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OBJECTIVE: An ethmoid-dominant shadow on computed tomography is an indicator of type 2 inflammation, and is one of the main items used to diagnose and classify the severity of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis in the Japanese diagnostic criteria. Ethmoid sinus dominance is examined using the Lund-Mackay scoring system and may be overestimated due to scoring characteristics. We aim to investigate the accuracy of evaluations of ethmoid dominance using the conventional scoring system and the possibility of conducting an objective evaluation using a more detailed other scoring system. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis and who underwent bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery were enrolled in the present study. Computed tomography was performed preoperatively on all subjects. The bilateral anterior and posterior ethmoid sinuses and bilateral maxillary sinus were scored, and the ethmoid-to-maxillary ratio was calculated using 3 different scoring systems: Lund-Mackay (each sinus score ranges between 0 and 2), simplified Zinreich (score ranging between 0 and 3), and Zinreich (score ranging between 0 and 5). RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were eligible for the present study. Significant differences were observed in ethmoid-to-maxillary ratio evaluated by the 3 different scoring systems (2.4⯱â¯0.7, 3.0⯱â¯1.1, and 3.7⯱â¯2.2). Only 2 patients were negative for ethmoid dominance by the Lund-Mackay scoring system, while 14 were negative by the simplified-Zinreich and Zinreich scoring systems. Severity changed from the initial grade in 12 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present results confirmed a potential overestimation when only the Lund-Mackay scoring system was used to assess ethmoid dominance. Ethmoid dominance has been identified as one of the main predictive factors for the long-term postoperative outcomes of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis and is included in the Japanese diagnostic criteria. A detailed evaluation of ethmoid dominance is desirable for more accurate evaluations of the severity and prognosis of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis.
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Seio Etmoidal , Rinite , Sinusite , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Humanos , Seio Etmoidal/diagnóstico por imagem , Doença Crônica , Feminino , Masculino , Sinusite/diagnóstico por imagem , Sinusite/cirurgia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Rinite/diagnóstico por imagem , Rinite/cirurgia , Adulto , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Idoso , Eosinofilia/diagnóstico por imagem , Adulto Jovem , Endoscopia , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Adolescente , RinossinusiteRESUMO
In radar entomology, one primary challenge is detecting small species (smaller than 5 cm) since these tiny insects reflect radiation that can be poorly observable and, therefore, difficult to interpret. After a literature search on radar entomology, this research found few works where it has been possible to sense insects with dimensions smaller than 5 cm using radars. This paper describes different methodologies to detect Mediterranean fruit flies with 5-6 mm sizes using a pulsed W-band radar and presents the experimental results that validate the procedures. The article's main contribution is the successful detection of Mediterranean fruit flies employing the shadow effect on the backscattered radar signal, achieving an 11% difference in received power when flies are present. So far, according to the information available and the literature search, this work is the first to detect small insects less than 1 cm long using a pulsed radar in W-Band. The results show that the proposed shadow effect is a viable alternative to the current sensors used in smart traps, as it allows not only detection but also counting the number of insects in the trap.
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Insetos , Radar , AnimaisRESUMO
This paper aims to analyze the link between environmental degradation and institutional quality and the price of oil moderated by economic complexity and the underground economy. We use quantile regressions with annual panel data for 15 countries in the Middle East and North Africa during 1995-2021. The findings indicate that institutional quality, economic complexity, and output positively and heterogeneously impact environmental degradation. However, the square of production has a negative impact, confirming an inverted U relationship between production and environmental degradation. Likewise, we find that the price of oil and the underground economy have a negative and heterogeneous impact on environmental degradation. Based on our results, a potential recommendation for policymakers is that the institutional framework of Middle Eastern and North African countries should be accompanied by a more significant concern for the environment instead of prioritizing extractive growth that is detrimental to the environment's environmental sustainability. Likewise, economic diversification will mitigate environmental degradation and improve formal employment. Our findings are relevant to policymakers and researchers interested in promoting ecological sustainability.
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Dióxido de Carbono , Desenvolvimento Econômico , Dióxido de Carbono/análise , África do Norte , Oriente MédioRESUMO
Worldwide, cosmetics (especially eye shadows) are widely consumed and have a great impact on the economy. The aim of this study was to determine the multielement composition, focusing on essential and potentially toxic elements, in cosmetics (eye shadow) exposed to consumption in Brazil. Concentrations of 17 elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) were determined in samples (produced in China and Brazil) using a sequential optical emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma (ICP OES) after acid digestion, assisted by a closed digester block (6 mL of HNO3 + 2 mL of H2O2 + 1 mL of Triton ×-100 + 1 mL of ultrapure water). The method was validated by linearity, precision, accuracy, limits of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ). The elements were quantified (in µg g-1): Al (852-21,900), Ba (3.47-104), Cd (1.70-6.93), Cr (< 8.53-66.6), Cu (< 0.480-14.5), Mn (92.20-1,190), Ni (< 4.23-40.7), Pb (< 2.16-5.06), Sb (1.10-10.5), Sr (0.760-46.0), Ti (32.0-440), V (< 0.85-1.7) and Zn (24.90-2,600). As, Co, Mo and Se in all the investigated samples were found to be below the LoQ values of ICP OES. In this study, regardless of sample compositions and origins (Brazilian or Chinese), high levels of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, V and Zn were observed, exceeding the recommended maximum tolerable limits, according to Brazilian and global legislations, which may present potential risks to human health and the environment.
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Oligoelementos , Humanos , Oligoelementos/análise , Brasil , Cádmio , Peróxido de Hidrogênio , ChumboRESUMO
This paper aims to understand the origins of what is seen as a lack of understanding about the seriousness of our current times. The author's view is that this failure is due to a lack of awareness that our human species is destructive, arrogant, self-centred and ignorant of the laws of nature and the wonderful complexity of the environment that it destroys. Possible new values that could support a new civilizational framework are presented.
Cet article vise à comprendre les origines de ce qui est perçu comme un manque de compréhension de la gravité de notre époque actuelle. L'auteur suggère que cet échec provient d'un déficit de conscience en ce qui concerne le fait que notre espèce humaine est destructrice, arrogante, centrée sur elle-même et ignorante des lois de la nature et de la merveilleuse complexité de l'environnement qu'elle détruit. De nouvelles valeurs envisageables - qui pourraient soutenir une nouvelle structure pour la civilisation - sont présentées.
El presente trabajo intenta comprender los orígenes de aquello que es visto como una falta de comprensión sobre la seriedad de nuestros tiempos actuales. La perspectiva del autor es que esta falla se debe a una falta de conciencia sobre la destructividad, arrogancia, auto-centración e ignorancia de nuestra especie humana acerca de las leyes de la naturaleza y la maravillosa complejidad del medio ambiente al que destruye. Se presentan nuevos valores posibles que puedan apoyar un nuevo marco de referencia para nuestra civilización.
Este artigo tem como objetivo entender as origens do que é visto como uma falta de compreensão sobre a seriedade de nossos tempos atuais. A visão do autor é que esse fracasso se deve à falta de consciência de que nossa espécie humana é destrutiva, arrogante, egocêntrica e ignorante das leis da natureza e da maravilhosa complexidade do ambiente que ela destrói. Possíveis novos valores que possam apoiar um novo quadro civilizacional são apresentados.
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Transtornos Mentais , HumanosRESUMO
Moving to a more sustainable and low-carbon footprint urban water cycle is essential in the light of climate change. In this paper, we estimate the implicit cost of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for several English and Welsh water companies from 2013 to 2019. Using econometric techniques, we compute the shadow prices of direct and indirect CO2 emissions associated with the provision of drinking water. This methodological approach also allows us to investigate the impact of a set of environmental variables on the costs of water companies and therefore on the costs of reducing GHG emissions. We then compute the returns to scale, technical change, and technical efficiency of the water companies. The empirical results show the following: (1) the average shadow price of CO2 across years was 0.114 £/kgCO2, which means that the English and Welsh water industry needs to spend an extra £0.114 in operating expenditure to prevent the emission of one kilogramme of CO2; (2) the cost of reducing GHG emissions is very variable among water companies and across years; (3) water taken from boreholes and average pumping head increases cost requirements and therefore the inefficiency of water companies; and (4) the water industry may lower its production costs and thus the costs of reducing GHG emissions by improving its daily operations and adopting new technologies. From a policy perspective, this study evidences that in the English and Welsh water industry, a market-based approach may be more suitable to reduce GHG emissions than a carbon tax policy.
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Gases de Efeito Estufa , Eficiência , Efeito Estufa , Gases de Efeito Estufa/análise , Indústrias , Água , Abastecimento de ÁguaRESUMO
ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the CROS system on the head shadow effect in unilateral implant users. Methods Prospective cross-sectional study, approved by the ethics committee under protocol 2.128.869. Eleven adults with post-lingual deafness users of unilateral Advanced Bionics CI were selected. Speech recognition was evaluated with recorded words presented at 65dBA at 0o azimuth and at 90o on the side contralateral to the CI, with noise at 55dBA, using CI alone and CI + CROS system. The results were analyzed using paired t-test with a 0.05 alpha. Results The mean speech recognition scores were significantly better with CI + CROS in relation to the condition of CI alone (p <0.05, p <0.005 and p <0.005 respectively). In the presentation at 0o azimuth, no significant differences were found. Conclusion Users of unilateral CI without useful residual hearing for the use of hearing aids or unable to undergo bilateral surgery can benefit from the CROS device for speech recognition, especially when the speech is presented on the side contralateral to the CI.
RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do sistema CROS em fenômenos como efeito sombra da cabeça em usuários de implante coclear unilateral. Método Estudo transversal prospectivo, aprovado pelo conselho de ética sob protocolo 2.128.869. Onze adultos com surdez de instalação pós-lingual usuários de IC Advanced Bionics unilateral foram selecionados. O reconhecimento de fala foi avaliado com palavras gravadas apresentadas a 65dBA a 0o azimute e a (90o no lado contralateral ao IC), com ruído a 55dBA, usando somente o IC e IC+sistema CROS. Os resultados foram analisados usando teste t pareado com alfa de 0,05. Resultados Os escores médios de reconhecimento de fala foram significativamente melhores com IC + CROS em relação à condição apenas IC (p <0,05, p <0,005 e p <0,005 respectivamente). Na apresentação à frente não foram encontradas diferenças significantes. Conclusão Os usuários de IC unilateral sem resíduo útil para uso de prótese auditiva ou impossibilitados de submeter-se à cirurgia bilateral podem se beneficiar do dispositivo CROS para o reconhecimento de fala, sobretudo quando a fala for apresentada ao lado contralateral ao IC.
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Streptomyces clavuligerus (S. clavuligerus) has been widely studied for its ability to produce clavulanic acid (CA), a potent inhibitor of ß-lactamase enzymes. In this study, S. clavuligerus cultivated in 2D rocking bioreactor in fed-batch operation produced CA at comparable rates to those observed in stirred tank bioreactors. A reduced model of S. clavuligerus metabolism was constructed by using a bottom-up approach and validated using experimental data. The reduced model was implemented for in silico studies of the metabolic scenarios arisen during the cultivations. Constraint-based analysis confirmed the interrelations between succinate, oxaloacetate, malate, pyruvate, and acetate accumulations at high CA synthesis rates in submerged cultures of S. clavuligerus. Further analysis using shadow prices provided a first view of the metabolites positive and negatively associated with the scenarios of low and high CA production.
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Aiming to assist the environmental sustainability of the Brazilian Amazonian agriculture, this article developed an eco-efficiency index, indicating the possible limits to maximize economic and environmental objectives, taking into account the best practices in the municipalities of the region. Shadow prices of degraded areas and forest preservation were also estimated using data envelopment analysis with directional distance functions. The results indicate that, on average, the analyzed municipalities are able to expand the production and the forest areas by 38% and reduce degraded areas and their inputs in the same proportion. The shadow prices allowed the estimation of the annual opportunity cost of the degraded areas and the preservation of the forest on the farms. The first, US$ 3,131,571, represented 0.04% of the annual output value, indicating that the internalization of that cost should be a low burden for the eco-efficient producer. The second, the total cost of preserving 80% of the area of property, represented US$ 120,890,662 or 1.7% of the annual income of the biome producers studied. Therefore, the main conclusion of this work is that the internalization of negative and positive externalities of agricultural production in the Amazonian biome does not make agricultural production economically unfeasible in the region. In addition, the reimbursement of damages avoided by carbon sequestration, through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) established by the Kyoto Conference, should further increase the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture in the area.
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Agricultura , Eficiência , Brasil , Fazendas , RendaRESUMO
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different Clitoria fairchildiana tree shading levels on the Tanganyika grass (Megatyrsus maximus Jacq. cv. Tanganyika) chemical composition, in summer I (2011/2012), spring (2012) and summer II (2012/2013) seasons. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four treatments (shading levels) and five repetitions at Seropédica, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The following variables were evaluated: dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent (NDF) and acid detergent (ADF) fiber, neutral (NDIP) and acid (ADIP) detergent insoluble protein, lignin (LIG) and mineral matter (MM) contents. Data were analyzed by PROC MIXED SAS®, with repeated measures in time, and treatment means compared by Tukeys test (P<0.05) or by PROC REG (P<0.05 for regression analysis. There was a significant interaction between season and shading level for DM, CP, NDF, ADF, NDIP, ADIP and MM contents (P<0.05). Lignin content was only influenced by shading level (P<0.05). The DM, NDF, ADF and lignin contents were reduced by shading increase while CP, NIDP and MM contents were increased. Higher ADIP contents were found only in the spring. The increase in Clitoria fairchildiana tree shading improves the chemical composition of Tanganyika grass forage during summer season.(AU)
O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de sombreamento arbóreo da espécie Clitoria fairchildiana sobre a composição bromatológica do capim-tanganica (Megatyrsus maximus Jacq. cv. Tanganica), nas estações do verão I (2011/2012), primavera (2012) e verão II (2012/2013). Para tanto, foi instalado um experimento sob delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (níveis de sombreamento) e cinco repetições em Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Foram avaliados os teores de: matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e em detergente ácido (FDA), proteína insolúvel em detergente neutro (PIDN) e em detergente ácido (PIDA), lignina (LIG) e matéria mineral (MM). Os dados foram analisados pelo PROC MIXED do SAS®, com medidas repetidas no tempo, e as médias dos tratamentos comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (P<0,05); ou pelo PROC REG do SAS® para as análises de regressão (P<0,05). Houve efeito de interação entre nível de sombreamento e estação do ano para teores de MS, PB, FDN, FDA, PIDN, PIDA e MM. Os teores de lignina foram influenciados apenas pelo nível de sombreamento. Os teores de MS, FDN, FDA e lignina foram reduzidos, enquanto aqueles de PB, PIDN e MM aumentaram linearmente em função dos níveis de sombreamento. Maiores teores de PIDA foram verificados somente na primavera. O aumento do sombreamento arbóreo de Clitoria fairchildiana melhora a composição bromatológica da forragem do capim-tanganica, durante o verão.(AU)