Performing edge detection by difference of Gaussians using q-Gaussian kernels

In image processing, edge detection is a valuable tool to perform the extraction of features from an image. This detection reduces the amount of information to be processed, since the redundant information (considered less relevant) can be unconsidered. The technique of edge detection consists of determining the points of a digital image whose intensity changes sharply. This changes are due to the discontinuities of the orientation on a surface for example. A well known method of edge detection is the Difference of Gaussians (DoG). The method consists of subtracting two Gaussians, where a kernel has a standard deviation smaller than the previous one. The convolution between the subtraction of kernels and the input image results in the edge detection of this image. This paper introduces a method of extracting edges using DoG with kernels based on the q-Gaussian probability distribution, derived from the q-statistic proposed by Constantino Tsallis. To demonstrate the method's potential, we compare the introduced method with the traditional DoG using Gaussians kernels. The results showed that the proposed method can extract edges with more accurate details.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, IC-MSQUARE 201

Muscular activity of patella and hip stabilizers of healthy subjects during squat exercises

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Atualmente relaciona-se a fraqueza dos músculos do quadril e da coxa ao surgimento da dor anterior no joelho (DAJ). Dessa maneira, compreender como os agachamentos devem ser realizados para melhorar a ativação elétrica desses músculos é importante para o tratamento fisioterapêutico. OBJETIVO: Comparar a ativação mioelétrica de estabilizadores da patela e pelve entre as posições de agachamentos convencional e associado à contração isométrica em adução e abdução da coxa em indivíduos sem queixa de DAJ. MÉTODOS: O sinal eletromiográfico foi captado a partir de eletrodos duplo-diferenciais posicionados nos músculos vasto medial oblíquo (VMO), vasto lateral oblíquo (VLO), vasto lateral longo (VLL) e glúteo médio (GMed) em 15 mulheres sedentárias e clinicamente saudáveis, durante a contração de agachamentos convencional e associados à adução e à abdução isométrica da coxa com carga de 25% do peso corporal. A análise estatística empregada foi o modelo linear de efeitos mistos, com significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A associação da adução e abdução isométrica da coxa no agachamento produziu cerca de 0,47 (0,2) e 0,59 (0,22), respectivamente, de atividade elétrica do músculo GMed, enquanto o agachamento convencional (AGA) produziu 0,33 (0,27) de atividade elétrica. A maior ativação do VMO aconteceu na contração de agachamento associado à adução da coxa e foi de 0,59 (0,27); já o músculo VLL apresentou uma maior atividade elétrica durante o agachamento associado à abdução, sendo de 0,60 (0,32). CONCLUSÃO: O exercício de agachamento associado à adução da coxa promoveu uma maior ativação muscular do VMO, além de aumentar a atividade muscular do GMed.BACKGROUND: Hip and knee muscle weaknesses have been associated with the onset of anterior knee pain (AKP). Therefore, the understanding of how squats exercises can be performed in order to optimize the electrical activity of these muscles is relevant for physical therapy treatments. OBJECTIVE: To compare the electromyographic activity of patella and pelvic stabilizers during traditional squat and squat associated with isometric hip adduction or abduction in subjects without AKP. METHODS: Electromyography signals were captured using double-differential electrodes at the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), vastus lateralis obliquus (VLO), vastus lateralis longus (VLL) and gluteus medium (GMed) in 15 healthy and sedentary women during squats exercises: traditional and associated with hip adduction and hip abduction with load of 25% of body weight. Linear mixed models with significance level of 5% were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Squat associated with hip adduction and abduction produced electromyographic activity of GMed of 0.47 (0.2) and 0.59 (0.22) respectively, while conventional squat produced an electromyiographic activity of 0.33 (0.27). The higher VMO activity was 0.59 (0.27) during the isometric contraction in the squat associated with hip adduction. The higher VLO activity was 0.60 (0.32) during isometric contraction in the squat associated with hip abduction. CONCLUSION: Squat exercise associated with hip adduction increased VMO muscle activity as well as the activity of GMed activity.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Aleurites moluccana (L.) Willd. Leaves: Mechanical Antinociceptive Properties of a Standardized Dried Extract and Its Chemical Markers

Seeking to develop a new analgesic phytomedicine, a spray-dried extract (SDE) of Aleurites moluccana (L.) Willd. leaves was developed in scale up (5 kg). The SDE was standardized at 3% w/w in relation to the flavonoid 2′′-O-rhamnosylswertisin. The SDE batches were evaluated in relation to their physical, physiochemical, and pharmacological characteristics. The results demonstrated the reproducibility of the scale up SDE process which, when dosed orally, reduced carrageenan-induced mechanical hypernociception, with an ID50% of 443 mg/kg. Similar results were obtained with animals injected with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), in which SDE caused inhibition of 48 ± 4%. SDE was effective in preventing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced mechanical hypernociception (inhibition of 26 ± 10% and 33 ± 3%, at 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively). Swertisin and 2′′-O-rhamnosylswertisin isolated from the own extract were effective in inhibiting the hypernociceptive response induced by carrageenan (70 ± 2% and 50 ± 5%, resp.). Furthermore, 2′′-O-rhamnosylswertisin was capable of significantly inhibiting the mechanical sensitization induced by CFA or PGE2, with inhibitions of 25 ± 3% and 94 ± 6%, respectively. These results suggest that the effects of SDE are related, at least in part, to the presence of these flavonoids

Células C em bócio colóide

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to quantitatively evaluate C-cells in colloid goiters, analyzing 36 thyroids that were obtained through thyroidectomy from 24 patients with goiter and 12 normal glands from adult patients without thyroid disease, which were used as the control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: On average, 6 different thyroid areas were sampled and labeled by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal anticalcitonin antibody, utilizing the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex. C-cells were counted in fields measuring 1 square centimeter, and the mean number of cells per field was then calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: In the colloid goiter group, the number of C-cells ranged from 0 to 23 per field, while in normal controls they ranged from 20 to 148 per field. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a significant decrease of C-cell number in the colloid goiter group compared with control group, indicating that the hyperplastic process is restricted to follicular cells, to the detriment of C-cells, which probably cease to receive trophic stimuli.OBJETIVO: Pesquisar, quantitativamente, as células C em bócio colóide com o propósito de investigar a relação destas células na patogênese do bócio. MÉTODO: Foram analisadas 35 tiróides obtidas de tiroidectomia, sendo 24 de pacientes com bócio colóide e 11 tiróides normais de adulto usadas como controle. Seis diferentes áreas foram amostradas em média e coradas com o anticorpo monoclonal anticalcitonina. As células C foram contadas em campos de 1 cm² e o número médio de células/campo foi calculado. Os dados foram estudados estatisticamente pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis. RESULTADOS: O número de células C variou de 0 a 23/cm² em bócio colóide e em tiróides normais de 20 a 148/cm². CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados demonstraram redução significativa no número de células C em bócio colóide comparando com tiróides normais, indicando que o processo hiperplásico é restrito às células foliculares em detrimento das células C, as quais, provavelmente, deixam de receber estímulos tróficos e se degeneram

JOVENS CIDADÃOS: REFLEXÕES PARA. UMA POLÍTICA DE FORMAÇÃO CIDADÃ JUVENIL

Este artículo analiza los resultados de estudios previos sobre las nociones de ciudadanía y aspiraciones de ejercicio ciudadano que tienen jóvenes chilenos, y la manera en que están siendo abordados por los programas existentes en nuestro país. La presentación identifica los desafíos que se plantean para el desarrollo de una política educacional como contexto macrosocial que promueva la formación ciudadana. Se analizan también aspectos más específicos de la formación ciudadana que se plantean en los programas existentes: a) creación de una cultura escolar democrática; b) valoración de la formación ciudadana y el rol de los adultos; c) sintonía entre el programa, proyecto educativo y entorno institucional; d) fortalecimiento de las metodologías y equipos ejecutores; e) problematización de la pobreza; y f) extensión de estas experiencias a los contextos de vida reales de los jóvenes. Se analizan las implicancias para el fortalecimiento del trabajo educativo en el contexto escolar y una política de formación ciudadana juvenil.Este artigo analisa os resultados de estudos anteriores sobre as noções de cidadania e aspirações de exercício cidadão de jovens chilenos, bem como a maneira que estão sendo abordadas pelos programas existentes em nosso país. O artigo identifica os desafios que se colocam para o desenvolvimento de uma política educacional como contexto macrossocial que promova a formação cidadã. São analisados também aspectos mais específicos da formação cidadã que fazem parte dos programas existentes tais como: a) criação de uma cultura escolar democrática; b) valorização da formação cidadã e o papel dos adultos; c) sintonia entre o programa, projeto educativo e entorno institucional; d) fortalecimento das metodologias e equipamentos executores; e) problematização da pobreza; e f) extensão destas experiências aos contextos de vida reais dos jovens. São analisadas as implicações para o fortalecimento do trabalho educativo neste contexto escolar e uma política de formação cidadã juvenil.This article analyzes the results of previous studies on the concepts of citizenship and civic exercise aspirations of young Chileans who have, and how these are being addressed by existing programs in our country. The presentation identifies the challenges for the development of education policy and macro-social context that promotes civic education. An analysis is also more specific aspects of citizenship education that arise in existing programs such as: a) creation of a democratic school culture, b) an assessment of citizenship education and the role of adults; c) line between the program, educational project and institutional environment; d) strengthening of the methodologies and equipment implementing e) problematization of poverty; f) extension of these experiences in real life contexts of young people. We analyze the implications for strengthening the educational work in the school and a youth civic education polic

Study of ph effect on AZ31 magnesium alloy corrosion for using in temporary implants

Currently, magnesium alloys are gaining great interest for medical applications due to their degrading properties in the human body ensuring a great biocompatibility. These alloys also provide profitable mechanical properties due similarities with human bone.  However, a difficulty in applying these materials in the biomaterials industries is the corrosion prior to cell healing. The effect of the chemical composition of Mg alloys on their corrosion behavior is well known. In this study, samples of AZ31 magnesium alloy were cut into chips for elemental chemical analysis by neutron activation analysis (NAA). Concentrations of the elements As, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Sb and Zn were determined in the AZ31 alloy. Visualization tests of agar corrosion development in various media, of 0.90% sodium chloride solution (mass), phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and simulated body fluid (SBF) were performed. Visualizations of the effect of agar gel corrosion revealed pH variation during the corrosion process due to the released into the cathode. The highest released of hydroxyl ions occurred in NaCl solution compared to PBS and SBF solutions indicating that NaCl solution was much more aggressive to the alloy compared to the others

Enterococcus faecalis resistant to vancomycin and teicoplanin (VanA phenotype) isolated from a bone marrow transplanted patient in Brazil

We report for the first time in Brazil, a patient from whom an Enterococcus faecalis VanA phenotype was isolated. Glycopeptide resistance is not commonly observed in Enterococcus faecalis, so this finding is of great concern since this species is responsible for 90% of enterococcal infections in Brazil. The isolate was recovered from a surveillance rectal swab culture from a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Identification to the species level was performed by conventional biochemical tests and Vitek GPI cards. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was evaluated by use of broth microdilution and Etest (AB BIODISK, Solna, Sweden) methods. The isolate was identified as E. faecalis and was considered resistant to both vancomycin (MIC, > 256 mug/mL) and teicoplanin (MIC, 256 mug/mL). The isolate also showed high level resistance to gentamicin and streptomycin (MICs, > 1024 mug/mL), but was considered susceptible to ampicillin (MIC, 4 mug/mL). Although the frequency of enterococcal infections is very low in most Latin America countries, the finding of glycopeptide (VanA) resistance in E. faecalis increases concern about apreading antimicrobial resistance in this region.Federal University of São Paulo Infectious Disease Division Special Clinical Microbiology LaboratoryFederal University of São Paulo Infectious Disease Division Nosocomial Infection Control CommitteeUniversity of Iowa College of Medicine Department of PathologySão Paulo Hospital Central LaboratoryUNIFESP, Infectious Disease Division Special Clinical Microbiology LaboratoryUNIFESP, Infectious Disease Division Nosocomial Infection Control CommitteeSciEL

A study on corrosion resistance of ISO 5832-1 austenitic stainless steel used as orthopedic implant

The ISO 5832-1 austenitic stainless steel used as biomaterial is largely applied in the area of orthopedics, especially in the manufacture of implants, such as temporary or permanent replacement of bone structures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the localized corrosion resistance of the ISO 5832-1 stainless steel used in orthopedic implants by electrochemical tests in two different solutions. The results of this study are of great interest to evaluate the corrosion of metallic implants that can result in the release of corrosion products into bodily fluids causing possible adverse biological reactions. The determination of the chemical elements in the composition of the ISO 5832-1 stainless steel was performed by neutron activation analysis (NAA). The samples for electrochemical tests were grinded with silicon carbide paper up to #4000 finishing, followed by mechanical polishing with diamond paste. The open circuit potential measurements and anodic polarization curves were obtained in solution of 0.90 wt. % of NaCl and of simulated body fluid (SBF). The results indicated that the ISO 5832-1 stainless steel presented a high resistance to crevice corrosion in simulated body fluid solution but high susceptibility to this form of corrosion in the chloride solution. &nbsp

Negros e índios no livro a fada Brasiléia: tecendo teias e repensando nossa história a partir da análise de conteúdo

ResumoAnalisa-se um livro de literatura que circulou no estado de Alagoas e foi usado por diversas gerações. Em uma análise documental, reflete-se como se teceram as argumentações referentes aos povos indígenas e negros apresentados na obra. Nesse sentido, tem-se a seguinte questão que norteou a análise do livro: quais os dizeres do livro A fada Brasiléia sobre os povos indígenas e os diversos grupos de negros trazidos para o Brasil e escravizados? Metodologicamente, utiliza-se a Análise de Conteúdo. Em termos gerais, parte-se de dois tipos de unidades – a análise de contexto e a unidade de registro. No primeiro caso, fez-se uma análise da conjuntura do período em que a obra esteve inserida; no segundo momento, selecionam-se temas ou palavras específicas do conteúdo a ser estudado, categorizado e inferido. No decorrer da análise documental, primeiramente fizeram-se anotações à margem do próprio material, para depois montar quadros com o objetivo de construir uma síntese e elaborar categorias de análise. Conclui-se que os estudantes que tiverem acesso a esse material saíram com a ideia de inferioridade dos negros e índios brasileiros, e com a imagem de que o modelo de vida europeu é o “único correto” para todos os povos. Palavras-chave: Brasil e colonizadores. Identidade. Índios e negros.   Black and indian in the book the Brazilian fair: weaving teas and rethinking our history from the analysis of content Abstract It is analyzed a book of literature that circulated in the state of Alagoas and was used by several generations. In a documentary analysis, it is reflected how the arguments related to the indigenous and black peoples presented in the work were presented. In this sense, we have the following question that guided the analysis of the book: what are the words of the book The Fairy Brasiléia on indigenous peoples and the various groups of blacks brought to Brazil and enslaved? Methodologically, Content Analysis is used. In general terms, we start with two types of units - the context analysis and the registration unit. In the first case, an analysis was made of the conjuncture of the period in which the work was inserted; in the second moment, specific themes or words of the content to be studied, categorized and inferred are selected. In the course of documentary analysis, notes were first made in the margin of the material itself, then assemble frames with the objective of constructing a synthesis and elaborating categories of analysis. It is concluded that students who have access to this material have come out with the idea of inferiority of Brazilian blacks and Indians, and with the image that the European model of life is the "only right" for all peoples. Keywords: Brazil and colonizers. Identity. Indians and blacks