QRS Complex Separation from Convolutive Mixtures of Biolectrical Signals Acquired by Wearable Systems

Independent component analysis (ICA) has been widely used to remove artefacts from multichannel biomedical signal acquisitions under the hypothesis that there is statistical independence among the original sources. However, the basic ICA model does not take into account the influence on the mixing process of the different paths from the signal sources to the sensors In this study we propose a convolutive mixtures model in order to overcome the limitations of the basic ICA approach. The independent components are estimated in the frequency domain, where the convolutive model can be solved through an instantaneous mixing model. The signals are reconstructed back to the observation space resolving the ICA model ambiguities. Simulations are carried out to optimize of the proposed method for convolutive mixtures of electrocardiographic (ECG) and motion artefacts signals. The algorithm is tested on real ECG signals acquired by wearable systems in order to preserve the QRS complex when the signals are degraded by real life conditions of acquisition

Aortic stenting in the growing sheep causes aortic endothelial dysfunction but not hypertension: Clinical implications for coarctation repair

Stent implantation is the treatment of choice for adolescents and adults with aortic coarctation (CoAo). Despite excellent short-term results, 20%-40% of the patients develop arterial hypertension later in life, which was attributed to inappropriate response of the aortic baroreceptors to increased stiffness of the ascending aorta (ASAO), either congenital or induced by CoAo repair. In particular, it has been hypothesized that stent itself may cause or sustain hypertension. Therefore, we aimed to study the hemodynamic and structural impact following stent implantation in the normal aorta of a growing animal

TRACEABILITY OF FOUR EUROPEAN PROTECTED GEOGRAPHIC INDICATION (PGI) BEEF PRODUCTS USING SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS (SNP) AND BAYESIAN STATISTICS

The use of SNPs in combination with Bayesian statistics for the geographic traceability of cattle were evaluated using a dataset comprising 24 breeds from Italy,France,Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands,Switzerland and UK genotyped with 90 polymorphic markers. The percentage of correct assignment of the individuals to their Country of origin was 90%, with an average assignment probability of 93% and an average specificity of 92%. The higher value was observed for UK breeds (97% of correct assignment) while Swiss animals were the most difficult to allocate (77% of correct assignment). Tracing of Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) products, the approach correctly assigned 100% of Guaranteed Pure Highland Beef; 97% of “Vitellone dell’Appennino Centrale” breeds; 84% of Ternera de Navarra, and 80% of Boeuf de Chalosse. Methods to verify Products of Designated Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) products will help to protect regional foods and promote the economic growth of marginal rural areas by encouraging the product on of high quality niche market foods

Nanoinformatics: developing new computing applications for nanomedicine

Nanoinformatics has recently emerged to address the need of computing applications at the nano level. In this regard, the authors have participated in various initiatives to identify its concepts, foundations and challenges. While nanomaterials open up the possibility for developing new devices in many industrial and scientific areas, they also offer breakthrough perspectives for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this paper, we analyze the different aspects of nanoinformatics and suggest five research topics to help catalyze new research and development in the area, particularly focused on nanomedicine. We also encompass the use of informatics to further the biological and clinical applications of basic research in nanoscience and nanotechnology, and the related concept of an extended ?nanotype? to coalesce information related to nanoparticles. We suggest how nanoinformatics could accelerate developments in nanomedicine, similarly to what happened with the Human Genome and other -omics projects, on issues like exchanging modeling and simulation methods and tools, linking toxicity information to clinical and personal databases or developing new approaches for scientific ontologies, among many others

Mortalidade infantil no município de São Paulo: análise do seu comportamento nos últimos 15 anos

The decline observed in the infant mortality in the county of São Paulo since 1950 was due exclusively to the late infant mortality since the neo-natal mortality underwent slight oscillations. From the lowest value of 60,2 per 1000 reached in 1961 it became 73,0 per 1000 in 1966. This increase until 1964 was due not only to a increase in the neo-natal mortality (10,6% related to the 1961 value) but also in a increase in the late infant mortality (13,2% related to the 1961 value). In order to found which was the responsible causes for this so unfavorable trend of the infant mortality in the last years, the AA. drew the conclusion that only the infective and parasitic diseases did not have their rate increased in this period, having the other causes underwent a increase which ranged from 2,5% to 87,5% related to the 1961 value.A queda verificada na mortalidade infantil na Município da Capital desde 1950 foi devida exclusivamente à mortalidade infantil tardia, tendo a mortalidade neo-natal sofrido apenas ligeiras oscilações. Do valor mínimo de 60,2 por 1.000 alcançado em 1961 passou-se a 73,0 por 1.000 em 1966. Êste aumento, até 1964, foi devido tanto a um aumento na mortalidade neo-natal (10,6% em relação ao valor de 1961) como a um aumento na mortalidade infantil tardia (13,2% em relação ao valor de 1961). Procurando verificar quais as causas responsáveis por êste curso desfavorável da mortalidade infantil nos últimos anos, os autores chegaram à conclusão que apenas as doenças infecciosas e parasitárias não tiveram seu coeficiente aumentado neste período, tendo as demais causas sofrido um aumento que variou de 2,5% a 87,5% em relação ao ano de 1961

Impactos del Sistema Tributario en el modelo de descuento de flujos de fondos: Aplicación del Modelo General

The determination of the tax savings´ value and the impact of income tax on the firm valuation is related to the current tax systems. The tax effects imply cash out flow and savings, and, must be analyzed with the tax systems where the firm operates. Modigliani and Miller (1963) and Miller (1977) works suppose a classical system of income tax. The World Trade Organization (OCDE), identify seven tax systems classified into two large groups: integrated and classical. The paper reviews the existing models, particularly the General Model. Next, shows the value equations corresponding to the different tax systems. Through an analysis of cases, the impact on the variables of the tax system in which the firm operates is analyzed, according to the systems classified by the OECD.La determinación del valor de los ahorros fiscales y el impacto del impuesto a la renta en la valuación de empresa depende del sistema tributario vigente en el mercado. Los efectos fiscales que implican pagos y ahorros deben analizarse con el sistema tributario donde opera la firma. Los trabajos de Modigliani y Miller (1963) y Miller (1977) suponen un sistema clásico de imposición a la renta. La Organización Mundial del Comercio (OCDE) identifica siete sistemas tributarios clasificados en dos grandes grupos: integrados y clásicos.  El trabajo revisa los modelos existentes, particularmente el Modelo General. Seguidamente, expone las ecuaciones de valor correspondientes a los diferentes sistemas tributarios. Mediante un análisis de casos se analiza el impacto en las variables del sistema tributario en el que opera la firma, según los sistemas clasificados por la OCDE

Exploring the genetic variability of the PRNP gene at codons 127, 142, 146, 154, 211, 222, and 240 in goats farmed in the Lombardy Region, Italy

Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy affecting sheep and goats. The prion protein-encoding gene (PRNP) plays a crucial role in determining susceptibility and resistance to scrapie. At the European level, surveillance of scrapie is essential to prevent the spread of the disease to livestock. According to the Regulation EU 2020/772 polymorphisms K222, D/S146 could function as resistance alleles in the genetic management of disease prevention. In Italy, a breeding plan for scrapie eradication has not been implemented for goats. However, surveillance plans based on the PRNP genotype have been developed as a preventive measure for scrapie. This research aimed to describe the polymorphisms at 7 positions within the PRNP gene in 956 goats of the Alpine, Saanen and mixed populations farmed in the Lombardy Region in Italy. PRNP polymorphisms were detected using single nucleotide polymorphism markers included in the Neogen GGP Goat 70 k chip. The K222 allele occurred in all populations, with frequencies ranging from 2.1 to 12.7%. No animals carried the S/D146 resistance allele. However, it has been demonstrated that polymorphisms in the other positions analysed could influence resistance or susceptibility to scrapie outbreaks in different ways. Ten potentially distinct haplotypes were found, and the most prevalent of the three populations was H2, which differed from the wild type (H1) in terms of mutation (S vs P) at codon 240. This study provided additional information on the genetic variability of the PRNP gene in these populations in the Lombardy region of Italy, contributing to the development of genetic control measures for disease prevention

ALUNOS PÚBLICO-ALVO DA EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL NO IFES – ITAPINA E O ATENDIMENTO EDUCACIONAL ESPECIALIZADO

A inclusão possibilita pensar sobre o mundo em que se vive e, quando volta-seespecificamente para a inclusão escolar, entende-se que esta tem comopremissa acolher todas as pessoas, sem exceção, no sistema comum deensino. Partindo dessa realidade, o interesse do presente estudo foicompreender especificamente sobre a inclusão escolar do Público-Alvo daEducação Especial (PAEE). Assim sendo, esta pesquisa teve como objetivogeral investigar e descrever as ações realizadas no IFES – campus Itapinaconsiderando os alunos PAEE matriculados no Ensino Médio Integrado a partirda voz dos estudantes frequentadores do Núcleo de Apoio às Pessoas comNecessidades Específicas (NAPNE). Informa-se que Itapina é um distritosituado na zona rural do município de Colatina – ES. Este trabalho foi realizadoatravés de uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo e optou-se pela metodologia deinvestigação que tem como foco a pesquisa exploratória. O instrumentoutilizado para coleta dos dados foi uma entrevista semi-estruturada elaborada eaplicada pelas pesquisadoras em novembro de 2019. Participaram da pesquisatrês alunos do Ensino Médio Integrado, sendo dois em Agropecuária e um emZootecnia. Os três participantes possuíam laudo médico comprovando quepertenciam ao PAEE. Dentre os sujeitos, um era diagnosticado com deficiênciaintelectual, um com deficiência intelectual e auditiva e o outro com deficiênciaauditiva. Os resultados apontaram que, em geral, os sujeitos consideram que aescola está preparada para receber alunos PAEE. Destaca-se que osresultados deste estudo contribuem com a produção de conhecimentosrelacionados à inclusão escolar do PAEE, assim como o conhecimento dosistema educacional inclusivo em nível técnico.Palavras-chaves: Inclusão Escolar; Núcleo de Apoio às Pessoas comNecessidades Específicas; Educação Profissional e Tecnológica; EnsinoMédio

Permeabilidad nasal y postura craneocervical en niños escolares

Mudanças na postura da cabeça têm sido observadas como um mecanismo de compensação para a perda de fluxo de ar nasal. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a postura craniocervical entre crianças com patência nasal normal e reduzida e patência nasal correlacionada com postura craniocervical. Crianças de seis a doze anos passaram por avaliações de patência nasal e craniocervical. As medidas biofotogramétricas de postura craniocervical utilizadas foram distância cervical (CD), alinhamento horizontal cabeça (HHA) e flexo-extensão da cabeça (FE), avaliadas pelo software SAPO (v.0.68). A patência nasal foi medida utilizando o medidor de pico de fluxo inspiratório nasal (PNIF) e escala de avaliação dos sintomas de obstrução nasal (NOSE). Cento trinta e três crianças foram distribuídas em dois grupos: G1 (patência nasal normal - PNIF superior a 80% do valor previsto) com 90 crianças; G2 (patência nasal reduzida - PNIF menor que 80% do valor previsto) com 43 crianças. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos nas medidas CD e HHA. FE foi significativamente superior em G2 do que em G1 (p=0,023). Foram encontradas fraca correlação negativa entre FE e %PNIF (r=-0,266; p = 0,002) e fraca correlação positiva entre CD e PNIF (r=0,209; p=0,016). A contagem NOSE foi negativamente correlacionada com o PNIF (r =-0,179; p=0,039). Crianças com patência nasal reduzida apresentaram maior extensão de cabeça. Este desvio postural é propenso a aumentar à medida que o fluxo de ar nasal diminui, o que indica a relação entre postura craniocervical e patência nasal. Valores mais baixos de PNIF refletem sobre problemas adicionais causados por sintomas de obstrução nasal.Los cambios en la postura de la cabeza se han observado como un mecanismo de compensación para el deterioro del flujo de aire nasal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar la postura craneocervical entre los niños con la permeabilidad nasal normal y reducida y correlacionar la permeabilidad nasal con la postura craneocervical. Los niños de seis a doce años pasaron por evaluaciones de permeabilidad nasal y craneocervicales. Las medidas fotogramétricas de la postura craneocervical utilizadas fueron Distancia cervical (CD), Alineación horizontal de la cabeza (HHA) y Flexión-Extensión de la posición de la cabeza (FE), evaluadas por el software SAPO (v.0.68). La permeabilidad nasal se midió utilizando Medidor de Flujo Máximo Inspiratorio Nasal (MFMI) y la escala Evaluación de Síntomas de Obstrucción Nasal (ESON). Ciento treinta y tres niños fueron distribuidos en dos grupos: G1 (permeabilidad nasal normal - PNIF superior a 80% del valor predicho) con 90 niños; G2 (la disminución de la permeabilidad nasal - PNIF inferior a 80% del valor predicho) con 43 niños. No se encontraron diferencias entre grupos en las medidas CD y HHA. FE fue significativamente mayor en G2 que en G1 (p=0.023). Se encontraron correlación negativa y débil entre FE y %PNIF (r=-0.266; p=0.002) y correlación positiva y débil entre CD y PNIF (r=0.209; p=0.016). Las puntuaciones del NOSE fueron negativamente correlacionadas con PNIF (r=-0.179; p=0.039). Los niños con baja permeabilidad nasal presentaron una mayor extensión de la cabeza. Esta desviación postural propicia la probabilidad de la disminución del flujo de aire nasal, por lo tanto indica la relación entre la postura craneocervical y la permeabilidad nasal. Valores bajos del PNIF se reflejan en los problemas adicionales causados por síntomas de obstrucción nasal.Changes in head posture have been observed as a compensatory mechanism for the nasal airflow impairment. This study aimed to compare the craniocervical posture between children with normal and decreased nasal patency and correlate nasal patency with craniocervical posture. Children aging from six to twelve years went through nasal patency and craniocervical assessments. The biophotogrammetric measures of craniocervical posture used were Cervical Distance (CD), Head Horizontal Alignment (HHA) and Flexion-Extension Head Position (FE), evaluated by SAPO software (v.0.68). Nasal patency was measured using Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow meter (PNIF) and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. One hundred thirty-three children were distributed into two groups: G1 (normal nasal patency - PNIF higher than 80% of predicted value) with 90 children; G2 (decreased nasal patency - PNIF lower than 80% of predicted value) with 43 children. Differences between groups were not found in CD and HHA measures. FE was significantly higher in G2 than G1 (p=0.023). Negative weak correlation between FE and %PNIF (r=-0.266; p=0.002) and positive weak correlation between CD and PNIF (r=0.209; p=0.016) were found. NOSE scores negatively correlated with PNIF (r=-0.179; p=0.039). Children with decreased nasal patency presented greater head extension. This postural deviation is prone to increase as nasal airflow decreases, thus indicating the relationship between craniocervical posture and nasal patency. Lower values of PNIF reflected on additional problems caused by nasal obstruction symptoms

Body posture and pulmonary function in mouth and nose breathing children: cross-sectional study

Introduction: Mouth breathing can lead to changes in body posture and pulmonary function. However, the consequences are still inconclusive and a number of studies are controversial. Objective: Evaluate and correlate spirometric parameters and postural measures in mouth breathing children, and compare them to nose breathers. Methods: two groups of 6 to 12 year-old children were evaluated: mouth breathers (MB, n = 55)and nose breathers (NB, n = 45). Spirometry and body posture analysis using photogrammetry (SAPo 0.68® v) were carried out. The following spirometric measures were evaluated: peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio (%) and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF 25-75%). Biophotogrammetric measures analyzed were: horizontal alignment of acromions (HAA) and anterior superior iliac spine (HAASIS), Charpy angle, horizontal alignment of the head (HAH), cervical lordosis (CL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), cervical distance (CD) and lumbar distance (LD). Results: There were no intergroup differences in spirometric and postural variables. Positive and moderate correlations were found between CL and CD measures with PEF, FEV1, FVC and FEF 25-75%, while weak correlations were observed between lumbar lordosis and PEF, FEV1 and FVC. Conclusion: The breathing mode had no influence on postural and respiratory measures. However, greater forward head posture, with smaller cervical lordosis, was related to higher lung volumes and flows in both groups