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Abstract The carbon capture and storage (CCS) process has become one of the main technologies used for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The success of CCS projects relies on accurate subsurface reservoir petrophysical characterization, enabling efficient storage and captured $$\textrm{CO}_2$$ CO 2 containment. In digital rock physics, X-ray microtomography ( $$\upmu $$ μ -CT) is applied to characterize reservoir rocks, allowing a more assertive analysis of physical properties such as porosity and permeability, enabling better simulations of porous media flow. Estimating petrophysical properties through numeric simulations usually requires high-resolution images, which are expensive and time-inefficient to obtain with $$\upmu $$ μ -CT. To address this, we propose using two deep learning models: a super-resolution model to enhance the quality of low-resolution images and a surrogate model that acts as a substitute for numerical simulations to estimate the petrophysical property of interest. A correction process inspired by generative adversarial network (GAN) adversarial training is applied. In this approach, the super-resolution model acts as a generator, creating high-resolution images, and the surrogate network acts as a discriminator. By adjusting the generator, images that correct the errors in the surrogate’s estimations are produced. The proposed method was applied to the DeePore dataset. The results shows the proposed approach improved permeability estimation overall.

Background: Hypothyroidism reduces circulating levels of thyroid hormones metabolic enzymatic activities, and the skeletal muscle's work capacity and lactatemia increase during exertion. Objectives: To analyze salivary biomarkers and blood lactate obtained in exercise stages through exhaustion and investigate their correlation. Methods: Eight females attended the University Clinical Hospital who showed a condition of subclinical hypothyroidism. Before they began replacing with L-thyroxine, they were submitted to an ergometric test to check their tolerance to effort. Eight weeks after treatment, all volunteers were again submitted to lab and ergometric tests. Saliva and blood were collected to determine total protein, nitric oxide, IgA, lactate, and lipid profile. Results: The present study identified a correlation (0.8), so the behavior of the blood lactate could explain the behavior of the salivary of total proteins by 74.22% (R2 = 0.7422). Lactate production was minimized when women underwent L-thyroxine treatment in the first six stages of exercise. Still, total salivary proteins increased for pharmacotherapy between stages 1 and 8. While salivary nitric oxide had a percentage variation between pre- and post-exercise times of 96% before the start of treatment when the same exercise was performed after eight weeks of treatment with L-Thyroxine, this variation was 150%. Conclusion: The measurement of STP is an essential marker of stress, and it is highly correlated with the most used blood marker, lactate. Regarding treatment with L-Thyroxine in women with subclinical hypothyroidism, after eight weeks of this therapy, it was possible to observe a reduction in blood lactate production after the incremental load test on a cycle ergometer, accompanied by a reduction in the concentration of SA. SNO and SIgA tended to increase in women undergoing treatment, and this treatment should be considered in subsequent studies as causing a different effect on these markers.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de lesões musculoesqueléticas e sintomas de overtraining em praticantes de CrossFit® da cidade de Araguari-MG. A amostra foi composta por voluntários com idade entre 18 anos e 60 anos e praticantes de CrossFit® regularmente matriculados em academias que ofereçam a modalidade na cidade de Araguari-MG. Os participantes responderam a dois questionários sendo um relacionado ao histórico de prática do CrossFit® e lesões musculoesqueléticas e outro sobre os sintomas de overtraining. Foram entrevistados 86 voluntários, na sua maioria homens (68,60%) e a mediana das idades foi de 26 anos. A prevalência de lesões foi de 46,51%. Em relação ao local de lesão, observou-se que o ombro foi o local de maior prevalência (57,5%), seguido de joelho (25%), coluna (20%) e mão (5%). O escore total do questionário de overtraining apresentou mediana de 10 pontos. Nas correlações entre os escores do questionário de overtraining e as variáveis idade e tempo de prática, foi detectada somente uma associação fraca e negativa ente o questionário e o tempo de duração das sessões (p=0,01; r= -0, 27). Assim, conclui-se que o Crossfit® pode propiciar alguma lesão musculoesquelética, principalmente os ombros, e gerar sintomas de overtraining, o que pode desencadear alterações fisiológicos homeostáticas nos participantes.

Neural networks have been used in various computer vision applications, including noise removal. However, removing seismic noise via deep learning approaches faces a specific issue: the scarcity of labeled data. To address this difficulty, this work introduces an adaptation of the Noise2Self algorithm featuring a one-shot learning approach tailored for the seismic context. Essentially, the method leverages a single noisy image for training, utilizing a context-centered masking system and convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures, thus eliminating the dependence on previously labeled data. In tests with Gaussian noise, the method was competitive with established approaches such as Noise2Noise. Under real noise conditions, it demonstrated effective noise suppression removal for a smaller architecture. Therefore, our proposed method is a robust alternative for noise removal that is especially valuable in scenarios lacking sufficient data and labels. With a new approach to processing seismic images, particularly in terms of denoising, our method contributes to the ongoing evolution and enhancement of techniques in this field.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the application of bioextracts on seeds of creole corn, regarding their physiological and sanitary quality. The bioextracts of garlic (Allium sativum L), citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), cloves (Caryophilus aromaticus), ginger (Zingiber officinale roscoe), and their binary combinations were evaluated. Regarding the physiological quality of the seeds, the following parameters were evaluated: first germination (G1), germination (G), dry mass and seedling length (aerial and root). Regarding sanitary control, in vitro tests were carried out for the pathology of the seeds for Fusarium sp. and Aspergillus sp. The results of physiological quality showed a germination rate between 90.8-76.4% of the creole corn seeds treated with bioextracts and their combinations did not differ significantly from the control (84.9%), except when clove alone (3.0% of germination) was used. The results of dry mass, length of shoots and root plants followed a similar trend to that observed for germination analysis. Regarding sanity, the best result was obtained with clove bioextract, which completely inhibited the occurrence of Penicillium sp. Therefore, these studies allow to affirm that bioextracts can be efficient in controlling pathogens and maintaining the physiological quality of creole corn seeds.

Global population growth and intensive agriculture have both contributed negatively to the environment. As a result, there is increasing interest in the use of sustainable alternatives is increasing to promote better use of natural resources and create an equilibrium between agriculture and the environment. Intercropping, the simultaneous cultivation of multiple crops, aims to optimize land use economically while enhancing biodiversity through plant–microorganism interactions, thereby boosting crop productivity. This practice has particularly benefited nut production by combining the nutrient-sequestering capacity of trees with continuous annual crop production, improving soil nutrient and water utilization. Intercropping systems not only enhance nut yield and quality but also offer economic advantages to farmers. This review synthesized the existing literature with the aim of highlighting not only the positive aspects that intercropping brings to the production of nuts, but also the challenges and limitations faced in different regions when it comes to agricultural production.

The consumption of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) has increased during pregnancy. The European Food Safety Agency suggested that steviol glycosides, such as Rebaudioside A (RebA), the major sweetener component of stevia, are safe for humans up to a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight/day. However, the World Health Organization recommended in 2023 the restraint of using NSS, including stevia, at any life stage, highlighting the need to study NSS safety in early periods of development. We aimed to study the mitochondrial and cardiometabolic effects of long-term RebA consumption during the reproductive stage of the life cycle. Female rats were exposed to RebA (4 mg steviol equivalents/kg body weight/day) in the drinking water from 4 weeks before mating until weaning. Morphometry, food and water consumption, glucose and lipid homeostasis, heart structure, function, and mitochondrial function were assessed. RebA showed an atrophic effect in the heart, decreasing cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area and myocardial fibrosis without repercussions on cardiac function. Mitochondrial and myofilamentary functions were not altered. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were not affected, but fasting glycemia and total plasma cholesterol decreased. This work suggests that this RebA dose is safe for female consumption during the reproductive stage, from a cardiometabolic perspective. However, studies on the effects of RebA exposure on the offspring are mandatory.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar as capacidades físicas de atletas de categoria de base do Mancha E. C. da cidade de Araguari-MG durante uma temporada. Foram incluídos atletas do sexo masculino com idade de 16 e 17 anos que foram submetidos a três avaliações no início, meio e final da temporada. Os atletas foram submetidos as avaliações de capacidade aeróbica, teste de agilidade, potência de membros superiores, potência de membros inferiores, flexibilidade, resistência de membros superiores, resistência abdominal e mobilidade de tornozelo. O teste de análise de variância de uma entrada com posthoc de Bonferroni foi utilizado para analisar as diferenças significativas entre os momentos da temporada (pré vs meio vs final) tendo nível de significância quando p

Abstract Democratic theorists and the public emphasize the centrality of news media to a well-functioning society. Yet, there are reasons to believe that news exposure can have a range of largely overlooked detrimental effects. This preregistered project examines news exposure effects on desirable outcomes, i.e., political knowledge, participation, and support for compromise, and detrimental outcomes, i.e., attitude and affective polarization, negative system perceptions, and worsened individual well-being. We rely on two complementary over-time experiments that combine participants’ survey self-reports and their behavioral browsing data: one that incentivized participants to take a ’news vacation’ for a week (N = 803; 6M visits) in the US, the other to ‘news binge’ for 2 weeks (N = 939; 4M visits) in Poland. Across both experiments, we demonstrate that reducing or increasing news exposure has no impact on the positive or negative outcomes tested. These null effects emerge irrespective of participants’ prior levels of news consumption and whether prior news diet was like-minded, and regardless of compliance levels. We argue that these findings reflect the reality of limited news exposure in the real world, with news exposure comprising on average roughly 3% of citizens’ online information diet.

Currently, the overheating detection of electric system components is performed using thermal imaging devices, which depend on on-site regulation parameters, require skilled operators and suitable weather conditions. The development and application of innovative technologies to monitor hotspots has highlighted the use of sensors based on thermosensitive materials. In this study, a temperature sensor with thermochromic coating was developed. Thermochromic sensors covered with a varnish layer and nano-titanium oxide, in addition to thermochromic paint, were produced. A 23 experimental design was established to assess the performance of thermochromic sensors under artificial weathering conditions. Color measurements of the coatings were performed using the CIELAB method. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), UV-Vis (Ultraviolet-Visible), (thermogravimetric TGA, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses were performed on the sensors exposed to photodegradation to detect changes in the thermochromic coatings. The sensors exposed to thermodegradation, and salt spray weathering showed ΔE (total color difference) values below 1.50 points in the presence of TiO2. In comparison, the sensors exposed to photodegradation showed ΔE values above 10 points, and UV-Vis analysis revealed changes in the chemical structure of the coatings. These results demonstrate that the varnish layer and TiO2 can help minimize the degradation effects of temperature, light, and salinity.

Soil degradation and climate change are threatening the sustainability of Mediterranean olive orchards, typically grown under rainfed conditions and conventional soil tillage. Thus, implementing sustainable soil management practices is crucial to preserve soil health and mitigate the negative effects on plant performance. In this study, we assessed the effects of conventional tillage (T), an early maturing and self-reseeding annual legume cover crop (LC) and its combination with natural zeolites (ZL) on plant physiological performance, tree nutritional status, crop yield, and soil physicochemical and microbiological properties. Although both LC and ZL enhanced the photosynthetic activity, tree nutritional status, soil moisture and olive yield relative to T, ZL was clearly more efficient at improving some soil health indicators, namely at the 0–10 cm soil layer, once soil acidity decreased and Kjeldahl N, extractable P and B, cation exchange capacity and microbiological activity increased, as evidenced by the higher concentrations of easily extractable and total glomalin-related soil protein, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass quotient, and actinomycetes. Therefore, using natural zeolite with leguminous cover crops appears to be a promising strategy of sustainable soil management in rainfed olive orchards, as it is able to provide numerous ecosystem services.

Estudos têm mostrado que extratos vegetais e os óleos essenciais podem ser uma alternativa em substituição a produtos sintéticos usados no controle de doenças causadas por fungos em diferentes cultivares. Assim sendo, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a atividade de inibição de crescimento micelial de óleos essenciais e extratos vegetais sobre os fungos Aspergillus sp e Fusarium sp “in vitro” isolados do feijão-caupi. Foram estudados quatro extratos, hidroalcoólicos e hidroacetônicos, de citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus), capim-cidreira (Cymbopogon citratus), cravo-da-índia (Syzygium aromaticum) e melissa (Melissa officinalis) e a combinação binária entre os mesmos e quatro óleos essenciais citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus), capim-cidreira (Cymbopogon citratus), melissa (Melissa officinalis) e neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) e as combinações binárias respectivas. A concentração de óleos essencial usada foi 5.000 ppm, enquanto que, para os extratos foi utilizado 50.000 ppm, em meio BDA (Potato Dextrose Agar). Os resultados mostram que os extratos vegetais e óleos essenciais apresentam atividade antifúngica sobre o crescimento micelial dos patógenos. Contanto, os extratos de cravo-da-índia e citronela e os óleos essenciais de citronela, cidreira e melissa apresentaram os melhores resultados inibindo completamente o crescimento dos fungos. Os óleos essenciais estudados e as combinações binárias inibiram o desenvolvimento dos patógenos, exceto o óleo essencial de neem. Portanto, pode-se inferir que os óleos essenciais e os extratos mostraram-se eficientes e promissores para o desenvolvimento de produtos que possam ser utilizados de forma alternativa na agricultura em substituição aos produtos sintéticos.

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effect of resistance training (RT) as a unique intervention on muscle strength, body composition, and immune-inflammatory markers in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods: The searches were conducted in seven databases and included published randomized clinical trials that assessed the effect of RT vs. no exercise on muscle strength, body composition, and immune-inflammatory markers in PLHIV until June 2021. Random effects meta-analyses of mean differences (MD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed, and the effect size was estimated by Hedges’ g test. Results: Seven RCTs were included (n= 258 PLHIV) and the study duration lasted between six and 24 weeks. In comparison to no exercise, RT improved muscle strength in bench press (MD 10.69 kg, 95%IC 3.44 to 17.93, p= 0.004, g =2.42) and squat (MD 22.66 kg, 95%IC 7.82 to 37.50, p= 0.003, g = 3.8) exercises, lean body mass (MD 2.96 kg, 95%CI 0.98 to 4.94, p= 0.003, g = 1.99), fat body mass(MD −2.67 kg; 95%CI −4.95 to −0.39, p= 0.02, g=-0.99), body fat percentage (MD −3.66%, 95%CI −6.04 to −1.29, p= 0.003, g=-1.99) and CD4+ cells count(MD 100.15 cells/mm3, 95%CI 12.21 to 188.08, p = 0.03, g = 2.91) in PLHIV. There was no effect of RT on IL-6 (MD −1.18 pg/mL, 95%CI −3.71 to 1.35, p = 0.36, g = 0.001) and TNF-α (MD −4.76 pg/mL, 95%CI −10.81 to 1.29, p = 0.12, g=-1.3) concentrations in PLHIV. Conclusions: RT as a unique intervention improves muscle strength, body composition and CD4+ count cells in PLHIV.

O tabagismo é responsável por ocasionar efeitos adversos sobre os tecidos por meio do dano oxidativo. Por outro lado, o consumo de vitamina C se apresenta como um antioxidante o qual poderia inibir os danos oxidativos nas moléculas através da interceptação dos radicais livres gerados pelo metabolismo celular ou por fontes exógenas. Objetivo: Analisar a eficiência da suplementação da vitamina C no combate ao estresse oxidativo em tabagistas. Fonte de dados: Metánalise de estudos identificados por meio de pesquisa nas bases de dados Pubmed, Europe PMC, Web of Science e Scielo até 2021.Síntese de dados: Foram identificados 306 artigos dos quais 4 mostraram-se relevantes aos objetivos deste estudo. Resultados: Os estudos levantados demonstraram que a intervenção com suplementação de vitamina C não alterou o estresse oxidativo provocado pelo tabagismo (MD 2,45, 95% IC -1,51; 6,40; p=0.23; I2 = 92%). Conclusão: A partir dos resultados encontrados podemos concluir que a suplementação de vitamina C não se apresenta como estratégia eficiente para o combate ao estresse oxidativo provocado pelo tabagismo.

Under climate change threats, there is a growing need to adapt the conventional agronomic practices used in rainfed olive orchards by sustainable practices, in order to ensure adequate crop yield and olive oil quality and to preserve soil health. Therefore, for two years, the effects of conventional tillage practice (T) and two sustainable soil management strategies, a leguminous cover crop (LC) and its combination with natural zeolites (ZL), on the yield, fatty acid composition, polyphenolic profile and quality indices of olive fruits and oil were evaluated. Crop yield was significantly increased by LC and ZL in the first year. Although in the second year no significant differences were verified, the cumulative yield increased significantly by 31.6% and 35.5% in LC and ZL trees, respectively. LC enhanced the moisture and size of olives, while ZL increased, in general, the concentrations of oleuropein, verbascoside, caffeic acid and epicatechin, as well the oleic/linoleic ratio in fruits and the levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, tyrosol, verbascoside and caffeic acid in olive oil. Despite the higher concentration of total phenols in the fruits and oil from T trees in the warmer and dryer year, the quality of the oil decreased, mainly when compared with ZL, as evidenced by the peroxide value and K232 and K270 coefficients. In short, both sustainable soil management strategies appear to be promising practices to implement in olive orchards under rainfed conditions, but the innovative strategy of combining zeolites with legume cover crops, first reported in the present study, confers advantages from a nutritional and technological point of view. Nevertheless, studies subjected to the long-term use of these practices should be conducted to ensure the sustainability of the crop yield and olive oil quality.

Felines play a leading role in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection, but there is scarce information about the epidemiology of Neospora caninum, particularly in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats. Cats seropositive to T. gondii do not usually show symptoms unless they are immunosuppressed, such as FIV-infected cats. The same relationship remains poorly known for N. caninum, although it has been associated with neurological disorders in HIV-infected people. Since FIV-infected cats are prone to develop encephalitis of unknown etiology, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of specific antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum in a shelter for stray cats naturally infected with FIV. A total of 104 serum samples from cats living in a shelter, located in São Paulo city (Brazil), was assessed for T. gondii and N. caninum specific antibody by indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT). Of the 104 cats, 25 (24%) were infected with FIV and, aside from these, 8 (32%) had antibodies against T. gondii (titers from 16 to 128). Only 1 (4%) of the FIV infected cats had antibodies against N. caninum, which was the first record of coinfection. Among the FIV-naïve cats, 11 (14%) were positive for T. gondii (titers from 16 to 256) and only 1 (1.2%) had antibodies against N. caninum. Serologically positive reactions to T. gondii and N. caninum were not correlated with age or sex (p>0.05), and there was no correlation between FIV and the occurrence of anti-T. gondii or anti-N. caninum antibodies (p>0.05). Further studies encompassing larger cat populations from different origins and locations are essential to clarify the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies in FIV-positive cats.

Abstract The microstructures of steels are altered when exposed to high working temperatures for long periods, which results in varied physical and chemical proprieties. This study evaluates the erosive wear behavior of ASTM A106 steel after it is exposed to high temperatures for long durations. Samples of normalized ASTM A106GrB steel were placed in a muffle furnace at 530 and 630 °C for 50, 100, and 200 h. The erosive wear test was conducted at a speed of 20 m/s for 30 min at 450 °C with an incidence angle of 30°. Irregular alumina was used as the erodent material. The surface characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy to determine the distribution homogeneity, morphological conditions, quantity, and spheroidization degree of the carbides. The erosive wear test results indicated that there was no volume loss after 50 h of heat treatment at 530 °C. The maximum spheroidization degree was 0.71 after 200 h at 630 °C, which decreased the hardness from 220 to 140 HV. Additionally, the volume loss reached 2.52 cm3. Therefore, the use of the ASTM A106GrB steel at working temperatures higher than 530 °C for more than 50 h decreased the mechanical behavior and the wear resistance, thereby decreasing the lifetime of the system.

Abstract Community detection is one of the most important tasks in network analysis. It is increasingly clear that quality measures are not sufficient for assessing communities and structural properties play a key hole in understanding how nodes are organized in the network. This work presents a comparative study of some representative state-of-the-art methods for overlapping community detection from the perspective of the structural properties of the communities identified by them. Experiments with synthetic and real-world benchmark Ground-Truth networks show that, although the methods are able to identify modular communities, they often miss many structural properties of the communities, such as the number of nodes in the overlapping region and the memberships of the nodes. This is a strong suggestion that a deeper comprehension of the overlapping properties of the communities is needed for the design of more efficient community detection methods.

Objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o perfil antropométrico, autonomia funcional e capacidade aeróbica de idosos hipertensos atendidos pelo Programa Estadual de Promoção a Saúde da cidade de Araguari. O treinamento físico foi constituído aquecimento, parte principal e volta a calma Antes e após 12 semanas de treinamento físico, os voluntários foram submetidos a avaliação antropométrica, autonomia funcional e realizaram coleta sanguínea para avaliar os níveis de glicose em jejum. A normalidade dos dados foi verificado pelo teste de Shapiro-Wilk. O test t de Student de uma amostra foi utilizada para verificar as diferenças entre os momentos (pré vs pós) da intervenção, tendo significância quando p

Introdução: Tem sido postulado que o exercício físico atua como agente hipotensor, principalmente relacionado aos efeitos imediatos após o exercício, denominado hipotensão pós-exercício (HPE). Objetivo: analisar a HPE em dois diferentes métodos de exercício aeróbico em indivíduos hipertensos controlados. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 16 voluntários hipertensos e devidamente controlados. Estes realizaram duas sessões de exercício físico distintas e separadas por intervalo mínimo de 48 horas e a ordem de execução dos treinos foi feita por sorteio. Os protocolos utilizados no presente estudo foram o treinamento aeróbio contínuo, em que foi realizado 40 minutos de exercício aeróbico contínuo a 60% da frequência cardíaca de reserva (FCR) enquanto o exercício aeróbio intervalado foi realizado em 20 minutos, sendo organizado de modo que os voluntários executassem um minuto a 85% da FCR e recuperação de três minutos a 50% da FCR. As mensurações da pressão arterial média (PAM) e frequência cardíaca (FC) foram realizadas em ciclos de cinco minutos durante 30 minutos. A análise dos dados foi realizada pelo teste de ANOVA com nível de significância quando p

This interview with Professor Emily Bell encompasses a variety of topics centered on the relationship between digital platforms and journalism, religion, and society. Issues range from the alarming phenomenon of a growing share of the population who avoid news altogether to the resistance of internet companies to regulate speech. Professor Bell is not sparing with her criticism of digital behemoths, defending comprehensive regulation and greater transparency in their algorithms and data. She talks at length about the seismic consequences of the technological revolution for journalism and the challenges in finding a sustainable business model for the news media. When it comes to religion, she points out that churches have an ally in digital platforms, which can be used to disseminate their messages far and wide. Nevertheless, she warns against the risk of jeopardizing ethical principles when such an alliance lacks critical judgement. Professor Emily Bell is the director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University and an expert on the interplay of communication and technology.

Porcelain tiles polishing residues are the leftovers of the tiles after the polishing step, formed by a mixture of a glassy phase, from the porcelain tiles, water, organic substances, and abrasive particles, mainly SiC, resulting in a sludge. When the sludge is dried and fired at high temperature, the SiC particles of the abrasive are oxidized and form SiO2 and CO2, producing gases that can expand the glassy phase of the sludge forming cellular ceramics. In this context, this work aimed to study the feasibility of producing cellular ceramics from porcelain tiles polishing residues and to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics. A 2³ factorial design was used, where the study variables were the compaction pressure (20 and 40 MPa), the firing temperature (1170 and 1200 °C) and the firing time (30 and 60 min). The mechanical strength, apparent density and linear expansion after firing were determined for the cellular ceramics, being the response variables of the DoE. SEM analysis was performed to evaluate the porous microstructure of the ceramics. By image analysis, the average pore size was determined. Based on the experimental results and statistical analysis, cellular ceramics can be produced using the porcelain tile polishing residue. The ceramics subjected to the highest firing temperature (1200 °C) and firing time (60 min) have resulted in the highest linear expansion, lowest apparent density, largest pores, and lowest tensile strength due to the increase in porosity caused by the presence of SiC, since at these temperatures the pore formation kinetics is higher.

Este texto marca o lugar da alfabetização como um “bem social” distribuído desigualmente na sociedade, na qual, as classes populares são desfavorecidas (FREIRE, 2008). O presente trabalho estabelece um “diálogo” entre Paulo Freire, Miguel Arroyo, Marta Oliveira e Antônia – mulher negra, trabalhadora e não alfabetizada. Este texto aponta a relação existente entre o analfabetismo e a exclusão social analisando o contexto e a vida da Antônia, em suas conexões com a educação de jovens e adultos e na implicação dos desafios teóricos-metodológicos para tratar desse tema. Um diálogo entre a educanda Antônia, sua trajetória de vida inseridas no contexto mais amplo do analfabetismo e as ações de educação popular. Assim, trazer elementos que possam contribuir com a compreensão das situações colocados às pessoas adultas não alfabetizadas ao lidar com ocasiões que são necessários o uso dos códigos de leitura e escrita. Neste sentido, convidamos aos (as) leitores (as) a refletir sobre a história de Antônia não como uma história individual, mas como uma história coletiva, que apresenta a realidade de muitas/os pessoas adultas não alfabetizadas.

The effects of mineral fertilizers on the physicochemical properties of olives and oil under rainfed conditions is scarce. In this three-year study, the results of a nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and boron (B) fertilization trial carried out in a young rainfed olive grove and arranged as a nutrient omission trial are reported. The control consisted of the application of N, P, K and B (NPKB) and four other treatments corresponded to the removal of one of them (N0, P0, K0 and B0). Olive yield and several variables associated with the physicochemical properties of olives and oil were evaluated. The NPKB treatment increased olive yield compared to the treatment that did not receive N (N0). Although dependent on the climate conditions of the crop season, the NPKB treatment increased fruit weight and the pulp/pit ratio and its fruits tended to accumulate more oil than K0. However, the phenolics concentrations on fruits and oil tended to be lower. All olive oil samples were classified in the “extra virgin” category and all showed a decrease in its stability between 3 and 15 months of storage, regardless of treatment, especially in N0, P0 and B0 treatments. The results of the sensorial analysis indicate that all the oils fell into the medium fruitiness and greenly-fruity category. Only in P0 and B0 were defects detected, namely muddy sediment. Thus, this study seems to indicate the importance of N application, but also a balanced nutrient application and that further studies are needed, given the difficulty in finding clear trends in the response of measured variables to fertilizer treatments.

Nitrogen (N) fertilization has been extensively studied all over the world, not only due to its impact on plant growth and yield, but also on product quality. Olive oil is a natural product highly valued by the markets, due to its role in the Mediterranean diet, but only when its quality is above legally established standards. Thus, it is important to continue to study how cropping practices can impact the quality of olive oil in order to fine-tune the guidelines issued to producers. The objective of the three-year study was to assess the effect of the application of 0, (N0), 40 (N40) and 120 (N120) kg ha−1 of N in a rainfed olive grove on variables associated with fruit biometry and the maturation index, polyphenols in olives and olive oil, the evolution of the quality of the oil over time and sensory analysis. The application of N prolonged the period of coloration, delaying the maturation of the fruits, particularly in the higher doses of N applied. N application changed the phenolic composition and the antioxidant capacity of the fruits and olive oil, but without a clear trend among years. In general, the high N rate negatively affected the quality of the oils, reducing the oxidative stability and bitterness of the oil when compared to N40 treatment; this is due to the lower content of phenolic compounds that have a radical scavenging capacity. Excessive N application (N120) increased the degradation of the oil quality, as it led to an increase in the K232 extinction coefficient. Moderate N rates (N40) seem to be a good compromise to guarantee the quality and stability of the oil, although there was some interference from other uncontrolled environmental variables; these were probably accentuated because the olives came from a rainfed olive grove. The sensory analysis panel detected a defect (winey-vinegary flavour) in the oil from N40 treatment that is difficult to justify and will need more attention in future studies.

Water is becoming scarce for ceramic processing, even in certain regions of Brazil. In the wet milling process, the ceramic slips are formed by 30 wt% water to achieve the adequate density and viscosity for an efficient milling. Wastewater from other ceramic processes, as enameling, could be used for milling. The aim of this work was the study of the milling process of a ceramic tile composition using wastewater without treatment in place of clean water. The raw materials forming the ‘monoporosa’ composition and the wastewater were characterized (XRF, particle size) as well as the monoporosa composition (STD) (XRD, residue at #325 ASTM sieve, flow time viscosity, density). The milling parameters were mill rotation (15 or 19 rpm), mill loading capacity (70 or 100%) and type of water (wastewater or clean water) used as the factors (and levels) in a full factorial design, totaling 8 experiments (levelfactor = 2³). The tests were carried out in a mill of 148 L capacity, with a load of 87 kg of raw materials and addition of 34 L of wastewater (1.05 g/L) or clean water (1.0 g/L density). The density, viscosity, and residue at the 4, 6, 8 and 10th hour of milling were determined. As a result, the use of wastewater increases the density of the liquid medium and thus increases the milling residue, as evidenced in the 10th milling hour. At the end of the work, it was possible to reduce the total milling time in a 12,000 L industrial mill by 2 h (25%), without changing the characteristics of the slip, even using wastewater as liquid medium.

Despite a considerable number of new antibiotics under going clinical trials, treatment of intracellular pathogens still represents a major pharmaceutical challenge. The use of lipid nanocarriers provides several advantages such as protection from compound degradation, increased bioavailability, and controlled and targeted drug release. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) is known to have its receptors on the alveolar epithelium and increase phagocytosis. The present study aimed to produce nanostructured lipid carriers with novel glycosylated amphiphilic employed to attach WGA on the surface of the nanocarriers to improve intracellular drug delivery. High-pressure homogenization was employed to prepare the lipid nanocarriers. In vitro, high-content analysis and flow cytometry assay was employed to study the increased uptake by macrophages when the nanocarriers were grafted with WGA. A lipid nanocarrier with surface-functionalized WGA protein (~200 nm, PDI > 0.3) was successfully produced and characterized. The system was loaded with a lipophilic model compound (quercetin; QU), demonstrating the ability to encapsulate a high amount of compound and release it in a controlled manner. The nanocarrier surface functionalization with the WGA protein increased the phagocytosis by macrophages. The system proposed here has characteristics to be further explored to treat intracellular pathogens.

Soil degradation processes and climate change threaten the sustainability of Mediterranean rainfed olive orchards, with repercussions on crop yield and quality of olives, olive oil and olive by-products. Using soil amendments can enhance soil fertility for sustained environmental quality and plant performance. For two years, we evaluated, under rainfed conditions, the effects of a fertilizer compound (FC) and its combination with zeolites (ZL) and biochar (BC) amendments on soil moisture, yield, fruit and oil polyphenols and quality indices. The polyphenolic composition was strongly influenced by treatments, although no effects were observed on crop yield. ZL improved soil moisture (average increase of 26.3% compared to FC), fruit fatty acid composition (increase of 12.4% in oleic/linoleic ratio in 2018) and oil quality, BC enhanced the concentrations of polyphenols with high nutritional value (average annual increase of 25.6, 84.8 and 11.6% for 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol, oleuropein and rutin, respectively). In contrast, olive oil from FC fruits showed the poorest quality, with oxidation and hydrolytic breakdown signals. The applied soil amendments appear to be a promising sustainable strategy to implement in olive rainfed orchards.

In Mediterranean-like climate areas, field-grown grapevines are typically exposed to severe environmental conditions during the summer season, which can negatively impact the sustainability of viticulture. Despite the short-term mitigation strategies available nowadays to cope with climate change, little is known regarding their effectiveness in different demarcated winegrowing regions with differing climate features. Hence, we applied a kaolin suspension (5 %) to Touriga-Franca (TF) and Touriga-Nacional (TN) grapevine varieties located in two Portuguese demarcated regions (Alentejo and Douro) with different mesoclimates to study its effect on the physiological performance, hormonal balance and ABA-related grapevine leaf gene expression during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. Data show that 2017 was warmer than 2018 due to the occurrence of two heatwaves in both locations, highlighting the protective effect of kaolin application under severe environmental conditions. In the first study year, at midday, kaolin enhanced water use efficiency (23 % in Douro and 13 % in Alentejo), carbon assimilation rates (PN; 72 % in Douro and 25 % in Alentejo), and the soluble sugar content of grapevine leaves, while decreasing the accumulation of plant growth regulators (ABA, IAA, and SA) during the ripening stage. The results show an up-regulation of ABA biosynthesis-related genes (VvNCED) in TF treated vines from the Douro vineyard mainly in 2017, suggesting an increased stress response under severe summer conditions. Additionally, kaolin triggered the expression of ABA-responsive genes (VvHVA22a and VvSnRK2.6) mainly in TF, indicating different varietal responses to kaolin application under fluctuating periods of summer stress.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of an intervention improving the continuum of care monitoring (CCM) within HIV public healthcare services in São Paulo, Brazil, and implementing a clinical monitoring system. This system identified three patient groups prioritized for additional care engagement: (1) individuals diagnosed with HIV, but not receiving treatment (the treatment gap group); (2) individuals receiving treatment for >6 months with a detectable viral load (the virologic failure group); and (3) patients lost to follow-up (LTFU).MethodsThe implementation strategies included three training sessions, covering system logistics, case discussions, and development of maintenance goals. These strategies were conducted within 30 HIV public healthcare services (May 2019 to April 2020). After each training session, professionals shared their experiences with CCM at regional meetings. Before and after the intervention, providers were invited to answer 23 items from the normalization process theory questionnaire (online) to understand contextual factors. The mean item scores were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The RE-AIM implementation science framework (evaluating reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) was used to evaluate the integration of the CCM.ResultsIn the study, 47 (19.3%) of 243 patients with a treatment gap initiated treatment, 456 (49.1%) of 928 patients with virologic failure achieved suppression, and 700 of 1552 (45.1%) LTFU patients restarted treatment. Strategies for the search and reengagement of patients were developed and shared. Providers recognized the positive effects of CCM on their work and how it modified existing activities (3.7 vs. 4.4, pConclusionImplementing CCM helped identify patients requiring more intensive attention. This intervention led to changes in providers' perceptions of CCM and care and management processes, which increased the number of patients engaged across the care continuum and improved outcomes.

The objective of the current research is to evaluate and compare the corrosion protection efficiency of the microcapsules containing tung oil and copaiba oil using stereoscopic images, electrochemical tests, open circuit potential (OCP), and polarization curves (Tafel analysis). Carbon steel plates were painted with three different coating systems: (a) a coating system with an automotive primer which served as the control, (b) a coating system with microcapsules containing 3% tung oil, and (c) a coating system with microcapsules containing 3% copaiba oil. A crosscut was performed using a scalpel on the coating surfaces to promote the release of the oils, and after drying, electrochemical cells were assembled using electrolyte 3% NaCl. From OCP analyses, it was verified that the coating system containing tung oil loaded microcapsules obtained more positive final values than the control system and the coating system containing copaiba oil loaded microcapsules. The stereoscope images corroborate the OCP results, and the polarization curve analyses also indicated that the microcapsules containing tung oil offer better corrosion protection than the other systems studied.

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are lamellar structures with positively charged laminates and charge-compensating interlayer anions. The ion-exchange capacity of LDHs makes them as promising hosts for corrosion inhibitor anions with stimulus-responsive release and self-healing anticorrosion. In the current work, LDHs loaded with two different corrosion inhibitors (nitrogen oxides and benzotriazole) were evaluated for their ion-exchange capacity and autonomic protection against corrosion on carbon steel. Studies on nitrogen oxide-loaded LDH (NOx-LDH) showed that nitrogen oxides were successfully intercalated in LDH structure, which were released in chloride media. Open Circuit Potential (OCP) results showed that NOx-LDH extract shifted OCP to nobler values, indicating the protection of metal. For benzotriazole-loaded LDH (BTZ-LDH), the results indicated the presence of benzotriazole in the structure, but its release was not observed. OCP results showed no significant increase of carbon steel protection, corroborating with the conclusion that benzotriazole ions did not migrate to metal surface. Considering these results, the insertion of NOx-LDH in an automotive primer was proceeded, under three different concentrations (0.2. 1.0, and 3.0%). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that the more effective NOx-LDH concentration on corrosion delay was 0.2%, which better balanced protection level conferred by LDH with a possible loss on effectiveness of coating due to increase in porosity.

ABSTRACT: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) has been related to left ventricular structural and functional abnormalities in human patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the cardiac structural and functional findings in Persian cats with ADPKD. Client-owned ADPKD (n=12) and non-ADPKD (n=12) Persian cats were enrolled in this study. The animals underwent echo- and electrocardiographic (ECG) examinations, and non-invasive measurements of systolic blood pressure (SBP) were obtained. Both groups were similar regarding hematological and biochemical parameters, including white blood cell count and levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total protein and thyroxine. There were no differences related to ECG parameters between ADPKD and non-ADPKD cats. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was demonstrated in 6/12 (50%) normotensive ADPKD cats with preserved renal function. There were no differences between animal groups regarding the echocardiographic parameters, including left ventricular ejection fraction and shortening fraction; however, basal interventricular septal thickness at end-diastole near the left ventricular outflow tract and aortic artery flow velocity showed slightly elevated values in ADPKD-cats. Our study revealed that Persian cats with ADPKD do not reproduce the functional and structural cardiac phenotype reported in human patients; however, large-scale cohort studies are necessary to distinguish the possibilities of a true linkage between ventricular myocardial hypertrophy and ADPKD in this breed.

The management of soil cover plants (intercropping) in orchards can contribute to increase productivity of citrus trees. Thus, the present research aimed to evaluate different planting systems for Tahiti acid lime grafted onto Flying Dragon trifoliate orange, a dwarfing rootstock, at high planting density (1,157 trees ha–1). The study was set up in four tillage systems, using Urochloa ruziziensis as an intercrop species in the orchard, and conducted for 5 years: no-tillage (NT), no-tillage and no-herbicide (NT-NH), minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage (CT; without intercropping). Dry matter (DM) production of biomass in the row and interrow of the orchard was evaluated yearly, as well as weed density, soil physical and chemical characteristics, plant water and nutritional status, and fruit yield of trees. Greater deposition of DM of biomass was observed in the row of citrus planting for treatments NT and NT-NH compared to CT and MT treatments, which led to reduced undesirable weed populations. The NT treatment also provided increases of 79% in potassium (K) nutrient concentrations in the leaves of trees and 60% in exchangeable K in the soil surface layer, in the first 2 years evaluated. The maintenance of the Urochloa ruziziensis mulch in the NT system also provided higher soil volumetric moisture content and consequently lower soil resistance penetration and water stress on trees, evidenced by the predawn plant leaf water potential (

Abstract Trifoliate orange is one of the rootstocks most used worldwide mainly because it provides excellent quality fruit production. Harvest at the correct time is among factors that determine the physiological quality of seeds. The aim of this study was to identify physicochemical changes in ‘Limeira-IAC382’ trifoliate orange fruits, searching for the ideal harvest moment to obtain high quality seeds. Fruits were harvested at 180, 210 and 240 days after anthesis, stored in cold chamber and evaluated at 0, 15, 30 and 45 days of storage. The following variables were determined: mass loss, fruit color index, soluble solids, total titratable acidity and fruit juice ratio. Seeds were manually extracted and dried until reaching 30% water content. Seeds were used for the performance of germination, electrical conductivity and greenhouse seedling emergence tests. Seeds from fruits harvested at 240 DAA showed higher germination and greenhouse seedling emergence percentage compared to the other treatments until 30 and 45 days of storage in cold chamber, respectively. Storage for 45 days in cold chamber of fruits harvested at 210 DAA increases seed germination rate and the percentage of seedlings from seeds harvested at 180 DAA. It could be concluded that the harvesting of ‘Limeira-IAC382’ trifoliate orange fruits should be performed when fruits reached yellowish peel and low juice ratio, aiming at obtaining seeds with physiological quality.

Soil conditioners and beneficial microorganisms are important tools that can be used to increase the sustainability of agro-systems. However, the high diversity of conditions where they can be applied may influence the results, which requires extensive field research. In this study, a field trial of four years was conducted in olive (Olea europaea L.) to assess the effect of biochar, zeolites and a commercial mycorrhizal inoculum in the photosynthetic performance, nutritional status of trees, olive yield and soil properties. The experimental design also included a fertilizer treatment with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and boron (B), which nutrients were applied at 50 kg ha−1 of N, P2O5 and K2O and 2 kg ha−1 of B, and an untreated control. The mineral fertilizer treatment increased significantly the dry mass of pruning wood and the average olive yield by 21% over the control treatment. The mineral treatment increased plant N nutritional status, the most likely reason why the trees of this treatment performed better. Overall, the soil treatments had net photosynthetic rates similar to each other and higher than the control treatment, from the second year onwards. Biochar increased soil organic matter, as a result of the carbon (C) contained in the amendment itself, and probably by stimulating soil biological activity. Biochar and zeolites did not improve the productive performances of the tress, but increased the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), which can benefit the system in the long-term. Mycorrhizal fungi did not show any benefit for soil or plants, which could mean that mycorrhization was not established, or their effect was not better than that of native microorganisms. In the conditions of this study, the interest of using commercial mycorrhizal fungi in a mature olive orchard seems to be low.

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a hipotensão pós-exercício (HPE) em dois diferentes métodos de exercício aeróbico em indivíduos hipertensos devidamente medicados. Foram recrutados sete voluntários hipertensos, os quais foram submetidos em dias distintos, a duas sessões de exercício aeróbio em esteira ergométrica, utilizando-se métodos de treinamento diferentes. O exercício de intensidade constante (EIC) foi realizado por 40 minutos a 60% da frequência cardíaca de reserva (FCR). Já o exercício de intensidade variada (EIV) foi realizado por 20 minutos, com um minuto a 85% da FCR e recuperação de três minutos a 50% da FCR. A pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) foram verificadas antes, imediatamente após a sessão e em ciclos de cinco minutos até completar 30 minutos. Foi utilizada a análise de variância de medidas repetidas com nível de significância de 5%. Foi observado que, ambos os métodos apresentaram redução da PAS quando comparado à situação pós-esforço (p

A busca pela melhora da performance e por alterações na composição corporal têm motivado a ingestão de recursos ergogênicos nutricionais (REN). Apesar de já estar bem claro na literatura o avanço da utilização de suplementos alimentares pela população em geral, até o momento não temos dados específicos ao consumo e nível de conhecimento adquirido pelos estudantes de Educação Física ao longo de sua formação. O objetivo do presente estudo foi averiguar a prevalência do uso, o nível de conhecimento, e as fontes informações sobre REN por estudantes de Educação Física. Os dados foram coletados a partir de uma amostra de 169 estudantes de Educação Física, regularmente matriculados em Instituições de Ensino Superior credenciadas pelo Ministério da Educação nos estados de Minas Gerais, Goiás e Distrito Federal. Foi utilizado um questionário semiestruturado, autoaplicável, composto por 13 perguntas objetivas. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que 72,2% dos voluntários praticam atividade física. Quanto a utilização REN constatou-se que 41,29% utilizam, sendo os principais BCAA (64,1%), Whey Protein (64,1%), Creatina (45,3%), Hipercalórico (29,7%) e Maltodextrina (25%). No entanto, observou-se que a prescrição de tais suplementos é realizada por profissionais não habilitados em 42,8%. Já quanto à fonte de informação sobre REN acessada por estes estudantes destaca-se a internet (64%), seguida pelo Nutricionista (45,3%). Conclui-se que os estudantes de Educação Física fazem uso significativo de REN (41,29%) com prescrição significativa por profissionais não habilitados. Quanto ao nível de informação sobre REN a fonte de informação mais utilizada pelos estudantes são a internet e/ou nutricionista. ABSTRACT Consumption and level of knowledge about ergogenic resources among physical education students The search for improve performance and changes in body composition has motivated the intake of nutritional ergogenic resources (REN). Despite it being clear in the literature advance the use of food supplements by the general population, yet we do not have specific data on the use and level of knowledge acquired by students in physical education throughout their training. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of use, the level of knowledge and information sources on REN by Physical Education students. Data were collected from a sample of 169 physical education students, enrolled in higher education institutions accredited by the Ministry of Education in the states of Minas Gerais, Goiás and the Distrito Federal. A semi-structured questionnaire, self-applicable, composed of 13 objective questions was used. The results showed that 72.2% of the volunteers practice physical activity. The REN use it was found that 41.29% being the main use BCAA (64.1%), whey (64.1%), creatine (45.3%), hipercalórico (29.7%) and Maltodextrin (25%). However, it was observed that the limitation of such supplements is not enabled by professional 42.8%. As for the source of information on REN accessed by these students there is the internet (64%), followed by Nutritionist (45.29%). We conclude that the Physical Education students make significant use of REN (41.3%) with significant prescription not qualified professionals. As for REN on the level of information the source of information most used by students are the internet and / or nutritionist.

O presente artigo pretende dar a conhecer um modelo de documentação e registo de dados empregue no diagnóstico e intervenção de conservação e restauro de um conjunto de doze obras de Adriano de Sousa Lopes, pertencentes ao espólio da Faculdade de Belas-Artes da Universidade de Lisboa (FBAUL). Recorreu-se a um programa informático de sistemas de informação geográfica (SIG), gratuito e de acesso livre, denominado QGIS®. Durante esta análise, foram produzidos diversos mapas vetoriais, quer de diagnóstico, quer dos tratamentos de conservação e restauro (CR), nomeadamente da rede de microfissuras, das áreas de lacuna, das áreas de consolidação, das áreas de microcirurgia têxtil e da limpeza química. Na base de dados do programa foram anotados os resultados quantitativos resultantes das análises espaciais das superfícies pictóricas. Verificou-se que o estudo técnico das obras com o programa QGIS® permite a análise espacial das obras de arte auxiliar a interpretação, de forma sistemática e integrada, os fenómenos de alteração das peças em análise.

In this study, the interactions of ESIPT fluorescent lipophile-based benzazoles with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were studied and their binding affinity was evaluated. In phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution these compounds produce absorption maxima in the UV region and a main fluorescence emission with a large Stokes shift in the blue–green regions due to a proton transfer process in the excited state. The interactions of the benzazoles with BSA were studied using UV-Vis absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. The observed spectral quenching of BSA indicates that these compounds could bind to BSA through a strong binding affinity afforded by a static quenching mechanism (Kq~1012 L·mol−1·s−1). The docking simulations indicate that compounds 13 and 16 bind closely to Trp134 in domain I, adopting similar binding poses and interactions. On the other hand, compounds 12, 14, 15, and 17 were bound between domains I and III and did not directly interact with Trp134.

The use of anti-hail nets on orchards changes the microclimate underneath the net. This might be of great importance in apple growing regions characterized by high radiation levels and hot and dry climates during the summer season. But, depending on the net colour and on the local climatic conditions, the shade promoted triggers different responses by the trees. Grey and black anti-hail nets were applied in an apple orchard (cv. ‘Golden Delicious’) located in Northeast Portugal. Under the nets a lower concentration of glomalin related-soil proteins was observed, along with an improvement on trees water status, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, total chlorophylls, N, Mg, Fe and Cu concentrations, as well as an increase in mean fruit weight. The major difference between nets was on the photosynthetic efficiency, being higher on black net in sunny days, while grey net performed better under cloudy conditions. The use of netting systems proved to be effective in improving “Golden Delicious” apple trees performance under a Mediterranean climate, mainly when the radiation reaching the plants surpass the tree saturation point for photosynthesis. Therefore, these findings anticipate solutions for current and forecasted negative effects of climate change.

Strategies for waste valorisation from domestic and agro-industrial activities must be pursued, and its use as a soil amendment is an interesting possibility. In this four-year study, the effect of applying municipal solid waste (MSW), farmyard manure (FYM), bottom wood ash supplemented with nitrogen (Ash + N), the inorganic fertilization common in the region (50 kg ha−1 N, P2O5 and K2O) (Control) and this inorganic fertilization supplemented with 70 kg N ha−1 (High N) was assessed in a rainfed olive grove planted in a shallow soil with low organic matter and managed with conventional tillage. The High N treatment significantly increased olive yield in comparison to the other treatments (165% more than MSW), and soil available N proved to be the main driver for tree productivity. MSW and FYM increased soil organic matter, as well as the levels of phosphorus and cation exchange capacity, leaving good indications for future production cycles, although during the four years of the study these treatments provided little N to the trees. The High N treatment significantly reduced soil organic matter (63% less than MSW). The result was attributed in part to the soil management system that did not allow the development of herbaceous vegetation, but also to an effect known as “added N interaction”, in which the excess of inorganic N in the soil might have contributed to accelerate the mineralization of native soil organic matter, an aspect that compromises the sustainability of this fertilization strategy. Although MSW and wood ash are sometimes associated with risks of environmental contamination with heavy metals, in this study the levels of heavy metals in soils and in plant tissues were not of concern.

This work has a didactic approach directed to the teaching of digital graphic representation for the architectural design. It seeks to identify structures of knowledge that support the geometric concepts employed in works of contemporary architecture. Faced with the technological advances and the recent insertion of parametric design in offices and schools of architecture, the study proposes the clarification of knowledge structures for the recognition of parametric modeling techniques related to those concepts. For such clarification, the notions of taxonomies and ontologies have been adopted, allowing the classification, hierarchization and association of the concepts of parametric modeling techniques and geometry. The study also aims to contribute to reflections, in the teaching of architecture, on the geometric design strategies used by contemporary architects, since the parametric representations of these geometries require a deeper theoretical understanding of their constituent elements.

Connectors used in electrical power distribution systems should allow the passage of electricity continuously and without interruption. However, this does not always occur due to failure caused by improper assembly and/or corrosion of the materials employed, which reflects the quality of service. Notable among the new detection technologies that have been studied to facilitate the identification of defects is the use of thermochromic materials, which allow the easy identification of "hot spots", without the need for specialized equipment and personnel. In this context, in this study, the performance of a thermochromic liquid crystal was evaluated with the aim of developing a temperature sensor for connectors used in electrical power distribution networks. For the evaluation of the performance, thermal and ultraviolet radiation degradation tests were conducted, as well as analysis using spectroscopic (FTIR, FTIR-HATR, UV-Vis, 1H NMR) and thermal (DSC, PLM) techniques. The results indicated that the liquid crystal and the associated components showed no degradation under the test conditions, as well as a good color stability was observed, verifying the viability of the use of these materials for the construction of a temperature sensor. A field test was performed with the devices and was effective for the suggested application.

The influence of alternating electric field (AC) in the structure and dynamics of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) comprised of 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DLPC) is reported. The investigations were conducted by using optical fluorescence microscopy as the method of analysis. The lipid membrane of the DLPC GUVs at the fluid phase can be deformed and they migrate towards the electrodes under AC electric field. Nevertheless, membrane disruption or vesicle fusion was never noticed. The addition of concentrated glucose solution influences the osmotic pressure of the system leading to the formation of filaments at the outer region of the GUVs. These long flexible cylinders do not retract spontaneously. However, the application of AC electric field (20 V/mm, 20 Hz) enables the filaments to be retracted back to the GUVs membrane at a calculated speed of 0.18 µm.s-1

O estudo que aqui se apresenta foi efetuado no âmbito do curso de doutoramento em Bens Culturais, na especialidade de Pintura, que decorreu na Universidade Católica Portuguesa, subordinado ao tema da qualidade em reintegração cromática. O objetivo do presente trabalho é propôr um sistema para a caracterização das lacunas da superficie pictórica, direccionado específicamente para o processo de reintegração cromática, de modo a que o conservador-restaurador possa ter acesso a uma informação qualitativa e quantitativa mais rigorosa, antes, durante e depois da intervenção. Para o efeito, utilizaram-se imagens fotográficas de uma pintura sobre madeira do século XVI e um sistema de informação geográfica (SIG). Trata-se de um programa informático utilizado no processamento de dados espaciais, o software open-source QGIS. O projeto tem a particularidade de ter sido efetuado em tempo-real, à medida que a intervenção foi decorrendo, como forma de apoio à tomada de decisão.

A safe and accessible pedestrian network is essential to an equitable and sustainable urban mobility system. The importance and benefits of pedestrian-friendly urban environments has been widely addressed in transport research, yet most studies focusing in pedestrian accessibility use available street network datasets that do not represent effectively the pedestrian environment. In some cases the use of street centrelines can provide a rather good approximation to pedestrian accessibility measures. However, in the context of transportation planning and policy, the use of street centrelines fails to address critical pedestrian concerns, such as road crossing opportunities and accessible infrastructure for all. The variety of street environments and their impact on pedestrian behaviour raises some issues related with network typologies and their representation. In this paper we present and discuss issues arisen from the manual digitization of areas of a case study in Lisbon, Portugal, demonstrating significant differences in the layout of the pedestrian network when addressing different urban contexts. A detailed pedestrian network dataset was built, covering 6 different urban settings, comprising data on formal and informal pedestrian crossings and traversable/inaccessible pathways. Results show that “regular” street layouts are plain in their structure and therefore likely suitable for automated digitization, whilst less conventional street and crossing arrangements or areas with ample public spaces show a network complexity level that still requires human interpretation. The aim of this study is to encourage the discussion on the harmonization of digitization specifications for geographic datasets that can enable realistic analysis of pedestrian accessibility.

The effect of commercial mycorrhizal fungi on pre-rooted olive cuttings was assessed. The study consisted of two experiments, the first arranged as a factorial design with three cultivars (Cobrançosa, Madural, and Verdeal Transmontana) and three soil treatments (commercial mycorrhizal fungi, zeolites, and control) and the second as a completely randomized design with three treatments (commercial mycorrhizal fungi, sterilized soil, and control). Cobrançosa grew better than the other cultivars, showing good rooting and initial growth features. Mycorrhizal plants showed reduced growth in comparison to those of the untreated control. This result was explained by competition for photosynthates between plant growth and the expansion of fungi hyphae. Cuttings of reduced leaf area and a twin-wall polycarbonate cover of the greenhouse, somewhat opaque to photosynthetic active radiation, may also have contributed to limit the maximum photosynthetic rate and delay the growth of the inoculated plants. Accordingly, in the mycorrhizal pots, the soil organic carbon (C) increased, probably due to the presence of fungi hyphae in soil samples. Zeolites reduced plant dry matter (DM) yield and tissue phosphorus (P) concentration compared to the control, while increasing the availability in the soil of the cations present in their initial composition. Soil sterilization seems to have reduced soil P bioavailability by inactivating soil enzymes. This study showed that the inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi of pre-rooted cuttings can delay their initial growth. Although these plants may be better prepared to grow in the field, in the short term, their lower development can be a problem for the nurseryman.