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Bivalve mollusks represent a nutritious source with a low environmental impact; as a result, they are one of the most attractive aquaculture options. Advances in microencapsulation technology offer great potential to face key bivalve nutrition problems, and an alga-based microencapsulated diet can turn enriched bivalves into potential functional foods. The central goal of this study was the evaluation of food intake as a function of particle size and microalga content following the supply of four microencapsulated diets, incorporating as core material Nannochloropsis sp. or Tetraselmis sp. in 20 or 40 µm diameter pellets (diets N20, T20, N40, and T40, respectively) in five bivalve species (Magallana gigas, Solen marginatus, Ruditapes decussatus, Ruditapes philippinarum, and Cerastoderma edule). Overall, all tested diets were easily ingested, although food intake was higher for N20 (except for the S. marginatus, which showed a higher rate for the diet T40). Concerning a size-related analysis, C. edule and S. marginatus favored, respectively, smaller and bigger pellet-sized diets, with no signs of selectivity for microalga species. The diet T20 was the lesser ingested, except for C. edule. This knowledge enables a better selection of feed with appropriate and species-adjusted profiles, contributing to the optimization of microencapsulated diets for bivalve rearing and a better final product.

In this work, the fracture behaviour of repaired honeycomb/carbon–epoxy sandwich panels under edgewise compression and three-point bending loading was analysed. Assuming the occurrence of damage resulting from a complete perforation leading to an open hole, the followed repair strategy consists of plug filling the core hole and considering two scarf patches with an angle of 10° in order to repair the damaged skins. Experimental tests were performed on undamaged and repaired situations in order to address the alteration in the failure modes and assess the repair efficiency. It was observed that repair recovers a large part of the mechanical properties of the corresponding undamaged case. Additionally, a three-dimensional finite element analysis incorporating a mixed-mode I + II + III cohesive zone model was performed for the repaired cases. Cohesive elements were considered in the several critical regions prone to damage development. The failure modes and the resultant load–displacement curves obtained numerically were compared with the experimental ones. It was concluded that the numerical model is suitable for estimating the fracture behaviour of sandwich panel repairs.

This paper aims to study the bifurcation structures of the homographic [Formula: see text]-Ricker maps in a four-dimensional parameter space. The generalized Lambert [Formula: see text] functions are used to establish upper bounds for the number of fixed points of these population growth models. The variation of the number of fixed points and the cusp points organization is stipulated. This study also observes a vital characteristic on the Allee effect phenomenon in a class of bimodal Allee’s maps. Some numerical studies are included to illustrate the Allee effect and big bang local bifurcations.

Understanding the mechanisms involved in tolerance to inhibitors is the first step in developing robust yeasts for industrial second-generation ethanol (E2G) production. Here, we used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and MetaboAnalyst 4.0 for analysis of MS data to examine the changes in the metabolic profile of the yeast Spathaspora passalidarum during early fermentation of hemicellulosic hydrolysates containing high or low levels of inhibitors (referred to as control hydrolysate or CH and strategy hydrolysate or SH, respectively). During fermentation of SH, the maximum ethanol production was 16 g L

Among several fruits, mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), it aroused the interest of producers and consumers due to its attractive sensory characteristics and health beneficial properties (high nutritional value and presence of bioactive substances), thus, this work evaluates the nutritional factors of the flour residue of mangaba processing that is despised by the food industry, and the influence of temperature on its production. The mangaba processing residue was splited in two main groups: in natura sample (control), and other for preparation of flour that was dried at 50 °C and divided into two other groups: treatment A (flour with roasts at 110 °C and 130 °C) and treatment B (flour from drying at 50 °C). The nutritional characteristics of flours were analyzed considering the chemical parameters: pH, titratable total acidity and soluble solids, in addition to the determination of moisture content, total lipids, total dietary fiber and ash, total energy value, antioxidant activity, phytochemical screening, quantification of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, as well as technological functional properties (water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), milk absorption index (MAI) and milk solubility index (MSI) and oil absorption index (OAI). The results showed that the bioactive compounds present in the extracts do not have significant properties of acting as free radical kidnappers. The heat treatment, performed in the flour of mangaba processing residues, influenced the nutritional factors and properties of absorption and solubility, which showed statistical differences. These results show that the flour is a viable alternative for the energy enrichment of diets, contributing to the development of new products, the reduction of the disposal of these residues and consequently to the minimization of the environmental impact. Resumo Dentre as diversas frutas a mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes), despertou interesse de produtores e consumidores devido às suas características sensoriais atrativas e propriedades benéficas à saúde (elevado valor nutricional e presença de substâncias bioativas), assim, o trabalho avaliar os fatores nutricionais do resíduo da farinha de processamento de mangaba que é desprezado pela indústria alimentícia e, a influência da temperatura na sua produção. O resíduo de processamento da mangaba foi dividido em dois lotes, sendo um deles utilizado para as análises in natura (amostra controle) e o outro para a confecção da farinha que foi seca a 50 °C, e dividida em dois lotes: tratamento A (farinha com torras a 110 °C e 130 °C) e no tratamento B (farinha oriunda da secagem a 50 °C). Analisou-se as características nutricionais de farinhas considerando os parâmetros químicos: pH, acidez total titulável e sólidos solúveis, além da determinação do teor de umidade, lipídios totais, fibra alimentar total e cinzas, valor energético total, atividade antioxidante, triagem fitoquímica, quantificação de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, bem como as propriedades funcionais tecnológicas (índice de absorção de água (IAA), índice de solubilidade em água (ISA), índice de absorção de leite (IAL) e índice de solubilidade em leite (ISL) e índice de absorção de óleo (IAO). Na análise foi inferido que os compostos bioativos presentes nos extratos não possuem propriedades significativas de agir como sequestradores de radicais livres. O tratamento térmico, realizado na farinha de resíduos de processamento de mangaba, influenciou nos dados dos fatores nutricionais e das propriedades de absorção e solubilidade, os quais apresentaram diferenças estatísticas. Estes resultados credenciam a farinha como uma alternativa viável para o enriquecimento energético de dietas, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos, a redução do descarte desses resíduos e consequentemente para a minimização do impacto ambiental.

The radiological hazard associated with the buildings of Nueva Rosita (northeastern Mexico) was assessed by gamma spectrometry measurements. Using a Handheld Gamma-Ray Spectrometer, the potassium, uranium, and thorium concentrations were measured. Also, four radiological indices are calculated: the absorbed dose rate (D), the annual effective dose equivalent (E), the hazard index (H), and the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). Inside and outside of public buildings and dwellings, urban space gamma-ray measurements were carried out. According to the year they were built, the public buildings and dwellings of Nueva Rosita were classified into three groups (new, moderately old, and old buildings). Using the activity concentration of radioelements and calculated radiological hazard indices, the studied environments were classified into three classes of radiological hazards. This last classification was carried out by comparing the values of radionuclides and indices with world averages. Class 1 characterizes the environments with a low radiological hazard, class 2, the environments with a moderate radiological hazard, and class 3, the environments with a high radiological hazard. The highest hazard is located indoors in buildings and the lowest hazard occurs in urban spaces. The old buildings have the highest hazard both indoors and outdoors, due to the high content of uranium (102–111 Bq kg−1) and thorium (70–144 Bq kg−1) and the values of D (84–261 nGy h−1), E (0.1–1.28 mSv y−1), H (0.5–1.09), and ELCR (0.35–4.48 × 10–3) that can exceed up to four times their world average.

Financial capacity (FC) is conceptualized as a dimension that encompasses a wide range of basic aptitudes and the capacity to judge and assess situations and make decisions according to one best interests. The Numerical Activities of Daily-Living-Financial (NADL-F) is an instrument of FC for clinical use developed in Italy. This study aims to perform a preliminary analysis on the psychometric characteristics of the Portuguese version of NADL-F. NADL-F as well as other neuropsychological instruments were administered to three groups: Healthy Control (n = 11); Mild Neurocognitive Disorder group (n = 19); Major Neurocognitive Disorder group (n = 19). NADL-F and its tasks were considered acceptable, showed good reliability for the entire sample (α = .808) and the majority of the domains correlated significantly with each other and with the total scale. Between group comparisons showed significant differences regarding all domains. Arithmetic, schooling and executive functioning accounted for 54.1% of the variance on the test. The Portuguese version of NADL-F proved to be an acceptable and valid instrument of assessing FC in the context of cognitive aging. NADL-F is an instrument that emulates real life financial situations, and it can be used in a second level of evidence in the clinical model of FC assessment.

A incorporacao da fitoterapia na atencao primaria a saude e um ganho importante para o SUS, pois alem da reducao do custo no tratamento do paciente, resgata o conhecimento popular e promove o seu uso racional, embasado nos conhecimentos cientificos. Sendo um assunto de Saude Publica, destaca-se a importância do enfermeiro (responsavel por realizar acoes de atencao integral conforme a necessidade de saude da populacao local), do medico (responsavel pelo diagnostico, prescricao e orientacao do tratamento com fitoterapicos e plantas) e do agente comunitario de saude – ACS (como multiplicadores de informacoes e ponte entre as comunidades onde atua, os servicos especializados e profissionais de saude) para a implementacao da fitoterapia na atencao basica a saude e incentivo do uso racional do medicamento fitoterapico e de plantas medicinais pela populacao Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar o perfil diagnostico dos profissionais de saude sobre fitoterapia. Tratase de um estudo observacional, transversal e quantitativo. Os profissionais do sistema de saude de Marechal Deodoro foram das 15 unidades de Saude da Familia, sendo 13 unidades na zona urbana e 02 na zona rural. Para a coleta de dados, foram aplicados formularios para os profissionais da atencao basica a saude (enfermeiros, medicos e ACS) com questoes estruturadas e semiestruturadas relativas as variaveis socio-economicas e etnofarmacologicas. Com relacao ao perfil dos profissionais foi constatado que 75% sao do sexo feminino, com faixa etaria prevalente entre 20 - 30 anos (enfermeiros e medicos) e entre 31 - 40 anos (ACS). Foi possivel observar que 23% destes profissionais afirmaram ter tido algum contato com informacoes cientificas sobre fitoterapia durante a sua formacao profissional ou academica. Todos aprovaram a implantacao da pratica oficial da fitoterapia no SUS. Destes, 78,04% alegaram considerar, apenas as vezes, satisfatorio o tratamento com fitoterapicos e plantas medicinais. E, todos afirmaram nao conhecer os possiveis riscos de interacao medicamentosa com o uso das plantas medicinais. Observou-se que 75,60% nao orientam o cultivo de plantas medicinais no domicilio e quanto ao recebimento de informativos sobre o uso de plantas medicinais, 87,8% nunca receberam este tipo de material educativo. Um aspecto positivo observado nesta pesquisa e que mesmo com a ausencia de estimulo a adesao da fitoterapia, 82,92% destes profissionais afirmaram ter interesse em aumentar seus conhecimentos na area. A maioria, 47% dos medicos, orientam o uso de plantas medicinais e medicamentos fitoterapicos baseado no conhecimento do principio ativo, 33% atraves do uso de bulas e nenhum faz uso de protocolos de fitoterapia. Conclui-se entao, que os profissionais de saude do municipio tem conhecimento limitado sobre o assunto e demostraram interesse em participar de cursos/treinamentos sobre fitoterapia, que e extremamente salutar para a insercao desta no SUS da regiao

Elucidating cellulose-lignin interactions at the molecular and nanometric scales is an important research topic with impacts on several pathways of biomass valorization. Here, the interaction forces between a cellulosic substrate and lignin are investigated. Atomic force microscopy with lignin-coated tips is employed to probe the site-specific adhesion to a cellulose film in liquid water. Over seven thousand force-curves are analyzed by a machine-learning approach to cluster the experimental data into types of cellulose-tip interactions. The molecular mechanisms for distinct types of cellulose-lignin interactions are revealed by molecular dynamics simulations of lignin globules interacting with different cellulose Iβ crystal facets. This unique combination of experimental force-curves, data-driven analysis, and molecular simulations opens a new approach of investigation and updates the understanding of cellulose-lignin interactions at the nanoscale.

We present the analysis of three faint clusters of the Small Magellanic Cloud RZ82, HW42 and RZ158. We employed the SOAR telescope instrument SAM with adaptive optics, allowing us to reach to V~23-24 mag, unprecedentedly, a depth sufficient to measure ages of up to about 10-12Gyr. All three clusters are resolved to their centres, and the resulting colour-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) allow us to derive ages of 3.9, 2.6, and 4.8Gyr respectively. These results are significantly younger than previous determinations (7.1, 5.0, and 8.3Gyr, respectively), based on integrated photometry or shallower CMDs. We rule out older ages for these clusters based on deep photometry and statistical isochrone fitting. We also estimate metallicities for the three clusters of [Fe/H]=-0.68, -0.57 and -0.90, respectively. These updated ages and metallicities are in good agreement with the age-metallicity relation for the bulk of SMC clusters. Total cluster masses ranging from ~7-11x10^3Mo were estimated from integrated flux, consistent with masses estimated for other SMC clusters of similar ages. These results reduce the number of SMC clusters known to be older than about 5 Gyr and highlight the need of deep and spatially resolved photometry to determine accurate ages for older, low-luminosity SMC star clusters., Accepted for publication as MNRAS letter, 5 pages, 5 figures

Patagonia is an understudied area, especially when it comes to population genomic studies with relevance to fishery management. However, the dynamic and heterogeneous landscape in this area can harbor important but cryptic genetic population structure. Once such information is revealed, it can be integrated into the management of infrequently investigated species. Eleginops maclovinus is a protandrous hermaphrodite species with economic importance for local communities that is currently managed as a single genetic unit. In this study, we sampled five locations distributed across a salinity cline from Northern Patagonia to investigate the genetic population structure of E. maclovinus. We use Restriction-site Associated DNA (RAD) sequencing and outlier tests to obtain 11,712 neutral, 338 adaptive loci, and 78 loci associated to environmental variables. We identified a spatial pattern of structuration with gene flow and spatial selection by environmental association. Neutral and adaptive loci showed two and three genetic groups, respectively. The effective population sizes estimated ranged from 572 to 14,454 and were influenced more by locality than salinity cline. We found loci putatively associated with salinity suggesting that salinity may act as a selective driver in E. maclovinus populations. These results suggest a complex interaction between genetic drift, geneflow, and natural selection in this area. Our findings suggest that at least two to three genetic units exist in this area, and the information should be integrated into the management of this species. We discuss the significance of these results for fishery management and suggest future directions to improve our understanding of how E. maclovinus is adapted to the dynamic waters of Northern Patagonia.