Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de la inoculación con L. buchneri liofilizado y/o activado sobre las poblaciones de bacterias de ácido láctico en ensilajes de maíz. Los tratamientos experimentales consistieron en ensilaje de maíz sin aditivo y ensilaje con los inoculantes L. buchneri 1 × 10 5 ufc/g, aplicados según las recomendaciones del fabricante (1 g/tonelada de forraje) en las formas de inoculante liofilizado e inoculante preactivado. Se identificaron aislados purificados de ensilajes de maíz con y sin inocu lación, y el 93% de los aislados correspondieron a bacterias de ácido láctico de la especie L. plantarum. Entre los aislados no se detectaron bacterias de la especie L. buchneri. La aplicación de L. buchneri liofilizado o activado en la masa ensilada promueve un aumento considerable de la población de bacterias de ácido lácticas en los ensilajes de maíz durante todo el período de fermentación.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of inoculation with lyophilised and/or activated Lactobacillus buchneri on lactic acid bacteria populations in corn silage. Experimental treatments consisted of corn silage without additives or silage with the inoculants of L. buchneri (1 x 10 5 cfu/g) applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (1 g/tonne fodder) in the forms of the lyophilised inoculant and pre-activated inoculant. Purified isolates from corn silage with and without the inoculant were identified, and 93% of the isolates corresponded to the lactic acid bacteria of the species Lactobacillus plantarum. Among the isolates, no bacteria of the species L. buchneri were detected. The application of lyophilised or activated L. buchneri improved the microbiological profile and reduced ethanol production in corn silage, even without being identified among the isolates captured 70 days after ensilage.

Abstract This work presents the development of a reconfigurable frequency selective surface (RFSS) for application in the 2400-2483.5 MHz band, standard IEEE 802.11b/g/n (Wi-Fi). The proposed RFSS is based on the four-arms star geometry and PIN diodes were used as switching elements. In the initial design, numerical and measured results, especially for y polarization, PIN diode on-state, shown a difference of 15% for the resonant frequency. To overcome this drawback, a scaling factor was adopted and RFSS was redesigned and characterized, achieving the desired frequency response. The RFSS reconfigurability is confirmed, with a variation of at least 15 dB, when switching the states of the PIN diode. Moreover, the signal strength was measured directly on a notebook, confirming the reconfiguration of the RFSS. Finally, for the y polarization, it was found that for this polarization the frequency response remains virtually unchanged, even for angles of incidence up to 45°. In addition to the Wi-Fi signal control, the observed features make the developed RFSS especially attractive for reconfigurable antennas applications.

Abstract Objective: To compare the incidence and the histopathological aspect of spontaneous and two induced Mongolian gerbils’ models of cholesteatoma: External Auditory Canal (EAC) obliteration model and the Auditory Tube (AT) cauterization model. Methods: Fifty-four ears of 27 animals were divided into EAC obliteration, AT cauterization, and control groups and histologically assessed for cholesteatoma incidence and classification at intervals of 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks. Results: Cholesteatoma was diagnosed in 30 of the 53 ears evaluated with a significantly higher incidence in groups that received some type of intervention (p < 0.0001). It was not possible to histologically distinguish cholesteatomas of the same stage between the study groups. Conclusion: Although we observed a significant increase in cholesteatoma incidence with the two methods used when compared to the control group, all developed cholesteatomas were apparently identical from a histological point of view.

Abstract: Created in 1837, the currently federal Colégio Pedro II (CPII) has offered Education in different levels. In this article, we discuss in two parts how the first secondary school in Brazil has suffered some attempts of becoming a municipal or state school, in the 20th Century, throughout History of Education references, concerning the documental analysis of historical sources from NUDOM/CPII (Núcleo de Documentação e Memória do Colégio Pedro II), pieces of news and Oral History. Firstly, we discuss the ‘intended’ municipalization of CPII, in 1934. Then, we debate the crisis panorama that almost stateized it in the 1980s and 1990s. We conclude that Colégio Pedro II resists through the ‘tactics’ (Certeau, 1994) to guarantee its self-preservation and maintenance as a federal institution.

Resumen: Creado en 1837, Colégio Pedro II (CPII) es la primera institución de la educación secundaria en Brasil y ofrece educación en todos los niveles, en la actualidad. En este artículo, dividido en dos partes, se discuten las amenazas de municipalización y estatalización del CPII, en el siglo XX, por medio de referencias de la historia de la educación y la articulación entre el análisis documental de fuentes encontradas en el Centro de Documentación y Memoria del Colégio Pedro II (NUDOM / CPII), los periódicos y la historia oral. En la primera parte, discutimos el intento de municipalización de la institución en 1934, posteriormente abordamos las décadas de 1980 y 1990, cuando casi se sucede su estatalización por las crisis. En conclusión, Colégio Pedro II resiste a las amenazas a través de ‘tácticas’ (Certeau, 1994) empeñadas a su manutención y permanencia en el ámbito federal hasta los días actuales.

Resumo: Criado em 1837, o Colégio Pedro II (CPII) é a primeira instituição de ensino secundário do Brasil e, atualmente, oferece educação em todos os níveis. Neste artigo, dividido em duas partes, discutimos as ameaças de municipalização e estadualização do CPII no século XX através de referenciais da história da educação e da articulação entre a análise documental de fontes encontradas no Núcleo de Documentação e Memória do Colégio Pedro II (NUDOM/CPII), jornais e a história oral. Na primeira parte, abordamos a tentativa de municipalização em 1934, em seguida, focamos nos anos 1980 e 1990, quando crises quase culminam em sua estadualização. Concluímos que o Colégio resiste por meio de ‘táticas’ (Certeau, 1994) empenhadas para a sua permanência e manutenção na esfera federal até o presente.

Abstract In this study, a new species of Rhyacoglanis is described from the Jamanxim River basin, Tapajós River basin. The new species differs from congeners based on the combination of the following diagnostic characters: two oblique dark bands formed by an agglomerate of melanophores on the predorsal region; dorsal confluence between the dark subdorsal and subadipose bands in large juveniles and adults; ventral confluence between the dark subadipose and caudal peduncle bands; body without conspicuous dark brown spots; complete dark band on caudal peduncle; body with three dark bands; a thin dark caudal-fin band; pectoral-fin spine with anterior serrae distributed along the entire margin; the posterior tip of the post-cleithral process reaching vertical through the base of the dorsal-fin spine; and hypural 5 free of hypural 3 and 4 and pointed caudal-fin lobes. Additionally, our molecular phylogenetic results using ultraconserved elements (UCEs) corroborate the new species as Rhyacoglanis and sister to an undescribed species of Rhyacoglanis from the Xingu River basin. Moreover, as pointed out in previous studies, we confirm Cruciglanis as a sister group to Pseudopimelodus plus Rhyacoglanis.

Resumo Neste estudo, uma nova espécie de Rhyacoglanis é descrita para a bacia do rio Jamanxim, bacia do rio Tapajós. A nova espécie difere de congêneres com base na combinação dos seguintes caracteres diagnósticos: duas faixas escuras oblíquas formadas por um aglomerado de melanóforos na região predorsal, confluência dorsal entre as faixas subdorsais escuras e subadiposas em adultos grandes, confluência ventral entre as faixas subadiposas escuras e do pedúnculo caudal em adultos grandes, corpo sem manchas escuras proeminentes de cor marrom, faixa escura completa no pedúnculo caudal, corpo com três faixas escuras e uma fina faixa escura na nadadeira caudal, espinho da nadadeira peitoral com serrilhas anteriores distribuídas ao longo de toda a margem, extremidade posterior do processo pós-cleitral atingindo verticalmente a base do espinho da nadadeira dorsal, hipural 5 livre dos hipurais 3 e 4 e lobos da nadadeira caudal pontiagudos. Adicionalmente, nossos resultados filogenéticos moleculares utilizando elementos ultraconservados (UCEs) corroboram a nova espécie como Rhyacoglanis é irmã de uma espécie não descrita de Rhyacoglanis da bacia do rio Xingu. Além disso, como apontado em estudos anteriores, confirmamos que Cruciglanis é um grupo irmão de Pseudopimelodus mais Rhyacoglanis.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to map evidence on educational technology use for accident prevention due to falls in childhood. Methods: a scoping review, carried out in October and November 2022, in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, BDENF and CINAHL databases and LILACS bibliographic index. There was no delimitation of language or time. Data were extracted and analyzed descriptively by two independent researchers. The research protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework. Results: twenty-six studies were selected. Booklets, pamphlets and leaflets were the most used technologies, presenting health services as the most frequent environment to develop research on fall prevention. The technologies developed were important outcomes: increased knowledge of children, family members, caregivers, health and education professionals. Conclusions: educational technology use makes it possible to increase knowledge, adopt safe practices and reduce falls.

RESUMEN Objetivos: mapear evidencias sobre el uso de tecnologías educativas para la prevención de accidentes por caídas en la infancia. Métodos: revisión de alcance, realizada en octubre y noviembre de 2022, en las bases de datos MEDLINE, Web of Science, BDENF y CINAHL e índice bibliográfico LILACS. No hubo delimitación de idioma ni de tiempo. Los datos fueron extraídos y analizados descriptivamente por dos investigadores independientes. El protocolo de investigación fue registrado en el Open Science Framework. Resultados: se seleccionaron 26 estudios. Los cuadernillos, folletos y volantes fueron las tecnologías más utilizadas, presentando los servicios de salud como el ámbito más frecuente para desarrollar investigaciones sobre la prevención de caídas. Las tecnologías desarrolladas fueron resultados importantes: mayor conocimiento de los niños, familiares, cuidadores, profesionales de la salud y la educación. Conclusiones: el uso de tecnologías educativas posibilita aumentar los conocimientos, adoptar prácticas seguras y reducir las caídas.

RESUMO Objetivos: mapear evidências sobre a utilização de tecnologias educacionais para a prevenção de acidentes por quedas na infância. Métodos: revisão de escopo, realizada nos meses de outubro e novembro de 2022, nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Web of Science, BDENF e CINAHL e índice bibliográfico LILACS. Não houve delimitação de idioma e de tempo. Os dados foram extraídos e analisados descritivamente por dois pesquisadores independentes. O protocolo de pesquisa foi registrado na Open Science Framework. Resultados: selecionaram-se 26 estudos. As cartilhas, panfletos e folhetos foram as tecnologias mais utilizadas, apresentando os serviços de saúde como o ambiente mais frequente para desenvolver pesquisa sobre prevenção de quedas. As tecnologias desenvolvidas constituíram desfechos importantes: aumento do conhecimento das crianças, dos familiares, cuidadores, profissionais de saúde e de educação. Conclusões: a utilização de tecnologias educacionais possibilita o aumento de conhecimento, adoção de práticas seguras e redução de quedas.

Abstract Introduction Cholesteatoma is a disease with significant clinical impact but is incompletely understood. The challenge of performing studies with long-term follow-up in humans is a factor that has restricted the advance of knowledge in this field. Thus, the use of animal models is highly pertinent, and the Mongolian gerbil model has emerged as one of the most useful. Objective The present study aims to evaluate, through serial otoendoscopies, the development and characteristics of pars flaccida retraction pocket and cholesteatoma in Mongolian gerbils after obliteration of the eustachian tube and compare it with the control group. Methods Forty Mongolian gerbils were divided into two groups of 20 animals each. In the intervention group, the animals were followed with serial otoendoscopies after eustachian tube obliteration. In the control group, the animals were only followed through serial otoendoscopies. Results At the end of the 16-week follow-up, cholesteatoma was present in 13 of 38 (34.2%) ears in the intervention group, and in 7 of 34 (20.6%) in the control group (p = 0.197). When we considered cholesteatoma and its potential precursor, pars flaccida retraction pocket, in a combined way, we verified it in 23 of 38 (60.8%) in the intervention group and in 11 of 34 (32.3%) in the control group (p = 0.016). Conclusions Over the 16 weeks of follow-up, serial otoendoscopies enabled us to evaluate the formation and development of pars flaccida retraction pockets and cholesteatomas in Mongolian gerbils and proved to be an excellent diagnostic tool.

Abstract A Defected Ground Structure, DGS, based on matryoshka geometry is described in this paper. The proposed DGS geometry is outlined and initial design equations are presented. Four prototypes, with resonant frequencies 2.17 GHz, 2.44 GHz, 2.99 GHz and 3.73 GHz, were designed, fabricated and characterized, observing a good agreement between measured and numerical results. Also, the obtained results demonstrated the initial design equations usefulness. The resonant behavior was analyzed in terms of the current density and it is possible to observe the current density blocked at the resonant frequency. When compared with dumbbell DGS, a reduction in the resonant frequency up to 47.19% is achieved, confirming the matryoshka geometry miniaturization properties. Furthermore, still comparing with dumbbell geometry, DGS based on matryoshka geometry are more selective.

RESUMEN Los rumiantes son animales de pastoreo con la capacidad de utilizar fuentes de forraje para mantenimiento, crecimiento, reproducción y producción. Poseen el rumen, una cámara de fermentación compuesta por alta diversidad de microorganismos con capacidad para degradar alimentos ricos en fibra o almidón y otro tipo de carbohidratos no fibrosos, ya que contienen enzimas que actúan rompiendo enlaces entre moléculas, haciendo presente el sustrato. en la comida disponible. Este estudio se desarrolló con el objetivo de revisar la literatura sobre cómo las diferentes dietas afectan los parámetros ruminales, así como la ecología del rumen. Por lo tanto, la búsqueda de la comprensión de cómo las diferentes dietas pueden afectar las características ruminales se considera importante, ya que permite manipular la dieta hasta un umbral, sin causar ninguna alteración metabólica a los animales y luego maximizar el rendimiento. Esta práctica puede contribuir a minimizar las pérdidas, maximizar el proceso de fermentación de los alimentos y la absorción de los productos de fermentación, que pueden convertirse en carne y leche. Los resultados de este estudio muestran que la población microbiana y los productos finales de la fermentación ruminal se ven directamente afectados por la dieta animal. La manipulación de las dietas puede permitir maximizar la eficiencia productiva, así como la optimización del uso de nutrientes, maximizar la producción animal.

ABSTRACT Ruminants are grazing animals with the ability to utilize forage sources for maintenance, growth, reproduction and production. They possess the rumen, a fermentation chamber composed of high diversity of microorganisms with the ability for degrading fiber or starch rich food and other types of non-fibrous carbohydrates, since they contain enzymes that act by breaking up bonds between molecules, making the substrate present in the food available. This study was developed aiming at reviewing the literature on how different diets affect ruminal parameters as well as the rumen ecology. Thus, the seeking for the understanding on how different diets can affect ruminal characteristics is found to be important, since it makes possible manipulating the diet up to a threshold, without causing any metabolic disturbance to animals and then maximizing the performance. This practice may contribute to minimize losses, maximize the food fermentation process and the absorption of fermentation products, which can be converted into flesh and milk. Findings from this study show that the microbial population and the final rumen fermentation products are directly affected by the animal diet. Therefore, manipulating diets may make possible maximizing the animal productive efficiency, as well as the optimization of the use of nutrients, to maximize the animal production.

RESUMO Lippia grata (previamente conhecida como Lippia gracillis) é uma planta aromática nativa do Brasil, com folhas ricas em óleos essenciais que possuem atividades biológicas significativas. Avaliamos o efeito do óleo essencial de L. grata (OELG) como aditivo alimentar sobre o crescimento, índices somáticos e parâmetros bioquímicos de juvenis (5,25 ± 0,26 g) de tambatinga, um hibrido obtido do cruzamento de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) com pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomum) com grande importância econômica no norte e nordeste do Brazil. Foram avaliados quatro tratamentos dietéticos consistindo na suplementação com OELG em 0,0; 0,5; 1,0 e 2,0 mL kg-1 durante 60 dias. O rendimento de carcaça foi significativamente maior nos peixes alimentados com todas as dietas contendo OELG em comparação à dieta controle. Os animais do tratamento 0,5 mL kg-1 ganharam significativamente mais peso e apresentaram maior taxa de crescimento específico do que aqueles tratados com 1,0 e 2,0 mL kg-1 OELG, embora nenhum tenha diferido significativamente do controle. A taxa de conversão alimentar foi significativamente menor no tratamento 0,5 mL kg-1 do que no tratamento 1,0 mL kg-1. Comparada com as concentrações mais altas, a dieta contendo 0,5 mL kg-1 OELG aumentou o uso de glicogênio muscular, glicose e lactato para suprir as demandas energéticas, evitando o uso de proteína muscular. Nossos resultados sugerem que a suplementação dietética com OELG melhora significativamente o rendimento de carcaça de juvenis de tambatinga, mas concentrações acima de 0,5 mL kg-1 podem comprometer as taxas de crescimento e metabolismo de carboidratos desses peixes.

ABSTRACT Lippia grata (formerly known as Lippia gracillis) is an aromatic plant native to Brazil, with leaves rich in essential oils that possess significant biological activities. We evaluated the effect of essential oil of L. grata (EOLG) as a dietary additive on the growth, somatic indices, and biochemical parameters of juveniles (5.25 ± 0.26 g) of tambatinga, a hybrid fish obtained by crossing tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) with pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomum) of great economic importance in north and northeastern Brazil. We evaluated four dietary treatments, consisting of EOLG supplemented at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mL kg-1, over 60 days. Carcass yield was significantly higher in fish fed all EOLG diets compared to those fed the control diet (0.0 mL kg-1). Animals that received the 0.5 mL kg-1 treatment gained significantly more weight and showed a higher specific growth rate than those treated with 1.0 and 2.0 ml kg-1 EOLG, although none differed significantly from the control. The feed conversion rate was significantly lower in the 0.5 than in the 1.0 mL kg-1 treatment. Compared with higher concentrations, the diet containing 0.5 mL kg-1 EOLG increased the use of muscle glycogen, glucose, and lactate to meet energy demands, avoiding the use of muscle protein. Our results suggest that dietary supplementation with EOLG significantly improves carcass yield in tambatinga juveniles but that concentrations above 0.5 mL kg-1 may compromise growth rates and carbohydrate metabolism in this fish.

Resumo: Este artigo tematiza as articulações entre conservadorismos, fundamentalismo protestante e democracia no Brasil. Destacam-se, numa perspectiva pós-estruturalista, três níveis distintos: (a) uma genealogia do conceito de conservadorismo; (b) uma problematização das formações discursivas neocalvinistas; (c) uma reflexão teórica acerca do lugar ocupado pela religião no espaço público brasileiro. Caminha-se primeiramente no sentido de desnaturalizar o conceito de conservadorismo, seja pela apresentação dos distintos significados assumidos pela categoria proposta, seja pela descrição dos processos ideológicos envolvidos no debate. Ao tomar como ponto de partida a política religiosa conservadora, a discussão se remete, finalmente, ao debate acerca das lógicas democráticas. A própria democracia, por sua vez, será compreendida a partir dos antagonismos inerentes ao pluralismo político e ao jogo democrático.

Abstract: This article discusses the articulations between conservatism, Protestant fundamentalism and democracy in Brazil. It highlights, from a post-structuralist perspective, three distinct levels: (a) a genealogy of the concept of conservatism; (b) a problematization of neo-Calvinist discursive formations; (c) a theoretical reflection about the place occupied by religion in the Brazilian public space. The first part of this article aims to denaturalize the concept of conservatism, either by presenting the different meanings assumed by the proposed category, or by describing the ideological processes involved in the debate. By taking the conservative religious politics as a starting point, the discussion finally leads to the debate about democratic logics. Democracy itself, in turn, will be understood from the antagonisms inherent to political pluralism and the democratic game.

RESUMO O tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) é um dos peixes de água doce mais produzidos na piscicultura brasileira. No entanto, sua eficiência produtiva associada ao refinamento das formulações de dietas é limitada devido à falta de informações sobre as exigências nutricionais de determinados aminoácidos essenciais, como a valina. Objetivou-se estimar a exigência de valina para o tambaqui com diferentes pesos corporais. Um total de 720 juvenis foi utilizado nos experimentos, o primeiro com 360 peixes com peso médio inicial de 33,28 ±0,19 g e o segundo com 360 peixes (121,19 ±1,29 g). Os experimentos foram conduzidos em dose-resposta com cinco níveis de valina (5,0; 7,0; 9,0; 11,0 e 13,0 g/kg de dieta) e quatro repetições por tratamento. A dieta controle foi obtida pela adição de L-valina à dieta contendo 5,0 g/kg de dieta (primeiro nível de valina testado), de modo que atingiu a dieta contendo 7,0 g/kg de dieta, correspondente ao segundo nível testado. Foram realizados análise de variância dos dados, teste de Dunnett’s para comparação com dieta controle e análise de regressão. Os resultados para a ingestão de valina, ganho de peso, taxa de crescimento específico, taxa de conversão alimentar foram significativamente melhorados pela valina dietética (P<0,05) em ambos os experimentos. Os níveis dietéticos de valina exerceram efeitos quadráticos sobre a proteína corporal, gordura corporal, deposição de proteína corporal e eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio do tambaqui com 33 g e 121 g, sendo a deposição de gordura corporal afetada pelo nível de valina somente no tambaqui com 33 g. Com base na análise de regressão quadrática dos dados de deposição de proteína corporal, as exigências dietéticas de valina de tambaqui (33,0 g-83,0 g) e (121,0 g-277,0 g) foram estimadas em 11,9 g/kg da dieta e 9,1 g/kg da dieta, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum ) is one of the highly produced freshwater fish in Brazilian fish farming. However, its production efficiency associated with the refinement of diet formulations is limited due to a lack of information on nutritional requirements for certain essential amino acids such as valine. This study was designed to estimate the valine requirement of tambaqui having different body weights. A total of 720 juveniles were used in the feed trials. The first trial consisted of 360 fish with an average initial weight of 33.28 ±0.19 g, and the second trial comprised 360 fish (121.19 ±1.29 g). The trials consisted of dose-response experiments with five levels of valine (5.0, 7.0, 9.0, 11.0, and 13.0 g/kg diet) and four replicate tanks per treatment. The control diet was obtained by adding L-valine to the diet containing 5.0 g/kg diet (the first level of valine tested) to ensure it reached the diet containing 7.0 g/kg diet, corresponding to the second level tested. Analysis of variance, Dunnett’s test for comparison with the control diet, and regression analysis were performed. The results showed that the valine intake, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved by the dietary valine (P < 0.05) in both trials. Dietary levels of valine exerted quadratic effects on body protein, body fat, body protein deposition, and nitrogen retention efficiency of tambaqui with 33 g and 121 g as body fat deposition was affected by the dietary valine level only in tambaqui weighing 33 g. Quadratic regression analysis of body protein deposition data revealed the optimum dietary valine requirement of tambaqui (33.0 g-83.0 g) and (121.0 g-277.0 g) as 11.9 g/kg diet and 9.1 g/kg diet, respectively.

Resumo: Este estudo buscou identificar a composição da ictiofauna do rio Muzambinho, um tributário de terras altas do Rio Paraná. Também buscamos investigar se as cachoeiras da região podem servir de barreiras para dispersão de espécies de peixes. Para isso, foram realizadas coletas em 34 pontos do Rio Muzambinho, com diferentes técnicas. Ao todo foram registradas 37 espécies de peixes, sendo algumas endêmicas e a maioria nativa. Dentre essas espécies algumas são predominantes em locais degradados e podem ser usadas como bioindicadores. Os resultados também demonstram que há uma zonação na composição ictiofaunística no Muzambinho que segrega a fauna em três sessões separadas por cachoeiras, Baixo Muzambinho, Alto Muzambinho e São Domingos. Concluímos que para a ideal preservação da ictiofauna do rio Muzambinho é necessária a preservação independente de suas sessões o que garantiria a manutenção de linhagens naturalmente isoladas.

Abstract: This study sought to identify the ichthyofauna composition of the Muzambinho River, an upland tributary of the Paraná River. We also investigate whether waterfalls in the region can serve as barriers to the dispersal of fish species. For this purpose, collections were carried out at 34 points on the Muzambinho River using different techniques. In all, 37 species were recorded, some of which were endemic, and the majority were native. Among these species, some are predominant in degraded places and can be used as bioindicators. The results also demonstrate zonation in the ichthyofauna composition in Muzambinho that segregates the fauna into three sessions separated by waterfalls: Lower Muzambinho, Upper Muzambinho, and Sao Domingos. We conclude that, for the ideal preservation of the ichthyofauna of the Muzambinho River, it is necessary to preserve its sections independently, which would guarantee the maintenance of naturally isolated strains.

Abstract Solid residues from agroindustry often accumulate and cause environmental imbalance. An alternative to this is to use this residue as a reinforcement in polymers. The achievement of this work was to characterize a composite with a polystyrene matrix reinforced with Brazil nut shells residues. The residues were cleaned and ground to then produce the samples via injection molding with the proportions of 0%, 2.5% and 5% of load. The specimens were characterized using mechanical tensile testing and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The mechanical test showed that the composite with 2.5% of filler had greater stiffness and strength was improved by 5%. Thermal analysis showed an increase in the temperature for the beginning of the degradation of the M2.5 composite. The results confirm a potential application in the automotive industry for the polystyrene composite reinforced with Brazil nut shells.

Abstract A reconfigurable frequency selective surface, FSS, associating cross dipoles and matryoshka geometries is described in this paper. The proposed reconfigurable FSS uses as active element PIN diodes. With the associated geometries, three resonant frequencies are achieved, two fixed, related to the matryoshka geometry, and one that can be activated or not, related to the cross dipoles geometry. Differently from previous works, an inductor was inserted into the cross dipoles’ horizontal arms, maintaining its resonance for x polarization. The PIN diode inserted into cross dipoles’ vertical arms controls the respective resonance. The design procedures for each geometry, in addition to PIN diode and RF inductor basics are outlined. The expected results are discussed based on the analysis of the resonances of each geometry and the associated geometries, as well as the different PIN diode bias states (OFF and ON). A prototype was fabricated and characterized, obtaining a good agreement between the numerical and experimental results, with a reconfiguration bandwidth of 0.24 GHz, from 2.12 GHz to 2.36 GHz, for a variation of at least 10 dB between the OFF and ON states.