade apresentam uma maior adesão e proliferação de osteoblastos e consequentemente uma neoformação óssea mais acelerada, que contribuem para esse processo inicial de cicatrização e osseointegração. Apesar de uma variabilidade nos tipos de tratamento, sendo alguns em comum com o titânio e zircônia, as alterações se mostraram eficazes, permitindo um carregamento em tempos menores. A escolha do tratamento de superfície pode ser determinada pela qualidade óssea, condições sistêmicas do paciente e o tipo de carregamento pré planejado. Em relação aos implantes de zircônia, os estudos são promissores, mas são necessários estudos a longo prazo, pois não há ainda, dados suficientes que indiquem com clareza e segurança a utilização destes implantes, salvo em casos de comprovada alergenicidade ao titânio.
Armazenamento de produtos para a saúde estéreis, sistemas de barreira e sustentabilidade do meio ambiente
Authors: Oliveira Gyovana Regis de , Silva Maria Virginia Godoy da , Silva Leandro Andrade da , Sampaio Carlos Eduardo Peres , Daú Gláucya Lima , Kanto Karen Correa do , Paiva Jéssica Sanxes de , Silva Isabella Barbosa da , Sousa Mielli Reis Araújo de , Batista Luiza Campos de Oliveira
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: analisar as produções cientificas sobre armazenamento de produtos para a saúde estéreis, repercussões para a CME e sustentabilidade do meio ambiente. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura, estratégia PICo e procedimentos definidos pelo Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) para a seguinte questão norteadora: Quais as implicações do armazenamento de produtos para a saúde estéreis para a CME e sustentabilidade do meio ambiente? Buscas realizadas entre abril e junho de 2021, sem definição de tempo. Idioma dos estudos: português, inglês e espanhol. Resultados: Estudos brasileiros (66,7%). Os demais eram provenientes da China, Indonésia, Índia e Estados Unidos. O ano de 2015 foi o mais prevalente (33,3%). Estudos descritivos (53,3%) e experimentais (20%). Conclusão: Área de armazenamento requer controle da umidade, temperatura e da descontaminação. Falhas como pacotes incompletos, produtos vencidos, resíduos orgânicos pós-esterilização, materiais limpos e sujos no armazenamento exigiram novo processamento. O uso do não tecido reduziu taxa de resterilização. Identificado o complexo processo de reprocessamento de campos de tecido de algodão. A necessidade de educação continuada permitirá a revisão de práticas incorretas e o conhecimento de recomendações dos órgãos regulamentadores que precisam ser atendidas.
Perfil microbiológico das culturas de pacientes internados na Sala de Cuidados Intermediários de um Hospital Universitário
Authors: Andrade Cleusa Wanderley de Queiroz , Silva Katia Suely Batista , Santana Mirthes Maria Rodrigues , Oliveira Aline Vitória de , Guimarães Marcos Duarte , Naue Carine Rosa
Published: July 2021

Avaliar o perfil bacteriano das amostras de aspirados traqueais e uroculturas de pacientes internados na Sala de Cuidados Intermediários do Hospital Universitário do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina/PE. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, quantitativo e retrospectivo envolvendo a análise do perfil microbiológico das amostras coletadas no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2020 pelo Laboratório de Análises Clínicas do Hospital Universitário. Os dados foram tabulados em planilhas do Excel®, sendo feito a análise descritiva com valores percentuais e absolutos. As identificações bacterianas e os antibiogramas foram realizados através do sistema automatizado BD Phoenix ™, seguindo a metodologia do Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Foram coletados 120 aspirados traqueais, sendo 55 positivos (46%) para achados bacterianos; os patógenos mais prevalentes foram: Acinetobacter baumannii (40%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16%) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11%). Em relação às uroculturas, foram realizadas 183, sendo 10 (5,46%) positivas para achados bacterianos; as bactérias mais prevalentes foram: Escherichia coli (40%) e Enterobacter cloacae (20%). A. baumannii apresentou 100% de sensibilidade à colistina e polimixina B nos aspirados traqueias, assim como a K. pneumoniae apresentou à amicacina em todas as amostras coletadas. A E. coli demonstrou certa restência às cefalospororinas, com exceção da cefoxitina, sendo sensível; além disso, teve sensibilidade parcial ao sulfametoxazol+trimetoprima no estudo. O conhecimento do perfil microbiológico das bactérias permite a elaboração de protocolos preventivos e a realização de tratamento efetivos, diminuindo as taxas de mortalidade, o tempo de internação e os custos em saúde.
Structural, hydrogeological and hydrochemical characterization of aquifers in the Paraná Basin: An integrated literature review
Authors: Teixeira Guilherme Vargas , Viero Antonio Pedro , Vargas Claudia Porcelis , Nunes Guilherme D'Ávila
Published: July 2021

The Paraná Basin in Brazil is of vital importance and because of a large groundwater reservoir and the high exploitation of this resource by the population a structural and hydrogeochemical knowledge is needed. Objectives: 1) Analyze studies that address the structural, hydrogeological and hydrochemical characterization of aquifers in the Paraná Basin; 2) Highlight the main techniques used in the respective studies and the scientific development arising from the use of these techniques for a better hydrochemical and structural understanding of the Paraná Basin. Methodology: Tracing lineaments from satellite image and field work are the main techniques used for structural characterization. For hydrochemical analyses, factorial methods physical-chemical analyses are used. Results: the most common chemical types of groundwater that circulate in the sedimentary and volcanic units of the Paraná Basin, which include the Pirambóia, Irati, Rio Bonito, Botucatu and Serra Geral formations are calciumbicarbonates, calcium-magnesian bicarbonates, calcium-sodium bicarbonates and sodium-sulphate-chloride bicarbonates. Sodium-sulfated waters are not found in the Serra Geral Formation, except when they come from the sedimentary units. Sodium and sulfate are not expected ions in basalt weathering, and therefore a greater understanding is needed on structural communication by means of faults that occur between the Serra Geral Aquifer System (SGAS) and the mesozoic and permian sedimentary aquifers and aquitards that contribute for unexpected ions in the SGAS. Conclusion: The Paraná Basin is a reason for interest in geological studies in Brazil because of its link to several areas of interest in geosciences, which include hydrochemistry, stratigraphy, paleontology and hydrogeology.
Sympathetic Predominance Before Tourniquet Deflation is Associated With a Reduction in Arterial Blood Pressure After Tourniquet Deflation During Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: KIM E , CHO M , BYUN S , A LIM J , CHAE S , CHOI W , KIM I , KIM J
Published: July 2021

High dependency of arterial blood pressure (ABP) on enhanced sympathetic activity, which maintains vascular tone, leads to hypotension after hemodynamic insults that blunt the sympathetic activity. Therefore, we hypothesized that sympathovagal balance before tourniquet deflation (TD) determines the extent of a reduction in ABP after TD during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Fifty-four hypertensive female patients undergoing TKA under spinal anesthesia were analyzed. The sympathovagal balance [low-to-high frequency ratio of heart rate variability (LF/HF)] before TD was defined as (LF/HF during 5 min before TD-preanesthetic LF/HF)/preanesthetic LF/HF (%). An increase in its value represents a shift in sympathovagal balance toward sympathetic predominance. The percent change in the mean ABP (MAP) after TD was defined as (minimum MAP during 10 min after TD-averaged MAP during 5 min before TD)/averaged MAP during 5 min before TD (%). Simple linear regression was performed to assess the correlation between the sympathovagal balance before TD and change in MAP after TD. The correlation was also assessed by multiple linear regression controlling for age, duration of tourniquet inflation, and spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension. Thirty-two minutes (on average) after tourniquet inflation, the MAP was decreased by 12.1 (-3.0 to 47.9) % [mean (range)] upon TD (P<0.001). The sympathovagal balance before TD was negatively proportional to the change in MAP after TD in both simple and multiple linear regression models (R2=0.323 and 0.340, P<0.001). A shift in sympathovagal balance toward sympathetic predominance before TD is associated with a decrease in ABP after TD.
The Role of Skeletal Muscle in The Pathogenesis of Altered Concentrations of Branched-Chain Amino Acids (Valine, Leucine, and Isoleucine) in Liver Cirrhosis, Diabetes, and Other Diseases
Authors: Holeček M
Published: July 2021

The article shows that skeletal muscle plays a dominant role in the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs; valine, leucine, and isoleucine) and the pathogenesis of their decreased concentrations in liver cirrhosis, increased concentrations in diabetes, and nonspecific alterations in disorders with signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), such as burn injury and sepsis. The main role of skeletal muscle in BCAA catabolism is due to its mass and high activity of BCAA aminotransferase, which is absent in the liver. Decreased BCAA levels in liver cirrhosis are due to increased use of the BCAA as a donor of amino group to α-ketoglutarate for synthesis of glutamate, which in muscles acts as a substrate for ammonia detoxification to glutamine. Increased BCAA levels in diabetes are due to alterations in glycolysis, citric acid cycle, and fatty acid oxidation. Decreased glycolysis and citric cycle activity impair BCAA transamination to branched-chain keto acids (BCKAs) due to decreased supply of amino group acceptors (α-ketoglutarate, pyruvate, and oxaloacetate); increased fatty acid oxidation inhibits flux of BCKA through BCKA dehydrogenase due to increased supply of NADH and acyl-CoAs. Alterations in BCAA levels in disorders with SIRS are inconsistent due to contradictory effects of SIRS on muscles. Specifically, increased proteolysis and insulin resistance tend to increase BCAA levels, whereas activation of BCKA dehydrogenase and glutamine synthesis tend to decrease BCAA levels. The studies are needed to elucidate the role of alterations in BCAA metabolism and the effects of BCAA supplementation on the outcomes of specific diseases.
Brand Placement in Music Videos: Effectiveness in UK, Spain and Italy
Authors: Piazzolla Sara , García Medina Irene , Navarro-Beltrá Marián
Published: July 2021

El brand placement es utilizado como una estrategia publicitaria alternativa. Este estudio de caso tuvo como objetivo investigar su eficacia en videos musicales en Reino Unido, España e Italia a través de encuestas. La primera pregunta de investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar el grado de asociación entre la nacionalidad y la familiaridad con la marca. Los resultados mostraron una asociación direccional para la mitad de las marcas anunciadas. La segunda pregunta de investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la correlación entre la familiaridad con la marca y su recuerdo. Este estudio demostró que cuanto más familiar es una marca, más probable resulta que se recuerde después de ver un video musical. La tercera pregunta de investigación tuvo como objetivo preguntar a los participantes si después de ver el vídeo musical eran más conscientes de las marcas que no conocían. Los resultados mostraron respuestas similares de participantes que estaban de acuerdo o en desacuerdo con la declaración y se obtuvieron resultados similares para la muestra italiana y la británica. Se podría concluir pues que el brand placement en videos musicales es especialmente efectivo en determinadas culturas y situaciones.
Videojuegos de mundo abierto: propuesta de un modelo de análisis ludonarrativo
Authors: García Moreno Rubén
Published: July 2021

Los videojuegos de mundo abierto se han popularizado en los últimos años erigiéndose como una nueva forma de diseñar experiencias de juego, ofreciendo nuevas técnicas narrativas, alternativa a otras lineales más tradicionales. Su proposición lúdica está basada en amplios espacios transitables, poblados por personajes controlados por inteligencia artificial y un uso intensivo de la narración ambiental que permite a sus creadores explorar nuevas formas narrativas. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo proponer un modelo de análisis para el estudio académico de videojuegos de mundo abierto, tomándolos en consideración como construcciones ludonarrativas. El trabajo se fundamenta con teorías científicas de los primeros académicos que se han aproximado a este tipo de videojuegos, pero también con base en la visión de los creadores que han dedicado parte de su carrera a diseñarlos. El trabajo, por último, se completa con una puesta en práctica del modelo de análisis sobre Death Stranding, videojuego de mundo abierto, y una discusión de los resultados.
Data Driven Insight Into Fish Behaviour and Their Use for Precision Aquaculture
Authors: O'Donncha Fearghal , Stockwell Caitlin L. , Planellas Sonia Rey , Micallef Giulia , Palmes Paulito , Webb Chris , Filgueira Ramon , Grant Jon
Published: July 2021

Aquaculture, or the farmed production of fish and shellfish, has grown rapidly, from supplying just 7% of fish for human consumption in 1974 to more than half in 2016. This rapid expansion has led to the growth of Precision Aquaculture concept that aims to exploit data-driven management of fish production, thereby improving the farmer's ability to monitor, control, and document biological processes in farms. Fundamental to this paradigm is monitoring of environmental and animal processes within a cage, and processing those data toward farm insight using models and analytics. This paper presents an analysis of environmental and fish behaviour datasets collected at three salmon farms in Norway, Scotland, and Canada. Information on fish behaviour were collected using hydroacoustic sensors that sampled the vertical distribution of fish in a cage at high spatial and temporal resolution, while a network of environmental sensors characterised local site conditions. We present an analysis of the hydroacoustic datasets using AutoML (or automatic machine learning) tools that enables developers with limited data science expertise to train high-quality models specific to the data at hand. We demonstrate how AutoML pipelines can be readily applied to aquaculture datasets to interrogate the data and quantify the primary features that explains data variance. Results demonstrate that variables such as temperature, wind conditions, and hour-of-day were important drivers of fish motion at all sites. Further, there were distinct differences in factors that influenced in-cage variations driven by local variables such as water depth and ambient environmental conditions (particularly dissolved oxygen). The framework offers a transferable approach to interrogate fish behaviour within farm systems, and quantify differences between sites.
Using Musculoskeletal Models to Estimate in vivo Total Knee Replacement Kinematics and Loads: Effect of Differences Between Models
Authors: Curreli Cristina , Di Puccio Francesca , Davico Giorgio , Modenese Luca , Viceconti Marco
Published: July 2021

Total knee replacement (TKR) is one of the most performed orthopedic surgeries to treat knee joint diseases in the elderly population. Although the survivorship of knee implants may extend beyond two decades, the poor outcome rate remains considerable. A recent computational approach used to better understand failure modes and improve TKR outcomes is based on the combination of musculoskeletal (MSK) and finite element models. This combined multiscale modeling approach is a promising strategy in the field of computational biomechanics; however, some critical aspects need to be investigated. In particular, the identification and quantification of the uncertainties related to the boundary conditions used as inputs to the finite element model due to a different definition of the MSK model are crucial. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate this problem, which is relevant for the model credibility assessment process. Three different generic MSK models available in the OpenSim platform were used to simulate gait, based on the experimental data from the fifth edition of the “Grand Challenge Competitions to Predict in vivo Knee Loads.” The outputs of the MSK analyses were compared in terms of relative kinematics of the knee implant components and joint reaction (JR) forces and moments acting on the tibial insert. Additionally, the estimated knee JRs were compared with those measured by the instrumented knee implant so that the “global goodness of fit” was quantified for each model. Our results indicated that the different kinematic definitions of the knee joint and the muscle model implemented in the different MSK models influenced both the motion and the load history of the artificial joint. This study demonstrates the importance of examining the influence of the model assumptions on the output results and represents the first step for future studies that will investigate how the uncertainties in the MSK models propagate on disease-specific finite element model results.
The Role of Exosomes and Their Cargos in the Mechanism, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Huang Shengyuan , Deng Yating , Xu Jiaqi , Liu Jiachen , Liu Liming , Fan Chengming
Published: July 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common persistent arrhythmia, but the mechanism of AF has not been fully elucidated, and existing approaches to diagnosis and treatment face limitations. Recently, exosomes have attracted considerable interest in AF research due to their high stability, specificity and cell-targeting ability. The aim of this review is to summarize recent literature, analyze the advantages and limitations of exosomes, and to provide new ideas for their use in understanding the mechanism and improving the diagnosis and treatment of AF.
Inter-Comparison of the Spatial Distribution of Methane in the Water Column From Seafloor Emissions at Two Sites in the Western Black Sea Using a Multi-Technique Approach
Authors: Grilli Roberto , Birot Dominique , Schumacher Mia , Paris Jean-Daniel , Blouzon Camille , Donval Jean Pierre , Guyader Vivien , Leau Helene , Giunta Thomas , Delmotte Marc , Radulescu Vlad , Balan Sorin , Greinert Jens , Ruffine Livio
Published: July 2021

Understanding the dynamics and fate of methane (CH4) release from oceanic seepages on margins and shelves into the water column, and quantifying the budget of its total discharge at different spatial and temporal scales, currently represents a major scientific undertaking. Previous works on the fate of methane escaping from the seafloor underlined the challenge in both, estimating its concentration distribution and identifying gradients. In April 2019, the Envri Methane Cruise has been conducted onboard the R/V Mare Nigrum in the Western Black Sea to investigate two shallow methane seep sites at ∼120 m and ∼55 m water depth. Dissolved CH4 measurements were conducted with two continuous in-situ sensors: a membrane inlet laser spectrometer (MILS) and a commercial methane sensor (METS) from Franatech GmbH. Additionally, discrete water samples were collected from CTD-Rosette deployment and standard laboratory methane analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled with either purge-and-trap or headspace techniques. The resulting vertical profiles (from both in situ and discrete water sample measurements) of dissolved methane concentration follow an expected exponential dissolution function at both sites. At the deeper site, high dissolved methane concentrations are detected up to ∼45 m from the seabed, while at the sea surface dissolved methane was in equilibrium with the atmospheric concentration. At the shallower site, sea surface CH4 concentrations were four times higher than the expected equilibrium value. Our results seem to support that methane may be transferred from the sea to the atmosphere, depending on local water depths. In accordance with previous studies, the shallower the water, the more likely is a sea-to-atmosphere transport of methane. High spatial resolution surface data also support this hypothesis. Well localized methane enriched waters were found near the surface at both sites, but their locations appear to be decoupled with the ones of the seafloor seepages. This highlights the need of better understanding the processes responsible for the transport and transformation of the dissolved methane in the water column, especially in stratified water masses like in the Black Sea.
Exploratory Analysis in the Differences in Blood Serum and Seminal Plasma of Adipose-Tissue Related Peptides in Obese and Non-Obese Men and Their Correlations With Semen Parameters
Authors: Antinozzi Cristina , Lista Marco , Caponecchia Luisa , Salacone Pietro , Minganti Carlo , Battaglia Francesco A. , Di Luigi Luigi , Sgrò Paolo
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Evaluating the relationship between circulating metabolic biomarkers and semen parameters in obese, overweight and normal-weight patients.

Methods

Patients were recruited at the “Andrology and Pathophysiology of Reproduction Unit”, in Santa Maria Goretti Hospital. Divided into three groups were 98 participants (obese, overweight and normal-weight patients) according to BMI and were analyzed for three adipokines and six hormone peptides in blood serum and seminal plasma using Luminex assay. Standard semen analysis was performed for ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility, morphology and leukocytes.

Results

In all groups of subjects, we observed a higher concentration of blood serum c-peptide, GIP, PAI-1, leptin, ghrelin and GLP-1 in comparison to seminal plasma; differently, higher levels in seminal plasma were observed for insulin and visfatin. In comparison to the non-obese subjects, obese subjects showed a higher blood serum concentration of c-peptide, GLP-1, GIP and leptin and a higher concentration of seminal plasma of GIP and insulin. Total sperm count, progressive motility, motility, and atypical forms directly correlated with PAI-1 and visfatin, whereas GLP-1 directly correlated only with total progressive motility.

Conclusion

Obese men showed a different pattern of blood serum and seminal plasma adipokines and hormone peptides concentrations in comparison to normal-weight men. Furthermore, these molecules correlated with functional seminal parameters. Our findings support the option to consider these molecules as new biomarkers and pharmacological targets for a new therapeutic approach in male infertility. However, further studies identifying other potential biomarkers of male infertility with important clinical implication and characterizing their mechanisms of action are mandatory.
Computational Analysis of the Hydrodynamic Behavior for Different Air Distributor Designs of Fluidized Bed Gasifier
Authors: Raza Naveed , Ahsan Muhammad , Mehran Muhammad Taqi , Naqvi Salman Raza , Ahmad Iftikhar
Published: July 2021

Fluidized bed gasification has proven to be an appropriate technique for converting various biomass feedstocks into helpful energy. Air distributor plate design is one of the critical factors affecting the thermochemical conversion performance of fluidized bed gasifiers. The present study is proposed to investigate the mixing pattern and pressure drop across different configurations of air distributors using a two-fluid model (TFM) of finite volume method-based solver ANSYS FLUENT. The pressure drop across the bed and mixing pattern have been investigated through qualitative and quantitative analysis of CFD results using three diverse distributor plate designs: perforated plate, 90° slotted plate, and 45° swirling slotted plate. The pressure drop by employing the perforated distributor plate reveals the highest pressure drop due to the smallest open area ratio. However, the pressure drop in the case of 90° slotted plate is found to be 7% and 4% lesser than perforated and 45° slotted plate respectively due to a smaller velocity head developed through the wider open area of the straight slotted plates. The distributor design configuration having a 45° slotted plate exhibits considerable pressure drop compared to the 90° slotted plate due to the longer path length of the slot. Numerical pressure drop results across the bed with different types of distributor plates prove reasonable agreement with the experimental results available in the literature. Mixing behavior in perforated distributor plates exhibits lower portion solid volume fraction of around 0.58. However, it falls rapidly as go up the riser (7.7% of column height); 90° slotted plate shows bottom region solid volume fraction of around 0.5. In addition, it exhibits an even broader range of sand volume fraction and column height (13.46% of column height). Finally, the 45° distributor plate reveals the highest range of volume fraction through the riser height (17.3% of column height), indicating the better mixing characteristics of the fluidized zone.
A Comprehensive Study on Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques Based on Fuzzy Logic Control for Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Zhu Tongsen , Dong Jiayi , Li Xingshuo , Ding Shuye
Published: July 2021

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods based on fuzzy logic control (FLC) is a popular application in recent years. However, different kinds of fuzzy control methods lack comparative study, which led to confusion in practice. Hence, a comprehensive study on these methods is essential. Unfortunately, very few attempts have been made in this regard. In this paper, four FLC methods are selected for comparative analysis. Furthermore, the design details and experimental result will also be given to help choose and measure these methods, which presents a clear image of the technology of FLC based MPPT to readers.
Effects of Land Use Change Related to Small-Scale Irrigation Schemes in Kilombero Wetland, Tanzania
Authors: Alavaisha Edmond , Mbande Victor , Börjeson Lowe , Lindborg Regina
Published: July 2021

Increasing agricultural land use intensity is one of the major land use/land cover (LULC) changes in wetland ecosystems. LULC changes have major impacts on the environment, livelihoods and nature conservation. In this study, we evaluate the impacts of investments in small-scale irrigation schemes on LULC in relation to regional development in Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. We used Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques together with interviews with Key Informants (KI) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with different stakeholders to assess the historical development of irrigation schemes and LULC change at local and regional scales over 3 decades. Overall, LULC differed over time and with spatial scale. The main transformation along irrigation schemes was from grassland and bushland into cultivated land. A similar pattern was also found at the regional valley scale, but here transformations from forest were more common. The rate of expansion of cultivated land was also higher where investments in irrigation infrastructure were made than in the wider valley landscape. While discussing the effects of irrigation and intensification on LULC in the valley, the KI and FGD participants expressed that local investments in intensification and smallholder irrigation may reduce pressure on natural land cover such as forest being transformed into cultivation. Such a pattern of spatially concentrated intensification of land use may provide an opportunity for nature conservation in the valley and likewise contribute positively to increased production and improve livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
An Interactive Tool for Simulation of Biological Models Into the Wastewater Treatment With Microalgae
Authors: Sánchez-Zurano A. , Guzmán J. L. , Acién F. G. , Fernández-Sevilla J. M.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a novel simulation tool to understand and analyze biological models for wastewater treatment processes using microalgae. The models for this type of processes are very complex to be analyzed because of the very different phenomena, variables and parameters involved. The model already included in the tool has been validated at controlled conditions simulating outdoor ones, it being useful to simulate real outdoor cultures. The major contribution of the proposed tool is that these models can be easily and interactively simulated and compared. The tool allows simulating biological models only considering microalgae or including the microalgae-bacteria consortium. Moreover, the simulations can be done only using the solar radiation contribution or by adding the environmental and bacteria effects as cardinal terms. Furthermore, the effects of the wastewater properties or different microalgae strains can be evaluated. The interactive simulations can be performed for selected days as representative of the different year seasons that are already preloaded in the tool. However, the user can also load data from other locations to simulate the models under particular conditions.
Current Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Cleft Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Dhillon Harnoor , Chaudhari Prabhat Kumar , Dhingra Kunaal , Kuo Rong-Fu , Sokhi Ramandeep Kaur , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Ahmad Shandar
Published: July 2021

Objective: This scoping review aims to identify the various areas and current status of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for aiding individuals with cleft lip and/or palate.

Introduction: Cleft lip and/or palate contributes significantly toward the global burden on the healthcare system. Artificial intelligence is a technology that can help individuals with cleft lip and/or palate, especially those in areas with limited access to receive adequate care.

Inclusion Criteria: Studies that used artificial intelligence to aid the diagnosis, treatment, or its planning in individuals with cleft lip and/or palate were included.

Methodology: A search of the Pubmed, Embase, and IEEE Xplore databases was conducted using search terms artificial intelligence and cleft lip and/or palate. Gray literature was searched using Google Scholar. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA- ScR guidelines.

Results: The initial search identified 458 results, which were screened based on title and abstracts. After the screening, removal of duplicates, and a full-text reading of selected articles, 26 publications were included. They explored the use of AI in cleft lip and/or palate to aid in decisions regarding diagnosis, treatment, especially speech therapy, and prediction.

Conclusion: There is active interest and immense potential for the use of artificial intelligence in cleft lip and/or palate. Most studies currently focus on speech in cleft palate. Multi-center studies that include different populations, with collaboration amongst academicians and researchers, can further develop the technology.
Association Between the Normal-Density Psoas Muscle Index and Handgrip Strength or Gait Speed in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kwack Byung Hoon , Kim Jun Chul , Do Jun Young , Kang Seok Hui
Published: July 2021

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the psoas muscle (PM) index with or without fatty infiltration and various indices associated with muscle mass in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods: We included stable HD patients (n = 83). The collected data included subjective global assessment (SGA) score, ASM/Ht2 (appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by the squared height in meters), gait speed (GS; m/s), and handgrip strength (HGS; kg). The abdominal computed tomography (CT) image was obtained using a CT scanner. The PM and normal-density PM (NPM) indices (mm2/m2) were calculated using the whole PM area or the area with an attenuation range of 35–100 HU divided by the squared height in meters.

Results: Correlation coefficients for the SGA score, ASM/Ht2, HGS, and GS were greater for the NPM index than for the PM index. The linear regression analysis showed that, on multivariate analysis, the NPM index was significantly associated with the SGA score, ASM/Ht2, and GS. However, the PM index was significantly associated with the SGA score and ASM/Ht2 but not with HGS or GS. For calculating the low GS, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve area was significantly greater for the NPM index than for the PM index (P = 0.012).

Conclusion: The present study suggested that the NPM index excluding fatty infiltration may be an early and useful indicator for detecting muscle strength and physical performance among HD patients.
Retention of Prey Genetic Material by the Kleptoplastidic Ciliate Strombidium cf. basimorphum
Authors: Maselli Maira , Anestis Konstantinos , Klemm Kerstin , Hansen Per Juel , John Uwe
Published: July 2021

Many marine ciliate species retain functional chloroplasts from their photosynthetic prey. In some species, the functionality of the acquired plastids is connected to the simultaneous retention of prey nuclei. To date, this has never been documented in plastidic Strombidium species. The functionality of the sequestered chloroplasts in Strombidium species is thought to be independent from any nuclear control and only maintained via frequent replacement of chloroplasts from newly ingested prey. Chloroplasts sequestered from the cryptophyte prey Teleaulax amphioxeia have been shown to keep their functionality for several days in the ciliate Strombidium cf. basimorphum. To investigate the potential retention of prey genetic material in this ciliate, we applied a molecular marker specific for this cryptophyte prey. Here, we demonstrate that the genetic material from prey nuclei, nucleomorphs, and ribosomes is detectable inside the ciliate for at least 5 days after prey ingestion. Moreover, single-cell transcriptomics revealed the presence of transcripts of prey nuclear origin in the ciliate after 4 days of prey starvation. These new findings might lead to the reconsideration of the mechanisms regulating chloroplasts retention in Strombidium ciliates. The development and application of molecular tools appear promising to improve our understanding on chloroplasts retention in planktonic protists.
SHAPER: A Web Server for Fast and Accurate SHAPE Reactivity Prediction
Authors: Zhou Yuanzhe , Li Jun , Hurst Travis , Chen Shi-Jie
Published: July 2021

Selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) chemical probing serves as a convenient and efficient experiment technique for providing information about RNA local flexibility. The local structural information contained in SHAPE reactivity data can be used as constraints in 2D/3D structure predictions. Here, we present SHAPE predictoR (SHAPER), a web server for fast and accurate SHAPE reactivity prediction. The main purpose of the SHAPER web server is to provide a portal that uses experimental SHAPE data to refine 2D/3D RNA structure selection. Input structures for the SHAPER server can be obtained through experimental or computational modeling. The SHAPER server can accept RNA structures with single or multiple conformations, and the predicted SHAPE profile and correlation with experimental SHAPE data (if provided) for each conformation can be freely downloaded through the web portal. The SHAPER web server is available at http://rna.physics.missouri.edu/shaper/.