502 research outputs found

    User-driven design of robot costume for child-robot interactions among children with cognitive impairment

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    The involvement of arts and psychology elements in robotics research for children with cognitive impairment is still limited. However, the combination of robots, arts, psychology and education in the development of robots could significantly contribute to the improvement of social interaction skills among children with cognitive impairment. In this article, we would like to share our work on building and innovating the costume of LUCA's robot, which incorporating the positive psychological perspectives and arts values for children with cognitive impairment. Our goals are (1) to educate arts students in secondary arts school on the importance of social robot appearance for children with cognitive impairment, and (2) to select the best costume for future child-robot interaction study with children with cognitive impairments

    Changes in oxidative stress as a function of weight loss rate in obese ponies

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    Subsurface chlorophyll maximum and hydrodynamics of the water column

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    The vertical distributions of chlorophyll a (in vivo fluorescence) and hydrodynamic properties were monitored in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Canada) from 6 to 10 August 1983, using an automatic yo-yo profiling system and a chain of 4 current meters. Spectral analyses of temperature and in vivo fluorescence series showed that dominant frequencies were associated with internal waves (∌16 h inertial frequency). A subsurface chlorophyll maximum was continuously observed in the lower part of the 20 m thick photic layer, at a depth corresponding with maximum vertical stability of the water column, just above the nutricline.The depth of maximum phytoplankton production, at least on sunny days, corresponded to that of the subsurface chlorophyll maximum and of the maximum in vertical stability. This close association persisted despite strong horizontal advection and vertical movements caused by internal waves. Photosynthetic adjustment did occur in the water column: higher vertical stability at depth favored shade adaptation of the phytoplankton in the layer of maximum stability, as compared to the more light-adapted cells of the upper well-mixed layer. At our sampling station, vertical turbulent diffusion seemed to be high enough to replenish nutrients in the photic layer, so that they never became completely exhausted, even in surface waters. Therefore, the observed subsurface chlorophyll maximum not only resulted from environmental conditions more favorable for phytoplankton accumulation and growth, but it also involved active photosynthetic responses of phytoplankton

    Salt water intrusion modeling in the Flemish coastal plain based on a hydrogeological database

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    The Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) is responsible for providing recommendations related to the withdrawal of groundwater in the phreatic aquifer of the Flemish Coastal Plain. To assess the impact of this withdrawal on the freshwater heads and on the distribution of fresh and salt water in the aquifer, the agency uses a 3D density dependent groundwater flow model MOCDENS3D (Lebbe & Oude Essink 1999). Although a large number of hydrogeological data were already collected and stored in a database of the agency, the draw up of the input file for this model was very time consuming. Therefore, an interface was needed between the model and the hydrogeological database to reduce the time for the set up of the needed input files

    ViolĂȘncia contra vĂ­timas do sexo feminino uma anĂĄlise dos dados de vigilĂąncia no Distrito Federal em 2011

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    Trabalho de conclusĂŁo de curso (graduação)—Universidade de BrasĂ­lia, Faculdade de CiĂȘncias da SaĂșde, Departamento de SaĂșde Coletiva, 2014.EpisĂłdios de violĂȘncia assombram a humanidade desde o inĂ­cio dos tempos. A violĂȘncia pode ser conceituada como um ato falho ou defeito humano e Ă© caracterĂ­stica do ser humano e das sociedades. Na violĂȘncia de gĂȘnero, encontra-se o emprego da força fĂ­sica, da submissĂŁo e da opressĂŁo, resultando em danos Ă  saĂșde fĂ­sica e mental pela violação da dignidade humana em sua integridade. A violĂȘncia contra a mulher apresenta dados alarmantes em todo o mundo. No Brasil, o Sistema de VigilĂąncia de ViolĂȘncia e Acidentes - VIVA auxilia na investigação de violĂȘncia contra a mulher, implementado pelo MinistĂ©rio da SaĂșde em 2006. Este estudo se propĂ”e a descrever as caracterĂ­sticas das vĂ­timas do sexo feminino de violĂȘncia domĂ©stica, sexual e/ou outras violĂȘncias e as circunstĂąncias de ocorrĂȘncias notificadas no VIVA componente contĂ­nuo, no Distrito Federal no ano de 2011. Trata-se de estudo epidemiolĂłgico descritivo, tipo serie de casos de violĂȘncias notificados no VIVA – SINAN. Foram explorados os campos da ficha de notificação e analisadas as variĂĄveis direcionadas Ă  caracterização dessa violĂȘncia, calculando frequĂȘncias absolutas e relativas. Os resultados obtidos revelam que as mulheres representam 63% do total das vĂ­timas de um total de 1.793 casos notificados. Sendo a violĂȘncia fĂ­sica (54,6%) a mais praticada. Em seguida a violĂȘncia sexual (38,4%), psicolĂłgica/moral (29,2%) e negligĂȘncia/abandono (13,8%). A grande maioria das violĂȘncias aconteceu na residĂȘncia da vĂ­tima (46,3%). Em geral o autor dessa agressĂŁo Ă© do sexo masculino (56,5%) e do Ăąmbito domiciliar (35,7%). O encaminhamento para o setor saĂșde Ă© predominantemente para o ambulatĂłrio. Os resultados evidenciam a vulnerabilidade da mulher, sendo o principal alvo das violĂȘncias interpessoais e a maior parte das agressĂ”es acontece no Ăąmbito domiciliar por agressores conhecidos. A implantação do VIVA tem permitido revelar uma parcela dos casos atĂ© entĂŁo “ocultos” complementando as informaçÔes obtidas referentes aos dados de mortalidade e morbidade hospitalar e permitindo um melhor dimensionamento da magnitude de este problema de saĂșde pĂșblica. A violĂȘncia reflete um contexto social determinante. O sistema de saĂșde tem a responsabilidade de atuar articuladamente com outros setores na prevenção da violĂȘncia, assim como, no diagnĂłstico e tratamento de todos os casos oferecendo assistĂȘncia integral e resolutiva

    Semiquantitative interpretation of anticardiolipin and antiÎČ2glycoprotein I antibodies measured with various analytical platforms: communication from the ISTH SSC subcommittee on Lupus Anticoagulant/Antiphospholipid antibodies

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    Background AntiÎČ2glycoprotein I (aÎČ2GPI) and anticardiolipin (aCL) IgG/IgM show differences in positive/negative agreement and titers between solid phase platforms. Method specific semiquantitative categorization of titers could improve and harmonize the interpretation across platforms. Aim To evaluate the traditionally 40/80 units thresholds used for aCL and aÎČ2GPI for categorization into moderate/high positivity with different analytical systems, and to compare with alternative thresholds. Material and methods aCL and aÎČ2GPI thresholds were calculated for two automated systems (chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) and multiplex flow immunoassay (MFI)) by ROC-curve analysis on 1108 patient samples, including patients with and without APS, and confirmed on a second population (n=279). Alternatively, regression analysis on diluted standard material was applied to identify thresholds. Thresholds were compared to 40/80 threshold measured by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated. Results Threshold levels of 40/80 units show poor agreement between ELISA and automated platforms for classification into low/moderate/high positivity, especially for aCL/aÎČ2GPI IgG. Agreement for semiquantitative interpretation of aPL IgG between ELISA and CLIA/MFI improves with alternative thresholds. LR for aPL IgG increase for thrombotic and obstetric APS based on 40/80 thresholds for ELISA and adapted thresholds for the other systems, but not for IgM. Conclusion Use of 40/80 units as medium/high thresholds is acceptable for aCL/aÎČ2GPI IgG ELISA, but not for CLIA and MFI. Alternative semiquantitative thresholds for non-ELISA platforms can be determined by a clinical approach or by using monoclonal antibodies. Semiquantitative reporting of aPL IgM has less impact on increasing probability for APS

    Changes in oxidative stress in response to different levels of energy restriction in obese ponies

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    The present study evaluated the effect of different levels of energy restriction on metabolic parameters in obese ponies. Relative weight changes, markers of lipid metabolism, and oxidant/antioxidant balance were monitored. Eighteen obese (body condition score≄7/9) Shetland ponies were studied over a 23.5 week trial, divided into 3 periods. First a 4 week adaptation period in which each animal was fed 100% of their maintenance energy requirements needed to maintain stable obese body weight (MERob). Then a 16.5 weeks weight loss period in which ponies were assigned to receive either 100% (control group, CONTROL), 80% (slow weight loss group, SLOW) or 60% (rapid weight loss group, RAPID) of their MERob. During the 3 week end phase period all animals were again fed 100% of their MERob. Relative weight loss was higher in RAPID (P<0.001) compared to SLOW. No linear relationship was found as a doubling in caloric restriction was accompanied with a tripling in weight loss. Relative weight gain afterwards in the end phase period was higher in RAPID (P<0.001) compared to SLOW and CONTROL. During the weight loss period, triacylglycerol and non-esterified fatty acids levels were highest in RAPID, as were α-tocopherol and ferric reducing ability of plasma. After 8 weeks of weight loss, advanced oxidation protein products were higher in RAPID compared to SLOW and CONTROL (P<0.001). In conclusion, the level of energy restriction influences the extent of changes in oxidant/antioxidant balance. Practically, more severe energy restriction regimens may be associated with a greater regain of weight post restriction

    Canine Ependymoma: Diagnostic Criteria and Common Pitfalls

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    Reports of canine ependymoma are generally restricted to single case reports with tumor incidence estimated at 2% to 3% of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. While most commonly reported in the lateral ventricle, tumors can occur anywhere in the ventricular system and in extraventricular locations. Rosettes and pseudorosettes are a common histologic feature; however, these features can be mimicked by other CNS neoplasms. Thirty-seven potential ependymoma cases were identified in a retrospective database search of 8 institutions, and a histologic review of all cases was conducted. Of 37 cases, 22 candidate cases were further subjected to a consensus histologic and immunohistochemical review, and only 5 of 37 (13.5%) were conclusively identified as ependymoma. The neuroanatomic locations were the lateral ventricle (3/5), third ventricle (1/5), and mesencephalic aqueduct (1/5). Subtypes were papillary (4/5) and tanycytic (1/5). Histologic features included rosettes (5/5), pseudorosettes (5/5), ependymal canals (2/5), tanycytic differentiation (1/5), blepharoplasts (1/5), ciliated cells (1/5), and high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio (5/5). Immunolabeling for GFAP (4/4) and CKAE1/3 (3/4) was found in pseudorosettes, rosettes, and scattered individual neoplastic cells. Diffuse but variably intense cytoplasmic S100 immunolabeling was detected in 3 of 4 cases. Olig2 intranuclear immunolabeling was observed in less than 1% of the neoplastic cells (3/3). Tumors that had pseudorosettes and mimicked ependymoma included oligodendroglioma, choroid plexus tumor, pituitary corticotroph adenoma, papillary meningioma, and suprasellar germ cell tumor. These findings indicate that canine ependymoma is an extremely rare neoplasm with histomorphologic features that overlap with other primary CNS neoplasms
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