Comparison of the far-field aerodynamic wake development for three DrivAer model configurations using a cost-effective RANS simulation

The flow field and body aerodynamic loads on the DrivAer reference model have been extensively investigated since its introduction in 2012. However, there is a relative lack of information relating to the models wake development resulting from the different rear-body configurations, particularly in the far-field.Given current interest in the aerodynamic interaction between two or more vehicles, the results from a preliminary CFD study are presented to address the development of the wake from the Fastback, Notchback, and Estateback DrivAer configurations. The primary focus is on the differences in the far-field wake and simulations are assessed in the range up to three vehicle lengths downstream, at Reynolds and Mach numbers of 5.2×106 and 0.13, respectively.Wake development is modelled using the results from a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulation within a computational mesh having nominally 1.0×107 cells. This approach was chosen to reflect a simple, cost-effective solution, using an industry-standard CFD solver. Each vehicle configuration has a smooth underbody, with exterior rear-view mirrors. The computational modelling includes a ground simulation set, and all simulations are for zero freestream yaw angle. A mesh sensitivity study was undertaken and the simulation validated against published experimental data for the body pressure distribution and aerodynamic drag.Critical assessment of the results highlights the benefits of focussed mesh refinement and specific numerical strategies for optimum performance of the CFD solver. Comparison of the far-field aerodynamic wake for the three model configurations exhibits significant differences in both extent and structure within the wake region up to three vehicle lengths downstream of the base. Total pressure loss coefficient is used as the primary aerodynamic parameter for analysis. The study is an element of a larger programme related to vehicle wake simulation and strategies are identified for possible wake modelling using simplified, computationally and experimentally efficient, shapes

The Impact of Vitamin D Levels on Inflammatory Status: A Systematic Review of Immune Cell Studies.

Chronic low-grade inflammation accompanies obesity and its related chronic conditions. Both peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cell lines have been used to study whether vitamin D has immune modulating effects; however, to date a detailed systematic review describing the published evidence has not been completed. We therefore conducted a systematic review on the effect of vitamin D on the protein expression and secretion of inflammatory markers by human-derived immune cells. The review was registered at the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, Registration number CRD42015023222). A literature search was conducted using Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science and Medline. The search strategy used the following search terms: Vitamin D or cholecalciferol or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin or 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D and Inflam* or cytokine* and supplement* or cell*. These terms were searched in the abstract, title and keywords. Inclusion criteria for study selection consisted of human-derived immune cell lines or cellular studies where PBMCs were obtained from humans, reported in the English language, and within the time period of 2000 to 2015. The selection protocol was mapped according to PRISMA guidelines. Twenty three studies (7 cell line and 16 PBMCs studies) met our criteria. All studies selected except one used the active metabolite 1,25(OH)2, with one study using cholecalciferol and two studies also using 25(OH)D. Four out of seven cell line studies showed an anti-inflammatory effect where suppression of key markers such as macrophage chemotactic protein 1, interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 were observed. Fourteen of sixteen PBMC studies also showed a similar anti-inflammatory effect based on common inflammatory endpoints. Mechanisms for such effects included decreased protein expression of toll-like receptor-2 and toll-like receptor-4; lower levels of phosphorylated p38 and p42/42; reduced expression of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 and decreased reactive oxygen species. This review demonstrates that an anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D is a consistent observation in studies of cell lines and human derived PBMCs

Examining Form and Function of Dendritic Spines

The majority of fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system takes place at protrusions along dendrites called spines. Dendritic spines are highly heterogeneous, both morphologically and functionally. Not surprisingly, there has been much speculation and debate on the relationship between spine structure and function. The advent of multi-photon laser-scanning microscopy has greatly improved our ability to investigate the dynamic interplay between spine form and function. Regulated structural changes occur at spines undergoing plasticity, offering a mechanism to account for the well-described correlation between spine size and synapse strength. In turn, spine structure can influence the degree of biochemical and perhaps electrical compartmentalization at individual synapses. Here, we review the relationship between dendritic spine morphology, features of spine compartmentalization and synaptic plasticity. We highlight emerging molecular mechanisms that link structural and functional changes in spines during plasticity, and also consider circumstances that underscore some divergence from a tight structure-function coupling. Because of the intricate influence of spine structure on biochemical and electrical signalling, activity-dependent changes in spine morphology alone may thus contribute to the metaplastic potential of synapses. This possibility asserts a role for structural dynamics in neuronal information storage and aligns well with current computational models

Cimentos biocerâmicos em medicina dentária: revisão narrativa

Nos últimos anos surgiram na prática clínica os cimentos biocerâmicos, uma classe de materiais conhecida pela sua biocompatibilidade e estabilidade, oferecendo perspectivas promissoras para a melhoria dos tratamentos endodônticos e resultados clínicos. Atualmente o MTA é o biocerâmico mais amplamente utilizado na endodontia. Esta revisão narrativa tem como objetivo avaliar as propriedades dos biocerâmicos e compará-los com os cimentos à base de resina epóxi, considerados o "gold-standard" atualmente. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi efetuada nos motores de pesquisa da Pubmed, Science Direct e B-on no período compreendido entre 10 de Abril de 2023 a 16 de Abril de 2023 com um limite temporal de 10 anos. No total contribuíram 67 artigos após a seleção pela aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Em suma, os biocerâmicos apresentam-se como a nova geração de cimentos, estudos mais recentes conferem-lhe um papel de relevância e contínuo desenvolvimento.In the last years, bioceramic cements have emerged in clinical practice, a class of materials known for their biocompatibility and stability, offering promising prospects for improving endodontic treatments and clinical outcomes. Currently, MTA is the most widely used bioceramic in endodontics. This narrative review aims to evaluate the properties of bioceramics and compare them with epoxy resin-based cements, currently considered the "gold-standard". The bibliographic search was carried out in the Pubmed, Science Direct and B-on search engines in the period between April 10, 2023 and April 16, 2023 with a time limit of 10 years. A total of 67 articles contributed after selection by applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In conclusion, bioceramics are presented as the new generation of cements, more recente studies give them an important role and in continuous development

Diseño inclusivo para la Secretaría de Desarrollo Social de la municipalidad de La Plata, año 2015

Como estrategia se propuso plantear una identidad propia de la Secretaría de Desarrollo Social para mostrarla como un lugar que se preocupa por la inclusión y el bienestar social no solo con el acto de ayudar (aportar diferentes tipos de servicios de ayuda), sino también por medio de la concientización, la información y la educación. Además será de gran importancia tener en cuenta a los diferentes públicos existentes, para generar de esta manera las piezas gráficas pertenecientes a cada sector que integran esta secretaría.Mesa D.Facultad de Bellas Arte

Performance and stability of sewage sludge digestion under CO2 enrichment: a pilot study

Carbon dioxide (CO2) injection in anaerobic digestion has recently been proposed as an interesting possibility to boost methane (CH4) recovery from sludge and organic waste by converting a greenhouse gas into a renewable resource. This research assessed the effects of exogenous CO2 injection on performance and process stability of single-phase continuous anaerobic digesters. Two pilot scale reactors treating sewage sludge were operated for 130 days. One reactor was periodically injected with CO2 while the other acted as control. Two injection frequencies and injection devices were tested. The results indicated that CO2 enrichment allowed an increase in CH4 production of ca. 12%, with a CH4 production rate of 371 ± 100 L/(kgVSfed⋅d) and a CH4 concentration of ca. 60% when dissolved CO2 levels inside the test reactor were increased up to 1.9-fold. Results also indicated an improvement in process resilience to temporary overloads and no impacts on stability parameters

On the aerodynamics of an enclosed-wheel racing car: an assessment and proposal of add-on devices for a fourth, high-performance configuration of the DrivAer model

A modern benchmark for passenger cars – DrivAer model – has provided significant contributions to aerodynamics-related topics in automotive engineering, where three categories of passenger cars have been successfully represented. However, a reference model for highperformance car configurations has not been considered appropriately yet. Technical knowledge in motorsport is also restricted due to competitiveness in performance, reputation and commercial gains. The consequence is a shortage of open-access material to be used as technical references for either motorsport community or academic research purposes. In this paper, a parametric assessment of race car aerodynamic devices are presented into four groups of studies. These are: (i) forebody strakes (dive planes), (ii) front bumper splitter, (iii) rear-end spoiler, and (iv) underbody diffuser. The simplified design of these add-ons focuses on the main parameters (such as length, position, or incidence), leading to easier manufacturing for experiments and implementation in computational studies. Consequently, a proposed model aims to address enclosed-wheel racing car categories, adapting a simplified, 35% scaled-model DrivAer Fastback shape (i.e. smooth underbody, no wheels, and with side mirrors). Experimental data were obtained at the 8ft x 6ft Cranfield Wind Tunnel using an internal balance for force and moment measurements. The aerodynamic performance of each group of add-on was assessed individually in a range of ride heights over a moving belt. All cases represent the vehicle at a zero-yaw condition, Reynolds number (car length-based) of 4.2 × 106 and Mach number equal to 0.12. The proposed high-performance configuration (DrivAer hp-F) was tested and a respective Reynolds number dependency study is also provided. In line with the open-access concept of the DrivAer model, the CAD geometry and experimental data will be made available online to the international community to support independent studies

Concepções teóricas sobre accountability

Abstract Given the disagreements regarding the meaning of accountability in the Portuguese language, the lack of a uniform concept in Brazilian literature, and the absence or ambiguity of boundaries within the organizational context, this study aimed to standardize the conceptual immersion found in the main international literature on accountability with the primary theoretical concepts explored in Brazil. Various national and international works that presented concepts, understandings, and classifications of accountability were researched, and the main characteristics and conceptual elements identified in these studies were compiled. Additionally, the study sought to gather the main typological classifications and similarities in approaches to accountability. The results obtained through the comparison and synthesis of these works demonstrated that accountability is typically associated with concepts of responsibility, control, and the rendering of accounts. Furthermore, both in national and international studies, it was noted that the theoretical framework employed has been used for a daily and systemic approach to organizational entities, especially public institutions. Thus, it is understood that there is a significant concern with the actions of those engaged in public activities. As a contribution, this study advances the proposal for systematizing the concepts and classification of accountability, presenting a consistent understanding among its proponents, regardless of the spectrum of public or private organizational use.Diante das dissidências acerca do significado da accountability na língua portuguesa, da falta de um conceito uniforme na literatura brasileira e da inexistência ou clareza dos limites que permeiam a temática à inserção organizacional. Este estudo propôs como objetivo uniformizar a imersão conceitual disposta nas principais literaturas internacionais sobre a accountability com as principais acepções teóricas brasileiras exploradas. Foram pesquisados diversos trabalhos nacionais e internacionais, que traziam conceitos, entendimentos e classificações da accountability, e, buscou-se nessas pesquisas as principais características e elementos conceituais apresentados, reunindo, por sua vez, as principais classificações tipológicas e similaridades quanto às abordagens sobre accountability. Os resultados obtidos mediante a comparação entre os trabalhos e unificação destes, demonstraram que a accountability é normalmente ligada a conceitos de responsabilização, controle e prestação de contas. Ademais, a essa denominação e seus respectivos empregos encontrados, notou-se tanto nos estudos nacionais quanto internacionais que seu aporte teórico empregado tem servido a uma abordagem diária e sistêmica nas entidades organizacionais, sobretudo às instituições públicas. Desta forma, entende-se que existe uma grande preocupação com as ações daqueles que exercem atividades de caráter público. Como contribuição, este estudo avança com a proposta de sistematização dos conceitos e classificação da accountability, apresentando entendimento uniforme entre seus doutrinadores, independente do espectro da usabilidade organizacional pública ou privada

Pattern Of Reduced Functional Connectivity And Structural Abnormalities In Parkinson's Disease: An Exploratory Study

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)MRI brain changes in Parkinson's disease (PD) are controversial. Objectives: We aimed to describe structural and functional changes in PD. Methods: Sixty-six patients with PD (57.94 +/- 10.25 years) diagnosed according to the UK Brain Bank criteria were included. We performed a whole brain analysis using voxel-based morphometry (VBM-SPM 8 software), cortical thickness (CT) using CIVET, and resting-state fMRI using the Neuroimaging Analysis Kit software to compare patients and controls. For VBM and CT we classified subjects into three groups according to disease severity: mild PD [Hoehn and Yahr scale (HY) 1-1.5], moderate PD (HY 2-2.5), and severe PD (HY 3-5). Results: We observed gray matter atrophy in the insula and inferior frontal gyrus in the moderate PD and in the insula, frontal gyrus, putamen, cingulated, and paracingulate gyri in the severe groups. In the CT analysis, in mild PD, cortical thinning was restricted to the superior temporal gyrus, gyrus rectus, and olfactory cortex; in the moderate group, the postcentral gyrus, supplementary motor area, and inferior frontal gyrus were also affected; in the severe PD, areas such as the precentral and postentral gyrus, temporal pole, fusiform, and occipital gyrus had reduced cortical thinning. We observed altered connectivity at the default mode, visual, sensorimotor, and cerebellar networks. Conclusion: Subjects with mild symptoms already have cortical involvement; however, further cerebral involvement seems to follow Braak's proposed mechanism. Similar regions are affected both structurally and functionally. We believe the combination of different MRI techniques may be useful in evaluating progressive brain involvement and they may eventually be used as surrogate markers of disease progression.7FAPESP (Sao Paulo Research Foundation) [2012/05286-7, 2011/19958-4, 2013/03358-3]CNPq [74873/2010-2]FAPESPIpsenCNPq, BRAZILFAPESP, BRAZILFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Anode heel effect attenuation in lumbar spine radiography: can the use of aluminium filters improve clinical practice of radiographers?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to design an aluminiumbased fi lter to reduce the anode heel eff ect in lumbar spine radiographs. Methods: Initially, lumbar spine examinations were observed in a public imaging department to determine standard exposure parameters. Then, the characterization of the anode heel eff ect was made using the Unfors Xi R/F detector and, based on the data collected, aluminium fi lters were designed with a wedge shape and thicknesses ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 mm. The assessment of the entrance skin dose (ESD) reduction was performed on the anthropomorphic phantom with and without fi lters, using the universal dosimeter UNIDOS E equipped with an ionization chamber. Finally, the image quality assessment was performed with the Pehamed Phantom Digrad A+K and image quality surveys were applied to radiographers and radiologists. Results and Discussion: Uniformity of the beam was achieved, especially with fi lter number 2, which presents a signifi cant variation of 9% between the cathodic and anodic side. This fi lter contributes to ESD reduction of 35% and 36% for AP and lateral projection, respectively. Also, according to radiographers and radiologists, it improves the image quality of lumbar spine radiography. Conclusion: The use of aluminium fi lters can be advantageous in the clinical practice of radiographers when performing lumbar spine radiographs since it allows the standardization of the anode heel eff ect, reduces the radiation dose to the patient and does not compromise image quality.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio