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The adoption of immersive virtual experiences (IVEs) opened new research lines where the impact of realism is being studied, allowing developers to focus resources on realism factors proven to improve the user experience the most. We analyzed papers that compared different levels of realism and evaluated their impact on user experience. Exploratorily, we also synthesized the realism terms used by authors. From 1,300 initial documents, 79 met the eligibility criteria. Overall, most of the studies reported that higher realism has a positive impact on user experience. These data allow a better understanding of realism in IVEs, guiding future R&D.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus belonging to the beta-coronavirus family. SARS-CoV-2 is phylogenetically related to SARS-CoV-1, the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Like SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2 infects human tissues by entering cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. It was alarming that, during the SARS-CoV-1 outbreak, many infected patients had thyroid gland disorders, even causing severe cellular damage. As SARS-CoV-2 is similar to SARS-CoV-1, researchers began to assess the possibility of developing thyroid diseases, especially subacute thyroiditis, in infected patients. Objective: To establish a possible relationship between the development of thyroid disorders and the infectious process caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Method: Literature review, supported by results obtained in studies related to the topic. Results: Studies carried out in the different stages of SARS-COV-2 infection suggest the existence of an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and changes in thyroid function. Conclusion: Although most patients are euthyroid or have subacute thyroiditis, other thyroid diseases can manifest during SARS-CoV-2 infection, indicating the importance of assessing thyroid function in hospitalized, symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. El COVID-19 es una enfermedad altamente contagiosa causada por el SARS-CoV-2, un virus de ARN monocatenario con envoltura que pertenece a la familia de los beta-coronavirus. El SARS-CoV-2 está relacionado filogenéticamente con el SARS-CoV-1, el virus que causa el síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (SARS). Al igual que el SARS-CoV-1, el SARS-CoV-2 infecta los tejidos humanos al ingresar a las células a través del receptor de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 (ACE2). Fue alarmante que, durante el brote de SARS-CoV-1, muchos pacientes infectados tuvieran trastornos de la glándula tiroides, causando incluso daño celular severo. Como el SARS-CoV-2 es similar al SARS-CoV-1, los investigadores comenzaron a evaluar la posibilidad de desarrollar enfermedades de la tiroides, especialmente tiroiditis subaguda, en pacientes infectados. Objetivo: Establecer una posible relación entre el desarrollo de trastornos tiroideos y el proceso infeccioso provocado por la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Método: Revisión de literatura, sustentada en resultados obtenidos en estudios relacionados al tema. Resultados: Los estudios realizados en las diferentes etapas de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 sugieren la existencia de una asociación entre la infección por SARS-CoV-2 y cambios en la función tiroidea. Conclusión: Aunque la mayoría de los pacientes son eutiroideos o tienen tiroiditis subaguda, otras enfermedades tiroideas pueden manifestarse durante la infección por SARS-CoV-2, lo que indica la importancia de evaluar la función tiroidea en pacientes hospitalizados, sintomáticos y asintomáticos. COVID-19 é uma doença altamente contagiosa causada pelo SARS-CoV-2, um vírus de RNA envelopado de fita simples pertencente à família beta-coronavírus. O SARS-CoV-2 está filogeneticamente relacionado ao SARS-CoV-1, o vírus que causa a síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SARS). Assim como o SARS-CoV-1, o SARS-CoV-2 infecta tecidos humanos entrando nas células por meio do receptor da enzima conversora de angiotensina 2 (ACE2). Foi alarmante que, durante o surto de SARS-CoV-1, muitos pacientes infectados tivessem distúrbios da glândula tireoide, causando até danos celulares graves. Como o SARS-CoV-2 é semelhante ao SARS-CoV-1, os pesquisadores começaram a avaliar a possibilidade de desenvolver doenças da tireoide, especialmente a tireoidite subaguda, em pacientes infectados. Objetivo: Estabelecer uma possível relação entre o desenvolvimento de distúrbios da tireoide e o processo infeccioso causado pela infecção por SARS-CoV-2. Método: Revisão de literatura, apoiada em resultados obtidos em estudos relacionados ao tema. Resultados: Estudos realizados nas diferentes fases da infecção por SARS-COV-2 sugerem a existência de associação entre a infecção por SARS-CoV-2 e alterações na função tireoidiana. Conclusão: Embora a maioria dos pacientes seja eutireoidiana ou tenha tireoidite subaguda, outras doenças tireoidianas podem se manifestar durante a infecção por SARS-CoV-2, indicando a importância da avaliação da função tireoidiana em pacientes hospitalizados, sintomáticos e assintomáticos.

Introduction: It is estimated that 20-30% of the world population is accepted for respiratory allergies. The diagnosis is made based on the clinical history, the physical examination and a survey of the total IgE. Since the 1990s, increased body mass index (BMI) has been associated with a higher prevalence of asthma in adults. Objective: To correlate BMI with total IgE levels of patients treated in a structured asthma program in São Luís-MA. Methods: 158 patients enrolled in the Non-Asthma Patient Support Program of the São Luís-MA. The bound enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify total IgE levels. Patients were stratified according to BMI. Approved with the opinion of no. 406/06. Results: A total of 158 patients with a diagnosis of asthma were studied, with 71 patients with both rhinitis and sinusitis. There was a predominance of females (120/158, 75.9%) and urban residents (112/158, 70.9%). The mean age was 46.13 (± 13.90) years. Sixty (38.0%) and overweight and 24 (15.2%) were obese. A mean total IgE between the cases was 2.49 (± 1.09). Total IgE levels were higher in the male gender (p = 0.01). Conclusions: The majority of overweight and obese patients presented elevation in total IgE levels, with no significant statistical significance (p = 0.72). Introducción: Se estima que el 20-30% de la población mundial es aceptada por alergias respiratorias. El diagnóstico se realiza con base en la historia clínica, el examen físico y un levantamiento de IgE total. Desde la década de 1990, el aumento del índice de masa corporal (IMC) se ha asociado con una mayor prevalencia de asma en adultos. Objetivo: Correlacionar el IMC con los niveles de IgE total de pacientes tratados en un programa estructurado de asma en São Luís-MA. Métodos: 158 pacientes inscritos en el Programa de Apoyo a Pacientes No Asmáticos del São Luís-MA. El ensayo inmunoabsorbente unido a enzimas se utilizó para cuantificar los niveles de IgE total. Los pacientes fueron estratificados según el IMC. Aprobado con el dictamen del núm. 406/06. Resultados: Se estudiaron un total de 158 pacientes con diagnóstico de asma, con 71 pacientes con rinitis y sinusitis. Hubo predominio del sexo femenino (120/158, 75,9%) y urbano (112/158, 70,9%). La edad media fue de 46,13 (± 13,90) años. Sesenta (38,0%) tenían sobrepeso y 24 (15,2%) eran obesos. La IgE total media entre los casos fue de 2,49 (± 1,09). Los niveles de IgE total fueron mayores en el género masculino (p = 0,01). Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes con sobrepeso y obesidad presentaron elevación de los niveles de IgE total, sin significación estadística significativa (p = 0,72). Introdução: estima-se que 20 a 30% da população mundial esteja acometida por alergias respiratórias. O diagnóstico é feito com base na história clínica, o exame físico e a investigação da IgE sérica total. Desde a década de 90, o aumento do índice de massa corporal (IMC) tem sido associado a uma maior prevalência da asma em adultos. Objetivo: Correlacionar o IMC com os níveis de IgE total de pacientes atendidos em um programa estruturado de asma em São Luís-MA. Estudou-se 158 pacientes cadastrados no Programa de Apoio ao Paciente Asmático do HUUFMA de São Luís - MA. Utilizou-se o teste de Enzyme Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay para quantificar os níveis de IgE total. Os pacientes foram estratificados de acordo com o IMC. Aprovada com parecer consubstanciado de Nº 406/06. Resultados: estudou-se 158 pacientes com diagnóstico de asma, sendo que 71 destes eram portadores simultaneamente de rinite e 32 de sinusite. Havia predominância do gênero feminino (120/158; 75,9%) e de residentes da zona urbana (112/158; 70,9%). A idade média era de 46,13 (± 13,90) anos. Sessenta indivíduos (38,0%) tinham sobrepeso e 24 (15,2%) eram obesos. A média de IgE total entre os casos foi de 2,49 (±1,09). Os níveis de IgE total foram maiores no gênero masculino (p = 0,01). Em relação aos níveis de IgE total e IMC, os valores foram maiores nos indivíduos com obesidade, porém sem significância estatística (p=0,72). Conclusões: a maioria dos pacientes com sobrepeso e obesidade apresentou elevação nos níveis de IgE total, sem significância estatística.

The main objective of this study is to understand if there is a relationship between attractiveness andocular movement, when the variable physical exercise is introduced. This study included a sample of 30university students, all female, aged between 18 and 29 years [M = 20.60 and SD = 2.69]. The presentstudy is cross-sectional, quantitative, comparative and with a quasi-experimental design, having beencarried out in a laboratorial context. The instruments used were six different images, manipulated interms of muscularity, the SMI RED250 eye-tracker, a Likert scale to assess the attractiveness and stilla sociodemographic questionnaire. Linear combinations were performed through the MANOVA testwith a 2x2 factorial design of independent variables that maximize the differences between severalconditions of the dependent variables. As main results, we verified that in both factorial designs therewas a significant effect of the independent variables on the dependent variables, except in the variableaverage number of fixations, which only had a significant effect in the second factorial design. We canstill see that the area of the body most visualized was the chest. We conclude that the love relationship,the level of body satisfaction and the practice of physical exercise are variables that influence theocular movement and that there is a female preference regarding the chest of the male body.

Until 2016, the in situ, span-by-span, prestressed concrete deck construction of multi-span bridges was limited to spans up to 78 m. This construction method, in some cases, ensures verifiable adva...

Resumen Antecedentes y objetivo El tromboembolismo pulmonar es una de las causas mas comunes de muerte no quirurgica en pacientes sometidos a cirugia urologica abdominopelvica. Desde el inicio de la profilaxis para la enfermedad tromboembolica venosa los episodios de trombosis venosa profunda y tromboembolia pulmonar han descendido considerablemente. Nuestro objetivo es analizar los predictores de la enfermedad tromboembolica, la variabilidad clinica en la utilizacion de la profilaxis farmacologica para esta enfermedad y los resultados de su aplicacion. Material y metodos Estudio retrospectivo multicentrico de 610 pacientes intervenidos mediante prostatectomia radical entre diciembre de 2013 y noviembre de 2014 en 7 hospitales generales de Espana, Italia y Portugal. Se clasifico a los pacientes segun sus caracteristicas basales en grupos de riesgo trombotico y grupos de riesgo hemorragico. Se evaluaron los eventos tromboembolicos venosos que se presentaron en los diferentes grupos. Resultados La edad media fue de 65,22 anos (48-78). El indice de masa corporal medio fue de 26,7 y la mediana del riesgo de ASA fue 2. En todos los pacientes se inicio la deambulacion en las primeras 24 h. En el 4,1% se utilizo compresion neumatica intermitente y en el 84,6%, profilaxis farmacologica con heparinas de bajo peso molecular. Solo en el 3,4% se utilizo la combinacion de profilaxis mecanica con la farmacologica. Se observo disminucion de la incidencia de eventos tromboembolicos en los pacientes que recibieron profilaxis farmacologica, con una reduccion absoluta del riesgo del 6,8%. No se objetivo aumento del riesgo hemorragico en los pacientes que recibieron profilaxis tromboembolica. Conclusiones En este estudio sobre pacientes sometidos a prostatectomia radical no hubo diferencia en las complicaciones hemorragicas derivadas del uso de profilaxis farmacologica para la enfermedad tromboembolica venosa. La profilaxis farmacologica reduce el riesgo de presentar un evento tromboembolico en pacientes sometidos a prostatectomia radical, si bien este riesgo no se asocia con la tecnica de abordaje.

Background and aim: Pulmonary thromboembolism is one of the most common causes of non-surgical death in patients following urological abdominopelvic surgery. Since the beginning of prophylaxis for venous thromboembolic disease, episodes of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism have decreased. Our objective is to analyse the prognosis factors of thromboembolic disease, the clinical variability in the use of pharmacological prophylaxis and the results of its application. Material and methods: Retrospective multicentric study of 610 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy between December 2013 and November 2014, in 7 general hospitals in Spain, Italy and Portugal. Patients were classified according to their baseline characteristics into thrombotic risk groups and haemorrhagic risk groups. The venous thromboembolic events that occurred in the different groups were analysed. Results: The average age was 65.22 years (48-78). The average body mass index was 26.7 and the average ASA risk 2.1. In all patients, early mobilization began in the first 24 hours. In 4.1% intermittent pneumatic compression was used and 84.6% received pharmacological prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparins. Only 3.4% used the combination of mechanical prophylaxis with pharmacological prophylaxis. We observed a decrease in the incidence of thromboembolic events in the patients who received pharmacological prophylaxis, with an absolute risk reduction of 6.8%. There was no increase in the risk of haemorrhage in the patients who received pharmacological prophylaxis. Conclusions: In this study on patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, there was no difference in haemorrhagic complications derived from the use of pharmacological prophylaxis for venous thromboembolic disease. Pharmacological prophylaxis reduces the risk of presenting a thromboembolic event in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, although this risk is not associated with the approach technique. © 2019 Elsevier España, S.L.U.

COVID-19 é uma doença altamente contagiosa causada pelo SARS-CoV-2, um vírus de RNA envelopado de fita simples pertencente à família beta-coronavírus. O SARS-CoV-2 está filogeneticamente relacionado ao SARS-CoV-1, o vírus que causa a síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SARS). Assim como o SARS-CoV-1, o SARS-CoV-2 infecta tecidos humanos entrando nas células por meio do receptor da enzima conversora de angiotensina 2 (ACE2). Foi alarmante que, durante o surto de SARS-CoV-1, muitos pacientes infectados tivessem distúrbios da glândula tireoide, causando até danos celulares graves. Como o SARS-CoV-2 é semelhante ao SARS-CoV-1, os pesquisadores começaram a avaliar a possibilidade de desenvolver doenças da tireoide, especialmente a tireoidite subaguda, em pacientes infectados. Objetivo: Estabelecer uma possível relação entre o desenvolvimento de distúrbios da tireoide e o processo infeccioso causado pela infecção por SARS-CoV-2. Método: Revisão de literatura, apoiada em resultados obtidos em estudos relacionados ao tema. Resultados: Estudos realizados nas diferentes fases da infecção por SARS-COV-2 sugerem a existência de associação entre a infecção por SARS-CoV-2 e alterações na função tireoidiana. Conclusão: Embora a maioria dos pacientes seja eutireoidiana ou tenha tireoidite subaguda, outras doenças tireoidianas podem se manifestar durante a infecção por SARS-CoV-2, indicando a importância da avaliação da função tireoidiana em pacientes hospitalizados, sintomáticos e assintomáticos.

Although selection menus are widely used for interaction, their use on 3D virtual reality applications needs to be objectively assessed. The focus of this study is to evaluate a traditional panel and a radial menu in two distinct virtual environment placements (i.e. fixed on the wall and following the users' hands). Fifty-one participants used two different menus of the four possible combinations. To evaluate the menus' effectiveness and efficiency, we measured usability (System Usability Scale Questionnaire), user satisfaction (After-Scenario Questionnaire), time to finish the tasks (in seconds) and the number of unnecessary steps (errors) performed by the users. Overall results showed a clear preference for the traditional panel menu type and the fixed wall placement of the menu. We conclude that all menu types perform well, despite different user preferences, and that fixing the menu to the wall gives users a better overview of both the menu and the virtual environment, improving their ability to perceive their actions on the menu.

It is a common request for Movable Scaffolding Systems (MSS) to be designed to withstand wind loads, despite the site location. In contrast, seismic events aren’t frequently considered while designing an MSS. Unlike wind loading, seismic events are very rare and with characteristics difficult to predict – therefore, the concept of operational limits or emergency safety devices is not applicable. In case of bridges located in hazardous seismic zones, seismic events should be taken into account while designing the MSS. The most critical phase is the concrete pouring stage, in which the mass is maximum. In this stage, vibration frequencies are largely dependent from the MSS type (overhead or underslung) and the MSS support configuration. This paper is focused on MSS design to withstand seismic events. Considerations on load evaluation, combination criteria and design options are given, based on a practical case.

The demand for productivity and cost optimization is a common requirement of bridge construction process nowadays. Focusing on span-by-span concrete bridges, different solutions have proved to be efficient. The choice for the most adequate solution is not linear and depends on several factors of quite different nature, such as bridge geometry (curvature, transversal slope, longitudinal slope), deck section (weight, shape), span length and bridge total length, environmental conditions, site logistics, local construction and design traditions and constructor experience and preferences. Independently of the chosen solution, a fundamental factor for achieving a cost and time-efficient construction process is a timely cooperation between the bridge designer and the construction process developer, making key adaptations in bridge design in order to make it easier for construction. In this specific case, details do matter and a judicious choice may have a significant impact in construction times. In this paper, different span-by-span concrete bridge deck construction processes are presented, ranging from segmental pre-cast to cast in situ solutions. The different solutions have a common denominator – the demand for productivity. The presentation is based on real examples. Throughout the text, a reference is made to Organic Prestressing System (OPS), an actively controlled prestressing system that increases structural efficiency. In its recent applications on bridge construction equipment, OPS confirmed a positive impact in productivity. A particular focus is given to the M1-90-S, a span record holder movable scaffolding system, mainly manufactured in Turkey and currently in operation in Ankara-Sivas high speed railway.

Introdução: estima-se que 20 a 30% da população mundial esteja acometida por alergias respiratórias. O diagnóstico é feito com base na história clínica, o exame físico e a investigação da IgE sérica total. Desde a década de 90, o aumento do índice de massa corporal (IMC) tem sido associado a uma maior prevalência da asma em adultos. Objetivo: Correlacionar o IMC com os níveis de IgE total de pacientes atendidos em um programa estruturado de asma em São Luís-MA. Estudou-se 158 pacientes cadastrados no Programa de Apoio ao Paciente Asmático do HUUFMA de São Luís - MA. Utilizou-se o teste de Enzyme Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay para quantificar os níveis de IgE total. Os pacientes foram estratificados de acordo com o IMC. Aprovada com parecer consubstanciado de Nº 406/06. Resultados: estudou-se 158 pacientes com diagnóstico de asma, sendo que 71 destes eram portadores simultaneamente de rinite e 32 de sinusite. Havia predominância do gênero feminino (120/158; 75,9%) e de residentes da zona urbana (112/158; 70,9%). A idade média era de 46,13 (± 13,90) anos. Sessenta indivíduos (38,0%) tinham sobrepeso e 24 (15,2%) eram obesos. A média de IgE total entre os casos foi de 2,49 (±1,09). Os níveis de IgE total foram maiores no gênero masculino (p = 0,01). Em relação aos níveis de IgE total e IMC, os valores foram maiores nos indivíduos com obesidade, porém sem significância estatística (p=0,72). Conclusões: a maioria dos pacientes com sobrepeso e obesidade apresentou elevação nos níveis de IgE total, sem significância estatística.

Hasta la década pasada, la generalidad de los puentes con longitud de vano comprendida entre los 75 y 94 m se construía esencialmente con tablero metálico; por voladizos sucesivos (dovelas prefabricadas o hormigonadas in situ) o alternativamente mediante izaje del tablero de concreto integralmente prefabricado. En la década pasada, culminando un trabajo multidisciplinar de investigación y desarrollo, se empleó por la primera vez una cimbra autolanzable en la construcción de un puente con múltiplos vanos de 90m. En este artículo se presenta este proyecto pionero, incluyendo una descripción concisa del proceso constructivo y su influencia en el diseño del puente.

The majority of virtual reality (VR) applications rely on audiovisual stimuli and do not exploit the addition of other sensory cues that could increase the potential of VR. This systematic review surveys the existing literature on multisensory VR and the impact of haptic, olfactory, and taste cues over audiovisual VR. The goal is to identify the extent to which multisensory stimuli affect the VR experience, which stimuli are used in multisensory VR, the type of VR setups used, and the application fields covered. An analysis of the 105 studies that met the eligibility criteria revealed that 84.8 percent of the studies show a positive impact of multisensory VR experiences. Haptics is the most commonly used stimulus in multisensory VR systems (86.6 percent). Non-immersive and immersive VR setups are preferred over semi-immersive setups. Regarding the application fields, a considerable part was adopted by health professionals and science and engineering professionals. We further conclude that smell and taste are still underexplored, and they can bring significant value to VR applications. More research is recommended on how to synthesize and deliver these stimuli, which still require complex and costly apparatus be integrated into the VR experience in a controlled and straightforward manner.