Simplified sensor design for temperature-strain discrimination using Fiber Bragg Gratings embedded in laminated composites

Several easy-to-manufacture designs based on a pair of Fiber Bragg Gratings structure embedded in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) have been explored. These smart composites can be used for strain and temperature discrimination. A Finite Elements Analysis and Matlab software were used to study the mechanical responses and its optical behaviors. The results exhibited different sensitivity and using a matrix method it is possible to compensate the thermal drift in a real application keeping a simple manufacture process

Asociação entre internação hospitalar por diabetes mellitus e amputação de pé diabético

Objective: To analyze the association between the number of people hospitalized for diabetes and the number of people with limb amputation. Method: This is an ecological study using the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH / SUS) from 2010 to 2015 in the state of Ceará, Brazil. The data were analyzed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Pearson's linear correlation coefficient was applied to measure the intensity of the linear association between the variables. Results: There were 27,054 hospital admissions for diabetes. There was an inverse correlation between the number of admissions for treatment of diabetes and proportional correlation of the number of hospitalizations for complicated foot treatment and hospitalization for limb amputations. Conclusion: The data reveal a thin line regarding the health care of the person with diabetic foot.Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre el número de personas hospitalizadas por la diabetes y el número de personas con amputación de extremidades. Método: Se realizó un estudio ecológico utilizando el sistema de información hospitalaria del Sistema Único de Salud (SIH / SUS) en el periodo 2010-2015 en el estado de Ceará, Brasil. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando el paquete estadístico para Sciences® Sociales (SPSS). Se ha aplicado el coeficiente de correlación lineal de Pearson para medir la intensidad de la asociación lineal existente entre las variables. Resultados: Se registraron 27.054 hospitalizaciones por diabetes. Hubo correlación inversa entre el número de admisiones para el tratamiento de la diabetes y la correlación proporcional del número de ingresos para el tratamiento del pie complicado y hospitalización por amputaciones de miembros. Conclusión: Los datos revelan una línea muy fina cuando se trata del cuidado de la salud de las personas con pie diabético.Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre o número de pessoas internadas por diabetes e número de pessoas com amputação de membro. Método: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico utilizando o Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS) no período de 2010 a 2015 no estado do Ceará, Brasil. Os dados foram analisados pelo Statistical Package for the Social Sciences® (SPSS). Aplicou-se o coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson para medir a intensidade da associação linear existente entre as variáveis. Resultados: Foram registradas 27.054 internações hospitalares por diabetes. Observou-se correlação inversa entre o número de internações para tratamento do diabetes e correlação proporcional do número internações para tratamento de pé complicado e hospitalização por amputações de membros. Conclusão: Os dados revelam uma linha ténue no que concerne a atenção à saúde da pessoa com pé diabético

HEALTH-SICKNESS REPRESENTATIONS OF A GROUP OF WOMEN FROM THE OUTSKIRTS OF BELO HORIZONTE (1994-1996)

Este trabalho é resultado de uma pesquisa de campo, qualitativa, realizada nos bairros Solimões e Conjunto Jardim Felicidade, na região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, com o objetivo de identificar as representações do processo saúde-doença de um grupo de mulheres residentes nos mesmos. Para sua execução optou-se por realizar a observação participante, entrevistas semi-estruturades e análise de conteúdo das entrevistas, segundo metodologia proposta por BARDIN, 1977), TRIVIÑOS 1987) e MINAYO (1993). As entrevistas foram realizadas no período de novembro de 1994 à julho de 1995 com trinta mulheres com idades entre 18 e 40 anos, todas com filhos de 0 a 5 anos. As entrevistas tiveram uma duração média de 60 minutos. Através da análise de conteúdo das entrevistas chegou-se às categorias de representação do processo saúde-doença. A doença é representada como incapacidade funcional e utilitária do corpo. A saúde, além de ser representada como o oposto da doença, ou seja, a capacidade funcional e utilitária do corpo, possui ainda outras representações, tais como: um modo de vida saudável, assistência médica de qualidade e, ainda, equilíbrio e harmonia nas relações com a natureza, com Deus. Este estudo evidencia que estas representações estão estreitamente relacionadas com as alternativas terapêuticas utilizadas pelos moradores. Tais alternativas, representadas por medicina científica, medicina caseira, automedicação, benzeção, curandeirismo e cura religiosa são buscadas de acordo com as concepções do processo saúde-doença.This paper is a result of a field research based on qualitative data, carried out with a group of women living at Solimões and Conjunto Jardim Felicidade neighborhoods, in themetropolitan arca of Belo Horizonte - MG, with the goal of identifying their representations ofthe health-sickness process. The data were collected througlh participative observation, semi-structured interviews and analyses of the interviews, according to the methodology proposed by BARDIN (1977), TRIVINOS (1987) and MINAYO (1993). The interviews, that lastedapproximately 60 minutes, were conducted from November, 1994 to July, 1995 with thirty women varying from 18to 40 years of age, all of them with children between 0 and 5 years old. The analyses of the content of the interviews provided the categories of representation of the healtl^l-sickness process. Sickness is represented as funcional and utilitarian incapacity of the body. Health, besides beh^lgrepresented as the contrary of sickness, in other words, a functional and utilitarian body, has yet many other representations, such as: a healthy lifestyle, qualified medical assistance, and also balanced and harmonious relations with nature and God. This study shows that these representationsare stricky related to the therapeutic alternatives adopted in the neighborhoods. Such alternatives, represented by scientific medicine, home medich^le, selfmedication, “blessings”, “witch doctors”, and miraculous cures are sought according to the conceptions of the health-sickness process

Assessment of ventilation rates inside educational buildings in Southwestern Europe: Analysis of implemented strategic measures

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has highlighted the need to ensure good indoor air quality. Public buildings (educational buildings in particular) have come under the spotlight because students, teachers and staff spend long periods of the day indoors. This study presents a measurement campaign for the assessment of ventilation rate (VR) and ventilation strategies in educational buildings in Southwestern Europe, Portugal and Spain. A representative sample of the teaching spaces of the Azurém Campus (Guimarães, Portugal) and the Fuentenueva Campus (Granada, Spain) have been analyzed. Natural ventilation is the predominant ventilation strategy in these spaces, being the most common strategy in educational buildings in Europe. VR was estimated under different configurations, using the CO2 decay method. Subsequently, the CO2 concentration was estimated according to occupancy and the probability of infection risk was calculated using the Wells-Riley equation. The obtained VR varied between 2.9 and 20.1 air change per hour (ACH) for natural cross ventilation, 2.0 to 5.1 ACH for single-sided ventilation and 1.8 to 3.5 for mechanically ventilated classrooms. Large differences in CO2 concentrations were verified, depending on the analyzed ventilation strategy, ranging from 475 to 3903 ppm for the different scenarios. However, the probability of risk was less than 1% in almost all of the classrooms analyzed. The results obtained from the measurement campaign showed that the selection of an appropriate ventilation strategy can provide sufficient air renewal and maintain a low risk of infection. Ventilation strategies need to be reconsidered as a consequence of the health emergency arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.Antonio J. Aguilar Aguilera and María Luisa de la Hoz Torres wish to thank the support of the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades of Spain under an FPU grant. This work has been supported by the Consejo General de la Arquitectura T´ecnica (CGATE), the “Junta de Andalucía” (Spain) under project B-TEP-362-UGR18 and the State Research Agency (SRA) of Spain and European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) under project PID2019-108761RB-I00. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Granada / CBUA

Reopening higher education buildings in post-epidemic COVID-19 scenario: monitoring and assessment of indoor environmental quality after implementing ventilation protocols in Spain and Portugal

Post-epidemic protocols have been implemented in public buildings to keep indoor environments safe. However, indoor environmental conditions are affected by this decision, which also affect the occupants of buildings. This fact has major implications in educational buildings, where the satisfaction and learning performance of students may also be affected. This study investigates the impact of post-epidemic protocols on indoor environmental conditions in higher education buildings of one Portuguese and one Spanish university. A sensor monitoring campaign combined with a simultaneous questionnaire was conducted during the reopening of the educational buildings. Results showed that although renewal air protocols were effective and the mean CO2 concentration levels remained low (742 ppm and 519 ppm in Portugal and Spain universities, respectively), students were dissatisfied with the current indoor environmental conditions. Significant differences were also found between the responses of Portuguese and Spanish students. Indeed, Spanish students showed warmer preferences (thermal neutrality = 23.3℃) than Portuguese students (thermal neutrality = 20.7℃). In terms of involved indoor factors, the obtained data showed significant correlations (p < 0.001) between acoustic factors and overall satisfaction in the Portuguese students (ρ = 0.540) and between thermal factors and overall satisfaction in the Spanish students (ρ = 0.522). Therefore, indoor environmental conditions should be improved by keeping spaces safe while minimizing the impact of post-epidemic protocols on student learning performance.The first two authors wish to thank the support of the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades of Spain, under an FPU grant. This research was funded by the Consejo General de la Arquitectura Técnica (CGATE), and the State Research Agency (AEI) of Spain and European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) under project PID2019-108761RB-I00. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Granada/CBUA

Indoor acoustic quality of educational buildings in South West Europe: influence of current ventilation strategies

The quality of the classroom environment has a great impact on the physical and mental health of students and teachers. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for new measures and ventilation strategies to be implemented in educational buildings, to ensure indoor air quality in classrooms and to minimise the risk of airborne virus transmission. However, these ventilation protocols can influence the acoustic quality of classrooms and negatively affect students’ speech perception and learning performance. This study presents the results obtained from a field measurement campaign carried out to assess the acoustic characteristics of classrooms of the Fuentenueva Campus (University of Granada) and Azurém Campus (University of Minho). Different ventilation operating scenarios (active and inactive) were assessed to evaluate their impact on the indoor acoustic conditions. The reverberation time (RT), the only parameter used in both countries' regulations to assess acoustic conditions, was found to be higher on both campuses than the RT limits values. Comparison of the measured Speech Transmission Index (STI) and background noise values in the active and inactive ventilation scenario showed a clear variation of the indoor acoustic conditions. The background noise was higher in the active ventilation scenarios (40–57 dBA) than in the inactive ventilation scenarios (34–48 dBA). The average STI values obtained on both campuses for the inactive and active scenarios were 0.54 and 0.51, respectively. In some classrooms an STI difference of 0.1 was found between scenarios. The results obtained in this study provide a broader understanding of the acoustic conditions in university classrooms in Spain and Portugal. The results evidence the need of consider the synergies between the indoor acoustic and air quality conditions to ensure both: the spaces are safe and the acoustic conditions do not interfere with students' learning. The findings show that compliance with the current RT requirements does not ensure that classroom acoustic conditions do not interfere with student performance, and therefore, regulations need to be revised to include additional factors to ensure proper acoustic performance.This publication is part of the I + D + i project PID2019-108761RB-I00, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 . Antonio J. Aguilar wishes to acknowledge the support of the University of Granada under a post-doctoral research contract. María Luisa de la Hoz-Torres wishes to acknowledge the support of the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades of Spain under a Margarita Salas post-doctoral contract funded by the European Union-NextGenerationEU

Systems chemo-biology analysis of DNA damage response and cell cycle effects induced by coal exposure

Cell cycle alterations are among the principle hallmarks of cancer. Consequently, the study of cell cycle regulators has emerged as an important topic in cancer research, particularly in relation to environmental exposure. Particulate matter and coal dust around coal mines have the potential to induce cell cycle alterations. Therefore, in the present study, we performed chemical analyses to identify the main compounds present in two mineral coal samples from Colombian mines and performed systems chemo-biology analysis to elucidate the interactions between these chemical compounds and proteins associated with the cell cycle. Our results highlight the role of oxidative stress generated by the exposure to the residues of coal extraction, such as major inorganic oxides (MIOs), inorganic elements (IEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on DNA damage and alterations in the progression of the cell cycle (blockage and/or delay), as well as structural dysfunction in several proteins. In particular, IEs such as Cr, Ni, and S and PAHs such as benzo[a]pyrene may have influential roles in the regulation of the cell cycle through DNA damage and oxidative stress. In this process, cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, zinc finger proteins such as TP53, and protein kinases may play a central role

Espalhamento e evaporação de produtos fitossanitários em tomateiro / Wetting and evaporation of pesticide on tomato leaves

A condição meteorológica no momento da aplicação e o tipo de produtos fitossanitários são determinantes nos processos físicos de evaporação e molhamento foliar do tomateiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes soluções de produtos fitossanitários no espalhamento e tempo de evaporação de gotas após a sua deposição em folhas de tomateiro em duas combinações de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar. Gotas de 1000 µm de diâmetro foram depositadas na superfície adaxial de folhas de tomateiro em duas condições meteorológicas (31,5°C e 35%UR e 25°C e 75%UR). As soluções utilizadas foram: fungicida (CabrioTop®), inseticidas (Nomolt®150 e Pirate®) e a mistura do fungicida e inseticidas com os adubos foliares, BoroSuper®, CalSuper® e FoliFósforo®. Imagens sequenciais foram capturadas para quantificar a área de espalhamento e o tempo de evaporação das gotas. Os resultados indicam que a área de molhamento sofre influência do tipo de calda utilizada e que a mistura de produtos, comumente feita por produtores de tomate, proporciona uma melhora significativa do espalhamento. O aumento da temperatura e a redução da umidade relativa do ar, condições meteorológicas frequentes dentro de estufas de produção, aumentam a área de molhamento e reduz o tempo de evaporação de gotas

Análise das complicações da meningite bacteriana

Bacterial meningitis, a severe infection of the brain's membranes, requires immediate treatment. Furthermore, major etiological agents include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Additionally, risk factors such as age group and immunosuppression influence its incidence. Objective: Therefore, this study aims to analyze the short and long-term complications of bacterial meningitis. Methodology: The adopted methodology was an exploratory literature review to analyze bacterial meningitis complications. Databases such as PMC, LILACS, Google Scholar, and SciELO were utilized for articles published between 2014 and 2024 in English or Portuguese. Inadequate studies were excluded, resulting in 89 relevant peer-reviewed documents analyzed. This rigorous approach yielded valuable insights into complications and prognosis. Results and Discussion: Bacterial meningitis can lead to a range of complications, both short and long-term. Common short-term complications include cerebral edema, hydrocephalus, seizures, sepsis, and hearing impairment, while less common ones include cerebral venous thrombosis, brain abscesses, and Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. Long-term complications highlight hearing loss, developmental delay, neurological disorders, behavioral problems, and chronic fatigue, along with less frequent complications such as chronic hydrocephalus, post-meningitis syndrome, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and psychiatric disorders. These complications require specialized medical care to minimize their impact on the patient's quality of life. Conclusion: Understanding the short and long-term complications of bacterial meningitis is crucial for directing research and innovations in the field. Studies on new therapies and support strategies can improve the treatment and prevention of disease consequences. Furthermore, vaccination and public awareness are essential for controlling its spread.Introducción: La meningitis bacteriana, una infección grave de las membranas cerebrales, requiere tratamiento inmediato. Además, los principales agentes etiológicos incluyen Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae y Haemophilus influenzae tipo b. Asimismo, factores de riesgo como la edad y la inmunosupresión influyen en la incidencia. Objetivo: Por lo tanto, el presente trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar las complicaciones a corto y largo plazo de la meningitis bacteriana. Metodología: La metodología adoptada fue una revisión de literatura exploratoria para analizar las complicaciones de la meningitis bacteriana. Se utilizaron bases de datos como PMC, LILACS, Google Scholar y SciELO para artículos publicados entre 2014 y 2024 en inglés o portugués. Se excluyeron estudios inadecuados, lo que resultó en 89 documentos relevantes analizados por pares. Este enfoque riguroso permitió obtener valiosos conocimientos sobre complicaciones y pronóstico. Resultados y Discusión: Las meningitis bacterianas pueden desencadenar una serie de complicaciones, tanto a corto como a largo plazo. Entre las complicaciones comunes a corto plazo se encuentran el edema cerebral, la hidrocefalia, las convulsiones, la sepsis y la pérdida auditiva, mientras que las menos comunes incluyen la trombosis venosa cerebral, los abscesos cerebrales y el síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen. A largo plazo, se destacan la pérdida auditiva, el retraso en el desarrollo, los trastornos neurológicos, los problemas de comportamiento y la fatiga crónica, además de complicaciones menos frecuentes como la hidrocefalia crónica, el síndrome post-meningitis, la epilepsia, la parálisis cerebral y los trastornos psiquiátricos. Estas complicaciones requieren atención médica especializada para minimizar su impacto en la calidad de vida del paciente. Conclusión: La comprensión de las complicaciones a corto y largo plazo de la meningitis bacteriana es crucial para orientar la investigación e innovación en el área. Estudios sobre nuevas terapias y estrategias de apoyo pueden mejorar el tratamiento y la prevención de las consecuencias de la enfermedad. Además, la vacunación y la concienciación pública son fundamentales para controlar su propagación.Introdução: A meningite bacteriana, uma infecção grave das membranas cerebrais, requer tratamento imediato. Além disso, os principais agentes etiológicos incluem Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae e Haemophilus influenzae tipo b. Ademais, fatores de risco, como faixa etária e imunossupressão, influenciam na incidência. Objetivo: Sendo assim, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as complicações a curto e a longo prazo da meningite bacteriana. Metodologia: A metodologia adotada foi uma revisão de literatura exploratória para analisar complicações da meningite bacteriana. Utilizaram-se bases de dados como PMC, LILACS, Google Scholar e SciELO para artigos publicados entre 2014 e 2024 em inglês ou português. Foram excluídos estudos inadequados, resultando em 89 documentos relevantes analisados por pares. Essa abordagem rigorosa permitiu insights valiosos sobre complicações e prognóstico. Resultados e Discussão: As meningites bacterianas podem desencadear uma série de complicações, tanto a curto quanto a longo prazo. Entre as complicações comuns a curto prazo estão o edema cerebral, a hidrocefalia, convulsões, sepse e deficiência auditiva, enquanto as menos comuns incluem trombose venosa cerebral, abscessos cerebrais e síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen. A longo prazo, destacam-se a perda auditiva, atraso no desenvolvimento, distúrbios neurológicos, problemas de comportamento e fadiga crônica, além de complicações menos frequentes como hidrocefalia crônica, síndrome pós-meningite, epilepsia, paralisia cerebral e transtornos psiquiátricos. Essas complicações demandam cuidados médicos especializados para minimizar seu impacto na qualidade de vida do paciente. Conclusão: A compreensão das complicações a curto e longo prazo da meningite bacteriana é crucial para direcionar pesquisas e inovações na área. Estudos sobre novas terapias e estratégias de suporte podem melhorar o tratamento e prevenção das consequências da doença. Além disso, a vacinação e a conscientização pública são fundamentais para controlar sua disseminação