Resumo O presente artigo refere-se à utilização da metodologia de análise de envoltória de dados (DEA) para determinar e comparar a eficiência técnica de clones de eucalipto dos gêneros Eucaliptus urophylla e Eucaliptus grandis, em escala comercial, produzidos no período de 2016 e 2017 e com idades de corte entre 5 e 7 anos. O plantio desses clones ocorreu em locais com solos arenosos, clima quente e temperado, destinados à produção de celulose e papel, pertencentes a uma empresa situada no interior do estado de São Paulo. Este estudo visa identificar quais clones apresentam ou não melhorias de eficiência técnica relacionadas a sua idade de corte, podendo auxiliar na tomada de decisão das melhores idades de corte e também quais clones deverão ser excluídos ou mantidos nos próximos ciclos produtivos. O cálculo da eficiência técnica e de seus valores atuais, folgas, alvos e benchmarks ao longo dos anos são determinados através das variáveis custo total; volume individual e volume produzido, sendo utilizado o modelo DEA BCC-O, em função da existência de pouca proporcionalidade de alguns pares input-output. Os clones CL02, CL03, CL05 e CL08 mostraram-se eficientes em ambas as idades de corte, caracterizando-os como possíveis benchmarks para os clones ineficientes. Já o clone CL04 foi o único cuja eliminação da lista de clones a serem utilizados nos próximos ciclos de plantio foi sugerida, apresentando diminuição de seu volume individual e densidade básica, quando ocorre o aumento de sua idade de corte. Conclui-se que a metodologia DEA é uma opção para o auxílio da tomada de decisão de quais clones de eucalipto devem ser utilizados, reduzidos e/ou eliminados de seu próximo ciclo, determinando quais são mais eficientes, verificando sua evolução em relação a sua idade de corte.

Abstract This study aims to identify which clones present technical efficiency improvements regarding their cutting age, helping the decision-making as to their best cutting ages and which clones shall be either excluded or maintained in the next production cycles. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology is discussed to determine and to compare the technical efficiency of eucalyptus clones of the genuses Eucaplyptus urophylla and Eucalyptus grandis in commercial scale. They were produced between 2016 and 2017, with cutting ages equal to five and seven years. Their plantation occurred in areas of sandy soils, and warm, temperate climate in order to produce cellulose and paper. The plantation belongs to a company located in the state of São Paulo. The calculation of the technical efficiency and its current values, clearances, targets and benchmarks throughout the years are determined by the variables total cost, individual volume, and produced volume. The DEA BCC-O model was employed due to the little proportionality of some input-output pairs. Clones CL02, CL03, CL05, and CL08 seemed to be efficient in both cutting ages. This indicated that they were likely benchmarks for the inefficient clones. However, clone CL04 was the only one which exclusion of the clone list to be used in the next plantation cycles was suggested since it presented a reduction in its individual volume and basic density, when an improvement in its cutting age occurs. We concluded that the DEA methodology is a good choice for helping the decision-making regarding which eucalyptus clones shall be used, reduced, and/or eliminated from the next cycle, determining which ones are the most efficient ones, verifying their evolution about their cutting ages.

Abstract Nutritionally, cheese and other dairy products have been highlighted especially as a calcium source. Access to minerals is dependent on variables related to diet, lifestyle, and also the health status. This study aimed to evaluate the bioaccessibility and calcium partition in Minas Padrão cheese over its ripening period for experimentally obtained samples. The cheese of the study has been manufactured using two different technologies (A and B). Also to evaluate the evolution of pH over cheese ripening and the influence of calcium partitions in its bioaccessibility along the cheese ripening period. The mean values found for total calcium content were (549 mg⋅100 g-1 – A and 644 mg⋅100 g-1 – B). For calcium in the aqueous phase on average 460 mg⋅100 g-1 – A and 404 mg⋅100 g-1 – B. These and other changes found are possibly due to physicochemical and biochemical changes, especially with respect to pH variations. Calcium bioaccessibility decreased in the beginning and then incresed in the end of the ripening period. The results obtained in this work hopefully may allow further studies and the development of products in which calcium bioaccessibility might be indicated on the product`s label accordingly to its ripening time.

Abstract Citrus plants have a long juvenile period, which has hampered the breeding progress of these species. In this sense, research focused on reducing the juvenile phase is needed to accelerate the breeding process. In this study, the morphology of the hybrid {[(‘Rangpur’ lime) x YMCT (‘Yuma’ citrange) - 005] x (Microcitrus papuana) - 001} (H011), which has a short juvenile period, and the gene expression levels of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) were evaluated. Morphological studies indicated early flowering and fruiting of the hybrid, characteristics that make it a promising candidate for citrus breeding. In addition, winter temperatures influenced the expression of the FT gene in stems and leaves.

Abstract Dulce de leche is an evaporated dairy product that can be manufactured in different types of pots or pans. The manufacturing endpoint for dulce de leche can be determined by measuring the soluble solids content. We investigated the evaporation rates and the evaporative capacity of atmospheric pressure evaporators (pans) during the manufacture of dulce de leche. During manufacturing, four different formulations were subjected to soluble solids content determination by refractometry. In addition, the mass balance was used to determine the yield and evaporation rate. A low coefficient of variation and amplitude was found for soluble solids content, indicating standardization and uniformity during fabrication. We also observed a gradual increase in the latter throughout manufacture, without significant differences between the times. The evaporated water mass rate and its respective equation allow to reproduce the same characteristics of the experimental product in experimental and industrial production of dulce de leche.

RESUMO A exploração de impacto reduzido é uma prática bem conhecida e aplicada na maioria dos planos de manejo florestal sustentável na Amazônia. Todavia, ainda há a possibilidade de melhoria do processo de planejamento da operação. Diante da falta de métodos auxiliares à tomada de decisão, o objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver modelos de programação linear inteira (PLI) para suprir esta demanda. Considerou-se a minimização da distância entre as árvores exploradas e os pátios de estocagem de madeira. Aspectos estruturais, econômicos e produtivos foram incorporados ao modelo, bem como restrições de adjacência. Os dados derivam de uma floresta ombrófila densa na Amazônia Ocidental. Previamente, utilizou-se uma análise fitossociológica e o método BDq como critério de remoção. Posteriormente, modelos de PLI foram formulados para exemplificar as aplicações. Finalmente, 32 cenários (para floresta desbalaceada, UF, e floresta balanceada, BF) foram gerados e comparados com o plano executado no campo (RE). Resultados robustos foram obtidos e atenderam às expectativas de cada cenário. A viabilidade da integração dos modelos de PLI em projetos de manejo de florestas ineqüiâneas foi testado. Os cenários UF e BF testados foram eficientes e concisos, confirmando seu potencial para aumentar a eficiência de planos de exploração madeireira e manejo florestal na Amazônia.

ABSTRACT Reduced-impact logging is a well known practice applied in most sustainable forest management plans in the Amazon. Nevertheless, there are still ways to improve the operational planning process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to create an integer linear programming (ILP) to fill in the knowledge gaps in the decision support system of reduced impact logging explorations. The minimization of harvest tree distance to wood log landing was assessed. Forest structure aspects, income and wood production were set in the model, as well as the adjacency constraints. Data are from a dense ombrophylous forest in the western Brazilian Amazon. We applied the phytosociological analysis and BDq method to define the selective logging criteria. Then, ILP models were formulated to allow the application of the constraints. Finally, 32 scenarios (unbalanced forest, UF, and balanced forest, BF) were generated and compared with real executed plans (RE). Robust results were achieved and the expected finding of each scenario was met. The feasibility to integrate ILP models in uneven-aged forest management projects was endorsed. Consequently, the UF and BF scenarios tested were efficient and concise, introducing new advances for forest management plans in the Amazon. The proposed models have a high potential to improve the selective logging activities in the Amazon forest.

Abstract A microstrip leaf-shaped printed monopole antenna bioinspired on the Inga marginata leaves is presented in this paper for UWB applications. A parametric study of the proposed antenna bioinspired geometry was conducted in order to verify their resonant properties. The antenna was designed with a rectangular slitted ground plane for impedance matching and fabricated on inexpensive glass fiber substrate and fed by a 50 Ω microstrip line. Numerical and experimental results were obtained. The results show an impedance bandwidth superior to 10.26 GHz, greater than the bandwidth considered UWB (7.5 GHz). Antenna dimensions were optimized with the computer program Ansys Designer® used to simulate the electromagnetic behavior of the antennas by the method of moments.

RESUMO Introdução: A hemofilia A é uma doença hereditária causada pela deficiência do fator VIII, resultante de uma herança genética ligada ao cromossomo X. Durante o tratamento de pacientes com essa doença, pode ocorrer presença de inibidores do fator VIII, os quais são, em sua maioria, anticorpos do tipo imunoglobulina da classe G (IgG), que interferem na ativação do fator VIII. Objetivos: O presente estudo tem como objetivo pesquisar e quantificar a presença de anticorpos contra o fator VIII:C em pacientes com hemofilia A, atendidos no Hemocentro Ceará (HEMOCE). Material e métodos: A pesquisa para detecção do inibidor do fator VIII foi realizada de acordo com a modificação do método de Nijmegen Bethesda original. Foram avaliados 184 pacientes com hemofilia A entre novembro de 2012 e fevereiro de 2015. Resultados: Dos pacientes avaliados, 149 (80,98%) não revelaram presença do inibidor, enquanto em 35 (19,02%) essa presença foi detectada. Entre os portadores dos inibidores, a maioria dos pacientes hemofílicos apresentaram títulos elevados do inibidor (57,2%). Conclusão: A incidência elevada de inibidor do fator VIII na população em estudo pode ser explicada pelo tipo de tratamento utilizado no HEMOCE, o qual se baseia no fator VIII na sua forma recombinante. Os resultados devem ser avaliados com critério para que o tratamento e o acompanhamento desses pacientes sejam realizados da maneira mais segura possível.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hemophilia A is an inherited disease caused by a deficiency of factor VIII, which results from a genetic inheritance located on the X chromosome. During treatment of patients with this disorder, factor VIII inhibitors may be present, which are primarily antibodies type immunoglobulin G (IgG), and interfere with the activation of factor VIII. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate and quantify the presence of antibodies against factor VIII:C in patients with hemophilia A, treated at the Ceará Hematology Center (HEMOCE). Material and methods: Screening for the inhibitor against factor VIII was performed according to the original Bethesda method or the Nijmegen modified assay. Results: One hundred eighty-four patients with hemophilia A were evaluated, from November 2012 to February 2015. From the patients evaluated, 149 (80.98%) showed no inhibitor presence, while in 35 patients (19.02%) the presence of the inhibitor was detected. Among inhibitor carriers, most hemophilia patients had high titers of the inhibitor (57.2%). Conclusion: The high incidence of factor VIII inhibitor in the study population can be explained by the type of treatment used at HEMOCE, which is based on the factor VIII in its recombinant form. The results should be evaluated carefully, so that the treatment and monitoring of these patients are conducted in the safest way possible.

INTRODUÇÃO: O tempo de protrombina (TP) é o teste de escolha para monitorar o nível de anticoagulação em pacientes que fazem uso de anticoagulantes orais. Nestes, atualmente, a anticoagulação é monitorada pelo valor da relação normatizada internacional (RNI). OBJETIVO: A finalidade deste trabalho foi determinar se um pool de plasma caseiro, com cinco (P5) e 20 (P20) amostras, pode ser usado como controle normal do TP e se o uso deste pool interfere no resultado da RNI. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram 32 dias de experimentos. Os dois pools de plasma caseiro foram analisados em relação a um controle normal de plasma comercial (PC). Para cada dia de experimento, fez-se o TP de P5, P20 e PC e também se determinou o valor de RNI para P5, P20 e PC em pacientes que fazem uso de anticoagulante oral. As ferramentas estatísticas utilizadas foram média (X), análise de variância e teste de Tukey. RESULTADOS: A análise estatística demonstrou que os valores do TP e da RNI não são significativamente diferentes para PC, P5 e P20. CONCLUSÃO: O pool de plasma caseiro pode ser utilizado como controle normal do TP e o seu uso não interfere no valor da RNI.

INTRODUCTION: The prothrombin time (PT) test is commonly used to monitor anticoagulant levels in patients undergoing oral anticoagulant therapy. Currently, anticoagulation levels have been assessed through the international normalized ratio (INR) value. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine if in-house preparations of polled plasma, containing five (P5) and 20 (P20) samples, respectively, may be used as normal control of PT and to assess its interference in INR values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment was performed in 32 days. Both polled plasma preparations were analyzed in comparison with a commercial control (PC). PT was performed for PC, P5 and P20 daily and the INR value for PC, P5 and P20 was assessed in patients undergoing oral anticoagulant therapy. The applied statistical tools were mean value (X), analysis of variance and Tukey test. RESULTS: There were no statiscally significant differences in PT and INR for PC, P5 and P20. CONCLUSION: In-house polled plasma (P5 and P20) may be applied as normal control of PT and it does not interfere in the INR value.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to establish reference values for methemoglobin levels in 6 to 10-year-old children. METHODS: Methemoglobin concentrations were studied in clinically healthy children. The method for methemoglobin measurement used, neither uses highly toxic chemical compounds nor expensive enzymatic methods, thus it is feasible in the laboratory routine. RESULTS: The results showed higher reference values for clinically healthy children (from 3.61 to 6.44%) than for adults (from 1.9 to 3.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The higher concentrations of methemoglobin in children may be explained by smaller amounts of soluble cofactor cytochrome b5 and reduced activity of the cytochrome b5 reductase enzyme in red blood cells which make children particularly susceptible to the development of methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobin concentrations in children are higher than in normal adult subjects thus, adult reference values cannot be used to interpret infant methemoglobinemia.

INTRODUÇÃO: A utilização correta de um plasma-controle para a comparação com o plasma do paciente nos testes de coagulação é fundamental para a garantia de um resultado seguro dessas provas laboratoriais. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo analisou a viabilidade do uso de um pool de plasma caseiro, realizado com cinco (P5) e 20 (P20) amostras a partir de pacientes normais, para ser utilizado como controle normal do tempo de tromboplastina parcial (TTP). MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Os dois pools de plasma caseiro foram analisados em relação a um controle normal comercial (AP). Foram 10 dias de experimento e a cada dia os dois pools caseiro eram feitos. Para cada dia foi feito o TTP de P5, P20 e AP. Todos os pacientes com solicitação de TTP, em cada dia do experimento, tiveram a relação de tempos (R) determinada frente a P5, P20 e AP. As ferramentas estatísticas utilizadas foram média (X), análise de variância e teste de Tukey. RESULTADOS: A análise estatística demonstrou que os valores de TTP são significativamente diferentes entre AP e P5 e entre AP e P20, mas não há diferença significativa entre P5 e P20. Quando a relação de tempos foi analisada, não houve diferença significativa entre AP, P5 e P20. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo demonstrou que pode ser utilizado como controle normal um pool de plasma caseiro, feito a partir de cinco ou 20 amostras.

INTRODUCTION: Proper utilization of plasma control for comparison with the plasma of patients with coagulation tests is critical to ensure a safe outcome of these laboratory tests. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to know if in-house preparations of polled plasma can be used as a normal control of partial thromboplastin time (PTT). MATERIAL AND METHOD: We make two polled plasma, one with five (P5) samples and another with 20 (P20) samples, both of them from normal patients. Both pooled plasma were analyzed in comparison with a commercial lyophilized control (AP). The experiment was performed in 10 days, and P5 and P20 were made daily. At each day PTT was performed for P5, P20 and AP. All patients who asked for TTP, in each day of this experience, got a time relation (R) determined by a P5, P20 e AP. Tukey test was used as statistical analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were detected among the PTT for AP and P5, AP and P20, but no difference between P5 and P20 was observed. When the time relations were tested, there were no significant difference, among AP, P5, and P20. CONCLUSION: We found that in-house preparations of polled plasma (P5 and P20) can be used as a normal control of PTT.