Abstract MS surface deterioration is one of the most challenging problems, since it can be exacerbated by several industrial processes, such as descaling and pickling. In the proposed investigation, chemical and electrochemical techniques determined COLE IE(%) on MS corrosion in a 1 M HCl medium. COLE contains many Pc responsible for an excellent IE(%), since it forms a coating that adsorbs onto the metal surface and shields it from corrosion. Tafel polarization curves outcomes demonstrated that COLE is a mixed kind of CI. According to EIS measurements, Rct rose as Ct of COLE was increased. The relationship between T and MS corrosion behaviour in 1 M HCl with COLE addition was investigated from 300 to 320±1 K. G, which was determined from Langmuir’s isotherm model, revealed that COLE molecules predominantly blocked HCl attack by mixed physisorption and chemisorption mechanisms. Surface morphology studies validated electrochemical and chemical findings by FT-IR, SEM and WCA techniques. Furthermore, DFT computations demonstrated COLE effective interfacial adsorption onto the MS surface.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the compliance with the commercialization of children's products included in the Brazilian Code of Marketing of Infant and Toddlers Food and Childcare-Related Products (NBCAL) in drugstores in Uberlândia/MG. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 143 drugstores that sold infant products: infant formula (IF), follow-up IF, nipples, teats, pacifiers and nipple shields; FI for young children, transition foods and cereal-based foods, fluid or powdered milk, modified/similar milks of plant origin and dairy compounds. The location of drugstores in the five geographic sectors was performed by geoprocessing. The data collected were: types of promotion and types of drugstore administration (drugstore chains/drugstores with independent administration). Irregular commercial promotion was expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Irregular commercial promotion was found in 11.7% of nipples, pacifiers and bottles, in 10.0% of IF and follow-up formula, in 9.5% of IF for young children, in 11.1% fluid or powdered milk, in 25.0% of transition foods and cereal-based foods and in 59.1% of dairy compounds. In commercial drugstore chains, the presence of promotion for dairy (81.8 vs. 28.6%, respectively) was higher than in drugstores with independent administration. The opposite ocurred for fluid or powdered milk, modified and similar milks of plant origin. The downtown and eastern sectors had the highest percentages of promotions (26%). Conclusions: NBCAL violations still occur in drugstores, mainly in the sale of young children's foods and in the commercial network drugstores. Objective childrens children s ChildcareRelated Childcare Related (NBCAL UberlândiaMG Uberlândia MG Uberlândia/MG Methods crosssectional cross sectional 14 , (IF) followup follow up nipples teats shields cerealbased cereal based milk modifiedsimilar compounds geoprocessing were chainsdrugstores chains . administration) frequencies Results 117 11 7 11.7 bottles 100 10 0 10.0 95 9 5 9.5 111 1 11.1 250 25 25.0 591 59 59.1 81.8 818 81 8 (81. vs 286 28 6 28.6% respectively 26%. 26 26% (26%) Conclusions (IF 11. 10. 9. 2 25. 59. 81. (81 28.6 (26% (8 28. (26 ( (2

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a conformidade da comercialização dos produtos infantis incluídos na Norma Brasileira de Comercialização de Alimentos para Lactentes e Crianças de Primeira Infância, Bicos, Chupetas e Mamadeira (NBCAL) e de compostos lácteos em drogarias de Uberlândia/MG. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em 143 drogarias que vendiam produtos infantis: fórmulas infantis (FI) para lactentes, FI de seguimento para lactentes, mamadeiras, bicos, chupetas e protetores de mamilo; FI para crianças de primeira infância, alimentos de transição e alimentos à base de cereais, leites fluidos/em pó, leites modificados/similares de origem vegetal e composto lácteo. A localização das drogarias nos cinco setores geográficos foi realizada por geoprocessamento. Os dados coletados foram: tipos de promoção comercial irregular e tipo de administração da drogaria (rede/independente). As promoções comerciais irregulares foram expressas em frequências absoluta e relativa. Resultados: Verificamos a presença de promoção comercial irregular em 11,7% dos bicos, chupetas e mamadeiras, em 10,0% das FI lactentes/seguimento de lactentes, em 9,5% das FI para crianças de primeira infância, em 11,1% dos leites, em 25,0% de alimentos de transição e em 59,1% dos compostos lácteos. Nas drogarias de rede, a presença de promoção comercial irregular foi maior para compostos lácteos (81,8 vs. 28,6%, respectivamente) e, para leites, foi maior nas drogarias independentes (30,8 vs. 6,0%). Os setores central e leste apresentaram os maiores percentuais de promoção comercial irregular (26%). Conclusões: As violações à NBCAL ainda ocorrem nas drogarias, principalmente para os produtos destinados às crianças de primeira infância, e nas drogarias de rede. Objetivo Infância Bicos (NBCAL UberlândiaMG Uberlândia MG Uberlândia/MG Métodos 14 (FI lactentes mamadeiras bicos mamilo infância cereais fluidosem fluidos pó modificadossimilares modificados similares lácteo geoprocessamento rede/independente. redeindependente rede/independente . rede independente (rede/independente) relativa Resultados 117 11 7 11,7 100 10 0 10,0 lactentesseguimento 95 9 5 9,5 111 1 11,1 250 25 25,0 591 59 59,1 81,8 818 81 8 (81, vs 286 28 6 28,6% respectivamente 30,8 308 30 (30, 6,0%. 60 6,0% 6,0%) 26%. 26 26% (26%) Conclusões (rede/independente 11, 10, 9, 2 25, 59, 81, (81 28,6 30, 3 (30 6,0 (26% (8 28, (3 6, (26 ( (2

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the orientation of dental practitioners in understanding the probable relationship between COVID-19 and periodontal infection and the measures they took toward periodontal health during the pandemic. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted, including registered dentists in Moradabad. The questionnaire provided was a self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire with 26 questions, shared via an online survey link utilizing Google Forms. The data collected was tabulated and statistically evaluated. Results: The participants implemented many preventive measures in their daily lives against COVID-19, such as hand washing, frequent hand sanitization, face shields, mouth masks, social distancing not, being in overcrowded places, using HEPA filters and different combinations of protective measures against COVID-19. 82.23% of participants learned from the official websites of organizations like the Ministries of Health, WHO, and professional organizations about COVID-19. Conclusion: Most participants endorsed oral hygiene measures and the use of mouthwashes by their patients, yet a significant number of dental surgeons needed to be made aware of a probable correlation between COVID-19 infection and chronic periodontitis. Objective COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 pandemic Methods crosssectional cross sectional questionnairebased based conducted Moradabad selfadministered, selfadministered self administered, administered self-administered closedended closed ended 2 questions Forms evaluated Results COVID19, 19, washing sanitization shields masks not places COVID19. 19. 8223 82 23 82.23 Health WHO Conclusion patients periodontitis COVID1 1 COVID- 822 8 82.2 82.

RESUMEN Introducción: La impresión tridimensional es una de las tecnologías que promueve el cambio a nivel económico y social, y uno de los elementos fundamentales de la industria 4.0. Asimismo, constituye un enorme potencial para el futuro de la medicina, estableciéndose como un nuevo paradigma. A pesar de sus ventajas, su explotación en nuestro medio es incipiente. Objetivos: Diseñar y desarrollar soluciones basadas en tecnologías tridimensionales para la enseñanza y la práctica de las ciencias biomédicas. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una investigación colaborativa, de desarrollo tecnológico entre el Centro de Fabricación Asistida y Sostenible de la Universidad de Matanzas y la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Matanzas, entre septiembre de 2019 y julio de 2022. Los diseños y fabricaciones se realizaron a partir de la adquisición de imágenes de tomografía computarizada, o desde un escáner de superficie, las que luego se procesaron, se convirtieron en formato Standard Tessellation Language, se imprimieron y posprocesaron. Los diseños virtuales se desarrollaron empleando un software de diseño asistido por computadora. Resultados: Se desarrollaron varias soluciones que incluyen varios prototipos: biomodelos para reparación de craneosinostosis y figuras anatómicas, molde de prótesis craneal personalizada, prótesis de mano, divisores de líneas de O2, andamios tisulares, pistola portajeringas, protectores faciales, prótesis de mama, molde para restauración autóloga y expansor tisular. Conclusiones: En todas las áreas de aplicación de esta tecnología en medicina―salvo en la impresión de medicamentos, en el contexto actual―, es factible obtener soluciones en el territorio de Matanzas. Es un imperativo, pues, que directivos y la comunidad médica en general, comiencen a adquirir conciencia, conocimientos y experiencias para garantizar la utilización óptima de esta tecnología.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Three-dimensional printing is one of the technologies that promote change at an economic and social level, and one of the fundamental elements of industry 4.0. It has enormous potential for the future of medicine, establishing itself as a new paradigm. Despite its advantages, its use in our environment is incipient. Objective: To design and develop solutions based on three-dimensional technologies for the teaching and practice of biomedical sciences. Materials and methods: A technological development investigation was carried out between the Center for Assisted and Sustainable Manufacturing of the University of Matanzas and Matanzas University of Medical Sciences, between September 2019 and July 2022. The designs and fabrications were made from the acquisition of computed tomography images, or from a surface scanner, which were then processed, converted into Standard Tessellation Language format, printed, and post-processed. Virtual designs were developed using computer-aided design software. Results: Various solutions were developed including prototypes: biomodels for craniosynostosis repair and anatomical figures, custom cranial prosthesis mold, hand prosthesis, O2 line splitters, tissue scaffolds, syringe gun, face shields, breast prosthesis; autologous restoration mold and tissue expander. Conclusions: In all areas of application of this technology in medicine―except the printing of medicines, in the current context―, it is feasible to obtain solutions in the territory of Matanzas. It is therefore imperative that managers and the medical community in general, begin to acquire awareness, knowledge, and experience to ensure the optimal use of this technology.

The main aim of this pilot study was to determine how the energy spectrum of scatter radiation emitted from horses after injection of the radiopharmaceutical 99mTechnetium-methyl diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP), changed behind lead shielding of varying thicknesses (0.25 mm, 0.35 mm, and 0.5 mm Pb thickness), and if beam hardening occurred. The effect lead shielding has on the emitted gamma radiation energy spectrum has not been documented. In particular, the presence of beam hardening effects behind lead shielding was investigated, to determine whether or not it could discourage the use of lead shields during bone scintigraphy in horses. Horses were injected intravenously with 99mTc-MDP, and energy spectra emitted from horses without lead shielding were recorded initially to determine the emitted scatter spectrum. Thereafter, different combinations of lead shields of the various thicknesses listed above, draped over the horse and on simulated personnel, were recorded. The energy spectra were obtained at different anatomical locations of five horses on five consecutive days with a pulse height (multichannel) analyser two and a half hours post-injection. Energy spectra recorded from horses without lead shielding showed polychromatic energy spectra that encompassed a large portion of predominantly lower scatter energies (averaging around the 88-94 keV peaks). Higher 99mTc-MDP peaks averaging at 139-143 keV (useful for gamma camera acquisition) were consistently seen in all recordings but made up a very small part of the emitted spectra. With the application of lead shielding, peaks of 83-86 keV, which coincided with K-edges of lead, occurred. No significant beam hardening effects behind lead shields of varying thicknesses were observed. Thus, the wearing of lead shields during bone scintigraphy of horses is encouraged.

Abstract Studies on the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff emphasize the role of the media, the parties, the political elites, the poor performance of democracy and the street protests as explanatory factors for the interruption of her term. The article contributes to these analyses by discussing the role of public opinion in the process, focusing on the first three months of 2015, based on data produced by the Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency of the Republic (Secom/PR), such as weekly telephone surveys responsible for monitoring the “pulse” of public opinion in relation to the Federal Government. It was in this period that she lost more than 30% of popular support and reached 62% of bad and terrible evaluation, levels from which she never left until she was removed from office. By losing the support of public opinion, the former president also lost one of the most important shields against the interruption of mandates, becoming hostage of the political elites and parties represented in the National Congress. media term process 2015 Secom/PR, SecomPR Secom/PR , Secom PR (Secom/PR) pulse “pulse Government 30 62 evaluation office mandates Congress 201 (Secom/PR 3 6 20 2

Resumo Estudos sobre o impeachment de Dilma Rousseff enfatizam o papel da mídia, dos partidos, das elites políticas, da má performance da democracia e dos protestos de rua como fatores explicativos para a interrupção de seu mandato. O artigo contribui com essas análises aos discutir o papel da opinião pública no processo, com foco nos primeiros três meses de 2015, a partir de dados produzidos pela Secretaria de Comunicação Social da Presidência da República (Secom/PR), como surveys telefônicos semanais responsáveis por monitorar o “pulso” da opinião pública em relação ao Governo Federal. Foi neste período em que ela perdeu mais de 30% de apoio popular e chegou a 62% de avaliações ruins e péssimas, patamares de onde nunca mais saiu até ser removida do cargo. Ao perder o apoio junto à opinião pública, a ex-presidente perdeu também um dos mais importantes escudos contra a interrupção de mandatos, ficando refém das elites políticas e dos partidos representados no Congresso Nacional. mídia mandato processo 2015 Secom/PR, SecomPR Secom/PR , Secom PR (Secom/PR) pulso “pulso Federal 30 62 péssimas cargo expresidente ex presidente mandatos Nacional 201 (Secom/PR 3 6 20 2

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to use computational models for simulating the movement of respiratory droplets when assessing the efficacy of standard slit-lamp shield versus a new shield designed for increased clinician comfort as well as adequate protection. Methods: Simulations were performed using the commercial software Star-CCM+. Respiratory droplets were assumed to be 100% water in volume fraction with particle diameter distribution represented by a geometric mean of 74.4 (±1.5 standard deviation) μm over a 4-min duration. The total mass of respiratory droplets expelled from patients’ mouths and droplet accumulation on the manikin were measured under the following three conditions: with no slit-lamp shield, using the standard slit-lamp shield, and using our new proposed shield. Results: The total accumulated water droplet mass (kilogram) and percentage of expelled mass accumulated on the shield under the three aforementioned conditions were as follows: 5.84e-10 kg (28% of the total weight of particle emitted that settled on the manikin), 9.14e-13 kg (0.045%), and 3.19e-13 (0.015%), respectively. The standard shield could shield off 99.83% of the particles that would otherwise be deposited on the manikin, which is comparable to 99.95% for the proposed design. Conclusion: Slit-lamp shields are effective infection control tools against respiratory droplets. The proposed shield showed comparable effectiveness compared with conventional slit-lamp shields, but with potentially enhanced ergonomics for ophthalmologists during slit-lamp examinations. Purpose slitlamp slit lamp protection Methods StarCCM+. StarCCM Star CCM+. CCM Star-CCM+ 100 744 74 4 74. ±1.5 15 1 5 (±1. deviation 4min min duration patients Results kilogram (kilogram follows 5.84e10 584e10 e 5.84e 10 84e 5.84e-1 28% 28 (28 , manikin) 9.14e13 914e13 9.14e 13 9 14e 9.14e-1 0.045%, 0045 0.045% 0 045 (0.045%) 3.19e13 319e13 3.19e 3 19e 3.19e-1 0.015%, 0015 0.015% 015 (0.015%) respectively 9983 99 83 99.83 9995 95 99.95 design Conclusion Slitlamp Slit examinations StarCCM+ CCM+ Star-CCM 7 ±1. (±1 84e10 5.84e1 584e1 584e 5.84e- 2 (2 14e13 9.14e1 914e1 914e 9.14e- 004 0.045 04 (0.045% 19e13 3.19e1 319e1 319e 3.19e- 001 0.015 01 (0.015% 998 8 99.8 999 99.9 ±1 (± 84e1 ( 14e1 00 0.04 (0.045 19e1 0.01 (0.015 99. ± 0.0 (0.04 (0.01 0. (0.0 (0. (0

RESUMO Introdução: Os oftalmologistas têm alto risco de contrair a doença do Coronavírus-19 devido à proximidade com os pacientes durante os exames com lâmpada de fenda. Usamos um modelo de computação para avaliar a eficácia das proteções para lâmpadas de fenda e propusemos uma nova proteção ergonomicamente projetada. Métodos: As simulações foram realizadas no software comercial Star-CCM +. Os aerossóis de gotículas foram considerados 100% de água em fração de volume com distribuição de diâmetro de partícula representada por uma média geométrica de 74,4 ± 1,5 (desvio padrão) μm ao longo de uma duração de quatro minutos. A massa total de gotículas de água acumulada no manequim e a massa expelida pela boca do paciente foram medidas em três condições diferentes: 1) Sem protetor de lâmpada de fenda, 2) com protetor padrão, 3) Com o novo protetor proposto. Resultados: A massa total acumulada das gotas de água (kg) e a porcentagem da massa expelida acumulada no escudo para cada uma das respectivas condições foram; 1) 5,84e-10 kg (28% do peso total da partícula emitida que assentou no manequim), 2) 9,14e-13 kg (0,045%), 3,19e-13 (0,015%). O escudo padrão foi capaz de proteger 99,83% das partículas que, de outra forma, teriam se depositado no manequim, o que é semelhante a 99,95% para o projeto proposto. Conclusão: Protetores com lâmpada de fenda são ferramentas eficazes de controle de infecção contra gotículas respiratórias. O protetor proposto mostrou eficácia comparável em comparação com os protetores de lâmpada de fenda convencionais, mas potencialmente oferece uma melhor ergonomia para oftalmologistas durante o exame de lâmpada de fenda. Introdução Coronavírus19 Coronavírus 19 Coronavírus-1 projetada Métodos StarCCM Star CCM + 100 744 74 4 74, 15 1 5 1, desvio minutos diferentes 2 3 Resultados (kg 5,84e10 584e10 5,84e 10 84e 5,84e-1 28% 28 (28 , manequim) 9,14e13 914e13 9,14e 13 9 14e 9,14e-1 0,045%, 0045 0,045% 0 045 (0,045%) 3,19e13 319e13 3,19e 19e 3,19e-1 0,015%. 0015 0,015% . 015 (0,015%) 9983 99 83 99,83 forma 9995 95 99,95 Conclusão respiratórias convencionais Coronavírus1 Coronavírus- 7 84e10 5,84e1 584e1 584e 5,84e- (2 14e13 9,14e1 914e1 914e 9,14e- 004 0,045 04 (0,045% 19e13 3,19e1 319e1 319e 3,19e- 001 0,015 01 (0,015% 998 8 99,8 999 99,9 84e1 ( 14e1 00 0,04 (0,045 19e1 0,01 (0,015 99, 0,0 (0,04 (0,01 0, (0,0 (0, (0

Abstract Disarticulated shells of three bivalve mollusk species (Anomalocardia brasiliana, Codakia orbicularis, and Divaricella quadrisulcata) were experimentally tested in laboratory flumes to determine the threshold of motion and final orientation of the valves. A total of 150 current flow experiments were conducted on single shells resting on a fixed sand bed. This study demonstrated that shells in the convex-up position are more resistant to flow when the umbo is pointing downstream rather than upstream. Moreover, species with higher frontal areas were more likely to be entrained at lower flow velocities. Results of dimensionless shear stress exhibited values far below the threshold of grains movement for beds of uniform roughness (Shields curve). It was observed that circular shells in convex-up positions were mostly orientated with the umbo pointing downstream. Conversely, elliptical shells in convex-up position tended to align their longer axis parallel to the flow with the posterior side of the valve pointing downstream. These results are not only directly applicable in interpretations of incipient shell motions and in paleocurrent analyses from field and sample data, but also support construction of accurate geological models. Anomalocardia brasiliana orbicularis quadrisulcata valves 15 bed convexup convex up upstream Moreover velocities Shields curve. curve . curve) Conversely data models 1

Abstract Morphological identification of planktic crustacean larvae is required in many scientific contexts, such as ecology or taxonomy. Due to a still low availability of genetic sequences for many ingroups of Eumalacostraca, this task is still more feasible by morphological methods. Our understanding of eumalacostracan larval morphology is challenged by phenotypic variability. We investigated four eumalacostracan ingroups: Galatheidae, Hippoidea, Raninidae and Stomatopoda. Representatives of all four groups develop through spine-bearing planktic larval stages. Incorporating dorsal and lateral shield outlines into three-dimensional shape analysis of the shields, we compare specimens from the wild with laboratory-reared specimens. Using graphical and statistical analysis methods, we find that at least the lateral morphology of the shields of Hippoidea and Raninidae seems to be too strongly dependent on phylogeny to show phenotypic variability with our current sample size, but Hippoidea do show phenotypic variability in their dorsal shield morphology. In Galatheidae and Stomatopoda, a clear difference in shield morphology can be found between wild-caught and laboratory-reared specimens. This difference likely represents phenotypic variability. The exact environmental signals causing this phenotypic variability are still unknown, but some candidates are discussed. contexts taxonomy Eumalacostraca methods Stomatopoda spinebearing spine bearing stages threedimensional three dimensional laboratoryreared laboratory reared size wildcaught caught unknown discussed

RESUMEN En la cosecha, el mayor porcentaje de pérdidas de granos se produce en el cabezal de la cosechadora. Este supera el 70 % del total de pérdidas en el cultivo de girasol (Helianthus annuus L.). Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron ensayar los distintos materiales de fabricación del escudo del cabezal girasolero a distintas velocidades, para disminuir pérdidas por impacto; y proponer distintas velocidades recomendadas para cada material. El ensayo fue realizado sobre girasol confitero (Híbrido NTC 90). Se utilizó un cabezal marca Mainero. Este fue probado con dos velocidades de avance diferentes (6,5 km/h y 8 km/h) con tres escudos construidos con diferentes materiales: un escudo de chapa de 2 mm de espesor, un escudo recubierto de elastómero, y un escudo construido en fibra de vidrio. El parámetro evaluado fue la pérdida de granos en el cabezal de la cosechadora. Los resultados que se obtuvieron indican que el escudo de fibra de vidrio presentó el menor porcentaje de pérdidas de grano y que a 8 km/h las pérdidas de granos superaron los valores recomendados, independientemente del escudo utilizado. Se concluye que la utilización de materiales más elásticos reduce las pérdidas.

SUMMARY In the harvest, the highest percentage of grain losses occurs in the harvester head. This exceeds 70 % of the total loss in the cultivation of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The objectives of this work were to test the different manufacturing materials of the shield of the sunflower head at different speeds to reduce losses due to impact and to propose different recommended speeds for each material. The test was carried out on confectionery sunflower (Hybrid NTC 90). A Mainero brand head was used. It was tested at two different forward speeds (6.5 km/h and 8 km/h) with three shields made of different materials: a 2 mm thick sheet metal shield, a shield covered with elastomer, and a shield made of fiberglass. The parameter evaluated was the loss of grains in the harvester head. The results obtained show that the fiberglass shield presented the lowest percentage of grain losses and that at 8 km/h grain losses exceeded those recommended regardless of the shield used. It is concluded that the use of more elastic materials reduces grain loss due to impact.

Abstract: The first Covid-19 case was identified in Mexico in February 2020. Health authorities promoted non-pharmacological prevention measures to counteract the progress of the epidemic and, at the end of the year, they announced the application of the first vaccines in the country. Globally and locally, vaccines marked a milestone, positioning themselves as “magic bullets”; nevertheless, they faced several difficulties such as mass production, distribution logistics, variable effectiveness, phased implementation that prioritized vulnerable groups, rejection and low risk perception by certain groups in the population. The emphasis on population-based preventive measures or “social shields” was eventually diluted with the arrival of new vaccines. This essay highlights the importance of maintaining “social shields” as key preventive measures complementary to vaccines, since “magic bullets”, on their own, present challenges that could compromise their effectiveness.

Resumen: La pandemia por Covid-19 llegó a México en febrero de 2020. Las autoridades sanitarias promovieron medidas de prevención no farmacológicas para contrarrestar el avance de la epidemia y a finales del año se anunció la aplicación de las primeras vacunas. A nivel global y local, las vacunas marcaron un hito al erigirse como “balas mágicas”, sin embargo, enfrentaron diversas dificultades como la producción masiva, la logística de distribución, la efectividad, su aplicación escalonada que priorizó a grupos vulnerables, el rechazo y la baja percepción de riesgo por parte de algunos grupos de la población; por tanto, el énfasis sobre las medidas preventivas o “escudos sociales” se diluyó con el avance de la estrategia de vacunación. Este ensayo resalta la importancia de mantener “los escudos sociales” como medidas fundamentales y complementarias a la aplicación de vacunas, puesto que, por sí solas, las “balas mágicas” presentan retos que podrían comprometer su eficacia.

Abstract Determining the radiation efficiency of an antenna is a difficult task that becomes challenging when it is about electrically small antennas. This work investigates the applicability of the Wheeler cap method to measure the radiation efficiency of a UHF dual-band compact microstrip patch antenna. An overview of Wheeler method is presented. An adaptation to the original method is suggested to measure the efficiency of a small slitted microstrip patch antenna operating at two frequencies (400 MHz and 431 MHz). A third-order equivalent RLC circuit has been proposed. The measurements were performed using three metal shields of different sizes and shapes. Measured results agreed with the theoretical model. However, the metallic shield significantly interferes in the fringing fields, reducing the accuracy of the method. Despite the inaccuracy observed in the measurements, the method proved to be attractive due to its low cost and ease of measurement. The contribution of this work is to apply the method to an antenna under test with a high degree of miniaturization, low efficiency, and very narrow band, in addition to using a thick substrate. No previous work with this focus has been found in the literature, up to date.

RESUMO Introdução: Os oftalmologistas têm alto risco de contrair a doença do Coronavírus-19 devido à proximidade com os pacientes durante os exames com lâmpada de fenda. Usamos um modelo de computação para avaliar a eficácia das proteções para lâmpadas de fenda e propusemos uma nova proteção ergonomicamente projetada. Métodos: As simulações foram realizadas no software comercial Star-CCM +. Os aerossóis de gotículas foram considerados 100% de água em fração de volume com distribuição de diâmetro de partícula representada por uma média geométrica de 74,4 ± 1,5 (desvio padrão) μm ao longo de uma duração de quatro minutos. A massa total de gotículas de água acumulada no manequim e a massa expelida pela boca do paciente foram medidas em três condições diferentes: 1) Sem protetor de lâmpada de fenda, 2) com protetor padrão, 3) Com o novo protetor proposto. Resultados: A massa total acumulada das gotas de água (kg) e a porcentagem da massa expelida acumulada no escudo para cada uma das respectivas condições foram; 1) 5,84e-10 kg (28% do peso total da partícula emitida que assentou no manequim), 2) 9,14e-13 kg (0,045%), 3,19e-13 (0,015%). O escudo padrão foi capaz de proteger 99,83% das partículas que, de outra forma, teriam se depositado no manequim, o que é semelhante a 99,95% para o projeto proposto. Conclusão: Protetores com lâmpada de fenda são ferramentas eficazes de controle de infecção contra gotículas respiratórias. O protetor proposto mostrou eficácia comparável em comparação com os protetores de lâmpada de fenda convencionais, mas potencialmente oferece uma melhor ergonomia para oftalmologistas durante o exame de lâmpada de fenda.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to use computational models for simulating the movement of respiratory droplets when assessing the efficacy of standard slit-lamp shield versus a new shield designed for increased clinician comfort as well as adequate protection. Methods: Simulations were performed using the commercial software Star-CCM+. Respiratory droplets were assumed to be 100% water in volume fraction with particle diameter distribution represented by a geometric mean of 74.4 (±1.5 standard deviation) μm over a 4-min duration. The total mass of respiratory droplets expelled from patients’ mouths and droplet accumulation on the manikin were measured under the following three conditions: with no slit-lamp shield, using the standard slit-lamp shield, and using our new proposed shield. Results: The total accumulated water droplet mass (kilogram) and percentage of expelled mass accumulated on the shield under the three aforementioned conditions were as follows: 5.84e-10 kg (28% of the total weight of particle emitted that settled on the manikin), 9.14e-13 kg (0.045%), and 3.19e-13 (0.015%), respectively. The standard shield could shield off 99.83% of the particles that would otherwise be deposited on the manikin, which is comparable to 99.95% for the proposed design. Conclusion: Slit-lamp shields are effective infection control tools against respiratory droplets. The proposed shield showed comparable effectiveness compared with conventional slit-lamp shields, but with potentially enhanced ergonomics for ophthalmologists during slit-lamp examinations.

BACKGROUND: The use of face masks and/or shields can pose a challenge during communication. They block facial expressions thus removing visual cues and affect sound transmission making it difficult to hear speech clearly. Given the widespread use of face coverings, it seems reasonable to clarify if communication in typical speakers and listeners has significantly differed. Health science students as future practitioners need to understand challenges that arise from using face coverings OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine health sciences students' perception of the communicative impacts of face coverings METHOD: The study employed a descriptive, self-administered online survey, obtaining information from 96 health science undergraduate students RESULTS: All participants changed their manner of speaking in that they spoke louder when wearing masks and focused more on eye contact when someone was wearing masks. These were statistically significant (p = 0.450 and p = 0.035 respectively). Fifty-three percent reported using more listening effort and feeling anxious when communicating. Approximately 33% indicated that it was challenging to read emotions, such as sad or unhappy, when someone wore a mask. Most, 61%, were positive or very positive about wearing masks. The level of difficulty differed depending on the listening environment. It was harder to understand the doctor, nurse, or other healthcare workers when they wore face coverings than when listening to their friends and family, which had little effect, this being statistically significant (p = 0.025 CONCLUSION: Challenges envisaged in practice included frequent communication breakdowns, inability to connect and build trust between patient and practitioner, and communicating in noisy environments. Coping strategies, future clinical and research implications were proposed, and limitations acknowledged

Abstract Since the dental treatment involves the use of various instruments and machines, there is ample presence of both distracting as well as destructive noise, and these are defined based on various parameters. With an increase in safety measures incorporated into dental practices, such as extra-oral suction devices and respirators, there has also been a corresponding rise in noise levels usually present in a clinic. Previous clinical experiments and trials have shown that the noise in a dental office can permanently bring about hearing damage. In addition to this, working with added safety measures during the pandemic, such as the use of personal protective equipment, respirators, and face shields can decrease operator efficiency and the ability to communicate normally. Dentistry has already been demonstrated to be one of the most hazardous occupations because of the high risk of infections. An Orthodontist must protect their eyes and mouth from potentially hazardous situations and the ears to prevent hearing damage.