bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecule self-assembly on alumina ceramic insulator to enhance its vacuum surface voltage withstand strength
Authors: Huo Yankun , Liu Wenyuan , Guo Yuewen , Ke Changfeng , Cheng Jun , Chen Changhua
Published: June 2020

Molecule self-assembly on the surface of alumina ceramic and its influence on the surface flashover characteristics of the alumina ceramic insulators were studied in this paper. First, octadecyltrichlorosilane was assembled on the surface of alumina ceramic insulators in the toluene solution. Then, 393 K thermal treatment of 2 h was conducted on the specimens to promote the growth of the molecule membrane. Quality detection of the prepared molecule membrane by Energy Dispersive x-ray Analysis and water contact angle test showed that the molecules were linked to the alumina surface and the arrangement of the molecules on the surface was regular and tight. Gas release characteristic suggested that the formation of the molecule membrane made the gas release rate of the treated alumina decrease. The flashover voltage test on the home-made, short-pulsed, high-voltage vacuum platform indicated that the flashover voltages of the treated insulators increased by over 200% compared with the original alumina insulators. These results indicated that a layer of regular molecule membrane was formed on the surface of alumina through molecule self-assembly, which could improve the surface voltage withstand strength of the treated insulators.
Non-Hermitian quantum mechanics and exceptional points in molecular electronics
Authors: Ernzerhof Matthias , Giguère Alexandre , Mayou Didier
Published: June 2020

In non-Hermitian (NH) quantum mechanics, Hamiltonians are studied whose eigenvalues are not necessarily real since the condition of hermiticity is not imposed. Certain symmetries of NH operators can ensure that some or all of the eigenvalues are real and thus suitable for the description of physical systems whose energies are always real. While the mathematics of NH quantum mechanics is well developed, applications of the theory to real quantum systems are scarce, and no closed system is known whose Hamiltonian is NH. Here, we consider the elementary textbook example of a NH Hamiltonian matrix, and we show how it naturally emerges as a simplifying concept in the modeling of molecular electronic devices. We analyze the consequences of non-Hermiticity and exceptional points in the spectrum of NH operators for the molecular conductance and the spectral density of simple models for molecules on surfaces.
Semiglobal diabatic potential energy matrix for the N–H photodissociation of methylamine
Authors: Parker Kelsey A. , Truhlar Donald G.
Published: June 2020

We constructed an analytic diabatic potential energy matrix (DPEM) that describes the N–H photodissociation of methylamine; the electronic state space includes the ground and first excited singlet states. The input for the fit was calculated by extended multi-state complete active space second-order perturbation theory. The data were diabatized using the dipole–quadrupole diabatization method in which we incorporated a coordinate-dependent weighting scheme for the contribution of the quadrupole moments. To make the resulting potential energy surfaces semiglobal, we extended the anchor points reactive potential method, a multiscale approach that assigns the internal coordinates to categories with different levels of computational treatment. Key aspects of the adiabatic potential energy surfaces obtained by diagonalizing the DPEM agree with the available experimental and theoretical data at energies relevant for photochemical studies.
Ogre: A Python package for molecular crystal surface generation with applications to surface energy and crystal habit prediction
Authors: Yang Shuyang , Bier Imanuel , Wen Wen , Zhan Jiawei , Moayedpour Saeed , Marom Noa
Published: June 2020

We present Ogre, an open-source code for generating surface slab models from bulk molecular crystal structures. Ogre is written in Python and interfaces with the FHI-aims code to calculate surface energies at the level of density functional theory (DFT). The input of Ogre is the geometry of the bulk molecular crystal. The surface is cleaved from the bulk structure with the molecules on the surface kept intact. A slab model is constructed according to the user specifications for the number of molecular layers and the length of the vacuum region. Ogre automatically identifies all symmetrically unique surfaces for the user-specified Miller indices and detects all possible surface terminations. Ogre includes utilities to analyze the surface energy convergence and Wulff shape of the molecular crystal. We present the application of Ogre to three representative molecular crystals: the pharmaceutical aspirin, the organic semiconductor tetracene, and the energetic material HMX. The equilibrium crystal shapes predicted by Ogre are in agreement with experimentally grown crystals, demonstrating that DFT produces satisfactory predictions of the crystal habit for diverse classes of molecular crystals.
Non-monotonic concentration dependence of the electro-phoretic mobility of charged spheres in realistic salt free suspensions
Authors: Botin Denis , Carrique Felix , Ruiz-Reina Emilio , Palberg Thomas
Published: June 2020

Using super-heterodyne Doppler velocimetry with multiple scattering correction, we extend the optically accessible range of concentrations in experiments on colloidal electro-kinetics. Here, we measured the electro-phoretic mobility and the DC conductivity of aqueous charged sphere suspensions covering about three orders of magnitude in particle concentrations and transmissions as low as 40%. The extended concentration range for the first time allows the demonstration of a non-monotonic concentration dependence of the mobility for a single particle species. Our observations reconcile previous experimental observations made on other species over restricted concentration ranges. We compare our results to the state-of-the-art theoretical calculations using a constant particle charge and the carefully determined experimental boundary conditions as input. In particular, we consider the so-called realistic salt free conditions, i.e., we respect the release of counterions by the particles, the solvent hydrolysis, and the formation of carbonic acid from dissolved neutral CO2. We also compare our results to previous results obtained under similarly well-defined conditions. This allows identification of three distinct regions of differing density dependence. There is an ascent during the build-up of double layer overlap, which is not expected by theory, an extended plateau region in quantitative agreement with theoretical expectation based on a constant effective charge and a sudden decrease, which occurs way before the expected gradual decrease. Our observations suggest a relation of the non-monotonic behavior to a decrease in particle charge, and we tentatively discuss possibly underlying mechanisms.
Range-separated hybrid and double-hybrid density functionals: A quest for the determination of the range-separation parameter
Authors: Brémond Éric , Pérez-Jiménez Ángel José , Sancho-García Juan Carlos , Adamo Carlo
Published: June 2020

We recently derived a new and simple route to the determination of the range-separation parameter in range-separated exchange hybrid and double-hybrid density functionals by imposing an additional constraint to the exchange-correlation energy to recover the total energy of the hydrogen atom [Brémond et al., J. Chem. Phys. 15, 201102 (2019)]. Here, we thoroughly assess this choice by statistically comparing the derived values of the range-separation parameters to the ones obtained using the optimal tuning (OT) approach. We show that both approaches closely agree, thus, confirming the reliability of ours. We demonstrate that it provides very close performances in the computation of properties particularly prone to the one- and many-electron self-interaction errors (i.e., ionization potentials). Our approach arises as an alternative to the OT procedure, conserving the accuracy and efficiency of a standard Kohn–Sham approach to density-functional theory computation.
Wideband reduction of in-duct noise using acoustic metamaterial with serially connected resonators made with MPP and cavities
Authors: Kim Da-Young , Ih Jeong-Guon
Published: June 2020

For the design of duct silencers, one should satisfy the essential constraints on the sound attenuation band, additional volume, and backpressure. For wideband sound attenuation, various acoustic metamaterials (AMM) using multiple resonators have been proposed. However, they often do not satisfy the spatial constraint, and the blocking of the conduit makes them impractical. This study proposes a compact silencing AMM unit for wideband sound reduction without deteriorating the mechanical performance. Previous works on the stacked micro-perforated panels (MPP) with different backing air gaps provide the basic idea of this work, which reveals the benefit of multiple resonators in adjusting the bandwidths to attain a wideband attenuation characteristic. The resistive element is also exploited in the MPP for suppressing the acoustic transparency of the detuned resonators. The formulated theoretical design method is tested by using a resonant unit cell configured with a serial connection of quadruple MPP layers, each air gap with a length of 30 mm and a uniform sectional area of 8 × 8 mm2. For minimizing the occupied volume, each cell surrounds the outer periphery of the main duct by folding, and the cell entry is flush-mounted on the duct wall. The test is conducted with the main duct of 30 × 30 mm2, and the attached 50 cells are arranged periodically with a 10-mm interval. The additional width of the duct is less than 1% of the wavelength. The measured power transmission coefficient is less than 0.2 for the range of 0.4–4.05 kHz, which agrees well with the prediction.
Inelastic scattering dynamics of naphthalene and 2-octanone on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite
Authors: Xu Chenbiao , Treadway Cal M. , Murray Vanessa J. , Minton Timothy K. , Malaska Michael J. , Cable Morgan L. , Hofmann Amy E.
Published: June 2020

The inelastic scattering dynamics of the isobaric molecules, naphthalene (C10H8) and 2-octanone (C8H16O), on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) have been investigated as part of a broader effort to inform the inlet design of a mass spectrometer for the analysis of atmospheric gases during a flyby mission through the atmosphere of a planet or moon. Molecular beam–surface scattering experiments were conducted, and the scattered products were detected with the use of a rotatable mass spectrometer detector. Continuous, supersonic beams were prepared, with average incident translational energies, ⟨Ei⟩, of 247.3 kJ mol−1 and 538.2 kJ mol−1 for naphthalene and 268.6 kJ mol−1 and 433.8 kJ mol−1 for 2-octanone. These beams were directed toward an HOPG surface, held at 530 K, at incident angles, θi, of 30°, 45°, and 70°, and scattered products were detected as functions of their translational energies and scattering angles. The scattering dynamics of both molecules are very similar and mimic the scattering of atoms and small molecules on rough surfaces, where parallel momentum is not conserved, suggesting that the dynamics are dominated by a corrugated interaction potential between the incident molecule and the surface. The effective corrugation of the molecule–surface interaction is apparently caused by the structure of the incident molecule and the consequent myriad available energy transfer pathways between the molecule and the surface during a complex collision event. In addition, the HOPG surface contributes to the corrugation of the interaction potential because it can absorb significant energy from collisions with incident molecules that have high mass and incident energy. Small differences in the scattering dynamics of the two molecules are inferred to arise from the details of the molecule–surface interaction potential, with 2-octanone exhibiting dynamics that suggest a slightly stronger interaction with the surface than naphthalene. These results add to a growing body of work on the scattering dynamics of organic molecules on HOPG, from which insight into the hypervelocity sampling and analysis of such molecules may be obtained.
An unusual frequency dispersion of the dielectric permittivity maxima at temperatures around the tetragonal–cubic phase transition of methylammonium lead iodide
Authors: Minussi F. B. , Reis S. P. , Araújo E. B.
Published: June 2020

We report studies on the unusual frequency dispersion of the dielectric permittivity maxima of methylammonium lead iodide pellets at temperatures around the tetragonal–cubic phase transition. The origin of this observed permittivity response was studied in terms of grains and grain boundaries’ contributions in impedance, electric modulus, dielectric permittivity, and electrical conductivity. From theoretical fits of impedance and electric modulus measurements at different temperatures over a frequency range of 103–10 Hz, the reconstructed contributions of the grain boundary and grain permittivities show peaks around 339 K and 384 K, respectively. The origin of the grain boundary permittivity peak is discussed in terms of heterogenic ionic conduction associated with I− and MA+ ions in MAPbI3, while the peak in grain permittivity at high temperature is in terms of ionization of intrinsic carriers. The high value of the grain dielectric permittivity (εg=1193), compared to the reconstructed grain boundary permittivity (εgb=53), suggests a possible relaxor ferroelectric behavior with a diffuse phase transition for methylammonium lead iodide. The difficulties in confirming the ferroelectric nature of this halide perovskite based on impedance and electrical module data are also discussed.
Fossil evidence for the evolution of the Casuarinaceae in response to low soil nutrients and a drying climate in Cenozoic Australia
Authors: Hill Robert S. , Whang Sung Soo , Korasidis Vera , Bianco Bradley , Hill Kathryn E. , Paull Rosemary , Guerin Gregory R.
Published: June 2020

The Southern Hemisphere family Casuarinaceae has a long fossil record, both macrofossils and pollen, none of which provides any evidence about the morphology of the precursor to the family. However, it has long been considered, from both molecular phylogenies and morphological data, that the extant genus Gymnostoma retains key ancestral states and the highly reduced leaf area is a result of a scleromorphic response to low soil nutrients. Gymnostoma has by far the earliest, most extensive and best preserved macrofossil record, beginning in the Late Paleocene. Modification of the stomatal location from superficial in Gymnostoma to encrypted in furrows in the other genera assisted in water conservation as species evolved. We conclude that the morphology of the living and fossil vegetative branchlets provides evidence that low soil nutrients (especially phosphorus) and high water availability in a relatively light limited environment were the original drivers for evolution in the Casuarinaceae. Reducing water availability (xeromorphy) in progressively higher light environments were the major drivers of post-Eocene evolution in this unique plant family.
'I feel like a person has a right to use a product to protect themselves…': a qualitative study of the risk–benefit calculus on women's contraceptive use and choice
Authors: Carbone Sofía L. , Guillen Melissa , Ramirez Jaime J. , Vargas Sara E. , Lu Connie Fei , Getz Melissa L. , Frimpong Yaa , Smith Kelley A. , Stout Claire , Tong Iris , Hill Melanie , Berry Robert E. , Harrison Abigail , Guthrie Kate M.
Published: June 2020

Background
Reducing pregnancy risk requires a multidimensional approach to sexual and reproductive health product development. The purpose of this analysis is to identify, compare, and contrast women’s pre-use beliefs and attitudes about three different forms of contraceptives: intravaginal rings; spermicide in conjunction with condoms; and oral contraceptive pills – and explore how those attitudes and beliefs, along with actual method-use experience, may affect potential choices in contraceptive method moving forward. The relationship of beliefs and attitudes to their risk–benefit calculations when using these methods was also considered.? Methods: Women used one or more contraceptive methods, each for 3–6 months. Qualitative data from individual in-depth interviews completed after each 3-month use period were analysed using a summary matrix framework. Data were extracted and summarised into themes. Each woman’s experiences were compared among the methods she used; comparisons were also made across participants. Results: The data consist of 33 90–120 min in-depth qualitative interviews from 16 women aged 20–34 years, in which they discussed various elements of their method use experience. One prominent theme was identified: the influence of attitudes and beliefs on the risk–benefit calculus. There were six key elements within the theme: pregnancy prevention; dosing and the potential for user error; side-effects; familiarity; disclosure; and sexual partnerships. Conclusions: Women weighed perceived risks and benefits in their decision-making and, ultimately, their contraception choices. Understanding women’s beliefs and attitudes that contribute to a calculation of risk–benefit can inform the development of sexual and reproductive health products.
Psychological wellbeing facilitates accurate HIV risk appraisal in gay and bisexual men
Authors: Jaspal Rusi , Lopes Barbara
Published: June 2020

Background
Accurate HIV risk appraisal is key to effective HIV prevention. This study focuses on the role of psychological wellbeing in determining perceived HIV risk in a sample of gay and bisexual (GBM) in the UK. Methods: Overall, 191 HIV-negative GBM completed a cross-sectional survey, in which they provided demographic information and completed measures of engagement in actual sexual risk behaviours, diagnosis with a sexually transmissible infection in the past 12 months, frequency of HIV testing, use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), perceived HIV risk, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) identity, sexual identity openness and psychological wellbeing. Results: Results showed that there was a correlation between engagement in actual HIV risk behaviours and perceived HIV risk, suggesting relatively accurate HIV risk appraisal in the participant sample. LGBT identity and sexual identity openness were associated with increased psychological wellbeing. Structural equation modelling showed that psychological wellbeing has an effect on perceived HIV risk through the mediator of LGBT identity. Conclusions: It appears that a state of psychological wellbeing facilitates the construction of a strong and robust LGBT identity, which can be displayed to others, and that a strong LGBT identity in turn facilitates accurate HIV risk appraisal in GBM. In order to achieve our target of zero new HIV infections by 2030, it will be essential to focus on enhancing psychological wellbeing in people at risk of HIV.
Multiorbital charge-density wave excitations and concomitant phonon anomalies in Bi
2
Sr
2
LaCuO
6+δ
Authors: Li Jiemin , Nag Abhishek , Pelliciari Jonathan , Robarts Hannah , Walters Andrew , Garcia-Fernandez Mirian , Eisaki Hiroshi , Song Dongjoon , Ding Hong , Johnston Steven , Comin Riccardo , Zhou Ke-Jin
Published: June 2020

Significance

Charge-density waves (CDWs) are a ubiquitous form of electron density modulation in cuprate superconductors. Unveiling the nature of quasistatic CDWs and their dynamical excitations is crucial for understanding their origin––similar to the study of antiferromagnetism in cuprates. However, dynamical CDW excitations remain largely unexplored due to the limited availability of suitable experimental probes. Here, using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering, we observe dynamical CDW excitations in Bi
2
Sr
2
LaCuO
6+δ
(Bi2201) superconductors through its interference with the lattice. The distinct anomalies of the bond-buckling and the bond-stretching phonons allow us to draw a clear picture of funnel-shaped dynamical CDW excitations in Bi2201. Our results of the interplay between CDWs and the phonon anomalies shed light on the nature of CDWs in cuprates.
Whey protein supplementation in muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Sobral C , Gomes D , Silva M , Martins P , Baltazar A
Published: June 2020

Introduction The nutritional intake in the context of a hypertrophy training can affect body composition, the increase of muscle mass and strength. Whey protein seems to promote a reduction in body fat, improve hypertrophy, and other potential health benefits. This protein is one of the highest quality proteins due to its amino acid content (especially leucine) and to the rapid digestibility. Whey protein consumption has a robust ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. There are 3 types of whey protein: controlled, insulated and hydrolysed.

Objectives The goal of this research is verifying the efficacy of the use of whey protein supplementation in athletes seeking muscle strength and mass gain.

Methodology *

We analysed scientific articles from 2014 to 2019, based on Pubmed and Google scholar. Keywords such as whey protein, supplement, hypertrophy, muscle mass and nutrition were used.

Results From scientific research, six articles were analysed. Thus, it is estimated the analysis of 13 men under the age of 18 years and under 30 years of age. Only men with a percentage of fat mass less than or equal to 23% were selected. Two groups were created: the control group that consumed carbohydrate supplements and the experimental group that consumed 36g/day whey protein. Both groups performed 3 sessions/week of resistance training, and the used dose of protein derived from the diet was 1.4g/Kg/day. Both groups experienced gains in strength, 1 maxi (RM) and fat-free mass (FFM). However, the experimental group had an extra 9% and 27% in 1RM and FFM respectively compared to the control group.

Conclusion In short, supplementation with whey protein contributes to the increase of muscle mass and strength in athletes whose training (frequency, volume and duration) and diet are suitable for this purpose.
Assessment of Health Literacy Levels: HLS-EU-PT versus METER
Authors: Luís J , Rocha C , Balteiro J
Published: June 2020

Introduction The definition of this concept and its domains, as well as its measurement, will allow to identify health inequalities. And therefore focus the focus of professional intervention to ensure equitable access to health. The health literacy assessment tool should be based on the defined literacy concept and address the domains of the underlying theory, considering public health behaviours and outcomes. According to the European Consortium for Health Literacy, three dimensions of literacy are distinguished: functional literacy, interactive literacy and critical literacy.

Objectives To compare the health literacy levels obtained by applying two different measurement tools.

Methodology To assess Health Literacy levels were applied two tests: HLS-EU-PT (European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire - Portugal) and METER (Medical Term Recognition Test). The first, quite comprehensive and previously used at European level, of self-perception, and the second more objective. These validated instruments were applied in a pharmacy in the municipality of Mealhada, to 377 individuals resident there.

Results HLS-EU-PT presents 40.8% of individuals with adequate literacy, while METER classifies 49.1% of the sample. There is a difference of 8.3% in the results. However, there is a statistically significant relationship between them (p = 0.001). METER is limited to the assessment of functional literacy levels. Too narrow a perspective for a concept as broad as health literacy. In this context, when measuring literacy is based on word recognition, limited levels of health literacy are found in 50.9% of individuals.

Conclusion Statistically, the two tests used present a significant correlation. Although METER misclassifies some individuals with adequate literacy who actually have inadequate literacy, this happens more often when the scores obtained are reduced. When the score on one test is high, on the other test, it also happens.
The immediate effect of vocal technique associated with virtual reality game in people with Parkinsons disease
Authors: Cruz T , Coriolano M , Silva H , Gomes A , Lira Z
Published: June 2020

Introduction People with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) have difficult motor hearing calibration, which affects the monitoring of vocal production. Therefore, employing visual stimulus associated with vocal therapy may benefit the voice of this population. For this purpose, some techniques favour the competence of the glottis, such as pushing, which consists of movements of the arms with a simultaneous effort to phonation and, associated with virtual reality games, provide playful therapeutic intervention through the simulation of experiences that can foster glottal adjustments and generate changes in the voice.

Objectives To determine the immediate effect of the technique of pushing with plosive sounds associated with the use of a virtual reality game in the voice of people with Parkinson's disease.

Methodology The participants were 17 men and 14 women, mean age of 62.61 (± 11.24) years, meantime of diagnosis 6.93 years, distributed in stages I (32.5%), II (22.59%), III (45.16%) of Hoehn and Yahr. scale. The vocal evaluation pre and post pushing technique with plosive sounds associated with virtual reality game consisted of analysing vocal, acoustic parameters from the record of the issuance of the vowel /ε/. The parameters extracted were Jitter, Shimmer, corresponding to signs of disturbance of the sound source and Glottal-to Noise Excitation (GNE), corresponding to the energy of the glottis on the noise. The satisfaction questionnaire on the implementation of this technique associated with virtual reality was used.

Results The values of disturbance of the sound wave decreased, and the glottal energy on the noise increased, respectively, Jitter (p = 0.0075); Shimmer (p = 0.0048); GNE (p = 0.0008). Regarding the satisfaction questionnaire, 74.20% of them felt very satisfied and 25.80%, satisfied.

Conclusion The vocal technique associated with virtual reality game improved the acoustic parameters of the participants' voice and the majority felt great satisfaction with the intervention.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the VISA-A questionnaire for Portuguese-speaking (Portugal) patients with Achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Paço M , Rodrigues A , Oliveira C , Carvalho D , Ferreira J , Simões M , Araújo FA , Chaves P
Published: June 2020

Introduction Achilles tendinopathy is considered one of the most frequent injuries in individuals who practice regular physical activity, thus the existence of an instrument that allows the evaluation of the degree of severity of the lesion is important. The VISA-A was developed for English-speaking population to evaluate patients with this condition, and there is a need to adapt this tool to Portuguese (Portugal).

Objectives To cross-cultural adapt and validate the VISA-A questionnaire for Portuguese-speaking (Portugal) Achilles tendinopathy patients.

Methodology The VISA-A questionnaire was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Portuguese (VISA-A-Por) according to specific guidelines, using six steps: Translation, synthesis, back translation, expert committee review, pretesting (n = 10), and appraisal of the adaptation process. The resulting VISA-A-Por was then subjected to an analysis of the psychometric properties (construct validity, reproducibility [agreement and reliability], internal consistency and floor and ceiling effects) in 57 Achilles tendinopathy patients and 58 asymptomatic people. Participants completed the questionnaire at baseline and after a minimum interval of 48 hours.

Results The Visa-A-Por semantic and content validity was considered good by the expert committee and has construct validity shown by the differences between groups (p < 0,001). The questionnaire presented good internal consistency, with a Cronbach α of 0,88. Concerning reproducibility, agreement levels were considered optimal which can be verified in the Bland Altman graph, the standard error measurement (6,49) and the minimally important change (17,99 points), as well as the excellent ICC value (0,88). No ceiling-floor effect was found.

Conclusion The VISA-A-Por questionnaire has been shown to be equivalent to the original questionnaire, which indicates that it is a valid and reliable measure for the evaluation of the severity and functional impact of patellar tendinopathy in Portuguese-speaking (Portugal) patients.
Wearable Sensor-Based Exercise Biofeedback for Supporting Fall Prevention at Physiotherapy
Authors: Martins A C , Guia D
Published: June 2020

Introduction Exercise interventions focused on strength and balance are effective for falls prevention in older people. Several fall prevention programs were developed with this intent, however there is often a lack of personalization in these solutions. Technological interventions namely biofeedback systems have been shown recently to have the ability to objectively assess therapeutic exercise in real time to improve quality performance.

Objectives To describe a technological solution with biofeedback system to be used by physiotherapists at the clinic, to assist the learning process of a personalized and progressive strength and balance exercise program.

Methodology The exercises are monitored by two wearable inertial sensors and a pressure platform for mobility, strength and balance measurements. In order to validate the system, a set of five exercises, from the Otago Exercise Program, were tested with a group of 16 older adults during several sessions. Spatial, temporal and balance metrics were extracted during the exercises, providing quantitative biofeedback during the exercise.

Results Inertial and pressure sensors are suitable for exercise tracking during fall prevention exercises. Range of motion, weight distribution and shifting, balance and cycle identification were successfully monitored for all exercises. This system successfully automated the process of creating individualized and personalized exercise biofeedback systems to fall prevention programs.

Conclusion This study demonstrates this technological solution holds promise in falls prevention. FallSensing Clinic is a feasible monitor and biofeedback tool that can be applied to clinical practice allowing people to better perform the exercise program.
Accessible communication in the transport of non-urgent people with communication impairments
Authors: Soares EM , Granjo T , Monteiro S , Bemposta S , Salvador A
Published: June 2020

Introduction Paramedics may find innumerous circumstances that require careful consideration of the patient’s clinical condition. Because of that, communication between paramedics and patients in a critical condition must be as clear and effective as possible.

Objectives This study aims to identify the communicative needs of ambulance’s crew members when transporting non-urgent people with communicative impairments and to create a tool that facilitates the communicative process.

Methodology A brainstorming was held at Associação de São Jorge to gather information regarding the needs and difficulties experienced by the ambulance’s crew members. An audio record of this meeting was collected and a qualitative analysis was carried out. Additionally, a questionnaire was fulfilled. Based on these results, a first version of the communicative tool was developed. A pluridisciplinary focus group was held to discuss it, regarding content, form and utility. After this focus group, the second version of the communicative tool was elaborated to be tested by the crew members of this association. As so, a dynamic of three hours was implemented to empower these professionals to use this tool and other communicative strategies.

Results The qualitative analysis of the first meeting collected data recognize as crew member’s needs: communicating basic and immediate needs at clinical level and at colloquial discourse. This data allowed to establish parameters for the construction of the first version of the communicative tool. The referred focus group identified the need to improve it, considering: format, content and also the need to complement this tool with other communicative facilitators (e.g. braille; gestures).

Conclusion This study shows the need of facilitating the communication in non-urgent transportation. Despite the modifications that have to be done, the communicative tool that was developed already shows a positive impact in the ambulance crew and in the community.
Cannabis Therapeutic Applications - Review
Authors: Faim J , Balteiro J
Published: June 2020

Introduction Medical cannabis refers to the use of cannabis or cannabinoids as medical therapy to treat disease or alleviate symptoms. Cannabinoids can be given orally, sublingually or topically, can be smoked, inhaled, mixed with food or made into tea.

Objectives Elaboration of a systematic literature review about cannabis’s medicinal and therapeutic properties. It is intended to characterize the plant and its properties, highlighting the proven therapeutic evidence published in the area of oncology and diseases of the central nervous system.

Methodology The selection of articles was based on the reading and analysis of the title and the abstract; only articles published in the last 15 years have been considered. After full analysis of the selected articles, it was concluded that 64 scientific articles were relevant to the study.

Results With this systematic review, we can conclude that its therapeutic application in areas such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and in the relief of some cancer patient’s symptoms is promising. Its apparent anti-tumour activity in various types of cancer is of increasing scientific interest as current treatments in these situations are scarce.

Conclusion The future of cannabis therapy is getting closer. It is therefore necessary to study and develop new synthetic analogues of THC, with better separation between therapeutic and side effects. Scientific advances show that Cannabis sativa is a treatment option for many conditions. With this systematic review we can conclude that its therapeutic application in areas such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and in the relief of some symptoms in cancer patients is promising. Its apparent anti-tumour activity in various types of cancer is also of increasing scientific interest.
Comparison between two databases regarding the classification of Drug Interactions and their mechanism of action
Authors: Fernandes D , Jesus A
Published: June 2020

Introduction Many drug-related problems are caused by drug interactions (DIs) that result from the pharmacological influence of one drug on another when taken together. DIs may have beneficial and predictable effects, but may also cause undesirable results, such as treatment ineffectiveness or serious adverse effects. There are a number of available databases with information about DIs. Although the information they provide is not always consensual, it is a useful tool in analysing the occurrence of potential drug interactions (PDIs) and in preventing unwanted or even fatal consequences for patients.

Objectives To compare the convergence of two databases (Micromedex/Drugs.com) regarding the classification of DIs and their mechanism of action.

Methodology A cross-sectional, descriptive and exploratory observational study was carried out using prescriptions from users with diabetes, dyslipidaemia or both pathologies from pharmacies in two districts, Porto and Braga. Information from each sample group was further analysed using two databases, Micromedex/Drugs.com.

Results Of the 57 pairs whose interaction potential was analysed, 64.3% converged on the classifications in both databases. Micromedex assigns moderate potential interaction to 36 drug pairs, and of these, 28 get the same rating on Drugs.com. Regarding the major PDIs, the degree of agreement was 40%. There are 4 drug pairs with potential for major interaction at Micromedex to which Drugs.com assigns moderate PDI. Minor PDIs were found on Drugs.com in 4 drug pairs, which Micromedex rated as major or moderate. For the remaining twelve divergent rating pairs, Drugs.com does not assign them potential for interaction while Micromedex gives them potential for major or moderate PDIs. Regarding the consequences of the occurrence of PDIs, there is agreement between Micromedex and Drugs.com, except for pair AAS/Loop Diuretics.

Conclusion Micromedex identifies a higher number of PDIs and assigns higher severity to a higher number.
ADHEAR in Conductive Hearing Loss: a case study
Authors: Marques T , Carvalho A , Miguéis A
Published: June 2020

Introduction Bone conduction hearing systems can be applied through non-invasive devices, using soft bands that exert pressure on the skin, or they can be surgically implanted (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid - BAHA). However, these bone conduction devices are frequently not well accepted due to the pressure on the head. Therefore, a new non-surgical hearing system was developed not to exert pressure on the skin, the ADHEAR. The bone anchorage in ADHEAR is performed through an adhesive adapter and is indicated for patients with conductive hearing loss and normal inner ear function.

Objectives Evaluate the audiological performance with the adhesive bone conduction hearing device (ADHEAR) in a patient with conductive hearing loss.

Methodology The study was designed as a prospective single-subject repeated-measure study with the subject serving as his own control. A 29 year old female patient who had a primary surgery due to middle ear cholesteatoma, was adapted with unilateral non-invasive adhesive bone conduction system for the treatment of conductive hearing loss. Air and bone conduction thresholds, word recognition scores (WRS) and speech recognition thresholds (SRT) in quiet and noise were assessed to verify the inclusion criteria of the study. Aided and unaided pure tone audiometry at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz in free field and speech audiometry in quiet and noise were performed at baseline and after 4 weeks with the ADHEAR.

Results The functional gain with the ADHEAR averaged over 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz after 4 weeks of usage of the adhesive hearing system, improved from 55 dB HL to 31dB HL. Speech perception in quiet and noise improved significantly in the aided situation, with SRT in quiet improving from 60 to 35 dB HL, when compared to the unaided condition. Similar results were found in noise. The patient evaluated the ADHEAR system as being useful, and without complaints of skin pressure. There was no adverse skin reaction.

Conclusion Hearing performance was significantly better with ADHEAR under all test conditions. Therefore, this transcutaneous hearing system seems to be an excellent alternative for patients who need a hearing solution for conductive hearing loss but for clinical reasons cannot undergo surgery or conventional hearing aids. Furthermore, it preserves skin over the mastoid and reduces the risk of infection. Otherwise it has benefits verified by absence of head pressure and improvement of patient’s quality of life.
Pharmacogenomics - the state of the art in drug prescription
Authors: Ferreira R , Gomes CA
Published: June 2020

Introduction The different response to various drugs by individuals has been increasingly debated, since it has been concluded that there are large differences in response and increasing occurrence of adverse reactions. This set of issues led to more and more research on the implementation of genetic testing in the very near future, leading to benefits for the patient. The purpose of pharmacogenetics is to analyse each individual’s genetic variability in response to therapy, increasing efficiency and safety. On the other hand, pharmacogenomics studies how the expression of a set of genes interferes in individual’s responses to drugs, taking into account pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This concept also seeks to reduce adverse reactions and toxicity, maximizing drug efficiency.

Objectives The present work aims at gathering information on the proposed theme, making the survey of drugs available on the market elucidating how it allows the adjustment of the dose to be administered to the patient according to their genetic profile.

Methodology Databases such as Pubmed, Science Direct and Google Scholar were consulted and data were collected from 2015 until 2019. Paper was selected first by abstract and after by full text reading of the article.

Results On this review we will list the drugs associated with each biomarker and the respective therapeutic area to which they belong, compiled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This list includes the main therapeutic area: oncology, haematology, anaesthesiology and psychology. Biomarkers allow us to identify phenotype-associated variations in drug response, making it possible to understand whether drugs will have a beneficial effect, no effect or if there is a risk of toxicity.

Conclusion This question requires a risk-benefit assessment, since it involves social, ethical and economic problems.
Auditory training app validation
Authors: Maia F , Jesus V , Mateus C , Paulo S , Marcelino L , Serrano M
Published: June 2020

Introduction One of the main hearing complaints is the difficulty to perceive speech in noisy environments. This complaint gets worse with ageing at which cognitive processing speed slows and/or when hearing loss is present. An auditory training can improve speech perception in adverse environments. The use of auditory training software on various digital platforms is becoming a reality.

Objectives To validate the auditory training app in European Portuguese with individuals aged between 55 and 64 years old with an approximate average of 20dB of hearing thresholds.

Methodology The sample consists in two groups of seven individuals without cognitive problems. One of the groups performed eight auditory training sessions with the application for a period of four weeks and the other group (the control group) did not perform any auditory training session. The evaluation was made in all the individuals with the filtered speech test. The training group was evaluated before, immediately after and after four weeks of the auditory training sessions and the control group was evaluated after four weeks.

Results Statistically there is a significant difference between before and immediately after the auditory training in the filtered speech test (p = 0.018). Four weeks after the end of the training the performance of each individual was the same. In the control group there were no significant differences between the two evaluation moments.

Conclusion The EVOLLU auditory training app promotes an improvement in the perception of the word in adverse environments that continues even after some time. This is a sign that individuals are applying that learning into their day to day living. The Evollu application can and should be used in the auditory training of individuals aged between 55 to 64 years old.
Visual dependence after vestibular rehabilitation by virtual reality in individuals with unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction – one year of results
Authors: Cunha B
Published: June 2020

Introduction One of the most common approaches in individuals with unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction (UPVD) is vestibular rehabilitation (RV). Many factors can negatively affect the result of RV. Virtual reality based treatment may represent an important tool in the solution of these problems. In individuals with UPVD there is a decrease in the reception of vestibular stimuli and there is an adjustment in the reception of visual and proprioceptive stimuli. They use more visual cues to minimise the decrease in vestibular stimuli – visual dependence (VD). Although the importance and results of virtual reality as a tool in improving balance in individuals with UPVD have already been demonstrated, we intend to demonstrate that virtual reality allows significant improvements in the decrease in VD.

Objectives The aim of the study is to compare VD levels in individuals with UPVD after RV program by virtual reality.

Methodology For the evaluation of VD, dynamic posturography was performed with the Balance Rehabilition Unit equipment for 39 people with UPVD, before and after the RV program by virtual reality. Ten conditions were tested, with different visual and propriocetive stimuli. The parameters considered were the oscillation area of the pressure centre and the sway velocity.

Results In the parameter of the oscillation area of the pressure centre, statistically significant results were found in the 10 conditions tested. In the sway velocity parameter, statistically significant results were found in the condition 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 e 10.

Conclusion Virtual reality incorporated in the RV programs presents itself as an important tool in improving VD in individuals with UPVD.
Biomechanical Device for Strength Control in Dental Restorations
Authors: Esteves M , Falacho R , Silva M , Roseiro L
Published: June 2020

Introduction In the dentistry field, restoration of a damaged tooth using indirect restorations is a common activity. In the restoration process with cementing agents, there is a need to apply force to the insertion of the part that will rehabilitate the tooth. This force becomes essential to cause the flow of the cementitious material, thus improving the prognosis and longevity of the restoration-tooth assembly. Excessive force can cause damage and a little intensity force will not be enough for the correct seating of the piece. However, the applied force is dependent on the sensitivity of the dentist, and there are no tools that guarantee the aid in its monitoring.

Objectives The biomechanical device must be able to monitor the forces applied on teeth restoration and has its importance based in clinical environment use, but above all will be a relevant tool in the learning process for dental medicine students.

Methodology The developed device is based on some commonly used dental systems for dental restorations. A geometry was created using a computer aided design software and calculated by the finite element method. The developed solution uses the structural information for force control with strain gauges. The equipment interacts with the user using incorporated sound and light signals powered by a battery, but also can be wired to a computer.

Results The medical team performed some tests in ceramic teeth samples, in order to ensure the reality of the tests. The device operation reveals an easy and stable force application as well as a correct sound and light feedback. After the sample’s analysis, the cement thickness and strength are within ideal parameters.

Conclusion From this work resulted the invention of a functional biomechanical equipment that will be used in student learning process and in clinical context. The device had a good acceptance and feedback by the medical team, promising to revolutionize the way dental restorations are performed.