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Abstract Virtual histopathology is an emerging technology in medical imaging that utilizes advanced computational methods to analyze tissue images for more precise disease diagnosis. Traditionally, histopathology relies on manual techniques and expertise, often resulting in time-consuming processes and variability in diagnoses. Virtual histopathology offers a more consistent, and automated approach, employing techniques like machine learning, deep learning, and image processing to simulate staining and enhance tissue analysis. This review explores the strengths, limitations, and clinical applications of these methods, highlighting recent advancements in virtual histopathological approaches. In addition, important areas are identified for future research to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in clinical settings.

Background The dropout rate of contact lens users has not decreased significantly over the years. Despite continuous improvements in contact lens (CL) designs, materials and surface treatments, the number of CL users who drop out remains similar to the number of new CL users. The aim of this study is to analyse the improvement in contact lens-associated dry eye disease (CLADE), quantified with the OSDI questionnaire when changing maintenance system solution from multipurpose solution to hydrogen peroxide. Methods This study included contact lens users for over a year as the multipurpose solution for the maintenance system, suffering from CLADE, and those who scored over 13 in the ocular surface disease index questionnaire, and did not manifest any clinical signs over 3 in the EFRON scale. The non-parametric data distribution was verified with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, which was used to compare the visual acuity (VA), OSDI score and bulbar redness (EFRON scale) of the follow-up visit against the baseline value. Results Thirty-eight patients were included. Analysing the clinical parameters between the initial and final visit after one month of hydrogen peroxide use, a statistically significant improvement was found in the VA, bulbar hyperemia, OSDI scale and their subscales of the total sample (P

Summary: Background: Brain tumor in children can induce hemianopia, a loss of conscious vision, profoundly impacting their development and quality of life, yet no effective intervention exists for this pediatric population. This study aimed to explore the feasibility, safety, and potential effectiveness of a home-based audiovisual stimulation in immersive virtual-reality (3D-MOT-IVR) to improve visual function and functional vision. Methods: In a phase 2a, open-labeled, nonrandomized, single-arm study, conducted from July 2022 to October 2023 (NCT05065268), 10 children and adolescents with stable hemianopia were enrolled to perform 20-min sessions of 3D-MOT-IVR every other day for six weeks from home. We assessed feasibility by monitoring adoption, adherence and completion rates, remote data transfer and qualitative feedback. Safety was evaluated using validated cybersickness questionnaires. Comprehensive vision assessments following standardized low-vision evaluation procedures were conducted pre- and post-intervention, with follow-ups at 1- and 6 months. Findings: The home-based 3D-MOT-IVR intervention proved both feasible and safe, with no reported adverse events. All participants completed the prescribed stimulations and the pre- and post-intervention assessment points, 90% completed the follow-ups. Nine out of ten participants showed clinically meaningful enhancement in visual function and/or functional vision, namely binocular visual field restoration and increased reading speed, but two showed concomitant deterioration in monocular visual field. These positive effects were sustained at the 6-month follow-up. Exploratory outcomes revealed a significant positive correlation between the performance at the 3D-MOT-IVR intervention and the visual perception at the binocular visual field test. Interpretation: Our findings underscore the feasibility and safety of home-based audiovisual stimulation in immersive virtual-reality as a potential intervention for improving visual perception in children/adolescents with hemianopia consecutive to a pediatric brain tumor. These promising results lay a strong foundation for a larger randomized controlled trial, offering hope for a meaningful breakthrough in visual rehabilitation for this vulnerable population. Funding: Meagan Bebenek Foundation and University Health Network Foundation.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a sophisticated network of objects embedded with electronic systems that enable devices to collect and exchange data. IoT is a recent trending leading technology and changing the way we live. However, it has several challenges especially efficiency, architecture, complexity, and network topology. The traditional technologies are not enough to provide support. It is evident from the literature that complex networks are used to study the topology and the structure of a network and are applied to modern technologies. Thus, the capability of powerful computational tools and the existence of theoretical frameworks enable complex networks to derive new approaches in analyzing IoT-based technologies in terms of improving efficiency, architecture, complexity, and topology. In this direction, limited research has been carried out. The integration aspect remains a key challenge. Therefore, in order to fill this gap. Herein, we design a comprehensive literature review. In this research effort, we explore a newly leading emerging technology named the Social Internet of Things (SIoT). It is developed to overcome the challenges in IoT. We discuss the importance and the key applications of SIoT. We first presented a conceptual view along with a recent technological roadmap. The big data play an important role in the modern world. We discuss big data and the 5 Vs along with suitable applications and examples. Then, we highlighted the key concepts in complex networks, scale-free, random networks, and small-world networks. We explored and presented various graph models and metrics aligned with social networks and the most recent trends. The novelty of this research is to propose a synergy of complex networks to the IoT, SIoT, and big data together. We discuss the advantages of integration in detail. We present a detailed discussion on complex networks emerging technologies and cyber-physical systems (CPS). Briefly, our literature review covers the most recent advancements and developments in 10 years. In addition, our critical analysis is based on up-to-date surveys and case studies. Finally, we outline the impact of recent emerging technologies on challenges applications, and solutions for the future. This paper provides a good reference for researchers and readers in the IoT domain.

Background Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality globally, with conventional chemotherapy often resulting in severe side effects and limited effectiveness. Recent advancements in bioinformatics and machine learning, particularly deep learning, offer promising new avenues for cancer treatment through the prediction and identification of anticancer peptides. Objective This study aimed to develop and evaluate a deep learning model utilizing a two-dimensional convolutional neural network (2D CNN) to enhance the prediction accuracy of anticancer peptides, addressing the complexities and limitations of current prediction methods. Methods A diverse dataset of peptide sequences with annotated anticancer activity labels was compiled from various public databases and experimental studies. The sequences were preprocessed and encoded using one-hot encoding and additional physicochemical properties. The 2D CNN model was trained and optimized using this dataset, with performance evaluated through metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). Results The proposed 2D CNN model achieved superior performance compared to existing methods, with an accuracy of 0.87, precision of 0.85, recall of 0.89, F1-score of 0.87, and an AUC-ROC value of 0.91. These results indicate the model’s effectiveness in accurately predicting anticancer peptides and capturing intricate spatial patterns within peptide sequences. Conclusion The findings demonstrate the potential of deep learning, specifically 2D CNNs, in advancing the prediction of anticancer peptides. The proposed model significantly improves prediction accuracy, offering a valuable tool for identifying effective peptide candidates for cancer treatment. Future Work Further research should focus on expanding the dataset, exploring alternative deep learning architectures, and validating the model’s predictions through experimental studies. Efforts should also aim at optimizing computational efficiency and translating these predictions into clinical applications.

There is evidence that a user’s subjective confidence in an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based system is crucial in its use, even more decisive than the objective effectiveness and efficiency of the system. Therefore, different methods have been proposed for analyzing confidence in AI. In our research, we set out to evaluate how the degree of perceived trust in an AI system could affect a user’s final decision to follow AI recommendations. To this end, we established trustworthy criteria that such an evaluation should meet by following a co-creation approach with a multidisciplinary group of 10 experts. After a systematic review of 3,204 articles, we found that none of the tools met the inclusion criteria. Thus, we introduce the so-called “Perceived Operational Trust Degree in AI” (POTDAI) tool that is based on the findings from the expert group and the literature analysis, with a methodology that adds rigor to that employed previously to create similar evaluation tools. We propose a short questionnaire for quick and easy application, inspired by the original version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with six Likert-type items. In this way, we also respond to the need pointed out by authors such as Vorm and Combs to extend the TAM to address questions related to user perception in systems with an AI component. Thus, POTDAI can be used alone or in combination with TAM to obtain additional information on its usefulness and ease of use.

The present paper shows how to develop an I3oT (Industrializable Industrial Internet of Things) tool for continuous improvement in production line efficiency by means of the sub-bottleneck detection method. There is a large amount of scientific literature related to the detection of bottlenecks in production lines. However, there is no scientific literature that develops tools to improve production lines based on the bottlenecks that go beyond rebalancing tasks. This article explores the concept of a sub-bottleneck. In order to detect sub-bottlenecks in a massive way, the use of one of the I3oT (Industrializable Industrial Internet of Things) tools developed in our previous work, the mini-terms, is proposed. These mini-terms use the existing sensors for the normal operation of the production lines to measure the sub-cycle times and use them to predict the deterioration of the machine components found in the production lines. The sub-bottleneck algorithms proposed are used in two real twin lines at the Ford manufacturing plant in Almussafes (Valencia), the (3LH) and (3RH), to show how the lines can be continuously improved by means of sub-bottleneck detection.

This article presents the design, implementation and start-up of the first AIMW (Autonomous Industrial Mobile Warehouse) in the industry, in particular, in the factory located at Ford España S.L. in Almussafes (Valencia). This first version has been given the name of “Survival”, due to its ability to survive the industrial environment commonly known as “the jungle”. The motivation for the design of the first AIMW was due to the management of spare warehouses for maintenance tasks. In all factories there is a central warehouse where replacement materials with a higher probability of use are placed near the warehouse exit, thus reducing the time to obtain the replacement. However, in large factories, such as automobile manufacturing, the distance between the central warehouse and the place where the breakdown occurs may cause very long delays. For this reason, there are smaller warehouses distributed throughout the plant that replicate the part of the central warehouse where the most used materials are kept. The objective of our research is to make that part of the central warehouse mobile with the AIMW design, thus eliminating the fixed warehouses. In the factory at Ford España S.L. in Almussafes there are 170 of these warehouses distributed in a homogeneous way. In this first proposal of an AIMW, and with the primary objective of reducing costs, Survival 1.0 has been designed based on a commercial AMR. For its choice, commercial AMRs were tested in real situations within the Ford factory (Almussafes). As a result, none of them were able to pass all the tests. In addition, the current regulations for AMRs, the ANSI/ITSDF B56.5:2019 and the EN 1525:1997 standard, only define minimum test standards to describe how manufacturers and users must carry out the safety measurements of AGVs and AMRs. However, from an industry point of view, these regulations are not adequate. Therefore, there are extensions of these regulations generated by the companies themselves that imply additional developments of commercial AMRs. This paper shows the developments made to be able to integrate the first AIMW into the production line, but it also shows the gap between research and standardization of AMRs with respect to the demands and needs of the industry. There are currently three Survival 1.0 AIMWs in operation in the factory at Ford España S.L. in Almussafes.

Wildfires pose one of the greatest threats to the world’s forests soils. After exposure to fire, forests lose many of their ecological functions; moreover, the repercussions can extend well beyond the forest itself, as the erosive processes attributable to the combustion of vegetation and the soil’s lack of protection against rainfall are likely to impact any areas of a catchment, contaminating reservoirs, estuaries and aquifers. A forest fire is not solely, therefore, an environmental issue, but also a social and economic problem. The recovery of a forest is heavily dependent on just how the soil has been affected and how rapidly the latter can be restored. Fire intensity is critical in understanding the temporal evolution of the forest, while its location—a clear determinant of its climate and the ecosystem it occupies—can undermine the functionality of the forest system and is critical in determining the duration of the effects of the fire episode. This paper undertakes a review of the literature with the aim of understanding what might be understood when studies speak of the long-term effects of fire on the soil and when a soil might be considered to have recovered from these effects. What is evident is that many variables have a role to play and that not all soil properties recover at the same rate; indeed, some may never be restored to pre-fire levels.

ABSTRACT Background: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a potentially severe disease that can present with refractoriness, recurrence, and evolution to death. In Brazil, the epidemiology of CDI seems to differ from that of the United States and most European countries, with only one ribotype (RT) 027-related case and a high prevalence of RT106. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of CDI and its possible association with ribotypes at a university hospital in Brazil. Methods: A total of 65 patients with CDI were included and stool samples were submitted to A/B toxin detection and toxigenic culture, and toxigenic isolates (n=44) were also PCR ribotyped. Results: Patients’ median age was 59 (20-87) years and there were 16 (24.6%) deaths. The median Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was 4 (0-15) and 16.9% of the patients had CCI ≥8. The ATLAS score and non-improvement of diarrhea were related to higher mortality. A longer length of hospitalization was related to the enteral nutrition and use of multiple antibiotics. The period between CDI diagnosis and hospital discharge was longer in those who received new antibiotics after diagnosis, multiple antibiotics, and required intensive care treatment. Recurrence was associated with CCI >7. Twenty ribotypes were identified and RT106 was the most frequently detected strain (43.2%). No relationship was observed between the ribotypes and outcomes. CDI was present in patients with more comorbidities. Conclusion: Risk factors for higher mortality, longer hospital stay and recurrence were identified. A diversity of ribotypes was observed and C. difficile strains were not related to the outcomes.

In this paper the effects of rollers-billet friction coefficient (RFC) and plug-billet friction coefficient (PFC) during the skew rolling piercing process are investigated. The piercing process has been simulated and the plastic deformation, temperature evolution, and surface twisting of pierced tube analysed. Results show that the plastic deformation of super-martensitic Cr13 stainless steel increases at higher RFC and decreases at higher PFC. The same trend has been observed for material strain rate, which increases with higher RFC but decreases with increasing PFC. In addition, it has been found that friction coefficient does not affect the temperature evolution of the billet. In fact, the material heating during piercing is related to plastic deformation. Comparison of the fracture surfaces of the hot tension test samples at 0.01 s−1 and 10 s−1 confirm this point. The RFC increases the forward material velocity, and PFC decreases the forward material during the skew rolling piercing process. The PFC decreases the material velocity due to the ductile fracture growth obstacle inside the tube. More plastic deformation at higher PFC leads to higher surface twisting. The maximum surface twisting was 68° at RFC = 0.6 and PFC = 0.06, and the minimum surface twisting was 12° at RFC = 0.2 and PFC = 0.15.

The objectives of the 1st EFORT European Consensus on ‘Medical and Scientific Research Requirements for the Clinical Introduction of Artificial Joint Arthroplasty Devices’ were foremost to focus on patient safety by establishing performance requirements for medical devices. The 1st EFORT European Consensus applied an a priori-defined, modified Delphi methodology to produce unbiased, high-quality recommendation statements, confirmed by consensus voting of a European expert panel. Intended key outcomes are practical guidelines justified by the current stage of knowledge and based on a broad European Expert Consensus, to maintain innovation and optimisation of orthopaedic devices within the boundaries of MDR 2017/745. Twenty-one main research areas of relevance were defined relying on input from the EFORT IPSI WG1 ‘Introduction of Innovation’ recommendations and a related survey. A modified Delphi approach with a preparatory literature review and work in small groups were used to prepare answers to the research questions in the form of 32 draft Consensus statements. A Consensus Conference in a hybrid format, on-site in the Carl Gustav Carus University of Dresden was organised to further refine the draft statements and define consensus within the complete group of participants by final voting, intended to further quantify expert opinion knowledge. The modified Delphi approach provides practical guidelines for hands-on orientation for orthopaedic surgeons, research institutes and laboratories, orthopaedic device manufacturers, patient representatives, Notified Bodies, National Institutes and authorities. For the first time, initiated by the EFORT IPSI (WG1 ‘Introduction of Innovation’), knowledge of all related stakeholders was combined in the 1st EFORT European Consensus to develop guidelines and result in a comprehensive set of recommendations.

Objective To describe the profile of surgeons who treat patients with inflammatory bowel disease as well as the characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease care, unmet demands, and difficulties.

Climate change and inter-annual variability cause variation in rainfall commencement and cessation which has consequences for the maize growing season length and thus impact yields. This study therefore sought to determine the spatially explicit optimum maize sowing dates to enable site specific recommendations in Nigeria. Gridded weather and soil data, crop management and cultivar were used to simulate maize yield from 1981-2019 at a scale of 0.5°. A total of 37 potential sowing dates between 1 March and 7 November at an interval of 7 days for each year were evaluated. The optimum sowing date was the date which maximizes yield at harvest, keeping all other management factors constant. The results show that optimum sowing dates significantly vary across the country with northern Nigeria having notably delayed sowing dates compared to southern Nigeria which has earlier planting dates. The long-term optimal sowing dates significantly (p

Abstract While economic inequality continues to rise within countries, efforts to address it have been largely ineffective, particularly those involving behavioral approaches. It is often implied but not tested that choice patterns among low-income individuals may be a factor impeding behavioral interventions aimed at improving upward economic mobility. To test this, we assessed rates of ten cognitive biases across nearly 5000 participants from 27 countries. Our analyses were primarily focused on 1458 individuals that were either low-income adults or individuals who grew up in disadvantaged households but had above-average financial well-being as adults, known as positive deviants. Using discrete and complex models, we find evidence of no differences within or between groups or countries. We therefore conclude that choices impeded by cognitive biases alone cannot explain why some individuals do not experience upward economic mobility. Policies must combine both behavioral and structural interventions to improve financial well-being across populations.

In this study, the formability of super Cr13 martensitic stainless steel (MSS) is examined by means of hot tensile tests at different temperatures (900oC–1100 °C) and t strain rates (0.01s−1-10s−1). The potential effect of strain rates and temperatures on the mechanical properties, microstructure and fracture surface of super Cr13 MSS were examined. The post-test analysis, which includes hardness measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), fracture analysis by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), was carried out. Results show that ultimate tensile stress (UTS) decreases with temperature, this way, the highest UTS was obtained at 900oC-10s−1 (187 MPa), while the lowest UTS (38 MPa) was obtained in the 1100oC-0.01s−1 sample. By contrast the elongation of the material increases with strain rate, since the elongation of the sample at 900oC-10s−1 was near 16% and the elongation of the sample at 1100oC-0.01s−1 was 57%. The XRD and EDS analysis indicated that Cr23C6 and Cr2N are formed inside the microstructure of samples tested between 900 °C and 1000 °C, and these carbides are dissolved above 1000 °C. Temperature affects also retained austenite which increases with temperature. Fractography analysis indicated that the δ-ferrite phase has a primary role in high-temperature rapture. Fracture surface evaluation of samples revealed semi-ductile fracture behaviour below 1000 °C and low strain rates, while ductile fracture was detected on the tensile samples at temperatures higher than 1000 °C and high strain rates. Furthermore, the ductility of super Cr13 MSS was increased by increasing strain rate.

In recent years there has been a strong expansion of photovoltaic (PV) distributed generation systems. A high PV penetration level can cause uncertainty in the operation and management processes carried out by electric utilities, since most meters register the net load, i.e., the actual load minus the power generated by the PV systems behind the meter. The goal of this paper was to analyze the difference in the net load forecasting error achieved by models using or not using behind-the-meter PV generation data. The PV plant is connected to the lower voltage side of the power substation, representing a penetration level of more than 35% of the total load. The study shows that the best forecasting results are obtained with an indirect approach using two forecasting models, one for the total load and the other for the PV generation. However, the difference with respect to the results obtained with a unique net load forecasting model is almost negligible, which may be of special interest for power system distributors or other agents who do not have access to behind-the-meter generation data.

Directed evolution is a pivotal strategy for new antibody discovery, which allowed the generation of high-affinity Fabs against gliadin from two antibody libraries in our previous studies. One of the libraries was exclusively derived from celiac patients’ mRNA (immune library) while the other was obtained through a protein engineering approach (semi-immune library). Recent advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing techniques are revolutionizing research across genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics. In the present work, an Oxford Nanopore in-lab sequencing device was used to comprehensively characterize the composition of the constructed libraries, both at the beginning and throughout the phage-mediated selection processes against gliadin. A customized analysis pipeline was used to select high-quality reads, annotate chain distribution, perform sequence analysis, and conduct statistical comparisons between the different selection rounds. Some immunological attributes of the most representative phage variants after the selection process were also determined. Sequencing results revealed the successful transfer of the celiac immune response features to the immune library and the antibodies derived from it, suggesting the crucial role of these features in guiding the selection of high-affinity recombinant Fabs against gliadin. In summary, high-throughput DNA sequencing has improved our understanding of the selection processes aimed at generating molecular binders against gliadin.

This study presents the development of a sandwich ELISA method for gluten detection in foods, using recombinant Fab antibody fragments against gliadin. The Fabs were chemically biotinylated and immobilized on streptavidin-coated plates as capture antibodies, while alkaline phosphatase-conjugated Fabs were used as detection antibodies. Four different gliadin-binding Fabs were tested and the Fab pair Fab8E-4 and Fab-C showed the best compatibility. An indirect sandwich immunoassay, using unmodified Fab8E-4 for capture and Fab-C as the detection antibody, achieved a detection limit of 26 ng/mL of gliadin, corresponding to 10 mg/kg of gluten in foods. No cross-reactivity was observed against 60 gluten-free species commonly used in the food industry. Analysis of 50 commercial products demonstrated consistent results compared to the standard method for gluten detection. The complete lack of cross-reactivity of the developed immunoassay with oat products potentially provides an advantage over other gluten detection systems.

Resumo A Revista Brasileira de Saúde Ocupacional (RBSO) é um periódico considerado referência pela comunidade da área de segurança e saúde do trabalhador, sendo veículo dedicado à publicação de artigos científicos que contribuam para a reflexão e análise científica de questões atuais e relevantes relacionadas às relações entre trabalho e saúde. Em 2023, a RBSO completa 50 anos de existência. Esta nota editorial dedica-se a relatar o evento comemorativo, descrevendo os principais aspectos abordados nas apresentações e nos debates ocorridos, com vistas a registrar este importante momento, que pode ser considerado um marco para celebrar o passado e construir o futuro da revista. Tal evento foi uma oportunidade crucial, não somente para celebrar o meio século de existência da RBSO, mas também para propiciar o encontro de uma comunidade dedicada à publicação científica em saúde do trabalhador, que proporcionou reflexões, propostas e recomendações voltadas ao fortalecimento da revista e do campo. A presença e o envolvimento da equipe editorial, bem como dos convidados, foram fundamentais para o sucesso desse encontro, durante o qual a RBSO reafirmou o compromisso com a busca contínua por aprimoramento editorial, a partir das experiências e ideias debatidas.

Abstract Background 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) identifies carotid plaque inflammation and predicts stroke recurrence. Aim Our aim was to evaluate the performance of soluble low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (sLRP1) as an indicator of carotid plaque inflammation. Methods A prospective study was conducted among adult patients with recent (

The Integrated system for Natural Capital Accounting (INCA) was developed and supported by the European Commission to test and implement the System of integrated Environmental and Economic Accounting – Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EA). Through the compilation of nine Ecosystem Services (ES) accounts, INCA can make available to any interested ecosystem accountant a number of lessons learned. Amongst the conceptual lessons learned, we can mention: (i) for accounting purposes, ES should be clustered according to the existence (or not) of a sustainability threshold; (ii) the assessment of ES flow results from the interaction of an ES potential and an ES demand; (iii) the ES demand can be spatially identified, but for an overarching environmental target, this is not possible; ES potential and ES demand could mis-match; (iv) because the demand remains unsatisfied; (v) because the ES is used above its sustainability threshold or (vi) because part of the potential flow is missed; (vii) there can be a cause-and-effect relationship between ecosystem condition and ES flow; (viii) ES accounts can complement the SEEA Central Framework accounts without overlapping or double counting. Amongst the methodological lessons learned, we can mention: (ix) already exiting ES assessments do not directly provide ES accounts, but will likely need some additional processing; (x) ES cannot be defined by default as intermediate; (xi) the ES remaining within ecosystems cannot be reported as final; (xii) the assessment and accounting of ES can be undertaken throughout a fast track approach or more demanding modelling procedures.

This research analyzes the impact of various friction conditions at the interface of the tube piercing machine tools and Super Cr13 steel workpiece. For this reason, the three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) is employed in the simulation of the tube piercing process. The friction conditions are simulated considering Tresca, Viscoplastic, IFUM and Neumaier models which have been implemented at the Rollers-Billet (RF), Plug–Billet (PF), and Diescher–Billet (DF) interfaces. After testing their performance, Viscoplastic is selected for RF interface, and Tresca for PF and DF interfaces, respectively. Additionally, a friction coefficient range between 0.01 and 0.6 is used for RF, 0.06–0.15 for PF, and 0.1–0.3 for DF. The relation between normal stress, strain, temperature, and quality of pierced tubes is discussed, as well as the connection between the friction coefficient and the energy consumption. The FEM results are validated by actual piercing process data provided by Industry. The results show that the normal stress on billet during piercing increases by increasing friction on RF interface. With increasing friction in PF, both friction power and plastic power increase, while increasing friction in RF lead to a friction and plastic power decrease. According to the results, the minimum energy consumption is recorded at RF = 0.5, PF = 0.06, and DF = 0.1.

Bulk hot deformation is a relatively old manufacturing technique widely adopted in different industry fields to form and shape different metallic alloys. Martensitic stainless steels (MSS) are a class of metals used in industries with extreme conditions. Hot forming of this class of steels is a highly complex process comprising several highly coupled thermo-chemo-physical phenomena. The complex microstructural changes of MSS make it challenging to develop an overall system of governing equations for theoretically analyzing the behavior of MSS during the hot deformation process. Modeling and simulation analysis have frequently been used to minimize the number of experiments often used to find MSS behavior during hot deformations. This review paper deals with the latest developments in the numerical analysis of material behavior, microstructural simulation, and artificial intelligence methods for MSS during the hot deformation process. Important numerical issues in macro and micro-scale models, such as various materials flow modeling, finite element methods, cellular automaton, and artificial neural networks, are discussed. Macro-scale analysis of hot deformation will allow many manufacturing processes to understand the effects of changes in different strain and strain rates before physical testing. Micro-scale analysis of hot deformation will allow understanding physical phenomena concerning dynamic recrystallization, plastic deformation energy, and microstructure size. The main methods used in the MSS hot deformation process simulation are discussed and illustrated with brief case studies. In addition, several critical vital problems and issues remain to be addressed about this topic, and opportunities for further research are identified.

Abstract Background Anti-TNF therapy represented a landmark in medical treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). There is lack of data on the efficacy and safety of these agents in Brazilian patients. The present study aimed to analyze rates of clinical and endoscopic remission comparatively, between adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX), in Brazilian patients with UC, and evaluate factors associated with clinical and endoscopic remission after 1 year of treatment. Methods A national retrospective multicenter study (24 centers) was performed including patients with UC treated with anti-TNF therapy. Outcomes as clinical response and remission, endoscopic remission and secondary loss of response were measured in different time points of the follow-up. Baseline predictive factors of clinical and endoscopic remission at week 52 were evaluated using logistic regression model. Indirect comparisons among groups (ADA and IFX) were performed using Student's t, Pearson χ2 or Fisher's exact test when appropriated, and Kaplan Meier analysis. Results Overall, 393 patients were included (ADA, n = 111; IFX, n = 282). The mean age was 41.86 ± 13.60 years, 61.58% were female, most patients had extensive colitis (62.40%) and 19.39% had previous exposure to a biological agent. Overall, clinical remission rate was 66.78%, 71.62% and 82.82% at weeks 8, 26 and 52, respectively. Remission rates were higher in the IFX group at weeks 26 (75.12% vs. 62.65%, p

Abstract Background The effectiveness of ustekinumab (UST) in the treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD) has been demonstrated in the pivotal Phase 3 UNITI 1 and 2 and IM-UNITI studies in both anti-TNF-naïve and anti-TNF-exposed patients. Given the selective nature of pivotal trial designs, real-world effectiveness and safety studies are warranted. We report our experience with UST treatment in a large, real-world multicenter cohort of Brazilian patients with CD. Methods We performed a retrospective multicenter study including patients with CD, predominantly biologically refractory CD, who received UST. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients in clinical remission at weeks 8, 24 and 56. Possible predictors of clinical and biological response/remission and safety outcomes were also assessed. Results Overall, 245 CD (mean age 39.9 [15–87]) patients were enrolled. Most patients (86.5%) had been previously exposed to biologics. According to nonresponder imputation analysis, the proportions of patients in clinical remission at weeks 8, 24 and 56 were 41.0% (n = 98/239), 64.0% (n = 153/239) and 39.3% (n = 94/239), respectively. A biological response was achieved in 55.4% of patients at week 8, and 59.3% were in steroid-free remission at the end of follow-up. No significant differences in either clinical or biological remission were noted between bio-naïve and bio-experienced patients. Forty-eight patients (19.6%) presented 60 adverse events during the follow-up, of which 8 (13.3%) were considered serious adverse events (3.2% of 245 patients). Overall, a proximal disease location, younger age, perianal involvement, and smoking were associated with lower rates of clinical remission over time. Conclusions UST therapy was effective and safe in the long term in this large real-life cohort of Brazilian patients with refractory CD, regardless of previous exposure to other biological agents.

Hen’s egg allergy is the second most common food allergy among infants and young children. The possible presence of undeclared eggs in foods poses a significant risk to sensitized individuals. Therefore, reliable egg allergen detection methods are needed to ensure compliance with food labeling and improve consumer protection. This work describes for the first time the application of phage display technology for the generation of a recombinant antibody aimed at the specific detection of hen’s ovomucoid. First, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) library was constructed from mRNA isolated from the spleen of a rabbit immunized with ovomucoid. After rounds of biopanning, four binding clones were isolated and characterized. Based on the best ovomucoid-binding candidate SR-G1, an indirect phage enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (phage-ELISA) was developed, reaching limits of detection and quantitation of 43 and 79 ng/mL of ovomucoid, respectively. The developed ELISA was applied to the analysis of a wide variety of food products, obtaining a good correlation with a commercial egg detection assay used as a reference. Finally, in silico modeling of the antigen-antibody complex revealed that the main interactions most likely occur between the scFv heavy chain and the ovomucoid domain-III, the most immunogenic region of this allergen.

Female song is ancestral to songbirds and shows considerable phylogenetic signal, but its presence also appears to be labile and correlated with life‐history and ecology. While previous studies have examined the evolution of female song across species‐rich families, here we studied female song in island populations of a recently diverged species‐complex, the chaffinches (genus Fringilla). We show this behaviour has recently evolved in these populations, and probably on two independent occasions. In F. teydea, female song is performed in loose duets with males, while in F. coelebs, female song is produced solo. Populations with singing females showed year‐round territoriality and were found in regions with low seasonality – both factors previously connected with high rates of female singing. To determine the relative saliency of female songs to conspecifics, and the degree to which they instigate territorial defence behaviours, we performed a series of speaker playback experiments. In F. c. canariensis, female song could induce comparable responses to male song, whilst duetting F. teydea playback produced similar responses to solo songs, and therefore may relate to within‐pair communication instead. Our results suggest female song can be a highly labile trait that can evolve over short evolutionary timescales.

Gluten, a group of ethanol-soluble proteins present in the endosperm of cereals, is extensively used in the food industry due to its ability to improve dough properties. However, gluten is also associated with a range of gluten-related diseases (GRDs), such as wheat allergies, celiac disease, and gluten intolerance. The recommended treatment for GRDs patients is a gluten-free diet. To monitor adherence to this diet, it is necessary to develop gluten-detection systems in food products. Among the available methods, immunodetection systems are the most popular due to their simplicity, reproducibility, and accuracy. The aim of this study was to generate novel high-affinity antibodies against gluten to be used as the primary reactant in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. These antibodies were developed by constructing an immune library from mRNA obtained from two celiac patients with a high humoral response to gluten-related proteins. The resulting library (composed by 1.1x107) was subjected to selection against gliadin using phage display technology. Following several rounds of selection, the Fab-C was selected, and demonstrated good functionality in ELISA tests, presenting a limit of detection of 15 mg/kg for detection of gluten in spiked mixtures and food products. The methodology can discriminate gluten-free products according to the current legislation.

Gluten is the main fraction of wheat proteins. It is widely used in the food industry because of the properties that are generated in the dough, but it is also able to trigger diseases like allergies, autoimmunity processes (such as celiac disease), and intolerances in sensitized persons. The most effective therapy for these diseases is the total avoidance of gluten in the diet because it not only prevents damage but also enhances tissue healing. To ensure the absence of gluten in food products labeled as gluten-free, accurate detection systems, like immunoassays, are required. In this work, four recombinant Fab antibody fragments, selected by phage display technology, were produced and tested for specificity and accuracy against gluten in experimental flour mixtures and commercial food products. A high-affinity probe (Fab-C) was identified and characterized. An indirect ELISA test was developed based on Fab-C that complied with the legal detection limits and could be applied in the assessment of gluten-free diets.

The NF-κB signalling pathway plays a critical role in inflammation, immunity, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and muscle metabolism. NF-κB is activated by extracellular signals and intracellular changes in Ca2+, Pi, H+, metabolites and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). However, it remains unknown how NF-κB signalling is activated during exercise and how metabolite accumulation and PO2 influence this process. Eleven active men performed incremental exercise to exhaustion (IE) in normoxia and hypoxia (PIO2:73 mmHg). Immediately after IE, the circulation of one leg was instantaneously occluded (300 mmHg). Muscle biopsies from m. vastus lateralis were taken before (Pre), and 10s (Post, occluded leg) and 60s after exercise from the occluded (Oc1m) and free circulation (FC1m) legs simultaneously together with femoral vein blood samples. NF-κB signalling was activated by exercise to exhaustion, with similar responses in normoxia and acute hypoxia, as reflected by the increase of p105, p50, IKKα, IκBβ and glutathione reductase (GR) protein levels, and the activation of the main kinases implicated, particularly IKKα and CaMKII δD, while IKKβ remained unchanged. Postexercise ischaemia maintained and stimulated further NF-κB signalling by impeding muscle reoxygenation. These changes were quickly reverted at the end of exercise when the muscles recovered with open circulation. Finally, we have shown that Thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) protein expression was reduced immediately after IE and after 1 min of occlusion while the protein expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) remained unchanged. These novel data demonstrate that exercising to exhaustion activates NF-κB signalling in human skeletal muscle and regulates the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes in human skeletal muscle. The fast regulation of NF-κB at exercise cessation has implications for the interpretation of published studies and the design of new experiments.

The use of numerical simulations for tool tryout and process control is becoming increasingly prevalent. In this work, the deep drawing process of a car inner door panel of DC06 mild steel is numerically analyzed and compared with industrial process results. Five batches of DC06 material were analyzed mechanically and tribologically. Diverse tribological models were developed based on experimental strip drawing tests, where a Coefficient of Friction (CoF) was obtained as a function of contact pressure, sliding velocity, and amount of lubricant. A topography analysis was defined to compare material batches and to replicate industrial tool conditions. The simulation was fed with three tribological models: constant (CoF 0.15), Filzek pressure and velocity dependent, and TriboForm with lubrication zones. Thinning, Forming Limit Diagram (FLD) and draw-in were used as indicators for the comparison. Using the industrial tool, both FLD and draw-in were measured and compared with the numerical models. The constant model predicted the most conservative strain state and also differed most from the experimental results. The P-v-dependent and TriboForm models more accurately predicted the experimental results. This work highlights the importance of considering more complex tribological models to feed numerical simulations to yield results closer to real process conditions.

One of the most critical issues in the evaluation of power systems is the identification of critical buses. For this purpose, this paper proposes a new methodology that evaluates the substitution of the power flow technique by the geodesic vulnerability index to identify critical nodes in power systems. Both methods are applied comparatively to demonstrate the scope of the proposed approach. The applicability of the methodology is illustrated using the IEEE 118-bus test system as a case study. To identify the critical components, a node is initially disconnected, and the performance of the resulting topology is evaluated in the face of simulations for multiple cascading faults. Cascading events are simulated by randomly removing assets on a system that continually changes its structure with the elimination of each component. Thus, the classification of the critical nodes is determined by evaluating the resulting performance of 118 different topologies and calculating the damaged area for each of the disintegration curves of cascading failures. In summary, the feasibility and suitability of complex network theory are justified to identify critical nodes in power systems.

Two designs of conical-beam array antennas are presented for different fifth-generation applications. They are based on slotted cylindrical waveguides and a travelling-wave topology, where the waveguide is used to progressively excite a cross-slot array. A total of 384 cross-slots, formed by transversal and longitudinal slots, are grouped in rings of eight equally-spaced cross-slots. The propagation of TM01 and TE01 modes in the cylindrical waveguide can provide dual polarization by the independent excitation of transversal and longitudinal slots, respectively. Firstly, a dual linearly-polarized antenna design in the 37–40 GHz band is presented, conforming a high-gain conical-beam pattern. Secondly, a similar antenna design working in the 5G dual-band of 26–30 GHz and 37–40 GHz is also presented. In this last case, transversal and longitudinal slots are designed to radiate at two different frequency bands of 26–30 GHz (vertical polarization) and 37–40 GHz (horizontal polarization), recently assigned for very high-speed 5G applications. The dual-band design has been prototyped by combining 3D-printing and CNC milling techniques to experimentally validate the proposed topology, providing high experimental performance. Directive tilted omnidirectional coverages with peak realized gains around 14 dBi have been obtained, as well as a total efficiency between 83% and 90% for both frequency bands.

A otite externa é uma doença inflamatória do canal auditivo externo e a terapia tópica é o principal tratamento. A identificação de novos produtos derivados de plantas pode ser usada como alternativa terapêutica viável com menos efeitos tóxicos. Neste trabalho, otite externa foi induzida experimentalmente em 48 ratos Wistar utilizando óleo de cróton em acetona e as alterações foram ranqueadas clinicamente de acordo com a severidade das lesões. Foram utilizados três tratamentos tópicos à base de extratos vegetais ou óleos essenciais de alecrim (Rosmarinus officinalis) e trigo (Triticum aestivum) por sete dias consecutivos. A extração do óleo essencial de alecrim foi através da técnica de hidrodestilação e submetido à cromatografia. Os extratos aquosos foram obtidos através de técnica de ultrassom por esgotamento e analisados empregando a técnica de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. O grupo I (GI) foi tratado com extrato aquoso de alecrim 25% em propilenoglicol, o GII foi tratado com óleo essencial de alecrim 25% em propilenoglicol, GIII com extrato aquoso de trigo 0,2% em propilenoglicol e o grupo controle (GIV) recebeu NaCl 0,9%. Nos dias zero, quatro, seis e dez houve reavaliações otológicas clínicas e histopatológicas. A evolução clínica da otite dos animais tratados com os extratos aquosos de ambas as plantas mostrou efeito terapêutico. Os grupos GI e GIII decresceram os escores clínicos aos quatro dias comparados ao grupo controle. Conclui-se que o extrato aquoso de trigo 0,2% e o extrato aquoso de alecrim 25% reduzem os escores clínicos em otite não infecciosa em modelo experimental.

BackgroundLittle is known about the effect of extra virgin olive (EVOO) and sunflower oil (SO) on the composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by endothelial cells and the effects of these EVs on smooth muscle cells (SMCs). These cells play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis.MethodsWe evaluated the effects of endothelial cells-derived EVs incubated with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins obtained after a high-fat meal with EVOO (EVOO-EVs) and SO (SO-EVs), on the transcriptomic profile of SMCs.ResultsWe found 41 upregulated and 19 downregulated differentially expressed (DE)-miRNAs in EVOO-EVs. Afterwards, SMCs were incubated with EVOO-EVs and SO-EVs. SMCs incubated with SO-EVs showed a greater number of DE-mRNA involved in pathways related to cancer, focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and MAPK, toll-like receptor, chemokine and Wnt signaling pathways than in SMCs incubated with EVOO-EVs. These DE-mRNAs were involved in biological processes related to the response to endogenous stimulus, cell motility, regulation of intracellular signal transduction and cell population proliferation.ConclusionEVOO and SO can differently modify the miRNA composition of HUVEC-derived EVs. These EVs can regulate the SMCs transcriptomic profile, with SO-EVs promoting a profile more closely linked to the development of atherosclerosis than EVOO-EVs.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening depends on quality indicators, which adenoma detection rate (ADR) being the most important. Proximal serrated polyp detection rate (pSPDR) has been studied as a potential quality indicator for colonoscopy. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to analyze and compare the difference in ADR and pSPDR between patients undergoing screening colonoscopy and an unselected population with other indications for colonoscopy, including surveillance and diagnosis. METHODS: This is a historical cohort of patients who underwent colonoscopy in the digestive endoscopy service of a tertiary hospital. Out of 1554 colonoscopies performed, 573 patients were excluded. The remaining 981 patients were divided into two groups: patients undergoing screening colonoscopy (n=428; 43.6%); patients with other indications including surveillance and diagnosis (n=553; 56.4%). RESULTS: Adenoma detection rate of the group with other indications (50.6%) was higher than that of the screening group (44.6%; P=0.03). In regarding pSPDR, there was no difference between pSPDR in both groups (screening 13.6%; other indications 13.7%; P=0.931). There was no significant difference in the mean age (P=0.259) or in the proportion of men and women (P=0.211) between both groups. CONCLUSION: Proximal serrated polyp detection rate showed an insignificant difference between groups with different indications and could be used as a complementary indicator to adenoma detection rate. This could benefit colonoscopists with low colonoscopy volume or low volume of screening colonoscopies.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory affections of recurrent nature whose incidence and prevalence rates have increased, including in Brazil. In long term, they are responsible for structural damage that impacts quality of life, morbidity and mortality of patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile of physicians who treat IBD patients as well as the characteristics of IBD care, unmet demands and difficulties. METHODS: A questionnaire containing 17 items was prepared and sent to 286 physicians from 101 Brazilian cities across 21 states and the Federal District, selected from the register of the State Commission of the “Study Group of Inflammatory Bowel Disease of Brazil” (GEDIIB). RESULTS: The majority of the physicians who answered the questionnaire were gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons. More than 60% had up to 20 years of experience in the specialty and 53.14% worked at three or more locations. Difficulties in accessing or releasing medicines were evident in this questionnaire, as was referrals to allied healthy professionals working in IBD-related fields. More than 75% of physicians reported difficulties in performing double-balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy, and 67.8% reported difficulties in measuring calprotectin. With regard to the number of patients seen by each physician, it was shown that patients do not concentrate under the responsibility of few doctors. Infliximab and adalimumab were the most commonly used biological medicines and there was a higher prescription of 5-ASA derivatives for ulcerative colitis than for Crohn’s disease. Steroids were prescribed to a smaller proportion of patients in both diseases. The topics “biological therapy failure” and “new drugs” were reported as those with higher priority for discussion in medical congresses. In relation to possible differences among the country’s regions, physicians from the North region reported greater difficulty in accessing complementary exams while those from the Northeast region indicated greater difficulty in accessing or releasing medicines. CONCLUSION: The data obtained through this study demonstrate the profile of specialized medical care in IBD and are a useful tool for the implementation of government policies and for the Brazilian society as a whole.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a complication associated with cirrhosis that may contribute to worsening exercise capacity and reduced survival after liver transplantation (LT). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate exercise capacity, complications and survival after LT in patients with cirrhosis and HPS and to compare these results with the results of patients with cirrhosis without HPS. METHODS: A prospective cohort study, consisting initially of 178 patients, of whom 90 underwent LT (42 with HPS and 48 without HPS). A previous evaluation consisted of the six-minute walk test (6MWT), an exercise test and manovacuometry. Those who underwent LT were evaluated for the mechanical ventilation time (MV), noninvasive ventilation (NIV) use, and survival two years after the procedure. In the statistical analysis, we used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student’s t-test, the linear association square test, and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 16.00 program and considered significant at P

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with chronic insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (CIOSA) comorbidity in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Methods: Between March 2014 and March 2015, we conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study of 238 adults diagnosed with OSA according to polysomnography and International Classification of Sleep Disorders-Third Edition criteria. Results: The prevalence of CIOSA was 29%. There was a trend towards older age in the CIOSA group. Sex was not associated with CIOSA. Sleep-maintenance and sleep-onset insomnia predominated in the sample. Beck’s depression and anxiety inventory scores were higher in the CIOSA group. Both depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with CIOSA. The arousal and apnea-hypopnea indices were lower in the CIOSA group. CIOSA was also associated with age ≥ 60 years and current tobacco use. Severe OSA and alcohol use were negatively associated with CIOSA. Conclusions: Chronic insomnia is prevalent among OSA patients. Our study highlights the need for detailed evaluation of patients with sleep breathing disorders to diagnose other important sleep and mood disorders (such as depression and anxiety), given their frequent association.

Abstract Background Recent trends on measurement of well-being have elevated the scientific standards and rigor associated with approaches for national and international comparisons of well-being. One major theme in this has been the shift toward multidimensional approaches over reliance on traditional metrics such as single measures (e.g. happiness, life satisfaction) or economic proxies (e.g. GDP). Methods To produce a cohesive, multidimensional measure of well-being useful for providing meaningful insights for policy, we use data from 2006 and 2012 from the European Social Survey (ESS) to analyze well-being for 21 countries, involving approximately 40,000 individuals for each year. We refer collectively to the items used in the survey as multidimensional psychological well-being (MPWB). Results The ten dimensions assessed are used to compute a single value standardized to the population, which supports broad assessment and comparison. It also increases the possibility of exploring individual dimensions of well-being useful for targeting interventions. Insights demonstrate what may be masked when limiting to single dimensions, which can create a failure to identify levers for policy interventions. Conclusions We conclude that both the composite score and individual dimensions from this approach constitute valuable levels of analyses for exploring appropriate policies to protect and improve well-being.

Abstract Background An increasing number of international organisations and national governments have committed to well-being promotion. Unfortunately, important questions regarding how to assess well-being are still unresolved, making policy implementation and evaluation difficult. Methods This research expanded on Huppert and So’s (Soc Indic Res. 110, 837–861 2013) multidimensional subjective well-being framework by investigating the replicability of the model in two non-European regions (South America, represented by Brazil and Colombia, and Eastern Africa, represented by Uganda), and the United Kingdom. Additionally, previous limitations of the framework were also addressed. ESS Round Six items were crucially improved in terms of temporal and response scale consistency. Bayesian approximate measurement invariance was applied on a sample of 381 young adult participants to test for consistency across countries. Results The Huppert & So (Soc Indic Res. 110, 837–861 2013) model was found to fairly replicate across non-European regions, where meaningful differences in well-being patterns across regions were observed. Additionally, estimated well-being was related with other well-being measures (Five Ways): Learn and Connect were the strongest predictors of general well-being, with Take Notice and Give being associated with specific aspects of it. Conclusions Based on this narrow sample of young adults, it appears the ten-item measure proposed by Huppert & So (Soc Indic Res. 110, 837–861 2013) is useful for assessing population mental health outside of Europe. This is only an initial attempt to assess qualities, so further testing should be done before applying at scale for identifying policy opportunities to address well-being of populations.

This work presents the design and prototyping of a reconfigurable phased array in Ku band (16 to 18 GHz) implemented in waveguide technology. The design is based on the use of a novel seamless waveguide module integrating four reconfigurable phase shifters to adjust the relative phase shift between the unitary elements of a linear array, which are illuminated uniformly by a corporate waveguide feeding network. The phase shifters are implemented by a 90° hybrid coupler in waveguide technology where two of its ports are loaded with a tunable reactive load, implemented in this proof of concept with a tuning screw. The four phase shifters have been manufactured in a single part using direct metal laser sintering, avoiding the losses related to bad electric contacts and misalignments associated to multipart devices. This also simplifies the assembly of the full phased array, leading to a modular approach with three parts whose design can be addressed separately. The experimental results for the complete array antenna show great performance and demonstrate that the main-lobe of the radiation pattern can be effectively scanned continuously between the angles -25° and 25°, with a high efficiency in the whole design band thanks to the proposed waveguide implementation.

This paper presents a new dry ECG electrode printed on a textile substrate. The proposed manufacturing process permits cost-effective mass production. The ECG dry electrode is obtained through screen printing a conductive silver ink coated with a biocompatible carbon layer. Three different designs combining two shapes (circular and square) and two sizes were developed. The resulting measured impedances are similar to those obtained via a conventional electrode. The prototypes were attached to a bracelet and used with a commercial electrocardiogram (ECG) device to register ECG signals. The dry electrodes were validated via ECG monitoring and compared with a conventional wet electrode. The clinical interest intervals reported similar results and the QRS morphology presented slight differences. Noise evaluation showed no notable differences for all the analyzed parameters.

The use of Open Science practices is often proposed as a way to improve research practice, especially in psychology. Open Science can increase transparency and therefore reduce questionable research practices, making research more accessible to students, scholars, policy makers, and the public. However, little is known about how widespread Open Science practices are taught and how students are educated about these practices. In addition, it remains unknown how informing students about Open Science actually impacts their understanding and adoption of such practices. This registered report proposes the validation of a questionnaire. The aim is to survey how much psychology students know about Open Science and to assess whether knowledge of and exposure to Open Science in general-be it through university curricula or social media-influences attitudes towards the concept and intentions to implement relevant practices.

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) is an evolving global healthcare problem, and owing to the diverse and dynamic molecular epidemiology of C. difficile, new strains continue to emerge. In Brazil, only two cases of CDI due to the so called hypervirulent PCR ribotype (RT) 027 belonging to clade 2 have ever been reported, whereas incidence of CDI due to another "hypervirulent" RT078 (clade 5) has not yet been reported. In contrast, novel clade 2 strains have been identified in different hospitals. To better understand the epidemiology of CDIs in Brazil, this study aimed to genotypically and phenotypically characterize three novel Brazilian clade 2 strains (RT883, 884, and 885) isolated from patients with confirmed CDI. In addition, to better understand the circulating RTs, a two-year sampling was conducted in patients from the same hospital and in several domestic and wild animal species. The three strains examined showed lower production of A/B toxins than the control RT027, although two of these strains harbored a truncated tcdC gene. All strains showed swimming motility similar to that of RT027, while RT883 showed higher spore production than the reference strain. In the in vivo hamster model, the lethality of all strains was found to be similar to that of RT027. Both cgMLST and cgMLSA analyses revealed a high genetic similarity among the three-novel clade 2 isolates. In the two-year survey in animals and humans, RT883, 884, and 885 were not detected; however, three new RTs (RT988, RT989, and RT990) were isolated, two of which were genetically related to the three previously reported clade 2 strains. RT106 and RT126 were most frequently detected in humans (47.9%) and animals (57.9%), respectively. Furthermore, RT027 and RT078 were not detected in humans. The results of this study suggest that these novel clade 2 strains have virulence potential and that new strains from clade 2 continue to emerge in our setting, indicating the need for long-term local surveillance.

Wear of the secondary of the welding gun, caused by mechanical fatigue or due to a bad parameterization of the welding points, causes an increase in quality problems such as non-existent welds or a reduced weld nugget size. In addition to quality problems, this defect causes production stoppages that affect the final cost of the manufactured part. Different studies have focused on evaluating the importance of different welding parameters, such as current, in the final quality of the welding nugget. However, few studies have focused on preventing weld command parameters from degrading or changing. This investigation seeks to determine the wear of the secondary circuit to avoid variability in the current supplied to the welding point caused by this defect and the increase in circuit resistance, especially in industrial environments. In this work, a virtual sensor is developed to estimate the resistance of the welding arm based on previous research, which has shown the possibility of detecting secondary wear by analysing the duty cycle of the power circuit. From the data of the virtual sensor, an anomaly detection method based on the Mahalanobis distance is developed. Finally, an integral system for detecting secondary wear of welding guns in real production lines is presented. This system establishes performance thresholds based on the analysis of the Mahalanobis distance distribution, allowing monitoring of the secondary circuit wear condition after each welding cycle. The results obtained show how the system can detect incipient wear in welding guns, regardless of which part of the secondary the wear occurs, improving decision-making and reducing quality problems.