1,046 research outputs found
ARES+MOOG - a practical overview of an EW method to derive stellar parameters
The goal of this document is to describe the important practical aspects in
the use of an Equivalent Width (EW) method for the derivation of spectroscopic
stellar parameters. A general description of the fundamental steps composing
any EW method is given, together with possible differences that may be found in
different methods used in the literature. Then ARES+MOOG is then used as an
example where each step of the method is described in detail. A special focus
is given for the specific steps of this method, namely the use of a
differential analysis to define the atomic data for the adopted line list, the
automatic EW determinations, and the way to find the best parameters at the end
of the procedure. Finally, a practical tutorial is given, where we focus on
simple exercises useful to illustrate and explain the dependence of the
abundances with the assumed stellar parameters. The interdependences are
described and a clear procedure is given to find the "final" stellar
parameters.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication as a chapter in
"Determination of Atmospheric Parameters of B, A, F and G Type Stars",
Springer (2014), eds. E. Niemczura, B. Smalley, W. Pyc
Contributions to the Portuguese National Plan for Patient Safety 2021–2026: A Robust Methodology Based on the Mixed-Method Approach
Introduction: Several countries prioritize patient safety in
their health policies. In Portugal, following the implementation of the National Plan for Patient Safety (NPPS) 2015–
2020, the research team of the National School of Public
Health (NSPH) carried out extensive work to continue improving aspects of the previous Plan. This work was focused
on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of NPPS 2015–
2020 and aspects related to its applicability and main challenges and opportunities for the implementation of the
NPPS 2021–2026. Methods: Methodological dynamic process was based on the most relevant international and national guidelines and the feedback from key patient safety
stakeholders. We developed a cross-sectional mixed-methods study from January to August 2021. We used documentation and periodical reports from National Health Service
(NHS) healthcare institutions as secondary sources of information. For primary data collection, we used an online survey (applied to elements in the different quality and safety
structures of hospitals and primary care units), interviews, and focus groups to collect information from patient safety
experts. Results and Discussion: Strengthening safety culture, patient safety training, communication, leadership involvement, patient and family engagement, and monitorization process is considered essential. We also identified local
limitations such as the lack of resources and protected time
for the healthcare professionals and lack of leadership involvement on patient safety strategies for dedicating to patient safety actions. Most of the patient safety stakeholders
agreed that the safety and health of clinical teams and new
modalities of healthcare (such as telemedicine, home hospitalization, home care) should be a priority for patient safety
strategies. Conclusions: In our study, we used a robust methodology with a participatory process involving different
stakeholders. An alignment between local, regional, and national levels in terms of measuring indicators, the definition
of priorities, and actions and activities to improve patient
safety is recommended. Reinforced partnerships and alignment between the institution’s mission, and safety priorities
will be crucial to enhance patient safety. Additionally, this
work highlights the added value for health systems achieved
through strong partnerships between public administration
and academic institutions to improve healthcare quality and
patient safetyinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Variations in multiple sclerosis practice within Europe - Is it time for a new treatment guideline?
In the past 5 years, the combination of developments in diagnostic strategy and approval of new disease-modifying therapies has provided an opportunity to achieve dramatic improvements in patient outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, across Europe there are several factors that may prevent patients from receiving the best therapy at the appropriate time, and there is variation among countries in terms of which of these factors are most relevant. Here, we review current MS clinical practices in a number of countries in the European Union to identify differences regarding initiation of treatment in patients with clinically isolated syndrome or relapsing-remitting MS, and differences in the timing of treatment switch or escalation. While recognizing that policy is not static in any country, we believe that patients' interests would be better served if a European treatment guideline was developed. Such a guideline could both inform and be informed by national policies, facilitating the dissemination of best clinical practice internationally.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Immunomodulatory properties of Musa paradisiaca L. inflorescence in Combined Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Syndrome (CARAS) model towards NFκB pathway inhibition
Musa paradisiaca L. (Musaceae), a tropical plant named banana is used as food and as medicine in Brazil. Banana inflorescence, popularly known as mangará, presents several biological activities including anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we demonstrated the immunomodulatory activity of banana inflorescence extract (HEM) on a mice model of combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS) and in human macrophages. The HEM inhibited the eosinophil migration, production of cytokines as IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17A dependent on IFN-¿ production in the airway. The mechanism of the extract was, in part, by the NF-¿B signaling pathway inhibition. Besides, the HEM decreased expression of the CD86 and HLA-DR receptors on human M1 macrophages independently of M2 modulation. Therefore, we infer that the inflorescence, a disposable material from the banana crops, has anti-allergic property in the CARAS model and modulates the human macrophages, characterizing it as biologically important material for the production of phytomedicine.This work was supported by Brazilian agencies National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S) and National Institute of Biomedical Engineering (INEB). The authors would like to thank Serviço de Imunohemoterapia of Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ), Porto, Portugal, for kindly donating Buffy Coats. The authors are also grateful for the valuable assistance provided by agencies, institutes and collaborators.
This work was supported by Brazilian agencies National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (I3S) and National Institute of Biomedical Engineering (INEB). The authors would like to thank Serviço de Imunohemoterapia of Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHUSJ), Porto, Portugal, for kindly donating Buffy Coats. The authors are also grateful for the valuable assistance provided by agencies, institutes and collaborators
Determinants of translation efficiency and accuracy
A given protein sequence can be encoded by an astronomical number of alternative nucleotide sequences. Recent research has revealed that this flexibility provides evolution with multiple ways to tune the efficiency and fidelity of protein translation and folding
A compact multi-planet system transiting HIP 29442 (TOI-469) discovered by TESS and ESPRESSO. Radial velocities lead to the detection of transits with low signal-to-noise ratio
Uncomplicated moderate coronary artery dissections after balloon angioplasty: good outcome without stenting
The Gaia-ESO Survey: Pre-Main Sequence Stars in the Young Open Cluster NGC 3293
The young open cluster NGC3293 is included in the observing program of the Gaia-ESO survey (GES). The radial velocity values provided have been used to assign cluster membership probabilities by means of a single-variable parametric analysis. These membership probabilities are compared to the results of the photometric membership assignment of NGC3293, based on UBV RI photometry. The agreement of the photometric and kinematic member samples amounts to 65%, and could increase to 70% as suggested by the analysis of the differences between both samples. A number of photometric PMS candidate members of spectral type F are found, which are confirmed by the results from VPHAS photometry and SED fitting for the stars in common with VPHAS and GES data sets. Excesses at mid- and near-infrared wavelengths, and signs of Hα emission, are investigated for them. Marginal presence of Hα emission or infilling is detected for the candidate members. Several of them exhibit moderate signs of U excess and weak excesses at mid-IR wavelengths. We suggest that these features originate from accretion disks in their last stages of evolution
Planet Populations as a Function of Stellar Properties
Exoplanets around different types of stars provide a window into the diverse
environments in which planets form. This chapter describes the observed
relations between exoplanet populations and stellar properties and how they
connect to planet formation in protoplanetary disks. Giant planets occur more
frequently around more metal-rich and more massive stars. These findings
support the core accretion theory of planet formation, in which the cores of
giant planets form more rapidly in more metal-rich and more massive
protoplanetary disks. Smaller planets, those with sizes roughly between Earth
and Neptune, exhibit different scaling relations with stellar properties. These
planets are found around stars with a wide range of metallicities and occur
more frequently around lower mass stars. This indicates that planet formation
takes place in a wide range of environments, yet it is not clear why planets
form more efficiently around low mass stars. Going forward, exoplanet surveys
targeting M dwarfs will characterize the exoplanet population around the lowest
mass stars. In combination with ongoing stellar characterization, this will
help us understand the formation of planets in a large range of environments.Comment: Accepted for Publication in the Handbook of Exoplanet
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