Statistical translation invariance protects a topological insulator from interactions

We investigate the effect of interactions on the stability of a disordered, two-dimensional topological insulator realized as an array of nanowires or chains of magnetic atoms on a superconducting substrate. The Majorana zero-energy modes present at the ends of the wires overlap, forming a dispersive edge mode with thermal conductance determined by the central charge $c$ of the low-energy effective field theory of the edge. We show numerically that, in the presence of disorder, the $c=1/2$ Majorana edge mode remains delocalized up to extremely strong attractive interactions, while repulsive interactions drive a transition to a $c=3/2$ edge phase localized by disorder. The absence of localization for strong attractive interactions is explained by a self-duality symmetry of the statistical ensemble of disorder configurations and of the edge interactions, originating from translation invariance on the length scale of the underlying mesoscopic array.Comment: 5+2 pages, 8 figure

Fabrication of Poly(Glycerol Sebacate)-Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Extrusion-Based Scaffolds for Cartilage Regeneration

Acknowledgements: This research was supported by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), through COMPETE2020 under the PT2020 program (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-023423), by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (UID/Multi/04044/2013) and Centro2020 PAMI - ROTEIRO/0328/2013 (Nº 022158).Cartilage related diseases are on the top list concerns of the World Health Organization, being the prevention of articular cartilage degeneration a major health matter for which there are few effective solutions. Using an extrusion-based approach and a polyester elastomer it was aimed to produce 3D structures with controlled architecture and with closer mimicry to cartilage native tissue. The obtained constructs demonstrated high reliability, being the addition of poly (glycerol sebacate) a procedure to enhance the properties of the constructs.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Home-based Rehabilitation With A Novel Digital Biofeedback System versus Conventional In-person Rehabilitation after Total Knee Replacement: a feasibility study

In-person home-based rehabilitation and telerehabilitation can be as effective as clinic-based rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but require heavy logistics and are highly dependent on human supervision. New technologies that allow independent home-based rehabilitation without constant human supervision may help solve this problem. This was a single-center, feasibility study comparing a digital biofeedback system that meets these needs against conventional in-person home-based rehabilitation after TKA over an 8-week program. Primary outcome was the change in the Timed Up and Go score between the end of the program and baseline. Fifty-nine patients completed the study (30 experimental group; 29 conventional rehabilitation). The study demonstrated a superiority of the experimental group for all outcomes. Adverse events were similar in both groups. This is the first study to demonstrate that a digital rehabilitation solution can achieve better outcomes than conventional in-person rehabilitation, while less demanding in terms of human resources.his work was supported by the European Commission through the Project H2020 SME Instrument Phase 2 - Grant Agreement number 672814.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Desfechos psicológicos em longo prazo após alta da terapia intensiva

Objective: To investigate the longterm psychological outcome in survivors of critical illness after intensive care unit discharge. Methods: A prospective cohort of survivors admitted to a mixed intensive care unit between January and September 2010 was evaluated six months and five years after hospital discharge. The Dementia Rating Scale-2, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Posttraumatic stress syndrome 14-questions inventory, the Euro Quality of Life 5 Dimensions (EQ-5-D), and the Visual Analogue Scale (EQ VAS) were assessed at both follow-up periods. Results: Of 267 patients, 25 patients were evaluated at 6 months after discharge (62 ± 16 years); 12 (48%) presented cognitive impairment, 6 (24%) anxiety, 4 (16%) depression, and 4 (16%) post-traumatic stress disorder. Among those re-evaluated five years after discharge (n = 17; 65 ± 15 years), the frequency of cognitive impairment dropped from 8 (47%) to 3 (18%) (p = 0.063), due to improvement in these patients over time, and other patients did not acquire any dysfunction after discharge. At five years after discharge, only two patients (12%) reported anxiety, and none had depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. No differences were found between the six-month and five-year follow-ups regarding EQ-5-D and EQ VAS. Conclusion: Survivors do not show a progressive decline in cognitive function or quality of life within five years after intensive care unit discharge. Psychopathological symptoms tend to decrease with time.Objetivo: Investigar o desfecho psicológico em longo prazo em sobreviventes de doenças críticas, após alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Avaliou-se coorte prospectiva de pacientes sobreviventes após admissão a uma unidade de terapia intensiva mista entre janeiro e setembro de 2010, 6 meses e 5 anos após a alta hospitalar. Aplicaram-se em todos os momentos as seguintes escalas: Dementia Rating Scale-2, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome 14-Questions Inventory, Euro Quality of Life 5 Dimensions (EQ-5-D) e Visual Analogue Scale (EQ VAS). Resultados: Dentre 267 pacientes, 25 foram avaliados após 6 meses (idade: 62 ± 16 anos). Aos 6 meses, 48% apresentavam comprometimento cognitivo; 24% ansiedade, 16% depressão e 16% transtorno de estresse pós-traumático. Foram reavaliados 5 anos após a alta 17 pacientes, com idade: 65 ± 15 anos. Dentre eles, a frequência de comprometimento cognitivo caiu de 47% para 18% (p = 0,063), em razão da melhora destes pacientes ao longo do tempo e do não surgimento desta condição em outros pacientes após a alta. Ainda após 5 anos, apenas 12% da amostra relatou ansiedade, e nenhum tinha depressão ou transtorno de estresse pós-traumático. Não se encontraram diferenças em termos das escalas EQ-5-D e EQ VAS entre as avaliações após 6 meses e 5 anos. Conclusão: Os sobreviventes não apresentaram declínio progressivo da função cognitiva ou da qualidade de vida dentro de 5 anos após a alta da unidade de terapia intensiva. Os sintomas psicopatológicos tenderam a diminuir com o tempo.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mean-field Study of Charge, Spin, and Orbital Orderings in Triangular-lattice Compounds ANiO2 (A=Na, Li, Ag)

We present our theoretical results on the ground states in layered triangular-lattice compounds ANiO2 (A=Na, Li, Ag). To describe the interplay between charge, spin, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom in these materials, we study a doubly-degenerate Hubbard model with electron-phonon couplings by the Hartree-Fock approximation combined with the adiabatic approximation. In a weakly-correlated region, we find a metallic state accompanied by \sqroot3x\sqroot3 charge ordering. On the other hand, we obtain an insulating phase with spin-ferro and orbital-ferro ordering in a wide range from intermediate to strong correlation. These phases share many characteristics with the low-temperature states of AgNiO2 and NaNiO2, respectively. The charge-ordered metallic phase is stabilized by a compromise between Coulomb repulsions and effective attractive interactions originating from the breathing-type electronphonon coupling as well as the Hund's-rule coupling. The spin-orbital-ordered insulating phase is stabilized by the cooperative effect of electron correlations and the Jahn-Teller coupling, while the Hund's-rule coupling also plays a role in the competition with other orbital-ordered phases. The results suggest a unified way of understanding a variety of low-temperature phases in ANiO2. We also discuss a keen competition among different spin-orbital-ordered phases in relation to a puzzling behavior observed in LiNiO2

Environmental profile of the integrated production of ethanol and beef cattle in Brazil.

Abstract: Sugarcane outstands as an important renewable source of energy with expected steady production growth. However, expansion of sugarcane is critical, since the environmental performance of ethanol may be affected by GHG emissions derived from LUC. On the other hand, livestock farming currently practiced in Brazil is mainly extensive, occupying large areas and showing low productivity levels. Hence, in order to sustain the increase of ethanol production, mitigation of iLUC effects should be a priority on sugarcane expansion strategies. Integration of ethanol and beef cattle production can be part of this strategy by contributing to reduction of GHG emissions and improving land use management. This study made a comparative evaluation of the environmental profile of integrating ethanol and beef cattle production, considering different scenarios. The production chains were connected in such a way that the land used for biofuels would be converted from pre-existing extensive pasture, thereby minimizing iLUC and food vs. fuel competition. Results show that integrated production have better environmental performance for most LCA categories analyzed, but the relative differences between scenarios do not exceed 10%. The potential for mitigating GHG emissions through ethanol production and intensification of cattle husbandry became evident when they replace fossil resources and extensive production. Finally, it is important to remark that such integration can largely contribute to avoid iLUC and to support the achievement of the Brazilian emissions target from the Paris Agreement, especially through the increase of bioenergy participation in the Brazilian energy matrix and the restoration of degraded pasture areas

AlergiaPT: A Portuguese media campaign to inspire people with allergies to make a positive change in their life

Allergic diseases comprise a significant cause of morbidity worldwide and a substantial burden on the health and medical systems of both developed and emerging economies. Although highly prevalent, relatively severe, and largely impactful on the quality of life of patients, allergic diseases are commonly trivialized. Increasing awareness of the relevance of allergic diseases as a major public health problem might lead to an improved acknowledgment by governments and health authorities. Based on the positive impact that media campaigns might have on health-related behaviors, as well as the large use of social media by different types of users, social media might be used as a powerful tool for spreading awareness and education even more effective than traditional face-to-face communication. Therefore, we aimed to develop a social media-based communication program, the AlergiaPT, reaching all stakeholders, to increase the awareness of allergic diseases tackling the causes, prevention, control, and economic impact. The AlergiaPT will provide user-generated and interactive content toward engagement, include both long-form and short-form video productions toward education, as well as stories and time-sensitive content toward empowerment. It will be targeted to all populations, engaging different stakeholders. Contents will address the 5 campaign goals: i) allergy health is promoted; ii) tolerance is actively reinforced, and avoidance reduced; iii) treatment control and guided self-management of patients of asthma, rhinitis, food allergy, and atopic eczema are strengthened; iv) recognition and treatment of severe allergy and anaphylaxis are improved, and v) indoor air quality is promoted. Engagement on the campaign will be promoted through stepwise educational takeaways meetings using different social media, and targeting all audience groups, by promoting the organization of resources for common goals and the involvement of social media to improve public awareness. The impact of AlergiaPT will be assessed through google analytics

Desempenho ambiental da cana-de-açúcar: avaliação regional do ciclo de vida

Resumo: O setor sucroalcooleiro cumpre um papel estratégico para a segurança energética. Os produtos energéticos da cana-de-açúcar são responsáveis por 15,7% de toda a oferta de energia do país. Devido à importante participação do setor sucroalcooleiro na matriz energética brasileira e à crescente preocupação com os impactos ambientais, estudos de Avaliação de Ciclo de Vida tornam-se importantes para a análise do desempenho ambiental dos sistemas de produção de cana-de-açúcar. A elaboração de inventários de ciclo de vida (ICV) representativos é um grande desafio, considerando as diferentes regiões produtoras e suas características específicas de clima, solo e nível tecnológico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar inventários regionalizados da produção de cana-de-açúcar na região Centro-Sul do país. Além disso, foi gerado o perfil ambiental dos sistemas típicos das regiões produtoras de cana-de-açúcar. Foram utilizados dados do IDEA (2014) validados por especialistas do setor e compatibilizados para a composição de ICV médios. As emissões foram estimadas segundo Nemecek e Schnetzer (2011), Canals (2003) e Novaes et al. (2016). Analisando os resultados da avaliação de impacto ambiental normalizados, observou-se que, dentre as 14 categorias de impacto analisadas, as mais significativas foram Eutrofização de Água Doce, Toxicidade Humana e Formação de Material Particulado. Por fim, foi possível destacar a importância da elaboração destes ICVs regionalizados para melhor representar os processos agrícolas do setor canavieiro no Brasil e possibilitar avaliações mais confiáveis no âmbito da ACV. Abstract: The sugar ethanol industry plays a strategic role in energy security. Energy products of sugarcane account for 15.7% of the national energy matrix. Due to the important role of this sector in the Brazilian energy matrix and the growing concern about the environmental impacts, Life Cycle Assessment studies become important for analyzing the environmental performance of sugarcane production systems. The development of Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) representative is a big challenge, considering the different producing regions and their specific features of climate, soil and technological level. The main purpose of this study was to create regionalized inventories of sugarcane production in the South-Central region. Moreover, it was generated the environmental profile of the typical systems of the sugarcane producing regions. IDEA data were used (2014) validated by industry experts and matched to the composition of average LCI. The emissions were estimated according Nemecek and Schnetzer (2011), Canals (2003) and Novaes et al. (2016). Analyzing the results of the environmental impact assessment, normalized, it was observed that among the 14 impact categories analyzed, the most significant were Freshwater Eutrophication, Human Toxicity and Particulate Matter Formation. In conclusion, it was possible to highlight the importance of developing these regionalized life cycle inventories to better reflect the sugarcane sector in Brazil and to allow more reliable assessments under the scope of LCA

(I)Migrantes, diversidades e desigualdades no sistema educativo português : balanço e perspectivas

O objectivo do presente artigo consiste em procurar transmitir um olhar sociologicamente informado no que concerne à situação portuguesa no domínio das políticas educativas públicas e investigações produzidas relacionadas com o sistema educativo e a (i)migração, ou seja, com a tentativa de construção de uma educação intercultural. Neste sentido, será realizada uma análise descritiva e compreensivo-interpretativa da evolução desta problemática em Portugal desde que a mesma se tornou objecto de reflexão por parte de investigadores/as e políticos nos finais da década de oitenta, início da década de noventa do século XX. Nesta análise, será dada ênfase às investigações e quadros teóricos produzidos e às medidas legislativas e políticas educativas no domínio do tratamento da diferença cultural dentro do sistema educativo português.The aim of this article consists in attempting to transmit a sociologically informed view in what the Portuguese situation in the field of public policies and research related to the educational system and (im)migration are concerned, that is, in attempting to construct an intercultural education. In this way, a descriptive and comprehensiveinterpretative analysis of the evolution of this problem in Portugal will be realized, since the latter became an object of reflection on the part of researchers and politicians towards the end of the 80s, the beginning of the 90s of the XXth century. In this analysis, emphasis will be given on the research and theoretical frameworks produced and on the legislative measures and educational policies in the field of treating cultural difference in the Portuguese educational system