Daylight saving time is a policy to reduce energy consumption instituted in Brazil each year from the second week of October. This study aims to evaluate the possible effects of DST policy on accidents in Brazilian federal highways. The data of accidents of the federal highway police used cover the period 2007-2013, aggregated by day and time for each Brazilian state. The short-term effects were first appreciated on the number of accidents in the summer time input transition in states that underwent the intervention, through the regression discontinuity model. The transition to daylight saving time, about the first twenty-four days, reduce the risk of accidents on federal highways by reallocating an hour of morning light for the afternoon. Soon after it was measured the duration of the effect of the same long-term policy in all states through the differences in differences model. Both models have shown that the application of DST policy presented evidence in the reduction of the number of accidents in Brazilian federal highways. To complement the analysis, robustness tests were conducted which determined the effects of previous trends, states with higher risk of accidents, decomposition hours light and final period of daylight saving time. The results showed that the States where the DST policy was used the accidents were reduced by 10 %.

O horário de verão é uma política de redução do consumo de energia instituída no Brasil todos os anos a partir da segunda semana de outubro. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar os possíveis efeitos da política do horário de verão sobre os acidentes nas rodovias federais brasileiras. Os dados de ocorrência de acidentes da polícia rodoviária federal utilizados compreendem o período de 2007 a 2013, agregados por dia e hora para cada Estado brasileiro. Primeiramente foram apreciados os efeitos a curto prazo sobre o número de acidentes na transição de entrada do horário de verão nos estados que sofreram a intervenção, por meio do modelo de Regressão Descontinua. A transição para o horário de verão, aproximadamente os primeiros vinte e quatro dias, reduzem o risco de acidentes nas rodovias federais através da realocação de uma hora de luminosidade da manhã para a tarde. Logo após foi mensurada a duração do efeito da mesma política a longo prazoem todos os estados, por meio do modelo de Diferenças em Diferenças. Ambos os modelos revelaram que a aplicação da política do horário de verão apresentou evidências na redução sobre o número de acidentes nas rodovias federais brasileiras. A fim de complementar a análise, foram realizados testes de robustez que determinaram os efeitos de tendências anteriores, Estados com maior risco de acidentes, decomposição em horas de luminosidade e período final do horário de verão. Os resultados apontaram que os Estados em que a política do horário de verão foi utilizada os acidentes sofreram redução de 10% (dez por cento).

Abstract The objective of this study was to reduce the effects of cryoinjury caused in bovine semen by cryopreservation. Ejaculates were collected from Nellore bulls and subjected to freezing in C (control), ozone (15, 30, and 60 µg mL-1 of ozone), quercetin (25, 50, and 100 µg mL-1 of quercetin), and carnosine groups (100, 200, and 300 ng mL-1 of carnosine). Samples were evaluated post-thaw (M0) and post-rapid thermoresistance test (M30) for sperm kinetics (total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear speed, linearity and amplitude of lateral head displacement) and cell structure viability (plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal integrity, mitochondrial potential, membrane fluidity, and lipid peroxidation). There were no differences (P > 0.05) between the control, quercetin, and carnosine-treated groups for the parameters evaluated at M0 and M30. In turn, supplementation with ozone resulted in lower values for sperm kinetics (P < 0.05) and lower mitochondrial potential at M30 (P < 0.05). Quercetin and carnosine at the concentrations used did not promote significant gains in frozen semen, nor did they demonstrate cytotoxicity. We expected to obtain positive results with the use of ozone. Nonetheless, the addition was harmful to the parameters of sperm kinetics, and its effect was not observed as a possible pro-antioxidant. We believe that the fact that the gas did not harm the sperm structure opens avenues for tests with lower dosages, since, by reducing its concentration, we could minimize the damage to sperm kinetics. cryopreservation control , (control) 15, 15 (15 30 6 mL1 mL 1 mL- ozone, ozone) 25, 25 (25 50 10 quercetin) 100, (100 200 carnosine. . carnosine) postthaw post thaw M (M0 postrapid rapid (M30 total motility speed displacement plasma integrity fluidity peroxidation. peroxidation peroxidation) P 0.05 005 0 05 carnosinetreated treated turn M3 0.05. cytotoxicity Nonetheless proantioxidant. proantioxidant pro antioxidant. antioxidant pro-antioxidant dosages since concentration (control (1 3 2 (2 5 (10 20 (M (M3 0.0 00 ( 0.

Abstract Gynecological examination is essential to assess the reproductive tract of mares and can provide important information about the uterine environment. It includes physical, vaginal, and rectal examination, ultrasound, cytology, culture, and endometrial biopsy. The present study aimed to perform gynecological examination and fertility to assess the fertility prognosis of Pantaneiro mares that have not been reproductively active and to determine their reproductive ability. Eight mares underwent ultrasound and gynecological examination and artificial insemination. Ultrasound revealed changes only in one mare. Histopathological findings were mild, such as periglandular and perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrates, fibrotic areas, glandular dilation, glandular island formation, and edema due to the phase of the estrous cycle. One animal was classified in category I and the others in category IIA. Cytological changes were found in only one mare. Endometrial culture from five mares resulted in isolation of Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli and Candida sp. Only four mares resulted pregnant through artificial insemination, using the same stallion with fresh semen, which has been proving fertility. Thus, mares with better uterine conditions will not always become pregnant and those with mild changes will not always be barren.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the testicular echotexture of Nelore bulls and to correlate it with spermatogenic parameters. Forty one bulls aged 3-5 years, with body weight of 510.2 ± 21.61 kg were selected for the study. The animals were subjected to ultrasonography, using a portable device coupled with a linear transducer at a frequency of 7.5 MHz. Immediately afterwards they were castrated and the testicular tissue was treated with Karnovsky fixative. Next, the fragments were embedded in glycol methacrylate and stained with toluidine blue-1% sodium borate solution. The average pixel intensity in the testicular parenchyma was determined for 1,600-mm2 surface sections. The right and left testicles and the area between the two testicles resulted in average pixel intensities of 105.22 ± 13.58, 107.95 ± 12.82, and 106.59 ± 11.43, respectively. The efficiency coefficient of spermatogonial mitosis was 19.74; meiotic index was 2.63, and overall yield of spermatogenesis was 52.0. No correlation (P>0.05) was observed between testicular echotexture and any of the measured morphometric parameters. These results suggest that testicular echotexture was not a viable method for the indirect analysis of cellular population in the seminiferous epithelium, intrinsic spermatogenic performance, or the Sertoli cell index in Nelore bulls.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la ecotextura testicular de los toros Nelore y correlacionarlo con los parámetros de espermatogénesis. Para este propósito, 41 toros de edades de 3-5 años y con pesos corporales en el intervalo de 510,2 ± 21,61 kg fueron seleccionados para el estudio. Los toros se sometieron a ecografía, utilizando un dispositivo portátil junto con un transductor lineal a una frecuencia de 7,5 MHz. Inmediatamente después, los animales fueron castrados, y el tejido testicular se trató con Karnovsky fijador. Los fragmentos testiculares se incluyeron en metacrilato de glicol y se tiñeron con una solución de borato de sodio-azul de toluidina al 1%. La intensidad media de pixeles en el parénquima testicular se determinó para secciones de superficie de 1.600 mm2. Los El área entre los dos testículos derecho e izquierdo dieron lugar a la intensidad media de los pixeles de 105,22 ± 13,58, 107,95 ± 12,82 y 106,59 ± 11,43, respectivamente. El coeficiente de eficiencia de la mitosis espermatogonial fue 19,74; Índice meiótico fue 2,63, y el rendimiento global del espermatogénesis alcanzó el 52,0. No se observó correlación (P>0,05) entre ecotextura testicular y cualquiera de los parámetros morfométricos medidos. Estos resultados sugieren que ecotextura testicular no es un método viable para el análisis indirecto de la población celular en el epitelio seminífero, el rendimiento de la espermatogénesis intrínseco, o el índice de células de Sertoli en toros Nelore.

Objective: To examine whether company compliance with RS-17 influences the characterization of the casual nexus in physical therapists' expert reports of cumulative trauma disorders in the labor court of Pernambuco, Brazil. Method: The sample was composed of seven physical therapists who provided expert testimony regarding cumulative trauma disorder cases in the labor court of Pernambuco, Brazil. Data collection was performed across two stages. In the first stage, the experts answered a sociodemographic survey and requested the identification numbers of recent cases where expert testimony was provided to characterize the causal nexus. In the second stage, the researchers went to the labor court to collect expert testimony data. These experts indicated that of 75 total cases, 31% (N=23) of the companies fulfilled RS-17, whereas 69% (N=52) did not comply with the law. Results: Among the organizations that complied with legislation, 30% of the analyzed expert testimonies showed a positive causal nexus. However, of the companies that did not comply with RS-17, 71% of the expert testimonies revealed a causal nexus. These results indicate that the breach of the law increases the probability that a causal nexus will be determined by 54.8%. Conclusion: The results showed that failure to comply with RS-17 significantly increases the probability that a causal nexus will be determined in physical therapists' expert testimony of cumulative trauma disorders.

Objetivou-se avaliar, através da biometria, os cascos dos membros anteriores de equinos participantes de provas de Hipismo Clássico, Tambor, Laço Comprido e Pólo. Em cada modalidade foram avaliados 30 indivíduos totalizando 120 animais. As mensurações lineares (cm) incluíram o comprimento dorsal da pinça, comprimentos lateral e medial dos quartos, altura medial e lateral dos quartos, comprimento lateral e medial dos talões, alturas lateral e medial dos talões, comprimento do casco, largura do casco, comprimento da ranilha, largura da ranilha, e as angulares (graus) foram relativas ao ângulo do casco medido pela pinça (podogoniometria), ângulo da quartela, ângulo dos talões, ângulo das paletas. O comprimento da ferradura, circunferência da coroa do casco e peso corporal também foram avaliados. Através da biometria do casco foi possível avaliar os desequilíbrios do membro anterior de animais atletas e os mais comuns foram: quebra do eixo podal, com 96,7% dos animais apresentando essa alteração no membro torácico direito (MTD) e 95,8% no membro torácico esquerdo (MTE); talões contraídos com 95,0% no MTD e 87,6% no MTE. A modalidade com os maiores desequilíbrios foi a de Laço Comprido, seguida pelos animais de Tambor. Foi encontrada uma alta frequência de desequilíbrio médio lateral em todas as modalidades desportivas. Conclui-se que animais utilizados em provas funcionais apresentam uma alta incidência de desequilíbrios podal nos membros torácicos.

This study aimed to evaluate, through biometry, the forelimb hoof of horses participating in show jumping, barrel, long rope and polo competitions. Thirty subjects were assessed in relation to each competition (total of 120 animals). The linear measurements (cm) included the dorsal length of the toe; medial and lateral lengths of the quarter; medial and lateral heights of the quarter; lateral and medial lengths of the heel; medial and lateral heights of the heel; hoof length; hoof width; frog length; and frog width. The following angles (°) were measured: toe angle, pastern angle, heel angle and shoulder palette. The length of the horseshoe, coronet circumference and body weight were also assessed. With the use of hoof biometric evaluation was possible to identify the imbalances of forelimb in athletic horses and the most common were broken-backward hoof angle, with 96.7% of the animals showing this in the right forelimb (RFL) and 95.8% in the left forelimb (LFL); and contracted heels, with 95.0% in the RFL and 87.6% in the LFL. The competition type in which greatest numbers of hoof balance abnormalities were shown was the long rope, followed by the barrel. There were high frequencies of medial/lateral imbalance in all the sports. We conclude that animals used in functional tests have a high incidence of hoof balance abnormalities in the forelimbs.

Este artigo tem como objetivo compreender a decisão de evasão de estudantes universitários, assunto ainda pouco entendido no Brasil. Ênfase é dada à relação entre renda, desempenho no vestibular, evasão e a probabilidade de tentar nova carreira em novo vestibular. Atenção também é dada ao efeito escola pública e cursinho pré-vestibular. Os resultados mostram que renda tem papel fundamental não só por proporcionar aos mais ricos melhores condições de estudo (escolas privadas, cursinhos), mas também por possibilitar ao aluno maior oportunidade de escolha da carreira que melhor se adeque as suas aptidões, favorecendo assim a permanência da desigualdade.

The main objective of this paper is to understand university students' dropout decision, which is an area still not well studied in Brazil. Particular atention is given to the relationship between income, performance, dropout and the decision to re-take the exam in an attempt to switch careers. The effect of public schools and tutoring classes are also estimated. Results show that income not only provide the students with a better study environment (through private schools and tutoring classes) but also allow for the posibility of trying different careers until a better student-career match is made, favoring the persistence of inequality.

Programas de transferência condicionada de renda são políticas sociais correntemente empregadas para combater e reduzir a pobreza em diversos países. No curto prazo, esses programas visam aliviar os problemas decorrentes da situação de pobreza, sendo que, no longo prazo, o objetivo é investir no capital humano, quebrando o ciclo intergeracional da pobreza. Estudos têm sido realizados para avaliar os impactos desses programas sobre variáveis como freqüência escolar, trabalho infantil, gastos com alimentação, entre outros. Este trabalho avalia o impacto da transferência de renda do Programa Bolsa Família sobre os gastos com alimentos de famílias rurais. As estimações foram feitas com base no método de Propensity Score Matching (PSM), que corrige para o viés de seleção amostral. Os resultados mostram que o valor médio das despesas anuais para as famílias beneficiárias supera em R$ 246 os gastos totais das famílias não-participantes. Considerando que a média anual recebida por essas famílias é de R$ 278, pode-se inferir que 88% desse valor é utilizado para consumo de alimento. Portanto, o programa de transferência condicionada Bolsa Família exerce um impacto positivo sobre o consumo de alimentos dessas famílias selecionadas.

Conditional income transfer programs are social policies currently adopted to reduce poverty in several countries. These conditional transfer schemes have a goal to alleviate some of the consequences of poverty in the short run and increase human capital in the long run changing the intergenerational poverty cycle. Several papers evaluate the impact of income transfer on school attendance, child work and food expenses, among others. This paper analyzes the impact of the Bolsa Família Program on food expenses of rural families. The Propensity Score Method was used to correct sample selection bias. Results show that annual food expenses increased 246 reais in relation to non participant families. Considering that average annual transfer to these families is 278 reais, it can be concluded that 88% of the transfer is expend in food products. Thus, Bolsa Família brings a positive impact on food consumption of the benefited families.

O ensino básico do Brasil vem sendo bastante questionado quanto a sua qualidade e eficiência. Avaliações realizadas pelo INEP mostram que aproximadamente 5% dos alunos apresentam desempenho classificado em "adequado". Ainda ao longo dos últimos anos, esse desempenho vem decaindo devido exclusivamente ao desempenho dos alunos de escolas públicas. Motivado pela diferença entre as duas redes de ensino no Brasil, este artigo analisa a eficiência das escolas públicas e privadas por meio da metodologia desenvolvida por Thanassoulis (1999) e depois estendida por Portela e Thanassoulis (2001). Portela e Thanassoulis (2001) decompõem a eficiência geral em dois componentes distintos: um componente atribuído à instituição de ensino que o estudante frequentou e outro componente atribuído à eficiência somente do estudante. Os resultados obtidos mostram que há grandes diferenças de eficiência entre os colégios privados e públicos. Os colégios privados obtiveram eficiência máxima e os colégios públicos obtiveram eficiência de 0,901, com destaque para os públicos federais que ficaram com 0,910, enquanto os públicos estaduais obtiveram 0,879. Os colégios foram então analisados quanto à equidade do ensino para diferentes níveis de conhecimento dos alunos. Isso mostrou que o ensino público federal apresentou eficiência tão boa quanto o ensino privado para os melhores alunos. Já para o ensino público estadual, os melhores alunos são mais prejudicados que os alunos intermediários, cuja eficiência do ensino fica pouco acima da eficiência média.

Recently, quality and efficiency of elementary education in Brazil has been questioned. Evaluations conducted by INEP showed that only 5% of the students present a performance that can be classified as adequate. Even this low performance has been decreasing mainly due to the lower performance of public school students. Given the differences onpublic and private schools performance wedecided to analyze thecomparative efficiencyof public and private schools using a methodology developed by Thanassoulis (1999) and further extended by Portela and Thanassoulis (2001). The former decomposes efficiency into two components: one attributed to the school and the other exclusively to the student. Results show large differences in efficiency between public and private schools. Private schools obtained maximum efficiency score while public ones reached only 0,901. Moreover, federal public schools reached a score of 0,910 and state schools 0,879. Schools were further analyzed with respect to the equity performance considering the different performance obtained by each student. This result showed that there is no difference between federal public and private schools. With respect to state schools, they showed relatively lower efficiency for the best students compared to average students.

O setor de saneamento apresenta elevado nível de perdas e atinge apenas 31% dos domicílios. Modelos de eficiência DEA com 4 insumos e 8 produtos foram estimados para empresas de abastecimento de água e coleta e tratamento de esgoto. Serviços de água são mais eficientes que os de esgoto. Foi estimada regressão para analisar a influência de variáveis operacionais, geográficas e políticas. Localização no Sul afeta positivamente a eficiência e localização no Norte e no Centro-Oeste negativamente. A eficiência é positivamente afetada pela continuidade administrativa e pela coincidência de partido na gestão municipal e estadual.

Sanitation services present severe losses and serves only 31% of Brazilian homes. DEA efficiency models for water supply and sewage collection and treatment with 4 inputs and 8 outputs are estimated. Water systems are more efficient than the sewage ones. Regression analysis explains efficiency by operational, geographical and political variables. Companies located in the South are positively affected while those in the North and Center-West are negatively affected. Efficiency is positively affected by administrative continuity and coincidence of political parties at a municipal and state level.