Resumo Introdução: Os efeitos na saúde a médio e longo prazo da infeção por SARS-CoV-2 têm sido cada vez mais reconhecidos. O nosso objetivo foi avaliar a qualidade de vida associada à saúde em doentes críticos tratados em enfermaria avançada e determinar fatores associados a maus resultados. Métodos: A qualidade de vida associada à saúde em doentes SARS-CoV-2 foi avaliada 3 e 6 meses após a alta, através do Questionário Respiratório de Saint George e o EuroQoL 5-dimensões 3-níveis. A prevalência de ansiedade, depressão e stress pós-traumático foi avaliado nas duas visitas. Doentes com questionário Respiratório de Saint George normal ou com melhoria significativa (grupo 1) foram comparados com os que não melhoraram (grupo 2) aos 6 meses. Resultados: Cento e dezassete doentes foram avaliados. A mediana de idades foi 64 anos e 61,5% eram homens. Entre T3 e T6 foi observada redução no score total e domínios específicos do Questionário Respiratório de Saint George (p <0,001). Melhoria longitudinal foi observada no domínio da mobilidade (p = 0,029) e na Escala Visual Analógica (p=0,006) do EuroQoL 5-dimensões 3-níveis. A prevalência de ansiedade, depressão e stress pós-traumático reduziram ao longo do tempo (p <0,05). Após 6 meses, 4,3% dos doentes não tinham retomado ao trabalho e 23% estavam no grupo 2. O grupo 2 teve piores resultados no Questionário Respiratório de Saint George (<0,001); e nos domínios da mobilidade (p = 0,002), auto-cuidado (p <0,001) e atividades habituais (p = 0,014) do EuroQoL 5-dimensões 3-níveis. A regressão logística efetuada para comparar os grupos 1 e 2 não identificou associação entre os resultados e a idade, género, comorbilidades, demora média, ordem de não intubação, pior PaO2/FiO2 durante a hospitalização e técnica de suporte respiratório. Conclusão: Vários domínios na qualidade de vida associada à saúde parecem ser afetados após uma infeção grave por SARS-CoV-2 mas a melhoria parece ser a norma para a maioria dos doentes.

Abstract Introduction: Mid- and long-term health effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been increasingly recognised. Our goal was to evaluate health-related quality of life in critically ill patients, treated in a non-ICU setting, and associated factors with poor outcomes. Methods: Health-related quality of life in SARS-CoV-2 survivors was evaluated 3 and 6 months after discharge, using St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire and EuroQoL 5-Dimension 3-Level. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder prevalence was accessed at both visits. Patients with normal or significant improvement on St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (group 1) were compared to those who did not improve (group 2) at 6 months. Results: 117 patients were analysed. Median age was 64 years and 61.5% were male. Between T3 and T6 was observed a reduction in total and specific domain scores of St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (p <0.001). Longitudinal improvement was observed in mobility domain (p = 0.029) and Visual Analogic Scale (p = 0.006) of EuroQoL 5-Dimension 3-Level. Rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder decline over time (p <0.05). After 6 months, 4.3% of participants have not return to work and 23% were in group 2. Group 2 had worst results in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (p<0.001); and in mobility (p = 0.002), self-care (p <0.001), and usual activities (p = 0.014) of EuroQoL 5-Dimension 3-Level domains. Logistic regression comparing groups 1 and 2 did not find association between outcomes and age, gender, comorbidities, length of stay, do not intubate order, worst PaO2/FiO2 during hospitalization and respiratory support technique. Conclusion: Several domains of health-related quality of life seem to be impaired after SARS-CoV-2 severe infection but improvement seems to be the rule for most patients.

RESUMO Como ocorre a trajetória da Ciência, assim como de que modo o conhecimento científico evolui são questionamentos presentes tanto nos ambientes acadêmicos como na sociedade em geral. Diversas são as investigações sobre os diferentes ramos da ciência para esmiuçar sua gênese, percurso histórico e, principalmente, a sua evolução. Desse modo, o presente artigo buscou analisar a evolução da Ciência da Informação (CI), tomando como referência as 64 dissertações defendidas no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência da Informação da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (PPGCI/UFPE), no período entre 2014 e 2017, tentando oferecer uma análise detalhada sobre a maneira como se caracterizam as dissertações do PPGCI/UFPE, considerando a sua área de interesse, a sua natureza ontológica, epistemológica e metodológica. Entre outros resultados encontrados nas dissertações analisadas, notou-se o predomínio de pesquisas de natureza básica, baseadas predominantemente nos paradigmas positivista e físico, com o interesse técnico se sobressaindo significativamente perante os demais interesses.

ABSTRACT How science´s trajectory happens and how scientific knowledge evolves are some questions present at academic environment as well as in society. There are many researches concerning different science branches that intend to describe fully its genesis, historic footpath and, mainly, its evolution. Therefore, this study has tried to analyse Information Science´s evolution, through 64 developed dissertations from Pos-graduate Information Science Programme at Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (PPGCI/UFPE) during 2014 and 2017 and trying to offer a detailed scrutiny of how PPGCI/UFPE´s dissertations are like, taking into account its interest area, its ontological, epistemological and methodological nature. Among other findings within analysed dissertations, it was possible to notice a predominantly basic research nature, mainly based on positivistic and physical paradigms, with outstanding technical interest presence superior to all others.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Nocturnal enuresis is a highly incident chronic disorder that generates countless problems to the child and their parents. Bed-wetting has significant negative impacts on self-esteem and the performance of children. The aim of the current study is to assess the quality of life of enuretic children, as well as its association to sex and age. Patients and Methods: Thirty-nine enuretic children (23 boys) and 49 healthy children (27 boys) without any history of previous treatment for enuresis or voiding dysfunction were included. Age ranged between 6 and 11 years old. The “AUQEI” questionnaire was applied in a private environment to all children by the same researcher (psychologist) to evaluate quality of life. Results: Enuretic children displayed loss in quality of life when compared to non-enuretic (35.9% of enuretic x 16.3% of non-enuretic, p=0.035). They were mostly affected in their daily activities (p=0.02). No significant differences were found in the association of sex and gender with quality of life. These results suggest that, children with nocturnal enuresis have 2.87 times more chances of having loss in quality of life compared to non-enuretic. Conclusions: Enuresis has a great impact in quality of life of children. This impact is not related to the age or sex of the child.

RESUMO Este artigo apresenta um estudo teórico-experimental com o objetivo de determinar o coeficiente de transferência de calor interfacial, as variáveis térmicas de solidificação, os espaçamentos dendríticos primários e secundários bem como a microdureza Vickers da liga Al-11%Si solidificada direcionalmente, sob condições transientes de fluxo de calor, em um dispositivo de configuração horizontal refrigerado a água. Para o monitoramento dos perfis de temperatura utilizou-se um conjunto de termopares tipo K localizados em diferentes posições a partir da interface metal-molde, considerando a linha central correspondente ao eixo longitudinal do lingote. Uma técnica numérica, que compara perfis térmicos teóricos e experimentais, foi utilizada no cálculo do coeficiente de transferência de calor na interface metal/molde durante a solidificação cuja condição transiente é representada por uma equação analítica na forma de potência. Foram aplicadas técnicas experimentais para o cálculo das variáveis térmicas de solidificação, ou seja, deslocamento da frente de solidificação, velocidade da isoterma liquidus e taxa de resfriamento. Os resultados experimentais e simulados apresentaram uma concordância muito boa e possibilitaram estabelecer correlações analíticas entre tais variáveis térmicas e os espaçamentos dendríticos primários e secundários obtidos, por meio de equações na forma de potência representadas por expoentes característicos. Finalmente, são também apresentadas expressões experimentais capazes de correlacionar os valores dos espaçamentos dendríticos estudados com o comportamento da microdureza Vickers da referida liga.

ABSTRACT This paper presents a theoretical-experimental study aiming to determine the interfacial heat transfer coefficient and solidification thermal parameters from experimentally obtained data correlating these with the primary and secondary dendritic spacings as well as microhardness during the horizontal solidification of the Al-11wt.%Si alloy under transient heat flow conditions. For the experimental procedure, a water-cooled solidification device was used which allows the horizontal directional solidification and the monitoring of the temperature profiles in different positions from the metal-mold interface considering the center line corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the ingot. A numerical technique which compares theoretical and experimental thermal profiles has permitted the evaluation of the variation of metal-mold heat transfer coefficient along the solidification. The interfacial heat transfer coefficient of studied alloy is represented by a equation which show the time dependence during the process. The experimental and calculated values have shown a very good agreement. Experimental techniques were applied to calculate the following solidification thermal variables: solidification front displacement, growth rate and cooling rate. The experimental results allowed establishing a quantitative correlation between such thermal variables and the studied structural parameters by means of power type equations represented by characteristic exponents. Finally, correlation between the values of both primary and secondary dendritic spacings found with Vickers microhardness behavior for the studied alloy is also presented.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação de sintomas depressivos e comprometimento da memória episódica em pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, não probabilístico e intencional. Foram selecionados indivíduos diagnosticados com DP e idade igual ou maior que 60 anos, matriculados em dois ambulatórios de distúrbios de movimento na cidade de Maceió, AL. Foram selecionados 62 idosos, divididos em dois grupos, sendo 40 com sintomas depressivos e 22 sem sintomas depressivos. Utilizaram-se um questionário sociodemográfico, a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS-15, versão reduzida), o Teste de Aprendizagem Auditivo-Verbal de Rey (RAVLT) e a Avaliação Cognitiva de Montreal (MoCA). Resultados: Diante da amostra composta por 62 idosos, apresentou-se alta prevalência de idosos do sexo feminino, 64,5% com média de idade de 66,72 anos (±5,12). Em relação aos dados sociodemográficos, identificou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos apenas quanto uso de antidepressivos (p<0,001) e, em relação às características clínicas, houve diferença em relação à memória episódica (RAVLT) (p < 0,001) da MoCA (p = 0,018) e aos domínios abstração (p = 0,044) e função executiva (p = 0,021) da MoCA. Quanto à relação entre sintomas depressivos e prejuízo da memória episódica, identifica-se uma correlação inversa moderada (r = −0,575; p < 0,001). Conclusão: Pacientes com DP e sintomas depressivos apresentam pior desempenho nas medidas de memória episódica do que aqueles sem sintomas depressivos. Além disso, é possível identificar que os níveis de sintomas depressivos são diretamente proporcionais à perda de memória episódica.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the correlation of depressive symptoms and impaired episodic memory in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: This is a cross-sectional, non-probabilistic and intentional study. Individuals diagnosed with PD and aged 60 years or older, who were enrolled at two movement disorders outpatient clinics in the city of Maceió, AL, were selected. 62 elderly people were selected, divided into two groups, 40 with symptoms of depression and 22 without symptoms of depression. A sociodemographic questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15 reduced version), the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used. Results: In view of the sample of 62 elderly people, there was a high prevalence of female elderly, 64.5% with a mean age of 66.72 years (±5.12). Regarding sociodemographic data, a statistically significant difference was identified between groups only in the use of antidepressants (p < 0.001) and in relation to clinical characteristics, there was a difference in relation to episodic memory (RAVLT) (p < 0.001) of MoCA (p = 0.018) and in the abstraction (p = 0.044) and executive function (p = 0.021) domains of MoCA. Regarding the relationship between depressive symptoms and impaired episodic memory, a moderate inverse correlation was identified (r = −0.575; p < 0.001). Conclusion: PD associated with depressive symptoms presents impairments in episodic memory when compared to those without symptoms. In addition, it is possible to identify that the levels of depressive symptoms are directly proportional to the loss of episodic memory.

Abstract Background: Ruminant feed containing animal byproduct proteins (ABPs) is prohibited in many countries due to its risk of transmitting prion diseases (PD). In most cases the entire herd is sacrificed, which causes great harm to the producer countries by preventing their exportation of ruminant derived-products. Methods: We used stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) of carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N) to trace the animal protein in the blood of 15 buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) divided into three experimental groups: 1 - received only vegetable protein (VP) during 117 days; 2 - received animal and vegetable protein (AVP); and 3 - received animal and vegetable protein with animal protein subsequently removed (AVPR). Groups 2 and 3 received diets containing 13.7% bovine meat and bone meal (MBM) added to a vegetable diet (from days 21-117 in the AVP group and until day 47 in the AVPR group, when MBM was removed). Results: On the 36th day, differences were detectable in the feeding profile (p <0.01) among the three experimental groups, which remained for a further 49 days (85th day). The AVPR group showed isotopic rate reversibility on the 110th day by presenting values similar to those in the control group (VP) (p> 0.05), indicating that it took 63 days to eliminate MBM in this group. Total atoms exchange (> 95%) of 13C and 15N was observed through incorporation of the diet into the AVP and AVPR groups. Conclusions: IRMS is an accurate and sensitive technique for tracing the feeding profile of ruminants through blood analysis, thus enabling investigation of ABP use.

RESUMO Introdução: A maturação biológica tem sido relacionada com o nível de atividades físicas e a competência motora das crianças. Objetivos: O presente estudo teve como objetivos: 1) analisar a associação da maturação biológica com o desempenho em testes de força muscular e 2) examinar se a relação entre o estado maturacional e o desempenho nos testes físicos é mediada por variáveis antropométricas. Método: A amostra foi composta por 71 meninas brasileiras com oito anos de idade. A antropometria considerou estatura, massa corporal, perímetro da cintura, estimativas de massa gorda e massa magra. A maturação biológica foi avaliada através do percentual da estatura matura predita. Os testes físicos aplicados consistiam em lançamento-2kg, preensão manual, abdominais e salto horizontal. A correlação de Pearson foi realizada entre as variáveis do estudo e, por último, a análise de mediação causal. Resultados: A maturação biológica associou-se significativamente à prova de lançamento-2kg (r=0,52) e preensão manual (r=0,42). No teste de lançamento-2kg, a relação com o estado maturacional foi mediada pela massa corporal (mediação total; Teste de Sobel=2,214, p<0,05) e pela estimativa de massa magra (mediação total; Teste de Sobel=3,146, p<0,001). Já no teste de preensão manual, a massa corporal foi a única variável mediadora (mediação total; Teste de Sobel=2,251, p<0,05). Conclusões: O estado maturacional avançado parece contribuir com o desempenho de meninas pré-púberes em testes de força muscular em que não há translocação da massa corporal total ou parcial. Recomenda-se que sejam realizados estudos em outras faixas etárias. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo de pacientes não consecutivos; sem padrão de referência “ouro” aplicado uniformemente.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Biological maturation has been related to the level of physical activity and motor competence of children. Objectives: This study aimed to: 1) analyze the association between biological maturation and performance in muscular strength tests and 2) examine whether the relationship between maturation and performance in physical tests is mediated by anthropometric variables. Method: The sample was composed of 71 eight-year-old Brazilian girls. Anthropometry considered stature, body mass, waist circumference, estimated fat mass and fat-free mass. Biological maturation was assessed based on the percentage of predicted adult stature. The physical tests consisted of 2-kg medicine ball throw, handgrip strength, sit-ups and standing long jump. Pearson’s correlation test was conducted between the study variables and the last stage consisted of a causal mediation analysis. Results: Biological maturation was significantly associated with the 2-kg medicine ball throw (r=0.52) and handgrip strength (r=0.42) tests. In the 2-kg medicine ball throw, the relationship with maturation was mediated by body mass (total mediation, Sobel’s Test = 2.214, p<0.05) and by estimated lean mass (total mediation; Sobel’s Test = 3.146, p<0.001). In the handgrip strength test, body mass was the only mediating variable (total mediation; Sobel’s Test = 2.251, p<0.05). Conclusions: Advanced maturational status appears to contribute to the performance of prepubescent girls in muscular strength tests in which there is no translocation of total or partial body mass. It is recommended that studies be conducted in other age groups. Level of Evidence III; Study of nonconsecutive patients; without consistently applied reference ‘‘gold’’ standard.

RESUMEN Introducción: La maduración biológica ha sido relacionada con el nivel de actividades físicas y la competencia motora de los niños. Objetivos: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivos: 1) analizar la asociación de la maduración biológica con el desempeño en tests de fuerza muscular y 2) examinar si la relación entre el estado de maduración y el desempeño en los tests físicos es mediada por variables antropométricas. Métodos: La muestra fue compuesta por 71 niñas brasileñas con ocho años de edad. La antropometría consideró estatura, masa corporal, perímetro de cintura, estimaciones de masa grasa y masa magra. La maduración biológica fue evaluada a través del porcentual de la estatura madura predicha. Los tests físicos aplicados consistían en lanzamiento-2kg, prensión manual, abdominales y salto horizontal. La correlación de Pearson fue realizada entre las variables del estudio y, por último, el análisis de mediación causal. Resultados: La maduración biológica se asoció significativamente al test de lanzamiento-2kg (r = 0,52) y prensión manual (r = 0,42). En el test de lanzamiento-2kg, la relación con el estado de maduración fue mediada por la masa corporal (mediación total, Test de Sobel = 2,214, p<0,05) y por la estimativa de masa magra (mediación total, Test de Sobel = 3,146, P<0,001). Ya en el test de prensión manual, la masa corporal fue la única variable mediadora (mediación total, Test de Sobel = 2,251, p<0,05). Conclusiones: El estado de maduración avanzado parece contribuir con el desempeño de niñas prepúberes en tests de fuerza muscular en los que no hay translocación de la masa corporal total o parcial. Se recomienda que sean realizados estudios en otros grupos de edad. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio de pacientes no consecutivos; sin estándar de referencia “oro” aplicado uniformemente.

BACKGROUND Scedosporium/Lomentospora species are opportunistic mould pathogens, presenting notable antifungal resistance. OBJECTIVES/METHODS We analysed the conidia and germinated conidia of S. apiospermum (Sap), S. aurantiacum (Sau), S. minutisporum (Smi) and L. prolificans (Lpr) by scanning electron microscopy and exposition of surface molecules by fluorescence microscopy. FINDINGS Conidia of Sap, Smi and Sau had oval, ellipsoidal and cylindrical shape, respectively, with several irregularities surrounding all surface areas, whereas Lpr conidia were rounded with a smooth surface. The germination of Sap occurred at the conidial bottom, while Smi and Sau germination primarily occurred at the centre of the conidial cell, and Lpr germination initiated at any part of the conidial surface. The staining of N-acetylglucosamine-containing molecules by fluorescein-labelled WGA primarily occurred during the germination of all studied fungi and in the conidial scars, which is the primary location of germination. Calcofluor white, which recognises the polysaccharide chitin, strongly stained the conidial cells and, to a lesser extent, the germination. Both mannose-rich glycoconjugates (evidenced by fluoresceinated-ConA) and cell wall externally located polypeptides presented distinct surface locations and expression according to both morphotypes and fungal species. In contrast, sialic acid and galactose-containing structures were not detected at fungal surfaces. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated the differential production/exposition of surface molecules on distinct morphotypes of Scedosporium/Lomentospora species.

RESUMO Nesse trabalho objetivou-se avaliar o cultivo consorciado de alface e milho verde sobre diferentes coberturas de solo em plantio direto. A pesquisa foi realizada em Cáceres-MT, entre 20 de dezembro de 2012 e 27 de junho de 2013. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial. Os tratamentos consistiram de sistemas de cultivo de alface [monocultivo e consórcio com milho verde) e preparos de solo (solo revolvido sem cobertura, plantio direto com cobertura morta de milheto (Pennisetum americanum) e cobertura viva com amendoim forrageiro (Arachis pintoi)]. As parcelas foram constituídas de canteiros individuais de 1,2 m de largura por 4 m de comprimento. A implantação do milho verde foi realizada no centro dos canteiros, no espaçamento de 0,5x1,6 m, semeado 10 dias antes do transplantio do primeiro ciclo de alface. Foram avaliados dois ciclos de alface cultivados consecutivamente, transplantados no espaçamento de 30x30 cm, em quincôncio. A colheita do milho verde foi realizada aos 80 dias e da alface aos 42 dias após transplante de cada ciclo. A maior produção de alface (285,4 g/planta) foi obtida no monocultivo sobre sistema de plantio com cobertura morta de milheto. A alface cultivada sobre a cobertura viva apresentou a menor produção (123,6 g/planta). A produção do milho verde (média de 346,4 g/planta) não foi influenciada pelo consórcio e pela cobertura do solo.

ABSTRACT The intercropping of lettuce and green ear corn was evaluated on different soil coverage in no-tillage system. The research was carried out in Cáceres, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, between December 20th, 2012 and June 27th, 2013. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with four replications in a factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of lettuce cropping systems (monoculture and intercropping with green ear corn) and tillage systems [soil turned over without coverage; no-tillage with millet (Pennisetum americanum) mulch and live cover with forage peanut (Arachis pintoi)]. The plots were composed of individual beds with 1.2 m wide and 4.0 m length. Seeding of green ear corn was done in the center of the beds, with 0.5x1.6 m spacing, sown 10 days before transplanting the first lettuce crop. Two cycles of lettuce were grown and evaluated consecutively. Transplanting was done with 30x30 cm spacing, in a quincunx design. The green ear corn harvest was carried out at 80 days, and the lettuce harvest at 42 days, after transplantation in each cycle. The lettuce highest yield (285.4 g/plant) was obtained in monoculture planting system with millet mulch. The lettuce grown over live cover had the lowest yield (123.6 g/plant). The fresh ear corn yield (average of 346.4 g/plant) was not influenced by the intercropping and the soil cover.

A pleiotropic response to the calpain inhibitor MDL28170 was detected in the tomato parasite Phytomonas serpens. Ultrastructural studies revealed that MDL28170 caused mitochondrial swelling, shortening of flagellum and disruption of trans Golgi network. This effect was correlated to the inhibition in processing of cruzipain-like molecules, which presented an increase in expression paralleled by decreased proteolytic activity. Concomitantly, a calcium-dependent cysteine peptidase was detected in the parasite extract, the activity of which was repressed by pre-incubation of parasites with MDL28170. Flow cytometry and Western blotting analyses revealed the differential expression of calpain-like proteins (CALPs) in response to the pre-incubation of parasites with the MDL28170, and confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed their surface location. The interaction of promastigotes with explanted salivary glands of the insect Oncopeltus fasciatus was reduced when parasites were pre-treated with MDL28170, which was correlated to reduced levels of surface cruzipain-like and gp63-like molecules. Treatment of parasites with anti-Drosophila melanogaster (Dm) calpain antibody also decreased the adhesion process. Additionally, parasites recovered from the interaction process presented higher levels of surface cruzipain-like and gp63-like molecules, with similar levels of CALPs cross-reactive to anti-Dm-calpain antibody. The results confirm the importance of exploring the use of calpain inhibitors in studying parasites’ physiology.

Abstract Aim: The objective of this study was to analyze whether or not socioeconomic positions influence outdoor playtime during the week (WK) and on the weekends (WEND). Methods: The sample consisted of 485 (girls; n=223) healthy preschoolers, aged from 3 to 6 years, enrolled in kindergartens from the metropolitan area of Porto, Portugal. Physical Activity (PA) was assessed for 7 consecutive days with an accelerometer. The time playing outdoors during the WK or the WEND was reported by parents. Anthropometric data (weight and height) was collected following standardized protocols. Socioeconomic position was assessed by Parental Education (PE), according to the Portuguese education system. Results: We found differences in time spent playing outdoors either for the WK or WEND, but not for Total PA (TPA), in both sexes. However, regression analysis showed that after age adjustment, BMI and TPA for both sexes, we only found significant associations between low PE (LPE) and high PE (HPE) groups on WK or WEND. However, we found no statistically significant association for boys on the WK (p=0.06). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that socioeconomic position can influence the children’s time spent in outdoor activities, especially on the weekends. This may have implications for future interventions with this age group.

Resumo Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivos: 1) analisar a associação do estado maturacional com o desempenho nas provas de coordenação motora em crianças e 2) examinar se a relação entre o estado maturacional e o desempenho no KTK é mediada por alguma medida antropométrica. Métodos: A amostra de conveniência foi composta por 73 crianças do sexo masculino com 8 anos. A antropometria considerou a estatura, massa corporal, altura sentado, o perímetro de cintura, índice de massa corporal, as estimativas de massa gorda e massa livre de gordura. A maturação biológica foi avaliada pelo percentual da estatura matura predita. A coordenação motora foi testada pela bateria Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder. Foi feita a correlação parcial entre as medidas antropométricas, z-escore da maturação e as provas de coordenação motora, com controle para idade cronológica. Por último, a análise de mediação causal foi feita. Resultados: Estatura, massa corporal, perímetro de cintura e massa gorda apresentaram correlação inversa de magnitude pequena a moderada com as provas de coordenação motora. A maturação biológica associou-se significativamente à prova de equilíbrio em marcha à retaguarda (r=-0,34). Foi identificada mediação total do perímetro de cintura na relação do estado maturacional com o equilíbrio em marcha à retaguarda (77%). Conclusões: Foi possível identificar a associação entre o estado físico maturacional e o desempenho em uma prova de bateria de coordenação motora em crianças do sexo masculino e, ainda, afirmar que há mediação do perímetro de cintura. Recomenda-se que estudos sejam feitos com indivíduos de outras idades e do sexo feminino.

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to: 1) examine the association of biological maturation effect on performance at a motor coordination battery and 2) to assess whether the association between biological maturation and scores obtained in motor coordination tests is mediated by some anthropometric measurement. Methods: The convenience sample consisted of 73 male children aged 8 years old. Anthropometric data considered the height, body mass, sitting height, waist circumference, body mass index, fat mass and fat-free mass estimates. Biological maturation was assessed by the percentage of the predicted mature stature. Motor coordination was tested by the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder. A partial correlation between anthropometric measurements, z-score of maturation and the motor coordination tests were performed, controlling for chronological age. Finally, causal mediation analysis was performed. Results: Height, body mass, waist circumference and fat mass showed a slight to moderate inverse correlation with motor coordination. Biological maturation was significantly associated with the balance test with backward walking (r=-0.34). Total mediation of the waist circumference was identified in the association between biological maturation and balance test with backward walking (77%). Conclusions: We identified an association between biological maturation and KTK test performance in male children and also verified that there is mediation of waist circumference. It is recommended that studies be carried out with female individuals and at other age ranges.

Abstract This work presents an analytical method for the study of the solid state diffusion process in binary systems of two phases with cylindrical radial atomic flux. The method is developed from the differential equation that describes Fick's second law that is modified by geometric function and suitable changes of variables. The modified differential equation is solved by using a well-known closed form solution based on the error function, and then analytical equations are obtained to analyze the diffusion interface position as a function of time, and the concentration profiles as a function of time and position. The predictions provided by the analytical method are compared with numerical results.

RESUMO: crianças com transtorno do espectro do autismo (TEA) apresentam um desempenho motor inferior às crianças em geral. Com este estudo pretende-se avaliar a eficácia de um programa de treino de trampolins, com a duração de 20 semanas, na proficiência motora e índice de massa corporal (IMC) de crianças com TEA. Participaram um total de 17 crianças (entre os 4 e os 10 anos de idade) com diagnóstico de TEA, que foram distribuídas por dois grupos: grupo experimental (n=6), e controlo (n=11). O grupo experimental foi submetido a uma sessão de treino de trampolins por semana com uma duração de 45 minutos. O grupo de controlo compreende crianças cuja atividade física foi limitada ao currículo obrigatório. A proficiência motora foi avaliada através da bateria de testes Bruininks - Oseretsky. O IMC foi calculado recorrendo à fórmula internacionalmente referenciada. Para análise de variância de medidas repetidas (ANOVA). Ambos os grupos apresentaram características idênticas na avaliação inicial. No que se refere à proficiência motora foram evidentes e significativas as melhorias no GE após o programa de trampolins de 20 semanas (p<0.001). No grupo de controlo embora se tenham observado melhorias significativas estas não apresentaram significado estatístico (p>0.05). Relativamente ao IMC não se registraram alterações significativas em ambos os grupos com a realização do programa de trampolins (p>0.05). Em face deste quadro de resultados é possível concluir que a participação em um programa de trampolins com a duração de 20 semanas contribuiu para melhorar significativamente a proficiência motora de crianças com TEA.

ABSTRACT: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a lower motor performance in comparison to children in general. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a trampoline training program, which lasts 20 weeks, the motor proficiency and body mass index (BMI) of children with ASD. The study included a total of 17 children with ASD aged between 4 and 10 years old, 6 children on trampolines training - experimental group (EG), and the remaining 11 in the control group (CG). Experimental group underwent trampoline training sessions for a week, for 45 minutes. Control Group was limited to the compulsory curriculum. The motor proficiency was assessed by the motor proficiency test Bruininks - Oseretsky. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the formula referenced internationally. The analysis of variance for repeated measures (ANOVA) was used for data analysis. Both groups had similar characteristics at initial assessment. Regarding motor skill, improvements were evident and significant in CG after the 20-week trampolines program (p <0.001). In the control group, although there significant improvements were observed, they did not show statistical significance (p> 0.05). Regarding BMI, no significant changes were observed in both groups after the completion of trampolines program (p> 0.05). With the results, it is possible to conclude that participation in a trampolines program for 20 weeks contributed to significantly improve motor proficiency of children with ASD.

In order to analyze the effect of the growth direction on dendrite arm spacing (λ1) and microhardness (HV) during horizontal directional solidification (HDS), experiments were carried out with the Al-3wt.%Cu-5.5wt.%Si alloy and the results compared with others from the literature elaborated for upward directional solidification (UDS). For this purpose, a water-cooled directional solidification experimental device was developed, and the alloy investigated was solidified under unsteady-state heat flow conditions. Thermal parameters such as growth rate (VL) and cooling rate (TR) were determined experimentally and correlations among VL, TR, λ1 and HV has been performed. It is observed that experimental power laws characterize λ1 with a function of VL and TRgiven by: λ1=constant(VL)-1.1 and λ1=constant(TR)-0.55. The horizontal solidification direction has not affected the power growth law of λ1 found for the upward solidification. However, higher values of λ1 have been observed when the solidification is developed in the horizontal direction. The interrelation of HV as function of VL, TR and λ1 has been represented by power and Hall-Petch laws. A comparison with the Al-3wt.%Cu alloy from literature was also performed and the results show the Si element affecting significativaly the HV values.