Resumo Em uma escala global o Sorghum bicolor (L.) é uma das culturas mais importantes, ocupando o quinto lugar entre todos os cereais. É cultivada na África, Ásia, Oceania e Américas, onde serve como fonte de alimento e ração para humanos e animais, respectivamente. No entanto, a produção é limitada por vários fatores, incluindo pragas e doenças. Entre as pragas que atacam o sorgo, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), comumente chamado de pulgão verde dos cereais, é a praga mais destrutiva do sorgo. O dano de S. graminum ao sorgo é agravado pelo déficit hídrico que favorece sua ocorrência. Informações limitadas sobre a distribuição espacial da praga e seus inimigos naturais impedem o desenvolvimento de estratégias de manejo ecologicamente corretas. Portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar a distribuição espaço-temporal de S. graminum e seu inimigo natural Coccinella septempunctata (L.) durante a fase vegetativa e reprodutiva da cultura por meio de análise geoestatística. A distribuição espaço-temporal de S. graminum foi influenciada pelo estágio de desenvolvimento do sorgo, paisagem circundante e presença de seu principal predador C. septempunctata. Além disso, a abundância de C. septempunctata foi influenciada pela densidade de S. graminum. Os resultados deste estudo são necessários para o desenvolvimento de estratégias sustentáveis de manejo de pragas contra S. graminum.

Abstract At the global level, Sorghum bicolor (L.), is one of the most important crops, which ranks fifth among all cereals. It is cultivated in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, where it serves as a source of food and feed for humans and animals, respectively. However, production is constrained by several factors including pests and diseases. Among the pests that are known to attack Sorghum, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), commonly called the green cereal aphid, is the most destructive pest of sorghum. S. graminum damage to sorghum is worsen by water deficit which favors its occurrence. Limited information on the spatial distribution of the pest and its natural enemies impedes the development of ecologically friendly management strategies. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the spatiotemporal distribution of S. graminum and its natural enemy Coccinella septempunctata (L.) during the vegetative and reproductive stage of the crop using geostatistical analysis. The spatiotemporal distribution of S. graminum was influenced by Sorghum development stage, surrounding landscape, and presence of its main predator C. septempunctata. Moreover, the abundance of C. septempunctata was influenced by the density of S. graminum. The findings from this study are required for developing sustainable pest management strategies against S. graminum.

ABSTRACT Sweet potato is among the most important food crops in the world. Due to its high genetic diversity, this species has cultivars that can respond in different ways depending on mineral fertilization. Among the nutrients, phosphorus is related to physiological and biochemical processes that can influence the final quality of the product. This study aimed to assess the influence of P doses on the quality and bioactive compounds of sweet potato cultivars - Paraná, BRS Amélia, and BRS Cuia. The pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, soluble sugars, and the bioactive compounds - flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids - were evaluated. The P doses influenced sweet potato cultivars. The dose of 120 kg ha-1 promoted increments in the parameters pH, SS, TA, and SS/TA ratio for the cultivar BRS Cuia. The same dose promoted an increase in total soluble sugars for the cultivar BRS Amélia. P dose of 240 kg ha-1 promoted higher levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins in the cultivar Paraná, and there was an increase in carotenoid content at the dose of 60 kg ha-1.

RESUMO A batata-doce está entre as culturas alimentícias mais importantes do mundo. Por apresentar alta diversidade genética, essa espécie possui cultivares que podem responder de maneiras diferentes em função da adubação mineral. Dentre os nutrientes, o fósforo está relacionado com processos fisiológicos e bioquímicos que podem influenciar na qualidade final do produto. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência de doses de P na qualidade e compostos bioativos de cultivares de batata-doce - Paraná, BRS Amélia e BRS Cuia. Foram avaliados o pH, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), relação SS/AT, açúcares solúveis e os compostos bioativos - flavonoides, antocianinas e carotenoides. As doses de P influenciaram as cultivares de batata-doce. A dose de 120 kg ha-1 promoveu incrementos nos parâmetros pH, SS, AT e relação SS/AT para a cultivar BRS Cuia. A mesma dose promoveu incrementos nos açúcares solúveis totais para a cultivar BRS Amélia. A dose de 240 kg ha-1 promoveu maiores teores de flavonoides e antocianinas na cultivar Paraná, e houve aumento no teor de carotenoides na dose de 60 kg ha-1.

This is an initial study using infrared (IR) in silico data as a standard database in preliminary method for new synthetic seized drugs. For this purpose, ten of the most common synthetic illicit seized substances on the Brazilian market were compared and computational chemistry was used as a tool for theoretical standard database. Infrared data from standard electronic library, experimental data from seized samples and data simulated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) were evaluated. The feasibility of the method was based on the degree of correlation of evaluated data. The results suggest that the computational methodology can be a viable way to analyze the structures of new synthetic drugs and obtain preliminary infrared profiles. Correlations data indicated a presumptive identification of the analyzed samples and it was also possible to observe a preliminary identification of drugs in five classes. However, it was observed that some synthetic cathinones and phenylethylamines were confused with amphetamines. Therefore, new studies must be developed to optimize the use of these data, because the simulated IR spectra can be advantageous to evaluate the profile of possible substances that may be synthesized in the future. (IR purpose library DFT (DFT profiles classes However amphetamines Therefore future

ABSTRACT The selection of lima bean accessions in the fresh and dry stages is an excellent tool to increase crop yield in Brazil and ensure a source of vegetable protein for the population. Principal component analysis and nonparametric indices can be used to identify promising accessions based on the desired agronomic variables. The aim of the present study was to select accessions from traditional lima bean varieties in the fresh and dry stages using principal component analysis and nonparametric selection indices. The experiment consisted of a randomized block design, evaluating 13 treatments in four replicates. The experimental plot contained 20 plants in its study area. The first two principal components for the two stages explained more than 80% of the variation found among the accessions. The Mulamba & Mock and Genotype-Ideotype selection indices were efficient in classifying promising varieties for breeding programs. The UFPI 1111 accession can be used in fresh lima bean production, and its UFPI 1248 and 1294 counterparts in lima bean breeding programs.

RESUMO A seleção de acessos de feijão-fava nos estádios verde e seco é uma excelente ferramenta para aumentar a produtividade da cultura no país e garantir uma fonte de proteína vegetal para a população. O uso de componentes principais e índices de seleção não-paramétricos podem ser utilizados para identificar acessos promissores com base em características agronômicas desejáveis. O objetivo do presente estudo foi selecionar acessos de variedades crioulas de feijão-fava nos estádios frescos e secos utilizando componentes principais e índices de seleção não paramétricos. O experimento foi disposto em delineamento em blocos casualizados, sendo avaliados 13 tratamentos em quatro repetições. A parcela experimental conteve 20 plantas em sua área útil. Os dois primeiros componentes principais, para os dois estádios, explicaram mais de 80% da variação encontrada entre os acessos. Os índices de seleção de Mulamba & Mock e Genótipo-Ideótipo foram eficientes na classificação de variedades promissoras para programas de melhoramento. O acesso UFPI 1111 pode ser direcionado para a produção de fava verde, e os acessos UFPI 1248 e UFPI 1294 podem ser utilizados para programas de melhoramento de fava seca.

ABSTRACT Salinity can have detrimental effects on plant development. To minimize this damage, strategies such as balanced maintenance of plants’ nutritional status have been proposed previously. The objective of this study is to investigate whether the optimization of foliar nitrogen fertilization can promote the growth and photochemical efficiency of purple basil subjected to salt stress. The experiment was performed using a randomized block design with an incomplete 5 × 5 factorial arrangement generated through experimental matrix Central Composite Design with two parameters: salinity of irrigation water at 0.5, 0.81, 2.75, 4.69, and 5.50 dS m-1; and nitrogen doses at 0, 58.58, 200, 341.42, and 400 mg L-1. It was found that an increase in the salinity of irrigation water reduced the growth and photochemical efficiency of purple basil. However, the foliar application of nitrogen at the concentration of 400 mg L-1 attenuated the harmful effects of salinity on both the absolute and relative growth rates of stem diameter, the relative growth of plant height, and chlorophyll A fluorescence. These results showed that foliar nitrogen fertilization is a suitable strategy to help mitigate salt stress in basil plants.

RESUMO A salinidade pode promover efeitos danosos ao desenvolvimento vegetal, sendo o necessário o uso de estratégias para minimizar os danos promovidos, como a manutenção equilibrada do estado nutricional da planta. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da adubação nitrogenada foliar e da salinidade no crescimento e eficiência fotoquímica de manjericão roxo. O experimento foi conduzido com o delineamento de blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial incompleto 5 × 5 (salinidades da água de irrigação: 0,5; 0,81; 2,75; 4,69 e 5,50 dS m-1 × doses de nitrogênio: 0; 58,58; 200; 341,42 e 400 mg L-1), gerados através da matriz experimental Composto Central de Box. O aumento da salinidade da água de irrigação reduz o crescimento e a eficiência fotoquímica das plantas de manjericão roxo. Todavia, a aplicação foliar de 400 mg L-1 de N atenuou os efeitos deletérios da salinidade sobre as taxas de crescimento absoluto e relativo para o diâmetro do caule e relativo para a altura de plantas, assim como na fluorescência da clorofila a. Esses resultados mostram que a adubação foliar nitrogenada é uma estratégia para mitigar o estresse salino em plantas de manjericão.

Criminal minds create new psychoactive substances (NPS) to dribble the Drug Regulatory System. Early Warning Systems (EWA) were instituted worldwide to combat this practice. Brazilian government has started establishing EWA at a national level since August 2021. The role of drug analysis laboratories in EWA is very important and experts working at forensic laboratories are in the main position to detect NPS and any changes in the molecular structures. However, for this practice, it is necessary to use reliable analyses techniques for unequivocal identification. The goal of this work is to use single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) to detect the presence of NPS and elucidate its molecular structure using single crystals from a seized blotter paper. XRD is also useful to prepare reference substances to produce entries to be included in Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and mass spectrometry databases, which are some of the most relevant routine techniques in forensic laboratories. This approach was used to study the NPS 25R-NBOH and 25I-NBOMe using XRD, FTIR, Raman, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The results showed that molecular structure methods must be used to elucidate NPS in an unambiguous manner and the potential of XRD use in the forensic area as a reference method.

ABSTRACT Cowpea crops have high socioeconomic importance in the Northeast region of Brazil. These crops generate employment and income; in addition, it is an excellent source of protein, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber, and contributes to the food security of thousands of people. Biofortification of cowpea with iron, zinc, and proteins can contribute to prevent the higher hunger. The objective of this work was to assess iron, zinc, and protein contents in cowpea grains of different cultivars and the effect of grain size and color on the contents of these nutrients. Twenty-four cultivars with variation in size and color of the seed coat were evaluated. Iron contents ranged from 7.12 to 8.60 mg 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 7.75 mg 100 g-1. Zinc contents ranged from 4.46 to 4.93 mg 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 4.71 mg 100 g-1. Protein contents ranged from 31.50 to 36.24 g 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 33.57 g 100 g-1. Grain size ranged from 13.55 to 37.88 g, with an overall mean of 21.50 g. The cultivars Caldeirão, BRS-Guariba, and Pingo-de-Ouro-1-2 have higher iron contents; BRS-Aracê and BRS-Imponente have higher zinc contents; BR-14-Mulato, BRS-Guariba, BRS-Aracê, and BRS-Inhuma, have higher protein contents; and BR-3-Tracuateua and BRS-Imponente have larger grain sizes. The size and color of the seed coat do not influence the iron, zinc and protein contents of the evaluated cowpea cultivars.

RESUMO O feijão-caupi é uma cultura de grande importância socioeconômica na região Nordeste do Brasil. Além de ser um gerador de emprego e renda, é uma excelente fonte de proteínas, minerais, vitaminas e fibras alimentares, contribuindo para a segurança alimentar de milhares de pessoas. A biofortificação do grão de feijão-caupi com ferro, zinco e proteínas pode contribuir na prevenção da fome oculta. Este trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar os teores de ferro, zinco e proteínas nos grãos de cultivares de feijão-caupi e verificar a influência da cor e tamanho do grão nos teores desses nutrientes. Foram avaliadas 24 cultivares com variação no tamanho e cor do grão. O teor de ferro variou de 7,12 a 8,60 mg 100g-1 e média geral de 7,75 mg 100g-1. O teor de zinco apresentou variação de 4,46 a 4,93 mg 100 g-1 e média geral de 4,71 mg 100 g-1. O teor de proteínas variou de 31,50 a 36,24 g 100g-1, com média geral de 33,57 107 g 100g-1. O tamanho do grão variou de 13,55 a 37,88 g e apresentou média geral de 21,50 g. As cultivares Caldeirão, BRS Guariba e Pingo de Ouro 1-2 apresentam maior teor de ferro; BRS Aracê e BRS Imponente, maior teor de zinco; BR 14-Mulato, BRS Guariba, BRS Aracê e BRS-Inhuma, maior teor de proteínas; e BR 3-Tracuateua e BRS Imponente, maior tamanho de grão. O tamanho e a cor do tegumento grão não influenciam nos teores de ferro, zinco e proteínas das cultivares de feijão-caupi avaliadas.

Resumo Allium sativum L. é uma erva da família Alliaceae com sabor e aroma específicos e propriedades medicinais e nutracêuticas amplamente comercializada em diversos países. O Brasil é um dos maiores importadores de alho do mundo, apesar da sua produção ser restrita e limitada ao consumo interno. Assim, explorar a diversidade genética do alho comercial conservado em bancos de germoplasma é essencial para fornecer informações genéticas adicionais acerca dessa cultura economicamente importante. Uma ferramenta adequada para esse fim é a caracterização citogenética desses acessos. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a diversidade citogenética entre sete acessos de alho de um Banco de Germoplasma no Brasil. Os cariótipos foram obtidos por coloração convencional e com os fluorocromos de cromomicina A3 (CMA) e 4,6-diamidino-2-fenilindol (DAPI). Todos os acessos analisados apresentaram número cromossômico 2n = 16, fórmula cariotípica 6M + 2SM, cariótipos simétricos, núcleos reticulados em intérfase e cromossomos com condensação uniforme da cromatina da prófase para a metáfase. A coloração com fluorocromos mostrou diferenças na quantidade e distribuição de heterocromatina ao longo dos cromossomos e entre os acessos estudados. Com base no padrão de distribuição desses pequenos polimorfismos, foi possível separar os sete acessos em três grupos. Também foi possível diferenciar individualmente alguns dos acessos. Um dos resultados obtidos mostrou distensão heteromórfica da região organizadora nucleolar observada nos pares dos cromossomos 6 ou 7 com características peculiares. Foi sugerido, por exemplo, que o bloco heteromórfico de heterocromatina (CMA +++ / DAPI-) no cromossomo 6 do acesso “Branco Mineiro Piauí” pode ser usado como um marcador para identificar esse genótipo ou pode estar associado a algum caráter de interesse econômico.

Abstract Allium sativum L. is an herb of the Alliaceae family with a specific taste and aroma and medicinal and nutraceutical properties that are widely marketed in several countries. Brazil is one of the largest importers of garlic in the world, despite of its production is restricted and limited to internal consumption. Thus, explore the genetic diversity of commercial garlic conserved at germplasm banks is essential to generate additional genetic information about its economically important crop. A suitable tool for this purpose is the cytogenetic characterisation of these accessions. This study aimed to characterise the cytogenetic diversity among seven accessions of garlic from a Germplasm Bank in Brazil. The karyotypes were obtained by conventional staining and with chromomycin A3 (CMA) and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) fluorochromes. All accessions analysed showed chromosome number 2n = 16, karyotype formula 6M+2SM, symmetrical karyotypes, reticulate interphase nuclei, and chromosomes with uniform chromatin condensation from prophase to metaphase. The fluorochromes staining showed differences in the amount and distribution of heterochromatin along the chromosomes and between accessions studied. Based on the distribution pattern of these small polymorphisms, it was possible to separate the seven accessions into three groups. It was also possible to differentiate some of the accessions individually. One of the results obtained showed a heteromorphic distension of the nucleolar organiser region observed on the chromosome pairs 6 or 7 with peculiar characteristics. It was suggested for example, that the heteromorphic block of heterochromatin (CMA+++/DAPI-) on chromosome 6 of the “Branco Mineiro Piauí” accession can be used as a marker to identify this genotype or may be associated with some character of economic interest.

Resumen La biogeografía histórica de los principales biomas de selvas de América del Sur ha intrigado a los científicos durante mucho tiempo. Los eventos paleoclimáticos durante los últimos 130 mil años promovieron conexiones entre biomas de selvas en la región neotropical, lo que llevó a distribuciones disjuntas de parte de la biota. En este contexto, el murciélago de MacConnell, Mesophylla macconnelli, parece ser un ejemplo de especie restringida al bosque con su distribución actual atravesada por las áreas secas de América del Sur. En este estudio, inferimos las conexiones pasadas entre la Amazonía y el Bosque Atlántico utilizando modelos de nicho ecológico y el murciélago de MacConnell. Obtuvimos 681 registros de la especie, y estimamos su distribución potencial durante el Último Interglacial (LIG), Último Máximo Glacial (LGM) y períodos actuales. Nuestros modelos generados, basados en 260 registros de ocurrencia filtrados, tuvieron muy buen poder predictivo, con valores de adherencia AUC y TSS superiores a 0.9. La estacionalidad de la temperatura y la precipitación anual tuvieron la mayor contribución relativa. La distribución potencial en el LIG sugiere una conexión de área adecuada entre el suroeste del Bosque Atlántico y el sur del Cerrado y la Amazonía. La distribución potencial en el LGM sugiere una expansión del rango hacia el norte y el este de la Amazonía. Las distribuciones actuales y pasadas inferidas de Mesophylla macconnelli sugieren al menos dos períodos de conexión pasada entre la Amazonía y el Bosque Atlántico. Este patrón se encuentra en otros vertebrados asociados a los bosques en América del Sur, lo que sugiere que los ciclos climáticos del Pleistoceno fueron fundamentales para la generación de distribuciones disjuntas en la región.

Abstract The historical biogeography of the major South American forested biomes has long intrigued scientists. Paleoclimatic events during the last 130 thousand years promoted connections between forested biomes in the Neotropical region, leading to disjunct distributions of some of the biota. In this context, MacConnell’s Bat, Mesophylla macconnelli, appears to represent a forest-restricted species with its current distribution bisected by dry areas. In this study, we infer past connections between the Amazonia and Atlantic Forest using MacConnell’s Bat and ecological niche models. We obtained 681 records of the species, and estimated its potential distribution during the Last Interglacial (LIG), Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and current periods. Our generated models, based on 260 filtered occurrence records, had very good predictive power, with AUC and TSS adherence values above 0.9. Temperature seasonality and annual precipitation had the highest relative contribution. The potential distribution for the LIG suggested a suitable area connection between the southwestern Atlantic Forest and southern Cerrado and Amazonia. The potential distribution in the LGM suggests range expansion toward northern and eastern Amazonia. The current and inferred past distributions of Mesophylla macconnelli suggest at least two periods of past connection between Amazon and Atlantic Forest. This pattern is found in other forest-associated vertebrates in South America, suggesting that Pleistocene climatic cycles were central to the generation of disjunct distributions in the region.

Abstract Background Previous studies have demonstrated a high risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events as a consequence of direct viral damage to endothelial cells by SARS-CoV-2 and a procoagulant milieu due to increased biomarkers, such as D-dimer, fibrinogen, and factor VIII. Although randomized controlled trials of antithrombotic therapies have been conducted in hospitalized patients, few have evaluated the role of thromboprophylaxis in an outpatient setting. Objective To assess whether antithrombotic prophylaxis with rivaroxaban reduces the risk of venous or arterial thrombotic events, invasive ventilatory support, and death in COVID-19 outpatients. Methods The COVID Antithrombotic Rivaroxaban Evaluation (CARE) study, a multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled trial of rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily for 14 days or local standard treatment alone to prevent adverse outcomes, is registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04757857). The inclusion criteria are adults with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild or moderate symptoms without indication for hospitalization, within 7 days of symptom onset, and 1 risk factor for COVID-19 complication (> 65 years, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other chronic lung diseases, smoking, immunosuppression, or obesity). The primary composite endpoint, which includes venous thromboembolism, invasive mechanical ventilation, major acute cardiovascular events, and mortality within 30 days of randomization, will be assessed according to the intention-to-treat principle. All patients will provide informed consent. A significance level of 5% will be used for all statistical tests. Results Major thrombotic and bleeding outcomes, hospitalizations, and deaths will be centrally adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee blinded to the assigned treatment groups. Conclusion The CARE study will provide relevant and contemporary information about the potential role of thromboprophylaxis in outpatients with COVID-19.

Resumo Fundamento Estudos anteriores revelaram alto risco de eventos tromboembólicos arteriais e venosos como consequência de danos virais diretos do SARS-CoV-2 em células endoteliais e um meio procoagulante devido ao aumento de biomarcadores como o D-dímero, fibrinogênio, fator VIII. Foram realizados ensaios controlados randomizados de terapias antitrombóticas em pacientes internados, no entanto, poucos estudos avaliaram o papel da tromboprofilaxia no ambiente ambulatorial. Objetivo Avaliar se a profilaxia antitrombótica com rivaroxabana reduz o risco de eventos trombóticos venosos ou arteriais, suporte ventilatório invasivo e morte em pacientes ambulatoriais com COVID-19. Métodos O estudo CARE é um ensaio randomizado, aberto, multicêntrico e controlado por rivaroxabana 10 mg uma vez por dia durante 14 dias ou tratamento local padrão isolado, para a prevenção de resultados adversos, registrado no Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04757857). Os critérios de inclusão são adultos com infecção confirmada ou suspeita do SARS-CoV-2, com sintomas leves ou moderados, sem indicação de hospitalização, no prazo de 7 dias após o início dos sintomas e um fator de risco de complicação da COVID-19 (>65 anos, hipertensão, diabetes, asma, doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica ou outras doenças pulmonares crônicas, tabagismo, imunossupressão ou obesidade). O desfecho primário composto inclui tromboembolismo venoso, necessidade de ventilação mecânica invasiva, eventos cardiovasculares agudos maiores e mortalidade no prazo de 30 dias após a randomização, sendo avaliado segundo o princípio da intenção de tratar. Todos os pacientes assinaram termo de consentimento. Foi estabelecido um nível de significância de 5% para todos os testes estatísticos. Resultados Os principais desfechos trombóticos e hemorrágicos, hospitalizações e mortes serão avaliados centralmente por um comitê de eventos clínicos independente, sob a condição cega para a alocação dos grupos de tratamento. Conclusão O estudo CARE fornecerá informação relevante e contemporânea sobre o possível papel da tromboprofilaxia em pacientes ambulatoriais com COVID-19.

Abstract Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (hRSV) infection results in death and hospitalization of thousands of people worldwide each year. Unfortunately, there are no vaccines or specific treatments for hRSV infections. Screening hundreds or even thousands of promising molecules is a challenge for science. We integrated biological, structural, and physicochemical properties to train and to apply the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) able to predict flavonoids with potential anti-hRSV activity. During the training and simulation steps, the AI produced results with hit rates of more than 83%. The better AIs were able to predict active or inactive flavonoids against hRSV. In the future, in vitro and/or in vivo evaluations of these flavonoids may accelerate trials for new anti-RSV drugs, reduce hospitalizations, deaths, and morbidity caused by this infection worldwide, and be used as input in these networks to determine which parameter is more important for their decision.

Resumo A infecção pelo Vírus Sincicial Respiratório Humano (hRSV) resulta na morte e hospitalização de milhares de pessoas em todo o mundo a cada ano. Infelizmente, não existem vacinas ou tratamentos específicos para tais infecções. A testagem de centenas, ou mesmo milhares, de moléculas promissoras é um desafio para a ciência. Neste trabalho, nós integramos propriedades biológicas, estruturais e físico-químicas para treinar e aplicar o conceito de inteligência artificial (IA) capaz de prever flavonoides com potencial atividade anti-hRSV. Durante as etapas de treinamento e simulação, a IA produziu resultados com taxas de acerto superiores a 83%, sendo capaz de prever flavonoides ativos ou inativos contra o hRSV. No futuro, avaliações in vitro e/ou in vivo desses flavonoides poderão acelerar os testes de novas drogas anti-RSV, reduzir hospitalizações, mortes e morbidade causadas por essa infecção. Além disso, a validação futura destes dados poderá determinar qual parâmetro tem maior peso na decisão da inteligência.

ABSTRACT The curve of cumulative cases of individuals infected by COVID-19 shows similar growth to the logistic curve in the period referring to each epidemic “wave”, as each peak of active cases is called. Considering that in pandemic scenarios it is common to seek control measures based on previous experiences, in this paper we model the curve of cumulative cases through a logistic model with infected removal to include the control measures in the dynamics. This model is based on fractional differential equations to also include the memory effect. We study the scenario of the first two “waves” in the analyzed countries: Brazil, China, Italy, and Switzerland. Scenarios with and without control measures are compared, proving the importance of control measures such as isolation. Moreover, this model makes it possible to determine the portion of the population that did not participate in the dynamics of the spread of the disease, as well as to analyze how the number of infected people reduced in each country.

Abstract Industrial egg residue (IER) possesses substantial concentrations of calcium and crude protein. The objective of this study was to measure the digestibility and performance of broilers when IER was added to the feed. Four treatments were tested, which caused increasing replacement of calcitic limestone by IER (0, 35, 70 and 100%) during a 42-day production cycle. First, total bird excreta were collected from broilers with and without IER, and we determined dry matter digestibility, apparent metabolizable energy (AME), calcium, and nitrogen retention. The IER presented 7.5% of crude protein, 31% of calcium, 209 kcal/kg of AME and the digestibility coefficients for dry matter, crude protein, and calcium were calculated at 83.95%, 86.20%, and 67%, respectively. After the digestibility test, the effects of IER on performance, carcass and meat yield were evaluated. No significant differences between the treatments were found in terms of performance (weight gain, feed conversion, consumption, and mortality), and no differences were found in terms of carcass or meat yield. A linear decrease in the percentage of abdominal fat was observed with increasing inclusion of IER in feed. These findings suggest that IER can totally replace limestone (calcium carbonate) in broiler diets.

ABSTRACT Chrysoperla externa (Hagen) and Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Meneville) are voracious generalist predators, and important aphid control agents. In an environment containing a complex of species, the occurrence of intraguild interactions can interfere in the predator behavior and consumption. The aim of this work was to know the number of nymphs of Rhodobium porosum (Sanderson) and Macrosiphum rosae (Linnaeus) consumed by larvae of C. externa and H. convergens, and the interaction between these predators when confined together. First, second and third instar nymphs of R. porosum and M. rosae were provided in Petri dishes containing rose leaflets and second instar larvae of the predators. Intraguild interaction was studied in Petri dishes containing first instar nymphs of both aphid species and a second instar larva of C. externa plus one of H. convergens. A third treatment consisted of dishes containing a second instar larva of both predators maintained in the absence of prey. The evaluations took place throughout the entire instar of the predators. C. externa consumed a greater number of R. porosum nymphs and H. convergens a greater number of M. rosae nymphs. For both species of prey, the highest consumption was verified on the last day of evaluation. There was a positive interaction when the predator’s larvae were confined in the presence of aphid nymphs, with no mortality observed for any of them. In the absence of prey, there was 70% mortality of H. convergens larvae due to intraguild predation.

Abstract Blast-induced vibration may be harmful to facilities in the vicinity of operating mines, mainly causing structural damage and human discomfort. This study presents an application of multivariate statistics to predict vibration levels regarding their potential to cause structural damage and human discomfort. An extensive seismic monitoring campaign was executed in a large open-pit iron ore mine, near a small village, to gather a dataset for a predictive multivariate analysis. Ten blasting events have produced a dataset of 158 valid measurements. Three classes of vibration peak velocity were adopted from legal standards, which later supported a cluster analysis. Then, it was possible to compare how much these two classification modalities respond to discriminant analysis. The next step was to carry out a principal component analysis (PCA) from the original database, and, comparatively, to plot both the scores concerning the classes derived from the vibration standard and those from the groups obtained from cluster analysis. PCA has considerably explained the data variability, while the three classes from cluster analysis resulted very similar to the corresponding ones from the vibration standards. The results have demonstrated that multivariate statistics may be applied to manage blasting-induced vibration and its deleterious effects with few adjustments and automation.