Assessment of computational performance for a vector parallel implementation: 3D probabilistic model discrete cracking in concrete

Carmen N. M. Paz,Jose L. D. Alves,Nelson F. F. Ebecken 한국계산역학회 2005 Computers and Concrete, An International Journal Vol.2 No.5

This work presents an assessment of the computational performance of a vector-parallel implementation of probabilistic model for concrete cracking in 3D. This paper shows the continuing efforts towards code optimization as reported in earlier works Paz, et al. (2002a,b and 2003). The probabilistic crack approach is based on the direct Monte Carlo method. Cracking is accounted by means of 3D interface elements. This approach considers that all nonlinearities are restricted to interface elements modeling cracks. The heterogeneity governs the overall cracking behavior and related size effects on concrete fracture. Computational kernels in the implementation are the inexact Newton iterative driver to solve the non-linear problem and a preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) driver to solve linearized equations, using an element by element (EBE) strategy to compute matrix-vector products. In particular the paper analyzes code behavior using OpenMP directives in parallel vector processors (PVP), such as the CRAY SV1 and CRAY T94. The impact of the memory architecture on code performance, and also some strategies devised to circumvent this issue are addressed by numerical experiment.

Bone repair in defects filled with AH Plus sealer and different concentrations of MTA: a study in rat tibiae

Paz Jessica Emanuella Rocha,Costa Priscila Oliveira,Albert Alexandre Costa Souza,Oliveira Ingrid Macedo de,Falcão Lucas Fernandes,Falcão Carlos Alberto Monteiro,Ferraz Maria Ângela Area Leão,Pinto Luc 대한치과보존학회 2021 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.46 No.4

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects on bone repair of different concentrations of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) added to AH Plus. Materials and Methods: Bone tissue reactions were evaluated in 30 rats (Rattus norvegicus) after 7 and 30 days. In the AH + MTA10, AH + MTA20, and AH + MTA30 groups, defects in the tibiae were filled with AH Plus with MTA in proportions of 10%, 20% and 30%, respectively; in the MTA-FILL group, MTA Fillapex was used; and in the control group, no sealer was used. The samples were histologically analyzed to assess bone union and maturation. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were performed for multiple pairwise comparisons (p ≤ 0.05). Results: At the 7-day time point, AH + MTA10 was superior to MTA-FILL with respect to bone union, and AH + MTA20 was superior to MTA-FILL with respect to bone maturity (p < 0.05). At the 30-day time point, both the AH + MTA10 and AH + MTA20 experimental sealers were superior not only to MTA-FILL, but also to AH + MTA30 with respect to both parameters (p < 0.05). The results of the AH + MTA10 and AH + MTA20 groups were superior to those of the control group for both parameters and experimental time points (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest the potential benefit of using a combination of these materials in situations requiring bone repair.

User Benefits on the First Dementia Friendly Universal Home Guidelines of Ireland

Paz, Maria Victoria(마리아 빅토리아 파즈),Lee, Yeun-Sook(이연숙),An, So-Mi(안소미) 한국주거학회 2018 한국주거학회 논문집 Vol.29 No.3

As we enter in the era of aging society, dementia figures are expected to increase along with the high growth-rate of elderly citizens. Hence, an initiative by the Irish government introduced guidelines in 2015 for the design of new or existing homes to become dementia friendly, through the use of universal design principles. This study focuses on this pro Aging in Place approach to addressing dementia and the possible benefits of universal homes. The purpose of this study is to identify the user benefits in the dementia-friendly home guidelines, which can provide insight on universal design space planning for addressing dementia. The methodology was content analysis by using the User Benefit Criteria (UBC) theory, and the user benefit profile was derived to analyze the characteristics of dementia-friendly home guidelines. The results showed that overall Perceptual maintenance had the highest frequency of occurrence, and environmental characteristics extracted were color, tone & contrast, accessibility (visual/physical), lighting and way-finding showed relevance to dementia-friendly homes. The results of this study show that dementia - friendly home guidelines are distinguished from the general characteristics of housing guidelines for the elderly and suggest the desirable direction of housing plans for the elderly with dementia in Korea.

Evidence for the Participation of ATP-sensitive Potassium Channels in the Antinociceptive Effect of Curcumin

Paz-Campos, Marco Antonio De,Chavez-Pina, Aracely Evangelina,Ortiz, Mario I,Castaneda-Hernandez, Gilberto The Korean Pain Society 2012 The Korean Journal of Pain Vol.25 No.4

Background: It has been reported that curcumin, the main active compound of Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, exhibits antinociceptive properties. The aim of this study was to examine the participation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels ($K_{ATP}$ channels) and, in particular, that of the L-arginine-nitric oxide-cyclic GMP-$K_{ATP}$ channel pathway, in the antinociceptive effect of curcumin. Methods: Pain was induced by the intraplantar injection of 1% formalin in the right hind paw of Wistar rats. Formalin-induced flinching behavior was interpreted as an expression of nociception. The antinociceptive effect of oral curcumin was explored in the presence and absence of local pretreatment with L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, ODQ, an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, and glibenclamide, a blocker of $K_{ATP}$ channels. Results: Oral curcumin produced a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in the 1% formalin test. Curcumin-induced antinociception was not altered by local L-NAME or ODQ, but was significantly impaired by glibenclamide. Conclusions: Our results confirm that curcumin is an effective antinociceptive agent. Curcumin-induced antinociception appears to involve the participation of $K_{ATP}$ channels at the peripheral level, as local injection of glibenclamide prevented its effect. Activation of $K_{ATP}$ channels, however, does not occur by activation of the L-arginine-nitric oxide-cGMP-$K_{ATP}$ channel pathway.

Profile of the First Dementia Friendly Universal Home Guidelines according to 21 User Benefit Dimensions

Paz, Maria Victoria(마리아 빅토리아 파즈),Lee, Yeun-Sook(이연숙),Hwang, Yoon-Seo(황윤서) 한국주거학회 2018 한국주거학회 논문집 Vol.29 No.4

Universal Design (UD) has been emerging as a design strategy to cope with the increasing elderly population including dementia one. Unlike previous studies that focused on institutional settings, in 2015 the Irish Govt. initiated the first national UD home guidelines for dementia. This research paper profiles the benefits that can be obtained through the use of Ireland’s Universal Design Guidelines “Dementia Friendly Dwellings for People with Dementia, their Families and Carers’. Through content analysis of each of the 340 guidelines items using Murtha and Lee’s framework of 21 User Benefits, this analysis found that the incidence ratio of Sensory Initiation was found dominant consistently across the different spatial types. The environmental affordances according to space type, were varied depending on the function of the space and particularly among sub areas of the interior spaces. Perceptual Maintenance related benefits were found with high ratios in many interior spaces except in kitchen and bathroom areas, where safety hazard regulation was especially emphasized. Finally, profiles of 21 user benefits were delineated. The result of this research is expected to give more detailed insight into studying and creating dementia friendly residential environments.

Safety and Biodistribution of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Injected Intrathecally in Non-Obese Diabetic Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Mice: Preclinical Study

Mari Paz Quesada,David García-Bernal,Diego Pastor,Alicia Estirado,Miguel Blanquer,Ana Mª García-Hernández,José M. Moraleda,Salvador Martínez 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2019 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.16 No.6

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have potent immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties, and have been tested in neurodegenerative diseases resulting in meaningful clinical improvements. Regulatory guidelines specify the need to perform preclinical studies prior any clinical trial, including biodistribution assays and tumourigenesis exclusion. We conducted a preclinical study of human bone marrow MSCs (hBM-MSCs) injected by intrathecal route in Non-Obese Diabetic Severe Combined Immunodeficiency mice, to explore cellular biodistribution and toxicity as a privileged administration method for cell therapy in Friedreich’s Ataxia. METHODS: For this purpose, 3 9 105 cells were injected by intrathecal route in 12 animals (experimental group) and the same volume of culture media in 6 animals (control group). Blood samples were collected at 24 h (n = 9) or 4 months (n = 9) to assess toxicity, and nine organs were harvested for histology and safety studies. Genomic DNA was isolated from all tissues, and mouse GAPDH and human b2M and b-actin genes were amplified by qPCR to analyze hBM-MSCs biodistribution. RESULTS: There were no deaths nor acute or chronic toxicity. Hematology, biochemistry and body weight were in the range of normal values in all groups. At 24 h hBM-MSCs were detected in 4/6 spinal cords and 1/6 hearts, and at 4 months in 3/6 hearts and 1/6 brains of transplanted mice. No tumours were found. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that intrathecal injection of hBM-MSCs is safe, non toxic and do not produce tumors. These results provide further evidence that hBM-MSCs might be used in a clinical trial in patients with FRDA.

A Study on the Effect of the Portrayal of Body Image of Women in Advertisement in Korea and Latin America

Francisca Paz Gongora Astete,김보연 한국디지털정책학회 2018 디지털융복합연구 Vol.16 No.7

The current study started from the constant internal fight women usually have due to the portrayal of women in advertisement in different socio-cultural backgrounds, a comparison between Latin America and South Korea was held to find the different approaches. And also test the effects of an overwhelming movement that is looking to change history and change the perception of images of constructed beauty and unattainable physical standards called The Body Positivity Movement, using the examples of prominent brands like Dove and Victoria’s Secret’s advertisements and the AIDA model as the instrument. Male and female in their 30’s from South Korea and Latin America have been interviewed to show the differences of opinions.

Rising China’s ‘Offensive’ in Latin America and the U.S. Reaction

Gonzalo Paz 경남대학교 극동문제연구소 2006 ASIAN PERSPECTIVE Vol.30 No.4

The year 2004 will be remembered as one in which an increasingly confident China jumped into Latin America, a geopolitical and geoeconomic space always considered by the United States as its "backyard.” In 2005 and 2006 that policy continued and was sustained. The central questions addressed in this article are: Why is China executing an economic and diplomatic offensive in Latin America? Is a rising China challenging U.S. hegemony over the Western Hemisphere? And, how has the United States responded to these actions? The main argument advanced here is that there is an economic rationale behind China’s new foreign policy toward Latin America, and that the theses about an ideological or a strategic rationale must be rejected. China’s goal is to secure the provision of agriculture products, minerals, and especially oil. China is not trying to challenge American hegemony in Latin America, but it is the first Asian country to push enough to concern American analysts. The article will provide empirical evidence of the new level and quality of China-Latin America relations.

농촌 지체복합장애인의 주거공간 적합성 연구

파즈마리아빅토리아(Paz, Maria Victoria),이연숙(Lee, Yeunsook),박재현(Park, Jaehyun) 한국실내디자인학회 2016 한국실내디자인학회 학술대회논문집 Vol.2016 No.10

A Systematic Mapping Review of Usability Evaluation Methods for Software Development Process

Freddy Paz,José Antonio Pow-Sang 보안공학연구지원센터(IJSEIA) 2016 International Journal of Software Engineering and Vol.10 No.1

Given that usability is one of the most important aspects of software quality, several methods have been developed in order to establish techniques capable of evaluating this attribute from early phases of the software development process. However, the choice of the most appropriate method for a particular scenario is still a difficult decision, due to the existence of a vast number of approaches that are described in the literature for this purpose. Therefore, a systematic mapping review was conducted in order to identify the most commonly used usability evaluation techniques in software developments. A total of 1169 studies were identified, of which only 215 studies were selected for this review. According to the analysis, most cases studies establish the use of usability questionnaires as assessment tool. In addition, health informatics and Web applications are the software domain and type of application that are frequently reported in these evaluations. This work has allowed to reach promising results in this area. It is intended to be a guide for specialists to support the choice of the most suitable method for a particular scenario.