Predicting Activites from Smartphones

Os sensores embutidos na maior parte dos smartphones modernos, tal como acelerómetros e giroscópios, abrem um mundo de infinitas possibilidades para um novo tipo de aplicações baseadas no contexto adquirido a partir dos dados que fornecem. O Reconhecimento de Actividades Humanas (HAR) é uma aplicação directa desta tecnologia, que apesar de ser uma área de estudo bastante activa nos últimos anos, ainda possui diversas estratégias não exploradas e aspectos-chave não correspondidos. Um desafio de HAR normalmente ignorado é a diferença de sinais produzidos por diferentes pessoas enquanto praticam as mesmas actividades. Assim, o sistema de classificação de actividades deveria ser capaz de gerar resultados adaptados para cada utilizador individual. Este documento propõe e explora uma solução para este problema à base de Aprendizagem Semi-supervisionada Online, uma abordagem incremental pouco explorada capaz de adaptar o modelo de classificação ao utilizador da aplicação ao actualiza-lo continuamente à medida que os dados específicos gerados pelo utilizador entram no sistema. O cenário ideal deste projecto seria a criação de uma aplicação para smartphone capaz de, logo de raiz, ser capaz de classificar as actividades de um novo utilizador, com um certo erro, e à medida que o tempo passa e o utilizador usa a aplicação, sem qualquer tipo de instruções manuais, o erro do sistema de classificação diminuiria autonomamente, até ser virtualmente insignificante para esse utilizador específico. Vários modelos de classificação serão gerados a partir de diferentes abordagens de aprendizagem semi-supervisionada, e posteriormente avaliados e comparados, de forma a decidir na melhor selecção. O sucesso desta abordagem resultaria num vasto leque de aplicações, e poderia aumentar consideravelmente a interacção actual entre as pessoas e os seus dispositivos móveis, elevando o conceito de "smartphone" a um nível nunca antes concebido.Built-in hardware sensors in many of the modern smartphones, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, open a world of infinite opportunities for novel applications based on the context perceived from the data they provide. Human activity recognition (HAR) is a direct application of this technology, which despite being a very active field of study in the past years, leaves many strategies left to explore and key aspects left to address. A commonly ignored challenge of HAR is the difference of input signals produced by different people when doing the same activities. As a result, the activity classification method should be able to generate adapted results for each different user. This document proposes and explores a solution to this problem by means of "Online Semi-supervised Learning", an underexplored incremental approach capable of adapting the classification model to the user of the application by continuously updating it as the data from the user's own specific input signals arrives. The ideal scenario of this project would be the creation of a smartphone application capable from the beginning of classifying the user's activities with a certain error, and as the time passes and the user utilizes the application, without manual input, the system's classification error would decrease autonomously until it is virtually insignificant for that specific user. Several classification models will be generated from different online semi-supervised approaches, and further evaluated and compared, in order to decide on a best fit. The success of this approach would result in innumerable applications, and could considerably enhance the current interaction between people and their mobile devices, taking the concept of "smartphone" to a whole new level

Análise da qualidade do instrumento sistema de observação do comportamento técnico de mariposa

O objetivo deste estudo, foi criar um instrumento que permita a recolha de dados para análise da estabilidade técnica em natação. Este instrumento serve de base ao registo dos comportamentos observados durante a execução de ciclos gestuais na técnica de Mariposa. Neste contexto, centrámos a análise num requisito fundamental – a validade e fiabilidade do instrumento. O instrumento foi composto por um sistema de Formatos de Campo, com base em referências da metodologia observacional e modelos biomecânicos da Natação, dando especial evidência a quatro critérios taxionómicos que agregam na forma de códigos alfa-numéricos a informação decisiva para descrever comportamentos que definem a técnica de mariposa. Efetuámos a análise à qualidade do instrumento recorrendo ao Índice de Kappa, por intermédio do software SDIS-GSEQ (Bakeman & Quera, 1996), com base nos registos de seis observadores e, para efeitos de precisão, de um perito. Os resultados do índice Kappa variaram entre 0,94 e 0,96 garantido o rigor e objetividade quando se descreve comportamentos técnicos com este instrumento. Como conclusão podemos considerar que, dado os elevados valores de concordância, o instrumento é adequado para observar os comportamentos técnicos dos nadadores em mariposa em situações de contexto, garantindo sua validade de construto.aim of this study was to create an instrument that allows the data collecting for stability analysis technique in swimming. This instrument provides the basis for the recording of behaviors observed during the execution of butterfly gestural cycles. In this context, we focused the analysis on fundamental requirement – the validity and reliability of the instrument. The instrument was consisted of a field formats system, based on references of observational methodology and biomechanical models of swimming, giving special emphasis to four taxonomic criteria that aggregate in the form of alphanumeric codes to critical information that describe defining behaviors in butterfly technique. We performed an analysis of the instrument quality using the Kappa Index, through SDIS-GSEQ software (Bakeman & Quera, 1996), based on records of six observers and for accuracy purposes, an expert. The results of the Kappa index ranged between 0.94 and 0.96 guarantee the accuracy and objectivity when describing technical behaviors with this instrument. In conclusion, we can consider that, given the high reliability values, the instrument is suitable for observing the behavior of swimmers in butterfly technique, ensuring its construct validity.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME GENOTYPE AFFECTS SKELETAL MUSCLE STRENGTH IN ELITE ATHLETES

Previous studies have associated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) D allele with variability in the skeletal muscle baseline strength, though conclusions have been inconsistent across investigations. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible association between ACE genotype and skeletal muscle baseline strength in elite male and female athletes involved in different event expertise. A group of 58 elite athletes, designated as Olympic candidates, were studied: 35 swimmers (19 males and 16 females, 18.8 ± 3.2 years) and 23 triathletes (15 males and 8 females, 18.7 ± 3.0 years). The athletes were classified as: short (< 200m) and middle (400m to 1500m) distance athletes, respectively. For each subject the grip strength in both hands was measure using an adjustable mechanical hand dynamometer. The maximum height in both squat jump (SJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ) were also assessed, using a trigonometric carpet (Ergojump Digitime 1000; Digitest, Jyvaskyla, Finland). DNA extraction was obtained with Chelex 100® and genotype determination by PCR-RFLP methods. Both males and females showed significantly higher right grip strength in D allele carriers compared to II homozygote's. We found that allelic frequency differs significantly by event distance specialization in both genders (p < 0.05). In fact, sprinter D allele carriers showed the superior scores in nearly all strength measurements (p < 0.05), in both genders. Among endurance athletes, the results also demonstrated that female D allele carriers exhibited the higher performance right grip and CMJ scores (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the ACE D allele seems associated with skeletal muscle baseline strength in elite athletes, being easily identified in female

Impact on sexual function of surgical treatment in rectal cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction The development of new surgical techniques and medical devices, like therapeutical multimodal approaches has allowed for better outcomes on patients with rectal cancer (RCa). Owing to that, an increased awareness and investment towards better outcomes regarding patients’ sexual and urinary function has been recently observed. Aim Evaluate and characterize the sexual dysfunction of patients submitted to surgical treatment for RCa. Materials and Methods An observational retrospective study including all male patients who underwent a surgical treatment for RCa between January 2011 December 2014 (n=43) was performed, complemented with an inquiry questionnaire to every patient about its sexual habits and level of function before and after surgery. Discussion All patients were male, with an average of 64yo. (range 42-83yo.). The surgical procedure was a rectum anterior resection (RAR) in 22 patients (56%) and an abdominoperineal resection (APR) in 19(44%). Sixty three percent described their sexual life as important/very important. Sexual function worsening was observed in 76% (65% with complains on erectile function, and 27% on ejaculation). Fourteen patients (38%) didn't resume sexual activity after surgery. Increased age (p=0.007), surgery performed (APR) (p=0.03) and the presence of a stoma (p=0.03) were predictors of ED after surgery. A secondary analysis found that the type of surgery (APR) (p=0.04), lower third tumor's location (p=0.03) and presence of comorbidities (p=0.013) (namely, smokers and diabetic patients) were predictors of de novo ED after surgery. Conclusions This study demonstrated the clear negative impact in sexual function of patients submitted to a surgical treatment for RCa. Since it is a valued feature for patients, it becomes essential to correctly evaluate/identify these cases in order to offer an adequate therapeutical option

Key constituents and antioxidant activity of novel functional foods developed with Skeletonema Sp. biomass

A recently isolated microalgal strain of Skeletonema sp. (Skt) has shown relevant bioactivities. Novel functional foods incorporating this strain were studied: a 3%, w/w, Skeletonema cookie (Skt Ck) and a 2%, w/w, Skeletonema sauce (Skt Sc), which were compared with a control cookie (Ctl Ck) and a control sauce (Ctl Sc), respectively. The fatty acid (FA) profile of the microalgal biomass was characterized by a large share of saturated FA, followed by monounsaturated FA and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). Within PUFA, omega-3 PUFA exceeded n6 PUFA (omega-3/omega-6 ratio of 12.7 +/- 1.1). The microalgal profile was dominated by the 14:0 and 16:1 FAs. The addition of Skeletonema sp. biomass increased 14:0 and 16:1 FAs contents in the products. The incorporation of Skeletonema sp. biomass led to a higher phenolic content in Skt Sc. Microalgal inclusion in the cookies reduced bioaccessibility in most cases. Skt Sc showed a larger functional food potential.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Characterisation of microbial attack on archaeological bone

As part of an EU funded project to investigate the factors influencing bone preservation in the archaeological record, more than 250 bones from 41 archaeological sites in five countries spanning four climatic regions were studied for diagenetic alteration. Sites were selected to cover a range of environmental conditions and archaeological contexts. Microscopic and physical (mercury intrusion porosimetry) analyses of these bones revealed that the majority (68%) had suffered microbial attack. Furthermore, significant differences were found between animal and human bone in both the state of preservation and the type of microbial attack present. These differences in preservation might result from differences in early taphonomy of the bones. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

Global variation in postoperative mortality and complications after cancer surgery: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 82 countries

© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licenseBackground: 80% of individuals with cancer will require a surgical procedure, yet little comparative data exist on early outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared postoperative outcomes in breast, colorectal, and gastric cancer surgery in hospitals worldwide, focusing on the effect of disease stage and complications on postoperative mortality. Methods: This was a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for primary breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer requiring a skin incision done under general or neuraxial anaesthesia. The primary outcome was death or major complication within 30 days of surgery. Multilevel logistic regression determined relationships within three-level nested models of patients within hospitals and countries. Hospital-level infrastructure effects were explored with three-way mediation analyses. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03471494. Findings: Between April 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2019, we enrolled 15 958 patients from 428 hospitals in 82 countries (high income 9106 patients, 31 countries; upper-middle income 2721 patients, 23 countries; or lower-middle income 4131 patients, 28 countries). Patients in LMICs presented with more advanced disease compared with patients in high-income countries. 30-day mortality was higher for gastric cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (adjusted odds ratio 3·72, 95% CI 1·70–8·16) and for colorectal cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (4·59, 2·39–8·80) and upper-middle-income countries (2·06, 1·11–3·83). No difference in 30-day mortality was seen in breast cancer. The proportion of patients who died after a major complication was greatest in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (6·15, 3·26–11·59) and upper-middle-income countries (3·89, 2·08–7·29). Postoperative death after complications was partly explained by patient factors (60%) and partly by hospital or country (40%). The absence of consistently available postoperative care facilities was associated with seven to 10 more deaths per 100 major complications in LMICs. Cancer stage alone explained little of the early variation in mortality or postoperative complications. Interpretation: Higher levels of mortality after cancer surgery in LMICs was not fully explained by later presentation of disease. The capacity to rescue patients from surgical complications is a tangible opportunity for meaningful intervention. Early death after cancer surgery might be reduced by policies focusing on strengthening perioperative care systems to detect and intervene in common complications. Funding: National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licenseBackground: Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide. Methods: A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study—a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital. Findings: Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3·85 [95% CI 2·58–5·75]; p<0·0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63·0% vs 82·7%; OR 0·35 [0·23–0·53]; p<0·0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer. Interpretation: Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised. Funding: National Institute for Health and Care Research