Hydric balance and climatic classification of the city of Porto Nacional, state of Tocantins, inserted in the Legal Amazon, Brazil

The objective of this study was to carry out the Climatological Water Balance in conjunction with the climatic characterization, using precipitation and air temperature data in the municipality of Porto Nacional, belonging to the Legal Amazon, Tocantins state, by Thornthwaite and Mather (1955) for 20 years, from 1997 to 2016. From the results of potential evapotranspiration, real evapotranspiration, water surplus and water deficit, the water, aridity and humidity indices were established based on the number of continuous data from the conventional meteorological station , of WMO Code 83064, of the National Institute of Meteorology, located in the district Setor Aeroporto, municipality of Porto Nacional. The climatic formula obtained for the municipality of Porto Nacional was C2wA'a ', which characterized the climate in wet subhumid, with two well defined seasons, rainy and dry, being the dry season in the winter season where it presents moderate water deficiency and megatérmico, with values high annual evapotranspiration potential, with 28.29% of this evapotranspiration concentrated in the summer season

Inverse Kinematics and Trajectory Planning Analysis of a Robotic Manipulator

In this work, we pretended to show and compare three methodologies used to solve the inverse kinematics of a 3 DOF robotic manipulator. The approaches are the algebraic method through Matlabreg; solve function, Genetic Algorithms (GAs), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). Another aspect considered is the trajectory planning of the manipulator, which allows the user to control the desired movement in the joint space. We compare polynomials of third, fourth and fifth orders for the solution of the chosen coordinates. The results show that the ANN method presented best results due to its configuration to show only feasible joint values, as also do the GA. In the trajectory planning the analysis lead to the fifth-order polynomial, which showed the smoothest solution

Multicompartment body composition analysis in older adults: a cross-sectional study

Background During aging, changes occur in the proportions of muscle, fat, and bone. Body composition (BC) alterations have a great impact on health, quality of life, and functional capacity. Several equations to predict BC using anthropometric measurements have been developed from a bi-compartmental (2-C) approach that determines only fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). However, these models have several limitations, when considering constant density, progressive bone demineralization, and changes in the hydration of the FFM, as typical changes during senescence. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to propose and validate a new multi-compartmental anthropometric model to predict fat, bone, and musculature components in older adults of both sexes. Methods This cross-sectional study included 100 older adults of both sexes. To determine the dependent variables (fat mass [FM], bone mineral content [BMC], and appendicular lean soft tissue [ALST]) whole total and regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body scans were performed. Twenty-nine anthropometric measures and sex were appointed as independent variables. Models were developed through multivariate linear regression. Finally, the predicted residual error sum of squares (PRESS) statistic was used to measure the effectiveness of the predicted value for each dependent variable. Results An equation was developed to simultaneously predict FM, BMC, and ALST from only four variables: weight, half-arm span (HAS), triceps skinfold (TriSK), and sex. This model showed high coefficients of determination and low estimation errors (FM: R2adj: 0.83 and SEE: 3.16; BMC: R2adj: 0.61 and SEE: 0.30; ALST: R2adj: 0.85 and SEE: 1.65). Conclusion The equations provide a reliable, practical, and low-cost instrument to monitor changes in body components during the aging process. The internal cross-validation method PRESS presented sufficient reliability in the model as an inexpensive alternative for clinical field use.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Avaliação físico - Funcional de Atletas da Ginástica Ritmica: História de Lesoes e Estabilidade Postural

Poucas pesquisas têm avaliado o perfil físico e os riscos de lesão de atletas da ginástica rítmica (GR), principalmente no aspecto de lesões ortopédicas. O estudo teve como objetivo traçar o perfil físico-funcional, histórico de lesão e avaliar a estabilidade postural de atletas da GR. A amostra foi composta por sete atletas praticantes de GR. Utilizou-se o questionário FAOS (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score) para avaliação da função e sintomas de tornozelo e pé. Para avaliação do equilíbrio postural estático utilizou-se a plataforma de força e para avaliação do equilíbrio postural dinâmico foram utilizados dois testes funcionais, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) e teste de figura em oito. Para o questionário FAOS, foi obtido em média uma pontuação de 90±11 para domínio de dor, e de 96±5 para outros sintomas. No teste SEBT obteve uma porcentagem de alcance de 95±9 para o membro inferior direito e 96±9 para o esquerdo, e para a figura em oito um tempo de 13±3 segundos para membro direito e 12±3 segundos para esquerdo. Com relação às medidas da plataforma de força, a média para a variável de velocidade do membro direito foi de 2,41±0,49 cm/s na direção ântero posterior (A/P) e 2,83±0,67 cm/s para direção médio-lateral (M/L), enquanto para o esquerdo de 2,69±0,46 cm/s A/P e 2,57±0,33 cm/s M/L. Embora não comparado com um grupo controle, os resultados do presente estudo para as atletas de GR caracterizaram-se por uma estabilidade postural adequada observada pelos dados obtidos nos testes funcionais e na plataforma de força. Few studies have examined the physical profile and the risk of injury to athletes of Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG), especially in the aspect of orthopedic. The study aimed to evaluation physical and functional history of injury and to evaluate postural stability of the RG athletes. The sample was composed of seven in RG athletes. We used the FAOS (Foot and Ankle Outcome Score) to assess the function and symptoms of ankle and foot. To evaluate the static postural balance used the force platform assessment of balance and dynamic postural tests were used two functional tests, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and figure of eight. For functionality of the ankle evaluated by means of the FAOS, we obtained an average score of 90±11 for the area of pain, and 95±5 for the other symptoms, the SEBT test got the range of 95±9 to the right lower limb and 96±9 to the left, and the figure eight in a time of 13±3 s to the right limb and 12±3 seconds to the left. With the measurements of the force platform, the average for the right limb was 2,41±0,49 cm/s in the anteroposterior (A/P) direction and 2,83±0,67 cm/s in the mediolateral (M/L) direction, while to the left of 2,69±0,46 cm/s A/P and 2,57±0,33 cm/s M/L. Although not compared to control group, the results of the present study for RG athletes related to a suitable postural stability observed with data from functional tests and force platform measurements

Label-free aptasensor for p24-HIV protein detection based on graphene quantum dots as an electrochemical signal amplifier

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is still considered a pandemic, and the detection of p24-HIV protein has an important role in the early diagnosis of HIV in adults and newborns. The accessibility of these trials depends on the price and execution difficulty of the method, which can be reduced using electrochemical methods by using enzymeless approaches, disposable and accurate devices. In this work, graphene quantum dots were acquired by a simple synthesis and employed as an electrochemical signal amplifier and support for the aptamer immobilization through a feasible and stable modification of disposable screen-printed electrodes. The device has been easily assembled and used to detect p24-HIV protein without the interference of similar proteins or sample matrix. Using the best set of experimental conditions, a linear correlation between analytical signal and log of p24-HIV concentration from 0.93 ng mL−1 to 93 μg mL−1 and a limit of detection of 51.7 pg mL−1 were observed. The developed device was applied to p24 determination in spiked human serum and provided distinct levels of signal for positive and negative samples, successfully identifying real samples with the target protein. This sensor is a step towards the development of point-of-care devices and the popularization of electrochemical methods for trials and diagnostics of relevant diseases

Discovery of new companions to high proper motion stars from the VVV Survey

Accepted for publication in A&A; 14 pages, 3 figures, 6 tablesWe acknowledge support by the FONDAP Center for Astrophysics 15010003; BASAL CATA Center for Astrophysics and Associated Technologies PFB-06; the Ministry for the Economy, Development, and Tourism’s Programa Iniciativa Científica Milenio through grant P07-021- F, awarded to The Milky Way Millennium Nucleus; FONDECYT grants No. 1090213 and 1110326 from CONICYT, and the European Southern Observatory. J.C.B. acknowledge support from a Ph.D. Fellowship from CONICYT. M.G. is financed by the GEMINI-CONICYT Fund, allocated to the project 32110014. R.K. acknowledges partial support from FONDECYT through grant 1130140. E.L.M. acknowledges support from grant AyA2011- 30147-C03-03; J.B. acknowledge support from FONDECYT No. 1120601; A.N.C. acknowledges support from GEMINI-CONICYT No. 32110005 and from Comitee Mixto ESO-GOBIERNO DE CHILE. J.A.G. acknowledges support from Proyecto Fondecyt Postdoctoral 3130552, Fondecyt Regular 1110326, and Anillos ACT-86

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear un derstanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5–7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8–11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world’s most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepre sented in biodiversity databases.13–15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may elim inate pieces of the Amazon’s biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological com munities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple or ganism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region’s vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most ne glected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lostinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years