Core and patch position optimizations for vibration control of piezolaminated structures

This paper deals with a finite formulation baserd on the classical laminated plate tehory, for active control of thin late laminated structures with integrated piezoelectric layers, acting as sensors and actuators. The control is initialized through a previuos optimization of the core of the laminated structure, in order to minimize the vibration amplitude. Also the optimization of the patches position in performed to maximize the piezoelectric actuator efficiency. the simulating annealing mthod is used for these purposes. The finite element model is a single layer triangular nonconforming plate/shell element with 18 degrees of fredom for the generalized displacements, and one electrical potential degree of freedom for each piezoelectric element layer, wich can be surface bonded or imbedded on the laminate. To achieve a mechanism of active control of the structure dynamic response, a feedback control algorirhm is used, coupling the sensor and active piezoelectric layers. To calculate the dynamic response of the laminated structures the Newmark method is considered. The model is applied in the solution of an illustrative case and the results are presented and discussed

Surfactin and poly–γ–glutamic acid co–production by Bacillus velezensis P#02 using a corn steep liquor–based medium

Bacillus velezensis P#02 simultaneously produced surfactin and polyglutamic acid (PGA). Among the different culture media studied, the one containing corn steep liquor (100 mL/L), glucose (10 g/L), and glutamic acid (10 g/L) as sole ingredients (CSLGGlut(10)) offered the best results regarding biosurfactant and biopolymer production. Although biosurfactant production occurred both under shaking and static conditions, significant biopolymer production occurred only in static cultures. Using the culture medium CSLGGlut(10), 910 ± 20 mg surfactin/L and 9.8 ± 0.2 g PGA/L were produced. Surfactin was synthetized as a mixture of five different homologues (fatty acid chains ranging between C12 and C16), being the most abundant C14 and C15surfactin. Surfactin reduced the surface tension up to 29 mN/m, with a critical micelle concentration of 52 mg/L, and exhibited a significant emulsifying activity. B. velezensis P#02 PGA, which molecular weight was around 229 kDa, displayed a nonNewtonian shearthinning profile, achieving apparent viscosity values around 3800 mPa s in aqueous solution, with a predominant viscous behavior. Accordingly, B. velezensis P#02 is a promising strain for the simultaneous production of PGA and surfactin using the waste stream corn steep liquor.The authors acknowledge the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for financial support under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit, with DOI 10.54499/UIDB/04469/2020, and LABBELS – Associate Laboratory in Biotechnology, Bioengi neering and Microelectromechanical Systems, LA/P/0029/2020. Eduardo J. Gudina˜ thanks FCT for the research contract DL 57/2016/CP1377/CT0039 (DOI 10.54499/DL57/2016/CP1377/CT0039). Ricardo Dias would also like to acknowledge FCT for the Scientific Employment Stimulus grant (2021.01830.CEECIND/CP1662/CT0013, DOI 10.54499/2021.01830.CEECIND/CP1662/CT0013).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Análisis del lanzamiento a canasta en baloncesto en silla de ruedas.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue desarrollar una revisión sistemática sobre el lanzamiento en Baloncesto en Silla de Ruedas. Para la búsqueda de los documentos, se utilizaron las siguientes palabras clave: “Basketball”, “Wheelchair” y “Shooting”. Las bases de datos empleadas fueron Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed y SPORTDiscus, incluyendo todos los manuscritos publicados hasta enero de 2023, garantizando así los documentos más recientes. Para la búsqueda, se establecieron una serie criterios de inclusión: i) Seleccionar cualquier tipo de documento científico, ii) Incluir aquellos documentos que analicen el lanzamiento en BSR, y, su incidencia en el rendimiento (mínimo 50 palabras), iii) Estar escrito en inglés, español o portugués, y, por último, iv) Estar disponible a texto completo o disponer del resumen, obteniéndose un número final de veinte documentos manuscritos. Los manuscritos seleccionados se caracterizan por ser Estudios empíricos con una metodología cuantitativa. Como conclusión, parece que el lanzamiento es uno de los principales indicadores de rendimiento en Baloncesto en Silla de Ruedas, pero no se ha investigado la influencia de la Clasificación Funcional en la efectividad y el Tipo de lanzamientos, lo que permitiría conocer y analizar el rendimiento de los jugadores en función de su capacidad motriz.post-print258 K

Síndrome de Burnout na classe médica durante a pandemia da Covid-19: uma revisão de literatura / Burnout syndrome in physicians during the Covid-19 pandemic: a literature review

Introdução: A Síndrome de Burnout, caracterizada por exaustão emocional, despersonalização e baixa realização pessoal, é decorrente do estresse crônico causado por atividades laborais. Durante a pandemia da COVID-19, a piora das condições de trabalho e as longas jornadas tornaram-se fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento dessa síndrome, principalmente entre a classe médica. Diante disso, este trabalho tem por objetivo revisar a literatura sobre Síndrome de Burnout, sua prevalência entre médicos e sua interface com a pandemia de COVID-19. Método: Revisão da literatura disponível dos últimos 5 anos sobre o tema. A busca por publicações foi realizada no período de agosto a dezembro de 2021 nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS, SciELO e BIREME com os descritores “Burnout”, “Médicos”, “COVID-19” e “Esgotamento Profissional”. Resultados: De 22 artigos encontrados, 7 preencheram os critérios de inclusão para o objetivo principal desta revisão. Todas as pesquisas foram conduzidas no ano de 2020 em diferentes países, com médicos de diversas especialidades. A maioria dos estudos utilizou o Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) como instrumento diagnóstico. A prevalência de SB durante a pandemia de COVID-19 variou de 49,2% a 100%. Enquanto no período anterior à pandemia foram encontrados percentuais de no máximo 81,5%, as pesquisas no âmbito da pandemia de COVID-19 revelaram números de até 100%. Conclusão: Houve números maiores na prevalência de SB na maioria das amostras do contexto pandêmico. Mais estudos são necessários para obtenção de resultados mais fidedignos e neutralização de vieses

Mammary Gland Ultrasound Evaluation of Jersey Cattle Breed

Background: Ultrasound allows the udder evaluation of lactating cattle, through parameters such as the area of the cistern of the mammary gland and teat, and can reveal structures with different echogenicity, indicating injuries as mastitis, edema, hematoma, abscess, atrophy and fibrosis in the mammary gland parenchyma. The aim of this study was to observe the clinical, morphometric and sonographic assessment of the mammary gland of Jersey cows, evaluating the correlation of this exam and the production of milk.Materials, Methods & Results: Nine Jersey breed cows, aged 3 to 9 years, in a variable order of first to seventh lactation were evaluated. Animals were submitted to general and specific clinical examination of the mammary gland. For the evaluation, inspection and palpation of the gland cistern and teat cistern, measuring with tape measure the udder circumference and width and height of each mammary quarter was held, and length measurements of the four teats individually using a caliper. By palpation the mammary gland parenchyma was classified as nothing worthy of note and fibrosis. After this evaluation, the mammary glands were evaluated using ultrasound, analyzing biometrics and echotexture in order to detect and/or confirm possible changes identified in prior palpation. The diameter of the gland and teat cistern were measured, and the echogenicity of each region and each mammary quarter, checking the homogeneity of the parenchyma, evaluating the possible presence of nodules, scarring or acute injuries. The average milk production was 15.57 ± 5.4 L. There was no correlation between milk production, measured biometric data of the mammary gland and clinical and ultrasonographic changes (P > 0.05). On palpation exam, a few number of animals had soft to normal consistency in mammary glands (2/9), the occurrence of fibrosis was observed, but could only be detected by ultrasonography (4/9).Discussion: Using the ultrasound examination is possible to access more accurately the morphology of the udder of lactating animals, examining and measuring the area of the cistern of the mammary gland and teat, the thickness of the wall and ceiling interface. Several studies correlate the morphology of these parameters with resistance to mastitis. The imaging aids to differentiate the teats according to animal age, milk production, lactation number, size, as well as a predisposition to mastitis. In healthy animals, the boundary between the gland cistern and teat cistern is marked by the presence of large anechoic structures. Changes in the teats of a gland with mastitis are mild inflammation, proliferation of tissues and mucosal lesions. No significant correlation between the morphology, physical examination and ultrasound changes of the mammary gland and milk production was observed. Possibly this was due to the limited number of experimental animals, and there is a wide variation in age and clinical profiles, as already observed in other studies that cows with high and wide rear udders tend to have higher milk production. In some cases ultrasound allows observe formation of gas, bruising, edema, abscess, atrophy, fibrosis, fistulae and intraluminal obstructions and parenchymal echogenicity changes during infection cases. In normal ultrasound examination, the parenchyma of the mammary gland must be homogeneous with high echogenicity and anechoic alveolus. Atresic and fibrosis are hyperechoic and lose the typical echogenicity of the udder. Thus, it is emphasized that ultrasound is a complementary method in the evaluation of the mammary gland, since it identifies not noticeable injuries on physical examination that may affect milk production

Evaluation of the accuracy of the Delta Life DL 1000 oscillometric monitor for blood pressure measurement in anesthetized dogs of different weight ranges

Background: Arterial blood pressure is one of the most commonly variables monitored during anesthetic procedures in veterinary patients. The most reliable method for measuring arterial blood pressure in dogs and cats is the direct (invasive) method. However, the oscillometric method is less complex and more practical for clinical routine in small animals. Nevertheless, oscillometric monitors present great variability in accuracy. The present study aimed to determine the accuracy of the Delta Life DL 1000 oscillometric monitor for measurement of systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures (SAP, MAP and DAP, respectively) in anesthetized dogs of different weight ranges. Materials, Methods & Results: This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Animal Use. Fifteen female dogs of different breeds, weighing 11.6 ± 10.0 kg and with a mean age of 48 ± 51 months were used. All animals were scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia in the Institution Veterinary Hospital. Dogs were anesthetized with morphine, propofol and isoflurane and had a 20 or 22 gauge catheter introduced into the dorsal pedal artery for continuous, invasive monitoring of SAP, MAP and DAP. A blood pressure cuff was positioned over the middle third of the radius and connected to Delta Life DL 1000 monitor. Oscillometric readings of SAP, MAP and DAP were registered every 5 minutes, and invasive values were simultaneously recorded. Values obtained with both methods were compared (invasive versus oscillometric) by use of the Bland Altman method to determine the bias, standard deviation of bias and 95% limits of agreement. The percentages of errors between the methods within 10 mmHg and within 20 mmHg were calculated. The results obtained were compared with the criteria from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) for validation of indirect methods of arterial blood pressure measurement. Data were stratified into two groups according to the weight: 140 mmHg). Bias (± SD) values in Group 1 were as follows: SAP, 5.2 ± 18.1 mmHg; MAP, -3.4 ± 17.2 mmHg; and DAP, 12.0 ± 17.5 mmHg. The percentages of errors within 10 mmHg were 40.3% for SAP; 45.4% for MAP and 28.6% for DAP. The percentages of errors within 20 mmHg were 72.3% for SAP, 84.0% for MAP and 68.1% for DAP. In Group 2, 66 paired measurements were obtained, nine of which classified as hypotension, 56 as normotension and one as hypertension. Bias (± SD) in Group 2 were as follows: SAP, 13.6 ± 14.3 mmHg; MAP, -1.1 ± 13.5 mmHg; and DAP, 8.2 ± 16.0 mmHg. The percentages of errors within 10 mmHg were 33.3% for SAP, 77.3% for MAP and 33.3% for DAP. The percentages of errors within 20 mmHg were 65.1% for SAP, 92.4% for MAP and 83.4% for DAP. Discussion: Based on the results of this study and reference criteria from the ACVIM, the Delta Life DL 1000 monitor had a poor accuracy for SAP, MAP and DAP and did not meet the criteria from the ACVIM in anesthetized dogs under 10 kg. Measurements of MAP in dogs ≥ 10 kg met the ACVIM criteria, but measurements of SAP and DAP did not. Based on the findings in this study, the DL 1000 oscillometric monitor is not recommended for blood pressure measurement in anesthetized dogs < 10 kg. In dogs ≥ 10 kg, measurements of MAP yielded acceptable values, but SAP and DAP measurements did not

Evaluation of the accuracy and precision of the GE Dash 4000 oscillometric monitor for blood pressure measurement in anesthetized female dogs

Background: Indirect measurement of arterial blood pressure, such as the oscillometric method, is the most commonly used in clinical practice of dogs and cats. This method measures blood pressure values that are estimates of direct (invasive) arterial blood pressure values. Oscillometric devices are easy to use even for non-experienced personnel. However, there is considerable variation in accuracy and precision of blood pressure values measured by different oscillometric monitors. The present study aimed to determine the accuracy and precision of the GE Dash 4000 oscillometric monitor for arterial blood pressure measurement in anesthetized female dogs. Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen healthy adult female dogs received 0.3 mg/kg morphine as premedication and were anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane. A 22-gauge catheter was introduced into the dorsal pedal artery and connected to a rigid tubular system and a pressure transducer filled with heparinized solution to allow direct (invasive) measurement of systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP). A blood pressure cuff was positioned proximal to the carpus and connected to the oscillometric device (GE-DASH 4000 monitor) in order to obtain indirect measurements of SAP, MAP and DAP. Cuff width was 40% of limb circumference. During anesthesia, invasive arterial blood pressure values were measured and recorded simultaneously with the oscillometric method. The Bland Altman method was used to evaluate agreement between the methods by calculating the bias (invasive - oscillometric) and limits of agreement. Percentages of differences between the methods with an error ≤ 10 mmHg and ≤ 20 mmHg were calculated. Results were compared with the criteria from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) for validation of noninvasive blood pressure methods Weight and age of dogs were 7.6 ± 2.2 kg and 20 ± 17 months, respectively. A total of 195 pairs of measurements were obtained from 16 animals. Of these pairs, 146 were classified as normotension (SAP: 90 to 140 mmHg), 28 as hypertension (SAP > 140 mmHg) and 21 as hypotension (SAP < 90 mmHg). Bias values ± SD (95% limits of agreement) were: SAP, 5.0 ± 16.5 mmHg (-27.3 to 37.4 mmHg); MAP, -3.4 ± 14.3 mmHg (-31.4 to 24.6 mmHg); and DAP, 4.2 ± 11.8 mmHg (-18.9 to 27.4 mmHg). According to the ACVIM criteria, maximum values accepted for bias (± SD) are 10 ± 15 mmHg. Percentages of differences ≤ 10 mmHg and ≤ 20 mmHg were: SAP, 41% and 80%; MAP, 54% and 84%; and DAP, 64% and 91%. ACVIM recommendations are ≥ 50% for errors within 10 mmHg and ≥ 80% for errors within 20 mmHg. Discussion: MAP and DAP values obtained by the GE-DASH 4000 monitor matched the ACVIM criteria for validation of noninvasive methods. Conversely, SAP values did not meet all the criteria, and were not considered reliable. Limitations of the study include: a) most dogs were of low weight; b) the ACVIM criteria refer to SAP measurements, but in the present study, the same criteria were applied to MAP and DAP measurements; c) the majority of observations were obtained during normotension. We conclude that MAP and DAP measurements obtained by the GE Dash 4000 monitor met the ACVIM criteria for validation of noninvasive blood pressure monitors. Therefore, this monitor was considered to have adequate accuracy and precision for MAP and DAP measurements in anesthetized normotensive dogs. Under the conditions of this study, SAP measurements obtained by this monitor were not reliable

Evaluation of the Accuracy and Precision of the GE Dash 4000 Oscillometric Monitor for Blood Pressure Measurement in Anesthetized Female Dogs

Background: Indirect measurement of arterial blood pressure, such as the oscillometric method, is the most commonly used in clinical practice of dogs and cats. This method measures blood pressure values that are estimates of direct (invasive) arterial blood pressure values. Oscillometric devices are easy to use even for non-experienced personnel. However, there is considerable variation in accuracy and precision of blood pressure values measured by different oscillometric monitors. The present study aimed to determine the accuracy and precision of the GE Dash 4000 oscillometric monitor for arterial blood pressure measurement in anesthetized female dogs.Materials, Methods & Results: Sixteen healthy adult female dogs received 0.3 mg/kg morphine as premedication and were anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane. A 22-gauge catheter was introduced into the dorsal pedal artery and connected to a rigid tubular system and a pressure transducer filled with heparinized solution to allow direct (invasive) measurement of systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP). A blood pressure cuff was positioned proximal to the carpus and connected to the oscillometric device (GE-DASH 4000 monitor) in order to obtain indirect measurements of SAP, MAP and DAP. Cuff width was 40% of limb circumference. During anesthesia, invasive arterial blood pressure values were measured and recorded simultaneously with the oscillometric method. The Bland Altman method was used to evaluate agreement between the methods by calculating the bias (invasive - oscillometric) and limits of agreement. Percentages of differences between the methods with an error ≤ 10 mmHg and ≤ 20 mmHg were calculated. Results were compared with the criteria from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) for validation of noninvasive blood pressure methods. Weight and age of dogs were 7.6 ± 2.2 kg and 20 ± 17 months, respectively. A total of 195 pairs of measurements were obtained from 16 animals. Of these pairs, 146 were classified as normotension (SAP: 90 to 140 mmHg), 28 as hypertension (SAP > 140 mmHg) and 21 as hypotension (SAP < 90 mmHg). Bias values ± SD (95% limits of agreement) were: SAP, 5.0 ± 16.5 mmHg (-27.3 to 37.4 mmHg); MAP, -3.4 ± 14.3 mmHg (-31.4 to 24.6 mmHg); and DAP, 4.2 ± 11.8 mmHg (-18.9 to 27.4 mmHg). According to the ACVIM criteria, maximum values accepted for bias (± SD) are 10 ± 15 mmHg. Percentages of differences ≤ 10 mmHg and ≤ 20 mmHg were: SAP, 41% and 80%; MAP, 54% and 84%; and DAP, 64% and 91%. ACVIM recommendations are ≥ 50% for errors within 10 mmHg and ≥ 80% for errors within 20 mmHg.Discussion: MAP and DAP values obtained by the GE-DASH 4000 monitor matched the ACVIM criteria for validation of noninvasive methods. Conversely, SAP values did not meet all the criteria, and were not considered reliable. Limitations of the study include: a) most dogs were of low weight; b) the ACVIM criteria refer to SAP measurements, but in the present study, the same criteria were applied to MAP and DAP measurements; c) the majority of observations were obtained during normotension. We conclude that MAP and DAP measurements obtained by the GE Dash 4000 monitor met the ACVIM criteria for validation of noninvasive blood pressure monitors. Therefore, this monitor was considered to have adequate accuracy and precision for MAP and DAP measurements in anesthetized normotensive dogs. Under the conditions of this study, SAP measurements obtained by this monitor were not reliable