PoN-S : a systematic approach for applying the Physics of Notation (PoN)

Visual Modeling Languages (VMLs) are important instruments of communication between modelers and stakeholders. Thus, it is important to provide guidelines for designing VMLs. The most widespread approach for analyzing and designing concrete syntaxes for VMLs is the so-called Physics of Notation (PoN). PoN has been successfully applied in the analysis of several VMLs. However, despite its popularity, the application of PoN principles for designing VMLs has been limited. This paper presents a systematic approach for applying PoN in the design of the concrete syntax of VMLs. We propose here a design process establishing activities to be performed, their connection to PoN principles, as well as criteria for grouping PoN principles that guide this process. Moreover, we present a case study in which a visual notation for representing Ontology Pattern Languages is designed

Retrospective Cohort Study on Acute Care in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Analogies and Differences When Compared to Emergency Medicine

Introduction: the demand for urgent obstetric and gynecology care has progressively increased: in the United States approximately 1.4 million gynecologic visits are made to the emergency department (ED) annually, while almost 75% of women make at least 1 unscheduled visit during pregnancy. Moreover, research has recently focused on setting standards in unscheduled care, and developing quality indicators to improve patients’ health. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of women with acute gynecological or pregnancy complaints using quality indicators developed for emergency medicine, to better define the needs of this population and improve care. Methods: Retrospective cohort study on ED, and Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn) triage visits, at a tertiary care hospital in Italy, during 2012. Data were analyzed with population-averaged logistic regression and Poisson regression. Results: When compared to the 33,557 ED visits, the 9245 ObGyntriage referrals were more frequently associated with pregnancy (≤12 weeks’ gestation, OR: 30.7, 95%CI; 24.5 - 38.4; >12 weeks’ gestation, OR 81.2, 95%CI; 64.8 - 101.4), vaginal bleeding (OR 156.6, 95%CI; 82.7 - 294.4), diurnal (night access OR 0.87, 95% CI; 0.78 - 0.96) and weekday access (holiday access OR 0.87, 95%CI; 0.78 - 0.95), frequent users (recurrent ED visits IRR 0.87, 95%CI; 0.83 - 0.9) and lower hospital admissions (ED admission OR 1.6, 95%CI; 1.4 - 1.8). Conclusion: ObGyn triage patients differed from ED users, and were at higher risk of “crowding”. Such diversities should be considered to improve female healthcare services and allocate resources more efficiently

Remarks on 2+1 Self-dual Chern-Simons Gravity

We study 2+1 Chern-Simons gravity at the classical action level. In particular we rederive the linear combinations of the ``standard'' and ``exotic'' Einstein actions, from the (anti) self-duality of the ``internal'' Lorentzian indices. The relation to a genuine four-dimensional (anti)self-dual topological theory greatly facilitates the analysis and its relation to hyperbolic three-dimensional geometry. Finally a non-abelian vector field ``dual'' action is also obtained.Comment: 16+1 pages, LaTeX file, no figures, clarifications and comments added, typos corrected and one reference adde

New insight into the identity of italian grapevine varieties: The case study of calabrian germplasm

Calabria is a region located in Southern Italy and it is characterized by a long tradition of viticulture practices and favorable pedoclimatic conditions for grapevine cultivation. Nevertheless, less than 2% of cultivated land is dedicated to grapevine growing in Calabria. The characterization of local grapevine accessions is crucial to valorize the local and peculiar Italian products and boost the Calabrian winemaking sector. With this purpose, we performed a deep characterization of two widespread Calabrian grapevine varieties—Magliocco Dolce and Brettio Nero, of which very little is known. In particular, a genetic and morphological analysis, a berry physico-chemical and polyphenolic compositions assessment, and oenological evaluation of monovarietal wines were carried out. Our results allowed us to demonstrate that Magliocco Dolce and Brettio Nero are unique and distinct varieties with peculiar morphological and chemical characteristics and show the suitability of these two varieties in high-quality wine production. Moreover, the obtained molecular profiles will be useful for authentication and traceability purposes

Class I Integrons and SXT Elements in El Tor Strains Isolated before and after 1992 Vibrio cholerae O139 Outbreak, Calcutta, India

We examined the distribution of class I integrons and SXT elements in Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor strains, isolated in Calcutta, India, before and after the V. cholerae O139 outbreak in 1992. Class I integrons, with aadA1 gene cassette, were detected primarily in the pre-O139 strains; the SXT element was found mainly in the post-O139 strains

Frequency of asthma, allergic diseases and related symptoms among young adults of Santo André, state of São Paulo

OBJETIVO: Determinar a freqüência e a gravidade de sintomas relacionados à asma, à rinite e ao eczema atópico em adultos jovens, empregando o questionário escrito (QE) padronizado e auto-aplicável do ISAAC. MÉTODO: 747 estudantes da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, (Medicina, Enfermagem e Farmácia) foram aleatoriamente escolhidos para responder o QE padrão ISAAC, composto pelos 3 módulos (asma, rinite, eczema). Destes, 600 o fizeram de forma correta e completa. Foram calculadas as freqüências relativas e absolutas das respostas afirmativas às questões analisadas. RESULTADOS: A média de idade da população estudada foi de 26 anos (17- 28), sendo que 67% eram mulheres. A freqüência de asma ativa (sibilos nos últimos 12 meses) foi 15,3% e a de asma grave (dificuldade de fala durante as crises) foi 2%. A freqüência de rinite foi 62,1% (35,8% com sintomas graves), a de rinoconjuntivite foi 33,8% e a de eczema flexural, 6,6%. Com exceção da asma e seus sintomas, observou-se predomínio no sexo feminino. Os dados analisados indicam a necessidade de estudos adicionais em adultos jovens e a utilização de marcadores para as doenças alérgicas e atópicas.AIM: To determine the Frequence and severity of symptoms related to asthma, rhinitis and atopic eczema in young adults, using the standard self-applicable ISAAC written questionnaire (WQ). METHOD: 747 students of Faculdade de Medicina do ABC (Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy) were randomly chosen to answer the WQ. Six hundred students correctly and completely answered the WQ. Relative and absolute frequencies of affirmative answers to the analyzed questions were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of the studied population was 26 years (17-28) and 67% were women. The prevalence of active asthma (wheezing in the last 12 months) was 15.3% and of severe asthma (speech difficulty during the crisis), 2%. The Frequence of rhinitis was 62.1% (35.8% with severe symptoms), of rhinoconjunctivitis, 33.8%, and of flexural eczema, 6.6%. With the exception of asthma and its symptoms, there was predominance of these diseases in females. The analyzed data indicate the need for further studies in young adults and the use of markers for allergic and atopic diseases