Efficiency evaluation for the heat pump system in sharp continental climate

With the aim to calculate the energy efficient of water source heat pump system (HPSW) under sharp climate conditions, the ice formation processe on the surface of evaporator pipes under conditions of “autumn-winter-spring” was studied

Communicative processing in adults with unilateral right hemisphere stroke: assessment by means of a short battery

Pacientes com lesão cerebrovascular de hemisfério direito (LHD) tendem a apresentar déficits comunicativos. Este estudo visou a investigar o processamento comunicativo de pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) de hemisfério direito. A amostra incluiu 100 participantes: 25 com LHD, 25 com AVC de hemisfério esquerdo (LHE) e 50 controles neurologicamente preservados (PNP). Os participantes responderam a um questionário de dados sociodemográficos, ao Mini Exame do Estado Mental para avaliar capacidade cognitiva geral, à Escala de Depressão Geriátrica de 15 pontos e à Escala Beck de Depressão para investigar sintomas depressivos, ao Teste dos Sinos para avaliar heminegligência, e à Escala Rankin Modificada para verificar capacidade funcional. O processamento comunicativo foi avaliado com a Bateria Montreal de Avaliação da Comunicação, versão abreviada – Bateria MAC Breve. Os escores foram comparados por One-Way ANOVA e Qui-quadrado. Houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos LHD e PNP em 89% das tarefas, mas não entre os grupos LHD e LHE. Além disso, o grupo LHD apresentou desempenho comunicativo inferior ao grupo PNP. Tais achados sugerem evidências de cooperação interhemisférica para os processamentos comunicativos.Patients with right hemisphere brain damage (RBD) usually experience communication impairments. This study aims to investigate the communication processing in patients who suffered a stroke in the right hemisphere. The sample comprised 100 participants: 25 with RBD, 25 with left hemisphere brain damage (LBD) and 50 neurologically healthy controls (NHC). Participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini Mental State Examination to measure general cognitive ability, the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Scale to investigate depressive symptoms, the Bells Test to evaluate hemineglect and the Modified Ranking Scale to verify functional capacity. The communication processing was assessed with the use of the Montreal Communication Evaluation Battery, brief version – Brief MAC Battery. The scores were compared using a One-Way ANOVA and the Chi-squared test. There were significant differences between RBD and NHC groups in 89% of the tasks, but not between RBD and LBD groups. Furthermore, the RBD showed inferior communication skills compared to the NHC group. These findings indicate an interhemispheric cooperation for communication processing.Los pacientes con lesión cerebrovascular de hemisferio derecho (LHD) tienden a presentar déficits comunicativos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el procesamiento comunicativo de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) de hemisferio derecho. La muestra incluyó 100 participantes: 25 con LHD, 25 con ACV de hemisferio izquierdo (LHI) y 50 controles neurológicamente preservados (CNP). Los participantes respondieron a un cuestionario sociodemográfico, el Mini Examen del Estado Mental para medir la capacidad cognitiva general; la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica y la Escala Beck de Depresión, para investigar los síntomas depresivos; el Test de Mancación de Campanas, para evaluar heminegligencia, y la Escala de Rankin Modificada, para verificar la capacidad funcional. El procesamiento comunicativo fue evaluado con la Batería Montreal de Evaluación de la Comunicación, versión abreviada – Batería MAC Abreviada. Las puntuaciones fueron comparadas por ANOVA de una vía y Chi-cuadrado. Hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos LHD y CNP en 89% de las tareas, pero no entre los grupos LHD y LHI. Además, el grupo LHD presentó un desempeño comunicativo inferior al grupo CNP. Tales descubrimientos sugieren evidencias de cooperación interhemisférica para los procesamientos comunicativos

HLA profile in patients with AIDS and tuberculosis

Studies carried out in various populations have reported an association between some HLA specificities and susceptibility to tuberculosis. We investigated the class I and class II HLA profile in Brazilian patients of various ethnic backgrounds who had AIDS and tuberculosis. Twenty-two adult patients with AIDS and tuberculosis (Group I), 103 patients with AIDS without tuberculosis (Group II) and 423 healthy individuals not infected with HIV (Group III) were evaluated. Diagnosis of HIV infection was made by ELISA, confirmed by a gelatin particle agglutination test. Diagnosis of tuberculosis was made based on clinical/radiological presentation and direct bacilloscopy or clinical specimen cultures. Class I antigens were typed by microlymphotoxicity. Class II alleles were characterized by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Differences in frequency of HLA specificities between groups were found in the following antigens/alleles: Group I x Group II: HLA-A31 - p=0.026; HLA-B41 - p= 0.037; HLA-DRB1*10 - p=0.037; HLA-DQB1*5 - p=0.009. Group I x Group III (control): HLA-A31 - p = 0.000008; odds ratio (OR)=31.75; HLA-B41 - p=0.003; HLA-DQB1*5 - p=0.02. HLA-A31 and HLA-B41 antigens and the HLA-DRB1*10 and HLA-DQB1*05 alleles were over-represented in patients with AIDS and tuberculosis (Group I), suggesting that these HLA molecules are associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis in Brazilian patients with AIDS

The study on the Organic Regulatory Law of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide

Al principio de 2021, España se convirtió en el cuarto país europeo en legalizar la eutanasia y el suicidio asistido. Esta fue una victoria para quienes abogan por políticas progresistas y otros la vieron como una violación de la Constitución. Esta ley modifica el articulo 143.4 del Código Penal al legalizar la eutanasia y el suicidio asistido en determinadas circunstancias en las que intervienen profesionales sanitarios en el proceso. Esta alteración marca un cambio significativo en la regulación y percepción de los cuidados al final de la vida. Queda por ver lo que depara el futuro en términos de resultados de los resultados de este reglamento. Actualmente, existe una falta de regulación en torno a los cuidados paliativos, lo que podría ofrecer otra opción además de la eutanasia para quienes buscan alivio.In early 2021, Spain became only the fourth European country to legalise euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. This was a victory for those advocating for progressive policies and was seen as a violation of the Constitution by others. This law modifies Article 143.4 of the Penal Code by legalising euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide under certain circumstances where healthcare professionals are involved in the process. This alteration marks a significant change in the regulation and perception of end-of-life care. What the future holds in terms of the outcomes of this regulation remains to be seen. Interestingly, there is currently a lack of regulation surrounding palliative care, which could offer another option alongside euthanasia for those seeking relief

Implant Overdenture Abutment Loosening under Hyperbaric Conditions

Objectives: To investigate the effect of various hyperbaric air pressures on the loosening of LOCATOR® (ZEST Anchors, LLC, Escondido, CA USA) overdenture abutments. The pressure conditions tested are meant to simulate scuba diving conditions in edentulous patients that are restored with implant-retained tissue-supported overdentures. Another sub-goal of this study is to determine whether or not there is a difference in LOCATOR® loosening when the sample is exposed to six cycles/dives as opposed to one cycle/dive. Methods: 36 ZimVie Tapered Screw Vent Implants with a 3.5mm diameter implant platform, and a 2.5mm diameter (and 1.5mm deep) internal hexagon were placed into resin blocks. LOCATOR® abutments were torqued to 30 N-cm with a digital torque meter. The implants were divided into three different hyperbaric pressure groups: the control (1 atm), 2.8 atm, and 4 atm. Each pressure group was subdivided into two groups: a one cycle (one scuba dive) group and a six cycles group (equivalent to six separate dives). A total of 6 implants were randomly assigned to each group: 1 atm and one cycle, 1 atm and six cycles, 2.8 atm and one cycle, 2.8 atm and six cycles, 4 atm and one cycle, and 4 atm and six cycles. LOCATOR® loosening was evaluated by obtaining the reverse torque values (RTVs) with a digital torque meter, then subtracting this from the initial tightening torque. The mean loss of torque for all groups were calculated, and a two-way ANOVA test was utilized to complete the statistical analysis. Results: Pressure change was not found to have a statistically significant effect on LOCATOR® loosening (and/or loss of torque). However, the number of cycles did significantly affect the loss of torque, with a confidence of 99%. Conclusions: Based on the statistical analyses, and eventually a two-way ANOVA test, there was no statistically significant effect of pressure on the loss of torque. That is, the LOCATORS® did not loosen more with pressure or loosen less with pressure. Yet, all groups did exhibit torque loss. When it comes to the number of cycles, there was a statistically significant effect between one and six cycles. For the 1 atm pressure, increasing the cycles from 1 to 6 caused a 1.54 field increase in loosening; for the 2.8 atm pressure, increasing the number of cycles caused a 1.38-fold increase in loosening; and, for the 4 atm pressure, increasing the number of cycles caused a 1.67-fold increase in loosening. The LOCATOR® loosening exhibited can be a result of the exposure to pressure. This exposure of pressure involves both the compression and decompression that occur to and from the pressure tested

Determination of the Absolute Viscosity of Some Refrigerants

Master of Engineering (ME

A readiness assessment framework for Blockchain adoption: a healthcare case study

Blockchain technology has been gaining traction across different sectors. It has the potential to immensely benefit the healthcare sector, given the sector's inherent complexities, problems, and inefficiencies. However, to date, no comprehensive, evidence-based effort has been made to understand the readiness of this sector for blockchain adoption. We proposed a readiness assessment framework that encompasses the complex interplay of different underlying factors, social structures, and institutional mechanisms and that covers all key stakeholders. Based on a systematic literature review, the framework is applied to the UAE's healthcare sector and its applicability and usefulness is established. The findings show the multifaceted significance of government readiness in driving blockchain initiatives. Large firms are found to be more willing to leverage the opportunities afforded by blockchain. Lack of clarity on blockchain regulations and laws, and issues pertaining to privacy and trust are found to affect the readiness of all stakeholders. The proposed framework and the study's findings will be useful in guiding policy interventions and developing support mechanisms to strengthen areas related to blockchain adoption

Agressividade e impulsividade em homens hospitalizados por uso de substâncias psicoativas

Sabe-se que o uso de substâncias psicoativas causa prejuízos à saúde e aumenta a chance de apresentar comportamentos agressivos, principalmente na população masculina. Além disso, adictos, ou pessoas que apresentam patologias de recompensa, valorizam mais o seu objeto de adicção do que outros prazeres. Conforme a gravidade da dependência química aumenta, o adicto tem mais motivação para o uso de substâncias psicoativas e menos motivação para buscar prazeres naturais. Outro fator relevante é a Impulsividade. Pesquisas indicam que pessoas com uma alta impulsividade, medida por meio de autorrelatos, têm chances maiores de apresentar uso de substâncias e de tomar decisões prejudiciais. A Agressividade pode ser dividida em quatro traços: agressividade física; agressividade verbal; raiva; e hostilidade. As duas primeiras representam a tendência a machucar ou prejudicar outros. A raiva refere-se à raiva em si e à preparação para agredir. A hostilidade consiste em sentimentos de má vontade e injustiça vindos de outras pessoas. A Impulsividade pode ser dividida em três fatores principais: o Neuroticismo/Emocionalidade Negativa, Desinibição versus Constrangimento e Extroversão/Emocionalidade Positiva. A Desinibição versus Constrangimento tem ligação com a falta de planejamento e persistência. Já a Extroversão/Emocionalidade Positiva constituem a Busca por Sensações. Por fim, o Neuroticismo/Emocionalidade Negativa formam a base da Urgência Negativa, a tendência a agir de forma abrupta para evitar emoções negativas (e.g., estresse, fissura). Há evidência de relação positiva entre a Impulsividade e a Agressividade. Acredita-se que episódios de agressividade ocorram mais por impulsividade do que por planejamento, como sugere o estudo de Stanford e colegas. O estudo avalia 93 homens fisicamente agressivos e 90% deles apresentaram uma prevalência de agressividade impulsiva, enquanto apenas 10% apresentaram agressividade premeditada. Portanto, esta dissertação pretende contribuir com os conhecimentos na área de dependência química, com objetivo de determinar os principais fatores relacionados à Agressividade e à Impulsividade em dependentes químicos. Para tanto, foram desenvolvidos dois estudos: 1) Relation between cocaine use, impulsivity, and aggression; 2) Delay Discounting in tobacco smokers. No primeiro e no segundo artigos, as amostras são compostas por 121 e 70 participantes, respectivamente. O primeiro artigo objetiva compreender melhor a relação entre o uso de Cocaína/Crack, Impulsividade e Agressividade, sendo a escolaridade, a idade de início do uso de Cocaína e a Urgência, um dos traços da Impulsividade, os principais fatores associados à Agressividade. Além disso, encontrou-se evidências de que a gravidade percebida do uso de Cocaína/Crack está associada com a Urgência. Fica clara, portanto, a necessidade de atentar à Urgência quando tratando pacientes internados que apresentam uso de Cocaína/Crack. O segundo artigo objetiva compreender melhor a relação entre uso de Tabaco, Funções Executivas e Desvalorização pelo Atraso (uma medida de impulsividade). Os resultados indicam que tabagistas que apresentam menor renda ou classe social ou têm mais idade tendem a ter uma Desvalorização pelo Atraso maior, favorecendo recompensas menores e mais rápidas em detrimento de recompensas superiores, entretanto mais tardias. Observou-se que a Urgência e a data do primeiro uso de Cocaína têm um papel importante na Agressividade. Portanto, para ter uma noção melhor da Agressividade de pacientes com uso de Cocaína ou Crack, seria importante desenvolver um instrumento medindo especificamente a Urgência e saber a data de início do uso. Além disso, deve-se levar em consideração que dependentes de Tabaco com classe social mais baixa tendem a demonstrar maior Impulsividade, assim como dependentes de Cocaína com menos educação. Para futuros estudos, recomenda-se criar ou utilizar um instrumento que meça a Urgência especificamente, considerando que esse foi o principal traço de Impulsividade relacionado ao uso de Cocaína/Crack e à Agressividade. Além disso, tratamentos focados em reduzir a Urgência poderiam beneficiar essa população. Outra sugestão seria fazer estudos similares, mas com grupo de comparação, como, por exemplo, um grupo de pacientes internados por uso de drogas que não apresente uso de Cocaína/Crack ou um grupo da população saudável. O mesmo é recomendado ser feito com futuros estudos sobre o Tabaco e o Desvalorização pelo Atraso, com um grupo de tabagistas e um de não-tabagistas. Tal comparação iria permitir evidenciar quais características são específicas da população-alvo.It is known that psychoactive substances lead to health risks and increases the likelihood of exhibiting aggressive behaviors, which happens more often in the male population. Furthermore, addicts, or people who present reward pathologies, value their object of addiction more than other pleasures. As the severity of the substance use disorder progresses, the addict’s motivation for substance use increases, while his/her motivation for natural pleasures decreases. Another relevant factor is Impulsivity. Studies have shown that people who present high impulsivity, measured by selfreports, have a higher likelihood of presenting substance use and poor decision making. Aggression can be divided in four traits: physical aggression; verbal aggression; anger; and hostility. The first two represent the tendency to hurt or harm others. Anger refers to arousal and to the preparation for aggression. Hostility consists of feelings of ill will and injustice from other people. Impulsivity can be divided in three main traits: Neuroticism/Negative Urgency, Disinhibition versus Constraint, and Extraversion/Positive Emotionality. The Disinhibition versus Constraint is related to the lack of planning and persistence. Extraversion/Positive Emotionality form Sensation Seeking. Last, Neuroticism/Negative Emotionality form Negative Urgency, the tendency to act abruptly to avoid negative emotions (e.g., stress, craving). There is evidence of positive association between Impulsivity and Aggression. It is believed that aggressive episodes occur more by impulsivity than by planning, as suggested by a study from Stanford and colleagues. The study assesses 93 physically aggressive men and 90% of them presented impulsive aggression, whereas only 10% presented premeditated aggression. Therefore, this dissertation aims to contribute with the knowledge in the substance abuse field, with the objective of determining the main factors that associate with Aggression and Impulsivity in drug users. Thus, two studies were developed: 1) Relation between cocaine use, impulsivity, and aggression; 2) Delay Discounting in tobacco smokers. In the first and second studies, the samples consisted of 121 and 70 participants, respectively. The first study aimed to better understand the association between Cocaine (both snorted and smoked), Impulsivity, and Aggression, whereas education, snorted Cocaine onset, and Urgency, an Impulsivity trait, were the main factors associated to Aggression. Furthermore, there was evidence of association between perceived severity of Cocaine use and Urgency. Therefore, it is clear that Urgency is an important factor to be investigated when treating inpatients who present Cocaine use. The second study aimed at comprehending the relation between Tobacco, Executive Functions, and Delay Discounting (an impulsivity measurement). Results indicate that tobacco smokers with lower income or social status, or are older have a tendency towards more Delay Discounting, hence favoring lower immediate rewards over late rewards. It is observed that Urgency and Cocaine onset have an important role in Aggression. Therefore, in order to have information regarding the Aggression of patients who use Cocaine, it would be important to develop an assessment specific for Urgency and to know the first time Cocaine was used by the patient. Moreover, it should be noticed that Tobacco smokers with lower social status are likely to present more Impulsivity, just like Cocaine users with lower education. For future studies, the creation or employment of a test specifically designed to measure Urgency is recommended, considering that this was the main Impulsivity trait to correlate with Cocaine use and Aggression. Additionally, treatments that focus in decreasing Urgency would probably benefit this population. Another recommendation would be to develop similar studies, but with a comparison group, such as a group of inpatients who were hospitalized for drug abuse, but do not present Cocaine use, or a group from the healthy population. The same is recommended for future studies addressing Tobacco smoking and Delay Discounting, with a group of smokers and a group of non-smokers. Such comparison would allow shedding light on which characteristics are specific of the target population

Safety and efficacy of three trypanocides in confirmed field cases of trypanosomiasis in working equines in The Gambia: a prospective, randomised, non-inferiority trial

Background: Globally, working equines have a continued and growing socioeconomic role in supporting the livelihoods of between 300–600 million people in low income countries which is rarely recognised at a national or international level. Infectious diseases have significant impact on welfare and productivity in this population and equine trypanosomiasis is a priority disease due to its severity and prevalence. Strategies are required to improve the prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of trypanosomiasis in equines and more data are required on the efficacy and safety of current trypanocidal drugs. Methods: A prospective randomised, open-label non-inferiority trial was performed in The Gambia on horses and donkeys that fulfilled 2/5 clinical inclusion criteria (anaemia, poor body condition, pyrexia, history of abortion, oedema). Following randomised trypanocidal treatment (diminazene diaceturate, melarsomine dihydrochloride or isometamidium chloride), animals were observed for immediate adverse drug reactions and follow-up assessment was performed at 1 and 2 weeks. Blood samples underwent PCR analysis with specific Trypanosoma sp. primers. Treatment efficacy was assessed by measuring changes in clinical parameters, clinicopathological results and PCR-status post-treatment after evaluating for bias. Using PCR status as the outcome variable, non-inferiority of isometamidium treatment was determined if the upper bound limit of a 2-sided 95% CI was less than 10%. Results: There was a significant beneficial effect upon the Trypanosoma sp. PCR positive population following trypanocidal treatment for all groups. The findings of clinical evaluation and PCR status supported a superior treatment effect for isometamidium. Melarsomine dihydrochloride efficacy was inferior to isometamidium. There were immediate, self-limiting side effects to isometamidium in donkeys (26%). Diminazene had the longest duration of action as judged by PCR status. Conclusions: The data support the continued use of isometamidium following careful dose titration in donkeys and diminazene for trypanosomiasis in equines using the doses and routes of administration reported