Entropy and Poincar\'e recurrence from a geometrical viewpoint

We study Poincar\'e recurrence from a purely geometrical viewpoint. We prove that the metric entropy is given by the exponential growth rate of return times to dynamical balls. This is the geometrical counterpart of Ornstein-Weiss theorem. Moreover, we show that minimal return times to dynamical balls grow linearly with respect to its length. Finally, some interesting relations between recurrence, dimension, entropy and Lyapunov exponents of ergodic measures are given.Comment: 11 pages, revised versio

Systematisation of seismic retrofitting in vernacular architecture

This paper aims to identify and to systematize the data obtained during the working process of the research project 'SEISMIC-V –Vernacular Seismic Culture in Portugal' in terms of seismic- retrofitting elements earthquake -resistant reinforcement implemented in vernacular buildings. The data will be distinguished based on the structural seismic strengthening and according to the following criteria: strengthening elements, perimeter seismic-resistant elements, arches reinforcing elements, and combined reinforcing elements.Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) to the research project ‘SEISMIC - V – Vernacular Seismic Culture in Portu gal’ (PTDC/ATP - AQI/ 3934/2012

Laryngeal Electromyography In Movement Disorders: Preliminary Data.

This study describes preliminary laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) data and botulinum toxin treatment in patients with dysphonia due to movement disorders. Twenty-five patients who had been clinically selected for botulinum toxin administration were examined, 19 with suspected laryngeal dystonia or spasmodic dysphonia (SD), 5 with vocal tremor, and 1 with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). LEMG evaluations were performed before botulinum toxin administration using monopolar electrodes. Electromyography was consistent with dystonia in 14 patients and normal in 5, and differences in frequency suggesting essential tremor in 3 and Parkinson tremors in 2. The different LEMG patterns and significant improvement in our patients from botulinum toxin therapy has led us to perform laryngeal electromyography as a routine in UNICAMP movement disorders ambulatory.62741-

Systematisation of seismic mitigation planning at urban scale

This chapter explores the relation between the seismic mitigation planning that was developed to contribute to minimise effects at urban scale, which arise within the seismic impact. In this sense, it deepens the notion that interdependence, solidarity and cohesion of the different morphological constituents promote a better prepared built fabric, when facing catastrophic phenomena of seismic origin. Preventive approaches and reactive measures arising from the testimony of earthquake-resistant culture in Portugal are also mentioned. From the recognition of the importance of local know-how, infers a set of logical that evidence conditions to transcend the respective vernacular context, making it possible to generically systematize them.Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) to the research project ‘SEISMIC-V – Vernacular Seismic Culture in Portugal’ (PTDC/ATPAQI/ 3934/2012

Pile bearing capacity of the new bridge over Zambezi River (Mozambique): predictions and performance of static load test results

The evaluation of pile bearing capacity is dependent on the interpretation of the pilehead load-settlement curve and the determination of the shaft and toe resistances in careful andwell instrumented tests. It is then possible to calibrate design methods with load transfer curves atdifferent depths for progressive loading levels. In the New Zambezi Bridge (Caia Chimuara,Mozambique) deep foundations have been designed taking into consideration differentmethodologies: methods based directly in SPT data (Reese & ONeill) and methods based in CPTdata (Bustamante & Frank, 1999), giving rise to some scatter in final results. For the complete andtrustful solution, static load tests on some piles were executed using the Osterberg test method, inorder to obtain a simple way to evaluate shaft load transfer and define the applicability of eachempirical methodology. Results of this comparative analysis are proposed and some suggestionsare presented for regional practice

Capacidade de carga de estacas da fundação da nova ponte sobre o Rio Zambeze. Previsões e verificação através de ensaios de carga pelo método de Osterberg

A determinação da capacidade de carga de estacas é directamente dependente da interpretaçãodas curvas carga-assentamento a partir do topo do elemento estrutural, pelo que a realizaçãode ensaios de carga bem instrumentados, tornam possível a calibração dos métodos de cálculoa partir das curvas de transferência de carga obtidas em profundidade para níveis decarregamento crescentes. O dimensionamento das estacas da nova Ponte sobre o Rio Zambeze(Caia - Chimuara, Moçambique) foi realizado tendo em conta 2 metodologias distintas:métodos baseados em ensaios SPT (FHWA, Reese & O'Neill, 1999) e métodos baseados emresultados CPT (Código Francês de Fundações, LCPC), que forneceram resultados algodistintos. Neste contexto, foram executados ensaios de carga em estacas (Osterberg), paraaferição das condições reais e definição da aplicabilidade de cada metodologia. Os resultadosobtidos e respectiva análise comparativa são apresentados em seguida.The evaluation of pile bearing capacity is dependent on the interpretation of the pile headload-settlement curve and the determination of the shaft and toe resistances in careful andwell instrumented tests, making possible to calibrate design methods from load transfer curvein depth for progressive loading levels. In the New Zambezi Bridge (Mozambique, Caia - Chimuara) deep foundations have been designed taking into consideration differentmethodologies: methods based in SPT data (Reese & O'Neill) and methods based in CPT data(Bustamante & Giasenelli, 1982), giving rise to some scatter in final results. For the completeand trustful solution, static load tests in piles were executed using Osterberg test method, inorder to obtain a simple way to evaluate shaft load transfer and define the applicability ofeach empirical methodology. Results of this comparative analysis are presented and somesuggestions are presented for regional practice

Larynx electromyography: study of the diagnostic contribution in 30 patients carrying vocal fold immobility

Introdução : Electromyography (EMG) is a technique developed and used in neurology for diagnosis and prognostic definition of neuromuscular diseases. Study design: Clinical prospective. Material and method: Thirty (30) patients with vocal fold immobility have been grouped according to the diagnostic hypothesis clinically established. Results: EMGL diagnosed peripherical neuropathic injury, central neuropathic injury or fixation of the cricoarterytenoideous in all patients who presented vocal fold immobility with no defined cause. In those patients carrying vocal fold immobility on account of mechanical traumatic cause, clinically so defined, EMGL confirmed peripheral neuropathic injury in 70% of the cases and for the remaining 30% of the cases, it determined other causes such as peripheral neuropathic of compression, myopia and fixation of the cricoarterytenoideous. Conclusion: EMGL confirmed a chronic neuropathic injury in those patients carrying vocal fold immobility by virtue of compression caused by a possible clinically defined tumor.Introdução: A eletromiografia (EMG) é utilizada para diagnóstico e prognóstico de doenças neuromusculares. Objetivo: avaliar a contribuição da EMG no diagnóstico da imobilidade de prega vocal. Forma de estudo: Clínico prospectivo. Material e Método: Para avaliação da contribuição diagnóstica trinta pacientes com imobilidade de prega vocal foram divididos em três grupos de acordo com a hipótese diagnóstica firmada clinicamente e submetidos a exame eletromiográfico de laringe. Resultados: A EMGL diagnosticou lesão neuropática periférica, lesão neuropática central ou fixação cricoarinetóidea em todos os casos de prega vocal imóvel sem causa definida. Nos casos de prega vocal imóvel por trauma mecânico definido clinicamente, a EMGL confirmou lesão neuropática periférica em 70% dos casos, e determinou outra causa em 30% (neuropatia por compressão, miopatia e fixação cricoaritenóidea). Nos pacientes com prega vocal imóvel por possível compressão tumoral definida clinicamente, a EMGL confirmou lesão neuropática crônica. Conclusão: A EMGL contribui para a precisão do diagnóstico da imobilidade de prega vocal.36937

Performance of geosynthetics as reinforcement in unpaved roads

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento de estradas não pavimentadas construídas sobre solos moles reforçadas com diferentes geossintéticos. Foram selecionadas três estradas não pavimentadas que apresentassem um trecho com baixa capacidade de suporte de carga. A flecha foi medida pelo método fotográfico para cada número de passadas, nas condições com e sem reforço, e submetido à análise de variância, pelo teste de F, a 5% de probabilidade, e quando houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos, suas médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Posteriormente, realizou-se o cálculo da razão de benefício de tráfego fornecida pela inclusão do reforço. O geossintético não tecido, quando inserido no interior do solo, contribui de modo significativo para a redução das flechas, principalmente nos solos do trecho das estradas I e III. O geossintético tecido contribui para a redução das flechas, principalmente nos solos do trecho da estrada III. A geogrelha não contribui para a redução das flechas. A razão de benefício de tráfego para os reforços utilizados foram superiores a um, com valores médios de 1,28 para o trecho da estrada I, reforçado com geossintético não tecido, 1,54 para o trecho da estrada II, reforçado com geossintético tecido e de 2,7 para o trecho da estrada III, reforçado com geossintético tecido.The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of unpaved roads built on soft soils reinforced with different geosynthetic materials. We selected three sections of unpaved roads with low load-bearing capacity. Vertical displacement (rut depth) was visually measured (photographs) for each number of passes on soils with and without reinforcement. The data underwent variance analysis by the F-test at 5% probability; when significant, means were compared by the Tukey’s test. Subsequently, we calculated traffic benefit ratio (TBR) or improvement factor due to the use of each reinforcement material. Non-woven geosynthetic materials reduced significantly the rut depths, mainly within the road sections I and III; by contrast, geosynthetic woven materials contributed in road section III. Moreover, geogrid use had no contribution to rut depth reductions. The TBR by using the reinforcements studied here showed values higher than one, with averages of 1.28 for road section I reinforced with geosynthetic nonwoven material, 1.54 for road section II reinforced with geosynthetic woven material, and 2.7 for road section III reinforced with geosynthetic woven

Effects of 2 or 5 consecutive exercise days on adipocyte area and lipid parameters in Wistar rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Exercise has been prescribed in the treatment and control of dyslipidemias and cholesterolemia, however, lipid responses to different training frequencies in hypercholesterolemic men have been inconsistent. We sought to verify if different frequencies of continuous moderate exercise (2 or 5 days/week, swimming) can, after 8 weeks, promote adaptations in adipocyte area and lipid parameters, as well as body weight and relative weight of tissues in normo and hypercholesterolemic adult male rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Normal cholesterol chow diet or cholesterol-rich diet (1% cholesterol plus 0.25% cholic acid) were freely given during 8 weeks to the rats divided in 6 experimentals groups: sedentary normal cholesterol chow diet (C); sedentary cholesterol-rich diet (H); 5× per week continuous training normal cholesterol chow diet (TC5) and cholesterol-rich diet (TH5); 2× per week continuos traning normal cholesterol chow diet (TC2) and cholesterol-rich diet (TH2).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No changes were observed in lipid profile in normal cholesterol chow diet, but both 2 a 5 days/week exercise improved this profile in cholesterol-rich diet. Body weight gain was lower in exercised rats. Decrease in retroperitoneal and epididymal relative weights as well as reductions in adipocyte areas under all diets types were observed only in 5 days/week, while 2 days/week showed improvements mainly in cholesterol-rich diet rats.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results confirm the importance of exercise protocols to control dyslipidemias and obesity in rats. The effects of 5 days/week exercise were more pronounced compared with those of 2 consecutive days/week training.</p