Search

O presente estudo tem como objetivo compreender como os agentes de combate às endemias utilizam a metodologia Levantamento Rápido de Índices para Aedes aegypti na determinação de focos de criadouros do mosquito em Curitiba. A pesquisa de abordagem quanti-qualitativa, foi realizada com participantes em uma rede de serviços públicos de saúde, por meio da aplicação de um questionário via plataforma Forms, no período de agosto a outubro de 2023. Os resultados demonstraram que a metodologia é mais um adjuvante na busca rápida na detecção de focos de mosquito a curto prazo. Contudo, foram identificadas limitações em sua aplicabilidade, ressaltando a importância da vigilância contínua e do uso de outras formas de detecção do vetor.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze judicial demands for medications in Campo Grande, Brazil, between July 2018 and June 2020. Methods: the four dimensions of the Manual of Indicators for Evaluation and Monitoring of Judicial Demands for Medications were examined. Results: 676 judicial processes were identified, corresponding to 1006 requests for 284 different medications. In 92.74% of the processes, access to medications was granted, with 88.80% granted on an urgent basis. The median time between the decision and delivery of the medication was 146 days. The average monthly cost of acquiring medications was R$ 2,183.68 Brazilian reais. Among the identified medications, 90.22% had at least one therapeutic alternative available in the public healthcare system. Conclusions: characterizing and analyzing judicial demands related to medications can support discussions on updating medication lists and clinical protocols, organizing healthcare services, allocating resources, and implementing actions to reduce judicialization.

Araucaria angustifolia – ‘araucaria’– is a critically endangered conifer tree of great ecological, economic, and cultural importance occurring in subtropical forests and grasslands in southern Brazil. Using ecological niche modeling we estimated its distribution in the present and future scenarios (2050), assessed sources of uncertainties, evaluated the effectiveness of protected areas, and indicated suitable sites for restoration efforts to maintain viable populations. For this, we generated and compared 11,484 models with different combinations of variables and parameters. The final model included variables related to climate, soil, and topography. The potential distribution of araucaria was estimated to be 489.8 × 10 3km2, with a predicted reduction in 2050 from 45% to 56% (SSP245 and SSP585, respectively). The reduction within remaining habitats is estimated to range from 32% to 44%. Combined, current habitat availability and climate change accounted for a reduction from 70% to 75% of the potential distribution. Only 5% of the current potential distribution is within protected areas, which may be reduced to 1%. In addition, 40% of suitable sites in remaining habitats are not protected, which may reduce to 24–28% in 2050. Restoration efforts may contribute to an increase of 42–45% of the remaining population. We show that estimates of araucaria distribution in the future are variable and dependent on climate projections and scenarios, however, the potential distribution in natural grasslands may remain stable. Coordinated actions involving the protection and restoration of habitats associated with population growth are urgent to improve the persistence of araucaria in the future.

Battery technologies have recently undergone significant advancements in design and manufacturing to meet the performance requirements of a wide range of applications, including electromobility and stationary domains. For e-mobility, batteries are essential components in various types of electric vehicles (EVs), including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). These EVs rely on diverse charging systems, including conventional charging, fast-charging, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems. In stationary applications, batteries are increasingly being employed for the electrical management of micro/smart grids as transient buffer energy storage. Batteries are commonly used in conjunction with power electronic interfaces to adapt to the specific requirements of various applications. Furthermore, power electronic interfaces to batteries themselves have evolved technologically, resulting in more efficient, thermally efficient, compact, and robust power converter architectures. This article offers a comprehensive review of new-generation battery technologies. The topic is approached from the perspective of applications, emerging trends, and future directions. The article explores new battery technologies utilizing innovative electrode and electrolyte materials, their application domains, and technological limitations. In conclusion, a discussion and analysis are provided, synthesizing the technological evolution of batteries while highlighting new trends, directions, and prospects.

Flywheels are nowadays a solution for the dynamic charging of electric vehicles since they act as transient energy storage. The need for a top efficient reversible power converter for the flywheel system is crucial to assure high dynamic performance. The paper presents the design of a 50 kW highly efficient reversible three-phase DC–AC inverter involving the most recent silicon carbide metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors, and its experimental validation on a home-made emulator. Highest efficiency in reversible mode, compactness, and thermal enhancement are the targeted objectives that have been achieved. The power converter prototype evaluated on an original pulse width modulation testing-bench is able to emulate the working of the flywheel system. High frequency pulse width modulation switching, speed cycle operating, and thermal losses are evaluated. In addition, an efficiency above 99% for the converter has been attained, enabling robust functioning of the flywheel system emulator to perform specific charging profiles for electric vehicles.

The "digital twins" applied to cities and territories -as well as to their inhabitants- are already a reality and also at our disposal for the future. Therefore, being creators and/or beneficiaries of these artifacts, we all must learn to live with them. In fact, the increasing complexity of our living conditions and of the knowledge and technologies needed and used to deal with it, requires us to consider uncertainty unavoidable. We have to be aware of it and relate to it responsibly, particularly when we make use of the impressive amount of information that Earth Observation programs, such as Copernicus, produce and make available to us.

The powertrain performance in an electric vehicle is fully dependent on the electrical and thermal constraints of the static converters ensuring the power transfer taking place between the energy storage systems and the electromechanical machines. These constraints depend on the architectures of the power converters, and their control strategies. Particularly, the maximal limits are reached in maneuvers such as hard regenerative braking circumstances. Indeed, braking recovery is a critical phase in the vehicle’s operation, and its duration and intensity may strongly impact the vehicle’s battery behavior or integrated hybrid storage system. The innovative objective of the paper is to propose an electrothermal multicriteria comparative study based on electrical and thermal criteria for two competitive powertrains. These semi-active power configurations (a 3-level DC/DC converter-based, and a Z-source converter-based) are implemented in a two-front wheel driven electric vehicle during extreme regenerative braking conditions. Open-loop and closed-loop controls were implemented in the Z-source using the maximal constant boost control with 3rd harmonic injection modulation technique. We considered two paralleled IGBT modules instead of the single shoot-through structure. Our approach is based on simulation during an extreme braking maneuver leading to heavy repercussions on the overall powertrain system. The aim is to investigate the challenging structure of the Z-source. Results showed that the proposed 3-level DC/DC-based topology has better performances in terms of power losses, efficiency, thermal behavior, and electromagnetic interference.

In this work, we investigate the effect of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and common corresponding therapies on vision-based perception of motion, a critical perceptual ability required for performing a wide range of activities of daily livings. While PD has been recognized as mainly a motor disorder, sensory manifestation of PD can also play a major role in the resulting disability. In this paper, for the first time, the effect of disease duration and common therapies on vision-based perception of displacement were investigated. The study is conducted in a movement-independent manner, to reject the shadowing effects and isolate the targeted perceptual disorder to the maximum possible extent. Data was collected using a computerized graphical tool on 37 PD patients [6 early-stage de novo, 25 mid-stage using levodopa therapy, six later-stage using deep brain stimulation (DBS)] and 15 control participants. Besides the absolute measurement of perception through a psychometric analysis on two tested position reference magnitudes, we also investigated the linearity in perception using Weber’s fraction. The results showed that individuals with PD displayed significant perceptual impairments compared to controls, though early-stage patients were not impaired. Mid-stage patients displayed impairments at the greater of the two tested reference magnitudes, while late-stage patients were impaired at both reference magnitudes. Levodopa and DBS use did not cause statistically significant differences in absolute displacement perception. The findings suggest abnormal visual processing in PD increasing with disease development, perhaps contributing to sensory-based impairments of PD such as bradykinesia, visuospatial deficits, and abnormal object recognition.

Microgrids are essential elements of the energy transition because they allow optimal use of renewable energy sources (photovoltaic panels, wind turbines) and storage devices (batteries, supercapacitors) by connecting them to consumption poles (e.g., buildings, charging stations of electric vehicles). Lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors are the main electrical storage devices usually used by microgrids for energy and power transient management. In the present paper, microgrid simulations have been performed. Electrothermal and aging models of storage components are presented. Strategies and scenarios for the batteries are presented either based on the state of charge limitation or hybrid association with supercapacitors. The contribution of this study is to provide a management strategy which considers the aging of storage systems in the real-time management of the microgrid in order to extend their life, while minimizing installation costs. The first approach for a techno-economic study provided in that study enables us to improve the strategies by optimizing the use of the battery. The results obtained in this paper demonstrate the key role of the techno-economic approach and knowledge of the aging processes of storage devices in improving the energy management and global feedback costs of microgrids. The simulation results show that battery life can be improved by 2.2 years. The improvement in battery life leads to a reduction in the total cost of the installation by reducing the cost of the batteries.

O ramo da construção civil, especialmente no Brasil, é uma das maiores alavancas do desenvolvimento socioeconômico do país. Sendo assim, é preciso não só uma formação em quantidade de engenheiros, como também que estes profissionais atendam às exigências do mercado. Contudo, nas questões de educação na engenharia, há uma notória diferença entre a quantidade de estudantes de que ingressa nas universidades e a que conclui o curso. Além disso, há certa deficiência nos profissionais recém-formados, que não só desaceleram o crescimento econômico do país, como também demonstram que o formato de ensino adotado nas universidades está seguindo a obsolescência. Diante deste cenário, vê-se a necessidade das universidades, em conjunto com a comunidade acadêmica, em desenvolverem estratégias didáticas pedagógicas, a fim de proporcionar um ensino de excelência e, consequentemente, reduzindo significativamente os índices de evasão e reprovação, além da formação de profissionais altamente capacitados. Sendo assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar o curso de graduação de Engenharia Civil da UFPR, baseado em registros de evasão, aprovações e reprovações contabilizados entre os anos de 2009 e 2014, frequências e ementas das disciplinas do curso, além do acompanhamento da turma ingressante no ano de 2013. Desta forma, o presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar os estilos de ensino-aprendizagem dos docentes e discentes a partir do questionário Index Of Learning Styles – de FELDER E SILVERMANN (1988), investigando a existência de uma relação entre o estilo de aprendizagem do professor e o estilo de aprendizagem do aluno.

A Universidade Federal do Paraná representa, no contexto do ensino superior, a instituição mais tradicional do país, disponibilizando todos os anos vários profissionais capacitados ao mercado de trabalho para atender as demandas da sociedade brasileira. O curso superior de Engenharia Civil da instituição é centenário e sofreu sucessivas modificações para atender essas necessidades e atualmente tem sido submetido a inovações didáticas para melhor preparação dos futuros profissionais. Por essa necessidade de capacitação surgiram os chamados Grupos de Estudos, em particular no curso de Engenharia Civil da UFPR, por iniciativa totalmente estudantil, impulsionada por experiências acadêmicas, vivenciadas em intercâmbios ainda durante o período de graduação. Esses Grupos de Estudos apresentam-se como uma iniciativa que possibilita a experiência prática nas várias áreas de atuação antes mesmo da entrada no mercado de trabalho e ajudam na decisão mais exata dos caminhos que os estudantes desejam seguir. Nesse sentido, este artigo abordará como esta metodologia pode auxiliar no aprimoramento do processo de ensino-aprendizagem como fator motivador, facilitador e complementar aos métodos já utilizados.

A Política Nacional de Mobilidade Urbana (NPUM) surgiu com o objetivo de guiar as cidades em decisões que garantam mais acessibilidade e sustentabilidade com prioridades para transporte coletivo (ônibus veículos sobre trilhos) e não motorizado. O presente trabalho propõe uma sistemática de avaliação da efetividade prática da PNMU no que tange o transporte público e uso de bicicleta, através de alguns indicadores do Índice de Mobilidade Urbana Sustentável (IMUS), criado por Rodrigues da Silva et al. (2008), com modificação do método original. Foram comparadas quatro capitais brasileiras: Curitiba, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Belo Horizonte. Os indicadores foram analisados temporalmente, de 2010 até 2015, para traçar uma evolução das cidades frente às premissas da Lei de Mobilidade de 2012 e compará-las utilizando o teste estatístico T-Student. Observou-se que as evoluções não têm distinção significativa, porém as médias de pontuação sim. Os resultados são inconclusivos para a comparação, devido à dificuldade de se encontrar dados abertos necessários para melhor avaliar os indicadores. Ainda assim, o IMUS se apresenta como um critério promissor de avaliação da NPUM.

A renda é fator preponderante sobre a condição de mobilidade dos indivíduos, na proporção em que, quanto maior a parcela de renda mensal absorvida em gastos com o transporte menor a condição de mobilidade, esse artigo visa identificar como encontra-se nas capitais Brasileiras à capacidade de pagamento dos usuários de transporte público. Trata-se de um panorama dos locais em que a população tem maior ou menor facilidade de alcançar a mobilidade com relação à renda, tomando como referência a relação entre o preço da passagem e o salário mínimo. Para essa finalidade foi utilizado um indicador elaborado para cidades da América Latina (ECLAC, 1992). Através do indicador foi possível constatar que Belo Horizonte - MG é a capital no Brasil onde os usuários apresentam menor acessibilidade, enquanto Rio de Janeiro- -RJ é a capital com maior acessibilidade com base na renda mínima. Nenhuma das cidades atingiu o valor considerado critico pelo indicador (33%). Entretanto, algumas atingiram 20%, próximo do que é consumido na alimentação das famílias, proporção de cerca de 19,8% do salário mínimo, indício de que a proporção da renda mensal comprometida com transporte é alta e pode interferir negativamente na mobilidade dos usuários de transporte público em algumas cidades.

Objectives: To assess time saving in an Emergency Department arising out of the introduction of automatic devices (Carescape™ V100) to measure vital signs compared to the manual devices. Methods: We performed a prospective, observational study of eligible patients referring to Sant’Andrea Hospital Emergency Department during the entire month of October 2009, randomly assigned into two groups. In the first group of 476 patients vital signs measurements were detected with manual devices, while in the second group of 477 patients with automatic device Carescape™ V100. Results: Data indicated that the comparison of the total time between the two groups gave a significant difference (1993 vs 1518 min, p < 0.001). No differences were found with respect to age, sex and priority codes. Significant differences were also found when comparing the subgroups of the same acuity categories: white codes 4.33 vs 2.27 (min), p < 0.05; green codes 4.28 vs 3.37 (min), p < 0.001; yellow codes 3.92 vs 2.72 (min), p < 0.001. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated a statistical significance between the two groups with a difference of 475 minutes spent in Triage procedures including vital signs measurements. In conclusion time saved by vital signs automatic device could allow ED physicians to make a qualified approach with an earlier diagnosis and a more rapid and effective therapy, possibly improving patients’ outcomes. ABSTRACT of data concerning vital signs quality assessment, because we did not compare the two methods in the same patient and we did not correlate Triage priority evaluation with patients’ outcomes. In the future further studies should be specifically aimed to address this issue. In conclusion time saved by vital signs automatic device could allow ED physicians to make a qualified approach to patient with an earlier diagnosis and a more rapid and effective therapy, possibly improving patients’ outcomes.

Surgical treatment of obese patients is much debated in the literature because of the significant intraoperative risks related to comorbidities presented by this type of patients. Recent literature suggests that panniculectomy should follow bariatric surgery after the patient’s weight loss has been stabilized. However, when performed by laparotomy, bariatric surgery can be combined with panniculectomy. This paper presents the analysis of 325 cases of patients undergoing abdominal panniculectomy combined with bariatric surgery. The study highlights the risks, complications, and benefits of the combined procedure and describes a standardized technique for excision of a large abdominal panniculus in a short operating time.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) and hypovitaminosis D represent two of the most diffuse condition worldwide, reaching pandemic proportions in industrialized countries, and are both strongly associated with obesity. This study set out to evaluate the presence of an independent association between hypovitaminosis D and MS in an adult population of obese subjects with/without MS. METHODS: We recruited 107 consecutive obese subjects, 61 with MS (age(mean±SD) 45.3±13.3 years, BMI(mean±SD): 43.1±8.3 kg/m(2)) and 46 without MS (age: 41.8±11.5, p = n.s., BMI:41.6±6.5 kg/m(2), p = n.s.) comparable for sex, BMI, waist circumference and body fat mass, evaluated by bioimpedentiometry. 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels were measured by colorimetric method. Insulin resistance was estimated by fasting blood insulin, HOMA-IR and ISI. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly lower in MS obese patients than in obese subjects without MS (median(range) 13.5(3.3-32) vs 17.4(5.1-37.4), p

Abstract Background The genus Musa is a large species complex which includes cultivars at diploid and triploid levels. These sterile and vegetatively propagated cultivars are based on the A genome from Musa acuminata, exclusively for sweet bananas such as Cavendish, or associated with the B genome (Musa balbisiana) in cooking bananas such as Plantain varieties. In M. acuminata cultivars, structural heterozygosity is thought to be one of the main causes of sterility, which is essential for obtaining seedless fruits but hampers breeding. Only partial genetic maps are presently available due to chromosomal rearrangements within the parents of the mapping populations. This causes large segregation distortions inducing pseudo-linkages and difficulties in ordering markers in the linkage groups. The present study aims at producing a saturated linkage map of M. acuminata, taking into account hypotheses on the structural heterozygosity of the parents. Results An F1 progeny of 180 individuals was obtained from a cross between two genetically distant accessions of M. acuminata, 'Borneo' and 'Pisang Lilin' (P. Lilin). Based on the gametic recombination of each parent, two parental maps composed of SSR and DArT markers were established. A significant proportion of the markers (21.7%) deviated (p < 0.05) from the expected Mendelian ratios. These skewed markers were distributed in different linkage groups for each parent. To solve some complex ordering of the markers on linkage groups, we associated tools such as tree-like graphic representations, recombination frequency statistics and cytogenetical studies to identify structural rearrangements and build parsimonious linkage group order. An illustration of such an approach is given for the P. Lilin parent. Conclusions We propose a synthetic map with 11 linkage groups containing 489 markers (167 SSRs and 322 DArTs) covering 1197 cM. This first saturated map is proposed as a "reference Musa map" for further analyses. We also propose two complete parental maps with interpretations of structural rearrangements localized on the linkage groups. The structural heterozygosity in P. Lilin is hypothesized to result from a duplication likely accompanied by an inversion on another chromosome. This paper also illustrates a methodological approach, transferable to other species, to investigate the mapping of structural rearrangements and determine their consequences on marker segregation.