Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The political party base in Brazil plays a fundamental role in pre serving the Democratic Rule of Law. This study empirically analyzes the relationship between the population infected by the coronavirus, weighted by the deaths in the respective municipalities of the sample. The sample consists of the 15 municipalities with the smallest and largest populations from the states of Santa Catarina (SC), Paraná (PR), and Rio Grande do Sul (RS), totaling 45 municipalities per sample and 90 southern Brazilian cities analyzed. Initially, a Normal Distribution is used for the population of the municipalities, the infected population, and deaths caused by SARS-CoV-2 to assess the political management capacity based on party affiliation (Right, Center, or Left) during the pandemic. Subsequently, a Multiple Regression Analysis is conducted to determine whether the predictor variables maintain their significance when considering the territorial, economic, and healthcare structure of municipalities with small and large populations. The results indicate favorable effects for the party base, particularly in larger municipalities. This suggests that the political leaders of these municipalities (mayors) may have influenced the population, particularly in cases where anti-isolation policies were adopted, potentially leading to collapses in the public healthcare system.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations consist of 17 general objectives, subdivided into 169 targets to be achieved by 2030. Several SDG indices and indicators require continuous analysis and evaluation, and most of these indices are supported in the unit interval ((0,1)). To incorporate the flexibility of the modified Weibull (MW) distribution in doubly constrained datasets, the first objective of this work is to propose a new unit probability distribution based on the MW distribution. For this, a transformation of the MW distribution is applied, through which the unit modified Weibull (UMW) distribution is obtained. The second objective of this work is to introduce a quantile regression model for random variables with UMW distribution, reparameterized in terms of the quantiles of the distribution. Maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) are used to estimate the model parameters. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to evaluate the MLE properties of the model parameters in finite sample sizes. The introduced methods are used for modeling some sustainability indicators related to the SDGs, also considering the reading skills of dyslexic children, which are indirectly associated with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Health and Well-Being).

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This research aims to propose a machine learning approach to classify dropout outcomes among students in Statistics undergraduate programs in Brazil, identifying the most important factors associated with this phenomenon. This study uses microdata from the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (INEP) Higher Education Census to analyze the experiences of 10,387 undergraduate students who began their bachelor’s degrees between 2009 and 2014 in Brazil and were monitored until the end of 2017. Approximately 65% of these students dropped out, highlighting the critical dropout challenge in Brazilian Statistics programs. The outcome of interest is the student’s final status in the census data, either completion or dropout. Logistic regression, random forest , and support vector machine algorithms were fitted in the learning stage. For each algorithm, the best model was evaluated on test data. Results indicate that the logistic regression model outperforms the others, achieving an accuracy of 86.1% and offering greater interpretability compared to the other models. The study reveals that the duration of enrollment is a key predictor of dropout likelihood. Moreover, receiving social support and participating in complementary activities are significant factors in reducing dropout rates.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In this work, we investigate the effects of correlated disorder on the quantum Heisenberg spin chain. The exchange couplings between adjacent spins are modeled as a disordered distribution with inverse linear correlation function controlled by a parameter 𝛾. The Cholesky decomposition method is employed to generate the spin-spin coupling that adheres to this correlation structure. By analyzing the autocorrelation function, we observe the influence of the correlation parameter 𝛾 on the decay behavior of the autocorrelation. Furthermore, we study the eigenstates of the Hamiltonian in the one-magnon subspace and calculate the density of states and the participation ratio, providing insights into the localization properties of the system. Our findings suggest that introducing correlated disorder significantly alters the physical properties of the spin chain, which could have implications for understanding disordered quantum systems and developing state transfer protocols with reasonable fidelity.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Pursuing artificial enzymes through materials engineering allows mimicking the high reactivity of natural enzymes while attaching new and desirable properties to the final material. For this, the use of biopolymers – including from waste – as precursors stands out due to their biocompatible features, harmlessness, easy handling, and low cost. Herein, we repurposed Black Wattle gum, an industrial waste from the tannin industry, into an imidazole-functionalized biocatalyst for dephosphorylation reactions. The obtained sample, GNAIMZ, was fully characterized by colorimetric assays, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, and potentiometric titrations, proving the chemical modification proposed. Then, GNAIMZ was evaluated with organophosphate simulant diethyl 2,4-dinitrophenylphosphate (DEDNPP) and real pesticide Paraoxon, unveiling rate enhancements up to 107-fold compared to the reaction in the absence of biocatalyst. At last, GNAIMZ was applied in DNA cleavage assays, unraveling a nuclease-like activity leading to total degradation of plasmid DNA at pH 7.5 for 12 hours. Overall, this study showcases the successful valorization of a waste-derived gum into a dual-function artificial enzyme for dephosphorylation reactions capable of neutralizing toxic organophosphates and promoting DNA cleavage, reinforcing the promising features of biopolymers as scaffolds for synthetic enzymes – even from byproducts – pursued to chemical security and genetic engineering.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study aimed to investigate <italic>in vivo</italic> and <italic>ex-vivo</italic> the effects of tacrine dimers (TD1, TD2, TD3 and TD4) in mice with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) induced by amyloid peptide (A<italic>β</italic>42) and, respectively, evaluated in behavioral tests of cognition, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. All dimers reduced the cognitive deficit caused by A<italic>β</italic>42, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, especially the compound TD4. By ADMET analysis (SwissADME and pkCSM 2.10 platforms), TD4 exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties with the control drug. The results suggest a therapeutic potential for AD for these compounds, given their distinct cognitive and neuroprotective effects in AD models induced by A<italic>β</italic>42.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study addresses the identification of repetitive regions called microsatellites in the genome of the Amazonian species <italic>Leiarius marmoratus</italic>. An efficient methodology was used with sequencing and genome assembly to obtain and map specific markers. The programs MISA and EasySSR identified 221,273 and 145,601 markers, respectively. In addition, primers were developed, of which 590 were considered successful, according to in-silico testing with the Batchprime3 program. The results confirm the quality of the methodology, which can be applied in studies of genetic improvement, variability control, and genomic and comparative analyses.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The Zika Virus (ZIKV) is a Flavivirus that caused a recent outbreak worldwide resulting in different neurological outcomes that are still poorly characterized and understood. Concerning this issue, in vitro and in vivo models are being applied to improve the molecular understanding of ZIKV infection. In this work, applying shotgun proteomics we revealed the differential ZIKV infection proteome in Vero cells, a non-neural cell model. A dramatic change resulting from infection was found including the differential expression of several proteins previously associated with brain diseases. The molecular alterations caused by this pathogen were further characterized through bioinformatics such as Gene Ontology and protein-protein interaction network of resulting differential proteome. Our findings identified molecular markers that were differentially expressed during ZIKV infection and had been previously linked to neurological conditions and infections caused by ZIKV and/or SARS-CoV-2. The results presented in this article highlight molecular markers associated with neurological dysfunctions, demonstrating that ZIKV infection can dysregulate neural-specific genes, even in non-neural cells.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract To introduce the scientific method to children in early ages is challenging; however, it enables covering simultaneously several educational subjects and influences positively student formation and the society in future. Accordingly, this research involved two girls, aged nine and eleven, who were encouraged to investigate why a fungus that causes mold on an orange makes it soft and rotten. The girls assisted by a research team, composed mainly women scientists, observed and compared a ripe orange with a moldy one, afterwards formulating a hypothesis, and simple experiments to test it. This methodological pipeline applied with experimentation covering all steps of the scientific method introduced the children to topics such as mathematics, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, and biotechnology, sparking their interest in science. This article highlights the importance of stimulating scientific curiosity from an early age and addresses gender disparity in science by promoting scientific careers for girls. The methodology is adaptable to different educational levels, ages, and genders, and can be implemented in schools with limited resources. The approach not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also inspires the development of new scientists, promoting a solid and critical scientific education in new generations.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Stachytarpheta serrana, a new Brazilian species from the Serro municipality in the campos rupestres of the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais state, is described and illustrated. Like most species of the genus found in this region, S. serrana has blue corollas and is morphologically related to S. glabra. Its recognition as a distinct species is supported by morphological, palynological, and anatomical evidence. The main traits for its recognition are its erect or suberect leaves, amphistomatic, with a foveolate abaxial surface and hirsute veins forming a reticulate network, flowers with a calyx 1.3–1.6 cm long and a corolla tube 2.3–2.6 cm long, subprolate pollen grains with a granulate colpi membrane, and fruits with a short beak at the apex. With a restricted distribution and known from only two recent collections, S. serrana should be classified as Data Deficient (DD).

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In this manuscript we describe and illustrate a new species of Paepalanthus ser. Dimeri (Eriocaulaceae) endemic to the Chapada Diamantina, Brazil. The new species, Paepalanthus pyatan Picanço & Trovó, is distinguished from the other Paepalanthus by the following set of characters: robust habit, inflorescences arising at the top of lateral branches, capitula with ca. 2–3 cm in diameter, outer involucral bracts larger than the inner ones, and dimerous flowers. A detailed comparison with P. niger, the morphologically most similar species is provided. The new species is known from two unprotected and closely located subpopulations, and should be considered as endangered (EN). We also provide comments on the species anatomy, ecology and distribution, as well as distribution map, field photographs and detailed line drawings.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Despite recent scientific advances, biodiversity remains underestimated and faces gaps, including the Wallacean gap, referring to the lack of knowledge about geographical distribution and limited understanding of taxa. The Amazon, as a center of endemism, requires more research, hindered by limited resources and access. Despite increased studies on the Cyperaceae family, significant research gaps remain in the Brazilian Amazon. This study identified gaps in Cyperaceae distribution that occur in Brazil in the Brazilian Amazon, analyzing the efficiency of Protected Areas in preserving its diversity. Data revealed 850 species and 223,779 occurrences; after updates, 324 species remained, totaling 5.741 records, with 74.1% belonging to Rhynchospora (n=1.436), Cyperus (n=1.272), Scleria (n=822), Eleocharis (n=439), and Calyptrocarya (n=285). Collections are unevenly distributed, with notable gaps in Pará and Amazonas, concentrated near urban centers. Analyses show most Protected Areas fail to encompass Cyperaceae biodiversity. Investments in research and access to remote regions are key to reducing gaps. Understanding why Amazonian Protected Areas are under-sampled is crucial.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Geological carbon storage is a key strategy for reducing CO₂ emissions by capturing CO₂ from large point sources and injecting it into deep saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas reservoirs. The effectiveness of this process depends critically on the petrophysical properties of the storage formation. In carbonate rocks, CO₂–fluid interactions can lead to dissolution or precipitation, significantly altering porosity and permeability. This study investigates the impact of CO₂–carbonate interactions using high-resolution microCT imaging. Outcrop samples of Indiana Limestone and Silurian Dolomite were exposed to carbonated water (CW) and supercritical CO₂ (SCO₂) for 14 and 28 days under controlled conditions. MicroCT scans revealed marked differences in pore structure evolution. Indiana Limestone, composed primarily of calcite, showed significant pore enlargement and enhanced connectivity, especially within the first 14 days, with greater reactivity under CW conditions. Silurian Dolomite exhibited more heterogeneous and spatially constrained reactivity. Quantitative imaging analyses confirmed that dissolution was more pronounced in liquid phase, suggesting carbonic acid as a key agent in matrix degradation. The results highlight a non-linear porosity evolution trend, indicating early-stage dissolution followed by a stabilization. These findings emphasize the role of mineralogy, fluid phase, and exposure duration in governing CO₂-induced alterations in carbonate rocks.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study investigates the core RT-01-PB from the Miriri Sub-Basin, Paraíba Basin, analyzing planktic and benthic foraminifera from the upper Campanian to lower Maastrichtian. The strata belong to the Itamaracá and Gramame formations. Lithostratigraphic, biostratigraphic, and paleoenvironmental interpretations were developed using microbiofacies and benthic foraminiferal morphogroups. Fifty samples were processed for foraminiferal recovery, and thirty-five petrographic thin sections were analyzed to identify bioclastic constituents and diagenetic features, aiming to describe and classify the microbiofacies. Two planktic foraminiferal zones were identified: Gansserina gansseri Zone (upper Campanian–lower Maastrichtian) and Contusotruncana contusa Zone (lower Maastrichtian). Benthic foraminifera were classified into morphogroups by morphology and habitat, associating strata with depositional environments. Petrographic analysis revealed five microbiofacies types, including the first occurrence of larger benthic foraminifera in Brazil during the Upper Cretaceous. During the upper Campanian–lower Maastrichtian, the Miriri Sub-Basin was a platform environment, ranging from inner to mid-ramp (0–100 m depth) under oligotrophic conditions, with predominance of epifaunal forms. In the lower Maastrichtian, a middle–outer ramp (100–200 m) shifted to mesotrophic conditions, marked by increased infaunal foraminifera and authigenic phosphate, coincident with a gamma-ray peak. These data offer perspectives on climatic and palaeoenvironmental variations across the northern South American Platform during the Campanian–Maastrichtian.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Tabanidae (Diptera) is a cosmopolitan family of flies with a wide distribution in South America. Female flies feed on various hosts, including domestic animals, wildlife, and humans, based on host specificity. This study used a tapir, Tapirus terrestris, to assess the activity patterns of female Tabanidae, their feeding preferences on the host’s body, and the host’s defensive behaviors. From April 1997 to March 1998, monthly observations recorded 243 individuals from 20 species. Stenotabanus bequaerti, Tabanus occidentalis, Phaeotabanus cajennensis, and Chlorotabanus inanis were the most abundant. Activity peaks varied by species and time of day, with most attacks targeting the tapir’s hip, flank, back, and snout. The tapir responded to multiple attacks by contracting its skin and seeking refuge in water. This study highlights the pioneering discovery of the tapir, the largest wild terrestrial mammal in South America, as a host for blood-feeding Tabanidae species in the Amazon region.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Boana crepitans and Boana xerophylla are species that, until recently, were a synonym of the former Hypsiboas crepitans. They were previously considered two discontinuous and widely distributed population of B. crepitans across different landscapes in Brazil. We analyzed B. crepitans chromosomes from six localities and B. xerophylla from two, using different chromosomal markers. All individuals of both species presented 2n=24 chromosomes and FN=48. The heterochromatin pattern was variable in B. crepitans from different localities, which allowed us to distinguish different geographical variants. The location of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) was also variable among populations of B. crepitans, with single markings located in the chromosome pairs 7, 10 and 11, suggesting that NOR may be a valuable taxonomic marker for B. crepitans from each locality already cytogenetically studied, since it presented a unique chromosomal organization, likely product of local adaptation that may be associated to other pre-mating mechanisms which can contribute to geographically differentiation. The B. xerophylla individuals on the other hand, presented a conserved chromosomal organization, which may be related to its occurrence in a more homogeneous environment.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Odonata, comprising the suborders Anisoptera and Zygoptera, are important bioindicators of aquatic ecosystem health due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. We assessed the effects of environmental variables and geographic distance on larval Odonata assemblages in 25 natural lakes of the Brazilian savannah, in northern Roraima. We focused on Anisoptera, characterized by strong flight abilities and greater dispersal capacity, and Zygoptera, which are more sensitive to local environmental variation due to their limited dispersal capacity. We collected 9,578 larvae of 12 Anisoptera species and 2,884 larvae of eight Zygoptera species. Larval Odonata assemblages are influenced by abiotic variables rather than geographic distance, and richness was positively associated pH. Assemblage composition and abundance were affected by key abiotic conditions. Odonata abundance was positively correlated with oxygen and temperature, but negatively correlated with phosphate. Anisoptera abundance increased with dissolved oxygen and geographic distance, but decreased with phosphate and electrical conductivity. Meanwhile, Zygoptera abundance showed a positive correlation with conductivity and temperature but a negative relationship with geographic distance, pH, and phosphate. Additionally, pH influenced assemblage composition, positively affecting Anisoptera but negatively Zygoptera. Our results provide valuable insights into conservation planning and environmental policies aimed at preserving aquatic biodiversity in the region.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Plastic waste affects wildlife globally, yet reptiles are often overlooked in studies. On December 23, 2023, an adult Drymarchon corais was captured in Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas, Brazil. During handling, the snake regurgitated prey items along with plastic wrappers. This case represents the first record of plastic ingestion by a snake in the Amazon. It demonstrates how improperly discarded waste infiltrates food webs, likely through prey that previously ingested plastic or accidental consumption during foraging. The study highlights the urgent need for effective waste management policies and further research to understand the broader impacts of plastic pollution on Amazonian biodiversity.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Although proximal sensing coupled with machine learning (ML) algorithms have been successful for characterizing soils, questions remain regarding their effectiveness under varied soil conditions. This study evaluated for the first time the efficiency of a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF) to predict 17 soil fertility properties in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) state, Brazil, through ML algorithms. A total of 468 surface soil samples were analyzed by pXRF and by conventional (reference) methods. Six algorithms were employed: Projection Pursuit Regression, Partial Least Squares, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Extreme Gradient Boosting, and Cubist. Predictions accuracy was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R²), root mean square error, normalized root mean square error, residual prediction deviation (RPD) and Ratio of Performance to Interquartile Distance. Cubist and Random Forest outperformed other algorithms, reaching the following R² values: available/exchangeable Al (R² = 0.70), Ca (0.57), Mg (0.75), Mn (0.84), S (0.60), Cu (0.81), K (0.82), P (0.54), besides P-rem (0.80), H+Al (0.73), and total N (0.52). Predictions for organic carbon and available B, Fe, Na, Zn require further investigations. The pXRF combined with ML algorithms can accelerate decisions for agricultural management in RS state, Brazil, by optimizing soil analysis for improved crop management.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Thermography is a widely used non-contact technique in scientific research for temperature estimation and thermal analysis. However, conventional thermographic methods often suffer from significant measurement errors due to oversimplified thermal radiation models. This work addresses these limitations by contrasting conventional techniques with advanced thermography methods, introducing a spectral-directional modeling framework to enhance measurement accuracy and scientific rigor. Key contributions include the development of robust mathematical models, such as the three-component spectral-directional model, which effectively reduces measurement errors by accounting for the complexities of thermal radiation phenomena. These advancements enable accurate thermographic measurements, expanding the technique’s applicability across diverse scientific fields. To the best of the author’s knowledge, the application of the spectral-directional model to post-process thermal imager data represents a novel contribution to the field. Experimental results, supported by comparisons with peer-reviewed literature, highlight the transformative potential of this framework in a range of scientific applications.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract One of the alternatives for reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry is the use of bio-coals. However, the use of biomass and its derivatives in steelmaking processes presents technical challenges due to their different chemical and physical characteristics to fossil fuels. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the effect of hydrochloric acid on the demineralization of eucalyptus charcoal, in order to understand its properties and potential application in the steel industry. To this end, the charcoal was subjected to a demineralization process using hydrochloric acid, varying the liquid-solid ratio (10:1 – 20:1) and molar concentration (1 - 3 M). The samples were then filtered, washed with deionized water and dried in an oven. The biochar was then characterized by determining surface area, moisture content, volatile content, ash content, fixed carbon content and kinetic analysis. The results showed that the surface area of the treated biocarbons increased by up to 438.38%, there was a reduction in the ash content of up to 91% and the activation energy of the gasification reaction varied between 54.8 and 109.9 kJ/mol.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Social engagement in environmental issues has significantly increased with the rise of social media, which plays a critical role in shaping public perception of climate change. This study examines the impact of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) climate assessment reports on Twitter. A total of 897,562 English-language tweets related to the AR4, AR5, and AR6 reports were collected from 2006 to 2022. After preprocessing using Natural language processing (NLP) techniques, 583,493 tweets were analyzed through topic modeling based on Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) and its nonlinear extension, linear-quadratic NMF (LQ-NMF). The results revealed notable shifts in public discourse before and after the reports’ release, highlighting recurring topics such as climate risk, urgency for action, and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, sentiment analysis using the VADER method showed a decrease in neutral tweets and greater polarization in responses, especially regarding the AR6 report. These findings suggest that IPCC publications have generated measurable influence on social media and that the applied methods are effective tools for assessing public perception of climate communication.