Method and apparatus for non-destructive inspection of fruits having an axis of rotational symmetry

This invention relates to a method for non-destructive inspection of a fruit (1) having an axis of rotational symmetry (10). The method comprises the step of positioning the fruit (1) in such a way that its axis of rotational symmetry (10) has an orientation that is substantially parallel to a predetermined plane (20) and the step of radiographing the fruit (1), where the direction of emission of X-rays is substantially perpendicular to said predetermined plane (20) and an X-ray image obtained (41) lies on said predetermined plane (20). The X-ray image obtained (41) is processed to calculate, at corresponding points of the X-ray image (41), respective values of attenuation of the X-ray signal through the fruit (1). The X-ray image (41) is divided into a plurality of sections (415) which are perpendicular to the projection (410) of the axis of rotational symmetry (10) on the predetermined plane (20). Each section (415) is the projection of a corresponding slice of the fruit (1) that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotational symmetry (10). For each section (415), the deviation between a signal attenuation trend obtained from processing the X-ray image and a reference trend, or the deviation between a trend of a local coefficient of average attenuation obtained from processing the X-ray image and a trend with constant value, is examined in order to identify any anomalies, discontinuities or variations which are indicative of respective nonuniformities in the corresponding slice of fruit. This invention also relates to an apparatus (9) for carrying out a non-destructive inspection of a fruit (1) having an axis of rotational symmetry (10), said apparatus being configured for implementing the method according to the invention

Conservação de mamão Formosa minimamente processado com uso de ácido cítrico.

The objective of this work was to verify the action of immersion in different concentrations of citric acid on maintaining the quality of minimally processed papaya Formosa. The papayas of the cultivar Formosa, in different stages of maturation, varying between stages 2 and 4, already sanitized and cut were divided into four groups, which were submitted to four different concentrations (water distilled; 0.025% citric acid solution; 0.050% citric acid solution and citric acid solution at 0.075%) and five storage periods (days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9). In each of the periods of storage, a microbiological analysis was carried out (microbial deterioration macroscopic) and physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, ratio, water activity, resistance to pulp penetration, loss of mass and color). It was found that the citric acid solution at 0.075% ensured comparatively greater maintenance of fruit quality and a shelf life of seven days, longest viability obtained in the study.O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o impacto da imersão em três diferentes concentrações de ácido cítrico sobre a manutenção da qualidade do mamão formosa. Os mamões do cultivar Formosa, em diferentes estágios de maturação, variando entre estágio 2 e 4, já higienizados e cortados foram divididos em quatro grupos, os quais foram submetidos à quatro diferentes concentrações (água destilada; solução de ácido cítrico à 0,025%; solução de ácido cítrico à 0,050% e solução de ácido cítrico à 0,075%) e à cinco períodos de armazenamento (dias 1, 3, 5, 7 e 9). Em cada um dos períodos de armazenamento, procedeu-se a realização de análise microbiológica (deterioração microbiana macroscópica) e físico-química (pH, acidez titulável, sólidos solúveis, ratio, atividade de água, resistência à penetração da polpa, perda de massa e coloração). Constatou-se que à solução de ácido cítrico à 0,075% garantiu comparativamente maior manutenção da qualidade das frutas e vida útil de sete dias, viabilidade mais longa obtida no estudo

Retinoblastoma in a pediatric oncology reference center in southern brazil

Background: Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common intraocular tumor diagnosed in children in Brazil. However, detailed information is lacking regarding patient clinical demographics. This study aimed to determine the clinical profile of patients with Rb who were treated in a public university hospital in southern Brazil from 1983 to 2012. Methods: Patients’ medical records were reviewed to retrospectively identify patients with a principal diagnosis of Rb. Rb was classified as hereditary or non-hereditary. Clinical staging was reviewed by an ophthalmologist. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: Of 165 patients with a diagnosis of Rb during this period, 140 were included in the study. Disease was unilateral in 65.0 % of patients, bilateral in 32.9 %, and trilateral in 2.1 %. The mean age at onset of the first sign/ symptom was 18.1 month, and 35.7 % of patients were diagnosed during the first year of life. The most common presenting signs were leukocoria (73.6 %) and strabismus (20.7 %). The mean age at diagnosis was 23.5 months, and time to diagnosis was 5.4 months. In patients with clinical features of hereditary Rb, both onset of the first sign/symptom and diagnosis were at an earlier age than in patients without these features (12.3 vs 21.6 months [P = 0.001] and 15.9 vs 28.0 months [P < 0.001], respectively). However, there was no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups. Ocular stage at diagnosis was advanced in 76.5 % (Reese V) and 78.1 % (International Classification D or E). Of patients with unilateral and bilateral disease, 35.2 % and 34.8 %, respectively, had extraocular disease at diagnosis; 10.7 % had metastatic disease at diagnosis. Enucleation was observed in 88.1 % and exenteration in 11.9 % of patients; 93.6 % patients were followed until 2012, and 22.9 % relapsed. Overall survival was 86.4 %. Conclusions: Most Rb diagnoses are still diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease, considerably reducing overall survival time and the rate of eye and vision preservation

Starlight. La nascita dell'astrofisica in Italia / The origins of astrophysics in Italy

Starlight è una mostra a rete, con cinque sezioni dislocate in cinque osservatori diversi, raccordati virtualmente tramite l'omonima mostra virtuale bilingue. E' stata il prodotto finale del progetto "Analyzing starlight", finanziato da INAF con PDIN 2014, che include anche il catalogo cartaceo e la versione online della mostra. Le cinque sezioni sono così costituite: 1. Le origini dell'astrofisica a Firenze (sede: INAF-Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arcetri, Firenze); 2. Roma, capitale dell'astrofisica (sede: INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, Monte Porzio Catone); 3. L'eclisse totale di sole del 1870 (sede: INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, Napoli); 4. Lo sviluppo della fisica solare (sede: Chiesa di S. Maria delle Grazie, Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo); 5. Una società scientifica italiana per l'astrofisica (sede: INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova

Evidence for an excess of B -> D(*) Tau Nu decays

Based on the full BaBar data sample, we report improved measurements of the ratios R(D(*)) = B(B -> D(*) Tau Nu)/B(B -> D(*) l Nu), where l is either e or mu. These ratios are sensitive to new physics contributions in the form of a charged Higgs boson. We measure R(D) = 0.440 +- 0.058 +- 0.042 and R(D*) = 0.332 +- 0.024 +- 0.018, which exceed the Standard Model expectations by 2.0 sigma and 2.7 sigma, respectively. Taken together, our results disagree with these expectations at the 3.4 sigma level. This excess cannot be explained by a charged Higgs boson in the type II two-Higgs-doublet model. We also report the observation of the decay B -> D Tau Nu, with a significance of 6.8 sigma.Comment: Expanded section on systematics, text corrections, improved the format of Figure 2 and included the effect of the change of the Tau polarization due to the charged Higg

Search for the decay modes D^0 → e^+e^-, D^0 → μ^+μ^-, and D^0 → e^±μ∓

We present searches for the rare decay modes D^0→e^+e^-, D^0→μ^+μ^-, and D^0→e^±μ^∓ in continuum e^+e^-→cc events recorded by the BABAR detector in a data sample that corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 468  fb^(-1). These decays are highly Glashow–Iliopoulos–Maiani suppressed but may be enhanced in several extensions of the standard model. Our observed event yields are consistent with the expected backgrounds. An excess is seen in the D^0→μ^+μ^- channel, although the observed yield is consistent with an upward background fluctuation at the 5% level. Using the Feldman–Cousins method, we set the following 90% confidence level intervals on the branching fractions: B(D^0→e^+e^-)<1.7×10^(-7), B(D^0→μ^+μ^-) within [0.6,8.1]×10^(-7), and B(D^0→e^±μ^∓)<3.3×10^(-7)

Lista de anomalías congénitas prioritarias para la vigilancia bajo el Sistema de Información sobre Nacidos Vivos en Brasil

Objetivo: Definir a lista de anomalias congênitas prioritárias para o aprimoramento do registro no Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (Sinasc). Métodos: A partir da Décima Revisão da Classificação Estatística Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados à Saúde (CID-10), protocolos internacionais e reuniões com especialistas, a lista de anomalias prioritárias foi construída considerando-se dois critérios principais: ser diagnosticável ao nascimento; e possuir intervenção disponível em diferentes níveis. A lista foi submetida a apreciação da Sociedade Brasileira de Genética Médica e Genômica.Resultados: Compuseram a lista oito grupos de anomalias congênitas distribuídos de acordo com o tipo de anomalia relacionada, bem como a parte do corpo afetada e sua correspondência ao código do capítulo XVII da CID-10. Conclusão: A lista de anomalias congênitas prioritárias para notificação fornece subsídios para o aprimoramento do registro no Sinasc.Objective: To define the list of priority congenital anomalies for improving their recording on the Brazilian Live Birth Information System (Sinasc). Methods: Based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), international protocols and meetings with specialists, the list of priority anomalies was built considering two main criteria: being diagnosable at birth and having intervention available at different levels. The list was submitted for consideration by the Brazilian Medical Genetics and Genomics Society. Results: The list comprised eight groups of congenital anomalies distributed according to the type of related anomaly, as well as the affected part of the body and its corresponding code in ICD-10 Chapter XVII. Conclusion: The list of priority congenital anomalies for notification provides a basis for improving case recording on Sinasc.Objetivo: Definir la lista de anomalías congénitas prioritarias para perfeccionar el registro en el Sistema de Información de Nacidos Vivos (Sinasc). Métodos: Con base en la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades, Décima Revisión (CIE-10), protocolos internacionales y reuniones con especialistas, la lista de anomalías prioritarias se construyó considerando dos criterios principales: ser diagnosticables al nacer y tener intervención disponible en diferentes niveles. La lista fue sometida a la consideración de la Sociedad Brasileña de Genética y Genómica Médica. Resultados: La lista comprendía ocho grupos de anomalías congénitas distribuidos según el tipo de anomalía relacionada, así como la parte del cuerpo afectada, todos ellos relacionados con algún código del capítulo XVII de la CIE-10. Conclusión: La lista de anomalías congénitas prioritarias para notificación proporciona subsidios para mejorar el registro en Sinasc

Lista de anomalias congênitas prioritárias para vigilância no âmbito do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos do Brasil

Objective: To define the list of priority congenital anomalies for improving the registration in the Brazilian Live Birth Information System (Sinasc). Methods: Based on International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), internation protocols and meetings with specialists, the list of priority anomalies was built considering two main criteria: being diagnosable at birth and having intervention available at different levels. The list was submitted for consideration by the Brazilian Society of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Results: The list comprised eight groups of congenital anomalies distributed according to the type of anomaly related, as well as the affect body part, all of which were related to some code of chapter XVII of ICD-10. Conclusion: The list of priority congenital anomalies for notification provides subsidies for improving registration at Sinasc.Objetivo: Definir a lista de anomalias congênitas prioritárias para o aprimoramento do registro no Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (Sinasc). Métodos: A partir da Décima Revisão da Classificação Estatística Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados à Saúde (CID-10), protocolos internacionais e reuniões com especialistas, a lista de anomalias prioritárias foi construída considerando-se dois critérios principais: ser diagnosticável ao nascimento; e possuir intervenção disponível em diferentes níveis. A lista foi submetida a apreciação da Sociedade Brasileira de Genética Médica e Genômica. Resultados: Compuseram a lista oito grupos de anomalias distribuídos de acordo com o tipo de anomalia relacionada, bem como a parte do corpo afetada e sua correspondência ao código do capítulo XVII da CID-10. Conclusão: A lista de anomalias congênitas prioritárias para notificação fornece subsídios para o aprimoramento do registro no Sinasc

Sistema nacional de informações sobre agentes teratogênicos (SIAT) : avaliação em 11 anos de funcionamento

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