Coasting cosmologies with time dependent cosmological constant

The effect of a time dependent cosmological constant is considered in a family of scalar tensor theories. Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmological models for vacumm and perfect fluid matter are found. They have a linear expansion factor, the so called coasting cosmology, the gravitational "constant" decreace inversely with time; this model satisfy the Dirac hipotesis. The cosmological "constant" decreace inversely with the square of time, therefore we can have a very small value for it at present time.Comment: 7 pages, latex file (ijmpal macro), accepted for publication in Int. Mod. Phys.

Educating for earthquake science and risk in a tectonically slowly deforming region

Over the past decade, scientists have been called to participate more actively in public education and outreach (E&O). This is particularly true in fields of significant societal impact, such as earthquake science. Local earthquake risk culture plays a role in the way that the public engages in educational efforts. In this article, we describe an adapted E&O program for earthquake science and risk. The program is tailored for a region of slow tectonic deformation, where large earthquakes are extreme events that occur with long return periods. The adapted program has two main goals: (1) to increase the awareness and preparedness of the population to earthquake and related risks (tsunami, liquefaction, fires, etc.), and (2) to increase the quality of earthquake science education, so as to attract talented students to geosciences. Our integrated program relies on activities tuned for different population groups who have different interests and abilities, namely young children, teenagers, young adults, and professionals

Revealing the impact of organic spacers and cavity cations on quasi-2D perovskites via computational simulations

Two-dimensional hybrid lead iodide perovskites based on methylammonium (MA) cation and butylammonium (BA) organic spacer—such as BA2MAn−1PbnI3n+1—are one of the most explored 2D hybrid perovskites in recent years. Correlating the atomistic profile of these systems with their optoelectronic properties is a challenge for theoretical approaches. Here, we employed first-principles calculations via density functional theory to show how the cation partially canceled dipole moments through the NH3+ terminal impact the structural/electronic properties of the PbnI3n+1 sublattices. Even though it is known that at high temperatures, the organic cation assumes a spherical-like configuration due to the rotation of the cations inside the cage, our results discuss the correct relative orientation according to the dipole moments for ab initio simulations at 0 K, correlating well structural and electronic properties with experiments. Based on the combination of relativistic quasiparticle correction and spin-orbit coupling, we found that the MA horizontal-like configuration concerning the inorganic sublattice surface leads to the best relationship between calculated and experimental gap energy throughout n = 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 number of layers. Conversely, the dipole moments cancellation (as in BA-MA aligned-like configuration) promotes the closing of the gap energies through an electron depletion mechanism. We found that the anisotropy → isotropy optical absorption conversion (as a bulk convergence) is achieved only for the MA horizontal-like configuration, which suggests that this configuration contribution is the majority in a scenario under temperature effects

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels for the controlled release of bromelain from agroindustrial residues of Ananas comosus

This works reports the purification of bromelain extracted from Ananas comosus industrial residues by ethanol purification, its partial characterization from the crude extract as well as the ethanol purified enzyme, and its application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels. Bromelain was recovered within the 30–70 % ethanol fraction, which achieved a purification factor of 3.12-fold, and yielded more than 90 % of its initial activity. The resulting purified bromelain contained more than 360 U · mg−1, with a maximum working temperature of 60 °C and pH of 8.0. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels presented a swelling rate of 125 %, which was capable of loading 56 % of bromelain from the solution, and was able to release up to 91 % of the retained bromelain. Ethanol precipitation is suitable for bromelain recovery and application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels based on its processing time and the applied ethanol prices8117191726CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE MINAS GERAIS - FAPEMIGsem informaçã

Poly(n-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide Hydrogels For The Controlled Release Of Bromelain From Agroindustrial Residues Of Ananas Comosus.

This works reports the purification of bromelain extracted from Ananas comosus industrial residues by ethanol purification, its partial characterization from the crude extract as well as the ethanol purified enzyme, and its application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels. Bromelain was recovered within the 30-70 % ethanol fraction, which achieved a purification factor of 3.12-fold, and yielded more than 90 % of its initial activity. The resulting purified bromelain contained more than 360 U · mg(-1), with a maximum working temperature of 60 °C and pH of 8.0. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels presented a swelling rate of 125 %, which was capable of loading 56 % of bromelain from the solution, and was able to release up to 91 % of the retained bromelain. Ethanol precipitation is suitable for bromelain recovery and application onto poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylamide hydrogels based on its processing time and the applied ethanol prices.811719-172

Estágio profissional de intervenção em fisioterapia neurológica com pacientes adultos após aciente vascular cerebral

Mestrado em Fisioterapia NeurológicaIntrodução: A Fisioterapia Neurológica é uma área de intervenção essencial na medida em que existem cada vez mais doentes com sequelas resultantes de lesões do sistema nervoso central a necessitar de cuidados de fisioterapia, nomeadamente doentes com Acidente Vascular Cerebral já que as taxas de incidência são altas e a mortalidade tem vindo a decrescer com os avanços da medicina. Por outro lado, os conhecimentos atuais da área da neurociência permitem que a intervenção do fisioterapeuta seja baseada na evidência. Objetivos: Aprofundar conhecimentos, capacidades e competências em Fisioterapia Neurológica em pacientes adultos; intervindo essencialmente, em pacientes com sequelas de Acidente Vascular Cerebral, desenvolvendo o modelo de raciocínio clínico e investigando a efetividade do conceito de Bobath na funcionalidade de pacientes pós Acidente Vascular Cerebral. Metodologia: O estágio articulou a vertente de investigação, a dimensão pedagógica e a prática clínica; decorreu no Hospital Curry Cabral (Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central) com pacientes adultos a realizar fisioterapia, em regime de internamento ou ambulatório, devido a patologia neurológica e mais especificamente com pacientes com sequelas de AVC; teve a duração de 200h. Foram selecionadas três escalas de funcionalidade (o Indicador de Barthel Modificado, a Medida de Independência Funcional e a Motor Assessement Scale) para a avaliação dos casos clínicos acompanhados e a abordagem em fisioterapia foi baseada no Conceito de Bobath. Resultados: Este estágio favoreceu a aquisição e consolidação de conhecimentos na área da Fisioterapia Neurológica, nomeadamente sobre o Conceito de Bobath e a avaliação da funcionalidade. São apresentados três casos clínicos de pacientes com sequelas de AVC que permitiram treinar a aplicação das escalas de funcionalidade, desenvolver o raciocínio clínico, aplicar as estratégias selecionadas e refletir sobre a eficácia da intervenção. Discussão: Embora não exista evidência robusta da superioridade do Conceito de Bobath em relação a outras abordagens, a sua filosofia facilita a avaliação e a tomada de decisão numa perspetiva holística sem menosprezar a individualidade de cada paciente. Das três escalas de funcionalidade aplicadas a Motor Assessement Scale é a única a levar em consideração a qualidade do movimento, o que a torna mais sensível a pequenas evoluções facilitando a mensuração adequada dos objetivos da intervenção. Conclusão: A realização deste estágio foi um período de aprendizagem importante e uma experiência enriquecedora no aspeto clínico, científico e académico.ABSTRACT - Introduction: Neurological Physiotherapy is an essential intervention area as there are more and more patients with sequelae resulting from injuries to the central nervous system requiring physiotherapy care, namely patients with stroke as the incidence rates are high and mortality has been decreasing with medical advances. On the other hand, current knowledge in the field of neuroscience allows the intervention of the physiotherapist to be based on evidence Objectives: To deepen knowledge, skills, and competencies in Neurological Physiotherapy in adult patients; essentially intervening in patients with sequelae of stroke, developing the model of clinical reasoning and investigating the effectiveness of the Bobath Concept in the functionality of patients after stroke. Methodology: The internship articulated the research aspect, the pedagogical dimension, and the clinical practice; it took place at Hospital Curry Cabral (Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central) with adult patients undergoing physical therapy, inpatient or outpatient, due to neurological pathology and more specifically with patients with stroke sequelae; lasted 200 hours. Three scales of functionality were selected (the Barthel modified indicator the Functional Independence Measure and the Motor Assessment Scale) for the evaluation of the clinical cases followed and the approach in physiotherapy was based on the Bobath Concept. Results: This internship allowed the acquisition and consolidation of knowledge in the area of Neurological Physiotherapy, namely on the Bobath Concept and the evaluation of functionality. Three clinical cases of patients with stroke sequelae are presented, which allowed to train the application of the selected functionality scales, develop clinical reasoning and reflect on the effectiveness of the intervention. Discussion: While there is no robust evidence of the superiority of the Bobath Concept over other approaches, its philosophy facilitates assessment and decision-making from a holistic perspective without underestimating the individuality of each patient. Of the three scales of functionality applied the Motor Assessment Scale, is the only one to consider the quality of the movement, which makes it more sensitive to small developments, facilitating the adequate measurement of the intervention goals. Conclusion: This internship was an important learning period and an enriching experience in the clinical, scientific, and academic aspects.N/

Cuidados veterinários e infeção parasitária em animais de companhia seguidos numa clínica médico-veterinária

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar as espécies animais que frequentam uma clínica médico-veterinária, os cuidados que os proprietários têm, os problemas mais frequentes e quais os métodos de prevenção utilizados. Pretendeu-se ainda avaliar a fauna parasitária presente em felídeos e canídeos seguidos na clínica. Em 2011, acompanharam-se 133 casos clínicos e realizaram-se 113 inquéritos a donos de animais. Efetuaram-se recolhas de fezes, num total de 86 amostras, que foram sujeitas a análises coprológicas qualitativas pela técnica de Willis. Os cães com idades entre >18 meses-6 anos, do sexo feminino, de raça pura, com porte pequeno e pelagem curta foram predominantes. Os felídeos com idade entre >18 meses-6 anos, do sexo feminino, pelagem curta e de raça indeterminada dominaram. Prevaleceram as consultas de rotina e nestas as relacionadas com a sanidade. As patologias predominantes foram do foro digestivo, urinário e dermatológico. Em cirurgia salientaram-se as esterilizações. Oito dos canídeos apresentaram ovos de Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae e Trichuridae. Ctenocephalides felis felis, Ixodes ventalloi e R. sanguineus identificaram-se num gato e em três cães.Verificou-se que cada vez mais os proprietários têm consciência da importância do bem-estar e saúde animal como forma de proteger a sua própria saúde, levando os animais ao médico-veterinário. This study aimed to identify the more frequent pets that attend a veterinary clinic, the owners care, the main issues affecting pets, and the followed preventive measures. Simultaneously, a parasitological evaluation was performed in felines and canines attending the clinic. In 2011, 133 clinical cases were followed up and 113 enquiries performed to animal owners. Faeces were collected on pets examined in the clinic, with a total of 86 samples. Qualitative parasitological fecal analyses were performed. Dogs, aged between> 18m-6a, female, purebreds, small size and short pelage were predominant. Relatively to the cats, prevailed age between> 18m-6a, female sex, indeterminate race and short pelage. Routine visits prevailed and inside this, the appointments for sanitary issues were superior. The most frequent pathologies observed were related to the digestive and urinary systems and skin. In surgery, sterilizations were more frequent. In 8 dog faeces Ascarididae, Ancylostomatidae and Trichuridae eggs were identified. Ctenocephalides felis felis and Ixodes ventalloi and R. sanguineus were identified in three dogs and one cat. This study emphasized that owners are aware of animal welfare and animal health as a way of protection of their own health, and use to take their pets more often to a vet

Power line electrocution as an overlooked threat to Lear's Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari)

Electrocution can pose a serious threat to large birds, particularly threatened species with low population sizes. However, few studies have focused on the impacts of electrocution on large parrots such as the Endangered Lear's Macaw Anodorhynchus leari, endemic to the Brazilian Caatinga. Here, we compile and describe 31 electrocution events, as reported by villagers, indicating that electrocution may be an important threat to Lear's Macaw. We suggest a research and monitoring agenda to better understand the spatial and temporal patterns of this impact and recommend some immediate mitigation measures for decreasing electrocutions.info:eu-repo/semantics/submittedVersio

COVID-19 and social distancing among children and adolescents in Brazil

OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and the adherence to measures of social distancing in children and adolescents studied in three national surveys conducted in Brazil between May–June 2020. METHODS Three national serological surveys were conducted in 133 sentinel cities located in all 27 Federative Units. Multistage probability sampling was used to select 250 individuals per city. The total sample size in age ranges 0–9 and 10–19 years old are of 4,263 and 8,024 individuals, respectively. Information on children or adolescents was gathered with a data collection app, and a rapid point-of-case test for SARS-CoV-2 was conducted on a finger prick blood sample. RESULTS The adjusted prevalence of antibodies was 2.9% (2.2–3.6) among children 0–9 years, 2.2% (1.8–2.6) among adolescents 10-19 years, and 3.0% (2.7–3.3) among adults 20+years. Prevalence of antibodies was higher among poor children and adolescents compared to those of rich families. Adherence to social distancing measures was seen in 72.4% (71.9–73.8) of families with children, 60.8% (59.6–61.9) for adolescents, and 57.4% (56.9–57.8) for adults. For not leaving the house except for essential matters the proportions were 81.7% (80.5–82.9), 70.6% (69.6–61.9), and 65.1% (64.7–65.5), respectively. Among children and adolescents, social distancing was strongly associated with socioeconomic status, being much higher in the better-off families. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 showed comparable levels among children, adolescents, and adults. Adherence to social distancing measures was more prevalent in children, followed by adolescents. There were important socioeconomic differences in the adherence to social distancing among children and adolescents