In this study, xiquexique (Pilosocereus gounellei) native endemic cactus from the Brazilian semiarid was used for the first time as a natural carbon source (“green precursor”) for the synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon dots (CDs). These CDs were successfully used to develop a fast, low-cost, eco-friendly fluorescence method for the determination of tannins in teas. This method was automatized employing a flow-batch system coupled to an inexpensive ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) used as an excitation source and a cheap handheld spectrometer used as a detector. CDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The proposed method presented a linear range from 2.0-30.0 mg L-1, relative standard deviation (RSD) < 3.0%, limit of detection (LOD) = 0.102 mg L-1, and recovery rates from 90.5-109.1%. A paired t-test at a 95% confidence level indicated no statistically significant difference between the proposed and reference methods, revealing that it is a useful alternative for the determination of tannins.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance, egg quality and the morphometry of the organs of Japanese quails (Cotournix cotournix japônica) when kept in comfort and under thermal stress. 192 nine-week-old quail were used, distributed in a completely randomized design at two temperatures (T1 = 24 °C and T2 = 32 °C), with 12 replicates of eight birds each, with an experimental period of 63 days, divided into three 21-day periods. Feed intake (g fowl-1 day-1), water consumption (mL fowl-1 day-1), egg production (%), egg weight (g), egg mass (g fowl- 1 day-1) and feed conversion (kg kg-1 and kg dozen-1). Laying quails after their production cycle are marketed as beef animals. It is observed that the average final live weight was reduced (P = 0.0362) by 27.58 g in birds kept at a temperature of 32 oC, which can compromise its commercial value. The feed intake of the birds was reduced (P = 0.0051) by 14.75% with an increase in ambient temperature. Birds kept at a temperature of 32 oC for 12 h daily showed a reduction in feed intake, final weight, yolk, and gizzard weight, but without affecting egg production, weight and mass.

Resumen La homeopatía se puede utilizar en la producción lechera como una alternativa segura a los antibióticos, capaz de reducir la expansión de la resistencia microbiana, manteniendo la salud de los rebaños. Sin embargo, los compuestos homeopáticos también pueden usarse como protectores del hígado y pueden actuar en la modulación de la función hepática. Los medicamentos homeopáticos a base de hierbas se pueden utilizar como agentes hepatoprotectores, ya que tienen la capacidad de prevenir y reparar los trastornos hepáticos que comúnmente afectan a las vacas lactantes. Así, el conocimiento de las propiedades terapéuticas de las plantas permite la elaboración de preparados homeopáticos, capaces de preservar la salud de los animales de granja. En base a esto, el objetivo de esta revisión es discutir los compuestos vegetales utilizados en homeopatía como hepatoprotectores y sus efectos sobre el metabolismo hepático y la respuesta productiva de los rumiantes lactantes.

Abstract Homeopathy can be used in dairy farming as a safe alternative to antibiotics, capable of reducing the expansion of microbial resistance, while maintaining the health of herds. However, homeopathic compounds can also be used as liver protectors, and can act in the modulation of liver function. Herbal homeopathic medicines can be used as hepatoprotective agents, since they have the ability to prevent and repair liver disorders that commonly affect lactating cows. Thus, knowledge of the therapeutic properties of plants allows the preparation of homeopathic preparations, capable of preserving the health of farm animals. Based on this, the aim of this review was to discuss plant compounds used in homeopathy as hepatoprotectors and their effects on liver metabolism and on the productive response of lactating ruminant animals.

Resumo A homeopatia pode ser utilizada na pecuária leiteira como uma alternativa segura aos antibióticos, capaz de reduzir a expansão da resistência microbiana, ao passo que mantém a saúde dos rebanhos. No entanto, os compostos homeopáticos podem também ser usados como protetores do fígado, podendo atuar na modulação da função hepática. Os medicamentos homeopáticos a base de plantas podem ser utilizados como agentes hepatoprotetores, uma vez que possuem a capacidade de prevenir e reparar desordens hepáticas que comumente acometem vacas em lactação. Assim, o conhecimento das propriedades terapêuticas de plantas permite a elaboração de preparos homeopáticos, capazes de preservar a saúde dos animais de produção. Baseado nisso, objetivou-se com esta revisão discorrer sobre compostos vegetais utilizados na homeopatia como hepatoprotetores e seus efeitos no metabolismo hepático e na resposta produtiva de animais ruminantes em lactação.

The production of fatty acid methyl esther (FAME) via transesterification was studied, assessing the influence of CaO heterogeneous catalysts obtained from four different fishery residues: sururu, crab, clam and mussel. Characterization and properties of the residues were obtained via thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, chemical composition and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Catalytic activities and reaction kinetics of FAME synthesis from the transesterification of soybean oil were performed. FAME yield was determined by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A higher efficiency and reaction rate were observed for the catalysts obtained from the sururu residues with 93.7% FAME yield after 3.5 h of reaction at the first usage, reducing only to 91.0% after four consecutive cycles of reuse. The best activities were assigned to the presence of SrO, to smaller particle size, higher pore volumes and the higher Ca leaching, yielding Ca-diglyceroxide which is an important active phase for transesterification.

RESUMO Para um estudo hidrogeológico adequado de camadas de aluvião no semiárido é importante conhecer bem sua geometria e suas propriedades. As formações aluviais são geralmente constituídas por processos de erosão, transporte e sedimentação, causando considerável heterogeneidade nos parâmetros hidráulicos do solo e no fluxo de água. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar uma caracterização geofísica através do Radar de Penetração no Solo – GPR no leito seco do rio Capibaribe. As mudanças nas camadas no conteúdo de água, granulometria, tipo de sedimento e orientação das camadas, o lençol freático, as estruturas sedimentares e os contatos litológicos tendem ser identificados, o que torna o método eficaz para investigação hidrogeológica. A área de estudo compreende as aluviões do leito seco do alto Capibaribe no município de Santa Cruz do Capibaribe. Os resultados mostraram que o GPR foi eficiente no imageamento da subsuperficie contribuindo para o conhecimento da geometria e da estratigrafia do aquífero do leito. No leito seco do rio, com antena de 400 MHz o sinal atingiu profundidade de 2,65 m e com antena de 200 MHz o sinal atingiu 6,00 m. A franja capilar foi identificada na profundidade de 3,0 m com o uso das antenas de 200MHz e 400MHz.

ABSTRACT For an adequate hydrogeological study of alluvial layers in the semi-arid zone, it is important to know well its geometry and its hydraulics characteristics. Alluvial formations are generally constituted by erosion, transport and sedimentation processes, causing considerable heterogeneity in soil hydraulic parameters and water flow. The present research had as objective to perform a geophysical characterization using the Ground Penetrating Radar – GPR in the dry bed of the Capibaribe river. To the extent that depositional layers exhibit changes in water content, granularity, sediment type and layer orientation, the water table as well as sedimentary structures and lithological contacts tend to be identified, making the method effective for hydrogeology research. The study area comprises alluvial dry river bed of upper Capibaribe river in the municipality of Santa Cruz do Capibaribe. The results showed that GPR was efficient in the imaging of the subsurface contributing to the knowledge of the geometry and the stratigraphy of the aquifer of the dry bed of the river. In the dry bed of the river, with 400 MHz antenna the signal reached a depth of 2.65 m, and with the antenna of 200 MHz, the signal reached a depth of 6.00 m. The capillary fringe was identified at a depth of 3.0m with the use of 200MHz and 400MHz antennas.

A prática de exercícios aeróbicos e resistidos provoca ajustes agudos e crônicos distintos. Já foram documentadas diferenças hemodinâmicas e musculares entre os exercícios; todavia, quanto aos ajustes autonômicos, os estudos são escassos e controversos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as adaptações hemodinâmicas e autonômicas após uma sessão de exercício aeróbico (30 minutos, bicicleta ergométrica) e resistido (três séries de 12 repetições para os principais grupamentos musculares), em indivíduos jovens e saudáveis. Para tanto, utilizamos medidas da pressão arterial (PA), frequência cardíaca (FC), cálculo do duplo produto e análise da variabilidade da FC (VFC) nos domínios do tempo e da frequência e a Plotagem de Poincaré. Neste protocolo, a FC durante o exercício aeróbico foi maior do que no resistido (153,32 ± 2,76 vs. 143,10 ± 3,38 bpm, respectivamente). O exercício aeróbico gerou aumento da PA sistólica durante o exercício (7,25 ± 1,97 mmHg). Já o exercício resistido provocou aumento tanto da PA sistólica quanto da diastólica durante sua execução (14,83 ± 1,53; 11,92 ± 1,69 mmHg, respectivamente). Não foi observada hipotensão pós-exercício para nenhuma das sessões. Ao comparar o exercício aeróbico com o resistido na fase de recuperação, verificamos diminuição na VFC no resistido nas variáveis: RMSSD (37,74 ± 5,30 vs. 19,50 ± 2,32), NN50 (94,13 ± 23,65 vs. 27,63 ± 6,68), PNN50 (16,10 ± 4,72 vs. 3,53 ± 0,89), SD1 (26,65 ± 3,85 vs. 13,73 ± 1,66), SD2 (88,98 ± 10,71 vs. 61,88 ± 5,49) e HF (257,25 ± 45,08 vs. 102,75 ± 18,75 ms²). Concluiu-se que, para os protocolos investigados, o trabalho cardiovascular durante o exercício foi semelhante, resultando principalmente do aumento da FC no exercício aeróbico e do aumento da PAS no resistido. No período de recuperação, o exercício resistido promoveu maior alteração autonômica, compatível com manutenção do balanço simpatovagal aumentado.

The practice of aerobic and resistance exercises provokes distinct acute and chronic adjustments. Hemodynamic and muscular differences between both exercises have been already documented; nevertheless, regarding the autonomic adjustments, there are few and controversial studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the hemodynamic and autonomic adaptations after one bout of aerobic exercise (30 minutes, ergometric bicycle) and resistance exercise (three series of 12 repetitions to the main muscle groups), in young and healthy individuals. For this purpose, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured, as well as the calculation of the double product and analysis of heart rate variability in time and frequency domains and by Poincaré's Plot. In this protocol, HR during the aerobic exercise was higher than in the resistance exercise (153.32 ± 2.76 vs. 143.10 ± 3.38 bpm, respectively). Aerobic exercise caused an increase in systolic BP during the exercise (7.25 ± 1.52 mmHg) whereas resistance exercise provoked an increase in both, systolic and diastolic BP during its execution (14.83 ± 1.53; 11.92 ± 1.69 mmHg, respectively). Post-exercise hypotension was not observed after none of the exercise sessions. When comparing aerobic exercise with resistance exercise in the recovery phase, it was verified a decrease in HR variability in the resistance session for the following variables: RMMSD (37.74 ± 5.30 vs. 19.50 ± 2.32), NN50 (94.13 ± 23.65 vs. 27.63 ± 6.68), PNN50 (16.10 ± 4.72 vs. 3.53±0.89), SD1 (26.65 ± 3.85 vs. 13.73 ± 1.66), SD2 (88.98 ± 10.71 vs. 61.88 ± 5.49) e HF (257.25 ± 45.08 vs. 102.75 ± 18.75 ms²). In conclusion, in the investigated protocol, the cardiovascular work during the exercise sessions was similar, due to HR increase in the aerobic exercise and of systolic BP increase in the resistance exercise. In the recovery phase, resistance exercise promoted enhanced autonomic alteration, compatible with the maintenance if an increased sympatho-vagal balance.

This paper presents the synthesis of the coordination polymers ∞[Ln(DPA)(HDPA)] (DPA=2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate; Ln= Tb and Gd), their structural and spectroscopic properties. The structural study reveals that the ∞[Ln(DPA)(HDPA)] has a single Ln+3 ion coordinated with two H2DPA ligands in tridentade coordination mode, while two others H2DPA establish a syn-bridge with a symmetry-related Ln3+, forming a two-dimensional structure. The spectroscopic studies show that ∞[Tb(DPA)(HDPA)] compound has high quantum yield (q x≈ 50.0%), due to the large contribution of radiative decay rate. Moreover triplet level is localized sufficiently over the emitter level 5D4 of theTb3+ ion, avoiding a retrotransference process between these states.