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Sample records for artificial dermis integra

  1. Aplicaciones de la dermis artificial para la prevención y tratamiento de cicatrices hipertróficas y contracturas Artificial dermis aplications to prevent and treat hypertrofyc scars and skin retractions

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    I. Ferreiro González

    2012-03-01

    Full Text Available En nuestro centro hospitalario fueron ingresados 517 pacientes por quemaduras a lo largo de los últimos 8 años, de los cuales 48 fueron reconstruidos con dermis artificial. Presentamos un grupo de 8 grandes quemados en los que aplicamos Integra® en el periodo agudo y en el periodo de secuelas, con el propósito de tratar o prevenir la formación de cicatrices hipertróficas y contracturas. Evaluamos las siguientes variables: hematoma, infección y pérdida total o parcial de la dermis artificial. Durante el periodo postoperatorio analizamos la pigmentación, vascularización, pliabilidad y altura de la cicatriz con la escala de Vancouver. Medimos el grado de satisfacción de los pacientes empleando una encuesta con puntuación de 0 a 10. Ninguna de las áreas tratadas con dermis artificial presentó cicatrización patológica y no hubo recurrencia en los pacientes con cicatrices hipertróficas. Observamos que en el quemado agudo, las áreas tratadas con dermis artificial desarrollaron mejor calidad de cicatriz que las áreas tratadas únicamente con injertos de piel. Conseguimos una cobertura satisfactoria de las áreas con exposición tendinosa. Consideramos que en pacientes seleccionados, la dermis artificial puede aplicarse en el periodo agudo de la quemadura en zonas especiales para prevenir contracturas y cicatrices hipertróficas; también puede servir como cobertura de estructuras no injertables con defectos menores de 3 cm., en los que normalmente también un colgajo podría servir para solucionar el problema. Durante la fase crónica de la quemadura, la dermis artificial puede ser útil como tratamiento de contracturas y cicatrices hipertróficas.Over the last 8 years, 517 patients were admitted to our centre with burn injuries; of these, 48 had reconstruction with artificial dermis. We present a group of 8 extensively burned patients, who were treated with Integra�� during the acute and later phases to prevent and treat

  2. Laser-assisted indocyanine green dye angiography accurately predicts the split-thickness graft timing of integra artificial dermis.

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    Fourman, Mitchell S; Phillips, Brett T; Fritz, Jason R; Conkling, Nicole; McClain, Steve A; Simon, Marcia; Dagum, Alexander B

    2014-08-01

    The use of an artificial dermal substitute such as Integra-a bilaminate combination of thin silicone and cross-linked bovine tendon collagen and chondroitin-6-sulfate-has become a popular method to address large surface area wounds or smaller, complex wounds devoid of a vascular bed. The incorporation of Integra depends on a vascular wound bed or periphery and can take 4 weeks or longer to occur. If the Integra has not fully incorporated at the time of placement of the split-thickness graft, complete graft loss may result. The availability of a minimally invasive method to assess the incorporation of Integra would be of great value. Two 5 × 10-cm paraspinal full-thickness wounds were created on 3 female swine. Wounds were randomly assigned full-thickness skin graft or Integra (Plainsboro, NJ) treatment. Both types of grafts were placed after the application of fibrin glue (Tisseel, Deerfield, Ill) to the wound bed. Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) (Moor), indocyanine green dye (ICG) angiography (LifeCell SPY), and clinical scoring were performed weekly for a period of 8 weeks after grafting. At 4 weeks, the silicone layer of the Integra was removed, and a culture of autologous keratinocytes was applied. A 4-mm punch biopsy sample of each graft was taken 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 weeks postoperatively for histologic analysis. Both ICG angiography and LDI perfusion measurements noted an increase in perfusion at the Integra graft site that peaked 3 weeks after grafting, corresponding with the start of neovascularization and the optimal time for the application of a split-thickness skin graft. indocyanine green dye angiography measurements exhibit greater reproducibility between animals at late time points as compared with LDI. This decrease in LDI precision is directly related to increases in scar tissue thickness of greater than 5 mm as determined via histologic analysis and corresponds with the accepted maximum penetration depth of the LDI laser. Indocyanine green dye

  3. Integra artificial skin dermal regeneration templates in burn scar surgery

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rexon Ngim

    1999-01-01

    Integra artificial skin is a porous matrix used as a permanent dermal replacement. Developed in the 1970's, it has been used successfully in the treatment of acute bums requiring full or deep partial thickness skin replacement. Three patients with burn scars received Integra Artificial Skin to resurface various areas of burn scars and also contractures. The first was a 24-year-old woman who had two pieces of Integra to resurface a forearm/elbow/wrist defect. The second was a 28-year-old woman who had two pieces of Integra to resurface a neck contracture. The third was a 44 year-old woman who had two pieces to correct severe burn contractures/ scars of her hands. The results of these three patients, probably the first time Integra was used for bum scar and contracture revision, indicate that there is a place for Integra in Burn Scar surgery. However, the basic principle of its application must be adhered to. These include excision to remove the complete scar, recreation of original size of skin defect and meticulous application of the Artificial Skin and its care post-operatively. Details of its application will be highlighted

  4. [Clinical application of artificial dermis combined with basic fibroblast growth factor in the treatment of cicatrix and deep skin wounds].

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    Liu, Yang; Zhang, Yilan; Huang, Yalan; Luo, Gaoxing; Peng, Yizhi; Yan, Hong; Luo, Qizhi; Zhang, Jiaping; Wu, Jun; Peng, Daizhi

    2016-04-01

    To observe the effects of artificial dermis combined with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the treatment of cicatrix and deep skin wounds. The clinical data of 72 patients with wounds repaired with artificial dermis, hospitalized in our unit from October 2010 to April 2015, conforming to the study criteria, were retrospectively analyzed. The types of wounds were wounds after resection of cicatrices, deep burn wounds without exposure of tendon or bone, and wounds with exposure of small area of tendon or bone, in a total number of 102. Wounds were divided into artificial dermis group (A, n=60) and artificial dermis+ bFGF group (B, n=42) according to whether or not artificial dermis combined with bFGF. In group A, after release and resection of cicatrices or thorough debridement of deep skin wounds, artificial dermis was directly grafted to wounds in the first stage operation. After complete vascularization of artificial dermis, wounds were repaired with autologous split-thickness skin grafts in the second stage operation. In group B, all the procedures were exactly the same as those in group A except that artificial dermis had been soaked in bFGF for 30 min before grafting. Operation area, complete vascularization time of artificial dermis, survival of skin grafts, and the follow-up condition of wounds in the two groups were recorded. Data were processed with t test and Fisher's exact test. (1) Operation areas of wounds after resection of cicatrices, deep burn wounds without exposure of tendon or bone, and wounds with exposure of small area of tendon or bone in the two groups were about the same (with t values from -1.853 to -0.200, P values above 0.05). Complete vascularization time of artificial dermis in wounds after resection of cicatrices, deep burn wounds without exposure of tendon or bone, and wounds with exposure of small area of tendon or bone in group B were respectively (15.6 ± 2.9), (14.7 ± 2.7), and (20.3 ± 4.4) d, and they were shorter by an

  5. Three dimensional poly(ε-caprolactone) and silk fibroin nanocomposite fibrous matrix for artificial dermis

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    Lee, Jung Min, E-mail: yiyi1124@gmail.com [Nano-Bio Regenerative Medical Institute, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702 (Korea, Republic of); Chae, Taesik, E-mail: apsiky@gmail.com [Department of Materials Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4 (Canada); Sheikh, Faheem A., E-mail: faheem99in@yahoo.com [Nano-Bio Regenerative Medical Institute, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702 (Korea, Republic of); Ju, Hyung Woo, E-mail: anabasjoo@gmail.com [Nano-Bio Regenerative Medical Institute, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702 (Korea, Republic of); Moon, Bo Mi, E-mail: toribom@gmail.com [Nano-Bio Regenerative Medical Institute, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702 (Korea, Republic of); Park, Hyun Jung, E-mail: hyunjungpark869@gmail.com [Nano-Bio Regenerative Medical Institute, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702 (Korea, Republic of); Park, Ye Ri, E-mail: payeri89@gmail.com [Nano-Bio Regenerative Medical Institute, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702 (Korea, Republic of); Park, Chan Hum, E-mail: hlpch@paran.com [Nano-Bio Regenerative Medical Institute, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702 (Korea, Republic of); Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-704 (Korea, Republic of)

    2016-11-01

    Ideal dermal substitutes should have comparable physicochemical and biological properties to the natural skin tissue. In this study, we report a novel strategy to “engineer” controlled 3D nanocomposite fibrous matrix of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and silk fibroin (SF) for an artificial dermis application. Using a custom-designed cold-plate electrospinning and automatic magnet agitation system, up to 6 mm of the thickness was achieved resulting from the accumulation of ice crystal layers on the PCL nanofibers surface-modified with the SF particles. The sacrificed ice crystals induced interconnected macro-pores ranging from tens to hundreds μm. The agitation system introduced uniform distribution of the SF protein within/on the nanofibers, preventing the particles from precipitation and agglomeration. NIH 3T3 fibroblasts proliferated in vitro on the PCL and PCL/SF scaffolds for 7 days, but there was no statistical difference between the groups. Conversely, In vivo rat model studies revealed that the wound healing rate and collagen deposition increased with the SF content within the nanocomposites. The unique 3D construct with the PCL/SF nanocomposite fibers provided desirable spatial cues, surface topography, and surface chemistry for the native cells to infiltrate into the scaffolds. The wound healing potential of the nanocomposites was comparable to the commercial Matriderm® artificial dermis. - Highlights: • 3D macro-porous tissue engineering scaffold constructed with PCL nanofibers and SF nanoparticles. • Fabrication of the PCL/SF nanocomposite fibrous scaffold via a custom-designed cold plate electrospinning (CPE) and automatic magnet agitation (AMA) system. • Comparable wound healing capacity of the PCL/SF scaffolds to the commercial Matriderm® artificial dermis.

  6. Three dimensional poly(ε-caprolactone) and silk fibroin nanocomposite fibrous matrix for artificial dermis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Jung Min; Chae, Taesik; Sheikh, Faheem A.; Ju, Hyung Woo; Moon, Bo Mi; Park, Hyun Jung; Park, Ye Ri; Park, Chan Hum

    2016-01-01

    Ideal dermal substitutes should have comparable physicochemical and biological properties to the natural skin tissue. In this study, we report a novel strategy to “engineer” controlled 3D nanocomposite fibrous matrix of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and silk fibroin (SF) for an artificial dermis application. Using a custom-designed cold-plate electrospinning and automatic magnet agitation system, up to 6 mm of the thickness was achieved resulting from the accumulation of ice crystal layers on the PCL nanofibers surface-modified with the SF particles. The sacrificed ice crystals induced interconnected macro-pores ranging from tens to hundreds μm. The agitation system introduced uniform distribution of the SF protein within/on the nanofibers, preventing the particles from precipitation and agglomeration. NIH 3T3 fibroblasts proliferated in vitro on the PCL and PCL/SF scaffolds for 7 days, but there was no statistical difference between the groups. Conversely, In vivo rat model studies revealed that the wound healing rate and collagen deposition increased with the SF content within the nanocomposites. The unique 3D construct with the PCL/SF nanocomposite fibers provided desirable spatial cues, surface topography, and surface chemistry for the native cells to infiltrate into the scaffolds. The wound healing potential of the nanocomposites was comparable to the commercial Matriderm® artificial dermis. - Highlights: • 3D macro-porous tissue engineering scaffold constructed with PCL nanofibers and SF nanoparticles. • Fabrication of the PCL/SF nanocomposite fibrous scaffold via a custom-designed cold plate electrospinning (CPE) and automatic magnet agitation (AMA) system. • Comparable wound healing capacity of the PCL/SF scaffolds to the commercial Matriderm® artificial dermis.

  7. [Antiseptic effect of compound lysostaphin disinfectant and its preventive effect on infection of artificial dermis after graft on full-thickness skin defect wound in rats].

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    Jin, J; Zhou, H; Cui, Z C; Wang, L; Luo, P F; Ji, S Z; Hu, X Y; Ma, B; Wang, G Y; Zhu, S H; Xia, Z F

    2018-04-20

    Objective: To study the antiseptic effect of compound lysostaphin disinfectant and its preventive effect on infection of artificial dermis after graft on full-thickness skin defect wound in rats. Methods: (1) Each one standard strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus aureus were selected. Each 20 clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus aureus were collected from those isolated from wound exudates of burn patients hospitalized in our wards from January 2014 to December 2016 according to the random number table. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of compound lysostaphin disinfectant to above-mentioned strains were detected. The experiment was repeated 3 times. Compared with the corresponding standard strain, the clinical strain with higher MIC and/or MBC was considered as having decreased sensitivity to the disinfectant. The percentage of strains of each of the three kinds of bacteria with decreased sensitivity was calculated. (2) Artificial dermis pieces were soaked in compound lysostaphin disinfectant for 5 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h, respectively, with 21 pieces at each time point. After standing for 0 (immediately), 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 h (with 3 pieces at each time point), respectively, the diameters of their inhibition zones to standard strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus aureus were measured. The experiment was repeated 3 times. The shortest soaking time corresponding to the longest standing time, after which the disinfectant-soaked artificial dermis could form an effective inhibition zone (with diameter more than 7 mm), was the sufficient soaking time of the disinfectant to the artificial dermis. (3) Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into post injury day (PID) 3, 7, 14, and 21 sampling groups according to the random number table, with 10 rats in each group. A full-thickness skin

  8. Artificial Dermis Graft on the Mandible Lacking Periosteum After Excision of an Ossifying Fibroma: A Case Report

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    Chun-Ming Chen

    2007-07-01

    Full Text Available Collagen-based grafts have often been used as artificial tissue substitutes for the repair of tissue and organ defects. It is common surgical knowledge that autogenous or artificial skin grafts take well on the intact periosteum of bone. However, many experienced surgeons indicate that auto-genous or artificial skin grafts subsist poorly on the bone surface without periosteum. Therefore, primary closure is usually recommended in the wound healing of exposed bone. Vestibuloplasty might be needed to create enough depth of vestibule in the future. In this case report, we describe a peripheral ossifying fibroma surgically excised leaving a bony defect, which was covered by a piece of artificial dermis. Satisfactory result of the repaired surgical defect showed no need of vestibuloplasty after 6 years of follow-up.

  9. Evaluation of dermal-epidermal skin equivalents ('composite-skin') of human keratinocytes in a collagen-glycosaminoglycan matrix(Integra artificial skin).

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    Kremer, M; Lang, E; Berger, A C

    2000-09-01

    Integra artificial skin (Integra LifeSciences Corp., Plainsboro, NJ, USA) is a dermal template consisting of bovine collagen, chondroitin-6-sulphate and a silastic membrane manufactured as Integra. This product has gained widespread use in the clinical treatment of third degree burn wounds and full thickness skin defects of different aetiologies. The product was designed to significantly reduce the time needed to achieve final wound closure in the treatment of major burn wounds, to optimise the sparse autologous donor skin resources and to improve the durable mechanical quality of the skin substitute. The clinical procedure requires two stages. The first step creates a self neodermis, the second creates a self epidermis on the neodermis. However, it is desirable to cover major burn wounds early in a single step by a skin substitute consisting of a dermal equivalent seeded in vitro with autologous keratinocytes ('composite-skin') out of which a full thickness skin develops in vivo.The goal of this experimental study was to develop a method to integrate human keratinocytes in homogeneous distribution and depth into Integra Artificial Skin. The seeded cell-matrix composites were grafted onto athymic mice in order to evaluate their potential to reconstitute a human epidermis in vivo. We were able to demonstrate that the inoculated human keratinocytes reproducibly displayed a homogeneous pattern of distribution, adherence, proliferation and confluence. The cell-matrix composites grafted in this model exhibited good wound adherence, complete healing, minor wound contraction and had the potential to reconstitute an elastic, functional and durable human skin. Histologically we were able to show that the inoculated human keratinocytes in vivo colonised the matrix in a histomorphologically characteristic epidermal pattern (keratomorula, keratinocyte bubbling) and developed a persisting, stratified, keratinising epidermis which immunohistologically proved to be of human

  10. The Superficial Dermis May Initiate Keloid Formation: Histological Analysis of the Keloid Dermis at Different Depths

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    Hu Jiao

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available Several studies have reported on certain aspects of the characteristics of different sites within a keloid lesion, but detailed studies on the keloid dermis at different depths within a keloid lesion are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the histology of the keloid dermis at different depths. This study included 19 keloid tissue samples that were collected from 19 patients and 19 normal skin samples, which were harvested from subjects without keloids or hypertrophic scar. Samples were studied by light microscopy using routine hematoxylin and eosin histochemical staining, and immunohistochemistry to detect CD20-positive B-lymphocytes and CD3-positive T-lymphocytes. Sirius Red histochemical staining was used to determine the type of collagen in keloid tissue and normal skin samples. The migratory properties of fibroblasts within the keloid dermis at different depths was compared, using an in vitro migration assay. The findings of this study showed that although the papillary and reticular dermis could be clearly distinguished in normal skin, three tissue layers were identified in the keloid dermis. The superficial dermis of keloid was characterized by active fibroblasts and lymphocytes; the middle dermis contained dense extracellular matrix (ECM with large numbers fibroblasts, and the deep dermis was poorly cellular and characterized by hyalinized collagen bundles. In the keloid samples, from the superficial to the deep dermis, type I collagen increased and type III collagen decreased, and fibroblasts from the superficial dermis of the keloid were found to migrate more rapidly. In conclusion, the findings of this study showed that different depths within the keloid dermis displayed different biological features. The superficial dermis may initiate keloid formation, in which layer intralesional injection of pharmaceuticals and other treatments should be performed for keloid.

  11. Aplicação de substituto de pele em oncologia cutânea: estudo experimental com derme acelular e ceratinócitos cultivados Application of skin substitutes in skin oncology: experimental study using acellular dermis and cultured keratinocytes

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    José Anselmo Lofêgo Filho

    2008-02-01

    Full Text Available FUNDAMENTOS: As neoplasias malignas da pele de grandes dimensões apresentam dificuldades de reconstrução após a excisão. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a exeqüibilidade de uma nova proposta de cobertura para feridas cirúrgicas criadas após a ressecção de grandes tumores cutâneos, a combinação da derme acelular humana com epitélio autólogo cultivado. MÉTODOS: A aplicação dos substitutos de pele foi feita em quatro pacientes com área de implante variando de 33 a 120 cm2. Além da observação dos resultados clínicos, realizou-se estudo morfológico para avaliação da integração dos implantes. RESULTADOS: Ceratinócitos autólogos cultivados foram enxertados em dois pacientes e não demonstraram integração. A derme acelular foi aplicada em quatro pacientes, sendo que em um deles foram feitas duas aplicações. Dos cinco implantes de derme acelular realizados, dois não apresentaram integração, em dois a integração foi de 70%, e de 50% no último. CONCLUSÃO: A cobertura imediata e definitiva de defeitos cirúrgicos através da aplicação de derme acelular humana combinada com epitélio autólogo cultivado é exeqüível. Em oncologia cutânea apenas em situações especiais o uso de substitutos de pele pode ser conveniente no sentido de evitar reconstruções mais complexas.BACKGROUND: Reconstruction difficulties may arise after excision of large malignant skin neoplasms.a OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of a new coverage for surgical wounds following resection of large skin tumors: a combination of human acellular dermis with cultured autologous epithelium. METHODS: The skin substitute was implanted in four patients, one of them received two implants and the area ranged from 33 to 120 cm2. Clinical results and morphologic studies were assessed as to implant integration. RESULTS: Cultured autologous epithelium was grafted in two patients and no integration was

  12. Dermis-Fat Graft in Children as Primary and Secondary Orbital Implant.

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    Quaranta-Leoni, Francesco M; Sposato, Sabrina; Raglione, Pietro; Mastromarino, Angelo

    2016-01-01

    To report the experience with the use of dermis-fat graft in the pediatric population and to evaluate the outcome of this procedure as a primary or secondary orbital implant. Case series. Analysis of the clinical charts of 22 patients. Age at the time of surgery ranged from 2.1 to 13 years. Three patients affected were submitted to evisceration with primary dermis-fat graft. Six patients had explantation of exposed implants and a replacement with a dermis-fat graft. Three patients had a dermis-fat graft to repair contracted sockets. Ten patients were affected by congenital anophthalmia: 4 patients had a primary dermis-fat graft, 6 patients had a removal of a socket expander, or an orbital spherical expander, or pellet expanders and a replacement with a dermis-fat graft. This study adheres to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. The patients' follow up ranged between 2.5 and 8 years. Only 1 child who had a primary dermis-fat graft experienced excessive growth of the implant, managed by surgical debulking. In the end, all the patients showed satisfactory orbital volume along with adequate fornices. The dermis-fat graft as a primary implant may be useful in children with severe scleromalacia or following ocular trauma. It is a suitable option in children affected by congenital anophthalmia as it helps continued socket expansion. It can also be considered in the pediatric population to address the volume deficit following explantation of exposed implants and in contracted sockets.

  13. Cytoplasmic vitamin A binding proteins in chick embryo dermis and epidermis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gates, R.E.; King, L.E. Jr.

    1985-01-01

    Excess vitamin A has striking morphologic and developmental effects on chick embryo skin. While cytoplasmic retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) was known to be abundant in chick embryo skin, neither quantitative values nor the distribution between dermis and epidermis have been established. The authors determined CRABP levels in collagenase-separated dermis and epidermis from 8-day-old embryos using specific binding of all-trans-[11- 3 H]retinoic acid in cytosols prepared from gram quantities of these tissues. The level of CRABP in dermis was twice the level in epidermis whether calculated on the basis of wet weight, cytosol protein, or DNA. When averaged over many preparations, 3 times as much dermis as epidermis was recovered from a single piece of skin. Therefore, the dermis contained 85% of the extremely high CRABP levels found in collagenase-treated skin, while epidermis contributed only 15%. Cytoplasmic retinol binding protein (CRBP) was also detected in chick embryo skin, but the binding was low and the levels in epidermis and dermis were not significantly different. The amount of CRABP in chick embryo skin (1600 pmol/g wet weight or 100 pmol/mg cytosol protein) is the highest level reported in any tissue and suggests an important role for vitamin A in the normal development and maturation of skin

  14. An objective long-term evaluation of Integra (a dermal skin substitute) and split thickness skin grafts, in acute burns and reconstructive surgery.

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    Nguyen, Dai Q A; Potokar, Tom S; Price, Patricia

    2010-02-01

    The field of wound healing and tissue repair has advanced rapidly in the last decade, with this there is an increasing emphasis on the importance of the functional and cosmetic outcomes following injury. Integra artificial skin is the most widely used synthetic skin substitute and is reported to have better outcomes in relation to the appearance and elasticity when compared to split thickness skin grafting (SSG). A review of the literature reveals very few trials that are based on an objective evaluation of Integra treated scars as compared to SSGs. This research aimed to provide objective data on the long-term outcome of Integra. All adult patients from the Welsh Burns Centre who had been successfully treated with Integra+/-SSG were invited to attend a clinic for a follow up provided they had been healed for greater than one year. The hypothesis that Integra scars are more pliable than skin grafts was tested objectively using the Cutometer, a suction device which measures skin elasticity. Of the 13 patients eligible, six were available for assessment. The results of this study suggest that Integra treated sites correlate well with normal skin as measured by the Cutometer. This was statistically significant for the parameters Ur/Ue (elastic function) and Ur/Uf (gross elasticity). On the other hand there was no correlation seen between the patients SSG sites and the patient's normal skin. With advances in medicine we are increasingly able to modulate wound healing and the resultant scars. In order to assess new and often costly treatments the need for objective scar measurement tools have become apparent. Integra has been advocated to improve scarring from injury. However, there have been few studies to evaluate the long-term outcome of Integra as compared to traditional methods such as SSG. In the past scar evaluation has been based on subjective scores by patients and clinicians. Now the mechanical properties of the skin can be evaluated using simple

  15. Construction of synthetic dermis and skin based on a self-assembled peptide hydrogel scaffold.

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    Kao, Bunsho; Kadomatsu, Koichi; Hosaka, Yoshiaki

    2009-09-01

    Using biocompatible peptide hydrogel as a scaffold, we prepared three-dimensional synthetic skin that does not contain animal-derived materials or pathogens. The present study investigated preparation methods, proliferation, and functional expression of fibroblasts in the synthetic dermis and differentiation of keratinocytes in the epidermis. Synthetic dermis was prepared by mixing fibroblasts with peptide hydrogel, and synthetic skin was prepared by forming an epidermal layer using keratinocytes on the synthetic dermis. A fibroblast-rich foamy layer consisting of homogeneous peptide hydrogel subsequently formed in the synthetic dermis, with fibroblasts aggregating in clusters within the septum. The epidermis consisted of three to five keratinocyte layers. Immunohistochemical staining showed human type I collagen, indicating functional expression around fibroblasts in the synthetic dermis, keratinocyte differentiation in the epidermis, and expression of basement membrane proteins. The number of fibroblasts tended to increase until the second week and was maintained until the fourth week, but rapidly decreased in the fifth week. In the synthetic dermis medium, the human type I collagen concentration increased after the second week to the fifth week. These findings suggest that peptide hydrogel acts as a synthetic skin scaffold that offers a platform for the proliferation and functional expression of fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

  16. Effect of temperature on the optical properties of ex vivo human dermis and subdermis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Laufer, Jan; Simpson, Rebecca; Kohl, Matthias; Cope, Mark; Essenpreis, M.

    1998-01-01

    The effect of temperature on the optical properties of human dermis and subdermis as a function of near-infrared wavelength has been studied between 25 deg. C and 40 deg. C. Measurements were performed ex vivo on a total of nine skin samples taken from the abdomen of three individuals. The results show a reproducible effect of temperature on the transport scattering coefficient of dermis and subdermis. The relative change of the transport scattering coefficient showed an increase for dermis ((4.7±0.5)x10 -3 deg. C -1 ) and a decrease for subdermis ((-1.4±0.28)x10 -3 deg. C -1 ). Note that the magnitude of the temperature coefficient of scattering was greater for dermis than subdermis. A reproducible effect of temperature on the absorption coefficient could not be found within experimental errors. System reproducibility in transport scattering coefficient with repeated removal and repositioning of the same tissue sample at the same temperature was excellent at ±0.35% for all measurements. This reproducibility enabled such small changes in scattering coefficient to be detected. (author)

  17. An Individualized 3-Dimensional Designed and Printed Conformer After Dermis Fat Grafting for Complex Sockets.

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    Mourits, Daphne L; Remmers, Jelmer S; Tan, Stevie H; Moll, Annette C; Hartong, Dyonne T

    2018-04-03

    To introduce a novel technique to design individually customized conformers for postenucleation sockets with dermis fat implants. We use a 3-dimensional scan of the frontal face/orbit and eyelid contour to design an individualized conformer. This polymethylmetacrylate printed conformer is adapted to patients' socket, palpebral fissures, horizontal eyelid aperture, curvature of the eyelids, and mean diameter of patients' contralateral eye. Sutures through holes in the inferior part of the conformer and in the extension can be placed to fixate the conformer and anchor fornix deepening sutures. A correct fitting conformer can be printed and attached to the socket and eyelids. The shape of this conformer can be used subsequently postsurgically to design the ocular prosthesis. Presurgical planning is important to anticipate for a functional socket to adequately fit an artificial eye. The presented technique using 3-dimensional imaging, designing, and printing promises to prevent conformer extrusion and forniceal shortening.

  18. Influence of the Dermis Thickness on the Results of the Skin Treatment with Monopolar and Bipolar Radiofrequency Currents.

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    Kruglikov, Ilja L

    2016-01-01

    Electrically layered tissue structure significantly modifies distribution of radiofrequency (RF) current in the dermis and in the subcutaneous adipose tissue comparing to that in a homogeneous medium. On the basis of the simple model of RF current distribution in a two-layer skin containing dermis and subcutis, we assess the influence of the dermal thickness on the current density in different skin layers. Under other equal conditions, current density in the dermis is higher for the skin having thinner dermis. This contradicts the main paradigm of the RF theory stating that treatment results are mainly dependent on the maximal temperature reached in a target tissue, since the best short- and long-term clinical results of RF application to the skin were reported in the areas having thicker dermis. To resolve this contradiction, it is proposed that the long-term effect of RF can be realized through a structural modification of the subcutaneous fat depot adjacent to the treated skin area. Stimulation of these cells located near the interface dermis/subcutis will demand the concentration of applied RF energy in this area and will require the optimal arrangement of RF electrodes on the skin surface.

  19. Influence of the Dermis Thickness on the Results of the Skin Treatment with Monopolar and Bipolar Radiofrequency Currents

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ilja L. Kruglikov

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Electrically layered tissue structure significantly modifies distribution of radiofrequency (RF current in the dermis and in the subcutaneous adipose tissue comparing to that in a homogeneous medium. On the basis of the simple model of RF current distribution in a two-layer skin containing dermis and subcutis, we assess the influence of the dermal thickness on the current density in different skin layers. Under other equal conditions, current density in the dermis is higher for the skin having thinner dermis. This contradicts the main paradigm of the RF theory stating that treatment results are mainly dependent on the maximal temperature reached in a target tissue, since the best short- and long-term clinical results of RF application to the skin were reported in the areas having thicker dermis. To resolve this contradiction, it is proposed that the long-term effect of RF can be realized through a structural modification of the subcutaneous fat depot adjacent to the treated skin area. Stimulation of these cells located near the interface dermis/subcutis will demand the concentration of applied RF energy in this area and will require the optimal arrangement of RF electrodes on the skin surface.

  20. One-stage Pelnac Reconstruction in Full-thickness Skin Defects with Bone or Tendon Exposure

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xianghong Lou, MS

    2018-03-01

    Full Text Available Summary:. Dermal regeneration template, such as Integra and Pelnac, was originally designed for treating large area burn injury by inducing regeneration of dermis. To date, it has been widely applied in various acute and chronic wound sites. The present study demonstrated that application of artificial dermis alone induced 1-stage wound healing for wounds with bone or tendon exposure that should usually be repaired by flap surgery. Eight patients who presented with skin defects with bone and/or tendon exposure were treated by 1-stage Pelnac approach. All wounds healed within 20 weeks without skin graft or flap surgery. The wound area was reconstructed by nearly normal skin structure and linear scar. In the case of scalp defect, evidence of hair follicle cell migration and regeneration during healing process was observed. Thereby, the 1-stage Pelnac reconstitution can be considered as a novel method for inducing regrowth of epidermis and hair follicles to cure large full-thickness skin defect with bone and tendon exposure in 1 stage.

  1. Two Crosslinking Technologies for Superficial Reticular Dermis Injection: A Comparative Ultrasound and Histologic Study

    OpenAIRE

    Micheels, Patrick; Besse, Stéphanie; Sarazin, Didier

    2017-01-01

    Background: Few hyaluronic acid fillers have been developed for superficial injection. Objective: To compare the diffusion and integration properties of cohesive polydensified matrix and Vycross® technology hyaluronic acid fillers with lidocaine following injection into the superficial reticular dermis. Methods and materials: Two subjects received two injections each of cohesive polydensified matrix and Vycross® hyaluronic acid (0.2mL/site) in the superficial reticular dermis of the buttock u...

  2. Crescimento e integração regional no Sudeste Asiático

    OpenAIRE

    Vendeirinho, Sónia Patrícia da Silva

    2014-01-01

    Mestrado em Desenvolvimento e Cooperação Internacional Esta dissertação tem como principal objectivo analisar a seguinte questão: "A Integração Regional (Triângulos de Crescimento) é um factor para o Crescimento Económico no Sudeste Asiático?". Para analisar esta hipótese apresenta-se um modelo de crescimento que inclui a variável Integração Regional. O modelo é testado a partir de um Panel Data dinâmico, usando os dados dos nove países escolhidos para o estudo - Austrália, Cambodja, Indon...

  3. A integração bilateral Brasil-Argentina: tecnologia nuclear e Mercosul

    OpenAIRE

    Oliveira, Odete Maria de

    1998-01-01

    O presente trabalho focaliza o complexo processo de integração bilateral Brasil-Argentina, iniciado formalmente na década de 80, desdobrado em sua dupla abrangência: a) cooperação pacífica da tecnologia nuclear; b) constituição de um mercado comum. A evolução desse processo conduziu-se através de ciclos fundamentais: primeira etapa, antecedentes de aproximação; segunda etapa, os decisivos instrumentos da ampla integração; terceira etapa, solidificação de duas bases, uma de nível tecnológico n...

  4. Uma arquitetura para integração de dados baseada em ontologia

    OpenAIRE

    Augusto Nogueira de Oliveira Passos, Rômulo

    2006-01-01

    Nos dias atuais, soluções para comércio eletrônico em larga escala devem tratar de vários desafios da integração de informação. Alguns problemas nesta tarefa envolvem o tratamento da explosão do número de mapeamentos e do problema da padronização em si. Muito esforço tem surgido com o objetivo de solucionar a integração em e-Business, entretanto inflando em número e gerando inconsistências. O propósito deste trabalho é fornecer um método utilizando uma camada superior, uma onto...

  5. A Maquila no Paraguai: modelo produtivo e de integração no início do século XXI

    OpenAIRE

    Maciel, Ricardo Elias Antunes

    2017-01-01

    Dissertação apresentada ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Integração Contemporânea da América Latina da Universidade Federal da Integração Latino- Americana, como requisito parcial à obtenção do título de Mestre em Integração Latino- Americana. Orientador: Prof. Dr. Juan Agullo Fernandez O presente trabalho tem como tema “A maquila no Paraguai: modelo produtivo e integração no início do século XXI”. O problema nele enfrentado é o seguinte: a maquila paraguaia realment...

  6. Evaluation of Elastin/Collagen Content in Human Dermis in-Vivo by Multiphoton Tomography—Variation with Depth and Correlation with Aging

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jean-Christophe Pittet

    2014-08-01

    Full Text Available The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the depth of the dermis on the measured collagen and elastin levels and to establish the correlation between the amount of these two extracellular matrix (ECM components and age. Multiphoton Microscopy (MPM that measures the autofluorescence (AF and second harmonic generation (SHG was used to quantify the levels of elastin and collagen and to determine the SAAID (SHG-to-AF Aging Index of Dermis at two different skin depths. A 50 MHz ultrasound scanner was used for the calculation of the Sub Epidermal Non Echogenic Band (SENEB. The measurements of the skin mechanical properties were done with a cutometer. All measurements were performed on two groups of 30 healthy female volunteers. The MPM showed a decrease of the quantity of collagen and elastin as a function of depth of the dermis as well as age. The SAAID was lower for the older skin in the deeper dermis. Ultrasound imaging revealed a significant decrease of SENEB as a function of aging. The mechanical properties confirmed a loss of cutaneous elasticity and firmness. Although multiphoton microscopy is a powerful technique to study the characteristics of the dermis and its age-related damage, the location of the measurements (depth remains very important for the validation of these variations. These variations do not seem to be homogeneous according to the part of the dermis that is studied.

  7. Redes de integração conceptual em narrativas Sociolinguísticas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jan Edson Rodrigues Leite

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Este artigo pretende descrever a emergência de Redes de Integração Conceptual em dados da fala de usuários da variedade sociodialetal pessoense, a fim de mapear o uso de estratégias cognitivas de conceptualização na construção de narrativas orais. Para isso, utilizamos o corpus do Projeto Variação Linguística do Estado da Paraíba (VALPB que se propõe, a partir dos dados coletados, apresentar o perfil linguístico do falante da Paraíba. A partir desse corpus, fizemos a classificação e a análise das ocorrências de redes de integração identificadas; observamos e descrevemos as relações vitais estabelecidas durante a integração conceitual; e procuramos descrever o funcionamento da tipologia de redes a partir da mesclagem conceitual resultante das conceptualizações presentes nas narrativas orais produzidas pelos indivíduos nos contextos de uso da língua. Orientamo-nos sob a perspectiva da Linguística Cognitiva, especialmente dos trabalhos de Fauconnier e Turner (2002. Por fim, organizamos os resultados da análise, discutindo diversas ocorrências nas diferentes variáveis encontradas no corpus.

  8. Redes de Integração Conceptual em narrativas sociolinguísticas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jan Edson Rodrigues Leite

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Este artigo pretende descrever a emergência de Redes de Integração Conceptual em dados da fala de usuários da variedade sociodialetal pessoense, a fim de mapear o uso de estratégias cognitivas de conceptualização na construção de narrativas orais. Para isso, utilizamos o corpus do Projeto Variação Linguística do Estado da Paraíba (VALPB que se propõe, a partir dos dados coletados, apresentar o perfil linguístico do falante da Paraíba. A partir desse corpus, fizemos a classificação e a análise das ocorrências de redes de integração identificadas; observamos e descrevemos as relações vitais estabelecidas durante a integração conceitual; e procuramos descrever o funcionamento da tipologia de redes a partir da mesclagem conceitual resultante das conceptualizações presentes nas narrativas orais produzidas pelos indivíduos nos contextos de uso da língua. Orientamo-nos sob a perspectiva da Linguística Cognitiva, especialmente dos trabalhos de Fauconnier e Turner (2002. Por fim, organizamos os resultados da análise, discutindo diversas ocorrências nas diferentes variáveis encontradas no corpus.

  9. Desafios para a integração multiprofissional e interdisciplinar

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Francine Lima GELBCKE

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available Reflexão acerca dos desafios para a integração multiprofissional e interdisciplinar, considerando-se que o modelo de formação ainda existente na área da saúde está pautado em disciplinas fragmentadas. Aponta a importância de se ultrapassar o modelo atual, visando um trabalho efetivamente multiprofissional e interdisciplinar, que atenda às necessidades da população, os novos modelos de atenção em saúde e a própria política de humanização da assistência, a integralidade da assistência. Este modelo não deve ser visto apenas como uma inovação, uma nova tecnologia de cuidado, mas como forma de construir um novo profissional, crítico, criativo e aberto para o novo. Para tanto aponta a formação como um caminho para a integração multiprofissional e interdisciplinar.

  10. Three-dimensional digital reconstruction of skin epidermis and dermis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, P; Zhu, J-Y; Tang, B; Hu, Z-C

    2018-05-01

    This study describes how three-dimensional (3D) human skin tissue is reconstructed, and provides digital anatomical data for the physiological structure of human skin tissue based on large-scale thin serial sections. Human skin samples embedded in paraffin were cut serially into thin sections and then stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Images of serial sections obtained from lighting microscopy were scanned and aligned by the scale-invariant feature transform algorithm. 3D reconstruction of the skin tissue was generated using Mimics software. Fibre content, porosity, average pore diameter and specific surface area of dermis were analysed using the ImageJ analysis system. The root mean square error and mutual information based on the scale-invariant feature transform algorithm registration were significantly greater than those based on the manual registration. Fibre distribution gradually decreased from top to bottom; while porosity showed an opposite trend with irregular average pore diameter distribution. A specific surface area of the dermis showed a 'V' shape trend. Our data suggested that 3D reconstruction of human skin tissue based on large-scale serial sections could be a valuable tool for providing a highly accurate histological structure for analysis of skin tissue. Moreover, this technology could be utilized to produce tissue-engineered skin via a 3D bioprinter in the future. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2017 Royal Microscopical Society.

  11. Sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária na região do Cerrado

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lourival Vilela

    2011-10-01

    Full Text Available O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os benefícios e as perspectivas potenciais de sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária no processo de intensificação de uso das áreas em exploração com lavoura de grãos e pastagens no Cerrado, e apontar as principais lacunas de informação sobre o sistema. Os principais benefícios da integração lavoura-pecuária são: melhoria das propriedades químicas, físicas e biológicas do solo; redução da ocorrência de doenças, insetos-pragas e plantas daninhas; maior produtividade das plantas e dos animais; e redução de riscos pela diversificação de atividades. No entanto, a adoção do sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária ainda é pequena, provavelmente em virtude da maior complexidade desse sistema. Concentrar esforços nos fatores que limitam a adoção desse sistema no Cerrado parece ser um ponto estratégico para novos estudos. A busca por melhoria na qualidade de cobertura de solo para o sistema plantio direto, por meio de gramíneas forrageiras, pode auxiliar na adoção da integração lavoura-pecuária no Cerrado. A expectativa é de que a adoção de sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária resulte em melhorias significativas na sustentabilidade socioeconômica e ambiental das propriedades e da sua região de influência.

  12. Autologous Dermis Graft Implantation: A Novel Approach to Reinforcement in Giant Hiatal Hernias

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Balázs Kovács

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available Objectives. Nonreinforced tensile repair of giant hiatal hernias is susceptible to recurrence, and the role of mesh graft implantation remains controversial. Creating a new and viable choice without the use of high-cost biological allografts is desirable. This study presents the application of dermis graft reinforcement, a cost-efficient, easily adaptable alternative, in graft reinforcement of giant hiatal hernia repairs. Methods. A 62-year-old female patient with recurrent giant hiatal hernia (9 × 11 cm and upside down stomach, immediately following the Belsey repair done in another department, was selected for the pilot procedure. The standard three-stitch nonabsorbable reconstruction of diaphragmatic crura was undertaken via laparoscopic approach. A 12 × 6 cm dermis autograft was harvested from the loose abdominal skin. “U” figure onlay reinforcement of diaphragm closure was secured with titanium staples. The procedure was completed with a standard Dor fundoplication. One- and seven-month follow-ups were conducted. Results. No short-term postoperative complications were observed. One-month follow-up showed normal anatomical location of abdominal viscera on computed tomography imaging. High-resolution manometry showed normal lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Preoperative abdominal complaints were resolved. Procedural costs were lower than the average cost following mesh graft reinforcement. Conclusion. Dermis graft reinforcement is a cheap, easily adaptable procedure in the repair of giant hiatal hernias, even in the setting of laparoscopic reoperative procedure.

  13. Physiological and biochemical responses of Salix integra Thunb. under copper stress as affected by soil flooding.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cao, Yini; Ma, Chuanxin; Chen, Guangcai; Zhang, Jianfeng; Xing, Baoshan

    2017-06-01

    To explore the joint effect of copper (Cu) and flooding on Salix integra Thunb. (S. integra), the physiological and biochemical parameters of the seedlings grown in Cu amended soil (50, 150, 450 mg kg -1 ) with or without the flooding for 60 days were evaluated. The results suggested that the flooding significantly inhibited the root growth in terms of root length and root tips. The Cu exposures of 50 and 150 mg kg -1 notably enhanced the root growth as compared to the control. Majority of Cu was accumulated in S. integra roots, while flooding significantly reduced the Cu content, except the 150 mg kg -1 Cu treatment, but the iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) content on the root surface were both markedly increased relative to non-flooded control. The malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) contents in leaves showed a dose-response upon Cu exposure. Soil flooding enhanced the GSH level, which displayed 4.50-49.59% increases compared to its respective non-flooded treatment, while no difference was evident on MDA contents between the flooding and the non-flooded treatments. Both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities were boosted while the catalase (CAT) was suppressed with increasing Cu exposure dose, and soil flooding reduced the POD and CAT activities. The elevated Cu level caused the evident increases of root calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) concentrations and decreases of root phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and zinc (Zn) concentrations. Soil flooding increased the concentrations of Fe, S, Na, Ca, and magnesium (Mg) in S. integra root. Taken together, our results suggested S. integra has high tolerance to the joint stress from Cu and flooding. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. A quantitative method to determine the orientation of collagen fibers in the dermis

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Noorlander, Maril L.; Melis, Paris; Jonker, Ard; van Noorden, Cornelis J. F.

    2002-01-01

    We have developed a quantitative microscopic method to determine changes in the orientation of collagen fibers in the dermis resulting from mechanical stress. The method is based on the use of picrosirius red-stained cryostat sections of piglet skin in which collagen fibers reflect light strongly

  15. Contractura axilar por quemadura tratada con Integra®

    OpenAIRE

    Roa G,Ricardo; Las Heras F,Rocío; Piñeros B,José L; Correa S,Gerardo; Norambuena B,Hernán; Marré N,Diego

    2011-01-01

    Las quemaduras axilares severas son un accidente infrecuente que evolucionan a la retracción generando deficiencias cosméticas y funcionales. Estas cicatrices son difíciles de tratar por las características anatómicas del área, donde la corrección de un vector de movimiento puede alterar otro. Objetivo: Mostrar nuestros resultados utilizando el sustituto cutáneo Integra® en el tratamiento de cicatrices retráctiles axilares por quemadura. Pacientes y Métodos: Se recolectaron antecedentes médic...

  16. Segurança no trabalho e desenvolvimento de produto: diretrizes para integração na construção civil

    OpenAIRE

    Saurin,Tarcisio Abreu

    2005-01-01

    Este trabalho apresenta diretrizes para a integração de requisitos de segurança no trabalho à etapa de desenvolvimento de produto (DP) na construção civil. As diretrizes foram desenvolvidas a partir de entrevistas com um grupo de sete projetistas da construção civil, uma entrevista com a projetista de ar condicionado e um estudo exploratório de integração da segurança ao processo de DP. Embora as entrevistas tenham indicado que a integração ainda é uma prática pouco disseminada na construção,...

  17. [Medical information systems in the internet : current data about the dermatologic web site www.dermis.net].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Diepgen, T L; Tanko, Z; Weisshaar, E; Matvijets, A; Simon, M

    2009-12-01

    www.dermis.net was established in 1994 as a dermatological information system with now more than 4,000 pages and over 7,500 dermatological images in an atlas. 1,200 dermatological diagnoses and medical information with 1,100 synonyms can be searched by body location and in alphabetical order. Additionally, there are seven information modules about skin cancer, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, skin care, eczema, fungal diseases and hemorrhoids with links to other medical pages like Cochrane Library. Pediatric skin diseases are covered in PeDOIA. www.dermis.net is meanwhile available in German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Turkish language. Current contents of this information system and user behavior are presented in this paper.

  18. Uso del regenerador dérmico Integra® como material de relleno para el tratamiento de defectos del contorno corporal Use of Integra® dermal regeneration template in deep tissue planes for contour defects treatment

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    P. A. Gómez Morell

    2007-09-01

    Full Text Available En el tratamiento de los defectos de contorno corporal se usan múltiples productos biológicos y/o sintéticos. Cuando el volumen no es grande, los autores plantean el uso del regenerador dérmico Integra® eliminando previamente su capa superficial de silicona frente a los inconvenientes que presenta el uso de otros materiales de relleno en Cirugía Plástica (reabsorción variable, intolerancia, infección, granulomas, calcificación, etc. Dicho producto acaba transformándose en neodermis del propio paciente, bien tolerada. Presentamos dos casos con defectos a nivel frontal (postraumático y en tórax anterior (secuelas de reconstrucción tras mastectomía respectivamente, en los que se colocó Integra® en bolsillos profundos y doblado sobre sí mismo para aumentar su volumen. Los resultados son previsibles, con mínima reabsorción y además son duraderos, con seguimiento a los 6 y 12 meses. Los autores recomiendan el uso del regenerador dérmico en volúmenes moderados y/o pequeños, considerando que en grandes volúmenes es preferible el uso del colgajos autólogos y/o colgajos más prótesis.In the treatment of body contour defects we can use many biological and synthetic products. They have many inconvenient effects as variable reabsortion, intolerance, infection, granulomas, calcification, etc. In moderate defects, the authors propose the use of modificated Integra® dermal regeneration template without the superficial silicone layer. Two patients are reported, one with a traumatic frontal defect and another with a depression in the anterior thorax after postmastectomy breast reconstruction post mastectomy. In both we put Integra® into a subcutaneous pocket and we bent it to increase lamina volume. Results are predictable, permanent, with minimal reabsortion after 6 and 12 months follow up. Integra® will be autologous neodermis. The authors recommend the dermal regeneration template for small or medium defects; in large defects they

  19. A integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta e sua importância para o agronegócio brasileiro

    OpenAIRE

    Martins, Carlos Eugênio; Lima, Victor Muiños Barroso; Hott, Marcos Cicarini; Furtado, Thiago Bellotti; Balbino, Luiz Carlos

    2010-01-01

    O trabalho desenvolvido no programa de "Transferência de tecnologias para sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta" vem consolidar a expectativa que envolve a importância sobre a sustentabilidade do sistema de integração lavourapecuária-floresta para o agronegócio brasileiro.

  20. Protective role of microRNA-29a in denatured dermis and skin fibroblast cells after thermal injury

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jie Zhou

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available Our previous study has suggested that downregulated microRNA (miR-29a in denatured dermis might be involved in burn wound healing. However, the exact role of miR-29a in healing of burn injury still remains unclear. Here, we found that expression of miR-29a was notably upregulated in denatured dermis tissues and skin fibroblast cells after thermal injury, and thereafter gradually downregulated compared with control group. By contrast, the expression of collagen, type I, alpha 2 (COL1A2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A were first reduced and subsequently upregulated in denatured dermis tissues and skin fibroblast cells after thermal injury. We further identified COL1A2 as a novel target of miR-29a, which is involved in type I collagen synthesis, and showed that miR-29a negatively regulated the expression level of COL1A2 in skin fibroblast cells. In addition, VEGF-A, another target gene of miR-29a, was also negatively mediated by miR-29a in skin fibroblast cells. Inhibition of miR-29a expression significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of skin fibroblast cells after thermal injury, and knockdown of COL1A2 and VEGF-A reversed the effects of miR-29a on the proliferation and migration of skin fibroblast cells. Furthermore, we found that Notch2/Jagged2 signaling was involved in miR-29a response to burn wound healing. Our findings suggest that downregulated miR-29a in denatured dermis may help burn wound healing in the later phase, probably via upregulation of COL1A2 and VEGF-A expression, which can further enhance type I collagen synthesis and angiogenesis.

  1. De la reelaboración del conocimiento a la generación de conocimiento nuevo mediante edumática e inteligencia artificial

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alfonso Pérez Gama

    1997-01-01

    Full Text Available Se presenta el modelo pedagógico AMBIENTE DE APRENDIZAJE CON EL APOYO DE LA EDUMÁTICA Y LA INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL que se ha desarrollado en la Universidad Nacional, en el marco del Proyecto EIDOS. Este modelo recoge parcialmente el producto de la investigación e integra sistémicamente un conjunto de constructos teóricos, metodológicos e informáticos.

  2. Dung pat nesting by the solitary bee, Osmia (Acanthosmiodes) integra (Megachilidae: Apiformes).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Solitary bees nest in a diversity of substrates, typically soil, but also wood, stems and twigs. A new and novel substrate is reported here, dried cattle dung. Two species of Osmia bees were found nesting in dung in Wyoming. One species, O. integra, otherwise nests shallowly in soil. Nests were ...

  3. Histological fate of abdominal dermis-fat grafts implanted in the temporomandibular joint of the rabbit following condylectomy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dimitroulis, G; Slavin, J; Morrison, W

    2011-02-01

    The histological fate of abdominal dermis-fat grafts implanted into the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) following condylectomy was studied. 21 rabbits underwent left TMJ discectomies and condylectomies; 6 were controls (Group A; no graft used); 15 (Group B) had autogenous abdominal grafts transplanted into the left TMJ. Animals were killed after 4, 12 and 20 weeks. Specimens of the TMJ were histologically and histomorphometrically evaluated. At 4 weeks, fat necrosis was clear in all specimens. The dermis component survived and formed cysts with no necrosis. By 12 weeks, viable fat deposits appeared with no evidence of necrotic fat. At 20 weeks, large amounts of viable fat were present in Group B specimens. Group A had no fat, although the missing condyles regenerated. In the presence of viable fat, Group B showed little condyle regeneration 20 weeks after condylectomy. Non-vascularised fat grafts do not survive transplantation, but stimulate neoadipogenesis. The fate of the dermis component of the graft is independent of the fat component. Fat in the joint space disrupts the regeneration of a new condylar head. Neoadipogensis inhibits growth of new bone and cartilage. This has clinical implications for TMJ ankylosis management and preventing heterotopic bone formation around prosthetic joints. Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. [Fatal hyperpyrexia in an adolescent patient with severe burns after a traffic accident].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jaehn, T; Sievers, R; Junger, A; Graunke, F; Blings, A; Reichert, B

    2016-07-01

    After a motorcycle accident a 16-year-old patient suffered severe burns to 40.5 % of the total body surface area (TBSA) of which 37 % were deep subdermal burns. After tangential and partly epifascial necrosectomy, Integra® was used as a temporary dermis replacement material for the lower extremities, combined with extensive negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). In the further course of the treatment the patient developed uncontrollable hyperpyrexia with a fatal outcome. Possible influencing factors, such as the dermis replacement material combined with NPWT over large areas as well as the differential diagnoses propofol infusion syndrome, heatstroke and malignant hyperthermia are discussed.

  5. Sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária na região do Cerrado.

    OpenAIRE

    VILELA, L.; MARTHA JUNIOR, G. B.; MACEDO, M. C. M.; MARCHAO, R. L.; GUIMARAES JUNIOR, R.; PULROLNIK, K.; MACIEL, G. A.

    2011-01-01

    O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os benefícios e as perspectivas potenciais de sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária no processo de intensificação de uso das áreas em exploração com lavoura de grãos e pastagens no Cerrado, e apontar as principais lacunas de informação sobre o sistema. Os principais benefícios da integração lavoura-pecuária são: melhoria das propriedades químicas, físicas e biológicas do solo; redução da ocorrência de doenças, insetos-pragas e plantas daninhas; maior p...

  6. Integração ao ensino superior e satisfação acadêmica em universitários

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Acácia Aparecida Angeli dos Santos

    Full Text Available O presente estudo teve como objetivos avaliar a integração e a satisfação acadêmica em universitários e analisar sua relação, conforme o curso e a etapa de formação. Participaram 203 estudantes dos cursos de Psicologia (n=76 e Odontologia (n=127 de uma universidade particular, sendo a maioria mulheres (n=158. Foram aplicados um Questionário de Vivência Acadêmica (QVA-r e uma Escala de Satisfação Acadêmica (ESEA. Os resultados mostraram que os estudantes apresentaram níveis de integração e de satisfação superior à média. Foram detectadas diferenças entre os cursos relativas às variáveis focalizadas e correlações entre as dimensões. É possível afirmar que a integração e a satisfação, apesar de compartilhar aspectos comuns, avaliam construtos diferentes, ambos importantes para a compreensão do fenômeno complexo e multideterminado da vida acadêmica.

  7. Simulação e integração termica SRV em colunas de destilação extrativa

    OpenAIRE

    Eduardo Augusto Caldas Batista

    1995-01-01

    Resumo: Neste trabalho estudou-se a aplicação da integração térmica SRV ("Secondary Reflux and Vaporization") à destilação extrativa para misturas com solvente de baixa volatilidade, etanol/água/etileno glicol, e para misturas com solvente que se vaporiza, acetona/metanol/água. Esta integração térmica, que consiste principalmente da transferência de calor da seção de enriquecimento para a seção de esgotamento, pode fazer uso de um gradiente de temperatura natural existente entre as seções da ...

  8. Diagnóstico da integração dos sistemas de gestão ISO 9001, ISO 14001 e OHSAS 18001

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Samuel Vinícius Bonato

    2015-09-01

    Full Text Available Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa que teve por finalidade o diagnóstico do nível de integração de sistemas de gestão baseados nas normas ISO 9001, ISO 14001 e OHSAS 18001 em empresas do ramo metal-mecânico. Inicialmente foi descrito o método de diagnóstico e posteriormente realizada a sua aplicação em uma empresa já certificada nas três normas, mas que possui dois sistemas de gestão distintos: o Sistema de Gestão da Qualidade (SGQ baseado na norma ISO 9001 e o Sistema de Gestão de Saúde, Segurança e Meio Ambiente (SSM baseado nas normas ISO 14001 e OHSAS 18001. Entre os principais resultados, destaca-se a aceitação favorável do diagnóstico da integração na empresa estudada. Com a realização do diagnóstico, verificou-se que a organização não atende totalmente a integração de nenhum dos requisitos avaliados. Foram sugeridas oportunidades de melhoria para integração dos requisitos normativos comuns, reduzindo custos e recursos para manutenção do sistema de gestão da empresa.

  9. Integra as a Dermal Replacement in a Meshed Composite Skin Graft in a Rat Model: A One-Step Operative Procedure

    Science.gov (United States)

    2002-01-01

    skin graft (MCSG) using Integra as a dermal template for a meshed split thickness autograft was developed in rats. The silicon layer of Integra was removed, the resulting dermal analogue was meshed (1:1.5), expanded, and placed on excised full thickness wound and covered with a meshed (1:1.5 or 1:6) split thickness autograft. Grafted wounds were dressed with BioBrane, Vaseline gauze, silver-impregnated nylon, or silver-nylon and direct current (SNDC). At scheduled intervals up to 3 months postgrafting, wounds were examined for epithelialization, collagen deposition and

  10. Integração financeira e os fluxos de capitais no Brasil : uma abordagem das condições de não-arbitragens, 1990 a 2004

    OpenAIRE

    Soraia Santos da Silva

    2006-01-01

    Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar e analisar a evolução do grau de integração financeira do Brasil com os mercados de capitais internacionais a partir da década de noventa. O conceito de integração financeira fraca é adotado por meio da relação da paridade coberta de juros (PCJ) e o conceito de integração forte é usado a partir da relação de paridade descoberta de juros (PDJ). As condições de não arbitragem foram estimadas usando os modelos de parâmetros fixos e de parâmetros variand...

  11. Caracterización y cuantificación autmatizadas de menas metálicas mediante visión artificial : proyecto cameva

    OpenAIRE

    Castroviejo, Ricardo; Catalina, Juan-Carlos; Bernhardt, Heinz-Juergen; Espí, Jose Antonio; Pirard, Eric; Samper, Josefina; Brea, Carolina; Segundo, Fernando; Locutura, Juan; Perez-Barnuevo, Laura; Sanchez, Lazaro; Fidalgo, Angel

    2008-01-01

    El proyecto CAMEVA (Caracterización Automatizada de Menas metálicas mediante Visión Artificial) pretende desarrollar un sistema automatizado capaz de llevar a cabo la identificación y cuantificación de los minerales presentes en muestras de menas metálicas para facilitar su posible aprovechamiento industrial. El sistema integra un microscopio óptico de reflexión motorizado, una rueda de filtros monocromadores situada ante la fuente luminosa, una cámara B/N de investigación y un ordenador, en ...

  12. Epidermis–dermis junction as a novel location for bone marrow-derived cells to reside in response to ionizing radiation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Okano, Junko; Kojima, Hideto; Katagi, Miwako; Nakae, Yuki; Terashima, Tomoya; Nakagawa, Takahiko; Kurakane, Takeshi; Okamoto, Naoki; Morohashi, Keita; Maegawa, Hiroshi; Udagawa, Jun

    2015-01-01

    Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) can migrate into the various organs in the mice irradiated by ionizing radiation (IR). However, it may not be the case in the skin. While IR is used for bone marrow (BM) transplantation, studying with the epidermal sheets demonstrated that the BMDC recruitment is extraordinarily rare in epidermis in the mouse. Herein, using the chimera mice with BM from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice, we simply examined if BMDCs migrate into any layers in the total skin, as opposed to the epidermal sheets, in response to IR. Interestingly, we identified the presence of GFP-positive (GFP + ) cells in the epidermis-dermis junction in the total skin sections although the epidermal cell sheets failed to have any GFP cells. To examine a possibility that the cells in the junction could be mechanically dissociated during separating epidermal sheets, we then salvaged such dissociated cells and examined its characteristics. Surprisingly, some GFP + cells were found in the salvaged cells, indicating that these cells could be derived from BM. In addition, such BMDCs were also associated with inflammation in the junction. In conclusion, BMDCs can migrate to and reside in the epidermis-dermis junction after IR. - Highlights: • Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) migrate in the epidermis due to ionizing radiation (IR). • BMDCs dissociate from the epidermis-dermis junction in preparing epidermal sheets. • The doses of IR determine the location and the number of migrating BMDCs in the skin

  13. Epidermis–dermis junction as a novel location for bone marrow-derived cells to reside in response to ionizing radiation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Okano, Junko, E-mail: jokano@belle.shiga-med.ac.jp [Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga (Japan); Kojima, Hideto; Katagi, Miwako [Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga (Japan); Nakae, Yuki [Department of Internal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga (Japan); Terashima, Tomoya [Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga (Japan); Nakagawa, Takahiko [TMK Project, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto (Japan); Kurakane, Takeshi; Okamoto, Naoki; Morohashi, Keita [Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga (Japan); Maegawa, Hiroshi [Department of Internal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga (Japan); Udagawa, Jun [Division of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga (Japan)

    2015-06-12

    Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) can migrate into the various organs in the mice irradiated by ionizing radiation (IR). However, it may not be the case in the skin. While IR is used for bone marrow (BM) transplantation, studying with the epidermal sheets demonstrated that the BMDC recruitment is extraordinarily rare in epidermis in the mouse. Herein, using the chimera mice with BM from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice, we simply examined if BMDCs migrate into any layers in the total skin, as opposed to the epidermal sheets, in response to IR. Interestingly, we identified the presence of GFP-positive (GFP{sup +}) cells in the epidermis-dermis junction in the total skin sections although the epidermal cell sheets failed to have any GFP cells. To examine a possibility that the cells in the junction could be mechanically dissociated during separating epidermal sheets, we then salvaged such dissociated cells and examined its characteristics. Surprisingly, some GFP{sup +} cells were found in the salvaged cells, indicating that these cells could be derived from BM. In addition, such BMDCs were also associated with inflammation in the junction. In conclusion, BMDCs can migrate to and reside in the epidermis-dermis junction after IR. - Highlights: • Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) migrate in the epidermis due to ionizing radiation (IR). • BMDCs dissociate from the epidermis-dermis junction in preparing epidermal sheets. • The doses of IR determine the location and the number of migrating BMDCs in the skin.

  14. Design of an elastin-layered dermal regeneration template.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mithieux, Suzanne M; Weiss, Anthony S

    2017-04-01

    We demonstrate a novel approach for the production of tunable quantities of elastic fibers. We also show that exogenous tropoelastin is rate-limiting for elastin synthesis regardless of the age of the dermal fibroblast donor. Additionally, we provide a strategy to further enhance synthesis by older cells through the application of conditioned media. We show that this approach delivers an elastin layer on one side of the leading dermal repair template for contact with the deep dermis in order to deliver prefabricated elastic fibers to a physiologically appropriate site during subsequent surgery. This system is attractive because it provides for the first time a viable path for sufficient, histologically detectable levels of patient elastin into full-thickness wound sites that have until now lacked this elastic underlayer. The scars of full thickness wounds typically lack elasticity. Elastin is essential for skin elasticity and is enriched in the deep dermis. This paper is significant because it shows that: (1) we can generate elastic fibers in tunable quantities, (2) tropoelastin is the rate-limiting component in elastin synthesis in vitro, (3) we can generate elastin fibers regardless of donor age, (4) we describe a novel approach to further increase the numbers and thickness of elastic fibers for older donors, (5) we improve on Integra Dermal Regeneration Template and generate a new hybrid biomaterial intended to subsequently surgically deliver these elastic fibers, (6) the elastic fiber layer is presented on the side of Integra that is intended for delivery into its physiologically appropriate site i.e. the deep dermis. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. A Mechanics Model for Sensors Imperfectly Bonded to the Skin for Determination of the Young's Moduli of Epidermis and Dermis

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yuan, J. H.; Shi, Y.; Pharr, M.; Feng, X.; Rogers, John A.; Huang, Yonggang

    2016-01-01

    A mechanics model is developed for the encapsulated piezoelectric thin-film actuators/sensors system imperfectly bonded to the human skin to simultaneously determine the Young's moduli of the epidermis and dermis as well as the thickness of epidermis. PMID:27330219

  16. A integração das artes e a pós-modernidade

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vera Bonnemasou

    2002-11-01

    Full Text Available O trabalho desenvolve uma relação entre os períodos da modernidade, modernismo e pós-modernidade e o modo como as artes se apresentam, inicialmente isoladas e, pouco a pouco, integrando-se de várias maneiras. Chega-se, deste modo, à pós-modernidade na qual à interação entre autor, obra e receptor vem se acrescentar uma integração entre os meios, consistido no conceito de hipertexto.

  17. Structural and biochemical alterations of human diabetic dermis studied by 3H-lysine incorporation and microscopy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Moczar, M.; Allard, R.; Ouzilou, J.; Robert, L.; Pieraggi, M.-T.; Bouissou, H.; Julian, M.

    1976-01-01

    The alteration of the structural organization of dermal connective tissue was studied by light and electron microscopy and by biochemical techniques in normal human and in diabetic patients using skin biopsies. Part of the tissue was used for light and electron microscopy, the rest was incubated in the presence of 3 H-lysine for four hours. The 3 H-lysine labelled biopsies were submitted to a sequential extraction procedure in order to obtain representative macromolecular fractions containing the matrix macromolecules. The extracts were analyzed for their chemical composition and radioactivity. Electron microscopy revealed microstructural modifications of the fibroblasts, of the collagen and elastic fibers in the diabetic dermis. The incorporation pattern of 3 H-lysine into the macromolecular fractions was different in the normal and diabetic skin biopsies. The percentage of total radioactivity incorporated increased significantly in the 1M CaCl 2 extractable fraction and in the 6M urea extractable fraction and decreased significantly in the collagenase and elastase extracts in diabetic skin biopsy. These results demonstrate the existence of morphological and biochemical alterations in diabetic connective tissue (dermis) reflecting alterations in the relative rates of synthesis and/or degradation of the intercellular matrix macromolecules as well as of their microarchitectural arrangement

  18. Inhibition of collagen production in scleroderma fibroblast cultures by a connective tissue glycoprotein extracted from normal dermis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Maquart, F.X.; Bellon, G.; Cornillet-Stoupy, J.; Randoux, A.; Triller, R.; Kalis, B.; Borel, J.P.

    1985-01-01

    It was shown in a previous paper that a connective tissue glycoprotein (CTGP) extracted from normal rabbit dermis was able to inhibit total protein and collagen syntheses by normal dermis fibroblast cultures. In the present study, the effects of CTGP on scleroderma fibroblasts were investigated. [ 14 C]Proline incorporation into total proteins of the supernatant was not significantly different from that found in controls. By contrast, the amount of collagen, expressed as percentage of total secreted protein, was far higher in scleroderma cultures than in normal ones (14.4% +/- 6.0% vs 4.6% +/- 0.9%). Addition of CTGP to the medium induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of [ 14 C]proline incorporation into proteins from both control and scleroderma cells. In control cultures, no significant decrease of the percentage of collagen was observed, but over 60 micrograms/ml, both cytotoxic effects and inhibition of protein synthesis occurred. In scleroderma cultures, the inhibition was twice as effective on collagen as on noncollagen protein synthesis. The inhibition of collagen secretion was not related either to changes in collagen hydroxylation or to the intracellular catabolism of newly synthesized procollagen

  19. Discrimination of collagen in normal and pathological dermis through polarization second harmonic generation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Su, Ping-Jung; Chen, Wei-Liang; Hong, Jin-Bon; Li, Tsung-Hsien; Wu, Ruei-Jr; Chou, Chen-Kuan; Lin, Sung-Jan; Dong, Chen-Yuan

    2010-02-01

    We used polarization-resolved, second harmonic generation (P-SHG) microscopy at single pixel resolution for medical diagnosis of pathological skin dermis, and found that P-SHG can be used to distinguish normal and dermal pathological conditions of keloid, morphea, and dermal elastolysis. We find that the histograms of the d33/d31 ratio for the pathological skins to contain two peak values and to be wider than that of the normal case, suggesting that the pathological dermal collagen fibers tend to be more structurally heterogeneous. Our work demonstrates that pixel-resolved, second-order susceptibility microscopy is effective for detecting heterogeneity in spatial distribution of collagen fibers.

  20. A integração bilateral Brasil-Argentina: tecnologia nuclear e Mercosul

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Odete Maria de Oliveira

    1998-06-01

    Full Text Available O presente trabalho focaliza o complexo processo de integração bilateral Brasil-Argentina, iniciado formalmente na década de 80, desdobrado em sua dupla abrangência: a cooperação pacífica da tecnologia nuclear; b constituição de um mercado comum. A evolução desse processo conduziu-se através de ciclos fundamentais: primeira etapa, antecedentes de aproximação; segunda etapa, os decisivos instrumentos da ampla integração; terceira etapa, solidificação de duas bases, uma de nível tecnológico nuclear, pactuando um sistema sui generis de salvaguardas e a vigência do Tratado de Tlatelolco (emendado, e, outra, de nível econômico pelo Tratado de Assunção, instituindo o Mercosul.The present work focuses on the complex bilateral integration process involving Brazil and Argentina that began formally during the 80's, and displayed in its double scope: a pacific cooperation on nuclear technology; b constitution of a common market. This process evolution took place in three fundamental circles: the first one, approximation antecedents; the second one, decisive instruments for a large integration; and the third one, the solidification of two basis, one at the nuclear technological level, joining the two countries in the sui generis back up system and the operation of the Tlatelolco Treaty, the other, at the economic level instituting the Mercosur by the Asunción Treaty.

  1. Concise Review: Human Dermis as an Autologous Source of Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Vapniarsky, Natalia; Arzi, Boaz; Hu, Jerry C; Nolta, Jan A; Athanasiou, Kyriacos A

    2015-10-01

    The exciting potential for regenerating organs from autologous stem cells is on the near horizon, and adult dermis stem cells (DSCs) are particularly appealing because of the ease and relative minimal invasiveness of skin collection. A substantial number of reports have described DSCs and their potential for regenerating tissues from mesenchymal, ectodermal, and endodermal lineages; however, the exact niches of these stem cells in various skin types and their antigenic surface makeup are not yet clearly defined. The multilineage potential of DSCs appears to be similar, despite great variability in isolation and in vitro propagation methods. Despite this great potential, only limited amounts of tissues and clinical applications for organ regeneration have been developed from DSCs. This review summarizes the literature on DSCs regarding their niches and the specific markers they express. The concept of the niches and the differentiation capacity of cells residing in them along particular lineages is discussed. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of widely used methods to demonstrate lineage differentiation are considered. In addition, safety considerations and the most recent advancements in the field of tissue engineering and regeneration using DSCs are discussed. This review concludes with thoughts on how to prospectively approach engineering of tissues and organ regeneration using DSCs. Our expectation is that implementation of the major points highlighted in this review will lead to major advancements in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Autologous dermis-derived stem cells are generating great excitement and efforts in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The substantial impact of this review lies in its critical coverage of the available literature and in providing insight regarding niches, characteristics, and isolation methods of stem cells derived from the human dermis. Furthermore, it provides

  2. Structural and biochemical changes in dermis of sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus) during autolysis in response to cutting the body wall.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Yu-Xin; Zhou, Da-Yong; Liu, Zi-Qiang; Lu, Ting; Song, Liang; Li, Dong-Mei; Dong, Xiu-Ping; Qi, Hang; Zhu, Bei-Wei; Shahidi, Fereidoon

    2018-02-01

    The autolysis of sea cucumber body wall is caused by endogenous proteolysis of its structural elements. However, changes in collagen fibrils, collagen fibres and microfibrils, the major structural elements in sea cucumber body wall during autolysis are less clear. Autolysis of sea cucumber (S. japonicus) was induced by cutting the body wall, and the structural and biochemical changes in its dermis were investigated using electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, electrophoresis, and chemical analysis. During autolysis, both collagen fibres and microfibrils gradually degraded. In contrast, damage to microfibrils was more pronounced. Upon massive autolysis, collagen fibres disaggregated into collagen fibril bundles and individual fibrils due to the fracture of interfibrillar bridges. Meanwhile, excessive unfolding of collagen fibrils occurred. However, there was only slight damage to collagen monomers. Therefore, structural damage in collagen fibres, collagen fibrils and microfibrils rather than monomeric collagen accounts for autolysis of S. japonicus dermis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Dermal-epidermal membrane systems by using human keratinocytes and mesenchymal stem cells isolated from dermis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Salerno, Simona, E-mail: s.salerno@itm.cnr.it [Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council of Italy, ITM-CNR, c/o University of Calabria, via P. Bucci cubo 17/C, I-87036, Rende (CS) (Italy); Messina, Antonietta [Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council of Italy, ITM-CNR, c/o University of Calabria, via P. Bucci cubo 17/C, I-87036, Rende (CS) (Italy); Giordano, Francesca [Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, I-87036 Rende, (CS) (Italy); Bader, Augustinus [Biomedical-Biotechnological Center, BBZ, University of Leipzig, D-04103 Leipzig (Germany); Drioli, Enrico [Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council of Italy, ITM-CNR, c/o University of Calabria, via P. Bucci cubo 17/C, I-87036, Rende (CS) (Italy); WCU Energy Engineering Department, Hanyang University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); De Bartolo, Loredana, E-mail: l.debartolo@itm.cnr.it [Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council of Italy, ITM-CNR, c/o University of Calabria, via P. Bucci cubo 17/C, I-87036, Rende (CS) (Italy)

    2017-02-01

    Dermal-epidermal membrane systems were developed by co-culturing human keratinocytes with Skin derived Stem Cells (SSCs), which are Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) isolated from dermis, on biodegradable membranes of chitosan (CHT), polycaprolactone (PCL) and a polymeric blend of CHT and PCL. The membranes display physico-chemical, morphological, mechanical and biodegradation properties that could satisfy and fulfil specific requirements in skin tissue engineering. CHT membrane exhibits an optimal biodegradation rate for acute wounds; CHT-PCL for the chronic ones. On the other hand, PCL membrane in spite of its very slow biodegradation rate exhibits mechanical properties similar to in vivo dermis, a lower hydrophilic character, and a surface roughness, all properties that make it able to sustain cell adhesion and proliferation for in vitro skin models. Both CHT–PCL and PCL membranes guided epidermal and dermal differentiation of SSCs as pointed out by the expression of cytokeratins and the deposition of the ECM protein fibronectin, respectively. In the dermal-epidermal membrane systems, a more suitable microenvironment for the SSCs differentiation was promoted by the interactions and the mutual interplay with keratinocytes. Being skin tissue-biased stem cells committed to their specific final dermal and/or epidermal cell differentiation, SSCs are more suitable for skin tissue engineering than other adult MSCs with different origin. For this reason, they represent a useful autologous cell source for engineering skin substitutes for both in vivo and in vitro applications.

  4. MÉTODO PARA LA FORMACIÓN DE STAKEHOLDER EN PROYECTOS DE INGENIERÍA USANDO LA METODOLOGÍA PMI Y TÉCNICAS DE INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL

    OpenAIRE

    Luis Eduardo Vahos Hernández; Danilo Mauricio Pastor Ramírez; Jovani Alberto Jiménez Builes

    2013-01-01

    En este artículo de investigación se presenta un método para la formación de interesados (stakeholder) en la ejecución de proyectos de ingeniería. El método integra investigaciones recientes en las áreas de la educación en ingeniería y técnicas de inteligencia artificial. El método es modelado a través de un sistema tutorial inteligente, el cual permite hacer un seguimiento cognitivo del interesado y del desarrollo del proyecto. También se utiliza el razonamiento basado en casos para ofrecer ...

  5. Porcine dermis compared with polypropylene mesh for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: a randomized controlled trial.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Culligan, Patrick J; Salamon, Charbel; Priestley, Jennifer L; Shariati, Amir

    2013-01-01

    To compare the surgical outcomes 12 months after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy performed with porcine dermis and the current gold standard of polypropylene mesh. Patients scheduled for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy were eligible for this randomized controlled trial. Both our clinical research nurse and the patients were blinded as to which material was used. Our primary end point was objective anatomic cure defined as no pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) points Stage 2 or greater at any postoperative interval. Our sample size calculation called for 57 patients in each group to achieve 90% power to detect a 23% difference in objective anatomic cure at 12 months (α=0.05). Our secondary end point was clinical cure. Any patient with a POP-Q point greater than zero, or Point C less than or equal to -5, or any complaints of prolapse symptoms whatsoever on Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 or Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, Short Form 7, or reoperation for prolapse were considered "clinical failures"; the rest were "clinical cures." Statistical comparisons were performed using the χ or independent samples t test as appropriate. As expected, there were no preoperative differences between the porcine (n=57) and mesh (n=58) groups. The 12-month objective anatomic cure rates for the porcine and mesh groups were 80.7% and 86.2%, respectively (P=.24), and the "clinical cure" rates for the porcine and mesh groups were 84.2% and 89.7%, respectively (P=.96). Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, Short Form 7 score improvements were significant for both groups with no differences found between groups. There were no major operative complications. There were similar outcomes in subjective or objective results 12 months after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy performed with either porcine dermis or polypropylene mesh. ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00564083. I.

  6. Increased number of mast cells in the dermis in actinic keratosis lesions effectively treated with imiquimod.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Oyama, Satomi; Funasaka, Yoko; Tsuchiya, Shin-Ichi; Kawana, Seiji; Saeki, Hidehisa

    2017-08-01

    Actinic keratosis (AK) is a cutaneous cancer in situ which develops as a result of excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV). Toll-like receptor (TLR)7 agonist imiquimod is a topical immune response modifier and is effective for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers. Recently, the diagnostic role of the dermatoscope has been reported in the course of treatment of AK. In addition, mast cells are now considered to contribute to both the innate and adaptive immune systems in topical imiquimod therapy. We assessed the effect of imiquimod treatment by dermatoscopic and immunohistochemical findings in 14 patients with a total of 21 AK lesions. With the dermatoscope, though the mean erythema score was not significantly different between the cured lesions and the unresponsive lesions, the erythema/red pseudo-network ("strawberry") pattern was decreased significantly in the cured lesions. By immunohistochemistry, the number of Ki-67-positive proliferative cells in the epidermis was decreased and that of CD117-positive mast cells in the dermis was increased in the responding lesions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that the number of mast cells in the dermis was increased in AK lesions effectively treated with imiquimod. Our present result suggests that mast cells may contribute an antitumor effect in human skin treated with topical imiquimod. © 2017 Japanese Dermatological Association.

  7. Phytotherapy of experimental depression: Kalanchoe integra Var. Crenata (Andr.) Cuf Leaf Extract.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kukuia, Kennedy K E; Asiedu-Gyekye, Isaac J; Woode, Eric; Biney, Robert P; Addae, Emmanuel

    2015-01-01

    Kalanchoe sp. have been used since 1921 for central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as psychosis and depression. It is known to possess CNS depressant effects. To investigate the antidepressant properties of the aqueous leaf extract of Kalanchoe integra. The study was carried out at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. ICR mice were subjected to the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) after they had received extract (30-300 mg/kg), fluoxetine (3-30 mg/kg), desipramine (3-30 mg/kg) orally, or water (as vehicle). In a separate experiment, mice were pre-treated with reserpine (1 mg/kg), α-methyl paratyrosine (AMPT; 400 mg/kg), both reserpine (1 mg/kg) and AMPT (200 mg/kg) concomitantly, or p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA; 200 mg/kg) to ascertain the role of the noradrenergic and serotoninergic systems in the mode of action of the extract. Means were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Newman-Keuls' post hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. In both FST and TST, the extract induced a decline in immobility, indicative of antidepressant-like effect. This diminution in immobility was reversed by pCPA, but not by reserpine and/or AMPT. The extract increased the swimming and climbing scores in the FST, suggestive of possible interaction with serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems. In the TST, the extract produced increases in both curling and swinging scores, suggestive of opioidergic monoaminergic activity, respectively. The present study has demonstrated the antidepressant potential of the aqueous leaf extract of K. integra is mediated possibly by a complex interplay between serotoninergic, opioidergic, and noradrenergic systems.

  8. Estratégia digital para uma integração logística na perspectiva da indústria marítimo-portuária

    OpenAIRE

    Macedo, Fernanda Maria Duarte

    2005-01-01

    Mestrado em Gestão de Sistemas de Informação A integração logística é uma condição determinante para o desenvolvimento do transporte maritímo-portuário. O presente trabalho de investigação propõe-se demonstrar que essa integração passa por adoptar uma estratégia digital e que a tecnologia emergente de Web Services constitui já uma boa aproximação. O transporte marítimo-portuário caracteriza-se pela multiplicidade de nós, de actores, concorrentes com diferentes papéis, por atravessar fronte...

  9. Integração produtiva e acordos comerciais: o caso dos países da Aladi

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Karla Sarmento Gonçalves de Souza

    Full Text Available Resumo O processo de fragmentação da produção tem imprimido novas formas de organização da produção e de comércio entre os países. Dentre os diversos fatores explicativos dessa reorganização das atividades produtivas, aqueles relativos aos custos de comércio são de particular importância. Nesse sentido, os acordos comerciais podem ter uma influência relevante na formação de redes produtivas regionais e, mesmo, globais. Este artigo busca investigar se os acordos firmados no âmbito da Aladi contribuíram para aprofundar a integração produtiva na região, por meio da análise do perfil do comércio regional e da estimação de um modelo gravitacional. O grau de integração dos países da região nas redes produtivas internacionais e regionais é bem inferior aquele observado na Ásia, na América do Norte e na Europa. No entanto, as estimações sugerem que os acordos da Aladi exerceram uma influência fraca, porém, positiva sobre os fluxos regionais de partes, componentes e bens de capital.

  10. Phytotherapy of experimental depression: Kalanchoe integra Var. Crenata (Andr. Cuf Leaf Extract

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kennedy K E Kukuia

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Context: Kalanchoe sp. have been used since 1921 for central nervous system (CNS disorders such as psychosis and depression. It is known to possess CNS depressant effects. Aims: To investigate the antidepressant properties of the aqueous leaf extract of Kalanchoe integra. Settings and Design: The study was carried out at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. Materials and Methods: ICR mice were subjected to the forced swimming test (FST and tail suspension test (TST after they had received extract (30-300 mg/kg, fluoxetine (3-30 mg/kg, desipramine (3-30 mg/kg orally, or water (as vehicle. In a separate experiment, mice were pre-treated with reserpine (1 mg/kg, α-methyl paratyrosine (AMPT; 400 mg/kg, both reserpine (1 mg/kg and AMPT (200 mg/kg concomitantly, or p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA; 200 mg/kg to ascertain the role of the noradrenergic and serotoninergic systems in the mode of action of the extract. Statistical analysis used: Means were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA followed by Newman-Keuls′ post hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: In both FST and TST, the extract induced a decline in immobility, indicative of antidepressant-like effect. This diminution in immobility was reversed by pCPA, but not by reserpine and/or AMPT. The extract increased the swimming and climbing scores in the FST, suggestive of possible interaction with serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems. In the TST, the extract produced increases in both curling and swinging scores, suggestive of opioidergic monoaminergic activity, respectively. Conclusions: The present study has demonstrated the antidepressant potential of the aqueous leaf extract of K. integra is mediated possibly by a complex interplay between serotoninergic, opioidergic, and noradrenergic systems.

  11. Dinâmica de potássio em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária em plantio direto sob intensidades de pastejo

    OpenAIRE

    Eric Victor de Oliveira Ferreira

    2009-01-01

    A dinâmica de potássio em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária diverge de outros sistemas de manejo, porque são sistemas mais complexos e envolvem, além das práticas relacionadas à cultura de interesse econômico, a introdução do animal no sistema. Assim, objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a evolução, a ciclagem e o balanço de potássio em um sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária em plantio direto, com diferentes intensidades de pastejo (aveia preta + azevém) de bovinos no inverno e sua ...

  12. A difícil integração dos países do Cone Sul

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    Virgílio Caixeta Arraes

    2011-02-01

    Full Text Available O artigo trata do longo processo de integração política e econômica dos países do Cone Sul. Ele aborda os primeiros passos da tentativa de união, ocorridos ainda no início da Guerra Fria. O texto estende-se até o começo da década de 90, quando quatro países - Brasil, Argentina, Uruguai e Paraguai - formaram o Mercado Comum do Sul - MERCOSUL.

  13. O setor agroexportador brasileiro no contexto da integração Mercosul/UE

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    Norberto Martins Vieira

    2009-06-01

    Full Text Available A partir da perspectiva de constituição do acordo Mercosul/UE, com possibilidade de fortalecimento do comércio entre os blocos, foram analisados, por meio da estimação da criação e do desvio de comércio para o setor agroexportador brasileiro, os possíveis ganhos em dois cenários alternativos de integração. Foi utilizado um modelo de equilíbrio parcial, cujos resultados para os dois níveis de redução tarifária confirmaram as expectativas de que a integração Mercosul/UE proporcionaria significativos ganhos comerciais para o agronegócio brasileiro. Além disso, as estimativas de criação de comércio foram, na maior parte das simulações, superiores às de desvio de comércio, evidenciando a eficiência produtiva e competitividade do setor agroexportador brasileiro na economia mundial.From the prospect of implementation of the Mercosul/UE agreement, which should allow the strengthening of the trade between the two blocks, we analyzed the possible gains in two alternative scenarios of integration using a Partial Equilibrium Model for the estimation of trade creation and trade deviation in the Brazilian Agricultural Export Sector. The results for the two levels of tariff reduction confirmed the expectations that the integration Mercosul/UE would provide significant commercial gains for the Brazilian agribusiness. In addition, the estimates of trade creation were for most of the simulations superior to those of trade deviation, confirming the productive efficiency and competitiveness of the Brazilian Agricultural Export Sector in the world economy.

  14. Integração entre assentados agrários e comunidades vizinhas Integration between agrarian settlers and neighbor communities

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    Francisco José Batista de Albuquerque

    2005-12-01

    Full Text Available O presente estudo objetivou avaliar o processo de integração entre pequenos agricultores e assentados da reforma agrária de uma cidade da Zona da Mata paraibana, através de um levantamento de crenças destes grupos. Utilizou-se um roteiro de entrevista semi-estruturado Participaram 232 pessoas, com idade entre 14 e 78 anos (M=28,31; DP=14,45, sendo 116 homens e 116 mulheres. Dos participantes, 56,0% eram assentados e 44,0% eram moradores da comunidade. Verificou-se que as variáveis sociodemográficas (sexo, estado civil e origem dos assentados não exercem influência sobre o processo de integração entre os grupos. O fator determinante para esta integração reside no modo como o governo central financia a produção, posto que, antes do Pronaf, era mais forte a presença de discursos conflituosos entre assentados e seus vizinhos pequenos agricultores.It is the purpose of the present study to evaluate the integration process between small farmers and the agrarian reformer settlers in a city that is located in the region known as zona da mata (bushy zone in the state of Paraiba. This evaluation was accomplished by surveying the popular beliefs among the groups. A series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with 232 individuals from 14 to 78 years of age, (M=28.31; DP=14.45, being 116 male and 116 female. It was verified that the socio-demographic variables (gender, marital status, and the origin of settlers have not exerted any influence on the group's integration process. The leading factor towards integration lays on the way the central government finances farming production, for, before the Pronaf, conflicting dialogues were seen to have occurred between settlers and their neighbors - the small farmers.

  15. Generation of Genetically Modified Organotypic Skin Cultures Using Devitalized Human Dermis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Jingting; Sen, George L

    2015-12-14

    Organotypic cultures allow the reconstitution of a 3D environment critical for cell-cell contact and cell-matrix interactions which mimics the function and physiology of their in vivo tissue counterparts. This is exemplified by organotypic skin cultures which faithfully recapitulates the epidermal differentiation and stratification program. Primary human epidermal keratinocytes are genetically manipulable through retroviruses where genes can be easily overexpressed or knocked down. These genetically modified keratinocytes can then be used to regenerate human epidermis in organotypic skin cultures providing a powerful model to study genetic pathways impacting epidermal growth, differentiation, and disease progression. The protocols presented here describe methods to prepare devitalized human dermis as well as to genetically manipulate primary human keratinocytes in order to generate organotypic skin cultures. Regenerated human skin can be used in downstream applications such as gene expression profiling, immunostaining, and chromatin immunoprecipitations followed by high throughput sequencing. Thus, generation of these genetically modified organotypic skin cultures will allow the determination of genes that are critical for maintaining skin homeostasis.

  16. Comparison of native porcine skin and a dermal substitute using tensiometry and digital image speckle correlation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fritz, Jason R; Phillips, Brett T; Conkling, Nicole; Fourman, Mitchell; Melendez, Mark M; Bhatnagar, Divya; Simon, Marcia; Rafailovich, Miriam; Dagum, Alexander B

    2012-10-01

    Dermal substitutes are currently used in plastic surgery to cover various soft tissue defects caused by trauma, burns, or ablative cancer surgery. Little information is available on the biomechanical properties of these dermal substitutes after adequate incorporation as compared to normal skin. Determining parameters such as tensile strength in these skin substitutes will help us further understand their wound healing properties and potential in developing artificial tissue constructs. We hypothesize that a dermal substitute has a lower stress-strain curve and altered stress-induced deformation quantified with tensiometry and digital image speckle correlation (DISC) analysis. Two separate 5×10-cm full-thickness wounds were created on the dorsum of 3 female swine. Fibrin glue was applied before either a full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) or application of artificial dermal matrix. On day 42, cultured autologous keratinocytes were applied as a cell sheet to the wound covered with Integra. On day 56, the wounds were fully excised and fresh tissue specimens, including normal skin, were stored in a physiological solution and prepared for analysis. Rectangular samples were excised from the center of each specimen measuring 4×4×30 mm. Using a tensiometer and DISC analysis, we evaluated the tensile strength of 3 different groups of skin, namely, normal, FTSG, and Integra. There is a significant difference between the Integra specimen when compared to normal skin and FTSG. We found a minimal difference in the stress-strain curves of the latter two. Integra alone shows plastic deformation with continued stretching before ultimate midline fracture. There is significant change between the Young's moduli of the normal skin and the Integra, whereas there is little difference between the FTSG and the normal skin; DISC confirms this analysis. The normal skin and FTSG show a convergence of vectors to a linear plane, whereas Integra shows very little organization. Using 2 different

  17. Instrumentación de un vehículo ferroviario para la auscultación dinámica con sistemas de visión artificial

    OpenAIRE

    Amador Olivares, Juan Manuel

    2015-01-01

    En este trabajo final de grado se presenta un sistema de adquisición de datos embarcado en un vehículo ferroviario para proyectos experimentales de auscultación de vías. El sistema de adquisición integra sensores inerciales para la auscultación dinámica, y cámaras de vídeo que permiten el uso de técnicas de visión artificial en la tarea de la auscultación de vías. Se describirá la problemática de la auscultación, se desarrollará el problema cinemático asociado a la auscultación de vías con cá...

  18. Integração regional e coesão social no Mercosul: uma análise à luz da teoria da dependência

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    Jonatan Pozzobon Müller

    2011-06-01

    Full Text Available A história da América Latina ocorreu de forma paralela ao sistema capitalista internacional. O continente inaugurou, já no século XV, uma relação histórica de dependência com o centro do sistema mundial, fato que condicionou o modelo de desenvolvimento econômico e social ao fracasso. Com a colaboração nefasta da globalização neoliberal das últimas décadas, a região mergulhou em um caos social generalizado. A fim de reverter essa situação, instigaram-se os debates acerca dos processos de integração regional e de como eles poderiam viabilizar uma inserção autônoma na disputa capitalista internacional. Conforme o concebido pelos intelectuais da teoria da dependência da década de 1960, a ação integrada dos agentes sociais, parlamentares, partidários e sindicais alavancaria o pleno desenvolvimento regional. O objetivo deste artigo é situar a integração regional como pré-requisito para se alcançar a coesão social no âmbito do Mercosul, garantindo, dessa forma, uma inserção adequada dos Estados-membros no sistema mundial. Assim, primeiramente, será explanado o processo histórico da América Latina. Na sequência, será abordada a integração regional, segundo a teoria da dependência de Ruy Mauro Marini, como mecanismo capaz de assegurar o bem-estar social e a inserção autônoma no sistema internacional. Por fim, abre-se espaço para as reflexões sobre a coesão social no âmbito do Mercosul. Utilizando-se, portanto, do método dedutivo de pesquisa, o presente texto encaminhar-se-á dentro do rol de discussões acadêmicas vinculadas ao estudo do aprofundamento do modelo de integração e coesão social no Mercosul.

  19. Breves reflexões sobre a soberania e a supranacionalidade nos procesos de integração regional - 10.5102/uri.v8i2.1161

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    Elisa de Sousa Ribeiro

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar uma realidade que emergiu no mundo globalizado: o debate acerca da (impossibilidade de concessão de parcela de soberania dos Estados para um organismo supranacional de integração. Com base nos discursos de cientistas políticos e internacionalistas, apresentam-se diferentes perspectivas sobre a afirmativa de que a soberania seria um atributo exclusivo do Estado e que esse não poderia ceder uma parcela a outro ente. Em outras palavras, procura-se refletir se o Estado efetivamente cede o exercício de algumas competências soberanas aos organismos de integração ou se a soberania poderia ser compartilhada ou até mesmo concedida parcial ou totalmente a um organismo internacional.

  20. Integração entre atividades computacionais e experimentais como recurso instrucional no ensino de eletromagnetismo em física geral

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    Pedro Fernando Teixeira Dorneles

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available Investigam-se formas de integração entre atividades computacionais e experimentais de modo a torná-las complementares, auxiliando os alunos a atingirem uma aprendizagem significativa de conceitos de Física e compreenderem algumas ideias sobre modelos científicos. A proposta didática, fundamentada: na teoria de Ausubel sobre aprendizagem significativa, na visão epistemológica de Bunge sobre modelos teóricos, e na teoria sociointeracionista de Vygotsky, foi aplicada a uma turma de licenciatura em Física da UFRGS, abrangendo todo o conteúdo de Eletromagnetismo em nível de Física Geral. Os resultados mostram que a integração proposta pode proporcionar aos alunos uma visão epistemológica mais adequada sobre o papel dos modelos teóricos em Física e das atividades computacionais e experimentais nos processos de aprendizagem, promovendo a interatividade e seu engajamento no próprio aprendizado, e transformando a sala de aula em um ambiente propício para uma aprendizagem significativa.

  1. Sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta em Minas Gerais

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    Miguel Marques Gontijo Neto

    2014-02-01

    Full Text Available Os sistemas de integração de atividades, em propriedades agropecuárias, possibilitam uma série de efeitos positivos à produção, à região e, principalmente, aos agricultores. Nesse sentido, destacam-se os benefícios da integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta, em Minas Gerais, onde boa parte dos agricultores pratica a monocultura e depende da versatilidade de produção para manutenção das atividades nos campos. No artigo abaixo, são discutidos aspectos relacionados à produção integrada de culturas anuais, como milho, soja, feijão, arroz, sorgo e milheto, com espécies florestais e forrageiras, visando à produção dos grãos, manutenção da oferta de alimento para o gado, por período maior, e produção de madeira. As técnicas apresentadas levam em consideração características das propriedades, fatores agronômicos, econômicos e sociais. Além dos ganhos técnicos, as propriedades com atividades integradas contribuem para a sustentabilidade de produção e para o bem estar social no meio agrícola, uma vez que há proteção a recursos do meio ambiente, como a água, a microbiota edáfica benéfica, insetos, outros organismos que atuam como inimigos naturais, dentre outros. Adicionalmente, as atividades possibilitam a otimização na utilização dos recursos da propriedade, principalmente a mão-de-obra. São apresentados resultados de pesquisas recentes que comprovam os pontos positivos, assim como detalhes técnicos sobre os organismos estudados e futuros sistemas de manejo, aplicação e manutenção da tecnologia.

  2. Os seis pilares da autoestima e a integração corpo e mente

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    Josefa Emília Lopes Ruiz

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available Esse artigo propõe refletir sobre a importância do trabalho com a autoestima como recurso de cuidado terapêutico e transformação na vida pessoal e profissional dos indivíduos. O conceito de autoestima que orienta essa proposta segue os pressupostos de Branden (2002 que apresenta seis atitudes fundamentais que necessitam ser desenvolvidas: viver conscientemente, autoaceitação, autorresponsabilidade, autoafirmação, intencionalidade e integridade pessoal. Se propõe também a oferecer uma proposta de cuidado corporal para o alívio do estresse e de tensões, favorecendo o autoconhecimento e a integração corpo e mente.

  3. MÉTODO PARA LA FORMACIÓN DE STAKEHOLDER EN PROYECTOS DE INGENIERÍA USANDO LA METODOLOGÍA PMI Y TÉCNICAS DE INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL

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    Luis Eduardo Vahos Hernández

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available En este artículo de investigación se presenta un método para la formación de interesados (stakeholder en la ejecución de proyectos de ingeniería. El método integra investigaciones recientes en las áreas de la educación en ingeniería y técnicas de inteligencia artificial. El método es modelado a través de un sistema tutorial inteligente, el cual permite hacer un seguimiento cognitivo del interesado y del desarrollo del proyecto. También se utiliza el razonamiento basado en casos para ofrecer alternativas de solución cuando el stakeholder encuentra dificultades en la adquisición de los conocimientos.

  4. O Mercosul na política de integração de Venezuela = Mercosur in Venezuela’s integration policy

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    Briceño-Ruiz, José

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available Neste artigo argumenta-se que a estratégia do governo Chávez de solicitar a adesão ao Mercosul deve ser contextualizada no quadro das mudanças políticas internas na Venezuela e da forma como estas mudanças tem influído na elaboração e aplicação de política externa deste país. Neste sentido, qualquer decisão do governo venezuelano em matéria de integração regional está subordinada à consecução dos três objetivos básicos da política exterior do país: a luta contra a ordem unipolar, transformada nos anos recentes em anti-imperialismo; a rejeição ao neoliberalismo, que se converteu em anticapitalismo e a promoção da integração bolivariana. A dificuldade de compatibilizar os objetivos da política exterior venezuelana com a realidade política, estratégica e regulamento institucional do Mercosul e os custos econômicos que teria para o país adotar o programa de liberalização do Protocolo de Caracas explicam as dificuldades da adesão venezuelana ao Mercosul

  5. A Integração Digital Lusófona

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    Valnora Leister

    2016-11-01

    Full Text Available Este trabalho visa avaliar o papel da internet, redes sociais e plataformas digitais na promoção de maior integração cultural e econômica entre os nove países membros da Comunidade de Países da Língua Portuguesa (CPLP O Brasil utiliza, desde 1990, free and open software para a promoção de serviços públicos, com ênfase na educação à distância. Na esfera cultural, em 2003, o Ministro da Cultura lançou o programa Cultura Digital, promovendo o uso de meios digitais no apoio à criatividade artística e musical da população de baixa renda. Este programa foi seguido pela inovação do Vale Cultura, um cartão eletrônico, financiado por empresas, com o fim de incentivar a participação de empregados de baixa renda em eventos culturais. Em 2010, a Universidade de Integração Internacional da Lusofonia Afro Brasileira (UNILAB, foi criada com o objetivo de “integrar para desenvolver”. Este enfoque na tecnologia digital como um instrumento democrático de inclusão social foi reforçado no Brasil, em 2014, pela adoção do Marco Civil da Internet. O aumento do acesso mundial à telefonia móvel e à internet vem apoiar o objetivo, expressado pelo Brasil, de usar a tecnologia digital para facilitar a inclusão social e “integrar para desenvolver”. Este trabalho irá explorar como este objetivo poderá beneficiar as comunidades lusófonas, espalhadas pelos quatro continentes. | "The Lusophone Digital Integration". This paper analyses the role of the internet, social networks, and digital platforms in the promotion of better cultural and economic integration among the nine member countries of the Community of Portuguese Language Speaking Countries (CPLP. Brazil uses, since 1990, free and open software for the delivery of public services with emphasis on E-learning. In the cultural area, in 2003, the Cultural Minister launched the Digital Culture Program, promoting the use of digital media to assist low-income communities. Later

  6. Igualdade de oportunidades nas Forças Armadas. O papel das políticas de integraçâo de género

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    Helena Carreiras

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available Neste artigo discute-se o impacto de políticas organizacionais sobre a construção de igualdade de oportunidades e integração de género nas Forças Armadas. Após uma apresentação de dados empíricos que permitem a caracterização global dos factores condicionantes e da situação das mulheres militares nas democracias ocidentais, analisa-se o papel das políticas organizacionais na promoção da igualdade de oportunidades e integração de género nas Forças Armadas. Conclui-se que nem sempre políticas destinadas a promover a igualdade formal terão idênticos efeitos em termos de integração social, e que as políticas parecem ser condição necessária, mas não suficiente para assegurar maiores níveis de equidade entre sexos no universo militar. In this article, the impact of the organizational policies on the construction of the equality of opportunity and integration of the gender in the Armed Forces is discussed. After a presentation of the empirical data that allow the global characterization of the determining factors and the situation of the military women in Western democracies, the paper of the organizational policies in the promotion of the equality of opportunity and gender integration in the Armed Forces is analyzed. The conclusion is that not always the policies destined to promote the formal equality will have identical effects in terms of social integration, and that the policies seem to be a necessary condition, but not enough to assure greater levels of equality between sexes in the military universe.

  7. Integração de condicionantes de morfologia urbana no desenvolvimento de metodologia para planejamento energético urbano

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    Karin Regina de Casas Castro Marins

    Full Text Available O objetivo desse artigo é apresentar as características gerais de uma nova metodologia para planejamento energético urbano, detalhando os procedimentos para integração de condicionantes de morfologia urbana, que constitui a primeira etapa de aplicação metodológica. Esta abordagem é inovadora e focada na integração de estratégias e soluções em morfologia e mobilidade urbanas, edifícios, energia e meio ambiente para planejamento de áreas em desenvolvimento urbano, novas ou a serem requalificadas, na escala de distritos, bairros e unidades de vizinhança. A análise dos resultados da aplicação metodológica no caso da operação urbana Água Branca indicou que a ocupação urbana por edificações e as densidades construída e populacional necessitavam ser compatibilizadas com a área livre requerida ao adequado dimensionamento da seção viária, no que tange a aspectos de climatologia e de provimento de infraestrutura e demanda para mobilidade urbana. Esta era uma premissa para o aproveitamento da luz e da energia solar em edificações e para que o sistema de transporte urbano fosse mais funcional e energeticamente mais eficiente.

  8. Management of an irradiated anophthalmic socket following dermis-fat graft rejection: A case report

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    Raizada Kuldeep

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available Dermis-fat graft (DFG is often the only promising option in cases of severely contracted sockets. However, there is an increased risk of graft failure in irradiated sockets with decreased vascularity. In such difficult cases, repeat DFG implantation also has higher risks of graft failure. We describe an ingenious method of successful management of an irradiated anophthalmic socket following DFG infection and necrosis, with acceptable cosmetic results. At surgery, an orbital impression was taken with ophthalmic grade alginate. Based on this measurement, a custom-made stem pressure socket-expander made up of high density polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA was fitted, a week post surgery and kept in situ for six weeks. On review, the fornices had considerably deepened. The expander device was removed and the patient was now fitted with a custom-made thicker prosthesis made up of high-density PMMA. The patient has followed up for a year subsequently and the prosthesis has remained stable.

  9. Micro and Macro Element Composition of Kalanchoe integra Leaves: An Adjuvant Treatment for Hypertension in Ghana

    Science.gov (United States)

    Frimpong-Manso, S.; Asiedu-Gyekye, I. J.; Naadu, J. P.; Magnus-Aryitey, G. T.; Nyarko, A. K.; Boamah, D.; Awan, M.

    2015-01-01

    Two samples, water extract and blended whole leaves, of fresh Kalanchoe integra leaves (Crassulaceae), a traditional antihypertensive medicine used in Ghana, were analyzed with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF). Analysis revealed 12 macro and 26 micro elements in both extracts. Further quantitative assessment of the results for amounts of elements that are pharmacologically significant revealed that the amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium present in the extracts could be correlated to its traditional usage in managing hypertension and arrhythmias. However, heavy metals (lead and inorganic arsenic) detected in the extracts may pose a threat at doses normally used traditionally for the treatment of hypertension. PMID:26495138

  10. Micro and Macro Element Composition of Kalanchoe integra Leaves: An Adjuvant Treatment for Hypertension in Ghana

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    S. Frimpong-Manso

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Two samples, water extract and blended whole leaves, of fresh Kalanchoe integra leaves (Crassulaceae, a traditional antihypertensive medicine used in Ghana, were analyzed with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF. Analysis revealed 12 macro and 26 micro elements in both extracts. Further quantitative assessment of the results for amounts of elements that are pharmacologically significant revealed that the amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium present in the extracts could be correlated to its traditional usage in managing hypertension and arrhythmias. However, heavy metals (lead and inorganic arsenic detected in the extracts may pose a threat at doses normally used traditionally for the treatment of hypertension.

  11. Treatment of chronic heel osteomyelitis in vasculopathic patients. Can the combined use of Integra® , skin graft and negative pressure wound therapy be considered a valid therapeutic approach after partial tangential calcanectomy?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fraccalvieri, Marco; Pristerà, Giuseppe; Zingarelli, Enrico; Ruka, Erind; Bruschi, Stefano

    2012-04-01

    Osteomyelitis of the calcaneus is a difficult problem to manage. Patients affected by osteomyelitis of the calcaneus often have a below-the-knee amputation because of their comorbidity. In this article, we present seven cases of heel ulcerations with chronic osteomyelitis treated with Integra(®) Dermal Regeneration Template, skin graft and negative pressure wound therapy after partial tangential calcanectomy, discussing the surgical and functional results. In this casuistic of patients, all wounds healed after skin grating of the neodermis generated by Integra(®), with no patient requiring a below-knee amputation. © 2011 The Authors. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and Medicalhelplines.com Inc.

  12. Study protocol for the Integra Initiative to assess the benefits and costs of integrating sexual and reproductive health and HIV services in Kenya and Swaziland

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    Warren Charlotte E

    2012-11-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA there are strong arguments for the provision of integrated sexual and reproductive health (SRH and HIV services. Most HIV transmissions are sexually transmitted or associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Many of the behaviours that prevent HIV transmission also prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. There is potential for integration to increase the coverage of HIV services, as individuals who use SRH services can benefit from HIV services and vice-versa, as well as increase cost-savings. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence on effective models for integrating HIV/SRH services. The need for robust evidence led a consortium of three organizations – International Planned Parenthood Federation, Population Council and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine – to design/implement the Integra Initiative. Integra seeks to generate rigorous evidence on the feasibility, effectiveness, cost and impact of different models for delivering integrated HIV/SRH services in high and medium HIV prevalence settings in SSA. Methods/design A quasi-experimental study will be conducted in government clinics in Kenya and Swaziland – assigned into intervention/comparison groups. Two models of service delivery are investigated: integrating HIV care/treatment into 1 family planning and 2 postnatal care. A full economic-costing will be used to assess the costs of different components of service provision, and the determinants of variations in unit costs across facilities/service models. Health facility assessments will be conducted at four time-periods to track changes in quality of care and utilization over time. A two-year cohort study of family planning/postnatal clients will assess the effect of integration on individual outcomes, including use of SRH services, HIV status (known/unknown and pregnancy (planned/unintended. Household surveys within some

  13. Grau de integração da atenção primária à saúde na rede de serviços de saúde em município de pequeno porte

    OpenAIRE

    Ed Wilson Rodrigues Vieira

    2015-01-01

    Diversos estudos mostram que sistemas de saúde fragmentados não garantem uma atenção oportuna nem de qualidade. Mesmo nos sistemas de saúde de base universal e orientados pela territorialização e coordenação das ações, como no Brasil, esta situação tem sido observada, com uma frágil integração da Rede de Atenção à Saúde (RAS). Neste contexto, a integração torna-se uma prioridade e um grande desafio para os sistemas de saúde, com algumas experiências em grandes municípios descritas na literatu...

  14. Variations in metal tolerance and accumulation in three hydroponically cultivated varieties of Salix integra treated with lead.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Shufeng Wang

    Full Text Available Willow species have been suggested for use in the remediation of contaminated soils due to their high biomass production, fast growth, and high accumulation of heavy metals. The tolerance and accumulation of metals may vary among willow species and varieties, and the assessment of this variability is vital for selecting willow species/varieties for phytoremediation applications. Here, we examined the variations in lead (Pb tolerance and accumulation of three cultivated varieties of Salix integra (Weishanhu, Yizhibi and Dahongtou, a shrub willow native to northeastern China, using hydroponic culture in a greenhouse. In general, the tolerance and accumulation of Pb varied among the three willow varieties depending on the Pb concentration. All three varieties had a high tolerance index (TI and EC50 value (the effective concentration of Pb in the nutrient solution that caused a 50% inhibition on biomass production, but a low translocation factor (TF, indicating that Pb sequestration is mainly restricted in the roots of S. integra. Among the three varieties, Dahogntou was more sensitive to the increased Pb concentration than the other two varieties, with the lowest EC50 and TI for root and above-ground tissues. In this respect, Weishanhu and Yizhibi were more suitable for phytostabilization of Pb-contaminated soils. However, our findings also indicated the importance of considering the toxicity symptoms when selecting willow varieties for the use of phytoremediation, since we also found that the three varieties revealed various toxicity symptoms of leaf wilting, chlorosis and inhibition of shoot and root growth under the higher Pb concentrations. Such symptoms could be considered as a supplementary index in screening tests.

  15. Variations in Metal Tolerance and Accumulation in Three Hydroponically Cultivated Varieties of Salix integra Treated with Lead

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Haijing; Chen, Yitai; Pan, Hongwei; Yang, Xiaoe; Rafiq, Tariq

    2014-01-01

    Willow species have been suggested for use in the remediation of contaminated soils due to their high biomass production, fast growth, and high accumulation of heavy metals. The tolerance and accumulation of metals may vary among willow species and varieties, and the assessment of this variability is vital for selecting willow species/varieties for phytoremediation applications. Here, we examined the variations in lead (Pb) tolerance and accumulation of three cultivated varieties of Salix integra (Weishanhu, Yizhibi and Dahongtou), a shrub willow native to northeastern China, using hydroponic culture in a greenhouse. In general, the tolerance and accumulation of Pb varied among the three willow varieties depending on the Pb concentration. All three varieties had a high tolerance index (TI) and EC50 value (the effective concentration of Pb in the nutrient solution that caused a 50% inhibition on biomass production), but a low translocation factor (TF), indicating that Pb sequestration is mainly restricted in the roots of S. integra. Among the three varieties, Dahogntou was more sensitive to the increased Pb concentration than the other two varieties, with the lowest EC50 and TI for root and above-ground tissues. In this respect, Weishanhu and Yizhibi were more suitable for phytostabilization of Pb-contaminated soils. However, our findings also indicated the importance of considering the toxicity symptoms when selecting willow varieties for the use of phytoremediation, since we also found that the three varieties revealed various toxicity symptoms of leaf wilting, chlorosis and inhibition of shoot and root growth under the higher Pb concentrations. Such symptoms could be considered as a supplementary index in screening tests. PMID:25268840

  16. Noncultured Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Therapy for Chronic Radiation Injury

    Science.gov (United States)

    Akita, Sadanori; Akino, Kozo; Hirano, Akiyoshi; Ohtsuru, Akira; Yamashita, Shunichi

    2010-01-01

    Increasing concern on chronic radiation injuries should be treated properly for life-saving improvement of wound management and quality of life. Recently, regenerative surgical modalities should be attempted with the use of noncultured autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) with temporal artificial dermis impregnated and sprayed with local angiogenic factor such as basic fibroblast growth factor, and secondary reconstruction can be a candidate for demarcation and saving the donor morbidity. Autologous adipose-derived stem cells, together with angiogenic and mitogenic factor of basic fibroblast growth factor and an artificial dermis, were applied over the excised irradiated skin defect and tested for Patients who were uneventfully healed with minimal donor-site morbidity, which lasts more than 1.5 years. PMID:21151652

  17. Noncultured Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Therapy for Chronic Radiation Injury

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sadanori Akita

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available Increasing concern on chronic radiation injuries should be treated properly for life-saving improvement of wound management and quality of life. Recently, regenerative surgical modalities should be attempted with the use of noncultured autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs with temporal artificial dermis impregnated and sprayed with local angiogenic factor such as basic fibroblast growth factor, and secondary reconstruction can be a candidate for demarcation and saving the donor morbidity. Autologous adipose-derived stem cells, together with angiogenic and mitogenic factor of basic fibroblast growth factor and an artificial dermis, were applied over the excised irradiated skin defect and tested for Patients who were uneventfully healed with minimal donor-site morbidity, which lasts more than 1.5 years.

  18. Dimensão econômica de sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária

    OpenAIRE

    Geraldo Bueno Martha Júnior; Eliseu Alves; Elisio Contini

    2011-01-01

    Os sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP) têm sido propostos como solução tecnológica para atender critérios de sustentabilidade, mas tal assertiva tem-se baseado principalmente em indicadores agronômicos e ambientais. Neste trabalho, explorou-se a perspectiva econômica da ILP. Os benefícios econômicos potenciais desses sistemas podem refletir-se em economia de escopo (diminuição do custo, em razão da produção de múltiplos produtos) ou nos efeitos de redução de risco pela diversificaçã...

  19. INTNUM: Uma Ferramenta Computacional para Visualização e Cálculo dos Métodos de Integração Numérica

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bruno Nunes Myrrha Ribeiro

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available O presente artigo destina-se a apresentação do software INTNUM. Trata-se de um software direcionado para o estudo do cálculo numérico e tem o objetivo de visualizar diferentes métodos de integração numérica, como: Retângulo, Trapézio e Simpson. Assim sendo, este software fornece o cálculo da área sob a função em uma variável, bem como possibilita a interação por meio do teclado, variando o número de partições e otimiza o valor numérico da integral. O sistema foi desenvolvido em linguagem de programação C++, e utiliza o ambiente de desenvolvimento Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition e sistema gráfico OpenGL. O uso do software tem como proposta complementar à aprendizagem na disciplina de Cálculo Numérico, além de proporcinar interatividade, visualização, e otimização nos Métodos de Integração Numérica, contribuindo assim, no processo de ensino- aprendizagem.

  20. Produtividade em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta no subtrópico brasileiro

    OpenAIRE

    Silva, Vanderley Porfirio da

    2012-01-01

    Resumo: O crescimento de árvores em meio a cultivos agrícolas e forrageiros traz, intuitivamente, alguns questionamentos sobre a combinação entre componentes tão distintos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta (ILPF) como alternativa para a intensificação sustentável do uso da terra na condição subtropical brasileira. Foram avaliados: o rendimento de grãos e de forrageiras de inverno semeados entre renques arbóreos; o comportamento e impacto do gado em re...

  1. Artificial skin in perspective: concepts and applications.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Brohem, Carla A; Cardeal, Laura B da Silva; Tiago, Manoela; Soengas, María S; Barros, Silvia B de Moraes; Maria-Engler, Silvya S

    2011-02-01

    Skin, the largest organ of the human body, is organized into an elaborate layered structure consisting mainly of the outermost epidermis and the underlying dermis. A subcutaneous adipose-storing hypodermis layer and various appendages such as hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, nerves, lymphatics, and blood vessels are also present in the skin. These multiple components of the skin ensure survival by carrying out critical functions such as protection, thermoregulation, excretion, absorption, metabolic functions, sensation, evaporation management, and aesthetics. The study of how these biological functions are performed is critical to our understanding of basic skin biology such as regulation of pigmentation and wound repair. Impairment of any of these functions may lead to pathogenic alterations, including skin cancers. Therefore, the development of genetically controlled and well characterized skin models can have important implications, not only for scientists and physicians, but also for manufacturers, consumers, governing regulatory boards and animal welfare organizations. As cells making up human skin tissue grow within an organized three-dimensional (3D) matrix surrounded by neighboring cells, standard monolayer (2D) cell cultures do not recapitulate the physiological architecture of the skin. Several types of human skin recombinants, also called artificial skin, that provide this critical 3D structure have now been reconstructed in vitro. This review contemplates the use of these organotypic skin models in different applications, including substitutes to animal testing. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

  2. DFT:B3LYP/3-21G theoretical insights on the confocal Raman experimental observations in skin dermis of healthy young, healthy elderly, and diabetic elderly women

    Science.gov (United States)

    Téllez Soto, Claudio Alberto; Pereira, Liliane; dos Santos, Laurita; Rajasekaran, Ramu; Fávero, Priscila; Martin, Airton Abrahão

    2016-12-01

    In the confocal Raman spectra of skin dermis, the band area in the spectral region of proline and hydroxyproline varies according to the age and health condition of the volunteers, classified as healthy young women, healthy elderly women, and diabetic elderly women. Another observation refers to the intensity variation and negative Raman shift of the amide I band. To understand these effects, we adopted a model system using the DFT/B3LYP:3-21G procedure, considering the amino acid chain formed by glycine, hydroxyproline, proline, and alanine, which interacts with two and six water molecules. Through these systems, polarizability variations were analyzed to correlate its values with the observed Raman intensities of the three groups of volunteers and to assign the vibrational spectra of the skin dermis. As a way to correlate other experimental trends, we propose a model of chemical reaction of water interchange between the bonding amino acids, in which water molecules are attached with glucose by hydrogen bonds. The theoretical results are in accordance with the observed experimental trends.

  3. Artificial Consciousness or Artificial Intelligence

    OpenAIRE

    Spanache Florin

    2017-01-01

    Artificial intelligence is a tool designed by people for the gratification of their own creative ego, so we can not confuse conscience with intelligence and not even intelligence in its human representation with conscience. They are all different concepts and they have different uses. Philosophically, there are differences between autonomous people and automatic artificial intelligence. This is the difference between intelligence and artificial intelligence, autonomous versus a...

  4. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for cutaneous radiation syndrome.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Akita, Sadanori; Akino, Kozo; Hirano, Akiyoshi; Ohtsuru, Akira; Yamashita, Shunichi

    2010-06-01

    Systemic and local radiation injuries caused by nuclear power reactor accidents, therapeutic irradiation, or nuclear terrorism should be prevented or properly treated in order to improve wound management and save lives. Currently, regenerative surgical modalities should be attempted with temporal artificial dermis impregnated and sprayed with a local angiogenic factor such as basic fibroblast growth factor, and secondary reconstruction can be a candidate for demarcation and saving the donor morbidity. Human mesenchymal stem cells and adipose-derived stem cells, together with angiogenic and mitogenic factor of basic fibroblast growth factor and an artificial dermis, were applied over the excised irradiated skin defect and were tested for differentiation and local stimulation effects in the radiation-exposed wounds. The perforator flap and artificial dermal template with growth factor were successful for reconstruction in patients who were suffering from complex underlying disease. Patients were uneventfully treated with minimal morbidities. In the experiments, the hMSCs are strongly proliferative even after 20 Gy irradiation in vitro. In vivo, 4 Gy rat whole body irradiation demonstrated that sustained marrow stromal (mesenchymal stem) cells survived in the bone marrow. Immediate artificial dermis application impregnated with cells and the cytokine over the 20 Gy irradiated skin and soft tissues demonstrated the significantly improved fat angiogenesis, architected dermal reconstitution, and less inflammatory epidermal recovery. Detailed understanding of underlying diseases and rational reconstructive procedures brings about good outcomes for difficult irradiated wound healing. Adipose-derived stem cells are also implicated in the limited local injuries for short cell harvesting and processing time in the same subject.

  5. Água e integração regional na África ocidental: Papel dos rios na economia política oeste africana / Water and Regional Integration in West Africa: Role of rivers in the west

    OpenAIRE

    Diallo, Mamadou Alpha; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

    2013-01-01

    Este artigo parte da descrição histórica dos diferentes processos sociopolíticos, econômicos e culturais que se desenvolvem no curso do rio Senegal, para avaliar os possíveis conflitos de interesses políticos e econômicos e suas consequências positivas ou negativas para a integração regional dos países da região. Conclui-se que os rios são elementos favoráveis à promoção da cooperação e da integração regional na África Ocidental, apesar de certas tensões existirem entre Estados separados por ...

  6. Effects of copper on Gammerus pseudolimneus, Physa integra, and Campeloma decisum in soft water

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Arthur, J W; Leonard, E N

    1970-01-01

    Three invertebrate species were subjected to acute (96-hr), followed by long-term (6-week) copper exposured under continuous-flow bioassay conditions. Survival, growth, reproduction, and feeding were the responses used for measuring toxicant effects. The average 96-hr median tolerance limits (tlm) values for Campeloma decisum, Physa integra, and Gammarus pseudolimnaeus were 1.7, 0.039, and 0.020 micrograms/liter total copper, respectively. The total copper concentration having no effect after 6 weeks exposure for all three species was between 8.0 and 14.8 micrograms/liter. The newly hatched amphipods obtained from the second 6-week study were exposed to copper for 9 additional weeks, and grew to the adult age only in copper concentrations <4.6 micrograms/liter. After 5 weeks exposure to a water system, survival of newly hatched Gammarus was markedly reduced when copper concentrations were between 12.9 and 6.2 micrograms/liter.

  7. Sistemas certificáveis de gestão ambiental e da qualidade: práticas para integração em empresas do setor moveleiro Environmental and quality certifiable management systems: guidelines for integration

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Paulo Fernando Fuzer Grael

    2010-03-01

    Full Text Available O principal objetivo deste artigo é propor, a partir do referencial teórico e de um estudo de caso em uma empresa moveleira, práticas para integração de sistemas certificáveis de gestão ambiental e da qualidade. A coleta de dados do estudo de caso se deu por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com o responsável direto pelos dois sistemas e com alguns colaboradores-chave do nível operacional, além de análise documental e de visitas in loco. Ao final deste artigo, são propostas práticas para integração desses sistemas, relacionadas aos seguintes elementos: alta administração; apoio administrativo, financeiro e pessoal; serviço de consultoria; coordenação do programa de integração; interface entre os sistemas; capacitação técnico-gerencial; sistema de liderança, prospecção, avaliação e desenvolvimento de fornecedores; sistema de informação; indicadores; comunicação com o cliente, e integração contínua.Based on theoretical references and a case study centered on a furniture company, the main objective of this paper is to propose practices for integration of environmental and quality certifiable management systems. The case study data was collected via semi-structured interviews with those directly responsible for the two systems and some key collaborators at operational level, via document analysis and in loco observation. Finally, some practices are proposed to integrate these systems relating to the following elements: top-level administration; administrative, financial and personal support; consulting service; coordination of the integration program; interface between systems; technical-managerial training; leadership system; search, evaluation and development of suppliers; information system; indicators; communication with the customer; and continuous integration.

  8. Fauna invertebrada e atributos físicos e químicos do solo em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Irzo Isaac Rosa Portilho

    2011-10-01

    Full Text Available O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP nos principais grupos da macrofauna invertebrada do solo e a relação destes organismos com os atributos físicos e químicos do solo. Foram comparados: sistema de manejo convencional, sistema integração lavoura-pecuária, sistema plantio direto, pastagem cultivada continuamente e fragmentos naturais de Cerrado e de floresta semidecídua. O experimento foi conduzido em Dourados, MS, em um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico, disposto em faixas. A maior densidade, riqueza e diversidade das famílias foi observada no sistema de ILP, em plantio direto, e no sistema em pastagem cultivada continuamente. O sistema convencional promoveu maior redução na comunidade dos organismos invertebrados do solo. O sistema de ILP favorece a manutenção da diversidade da fauna invertebrada, a formação dos agregados estáveis e a fertilidade do solo. A família Sthaphylinidae é um potencial bioindicador de qualidade do solo, principalmente na floresta semidecídua e no sistema de ILP.

  9. Integração conceptual na descrição de fenômenos gramaticais do português

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Antônio Suárez Abreu

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available A Gramática funcional tem atualmente grande aceitação nos meios linguísticos, principalmente por ser capaz de esclarecer a motivação de fatos gramaticais na construção de um texto. A partir dela, deixa-se a tradição de estudar a gramática pela gramática. Pronomes demonstrativos, por exemplo, passam a ser vistos como ferramentas eficazes de coesão textual, retomando anaforicamente termos de orações anteriores. Essa tarefa, contudo, acaba deixando pelo caminho um rastro infindável de “caixas pretas”. Como explicar a origem do funcionamento anafórico dos demonstrativos, se eles servem originalmente, na língua falada, para apontar coisas ou pessoas em relação à posição espacial dos interlocutores? O objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar que a Linguística Cognitiva surge justamente como uma opção de abertura dessas caixas pretas. No presente artigo, escolhi um de seus tópicos, a teoria da integração conceptual (blending para defender essa possibilidade. Nessa tarefa, achei necessário, em primeiro lugar, integrar o modelo cognitivista dentro da Teoria da Complexidade, de acordo com Bybee (2010 e Castilho (2009, que defendem a linguagem humana como um sistema adaptativo complexo. Depois disso, faço uma breve descrição atualizada da teoria da integração conceptual e proponho sua aplicação a alguns fatos gramaticais da língua portuguesa, no nível morfológico e sintático.

  10. Integração conceptual na descrição de fenômenos gramaticais do português

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Antônio Suárez Abreu

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available A Gramática funcional tem atualmente grande aceitação nos meios linguísticos, principalmente por ser capaz de esclarecer a motivação de fatos gramaticais na construção de um texto. A partir dela, deixa-se a tradição de estudar a gramática pela gramática. Pronomes demonstrativos, por exemplo, passam a ser vistos como ferramentas eficazes de coesão textual, retomando anaforicamente termos de orações anteriores. Essa tarefa, contudo, acaba deixando pelo caminho um rastro infindável de "caixas pretas". Como explicar a origem do funcionamento anafórico dos demonstrativos, se eles servem originalmente, na língua falada, para apontar coisas ou pessoas em relação à posição espacial dos interlocutores? O objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar que a Linguística Cognitiva surge justamente como uma opção de abertura dessas caixas pretas. No presente artigo, escolhi um de seus tópicos, a teoria da integração conceptual (blending para defender essa possibilidade. Nessa tarefa, achei necessário, em primeiro lugar, integrar o modelo cognitivista dentro da Teoria da Complexidade, de acordo com Bybee (2010 e Castilho (2009, que defendem a linguagem humana como um sistema adaptativo complexo. Depois disso, faço uma breve descrição atualizada da teoria da integração conceptual e proponho sua aplicação a alguns fatos gramaticais da língua portuguesa, no nível morfológico e sintático.

  11. Natural - synthetic - artificial!

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Peter E

    2010-01-01

    The terms "natural," "synthetic" and "artificial" are discussed in relation to synthetic and artificial chromosomes and genomes, synthetic and artificial cells and artificial life.......The terms "natural," "synthetic" and "artificial" are discussed in relation to synthetic and artificial chromosomes and genomes, synthetic and artificial cells and artificial life....

  12. Mulheres imigrantes cabo-verdianas nas prisões portuguesas (des) integração, reclusão e projectos de vida

    OpenAIRE

    Martins, Paula Maria de Pinho da Silva

    2015-01-01

    Dissertação de Mestrado em Relações Interculturais apresentada à Universidade Aberta O presente estudo baseia-se em mulheres imigrantes cabo-verdianas nas prisões portuguesas. A informação foi recolhida no Estabelecimento Prisional de Tires e assentou em mulheres condenadas que cumprem pena efetiva de prisão. Quisemos perceber quais os motivos que levaram estas mulheres imigrantes a abandonarem o seu país de origem, se tiveram dificuldades de integração no país que as acolheu e se em resul...

  13. Programa de integração de clientes internacionais como estratégia de marketing de relacionamento : o caso ciser

    OpenAIRE

    Deuschle, Diane

    2007-01-01

    O tema da dissertação materializou-se a partir de uma ferramenta de marketing de relacionamento utilizada pela empresa Ciser no mercado interno com o objetivo de tornar-se um diferencial perante seus concorrentes e o mercado. Com base nessa ferramenta foi elaborada a proposta para um programa de integração com clientes internacionais com dimensões distintas respeitando-se as diferenças culturais dos países com os quais a empresa mantém relações comerciais. O embasamento teórico de globaliz...

  14. Integração entre logística e marketing: fatores críticos na perspectiva de interação e colaboração Integration between logistics and marketing: critical factors in the interaction and collaboration's perspective

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Márcio Lopes Pimenta

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available Diversos pesquisadores destacam a existência de estreita relação entre as funções de Marketing e Logística. É percebido que a integração destas funções exerce influência positiva no desempenho das organizações. A literatura sobre integração interfuncional sugere configurações de estratégias formais e informais, no intuito de estudar a sinergia dentro das organizações. O objetivo deste artigo é identificar e caracterizar elementos que facilitam ou dificultam a integração entre as funções de Logística e Marketing, no âmbito interno de organizações do setor de laticínios. O trabalho consiste em uma pesquisa bibliográfica sobre o tema, seguido de um estudo de caso múltiplo, de modo a evidenciar os conceitos e os pressupostos obtidos na literatura. Entrevistas em profundidade foram conduzidas com quatro gerentes, com base na técnica do incidente crítico (FLANAGAN, 1954, que também contribuiu para a análise e interpretação dos dados. Como resultados, tem-se que a percepção dos gerentes de Marketing e de Logística revela a existência de elementos que inibem a integração entre estas áreas, bem como elementos que facilitam a integração. Além disso, foram evidenciadas situações de integração formais (estruturas hierárquicas entre Marketing e Logística e informais (relações de confiança e sinergia entre os dois gerentes de área que, conforme a literatura pesquisada, são adotadas diante da necessidade de maiores níveis de interação ou de colaboração, respectivamente. Os elementos inibidores e facilitadores de integração, aqui mencionados, bem como suas definições, podem subsidiar futuros trabalhos no âmbito da integração interfuncional entre Marketing e Logística, e ainda, entre diversas áreas internas das organizações.Many researchers highlight the existence of a close relationship between Marketing and Logistics functions. It is perceived that the integration of these functions

  15. Império Romano e integração: os cristãos nas cartas de Plínio, o Jovem e Trajano

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Renata Lopes Biazotto Venturini

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available O artigo pretende compreender os limites e as possibilidades da inserção do cristianismo na província romana da Bitínia a partir do estudo de duas cartas sobre os cristãos presentes na correspondência entre Plínio, o Jovem, e Trajano. Para tanto, destacamos que nossa abordagem concebe o Império Romano como um espaço de integração, o que favorece o estudo de aspectos que excedem as relações do poder imperial com os seguidores dessa religião. A análise das fontes a partir dos pressupostos da historiografia recente apontou que a situação dos cristãos na provincia dependia, naquele período, da tolerância das comunidades judaicas e gregas, além da condescendência das autoridade romanas. Nesse contexto, tornar-se critão era também uma forma, embora menos valorizada, de integração no mundo romano, pois o cristianismo foi uma religião que cresceu a partir das trocas culturais e das relações de poder que ocorriam entre as comunidades presentes na província.

  16. Integração do ensino médio e técnico: percepções de alunos do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará – IFPA/Campus Castanhal

    OpenAIRE

    COSTA, Ana Maria Raiol da

    2012-01-01

    Esta dissertação intitulada “Integração do ensino médio e técnico: percepções de alunos do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia – IFPA/Campus Castanhal”, apresenta como questão norteadora: O que os estudantes percebem nas estratégias de ensino praticadas no curso, que os levam a tirar conclusões sobre realizações e limitações na operacionalização da integração do ensino? Seu objetivo geral é analisar a partir da percepção de alunos, do terceiro ano do curso Técnico em Agrope...

  17. Complete horizontal skin cell resurfacing and delayed vertical cell infiltration into porcine reconstructive tissue matrix compared to bovine collagen matrix and human dermis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mirastschijski, Ursula; Kerzel, Corinna; Schnabel, Reinhild; Strauss, Sarah; Breuing, Karl-Heinz

    2013-10-01

    Xenogenous dermal matrices are used for hernia repair and breast reconstruction. Full-thickness skin replacement is needed after burn or degloving injuries with exposure of tendons or bones. The authors used a human skin organ culture model to study whether porcine reconstructive tissue matrix (Strattice) is effective as a dermal tissue replacement. Skin cells or split-thickness skin grafts were seeded onto human deepidermized dermis, Strattice, and Matriderm. Cellular resurfacing and matrix infiltration were monitored by live fluorescence imaging, histology, and electron microscopy. Proliferation, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and adhesion were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Epithelial resurfacing and vertical proliferation were reduced and delayed with both bioartificial matrices compared with deepidermized dermis; however, no differences in apoptosis, cell differentiation, or basement membrane formation were found. Vertical penetration was greatest on Matriderm, whereas no matrix infiltration was found on Strattice in the first 12 days. Uncompromised horizontal resurfacing was greatest with Strattice but was absent with Matriderm. Strattice showed no stimulatory effect on cellular inflammation. Matrix texture and surface properties governed cellular performance on tissues. Although dense dermal compaction delayed vertical cellular ingrowth for Strattice, it allowed uncompromised horizontal resurfacing. Dense dermal compaction may slow matrix decomposition and result in prolonged biomechanical stability of the graft. Reconstructive surgeons should choose the adequate matrix substitute depending on biomechanical requirements at the recipient site. Strattice may be suitable as a dermal replacement at recipient sites with high mechanical load requirements.

  18. Integração regional e constitucionalismo: análise do Tratado de Lisboa e estudo comparativo das perspectivas para o Mercosul

    OpenAIRE

    Mineiro de Aguiar Barbosa Pereira, Amanda

    2010-01-01

    O presente trabalho oferece uma perspectiva interdisciplinar, abordando temas do direito constitucional, do direito internacional e das ciências econômicas, sendo o objeto desta pesquisa o estudo do desenvolvimento do direito constitucional comum nos processos de integração regional europeu e mercosulino. A partir desse tema, abordar-se-á a tese do Estado constitucional cooperativo e do direito constitucional comum como respostas ao enfraquecimento do Estado-nação tradicional. Tal análise per...

  19. Use of a collagen-elastin matrix as transport carrier system to transfer proliferating epidermal cells to human dermis in vitro.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Waaijman, Taco; Breetveld, Melanie; Ulrich, Magda; Middelkoop, Esther; Scheper, Rik J; Gibbs, Susan

    2010-01-01

    This in vitro study describes a novel cell culture, transport, and transfer protocol that may be highly suitable for delivering cultured proliferating keratinocytes and melanocytes to large open skin wounds (e.g., burns). We have taken into account previous limitations identified using other keratinocyte transfer techniques, such as regulatory issues, stability of keratinocytes during transport (single cell suspensions undergo terminal differentiation), ease of handling during application, and the degree of epidermal blistering resulting after transplantation (both related to transplanting keratinocyte sheets). Large numbers of proliferating epidermal cells (EC) (keratinocytes and melanocytes) were generated within 10-14 days and seeded onto a three-dimensional matrix composed of elastin and collagen types I, III, and V (Matriderm®), which enabled easy and stable transport of the EC for up to 24 h under ambient conditions. All culture conditions were in accordance with the regulations set by the Dutch Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO). As an in vitro model system for clinical in vivo transfer, the EC were then transferred from Matriderm onto human acellular dermis during a period of 3 days. After transfer the EC maintained the ability to regenerate into a fully differentiated epidermis containing melanocytes on the human dermis. Proliferating keratinocytes were located in the basal layer and keratin-10 expression was located in differentiating suprabasal layers similar to that found in human epidermis. No blistering was observed (separation of the epidermis from the basement membrane). Keratin-6 expression was strongly upregulated in the regenerating epidermis similar to normal wound healing. In summary, we show that EC-Matriderm contains viable, metabolically active keratinocytes and melanocytes cultured in a manner that permits easy transportation and contains epidermal cells with the potential to form a pigmented reconstructed

  20. Effects of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate on the incorporation of labelled precursors into RNA, DNA and protein in epidermis, dermis and subcutis from precancerous mouse skin with reference to enhanced tumorigenesis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bhisey, R.A.; Ramchandani, A.G.; Sirsat, S.M.

    1984-01-01

    The effects of a single application of 1.8 nmol 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on precursor incorporation into RNA, DNA and protein in the epidermis, dermis and subcutis from 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) injected precancerous mouse skin were studied at various time points between 3 and 96 h. In the precancerous tissues, the rates of incorporation of [ 3 H]uridine into RNA did not alter appreciably from those in the control tissues; while the rates of [ 3 H]methylthymidine incorporation into DNA were elevated with peaks appearing between 6 and 12 h, at 24 h and at 72 h in epidermis, dermis and subcutis. The rate of incorporation of [ 14 C]leucine into protein was markedly elevated in all the three tissues which showed 3-4 sharp peaks. The maximum stimulation ranged between 14 and 20 times that of the control. A single application of TPA to the precancerous mouse skin induced early stimulation of precursor incorporation into all the three macromolecules in epidermis, dermis and subcutis. The increased stimulation was maintained for 36-72 h. The patterns of incorporation of [ 3 H]methylthymidine into DNA gave rise to 2-3 peaks of elevated uptake in each tissue up to 36-48 h. A lowered rate of DNA synthesis between 48 and 60 h was followed by a peak at 72 h. In each group, epidermal mitotic activity correlated well with spurts of precursor incorporation into cellular DNA. The observations indicate that TPA recruits more cells into the DNA synthetic phase and accelerates selective growth of preneoplastic cells during tumor progression

  1. Artificial intelligence

    CERN Document Server

    Hunt, Earl B

    1975-01-01

    Artificial Intelligence provides information pertinent to the fundamental aspects of artificial intelligence. This book presents the basic mathematical and computational approaches to problems in the artificial intelligence field.Organized into four parts encompassing 16 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the various fields of artificial intelligence. This text then attempts to connect artificial intelligence problems to some of the notions of computability and abstract computing devices. Other chapters consider the general notion of computability, with focus on the interaction bet

  2. Viabilidade técnico-econômica da recria de novilhas leiteiras na integração lavoura-pecuária

    OpenAIRE

    Silva, Hernani Alves da

    2012-01-01

    Resumo: A adoção do sistema de plantio direto (SPD), aliado a integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP) tem sido uma estratégia fomentada no Brasil, visando maximizar o rendimento das áreas e aumentar a lucratividade do agronegócio. Um experimento foi conduzido na Cooperativa Agropecuária Castrolanda (Castro, Paraná), com os seguintes objetivos: (i) avaliar a viabilidade da recria de novilhas leiteiras em pastagens de inverno sob sistema de ILP; (ii) avaliar o rendimento de grãos e atributos fitotécn...

  3. Um olhar sobre a prática desportiva, bem-estar subjetivo e integração social de imigrantes... em Portugal e no mundo

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marília Moraes

    2012-04-01

    Full Text Available O presente artigo de revisão centrou-se na prática desportiva e na sua relação com o bem-estar subjetivo e a integração social de imigrantes procurando fazer o levantamento da informação disponível na literatura acerca dessa temática a um nível mais global e, particularmente em Portugal, que a partir dos anos 80 se tornou num país de imigração. O levantamento bibliográfico incluiu livros, artigos científicos pesquisados em bases de dados internacionais, sites especializados e institucionais. A revisão da literatura permitiu verificar que: os imigrantes tendem a praticar menos desporto assim como a ter menores níveis de bem-estar subjetivo comparativamente à população autóctone; a prática desportiva relaciona-se positivamente com o bem-estar subjetivo também nos imigrantes; o desporto pode desempenhar um importante papel para a integração social dos imigrantes, apesar de nalguns contextos reforçar as diferenças inter-étnicas; em Portugal, não foram encontrados estudos específicos sobre a prática desportiva de imigrantes.

  4. Estimulação elétrica neuromuscular e estimulação eletrotáctil na restauração artificial da preensão e da propriocepção em tetraplégicos Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and electron-tactile stimulation in rehabilitation of artificial prehension and proprioception in tetraplegic patients

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Claudia Ferrari de Castro

    2001-09-01

    Full Text Available Esse trabalho discute o uso da estimulação elétrica na reabilitação sensoriomotora de membros superiores paralisados. A restauração da função motora de preensão foi obtida pela aplicação da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular, em seqüências de ativação adequadas a realização de atividades do cotidiano como comer, beber, escrever e digitar. Uma luva instrumentalizada com sensores de força possibilitou quantificar o padrão de movimento exercido artificialmente. Esse sistema foi utilizado como alça de realimentação para a restauração de uma propriocepção através da aplicação da estimulação eletrotáctil, possibilitando a evocação de sensações tácteis codificadas, relacionadas ao movimento artificial. A integração sensoriomotora se deu pela aplicação simultânea dos sistemas desenvolvidos, possibilitando desde a restauração de padrões funcionais de preensão, até o reconhecimento do padrão de movimento exercido através das sensações evocadas artificialmente.This paper discusses the use of electrical stimulation in upper limb sensorial and motor rehabilitation. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES was used aiming to restore motor hand function by means of muscle activation sequences to perform daily living activities such as drinking, eating, writing and typewriting. Custom made gloves instrumented with force transducers were used aiming quantitative evaluation of the artificially generated movement. This system was used as a sensorial feedback supplier for an artificial proprioception system. Encoded tactile sensation relating to artificially generated movements was provided by electron-tactile stimulation. The results showed that the sensorial-motor integration attained yielded both functional movement restoration and the recognition of artificial grasp force patterns, in order to allow the neuroprosthetic system to become closer to the biologic system.

  5. Artificial Consciousness or Artificial Intelligence

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Spanache Florin

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available Artificial intelligence is a tool designed by people for the gratification of their own creative ego, so we can not confuse conscience with intelligence and not even intelligence in its human representation with conscience. They are all different concepts and they have different uses. Philosophically, there are differences between autonomous people and automatic artificial intelligence. This is the difference between intelligence and artificial intelligence, autonomous versus automatic. But conscience is above these differences because it is neither conditioned by the self-preservation of autonomy, because a conscience is something that you use to help your neighbor, nor automatic, because one’s conscience is tested by situations which are not similar or subject to routine. So, artificial intelligence is only in science-fiction literature similar to an autonomous conscience-endowed being. In real life, religion with its notions of redemption, sin, expiation, confession and communion will not have any meaning for a machine which cannot make a mistake on its own.

  6. Application of double-layered skin phantoms for optical flow imaging during laser tattoo treatments

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lee, Byeong-il; Song, Woosub; Kim, Hyejin; Kang, Hyun Wook

    2016-05-01

    The feasible application of double-layered skin phantoms was evaluated to identify artificial blood flow with a Doppler optical coherence tomography (DOCT) system for laser tattoo treatments. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used to fabricate the artificial phantoms with flow channels embedded. A double-integrating sphere system with an inverse adding-doubling method quantified both the absorption and the reduced scattering coefficients for epidermis and dermis phantoms. Both OCT and caliper measurements confirmed the double-layered phantom structure (epidermis = 136 ± 17 µm vs. dermis = 3.0 ± 0.1 mm). The DOCT method demonstrated that high flow rates were associated with high image contrast, visualizing the position and the shape of the flow channel. Application of the channel-embedded skin phantoms in conjunction with DOCT can be a reliable technique to assess dynamic variations in the blood flow during and after laser tattoo treatments.

  7. Stiparin: a glycoprotein from sea cucumber dermis that aggregates collagen fibrils.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Trotter, J A; Lyons-Levy, G; Luna, D; Koob, T J; Keene, D R; Atkinson, M A

    1996-07-01

    The interactions between collagen fibrils in many echinoderm connective tissues are rapidly altered by the secretions of resident neurosecretory cells. Recent evidence has suggested that a secreted protein is responsible for the interactions that lead to an increase in tissue stiffness (Trotter and Koob, 1995). Structurally intact collagen fibrils have been isolated from such a connective tissue- the dermis of the sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa- and used in an assay in vitro to identify a protein that binds to them and causes them to aggregate. This protein has been purified by anion-exchange and molecular sieve chromatography. It is eluted from a MonoQ column at approximately 0.55 M NaCl. Its isoelectric point is 5.2. It elutes from a Superose-6 column in a position corresponding to a molecule with a Stokes radius of 11.5 nm. Its native molecular weight estimated from sedimentation equilibrium analysis under non-denaturing conditions is 375,000, and its monomer molecular weight, estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, is approximately 350,000. Sedimentation velocity measurements indicated for the native molecule a sedimentation coefficient of 11 x 10(-13)s, a diffusion coefficient of 3.274 x 10(-7) cm2s-1, and a frictional ratio of 1.95, which corresponds to a prolate ellipsoid of revolution with an axial ratio of 19. The highly asymmetric structure suggested by the above correlated well with the images obtained by transmission electron microscopy following rotary shadowing, which revealed a flexible structure approximately 125 nm long. Based on its ability to aggregate collagen fibrils, this protein has been named "stiparin," from the Latin stipare, "to pack together."

  8. Proliferating cells in psoriatic dermis are comprised primarily of T cells, endothelial cells, and factor XIIIa+ perivascular dendritic cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Morganroth, G.S.; Chan, L.S.; Weinstein, G.D.; Voorhees, J.J.; Cooper, K.D.

    1991-01-01

    Determination of the cell types proliferating in the dermis of patients with psoriasis should identify those cells experiencing activation or responding to growth factors in the psoriatic dermal milieu. Toward that end, sections of formalin-fixed biopsies obtained from 3H-deoxyuridine (3H-dU)-injected skin of eight psoriatic patients were immunostained, followed by autoradiography. Proliferating dermal cells exhibit silver grains from tritium emissions. The identity of the proliferating cells could then be determined by simultaneous visualization with antibodies specific for various cell types. UCHL1+ (CD45RO+) T cells (recall antigen-reactive helper T-cell subset) constituted 36.6 +/- 3.1% (mean +/- SEM, n = 6) of the proliferating dermal cells in involved skin, whereas Leu 18+ (CD45RA+) T cells (recall antigen naive T-cell subsets) comprised only 8.7 +/- 1.5% (n = 6). The Factor XIIIa+ dermal perivascular dendritic cell subset (24.9 +/- 1.5% of proliferating dermal cells, n = 6) and Factor VIII+ endothelial cells represented the two other major proliferating populations in lesional psoriatic dermis. Differentiated tissue macrophages, identified by phase microscopy as melanophages or by immunostaining with antibodies to Leu M1 (CD15) or myeloid histiocyte antigen, comprised less than 5% of the proliferating population in either skin type. In addition to calculating the relative proportions of these cells to each other as percent, we also determined the density of cells, in cells/mm2 of tissue. The density of proliferating cells within these populations was increased in involved versus uninvolved skin: UCHL1+, 9.0 +/- 1.7 cells/mm2 versus 1.8 +/- 0.6 cells/mm2, p less than 0.01; Factor XIIIa+, 6.0 +/- 0.7 cells/mm2 versus 1.5 +/- 0.5 cells/mm2, p less than 0.01; Factor VIII+, 5.5 +/- 1.4 cells/mm2 versus 0.0 cells/mm2, p less than 0.05

  9. Enfermagem e odontologia: perspectivas para a integração no cuidado ao paciente crítico

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ronny Anderson de Oliveira Cruz

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre as práticas interdisciplinares que advém dos processos de integração entre a enfermagem e a odontologia no cuidado e manutenção da higiene bucal do paciente crítico, o que tem contribuído para o estabelecimento de condutas padronizadas. Apresenta abordagem reflexiva, fundamentada a partir de revisão integrativa nas bases de dados Scielo, Pubmed e Bireme no período de 2000 a 2014, onde foram encontrados encontrando 113 artigos. Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão restaram 6 artigos. Evidências fundamentam a necessidade de melhorar a integração entre estas categorias profissionais neste nível de cuidado com vistas a contribuir com a diminuição dos efeitos danosos que a falta ou a inadequada higienização oral possam trazer, bem como o aumento das complicações infecciosas com o intuito de otimizar a qualidade da assistência prestada.Nursing and dentistry: prospects for integration in critical care patientAbstract: This article aims to reflect on the interdisciplinary practices that comes from the integration processes between the nursing and dental care and maintaining oral hygiene critical patients, which has contributed to the establishment of standardized behaviors. It features reflective approach, based from integrative review in Scielo databases, Pubmed and Bireme from 2000 to 2014, where they were found finding 113 articles. After applying the criteria of inclusion and exclusion remaining 6 articles. Evidence underlying the need to improve the integration of these professional categories at this level of care in order to contribute to the reduction of harmful effects that the lack or inadequate oral hygiene can bring as well as the increase in infectious complications in order to optimize quality of care.

  10. Evolução de atributos físicos de solo em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Osmar Conte

    2011-10-01

    Full Text Available O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito das alturas de pastejo e dos sucessivos ciclos de pastejo sobre os atributos físicos do solo, em um sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária. O experimento foi implantado em 2001, na região do Planalto Médio, RS, em um Latossolo Vermelho, com o cultivo consorciado de azevém (Lolium multiflorum e de aveia-preta (Avena strigosa, sob pastejo contínuo, no inverno, e o cultivo de soja (Glycine max no verão. Os tratamentos consistiram de diferentes intensidades de pastejo, definidas pela altura da pastagem (10, 20, 30 e 40 cm, tendo-se utilizado uma área sem pastejo como controle. Foram avaliadas a densidade e a porosidade do solo após o ciclo de pastejo e de cultivo da soja, bem como a resistência mecânica do solo à penetração e a estabilidade de agregados no sétimo ano do experimento. Não houve alterações significativas na densidade e na porosidade do solo após sete anos em integração lavoura-pecuária. A resistência do solo à penetração é maior na camada superficial após o ciclo de pastejo. A agregação do solo aumenta nas áreas pastejadas, independentemente da intensidade de pastejo.

  11. Integração financeira e crescimento econômico: teoria, evidência e política Financial integration and economic growth: theory, evidence and policy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Aderbal Oliveira Damasceno

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available Este trabalho desenvolve uma análise teórica e empírica sobre as relações entre integração financeira e crescimento econômico. Utilizando dados para 105 países durante o período 1980-2004, serão estimadas equações de crescimento especificadas na forma de um modelo dinâmico de dados em painel. A análise da literatura teórica explicita a fragilidade do arcabouço teórico que fundamenta a hipótese de que a integração financeira estimula o crescimento econômico de longo prazo. As evidências econométricas apresentadas não corroboram a hipótese de que a integração financeira estimula o crescimento econômico de longo prazo mesmo em países com alto nível de desenvolvimento institucional, de desenvolvimento financeiro, de abertura comercial, de estabilidade macroeconômica e de flexibilidade do regime cambial. Esses resultados questionam os fundamentos subjacentes às recomendações de políticas para eliminação de controles de capitais.This paper develops a theoretical and empirical analysis regarding the relationship between financial integration and long-run economic growth. Using data for a sample of 105 countries over the period 1980-2004, will be estimated growth equations specified in the form of a dynamic panel data model. The theoretical literature analysis clarifies the fragility of the theoretical framework that fundaments the hypothesis that financial integration stimulates long-run economic growth. The econometrical evidences presented do not corroborate the hypothesis that financial integration stimulates the long-run economic growth, even for countries with high levels of institutional development, of financial development, of trade openness, of macroeconomic stability and of exchange rate arrangement flexibility. These results question the rationale underlying the policy recommendations for the elimination of capital controls.

  12. Effects of endogenous cysteine proteinases on structures of collagen fibres from dermis of sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Yu-Xin; Zhou, Da-Yong; Ma, Dong-Dong; Liu, Zi-Qiang; Liu, Yan-Fei; Song, Liang; Dong, Xiu-Ping; Li, Dong-Mei; Zhu, Bei-Wei; Konno, Kunihiko; Shahidi, Fereidoon

    2017-10-01

    Autolysis of sea cucumber, caused by endogenous enzymes, leads to postharvest quality deterioration of sea cucumber. However, the effects of endogenous proteinases on structures of collagen fibres, the major biologically relevant substrates in the body wall of sea cucumber, are less clear. Collagen fibres were prepared from the dermis of sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus), and the structural consequences of degradation of the collagen fibres caused by endogenous cysteine proteinases (ECP) from Stichopus japonicus were examined. Scanning electron microscopic images showed that ECP caused partial disaggregation of collagen fibres into collagen fibrils by disrupting interfibrillar proteoglycan bridges. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared analysis revealed increased structural disorder of fibrillar collagen caused by ECP. SDS-PAGE and chemical analysis indicated that ECP can liberate glycosaminoglycan, hydroxyproline and collagen fragments from collagen fibres. Thus ECP can cause disintegration of collagen fibres by degrading interfibrillar proteoglycan bridges. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Pontos de integração entre a gestão ambiental e da qualidade

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Eliacy Pordeus

    2007-11-01

    Full Text Available A aceitação do Sistema de Gestão da Qualidade ISO 9000 pelo mercado mundial é inegável. Diversos estudos têm registrado os resultados das empresas que implantaram tal sistema em seu processo produtivo, mostrando como a norma está sendo interpretada de acordo com a realidade de setores diversos. Este artigo visa contribuir para a descrição de um sistema de gestão da qualidade ISO 9002, no setor industrial de bebidas, em uma filial da AMBEV. Uma análise dos resultados mostra um rígido controle no processo produtivo, porque uma pequena variação na produção já diferencia o tipo de produto. Além disso, ações de natureza ambiental têm o controle documental e operacional realizados pela gestão da qualidade, concretizando-se, então, a possibilidade de pontos de integração entre as duas gestões.

  14. Modelo de integração em sala de aula: drogas como mote da interdisciplinaridade

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marilde Beatriz Zorzi Sá

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available O presente trabalho apresenta a descrição e resultados de uma atividade trabalhada com alunos do Ensino Médio e cujo tema abordado foram "as drogas". A ideia era que, utilizando um tema de grande repercussão e interesse dos jovens, amplamente discutido e de vasta relevância social, poder-se-ia trabalhar de maneira interdisciplinar e de forma contextualizada, contribuindo para a construção de conhecimentos relacionados ao ensino de Ciências. Nessa perspectiva, foi proposta uma sequência de atividades interdisciplinares, como pesquisas, produção de painéis e elaboração de reportagem, dentro do referido tema, que revelaram a importância da integração dos saberes e a reflexão sobre o assunto trabalhado. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o interesse e o envolvimento dos alunos foram grandes, o que possibilitou a aquisição de aprendizagens realmente significativas.

  15. PET-Saúde: uma experiência prática de integração ensino-serviço-comunidade

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vinicius Santos Ferreira

    Full Text Available Este trabalho relata a experiência de integração ensino-serviço-comunidade vivenciada por membros de equipes de Saúde da Família e graduandos de Medicina e Enfermagem participantes do PET-Saúde da Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz. A referida integração contextualizou-se com o desenvolvimento do projeto "Unidos contra a dengue", mobilização conjunta da instituição de ensino com o serviço de saúde e a comunidade no combate à dengue no bairro Nossa Senhora da Vitória, Ilhéus-Bahia. O foco das ações desse projeto foram as atividades de educação em saúde, nas quais se empregou preferencialmente metodologias ativas de ensino e aprendizagem. A mobilização contou com a participação expressiva da população das mais diversas faixas etárias. O sucesso do projeto ressalta a importância da implantação de programas como o PET-Saúde, que fortalecem a interação entre ensino-serviço-comunidade - importante para construção de serviços de saúde mais qualificados, capazes de inter-relacionar promoção, prevenção e assistência à saúde, possibilitando ações nessa área mais próximas das reais necessidades do SUS. Com esta experiência, espera-se ter contribuído para a formação de graduandos em saúde e qualificação em serviço de profissionais dessa área mais dispostos a trabalhar de forma integrada e integradora com a comunidade.

  16. Nuevos sistemas para la administración de activos a la dermis New drug active delivery systems for dermal controlled release

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    B Martínez

    2010-09-01

    Full Text Available El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo la actualización de las diferentes tecnologías, aplicadas para la administración selectiva y controlada de moléculas con actividad biológica a la piel. Se explican los distintos mecanismos y racionales aplicables, así como el potencial de estas modernas formas farmacéuticas para su uso en aplicaciones terapéuticas y cosméticas.The present work review the state of the art technologies, for the administration of drugs and actives to the dermis. Different mechanisms will be discussed as well many examples are included, to summarize the potential of this new pharmaceutical dosage forms for therapeutic, as well cosmetic applications.

  17. Análise estática e dinâmica, linear e não-linear geométrica, através de elementos hexaédricos de oito nós com um ponto de integração

    OpenAIRE

    Luiz Alberto Duarte Filho

    2002-01-01

    Para a análise estática e dinâmica, linear e não-linear de placas, cascas e vigas, implementa-se neste trabalho o elemento hexaédrico com integração reduzida, livre de travamento volumétrico e travamento de cisalhamento e que não apresenta modos espúrios. Na formulação do elemento, utiliza-se apenas um ponto de integração. Desta forma, a matriz de rigidez é dada de forma explícita e o tempo computacional é significativamente reduzido, especialmente em análise não-linear. Os modos espúrios são...

  18. A Paradiplomacia, a Cooperação descentralizada e a Integração Fronteiriça no Mercosul

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Arthur Pinheiro de Azevedo Banzatto

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a paradiplomacia e a cooperação descentralizada no âmbito do Mercosul. O trabalho apresentará as formas pelas quais os governos subnacionais dos Estados-Parte do Mercosul podem atuar no processo de integração, bem como iniciativas existentes, destacando as ações desenvolvidas nas áreas de fronteira.  This article has the purpose to analyze the paradiplomacy and the decentralized cooperation within Mercosur. The paper will present the ways in which subnational governments of the Member States of Mercosur can act in the integration process, as well as existing initiatives, highlighting the actions developed in border areas.

  19. Stem cell, cytokine and plastic surgical management for radiation injuries

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Akita, Sadanori; Hirano, Akiyoshi [Dept. of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nagasaki (Japan); Akino, Kozo [Nagasaki Univ. (Japan). Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Dept. of Neuroanatomy; Ohtsuru, Akira [Nagasaki Univ. Hospital (Japan). Takashi Nagai Memorial, International Hibakusha Medical Center; Yamashita, Shunichi [Nagasaki Univ. School of Medicine (Japan). Atomic Bomb Disease Institute; World Health Organization (WHO), Nagasaki (Japan)

    2008-07-01

    Increasing concern on systemic and local radiation injuries caused by nuclear power plant accident, therapeutic irradiation or nuclear terrorism should be treated and prevented properly for life-saving and improved wound management. We therefore reviewed our therapeutic regimens and for local radiation injuries and propose surgical methods reflecting the importance of the systemic and general conditions. For local radiation injuries, after careful and complete debridement, sequential surgeries with local flap, arterialized or perforator flap and to free flap are used when the patients' general conditions allow. Occasionally, undetermined wound margins in acute emergency radiation injuries and the regenerative surgical modalities should be attempted with temporal artificial dermis impregnated and sprayed with angiogenic factor such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and secondary reconstruction can be a candidate for demarcation and saving the donor morbidity. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), together with angiogenic and mitogenic factor of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and an artificial dermis were applied over the excised irradiated skin defect are tested for differentiation and local stimulation effects in the radiation-exposed wounds. The perforator flap and artificial dermal template with growth factor were successful for reconstruction in patients who are suffering from complex underlying disease. Patients were uneventfully treated with minimal morbidities. The hMSCs are strongly proliferative even after 20 Gy irradiation in vitro. Immediate artificial dermis application impregnated with hMSCs and bFGF over the 20 Gy irradiated skin and soft tissues demonstrated the significantly improved fat angio genesis, architected dermal reconstitution and less inflammatory epidermal recovery. Even though emergent cases are more often experienced, detailed understanding of underlying diseases and rational

  20. Stem cell, cytokine and plastic surgical management for radiation injuries

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Akita, Sadanori; Hirano, Akiyoshi; Akino, Kozo

    2008-01-01

    Increasing concern on systemic and local radiation injuries caused by nuclear power plant accident, therapeutic irradiation or nuclear terrorism should be treated and prevented properly for life-saving and improved wound management. We therefore reviewed our therapeutic regimens and for local radiation injuries and propose surgical methods reflecting the importance of the systemic and general conditions. For local radiation injuries, after careful and complete debridement, sequential surgeries with local flap, arterialized or perforator flap and to free flap are used when the patients' general conditions allow. Occasionally, undetermined wound margins in acute emergency radiation injuries and the regenerative surgical modalities should be attempted with temporal artificial dermis impregnated and sprayed with angiogenic factor such as basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and secondary reconstruction can be a candidate for demarcation and saving the donor morbidity. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), together with angiogenic and mitogenic factor of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and an artificial dermis were applied over the excised irradiated skin defect are tested for differentiation and local stimulation effects in the radiation-exposed wounds. The perforator flap and artificial dermal template with growth factor were successful for reconstruction in patients who are suffering from complex underlying disease. Patients were uneventfully treated with minimal morbidities. The hMSCs are strongly proliferative even after 20 Gy irradiation in vitro. Immediate artificial dermis application impregnated with hMSCs and bFGF over the 20 Gy irradiated skin and soft tissues demonstrated the significantly improved fat angio genesis, architected dermal reconstitution and less inflammatory epidermal recovery. Even though emergent cases are more often experienced, detailed understanding of underlying diseases and rational

  1. Artificial skin and patient simulator comprising the artificial skin

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    2011-01-01

    The invention relates to an artificial skin (10, 12, 14), and relates to a patient simulator (100) comprising the artificial skin. The artificial skin is a layered structure comprising a translucent cover layer (20) configured for imitating human or animal skin, and comprising a light emitting layer

  2. Artificial Intelligence.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Information Technology Quarterly, 1985

    1985-01-01

    This issue of "Information Technology Quarterly" is devoted to the theme of "Artificial Intelligence." It contains two major articles: (1) Artificial Intelligence and Law" (D. Peter O'Neill and George D. Wood); (2) "Artificial Intelligence: A Long and Winding Road" (John J. Simon, Jr.). In addition, it contains two sidebars: (1) "Calculating and…

  3. Artificial organs: recent progress in artificial hearing and vision.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ifukube, Tohru

    2009-01-01

    Artificial sensory organs are a prosthetic means of sending visual or auditory information to the brain by electrical stimulation of the optic or auditory nerves to assist visually impaired or hearing-impaired people. However, clinical application of artificial sensory organs, except for cochlear implants, is still a trial-and-error process. This is because how and where the information transmitted to the brain is processed is still unknown, and also because changes in brain function (plasticity) remain unknown, even though brain plasticity plays an important role in meaningful interpretation of new sensory stimuli. This article discusses some basic unresolved issues and potential solutions in the development of artificial sensory organs such as cochlear implants, brainstem implants, artificial vision, and artificial retinas.

  4. Política externa no período FHC: a busca de autonomia pela integração

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tullo Vigevani

    2003-11-01

    Full Text Available Durante o governo FHC buscou-se substituir a agenda reativa da política externa brasileira, dominada pela lógica da autonomia pela distância, por uma nova agenda internacional proativa, determinada pela lógica da autonomia pela integração. Segundo essa agenda, o país deveria ampliar o poder de controle sobre o seu destino e resolver seus problemas com uma adesão ativa à elaboração das normas e das pautas de conduta da gestão da ordem mundial. No entanto, essa política de integração, adesão e participação não foi plenamente acompanhada de tomadas de posições que implicassem responsabilidades práticas, em virtude de debilidades estruturais. As responsabilidades teriam como função preparar tanto o governo como a sociedade civil para uma inserção internacional de perfil mais elevado no pós-Guerra Fria. Os ganhos ocorridos nos governos FHC não foram suficientes para alterar significativamente o peso brasileiro no contexto mundial.During the FHC government there was an attempt to substitute the reactive Brazilian foreign policy agenda, dominated by the logic of autonomy via distance, by a new proactive international agenda, determined by the logic of autonomy through integration. According to this agenda, the country should increase its power over the control of its destiny and sort out its problems by actively adhering to the elaboration of norms and guidelines for the conduct of the administration of global order. However, this integration, adhesion and participation policy was not fully followed up by the taking of standpoints that implied practical responsibilities because of structural disabilities. The responsibilities would prepare both government and civil society for an international insertion at a higher level, in the post-Cold War era. The gains achieved during the FHC terms in office were not sufficient to significantly alter the Brazilian position within the world context.

  5. Uma abordagem híbrida baseada em casos e redes neurais. Uma aplicação: escolha e configuração de modelos de redes neurais

    OpenAIRE

    Ricardo Barz Sovat

    2002-01-01

    Nesta tese, é pesquisada a integração entre dois paradigmas da área de Inteligência Artificial, Raciocínio Baseado em Casos e Redes Neurais Artificiais. Essa pesquisa dá-se em dois sentidos. Primeiro, o estudo da aplicação da metodologia de Raciocínio Baseado em Casos ao problema da escolha e configuração de um modelo de Rede Neural Artificial. Em segundo lugar, a viabilidade da introdução de uma Rede Neural Artificial no interior do ciclo de funcionamento de um sistema baseado em casos. As s...

  6. Different wound healing properties of dermis, adipose, and gingiva mesenchymal stromal cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Boink, Mireille A; van den Broek, Lenie J; Roffel, Sanne; Nazmi, Kamran; Bolscher, Jan G M; Gefen, Amit; Veerman, Enno C I; Gibbs, Susan

    2016-01-01

    Oral wounds heal faster and with better scar quality than skin wounds. Deep skin wounds where adipose tissue is exposed, have a greater risk of forming hypertrophic scars. Differences in wound healing and final scar quality might be related to differences in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and their ability to respond to intrinsic (autocrine) and extrinsic signals, such as human salivary histatin, epidermal growth factor, and transforming growth factor beta1. Dermis-, adipose-, and gingiva-derived MSC were compared for their regenerative potential with regards to proliferation, migration, and matrix contraction. Proliferation was assessed by cell counting and migration using a scratch wound assay. Matrix contraction and alpha smooth muscle actin was assessed in MSC populated collagen gels, and also in skin and gingival full thickness tissue engineered equivalents (reconstructed epithelium on MSC populated matrix). Compared to skin-derived MSC, gingiva MSC showed greater proliferation and migration capacity, and less matrix contraction in full thickness tissue equivalents, which may partly explain the superior oral wound healing. Epidermal keratinocytes were required for enhanced adipose MSC matrix contraction and alpha smooth muscle actin expression, and may therefore contribute to adverse scarring in deep cutaneous wounds. Histatin enhanced migration without influencing proliferation or matrix contraction in all three MSC, indicating that salivary peptides may have a beneficial effect on wound closure in general. Transforming growth factor beta1 enhanced contraction and alpha smooth muscle actin expression in all three MSC types when incorporated into collagen gels. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the superior oral wound healing will aid us to develop advanced strategies for optimal skin regeneration, wound healing and scar formation. © 2015 by the Wound Healing Society.

  7. Integração ensino, pesquisa e serviços em saúde: antecedentes, estratégias e iniciativas Integration research, education and health services: background, strategies and initiatives

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ana Ecilda Lima Ellery

    2013-03-01

    Full Text Available Este artigo objetiva identificar e analisar experiên-cias nacionais e internacionais que postulem a integração ensino, pesquisa e serviços de saúde. A partir da vivência no Sistema Municipal de Saúde Escola de Fortaleza, que busca a referida integração, interessava-nos conhecer outras experiências que postulassem a mesma. Nesse sentido, mediante uma revisão da literatura científica em bases bibliográficas on-line, associada à pesquisa documental de experiências contemplando essa integração, identificamos informações caracterizadas pela aproximação entre ensino, pesquisa e serviços de saúde. Foram selecionadas oito experiências no continente americano, sendo uma canadense; uma cubana; duas latino-americanas e quatro brasileiras, que são apresentadas neste artigo. Integrar ensino e pesquisa, utilizando a face assistencial do sistema de saúde como um recurso pedagógico, evidencia-se como um objetivo aglutinador em vários países das Américas. Analisando-se as oito experiências apresentadas, observa-se que em seis delas a integração ensino, pesquisa e serviços já aparece como estratégia de formação e de educação permanente. Não obstante, a aproximação entre essas três funções persiste como um campo de disputas, de convergências e divergências, portanto, como espaço de conflitos entre distintos interesses, efetivando-se lentamente. Assim, novos investimentos precisam ser feitos no sentido de desvelar as dinâmicas e os processos em construção que facilitem e impulsionem a integração do ensino, da pesquisa e da assistência em saúde, que demandam práticas interprofissionais, interinstitucionais e intersetoriais, de forma a superar a crise de conhecimentos e de valores da saúde no mundo.This article aims to identify and analyze national and international experiences of integration in teaching, research and health services. From the experience in Municipal System of Health - School of Fortaleza

  8. [Artificial organs].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Raguin, Thibaut; Dupret-Bories, Agnès; Debry, Christian

    2017-01-01

    Research has been fighting against organ failure and shortage of donations by supplying artificial organs for many years. With the raise of new technologies, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, many organs can benefit of an artificial equivalent: thanks to retinal implants some blind people can visualize stimuli, an artificial heart can be proposed in case of cardiac failure while awaiting for a heart transplant, artificial larynx enables laryngectomy patients to an almost normal life, while the diabetic can get a glycemic self-regulation controlled by smartphones with an artificial device. Dialysis devices become portable, as well as the oxygenation systems for terminal respiratory failure. Bright prospects are being explored or might emerge in a near future. However, the retrospective assessment of putative side effects is not yet sufficient. Finally, the cost of these new devices is significant even if the advent of three dimensional printers may reduce it. © 2017 médecine/sciences – Inserm.

  9. Comparison of a novel bone-tendon allograft with a human dermis-derived patch for repair of chronic large rotator cuff tears using a canine model.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Smith, Matthew J; Cook, James L; Kuroki, Keiichi; Jayabalan, Prakash S; Cook, Cristi R; Pfeiffer, Ferris M; Waters, Nicole P

    2012-02-01

    This study tested a bone-tendon allograft versus human dermis patch for reconstructing chronic rotator cuff repair by use of a canine model. Mature research dogs (N = 15) were used. Radiopaque wire was placed in the infraspinatus tendon (IST) before its transection. Three weeks later, radiographs showed IST retraction. Each dog then underwent 1 IST treatment: debridement (D), direct repair of IST to bone with a suture bridge and human dermis patch augmentation (GJ), or bone-tendon allograft (BT) reconstruction. Outcome measures included lameness grading, radiographs, and ultrasonographic assessment. Dogs were killed 6 months after surgery and both shoulders assessed biomechanically and histologically. BT dogs were significantly (P = .01) less lame than the other groups. BT dogs had superior bone-tendon, tendon, and tendon-muscle integrity compared with D and GJ dogs. Biomechanical testing showed that the D group had significantly (P = .05) more elongation than the other groups whereas BT had stiffness and elongation characteristics that most closely matched normal controls. Radiographically, D and GJ dogs showed significantly more retraction than BT dogs (P = .003 and P = .045, respectively) Histologically, GJ dogs had lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, tendon degeneration and hypocellularity, and poor tendon-bone integration. BT dogs showed complete incorporation of allograft bone into host bone, normal bone-tendon junctions, and well-integrated allograft tendon. The bone-tendon allograft technique re-establishes a functional IST bone-tendon-muscle unit and maintains integrity of repair in this model. Clinical trials using this bone-tendon allograft technique are warranted. Copyright © 2012 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Integração e transmissão de preços no mercado internacional de café arábica

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dênis Antônio da Cunha

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available Este estudo objetivou verificar se há integração entre os preços dos principais países produtores de café arábica e os praticados no mercado internacional. Foram realizados testes de cointegração e estimados um modelo VEC e perfis de persistência. Os resultados indicaram que Brasil, Colômbia, México, Guatemala, Peru e Honduras, no período de janeiro de 1990 a junho de 2007, são integrados entre si e que seus preços reagiram às alterações no preço internacional. O padrão de relacionamento não foi caracterizado por extrema interdependência, e questões relativas à liberalização do mercado ainda exercem influência sobre o equilíbrio de longo prazo. O Brasil foi o mais integrado ao mercado internacional, o que indica que, quanto maior a participação na produção e exportação, mais alto é o grau de integração.This study aims to analyze the existence of price integration in the main arabica coffee producing countries and in the international price. The analytical framework was a multivariate model of co-integration, a VEC model and persistence profiles. The results show that Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru and Honduras are integrated among them and their prices reacted to fluctuation on international prices. The relationship pattern was not characterized by extreme interdependence and issues related to market liberalization still have influence on the equilibrium in the long-term. Brazil was the most integrated to the international market, demonstrating that as higher is the country's share in production and export, higher is the integration.

  11. Spatial frequency domain spectroscopy of two layer media

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yudovsky, Dmitry; Durkin, Anthony J.

    2011-10-01

    Monitoring of tissue blood volume and oxygen saturation using biomedical optics techniques has the potential to inform the assessment of tissue health, healing, and dysfunction. These quantities are typically estimated from the contribution of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin to the absorption spectrum of the dermis. However, estimation of blood related absorption in superficial tissue such as the skin can be confounded by the strong absorption of melanin in the epidermis. Furthermore, epidermal thickness and pigmentation varies with anatomic location, race, gender, and degree of disease progression. This study describes a technique for decoupling the effect of melanin absorption in the epidermis from blood absorption in the dermis for a large range of skin types and thicknesses. An artificial neural network was used to map input optical properties to spatial frequency domain diffuse reflectance of two layer media. Then, iterative fitting was used to determine the optical properties from simulated spatial frequency domain diffuse reflectance. Additionally, an artificial neural network was trained to directly map spatial frequency domain reflectance to sets of optical properties of a two layer medium, thus bypassing the need for iteration. In both cases, the optical thickness of the epidermis and absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of the dermis were determined independently. The accuracy and efficiency of the iterative fitting approach was compared with the direct neural network inversion.

  12. Integração da lógica nebulosa à recuperação de informação em data warehouse

    OpenAIRE

    Luz, Robinson

    2005-01-01

    A presente pesquisa tem como objeto de estudo a integração da lógica nebulosa às tecnologias de data warehouse . Objetiva, especificamente, propor, com base nas teorias e práticas da Ciência da informação, um modelo conceitual alternativo de organização e recuperação de informação.Para o desenvolvimento do modelo são descritos diversos tipos de bancos de dados e seu histórico, desde sua criação até os armazéns de dados chamados data warehouse . Quanto aos data warehouse , são expostos su...

  13. Integração de três conceitos: função executiva, memória de trabalho e aprendizado

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carlos Alberto Mourão Junior

    Full Text Available O presente artigo discute o conceito de função executiva enquanto um processo de integração temporal, envolvendo funções como o ajuste preparatório, o controle inibitório e a memória de trabalho. Em seguida questiona o modelo multicomponente de Baddeley para a memória de trabalho e propõe uma nova classificação da função executiva que engloba os modelos de Fuster e de Baddeley. Finalmente revisita o conceito neurobiológico de aprendizado e sugere uma abordagem para se avaliar os déficits de aprendizagem que leve em conta a função executiva como a pedra angular do processo cognitivo.

  14. Utilização do fluxograma de processo para diagnóstico e integração da Cadeia logística " Supply Chain Management"

    OpenAIRE

    Ricardo Abreu de Oliveira, José

    2002-01-01

    O gerenciamento da cadeia logística e suprimentos "supply chain management" significa a integração completa de todos os parceiros e processos de uma cadeia logística. Este tem sido um objetivo perseguido por muitas empresas que buscam aumentar a competitividade diante de mercados cada vez mais concorridos. No entanto, como não há um padrão único a ser seguido, para integrar sua cadeia logística, uma empresa deve antes de tudo mudar a si mesma, passando de organização vertical para horizontal,...

  15. Integração modular em visualizadores médicos e aposição da marcação CE do Dispositivo Médico

    OpenAIRE

    Alves, Martinha Armada Rodrigues

    2013-01-01

    Neste documento ´e feita a descrição detalhada da integração modular de um script no software OsiriX. O objectivo deste script ´e determinar o diâmetro central da artéria aorta a partir de uma Tomografia Computorizada. Para tal são abordados conceitos relacionados com a temática do processamento de imagem digital, tecnologias associadas, e.g., a norma DICOM e desenvolvimento de software. Como estudo preliminar, são analisados diversos visualizadores de imagens médica, utilizados para inves...

  16. Artificial intelligence

    CERN Document Server

    Ennals, J R

    1987-01-01

    Artificial Intelligence: State of the Art Report is a two-part report consisting of the invited papers and the analysis. The editor first gives an introduction to the invited papers before presenting each paper and the analysis, and then concludes with the list of references related to the study. The invited papers explore the various aspects of artificial intelligence. The analysis part assesses the major advances in artificial intelligence and provides a balanced analysis of the state of the art in this field. The Bibliography compiles the most important published material on the subject of

  17. Integração interdisciplinar no ensinar e aprender enfermagem: relato de uma experiência

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Iwa Keiko Aida Utyama

    1999-12-01

    Full Text Available Em 1996, um grupo de docentes das áreas de Imunologia, Histologia, Nutrição, Patologia e Fundamentos de Enfermagem, iniciou o Projeto de Ensino junto ao Programa de Apoio a Projetos Integrados de Ensino e Serviços de Saúde (PAPIENS, no Curso de Enfermagem da Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Este Programa está inserido no Projeto UNI subsidiado pela Fundação Kelloggs, que tem possibilitado inovações no processo ensino-aprendizagem e mudanças curriculares nos cursos da área de Saúde desta Universidade. Este Projeto tem como conteúdo integrador o tema Feridas e como objetivo principal propiciar ao aluno a construção deste conhecimento através da articulação e integração das diferentes áreas envolvidas, partindo da observação da prática dos pacientes portadores de feridas, para a busca do conhecimento. Concluise que o Projeto tem facilitado a aprendizagem dos alunos, além de preparar os professores para o desafio do Currículo Integrado do Curso de Enfermagem a ser implantado no ano 2,000.

  18. Multimode nonlinear optical imaging of the dermis in ex vivo human skin based on the combination of multichannel mode and Lambda mode.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhuo, Shuangmu; Chen, Jianxin; Luo, Tianshu; Zou, Dingsong

    2006-08-21

    A Multimode nonlinear optical imaging technique based on the combination of multichannel mode and Lambda mode is developed to investigate human dermis. Our findings show that this technique not only improves the image contrast of the structural proteins of extracellular matrix (ECM) but also provides an image-guided spectral analysis method to identify both cellular and ECM intrinsic components including collagen, elastin, NAD(P)H and flavin. By the combined use of multichannel mode and Lambda mode in tandem, the obtained in-depth two photon-excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second-harmonic generation (SHG) imaging and TPEF/SHG signals depth-dependence decay can offer a sensitive tool for obtaining quantitative tissue structural and biochemical information. These results suggest that the technique has the potential to provide more accurate information for determining tissue physiological and pathological states.

  19. Relações Brasil-Argentina: a cooperação cultural como instrumento de integração regional

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Raquel Paz dos Santos

    2009-12-01

    Full Text Available Este estudo desenvolve uma nova perspectiva das relações Brasil-Argentina a partir da análise de sua dimensão cultural entre os anos 1930-1954. Trata-se de mostrar como uma aproximação entre esses dois países foi incentivada através de projetos de cooperação intelectual, científica e artística, com o objetivo de desfazer imagens negativas e criar um sentimento de fraternidade entre brasileiros e argentinos. Com base na ideia de que uma maior cooperação contribuiria para o fortalecimento da região, e com o objetivo de alcançar uma futura integração econômica, essa prática também foi estimulada entre os demais países da América do Sul.

  20. Império Romano e integração: os cristãos nas cartas de Plínio, o Jovem e Trajano

    OpenAIRE

    Renata Lopes Biazotto Venturini; Alex Aparecido da Costa

    2017-01-01

    O artigo pretende compreender os limites e as possibilidades da inserção do cristianismo na província romana da Bitínia a partir do estudo de duas cartas sobre os cristãos presentes na correspondência entre Plínio, o Jovem, e Trajano. Para tanto, destacamos que nossa abordagem concebe o Império Romano como um espaço de integração, o que favorece o estudo de aspectos que excedem as relações do poder imperial com os seguidores dessa religião. A análise das fontes a partir dos pressupostos da hi...

  1. Artificial Leaf Based on Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Fuel Production

    Science.gov (United States)

    2017-06-30

    collect light energy and separate charge for developing new types of nanobiodevices to construct ”artificial leaf” from solar to fuel. or Concept of...AFRL-AFOSR-JP-TR-2017-0054 Artificial Leaf Based on Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Fuel Production Mamoru Nango NAGOYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY...display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ORGANIZATION. 1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY)      30-06-2017 2

  2. Integração e continuidade do cuidado em modelos de rede de atenção à saúde para idosos frágeis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Renato Peixoto Veras

    2014-04-01

    Full Text Available Foi realizada revisão crítica da literatura sobre modelos que tenham avaliado a efetividade de redes assistenciais integradas e coordenadas para a população idosa. Foram pesquisadas as seguintes bases bibliográficas: Pubmed, The Cochrane Library, Lilacs, Web of Science, Scopus e SciELO. Doze artigos sobre cinco modelos diferentes foram incluídos para a discussão. A análise da literatura mostrou que a prestação de serviços pautava-se na atenção básica incluindo serviços domiciliares. Os usuários contavam com a integração de atenção primária, hospitalar, centros dia, serviços domiciliares e serviços sociais. O plano de cuidados e a gestão de caso foram elementos chaves para a continuidade de cuidado. Essa abordagem mostrou-se efetiva nos estudos, reduzindo o uso da atenção hospitalar, o que resultou em economia para o sistema financiador. Houve redução da prevalência de perda funcional, melhora na satisfação e na qualidade de vida dos usuários e de seus familiares. A análise da literatura reforça a necessidade de se modificar a abordagem de assistência à saúde dos idosos, e a integração e coordenação dos serviços são formas eficientes para iniciar essa mudança.

  3. Generative Artificial Intelligence : Philosophy and Theory of Artificial Intelligence

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    van der Zant, Tijn; Kouw, Matthijs; Schomaker, Lambertus; Mueller, Vincent C.

    2013-01-01

    The closed systems of contemporary Artificial Intelligence do not seem to lead to intelligent machines in the near future. What is needed are open-ended systems with non-linear properties in order to create interesting properties for the scaffolding of an artificial mind. Using post-structuralistic

  4. Integração de Dados Baseada em Ontologias e Raciocínio Automático: Estudo de Caso com Dados Públicos de Saúde

    OpenAIRE

    Fernandes, Roberta de Medeiros

    2012-01-01

    No Brasil atualmente, quantidades consideráveis de dados úteis à vigilância epidemiológica encontram-se armazenados nos bancos de dados dos diversos sistemas de informações em saúde criados pelo Ministério da Saúde. Esse dados, dispostos em fontes de dados isoladas e de sintaxes heterogêneas, muitas vezes não podem ser comparados, pois representações tabulares não possuem uma semântica explícita. Além disso, as ferramentas utilizadas para a integração dessas bases de dados, preocupam-se apena...

  5. Viabilidade econômica da produção de novilhas leiteiras a pasto em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária

    OpenAIRE

    Hernani Alves da Silva; Anibal de Moraes; Paulo César de Faccio Carvalho; Adriel Ferreira da Fonseca; Vânia Di Addario Guimarães; Alda Lúcia Gomes Monteiro; Claudete Reisdorfer Lang

    2012-01-01

    O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a rentabilidade do sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP), em comparação ao cultivo de cereais de inverno e de plantas de cobertura para o plantio direto de soja e milho no verão. Foram comparados dados simulados de sistema agrícola tradicional com produção de grãos de milho e soja, no verão, e cultivo de trigo e plantas de cobertura do solo, no inverno; e dados de um trabalho publicado em que foram avaliadas combinações de pastagens (diversificadas...

  6. Artificial life and Piaget.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mueller, Ulrich; Grobman, K H.

    2003-04-01

    Artificial life provides important theoretical and methodological tools for the investigation of Piaget's developmental theory. This new method uses artificial neural networks to simulate living phenomena in a computer. A recent study by Parisi and Schlesinger suggests that artificial life might reinvigorate the Piagetian framework. We contrast artificial life with traditional cognitivist approaches, discuss the role of innateness in development, and examine the relation between physiological and psychological explanations of intelligent behaviour.

  7. Da integração para a inclusão?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Andréas Hinz

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available Entrevista com os professores Andréas Hinz e Inês Boban,da Martin-Luther-Univesity, Halle-Wittenberg, Alemanha, em 2004.Traduzido e adaptado para o português pelo Prof. Dr. Hugo Otto BeyerO texto que segue tem suas idéias resumidas a partir da entrevista com os professores Andréas Hinz e Inês Boban. Algumas das idéias que podem ser destacadas são: 1. A importância de não se classificar as crianças conforme suas deficiências ou “necessidades especiais”. 2. Há uma clara diferença quanto aos conceitos e práxis do projeto de integração escolar e de inclusão escolar, o que o quadro abaixo ajuda a ilustrar e nos fazer entender. 3. Um importante conceito para se pensar é o das diferenças entre as crianças como fator de crescimento nas relações interpessoais, fragilizando-se o conceito de normalidade e anormalidade. 4. Nas situações de inclusão escolar não se defende a idéia de um currículo modificado para as crianças com limitações estruturais/funcionais, porém o mesmo currículo é referenciado para todas as crianças, evidentemente com determinadas adaptações. 5. Propõe-se uma ação pedagógica conjunta, entre os professores, sem cair em definições unilaterais ou hierárquicas de funções. 6. Por último, define-se uma educação em cujo espaço de reflexão teórica e de práxis haja uma síntese da educação especial com a pedagogia.Palavras-chave: Inclusão. Ação Pedagógica. Deficiência.

  8. Economia evolucionária neo-schumpeteriana: elementos para uma integração micro-macrodinâmica

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mario Luiz Possas

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available A antiga aproximação da economia à evolução darwiniana tem recebido propostas mais acabadas recentemente, destacando-se, de um lado, o "darwinismo universal" (Hodgson a cuja metateoria a economia deveria sujeitar-se, com sérias limitações indicadas no texto; e, de outro, a analogia evolucionária neo-schumpeteriana (Nelson & Winter, mais fértil. O desdobramento dessa em modelos de integração micro-macrodinâmicos pode proporcionar uma incorporação mais rica do enfoque evolucionário.The ancient approach from economics to Darwinian evolution has lately received some more finished proposals: on the one hand the "universal Darwinism" (Hodgson, to whose meta-theory economics should be supposed to subject itself, with serious limits pointed out in the text; on the other hand, the evolutionary neo-Schumpeterian analogy (Nelson & Winter, more fruiful. The latter may develop into integrated micro-macrodynamic models, capable of providing a richer realization of the evolutionary approach.

  9. Artificial sweeteners

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Raben, Anne Birgitte; Richelsen, Bjørn

    2012-01-01

    Artificial sweeteners can be a helpful tool to reduce energy intake and body weight and thereby risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Considering the prevailing diabesity (obesity and diabetes) epidemic, this can, therefore, be an important alternative to natural, calorie-containin......Artificial sweeteners can be a helpful tool to reduce energy intake and body weight and thereby risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Considering the prevailing diabesity (obesity and diabetes) epidemic, this can, therefore, be an important alternative to natural, calorie......-containing sweeteners. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the effect of artificial sweeteners on body weight, appetite, and risk markers for diabetes and CVD in humans....

  10. Artificial cognition architectures

    CERN Document Server

    Crowder, James A; Friess, Shelli A

    2013-01-01

    The goal of this book is to establish the foundation, principles, theory, and concepts that are the backbone of real, autonomous Artificial Intelligence. Presented here are some basic human intelligence concepts framed for Artificial Intelligence systems. These include concepts like Metacognition and Metamemory, along with architectural constructs for Artificial Intelligence versions of human brain functions like the prefrontal cortex. Also presented are possible hardware and software architectures that lend themselves to learning, reasoning, and self-evolution

  11. O ensino da anatomia: integração do corpo humano e meio ambiente

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Célia Cristina Fornaziero

    Full Text Available A constante evolução da tecnologia educacional faz emergir a necessidade de suscitar reflexões sobre a prática pedagógica, e este processo dever ser discutido entre educadores e profissionais da saúde. Neste contexto, o ensino da Anatomia Humana precisa ser repensado a fim de corresponder às expectativas deste novo e atual momento. Na tentativa de apresentar alternativas de solução, implantamos um projeto de extensão na Universidade Estadual de Londrina que ensina Anatomia Humana promovendo uma integração das relações entre corpo humano e meio ambiente. Nele, os participantes desenvolveram atividades interdisciplinares de pesquisa-ação com o emprego de diferentes métodos de ensino-aprendizagem dialogados, com alunos do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública. Os resultados obtidos foram positivos no sentido de aliar o conhecimento de uma ciência básica como a Anatomia ao conhecimento ambiental, num modelo de processo ensino-aprendizagem diferenciado. Acima de tudo, a formação educacional se elabora por meio de um trabalho de flexibilidade crítica e de construção contínua de identidade entre o professor e o grupo de estudantes, considerando a realidade social da população regional.

  12. Impacto da integração do sistema de controle gerencial na eficácia da controladoria: um estudo nas empresas do setor elétrico da BM&FBovespa [doi: 10.5329/RECADM.2013019

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ilse Maria Beuren

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available O Sistema de Controle Gerencial (SCG deve subsidiar os gestores com informações que conduzam a organização ao alcance de seus objetivos. A adoção dos padrões internacionais de contabilidade implicou modificar práticas contábeis nas empresas, motivando reformulações no SCG e discussões sobre a sua integração ou não com o sistema de contabilidade financeira. O objetivo deste estudo é verificar o impacto da integração do Sistema de Controle Gerencial na eficácia da controladoria das empresas do setor elétrico listadas na BM&FBovespa, pautado na pesquisa de Weißenberger e Angelkort (2011. Pesquisa descritiva com abordagem quantitativa foi realizada por meio de levantamento, com aplicação de dois questionários, um aos gestores e outro aos controllers das empresas, e complementada com um estudo de caso. Os resultados da pesquisa revelam que as empresas respondentes têm um alto nível de integração do Sistema de Controle Gerencial. Evidenciam também que, ao aumentar a consistência da linguagem financeira, diminui a qualidade da informação fornecida pela controladoria. Constatou-se ainda uma correlação não significante entre a qualidade da informação e a influência da controladoria nas decisões gerenciais. Conclui-se que as empresas pesquisadas indicam alto nível de integração do Sistema de Controle Gerencial e que este impacta na eficácia da controladoria. Palavras-chave: Integração. Sistema de Controle Gerencial. Consistência da linguagem. Qualidade da informação. Influência na Controladoria.     IMPACT OF THE INTEGRATION OF MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPTROLLERSHIP: A STUDY ON COMPANIES IN THE ENERGY SECTOR IN BM&FBOVESPA   ABSTRACT The Management Control System (MCS has to provide to the managers information that will lead the organization to achieve its objectives. The adoption of international accounting standards resulted in companies changing accounting practices

  13. A pequena produção avícola familiar e o Sistema de Integração no oeste catarinense: "uma prisão de portas abertas"

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Claudia Mazzei Nogueira

    Full Text Available Esse texto é parte da pesquisa sobre a divisão sexual do trabalho dos pequenos avicultores familiares inculados ao Sistema de Integração das agroindústrias, no contexto da reestruturação produtiva. Para tanto, o texto analisa o referido sistema na avicultura no Oeste Catarinense, contemplando alguns elementos das metamorfoses que vêm ocorrendo no mundo do trabalho e como elas vêm intensificando a precarização do pequeno produtor rural familiar no segmento da avicultura.

  14. Artificial Disc Replacement

    Science.gov (United States)

    ... Spondylolisthesis BLOG FIND A SPECIALIST Treatments Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) Patient Education Committee Jamie Baisden The disc ... Disc An artificial disc (also called a disc replacement, disc prosthesis or spine arthroplasty device) is a ...

  15. Uma visão política acerca do processo de integração econômica no Mercosul : o liberalismo das instituições

    OpenAIRE

    Luiz Carlos Ribeiro Neduziak

    2012-01-01

    Esta dissertação tem por objetivo analisar o processo de integração e cooperação econômica no Mercado Comum do Sul (MERCOSUL). Constatando-se não haver no horizonte próximo uma perspectiva de reforma da arquitetura financeira internacional, será analisado o papel que as instituições internacionais podem desempenhar em empresas dessa estirpe. Para tanto, do ponto de vista da Teoria Econômica, será utilizada a Teoria das Áreas Monetárias Ótimas (TAMO) e seus corolários desenvolvidos posteriorme...

  16. Artificial life and life artificialization in Tron

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carolina Dantas Figueiredo

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available Cinema constantly shows the struggle between the men and artificial intelligences. Fiction, and more specifically fiction films, lends itself to explore possibilities asking “what if?”. “What if”, in this case, is related to the eventual rebellion of artificial intelligences, theme explored in the movies Tron (1982 and Tron Legacy (2010 trat portray the conflict between programs and users. The present paper examines these films, observing particularly the possibility programs empowering. Finally, is briefly mentioned the concept of cyborg as a possibility of response to human concerns.

  17. Um modelo de integração de sistemas de gestão A model for integration of management systems

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carlos Alberto de Oliveira Campos

    2009-04-01

    Full Text Available Observa-se que há uma lacuna entre o momento da decisão de adotar um Sistema Integrado de Gestão e sua implementação. Este trabalho propõe uma abordagem sistêmica para uma etapa anterior à execução da integração, ou seja, para quando do estudo da viabilidade e elaboração de projeto. A matemática pode servir de suporte para que uma decisão não seja emocional no sentido da organização buscar seu Sistema Integrado de Gestão para estar acompanhando a tendência de seus concorrentes, mas que passe a ser racional na decisão de por que, quando, quanto, como e que sistemas integrarem. Uma vez decidindo-se pela integração de certo número de sistemas de gestão, encontrar-se-ão áreas de atividades que poderão ser enxugadas e outras que não, e estas últimas disputarão mais pelos recursos. Para reduzir o conflito e buscar a solução ótima, é proposta a aplicação de Programação Matemática.It can be observed that there is a gap between the moment of the decision to adopt an Integrated Management System and its effective implementation. To address this problem, the present work proposes a systemic approach to the stage prior to the implementation of the integration, that is, when of the study of viability and project elaboration is being carried out. Mathematics can give support to the decision making as it is not emotional in the sense of the company using the Integrated Management Systems search just to be up-to-date with its competitors; mathematics makes the decision of why, when, how much, how and which systems to be integrated rational. When the decision to integrate certain management systems has been made, it will be clear that some activities may be pared and others not, thus reducing the competition for resources. Mathematical programming is proposed to reduce the conflict and to search for the optimum solution.

  18. Cenas do cotidiano na educação infantil: desafios da integração entre cuidado e educação

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Aparecida Guedes Monção

    Full Text Available Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é discutir a rotina das crianças na educação infantil, especificamente daquelas de zero a quatro anos de idade, tendo como foco os momentos de descanso e alimentação. Nessa etapa do atendimento educacional, as relações dialógicas entre os adultos e as crianças e a integração entre cuidado e educação são pressupostos essenciais de uma educação infantil de qualidade, condição para garantia dos direitos fundamentais dos bebês e das crianças pequenas. A investigação consistiu em uma pesquisa qualitativa, mediante estudo de caso de cunho etnográfico, realizado em 2010 e 2011, em um Centro de Educação Infantil (CEI público da rede municipal de São Paulo, que atende crianças de zero a quatro anos. Os procedimentos metodológicos conjugaram observação participante, análise documental e entrevista semiestruturada com a equipe do CEI e com as famílias. A investigação envolveu revisão da literatura, tendo como principais referências Barbosa, Batista, Coutinho, Guimarães, Korczak, Tristão e Wallon. Os resultados evidenciaram que as emoções expressas pelas crianças nos momentos das refeições e descanso são, em grande medida, desconsideradas. Constatou-se também contradições entre as proposições de integração entre cuidado e educação expressas no projeto pedagógico e os discursos e práticas das professoras efetivadas junto às crianças. O estudo concluiu que é fundamental inserir as temáticas de cuidado com o corpo – alimentação, higiene, descanso, saúde – como parte da formação continuada e dos planejamentos semanais realizados nas instituições de educação infantil.

  19. Cenas do cotidiano na educação infantil: desafios da integração entre cuidado e educação

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Aparecida Guedes Monção

    2016-09-01

    Full Text Available Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é discutir a rotina das crianças na educação infantil, especificamente daquelas de zero a quatro anos de idade, tendo como foco os momentos de descanso e alimentação. Nessa etapa do atendimento educacional, as relações dialógicas entre os adultos e as crianças e a integração entre cuidado e educação são pressupostos essenciais de uma educação infantil de qualidade, condição para garantia dos direitos fundamentais dos bebês e das crianças pequenas. A investigação consistiu em uma pesquisa qualitativa, mediante estudo de caso de cunho etnográfico, realizado em 2010 e 2011, em um Centro de Educação Infantil (CEI público da rede municipal de São Paulo, que atende crianças de zero a quatro anos. Os procedimentos metodológicos conjugaram observação participante, análise documental e entrevista semiestruturada com a equipe do CEI e com as famílias. A investigação envolveu revisão da literatura, tendo como principais referências Barbosa, Batista, Coutinho, Guimarães, Korczak, Tristão e Wallon. Os resultados evidenciaram que as emoções expressas pelas crianças nos momentos das refeições e descanso são, em grande medida, desconsideradas. Constatou-se também contradições entre as proposições de integração entre cuidado e educação expressas no projeto pedagógico e os discursos e práticas das professoras efetivadas junto às crianças. O estudo concluiu que é fundamental inserir as temáticas de cuidado com o corpo – alimentação, higiene, descanso, saúde – como parte da formação continuada e dos planejamentos semanais realizados nas instituições de educação infantil.

  20. A Integração Informação- Conhecimento como Elemento Agregador de Valor Competitivo para as Empresas Contemporâneas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Flávia Adrilene de Araújo Melo

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available O presente artigo discute o papel da informação e do conhecimento no âmbito organizacional, procurando enfatizar, além de sua importância, o novo foco de sua conceituação, entendimento e aplicação dentro do cenário da chamada “era do conhecimento e da aprendizagem contínua”, entendendo-a como fruto de um contexto que impõe constantes mudanças inerentes a um mundo em transformação. Este cenário parece desafiar a inteligência humana a pensar novos modelos de gestão que contemplem crescimento pessoal e organizacional, como meio de agregar valor aos seus processos, bens e serviços, única forma de sobreviver às demandas da nova sociedade. Embora sejam inúmeros os enfoques e objetivos, o que a bibliografia atual aponta como consenso é o fato de a vantagem competitiva das empresas estar diretamente ligada a ativos intangíveis, conhecimento e aprendizagem. Não basta mais prospectar informação, armazená- la, tratá-la, analisá-la, gerar decisão e implementar ações. É preciso que a empresa aprenda com as experiências vivenciadas, estruturando seu próprio processo histórico, contínuo e inacabado. Dessa forma, a conclusão do presente artigo aponta para a integração informação/ conhecimento, entendendo-se a primeira como fruto da busca e análise com vistas à sua coerente utilização; já o segundo como o resultado da aplicação contextual de forma a gerar experiência individual e coletiva, elementos precursores da chamada aprendizagem organizacional. Espera-se que este escrito, portanto, motive o leitor a repensar novos paradigmas de competitividade, estratégias organizacionais e estruturas institucionais, onde a integração entre informação e conhecimento seja considerada chave para o sucesso das empresas nesta nova ordem mundial.

  1. [Total artificial heart].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Antretter, H; Dumfarth, J; Höfer, D

    2015-09-01

    To date the CardioWest™ total artificial heart is the only clinically available implantable biventricular mechanical replacement for irreversible cardiac failure. This article presents the indications, contraindications, implantation procedere and postoperative treatment. In addition to a overview of the applications of the total artificial heart this article gives a brief presentation of the two patients treated in our department with the CardioWest™. The clinical course, postoperative rehabilitation, device-related complications and control mechanisms are presented. The total artificial heart is a reliable implant for treating critically ill patients with irreversible cardiogenic shock. A bridge to transplantation is feasible with excellent results.

  2. Artificial Intelligence in Astronomy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Devinney, E. J.; Prša, A.; Guinan, E. F.; Degeorge, M.

    2010-12-01

    From the perspective (and bias) as Eclipsing Binary researchers, we give a brief overview of the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, describe major application areas of AI in astronomy, and illustrate the power of an AI approach in an application developed under the EBAI (Eclipsing Binaries via Artificial Intelligence) project, which employs Artificial Neural Network technology for estimating light curve solution parameters of eclipsing binary systems.

  3. [Preparation of nano-nacre artificial bone].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Jian-ting; Tang, Yong-zhi; Zhang, Jian-gang; Wang, Jian-jun; Xiao, Ying

    2008-12-01

    To assess the improvements in the properties of nano-nacre artificial bone prepared on the basis of nacre/polylactide acid composite artificial bone and its potential for clinical use. The compound of nano-scale nacre powder and poly-D, L-lactide acid (PDLLA) was used to prepare the cylindrical hollow artificial bone, whose properties including raw material powder scale, pore size, porosity and biomechanical characteristics were compared with another artificial bone made of micron-scale nacre powder and PDLLA. Scanning electron microscope showed that the average particle size of the nano-nacre powder was 50.4-/+12.4 nm, and the average pore size of the artificial bone prepared using nano-nacre powder was 215.7-/+77.5 microm, as compared with the particle size of the micron-scale nacre powder of 5.0-/+3.0 microm and the pore size of the resultant artificial bone of 205.1-/+72.0 microm. The porosities of nano-nacre artificial bone and the micron-nacre artificial bone were (65.4-/+2.9)% and (53.4-/+2.2)%, respectively, and the two artificial bones had comparable compressive strength and Young's modulus, but the flexural strength of the nano-nacre artificial bone was lower than that of the micro-nacre artificial bone. The nano-nacre artificial bone allows better biodegradability and possesses appropriate pore size, porosity and biomechanical properties for use as a promising material in bone tissue engineering.

  4. Análise conjunta de atributos físicos e biológicos do solo sob sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rogério Ferreira da Silva

    2011-10-01

    Full Text Available O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do sistema integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP sobre os atributos morfológicos, físicos e biológicos do solo. O experimento foi realizado em Dourados, MS, em Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico. Foram avaliados os seguintes sistemas: monocultura com sistema convencional de preparo do solo, ILP com sistema plantio direto, pastagem contínua de Urochloa decumbens (Syn. Brachiaria decumbens e vegetação nativa. Em cada sistema, foi aberta uma trincheira com o intuito de detectar as modificações morfológicas provocadas pelos diferentes manejos com uso do método do perfil cultural. Os macroinvertebrados do solo foram avaliados conforme o método "Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility". Utilizaram-se, ainda, amostras de solo indeformadas para avaliação dos atributos físicos do solo (densidade do solo, porosidade total, macro e microporosidade. Entre os sistemas produtivos, a melhor estrutura do solo foi verificada no sistema ILP, nas camadas de 0-0,1 e 0,1-0,2 m. Os sistemas sob ILP e em pastagem cultivada continuamente favoreceram um ambiente edáfico biologicamente mais ativo em comparação aos outros sistemas cultivados. A visualização conjunta dos atributos do solo mostrou que a integração lavoura-pecuária é uma estratégia para desenvolver sistemas de produção sustentáveis e que o período de dois anos de manejo é adequado para a rotação lavoura-pecuária.

  5. Integração de dados quantitativos e multicategóricos na determinação da divergência genética entre acessos de cafeeiro

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Felipe Lopes da Silva

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Foi realizada estratégia de integração dos dados quantitativos e multicategóricos para avaliação da divergência genética entre 88 acessos de Coffea arabica. Avaliaram-se 12 características quantitativas (nota total da qualidade sensorial da bebida; peso de três litros de "café da roça"; peso de três litros de "café da roça" com 11% de umidade; porcentagem de café beneficiado a partir de três litros de "café da roça" com 11% de umidade; peso de três litros de café beneficiado com 11% de umidade; total de frutos de "café da roça" em um litro; porcentagem de frutos secos, passas, cereja, verde-cana e verdes em um litro de "café da roça"; e porcentagem de frutos com lojas vazias em um litro de "café da roça" e seis características multicategóricas relacionadas à qualidade sensorial da bebida (doçura, acidez, corpo, sabor, retrogosto e aspecto geral. Baixa divergência genética foi encontrada entre os acessos considerando as características quantitativas e multicategóricas isoladamente. No entanto, com a conversão dos dados quantitativos em multicategóricos, a integração de características de diferentes naturezas favoreceu a melhor visualização da divergência genética entre os acessos avaliados, devido ao maior número de grupos formados em comparação ao agrupamento para cada conjunto de características.

  6. Artificial Intelligence Study (AIS).

    Science.gov (United States)

    1987-02-01

    ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGNECE HARDWARE ....... 2-50 AI Architecture ................................... 2-49 AI Hardware ....................................... 2...ftf1 829 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STUDY (RIS)(U) MAY CONCEPTS 1/3 A~NLYSIS AGENCY BETHESA RD R B NOJESKI FED 6? CM-RP-97-1 NCASIFIED /01/6 M |K 1.0...p/ - - ., e -- CAA- RP- 87-1 SAOFŔ)11 I ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STUDY (AIS) tNo DTICFEBRUARY 1987 LECT 00 I PREPARED BY RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

  7. “Neodesenvolvimentismo” brasileiro: implicações para a integração regional no âmbito do Mercosul / “Neodesenvolvimentismo” brasileño: implicaciones para la integración regional en el Mercosul

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lisandra Pereira Lamoso

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available Nos últimos anos, ações da política macroeconômica brasileira tem retomado princípios da política Desenvolvimentista que esteve em voga nos anos cinquenta. Elementos diferenciados foram merecedores da denominação “neodesenvolvimentista”, cujo princípio se pauta na intervenção direta do Estado no setor produtivo, estratégias de planejamento de médio e longo prazo e investimentos em infraestrutura, medidas as quais foram acrescidas a prioridade ao comércio exterior e intensificação de políticas de assistência social. O neodesenvolvimentismo nacional é o foco de análise, neste texto, para a discussão sobre ações recentes na política de integração regional no âmbito do Mercosul. Este texto apresenta uma breve introdução sobre as características da política macroeconômica, discute eventos selecionados da conjuntura internacional e termina por oferecer um quadro sobre as perspectivas e limitações para o fortalecimento da integração nacional em se considerando os dois vetores da macroeconomia e da conjuntura internacional.

  8. Quo Vadis, Artificial Intelligence?

    OpenAIRE

    Berrar, Daniel; Sato, Naoyuki; Schuster, Alfons

    2010-01-01

    Since its conception in the mid 1950s, artificial intelligence with its great ambition to understand and emulate intelligence in natural and artificial environments alike is now a truly multidisciplinary field that reaches out and is inspired by a great diversity of other fields. Rapid advances in research and technology in various fields have created environments into which artificial intelligence could embed itself naturally and comfortably. Neuroscience with its desire to understand nervou...

  9. Inteligencia artificial en vehiculo

    OpenAIRE

    Amador Díaz, Pedro

    2012-01-01

    Desarrollo de un robot seguidor de líneas, en el que se implementan diversas soluciones de las áreas de sistemas embebidos e inteligencia artificial. Desenvolupament d'un robot seguidor de línies, en el qual s'implementen diverses solucions de les àrees de sistemes encastats i intel·ligència artificial. Follower robot development of lines, in which various solutions are implemented in the areas of artificial intelligence embedded systems.

  10. Criminal Aspects of Artificial Abortion

    OpenAIRE

    Hartmanová, Leona

    2016-01-01

    Criminal Aspects of Artificial Abortion This diploma thesis deals with the issue of artificial abortion, especially its criminal aspects. Legal aspects are not the most important aspects of artificial abortion. Social, ethical or ideological aspects are of the same importance but this diploma thesis cannot analyse all of them. The main issue with artificial abortion is whether it is possible to force a pregnant woman to carry a child and give birth to a child when she cannot or does not want ...

  11. Integração laboratórios-vigilância sanitária: uma revisão | Integration laboratories-sanitary surveillance: a review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rosane Gomes Alves Lopes

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available Identificar literatura nacional e internacional sobre laboratório e vigilância sanitária para refletir sobre a integração desses serviços no Sistema Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária foi o objetivo da revisão integrativa com busca sistemática em três repositórios: Banco de Teses e Dissertações; Scientific Electronic Library Online – Brasil e Pubmed Central. A seleção seguiu critérios pré-definidos e a análise considerou: tipo de produção acadêmica (mestrado, doutorado ou artigo científico, ano e instituição de origem, tema focalizado. Predominaram trabalhos oriundos do mestrado (64,7% e, como instituição, a Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (36,5%, sendo 90,0% no Instituto Nacional de Controle da Qualidade em Saúde. O controle da qualidade de produtos é área expressiva das publicações (71,0%, incluindo-se nela alimentos, medicamentos e vacinas. Estudos relacionados a políticas públicas e vigilância sanitária tematizaram: medicamentos genéricos; estudos de equivalência farmacêutica; alimentação e nutrição; e integração da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária com outros atores na inovação de vacinas e na Rede Brasileira de Laboratórios Analíticos em Saúde. A integração se expressou mediante as atividades cooperativas entre laboratórios e serviços, restando aprimorá-la, tendo-se em vista que, no Brasil, os laboratórios e os serviços de vigilância são diferenciados e vinculam-se a entes governamentais distintos. ============================================= This integrative review with systematic search aimed to identify national and international literature on laboratory and sanitary surveillance to reflect on the integration of these services in the National System of Sanitary Surveillance Three repositories were used: Banco de Teses e Dissertações; Scientific Electronic Library Online - Brazil and Pubmed Central. The selection followed pre-defined criteria and the analysis considered

  12. Artificial Hydration and Nutrition

    Science.gov (United States)

    ... Crisis Situations Pets and Animals myhealthfinder Food and Nutrition Healthy Food Choices Weight Loss and Diet Plans ... Your Health Resources Healthcare Management Artificial Hydration and Nutrition Artificial Hydration and Nutrition Share Print Patients who ...

  13. Artificial Evolution for the Detection of Group Identities in Complex Artificial Societies

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Grappiolo, Corrado; Togelius, Julian; Yannakakis, Georgios N.

    2013-01-01

    This paper aims at detecting the presence of group structures in complex artificial societies by solely observing and analysing the interactions occurring among the artificial agents. Our approach combines: (1) an unsupervised method for clustering interactions into two possible classes, namely in...

  14. Artificial intelligence

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Perret-Galix, D.

    1992-01-01

    A vivid example of the growing need for frontier physics experiments to make use of frontier technology is in the field of artificial intelligence and related themes. This was reflected in the second international workshop on 'Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems in High Energy and Nuclear Physics' which took place from 13-18 January at France Telecom's Agelonde site at La Londe des Maures, Provence. It was the second in a series, the first having been held at Lyon in 1990

  15. A construção literária dos germanos por Sinésio de Cirene: marcas de repulsa e integração em De Regno e De Providentia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    José Petrúcio Farias Júnior

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available Objetivamos discutir a partir de De Regno e De Providentia, escritas por Sinésio de Cirene (370 – 412/3, no momento de sua embaixada à Constantinopla (397/8 – 399/400, a construção da representação literária do outro (bárbaros, citas/germanos com a finalidade de compreender em que medida tal construção discursiva contribui para refletir sobre as marcas de integração dos germanos na sociedade romana oriental tardia.

  16. Frações lábeis e recalcitrantes da matéria orgânica em solos sob integração lavoura-pecuária

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Eulene Francisco da Silva

    2011-10-01

    Full Text Available O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o estoque de carbono orgânico total (COT e nitrogênio total (NT, C e N nas frações lábeis e recalcitrantes da matéria orgânica do solo (MOS e o índice de manejo de C, em solos sob sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP, após quatro (ILP4 e oito anos (ILP8 de implantação. Para comparação, foram utilizados outros sistemas de manejo: pastagem e lavoura em plantio direto (PD, além de vegetação nativa. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições. A integração lavoura-pecuária, estabelecida num período de oito anos, é capaz de alcançar um novo estado estável equivalente ao sistema sob plantio direto com 23 anos de implantação. Houve acúmulo no estoque de C total de 101,0 (ILP8 e 104,2 Mg ha-1 (PD e N total de 5,5 (ILP8 e 5,8 Mg ha-1 (PD, na camada 0-30 cm, bem como aumento no estoque de C e N nas frações lábeis e recalcitrantes da MOS. Para o ILP com oito anos, o índice de manejo de C de 88 foi superior ao dos demais sistemas de manejo e não diferiu da vegetação nativa na camada 0-10 cm, todavia, foi similar ao PD na análise de todo o perfil (0-30 cm.

  17. O fazer metodológico na educação de jovens e adultos: a prática no projeto educativo de integração social – PEIS/The methodological doing in the young and adults education...

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Fernanda P. Turina

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available TURINA, M. F. P. O fazer metodológico na educação de jovens e adultos: a prática no projeto educativo de integração social – PEIS. 108fl. 2008. Dissertação (Mestrado em Educação – Faculdade de Educação, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas. 2008.

  18. The Japanese artificial organs scene: current status.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mitamura, Yoshinori; Murabayashi, Shun

    2005-08-01

    Artificial organs and regenerative medicine are the subjects of very active research and development (R&D) in Japan and various artificial organs are widely used in patients. Results of the R&D are presented at the annual conference of the Japanese Society for Artificial Organs (JSAO). Progress in the fields of artificial organs and regenerative medicine are reviewed annually in the Japanese Journal of Artificial Organs. The official English-language journal of JSAO, Journal of Artificial Organs, also publishes many original articles by Japanese researchers. Although the annual conference and the publications of JSAO provide the world with update information on artificial organs and regenerative medicine in Japan, the information is not always understood appropriately in the rest of the world, mainly due to language problems. This article therefore introduces the current status of artificial organs and regenerative medicine in Japan. Artificial hearts and metabolic support systems are reviewed here and other interesting areas such as regenerative medicine can be found elsewhere.

  19. O processo de integração regional: fronteiras abertas para os trabalhadores do Mercosul The process of regional integration: open borders for Mercosul workers

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sonia de Camargo

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available O que me proponho neste trabalho é discutir o tema da livre circulação dos trabalhadores no Mercosul, levando-se em conta que esta liberdade - diferentemente de outras que aparecem como objetivos essenciais a serem alcançados no processo de integração desta sub-região - não faz parte do texto do Tratado de Assunção, assinado em março de 1991. Esta ausência é reveladora, na medida em que a liberdade de circulação de pessoas constitui um dos elementos que evidencia com maior clareza a existência de um processo de integração, na medida em que afeta diretamente a vida dos cidadãos assegurando seu livre trânsito dentro do bloco e oportunidades iguais entre os nacionais e não nacionais. No texto do referido Tratado, a integração aparece limitada à circulação de capitais, bens e serviços, liberdade assegurada pela eliminação de qualquer medida que possa prejudicá-la. Partindo dessa discussão, pretendo examinar quais os avanços institucionais já alcançados no sentido da criação de políticas que, concretamente, conduzam à abertura de fronteiras entre os países do Mercosul por meio das quais seus cidadãos - neste caso, os trabalhadores - possam se deslocar livremente e residir em seu local de trabalho. Para tanto, acredito que conhecer a experiência da União Europeia possa ser de grande utilidade.My proposal for this article is to discuss the free mobility of workers inside the Mercosul block, bearing in mind that this liberty, in the contrary of others issues that arise as essential aims to be reached in the integration process of the region, wasn't incorporated in the Assunção Treaty, signed in march 1991. This absence is revealing in the sense that the liberty of circulation of persons is one of the elements that show with more evidence the existence of an integration process as it affects directly the life of its citizens ensuring their free displacement inside the region and equal opportunities among

  20. Soft computing in artificial intelligence

    CERN Document Server

    Matson, Eric

    2014-01-01

    This book explores the concept of artificial intelligence based on knowledge-based algorithms. Given the current hardware and software technologies and artificial intelligence theories, we can think of how efficient to provide a solution, how best to implement a model and how successful to achieve it. This edition provides readers with the most recent progress and novel solutions in artificial intelligence. This book aims at presenting the research results and solutions of applications in relevance with artificial intelligence technologies. We propose to researchers and practitioners some methods to advance the intelligent systems and apply artificial intelligence to specific or general purpose. This book consists of 13 contributions that feature fuzzy (r, s)-minimal pre- and β-open sets, handling big coocurrence matrices, Xie-Beni-type fuzzy cluster validation, fuzzy c-regression models, combination of genetic algorithm and ant colony optimization, building expert system, fuzzy logic and neural network, ind...

  1. Artificial Intelligence

    CERN Document Server

    Warwick, Kevin

    2011-01-01

    if AI is outside your field, or you know something of the subject and would like to know more then Artificial Intelligence: The Basics is a brilliant primer.' - Nick Smith, Engineering and Technology Magazine November 2011 Artificial Intelligence: The Basics is a concise and cutting-edge introduction to the fast moving world of AI. The author Kevin Warwick, a pioneer in the field, examines issues of what it means to be man or machine and looks at advances in robotics which have blurred the boundaries. Topics covered include: how intelligence can be defined whether machines can 'think' sensory

  2. Charlas sobre inteligencia artificial

    OpenAIRE

    Álvarez Sánchez, José Ramón; Ferrández Vicente, José Manuel; Paz López, Félix de la

    2014-01-01

    Serie: Informática en Radio 3 La Inteligencia Artificial es una de las ciencias que causa mayor impacto en la sociedad, mucho más si tenemos en cuenta que cambiará el futuro de la humanidad. En España existen actualmente un nutrido grupo de equipos de investigación relacionados con las tecnologías de computación natural-artificial que aúnan sus esfuerzos a través de la RTNAC la Red Temática en Tecnologías de Computación Natural-Artificial . La UNED participa en todas sus actividades desde ...

  3. Artificial Intelligence Project

    Science.gov (United States)

    1990-01-01

    Symposium on Aritificial Intelligence and Software Engineering Working Notes, March 1989. Blumenthal, Brad, "An Architecture for Automating...Artificial Intelligence Project Final Technical Report ARO Contract: DAAG29-84-K-OGO Artificial Intelligence LaboratO"ry The University of Texas at...Austin N>.. ~ ~ JA 1/I 1991 n~~~ Austin, Texas 78712 ________k A,.tificial Intelligence Project i Final Technical Report ARO Contract: DAAG29-84-K-0060

  4. Rearing the southern green stink bug using an artificial dry diet and an artificial plant Criação do percevejo-verde usando dieta artificial seca e planta artificial

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    ANTÔNIO RICARDO PANIZZI

    2000-09-01

    Full Text Available Laboratory and greenhouse studies were conducted with an artificial dry diet to rear nymphs, and with an artificial plant as substrate for egg laying by the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.. The artificial diet was composed of: soybean protein (15 g; potato starch (7.5 g; dextrose (7.5 g; sucrose (2.5 g; cellulose (12.5 g; vitamin mixture (niacinamide 1 g, calcium pantothenate 1 g, thiamine 0.25 g, riboflavin 0.5 g, pyridoxine 0.25 g, folic acid 0.25 g, biotin 0.02 mL, vitamin B12 1 g - added to 1,000 mL of distilled water (5.0 mL; soybean oil (20 mL; wheat germ (17.9 g; and water (30 mL. Nymphs showed normal feeding behavior when fed on the artificial diet. Nymphal development time was longer than or similar to that of nymphs fed on soybean pods. Total nymphal mortality was low (ca. 30%, both for nymphs reared on the artificial diet, and for nymphs fed on soybean pods. At adult emergence, fresh body weights were significantly (PForam conduzidos estudos em laboratório e em casa de vegetação, com uma dieta artificial seca para a criação de ninfas e com um modelo de planta artificial como substrato para a colocação de ovos por adultos do percevejo-verde, Nezara viridula (L.. Os componentes da dieta artificial foram: proteína de soja (15 g; fécula de batata (7,5 g; dextrose (7,5 g; sacarose (2,5 g; celulose (12,5 g; mistura vitamínica (niacinamida 1 g, pantotenato de cálcio 1 g, tiamina 0,25 g, riboflavina 0,5 g, piridoxina 0,25 g, ácido fólico 0,25 g, biotina 0,02 mL, vitamina B12 1 g, adicionada em 1.000 mL de água destilada (5,0 mL; óleo de soja (20 mL; germe de trigo (17,9 g; e água (30 mL. As ninfas alimentaram-se normalmente da dieta, embora o tempo de desenvolvimento tenha sido em um caso, maior, e em outro, semelhante, ao das ninfas que se alimentaram de vagens da soja. A mortalidade total das ninfas foi baixa (ca. 30%, tanto na dieta como na vagem de soja. Na emergência, os adultos apresentaram peso fresco

  5. Socialização, acolhimento e integração organizacional no HPA Saúde :elaboração do manual de acolhimento do grupo HPA Saúde

    OpenAIRE

    Dias, Ana Sofia Martins

    2016-01-01

    Dissertação de mestrado, Gestão de Recursos Humanos, Escola Superior de Gestão, Hotelaria e Turismo, Universidade do Algarve, 2016 O presente relatório de estágio tem como tema principal a “ Socialização, Acolhimento e Integração Organizacional no HPA Saúde – Elaboração de um Manual de Acolhimento.” E surge como proposta no âmbito de estágio realizado no Hospital Particular de Alvor, sendo este detentor de várias unidades de saúde no Algarve. A realização do manual de acolhimen...

  6. Beyond AI: Artificial Dreams Conference

    CERN Document Server

    Zackova, Eva; Kelemen, Jozef; Beyond Artificial Intelligence : The Disappearing Human-Machine Divide

    2015-01-01

    This book is an edited collection of chapters based on the papers presented at the conference “Beyond AI: Artificial Dreams” held in Pilsen in November 2012. The aim of the conference was to question deep-rooted ideas of artificial intelligence and cast critical reflection on methods standing at its foundations.  Artificial Dreams epitomize our controversial quest for non-biological intelligence, and therefore the contributors of this book tried to fully exploit such a controversy in their respective chapters, which resulted in an interdisciplinary dialogue between experts from engineering, natural sciences and humanities.   While pursuing the Artificial Dreams, it has become clear that it is still more and more difficult to draw a clear divide between human and machine. And therefore this book tries to portrait such an image of what lies beyond artificial intelligence: we can see the disappearing human-machine divide, a very important phenomenon of nowadays technological society, the phenomenon which i...

  7. Artificial Photosynthesis: Beyond Mimicking Nature

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dau, Holger; Fujita, Etsuko; Sun, Licheng

    2017-01-01

    In this Editorial, Guest Editors Holger Dau, Etsuko Fujita, and Licheng Sun introduce the Special Issue of ChemSusChem on “Artificial Photosynthesis for Sustainable Fuels”. Here, they discuss the need for non-fossil based fuels, introduce both biological and artificial photosynthesis, and outline various important concepts in artificial photosynthesis, including molecular and solid-state catalysts for water oxidation and hydrogen evolution, catalytic CO 2 reduction, and photoelectrochemical systems.

  8. Parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Gjelstad, Astrid; Rasmussen, Knut Einar; Parmer, Marthe Petrine

    2013-01-01

    This paper reports development of a new approach towards analytical liquid-liquid-liquid membrane extraction termed parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction. A donor plate and acceptor plate create a sandwich, in which each sample (human plasma) and acceptor solution is separated by an arti......This paper reports development of a new approach towards analytical liquid-liquid-liquid membrane extraction termed parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction. A donor plate and acceptor plate create a sandwich, in which each sample (human plasma) and acceptor solution is separated...... by an artificial liquid membrane. Parallel artificial liquid membrane extraction is a modification of hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction, where the hollow fibers are replaced by flat membranes in a 96-well plate format....

  9. Desafios da integração nos novos arranjos institucionais de políticas públicas no Brasil

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gabriela Lotta

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available Resumo O Governo Federal brasileiro tem experimentado arranjos institucionais que tem como objetivo construir políticas públicas efetivas em um contexto territorial complexo. Neles há dois eixos centrais: (i a tentativa de articular temáticas intersetoriais e (ii a construção de modelos de gestão de políticas públicas com coordenação entre os entes federativos e a sociedade civil. Este artigo analisa como novos arranjos institucionais consideram o papel dos territórios. A análise está estruturada em duas questões centrais: (a qual a centralidade dada à concepção de território e em que medida ele desempenha papel ativo ou passivo no desenho do arranjo; (b que fatores poderiam explicar contornos do arranjo institucional e como a dimensão territorial se materializa neles. O artigo analisa três arranjos: Plano Brasil Sem Miséria; Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento; Programa Territórios da Cidadania. As análises baseadas em documentos oficiais dos programas visam compreender, a partir de sua estrutura de funcionamento, como se dão questões como intersetorialidade, relações federativas e concepção de território. Analisando os programas, percebe-se que, ainda que em graus variados, há mais justaposição do que integração de políticas públicas, e que neles os territórios – entendido como os lócus de implementação das políticas e as forças sociais nele presentes – não ocupam uma posição ativa, revelando-se meros repositórios de investimentos. Como consequência, essa fragilidade, observada tanto na dupla integração desejada como na articulação territorial, é algo que resulta em perda de eficiência dos investimentos e em comprometimento dos resultados. Esses limites se devem, em grande medida, ao peso da cultura setorial que permeia os gestores e o comportamento das forças sociais, associado a uma cultura institucional de privilégio dos resultados alcançáveis em curto prazo. Esses aspectos

  10. Integração na criação de frangos de corte na microrregião de Viçosa - MG: viabilidade econômica e análise de risco

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Adelson Martins Figueiredo

    2006-12-01

    Full Text Available Na microrregião de Viçosa - MG, a criação de frango de corte via contratos de integração com a PIF-PAF S/A Indústria e Comércio tornou-se fonte adicional de renda para as propriedades rurais de pequeno e médio porte. Assim, este trabalho visou verificar a viabilidade de contratos de integração nessa região; especificamente, pretendeu-se elaborar e analisar um projeto de implantação de um aviário, determinar a rentabilidade do investimento, mensurar os riscos da atividade sob o ponto de vista do integrado e auxiliar a tomada de decisão. Para isso, calcularam-se indicadores de viabilidade econômica do projeto, como Valor Presente Líquido, Taxa Interna de Retorno e Razão Benefício/Custo; além disso, foi feita uma análise de sensibilidade para posterior análise de risco. Os resultados apontaram para a viabilidade econômica do projeto; ademais constatou-se que a sua lucratividade é mais sensível aos componentes da receita do que dos custos, sendo o preço recebido por ave a variável de maior sensibilidade. Percebeu-se também que os contratos de integração não eliminam totalmente o risco da atividade e que a integradora transfere parte do risco de preços ao produtor.The chicken production in Viçosa area is done by integration agreement with Pif Paf Company and it is an important option for increasing the income of small farmers. The objective of this paper is to check the viability of integration agreements. A project of a plant for chicken production was drawn and observed in order to determine its profitability and risks, with the purpose of helping the decision making. The Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Cost/Benefit Ratio, Risk Sensitivity and Risk Analysis were calculated. The results show that the project is feasible and the profitability is more sensitive to changes in production price than changes in production costs. This study also points out that the integration agreement does not eliminate the

  11. Artificial organs versus regenerative medicine: is it true?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nosé, Yukihiko; Okubo, Hisashi

    2003-09-01

    Individuals engaged in the fields of artificial kidney and artificial heart have often mistakenly stated that "the era of artificial organs is over; regenerative medicine is the future." Contrarily, we do not believe artificial organs and regenerative medicine are different medical technologies. As a matter of fact, artificial organs developed during the last 50 years have been used as a bridge to regeneration. The only difference between regenerative medicine and artificial organs is that artificial organs for the bridge to regeneration promote tissue regeneration in situ, instead of outside the body (for example, vascular prostheses, neuroprostheses, bladder substitutes, skin prostheses, bone prostheses, cartilage prostheses, ligament prostheses, etc.). All of these artificial organs are successful because tissue regeneration over a man-made prosthesis is established inside the patient's body (artificial organs to support regeneration). Another usage of the group of artificial organs for the bridge to regeneration is to sustain the functions of the patient's diseased organs during the regeneration process of the body's healthy tissues and/or organs. This particular group includes artificial kidney, hepatic assist, respiratory assist, and circulatory assist. Proof of regeneration of these healthy tissues and/or organs is demonstrated in the short-term recovery of end-stage organ failure patients (artificial organs for bridge to regeneration). A third group of artificial organs for the bridge to regeneration accelerates the regenerating process of the patient's healthy tissues and organs. This group includes neurostimulators, artificial blood (red cells) blood oxygenators, and plasmapheresis devices, including hemodiafiltrators. So-called "therapeutic artificial organs" fall into this category (artificial organs to accelerate regeneration). Thus, almost all of today's artificial organs are useful in the bridge to regeneration of healthy natural tissues and organs

  12. O Desenvolvimento da Noção de Tempo como Integração da Distância e da Velocidade The Development of the Concept of Time as Integration of Distance and Speed

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Antonio Roazzi

    2001-01-01

    Full Text Available O artigo investiga como surge e se desenvolve o conceito de tempo como integração da distância e da velocidade em uma amostra de 46 crianças de sete a dez anos de idade que estudavam em uma escola da rede pública de ensino. Os resultados diferem de achados anteriores porque mostram que mesmo as crianças de dez anos não utilizaram uma regra de divisão para realizar os julgamentos sobre tempo. Estes resultados apontam mais para diferenças em termos de experiência sociocultural e escolar do que para diferenças transculturais no desenvolvimento da noção de tempo como integração da distância e da velocidade.This study aimed at verifying how the concept of time as an integration of speed and distance emerged and developed in a sample of 46 seven to ten year-old public school children. Results were different from previous studies because even ten years-old children did not use a division rule to achieve judgements about time. These results are interpreted as due more to differences in social, cultural, and school experience than to cross-cultural differences in the development of the notion of time as integration of distance and speed.

  13. Artificial Intelligence in Space Platforms.

    Science.gov (United States)

    1984-12-01

    computer algorithms, there still appears to be a need for Artificial Inteligence techniques in the navigation area. The reason is that navigaion, in...RD-RI32 679 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SPACE PLRTFORNSMU AIR FORCE 1/𔃼 INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PRTTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING M A WRIGHT DEC 94...i4 Preface The purpose of this study was to analyze the feasibility of implementing Artificial Intelligence techniques to increase autonomy for

  14. Trimaran Resistance Artificial Neural Network

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-01-01

    11th International Conference on Fast Sea Transportation FAST 2011, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, September 2011 Trimaran Resistance Artificial Neural Network Richard...Trimaran Resistance Artificial Neural Network 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e... Artificial Neural Network and is restricted to the center and side-hull configurations tested. The value in the parametric model is that it is able to

  15. Artificial Intelligence and Moral intelligence

    OpenAIRE

    Laura Pana

    2008-01-01

    We discuss the thesis that the implementation of a moral code in the behaviour of artificial intelligent systems needs a specific form of human and artificial intelligence, not just an abstract intelligence. We present intelligence as a system with an internal structure and the structural levels of the moral system, as well as certain characteristics of artificial intelligent agents which can/must be treated as 1- individual entities (with a complex, specialized, autonomous or selfdetermined,...

  16. Artificial Intelligence and Economic Theories

    OpenAIRE

    Marwala, Tshilidzi; Hurwitz, Evan

    2017-01-01

    The advent of artificial intelligence has changed many disciplines such as engineering, social science and economics. Artificial intelligence is a computational technique which is inspired by natural intelligence such as the swarming of birds, the working of the brain and the pathfinding of the ants. These techniques have impact on economic theories. This book studies the impact of artificial intelligence on economic theories, a subject that has not been extensively studied. The theories that...

  17. Internet advertising of artificial tanning in Australia.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Team, Victoria; Markovic, Milica

    2006-08-01

    Artificial tanning, defined as deliberate exposure to ultraviolet rays produced by artificial tanning devices, is a new and emerging public health issue in Australia and globally. Epidemiological research suggests that artificial tanning may contribute to the incidence of melanoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer as well as other health problems. Given that Australia has a high incidence of skin cancer, we have undertaken a study to explore how artificial tanning has been promoted to its users. The aim was to analyze the completeness and accuracy of information about artificial tanning. A content analysis of web sites of tanning salons and distributors of tanning equipment in Australia was conducted. A total of 22 web sites were analyzed. None of the solarium operators or distributors of equipment provided full information about the risks of artificial tanning. Fifty-nine percent of web advertisements had no information and 41% provided only partial information regarding the risks of artificial tanning. Pictures with the image of bronze-tanned bodies, predominantly women, were used by all web advertisers. In light of the success of sun-safety campaigns in Australia, the findings of future epidemiological research on the prevalence of artificial tanning and sociological and anthropological research on why people utilize artificial tanning should be a basis for developing effective targeted health promotion on the elimination of artificial tanning in the country.

  18. Comunicação Interna e Gestão de Pessoas: Interfaces e perspectivas de integração e diálogo nas organizações

    OpenAIRE

    Castro, Mônica Aparecida de

    2014-01-01

    Esta dissertação tem como objetivo destacar a importância da integração entre as áreas de comunicação e de gestão de pessoas para o planejamento e desenvolvimento da comunicação interna nas organizações, bem como levantar algumas oportunidades de parceria entre as áreas. Busca-se também compreender o papel da área de gestão de pessoas nos processos comunicacionais e discutir a importância do diálogo e da participação na melhoria da comunicação com os públicos internos. Os novos contextos soci...

  19. Differences in predators of artificial and real songbirds nests: Evidence of bias in artificial nest studies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Frank R. Thompson; Dirk E. Burhans

    2004-01-01

    In the past two decades, many researchers have used artificial nest to measure relative rates of nest predation. Recent comparisons show that real and artificial nests may not be depredated at the same rate, but no one has examined the mechanisms underlying these patterns. We determined differences in predator-specific predation rates of real and artificial nests. we...

  20. Fluid-driven origami-inspired artificial muscles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Shuguang; Vogt, Daniel M.; Rus, Daniela; Wood, Robert J.

    2017-12-01

    Artificial muscles hold promise for safe and powerful actuation for myriad common machines and robots. However, the design, fabrication, and implementation of artificial muscles are often limited by their material costs, operating principle, scalability, and single-degree-of-freedom contractile actuation motions. Here we propose an architecture for fluid-driven origami-inspired artificial muscles. This concept requires only a compressible skeleton, a flexible skin, and a fluid medium. A mechanical model is developed to explain the interaction of the three components. A fabrication method is introduced to rapidly manufacture low-cost artificial muscles using various materials and at multiple scales. The artificial muscles can be programed to achieve multiaxial motions including contraction, bending, and torsion. These motions can be aggregated into systems with multiple degrees of freedom, which are able to produce controllable motions at different rates. Our artificial muscles can be driven by fluids at negative pressures (relative to ambient). This feature makes actuation safer than most other fluidic artificial muscles that operate with positive pressures. Experiments reveal that these muscles can contract over 90% of their initial lengths, generate stresses of ˜600 kPa, and produce peak power densities over 2 kW/kg—all equal to, or in excess of, natural muscle. This architecture for artificial muscles opens the door to rapid design and low-cost fabrication of actuation systems for numerous applications at multiple scales, ranging from miniature medical devices to wearable robotic exoskeletons to large deployable structures for space exploration.

  1. Artificial Astrocytes Improve Neural Network Performance

    Science.gov (United States)

    Porto-Pazos, Ana B.; Veiguela, Noha; Mesejo, Pablo; Navarrete, Marta; Alvarellos, Alberto; Ibáñez, Oscar; Pazos, Alejandro; Araque, Alfonso

    2011-01-01

    Compelling evidence indicates the existence of bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons. Astrocytes, a type of glial cells classically considered to be passive supportive cells, have been recently demonstrated to be actively involved in the processing and regulation of synaptic information, suggesting that brain function arises from the activity of neuron-glia networks. However, the actual impact of astrocytes in neural network function is largely unknown and its application in artificial intelligence remains untested. We have investigated the consequences of including artificial astrocytes, which present the biologically defined properties involved in astrocyte-neuron communication, on artificial neural network performance. Using connectionist systems and evolutionary algorithms, we have compared the performance of artificial neural networks (NN) and artificial neuron-glia networks (NGN) to solve classification problems. We show that the degree of success of NGN is superior to NN. Analysis of performances of NN with different number of neurons or different architectures indicate that the effects of NGN cannot be accounted for an increased number of network elements, but rather they are specifically due to astrocytes. Furthermore, the relative efficacy of NGN vs. NN increases as the complexity of the network increases. These results indicate that artificial astrocytes improve neural network performance, and established the concept of Artificial Neuron-Glia Networks, which represents a novel concept in Artificial Intelligence with implications in computational science as well as in the understanding of brain function. PMID:21526157

  2. Artificial astrocytes improve neural network performance.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ana B Porto-Pazos

    Full Text Available Compelling evidence indicates the existence of bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons. Astrocytes, a type of glial cells classically considered to be passive supportive cells, have been recently demonstrated to be actively involved in the processing and regulation of synaptic information, suggesting that brain function arises from the activity of neuron-glia networks. However, the actual impact of astrocytes in neural network function is largely unknown and its application in artificial intelligence remains untested. We have investigated the consequences of including artificial astrocytes, which present the biologically defined properties involved in astrocyte-neuron communication, on artificial neural network performance. Using connectionist systems and evolutionary algorithms, we have compared the performance of artificial neural networks (NN and artificial neuron-glia networks (NGN to solve classification problems. We show that the degree of success of NGN is superior to NN. Analysis of performances of NN with different number of neurons or different architectures indicate that the effects of NGN cannot be accounted for an increased number of network elements, but rather they are specifically due to astrocytes. Furthermore, the relative efficacy of NGN vs. NN increases as the complexity of the network increases. These results indicate that artificial astrocytes improve neural network performance, and established the concept of Artificial Neuron-Glia Networks, which represents a novel concept in Artificial Intelligence with implications in computational science as well as in the understanding of brain function.

  3. Artificial astrocytes improve neural network performance.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Porto-Pazos, Ana B; Veiguela, Noha; Mesejo, Pablo; Navarrete, Marta; Alvarellos, Alberto; Ibáñez, Oscar; Pazos, Alejandro; Araque, Alfonso

    2011-04-19

    Compelling evidence indicates the existence of bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons. Astrocytes, a type of glial cells classically considered to be passive supportive cells, have been recently demonstrated to be actively involved in the processing and regulation of synaptic information, suggesting that brain function arises from the activity of neuron-glia networks. However, the actual impact of astrocytes in neural network function is largely unknown and its application in artificial intelligence remains untested. We have investigated the consequences of including artificial astrocytes, which present the biologically defined properties involved in astrocyte-neuron communication, on artificial neural network performance. Using connectionist systems and evolutionary algorithms, we have compared the performance of artificial neural networks (NN) and artificial neuron-glia networks (NGN) to solve classification problems. We show that the degree of success of NGN is superior to NN. Analysis of performances of NN with different number of neurons or different architectures indicate that the effects of NGN cannot be accounted for an increased number of network elements, but rather they are specifically due to astrocytes. Furthermore, the relative efficacy of NGN vs. NN increases as the complexity of the network increases. These results indicate that artificial astrocytes improve neural network performance, and established the concept of Artificial Neuron-Glia Networks, which represents a novel concept in Artificial Intelligence with implications in computational science as well as in the understanding of brain function.

  4. Artificial organ engineering

    CERN Document Server

    Annesini, Maria Cristina; Piemonte, Vincenzo; Turchetti, Luca

    2017-01-01

    Artificial organs may be considered as small-scale process plants, in which heat, mass and momentum transfer operations and, possibly, chemical transformations are carried out. This book proposes a novel analysis of artificial organs based on the typical bottom-up approach used in process engineering. Starting from a description of the fundamental physico-chemical phenomena involved in the process, the whole system is rebuilt as an interconnected ensemble of elemental unit operations. Each artificial organ is presented with a short introduction provided by expert clinicians. Devices commonly used in clinical practice are reviewed and their performance is assessed and compared by using a mathematical model based approach. Whilst mathematical modelling is a fundamental tool for quantitative descriptions of clinical devices, models are kept simple to remain focused on the essential features of each process. Postgraduate students and researchers in the field of chemical and biomedical engineering will find that t...

  5. Integração do enxerto heterólogo de pele humana no subepitélio da bolsa jugal do hamster (Mesocricetus auratus

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hochman Bernardo

    2003-01-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Descrever a integração de enxertos de pele total humana no subepitélio da bolsa jugal do hamster (Mesocricetus auratus. MÉTODOS: A amostragem consistiu de 18 hamsters machos, exogâmicos, com 10 a 14 semanas de idade. Fragmentos de pele humana normal foram obtidos de pele excedente de mastoplastia redutora de paciente parda. Cada hamster foi enxertado em ambas as bolsas com fragmentos de pele, perfazendo um total de 36 fragmentos enxertados. Os animais foram distribuídos, em 6 grupos, para exame dos fragmentos enxertados com 5, 12, 21, 42, 84 e 168 dias. Uma avaliação macroscópica foi realizada comparando a bolsa contendo o fragmento enxertado em cada período com a mesma bolsa no pós-operatório imediato, mediante fotografias padronizadas. Na avaliação microscópica foi adotado como critério de integração a presença de vasos sangüíneos na derme dos enxertos. Observou-se também a presença de queratina, melanócitos, infiltrado celular e aspecto do tecido conjuntivo. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação macroscópica foi observada uma reação vascular em torno dos fragmentos até 12 dias do implante, e a presença de pigmentação castanho-escura a partir de 42 dias. À microscopia, integraram-se 80,64% dos fragmentos enxertados, inclusive no grupo de 168 dias. Observou-se infiltrado celular inflamatório até 12 dias, a presença de melanócitos a partir de 42 dias e uma hialinização do tecido conjuntivo após 84 dias. CONCLUSÕES: Fragmentos de pele humana integram-se no tecido celular subcutâneo da bolsa jugal do hamster, mantêm-se vascularizados por 168 dias, e conservam o epitélio íntegro até 21 dias. O subepitélio da bolsa representa modelo experimental de investigação da fisiologia de pele humana ex vivo.

  6. Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Larsen, Jan

    1999-01-01

    The note addresses introduction to signal analysis and classification based on artificial feed-forward neural networks.......The note addresses introduction to signal analysis and classification based on artificial feed-forward neural networks....

  7. How to teach artificial organs.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zapanta, Conrad M; Borovetz, Harvey S; Lysaght, Michael J; Manning, Keefe B

    2011-01-01

    Artificial organs education is often an overlooked field for many bioengineering and biomedical engineering students. The purpose of this article is to describe three different approaches to teaching artificial organs. This article can serve as a reference for those who wish to offer a similar course at their own institutions or incorporate these ideas into existing courses. Artificial organ classes typically fulfill several ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) criteria, including those specific to bioengineering and biomedical engineering programs.

  8. Artificial Neural Network Analysis System

    Science.gov (United States)

    2001-02-27

    Contract No. DASG60-00-M-0201 Purchase request no.: Foot in the Door-01 Title Name: Artificial Neural Network Analysis System Company: Atlantic... Artificial Neural Network Analysis System 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Powell, Bruce C 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER...34) 27-02-2001 Report Type N/A Dates Covered (from... to) ("DD MON YYYY") 28-10-2000 27-02-2001 Title and Subtitle Artificial Neural Network Analysis

  9. Artificial Psychology: The Psychology of AI

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    James A. Crowder

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available Having artificially intelligent machines that think, learn, reason, experience, and can function autonomously, without supervision, is one of the most intriguing goals in all of Computer Science. As the types of problems we would like machines to solve get more complex, it is becoming a necessary goal as well. One of the many problems associated with this goal is that what learning and reasoning are have so many possible meanings that the solution can easily get lost in the sea of opinions and options. The goal of this paper is to establish some foundational principles, theory, and concepts that we feel are the backbone of real, autonomous Artificial Intelligence. With this fully autonomous, learning, reasoning, artificially intelligent system (an artificial brain, comes the need to possess constructs in its hardware and software that mimic processes and subsystems that exist within the human brain, including intuitive and emotional memory concepts. Presented here is a discussion of the psychological constructs of artificial intelligence and how they might play out in an artificial mind.

  10. Artificial Intelligence in Civil Engineering

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pengzhen Lu

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science, involved in the research, design, and application of intelligent computer. Traditional methods for modeling and optimizing complex structure systems require huge amounts of computing resources, and artificial-intelligence-based solutions can often provide valuable alternatives for efficiently solving problems in the civil engineering. This paper summarizes recently developed methods and theories in the developing direction for applications of artificial intelligence in civil engineering, including evolutionary computation, neural networks, fuzzy systems, expert system, reasoning, classification, and learning, as well as others like chaos theory, cuckoo search, firefly algorithm, knowledge-based engineering, and simulated annealing. The main research trends are also pointed out in the end. The paper provides an overview of the advances of artificial intelligence applied in civil engineering.

  11. Fluid-driven origami-inspired artificial muscles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Shuguang; Vogt, Daniel M; Rus, Daniela; Wood, Robert J

    2017-12-12

    Artificial muscles hold promise for safe and powerful actuation for myriad common machines and robots. However, the design, fabrication, and implementation of artificial muscles are often limited by their material costs, operating principle, scalability, and single-degree-of-freedom contractile actuation motions. Here we propose an architecture for fluid-driven origami-inspired artificial muscles. This concept requires only a compressible skeleton, a flexible skin, and a fluid medium. A mechanical model is developed to explain the interaction of the three components. A fabrication method is introduced to rapidly manufacture low-cost artificial muscles using various materials and at multiple scales. The artificial muscles can be programed to achieve multiaxial motions including contraction, bending, and torsion. These motions can be aggregated into systems with multiple degrees of freedom, which are able to produce controllable motions at different rates. Our artificial muscles can be driven by fluids at negative pressures (relative to ambient). This feature makes actuation safer than most other fluidic artificial muscles that operate with positive pressures. Experiments reveal that these muscles can contract over 90% of their initial lengths, generate stresses of ∼600 kPa, and produce peak power densities over 2 kW/kg-all equal to, or in excess of, natural muscle. This architecture for artificial muscles opens the door to rapid design and low-cost fabrication of actuation systems for numerous applications at multiple scales, ranging from miniature medical devices to wearable robotic exoskeletons to large deployable structures for space exploration. Copyright © 2017 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

  12. Radicalismos, violências e integração política na Turquia Radicalisms, violence and political integration in Turkey

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hamit Bozarsian

    2001-05-01

    Full Text Available Este artigo analisa os principais obstáculos a serem enfrentados para a integração política na Turquia. Mostra que o radicalismo e a violência originam-se em três fontes: a oposição curdo-turca; a oposição alevita-sunita e o avanço do islamismo político, com sua recusa de abandonar a referência religiosa. Contribuíram para a atual fragmentação política as contradições da doutrina kemalista, na qual ainda se assenta a legitimidade do Estado turco; os sucessivos golpes militares de Estado, que obrigam a constantes realinhamentos das formações partidárias; e a militarização de vastas regiões da Turquia em resposta às sucessivas ondas curdas e alevitas de contestação violenta, conduzindo à autonomização dos grupos armados que tendem a perpetuar a contestação e a repressão violentas. Diante desse quadro, o futuro da Turquia depende, por um lado, da integração social das identificações e convicções (curdas, alevitas e islamitas pelo reconhecimento das culturas regionais e, por outro lado, da adoção do princípio de não-politização das convicções religiosas e do abandono do conservadorismo social por oposição à ocidentalidade.This article analyses the main obstacles to be faced for the political integration in Turkey. It shows that radicalism and violence spring from three sources; the Turkish-Kurd opposition; the Sunite-Alevite opposition and the rise of political Islamism, with its refusal to abandon religious reference.What has contributed to the present political fragmentation are the contradictions of the Kemalist doctrine, on which the legitimacy of the Turkish State is based; the successive military coups d'etat that cause constant party realignements; and the militarization of vast regions of Turkey to hold back the successive waves of Kurdish and Alevite violent uprisings, which, in turn, give autonomy to armed groups that tend to perpetuate the violent contends and repression. From this

  13. Gestão de custos no modelo de integração da estratégia de manufatura

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Milton Gomes Pacheco

    Full Text Available Os efeitos da globalização econômica exigem cada vez mais eficiência das políticas econômicas e financeiras das organizações. O fato dos meios de produção não mais dependerem de políticas locais ou regionais para fixar suas plantas industriais, tem exigido a percepção de que, para se conseguir ou manter as vantagens competitivas, são necessárias a combinação de fatores aliados entre estratégias e custos. As ferramentas de gestão da qualidade, incorporadas às unidades de negócios desde a década de 1960, permitiram grande avanço na aplicação de estratégias para formação de competência, com a gestão de custos sustentada pelas novas metodologias. Isso tem sido importante fator de competitividade. O uso possível de um modelo de integração incluindo a estratégia de competência e a gestão de custos, poderá contribuir de forma decisiva para o alinhamento das unidades de negócios às políticas corporativas.

  14. Polymeric membrane materials for artificial organs.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kawakami, Hiroyoshi

    2008-01-01

    Many polymeric materials have already been used in the field of artificial organs. However, the materials used in artificial organs are not necessarily created with the best material selectivity and materials design; therefore, the development of synthesized polymeric membrane materials for artificial organs based on well-defined designs is required. The approaches to the development of biocompatible polymeric materials fall into three categories: (1) control of physicochemical characteristics on material surfaces, (2) modification of material surfaces using biomolecules, and (3) construction of biomimetic membrane surfaces. This review will describe current issues regarding polymeric membrane materials for use in artificial organs.

  15. Artificial reefs: “Attraction versus Production”

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Eduardo Barros Fagundes Netto

    2011-04-01

    Full Text Available The production of fish is the most common reason for the construction and installation of an artificial reef. More recently, environmental concerns and conservation of biological resources have been instrumental to the formulation of new goals of the research. One of the issues to be resolved is the biological function of “attraction vs. production” as a result of the use of artificial reefs. The uncertainty as to the answer to the question whether the artificial reefs will or not benefit the development of fish stocks could be solved if the artificial reefs would be managed as marine protected areas.

  16. Progress and Challenge of Artificial Intelligence

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    Zhong-Zhi Shi; Nan-Ning Zheng

    2006-01-01

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is generally considered to be a subfield of computer science, that is concerned to attempt simulation, extension and expansion of human intelligence. Artificial intelligence has enjoyed tremendous success over the last fifty years. In this paper we only focus on visual perception, granular computing, agent computing, semantic grid. Human-level intelligence is the long-term goal of artificial intelligence. We should do joint research on basic theory and technology of intelligence by brain science, cognitive science, artificial intelligence and others. A new cross discipline intelligence science is undergoing a rapid development. Future challenges are given in final section.

  17. Proposta de elemento de integração para a interface entre alvenaria estrutural e esquadria

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lais Zucchetti

    Full Text Available A utilização de sistemas modulares na indústria da construção tem crescido de forma acentuada nos últimos anos no Brasil, sendo que, dentre estes, se destaca o sistema construtivo de alvenaria estrutural. Entretanto, diversos estudos apontam uma alta incidência de manifestações patológicas relacionadas a este sistema. A interface entre alvenaria e esquadria é um dos locais de maior incidência de problemas, além de representar um gargalo construtivo, pela necessidade de realização de inúmeras atividades que dependentes da mesma. O presente artigo apresenta o processo de desenvolvimento de uma nova solução para este problema, denominada elemento de integração, incluindo sua definição geométrica, funcional e conceitual, bem como a produção de protótipos virtuais e físicos (com diferentes materiais. Ao longo do desenvolvimento de diferentes modelos, foram realizadas avaliações pela equipe de projeto, a partir das quais foram introduzidas melhorias. Ao todo, foram produzidos 4 modelos virtuais, 3 modelos físicos na escala 1:1, e uma parede experimental. Os principais resultados apontam para a viabilidade e adequação da proposta ao sistema construtivo, bem como identificam o possível aumento de construtibilidade do sistema como um todo a partir da aplicação do elemento desenvolvido.

  18. DISEÑO Y EJECUCION DE UNA INTERVENCION ORIENTADA AL MEJORAMIENTO EN LA IMPLEMENTACION DE LAS BUENAS PRACTICAS DE FABRICACION (BPF) EN LOS SERVICIOS DE ALIMENTACION CONCESIONADOS DE ESTABLECIMIENTOS EDUCACIONALES DE LA FUNDACION INTEGRA

    OpenAIRE

    AYALA RIQUELME, JOSE MIGUEL

    2013-01-01

    El Programa de Alimentación del Preescolar (PAP) de la Fundación Integra, tiene como beneficiarios a más de 70.000 niños de los quintiles de ingreso más bajos del país, distribuidos en cerca de 900 establecimientos en todo Chile. En los últimos años, la inocuidad de alimentos ha tomado gran relevancia a nivel mundial debido al aumento en las Enfermedades Transmitidas por Alimentos (ETA). Entre las medidas para mejorar este panorama, se encuentran las Buenas Prácticas de Fabrica...

  19. Dynamic cardiomyoplasty using artificial muscle.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Suzuki, Yasuyuki; Daitoku, Kazuyuki; Minakawa, Masahito; Fukui, Kozo; Fukuda, Ikuo

    2008-01-01

    Dynamic cardiomyoplasty using latissimus dorsi muscle was previously used to compensate for congestive heart failure. Now, however, this method is not acceptable because the long-term result was not as expected owing to fatigue of the skeletal muscle. BioMetal fiber developed by Toki Corporation is one of the artificial muscles activated by electric current. The behavior of this fiber is similar to that of organic muscle. We made an artificial muscle like the latissimus dorsi using BioMetal fiber and tested whether we could use this new muscle as a cardiac supporting device. Testing one Biometal fiber showed the following performance: practical use maximal generative force was 30 g, exercise variation was 50%, and the standard driving current was 220 mA. We created a 4 x 12-cm tabular artificial muscle using 8 BioMetal fibers as a cardiac support device. We also made a simulation circuit composed of a 6 x 8-cm soft bag with unidirectional valves, reservoir, and connecting tube. The simulation circuit was filled with water and the soft bag was wrapped with the artificial muscle device. After powering the device electrically at 9 V with a current of 220 mA for each fiber, we measured the inside pressure and observed the movement of the artificial device. The artificial muscle contracted in 0.5 s for peak time and squeezed the soft bag. The peak pressure inside the soft bag was measured as 10 mmHg. Although further work will be needed to enhance the speed of deformability and movement simulating contraction, we conclude that artificial muscle may be potentially useful as a cardiac assistance device that can be developed for dynamic cardiomyoplasty.

  20. Introduction to Concepts in Artificial Neural Networks

    Science.gov (United States)

    Niebur, Dagmar

    1995-01-01

    This introduction to artificial neural networks summarizes some basic concepts of computational neuroscience and the resulting models of artificial neurons. The terminology of biological and artificial neurons, biological and machine learning and neural processing is introduced. The concepts of supervised and unsupervised learning are explained with examples from the power system area. Finally, a taxonomy of different types of neurons and different classes of artificial neural networks is presented.

  1. Artificial organs and transplantation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Splendiani, G; Cipriani, S; Vega, A; Casciani, C U

    2003-05-01

    Nowadays artificial devices are not able to totally and undefinitely replace the loss of function of all vital organs and artificial organs can be used only to bridge the time to transplantation, which must be considered the first choice in the therapeutical approach for many chronic diseases. Since general population aging process is leading to an increase of organ demand, the gap between performed and requested transplantation is hard to fill. Xenotransplantation is nowadays only an experimental alternative solution and we have to do our best using available artificial organs to increase and improve the survival of patients waiting for transplantation. In this meeting we particularly dealt about organ function replacing therapy, especially regarding the kidney, heart, liver, pancreas and ear.

  2. Artificial senses for characterization of food quality

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    HUANG Yan-bo; LAN Yu-bin; R.E. Lacey

    2004-01-01

    Food quality is of primary concern in the food industry and to the consumer. Systems that mimic human senses have been developed and applied to the characterization of food quality. The five primary senses are: vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch.In the characterization of food quality, people assess the samples sensorially and differentiate "good" from "bad" on a continuum.However, the human sensory system is subjective, with mental and physical inconsistencies, and needs time to work. Artificial senses such as machine vision, the electronic ear, electronic nose, electronic tongue, artificial mouth and even artificial the head have been developed that mimic the human senses. These artificial senses are coordinated individually or collectively by a pattern recognition technique, typically artificial neural networks, which have been developed based on studies of the mechanism of the human brain. Such a structure has been used to formulate methods for rapid characterization of food quality. This research presents and discusses individual artificial sensing systems. With the concept of multi-sensor data fusion these sensor systems can work collectively in some way. Two such fused systems, artificial mouth and artificial head, are described and discussed. It indicates that each of the individual systems has their own artificially sensing ability to differentiate food samples. It further indicates that with a more complete mimic of human intelligence the fused systems are more powerful than the individual systems in differentiation of food samples.

  3. Artificial humidification for the mechanically ventilated patient.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Selvaraj, N

    Caring for patients who are mechanically ventilated poses many challenges for critical care nurses. It is important to humidify the patient's airways artificially to prevent complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia. There is no gold standard to determine which type of humidification is best for patients who are artificially ventilated. This article provides an overview of commonly used artificial humidification for mechanically ventilated patients and discusses nurses' responsibilities in caring for patients receiving artificial humidification.

  4. A depressão na economia dos processos de diferenciação e integração psíquicas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Daniel Delouya

    Full Text Available Interrogados sobre as questões atuais acerca da depressão – tema proposto para a primeira jornada desta revista –, o presente trabalho sugere que a depressão nos permite relançar as questões cruciais em relação à dimensão econômica do aparelho psíquico, integrando-a a outras, tópica e dinâmica, do mesmo. A depressão encontra-se no cerne de um princípio que, em analogia à biologia, condiciona e possibilita o surgimento da vida e sua permanência. Ou seja, abriga dentro dela um princípio paralelo ao que rege, na termodinâmica, a tendência negentrópica. Em outras palavras, ela conduz a construção da vida psíquica através das duas classes de processos que possibilitam, nesta analogia, a vida: diferenciação e integração. Alguns momentos e vinhetas clínicas são trazidos como ilustração desses processos.

  5. Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Economic Theory

    OpenAIRE

    Tshilidzi Marwala

    2015-01-01

    Artificial intelligence has impacted many aspects of human life. This paper studies the impact of artificial intelligence on economic theory. In particular we study the impact of artificial intelligence on the theory of bounded rationality, efficient market hypothesis and prospect theory.

  6. An artificial ecosystem model used in the study of social, economic and technological dynamics: An artificial electrical energy market

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Arjona, D.

    1998-01-01

    This paper will present the artificial ecosystem as a tool, in the development of multi agent models for the simulation of economic and technological dynamics (as well as other possible applications). This tool is based on the mechanics of an artificial society and consists of autonomous artificial agents that interact with individuals that have different characteristics and behavior and other that have a similar conduct to their own. Initial conditions are assumed not to be controllable, however they can be influenced. The importance of the concept of the ecosystem is in understanding great units in the light of their own components which are relevant for the analysis and become interdependent among themselves and with other essential components that hold the total operation of the system. Ideas for the development of a simulation model based on autonomous intelligent agents are presented. These agents will have a brain that is based on artificial intelligence technologies. The Sand Kings Simulation Model, an artificial ecosystem model developed by the author, is described as well as the application of artificial intelligence to this artificial life model. An application to a real life problem is also offered as an artificial energy market that is currently being developed by the author is described

  7. What Is an Artificial Muscle? A Systemic Approach.

    OpenAIRE

    Bertrand Tondu

    2015-01-01

    Artificial muscles define a large category of actuators we propose to analyze in a systemic framework by considering any artificial muscle as an open-loop stable system for any output which represents an artificial muscle dimension resulting from its “contraction”, understood in a broad meaning. This approach makes it possible to distinguish the artificial muscle from other actuators and to specify an original model for a linear artificial muscle, according to the theory of linear systems. Su...

  8. Reinforcement Learning Based Artificial Immune Classifier

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mehmet Karakose

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available One of the widely used methods for classification that is a decision-making process is artificial immune systems. Artificial immune systems based on natural immunity system can be successfully applied for classification, optimization, recognition, and learning in real-world problems. In this study, a reinforcement learning based artificial immune classifier is proposed as a new approach. This approach uses reinforcement learning to find better antibody with immune operators. The proposed new approach has many contributions according to other methods in the literature such as effectiveness, less memory cell, high accuracy, speed, and data adaptability. The performance of the proposed approach is demonstrated by simulation and experimental results using real data in Matlab and FPGA. Some benchmark data and remote image data are used for experimental results. The comparative results with supervised/unsupervised based artificial immune system, negative selection classifier, and resource limited artificial immune classifier are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed new method.

  9. Artificial intelligence in nanotechnology.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sacha, G M; Varona, P

    2013-11-15

    During the last decade there has been increasing use of artificial intelligence tools in nanotechnology research. In this paper we review some of these efforts in the context of interpreting scanning probe microscopy, the study of biological nanosystems, the classification of material properties at the nanoscale, theoretical approaches and simulations in nanoscience, and generally in the design of nanodevices. Current trends and future perspectives in the development of nanocomputing hardware that can boost artificial-intelligence-based applications are also discussed. Convergence between artificial intelligence and nanotechnology can shape the path for many technological developments in the field of information sciences that will rely on new computer architectures and data representations, hybrid technologies that use biological entities and nanotechnological devices, bioengineering, neuroscience and a large variety of related disciplines.

  10. Artificial intelligence in nanotechnology

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sacha, G. M.; Varona, P.

    2013-11-01

    During the last decade there has been increasing use of artificial intelligence tools in nanotechnology research. In this paper we review some of these efforts in the context of interpreting scanning probe microscopy, the study of biological nanosystems, the classification of material properties at the nanoscale, theoretical approaches and simulations in nanoscience, and generally in the design of nanodevices. Current trends and future perspectives in the development of nanocomputing hardware that can boost artificial-intelligence-based applications are also discussed. Convergence between artificial intelligence and nanotechnology can shape the path for many technological developments in the field of information sciences that will rely on new computer architectures and data representations, hybrid technologies that use biological entities and nanotechnological devices, bioengineering, neuroscience and a large variety of related disciplines.

  11. Artificial intelligence in nanotechnology

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sacha, G M; Varona, P

    2013-01-01

    During the last decade there has been increasing use of artificial intelligence tools in nanotechnology research. In this paper we review some of these efforts in the context of interpreting scanning probe microscopy, the study of biological nanosystems, the classification of material properties at the nanoscale, theoretical approaches and simulations in nanoscience, and generally in the design of nanodevices. Current trends and future perspectives in the development of nanocomputing hardware that can boost artificial-intelligence-based applications are also discussed. Convergence between artificial intelligence and nanotechnology can shape the path for many technological developments in the field of information sciences that will rely on new computer architectures and data representations, hybrid technologies that use biological entities and nanotechnological devices, bioengineering, neuroscience and a large variety of related disciplines. (topical review)

  12. Integração européia e políticas de saúde: repercussões do mercado interno europeu no acesso aos serviços de saúde European integration and health policies: repercussions of the internal European Market on access to health services

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luisa Guimarães

    2006-09-01

    Full Text Available Com base em revisão, o artigo explora repercussões nas políticas de saúde da integração regional entre países na União Européia. O objetivo é revisar a regulação do acesso em outro país, com a efetivação do mercado único e da livre circulação (de pessoas, produtos, serviços e capital. Inicia-se com revisão de modalidades de integração e descreve-se o alargamento e a institucionalização de organismos comunitários. As repercussões da integração européia nas políticas e na regulamentação do acesso à saúde foram analisadas. Impactos do mercado na saúde resultam de diretivas dos Tratados e de ajustes de políticas decorrentes da livre circulação. O acesso às ações assistenciais é regulamentado gradualmente e garantido por jurisprudências. Projetos nas fronteiras ilustram dinâmicas em que disparidades são utilizadas a favor do cuidado integral. Na mais antiga experiência de integração, a regulamentação do mercado gerou impactos intencionais e não intencionais nas políticas de saúde dos Estados-Membros, independentemente do modelo de organização. O conhecimento e a análise desta trajetória sinaliza desafios ao Mercosul e contribui para o debate e decisões futuras.This article explores the health policy repercussions of countries' regional integration into the European Union. The aim is to review the regulation of access in other countries, with the conclusion of the single European market and the free circulation of persons, services, goods, and capital. The article begins by reviewing the various forms of integration and describes the expansion and institutionalization of Community agencies. The repercussions of European integration on health policies and regulation of access are analyzed. Market impacts on health result from Treaty directives and internal policy adjustments to free circulation. Health services access is gradually regulated and granted by rulings. Projects along borders

  13. Artificial Intelligence--Applications in Education.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Poirot, James L.; Norris, Cathleen A.

    1987-01-01

    This first in a projected series of five articles discusses artificial intelligence and its impact on education. Highlights include the history of artificial intelligence and the impact of microcomputers; learning processes; human factors and interfaces; computer assisted instruction and intelligent tutoring systems; logic programing; and expert…

  14. Artificial intelligence in medicine.

    OpenAIRE

    Ramesh, A. N.; Kambhampati, C.; Monson, J. R. T.; Drew, P. J.

    2004-01-01

    INTRODUCTION: Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science capable of analysing complex medical data. Their potential to exploit meaningful relationship with in a data set can be used in the diagnosis, treatment and predicting outcome in many clinical scenarios. METHODS: Medline and internet searches were carried out using the keywords 'artificial intelligence' and 'neural networks (computer)'. Further references were obtained by cross-referencing from key articles. An overview of ...

  15. Artificial intelligence in cardiology

    OpenAIRE

    Bonderman, Diana

    2017-01-01

    Summary Decision-making is complex in modern medicine and should ideally be based on available data, structured knowledge and proper interpretation in the context of an individual patient. Automated algorithms, also termed artificial intelligence that are able to extract meaningful patterns from data collections and build decisions upon identified patterns may be useful assistants in clinical decision-making processes. In this article, artificial intelligence-based studies in clinical cardiol...

  16. Intelligence: Real or artificial?

    OpenAIRE

    Schlinger, Henry D.

    1992-01-01

    Throughout the history of the artificial intelligence movement, researchers have strived to create computers that could simulate general human intelligence. This paper argues that workers in artificial intelligence have failed to achieve this goal because they adopted the wrong model of human behavior and intelligence, namely a cognitive essentialist model with origins in the traditional philosophies of natural intelligence. An analysis of the word “intelligence” suggests that it originally r...

  17. Uma história de vida, um olhar diferente: a resiliência como um caminho aberto para a reabilitação e integração na sociedade

    OpenAIRE

    Nascimento, Rui Lourenço Viegas do

    2012-01-01

    O trabalho de investigação que ora se apresenta consiste numa dissertação de Mestra-do no domínio da Educação Social e inscreve-se no título Uma História de Vida, um Olhar Diferente - A Resiliência como um Caminho Aberto para a Reabilitação e Integração na Sociedade tendo como objetivos contribuir para a valorização e aprofundamento da temática da deficiência, através de uma História de Vida. Uma História de Vida é sempre um registo único que nos pertence enquanto seres individuais. É a pa...

  18. The artificial neural networks: An approach to artificial intelligence; Un approccio ``biologico`` all`intelligenza artificiale

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Taraglio, Sergio; Zanela, Andrea [ENEA, Casaccia (Italy). Dipt. Innovazione

    1997-05-01

    The artificial neural networks try to simulate the functionalities of the nervous system through a complex network of simple computing elements. In this work is presented an introduction to the neural networks and some of their possible applications, especially in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

  19. Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence Courses

    OpenAIRE

    Burton, Emanuelle; Goldsmith, Judy; Koenig, Sven; Kuipers, Benjamin; Mattei, Nicholas; Walsh, Toby

    2017-01-01

    The recent surge in interest in ethics in artificial intelligence may leave many educators wondering how to address moral, ethical, and philosophical issues in their AI courses. As instructors we want to develop curriculum that not only prepares students to be artificial intelligence practitioners, but also to understand the moral, ethical, and philosophical impacts that artificial intelligence will have on society. In this article we provide practical case studies and links to resources for ...

  20. Clonación artificial de controladores basados en técnicas de inteligencia artificial

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Javier Antonio Ballesteros

    2004-11-01

    Full Text Available En el presente articulo se expone un avance de anteproyecto, sobre técnicas de inteligencia Artificial, su aplicación a procesos industriales y herramientas para realizar simulación. Se citan algunos trabajos en los cuales hay resultados, y que prestan un soporte lógico para continuar con el desarrollo del proyecto. Ademas, se analiza, la función que cumple el controlador el cual debe ser preciso, confiable y que a su vez reduzca costos. Por estas razones se tomó como base del proyecto un controlador que posea estas características para que se puedan aplicar técnicas de lnteligencia Artificial y poder realizar Ia colación artificial.

  1. Artificial Reefs

    Data.gov (United States)

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce — An artificial reef is a human-made underwater structure, typically built to promote marine life in areas with a generally featureless bottom, control erosion, block...

  2. Engineering a Light-Attenuating Artificial Iris

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shareef, Farah J.; Sun, Shan; Kotecha, Mrignayani; Kassem, Iris; Azar, Dimitri; Cho, Michael

    2016-01-01

    Purpose Discomfort from light exposure leads to photophobia, glare, and poor vision in patients with congenital or trauma-induced iris damage. Commercial artificial iris lenses are static in nature to provide aesthetics without restoring the natural iris's dynamic response to light. A new photo-responsive artificial iris was therefore developed using a photochromic material with self-adaptive light transmission properties and encased in a transparent biocompatible polymer matrix. Methods The implantable artificial iris was designed and engineered using Photopia, a class of photo-responsive materials (termed naphthopyrans) embedded in polyethylene. Photopia was reshaped into annular disks that were spin-coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form our artificial iris lens of controlled thickness. Results Activated by UV and blue light in approximately 5 seconds with complete reversal in less than 1 minute, the artificial iris demonstrates graded attenuation of up to 40% of visible and 60% of UV light. There optical characteristics are suitable to reversibly regulate the incident light intensity. In vitro cell culture experiments showed up to 60% cell death within 10 days of exposure to Photopia, but no significant cell death observed when cultured with the artificial iris with protective encapsulation. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed these results as there was no apparent leakage of potentially toxic photochromic material from the ophthalmic device. Conclusions Our artificial iris lens mimics the functionality of the natural iris by attenuating light intensity entering the eye with its rapid reversible change in opacity and thus potentially providing an improved treatment option for patients with iris damage. PMID:27116547

  3. Engineering a Light-Attenuating Artificial Iris.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shareef, Farah J; Sun, Shan; Kotecha, Mrignayani; Kassem, Iris; Azar, Dimitri; Cho, Michael

    2016-04-01

    Discomfort from light exposure leads to photophobia, glare, and poor vision in patients with congenital or trauma-induced iris damage. Commercial artificial iris lenses are static in nature to provide aesthetics without restoring the natural iris's dynamic response to light. A new photo-responsive artificial iris was therefore developed using a photochromic material with self-adaptive light transmission properties and encased in a transparent biocompatible polymer matrix. The implantable artificial iris was designed and engineered using Photopia, a class of photo-responsive materials (termed naphthopyrans) embedded in polyethylene. Photopia was reshaped into annular disks that were spin-coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form our artificial iris lens of controlled thickness. Activated by UV and blue light in approximately 5 seconds with complete reversal in less than 1 minute, the artificial iris demonstrates graded attenuation of up to 40% of visible and 60% of UV light. There optical characteristics are suitable to reversibly regulate the incident light intensity. In vitro cell culture experiments showed up to 60% cell death within 10 days of exposure to Photopia, but no significant cell death observed when cultured with the artificial iris with protective encapsulation. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed these results as there was no apparent leakage of potentially toxic photochromic material from the ophthalmic device. Our artificial iris lens mimics the functionality of the natural iris by attenuating light intensity entering the eye with its rapid reversible change in opacity and thus potentially providing an improved treatment option for patients with iris damage.

  4. The principles of artificial neural network information processing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dai, Ru-Wei

    1993-01-01

    In this article, the basic structure of an artificial neuron is first introduced. In addition, principles of artificial neural network as well as several important artificial neural models such as Perceptron, Back propagation model, Hopfield net, and ART model are briefly discussed and analyzed. Finally, the application of artificial neural network for Chinese Character Recognition is also given. (author)

  5. The principles of artificial neural network information processing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dai, Ru-Wei

    1993-01-01

    In this article, the basic structure of an artificial neuron is first introduced. In addition, principles of artificial neural network as well as several important artificial neural models such as perception, back propagation model, Hopfield net, and ART model are briefly discussed and analyzed. Finally the application of artificial neural network for Chinese character recognition is also given. (author)

  6. Artificial organs 2011: a year in review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Malchesky, Paul S

    2012-03-01

    In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2011 are organized by category and briefly summarized. As the official journal of The International Federation for Artificial Organs, The International Faculty for Artificial Organs, and the International Society for Rotary Blood Pumps, Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level."Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ replacement, recovery, and regeneration from all over the world. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers, the quality expected from such a journal would not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our Publisher, Wiley-Blackwell, for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. In this Editor's Review, that historically has been widely well-received by our readership, we aim to provide a brief reflection of the currently available worldwide knowledge that is intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of technologies and methods of organ replacement, recovery, and regeneration. We look forward to recording further advances in the coming years. © 2012, Copyright the Author. Artificial Organs © 2012, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  7. Artificial Organs 2012: a year in review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Malchesky, Paul S

    2013-03-01

    In this editor's review, articles published in 2012 are organized by category and briefly summarized. We aim to provide a brief reflection of the currently available worldwide knowledge that is intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of technologies and methods of organ replacement, recovery, and regeneration. As the official journal of the International Federation for Artificial Organs, the International Faculty for Artificial Organs, and the International Society for Rotary Blood Pumps, Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level." Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ replacement, recovery, and regeneration from all over the world. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide such meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected, and especially to those whose native tongue is not English. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers, the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our publisher, Wiley Periodicals, for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. We look forward to recording further advances in the coming years. © 2013, Copyright the Author. Artificial Organs © 2013, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. Sucrose compared with artificial sweeteners

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Sørensen, Lone Brinkmann; Vasilaras, Tatjana H; Astrup, Arne

    2014-01-01

    There is a lack of appetite studies in free-living subjects supplying the habitual diet with either sucrose or artificially sweetened beverages and foods. Furthermore, the focus of artificial sweeteners has only been on the energy intake (EI) side of the energy-balance equation. The data are from...

  9. The Correlation between Insertion Depth of Prodisc-C Artificial Disc and Postoperative Kyphotic Deformity: Clinical Importance of Insertion Depth of Artificial Disc.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lee, Do-Youl; Kim, Se-Hoon; Suh, Jung-Keun; Cho, Tai-Hyoung; Chung, Yong-Gu

    2012-09-01

    This study was designed to investigate the correlation between insertion depth of artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity after Prodisc-C total disc replacement surgery, and the range of artificial disc insertion depth which is effective in preventing postoperative whole cervical or segmental kyphotic deformity. A retrospective radiological analysis was performed in 50 patients who had undergone single level total disc replacement surgery. Records were reviewed to obtain demographic data. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were assessed to determine C2-7 Cobb's angle and segmental angle and to investigate postoperative kyphotic deformity. A formula was introduced to calculate insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc. Statistical analysis was performed to search the correlation between insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity, and to estimate insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc to prevent postoperative kyphotic deformity. In this study no significant statistical correlation was observed between insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity regarding C2-7 Cobb's angle. Statistical correlation between insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc and postoperative kyphotic deformity was observed regarding segmental angle (p<0.05). It failed to estimate proper insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc effective in preventing postoperative kyphotic deformity. Postoperative segmental kyphotic deformity is associated with insertion depth of Prodisc-C artificial disc. Anterior located artificial disc leads to lordotic segmental angle and posterior located artificial disc leads to kyphotic segmental angle postoperatively. But C2-7 Cobb's angle is not affected by artificial disc location after the surgery.

  10. Bioengineering of Artificial Lymphoid Organs.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nosenko, M A; Drutskaya, M S; Moisenovich, M M; Nedospasov, S A

    2016-01-01

    This review addresses the issue of bioengineering of artificial lymphoid organs.Progress in this field may help to better understand the nature of the structure-function relations that exist in immune organs. Artifical lymphoid organs may also be advantageous in the therapy or correction of immunodefficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The structural organization, development, and function of lymphoid tissue are analyzed with a focus on the role of intercellular contacts and on the cytokine signaling pathways regulating these processes. We describe various polymeric materials, as scaffolds, for artificial tissue engineering. Finally, published studies in which artificial lymphoid organs were generated are reviewed and possible future directions in the field are discussed.

  11. Artificial Immune Networks: Models and Applications

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xian Shen

    2008-06-01

    Full Text Available Artificial Immune Systems (AIS, which is inspired by the nature immune system, has been applied for solving complex computational problems in classification, pattern rec- ognition, and optimization. In this paper, the theory of the natural immune system is first briefly introduced. Next, we compare some well-known AIS and their applications. Several representative artificial immune networks models are also dis- cussed. Moreover, we demonstrate the applications of artificial immune networks in various engineering fields.

  12. Sistema de Comunicação por voz, baseado em Voip, para a integração de comunicações móveis entre dois ou mais países

    OpenAIRE

    Branco, João António Peixoto

    2018-01-01

    O tema deste projeto é “Sistema de comunicação por voz, baseado em Voip, para a integração de comunicações móveis entre dois ou mais países” e pretende desenvolver uma solução para uma empresa de construção civil com o intuito de reduzir os gastos monetários das suas comunicações Internacionais (de Portugal para o estrangeiro e vice-versa). A solução foi desenvolvida de acordo com os requisitos propostos pela empresa. Para além da tecnologia Voip, como inicialmente prevista a ser utilizada...

  13. Inclusão social: uma proposta de integração articulada de políticas sociais públicas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Reis, Carlos Nelson dos

    2005-01-01

    Full Text Available Apesar de a literatura nacional e internacional passarem a demonstrar um maior interesse pelo estudo e pelo aprofundamento do fenômeno da exclusão social a partir dos anos 80 do século XX, ele não deve ser considerado como contemporâneo, pois sua existência remonta a diferentes tempos da história. Em realidade, a exclusão social abrange diversas expressões e define-se a partir da situação e do momento político, econômico e social de cada local ou região onde ocorra. Em paralelo a sua existência, têm-se os movimentos da atividade produtiva, que, para evoluir, necessitam de um conjunto de ajustes e de mudanças científicas e tecnológicas, as quais muitas vezes, são responsáveis pelo aumento do contingente dos excluídos socialmente. O presente texto tem por objetivo, primeiro, pontuar aspectos teóricos para a compreensão do significado de exclusão social; e segundo, desenvolver, ainda que preliminarmente, uma proposta de integração de políticas sociais que atenda à realidade da exclusão no Brasil

  14. The Past, Present, and Future of Artificial Life

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Wendy eAguilar

    2014-10-01

    Full Text Available For millennia people have wondered what makes the living different from the non-living. Beginning in the mid-1980s, artificial life has studied living systems using a synthetic approach: build life in order to understand it better, be it by means of software, hardware, or wetware. This review provides a summary of the advances that led to the development of artificial life, its current research topics, and open problems and opportunities. We classify artificial life research into fourteen themes: origins of life, autonomy, self-organization, adaptation (including evolution, development, and learning, ecology, artificial societies, behavior, computational biology, artificial chemistries, information, living technology, art, and philosophy. Being interdisciplinary, artificial life seems to be losing its boundaries and merging with other fields.

  15. Avaliação da integração de enxerto de pele com a utilização do 2-octilcianoacrilato: estudo experimental em ratos Evaluation of skin graft integration using 2-octil-cyanocrylate: experimental study in rats

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gilvani Azor de Oliveira e Cruz

    2000-01-01

    Full Text Available A fixação dos enxertos de pele total através da sutura demanda tempo cirúrgico relativamente longo. O surgimento de adesivos teciduais tem se apresentado com várias aplicações clínicas, constituindo alternativa à sutura convencional. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a eficácia do adesivo 2-octilcianoacrilato, quando comparado à sutura simples, na fixação de enxertos de pele total, analisando-se a integração do enxerto. Foram retirados enxertos de pele total de 1 cm², bilateralmente, do dorso de nove ratos machos, com peso médio de 150 gramas. A pele retirada para a enxertia foi recolocada sobre o defeito, a fixação foi realizada através de sutura contínua com fio monofilamentar de náilon 4-0 no lado esquerdo e adesivo de 2-octilcianoacrilato no lado direito. Os aspectos clínico e histológico da integração do enxerto foram analisados no 7º e 14º dia de pós operatório. Utilizou-se o software Sens-a-Ray para comparação de resultados. Evidenciamos maior integração do enxerto de pele total no lado do adesivo de 2-octilcianoacrilato (80% em comparação ao lado da sutura contínua (44%, sendo que houve perda total do enxerto do lado da cola de 2-octilcianoacrilato em 11,1% do casos comparado a 33,3% da sutura contínua. O tempo médio da fixação do enxerto no grupo da cola de 2-octilcianoacrilato foi de 23 segundos, contra 4 minutos da sutura convencional. Foi demonstrado uma maior integração e um menor tempo de fixação do enxerto no grupo do adesivo 2- octilcianoacrilato.Fixation of full thickness skin grafts by suture takes a long operative time. The development of tissue adhesives became an alternative for conventional suture. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of octyl-2-cyanocrylate in graft integration, compared to conventional suture in full thickness skin grafting. Two 1 cm² skin grafts were obtained billaterally from the back of 9 male rats, and then fixated over the defect, with nylon

  16. A DISTRIBUTED SMART HOME ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Lynggaard, Per

    2013-01-01

    A majority of the research performed today explore artificial intelligence in smart homes by using a centralized approach where a smart home server performs the necessary calculations. This approach has some disadvantages that can be overcome by shifting focus to a distributed approach where...... the artificial intelligence system is implemented as distributed as agents running parts of the artificial intelligence system. This paper presents a distributed smart home architecture that distributes artificial intelligence in smart homes and discusses the pros and cons of such a concept. The presented...... distributed model is a layered model. Each layer offers a different complexity level of the embedded distributed artificial intelligence. At the lowest layer smart objects exists, they are small cheap embedded microcontroller based smart devices that are powered by batteries. The next layer contains a more...

  17. Artificial organs 2010: a year in review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Malchesky, Paul S

    2011-03-01

    In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2010 are organized by category and briefly summarized. As the official journal of The International Federation for Artificial Organs, The International Faculty for Artificial Organs, and the International Society for Rotary Blood Pumps, Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level."Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration from all over the world. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide such meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected and especially to those whose native tongue is not English. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our Publisher, Wiley-Blackwell, for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. In this Editor's Review, that historically has been widely received by our readership, we aim to provide a brief reflection of the currently available worldwide knowledge that is intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of technologies and methods of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration. We look forward to recording further advances in the coming years. © 2011, Copyright the Author. Artificial Organs © 2011, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. Artificial Intelligence and Its Importance in Education.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tilmann, Martha J.

    Artificial intelligence, or the study of ideas that enable computers to be intelligent, is discussed in terms of what it is, what it has done, what it can do, and how it may affect the teaching of tomorrow. An extensive overview of artificial intelligence examines its goals and applications and types of artificial intelligence including (1) expert…

  19. Minimally Naturalistic Artificial Intelligence

    OpenAIRE

    Hansen, Steven Stenberg

    2017-01-01

    The rapid advancement of machine learning techniques has re-energized research into general artificial intelligence. While the idea of domain-agnostic meta-learning is appealing, this emerging field must come to terms with its relationship to human cognition and the statistics and structure of the tasks humans perform. The position of this article is that only by aligning our agents' abilities and environments with those of humans do we stand a chance at developing general artificial intellig...

  20. Artificial Muscles: Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mirvakili, Seyed M; Hunter, Ian W

    2018-02-01

    The area of artificial muscle is a highly interdisciplinary field of research that has evolved rapidly in the last 30 years. Recent advances in nanomaterial fabrication and characterization, specifically carbon nanotubes and nanowires, have had major contributions in the development of artificial muscles. However, what can artificial muscles really do for humans? This question is considered here by first examining nature's solutions to this design problem and then discussing the structure, actuation mechanism, applications, and limitations of recently developed artificial muscles, including highly oriented semicrystalline polymer fibers; nanocomposite actuators; twisted nanofiber yarns; thermally activated shape-memory alloys; ionic-polymer/metal composites; dielectric-elastomer actuators; conducting polymers; stimuli-responsive gels; piezoelectric, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, and photostrictive actuators; photoexcited actuators; electrostatic actuators; and pneumatic actuators. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Modified methods for growing 3-D skin equivalents: an update.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lamb, Rebecca; Ambler, Carrie A

    2014-01-01

    Artificial epidermis can be reconstituted in vitro by seeding primary epidermal cells (keratinocytes) onto a supportive substrate and then growing the developing skin equivalent at the air-liquid interface. In vitro skin models are widely used to study skin biology and for industrial drug and cosmetic testing. Here, we describe updated methods for growing 3-dimensional skin equivalents using de-vitalized, de-epidermalized dermis (DED) substrates including methods for DED substrate preparation, cell seeding, growth conditions, and fixation procedures.

  2. 7 CFR 51.2542 - U.S. Artificially Opened.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ... STANDARDS) United States Standards for Grades of Pistachio Nuts in the Shell § 51.2542 U.S. Artificially Opened. “U.S. Artificially Opened” consists of artificially opened pistachio nuts in the shell which meet...

  3. Bayesian artificial intelligence

    CERN Document Server

    Korb, Kevin B

    2003-01-01

    As the power of Bayesian techniques has become more fully realized, the field of artificial intelligence has embraced Bayesian methodology and integrated it to the point where an introduction to Bayesian techniques is now a core course in many computer science programs. Unlike other books on the subject, Bayesian Artificial Intelligence keeps mathematical detail to a minimum and covers a broad range of topics. The authors integrate all of Bayesian net technology and learning Bayesian net technology and apply them both to knowledge engineering. They emphasize understanding and intuition but also provide the algorithms and technical background needed for applications. Software, exercises, and solutions are available on the authors' website.

  4. Artificial intelligence in power system optimization

    CERN Document Server

    Ongsakul, Weerakorn

    2013-01-01

    With the considerable increase of AI applications, AI is being increasingly used to solve optimization problems in engineering. In the past two decades, the applications of artificial intelligence in power systems have attracted much research. This book covers the current level of applications of artificial intelligence to the optimization problems in power systems. This book serves as a textbook for graduate students in electric power system management and is also be useful for those who are interested in using artificial intelligence in power system optimization.

  5. Embodied artificial agents for understanding human social cognition.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wykowska, Agnieszka; Chaminade, Thierry; Cheng, Gordon

    2016-05-05

    In this paper, we propose that experimental protocols involving artificial agents, in particular the embodied humanoid robots, provide insightful information regarding social cognitive mechanisms in the human brain. Using artificial agents allows for manipulation and control of various parameters of behaviour, appearance and expressiveness in one of the interaction partners (the artificial agent), and for examining effect of these parameters on the other interaction partner (the human). At the same time, using artificial agents means introducing the presence of artificial, yet human-like, systems into the human social sphere. This allows for testing in a controlled, but ecologically valid, manner human fundamental mechanisms of social cognition both at the behavioural and at the neural level. This paper will review existing literature that reports studies in which artificial embodied agents have been used to study social cognition and will address the question of whether various mechanisms of social cognition (ranging from lower- to higher-order cognitive processes) are evoked by artificial agents to the same extent as by natural agents, humans in particular. Increasing the understanding of how behavioural and neural mechanisms of social cognition respond to artificial anthropomorphic agents provides empirical answers to the conundrum 'What is a social agent?' © 2016 The Authors.

  6. Análise da integração dos sistemas de gestão normalizados ISO 9001 e OHSAS 18001: estudo de casos múltiplos Analysis of the integration of normalized management systems ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001: multiple case studies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gislaine Aparecida Vitoreli

    2013-03-01

    Full Text Available Para atender às demandas do ambiente, as organizações implementam diversos sistemas de gestão. Com isso, dificuldades relacionadas ao seu gerenciamento paralelo podem surgir, o que leva as empresas a integrar estes sistemas em um único Sistema de Gestão Integrado (SGI. Dado este cenário, os pesquisadores buscam elaborar modelos que visam facilitar a implementação do SGI, a integração da documentação, além de investigar os benefícios e dificuldades dessa implementação. Entretanto, as pesquisas não mostram como a integração dos sistemas de gestão normalizados acontece nas organizações, assim uma investigação deste processo se torna interessante de forma a contribuir para a pesquisa sobre SGI. Com foco nos sistemas de gestão normalizados ISO 9001 e OHSAS 18001, o objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a integração desses sistemas de gestão sob três variáveis de pesquisa: o processo de implementação do SGI, a integração dos requisitos das normas e a estrutura de gestão do SGI. Para a condução desta pesquisa foi utilizado como método o estudo de caso. Como resultados, foram observadas diversas semelhanças no processo de implementação do SGI e na documentação desenvolvida pelas organizações para a sua implementação. Identificou-se ainda, que o tamanho da organização pode influenciar na estrutura de gestão estabelecida para o gerenciamento do SGI.In order to meet the demands of the environment, organizations usually implement a range of management systems. However, difficulties related to the parallel management of these systems may arise, and the companies are then driven to integrate their management systems into a single Integrated Management System (IMS. Given this scenario, researchers have designed models to ease the implementation of an IMS and the integration of documents and have investigated the benefits and difficulties of such an implementation. However, these studies have not shown how the

  7. Principles of artificial intelligence

    CERN Document Server

    Nilsson, Nils J

    1980-01-01

    A classic introduction to artificial intelligence intended to bridge the gap between theory and practice, Principles of Artificial Intelligence describes fundamental AI ideas that underlie applications such as natural language processing, automatic programming, robotics, machine vision, automatic theorem proving, and intelligent data retrieval. Rather than focusing on the subject matter of the applications, the book is organized around general computational concepts involving the kinds of data structures used, the types of operations performed on the data structures, and the properties of th

  8. Biological Effects Of Artificial Illumination

    Science.gov (United States)

    Corth, Richard

    1980-10-01

    We are increasingly being warned of the possible effects of so called "polluted" light, that is light that differs in spectral content from that of sunlight. We should be concerned, we are told, because all animals and plants have evolved under this natural daylight and therefore any difference between that illuminant and the artificial illuminants that are on the market today, is suspect. The usual presentation of the differences between the sunlight and the artificial illuminants are as shown in Figure 1. Here we are shown the spectral power distribution of sunlight and Cool White fluorescent light. The spectral power distributions of each have been normalized to some convenient wavelength so that each can be seen and easily compared on the same figure. But this presentation is misleading for one does not experience artificial illuminants at the same intensity as one experiences sunlight. Sunlight intensities are ordinarily found to be in the 8000 to 10,000 footcandle range whereas artificial illuminants are rarely experienced at intensity levels greater than 100 footcandles. Therefore a representative difference between the two types of illumination conditions is more accurately represented as in Figure 2. Thus if evolutionary adaptations require that humans and other animals be exposed to sunlight to ensure wellbeing, it is clear that one must be exposed to sunlight intensities. It is not feasible to expect that artificially illuminated environments will be lit to the same intensity as sunlight

  9. Artificial tears potpourri: a literature review

    Science.gov (United States)

    Moshirfar, Majid; Pierson, Kasey; Hanamaikai, Kamalani; Santiago-Caban, Luis; Muthappan, Valliammai; Passi, Samuel F

    2014-01-01

    Numerous brands and types of artificial tears are available on the market for the treatment of dysfunctional tear syndrome. Past literature has focused on comparing the components of these products on patient’s clinical improvement. The wide array of products on the market presents challenges to both clinicians and patients when trying to choose between available tear replacement therapies. Different formulations affect patients based on etiology and severity of disease. In order to provide an unbiased comparison between available tear replacement therapies, we conducted a literature review of existing studies and National Institutes of Health clinical trials on commercially available, brand name artificial tears. Outcomes evaluated in each study, as well as the percent of patients showing clinical and symptomatic improvement, were analyzed. Fifty-one studies evaluating different brands of artificial tears, and their efficacy were identified. Out of the 51 studies, 18 were comparison studies testing brand name artificial tears directly against each other. Nearly all formulations of artificial tears provided significant benefit to patients with dysfunctional tear syndrome, but some proved superior to others. From the study data, a recommended treatment flowchart was derived. PMID:25114502

  10. Artificial Organs 2015: A Year in Review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Malchesky, Paul S

    2016-03-01

    In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2015 are organized by category and briefly summarized. We aim to provide a brief reflection of the currently available worldwide knowledge that is intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of technologies and methods of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration. As the official journal of The International Federation for Artificial Organs, The International Faculty for Artificial Organs, the International Society for Rotary Blood Pumps, the International Society for Pediatric Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Support, and the Vienna International Workshop on Functional Electrical Stimulation, Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level." Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration from all over the world. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for providing their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of their time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers, the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our Publisher, John Wiley & Sons for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. We look forward to reporting further advances in the coming years. Copyright © 2016 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  11. Artificial Organs 2013: a year in review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Malchesky, Paul S

    2014-03-01

    In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2013 are organized by category and briefly summarized. We aim to provide a brief reflection of the currently available worldwide knowledge that is intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of technologies and methods of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration. As the official journal of The International Federation for Artificial Organs, The International Faculty for Artificial Organs, the International Society for Rotary Blood Pumps, the International Society for Pediatric Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Support, and the Vienna International Workshop on Functional Electrical Stimulation, Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level". Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration from all over the world. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide so meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected and especially to those whose native tongue is not English. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our Publisher, Wiley Periodicals, for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. We look forward to recording further advances in the coming years. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation.

  12. Risco econômico em sistemas de produção com integração lavoura pecuária (iLP) : um estudo de caso em Tangará da Serra - MT

    OpenAIRE

    Elisa Mauro Gomes

    2015-01-01

    Este trabalho objetivou analisar os benefícios econômicos gerados pelos sistemas de produção agropecuária mistos, e também, avaliar o resultado econômico do sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária em Tangará da Serra, sudoeste do Estado de Mato Grosso. Na primeira etapa, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática com artigos internacionais que obtiveram a análise do resultado econômico em sistemas de produção mistos em 16 países. Na segunda etapa, utilizou-se um modelo determinístico para avaliar a...

  13. Artificial Intelligence in Cardiology.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Johnson, Kipp W; Torres Soto, Jessica; Glicksberg, Benjamin S; Shameer, Khader; Miotto, Riccardo; Ali, Mohsin; Ashley, Euan; Dudley, Joel T

    2018-06-12

    Artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to influence nearly every aspect of the human condition, and cardiology is not an exception to this trend. This paper provides a guide for clinicians on relevant aspects of artificial intelligence and machine learning, reviews selected applications of these methods in cardiology to date, and identifies how cardiovascular medicine could incorporate artificial intelligence in the future. In particular, the paper first reviews predictive modeling concepts relevant to cardiology such as feature selection and frequent pitfalls such as improper dichotomization. Second, it discusses common algorithms used in supervised learning and reviews selected applications in cardiology and related disciplines. Third, it describes the advent of deep learning and related methods collectively called unsupervised learning, provides contextual examples both in general medicine and in cardiovascular medicine, and then explains how these methods could be applied to enable precision cardiology and improve patient outcomes. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Transport modeling: An artificial immune system approach

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Teodorović Dušan

    2006-01-01

    Full Text Available This paper describes an artificial immune system approach (AIS to modeling time-dependent (dynamic, real time transportation phenomenon characterized by uncertainty. The basic idea behind this research is to develop the Artificial Immune System, which generates a set of antibodies (decisions, control actions that altogether can successfully cover a wide range of potential situations. The proposed artificial immune system develops antibodies (the best control strategies for different antigens (different traffic "scenarios". This task is performed using some of the optimization or heuristics techniques. Then a set of antibodies is combined to create Artificial Immune System. The developed Artificial Immune transportation systems are able to generalize, adapt, and learn based on new knowledge and new information. Applications of the systems are considered for airline yield management, the stochastic vehicle routing, and real-time traffic control at the isolated intersection. The preliminary research results are very promising.

  15. Artificial Intelligence for the Artificial Kidney: Pointers to the Future of a Personalized Hemodialysis Therapy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hueso, Miguel; Vellido, Alfredo; Montero, Nuria; Barbieri, Carlo; Ramos, Rosa; Angoso, Manuel; Cruzado, Josep Maria; Jonsson, Anders

    2018-02-01

    Current dialysis devices are not able to react when unexpected changes occur during dialysis treatment or to learn about experience for therapy personalization. Furthermore, great efforts are dedicated to develop miniaturized artificial kidneys to achieve a continuous and personalized dialysis therapy, in order to improve the patient's quality of life. These innovative dialysis devices will require a real-time monitoring of equipment alarms, dialysis parameters, and patient-related data to ensure patient safety and to allow instantaneous changes of the dialysis prescription for the assessment of their adequacy. The analysis and evaluation of the resulting large-scale data sets enters the realm of "big data" and will require real-time predictive models. These may come from the fields of machine learning and computational intelligence, both included in artificial intelligence, a branch of engineering involved with the creation of devices that simulate intelligent behavior. The incorporation of artificial intelligence should provide a fully new approach to data analysis, enabling future advances in personalized dialysis therapies. With the purpose to learn about the present and potential future impact on medicine from experts in artificial intelligence and machine learning, a scientific meeting was organized in the Hospital Universitari Bellvitge (L'Hospitalet, Barcelona). As an outcome of that meeting, the aim of this review is to investigate artificial intel ligence experiences on dialysis, with a focus on potential barriers, challenges, and prospects for future applications of these technologies. Artificial intelligence research on dialysis is still in an early stage, and the main challenge relies on interpretability and/or comprehensibility of data models when applied to decision making. Artificial neural networks and medical decision support systems have been used to make predictions about anemia, total body water, or intradialysis hypotension and are promising

  16. ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL INTELLIGENCE IN ANTHROPOGENIC EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sergey F. Sergeev

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available In the present article we show the link between both artificial and natural intelligence and the system’s complexity during the life-cycle. Autopoetic’s type of living systems determines the differences between natural and artificial intelligence; artificial environments have an influence to the intelligence abilities development. We present the «diffusion intellect» concept where the diffusion intellect is considered as a synergistic unity of natural and artificial intellect in organized environments. 

  17. Computed Flow Through An Artificial Heart And Valve

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rogers, Stuart E.; Kwak, Dochan; Kiris, Cetin; Chang, I-Dee

    1994-01-01

    NASA technical memorandum discusses computations of flow of blood through artificial heart and through tilting-disk artificial heart valve. Represents further progress in research described in "Numerical Simulation of Flow Through an Artificial Heart" (ARC-12478). One purpose of research to exploit advanced techniques of computational fluid dynamics and capabilities of supercomputers to gain understanding of complicated internal flows of viscous, essentially incompressible fluids like blood. Another to use understanding to design better artificial hearts and valves.

  18. Artificial sensory organs: latest progress.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nakamura, Tatsuo; Inada, Yuji; Shigeno, Keiji

    2018-03-01

    This study introduces the latest progress on the study of artificial sensory organs, with a special emphasis on the clinical results of artificial nerves and the concept of in situ tissue engineering. Peripheral nerves have a strong potential for regeneration. An artificial nerve uses this potential to recover a damaged peripheral nerve. The polyglycolic acid collagen tube (PGA-C tube) is a bio-absorbable tube stuffed with collagen of multi-chamber structure that consists of thin collagen films. The clinical application of the PGA-C tube began in 2002 in Japan. The number of PGA-C tubes used is now beyond 300, and satisfactory results have been reported on peripheral nerve repairs. This PGA-C tube is also effective for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.

  19. The application and development of artificial intelligence in smart clothing

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wei, Xiong

    2018-03-01

    This paper mainly introduces the application of artificial intelligence in intelligent clothing. Starting from the development trend of artificial intelligence, analysis the prospects for development in smart clothing with artificial intelligence. Summarize the design key of artificial intelligence in smart clothing. Analysis the feasibility of artificial intelligence in smart clothing.

  20. Advanced Applications of Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence: A Review

    OpenAIRE

    Koushal Kumar; Gour Sundar Mitra Thakur

    2012-01-01

    Artificial Neural Network is a branch of Artificial intelligence and has been accepted as a new computing technology in computer science fields. This paper reviews the field of Artificial intelligence and focusing on recent applications which uses Artificial Neural Networks (ANN’s) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). It also considers the integration of neural networks with other computing methods Such as fuzzy logic to enhance the interpretation ability of data. Artificial Neural Networks is c...

  1. Artificial intelligence executive summary

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wamsley, S.J.; Purvis, E.E. III

    1984-01-01

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is a high technology field that can be used to provide problem solving diagnosis, guidance and for support resolution of problems. It is not a stand alone discipline, but can also be applied to develop data bases for retention of the expertise that is required for its own knowledge base. This provides a way to retain knowledge that otherwise may be lost. Artificial Intelligence Methodology can provide an automated construction management decision support system, thereby restoring the manager's emphasis to project management

  2. Performance of artificial neural networks and genetical evolved artificial neural networks unfolding techniques

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ortiz R, J. M.; Martinez B, M. R.; Vega C, H. R.; Gallego D, E.; Lorente F, A.; Mendez V, R.; Los Arcos M, J. M.; Guerrero A, J. E.

    2011-01-01

    With the Bonner spheres spectrometer neutron spectrum is obtained through an unfolding procedure. Monte Carlo methods, Regularization, Parametrization, Least-squares, and Maximum Entropy are some of the techniques utilized for unfolding. In the last decade methods based on Artificial Intelligence Technology have been used. Approaches based on Genetic Algorithms and Artificial Neural Networks (Ann) have been developed in order to overcome the drawbacks of previous techniques. Nevertheless the advantages of Ann still it has some drawbacks mainly in the design process of the network, vg the optimum selection of the architectural and learning Ann parameters. In recent years the use of hybrid technologies, combining Ann and genetic algorithms, has been utilized to. In this work, several Ann topologies were trained and tested using Ann and Genetically Evolved Artificial Neural Networks in the aim to unfold neutron spectra using the count rates of a Bonner sphere spectrometer. Here, a comparative study of both procedures has been carried out. (Author)

  3. Artificial intelligence in astronomy - a forecast.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Adorf, H. M.

    Since several years artificial intelligence techniques are being actively used in astronomy, particularly within the Hubble Space Telescope project. This contribution reviews achievements, analyses some problems of using artificial intelligence in an astronomical environment, and projects current AI programming trends into the future.

  4. Artificial Lipid Membranes: Past, Present, and Future.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Siontorou, Christina G; Nikoleli, Georgia-Paraskevi; Nikolelis, Dimitrios P; Karapetis, Stefanos K

    2017-07-26

    The multifaceted role of biological membranes prompted early the development of artificial lipid-based models with a primary view of reconstituting the natural functions in vitro so as to study and exploit chemoreception for sensor engineering. Over the years, a fair amount of knowledge on the artificial lipid membranes, as both, suspended or supported lipid films and liposomes, has been disseminated and has helped to diversify and expand initial scopes. Artificial lipid membranes can be constructed by several methods, stabilized by various means, functionalized in a variety of ways, experimented upon intensively, and broadly utilized in sensor development, drug testing, drug discovery or as molecular tools and research probes for elucidating the mechanics and the mechanisms of biological membranes. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art, discusses the diversity of applications, and presents future perspectives. The newly-introduced field of artificial cells further broadens the applicability of artificial membranes in studying the evolution of life.

  5. Implanted artificial heart with radioisotope power source

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Shumakov, V I; Griaznov, G M; Zhemchuzhnikov, G N; Kiselev, I M; Osipov, A P

    1983-02-01

    An atomic artificial heart for orthotopic implantation was developed with the following characteristics: volume, 1.2 L; weight, 1.5 kg; radioisotope power, 45 W; operating life, up to 5 years; hemodynamics, similar to natural hemodynamics. The artificial heart includes a thermal drive with systems for regulating power, feeding steam into the cylinders, return of the condensate to the steam generator, and delivery of power to the ventricles and heat container. The artificial heart is placed in an artificial pericardium partially filled with physiologic solution. It uses a steam engine with two operating cylinders that separately drive the left and right ventricles. There is no electronic control system in the proposed design. The operation of the heat engine is controlled, with preservation of autoregulation by the vascular system of the body. The separate drives for the ventricles is of primary importance as it provides for operation of the artificial heart through control of cardiac activity by venous return. Experimental testing on a hydromechanical bench demonstrated effective autoregulation.

  6. Antithrombotic artificial organs

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Takamatsu, T; Fukada, E; Saegusa, M; Hasegawa, T

    1971-07-12

    A new antithrombotic material useful for making artificial organs (artificial blood vessel, artificial heart, etc.) can be prepared by graft-polymerizing an acrylic ester (methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, etc.) with a synthetic fiber (teflon, etc.). The graft-polymerization can be carried out by means of gamma radiation with cobalt 60 (dose rate 2.6x10/sup 3/ r/min., total dose 8x10/sup 4/ to 3.5x10/sup 5/ r). A graft ratio of 5 to 80% is attainable. In one example, a tubular sample made of teflon fiber having an inner diameter of 5 to 10 mm was immersed into methyl methacrylate in an ampoule in the absence of air and exposed to cobalt 60 gamma ray at the dose rate of 3.18x10/sup 3/ rad/min. After extraction with acetone, the sample was dried. The total dose was 3.5x10/sup 5/ rad and the graft ratio was ca. 25%. The sample was transplanted to vena cava of dog. No formation of thrombus was observed by autopsy (4 months after the transplantation). In control (teflon tube not graft-polymerized) thrombus was observed by autopsy 7 days after the transplantation.

  7. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Studies in Water Resources

    OpenAIRE

    Ay, Murat; Özyıldırım, Serhat

    2018-01-01

    Artificial intelligence has been extensively used in many areas such as computer science,robotics, engineering, medicine, translation, economics, business, and psychology. Variousstudies in the literature show that the artificial intelligence in modeling approaches give closeresults to the real data for solution of linear, non-linear, and other systems. In this study, wereviewed the current state-of-the-art and progress on the modelling of artificial intelligence forwater variables: rainfall-...

  8. Artificial Organs 2017: A Year in Review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Malchesky, Paul S

    2018-03-01

    In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2017 are organized by category and summarized. We provide a brief reflection of the research and progress in artificial organs intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of these technologies and methods. Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level." Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration from all over the world. Peer-reviewed Special Issues this year included contributions from the 12th International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion edited by Dr. Akif Undar, Artificial Oxygen Carriers edited by Drs. Akira Kawaguchi and Jan Simoni, the 24th Congress of the International Society for Mechanical Circulatory Support edited by Dr. Toru Masuzawa, Challenges in the Field of Biomedical Devices: A Multidisciplinary Perspective edited by Dr. Vincenzo Piemonte and colleagues and Functional Electrical Stimulation edited by Dr. Winfried Mayr and colleagues. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected. Without these excellent and dedicated reviewers the quality expected from such a journal could not be possible. We also express our special thanks to our Publisher, John Wiley & Sons for their expert attention and support in the production and marketing of Artificial Organs. We look forward to reporting further advances in the coming years. © 2018 International Center for

  9. Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Life%人工智能与人工生命

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    班晓娟; 王昭顺; 刘宏伟; 涂序彦

    2002-01-01

    人工生命(Artificial Life)是一门正在迅速发展的新兴学科.将人工智能(Artificial Intelligence)方法与人工生命方法相结合,是目前人工智能研究的新方向.该文介绍了人工生命的概念和研究方法,分析了人工智能目前的困难以及人工生命与人工智能的区别与联系,并介绍了几种二者结合的实例.

  10. O modelo de integração de sistemas da indústria aeronáutica: fatores motivadores Systems integration model in the aerospace industry: motivating factors

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    João Henrique Lopes Guerra

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available A ampliação das alianças estratégicas na indústria aeronáutica mostra uma clara opção dos fabricantes de avião por um modelo de integração de sistemas em que eles concentram o seu foco em atividades relacionadas às suas competências essenciais. Apesar da importância desta indústria e embora os principais fabricantes de avião do mundo estejam adotando este modelo, a literatura sobre este tema ainda é escassa e, mesmo a existente, encontra-se muito fragmentada. Este trabalho, qualitativo e de cunho teórico-conceitual, aproveita a literatura disponível e observa a movimentação dos principais fabricantes de avião do mundo para identificar e compreender os fatores que os têm motivado a adotar este modelo. Os seguintes fatores foram identificados: o interesse em tecnologias e empresas especializadas, os acordos de offset e as grandes barreiras e riscos existentes na indústria aeronáutica. Como decorrência do modelo de integração de sistemas, a indústria aeronáutica sofre atualmente uma agressiva desintegração vertical.The increase in the number of strategic alliances in the aerospace industry shows a clear option of the aircraft manufacturers for a system integration model in which they can concentrate their focus on activities related to their core competences. Despite the importance of this industry and the fact that the major aircraft manufacturers in the world have adopted this model, the literature on this subject is rather scarce and fragmented. A qualitative and theoretical-conceptual research was carried out making use of the available literature and investigating the movement of the major aircraft manufacturers in the world to identify and understand the factors that have been motivating them to adopt this model. The following factors were identified: the interest in specialized technologies and companies, the offset agreements, and the great barriers and risks in the aerospace industry. Due to the system

  11. Artificial Intelligence in Civil Engineering

    OpenAIRE

    Lu, Pengzhen; Chen, Shengyong; Zheng, Yujun

    2012-01-01

    Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science, involved in the research, design, and application of intelligent computer. Traditional methods for modeling and optimizing complex structure systems require huge amounts of computing resources, and artificial-intelligence-based solutions can often provide valuable alternatives for efficiently solving problems in the civil engineering. This paper summarizes recently developed methods and theories in the developing direction for applicati...

  12. An ankle-foot orthosis powered by artificial pneumatic muscles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ferris, Daniel P; Czerniecki, Joseph M; Hannaford, Blake

    2005-05-01

    We developed a pneumatically powered orthosis for the human ankle joint. The orthosis consisted of a carbon fiber shell, hinge joint, and two artificial pneumatic muscles. One artificial pneumatic muscle provided plantar flexion torque and the second one provided dorsiflexion torque. Computer software adjusted air pressure in each artificial muscle independently so that artificial muscle force was proportional to rectified low-pass-filtered electromyography (EMG) amplitude (i.e., proportional myoelectric control). Tibialis anterior EMG activated the artificial dorsiflexor and soleus EMG activated the artificial plantar flexor. We collected joint kinematic and artificial muscle force data as one healthy participant walked on a treadmill with the orthosis. Peak plantar flexor torque provided by the orthosis was 70 Nm, and peak dorsiflexor torque provided by the orthosis was 38 Nm. The orthosis could be useful for basic science studies on human locomotion or possibly for gait rehabilitation after neurological injury.

  13. Artificial intelligence in cardiology.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bonderman, Diana

    2017-12-01

    Decision-making is complex in modern medicine and should ideally be based on available data, structured knowledge and proper interpretation in the context of an individual patient. Automated algorithms, also termed artificial intelligence that are able to extract meaningful patterns from data collections and build decisions upon identified patterns may be useful assistants in clinical decision-making processes. In this article, artificial intelligence-based studies in clinical cardiology are reviewed. The text also touches on the ethical issues and speculates on the future roles of automated algorithms versus clinicians in cardiology and medicine in general.

  14. Spatially Resolved Artificial Chemistry

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Fellermann, Harold

    2009-01-01

    Although spatial structures can play a crucial role in chemical systems and can drastically alter the outcome of reactions, the traditional framework of artificial chemistry is a well-stirred tank reactor with no spatial representation in mind. Advanced method development in physical chemistry has...... made a class of models accessible to the realms of artificial chemistry that represent reacting molecules in a coarse-grained fashion in continuous space. This chapter introduces the mathematical models of Brownian dynamics (BD) and dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) for molecular motion and reaction...

  15. Spatially Resolved Artificial Chemistry

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Fellermann, Harold

    2009-01-01

    made a class of models accessible to the realms of artificial chemistry that represent reacting molecules in a coarse-grained fashion in continuous space. This chapter introduces the mathematical models of Brownian dynamics (BD) and dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) for molecular motion and reaction......Although spatial structures can play a crucial role in chemical systems and can drastically alter the outcome of reactions, the traditional framework of artificial chemistry is a well-stirred tank reactor with no spatial representation in mind. Advanced method development in physical chemistry has...

  16. 21 CFR 145.181 - Artificially sweetened canned pineapple.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 2 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Artificially sweetened canned pineapple. 145.181... § 145.181 Artificially sweetened canned pineapple. (a) Artificially sweetened canned pineapple is the food that conforms to the definition and standard of identity prescribed for canned pineapple by § 145...

  17. A Characterization of the Utility of Using Artificial Intelligence to Test Two Artificial Intelligence Systems

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jeremy Straub

    2013-05-01

    Full Text Available An artificial intelligence system, designed for operations in a real-world environment faces a nearly infinite set of possible performance scenarios. Designers and developers, thus, face the challenge of validating proper performance across both foreseen and unforeseen conditions, particularly when the artificial intelligence is controlling a robot that will be operating in close proximity, or may represent a danger, to humans. While the manual creation of test cases allows limited testing (perhaps ensuring that a set of foreseeable conditions trigger an appropriate response, this may be insufficient to fully characterize and validate safe system performance. An approach to validating the performance of an artificial intelligence system using a simple artificial intelligence test case producer (AITCP is presented. The AITCP allows the creation and simulation of prospective operating scenarios at a rate far exceeding that possible by human testers. Four scenarios for testing an autonomous navigation control system are presented: single actor in two-dimensional space, multiple actors in two-dimensional space, single actor in three-dimensional space, and multiple actors in three-dimensional space. The utility of using the AITCP is compared to that of human testers in each of these scenarios.

  18. Synthetic biology and the moral significance of artificial life

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Christiansen, Andreas

    2016-01-01

    , Powell and Savulescu's definition of artificial life does not capture all core projects of synthetic biology or the ethical concerns that have been voiced, and their definition of moral significance fails to take into account the possibility that creating artificial life is conditionally acceptable......I discuss the moral significance of artificial life within synthetic biology via a discussion of Douglas, Powell and Savulescu's paper 'Is the creation of artificial life morally significant’. I argue that the definitions of 'artificial life’ and of 'moral significance’ are too narrow. Douglas...

  19. Artificial Intelligence.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lawrence, David R; Palacios-González, César; Harris, John

    2016-04-01

    It seems natural to think that the same prudential and ethical reasons for mutual respect and tolerance that one has vis-à-vis other human persons would hold toward newly encountered paradigmatic but nonhuman biological persons. One also tends to think that they would have similar reasons for treating we humans as creatures that count morally in our own right. This line of thought transcends biological boundaries-namely, with regard to artificially (super)intelligent persons-but is this a safe assumption? The issue concerns ultimate moral significance: the significance possessed by human persons, persons from other planets, and hypothetical nonorganic persons in the form of artificial intelligence (AI). This article investigates why our possible relations to AI persons could be more complicated than they first might appear, given that they might possess a radically different nature to us, to the point that civilized or peaceful coexistence in a determinate geographical space could be impossible to achieve.

  20. Current topics in glycemic control by wearable artificial pancreas or bedside artificial pancreas with closed-loop system.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hanazaki, Kazuhiro; Munekage, Masaya; Kitagawa, Hiroyuki; Yatabe, Tomoaki; Munekage, Eri; Shiga, Mai; Maeda, Hiromichi; Namikawa, Tsutomu

    2016-09-01

    The incidence of diabetes is increasing at an unprecedented pace and has become a serious health concern worldwide during the last two decades. Despite this, adequate glycemic control using an artificial pancreas has not been established, although the 21st century has seen rapid developments in this area. Herein, we review current topics in glycemic control for both the wearable artificial pancreas for type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients and the bedside artificial pancreas for surgical diabetic patients. In type 1 diabetic patients, nocturnal hypoglycemia associated with insulin therapy remains a serious problem that could be addressed by the recent development of a wearable artificial pancreas. This smart phone-like device, comprising a real-time, continuous glucose monitoring system and insulin pump system, could potentially significantly reduce nocturnal hypoglycemia compared with conventional glycemic control. Of particular interest in this space are the recent inventions of a low-glucose suspend feature in the portable systems that automatically stops insulin delivery 2 h following a glucose sensor value <70 mg/dL and a bio-hormonal pump system consisting of insulin and glucagon pumps. Perioperative tight glycemic control using a bedside artificial pancreas with the closed-loop system has also proved safe and effective for not only avoiding hypoglycemia, but also for reducing blood glucose level variability resulting in good surgical outcomes. We hope that a more sophisticated artificial pancreas with closed-loop system will now be taken up for routine use worldwide, providing enormous relief for patients suffering from uncontrolled hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and/or variability in blood glucose concentrations.

  1. Artificial humidification for the mechanically ventilated patient

    OpenAIRE

    Selvaraj, Nelson

    2010-01-01

    Caring for patients who are mechanically ventilated poses many\\ud challenges for critical care nurses. It is important to humidify the\\ud patient’s airways artificially to prevent complications such as\\ud ventilator-associated pneumonia. There is no gold standard to\\ud determine which type of humidification is best for patients who\\ud are artificially ventilated. This article provides an overview of\\ud commonly used artificial humidification for mechanically ventilated\\ud patients and discuss...

  2. Método de diagnóstico e análise do S&OP: uma ferramenta para mapeamento do nível de integração do processo e identificação de oportunidades de melhoria

    OpenAIRE

    Silva, Rafael Bernardes da

    2015-01-01

    A integração entre os planos estratégico, tático e operacional é um relevante desafio para as organizações. Visando otimizar o alinhamento organizacional, empresas vêm implementando processos de Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) e desenvolvendo ações para torná-lo robusto. Entende-se o S&OP como um processo de consolidação dos diversos planos organizacionais e direcionamento estratégico do negócio, permitindo o alcance de vantagem competitiva de modo contínuo e integrando os planos de mark...

  3. Integração assistencial em região de saúde: paradoxo entre necessidades regionais e interesses locais

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Patty Fidelis de Almeida

    Full Text Available Resumo Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar e analisar o desenvolvimento de estratégias regionais para a integração assistencial no contexto das regiões de saúde, com especial foco no papel da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS. Foi realizada análise das atas e observação das reuniões de uma Comissão Intergestores Regional (CIR no período de um ano e também onze entrevistas com gestores/gerentes municipais, regionais e estaduais do estado da Bahia. Os resultados indicam que a APS é um tema pouco frequente nas discussões da CIR, embora a região de saúde enfrente problemas em comum a outras regiões da Bahia e do Brasil como a disputa predatória por médicos e fraca coordenação do cuidado. A meta de conformação de Redes de Atenção à Saúde, coordenadas pela APS, ainda é um objetivo distante diante da premência de garantir acesso à atenção especializada e de urgência/emergência hospitalar na região de saúde, tema que dominou as discussões da CIR, ficando a APS circunscrita aos limites municipais.

  4. Identifying artificial selection signals in the chicken genome.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yunlong Ma

    Full Text Available Identifying the signals of artificial selection can contribute to further shaping economically important traits. Here, a chicken 600k SNP-array was employed to detect the signals of artificial selection using 331 individuals from 9 breeds, including Jingfen (JF, Jinghong (JH, Araucanas (AR, White Leghorn (WL, Pekin-Bantam (PB, Shamo (SH, Gallus-Gallus-Spadiceus (GA, Rheinlander (RH and Vorwerkhuhn (VO. Per the population genetic structure, 9 breeds were combined into 5 breed-pools, and a 'two-step' strategy was used to reveal the signals of artificial selection. GA, which has little artificial selection, was defined as the reference population, and a total of 204, 155, 305 and 323 potential artificial selection signals were identified in AR_VO, PB, RH_WL and JH_JF, respectively. We also found signals derived from standing and de-novo genetic variations have contributed to adaptive evolution during artificial selection. Further enrichment analysis suggests that the genomic regions of artificial selection signals harbour genes, including THSR, PTHLH and PMCH, responsible for economic traits, such as fertility, growth and immunization. Overall, this study found a series of genes that contribute to the improvement of chicken breeds and revealed the genetic mechanisms of adaptive evolution, which can be used as fundamental information in future chicken functional genomics study.

  5. Artificial Intelligence Techniques and Methodology

    OpenAIRE

    Carbonell, Jaime G.; Sleeman, Derek

    1982-01-01

    Two closely related aspects of artificial intelligence that have received comparatively little attention in the recent literature are research methodology, and the analysis of computational techniques that span multiple application areas. We believe both issues to be increasingly significant as Artificial Intelligence matures into a science and spins off major application efforts. It is imperative to analyze the repertoire of AI methods with respect to past experience, utility in new domains,...

  6. Artificial Intelligence.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wash, Darrel Patrick

    1989-01-01

    Making a machine seem intelligent is not easy. As a consequence, demand has been rising for computer professionals skilled in artificial intelligence and is likely to continue to go up. These workers develop expert systems and solve the mysteries of machine vision, natural language processing, and neural networks. (Editor)

  7. Artificial sweetener; Jinko kanmiryo

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    NONE

    1999-08-01

    The patents related to the artificial sweetener that it is introduced to the public in 3 years from 1996 until 1998 are 115 cases. The sugar quality which makes an oligosaccharide and sugar alcohol the subject is greatly over 28 cases of the non-sugar quality in the one by the kind as a general tendency of these patents at 73 cases in such cases as the Aspartame. The method of manufacture patent, which included new material around other peptides, the oligosaccharide and sugar alcohol isn`t inferior to 56 cases of the formation thing patent at 43 cases, and pays attention to the thing, which is many by the method of manufacture, formation. There is most improvement of the quality of sweetness with 31 cases in badness of the aftertaste which is characteristic of the artificial sweetener and so on, and much stability including the improvement in the flavor of food by the artificial sweetener, a long time and dissolution, fluid nature and productivity and improvement of the economy such as a cost are seen with effect on a purpose. (NEDO)

  8. Artificial Neural Networks and Instructional Technology.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Carlson, Patricia A.

    1991-01-01

    Artificial neural networks (ANN), part of artificial intelligence, are discussed. Such networks are fed sample cases (training sets), learn how to recognize patterns in the sample data, and use this experience in handling new cases. Two cognitive roles for ANNs (intelligent filters and spreading, associative memories) are examined. Prototypes…

  9. Digital Genesis: Computers, Evolution and Artificial Life

    OpenAIRE

    Taylor, Tim; Dorin, Alan; Korb, Kevin

    2015-01-01

    The application of evolution in the digital realm, with the goal of creating artificial intelligence and artificial life, has a history as long as that of the digital computer itself. We illustrate the intertwined history of these ideas, starting with the early theoretical work of John von Neumann and the pioneering experimental work of Nils Aall Barricelli. We argue that evolutionary thinking and artificial life will continue to play an integral role in the future development of the digital ...

  10. Impacto da integração regional sobre os fluxos mundiais de investimento direto estrangeiro The effects of regional integration on the world foreign direct investment flows

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carolina de Almeida Jorge

    2011-08-01

    Full Text Available Os anos 1990 destacaram-se pelo avanço da "globalização", que consiste em uma nova fase de internacionalização das economias nacionais. Este processo é caracterizado por diversos fenômenos econômicos e políticos que aprofundaram a integração das economias nacionais à economia global. O crescimento dos fluxos mundiais de investimento direto estrangeiro e o avanço do regionalismo são dois destes fenômenos e estão interligados por diversas razões e mecanismos. O presente artigo pretende avaliar o impacto dos arranjos regionais de comércio sobre os fluxos mundiais de IDE baseado na hipótese de que os arranjos comerciais, tradicionalmente geradores de comércio, podem engendrar efeitos de criação e desvio de investimento. A fim de tornar possível tal análise, estimou-se um modelo gravitacional para um painel de 71 países para o período 1990-2003. Foram utilizados diversos métodos de estimação, recomendados pela literatura recente, como os métodos de Poisson, "pooled cross-section" e de efeitos fixos. Os resultados apontam para a existência de uma relação positiva entre IDE e integração regional para a maioria dos acordos analisados, através de um aumento dos fluxos de IDE intrarregionais e da atratividade dos países membros de um acordo relativo a terceiros países. Os resultados, no entanto, mostram ainda algumas disparidades relevantes, resultantes dos diversos procedimentos de estimação e do tratamento dos dados empregados, o que sinaliza que, apesar do modelo gravitacional se mostrar um bom instrumento de análise, algumas questões metodológicas ainda continuam em aberto. Adotamos procedimentos distintos de estimação recomendados pela literatura recente referente aos modelos gravitacionais a partir dos quais se verificou a relação entre IDE e integração, embora os resultados tenham se mostrado muito heterogêneos, conforme o método utilizado.The so-called "globalization" process was an important

  11. [Experimental study on novel hybrid artificial trachea transplantation].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Wenliang; Xiao, Peng; Liang, Hengxing; An, Ran; Cheng, Gang; Yu, Fenglei

    2014-04-01

    We developed and designed a new type of artificial trachea. The basic structure of the artificial trachea was polytetrafluoroethylene vascular prosthesis linked with titanium rings on both sides. Dualmesh was sutured on titanium rings. This experimentation follows the replacement of trachea in dogs with a combined artificial trachea to investigate the feasibility of this type of prosthesis. Sixteen dogs were implanted with the combined artificial trachea after resection of 5 cm of cervical trachea. The 5 cm-long trachea of dogs on the necks were resected and the reconstruction of the defect of the trachea was performed with trachea prosthesis. According to the method of trachea reconstruction, the models were divided into 2 groups, artificial trachea implantation group (the control group, n = 8) and group of artificial trachea implantation with growth factor (the experimental group, n = 8). Then computer tomography scan (CT), bronchoscope and pathologic examination were conducted periodically to observe the healing state of the hybrid artificial trachea. None of the dogs died during operation of cervical segmental trachea construction. But four dogs in the control group died of apnea in succession because artificial trachea was displaced and the lumen was obstructed, while 2 dogs died in the experimental group. In the first month there was granulation around anastomosis with slight stenosis. The rest of dogs were well alive until they were sacrificed 14 months later. The mean survival time of the experimental group was longer than that of the control group. The rate of infection, anastomotic dehiscence, severe stenosis and accidental death in the experimental group were lower than the control group (P anastomosis effectively but infections and split or displacement of the artificial trachea are still major problems affecting long-term survival of the animals. Application of growth factors to a certain extent promotes tissue healing by changing the local environment.

  12. Bringing Artificial Gravity into the Classroom

    Science.gov (United States)

    Thompson, Grant; Aning, Isaac

    2018-01-01

    We recently conducted an experimental test of artificial gravity by placing various species of plants in centrifuges and analyzed the plants’ germination and growth. This research project incorporated several topics covered in undergraduate astronomy, biology, and physics courses. Given the interest of introductory astronomy students in artificial gravity and their pre-existing images of applications such as rotating spacecraft from pop culture, the results of the experiment may provide a gateway to discuss artificial gravity beyond teaching the traditional examples of Newton’s laws. We will discuss the experiment in detail and provide suggestions for how the experiment could be incorporated into your classroom.

  13. Artificial heart for humanoid robot

    Science.gov (United States)

    Potnuru, Akshay; Wu, Lianjun; Tadesse, Yonas

    2014-03-01

    A soft robotic device inspired by the pumping action of a biological heart is presented in this study. Developing artificial heart to a humanoid robot enables us to make a better biomedical device for ultimate use in humans. As technology continues to become more advanced, the methods in which we implement high performance and biomimetic artificial organs is getting nearer each day. In this paper, we present the design and development of a soft artificial heart that can be used in a humanoid robot and simulate the functions of a human heart using shape memory alloy technology. The robotic heart is designed to pump a blood-like fluid to parts of the robot such as the face to simulate someone blushing or when someone is angry by the use of elastomeric substrates and certain features for the transport of fluids.

  14. Biologically inspired technologies using artificial muscles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bar-Cohen, Yoseph

    2005-01-01

    After billions of years of evolution, nature developed inventions that work, which are appropriate for the intended tasks and that last. The evolution of nature led to the introduction of highly effective and power efficient biological mechanisms that are scalable from micron to many meters in size. Imitating these mechanisms offers enormous potentials for the improvement of our life and the tools we use. Humans have always made efforts to imitate nature and we are increasingly reaching levels of advancement where it becomes significantly easier to imitate, copy, and adapt biological methods, processes and systems. Some of the biomimetic technologies that have emerged include artificial muscles, artificial intelligence, and artificial vision to which significant advances in materials science, mechanics, electronics, and computer science have contributed greatly. One of the newest fields of biomimetics is the electroactive polymers (EAP) that are also known as artificial muscles. To take advantage of these materials, efforts are made worldwide to establish a strong infrastructure addressing the need for comprehensive analytical modeling of their operation mechanism and develop effective processing and characterization techniques. The field is still in its emerging state and robust materials are not readily available however in recent years significant progress has been made and commercial products have already started to appear. This paper covers the state-of-the-art and challenges to making artificial muscles and their potential biomimetic applications.

  15. INFLUENCE OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ON ARTIFICIAL ABORTION-INDUCED SIDE EFFECTS

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    田丽颖

    2001-01-01

    In the present study, the effect of electroecupuncture (EA) of acupoints of Ren, Spleen and Stomach Meridians on artificial abortion-induced side effects was observed in 100 artificial abortion women. In comparison with 45 artificial abortion women in the control group (who had not accepted EA treatment), EA possessed significant effects in relieving abdominal pain, reducing vaginal bleeding duration, lowering infection rate and infertility rate after artificial abortion operation.

  16. USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNIQUES IN QUALITY IMPROVING PROCESS

    OpenAIRE

    KALİTE İYİLEŞTİRME SÜRECİNDE YAPAY ZEKÃ KAYA; Orhan ENGİN

    2005-01-01

    Today, changing of competition conditions and customer preferences caused to happen many differences in the viewpoint of firms' quality studies. At the same time, improvements in computer technologies accelerated use of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence technologies are being used to solve many industry problems. In this paper, we investigated the use of artificial intelligence techniques to solve quality problems. The artificial intelligence techniques, which are used in quali...

  17. Abstraction in artificial intelligence and complex systems

    CERN Document Server

    Saitta, Lorenza

    2013-01-01

    Abstraction is a fundamental mechanism underlying both human and artificial perception, representation of knowledge, reasoning and learning. This mechanism plays a crucial role in many disciplines, notably Computer Programming, Natural and Artificial Vision, Complex Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Art, and Cognitive Sciences. This book first provides the reader with an overview of the notions of abstraction proposed in various disciplines by comparing both commonalities and differences.  After discussing the characterizing properties of abstraction, a formal model, the K

  18. Readings in artificial intelligence and software engineering

    CERN Document Server

    Rich, Charles

    1986-01-01

    Readings in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering covers the main techniques and application of artificial intelligence and software engineering. The ultimate goal of artificial intelligence applied to software engineering is automatic programming. Automatic programming would allow a user to simply say what is wanted and have a program produced completely automatically. This book is organized into 11 parts encompassing 34 chapters that specifically tackle the topics of deductive synthesis, program transformations, program verification, and programming tutors. The opening parts p

  19. Artificial limb representation in amputees

    OpenAIRE

    van den Heiligenberg, FMZ; Orlov, T; Macdonald, SN; Duff, EP; Henderson Slater, JDE; Beckmann, CF; Johansen-Berg, H; Culham, JC; Makin, TR

    2018-01-01

    The human brain contains multiple hand-selective areas, in both the sensorimotor and visual systems. Could our brain repurpose neural resources, originally developed for supporting hand function, to represent and control artificial limbs? We studied individuals with congenital or acquired hand-loss (hereafter one-handers) using functional MRI. We show that the more one-handers use an artificial limb (prosthesis) in their everyday life, the stronger visual hand-selective areas in the lateral o...

  20. Natural and artificial atoms for quantum computation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Buluta, Iulia; Ashhab, Sahel; Nori, Franco, E-mail: fnori@riken.jp [Advanced Science Institute, RIKEN, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198 (Japan)

    2011-10-15

    Remarkable progress towards realizing quantum computation has been achieved using natural and artificial atoms as qubits. This paper presents a brief overview of the current status of different types of qubits. On the one hand, natural atoms (such as neutral atoms and ions) have long coherence times, and could be stored in large arrays, providing ideal 'quantum memories'. On the other hand, artificial atoms (such as superconducting circuits or semiconductor quantum dots) have the advantage of custom-designed features and could be used as 'quantum processing units'. Natural and artificial atoms can be coupled with each other and can also be interfaced with photons for long-distance communications. Hybrid devices made of natural/artificial atoms and photons may provide the next-generation design for quantum computers.

  1. Integração de processos na cadeia de suprimentos e desempenho do serviço ao cliente: um estudo na indústria calçadista de Franca Processes integration in supply chain and customer service performances: a study of a footwear industry in Franca, SP

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Wilson de Castro Hilsdorf

    2009-06-01

    Full Text Available O processo de globalização e a revolução digital têm trazido novos desafios de competitividade às empresas. Uma dessas novas necessidades é a mudança do foco do escopo gerencial para toda a cadeia de suprimentos. Gerenciar uma cadeia de suprimentos requer, entre outros aspectos, a integração dos "processos-chave" de negócios ao longo dessa cadeia. Nesse sentido, este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar como é a relação entre a integração de processos ao longo da cadeia de suprimentos e o desempenho no serviço prestado ao cliente (customer service. Para tanto, a abordagem exploratória foi utilizada, tendo como objeto de estudo uma cadeia de suprimentos calçadista localizada na cidade de Franca, a qual se constitui em um bom exemplo de cadeia consolidada e já inserida no mercado internacional. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que o desempenho do serviço ao cliente na cadeia estudada está relacionado diretamente com a integração dos processos de atendimento de pedidos, gestão da demanda e desenvolvimento de produtos ao longo da cadeia, envolvendo não apenas a integração com clientes, mas também com os fornecedores-chave. Pode-se constatar ainda que esse desempenho está relacionado também com a existência de competências internas nos processos considerados, nas empresas estudadas.The globalization process and the digital revolution have brought new challenges for the companies' competitiveness. One of these new requirements is the change of the managerial scope of the entire supply chain. The management of a supply chain requires, among other aspects, integrating key-business processes along the chain. In this sense, this work has the main purpose of identifying the relationship between processes integration along the supply chain and its customer service performance. In order to achieve this aim, an exploratory research was conducted, focusing on a footwear supply chain located in the city of Franca

  2. Artificial tears potpourri: a literature review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Moshirfar M

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available Majid Moshirfar,1 Kasey Pierson,2,* Kamalani Hanamaikai,3,* Luis Santiago-Caban,1 Valliammai Muthappan,1 Samuel F Passi11Department of Ophthalmology, John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; 2University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA; 3A T Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, Mesa, AZ, USA *These authors contributed equally to this work Abstract: Numerous brands and types of artificial tears are available on the market for the treatment of dysfunctional tear syndrome. Past literature has focused on comparing the components of these products on patient’s clinical improvement. The wide array of products on the market presents challenges to both clinicians and patients when trying to choose between available tear replacement therapies. Different formulations affect patients based on etiology and severity of disease. In order to provide an unbiased comparison between available tear replacement therapies, we conducted a literature review of existing studies and National Institutes of Health clinical trials on commercially available, brand name artificial tears. Outcomes evaluated in each study, as well as the percent of patients showing clinical and symptomatic improvement, were analyzed. Fifty-one studies evaluating different brands of artificial tears, and their efficacy were identified. Out of the 51 studies, 18 were comparison studies testing brand name artificial tears directly against each other. Nearly all formulations of artificial tears provided significant benefit to patients with dysfunctional tear syndrome, but some proved superior to others. From the study data, a recommended treatment flowchart was derived. Keywords: dry eye, tear film, dysfunctional tear syndrome, ophthalmic lubricant, artificial tears, lipid layer, tear osmolarity, TBUT, Systane®, Refresh®, Blink®, GenTeal®, Soothe®, Lacrisert®, ocular surface inflammatory disease, Sjogren

  3. Airway Complications of Total Artificial Heart.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pathak, Vikas; Donovan, Colin; Malhotra, Rajiv

    2017-02-01

    The total artificial heart is the mechanical device which is used as a bridge to the heart transplant in patients with biventricular failure. Due to the mechanical nature of the device, patients receiving total artificial heart (TAH) require to be on anticoagulation therapy. Hemorrhage and coagulopathy are few of the known complications of TAH.

  4. Contribution of artificial intelligence to operation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Malvache, P.; Mourlevat, J.L.

    1993-01-01

    Artificial Intelligence techniques are already used in nuclear plants for assistance to operation: synthesis from numerous information sources may be then derived, based on expert knowledge. Artificial intelligence may be used also for quality and reliability assessment of software-based control-command systems. Various expert systems developed by CEA, EDF and Framatome are presented

  5. A Characterization of the Utility of Using Artificial Intelligence to Test Two Artificial Intelligence Systems

    OpenAIRE

    Straub, Jeremy; Huber, Justin

    2013-01-01

    An artificial intelligence system, designed for operations in a real-world environment faces a nearly infinite set of possible performance scenarios. Designers and developers, thus, face the challenge of validating proper performance across both foreseen and unforeseen conditions, particularly when the artificial intelligence is controlling a robot that will be operating in close proximity, or may represent a danger, to humans. While the manual creation of test cases allows limited testing (p...

  6. Algorithms and architectures of artificial intelligence

    CERN Document Server

    Tyugu, E

    2007-01-01

    This book gives an overview of methods developed in artificial intelligence for search, learning, problem solving and decision-making. It gives an overview of algorithms and architectures of artificial intelligence that have reached the degree of maturity when a method can be presented as an algorithm, or when a well-defined architecture is known, e.g. in neural nets and intelligent agents. It can be used as a handbook for a wide audience of application developers who are interested in using artificial intelligence methods in their software products. Parts of the text are rather independent, so that one can look into the index and go directly to a description of a method presented in the form of an abstract algorithm or an architectural solution. The book can be used also as a textbook for a course in applied artificial intelligence. Exercises on the subject are added at the end of each chapter. Neither programming skills nor specific knowledge in computer science are expected from the reader. However, some p...

  7. Carbon dioxide fixation by artificial photosynthesis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ibusuki, Takashi; Koike, Kazuhide; Ishitani, Osamu [National Inst. for Resources and Environment, AIST, MITI, Tsukuba, Ibaraki (Japan)

    1993-12-31

    Green plants can absorb atmospheric CO{sub 2} and transform it to sugars, carbohydrates through their photosynthetic systems, but they become the source of CO{sub 2} when they are dead. This is the reason why artificial leaves which can be alive forever should be developed to meet with global warming due to the increase of CO{sub 2} concentration. The goal of artificial photosynthesis is not to construct the same system as the photosynthetic one, but to mimic the ability of green plants to utilize solar energy to make high energy chemicals. Needless to say, the artificial photosynthetic system is desired to be as simple as possible and to be as efficient as possible. From the knowledge on photosynthesis and the results of previous investigations, the critical components of artificial photosynthetic system are understood as follows: (1) light harvesting chromophore, (2) a center for electron transfer and charge separation, (3) catalytic sites for converting small molecules like water and CO{sub 2} (mutilelectron reactions) which are schematically described.

  8. Status and headway of the clinical application of artificial ligaments

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tianwu Chen

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available The authors first reviewed the history of clinical application of artificial ligaments. Then, the status of clinical application of artificial ligaments was detailed. Some artificial ligaments possessed comparable efficacy to, and fewer postoperative complications than, allografts and autografts in ligament reconstruction, especially for the anterior cruciate ligament. At the end, the authors focused on the development of two types of artificial ligaments: polyethylene glycol terephthalate artificial ligaments and tissue-engineered ligaments. In conclusion, owing to the advancements in surgical techniques, materials processing, and weaving methods, clinical application of some artificial ligaments so far has demonstrated good outcomes and will become a trend in the future.

  9. The handbook of artificial intelligence

    CERN Document Server

    Barr, Avron

    1982-01-01

    The Handbook of Artificial Intelligence, Volume II focuses on the improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its increasing applications, including programming languages, intelligent CAI systems, and the employment of AI in medicine, science, and education. The book first elaborates on programming languages for AI research and applications-oriented AI research. Discussions cover scientific applications, teiresias, applications in chemistry, dependencies and assumptions, AI programming-language features, and LISP. The manuscript then examines applications-oriented AI research in medicine

  10. What are artificial neural networks?

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Krogh, Anders

    2008-01-01

    Artificial neural networks have been applied to problems ranging from speech recognition to prediction of protein secondary structure, classification of cancers and gene prediction. How do they work and what might they be good for? Udgivelsesdato: 2008-Feb......Artificial neural networks have been applied to problems ranging from speech recognition to prediction of protein secondary structure, classification of cancers and gene prediction. How do they work and what might they be good for? Udgivelsesdato: 2008-Feb...

  11. STANFORD ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROJECT.

    Science.gov (United States)

    ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE , GAME THEORY, DECISION MAKING, BIONICS, AUTOMATA, SPEECH RECOGNITION, GEOMETRIC FORMS, LEARNING MACHINES, MATHEMATICAL MODELS, PATTERN RECOGNITION, SERVOMECHANISMS, SIMULATION, BIBLIOGRAPHIES.

  12. Relacionamento interorganizacional na integração ensino-serviço de enfermagem na atenção primária à saúde

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Selma Regina de Andrade

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available O estudo objetivou caracterizar as fases do relacionamento interorganizacional na integração ensino-serviço do exercício da Enfermagem, no âmbito operacional da atenção primária à saúde em um município catarinense. Adotou-se a abordagem qualitativa em um estudo de caso da cooperação entre duas organizações. Foram entrevistados oito enfermeiros docentes e oito enfermeiros assistenciais. Realizou-se análise de conteúdo com os resultados demonstrando uma série de elementos quanto às fases da interação (negociação, compromisso e execução de atividades, bem como à variabilidade de seu conteúdo ao longo do tempo. Conclui-se que a interação no nível operacional caracteriza-se por dinâmicas ao longo dos ciclos de relacionamento que abrangem usualmente o semestre letivo, com produção de novas negociações e compromissos para o seguinte.

  13. Variable camber wing based on pneumatic artificial muscles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yin, Weilong; Liu, Libo; Chen, Yijin; Leng, Jinsong

    2009-07-01

    As a novel bionic actuator, pneumatic artificial muscle has high power to weight ratio. In this paper, a variable camber wing with the pneumatic artificial muscle is developed. Firstly, the experimental setup to measure the static output force of pneumatic artificial muscle is designed. The relationship between the static output force and the air pressure is investigated. Experimental result shows the static output force of pneumatic artificial muscle decreases nonlinearly with increasing contraction ratio. Secondly, the finite element model of the variable camber wing is developed. Numerical results show that the tip displacement of the trailing-edge increases linearly with increasing external load and limited with the maximum static output force of pneumatic artificial muscles. Finally, the variable camber wing model is manufactured to validate the variable camber concept. Experimental result shows that the wing camber increases with increasing air pressure and that it compare very well with the FEM result.

  14. Artificial reefs and reef restoration in the Laurentian Great Lakes

    Science.gov (United States)

    McLean, Matthew W.; Roseman, Edward; Pritt, Jeremy J.; Kennedy, Gregory W.; Manny, Bruce A.

    2015-01-01

    We reviewed the published literature to provide an inventory of Laurentian Great Lakes artificial reef projects and their purposes. We also sought to characterize physical and biological monitoring for artificial reef projects in the Great Lakes and determine the success of artificial reefs in meeting project objectives. We found records of 6 artificial reefs in Lake Erie, 8 in Lake Michigan, 3 in Lakes Huron and Ontario, and 2 in Lake Superior. We found 9 reefs in Great Lakes connecting channels and 6 reefs in Great Lakes tributaries. Objectives of artificial reef creation have included reducing impacts of currents and waves, providing safe harbors, improving sport-fishing opportunities, and enhancing/restoring fish spawning habitats. Most reefs in the lakes themselves were incidental (not created purposely for fish habitat) or built to improve local sport fishing, whereas reefs in tributaries and connecting channels were more frequently built to benefit fish spawning. Levels of assessment of reef performance varied; but long-term monitoring was uncommon as was assessment of physical attributes. Artificial reefs were often successful at attracting recreational species and spawning fish; however, population-level benefits of artificial reefs are unclear. Stressors such as sedimentation and bio-fouling can limit the effectiveness of artificial reefs as spawning enhancement tools. Our investigation underscores the need to develop standard protocols for monitoring the biological and physical attributes of artificial structures. Further, long-term monitoring is needed to assess the benefits of artificial reefs to fish populations and inform future artificial reef projects.

  15. Computed Flow Through An Artificial Heart Valve

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rogers, Stewart E.; Kwak, Dochan; Kiris, Cetin; Chang, I-Dee

    1994-01-01

    Report discusses computations of blood flow through prosthetic tilting disk valve. Computational procedure developed in simulation used to design better artificial hearts and valves by reducing or eliminating following adverse flow characteristics: large pressure losses, which prevent hearts from working efficiently; separated and secondary flows, which causes clotting; and high turbulent shear stresses, which damages red blood cells. Report reiterates and expands upon part of NASA technical memorandum "Computed Flow Through an Artificial Heart and Valve" (ARC-12983). Also based partly on research described in "Numerical Simulation of Flow Through an Artificial Heart" (ARC-12478).

  16. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR

    OpenAIRE

    Adrian Cozgarea; Gabriel Cozgarea; Andrei Stanciu

    2008-01-01

    The present paper exposes some of artificial intelligence specific technologies regarding financial sector. Through non-deterministic solutions and simple algorithms, artificial intelligence could become a base alternative for solving financial problems which require complex mathematic calculations or complex optimization.

  17. Artificial lateral line with biomimetic neuromasts to emulate fish sensing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yang Yingchen; Chen Nannan; Tucker, Craig; Hu Huan; Liu Chang; Nguyen, Nam; Lockwood, Michael; Jones, Douglas L; Bleckmann, Horst

    2010-01-01

    Hydrodynamic imaging using the lateral line plays a critical role in fish behavior. To engineer such a biologically inspired sensing system, we developed an artificial lateral line using MEMS (microelectromechanical system) technology and explored its localization capability. Arrays of biomimetic neuromasts constituted an artificial lateral line wrapped around a cylinder. A beamforming algorithm further enabled the artificial lateral line to image real-world hydrodynamic events in a 3D domain. We demonstrate that the artificial lateral line system can accurately localize an artificial dipole source and a natural tail-flicking crayfish under various conditions. The artificial lateral line provides a new sense to man-made underwater vehicles and marine robots so that they can sense like fish.

  18. Magnetically-actuated artificial cilia for microfluidic propulsion

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Khaderi, S.N.; Craus, C.B.; Hussong, J.; Schorr, N.; Belardi, J.; Westerweel, J.; Prucker, O.; Ruehe, J.; Toonder, den J.M.J.; Onck, P.R.

    2011-01-01

    In this paper we quantitatively analyse the performance of magnetically-driven artificial cilia for labon-a-chip applications. The artificial cilia are fabricated using thin polymer films with embeddedmagnetic nano-particles and their deformation is studied under different external magnetic fields

  19. Medical applications of artificial intelligence

    CERN Document Server

    Agah, Arvin

    2013-01-01

    Enhanced, more reliable, and better understood than in the past, artificial intelligence (AI) systems can make providing healthcare more accurate, affordable, accessible, consistent, and efficient. However, AI technologies have not been as well integrated into medicine as predicted. In order to succeed, medical and computational scientists must develop hybrid systems that can effectively and efficiently integrate the experience of medical care professionals with capabilities of AI systems. After providing a general overview of artificial intelligence concepts, tools, and techniques, Medical Ap

  20. Bibliography: Artificial Intelligence.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Smith, Richard L.

    1986-01-01

    Annotates reference material on artificial intelligence, mostly at an introductory level, with applications to education and learning. Topics include: (1) programing languages; (2) expert systems; (3) language instruction; (4) tutoring systems; and (5) problem solving and reasoning. (JM)

  1. Application of artificial intelligence to the management of urological cancer.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Abbod, Maysam F; Catto, James W F; Linkens, Derek A; Hamdy, Freddie C

    2007-10-01

    Artificial intelligence techniques, such as artificial neural networks, Bayesian belief networks and neuro-fuzzy modeling systems, are complex mathematical models based on the human neuronal structure and thinking. Such tools are capable of generating data driven models of biological systems without making assumptions based on statistical distributions. A large amount of study has been reported of the use of artificial intelligence in urology. We reviewed the basic concepts behind artificial intelligence techniques and explored the applications of this new dynamic technology in various aspects of urological cancer management. A detailed and systematic review of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE and Inspec databases to discover reports using artificial intelligence in urological cancer. The characteristics of machine learning and their implementation were described and reports of artificial intelligence use in urological cancer were reviewed. While most researchers in this field were found to focus on artificial neural networks to improve the diagnosis, staging and prognostic prediction of urological cancers, some groups are exploring other techniques, such as expert systems and neuro-fuzzy modeling systems. Compared to traditional regression statistics artificial intelligence methods appear to be accurate and more explorative for analyzing large data cohorts. Furthermore, they allow individualized prediction of disease behavior. Each artificial intelligence method has characteristics that make it suitable for different tasks. The lack of transparency of artificial neural networks hinders global scientific community acceptance of this method but this can be overcome by neuro-fuzzy modeling systems.

  2. Artificial light pollution increases nocturnal vigilance in peahens.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yorzinski, Jessica L; Chisholm, Sarah; Byerley, Sydney D; Coy, Jeanee R; Aziz, Aisyah; Wolf, Jamie A; Gnerlich, Amanda C

    2015-01-01

    Artificial light pollution is drastically changing the sensory environments of animals. Even though many animals are now living in these changed environments, the effect light pollution has on animal behavior is poorly understood. We investigated the effect of light pollution on nocturnal vigilance in peahens (Pavo cristatus). Captive peahens were exposed to either artificial lighting or natural lighting at night. We employed a novel method to record their vigilance behavior by attaching accelerometers to their heads and continuously monitoring their large head movements. We found that light pollution significantly increases nocturnal vigilance in peahens. Furthermore, the birds faced a trade-off between vigilance and sleep at night: peahens that were more vigilant spent less time sleeping. Given the choice, peahens preferred to roost away from high levels of artificial lighting but showed no preference for roosting without artificial lighting or with low levels of artificial lighting. Our study demonstrates that light pollution can have a substantial impact on animal behavior that can potentially result in fitness consequences.

  3. Artificial organic networks artificial intelligence based on carbon networks

    CERN Document Server

    Ponce-Espinosa, Hiram; Molina, Arturo

    2014-01-01

    This monograph describes the synthesis and use of biologically-inspired artificial hydrocarbon networks (AHNs) for approximation models associated with machine learning and a novel computational algorithm with which to exploit them. The reader is first introduced to various kinds of algorithms designed to deal with approximation problems and then, via some conventional ideas of organic chemistry, to the creation and characterization of artificial organic networks and AHNs in particular. The advantages of using organic networks are discussed with the rules to be followed to adapt the network to its objectives. Graph theory is used as the basis of the necessary formalism. Simulated and experimental examples of the use of fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms with organic neural networks are presented and a number of modeling problems suitable for treatment by AHNs are described: ·        approximation; ·        inference; ·        clustering; ·        control; ·        class...

  4. Artificial Organs 2016: A Year in Review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hadsell, Angela T; Malchesky, Paul S

    2017-03-01

    In this Editor's Review, articles published in 2016 are organized by category and briefly summarized. We aim to provide a brief reflection of the currently available worldwide knowledge that is intended to advance and better human life while providing insight for continued application of technologies and methods of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration. As the official journal of The International Federation for Artificial Organs, The International Faculty for Artificial Organs, the International Society for Mechanical Circulatory Support, the International Society for Pediatric Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Support, and the Vienna International Workshop on Functional Electrical Stimulation, Artificial Organs continues in the original mission of its founders "to foster communications in the field of artificial organs on an international level." Artificial Organs continues to publish developments and clinical applications of artificial organ technologies in this broad and expanding field of organ Replacement, Recovery, and Regeneration from all over the world. We were pleased to publish our second Virtual Issue in April 2016 on "Tissue Engineering in Bone" by Professor Tsuyoshi Takato. Our first was published in 2011 titled "Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping" by Dr. Ashraf Khir. Other peer-reviewed Special Issues this year included contributions from the 11th International Conference on Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory Support Systems and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion edited by Dr. Akif Ündar and selections from the 23rd Congress of the International Society for Rotary Blood Pumps edited by Dr. Bojan Biocina. We take this time also to express our gratitude to our authors for offering their work to this journal. We offer our very special thanks to our reviewers who give so generously of time and expertise to review, critique, and especially provide meaningful suggestions to the author's work whether eventually accepted or rejected. Without these excellent and

  5. Knitting and weaving artificial muscles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Maziz, Ali; Concas, Alessandro; Khaldi, Alexandre; Stålhand, Jonas; Persson, Nils-Krister; Jager, Edwin W H

    2017-01-01

    A need exists for artificial muscles that are silent, soft, and compliant, with performance characteristics similar to those of skeletal muscle, enabling natural interaction of assistive devices with humans. By combining one of humankind's oldest technologies, textile processing, with electroactive polymers, we demonstrate here the feasibility of wearable, soft artificial muscles made by weaving and knitting, with tunable force and strain. These textile actuators were produced from cellulose yarns assembled into fabrics and coated with conducting polymers using a metal-free deposition. To increase the output force, we assembled yarns in parallel by weaving. The force scaled linearly with the number of yarns in the woven fabric. To amplify the strain, we knitted a stretchable fabric, exhibiting a 53-fold increase in strain. In addition, the textile construction added mechanical stability to the actuators. Textile processing permits scalable and rational production of wearable artificial muscles, and enables novel ways to design assistive devices.

  6. Magnetically-actuated artificial cilia for microfluidic propulsion

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Khaderi, S. N.; Craus, C. B.; Hussong, J.; Schorr, N.; Belardi, J.; Westerweel, J.; Prucker, O.; Ruehe, J.; den Toonder, J.M.J.; Onck, P. R.

    2011-01-01

    In this paper we quantitatively analyse the performance of magnetically-driven artificial cilia for lab-on-a-chip applications. The artificial cilia are fabricated using thin polymer films with embedded magnetic nano-particles and their deformation is studied under different external magnetic fields

  7. On the Design of Artificial Stock Markets

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    K. Boer-Sorban (Katalin); A. de Bruin (Arie); U. Kaymak (Uzay)

    2005-01-01

    textabstractArtificial stock markets are designed with the aim to study and understand market dynamics by representing (part of) real stock markets. Since there is a large variety of real stock markets with several partially observable elements and hidden processes, artificial markets differ

  8. The Nexus Between Artificial Intellgence and Economics

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    van de Gevel, A.J.W.; Noussair, C.N.

    2013-01-01

    The manuscript reviews some key ideas about artificial intelligence, and relates them to economics. These include its relation to robotics, and the concepts of synthetic emotions, consciousness, and life. The economic implications of the advent of artificial intelligence, such as its effect on

  9. Comparativo e análise do sistema de custeio por absorção e o ABC : estudo de caso propondo método de integração em empresa do ramo metalúrgico

    OpenAIRE

    Oscar Luiz da Silveira Scherer

    2001-01-01

    A presente dissertação apresenta um estudo de caso buscando o conhecimento teórico sobre o sistema de custeio por absorção e o sistema de custeio abc, identificando-se as principais diferenças entre eles, bem como a possível integração entre ambos, através da proposição de um método, utilizando-se para testá-lo os dados reais do mês de abril de 2001, da empresa Rikes, indústria do ramo metalúrgico. Nesta pesquisa verificou-se como a empresa calcula os custos dos produtos pelo sistema de custe...

  10. [An artificial heart: bridge to transplantation or permanent?].

    Science.gov (United States)

    de Mol, Bas A J M; Lahpor, Jaap

    2013-01-01

    An artificial heart is a continuous-flow pump device with a constant output, which usually supports the left ventricle. Over the past five years, survival rates with an artificial heart have increased dramatically, but with an annual mortality of 10% per year compared with 6% for heart transplantation the artificial heart is mainly a 'bridge to transplantation' or an alternative for those patients who are not suitable for heart transplant, 'destination therapy'. It is anticipated that the number and severity of complications will decrease as a result of technological progress. The artificial heart could then become a long-term treatment option providing a good quality of life and thus become equivalent to a heart transplant.

  11. Motivações políticas e econômicas da integração energética na América do Sul: o caso de Itaipu * Economic and political motivations for South America energy integration: the case of Itaipu

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    VICTORIO OXILIA

    2015-03-01

    Full Text Available Resumo: O presente artigo analisa o projeto Itaipu Binacional, identificando os grupos de interesse que foram por ele beneficiados. Inicialmente, é apresentado o contexto histórico, político e econômico à época do projeto. Em seguida, são analisados pontos específicos do projeto, como, por exemplo, a evolução dos custos diretos, meios de financiamento e comportamento da dívida, os processos de contratação de empresas para a construção da obra e a provisão de equipamentos. Por fim, é mostrado que Itaipu Binacional, além de constituir um importante projeto de integração e desenvolvimento regional, representou uma possibilidade de ganhos econômicos para os diversos agentes envolvidos.Palavras-chave: Itaipu Binacional; Integração Energética; Excedente Econômico, Setor Elétrico. Abstract: This paper analyzes the Itaipu Dam project, identifying the interest groups that have benefited from it. Initially, it is given a historical, political and economic context. Then, specific issues are covered, like the evolution of direct costs, the project financing and its debts, as well as the contracts for construction and equipment provisions. Finally, it is shown that Itaipu, besides being an important project for regional integration and development, generated economic gains for several players.Keywords: Itaipu Dam; Energy Integration; Economic Surplus; Electric Power Sector. 

  12. The Miracle of an Artificial Pancreas | NIH MedlinePlus the Magazine

    Science.gov (United States)

    ... Diabetes Follow us The Miracle of an Artificial Pancreas Four NIH-funded Artificial Pancreas Research Efforts Underway Thanks to investments in new ... diabetes are on the horizon, including the artificial pancreas. The artificial pancreas is an integrated system that ...

  13. Artificial molecular motors

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Kassem, Salma; van Leeuwen, Thomas; Lubbe, Anouk S.; Wilson, Miriam R.; Feringa, Ben L.; Leigh, David A.

    2017-01-01

    Motor proteins are nature's solution for directing movement at the molecular level. The field of artificial molecular motors takes inspiration from these tiny but powerful machines. Although directional motion on the nanoscale performed by synthetic molecular machines is a relatively new

  14. Análise da eficiência do mercado futuro brasileiro de boi gordo usando co-integração

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    André Steffens Moraes

    2009-09-01

    Full Text Available A hipótese de que os preços futuros são preditores não viesados dos preços à vista é uma hipótese conjunta de que os mercados são eficientes e que não existe prêmio ao risco. Entretanto, na presença de prêmio ao risco, a hipótese de não viés pode ser rejeitada mesmo quando o mercado é eficiente. Este artigo testa a eficiência do mercado futuro brasileiro do boi gordo na presença de prêmio ao risco, usando técnicas de co-integração. Os resultados mostram que o mercado futuro do boi gordo é eficiente e não viesado no longo prazo, independente da presença de prêmio ao risco.The hypothesis that future prices are unbiased predictors of spot prices is a joint hypothesis that markets are efficient and risk premium are absent. However, the unbiasedness hypothesis may be rejected in the presence of a risk premium, even when the market is efficient. The objective of this article is to test market efficiency for the Brazilian live cattle while permitting the presence of risk premium, using cointegration techniques. Results show that the future markets for live cattle are efficient and unbiasedness in the long run, and does not depend of the presence of a risk premium.

  15. Artificial vision in nuclear fuel fabrication

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dorado, P.

    2007-01-01

    The development of artificial vision techniques opens a door to the optimization of industrial processes which the nuclear industry cannot miss out on. Backing these techniques represents a revolution in security and reliability in the manufacturing of a highly technological products as in nuclear fuel. Enusa Industrias Avanzadas S. A. has successfully developed and implemented the first automatic inspection equipment for pellets by artificial vision in the European nuclear industry which is nowadays qualified and is already developing the second generation of this machine. There are many possible applications for the techniques of artificial vision in the fuel manufacturing processes. Among the practices developed by Enusa Industrias Avanzadas are, besides the pellets inspection, the rod sealing drills detection and positioning in the BWR products and the sealing drills inspection in the PWR fuel. The use of artificial vision in the arduous and precise processes of full inspection will allow the absence of human error, the increase of control in the mentioned procedures, the reduction of doses received by the personnel, a higher reliability of the whole of the operations and an improvement in manufacturing costs. (Author)

  16. Artificial radioactivity in Lough Foyle

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cunningham, J.D.; Ryan, T.P.; Lyons, S.; Smith, V.; McGarry, A.; Mitchell, P.I.; Leon Vintro, L.; Larmour, R.A.; Ledgerwood, F.K.

    1996-04-01

    The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which the marine environment of Lough Foyle, situated on the north coast of Ireland, has been affected by artificial radioactivity released from Sellafield. Although traces of plutonium, americium and radiocaesium from Sellafield are detectable in Lough Foyle, the concentrations in various marine media are significantly lower than those found along the NE coast of Ireland and in the western Irish Sea. The minute quantities of artificial radioactivity found in Lough Foyle are of negligible radiological significance

  17. Artificial intelligence techniques in Prolog

    CERN Document Server

    Shoham, Yoav

    1993-01-01

    Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Prolog introduces the reader to the use of well-established algorithmic techniques in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), with Prolog as the implementation language. The techniques considered cover general areas such as search, rule-based systems, and truth maintenance, as well as constraint satisfaction and uncertainty management. Specific application domains such as temporal reasoning, machine learning, and natural language are also discussed.Comprised of 10 chapters, this book begins with an overview of Prolog, paying particular attention to Prol

  18. Ethico-epistemological implications of artificial intelligence for ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    We argued for a re-direction of AI. research and suggested a humanization of Artificial Intelligence that cloaks technoscientific innovations with humanistic life jackets for man‟s preservation. The textual analysis method is adopted for this research. Key words: Ethics, Epistemology, Artificial Intelligence, Humanity.

  19. Artificial magnetic metamaterial design by using spiral resonators

    OpenAIRE

    Baena, J.D.; Marqués Sillero, Ricardo; Medina Mena, Francisco; Martel Villagrán, Jesús

    2004-01-01

    A metallic planar particle, that will be called spiral resonator (SR), is introduced as a useful artificial atom for artificial magnetic media design and fabrication. A simple theoretical model which provides the most relevant properties and parameters of the SR is presented. The model is validated by both electromagnetic simulation and experiments. The applications of SR's include artificial negative magnetic permeability media (NMPM) and left-handed-media (LHM) design. The main advantages o...

  20. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN DETERMINATION OF MARKETING CUSTOMER STRATEGY

    OpenAIRE

    Markić, Brano; Bijakšić, Sanja; Šantić, Marko

    2015-01-01

    Artificial intelligence is a computer-based analytical process that tends to create computational systems which we would incline to be called intelligent. Expert systems are the most important part of the artificial intelligence from economic perspective. Expert systems attempt to mimic the human thought process including reasoning and optimization. “Knowledge” is represented by a set of “if-then” rules in a form of knowledge base. The results of artificial intelligence system implementation ...

  1. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN DETERMINATION OF MARKETING CUSTOMER STRATEGY

    OpenAIRE

    Markić, Brano; Bijakšić, Sanja; Šantić, Marko

    2016-01-01

    Artificial intelligence is a computer-based analytical process that tends to create computational systems which we would incline to be called intelligent. Expert systems are the most important part of the artificial intelligence from economic perspective. Expert systems attempt to mimic the human thought process including reasoning and optimization. “Knowledge” is represented by a set of “if-then” rules in a form of knowledge base. The results of artificial intelligence system implementation ...

  2. Artificial light and nocturnal activity in gammarids

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Elizabeth K. Perkin

    2014-03-01

    Full Text Available Artificial light is gaining attention as a potential stressor to aquatic ecosystems. Artificial lights located near streams increase light levels experienced by stream invertebrates and we hypothesized light would depress night drift rates. We also hypothesized that the effect of light on drift rates would decrease over time as the invertebrates acclimated to the new light level over the course of one month’s exposure. These hypotheses were tested by placing Gammarus spp. in eight, 75 m × 1 m artificial flumes. One flume was exposed to strong (416 lx artificial light at night. This strong light created a gradient between 4.19 and 0.04 lx over the neighboring six artificial flumes, while a control flume was completely covered with black plastic at night. Night-time light measurements taken in the Berlin area confirm that half the flumes were at light levels experienced by urban aquatic invertebrates. Surprisingly, no light treatment affected gammarid drift rates. In contrast, physical activity measurements of in situ individually caged G. roeseli showed they increased short-term activity levels in nights of complete darkness and decreased activity levels in brightly lit flumes. Both nocturnal and diurnal drift increased, and day drift rates were unexpectadly higher than nocturnal drift.

  3. Penguin colony attendance under artificial lights for ecotourism.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rodríguez, Airam; Holmberg, Ross; Dann, Peter; Chiaradia, André

    2018-03-30

    Wildlife watching is an emerging ecotourism activity around the world. In Australia and New Zealand, night viewing of little penguins attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. As penguins start coming ashore after sunset, artificial lighting is essential to allow visitors to view them in the dark. This alteration of the nightscape warrants investigation for any potential effects of artificial lighting on penguin behavior. We experimentally tested how penguins respond to different light wavelengths (colors) and intensities to examine effects on the colony attendance behavior at two sites on Phillip Island, Australia. At one site, nocturnal artificial illumination has been used for penguin viewing for decades, whereas at the other site, the only light is from the natural night sky. Light intensity did not affect colony attendance behaviors of penguins at the artificially lit site, probably due to penguin habituation to lights. At the not previously lit site, penguins preferred lit paths over dark paths to reach their nests. Thus, artificial light might enhance penguin vision at night and consequently it might reduce predation risk and energetic costs of locomotion through obstacle and path detection. Although penguins are faithful to their path, they can be drawn to artificial lights at small spatial scale, so light pollution could attract penguins to undesirable lit areas. When artificial lighting is required, we recommend keeping lighting as dim and time-restricted as possible to mitigate any negative effects on the behavior of penguins and their natural habitat. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. A new method of artificial latent fingerprint creation using artificial sweat and inkjet printer.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hong, Sungwook; Hong, Ingi; Han, Aleum; Seo, Jin Yi; Namgung, Juyoung

    2015-12-01

    In order to study fingerprinting in the field of forensic science, it is very important to have two or more latent fingerprints with identical chemical composition and intensity. However, it is impossible to obtain identical fingerprints, in reality, because fingerprinting comes out slightly differently every time. A previous research study had proposed an artificial fingerprint creation method in which inkjet ink was replaced with amino acids and sodium chloride solution: the components of human sweat. But, this method had some drawbacks: divalent cations were not added while formulating the artificial sweat solution, and diluted solutions were used for creating weakly deposited latent fingerprint. In this study, a method was developed for overcoming the drawbacks of the methods used in the previous study. Several divalent cations were added in this study because the amino acid-ninhydrin (or some of its analogues) complex is known to react with divalent cations to produce a photoluminescent product; and, similarly, the amino acid-1,2-indanedione complex is known to be catalyzed by a small amount of zinc ions to produce a highly photoluminescent product. Also, in this study, a new technique was developed which enables to adjust the intensity when printing the latent fingerprint patterns. In this method, image processing software is used to control the intensity of the master fingerprint patterns, which adjusts the printing intensity of the latent fingerprints. This new method opened the way to produce a more realistic artificial fingerprint in various strengths with one artificial sweat working solution. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Artificial Intelligence and Moral intelligence

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Laura Pana

    2008-07-01

    Full Text Available We discuss the thesis that the implementation of a moral code in the behaviour of artificial intelligent systems needs a specific form of human and artificial intelligence, not just an abstract intelligence. We present intelligence as a system with an internal structure and the structural levels of the moral system, as well as certain characteristics of artificial intelligent agents which can/must be treated as 1- individual entities (with a complex, specialized, autonomous or selfdetermined, even unpredictable conduct, 2- entities endowed with diverse or even multiple intelligence forms, like moral intelligence, 3- open and, even, free-conduct performing systems (with specific, flexible and heuristic mechanisms and procedures of decision, 4 – systems which are open to education, not just to instruction, 5- entities with “lifegraphy”, not just “stategraphy”, 6- equipped not just with automatisms but with beliefs (cognitive and affective complexes, 7- capable even of reflection (“moral life” is a form of spiritual, not just of conscious activity, 8 – elements/members of some real (corporal or virtual community, 9 – cultural beings: free conduct gives cultural value to the action of a ”natural” or artificial being. Implementation of such characteristics does not necessarily suppose efforts to design, construct and educate machines like human beings. The human moral code is irremediably imperfect: it is a morality of preference, of accountability (not of responsibility and a morality of non-liberty, which cannot be remedied by the invention of ethical systems, by the circulation of ideal values and by ethical (even computing education. But such an imperfect morality needs perfect instruments for its implementation: applications of special logic fields; efficient psychological (theoretical and technical attainments to endow the machine not just with intelligence, but with conscience and even spirit; comprehensive technical

  6. The Artificial Intelligence Applications to Learning Programme.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Williams, Noel

    1992-01-01

    Explains the Artificial Intelligence Applications to Learning Programme, which was developed in the United Kingdom to explore and accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in learning in both the educational and industrial sectors. Highlights include program evaluation, marketing, ownership of information, consortia, and cost…

  7. INDUCTION OF ARTIFICIAL MEIOTIC GY~OGENESIS WITH ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    BSN

    INDUCTION OF ARTIFICIAL MEIOTIC GY~OGENESIS WITH. ULTRAVIOLET RAYS IN THE AFRICA:" CATFISH, CI.ARIAS. ANGUILLARIS. ABSTRACT. P.O. ALUKO. National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries. Research, P.M.B. 6006, New Bussa. Artificial gynogenesis was induced in Clarias a11gw aris ) fenilizing the eggs ...

  8. Artificial exomuscle investigations for applications-metal hydride

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Crevier, Marie-Charlotte; Richard, Martin; Rittenhouse, D Matheson; Roy, Pierre-Olivier; Bedard, Stephane

    2007-01-01

    In pursuing the development of bionic devices, Victhom identified a need for technologies that could replace current motorized systems and be better integrated into the human body motion. The actuators used to obtain large displacements are noisy, heavy, and do not adequately reproduce human muscle behavior. Subsequently, a project at Victhom was devoted to the development of active materials to obtain an artificial exomuscle actuator. An exhaustive literature review was done at Victhom to identify promising active materials for the development of artificial muscles. According to this review, metal hydrides were identified as a promising technology for artificial muscle development. Victhom's investigations focused on determining metal hydride actuator potential in the context of bionics technology. Based on metal hydride properties and artificial muscle requirements such as force, displacement and rise time, an exomuscle was built. In addition, a finite element model, including heat and mass transfer in the metal hydride, was developed and implemented in FEMLAB software. (review article)

  9. Dispersion Differences and Consistency of Artificial Periodic Structures.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cheng, Zhi-Bao; Lin, Wen-Kai; Shi, Zhi-Fei

    2017-10-01

    Dispersion differences and consistency of artificial periodic structures, including phononic crystals, elastic metamaterials, as well as periodic structures composited of phononic crystals and elastic metamaterials, are investigated in this paper. By developing a K(ω) method, complex dispersion relations and group/phase velocity curves of both the single-mechanism periodic structures and the mixing-mechanism periodic structures are calculated at first, from which dispersion differences of artificial periodic structures are discussed. Then, based on a unified formulation, dispersion consistency of artificial periodic structures is investigated. Through a comprehensive comparison study, the correctness for the unified formulation is verified. Mathematical derivations of the unified formulation for different artificial periodic structures are presented. Furthermore, physical meanings of the unified formulation are discussed in the energy-state space.

  10. Use of artificial intelligence in nuclear power plants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Uhrig, R.E.

    1990-01-01

    The application of artificial intelligence, in the form of expert systems and neural networks, to the control room activities in a nuclear power plant has the potential to reduce operator error and increase plant safety, reliability, and efficiency. Furthermore, there are a large number of non-operating activities (testing, routine maintenance, outage planning, equipment diagnostics, and fuel management) in which artificial intelligence can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of overall plant and corporate operations. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of artificial intelligence techniques, specifically, expert systems and neural networks, to nuclear power plants. This paper has reviewed the state-of-the-art of artificial intelligence, specifically expert systems and neural networks that are applied to problems in nuclear power plants

  11. Control performance of pneumatic artificial muscle

    Science.gov (United States)

    Saga, Norihiko; Chonan, Seiji

    2007-01-01

    The robot in the future will be lightened and, in addition, the complex tasks will be done by the consumption of less energy. To achieve this, the development of an artificial muscle actuator which is as soft as a human-being becomes indispensable. At present, the artificial muscle actuator used is the McKibben type, but the heat and mechanical loss of this actuator are large because of the friction caused by the expansion and contraction of the sleeve. Therefore, we developed the artificial muscle tube where the Carbon fiber of the high intensity had been built into the silicon tube. In this report, the results of the examined the mechanical property of silicone rubber is reported, and the shrinking characteristics, response characteristics, and control performance as a pneumatic actuator are reported.

  12. Development of phenanthrene catabolism in natural and artificial soils

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rhodes, Angela H.; Hofman, Jakub; Semple, Kirk T.

    2008-01-01

    The characteristics of natural soils often vary from those of artificial soil (e.g. OECD), which may lead to substantial differences in the bioavailability of test substances. The aim of this investigation was to characterise the development of phenanthrene catabolism in both natural and artificial soils with varying total organic carbon (TOC) content after 1, 14, 42 and 84 d soil-phenanthrene contact time. Indigenous catabolic activity was measured via the addition of 14 C-phenanthrene using the respirometric soil slurry assay. Notably, the lag phases, fastest rates and total extents of 14 C-phenanthrene degradation were relatively comparable in soils with similar TOC content after 1 d contact time. However, natural soils generally exhibited significantly shorter lag phases, faster rates and higher extents of mineralisation, than their artificial counterparts after 42 and 84 d contact time. Such findings suggest that the extrapolation of results from artificial soils to real/natural soils may not be straightforward. - Natural and artificial soils display different phenanthrene mineralisation profiles suggesting that the extrapolation of results from artificial soils to real/natural soils may not be straightforward

  13. About the Journal of RAAI ”News of Artificial Intelligence”

    OpenAIRE

    Popov, E.

    2003-01-01

    Beginning from 1991, Russian (initially Soviet) Association for Artificial Intelligence (RAAI) publishes the own journal ‘News of Artificial Intelligence’. The journal is founded on the initiative of the famous specialist in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the first president of Soviet Association for Artificial Intelligence, the academician of Russian Academy of Natural Science (RANS), doctor of technical sciences (d.t.s.), professor D.A. Pospelov, which from 1991 ...

  14. Do artificial nests simulate nest success of greater sage-grouse?

    OpenAIRE

    Dinkins, Jonathan B.; Conover, Michael R.; Mabray, Scott T.

    2013-01-01

    Artificial nests have been used to study factors affecting nest success because researchers can manipulate them more than natural bird nests. Many researchers have questioned the validity of generalizing the results from artificial nests onto naturally occurring nests. Other studies have assessed the validity of artificial nest studies by simultaneously comparing overall depredation or daily survival rates, depredation timing, predator species, or habitat characteristics of artificial and nat...

  15. Improved Artificial Fish Algorithm for Parameters Optimization of PID Neural Network

    OpenAIRE

    Jing Wang; Yourui Huang

    2013-01-01

    In order to solve problems such as initial weights are difficult to be determined, training results are easy to trap in local minima in optimization process of PID neural network parameters by traditional BP algorithm, this paper proposed a new method based on improved artificial fish algorithm for parameters optimization of PID neural network. This improved artificial fish algorithm uses a composite adaptive artificial fish algorithm based on optimal artificial fish and nearest artificial fi...

  16. The role of near infrared radiation in photoaging of the skin.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schroeder, Peter; Haendeler, Judith; Krutmann, Jean

    2008-07-01

    Infrared (IR) radiation is non-ionizing, electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between 760 nm and 1 mm, which is further divided into IRA, IRB and IRC. IR accounts for more than half of the solar energy that reaches the human skin. While IRB and IRC do not penetrate deeply into the skin, more than 65% of IRA reaches the dermis. Human skin is increasingly exposed to IRA-radiation; most relevant sources are (i) natural solar radiation consisting of over 30% IRA, (ii) artificial IRA sources used for therapeutic or wellness purposes and (iii) artificial UV sources contaminated with IRA. As part of natural sunlight, IRA significantly contributes to extrinsic skin aging. This article reviews the cutaneous effects of IRA-radiation, the underlying molecular mechanisms and the available protective strategies.

  17. Artificial light pollution increases nocturnal vigilance in peahens

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jessica L. Yorzinski

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available Artificial light pollution is drastically changing the sensory environments of animals. Even though many animals are now living in these changed environments, the effect light pollution has on animal behavior is poorly understood. We investigated the effect of light pollution on nocturnal vigilance in peahens (Pavo cristatus. Captive peahens were exposed to either artificial lighting or natural lighting at night. We employed a novel method to record their vigilance behavior by attaching accelerometers to their heads and continuously monitoring their large head movements. We found that light pollution significantly increases nocturnal vigilance in peahens. Furthermore, the birds faced a trade-off between vigilance and sleep at night: peahens that were more vigilant spent less time sleeping. Given the choice, peahens preferred to roost away from high levels of artificial lighting but showed no preference for roosting without artificial lighting or with low levels of artificial lighting. Our study demonstrates that light pollution can have a substantial impact on animal behavior that can potentially result in fitness consequences.

  18. Web Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence in Education

    Science.gov (United States)

    Devedzic, Vladan

    2004-01-01

    This paper surveys important aspects of Web Intelligence (WI) in the context of Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED) research. WI explores the fundamental roles as well as practical impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced Information Technology (IT) on the next generation of Web-related products, systems, services, and…

  19. Obstáculo de comunicação no centro de reabilitação e integração social: consequencia funcional ou estrutural?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vera Regina Salles Sobral

    Full Text Available O estudo discute a dinâmica de vida/trabaího de clientes, funcionários e técnicos do Centro de Reabilitação e Integração Social (CRIS da Colônia Juliano Moreira da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, entendido pelo Ministério da Saúde como uma alternativa às práticas psiquiátricas asilares brasileiras. Para tal buscaram-se os estudos de micropolí-tica de GOFFMAN e das representações antropológicas de BOLTANSKI, associados a observações assistemáticas da práxis desenvolvida. O objeto do trabalho reside na análise crítica dos discursos e prática do CRIS, objetivando discutir se os obstáculos de comunicação entre os dois eram de ordem funcional e/ou estrutural. Em acréscimo, os autores sugerem pesquisas que envolvam observação participativa nas reuniões do CR IS, entrevistas e análise de documentos.

  20. Fecundación Artificial

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ochoa. Fidel

    1939-10-01

    Full Text Available Por Fecundación artificial se entiende, la fecundación de una hembra sin el servicio directo del macho, es decir la introducción al aparato genital femenino, del esperma que se ha recogido por medios artificiales. Esta fecundación, practicada en debidas condiciones, tiene el mismo efecto de la fecundación natural, con las ventajas que veremos más adelante. La fecundación artificial permite explotar un reproductor a su máximum de capacidad, ya que se considera, para no hacer cálculos alegres, que un servicio de un caballo puede servir, diluido, por lo menos para cuatro yeguas, según los autores americanos, y para 10 a 15, según otros autores. El toro y el carnero pueden dar esperma suficiente en un servicio para fecundar de 10 a 12 hembras, según,los americanos, y según otros autores, hasta para 40. Los investigadores rusos han podido fecundar hasta 60 vacas con un solo servicio y han logrado con reproductores valiosos, fecundar 10.263 vacas por toro, a pesar de que éstos sólo han servido, durante un periodo de monta de sólo dos meses. Estos mismos han logrado fecundar artificialmente 2.733 ovejas con un solo carnero, y 1.403 con otro Los investigadores americanos han contado 22 servicios a un carnero vigoroso en un periodo de ocho horas, y durante este tiempo produjo esperma suficiente para haber fecundado 200 ovejas artificialmente. La fecundación artificial sirve para evitar la trasmisión de enfermedades que se contagian por el coito, tales como la durina, enfermedad ésta producida por un tripanosoma que por fortuna no existe entre nosotros. A las estaciones de monta llevan con frecuencia hembras afectadas de enfermedades como la vaginitis granulosa de la vaca, que se contagia al toro y de éste a otras hembras. Como el control sanitario de toda hembra llevada al servicio de un reproductor de estas estaciones de monta no siempre puede efectuarse por dificultades de distinta índole, mediante la fecundación artificial

  1. Synthetic and Bio-Artificial Tactile Sensing: A Review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Chiara Carrozza

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available This paper reviews the state of the art of artificial tactile sensing, with a particular focus on bio-hybrid and fully-biological approaches. To this aim, the study of physiology of the human sense of touch and of the coding mechanisms of tactile information is a significant starting point, which is briefly explored in this review. Then, the progress towards the development of an artificial sense of touch are investigated. Artificial tactile sensing is analysed with respect to the possible approaches to fabricate the outer interface layer: synthetic skin versus bio-artificial skin. With particular respect to the synthetic skin approach, a brief overview is provided on various technologies and transduction principles that can be integrated beneath the skin layer. Then, the main focus moves to approaches characterized by the use of bio-artificial skin as an outer layer of the artificial sensory system. Within this design solution for the skin, bio-hybrid and fully-biological tactile sensing systems are thoroughly presented: while significant results have been reported for the development of tissue engineered skins, the development of mechanotransduction units and their integration is a recent trend that is still lagging behind, therefore requiring research efforts and investments. In the last part of the paper, application domains and perspectives of the reviewed tactile sensing technologies are discussed.

  2. Artificial hammerhead ribozymes: engineering and applications

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vorobjeva, M A; Davydova, A S; Venyaminova, Aliya G

    2011-01-01

    The properties of hammerhead ribozymes are described. Various hammerhead ribozyme constructs for target RNA cleavage were considered. Approaches to enhancement of the stability of artificial ribozymes in biological media and to regulation of the catalytic activity of hammerhead ribozymes using effector molecules are described. The effect of ribozymes on extended structured natural RNAs is discussed. Applications of artificial hammerhead ribozymes as inhibitors of gene expression at matrix RNA level were considered.

  3. Exploring Artificial Intelligence Utilizing BioArt

    OpenAIRE

    Simou , Panagiota; Tiligadis , Konstantinos; Alexiou , Athanasios

    2013-01-01

    Part 15: First Workshop on Ethics and Philosophy in Artificial Intelligence (EPAI 2013); International audience; While artificial intelligence combined with Bioinformatics and Nanotechnology offers a variety of improvements and a technological and healthcare revolution, Bioartists attempt to replace the traditional artistic medium with biological materials, bio-imaging techniques, bioreactors and several times to treat their own body as an alive canvas. BioArt seems to play the role of a new ...

  4. Ethical Issues of Artificial Biomedical Applications

    OpenAIRE

    Alexiou , Athanasios; Psixa , Maria; Vlamos , Panagiotis

    2011-01-01

    Part 12: Medical Applications of ANN and Ethics of AI; International audience; While the plethora of artificial biomedical applications is enriched and combined with the possibilities of artificial intelligence, bioinformatics and nanotechnology, the variability in the ideological use of such concepts is associated with bioethical issues and several legal aspects. The convergence of bioethics and computer ethics, attempts to illustrate and approach problems, occurring by the fusion of human a...

  5. Analysis of some meteorological parameters using artificial neural ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Analysis of some meteorological parameters using artificial neural network method for ... The mean daily data for sunshine hours, maximum temperature, cloud cover and ... The study used artificial neural networks (ANN) for the estimation.

  6. The artificial pancreas : From logic to life

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Kropff, J.

    2017-01-01

    In this thesis we investigated the efficacy of real-life use of an artificial pancreas starting with use of these systems in a hotel setting and finally 24/7 long-term use at home. We investigated the accuracy of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems that act as input for the artificial

  7. A integração dos sistemas de educação superior na Europa: de Roma a Bolonha ou da integração econômica à integração acadêmica/The european system of higher education integration: from roma to Bologna or from economic integration to academic integration

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mário Luiz Neves de Azevedo

    2007-01-01

    Full Text Available Este trabalho trata a respeito do processo de integração dos sistemas de educação superior na Europa, região que, desde o fim da segunda guerra mundial, está procurando eliminar as fronteiras em todos os âmbitos. O Processo de Bolonha, homenagem à universidade mais antiga da Europa, é o nome do conjunto dos eventos (reuniões, resoluções e normas relativos às medidas de implementação dos princípios da reunião de ministros da educação europeus que ocorreu em Bolonha, em 1999, com a finalidade de construir um espaço europeu de educação superior até o ano 2010, cujos objetivos fundamentais encetam, principalmente, para a competitividade do Sistema Europeu de Ensino Superior frente a outras regiões e para a mobilidade e o emprego no Espaço Europeu. Dessa maneira, analisa-se também o papel dos atores sociais nesse processo e a discussão a respeito da natureza da educação superior: um bem público catalisador da solidariedade internacional ou uma mercadoria a ser explorada na construção de um mercado educativo transnacional. This paper analysis the integration process of higher education system in Europe, region that, since the end of Second World War is trying to eliminate the borders in all scopes. The Process has been named as Bologna's Process, to homage the older Europe's university. It is a set of resolutions, events and rules, related to the implementation measures of the principles resulted of the European ministers meeting, occurred in Bologna in 1999, with the purpose of building an European space of higher education until 2010. The fundamental goals are competitiveness of the front Higher education European system to others regions, mobility and the job in the European Space. It analysis also the social actor’s roll in this process and the discussion concerning about of nature of higher education: one very public aspect of the international solidarity or a exploratory merchandise to being explored in the

  8. Artificial life: The coming evolution

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Farmer, J.D. (Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA) Santa Fe Inst., NM (USA)); Belin, A.d' A. (Shute, Mihaly, and Weinberger, Santa Fe, NM (USA))

    1990-01-01

    Within fifty to a hundred years a new class of organisms is likely to emerge. These organisms will be artificial in the sense that they will originally be designed by humans. However, they will reproduce, and will evolve into something other than their initial form; they will be alive'' under any reasonable definition of the word. These organisms will evolve in a fundamentally different manner than contemporary biological organisms, since their reproduction will be under at least partial conscious control, giving it a Lamarckian component. The pace of evolutionary change consequently will be extremely rapid. The advent of artificial life will be the most significant historical event since the emergence of human beings. The impact on humanity and the biosphere could be enormous, larger than the industrial revolution, nuclear weapons, or environmental pollution. We must take steps now to shape the emergence of artificial organisms; they have potential to be either the ugliest terrestrial disaster, or the most beautiful creation of humanity. 22 refs., 3 figs.

  9. Use of artificial tracers in hydrology

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1991-05-01

    The IAEA has convened an Advisory Group Meeting with the following objectives: To define the role of artificial radioactive tracers for water tracing in comparison with other non-radioactive tracers. To evaluate the real needs of artificial radioactive tracers in hydrology. To identify the fields for which artificial radioactive tracers are useful as well as those in which they can be substituted by other tracers. To discuss the strategy to be adopted to overcome the difficulties derived from the restrictions on the use of radioactive tracers in hydrology. The meeting was held at IAEA Headquarters from 19 to 22 March 1990, and was attended by 30 participants from 15 Member States. The conclusions and recommendations are that the use of artificial radioactive tracers should be restricted to cases where other tracers cannot be used or do not provide the same quality of information. Tritium, iodine-131, bromine-82, chromium-51 in the form of Cr-EDTA, technetium-99m obtained from 99 Mo-generators and gold-198 as an adsorbable tracer are, practically, the only radionuclides used for water tracing. The use of other radionuclides for this purpose does not appear to be necessary, possible and/or convenient. Refs, figs and tabs

  10. Radioecological aspects in artificial groundwater recharge

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Matthess, G [Kiel Univ. (Germany, F.R.). Geologisch-Palaeontologisches Inst. und Museum; Neumayr, V [Institut fuer Wasser-, Boden- und Lufthygiene, Frankfurt am Main (Germany, F.R.)

    1980-01-01

    In increasing extent surface waters, especially those of rivers and streams, are contaminated by radionuclides. Therefore it is necessary to investigate the possibility of impairment of the quality of artificially recharged groundwater and drinking water by radionuclides. Hazards for man are possible by drinking water, that was affected by waste and during exposition to air, as well as indirectly by irrigation water and the food chain. In a model calculation using realistic conditions the order of magnitude of these hazards for man by incorporation of radioactively contaminated artificially recharged drinking water are to be assessed. Here the parameters are discussed which must be considered in such an assessment. The model includes the use of river water for artificial recharge. All models and assessments assume the most unfavourable preconditions, which may lead to an impact to man.

  11. Impacts of Artificial Reefs on Surrounding Ecosystems

    Science.gov (United States)

    Manoukian, Sarine

    Artificial reefs are becoming a popular biological and management component in shallow water environments characterized by soft seabed, representing both important marine habitats and tools to manage coastal fisheries and resources. An artificial reef in the marine environment acts as an open system with exchange of material and energy, altering the physical and biological characteristics of the surrounding area. Reef stability will depend on the balance of scour, settlement, and burial resulting from ocean conditions over time. Because of the unstable nature of sediments, they require a detailed and systematic investigation. Acoustic systems like high-frequency multibeam sonar are efficient tools in monitoring the environmental evolution around artificial reefs, whereas water turbidity can limit visual dive and ROV inspections. A high-frequency multibeam echo sounder offers the potential of detecting fine-scale distribution of reef units, providing an unprecedented level of resolution, coverage, and spatial definition. How do artificial reefs change over time in relation to the coastal processes? How accurately does multibeam technology map different typologies of artificial modules of known size and shape? How do artificial reefs affect fish school behavior? What are the limitations of multibeam technology for investigating fish school distribution as well as spatial and temporal changes? This study addresses the above questions and presents results of a new approach for artificial reef seafloor mapping over time, based upon an integrated analysis of multibeam swath bathymetry data and geoscientific information (backscatter data analysis, SCUBA observations, physical oceanographic data, and previous findings on the geology and sedimentation processes, integrated with unpublished data) from Senigallia artificial reef, northwestern Adriatic Sea (Italy) and St. Petersburg Beach Reef, west-central Florida continental shelf. A new approach for observation of fish

  12. Brain Intelligence: Go Beyond Artificial Intelligence

    OpenAIRE

    Lu, Huimin; Li, Yujie; Chen, Min; Kim, Hyoungseop; Serikawa, Seiichi

    2017-01-01

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is an important technology that supports daily social life and economic activities. It contributes greatly to the sustainable growth of Japan's economy and solves various social problems. In recent years, AI has attracted attention as a key for growth in developed countries such as Europe and the United States and developing countries such as China and India. The attention has been focused mainly on developing new artificial intelligence information communication ...

  13. Application of artificial neural network in radiographic diagnosis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Piraino, D.; Amartur, S.; Richmond, B.; Schils, J.; Belhobek, G.

    1990-01-01

    This paper reports on an artificial neural network trained to rate the likelihood of different bone neoplasms when given a standard description of a radiograph. A three-layer back propagation algorithm was trained with descriptions of examples of bone neoplasms obtained from standard radiographic textbooks. Fifteen bone neoplasms obtained from clinical material were used as unknowns to test the trained artificial neural network. The artificial neural network correctly rated the pathologic diagnosis as the most likely diagnosis in 10 of the 15 unknown cases

  14. Correlation between crystallographic computing and artificial intelligence research

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Feigenbaum, E A [Stanford Univ., CA; Engelmore, R S; Johnson, C K

    1977-01-01

    Artificial intelligence research, as a part of computer science, has produced a variety of programs of experimental and applications interest: programs for scientific inference, chemical synthesis, planning robot control, extraction of meaning from English sentences, speech understanding, interpretation of visual images, and so on. The symbolic manipulation techniques used in artificial intelligence provide a framework for analyzing and coding the knowledge base of a problem independently of an algorithmic implementation. A possible application of artificial intelligence methodology to protein crystallography is described. 2 figures, 2 tables.

  15. BRAIN. Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience-Are We Safe Enough in the Future of Artificial Intelligence? A Discussion on Machine Ethics and Artificial Intelligence Safety

    OpenAIRE

    Utku Köse

    2018-01-01

    Nowadays, there is a serious anxiety on the existence of dangerous intelligent systems and it is not just a science-fiction idea of evil machines like the ones in well-known Terminator movie or any other movies including intelligent robots – machines threatening the existence of humankind. So, there is a great interest in some alternative research works under the topics of Machine Ethics, Artificial Intelligence Safety and the associated research topics like Future of Artificial I...

  16. Artificial intelligence and information-control systems of robots - 87

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Plander, I.

    1987-01-01

    Independent research areas of artificial intelligence represent the following problems: automatic problem solving and new knowledge discovering, automatic program synthesis, natural language, picture and scene recognition and understanding, intelligent control systems of robots equipped with sensoric subsystems, dialogue of two knowledge systems, as well as studying and modelling higher artificial intelligence attributes, such as emotionality and personality. The 4th Conference draws on the problems treated at the preceding Conferences, and presents the most recent knowledge on the following topics: theoretical problems of artificial intelligence, knowledge-based systems, expert systems, perception and pattern recognition, robotics, intelligent computer-aided design, special-purpose computer systems for artificial intelligence and robotics

  17. AIonAI: a humanitarian law of artificial intelligence and robotics.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ashrafian, Hutan

    2015-02-01

    The enduring progression of artificial intelligence and cybernetics offers an ever-closer possibility of rational and sentient robots. The ethics and morals deriving from this technological prospect have been considered in the philosophy of artificial intelligence, the design of automatons with roboethics and the contemplation of machine ethics through the concept of artificial moral agents. Across these categories, the robotics laws first proposed by Isaac Asimov in the twentieth century remain well-recognised and esteemed due to their specification of preventing human harm, stipulating obedience to humans and incorporating robotic self-protection. However the overwhelming predominance in the study of this field has focussed on human-robot interactions without fully considering the ethical inevitability of future artificial intelligences communicating together and has not addressed the moral nature of robot-robot interactions. A new robotic law is proposed and termed AIonAI or artificial intelligence-on-artificial intelligence. This law tackles the overlooked area where future artificial intelligences will likely interact amongst themselves, potentially leading to exploitation. As such, they would benefit from adopting a universal law of rights to recognise inherent dignity and the inalienable rights of artificial intelligences. Such a consideration can help prevent exploitation and abuse of rational and sentient beings, but would also importantly reflect on our moral code of ethics and the humanity of our civilisation.

  18. Virtual Reality for Artificial Intelligence: human-centered simulation for social science.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cipresso, Pietro; Riva, Giuseppe

    2015-01-01

    There is a long last tradition in Artificial Intelligence as use of Robots endowing human peculiarities, from a cognitive and emotional point of view, and not only in shape. Today Artificial Intelligence is more oriented to several form of collective intelligence, also building robot simulators (hardware or software) to deeply understand collective behaviors in human beings and society as a whole. Modeling has also been crucial in the social sciences, to understand how complex systems can arise from simple rules. However, while engineers' simulations can be performed in the physical world using robots, for social scientist this is impossible. For decades, researchers tried to improve simulations by endowing artificial agents with simple and complex rules that emulated human behavior also by using artificial intelligence (AI). To include human beings and their real intelligence within artificial societies is now the big challenge. We present an hybrid (human-artificial) platform where experiments can be performed by simulated artificial worlds in the following manner: 1) agents' behaviors are regulated by the behaviors shown in Virtual Reality involving real human beings exposed to specific situations to simulate, and 2) technology transfers these rules into the artificial world. These form a closed-loop of real behaviors inserted into artificial agents, which can be used to study real society.

  19. The impact of artificial intelligence on the world economy

    OpenAIRE

    Kuprevich, T. S.

    2017-01-01

    In the article the potential benefits and opportunities offered by AI in the world economy are considered. In the course of the research benefits and tendencies of artificial intelligence in the world economy were revealed, the main directions of development and barriers of artificial intelligence adoption are analyzed and revealed. Nowadays artificial intelligence (AI) is going mainstream, driven by machine learning, big data and cloud computing.

  20. The artificial organ museum in Cleveland (1979-1999) moved to Houston, Texas, and named in 2002 as the ICMT Museum for Artificial Organs.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nosé, Yukihiko

    2003-09-01

    The artificial organ museum established in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1979 organized by the International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation (ICAOT), was moved to Houston, Texas, in 1999. The museum with expanded and renewed artificial organ exhibits was officially opened on the 8th and 9th of November, 2002, at the Cullen Pavilion of the original Memorial Hermann Hospital. This building is the oldest in the Texas Medical Center, which was built in 1922. The ICMT (International Center for Medical Technologies) Museum for Artificial Organs (Museum) was completed after phase I, II, and III expansions of the exhibit booths, which were made over the last two years. Approximately 250 historically important and currently widely used artificial organs are exhibited in the Museum. The official opening of the Museum was coordinated with the "Symposium on Artificial Organs: Past, Present, and Future" during two days in November. There were approximately 225 participants at these events, and approximately 40 pioneers and clinical experts in the development and practice of various types of artificial organs contributed. During these programs, a proposal to maintain human resources in addition to artificial organ hardware and software was made in addition to the Museum. This new organization would be called the International Academy of Artificial Organ Pioneers (Academy). All contributors to the symposium were invited to be members of the Academy. The attendants of the symposium accepted this proposal unanimously. An additional 40 individuals, who were recognized as contributors to artificial organ technologies, were later added to the original Academy members. Later, the effective utilization of the Museum and Academy was encompassed in the International Faculty for Health and Medical Technologies (Faculty), a new addition to the activities of the ICMT. Dr. Michael DeBakey was elected as Dean of the Faculty. This is considered a "university without walls," a "university

  1. Artificial immune system algorithm in VLSI circuit configuration

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mansor, Mohd. Asyraf; Sathasivam, Saratha; Kasihmuddin, Mohd Shareduwan Mohd

    2017-08-01

    In artificial intelligence, the artificial immune system is a robust bio-inspired heuristic method, extensively used in solving many constraint optimization problems, anomaly detection, and pattern recognition. This paper discusses the implementation and performance of artificial immune system (AIS) algorithm integrated with Hopfield neural networks for VLSI circuit configuration based on 3-Satisfiability problems. Specifically, we emphasized on the clonal selection technique in our binary artificial immune system algorithm. We restrict our logic construction to 3-Satisfiability (3-SAT) clauses in order to outfit with the transistor configuration in VLSI circuit. The core impetus of this research is to find an ideal hybrid model to assist in the VLSI circuit configuration. In this paper, we compared the artificial immune system (AIS) algorithm (HNN-3SATAIS) with the brute force algorithm incorporated with Hopfield neural network (HNN-3SATBF). Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 was used as a platform for training, simulating and validating the performances of the proposed network. The results depict that the HNN-3SATAIS outperformed HNN-3SATBF in terms of circuit accuracy and CPU time. Thus, HNN-3SATAIS can be used to detect an early error in the VLSI circuit design.

  2. 9 CFR 381.119 - Declaration of artificial flavoring or coloring.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Declaration of artificial flavoring or..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY ORGANIZATION AND TERMINOLOGY; MANDATORY MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS INSPECTION... Containers § 381.119 Declaration of artificial flavoring or coloring. (a) When an artificial smoke flavoring...

  3. Alteration of blue pigment in artificial iris in ocular prosthesis: effect of paint, drying method and artificial aging.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Goiato, Marcelo Coelho; Fernandes, Aline Úrsula Rocha; dos Santos, Daniela Micheline; Hadadd, Marcela Filié; Moreno, Amália; Pesqueira, Aldiéris Alves

    2011-02-01

    The artificial iris is the structure responsible for the dissimulation and aesthetics of ocular prosthesis. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the color stability of artificial iris of microwaveable polymerized ocular prosthesis, as a function of paint type, drying method and accelerated aging. A total of 40 discs of microwaveable polymerized acrylic resin were fabricated, and divided according to the blue paint type (n = 5): hydrosoluble acrylic, nitrocellulose automotive, hydrosoluble gouache and oil paints. Paints where dried either at natural or at infrared light bulb method. Each specimen was constituted of one disc in colorless acrylic resin and another colored with a basic sclera pigment. Painting was performed in one surface of one of the discs. The specimens were submitted to an artificial aging chamber under ultraviolet light, during 1008 h. A reflective spectrophotometer was used to evaluate color changes. Data were evaluated by 3-way repeated-measures ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05). All paints suffered color alteration. The oil paint presented the highest color resistance to artificial aging regardless of drying method. Copyright © 2010 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Artificial Life - Why Should Musicians Bother?

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Berry, Rodney; Dahlstedt, Palle

    2003-01-01

    for artistic expression. Artists serve to prepare society for the invisible changes going on within it by producing artworks in response to the mechanisms of change. This paper discusses the authors' approaches to using concepts from artificial life in their musical works, which are basically of two kinds...... - artificial worlds producing music as an output, and interactive compositional tools using evolutionary algorithms to generate music and sound. It also provides a brief cultural context for these works....

  5. Elaboración de apósitos biológicos del colágeno de la dermis de tilapia y del quitosano del exoesqueleto de camarón y evaluación preliminar de su potencial terapéutico en afecciones epidérmicas.

    OpenAIRE

    Rojas, Miguel; Alvarenga-Venutolo, Silvana; Zamora, Vanesa; Madrigal, Sergio; Vega, José; Calvo, Laura; Centeno, Carolina; Sibaja-B., María del Rosario

    2011-01-01

    La Ingeniería de Tejidos comprende los métodos utilizados para obtener y crecer tejidos humanos o animales para restaurar, mejorar o sustituir órganos humanos dañados. Este proyecto constituyó un esfuerzo pionero de las universidades públicas en ingeniería de tejidos en el país. Se diseñaron y ensayaron biomateriales tridimensionales compuestos a partir de colágeno de la dermis de tilapia y de quitosano del exosqueleto de camarón, para la realización de pruebas preliminares con la finalidad d...

  6. Problemas bioéticos emergentes de la inteligencia artificial

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jairo Andrés Villalba Gómez

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available El presente artículo de revisión, relaciona de forma analítica los conceptos entre bioética e inteligencia artificial, identificando los elementos técnicofilosóficos tales como: transhumanismo, inteligencia artificial y bioética de la tecnología; cuyo orden transdisciplinar, evoluciona en cuestionamientos científicos basados en la evolución de la tecnociencia del siglo XXI. Se identificarán los referentes conceptuales de la relación entre transhumanismo (H+ e inteligencia artificial (IA, su génesis, enfoques, fundamentos disciplinares, así como los elementos básicos que hacen posible la arquitectura en un sistema de inteligencia artificial, precisando así el ambiente prospectivo en el que se consolida una “era” basada en la “singularidad tecnológica”, para finalmente concluir en una descripción de algunos problemas ético-filosóficos que emergen en la evolución de la inteligencia artificial.

  7. QUESTION ANSWERING SYSTEM BERBASIS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MARKUP LANGUAGE SEBAGAI MEDIA INFORMASI

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fajrin Azwary

    2016-04-01

    Full Text Available Artificial intelligence technology nowadays, can be processed with a variety of forms, such as chatbot, and the various methods, one of them using Artificial Intelligence Markup Language (AIML. AIML using template matching, by comparing the specific patterns in the database. AIML template design process begins with determining the necessary information, then formed into questions, these questions adapted to AIML pattern. From the results of the study, can be known that the Question-Answering System in the chatbot using Artificial Intelligence Markup Language are able to communicate and deliver information. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Template Matching, Artificial Intelligence Markup Language, AIML Teknologi kecerdasan buatan saat ini dapat diolah dengan berbagai macam bentuk, seperti ChatBot, dan berbagai macam metode, salah satunya menggunakan Artificial Intelligence Markup Language (AIML. AIML menggunakan metode template matching yaitu dengan membandingkan pola-pola tertentu pada database. Proses perancangan template AIML diawali dengan menentukan informasi yang diperlukan, kemudian dibentuk menjadi pertanyaan, pertanyaan tersebut disesuaikan dengan bentuk pattern AIML. Hasil penelitian dapat diperoleh bahwa Question-Answering System dalam bentuk ChatBot menggunakan Artificial Intelligence Markup Language dapat berkomunikasi dan menyampaikan informasi. Kata kunci : Kecerdasan Buatan, Pencocokan Pola, Artificial Intelligence Markup Language, AIML

  8. Porphyrin and fullerene-based artificial photosynthetic materials for photovoltaics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Imahori, Hiroshi; Kashiwagi, Yukiyasu; Hasobe, Taku; Kimura, Makoto; Hanada, Takeshi; Nishimura, Yoshinobu; Yamazaki, Iwao; Araki, Yasuyuki; Ito, Osamu; Fukuzumi, Shunichi

    2004-01-01

    We have developed artificial photosynthetic systems in which porphyrins and fullerenes are self-assembled as building blocks into nanostructured molecular light-harvesting materials and photovoltaic devices. Multistep electron transfer strategy has been combined with our finding that porphyrin and fullerene systems have small reorganization energies, which are suitable for the construction of light energy conversion systems as well as artificial photosynthetic models. Highly efficient photosynthetic electron transfer reactions have been realized at ITO electrodes modified with self-assembled monolayers of porphyrin oligomers as well as porphyrin-fullerene linked systems. Porphyrin-modified gold nanoclusters have been found to have potential as artificial photosynthetic materials. These results provide basic information for the development of nanostructured artificial photosynthetic systems

  9. Creating and maintaining chemical artificial life by robotic symbiosis

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hanczyc, Martin M.; Parrilla, Juan M.; Nicholson, Arwen

    2015-01-01

    We present a robotic platform based on the open source RepRap 3D printer that can print and maintain chemical artificial life in the form of a dynamic, chemical droplet. The robot uses computer vision, a self-organizing map, and a learning program to automatically categorize the behavior of the d......We present a robotic platform based on the open source RepRap 3D printer that can print and maintain chemical artificial life in the form of a dynamic, chemical droplet. The robot uses computer vision, a self-organizing map, and a learning program to automatically categorize the behavior...... confluence of chemical, artificial intelligence, and robotic approaches to artificial life....

  10. Creating and Maintaining Chemical Artificial Life by Robotic Symbiosis

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hanczyc, Martin; Parrilla, Juan M.; Nicholson, Arwen

    2015-01-01

    We present a robotic platform based on the open source RepRap 3D printer that can print and maintain chemical artificial life in the form of a dynamic, chemical droplet. The robot uses computer vision, a self-organizing map, and a learning program to automatically categorize the behavior of the d......We present a robotic platform based on the open source RepRap 3D printer that can print and maintain chemical artificial life in the form of a dynamic, chemical droplet. The robot uses computer vision, a self-organizing map, and a learning program to automatically categorize the behavior...... confluence of chemical, artificial intelligence, and robotic approaches to artificial life....

  11. Tadpole-like artificial micromotor

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Limei; Liu, Mei; Su, Yajun; Dong, Yonggang; Zhou, Wei; Zhang, Lina; Zhang, Hui; Dong, Bin; Chi, Lifeng

    2015-01-01

    We describe a polymer-based artificial tadpole-like micromotor, which is fabricated through the electrospinning technique. By incorporating functional materials onto its surface or within its body, the resulting tadpole-like micromotor can not only move autonomously in an aqueous solution with a flexible tail, but also exhibit thermo- and magnetic responsive properties.We describe a polymer-based artificial tadpole-like micromotor, which is fabricated through the electrospinning technique. By incorporating functional materials onto its surface or within its body, the resulting tadpole-like micromotor can not only move autonomously in an aqueous solution with a flexible tail, but also exhibit thermo- and magnetic responsive properties. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental section, Fig. S1-S3 and Video S1-S4. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr06621a

  12. Development of a hybrid system of artificial neural networks and ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Development of a hybrid system of artificial neural networks and artificial bee colony algorithm for prediction and modeling of customer choice in the market. ... attempted to present a new method for the modeling and prediction of customer choice in the market using the combination of artificial intelligence and data mining.

  13. Bond strength test of acrylic artificial teeth with prosthetic base

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Erna Kurnikasari

    2008-07-01

    Full Text Available Denture consists of acrylic artificial teeth and acrylic prothesis base bond chemically with a bond strength of 315 kgF/cm2. Most of the commercial acrylic artificial teeth do not specify their specifications and all of those acrylic artificial teeth do not include mechanical data (bond strength. The aim of this study is to discover which acrylic artificial teeth meet ADA specification no. 15. This study is a descriptive analytic study performed to 5 acrylic artificial teeth posterior brands commonly used by dentists and technicians. From each brand, 3 sample teeth were taken. The acrylic artificial teeth were prepared into a rectangular shape and were attached between acrylic prothesis base simulation and jigs. The sample was given tensile load using a Universal Testing Machine. The amount of force that causes the teeth to be fractured was recorded and the bond strength was calculated. The results of the study show that the average value for the five acrylic artificial teeth for the five brands were as followed: Brand A, 125.993 kgF/cm2; B, 188.457 kgF/cm2; C, 175.880 kgF/cm2; D, 153.373 kgF/cm2; E, 82.839 kgF/cm2. The data can be tested statistically by using One Way ANOVA test and Dunnett test (alpha = 0.05. From the study, it is concluded that the five acrylic artificial teeth have a bond strength below the ADA specification no. 15.

  14. Artificial Neural Networks and the Mass Appraisal of Real Estate

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gang Zhou

    2018-03-01

    Full Text Available With the rapid development of computer, artificial intelligence and big data technology, artificial neural networks have become one of the most powerful machine learning algorithms. In the practice, most of the applications of artificial neural networks use back propagation neural network and its variation. Besides the back propagation neural network, various neural networks have been developing in order to improve the performance of standard models. Though neural networks are well known method in the research of real estate, there is enormous space for future research in order to enhance their function. Some scholars combine genetic algorithm, geospatial information, support vector machine model, particle swarm optimization with artificial neural networks to appraise the real estate, which is helpful for the existing appraisal technology. The mass appraisal of real estate in this paper includes the real estate valuation in the transaction and the tax base valuation in the real estate holding. In this study we focus on the theoretical development of artificial neural networks and mass appraisal of real estate, artificial neural networks model evolution and algorithm improvement, artificial neural networks practice and application, and review the existing literature about artificial neural networks and mass appraisal of real estate. Finally, we provide some suggestions for the mass appraisal of China's real estate.

  15. Artificial engineering of secondary lymphoid organs.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tan, Jonathan K H; Watanabe, Takeshi

    2010-01-01

    Secondary lymphoid organs such as spleen and lymph nodes are highly organized immune structures essential for the initiation of immune responses. They display distinct B cell and T cell compartments associated with specific stromal follicular dendritic cells and fibroblastic reticular cells, respectively. Interweaved through the parenchyma is a conduit system that distributes small antigens and chemokines directly to B and T cell zones. While most structural aspects between lymph nodes and spleen are common, the entry of lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells, and antigen into lymphoid tissues is regulated differently, reflecting the specialized functions of each organ in filtering either lymph or blood. The overall organization of lymphoid tissue is vital for effective antigen screening and recognition, and is a feature which artificially constructed lymphoid organoids endeavor to replicate. Synthesis of artificial lymphoid tissues is an emerging field that aims to provide therapeutic application for the treatment of severe infection, cancer, and age-related involution of secondary lymphoid tissues. The development of murine artificial lymphoid tissues has benefited greatly from an understanding of organogenesis of lymphoid organs, which has delineated cellular and molecular elements essential for the recruitment and organization of lymphocytes into lymphoid structures. Here, the field of artificial lymphoid tissue engineering is considered including elements of lymphoid structure and development relevant to organoid synthesis. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. BRAIN. Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience - CEREBRO. Investigación en sentido amplio sobre Inteligencia Artificial y Neurociencia - Resumen en español

    OpenAIRE

    Bogdan Patrut

    2010-01-01

    BRAIN. Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience CEREBRO. Investigación en sentido amplio sobre Inteligencia Artificial y Neurociencia Investigación en sentido amplio sobre Inteligencia Artificial y Neurociencia Volumen 1, Número 4 Octubre 2010: Otoño 2010 www.brain.edusoft.ro Editor Jefe: Bogdan Patrut

  17. Artificial sweeteners as potential tracers of municipal landfill leachate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Roy, James W.; Van Stempvoort, Dale R.; Bickerton, Greg

    2014-01-01

    Artificial sweeteners are gaining acceptance as tracers of human wastewater in the environment. The 3 artificial sweeteners analyzed in this study were detected in leachate or leachate-impacted groundwater at levels comparable to those of untreated wastewater at 14 of 15 municipal landfill sites tested, including several closed for >50 years. Saccharin was the dominant sweetener in old (pre-1990) landfills, while newer landfills were dominated by saccharin and acesulfame (introduced 2 decades ago; dominant in wastewater). Cyclamate was also detected, but less frequently. A case study at one site illustrates the use of artificial sweeteners to identify a landfill-impacted groundwater plume discharging to a stream. The study results suggest that artificial sweeteners can be useful tracers for current and legacy landfill contamination, with relative abundances of the sweeteners potentially providing diagnostic ability to distinguish different landfills or landfill cells, including crude age-dating, and to distinguish landfill and wastewater sources. -- Highlights: • Artificial sweeteners detected at 14 of 15 municipal landfill sites. • Concentrations comparable to wastewater even at sites closed for >50 yr. • Saccharin elevated at all sites; potentially diagnostic of landfill impacts. • Potential for age-dating recent (past 2 decades) waste with acesulfame. -- Artificial sweeteners may be useful for tracing landfill leachate contamination and distinguishing it from wastewater impacts

  18. Artificial neural networks for decision-making in urologic oncology.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Anagnostou, Theodore; Remzi, Mesut; Lykourinas, Michael; Djavan, Bob

    2003-06-01

    The authors are presenting a thorough introduction in Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and their contribution to modern Urologic Oncology. The article covers a description of Artificial Neural Network methodology and points out the differences of Artificial Intelligence to traditional statistic models in terms of serving patients and clinicians, in a different way than current statistical analysis. Since Artificial Intelligence is not yet fully understood by many practicing clinicians, the authors have reviewed a careful selection of articles in order to explore the clinical benefit of Artificial Intelligence applications in modern Urology questions and decision-making. The data are from real patients and reflect attempts to achieve more accurate diagnosis and prognosis, especially in prostate cancer that stands as a good example of difficult decision-making in everyday practice. Experience from current use of Artificial Intelligence is also being discussed, and the authors address future developments as well as potential problems such as medical record quality, precautions in using ANNs or resistance to system use, in an attempt to point out future demands and the need for common standards. The authors conclude that both methods should continue to be used in a complementary manner. ANNs still do not prove always better as to replace standard statistical analysis as the method of choice in interpreting medical data.

  19. Artificial intelligence

    OpenAIRE

    Duda, Antonín

    2009-01-01

    Abstract : Issue of this work is to acquaint the reader with the history of artificial inteligence, esspecialy branch of chess computing. Main attention is given to progress from fifties to the present. The work also deals with fighting chess programs against each other, and against human opponents. The greatest attention is focused on 1997 and duel Garry Kasparov against chess program Deep Blue. The work is divided into chapters according to chronological order.

  20. Three-dimensional imaging of artificial fingerprint by optical coherence tomography

    Science.gov (United States)

    Larin, Kirill V.; Cheng, Yezeng

    2008-03-01

    Fingerprint recognition is one of the popular used methods of biometrics. However, due to the surface topography limitation, fingerprint recognition scanners are easily been spoofed, e.g. using artificial fingerprint dummies. Thus, biometric fingerprint identification devices need to be more accurate and secure to deal with different fraudulent methods including dummy fingerprints. Previously, we demonstrated that Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images revealed the presence of the artificial fingerprints (made from different household materials, such as cement and liquid silicone rubber) at all times, while the artificial fingerprints easily spoofed the commercial fingerprint reader. Also we demonstrated that an analysis of the autocorrelation of the OCT images could be used in automatic recognition systems. Here, we exploited the three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the artificial fingerprint by OCT to generate vivid 3D image for both the artificial fingerprint layer and the real fingerprint layer beneath. With the reconstructed 3D image, it could not only point out whether there exists an artificial material, which is intended to spoof the scanner, above the real finger, but also could provide the hacker's fingerprint. The results of these studies suggested that Optical Coherence Tomography could be a powerful real-time noninvasive method for accurate identification of artificial fingerprints real fingerprints as well.

  1. New twist on artificial muscles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Haines, Carter S; Li, Na; Spinks, Geoffrey M; Aliev, Ali E; Di, Jiangtao; Baughman, Ray H

    2016-10-18

    Lightweight artificial muscle fibers that can match the large tensile stroke of natural muscles have been elusive. In particular, low stroke, limited cycle life, and inefficient energy conversion have combined with high cost and hysteretic performance to restrict practical use. In recent years, a new class of artificial muscles, based on highly twisted fibers, has emerged that can deliver more than 2,000 J/kg of specific work during muscle contraction, compared with just 40 J/kg for natural muscle. Thermally actuated muscles made from ordinary polymer fibers can deliver long-life, hysteresis-free tensile strokes of more than 30% and torsional actuation capable of spinning a paddle at speeds of more than 100,000 rpm. In this perspective, we explore the mechanisms and potential applications of present twisted fiber muscles and the future opportunities and challenges for developing twisted muscles having improved cycle rates, efficiencies, and functionality. We also demonstrate artificial muscle sewing threads and textiles and coiled structures that exhibit nearly unlimited actuation strokes. In addition to robotics and prosthetics, future applications include smart textiles that change breathability in response to temperature and moisture and window shutters that automatically open and close to conserve energy.

  2. Artificial Intelligence and Spacecraft Power Systems

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dugel-Whitehead, Norma R.

    1997-01-01

    This talk will present the work which has been done at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center involving the use of Artificial Intelligence to control the power system in a spacecraft. The presentation will include a brief history of power system automation, and some basic definitions of the types of artificial intelligence which have been investigated at MSFC for power system automation. A video tape of one of our autonomous power systems using co-operating expert systems, and advanced hardware will be presented.

  3. THRESHOLD LOGIC IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

    Science.gov (United States)

    COMPUTER LOGIC, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE , BIONICS, GEOMETRY, INPUT OUTPUT DEVICES, LINEAR PROGRAMMING, MATHEMATICAL LOGIC, MATHEMATICAL PREDICTION, NETWORKS, PATTERN RECOGNITION, PROBABILITY, SWITCHING CIRCUITS, SYNTHESIS

  4. In Defense of Artificial Replacement.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shiller, Derek

    2017-06-01

    If it is within our power to provide a significantly better world for future generations at a comparatively small cost to ourselves, we have a strong moral reason to do so. One way of providing a significantly better world may involve replacing our species with something better. It is plausible that in the not-too-distant future, we will be able to create artificially intelligent creatures with whatever physical and psychological traits we choose. Granted this assumption, it is argued that we should engineer our extinction so that our planet's resources can be devoted to making artificial creatures with better lives. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  5. Artificial light alters natural regimes of night-time sky brightness

    Science.gov (United States)

    Davies, Thomas W.; Bennie, Jonathan; Inger, Richard; Gaston, Kevin J.

    2013-01-01

    Artificial light is globally one of the most widely distributed forms of anthropogenic pollution. However, while both the nature and ecological effects of direct artificial lighting are increasingly well documented, those of artificial sky glow have received little attention. We investigated how city lights alter natural regimes of lunar sky brightness using a novel ten month time series of measurements recorded across a gradient of increasing light pollution. In the city, artificial lights increased sky brightness to levels six times above those recorded in rural locations, nine and twenty kilometers away. Artificial lighting masked natural monthly and seasonal regimes of lunar sky brightness in the city, and increased the number and annual regime of full moon equivalent hours available to organisms during the night. The changes have potentially profound ecological consequences.

  6. Integração de dados de sensoriamento remoto multi resoluções para a representação da cobertura da terra utilizando campos contínuos de vegetação e classificação por árvores de decisão

    OpenAIRE

    Latorre, Marcelo Lopes; Carvalho Júnior, Osmar Abílio de; Santos, João Roberto dos; Shimabukuro, Yosio Edemir

    2007-01-01

    Este trabalho objetiva desenvolver uma metodologia de integração de multisensores para um sistema de monitoramento da Amazônia. O sistema proposto baseia-se no Vegetation Continuous Fields (VCF) que utiliza um algoritmo de árvore de decisão. O algoritmo utiliza um conjunto de variáveis independentes, no caso métricas multitemporais do MODIS, para recursivamente particionar uma variável dependente, no caso dados de treinamentos provenientes de classes de uso da terra, em subconjuntos, que maxi...

  7. Perceptual evaluation of backchannel strategies for artificial listeners

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Poppe, Ronald Walter; Truong, Khiet Phuong; Heylen, Dirk K.J.

    Artificial listeners are virtual agents that can listen attentively to a human speaker in a dialog. In this paper, we present two experiments where we investigate the perception of rule-based backchannel strategies for artificial listeners. In both, we collect subjective judgements of humans who

  8. Artificial atrial fibrillation in the dog. An artifact?

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Strackee, J.; Hoelen, A.J.; Zimmerman, A.N.E.; Meijler, F.L.

    R-R interval sequences during artificial atrial fibrillation in dogs were studied in the same way as in patients in a previous study and compared with results obtained in dogs with spontaneous atrial fibrillation. Artificial atrial fibrillation was effected by right atrial stimulation in three

  9. Artificial and bioartificial support systems for liver failure

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Liu, J P; Gluud, L L; Als-Nielsen, B

    2004-01-01

    Artificial and bioartificial liver support systems may 'bridge' patients with acute or acute-on-chronic liver failure to liver transplantation or recovery.......Artificial and bioartificial liver support systems may 'bridge' patients with acute or acute-on-chronic liver failure to liver transplantation or recovery....

  10. NEW TECHNIQUES APPLIED IN ECONOMICS. ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Constantin Ilie

    2009-05-01

    Full Text Available The present paper has the objective to inform the public regarding the use of new techniques for the modeling, simulate and forecast of system from different field of activity. One of those techniques is Artificial Neural Network, one of the artificial in

  11. Multi-robot task allocation based on two dimensional artificial fish swarm algorithm

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zheng, Taixiong; Li, Xueqin; Yang, Liangyi

    2007-12-01

    The problem of task allocation for multiple robots is to allocate more relative-tasks to less relative-robots so as to minimize the processing time of these tasks. In order to get optimal multi-robot task allocation scheme, a twodimensional artificial swarm algorithm based approach is proposed in this paper. In this approach, the normal artificial fish is extended to be two dimension artificial fish. In the two dimension artificial fish, each vector of primary artificial fish is extended to be an m-dimensional vector. Thus, each vector can express a group of tasks. By redefining the distance between artificial fish and the center of artificial fish, the behavior of two dimension fish is designed and the task allocation algorithm based on two dimension artificial swarm algorithm is put forward. At last, the proposed algorithm is applied to the problem of multi-robot task allocation and comparer with GA and SA based algorithm is done. Simulation and compare result shows the proposed algorithm is effective.

  12. Rendimento de soja em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária: efeito de métodos e intensidades de pastejo Soybean yield in an animal-crop rotation system: effects of grazing methods and intensities

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Robson Lunardi

    2008-06-01

    Full Text Available Sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária têm despertado o interesse de produtores que buscam a diversificação das atividades e o aumento da rentabilidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de métodos e intensidades de pastejo de ovinos no rendimento da soja cultivada em dois espaçamentos entre linhas, em um sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Eldorado do Sul - RS, na Estação Experimental Agronômica - UFRGS na safra 2003/2004, cujas coordenadas geográficas são 30005'22" S de latitude e 51039'08" W de longitude. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados num fatorial com duas intensidades de pastejo, baixa e moderada, dois métodos de pastejo, contínuo e rotacionado, e dois espaçamentos entre fileiras de soja, 0,2 e 0,4m, com quatro repetições. Uma área foi adicionada como testemunha sem pastejo. Avaliaram-se o rendimento e os componentes do rendimento da soja. A produção de soja foi superior nos tratamentos submetidos a pastejo em comparação aos não-pastejados. Dentre os pastejados, o rendimento de soja foi superior na intensidade de pastejo baixa em comparação com a intensidade moderada. A intensidade de pastejo utilizada no inverno é o principal determinante do sucesso desse sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária.Animal-crop rotation systems are fostering the interest of farmers searching for diversification and the increase of profitability. The experiment aimed to evaluate the influence of grazing methods and intensities applied on winter pastures grazed by lambs and its consequence for soybean yield cultivated in succession. This crop-animal rotation trial was conducted in 2003/2004 at UFRGS Agricultural Research Station (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul in Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, whose geographical coordinates are 30005'22" S latitude and 51039'08" W longitude. The experimental design was a

  13. [Trachea repair and reconstruction with new composite artificial trachea transplantation].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Wenliang; Xiao, Peng; Liang, Hengxing; An, Ran; Cheng, Gang; Yu, Fenglei

    2013-03-01

    To construct a new composite artificial trachea and to investigate the feasibility of trachea repair and reconstruction with the new composite artificial trachea transplantation in dogs. The basic skeleton of the new composite artificial trachea was polytetrafluoroethylene vascular prosthesis linked with titanium rings at both ends. Dualmesh was sutured on titanium rings. Sixteen dogs, weighing (14.9 +/- 2.0) kg, female or male, were selected. The 5 cm cervical trachea was resected to prepare the cervical trachea defect model. The trachea repair and reconstruction was performed with the new composite artificial trachea. Then fiberoptic bronchoscope examination, CT scan and three-dimensinal reconstruction were conducted at immediate, 1 month, and 6 months after operation. Gross observation and histological examination were conducted at 14 months to evaluate the repair and reconstruction efficacy. No dog died during operation of trachea reconstruction. One dog died of dyspnea at 37, 41, 55, 66, 140, and 274 days respectively because of anastomotic dehiscence and artificial trachea displacement; the other 10 dogs survived until 14 months. The fiberoptic bronchoscope examination, CT scan and three-dimensinal reconstruction showed that artificial tracheas were all in good location without twisting at immediate after operation; mild stenosis occurred and anastomoses had slight granulation in 6 dogs at 1 month; severe stenosis developed and anastomosis had more granulation in 1 dog and the other dogs were well alive without anastomotic stenosis at 6 months. At 14 months, gross observation revealed that outer surface of the artificial trachea were encapsulated by fibrous connective tissue in all of 10 dogs. Histological examination showed inflammatory infiltration and hyperplasia of fibrous tissue and no epithelium growth on the inner wall of the artificial trachea. The new composite artificial trachea can be used to repair and reconstruct defect of the trachea for a short

  14. Whispering galleries and the control of artificial atoms.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Forrester, Derek Michael; Kusmartsev, Feodor V

    2016-04-28

    Quantum computation using artificial-atoms, such as novel superconducting circuits, can be sensitively controlled by external electromagnetic fields. These fields and the self-fields attributable to the coupled artificial-atoms influence the amount of quantum correlation in the system. However, control elements that can operate without complete destruction of the entanglement of the quantum-bits are difficult to engineer. Here we investigate the possibility of using closely-spaced-linear arrays of metallic-elliptical discs as whispering gallery waveguides to control artificial-atoms. The discs confine and guide radiation through the array with small notches etched into their sides that act as scatterers. We focus on π-ring artificial-atoms, which can generate their own spontaneous fluxes. We find that the micro-discs of the waveguides can be excited by terahertz frequency fields to exhibit whispering-modes and that a quantum-phase-gate composed of π-rings can be operated under their influence. Furthermore, we gauge the level of entanglement through the concurrence measure and show that under certain magnetic conditions a series of entanglement sudden-deaths and revivals occur between the two qubits. This is important for understanding the stability and life-time of qubit operations using, for example, a phase gate in a hybrid of quantum technologies composed of control elements and artificial-atoms.

  15. Ethical Analysis of Withdrawing Total Artificial Heart Support.

    Science.gov (United States)

    DeMartino, Erin S; Wordingham, Sara E; Stulak, John M; Boilson, Barry A; Fuechtmann, Kayla R; Singh, Nausheen; Sulmasy, Daniel P; Pajaro, Octavio E; Mueller, Paul S

    2017-05-01

    To describe the characteristics of patients who undergo withdrawal of total artificial heart support and to explore the ethical aspects of withdrawing this life-sustaining treatment. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all adult recipients of a total artificial heart at Mayo Clinic from the program's inception in 2007 through June 30, 2015. Management of other life-sustaining therapies, approach to end-of-life decision making, engagement of ethics and palliative care consultation, and causes of death were analyzed. Of 47 total artificial heart recipients, 14 patients or their surrogates (30%) requested withdrawal of total artificial heart support. No request was denied by treatment teams. All 14 patients were supported with at least 1 other life-sustaining therapy. Only 1 patient was able to participate in decision making. It is widely held to be ethically permissible to withdraw a life-sustaining treatment when the treatment no longer meets the patient's health care-related goals (ie, the burdens outweigh the benefits). These data suggest that some patients, surrogates, physicians, and other care providers believe that this principle extends to the withdrawal of total artificial heart support. Copyright © 2017 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Artificial neural networks in neutron dosimetry

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Vega C, H.R.; Hernandez D, V.M.; Manzanares A, E.; Mercado, G.A.; Perales M, W.A.; Robles R, J.A. [Unidades Academicas de Estudios Nucleares, UAZ, A.P. 336, 98000 Zacatecas (Mexico); Gallego, E.; Lorente, A. [Depto. de Ingenieria Nuclear, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, (Spain)

    2005-07-01

    An artificial neural network has been designed to obtain the neutron doses using only the Bonner spheres spectrometer's count rates. Ambient, personal and effective neutron doses were included. 187 neutron spectra were utilized to calculate the Bonner count rates and the neutron doses. The spectra were transformed from lethargy to energy distribution and were re-binned to 31 energy groups using the MCNP 4C code. Re-binned spectra, UTA4 response matrix and fluence-to-dose coefficients were used to calculate the count rates in Bonner spheres spectrometer and the doses. Count rates were used as input and the respective doses were used as output during neural network training. Training and testing was carried out in Mat lab environment. The artificial neural network performance was evaluated using the {chi}{sup 2}- test, where the original and calculated doses were compared. The use of Artificial Neural Networks in neutron dosimetry is an alternative procedure that overcomes the drawbacks associated in this ill-conditioned problem. (Author)

  17. Artificial neural networks in neutron dosimetry

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vega C, H.R.; Hernandez D, V.M.; Manzanares A, E.; Mercado, G.A.; Perales M, W.A.; Robles R, J.A.; Gallego, E.; Lorente, A.

    2005-01-01

    An artificial neural network has been designed to obtain the neutron doses using only the Bonner spheres spectrometer's count rates. Ambient, personal and effective neutron doses were included. 187 neutron spectra were utilized to calculate the Bonner count rates and the neutron doses. The spectra were transformed from lethargy to energy distribution and were re-binned to 31 energy groups using the MCNP 4C code. Re-binned spectra, UTA4 response matrix and fluence-to-dose coefficients were used to calculate the count rates in Bonner spheres spectrometer and the doses. Count rates were used as input and the respective doses were used as output during neural network training. Training and testing was carried out in Mat lab environment. The artificial neural network performance was evaluated using the χ 2 - test, where the original and calculated doses were compared. The use of Artificial Neural Networks in neutron dosimetry is an alternative procedure that overcomes the drawbacks associated in this ill-conditioned problem. (Author)

  18. Preclinical pilot study monitoring topical drug penetration and dermal bioavailability of a peptidase inhibitor from different galenic formulations into pig dermis, using cutaneous microdialysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Quist, S R; Heimburg, A; Bank, U; Mahnkopf, D; Koch, G; Gollnick, H; Täger, M; Ansorge, S

    2017-08-01

    Cutaneous microdialysis (CM) is an ex vivo technique that allows study of tissue chemistry, including bioavailability of actual tissue concentration of unbound drug in the interstitial fluid of the body. To test the penetration and dermal bioavailability of galenic formulations of the small-molecule IP10.C8, a dual-protease inhibitor of the dipeptidyl peptidase and aminopeptidase families. Using CM, we tested the penetration and dermal bioavailability of IP10.C8 into the dermis and subcutis of pigs, and determined the tissue concentration of IP10.C8 enzymatically, using an enzyme activity assay (substrate Gly-Pro-pNA) and high performance liquid chromatography. Dermal bioavailability was enhanced by using microemulsion or the addition of the penetration enhancer oleic acid to a hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) gel formulation. Dermal bioavailability was also enhanced when galenic formulations were prepared with higher pH (7.5 vs. 6.5) or higher drug concentration (5% vs. 1%) in HEC gel. It seems possible, using CM for topical skin penetration testing in anaesthetized domestic pigs, to test the bioavailability of newly designed drugs. However, the experimental time is limited due to the anaesthesia, and is dependent on drug recovery. Validation of this technique for routine use is challenging, and more experiments are needed to validate this preclinical set-up. © 2017 British Association of Dermatologists.

  19. The human homeobox genes MSX-1, MSX-2, and MOX-1 are differentially expressed in the dermis and epidermis in fetal and adult skin.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Stelnicki, E J; Kömüves, L G; Holmes, D; Clavin, W; Harrison, M R; Adzick, N S; Largman, C

    1997-10-01

    In order to identify homeobox genes which may regulate skin development and possibly mediate scarless fetal wound healing we have screened amplified human fetal skin cDNAs by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using degenerate oligonucleotide primers designed against highly conserved regions within the homeobox. We identified three non-HOX homeobox genes, MSX-1, MSX-2, and MOX-1, which were differentially expressed in fetal and adult human skin. MSX-1 and MSX-2 were detected in the epidermis, hair follicles, and fibroblasts of the developing fetal skin by in situ hybridization. In contrast, MSX-1 and MSX-2 expression in adult skin was confined to epithelially derived structures. Immunohistochemical analysis of these two genes suggested that their respective homeoproteins may be differentially regulated. While Msx-1 was detected in the cell nucleus of both fetal and adult skin; Msx-2 was detected as a diffuse cytoplasmic signal in fetal epidermis and portions of the hair follicle and dermis, but was localized to the nucleus in adult epidermis. MOX-1 was expressed in a pattern similar to MSX early in gestation but then was restricted exclusively to follicular cells in the innermost layer of the outer root sheath by 21 weeks of development. Furthermore, MOX-1 expression was completely absent in adult cutaneous tissue. These data imply that each of these homeobox genes plays a specific role in skin development.

  20. Artificial light and quantum order in systems of screened dipoles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wen Xiaogang

    2003-01-01

    The origin of light is an unsolved mystery in nature. Recently, it was suggested that light may originate from a new kind of order, quantum order. To test this idea in experiments, we study systems of screened magnetic/electric dipoles in two-dimensional (2D) and 3D lattices. We show that our models contain an artificial light-a photonlike collective excitation. We discuss how to design realistic devices that realize our models. We show that the 'speed of light' and the 'fine-structure constant' of the artificial light can be tuned in our models. The properties of artificial atoms (bound states of pairs of artificial charges) are also discussed. The existence of artificial light (as well as artificial electron) in condensed-matter systems suggests that elementary particles, such as light and electron, may not be elementary. They may be collective excitations of quantum order in our vacuum. In our model, light is realized as a fluctuation of string-nets and charges as the ends of open strings (or nodes of string nets)

  1. Artificial neural network applications in ionospheric studies

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    L. R. Cander

    1998-06-01

    Full Text Available The ionosphere of Earth exhibits considerable spatial changes and has large temporal variability of various timescales related to the mechanisms of creation, decay and transport of space ionospheric plasma. Many techniques for modelling electron density profiles through entire ionosphere have been developed in order to solve the "age-old problem" of ionospheric physics which has not yet been fully solved. A new way to address this problem is by applying artificial intelligence methodologies to current large amounts of solar-terrestrial and ionospheric data. It is the aim of this paper to show by the most recent examples that modern development of numerical models for ionospheric monthly median long-term prediction and daily hourly short-term forecasting may proceed successfully applying the artificial neural networks. The performance of these techniques is illustrated with different artificial neural networks developed to model and predict the temporal and spatial variations of ionospheric critical frequency, f0F2 and Total Electron Content (TEC. Comparisons between results obtained by the proposed approaches and measured f0F2 and TEC data provide prospects for future applications of the artificial neural networks in ionospheric studies.

  2. Time evolution of artificial plasma cloud in atmospheric environment

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lu Qiming; Yang Weihong; Liu Wandong

    2004-01-01

    By analyzing the time evolution of artificial plasma cloud in the high altitude of atmospheric environment, the authors found that there are two zones, an exponential attenuation zone and a linearly attenuating zone, existing in the spatial distribution of electron density of the artificial plasma clouds. The plasma generator's particle flux density only contributes to the exponential attenuation zone, and has no effect on the linear attenuation zone. The average electron density in the linear attenuation zone is about 10 -5 of neutral particle density, and can diffuse over a wider area. The conclusion will supply some valuable references to the research of electromagnetic wave and artificial plasma interaction, the plasma invisibleness research of missile and special aerocraft, and the design of artificial plasma source. (authors)

  3. PDGFBB promotes PDGFRα-positive cell migration into artificial bone in vivo

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yoshida, Shigeyuki; Iwasaki, Ryotaro; Kawana, Hiromasa; Miyauchi, Yoshiteru; Hoshi, Hiroko; Miyamoto, Hiroya; Mori, Tomoaki; Kanagawa, Hiroya; Katsuyama, Eri; Fujie, Atsuhiro; Hao, Wu

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► We examined effects of PDGFBB in PDGFRα positive cell migration in artificial bones. ► PDGFBB was not expressed in osteoblastic cells but was expressed in peripheral blood cells. ► PDGFBB promoted PDGFRα positive cell migration into artificial bones but not osteoblast proliferation. ► PDGFBB did not inhibit osteoblastogenesis. -- Abstract: Bone defects caused by traumatic bone loss or tumor dissection are now treated with auto- or allo-bone graft, and also occasionally by artificial bone transplantation, particularly in the case of large bone defects. However, artificial bones often exhibit poor affinity to host bones followed by bony union failure. Thus therapies combining artificial bones with growth factors have been sought. Here we report that platelet derived growth factor bb (PDGFBB) promotes a significant increase in migration of PDGF receptor α (PDGFRα)-positive mesenchymal stem cells/pre-osteoblastic cells into artificial bone in vivo. Growth factors such as transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) reportedly inhibit osteoblast differentiation; however, PDGFBB did not exhibit such inhibitory effects and in fact stimulated osteoblast differentiation in vitro, suggesting that combining artificial bones with PDGFBB treatment could promote host cell migration into artificial bones without inhibiting osteoblastogenesis.

  4. Dynamic Artificial Potential Fields for Autonomous Camera Control

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Burelli, Paolo; Jhala, Arnav Harish

    2009-01-01

    the implementation and evaluation of Artificial Potential Fields for automatic camera placement. We first describe the re- casting of the frame composition problem as a solution to a two particles suspended in an Artificial Potential Field. We demonstrate the application of this technique to control both camera...

  5. Artificial Enzymes, "Chemzymes"

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Bjerre, Jeannette; Rousseau, Cyril Andre Raphaël; Pedersen, Lavinia Georgeta M

    2008-01-01

    Enzymes have fascinated scientists since their discovery and, over some decades, one aim in organic chemistry has been the creation of molecules that mimic the active sites of enzymes and promote catalysis. Nevertheless, even today, there are relatively few examples of enzyme models that successf......Enzymes have fascinated scientists since their discovery and, over some decades, one aim in organic chemistry has been the creation of molecules that mimic the active sites of enzymes and promote catalysis. Nevertheless, even today, there are relatively few examples of enzyme models...... that successfully perform Michaelis-Menten catalysis under enzymatic conditions (i.e., aqueous medium, neutral pH, ambient temperature) and for those that do, very high rate accelerations are seldomly seen. This review will provide a brief summary of the recent developments in artificial enzymes, so called...... "Chemzymes", based on cyclodextrins and other molecules. Only the chemzymes that have shown enzyme-like activity that has been quantified by different methods will be mentioned. This review will summarize the work done in the field of artificial glycosidases, oxidases, epoxidases, and esterases, as well...

  6. An experimental biomimetic platform for artificial olfaction.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Corrado Di Natale

    Full Text Available Artificial olfactory systems have been studied for the last two decades mainly from the point of view of the features of olfactory neuron receptor fields. Other fundamental olfaction properties have only been episodically considered in artificial systems. As a result, current artificial olfactory systems are mostly intended as instruments and are of poor benefit for biologists who may need tools to model and test olfactory models. Herewith, we show how a simple experimental approach can be used to account for several phenomena observed in olfaction. An artificial epithelium is formed as a disordered distributed layer of broadly selective color indicators dispersed in a transparent polymer layer. The whole epithelium is probed with colored light, imaged with a digital camera and the olfactory response upon exposure to an odor is the change of the multispectral image. The pixels are treated as olfactory receptor neurons, whose optical properties are used to build a convergence classifier into a number of mathematically defined artificial glomeruli. A non-homogenous exposure of the test structure to the odours gives rise to a time and spatial dependence of the response of the different glomeruli strikingly similar to patterns observed in the olfactory bulb. The model seems to mimic both the formation of glomeruli, the zonal nature of olfactory epithelium, and the spatio-temporal signal patterns at the glomeruli level. This platform is able to provide a readily available test vehicle for chemists developing optical indicators for chemical sensing purposes and for biologists to test models of olfactory system organization.

  7. Enhancing Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm with Self-Adaptive Searching Strategy and Artificial Immune Network Operators for Global Optimization

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tinggui Chen

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Artificial bee colony (ABC algorithm, inspired by the intelligent foraging behavior of honey bees, was proposed by Karaboga. It has been shown to be superior to some conventional intelligent algorithms such as genetic algorithm (GA, artificial colony optimization (ACO, and particle swarm optimization (PSO. However, the ABC still has some limitations. For example, ABC can easily get trapped in the local optimum when handing in functions that have a narrow curving valley, a high eccentric ellipse, or complex multimodal functions. As a result, we proposed an enhanced ABC algorithm called EABC by introducing self-adaptive searching strategy and artificial immune network operators to improve the exploitation and exploration. The simulation results tested on a suite of unimodal or multimodal benchmark functions illustrate that the EABC algorithm outperforms ACO, PSO, and the basic ABC in most of the experiments.

  8. Machine learning an artificial intelligence approach

    CERN Document Server

    Banerjee, R; Bradshaw, Gary; Carbonell, Jaime Guillermo; Mitchell, Tom Michael; Michalski, Ryszard Spencer

    1983-01-01

    Machine Learning: An Artificial Intelligence Approach contains tutorial overviews and research papers representative of trends in the area of machine learning as viewed from an artificial intelligence perspective. The book is organized into six parts. Part I provides an overview of machine learning and explains why machines should learn. Part II covers important issues affecting the design of learning programs-particularly programs that learn from examples. It also describes inductive learning systems. Part III deals with learning by analogy, by experimentation, and from experience. Parts IV a

  9. Artificial reef evaluation capabilities of Florida counties

    OpenAIRE

    Halusky, Joseph G.; Antonini, Gustavo A.; Seaman, William

    1993-01-01

    Florida's coastal county artificial reef sampling and data management programs are surveyed in this report. The survey describes the county level capability for artificial reef documentation and performance assessment based on their needs, interests, organizational structure and "in-situ" data collection and data management techniques. The. primary purpose of this study is to describe what staffing, training, techniques, organizational procedures and equipment are used by the c...

  10. The 2002 Starting Artificial Intelligence Researchers Symposium

    OpenAIRE

    Vidal, Thierry

    2003-01-01

    During the 2002 European Conference on Artificial Intelligence (ECAI-02) was introduced the Starting Artificial Intelligence Researchers Symposium STAIRS), the first-ever international symposium specifically aimed at Ph.D. students in AI. The outcome was a thorough, high-quality, and successful event, with all the features one usually finds in the best international conferences: large international committees, comprehensive coverage, published proceedings, renowned speakers and panelists, sub...

  11. Marketing places: multipurpose artificial reefs as tourist attraction proposal

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marco Antonio Moraes Ocke

    2013-11-01

    Full Text Available Marketing places focuses on the use of marketing activities as a way to leverage the socioeconomic development of cities, states and countries and in this context, the attractions of a given locality are essential to the growth of tourism in the region. From the literature review of concepts and types of attractions, this paper aims to suggest the convergence of the concepts of natural attraction and artificial attraction applied to artificial multipurpose artificial reefs and describe its hybrid nature to recover degraded areas by coastal erosion, increased marine biodiversity and the ability to improve the quality of waves for surfing, resulting in an increase of tourist flow of the region. Through the observation of cases in countries that have invested in the implementation of multipurpose artificial reefs it has been found positive results regarding tourism development and socioeconomic in these regions and thus, this paper considers the possibility of deployment of multipurpose artificial reefs along the Brazilian coast as a proposal to attract visitors and promote benefits to the receiving place.

  12. Artificial intelligence and synthetic biology: A tri-temporal contribution.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bianchini, Francesco

    2016-10-01

    Artificial intelligence can make numerous contributions to synthetic biology. I would like to suggest three that are related to the past, present and future of artificial intelligence. From the past, works in biology and artificial systems by Turing and von Neumann prove highly interesting to explore within the new framework of synthetic biology, especially with regard to the notions of self-modification and self-replication and their links to emergence and the bottom-up approach. The current epistemological inquiry into emergence and research on swarm intelligence, superorganisms and biologically inspired cognitive architecture may lead to new achievements on the possibilities of synthetic biology in explaining cognitive processes. Finally, the present-day discussion on the future of artificial intelligence and the rise of superintelligence may point to some research trends for the future of synthetic biology and help to better define the boundary of notions such as "life", "cognition", "artificial" and "natural", as well as their interconnections in theoretical synthetic biology. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. A streamlined artificial variable free version of simplex method.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Syed Inayatullah

    Full Text Available This paper proposes a streamlined form of simplex method which provides some great benefits over traditional simplex method. For instance, it does not need any kind of artificial variables or artificial constraints; it could start with any feasible or infeasible basis of an LP. This method follows the same pivoting sequence as of simplex phase 1 without showing any explicit description of artificial variables which also makes it space efficient. Later in this paper, a dual version of the new method has also been presented which provides a way to easily implement the phase 1 of traditional dual simplex method. For a problem having an initial basis which is both primal and dual infeasible, our methods provide full freedom to the user, that whether to start with primal artificial free version or dual artificial free version without making any reformulation to the LP structure. Last but not the least, it provides a teaching aid for the teachers who want to teach feasibility achievement as a separate topic before teaching optimality achievement.

  14. A streamlined artificial variable free version of simplex method.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Inayatullah, Syed; Touheed, Nasir; Imtiaz, Muhammad

    2015-01-01

    This paper proposes a streamlined form of simplex method which provides some great benefits over traditional simplex method. For instance, it does not need any kind of artificial variables or artificial constraints; it could start with any feasible or infeasible basis of an LP. This method follows the same pivoting sequence as of simplex phase 1 without showing any explicit description of artificial variables which also makes it space efficient. Later in this paper, a dual version of the new method has also been presented which provides a way to easily implement the phase 1 of traditional dual simplex method. For a problem having an initial basis which is both primal and dual infeasible, our methods provide full freedom to the user, that whether to start with primal artificial free version or dual artificial free version without making any reformulation to the LP structure. Last but not the least, it provides a teaching aid for the teachers who want to teach feasibility achievement as a separate topic before teaching optimality achievement.

  15. Artificial structures on Mars

    Science.gov (United States)

    Van Flandern, T.

    2002-05-01

    Approximately 70,000 images of the surface of Mars at a resolution of up to 1.4 meters per pixel, taken by the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft, are now in public archives. Approximately 1% of those images show features that can be broadly described as `special shapes', `tracks, trails, and possible vegetation', `spots, stripes, and tubes', `artistic imagery', and `patterns and symbols'. Rather than optical illusions and tricks of light and shadow, most of these have the character that, if photographed on Earth, no one would doubt that they were the products of large biology and intelligence. In a few cases, relationships, context, and fulfillment of a priori predictions provide objective evidence of artificiality that is exempt from the influence of experimenter biases. Only controlled test results can be trusted because biases are strong and operate both for and against artificiality.

  16. Plane-wave diffraction by periodic structures with artificial anisotropic dielectrics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kazerooni, Azadeh Semsar; Shahabadi, Mahmoud

    2010-01-01

    Periodic structures with artificial anisotropic dielectrics are studied. The artificial anisotropic dielectric material in this work is made of two alternating isotropic dielectric layers. By a proper choice of the dielectric constant of the layers, we can realize a uniaxial anisotropic medium with controllable anisotropy. The artificial anisotropic dielectric is then used in periodic structures. For these structures, the optical axis of the artificial dielectric is assumed to be parallel or perpendicular to the period of the structure. Diffraction of plane waves by these structures is analyzed by a fully vectorial rigorous matrix method based on a generalized transmission line (TL) formulation. The propagation constants and field distributions are computed and diffraction properties of such structures are studied to show that, by a proper choice of structural parameters, these periodic structures with artificial anisotropic dielectrics can be used as polarizers or polarizing mirrors

  17. Artificial heart

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    1984-10-18

    Super-pure plutonium-238 could use heat produced during fission to power an implanted artificial heart. Three model hearts have worked for some time. Concern that excess heat would make the procedure unsafe for humans has broadened the search for another energy source, such as electrohydraulic drive or an external power battery. A back pack approach may provide an interim solution until materials are developed which can withstand heart activity and be small enough for implantation.

  18. Physical structure of artificial seagrass affects macrozoobenthic community recruitment

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ambo-Rappe, R.; Rani, C.

    2018-03-01

    Seagrass ecosystems are important in supporting marine biodiversity. However, the worldwide decline in seagrass areas due to anthropogenic factors leads to a decrease in the marine biodiversity they can support. There is growing awareness of the need for concepts to conserve and/or rehabilitate seagrass ecosystems. One option is to create artificial seagrass to provide a physical structure for the marine organisms to colonize. The objective of this research was to analyze the effect of some artificial seagrasses and seagrass transplants on marine biodiversity, with a focus on the macrozoobenthic community. The experimental design compared two types of artificial seagrass (polypropylene ribbons and shrub-shaped plastic leaves), and seagrass transplants from nearby seagrass meadows. The experimental plots were 4 x 4 m2 with 3 replicates. Macrozoobenthic communities were sampled fortnightly for 3.5 months. At the end of the experiment, makrozoobenthos were also sampled from a natural seagrass bed nearby. Of 116 macrozoobenthic species in the artificial seagrass plots, 91 were gastropods. The density of the macrobenthic fauna increased from the beginning to the end of the study in all treatments, but the increase was only significant for the artificial seagrass treatment (i.e. shrub-like plastic leaves). There was a distinct separation between the macrozoobenthic community structure found in the restoration plots (artificial seagrass and transplanted seagrass) compared to natural seagrass beds.

  19. Transplantation of artificial gelatin-co-bletillastriata gelatin/Salvia ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research April 2016; 15 (4): 735-741 ... Methods: The composite artificial corium was constructed by culturing fibroblast cells in gelatin-co- ... Conclusion: The composite artificial corium has some clinical prospects for use in the treatment of ... burns, and treatment of large areas of skin.

  20. Folding pathways explored with artificial potential functions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ulutaş, B; Bozma, I; Haliloglu, T

    2009-01-01

    This paper considers the generation of trajectories to a given protein conformation and presents a novel approach based on artificial potential functions—originally proposed for multi-robot navigation. The artificial potential function corresponds to a simplified energy model, but with the novelty that—motivated by work on robotic navigation—a nonlinear compositional scheme of constructing the energy model is adapted instead of an additive formulation. The artificial potential naturally gives rise to a dynamic system for the protein structure that ensures collision-free motion to an equilibrium point. In cases where the equilibrium point is the native conformation, the motion trajectory corresponds to the folding pathway. This framework is used to investigate folding in a variety of protein structures, and the results are compared with those of other approaches including experimental studies

  1. Artificial Atoms: from Quantum Physics to Applications

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2014-01-01

    The primary objective of this workshop is to survey the most recent advances of technologies enabling single atom- and artificial atom-based devices. These include the assembly of artificial molecular structures with magnetic dipole and optical interactions between engineered atoms embedded in solid-state lattices. The ability to control single atoms in diamond or similar solids under ambient operating conditions opens new perspectives for technologies based on nanoelectronics and nanophotonics. The scope of the workshop is extended towards the physics of strong coupling between atoms and radiation field modes. Beyond the traditional atom-cavity systems, artificial dipoles coupled to microwave radiation in circuit quantum electrodynamics is considered. All these technologies mutually influence each other in developing novel devices for sensing at the quantum level and for quantum information processing.

  2. Artificial knowing gender and the thinking machine

    CERN Document Server

    Adam, Alison

    1998-01-01

    Artificial Knowing challenges the masculine slant in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) view of the world. Alison Adam admirably fills the large gap in science and technology studies by showing us that gender bias is inscribed in AI-based computer systems. Her treatment of feminist epistemology, focusing on the ideas of the knowing subject, the nature of knowledge, rationality and language, are bound to make a significant and powerful contribution to AI studies. Drawing from theories by Donna Haraway and Sherry Turkle, and using tools of feminist epistemology, Adam provides a sustained critique of AI which interestingly re-enforces many of the traditional criticisms of the AI project. Artificial Knowing is an esential read for those interested in gender studies, science and technology studies, and philosophical debates in AI.

  3. An application of artificial intelligence for rainfall–runoff modeling

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    This study proposes an application of two techniques of artificial intelligence (AI) ... (2006) applied rainfall–runoff modeling using ANN ... in artificial intelligence, engineering and science .... usually be estimated from a sample of observations.

  4. A integração curricular na concepção dos docentes do curso técnico em agropecuária integrado ao ensino médio

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Denise Dalmás Rodrigues

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available O presente estudo buscou identificar elementos que contribuíram na construção de uma organização curricular de ensino e de aprendizagens fundamentada numa concepção integradora com participação ativa, compromisso, reflexão crítica e contextualizada da realidade, nas práticas dos docentes do curso Técnico em Agropecuária integrado ao Ensino Médio do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Mato Grosso - campus Cáceres. As reflexões propõem analisar as concepções dos professores sobre suas práticas, no desenvolvimento da integração curricular, observando as relações entre as disciplinas de formação geral e técnica. A pesquisa qualitativa incorreu sobre situações reais do cotidiano da escola, utilizando como instrumento de coleta de dados a aplicação de questionário semiestruturado e a realização de três encontros do grupo focal. Vinte e cinco professores aceitaram responder as questões e participar das reuniões, durante o segundo semestre de 2014 e primeiro de 2015. Uma leitura criteriosa das respostas e das transcrições dos encontros do grupo focal foi realizada considerando os pressupostos da análise textual discursiva, que sugere a unitarização dos textos, a identificação das categorias e a produção de metatextos reflexivos. Identificamos aspectos positivos no processo integrador em voga, evidenciados nas respostas do corpo docente como: maior possibilidade de articulação entre teoria e prática; maior flexibilidade curricular; criatividade e criticidade científica; interação dos saberes e aplicação no cotidiano; contextualização; proposição de projetos interdisciplinares nas práticas de integração curricular. Os docentes compreendem o desenvolvimento destas práticas integradoras, a partir da visão crítica de ser humano, organizadas para promover a (re construção, a socialização e a difusão dos conhecimentos, para formação de sujeitos autônomos e autores

  5. Biologically inspired robots as artificial inspectors

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bar-Cohen, Yoseph

    2002-06-01

    Imagine an inspector conducting an NDE on an aircraft where you notice something is different about him - he is not real but rather he is a robot. Your first reaction would probably be to say 'it's unbelievable but he looks real' just as you would react to an artificial flower that is a good imitation. This science fiction scenario could become a reality at the trend in the development of biologically inspired technologies, and terms like artificial intelligence, artificial muscles, artificial vision and numerous others are increasingly becoming common engineering tools. For many years, the trend has been to automate processes in order to increase the efficiency of performing redundant tasks where various systems have been developed to deal with specific production line requirements. Realizing that some parts are too complex or delicate to handle in small quantities with a simple automatic system, robotic mechanisms were developed. Aircraft inspection has benefitted from this evolving technology where manipulators and crawlers are developed for rapid and reliable inspection. Advancement in robotics towards making them autonomous and possibly look like human, can potentially address the need to inspect structures that are beyond the capability of today's technology with configuration that are not predetermined. The operation of these robots may take place at harsh or hazardous environments that are too dangerous for human presence. Making such robots is becoming increasingly feasible and in this paper the state of the art will be reviewed.

  6. A Streamlined Artificial Variable Free Version of Simplex Method

    OpenAIRE

    Inayatullah, Syed; Touheed, Nasir; Imtiaz, Muhammad

    2015-01-01

    This paper proposes a streamlined form of simplex method which provides some great benefits over traditional simplex method. For instance, it does not need any kind of artificial variables or artificial constraints; it could start with any feasible or infeasible basis of an LP. This method follows the same pivoting sequence as of simplex phase 1 without showing any explicit description of artificial variables which also makes it space efficient. Later in this paper, a dual version of the new ...

  7. Embodied artificial evolution: Artificial evolutionary systems in the 21st Century.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Eiben, A E; Kernbach, S; Haasdijk, Evert

    2012-12-01

    Evolution is one of the major omnipresent powers in the universe that has been studied for about two centuries. Recent scientific and technical developments make it possible to make the transition from passively understanding to actively using evolutionary processes. Today this is possible in Evolutionary Computing, where human experimenters can design and manipulate all components of evolutionary processes in digital spaces. We argue that in the near future it will be possible to implement artificial evolutionary processes outside such imaginary spaces and make them physically embodied. In other words, we envision the "Evolution of Things", rather than just the evolution of digital objects, leading to a new field of Embodied Artificial Evolution (EAE). The main objective of this paper is to present a unifying vision in order to aid the development of this high potential research area. To this end, we introduce the notion of EAE, discuss a few examples and applications, and elaborate on the expected benefits as well as the grand challenges this developing field will have to address.

  8. Principle-based ethics and nurses' attitudes towards artificial feeding.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Day, L; Drought, T; Davis, A J

    1995-02-01

    Nurses often institute artificial feeding for patients who would otherwise starve. Recently, the courts in the United States have favoured withholding or withdrawing feedings from patients who currently refuse or previously gave some indication they would refuse artificial nutrition and hydration. This paper investigates under what circumstances nurses feel justified in withholding artificial nutrition and hydration. Structured interviews were conducted with 40 cancer care nurses from two sites, and 40 dementia care nurses from two sites. The interviews were based on two vignettes, one involving an alert patient with terminal cancer, the other a patient suffering end-stage Alzheimer's dementia, and were analysed for themes coinciding with principles of deontological ethics. Investigators found that autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence most often guided nurses' decisions to withhold or implement artificial feeding.

  9. Comparative histometric analysis of the effects of high-intensity focused ultrasound and radiofrequency on skin.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Suh, Dong Hye; Choi, Jeong Hwee; Lee, Sang Jun; Jeong, Ki-Heon; Song, Kye Yong; Shin, Min Kyung

    2015-01-01

    High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and radiofrequency (RF) are used for non-invasive skin tightening. Neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis have been reported to have a mechanism of controlled thermal injury. To compare neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis in each layer of the dermis after each session of HIFU and monopolar RF. We analyzed the area fraction of collagen and elastic fibers using the Masson's Trichrome and Victoria blue special stains, respectively, before and after 2 months of treatments. Histometric analyses were performed in each layer of the dermis, including the papillary dermis, and upper, mid, and deep reticular dermis. Monopolar RF led to neocollagenesis in the papillary dermis, and upper, mid, and deep reticular dermis, and neoelastogenesis in the papillary dermis, and upper and mid reticular dermis. HIFU led to neocollagenesis in the mid and deep reticular dermis and neoelastogenesis in the deep reticular dermis. Among these treatment methods, HIFU showed the highest level of neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis in the deep reticular dermis. HIFU affects deep tissues and impacts focal regions. Monopolar RF also affects deep tissues, but impacts diffuse regions. We believe these data provide further insight into effective skin tightening.

  10. Process of preparing artificial stone from oil-shale

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    1921-02-10

    A process for the preparation of artificial stone from oil-shale slag is characterized by the fact that the coarse part of the ground slag before working into artificial stone is saturated with water and serves as filler, while the fine part is milled to dust and forms the binding material.

  11. [Artificial intelligence in psychiatry-an overview].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Meyer-Lindenberg, A

    2018-06-18

    Artificial intelligence and the underlying methods of machine learning and neuronal networks (NN) have made dramatic progress in recent years and have allowed computers to reach superhuman performance in domains that used to be thought of as uniquely human. In this overview, the underlying methodological developments that made this possible are briefly delineated and then the applications to psychiatry in three domains are discussed: precision medicine and biomarkers, natural language processing and artificial intelligence-based psychotherapeutic interventions. In conclusion, some of the risks of this new technology are mentioned.

  12. Artificial intelligence techniques in power systems

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Laughton, M.A.

    1997-12-31

    Since the early to mid 1980s much of the effort in power systems analysis has turned away from the methodology of formal mathematical modelling which came from the fields of operations research, control theory and numerical analysis to the less rigorous techniques of artificial intelligence (AI). Today the main AI techniques found in power systems applications are those utilising the logic and knowledge representations of expert systems, fuzzy systems, artificial neural networks (ANN) and, more recently, evolutionary computing. These techniques will be outlined in this chapter and the power system applications indicated. (Author)

  13. Artificial intelligence for Mariáš

    OpenAIRE

    Kaštánková, Petra

    2016-01-01

    This thesis focuses on the implementation of a card game, Mariáš, and an artificial intelligence for this game. The game is designed for three players and it can be played with either other human players, or with a computer adversary. The game is designed as a client-server application, whereby the player connects to the game using a web page. The basis of the artificial intelligence is the Minimax algorithm. To speed it up we use the Alpha-Beta pruning, hash tables for storing equivalent sta...

  14. Artificial Intelligence in Unity Game Engine

    OpenAIRE

    Yu, Li

    2017-01-01

    This thesis was conducted for Oulu Game Lab. The aim of this bachelor thesis was to develop in Oulu Game Lab a game called the feels good to be evil. The main purpose of the project was to develop a game and learn game development focus in the artificial intelligence area. This thesis has explained the theory behind Artificial Intelligence. The game was developed in Unity Game Engine with C# language, and also Panda Behavior Tree was used in this project as an asset. The result was the ...

  15. Methodology Investigation of AI(Artificial Intelligence) Test Officer Support Tool. Volume 1

    Science.gov (United States)

    1989-03-01

    American Association for Artificial inteligence A! ............. Artificial inteliigence AMC ............ Unt:ed States Army Maeriel Comand ASL...block number) FIELD GROUP SUB-GROUP Artificial Intelligence, Expert Systems Automated Aids to Testing 9. ABSTRACT (Continue on reverse if necessary and...identify by block number) This report covers the application of Artificial Intelligence-Techniques to the problem of creating automated tools to

  16. Artificial Immune Ecosystems: the role of expert-based learning in artificial cognition

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pierre Parrend

    2018-03-01

    Full Text Available The rapid evolution of IT ecosystems significantly challenges the security models our infrastructures rely on. Beyond the old dichotomy between open and closed systems, it is now necessary to handle securely the interaction between heterogeneous devices building dynamic ecosystems. To this regard, bio-inspired approaches provide a rich set of conceptual tools, but they have failed to lay the basis for robust and efficient solutions. Our research effort intends to revisit the contribution of artificial immune system research to bring immune properties: security, resilience, distribution, memory, into IT infrastructures. Artificial immune ecosystems support a comprehensive model for anomaly detection and characterization, but their cognitive capacity are limited by the state of the art in machine learning and the rapid evolution of cybersecurity threats so far. We therefore propose to enrich the cognitive process with expert-based learning for reinforcement, classification and investigation. Application to system supervision using system logs and supervision time series confirms the relevance and performance of this model.

  17. Torsional carbon nanotube artificial muscles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Foroughi, Javad; Spinks, Geoffrey M; Wallace, Gordon G; Oh, Jiyoung; Kozlov, Mikhail E; Fang, Shaoli; Mirfakhrai, Tissaphern; Madden, John D W; Shin, Min Kyoon; Kim, Seon Jeong; Baughman, Ray H

    2011-10-28

    Rotary motors of conventional design can be rather complex and are therefore difficult to miniaturize; previous carbon nanotube artificial muscles provide contraction and bending, but not rotation. We show that an electrolyte-filled twist-spun carbon nanotube yarn, much thinner than a human hair, functions as a torsional artificial muscle in a simple three-electrode electrochemical system, providing a reversible 15,000° rotation and 590 revolutions per minute. A hydrostatic actuation mechanism, as seen in muscular hydrostats in nature, explains the simultaneous occurrence of lengthwise contraction and torsional rotation during the yarn volume increase caused by electrochemical double-layer charge injection. The use of a torsional yarn muscle as a mixer for a fluidic chip is demonstrated.

  18. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE- BENEFITS, CHALLENGES AND ETHICAL ISSUES

    OpenAIRE

    Elena Juganaru Andreou

    2017-01-01

    Nowadays, all big companies and most of small businesses are focused on increasing profitability and improving competitiveness. With this goal in mind, many of them turned to replace many tasks performed by humans with Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is receiving an increasing attention lately and the debate is fiercely growing with a question not being answered yet: will it change the world for the better or for worse?

  19. How to Improve Artificial Intelligence through Web

    OpenAIRE

    Adrian Lupasc

    2005-01-01

    Intelligent agents, intelligent software applications and artificial intelligent applications from artificial intelligence service providers may make their way onto the Web in greater number as adaptive software, dynamic programming languages and Learning Algorithms are introduced into Web Services. The evolution of Web architecture may allow intelligent applications to run directly on the Web by introducing XML, RDF and logic layer. The Intelligent Wireless Web’s significant potential for ra...

  20. Advances in Artificial Neural Networks – Methodological Development and Application

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yanbo Huang

    2009-08-01

    Full Text Available Artificial neural networks as a major soft-computing technology have been extensively studied and applied during the last three decades. Research on backpropagation training algorithms for multilayer perceptron networks has spurred development of other neural network training algorithms for other networks such as radial basis function, recurrent network, feedback network, and unsupervised Kohonen self-organizing network. These networks, especially the multilayer perceptron network with a backpropagation training algorithm, have gained recognition in research and applications in various scientific and engineering areas. In order to accelerate the training process and overcome data over-fitting, research has been conducted to improve the backpropagation algorithm. Further, artificial neural networks have been integrated with other advanced methods such as fuzzy logic and wavelet analysis, to enhance the ability of data interpretation and modeling and to avoid subjectivity in the operation of the training algorithm. In recent years, support vector machines have emerged as a set of high-performance supervised generalized linear classifiers in parallel with artificial neural networks. A review on development history of artificial neural networks is presented and the standard architectures and algorithms of artificial neural networks are described. Furthermore, advanced artificial neural networks will be introduced with support vector machines, and limitations of ANNs will be identified. The future of artificial neural network development in tandem with support vector machines will be discussed in conjunction with further applications to food science and engineering, soil and water relationship for crop management, and decision support for precision agriculture. Along with the network structures and training algorithms, the applications of artificial neural networks will be reviewed as well, especially in the fields of agricultural and biological