RESUMO A tripanossomíase bovina é causada pelo protozoário Trypanosoma vivax. A transmissão biológica ocorre apenas no continente africano pela mosca Tsé-tsé, de forma mecânica por dípteros hematófagos em todos os continentes, ou pelo compartilhamento de agulhas e por práticas associadas. O estudo teve como objetivo relatar o primeiro diagnóstico parasitológico, sorológico e molecular de T. vivax em bovinos leiteiros provenientes de cinco propriedades do município de Unaí, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Cento e quinze animais selecionados por conveniência apresentavam sinais clínicos ou pertenciam a lotes de animais suspeitos. Foram detectados positivos pelos testes parasitológico (técnica de Woo), sorológico (ELISA) e molecular (LAMP). A maior prevalência global para T. vivax foi de 11,11% na propriedade A. O único sinal clínico dos animais positivos estudados foi baixa taxa de concepção. O primeiro diagnóstico de tripanossomíase no noroeste mineiro é extremamente importante, haja vista o tamanho do rebanho leiteiro da região e as possíveis perdas econômicas provocadas pela enfermidade. Ademais, faz-se necessário maior controle sanitário na região, uma vez que a transmissão no Brasil é intimamente ligada às práticas de compartilhamento de agulhas no manejo dos animais e ao parasitismo de moscas hematófagas.

Abstract Objectives Identify psychological symptoms relating to age, psychopathological history and time in prison in women and men incarcerated in a prison. Material and method Cross-sectional study. The sample was made up of 100 inmates, 50 men and 50 women and the symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) was used to assess psychopathological symptoms. Results This study shows that inmates with a psychopathological history prior to entry to prison, younger inmates (18-29 years) and inmates who have been a short time in prison present more psychopathological symptoms. Discussion The results found suggest the implementation of a protocol for psychological care of prisoners in general, but highlights a particular interest in the care of cases with people with a psychopathological history prior to entering prison, in those who are younger and those who have been in prison for a short time.

RESUMEN Objetivos Identificar la sintomatología psicológica en relación a la edad, el historial psicopatológico y el tiempo en prisión en mujeres y hombres recluidos en un centro penitenciario. Material y método Es un estudio de corte transversal. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 100 reclusos, 50 hombres y 50 mujeres. Para evaluar la sintomatología psicopatológica, se utilizó el cuestionario de 90 síntomas revisado (SCL-90-R, symptom checklist-90-revised). Resultados Este estudio muestra que los reclusos con historial psicopatológico previo al ingreso en prisión, los reclusos más jóvenes (18-29 años) y los que llevan menos tiempo en prisión, presentan en mayor medida síntomas psicopatológicos. Discusión Los resultados encontrados sugieren la implementación de un protocolo de atención psicológica de los reclusos en general, pero resalta un interés particular en la atención de casos con personas con antecedentes psicopatológicos previos al ingreso en prisión, en aquellos más jóvenes y aquellos que llevan poco tiempo de ingreso.

Abstract Calcium cobaltite (CCO) thermoelectric ceramics in Ca3Co4O9 and Ca2.95Ba0.05Co4O9 compositions were produced by a simplified chemical route developed in this study. Undoped ceramics sintered at 1193 K for 12 h presented a bulk density equivalent to 77% of the theoretical density, one of the highest values ever found for conventionally sintered undoped calcium cobaltite. The presence of barium improved densification, reaching 80% of the theoretical density. Thermoelectric properties were discussed based on X-ray diffraction patterns, scanning electron micrographs, Seebeck coefficient, electrical and thermal conductivity. Electrical characterizations presented values of about 6200 and 7000 S/m at 873 K for undoped and doped ceramics, respectively. However, all ceramics presented almost the same range of activation energy values, indicating the possibility of non-effective substitution through this methodology. The maximum global PF (power factor) was 0.10 mW.m-1.K-2 for the densest undoped sample and an overall ZT (dimensionless figure of merit) of 0.07 for the undoped ceramic at 873 K.

Quando nos deparamos com problemas de mecânica, muitas vezes somos guiados por um senso de familiaridade e de analogias com situações prévias. No entanto, esta nem sempre parece ser uma boa alternativa. Ao contrário, há situações em que a simples analogia com situações parecidas nos conduz à resposta errada e a demonstração experimental se faz necessária para o entendimento do problema. Apresentamos neste trabalho uma destas situações. em que a falta de conhecimento sobre o comportamento de queda de um sistema massa-mola pode ser o motivo da dificuldade de alunos de nível médio e superior acerca da situação proposta.

In solving classical mechanics problems many times we are guided by a feeling of familiarity and analogies. Nevertheless, not always this a good strategy. This is the case of the problem of two masses in free fall in a uniform field which we discuss in this paper.

Resumo Pouco se sabe se a morte celular induzida pela terapia fotodinâmica (PDT) compromete os macrófagos (MΦ), envolvidos nas respostas imunes induzidas pela PDT. Neste estudo, foram avaliados parâmetros de citotoxicidade dos MΦ mediada pela PDT e a produção de citocinas, frente à protoporfirina IX (PpIX). MΦ peritoneais de camundongos BALB/c foram estimulados in vitro com PDT, luz, PpIX ou lipopolissacarídeo (LPS). Após isto, a viabilidade celular (VC), a lipoperoxidação, os níveis de óxido nítrico (NO), de DNA degradado, de TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-10 foram avaliados. A exposição curta à PDT reduziu a VC em 10-30%. Os níveis de NO e de DNA degradado duplicaram, sem aumento da lipoperoxidação. Houve aumento de TNF-α e IL-10, sendo maior na presença de LPS. Já a produção de IL-6 reduziu em dez vezes. A PDT induz estresse celular, gera radicais NO e causa dano ao DNA, tornando o microambiente citotóxico. Ainda, modula citocinas pró e anti-inflamatórias em MΦ.

Abstract Little is known regarding whether photodynamic therapy (PDT)-induced cell death can substantially compromise macrophages (MΦ), which are important cells in PDT-induced immune responses. Here, parameters of PDT-mediated MΦ cytotoxicity and cytokine production in response to protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) were evaluated. Peritoneal MΦ from BALB/c mice were stimulated in vitro with PDT, light, PpIX, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After that, cell viability, lipid peroxidation, Nitric Oxide (NO), DNA damage, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were evaluated. Short PDT exposure reduced cell viability by 10–30%. There was a two-fold increase in NO and DNA degradation, despite the non-increase in lipoperoxidation. PDT increased TNF-α and IL-10, particularly in the presence of LPS, and decreased the production of IL-6 to 10-fold. PDT causes cellular stress, induces NO radicals and leads to DNA degradation, generating a cytotoxic microenvironment. Furthermore, PDT modulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in MΦ.

Action films and sci-fi novels should be common resources in classrooms since they serve as examples and references involving physical situations. This is due to the abstract nature of many physical concepts, and the lack of references in students’ daily lives makes them more difficult to be visualized or imagined. In this work we bring a discussion of how we can resort to films and literary works in order to elucidate the concepts regarding tidal forces. To this effect, we have used the action film Total Recall (2012) to present the squashing effect and the classic of juvenile literature From Earth to the Moon (1865) to discuss the effect of spaghettification in the context of Newtonian mechanics.

Resumo Este trabalho é dedicado ao estudo da ligação entre o pilar e a fundação por meio de cálice externo em estruturas de concreto pré-moldadas. Apresenta-se um estudo paramétrico envolvendo as características geométricas que influenciam no consumo de concreto e principalmente do aço em ligações com interface lisa. As variáveis consideradas são a seção transversal do pilar, o comprimento de embutimento do pilar no cálice e a espessura da parede do cálice. Observa-se que o aumento do comprimento de embutimento diminui a seção transversal mínima de armadura horizontal principal, o que torna as paredes perpendiculares a atuação dos esforços solicitantes mais frágeis. Além do estudo paramétrico, este trabalho também apresenta um modelo de verificação que mostra a possibilidade da geração de ábacos que facilite tanto o projeto de cálices de fundação quanto uma análise comparativa.

Abstract This work studies the column-base connection by external socket in precast structures. A parametric study of the geometric characteristics of the external socket base with smooth interface is presented. In this parametric study, the consumption of concrete and steel are analyzed. The column cross section, the embedded length of the column in the socket base and the thickness of the wall of the socket base were the variables considered in this study. It was observed that with the increase of the embedded length, the minimum cross section of the main horizontal reinforcement reduces. With this modification, the walls of the socket base that are perpendicular to the direction of the applied loads presented a reduction of their stiffness. Besides the parametric study, this paper presents a verification model. This part of the study shows the possibility to generate abacuses that simplifies the project of the socket base foundation. Moreover, a comparative analysis becomes easier to be accomplished

The aim of this study was to detect species of Rickettsia in Amblyomma tigrinum ticks collected from domestic carnivores and blood of domestic dogs of San Luis (Argentina). Between 2013 and 2015, 56 adults of A. tigrinum from dogs and cats and 65 blood from dogs were collected. Three ticks were positive by amplification of a 23S-5S rRNA fragment, and the sequence of one of the positive products was obtained. The positive sample sequenced was positive by PCRs of fragments of genes gltA and ompA. The sequences obtained were 100% identical with "Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae". All blood samples were negative. "Ca. R. andeanae" has not been associated with disease in humans or animals; however, further research is necessary to achieve greater awareness of the potential risk of transmission of rickettsial diseases in the region.

El objetivo del estudio fue detectar especies del género Rickettsia en garrapatas de la especie Amblyomma tigrinum colectadas sobre carnívoros domésticos y en sangre de caninos domésticos de la provincia de San Luis (Argentina). Entre 2013 y 2015 se colectaron 56 garrapatas adultas de la especie A. tigrinum sobre caninos y felinos domésticos, y se obtuvieron 65 muestras sanguíneas de caninos. Tres garrapatas resultaron positivas mediante la amplificación de un fragmento del espacio intergénico 23S-5S ARNr del género Rickettsia, lográndose secuenciar uno de los productos positivos. La muestra positiva secuenciada también resultó positiva por PCRs de los fragmentos de los genes gltA y ompA. Las secuencias obtenidas resultaron tener una identidad del 100 % de identidad con "Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae". Todas las muestras sanguíneas resultaron negativas. "Ca. R. andeanae" no ha sido asociada con enfermedad en humanos o animales, sin embargo, es necesario realizar nuevas investigaciones para lograr un mayor conocimiento del riesgo potencial de transmisión de rickettsiosis en la región.

O conceito moderno de buraco negro como uma região do espaço-tempo da qual a luz não pode escapar tem suas origens no século 18 com John Michell e Pierre Simon Laplace. Neste trabalho apresentamos as abordagens destes dois cientistas buscando dar ao professor do ensino médio subsídios para a compreensão das idéias precursoras do buraco negro moderno da teoria de Einstein da gravitação.

The modern concept of a black hole as a region of spacetime from which light cannot escape owns its origins to John Michell (1724-1793) and Pierre Simon Laplace (1749-1827). In the present work we review the approaches of these distinguished scientists in an attempt to provide the high school teacher with tools to understand those early ideas before the advent of the modern black hole of Einstein's gravitational theory.

Abstract This study used a predictive controller based on an empirical nonlinear model comprising a three-layer feedforward neural network for temperature control of the suspension polymerization process. In addition to the offline training technique, an algorithm was also analyzed for online adaptation of its parameters. For the offline training, the network was statically trained and the genetic algorithm technique was used in combination with the least squares method. For online training, the network was trained on a recurring basis and only the technique of genetic algorithms was used. In this case, only the weights and bias of the output layer neuron were modified, starting from the parameters obtained from the offline training. From the experimental results obtained in a pilot plant, a good performance was observed for the proposed control system, with superior performance for the control algorithm with online adaptation of the model, particularly with respect to the presence of off-set for the case of the fixed parameters model.

The objective of this study was to characterize nine Jatropha curcas provenances, collected in several provinces of Cuba, during the nursery and establishment stages. To characterize these materials the methodology for the collection and characterization of germplasm was used. In the nursery, the rooting of the propagules happened since 7 or 14 days after planting; while seedling emergence, when seeds were used, occurred 14 days after sowing. The survival percentage of the propagules fluctuated between 20 and 86,6 %, and from seed, from 86,6 to 90 %. In the field, survival varied between 66,6 and 100 % in the provenances transplanted by propagules and, in general, it was higher than the one detected in the nursery. In the provenances transplanted by seedlings no variation was detected in survival (90,9 % for the two accessions: CSSS-5 and CSS-6). It is concluded that the percentage of sprouting, emergence, rooting and survival were very variable indicators, under nursery as well as under field conditions, which was closely linked to the genotype, age and seed quality of the collected materials (propagules as well as seed). It is recommended to collect J. curcas in other zones, in order to contribute to the increase of the germplasm of this important species, which constitutes an alternative genetic resource for biofuel production

El objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar la caracterización de nueve procedencias de Jatropha curcas, colectadas en varias provincias de Cuba, durante la fase de vivero y la de establecimiento. Para caracterizar estos materiales se utilizó la metodología para la colecta y caracterización de germoplasma. En el vivero, la brotación de los propágulos se produjo a partir de los 7 o los 14 días de la plantación; mientras que la emergencia de las plántulas, al utilizar semilla, ocurrió a los 14 días. El porcentaje de supervivencia de los propágulos fluctuó entre 20 y 86,6 %, y a partir de semilla, entre 86,6 y 90 %. La supervivencia en el campo varió entre 66,6 y 100 % en las procedencias trasplantadas por propágulos y, en sentido general, resultó superior a la que se detectó en el vivero. En las procedencias trasladadas por plántulas no se detectó variación en la supervivencia (90,9 % para las dos accesiones: CSSS-5 y CSS-6). Se concluye que el porcentaje de brotación, la emergencia, el arraigamiento y la supervivencia fueron indicadores muy variables, tanto en condiciones de vivero como en campo, lo que estuvo indisolublemente ligado al genotipo, la edad y la calidad de la semilla de los materiales colectados (tanto propágulos como semilla). Se recomienda colectar J. curcas en otras zonas, con el fin de contribuir al incremento del germoplasma de esta importante especie, que constituye un recurso genético alternativo para la producción de biocombustible.

The objective of this study was to characterize a collection of 19 Brachiaria brizantha accessions, obtained from the International Center of Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Colombia, and preserved in the germplasm bank of the Pasture and Forage Research Station of Cascajal, Cuba. A total of 17 (13 quantitative and 4 qualitative) international descriptors for forage grasses and others of interest were used. The measurements and observations were performed in the vegetative and reproductive stages. The principal components analysis allowed to prove the existence of a relatively high variability, because the accumulated reached 81,22 % in the first five components. In component one, the indicators with higher influence were: number of spikelets, number of stalks, and the inflorescence width. With the use of the cluster analysis six groups were differentiated; the accessions CIAT-16317 and CIAT-26290, which formed group V, showed the best values in several indicators. That phenotypical variability is important, because it allows to assert that there is a differentiated B. brizantha germplasm, with an acceptable morphological richness, which must be known in order to prevent duplications. The characterization of this collection allowed to prove its relative variability, where the highest differentiation degree was found in the quantitative traits. It is suggested to perform this activity as initial stage of the evaluation process, and to conduct essays in which their potential for agroproductive indicators of interest, with selective purposes, is evaluated.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar una colección de 19 accesiones de Brachiaria brizantha, procedentes del Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), Colombia, que se conserva en el banco de germoplasma de la Estación Experimental de Pastos y Forrajes de Cascajal, Cuba. Se utilizaron descriptores internacionales para gramíneas forrajeras y otros de interés (17 en total, 13 cuantitativos y 4 cualitativos). Las mediciones y observaciones se realizaron en la fase vegetativa y en la reproductiva. El análisis de componentes principales permitió comprobar la existencia de una variabilidad relativamente alta, ya que el acumulado alcanzó 81,22 % en las cinco primeras componentes. En la componente uno, los indicadores con mayor influencia fueron: el número de espículas y de raquis, y el ancho de la inflorescencia. Con la utilización del análisis de conglomerados se diferenciaron seis grupos; en el grupo V, formado por dos accesiones (CIAT-16317 y CIAT-26290), se detectó que estas maximizaron los valores en varios indicadores. Esa variabilidad fenotípica es importante, ya que permite aseverar que se cuenta con un germoplasma de B. brizantha diferenciado, con una riqueza morfológica aceptable, la que se debe conocer para evitar duplicaciones. La caracterización de esta colección permitió comprobar que el mayor grado de diferenciación se encontró en los caracteres cuantitativos. Se sugiere realizar esta actividad como etapa inicial del proceso de evaluación, así como ensayos en los que se evalúen sus potencialidades para indicadores agroproductivos de interés, con fines selectivos.

The study was conducted at a three-year-old area of Jatropha curcas, in order to evaluate the production of unripe, ripe and total fruits of J. curcas under pure crop and associated to cassava (Manihot esculent), and the fifth fruit production cycle of the plantation was taken into consideration. The treatments were constituted by the area of J. curcas as sole crop (T1) and the one associated with cassava (T2), with seven plots of 240 m² each. The results varied depending on the phenological stage of the fruits. There were no differences between the systems regarding the amount of unripe fruits; however, the production of ripe fruits increased significantly (p < 0,05) in the system where the crops were associated. The production of total fruits was 1 942 for T1 and 2 080 for T2. It is concluded that with the jatropha and cassava association similar total fruit productions can be obtained, compared with the system of jatropha under pure crop; but with the advantage of reaching additional agricultural productions, specifically of cassava, as well as a faster ripening of the jatropha fruits as a result of competition between crops. To repeat this experiment in time is recommended, as well as to associate jatropha to other crops, in order to determine whether this performance is maintained.

Se realizó un estudio en un área de Jatropha curcas con tres años de establecida, con el objetivo de evaluar la producción de frutos verdes, maduros y totales de J. curcas en cultivo puro y asociado con yuca (Manihot esculent). Para ello se tuvo en cuenta la quinta producción de frutos de las plantas. Los tratamientos los constituyeron las áreas de cultivo puro de J. curcas (T1) y el cultivo en asociación (T2), con siete parcelas de 240 m² cada una. Los resultados variaron en dependencia del estado fenológico de los cultivos. No se encontraron diferencias entre los sistemas en cuanto a la cantidad de frutos verdes; sin embargo, la producción de frutos maduros aumentó significativamente (p < 0,05) en el cultivo asociado. La producción de frutos totales fue de 1 942 para el cultivo puro y de 2 080 para el asociado. Se concluye que con la asociación de jatropha y yuca se pueden obtener producciones de frutos totales similares a las del cultivo puro; pero con la ventaja de alcanzar producciones agrícolas adicionales, específicamente de yuca, así como una maduración más rápida de los frutos de jatropha como resultado de la competencia. Se recomienda repetir este experimento en el tiempo, así como asociar la jatropha a otros cultivos, con vistas a determinar si se mantiene este comportamiento.

The study was conducted at the Pasture and Forage Research Station «Indio Hatuey», in order to determine the morphological characteristics of Gliricidia sepium, as well as the bromatological composition and sugar proportion in its flowers. Twenty of 165 G. sepium trees were sampled, which represented 12 % of the total, and each tree constituted a replication. The experimental design was completely randomized and the following morphological variables were measured: total plant height, stem diameter at breast height (DBH) and crown width. In addition, the number of flowers per tree and per hectare was estimated. In the collected flowers the bromatological composition was determined: DM, CP, CF and Ca, moisture and Klason lignin. The mean values were: DBH, 44,7 cm; height, 4,85 m; 295 racemes, with 34 flowers as average each, per tree and an estimated total of 10 030 flowers per tree and 8 986 880 flowers per hectare. The DM was 8,69 %; CF, 32,57 %; Klason lignin, 28,8 %; CP, 7,04 %; and Ca, 0,99 %. The simple sugars detected were: glucose (4,82 %) and fructose (10,36 %), while sucrose showed values of 1,73 %. It is concluded that all the sampled G. sepium trees were typical of the species. The DM percentage of their flowers was low, but the content of CF, CP, Klason lignin and calcium was high. Fructose was the most abundant sugar in the extract and sucrose was the scarcest.

La investigación se realizó en la Estación Experimental de Pastos y Forrajes Indio Hatuey, con el fin de determinar las características morfológicas de Gliricidia sepium, así como la composición bromatológica y la proporción de azúcares en sus flores. Se midieron las siguientes variables: altura total, diámetro del tronco a la altura del pecho (DAP) y ancho de la copa. Además, se estimó la cantidad de flores por árbol y por hectárea. En las flores colectadas se determinó la composición bromatológica: MS, PB, FB y Ca, la humedad y la lignina de Klason. El tamaño de muestra utilizado fue el 12 % del total (20 árboles) y cada árbol constituyó una réplica. Los valores medios fueron: DAP de 44,7 cm; altura de 4,85 m; 295 racimos por árbol, con 34 flores como promedio cada uno; el total estimado fue de 10 030 flores por árbol y de 8 986 880 flores por hectárea. La MS fue de 8,69 %; FB, 32,57 %; lignina de Klason, 28,8 %; PB, 7,04 %; y Ca, 0,99 %. Como azúcares simples se detectaron la glucosa (4,82 %) y la fructosa (10,36 %), mientras que la sacarosa mostró valores de 1,73 %. Se concluye que todos los árboles de G. sepium muestreados son típicos de la especie. Además, el porcentaje de MS de sus flores fue bajo, pero estas tuvieron un alto contenido de FB, PB, lignina de Klason y calcio. La fructosa fue el azúcar más abundante en el extracto y la sacarosa el más escaso.

Polyacrylics have been widely used in coatings. However, their application is limited by low corrosion resistance. One way to enhance their properties is the addition of fillers with adequate properties. In this study, composite materials of PMMA and hBN were developed and deposited on steel by dip-coating. The influence of the amount of hBN in the PMMA coating regarding corrosion resistance was investigated. The surface and cross-section of the coatings were characterized by SEM, the porosity was investigated by systematic manual point count and the adhesion was classified according to the tape test standard. The produced coatings were submersed in NaCl and HCl solutions to analyze corrosion resistance. The results showed that the PMMA/hBN composite coatings improved the corrosion resistance in comparison with pure PMMA. Additionally, the coatings are crack free and well bonded to the metallic substrate.