1,999 research outputs found

    A ubiquitous learning approach on robotics

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    Ubiquitous learning refers to the integration of learning processes with everyday environments and activities using technology. By leveraging ubiquitous learning principles in the field of robotics, we can foster an immersive and interactive learning environment that promotes continuous learning and knowledge acquisition. This paper presents an in-depth exploration of a ubiquitous learning approach for robotics with the aim to enhance the educational experiences and capabilities of robotic systems. Furthermore, it explores the potential benefits and challenges of ubiquitous learning in the field of robotics, such as increased adaptability, personalized learning experiences, and the development of lifelong learning skills. The results indicate that a ubiquitous learning approach can significantly enhance the learning capabilities of students.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support through national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CeDRI (UIDB/05757/2020 and UIDP/05757/2020) and SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    In vitro inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation by primary S-nitrosothiols

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    Nitric oxide ( NO) is an effective chain-breaking antioxidant in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and circulates in vivo mainly as primary S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs). In this work, the in vitro peroxidation of linoleic acid-SDS comicelles (LA-SDS) catalyzed by soybean lipoxygenase (SLO) and FeII ions was monitored in the presence and absence of three primary RSNOs: S-nitrosocysteine, S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteyne and S-nitrosoglutathione. Kinetic measurements based on the formation of conjugated double bonds and fluorescent oxidized LA-lysine adducts, showed that RSNOs are more potent antioxidants than their corresponding free thiols (RSHs) in equimolar conditions. These results are consistent with the blocking of LA-SDS peroxidation by RSNOs through the inactivation of peroxyl/alkoxyl (LOO /LO ) radicals, leading to nitrogen-containing products of oxidized LA, which release free NO. These results indicate that endogenous RSNOs may play a major role in the blocking of lipid peroxidation in vivo, through the primary inactivation of alkoxyl/peroxyl radicals and also of preformed lipid hydroperoxides.O óxido nítrico ( NO) é um antioxidante efetivo na inibição da peroxidação lipídica e circula in vivo principalmente como S-nitrosotióis primários (RSNOs). Neste trabalho, a peroxidação in vitro de comicelas do ácido linileico-SDS (LA-SDS) catalisada por lipoxigenase de soja (SLO) e íons FeII foi monitorada na presença e na ausência de três RSNOs: S-nitrosocisteína, S-nitroso-N-acetilcisteína e S-nitrosoglutationa. Medidas cinéticas baseadas na formação de duplas ligações conjugadas e adutos fluorescentes de lisina-La oxidado mostraram que os RSNOs são antioxidantes mais potentes que seus tióis livres (RSHs) correspondentes em condições equimolares. Esses resultados são consistentes com o bloqueio da peroxidação de LA-SDS por RSNOs através da inativação dos radicais peroxila/alcoxila (LOO /LO ), levando a produtos nitrogenados do LA oxidado, os quais liberam NO. Esses resultados indicam que os RSNOs endógenos podem desempenhar um papel importante no bloqueio da peroxidação lipídica in vivo, através da inativação primária de radicais alcoxila/peroxila bem como de hidroperóxidos lipídicos pré-formados.18851895Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

    A feasibility study with survival in swine model

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    Transrectal access still has some unsolved issues such as spatial orientation, infection, access and site closure. This study presents a simple technique to perform transcolonic access with survival in a swine model series. A new technique for NOTES perirectal access to perform retroperitoneoscopy, peritoneoscopy, liver and lymphnode biopsies was performed in 6 pigs, using Totally NOTES technique. The specimens were extracted transanally. The flexible endoscope was inserted through a posterior transmural incision and the retrorectal space. Cultures of bacteria were documented for the retroperitoneal space and intra abdominal cavity after 14 days. Rectal site was closed using non-absorbable sutures. There was no bowel cleansing, nor preoperative fasting. The procedures were performed in 6 pigs through transcolonic natural orifice access using available endoscopic flexible instruments. All animals survived 14 days without complications, and cultures were negative. Histopathologic examination of the rectal closure site showed adequate healing of suture line and no micro abscesses. The results of feasibility and safety of experimental Transcolonic NOTES potentially brings new frontiers and future wider applications for minimally invasive surgery. The treatment of colorectal, abdominal and retroperitoneal diseases through a flexible Perirectal NOTES Access (PNA) is a promising new approach

    Orange pickeringite from the algares 30-level adit, aljustrel mine, iberian pyrite belt, portugal

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    Funding Information: Funding: Funding from FEDER (Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional)/INTERREG POCTEP GEO-FPI - (Ref. 0052-GEO-FPI-5-E) and EXPLORA, Op ALT20-03-0145-FEDER-000025. Funding by Alentejo 2020, Portugal 2020 and the European Union (ERDF) is acknowledged. J.P. Veiga acknowledges FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 Programme and National Funds through the FCT-Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology under the project UID/CTM/50025/2019, and SFRH/BD/145308/2019 (F.Carvalho) plus UIDP/50025/2020 (U.D. Menda), and funding from the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, under Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, through the MineHeritage Project (PA 18111).The sheltered environment of the Algares +30 level adit (underground mine gallery) contributes to the preservation of secondary water-soluble minerals formed on the tunnel walls. The massive sulphide and related stockwork zone are hosted by the Mine Tuff volcanic unit and are exposed in the walls of the gallery, showing intense oxidation and hydrothermal alteration. Minerals from the halotrichite group were identified on the efflorescent salts, typically white fine-acicular crystals but also on aggregates with dark orange/brownish colour. Mineral characterization was performed using several methods and analytical techniques (XRD, XRF-WDS, SEM-EDS, DTA-TG), and the chemical formulas were calculated maintaining the ratio A:B∼= 1:2 in accordance with the general formula of the halotrichite group, AB2 (SO4 )4·22H2 O. This methodology allowed the assignment of the orange colour to the presence of trivalent iron on iron-rich pickeringite in partial substitution of aluminium.publishersversionpublishe

    Extraction of bioactive compounds from Curcuma longa L. using deep eutectic solvents: in vitro and in vivo biological activities

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    In this work, deep eutectic solvents (DES-based menthol and cholinium chloride) and the ethanol, temperature, and times were selected to extract bioactive compounds from the rhizome, leaves, and flowers Curcuma longa L., using ultrasound-assisted extraction. Analyzes antioxidant, flavonoids, antimicrobial, chelation Fe2+, inhibition of the cholinesterase's enzymes, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in Allium cepa cells were performed. The extracts showed results of iron chelation and antibacterial. Curcuma flowers and leaves' extracts inhibited food spoilage bacteria with values above 45%, with substantial iron-chelating activity above 50%. Extracts obtained by DES based on menthol and lactic acid exhibited a high percentage of inhibition of acetyl and butyryl cholinesterase. In contrast, flower extracts obtained by menthol and acetic acid showed low inhibition of cholinesterase enzyme activity. No extract showed cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Biological activities showed a high potential for the application of these extracts in the food and pharmaceutical industries.This study was financed by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001. The authors thank both CAPES for the financial support, the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) and the Federal University of Technology - Paraná (UTFPR), Labmulti-CM (UTFPR) for the technical support provided. M. R. Mafra and L. Igarashi-Mafra are grateful to the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq - Grant 310182/2018-2 and 308517/2018-0, respectively).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Gold in the Lousal mine, Iberian Pyrite Belt, Portugal

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    Recent exploration boreholes in the Lousal Mine, located within the Portuguese sector of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) yielded marked concentrations in gold/electrum in a section of core consisting of banded metasediments with massive pyrite. Preliminary research indicates that the gold is associated with native bismuth and bismuthinite and is clearly late in the paragenetic sequence occurring in fine chalcopyrite (± covellite)-bismuthinite-gold filled veinlets within the dominant and more massive pyrite. The pale yellow gold grains are fine, seldom reaching more than 6 ..m in length and half of that in thickness. EPMA results indicate that silver concentrations in gold grains can be as high as 27 wt.%. The results show similarities with conclusions drawn from the IPB on the Spanish side where gold of Co-Bi geochemical association is found as electrum with abundant to common Co and Bi minerals. These associated with pyrite and/or chalcopyrite are characterized by an abundance of sedimentary facies and show that the gold association formed at high temperature (>300 °C) during the initial phases of massive sulphide formation

    GRUPO DE GESTANTES E CASAIS GRÁVIDOS: PARCERIA DO DEPARTAMENTO DE ENFERMAGEM E HOSPITAL UNIVERSITÁRIO/ UFSC

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    Relato de experiência sobre as atividades desenvolvidas no grupo de Gestantes e Casais Grávidos. È um projeto de extensão, gratuito e educativo, realizado desde de 1996, dirigido às gestantes e acompanhantes. Coordenado por docentes do Departamento de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, psicóloga do Hospital Universitário e educadora perinatal. Os encontros de cada grupo são realizados semanalmente no Núcleo de Capacitação Técnica durante oito semanas, sendo constituídos de três grandes momentos: conscientização corporal, relaxamento e respiração, lanche e tematização. Os temas são definidos pelos participantes abrangem a gravidez, o aleitamento, a alimentação, parto, pós-parto, cuidados com o bebê e formação da nova família. Esses e os subtemas que divergem em cada grupo são refletidos e problematizados coletivamente. No último encontro é realizada a visita à maternidade. Nesses 17 anos, 68 grupos foram realizados, com a presença de 1294 gestantes, 751 acompanhantes, alunos de graduação de enfermagem, psicologia, odontologia, de educação física, mestrandas de enfermagem e profissionais de saúde. O Grupo de Gestantes tem sido um campo de formação acadêmica, sendo um espaço para o ensino-aprendizagem. Busca, sobretudo, ampliar o espaço de troca, de interação e de comunicação com a com as gestantes e s acompanhantes, para que possam melhor compreender o processo de nascimento e o papel da mulher e do homem como protagonistas da gestação, parto e pós-parto, preparando-os para a maternidade e paternidade

    Encapsulation of clove oil in nanostructured lipid carriers from natural waxes: Preparation, characterization and in vitro evaluation of the cholinesterase enzymes

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    Eugenol is a phenolic compound largely found in the clove essential oil that possesses promising biological activity. However, its low water solubility is a major concern and encapsulation is an alternative to improve water affinity. The objective of this work was to produce nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) by hot homogenization/ultrasound emulsification and to evaluate the effect of free and encapsulated clove oil on the in vitro cholinesterase enzymes modulation using Drosophila melanogaster (DM) tissue. The NLC composed of a natural wax (carnauba or beeswax) and crodamol showed an average diameter between 121 and 367 nm with good dispersion and colloidal stability. The spherical shape and solid character together with the semi-crystalline environment confirm the formation of NLC. DSC analysis indicated polymorphic transition events of the waxes. In vitro tests using DM demonstrated that free clove oil showed a good inhibition of the butyryl and acetylcholinesterase enzymes above a concentration of 10 mM, with IC50 values of 4.3 and 3.5 mM, respectively. The dispersions of the NLC loaded with clove oil showed a decrease in the IC50 enzymes values, indicating the preservation of the clove essential oil and suggesting an increased in the solubility. Results indicate that NLC dispersions have good potential to be used for foods and cosmetic aqueous formulations possessing biological activity.Authors thank the financial support from CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior) and CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico), and also Laboratório Central de Microscopia Eletrônica of Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (LCME/UFSC) for TEM analyses.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Glycemic index and glycemic response of corn starch porridge with addition of oats, flaxseed or soluble fiber isolated

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    Indexación: ScopusIntroduction: Fibers are commonly known to contribute in the improvement of glycemic and lipid profile, exerting a beneficial effect on health, but its effect on the glycemic index of food is still controversial. Objective: To evaluate the effect of adding high-fiber foods (oats and flaxseed) and a supplement of soluble fiber isolated on the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic response of a porridge of corn starch. Methodology: The study was of crossover, where six healthy subjects ingested preparations based on a maize porridge added to different foods rich in fiber, the GI of the preparations was calculated according to the methodology of FAO. Results: The preparation of linseed added resulting in a lesser glycemic response times 45-90 min and with the addition of oat preparation showed the best results at times 60 and 90 minutes. The mean area under the curve of the glycemic response and GI of the preparations did not differ. Conclusion: Oatmeal linseed seem foods with beneficial properties reduce the glycemic response to food.http://revista.nutricion.org/revista.asp?id=4

    In vitro inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation by primary S-nitrosothiols

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    Nitric oxide (•NO) is an effective chain-breaking antioxidant in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and circulates in vivo mainly as primary S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs). In this work, the in vitro peroxidation of linoleic acid-SDS comicelles (LA-SDS) catalyzed by soybean lipoxygenase (SLO) and FeII ions was monitored in the presence and absence of three primary RSNOs: S-nitrosocysteine, S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteyne and S-nitrosoglutathione. Kinetic measurements based on the formation of conjugated double bonds and fluorescent oxidized LA-lysine adducts, showed that RSNOs are more potent antioxidants than their corresponding free thiols (RSHs) in equimolar conditions. These results are consistent with the blocking of LA-SDS peroxidation by RSNOs through the inactivation of peroxyl/alkoxyl (LOO•/LO•) radicals, leading to nitrogen-containing products of oxidized LA, which release free •NO. These results indicate that endogenous RSNOs may play a major role in the blocking of lipid peroxidation in vivo, through the primary inactivation of alkoxyl/peroxyl radicals and also of preformed lipid hydroperoxides
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