215 research outputs found

    The Hausdorff and dynamical dimensions of self-affine sponges : a dimension gap result

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    We construct a self-affine sponge in R 3 whose dynamical dimension, i.e. the supremum of the Hausdorff dimensions of its invariant measures, is strictly less than its Hausdorff dimension. This resolves a long-standing open problem in the dimension theory of dynamical systems, namely whether every expanding repeller has an ergodic invariant measure of full Hausdorff dimension. More generally we compute the Hausdorff and dynamical dimensions of a large class of self-affine sponges, a problem that previous techniques could only solve in two dimensions. The Hausdorff and dynamical dimensions depend continuously on the iterated function system defining the sponge, implying that sponges with a dimension gap represent a nonempty open subset of the parameter space

    Effectiveness of Monovalent Rotavirus Vaccine in Mozambique, a Country with a High Burden of Chronic Malnutrition

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    Funding Information: Funding: This research was funded by GAVI through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta and World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa (WHO/AFRO). African Research in Neglected Tropical Diseases (EFINTD, grant number 89539); Deutsche Forschungsge-meinschaft (DFG; grant number JO369/5-1); Fundo Nacional de Investigação (FNI); United States Agency for International Development (USAID; grant number AID-656-F-16-00002); the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation from where A.C., F.M., and J.S. have a PhD fellowship. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Mozambique introduced monovalent rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix® ) in September 2015. We evaluated the effectiveness of Rotarix® under conditions of routine use in Mozambican children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis (AGE). A test negative case-control analysis was performed on data collected during 2017–2019 from children <5 years old, admitted with AGE in seven sentinel hospital sites in Mozambique. Adjusted VE was calculated for ≥1 dose of vaccine vs. zero doses using unconditional logistic regression, where VE = (1 − aOR) × 100%. VE estimates were stratified by age group, AGE severity, malnutrition, and genotype. Among 689 children eligible for analysis, 23.7% were rotavirus positive (cases) and 76.3% were negative (controls). The adjusted VE of ≥1 dose in children aged 6–11 months was 52.0% (95% CI, −11, 79), and −24.0% (95% CI, −459, 62) among children aged 12–23 months. Estimated VE was lower in stunted than non-stunted children (14% (95% CI, −138, 66) vs. 59% (95% CI, −125, 91)). Rotavirus vaccination appeared moderately effective against rotavirus gastroenteritis hospitalization in young Mozambican children. VE point estimates were lower in older and stunted children, although confidence intervals were wide and overlapped across strata. These findings provide additional evidence for other high-mortality countries considering rotavirus vaccine introduction.publishersversionpublishe

    Real-Time, Real World Learning—Capitalising on Mobile Technology

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    This chapter explores the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies to promote active learning by students and to both mediate and enhance classroom instruction. Web 2.0 refers to open source, web-enabled applications (apps) that are driven by user-manipulated and user-generated content (Kassens-Noor, 2012). These apps are often rich in user participation, have dynamic content, and harness the collective intelligence of users (Chen, Hwang, & Wang, 2012). As such, these processes create “active, context based, personalised learning experiences” (Kaldoudi, Konstantinidis, & Bamidis, 2010, p. 130) that prioritise learning ahead of teaching. By putting the learner at the centre of the education process educators can provide environments that enhance employability prospects and spark a passion for learning that, hopefully, lasts a lifetime. As such, we critique an active learning approach that makes use of technology such as mobile applications (apps), Twitter, and augmented reality to enhance students’ real world learning. Dunlap and Lowenthal (2009) argue that social media can facilitate active learning as they recreate informal, free-flowing communications that allow students and academics to connect on a more emotional level. Furthermore, their use upskills students in the technical complexities of the digital world and also the specialised discourses that are associated with online participation, suitable for real world learning and working (Fig. 16.1). Three case studies explore the benefits of Web 2.0 processes. The first details the use of Twitter chats to connect students, academics, and industry professionals via online synchronous discussions that offer a number of benefits such as encouraging concise writing from students and maintaining on-going relationships between staff, students, and industry contacts. The second details a location-based mobile app that delivers content to students when they enter a defined geographical boundary linked to an area of a sports precinct. Finally, we explore the use of augmented reality apps to enhance teaching in Human Geography and Urban Studies

    Fatores de risco para quedas em pacientes adultos hospitalizados: um estudo caso-controle

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    Objective: to identify risk factors for falls in hospitalized adult patients. Methods: a matched case-control study (one control for each case). A quantitative study conducted in clinical and surgical units of a teaching hospital in Southern Brazil. The sample comprised 358 patients. Data were collected over 18 months between 2013-2014. Data analysis was performed with descriptive statistics and conditional logistic regression using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 18.0. Results: risk factors identified were: disorientation/confusion [OR 4.25 (1.99 to 9.08), p&lt;0.001]; frequent urination [OR 4.50 (1.86 to 10.87), p=0.001]; walking limitation [OR 4.34 (2.05 to 9.14), p&lt;0.001]; absence of caregiver [OR 0.37 (0.22 to 0.63), p&lt;0.001]; postoperative period [OR 0.50 (0.26 to 0.94), p=0.03]; and number of medications administered within 72 hours prior the fall [OR 1.20 (1.04 to 1.39) p=0.01]. Conclusion: risk for falls is multifactorial. However, understanding these factors provides support to clinical decision-making and positively influences patient safety.Objetivo: identificar los factores de riesgo para la ocurrencia de caídas en pacientes adultos hospitalizados. Métodos: un estudio caso-control emparejado (un control para cada caso). Investigación cuantitativa llevada a cabo en unidades clínicas y quirúrgicas de un hospital universitario en el Sur de Brasil. La muestra constó de 358 pacientes. Se recopilaron datos durante 18 meses, entre 2013-2014. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva y regresión logística condicional, utilizando el Microsoft Excel y el SPSS versión 18.0. Resultados: los factores de riesgo identificados fueron: desorientación/confusión [OR 4,25 (1,99 a 9,08), p&lt;0,001]; micción frecuente [OR 4,50 (1,86 a 10,87), p=0,001]; limitación para caminar [OR 4,34 (2,05 a 9,14), p&lt;0,001]; ausencia de cuidadores [OR 0,37 (0,22 a 0,63), p&lt;0,001]; período postoperatorio [OR 0,50 (0,26 a 0,94), p=0,03]; y número de medicamentos administrados dentro de las 72 horas previas a la caída [OR 1,20 (1,04 a 1,39) p=0,01]. Conclusión: los riesgos de caídas son multifactoriales. Sin embargo, la comprensión de estos factores respalda la toma de decisiones clínicas y tiene un impacto positivo en la seguridad del paciente.Objetivo: identificar os fatores de risco para a ocorrência de quedas em pacientes adultos hospitalizados. Métodos: estudo do tipo caso-controle pareado (um controle para cada caso). Pesquisa quantitativa realizada em unidades clínicas e cirúrgicas de um hospital universitário da região Sul do Brasil. A amostra incluiu 358 pacientes. Os dados foram coletados durante 18 meses, entre 2013-2014. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de estatística descritiva e regressão logística condicional, utilizando o Microsoft Excel e o SPSS versão 18.0. Resultados: os fatores de risco identificados foram: desorientação/confusão [OR 4,25 (1,99 a 9,08), p&lt;0,001]; micção frequente [OR 4,50 (1,86 a 10,87), p=0,001]; limitação para caminhar [OR 4,34 (2,05 a 9,14), p&lt;0,001]; ausência de cuidador [OR 0,37 (0,22 a 0,63), p&lt;0,001]; período pós-operatório [OR 0,50 (0,26 a 0,94), p=0,03]; e o número de medicamentos administrados nas 72 horas anteriores à queda [OR 1,20 (1,04 a 1,39) p=0,01]. Conclusão: os riscos para quedas são multifatoriais. Todavia, conhecê-los dá suporte à decisão clínica do enfermeiro, o que contribui para a busca das melhores intervenções preventivas e impacta positivamente na segurança dos pacientes

    Effect of Uncaria tomentosa

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    Background/Aim. The use of herbal products as a supplement to minimize the effects of chemotherapy for cancer treatment requires further attention with respect to the activity and toxicity of chemotherapy. Uncaria tomentosa extract, which contains oxindole alkaloids, is one of these herbal products. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Uncaria tomentosa extract modulates apoptosis induced by chemotherapy exposure. Materials and Methods. Colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT29 cells) were grown in the presence of oxaliplatin and/or Uncaria tomentosa extract. Results. The hydroalcoholic extract of Uncaria tomentosa enhanced chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, with an increase in the percentage of Annexin positive cells, an increase in caspase activities, and an increase of DNA fragments in culture of the neoplastic cells. Moreover, antioxidant activity may be related to apoptosis. Conclusion. Uncaria tomentosa extract has a role for cancer patients as a complementary therapy. Further studies evaluating these beneficial effects with other chemotherapy drugs are recommended
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