The Influence of Bulk Density on the Hydraulic Conductivity and Water Content-Matric Suction Relation of Two Soils

The influence of bulk density on saturated, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity , diffusivity and water con tent was measured on undisturbed and disturbed soil samples of Vernal sandy loam and Nibley silty clay loam. Bulk density was changed by artificially compacting the samples. There was a very large decrease in hydraulic conductivity and diffusivity as water content decreased as has been noted by many others . For the disturbed and compacted samples of the Vernal sandy loam, the water content was higher at .33 and 1.0 bar suction than for the disturbed-uncompacted samples. The same general effect was noted for the undisturbed samples, but differences due to treatment were small. The reverse was true at .05 bars. In the Nibley silty clay loam samples, water content was higher for the uncompacted than for the compacted samples at all suctions applied. The effect of compaction on unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and diffusivity was not consistent. At the same value of water content, both diffusivity and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity were sometimes higher in the compacted samples, others lower than in the uncompacted

Tratamento cirúrgico de perfurações esofágicas: análise de 10 casos

PURPOSE: Traumatic esophageal perforations are infrequent. They represent a surgical dilemma for surgeons, especially if diagnosis is made late. Recently, it has been reported that mortality due to perforation of the esophagus has diminished independently of time of presentation. The experience with traumatic perforations of the esophagus is reviewed to determine morbidity-mortality and how it is affected by time. METHODS: A retrospective clinical review was made of all patients with a diagnosis of traumatic perforation of the esophagus treated by the author. There were 10 patients, all of them male. Average age was 32 years (range 17 to 63). The cause of trauma was gunshot (7), blunt trauma (1) and foreign body (2). Four patients were treated within 24 hours of injury (early treatment). Treatment of 6 patients was delayed 56 to 168 hours after the injury (delayed treatment). RESULTS: Patients treated early underwent primary repair. Delayed treatment included: primary repair (1), T-tube (2), drainage of cervical abscess and pulmonary decortication (2), and conservative treatment (1). There was 1 death in the delayed group (16.6%). One patient in the early treatment group (25%); 4 (66%) in the delayed treatment group had complications. Postoperative stay in the hospital was an average of 20.5 days for the early treatment group and 38 for the late treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality of traumatic esophageal perforations has diminished significantly. Morbidity, particularly in delayed treatment, is still very high, with multiple operations and prolonged stays in intensive care units and surgical wards, resulting in high hospital costs. The main factor that seems to influence mortality-morbidity of traumatic esophageal perforations is the time of diagnosis. Every effort should be made to diagnose these injuries early. Once diagnosis is made, treatment should be aggressive and expeditious.PROPÓSITO: Perfurações esofágicas não são freqüentes. Representam um dilema cirúrgico, especialmente se o diagnóstico é tardio. Relato recente dá conta que a mortalidade devida a perfuração esofágica apresenta redução independentemente de seu tempo de evolução. A experiência com perfurações esofágicas traumáticas é aqui revista para determinar a relação morbi-mortalidade e como esta é afetada pelo tempo. MÉTODOS: Uma revisão retrospectiva clínica foi realizada para todos os pacientes com diagnóstico de perfuração esofágica traumática tratados pelo autor. Registraram-se 10 pacientes, todos do sexo masculino. I idade média foi de 32 anos (17 a 63). As causas foram arma de fogo (7), trauma contuso (1) e corpo estranho (2). Quatro pacientes foram tratados até 24 horas após o trauma (tratamento precoce), enquanto os outros 6 foram tratados 56 a 168 horas pós trauma (tratamento tardio). RESULTADOS: Os pacientes tratados precocemente evoluíram com reparo primário. Os pacientes em tratamento tardio incluíram: reparo primário (n=1), tubo-T (n=2), drenagem de abscesso cervical e decorticação pulmonar (n=2), tratamento conservador (n=1). Foi registrado 1 óbito no grupo tardio (16,6%). Um paciente no grupo precoce (25%) e 4 (66%) no grupo tardio registraram complicações. O tempo médio de permanência hospitalar pós-operatória foi de 20.5 dias para o grupo precoce e de 38 dias para grupo tardio. CONCLUSIONS: A mortalidade resultante de perfurações esofágicas traumáticas reduziu-se significativamente. A morbidade permanece elevada, especialmente em pacientes tratados tardiamente, com cirurgia múltipla e períodos prolongados de hospitalização em unidades de terapia intensiva e enfermarias cirúrgicas, do que resultam elevados custos hospitalares. Aparentemente, o principal fator responsável pela morbi-mortalidade é o tempo de diagnóstico. Todos os esforços deveriam ser investidos no diagnóstico precoce. Uma vez feito o diagnóstico, o tratamento deve ser urgente e agressivo

Discursive Practices, Extension Activities and Training of Junior Journalists

This study aims to present a proposal of discursive practices for high school students and undergraduate courses in Letters Based on the results from the ComuniCong extension project it is demonstrated that the production of genres of discourse from the journalistic sphere based on studies of theoretical and methodological categories of the Analysis of French Discourse caused students of these two levels of education to assume the social roles of junior journalists and provide the community with the reading of various texts of their interests It is expected that this study can encourage such practices in educational research and extension institutions in order to train junior journalist

A linear programming based heuristic framework for min-max regret combinatorial optimization problems with interval costs

This work deals with a class of problems under interval data uncertainty, namely interval robust-hard problems, composed of interval data min-max regret generalizations of classical NP-hard combinatorial problems modeled as 0-1 integer linear programming problems. These problems are more challenging than other interval data min-max regret problems, as solely computing the cost of any feasible solution requires solving an instance of an NP-hard problem. The state-of-the-art exact algorithms in the literature are based on the generation of a possibly exponential number of cuts. As each cut separation involves the resolution of an NP-hard classical optimization problem, the size of the instances that can be solved efficiently is relatively small. To smooth this issue, we present a modeling technique for interval robust-hard problems in the context of a heuristic framework. The heuristic obtains feasible solutions by exploring dual information of a linearly relaxed model associated with the classical optimization problem counterpart. Computational experiments for interval data min-max regret versions of the restricted shortest path problem and the set covering problem show that our heuristic is able to find optimal or near-optimal solutions and also improves the primal bounds obtained by a state-of-the-art exact algorithm and a 2-approximation procedure for interval data min-max regret problems

Linguistic Interpretation of Mathematical Morphology

Mathematical Morphology is a theory based on geometry, algebra, topology and set theory, with strong application to digital image processing. This theory is characterized by two basic operators: dilation and erosion. In this work we redefine these operators based on compensatory fuzzy logic using a linguistic definition, compatible with previous definitions of Fuzzy Mathematical Morphology. A comparison to previous definitions is presented, assessing robustness against noise.Fil: Bouchet, Agustina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; ArgentinaFil: Meschino, Gustavo. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; ArgentinaFil: Brun, Marcel. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; ArgentinaFil: Espin Andrade, Rafael. Instituto Superior Politécnico José Antonio Echeverría Cujae; CubaFil: Ballarin, Virginia. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata; Argentin

Handcycling Classification:A First Step Towards an Evidence-based System

Paralympic classification plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition for athletes with varying impairments across a wide range of sports. It provides a framework for grouping athletes into classes based on the impact of their impairments on performance, thereby allowing athletes with similar activity limitations to compete against each other. However, the classification process is not without its challenges. Subjectivity, lack of scientific evidence highlighting the impact of impairment, and lack of standardized assessment tools, for example, present ongoing issues that need to be addressed to advocate for the integrity of Paralympic sport. Handcycling faces unique classification challenges due to the diverse range of impairments among athletes and the complex interaction between impairments, performance and human-handbike interface. The existing classification system categorizes athletes into classes based on the extent of their impairments. However, there is a growing recognition of the need for a more evidence-based approach. Research projects, such as this thesis, aim to address some of the handcycling classification needs by exploring key determinants of handcycling performance and proposing refinements to the classification system. The goal is to ensure that handcycling classification better reflects athletes' functional abilities and promotes fair and equitable competition. This research project began with a critical examination of the existing handcycling classification system, revealing significant differences in average time-trial velocities between adjacent classes. This initial exploration highlighted the necessity for an evidence-based approach to classification. Subsequent chapters delved into specific aspects of handcycling performance and their implications for classification. For instance, Chapter 3 focused on the relationship between sprint power and road time-trial performance, demonstrating the predictive value of sprint tests across different impairment types and bike categories. Chapter 4 investigated the role of trunk function was investigated in recumbent handcycling performance. Results showed that the impact of trunk flexion strength on performance is not entirely aligned with the current classification system. This challenged existing assumptions and prompted further exploration into other potential performance determinants. One such determinant, upper-limb strength, was explored in Chapter 5. Strong associations were found between push and pull force and sprint power output. This emphasized the importance of incorporating objective upper-limb strength assessments into the handcycling classification process. In Chapters 6 and 7 potential determinants of performance were investigated that are intrinsically linked to the human-handbike interface and the different handbike configurations. Chapter 6 investigated the impact of performing closed kinetic chains with the lower limbs on upper-limb strength by pushing against footrests of the handbike. The insights revealed performance advantages for athletes with lower-limb function compared with athletes without lower-limb function while they are competing in the same class. In Chapter 7 hand function impairment simulations were explored. The aim of this chapter was to understand whether there were performance disparities present among athletes with different levels of hand function. Results revealed hand function impairment impacts performance, highlighting the need for further research in this area and respective equipment nuances. Finally, an expert panel was brought together in the study of Chapter 8. The aim of this study was to assess the implications of the findings, described in the current thesis, for handcycling classification. Additionally, the study sought to achieve consensus on some issues while also identifying unresolved controversies in others related to handcycling classification. In Chapter 9 the main findings of the thesis are summarized and it is discussed what they collectively contribute to evidence-based handcycling classification. Ongoing research and collaboration will be essential to refine the classification process and ensure fairness, equity, and inclusivity for athletes in handcycling competition

Educação Inclusiva: o ensino de Artes Visuais para alunos cegos e baixa visão

Anais do 35º Seminário de Extensão Universitária da Região Sul - Área temática da ação: EducaçãoO curso de Extensão foi voltado para professores da Rede de Ensino Básico do Paraná, entre alunos e licenciados em Artes Visuais, com o intuito de analisar bibliografias sobre a educação inclusiva, debater metodologias, e criar materiais didáticos que auxiliem o ensino das artes visuais para alunos de inclusão que possuam baixa visão ou cegueira, como forma de adaptação dos conteúdos didáticos. Os proponentes levantaram debates sobre tipos de inclusão e quais as formas de trabalhar essas inclusões em sala de aula, analisando também, as leis de inclusão e as Diretrizes Curriculares Básicas e as adaptações necessárias para adequação de conteúdo. O resultado da proposta de extensão é promover aos seus participantes reflexão sobre a inclusão e promover a capacitação de professores formados, estimulando o aprimoramento da sua prátic

Orange-Flesh Sweet Potato - Promising Partnerships for Assuring the Integration of Nutritional Concerns into Agricultural Research and Extension

Research Results from the Department of Policy Analysis MARD-Directorate of Economicsfood security, food policy, Mozambique, sweet potato, malnutrition, Crop Production/Industries, Food Security and Poverty, Q18,

Canto de soltura de Corythomantis greeningi Boulenger, 1896 (Anura, Hylidae)

The release calls carry species-specifics characteristics that can be used for the diagnosis of closely related species. Despite its importance, for the Lophyohylini tribe, this type of call is known only for two species. Corythomantis greeningi is a species widely distributed in xeric and sub-humid regions of northeastern Brazil. Herein, we describe for the first time the release call of C. greeningi recorded in the Pedro II municipality, state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil. The release call, emitted during handling in its the axillary region, was structurally and quantitatively different from the advertisement call, presenting a lower number of pulses per note and a lower dominant frequency. This work represents an important contribution to the intra and interspecific communication mechanisms of the species.O canto de soltura apresenta características especie-específicas e pode ser utilizado para o diagnóstico de espécies intimamente relacionadas. Apesar de sua importância, para a tribo Lophyohylini, esse tipo de canto é conhecido apenas para duas espécies. Corythomantis greeningi é uma espécie amplamente distribuído nas regiões xéricas e subúmidas do nordeste brasileiro. Aqui, descrevevemos pela primeira vez o canto de soltura de C. greeningi registrado no município de Pedro II, estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil. O canto de soltura, emitido durante o manuseio na região axilar, foi estrutural e quantitativamente diferente do canto de anúncio, apresentando menor número de pulsos por nota e menor frequência dominante. Este trabalho representa uma importante contribuição para os mecanismos de comunicação intra e interespecíficos da espécie

Bike desk una propuesta de intervención para mejorar el nivel de actividad física y el rendimiento cognitivo en escolares de Educación Primaria

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 5 weeks of interactive pedaling during classes on physical fitness, school skills and creativity in primary school children. A total of 89 children (age range = 10-12 years) participated in this study, although due to the COVID-19 pandemic only 37 students could be considered for the analysis of the results. The students were randomly assigned to two groups, experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). The GE performed a moderate to vigorous intensity cycling program with cognitive engagement for 5 weeks, 4 days a week. Physical fitness, school skills and creativity were assessed. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of creativity. The CG experienced significant improvements in numeracy and total ASD. In addition, both groups showed significant improvements in the horizontal jump test. In conclusion, the implementation of pedal machines does not interfere with the academic performance of schoolchildren and can therefore be an effective means of improving students' physical activity levels.El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el efecto de 5 semanas de pedaleo interactivo durante las clases en la condición física, aptitudes escolares y creatividad en niños de Educación Primaria. Un total de 89 niños (rango de edad = 10-12 años) participaron en este estudio, aunque debido a la pandemia del COVID-19 solo 37 alumnos se pudieron considerar para el análisis de los resultados. Los estudiantes fueron asignados al azar a dos grupos, grupo experimental (GE) y grupo de control (GC). El GE realizó un programa de pedaleo de intensidad moderada a vigorosa con compromiso cognitivo durante 5 semanas, 4 días a la semana. Se evaluaron la aptitud física, las aptitudes escolares y la creatividad. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos en cuanto a creatividad se refiere. El GC experimentó mejoras significativas en el cálculo y el total TEA. Además, ambos grupos mostraron mejoras significativas en el test del salto horizontal. En conclusión, la implementación de pedaleadores no interfiere con el rendimiento académico de los escolares por lo que puede ser un medio efectivo para la mejora de los niveles de actividad física del alumnado