ABSTRACT. Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an important tuber vegetable for human health worldwide owing to its nutritional value and productivity. Consumption of orange-fleshed sweetpotato is beneficial to combat vitamin A deficiency in the world, including Brazil, as these tubers are rich in β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. The genotype × environment interaction is one of the greatest challenges in plant breeding, specifically in the selection and approval of cultivars. In this context, adaptability and stability analyses are warranted to evaluate the performance of various genotypes in terms of general or specific adaptations to certain environments and to identify genotypes responsive to environmental variations. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the genotype × environment interaction as well as to estimate the adaptability and stability of sweetpotato genotypes for identifying and selecting promising candidates for breeding. The experiments were performed in four environments: Vera Cruz in São Paulo, Selvíria in Mato Grosso do Sul, and one organic and another intercropped production system in Sete Barras in São Paulo. A randomized block design with two replicates was adopted. A total of 265 genotypes were tested, and the orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivar ‘Beauregard’ was used as the control. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model was used to study environmental stratification, adaptability, and stability. The genotype × environment interaction was evident in all environments. The genotypes CERAT21-13 (marketable root yield, 22.30 t ha-1 in the four environments), CERAT29-26 (27.74 t ha-1), and CERAT52-22 (20.24 t ha-1) were the most adapted in general to the four environments. CERAT25-23, CERAT29-23, and CERAT29-26 were the most adapted to the environment in Vera Cruz; CERAT29-26, CERAT34-14, and CERAT56-32 to the environment in Selvíria; and CERAT31-10, CERAT35-19, and CERAT52-22 to the two environments in Sete Barras.

RESUMO A batata-doce é uma hortaliça de grande importância na alimentação humana, devido ao seu alto valor nutritivo. Apresenta alta variação fenotípica, com diversas formas de raízes, folhas e ramas. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se estudar a divergência genética de genótipos de batata-doce por meio de caracteres morfoagronômicos. O experimento foi conduzido em área experimental da Unesp, Câmpus de Ilha Solteira, situada no município de Selvíria-MS. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados com duas repetições, incluindo 200 genótipos e ‘Beauregard’ como testemunha biofortificada. Foram avaliados caracteres morfoagronômicos de parte aérea dos genótipos aos 110 dias e de raiz aos 127 dias, após o plantio. Com os dados obtidos realizou-se análise descritiva em percentual das classes fenotípicas. Para estudo da divergência genética realizou-se análise multivariada, agrupando-se pelos métodos de Tocher & Ward. Também realizou-se análise da contribuição relativa de cada carácter para a divergência genética. As análises estatísticas foram feitas utilizando-se o programa computacional Genes e SAS. Há ampla diversidade genética na população estudada, o que pode possibilitar ganhos genéticos na recombinação dos genótipos. O método de agrupamento de Tocher foi mais efetivo para discriminação da dissimilaridade entre os genótipos. A baixa importância relativa dos caracteres tamanho da folha, diâmetro do internódio e cor secundária da casca, permite dispensar a sua análise em futuros trabalhos, reduzindo gastos de mão-de-obra, custo e tempo de execução.

ABSTRACT Sweet potato is a vegetable of great importance in human consumption, due to its high nutritional value. It presents high phenotypic variation, with different forms of roots, leaves and vines. Given the above, we aimed to study the genetic divergence of sweet potato genotypes based on morpho-agronomic traits. The experiment was conducted in an experimental area of Unesp, Ilha Solteira Campus, located in Selvíria-MS. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with two replicates, including 200 genotypes and ‘Beauregard’ as a biofortified control. Shoot morphological traits of the genotypes were evaluated at 110 days and root morphological traits were evaluated at 127 days after planting. We used the obtained data to perform descriptive analysis, in percentage of phenotypic classes. In order to study genetic divergence, multivariate analysis was performed, grouping was done using Tocher’s and Ward’s methods. We also analyzed relative contribution of each trait for genetic divergence. Statistical analyzes were performed using Genes software and SAS. Wide genetic variability could be verified in the population studied in this experiment, being possible to obtain genetic gains in recombination between genotypes. Grouping using Tocher’s method was more effective for discriminating dissimilarity between genotypes. The low relative importance of leaf size, internode diameter and secondary peel color makes further evaluation of these traits unnecessary, reducing labor costs, cost and execution time.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a função coclear de trabalhadores marítimos Offshore e Onshore de uma empresa naval da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e estimar a magnitude de associação entre a exposição ocupacional ao ruído e/ou substâncias químicas e alterações na função coclear. Método Neste estudo, foram avaliados trabalhadores marítimos entre 20-49 anos, de ambos os gêneros, sem queixas auditivas, distribuídos em dois grupos: o Grupo Offshore, que operam em alto mar com exposição ocupacional; e o Grupo Onshore, que operam em escritórios sem exposição ocupacional. Para avaliação da função coclear, foram realizados os exames de emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulo transiente (EOAT) e por produto de distorção (EOAPD). Resultados As respostas das EOAT e EOAPD foram, em média, menores no Grupo Offshore, para todas as frequências analisadas. A proporção de falhas observadas também foi maior no grupo de exposição (Offshore), tanto no critério geral quanto por frequência específica, principalmente para as frequências mais agudas de cada teste, 4 kHz para EOAT e 6 kHz para EOAPD. Conclusão Os resultados sugerem que a exposição a ruído e/ou a substâncias químicas pode contribuir significativamente para alterações da função coclear de trabalhadores marítimos, mesmo antes de manifestarem queixas auditivas.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the cochlear function of offshore and onshore seafaring workers of a naval company in the city of Rio de Janeiro and to estimate the degree of association between occupational exposure to noise and/or chemical substances and alteration in cochlear function. Methods This study evaluated seafaring workers aged 20 to 49, of both genders, without auditory symptoms, divided into two groups: the Offshore Group, operating in the high seas with occupational exposure; and the Onshore Group, operating in offices without occupational exposure. Exams were performed to evaluate cochlear function, including transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). Results The TEOAE and DPOAE responses were on average lower in the Offshore Group, for all frequencies analyzed. The proportion of failures observed was also higher in the exposure group (Offshore), for general response and specific frequency, mainly for the frequencies of 4 kHz for TEOAE and 6 kHz for DPOAE. Conclusion The results suggest that exposure to noise and/or chemical substances can contribute to alterations in cochlear function in seafarers even without manifesting auditory symptoms.

Abstract Estimating genetic parameters is an essential procedure to define strategies for breeding and selection of higher yielding genotypes. The use of a selection index can assist in decision making by combining the high yield trait with other desirable traits. The objective of this study was to verify the possibility of gains from selection in a sweet potato population to select potentially promising genotypes. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with three plants per plot and two replications, consisting of 255 sweet potato genotypes and a commercial cultivar (256 treatments). The data were analyzed through REML/BLUP. Genetic gains were evaluated using selection indexes based on the rank sun. The plant population tested showed high genetic variability; 81.25% of the traits had genotypic coefficients of variation above 20%, which indicates conditions favorable to selection with considerable genetic advances. CERAT31-01, CERAT21-02, and CERAT51-30 can be recommended as the most promising genotypes.

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a magnitude da associação entre a exposição a agrotóxicos e o risco de alteração da função coclear de estudantes expostos a agrotóxicos. Método Neste estudo, foram avaliados indivíduos entre 8-30 anos, de ambos os gêneros, residentes em área de intensa utilização de agrotóxicos no município de Nova Friburgo, Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Cada participante do estudo respondeu a um questionário para aferir o grau de exposição a agrotóxicos. Para avaliação da função coclear, foram realizados os exames de audiometria, emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulo transiente (EOAET) e por produto de distorção (EOAPD). Resultados As respostas das EOAET foram, em média, menores nas altas frequências, especialmente 2,0 e 4,0 kHz, e, nestas frequências, também menores entre os indivíduos mais expostos. Padrão similar foi observado para as respostas das EOAPD. Para estas, o menor nível de resposta foi observado na frequência de 6 kHz, no grupo com maior escore de exposição. A proporção de falhas observadas em mais de uma frequência nas EOAET, na OD, no grupo de maior exposição, foi significativamente superior àquela observada no grupo menos exposto. No teste das EOAPD, o percentual de falhas também foi superior no grupo de maior exposição, quando comparado ao de menor exposição. Conclusão Os resultados sugerem que a exposição a agrotóxicos pode contribuir significativamente para alterações da função coclear de indivíduos com limiares audiométricos ainda preservados.

ABSTRACT Purpose To estimate the degree of association between exposure to pesticides and the risk of alteration in cochlear function in students exposed to pesticides. Methods This study evaluated individuals aged 8 to 30, of both genders, residing in an area of heavy pesticide use in the town of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro State. Each study participant answered a questionnaire to assess their degree of pesticide exposure. To evaluate cochlear function, audiometry exams were performed, including transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Results The TEOAE responses were on average lower at higher frequencies, especially at 2.0 and 4.0 kHz, and lower at these frequencies among the most exposed individuals. A similar pattern was observed for DPOAE responses. The lowest response level in the DPOAE tests was observed at the frequency of 6 kHz in the group with the highest exposure score. The proportion of failures observed at more than one frequency in the TEOAE tests on the right ear was significantly higher in the highest exposure group when compared to the lowest exposure group. In the DPOAE test, the rate of failure was also greater in the group with highest exposure when compared to that of lowest exposure. Conclusion The results suggest that exposure to pesticides can significantly contribute to alterations in cochlear function in individuals with preserved audiometric thresholds.