SISTEMAS DE AUTOMAÇÃO RESIDENCIAL DE BAIXO CUSTO: UMA REALIDADE POSSÍVEL

RESUMO O presente trabalho apresenta uma introdução à automação residencial e apresenta dois sistemas de baixo custo para serem usados com esse propósito. O primeiro sistema foi implementado para controle liga/desliga de uma bomba d’água para reservatórios. O segundo foi projetado para auxiliar pessoas com necessidades especiais ou para ser usado em auditórios, auxiliando no início e fim das apresentações, ligando e desligando as lâmpadas. Ambos os sistemas são de baixo custo e têm boa funcionalidade. Foi analisado o funcionamento dos dois sistemas, vendo suas principais características. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Automação residencial, Controle liga/desliga, Baixo custo. LOW COST HOME AUTOMATION SYSTEMS: A POSSIBLE REALITY ABSTRACT This paper presents an introduction to home automation and two low cost automation systems to be used for that purpose. The first system was implemented to on/off control to switch a water pump to a tank. The second was designed to help people with special needs or to be used in auditoriums, helping at the beginning and the end of the presentations and turn on or turn off the lights. Both systems are low cost and have good functionality. It examined the operation of the two systems, seeing their main features. KEY-WORDS: Home automation, ON/OFF Control, Low Cost

Análise descritiva e crítica dos trabalhos de pesquisa submetidos ao III ENPEC

São apresentados e, em alguns casos, comentados criticamente, dados estatísticos descritivos dos trabalhos de pesquisa em educação em ciências submetidos ao III Encontro Nacional de Pesquisa em Educação de Ciências, promovido  pela Associação Brasileira de Pesquisa em Educação em Ciências e realizado em Atibaia, SP, de 7 a 10 de novembro de 2001. Os dados apresentados destacam, entre outros aspectos, que quase a metade dos trabalhos tomam o professor como objeto de estudo, cerca de  30% não definem bem o problema, aproximadamente 40% não esclarecem adequadamente a metodologia e apenas um terço deles apresenta os resultados coerentemente com o problema definido e com os referenciais teóricos e metodológicos adotados

O método Kabat no tratamento fisioterapêutico da doença de Alzheimer

A Doença de Alzheimer (DA) é uma doença crônica degenerativa, comum em idosos, caracterizada por uma deteriorização gradual da função intelectual. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar se o método Kabat, quando aplicado em pacientes com DA, proporciona melhora em sua qualidade de vida. Os resultados indicaram que a aplicação do teste em pacientes com DA proporciona, além de funcionalidade e mobilidade, retardo na necessidade de um cuidador. Palavras-chave: Doença de Alzheimer; método Kabat; envelhecimento

Type 2 diabetes mellitus alters cardiac mitochondrial content and function in a non-obese mice model

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increase of premature appearance of several disorders such as cardiac complications. Thus, we test the hypothesis that a combination of a high fat diet (HFD) and low doses of streptozotocin (STZ) recapitulate a suitable mice model of T2DM to study the cardiac mitochondrial disturbances induced by this disease. Animals were divided in 2 groups: the T2DM group was given a HFD and injected with 2 low doses of STZ, while the CNTRL group was given a standard chow and a buffer solution. The combination of HFD and STZ recapitulate the T2DM metabolic profile showing higher blood glucose levels in T2DM mice when compared to CNTRL, and also, insulin resistance. The kidney structure/function was preserved. Regarding cardiac mitochondrial function, in all phosphorylative states, the cardiac mitochondria from T2DM mice presented reduced oxygen fluxes when compared to CNTRL mice. Also, mitochondria from T2DM mice showed decreased citrate synthase activity and lower protein content of mitochondrial complexes. Our results show that in this non-obese T2DM model, which recapitulates the classical metabolic alterations, mitochondrial function is impaired and provides a useful model to deepen study the mechanisms underlying these alterations.This study was supported by Coordenacao de aperfeicoamento de pessoal de nivel superior (CAPES), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq) and Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ)

Aplicação da estimulação magnética transcraniana de repetição no tratamento do transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo e outros transtornos de ansiedade

A estimulação magnética transcraniana de repetição (EMTr) vem sendo amplamente investigada como ferramenta terapêutica em transtornos psiquiátricos, especialmente a depressão. Neste trabalho, compilamos as informações provenientes de estudos que investigaram as aplicações da EMTr no tratamento dos transtornos de ansiedade: transtorno do pânico (TP), transtorno de estresse pós-taumático (TEPT), transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (TAG) e especialmente o transtorno obsessivo compulsivo (TOC). Três estudos foram publicados abordando o tratamento do TOC, sendo que utilizaram metodologias e parâmetros de aplicação extremamente diversos, dificultando a obtenção de informações conclusivas sobre a efetividade deste tratamento. Quatro estudos publicados sobre TEPT e EMTr também apresentam dados conflitantes e pouco comparáveis, mas destaca-se publicação recente com desenho duplo-cego e resultados positivos. Quanto ao TP e o TAG, apenas pequenas investigações iniciais foram realizadas. Conclusão: Apesar dos estudos citados, não há dados conclusivos sobre a eficácia terapêutica da EMTr nos transtornos de ansiedade. Isto se dá especialmente devido aos estudos com amostras pequenas e desenho aberto. Portanto, devem ser realizados estudos mais aprofundados para que possamos obter estas respostas.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been widely studied as a therapeutic method in psychiatric disorders, specially in major depression. In this paper, we have compiled the information from studies concerning the use of rTMS as a therapeutic tool for anxiety disorders: panic disorder (PD), post-traumattic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and mainly obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Three studies have been published concerning treatment of OCD with rTMS, but they are very different in their methods and in the application parameters and location, making it difficult to draw any conclusion about the efficacy of rTMS in this cases. Four studies published on PTSD also showed very ambiguous and hardly comparable data, but a recent double-blind study with positive results is discussed. Very few inicial investigations are available concerning PD and GAD. Conclusion: Although many studies are mentioned, thete is no conclusive data about the therapeutic efficacy of rTMS in anxiety disorders. It is mainly due to a large number of open-labelled studies with small sample sizes. Therefore, studies with a deeper approach are needed to provide this answers

Oral chondroitin sulfate and prebiotics for the treatment of canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND Canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic enteropathy of unknown etiology, although microbiome dysbiosis, genetic susceptibility, and dietary and/or environmental factors are hypothesized to be involved in its pathogenesis. Since some of the current therapies are associated with severe side effects, novel therapeutic modalities are needed. A new oral supplement for long-term management of canine IBD containing chondroitin sulfate (CS) and prebiotics (resistant starch, β-glucans and mannaoligosaccharides) was developed to target intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, and restore normobiosis, without exhibiting any side effects. This double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in dogs with IBD aims to evaluate the effects of 180 days administration of this supplement together with a hydrolyzed diet on clinical signs, intestinal histology, gut microbiota, and serum biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. RESULTS Twenty-seven client-owned biopsy-confirmed IBD dogs were included in the study, switched to the same hydrolyzed diet and classified into one of two groups: supplement and placebo. Initially, there were no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05) for any of the studied parameters. Final data analysis (supplement: n = 9; placebo: n = 10) showed a significant decrease in canine IBD activity index (CIBDAI) score in both groups after treatment (p < 0.001). After treatment, a significant decrease (1.53-fold; p < 0.01) in histologic score was seen only in the supplement group. When groups were compared, the supplement group showed significantly higher serum cholesterol (p < 0.05) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) levels after 60 days of treatment (p < 0.01), and the placebo group showed significantly reduced serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels after 120 days (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups at any time point for CIBDAI, WSAVA histologic score and fecal microbiota evaluated by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). No side effects were reported in any group. CONCLUSIONS The combined administration of the supplement with hydrolyzed diet over 180 days was safe and induced improvements in selected serum biomarkers, possibly suggesting a reduction in disease activity. This study was likely underpowered, therefore larger studies are warranted in order to demonstrate a supplemental effect to dietary treatment of this supplement on intestinal histology and CIBDAI

Incontinentia pigmenti presenting as hypodontia in a 3-year-old girl: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Incontinentia pigmenti or Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome is a rare X-linked dominant disease that mainly affects the skin, eyes, hair, central nervous system and teeth. The disease is predominant among women. Although dermatologic manifestations are among the most important aspects for the diagnosis of the syndrome, they are less damaging to the patient and do not require treatment. However, oral involvement characterized by hypodontia of deciduous and permanent teeth is important for the diagnosis and treatment of the patient.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the case of a 3-year-old girl with ophthalmologic and neurologic disturbances, cutaneous manifestations and hypodontia. Since the patient did not present more damaging manifestations such as neurologic and/or ophthalmologic problems, her most severe complications were related to dental anomalies. The importance of integrated dental treatment, which combines pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and conventional prosthesis, is emphasized.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Hypodontia is a frequent finding in incontinentia pigmenti, and dentists should be aware of this condition in order to help with the diagnosis.</p

A socio-ecological survey in Inhambane Bay mangrove ecosystems : biodiversity, livelihoods, and conservation

Mangroves are highly productive ecosystems that provide a variety of ecosystem services to local communities. Mangrove ecosystems are important blue carbon ecosystems that support unique fauna, flora, and livelihoods. The decline and degradation of mangrove populations, mostly due to anthropogenic impacts and climate change, necessitate protection worldwide. There is limited research on the conservation and management of these ecosystems in Mozambique. A combination of six biodiversity surveys, thirty-one semi-structured interviews and participant observation at six sites was used to describe and understand mangrove ecosystems in Inhambane Bay. This study is among the first to involve local community leaders as academic co-authors, thus highlighting the value of local ecological knowledge and community involvement, both of which are necessary for a comprehensive understanding of mangrove ecosystems. Social and ecological approaches were integrated to describe mangrove ecosystems, perceived ecosystem services and benefits to local communities. This study has identified areas of increased mangrove cover and areas with disturbance. Out of the seven mangrove species that occur in Inhambane Bay, Avicennia marina was the most abundant mangrove species in at least three sites, and Xylocarpus granatum the least abundant mangrove species, present only in two sites. Perceived benefits include provisioning, supporting and regulating services. Community initiatives to protect mangroves include enforcing environmental laws, prohibiting cutting mangrove trees, and replanting. This study shows that community initiatives for law enforcement and mangrove restoration play an important role in raising awareness and actively protecting mangroves

Didactic Sequence for Teaching Exponential Function

This paper presents a methodological proposal for the teaching of exponential function, resulting from the application of a didactic sequence involving exponential function, where evidence of learning and the consolidation and application of mathematical concepts in problem solving were identified and analyzed. The Didactic Engineering of Michèle Artigue (1988) was used as a research methodology. As theoretical contributions that guided and enabled the development of the research, we chose the use of Mathematical Investigation in the classroom; Didactic Sequence in the conception of Zabala (1999); the Articulated Units of Conceptual Reconstruction proposed by Cabral (2017) and assumptions of Vygotsky\u27s theory. A didactic sequence composed of five UARC\u27s was elaborated to work the exponential function, with a view to minimizing the difficulties naturally imposed by the content to be explained. Microgenetic analysis of verbal interactions between teacher and students was used to analyze the results of the application. The results show that the students participating in the experiment showed evidence of learning, recorded during the process, and began to have a good understanding of the concepts and properties related to the topic, in addition to a good performance in carrying out the activities, facts that corroborate the potential of the didactic sequence proposed herein