Forecasting Air Quality Data with the Gamma Classifier

Non

Single breath-hold saturation recovery 3D cardiac T1 mapping via compressed SENSE at 3T.

To propose and validate a novel imaging sequence that uses a single breath-hold whole-heart 3D T1 saturation recovery compressed SENSE rapid acquisition (SACORA) at 3T. The proposed sequence combines flexible saturation time sampling, compressed SENSE, and sharing of saturation pulses between two readouts acquired at different RR intervals. The sequence was compared with a 3D saturation recovery single-shot acquisition (SASHA) implementation with phantom and in vivo experiments (pre and post contrast; 7 pigs) and was validated against the reference inversion recovery spin echo (IR-SE) sequence in phantom experiments. Phantom experiments showed that the T1 maps acquired by 3D SACORA and 3D SASHA agree well with IR-SE. In vivo experiments showed that the pre-contrast and post-contrast T1 maps acquired by 3D SACORA are comparable to the corresponding 3D SASHA maps, despite the shorter acquisition time (15s vs. 188s, for a heart rate of 60 bpm). Mean septal pre-contrast T1 was 1453 ± 44 ms with 3D SACORA and 1460 ± 60 ms with 3D SASHA. Mean septal post-contrast T1 was 824 ± 66 ms and 824 ± 60 ms. 3D SACORA acquires 3D T1 maps in 15 heart beats (heart rate, 60 bpm) at 3T. In addition to its short acquisition time, the sequence achieves good T1 estimation precision and accuracy.TFdS has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement N722427. CGA is a P-FIS fellow (Instituto deSalud Carlos III). This study was partially supported by the Comunidad de Madrid (S2017/BMD-3867 RENIM-CM) and cofunded with European structural and investment funds. The CNIC is supported by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCNU) and the Pro CNIC Foundation, and is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence (SEV-2015-0505).S

Two Different Populations within the Healthy Elderly: Lack of Conflict Detection in Those at Risk of Cognitive Decline

During healthy aging, inhibitory processing is affected at the sensorial, perceptual, and cognitive levels. The assessment of event-related potentials (ERPs) during the Stroop task has been used to study age-related decline in the efficiency of inhibitory processes. Studies using ERPs have found that the P300 amplitude increases and the N500 amplitude is attenuated in healthy elderly adults compared to those in young adults. On the other hand, it has been reported that theta excess in resting EEG with eyes closed is a good predictor of cognitive decline during aging 7 years later, while a normal EEG increases the probability of not developing cognitive decline. The behavioral and ERP responses during a Counting-Stroop task were compared between 22 healthy elderly subjects with normal EEG (Normal-EEG group) and 22 healthy elderly subjects with an excess of EEG theta activity (Theta-EEG group). Behaviorally, the Normal-EEG group showed a higher behavioral interference effect than the Theta-EEG group. ERP patterns were different between the groups, and two facts are highlighted: (a) the P300 amplitude was higher in the Theta-EEG group, with both groups showing a P300 effect in almost all electrodes, and (b) the Theta-EEG group did not show an N500 effect. These results suggest that the diminishment in inhibitory control observed in the Theta-EEG group may be compensated by different processes in earlier stages, which would allow them to perform the task with similar efficiency to that of participants with a normal EEG. This study is the first to show that healthy elderly subjects with an excess of theta EEG activity not only are at risk of developing cognitive decline but already have a cognitive impairment

Differential birefringence in Bragg gratings in multicore fiber under transverse stress

We present experimental measurements of the peak splitting of the reflection spectra of fiber Bragg gratings as a result of birefringence induced by transverse loading of a multicore fiber. Measurements show that the splitting is a function of the applied load and the direction of the load relative to the azimuth of the fiber. A model for calculating the stress in the fiber that is due to an applied load is in good agreement with our experimental observations

Evaluation of physicochemical, functional and textural properties of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) stored at low temperatures

The physicochemical and functional behaviour of rainbow trout stored at 4 and -20°C for nine days and six months, respectively, were investigated. The combined effect of proteolytic activity and physicochemical changes in the muscle (pH, solubility and proteolytic activity) altered the molecular structure of the proteins. SDS-PAGE showed the degradation of myosin and the formation of peptides of low molecular weight, causing an increase in solubility, which is correlated with changes in the functional properties of meat (water retention, capacity of emulsification and ability of gelling). In a gel obtained from the stored samples, the solubility had an effect on the distribution of the water gel, and significant differences (P<0.05) in colour and texture parameters were observed during storage. Regarding correlation analysis, during cooling, all variables studied were dependent on each other, however, in freezing, the correlation diminished in variables such as hardness, solubility and CRA. Surplus meat of trout according to the time of cold storage, can be incorporated into technological processes up to two days at a storage temperature of 4°C and three months at - 20°C, thus could contribute to the functional and textural properties of commercial meat products, generating a value liked trout producers. After this time of storage, the trout flesh can be consumed in the conventional way.Keywords: Rainbow trout, refrigeration, freezing, texture.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(32), pp. 5087-509

3D printing as an enabling technology to implement maritime plastic Circular Economy

CircularSeas European Project, as part of the European Union Circular Economy [1], aims at promoting the Green Economy by encouraging the development of green products, parts and components by Maritime Industries. The strategy is a combination of Circular Economy principles, with the use of ocean plastic waste for developing new greener materials, and the uptake of advanced manufacturing technology, 3D printing, flexible enough to adapt to the manufacturing conditions for new eco-innovative small and medium parts and components. The paper presents the ongoing research in the project about strategies to introduce Circular Economy in the maritime sector from plastic wastes. This first prospective phase is focused on a series of interviews with each node stakeholders. The paper presents the survey results, together with the challenges to be faced for the implementation of Circular Economy in that specific scenario, despite the -apriori- short term low-profit disadvantages

Serial clinical and echocardiographic evaluation in children with Marfan syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical cardiac manifestations and temporal evolution of Marfan syndrome in children; to estimate the incidence of annuloaortic ectasia and mitral valve prolapse; and to evaluate tolerability and efficacy of beta-blockers in these patients. METHODS: During one year, 21children with Marfan syndrome underwent serial clinical and echocardiographic examinations. Echocardiograms assessed: the presence of mitral valve prolapse, aortic root diameter, mitral and aortic valves regurgitation, and aortic enlargement during beta-blocker therapy. Eleven patients had two measurements of the aortic root taken one year apart. RESULTS: The children were asymptomatic throughout the study. Mitral prolapse was found in 11 (52%) children. Annuloaortic ectasia occurred in 16 (76%) patients and found to be mild in 42.8%, moderate in 9.5%, and severe in 23.8%. One of these patients underwent aortic valve replacement and repair of the ascending aorta by the Bentall-De Bono technique, with good results. Heart rate decreased by 13.6% (from 85 to 73 bpm; p < 0.009) with the use of beta-blockers; however, aortic root diameter increased by 1.4 mm/year (p<0.02). One child could not be given beta-blockers due to bronchial asthma, and no significant side effects were observed in the remaining children, including one who also had bronchial asthma. CONCLUSION: The children remained asymptomatic throughout the study, the use of beta-blockers led to a significant decrease in heart rate, and no significant adverse effects were observed. Contrary to the literature, incidence of annuloaortic ectasia was high among the study population, greater than that of mitral valve prolapse, even during beta-blocker therapy.OBJETIVO: Descrever a apresentação clínica cardiológica e a evolução temporal, estimar a incidência de ectasia ânulo-aórtica e de prolapso da valva mitral, e avaliar a tolerância e a efetividade dos betabloqueadores em crianças com síndrome de Marfan. MÉTODOS: Foram submetidas a exame clínico e ecocardiográfico seriado, durante um ano, 21 crianças com síndrome de Marfan. No ecocardiograma foram analisados: presença de prolapso mitral, diâmetro da raiz aórtica, refluxos das valvas mitral e aórtica, e o crescimento dos diâmetros aórticos na vigência de betabloqueadores. Em 11 pacientes foi possível obter duas medidas da raiz aórtica no intervalo de um ano. RESULTADOS: Durante o estudo as crianças não apresentaram sintomas. Prolapso mitral foi encontrado em 11 (52%) crianças. Ectasia ânulo-aórtica ocorreu em 16 (76%) pacientes, sendo de grau discreto em 42,8%, moderado em 9,5%, e importante em 23,8%. Um desses pacientes foi submetido com sucesso à cirurgia de Bentall DeBono. Com o uso de betabloqueador a freqüência cardíaca diminuiu 13,6% (de 85 para 73 bpm; p < 0,009), mas houve um crescimento da raiz aórtica de 1,4 mm/ano (p < 0,02). Uma criança não pôde receber betabloqueador em razão de asma brônquica, e não foram observados efeitos colaterais significativos nas outras crianças, incluindo uma com asma brônquica. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos sugerem que, no período observado, as crianças permaneceram assintomáticas, o uso de betabloqueadores diminuiu significativamente a freqüência cardíaca e não se acompanhou de efeitos adversos significativos. Ao contrário da literatura, a incidência de ectasia ânulo-aórtica foi elevada e maior do que a de prolapso valvar mitral, tendo crescimento mesmo na vigência de uso eficaz de betabloqueador.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Modelo proLab: T-Cuido

La problemática que se aborda en el presente trabajo consiste en la necesidad de mejorar la atención médica hacia las personas de la tercera edad. Para obtener más aprendizaje sobre el problema, se recolectó información por medio de entrevistas realizadas a usuarios, clientes y especialistas dedicados a la salud geriátrica. Con el objetivo de resolver el problema, se propuso desarrollar una aplicación móvil que brinde respaldo al cuidador profesional y/o familiar en el cuidado de la salud del paciente. Entre las funcionalidades de este aplicativo se incluye el acceso a la información del paciente, como su historia clínica, exámenes médicos, recetas médicas, recordatorio de citas y tareas, entre otros. Como parte de la evaluación de la propuesta, se verificó que el modelo de negocio sea viable dentro de una proyección de cinco años. Entre los principales indicadores, se estimó un Valor Actual Neto de US $136,655, una Tasa Interna de Retorno de 28periodo de recuperación en el tercer año. Con respecto a los beneficios sociales, debido a que se ofrece una solución tecnológica dirigida a mejorar las atenciones hacia adultos mayores con problemas de salud, se ha estimado, dentro del mismo periodo de proyección, un VAN social de$522,877. Sumado a esto, se determinó que existe un impacto positivo debido a que la solución contribuye en el cumplimiento de tres Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), que son el N° 3 “Salud y Bienestar”, N° 8 “Trabajo Decente y Crecimiento Económico” y el N° 9 “Industria, Innovación e Infraestructura”

Modelo proLab: T-Cuido

La problemática que se aborda en el presente trabajo consiste en la necesidad de mejorar la atención médica hacia las personas de la tercera edad. Para obtener más aprendizaje sobre el problema, se recolectó información por medio de entrevistas realizadas a usuarios, clientes y especialistas dedicados a la salud geriátrica. Con el objetivo de resolver el problema, se propuso desarrollar una aplicación móvil que brinde respaldo al cuidador profesional y/o familiar en el cuidado de la salud del paciente. Entre las funcionalidades de este aplicativo se incluye el acceso a la información del paciente, como su historia clínica, exámenes médicos, recetas médicas, recordatorio de citas y tareas, entre otros. Como parte de la evaluación de la propuesta, se verificó que el modelo de negocio sea viable dentro de una proyección de cinco años. Entre los principales indicadores, se estimó un Valor Actual Neto de US $136,655, una Tasa Interna de Retorno de 28periodo de recuperación en el tercer año. Con respecto a los beneficios sociales, debido a que se ofrece una solución tecnológica dirigida a mejorar las atenciones hacia adultos mayores con problemas de salud, se ha estimado, dentro del mismo periodo de proyección, un VAN social de$522,877. Sumado a esto, se determinó que existe un impacto positivo debido a que la solución contribuye en el cumplimiento de tres Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), que son el N° 3 “Salud y Bienestar”, N° 8 “Trabajo Decente y Crecimiento Económico” y el N° 9 “Industria, Innovación e Infraestructura”

D2.1 Analysis of existing MOOC platforms and services

The main objective of this task is to analyze features and services of MOOC platforms that are used in ECO and, secondly, in other commonly used MOOC platforms. This task takes into account the functionality that is required by the different pilots from two viewpoints: technological and pedagogical aspects. Firstly, to ensure this objective, this task performed a state-of-the-art review, mainly research papers and all annotated scientific literature. Secondly, we elaborate a Competitive Analysis Checklist for MOOC platforms. An approach based on technological and pedagogical items is suggested to define specific dimensions for this task. This Checklist will be a useful tool for evaluating MOOC platforms. Thirdly, five of the ECO platforms have been evaluated by using the authoring and delivery environment to check for the availability of features that are essential for the implementation of the pedagogical model as described in D2.1. It became clear that these platforms are not very suitable for the pedagogical model. Finally, a Guide for the Effective Creation of MOOCs has been drawn up indicating to assist course designers to compare the functionality, features, pedagogical and instructional advantages so they can choose the most suitable one for their areas of interest and needs.Part of the work carried out has been funded with support from the European Commission, under the ICT Policy Support Programme, as part of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) in the ECO project under grant agreement n° 21127