Results of an A109 simulation validation and handling qualities study

The results for the validation of a mathematical model of the Agusta A109 helicopter, and subsequent use of the model as the baseline for a handling qualities study of cockpit centerstick requirements, are described. The technical approach included flight test, non-realtime analysis, and realtime piloted simulation. Results of the validation illustrate a time- and frequency-domain approach to the model and simulator issues. The final A109 model correlates well with the actual aircraft with the Stability Augmentation System (SAS) engaged, but is unacceptable without the SAS because of instability and response coupling at low speeds. Results of the centerstick study support the current U.S. Army handling qualities requirements for centerstick characteristics

Physiological and behavioral thermoregulation in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Sarasota, Florida

The temperature differential (?T) between a body surface and the ambient environment is one factor that influences heat loss. Organisms can affect ?T physiologically, by controlling body surface temperature, and behaviorally, by choosing the ambient temperature to which they are exposed. These physiological and behavioral mechanisms of thermoregulation were investigated across seasons in a resident community of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Sarasota Bay, Florida region, where water temperatures range annually from 11 to 33oC. Because the dorsal fin is a highly dynamic thermal window, temperatures of this surface were measured on wild, free-swimming dolphins using infrared thermography. Distribution of these yearround resident dolphins was compared across seasons to assess whether or not local changes in distribution reflect seasonal use of microclimates. Independent, continuous measurements of water temperature at eight locations throughout the region were used to describe the annual thermal profile of Sarasota Bay. To calculate ?T, water temperatures measured during thermal imaging were subtracted from dorsal fin surface temperatures. There was a positive, linear relationship between dorsal fin surface temperature and water temperature, as mean ?T across all seasons was similar. Dorsal fin surface temperatures appear to be modulated in response to environmental temperature to maintain a steady ?T at the dorsal fin skin surface across seasons. In winter, increases in insulation, both integumentary (i.e. blubber) and vascular (via reduced perfusion and utilization of countercurrent heat exchangers) must account for the protection of core temperature and stability of ?T. Water temperature throughout the Sarasota Bay region changed dramatically across seasons and, overall, these patterns were similar throughout the study area. Temperatures tended to plateau in both winter and summer, and change continuously in spring and fall. Overlaid on this annual pattern of temperature change were short-term, cyclical variations in water temperature, with peak frequencies at 11 and 19 days. The amplitudes of these cyclical changes could vary between sites, creating regional heterogeneity in water temperatures across the study area. The amplitudes of these cyclical changes were more pronounced in winter than in summer at all sites; thus, temperatures within the summer were the most stable of any season. To assess dolphin distribution, individuals were classified based on age, sex and reproductive status. Within a season, distribution patterns appeared to be specific to particular dolphin classes. Though not always significant, differences between these distribution patterns were more apparent in summer, spring, and fall, and less so in winter. Water temperatures during summer were, overall, the least variable, and in the transitional spring and fall seasons, water temperatures across the seven measurement sites were most similar to each other. In contrast, during winter, when water temperature oscillations could vary by up to 6°C over a period of 10-11 days, dolphin classes were more similar in their distributions. The relationship between dolphin distribution and water temperature was investigated to assess whether or not a particular dolphin class was consistently observed in warmer or cooler water temperatures, relative to any other dolphin class. In only one dolphin class, and in only one season, was there a significant statistical relationship. Adult males in summer were found to be distributed in significantly cooler water temperatures than all other classes. This result is interesting, as adult males have the smallest surface area to volume ratios across which heat dissipation may occur, in comparison to other dolphins, and it was found in summer, when water temperatures are warmest and most stable. Thus, water temperature may be an important factor influencing the distribution of adult male dolphins, but other biotic and abiotic factors likely play an important role in dolphin distribution throughout the Sarasota Bay region

A Short Note on an Artisanal Incubator for Fermentation of Apis mellifera Artificial Diets

Considering the importance of offering food supplementation to the swarms during dearth periods, we developed in this project an artisanal incubator for fermentation of supplementary protein diets for Apis mellifera bees, obtaining a fresh, nutritious and palatable product, made on the property, thus facilitating access to the beekeeper to this resource

Domestic violence against children and adolescents: a challenge

SummaryObjectiveTo study children and adolescents victims of domestic violence treated at the Referenced Pediatric Emergency Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas and its specialized outpatient clinic between January 2003 and December 2007, emphasizing sexual abuse.MethodsThe variables gender, age, origin, and classification were studied. For victims of sexual abuse, the following variables were also studied: type of abuse (rape), location (domestic/urban), duration (acute/chronic), perpetrator (known, incestuous), alterations at medical examination, notification to child protection agencies, and antiretroviral medication and serology (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C). Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of abuse and type of perpertrator and they were associated with gender, age, and duration. For the comparison, chi-squared or Fisher's exact test were performed (significance p<0.05), as well as raw prevalence odds ratio.ResultsOf the total cases of abuse (551), neglect (33.9%) and sexual abuse (31.9%) predominated; the victims were female in 55.9% of the cases, and 50% were up to 5 years of age. Of the sexual abuse cases (95), 80% were female, and 58.9% were between 5 and 10 years of age. Rape was observed in 39% and indecent assault in 59.6%; 72.6% occurred in the domestic area, 81.1% by known perpetrator; 31.6% were incestuous, 47.4% were chronic, and 76.5% had no clinical alterations. 81.1% were referred to child protection agencies. Antiretroviral medication was prescribed to 49.1% of patients, and serological tests (HIV in 46 [48.4%], syphilis in 42 [44.2%], hepatitis B in 44 [46.3%] and hepatitis C in 45 [47.4%]%), all of which were negative, were more frequent in rape victims (p = 0.00). There was an association between rape and age (10 and 15 years, p=0.01) and between incestuous perpetrator and chronic duration (p=0.01).ConclusionAlthough this study does not reflect reality, it can be used as a warning to pediatricians

Domestic violence against children and adolescents: a challenge

OBJECTIVE: To study children and adolescents victims of domestic violence treated at the Referenced Pediatric Emergency Unit of the Hospital de Clínicas of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas and its specialized outpatient clinic between January 2003 and December 2007, emphasizing sexual abuse. METHODS: The variables gender, age, origin, and classification were studied. For victims of sexual abuse, the following variables were also studied: type of abuse (rape), location (domestic/urban), duration (acute/chronic), perpetrator (known, incestuous), alterations at medical examination, notification to child protection agencies, and antiretroviral medication and serology (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C). Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of abuse and type of perpertrator and they were associated with gender, age, and duration. For the comparison, chi-squared or Fisher's exact test were performed (significance p < 0.05), as well as raw prevalence odds ratio. RESULTS: Of the total cases of abuse (551), neglect (33.9%) and sexual abuse (31.9%) predominated; the victims were female in 55.9% of the cases, and 50% were up to 5 years of age. Of the sexual abuse cases (95), 80% were female, and 58.9% were between 5 and 10 years of age. Rape was observed in 39% and indecent assault in 59.6%; 72.6% occurred in the domestic area, 81.1% by known perpetrator; 31.6% were incestuous, 47.4% were chronic, and 76.5% had no clinical alterations. 81.1% were referred to child protection agencies. Antiretroviral medication was prescribed to 49.1% of patients, and serological tests (HIV in 46 [48.4%], syphilis in 42 [44.2%], hepatitis B in 44 [46.3%] and hepatitis C in 45 [47.4%]%), all of which were negative, were more frequent in rape victims (p = 0.00). There was an association between rape and age (10 and 15 years, p = 0.01) and between incestuous perpetrator and chronic duration (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Although this study does not reflect reality, it can be used as a warning to pediatricians.OBJETIVO: Estudar crianças e adolescentes vítimas de violência doméstica da Unidade de Emergência Referenciada Pediátrica (UERP) do Hospital das Clínicas (HC) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) e ambulatório especializado, entre janeiro de 2003 e dezembro de 2007, enfatizando o abuso sexual. MÉTODOS: Analisou-se: gênero, idade, procedência e classificação. Para as vítimas de abuso sexual estudou-se: tipo de abuso (estupro), local (doméstico/urbano), duração (aguda/crônica), autor (conhecido; incestuoso), alterações no exame médico, notificação ao conselho tutelar, medicação antirretroviral e sorologias (HIV, Lues, hepatite B e C). Dividiu-se em dois grupos com relação ao tipo de abuso e ao autor e associou-se a gênero, idade e duração. Para a comparação calculou-se o Qui-quadrado ou Exato de Fisher (significância p < 0,05) e a razão de chance prevalente bruta. RESULTADOS: Do total (551), predominou a negligência (33,9%) e abuso sexual (31,9%), sendo 55,9% nas meninas e 50% até 5 anos. Do abuso sexual (95), 80% eram meninas e 58,9% entre 5-10 anos. Observou-se estupro entre 39% e atentado ao pudor em 59,6%; 72,6% foram em área doméstica, 81,1% por autor conhecido, 31,6% por relação incestuosa, 47,4% crônica e 76,5% sem alteração clínicas, sendo 81,1% encaminhados ao conselho tutelar. Medicação antirretroviral foi indicada para 49,1% dos pacientes, e sorologias: HIV em 46 (48,4%), Lues em 42 (44,2%), hepatite B em 44 (46,3%) e hepatite C em 45 (47,4%), todas negativas, mais frequente nas vítimas de estupro (p = 0,00). Ocorreu associação entre estupro e idade (10 e 15 anos p = 0,01) e autor incestuoso e duração crônica (p = 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de não refletir a realidade, serve como alerta aos pediatras.46547

The One Health Approach to Toxoplasmosis: Epidemiology, Control, and Prevention Strategies

One Health is a collaborative, interdisciplinary effort that seeks optimal health for people, animals, plants, and the environment. Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is an intracellular protozoan infection distributed worldwide, with a heteroxenous life cycle that practically affects all homeotherms and in which felines act as definitive reservoirs. Herein, we review the natural history of T. gondii, its transmission and impacts in humans, domestic animals, wildlife both terrestrial and aquatic, and ecosystems. The epidemiology, prevention, and control strategies are reviewed, with the objective of facilitating awareness of this disease and promoting transdisciplinary collaborations, integrative research, and capacity building among universities, government agencies, NGOs, policy makers, practicing physicians, veterinarians, and the general public

Global trends in aquatic animal tracking with acoustic telemetry

Acoustic telemetry (AT) is a rapidly evolving technique used to track the movements of aquatic animals. As the capacity of AT research expands it is important to optimize its relevance to management while still pursuing key ecological questions. A global review of AT literature revealed region-specific research priorities underscoring the breadth of how AT is applied, but collectively demonstrated a lack of management-driven objectives, particularly relating to fisheries, climate change, and protection of species. In addition to the need for more research with direct pertinence to management, AT research should prioritize ongoing efforts to create collaborative opportunities, establish long-term and ecosystem-based monitoring, and utilize technological advancements to bolster aquatic policy and ecological understanding worldwide

Phocine distemper Virus: Current knowledge and future directions

Phocine distemper virus (PDV) was first recognized in 1988 following a massive epidemic in harbor and grey seals in north-western Europe. Since then, the epidemiology of infection in North Atlantic and Arctic pinnipeds has been investigated. In the western North Atlantic endemic infection in harp and grey seals predates the European epidemic, with relatively small, localized mortality events occurring primarily in harbor seals. By contrast, PDV seems not to have become established in European harbor seals following the 1988 epidemic and a second event of similar magnitude and extent occurred in 2002. PDV is a distinct species within the Morbillivirus genus with minor sequence variation between outbreaks over time. There is now mounting evidence of PDV-like viruses in the North Pacific/Western Arctic with serological and molecular evidence of infection in pinnipeds and sea otters. However, despite the absence of associated mortality in the region, there is concern that the virus may infect the large Pacific harbor seal and northern elephant seal populations or the endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on PDV with particular focus on developments in diagnostics, pathogenesis, immune response, vaccine development, phylogenetics and modeling over the past 20 years

Aging enhances serum cytokine response but not task-induced grip strength declines in a rat model of work-related musculoskeletal disorders

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>We previously reported early tissue injury, increased serum and tissue inflammatory cytokines and decreased grip in young rats performing a moderate demand repetitive task. The tissue cytokine response was transient, the serum response and decreased grip were still evident by 8 weeks. Thus, here, we examined their levels at 12 weeks in young rats. Since aging is known to enhance serum cytokine levels, we also examined aged rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Aged and young rats, 14 mo and 2.5 mo of age at onset, respectfully, were trained 15 min/day for 4 weeks, and then performed a high repetition, low force (HRLF) reaching and grasping task for 2 hours/day, for 12 weeks. Serum was assayed for 6 cytokines: IL-1alpha, IL-6, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, MIP2, IL-10. Grip strength was assayed, since we have previously shown an inverse correlation between grip strength and serum inflammatory cytokines. Results were compared to naïve (grip), and normal, food-restricted and trained-only controls.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Serum cytokines were higher overall in aged than young rats, with increases in IL-1alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-6 in aged Trained and 12-week HRLF rats, compared to young Trained and HRLF rats (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively, each). IL-6 was also increased in aged 12-week HRLF versus aged normal controls (p < 0.05). Serum IFN-gamma and MIP2 levels were also increased in young 6-week HRLF rats, but no cytokines were above baseline levels in young 12-week HRLF rats. Grip strength declined in both young and aged 12-week HRLF rats, compared to naïve and normal controls (p < 0.05 each), but these declines correlated only with IL-6 levels in aged rats (r = -0.39).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Aging enhanced a serum cytokine response in general, a response that was even greater with repetitive task performance. Grip strength was adversely affected by task performance in both age groups, but was apparently influenced by factors other than serum cytokine levels in young rats.</p