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Este artigo técnico analisou as condições socioeconômica e produtiva da Colônia do Pulador, para entender como é o processo de produção da farinha de mandioca. Apresentam-se as principais características produtivas, descrevendo o perfil educacional e familiar, administrativa, capacidade produtiva e uma breve discussão sobre os elementos facilitadores e complicadores, da produção e da comercialização da farinha de mandioca. Empregou-se uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, com procedimento de campo, para entendimento da realidade investigada, com a coleta de dados juntos aos produtores familiares, observando-se o processo de produção e com entrevistas estruturadas, empregando-se um questionário, contendo os dados demográficos, infraestrutura básica da propriedade, processo produtivo, comercialização e assistência técnica. Os onze produtores, em sete casas de farinha, foram entrevistados, e os dados foram analisados com o emprego da estatística descritiva. Os resultados indicam a existência de uma produção artesanal, histórica e pouca tecnologia. A produção é limitada em função do: cultivo da mandioca; processo produtivo; diminuição do envolvimento familiar, consequência da falta de mão de obra e de sucessão empresarial, e pouca assistência técnica em agricultura. Foram identificados vários tópicos relevantes para a facilitação da produção e da comercialização, destacando-se o cooperativismo. Este diagnóstico se mostra relevante para a agroindústria familiar rural, fornecendo indicativos para a melhoria de processos semelhantes e de interesse para os agentes de desenvolvimento empreendedor em fomentarem as melhorias e o maior rendimento da agricultura familiar. Este diagnóstico atendeu a linha de pesquisa de Gestão da Produção Agropecuária e Agroindustrial, do mestrado em Produção e Gestão Agroindustrial da UNIDERP. Palavras-chave: Agricultura Familiar. Mandioca. Produção Familiar. Agroindústria Rural Abstract This technical paper analyzed the socioeconomic and productive conditions of Colônia do Pulador, to understand how the cassava flour production process is. The main productive characteristics are presented, describing the educational and family profile, administrative, productive capacity and a brief discussion about the facilitating and complicating elements of the cassava flour production and commercialization. A qualitative and quantitative research was used, with a field procedure, to understand the investigated reality, with data collection together with family producers, observing the production process and with structured interviews, using a questionnaire, containing demographic data, the property basic infrastructure, production process, commercialization and technical assistance. The 11 producers, in seven flour houses, were interviewed, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate the existence of artisanal, historical production and little technology. Production is limited according to: cassava cultivation; productive process; decreased family involvement as a result of a lack of labor and business succession, and; little technical assistance in agriculture. Several relevant topics were identified for the facilitation of production and commercialization, with emphasis on cooperativism. This diagnosis proves to be relevant for the rural family agroindustry, providing indications for the improvement of similar processes and of interest to the agents of entrepreneurial development to foster improvements and the higher income of family farming. This diagnosis met the line of research in Management of Agricultural and Agroindustrial Production, of the master’s degree program in Production and Agroindustrial Management at UNIDERP. Keywords: Family Agriculture, Cassava, Family Farm, Rural Agribusiness.

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The opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is a main cause of nosocomial infections in Lebanese hospitals. This pathogen is highly threatening due to its ability to develop multiresistance toward a large variety of antibiotics, including the carbapenem subgroup of β-lactams. In this study, we surveyed the enzymatic and nonenzymatic mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in several multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from patients suffering from nosocomial urinary tract infections in a Lebanese hospital. The occurrence of β-lactamase-encoding genes notably GES, KPC, IMP, VIM, NDM, and OXA, which are characterized by a carbapenemase activity was checked by genomic analyses. Our results provide a first evidence of the occurrence of GES in clinical P. aeruginosa isolates resistant to carbapenems in Lebanon. More interestingly, we showed that almost 40% of the analyzed strains have acquired a dual-carbapenemase secretion of GES-6 and VIM-2 or IMP-15, this being a rare phenomenon among this type of multidrug resistance. Moreover, LC-MS/MS analyses revealed a high prevalence of another enzymatic mechanism of resistance; this is the coexistence of AmpC and Pdc-13 as well as a number of virulence proteins, for instance pilin, lytic transglycosylase, ecotin, chitin-binding protein (Cbp), and TolB-dependent receptor. It is to be noted that a mutation of the oprD2 gene encoding a porin selective for carbapenems has been detected in almost 66% of our strains. All in all, our study reveals by the use of different methods, unusual simultaneous enzymatic (GES, IMP, VIM, pdc13, and AmpC) and nonenzymatic mechanisms of resistance (reduction of OprD2 expression) for MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Background The use of new and emerging tobacco products (NETPs) and conventional tobacco products (CTPs) has been linked to several alarming medical conditions among young adults (YAs). Considering that 96% of YAs own mobile phones, SMS text messaging may be an effective strategy for tobacco risk communication. Objective Project Debunk is a community-based randomized trial aiming to identify specific types of messages that effectively improve perceived NETP and CTP risk among YAs in community colleges. Methods With YAs recruited offline from 3 campuses at the Houston Community College (September 2016 to July 2017), we conducted a 6-month randomized trial with 8 arms based on the combination of 3 message categories: framing (gain-framed vs loss-framed), depth (simple vs complex), and appeal (emotional vs rational). Participants received fully automated web-based SMS text messages in two 30-day campaigns (2 messages per day). We conducted repeated-measures mixed-effect models stratified by message type received, predicting perceived CTP and NETP risks. Owing to multiple testing with 7 models, an association was deemed significant for P Results A total of 636 participants completed the baseline survey, were randomized to 1 of 8 conditions (between 73 and 86 participants per condition), and received messages from both campaigns. By the 2-month post campaign 2 assessment point, 70.1% (446/636) completed all outcome measures. By the end of both campaigns, participants had a significant increase in perceived NETP risk over time (P Conclusions In this trial, YAs had an increase in perceived NETP risk. However, with stratification, we observed a significant increase in perceived NETP risk upon exposure to rational, emotional, simple, and gain-framed messages. In addition, YAs generally had an increase in perceived CTP risk and presented nonsignificant but observable improvement upon exposure to emotional, complex, and loss-framed messages. With the results of this study, researchers and practitioners implementing mobile health programs may take advantage of our tailored messages through larger technology-based programs such as smartphone apps and social media campaigns. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03457480; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03457480 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/10977

Highlights • ASPIRE can reduce intention to smoke with adolescents who have a tendency for NSI. • PSI tendency predicts intention to smoke and knowledge, despite ASPIRE effect. • ASPIRE can improve tobacco knowledge among adolescents who have friends who smoke. • Adolescents exposed to friends who smoke may benefit from programs that promote PSI., Purpose Web-based tobacco prevention programs for adolescents have stressed human-computer interaction, but they have not yet extensively applied social interactivity (i.e., computer-mediated or face-to-face interactions). This study examines if prior tendencies for positive social influence (PSI), negative social influence (NSI), and having friends who smoke (HFS) moderate the success of a web-based program for smoking prevention. Methods Participants were 101 adolescents (aged 12–18 years) from the ASPIRE-Reactions study, a randomized controlled trial comparing a program called ASPIRE with its text-based version. Knowledge of tobacco consequences and intention to smoke were assessed at baseline and end-of-treatment. Tendency for PSI (i.e., avoid tobacco when advised by friends) and NSI (i.e., accept tobacco when offered by friends) were measured at baseline. Repeated-measures mixed-effect modeling was used for hypothesis-testing. Results While controlling for ASPIRE effects, both NSI and PSI predicted lower intention to smoke. Adolescents with high NSI were more likely to show a group difference with respect to change in intention to smoke, but not knowledge. Although not significant, this moderation effect was observed in the expected direction with PSI, predicting intention to smoke and knowledge. HFS significantly moderated the effect of ASPIRE on knowledge. Associations with depression and internet use are also described. Conclusion The results suggest that adolescents with high tendencies for NSI may particularly benefit from web-based interventions such as ASPIRE. Also, web-based interventions may benefit from peer-to-peer interactions, boosting PSI. While current web-based programs include human-computer interaction as their main feature, this study suggests considering social interactivity.

In an effort to reduce food safety risks, virulent phages are investigated as antibacterial agents for the control of foodborne pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate microencapsulation (ME) as a tool to concentrate and store staphylococcal bacteriophages. As a proof of concept, phage Team1 belonging to the Myoviridae family was microencapsulated in alginate gel particles of 0.5 mm (micro-beads) and 2 mm (macro-beads) of diameter. Gel contraction occurred during the hardening period in the CaCl 2 solution, and the diameters of the initial alginate droplets shrunk by 16% (micro-beads) and 44% (micro-beads). As compared to the phage counts in the alginate solution, this contraction resulted in the increase of the phage titers, per g of alginate gel, by factors of 2 (micro-beads) and 6 (micro-beads). The encapsulation yield was highest in the macro-beads. Although phage Team1 was successfully frozen in beads, ME did not improve phage stability to freeze-drying. The addition of glycerol protected the microencapsulated phages during freezing but had no effect on free phage suspensions. Finally, ME improved storage stability at 4 °C but had no impact on freezing or drying over three months of storage.

BACKGROUND The use of new and emerging tobacco products (NETPs) and conventional tobacco products (CTPs) has been linked to several alarming medical conditions among young adults (YAs). Considering that 96% of YAs own mobile phones, SMS text messaging may be an effective strategy for tobacco risk communication. OBJECTIVE Project Debunk is a community-based randomized trial aiming to identify specific types of messages that effectively improve perceived NETP and CTP risk among YAs in community colleges. METHODS With YAs recruited offline from 3 campuses at the Houston Community College (September 2016 to July 2017), we conducted a 6-month randomized trial with 8 arms based on the combination of 3 message categories: framing (gain-framed vs loss-framed), depth (simple vs complex), and appeal (emotional vs rational). Participants received fully automated web-based SMS text messages in two 30-day campaigns (2 messages per day). We conducted repeated-measures mixed-effect models stratified by message type received, predicting perceived CTP and NETP risks. Owing to multiple testing with 7 models, an association was deemed significant for P RESULTS A total of 636 participants completed the baseline survey, were randomized to 1 of 8 conditions (between 73 and 86 participants per condition), and received messages from both campaigns. By the 2-month post campaign 2 assessment point, 70.1% (446/636) completed all outcome measures. By the end of both campaigns, participants had a significant increase in perceived NETP risk over time (PP=.008). Separately for each group, there was a significant increase in perceived NETP risk among participants who received rational messages (P=.005), those who received emotional messages (P=.006), those who received simple messages (P=.003), and those who received gain-framed messages (P=.003). CONCLUSIONS In this trial, YAs had an increase in perceived NETP risk. However, with stratification, we observed a significant increase in perceived NETP risk upon exposure to rational, emotional, simple, and gain-framed messages. In addition, YAs generally had an increase in perceived CTP risk and presented nonsignificant but observable improvement upon exposure to emotional, complex, and loss-framed messages. With the results of this study, researchers and practitioners implementing mobile health programs may take advantage of our tailored messages through larger technology-based programs such as smartphone apps and social media campaigns. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03457480; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03457480 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/10977

BACKGROUND: Although the reasons behind tobacco smoking at young age are complex, research has identified curiosity as a potent driver of smoking among adolescents. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study is to develop and provide initial evidence of reliability and validity of a short scale assessing smoking curiosity among adolescents (first measure of its kind). In particular, we developed and tested the adolescent smoking curiosity scale (ASCOS). METHODS: After scale development, 101 adolescents completed a survey on smoking-related measures, including ASCOS (June to August, 2014). We conducted exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha calculation to inspect factor-structure and reliability. We conducted multiple linear regression models to examine the scale’s capacity to predict antecedents of smoking initiation. RESULTS: Factor analysis supported a single-factor structure of smoking curiosity. ASCOS was internally reliable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83). Controlling for demographics, the measure correlated significantly with temptation to try smoking (β=0.41, p

Background Adolescent peers’ influence on tobacco smoking is a dynamic process affected by close friends and other network peers. Although research has examined the influence of immediate friends on smoking behavior (i.e., by cohesion exposure), the influence of all peers according to closeness (i.e., proximity exposure) remains unknown. This study introduces proximity exposure as a potential driver of peer influence. Methods Using the Teenage Friends and Lifestyle Study dataset, we examined 160 adolescents followed for 3 years and assessed their friendship ties and health behavior. Proximity exposure was calculated as the proportion of an individual’s network peers who smoked, considering their distance from the individual. Path analysis was conducted with cross-lagged models testing the effect of proximity exposure on smoking frequency over time. Results Among nonsmokers without cohesion exposure (n = 80), proximity exposure at year 1 was significantly associated with smoking initiation by year 3. Path analysis (n = 160) indicated that smoking at year 1 predicted cohesion exposure by year 3. When proximity exposure was included, the effect of smoking on cohesion exposure was lost. Early smoking predicted future proximity exposure. However, the predictive value of early proximity toward future smoking was stronger. Conclusion These results suggest that proximity exposure can predict smoking even among nonsmokers without direct ties to friends who smoke. In support of a peer selection hypothesis, early smoking predicted friendship formation with smokers through cohesion. Conversely, in support of a peer influence hypothesis, proximity exposure predicted smoking. Researchers may consider developing interventions that decrease proximity exposure among adolescents.

Background and Objectives As a measure of nicotine dependence among adolescent smokers, the modified Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (mFTQ; seven items), has been successfully used in the United States (USA). Nonetheless, the validity and reliability of mFTQ at the international level is still needed. The current study is the first to test the validity and reliability of mFTQ in four countries: Thailand, Spain, the USA, and Russia. Methods In a cross-sectional survey, mFTQ, risk factors of nicotine dependence, and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed. Risk factors included age of first cigarette, frequency of alcohol use, frequency of marijuana use, and number of cigarettes smoked yesterday. Salivary cotinine was also obtained in Thailand and Spain. Results For all four countries, mFTQ exhibited a single factor structure, as supported by previous work in the USA. For all studied countries except Thailand, mFTQ presented acceptable internal reliability. Overall, risk factors of nicotine dependence have predicted mFTQ scores across countries. Frequency of alcohol use in the USA and frequency of marijuana use in Thailand and Spain were not associated with mFTQ scores. Discussion and Conclusions mFTQ is a single-factor measure of nicotine dependence that shows acceptable internal consistency and validity across countries. Further work can advance the scale and tailor it to different cultures. Scientific Significance mFTQ can be a clinically practical international measure of nicotine dependence. This study provides initial support for the utility of the mFTQ among Thai, Spanish, American, and Russian adolescents. Further research is needed to test and advance mFTQ across cultures. (Am J Addict 2017;XX:1–8)

Introduction Symptoms of nicotine dependence among adolescents occur at an early stage in smoking onset and can be present even with low exposure to cigarettes. We aim to examine the early occurrence of symptoms of nicotine dependence and how they predict later smoking behavior. Methods Participants were ninety-four currently smoking 9th-graders attending high school in Targu Mures, Romania. They were followed for 6 months with two assessment points: baseline, and follow-up at 6 months. We assessed the following: 1) the number of smoked cigarettes in the last 30 days, 7 days, and 24 hours using the Minnesota Smoking Index; 2) vulnerability to addiction manifested in cessation difficulties, using the 9-item version of the Hooked On Nicotine Checklist (HONC), 3) loss of autonomy using the endorsement of at least one HONC item, and 4) dependence, using the modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (mFTQ). We performed statistical analysis with SPSS version 19, using paired-sample t-tests for comparing the differences between baseline and follow-up data. We also conducted linear regression analysis to demonstrate the predictive role of the assessed variables, such as the scores of the mFTQ and the HONC in maintaining smoking and reported smoking status. Results Regression models indicated that baseline-measures for symptoms of dependence (β=0.64, p