Optical demultiplexer device operating in the visible spectrum

In this paper, we present results on the use of multilayered a-SiC:H heterostructures as a device for wavelength-division demultiplexing of optical signals. These devices are useful in optical communications applications that use the wavelength division multiplexing technique to encode multiple signals into the same transmission medium. The device is composed of two stacked p-i-n photodiodes, both optimized for the selective collection of photo generated carriers. Band gap engineering was used to adjust the photogeneration and recombination rate profiles of the intrinsic absorber regions of each photodiode to short and long wavelength absorption in the visible spectrum. The photocurrent signal using different input optical channels was analyzed at reverse and forward bias and under steady state illumination. A demux algorithm based on the voltage controlled sensitivity of the device was proposed and tested. An electrical model of the WDM device is presented and supported by the solution of the respective circuit equations

Intracardiac Metastatic Sarcoma

Even though intracardiac sarcoma metastases are rare, they have been previously reported in the literature. We report the case of a 60-year-old man who had a synovial sarcoma with metastasis in the right ventricle. These findings were associated with the presence of a new cardiac murmur and severe thrombocytopenia. The treatment with systemic chemotherapy resulted in a normalization of the patient's hematologic profile and in a reduction of the intracardiac mass. The patient subsequently underwent intracardiac tumor resection

Design and validation of an instrument for technical performance indicators of the kick (chagi) technique in taekwondo

Taekwondo is a martial art and combat sport that originated in medieval or similar cultures, but today it is primarily a combat activity conditioned by safety rules. The kick technique is called “chagi” (Korean language). “Eyeballing” is a problem that is being addressed with traditional training methods used in Taekwondo. (1) Background: To solve this problem, the main aim of this study was to develop an Observation System for Technical Performance Indicators-Chagi (OSTPI-C). The validation and reliability processes were carried out by 19 expert judges, who were required to meet at least four out of the five selected inclusion criteria. (2) Methods: The content validity was calculated using Aiken’s V coefficient value on qualitative (relevance, univocity, and importance) and quantitative levels (rating scale from one to five), through the agreement and consensus of the panel experts. The reliability of the instrument was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. (3) Results: The results demonstrated the high content validity indexes (0.90) and high reliability (alpha > 0.70) of the observational instrument. (4) Conclusions: The OSTIP-C observational instrument could be used in the Olympic and Paralympic Taekwondo sport environment as a valid and reliable tool to evaluate the technical execution of kick technical processes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A haplotype-resolved draft genome of the European sardine (Sardina pilchardus)

The European sardine (Sardina pilchardus Walbaum, 1792) is culturally and economically important throughout its distribution. Monitoring studies of sardine populations report an alarming decrease in stocks due to overfishing and environmental change, which has resulted in historically low captures along the Iberian Atlantic coast. Important biological and ecological features such as population diversity, structure, and migratory patterns can be addressed with the development and use of genomics resources.Agência financiadora Portuguese national funds from FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology: UID/Multi/04326/2016; European Regional Development Fund (FEDER): 22153-01/SAICT/2016; ALG-01-0145-FEDER-022121; ALG-01-0145-FEDER-022231; MAR2020 operational programme of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (project SARDI-NOMICS): MAR-01.04.02-FEAMP-0024; European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme: 654008info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Kaposi’s sarcoma, case report

O Sarcoma de Kaposi (SK) é um distúrbio angioproliferativo descrito como doença benigna de pessoas idosas. Divide- se em 4 tipos: O Clássico, epidémico, endêmico e iatrogénico. Os autores descrevem o caso de um homem caucasiano de 50 anos, português, que iniciou a sintomatologia 6 anos antes do internamento com lesões urticariformes na perna direita e perda ponderal de 10 kg em 6 meses. Por agravamento das lesões e aparecimento de púrpura nos membros inferiores recorreu ao hospital. O exame objetivo era normal à exceção de púrpuras dispersas com relevo, descamativas e violáceas na região plantar e restante membros inferiores, membros superiores e tronco. As serologias para o HIV 1 e 2 foram negativas a serologia viral para o Herpes virus humano 8 IGG foi positivo, PCR H8 positivo, a biópsia das lesões com histologia foi compatível com Sarcoma de Kaposi. Iniciou o 1º ciclo de Doxorrubicina lipossómica peguilhada e manteve seguimento em Hospital dia de Oncologia.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Use of ultramicroindentation to evaluate the degradation of sputtered coatings

The aim of this research work was to study the influence of chemical degradation on the mechanical properties of the non-degraded zones of sputtered W-N-Ti coatings. For this, an ultramicroindentation technique has been used before and after degradation, either on the zones between the pits in the corroded samples, or on the non-oxidised layers after removal of the top degraded layers. By using different applied loads it was possible to obtain results with and without the influence of the substrate. Thus, two types of results were obtained, those determined by using an empirical model, which eliminates the influence of the substrate, and those measured directly.Very small differences of less than 20% were obtained in the measured values before and after degradation, indicating that the non-degraded zones maintain their as-deposited mechanical properties.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TW4-3VGSFTN-Y/1/d6747ea11390bd13ea164c97933b791

Laparoscopic colorectal resection for a giant colonic diverticulum - video vignette

A giant colonic diverticulum (GCD) is a rare disease with less than 200 cases reported in the literature. By definition, a GCD is larger than 4cm in diameter with close sigmoid colon relationship in more than 90% of the cases. En bloc resection of the diverticulum with anterior sigmoid-rectal segment with primary anastomosis is the best treatment approach. The authors present a case of laparoscopic colorectal resection with partial cystectomy for a giant colonic diverticulum. A 62-years-old man with sigmoid colon diverticulosis and several episodes of diverticulitis presented at the office with a painless hypogastric/left iliac abdominal mass. CT scan showed a round 11 cm smooth walled structure filled with gas, adjacent to the sigmoid anti-mesenteric border and the urinary bladder. Four trocars were used for the laparoscopic approach. Step-by-step as follows: i. complete mobilization of colon splenic flexure. ii. Giant diverticulum dissection with partial bladder resection. iii. Bladder closure. iv. Sigmoid colon and intra-peritoneal rectum resection with primary anastomosis. The post-operative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged home on post-operative day 4. Vesical catheter was removed on post-operative day 10. Pathological specimen analysis confirmed the pre-operative diagnosis of a GCD. There is a consensus that this extremely rare diverticular disease complication should be approached with prompt standard resection due to high risk of diverticulum rupture. Laparoscopic approach seems to be feasible and safe despite of dissection higher complexity owing to the mega diverticulum. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Advanced Directives and Living Will: A Case Report

Descreve-se o caso de uma mulher de 61 anos, com diagnóstico de neoplasia da mama em estadio IV. Na altura, recusou terapêutica. Recorre ao Serviço de Urgência, um ano após o diagnóstico, em mutismo, sendo que os exames complementares de diagnóstico revelaram uma lesão cerebral, interpretada como nova metástase. No seu processo clínico, tem uma diretiva antecipada de vontade. Este é um documento formal que explicita quais os cuidados que pretende ou não receber em final de vida. Apresentamos a descrição do caso, as indicações que a doente deixou expressas neste documento e uma reflexão acerca das diretivas antecipadas de vontade e de como estas devem ser integradas na prática clínica.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio