Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary propolis alcohol extract supplementation on growth performance, digestibility, intestinal morphometry, and physiologic parameters Nile tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) juveniles. For performance experiment and intestinal morphometry, 120 fish averaging 1.41±0.3g were randomly distributed into 24 tanks (70L each) in a closed recirculation water system with constant aeration and biofilter. The animals were distributed into four treatments using a completely randomized design with six replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of four pellet feeds with different alcohol propolis concentrations extract (AEP) (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5gkg-1). The performance experiment period was conducted for 45 days. For the digestibility experiment, an inert marker in the feed and the adapted Guelph feces collecting system were used. The results showed no differences in the performance parameters, crude protein apparent digestibility and dry matter of the feeds, intestinal morphometry, and physiologic parameters. However, there was an increasing linear effect on the energy digestibility with increasing PAE concentrations in the fish feed. The usage of the propolis extract supplementation levels of 1% is recommended for optimum effect on villus morphometry in Nile tilapia.

RESUMO Avaliaram-se os efeitos da suplementação de extrato de própolis na dieta sobre o desempenho, a digestibilidade, a morfometria intestinal e os parâmetros fisiológicos de juvenis de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). No desempenho e na morfometria intestinal, 120 peixes (1,41±0,3g) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 24 tanques (70L cada), em sistema de recirculação de água com aeração constante e biofiltro. Os animais foram distribuídos em quatro tratamentos, num delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com seis repetições por tratamento. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro rações, com concentrações de extrato de própolis (AEP) (0,0, 0,5, 1,0 e 1,5g kg-1). O período experimental foi de 45 dias. Para a digestibilidade, foi utilizado um sistema adaptado de Guelph para a coleta de excretas e um marcador inerte na ração. Os resultados não mostraram diferenças nos parâmetros de desempenho, digestibilidade aparente da proteína bruta e da matéria seca dos alimentos e morfometria intestinal, bem como nos parâmetros fisiológicos. No entanto, houve um efeito linear crescente sobre a digestibilidade da energia com o aumento das concentrações de AEP na ração. Os resultados também indicaram que a suplementação com 1% de própolis teve efeito positivo na morfometria intestinal de tilápia-do-nilo, sendo esse o nível recomendado na dieta.

Resumen Vanilla planifolia es la principal fuente vegetal de vainillina, saborizante de amplia importancia comercial. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae, principal patógeno de V. planifolia, ha devastado cultivos enteros a nivel mundial. Vanilla pompona posee resistencia a patógenos comunes del género. Variaciones climáticas extremas repercuten en las interacciones planta-patógeno. A partir del supuesto de que temperaturas superiores a 28 ºC intensifican la infectividad de F. oxysporum en vainilla, se determinó la influencia del incremento de la temperatura en la infectividad de F. oxysporum f. sp. vanillae (cepa M21C5) en V. planifolia y dos híbridos de V. planifolia x V. pompona. Se inocularon raíces de esquejes de V. planifolia y de los híbridos con suspensiones de esporas del hongo. Se midió el avance de la enfermedad durante 60 días a 25, 30 y 35 ºC. Se emplearon cinco réplicas por tratamiento, incluyendo un lote testigo. Se utilizó ANOVA post hoc Tukey (P ≤ 0.05) para analizar los datos. V. planifolia fue susceptible a 35 °C y altamente susceptible a 25 y 30 °C. Ambos híbridos mostraron resistencia al patógeno en las temperaturas evaluadas. Por la resistencia mostrada, los híbridos de V. planifolia x V. pompona son una alternativa viable ante el patógeno.

Abstract Vanilla planifolia is the main vegetable source of vanillin, a flavoring of wide commercial importance. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vanillae, the main V. planifolia pathogen, has devastated whole crops worldwide. Vanilla pompona possesses resistance to common genus pathogens. Extreme climatic variations affect the plant-pathogen interactions. Based on the assumption that temperatures above 28 ºC will intensify the infectivity of F. oxysporum in vanilla, we determined the influence of the increase in temperature on the infectivity of F. oxysporum f. sp. vanillae (strain M21C5) in V. planifolia and two hybrids of V. planifolia x V. pompona. Root cuttings from hybrids 1 and 2 (V. pompona x V. planifolia) and V. planifolia were inoculated with F. oxysporum f. sp. vanillae spore suspensions. Disease progression was measured for 60 days at 25, 30 and 35 °C. Five replicates per treatment were used, including a control group. ANOVA post hoc Tukey test (P ≤ 0.05) was used for data analysis. V. planifolia was susceptible at 35 °C and highly susceptible at 25 and 30 °C. Both hybrids were resistant to the pathogen at the evaluated temperatures. Due to the resistance, it was shown that V. planifolia x V. pompona hybrids are a viable alternative to the pathogen.

ABSTRACT: This study discusses the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of two outbreaks of ocular infection in ostriches (Struthio camelus) caused by the trematode Philophthalmus sp. The outbreaks occurred in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil. Ostrich farming was categorized as semi-intensive farming with free access to the weir and river. The clinical symptoms for infection included nictitating membrane inflammation, epiphora (tearing), eyelid edema, ocular congestion, eyeball destruction, emaciation, and death, and the infection period ranged from 8 to 16 months. Macroscopically, thickening of the eyelids and conjunctiva were observed, with orange parasites infestation. Histologically, the lesions were characterized as lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic, multifocal to coalescing, moderate, chronic conjunctivitis associated with hyperplasia and ectasia of the Harderian gland, and numerous parasites. The parasites were oval and flattened with an oral suction cup, acetabulum, and thick cuticle containing spicules. The diagnosis of philophthalmiasis was based on epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings associated with the morphological characteristics of the parasites present in the conjunctival sacs which were similar to the trematode Philophthalmus sp. Philophthalmiasis can occur in ostriches raised on urban and rural properties in Northeastern Brazil, probably associated with the contact of birds with contaminated water, and is characterized by severe conjunctivitis that can result in the loss of the eyeball and death of the animals.

RESUMO: Descrevem-se as características epidemiológicas, clínicas e patológicas de dois surtos de infecção ocular pelo trematódeo Philophthalmus sp. em avestruzes ocorridos nos estados do Ceará e Rio Grande do Norte no Nordeste do Brasil. As propriedades tinham em comum, a criação semi-intensiva e livre acesso a açude e rio. Os sinais clínicos incluíam protrusão da membrana nictante, lacrimejamento, edema palpebral, congestão ocular, destruição do globo ocular, emagrecimento e morte. A evolução clínica variou de oito a 16 meses. Macroscopicamente, observou-se espessamento das pálpebras e conjuntivas associado a numerosas estruturas parasitárias alaranjadas. No segundo surto, as lesões eram mais graves e consistiam em perda do globo ocular direito e anexos. Histologicamente, as lesões caracterizavam-se por conjuntivite linfoplasmocítica e heterofílica, multifocal a coalescente, moderada, crônica associada a hiperplasia e ectasia da glândula de Harderian e numerosas estruturas parasitárias. Os parasitas eram ovalados, achatados com ventosa oral e acetábulo e cutícula espessa contendo espículas. O diagnóstico de filoftalmíase foi realizado com base nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos associadas as características morfológicas dos parasitas presentes nos sacos conjuntivais compatíveis com o trematódeo Philophthalmus sp. A filoftalmíase pode ocorrer em avestruzes criados em propriedades urbanas e rurais no Nordeste do Brasil, provavelmente associado ao contato das aves com água contaminada e caracteriza-se por quadros de conjuntivite grave que pode resultar com a perda do globo ocular e morte dos animais.

Intense stimulation of most living cells triggers the activation of immediate early genes, such as Fos and Jun families. These genes are important in cellular and biochemical processes, such as mitosis and cell death. The present study focused on determining the temporal expression pattern of Fos and Jun families in fibroblasts and neural stem cells of cerebellum, hippocampus, and subventricular zone (SVZ) of rats of different ages at 0, 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 h after stimulation with fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2. In neonates, a similar expression pattern was observed in all cells analyzed, with lower expression in basal condition, peak expression at 0.5 h after stimulation, returning to baseline values between 1 and 3 h after stimulation. On the other hand, cells from adult animals only showed Fra1 and JunD expression after stimulation. In fibroblasts and hippocampus, Fra1 reached peak expression at 0.5 h after stimulation, while in the SVZ, peak level was observed at 6 h after stimulation. JunD in fibroblasts presented two peak expressions, at 0.5 and 6 h after stimulation. Between these periods, the expression observed was at a basal level. Nevertheless, JunD expression in SVZ and hippocampus was low and without significant changes after stimulation. Differences in mRNA expression in neonate and adult animals characterize the significant differences in neurogenesis and cell response to stimulation at different stages of development. Characterizing these differences might be important for the development of cell cultures, replacement therapy, and the understanding of the physiological response profile of different cell types.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este estudo relatar a ocorrência de um caso de mastite bubalina ocasionada por Chromobacterium violaceum. Foram coletados 4,0mL de leite de cada teto mamário de uma búfala da raça Murrah. As amostras foram semeadas em ágar base enriquecido com 7% de sangue ovino desfibrinado. As leituras foram realizadas 24, 48 e 72 horas pós-incubação. Apenas o teto anterior direito apresentou crescimento de colônias de coloração violeta-escura. Microscopicamente, observaram-se bacilos Gram negativos. A confirmação da espécie foi realizada pelo sistema VITEK 2 - Compact®, sendo identificada como Chromobacterium violaceum. Essa bactéria apresentou sensibilidade a ciprofloxacina, gentamicina, sulfazotrim e tetraciclina e resistência a ceftiofur, eritromicina e penicilina G. O tratamento foi realizado com ciprofloxacina e gentamicina, apresentando resposta positiva. Estudos dessa natureza reforçam a importância desse comunicado para a sociedade, além de incentivar pesquisas contínuas e periódicas sobre sanidade da espécie bubalina, controle de qualidade que seus produtos e subprodutos estão sendo oferecidos ao mercado e conhecimento sobre infecções bacterianas raras, fortalecendo a adesão de exames microbiológicos, como lactocultura e antibiograma. Diante do exposto, registra-se a ocorrência de um caso de mastite bubalina ocasionada pela bactéria Chromobacterium violaceum.

This paper shows the importance of performing probabilistic analyses in open pits, especially for mine planning, which can lead to more efficient ore extraction and meeting the acceptability criteria for safety in mine slopes. Three-dimensional stability analyses were performed to evaluate the future geometry of a large open pit for iron ore extraction in Brazil. The strength parameters of the lithologies were calibrated using ruptures in the pit walls. After determining the factors of safety (FoSs) from the calibrated parameters, probabilistic analyses were performed using the total range of values of each parameter under different field conditions to verify the reliability of the initial analysis. In this sense, it was possible to plot the probability of failure (PoF) and the FoS on the graph of slope height versus slope interramp angle (IRA) for the future pit in each lithology. IRA recommendations are made for two scenarios: (1) the best scenario: dry without ubiquitous joints and (2) the worst scenario: the water table at 10 m depth with ubiquitous joints in the most unfavourable direction. The results show that probabilistic evaluation is an important tool for establishing alert mechanisms in slopes that can be termed stable.

Abstract Objective: To explore the relationship of undernutrition and the short duration of breastfeeding with child development of children 0–66 months of age residing in Ceará, Brazil. Methods: The authors of the present study utilized population-based data from children enrolled in the Study on Maternal and Child Health in Ceará, Brazi (PESMIC). Children’s development was assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire third version, validated in Brazil. Undernutrition was accessed through anthropometric measures obtained by trained staff. Breastfeeding information was obtained through the mothers' report and confirmed in the child's governmental booklet. The authors used logistic regressions adjusted for sample clusters used in PESMIC design in a theoretical model for known determinants of child development following the World Health Organization nurturing framework. Results: A total of 3,566 children were enrolled in the sixth PESMIC study and had their development assessed. The authors found that 8.2%, 3.0%, 2.1%, and 3.6% of children were stunted, underweight, or wasted, at the time of the interview, respectively. All studied factors were associated with a higher prevalence of child development impairment in at least one of the assessed domains. Underweight was the factor with the strongest effect, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 4,14 (2,26–7,58), p < 0.001. Breastfeeding for up to two months compared to more than six months (AOR2,08 (1,38–3,12)) was also associated. Conclusions: The authors found that undernutrition and short duration of breastfeeding are associated with development outcomes among Brazilian children. As a result, integrated nutritional programs may improve child development outcomes.

RESUMEN Se estudió la deposición atmosférica a granel en un gradiente de urbanización en el estado de Nuevo León, México. Se monitorearon siete sitios dentro del Área Metropolitana de Monterrey (AMM) y dos sitios rurales (Allende y Linares) durante un año, con el propósito de identificar posibles patrones entre sitios. Un total de 32 eventos de lluvia fueron considerados. Se encontró un pH promedio de 7.15 ± 0.02, indicando la presencia de sustancias neutralizantes en la lluvia, así como una Conductividad Eléctrica promedio de 153.96 ± 6.83 μS/cm. La deposición acumulada anual sigue el orden decreciente Ca> K> Mg>Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> Cd> Ni y no muestra diferencias significativas entre zonas urbanas y rurales, excepto para Ca (p = 0.017). El Análisis de Componentes Principales identificó que los metales (Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn y Cd) caracterizan el depósito atmosférico dentro del AMM, comportamiento que se mantiene en todo el gradiente de urbanización, denotando que la cuenca de aire urbana pudiera estar conectada con la rural. La estacionalidad mostró que la presencia de Zn, Fe, Cd, Cu, Ni, Mn Ca y Mg es alta durante otoño, y K durante invierno. Los factores de enriquecimiento exponen que Zn y Cd se encuentran muy enriquecidos, Cu y Ni moderadamente enriquecidos y, Ca, K y Mn no enriquecidos. Finalmente, las trayectorias para los vientos que arribaron a los sitios rurales revelan que sólo en Allende pudiera darse un arrastre de contaminantes durante verano, ya que las corrientes principales atraviesan la parte norte del AMM.

ABSTRACT Bulk deposition was studied along an urbanization gradient in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. During a yearlong period seven sites within the Metropolitan Area of Monterrey (MAM) and two rural sites (Allende and Linares) were monitored, with the purpose of characterizing deposition and identifying possible patterns between sites. A total of 32 rainfall events were collected. An average pH of 7.15 ± 0.02 was found, which indicates the presence of neutralizing substances in rainwater, as well as an average Electrical Conductivity of 153.96 ± 6.83 μS/cm. The annual accumulated deposition follows the descending order Ca> K> Mg> Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> Cd> Ni and does not show significant differences between urban and rural areas, with the exception of Ca (p = 0.017). The Principal Component Analysis shows that metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, and Cd) represent an important pathway in the deposition phenomena and this behavior is maintained through the urbanization gradient, which denotes that the rural areas could be connected to the air basin of the MAM. Seasonal deposition showed that Zn, Fe, Cd, Cu, Ni, Mn Ca, and Mg are higher during autumn and K during winter. Enrichment Factors shows that Zn and Cd were highly enriched, Cu and Ni were moderately enriched, and Ca, K, and Mn were not enriched. Finally, backward trajectories for rural sites showed that only for Allende site a possible carry-over of pollutants is observed during the summer, since the wind currents come preferably from the northern part of the MAM.

Super-austenitic stainless steels (SASS) are alloys with better performance in industrial applications in comparison with standard degrees of austenitic stainless steels (ASS), mainly because of elevated Ni and Mo contents and residual control of certain elements because the improvement of refine techniques. These facts, promotes an improvement of mechanical properties and minimize detrimental effects of intergranular corrosion. Besides, some industrial applications involve high temperatures services, because these alloys families have an excellent creep and oxidation resistances performances. In this work, the objective is evaluate the microstructural and mechanical properties in high Mo SASS exposed at 600˚C in specimens aged until 2000 hours. Thus, hardness and toughness values and Double Loop Electrochemical Potentiodynamic Reactivation (DL-EPR) measurements were analyzed in several thermal aging in comparison to solution treatment condition. Complementary, analysis by Light Optical (LOM), of specimens tested by DL-EPR, and Scanning Electron Microscopies (SEM) in fractured surface from Charpy specimens were also analysed by SEM by backscattered electron mode (BSE). The results show that the aging provokes intergranular embrittlement by inhomogeneous distribution in grain boundaries of Mo rich phase precipitation.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aplicação tópica do extrato alcoólico da semente e da casca da Dipteryx alata Vogel na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas, em camundongos. Um total de 54 camundongos C57BL/6 foram utilizados neste estudo, distribuídos em três grupos de 18 animais (controle, semente e casca). Em todos os animais, um fragmento de pele foi ressecado da região dorsal do tórax utilizando-se instrumento de punção de 9mm de diâmetro, após o qual foi realizada aplicação tópica de creme base (veículo), extrato hidroalcoólico 10% de semente ou casca, duas vezes ao dia. As avaliações macroscópica, histológica e imuno-histoquímica foram realizadas no sétimo, 14º e 21º dias de pós-operatório. Não foi observada diferença significativa quanto à área da ferida cutânea entre os grupos, apenas um efeito temporal na cicatrização (P>0,05), indicando estágio possivelmente mais avançado desse processo. Porém, na avaliação histológica, os grupos semente e controle apresentaram colagenização mais intensa que o grupo casca (P<0,05). Dipteryx alata Vogel mostrou-se inerte no processo de cicatrização de feridas em camundongos.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the topical application of alcoholic extracts of Dipteryx alata Vogel almonds and bark in skin wound healing in mice. Fifty-four C57BL/6 mice were equally distributed into three groups: Control, Almond, and Bark. A 9 mm skin fragment was resected from the dorsal region of the animals’ thorax. The wounds were submitted to topical application of base cream (vehicle), 10% hydroalcoholic almond extract, or bark extract twice a day. Macroscopic, histological, and immunohistochemical evaluations were conducted on the 7th, 14th, and 21st postoperative days. No significant difference was observed regarding skin wound area among groups, with the parameter presenting only a temporal effect on healing (p>0.05). The almond and control groups exhibited more intense collagenization than the bark group (p<0.05). Dipteryx alata Vogel showed to be inert in the wound healing process in mice.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de genótipos caprinos leiteiros, assim como a influência da adoção das práticas higiênicas pelos produtores sobre a qualidade do leite caprino. A primeira parte da pesquisa foi realizada na Estação Experimental Pendência-PB. Foram analisados dados produtivos e reprodutivos de 81 cabras Anglo-Nubiana e alpinas mestiças, bem como dados de produção total de leite das cabras acima de 100 dias de lactação e produção parcial até 56 dias de lactação. Também foram avaliadas amostras de leite in natura de 160 propriedades da região. No momento da coleta, foi aplicado um questionário de diagnóstico dos sistemas de produção de leite caprino. Os dados de desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo foram avaliados pelo teste de Tukey e pela análise descritiva utilizando o programa SPSS. O rebanho apresentou uma variação da produção de leite total na lactação desde 267,40kg a 468,55kg, com durações de lactação variando de 157 e 247 dias, e produção média diária entre 1,43 e 1,89kg/dia. As taxas de fertilidade foram satisfatórias, sendo a menor taxa de 76% e a maior de 92%, com uma média de 85,24% considerando as seis estações de parição. As médias dos períodos de gestação variaram entre 144 e 152 dias. Quanto à caracterização da sanidade, 73% dos produtores realizam limpeza da sala antes e após a ordenha. No entanto, 94,8% dos produtores não eliminam os primeiros jatos de leite e somente 29,2% utilizam o teste da caneca telada para identificação de mastite clínica. Apenas 41% dos produtores realizam pré-dipping e pós-dipping e 30,2% aplicam a solução de iodo. Somente 8,3% dos produtores usam toalhas descartáveis e 92% ainda utilizam toalha de tecido. Observou-se, ainda, que 99% das propriedades armazenam o leite ordenhado em baldes ou latões, sem refrigeração. Pequenas quantidades de amostras (5,6%) estavam contaminadas por Staphylococcus aureus, porém a contagem de coliformes totais teve valor elevado. Em relação à contagem de células somáticas, verificou-se que 86% das propriedades apresentaram CCS acima de um milhão de células por mL, devendo-se ajustar corretamente os manejos alimentar, produtivo e reprodutivo. As épocas de parição, lactação e o genótipo influenciaram de forma direta os índices produtivos e reprodutivos dos animais. Obsevou-se a prevalência de vários fatores que contribuem para a vulnerabilidade de contaminação do leite em diversas etapas de produção, tais como ordenha e processamento. Portanto, a orientação adequada e a conscientização dos responsáveis são de extrema importância para melhorar a qualidade do leite de cabra na região semiárida da Paraíba.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive and reproductive performance of dairy goat genotypes, as well as the influence of hygienic practices by farmers on the quality of goat milk. Productive and reproductive data of 81 Anglo Nubian and Alpine crossbred goats, as well as data on total milk production of goats over 100 days of lactation and partial production up to 56 days of lactation. Also, in natura milk samples from 160 properties in the region were evaluated. At the time of collection, a questionnaire was applied to diagnose goat milk production systems. Data from productive and reproductive performance were evaluated by Tukey test and descriptive analysis using the SPSS program. The herd presented a variation of the total milk production in lactation (TMP) from 267.40kg to 468.55kg, with lactation length ranging from 157 to 247 days, and average daily production between 1.43 and 1.89kg/day. Fertility rates were satisfactory, with the lowest rate being 76% and the highest 92%, with an average of 85.24% considering the six seasons of birth. The means of the gestation periods varied between 144 and 152 days. Regarding the sanitary characterization, 73% of farmers performed a cleaning of the room before and after milking. However, 94.8% of farmers did not eliminate the first jets of milk and only 29.2% used the screened mug test to identify clinical mastitis. Only 41% of farmers performed pre and post-dipping and 30.2% applied the iodine solution. Only 8.3% of farmers used disposable paper towels. However, 92% of producers still used fabric towel. It was also observed that 99% of the properties stored milk in buckets or cans without refrigeration. In the microbiological analysis, a small amount of milk samples (5.6%) was contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, however the total coliform count was high. Regarding the somatic cell count, it was found that 86% of the properties presented values above one million cells per mL of sample. The study demonstrated the prevalence of several factors that contribute to the vulnerability of milk contamination in various stages of production such as milking and processing. Thus, the guidance and awareness of those responsible is extremely important to improve goat milk quality in the semi-arid region of Paraíba.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar perdas, produção e potencial poluidor do efluente, valor nutricional e estabilidade aeróbia de silagens do capim Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás, em diferentes tamanhos de partícula e densidade de compactação na ensilagem. Foram avaliados três tamanhos teóricos de partícula (TTP 5; 8 e 12mm) e três densidades de compactação (DC 550; 600 e 650kg/m3), distribuídos em arranjo fatorial (3 x 3), com quatro repetições. O maior volume de efluente foi verificado nas silagens com maiores densidades de compactação (600 e 650kg/m3) e menores TTP (5 e 8mm). As maiores demanda química de oxigênio e demanda bioquímica de oxigênio foram registradas no tratamento com TTP de 5mm e nas maiores DC (600 e 650kg/m3). Maior digestibilidade in vitro da MS (média de 57,2%) foi verificada na silagem picada a 5 e 8mm. Não houve quebra da estabilidade aeróbia durante 216 horas. A ensilagem com baixa densidade de compactação (550kg/m3) e o processamento com tamanho teórico de partículas 12mm reduzem as perdas por efluente. O valor nutricional da silagem de capim-paiaguás, em geral, não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos. Diferentes tamanhos de partícula e densidade de compactação não alteraram a estabilidade aeróbia das silagens.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate losses, production and polluting potential of the effluent, nutritional value and aerobic stability of silages of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás grass, in different particle sizes and compaction density in silage. Three theoretical particle sizes (TTP 5; 8 and 12mm) and three compaction densities (DC 550; 600 and 650kg/m3) were evaluated, distributed in a factorial design (3 x 3), with four repetitions. The highest volume of effluent was found in silages with higher compaction densities (600 and 650kg/m3) and lower TTP (5 and 8mm). The highest chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand were registered in the treatment with TTP of 5mm and higher DC (600 and 650kg/m3). Greater in vitro digestibility of DM was verified in the silage chopped at 5 and 8mm. There was no break in aerobic stability for 216 hours. Silage with a low compaction density 550kg/m3 and processing with a theoretical particle size of 12mm reduces effluent losses. In general, the nutritional value of Paiaguás grass was not influenced by the treatments. Different particle sizes and compaction density did not change the aerobic stability of silages.

Maraging steels are ferrous alloys with Ni, Co, Mo, and Ti additions. These materials are a special class of ultra high mechanical strength steels with wide and special applications in strategic areas, which makes their knowledge very valuable. Computational advances allowed to analyze the behavior of these materials numerically, using the finite element method and developing mathematical models that can represent numerically its mechanical behavior. The present work has the objective of surveying the mechanical properties of maraging steels 300 and 350 by slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) tests, after the solution treatment at 1183K for 1h. Additionally, it was evaluated the hydrogen embrittlement in samples tested by SSRT under cathodic protection with a potential -1.2 VSCE in 3.5% NaCl solution. The study was complemented with detailed fractographic analysis. This work also presents the analysis of representative models by use of Hollomon, Swift, Voce and coupled Swift-Voce equations to describe the strain-hardening behavior. Compared to the others, the Voce’s model was the one which best fitted the experimental results, with values of R2 higher than 0.992. Through the variation of the chemical composition found in the different grades of maraging steels, this work contemplates the creation of a generalized Voce model based on the variation of the Ti content. The work concludes presenting the generalized Voce model proposed and a numerical analysis of the SSRT results with a good accuracy of the strain-hardening response.

This study aimed to estimate and compare racial inequality in low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in two Brazilian birth cohorts. This was a cross-sectional study nested within two birth cohorts in Ribeirão Preto (RP) and São Luís (SL), whose mothers were interviewed from January to December 2010. In all, 7430 (RP) and 4995 (SL) mothers were interviewed. The maternal skin color was the exposure variable. Associations were adjusted for socioeconomic and biological covariates: maternal education, per capita family income, family economic classification, household head occupation, maternal age, parity, marital status, prenatal care, type of delivery, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, hypertension, hypertension during pregnancy, and smoking during pregnancy collected from questionnaires applied at birth. Statistical analysis was done with the chi-squared test and logistic regression. In RP, newborns from mothers with black skin color had a higher risk of LBW and IUGR, even after adjusting for socioeconomic and biological variables (P<0.001). In SL, skin color was not a risk factor for LBW (P=0.859), PTB (P=0.220), and IUGR (P=0.062), before or after adjustment for socioeconomic and biological variables. The detection of racial inequality in these perinatal outcomes only in the RP cohort after adjustment for socioeconomic and biological factors may be reflecting the existence of racial discrimination in the RP society. In contrast, the greater miscegenation present in São Luís may be reflecting less racial discrimination of black and brown women in this city.