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This paper is aimed to develop a hybrid model (PCA-ANN) to predict the extractive content in eucalyptus wood clones. The input variables to the virtual analyzer are planting parameters available from the forest inventory, therefore the prediction does not rely on laboratory analysis of the wood samples, affording a quick estimate of the extractive contents. This study further bridges the literature gap on the investigation of the cause of variability of extractive content in eucalyptus wood. The PCA-ANN was identified from experimental data to predict and monitor the extractive content, since laboratory measurements can take several days and become available only after wood processing. The experimental data contained information on ten species of eucalyptus clones from five regions in the extreme south of Bahia, Brazil. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) firstly assessed the impact of planting variables on the extractives content. The variability of the data was represented by eight principal components and the variables that mostly contribute to the extractive content are: potential acidity, iron, saturation of aluminum, magnesium, pH, base saturation, remaining phosphorus, zinc, manganese and copper. The artificial neural network (ANN) with the 8 principal components in the input layer showed that the PCA could effectively reduce the dimensionality of the data. For practical purposes, though, the ANN with 10 input variables and 16 neurons in the hidden layer, presenting an average relative deviation of 1.5%, is recommended. The prediction of the extractive content is essential to allow preventive management practices toward the improvement of yield and quality of the cellulosic pulp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 2015 to 2016, an epidemic of births of children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome emerged in Brazil, and the state of Bahia concentrated the highest incidence of cases. The official health guidelines recommended that the affected children and their families should be supported by interdisciplinary teams of early intervention. This paper aims to deepen the comprehension of regulation and affective-semiotic mediation processes involved in the early intervention with children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome and their families. It focus on the experiences of a professional interviewed in a public health service in Salvador, Bahia – Brazil, through narrative analysis and the theoretical-methodological foundations of Cultural Psychology of the Semiotic Dynamics. These approaches allowed the understanding of the processes of construction of meanings, symbolic action and affective-semiotic regulation. The care of Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome children by professionals relates to disquieting experiences, inter subjectivity, meaning construction, affections and symbolic actions. These dynamic processes allowed the professional to better adapt to regulation and affective-semiotic mediation, as well as her own performance in face of children and their families. This analysis emphasizes the reflections of health care practices and their repercussions in the quality of the assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides descriptions and illustrations of two new species of Sapotaceae ( Pradosia longipedicellata and Chromolucuma apiculata) from Bahia, Brazil, a new combination ( Chromolucuma congestifolia), and a new identification key for Chromolucuma. Pradosia longipedicellata is distinguished from other congeners by its clustered fascicles of flowers on pedicels 2-3 cm long at the apices of the shoots, and a corolla that is 7-8 mm long. Chromolucuma apiculata is distinguished by glabrous shoots and leaves, short petioles (10-15 mm long), and stipules 5-8 mm long with apiculate apices, while its close relative C. congestifolia has a lower leaf surface with trichomes usually restricted to the midrib and stipules 3-6 mm long with acute apices. Due to intense deforestation in the Amazonian and the Atlantic forests, preliminary IUCN Red List assessments are provided. Pradosia longipedicellata and Chromolucuma congestifolia are proposed the IUCN status Vulnerable, while the data for C. apiculata are still insufficient (Data Deficient). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper depicts how an Afro-Brazilian carnival group turned community development organization addresses socioeconomic inequalities by educating a traditionally marginalized population as part of their larger goal of the preservation of black culture and full citizenship. Specifically, it examines the theory and practice of interethnic pedagogy, a unique approach to critical pedagogy specifically focused on incorporating the experiences and values of subaltern groups. Through ethnographic passages and analysis it examines their work in formal education at Escola Criativa Olodum in Salvador, Bahia and shows how Afro-Brazilian teachers, students and administrators engage in learning experiences while they strive to understand and redefine their own educational processes and outcomes. Lastly, through the lens of racial formation theory, it attempts to explain how these educators and activists periodically adjust their methods and considers their potential impact on Brazilian society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper reports findings on Alcohol Consumption-Abuse (ACAb) in Bahia, Brazil, a research setting characterized by racial/ethnic and socioeconomic diversity.Methods: A household survey was conducted with a sample of 2,302 adults. ACAb was defined as daily intake of more than two units of beverage, with drunkenness, or weekly binge drinking plus episodes of drunkenness, or any use of alcoholic beverages with frequent drunkenness, with failed attempts to stop drinking.Results: The rate of 12-month prevalence was 7%, with an overall male: female ratio of 6:1. A positive association of ACAb prevalence with education and social class was found. Male gender and higher socio-economic status were associated with increased odds of ACAb. No relationship was found between ethnicity and ACAb. Stratified analysis yielded consistent gender effects, throughout all strata of independent variables. A strong interaction of gender (male) and social class (upper class) was found for Mulattos and Morenos (maximum Prevalence rate=9.04).Conclusion: Interaction patterns found defy simple generalizations based on class, ethnicity, and gender considered alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]