Abstract Cracking can be investigated by infrared thermography, as defects on a surface have different temperatures compared to regions without defects. The temperature of the crack depends on its dimensions, opening and depth, which can be identified by thermography. The possibility of classifying crack damage according to different depths by thermography in heating and cooling regimes and indicating which conditions are most suitable for identifying cracks is evaluated. It is proposed to observe the temperature evolution during the heating and cooling of a mortar slab that has cracks with different depths. The temperature variation of the plate during heating and cooling is monitored by thermograms and thermocouples present on the surface and interior of the plate in regions close to the cracks. It is identified, through the application of Delta-T thermographic contrast, that cracks of greater depth have a greater Delta-T, in modulus, during heating, while cracks of shallower depth have a greater Delta-T during cooling. Cracks are best identified during the cooling phase, as shallower cracks are not identified at the end of heating.

Resumo A fissuração pode ser investigada por termografia de infravermelho, pois defeitos em uma superfície apresentam temperaturas diferentes em relação as regiões sem defeito. A temperatura da fissura é dependente das suas dimensões, abertura e profundidade, nas quais podem ser identificadas pela termografia. Avalia-se o comportamento das temperaturas em regime controlado de aquecimento e resfriamento de fissuras em função de diferentes profundidades e quais as condições mais adequadas para identificar as fissuras. Propõe-se a observação da evolução de temperatura no aquecimento e resfriamento de uma placa de argamassa que possui fissuras com diferentes profundidades. A variação de temperatura da placa no aquecimento e resfriamento é monitorada por termogramas e termopares presentes na superfície e interior da placa em regiões próximas às fissuras. Identifica-se, pela aplicação de contraste termográfico Delta-T, que fissuras de maior profundidade possuem maior Delta-T, em módulo, durante o aquecimento, enquanto fissuras de menor profundidade possuem maior Delta-T no resfriamento. As fissuras são melhor identificadas na fase de resfriamento, pois no fim do aquecimento as fissuras de menor profundidade não são identificadas.

Abstract This study investigated the effects caused by the thermal shock phenomenon on the temperature distribution in Adhered Ceramic Tiling Systems (ACTS). Cyclic thermal and hygroscopic loads are periodic events resulting from successive and sequential processes of heating by solar irradiation and sudden cooling by heavy rains. Through an experimental program carried out in a ceramic tile prototype composed of porcelain tiles settle with adhesive mortar directly on a concrete wall, monitored the surface temperatures and temperatures at the adhesive mortar-concrete interface were measured during its exposure to heating and cooling cycles according to NBR 15575-4 (ABNT, 2021) procedures. The confinement of thermal energy (heat) inside the structure, after the beginning of cooling, demonstrates that part of the thermal stresses is maintained internally to the structure even after the drop-in surface temperature of the ceramic tile (non-homogeneous distribution), indicating that the movements structural elements of thermal origin will tend to different directions (non-uniform) and, consequently, will cause opposite stresses between layers. This results in a possible increase and concentration of stresses in certain regions that, if critical, will lead to the appearance of damage in the ceramic coating.

Resumo O estudo investigou os efeitos causados pelo fenômeno do choque térmico sobre a distribuição de temperatura em sistemas de revestimento cerâmico aderido (SRCA). Carregamentos cíclicos térmicos e higroscópicos são eventos periódicos resultado de processos sucessivos e sequenciais de aquecimento por irradiação solar e resfriamentos bruscos por chuvas. Por meio de um programa experimental realizado em um protótipo de revestimento cerâmico composto de placas de porcelanato assentadas com argamassa colante diretamente sobre uma parede de concreto, monitoraram-se as temperaturas superficiais e na interface argamassa colante-concreto durante sua exposição a ciclos de aquecimento e resfriamento, conforme procedimentos da NBR 15575-4 (ABNT, 2021). O confinamento de energia térmica (calor) no interior da estrutura, após o início do resfriamento, demonstra que parte dos esforços térmicos é mantida internamente à estrutura mesmo após a queda de temperatura superficial da placa cerâmica (distribuição não homogênea), indicando que as movimentações estruturais de origem térmica tenderão a ir em direções diferentes (não uniformes) e, consequentemente, ocasionarão solicitações opostas entre camadas. Isso resulta em possível acréscimo e concentração de tensões em determinadas regiões, que, se críticas, levarão ao surgimento do dano no revestimento cerâmico.

Abstract Purpose: To analyze diabetes mellitus (DM) in a multifactorial manner with the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and variables like nutritional status, sex, genetic predisposition, age and ethnicity; in order to determine the relationship between BGA and DM in the Mazahua Otomí (MO) community. Methodological design: This quantitative survey on social and nutritional variables was designed, validated and applied. A logistic model was developed to find the relationship of DM in relation to the variables: SSB consumption, sex, genetic predisposition, age, body mass index and ethnicity. Results: The Mazahua otomi community has a monthly family income below the extreme poverty line; they do not have disease control: 68% are obese or overweight and SSB consumption is medium to high in 90% of the population. In a multifactorial manner and according to the model, there is a probability of manifesting DM depending on the variables mentioned above; while, with the exception of nutritional status and age, the others are the most significant. In taste and preferences, 52% opt for the Coca-Cola SSB brand. Research limitations: The results found should be complemented in other case studies in communities with similar characteristics and a broader probabilistic population sample. Finding: In the MO community there is a relationship between BGA consumption and DM and there is no control of the disease. This work contributes to the design of public policies to prevent health damage because of excessive consumption of SSB and its relationship with DM; likewise, those policies that rescue and promote good nutritional practices of the communities of indigenous peoples.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar en forma multifactorial la diabetes mellitus (DM) con el consumo de las bebidas gaseosas azucaradas (BGA) y de las variables estado nutricional, sexo, predisposición genética, edad y etnia, para determinar la relación de las BGA y la DM en la comunidad Mazahua Otomí (MO). Diseño Metodológico: El estudio fue cuantitativo. Se diseñó, validó y aplicó una encuesta estructurada sobre variables sociales y nutricionales. Se elaboró un modelo logístico para encontrar la relación de DM con las variables: consumo de BGA, sexo, predisposición genética, edad, índice de masa corporal y etnia. Resultados: En la comunidad MO que se investigó un padre de familia promedio tiene un ingreso mensual por debajo de la línea de pobreza extrema y no existe control de la enfermedad de estudio: 68% tiene obesidad o sobrepeso y el consumo de BGA es entre medio y alto en 90% de la población. En forma multifactorial, hay probabilidad de manifestar la DM en función de las variables antes señaladas; mientras que, a excepción de estado nutricional y la edad, las demás son las más significativas. En gustos y preferencias, 52% opta por la marca de BGA Coca-Cola. Limitaciones de la investigación: Los resultados encontrados deberán complementarse con estudios de caso en comunidades con características similares y una muestra poblacional probabilística más amplia. Hallazgos: En la comunidad MO existe una relación entre el consumo de BGA y la DM y no hay control de la enfermedad. Este trabajo aporta al diseño de políticas públicas de prevención del daño a la salud por el consumo excesivo de BGA y su relación con la DM. De igual manera aquellas políticas públicas que rescaten y fomenten las buenas prácticas nutritivas entre las comunidades de los pueblos originarios.

Abstract Introduction. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam.) is sensitive to weed competition, and chemical control in Costa Rica is challenging due to limited local information on herbicide selectivity. Objective. To determine the selectivity of six herbicides applied at different stages of development to Criollo sweet potatoes and their effect on coverage, biomass, and crop yield. Materials and methods. Between August and December 2021, three experiments were conducted at the Fabio Baudrit Moreno Agricultural Experimental Station, Universidad de Costa Rica, Alajuela, Costa Rica. Herbicides were applied (in kg a.i. ha-1) as follows: a) Experiment 1: 0.36 of metribuzin, 1.50 of pendimethalin, 0.48 of clomazone, 0.075 of halosulfuron, 1.00 of linuron, and 1.25 of metolachlor, applied six days after planting (dap) in a randomized block design with four repetitions; b) Experiment 2: 1.00 of linuron and 0.36 of metribuzin 0.36, applied at -1, 15 and 30 dap, in a randomized block design with a 2x3 factorial arrangement and three repetitions; and c) Experiment 3: 0.075 of halosulfuron and 0.36 of metribuzin, mixed with 0.125 of fluazifop-p-butyl in a randomized block design with three repetitions. Weeding was performed at 15 and 30 dap in all cases. Results. Root yield was not affected in any of the three experiments. Experiment 1: Only halosulfuron caused mild damage to the plants; no herbicide affected above-ground biomass production. Experiment 2: Only linuron and metribuzin applied at 15 and 30 dap caused mild damage. Experiment 3: The mixtures caused temporary damage to the plants. Conclusions. The evaluated herbicides were selective to the Criollo sweet potatoes, and did not affect the yield of marketable storage roots. Only halosulfuron caused mild damage in all application forms, and metribuzin and linuron only in late applications.

Resumen Introducción. El camote (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam) es sensible a la competencia por arvenses, cuyo control químico en Costa Rica se dificulta por la limitada información local generada sobre selectividad de herbicidas. Objetivo. Determinar la selectividad de seis herbicidas aplicados en diferentes etapas de desarrollo al camote Criollo y su efecto en la cobertura, biomasa y rendimiento del cultivo. Materiales y métodos. Entre agosto y diciembre 2021, se realizaron tres experimentos en la Estación Experimental Agrícola Fabio Baudrit Moreno, Universidad de Costa Rica, Alajuela, Costa Rica. Estos incluyeron la aplicación de herbicidas (en kg i.a. ha-1) de la siguiente manera: a) experimento 1: 0,36 de metribuzin, 1,50 de pendimetalina, 0,48 de clomazone, 0,075 de halosulfuron, 1,00 de linuron y 1,25 de metolaclor, aplicados seis días después de la siembra (dds) en diseño de bloques al azar con cuatro repeticiones; b) experimento 2: 1,00 de linuron y 0,36 de metribuzin, aplicados a los -1, 15 y 30 dds, en diseño de bloques al azar con arreglo factorial 2x3 y tres repeticiones; y c) experimento 3: 0,075 de halosulfuron y 0,36 de metribuzin, mezclado con 0,125 de fluazifop-p-butil en diseño de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. En todos los casos se realizó deshierba 15 y 30 dds. Resultados. En ninguno de los tres experimentos se vio afectada la producción de raíces reservantes. Experimento 1: solo el halosulfuron causó daños leves en las plantas; ningún herbicida afectó la producción de biomasa aérea. Experimento 2: solo el linuron y metribuzin aplicados 15 y 30 dds causaron daños leves. Experimento 3: las mezclas causaron daños temporales en las plantas. Conclusiones. Los herbicidas evaluados fueron selectivos al camote variedad Criollo y no afectaron el rendimiento de raíces reservantes comercializables; solo halosulfuron causó daños leves en todas las formas de aplicación, y metribuzin y linuron solo en aplicaciones tardías.

Resumen La no ratificación, por parte de Costa Rica, del Acuerdo de Escazú adoptado en Costa Rica en el 2018 plantea una serie de interrogantes. Al dañoque ocasiona esta ausencia a la imagen internacional de Costa Rica como un país garante de los derechos humanos y con avanzada normativa en materia ambiental, se le suma una serie de pretendidos “argumentos” presentados por el sector corporativo costarricense, que desnuda, por completo, la realidad económica de los 15 Estados que ya han ratificado este novedoso instrumento regional. Adicionalmente, el Poder Judicial costarricense ha procedido a interpretaciones antojadizas para complicar innecesariamente el trámite de aprobación del Acuerdo de Escazú, en particular, las expresadas por una magistrada de la Sala Constitucional. Extrañamente sus argumentos coinciden con los de algunas cámaras empresariales costarricenses. Ante esta no ratificación, el tradicional liderazgo internacional, en materia ambiental, de Costa Rica se ve gravemente carcomido, mientras que, después de Argentina y México (2021), Chile (2022), Belice y Granada (2023), se aprestan a ratificar próximamente el Acuerdo de Escazú Colombia y Brasil.

Abstract Costa Rica’s failure to ratify the Escazú Agreement adopted in Costa Rica in 2018 raises several questions. In addition to the damage caused by this absence to Costa Rica’s international image as a country that guarantees human rights and has advanced environmental regulations, there is also a series of alleged “arguments” presented by the Costa Rican corporate sector, which are completely stripped by the economic reality of the 15 States that have already ratified this regional instrument. Additionally, the Costa Rican Judiciary has proceeded with fanciful interpretations to unnecessarily complicate the approval process of the Escazú Agreement, particularly those expressed by a member of the Constitutional Chamber. Strangely enough, her arguments coincide with those of some Costa Rican business chambers. In view of this non-ratification, Costa Rica’s traditional international leadership in environmental matters is seriously eroded, while after Argentina and Mexico (2021), Chile (2022), Belize and Grenada (2023), Colombia and Brazil are preparing to ratify the Escazú Agreement in the near future.

Abstract The purpose of this work is to offer an approach to the use of letters of censorship and excommunication in New Spain during the 17th century. I maintain that the request for these legal documents served as a popular resource to demand justice from the ecclesiastical authorities due to damage against an individual or property. Thus, excommunication was regarded within the collective imagination as a penalty so terrible that, contrary to what was stipulated in the ecclesiastical codes, it implied the absolute condemnation of the accused both in earth and the hereafter. Derived from the study of sources located in various funds of the National General Archive (Archivo General de la Nación) in Mexico, and based on the approaches exposed by some theorists of the judicial history of the New Spain Catholic Church, I will outline a proposal regarding the use of letters of censorship, the role that excommunication could play within the collective imagination, as well as the work carried out by the ecclesiastical instance as a determining forum of justice against other secular organizations.

Resumen El propósito de este trabajo es ofrecer un acercamiento al uso de las cartas de censura y excomunión en la Nueva España durante el siglo XVII. Sostengo que la solicitud de estos documentos jurídicos funcionó como un recurso popular para exigir justicia a las autoridades eclesiásticas por causa de agravios en contra de individuos o de propiedades. En este sentido, la excomunión fue entendida dentro del imaginario colectivo como una pena tan terrible que, contrario a lo estipulado en los códigos eclesiásticos, implicaba la condena absoluta del acusado en la tierra y en el más allá. Derivado del estudio de estas fuentes localizadas en varios fondos del Archivo General de la Nación de México y con base en los planteamientos expuestos por algunos teóricos de la historia judicial de la Iglesia católica novohispana, esbozaré una propuesta en torno al uso de las cartas de censura; al papel que pudo desempeñar la excomunión en el imaginario colectivo, aunado a las labores realizadas por la instancia eclesiástica como determinante foro de justicia frente a otros organismos seculares.

Abstract The word corrosion has been a major issue in the industry, especially in industrial infrastructures, such as steel materials, causing great losses in revenues and environmental pollution. This research goal was to contribute to solving the aforementioned issues. CP as CI, on TS samples in 0.5 M HCl and 0.25 M H2SO4 media, was studied via electrochemical, FTIR and OM techniques. All the results proved the presence of active components in CP, which mitigated TS samples corrosion in the corrosive media. CR reduced greatly for all the TS samples, as CP IE(%) increased. Also, OCP showed that CP operated with mixed adsorption mechanisms. FTIR analysis revealed the numerous functional groups that enabled CP IE(%), by retarding TS samples corrosion. OM images showed the corrosion damage on TS samples without CP, and the film coverage on the alloy, after the inhibitor addition. This confirms CP excellent adsorption onto TS samples.

ABSTRACT Medium voltage motors must be protected more rigorously than low voltage motors considering that they take longer to transfer the heat generated in their windings to the environment. It is essential to have the following minimum information: stator damage curve under normal working conditions, hot and cold locked rotor tests of the motor, results of vacuum and short circuit tests, type of load on the motor shaft to evaluate the heating of the engine during its acceleration at start-up, especially in the case of heavy starting. In many cases it turns out that users do not have the information related above and the problem to be solved is how to proceed to estimate thermal protection in the event that this information is not available? This work proposes the steps to follow when this situation arises.

RESUMEN En el presente trabajo se presenta cómo se procedió para lograr la protección térmica de los motores de la Fábrica de Cementos Curazao al no disponerse de la información necesaria. Se explican los pasos que se siguieron en el ajuste de las protecciones. Los motores de media tensión deben ser protegidos más rigurosamente que los de baja tensión pues demoran más tiempo en transferir el calor generado en sus enrollados al medio ambiente. Es imprescindible contar con la siguiente información mínima: curva de daño del estator en condiciones normales de trabajo, pruebas de rotor bloqueado en frío y caliente del motor, resultados de los ensayos de vacío y cortocircuito, tipo de carga en el eje del motor para evaluar el calentamiento del motor durante su aceleración en el momento del arranque, sobre todo en caso de arranque pesado. En el caso analizado no se disponía de la información arriba relacionada.

Resumo Objetivo: Revisar a eficácia e segurança do laser de picossegundo de neodímio dopado com ítrio, alumínio e granada (Nd:YAG) para a remoção de tatuagens cosméticas das sobrancelhas. Métodos: Esta foi uma revisão retrospectiva de janeiro de 2022 a agosto de 2023 de pacientes que se submeteram à remoção de tatuagens cosméticas das sobrancelhas com o laser de picossegundo Nd:YAG. Resultado: Um total de 24 pacientes foram incluídos na revisão. 70% dos pacientes foram classificados como “muito melhorados” (75-100% da tatuagem removida) e 30% foram classificados como “melhorados” (50-75% da tatuagem removida). O comprimento de onda de 1064 nm foi o primeiro utilizado em todos os casos. O número médio de sessões necessárias para obter resultados satisfatórios foi 3. Quatro pacientes tiveram uma mudança inesperada na cor principal das tatuagens das sobrancelhas após o primeiro tratamento, que foi tratada com sucesso com o comprimento de onda de 532 nm. Nenhum dos pacientes apresentou despigmentação, cicatrizes ou danos/descoloração dos pelos das sobrancelhas. Conclusão: O laser de picossegundo Nd:YAG é um tratamento eficaz e seguro para a remoção de tatuagens cosméticas das sobrancelhas.

Abstract Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of PS neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for the removal of cosmetic tattoos of the eyebrows. Method: This was a retrospective review from January 2022 to August 2023 of patients who underwent cosmetic tattoo removal of the eyebrows with PS Nd:YAG laser. Results: A total of 24 patients were included in the review. 70% of patients were rated as “very much improved” (75-100% of the tattoo removed) and 30% of patients were rated “much improved” (50-75% of the tattoo removed). 1064-nm was the 1st wavelength used in all the cases. The average number of sessions required to obtain satisfactory results was 3. Four patients experienced unexpected change in their primary color of the eyebrow tattoos after the 1st treatment, which was successfully treated with 532-nm wavelength. None of the patients experienced dyspigmentation, scarring, or damage/bleaching of hairs of the eyebrows. Conclusion: PS Nd:YAG garnet laser is an effective and safe treatment for the removal of cosmetic tattoos of the eyebrows.

Resumo Introdução: As situações de violência no âmbito conjugal resultam numa diversidade de consequências e danos físicos, psicológicos, relacionais e nos casos mais graves, poderão conduzir à incapacitação, temporária ou permanente, da vítima ou, mesmo, à sua morte. A Lei Maria da Penha, dispõe a respeito da criação de mecanismos para coibir a violência doméstica e familiar contra mulher; trata também da Convenção sobre a Eliminação de Todas as Formas de Discriminação contra as Mulheres e da Convenção Interamericana para Prevenir, Punir e Erradicar a Violência contra a Mulher. Dispõe ainda a respeito da criação dos Juizados de Violência Doméstica e Familiar contra Mulher e promove alteração no Código Penal e na lei de Execução Penal a respeito da punição da violência contra a mulher. Objetivo: Identificar e compreender os fatores que influenciam a tomada de decisão da vítima em denunciar atos de violência doméstica. Especificamente pretende-se verificar o conhecimento dos recursos disponíveis à vítima de violência doméstica, bem como analisar se tais recursos influenciam na decisão da vítima denunciar o agressor. Método: Foi feita uma pesquisa qualitativa básica, com a participação de 12 mulheres que se identificaram como vítimas de violência doméstica. Foi utilizada como técnica de colheita a entrevista semiestruturada e para o tratamento dos dados, foi feita análise categorial. Resultados: Das entrevistadas, quatro mulheres não denunciaram o agressor, uma destas saiu de casa e preferiu não denunciar. As que denunciaram, o fizeram por diferentes motivos, como traição, agressão na presença de filhos, medo de perder os filhos, entre outros. Conclusões. Os fatores apontados estão relacionados com a dependência financeira e emocional e por descrédito na justiça.

Abstract Introduction: Situations of domestic violence result in a variety of consequences and physical, psychological and relational damage and, in the most serious cases, may lead to temporary or permanent incapacitation of the victim or even death. The Maria da Penha Law provides for the creation of mechanisms to curb domestic and family violence against women; it also deals with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Inter-American Convention to Prevent, Punish and Eradicate Violence against Women. It also provides for the creation of Courts for Domestic and Family Violence against Women and promotes changes to the Penal Code and the Criminal Execution law regarding the punishment of violence against women. Objective: Identify and understand the factors that influence the victim's decision-making in reporting acts of domestic violence. Specifically, the aim is to verify knowledge of the resources available to victims of domestic violence, as well as to analyze whether such resources influence the victim's decision to report the aggressor. Method: Basic qualitative research was carried out, with the participation of 12 women who identified themselves as victims of domestic violence. A semi-structured interview was used as a collection technique and categorical analysis was carried out to process the data. Results: Of those interviewed, four women did not report the aggressor, one of these left homes and preferred not to report it. Those who reported it did so for different reasons, such as betrayal, aggression in the presence of children, fear of losing their children, among others. Conclusions. The factors highlighted are related to financial and emotional dependence and discredit in justice.

Resumen Los concentrados de glóbulos rojos son el componente que se utiliza con mayor frecuencia en las transfusiones sanguíneas. La irradiación gamma de la unidad transfusional está indicada cuando un paciente corre el riesgo de desarrollar la enfermedad de injerto contra huésped asociada a una transfusión. Sin embargo, esta irradiación exacerba la lesión de almacenamiento aumentando los niveles plasmáticos de potasio y disminuyendo los de sodio. Estos efectos sobre los glóbulos rojos reducen el tiempo de viabilidad de las unidades transfusionales irradiadas almacenadas. En este trabajo, estudiamos el efecto de diferentes dosis de radiación gamma sobre la concentración de los iones plasmáticos en las bolsas irradiadas, los cuales son indicativos de posibles alteraciones de las membranas de los glóbulos rojos y de los leucocitos. El análisis de los resultados obtenidos muestra que la radiación, a las dosis estudiadas, no afecta el consumo de glucosa. Sin embargo, la permeabilidad de la membrana de los eritrocitos aumenta con la dosis de radiación, indicando que este tipo de alteraciones podrían ser dosis dependiente. Estos resultados podrían ayudar a diseñar nuevos medios de conservación para reducir el daño a la membrana inducido por la radiación.

Abstrac Red blood cell concentrates are the most widely used component in blood transfusions. Gamma irradiation of the transfusion unit is indicated when a patient is at risk of developing transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease. However, this irradiation exacerbates storage damage by increasing potassium and decreasing sodium plasmatic levels. These effects on red blood cells reduce the viability time of stored irradiated units. In this work, we study the different radiation dose effects on the concentration of plasmatic ions in the gamma-irradiated bags, which are attributed to possible membrane alterations of red blood cells and leukocytes. The result analysis shows that radiation, at the doses studied, does not affect glucose consumption. However, the permeability of the erythrocyte membrane increases with the radiation dose, indicating that these types of alterations could be dose-dependent. These results could help to design a new preservation medium to reduce radiation-induced membrane damage.

Resumo: Introdução: O uso de prednisona e reabilitação musculoesquelética e respiratória foi descrito no tratamento de pacientes com COVID-19 grave ou crítico. O papel destas intervenções e o momento ideal para o seu início não estão claramente estabelecidos. Este trabalho mostra os resultados da Unidade de Reabilitação Hospitalar do Banco de Seguro del Estado que implementou um programa abrangente de reabilitação e uso de corticosteroides na fase subaguda de pacientes graves ou críticos pós-COVID-19, com uma abordagem sistematizada, trabalhando de forma interdisciplinar e centrada no paciente. São relatados os achados na admissão, a necessidade de oxigênio, a escala de Barthel, os padrões tomográficos, o uso de corticosteroides, a resposta ao tratamento e as complicações. Os resultados desta abordagem sobre variáveis clínicas, respiratórias e funcionais são descritos. Material e métodos: Estudo descritivo e retrospectivo de pacientes pós-COVID-19 que completaram reabilitação na Unidade de Reabilitação do Hospital Banco de Seguros del Estado (URHBSE) no período de abril a agosto de 2021. Os dados foram obtidos dos prontuários de pacientes com posterior análise estatísticas usando PRISM (v8.2.1). Resultados: 84 pacientes completaram o programa de reabilitação. No momento da admissão na URHBSE, 55% apresentavam dependência total ou grave da escala de Barthel. 48% não conseguiam se mover. 89,2% necessitaram oxigênio com saturação média de 90,3 ± 4,8. 25% dos pacientes foram internados necessitando máscara com reservatório. Todos os pacientes que ingressaram no programa estavam na fase subaguda da doença (4 a 12 semanas) e receberam um plano de reabilitação abrangente e individualizado. O objetivo era alcançar uma situação funcional semelhante à que apresentavam antes da COVID-19. O tempo de permanência na URHBSE foi de 23,5±13,8 dias. A tomografia de tórax de alta resolução (TCAR) foi realizada em 76 pacientes (90,5%); os resultados foram patológicos em 96,1%. O vidro fosco predominou em 49,3% deles, a consolidação em 8,23% e o padrão fibroso em 30,13%. Alterações tomográficas “atípicas” de danos pós-COVID (derrame pleural, nódulos cavitados, cavidades apicais, etc.) foram detectadas em 11,8% dos exames tomográficos. Aspergilose pulmonar foi encontrada em 2,6% dos pacientes e tromboembolismo pulmonar em 6,6%. 44 pacientes (52,3%) receberam prednisona. Em 63,4% a oferta de oxigênio foi suspensa nos primeiros 15 dias após o início da mesma. Encontramos associação entre o padrão tomográfico em vidro fosco e a suspensão precoce da oferta de oxigênio desde o início da administração da prednisona (p = 0,047). Apesar do alto grau de colonização, mesmo naqueles que usaram prednisona, não observamos infecções. Em relação às variáveis respiratórias, só temos dados sobre a presença de dispneia nos primeiros 35 pacientes; destes, 83% apresentavam dispneia na admissão, enquanto apenas 17% a apresentavam na alta (p< 0,0001). Observou-se também diferenças significativas na necessidade de O2 entre a admissão e a alta (p< 0,0001) e no grau de dependência medido pela escala de Barthel, com 55% dos pacientes apresentando dependência total ou grave na admissão e apenas 3,4% na alta. Conclusões: As intervenções realizadas na fase subaguda da doença foram associadas a melhorias significativas nas variáveis de interesse clínico. São necessários mais estudos para definir o papel e o momento exato do início dos corticosteroides e da reabilitação neste grupo de pacientes.

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Abstract: Introduction: In patients with severe or critical COVID-19, the use of prednisone and musculoskeletal and respiratory rehabilitation has been described. The role of these interventions and the optimal time for their initiation are not clearly established. This study presents the results of the Rehabilitation Unit of the Banco de Seguro del Estado Hospital, which implemented a comprehensive rehabilitation program and the use of corticosteroids in the subacute stage of patients with severe or critical post-COVID-19, with a systematic approach, working interdisciplinary and centered on the person being treated. Findings at admission, oxygen requirement, Barthel scale, tomographic patterns, use of corticosteroids, their response, and complications are reported. The results of this approach on clinical, respiratory, and functional variables are described. Method: Descriptive, retrospective study of post-COVID-19 patients who completed rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Unit of the Banco de Seguros del Estado Hospital (URHBSE) in the period April-August 2021. Data obtained from review of medical records, statistical analysis with PRISM (v8.2.1). Results: Eighty-four patients completed the rehabilitation program. Upon admission to the URHBSE, 55% had total or severe dependence on the Barthel scale. Forty-eight percent were unable to walk. Eighty-nine-point two percent required oxygen, with a mean saturation of 90.3 ± 4.8. Twenty-five percent of patients were admitted requiring a reservoir mask. All patients who entered the program were in the subacute phase of the disease (4 to 12 weeks) and received a comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation plan. The objective was to achieve a functional situation similar to what they had before COVID-19. The length of stay at the URHBSE was 23.5 ± 13.8 days. A total of 76 patients (90.5%) underwent high-resolution chest tomography (HRCT), which was pathological in 96.1% of cases. The predominant findings were ground-glass opacity in 49.3% of cases, consolidation in 8.23%, and a fibrosis-like pattern in 30.13%. “Non-typical” post-COVID damage tomographic alterations were detected (pleural effusion, cavitary nodules, apical cavities, etc.) in 11.8% of the tomographies. In 2 patients (2.6%), pulmonary aspergillosis was found, and in 6.6%, pulmonary thromboembolism. Forty-four patients (52.3%) received prednisone. In 63.4% of cases, oxygen supplementation was discontinued within the first 15 days from the start of prednisone. We found an association between the ground-glass opacity tomographic pattern and early discontinuation of oxygen supplementation from the start of prednisone (p = 0.047). Despite the high degree of colonization, we did not observe infections by colonizing microorganisms, even in those who used prednisone. Comparing admission and discharge, statistically significant differences were found in the following parameters: degree of dyspnea, oxygen requirement (only one patient was discharged with oxygen), saturation, degree of instrumentation (tracheostomy, nasogastric tube, etc.), and the Barthel dependency scale. Regarding respiratory variables, we only have data on the presence of dyspnea in the first 35 patients. Of these, 83% had dyspnea at admission, while only 17% had it at discharge (p < 0.0001). There were also significant differences in the oxygen requirement between admission and discharge (p < 0.0001) and in the degree of dependency measured on the Barthel scale. Fifty-five percent of patients had total or severe dependence at admission, compared to only 3.4% at discharge. Conclusions: The interventions carried out in the subacute stage of the disease were associated with significant improvements in clinical variables of interest. More studies are needed to define the role and the exact timing of the initiation of corticosteroids and rehabilitation in this group of patients.

The genetic modification (GM) of maize to contain proteins that act to control insects has become a widespread agricultural practice. Although the reduction of insect damage to maize ears could potentially increase crop yield, rural small-scale farmers might be reluctant to buy expensive GM seed every season even when the lower fungal infection of the GM maize might also result in health benefits. This study was conducted over 5 years in three districts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to study the Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum infection and fumonisin contamination levels in Bt maize, Roundup-Ready® maize, conventional commercial maize and traditional landrace maize planted by rural farmers following their traditional agricultural practices. Mean Fusarium infection rates varied between 3.0% and 38.3% with large standard deviations. Fusarium infection was not significantly different (p>0.05) between the various genotypes, possibly due to the wide variation in results and low sample numbers. Although the fumonisin results also showed wide variation, the trend of contamination was lower in Bt maize compared to conventional commercial genotypes. The mean fumonisin levels in Bt hybrids were mostly <300 μg/kg, ensuring a safe maize supply in populations consuming maize as a dietary staple. The wide variations in Fusarium and fumonisin levels within each district point to the influence of local agricultural practices, local environmental conditions, and seasonal variations. Reducing exposure to fumonisins in these communities requires both further attention to the possible influence of these factors, as well as the use of appropriate post-harvest strategies. SIGNIFICANCE: This study was the first in South Africa to follow rural farmers planting Bt and commercial maize hybrids as well as open-pollinated landrace maize, according to their traditional agricultural practices. The results show that in some instances the Bt maize had the lowest fumonisin levels.

SYNOPSIS The large scale of cave mines leads to many challenges, including operational logistics and geomechanics design. In current practice, pillar stability assessment relies almost exclusively on stress analysis. However, stability is also affected by other factors including those related to operational aspects of the mining method, the effects of which are difficult to account for during the design stages. In this paper we present a case study of the application of a machine learning approach to evaluate the influence of these operational factors on pillar stability at the Chuquicamata underground cave mine in northern Chile. Due to the likely multi-factorial damage process leading to collapses and considering the different pillar conditions, a tree-based machine learning method was used and analysed to improve the understanding of the relative importance of the various contributing factors. Unlike stress analysis methods, it does not require any a priori knowledge of failure mechanisms, nor the calibration of associated controlling parameters. The proposed random forest model predicted pillar collapses with 80% accuracy despite limited samples to model from. The main contributing factors to collapses were found to be related to available pillar volume, cave front geometry, and time under abutment stress conditions. The effects and interactions of such factors were also studied, showing that careful and improved control over operational conditions can significantly reduce the likelihood of pillar collapses. These conclusions could not have been obtained from stress analysis alone, illustrating the complementary nature of conventional stress analysis and machine learning approaches.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Glaucoma is one of the nosologic entities with more prevalence and constitutes one of the main causes of blindness in the developed world. The intraocular pressure is the only risk factor that can be controlled and is associated with the presence and progression of the disease. Objective: To describe the evolution of patients operated by means of trabeculectomy technique. Methods: An observational descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study of 128 patients with simple chronic glaucoma operated by means of trabeculectomy technique was carried out in the Ophthalmology Center of Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2017 to June, 2019. For this purpose, the following variables were analyzed: age, sex, skin color, preoperative and postoperative visual acuteness, intraocular pressure before and after the operation, as well as postoperative complications. Results: There was a prevalence of male sex (69.5%), 60-69 age group (44.5%) and black skin color (53.1%). Hypertension was the most frequent associated disease and the ocular hypertension was the fundamental risk factor; meanwhile, the main postoperative complication was the hyphema. Conclusions: With trabeculectomy was possible to control ocular tension in most of the patients and the complications that were presented in some of them did not interfere in their clinical course. This technique made it possible to reduce the irreversible damage caused by ocular hypertension of the optic nerve and, consequently, to prevent blindness.

RESUMEN Introducción: El glaucoma es una de las entidades nosológicas con mayor prevalencia y constituye una de las principales causas de ceguera en el mundo desarrollado. La presión intraocular es el único factor de riesgo que puede ser controlado y se asocia a la presencia y progresión de la enfermedad. Objetivo: Describir la evolución de pacientes operados mediante la técnica de trabeculectomía. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de 128 pacientes con glaucoma crónico simple operados mediante la técnica de trabeculectomía en el Centro Oftalmológico de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero del 2017 hasta junio del 2019. Para ello, se analizaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, color de piel, agudeza visual preoperatoria y posoperatoria, presión intraocular antes y después de la operación, así como complicaciones posoperatorias. Resultados: Predominaron el sexo masculino (69,5 %), el grupo etario de 60-69 años (44,5 %) y el color de la piel negro (53,1 %). La hipertensión arterial fue la enfermedad asociada con más frecuencia y la hipertensión ocular, el factor de riesgo fundamental; en tanto, la complicación posoperatoria principal fue el hipema. Conclusiones: Con la trabeculectomía se logró controlar la tensión ocular en la mayoría de los pacientes y las complicaciones que se presentaron en algunos de ellos no interfirieron en su evolución. Esta técnica permitió disminuir el daño irreversible que provoca la hipertensión ocular del nervio óptico y, por consiguiente, prevenir la ceguera.