Anthropology, ethnography, and narrative: intersecting paths in understanding the processes of health and sickness

Discorre sobre antropologia, método etnográfico e narrativa como possibilidades de acessar os sentidos atribuídos e a experiência dos sujeitos. De uma perspectiva antropológica, o universo sociocultural é tomado como referência para a compreensão do significado do processo saúde-doença, através de uma descrição etnográfica densa, cuja análise tem inspiração interpretativista. Nesse contexto, as narrativas revelam-se como possibilidades para a compreensão do modo como as experiências humanas subjetivas são compartilhadas e de como são organizados os comportamentos, enfatizando-se o significado, o processo de produção de histórias, as relações entre o narrador e os demais sujeitos, os processos de conhecimento e a multiplicidade de formas para se captar experiências.The article discusses anthropology, ethnographic method, and narrative as possible ways of coming to know subjects' experiences and the feelings they attribute to them. From an anthropological perspective, the sociocultural universe is taken as a point of reference in understanding the meaning of the processes of health and sickness, using a dense ethnographic description from an interpretivist analytical approach. In this context, narratives afford possible paths to understanding how subjective human experiences are shared and how behavior is organized, with a special focus on meaning, the process by which stories are produced, relations between narrator and other subjects, processes of knowledge, and the manifold ways in which experience can be captured

Micro Finite Element models of the vertebral body: Validation of local displacement predictions

The estimation of local and structural mechanical properties of bones with micro Finite Element (microFE) models based on Micro Computed Tomography images depends on the quality bone geometry is captured, reconstructed and modelled. The aim of this study was to validate microFE models predictions of local displacements for vertebral bodies and to evaluate the effect of the elastic tissue modulus on model’s predictions of axial forces. Four porcine thoracic vertebrae were axially compressed in situ, in a step-wise fashion and scanned at approximately 39μm resolution in preloaded and loaded conditions. A global digital volume correlation (DVC) approach was used to compute the full-field displacements. Homogeneous, isotropic and linear elastic microFE models were generated with boundary conditions assigned from the interpolated displacement field measured from the DVC. Measured and predicted local displacements were compared for the cortical and trabecular compartments in the middle of the specimens. Models were run with two different tissue moduli defined from microindentation data (12.0GPa) and a back-calculation procedure (4.6GPa). The predicted sum of axial reaction forces was compared to the experimental values for each specimen. MicroFE models predicted more than 87% of the variation in the displacement measurements (R2 = 0.87–0.99). However, model predictions of axial forces were largely overestimated (80–369%) for a tissue modulus of 12.0GPa, whereas differences in the range 10–80% were found for a back-calculated tissue modulus. The specimen with the lowest density showed a large number of elements strained beyond yield and the highest predictive errors. This study shows that the simplest microFE models can accurately predict quantitatively the local displacements and qualitatively the strain distribution within the vertebral body, independently from the considered bone types

Alterações músculo-esqueléticas relacionadas com o envelhecimento: causas e consequências

O aumento da população idosa e a crescente procura de tratamentos mais adequados para aliviar a dor causada pelos fatores que caracterizam o envelhecimento, particularmente a instalação da sarcopenia, condição associada ao sedentarismo e em alguns casos a enfermidades como artrites e artrose, são responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento de dores articulares que impossibilitam a prática de exercício físico, despoletando outros riscos como a osteoporose e perda da estabilidade postural que em conjunto aumentam o risco de quedas, lesões e fraturas associadas (Powers & Howley, 1997). Porém, a sua origem deverá ser igualmente interpretada muitas vezes como consequência das crescentes limitações do foro ortopédico. A inatividade conduz a um desuso do sistema músculo-esquelético e naturalmente a uma hipo-estimulação do tecido muscular conduzindo à atrofia do mesmo com diminuição da sua função (Tavares, C. 2003). Um exemplo categórico é o caso da osteoartrose do joelho, uma patologia articular crónica degenerativa, frequente em adultos e idosos que interfere na mobilidade e autonomia. A osteoartrose é caracterizada pela presença de dor e limitação funcional, consequência da formação de osteófitos e/ou alteração na integridade da cartilagem articular, que conduzem a uma perda gradual da força, diminuição da mobilidade e instabilidade articular. Frequentemente assistimos nos indivíduos com esta patologia a uma diminuição gradual nos seus níveis de atividade física, já que a imobilização da articulação contribui para diminuir o processo inflamatório na mesma, diminuindo também a dor. No entanto, a imobilização da articulação com artrose vai potenciar: a atrofia, o encurtamento de músculos e tendões, o surgimento de contracturas, a perda de massa óssea, o aumento do risco de fratura, a redução da mobilidade articular e a degeneração da cartilagem (Gordon, N., 1992). Assim, a inatividade física torna-se contraproducente, sendo a prescrição de exercício físico adequado uma forma de combater o avanço progressivo da doença. O fortalecimento da musculatura peri articular é fundamental para a obtenção do equilíbrio da articulação, controlando o impacto do pé sobre o solo durante a marcha, lubrificando a articulação e reduzindo os movimentos anormais entre as superfícies articulares o que ajuda a diminuir a degeneração da articulação (Roddy, E., W. Zhang, and M. Doherty, 2005). A manutenção do equilíbrio é um aspeto determinante na funcionalidade e autonomia estando relacionado como o sistema visual, somatosensorial e vestibular, com a força dos membros inferiores, nomeadamente os grupos musculares flexores e extensores das articulações do joelho e tibiotársica, que tendem a diminuir com a idade. Além disso, as alterações degenerativas dos discos intervertebrais, somados à diminuição da flexibilidade e da força das estruturas musculares e das posturas incorretas frequentes, conduzem a desalinhamentos nas curvaturas da coluna que por sua vez contribuem para a deterioração do equilíbrio, não só estático, como também dinâmico, e consequentemente do padrão de marcha. Neste contexto, a realização de atividade física é fundamental na prevenção de quedas e de fraturas associadas, tendo sido demonstrado por vários estudos que a participação em programas de exercício e o treino de tarefas especificamente orientadas para o sistema sensorial e a manutenção da estabilidade postural reduzem significativamente o número de quedas quando comparado a grupos de controlo, tanto em homens como em mulheres (Izquierdo et al., 2005; 2004). Em suma, o treino da força com intensidade moderada a elevada pode ser efetuado com elevada tolerância por parte de adultos e idosos, com resultados bastante satisfatórios em termos de adaptação morfológica e funcional, assim como também em termos de propriedades elétricas e contrácteis.

Alterações do tecido muscular com o envelhecimento

Sarcopenia is characterized by a progressive generalized decrease of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function with aging. Recent- ly, the genetic determination has been associated with muscle mass and muscle strength in elderly. These two phenotypes of risk are the most commonly recognized and studied for sarcopenia, with heritability ranging from 30 to 85% for muscle strength and 45-90% for muscle mass. It is well known that the development and maintenance of muscle mass in early adulthood reduces the risk of developing sarcopenia and leads to a healthy aging. For that reason it seems important to identify which genetic factors interact with aging and in particular with the musculoskeletal response to exercise in such individuals. This review is designed to summarize the most important and representative studies about the possible association between certain genetic polymorphisms and muscle phenotypes in older populations. Also we will focuses on nutrition and some concerns associated with aging, including the role that exercise can have on reducing the negative effects of this phenomenon. Some results are inconsis- tent between studies and more replication studies underlying sarcopenia are needed, with larger samples and with different life cycles, particularly in the type and level of physical activity throughout life. In future we believe that further progress in understanding the ge- netic etiology and the metabolic pathways will provide valuable information on important biological mechanisms underlying the muscle physiology. This will enable better recognition of individuals at higher risk and the ability to more adequately address this debilitating condition.Sarcopenia é caracterizada por uma diminuição generalizada e progressiva da força, massa e função muscular com o envelhecimento. Recentemente, a determinação genética tem sido associada com a massa muscular e força muscular em idosos. Estes dois fenótipos de risco são os mais comumente reconhecidos e estudados em relação à sarcopenia, com hereditariedade variando de 30 a 85% para a força muscular e 45-90% para a massa muscular. É bem conhecido que o desenvolvimento e manutenção da massa muscular na idade adulta reduz o risco de desenvolver sarcopenia e conduz a um envelhecimento saudável. Por isso, é importante identificar quais os fatores genéticos que interagem com o envelhecimento e, em particular, com a resposta músculo-esquelética ao exercício. Esta revisão destina-se a resumir os estudos mais importantes e representativos sobre a possível associação entre determinados polimorfismos genéticos e fenótipos musculares nas populações mais velhas. Os aspetos nutricionais serão discutidos, incluindo o papel que o exercício pode ter sobre a redução dos efeitos negativos deste fenômeno. Alguns resultados são inconsistentes e desta forma é necessária uma maior replicação subjacente à sarcopenia, com amostras maiores e em diferentes ciclos da vida, especial- mente no tipo e nível de atividade física. No futuro, acreditamos que mais progressos na compreensão da etiologia genética e as vias metabólicas vai fornecer informações valiosas sobre importantes mecanismos biológicos envolvidos na fisiologia muscular. Isto irá permitir um melhor reconhecimento dos indivíduos com maior risco e uma maior capacidade de enfrentar adequadamente essa condição debilitante

Standard Unretrofitted Buildings and Net Zero-Energy Concept

There are many different possible combinations of building envelope, utility equipments and onsite energy generation equipments that can lead to net zero-energy performance. For instance, a building with standard design can offset its energy demand by adding a large amount of photovoltaic cells or by improving its energy efficiency rating first and then adding a smaller amount of photovoltaic cells. Despite the second strategy being considered the roadmap to net zeroenergy status, the first scenario is also possible in the actual Portuguese context where laws favor conditions for the installation of PV´s and solar thermal systems. This paper intends to discuss the implications of this fact from a national perspective coupled with the IEA SHC Task 40 - ECBCS Annex 52 vision where authors are active participants

Somatotype is more interactive with strength than fat mass and physical activity in peripubertal children

The purpose of this study was to analyse the interaction between somatotype, body fat and physical activity in prepubescent children. This was a cross!sectional study design involving 312 children (160 girls, 152 boys) aged between 10 and 11.5 years old (10.8 ± 0.4 years old). Evaluation of body composition was done determining body mass index and body fat by means of skin!fold measurements, using the method described by Slaughter. Somatotype was computed according to the Carter’s method. Physical activity was assessed with the Baecke questionnaire. The physical activity assessment employed sets of curl!ups, push!ups, standing broad jump, medicine ball throw, handgrip strength and Margaria!Kalamen power stair. There were negative associations for body fat, endomorphy and mesomorphy with curl!ups, push!ups and broad jump tests and positive associations with ball throw, handgrip strength and Margaria! Kalamen power tests. The associations for ectomorphy were the inverse of those for endomorphy and mesomorphy. Non obese children presented higher values for curl!ups, push!ups and standing broad jump. In medicine ball throw, handgrip strength and Margaria!Kalamen power test obese children presented higher scores, followed by children who were overweight. The mesoectomorphic boys and ectomesomorphic girls performed higher in all tests. The morphological typology presented more interactions with strength than % of body fat and physical activity. These data seem to suggest that the presence/absence of certain physical characteristics is crucial in the levels of motor provision in prepubescent children

Anomalous decay of pion and eta at finite density

We study the anomalous decays $\pi^0, \eta \to\gamma\gamma$ in the framework of the three--flavor Nambu--Jona-Lasinio [NJL] model, in the vacuum and in quark matter in $\beta$ --equilibrium. It is found that the behavior of the relevant observables essentially reflects a manifestation of the partial restoration of chiral symmetry, in non strange and strange sectors. The probability of such decays decreases with density, showing that anomalous mesonic interactions are significantly affected by the medium.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures included; revised version, to be published in Phys. Lett.

Preliminary attempt to develop a path-flow analysis model for swimming performance in children

The goal of competitive swimming is to travel the event distance as fast as possible. The identification of the parameters that predict swimming performances is one of the main aims of the swimming “science” community. Indeed, it is consensual that biomechanical and energetic variables are determinant for performance in this sport. Several research groups dedicate their attention to the relationships establish between biomechanical and energetic variables on adult swimmers, with special emphasis on elite adult swimmers

The role of source and site effects on structural failures due to Azores earthquakes

The existing building stock in Azores islands (Portugal) was severely damaged during 1980 and 1998 earthquakes. Structural failure was probably caused by a combination of factors that are not yet well understood. Earthquake source characteristics, site effects and structural vulnerability may be some of those factors. However, it is very difficult to assess the influence of each factor on structural failure, mainly because recorded accelerograms used in nonlinear structural analysis are influenced by both source characteristics and site conditions. The only way to overcome this problem is to control each factor individually which can be done by using simulated accelerograms. In our previous work, stochastic ground motion simulations results were compared with earthquake records. Results seem to indicate that simulated accelerograms can match recorded accelerograms if proper source characteristics and geological site conditions are selected. In this work, simulated accelerograms were used for seismic nonlinear structural analysis. Simulations were carried out considering several 1980 Azores earthquake possible sources and for different geological site conditions. Simulated accelerograms were then used to evaluate the structural nonlinear behaviour of a reinforced concrete structure and of two masonry structures. The results of this work highlight the importance of site conditions and earthquake source characteristics to the determination of the design seismic actions of Azores islands. This work was performed in the scope of “Strong ground motion for Azores – SiGMA” project, financed by the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (PTDC/CTE-GIX/121957/2010)

A general perspective of the characterization and quantification of nanoparticles: Imaging, spectroscopic, and separation techniques

This article gives an overview of the different techniques used to identify, characterize, and quantify engineered nanoparticles (ENPs). The state-of-the-art of the field is summarized, and the different characterization techniques have been grouped according to the information they can provide. In addition, some selected applications are highlighted for each technique. The classification of the techniques has been carried out according to the main physical and chemical properties of the nanoparticles such as morphology, size, polydispersity characteristics, structural information, and elemental composition. Microscopy techniques including optical, electron and X-ray microscopy, and separation techniques with and without hyphenated detection systems are discussed. For each of these groups, a brief description of the techniques, specific features, and concepts, as well as several examples, are described.Junta de Andalucía FQM-5974CEI-Biotic Granada CEI2013- MP-1