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Modernizing dairy cattle farming techniques promotes a gradual shift from traditional pasture-based systems to confinement with higher investments in animal comfort and welfare, such as the compost barn system (CBS). In this method, animals generate composted waste in the barn itself, on the bedding where they are housed, which is of high fertilizing potential, and whose subsequent application to soils can affect the functionality of edaphic organisms. The study aimed to evaluate the toxicity on edaphic organisms (Folsomia candidaand Eisenia andrei) of increasing doses of CB bedding applied to two soils with different textural characteristics. Ecotoxicological tests were standardized following the recommendations of ISO 11268-1 and 11268-2 for earthworms, and ISO 11267 for springtails. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replications, with the treatments being CB bedding doses (0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 t of waste ha-1). Data were subjected to normality (Shapiro-Wilk) and variance homogeneity (Levene) tests, followed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc comparisons using the Dunnett test (p

Abstract: Aim In this study, we investigated the distribution of Anabaenopsis elenkinii and Limnospira platensis in the saline-alkaline lakes of Nhecolândia (Pantanal wetland) and evaluated the impact of pH, temperature, and nitrogen on their growth and development to understand their ecological responses, showing insights into their ecophysiology in both cultured and natural environments. Methods Both species were collected in the subsurface, using a plastic bottle (200 mL) and the parameters temperature, conductivity, and pH were measured in situ. From these samples, the strains A. elenkinii CCIBt1059 and L. platensis CCIBt3335 were isolated and underwent six different cultivation treatments, in triplicate, during 30 days, with daily cell count, photoperiod of 12-12 hours of light-dark, and light intensity between 80-100 µmol photons m-2.s-1, using BG-11 modified medium, as follows: nitrate concentration experiments were performed with a 750 mg.L-1 NaNO3 (50%) and a nitrogen-free condition (0%) (T1 vs T2); temperature experiments were performed with 30 °C and 35 °C (T3 vs T4); pH experiments with 10.5 and 7.0 (T5 vs T6). The adopted control conditions were BG-11m medium (3% NaNO3, 45 mg.L-1), pH adjusted to 9.5, and temperature set at 25 °C. Results We have found that the treatment with the highest nitrogen availability (T1), pH of 9.5, and a temperature of 25 °C, provides the most favorable conditions for the growth of both studied species. In nature, A. elenkinii occurred predominantly between pH 9.04 to 10.4 (average 9.8) and L. platensis at pH 9.22 to 10.23 (mean 9.9), highlighting the alkaliphilic nature of these species. Furthermore, we observed that temperature influences the frequency of heterocyte formation in A. elenkinii. At elevated temperatures (30 and 35 °C), the frequency of heterocytes was higher compared to 25 °C during the exponential growth phase, indicating that increased heterocyte formation is a strategy in response to temperature stress. Conclusions This research provides valuable insights into the ecological aspects and optimization of the cultivation of the two species studied, which hold ecological significance to saline lakes. Further studies are recommended to explore their potential biotechnological applications.

A alteração na estrutura natural da paisagem afeta condições abióticas e promove uma resposta biológica da comunidade local. A diversidade de organismos edáficos está relacionada com a diversidade de outros táxons e características abióticas, representando potenciais bioindicadores do ecossistema. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar quais atributos do solo explicam a comunidade de coleópteros e explorar seus efeitos por meio da modelagem espacial. O estudo foi desenvolvido em três paisagens do oeste de Santa Catarina (Brasil) localizadas em: Chapecó, Pinhalzinho e São Miguel do Oeste. Os sistemas de uso e cobertura do solo identificados foram: plantio direto, floresta nativa, pastagem, plantio de eucalipto, integração lavoura-pecuária e capoeira. Foram realizadas coletas de solo, liteira e coleópteros. A seleção das variáveis foi realizada pela Análise de Táxons Indicadores de Limiares e a modelagem espacial pela Geoestatística. Maiores valores de resistência a penetração associados ao sistema de plantio direto promoveram menor abundância de coleópteros da família Staphylinidae, condicionadas pela porosidade total do solo. Menores valores de umidade volumétrica, identificados em sistema plantio direto próximo de fragmentos de vegetação nativa, promoveram maior abundância da família Nitidulidae, em razão da adaptabilidade da família ao ambiente seco. A tendência de maior concentração de carbono microbiano em áreas de vegetação nativa explicou a maior abundância da família Chrysomelidae nessas áreas, em decorrência dos hábitos fitófagos das espécies dessa família. Dessa forma, a comunidade de coleópteros possui potencial como bioindicador da qualidade do solo e suas relações com os atributos físicos — químicos e microbiológicos — do solo podem ser modeladas espacialmente por meio da Geoestatística.

Only a subset of patients will typically respond to any given prescribed drug. The time it takes clinicians to declare a treatment ineffective leaves the patient in an impaired state and at unnecessary risk for adverse drug effects. Thus, diagnostic tests robustly predicting the most effective and safe medication for each patient prior to starting pharmacotherapy would have tremendous clinical value. In this article, we evaluated the use of genetic markers to estimate ancestry as a predictive component of such diagnostic tests. We first estimated each patient's unique mosaic of ancestral backgrounds using genome-wide SNP data collected in the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) (n = 765) and the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) (n = 1892). Next, we performed multiple regression analyses to estimate the predictive power of these ancestral dimensions. For 136/89 treatment-outcome combinations tested in CATIE/STAR*D, results indicated 1.67/1.84 times higher median test statistics than expected under the null hypothesis assuming no predictive power (p

We studied nineteen populations of A. platensis (Microcoleaceae, Cyanobacteria), from Pantanal (Brazil) shallow, saline and alkaline lakes. The lakes are connected to the Paraná and Paraguay Rivers Basins, and during wet seasons, the waters flow towards La Plata River estuary. Morphology of natural populations and cultures were analyzed using optical microscope, and 16S rDNA sequences were used for the BI and ML phylogenetic analysis. The morphological analysis shows that our populations fit in the original description of A. platensis, but with additional aerotopes. Also, it is evident that these structures are facultative and the species is planktonic, rather than benthic without aerotopes, as originally described. The phylogenetic analysis shows our strains in the monophyletic Limnospira clade. Considering that, in this paper we transfer the species A. platensis to the genus Limnospira, based on phylogenetic and morphological data. This new taxonomical combination is supported also by ecological data, and indicates that the species is more related and abundant in Pantanal, than in La Plata Basin, region from where it was originally described. According to our results, L. platensis is planktonic or benthic and typical from saline, alkaline and warm waters.

Objective: to evaluate aspects related to the analysis of prescriptions by clinical pharmacists and the rate of medication-related errors after the implementation of an AI tool for the analysis of medical prescriptions in a large public teaching hospital in the city of Belo Horizonte/MG. Method: This is an observational study in which the results of the analysis of medical prescriptions performed in two periods were verified: the first (denoted BEFORE), period previously to the use of the AI tool (NoHarm.ai), in the months of March to September 2021; the second (named AFTER), comprises the same period in 2022, already in use of the AI tool. Results: In the BEFORE period, it was found that the rate of prescriptions evaluated was 0.6%, with an error rate of 13% and an average of 85 pharmaceutical interventions/month, which resulted in average savings of direct medication costs of R$1020.76/month. In the AFTER period, there was a 49% evaluated prescription rate and a 0.3% error rate and an average of 239 pharmaceutical interventions/month, with an estimated savings of R$ 7848.39/month. Conclusion: The use of an AI tool contributed substantially to the pharmaceutical analysis of medical prescriptions with an average increase of 50% in the prescriptions evaluated, a 43-fold reduction in the number of errors and generated almost triple the number of pharmaceutical interventions after the implementation of the tool, in addition to the direct savings obtained with these interventions that increased sevenfold. The results of this study show that the use of an AI tool probable save of financial resources, increased productivity of the Clinical Pharmacy Service, and increased safety related to the medication use.

Os campos sulinos são ambientes sensíveis que vêm sofrendo considerável diminuição em área ao longo dos anos, principalmente para dar lugar a silvicultura e monoculturas. Além disso, por se tratar de vegetação predominante gramínea, estas áreas são utilizadas largamente pela pecuária. Assim, nosso objetivo foi avaliar os impactos da presença e manejo de áreas de silvicultura e pecuária, através da riqueza e abundância dos macronivertebrados aquáticos bentônicos em riachos do Refúgio da Vida silvestre Campos de Palmas PR. Para tal, foram amostrados dez riachos com quatro fitofisionomias diferentes. Para verificar a qualidade ambiental, foram utilizados os índices BMWP e EPT, além da verificação da presença de poluentes emergentes. Os resultados demonstram que a presença de áreas de silvicultura e o manejo do gado possuem os valores mais baixos de BMWP e EPT. Isso demonstra a fragilidade ambiental nas áreas de campos que possuem criação extensiva de gado. Os demais pontos obtiveram índices satisfatórios na qualidade da água.

Background Cocoa is an important tropical tree crop that is mainly cultivated in agroforestry systems (AFS). This system, known as cabruca in northeastern Brazil, holds promise to reconcile biodiversity conservation and economic development. However, since cocoa AFS alters forest structure composition, it can affect litter dynamics in riparian zones and streams. Thus, our objective was to determine litter inputs and standing stocks in riparian zones and streams under three types of forest: managed cocoa AFS, abandoned cocoa AFS, and secondary forest. Methods We determined terrestrial litter fall (TI), vertical (VI) and lateral (LI) litter inputs to streams, and litter standing stocks on streambeds (BS) in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. Litter was collected every 30 days from August 2018 to July 2019 using custom-made traps. The litter was dried, separated into four fractions (leaves, branches, reproductive organs, and miscellaneous material) and weighed. Results Terrestrial litter fall was similar in all forests, ranging from 89 g m−2 month−1 in secondary forest (SF) to 96 g m−2 month−1 in abandoned cocoa AFS (AC). Vertical input were higher in AC (82 g m−2 month−1) and MC (69 g m−2 month−1) than in SF (40 g m−2 month−1), whereas lateral input were higher in MC (43 g m−2 month−1) than in AC (15 g m−2 month−1) and SF (24 g m−2 month−1). Standing stocks followed the order SF > AC > MC, corresponding to 425, 299 and 152 g m−2. Leaves contributed most to all litter fractions in all forests. Reproductive plant parts accounted for a larger proportion in managed AFS. Branches and miscellaneous litter were also similar in all forests, except for higher benthic standing stocks of miscellaneous litter in the SF. Despite differences in the amounts of litter inputs and standing stocks among the forests, seasonal patterns in the abandoned AFS (AC) were more similar to those of the secondary forest (SF) than the managed AFS, suggesting potential of abandoned AFS to restore litter dynamics resembling those of secondary forests.

Aedes aegypti has overcome all kinds of mosquito control attempts over the last century. Strategies for population control resorts to the use of synthetic insecticides, which can lead to problems like human intoxication and environmental contamination. The effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate), and Ilex theezans (caúna herb) extracts against A. aegypti larvae were evaluated. The bioassays were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions of temperature (27 ± 3°C) and photoperiod (12 h). Hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of I. theezans displayed better residual effect compared to the aqueous extract of I. paraguariensis fruits. The strongest residual effect of I. theezans was probably due to the presence of certain chemicals in its leaves, such as coumarins, hemolytic saponins, and cyanogenic glucosides, which were absent in I. paraguariensis. The results herein contributed to the prospection of natural insecticides and opened the possibility for subsequent studies on the use of plant extracts in field situations in a short-time scale.

Abstract ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are key players on SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. However, it is still unclear whether expression levels of these factors could reflect disease severity. Here, a case–control study was conducted with 213 SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals where cases were defined as COVID-19 patients with respiratory distress requiring oxygen support (N = 38) and controls were those with mild to moderate symptoms of the disease who did not need oxygen therapy along the entire clinical course (N = 175). ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA levels were evaluated in nasopharyngeal swab samples by RT-qPCR and logistic regression analyzes were applied to estimate associations with respiratory outcomes. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 levels positively correlated with age, which was also strongly associated with respiratory distress. Increased nasopharyngeal ACE2 levels showed a protective effect against this outcome (adjOR = 0.30; 95% CI 0.09–0.91), while TMPRSS2/ACE2 ratio was associated with risk (adjOR = 4.28; 95% CI 1.36–13.48). On stepwise regression, TMPRSS2/ACE2 ratio outperformed ACE2 to model COVID-19 severity. When nasopharyngeal swabs were compared to bronchoalveolar lavages in an independent cohort of COVID-19 patients under mechanical ventilation, similar expression levels of these genes were observed. These data suggest nasopharyngeal TMPRSS2/ACE2 as a promising candidate for further prediction models on COVID-19.

Abstract The atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) flow occurs due to the interaction between the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, and it usually happens under thermal stratification. Therefore, in order to emulate this phenomenon, atmospheric wind tunnels need appropriate devices, such as spires and cubical roughness elements, at the entrance of the wind tunnel to create atmospheric characteristics for the analysis. In the current study, numerical and experimental investigations of the thermally stratified boundary layer are performed. The experimental data are measured using Inmetro’s atmospheric wind tunnel. Two different spires set configurations and inlet velocities are considered. Moreover, the compressible Navier-Stokes equations using the k-epsilon turbulence model are computed by OpenFOAM opensource software. The simulated results and measured data presented a good overall agreement and showed that the proposed configuration provides the desired thermal and dynamic boundary layer necessary for the study of ABL.

Brazil records alarming rates of epidemic violence against women and LGBTQ+. According to statistics, the country ranks as the fifth most violent for women and the deadliest in the world for homosexuals. On the other hand, progressive policies to support both groups have been implemented by different public administrations in the last decades generating remarkable milestones. Despite being considered as cutting-edge, those actions have not necessarily translated into a reduction of violence. One explanation for these paradoxes between progressive policies to protect women, LGBTQ+ and the frequent violence against these groups, might be found in historical, cultural, and religious roots. This article highlights that, notwithstanding that some progress was made in Brazil, the rise of conservative and far-right groups may undermine all the advancement reached in the last decades, which could lead to the aggravation of the gender-based violence in the country.

On the electrocardiogram, the PR interval reflects conduction from the atria to ventricles and also serves as risk indicator of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Here, the authors perform genome-wide meta-analyses for PR interval in multiple ancestries and identify 141 previously unreported genetic loci.

Recently, in Brazil, corn ethanol industries are being installed and the integration with sugar/energy-cane has been proposed, using bagasse for cogeneration and the juice to dilute the corn. However, this integration may have some limitations, such as the quality of the cane juice and potential contamination by microorganisms brought with the cane from the field. In this article, we first tested the effects of mixing energy cane juice with corn on fermentative parameters. We also assessed the effects of Lactobacilli. contamination on organic acids produced during the fermentation and fermentation parameters and proposed the use of ionizing radiation to replace antibiotics as a disinfection control method. Our results showed that mixing energy cane juice with corn does not have any negative effect on fermentation parameters, including ethanol production. The contamination with Lactobacilli. considerably increased the production of acetic, lactic, and succinic acid, reducing the pH and ethanol content from 89.2 g L−1 in the sterilized treatment to 72.9 g L−1 in the contaminated treatment. Therefore, for the integration between corn and cane to be applied on an industrial scale, it is essential to have effective disinfection before fermentation. Ionizing radiation (20 kGy) virtually disinfected the wort, showing itself to be a promising technology; however, an economic viability study for adopting it in the industry should be carried out.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) undergo splicing and have multiple transcribed isoforms. Nevertheless, for lncRNAs, as well as for mRNA, measurements of expression are routinely performed only at the gene level. Metformin is the first-line oral therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases. However, its mechanism of action remains not thoroughly explained. Transcriptomic analyses using metformin in different cell types reveal that only protein-coding genes are considered. We aimed to characterize lncRNA isoforms that were differentially affected by metformin treatment on multiple human cell types (three cancer, two non-cancer) and to provide insights into the lncRNA regulation by this drug. We selected six series to perform a differential expression (DE) isoform analysis. We also inferred the biological roles for lncRNA DE isoforms using in silico tools. We found the same isoform of an lncRNA (AC016831.6-205) highly expressed in all six metformin series, which has a second exon putatively coding for a peptide with relevance to the drug action. Moreover, the other two lncRNA isoforms (ZBED5-AS1-207 and AC125807.2-201) may also behave as cis-regulatory elements to the expression of transcripts in their vicinity. Our results strongly reinforce the importance of considering DE isoforms of lncRNA for understanding metformin mechanisms at the molecular level.

Salmonella Typhimurium is associated with foodborne diseases worldwide, including in Peru, and its emerging antibiotic resistance (AMR) is now a global public health problem. Therefore, country-specific monitoring of the AMR emergence is vital to control this pathogen, and in these aspects, whole genome sequence (WGS)—based approaches are better than gene-based analyses. Here, we performed the antimicrobial susceptibility test for ten widely used antibiotics and WGS-based various analyses of 90 S. Typhimurium isolates (human, animal, and environment) from 14 cities of Peru isolated from 2000 to 2017 to understand the lineage and antimicrobial resistance pattern of this pathogen in Peru. Our results suggest that the Peruvian isolates are of Typhimurium serovar and predominantly belong to sequence type ST19. Genomic diversity analyses indicate an open pan-genome, and at least ten lineages are circulating in Peru. A total of 48.8% and 31.0% of isolates are phenotypically and genotypically resistant to at least one antibiotic, while 12.0% are multi-drug resistant (MDR). Genotype–phenotype correlations for ten tested drugs show >80% accuracy, and >90% specificity. Sensitivity above 90% was only achieved for ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime. Two lineages exhibit the majority of the MDR isolates. A total of 63 different AMR genes are detected, of which 30 are found in 17 different plasmids. Transmissible plasmids such as lncI-gamma/k, IncI1-I(Alpha), Col(pHAD28), IncFIB, IncHI2, and lncI2 that carry AMR genes associated with third-generation antibiotics are also identified. Finally, three new non-synonymous single nucleotide variations (SNVs) for nalidixic acid and eight new SNVs for nitrofurantoin resistance are predicted using genome-wide association studies, comparative genomics, and functional annotation. Our analysis provides for the first time the WGS-based details of the circulating S. Typhimurium lineages and their antimicrobial resistance pattern in Peru.

Arboviruses pose a major threat throughout the world and represent a great burden in tropical countries of South America. Although generally associated with moderate febrile illness, in more severe cases they can lead to neurological outcomes, such as encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Congenital Syndromes. In this context astrocytes play a central role in production of inflammatory cytokines, regulation of extracellular matrix, and control of glutamate driven neurotoxicity in the central nervous system. Here, we presented a comprehensive genome-wide transcriptome analysis of human primary astrocytes infected with Chikungunya, Mayaro, Oropouche, or Zika viruses. Analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), pathway enrichment, and interactomes have shown that Alphaviruses up-regulated genes related to elastic fiber formation and N-glycosylation of glycoproteins, with down-regulation of cell cycle and DNA stability and chromosome maintenance genes. In contrast, Oropouche virus up-regulated cell cycle and DNA maintenance and condensation pathways while down-regulated extracellular matrix, collagen metabolism, glutamate and ion transporters pathways. Zika virus infection only up-regulated eukaryotic translation machinery while down-regulated interferon pathways. Reactome and integration analysis revealed a common signature in down-regulation of innate immune response, antiviral response, and inflammatory cytokines associated to interferon pathway for all arboviruses tested. Validation of interferon stimulated genes by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) corroborated our transcriptome findings. Altogether, our results showed a co-evolution in the mechanisms involved in the escape of arboviruses to antiviral immune response mediated by the interferon (IFN) pathway.

The Islamic Feminism is a powerful movement which is shaking the patriarchal structure in the Muslim world, since women have largely granted accesses to education. Even though, the movement is not uniform, and it gathers many different voices even, sometimes, disagreeing of its fundamental goals. The essay states that the reinterpretation of the Quranic message – originated in solid education – by the feminists claiming equality in the society is perceived as a threat by the fundamentalist – and in some cases by members of the Political Islam group – and offers a critique of the mainstream male Islamic discourse, based on some Islamic feminist authors interpretation. Ultimately, the essay finishes presenting the case of Malala Yousafzai as a reference. Furthermore, the essay grounds its analyses juxtaposing various interpretations within this movement and among relevant authors and scholars such as Fatema Mernissi and Amina Wadud. It also presents the discussions from two different angles before stating the conclusion of the research.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused immeasurable impacts on the health and socioeconomic system. The real-time identification and characterization of new Variants of Concern (VOCs) are critical to comprehend its emergence and spread worldwide. In this sense, we carried out a national epidemiological surveillance program in Brazil from April to October 2021. Genotyping by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and sequencing were performed to monitor the dynamics and dissemination of VOCs in samples from 15 federative units. Delta VOC was first detected on June 2021 and took sixteen weeks to replace Gamma. To assess the transmissibility potential of Gamma and Delta VOCs, we studied the dynamics of RT-qPCR cycle threshold (Ct) score in the dominance period of each variant. The data suggest that Delta VOC has a higher transmission rate than Gamma VOC. We also compared relevant symptom patterns in individuals infected with both VOCs. The Delta-infected subjects were less likely to have low oxygen saturation or fatigue, altered results on chest computed tomography, and a propensity for altered X-rays. Altogether, we described the replacement of Gamma by Delta, Delta enhanced transmissibility, and differences in symptom presentation.

Este artigo analisa o significado social da formação de professores a partir da política de expansão e interiorização do ensino superior implementada à partir do ano de 2003 no Brasil. Para tal, além do levantamento de dados em documentos oficiais federais e institucionais, realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa com 39 discentes ingressantes dos primeiros cursos de licenciatura de um Campus Universitário Federal na Baixada Fluminense, região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro (BR). Para a coleta de dados foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado o qual foi explorado com base na análise de conteúdo de Bardin (1979). Os resultados da investigação, entre outros aspectos, evidenciava que a implementação do Campus da Universidade na Baixada Fluminense parece estar contribuindo com a mobilidade social e a redução das desigualdades sociais na região, ainda que de forma lenta.

The emergence of diverse lineages harboring mutations with functional significance and potentially enhanced transmissibility imposes an increased difficulty on the containment of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic [...]

Microorganisms play a vital role in maintaining soil fertility and plant health. They can act as biofertilizers and increase the resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. This study aimed at isolating and characterizing plant growth-promoting bacteria associated with sugarcane, as well as assessing their ability to promote plant growth. Endophytic bacteria from leaf, stem, root and rhizosphere were isolated from the RB 867515 commercial sugarcane variety and screened for indole acetic acid (IAA) production, ability to solubilize phosphate, fix nitrogen and produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN), ammonia and the enzymes pectinase, cellulase and chitinase. A total of 136 bacteria were isolated, with 83 of them presenting some plant growth mechanism: 47 % phosphate solubilizers, 26 % nitrogen fixers and 57 % producing IAA, 0.7 % HCN and chitinase, 45 % ammonia, 30 % cellulose and 8 % pectinase. The seven best isolates were tested for their ability to promote plant growth in maize. The isolates tested for plant growth promotion belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family and the Klebsiella, Enterobacter and Pantoea genera. Five isolates promoted plant growth in greenhouse experiments, showing potential as biofertilizers.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a diversidade vegetal de fanerógamas em três matas de galeria no Distrito Federal, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado na Área de Proteção Ambiental Gama-Cabeça de Veado, a partir do levantamento fitossociológico em 12 parcelas paralelas aos córregos das matas de galerias amostradas, totalizando 3600 m2 de área. Foram identificadas 146 espécies, sendo Fabaceae, Myrtaceae e Rubiaceae as famí­lias mais representativas. Apenas sete espécies ocorreram concomitantemente nas áreas estudadas, indicando elevada diversidade, sobretudo em termos de árvores e arbustos. Os valores de riqueza de espécies e diversidade de Shannon foram maiores no córrego Cabeça-de-Veado (JBB), comparado ao córrego Capetinga (FAL) e Roncador (IBGE), respectivamente. Enquanto que a Dominância Absoluta apresentou maiores valores no córrego Roncador, comparado aos córregos Capetinga e Cabeça-de-Veado, respectivamente. Assim, observamos que a diversidade de espécies está relacionada heterogeneidade ambiental das matas amostradas, as quais estão relacionadas as caracterí­sticas edáficas e do regime hidrológico.

Neste texto apresentamos alguns resultados do projeto de pesquisa Epistemologia e Psicologia em Educação: aprofundamentos acerca dos processos de elaboração conceitual entre licenciandos em Química. Por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com alunos do 5º ano de um curso de Licenciatura em Química de uma universidade pública brasileira investigou-se os processos de elaboração conceitual do termo Relações de Ensino. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas e analisadas com base na abordagem da Psicologia Histórico-Cultural. Neste trabalho apresentamos alguns excertos selecionados a partir dos discursos de três alunos. Concluímos que os processos de elaboração são ressiginificados ao longo da carreira docente; são construídas e transformadas de acordo com a história pregressa e; o esforço de entender como ocorrem as relações de ensino passa pelo espaço institucionalizado da escola que demarca discursos, comportamentos e identidades docentes.

Microplastics, pervasive pollutants in aquatic environments, have been primarily studied for their impact on marine ecosystems. However, their effects on freshwater systems, particularly in forested phytotelmata habitats, remain understudied in Subtropical systems. This research examines the influence of varying microplastic concentrations (0.0, 200, 2,000, 20,000, and 200,000 ppm) on leaf litter breakdown of Inga vera (in bags of 10 and 0.05 mm mesh) and the naturally associated invertebrate community occurring in forested phytotelmata. The study employs an experimental design with microplastic concentration treatments in artificial microcosms (buckets with 800 mL of rainwater) arranged in an area of Atlantic Rain Forest native vegetation of Subtropical systems. The results indicate that elevated concentrations of microplastics may enhance leaf litter breakdown (6–8%), irrespective of the bag mesh, attributed to heightened decomposer activity and biofilm formation. Consequently, this contributes to increased invertebrate richness (33–37%) and greater shredder abundance (21–37%). Indicator analysis revealed that Culicidae, Stratiomyidae, Chironomidae, Empididae, Planorbidae, and Ceratopogonidae were indicative of some microplastic concentrations. These findings underscore the significance of accounting for microplastics when evaluating the taxonomic and trophic characteristics of invertebrate communities, as well as the leaf breakdown process in Subtropical systems. [Display omitted] We would like to highlight the following novelty, relevance, and Implications of this manuscript: • Rare in situ study on microplastics in Neotropical aquatic systems, especially phytotelmata. • Higher microplastic concentrations increase leaf litter breakdown (6–8%). • Enhanced breakdown rates lead to greater invertebrate richness (33–37%) and shredder abundance (21–37%). • Invertebrate families identified as biomarkers for specific microplastic concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic hyphomycetes are microbial decomposers in freshwater environments that, together with detritivores, play an essential role in the functioning of low-order streams. Here, we evaluated aquatic hyphomycetes communities associated with decomposing leaves of Nectandra megapotamica , a common Neotropical riparian tree, along a subtropical-tropical latitudinal gradient. Two forest streams located in subtropical regions and 3 in tropical regions were selected. We identified 29 species of aquatic hyphomycetes, 22 (75.8%) in subtropical streams and 15 (51.7%) in tropical streams. We also found a higher fungal biomass in subtropical streams. However, the amounts of leaf mass loss did not differ between regions, but the values were higher in summer than in winter. High temperature, pH and electrical conductivity values, as well as low dissolved oxygen levels, negatively affected spore production. These results suggest that the subtropical-tropical gradient is an important predictor of aquatic hyphomycete diversity; however, the observed species had different sensitivities to local environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf litter fragmentation is one of the main determinants of the availability of food resources for aquatic biota, and this process is strongly influenced by the retention capacity of streams. Retention capacity depends on habitat heterogeneity, as well as on other factors such as leaf litter characteristics and microhabitat diversity. However, the effects of these factors have not yet been clearly understood. In this study, our hypotheses were as follows: (i) habitat heterogeneity increases leaf litter retention, particularly of larger leaves, and (ii) water flow enhances leaf litter fragmentation by promoting physical abrasion of leaf litter, particularly of softer leaves. We tested these hypotheses using (i) the proportion of leaves in transport and the variation of retentive structures such as rock, pebbles, trunks, and roots for habitat heterogeneity in three reaches and (ii) litterbags of two mesh sizes (fine and coarse) incubated in riffle and pool habitats in three reaches of a headwater stream of the Cerrado biome. Our results demonstrated that habitat heterogeneity and leaf litter size increased leaf litter retention rates, and that water flow is an important factor for leaf litter fragmentation in tropical streams. Large leaves interacted with local conditions of streambed heterogeneity (trunks and roots) to reduce transport distances, and hydrology (water flow) accelerated the fragmentation of soft leaves. Our findings suggest that management strategies promoting the accumulation of woody leaf litter ​in the streambed (trunks and roots) can be valuable to increase the retention capacity of streams, on the other hand the water flow increases the processing of allochthonous organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial stock (TS) and vertical input (VI) to the riparian zone of allochthonous organic matter and decomposition (k in day - d−1) of Pinus elliotti needles by microbial decomposition in stream (blue) and soil (brown) systems under different land covers, namely Grasslands without (a) and with (b) riparian vegetation, Forest (c) and Silviculture (d). [Display omitted] • The difference between leaf breakdown of aquatic and terrestrial compartments was 4% in Silviculture, 3% in Forest and 2% in Grasslands land uses. • Low pine palatability may increase the importance litter chemical characteristics and decrease the environmental importance on breakdown. • Increase in litter breakdown and orthophosphate concentration demonstrate that silviculture negatively affects subtropical streams. • The leaf litter breakdown in the aquatic compartment was positively correlated with water velocity by and electrical conductivity. • In terrestrial compartment, higher moisture and litter stock in riparian soil accelerate the breakdown of pine needles. Riparian zones are important interface areas between soil and stream systems. Few studies carried out in tropical and subtropical regions evaluate litter decomposition in both stream water and riparian soils. Herein, we assessed the effects of land cover on microbial activity on the decomposition of an exotic litter (Pinus elliottii pine needles only) in water and soils of a subtropical riparian zone. Leaf litter breakdown rates (k in d−1) were estimated for different land covers (Grassland without riparian vegetation, Grassland with riparian vegetation, Forest, and Silviculture). To assess the microbial influence on k , we used fine mesh litter bags with monospecific leaf litter of senescent pine needles. Streams in Silviculture land use showed high k values and orthophosphate, dissolved oxygen and water velocity accelerated the leaf litter breakdown in the stream system. The soil system of Silviculture, Forest, and Grassland with riparian vegetation land covers showed high k values due to the high moisture and litter stock on riparian soil. Only a minor difference between stream and soil systems highlights the significant changes and the negative effects of silviculture on subtropical riparian zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decomposition of plant litter is a fundamental ecological process in small forest streams. Litter decomposition is mostly controlled by litter characteristics and environmental conditions, with shredders playing a critical role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of leaf species (Maprounea guianensis and Inga laurina , which have contrasting physical and chemical characteristics) and water nutrient enrichment (three levels) on leaf litter chemical characteristics and fungal biomass, and subsequent litter preference and consumption by Phylloicus sp. (a typical shredder in tropical streams). Maprounea guianensis leaves had lower lignin and nitrogen (N) concentrations, higher polyphenols concentration and lower lignin:N ratio than I. laurina leaves. Phosphorus concentrations were higher for both leaf species incubated at the highest water nutrient level. Fungal biomass was higher on M. guianensis than on I. laurina leaves, but it did not differ among nutrient levels. Relative consumption rates were higher when shredders fed on M. guianensis than on I. laurina leaves, due to the lower lignin:N ratio and higher fungal biomass of M. guianensis. Consumption rates on M. guianensis leaves were higher for those exposed to low water nutrient levels than for those exposed to moderate water nutrient levels. Feeding preferences by shredders were not affected by leaf species or nutrient level. The low carbon quality on I. laurina leaves makes it a less attractive substrate for microbial decomposers and a less palatable resource for shredders. Changes in litter input characteristics may be more important than short-term nutrient enrichment of stream water on shredder performance and ecosystem functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amblyomma Koch, 1844 is distributed worldwide, with ca. 130 species currently recognized. These ticks are vectors of pathogens to animals and humans, including the causative agent of the New World Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Species of the Amblyomma parasitize a wide range of organisms, especially medium and large terrestrial mammals. Here we report for the first time the association of Myotis lavali Moratelli, Peracchi, Dias & Oliveira, 2011, Noctilio albiventris Desmarest, 1818 and Noctilio leporinus (Linnaeus, 1758) as hosts for Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, 1888. The ticks were originally identified as Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787), in 2011. However, a later taxonomic review indicated that the species of the A. cajennense complex occurring in the Caatinga is A. sculptum. We also discuss the ecoepidemiological implications of this association.

Objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de herbicidas no controle em pós-emergência do capim-gengibre no município de Rio Largo, Estado de Alagoas. Instalado em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, cada unidade experimental foi composta de 3 m de largura por 6 m de comprimento. Os tratamentos foram compostos por herbicidas, aplicados isoladamente ou em associações, utilizados em pós-emergência tardia. Os herbicidas utilizados nos tratamentos foram: T1 – metribuzin (200 g ha-1); T2 – metsulfuron-methyl (22 g ha-1); T3 – glyphosate (1800 g ha-1); T4 – paraquat + diuron (400 g ha-1 + 100 g ha-1); T5 – imazapic (123 g ha-1); T6 – MSMA + diuron (200 g ha-1 + 100 g ha-1); T7 – Testemunha (sem aplicação de herbicida). A aplicação dos herbicidas foi realizada sobre a espécie daninha e palhada da cultura, aos sete dias após o corte mecanizado da cana-de-açúcar. As variáveis observadas foram percentual de controle visual do capim-gengibre e massa seca. Os resultados permitiram concluir que existe diferença no controle com MSMA + diuron, paraquat + diuron, metsulfuron methyl e glyphosate.

The aims of this study were to: a) investigate the importance of environmental and/or spatial factors on the composition of the invertebrate community, and b) examine the alpha (α) and beta (β) diversities of the invertebrate community associated to the leaf breakdown process at three different spatial scales (stream reach, stream order and sub-basin). The abiotic variables and colonization of invertebrate community in two detritus (Eucalyptus cloeziana and Inga laurina) were evaluated in 14 sampling sites. For both detritus types, the communities were influenced by environmental matrix. High invertebrate α diversity was related to an increase in water flow velocity (outflow) and orthophosphate levels. High canopy openness and, consequently, high temperatures, showed negative effects on invertebrate α diversity. The α diversity in high-quality litter (E. cloeziana) was mainly influenced by stream order, while β diversity was mainly influenced by sub-basins. However, in low-quality litter (I. laurina), α diversity was mainly influenced by sub-basins, and the β diversity by sampling sites. These findings indicated that changes in detritus quality of the riparian vegetation resulted in significant changes of invertebrate α and β diversity in these communities. https://doi.org/10.25260/EA.19.29.3.0.750

A automação industrial presencia uma nova geração com o desenvolvimento da indústria 4.0. A quarta geração industrial permitirá que sensores, máquinas, processos e pessoas se conectem como uma comunidade colaborativa. Nas indústrias brasileiras, há um processo de implantação da tecnologia 4.0, mas em que nível de desenvolvimento? O objetivo deste artigo é promover uma discussão entre pensamento de vários autores sobre a ampliação da indústria 4.0 a nível nacional. Como metodologia de trabalho, adotou-se o desenvolvimento de uma revisão bibliográfica, baseada em livros, periódicos e impressos diversos, com o intuito de explorar o contexto e cenários criados pela indústria 4.0. Como resultado, tem-se a análise de vários conceitos, expõe-se desafios e discute-se a interação entre a ideia de diversos autores sobre a quarta geração industrial.

This article aims to describe part of the expansion process in higher education Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, from the creation of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Nova Iguaçu, trying to analyze the implementation process of this Campus (2006-2009). In 2004, he began to consolidate a higher education politics that increased investment and promoted the expansion and internalization of Federal Universities. As part of this expansion, to serve the region of Baixada Fluminense, the Multidisciplinary Institute of the goals was the result of both expansion projects. However, the political and administrative context in which it was set resulted in quality discussions in higher education and the importance of Federal Universities as an expression of government policies, seeking to meet the mission and social responsibility of the public university with its surroundings and underserved populations.

ABSTRACT The chemical control of weed is a common practice in silviculture. However, herbicides can potentially damage the main crop and affect its growth. The lack of information about certain species such as Khaya senegalensis make it necessary to know the phytotoxic effects of herbicides. The purpose of this research was to analyze the phytotoxic effects of five herbicides on African mahogany seedlings. The used herbicides were: saflufenacil, amicarbazone, clomazone, isoxaflutole and sulfentrazone, at doses recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture for forest species. Visual, physiological (maximum ETR, SPAD, Yield protocol and FV/FM) and morphological evaluations were performed up to 60 DAA. The symptoms started after 24 hours from the application; saflufenacil and clomazone were the ones that presented more plants with symptoms such as leaf wrinkling and small necrotic spots, but all of them had low phytotoxicity. The physiological evaluations did not present significant differences and the herbicides did not inhibit the growth or the appearance of new leaves. All tested herbicides caused no phytotoxicity to African mahogany seedlings.

Abstract Zooplankton is an important community in aquatic ecosystems due to its linkage between primary producers and secondary consumers also playing a key role in cycling of organic materials. Aim: Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the effects of physicochemical variables of the water on the diversity of zooplankton community in seven tropical shallow lakes of Brazilian savannah. Methods Zooplankton samples were taken using a bucket and filtered 200 L by a 64 µm-mesh-plankton-net, and preserved for subsequent identification. Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, chlorophyll-a, ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, total phosphorus, and soluble reactive phosphorus were measured. Results The turbidity (decreases the temperature, luminosity and the system productivity) and ammonium (increases the toxicity) values were the major factors responsible for structuring the zooplankton community. On the other hand, also nitrogen and phosphorus (increase the productivity) are limiting in savannah lentic systems for the zooplankton. The higher α diversity was positively associated with aquatic macrophytes (increase of niches and refuge), whereas lakes with geographic proximity increase the similarity in species composition, decreasing the β diversity. Conclusions We conclude that the deterministic processes (niche theory), due to species have different ecological requirements, are different responses to environmental gradients and increase the diversity in heterogenic lentic systems.

Climate change may affect the chemical composition of riparian leaf litter and, aquatic organisms and, consequently, leaf breakdown. We evaluated the effects of different scenarios combining increased temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) on leaf detritus of Hevea spruceana (Benth) Müll. and decomposers (insect shredders and microorganisms). We hypothesized that simulated climate change (warming and elevated CO2) would: i) decrease leaf-litter quality, ii) decrease survival and leaf breakdown by shredders, and iii) increase microbial leaf breakdown and fungal biomass. We performed the experiment in four microcosm chambers that simulated air temperature and CO2 changes in relation to a real-time control tracking current conditions in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The experiment lasted seven days. During the experiment mean air temperature and CO2 concentration ranged from 26.96 ± 0.98ºC and 537.86 ± 18.36 ppmv in the control to 31.75 ± 0.50ºC and 1636.96 ± 17.99 ppmv in the extreme chamber, respectively. However, phosphorus concentration in the leaf litter decreased with warming and elevated CO2. Leaf quality (percentage of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, cellulose and lignin) was not influenced by soil flooding. Fungal biomass and microbial leaf breakdown were positively influenced by temperature and CO2 increase and reached their highest values in the intermediate condition. Both total and shredder leaf breakdown, and shredder survival rate were similar among all climatic conditions. Thus, low leaf-litter quality due to climate change and higher leaf breakdown under intermediate conditions may indicate an increase of riparian metabolism due to temperature and CO2 increase, highlighting the risk (e.g., decreased productivity) of global warming for tropical streams.

The chemical control of crabgrass can be poor depending on the species composition of species in the area. It is known that there is a fault in the control of Digitaria nuda in places where applications of photosystem II inhibitors herbicides by long-time, being necessary to better understand how this tolerance work. The aim of this study was to develop dose-response curves for D. nuda (tolerant) and D. ciliaris (susceptible), with recommended herbicides for sugarcane crop used alone or in mixtures. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with the pre-emergence application of diuron + hexazinone, ametryn and mixture of both in increasing doses. The doses were 0; 6,25; 12,5; 25; 50; 100; 200 and 400% of the label for sugarcane diuron + hexazinone (936 +264 g ai ha-1), ametryn (2500 g ai ha-1) and the combination of two herbicides in the same proportions. What can be concluded that application of ametryn in isolation produced similar levels of control in both species. The association of ametryn with the herbicide diuron + hexazinone caused synergistic effect for the control of D. nuda, but for D. ciliaris the effect was antagonistic evaluated by methods.

AIM: The objective of this study was to determine the rate of decomposition of two dominant arboreal species (Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia schaueriana) in two Brazilian subtropical mangroves (Ratones and Itacorubi) and their relationship with abiotic factors during two periods of the year (winter and summer). METHODS: Senescent leaves (4 ± 0.1 g dry weight) were placed into litter bags (20 × 25 cm with 1 cm mesh size) and submersed in mangrove forests during a winter and a summer sampling period. Replicates (n = 4) of each detritus sample were obtained from the mangroves after 7, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of incubation during both time periods. During each period, in situ measurements were taken to obtain the temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, and dissolved oxygen in the water column. RESULTS: The species R. mangle and A. schaueriana exhibited slow rates of decomposition at Itacorubi and intermediate rates at Ratones during the winter, while quick rates were observed at both sites during the summer; this result suggested that water temperature is an influential factor. There was no difference in the loss of mass between the sites during the winter, but in the summer, the highest values were observed for R. mangle in Ratones site. The highest summer temperatures were negatively associated with mass loss, suggesting that the temperature is an influential factor. During the winter, remaining mass was associated negatively with electrical conductivity, possibly because of a greater resource available to decomposing communities, and it was also positively associated with oxygen, revealing a pattern opposite to that observed in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that decomposition accelerated with higher temperatures and that electrical conductivity decelerated with increased dissolved oxygen, confirming the effects of abiotic factors on both detritus decomposition and mangrove functioning.