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This research set out to evaluate video material contained within the English learning coursebook "English M1" which was designed for self-access use. "English M1" is a Brazilian government-sponsored piece of material available for free. It is the first stage of a course that learners would complete independently, unmediated by a teacher. The audiovisual material included a short narrative and two aspects of this were chosen for evaluation: the learners' perception of the language learning affordances of the episodes and how the story appealed to their interest. There is little research carried out on the post use of materials which draws on learners' reports about how they engaged with self-access material. Retrospective evaluations, however, can generate relevant and learner-based criteria for future materials design. This research used semi-structured interviews to gather data about how the learners engaged with the videos, their reasons for doing things in the way they did and their opinion about the plot. Key findings included that self-access materials must provide learners with guidance concerning the affordances of the material and how it could be used as well as optionality in what is delivered for increased chances of relevance and engagement. The article ends with recommendations for the design of video material in self-access materials.

This paper focuses on Luan's race performances both on the web and in classroom interaction. Luan is a black young man, who identifies himself as gay. The study is part of a multi-sited ethnographic piece of research on a group of high-school students in the state sector, in the "periphery" of a town on the Rio de Janeiro State north coast, Brazil. The paper is guided by performance and entextualization theorizing. The analysis draws attention to the circulation of racial identity signs, intersected with gender/sexuality meanings, bringing to light what we call creative entextualizations, i.e., the gaps Luan finds to re-organize the meanings in the discursive practices in which he is engaged. The analyses point to positionings and innovative identity performances which come up in conjunction with essentialized views, always perceptible amidst struggles and disputes. Because it draws attention to mobile lives in the "periphery," this study may be said to explode the traditional boundaries between "center" and "periphery."

This study examines physical education (PE) curriculum development in an elementary school. Our goal was to understand the daily construction of a curriculum. We sought to analyse the theoretical and methodological framework and documents that a PE teacher uses each day while putting a curriculum into practice (lived curriculum). The data collection instruments included participant observation, interviews and document analysis. The analytical process revealed the influence of internal and external factors that affect both the authorship and the autonomy of a teacher working on the daily construction of a lived PE curriculum and that create tensions, struggles and conflicts.

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In constructivist principles, learning is a process in which individuals construct knowledge. Research in Mathematics Education looks for ways to make mathematics education less dry and more attractive. When solving polynomial equations of the first degree, it is very common for teachers to work with the mistaken idea of "changing the sign" when "moving" the member. To minimize this problem, a balance can be used to illustrate the idea of equilibrium and also properties of equality. The objectives of this study were (1) develop a computational tool to replace a conventional balance in practical mathematics exercises thereby solving two material challenges for Brazilian teachers: verifying the accuracy of balances and the lack of student physical and social activity through direct participation; (2) determine how substituting the conventional balance with a computational tool for the solution of first degree polynomial equations affected the aspects inherent in the learning process like motivation, cooperation, dialogue, discussion, reflection, reciprocity, negotiation and responsibility. The results indicate that the cognitive computational tool met the challenges of Brazilian teachers. First, because it lacks mechanisms that need to be verified for accuracy in order to demonstrate equilibrium. Second, because it allows the direct participation of students (physical experience) and the use of the tool in small groups (social experience). The hands on completion of the activity, realistic appearance, the interaction with the tool, visual feedback on the panel, and two students using the same tool awakened motivation, responsibility for completing the activity, dialogue, cooperation, discussion and reflection. Doing the experiment with others aroused concern about the learning of others and reciprocity of knowledge for the improvement of the procedure to be constructed for solving 1st degree equations. (Contains 2 tables and 6 figures.)

Copyright of Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Economia e Sociologia Rural and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of REVER: Revista de Estudos da Religião is the property of REVER: Revista de Estudos da Religiao and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The cultivation of pitaya has been recently established in several regions of the world, there is a lack of information on its management, especially regarding the control of diseases and pests. In places where pitaya is grown around the world, symptoms such as mosaic and mottling caused by simple or mixed viral infections have been reported. In Brazil, similar symptoms have also been observed, but the etiology of the disease has often not been investigated. This study aimed to detect and identify the virus species that infect pitaya in Brazil using RT‒PCR and molecular analysis of the coat protein (CP) gene of the viruses. A total of 212 samples of cladodes with suspected symptoms of viral disease were collected from different regions of Brazil and analysed. Four species of potexviruses were detected, cactus virus X (CVX), pitaya virus X (PiVX), zygocactus virus X (ZyVX) and schlumbergera virus X (SchVX), which appeared in single infections (35%) and mixed infections (65%). In the cases of mixed infection, two and/or three species of potexviruses were identified in the same plant. The CVX isolates were divided into two groups due to the deletion of 9 nucleotides at position 41 (5' → 3′) of the CP gene in one of them. This is the first study conducted on the viruses that infect pitaya in Brazil, showing the need to develop control measures that ensure productivity and profitability of pitaya crops in the country. • The occurrence of four potexviruses species: CVX, PiVX, ZyVX and SchVX were detected in Brazilian orchard. • The symptoms were stronger in mixed infections, including rings in the cladodes. • The occurrence of potexviruses indicated that there must be an intensive movement of pitaya seedlings between producers. • The data obtained suggests that the production of healthy seedlings would be fundamental to in pitaya cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial composition of and the circulation of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in waste from Brazilian swine farms are still poorly understood. Considering that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the main threats to human, animal, and environmental health, the need to accurately assess the load of ARGs released into the environment is urgent. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the microbiota in a swine farm in southern Brazil and the resistome in swine farm wastewater treated in a series of waste stabilization ponds (WSPs). Samples were collected from farm facilities and the surrounding environment, representing all levels of swine manure within the treatment system. Total metagenomic sequencing was performed on samples from WSPs, and 16S-rDNA sequencing was performed on all the collected samples. The results showed increased bacterial diversity in WSPs, characterized by the presence of Caldatribacteriota , Cloacimonadota , Desulfobacterota , Spirochaetota , Synergistota , and Verrucomicrobiota. Furthermore, resistance genes to tetracyclines, lincosamides, macrolides, rifamycin, phenicol, and genes conferring multidrug resistance were detected in WSPs samples. Interestingly, the most abundant ARG was linG , which confers resistance to the lincosamides. Notably, genes conferring macrolide (mphG and mefC) and rifamycin (rpoB_RIF) resistance appeared in greater numbers in the late WSPs. These drugs are among the high-priority antibiotic classes for human health. Moreover, certain mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were identified in the samples, notably tnpA , which was found in high abundance. These elements are of particular concern due to their potential to facilitate the dissemination of ARGs among bacteria. In summary, the results indicate that, in the studied farm, the swine manure treatment system could not eliminate ARGs and MGEs. Our results validate concerns about Brazil's swine production system. The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials during animal production must be avoided to mitigate AMR. [Display omitted] • The treatment of swine manure increased the bacterial diversity. • Macrolide and rifamycin resistance genes were found in swine manure after treatment. • Waste stabilization ponds failed to eliminate antimicrobial resistance genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine herpesvirus type 1 (CaHV-1) infects dogs and is associated with neonatal deaths and reproductive, ocular, neurological, and respiratory problems. In Brazil, reports of CaHV-1 have been restricted to the southeast and south regions, particularly in municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Objectives: To assess the presence and variability of CaHV-1 in canine populations in the state of Pará, North Brazil. Methods: Biological samples from 159 dogs from 4 municipalities in the State of Pará were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction and phylogenetic analyses, with the target being the viral enzyme, thymidine kinase. Results: CaHV-1 was detected in 13 dogs (8.2%), with 2 animals being from the municipality of Santa Bárbara do Pará, 8 from Algodoal Island, 2 from Salinópolis, and one from Capanema. The study sequences revealed 100% identity among themselves and 64% to 100% identity with the other nucleotide sequences from Australia, Brazil, United Kingdom, and United States, including 100% identity with the 2002 isolate from Australia. The 1996 isolate from France was grouped in a branch that was different from the sequence of this study. Conclusions: This study presents the first molecular detection of CaHV-1 in dogs from the Amazon region in northern Brazil. The nucleotide identity between the strains and cytosine insertion in the sequences isolated in this study suggests at least 2 strains of CaHV-1 circulating in Brazil (Pará and BTU-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Feline coronavirus (FCoV) can lead to Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which the precise cause is still unknown. The theory of internal mutation suggests that a less virulent biotype of FCoV (FECV) would lead to another more pathogenic biotype (FIPV) capable of causing FIP. In this work, the 7b gene was amplified from 51 domestic cat plasma samples by semi-nested PCR and tested through phylogenetic and phylogeographical approaches. The 7b gene of Brazilian isolates displayed high conservation, a strong correlation between the geographic origin of the viral isolates and their genealogy, and its evolution was possibly shaped by a combination of high rates of nucleotide substitution and purifying selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Current studies use indices and chemometric approaches to assess the health quality of estuarine systems to support estuarine management. This study aims to use a multivariate approach and a set of indices to evaluate sediment health quality. Levels of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sc, V, and Zn were quantified by ICP-OES, and nine indices were applied and evaluated individually. Most of the indices presented high values of Cu, Pb, and Zn, and the aggregative indices differed from each other in magnitude; however, the spatial distribution demonstrated the same trends. From PCA results, it was possible to differentiate lithogenic from the anthropogenic contribution, especially by Cu, Pb, and Zn. Thus, the integration of geochemical approaches and chemometric tools supported the interpretation of elemental contribution in terms of sources and pathway of heavy metals, which was similar to the results of other studies conducted in the area. Unlabelled Image • Nine indices were applied to evaluate the environment quality of sediments. • Santos and São Vicente estuarine system acts as a geochemical barrier. • Geochemical and chemometric approach support environmental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• We tested if beach invertebrates are underappreciated by beach visitors. • Beach visitors ranked their preferred and least preferred species by visual stimuli. • Sea turtles were transitory species with the highest preference. • Tiger beetles and sandhoppers were the least preferred resident species. • Ghost crabs were the preferred resident taxa and can be applied as flagship species. Intense human pressure in coastal areas is challenging the conservation of sandy beach biodiversity. In fact, beaches are regarded by society mainly for their tourism and recreational values, while biodiversity is theoretically underappreciated. The present study aimed to evaluate the level of preference of people for various species, including sandy beach resident macroinvertebrates and transitory vertebrates. It is believed that species with the highest preference by people have the highest potential to be used as flagships in the beaches of southeastern Brazil. After seeing high-resolution photographs of 10 species, participants ranked their three preferred species (most preferred = 3, second most preferred = 2; and third most preferred = 1), and their three least preferred ones (least preferred = -3, second least preferred = -2; and third least preferred = -1). A flagship value of the species was calculated (each interviewee as sampling unit) based on this ranking and was compared using ANOVA. Sea turtles and dolphins had the highest preference, while tiger-beetles and sandhoppers were the least preferred species. Ghost crabs were the resident species with the highest flagship value. Our results corroborate the so far not tested idea that beach macrofauna is underappreciated. Animals with the largest body sizes and the shortest evolution divergence time in relation to humans presented the highest "charisma". However, some macroinvertebrates as ghost crabs seemed to have the potential for being prioritized in popularization activities, with the objective to increase popular engagement for biodiversity conservation in specific actions for sandy beaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the economic impact of introducing the soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio test into clinical practice in two Brazilian hospitals.Methods: An economic model estimating the incremental value of the information from a Brazilian public and private healthcare payer perspective generated by the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test, compared with current diagnostic procedures, in guiding the management of women with suspected pre-eclampsia. A cohort of 1000 pregnant women between 24 weeks and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation were managed in either a 'test' scenario in which the sFlt-1/PlGF test is used in addition to current diagnostic procedures, or a 'no-test' scenario. Information on the costs associated with diagnosis, prediction and management were derived from the cost database of Hospital M'Boi Mirim (public) and Hospital Einstein (private). The probabilities used in the decision tree were derived from PROGNOSIS. The main outcome measure from the model was the cost per patient per episode of care (from first suspicion of pre-eclampsia to birth).Results: Introduction of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test resulted in cost savings in both settings (M'Boi Mirim: R$185.06 and Einstein: R$635.84 per patient) compared with a 'no-test' scenario. Savings are generated primarily through an improvement in diagnostic accuracy and a reduction in unnecessary hospitalization.Conclusions: The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test has the potential to improve clinical decision-making and allocation of scarce resources by reducing unnecessary hospitalization of women at low risk of developing pre-eclampsia, and ensuring that women at higher risk are identified and managed appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Exercise training is an effective and low-cost tool for COPD rehabilitation. Thus, validating a non-exhaustive method to determine a patient's anaerobic threshold would be a very interesting tool in practical settings. We aimed to test the reproducibility of critical velocity values determined in a non-exhaustive manner (CVNE) and tolerance for exercise performed at this physiological marker in subjects with COPD. METHODS: Twelve subjects with COPD were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. The study was divided into 2 phases: Phase A consisted of reproducibility of CVNE for subjects with COPD, and Phase B determined the tolerance for exercise tests performed at this physiological marker. RESULTS: The proposed protocol for determining CVNE presented fair reproducibility according to blood lactate concentrations (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.58). However, we cannot consider that the tests were reproducible due to the wide CI (0.03-0.85). Furthermore, moderate and strong correlations were observed between the CVNE determined by lactate concentration, by oxygen consumption (...) (r = 0.66), and by heart rate (r = 0.88). However, a high limit of agreement was observed ±1.45 km/h and ±1.55 km/h, respectively. In the tolerance for exercise test, none of the subjects presented lactate destabilization, whereas 3 tests were interrupted by oxygen saturation decline and 1 test was interrupted by hemodynamic instability. CONCLUSIONS: Although most of the subjects presented good tolerance for exercise at CVNE, fair levels of reproducibility were observed in subjects with COPD, even using lactate. Thus, the use of CVNE determined through double 3-min efforts should be considered with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazilian coastal areas have been exposed to various anthropic influences including physical alteration such as marina construction. To assess the impact of the pier marina construction in the Saco da Ribeira cove (Flamengo Bay, SE Brazil), sedimentological (grain size), geochemical (organic and trace elements) parameters and benthic foraminifera were analyzed on a 50-cm-long dated sediment core covering the last century. The multiproxy approach applied to a numerical hydrodynamic model shows that the circulation in the study area underwent an overall reduction (ca. 30 %) after the pier marina construction in the 1970s, promoting an increase of mud accumulation and higher concentrations of total organic carbon and trace elements (i.e., Enrichment Factor Cu from 0.80 to 1.4) as well as a shift in the benthic foraminiferal assemblages (i.e., foraminiferal density from 63 to 23.20 specimens per 10 cm3 and dominance from 0.13 to 0.73). On the basis of these integrated data, better environmental conditions occurred before the 1970s, then an overall increase in environmental stress took place after the pier's marina construction. Our results provide a baseline for future biomonitoring projects in a stressed region and exemplify the strong capability and reliability of benthic foraminifera as bioindicators of paleoenvironmental changes in coastal environments and for understanding how human pressure might induce such changes. • We assess paleoenvironmental quality of a subtropical coastal region. • Impact of a pier marina construction on benthic foraminifera in a semiconfined cove • We apply benthic foraminifera indices to environmental reconstruction. • Results provide a baseline for biomonitoring projects in a stressed area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to infer the background values of several metals in the Capibaribe estuary and to identify the likely impact of anthropic activities during 200-years of sedimentation. Two cores were sampled, with subsamples at intervals of 2 cm. Sedimentation rates and metal concentrations were analyzed. The Al-normalized method was used to infer the background values, and to identify anthropic influences, the enrichment factor, the contamination factor and the geoaccumulation index were employed. The background values showed concentrations for Mn of 292.2, for Co of 10.4, for Ni of 22.3, for Cu of 60.8, for Zn of 105.5, for As of 106.0, for Pb of 52.9 (all in mgkg − 1 ) and for Fe of 2.7%, The higher values, mainly for As, Zn and Pb, are associated with the influence of the Barreiras Formation. The geogenic inputs are significantly greater than the anthropic activities, masking the contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analysed in the sediments of one of the most well-preserved estuaries in South Brazil, the Paranaguá Estuarine System (PES), using several source apportionment tools. The ∑PAH ranged from < DL to 125.6 ng g−1 dw (dry weight) (average 29.9 ± 26.1 ng g−1 dw), and the lowest levels detected were similar to those found in other protected areas of the world. In general, the PAH concentrations indicated excellent environmental quality for the entire estuary. Principal component analysis indicated that fine sediments and total organic carbon were the main factors controlling PAH concentrations in the PES. Multiple PAH sources were identified in the study area; biomass burning and fossil fuel combustion predominated but considerable amounts of petrogenic residues were also observed. We identified evidence of a contribution from an adjacent watershed resulting from the construction of interconnections between large rivers and from years of intense deforestation in the local Atlantic Forest. [Display omitted] • PAHs were evaluated with a wide sample network in a Natural World Heritage estuary. • Different approaches were used to estimate the sources of sedimentary PAHs. • The highest levels were related to interbasin transfer, farming, and deforestation. • Long-term monitoring of sedimentary PAHs in the PES is crucial for estuary protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using benthic foraminifera, we evaluate the ecological quality status (EcoQS) of transitional waters of the Guanabara Bay (SE Brazil) by applying the diversity-based index exp (H′ bc) and the sensitivity-based Foram-AMBI for the first time in South America. The Guanabara Bay was selected for this study as it is one of the largest transitional ecosystems in the State of Rio de Janeiro and has been severely impacted by anthropogenic activities. Concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were assessed by sequential chemical extraction in three phases (i.e., dissolved in water, adsorbed on organic matter, and Mn oxy-hydroxides). Total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) signatures of organic matter were analyzed to trace environmental stress. The Ammonia/Elphidium ratio suggests hypoxic conditions at most of the sampled sites. Principal component analysis identifies the first component as environmental stress underlying organic matter and PTE enrichment (in all three phases), which is positively related to Foram-AMBI and negatively to exp (H′ bc). The exp (H′ bc) and Foram-AMBI indices reveal that stations near the Governador Island and Niterói margin have the worst EcoQS, showing medium to extreme pollution. Additionally, Foram-AMBI and exp (H′ bc) provide a congruent EcoQS classification for ∼64% of the sites. Although these results are promising, they suggest that a significant effort should be made to obtain better knowledge of foraminiferal ecological requirements to employ benthic foraminifera as a biomonitoring and management method. [Display omitted] • Evaluation of the Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) based on foraminifera in the Guanabara Bay. • EcoQS were evaluated with sensitivity-based Foram-AMBI and diversity-based expH'bc. • The indices perfectly match with the environmental stress gradient. • Biotic indices based on living foraminifera allow to classify the EcoQS in the Guanabara Bay. • The two indices show a good agreement of the EcoQS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Saúde e Sociedade is the property of Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Saude Publica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The analysis of plant materials such as seeds, seedlings and other units for vegetative propagation that are imported, before planting in the country, routinely transported across international borders, is essential to decrease the imminent risk of introducing exotic pathogens, considered A1 pests. However, this requires the use of reliable positive controls, to prevent any false positives and/or negative results, causing undesirable consequences. The aims of this study were to set up a bank of positive controls constituted, in most cases, by the cDNA of the viral capsid gene cloned into commercial plasmid and propose diagnostic primers for PCR and RT-PCR assays. Genomic fragments of 41 quarantine viruses and two quarantine viroids in Brazil, as well as 12 regulated non-quarantine viruses, were cloned in plasmids, to be used as a positive control in diagnostic RT-PCR and PCR tests. Besides being a safer and more economical alternative, this bank will avoid the use of virus-infected tissue or total nucleic acid, which would still be infectious. The correct usage of this kind of positive control would eliminate the risk of incidental introduction of exotic viruses in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cananéia–Iguape system is located in a Southeastern Brazilian coastal region, acknowledged by UNESCO as Biosphere Reserve of the Atlantic Rainforest. This system underwent important environmental changes due to the opening of the artificial channel of Valo Grande and by past intensive Pb ore mining activities. In view of this scenario, this study evaluated Cu, Pb and Zn availability in sediments from Cananéia–Iguape system, based on the content associated with the main components of the sediments. Moreover, in order to assess local contamination, the metals' contents were compared to Canadian quality guidelines, the past levels of metals preceding the mining activities and background sediment values. Concerning Cu and Zn in a state of chemical remobilization, both elements would possibly present no harm to the local communities. However, Pb available content exceeded the comparison values in various sampling sites, suggesting the need of monitoring regarding its bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: The Brazilian energy sector has undergone significant changes in recent decades. In particular, consumption and production of natural gas have intensified, and more infrastructures for its transport and importation have been built. In addition, recent discoveries (such as the huge natural gas volumes located in offshore fields) and new research into unconventional deposits indicate a rise in Brazil's proven natural gas reserves in the near future. However, Brazil lacks the geological or underground storage facilities to support its rapidly expanding gas industry, as well as important tools for meeting fluctuating demand and production and improving supply security. To assess the required storage capacity for Brazil, it is useful to analyze the international experience, clarifying the development of several aspects of the gas industry in gas storing nations. To this end, we investigated the relationships between storage and various characteristics of the gas sector by linear regression analysis. The research, conducted on all 38 countries with operational underground natural gas storage, evaluated the extent to which storage capacity is affected by proven reserves, production, consumption, infrastructure, total gas imports and exports, and the use of natural gas as a percentage of total national energy consumption. A very strong relationship emerged between underground natural gas working storage capacity and gas consumption (R 2 =0.8825) and gas infrastructure (R 2 = 0.9130). Another important relationship was identified between storage and gas production volume (R 2 = 0.8239). The remaining aspects did not significantly affect the development of gas storage activity. We estimated the deviations between the values calculated by the linear regression equations and those reported in the technical literature. The errors varied from 89.1%, when all 38 countries were involved, to 31.4%, considering the 13 nations with the highest working gas storage capacities. The average deviation was significantly higher for the 12 nations with little storage capacity (as high as 288%); excluding these 12 countries, the average error reduced to 37.4%. Thus, the equations obtained by the correlations more accurately predicted the outcome in countries with higher storage capacity. The large deviations for countries such as Argentina, China, and Sweden are discussed. Finally, the required storage for the Brazilian gas sector was determined at two intervals: (i) 0.34–9.22 billion m3, based on the error of 89.1%, and (ii) 1.98–6.70 billion m3, based on the deviation of 37.4%. It is important to mention that high errors were expected, since gas storage depends on factors such as geology and demand seasonality, which were not considered in this work, but which could be analyzed in future researches. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study proposes a new methodology to study contamination, bioavailability and mobility of metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) using chemical and geostatistics approaches in marine sediments of Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil). The chemical model of SEM (simultaneously extracted metals)/AVS (acid volatile sulfides) ratio uses a technique of cold acid extraction of metals to evaluate their bioavailability, and the geostatistical model of attenuation of concentrations estimates the mobility of metals. By coupling the two it was observed that Sepetiba Port, the urban area of Sepetiba and the riverine discharges may constitute potential sources of metals to Sepetiba Bay. The metals are concentrated in the NE area of the bay, where they tend to have their lowest mobility, as shown by the attenuation model, and are not bioavailable, as they tend to associate with sulfide and organic matter originated in the mangrove forests of nearby Guaratiba area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Abstract: Located in southeastern Brazil, the Santos Estuary has the most important industrial and urban population area of South America. Since the 1950’s, increased urbanization and industrialization near the estuary margins has caused the degradation of mangroves and has increased the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents. The main objectives of this work were to determine the concentrations and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment cores in order to investigate the input of these substances in the last 50years. The PAHs analyses indicated multiple sources of these compounds (oil and pyrolitic origin), basically anthropogenic contributions from biomass, coal and fossil fuels combustion. The distribution of PAHs in the cores was associated with the formation and development of Cubatão industrial complex and the Santos harbour, waste disposal, world oil crisis and the pollution control program, which results in the decrease of organic pollutants input in this area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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This paper reports the reconstruction of the contamination history of a large South American industrial coastal area (Santos Estuary, Brazil) using linear alkylbenzenes (LABs). Three sediment cores were dated by 137Cs. Concentrations in surficial layers were comparable to the midrange concentrations reported for coastal sediments worldwide. LAB concentrations increased towards the surface, indicating increased waste discharges into the estuary in recent decades. The highest concentration values occurred in the early 1970s, a time of intense industrial activity and marked population growth. The decreased LAB concentration, in the late 1970s was assumed to be the result of the world oil crisis. Treatment of industrial effluents, which began in 1984, was represented by decreased LAB levels. Microbial degradation of LABs may be more intense in the industrial area sediments. The results show that industrial and domestic waste discharges are a historical problem in the area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Oceanography is the property of Instituto Oceanografico da Universidade de Sao Paulo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recent studies have shown that the effectiveness of establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is threatened by toxic effects of contaminants. São Paulo is the most economically developed state of Brazil, and its coast is protected by a system of MPAs, including the North Shore Marine Protected Area (NSMPA). The present study provides a first assessment of sediment quality in NSMPA and two reference sites. Concentrations of arsenic (As), metals (Al, Fe, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and its sources were determined. Comparisons with sediment quality guidelines indicated low contamination, as confirmed by the Geoaccumulation Index, which classified the results as background levels. Whole-sediment exposures of the amphipod Tiburonella viscana were performed to estimate possible acute effects, but samples exhibited no toxicity. The results presented in this study represent a baseline for further monitoring programs of MPAs, supporting conservation actions of management plans. • Marine Protected Areas analyzed for sediment contamination and toxicity • Contamination levels in sediments were minimal. • No toxicity observed • Baseline levels for the monitoring of Marine Protected Areas are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations were determined in four dated sediment cores collected in mud depocenters of the southern Brazilian continental shelf. Core dating results covered the interval between 1925 and 2017. The total PAH concentrations (ΣPAHs) ranged from 44.69 ng g−1 to 305.43 ng g−1 and were similar between the analysed cores. Fine-grained sediments and total organic carbon (TOC) results did not correlate with the ΣPAHs, indicating that the variations in PAH concentrations are mostly related to variations in sources and emissions. PAH source appointment indicated a high input of a natural compound (perylene) and the predominance of anthropogenic PAHs from coal, biomass, and fuel combustion. Alkylated PAHs presented high contributions throughout all cores. The historical deposition of PAHs was associated with different periods of the socio-economic and industrial development of near coastal cities and reflected very well the history of coal production and consumption in the southern region of Brazil. The low levels of ΣPAHs before 1945 in all analysed cores may be related to the beginning of the industrialization process and the lower urbanization degree in the region. Between 1945 and 1965, the gradual ΣPAHs increase reflects the establishment and enlargement of the southern Brazilian industrial sector. The interval between 1965 and 1990 corresponded to the highest ΣPAHs in three of the four analysed cores. After 1990, a relative decrease in the ΣPAHs was observed in most cores and may be related the multiple cuts of incentives to the industrial usage of coal, as well as to Brazil's efforts in environmental regulation for coal extraction and consumption. [Display omitted] • Relation between socio-economic and industrial activities, regulation and PAHs. • Coal, biomass and fuel burning activities were recorded on PAH composition. • Environmental regulations apparently had an impact on PAH concentrations. • Lowest PAH values corresponded to the earlier years on the state industrialization. • PAH inputs reflect the different stages of development of Santa Catarina state. This work evidences remarkably well the history of coal extraction and consumption, registered in marine sediments of the continental shelf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities have impacted the coastal region of Brazil. In the Paranaguá estuarine complex (PEC), Cananéia-Iguape estuarine-lagoon complex (CIELC), and Santos-São Vicente estuarine complex (SSVEC), such activities occur across differing scales. In these estuaries, the concentrations of mercury (Hg) and stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) were investigated in sediments and marine organisms including benthic macrofauna, fish and cetaceans. Hg bioconcentration occurred primarily in cetaceans, polychaetes and molluscs, and reflects the impact of anthropogenic activities in the regions studied (PEC and SSVEC > CIELC). Bioaccumulation occurred in most of the studied specimens, but biodilution of Hg was observed in the trophic webs of SSVEC and CIELC. Despite measuring lower Hg levels than in studies carried out in the northern hemisphere, the results highlight potential concerns for public and environmental health in these highly productive coastal regions in the southwestern Atlantic which are important for fishing and various economic activities. [Display omitted] • Hg in trophic webs of three Brazilian estuaries reflect anthropic pressures. • Hg bioconcentration occurred primarily in cetaceans, polychaetes and molluscs. • The highest Hg values was observed in the trophic web of the Paranaguá estuary. • Hg biodiluition was observed in the trophic web of the Santos and Cananéia estuaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence and spatial distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and personal care products (PCPs) were investigated in surface sediments of Todos os Santos Bay. Samples were Soxhlet-extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Quantification limits (QL) ranged from 0.0025 ng g−1 for POPs to 0.25 ng g−1 for PCPs. Of the POPs studied, only PCBs and DDTs were detectable, with concentrations ranging from −1, with increased concentrations near urban and industrial areas. PCPs ranged from −1 and presented a homogeneous spatial distribution, probably related to the continuous inputs of these compounds from diffuse sources. Mean contaminant inventories ranged from 0.33 ± 0.23 ng cm−2 for DDTs to 8.3 ± 8.4 ng cm−2 for fragrances. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the occurrence of UV filters in sediments from Brazilian coastal environments. • Levels and mass inventories of legacy and emerging contaminants were assessed. • UV filters were reported for the first time in coastal sediments from Brazil. • Despite anthropogenic stressors, contaminant concentrations were low in BTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Water distribution problems impact in social, financial and environmental aspects. • Sorting alternatives by the level of critically can improve maintenance management. • The priority criteria can obtain by a group view using a problem structuring method. • Several management strategies can mitigate water distribution problems. Deficient maintenance management of water distribution systems is an issue in many countries around the world. In northeast Brazil, losses of water during its distribution has reached 42.7 %. Maintenance planning is essential to improve efficiency in a water distribution system. Therefore, a framework was proposed that combines Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) with the ELECTRE TRI-nC method to sort areas into criticality categories in order to determine priorities for monitoring a maintenance service. To provide a global characterization, three categories are recognized: "Not critical," "Moderately critical," and "Highly critical." The proposed framework is applied in a real case study of a municipality located in the northeast of Brazil (Itamaracá/Pernambuco). This framework provides (i) managerial priorities to support maintenance decisions that improve the action planning of the water company, (ii) formal and structured knowledge about the water distribution system, and (iii) benefits to society, such as improving the quality of service, reducing costs, and preserving water resources. Our study demonstrates that actions such as developing awareness -raising campaigns about the rational use of water, installing pressure and flow control valves and establishing sectorization in the network system are essential in order to improve how maintenance is managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) linked with methionine (Val158Met) cathecol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene polymorphism.

Postpartum depression disorder (PPD) is a severe illness affecting around 15% of deliveries. Several evidences suggest that PPD is, at least, partially genetic determined. The gene encoding BDNF is a strong candidate for pathogenesis of PPD since that it has been observed decrease of serum BDNF in patients suffering from PPD. The gene encoding BDNF has a polymorphism (Val66Met) that alters the regulated protein secretion; the methionine variant being associated with insufficient secretion compared with the Valine variant. We hypothesized that BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism could be associated with PPD. We assessed 227 subjects randomly selected who had delivery at a maternity hospital using EPDS. Differences in genotype frequency were calculated by chi (2) test. Logistic Regression Analyses was performed to verify the existence of interaction between biological, psychiatric and environmental variables and PPD. Difference between groups was tested with Student's t test. Tests were two-tailed and results significant when p < or = 0.05. No difference in BDNF genotype distribution was observed between the depressed and non-depressed women. Educational level, stress during pregnancy, bipolar disorder and anxiety was strongly associated with PPD. We were not able to show an association between BDNF polymorphisms and PPD. Further studies are necessary to both of confirm our results and improve validity of PPD diagnosis.