Abstract Snakebite envenoming is a major global health problem that kills or disables half a million people in the world’s poorest countries. Identifying the biting snake and its habitat use is key to understanding snakebite eco-epidemiology and optimizing its clinical management. To prevent and combat the neglected snakebite disease, we characterize the morphology, geographic distribution, habitat use, and snakebites of medically important venomous snakes in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Despite Philodryas spp. not being considered of medical importance by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, we also explore their data once the bites may require medical intervention, may cause death, and their consequences are underestimated. Methods: We assessed taxonomy and geographic data from specimens housed in scientific collections, the literature, and the Notifiable Diseases Information System. Our data revealed fragility in the morphological characters recommended to distinguish Bothrops jararaca from B. jararacussu, identify the subspecies of Crotalus durissus and distinguish the species of Philodryas. To help identify these species, we present an identification key to the venomous snake species from Rio de Janeiro based on the morphological data collected. We record the genera Bothrops and Micrurus in all mesoregions of the state. Here, we provide the first record of C. durissus in the Serrana region, supporting the hypothesis of geographic expansion of the species in the state. The crotalic antivenom must not be missing in Médio Paraíba, Centro-Sul Fluminense, and Serrana, where the rattlesnake C. durissus occurs. Bothrops bilineatus and Lachesis muta have historical records presented for the first time herein. However, these species are likely endangered or extinct in the state. There were 7,483 snakebites reported between 2001 and 2019, with an annual average of 393.8 cases. The Bothrops genus is responsible for the majority of accidents. The highest number of cases occurred in the Serrana region, the largest pole of family agriculture in Rio de Janeiro. We improve the identification of venomous snake species, better delimit their distribution, and update the number of cases of snakebites, thus providing greater precision in the attention to this problem in Rio de Janeiro. We emphasize the importance of clinical studies to test using bothropic-crotalic antivenom and heparin in all mesoregions to treat B. jararacussu envenomation; and mechanical ventilation, atropine, and anticholinesterases in the emergency health centers in the Metropolitana and Norte Fluminense regions due to the occurrence of the coral M. lemniscatus in these areas.

Resumo O envenenamento com serpentes de importância médica é um grande problema de saúde global que mata ou incapacita meio milhão de pessoas nos países mais pobres do mundo. A identificação de serpentes de importância médica e aspectos de sua história de vida é fundamental para compreender a eco-epidemiologia dos acidentes ofídicos e otimizar seu manejo clínico. Para prevenir e combater a doença negligenciada do ofidismo, caracterizamos os dados de morfologia, distribuição, uso de habitat e acidentes ofídicos das serpentes peçonhentas de importância médica no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Apesar de Philodryas spp. não serem consideradas de importância médica pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, também apresentamos seus dados porque suas picadas podem exigir intervenção médica, causar morte e suas consequências são subestimadas. Foram avaliados dados morfológicos e de habitat de espécimes pertencentes a coleções cientificas, literatura e dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação. Nossos dados revelaram caracteres morfológicos frágeis recomendados para distinguir Bothrops jararaca e B. jararacussu, para identificar as subespécies de cascavel Crotalus durissus e para distinguir as serpentes cipó Philodryas spp. Para auxiliar na identificação dessas espécies apresentamos uma chave de identificação para as mesmas com base nos dados morfológicos coletados. Registramos os gêneros Bothrops e Micrurus em todas as mesorregiões do estado. Já o soro anticrotálico não pode faltar no Médio Paraíba, Centro-Sul Fluminense e Serrana, onde encontramos a cascavel Crotalus durissus. Aqui estendemos o registro da cascavel pela primeira vez para a região Serrana, corroborando a hipótese da expansão da espécie no estado. Bothrops bilineatus e Lachesis muta possuem registros históricos aqui apresentados pela primeira vez. Essas espécies provavelmente estão ameaçadas ou extintas no estado. Foram 7,483 acidentes entre 2001-2019, com média anual de 393.8. O gênero Bothrops é responsável pela maioria dos acidentes. O maior número de casos ocorreu na região Serrana, maior polo da agricultura familiar do Rio de Janeiro. Aperfeiçoamos a identificação das espécies de serpentes de importância médica, delimitamos melhor sua distribuição e atualizamos os acidentes ofídicos, proporcionando maior precisão na atenção ao ofidismo no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Ressaltamos a importância de estudos clínicos para testar o uso de soro antibotrópico-crotálico e heparina em todas as mesorregiões para o tratamento do ofidismo B. jararacussu e ventilação mecânica, atropina e anticolinesterásicos nos prontos-socorros das regiões Metropolitana e Norte Fluminense pela ocorrência do coral M. lemniscatus.

Abstract Ultrasonography, in equine medicine, is a fundamental technique for the diagnosis of lameness and in the evaluation of the decrease in sporting performance. In spite of the great development of B Mode, there is little use of Color Doppler and specifically of Power Doppler or Power Angio in the evaluation of musculoskeletal conditions in the equine. The objective of this work was to analyze the scope, advantages and limitations of the ultrasonographic study with Power Doppler associated to B Mode in the evaluation of 122 musculoskeletal disorders in sport equines, between 2 and 15 years old, of both sexes and different breeds. A Sonoscape E2 portable ultrasound scanner with a 7-11 Mhz linear probe and a 2.5-5 Mhz convex probe was used. Of all the musculoskeletal lesions evaluated (n:122), the presence of Power Doppler signal was observed in 46/122 being grade I (29/46), followed by grade II (13/46) and finally grade III (4/46). Although this is a preliminary study and more results are needed to be able to apply statistical analysis, according to the authors’ experience, Power Doppler complementing B-mode ultra sonographic studies has proven to be a very useful tool for diagnosis, follow-up of the evolution of lesions, evaluation of therapeutic response and as a predictive value of possible future lesions.

Resumen La ultrasonografía, en medicina equina, es una técnica fundamental para el diagnóstico de las claudicaciones y en la evaluación de la disminución del rendimiento deportivo. A pesar del gran desarrollo del Modo B es escasa la utilización del Doppler Color y específicamente del Doppler de Poder o power angio en la evaluación de las afecciones músculo-esqueléticas en el equino. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los alcances, ventajas y limitaciones del estudio ultrasonográfico con Doppler de Poder asociado al Modo B en la evaluación de 122 afecciones músculo-esqueléticas en equinos deportivos, de entre 2 y 15 años, de ambos sexos y distintas razas Se utilizó un ecógrafo portátil Sonoscape E2 con sonda lineal de 7-11 Mhz y convexa de 2,5-5 Mhz. De la totalidad de las lesiones músculo-esqueléticas evaluadas (n:122) se observó presencia de señal con el Doppler de Poder en 46/122 siendo la más observada la de grado I (29/46), seguida del grado II (13/46) y por último de grado III (4/46). Si bien este es un estudio preliminar y faltan más resultados para poder aplicar análisis estadísticos, según la experiencia de los autores, el Doppler de Poder complementando los estudios ultra-sonográficos en Modo B, ha demostrado ser una herramienta de gran utilidad para el diagnóstico, seguimiento de la evolución de las lesiones, evaluación de la respuesta terapéutica y con valor predictivo de posibles lesiones futuras.

Resumo O uso de antibióticos inevitavelmente leva à resistência antimicrobiana. A seleção para resistência antimicrobiana ocorre principalmente no intestino de seres humanos e animais, bem como no meio ambiente, através da resistência natural e resíduos de antibióticos nos esgotos e no solo. Avaliamos a resistência antimicrobiana em bactérias Gram-negativas de um sistema fluvial em uma comunidade rural da Bahia, Brasil. A água foi coletada nos rios Jiquiriçá e Brejões e no abastecimento de água encanada. Além disso, foram coletadas amostras randomizadas de fezes de moradores, vacas, porcos e cavalos próximos ao rio. As amostras foram triadas para bactérias resistentes à ciprofloxacina, cefotaxima e meropenem e identificadas bioquimicamente nos níveis de gênero e espécie. O rastreamento de fontes microbianas demonstrou que a contaminação fecal de ruminantes e humanos aumentou à medida que os rios se aproximavam do centro da vila e diminuía após a última residência. Bactérias resistentes a antibióticos foram identificadas em todas as amostras (n = 32). Nenhuma bactéria demonstrou ser resistente aos carbapenêmicos testados, contudo, foi encontrado enterobactérias resistentes à ciprofloxacina, ainda que essa classe de antibióticos não seja comumente usada na medicina veterinária dos animais dessa região. Considerando esses fatos, juntamente com o padrão de contaminação fecal avaliado, a fonte de contaminação humana foi considerada a mais provável na interação desses isolados resistentes.

Abstract Use of antibiotics inevitably leads to antimicrobial resistance. Selection for resistance occurs primarily within the gut of humans and animals as well as in the environment through natural resistance and residual antibiotics in streams and soil. We evaluated antimicrobial resistance in Gram negative bacteria from a river system in a rural community in Bahia, Brazil. Water was collected from the Jiquiriçá and Brejões rivers and the piped water supply. Additionally, stools were collected from a random sample of residents, cows, pigs and horses near the river. The samples were screened for bacteria resistant to ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, and meropenem and identified biochemically at the genus and species levels. Microbial source tracking demonstrated that ruminant and human fecal contamination increased as the rivers neared the village center and decreased after the last residence. Antibiotic bacteria were identified from all samples (n = 32). No bacteria were resistant to carbapenems, but the majority of the enterobacteria were resistant to ciprofloxacin, even though this class of antibiotics is not commonly used in food animals in this region. Considering these facts, together with the pattern of human fecal contamination, a human source was considered most likely for these resistant isolates.

Resumen: La producción de papa es afectada por la marchitez bacteriana (bw), enfermedad causada por Ralstonia solanacearum. La resistencia del hospedero es la estrategia más sustentable y efectiva, pero actualmente no existen cultivares de papa resistentes de aplicación agronómica. Nuestro grupo incorporó el receptor efr de Arabidopsis thaliana (atefr), que reconoce el factor de elongación Tu, conservado en bacterias, desencadenando una respuesta inmune. atefr fue evaluado en dos contextos genéticos: un cultivar de papa comercial susceptible y un clon avanzado de mejoramiento con resistencia parcial introgresada de Solanum commersonii. En este trabajo se evaluó por primera vez el efecto de atefr sobre la resistencia a bw bajo condiciones semejantes a la infección natural a campo. Además, se compararon los patrones de colonización de las líneas salvajes y transgénicas mediante inoculación con cepas reporteras de R. solanacearum luminiscentes y fluorescentes. Ambos enfoques evidenciaron un retraso y una disminución de la severidad de síntomas de marchitamiento en los genotipos transformados atefr. Se observaron patrones de colonización diferencial con un mayor desarrollo bacteriano en las plantas no transformadas. Este efecto del receptor atefr parece ser más pronunciado en la línea de mejoramiento interespecífica, llevando a una activación más efectiva del sistema inmune de la planta.

Abstract: Potato is considered a staple food in the world and its production is limited by the presence of bacterial wilt (bw) disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. Host resistance is the most sustainable and cost-effective strategy to manage bw, although resistant commercial potato cultivars are not yet available. Our group incorporated the efr receptor of Arabidopsis thaliana (atefr), which recognizes the elongation factor Tu, preserved in bacteria, triggering an immune response. atefr was tested in two genetic backgrounds: a susceptible commercial cultivar (inia Iporá) and a breeding clone with partial resistance introgressed from Solanum commersonii. In this work, the effect of the atefr receptor on bw resistance was evaluated for the first time, using conditions resembling natural field infection. In addition, the colonization patterns of wild-type and transgenic lines were compared by using luminescent and fluorescent R. solanacearum reporter strains. Both approaches showed a delay and a decrease in the severity of wilting symptoms in the atefr-transformed genotypes. Differential colonization patterns were observed, revealing a higher bacterial development in the non-transformed plants. This atefr effect seems more pronounced in the interspecific breeding line, possibly leading to a more effective activation of the plant immune system.

Resumo: A produção de batata é afetada pela murcha bacteriana (BW), uma doença causada por Ralstonia solanacearum. A resistência do hospedeiro é a estratégia mais sustentável e eficaz, mas atualmente não há cultivares de batata resistentes para aplicação agronômica. Nosso grupo incorporou o receptor EFR de Arabidopsis thaliana (AtEFR), que reconhece o fator de alongamento Tu, conservado em bactérias, desencadeando uma resposta imune. O AtEFR foi avaliado em dois contextos genéticos: uma cultivar comercial de batata suscetível e um clone de melhoramento avançado com resistência parcial introgressada a Solanum commersonii. Neste trabalho, o efeito do AtEFR na resistência ao BW foi avaliado pela primeira vez em condições semelhantes à infecção natural no campo. Além disso, os padrões de colonização de linhagens selvagens e transgênicas foram comparados por inoculação com cepas repórteres luminescentes e fluorescentes de R. solanacearum. Ambas abordagens evidenciaram um atraso e uma diminuição na gravidade dos sintomas de murcha nos genótipos AtEFR transformados. Padrões diferenciais de colonização com aumento do desenvolvimento bacteriano foram observados em plantas não transformadas. O efeito do receptor AtEFR parece ser mais pronunciado na linhagem interespecífica, levando a uma ativação mais eficaz do sistema imunológico da planta.

SUMMARY: The placenta is an embryonic organ present in mammals, whose main functions are the exchange of nutrients and gases and to protect the fetus from potential immune damage mediated by paternal and maternal allogeneic differences in the Major Histocompatibility Complex. Several proteins associated with its function have been described, being Calreticulin one of them. Although there are studies on the presence of Calreticulin in human placenta, there are no reports of this protein in canine placenta. Samples from canine placenta were obtained, proteins extracted and Calreticulin was subsequently detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry. The results showed the presence of Calreticulin in canine placenta with an apparent molecular weight of 60 kDa, in agreement with the results from other authors. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that canine Calreticulin is present mainly in the trophoblast of the villi, and there is no difference in its localization when compared with a blood-filled placenta such as human one, despite its morphological and histological differences. We also propose a standardized protocol for the extraction of Calreticulin from placenta, given its abundant expression in this organ. Future studies are aimed at elucidating possible roles of this protein in placenta.

RESUMEN: La placenta es un anexo embrionario de los mamíferos que tiene por función principal el intercambio de nutrientes y gases y proteger al concepto de un potencial daño inmune provocado por diferencias alogénicas en los Complejos Principales de Histocompatibilidad paternos. Se han descrito diversas proteínas asociadas a su función, siendo Calreticulina una de ellas. Si bien existen estudios de la presencia de Calreticulina en placenta humana, no existen reportes de esta proteína en la placenta canina. Se obtuvieron muestras de placenta canina de las que se extrajo el contenido proteico total y se determinó la presencia de Calreticulina por western blot e inmunohistoquímica. Los resultados mostraron presencia de Calreticulina en placenta canina con un peso molecular aparente de 60 kDa, concordante con lo descrito para la molécula por otros autores. El análisis inmunohistoquímico mostró que Calreticulina canina está presente principalmente en el trofoblasto de las vellosidades, no existiendo diferencias en cuanto a su localización al compararla con placenta humana, pese a sus diferencias morfológicas e histológicas. Esta información permitirá establecer un protocolo estandarizado de extracción de Calreticulina desde placenta, así como orientar acerca de los posibles roles de esta molécula en la placenta.

It is well established that during exercising, an increase in the production of free radicals occurs, which can break the oxide-reducing balance of the cell causing DNA damage. The aim of this study was to establish the existence of DNA damage in circulating leukocytes of horses undergoing sub-maximal exercise by using the comet assay. Five horses subjected to a standardized exercise test were used. Samples were extracted before starting the exercise and, then, at 8.5 m/s, at 15 m/s, and 1 and 30 min post-exercise. Simultaneously, oxygen consumption during the exercise test was measured. The frequency of cells with DNA damage was 0.448, 0.537, 0.617, 0.556 and 0.592 respectively, being significant the differences from the baseline values over time (p<0.05). Then, the cells were classified by levels of damage, with significant increases (p<0.05), especially at 15 m/s and 30 min after exercise. A significant association between the frequency of cells with DNA damage and oxygen consumption during standardized exercise test is observed. These results suggest that genotoxic damage inducing factors occur mainly during physical exertion.

Esta claramente establecido que durante el ejercicio se produce un aumento en la produccion de radicales libres que pueden romper el equilibrio oxido-reductor y causar dano en el ADN. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue establecer la existencia de dano en el ADN en leucocitos circulantes de equinos sometidos a ejercicio sub-maximo mediante el empleo del ensayo cometa. Se usaron cinco equinos sometidos a un test estandarizado de ejercicio, a los que se les extrajeron muestras antes de comenzar el ejercicio, a los 8,5 m/s, a los 15 m/s, y 1 y 30 min post-ejercicio. Simultaneamente se realizo una ergoespirometria continua para determinar el consumo de oxigeno durante el test de ejercicio. La frecuencia de celulas con dano en el ADN fue 0,448, 0,537, 0,617, 0,556 y 0,592 respectivamente, observandose diferencias significativas con respecto a los valores del tiempo basal (p<0,05). Luego las celulas se clasificaron por niveles de dano, observandose incrementos significativos (p<0,05) especialmente a los 15 m/s y 30 min post-ejercicio. Se observo una asociacion significativa entre la frecuencia de celulas con dano en el ADN y el consumo de oxigeno durante el test estandarizado de ejercicio. Estos resultados sugieren que los factores inductores de dano genotoxico se producen mayoritariamente durante el esfuerzo fisico.

Triticales and tricepiros are annual forage alternatives of winter cereals for the subhumid-semiarid pampean region of Argentina. Triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) derived from Triticum L. x Secale L. crosses in broad sense. Tricepiro is the common name of the trigeneric hybrids obtained from crosses between triticales and trigopiros (Triticum L. x Thinopyrum Á. Löve). The aim of this study was to analyze forage yield, genotypeenvironment interaction and stability in experimental strains. Twenty-three genotypes were tested for five years in Río Cuarto, Córdoba and Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina, using a random complete block design. The genotype, environment and genotype-environment interaction main effects were determined by ANOVA. All of them were statistically significant. The stability was assessed using regression analysis, Pi index and AMMI2 and SREG models. A strain of triticale had high performance and low genotype-environment interaction with all methods. Another triticale strain showed high yield and stability in regression analysis and Pi index, high yield but low stability in AMMI, and high performance in only one environment according to SREG. Regarding tricepiro, four strains of higher than average forage yield were stable according to the regression method. However, the Pi index qualified only one as stable and all of them were unstable in AMMI analysis. The SREG method qualified one of these tricepiro strains as stable with high yield, another with median stability and good yield but near the average, and the remaining two were qualified as unstable. The combination of regression and SREG analyses was the most appropriate to analyze stability of these materials. Three strains were identified to be released as cultivars.

Triticales y tricepiros son alternativas forrajeras anuales que diversifican la oferta de cereales invernales. El triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) es producto de la cruza de Triticum L. x Secale L. en sentido amplio. Tricepiro es el nombre vulgar de las combinaciones trigenéricas obtenidas por cruzamientos entre triticales y trigopiros (Triticum L. x Thinopyrum Á. Löve). El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la interacción genotipoambiente y la estabilidad del rendimiento en forraje de líneas experimentales. Se emplearon 23 genotipos evaluados durante cinco años en Río Cuarto, Córdoba y Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina, empleando un diseño en bloques completos al azar. Mediante ANAVA se determinaron los efectos principales genotipo, ambiente y la interacción genotipo-ambiente, los cuales fueron estadísticamente significativos. La estabilidad se determinó mediante análisis de la regresión, índice Pi y modelos AMMI2 y SREG. Una línea de triticale resultó de alto rendimiento y escasa interacción genotipo-ambiente con todos los métodos, mientras que otra, de alto rendimiento y muy estable según la regresión y el índice Pi, resultó de muy buen rendimiento pero poco estable según AMMI y de alto rendimiento sólo en un ambiente según SREG. Respecto a las líneas de tricepiro, cuatro de rendimiento superior al promedio resultaron estables según el método de la regresión pero el índice Pi calificó como estable a sólo una y en el AMMI todas resultaron inestables. En el análisis SREG una resultó estable y rendidora, otra tuvo mediana interacción genotipoambiente y rendimiento superior pero muy cercano a la media, y las restantes resultaron inestables. La combinación de regresión y SREG resultó la más apropiada para analizar estabilidad en estos materiales. Los análisis permitieron identificar tres líneas para su registro como cultivares.

The aim of this work was to select indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains based on a combination of genetic and aroma analyses to be used for inoculation in industrial fermentations and produce rosé wine with a different aromatic profile. A total of 118 indigenous strains of S. cerevisiae and one hybrid strain from five wineries and three different vintages were isolated from spontaneous microfermentations and genetically characterised according to the restriction fragment length polymorphism of their mitochondrial DNA (RFLP-mtDNA). From this group, 30 strains were subjected to phenotypic/oenological characterisation and, of these, nine were chosen as starters in wine fermentations due to their ability to ferment well and their appearance in consecutive vintages or in two or more wineries. Wines produced by these nine selected strains were aromatically and chemically characterised, revealing great differences in their sensory profiles. One of these strains (C9-I) showed the most complex aroma profile in the sensory characterisation, so it was selected to produce an industrial wine. A principal component analysis showed that the industrial wine produced was aromatically very different from several commercial wines produced by different wineries. In fact, their main aromatic attributes were not found in the commercial rosé wines selected for the sensory evaluation. The study shows that a combination of microbiological and chemical techniques can be an effective tool to improve the winemaking process to produce industrial wines with a distinctive organoleptic profile.

O presente estudo investigou a relação entre os motivos para a prática desportiva e as características dos alunos como o género, idade e nível de escolaridade. A amostra foi constituída por 1016 alunos da área da Grande Lisboa (577 do género masculino e 439 do feminino, com idades entre os 10 e os 20 anos). Os dados foram obtidos através da aplicação do QMAD (Frias & Serpa, 1991). Na análise dos dados, foi realizada uma análise fatorial de componentes principais que revelou seis fatores. Foram utilizadas estatísticas descritivas e os testes comparativos Anova e Bonferroni. As motivações mais valorizadas para a prática desportiva foram Aprendizagem Técnica/Fitness e Trabalho de Equipa e a menos valorizada foi o Estatuto. A comparação em função do género e dos níveis de ensino dos alunos revelou diferenças significativas. Identificaram-se associações estatisticamente significativas entre alguns fatores motivacionais e a idade dos alunos.

The aim of this study was to identify student’s motivations for sport involvement according with student’s characteristics as gender, age and school level. The subjects were 1016 students, from ten different schools from the Lisbon metropolitan area, (577 male and 439 female; between 10 and 20 years old). We used a five points Likert type questionnaire with 30 items, a Portuguese version of the PMQ developed by Gill et al. (1983), translated and validated by Frias and Serpa (1991). A principal component analysis for the evaluation of the scale was done, and Descriptive statistics, Anova and Bonferroni test were used. The results showed that, globally, the most valorised motivations for participation in physical activity were reasons related with Fitness/Technical Achievement and Team Work and the less indicated motive was Status. Comparing motivational factors according to student’s school level and gender we found significant differences. Several motivational factors were significantly influenced by students’ age.

The dual purpose maize is useful in mixed farming establishments because they are suitable to the purposes of grain crop and direct or deferred feed for livestock. A breeding plan to improve land maize populations for forage use is carried out at the National University of Río Cuarto. The aim of this work was to determine the Specific Combining Ability of inbred lines through the productive performance of their single-cross hybrids. A diallel cross was performed, and eighteen traits of the single cross hybrids were studied during three years. A completely randomized block design with three replicates was used, and ANOVA for data analysis was carried out. Specific combining ability trials showed significant positive values for most traits. This allowed identifying and classifying single-cross hybrids according to their potential usability. Seven single-cross hybrids were chosen: one for dual purpose aptitude, three for grain yield or high deferred forage production and three for silage in milk-dough grain stage. It is considered necessary to confirm the performance and productivity of promising single-cross hybrids varying regional environments and agronomic conditions set against commercial simple cross hybrids to verify the production potential and stability.

Los maíces doble propósito son útiles en los establecimientos de producción mixta ya que se adaptan a los propósitos de cosecha de grano y alimento directo o diferido para el ganado. En la Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto se ejecuta un proyecto de mejoramiento de maíz forrajero a partir de poblaciones locales. El objetivo fue determinar la aptitud combinatoria específica (ACE) de líneas endocriadas. Se realizó el cruzamiento dialélico y durante tres campañas se analizó la ACE de las líneas a través de sus híbridos, empleando 18 caracteres; el diseño fue en bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones y los datos se analizaron mediante ANOVA. Los ensayos de ACE mostraron valores positivos y significativos para la mayoría de los caracteres evaluados. Esto permitió identificar y clasificar los híbridos simples según su potencial aptitud de uso. Del total de híbridos simples se eligieron siete, uno por su aptitud para doble propósito, tres por su alta producción de forraje diferido o grano y tres para ensilado en estado lechoso-pastoso. Se considera necesario confirmar el comportamiento y productividad de los híbridos simples promisorios variando ambientes regionales y condiciones agronómicas contrastándolos con testigos comerciales a fin de verificar el potencial de producción así como su estabilidad.

Este trabalho apresenta uma investigação realizada a respeito da Rede Altimétrica Fundamental do Brasil (RAFB) com base em posicionamento GPS (Global Positioning System) e determinação do distúrbio do potencial sobre referências de nível. Um modelo para o distúrbio do potencial pode ser obtido com base nos coeficientes do desenvolvimento em séries de funções harmônicas esféricas do potencial gravitacional como os do Earth Gravity Model 2008 (EGM08) por exemplo. A abordagem provê a base para avaliação absoluta de números geopotenciais normais (ou números esferopotencias) locais relativamente a um Sistema Global de Altitudes (SGA). Para verificar a validade desta metodologia proposta um experimento numérico foi desenvolvido em relação a uma área teste no sul do Brasil. As acurácias dos números geopotenciais obtidos foram testadas em relação a números geopotenciais normais com base em 262 pontos GPS sobre a rede de nivelamento. O valor do erro médio quadrático (EMQ) em termos de um desvio métrico absoluto do Sistema Altimétrico Brasileiro (SAB) obtido a partir dos números geopotenciais e do distúrbio do potencial na área teste foi estimado em cerca de 0,224 metros. Uma vez que os números esferopotenciais são referidos ao datum local, os resultados das comparações efetivadas podem ser um indicador do desvio da rede local em vista da topografia do nível médio do mar (TNMM) e a possível inconsistência entre a origem do SAB e o modelo do quase-geóide para a região.

This paper deals with the geopotential approach to investigate the present Brazilian Height System (BHS). Geopotential numbers are derived from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite surveying and disturbing potential on selected benchmarks. A model for the disturbing potential can be obtained by an existing set of spherical harmonic coefficients such as the Earth Gravity Model 2008 (EGM08). The approach provides absolute evaluation of local normal geopotential numbers (aka spheropotential numbers) related to a so-called World Height System (WHS). To test the validity of the proposed methodology, a numerical experiment was carried out related to a test region in Southern Brazil. The accuracy of the derived geopotential numbers was tested versus local normal geopotential numbers based on 262 GPS/leveling points. The root mean square error (RMSE) value for metric offset of BHS derived from geopotential numbers and the disturbing potential modeling in the test area was estimated to be near 0.224 meters in the absolute view. Therefore, since these spheropotential numbers are referred to a local datum, these results of comparisons may be an indicator of the mean bias of local network due to the effect of local Sea Surface Topography (SSTop) and possible offset between the unknown reference for the BHS and the quasigeoid model in the region.

Abstract: This work presents a methodology for determining the reliability of fracture control plans for structures subjected to cyclic loads. It considers the variability of the parameters involved in the problem, such as initial flaw and crack growth curve. The probability of detection (POD) curve of the field non-destructive inspection method and the condition/environment are used as important factors for structural confidence. According to classical damage tolerance analysis (DTA), inspection intervals are based on detectable crack size and crack growth rate. However, all variables have uncertainties, which makes the final result totally stochastic. The material properties, flight loads, engineering tools and even the reliability of inspection methods are subject to uncertainties which can affect significantly the final maintenance schedule. The present methodology incorporates all the uncertainties in a simulation process, such as Monte Carlo, and establishes a relationship between the reliability of the overall maintenance program and the proposed inspection interval, forming a "cascade" chart. Due to the scatter, it also defines the confidence level of the "acceptable" risk. As an example, the damage tolerance analysis (DTA) results are presented for the upper cockpit longeron splice bolt of the BAF upgraded F-5EM. In this case, two possibilities of inspection intervals were found: one that can be characterized as remote risk, with a probability of failure (integrity nonsuccess) of 1 in 10 million, per flight hour; and other as extremely improbable, with a probability of nonsuccess of 1 in 1 billion, per flight hour, according to aviation standards. These two results are compared with the classical military airplane damage tolerance requirements.