Resumo A melhoria da germinação de plantas é fundamental para garantia de mudas de melhor qualidade. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar se o condicionamento de sementes com qualidade de luz (light quality - LIQ) e extrato aquoso de tubérculos de Cyperus rotundus (AEC) modula a germinação e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de Moringa oleifera. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4x4, sendo quatro condições de LIQ (luz branca, azul, vermelha e vermelho distante) e quatro concentrações de AEC (0, 25, 50 e 100%). O condicionamento de sementes com luz vermelha reduziu o tempo médio de emergência, enquanto que as luzes azul, vermelha e vermelho extremo associadas a 50% de extrato aquoso de C. rotundus aumentaram o comprimento inicial da parte aérea e o acúmulo de pigmentos fotossintéticos. Condicionamento de sementes com luz azul induziu a formação de plântulas com menor comprimento final da parte aérea, no entanto, a aplicação de 100% de extrato aquoso de C. rotundus reverteu o menor crescimento. A luz branca associada às concentrações de 50 e 100% de fitormônios promoveu maior taxa de crescimento relativo da parte aérea de plântulas. Nossa pesquisa mostra que o condicionamento de sementes com radiação espectral de luz e extrato aquoso de tubérculos de Cyperus rotundus modula a germinação e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de Moringa oleifera. Mais trabalhos precisam ser feitos para determinar os compostos do AEC responsáveis que que atuam como fitormônios e são responsáveis pelo crescimento inicial.

Abstract Improving plant germination is essential to guarantee better quality seedlings. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate whether the seed priming with light quality (LIQ) and the aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus (AEC) tuber could modulate the germination and initial growth of Moringa oleifera L. seedlings. The experimental design was a completely randomized in the 4x4 factorial scheme, composed of four LIQ conditions (white, blue, red, and distant red light) and four AEC concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100%). Seed priming with red light reduced the average emergence time, while blue, red, and extreme red lights associated with 50% of aqueous extract of C. rotundus increased shoot initial length and photosynthetic pigment accumulation. Seed priming with blue light resulted in seedlings with a shorter final shoot length. However, application of 100% of aqueous extract of C. rotundus reversed this. The white light in combination with concentrations of 50 and 100% of AEC promoted a higher relative shoot growth rate of seedlings. The research revealed that seed priming with light quality and aqueous extracts of C. rotundus tubers modulates the germination and initial growth of M. oleifera seedlings. More work needs to be done to determine the responsible compounds in AEC that is responsible for priming growth as phytohormones.

Resumo O conteúdo de dopamina nas estruturas cerebrais tem sido relacionado à excitabilidade neuronal e várias abordagens têm sido utilizadas para estudar este fenômeno durante o período de vulnerabilidade às crises. No presente trabalho, descrevemos os efeitos da depleção de dopamina após a administração de 6-hidroxidopamina (6-OHDA) na região pars compacta da substância negra de ratos submetidos ao modelo de epilepsia com pilocarpina. A susceptibilidade ao estado de mal epiléptico induzido pela pilocarpina, bem como a frequência de crises espontâneas e recorrentes durante o período crônico do modelo foi determinada. Sendo o hipocampo uma das principais estruturas afetadas no desenvolvimento desse modelo experimental de epilepsia, os níveis de dopamina nessa região foram determinados após a administração da droga. No primeiro experimento, 62% (15/24) dos ratos pré-tratados com 6-OHDA e 45% (11/24) daqueles que receberam ácido ascórbico como solução controle evoluíram para crises límbicas motoras e para o estado de mal epiléptico, após a administração de pilocarpina. A gravidade das crises durante o período agudo do modelo foi significativamente maior nos ratos epilépticos experimentais (56,52%) do que nos ratos controle (4,16%). No segundo experimento, não houve diferença significante entre os grupos quanto à frequência de crises na fase crônica do modelo. Nossos dados mostraram que a dopamina pode desempenhar um papel importante na gravidade das crises na fase aguda da pilo, o que parece ser exercido por sua ação inibitória da dopamina sobre a expressão motora das crises.

Abstract The dopamine content in cerebral structures has been related to neuronal excitability and several approaches have been used to study this phenomenon during seizure vulnerability period. In the present work, we describe the effects of dopamine depletion after the administration of 6-hidroxidopamine (6-OHDA) into the substantia nigra pars compacta of male rats submitted to the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Susceptibility to pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), as well as spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRSs) frequency during the chronic period of the model were determined. Since the hippocampus is one of main structures in the development of this experimental model of epilepsy, the dopamine levels in this region were also determined after drug administration. In the first experiment, 62% (15/24) of 6-OHDA pre-treated rats and 45% (11/24) of those receiving ascorbic acid as control solution progressed to motor limbic seizures evolving to SE, after the administration of pilocarpine. Severeness of seizures during the model´s the acute period, was significantly higher in epileptic experimental rats (56.52%), than in controls (4.16%). In the second experiment, the frequency of seizures in the model’s chronic phase did not significantly change between groups. Our data show that dopamine may play an important role on seizure severity in the pilo’s model acute period, which seems to be due to dopamine inhibitory action on motor expression of seizure.

Resumo A pitaia vermelha (Hylocereus costaricensis) é uma promissora espécie, com elevado potencial de cultivo devido às qualidades organolépticas e funcionais de seus frutos. Entretanto, a salinidade da água de irrigação pode afetar o rendimento produtivo da cultura. Diante disso, materiais ricos em substâncias orgânicas podem minimizar os danos provocados pelo excesso de sais no solo e/ou na água. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de fontes de matéria orgânica como atenuante do estresse salino na produção e respostas bioquímicas de mudas de pitaia vermelha. O delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 × 5, com cinco fontes de matéria orgânica (húmus, esterco ovino, biofertilizante, composto orgânico e areia + solo) e quatro salinidade (0.6, 2.6, 4.6 e 6.6 dS m-1), com quatro repetições e duas plantas por vaso foi utilizado. O comprimento da parte aérea, comprimento da raiz, diâmetro do cladódio, número de cladódios, número de brotos, volume da raiz, massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca da raiz e massa seca total, razão da massa seca da raiz e da parte aérea, clorofila a, b e total, aminoácidos e os açúcares solúveis foram avaliados aos 120 dias após o início da aplicação dos tratamentos. A pitaia vermelha é moderadamente tolerante a salinidade. O composto orgânico e estrume ovino atenuam os efeitos nocivos da salinidade nas mudas de pitaia vermelha. Sob condições de estresse salino, as plantas aumentam os níveis de aminoácidos e açúcares totais.

Abstract Red pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) is a promising species, with high cultivation potential due to the organoleptic and functional qualities of its fruits. However, irrigation water salinity can affect the crop yield. Therefore, materials rich in organic substances can minimize the damage caused by excess salts in soil and/or water. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of organic matter sources as attenuators of salt stress on the production and biochemical responses of red pitaya seedlings. A completely randomized design in 4 × 5 factorial scheme, with five sources of organic matter (humus, sheep manure, biofertilizer, organic compost and sand + soil) and four salinities (0.6, 2.6, 4.6 and 6.6 dS m-1) with four replicates and two plants per plot was used. The shoot length, root length, cladode diameter, number of cladodes, number of sprotus, root volume, shoot dry mass, root dry mass and total dry mass, root and shoot dry mass ratio, chlorophyll a, b and total, amino acids and soluble sugars were evaluated at 120 days after the treatments began to be applied. Red pitaya is moderately tolerant to salinity (ECw from 4.0 to 6.0 dS m-1). Organic compost and sheep manure attenuate the harmful effects of salinity on red pitaya seedlings. Under salt stress conditions, red pitaya plants increase their levels of proline, amino acids and total sugars.

ABSTRACT Soil management systems, including tillage and green manuring, are important for the control of nematodes and for the sustainable production. The objective was to select, through multivariate analysis, sustainable agroecosystems for yellow melon cultivated under irrigated conditions in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The long-term experiment is set up in Argissolo Vermelho- Amarelo (Ultisol) with six multifunctional agroecosystems, composed of the combination of three mixtures of cover crops (1 - 75% legumes + 25% grasses and oilseeds; 2 - 25% legumes + 75% grasses and oilseeds and 3 - spontaneous vegetation) and two types of soil management (no tillage-NT and tillage-T). The purpose was to evaluate the nutritional status of plants, soil fertility, nematode population in roots and soil, and the yield. Data were analyzed with multivariate techniques, allowing the grouping of the agroecosystems based on their similarities and complexity of functions. The incorporation of plant residues to the soil reduces nematode population, but their maintenance on the surface allows the improvement of fertility and yield, even under larger nematode populations. The agroecosystems that associate the nonincorporation of residues from cover crops with larger species diversity in composition constitute the most complex model, allowing different environmental functionalities. Thus, it is recommended not to incorporate the plant residues, planting the melon seedlings directly in the straw. However, considering that the results obtained with the non-incorporation of spontaneous vegetation were similar to those obtained with the incorporation of commercial cover crops, it is concluded that this practice is also viable and adapted to the semi-arid conditions.

RESUMO Sistemas de manejo de solos, incluindo revolvimento e adubação verde, são importantes para o controle de nematoides e para a produção sustentável. Objetivou-se selecionar, por meio da análise multivariada, agroecossistemas sustentáveis para cultivo irrigado de melão amarelo no Semiárido brasileiro. As avaliações ocorreram num experimento de longa duração, com seis agroecossistemas multifuncionais, compostos pela combinação de três misturas de plantas de cobertura (1 - 75% leguminosas + 25% gramíneas e oleaginosas; 2 - 25% leguminosas + 75% gramíneas e oleaginosas e 3 - vegetação espontânea) e dois tipos de manejo do solo (sem e com revolvimento). Avaliaram-se o estado nutricional das plantas, a fertilidade do solo, as populações de nematoides nas raízes e no solo e a produtividade da cultura. Os dados foram submetidos às técnicas de análises multivariadas, permitindo agrupar os agroecossistemas por semelhanças e complexidade das suas funções. A incorporação dos resíduos vegetais ao solo reduz a população de nematoides, mas sua manutenção na superfície permite melhorar a fertilidade e alcançar boas produtividades, mesmo sob maior população de nematoides. Os agroecossistemas que associam o não revolvimento dos resíduos vegetais das plantas de cobertura com maior diversidade de espécies na composição é o modelo considerado mais complexo, permitindo diferentes funcionalidades ambientais. Assim, recomenda-se não incorporar os resíduos vegetais, transplantando as mudas de meloeiro diretamente sobre a palhada. No entanto, considerando que os resultados obtidos com a não incorporação da vegetação espontânea foram semelhantes à incorporação das plantas de cobertura comerciais, conclui-se que esta prática também é viável e adaptada às condições semiáridas.

Abstract This paper presents an eyebolt structural fault detection system, based on the analysis of multiple electromagnetic parameters through a random forest classifier trained by both measurements and high-fidelity simulated signals. The proposed methodology is completely noninvasive and does not require the disassembly of the electrical infrastructure, allowing the live-line working. The obtained results show that the proposed multi-parameter strategy achieves high accuracy and increases the system’s capability of detecting faults, improving the efficiency of the operator’s preventive maintenance routines and, consequently, increasing the reliability of the power supply and energy distribution systems. system highfidelity fidelity signals infrastructure liveline live line working multiparameter multi parameter systems s faults operators operator consequently

RESUMO Práticas inadequadas de manejo antes do abate podem comprometer o bem-estar animal e a qualidade da carne suína. Este estudo visou avaliar os efeitos do período de transporte (TT), período de descarga (TD), e período de pré-abate (TE) nos indicadores termofisiológicos animais e no pH da carne suína, utilizando uma abordagem multivariada. Este estudo foi realizado num matadouro localizado em Aquiraz, Ceará, Brasil. Um total de 60 suínos mestiços com 107 ± 5 kg de peso corporal foram distribuídos em três grupos experimentais: grupo A (TT = 180 min, TD ≤ 10 min, e TE = 24 horas), grupo B (TT = 60 min, TD ≤ 15 min, e TE = 18 horas), e grupo C (TT = 45 min, TD ≤ 5 min, e TE = 24 horas). A análise discriminante canônica foi implementada e as diferenças entre tratamentos são representadas graficamente. Os dois primeiros componentes foram responsáveis por 97% dos tratamentos. A análise discriminante mostrou que o grupo C apresentou diferenças multivariadas em relação aos outros, particularmente com temperatura retal elevada antes do abate (38,4 ± 0,23 °C) e frequência respiratória (131 ± 7,0 respirações min-1) e temperatura retal (39,7 ± 0,18 °C) à chegada ao matadouro. O período de transporte (TT), período de descarga (TD) e o stress térmico das instalações influenciaram variáveis fisiológicas, tais como a temperatura retal e a frequência respiratória. Além disso, as variáveis de estresse fisiológico também favoreceram cortes com pH básico, resultando em perda de qualidade.

ABSTRACT Inadequate pre-slaughter handling practices may compromise animal welfare and pork quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of transport period (TT), unloading period (UT), and pre-slaughtering period (WT) on animal thermophysiological indicators and pork pH using a multivariate approach. This study was conducted in a slaughterhouse located in Aquiraz, Ceará state, Brazil. A total of 60 mestizo pigs with 107 ± 5 kg body weight were distributed into three experimental groups: group A (TT = 180 min, UT ≤ 10 min, and WT = 24 hours), group B (TT = 60 min, UT ≤ 15 min, and WT = 18 hours), and group C (TT = 45 min, UT ≤ 5 min, and WT = 24 hours). Canonical discriminant analysis was implemented and the differences between treatments are represented graphically. The first two components accounted for 97% treatments. The discriminant analysis showed that group C presented multivariate differences in relation to others, particularly with high rectal temperature before slaughter (38.4 ± 0.23 °C) and respiratory rate (131 ± 7.0 breaths min-1) and rectal temperature (39.7 ± 0.18 °C) upon arrival at the slaughterhouse. Transport period (TT), unloading period (UT), and thermal stress of the facilities influenced physiological variables, such as rectal temperature and respiratory rate. Furthermore, the physiological stress variables also favored cuts with basic pH, resulting in quality loss.

Resumo Dentre as diversas frutas a mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), despertou interesse de produtores e consumidores devido às suas características sensoriais atrativas e propriedades benéficas à saúde (elevado valor nutricional e presença de substâncias bioativas), assim, o trabalho avaliar os fatores nutricionais do resíduo da farinha de processamento de mangaba que é desprezado pela indústria alimentícia e, a influência da temperatura na sua produção. O resíduo de processamento da mangaba foi dividido em dois lotes, sendo um deles utilizado para as análises in natura (amostra controle) e o outro para a confecção da farinha que foi seca a 50 °C, e dividida em dois lotes: tratamento A (farinha com torras a 110 °C e 130 °C) e no tratamento B (farinha oriunda da secagem a 50 °C). Analisou-se as características nutricionais de farinhas considerando os parâmetros químicos: pH, acidez total titulável e sólidos solúveis, além da determinação do teor de umidade, lipídios totais, fibra alimentar total e cinzas, valor energético total, atividade antioxidante, triagem fitoquímica, quantificação de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, bem como as propriedades funcionais tecnológicas (índice de absorção de água (IAA), índice de solubilidade em água (ISA), índice de absorção de leite (IAL) e índice de solubilidade em leite (ISL) e índice de absorção de óleo (IAO). Na análise foi inferido que os compostos bioativos presentes nos extratos não possuem propriedades significativas de agir como sequestradores de radicais livres. O tratamento térmico, realizado na farinha de resíduos de processamento de mangaba, influenciou nos dados dos fatores nutricionais e das propriedades de absorção e solubilidade, os quais apresentaram diferenças estatísticas. Estes resultados credenciam a farinha como uma alternativa viável para o enriquecimento energético de dietas, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos, a redução do descarte desses resíduos e consequentemente para a minimização do impacto ambiental.

Abstract Among several fruits, mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), it aroused the interest of producers and consumers due to its attractive sensory characteristics and health beneficial properties (high nutritional value and presence of bioactive substances), thus, this work evaluates the nutritional factors of the flour residue of mangaba processing that is despised by the food industry, and the influence of temperature on its production. The mangaba processing residue was splited in two main groups: in natura sample (control), and other for preparation of flour that was dried at 50 °C and divided into two other groups: treatment A (flour with roasts at 110 °C and 130 °C) and treatment B (flour from drying at 50 °C). The nutritional characteristics of flours were analyzed considering the chemical parameters: pH, titratable total acidity and soluble solids, in addition to the determination of moisture content, total lipids, total dietary fiber and ash, total energy value, antioxidant activity, phytochemical screening, quantification of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, as well as technological functional properties (water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), milk absorption index (MAI) and milk solubility index (MSI) and oil absorption index (OAI). The results showed that the bioactive compounds present in the extracts do not have significant properties of acting as free radical kidnappers. The heat treatment, performed in the flour of mangaba processing residues, influenced the nutritional factors and properties of absorption and solubility, which showed statistical differences. These results show that the flour is a viable alternative for the energy enrichment of diets, contributing to the development of new products, the reduction of the disposal of these residues and consequently to the minimization of the environmental impact.

ABSTRACT Objectives: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) can be permanent (PCH) or transient (TCH). While the importance of thyroxine in myelination of the brain is undisputed, the benefits to neurodevelopmental outcomes of TCH treatment are controversial. Our objectives were to determine predictive factors for PCH and verify its prevalence changes over time. Subjects and methods: A total of 165 children were evaluated at 3 years of age to verify the diagnosis of PCH. 130 were submitted to a two-step cluster analysis, with the aim of grouping them into homogeneous clusters. The mean incidence of PCH and TCH was calculated from 2004 to 2010 and 2011 to 2015. Results: Sixty-six children were diagnosed with PCH, and 99 were diagnosed with TCH. Eighty-one percent of PCH children and all TCH children with thyroid imaging had glands in situ. Eighty children (61.5%) were in Cluster 1, 8 children (6.2%) were in Cluster 2 and 42 children (32.3%) were in Cluster 3. No children had PCH in Cluster 1, while 87.5% of children in Cluster 2 and all children in Cluster 3 had PCH. The most important predictor for PCH was the initial serum TSH, which was marginally higher in importance than the blood spot TSH, followed by the initial serum free T4. The mean incidence of PCH (odds ratio: 1.95, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.95, p < 0.0001) and TCH (odds ratio 1.33, 95%, CI 1.02 to 1.77, p = 0,038) increased over time. Conclusions: The most important PCH predictors are the initial serum TSH and the blood spot TSH. The mean incidence of both PCH and TCH in our series increased.

Abstract Heat treatment is used in the orange juice industry to neutralize the action of pathogenic microorganisms. However, it can reduce the nutritional value of the juice. Thus, our study assessed the cold plasma treatment as an alternative method against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans in 'Lima' orange juice. Both, plasma and heat treatments, reduced the amount of E. coli in the juice, inactivating 16.72 and 100%, respectively. Plasma did not inactivate C. albicans, but heat treatment inactivated 100%. Plasma and heat treatment increased Hue angle and luminosity (more yellowish juice). Plasma reduced vitamin C, carotenoids, and polyphenols content, while increased flavonoids. Heat treatment reduced the carotenoid content. However, neither heat nor plasma treatment altered the antioxidant activity. The plasma treatment reduced the intensity of color (chroma), the soluble solids content and the acidity ratio, total sugars, and the vitamin C content of juice compared to the heat-treated and control juices. Plasma-treated juice showed increased levels of yellow flavonoids, total phenolics and antioxidant activity until the 12th day of storage.

Resumo O tratamento térmico é utilizado na indústria de suco de laranja para neutralizar a ação de microrganismos patogênicos. No entanto, pode reduzir o valor nutricional do suco. Assim, o estudo avaliou o tratamento com plasma frio como método alternativo contra Escherichia coli e Candida albicans em suco de laranja 'Lima'. Ambos os tratamentos, plasma e calor, reduziram a quantidade de E. coli no suco, inativando 16.72 e 100%, respectivamente. O plasma não inativou C. albicans, mas o tratamento térmico inativou 100%. Plasma e tratamento térmico aumentaram o ângulo Hue e a luminosidade do suco (tom mais amarelo). O plasma reduziu o conteúdo de vitamina C, carotenóides e polifenóis, enquanto aumentou os flavonóides. O tratamento térmico reduziu o teor de carotenóides. No entanto, nem o calor nem o tratamento com plasma alteraram a atividade antioxidante. O tratamento com plasma reduziu a intensidade da cor (croma), o teor de sólidos solúveis e a razão de acidez, açúcares totais e o teor de vitamina C do suco em comparação com os sucos tratados termicamente e controle. O suco tratado com plasma apresentou maiores teores de flavonóides amarelos, fenólicos totais e atividade antioxidante até o 12º dia de armazenamento.

Abstract Healthcare workers present an increased risk of contagion for the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to their labor exposure. Here, we describe the clinical, laboratory, and immunological characteristics of healthcare workers, before vaccine application, exposed to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory information from 50 professionals who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Clinical Hospital of the Northwest in Brazil. The results showed that most workers are women, over 50 years old, and worked as nursing technicians. Approximately 56% of workers were positive for a previous infection by RT-PCR and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2-immunoglobulin tests. Increased levels of hematocrit, neutrophils, NK lymphocytes, and fibrinogen, were found in positive healthcare workers, suggesting a light inflammatory status. The immunological findings showed an increase in IL-17 production and a Th2/Th17/Th22 profile followed by high serology for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG. Those data reveal the importance of studies with healthcare workers to investigate if the continuous exposition to the virus may result in chronic activation of the immune system and/or pulmonary inflammation in this target group.

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria responsible for causing numerous nosocomial infections. The present research aimed to analyze the anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa potential of 2-Chloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)acetamide (A8). The antibacterial potential of A8 was evaluated from the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and Association using the checkerboard method. MIC and MBC values were 512 µg/mL for all P. aeruginosa strains evaluated, demonstrating predominantly bactericidal activity. Furthermore, when A8 was associated with the drug ceftriaxone, pharmacological additivity and indifference were evidenced. In this sense, the synthetic amide was interesting, since it demonstrates the potential to become a possible candidate for an antimicrobial drug.

Resumo Pseudomonas aeruginosa é uma bactéria Gram-negativa não fermentadora de lactose, responsável por causar inúmeras infecções nosocomiais. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o potencial anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa da molécula 2-Cloro-N-(4-fluoro-3-nitrofenil)acetamida (A8). O potencial antibacteriano do A8 foi avaliado a partir da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM), Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) e Associação pelo método de checkboard. Os valores de CIM e CBM foram de 512 µg/mL para todas as cepas de P. aeruginosa avaliadas, demonstrando atividade predominantemente bactericida. Além disso, quando o A8 foi associado ao fármaco ceftriaxona, evidenciou-se aditividade e indiferença farmacológica. Nesse sentido, a amida sintética se mostrou interessante, pois demonstra potencial para se tornar um possível candidato a fármaco antimicrobiano.

Abstract The cowpea bean [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], a legume of great socioeconomic importance, it was previously cultivated exclusively for subsistence and commercial purposes, especially in the North and Northeast regions. This crop has a low production cost and high nutritional value, in addition to a high potential for productivity growth and expansion to other regions. The objective of this work was to evaluate parameters of growth and production in cowpea culture, as a function of potassium fertilization in soil of the cerrado of Amapá. The parameters of growth and production of the cowpea culture were evaluated, as a function of potassium fertilization in the soil of the cerrado of Amapá. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized experimental design, with four replications, in a 5x2 factorial scheme, totaling 40 experimental units, which were composed of plastic pots containing 7 dm3 of soil collected from the arable layer (0-20 cm ) of a typical Hyperdystrophic Yellow Argisol, with a sandy clay loam texture, in a cerrado area in the municipality of Porto Grande-AP. The factors consisted of the control treatment (without K), four doses of K (45, 90, 135 and 180 kg ha-1) in the form of potassium chloride, and two cowpea cultivars (Pretinho and BRS Tumucumaque). The cultivar BRS Tumucumaque shows better growth and production of cowpea plants. Doses of 90 kg ha-1 provided greater height (98.75 cm) and stem diameter (10.0 mm). As for production, the dose of 135 kg ha-1 caused greater grain weight gain (5.25 g) and dry mass of pods (13.92 g), and the doses of 90 and 180 kg ha-1 induced greater number and length of pods (3.16 pods) respectively. These results show better responsiveness of the BRS Tumucumaque cultivar at doses of 90, 135 and 180 kg ha-1 in the type of soil where the study was conducted.

Resumo O feijão-caupi [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], leguminosa de grande importância socioeconômica, era anteriormente cultivado exclusivamente para fins de subsistência e comerciais, principalmente nas regiões Norte e Nordeste. Essa cultura apresenta baixo custo de produção e alto valor nutritivo, além de alto potencial de crescimento de produtividade e expansão para outras regiões. Apesar da importância fisiológica do potássio para o crescimento das plantas e o plantio da cultura ocorrer predominantemente em solos arenosos e argilosos, há poucos estudos relacionando seu cultivo à adubação potássica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar parâmetros de crescimento e produção na cultura do feijão-caupi, em função da adubação potássica em solo do cerrado do Amapá. Foram avaliadas a altura das plantas, o diâmetro do caule, a massa seca da parte aérea (folha e caule) e da raiz e a produção (massa seca de grãos e vagens, comprimento de vagens e número de vagens) na cultura do feijão-caupi em função da adubação potássica no solo do Cerrado. do Amapá. O experimento foi controlado em casa de vegetação, utilizando delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 5x2, totalizando 40 unidades experimentais, as quais foram compostas por vasos plásticos contendo 7 dm3 de solo coletado da camada arável (0-20 cm) de um típico Argissolo Amarelo Hiperdistrófico, com textura franco-argilosa arenosa. Os fatores foram constituintes do tratamento controle (sem K), quatro doses de K (45, 90, 135 e 180 kg ha-1) na forma de potássio potássico e duas cultivares de feijão-caupi (Pretinho e BRS Tumucumaque). A cultivar BRS Tumucumaque apresentou melhor crescimento e produção. A dose de 90 kg ha-1 proporcionou maior altura (98,75 cm) e diâmetro do caule (10,0 mm). Quanto à produção, a dose de 135 kg ha-1 proporcionou maior ganho de peso de grãos (5,25 g) e massa seca de vagens (13,92 g), e doses de 90 e 180 kg ha-1 induziram maior número e comprimento de vaginas (3,16 vaginas), respectivamente. Esses resultados mostram melhor responsividade da cultivar BRS Tumucumaque nas doses de 90, 135 e 180 kg ha-1 no tipo de solo onde o estudo foi realizado.

Abstract This work produced glass foams from soda-lime glass bottles, bentonite, and alumina by the replica method. Compositions with different contents of bentonite (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were prepared and heat-treated at 800 °C. In the alumina-added compositions, 50 wt% of the bentonite was replaced by the alumina. The influences of the content of bentonite (binder) and alumina addition were evaluated through the physical-mechanical properties. The results showed that the alumina did not promote a significant effect on physical and mechanical properties in most glass foams; the exception was the sample with 20 wt% bentonite+alumina, which presented better physical properties (lower linear shrinkage and density and greater porosity) when compared to its equivalent sample (without alumina). Foams with 5% of bentonite or bentonite+alumina showed higher linear shrinkage indexes and high densification. Samples with 15% of bentonite or bentonite+alumina showed the best combination of properties: higher porosity (79.2% and 80.2%), water absorption (58.8% and 59.7%), lower shrinkage index (25.5% and 29.4%), and good flexural strength (0.69 and 0.45 MPa).

ABSTRACT Objectives: Currently, not much is known about the interactions between voice and growth hormone (GH). We have described large kindred with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) due to a GHRH receptor mutation, resulting in severe short stature and high-pitched voice. These IGHD individuals have little interest in GH treatment, as they consider themselves “short long-lived people”, rather than patients. Interestingly, they report normal general quality of life, but they rate their Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) as low. Here, we assessed the social and auditory-perceptual impacts of artistic-intervention voice therapy with semioccluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTE) and choral singing, on their voices. Material and methods: Seventeen GH-naïve adult IGHD individuals were enrolled in a single-arm interventional pre-post study with 13 weekly sessions of choir singing over 90 days. Outcome measures were V-RQOL scores, self-assessment of voice, and auditory-perceptual analysis (GRBAS scale, G: grade of the severity of dysphonia; R: roughness; B: breathiness; A: asthenia; and S: strain). Results: Marked improvements in total (p = 0.0001), physical (p = 0.0002), and socioemotional (p = 0.0001) V-RQOL scores and in self-assessment of voice (p = 0.004) were found. The general grades of vocal deviation (p = 0.0001), roughness (p = 0.0001), breathiness (p = 0.0001) and strain (p = 0.0001) exhibited accentuated reductions. Conclusions: Voice therapy with semioccluded vocal tract exercises and choral training improved social impact and perceptual voice assessments in IGHD subjects and markedly improved their voice-related quality of life. This is particularly important in a setting where GH replacement therapy is not widely accepted.

Abstract The structural condition of the cable-stayed towers anchorage on power transmission lines requires constant monitoring. Maintenance routines must be able to identify faulty anchor rods and substitute them to avoid tower collapses and power delivery interruptions. Modern statistical diagnostic systems based on machine learning requires the generation of several distinct rod sample signals to be trained, which is a time-consuming process in typical electromagnetic solvers. Aiming to generate samples in a feasible time span, this paper presents a modeling strategy based on the cascade analysis of the transmission line composed by the anchor and the reference rods, interconnected by a dedicated high-frequency connector. Each distinct transmission line part is modeled by a quadrupole as a partial ABCD matrix. The complete response for each experimental setup is obtained from the cascaded-multiplying of the partial matrices. The proposed modeling proved to be accurate and provides a faster way to obtain the S-parameters from distinct faulty rods if compared to the traditional methodologies using electromagnetic tools.