City Of Curitiba Research Articles

Intrapuparial Development of Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Its Use in Forensic Entomology.

In forensic entomology, the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimative is usually based on the oldest immature recovered from a local of death. The time spent by fly immatures in the intrapuparial period comprises more than 50% of their complete life cycles. An accurate estimate of the duration of this period will improve PMImin estimates. The blow fly Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Rondani 1850) was found in six criminal cases in the city of Curitiba. Even though there is data on the morphology of the larval instars and developmental rate of H. semidiaphana, the intrapuparial period has not been investigated. Here, we provide a detailed description of the intrapuparial morphological changes of H. semidiaphana, which might be useful to estimate minimum PMI. Samples of H. semidiaphana in the intrapuparial period were obtained from immatures reared on an artificial diet in incubators adjusted to 25°C or 20°C temperature regimes. Blow fly puparia of H. semidiaphana were fixed at intervals of 3 and 6 h until emergence of the adult. The external morphological traits of sampled immatures were analyzed using light microscopy. Our analysis of the intrapuparial period of H. semidiaphana provided 21 traits from which nine were age informative. These nine characteristics divide the developmental time (144 h at 25°C and 192 h at 20°C) into smaller sections. The developmental data provided, together with the time line allows a practical way to make interspecific comparisons as well as to estimate the age of H. semidiaphana based on the intrapuparial development.

Design para serviços e a estética sonora no servicescape: influência na experiência estética dos usuários

A presente pesquisa investiga a influência da estética sonora no ambiente de serviço, segundo a ótica do Design para Serviços. A investigação foi norteada pelo seguinte questionamento: como a estética sonora influência na experiência estética dos usuários em um determinado ambiente de serviço? O objetivo principal foi o de demonstrar como a estética sonora influencia na experiência estética dos usuários em um determinado ambiente de serviço. Para atingir os propósitos da pesquisa, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica que utilizou duas técnicas: sistemática e narrativa e foi empreendida uma survey com a utilização da ferramenta RPE-Audição. A pesquisa foi realizada em um shopping center presente na cidade de Curitiba, mais exatamente, o Shopping Curitiba. O público-alvo foram os usuários que circulavam pelo ambiente de serviço do referido shopping. A seleção dos participantes se deu por conveniência e somente aqueles com idade superior a 14 participaram. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a paisagem sonora de um ambiente de serviço influencia na criação e na manutenção de estados de humor, sejam eles positivos ou negativos. Como sugestão para trabalhos futuros, recomenda-se a realização de pesquisas que envolvam outros ambientes de serviço hedônicos para que se possa aprofundar o conhecimento acerca da influência da paisagem sonora na experiência estética dos usuários do serviço.

Functional independence of the elderly in multiprofessional home care

Functional evaluation is one of the pillars of elderly home care for planning of interventions targeting the autonomy of this population. To verify Functional Independence Measure (FIM) in senior patients on a home care program. Retrospective quantitative study with elderly patients assisted by a home care service in the city of Curitiba, from August 2012 to December 2016. The following information was collected: gender, age, clinical diagnosis, and mean FIM scores at admission and discharge. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were met, descriptive statistics was used and, for association of variables, Wilcoxon’s and Spearman’s tests were applied. 1,614 patients were included, with predominance of women (n = 953; 59.53%), mean age of 78.7 ± 9.2 years, clinical diagnoses of diseases mostly affecting the central nervous system (CNS), the respiratory system, the joint and musculoskeletal system, and the circulatory system. The initial mean FIM was 50.56 points, while the final one was 55.36 points, with significant difference – Z = -5.09, p = 0.0001. Most seniors presented maximum to moderate dependence; however, a significant improvement in FIM after the health care provided in their homes was observed in patients with minimum dependence or modified independence.

Webdiáspora e a Decisão de Migrar: Relatos Haitianos no Brasil

O artigo foca nos usos das tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TICs) sobre a tomada de decisão de migrar realizada pelos haitianos que vieram ao Brasil, mais especificamente na cidade de Curitiba. Decorrente de uma ampla pesquisa sobre as práticas comunicativas dos haitianos, busca-se saber como as tecnologias de comunicação e informação contribuem na formação de um capital de mobilidade desses indivíduos, incorporando a teoria de Bourdieu – capital e habitus – à análise comunicativa estabelecida no universo da sociedade midiatizada e da globalização transnacional. Conclui-se que o caráter afetivo promovido pela circularidade informacional possibilita que se reconheçam novas formas de “ser migrante”.

Passive sampling as a feasible tool for mapping and model evaluation of the spatial distribution of nitrogen oxides in the city of Curitiba, Brazil

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are important pollutants that affect air quality in urban areas and are associated with harmful effects in human health. These compounds are emitted by combustion process especially vehicles. The main aim of this paper is to assess the concentrations of NOx in the atmosphere of Curitiba by using Ogawa samplers and dispersion models. The determination of compounds in 11 places was performed by using a simple colorimetric reaction and spectrophotometry. A comparison between the Ogawa samplers and the reference chemiluminescence analyzer showed good agreement and repeatability of the method used. Two-week sampling campaigns were performed at 11 stations from July 29 to August 12, and from August 15 to 29, 2016. The results showed the highest concentrations in places with high traffic vehicular and at street level (121 μg m−3 for NOx, 47.9 μg m−3 for NO2, and 48 μg m−3 for NO) as compared to the roof level that can be attributed to the impact of local traffic passing the street canyon. The similarity of monitored and modeled NOx concentrations (17 out of 26 pointwise comparisons within ± 25%) gives confidence in the emission inventory and the model simulations, allowing a conclusion of the source contributions.

Dental anxiety in schoolchildren with molar incisor hypomineralization-A population-based cross-sectional study.

Identifying patients with high levels of DA helps to define the most adequate oral healthcare strategy, especially for pediatric patients. To investigate the association between parental reports of dental anxiety (DA) and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in schoolchildren. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of 731 8-year-old schoolchildren from the city of Curitiba, Brazil, who were clinically examined (k≥0.75) for the diagnosis of MIH and dental caries using the EAPD criteria and dmft/DMFT index, respectively. Parents/guardians reported children's DA using the Dental Anxiety Question (DAQ) and answered a self-administered structured questionnaire addressing socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Associations were evaluated using Poisson regression analysis with robust variance (P<0.05). A significant association was found between DA and MIH (PR=1.20; 95%CI: 1.01-1.42; P=0.038), but this association lost its significance when adjusted for the other characteristics (PR=1.13; 95%CI: 0.93-1.38; P=0.215). Caries experience in primary teeth was associated with lower levels of DA (PR=0.83; 95%CI: 0.71-0.96; P=0.0013). The most recent visit to the dentist due to pain increased the levels of DA (PR=1.18; 95%CI: 1.07-1.30; P=0.001). The presence of MIH in schoolchildren was not associated with parental reports of DA.

Modelling urban cyclists' exposure to black carbon particles using high spatiotemporal data: A statistical approach

This is a pioneering work in South America to model the exposure of cyclists to black carbon (BC) while riding in an urban area with high spatiotemporal variability of BC concentrations. We report on mobile BC concentrations sampled on 10 biking sessions in the city of Curitiba (Brazil), during rush hours of weekdays, covering four routes and totaling 178 km. Moreover, simultaneous BC measurements were conducted within a street canyon (street and rooftop levels) and at a site located 13 km from the city center. We used two statistical approaches to model the BC concentrations: multiple linear regression (MLR) and a machine-learning technique called random forests (RF). A pool of 25 candidate variables was created, including pollution measurements, traffic characteristics, street geometry and meteorology. The aggregated mean BC concentration within 30-m buffers along the four routes was 7.09 μg m−3, with large spatial variability (5th and 95th percentiles of 1.75 and 16.83 μg m−3, respectively). On average, the concentrations at the street canyon façade (5 m height) were lower than the mobile data but higher than the urban background levels. The MLR model explained a low percentage of variance (24%), but was within the values found in the literature for on-road BC mobile data. RF explained a larger variance (54%) with the additional advantage of having lower requirements for the target and predictor variables. The most impactful predictor for both models was the traffic rate of heavy-duty vehicles. Thus, to reduce the BC exposure of cyclists and residents living close to busy streets, we emphasize the importance of renewing and/or retrofitting the diesel-powered fleet, particularly public buses with old vehicle technologies. Urban planners could also use this valuable information to project bicycle lanes with greater separation from the circulation of heavy-duty diesel vehicles.

Smart mobility transition: a socio-technical analysis in the city of Curitiba

ABSTRACTCuritiba, located in the south of Brazil and recognized as a smart city, stands out for its pioneering project of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. A smart city presupposes the existence of a smart mobility system. In this study, urban mobility was analysed based on the socio-technical transition of innovation and the multi-level perspective. From the history of urban planning in Curitiba we have developed a timeline of the initiatives considered as milestones towards the transition to smart mobility and proposed a reflection about socio-technical innovation approach applied to smart urban mobility. We perceive small incremental and continuous advances that can bring positive results over time. To observe how this transition process is taking place in practice, we presented an illustrative case that points to niche innovations that put pressure on the current socio-technical regime. Emerging niche technologies, along with other social and technological innovations, can lead to transition.Abbrevations: BRT - Bus Rapid Transit; MLP - Multi-level Perspective.

No-shows at public secondary dental care for pediatric patients: a cross-sectional study in a large Brazilian city.

Missed appointments have a great economic, social and administrative impact on the management of public health services. This research aimed to study factors associated with non-attendance to the first appointments of pediatric patients in secondary dental care services in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was performed using secondary data from the electronic health records of the Curitiba Municipal Secretary of Health. The study included all children (0-12 years) referred to secondary dental clinics in the years 2010 to 2013. Data were analyzed by the chi-square test and Pearson linear trend chi-square (α = 0.05). Binary logistic regression models were built. Data from 1,663 children were assessed and the prevalence of non-attendance was 28.3%. The variables associated with the non-attendance in inferential analysis (p < 0.05) and in the final model were the household income per capita (95% CI: 1.93-2.82) and the waiting time in virtual queue (95% CI: 1.000-1.002). Socioeconomic aspects and the waiting time in virtual queue, should be considered in the strategic planning of health services as they may influence the attendance of pediatric patients in secondary dental referral service.

Epidemiological profile of face fractures in patients at a university hospital of Curitiba City, Brazil

Epidemiological profile of face fractures in patients at a university hospital of Curitiba City, Brazil

O contraste entre as propostas dos parâmetros curriculares nacionais (1998/2000) para línguas estrangeiras modernas e a realidade escolar: uma reflexão a partir da vivência no estágio obrigatório

In this article, we present a critical reflection about some aspects of the National Curricular Parameters (NCPs) from 1998 and 2000, which point out questions related to Elementary and High School Education, respectively, concerning the teaching of modern foreign languages. Together, we describe two teaching environments where the compulsory internships 1 and 2 of the Portuguese and English Letras Course (Federal Technological University of Parana) were performed, in the city of Curitiba. In doing so, we contrast the two realities with the NCPs proposals and present our concluding remarks with some suggestions from the internship experience that can help the modern foreign language teacher to reflect and improve his/her teaching environment.

Haitianos no Paraná (Brasil) em 2018: estratégias em momento de crise

O presente artigo insere-se no conjunto de estudos sobre fluxos migratórios e inserção sócioeconômica de migrantes no contexto latino-americano. A análise apresentada diz respeito à pesquisa realizada durante o mês de agosto de 2018, junto a 29 imigrantes haitianos residentes na cidade de Curitiba (PR) e seu entorno. Através da aplicação de entrevistas semi-estruturadas e da organização de grupo focal sobre migração e inserção socioeconômica, apresentamos uma discussão sobre os modos de fazer desses imigrantes frente a crise econômica e de emprego que o Brasil experimenta desde 2015. Investigamos de forma específica como esse grupo de imigrantes vem enfrentando reveses sociais e econômicos – desemprego, moradia e perspectivas futuras - incluindo aí os constrangimentos sociais informais e sutis que existem em seus espaços de circulação e de sociabilidade. Utilizando como referencial a Teoria da Prática de Pierre Bourdieu (1930-2002), analisamos em que medida os percursos migratórios e as estratégias são o resultado de disposições incorporadas (habitus) e capitais adquiridos antes da migração, observando ainda o modo como as diversas práticas sociais e discursos são ativados e exteriorizados no trato cotidiano das situações vivenciadas na sociedade de destino.

Association Between Neighborhood Income, Patterns of Use, and Physical Activity Levels in Fitness Zones of Curitiba, Brazil.

Background: Socioeconomic characteristics of locations where physical activity equipment is installed may affect the activity level of users. The purpose of this study was to verify patterns of use and physical activity levels in fitness zones installed in low- and high-income neighborhoods in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Methods: Over 1200 observations were conducted in 20 fitness zones in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Data were collected during the months of November and December 2012, in 4 periods of the day (8 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM), on 2 weekdays and 2 weekend days. Results: A total of 2232 people were observed in the fitness zones. Age group, level of physical activity in the area, use of fitness zones during weekend days, and occupation of spaces were significantly associated with neighborhood income. Moreover, users of fitness zones located in high-income neighborhoods showed higher odds ratio (OR = 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-2.07) of moderate to vigorous physical activity than light or sedentary activities, regardless of gender or day of the week. Conclusions: The sole presence of equipment does not seem to favor the use of fitness zones in low-income neighborhoods. Future studies should investigate intrinsic factors for the use of fitness zones for physical activity.

Temporal Performance Analysis of Bus Transportation Using Link Streams

Performance analysis of transport systems usually requires transfer of passengers between trains, cars, or buses, among others. This paper proposes a methodology for modeling and analysis of bus transportation using link streams. Link streams are particular cases of stream graphs whose cliques provide information about available time intervals for connecting buses. These cliques are obtained by algorithms of the literature with good scalability. They are used to quantify performance indicators as transfer time, bunching, congestion, and number of transferred passengers. The results are obtained for real-world data of a bus terminal in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. They reveal important issues regarding transfer delays and available capacity for transport. The proposed performance analysis can be used to support urban planners on planning and improving transport operation.

Exploring challenges, threats and innovations in global health promotion.

Global health faces a broad spectrum of old and new challenges. Besides epidemiological problems, political conflicts, economic crisis and austerity policies are jeopardizing progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), affecting the most vulnerable populations. During the 22nd International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) World Conference on Health Promotion held in Curitiba, Brazil, in 2016, challenges and threats for global health, in addition to a wide range of innovative experiences in health promotion, were discussed with participants from 65 countries. At the end of the conference, a public statement was approved claiming for Democracy and Human Rights in all countries around the world as essential conditions for the promotion of health and equity. In this paper, we explore challenges, threats and innovations in global health promotion. We use scientific literature, analysis of the current situation of the Brazilian health system, and material presented during the 22nd IUHPE World Conference. Also, we discuss strategies to strengthen health systems, policies and practices through the approach of STI and illustrative local experiences presented at the congress mentioned above, including examples developed in the city of Curitiba. We conclude that STI is crucial to support strengthening local health systems, design effective intersectoral public policies, scaling up innovative initiates, and skilling staff in addressing the contemporary challenges. Finally, the Declaration of the 22nd World Conference on Health Promotion of the IUHPE is a fundamental policy statement based on the prioritization of democracy and human rights as essential conditions for the promotion of health and equity.

Classification and energy analysis of bank building stock: A case study in Curitiba, Brazil

An engineering bottom-up technique has been selected for classification and energy analysis of 72 bank branches in the Brazilian city of Curitiba. A multi-stage approach has been adopted in this study to collect and analyse the dataset of these bank branches, virtually survey and map geometrical and design parameters of the branches and classify them according to shapes, sizes, geographical layout, and construction age. Four types (Type A to D) of bank branches have been identified. Type A branches have the greatest mean conditioned floor area (over 100 m2) with largest deviation of energy use intensity (over 47 kWh/m2year). Type B branches are most commonly found in densely populated downtown area. However, over 61% of the branches belong to Type C and D, which are mostly located in less congested sub-urban areas. The study also shows that post-2010s branches are among the largest energy consumers. An in-depth parametric assessment on specific design details from architectural drawings of selected branches was further conducted to identify the effects of building parameters on energy consumption of the bank branches. Despite the minute correlation obtained between energy consumption and design variables (R2 of 0.253), a Linear Discriminant Analysis suggests that percentage of openings and occupant density are among the defining parameters of a low and medium-high consumer as regards bank branches in Brazil. This study provides insights into a better understanding of the design characteristics of bank branches in Curitiba and parameters potentially affecting their energy consumption. The archetype bottom-up technique presented in this study that involved studies at different stages can also be used to define typologies for other types of buildings. This study shows how complex building stock, such as, bank buildings could be classified and their energy performance collectively analysed using multi-stage approach. The approach combined a range of methods, which had been conducted in sequence, such as, virtual survey, building classification, further in-depth parametric and energy assessments of selected bank branches based on architectural drawings using Multiple Regression Analysis and Linear Discriminant Analysis. Such approach enables critical design parameters to be determined in the absence of complete set of building data, which could be adopted for other similar types of complex building stock. Keywords: building typology, classification, energy benchmarking, bottom-up approach, archetype technique, energy use intensity.

Trends in smoking prevalence in all Brazilian capitals between 2006 and 2017.

ABSTRACTObjective:To evaluate the trends in smoking prevalence in all Brazilian capitals between 2006 and 2017. Methods:This was a study of temporal trends in smoking, based on information from the Telephone-based System for the Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases. The trends in smoking prevalence were stratified by gender, age, level of education, and capital of residence. We used linear regression analysis with a significance level of 5%. Results:From 2006 to 2017, the overall prevalence of smoking in the Brazilian capitals declined from 19.3% to 13.2% among men and from 12.4% to 7.5% among women (p < 0.05 for both). Despite the overall decline in the prevalence of smoking in all of the capitals, the rate of decline was lower in the more recent years. There was also a reduction in the prevalence of former smoking (22.2% in 2006 to 20.3% in 2017). In contrast, there was an upward trend in the prevalence of former smoking among individuals with a lower level of education (from 27.9% in 2006 to 30.0% in 2017). In 2017, the prevalence of smoking among men was highest in the cities of Curitiba, São Paulo, and Porto Alegre, whereas it was highest among women in the cities of Curitiba, São Paulo, and Florianópolis. Conclusions:There have been improvements in smoking prevalence in Brazil. Annual monitoring of smoking prevalence can assist in the battle against chronic noncommunicable diseases.

Time trends of physical activity in Curitiba, Brazil: 2006-2015.

The identification of the time trend of physical activity can help in the evaluation of the effectiveness of programs aimed at the promotion of physical activity at the population scope. To analyze the temporal trend of leisure time physical activity in adults living in the city of Curitiba (Brazil), from 2006-2015. This is a cross-sectional study with 19,183 adults, obtaining information on duration, intensity and weekly frequency of leisure-time physical activity from the Surveillance System of Risk and Protection Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Inquiry. Adults who reported participating in leisure time physical activity at least once a week in the three months prior to the survey were considered active. Men's leisure-time physical activity was stable overtime (p = 0.28), while it increased significantly among women (1.86% per year, 95%CI 0.55; 3.37; p = 0.02). Men reported less activities with weekly frequency of one to two times (-3.75% per year, 95%CI -6.72; -0.67; p = 0.03) but more with weekly frequencies of five to six times (7.42% per year, 95%CI 4.54; 10.38; p = 0.001). No changes were observed in the frequency of physical activity among women. Monitoring indicators of physical activity in the city of Curitiba can assist legislators in building policies to promote physical activity.

The influence of temperature and rainfall in the human viral infections

It is well described by many authors the occurrence of viruses outbreaks that occurs annually at the same time. Epidemiological studies could generate important information about seasonality and its relation to outbreaks, population fluctuations, geographical variations, seasonal environmental. The purpose of this study was to show the influence of temperature and rainfall on the main viral diseases responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality. Data were collected from samples performed at the Virology Laboratory of the Hospital de Clinicas da Universidade Federal do Parana (HC-UFPR), which is a university tertiary hospital, in the period of 2003 to 2013. The temperature (°C) and mean monthly rainfall (mm) data was provided by the Sistema Meteorologico do Parana (SIMEPAR-PR). The study of viral respiratory infection has revealed an incidence and pattern of seasonal prevalence of the respiratory viruses in Curitiba city, Southern Brazil. It was observed that in the months when the temperatures were lower, especially during June and July, there were an increasing number of samples collected as well as positive scores. For Rotavirus infections it was observed an increase in positive cases was observed in certain years, particularly during the colder months. Enteroviruses circulated in higher frequency during summer months with a median temperature of 21.5°C. Herpesviruses were distributed along the year but its circulation was not observed during the winter months. In conclusion it was observed the seasonality pattern of the viruses’ circulation in Curitiba city, on the other hand rainfall did not demonstrated the same pattern.

Study of the Potential of Photovoltaic Microgeneration and Minigeneration from the Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems Installed at UTFPR Curitiba Campus

Humanity is increasingly dependent on energy, which demand grows every year. Renewable energy sources are consolidated alternatives in the market, previously installed on a small scale but now thought as large plants. The correct operation, taking full advantage of the generation potential, depends on studies of the place of implantation, such as radiation levels, temperature, latitude, etc. Two photovoltaic systems installed in the city of Curitiba were studied in order to monitor their respective performances through figures of merit.