myTea: Connecting the Web to Digital Science on the Desktop

Bioinformaticians regularly access the hundreds of databases and tools that are available to them on the Web. None of these tools communicate with each other, causing the scientist to copy results manually from a Web site into a spreadsheet or word processor. myGrids' Taverna has made it possible to create templates (workflows) that automatically run searches using these databases and tools, cutting down what previously took days of work into hours, and enabling the automated capture of experimental details. What is still missing in the capture process, however, is the details of work done on that material once it moves from the Web to the desktop: if a scientist runs a process on some data, there is nothing to record why that action was taken; it is likewise not easy to publish a record of this process back to the community on the Web. In this paper, we present a novel interaction framework, built on Semantic Web technologies, and grounded in usability design practice, in particular the Making Tea method. Through this work, we introduce a new model of practice designed specifically to (1) support the scientists' interactions with data from the Web to the desktop, (2) provide automatic annotation of process to capture what has previously been lost and (3) associate provenance services automatically with that data in order to enable meaningful interrogation of the process and controlled sharing of the results

Modular Web Queries — From Rules to Stores

Even with all the progress in Semantic technology, accessing Web data remains a challenging issue with new Web query languages and approaches appearing regularly. Yet most of these languages, including W3C approaches such as XQuery and SPARQL, do little to cope with the explosion of the data size and schemata diversity and richness on the Web. In this paper we propose a straightforward step toward the improvement of this situation that is simple to realize and yet effective: Advanced module systems that make partitioning of (a) the evaluation and (b) the conceptual design of complex Web queries possible. They provide the query programmer with a powerful, but easy to use high-level abstraction for packaging, encapsulating, and reusing conceptually related parts (in our case, rules) of a Web query. The proposed module system combines ease of use thanks to a simple core concept, the partitioning of rules and their consequences in flexible “stores”, with ease of deployment thanks to a reduction semantics. We focus on extending the rule-based Semantic Web query language Xcerpt with such a module system though the same approach can be applied to other (rule-based) languages as well

Relativistic thermodynamics of radiating stars.

Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2016.In this research, on the topic of relativistic thermodynamics of radiating stars, the following three case studies are investigated: Gravitational collapse in spacially isotropic coordinates { The nature of a dissipative collapse process of a spherically symmetric star which has been perturbed into a dynamical state from an initial static con guration is studied. The collapse process involves dissipation of energy in the form of a radial heat flux. The perturbation in the density and pressure profi les are such that the star is always close to hydrostatic equilibrium. The temperature profi les are studied using a causal heat transport equation. Radiating collapse in the presence of anisotropic stresses { The effect of anisotropic stresses are investigated for a collapsing fluid sphere dissipating energy in the form of a radial flux. The collapse process starts from an initial static sphere described by the Bowers and Liang solution, and then proceeds until the time of formation of the horizon. We fi nd that the surface redshift increases as the stellar fluid moves away from isotropy. The evolution of the temperature pro les is analysed by employing a causal heat transport equation of the Maxwell-Cattaneo form. Both the Eckart and causal temperatures are enhanced by anisotropy at each interior point of the stellar con guration. The influence of an equation of state during radiative collapse { A linear equation of state is imposed on a static con guration which undergoes radiative gravitational collapse. Various values of the equation of state parameter allow descriptions of di erent matter content from classical stars to dust and also dark energy stars. The physical parameters are shown to behave in a meaningful and realistic manner

As lesões endo-periodontais : do diagnóstico até ao tratamento

Dissertação para obtenção do grau de Mestre no Instituto Universitário Egas MonizA área da medicina dentária está dividida, por razões didácticas, em especialidades distintas. A endodontia e a periodontia não são exceção a esta regra. No entanto, estes dois especialidades estão intimamente ligados, envolvendo efeitos recíprocos de patologias e terapêuticas. As inter-relações entre a doença pulpar e a doença periodontal ocorrem principalmente através das íntimas conexões anatómicas e vasculares entre a polpa e o periodonto; estas inter-relações têm sido tradicionalmente demonstradas através de exames radiográficos, histológicos e clínicos. Só com o conhecimento mais aprofundado das vias de comunicação entre a polpa e o periodonto, da classificação das doenças em que há uma comunicação entre os dois compartimentos e conhecendo os parâmetros de diagnóstico se pode fazer uma correta abordagem das lesões endo-periodontais. O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu na realização de uma revisão de literatura sobre as doenças endo-periodontais. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Research Gate e Elsevier, até Julho de 2023. Foi assim possível determinar que os microorganismos na tem significado na etiologia das lesões endo-periodontais. Inúmeras classificações foram criadas ao longo dos anos, mas só a partir de 2017 é que a terapêutica passou a ter um lugar de destaque, à semelhança da etiologia. O diagnóstico diferencial das lesões endodônticas e periodontais nem sempre é simples e requer uma recolha completa dos dados clínicos de vários testes de avaliação para obter um diagnóstico correto. O tratamento é de longa duração e requer um acompanhamento regular do paciente. Tanto a terapia endodôntica como a periodontal são necessárias. Os dois tratamentos devem ser realizados nos tempos adequados, para que haja um controlo da infeção e uma resolução da lesão. A abordagem periodontal nã o cirúrgica é a primeira estratégia terapêutica a ser implementada no tratamento periodontal. No entanto, em alguns casos, o clínico deve recorrer à cirurgia ressetiva ou regenadora conforme o envolvimento periodontal da lesão endo-periodontal.The area of dental medicine is divided, for didactic reasons, into distinct specialties. Endodontics and periodontics are no exception to this rule. However, these two specialities are closely connected, involving the interrelated effects of pathologies and therapies. The interrelationships between pulp disease and periodontal disease occur mainly through the intimate anatomical and vascular connections between the pulp and the periodontium; these interrelationships have traditionally been demonstrated through radiographic, histological and clinical examinations. Only with a deeper understanding of the communication pathways between the pulp and the periodontium, their classification and knowledge of the diagnostic factors can a correct approach to endo- periodontal lesions be made. The aim of this study was to carry out a literature review on endo-periodontal disease. A bibliographic search was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Research Gate and Elsevier. It was possible to determine that microorganisms have no significance in the etiology of endo-periodontal lesions. Numerous classifications have been created over the years, but it is only since 2017 that therapy has been given a prominent place, just like etiology. Differential diagnosis of endodontic and periodontal lesions is not always straightforward and requires a complete collection of clinical data from various evaluation tests in order to obtain a correct diagnosis. Treatment is long-term and requires regular monitoring by the patient. Both endodontic and periodontal therapy are necessary. The non-surgical approach is the first therapeutic strategy to be implemented. The two treatments must be carried out simultaneously if there is to be any hope of good infection control. However, in some cases, the doctor must resort to resective or regenerative surgery

A Decade of Supply Chain Management Literature: Past, Present and Future Implications

This study covers a decade of academic research in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) field, offering an in-depth analytical review focused on the existing trends and gaps in the supply chain literature. Nine academic journals were investigated and a subject categorization is developed for SCM research. A content analysis was then conducted on 405 articles, focusing on the categories covered within the SCM literature, various levels of the chain examined and sample populations and industries studied, as well as the research methods employed. Finally, a conceptual framework of the most highly researched categories in SCM indicates that there is a need for more research that seeks to understand the nature of multiple links in SCM chains and networks, as opposed to focusing on dyadic and inter-firm relationships

Two-year follow-up of macaques developing intermittent control of the human immunodeficiency virus homolog simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac251 in the chronic phase of infection

Off-therapy control of viremia by HIV-infected individuals has been associated with two likely players: a restricted viral reservoir and an efficient cell-mediated immune response. We previously showed that a combination of highly suppressive antiretroviral therapy and two experimental drugs, i.e., auranofin and buthionine sulfoximine, was able to reduce the viral reservoir, elicit efficient cell-mediated antiviral responses, and induce intermittent posttherapy viral load control in chronically SIVmac251-infected macaques. We here show that the macaques that had received this drug combination and then stopped antiretroviral therapy were also able to maintain low numbers of activated CD4(+) T cells at viral rebound. Moreover, these macaques consistently displayed low-level simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) diversity, which was in line with the strong and broadly reactive cell-mediated immune responses against conserved Gag antigens. Extended follow-up showed that the two macaques that had received the complete drug combination remained healthy and did not develop AIDS in 2 years of follow-up after therapy suspension. This disease-free survival is longer than twice the average time of progression to AIDS in SIVmac251-infected rhesus macaques. These results suggest that limited numbers of activated T cells at viral rebound and subsequent development of broadly reactive cell-mediated responses may be interrelated in reducing the viral reservoir

Profiles of phenotype resistance to antibiotic other than β-lactams in Klebsiella pneumoniae ESBLs-producers, carrying blaSHV genes

Extended spectrum β-lactamases production is one of the most common mechanism of resistance to extendedspectrum β-lactam antibiotics is increasing worldwide. Twenty five strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from clinicalspecimens were tested. Based on the phenotypic confirmatory test all these strains were defined as ESBL producers namedESBL(+). The plasmid DNA from each strains was used to investigate the presence of blaSHV genes responsible for extendedspectrum β-lactamases production. Moreover, susceptibility of these strains to antibiotic other than β-lactams in was tested

The effect of taping versus semi-rigid bracing on patient outcome and satisfaction in ankle sprains: A prospective, randomized controlled trial

Background: Functional treatment is a widely used and generally accepted treatment for ankle sprain. A meta-analysis comparing the different functional treatment options could not make definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness, and until now, little was known about patient satisfaction in relation to the outcome. Methods: Patients with acute ankle sprain received rest, ice, compression and elevation with an compressive bandage at the emergency department. After 5-7 days, 100 patients with grade II and III sprains were randomized into two groups: one group was treated with tape and the other with a semi-rigid ankle brace, both for 4 weeks. Post-injury physical and proprioceptive training was standardized. As primary outcome parameter patient satisfaction and skin complications were evaluated using a predefined questionnaire and numeric rating scale. As secondary outcome parameter the ankle joint function was assessed using the Karlsson scoring scale and range of motion. Results: Patient-reported comfort and satisfaction during treatment with a semi-rigid brace was significantly increased. The rate of skin complication in this group was significantly lower compared to the tape group (14.6% versus 59.1%, P < 0.0001). Functional outcome of the ankle joint was similar between the two treatment groups, as well as reported pain. Conclusion: Treatment of acute ankle sprain with semi-rigid brace leads to significantly higher patient comfort and satisfaction, both with similar good outcome

Profiles of phenotype resistance to antibiotic other than β-lactams in Klebsiella pneumoniae ESBLs-producers, carrying blaSHV genes.

Extended spectrum β-lactamases production is one of the most common mechanism of resistance to extended spectrum β-lactam antibiotics is increasing worldwide. Twenty five strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from clinical specimens were tested. Based on the phenotypic confirmatory test all these strains were defined as ESBL producers named ESBL(+). The plasmid DNA from each strains was used to investigate the presence of blaSHV genes responsible for extended spectrum β-lactamases production. Moreover, susceptibility of these strains to antibiotic other than β-lactams in was tested

What do centrality measures measure in psychological networks?

Centrality indices are a popular tool to analyze structural aspects of psychological networks. As centrality indices were originally developed in the context of social networks, it is unclear to what extent these indices are suitable in a psychological network context. In this article we critically examine several issues with the use of the most popular centrality indices in psychological networks: degree, betweenness, and closeness centrality. We show that problems with centrality indices discussed in the social network literature also apply to the psychological networks. Assumptions underlying centrality indices, such as presence of a flow and shortest paths, may not correspond with a general theory of how psychological variables relate to one another. Furthermore, the assumptions of node distinctiveness and node exchangeability may not hold in psychological networks. We conclude that, for psychological networks, betweenness and closeness centrality seem especially unsuitable as measures of node importance. We therefore suggest three ways forward: (a) using centrality measures that are tailored to the psychological network context, (b) reconsidering existing measures of importance used in statistical models underlying psychological networks, and (c) discarding the concept of node centrality entirely. Foremost, we argue that one has to make explicit what one means when one states that a node is central, and what assumptions the centrality measure of choice entails, to make sure that there is a match between the process under study and the centrality measure that is used.ISSN:0021-843XISSN:0096-851XISSN:0145-2339ISSN:0145-2347ISSN:1939-184