Assessment of Globularity of Protein Structures via Minimum Volume Ellipsoids and Voxel-Based Atom Representation

A computer algorithm for assessment of globularity of protein structures is presented. By enclosing the input protein in a minimum volume ellipsoid (MVEE) and calculating a profile measuring how voxelized space within this shape (cubes on a uniform grid) is occupied by atoms, it is possible to estimate how well the molecule resembles a globule. For any protein to satisfy the proposed globularity criterion, its ellipsoid profile (EP) should first confirm that atoms adequately fill the ellipsoid’s center. This property should then propagate towards the surface of the ellipsoid, although with diminishing importance. It is not required to compute the molecular surface. Globular status (full or partial) is assigned to proteins with values of their ellipsoid profiles, called here the ellipsoid indexes (EI), above certain levels. Due to structural outliers which may considerably distort the measurements, a companion method for their detection and reduction of their influence is also introduced. It is based on kernel density estimation and is shown to work well as an optional input preparation step for MVEE. Finally, the complete workflow is applied to over two thousand representatives of SCOP 2.08 domain superfamilies, surveying the landscape of tertiary structure of proteins from the Protein Data Bank.

ASSESSMENT OF FIREFIGHTING EFFICIENCY OF VEGETATION FIRES IN CURITIBA-PARANÁ

Vegetation fires, when not controlled, cause economic disruption, temporary loss of vegetation, and damage to soil, fauna and health. To improve the process of fire prevention and firefighting, it is necessary to evaluate the performance of the involved agents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the firefighting efficiency of vegetation fires in the municipality of Curitiba, Paraná, from 2011 to 2015, using records from the Fire Department of the Military Police of Paraná. Once the consistency of the fire records was verified, they were classified and information was gathered regarding the extent of burnt area, time of first attack, combat time, main fire-extinguishing methods used, and amount of water used. The results indicate that 88% of the records registered a burnt area inferior or equal to four hectares. In addition, the mean burnt area was of 2,399.21 m², the mean attack time was of 14.1 minutes, and the mean combat time was of 29.9 minutes, all lower than the ones presented by studies from different locations. As for the fire-extinguishing methods, it was verified that smothering equipment and water were used in 66.4 and 60.6% of the records, respectively. The mean amount of water used was of 1,186.56 liters per fire, indicating a minimum volume necessary for water storage containers for firefighting in the study area. Based on the results, we concluded that the firefighting of vegetation fires in Curitiba is efficient.

OPERATIONAL OF SOLID WASTE HANDLING IN SUBANG DISTRICT

The operational technique of waste management in Subang Regency uses simulations in the form of three scenarios, namely scenario-1 is a scenario that has been running so far (existing), in which recycling activities have not yet developed, so it is practically only a collection-transport-disposal system. a better scenario than Scenario-1, in which there are already recycling activities in the TPA, both in the formal and informal sectors (scavenging) and Based on the projections for each scenario above, it is found that Scenario-3 is a moderate scenario, because: the volume of waste transportation to the landfill is the minimum, the volume of waste that must be removed to the landfill is also the minimum which automatically has the minimum volume of landfill among the 3 (three) proposed scenarios. This scenario makes the transportation system efficient, but requires a larger investment to facilitate facilities and infrastructure. However, this is not the case in Scenario-1, in this scenario, the budget required for the procurement of facilities and infrastructure is relatively lighter than the needs in the other two scenarios.

Perspective of potential patients on the hospital volume-outcome relationship and the minimum volume threshold for total knee arthroplasty: a qualitative focus group and interview study

Background Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is performed to treat end-stage knee osteoarthritis. In Germany, a minimum volume threshold of 50 TKAs/hospital/year was implemented to ensure outcome quality. This study, embedded within a systematic review, aimed to investigate the perspectives of potential TKA patients on the hospital volume-outcome relationship for TKA (higher volumes associated with better outcomes). Methods A convenience sample of adults with knee problems and heterogeneous demographic characteristics participated in the study. Qualitative data were collected during a focus group prior to the systematic review (n = 5) and during telephone interviews, in which preliminary results of the systematic review were discussed (n = 16). The data were synthesised using content analysis. Results All participants (n = 21) believed that a hospital volume-outcome relationship exists for TKA while recognising that patient behaviour or the surgeon could also influence outcomes. All participants would be willing to travel longer for better outcomes. Most interviewees would choose a hospital for TKA depending on reputation, recommendations, and service quality. However, some would also choose a hospital based on the results of the systematic review that showed slightly lower mortality/revision rates at higher-volume hospitals. Half of the interviewees supported raising the minimum volume threshold even if this were to increase travel time to receive TKA. Conclusions Potential patients believe that a hospital volume-outcome relationship exists for TKA. Hospital preference is based mainly on subjective factors, although some potential patients would consider scientific evidence when making their choice. Policy makers and physicians should consider the patient perspectives when deciding on minimum volume thresholds or recommending hospitals for TKA, respectively.

Generator of formats of group telemetry signal for measurement systems with a software-controlled method of data collection

Предложен и обоснован алгоритм работы генератора форматов (ГФ) кадра для систем программируемой телеметрии. Алгоритм относится к новому классу алгоритмов, использующих принцип текущей фазы, отличается уменьшенной сложностью вычислений и минимальным объемом программ измерений (ПИ), что упрощает задачу подготовки ПИ и уменьшает объем памяти для их хранения. An algorithm for the operation of a frame format (GF) generator for programmable telemetry systems is proposed and substantiated. The algorithm belongs to a new class of algorithms using the principle of the current phase, it is distinguished by a reduced computational complexity and a minimum volume of measurement programs (PI), which simplifies the task of preparing PI and reduces the amount of memory for their storage.