ABSTRACT This article deals with one of the most debated issues and problems in recent years in Ecuadorian legal society. Judges ask clarifying questions in the trial hearing that introduce new facts to those already introduced by the witnesses, affecting procedural principles that are constituted as guarantees of the intervening parties. The rule establishes that judges may only exceptionally make clarifications to witnesses, and that at the time of doing so they may only deal with information already introduced. The judge may never do so on facts that have not been introduced. For the development of the article a qualitative methodology was followed, based on systematic bibliographic research of primary and secondary sources in scientific articles, Ecuadorian and international legal regulations. The article analyzes the foundations of the Organic Integral Penal Code in Ecuador.

RESUMEN El presente artículo trata sobre uno de los temas y problemas de mayor debate en los últimos años en la sociedad jurídica ecuatoriana. Los jueces realizan preguntas aclaratorias en la audiencia de juicio que introducen nuevos hechos a los que ya fueron introducidos por los testigos, afectando a principios procesales que se constituyen como garantías de las partes intervinientes. La norma establece es que solo de manera excepcional los jueces pueden ejecutar aclaraciones a los testigos, y que en el momento de hacerlo únicamente pueden versar sobre información ya introducida. El juez jamás podrá hacer sobre hechos no introducidos. Para el desarrollo del artículo se siguió una metodología cualitativa, basada en una investigación sistemática bibliográfica de fuentes primarias, secundarias en artículos científicos, normativa jurídica ecuatoriana e internacional. El artículo analiza los fundamentos del Código Orgánico Integral Penal en el Ecuador.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease of interest to public health because of its social and economic burden. Identifying infected and sick people with Chagas disease constitutes the first step towards achieving World Health Ooganization’s goals for 2020. Objective: To evaluate the reproducibility with gold standard of a rapid diagnostic test for detection of antibodies to T. cruzi; and to propose a diagnostic algorithm for Chagas disease under the point-of-care concept in an area with limited access to health care coverage. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to detect antibodies to T. cruzi in 151 indigenous volunteers belonging to three ethnic groups of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Rapid tests-PDR SD BIOLINE Chagas Ab were implemented in the field versus confirmation in the laboratory using two standardized serological methods (ELISAs). Results: The results show that 19,2 % seroreactivity for T. cruzi was found among the entire population screening. The highest rate of human infection with T. cruzi was detected in the Wiwa community. No significant differences between rapid diagnostic test and the standard techniques (ELISAs) were found. Sensitivity, specificity and concordance for RDT were 100 % (Kappa: 1,0). Conclusions: The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta continues to be a hyperendemic area for Chagas disease. The area is difficult to access and has low or no primary health care coverage, making the assessed rapid diagnostic test a useful tool for screening programs and defining treatment and control plans, which represents the first approach at establishing a point-of-care testing strategy for endemic countries for Chagas disease.

RESUMEN Introducción: La enfermedad de Chagas es una enfermedad desatendida de interés en salud pública por su carga social y económica. Identificar personas infectadas y enfermas con el mal de Chagas constituye el primer paso para alcanzar los objetivos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para el 2020. Objetivo: Evaluar la reproducibilidad de una prueba de diagnóstico rápida para la detección de anticuerpos contra T. cruzi; y proponer un algoritmo de diagnóstico para enfermedad de Chagas bajo el concepto de uso de tecnologías en el lugar de atención en áreas de acceso limitados a los servicios de salud. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal para la detección de anticuerpos para T. cruzi a 151 indígenas voluntarios pertenecientes a tres grupos étnicos de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Se implementó pruebas rápidas-PDR SD BIOLINE Chagas Ab en campo versus la confirmación en el laboratorio mediante dos métodos serológicos estandarizados (ELISAs). Resultados: Se encontró el 19,2 % de seroreactividad para T. cruzi entre toda la población estudiada. La tasa más alta de infección humana por T. cruzi se detectó en la comunidad Wiwa. No hubo diferencias significativas entre la prueba de diagnóstico rápida y las técnicas estandarizadas (ELISAS). La sensibilidad, especificidad y concordancia para la PDR fue del 100 % (Kappa: 1,0). Conclusiones: La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta continúa siendo un área hiperendémica para la enfermedad de Chagas. Dado que es un área de difícil acceso, con baja o nula cobertura en atención primaria en salud, la prueba de diagnóstico rápida evaluada se convierte en una herramienta útil como prueba de elección para programas de tamización y definir planes de acción de tratamiento y control, y representa el primer acercamiento de uso de tecnologías en el sitio de atención para el diagnóstico rápido en países endémicos para la enfermedad.

RESUMO Objetivo: Quantificar os elementos neurais no ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) em joelhos hígidos e com osteoartrose primária (OA). Métodos: Em um grupo de cadáveres e outro de indivíduos com ao, foi realizada a quantificação da área dos elementos neurais identificados em cortes histológicos do LCP com imunohistoquímica anti-S100. Resultados: A média geral da área dos elementos neurais foi 0,96% ± 0,67%, com o valor no grupo cadáver de 1,02% ± 0,67% e no grupo OA de 0,80% ± 0,64%, havendo uma diferença estatisticamente significante (p = 0,001). Não se observou correlação entre a quantificação dos elementos neurais e a idade dos indivíduos (p > 0,05). Não se observou diferença na quantificação dos elementos neurais entre os sexos no grupo cadáver (p = 0,766), mas no grupo OA se observou redução estatisticamente significante no sexo masculino (p = 0,003). No grupo OA não houve diferença na quantificação dos elementos neurais nos joelhos com alinhamento varo ou valgo (p = 0,847). Conclusão: Foi demonstrada uma redução na quantificação dos elementos neurais no LCP de indivíduos acometidos por OA em relação aos indivíduos não artrósicos, com essa quantificação não tendo relação com idade nem com o eixo do membro inferior. Nível de evidência III, Estudo de caso controle.

ABSTRACT Objective: To quantify the neural elements in the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in healthy knees and with primary osteoarthrosis (OA). Methods: In two groups with OA, one of cadavers and another of individuals, the area of neural elements identified in histological sections of PCL with anti-S100 immunohistochemistry was quantified. Results: The overall mean area of the neural elements was 0.96% ± 0.67%, with the value in the cadaver group of 1.02% ± 0.67% and in the OA group of 0.80% ± 0.64%, with a significant statistically difference (p = 0.001). No correlation was observed between neural element quantification and the age of the individuals (p > 0.05). There was no difference in the quantification of neural elements between the sexes in the cadaver group (p = 0.766), but in the OA group there was a statistically significant reduction in males (p = 0.003). Also, in the osteoarthrosis group there was no difference in the quantification of neural elements in the knees with varus or valgus alignment (p = 0.847). Conclusion: There was a decrease in neural element quantification in PCL of individuals affected by OA in relation to non-arthritic individuals, with this quantification not related to age or with the axis of the lower limb. However, this quantification is not related to age or the axis of the lower limb. Level of Evidence III, Case control study.

RESUMO Este artigo objetiva analisar a narração de um dos mais aclamados gols da história do futebol mundial, o segundo gol de Diego Maradona contra a seleção da Inglaterra na Copa do Mundo FIFA de 1986 de Futebol Masculino. A partida de quartas de final do campeonato carregava, além da tradicional rivalidade esportiva, desavenças diplomáticas entre os dois países em decorrência da guerra das Malvinas, ocorrida alguns anos antes. Levando em consideração esse cenário, a narração de Víctor Hugo Morales evoca, através de uma linguagem do radialismo, diversos elementos representativos da trama esportiva: os desencadeamentos dos lances, suas imprevisibilidades e emoções despertadas. Através de sua análise foi possível identificar, além do intenso nacionalismo, aspectos que expressam fascínio e arrebatamento diante do instante esportivo presenciado e relatado.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to analyze the broadcasting of one of the most considered celebrate goals in the history of global soccer, Diego Maradona’s second goal against the England national team during the 1986 men’s FIFA World Cup. This quarterfinal match carried, besides the traditional sporting rivalry, the diplomatic disagreement between the two nations due to the Falklands War, which occurred few years before. Considering this context, the Víctor Hugo Morales’ broadcasting of the second goal of the Argentina national team, brings up many representative elements to compose the sportive dynamics: the game highlights, the unpredictability and emotions aroused. Through the analyzes, it was possible to identify the intense nationalism, but also aspects that show the fascination and the rapture in face of the sporting moment witnessed and reported.

RESUMEN Este artículo objetiva analizar la narración de uno de los goles más aclamados en la historia del fútbol mundial, el segundo gol de Diego Maradona contra la selección de Inglaterra en la Copa Mundial de la FIFA de 1986. El partido de cuartos de final acarreó, además de la tradicional rivalidad deportiva, desavenencias diplomáticas entre los países como resultado de la Guerra de las Malvinas, que tuvo lugar unos años antes. Teniendo en cuenta este escenario, la narración de Víctor Hugo Morales evoca, a través de un lenguaje de la radiodifusión, varios elementos representativos de la trama deportiva: los resultados de los movimientos, su imprevisibilidad y emociones despiertas. A través de su análisis, fue posible identificar, además de un nacionalismo intenso, aspectos que expresan fascinación y éxtasis ante el momento deportivo presenciado y reportado.

Resumen Uno de los principales componentes para medición de bioimpedancia son las fuentes de corriente, las cuales son diseñadas principalmente a partir de componentes analógicos discretos. En la actualidad la disminución en los costos de los sistemas digitales y la alta escala de integración permiten plantear soluciones embebidas disminuyendo sustancialmente los componentes electrónicos utilizados. Este articulo presenta el diseño de una fuente de corriente sinusoidal bipolar para aplicaciones de bioimpedancia basada en sistemas realimentados de tiempo discreto, totalmente embebida en un dispositivo de señal mixta PSoC 5LP CY-8C5888AXI-LP096 de Cypress semiconductor montado sobre una tarjeta FreeSoC2 de la empresa SparkFun. La fuente propuesta regula el nivel pico de la corriente bipolar entregada mediante un controlador de tiempo discreto embebido, midiendo el voltaje presente en una resistencia de valor conocido la cual es el único elemento externo a la fuente y que esta serie con la impedancia de carga (Resistencia Shunt), lográndose frecuencias de trabajo de hasta 120 kHz, con resistencias de carga desde 50 Ω a 3 k Ω y corrientes entre 500 LIA y 2 μA, manteniendo una distorsión armónica cercana al 1% para la mayoría del rango de trabajo de la fuente.

Abstract One of the main components for bioimpe-dance measurement is the current sources, which are designed mainly from discrete analog components. Currently, the decrease in the costs of digital systems and the high scale of integration allow us to propose embedded solutions, substantially reducing the electronic components used. This article presents the design of a bipolar sinusoidal current source for bioimpedance applications based on discrete time feedback systems, fully embedded in a mixed signal device PSoC 5LP CY8C5888AXI-LP096 from Cypress semiconductor mounted on a FreeSoC2 card from SparkFun. The proposed source regulates the peak level of the bipolar current delivered by an embedded discrete time controller, measuring the voltage present in a resistor of known value which is the only element external to the source and this series with the load impedance (Resistance Shunt), achieving working frequencies up to 120 kHz, with load resistors from 50 Ω to 3 k Ω and currents between 500 LIA and 2 μA, maintaining a harmonic distortion close to 1% for most of the working range of the source.

Abstract Quantification of Ro and Tmax are two independent techniques used to constrain the thermal maturity of rocks. Furthermore, several studies have recognized a direct linear relationship between both parameters. In the case of the fore-arc basins of the South-West of Ecuador, we have established an equation [Ro = 0.0228*Tmax – 9.21] based in the data of samples of the Tiburon-0001 and B2-ANX11X wells; which correspond to the best quality data. Additionally, a confidence zone was established (Tmax ± 1σ). The samples that fall out of this zone were not considered in further interpretations. The proposed equation has been tested efficient for other pairs of data analyzed in this work and for other basins. The thermal characterization of the South-West of Ecuador shows that two zones may have reached sufficient thermal maturity in order to generate hydrocarbons. The first one is related with late Cretaceous rocks of the Chongón-Colonche Range and with Paleogene rocks of Santa Elena High. The second one is related with Neogene rocks affected by the Puná-Santa Clara fault system. The thermal maturity observed in these zones has been linked with tectonic processes, due to accretionary events (Late Cretaceous and Paleogene systems) and to the Nor-Andean Block scape (Neogene system).

Resumen La cuantificación de Ro y Tmax son dos técnicas independientes utilizadas para caracterizar la madurez termal de las rocas. Más aún, varios estudios han demostrado que existe una relación lineal-directa entre estos dos parámetros. Para el caso de las cuencas del Sur-Oeste de Ecuador, se ha establecido una ecuación [Ro = 0.0228*Tmax – 9.21] basada en las muestras de los pozos Tiburon-0001 y B2-ANX1-1X, los cuales son considerados como los más confiables. Adicionalmente, se incorporó una zona de confianza (Tmax ± 1σ). Las muestras que caen fuera de esta zona no fueron consideradas en posteriores interpretaciones. La ecuación propuesta ha sido probada eficientemente para otros pares de datos analizados en este trabajo e incluso resulta funcional para otras cuencas. La caracterización termal del Sur-Oeste del Ecuador, da cuenta de la existencia de dos zonas que habrían alcanzado la suficiente madurez termal para generar hidrocarburos. La primera está asociada con las rocas del Cretácico tardío presentes en la Cordillera de Chongón-Colonche y a rocas del Paleoceno del Levantamiento de Santa Elena. La segunda está relacionada con rocas del Neógeno y que se encuentran afectadas por el sistema de fallas Puná-Santa Clara. La madurez termal observada en estas zonas ha sido vinculada con procesos tectónicos, ya sea por la acreción de terrenos (Sistema Cretácico tardío – Paleoceno) y al escape del Bloque Nor-Andino (Sistema Neógeno).

Resumo O estudo avaliou a qualidade da água potável de 45 escolas públicas na cidade de Curitiba, Brasil. Amostras de água foram coletadas de dois pontos diferentes de cada escola: o bebedouro utilizado pelos alunos (n = 45) e a torneira da cozinha (n = 45), totalizando 90 amostras. As amostras foram submetidas à análise de parâmetros legais: dosagem de cloro livre, contagem de bactérias heterotróficas, presença de coliformes totais e Escherichia coli. Além disso, a análise de enterococos também foi incluída como um indicador microbiológico complementar de contaminação fecal. As cepas de enterococos isolados foram identificadas e submetidas ao teste de sensibilidade a antibióticos. Em relação aos parâmetros legais, 35,5% (n = 16) das 45 escolas avaliadas não atenderam aos padrões de qualidade da água da legislação brasileira. Embora nenhuma das 90 amostras exibisse a presença de Escherichia coli, observou-se que 6,6% (n = 6) das amostras analisadas apresentaram contaminação por enterococos. No teste de sensibilidade aos antibióticos, as cepas isoladas demonstraram um comportamento semelhante, apresentando resistência a seis antibióticos e sensibilidade intermediária a um (estreptomicina). A água potável destinada ao consumo humano nas escolas públicas pode representar um risco à saúde dos estudantes, uma vez que a contaminação fecal por enterococos foi confirmada e considerada uma fonte de genes com resistência a antimicrobianos que podem ser facilmente disseminados para outras pessoas. Este estudo reforça a importância do monitoramento de indicadores microbiológicos complementares para garantir a qualidade da água, uma vez que a contaminação fecal foi detectada apenas quando parâmetros alternativos foram inseridos, enfatizando sua relevância para avaliar a água de maneira mais eficaz e salvaguardar a saúde pública.

Abstract The study evaluated the drinking water quality from 45 public schools in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Water samples were harvested from two different points at each school: the first one, drinking fountain used by students (n=45) and the second, kitchen faucet (n=45), comprising 90 samples. The samples were submitted to analysis according to current legislation, such as: dosage of free chlorine; colony counts of heterotrophic bacteria; presence of total coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli. In addition, an enterococci analysis was also included as a complementary microbiological indicator of fecal contamination. The isolated strains of enterococci were identified and submitted to an antibiotic susceptibility test. In relation to the legal parameters, 35.5% (n=16) of the 45 schools evaluated did not meet the quality water standards set by the Brazilian legislation. Although none of the 90 samples exhibited the presence Escherichia coli, 6.6% (n=6) of the analyzed samples presented enterococci contamination. Regarding the antibiotic susceptibility test, the isolated strains demonstrated a similar behavior, became resistant to six antibiotics and had intermediate sensitivity to one (Streptomycin) of the nine antibiotics tested. The drinking water destined for human consumption in the public schools may pose health risks for students since the fecal contamination by enterococci was confirmed, and it could be observed that the water may be a source of genes from bacteria resistant to antimicrobials. This study reinforces the importance of monitoring complementary microbiological indicators to assure water quality, seeing that fecal contamination was detected only when alternative parameters were inserted, emphasizing the relevance of including microbiological indicators beyond what the legislation requires to evaluate the drinking water more effectively and to safeguard public health.

RESUMO A umidade do solo é essencial para a produção agrícola. O conhecimento de sua variabilidade espaço-temporal é indispensável para suporte à agricultura, sendo fortemente influenciada pelas práticas culturais, condições de cobertura do solo e métodos de irrigação. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a estabilidade temporal e a distribuição espacial da umidade do solo em função do uso de folhas de bananeira como cobertura do solo em uma parcela sob irrigação por aspersão convencional e cultivada com banana na região semiárida brasileira. A área foi dividida em dois setores, sem e com cobertura do solo com folhas de bananeira. A umidade do solo foi monitorada, antes e após a irrigação, em 16 momentos, com o uso de sensores FALKER HidroFarm, instalados em um transecto com 11 unidades espaçadas em 8 m, em cada setor. Os dados foram analisados utilizando estatística descritiva, estabilidade temporal e teste de correlação de Spearman. A morfologia das folhas de bananeira e o sistema de irrigação utilizado contribuíram para diminuir a umidade do solo no setor coberto, em todos os momentos de monitoramento. Variações nas propriedades físico-hidráulicas do solo promoveram variações na umidade do solo com a posição dos sensores no solo. A técnica de estabilidade temporal permitiu identificar pontos que representam o comportamento médio da umidade do solo em toda a área. O uso de resíduos de folhas de bananeira causou menor umidade do solo com irrigação por aspersão, indicando a necessidade de pré-moer o material ou usar sistemas de irrigação localizados, práticas pouco acessíveis aos pequenos agricultores.

ABSTRACT Soil moisture is essential for agricultural production. Knowledge on its spatial-temporal variability is indispensable to support agriculture, and it is strongly influenced by cultural practices, soil cover conditions and irrigation methods. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the temporal stability and spatial distribution of soil moisture as a function of the use of banana leaves as soil cover in a plot under conventional sprinkler irrigation and cultivated with banana in the Brazilian semiarid region. The study area was divided in two sectors, with and without covering using banana leaves. Soil moisture was monitored before and after irrigation, at 16 times, using FALKER HidroFarm sensors installed on a transect with 11 units spaced by 8 m, in each sector. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, temporal stability and Spearman correlation test. The morphology of the banana leaves and the irrigation system used contributed to lower soil moisture in the covered sector at all monitoring times. Variations in the physical-hydraulic properties of the soil promoted variations in soil moisture with the position of the sensors in the ground. The temporal stability technique allowed the identification of points that represent the mean behavior of soil moisture throughout the area. The use of banana leaf residues caused less soil wetting using sprinkler irrigation, indicating the need to pre-grind the material or use localized irrigation systems, practices that are not very accessible to small farmers.

Resumen Se hizo ablación tridimensional de aleteo auricular, dependiente del istmo cavotricuspídeo, en un paciente con cirugía previa de válvula tricúspide. El uso de ecocardiografía intracardiaca permitió identificar una estructura sacular en el aspecto septal del istmo. Después de la ablación en este punto, el aleteo terminó y se confirmó bloqueo bidireccional. Este reporte sugiere, además, que el miocardio auricular ligado al anillo valvular, sirve como vía de conducción crítica del aleteo auricular.

Abstract A three-dimensional ablation of an atrial flutter, dependent on the cavo-tricuspid isthmus, was performed on a patient with previous tricuspid valve surgery. The use of intracardiac echocardiography enabled a saccular structure to be identified in the septal aspect of the isthmus. After the ablation in this point, the flutter stopped and a two-directional block was confirmed. This report suggests, furthermore, that the atrial myocardium together with the valvular ring, serves as a critical conduction pathway of the atrial flutter.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Colonic atresia is the least common type of intestinal atresia; however, it must be suspected in patients with partial or complete intestinal obstruction, failure to pass meconium, vomit and abdominal distension. Good prognosis has been described in patients with timely treatment. Case report: This paper reports the case of a newborn patient presenting with vomit, abdominal distension, failure to pass meconium and a rapid progressive clinical deterioration. A colonic atresia was found during exploratory laparotomy, which required a temporary colostomy due to the discrepancy of the proximal and distal calibers. Subsequently, colonic anastomosis was performed using a protective colostomy that was finally closed. This patient had a good post-operative recovery. Conclusion: Colonic atresia must be considered as an important cause of distal intestinal obstruction in pediatric patients and, therefore, it should always be suspected. Ruling out other associated abnormalities is also recommended, as well as performing a rectal biopsy for Hirschsprung's disease to avoid complications.

RESUMO Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar os padrões espaciais de variação de atributos físicos e químicos do solo em uma bacia experimental com área de 149 km2, localizada no município de Pesqueira, semiárido Pernambucano (Brasil). As amostragens foram feitas nas profundidades de 0-0,10 e 0,10-0,20 m, em 35 pontos distribuídos em malha irregular, englobando as três classes de solo presentes na bacia e comumente encontradas no semiárido. Os dados foram analisados com base na estatística descritiva e técnicas geoestatísticas. Para os atributos textura do solo, carbono orgânico e densidade do solo na camada de 0,10-0,20 m, foi detectado grau de dependência espacial de médio a forte, variando de 0,03 a 49,98%. A densidade do solo na camada de 0-0,10 m, assim como a condutividade elétrica, nas duas camadas apresentaram efeito pepita puro, possivelmente devido a uma distância de amostragem insuficiente para captar dependência espacial. No entanto, a geoestatística representou bem a dinâmica espacial de atributos de solo nos pontos em que o mapeamento foi possível.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the spatial patterns of physical and chemical properties of a soil in an experimental basin with an area of 149 km2, located in the municipality of Pesqueira, in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco state (Brazil). Samples were taken in the layers of 0-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m, at 35 monitoring points distributed in an irregular grid, encompassing the three soil classes present in the basin and commonly found in the semi-arid region. For the attributes of soil texture, organic carbon and bulk density in the layer of 0.10-0.20 m, spatial dependence from medium to strong was detected, ranging from 0.03 to 49.98%. Bulk density in the layer 0-0.10 m, as well as the electrical conductivity, in both layers, showed pure nugget effect, possibly due to insufficient sampling distance to capture spatial dependence. However, geostatistics represented well the spatial dynamics of soil attributes at points where the mapping is possible.

BACKGROUND Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected human disease. It is endemic to the Americas and is estimated to have an economic impact, including lost productivity and disability, of 7 billion dollars per year on average. OBJECTIVES To assess vulnerability to vector-borne transmission of T. cruzi in domiciliary environments within an area undergoing domiciliary vector interruption of T. cruzi in Colombia. METHODS Multi-criteria decision analysis [preference ranking method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) and geometrical analysis for interactive assistance (GAIA) methods] and spatial statistics were performed on data from a socio-environmental questionnaire and an entomological survey. In the construction of multi-criteria descriptors, decision-making processes and indicators of five determinants of the CD vector pathway were summarily defined, including: (1) house indicator (HI); (2) triatominae indicator (TI); (3) host/reservoir indicator (Ho/RoI); (4) ecotope indicator (EI); and (5) socio-cultural indicator (S-CI). FINDINGS Determination of vulnerability to CD is mostly influenced by TI, with 44.96% of the total weight in the model, while the lowest contribution was from S-CI, with 7.15%. The five indicators comprise 17 indices, and include 78 of the original 104 priority criteria and variables. The PROMETHEE and GAIA methods proved very efficient for prioritisation and quantitative categorisation of socio-environmental determinants and for better determining which criteria should be considered for interrupting the man-T. cruzi-vector relationship in endemic areas of the Americas. Through the analysis of spatial autocorrelation it is clear that there is a spatial dependence in establishing categories of vulnerability, therefore, the effect of neighbors’ setting (border areas) on local values should be incorporated into disease management for establishing programs of surveillance and control of CD via vector. CONCLUSIONS The study model proposed here is flexible and can be adapted to various eco-epidemiological profiles and is suitable for focusing anti-T. cruzi serological surveillance programs in vulnerable human populations.

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo es comparar el rendimiento del control lineal y no lineal para el caso de un motor de corriente continua. La investigación se centra en determinar si las diferencias en el rendimiento entre estos controladores son significativos. La comparación se realizó en el módulo feedback MS150, se incluyen las fases de la estimación de parámetros para los modelos lineales y no lineales, la validación estadística de estos modelos y el diseño e implementación de los controladores. Con el fin de hacer la comparación se definieron dos criterios de rendimiento, basado en el error de seguimiento y en el esfuerzo de control. Estos criterios se aplicaron considerando tres escenarios definidos de acuerdo con el rango en el que se varía el punto de consigna de velocidad. En el primer escenario, la velocidad de referencia se mantuvo constante e igual al valor del punto de operación alrededor de la cual se obtuvo el modelo lineal (60 %). En el segundo y tercer escenario la velocidad de referencia se aumentó, respectivamente, de 40 % al 60 %, y del 20 % a 100 %. De las pruebas experimentales se observó para los escenarios de dos y tres que el error de seguimiento y el esfuerzo de control para el controlador lineal son superiores a las no lineales. Mientras que para el primer escenario, el controlador lineal presenta un error de seguimiento inferior con un esfuerzo de control aproximadamente igual. A partir de este trabajo se concluyó que para las velocidades de referencia que están cerca del punto de operación, el controlador lineal presenta una ventaja significativa sobre controlador no lineal.

Abstract The aim of this article is to compare the performance of linear and non-linear control in the case of a series wound DC motor. The research was focused on determining when the differences in the performance between these controllers are significant. The comparison was made on the MS150 feedback module and it included the phases of parameter estimation for the linear and the non-linear models, the statistical validation of these models and the design and implementation of the controllers. In order to make the comparison there were defined two performance criteria respectively based on the tracking error and on the control effort. These criteria were applied by considering three scenarios defined according to the range in which the velocity set point is varied. In the first scenario, the reference velocity remained constant and equal to the value of the operation point around which the linear model was obtained (60%). In the second and third scenarios the reference velocity was respectively increased from 40 % to 60 % and from 20 % to 100 %. From the experimental tests it was observed for the scenarios two and three that the tracking error and the control effort for the linear controller are superior to the non-linear ones. While for the first scenario, the linear controller presents a lower tracking error with an approximately equal control effort. From this work it was concluded that for reference velocities that are close to the operation point, the linear controller presents a significant advantage over non-linear controller.

In Brazil, the spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia rickettsii and Rickettsia parkeri related species are the etiological agents of spotted fever rickettsiosis. However, the SFG, Rickettsia rhipicephali, that infects humans, has never been reported. The study of growth dynamics can be useful for understanding the infective and invasive capacity of these pathogens. Here, the growth rates of the Brazilian isolates R. rickettsii str. Taiaçu, R. parkeri str. At#24, and R. rhipicephali HJ#5, were evaluated in Vero cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. R. rhipicephali showed different kinetic growth compared to R. rickettsii and R. parkeri.

RESUMO Considerando a importância do cultivo de goiabeiras (Psidium guajava) para o nordeste do Brasil e os benefícios da aplicação da torta de nim nas características do solo, avaliou-se o efeito da aplicação de torta de nim nos atributos químicos de um Neossolo Regolítico cultivado com goiabeiras irrigadas no semiárido de Pernambuco. Para as avaliações foram usadas duas áreas (área 1 - com nim; área 2 - sem nim) e três períodos, antes da aplicação do nim, 90 dias após a primeira aplicação e 90 dias após a segunda aplicação; assim, 96 amostras de solo foram coletadas em duas malhas regulares de 8 × 6 pontos amostrais e realizadas análises do teor de carbono orgânico total, pH, teores de sais solúveis (Na+, K+, Ca2+e Mg2+), nitrogênio total e taxa de evolução C-CO2 do solo. O modelo esférico foi o que melhor se ajustou às variáveis estudadas seguido pelo gaussiano, com alcances que variaram de 12 a 60,5 m. A incorporação da torta de nim aumentou a variabilidade espacial e a oferta dos atributos de solo estudados.

ABSTRACT Considering the relevant importance of guava (Psidium guajava) in Northeastern Brazil along with the benefits of neem cake amendments on soil characteristics, this work evaluated the effects of neem cake on chemical attributes of a Regosol under irrigated guava orchard in an alluvial valley of Pernambuco semi-arid region. Evaluations were carried out in two areas (area 1 - with neem cake; area 2 - without neem cake) at three periods: before the first application of neem cake, 90 days after the first application and 90 days after the second application. A regular 8 × 6-point grid was designed in each area and the soil was sampled for total organic carbon, pH, soluble salts (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+) and total nitrogen contents, as well as soil C-CO2 evolution rate in soil. Geostatistical analysis pointed out the spherical model as the best fit to the studied variables, followed by the Gaussian model, with ranges from 12 to 60.5 m. Neem cake incorporation increased spatial variability and the contents of the evaluated soil chemical attributes.