ABSTRACT: Suboptimal LH surges can lead to delayed or absent ovulation during reproductive management programs in cattle. Several signaling pathways may enhance the LH signal, potentially including growth factors. In the present study, we determined whether Fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18), which mimics some actions of the LH surge on granulosa cells, may potentiate the action of a suboptimal dose of LH using an established bovine granulosa cell (GC) culture system. Addition of recombinant FGF18 increased the concentration of progesterone (P4) in the culture medium. A combination of LH and FGF18 in the culture medium increased the abundance of mRNA encoding EREG, EGR1 and EGR3, proteins that are early modulators of the LH-induced pre-ovulatory cascade. This study demonstrated that FGF18 may be a co-factor in the regulation of the pre-ovulatory cascade in bovine ovarian granulosa cells.

RESUMO: Os picos de LH abaixo do ideal podem bloquear ou retardar a ovulação durante programas de manejo reprodutivo em bovinos. Várias vias de sinalização podem aumentar o sinal de LH, incluindo em especial fatores de crescimento. No presente estudo, determinamos se o fator de crescimento de fibroblastos 18 (FGF18), que estimula algumas ações do pico de LH nas células da granulosa, pode potencializar a ação de uma dose sub fisiológica de LH em um sistema de cultivo de células da granulosa bovina (GC). A adição de FGF18 recombinante aumentou a concentração de progesterona (P4) no meio de cultura. A combinação de LH e FGF18 no meio de cultura aumentou a abundância de mRNA para EREG, EGR1 e EGR3, proteínas que são moduladoras precoces da cascata pré-ovulatória induzida por LH. Este estudo demonstrou que o FGF18 pode ser um cofator na regulação da cascata pré-ovulatória em células da granulosa bovina.

Abstract: The use of wood as a bioenergetic source requires knowledge of its technical properties. The rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis has an economic life cycle of 25 to 30 years in Brazil. It is used for extracting rubber and generating residual wood for fuel. Our goal was to characterize the wood quality of 10 clonal progenies as a source of raw material for bioenergy. Ten clonal progenies of 12-year-old Hevea brasiliensis from an experimental planting in Selvíria municipality were evaluated. Three trees per clone were evaluated for individual properties of Higher Heating Value, immediate chemical analysis, chemical composition, fiber dimensions, thermogravimetric analysis of wood under nitrogen atmosphere and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. We highlight clone IAC 311 for fuel because it presents elevated Higher Heating Value and fixed carbon and less volatile material. However, the other genetic materials studied also meet the specifications for energy use and can be highly viable given their physical, chemical, energy, and thermal properties.

ABSTRACT: Treatment with prostaglandin F2α (PGF) induces ovulation and increases conception rates in cows, while improving embryo production in buffalos. However, its effect on superovulated cows is unknown. This study verified whether single PGF administration concurrent with artificial insemination (AI) improves fertilization and embryo production rates in superovulated cows. In each replicate, embryo donor cows were equally allocated to two groups: the untreated control and PGF groups. The latter of which received 482 µg of cloprostenol concurrent with the first AI. Each cow (n = 35) was subjected to two superovulations (SOV) in a crossover design (total = 70 embryo collections). In the control and PGF groups, respectively, the observed responses were [median (95% CI)]: 12 (10-18) and 15 (12-18) total structures, 9 (7-11) and 7 (6-10) viable embryos, 1 (0-1) and 1 (1-3) degenerated embryos, and 1 (0-3) and 2 (0-5) oocytes (P > 0.05). In conclusion, single PGF treatment concurrent with the first AI did not affect embryo production in superovulated cows.

RESUMO: A prostaglandina F2α (PGF) pode induzir a ovulação e melhorar tanto a concepção em vacas, como a produção de embriões em búfalas, mas o efeito em vacas superovuladas é desconhecido. Esse estudo teve como objetivo verificar se a administração de uma dose de PGF na inseminação artificial (IA) após a superovulação (SOV) melhora as taxas de fecundação e produção embrionária em vacas. Em cada replicação, vacas doadoras de embriões foram equilibradamente alocadas em dois grupos: controle, não tratado, ou PGF, que recebeu 482 µg de cloprostenol no momento da primeira IA. Cada doadora (n = 35) foi submetida a duas SOV em um delineamento crossover (total = 70 coletas de embriões). Nos grupos controle e PGF, respectivamente, foram observados [medianas (IC 95%)]: 12 (10-18) e 15 (12-18) estruturas totais; 9 (7-11) e 7 (6-10) embriões viáveis; 1 (0-1) e 1 (1-3) embriões degenerados; e 1 (0-3) e 2 (0-5) ovócitos (P > 0,05). Conclui-se que uma única administração de PGF no momento da primeira IA não afeta a produção embrionária de vacas superovuladas.

Abstract Paper aims The paper aims to analyze preparedness and response for epidemics and pandemics, taking as reference the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide a foundation for developing a preparedness and response protocol to guide Civil Defenses fighting against health threats. For this purpose, we present the results of interviews carried out with Brazilian Civil Defenses, evaluating the role and the type of responsibility (in charge or supportive) of 12 entities in four key areas: (i) awareness and training; (ii) surveillance; (iii) information and communication; (iv) logistics and supplies. Originality The role of Civil Defenses in health threats still needs to be explored in academia. We often see Civil Defenses working to reduce risks and damages suffered by the population in case of disasters such as floods, landslides, and fires. In this paper, we go deeper into Civil Defense’s role and show that its efforts can be headed to face biological disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In this sense, the paper is original as it brings an innovative outlook on the role of Civil Defense, providing inputs for developing a preparedness and response protocol for epidemics and pandemics. Research method We analyze 12 Brazilian Civil Defenses from different States in Brazil. The results were gathered through 9 interviews via video call and three responses from a questionnaire that guided the interviews. We evaluated data from Civil Defenses individually, and then using content analysis, we categorized the data to structure the results and raise essential insights. Main findings Most of the actions taken by the Civil Defenses during the pandemic response included logistics-related activities such as storage, transportation, distribution of required supplies, and mobilization of supply operations. Implications for theory and practice The findings emphasize the capacity of Civil Defenses to act in a vast scope of disasters, including biological disasters. Also, this study helps practitioners to develop guidelines and protocols to support Civil Defense in preparedness and response activities to epidemics and pandemics.

Abstract Radiotherapy causes destruction of tumor cells, but also threatens the integrity and survival of surrounding normal cells. Then, woman submitted to irradiation for cancer treatment may present permanent ovary damage, resulting in impaired fertility. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of therapeutic doses of ionizing radiation (IR), used for ovarian cancer treatment in humans, on bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) as experimental model. Bovine ovaries were exposed to 0.9 Gy, 1.8 Gy, 3.6 Gy or 18.6 Gy IR, and then COCs were collected and used to evaluate: (a) oocyte nuclear maturation; (b) presence of phosphorylated H2A.X (γH2AX), as an indicator of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs); and (c) expression of genes involved in DNA repair (TP53BP1, RAD52, ATM, XRCC6 and XRCC5) and apoptosis (BAX). The radiation doses tested in this study had no detrimental effects on nuclear maturation and did not increase γH2AX in the oocytes. However, IR treatment altered the mRNA abundance of RAD52 (RAD52 homolog, DNA repair protein) and BAX (BCL2-associated X protein). We conclude that although IR doses had no apparent effect on oocyte nuclear maturation and DNA damage, molecular pathways involved in DNA repair and apoptosis were affected by IR exposure in cumulus cells.

resumo: A utilização de resíduos de demolição da construção civil em concreto autoadensável (CAA) tem o potencial de reduzir o impacto ambiental e o custo financeiro. Nesse contexto, este artigo tem como objetivo verificar o comportamento da incorporação de agregados reciclados da construção civil nos traços de argamassas autoadensáveis (AAA) em substituição ao cimento, apresentando-se como uma alternativa interessante às matérias-primas naturais. Este estudo usou o software EMMA® para otimizar a escolha das porcentagens de agregados reciclados finos ao substituir o cimento. As proporções escolhidas foram 0%, 5%, 15% e 25%, através da análise da curva de empacotamento de partículas dos respectivos traços. A proporção de 0% tem em sua composição cimento, metacaulim, areia, superplastificante (SP) e água. Os parâmetros obtidos, por meio de testes no estado fresco do mini-slump e mini-funil V, certificaram as amostras como AAA. Os ensaios de resistência à compressão e a tração na flexão no estado endurecido demonstraram redução nas propriedades mecânicas do material com a substituição do cimento. Conclui-se que os resíduos usados de tijolo e cerâmica podem ser adicionados em substituição ao cimento na AAA sem perda significativas de propriedades no estado fresco e endurecido.

abstract: The utilization of wastes from demolition in civil construction in self compacting concrete (SCM) has the potential to reduce both the environmental impact and financial cost. In this context, this article aims to verify the behavior of the incorporation of recycled aggregates of civil construction in the mix designs of self-compacting mortar (SCM) in replacing cement, presenting as an interesting alternative to natural raw materials. This study used the EMMA® software to optimize the choice of percentages of fine recycled aggregates when replacing cement. The proportions chosen were 0%, 5%, 15%, and 25%, through the analysis of the granular packing curve of the respective mix designs. The proportion of 0% has in its composition cement, metakaolin, sand, superplasticizer (SP) and water. The parameters obtained, through tests in the fresh state of the mini-slump and mini-funnel V, certified the samples as SCM. The compressive strength and flexural tensile strength tests in the hardened state demonstrated a reduction in mechanical properties of the material with cement replacement. It is concluded that the waste used brick and ceramic can be added in replacement to the cement in SCM without significant loss of properties in the fresh and hardened state.

Abstract Estradiol cypionate (EC) or GnRH have been widely used for ovulation induction in timed embryo transfer (TET). EC administration increases the proportion of cows that show estrus, whereas GnRH promotes more synchronized ovulations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of combining EC and GnRH in TET. In experiment 1, no difference was observed on serum progesterone concentrations on Day 6 and 13 after GnRH treatment between GnRH and EC+GnRH groups. In experiment 2, pregnancy per embryo transfer (P/ET) did not differ (p = 0.69) between GnRH (62.8%) and EC+GnRH (58.7%) groups. In conclusion, combining EC and GnRH for ovulation induction does not increase progesterone secretion and pregnancy rate after TET in cattle.

Abstract The identification of mutations in the genes encoding bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth and differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) associated with phenotypes of sterility or increased ovulation rate in sheep aroused interest in the study of the role of local factors in preantral and antral folliculogenesis in different species. An additive mutation in the BMP15 receptor, BMPR1b, which determines an increase in the ovulatory rate, has been introduced in several sheep breeds to increase the number of lambs born. Although these mutations indicate extremely relevant functions of these factors, the literature data on the regulation of the expression and function of these proteins and their receptors are very controversial, possibly due to differences in experimental models. The present review discusses the published data and preliminary results obtained by our group on the participation of local factors in the selection of the dominant follicle, ovulation, and follicular atresia in cattle, focusing on transforming growth factors beta and their receptors. The study of the expression pattern and the functionality of proteins produced by follicular cells and their receptors will allow increasing the knowledge about this local system, known to be involved in ovarian physiopathology and with the potential to promote contraception or increase the ovulation rate in mammals.

ABSTRACT Besides rubber production, one of the main goals of the genetic improvement of rubber tree [Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr. de Juss.) Muell. Arg.] is to develop vigorous clones. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the vigor of 34 elite juvenile rubber clones. To this end, three experiments were conducted in the municipality of Pontes Gestal, in the northwest region of the São Paulo State. Each experiment consisted of 10 treatments, and 2 controls in common to the 3 experiments. The experiments were arranged in the randomized block design, with three replications and ten plants per plot, in the 8 m x 2.5 m spacing. Individual and joint analyses of variance were performed. The means were compared using the Dunnett test at 5%. Significant effect of treatments was found in the three experiments and in the joint analysis. The most vigorous clones were not different from the controls in the comparison of means by the individual and joint analyses. The less vigorous clones were statistically different from the others and from the controls, reflecting this difference in the genetic variability observed. The breeding program must consider the lack of difference between the most vigorous clones and the controls when recombining superior clones, since genetic gain depends on variability.

RESUMO No final da década de 1850, Lisboa concebeu o emprego de trabalhadores chineses, emigrados de Macau, em serviços considerados especializados (pedreiros, ferreiros, carpinteiros, cobreiros e picadores de pedra), na província de Moçambique, pelo sistema de trabalho sob contrato. Mesmo sem consultar nenhuma autoridade daquelas localidades sobre sua conveniência, a iniciativa produziu uma série de documentos, que transitou de forma vertical entre a metrópole e as colônias. Essa documentação permite identificar um movimento pioneiro de trabalhadores sob contrato dentro dos limites do império português, na esteira do crescente fluxo desse tipo de mão de obra (sobretudo de chineses e indianos) nos mundos Índico e Atlântico. Por outro lado, a documentada disputa entre esses trabalhadores e o governo de Moçambique, sobre a execução e a remuneração dos serviços, também possibilita identificar a agência dos chineses recrutados na defesa de seus direitos registrados em contrato.

ABSTRACT At the end of the 1850s, Lisbon conceived the employment of Chinese workers, emigrants from Macau, in services considered specialized (bricklayers, blacksmiths, carpenters, copper workers and stone chippers), in the province of Mozambique, by the system of indentured labor. Even without consulting any authority in those localities about its convenience, the initiative produced a series of documents, which transited vertically between the metropolis and the colonies. This documentation makes it possible to identify a pioneering movement of indentured labor within the limits of the Portuguese empire, in the wake of the growing flow of this type of labor (especially of Chinese and Indian men) in the Indian and Atlantic worlds. Moreover, the documented dispute between these workers and the Mozambican government over the performance and remuneration of services also makes it possible to identify the agency of the Chinese recruits in defending their contractual rights.

Resumen El control de Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) generalmente se realiza con insecticidas sintéticos, lo que puede ser un problema si se considera exportar frutas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la mortalidad y el efecto de la descendencia en A. fraterculus en frutas de duraznos, guayabos peruanos y manzanas tratadas con aceite de andiroba (Carapa guianensis). Se observó una mayor tasa de mortalidad en comparación con el control para las frutas de guayabo peruano y manzana tratadas con aceite de andiroba (incremento del 18,4 % y 35,0 % puntos más que el control). El número medio de pupas observado en la descendencia fue inferior al control de guayabos peruanos y frutas de manzana tratadas con aceite de andiroba (control 100 %) y en frutas de durazno (68,3 % menos pupas). El aceite de andiroba muestra resultados prometedores como un producto alternativo para controlar A. fraterculus. Son necesarios más estudios, en especial al considerar la efectividad del aceite de andiroba en condiciones de campo.

Abstract Control of Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) is usually accomplished with synthetic insecticides, which can be a problem considering exportation of fruits. This study aimed to evaluate mortality and offspring effects on A. fraterculus using peach, strawberry guava and apple fruits treated with andiroba (Carapa guianensis) oil. Higher mortality rate was observed when compared to control on strawberry guava and apple fruits treated with andiroba oil (18.4 % and 35.0 % points more than the control). The mean number of pupae observed in the offspring was inferior to the control on strawberry guava and apple fruits treated with andiroba oil (100 % control) and, on peach fruits (68.3 % fewer pupae). Andiroba oil shows promising results as an alternative product to control A. fraterculus. Studies are still needed especially considering effectiveness of andiroba oil under field conditions

Resumo Organizar os processos de aprendizagem de maneira independente, consciente e reflexiva, isto é, aprender a aprender, é uma competência essencial para um ser humano do século XXI. Dentre as condições necessárias para isso, o controle na resolução de problemas matemáticos tem sido apontando pelas investigações como um componente pouco explorado no contexto da aprendizagem em Matemática. Diante disso, o presente artigo analisa a influência de uma experiência formativa na reelaboração da orientação da ação de controle na resolução de problemas matemáticos de estudantes de licenciatura. Este estudo foi desenvolvido na Universidade Federal do Cariri, campus Brejo Santo-CE e teve como participantes oito discentes de cursos de licenciatura. Se constituindo como uma pesquisa experiência formativa, os instrumentos utilizados foram: observação, prova pedagógica, diário dos alunos e o questionário. Os dados foram explorados segundo uma análise de conteúdo. Verificamos, por meio de um diagnóstico, que os participantes não possuíam uma compreensão apropriada acerca da ação de controle. A partir da experiência formativa, foi possível observar mudanças na tomada de consciência pelos discentes sobre a relevância da orientação do controle enquanto guia para um melhor entendimento e mitigação dos erros durante o processo de resolução de problemas matemáticos. Os processos de verificação e ajuste que constituem o controle tornam essa habilidade essencial para um indivíduo da sociedade contemporânea. Portanto, é de suma importância que mais investigações sejam desenvolvidas sobre o tema, visando a proliferação de mais práticas educativas que discutam esse componente e contribuam para a formação de aprendizes autônomos.

Resumen Organizar los procesos de aprendizaje de forma independiente, consciente y reflexiva, es decir, aprender a aprender, es una competencia esencial para un ser humano en el siglo XXI. Entre las condiciones necesarias para esto, el control en la resolución de problemas matemáticos ha sido señalado por las investigaciones como un componente poco explorado en el contexto del aprendizaje en Matemáticas. A la luz de esto, el presente artículo analiza la influencia de una experiencia formativa en la reelaboración de la orientación de la acción de control en la resolución de problemas matemáticos de estudiantes de pregrado. Este estudio fue desarrollado en la Universidade Federal do Cariri, campus Brejo Santo-CE y tuvo como participantes ocho estudiantes de cursos de pregrado. Al constituirse como una investigación de experiencia formativa, los instrumentos utilizados fueron: observación, prueba pedagógica, diario de los alumnos y cuestionario. Los datos fueron explorados de acuerdo con un análisis de contenido. Verificamos, a través de un diagnóstico, que los participantes no tenían una comprensión adecuada sobre la acción de control. Desde la experiencia formativa, fue posible observar cambios en la conciencia de los estudiantes sobre la relevancia de la orientación de control como una guía para una mejor comprensión y mitigación de errores durante el proceso de resolución de problemas matemáticos. Los procesos de verificación y ajuste que constituyen el control hacen que esta habilidad sea esencial para un individuo en la sociedad contemporánea. Por lo tanto, es de suma importancia que se desarrollen más investigaciones sobre el tema, con el objetivo de la proliferación de más prácticas educativas que discutan este componente y contribuyan a la formación de aprendices autónomos.

Abstract Paper aims This paper analyzes the food aid supply and distribution for famine relief by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Ethiopia. Food insecurity has increasingly affected people around the world. Furthermore, the characteristics of the provision of humanitarian aid in insecure regions pose several additional challenges over traditional distribution planning (e.g., corruption, losses in last-mile distribution, security escorts). Originality Most previous studies addressing famine relief are qualitative, with only a handful including mathematical modeling as this work. Furthermore, we validate our mathematical model with data from a real problem setting. Research method We propose a stochastic transshipment network flow model to ensure the efficient allocation of limited resources. Main findings The results show high potential for cost savings and offer managerial insights to humanitarian logisticians on the food aid supply and distribution. Our findings indicate that policies in humanitarian logistics should focus on: (a) relaxing legislation for customs clearance of humanitarian supplies; (b) strengthening local market to increase local procurement; (c) implementing tools to enhance security; and (d) monitoring distribution to mitigate the impact of corruption. Implications for theory and practice The results suggest that optimizing food aid distribution in Ethiopia can save millions of people vulnerable to malnutrition.

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender como os estudantes percepcionam o seu envolvimento em atividades de investigação e o contributo para o desenvolvimento de uma prática baseada na evidência. Método: estudo qualitativo, transversal, descritivo e exploratório, realizado em Portugal, em agosto de 2019, que recorreu ao grupo focal, com oito participantes, para responder à questão: “Quais as vantagens da participação dos estudantes de enfermagem em atividades de investigação para o desenvolvimento de conhecimentos, atitudes e competências de utilização da evidência?”. A análise de conteúdo foi realizada com o software NVivo. Resultados: da análise qualitativa dos achados, emergiram cinco categorias e subcategorias: autoaprendizagem, integração teórico-prática, trabalho interdisciplinar, tomada de decisão baseada na evidência e literácia científica. Conclusão: a criação de uma experiência eficaz de aprendizagem ajuda na construção do conhecimento e potencialmente contribui para a saúde da comunidade, os resultados de aprendizagem do estágio e o desenvolvimento de competências essenciais para uma Prática Baseada na Evidência.

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand how students perceive their involvement in investigation activities and how they contribute for the development of evidence-based practices. Method: qualitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and exploratory study, carried out in Portugal, in August 2019. A focus group of eight participants was formed to answer the question: “What are the advantages of the participation of nursing students in investigations for the development of knowledge, attitudes, and performance in the use of evidence?” The software NVivo was used for a content analysis. Results: five categories and subcategories emerged from the qualitative analysis of findings: self-learning, integration of theory and practice, interdisciplinary work, evidence-based decision making, and scientific literacy. Conclusion: creating an effective learning experience helps building knowledge and can contribute for the health of the community, for improved educational results during the internship, and for the development of the abilities necessary for Evidence Based Practice.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comprender como estudiantes perciben su envolvimiento con actividades investigativas y su contribución para desarrollar una práctica basada en evidencias. Método: estudio cualitativo, trasversal, descriptivo y exploratorio, hecho en Portugal en agosto de 2019, utilizando un grupo focal con ocho participantes para responder a la cuestión: “Cuales las ventajas de la participación de los estudiantes de enfermería en actividades de investigación para desarrollar conocimientos, actitudes y competencias de utilización de la evidencia?” Se hizo al análisis de contenido con el software NVivo. Resultados: el análisis cuantitativo de los datos generó cinco categorías y subcategorías: autoaprendizaje, integración teórico-práctica, interdisciplinariedad, tomada de decisiones basadas en evidencia, y alfabetización científica. Conclusión: la creación de una experiencia eficaz de aprendizaje ayuda en la construcción del conocimiento y potencialmente contribuye para la salud de la comunidad, para los resultados del aprendizaje en la pasantía y para el desarrollo de competencias esenciales para una Práctica Basada en Evidencias.

Resumo Sob a perspectiva da História Econômica, este artigo contextualiza em termos historiográficos a proposta do dossiê História da colonização em terras paulistas: dinâmicas e transformações (séculos XVI-XX) e apresenta os outros treze artigos que o compõem. Trata-se de um texto propositivo e de síntese que, dentro do quadro de expansão e consolidação do capitalismo, aborda os enlaces específicos entre trocas comerciais, mundos do trabalho, organização do espaço produtivo e ordenação dos movimentos de população como prática política e econômica no território paulista. O objetivo principal é fazer um balanço historiográfico sobre os sentidos da colonização que configuraram a integração e a ampliação dos laços entre São Paulo e o mercado mundial e o desenvolvimento do mercado interno, proporcionando certa diversidade da produção agrícola, muitas vezes obscurecida pela grande lavoura exportadora.

Abstract Under the perspective of the History of Economy, this article contextualizes the historiography of the proposal of the dossier History of colonization in the territory of Sao Paulo: dynamics and transformations (16th and 20th centuries) and presents the other 13 articles included. It is a propositional text that summarizes, within the context of expansion and consolidation of capitalism, the specific links among commercial trade, labour, organization of the productive lands and organization of the movements of the population as a political and economic practice in the territory of São Paulo. The main objective is to make a historiographical assessment of the meanings of colonization that defined the integration and expansion of the bonds between Sao Paulo, the world market and the development of the inner market, offering certain diversity of the agricultural production, so often suppressed by large exportation crops.