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We have developed an iterative, efficient, and stable 3D magnetic inversion method to estimate the depth to the basement of a sedimentary basin, the volume of which is approximated by a grid of rectangular prisms with tops at an arbitrary surface and thicknesses estimated iteratively. To compute the thicknesses corrections at the kth iteration, we first compute an approximate sparse sensitivity matrix in which the nonnull elements of a given line are obtained by differentiating the fitting function at the observation position (which occupies the center of a small moving data window) relative to the thicknesses of the prisms situated inside the window. By moving the data window around, all nonnull elements of all lines are computed. This sparse matrix is used to calculate an approximate Gauss-Newton gradient and an approximate diagonal Gauss-Newton Hessian matrix. Finally, by dividing each element of the gradient vector by the corresponding diagonal element of the approximate Hessian matrix, we obtain the corrections of all parameters at a given iteration. The solution is stable because of (1) the small parameter corrections inherent to the method, combined with the initial estimate at the surface and (2) the application of a moving average operator to the solution. Any magnetization orientation, except horizontal (and parallel to any vertical side of the prisms), yields good results. In the case of magnetization inclinations of approximately 45°, the rectangular prisms may induce spurious ripples on the surface of the estimated relief, which can be eliminated by simultaneously reducing the horizontal dimensions of the prisms and applying an appropriate moving average to the solution. Application of our method to real data in a rift area discloses a confined basin with steep and asymmetric borders, confirming the practical utility of the method.

This study aims to determine the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) content of early-weaned calves; and the influence of flint maize processing methods on intake, total tract nutrient digestibilities and performance of Nellore heifer calves. Fifteen early-weaned Nellore female calves (4 ± 0.5 months; 108 ± 13.1 kg) were used. In phase 1, animals were fed one of the following diets for 112 days: 130, 145 or 160 g CP/kg dry matter (DM). In phase 2, animals received one of the two diets for 84 days: 0.60 dry ground maize grain, 0.30 whole-plant maize silage plus 0.10 mineral-protein supplement or 0.90 snaplage plus 0.10 mineral-protein supplement. In phase 1, intake and digestibility of dietary components were not affected (P > 0.05) by increasing dietary CP content. Daily total urinary nitrogen (N) and urinary urea N increased (P < 0.05) in response to increasing dietary CP content. Animal performance was not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary CP content. In phase 2, maize processing methods did not affect (P > 0.05) intake and digestibility of dietary components as well as animal performance, carcase characteristics and carcase composition. Therefore, based on the current experimental condition, we conclude that dietary CP concentrations of 130 g/kg DM can be indicated for early-weaned Nellore calves. However, more studies are recommended to validate this result and to evaluate concentrations below 130 g CP/kg DM for early-weaned Nellore calves. Moreover, snaplage could be used as an exclusive fibre and energy source for finishing cattle in feedlot.

Background and Purpose: The development of quality and safety competencies is an important issue in nursing education globally. The purpose of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses Student Evaluation Survey (QSEN SES) for use in Brazil and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: The QSEN SES was adapted into Brazilian Portuguese. Reliability and structural validity were evaluated in an online study with 130 undergraduate nursing students. Results: The content validity index (CVI) of the instrument was 0.93. The reliability was strong. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, and the model fit was insufficient. Conclusions: The Brazilian version of QSEN SES is reliable, but additional analyses are needed with a larger sample to confirm the construct validity of the instrument.

Objectives The study aim was to identify key factors associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) treated with neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin or human insulin analog glargine (IGLA). Methods We conducted two cross-sectional studies in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. One with 401 patients treated with IGLA, and the other with 179 T1DM patients treated with NPH. HRQOL was measured by Euroqol (EQ-5D-3L). Key findings Most participants were male (51%), aged between 18 and 40 years (47%), non-black (58%) and from the highest economic strata (A1-B2) (74%). Participants perceived their health as good/very good (51%), had one to three medical consultations in the previous year (51%), were not hospitalized in the previous year (74%), did not report angina (96%), diabetic neuropathy (90%), hearing loss (94%) or kidney disease (89%). Non-severe hypoglycaemia episodes in the last 30 days were reported by 17% of participants. Conclusions Higher HRQOL was associated with younger age (18–40 years), good/very good health self-perception, having had up to three medical consultations in the last year, not being hospitalized in the last year, having none to three comorbidities, not reporting angina, diabetic neuropathy, hearing loss or kidney disease and having had episodes of non-severe hypoglycaemia. In addition, the findings of our study demonstrated inequalities in access to treatment, which will be the subject of future research projects.

This paper deals with the problem of consensus in multi-agent systems. The consensus is investigated considering directed networks composed by identical agents described by linear models of arbitra...

An experiment was conducted to evaluate: (1) the effects of ensiling maize or sorghum grains after reconstitution on readily soluble fraction (a), potentially degradable fraction in the rumen (b) and rate constant for degradation of b (c) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and starch (STA); and (2) an appropriate incubation time for in situ or in vitro procedures to estimate in vivo digestibility. Four rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (body weight = 262 ± 19.6 kg) distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square were used. Diets were based on dry ground maize (DGM); or dry ground sorghum (DGS); or reconstituted ground maize silage; or reconstituted ground sorghum silage. In vitro and in situ incubations of the individual grains and diets were simultaneously performed with in vivo digestibility. In general, reconstituted grains and diets based on reconstituted grains presented greater (P < 0.05) fraction a and lower (P < 0.05) fraction b of DM, OM and STA compared to dry grains and diets based on dry grain. However, the magnitude of response of the reconstitution and ensiling process on DM and OM degradability parameter was greater for maize than that for sorghum. Moreover, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed between DGM- and DGS-based diets for c estimates. The results suggest that the reconstitution process promotes grains protein matrix breakdown increasing STA availability. The incubation times required for in vivo digestibility estimations of DM, OM and STA are 24 h for in situ and 36 h for in vitro procedures.

The objective of this meta-analysis study was to develop and validate equations estimated from in situ and in vitro methods to predict in vivo ruminal digestibility of organic matter (OM) of beef cattle diets. The database was composed of individual data of 23 diets from six experiments. Information collected from these studies was: in vivo digestibility and degradation parameters of OM calculated from in situ and in vitro incubations. The values of estimated times for the in situ and in vitro incubations to access in vivo digestibility of OM, and differences between degradation at 24, 48 and 72 h (in situ and in vitro) and in vivo digestibility were analysed in a model that included the fixed effects of forage neutral detergent fibre level. Thereafter, a multiple stepwise regression was carried out using OM digestibility as a dependent variable and degradation parameters (A = water-soluble fraction; B = potentially degradable water-insoluble fraction; and kd = degradation rate of fraction B) as independent variables. Equation validation was performed using data from a seventh experiment that have the same methods than previous studies. Stepwise regression results showed that the kd contributed significantly in most of the algorithms derived to predict in vivo digestibility. Validation analysis showed that equations developed from both in vitro and in situ incubations accurately estimated the in vivo digestibility of OM (P > 0.05). Our results suggest that equations developed to estimate OM digestibility showed both precision and accuracy; however, in situ method presented better results than in vitro.

We advance a principle directed to assigning numerical values to free parameters usually present in inversion methods. It may be formulated as: ‘Optimum estimates of free parameters in an inversion procedure must lead, in tests using synthetic data, to solutions whose geometrical expression reflects the main qualitative or semiquantitative geological characteristic of the study area.’ To this end, the interpreter should (i) specify a typical anomalous source geometry which incorporates the most relevant geological information for the study area, (ii) compute the corresponding gravity anomaly and (iii) invert the anomaly for the source geometry finding the numerical values of the free parameters that lead to a solution closest to the typical source. Application of the above methodology to synthetic and real data from the basement relief of a rift basin has asserted its efficacy.

Effects of dietary crude protein (CP) supply on intake, digestibility, performance, and N balance were evaluated in young Nellore bulls consuming static or oscillating CP concentrations. Forty-two young bulls (initial BW of 260 ± 8.1 kg; age of 7 ± 1.0 mo) were fed ad libitum and were randomly assigned to receive one of six diets with different CP concentrations for 140 d: 105 (LO), 125 (MD), or 145 g CP /kg DM (HI), and LO to HI (LH), LO to MD (LM), or MD to HI (MH) oscillating CP at a 48-h interval for each feed. At the end of the experiment, bulls were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics. Linear and quadratic effects were used to compare LO, MD, and HI, and specific contrasts were applied to compare oscillating dietary CP treatments vs. MD (125 g CP/kg DM) static treatment. Dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected (P > 0.26) by increasing or oscillating dietary CP. As dietary N concentration increased, there was a subsequent increase in apparent N compounds digestibility (P = 0.02), and no significant difference (P = 0.38) was observed between oscillating LH and MD. Daily total urinary and fecal N increased (P < 0.01) in response to increasing dietary CP. Significant differences were observed between oscillating LM and MH vs. MD, where bulls receiving the LM diet excreted less (P < 0.01; 71.21 g/d) and bulls fed MH excreted more (P < 0.01) urinary N (90.70 g/d) than those fed MD (85.52 g/d). A quadratic effect was observed (P < 0.01) for retained N as a percentage of N intake, where the bulls fed LO had greater N retention than those fed HI, 16.20% and 13.78%, respectively. Both LH and LM had greater (P < 0.01) daily retained N when compared with MD. Performance and carcass characteristics were not affected (P > 0.05) by increasing or oscillating dietary CP. Therefore, these data indicate that although there is no alteration in the performance of growing Nellore bulls fed with oscillating CP diets vs. a static level of 125 g CP/kg DM, nor static low (105 g CP/kg DM) and high (145 g CP/kg DM) levels; there may be undesirable increases in environmental N excretion when the average dietary CP content is increased. The results suggest that dietary CP concentrations of 105, 125 g/kg DM, or within this range can be indicated for finishing young Nellore bulls, since it reaches the requirements, reduces the environmental footprint related to N excretion, and may save on costs of high-priced protein feeds.

We have developed a new and robust method (in the sense of it being applicable to a wide range of situations) to estimate the regularization parameter [Formula: see text] in a regularized inverse problem. For each tentative value of [Formula: see text], we perturb the observations with [Formula: see text] sequences of pseudorandom noise and we track down the instability effect on the solutions. Then, we define a quantitative measure [Formula: see text] of the solution instability consisting of the largest value among the Chebyshev norms of the vectors obtained by the differences between all pairs of the perturbed solutions. Despite being quantitative, [Formula: see text] cannot be used directly to estimate the best value of [Formula: see text] (the smallest value that stabilizes the solution) because, in practice, instability may depend on the particular and specific interests of the interpreter. Then, we determine that the interpreter, at each iteration of a bisection method, visually compares, in the ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) space, the pair [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of the solutions most distant from each other and associated with the current [Formula: see text]. From this comparison, the interpreter decides if the current [Formula: see text] produces stable solutions. Because the bisection method can be applied only to monotonic functions (or segments of monotonic functions) and because [Formula: see text] has a theoretical monotonic behavior that can be corrupted, in practice by a poor experiment design, the set of values of [Formula: see text] can be used as a quality control of the experiments in the proposed bisection method to estimate the best value of [Formula: see text]. Because the premises necessary to apply the proposed method are very weak, the method is robust in the sense of having broad applicability. We have determined part of this potential by applying the proposed method to gravity, seismic, and magnetotelluric synthetic data, using two different interpretation models and different types of pseudorandom noise.

Water is the most important nutrient in animal nutrition; however, water intake is rarely measured. The objective of this study was to determine whether previously published water intake (WI) equations for beef cattle would accurately predict WI from four experiments conducted under tropical conditions. The experiments were conducted from 2013 to 2015. Nellore (Bos indicus) growing bulls (Exps. 1, 2, and 3) and heifers (Exp. 4) were used in the feedlot trials. In all experiments, animals were fed for ad libitum DMI. The WI, animal performance, diet composition, and environmental data were collected. The prediction of WI using the current published WI equations was evaluated by regressing predicted and measured WI values. The regression was evaluated using the two-hypothesis test: H0: β0 = 0 and H0: β1 = 1 and Ha: not H0. If both null hypotheses were not rejected, it was concluded that the tested equation accurately estimated WI. To develop a WI prediction equation based on the input variables, a leave-one-out cross-validation method was proposed. The proposed equation was evaluated using similar methodology described above. All previously published eight equations overestimated WI of cattle used in the four experiments conducted in southeast Brazil. A possible explanation for the overestimate of WI is that previously published WI equations were generated from data collected from predominantly Bos taurus cattle raised under temperate climates. From the data collected from experiments conducted with Nellore cattle in southeast Brazil, the proposed equation (WI = 9.449 + 0.190 × MBW + 0.271 × T(MAX) −0.259 × HU + 0.489 × DMI, where the MBW is the metabolic BW (kg(0.75)), T(MAX) is the maximum temperature (°C), HU is the humidity (%) and DMI in kg/d), more accurately to predicts WI of cattle raised under tropical conditions.

Background: Rehydration of grains, such as corn and sorghum, is used to increase nutrient absorption. However, the effect of this practice on meat quality is poorly understood. Objective: To evaluate the effects of type of grain and processing on the meat quality of Nellore steers in a feedlot. Methods: Twenty-four non-castrated Nellore steers (270 ± 53 kg initial body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized 2×2 factorial design, with six replicates. The first factor was cereal type (corn or sorghum), and the second was the grain processing (dry or rehydrated and ensiled). The diets were composed of 30% corn silage and 70% concentrate. Sixty days before the beginning of the experiment, corn and sorghum grains were rehydrated and ensiled. The animals were slaughtered after 140 days of confinement. Meat quality analyses were determined in samples of fresh and aged meat (7 days) from the Longissimus lumborum muscle. Results: no difference between treatments was observed for carcass pH and L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) values, shear force, thawing and cooking losses, and chemical composition of meat (p>0.05). The b* (yellowness) value of subcutaneous fat was higher in steers fed corn, regardless of grain processing (p=0.03). Sarcomere length was higher in aged meat of steers fed sorghum, regardless of processing method (p=0.01). Conclusions: the grain processing method does not affect beef quality; however, grain type can affect subcutaneous fat color and sarcomere length of aged beef. Resumen Antecedentes: La rehidratación de granos, tales como maíz y sorgo, se usa para aprovechar mejor sus nutrientes. Sin embargo, es poco conocido el efecto de esta práctica sobre la calidad de la carne. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos del tipo de cereal y su procesamiento sobre la calidad de carne de toretes Nelore en confinamiento. Métodos: Veinticuatro novillos Nelore enteros con un peso promedio inicial de 270 ± 53 kg, se distribuyeron en un diseño factorial 2×2 completamente aleatorizado (n=6). El primer factor fue el tipo de cereal (maíz o sorgo) y el segundo fue su procesamiento (seco o rehidratado y ensilado). Las dietas estuvieron compuestas por 28,44% de ensilaje de maíz y 71,56% de concentrado. Sesenta días antes de iniciar el experimento, los granos de maíz y sorgo se rehidrataron y ensilaron. Los animales se sacrificaron después de 140 días de confinamiento. La calidad de la carne se determinó en muestras de carne fresca y madurada (7 días) obtenidas del músculo Longissimus lumborum. Resultados: No hubo diferencias entre tratamientos para el pH de las canales, ni para los valores de color (L* “luminosidad”, a* “intensidad de rojo” y b* “intensidad de amarillo”), fuerza de corte, composición química, o pérdidas de agua por descongelamiento o cocción (p>0,05). El valor de b* de la grasa subcutánea fue mayor en los novillos alimentados con maíz, independientemente del tipo de procesamiento (p=0,03). La longitud de sarcómero fue más alto en la carne madurada de novillos alimentados con sorgo, sin importar el método de procesamiento (p=0,01). Conclusiones: El método de procesamiento del grano no afecta la calidad de la carne; sin embargo, el tipo de cereal afecta el color de la grasa subcutánea y la longitud del sarcómero de la carne madurada. Resumo Antecedentes: A reidratação de grãos, como milho e sorgo, tem sido usada para aumentar a utilização de seus nutrientes. Contudo, o efeito dessa prática na qualidade da carne é pouco compreendido. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do tipo de grão de cereais e seu processamento sobre a qualidade da carne de bovinos confinados. Métodos: Vinte e quatro bovinos Nelore não castrados, com peso corporal médio inicial de 270 ± 53 kg foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, fatorial 2×2, com seis repetições. O primeiro fator foi o tipo de grão de cereal no concentrado (milho ou sorgo), e o segundo foi o processamento destes grãos (seco ou reidratado e ensilado). As dietas foram compostas por 28,44% de silagem de milho e 71,56% de concentrado. Sessenta dias antes do início do experimento, os grãos de milho e sorgo foram reidratados e ensilados. Os animais foram abatidos após 140 dias de confinamento. As análises de qualidade da carne foram determinadas em amostras não maturadas e maturadas (7 dias) obtidas do músculo Longissimus lumborum. Resultados: Não houve diferenças significativas (p>0,05) entre os tratamentos para pH da carcaça e L* (luminosidade), a* (intensidade de vermelho), b* (intensidade de amarelo), força de cisalhamento, perdas por descongelamento, perdas por cocção, perdas totais e composição química da carne. O valor de b* da gordura subcutânea foi maior (p=0,03) em bovinos alimentados com dietas contendo grãos de milho, independentemente do tipo de processamento. O comprimento de sarcômero foi maior na carne maturada de novilhos alimentados com sorgo, independente do método de processamento (p=0,01). Conclusões: O método de processamento dos grãos não afetou a qualidade da carne bovina, no entanto, a cor da gordura subcutânea e o comprimento de sarcômero da carne maturada foram afetados pelo tipo de grão.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the feed intake, nutrient digestibility and selected rumen parameters in feedlot bulls fed diets containing different feed additives. Six rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (age = 8 ± 1.0 months; initial BW = 225 ± 13.2 kg) were distributed in a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Six experimental diets based on 30% corn silage and 70% concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis were evaluated. Diets differed in feed additive on a DM basis, as follows: 1.4% bicarbonate and magnesium oxide in 3:1 ratio (BOX); 36 ppm lasalocid sodium (LAS); 30 ppm monensin sodium (MON); 25 ppm virginiamycin (VIR); 30 ppm monensin sodium plus 25 ppm virginiamycin (MV); and 3.15% commercial mineral supplement containing D-limonene and exogenous α-amylase (EOA). The experiment lasted 144 d, with six periods of 24 d. Each period consisted of 14 d for dietary adaptation, 3 d for feces and urine collection, and 7 d for omasal and ruminal digesta collection. Bulls fed the BOX diet showed greater (P < 0.05) intake of DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (apNDF), crude protein (CP), and starch compared to the other diets. Diets with LAS, MON, VIR, MV, or EOA did not influence (P > 0.05) the DM, OM, apNDF, CP, or starch intake of feedlot bulls. Bulls fed the EOA diet showed greater (trend; P = 0.09) ruminal digestibility of starch compared to the other diets. The feed additives did not affect (P > 0.05) the intestinal or total tract digestibility of starch, rumen pH, microbial efficiency, total rumen fluid, dilution rate, rate of intake, rate of degradation, or passage rate of the DM, OM, apNDF, and starch. In conclusion, LAS, MON, VIR, MV, and EOA diets reduced nutrient intake compared to BOX. Although all feed additives presented similar effects on rumen pH, temperature, and kinetics the presence of exogenous α-amylase in the EOA diet may increase ruminal starch digestibility and apparent total tract digestibility of DM and OM.

Pasture biomass information is essential to monitor forage resources in grazed areas, as well as to support grazing management decisions. The increasing temporal and spatial resolutions offered by the new generation of orbital platforms, such as Planet CubeSat satellites, have improved the capability of monitoring pasture biomass using remotely-sensed data. In a preliminary study, we investigated the potential of spectral variables derived from PlanetScope imagery to predict pasture biomass in an area of Integrated Crop-Livestock System (ICLS) in Brazil. Satellite and field data were collected during the same period (May–August 2019) for calibration and validation of the relation between predictor variables and pasture biomass using the Random Forest (RF) regression algorithm. We used as predictor variables 24 vegetation indices derived from PlanetScope imagery, as well as the four PlanetScope bands, and field management information. Pasture biomass ranged from approximately 24 to 656 g m−2, with a coefficient of variation of 54.96%. Near Infrared Green Simple Ratio (NIR/Green), Green Leaf Algorithm (GLA) vegetation indices and days after sowing (DAS) are among the most important variables as measured by the RF Variable Importance metric in the best RF model predicting pasture biomass, which resulted in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 52.04 g m−2 (32.75%). Accurate estimates of pasture biomass using spectral variables derived from PlanetScope imagery are promising, providing new insights into the opportunities and limitations related to the use of PlanetScope imagery for pasture monitoring.

Thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) aims to decrease the growth and proliferation of thyroid cancer cells. However, the effect of TSH-suppressive therapy on bone microarchitecture remains undefined.Cross-sectional study including 43 women with DTC undergoing TSH-suppressive therapy (sTSH) compared to 20 women also on levothyroxine (LT4) therapy but with TSH in the low-normal range (nTSH) since the thyroid surgery. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and trabecular bone score (TBS) was evaluated using the TBS iNsigth software. Fracture risk assessed by FRAX, with and without TBS, was calculated. The relationship between suppressive therapy-related parameters and bone parameters was investigated.The TBS mean values were not significantly different in the sTSH and nTSH groups (1.273 ± 0.12 vs 1.307 ± 0.14, p = 0.7197). In both groups, postmenopausal women had degraded microarchitecture (TBS 1.216 ± 0.11 vs 1.213 ± 0.09, p = 0.9333), while premenopausal women had normal microarchitecture (1.328 ± 0.11 vs 1.401 ± 0.12, p = 0.195). The percentage of all postmenopausal women with degraded TBS was 54.7%, while the percentage of osteoporosis diagnoses was 16.1%. The TBS-adjusted FRAX-probability of fracture was similar in sTSH and nTSH groups. Body mass index (BMI) and menopausal status were the only variables associated with TBS and BMD.Trabecular microarchitecture assessed by TBS was similar between women on long-term suppressive therapy in DTC and those on LT4 replacement therapy aiming at a TSH level within the low-normal reference range. Low TBS values were observed in postmenopausal women of both groups, suggesting that not only suppressed TSH levels but also a low-normal TSH is associated with deteriorated bone microarchitecture in postmenopausal women following total thyroidectomy.

Pasture biomass information is essential to monitor forage resources in grazed areas, as well as to support grazing management decisions. The increasing temporal and spatial resolutions offered by the new generation of orbital platforms, such as Planet CubeSat satellites, have improved the capability of monitoring pasture biomass using remotely-sensed data. In a preliminary study, we investigated the potential of spectral variables derived from PlanetScope imagery to predict pasture biomass in an area of Integrated Crop-Livestock System (ICLS) in Brazil. Satellite and field data were collected during the same period (May – August 2019) for calibration and validation of the relation between predictor variables and pasture biomass using the Random Forest (RF) regression algorithm. We used as predictor variables 24 vegetation indices derived from PlanetScope imagery, as well as the four PlanetScope bands, and field management information. Pasture biomass ranged from approximately 24 to 656 g$.\mathrm{m}^{-2}$, with a coefficient of variation of 54.96%. Near Infrared Green Simple Ratio (NIR/Green), Green Leaf Algorithm (GLA) vegetation indices and days after sowing (DAS) are among the most important variables as measured by the RF Variable Importance metric in the best RF model predicting pasture biomass, which resulted in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 52.04 g$.\mathrm{m}^{-2}(32.75$%). Accurate estimates of pasture biomass using spectral variables derived from PlanetScope imagery are promising, providing new insights into the opportunities and limitations related to the use of PlanetScope imagery for pasture monitoring.

This study aimed to estimate energy requirements of pregnant Holstein × Gyr cows. Different planes of nutrition were established by two feeding regimens: Ad libitum or maintenance. Sixty-two nonlactating cows with average body weight of 480 ± 10.1 kg and an age of 5 ± 0.5 years were used. Cows were divided into three groups: Pregnant (n = 44), non-pregnant (n = 12), and baseline reference (n = 6). The 56 pregnant and non-pregnant cows were randomly allocated into a feeding regimen: Ad libitum or maintenance. To evaluate the effects of days of pregnancy, pregnant and non-pregnant animals were slaughtered at 140, 200, 240, and 270 days of pregnancy. Energy requirements for maintenance differed between pregnant and non-pregnant cows, thus two equations were developed. Net energy and metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance of non-pregnant cows were 82 kcal/kg empty body weight0.75/day and 132 kcal/kg empty body weight0.75/day, respectively. The efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for maintenance of non-pregnant cows was 62.4%. Net energy and metabolizable energy for maintenance of pregnant cows were 86 kcal/kg empty body weight0.75/day and 137 kcal/kg empty body weight0.75/day, respectively. Efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for maintenance of pregnant cows was 62.5%. The efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for gain was 41.9%. The efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for pregnancy was 14.1%. Furthermore, net energy requirement for pregnancy was different from zero from day 70 of pregnancy onwards. In conclusion, net energy and metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance of non-pregnant cows are different from pregnant cows. Furthermore, we believe that the proposed non-linear equations to estimate net energy requirements for pregnancy are more adequate than current NRC equation, and should be recommended for Holstein × Gyr cows.

Homogeneous dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polymers has significantly improved their processing and application as nanomaterials. Generally, CNTs tend to agglomerate due to their high aspect ratios and strong van der Waals interaction. Surface functionalization appears to be a solution to this problem. This study presents a controlled dispersion of carbon nanotubes in polyethylene through surface modification using a mixture of concentrated acid and octadecylamine (ODA). CNTs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results confirmed that carboxyl and alkane groups were successfully introduced on CNT surfaces. The acid- and amine-functionalized carbon nanotubes were dispersed in four solvents with different polarities (water, ethanol, acetone, and xylene) to correlate the degree of dispersion of CNT with their polarity. The results showed that CNT dispersion stability strongly depends on solvent and carbon nanotube polarities after the functionalization step. The nanohardness and tensile tests showed that the addition of CNTs, especially the functionalized with ODA, leaded the polymer harder, increasing its Young’s modulus and tensile strength. However, its toughness and deformation capacity were reduced. The potential applications of CNT-based polymer nanocomposites broaden considerably due to the surface engineering of carbon nanotubes.

Background: Diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) is an autoimmune disease characterized by metabolic destruction of pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production, with treatment based on replacing insulin. Long-acting insulin analogs are indicated for patients with DM1 who exhibit important oscillations of their daily glycemia, despite its higher cost. Our study objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of two long-acting insulins, insulin glargine and detemir, in treating patients with DM1. Methods: We undertook a systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies (cohort and registry) available in the databases and the gray literature, and a complementary search in the Diabetes Care journal. Outcomes assessed were: glycated hemoglobin concentration; fasting plasma or capillary glucose; occurrence of episodes of severe hypoglycemia and occurrence of nocturnal hypoglycemia. The assessment of methodological quality was performed using the Newcastle score. The meta-analyses were performed on software Review Manager® 5.2. Results: Out of 705 publications, 8 cohort studies were included. The quality of these studies was classified as high. In the meta-analysis, results regarding episodes of severe hypoglycemia ( p = 0.02) and fasting glucose ( p = 0.01) were in favor of detemir. The glycated hemoglobin ( p = 0.49; I2 = 89) showed high heterogeneity and no statistically significant difference between the two. The meta-analysis of total insulin dose favored glargine ( p = 0.006; I2 = 75). The rates of nocturnal hypoglycemia (NH) were evaluated only for one study and showed a significant reduction of NH after therapy with detemir, ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Although some outcomes were favorable to detemir insulin analog, it has not been possible to identify important differences of effectiveness and safety between the two analogs. These results can help in the current debate on the inclusion of long-acting analogs on the list of reimbursed medicines in Brazil, especially with the recent introduction of an insulin glargine biosimilar at a considerably lower price.

Objetivou-se avaliar o tempo de cicatrização e de queda do coto umbilical de caprinos recém-nascidos, a partir da utilização de fitoterápicos de uso tópico à base de aroeira (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) ou babosa (Aloe barbadensis Miller) em substituição ao iodo comercial. Analisou-se também o emprego de diferentes metodologias de aplicação dos fitoterápicos e a viabilidade econômica da utilização desses produtos. No experimento I foram utilizados 28 cabritos neonatos da raça Saanen, sendo sete animais em cada tratamento, com peso médio ao nascimento de 2,69 kg. No experimento II foram utilizados 15 cabritos neonatos da raça Saanen, com peso médio ao nascimento de 2,66 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos experimentais consistiram em: a) grupo controle - tratamento do coto umbilical em solução de iodo a 10%; b) grupo 1 - tratamento do coto umbilical com tintura de aroeira; e c) grupo 2 - tratamento do coto umbilical com tintura de babosa. Verificou-se que o tempo médio para cicatrização e queda do coto umbilical não diferiu entre os animais submetidos aos tratamentos aroeira e babosa (20,8 e 18,6 dias), com uma aplicação diária por três dias consecutivos, comparado ao grupo controle (20,4 dias). As tinturas fitoterápicas à base de aroeira ou babosa podem substituir a tintura de iodo a 10% e demonstram maior viabilidade econômica para utilização no processo de cicatrização e queda do coto umbilical de cabritos.

Applying ozone to the return flow in an activated sludge (AS) process is a way for reducing the residual solids production. To be able to extend the activated sludge models to the ozone-AS process, adequate prediction of the tri-atoms effects on the particulate COD fractions is needed. In this study, the biomass inactivation, COD mineralization, and solids dissolution were quantified in batch tests and dose-response models were developed as a function of the reacted ozone doses (ROD). Three kinds of model-sludge were used. S1 was a lab-cultivated synthetic sludge with two components (heterotrophs XH and XP). S2 was a digestate of S1 almost made by the endogenous residues, XP. S3 was from a municipal activated sludge plant. The specific ozone uptake rate (SO3UR, mgO3/gCOD.h) was determined as a tool for characterizing the reactivity of the sludges. SO3UR increased with the XH fraction and decreased with more XP. Biomass inactivation was exponential (e-β.ROD) as a function of the ROD doses. The percentage of solids reduction was predictable through a linear model (CMiner + Ysol ROD), with a fixed part due to mineralization (CMiner) and a variable part from the solubilization process. The parameters of the models, i.e. the inactivation and the dissolution yields (β, 0.008-0.029 (mgO3/mgCODini)-1 vs Ysol, 0.5-2.8 mg CODsol/mgO3) varied in magnitude, depending on the intensity of the scavenging reactions and potentially the compactness of the flocs for each sludge.

Introduction Insulin analog glargine (GLA) has been available as one of the therapeutic options for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus to enhance glycemic control. Studies have shown that a decrease in the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes improves the quality of life (QoL) of diabetic patients. However, there are appreciable acquisition cost differences between different insulins. Consequently, there is a need to assess their impact on QoL to provide future guidance to health authorities. Method A systematic review of multiple databases including Medline, LILACS, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases with several combinations of agreed terms involving randomized controlled trials and cohorts, as well as manual searches and gray literature, was undertaken. The primary outcome measure was a change in QoL. The quality of the studies and the risk of bias was also assessed. Results Eight studies were eventually included in the systematic review out of 634 publications. Eight different QoL instruments were used (two generic, two mixed, and four specific), in which the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) was the most used. The systematic review did not consistently show any significant difference overall in QoL scores, whether as part of subsets or combined into a single score, with the use of GLA versus neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin. Only in patient satisfaction measured by DTSQ was a better result consistently seen with GLA versus NPH insulin, but not using the Well-being Inquiry for Diabetics (WED) scale. However, none of the cohort studies scored a maximum on the Newcastle–Ottawa scale for quality, and they generally were of moderate quality with bias in the studies. Conclusion There was no consistent difference in QoL or patient-reported outcomes when the findings from the eight studies were collated. In view of this, we believe the current price differential between GLA and NPH insulin in Brazil cannot be justified by these findings. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40271-017-0291-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sex and levels of dietary crude protein (CP) on the recovery of 15N in microbial protein as well as to evaluate nitrogen balance compounds and variables related to urea renal handling in Nellore cattle. Four Nellore bulls and four Nellore heifers, fitted with rumen cannulas, were distributed in a two 4 × 4 Latin square design. The four experimental diets differed in levels of CP: 90.0, 110.0, 130.0, and 150.0 g/kg on a dry matter basis. Continuous intravenous infusion of ^15N^15N-urea solution was provided at a rate of 0.30 mmol urea/h followed by determination of ^15N in ruminal bacteria, ammonia (NH3), and feces to determine the incorporation of recycled N in rumen bacteria. The increased dietary CP revealed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in total digestible nutrients (TDN), total digestibility of CP and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), retained nitrogen, urinary excretion of urea-N, amount of filtered and absorbed urea (g/day), and plasmatic concentrations of urea-N. Fecal excretion of N presented a linear increase (P < 0.05) in relation to dietary CP. Rumen NH3 concentration increased in a linear fashion (P < 0.05), and rumen ^15N-NH3 contents and fecal ^15N contents decreased in a linear fashion (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary CP. The regressions NH3 = 23.6183 × e^(0.0104×NI) and ^15N-NH3 = −0.00062 × NI + 0.1219 were obtained in order to calculate rumen NH3 concentrations (mg/l) and ^15N-NH3 (atom percent excess), respectively, as a function of N intake (NI, g/day). The contents of total-N and ^15N did not differ between liquid-associated bacteria (LAB) and particle-associated bacteria (PAB). There was no effect of sex (P > 0.05) on the percentage of infused ^15N that was recovered from feces and bacteria. There was no effect of dietary CP level on the percentage of ^15N infused in plasma that was recovered from feces. However, there was a decreasing linear effect of the level of dietary CP (P < 0.05) on the percentage of ^15N infused in the jugular vein recovered from bacteria. We concluded that microbial protein synthesis was not affected by sex. The LAB and PAB had the same total-N content and recovery of infused ^15N-urea. The greater recovery of infused intravenous ^15N-urea on microbial protein synthesis in a low CP diet suggests greater urea recycling in association with this diet.

This study evaluated intake, microbial efficiency, and ruminal, small and large intestinal, and total digestibility of DM, OM, CP, and NDF, as well as availability of Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Mn, and Zn in Zebu cattle fed with or without supplemental sources of Ca and P or a micromineral premix. Five rumen- and ileum-cannulated Nellore bulls (BW = 200 ± 10.5 kg; 9 mo) were used in the experiment, distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The experiment was developed in a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial design to measure the effects of mineral supplementation on intake, digestibility, and site of nutrient absorption. The factors consisted of 2 Ca and P levels (macromineral factor; CaP+ or CaP-) and 2 microminerals levels (micromineral factor; CuMnZn+ or CuMnZn-). In addition, a treatment with alimentary restriction (REST) was evaluated at 1.7% of BW. Nutrient fluxes were measured in the omasum and ileum, in addition to intake and fecal excretion. Microbial efficiency was estimated using purine derivative excretion. Dry matter, OM, NDF, CP intake, and total digestibility were not affected ( ≥ 0.058) by the absence of Ca, P, Cu, Mn, and Zn supplementation. Intake of Ca, P, and Mg were reduced ( 0.05) of OM, NDF, and CP digestion sites and coefficients, we assume that omitting supplemental sources of Ca, P, Cu, Mn, and Zn may be an option in raising cattle on feedlots. If supplementation is viable, knowledge about the specific absorption site of each mineral could positively impact choices about the supplemental source.

Weaned Nellore bulls ( = 36; 274 ± 34 kg) were used in a randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate intake, fecal excretion, and performance with different concentrations of minerals. Experimental diets were formulated with 2 concentrations of Ca and P (macromineral factor; diet supplying 100% of Ca and P according to BR-CORTE () [CaP+] or diet without limestone and dicalcium phosphate [CaP-]) and 2 concentrations of microminerals (micromineral factor; diet with supplementation of microminerals [Zn, Mn, and Cu; CuMnZn+] or diet without supplementation of microminerals [Zn, Mn, and Cu; CuMnZn-]). The factor CaP- was formulated without the addition of limestone and dicalcium phosphate, and the factor CuMnZn- was formulated without inorganic supplementation of microminerals (premix). The diets were isonitrogenous (13.3% CP). Intake was individually monitored every day. Indigestible NDF was used as an internal marker for digestibility estimates. The bulls were slaughtered (84 or 147 d on feed), and then carcass characteristics were measured and liver and rib samples were collected. Feed, feces, rib bones, and liver samples were analyzed for DM, ash, CP, ether extract (EE), Ca, P, Zn, Mn, and Cu. There were no significant interactions ( ≥ 0.06) between macro- and micromineral supplementation for any variables in the study. Calcium, P, and micromineral concentrations did not affect ( ≥ 0.20) intake of DM, OM, NDF, EE, CP, TDN, and nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC). Calcium and P intake were affected ( < 0.01) by macromineral factor. Animals fed without Ca and P supplementation consumed less of these minerals. Dry matter and nutrient fecal excretion (OM, NDF, EE, CP, and NFC) were similar ( ≥ 0.23) among all factors. Performance and carcass characteristics were similar ( ≥ 0.09) among diets. The content of ash in rib bones was not affected by diets ( ≥ 0.06). Plasma P and phosphatase alkaline concentrations were similar ( ≥ 0.52) among diets. Supplementation of microminerals decreased ( < 0.01) plasma Ca concentration; nevertheless, all analyzed blood metabolites were within the reference values. Supplementation of Ca and P increased ( < 0.01) fecal excretion of these minerals. These results indicate that mineral supplementation (Ca, P, Zn, Mn, and Cu) of conventional feedlot diets for Nellore bulls may be not necessary. Dietary reductions in these minerals would represent a decrease in the cost of feedlot diets. Dietary reduction in Ca and P content cause a decrease in fecal excretion of these minerals, which, in turn, represents an opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of feedlot operations.

The objectives of this study were to quantify the mineral balance of Nellore cattle fed with and without Ca, P, and micromineral (MM) supplementation and to estimate the net and dietary mineral requirement for cattle. Nellore cattle ( = 51; 270.4 ± 36.6 kg initial BW and 8 mo age) were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: reference ( = 5), maintenance ( = 4), and performance ( = 42). The reference group was slaughtered prior to the experiment to estimate initial body composition. The maintenance group was used to collect values of animals at low gain and reduced mineral intake. The performance group was assigned to 1 of 6 treatments: sugarcane as the roughage source with a concentrate supplement composed of soybean meal and soybean hulls with and without Ca, P, and MM supplementation; sugarcane as the roughage source with a concentrate supplement composed of soybean meal and ground corn with and without Ca, P, and MM supplementation; and corn silage as the roughage source with a concentrate supplement composed of soybean meal and ground corn with and without Ca, P, and MM supplementation. Orthogonal contrasts were adopted to compare mineral intake, fecal and urinary excretion, and apparent retention among treatments. Maintenance requirements and true retention coefficients were generated with the aid of linear regression between mineral intake and mineral retention. Mineral composition of the body and gain requirements was assessed using nonlinear regression between body mineral content and mineral intake. Mineral intake and fecal and urinary excretion were measured. Intakes of Ca, P, S, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, and Fe were reduced in the absence of Ca, P, and MM supplementation ( < 0.05). Fecal excretion of Ca, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co was also reduced in treatments without supplementation ( < 0.01). Overall, excretion and apparent absorption and retention coefficients were reduced when minerals were not supplied ( < 0.05). The use of the true retention coefficient instead of the true absorption coefficient provided a better estimate of mineral requirements. Dietary mineral requirements were lower for P, Cu, and Zn and greater for Fe compared with previously published recommendations. This study provides useful information about mineral requirements and mineral supplementation to obtain adequate dietary mineral supply of Nellore cattle in tropical conditions.

We have developed a novel approach to compute, in an efficient and versatile way, the gravity anomaly produced by an arbitrary, discrete 3D distribution of density contrast. The method allows adjustable precision and is particularly suited for the interpretation of sedimentary basins. Because the gravity field decays with the square of the distance, we use a discrete Green’s operator that may be made much smaller than the whole study area. For irregularly positioned observations, this discrete Green’s operator must be computed just at the first iteration, and because each of its horizontal layers presents a center of symmetry, only one-eighth of its total elements need to be calculated. Furthermore, for gridded data on a plane, this operator develops translation symmetry for the whole region of interest and has to be computed just once for a single arbitrary observation position. The gravity anomaly is obtained as the product of this small operator by any arbitrary density contrast distribution in a convolution-like operation. We use the proposed modeling to estimate the basement relief of a [Formula: see text] basin with density contrast varying along [Formula: see text] only using a smaller Green’s operator at all iterations. The median of the absolute differences between relief estimates, using the small and a large operator (the latter covering the whole basin) has been approximately 9 m for a 3.6 km deep basin. We also successfully inverted the anomaly of a simulated basin with density contrast varying laterally and vertically, and a real anomaly produced by a steeply dipping basement. The proposed modeling is very fast. For 10,000 observations gridded on a plane, the inversion using the proposed approach for irregularly spaced data is two orders of magnitude faster than using an analytically derived fitting, and this ratio increases enormously with the number of observations.

This paper presents an environmental, economic and energy (3E) assessment of an energy retrofitting of the external walls of a flat of an average building with the most current characteristics used in Portugal. For this intervention, a cork-based (as recycled lightweight aggregate) TIRM (Thermal Insulating Rendering Mortar) was considered. The declared unit was 1 m2 of an external wall for a 50-year study period and the energy and economic costs and savings, as well as the environmental impacts, were analytically modelled and compared for two main alternatives: the reference wall without any intervention and the energetically rehabilitated solution with the application of TIRM. Walls with improved energy performance (with TIRM) show lower economic and environmental impacts: reductions from 6% to 32% in carbon emissions, non-renewable energy consumption and costs during the use stage, which depends on the thickness and relative place where TIRM layers are applied. A worse energy performance is shown by reference walls (without TIRM) during the use stage (corresponding to energy used for heating and cooling), while the improved walls present economic and environmental impacts due to the application of TIRM (including the production, transport and application into the building) that do not exist in the reference walls. The comparison between reference walls and energy-retrofitted ones revealed that reference wall become be more expensive when more demanding operational energy requirements are analysed over a 50-year period, even if renewable materials are more expensive.