The corrosion resistance of Inconel 625 processed by L-DED additive manufacturing using virgin and reused powders was investigated to optimize the cost-effectiveness of the process. Samples were manufactured under a controlled argon atmosphere. Feedstock and samples were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and rheology analysis. Corrosion resistance was investigated by cyclic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in NaCl 3.5% media. Rheology accused a slight decrease in powder flowability with reuse, but no further appreciable powder degradation was observed. Samples developed a dendritic microstructure with Mo- and Nb-rich Laves phase in the interdendritic region. Samples processed with reused powder were found to have a high content of oxides, which accounted for a slightly inferior impedance and reduced the charge transfer resistance by nearly 50%. Specimens had an overall similar cyclic polarization, with the specimen processed with virgin powder having a slightly superior performance, with a 60mV more noble Ecorr and higher Rp, but similar Icorr. Samples presented uniform and pitting corrosion mechanisms, with pits being preferentially located in the Mo-depleted dendritic regions. In summary, the reuse of Inconel 625 powder processed under argon-controlled conditions was not considered to be significantly detrimental to the alloy corrosion resistance. 62 LDED L DED costeffectiveness cost effectiveness process atmosphere microscopy energydispersive energy dispersive Xray X ray analysis 35 3 5 3.5 media observed Mo Nbrich Nb rich region oxides 50 50% performance mV Rp Icorr mechanisms Modepleted depleted regions summary argoncontrolled 6 3.

ABSTRACT Background: This research addresses two questions: (1) how El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects climate variability and how it influences dengue transmission in the Metropolitan Region of Recife (MRR), and (2) whether the epidemic in MRR municipalities has any connection and synchronicity. Methods: Wavelet analysis and cross-correlation were applied to characterize seasonality, multiyear cycles, and relative delays between the series. This study was developed into two distinct periods. Initially, we performed periodic dengue incidence and intercity epidemic synchronism analyses from 2001 to 2017. We then defined the period from 2001 to 2016 to analyze the periodicity of climatic variables and their coherence with dengue incidence. Results: Our results showed systematic cycles of 3-4 years with a recent shortening trend of 2-3 years. Climatic variability, such as positive anomalous temperatures and reduced rainfall due to changes in sea surface temperature (SST), is partially linked to the changing epidemiology of the disease, as this condition provides suitable environments for the Aedes aegypti lifecycle. Conclusion: ENSO may have influenced the dengue temporal patterns in the MRR, transiently reducing its main way of multiyear variability (3-4 years) to 2-3 years. Furthermore, when the epidemic coincided with El Niño years, it spread regionally and was highly synchronized.

This work aimed to apply a didactic sequence (DS) for environmental awareness of basic-education (BE) students regarding bromeliads and their importance for maintaining biodiversity. The activities were developed in four primary and secondary years (primary 3rd and 4th, and also 4th and 9th years of the secondary), during a school semester, through multidisciplinary projects, using 10 stages of a DS as a base plan for all classes (with proper adaptations to each class). The stages of DS were planned using project approaches, three-moment approach, inverted classroom and field activities. During the activities, the students' commitment to the issues raised was noticed, as well as an awareness of the importance of bromeliads and their relationship with the environment. In general, throughout the execution of the project, the students were motivated by the themes presented, and at the end of the activity, they were better able to respond clearly and critically about the environmental issues raised in the classroom, both with the theme "importance of bromeliads” as with “environmental education and conservation”.

Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo aplicar una Secuencia Didáctica (SD) para la conciencia ambiental de los estudiantes de Educación Básica (EB) sobre las bromelias y su importancia para el mantenimiento de la biodiversidad. Las actividades se desarrollaron en 04 clases de EB (Infantil III y IV, 4 ° y 9 ° de primaria), durante un semestre escolar, a través de proyectos multidisciplinarios, utilizando 10 etapas de un SD como plan base para todas las clases (con adaptaciones pertinentes a cada clase). Las etapas de SD se planificaron utilizando enfoques de proyectos, enfoque de tres momentos, aula invertida y actividades de campo. Durante las actividades se notó el compromiso de los estudiantes con los temas planteados, así como la conciencia de la importancia de las bromelias y su relación con el medio ambiente. En general, a lo largo de la ejecución del proyecto, los estudiantes se sintieron motivados por los temas presentados, y al finalizar la actividad, fueron capaces de responder de manera clara y crítica sobre los temas ambientales planteados en el aula, ambos con el tema "importancia de bromelias ”como con“ educación y conservación ambiental ”.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a aplicação de uma Sequência Didática (SD) para sensibilização ambiental de estudantes da Educação Básica (EB) sobre as bromélias e sua importância para a manutenção da biodiversidade. As atividades foram desenvolvidas em 04 turmas da EB (Infantil III e IV, 4º e 9º ano do ensino fundamental), durante um semestre letivo, por meio de projetos multidisciplinares, utilizando 10 etapas de uma SD como plano base para todas as turmas (com adaptações pertinentes a cada turma). As etapas da SD foram planejadas utilizando as abordagens de projetos, abordagem de três momentos, sala de aula invertida e atividades de campo. Durante as atividades, foi percebido bastante empenho dos alunos frente aos temas levantados, e uma sensibilização quanto a importância das bromélias e suas relações com o ambiente. De modo geral, durante toda a execução do projeto, os alunos mostraram-se motivados diante dos temas apresentados, e ao final da atividade, puderam responder de forma clara e crítica sobre às questões ambientais levantadas em sala de aula, tanto com o tema “importância das bromélias” como com “educação e conservação ambiental”.

Abstract Information Technology (IT) governance in small and medium-sized businesses is a subject that still requires more effort. Many of the studies that deal with this subject refer to large companies. IT governance structures, originally developed for the context of large enterprises such as COBIT, ISO/IEC 35800 or ITIL, when applied to the context of small and medium enterprises, lead to undesirable results and failures in the deployment process. The objective of this work was to perform a systematic mapping on IT governance in small and medium enterprises between 2007 and 2017. Systematic mapping studies are useful for categorizing and summarizing the existing information concerning a research question in an unbiased manner. Thus, from an initial set of 63 papers, a total of 17 research papers were selected for the mapping study. The results obtained allowed us to reach conclusions concerning the state-of-the-art of IT governance mechanisms, theories applied in the context and the consequences of IT governance. From the results of this study it was possible to perceive the low use of relational mechanisms of IT governance in the studied context, the constant need to adapt frameworks such as COBIT and ITIL, so that they can adapt to the reality of SMEs, the wide variety of theoretical approaches and the importance, for SMEs, of the concept of IT value for the business.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aim to compare spatial statistic models to estimate the spatial distribution of Zika and Chikungunya infections in the city of Recife, Brazil. We also aim to establish the relationship between the diseases and the analyzed geographical conditions. METHODS: The models were defined by combining three categories: type of spatial unit, calculation of the dependent variable format, and estimation methods (Geographical Weighted Regression [GWR] and Ordinary Least Square [OLS]). We identified the most accurate model to estimate the spatial distribution of the diseases. After selecting the model that provided best results, the relationship between the geographical conditions and the incidence of the diseases was analyzed. RESULTS: It was observed that the matrix of 100 meters (as the spatial unit) showed the highest efficiency to estimate the diseases. The best results were observed in the models that utilized the kernel density estimation (as the calculation of the dependent variable). In all models, the GWR method showed the best results. By considering the OLS coefficient values, it was observed that all geographical conditions are related to the incidence of Zika and Chikungunya, while the GWR coefficient values showed where this relationship was more noticeable. CONCLUSIONS: The model that utilized the combination of the matrix of 100 meters, kernel density estimation (as the calculation of the dependent variable) and GWR method showed the highest efficiency in estimating the spatial distribution of the diseases. The coefficient values showed that all analyzed geographical conditions are related to the illnesses’ incidence.

Human polycystic echinococcosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus vogeli, which occurs in rural areas of Central and South America. Until now, little information on the genetic variability of E. vogeli is available. Here, 32 samples from human-excised E. vogeli cysts had a 396-bp sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequenced and compared to another 17 COI sequences representing nine Echinococcus species. A Bayesian COI tree revealed that all E. vogeli sequences formed a monophyletic and well-supported clade with an E. vogeli reference sequence. The occurrence of geographically restricted E. vogeli COI haplotypes suggests retention of ancestral polymorphisms with little migration in Acre, Brazil.

RESUMO: O presente relato descreve a recuperação de 4 equinos tratados com transplante homólogo de microbiota fecal (TMF) para colite aguda. Os animais desenvolveram diarreia e febre alguns dias após serem submetidos a laparotomia para tratar obstruções intestinais. Os registros médicos foram revisados para identificar os equinos, bem como para descrever a doença intestinal primária, achados clínicos, detalhes da intervenção cirúrgica, protocolo do TMF, resultados e evolução de cada caso. O princípio da eficácia do TMF é que a restauração do equilíbrio de bactérias não patogênicas pode ser o principal mecanismo de defesa contra a colonização por bactérias patogênicas no trato gastrointestinal equino. O TMF não ocasionou reações adversas e demonstrou controlar rapidamente a diarreia e a febre em todos os casos. A resolução completa dos sinais clínicos foi observada dentro de 24 horas, sendo que os cavalos receberam um único TMF. Estudos clínicos adicionais são necessários para determinar a melhor técnica de preparação e para reforçar a eficácia do TMF no tratamento da colite aguda após cirurgia de cólica. A técnica tem potencial para ser uma ferramenta de baixo custo, segura e altamente eficiente para a prevenção e tratamento de doenças infecciosas gastrointestinais em equinos, evitando a resistência antimicrobiana.

ABSTRACT: The report describes the outcome of four horses treated with homologous faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for acute colitis. The horses developed diarrhoea and fever a few days after a laparotomy to treat gastrointestinal disease. Medical records were reviewed to identify the horses as well as to describe the primary intestinal disease, clinical findings, surgical intervention, FMT protocol, outcome and follow-up of each case. The principle of the efficacy of FMT is that restoration of a balanced nonpathogenic bacterial population may be the primary defence mechanism against colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the equine gastrointestinal tract. The FMT did not produce adverse reactions and was demonstrated to rapidly control diarrhoea and fever in all cases. A complete resolution of clinical sings was observed within 24 hours when horses were given a single FMT. Further clinical studies are necessary to determine the optimal preparation and to reinforce the efficacy of FMT for treating acute colitis following colic surgery. The technique has the potential to be an inexpensive, safe and highly efficient tool for the prevention and treatment of infectious gastrointestinal diseases in horses, preventing antimicrobial resistance.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is fatal if left untreated. Infected dogs are important reservoirs of the disease, and thus specific identification of infected animals is very important. Several diagnostic tests have been developed for canine VL (CVL); however, these tests show varied specificity and sensitivity. The present study describes the recombinant protein rLc36, expressed by Leishmania infantum, as potential antigen for more sensitive and specific diagnosis of CVL based on an immunoenzymatic assay. The concentration of 1.0 μg/mL of rLc36 enabled differentiation of positive and negative sera and showed a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 71% (with 95% confidence), with an accuracy of 76%.

Abstract Citrus canker, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xac), is one of the most devastating diseases to affect citrus crops. There is no treatment for citrus canker; effective control against the spread of Xac is usually achieved by the elimination of affected plants along with that of asymptomatic neighbors. An in depth understanding of the pathogen is the keystone for understanding of the disease; to this effect we are committed to the development of strategies to ease the study of Xac. Genome sequencing and annotation of Xac revealed that ∼37% of the genome is composed of hypothetical ORFs. To start a systematic characterization of novel factors encoded by Xac, we constructed integrative-vectors for protein expression specific to this bacterium. The vectors allow for the production of TAP-tagged proteins in Xac under the regulation of the xylose promoter. In this study, we show that a TAP-expression vector, integrated into the amy locus of Xac, does not compromise its virulence. Furthermore, our results also demonstrate that the polypeptide TAP can be overproduced in Xac and purified from the soluble phase of cell extracts. Our results substantiate the use of our vectors for protein expression in Xac thus contributing a novel tool for the characterization of proteins and protein complexes generated by this bacterium in vivo.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the etiological agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia (PEP), a major problem for the pig industry. The mechanisms of M. hyopneumoniae pathogenicity allow to predict the existence of several classes of virulence factors, whose study has been essentially restricted to the characterization of adhesion-related and major antigenic proteins. The now available complete sequences of the genomes of two pathogenic and one non-pathogenic strain of M. hyopneumoniae allowed to use a comparative genomics approach to putatively identify virulence genes. In this preliminary survey, we were able to identify 118 CDSs encoding putative virulence factors, based on specific criteria ranging from predicted cell surface location or variation between strains to previous functional studies showing antigenicity or involvement in host-pathogen interaction. This survey is expected to serve as a first step towards the functional characterization of new virulence genes/proteins that will be important not only for a better comprehension of M. hyopneumoniae biology, but also for the development of new and improved protocols for PEP vaccination, diagnosis and treatment.