Abstract This article presents the incorporation of information and communication technologies on the teaching-learning process of geotechnical engineering to improve the quality of education and provide practical knowledge to civil engineering students. The content of this paper is divided into three main modules, which are: Treatment of laboratory tests results, Slope stability and Rock mass stability. For this, some software were used, including 2D limit equilibrium stability analysis, stability analysis of rock wedges and a dynamic mathematics, to obtain and analyze soil shear strength parameters, among others. Furthermore, a digital tool was developed to analyze the results gathered in compaction, one-dimensional consolidation, and direct soil shear tests, in order to clarify the relationship between theoretical concepts and practical results of the tests and analyses and to help students on doubts, in addition to increase their interest and motivation to perform the complete interpretation of the collected data. The activities were conducted in classes of geotechnical disciplines of the undergraduate course in Civil Engineering at the Federal University of Viçosa, aiming to promote active learning and improve teaching quality. Based on the results of an applied feedback questionnaire, it was observed that most students were satisfied with the resources used in the classroom, demonstrating that the implemented digital tools work as a didactic instrument that facilitates learning and comprehension of practical problems, in addition to enabling the resolution of several geotechnical engineering problems much more quickly and efficiently.

Resumo Este artigo apresenta uma leitura crítica dos romances A Parábola do Semeador (2018) e A Parábola dos Talentos (2019) da autora afro-americana Octavia E. Butler, com foco na análise das diferentes representações e experiências de corpos marginalizados nessas produções distópicas. No contexto dessas narrativas, entendem-se corpos marginalizados como aqueles que mais sofrem pelos efeitos de uma exploração capitalista desenfreada, de uma crise climática sem precedentes e da incapacidade de gerência do governo. Nessa categoria, incluem-se corpos de diferentes raças, gêneros, idades, entre outros. O suporte teórico utilizado compreende principalmente noções de corpo expostas nas obras A Sociologia do Corpo, de David Le Breton (2007), Microfísica do Poder, de Michel Foucault (1998) e Changing Bodies in the Fiction of Octavia Butler: Slaves, Aliens, and Vampires, de Gregory Hampton (2010). 2018 (2018 2019 (2019 afroamericana afro americana E Butler distópicas narrativas entendemse entendem se desenfreada governo categoria incluemse incluem raças gêneros idades outros Corpo 2007, 2007 , (2007) Poder 1998 (1998 Slaves Aliens Vampires 2010. 2010 . (2010) 201 (201 200 (2007 199 (199 (2010 20 (20 (200 19 (19 2 (2 1 (1 (

Abstract This article presents a critical reading of the novels Parable of the Sower (2018) and Parable of the Talents (2019) by the African-American author Octavia E. Butler, focusing on the analysis of the different representations and experiences of marginalized bodies in these dystopic productions. In the context of these narratives, it is understood that marginalized bodies are those who suffer most from the effects of an unstoppable capitalist exploitation, a climate crisis with no precedents and the inability of government administration. This category includes bodies of different races, genders, ages and others. The theoretical support used comprises mainly notions of body exposed in the works A sociologia do corpo (2007), by David Le Breton, Microfísica do Poder (1998), by Michel Foucault and Changing Bodies in the Fiction of Octavia Butler: Slaves, Aliens, and Vampires, by Gregory Hampton (2010). 2018 (2018 2019 (2019 AfricanAmerican African American E Butler productions narratives exploitation administration races genders others 2007, 2007 , (2007) Breton 1998, 1998 (1998) Slaves Aliens Vampires 2010. 2010 . (2010) 201 (201 200 (2007 199 (1998 (2010 20 (20 (200 19 (199 2 (2 1 (19 ( (1

RESUMO A modelagem da distribuição diamétrica em florestas naturais é uma ferramenta importante para compreender a dinâmica de espécies nativas lenhosas, auxiliando na tomada de decisão para o manejo e a recuperação de áreas degradadas. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi ajustar funções de densidade probabilística para avaliar a estrutura diamétrica de três espécies arbóreas de interesse econômico, como Campomansesia xanthocarpa Marl. Ex. O. Berg, Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mart.) J.F. Macbr. e Zeyheria tuberculosa (Vell.) Bureau ex Verl., em um fragmento de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Os dados foram provenientes de 83 parcelas temporárias de 10 m x 20 m distribuídas sistematicamente ao longo de 164 ha. As funções Log-normal, Gamma e Weibull foram ajustadas para as três espécies por meio do pacote fitdistrplus no programa R. O teste de aderência de Kolmogorov-Smirnov foi aplicado a 5% de probabilidade para avaliar os ajustes. As funções foram .selecionadas por meio do Critério de Informação Akaike (AIC) e do Critério de Informação Bayesiano de Schwaarz (BIC), além da análise gráfica das funções ajustadas. Os resultados indicaram que a estrutura diamétrica das três espécies é assimétrica positiva, as quais apresentam o padrão exponencial, sugerindo uma regeneração natural contínua. As estatísticas de AIC e BIC indicaram a função Log-normal para descrever a distribuição diamétrica de C. xanthocarpa e Z. tuberculosa, enquanto a função Gamma foi a mais adequada para P. gonoacantha. Para as três espécies, a análise gráfica mostrou que a função Gamma resultou no melhor ajuste, não apresentando tendências nas estimativas da densidade de frequências por classe de diâmetro. lenhosas degradadas forma econômico Marl Ex Berg Mart. Mart (Mart. JF J F J.F Macbr Vell. Vell (Vell. Verl Verl. Paulo Brasil 8 1 2 16 ha Lognormal, Lognormal Log normal, normal R KolmogorovSmirnov Kolmogorov Smirnov 5 ajustes selecionadas (AIC BIC, , (BIC) positiva exponencial contínua C Z P ajuste diâmetro (Mart (Vell (BIC

ABSTRACT Modeling diameter distribution in natural forests is an important tool for understanding the native woody species dynamics, supporting decision-making for degraded lands management and restoration. Therefore, this work aimed to fit probabilistic density functions to evaluate the diameter structure of three tree species with economic interest, such as Campomansesia xanthocarpa Marl. Ex. O. Berg, Piptadenia gonoacantha (Mart.) J.F. Macbr. and Zeyheria tuberculosa (Vell.) Bureau ex Verl., in a Semideciduous Seasonal Forest fragment at São Paulo State, Brazil. The data came from 83 temporary plots of 10 m x 20 m systematically distributed along 164 ha. Log-normal, Gamma, and Weibull functions were fitted to the three species using the fitdistrplus-package in the R program. Kolmogorov-Smirnov's adherence test was used to evaluate the fits at a 5% probability level. The functions were selected employing Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and Schwarz's Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), in addition to a graphical analysis of the fitted functions. The results indicated that the three species diameter structure is positively asymmetric, representing the exponential pattern, representing continuous natural regeneration. AIC and BIC statistics indicated the Log-normal function to describe the diameter distribution of C. xanthocarpa and Z. tuberculosa, while the Gamma function was the most appropriate for P. gonoacantha. For the three species, the graphical analysis showed the Gamma function results in the best fit without tendency for estimating frequency density per diameter class. dynamics decisionmaking decision making restoration Therefore interest Marl Ex O Berg Mart. Mart (Mart. JF J F J.F Macbr Vell. Vell (Vell. Verl Verl. State Brazil 8 1 2 16 ha Lognormal, Lognormal Log normal, normal fitdistrpluspackage fitdistrplus package program KolmogorovSmirnovs Kolmogorov Smirnov s 5 level Akaikes Akaike (AIC Schwarzs Schwarz BIC, , (BIC) asymmetric pattern regeneration C Z P class (Mart (Vell (BIC

Abstract This article presents and discusses, for the first time, the trajectory of the formal housing stock in the city of São Paulo between 2000 and 2020. Despite the significance of the subject, there are practically no studies. Starting from new detailed data from the municipal real estate register, we build a general picture of the residential stock and its transformations by typology and values in the last two decades. São Paulo has undergone profound transformations in its stock, moving from a horizontal lower standard predominance to the leadership of medium-standards vertical properties, with also significant growth of high-standard vertical properties. The effects of two main urban instruments seem to have been small. The dynamics of values charged by the territorial tax, on the other hand, indicates an expressive appreciation, being higher among high-standard properties, especially horizontal ones, but also vertical ones. These increases occur continuously, but were concentrated in the newly established value tables, indicating decisions to follow the rises seen in the market, probably for budgetary reasons, making the median values more differentiated over time, and the tax structure more progressive.

Resumo Esse artigo apresenta e discute de forma pioneira a trajetória do estoque imobiliário residencial formal no Município de São Paulo entre 2000 e 2020. Apesar da grande importância do tema, praticamente inexistem estudos sobre o tema. Partindo de dados detalhados inéditos do cadastro imobiliário municipal, exploramos o quadro geral do estoque residencial e suas transformações por tipologia e valores nas duas últimas décadas. São Paulo sofreu profundas transformações em seu estoque, passando de predominância horizontal de padrão baixo para liderança de imóveis verticais de padrão médio, com também crescimento significativa dos imóveis verticais de padrão alto. O efeito dos principais instrumentos urbanísticos parece ter sido bem reduzido sobre a trajetória do estoque. A dinâmica dos valores do imposto cobrado, por outro lado, indica uma expressiva apreciação dos valores, mais elevada entre imóveis de alto padrão, em especial horizontais, mas também verticais. Tais elevações ocorreram continuamente, mas se concentraram nas novas tabelas de valores. Essa contínua elevação indica decisão de acompanhar as elevações verificadas no mercado, provavelmente por razões orçamentárias, mas resultando em valores medianos mais diferenciados por padrão, e a estrutura de cobrança mais progressiva.

Abstract Recent advances in Brazilian scientific production on CO2 fluxes at the water-atmosphere interface in rivers were reviewed, including estimates of CO2 partial pressure and fluxes. A total of 17 studies were reviewed. We compiled information regarding the location studied, the methodology used by each author, and the values of CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), CO2 fluxes (FCO2), and gas exchange coefficient (k) found in each region. The results were spatialized and synthesized. The important role of fluxes in CO2 degassing and their influence on climate change, as well as the global lack of data on these environments, were the main motivations for this study. The information was scarce, and most studies are focused on the Amazon Basin. However, high-resolution mapping of CO2 fluxes, at the scale of micro basins and streams, proved to be scarce. We emphasize, therefore, the importance of further studies in the country including other hydrographic regions, and in high resolution. These studies would add to our knowledge of how natural and anthropic processes influence CO2 flux, in addition to providing better estimates in tropical river systems.

Resumo Foram revisados os avanços recentes da produção científica brasileira sobre os fluxos de CO2 na interface água-atmosfera em ambientes fluviais, incluindo as estimativas de pressão parcial de CO2 e fluxos de CO2. Um total de 17 estudos foram revisados. Copilamos informações sobre a localização, a metodologia utilizada por cada autor e os valores da pressão parcial de CO2 (pCO2), fluxos de CO2 (FCO2) e coeficiente de troca gasosa (k) encontrados em cada região. Os resultados foram espacializados e sintetizados. O importante papel dos rios na desgasseificação de CO2 e sua influência nas mudanças climáticas, somado à escassez global de dados sobre esses ambientes, foram as principais motivações para a realização desta pesquisa. Foi possível demonstrar a baixa produtividade brasileira e a concentração de estudos na Bacia Amazônica. No entanto, mapeamentos dos fluxos de CO2 em alta resolução, em escala de microbacias e córregos, se mostraram escassos. Ressaltamos, portanto, a importância de mais estudos no país incluindo outras regiões hidrográficas, e em alta resolução. Estes estudos elucidariam o conhecimento de como os processos naturais e antrópicos influenciam no fluxo de CO2, além de melhores estimativas em sistemas fluviais tropicais.

Abstract Scholars have increasingly pointed out the transference of votes from local politicians to those running for state and national offices, based on two sorts of explanations. Some authors assume that clientelism explains the observed effects, while others sustain that the internal coordination of parties leads to them. In both cases, such inferences has been mainly deductive and fail to examine the mechanisms at work in intra-party interplay during election periods. In this article, we explore this issue by analyzing the practices and relationships of a network of electoral political mobilization of one city councilor from São Paulo during two election periods (2018 and 2020). Departing from detailed field interviews and participant observation of the practices of candidates and their brokers, we portrait how local politics plays a central role in intra-party dynamic. ‘Mandates’, brokers and networks of political mobilization provide coordination through structures of ties that connect actors locally and at the same time link them vertically inside the political system, generating political and electoral coordination. We show how the operation of local politics creates political incentives and exchanges of electoral support based on personal relationships, but which mediated by the mid-level structures of mandates and networks. Although these are influenced by party structures, are not overdetermined by them.

Resumo Pesquisas tem apontado para a transferência de votos de políticos locais para aqueles concorrendo a cargos estaduais e nacionais. Alguns estudos supõem que o clientelismo explicaria o efeito observado, enquanto outros atribuem a transferência aos partidos, que promoveriam coordenação interna institucionalmente. Em ambos os casos, a inferência tem sido destacadamente dedutiva, carecendo de exame dos mecanismos concretos em operação na articulação intrapartidária em eleições. Nesse artigo, analisamos as práticas e relações constitutivas da mobilização política eleitoral de um vereador em São Paulo em duas eleições (2018 e 2020). Partindo de detalhado levantamento de campo com entrevistas e observação etnográfica das práticas dos candidatos e seus operadores em amplo espectro político, mostramos o papel central da política local na coordenação intrapartidária. Mandatos, brokers e redes de mobilização geram coordenação por meio de estruturas de vínculos que conectam atores localmente, ao mesmo tempo que ligam o sistema político verticalmente pelas chamadas dobradas eleitorais, gerando coordenação partidária e eleitoral. Mostramos como a operação da política local cria incentivos e trocas políticas de apoio eleitoral baseados em relações pessoais, mas mediadas pelas estruturas de médio alcance de mandatos e redes. Embora essas sejam influenciadas pelas estruturas partidárias, não são por elas sobredeterminadas.

Resumo Este ensaio se utiliza das contribuições Primo Levi (2004) e Karl Jaspers (2018) para discutir a questão da culpa presente no romance Diário da queda (2011) de Michel Laub. Ao abordar experiências traumáticas por meio de memórias individuais, que se relacionam com os eventos da Segunda Guerra Mundial, a narrativa expressa, entre outros aspectos, o sentimento de culpa presente em três membros da linhagem do narrador. Embora possa ser entendido quase como uma herança familiar, ao passar a limpo a própria história, bem como a de seus ascendentes, o narrador nos aponta à necessidade de enfrentar as dores do passado a fim de poder vislumbrar um futuro transformado.

Abstract This paper is based on the contributions of Primo Levi (2004) and Karl Jaspers (2018) to discuss the issue of guilt in Michel Laub’s novel Diário da queda (2011). By approaching traumatic experiences through individual memories, which relate to the events of the Second World War, the narrative portrays, among other aspects, the feeling of guilt present in three members of the narrator's lineage. Although it can be understood almost as a family heritage, by going over his own history, as well as of his ancestors’, the narrator points out the need to face the pain of the past in order to envision a transformed future.

Resumen Este ensayo se vale de las contribuciones de Primo Levi (2004) y Karl Jaspers (2018) para discutir el tema de la culpa, presente en la novela Diário da queda (2011) de Michel Laub. Al abordar experiencias traumáticas a través de recuerdos individuales, que se relacionan con los acontecimientos de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, la narrativa expresa, entre otros aspectos, el sentimiento de culpa presente en tres miembros de la familia del narrador. A pesar de que se puede entender casi como una herencia familiar, al repasar su propia historia, así como la de sus antepasados, el narrador nos señala la necesidad de enfrentar el dolor del pasado para vislumbrar un futuro transformado.

RESUMEN En la búsqueda de procesos y productos sostenibles, se han desarrollado políticas ecológicas, con el objetivo de reducir los impactos ambientales como un paso hacia la sostenibilidad. Entre los impactos ambientales, destacan las alternativas para mitigar las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero - GEI, debido a la preocupación por el cambio climático. Entonces, el desarrollo del uso de recursos renovables cobra relevancia. Considerando que las cadenas de suministro son intensas en consumo de energía y emisiones (ya que se involucran procesos relacionados con el suministro, producción, transporte, consumo) se vuelve relevante investigar si las cadenas de suministro sostenibles están considerando las energías renovables en sus procesos. Por tanto, este artículo tiene como objetivo mapear el papel de las energías renovables en el contexto de la cadena de suministro sostenible, analizando la literatura publicada en la base Web of Science. Se presentaron los principales investigadores, redes de colaboración y se mapearon los 21 estudios más citados. La investigación se llevó a cabo con los artículos publicados hasta 2019, utilizando el software VantagePoint para manejar la información. Los hallazgos muestran que las investigaciones sobre energías renovables en las cadenas de suministro sostenible han crecido, especialmente desde 2010. Además, la biomasa, los biocombustibles y la energía fotovoltaica fueron las fuentes de energía renovable más recurrentes. Sin embargo, el tema se presentó como nuevo y hay potencial por explorar.

ABSTRACT In the search for sustainable processes and products, eco-friendly policies have been developed over the years, aiming to reduce the environmental impacts as a step toward sustainability. Among the environmental impacts, alternatives to mitigate the greenhouse gas emissions - GHG stand out due to the concerns with climate change. Then, the development and use of renewable resources become relevant. Considering that the supply chains are intense in energy consumption and GHG emissions (since it involves processes related to supply, production, transport, consumption), it becomes relevant to investigate if the management of sustainable supply chain is considering the renewable energies in their processes. Therefore, this paper aims at mapping the role of renewable energies in the context of the sustainable supply chain, analyzing the literature published at Web of Science database - WoS about the subject. The main researchers, organizations, collaboration networks were presented, and the 21 most cited studies were mapped in this paper. The research was carried out with the papers published at WoS until 2019, using VantagePoint software to handle information. The findings show that the research about renewable energy in the context of a sustainable supply chain has been growing, especially since 2010. Moreover, biomass, biofuels and photovoltaic energy were the recurrent sources of renewable energy studied by most cited papers. However, the theme presented itself as new and there is still potential to be explored.

Resumo A crise ecológica que vivemos afeta negativamente o planeta e aumenta as ameaças para todas as formas de vida que o habitam. O serviço social tem nos espaços socioambientais um importante, crescente e desafiador campo de intervenção. Para este elo entre o serviço social e o meio ambiente são necessários novos conhecimentos intelectuais e culturais, novas e múltiplas proposições e intervenções, e o compromisso de não ficar à margem das discussões e ações necessárias para intervir e promover uma abordagem ecossocial ativa, baseada na economia circular e alinhada com os Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável e os direitos humanos. O modelo Donut permite uma análise sistêmica e holística dos problemas e dificuldades que os profissionais têm pela frente, mas também permite refletir sobre os desafios e oportunidades que se colocam aos assistentes sociais numa época de incertezas e riscos sociais aumentados.

Abstract The ecological crisis that we are experiencing negatively affects the planet and increases the threats to all forms of life that inhabit it. Social work has an important, growing and challenging field of intervention in socio-environmental spaces. For this link between social work and the environment, new intellectual and cultural knowledge, new and multiple propositions and interventions are needed, and the commitment not to be left out of the discussions and actions necessary to intervene and promote an active ecosocial approach, based on circular economy and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and human rights. The Donut model allows for a systemic and holistic analysis of the problems and difficulties faced by professionals, but it also allows for reflection on the challenges and opportunities that social workers face at a time of heightened social uncertainty and risks.

Abstract A mineralogical, geological and geotechnical characterization of several rock types (phyllite, dolomite, breccia and marl) from an underground mine site aimed, among other things, to identify its mineral composition and to provide parameters to support the understanding of rock mass behavior. For this purpose, it was possible to perform laboratory and in situ tests or use existing empirical correlations. In this manuscript, the results of the following laboratory tests are presented and analysed - physical indices, point load test, Schmidt Hammer, uniaxial compression strength, wave propagation, micropetrographic description and X-ray diffraction. It was verified that the results obtained are consistent with other studies carried out in the region and also with results from the technical literature for similar lithotypes. Finally, the results contributed to improve the existing database on correlations among different trials.

Abstract Vertisols presenting kaolinite codominance or prevalence were already reported in several countries worldwide. However, the literature has few studies focused on investigating the influence of this clay mineral in soil geotechnical behavior. This study aimed to carry out the characterization of Vertisols in Bahia State, Brazil, to understand the influence of physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties on their geotechnical behavior, as these soils have high natural fertility and have been used for agricultural activity, but with great risk due to their physical and geotechnical properties. Six Vertisols were selected, three located in Juazeiro County (Semiarid region) and the other three in Recôncavo region. Geotechnical characterization of selected soils was carried out in their respective diagnostic horizons by determining properties such as granulometric curve, Atterberg limits, clay activity, linear expansion coefficient, compaction capacity, cohesion (c), and internal friction angle (ϕ) of saturated soils. Soil expansion potential was associated with expansive clay contents and clay content in each soil sample. The best soil compaction efficiency was observed for kaolinitic Vertisol, which presented greater void ratio reduction and higher density due to moisture increase. In addition, c increased as kaolinite content also increased and decreased as clay content increased in soils presenting similar mineralogy. On the other hand, ϕ was influenced mainly by granulometry since higher sand and gravel levels enabled higher ϕ, regardless of clay type.

RESUMO Introdução: Esse artigo analisa as políticas de infraestrutura viária no município de São Paulo em 12 governos ao longo de 38 anos (1978-2016). A literatura sobre políticas públicas urbanas é pouco desenvolvida, em grande parte pelo escasso diálogo teórico entre a ciência política e os estudos urbanos. Esse artigo contribui para o campo ao analisar os principais elementos políticos e institucionais que cercam uma política pública central para o funcionamento das cidades e suas dinâmicas de poder. Materiais e Métodos: O trabalho se baseia em entrevistas com atores do setor, consultas a documentos e levantamento primário dos contratos do poder público com empreiteiras, coletados diretamente no Diário Oficial do Município. Resultados: A análise dos investimentos indica que essas políticas são explicadas principalmente por duas dimensões combinadas. Por um lado, por distinções político-ideológicas entre governos, que imprimiram preferências e ênfases em diferentes tipos de programas. A principal diferença se dá entre os governos de direita e os demais, com os primeiros concentrados em obras maiores e mais caras, contratadas com empreiteiras de maior porte e concentradas em certos tipos de obras. Por outro lado, a política foi fortemente influenciada pela crescente influência de instituições e instrumentos de política pública recentes, que geraram insulamento das contratações e alavancaram volumes substanciais de recursos adicionais para a política. Discussão: Os resultados confirmam a relevância de argumentos da teoria do governo partidário, mas também a urgência da incorporação de elementos institucionais na análise de políticas urbanas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: This article analyzes road infrastructure policies in the municipality of São Paulo in 13 governments over 38 years (1978-2016). The literature on urban public policies is underdeveloped, largely due to the lack of theoretical dialogue between political science and urban studies. This article contributes to the field by analyzing the main political and institutional elements surrounding a public policy that are central to the functioning of cities and their power dynamics. Materials and Methods: The study is based on interviews with actors in the sector, the investigation to documents and the access to primary data on government contractors and public bids, collected directly from the Official Gazette of the Municipality. Results: The analysis of investments indicates that these policies are mainly explained by two combined dimensions. On the one hand, policies followed political-ideological distinctions between governments that imprinted preferences and emphases on different types of programs. The main difference is between right-wing governments and the others, with the former concentrated on bigger and more expensive works, contracted with larger contractors and concentrated on certain types of works. On the other hand, a second important element concerns the growing influence of recent public policy institutions and instruments, which generated isolation in hiring and leveraged substantial amounts of additional resources for the policy. Discussion: The results confirm the relevance of partisan politics theory arguments, but also the urgency of incorporating institutional elements in the analysis of urban policies.

Abstract The geomechanical properties of rock masses must be identified to assess their quality and employability; however, the methodologies may differ depending on the lithotype and analytical purposes. The present study aimed to estimate the not-well-known physical-mechanical properties of three types of carbonate rocks (calcarenite, calcilutite, and marble) of Sete Lagoas Formation, which are not recognized in scientific literature, southeast Brazil. These are important rocks from an economic point of view, as they comprise an important input for cement, fertilizers and construction material. Both physical indexes (apparent porosity, apparently dry and saturated specific mass, apparent absorption capacity and wave propagation velocity) and mechanical properties (uniaxial compression, point load and slake durability) were determined. Mechanical tests for these three rock types were correlated to those of other carbonate rocks from other countries, for comparisons. The results showed that the lithotypes under study are peculiar in terms of porosity, wave propagation velocity and strength. Also found were a very high durability and a very good correlation between specific mass and uniaxial compressive strength.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Patients with Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, present a higher risk of developing other chronic diseases, which may contribute to CD severity. Since CD is underreported in the southern state of Paraná, Brazil, we aimed to characterize clinical and epidemiological aspects of individuals chronically infected with T. cruzi in Southern Brazil. METHODS: A community hospital-based study was performed, recording clinical/demographic characteristics of 237 patients with CD from Southern Brazil. To estimate the association between different forms of CD and sociodemographic and clinical variables, multiple logistic regression models were built using the Akaike information criterion. RESULTS: Mean age was 57.5 years and 59% were females. Most patients’ (60%) place of origin/birth was within Paraná and they were admitted to the CD outpatient clinic after presenting with cardiac/digestive symptoms (64%). The predominant form of CD was cardiac (53%), followed by indeterminate (36%), and digestive (11%). The main electrocardiographic changes were in the right bundle branch block (39%) and left anterior fascicular block (32%). The average number of comorbidities per patient was 3.9±2.3; systemic arterial hypertension was most common (64%), followed by dyslipidemia (34%) and diabetes (19%); overlapping comorbidities were counted separately. Male sex was associated with symptomatic cardiac CD (OR=2.92; 95%CI: 1.05-8.12; p=0.040). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided greater understanding of the distribution and clinical profile of CD patients in Southern Brazil, indicating a high prevalence of comorbidities among these patients who are a vulnerable group due to advanced age and substantial risk of morbidity.

Abstract Euterpe oleracea Mart., Arecaceae, fruit (açaí) presents considerable potential for the development of new medicines due to its phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity. More recently, special attention has been given to the pharmacological potential of the fruit's oil. This study analysed the histological and histochemical effects of different dosages of açaí oil on rat's liver and thyroid cells, in order to evaluate its cytotoxic potential after administration for consecutive days. Male Wistar rats were treated with the açaí oil by gavage at doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg, for 14 days, within a 24 h interval. Liver and thyroid fragments were collected for histology (hematoxylin and eosin) and histochemistry analysis (blue of Nilo (lipids), Baker (lipids), bromophenol blue (protein), PAS (polysaccharides)). The results showed that animals exposed to açaí oil presented alterations in the liver cells, where the integrity of the liver tissue was increasingly lost as the açaí oil doses increased. Nuclear pyknosis was observed in several hepatocytes, evidencing the occurrence of cell death. Alteration in the amount of lipids, polysaccharides, vacuoles in the cytoplasm, and proliferation of Kupffer cells were observed in histochemical analyzes. As for the thyroid of the treated rats, alterations were observed in the size of the follicular lumen and also in the connective tissue found between the follicles. Under the experimental conditions employed in the present study, the cytotoxicity observed in this work is worrying, specially considering the liver, when frequent or continuous damage could lead pathological disorders in this organ.