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This study aimed to evaluate the effect of irrigation depths (IDs) with brackish water and levels of organic fertilizer (OF) on the morphological aspects, production, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of cactus pear grown in a semiarid region. This experiment was conducted in an area already established for 2 years with cactus pear [Opuntia stricta (Haw.)] and started 18 months after the standardization cut. This was a 5 × 4 factorial design of five irrigation depths (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50% evapotranspiration—ETo) and four levels of organic fertilizer (0, 15, 30, and 45 megagram per hectare—Mg/ha), with four replications. The water used in the experiment was classified with high salinity and low sodium content (C3S1), and presented an electrical conductivity of 1.73 dS/m. There was no effect of the ID × OF interaction on the morphological and productive characteristics of cactus pear (p > 0.05); however, the ID × OF interaction promoted effects on ether extract, crude protein, neutral detergent insoluble protein, neutral detergent insoluble ash, total carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates (p < 0.05). The ID and OF levels separately influenced the productive, morphological and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear. Under experimental conditions, we recommend the use of organic fertilizer at a level up to 45 Mg/ha, which is associated with the use of lower brackish water levels for the cultivation of cactus pear. This study’s findings provide new insights into reducing the use of potable water in crop irrigation for dryland regions and other regions.

Leakages in water distribution networks (WDNs) affect the hydraulic state of the entire or a large part of the network. Statistical correlation computed among pressure sensors monitoring network nodes aids the detection and localization of such leaks. This opens the possibility to work with water network databases, where graph signal processing (GSP) tools aid in understanding changes in pressure signals due to leakages in the hydraulic system. This paper presents a methodology for time-varying pressure signals on graph structures. The core of this methodology is based on changing of pressure, due to leaks, that modifies the graph structure. Computing for each time step a new topology of the graph and applying centrality analysis based on PageRank, it is possible to identify the presence of new leaks at the water system. A confusion matrix evaluates the precision of the proposed methodology on defining where and when such leakages start and end. Seven leaks are used to validate the process, which presented 86% in accuracy terms. The results show the benefits of the method in terms of speed, computational efficiency, and precision in detecting leakages. HIGHLIGHTS A novel data analysis methodology for leak detection in water distribution networks.; Correlation of pressure data for the creation of temporal graphs.; Analysis of water networks as graphs and vertices ranking by the PageRank metric.;

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritive value of three feeds (Cecropia sp., Pterodon sp., and Inga sp.) for sloths (Bradypus variegatus), based on nutritional composition and in vitro gas production. After a 14-day adaptation period to these feeds, approximately 500 g of gastric contents were collected from three female sloths, processed, and incubated with the food samples to evaluate digestibility and in vitro degradation kinetics. Regarding the nutritional composition, the neutral detergent fiber (NDFcp) content was higher with 404 g kg−1 DM (p = 0.001) in the leaves of Cecropia sp. The non-fibrous carbohydrate contents were greater with 499 g kg−1 DM in Pterodon sp. (p = 0.002). The greatest cellulose content (211 g kg−1 DM) was found in the leaves of C. pachystachya, as well as the lowest value of 143 g kg−1 DM for hemicellulose. Significant differences in the in vitro digestibility of crude protein (p = 0.041) were observed, with Inga sp. showing the highest value at 547 g kg−1 DM. In terms of kinetic parameters, Pterodon sp. exhibited higher total gas production (Vt) at 99 mL (p = 0.023) and digestion rates of fibrous carbohydrates (kdFC) at 0.0223%/h (p = 0.020) (p < 0.05). The leaves of Pterodon sp. and Inga sp. showed potential as suitable feeds for B. variegatus, while Cecropia sp. may have negative effects on dry matter intake due to its high NDF content, because of possible repletion effects on the stomach.

Inadequate management practices are the main factors that can cause pasture degradation, and one of the key factors is to understand the nutrient cycling in pasture ecosystems. This review aimed to describe the cycling processes of important nutrients in pasture ecosystems (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), analyzing the interactions of soil-plant-animal components. The use of forage legume species intercropped with grasses is a strategy to increase the nitrogen content in the soil, minimizing costs with nitrogen fertilization in pastures. Manure and plant residues are great organic sources of phosphorus and potassium but are also fundamental for supplying microminerals. Nitrogen losses in pastures are mainly caused by leaching, runoff, and volatilization. The addition of phosphorus to the soil must be performed carefully, as there is an increase in phosphorus losses with increasing accumulation in the soil. Phosphorus is often returned to the soil far from where it was used, so the stock transfer represents a loss in pasture ecosystems that can account for approximately 5% of the inputs of phosphate fertilizers. Potassium losses mostly occur by leaching and runoff. Improving management practices is essential for balanced nutrient cycling in pasture ecosystems.

A energia eólica já se mostra bastante relevante na matriz elétrica brasileira, sobretudo quando analisada a Região Nordeste do país. Essa expansão das fontes eólicas ganhou ainda mais força com o desenvolvimento das fontes renováveis, em um contexto internacional de negociações pela redução de emissões de gases de efeito estufa. Todavia, a implantação e o funcionamento de parques eólicos geram impactos socioambientais significativos na população residente no entorno desses grandes empreendimentos. A presente pesquisa analisou artigos acadêmicos que retratam impactos socioambientais negativos causados pela instalação e operação de parques eólicos no Nordeste brasileiro para então abordar os conflitos locais deles decorrentes em situação de injustiça ambiental. É apresentada uma tipologia dos conflitos identificados, classificados em quatro categorias, quais sejam econômicos, hídricos, fundiários, e saúde e bem-estar, demonstrando o nítido cenário de injustiça ambiental.

The aim was to evaluate the chemical composition, carbohydrates, protein fractionation and in vitro gas production of silages composed of spineless cactus and tropical forages and their effect on sheep performance. Treatments consisted of silages: corn silage (CS), spineless cactus silage (SCS), spineless cactus + gliricidia (SCG), spineless cactus + buffel grass silage (SCBG) and spineless cactus + pornunça (SCP). Silos were opened 60 days after ensiling, and analyses were carried out. The digestibility test lasted for 36 days, with eight animals per treatment. A completely randomized design was adopted. Considering carbohydrate fractionation, CS, SCS and SCBG silages had higher total carbohydrate content (p = 0.001). The SCS silage presented a higher A + B1 fraction (p = 0.001). The SCBG and SCG silages showed a higher B2 fraction (p < 0.0001) compared to the CS and SCS silages. The SCBG and SCP silages presented a higher C fraction (p = 0.001). For protein fractionation, the SCP and SCG silages showed higher crude protein contents (p = 0.001). The CS and SCS silages showed a higher A fraction (p = 0.001). The SCBG silage presented a higher B1 + B2 fraction (p = 0.001). The SCG silage showed a higher B3 fraction (p = 0.006) compared to SCBG silage. The SCS and SCP silages showed a higher C fraction (p = 0.001). Exclusive SCS silage showed higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (p = 0.001), dry matter degradability (p = 0.001) and total gas production (p = 0.001). The use of the SCBG, SCP and SCG silages to feed sheep increased the dry matter intake (p < 0.001). Sheep fed the SCG silage showed greater dry matter and crude protein digestibility compared to the sheep fed the CS, SCS and SCP silages (p = 0.002). There was a higher water intake (p < 0.001) with the use of the SCS and SCG silages to feed the sheep. The SCP and SCG silages provided a greater intake (p < 0.001) and excretion (p < 0.001) of nitrogen by the animals. Although there were no differences between the treatments for daily gains, lambs that received the spineless cactus-based silage associated with tropical forages showed higher gains (160–190 g/day) than lambs that received CS silage (130 g/day). Thus, the use of spineless cactus associated with buffelgrass, pornunça and gliricidia to prepare mixed silages (60:40) to feed sheep has potential use to feed sheep, with positive effects on nutrient degradation and increases in dry matter intake. Under experimental conditions, we recommend the exclusive use of spineless cactus silage associated with buffel grass, pornunça and gliricidia in feeding sheep in semi-arid regions, as it provides nutrients, water and greater daily gains compared to corn silage.

This study aimed to evaluate the correlations between mineral profile, physical and chemical characteristics, and proximate composition of ewe meat receiving different water supply levels (100% - ad libitum group; 80%; 60% and 40% ad libitum group). Thirty-two Santa Ines ewes were assigned to a randomized block design, with 4 treatments, and 8 replications, during the 63-day experimental period. Significant correlations between all minerals (P

# Background This study aimed to determine the efficacy of an evidence-based peer and mHealth delivered systems navigation intervention for increasing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV care behaviors among young trans women. # Methods The “Brilhar e Transcender” (BeT) pilot study was conducted between 19 September 2019 and 26 November 2020 in a trans-affirming public health clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling through outreach and referral. Twenty-seven were screened for inclusion and 18 participants completed the study and were included in this analysis. Participants were recruited through community outreach. All participants identified as trans women, were aged 18-24 years old, lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and were not on PrEP or not engaged in HIV care. Over the course of three months, participants developed a systems navigation plan and were engaged in three peer-navigator sessions, asynchronous digital interactions in between sessions, and received automated information they could use to address services access barriers. We measured HIV testing, PrEP use and HIV care outcomes. HIV care engagement included linkage to care, visit attendance, antiretroviral therapy use, and/or undetectable viral load for those living with HIV. # Results All young trans women without HIV (n=13) were regularly tested for HIV and engaged in PrEP by the end of the intervention. All participants living with HIV (n=5) were engaged in HIV care, but one participant had a detectable viral load post intervention. # Conclusions The BeT intervention demonstrated preliminary efficacy for improving HIV prevention and care behaviors among young trans women in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC) setting. A trial is planned for implementation to establish efficacy with a large sample of young trans women and a comparator group.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, fractionation of carbohydrates and nitrogen compounds, degradation parameters, and in vitro ruminal fermentation of cactus pear genotypes. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 4 cactus pear genotypes and 4 replicates. The evaluated cactus pear genotypes were: Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck), IPA Sertânia (Nopalea cochenillifera), Gigante (Opuntia ficus indica Mill), and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (Opuntia stricta Haw), all in natura. Samples were randomly collected at different points in the experimental area. Whole plants were collected 24 months after field crop establishment. N. cochenillifera Salm Dyck presented the highest dry matter, acid detergent insoluble protein, non-fibrous carbohydrate, total digestible nutrients, digestible energy, total carbohydrates, and fractions A + B1 (P

Resumo: Introdução: A COVID-19, nova doença infecciosa aguda causada pelo SARS-Cov-2, descoberta na China em dezembro de 2019, é caracterizada - hoje, pela OMS - como pandemia. O regime de distanciamento social implementado em todo o mundo causou importante impacto sobre vários setores, em particular o da educação. As mudanças ocorridas, no Brasil, no âmbito dos cursos de saúde de nível superior, impactaram de forma significativa o desenvolvimento das atividades de internato desempenhadas por acadêmicos de medicina. Objetivo: O estudo buscou identificar as principais mudanças ocorridas na realização do internato dos estudantes de medicina e a visão do interno mediante tais mudanças. Método: Foi elaborado questionário na plataforma Google Forms acerca do impacto da pandemia por COVID-19 nas atividades do internato de medicina. O universo pesquisado era composto por internos de medicina das universidades públicas e privadas de Fortaleza. Os dados coletados foram armazenados em planilhas de Excel e depois analisados no software SPSS. O teste do qui-quadrado e o de associação linear foram utilizados para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis categóricas nominais e ordinais. Em algumas comparações foi também calculado o V de Cramer. O nível de significância para todos os testes foi considerado com base no p

Abstract: Introduction: Medical students’ mental health has been a concern to the scientific community, especially as a result of the epidemic of mental comorbidities that have become commonplace among the various social groups in modern society. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of Burnout among first- to fourth- year medical students and compare different criteria to define the syndrome. Methods: A total of 511 students from three universities in Brazil answered validated instruments to assess burnout (The Maslach Burnout Inventory) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), and a questionnaire prepared by the authors to assess sociodemographic data Results: There was a prevalence of 31.1% of three-dimensional burnout, 37% of two-dimensional burnout and 44,8% of one-dimensional burnout. There were worse levels of emotional exhaustion among students with two-dimensional burnout, compared to those with only one-dimensional criterion, and worse levels of depersonalization among students with three-dimensional burnout, compared to those with two-dimensional criterion only. The same assessed variables showed correlation with all three criteria. Considering the four domains of quality of life - psychological, physical, environment and social relationships, the psychological and physical domains were the ones that correlated the most to all three aspects of the three-dimensional criteria. Emotional exhaustion was the dimension with the strongest association with three of the four quality of life domains. Conclusions: We question whether the three-dimensional criterion should really be the gold standard to define Burnout.

Climate variability, land use and land cover changes (LULCC) have a considerable impact on runoff–erosion processes. This study analyzed the relationships between climate variability and spatiotemporal LULCC on runoff–erosion processes in different scenarios of land use and land cover (LULC) for the Almas River basin, located in the Cerrado biome in Brazil. Landsat images from 1991, 2006, and 2017 were used to analyze changes and the LULC scenarios. Two simulations based on the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) were compared: (1) default application using the standard model database (SWATd), and (2) application using remote sensing multiple gridded datasets (albedo and leaf area index) downloaded using the Google Earth Engine (SWATrs). In addition, the SWAT model was applied to analyze the impacts of streamflow and erosion in two hypothetical scenarios of LULC. The first scenario was the optimistic scenario (OS), which represents the sustainable use and preservation of natural vegetation, emphasizing the recovery of permanent preservation areas close to watercourses, hilltops, and mountains, based on the Brazilian forest code. The second scenario was the pessimistic scenario (PS), which presents increased deforestation and expansion of farming activities. The results of the LULC changes show that between 1991 and 2017, the area occupied by agriculture and livestock increased by 75.38%. These results confirmed an increase in the sugarcane plantation and the number of cattle in the basin. The SWAT results showed that the difference between the simulated streamflow for the PS was 26.42%, compared with the OS. The sediment yield average estimation in the PS was 0.035 ton/ha/year, whereas in the OS, it was 0.025 ton/ha/year (i.e., a decrease of 21.88%). The results demonstrated that the basin has a greater predisposition for increased streamflow and sediment yield due to the LULC changes. In addition, measures to contain the increase in agriculture should be analyzed by regional managers to reduce soil erosion in this biome.

ABSTRACT The optimization of pumping stations operation in water distribution networks has been largely studied, especially with the development of speed drivers, which allowed the machines to adjust the hydraulic power inserted to the system according to the demand requirements. Although this approach results in high benefits, the original characteristics of pumps remains the same. Consequently, the pumps can be operating in a range of suboptimal efficiency. Thus, this paper will evaluate the benefits that an optimized pump selection can bring for variable speed operation. The selection of the pumps best efficiency point and the number of pumps operating in parallel are defined applying Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to minimize the energy costs of the system. For the case study, the results show that there is no benefit when more pumps are operated in parallel, and that a flexible operational routine significantly reduces the energy expenses, especially when the pump is selected for this purpose.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect, degree of conversion (% DC), Vickers hardness (VH), and surface morphology of composite resins. Eleven resins, nine bulk-fill resins, and two conventional resins were evaluated. Each material was sampled to evaluate DC (using FTIR), VH, cytotoxicity (using MTT and Neutral Red - NR test), surface morphology (using SEM and AFM), and organic filler (using EDS). All statistical tests were performed with SPSS and the level of significance was set at 0.05. MTT revealed that the materials presented low or no cytotoxic potential in relation to the control. Opus was the resin with the lowest cell viability at a 1:2 concentration at 72 h (32%) and at 7 days (43%), but that significantly increased when the NR test was applied at a 1:2 concentration after 7 days. Thickness and surface subjected to polymerization had no influence on DC, and differences were observed only between the materials. In the microhardness test, statistical differences were observed between the evaluated thicknesses. The bulk-fill resins analyzed in this study exhibited low and/or no cytotoxicity to L929 cells, except for Opus, which showed moderate cytotoxicity according to the MTT assay. When the NR test was used, results were not satisfactory for all composites, indicating the need for different methodologies to evaluate the properties of these materials. The assessed resins demonstrated acceptable physicomechanical properties.

This article discusses the profile and life accounts of 40 local teachers working with preschool education in urban and rural areas within Rio Grande do Norte state. Stories revealed that their personal and professional careers, from experience-based knowledge, affect their pedagogic practices. Links between personal and professional life were assessed in this article from a sociologic perspective, as individual and social histories between educators and the groups or social field to which they belong. The subjectivity of such relations, comprised in the stories, was understood as intentional information, though hiding rhetoric discourses aimed by the educators at their groups – family, school and profession, among others.

O artigo discute o perfil e as narrativas de histórias de vida de 40 educadoras municipais da Educação Infantil da zona urbana e rural do RN. As narrativas revelaram que as trajetórias de vida pessoal e profissional, a partir dos saberes da Experiência, têm repercussões nas práticas pedagógicas das educadoras. As relações entre vida pessoal e profissional foram retomadas pela perspectiva sociológica neste artigo como história individual e social entre a educadora e seu grupo de pertença ou campo social. A subjetividade dessas relações contida nas narrativas foi compreendida como informações intencionais, mas que ocultam as retóricas dirigidas pelas educadoras aos grupos de pertença, entre outros, a família, a escola e a profissão.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of irrigation depths (IDs) with brackish water and levels of organic fertilizer (OF) on the morphological aspects, production, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of cactus pear grown in a semiarid region. This experiment was conducted in an area already established for 2 years with cactus pear [Opuntia stricta (Haw.)] and started 18 months after the standardization cut. This was a 5 × 4 factorial design of five irrigation depths (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50% evapotranspiration—ETo) and four levels of organic fertilizer (0, 15, 30, and 45 megagram per hectare—Mg/ha), with four replications. The water used in the experiment was classified with high salinity and low sodium content (C3S1), and presented an electrical conductivity of 1.73 dS/m. There was no effect of the ID × OF interaction on the morphological and productive characteristics of cactus pear (p > 0.05); however, the ID × OF interaction promoted effects on ether extract, crude protein, neutral detergent insoluble protein, neutral detergent insoluble ash, total carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates (p < 0.05). The ID and OF levels separately influenced the productive, morphological and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear. Under experimental conditions, we recommend the use of organic fertilizer at a level up to 45 Mg/ha, which is associated with the use of lower brackish water levels for the cultivation of cactus pear. This study's findings provide new insights into reducing the use of potable water in crop irrigation for dryland regions and other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RESUMO Introdução O ensino por meio de metodologia ativa vem ganhando cada vez mais destaque no cenário da educação médica, complementando, ou mesmo substituindo, o método de ensino tradicional. Diante disso, o sistema de gameficação, bem aceito por estudantes, inova, uma vez que o aprendizado se torna lúdico e participativo, contribuindo para a formação holística dos acadêmicos. Objetivos: Descrever a realização de uma gincana – composta por quatro fases e de caráter competitivo –, bem como comprovar a eficácia do método como uma forma inovadora de aprendizagem. Ao todo, 16 acadêmicos de Medicina participaram da gincana. Metodologia Caracteriza-se como um estudo de delineamento observacional transversal, com uso de metodologias quantitativas e qualitativas. O estudo é composto pela aplicação de um método de ensino e aprendizado baseado no processo de gameficação, com posterior aplicação de um questionário avaliativo aos alunos, para análise crítica. Resultados Foi observada satisfação dos alunos quanto à atividade, sendo unânime a afirmação de que a técnica utilizada facilita o aprendizado. Entre os integrantes, 87,5% preferiram a aplicação de práticas de metodologias ativas em detrimento das tradicionais, e 81,25% dos participantes apontaram a necessidade de integrar métodos com abordagens lúdicas às suas atividades curriculares. Por outro lado, 12,5% dos estudantes concordaram em que a atividade lúdica aplicada não contribui para o trabalho em equipe e 6,25% preferiram adesão às práticas de metodologia tradicional. Conclusão O método de gameficação desenvolve um ambiente propício ao aprendizado, com grande adesão dos estudantes. Percebe-se também a necessidade de mudança, apoiada pelos alunos, nas formas de ensino utilizadas na graduação, devendo-se buscar metodologias que abranjam o desenvolvimento de múltiplas competências e que possam usar a ludicidade como atrativo para o processo de aprendizado.

Simple Summary: Feeding sloths (Bradypus sp.) in captivity can be extremely challenging due to their individually selective folivorous diet and preferences for specific plant species. This selectivity complicates nutritional management and can lead to diseases associated with an unbalanced diet. By using an in vitro fermentation technique, we evaluated the nutritional characteristics of three feeds for captive sloths by incubating samples of these feeds with the stomach contents of sloths. Our findings indicate that the leaves of plants from the genera Pterodon sp. and Inga sp. show potential for feeding Bradypus variegatus sloths in captivity, with particular emphasis on the former, which demonstrated the best results for protein digestibility, fiber digestion rates, and total fermentation gas volume. We recommend careful attention to the fiber content of Cecropia sp. plants due to possible negative effects on dry matter intake. It is suggested that this plant be fed in combination with other feeds containing less fiber to allow for selection by the animals. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritive value of three feeds (Cecropia sp., Pterodon sp., and Inga sp.) for sloths (Bradypus variegatus), based on nutritional composition and in vitro gas production. After a 14-day adaptation period to these feeds, approximately 500 g of gastric contents were collected from three female sloths, processed, and incubated with the food samples to evaluate digestibility and in vitro degradation kinetics. Regarding the nutritional composition, the neutral detergent fiber (NDFcp) content was higher with 404 g kg−1 DM (p = 0.001) in the leaves of Cecropia sp. The non-fibrous carbohydrate contents were greater with 499 g kg−1 DM in Pterodon sp. (p = 0.002). The greatest cellulose content (211 g kg−1 DM) was found in the leaves of C. pachystachya, as well as the lowest value of 143 g kg−1 DM for hemicellulose. Significant differences in the in vitro digestibility of crude protein (p = 0.041) were observed, with Inga sp. showing the highest value at 547 g kg−1 DM. In terms of kinetic parameters, Pterodon sp. exhibited higher total gas production (Vt) at 99 mL (p = 0.023) and digestion rates of fibrous carbohydrates (kdFC) at 0.0223%/h (p = 0.020) (p < 0.05). The leaves of Pterodon sp. and Inga sp. showed potential as suitable feeds for B. variegatus, while Cecropia sp. may have negative effects on dry matter intake due to its high NDF content, because of possible repletion effects on the stomach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaks are a constant problem in water distribution systems, resulting in wasted resources, environmental impacts, and financial losses. Thus, it is crucial to develop effective and agile methods to detect network leaks. In this context, this study proposes a leak detection methodology using three different processes. The first consists of treating monitoring data through independent component analysis, and the other two detection processes use the interquartile range (IQR) and matrix profile (MP) techniques, respectively. The methodology is evaluated based on a set of benchmark data. The results indicate that the proposed approach is effective in detecting leaks, with some cases being detected in a few minutes after the beginning of the leak. It is worth mentioning that the IQR method presented better performance in detecting leaks with abrupt onset, whereas the MP method was more efficient in leaks with gradual increase in flow. In summary, the proposed methodology offers a robust and promising approach for fast and accurate leak detection in water distribution networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]