Construction of a nursing care instrument for patients with central venous catheters

Objective: to build a nursing care instrument for patients with short-term central venous catheters in an Intensive Care Unit. Methods: a multi-method study in three stages: structuring of the instrument; pre-testing of the instrument; agreement analyses among nurses and final composition of the instrument. Results: the instrument, in its first version, presented three domains related to the moment of insertion (five items), maintenance (15 items) and catheter removal (ten items). Most of the 30 items were assessed as relevant (23/77%) and presented a satisfactory Content Validity Index (28/93%). Ten items were reformulated, 32 new items were included, and three items were deleted. Conclusion: the instrument was constructed, which presented response validity for the care of nurses to patients with central venous catheters in Intensive Care Units, consisting of three domains and 59 items evaluated by nurses and considered appropriate for the moments of insertion, maintenance and removal of the catheter.

Dynamic interspecies interactions and robustness in a four-species model biofilm

Interspecific interactions within biofilms determine relative species abundance, growth dynamics, community resilience, and success or failure of invasion by an extraneous organism. However, deciphering interspecific interactions and assessing their contribution to biofilm properties and function remain a challenge. Here, we describe the constitution of a model biofilm composed of four bacterial species belonging to four different genera (Rhodocyclus sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Kocuria varians, and Bacillus cereus), derived from a biofilm isolated from an industrial milk pasteurization unit. We demonstrate that the growth dynamics and equilibrium composition of this biofilm are highly reproducible. Based on its equilibrium composition, we show that the establishment of this 4-species biofilm is highly robust against initial, transient perturbations but less so towards continuous perturbations. By comparing biofilms formed from different numbers and combinations of the constituent species and by fitting a growth model to the experimental data, we reveal a network of dynamic, positive, and negative interactions that determine the final composition of the biofilm. Furthermore, we reveal that the molecular determinant of one negative interaction is the thiocillin I synthesized by the B. cereus strain, and demonstrate its importance for species distribution and its impact on robustness by mutational analysis of the biofilm ecosystem.

Un/Folding Form: A Unified Strategy for Making and Visualising in 3D

<p>This thesis project “Un/Folding Form” is a design investigation that explores the transition between the virtual representation and physical fabrication of folded forms. Un/Folding Form refers to a unified strategy for making and visualising in 3D. Un/folding was a method used to explore the notions of form, space and structure and to develop an adaptable approach to mediate between the virtual and physical world. Designers who make and visualise in 3D need methods that allow for the prototyping of virtual designs in order to experience them physically. The development of a unified strategy that assists in closing the gaps between virtual representation and digital fabrication improves the designer’s understanding of the process of making, leading to more creative and resolved outcomes. This research suggests that there are methods that can transition seamlessly between the virtual representation and physical reality of folded forms. The final composition presented in this thesis is a demonstration of this notion of working towards a seamless digital process of making. The 3D Portal can be used to assess the ‘seams’ between the virtual and the physical and validate a methodology for making and visualising in 3D. In order to arrive at a unified strategy, the folding and unfolding of surface geometries was first explored through a series of physical experiments. These geometries were then 3D modelled and the surfaces manipulated digitally in order to create patterns for digital fabrication and physical reconstruction. The virtual representation of these folded designs was then investigated within a 3D stereoscopic projected environment. This involved the use of software to explore design interfaces to create immersive visual representations of physical forms. These series of experiments involved a process of moving back and forth between the virtual environment and physical form with the aim of moving closer towards a seamless transition between the two. This methodology was tested with the making of a final composition 3D Portal: a gateway to the virtual world and a play on the inter-relationship of 3D visualisation and its corresponding physical form. Thus, the focus of this thesis is twofold: to create an understanding of the process and evolution of design using folding as a technique; and to develop a methodology for designing a work using the folding technique.</p>

Un/Folding Form: A Unified Strategy for Making and Visualising in 3D

<p>This thesis project “Un/Folding Form” is a design investigation that explores the transition between the virtual representation and physical fabrication of folded forms. Un/Folding Form refers to a unified strategy for making and visualising in 3D. Un/folding was a method used to explore the notions of form, space and structure and to develop an adaptable approach to mediate between the virtual and physical world. Designers who make and visualise in 3D need methods that allow for the prototyping of virtual designs in order to experience them physically. The development of a unified strategy that assists in closing the gaps between virtual representation and digital fabrication improves the designer’s understanding of the process of making, leading to more creative and resolved outcomes. This research suggests that there are methods that can transition seamlessly between the virtual representation and physical reality of folded forms. The final composition presented in this thesis is a demonstration of this notion of working towards a seamless digital process of making. The 3D Portal can be used to assess the ‘seams’ between the virtual and the physical and validate a methodology for making and visualising in 3D. In order to arrive at a unified strategy, the folding and unfolding of surface geometries was first explored through a series of physical experiments. These geometries were then 3D modelled and the surfaces manipulated digitally in order to create patterns for digital fabrication and physical reconstruction. The virtual representation of these folded designs was then investigated within a 3D stereoscopic projected environment. This involved the use of software to explore design interfaces to create immersive visual representations of physical forms. These series of experiments involved a process of moving back and forth between the virtual environment and physical form with the aim of moving closer towards a seamless transition between the two. This methodology was tested with the making of a final composition 3D Portal: a gateway to the virtual world and a play on the inter-relationship of 3D visualisation and its corresponding physical form. Thus, the focus of this thesis is twofold: to create an understanding of the process and evolution of design using folding as a technique; and to develop a methodology for designing a work using the folding technique.</p>

An Efficient Ultrasound Assisted Electrospinning Synthesis of a Novel Biodegradable Polymeric Ni-MOF Supported by PVA- Fibrous Network as an Efficient CH4 Adsorbent

In this study, Ni-MOF was synthesized via ultrasound irradiation under optimal conditions, which included an ultrasound power of 370 W, time duration of 20 minutes, and a temperature of 25 oC. The final Ni-MOF nanostructures were immobilized in PVA fibrous polymeric network using under optimal conditions (concentration: 8 ­wt %; the nozzle tip with flow rates of 0.10 mL/h; temperature: 25­ oC and humidity: 22 %; voltages: 20 kV; spinning distance: 12 cm) of electrospinning. To characterize the final composition, various analyses were used. The presence of functional groups in structures was confirmed by FTIR. The Ni-MOF sample was uniformly synthesized on the surface of PVA, as evidenced by SEM and Mapping elemental analysis. The BJH technique validated the effect of the substrate's role in increasing the surface area of the final products. The final products of the Ni-MOF/PVA fibrous network were used as a novel adsorbent in the adsorption of CH4 gas.

standardised system of photography to assess cosmetic facial surgery

Standardisation of image acquisition in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is critical to accurately communicate changes from cosmetic surgical and non-surgical interventions. Depth of Field, Exposure, Perspective and point of view are the four factors that need to be replicated between photographic sessions to accurately represent these changes without the introduction of photographic bias. Despite many excellent articles on standardisation in plastic surgery photography, no paper fully discusses the four areas that lead to consistency in photographs taken at different times. Depth of field, exposure, perspective and point of view cover all the variables required. We have a system which locks many variables in place, leaving final composition matching to the photographer, the only area that needs intelligent input. There are also misunderstandings in the literature about some of these that need explanation, particularly exposure and perspective.

DO SEEDS OF Anadenanthera macrocarpa AND Pityrocarpa moniliformis FORMED IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF THE FRUIT HAVE SIMILAR PHYSIOLOGICAL QUALITY?

Trees of the Fabaceae family can produce seeds with contrasting size and germinative performance depending on the region where they were formed in the fruit. Such differences reduce the physiological quality of the seed lot. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds formed in different seminal nucleus of the fruits of Anadenanthera macrocarpa and Pityrocarpa moniliformis and their implications for the final composition of the seed lot. The biometric characterization of the fruits was performed with four quantitative descriptors (length, width, thickness, and number of seeds per fruit). Then, seeds formed in seminal nucleus of the proximal, intermediate, and distal regions of the fruit were measured (length, width, and thickness) and evaluated using germination and vigor tests (germination speed, length, and dry weight of seedlings). Seeds from these species have biometric differences depending on their origin in the fruit, in which those formed in the seminal nucleus of the intermediate region of the fruit are larger than the other ones. The origin of the seeds of A. macrocarpa and P. moniliformis formed in different seminal nucleus of the fruit do not show differences in physiological quality. Therefore, the sorting of seeds originated in different regions of the fruit does not benefit the final quality of the seed lots of these species.

The choice of excipients in the development of a soft dosage form of phleboprotective action containing a micronized flavonoid fraction

Varicose veins are called one of the diseases of the 21st century, caused by a sedentary lifestyle and genetics. The purpose of this study was the development of ointment compositions containing the micronized flavonoid fraction and the study of the degree of release of the micronized fraction by the flavonoid from the ointment compositions with penetrating components. With the obtained ointment compositions, a complex of biopharmaceutical studies in vitro was carried out: release from ointment compositions by diffusion into a gelatin gel and dialysis through a semipermeable membrane, while the quality indicators of the ointment compositions were established. The conducted in vitro biopharmaceutical studies helped to determine the final composition of the ointment in relation to the auxiliary composition: active ingredient — 2%, PEG 1500:PEG 400 (7:3), propylene glycol — 1%.

Max Ernst’s Woman, Old Man, and Flower (1923–24): Four Paintings in One Revealed by Technical Imaging

Examining the painting Woman, Old Man, and Flower (1923–24) by Max Ernst with macro-X-ray fluorescence scanning (MA-XRF), X-ray radiography (XRR) as well as photography under ultraviolet (UVF), infrared reflected (IRR) and transmitted (IRT) illumination revealed the existence and sequence of three distinct paintings concealed under the final composition. The study confirmed a known and previously documented intermediate composition and uncovered two additional states: a very first state exposed by XRR, and a third state revealed in the elemental distribution maps obtained by MA-XRF. The complimentary images document the insertion, mutation, and concealing of several human and anthropomorphic subjects across the four layers, expanding our understanding of the painting and of Ernst’s collage-like pictorial development. In addition, a list of pigments is proposed based on the elemental information provided by MA-XRF, contributing to the technical literature devoted to the materials of Ernst’s paintings during the transitional period between Dada and Surrealism.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR THE GENERATION OF MONODISPERSE MICROBUBBLES AS DRUG TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION: The localized delivery of drugs has been established since the early eighties of the 20th century as a promising alternative for the localized treatment of tumours, based on the mitigation of side effects produced by traditional methods, notably the administration of chemotherapy by systemic route. Countless scientific works have been dealing with this theme in an attempt to make this therapeutic technique viable and accessible. One of the ways to take the drug to the chosen site is through the use of microbubbles as drug carrier units activated through an ultrasonic field with adequate wavelength and frequency. Therefore, these units must have very peculiar characteristics, such as dimensions, homogeneity, echogenicity and structural characteristics, in addition to the ability to take the therapeutic vector intact to the desired location. In the generation of microbubbles, microfluidic devices of different geometries and different configurations are used, according to the state of the art related to this theme. DEVELOPMENT: In this work the technique used is the fabrication of micro fluidic devices using 3D printing. With this technique, it is possible to manufacture the devices in a single step, eliminating time-consuming and more complex intermediate procedures. The devices were manufactured using an Object Eden 250 printer, using the transparent resin VeroClear®. With these devices it was possible to produce microbubbles with diameters of the order of 16-73 µm with degrees of poly dispersion less than 1%. However, there are difficulties to be overcome, notably with regard to the final composition of the devices. Due to the physical characteristics of the microbubble, notably in relation to its lipid coating layer, the search for drug transport systems is an important strategy. CONCLUSION: In this work, an account of these difficulties will be made, in addition to the proposition of alternatives to overcome them. Additionally, compatible drugs will be suggested to be attached to microbubbles according to their structural composition.