ABSTRACT The present study explored the predictive values of milk leukocyte differentials (MLD) as a basis for improving the diagnosis of intramammary infections (IMIs) and subclinical mastitis. Quarter milk samples were collected for bacteriological analysis, quarter somatic cell count (qSCC), and MLD. The MLD were assessed using the cytospin technique, direct microscopic smears, and flow cytometry. The predictive values of each single leukocyte population and useful potential indices that could better reflect immune complexity were also calculated. Changes in the percentage of any leukocyte alone failed to substantially improve the predictive value of qSCC in diagnosing IMIs. Although certain parameters increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) as a result of increased specificity values, a slight reduction in sensitivity was observed. The so-called CD8 complex was a unique parameter which improved both the sensitivity (78.79 %) and the specificity (80.77 %) in IMI diagnosis, resulting in the highest area under the ROC curve (0.87). To diagnose subclinical mastitis, the percentage of macrophages and the sum of the percentage PMNLs and T CD8+ cells divided by the percentage of macrophages showed the highest predictive values (sensitivity = 79.63, specificity = 73.68, and area under the ROC curve = 0.83) in the differentiation of the inflammatory condition status of cows. In conclusion, this study provides further insights into using T CD8+ lymphocytes in diagnosing bovine IMIs, combined with PMNLs and macrophages. The antidromic trend of macrophages vs. PMNLs and T CD8+ lymphocytes due to the increasing qSCCs was crucial to differentiating quarters under both inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions.

ABSTRACT Amazonian soils have been suffering severe changes resulting from human activities in the region, causing significant changes in soil attributes that can contribute to greater susceptibility to erosion processes. Therefore, the present work aimed to estimate the erodibility in natural and anthropic environments in the southern region of the Amazon. Eight areas in the region were selected, including areas of native forest, savannah, cerradão, pasture and reforestation, delimiting 32 sampling points per area, with collections at a depth of 0.00-0.20 m, totaling 256 samples. Next, texture analysis and quantification of soil organic carbon were performed, and then erodibility was estimated by indirect prediction methods, Tukey’s test, Pearson’s correlation and factorial analysis of principal components. According to the results obtained, it was observed that the evaluated areas of native forest 1 and 2, cerradão and pasture present high susceptibility to erosion in relation to the cerrado, reforestation with genipap, teak and mixed areas. Therefore, it was noted that the high level of erodibility is associated with a greater predominance of sand fraction, K factor, Ki Kr and low clay content, as well as with the management employed in the areas.

Abstract To analyze the biocompatibility of the scaffold produced from a natural polymer derived from castor oil through hemolytic activity and antimicrobial activity, to enable the clinical application. Three in vitro tests were performed: Hemolytic activity test - Polymer partially dissolved in contact with blood agar; Hemolytic activity test in sheep's blood - Polymer extract with red blood cells solution; Antimicrobial activity test - Solid polymer in direct contact with E. Coli and S. Aureus. For hemolytic tests, none of the samples showed hemolysis. Negative hemolytic activity is a good indicator, as the maintenance of the blood clot in the area of the lesion is essential for the formation of new tissue. For the antimicrobial activity test, no significant activity was observed against the bacteria used. The polymer is not toxic to red blood cells, being viable for clinical application as a matrix for tissue regeneration.

Abstract Three SAR-derived observations of dark surface patches along the Northeastern Brazilian coastline by the end of 2019 were misreported in the Brazilian media as oil spill-related. Unfortunately, these observations were misled by false positives or look-alikes. Therefore, this paper aims to technically evaluate these look-alike classes by analyzing image attributes found to be helpful to the identification of ocean targets, including oil spills, rain cells, biofilms, and low wind conditions. We use image augmentation to extend our dataset size and create the probability density function curves. The processing includes image segmentation, optimal attribute extraction, and classification with random forest classifiers. Our results contrast with the open-source oil spill detection system and patch classifier methodology called “RIOSS.” Analysis of the feature probability density functions based on optimal attributes is promising since we could capture most of the false positive targets in the three SAR-reported images in 2019. The only exception was the biofilm slick observed on October 28th, where the RIOSS mistakenly classified this organic patch as a low wind region with oil spots. This pitfall is acceptable at this project stage since we had only five biogenic film samples to train the algorithm.

Resumo Os mamíferos são organismos carismáticos que desempenham um papel fundamental na função ecológica e nos serviços ecossistêmicos, como polinização, dispersão de sementes, ciclagem de nutrientes e controle de pragas. O Estado de São Paulo representa apenas 3% do território brasileiro, mas detém 33% da diversidade de mamíferos. A maior parte de seu território é dominado pela agricultura, pastagens e áreas urbanas que afetam diretamente a diversidade e a persistência dos mamíferos na paisagem. Além disso, São Paulo possui o maior porto da América Latina e o maior reservatório de petróleo costeiro do Brasil, com 600 km de extensão de litoral com diversas espécies de mamíferos marinhos. Essas infraestruturas afetam a diversidade, distribuição, ecologia e o futuro dos mamíferos no estado. Aqui, respondemos cinco perguntas principais: 1) Qual é a diversidade de mamíferos silvestres no Estado de São Paulo? 2) Onde eles ocorrem? 3) Qual é o seu impacto positivo e negativo no bem-estar humano? 4) Como os mamíferos persistem em paisagens modificadas pelo homem? 5) Qual é o futuro dos mamíferos no estado? O estado de São Paulo possui 255 espécies de mamíferos nativos, com quatro espécies endêmicas, duas delas globalmente ameaçadas de extinção. Pelo menos seis espécies (dois marsupiais, ariranha, veado-campeiro, veado-cambuta e tatu-canastra) foram extirpadas do estado devido à caça e perda de habitat. O intenso uso humano da terra no estado forçou muitas espécies de mamíferos a mudar sua dieta para lidar com a intensa fragmentação e agricultura. A monocultura em larga escala facilitou a invasão de espécies exóticas, como porcos selvagens (javaporco) e a lebre europeia. Várias espécies de áreas abertas estão expandindo suas áreas de distribuição (lobo-guará, veado-catingueiro) sobre áreas desmatadas e provavelmente refletem mudanças em direção a um clima mais seco. Como o estado possui o maior sistema rodoviário do Brasil, cerca de 40 mil mamíferos de 33 espécies são mortos por ano em colisões, causando um prejuízo econômico de 12 milhões de dólares/ano. A diversidade de mamíferos está concentrada nos maiores remanescentes florestais da Serra do Mar e no interior do Estado, principalmente nas regiões de Ribeirão Preto e Jundiaí. As lacunas amostrais estão concentradas em todo o interior do estado, principalmente na região noroeste. Os mamíferos silvestres desempenham um papel fundamental em muitos serviços ecossistêmicos, mas também podem ser uma preocupação em trazer novas doenças emergentes para as populações humanas. Embora a taxonomia de mamíferos pareça ser bem conhecida, mostramos que novas espécies estão sendo continuamente descobertas no estado. Portanto, pesquisas usando tecnologias tradicionais e novas (eDNA, iDNA, drones), monitoramento populacional de longo prazo, a investigação da interface do conflito homem-vida selvagem e a compreensão do papel único no ecossistema desempenhado pelos mamíferos são um caminho futuro para promover uma paisagem verde sustentável aliada ao bem-estar humano no estado. O plantio de corredores florestais ou de cerrado, principalmente junto aos principais sistemas fluviais, no planalto, o controle da caça ilegal nas áreas costeiras, o manejo dos regimes de fogo no Cerrado e a mitigação dos atropelamentos devem ser uma prioridade para proteger essa notável diversidade de mamíferos.

Abstract Mammals are charismatic organisms that play a fundamental role in ecological functions and ecosystem services, such as pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control. The state of São Paulo represents only 3% of the Brazilian territory but holds 33% of its mammalian diversity. Most of its territory is dominated by agriculture, pastures, and urban areas which directly affect the diversity and persistence of mammals in the landscape. In addition, São Paulo has the largest port in Latin America and the largest offshore oil reservoir in Brazil, with a 600 km stretch of coastline with several marine mammal species. These human-made infrastructures affect the diversity, distribution, ecology, and the future of mammals in the state. Here, we answer five main questions: 1) What is the diversity of wild mammals in São Paulo state? 2) Where are they? 3) What is their positive and negative impact on human well-being? 4) How do mammals thrive in human-modified landscapes? 5) What is the future of mammals in the state? The state of São Paulo holds 255 species of native mammals, with four endemic species, two of them globally endangered. At least six species (two marsupials, Giant otter, Pampas deer, Brazilian dwarf brocket deer, and Giant armadillo) were extirpated from the state due to hunting and habitat loss. The intense human land use in the state forced many mammalian species to change their diet to cope with the intense fragmentation and agriculture. Large-scale monoculture has facilitated the invasion of exotic species such as wild boars (javali) and the European hare. Several “savanna-dwelling” species are expanding their ranges (Maned wolf, Brocket deer) over deforested areas and probably reflect changes towards a drier climate. Because the state has the largest road system, about 40,000 mammals from 33 species are killed per year in collisions causing an economic loss of 12 million dollars/year. The diversity of mammals is concentrated in the largest forest remnants of Serra do Mar and in the interior of the State, mainly in the regions of Ribeirão Preto and Jundiaí. Sampling gaps are concentrated throughout the interior of the state, particularly in the northwest region. Wild mammals play a fundamental role in many ecosystem services, but they can also be a concern in bringing new emergent diseases to humans. Although the taxonomy of mammals seems to be well known, we show that new species are continuously being discovered in the state. Therefore, continuous surveys using traditional and new technologies (eDNA, iDNA, drones), long-term population monitoring, investigation of the interface of human-wildlife conflict, and understanding of the unique ecosystem role played by mammals are future avenues for promoting sustainable green landscapes allied to human well-being in the state. The planting of forest or savanna corridors, particularly along with major river systems, in the plateau, controlling illegal hunting in the coastal areas, managing fire regimes in the Cerrado, and mitigating roadkill must be prioritized to protect this outstanding mammal diversity.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los problemas a los que se enfrentan los electricistas de línea viva (ELV) de las redes de distribución de energía eléctrica en cuanto a los aspectos relacionados con el trabajo en la tarea de poda de vegetación. Para ello, se aplicó el Análisis Ergonómico del Trabajo (AET) de forma adaptada. Posteriormente, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con el equipo de ELV y las respuestas fueron tratadas según el Análisis de Contenido y discutidas desde la perspectiva de la Ergonomía de la Actividad y de la Psicodinámica del Trabajo. Las dificultades a las que se enfrenta el equipo de ELV no sólo están relacionadas con los aspectos fisiológicos derivados de los esfuerzos realizados frente a la alta demanda, sino principalmente con los dispositivos técnicos y organizativos del trabajo. Sin embargo, fue posible identificar aspectos vinculados a la dimensión del placer asociados a las cuestiones del oficio, del trabajo bien hecho y aparentemente invisible para la sociedad.

Resumo Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as problemáticas enfrentadas por eletricistas de linha viva (ELV) de redes de distribuição de energia elétrica no que diz respeito aos aspectos relacionados ao trabalho na tarefa de poda de vegetação. Para isso realizou-se a aplicação da Análise Ergonômica do Trabalho (AET) de forma adaptada. Posteriormente foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com a equipe de LV, sendo que as falas foram tratadas conforme a Análise de Conteúdo e discutidas na perspectiva da Ergonomia da Atividade e da Psicodinâmica do trabalho. As dificuldades enfrentadas pelos ELV não dizem respeito somente aos aspectos fisiológicos decorrentes dos esforços empreendidos frente a alta demanda, mas sobretudo referentes aos dispositivos técnicos e organizacionais do trabalho. No entanto, foi possível identificar aspectos ligados à dimensão do prazer associados às questões de ofício, do trabalho bem-feito e aparentemente invisível para a sociedade.

Résumé Cet article a pour but d'analyser les problèmes rencontrés par les électriciens, œuvrant sous tension (ELV) dans des réseaux de distribution d'énergie électrique, concernant la tâche d'élagage de la végétation. L'analyse ergonomique du travail (AET) a été appliquée sous une forme adaptée. Ensuite, des entretiens semi-structurés ont été menés avec l'équipe de ELV, et leur contenu a été soumis à une analyse de contenu et discutés dans la perspective de l'ergonomie de l'activité et de la psychodynamique du travail. Les difficultés rencontrées par les ELV ne sont pas seulement liées aux aspects physiologiques découlant des efforts fournis face à une forte demande, mais surtout aux dispositifs techniques et organisationnels du travail. Cependant, il a été possible d'identifier des aspects liés à la dimension du plaisir associé à des questions du métier, du travail bien fait et apparemment peu visible pour la société.

Abstract This article aims to analyze the problems faced by live-line electricians (ELV) of electrical power distribution networks with regard to aspects related to work in the task of pruning vegetation. To this end, an adapted version of the Ergonomic Analysis of Work (EAW) was applied. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the ELV team, and the speeches were treated according to content analysis and discussed from the perspective of Activity Ergonomics and Psychodynamics of Work. The difficulties faced by the ELV team are not only related to the physiological aspects resulting from the efforts made in the face of high demand but are also mainly related to the technical and organizational devices of the work. However, it was possible to identify aspects linked to the dimension of pleasure associated with issues of craft, of work well done and apparently invisible to society.

Abstract: A circular bead produced by a laser beam (CLW) is a method of joining superposed sheets by scanning circularly a laser beam. Among the various applications, it could be highlighted the welding of austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 sheets for heat exchangers. This work aims to report the effect of fiber laser CLW in tensile shear strength of superposed sheets as well as the corrosion behavior in relation to the process parameters. It was carried out circular beads using stainless steel AISI 304 sheets varying the laser power and speed. The samples were then submitted to optical and electronic microscopy, tensile-shear tests and electrochemical experiments. Among the experimental conditions, the weld sample with 800 W power and 50 mm/s speed presented an ultimate tensile strength of 159 MPa, 17% higher than the sample with the lowest result. The corrosion rate, corrosion and pitting potentials did not change significantly in the welded joint with different conditions compared to the base metal.

RESUMO: Neste artigo, reconstitui-se um repertório filosófico com o objetivo de enfrentar problemas relativos a importantes transformações atuais no âmbito da cultura e da educação, enfocando-se mais propriamente a questão da formação de identidades no âmbito da hipercultura em sua relação com a dimensão da corporeidade. Do ponto de vista do caminho metodológico, em primeiro lugar, são delineadas as noções de e as relações entre globalização, ciberespaço e hipercultura; em uma segunda etapa, passa-se a fundamentar filosoficamente uma nova noção de identidade vinculada a mudança de paradigma e a uma contribuição com os estudos da corporeidade. A título de conclusão, expõe-se uma síntese e uma orientação filosófica relacionada à formação humana em tempos de expansão hipercultural, de modo que são aludidas possibilidades educativas de formação da identidade em consonância com um novo paradigma de compreensão da realidade e da corpoereidade humana em sua integralidade e conexão, o qual emerge, em parte, de resultados da ciência física moderna, mas que, de outro lado, não deixa de reencontrar raízes em formas milenares de sabedoria.

ABSTRACT: In this article, a philosophical repertoire is reconstructed in order to face problems related to important current transformations in the scope of culture and education, focusing more specifically on the issue of the formation of identities within the scope of hyperculture in its relation to the dimension of corporeity. From the point of view of the methodological path, in the first place, the notions of and the relations between globalization, cyberspace and hyperculture are outlined; in a second step, a new notion of identity linked to the change of paradigms and a contribution to the studies of corporeality is philosophically grounded. As a conclusion, a synthesis and a philosophical orientation related to human formation in times of hypercultural expansion are exposed, while educational possibilities for the formation of identity are alluded in line with a new paradigm of understanding reality and human body in its wholeness and connection, which emerges, in part, from the results of modern physical science, but which, on the other hand, does not fail to find roots in ancient forms of wisdom.

RESÚMEN: En este artículo se reconstruye un repertorio filosófico para enfrentar problemas relacionados con importantes transformaciones actuales en el ámbito de la cultura y la educación, centrándose más específicamente en el tema de la formación de identidades en el ámbito de la hipercultura en su relación con la dimensión de corporeidad. Desde el punto de vista del camino metodológico, en primer lugar se esbozan las nociones y las relaciones entre globalización, ciberespacio e hipercultura; en una segunda etapa, se fundamenta filosóficamente una nueva noción de identidad ligada a un cambio de paradigma y una contribución a los estudios de la corporeidad. Como conclusión, se expone una síntesis y una orientación filosófica relacionada con la formación humana en tiempos de expansión hipercultural, de manera que las posibilidades educativas para la formación de la identidad se aludem en línea con un nuevo paradigma de comprensión de la realidad y el cuerpo humano en su integridad y conexión, que surge, en parte, de los resultados de la ciencia física moderna, pero que, por otro lado, no deja de encontrar raíces en formas antiguas de sabiduría.

BACKGROUND: Even students with previous academic success may face challenges that affect their academic performance. Many medical schools offer programs to students at the risk of academic failure, to ensure that they succeed in the course. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: In this report we describe a pioneering academic tutoring program developed at a Brazilian medical school and discuss the initial results of the program based on the feedback from tutors and data regarding the progression of students in the medical course. RESULTS: In 2018, 33 students enrolled into the program. Students' performance difficulties were mainly associated with mental health problems and socioeconomic vulnerability. Of the 33 students, 27 (81.8%) were assisted by the Mental Health Support Service and 16 (48.5%) were assisted by the Social Assistance Service. In addition to the planning academic activity class load, tutors were able to assist students in solving socioeconomic issues, carrying out personal support interventions with the promotion of self-esteem, and presenting suggestions for behavioral changes in their routine. For most students (72%), the action plan proposed by the tutors was successful. Eight of the 14 (57%) students in the fourth year progressed to the final two years of in-hospital practical training (internship). CONCLUSIONS: The Academic Tutoring Program showed positive results for most of the students. Close monitoring and tutor intervention allowed students with poor academic performance to overcome the low performance cycle. These important tasks demand time and energy from tutors, and institutional recognition of these professionals is essential for the successful maintenance of the program.

Resumo Introdução O flúor é considerado um elemento chave no processo de remineralização do esmalte dentário. Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da solução tópica de fluoreto de sódio (NaF) na resistência ao cisalhamento da colagem de barquetes ortodônticos durante a formação de lesões de manchas brancas. Material e método Sessenta dentes bovinos foram divididos em três grupos (n=20). Grupo 1 (Controle) - Cisalhamento imediato; Grupo 2 - Cisalhamento após ciclagem de pH; Grupo 3 – Cisalhamento após ciclagem de pH e tratamento com solução de 0,4% de NaF (Ortho Gard, Colgate-Palmolive®). Os Grupos 2 e 3 sofreram ciclagem de pH com soluções de desmineralização e remineralização em pH de 4,3 e 7,0 respectivamente, com ciclos de desmineralização (6 horas) e remineralização (17 horas), durante 15 dias. Os corpos de prova foram submetidos ao teste de resistência de união ao cisalhamento e remanescente adesivo (IRA). Espécimes de cada grupo (n=3) foram analisados qualitativamente por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). O teste de Kruskal-Wallis foi utilizado para avaliar a resistência ao cisalhamento e o teste exato de Fisher para avaliação do IRA, adotando nível de significância de 5%. Resultado Os resultados não encontraram diferença significativa entre os três grupos quanto à força de cisalhamento (p=0,2679). Diferença significativa foi encontrada no IRA (p = 0,0199). A frequência de IRA 1 foi de 55% no grupo 1, 90% no grupo 2 e 80% no grupo 3. A análise em MEV mostrou diferença entre o esmalte e a área de colagem submetida ao cisalhamento. Grupo 2 apresentou alteração estrutural na superfície do esmalte adjacente à área de colagem, e o Grupo 3 apresentou esmalte com característica semelhante ao do Grupo 1 na área que foi submetida à ciclagem de pH e NaF. Conclusão Concluiu-se que não houve influência do flúor na resistência ao cisalhamento de braquetes. O uso de soluções fluoretadas, ainda que em baixa concentração, preveniu o aparecimento de áreas desmineralizadas e lesões de manchas brancas.

Abstract Introduction Fluoride is considered a key element in the remineralization process of tooth enamel. Objective To evaluate the influence of a topical solution of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets and white spot lesions formation. Material and method Sixty bovine teeth were divided into three groups (n=20). Group 1 (Control): shear bond strength; Group 2: shear bond strength after pH cycling; Group 3: shear bond strength after pH cycling and treatment with 0.04% NaF solution. Groups 2 and 3 underwent pH cycling with demineralizing (6hs) and remineralizing (17hs) solutions at pH of 4.3 and 7.0 respectively for 15 days. The specimens were submitted to the shear bond strength and the Adhesive Remnant Index was verified (ARI). The specimens of each group (n=3) were qualitatively analyzed by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Kruskal-Wallis test assessed the shear bond strength and Fisher's exact test evaluated ARI, with significance level of 5%. Result There was no significant difference among the three groups in shear bond strength (p=0.2679). Significant difference was found in ARI (p=0.0199). The frequency of ARI 1 was 55% in group 1, 90% in group 2, and 80% in group 3. SEM showed difference between the enamel and bonding. Group 2 showed structural change of the enamel surface, adjacent to the bond area; and group 3 showed enamel with characteristics similar to those of group 1. Conclusion It was concluded that there was no NaF influence on the bracket shear bond strength and even in low concentrations it prevented the development of areas of demineralization of white spot lesions.

Resumo A erodibilidade é uma característica do solo que representa a susceptibilidade com que suas partículas da camada mais superficial são levadas e transportadas para locais mais baixos por agentes erosivos, causando danos ambientais e econômicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a erodibilidade do solo em áreas de pastagens e florestas no município de Porto Velho-Rondônia. Em campo, foram selecionadas três áreas com diferentes tipos de vegetação, uma com braquiária, outra com capim mombaça e uma terceira em floresta nativa. Nas áreas com pastagens, foi delineada uma malha amostral de tamanhos iguais (90 m x 60 m), e na área de floresta uma malha amostral aproximada (90 m x 50 m), com espaçamento regular de 10 m entre os pontos amostrais para ambas as áreas. A amostragem foi realizada nos pontos de cruzamento da malha na profundidade de 0,0-0,2 m, compondo 70 pontos amostrais nas áreas com pastagens e 60 pontos amostrais na área de floresta, totalizando 200 amostras. Em seguida, foram realizadas análises laboratoriais para determinação da textura seguida do fracionamento da areia, e do carbono orgânico seguida da estimativa da matéria orgânica do solo. Os fatores de erodibilidade foram calculados por meio de modelos de predição indireta e, em seguida, foram aplicadas técnicas univariadas, geoestatísticas e multivariadas. Os ambientes de pastagem diferiram do ambiente de floresta. No entanto, a área de capim mombaça funciona como um ambiente intermediário entre a floresta e a braquiária, estando mais próxima do ambiente de floresta.

Abstract “Erodibility” is a characteristic of the soil that represents the susceptibility with which its particles from the most superficial layer are taken and transported to lower places by erosive agents, causing environmental and economic damages. This work estimated soil erodibility in pastures and forest areas in the municipality of Porto Velho-Rondônia. In the field, three areas with different types of vegetation were selected, one with brachiaria, another with mombaça grass, and a third in native forest. In areas with pastures, a sampling mesh of equal sizes was outlined (90 m x 60 m), and in the forested area an approximate sampling mesh (90 m x 50 m), with a regular spacing of 10 m between the samples points for both areas. The sampling was done at the crossing points of the mesh at a depth of 0.0-0.2 m, composing 70 sample points in the areas with pastures and 60 sample points in the forest area, totaling 200 samples. Then, laboratory analyzes were carried out to determine the texture followed by the fractionation of the sand, and the organic carbon followed by the estimate of the organic matter of the soil. The erodibility factors were calculated using indirect prediction models, and then, univariate, geostatistical and multivariate techniques were applied. The pastures’ environments differed from the forest environment. However, the mombaça grass area functions as an intermediate environment between the forest and the brachiaria, being closer to the forest environment.

ABSTRACT In the Amazon region, soil patches with an anthropic A horizon are found, called Indian black earths (IBEs). Indian black earths are highly fertile and, therefore, are deforested by small local farmers to cultivate without basic management that maintains soil and crop sustainability. Therefore, in order to evaluate the effect of using different cultures on the spatial variability of soil chemical attributes, three cultivated IBEs and one IBE under natural forest were selected for georeferencing and sample collection. The collection was made with a mesh system with 88 points per IBE, stratified in three layers: 0–0.05, 0.05–0.10 and 0.10–0.20 m. The soil was sampled, dried in the shade and sieved to obtain the fine earth fraction for analysis of chemical attributes. Descriptive statistical and geostatistical analyses were applied to the results. The use and management of soil influenced the spatial behavior of the chemical attributes of IBEs. The cultivation of Brachiaria over many years favored the reduction of the spatial variability of chemical attributes. The use of cacao and coffee crops also favored the homogeneity of the IBEs in relation to the natural forest, but not as much as for Brachiaria, likely due to the succession of crops that preceded these crops. The IBE in the forest contains a high natural spatial correlation in the first 0.1 m of the surface; however, more than 70% of this correlation is linked to a random variation.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health problem; therefore, we aimed to report HBV genotypes in Ceará, Brazil. METHODS: A total of 103 HBsAg-positive samples were subjected to HBV genotyping and subgenotyping. RESULTS: The following genetic compositions of samples were found: F-54% (F2-83.33%), A-40% (A1-65%), D-6%, C2-1%, E-1%, and G-1%. CONCLUSIONS: Some genotypes are only prevalent in certain parts of the world; however, the State of Ceará is a hub for migration and has one of the most important liver transplantation centers in Brazil, which can explain the prevalence of the F genotype.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate soil attributes and root distribution in areas under forest conversion to cultivated environments. The study was carried out in four areas: forest, cupuaçu, guarana and annatto, located in the municipality of Canutama, state of Amazonas. Soils and volumetric rings were collected in the layers 0.00 – 0.10; 0.10 – 0.20; 0.20 – 0.30; 0.30 – 0.40; and 0.40 – 0.50 m for analyses of physical and chemical attributes and root distribution. Univariate statistical analyses were carried out, the means were compared with the Tukey’s test (p < 0.05) and Pearson’s correlation (p < 0.05 and < 0.01). The forest area and the cultivated environments present soil chemical limitations for agricultural production, whereas the physical attributes presented satisfactory values. The chemical attributes underwent major changes and degradations upon conversion to agriculture. Major changes were observed in the layers of 0.00 – 0.10 and 0.10 – 0.20 m for the studied areas. Cupuaçu cultivation showed higher values of roots dry weight (RDW) and roots distribution (RD), with the highest values found in the 0.00 – 0.10 and 0.10 – 0.20 m layers.

Introduction: A novel type of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is responsible for an unprecedented pandemic with profound socioeconomic consequences. Owing to its recent discovery, the virus that emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 still represents a great unknown to researchers. This study aims to establish the spatio-temporal associations of the incidence, mortality, and the rate of both rapid and RT-PCR tests in Minas Gerais. Methods: This is a quantitative analysis of secondary data based on a cross-sectional research design. Incidence, mortality, date of the first notification of COVID-19 and number of rapid and RT-PCR tests were obtained from the sources: Laboratory Environment Manager, e-SUS epidemiological surveillance platform and SES-MG. Pearson coefficient for correlation was calculated to establish the level of association between the relevant data. Descriptive statistical procedures were used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the distribution of incidence, mortality and test rates in the territory. Results: Positive correlations were found between the rate of rapid tests and incidence; rate of RT-PCR tests and incidence/mortality. At the municipal level, incidence, mortality, rate of rapid tests and RT-PCR revealed a negative correlation with days elapsed since the First Notified Case. The same effect occurs, at different intensities, at the level of health macro-regions. Discussion: The heterogeneity of the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 in the territory of Minas Gerais, as well as the rate of tests (rapid and RT-PCR) may be caused, in part, due to the different dates of introduction of the virus in the municipalities/macro-regions. It is speculated that this phenomenon occurs due to the dynamics of regional and inter-regional flows of people.