Three-dimensional metaphorical objects in street advertising

This paper aims at unravelling the role of metaphor in three street marketing campaign advertisements. Each advertisement is the product of a creative process involving metaphorical mappings from an urban object (shelter, bench, ramp) onto a target domain (a billboard). The study draws on two approaches from the fields of cognitive linguistics (Forceville 2009) and industrial design (Cila 2013) in order to provide a qualitative analysis of metaphor and modality in the so-called three-dimensional metaphorical objects involved in each advertisement. A new version of the interaction mode (Cila 2013: 18) is proposed as an analytical mode for those threedimensional metaphorical entities whose real-word materialisation establishes new sets of sensory-motor interactional pathways with human beings. Results show how metaphors combine to yield the desired interactive effects through different patterns of modality. The paper concludes that this combination is a key campaign asset and calls for further work on the deliberate use of metaphor in creative processes.P1.1A2014-2. Department of English Studies (Universitat Jaume I). IULMA (Institut Interuniversitari de Llengües Modernes Aplicades de la Comunitat Valenciana

Analyzing Chemical and Physical Variations in Selected Cotton Wires at Ambient Temperatures and Conditions

Cotton, a hydrophilic textile fiber, has unstable characteristics and, for this reason, it varies its properties according to the environmental changes. Moisture and temperature are the two most important factors that lead a cotton spinning sector and influence its quality. Those two properties can change the entire spinning process. Understanding this, moisture and temperature must be kept under control during the spinning process; once the environment is hot and dry, the cotton yarns absorb moisture and lose the minimal consistency. According to this information, this chapter was developed testing four types of cotton yarns, one kind of cotton from Brazil and the others from Egypt. The yarns were exposed to different temperatures and moisture in five different tests, and in each test, six samples were examined through physical and mechanical tests: resistance, strength, tenacity, yarn’s hairiness, yarn’s evenness, and yarn’s twisting. All the analyses were accomplished at Laboratório de Mecânica dos Fluidos and at COATS Corrente S.A., where it was possible to use the equipment which were fundamental to development of this chapter, such as the STATIMAT ME, which measures strength, tenacity; Zweigler G566, which measure hairiness in the yarn; a skein machine; and a twisting machine. The analyses revealed alterations in the yarn’s characteristics in a direct way; for example, as moisture and temperature were increased, the yarn’s strength, tenacity, and hairiness were increased as well. Having the results of all analyses, it is possible to say that with a relatively low temperature and high humidity, cotton yarns have the best performance

Desenvolvimento de geotêxtil revestido com látex como elemento de proteção em superfícies aquecidas

A lot is being researched nowadays about renewable sources of energy and sustainable materials that aim to decrease the impact caused on the environment. Materials rejected that once had the trash as destination, currently are seen in another way. This present paper had as purpose the confection of a geotextile using banana tree leaves, in particular, fibers extracted from the stem of the banana tree leaves, which presently, are recognized as one of the strongest cellulosic fibers. As a natural geotextile matrix, latex was used and, subsequently, possible applications for the geotextile were analysed through previous material characterization based on literature. Samples were weaved and coated in latex, and, soon after, a verification and analyses of physical, chemical, mechanical and thermal properties were made. Such properties were obtained throughout tests like: Tensile Strength, Flammability, Analysis Thermogravimetric (TG), Water and Humidity Absorption, Aging by Cycle and by Water, Abrasion, Linear Density, Grammage, Biodegradation, Environmental Degradation and Thermal Conductivity. According to the analysis results, it was possible to conclude that the geotextile can be used as surfaces coating, because beside being high tensile strength, even heated, the goetextile presented a low thermal conductivity (0,214W/mK). That fact means that the material is a thermal insulator. Also, it was conclude that the natural composite acquire the properties such as thermal and mechanical strength from the banana tree fibers combined with the elongation from thermoplastic elastomer latex. Such result did not compromise the hygroscopicity of the fiber. Finally, it could be concluded that the material is sustainable, does not damage the environment and fulfil the coating function, a characteristic expected.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Muito se pesquisa hoje sobre fontes renováveis de energia e materiais sustentáveis, visando diminuir os impactos causados no ambiente. Rejeitos de materiais que antigamente tinham como destino o lixo, atualmente são vistos de outra forma. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo confeccionar um material geotêxtil utilizando folhas de bananeira, em particular, a fibra extraída do caule da folha de bananeira que é reconhecida atualmente como uma das mais fortes fibras celulósicas. Como matriz desse geotêxtil natural, utilizou-se o látex e, posteriormente, foram analisadas as aplicações para o geotêxtil mediante caracterização do material prévia baseada na literatura. Os corpos de prova foram tecidos e revestidos em látex e em seguida, foi realizada verificação e análise das principais propriedades físico-químicas, mecânicas e térmicas. Tais propriedades foram obtidas através de testes como: Resistência à tração, Flamabilidade, Termogravimetria, Absorção de água e de umidade, Envelhecimento por ciclo e por umidade, Fricção, Densidade Linear, Gramatura, Biodegradação e degradação ambiental e Condutividade Térmica. Com base nos resultados das análises, foi possível concluir que o geotêxtil pode ser utilizado como revestimento para superfícies, pois além de resistente à tração mesmo quando aquecido, o geotêxtil apresentou baixa condutividade térmica (0,241W/mK), fato que o torna isolante térmico. Foi ainda concluído que o compósito natural conseguiu aliar as propriedades de resistência térmica e mecânica da fibra da bananeira com o alongamento do elastômero, látex. Tal resultado não comprometeu a higroscopicidade da fibra. Pôde-se concluir finalmente que o material é sustentável, não agride o meio ambiente e cumpre a função esperada

Effect of Compatibilisers on Mechanical, Barrier and Antimicrobial Properties of iPP/ZnO Nano/Microcomposites for Food Packaging Application

It is investigated the effects of the addition of three PPgMA, with different molecular weight and maleic anhydride content, on the structure, morphology, mechanical, thermal and antimicrobial properties and oxygen permeability of iPP/ZnO 98/2 wt% composite. The composition of iPP/PPgMA/ZnO composites is fixed at 88/10/2 wt%, that is, about 10 wt% of iPP is substituted with PPgMA. The composites are prepared via melt mixing by using a twin-screw extruder. The ZnO is obtained in a preindustrial scale spray pyrolysis platform. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy indicates that the ZnO particles, in all the ternary composites, react with maleic anhydride groups of PPgMA. From the analyses of the mechanical properties, permeability to oxygen and antibacterial activity agaist E.Coli, it is concluded that the best compatibiliser among the three is PPgMA with 1.4% of MA and Mw 65,000, but the antibacterial activity is much lower than that of the binary iPP/ZnO 98/2 wt%. Moreover, it is found that the antibacterial activity is more efficient for the film that presents clusters of the ZnO particles on the surface than the film with ZnO particles smaller and better distributed on the film surface, and embedded in it

Global Inspection, Diagnosis and Repair System for Buildings: Homogenising the Classification of Repair Techniques

Building inspection systems are a useful tool for surveyors, standardising the collection of information. Thisresearch is framed within the development of a global inspection system based on twelve expert inspection systems for twelve types of building elements used in the envelope of current buildings. Homogenised classification lists replace the use of several records and unify designations used in fieldwork. A homogenised global classification list of repair techniques comprises, in a single component, all the techniques used to repair defects and eliminate their causes for different types of building elements. It includes curative and preventive repairs, as well as planned maintenance works. Well-defined criteria guided the harmonisation process of a large set of repair techniquesin a user-friendly list. For instance, the association of different operations in a single repair technique took into account: similarities between procedures, applicability to one type of building element, solving identical defects and the use of similar repair materials. Considering data from the validation samples of the expert inspection systems, it is observed that techniques "R-A1 Cleaning" in painted façades and "R-A12 Application of a new (adequate) cladding/finishing coat over the existent/replacement" in wall renders are the most commonly prescribed. The provision of a homogenised classification list of repair techniques is expected to improve the quality of information collected on-site and give a comprehensive view of the most relevant repair techniques used in the envelope of current buildings

Internacionalização durante pandemia: Ações de uma instituição de ensino superior brasileira durante pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 em 2020 / Internationalization during pandemic: Actions of a Brazilian higher education institution during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2020

Este trabalho discute a necessidade e realização de pequenas ações e atividades com foco de internacionalização, disseminação de conhecimento e aprendizado da língua inglesa, em uma instituição de ensino superior no interior do estado do Tocantins, Brasil, prevalentemente no segundo trimestre de 2020 durante a pandemia de SARS-CoV-2. A ação focou na participação de principalmente estudantes, além de docentes e da população interessada em geral. A necessidade de tal atividade é demostrada pela nova ordem mundial globalizada, o que preconiza a atualização por meio plataformas internacionais para estudo e aperfeiçoamento de técnicas nas diferentes áreas do conhecimento, fato que requer uma compreensão básica de línguas. O objetivo deste trabalho é expor uma coletânea de informações qualitativas descritivas acerca da pandemia, de algumas implicações do isolamento social, suas consequências psicológicas nos jovens e adaptações para o meio acadêmico, abordando a realização de cursos e ações educativas de aprimoramento acadêmico. A análise demonstrou que essas ações educativas e sociais tiveram efeito positivo no enfrentamento do isolamento social por meio dos participantes, se associado à satisfação pessoal, boa utilização do tempo e aquisição de novas habilidades

Hydrophobic silica nanoparticles as reinforcing filler for poly (lactic acid) polymer matrix

Properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and its nanocomposites, with silica nanoparticles (SiO2), as filler were investigated. Neat PLA films and PLA films with different percentage of hydrophobic fumed silica nanoparticles (0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 wt. %) were prepared by solution casting method. Several tools were used to characterize the influence of different silica content on crystalline behavior, and thermal, mechanical and barrier properties of PLA/SiO2 nanocomposites. Results from scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the nanocomposite preparation and selection of specific hydrophobic spherical nano filler provide a good dispersion of the silica nanoparticles in the PLA matrix. Addition of silica nanoparticles improved mechanical properties, the most significant improvement being observed for lowest silica content (0.2wt.%). Barrier properties were improved for all measured gases at all loadings of silica nanoparticles. The degree of crystallinity for PLA slightly increased by adding 0.2 and 0.5 wt. % of nano filler

The influence of surface modified poly(L-lactic acid) films on the differentiation of human monocytes into macrophages

Macrophages play a crucial role in the biological performance of biomaterials, as key factors in defining the optimal inflammation-healing balance towards tissue regeneration and implant integration. Here, we investigate how different surface modifications performed on poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) films would influence the differentiation of human monocytes into macrophages. We tested PLLA films without modification, surface-modified by plasma treatment (pPLLA) or by combining plasma treatment with different coating materials, namely poly(L-lysine) and a series of proteins from the extracellular matrix: collagen I, fibronectin, vitronectin, laminin and albumin. While all the tested films are non-cytotoxic, differences in cell adhesion and morphology are observed. Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) present a more rounded shape in non-modified films, while a more elongated phenotype is observed containing filopodia-like and podosome-like structures in all modified films. No major differences are found for the expression of HLA-DR+/CD80(+) and CD206(+)/CD163(+) surface markers, as well as for the ability of MDM to phagocytize. Interestingly, MDM differentiated on pPLLA present the highest expression of MMP9. Upon differentiation, MDM in all surface modified films present lower amounts of IL-6 and IL-10 compared to non-modified films. After stimulating MDM with the potent pro-inflammatory agent LPS, pPLLA and poly(L-lysine) and fibronectin-modified films reveal a significant reduction in IL-6 secretion, while the opposite effect is observed with IL-10. Of note, in comparison to non-modified films, all surface modified films induce a significant reduction of the IL-6/IL-10 ratio, a valuable prognosticator of the pro-versus anti-inflammatory balance. These findings provide important insights into MDM-biomaterial interactions, while strengthening the need for designing immune-informed biomaterials.project NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000023, supported by the Northern Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). C. R. Correia and J. F. Mano acknowledge the funding from the European Research Council for project ATLAS with the grant agreement number ERC-2014-ADG-669858. J. Gaifem, M.B. Oliveira and R. Silvestre acknowledge the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for the doctoral (PD/BD/106053/2015), post-doctoral (SFRH/BPD/111354/2015) and FCT Investigator (IF/00021/2014) grants, respectively. The authors also acknowledge Hospital de Braga for providing the buffy coatsThis work was developed under the scope of the project NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000023, supported by the Northern Portugal Regional Operational Programme (NORTE 2020), under the Portugal 2020 Partnership Agreement through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). C. R. Correia and J. F. Mano acknowledge the funding from the European Research Council for project ATLAS with the grant agreement number ERC-2014-ADG-669858. J. Gaifem, M.B. Oliveira and R. Silvestre acknowledge the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for the doctoral (PD/BD/106053/2015), post-doctoral (SFRH/BPD/111354/2015) and FCT Investigator (IF/00021/2014) grants, respectively. The authors also acknowledge Hospital de Braga for providing the buffy coats.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Drug-related problems identified in a sample of Portuguese institutionalised elderly patients and pharmacists’ interventions to improve safety and effectiveness of medicines

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made."Background Currently, people live longer but often with poor quality of life. The decrease in healthy life-years is partly attributable to the institution of polypharmacy to treat various comorbidities. Objectives The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence and nature of drug-related problems (DRPs) in polypharmacy elderly patients residing in nursing homes and to test the acceptability of a pharmacist’s intervention. Methods An exposure cohort was constituted in three Portuguese nursing homes, where all polypharmacy (five or more medicines) elderly patients (≥65 years of age) were analysed and then a random stratified sample was extracted to be subject to an intervention. Clinical and therapeutic data were collected and analysed for DRPs and classified according to the II Granada Consensus, by a pharmacist-led team. The intervention was the formulation of a pharmacist’s recommendations to prescribers addressing clinically relevant DRPs, along with suggestions for therapy changes. Results The initial sample included 126 elderly patients taking 1332 medicines, where 2109 DRPs were identified. The exposure cohort included 63 patients, with comparable baseline data (p > 0.005). Manifest DRPs occurred in 31.7 % of the intervention group (mainly quantitative ineffectiveness–DRP 4), whereas potential DRPs were identified in 100 % of patients (mainly non-quantitative unsafe–DRP 5). Amongst the DRPs identified, 584 (56.7 %) were reported to prescribers (all types of DRPs) and 113 (11 %) to nurses (only non-quantitative ineffectiveness–DRP 3). A total of 539 pharmacist recommendations were presented to physicians, corresponding to 62 letters sent by mail, each including an average of 8.7 recommendations to solve DRPs present in intervention group (IG) patients. There was a high non-response rate (n = 34 letters; 54.8 %; containing 367 pharmacist recommendations; 68.1 %) and amongst recommendations receiving feedback, only 8.7 % of pharmacist recommendations made were accepted (n = 15). Positive responses were significantly associated with a lower number of recommendations made, whereas a higher number of recommendations increased the odds of no response (p < 0.001). Conclusion A pharmacist-led medication review proved useful in identifying DRPs in elderly polypharmacy nursing home residents. Stronger bonds must be developed between healthcare professionals to increase patient safety in the vulnerable institutionalised elderly population.

Post-acute exercise cardiovagal modulation in older male adults with and without type 2 diabetes

Publisher Copyright: © 2023, The Author(s).Purpose: We examined heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) disease- and age-related response at 10-and 60-min after an acute high-intensity interval (HIIE) and moderate continuous exercise (MICE) in older adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and healthy young adults. Methods: Twelve older male adults with (57–84 years) and without T2DM (57–76 years) and 12 healthy young male adults (20–40 years) completed an isocaloric acute bout of HIIE, MICE, and a non-exercise condition in a randomized order. Time and Wavelets-derived frequency domain indices of HRV and BRS were obtained in a supine position and offline over 2-min time-bins using Matlab. Results: HIIE but not MICE reduced natural logarithm root mean square of successive differences (Ln-RMSSD) (d = − 0.85; 95% CI − 1.15 to − 0.55 ms, p < 0.001), Ln-high-frequency power (d = − 1.60; 95% CI − 2.24 to − 0.97 ms2; p < 0.001), and BRS (d = − 6.32; 95% CI − 9.35 to − 3.29 ms/mmHg, p < 0.001) in adults without T2DM (averaged over young and older adults without T2DM), returning to baseline 60 min into recovery. These indices remained unchanged in older adults with T2DM after HIIE and MICE. Older adults with T2DM had lower resting Ln-RMSSD and BRS than aged-matched controls (Ln-RMSSD, d = − 0.71, 95% CI − 1.16 to − 0.262 ms, p = 0.001; BRS d = − 3.83 ms/mmHg), 95% CI − 6.90 to − 0.76, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Cardiovagal modulation following acute aerobic exercise is intensity-dependent only in adults without T2DM, and appears age-independent. These findings provide evidence of cardiac autonomic impairments in older adults with T2DM at rest and following aerobic exercise.publishersversionepub_ahead_of_prin