Three-dimensional image technology in forensic anthropology: assessing the validity of biological profiles derived from CT-3D images of the skeleton

This project explores the reliability of building a biological profile for an unknown individual based on three-dimensional (3D) images of the individual's skeleton. 3D imaging technology has been widely researched for medical and engineering applications, and it is increasingly being used as a tool for anthropological inquiry. While the question of whether a biological profile can be derived from 3D images of a skeleton with the same accuracy as achieved when using dry bones has been explored, bigger sample sizes, a standardized scanning protocol and more interobserver error data are needed before 3D methods can become widely and confidently used in forensic anthropology. 3D images of Computed Tomography (CT) scans were obtained from 130 innominate bones from Boston University's skeletal collection (School of Medicine). For each bone, both 3D images and original bones were assessed using the Phenice and Suchey-Brooks methods. Statistical analysis was used to determine the agreement between 3D image assessment versus traditional assessment. A pool of six individuals with varying experience in the field of forensic anthropology scored a subsample (n = 20) to explore interobserver error. While a high agreement was found for age and sex estimation for specimens scored by the author, the interobserver study shows that observers found it difficult to apply standard methods to 3D images. Higher levels of experience did not result in higher agreement between observers, as would be expected. Thus, a need for training in 3D visualization before applying anthropological methods to 3D bones is suggested. Future research should explore interobserver error using a larger sample size in order to test the hypothesis that training in 3D visualization will result in a higher agreement between scores. The need for the development of a standard scanning protocol focusing on the optimization of 3D image resolution is highlighted. Applications for this research include the possibility of digitizing skeletal collections in order to expand their use and for deriving skeletal collections from living populations and creating population-specific standards. Further research for the development of a standard scanning and processing protocol is needed before 3D methods in forensic anthropology are considered as reliable tools for generating biological profiles

Spectroscopic and dynamical properties of comet C/2018 F4, likely a true average former member of the Oort cloud

The population of comets hosted by the Oort cloud is heterogeneous. Most studies in this area focused on highly active objects, those with small perihelion distances or examples of objects with peculiar physical properties and/or unusual chemical compositions. This may have produced a biased sample of Oort cloud comets in which the most common objects may be rare, particularly those with perihelia well beyond the orbit of the Earth. Within this context, the known Oort cloud comets may not be representative of the full sample. Here, we study the spectral properties in the visible region and the cometary activity of Comet C/2018 F4 (PANSTARRS). We also explore its orbital evolution with the aim of understanding its origin within the context of known minor bodies moving along nearly parabolic or hyperbolic paths. We present observations obtained with the 10.4 m Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), derive the spectral class and visible slope of C/2018 F4 and characterise its level of cometary activity. Direct N-body simulations are carried out to explore its orbital evolution. The absolute magnitude of C/2018 F4 is Hr=13.62+/-0.04. Assuming a pV=0.04 its diameter is D<10.4 km. The object presents a conspicuous coma, with a level of activity comparable to those of other comets observed at similar heliocentric distances. Comet C/2018 F4 has a visible spectrum consistent with that of an X-type asteroid, and has a spectral slope S'=4.0+/-1.0 %/1000\AA and no evidence of hydration. The spectrum matches those of well-studied primitive asteroids and comets. The analysis of its dynamical evolution prior to discovery suggests that C/2018 F4 is not of extrasolar origin. Although the present-day heliocentric orbit of C/2018 F4 is slightly hyperbolic, its observational properties and past orbital evolution are consistent with those of a dynamically old comet with an origin in the Oort cloud.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures. In pres

Functionalized Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanofibers: An Innovative Triboelectric Energy Generator

A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is one of the most significantly innovative microdevices for built-in energy harvesting with wearable and portable electronics. In this study, the forcespinning technology was used to synthesize a nanofiber (NF) mat-based TENG. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was used as the negative triboelectric electrode/pole, and chemically designed and functionalized thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was used as the positive electrode/pole for the TENG. The electronic interference, sensitivity, and gate voltage of the synthesized microdevices were investigated using chemically modified bridging of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with a TPU polymer repeating unit and bare TPU-based positive electrodes. The chemical functionality of TPU NF was integrated during the NF preparation step. The morphological features and the chemical structure of the nanofibers were characterized using a field emission scanning electron microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrical output of the fabricated MWCNT-TPU/PVDF TENG yielded a maximum of 212 V in open circuit and 70 µA in short circuit at 240 beats per minute, which proved to be 79% and 15% higher than the TPU/PDVF triboelectric nanogenerator with an electronic contact area of 3.8 × 3.8 cm2, which indicates that MWCNT enhanced the electron transportation facility, which results in significantly enhanced performance of the TENG. This device was further tested for its charging capacity and sensory performance by taking data from different body parts, e.g., the chest, arms, feet, hands, etc. These results show an impending prospect and versatility of the chemically functionalized materials for next-generation applications in sensing and everyday energy harvesting technology

Software defined utility: A step towards a flexible, reliable and low-cost smart grid

The Smart Grid relies in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) but usually there is still a lack of integration in their deployment. They are designed as separated systems and managed that way too. In addition, the changes in the electric network are so complex and dependable on a very rigid hardware architecture. Based on the work done in the European project FINESCE, this paper presents the “Software Defined Utility “(SDU) concept, which advocates the migration of the utility infrastructure to software systems instead of relying on complex and rigid hardware based systems. This new approach provides a prospective view on the evolution of power systems that will benefit from software systems and high-speed data network infrastructures. More concretely, as a first SDU building block, the paper proposes a data storage and management system based on a hybrid cloud infrastructure to meet the storage requirements of electric utilities. In this regard, the following dimensions have been analysed: the most appropriate methodology to select where data resources should be allocated; security requirements and threads taking into account its deployment in a critical infrastructure like a Smart Grid

Centering Equity in Oregon’s 100 Year Water Vision: A Student-led Policy Paper Prepared by the Oregon Water Stories Team at Portland State University

The purpose of this report is to provide evidence for the need to further intentionally incorporate equity into Oregon’s 100 Year Water Vision. Four case studies contextualize this need and highlight the variety of water issues throughout the state, supported by linguistic analyses of local newspapers. As Oregon policy-makers are responsible for ensuring working water systems for all Oregonians, we also suggest implementable criteria for the evaluation of equity in water issues and decision-making. This student-led and interdisciplinary report comes from the Haeffner-Cowal Oregon Water Stories research lab at Portland State University

OLDEST OLD IN THE HOUSEHOLD: THE FAMILY AS UNIT OF CARE

OBJETIVO: O estudo objetivou analisar como a família se organiza enquanto unidade de cuidado a idosos mais velhos no espaço domiciliar, com base no Modelo Calgary de Avaliação Familiar. MÉTODO: Estudo de caráter qualitativo, descritivo. A coleta dos dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas, avaliando três núcleos familiares. RESULTADOS: Baseados nas categorias que compõe o Modelo e na análise de conteúdo analisaram-se os aspectos da estrutura, desenvolvimento e funcionamento das famílias, abrangendo a dinâmica socioeconômica da organização familiar, o papel do idoso e sua influência na relação familial, a necessidade de cuidado, aspectos emocionais e vínculo afetivo que (re)organizam a estrutura familiar. CONCLUSÃO: A relação familiar e a complexidade dos vínculos que o idoso mantém são fundamentais para a preservação de sua saúde, especialmente nos aspectos relativos à dependência de cuidados. Considera-se importante maior inserção da equipe de enfermagem nesse espaço visando adequar a assistência em saúde à organização familiar. 

OLDEST OLD IN THE HOUSEHOLD: THE FAMILY AS UNIT OF CARE

OBJETIVO: O estudo objetivou analisar como a família se organiza enquanto unidade de cuidado a idosos mais velhos no espaço domiciliar, com base no Modelo Calgary de Avaliação Familiar. MÉTODO: Estudo de caráter qualitativo, descritivo. A coleta dos dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas, avaliando três núcleos familiares. RESULTADOS: Baseados nas categorias que compõe o Modelo e na análise de conteúdo analisaram-se os aspectos da estrutura, desenvolvimento e funcionamento das famílias, abrangendo a dinâmica socioeconômica da organização familiar, o papel do idoso e sua influência na relação familial, a necessidade de cuidado, aspectos emocionais e vínculo afetivo que (re)organizam a estrutura familiar. CONCLUSÃO: A relação familiar e a complexidade dos vínculos que o idoso mantém são fundamentais para a preservação de sua saúde, especialmente nos aspectos relativos à dependência de cuidados. Considera-se importante maior inserção da equipe de enfermagem nesse espaço visando adequar a assistência em saúde à organização familiar. 

Bioceramic versus traditional biomaterials for endodontic sealers according to the ideal properties

Odontology, as a scientific discipline, continuously collaborates with biomaterials engineering to enhance treatment characteristics and patients' satisfaction. Endodontics, a specialized field of dentistry, focuses on the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental disorders affecting the dental pulp, root, and surrounding tissues. A critical aspect of endodontic treatment involves the careful selection of an appropriate endodontic sealer for clinical use, as it significantly influences treatment outcomes. Traditional sealers, such as zinc oxide-eugenol, fatty acid, salicylate, epoxy resin, silicone, and methacrylate resin systems, have been extensively used for decades. However, advancements in endodontics have given rise to bioceramic-based sealers, offering improved properties and addressing new challenges in endodontic therapy. In this review, a classification of these materials and their ideal properties are presented to provide evidence-based guidance to clinicians. Physicochemical properties, including sealing ability, stability over time and space, as well as biological properties such as biocompatibility and antibacterial characteristics, along with costeffectiveness, are essential factors influencing clinicians' decisions based on individual patient evaluations