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The present study aimed to investigate metal bioaccumulation in mullet (M . liza ) from a tropical bay located in Southeastern Brazil, comparing a previously considered reference site to a known contaminated area of the bay, as well as to conduct human health risk assessments with regard to the consumption of this species. The metal concentrations were compared to the maximum residue level (MRL) in foods established by the different national and international regulatory agencies, and the Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake (PTDI) was determined and compared to reference values. Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) concentrations were determined in the gills, muscle and liver of 28 mullet by ICP-MS after acid digestion. Certain metals exceeded MRL guidelines established by different regulatory agencies, indicating human health risks associated to these metals. PTDI values, however, did not exceed corresponding metal values proposed by the World Health Organization. The metal concentrations found in the mullet samples indicate that the previously considered reference site is now showing signs of anthropogenic contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a classification method combining logistic regression and fuzzy logic in the determination of sampling sites for feral fish, Nile Tilapia ( Tilapia rendalli). This method statistically analyzes the variable domains involved in the problem, by using a logistic regression model. This in turn generates the knowledge necessary to construct the rule base and fuzzy clusters of the fuzzy inference system (FIS) variables. The proposed hybrid method was validated using three fish stress indices; the Fulton Condition Factor (FCF) and the gonadossomatic and hepatossomatic indices (GSI and HSI, respectively), from fish sampled at 3 different locations in the Rio de Janeiro State. A multinomial logistic regression allowed for the FIS construction of the proposed method and both statistical approaches, when combined, complemented each other satisfactorily, allowing for the construction of an efficient classification method regarding feral fish sampling sites that, in turn, has great value regarding fish captures and fishery resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editors discuss various papers published within the issue, including one on religiosity and education in antiquity, one on a bishop model for the sixth century period, and another on Brazilian education during the 19th century.

An introduction is presented in which the editors discuss various reports within the issue on topics including online education in Brazil, the educational policy of former Brazilian president José Sarney, and the democratization of education in Brazil.

An introduction is presented in which the editors discuss various reports within the issue on topics including research on education, the history of education in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and political and social views of Brazilian politician Lindolfo Leopoldo Boeckel Collor.

An introduction to the journal is presented which discusses various articles including the history of education in Brazil, the educational context in Chile and Italian ethnic schools in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

This study aimed to investigate the content of macro and trace elements in Apis mellifera 's honey in five municipalities in two regions of Pará in the Brazilian Amazon. This state has the largest beekeeping production chain in the Amazon, an essential source of income for family farming. We used the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry technique (ICP OES) to determine the concentration of metals (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Li, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn) in the samples. The other studied metals were detected in all five cities, except copper, found only in three locations. Three groups of elements were identified by factor analysis. The first two may indicate anthropic and geographic influences, and the third is related to the higher sodium content in mangrove honey from this ecosystem due to the influence of the maritime environment. The statistical techniques and Machine Learning proved very efficient in discriminating the origin of the honey samples. They can be used to determine geographic origin and authenticity to give subsidies to the quality control of these products, allowing the expansion and inclusion of beekeeping in the region's business portfolio. • Concentrations of metallic elements in honey samples. • Significant differences in sodium content between fallow forest and mangrove. • Statistical analysis indicated metal content could be geogenic and anthropogenic. • Machine Learning established the origin of honey by metal contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amazon area has been increasingly suffering from anthropogenic impacts, especially due to the construction of hydroelectric power plant reservoirs. The analysis and categorization of the trophic status of these reservoirs are of interest to indicate man-made changes in the environment. In this context, the present study aimed to categorize the trophic status of a hydroelectric power plant reservoir located in the Brazilian Amazon by constructing a novel Water Quality Index (WQI) and Trophic State Index (TSI) for the reservoir using major ion concentrations and physico-chemical water parameters determined in the area and taking into account the sampling locations and the local hydrological regimes. After applying statistical analyses (factor analysis and cluster analysis) and establishing a rule base of a fuzzy system to these indicators, the results obtained by the proposed method were then compared to the generally applied Carlson and a modified Lamparelli trophic state index (TSI), specific for trophic regions. The categorization of the trophic status by the proposed fuzzy method was shown to be more reliable, since it takes into account the specificities of the study area, while the Carlson and Lamparelli TSI do not, and, thus, tend to over or underestimate the trophic status of these ecosystems. The statistical techniques proposed and applied in the present study, are, therefore, relevant in cases of environmental management and policy decision-making processes, aiding in the identification of the ecological status of water bodies. With this, it is possible to identify which factors should be further investigated and/or adjusted in order to attempt the recovery of degraded water bodies., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify quality of life related to oral health and satisfaction with dentures. Conventional mandibular complete dentures were converted to overdentures retained by two implants with immediate loading (bar-clip system, n = 16)., Materials and Methods: The Brazilian short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14Br) was used to evaluate the impact of oral health on quality of life. Satisfaction with the prostheses was obtained by means of a questionnaire addressing satisfaction with the present prostheses and through use of a visual analog scale (VAS)., Results: The results of the OHIP-14Br questionnaire were verified at 3 and 6 months after conversion from complete dentures to a mandibular overdenture. The satisfaction questionnaire for the mandibular prostheses obtained 43.75% satisfaction before conversion and 100% satisfaction at 1 week and 3 and 6 months after conversion. The satisfaction results of the prostheses, both maxillary and mandibular, were 68.75% before conversion, 93.75% at 1 week and 3 months after conversion, and 87.5% at 6 months. There was an immediate improvement in patients' satisfaction with the mandibular overdenture prostheses regarding stability and retention (Friedman test, P = .000) and quality of life (Friedman test, P = .001)., Conclusion: The improvement seen justifies the immediate loading approach used in this study.