Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract An integral inequality for closed linear Weingarten 𝑚-submanifolds with parallel normalized mean curvature vector field (pnmc lw-submanifolds) in the product spaces 𝑀𝑛(𝑐) × ℝ, 𝑛 > 𝑚 ≥ 4, where 𝑀𝑛(𝑐) is a space form of constant sectional curvature 𝑐 ∈ {−1, 1}, is proved. As an application is shown that the sharpness in this inequality is attained in the totally umbilical hypersurfaces, and in a certain family of standard product of the form 𝕊1(√1 − 𝑟2) × 𝕊𝑚−1(𝑟) with 0 < 𝑟 < 1 when 𝑐 = 1. In the case where 𝑐 = −1, is obtained an integral inequality whose sharpness is attained only in the totally umbilical hypersurfaces. When 𝑚 = 2 and 𝑚 = 3, an integral inequality is also obtained with equality happening in the totally umbilical hypersurfaces.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In recent years, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is used for surface disinfection. However, little is known about its ability to improve biocompatibility of metallic surfaces when compared to thermal plasma methods. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the response of human endothelial cells (Ea.hy926) on titanium surfaces treated by non-thermal plasma method and thermal plasma method under nitriding atmosphere. The wettability was characterized by the sessile drop method, the topography and roughness were evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the microstructure by grazing angle X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). Endothelial cells were cultured and evaluated for morphology by scanning electron microscopy and viability by an MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. CAP treatment reduced the contact angle of the Ti surface (13.43° ± 1.48; p<0.05), increasing hydrophilicity. Rz roughness was higher on the nitrided surface (220.44±20.30; p< 0.001) compared to the CAP treated surfaces (83.29 ± 11.61; p< 0.001) and polished (75.98 ±34.21a); p<0.001). The different applied plasma treatments created different titanium surfaces improving the biocompatibility of endothelial cells, however CAP results demonstrate its potential for biomedical applications, considering the low cost and ease of use of the technique, allowing surface treatments before clinical procedures.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Dermatitis is defined as a set of inflammatory diseases that affect the skin, with varied causes. Among the different types of dermatitis, contact dermatitis is the most prevalent. Although the current therapy is often effective, it is associated with adverse effects and the possibility of drug tolerance. N-Methyl-(2S, 4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline is a L-proline amino acid derivative found in the leaves of Sideroxylon obtusifolium, a species traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the topical anti-inflammatory effect of N-methyl-(2S, 4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (NMP) in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced irritant contact dermatitis in mice. Topically administered NMP, at doses of 0.03 − 0.50 mg/ear, reduced TPA-induced ear edema and neutrophil migration, as evidenced by low tissue myeloperoxidase activity and verified by histological examination. In addition, NMP (0.06 mg/ear) reduced tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, INF-γ and MCP-1) and of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and reduced gene expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β increased by TPA. The data suggest that N-methyl-(2S, 4R)-trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline acts as a topical anti-inflammatory agent that decreases the expression of inflammatory cytokines, making it useful for the treatment of skin inflammation. Further investigations are necessary for its development as a therapeutic agent.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In the current study, the solubility and permeability of Osthole-loaded microemulsion were enhanced, which increased bioavailability. In addition, Carbomer 940 was added for prolonged drug delivery. The microemulsion was prepared after the screening of Kukui oil, Labrasol (surfactant), and transcutol-P (co-surfactant). Pseudoternary phase diagrams were employed to find the microemulsion region. Box Behnken Design (BBD) was employed for optimizing microemulsions. Variables were related and compared using mathematical equations and response surface plots (RSP). MEBG was then compared with control gel on the basis of stability studies, drug permeation, skin irritation studies, and anti-inflammatory studies. Microemulsion preparations depicted a pH of 5.27 - 5.80, a conductivity of 139 - 185 μS/cm, a poly-dispersity index of 0.116 - 0.388, a refractive index of 1.330 - 1.427, an average droplet size of 64 - 89 nm, homogeneity, spherical shape, viscosity 52 - 185 cP. Predicted values of Optimized microemulsions showed more reasonable agreement than experimental values. The microemulsion was stable and non-irritating on Rabbit skin. MEBG showed a significant difference from control gel for percent edema inhibition from the standard. The permeation enhancing capability of MEBG using a suitable viscosity fabricates it promising carrier for transdermal delivery of Osthole.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Aplastic anemia (AA), a rare disorder, is associated with bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). Presently, AA treatment is of great difficulty. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharide (RGP) in AA. Busulfan was used to induce AA in BALB/c mice; blood cell count and Ray’s Giemsa staining were used to assess the severity of hematopoietic failure; HE was performed to assess the pathological state of the marrow cavity; ELISA was performed to assess IL-4, IL-10, IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, VEGF, and EPO; and WB was performed to evaluate the effects of RGP on the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling. Significant downregulation of hemocyte levels in the blood and nucleated cells in the bone marrow was reversed by RGP and Cyclosporine A (CA). Compared with the AA group, dilating blood sinusoids, inflammation, hematopoiesis, decreased bone marrow cells and megakaryocytes were alleviated by RGP and CA, and the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling was inhibited too. Notably, RGP was more effective when used in combination with CA. In this study, we established a relationship between BMM and the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway and found that RGP regulates BMM by suppressing the activation of the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling. Thus, RGP exerts a pharmacological effect on AA.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract We report on a systematic review of the efficacy of turmeric derivatives for the in vivo treatment of peripheral neuropathies. Our review protocol followed the PRISMA Statement. The Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Scielo databases were used. The search strategy was (“neuropathy” OR “neuropathies” OR “nerve injury” OR “nerve injuries”) AND (“curcumin” OR “turmeric yellow” OR “yellow, turmeric” OR “diferuloylmethane”). Eligibility criteria were in vivo animal models, published in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French, evaluating the efficacy of turmeric derivatives in the treatment of peripheral neuropathies. We have included 30 papers, and all consisted of pre-clinical trials with good methodological quality. Animals treated with turmeric derivatives (i.e., curcumin, curcumin by-products and curcumin loaded delivery systems) demonstrated remarkable amelioration in the injuries caused by diabetic and sciatic neuropathy, as well as for vincristine, cisplatin, and alcohol-induced neuropathy, especially with regards to the functional recovery of the affected nerve. Turmeric has great potential for the treatment of peripheral neuropathies, including those associated with diabetes mellitus. Clinical trials still need to be performed to assess the feasibility of human treatment as an alternative or adjuvant to existing pharmacological therapy.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Enteroparasites are an important public health problem and the treatment seeks to cure and reduce transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of anthelmintic treatment in individuals living in a rural community area in Camamu, Bahia, Brazil. The parasitological diagnosis was performed by spontaneous sedimentation, Baermann-Moraes and Agar Plate Culture methods. A total of 212 individuals were evaluated. The most frequent helminth was Trichuris trichiura, 24.5% (52/212), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides, 21.2% (45/212), hookworms, 16.5% (35/212), and S. stercoralis, 4.7% (10/212). In the anthelmintic treatment follow up, T. trichiura infection presented the lowest parasitological cure rate, only 60.6% (20/33). Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides and Strongyloides stercoralis infections demonstrated cure rates of 70.5 (12/17), 78.1 (25/32) and 100% (5/5), respectively. Individuals who remained infected underwent a new drug therapy. The second parasitological cure rate for T. trichiura was 38.5% (5/13), and 66.7% (2/3) and 75% (3/4) for hookworms and Ascaris lumbricoides, respectively. Trichuris trichiura infection presented the lowest parasitological cure rate at this second evaluation. This reinforces the need to perform a follow-up of all treated individuals. The possibility of drug resistance denotes the necessity for studies to clarify the mechanisms and to evaluate new therapeutic approaches.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality rates varied among the states of Brazil during the course of the pandemics. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is a critical component of the antigen presentation pathway. Individuals with different HLA genotypes may trigger different immune responses against pathogens, which could culminate in different COVID-19 responses. HLA genotypes are variable, especially in the highly admixed Brazilian population. In this ecological study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between HLA haplotypes and the different regional distribution of COVID-19 mortality in Brazil. HLA data was obtained from 4,148,713 individuals registered in The Brazilian Voluntary Bone Marrow Donors Registry. COVID-19 data was retrieved from epidemiological bulletins issued by State Health Secretariats via Brazil’s Ministry of Health from February/2020 to July/2022. We found a positive significant correlation between the HLA-A*01~B*08~DRB1*03 haplotype and COVID-19 mortality rates when we analyzed data from 26 states and the Federal District. This result indicates that the HLA-A*01~B*08~DRB1*03 haplotype may represent an additional risk factor for dying due to COVID-19. This haplotype should be further studied in other populations for a better understanding of the variation in COVID-19 outcomes across the world.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Streptococcus mutans is one of the main factors in formation of cariogenic biofilms. New strategies need to be developed to reduce the formation of cariogenic biofilms. For this purpose, bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPS) could be considered as new agents against biofilms. Therefore, cell-bound (b-EPS) and released exopolysaccharides (r-EPS) were extracted from the strains Apilactobacillus kunkeei K1.10 and Latilactobacillus curvatus Kar.9b isolated from the microbiota of honeybees, and their antibiofilm effects on S. mutans biofilm formation were determined. The highest reduction in biofilm formation was achieved by r-EPS of L. curvatus Kar.9b and A. kunkeei K1.10. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) showed that r-EPS inhibited biofilm formation by reducing adhesion of S. mutans. To increase the production of r-EPS from A. kunkeei K1.10, the effects of different incubation conditions were also analyzed. The highest EPS production was obtained during 48 h-incubation at 37ºC in a medium containing 1% fructose. r-EPS can be used as a raw material to inhibit cariogenic biofilms. Further studies revealing the detailed structural analysis of r-EPS and the mechanism of action of its antibiofilm effect could be beneficial. Finally, b-EPS and r-EPS from lactic acid bacteria were found to have very different properties in terms of their antibiofilm properties.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Researchers have associated the therapeutic potential of probiotics with its ability to modulate gut microbiota, which is considered an “invisible organ” of the human body. The present study investigates the effects of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota composition of adults. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature published in six different databases. The search followed PRISMA guidelines and aimed to identify randomized clinical trials on probiotic supplementation. All relevant publications indexed up to May 28, 2021, were retrieved. Then, the authors defined the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers performed study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. A total of 2,404 publications were retrieved, and eight studies met the eligibility criteria. The included randomized clinical trials were published between 2015 to 2020. The worldwide studies included adults aged from 18 to 79 years, most of whom were women (66.5%). Only one of the included studies observed significant effects on fecal microbiota composition in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phyla in comparison with the placebo treatment. Overall, this systematic review could not draw consistent conclusions on the effects of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota composition of adults.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Microbial proteases are one of the most demanding enzymes for various industries with diverse applications in food, pharmaceutics, and textile industries to name the few. An extracellular alkaline metalloprotease was produced and purified from moderate halophilic bacterial strain, Bacillus cereus TS2, with some unique characteristics required for various industrial applications. The protease was produced in basal medium supplemented with casein and was partially purified by ion exchange chromatography followed by ammonium sulphate precipitation. The alkaline metalloprotease has molecular weight of 35 kDa with specific activity of 535.4 µM/min/mg. It can work at wide range of pH from 3 to 12, while showing optimum activity at pH 10. Similarly, the alkaline metalloprotease is stable till the temperature of 80 °C and works at wide range of temperature from 20 to 90 °C with optimum activity at 60 °C. The turnover rate increases in the presence of NaCl and Co+2 with k cat/KM of 1.42 × 103 and 1.27 × 103 s-1.M-1 respectively, while without NaCl and Co+2 it has a value of 7.58× 102. The alkaline metalloprotease was relatively resistant to thermal and solvent mediated denaturation. Applications revealed that the metalloprotease was efficient to remove hair from goat skin, remove blood stains and degrade milk, thus can be a potential candidate for leather, detergent, and food industry.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The present work aimed to characterize and compare the catalytic properties of amylases from Cunninghamella echinulata and Rhizopus microsporus. The highest production of amylase by C. echinulata, 234.94 U g-1 of dry substrate (or 23.49 U mL-1), was obtained using wheat bran as a substrate, with 50–55% initial moisture and kept at 28 °C for 48 h. The highest production of amylases by R. microsporus, 224.85 U g-1 of dry substrate (or 22.48 U mL-1), was obtained cultivating wheat bran with 65% initial moisture at 45 °C for 24 h. The optimal activity of the amylases was observed at pH 5.0 at 60 °C for C. echinulata enzymes and at pH 4.5 at 65 °C for R. microsporus. The amylases produced by C. echinulata were stable at pH 4.0–8.0, while the R. microsporus enzymes were stable at pH 4.0–10.0. The amylases produced by C. echinulata remained stable for 1 h at 50 °C and the R. microsporus amylases maintained catalytic activity for 1 h at 55 °C. The enzymatic extracts of both fungi hydrolyzed starches from different plant sources and showed potential for liquefaction of starch, however the amylolytic complex of C. echinulata exhibited greater saccharifying potential.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Changes in the physical and biogeochemical properties of water columns are frequently associated with cold fronts and mesoscale convective systems due to increased cloud cover. The effects of low-level jet (LLJ) events on thermal stratification and water quality, however, remain undescribed, particularly for tropical reservoirs. Here, water temperature time series are combined with meteorological data, LIDAR observations, ERA5 reanalysis data, and hydrodynamical modeling to investigate the impact of an event of LLJ over the Furnas hydropower reservoir in Brazil. The LLJ event was characterized by dry, intense, and persistent winds (~10 m s-1) blowing for more than 12 hours over the main fetch of the reservoir. In the downwind side of the lake, the surface mixed layer depth increased by 50% during the LLJ event. The changes to the water column were produced by a combination of wind-induced upwelling, shear-driven mixing, and nocturnal convective overturning, different from the heat balance expected during passing cold fronts and mesoscale convective systems. The results suggest that both momentum and heat fluxes during LLJ events need to be accounted for in lake modelings to reproduce the vertical mixing process.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Understanding the influence of fine-scale abiotic filters on plant communities can provide important insights into floristic patterns of the Brazilian Cerrado. We aimed to evaluate the interactions of the soil and the plant community composition with their distribution in different sandy environments of Brazilian Cerrado, the Jalapão region. Eight environments were sampled, each with ten plots of 20 × 50 m. All woody individuals presenting circumference at soil height ≥ 10 cm were sampled. Subplots of 5 × 15 m were demarcated, where woody individuals with a circumference at soil height ≥ 5 and < 10 cm were sampled. Subplots of 2 × 2 m were also demarcated to sample herbaceous individuals. Soil samples varying from 0 to 20 cm of depth were collected for each plot (20 × 50 m). Overall, 20000 individuals that belong to 338 species and 76 families were sampled. The dominant family was Fabaceae. There were significant differences among the environments regarding species richness and soil. The analyzed soils are extremely poor and with a tendency to sandy texture, small chemical and/or physical variations imply differences in the distribution of vegetation. Our study revealed abiotic filters exerted crucial fine-scale effects on plant community in the Jalapão region.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Educational traffic campaigns aim to alert the population about adoption of behaviors that bring safety and quality in traffic. Animal-vehicle collisions are one of the most visible impacts on roads, and the planning of measures to reduce these collisions is justified for at least three reasons: animal welfare, financial cost, and drivers and passengers’ safety. We evaluated whether the impact of animal-vehicle collisions was present in educational traffic campaigns and if campaigns showed any other environmental issues. We analyzed 205 campaigns from state and national traffic departments in Brazil. Although “collision” was the most frequent subject, animal-vehicle collisions only appeared on two campaigns, both portraying domestic animals. The identified environmental issues were “animal-vehicle collision” and “garbage”, and most campaigns did not have an environmental focus. We highlighted some directions to include the subject of wildlife-vehicle collisions in traffic campaigns that could raise public awareness and, ultimately, reduce the impact on humans and animals involved in collisions.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The global need to strengthen circular economic chains highlights the importance of composting, since the organic fraction corresponds, on average, to 50% of the municipal solid waste. As centralized composting programs have been showing slow advances, especially in low and middle-income countries, the decentralized scale is a promising tool. Gated communities stand out as potential targets for decentralized composting programs, as they generally have organization, tools, employees, space, and a high density of gardens. This study detected, through online questionnaires sent to residents of gated communities, a high probability of adherence to composting programs in the condominium, predisposition for waste sorting, use of the compost, and participation in meetings to address the issue, in addition to a relevant potential for reducing the disposal of organic waste in landfills. On the other hand, the absence of leaders, lack of knowledge about community projects and fear of unpleasant odors and pests were evidenced. Among 106 respondents, residents of 25 condominiums, no variability was detected between positions of different genders, ages, and education. This diagnosis points out challenges and suggests alternatives to overcome them, based on successful experiences, focused on strengthening leadership, technical training, provision of equipment, improvements in communication and socio-environmental awareness.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Some grasslands in ecotones with forests tend to be encroached by woody species, because of changes in climate and land use. Such structural changes in vegetation can be facilitated when the grassland community presents an autochthonous arboreal component, like Butia palms. We aim to identify the responses of taxonomic and functional diversity on grassland community with the occurrence of arborescent/arboreal species (autochthonous and encroaching) to palm density and grazing intensity. The study was conducted in a Butia odorata palm grove under cattle management, in Southern Brazil. To assess the taxonomic and functional composition we performed ordinations analysis with the vegetational data and using path analysis we assessed the causal relationships between variables of interest. Density of Butia odorata and woody plants were strongly positive related, suggesting a facilitation process in the establishment of arborescent plants on the grassland matrix. The abundance of less palatable plants and grazing pressure were inversely related, indicating a selection process induced by higher grazing intensity. We suggest that the grazing intensity management must be based on the autochthonous tree density, applying higher grazing intensity in areas with higher density of encroaching plants, in addition to maintaining other regions conducive to Butia palm regeneration through fallows.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In the current study, two euglossine species, Exaerete smaragdina and Eulaema nigrita, a cleptoparasite bee and its host, respectively, were used as models to: (i) access the genetic diversity and population structure of both species, sampled along a wide latitudinal range of Atlantic Forest, where the distribution of El. nigrita and Ex. smaragdina co-occurs; (ii) investigate the evolutionary history of these species through the Atlantic Forest, and in a wider scenario, to examine the evolutionary history of these species across others forest domains. Analyses involved males of El. nigrita and Ex. smaragdina sampled through Brazilian territory, including 19 sites in the Atlantic Forest. Bayesian Skyline Plot (BSP) was used to infer possible climate oscillations on population of both species over time. The BSP revealed stability in effective population size for both species in most of the Plio-Pleistocene period. However, BSP results aligned to the starlike configuration in the haplotype network, neutrality test, and population diversity patterns indicated population expansion of the two species during the late Pleistocene. Our findings suggest areas of potential refugia to the climatic oscillations of the Pleistocene in the Atlantic Forest in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo for El. nigrita and Pernambuco for Ex. smaragdina.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Long-term-ecological-research (LTER) faces many challenges, including the difficulty of obtaining long-term funding, changes in research questions and sampling designs, keeping researchers collecting standardized data for many years, impediments to interactions with local people, and the difficulty of integrating the needs of local decision makers with “big science”. These issues result in a lack of universally accepted guidelines as to how research should be done and integrated among LTER sites. Here we discuss how the RAPELD (standardized field infrastructure system), can help deal with these issues as a complementary technique in LTER studies, allowing comparisons across landscapes and ecosystems and reducing sampling costs. RAPELD uses local surveys to understand broad spatial and temporal patterns while enhancing decision-making and training of researchers, local indigenous groups and traditional communities. Sampling of ecological data can be carried out by different researchers through standardized protocols, resulting in spatial data that can be used to answer temporal questions, and allow new questions to be investigated. Results can also be integrated into existing biodiversity networks. Integrated systems are the most efficient way to save resources, maximize results, and accumulate information that can be used in the face of the unknown unknowns upon which our future depends.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Sampling deep-sea biota is a significant challenge because of the logistics required, in terms of vessels and equipment, to obtain minimally preserved specimens. Traditional methods (trawls, nets, and dredges) cause physical damage, stress, and even contamination during the process of removal from the seabed and their displacement through the water column to the surface. Preserving conditions similar to those found in situ is particularly important when the sampling strives to maintain living organisms and for analyses where contamination or degradation by stress or damage may interfere with the results. Therefore, for the sampling and storage of this biota with less interference, a polypropylene box was designed based on the model of Kellogg et al. (2009) incorporating adaptations to be used by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). This new device has been successfully used in eight oceanographic campaigns, adequately performing for sediment and biota sampling, including coral reef forming or framework species (Scleractinia), octocorals, associated fauna, and rhodoliths, at depths between 50 and 900 m.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Sulzbacheromyces is a genus of basidiolichen that includes nine species scattered on the African, American, and Asian continents. Sequences of the universal barcode of Fungi, the nuclear internal transcribed spacer – nuITS region, are available to all known species of the genus. Specimens of Sulzbacheromyces caatingae were collected during two expeditions in the Morro of Paxixi, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Midwest region of Brazil, in the Cerrado biome, where it was reported for the first time to the state. Morphological and anatomical analyses were performed. Specimens from Mato Grosso do Sul have a light green to indistinct thallus, while specimens from Ceará, Paraíba, and Piauí states present a thin green crust on the substrate. The nuITS sequences were also generated, and the distribution of S. caatingae was plotted with the haplotypes. Morphological differences were not reflected in the molecular analysis, which confirmed the identification of the species. In addition, an identification key to the known Sulzbacheromyces species is provided.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Brazil is among the largest apple producers in the world (Malus domestica Bork, Rosaceae), with production concentrated mainly in the southern of the country. Panonychus ulmi (Koch) (Tetranychidae) have economic importance in apple and, recently, Aculus schlechtendali (Nalepa) (Eriophyidae), was reported in Brazil. This review aims to delineate the distribution of the acarofauna associated to apple, with emphasis on the main groups of economic importance and their potential natural enemies and highlight the problems related to phytophagous species and management possibilities. Searches were carried out in databases, and the principal keywords were Aculus schlechtendali, Malus domestica and Panonychus ulmi. After the exclusion criteria resulted 166 publications. The social and economic importance of the apple has been increasing on the world, however, due to environmental imbalance, phytophagous mites are increasing their populations and acquiring resistance against acaricides. Panonychus ulmi has been reported in America for decades, being of economic importance for Brazil and the record of A. schlechtendali alerts to the possibility of damage in orchards in the country. Therefore, it is important that the literature be evaluated, that the mite species are identified and that forms of conscious management are developed. Prioritizing the human and animal health and environmental balance.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The concept is part of the essence of a mentally represented element. The concept is part of the process of identification, categorization and description, which allows researchers to define and compare themes between two or more different categories. Following this idea, the main objective of this article is to establish a non-exhaustive reflection on the conceptual bases of Geotourism and its sub-segments Celestial Geotourism, Space Geotourism and Astrotourism. The main reason for carrying out this research is because there isn’t a one definition yet for the terms. This is perhaps the reason for the conflicts that exist between the themes of this tourism practice and the three categories - Celestial Geotourism, Space Geotourism and Astrotourism. The methodology was developed through secondary sources and based on the results obtained, it was possible to identify and distinguish the most important concepts to establish a univocal operational definition for each term. Finally, it was possible to conclude that although there are conflicts, this happens due to the inadequate interpretative representation of the themes between the categories.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In order to know the morphological variations of Goyazana castelnaui, we conducted an ontogenetic study from the first crab stage to the adult stage using geometric morphometry. We studied 36 females, 43 males and 162 juveniles collected in the Pajeú River, Brazil. We photographed crabs’ carapace, pleon and right cheliped with they arranged parallel to the plane, afterwards landmarks and semi-landmarks were strategically distributed in the images. Through principal components analysis, we observed that the variation occurred mainly in the frontal and posterior region of the carapace. The pleon presented marked variations in the posterior and anterolateral region, while chelipeds presented greater variations at the base of the fixed finger. The canonical variation between sexes and between juveniles and adults (p<0.05) varied significantly. Correct allocations obtained by discriminant analysis (p<0.05) varied between 89.3% and 100.0%. The carapace shows a constant dimorphism along the ontogenetic trajectory, and both sexes reach similar centroid sizes (p>0.05). While the pleon and the cheliped, both sexes are similar when juvenile, diverging along the trajectory and reaching different centroid sizes (p<0.05). Females have a larger pleon and males a larger cheliped, corroborating the monophyletic theory of Brachyura.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In this study a temporal analysis (2008-2017) was conducted to examine the occurrence of droughts and the spatial distribution of livestock herds in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Maps of vegetation cover, classes of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference drought index (NDDI) were used. Image processing took place on the Google Earth Engine platform along with QGIS Software (2.18). Two historical series were created to compare the variation between two herds and the dry monitoring, one called the 1st series (2008-2012) and 2nd series (2013-2017) which were compared using a paired t-test. The comparative analysis showed that the classes of extreme drought and exceptional drought covered the greatest land areas in the 2nd series, while abnormal drought covered the greatest land area in the 1st series. The analysis of herds, a reduction in the cattle herd and an increase in goat and sheep herds were noted. This study considers the efficacy of NDDI and NDVI indices to monitor the distribution of droughts in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The geoprocess of Sidra data enabled an analysis of the spatial distribution and temporal variation of the herds in the semi-arid region and how drought may have impacted livestock dynamics.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract A series of specimens of an unidentified species of the genus Lygodactylus from Fernando de Noronha Island were found in the herpetological collections of the Museu Nacional, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). No species of this genus were known to occur in the archipelago. A review of the historical reports regarding the herpetofauna of the island failed to provide evidence regarding the presence of the species in the last centuries. Morphological comparisons with the two other species of the genus occurring in South America, L. klugei and L. wetzeli, allowed us to confidently confirm that the Fernando de Noronha population belonged to a putatively new species. Here we describe this population as a new species and discuss its possible extinction causes in the archipelago. We also debate the importance of historical natural history collections to the study of biodiversity.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The efficient use of food resources is a precondition for wild species´ survival in urban environments. The feeding ecology of animals in tropical cities, however, remains poorly investigated. Here we study the feeding ecology of parrots in Manaus, a major Amazonian city, and compare the results with a parrot assemblage living in undisturbed habitats. We recorded 203 feeding bouts from eight parrot species, which consumed parts of 51 plant species. Parrot diets were dominated by native palm species (Arecaceae). Exotic plants, however, constituted an important portion of the diet of some parrots. Levin’s indices, a measure of food niche width, varied from 0.40 to 0.83, indicating an overall tendency to generalist diets. Diet overlap between species was small, indicating broad resource partitioning between members of the assemblage. The diversity of plants consumed in the natural environment was greater than in the urban environment (71 species vs. 52). However, the diversity of plants consumed was similar for parrot species recorded both in natural and urban environments, indicating that occupation of the city does not imply an impoverishment in parrot diets. Creation of municipal protected areas and increasing the city afforestation would provide complementary strategies for Manaus parrot conservation.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In this work, we report for the first time the occurrence of the parasitoid wasp Brachymeria amenocles (Walker, 1846) (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) associated with the larvae of the flesh fly, Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), in Brazil. This parasitoid species was collected together with the species Brachymeria podagrica (Fabricius, 1787), in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, geographically located in the Southeast region of Brazil, in larvae of the same host species reared in the same attraction substrate, behaving as solitary parasitoids. A trap containing putrefying sardine was exposed for 48 h, in the upper part of a house, located in Vila Isabel, an urban area. The larvae collected were reared in the laboratory without control of environmental conditions. A total of three adult parasitoid wasps of the species B. podagrica, and nine adult parasitoid wasps of the species B. amenocles emerged from 12 host pupae, resulting in a prevalence of parasitoidism of 4.8% and 14.5%, respectively. Developing parasitoids at the pupal phase were observed in another 34 host pupae dissected.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This study presents the first complete mitogenome of the Brazilian Atlantic bushmaster Lachesis with insights into snake evolution. The total length was 17,177 bp, consisting of 13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs and a duplicate control region (CRs). Almost all genes were encoded by the heavy-strand, except for the ND6 gene and eight tRNAs (tRNA-Gln, Ala, Asn, Cys, Tyr, Ser[TGA anticodon], Glu, Pro). Only ATG, ATA, and ATC were starting codons for protein-coding sequences. Stop codons mainly were TAA, AGA, AGG, and TAG; whereas ND1, ND3, and CYTB terminated with incomplete stop codons. Phylogeny retrieved Lachesis within the Crotalinae as the sister group of Agkistrodon; and the Lachesis+Agkistrodon clade as the sister group of (Sistrurus+Crotalus)+Bothrops. The tree supports Crotalinae, Viperinae, and Azemiopinae in the Viperidae family, being sister taxa of Colubridae+(Elapidae+Psammophiidae). The mean genetic distance across 15 snake families and 57 nucleotide sequences was 0.37. The overall mean value of genetic distance across the Crotalinae was 0.23, with Lachesis muta exhibiting the shortest distance of 0.2 with Agkistrodon piscivorus, Protobothrops dabieshanensis and P. flavoviridis and the greatest 0.25 with Gloydius blomhoffii, Trimeresurus albolabris, S. miliarius, and Deinagkistrodon acutus. The complete Atlantic L. muta mitogenome presented herein is only the third annotated mitogenome from more than 430 described Brazilian snake species.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Habitat destruction and fragmentation can change environmental conditions and disrupt mutualistic interactions, leading to impacts on natural populations. Here we checked how plant population structure responds to environmental degradation by quantifying effective seed dispersal and patterns of population distribution for the animal-dispersed palm Euterpe edulis Mart. (Arecaceae). Thus, we assessed E. edulis population structure at two locations with different degrees of fragmentation in the Interior Atlantic Forest (west of the State of Paraná, Brazil), where we registered the density of saplings at increasing distances from adults palms and from large trees in the vicinity (perch-trees). We found differences between locations, with aggregated saplings and highest densities at the most fragmented site, although in this site Immature individuals were almost absent. We also identified patches of saplings under perch-trees canopies, in a way which suggests these individuals originate from dispersal events. In both sites, the abundance of Immature saplings was similar either nearby adult palms or perch-trees, pointing to perch-trees being relevant to E. edulis population dynamics. Thus, while conservation of E. edulis in the Interior Atlantic Forest can benefit from such new data, it is still necessary to check whether our findings are recurring and consistently found elsewhere.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Plant community succession is generally approached with phytosociological methods, but field surveys are time-consuming, expensive, and limited to several of sites. Remote sensing offers an efficient and economical way to analyze vegetation on large extensions and in inaccessible areas. Most studies addressing remote sensing and tree community succession refer to forest physiognomies. We investigated whether structural changes that occur in non-forest physiognomies are identified by multispectral sensor images (OLI-Landsat). Thirteen 0.1-ha plots were set up in Caatinga fragments aging 10-15, 20-25, 30-35, 40-45 and >50 years to calculate the total density of individuals (TD), mean canopy height (H), total basal area (G) and total aboveground biomass (AGB). We performed correlation analyses between these structural descriptors and eight remote sensing variables (reflectance data and spectral indices) obtained from Landsat images at the end of the rainy season and during the dry season. Blue and short-wave infrared reflectances were negatively correlated with mean height, basal area and biomass, regardless of the analyzed scene (coefficients between -0.58 and -0.79). The litter layer (a non-photosynthetic vegetation component) and the soil exposure are important factors influencing the spectral data.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Foam-mat drying is a promising method due to involvement of proteins as foaming agent which acts like a wall material wrapping around bioactives and retards their degradation. In this study, powder properties of foam-mat dried carrot juice powders including 15% egg albumen (EA) and 15% egg albumen+ 10% whey protein isolate (WPI) during 90 days of storage at room conditions were evaluated by means of physical, chemical, thermal (DSC and TGA) and microstructural (SEM) analyses. The powder flow properties (wettability, hygroscopicity, degree of caking, Carr index and Hausner ratio) have been significantly affected from the moisture uptake during storage; however, powder flow properties of 15% EA+ 10% WPI powders were found to be better than 15% EA powders as it was also confirmed by particle diameter distributions that remained the same before and after the storage period. Besides, the total antioxidant, phenolic and carotenoid contents of 15% EA+ 10% WPI carrot powder was found comparably higher than 15% EA powders due to possible encapsulating mechanism of whey proteins. In addition to delaying of physical and chemical deteriorations in powders with WPI incorporation, thermal stability of the foam-mat dried carrot juice powders was also improved in 15% EA+ 10% WPI powder.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This paper creates an approach to the automatic detection of plagiarism in programming by combining the interdisciplinary knowledge from bioinformatics with techniques such as: tokens of programming language elements, tokens mapping in synthetic biological sequence, and alignment of biological sequences. This solution, named BIOPLAG, contemplates different levels of modifications in source code, and its functioning depends on concepts of computer science as well. Through the realization of three experiments with students and programmers, a total of 168 real examples of plagiarism evaluated the implementation of BIOPLAG with the usage of 336 source codes in C language divided into seven scenarios. The evaluation process compared to other tools known as references in the literature: MOSS and JPLAG. The evaluative metrics used are precision, recall, and fmeasure. As a result, BIOPLAG showed to be the best in four and equal in three out of seven test scenarios. Its average score on the metrics in the evaluation process was 0.95 against MOSS with 0.83 and JPAG with 0.87.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The classification and prediction methods through artificial intelligence algorithms are applied in different sectors to assist and promote intelligent decision-making. In this sense, due to the great importance in the cultivation, consumption and export of coffee in Brazil and the technological application of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) this study aimed to compare and select models based on different data classification techniques by different classification algorithms for the prediction of different coffee cultivars (Coffea arabica L.) recently planted. The attributes evaluated were height, crown diameter, total chlorophyll content, chlorophyll A and chlorophyll B, Foliar Area Index (LAI) and vegetation indexes NDVI, NDRE, MCARI1, GVI, and CI in six months. The data were prepared programming language Python using algorithms of Decision Trees, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine and Neural Networks. It was evaluated through cross-validation in all methods, the distribution by FreeViz, the hit rate, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and area under the ROC curve and percentage and predictive performance difference. All algorithms showed good hits and predictions for coffee cultivars (0.768% Decision Tree, 0.836% Random Forest, 0.886 Support Vector Machine and 0.899 Neural Networks) and the Neural Networks algorithm produced more accurate predictions than other tested algorithm models, with a higher percentage of hits for the classes considered.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Among the steps for the conversion of biomass into bioenergy, there is enzymatic hydrolysis. However, factors such as composition, formation of inhibitors, inhibition and enzymatic deactivation can affect the yield and productivity of this process. Lignocellulosic biomass is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. However, lignin is organized in a complex and non-uniform way, promotes biomass recalcitrance, which repress the enzymatic attack on cellulose to be converted into glucose, and, consequently, the production of biofuel. Thus, a challenge in enzymatic hydrolysis is to model the reaction behavior. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the performance in enzymatic hydrolysis for the conversion of cellulose present in sugarcane bagasse into glucose. Therefore, modeling and optimization will be proposed to produce high glucose concentration rates. Therefore, a previously developed study will be used, in which the authors proposed a kinetic model for the hydrolysis step. However, as a differential to what has been proposed, the calculation will be carried out evaluating the evaporation, in order to maximize the response to the glucose concentration. Thus, considering evaporation and optimized kinetic parameters, it was possible to obtain high rates of glucose concentration at 204.23 $g.L^{-1

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The properties of adhesive mortars can change due to heating, compromising the durability of the coating systems. The aim of this article was to evaluate the influence of cement and polymer contents on the tensile bond strength of adhesive mortars after thermal storage. Ceramic tiling system specimens were prepared with seventeen formulations of adhesive mortars. These specimens were stored under dry (reference) at temperature of 23 ± 2 °C and 60 ± 5% of relative humidity and thermal (temperature of 70 ± 2 °C) conditions. The results showed that the cement content was the major factor concerning tensile bond strength. The vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) polymer improved the tensile bond strength of mortars under thermal storage. However, the hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) content contributed to the tensile bond strength only when higher cement contents were used. Besides, microstructure analysis showed that ettringite was degraded during thermal storage.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract The need for energy rationalizing in farming operations require research that optimize grain crop conduction. The operations used in the processing and production of silage have limitations in energy optimization due to the lack of studies. This paper evaluated energy efficiency of whole-plant silage operations with the objective of favor the decision making. The adopted design of the experiment was in parcels (with seven replications), consisting of three harvesting modalities: single-line forage harvester, total area forage harvester, and total area forage harvester with support transshipment. The tractors were instrumented with sensors that measured engine rotation, travel speed, and hourly fuel consumption which were used to calculate field capacity, fuel consumption per area and per harvested mass, and production capacity of the harvester-tractor set. The results went to analysis of variance and subsequently to Tukey’s test. The single had a faster speed and lower hourly fuel consumption, but smaller field capacity and greater energy expenditure for the mass. The use of support transshipment set with the front harvester allowed an improvement in the operation, with an increase in the worked area, and material processing (18%), and speed (13%), without differing in fuel expenditure. The total-area forage harvester modality showed smaller costs (USD 6.7), followed by the total-area forage harvester with support transshipment set (USD 7.7) and the single-line forage harvester (USD 9.38), respectively. The use of forage harvesters with a wider working width proved to be more efficient in terms of production costs per harvested hectare, validating it’s reccomendation.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract With the higher requirements of various tactical and technical indicators of the weapon systems, the current research on the ignition and combustion characteristics of different types of solid propellants is not comprehensive. In more complex and harsh environmental conditions, the pressure affects the ignition and combustion characteristics. Therefore, the paper studies the ignition and combustion characteristics of the modified double-base propellants (MDB propellants) and fuel-rich propellants (FR propellants) under low-pressure environment. Combining experiment and theory, the ignition delay time and burning rate of two kinds of solid propellants are compared and analyzed at low pressure by the laser ignition experimental device. The results displayed that the burning flames of the FR and MDB propellant presented evident V-shape and cylindrical, respectively. The flame brightness decreased with the decrease in pressure. With the increase of pressure and heat flux, the ignition delay time of the MDB propellant and the FR propellant decreased. By comparison, Model 2 of the ignition delay time was more effective for the estimation of the ignition delay time of the FR propellant. The experimental results are compared with the three burning rate models, which are the Vielle formula (Model 1), Summerfield formula (Model 2), and B-number burning rate formula (Model 3). The results showed the burning rate was more in accord with Model 3.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract This paper investigates the perception of river dwellers in the Brazilian Amazon region about factors that influence the transmission of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) regarding medicinal plants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 43 residents of Vila Franca community (Pará, Brazil). The data were analyzed using the methodological strategy of the Discourse of the Collective Subject. The determining factors in the transmission of TEK were found to be: illness, family coexistence, and necessity, which were represented in the discourses as the most important factors for the acquisition of TEK. In the community context, the locally developed Natural Remedies Project, the beneficial effects of natural remedies, and the lack of resources to purchase allopathic medicines were cited as collaborative factors in the maintenance of TEK. Finally, the most significant determining factors in the decrease or loss of transmission of TEK found in the interviews were: lack of commitment, disbelief, and the valorization of allopathic medicines. A complex network of interactions between the villagers and their natural environment affects the transmission of TEK about medicinal plants. However, we found that the perpetuation of TEK is being threatened by various socio-economic and cultural factors.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract In Colombia, the planning of the territories has been determined through the Territorial Ordering Plans (POT). A part of the component of these POTs corresponds to decision-making regarding the rural land of the municipalities. In Ibagué, Colombia, is the Combeima Canyon, a rural area of ​​great importance for the region due to its high environmental and tourist potential. The articulation between the reality of the sector with the POT of Ibagué was analyzed, its strengths and weaknesses were identified, compared to the dynamics of the territory and the perceptions of a population group. The results show a disinterested land use planning with rural land, disjointed planning trends and inconsistent with the minimum requirements and concepts of the national legal framework. Recommendations are proposed for the application of territorial ordering instruments that allow solving the problems and preserving the strengths of the Combeima Canyon.