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Simple Summary: Ewe nutrition during gestation, either in excess or in deficit, may influence fetal development and the postnatal life of the lamb. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of use the of energy (ME) and energy/protein (MECP) supplementation in the ewe's diet in the last third of gestation on maternal placental and endocrine characteristics, as well as on the behavior of neonatal lambs and productive performance. ME and MECP ewes had higher serum concentrations of triiodothyronine and cortisol on the day of lambing. However, only ME ewes had higher placental efficiency and lower total cotyledon weight. The ME and MECP diets increased birth weight at weaning and reduced the time to kneel, to try to stand, and the latency to stand of the lambs. It is concluded that overnutrition in the last third of gestation was positive for the sheep production system, with improved production rates, hormonal profile, placental characteristics and neonatal behavior. These results are valuable to society because they indicate a management strategy during the reproductive season that can be adopted by sheep producers to increase the productivity of their flocks. The objective of the study was to evaluate energy or energy/protein supplementation in the ewe diet, in the last third of gestation, on maternal placental and endocrine characteristics, as well as its effects on the behavior of neonatal lambs and productive performance until weaning. A total of 128 ewes were used, and the experimental diet was fed from 100 days gestation until lambing, with the birth of 172 lambs. The ewes were distributed into three treatments: CTL (control, n = 43) with metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) intake according to NRC (1985); ME (energy supplementation, n = 44) plus 21% ME; and MECP (energy/protein supplementation, n = 41) plus 26% ME and CP. Body weight, body condition score, serum hormone concentrations, placental characteristics, lamb performance and behavior, and production efficiency of the ewe from lambing to weaning were measured. ME and MECP ewes were heavier before (p = 0.006) and just after lambing (p = 0.002) and had higher serum triiodothyronine (p = 0.001) and cortisol (p = 0.004) concentrations on the day of lambing. ME ewes had higher placental efficiency (p = 0.036) and lower total cotyledon weight (p = 0.011). ME and MECP diets increased both lamb birth weight (p = 0.015) and weaning weight (p = 0.009). Production efficiency at birth and at weaning was not influenced (p > 0.05) by treatments. Lamb behavior was influenced by the ME and MECP diets, reducing the time to kneel (p ≤ 0.05), to try to stand (p ≤ 0.05), and the latency to stand (p ≤ 0.005). It is concluded that overnutrition in the last third of gestation was positive for the ovine production system, with improved production rates, hormonal profile, placental characteristics, and neonatal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can have significant effects on phenotypic characteristics in cattle. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that act as post-transcriptional regulators by binding them to target mRNAs. In the present study, we scanned ~56 million SNPs against 1,064 bovine miRNA sequences and analyzed, in silico, their possible effects on target binding prediction, primary miRNA formation, association with QTL regions and the evolutionary conservation for each SNP locus. Following target prediction, we show that 71.6% of miRNA predicted targets were altered as a consequence of SNPs located within the seed region of the mature miRNAs. Next, we identified variations in the Minimum Free Energy (MFE), which represents the capacity to alter molecule stability and, consequently, miRNA maturation. A total of 48.6% of the sequences analyzed showed values within those previously reported as sufficient to alter miRNA maturation. We have also found 131 SNPs in 46 miRNAs, with altered target prediction, occurring in QTL regions. Lastly, analysis of evolutionary conservation scores for each SNP locus suggested that they have a conserved biological function through the evolutionary process. Our results suggest that SNPs in microRNAs have the potential to affect bovine phenotypes and could be of great value for genetic improvement studies, as well as production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate how the Higher Education Institutions organize and operationalize the supervised curriculum internship in the Courses of Accounting Sciences in Brazil using David Kolb's Experiential Theory of Learning. This is a descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, elaborated through documentary collection in the Pedagogical Projects and / or Internship Regulations of a sample of 210 Brazilian higher education institutions. It was verified that 97% of the investigated institutions establish the Supervised Internship as an activity to be performed individually; the hourly load for carrying out the activity is quite heterogeneous; most institutions establish the responsibilities of students, but not of the other ones (HEIs, professors, ceding companies and supervisors); the central purpose of the Supervised Internship is to expose the student to practical situations and it is possible to visualize the steps of the Kolb's experiential learning cycle in the regulations of most HEIs investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research proposes to identify the labor market requirements in relation to the hiring of the accounting professional, based on ads for online jobs in the State of São Paulo, through the site Manager.com. Two hundred and seventy two job openings were surveyed in the period from January to August 2017. The results showed that most of the vacancies are aimed at micro-enterprises and small businesses, a requirement was observed by professionals with higher education in accounting sciences, but only 54.57% of all vacancies require registration with the CFC. The most requested knowledge was in the fiscal area and in general accounting, the segments that most offered positions were human resources and accounting / auditing. It's concluded that the market requires the accounting professional to have technical skills related to the fiscal area, this result can be justified by the fact that 67.64% of jobs are allocated to micro and small enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text discusses the transformations of religious experiences of a society in a verge of mediatization (Gomes, 2016; Martino, 2016) based on a case study (Braga, 2008) that investigates a religious WhatsApp group created by Catholics to pray for each other. The research includes two moments: an analysis of the group's interactions during a week and an interview with the creator of the group. The raised pieces of evidence indicate the joints between religious rituals and other practices and media dynamics make emerge new forms of religious experiences permeated by mediatic processes. New bonds are created and crosses between pop culture, entertainment, and prayers run in a fast and fragmented pace. This new communication scenario establishes challenges for religious institutions in the face of the public protagonism assumed by the laity in the network and also for those who, among the creative experiments, try to understand the actions that best suit their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the applicability of the Accounting Entity Principle in small businesses of the retail sector of Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul. Thus, initially we sought to contextualize the environment that will be developed this work, through the presentation and discussion of matters pertaining to its main theme. Then it was conducted an exploratory study of the survey type in the aforementioned companies whose data were collected through questionnaires with predominantly closed questions directed to managers of the companies, that are propose to contribute with the research, using for analysis the qualitative approach. The results of this study showed that many managers do not know and do not apply the concepts related to the accounting entity principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aim to analyze the quality of accounting information through their disclosure, taking as a basis, the perception of the users as to its form, content and usefulness. Therefore, this research was divided into two stages: the first was assigned to the introductory part of the study, analyzing relevant issues concerning the problem studied and the literature relevant to the topic review, which theoretical support to the practical part this paper. The second stage, in turn, was operationalized through an exploratory case study with qualitative approach. Thus seeking to establish relationships between the theoretical framework and the reality of the customers of a company providing financial services in Andradina, São Paulo. So, to collect the data, we used a questionnaire with predominantly closed questions, using descriptive analysis. As a result, it was possible to identify the user satisfaction in relation to services and accounting information that they use and to identify the characteristics that best qualify them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the participation of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) in the media in Portugal and how this Brazilian denomination is related to Portuguese society and religious specificities. For the analysis, five editions of Sixth Sense (TV UCKG in Portugal) were selected, in which there are references to Friday the 13th, a date full of mysticism in popular Catholicism. Based on the narrative theory of Paul Ricoeur, a content analysis of the programs in which it uncovered the cosmology of the Neo-Pentecostal church: a "world" where opposing forces, representing good and evil, fighting between yes to master / save people; magic and spiritualist religions are evil ruler agents, while the UCKG is the agent of good, salvation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the differences between hair lambs, born from single or twin births, regarding the latency periods for standing up and suckling, the vitality, glycemic, cortisol, and triiodothyronine concentrations, as well as the phenotypic characteristics related to the maintenance of homeothermy in the immediate postpartum. Single (n = 10) or twin (n = 12) Morada Nova lambs were evaluated after birth, during the first successful suckling (M0 = Timepoint 0), and at regular intervals of 20 min (M20, M40, M60). Lambs from single births had higher birth weight (3.09 vs 2.58 kg; P ≤ 0.05) and higher serum triiodothyronine concentration (267 vs 209 ng/dL; P ≤ 0.05) compared to twin lambs. There was a positive correlation between weight and blood glucose (0.57; P ≤ 0.05) for both single and twin lambs. The type of birth did not affect vitality, which was negatively associated with cortisol concentration (−0.53; P ≤ 0.05). Twin lambs had higher internal and ocular temperatures (39.29 vs 38.67 °C and 38.84 vs 38.13 °C; P ≤ 0.05, respectively). Body surface temperatures increased over time in both groups (P ≤ 0.05). An increase in the temperature of the hips region (ysingle = 27.88 + 0.019*time; R2 = 0.96; P = 0.019 and ytwin = 28.74 + 0.019*time; R2 = 0.94; P = 0.029) was observed for both single and twin lambs, which coincides with the region of brown adipose tissue deposition. The lowest absolute thermal variabilities between twin and single lambs in M0 and M60 were recorded in the midloin and integral dorsal area. The parturition type did not influence the latencies to stand up (P = 0.908) and for the first suckling (P = 0.888), and the vitality score (P = 0.353). Thus, single and twin lambs do not differ in neonatal behavior, but they presented specific metabolic strategies to regulate body temperature over time. Midloin and integral dorsal areas are anatomical regions suggested for use in serial thermographic monitoring. Infrared thermography may be an important complementary resource in neonatal care. • Vitality of single or twin lambs does not differ, but plasma cortisol was associated with vigour score at birth. • Twin lambs have higher rectal and ocular surface temperatures than single lambs. • Thermograms reveal an increase in body surface temperature (within 60 min after suckling). • Midloin and dorsal area are regions of interest for thermographic monitoring. • New applications using infrared thermography for the evaluation of individuals and flocks are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) in heterogeneous technology environments is a complex problem, which still does not have a fully acceptable solution. Thus, the implementation of new network selection strategies represents an important issue in development, mainly due to the growing demand for applications and scenarios involving 5G and future networks. This work presents an integrated solution for the NSSF problem, called the Network Slice Selection Function Decision-Aid Framework (NSSF DAF), which consists of a distributed solution in which a part is executed on the user's equipment (for example, smartphones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, IoT brokers) functioning as a transparent service, and another at the Edge of the operator or service provider. It requires a low consumption of computing resources from mobile devices and offers complete independence from the network operator. For this purpose, protocols and software tools are used to classify slices, employing the following four multicriteria methods to aid decision making: VIKOR (Visekriterijumska Optimizacija i Kompromisno Resenje), COPRAS (Complex Proportional Assessment), TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) and Promethee II (Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations). The general objective is to verify the similarity among these methods and applications to the slice classification and selection process, considering a specific scenario in the framework. It also uses machine learning through the K-means clustering algorithm, adopting a hybrid solution in the implementation and operation of the NSSF service in multi-domain slicing environments of heterogeneous mobile networks. Testbeds were conducted to validate the proposed framework, mapping the adequate quality of service requirements. The results indicate a real possibility of offering a complete solution to the NSSF problem that can be implemented in Edge, in Core, or even in the 5G Radio Base Station itself, without the incremental computational cost of the end user's equipment, allowing for an adequate quality of experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we seek to analyze the mediatization of pilgrims' narratives on Camino de Santiago. Centuries ago, pilgrims were deprived of contact with their homes for extended periods. The narrative of the experience was only shared with their loved ones once they had arrived home. In the 20th century, landline telephones, computers connected to the Internet, and smartphones gradually reduced the time necessary to share these stories with the outside world. Upon analyzing pilgrimage narratives published on the Internet (Facebook, blogs), we observe that the intimate experience of pilgrims has become a media product that, when circulated, interferes in both the storytelling and the actual pilgrimage experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Transcription factors and miRNA co-regulate gene expression in reproductive tissues. • Transcription factors and miRNA have a predicted influence over spermatogenesis and male fertility. • Genes involved in contrary regulations were associated with spermatogenesis, sexual reproduction and sperm motility. Spermatogenesis is highly conserved among mammalians, but its gene expression and regulatory profile are not entirely known. As transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs are crucial for gene expression regulation, identifying genes negatively regulated by miRNAs and positively regulated by TFs in the testis and epididymis can provide a deeper understanding of gene expression and regulatory patterns. To do this, we used expression data coming from RNA-Seq and miRNA-Seq experiments made with biopsies from testicular parenchyma, head of the epididymis, and tail of the epididymis of four Brahman bulls. We identified miRNA differentially expressed (DE) by comparing the three distinct tissues. A co-expression analysis combined with a regulatory impact factor approach identified miRNAs and TFs with regulatory impact over gene expression regulation in the Bos indicus tissues studied. We identified 116 DE miRNAs, 206 miRNAs and 237 TFs with a significant regulatory impact on mRNA patterns in the tissues' comparisons. bta-miR-196b was the only DE miRNA for all tissue comparisons and it may be a regulator of spermatogenesis through its links with adipogenesis and insulin biosynthesis. DE genes and TFs involved in contrary regulations between the epididymis head and testis parenchyma were associated with spermatogenesis, sexual reproduction, and sperm motility. Our results provide possible mechanisms, governed by the contrary effect of miRNA and TF, leading to the differential expression between the studied tissues. We have demonstrated that our predictions of miRNAs and TFs co-regulations over target DE genes can retrieve known regulatory mechanisms and predict new ones that merit further validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids have gathered special attention due to their potential for carbon dioxide capture, and their potential as solvents for mitigation of climate change. Following the scope of previous works, amino‐acid‐based ionic liquids encapsulated (ENILs) into carbonaceous submicrocapsules are here proposed as a novel material for CO2 capture. The ENILs prepared using tetrabutylphosphonium acetate ([P4,4,4,4][Ac]), used as reference, (2‐hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium l‐phenylalaninate ([N1,1,1,2(OH)][L‐Phe]), (2‐hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium l‐prolinate ([N1,1,1,2(OH)][L‐Pro]), and tetrabutylammonium l‐prolinate ([N4,4,4,4][L‐Pro]) were characterized by SEM, TEM, elemental analysis, TGA, and BET to assess their morphology, chemical composition, porous structure, and thermal stability. The absorption of CO2 on these materials was studied up to 0.5 MPa and 343 K. The desorption of CO2 from the saturated ENILs was evaluated, under mild conditions, evidencing these materials as promising agents for CO2 capture from post‐combustion sources, with high sorption capacity and fast and complete regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is about the mediatic-religious narratives from the Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus at the Programação IURD in Minas Gerais, which corresponds to a set of television programs broadcasted daily by Record Minas during late nights. As a framework, we picked a number of programs from July 2012, when the church completed 35 years of existence. In the developing of the analysis, we propose a theoretical triangulation that features the dispositive, narrative and experience concepts, attempting to realize how they affect each other and how they are constituted in their interconnections. Having in mind this conceptual display, our goal is to look at the Programação IURD seeking to identify, in the worlds that their narratives bring to light, possible points of strength or tension, aspects that gain visibility, silences that emerge, as well as the public imagined to be reached. Thus, we also intend to study how the Universal narrates itself and, through this narrative mediation, how the Universal relates itself with viewers and with other sectors of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, it is proposed and experimentally investigated a sensor structure based on a core diameter mismatch technique for strain sensing. An uncoated short section of multimode fiber is spliced between two standard single mode fibers forming the sensor structure, called the SMS (single‐mode‐multimode‐single‐mode) sensor. The proposed SMS sensor, in the strain analysis, generates destructive or constructive interference patterns as load or strain are applied, changing the power of the optical signal only, without varying the wavelength. The sensor configuration offers several motivating attributes, such as easy fabrication, low‐cost, high‐efficiency and high sensitivity, moreover allows interrogation of the optical signal using the transmitted or reflected total optical power. The results and these advantages indicate that the proposed SMS sensor device is suitable for strain measurement, which is helpful in a broad range of applications, for instance, structural health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic group, age at entry into confinement and at slaughter, are characteristics that have an important influence on lamb performance and carcass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics and non-carcass components from different genetic groups (Santa Inês and ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês) sheep, submitted to different feedlot entry and exit strategies. Were used 72 lambs males and castrated; 36 Santa Inês (SI) and 36 crossbred (Dorper x Santa Inês–DSI), with 6 months of average initial age. The groups were established in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 2x3x4 factorial arrangement, from the combination of genetic groups (GG), body weight at the beginning of confinement (WBC) and length of stay in confinement (LSC). The body weight classes at the beginning of confinement were: light (25 kg), intermediate (28 kg) and heavy (31 kg), for Santa Inês and crossbreeds, respectively. Slaughters were carried out every 28 days of confinement, in four LSC: 0, 28, 56 and 84 days. The GG did not influence performance, carcass and non-carcass component traits of lambs (p > 0.05). There was an effect of the WBC on the weights: final (FW), metabolic (MW), body at slaughter (BWS), empty body (EBW), hot carcass (HCY) and cold (CCW), loin, shoulder, leg musculature; loin eye area (LEA) and loin fat (p < 0.05). There was also an effect on LSC, for FW, average daily weight gain (ADG), MW, weight and yield of body components, weight of cuts and tissue ratio components of cuts (p < 0.05). In non-carcass components, effect on full and empty weight of: omasum, rumen-reticulum, small intestine; empty large intestine, liver and kidneys, paws and skin, and perirenal, pelvic and inguinal fat (p < 0.05). Interaction double effect on the tissue muscle/fat:bone ratio (MF:B) and for the full omasal component (p < 0.05). And triple interaction effect for ADG, full omasum and perirenal fat (p < 0.05). Weight at the beginning of confinement and confinement time are the characteristics that most influence performance, quantitative characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components. Regardless of the genetic group and age class, the animals reach the same weight after 84 days of confinement. Thus, the confinement of heavier lambs (31 kg) can be a profitable alternative, as they presented the highest weights for the most commercially valued cuts (shank and loin). The confinement strategy must adapt to market situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the optical properties of metalorganic chemical vapour deposited (MOCVD) InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQW) subjected to nitrogen (N) implantation and post-growth annealing treatments. The optical characterization was carried out by means of temperature and excitation density-dependent steady state photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, supplemented by room temperature PL excitation (PLE) and PL lifetime (PLL) measurements. The as-grown and as-implanted samples were found to exhibit a single green emission band attributed to localized excitons in the QW, although the N implantation leads to a strong reduction of the PL intensity. The green band was found to be surprisingly stable on annealing up to 1400°C. A broad blue band dominates the low temperature PL after thermal annealing in both samples. This band is more intense for the implanted sample, suggesting that defects generated by N implantation, likely related to the diffusion/segregation of indium (In), have been optically activated by the thermal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CONTEXT Climate change presents challenges for livestock productivity and animal health. Thus, management strategies to mitigate the effects of the global temperature increase on livestock production have become progressively relevant. However, the use of integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems to optimize the beef cattle thermal balance has not been examined more deeply. The study aimed to evaluate the microclimate in a non-shaded pasture system (NS) and in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system (ICLF) and its influence on thermoregulatory and endocrine responses of zebu and composite bulls, during different climatic seasons. The experiment was carried out in a tropical region, São Carlos-SP, Brazil (21°57′42″S, 47°50′28″W). Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus x 3/8 Bos indicus) bulls were equally allocated in a non-shaded system (NS; n = 32) or in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system (ICLF; n = 32). The animals were monthly evaluated and the data were analyzed using a GLM Model. Means were compared using Tukey test (P < 0.05). The ICLF system reduced the air temperature (−0.6 °C; P = 0.0010), the Black Globe Temperature and Humidity Index-BGHI (−3.8; P < 0.0001), and the Radiant Thermal Load (−104 W/m2; P < 0.0001) compared to the NS system. The infrared thermograms of NS bulls were characterized by higher temperatures on the surface of the back and in the trunk, during Autumn and Winter (P < 0.05). In addition, NS bulls presented higher respiratory rate (RR: 35.85 ± 0.88 vs 31.97 ± 0.88 breaths/min; P = 0.0210) and internal body temperature (BT: 39.54 ± 0.05 vs 39.35 ± 0.05 °C; P = 0.0057) during Autumn. There was a significant reduction in cortisol concentration (−12.13 ng/mL; P < 0.05) in both systems throughout the experiment. Nelore bulls had lower RR and BT, lower mean concentration of cortisol, and higher secretion of triiodothyronine than Canchim bulls. The ICLF system was effective in mitigating the microclimate of pastures due to the action of natural shading, providing greater thermal comfort, especially for composite animals, and favored the maintenance of homeothermy in the bulls. This thesis has provided a deeper insight into the physiological mechanisms involved in the thermoregulation of cattle raised in integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems. The insights gained from this study may be of assistance to indicate ICLF as a suitable option for increasing animal welfare in tropical climates. [Display omitted] • Afforested systems have been singled out as a possible solution for mitigating animal thermal stress. • We assessed the thermoregulation of beef bulls over 13 months. • The air temperature, the BGHI, and the thermal load were lower in the crop-livestock-forestry system. • Bulls in the crop-livestock-forestry system showed greater thermal comfort and lower heat stress biomarkers. • The Crop-livestock-forestry system may be a suitable option for increasing animal welfare in tropical climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It can be said that the search for an accounting science course is growing in Brazil. We are interested in verifying, in practice, the factors that interfere in this choice, as well as identifying the profile of these students. Thus, this article aims to analyze the factors that influence the choice of the accounting science course. As for the research method and procedures, this study is characterized and quantitative survey. To this end, a questionnaire developed was used to collect data from undergraduate students in accounting sciences at a university of Rio Grande do Sul. The sample consisted of 85 academics. For the data treatment, the called factor analysis was implemented, its applicability was done via SPSS software and the data were tabulated in excel spreadsheets. The results achieved allowed us to verify that 7 components (independence, possibility, persistence, influence of professionals, close people, career planning and preference for mathematics) explain 68.539% of the factors that constitute the choice for graduation in Accounting Science. As non-significant variables we had: labor market, different areas of activity, updated course, own company, professional growth, creative person, male gender, vocation, status, I did not research the course, social contribution and not having financial conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core diameter mismatch structures are proposed and experimentally investigated for curvature and vibration sensing. Two configurations are suggested, one approach uses a structure formed by splicing an uncoated short section of multimode fiber between two standard single-mode fibers (SMFs) single-mode–multimode–single-mode (SMS), combined to a fiber optical mirror at its end, and the other approach uses a structure made by splicing a section of SMF between two multimode fibers (SMSMS). In the curvature analysis, the proposed SMS sensor generates the destructive interference patterns when it is bent, varying only the attenuation of the optical signal without wavelength shifts. The SMSMS vibration sensor proved to be suitable to monitor very low frequencies such as 0.1 Hz. The configuration of the proposed sensors presents several interesting features, such as easy fabrication, low cost, high efficiency, and high sensitivity. These advantages make such sensors very useful in a wide range of applications, for instance, structural health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth in demand and demand for quality in the sheep chain has generated the need for automation techniques in the meat industry and the need to obtain responses with greater speed and standardization. The research aimed to predict tissue characteristics of the carcass and commercial cuts based on measurements obtained by VIA – see oimage analysis, carried out on cold carcasses of hairless lambs, using machine learning employing regressive techniques for variable selection. Information from 72 carcasses of castrated male lambs, aged between 8 and 11 months, with an average cold carcass weight of 16.13 ± 3.98 kg, was used. Images of the right side of the carcasses were captured from the dorsal and lateral views using a digital camera. From the ImageJ2 software, VIA data, measurements and shape descriptors (areas, perimeters, widths, lengths, convexities, solidities) were obtained, combined with cold carcass weight and used to generate four sets of data, called descriptor sets (DSs). Obtaining DS1, DS1', DS2, DS2', DS3, DS3', DS4 AND DS4'. To generate these sets, a database was formed and divided into a training bank (with 70% of the observations) and a test bank (30% of the observations). Multiple linear regression models were developed using Stepwise, LASSO, and Elastic Net regression methods, combined with k-fold cross-validation, to evaluate the performance of the models. The accuracy of the estimates was based on RMSE, R2, Pearson correlation and bias metrics. For the variables tested in this study, the proposed shape descriptors were mostly efficient in predicting tissue and weight variables. DS1' with the LASSO technique presented the best adjustments for variables total muscle and fat followed by shoulder, loin and rib cuts. The descriptors tested by this study were able to predict with quality the vast majority of the characteristics tested, the variable cold carcass weight (CCW), introduced as additional predictor, promoted a consistent improvement in the fits of all models. DS1 presented greater constancy for the twenty-three predicted characteristics and Stepwise presented the worst predictive performance, in relation to LASSO and Elastic Net. Despite close adjustments between the generated models, in general, Elastic Net presented lower performance than LASSO. • The proposed descriptors predicted cuts' commercial weights and tissue composition • Predicted characteristics in a non-invasive way depend on associated descriptors • Descriptors that best predicted the muscular components contained the whole carcass • Cold carcass weight variable improved the adjustments of all models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome or unilateral hyperlucent lung syndrome is a rare entity associated with postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans occurring in childhood. It is characterized by hypoplasia and/or agenesis of the pulmonary arteries resulting in pulmonary parenchyma hypoperfusion.Case Presentation: Here we report the case of a 53-year-old Caucasian woman with Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome found in the differential diagnosis workup for a new onset of heart failure, secondary to pulmonary arterial hypertension complicated by a patent ductus arteriosus.Conclusion: Typically, this disorder is diagnosed in childhood after evaluation for recurrent respiratory infections, but sometimes an indolent course means diagnosis is not made until adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the efficiency of cervical relaxation protocol using none, half or full dose (1.0 mg) of oestradiol benzoate in Dorper ewes subjected to non‐surgical embryo recovery (NSER). Thirty‐six pluriparous ewes received progestogen sponge (60 mg) for 9 days plus eCG administration (300 IU i.m.) 24 hr before sponge removal. Ewes were not mated and were randomly assigned to receive at 16 hr before NSER 37.5 µg d‐cloprostenol i.m. and different doses of oestradiol benzoate: 0.0 mg (0EB group; n = 12); 0.5 mg (0.5EB group; n = 12) or 1.0 mg of oestradiol (1.0EB group, n = 12). All ewes received oxytocin (50 IU) i.v. 20 min before NSER, which was performed 8 days after sponge removal. Corpora lutea were counted by transrectal ultrasonography 24 hr before NSER. After procedure, the ewes were kept in natural breeding period to check their post‐NSER fertility. NSER was performed in 91.7% (33/36) of the animals with overall fluid recovery efficiency over 97% (p >.05). The cervical transposing with Hegar dilator was longer (p <.05) in 0EB (4.2 ± 0.3 min) compared to 0.5EB (1.7 ± 0.3 min) and 1.0EB group (1.5 ± 0.3 min). The cervical transposing with mandrel/catheter was longer (p <.05) in 0EB (2.4 ± 0.5 min) than 1.0EB group (1.3 ± 0.5 min). Overall duration of uterine flushing was 25.4 min with structure recovery rate of 43.5%, with no difference among groups (p >.05). The post‐NSER fertility was higher (p <.05) in 0.0EB (90%) than 0.5EB group (36.4%). In conclusion, NSER can be successfully performed in Dorper ewes by using a cervical relaxation protocol without oestradiol benzoate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accounting audit is undergoing changes to keep up with the needs imposed by market developments. Therefore, as a descriptive study supported by the theory of Albrecht e Romney (1986), on the use of red flags on financial and operational bases as a form of fraud detection, this work had as objective the construction of a practical model, originating a new software, which supported the Cronbach test, validated the internal consistency of the pairs of red flags presented according to their scope, for later, based on the method of Bardin (1991), identify and correlate financial and operational variables. The application of the model / software took place in the financial statements and reports of the five largest Brazilian public companies, chosen for convenience, in view of the corruption processes that are linked. As a result, we obtained the crossing of the red flags shown Figure 1, which represent signs of errors or fraud in the analyzed companies, signaling to the audit, that these points deserve attention, according to the theoretical and legal framework consulted. This was the main contribution of the model and software, which should be used as a way of understanding complementary to existing methods, expanding the possibility of analysis due to the potential of information processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity is a multifactorial chronic condition associated with genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. Understanding the role of the built and social environment in Quality of Life (QOL) is critical to reducing the negative impacts of the environment on health.Objective: To estimate the built and social environmental and individual factors that influence the QOL of adults who underwent bariatric surgery.Methods: A prospective cohort study conducted with adults who underwent bariatric surgery. Using longitudinal linear regression analysis, we verified the association between the domains of World Health Organization Quality of Life in version bref (WHOQOL-Bref) - General QOL and domains psychological, physical health, social relations and environment - and possible influencing factors.Results: The increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) reduces on average 0.47 points in physical domain assessment score. The increase of healthy establishments within the buffer increases on average 0.52 points in the physical domain score. Being female reduces, on average, 5.35 points in the psychological domain evaluation score. Adults who practiced less than 150 min a week of leisure-time physical activity had a 3.27 point average reduction in the social relations domain assessment score. The increase in the number of Supermarkets and Hypermarkets in the buffer increases on average 2.18 points from the Social Relations domain score.Conclusions: Individual and contextual factors were associated with the QOL of adults who underwent bariatric surgery. Although the surgery yields positive results, the maintenance of same is strongly related to changes in lifestyle, the built environment and multi-professional guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to identify the factors that influence the manufacturing strategy, upstream and downstream, analyzing the level of alignment among the different employees in the definition of production strategy in small and medium enterprises. So through a descriptive analysis of the companies in the Municipality of São Carlos, state of São Paulo, it was possible to identify that most of them operate for more than 10 years; have 2 to 4 members; has simple hierarchical levels; can be said to be family-owned enterprises and use the massmanufacturing strategy. In contrast to the minimal knowledge of modern techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the effects of intravaginal and intravenous routes of oxytocin (OT) administration in 46 oestrous‐induced Santa Inês ewes (6‐day treatment with progestin‐releasing intravaginal sponges and a single injection of 200 IU of eCG at the time of sponge removal) that underwent transcervical embryo recovery 6–7 days after oestrous onset and mating. All ewes received 37.5 μg of d‐cloprostenol via latero‐vulvar route, and 1 mg of oestradiol benzoate i.m. 16 hr before and 50 IU of OT 20 min before non‐surgical embryo recovery (NSER), with OT being administered intravenously (n = 21) or intravaginally (n = 21). An overall oestrous response was 95.6% (44/46), and adequate cervical retraction could be accomplished in 78.6% (33/42) of ewes. The percentage of successful NSER procedures was 57% (24/42) or 72.7% (24/33) of animals with sufficient cervical retraction. The duration of NSER procedure averaged 28 min (range: 17–40 min) and ~96% of flushing fluid could be recovered (range: 85%–100%). Out of 18 ewes that could not undergo NSER, 12 (66.6%) presented various anatomical barriers, whilst the other 33.4% did not present these barriers and still could not be traversed. Excluding the ewes with those anatomical features, the overall success rate of NSER was 80% (24/30). The route of OT administration had no effect on NSER efficiency or the ease with which transcervical embryo flushing was performed. Both routes of OT administration can be used for cervical dilation protocol. Discarding ewes with anatomical features precluding cervical penetration is highly recommended to increase the efficacy of NSER in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with an increasingly demanding and competitive market, adequately serving its customers has become a growing challenge, especially when these clients are large corporations with presence in the international market, in this work called anchors. To help the market where they are inserted, these companies invest in qualifying their supply chain through supplier qualification programs. These programs play a key role in the development of micro and small enterprises, empowering and certifying, expanding its quality management. From this fact, this work used the descriptive methodology to analyze the existence of differences between the qualification programs of suppliers. Among the programs studied, despite several points in common, have numerous local peculiarities, which leads to the conclusion that there is no standard supplier qualification program among the respondents. This work did not carry out a census among all existing supplier qualification programs in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the report of the independent auditor of the civil construction companies listed on the BM&FBOVESPA for the purpose of verifying compliance with the current NBC TAs on January 1, 2017. The research is classified as descriptive with analysis content and qualitative approach to data in a collect of 19 audit reports. Although there are criticisms regarding the use of the qualitative analysis because they do not represent rigorous procedures to guide the correlation of the findings, the results show that 98% of the reports analyzed are in compliance with the NBC TAs, following the auditor's new reporting standard. Three reports were issued with negative opinion and 16 reports with unqualified opinion, with only two reports highlighting relevant uncertainty related to operational continuity. It is concluded that, although most of the audit reports were issued with unqualified opinion, the uncertainties are present in the construction sector, considering the current scenario of retraction and crisis of the sector. This information is important for the transparency and understanding of the users of accounting information for decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the participation of organizations in the constitution of service companies in the area of paper and pulp production. As far as the methodological aspect is concerned, the research is presented as qualitative and descriptive and, as methods of procedures, uses bibliographic research and survey. The data were obtained through questionnaires, previously tested. The selected actors are agents active in organizations that support the creation of companies in the municipality of Três Lagoas, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The universe comprised 268 actors stratified by performance in the organizations approached. Accessibility sampling resulted in 114 valid questionnaires. Data collection occurred from July to August 2015. The results were analyzed with the support of descriptive statistics techniques. Regarding institutional issues related to business creation, 39.36% of respondents say that the first stage (genesis) of the company was never prioritized by its organization. Another important result highlights a higher priority of formal norms in relation to informal norms at the stage of enterprise creation. Moreover, the organizations that act as support for the creation of companies, point out that only 8.48% of the services offered serve the new companies in their "embryonic" stage. It is concluded that the organizations that support the creation of new companies do not develop, as a priority, their activities and actions in the embryonic stage of the companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a vision-based system to support tactical and physical analyses of futsal teams. Most part of the current analyses in this sport are manually performed, while the existing solutions based on automatic approaches are frequently composed of costly and complex tools, developed for other kind of team sports, making it difficult their adoption by futsal teams. Our system, on the other hand, represents a simple yet efficient dedicated solution, which is based on the analyses of image sequences captured by a single stationary camera used to obtain top-view images of the entire court. We use adaptive background subtraction and blob analysis to detect players, as well as particle filters to track them in every video frame. The system determines the distance traveled by each player, his/her mean and maximum speeds, as well as generates heat maps that describe players' occupancy during the match. To present the collected data, our system uses a specially developed mobile application. Experimental results with image sequences of an official match and a training match show that our system provides data with global mean tracking errors below 40 cm, demanding on 25 ms to process each frame and, thus, demonstrating its high application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this work, it is proposed a technique to implement an intensity sensor based on the generation of a double-reflecting (ghost) signal in optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR). The intensity sensor is supported by a singlemode-multimode-singlemode (SMS) fiber structure combined with a fiber loop mirror (FLM). The results of the displacement sensitivity show linear behavior for both the first-reflecting and double-reflecting signals with linear slopes of approximately −4.5 dB/mm and −6 dB/mm, respectively. The displacement resolution achieved is ∼0.28 mm. It is also found that the system is able to read periodic displacement variations in the millisecond time scale applied to the sensing head. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1312-1315, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this article, it is proposed an interrogation and multiplexing system based on optical time domain reflectometer for fiber loop mirror coupled intensity sensors. Pulse width of approximately 100 ns enabled to attain a dynamic range of approximately 18 dB. Good linearity was achieved with a −13.3 dB/mm slope. The resolution of the sensing head was 0.027 mm. The proposed interrogation system showed to be an alternative technique for multiplexing and remote sensing. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:2860-2864, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how the bioclimatic factors influence the animals homeothermy and behavior is essential to implement good practices for tropical livestock. Thus, the objective of this work was to study the effect of the incorporation of the arboreal component in pasture production systems in a tropical environment on thermal comfort and to analyze the influence of the integrated crop-livestock-forestry system on the behavior of beef cattle. The study was carried out in São Carlos-SP, Brazil, region of tropical altitude subtype, for 13 months. Sixty-four Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus x 3/8 Bos indicus) non-castrated males (26 months; 358 kg LW) were allocated to production systems with pastures in full sun (Group FS; n = 32) or with forested pastures (Group ICLF; n = 32). The microclimate of the pastures was permanently monitored by weather stations. The behavior of the animals was assessed through an observational method in monthly campaigns and a continuous electronic monitoring method based on the use of an accelerometer and acoustic sensor coupled to collars. Higher means of the black globe temperature index were registered in the morning and the afternoon, with a very challenging condition for the animals during the spring and summers, especially for the Group FS. The observational results showed that animals in the Group FS grazed longer in the morning than animals in the Group ICL, mainly in the warmer seasons (P < 0.05). The animals in FS remained lying down longer than the animals kept in the ICLF system, during rumination or resting (P < 0.05). The animals in the Group ICLF preferred the use of shaded areas within the forested system and their frequency of visits to the drinking fountain was reduced in the morning (−55 %) and afternoon (−26 %) shifts. Electronic monitoring showed that animals, regardless of the production system, spent 38.4 % of their time resting, 32.6 % in displacement, and 29.0 % in rumination. The animals in FS had a higher displacement time at night and dawn, and less time resting at night (22:00 h and 23:00 h) and dawn (2:00 h to 6:00 h), which affected their circadian rhythm and restricted the time devoted to restorative effects of rest. Therefore, the use of the arboreal component proved to be beneficial for obtaining a more favorable microclimate for raising cattle on pasture, being useful for increasing animal thermal comfort and for the expression of behavioral attitudes favorable to the maintenance of homeothermy in a tropical environment. • Thermal comfort and behavior in afforested (ICLF) or non-forested (FS) pastures were studied. • Observational and electronic methods were used to describe beef cattle behavior. • ICLF allowed maximize the use of shaded areas for grazing, ruminating, or resting. • Animals on ICLF reduced the search for the drinking fountain and mineral mixture. • ICLF benefited microclimate and increased the thermal comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]