Student perceptions of remote learning transitions in engineering disciplines during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-national study

This study captures student perceptions of the effectiveness of remote learning and assessment in two associated engineering disciplines, mechanical and industrial, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cross-national study. A structured questionnaire with 24 items on a 5-point Likert scale was used. Parallel and exploratory factor analyses identified three primary subscales. The links between student perceptions and assessment outcomes were also studied. There was a clear preference for face-to-face teaching, with the highest for laboratories. Remote live lectures were preferred over recorded. Although students found the switch to remote learning helpful, group work and communication were highlighted as concern areas. Mean scores on subscales indicate a low preference for remote learning (2.23), modest delivery effectiveness (3.05) and effective digital delivery tools (3.61). Gender effects were found significant on all subscales, along with significant interactions with university and year-group. Preference for remote delivery of design-based modules was significantly higher than others

Manufacture of customized cranial implant using 3D printing, and, incremental sheet forming

O objetivo deste trabalho é fabricar modelos físicos de crânios fraturados por impressão 3D e implantes pré-cirúrgicos personalizados em chapa de titânio puro grau 2. A fabricação antecipada do modelo e do implante permite ao cirurgião planejar e diminuir o tempo de cirurgia; a personalização contribui para o resultado estético e funcional do implante, já que considera a anatomia de cada paciente. Metodologia: a partir de imagens DICOM geradas por tomografia computadorizada de um crânio defeituoso, reconstrói-se digitalmente em CAD a parte com defeito e também a reparadora (implante). A fabricação do modelo físico da parte defeituosa é feita por impressão 3D. A fabricação do implante em chapa de titânio puro grau 2 é realizada por estampagem incremental - processo de baixo custo, que utiliza ferramental simples e que permite a fabricação customizada de implantes. As dimensões finais do implante e sua montagem atingiram resultados satisfatórios, indicando a eficiência dos recursos e parâmetros utilizados.The aim of this work is to fabricate physical models of skulls fractured by 3D printing and customized pre-surgical implant in pure titanium sheets. The early manufacturing of model and implant allows the surgeon to plan surgery and reduce the runtime; the personalization contributes to the aesthetic and functional outcome of the implant, since it considers the anatomy of each patient. Methodology: from DICOM images generated by computed tomography of defective skull, both defective and repaired parts are reconstructed digitally in CAD. The fabrication of the physical model of the defective part is made by 3D printing. The manufacture of the implant in titanium sheet grade 2 is performed by incremental sheet forming - low-cost process that uses simple tooling and allows the fabrication of custom implants. The final dimensions of the implant and its assembly achieved satisfactory results, indicating the efficiency of the resources and parameters used

Seroepidemiology Survey of Bovine Alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) in Unvaccinated Beef Bubalines (Bubalus bubalis) from Southern Brazil

Background: The bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) belonging to the order Herpesvirales, family Herpesviridae, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae and genus Varicellovirus.Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) infections have a great importance due to the high rates of dissemination in cattles worldwide. Although, the BoHV-1 was largely related in cattle, buffaloes were also classified as host for the virus. However, studies that determine seroepidemiological data in this species are scarce and necessary. The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of antibodies against BoHV-1 in healthy beef buffaloes using the virus neutralization (VN) technique.Cases: This work portrays an epidemiological survey, based on a sectional study characterized by blood samples collected from 54 Murrah buffalo, aged 6 to 24 months, from the municipalities of Guaraqueçaba, Ponta Grossa, Antonina and Doutor Ulysses, located in Paraná state, being 20, 14, 10 and 10 samples from each location, respectively. Thirty-seven percent (20/54) of the samples were collected at slaughterhouse with registration at the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), and 63% (34/54) at the buffalo's farms. The serum samples were collected in sterile tubes without anticoagulant in stored isothermal boxes, with serum separation and stored at -20ºC. The samples were sent to the Animal Virology Laboratory of Universidade Estadual de Londrina, UEL for serological analysis. Serological diagnosis using the virus neutralization (VN) technique was performed according the OIE manual of diagnostic tests and vaccines for terrestrial animals, using the BoHV-1 Los Angeles strain. Forth-five of the 54 samples (83.3%) evaluated generated titers of antibodies against BoHV-1 present in all evaluated herds, and the samples collected in herd from Antonina city were 100% positive, following by 80% in Guaraqueçaba and Doutor Ulysses city, and 78.6% in Ponta Grossa city. In relationship to the titration of anti-bovine herpesvirus 1 antibodies (BoHV-1), it was found that 23/45 (51.12%) of the samples had titers ≤ 16, 13/45 (28.88 %) with indexes between 32-64, and 9/45 (20%) with levels above 128.Discussion: The confirmation of the presence of antibodies against BoHV-1 in the buffalo samples tested in the present study proves the circulation of the agent in the studied species, with a homogeneous distribution of bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 in all the evaluated herds. There was high variability in antibody titers against BoHV-1 from all herds, and the occurrence of a high number of buffaloes reactive to BoHV-1 and with high antibody titers suggests a course of active or reactive infections in these animals. In only one of the herds, the age of the animals studied varied between 6 to 8 months. The fact that these animals are lactating raises the possibility of anti-BoHV-1 antibodies being acquired by breastfeeding. The results obtained allow to conclude, considering the fact that the animals are not vaccinated against BoHV-1, the presence of circulating antibodies is from a natural infection, and the positivity in all farms tested denotes the endemicity of the BoHV-1 infection in herds. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first study on the detection and measurement of antibodies against BoHV-1 in healthy and unvaccinated buffaloes in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil, showing a high frequency of seroreagent animals.

Insulin Tolerance Test under Anaesthesia to Measure Tissue-specific Insulin-stimulated Glucose Disposal.

Insulin resistance is a pathophysiological state defined by impaired responses to insulin and is a risk factor for several metabolic diseases, most notably type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs in insulin target tissues including liver, adipose and skeletal muscle. Methods such as insulin tolerance tests and hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamps permit assessment of insulin responses in specific tissues and allow the study of the progression and causes of insulin resistance. Here we detail a protocol for assessing insulin action in adipose and muscle tissues in anesthetized mice administered with insulin intravenously

Análise de reoxidação por simulação numérica do processo de fundição em projetos de sistemas de enchimento fundidos por gravidade / Reoxidation analysis by number simulation of the foundry process in gravity fused filling systems projects

Inclusões geradas por reoxidação são oriundas da exposição do metal líquido ao oxigênio durante o processo de enchimento em fundição por gravidade, e podem levar a indicações superficiais, contaminação da matriz metálica, e consequentemente fragilização mecânica do componente final. Este estudo visa validar a análise de reoixidação por meio da simulação numérica utilizando a tecnologia de simulação numérica do processo de fundição de metais (SNPFM), adaptando um estudo proposto por Majidi [1] com a implantação da avaliação de superfície de metal exposta ao ar (Max Free Surface) entre sistemas de enchimento e peça em software dedicado (MAGMASOFT®). Posteriormente um corpo de prova foi projetado a fim de permitir a comparação entre diferentes conceitos de sistemas de enchimento realizados através de geometrias disponíveis em manilhas refratárias. Foram realizadas SNPFM de 7 (sete) diferentes modelos de sistema de enchimento, onde o valor adimensional da superfície de metal exposta ao ar foi analisado, indicando uma diferença de grandeza de 62% entre resultados extremos

Estudo do processo de estampagem incremental em chapas de titânio comercialmente puro ASTM F-67 grau 2 / Study of the incremental sheet forming in sheets of commercially pure titanium ASTM F-67 grade 2

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o comportamento da chapa de titânio puro ASTM F-67 grau 2 para o processo de estampagem incremental de chapas (ISF – Incremental Sheet Forming) baseado nos parâmetros: decida helicoidal da ferramenta, ângulo de parede (Ψ) e raio de canto. Os experimentos foram realizados utilizando a estampagem incremental de ponto simples. Foram realizados 18 experimentos no total, com os quais buscou-se alcançar o melhor ângulo de parede com decida helicoidal da ferramenta e avaliar a influência do raio de canto. O raio base utilizado foi de 20 mm, com este, buscou-se atingir o melhor ângulo de parede possível. A partir disto variou-se o raio para avaliar a influência deste na estampagem incremental. Para os experimentos foram utilizados os seguintes recursos: softwares CAD/CAM, centro de usinagem CNC com três eixos, matriz incremental, ferramenta de estampagem incremental com inserto de titânio e um dispositivo prensa chapas. Foram avaliados a rugosidade superficial Ra, as deformações verdadeiras (φ) e a variação de espessura. Os resultados mostram que a estratégia de descida helicoidal da ferramenta proporcionou aumento do ângulo de parede comparado com estudos já realizados nesta área; o raio de canto influencia no rompimento da peça durante a estampagem. Os índices de rugosidade ficaram dentro dos valores indicados para a fabricação de próteses de titânio

Avaliação da impressão 3d com matéria prima polycast sp802c para modelos de fundição / 3D print evaluation with polycast sp802c raw material for foundry models

Por consequência da característica abrasiva da areia verde, matéria prima utilizada na moldagem de fundição, moldes e modelos da ferramentaria fundiária sofrem desgaste com o passar do tempo, assim exigindo a substituição dos mesmos. A utilização da impressão 3D no desenvolvimento de protótipos e modelos elaborados proporciona estudar uma forma moderna de evitar imperfeições e desgastes dos modelos. Atualmente os moldes e modelos são comumente fabricados de alumínio e madeira, pela fácil usinabilidade. Porém, como uma alternativa de melhoria, estuda-se a substituição desses materiais com o emprego da matéria prima SP802C (Polymaker), filamento aplicado na impressão 3D. Foi avaliada a resistência ao desgaste abrasivo dos materiais base acima citados para comparar a suas características de durabilidade e custo em relação aos respectivos meios de fabricação. Foram abordadas as variáveis envolvidas em um processo de desgaste, sendo dureza do material abrasivo, rugosidade superficial e abrasão linear. Para os ensaios em laboratório, foram produzidos corpos de prova para cada material, todos submetidos aos ensaios de micro dureza e rugosidade, e submetidos ao teste de abrasão linear por areia seca e roda de borracha, padronizado conforme norma ASTM G65. Após os testes realizados alcançamos resultados satisfatórios em resistência ao desgaste, melhora no acabamento do modelo transferida diretamente aos moldes de areia verde, diminuindo a adesão de areia ao modelo, melhorando a finalização de geometrias complexas, e consequentemente melhorando o nível de rebarbas na peça pronta. Visto que a análise em laboratório obteve resultados satisfatórios, foi implantado um projeto real em uma indústria, com dois modelos analisados, o teste prático se apresentou resistente a esforços e impactos, com boa durabilidade

Serological and molecular investigation of viral agents in free-living jaguars of the Pantanal wetlands, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Este estudo investigou a exposição de onças-pintadas de vida livre a agentes virais selecionados em duas unidades de conservação federais no Pantanal de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Para a análise desses agentes virais, a maioria de caráter zoonótico, foram utilizados métodos sorológicos e moleculares. Nenhuma das onze onças-pintadas examinadas foi positiva na técnica de real-time RT-PCR para a detecção molecular dos agentes da Influenza aviária e Febre do Nilo Ocidental (WNF). Somente um animal foi positivo sorologicamente para a o vírus da Encefalite Equina do Leste (EEE) pela Microtécnica de vírus neutralização em culturas de células VERO, sendo este o primeiro relato da exposição de onças-pintadas. Todos os animais examinados s foram negativos para o vírus da Encefalite Equina do Oeste (WEE) e Venezuelana (VEE). Amostras de soro colhidas de 11 onças-pintadas foram submetidas a adois testes distintos para a detecção de anticorpos contra o vírus da raiva (Teste Rápido de Inibição de Foco de Fluorescência – RFFIT e Microteste Simplificado de Inibição da Fluorescência - SFIMT), resultando em cinco animais positivos, dos quase dois positivos para cada teste e um positivo quando submetido aos dois testes sorológicos. Além disso, três das 14 amostras submetidas a técnica de soroneutralização foram positivas para a pesquisa de anticorpos contra o vírus da cinomose (CDV) e 15 amostras positivas das 17 analisadas para a pesquisa de anticorpos contra o parvovírus canino (CPV) foram identificadas pela técnica de Inibição da Hemaglutinação (HI). De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, é pouco provável que os agentes virais aqui analisados representem ameaça à população de onças-pintadas nesta região.This study investigates the exposure of free-living jaguars from two federal protected areas in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil, to a variety viral agents. These viral agents, particularly causing zoonotic diseases, were analyzed using serological and molecular methods. None of the jaguars was positive by RT-PCR for the molecular detection of avian influenza and West Nile Fever (WNF). Only one animal was serologically positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) by virus neutralization test in VERO cell cultures, representing the first reported case of jaguar exposure to EEE virus. However, all the animals were negative for Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) virus and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) virus. Eleven jaguars were tested by two tests for the detection of antibodies against rabies virus (Simplified Fluorescent Inhibition Microtest – SFIMT and Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test – RFFIT), resulting in five positive animals, two animals in each test and one in both serological tests. Furthermore, three out of 14 samples subjected to the neutralization test were positive for antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV), and 15 out of 17 samples subjected to the hemagglutination-inhibition test (HI) were positive for antibodies against canine parvovirus (CPV). In view of the findings of this study, it is unlikely that the viruses examined here represent a threat to the jaguar populations in this region

mTORC2 and AMPK differentially regulate muscle triglyceride content via Perilipin 3.

OBJECTIVE: We have recently shown that acute inhibition of both mTOR complexes (mTORC1 and mTORC2) increases whole-body lipid utilization, while mTORC1 inhibition had no effect. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that mTORC2 regulates lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle. METHODS: Body composition, substrate utilization and muscle lipid storage were measured in mice lacking mTORC2 activity in skeletal muscle (specific knockout of RICTOR (Ric mKO)). We further examined the RICTOR/mTORC2-controlled muscle metabolome and proteome; and performed follow-up studies in other genetic mouse models and in cell culture. RESULTS: Ric mKO mice exhibited a greater reliance on fat as an energy substrate, a re-partitioning of lean to fat mass and an increase in intramyocellular triglyceride (IMTG) content, along with increases in several lipid metabolites in muscle. Unbiased proteomics revealed an increase in the expression of the lipid droplet binding protein Perilipin 3 (PLIN3) in muscle from Ric mKO mice. This was associated with increased AMPK activity in Ric mKO muscle. Reducing AMPK kinase activity decreased muscle PLIN3 expression and IMTG content. AMPK agonism, in turn, increased PLIN3 expression in a FoxO1 dependent manner. PLIN3 overexpression was sufficient to increase triglyceride content in muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a novel link between mTORC2 and PLIN3, which regulates lipid storage in muscle. While mTORC2 is a negative regulator, we further identified AMPK as a positive regulator of PLIN3, which impacts whole-body substrate utilization and nutrient partitioning

Improving the implementation of health workforce policies through governance: a review of case studies

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Responsible governance is crucial to national development and a catalyst for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. To date, governance seems to have been a neglected issue in the field of human resources for health (HRH), which could be an important reason why HRH policy formulation and implementation is often poor. This article aims to describe how governance issues have influenced HRH policy development and to identify governance strategies that have been used, successfully or not, to improve HRH policy implementation in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We performed a descriptive literature review of HRH case studies which describe or evaluate a governance-related intervention at country or district level in LMIC. In order to systematically address the term 'governance' a framework was developed and governance aspects were regrouped into four dimensions: 'performance', 'equity and equality', 'partnership and participation' and 'oversight'.</p> <p>Results and discussion</p> <p>In total 16 case studies were included in the review and most of the selected studies covered several governance dimensions. The dimension 'performance' covered several elements at the core of governance of HRH, decentralization being particularly prominent. Although improved equity and/or equality was, in a number of interventions, a goal, inclusiveness in policy development and fairness and transparency in policy implementation did often not seem adequate to guarantee the corresponding desirable health workforce scenario. Forms of partnership and participation described in the case studies are numerous and offer different lessons. Strikingly, in none of the articles was 'partnerships' a core focus. A common theme in the dimension of 'oversight' is local-level corruption, affecting, amongst other things, accountability and local-level trust in governance, and its cultural guises. Experiences with accountability mechanisms for HRH policy development and implementation were lacking.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This review shows that the term 'governance' is neither prominent nor frequent in recent HRH literature. It provides initial lessons regarding the influence of governance on HRH policy development and implementation. The review also shows that the evidence base needs to be improved in this field in order to better understand how governance influences HRH policy development and implementation. Tentative lessons are discussed, based on the case studies.</p