Preface of the “4th Symposium on Modelling and Simulation in Computer Sciences and Engineering”

The 4th Symposium on Modelling and Simulation in Computer Sciences and Engineering was held in the 16th International Conference of Numerical Analysis and Applied Mathematics (ICNAAM 2018), Rhodes, Greece, 13-18 September 2018.publishe

Preface of the "3rd Symposium on Modelling and Simulation in Computer Sciences and Engineering"

The 3rdSymposium on Modelling and Simulation in Computer Sciences and Engineering was held in the14th International Conference of Numerical Analysis and Applied Mathematics (ICNAAM 2016), Rhodes, Greece, 19-25 September 2016

Cultivo de fungos comestíveis: estudos com espécies saprófitas e ectomicorrízicas

Os fungos comestíveis são apreciados um pouco por todo o mundo devido ao seu elevado sabor e valor nutricional. Estes podem ser colhidos na natureza, estando sujeitos à sazonalidade, ou produzidos em condições controladas, estando assim disponíveis durante todo o ano. A produção da espécie saprófita Macrolepiota procera e das espécies ectomicorrízicas Boletus edulis, B. fragrans, Hydnum repandum, Tricholoma equestre e T. portentosum são de particular interesse não só devido ao seu potencial gastronómico, mas também como importante fonte de rendimento económico. Além disso, é de todo relevante a exploração de grandes áreas florestais dominadas por Eucaliptus globulus, espécie exótica em Portugal, com vista à produção de cogumelos e consequente maximização do seu rendimento. O principal objetivo desta dissertação é o estudo da produção de cogumelos comestíveis, incluindo espécies ectomicorrízicas e saprófitas. Desta forma, estudou-se e reportou-se pela primeira vez a associação ectomicorrízica de grande potencial económico entre H. repandum e E. globulus, em condições naturais; realizaram-se ensaios in vitro tendo em vista a exploração dos potenciais simbiontes ectomícorrizicos comestíveis de E. globulus; e otimizaram-se as condições de cultura de M. procera visando alcançar-se a produção de corpos frutíferos. Foram analisadas amostras de solo colhido 5 cm abaixo do corpo frutífero de H. repandum em plantações de E. globulus. As micorrizas encontradas foram separadas, classificadas em grupos morfológicos e identificadas molecularmente através da amplificação e sequenciação da região ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) confirmando-se assim a presença de H. repandum associado às raízes de E. globulus. As micorrizas de H. repandum foram caracterizadas morfológica e anatomicamente através da análise de ectomicorrizas frescas à lupa, assim como de cortes resultantes de impregnações em parafina e em resina ao microscópio. As micorrizas observadas apresentavam um sistema de ramificação monopodial-piramidal, com as extremidades não ramificadas dobradas, cor laranja esbranquiçadas e pontas brancas. Anatomicamente apresentavam uma rede de Hartig cortical, como é característico desta espécie fúngica com outros parceiros vegetais. Para os ensaios in vitro com E. globulus foram testados quatro protocolos de esterilização e de germinação de sementes. Como potenciais simbiontes ectomicorrízicos utilizaram-se os fungos comestíveis - Boletus edulis, B. fragrans, H. repandum, Lactarius deliciosus, Tricholoma equestre e T. portentosum - e, como controlo positivo, Pisolithus tinctorius. As culturas de micélio foram colocadas a crescer em caixas de Petri com meio Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) e para o aumento de escala foram utilizados balões de Erlenmeyer de 50 mL, com 30 mL de meio líquido Biotin-Aneurin-Folic Acid (BAF). Foram otimizadas através do uso de diversos substratos (composição e percentagens) as condições de crescimento de E. globulus. Para a síntese das ectomicorrizas foram testados três métodos de inoculação distintos – inóculo líquido, inóculo esporal e soil traps. Ao longo de todo este ensaio foram efetuados três momentos de avaliação às partes aérea e radicular das plantas. Os ensaios de síntese in vitro de micorrizas de E. globulus com diversas espécies de fungos comestíveis e através de métodos de inoculação distintos, não tiveram sucesso. Apesar disso, foi aperfeiçoada uma metodologia de micorrização em condições controladas através da seleção do melhor protocolo de esterilização e germinação de sementes, tal como da melhor composição e percentagens de substratos para o crescimento de E. globulus. Para a otimização da produção de spawn de M. procera foram ensaiadas três misturas de substratos de aveia e trigo - 100 % aveia, 100 % trigo e 70 % aveia + 30 % trigo. Foram utilizados dois tipos de contentores distintos para o embalamento de três substratos de produção de cogumelos - folhas de carvalho + estrume de cavalo, palha de trigo + estrume de cavalo e palha de arroz + estrume de cavalo - todos com pesos iguais (1:1). Na tentativa de induzir a formação de corpos frutíferos foram aplicados diversos estímulos, como a aplicação inicial de cinco receitas de terra de cobertura seguido de dois tratamentos distintos - com e sem refrigeração - entre outros. O crescimento da spawn na mistura 70 % aveia + 30 % trigo revelou ser ideal para um desenvolvimento rápido e saudável do micélio de M. procera. Embora com pequenas variações, todos os substratos de produção de cogumelos foram altamente colonizados pelo fungo. Não se formaram cogumelos após a aplicação dos diversos estímulos de indução da formação de corpos frutíferos. No entanto, nos substratos cuja terra de cobertura era à base de manta morta que não sofreram estímulo de refrigeração, obtiveram-se pequenas massas densas de hifas, semelhantes às estruturas que originam os corpos frutíferos na natureza. Este trabalho veio acrescentar novos conhecimentos de extrema importância para o desenvolvimento de novos protocolos de produção de cogumelos comestíveis assim como para a exploração de novas associações micorrízicas de grande interesse económico e biotecnológico.Edible fungi are appreciated all over the world due to their high taste and nutritional value. These fungi may be harvested in nature, being subject (subjected)) to seasonality, or produced under controlled conditions, being available throughout the year. The production of saprophyte species Macrolepiota procera and the ectomycorrhizal species Boletus edulis, B. fragrans, Hydnum repandum, Tricholoma equestre and T. portentosum are of particular interest not only because of their gastronomic potential but also as an important source of economic yield. In addition, the exploration of large forest areas dominated by Eucalyptus globulus, an exotic species in Portugal, in order to produce mushrooms and consequent maximization of their yield is of great relevance. The main objective of this dissertation is the study of the production of edible mushrooms, including ectomycorrhizal and saprophytic species. In this way, the ectomycorrhizal association of great economic potential between H. repandum and E. globulus was studied and reported for the first time under natural conditions; In vitro assays were carried out in order to explore the potential edible ectomycorrhizal symbionts of E. globulus; and M. procera culture conditions were optimized in order to reach the production of fruiting bodies. Soil samples harvested 5 cm below the fruiting bodies of H. repandum in E. globulus plantations were analyzed. The mycorrhizae were separated, classified into morphological groups and molecularly identified through the amplification and sequencing of the ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) region, thus confirming the presence of H. repandum associated with E. globulus roots. The mycorrhizae of H. repandum were characterized morphologically and anatomically through the analysis of fresh ectomycorrhizae with the stereo microscope as well as cuts resulting from impregnations in paraffin and resin under a microscope. The observed mycorrhizae showed a monopodialpyramidal ramification system, with the unramified ends bent, whitish orange color and white tips. Anatomically, they presented a cortical Hartig network, as generally observed in the relation of this fungal species with other plant partners. Four protocols for sterilization and seed germination were tested for in vitro tests with E. globulus. As potential ectomycorrhizal symbionts were used the edible fungi species - Boletus edulis, B. fragrans, H. repandum, Lactarius deliciosus, Tricholoma equestre and T. portentosum - and as a positive control, Pisolithus tinctorius. Mycelial cultures were grown in Petri dishes with Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium and for scaling up, 50 ml Erlenmeyer flasks were used with 30 ml of Biotin-Aneurin-Folic Acid liquid medium (BAF). The growth conditions of E. globulus were optimized through the use of several substrates (composition and percentages). For the synthesis of ectomycorrhizas three different inoculation methods were tested - liquid inoculum, spore inoculum and soil traps. Throughout this essay, three evaluation moments were made to the aerial and root parts of the plants. The in vitro synthesis of E. globulus mycorrhizae with several species of edible fungi and by different inoculation methods was not successful. Despite this, a methodology of mycorrhization under controlled conditions was perfected through the selection of the best protocol for sterilization and seed germination, such as the best composition and percentages of substrates for the growth of E. globulus. For the optimization of spawn production of M. procera, three mixtures of oats and wheat substrates were tested - 100 % oats, 100 % wheat and 70 % oats + 30 % wheat. Two different container types were used for the packaging of three mushroom production substrates - oak leaves + horse manure, wheat straw + horse manure and rice straw + horse manure - all with equal weights (1: 1). In the attempt to induce the formation of fruiting bodies, several stimuli were applied, such as the initial application of five casing layers recipes followed by two different treatments - with and without refrigeration - among others. The spawn growth in the 70 % oat + 30 % wheat mixture proved to be ideal for a rapid and healthy development of M. procera mycelium. Although with slight variations, all the substrates of mushroom production were highly colonized by the fungus. Mushrooms were not formed after the application of the various inducing stimuli of the formation of fruiting bodies. However, on substrates whose casing layer was leaf litter that did not undergo refrigeration stimulation, small dense masses of hyphae were obtained, similar to the structures that give rise to the fruiting bodies in nature. This work has added new knowledge of extreme importance for the development of new protocols for the production of edible mushrooms as well as for the exploration of new mycorrhizal associations of great economic and biotechnological interest.Mestrado em Biotecnologi

Quality management practices to direct and control the accomplishment of project objectives in R&D units

Projects create value and capabilities for organizations and beneficiaries of their outcomes and must be managed by implementing quality processes to assure an execution compliant with plans, activities, and applicable standards, and to accomplish the defined requirements and objectives in an efficient and effective manner. This study analyzed the frequency of use of quality management practices by companies with R&D units and compared them with project management students expectations of implementing quality project management practices as a professional. The data was collected using an online survey, and twenty-six quality management practices have been analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, following standard procedures, and using the Independent-samples T-Test. For twelve out of the twenty-six practices, significant differences have been found between the two samples, five referring to quality planning practices and seven referring to quality control practices. For the twelve quality management practices, project management students had greater expectations of implementing them, in contrast to the actual frequency of use among the surveyed companies. The results can provide inputs to improve project management practices among companies, reinforcing the importance of training and recruiting project management professionals that have the required training, talent, and aligned expectations on how to successfully manage projects.- (undefined

Immunological Parameters Associated With Vitiligo Treatments: A Literature Review Based on Clinical Studies

Vitiligo, a depigmentary disorder, caused by the loss of melanocytes, affects approximately 1% of the world population, irrespective of skin type, with a serious psychological impact on the patient quality of life. So far, the origin of vitiligo has not been traced and the pathogenesis is complex, involving the interplay of a multitude of variables. Although there is no treatment that ensures the complete cure of the disorder, there are some pharmacological, phototherapy, and surgical therapies available. A series of variables can affect treatment outcome, such as individual characteristics, emotional issues, type of vitiligo, stability of the lesions, and immunological status. The present literature review identified the main immunological parameters associated with treatments for vitiligo. Cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes are the main cell type involved in treatment success, as fewer cells in skin lesions are associated with better results. Other parameters such as cytokines and regulatory T cells may also be involved. Further clinical scientific studies are needed to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying vitiligo and its treatments, in order to expand the range of therapeutic approaches for each individual case

Free PCR virus detection via few-layer bismuthene and tetrahedral DNA nanostructured assemblies

In this work we describe a highly sensitive method based on a biocatalyzed electrochemiluminescence approach. The system combines, for the first time, the use of few-layer bismuthene (FLB) as a platform for the oriented immobilization of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) specifically designed and synthetized to detect a specific SARS-CoV-2 gene sequence. In one of its vertices, these TDNs contain a DNA capture probe of the open reading frame 1 ab (ORF1ab) of the virus, available for the biorecognition of the target DNA/RNA. At the other three vertices, there are thiol groups that enable the stable anchoring/binding to the FLB surface. This novel geometry/approach enables not only the binding of the TDNs to surfaces, but also the orientation of the capture probe in a direction normal to the bismuthine surface so that it is readily accessible for binding/recognition of the specific SARS-CoV-2 sequence. The analytical signal is based on the anodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) intensity of luminol which, in turn, arises as a result of the reaction with H2O2, generated by the enzymatic reaction of glucose oxidation, catalyzed by the biocatalytic label avidin-glucose oxidase conjugate (Av-GOx), which acts as co-reactant in the electrochemiluminescent reaction. The method exhibits a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.31 aM and a wide linear range from 14.4 aM to 1.00 μM, and its applicability was confirmed by detecting SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal samples from COVID-19 patients without the need of any amplification processPID2020-116728RB-I00, PID2020-116661RB-I00, PID2020-119352RB-I00, PDC2021-120782-C2, PID2022-138908NB-C31, CTQ2015-71955-REDT, S2018/NMT-434

Oral Provocation Test on the Diagnosis of Cow's Milk Protein Allergy in Children: Integrative Review

Introduction: The cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is considered the most prevalent food allergy in children, developing, usually, during the first three years of life and can cause gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin changes. Among the diagnostic methods used, there is the oral food challenge test. However, little used in clinical practice.Objective: Identifying the importance of Oral Provocation Test (OPT) in the diagnostic confirmation of CMPA in children.Method: An integrative review of studies of the last ten years, with six relevant articles related to the theme and used and described the OPT in children with suspected CMPA.Results: The OPT is important to confirm the diagnosis, avoiding prolonged exclusion diets, nutritional risks and unnecessary expenses. The oral test with milk can be adopted as the gold standard and used as a basis for comparative studies that aims to advance the molecular diagnosis, determining the specificities and sensitivities of such tests. It can also be used with other foods. In innovative studies to determine the tolerance of dairy foods, allowing include them in the feeding of these patients during the elimination diet.Conclusion: It is important that the OPT is performed early in the onset of symptoms suggestive of CMPA, in order to avoid prolonged exclusion diets, nutritional risks and unnecessary expenses

TEORIA DE VAN HIELE: SEUS DESDOBRAMENTOS NO ENSINO DE GEOMETRIA PLANA

This work is an article whose objective was to analyze the use of Van Hiele's Theory for the improvement of classes in Plane Geometry. To achieve its objective, a qualitative approach was adopted that enabled the author to interpret and compare the results. This research is characterized as bibliographical. In this work, five Master's works were selected that adopted Van Hiele's theory to improve classes in Plane Geometry. These works were found in the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, where the works by Domingos (2010) and Silva (2018) were selected, in the Platform of Theses and Dissertations of Capes, where works by Nagata (2016) and by Costa (2016), and in the PROFMAT Dissertations, where the work by Campos (2020) was selected. It was also highlighted the methods applied by the authors to improve the teaching and learning of the students, as well as their results. The results of this research showed some ways of using the Van Hiele model in Plane Geometry classes, in addition to showing that this model fits the objectives and materials used by the teacher.  Este trabajo es un artículo cuyo objetivo fue analizar el uso de la Teoría de Van Hiele para el perfeccionamiento de clases en Geometría Plana. Para lograr su objetivo, se adoptó un enfoque cualitativo que permitió al autor interpretar y comparar los resultados. Esta investigación se caracteriza por ser bibliográfica. En este trabajo se seleccionaron cinco obras de Maestría que adoptaron la teoría de Van Hiele para mejorar las clases de Geometría Plana. Estos trabajos fueron encontrados en la Biblioteca Digital Brasileña de Tesis y Disertaciones, donde fueron seleccionados los trabajos de Domingos (2010) y Silva (2018), en la Plataforma de Tesis y Disertaciones de la Capes, donde fueron seleccionados trabajos de Nagata (2016) y de Costa (2016), y en las Disertaciones PROFMAT, donde se seleccionó el trabajo de Campos (2020). También se destacaron los métodos aplicados por los autores para mejorar la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de los estudiantes, así como sus resultados. Los resultados de esta investigación mostraron algunas formas de utilizar el modelo de Van Hiele en las clases de Geometría Plana, además de mostrar que este modelo se ajusta a los objetivos y materiales utilizados por el docente.Este trabalho se trada de um artigo cujo objetivo é analisar o uso da Teoria de Van Hiele para o aprimoramento das aulas em Geometria plana. Para alcançar seu objetivo, adotou-se uma abordagem qualitativa que possibilitou ao autor interpretar e comparar os resultados. Esta pesquisa se caracteriza como bibliográfica. Sendo assim, foram selecionados cinco trabalhos de Mestrado que adotaram a teoria de Van Hiele para o aperfeiçoamento das aulas em Geometria Plana. Esses trabalhos foram encontrados na Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, onde foram escolhidos os trabalhos de Domingos (2010) e de Silva (2018), já na Plataforma de Teses e Dissertações da Capes, foram os trabalhos de Nagata (2016) e de Costa (2016), e nas Dissertações do PROFMAT o de Campos (2020). Ainda, tornou-se destaque, os métodos aplicados pelos autores para aperfeiçoar o ensino e o aprendizado dos alunos, bem como seus resultados. Os produtos desta pesquisa apontaram algumas formas de como se pode utilizar o modelo de Van Hiele nas aulas de Geometria Plana, além de evidenciar que este modelo se adequa aos objetivos e materiais utilizados pelo professor.Este trabalho se trada de um artigo cujo objetivo foi analisar o uso da Teoria de Van Hiele para o aprimoramento das aulas em Geometria plana. Para alcançar seu objetivo, foi adotado uma abordagem qualitativa que possibilitou ao autor com interpretar e comparar os resultados. Esta pesquisa se caracteriza como bibliográfica. Neste trabalho, foram selecionados cinco trabalhos de Mestrado que adotaram a teoria de Van Hiele para o aperfeiçoamento das aulas em Geometria Plana. Esses trabalhos foram encontrados na Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, onde foram selecionados os trabalhos de Domingos (2010) e de Silva (2018), na Plataforma de Teses e Dissertações da Capes, onde foram selecionados trabalhos de Nagata (2016) e de Costa (2016), e nas Dissertações do PROFMAT, onde foi selecionado o trabalho de Campos (2020). Foi destacado, também, os métodos aplicados pelos autores para aperfeiçoar o ensino e o aprendizado dos alunos, bem como seus resultados. Os resultados desta pesquisa apontaram algumas formas de como se pode utilizar o modelo de Van Hiele nas aulas de Geometria Plana, além de evidenciar que este modelo se adequa aos objetivos e materiais utilizados pelo professor

Portuguese recommendations for the use of methotrexate in rheumatic diseases – 2016 update

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Methylene Blue functionalized carbon nanodots combined with different shape gold nanostructures for sensitive and selective SARS-CoV-2 sensing

The development of DNA-sensing platforms based on new synthetized Methylene Blue functionalized carbon nanodots combined with different shape gold nanostructures (AuNs), as a new pathway to develop a selective and sensitive methodology for SARS-CoV-2 detection is presented. A mixture of gold nanoparticles and gold nanotriangles have been synthetized to modify disposable electrodes that act as an enhanced nanostructured electrochemical surface for DNA probe immobilization. On the other hand, modified carbon nanodots prepared a la carte to contain Methylene Blue (MB-CDs) are used as electrochemical indicators of the hybridization event. These MB-CDs, due to their structure, are able to interact differently with double and single-stranded DNA molecules. Based on this strategy, target sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been detected in a straightforward way and rapidly with a detection limit of 2.00 aM. Moreover, this platform allows the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 sequence in the presence of other viruses, and also a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). The developed approach has been tested directly on RNA obtained from nasopharyngeal samples from COVID-19 patients, avoiding any amplification process. The results agree well with those obtained by RT-qPCR or reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique.We acknowledge the support from the Comunidad de Madrid (TRANSNANOAVANSENS-CM, S2018/NMT-4349, NANOCOV-CM, SI3/PJI/2021–00341) and Ministerio de economia y competitividad de España (PID2020–116728RB-100, CTQ2015–71955-REDT (ELECTROBIONET)). IMDEA Nanociencia acknowledges support from the Programme for Centres of Excellence in R&D ‘Severo Ochoa’ (CEX2020–001039-S, MINECO). Authors also acknowledge REACT EU NANOCOV-CM project. RdC acknowledges support from Fundación IMDEA Nanociencia, Banco Santander, UAM (convocatoria CRUE- SANTANDER-CSIC, reference 10.01.03.02.41).Peer reviewe