Abstract Reducing Portland cement consumption in concrete compositions, managing industrial waste, and conserving natural resources are contemporary challenges to achieving sustainable development. One solution has been the utilization of these industrial wastes as partial replacements for Portland cement or aggregates in concrete production. Due to the significant variability of these wastes, further research on this topic is necessary. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the properties of concrete mixtures containing porcelain polishing residue (PPR), scheelite residue (SR), and different types of Portland cement. The physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics of the wastes were determined. The fresh and hardened properties of the concretes, as well as the analysis of environmental impact, in terms of carbon dioxide emissions related to binder consumption, were investigated. The results showed that the utilization of these wastes resulted in reductions in consistency, water absorption, porosity, and compressive strength at 28 days by up to 33%, 16%, 13%, and 7%, respectively. Furthermore, improvements in microstructure, binder index, and CO2 index were observed. The wastes reduced the cement content and CO2 emissions per cubic meter of concrete to achieve 1 MPa by up to 12%. These findings suggested that the utilization of these wastes may be a viable and sustainable alternative to reduce Portland cement consumption and mitigate the environmental impact of the concrete industry. However, further research and studies are needed to assess other aspects, such as long-term durability and economic feasibility before their widespread adoption in the construction industry.

Abstract The effects of onion and its by-products on metabolic changes induced by excessive consumption of a high fat diet have been the focus of many studies. The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of onion and its by-products antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity in rats exposed to a high-fat diet. Five databases were used: Pubmed, EMBASE, Science Direct, Web of science and Scopus until June 2020 updated December 1, 2022. Research of the articles was carried out by two reviewers, searching and selecting studies after an initial reading of the titles and abstracts. In total, 2,448 papers were found and, after assessing against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 papers were selected for this review. The findings of this review show the beneficial effects of onion and its by-products on inflammatory parameters, obesity, cardiovascular disease, thermogenesis and hepatic alterations generally associated with the consumption of a high-fat diet.

Resumo Os efeitos da cebola e seus subprodutos nas alterações metabólicas induzidas pelo consumo excessivo de uma dieta rica em gordura têm sido foco de muitos estudos. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar sistematicamente os efeitos da cebola e seus subprodutos antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórios e anti-obesidade em ratos expostos a uma dieta hiperlipídica. Foram utilizadas cinco bases de dados: Pubmed, EMBASE, Science Direct, Web of science e Scopus até junho de 2020, atualizado em 01 de dezembro de 2022. A pesquisa dos artigos foi realizada por dois revisores, buscando e selecionando os estudos após leitura inicial dos títulos e resumos. No total, 2.448 artigos foram encontrados e, após avaliação de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 18 artigos foram selecionados para esta revisão. Os achados desta revisão mostram os efeitos benéficos da cebola e seus subprodutos sobre parâmetros inflamatórios, obesidade, doenças cardiovasculares, termogênese e alterações hepáticas geralmente associadas ao consumo de uma dieta hiperlipídica.

Abstract: Introduction: In Uruguay, all replacements have been registered by law since 1980. Instability is the second cause of revision in hip replacements. Objective: To know the incidence of instability, and its relationship with the surgical approach. Material and methods: Observational and analytical study of a historical cohort of 1,738 hip replacements conducted in 2014. Random sample stratified according to the surgical approach: posterior (AP) and anterolateral (AAL). All patients who had suffered any dislocation were identified, their incidence was estimated and bivariate and multivariate tests were performed, to identify factors related, associated with the patient, to the surgeon (surgical approach and experience), to the environment, and to the implant. Results: 633 patients, minimum follow-up of three years and 16 patients with dislocation, with an incidence of 1.95% (95% CI: 1.14-3.31) in general, 1.4% (95% CI: 0.64-3.03) in AAL and 4.9% (95% CI: 2.67-8.83) in AP (p = 0.009, RR = 3.35). Factors associated with dislocation were: a) AP with an OR of 6.18 (CI 95%: 1.99-19.26); b) patient from the private health subsector with an OR of 13.74 (95% CI: 1.87-101.15); c) antecedent of hypothyroidism with an OR of 3.51 (IC 95%: 1.09-11.29); d) osteoarthritis secondary to inflammatory arthritis and dysplasia with an OR of 5.24 (CI 95%: 1.16-23.66); e) surgical center number three with an OR of 8.80 (CI 95%: 1.50-51.51). Conclusions: The incidence of early dislocation was within the usual ranges. Posterior surgical approach with increased risk of instability from preoperative risk factors.

Resumen: Introducción: En Uruguay se registran por ley todas las artroplastías desde 1980. La inestabilidad es la segunda causa de revisión en artroplastías de cadera. Objetivo: Conocer la incidencia de inestabilidad y su relación con el abordaje. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional y analítico de una cohorte histórica de 1,738 artroplastías de cadera efectuadas en 2014. Muestra aleatoria estratificada según la vía de abordaje: abordaje posterior (AP) y anterolateral (AAL). Se identificaron todos los pacientes que habían sufrido alguna luxación, se estimó su incidencia y se realizó análisis bivariado y multivariado para identificar los factores relacionados asociados al paciente, al cirujano (abordaje y experiencia), al medio y al implante. Resultados: 633 pacientes, seguimiento mínimo de tres años y 16 pacientes con luxación, con una incidencia de 1.95% (IC 95%: 1.14-3.31) en general, 1.4% (IC 95%: 0.64-3.03) en AAL y 4.9% (IC 95%: 2.67-8.83) en AP (p = 0.009, RR = 3.35). Los factores asociados con luxación fueron: a) AP con un OR de 6.18 (IC 95%: 1.99-19.26); b) paciente procedente del subsector de salud privado con un OR de 13.74 (IC 95%: 1.87-101.15); c) antecedente de hipotiroidismo con un OR de 3.51 (IC 95%: 1.09-11.29); d) artrosis secundarias a artritis inflamatorias y displasia con un OR de 5.24 (IC 95%: 1.16-23.66); e) centro quirúrgico número tres con un OR de 8.80 (IC 95%: 1.50-51.51). Conclusiones: La incidencia de luxación temprana estuvo dentro de los rangos habituales. El AP con mayor riesgo de inestabilidad por factores de riesgo preoperatorios.

Abstract Iron(III) niobate, FeNbO4, was synthesized for the first time by microwave-assisted combustion reaction between Fe(NO3)3.9H2O and NH4[NbO(C2O4)2(H2O)2](H2O) in the presence of NH4NO3 and Urea {O=C(NH2)2}. Experiments of X-ray powder diffraction revealed a small crystallite size for this material, 16 nm, and the results of MEV showed that it forms agglomerates with diameters between 80 and 180 nm with spherical shapes. HRTEM images revealed that the material is formed by clusters of particles with a diameter near 20 nm. A surface area of 40 m2g-1 was determined by experiments of specific surface area (SSA). The FeNbO4 induced the decomposition of H2O2, forming radicals that, in turn, discoloured Indigo dye Carmine (IC) a solution. The results showed that this niobate was able to degrade 55% of the initial solution in the presence of H2O2 after 360 minutes of reaction time.

Abstract Background The Communication Skills Scale (CSS) is an instrument for evaluating communication skills in different health professionals; however, a differential analysis of their psychometric properties by professions and specific scales has not been performed. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the CSS and develop T-scores for the scale for nursing professionals. Material and Methods We developed an instrumental study to analyze the psychometric properties of the CSS, evaluating its items, reliability, evidence of validity and its internal structure. For this purpose, a battery of questionnaires was administered, which included the CSS, the General Self-efficacy Scale and the Specific Self-efficacy Scale for communication in difficult situations. Results The questionnaires were applied to 692 nurses. Discrimination indices >0,30 were obtained in all items. The confirmatory factor analysis of the two models (with four oblique factors and adding a second-order factor) revealed that all items had adequate factor loadings and the fit indices of both models were good. The internal consistency was 0,88 for the total scale and between 0,70 and 0,77 for the dimensions. A positive relationship between communication skills and general and specific self-efficacy was obtained. Conclusion The CSS displayed appropriate psychometric properties (item analysis, internal structure, reliability and evidence of validity), relating the communication skills of nurses with their general and specific self-efficacy in communication in difficult situations.

Resumen Fundamento La Escala sobre Habilidades de Comunicación (EHC) es un instrumento para evaluar las habilidades de comunicación en diferentes profesionales sanitarios; sin embargo, no se ha realizado ni un análisis diferencial de sus propiedades psicométricas por profesiones, ni baremos específicos. Por ello, el objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la EHC y elaborar un baremo en profesionales de Enfermería. Material y Métodos Estudio instrumental para analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la EHC, evaluándose los ítems, la fiabilidad, las evidencias de validez y su estructura interna. Para ello, se administró una batería de cuestionarios que incluía la EHC, la Escala de Autoeficacia General y la Escala de Autoeficacia Específica para la comunicación en situaciones difíciles. Resultados Los cuestionarios se aplicaron a 692 enfermeras. Se obtuvieron índices de discriminación >0,30 en todos los ítems. El análisis factorial confirmatorio de los dos modelos (de cuatro factores oblicuos y añadiendo un factor de segundo orden) reveló que todos los ítems tenían cargas factoriales adecuadas y que los índices de ajuste eran buenos. La consistencia interna fue de 0,88 para la escala total y entre 0,70 y 0,77 para las dimensiones. Se obtuvo una relación positiva entre las habilidades comunicativas y la autoeficacia general y específica. Conclusiones La EHC mostró unas adecuadas propiedades psicométricas en cuanto a análisis de ítems, estructura interna, fiabilidad y evidencias de validez, relacionando las habilidades de comunicación de las enfermeras con la autoeficacia general y específica para la comunicación en situaciones difíciles.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o valor nutritivo e a força de cisalhamento da cultivar de Urochloa brizantha (syn Brachiaria brizantha) cv Xaraés submetida a três intensidades luminosas e quatro cortes. O experimento foi conduzido na FMVZ - Unesp de Botucatu, com delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, sendo os tratamentos: luminosidade natural, redução de 30% e 60% de luz, com quatro cortes e três repetições. As análises realizadas foram: composição bromatológica, digestibilidade e a força de cisalhamento. Não houve diferença na digestibilidade entre os tratamentos em nenhum dos cortes, mas a qualidade forrageira foi influenciada pelos níveis de intensidade de luz, tendo o tratamento com 60% de redução de luminosidade apresentado maiores concentrações de proteína bruta e cinzas, menores teores de fibra em detergente neutro, hemicelulose, celulose e força de cisalhamento. Em relação aos cortes estudados, o primeiro teve o menor intervalo de corte e produziu forragem com qualidade superior em comparação ao último, pois obteve menor teor de fibra em detergente ácido, lignina, hemicelulose, celulose e consequente menor força de cisalhamento. Portanto, a redução de 60% de luminosidade é benéfica à qualidade e à força de cisalhamento da cultivar Xaraés.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the nutritive value and shear strength of the Xaraés grass (Urochloa brizantha) under the three intensities of light and four cuts. The experiment was conducted at FMVZ - UNESP, Botucatu, with a randomized block design, with the following treatments: natural luminosity, 30% and 60% light reduction, with four cuts and three replications. The analyzes were bromatological composition, digestibility, and shearing strength. There was no difference in digestibility between the treatments in any of the cuts, forage quality was influenced by the light intensity levels, and the treatment with 60% of light reduction produced higher concentrations of crude protein and ash, lower levels of neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose, cellulose and shear strength. According to the studied cuts, the first one had the lowest cut interval and produced superior forage compared with the last one, as it obtained lower fiber content in acid detergent, lignin, hemicellulose, cellulose and consequent lower shear force. Therefore, the reduction of 60% of luminosity is beneficial to the quality and shear force of the Xaraés palisade grass.

RESUMO: Enquanto evidências indicam o sorgo sacarino [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] como uma matéria-prima de etanol alternativa durante a entressafra da cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.), pouco se sabe sobre sua capacidade produtiva em condições adversas (sob competição com plantas daninhas, por exemplo). Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar a competição interespecífica mútua entre híbridos de sorgo sacarino e plantas daninhas em situações de alta infestação. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos, usando um esquema fatorial 5 x 6: (i) quatro híbridos de sorgo sacarino (CVSW 81198, CVSW 80007, CVSW 80147 e XBSW 82158), além de uma testemunha sem a presença de sorgo sacarino; e (ii) cinco espécies de plantas daninhas [(Cyperus rotundus L., Mucuna aterrima (Piper and Tracy) Holland, Brachiaria decumbens Stapf, Ipomoea hederifolia L. e Digitaria nuda Schumach.], além de uma testemunha sem a presença de plantas daninhas. M. aterrima foi a única espécie de planta daninha cuja massa seca não foi reduzida pela presença de sorgo sacarino. Os híbridos de sorgo sacarino não sofreram interferência no seu desenvolvimento com a presença de C. rotundus, I. hederifolia ou D. nuda. No entanto, tais plantas daninhas tiveram sua massa seca reduzida pela competição com sorgo sacarino. Em convivência com B. decumbens ou M. aterrima, o sorgo sacarino teve sua massa seca de parte aérea e de folhas reduzida. O sorgo sacarino mostrou-se uma planta altamente competitiva e robusta e, mesmo em alta densidade de plantas daninhas, a interferência interespecífica imposta por certas espécies destas plantas foi baixa.

ABSTRACT: While evidence is mounting that sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], an ethanol crop, may provide an alternative to sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) on sugarcane lands under rehabilitation, little is known of its under production limiting factors (e.g., interspecific competition with weeds). Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to identify the initial mutual interspecific competition between sweet sorghum hybrids and weeds in high infestation situations. The experiment was carried out in pots, using a 5 × 6 factorial design: (i) a sorghum-free control and four sweet sorghum hybrids (CVSW 81198, CVSW 80007, CVSW 80147 and XBSW 82158), besides a control without sweet-sorghum, and (ii) five species of weeds [Cyperus rotundus L., Mucuna aterrima (Piper and Tracy) Holland, Brachiaria decumbens Stapf, Ipomoea hederifolia L. and Digitaria nuda Schumach.], besides a weed-free control. M. aterrima was the only weed whose dry mass was not reduced by the presence of sweet sorghum. The hybrids of sweet sorghum did not suffer developmental interference from C. rotundus, I. hederifolia or D. nuda. On the other hand, these weeds dry mass was reduced through competition with sweet sorghum. The sweet sorghum cohabiting with B. decumbens or M. aterrima has its aboveground and leaf dry mass reduced. Sweet sorghum is a high competitive and robust plant and, even when under a high weed density, suffers little interspecific interference from certain species of the weed community.

Resumo Este trabalho apresenta um estudo para avaliar o processo de produção de furos internos em discos cerâmicos produzidos pelo processo LPIM (moldagem de injeção a baixa pressão). Duas condições de processo definidas como pré-injeção e pós-injeção foram usadas para a proposição. No primeiro, os insertos dos pinos que produzem os furos foram posicionados na cavidade antes da injeção do veículo orgânico; no segundo, os insertos dos pinos foram posicionados na cavidade, logo após a fase de alimentação do molde de injeção. Um molde de injeção experimental projetado e fabricado para testar ambas condições foi desenvolvido para produzir um disco cerâmico com Ø 50 x 2 mm com quatro furos de Ø 5 mm, igualmente e radialmente distribuídos no disco. A matéria-prima foi composta por 86% em massa de alumina (Al2O3) e 14% em massa de veículo orgânico à base de parafina. Sistemas de aquecimento e refrigeração controlados por um sistema de aquisição de dados foram incluídos no molde. Os resultados mostraram que não houve linhas de solda com o processo de pós-injeção, provando ser uma opção para criar furos nas peças cerâmicas produzidas pelo LPIM. Observou-se que os melhores resultados foram obtidos a 58 °C como temperatura do molde na injeção. A temperatura de extração dos pinos foi de 45 °C e a pressão de injeção foi de 170 kPa.

Abstract This work presents a study to evaluate the process of producing internal holes in ceramic disks produced by low pressure injection molding (LPIM) process. Two process conditions defined as pre-injection and post-injection were used to test the proposition. In the first one the pin cores that produce the holes were positioned in the cavity before the injection of the feedstock; and in the second one, the pin cores were positioned in the cavity, just after the feeding phase of the injection mold. An experimental injection mold designed and manufactured to test both processes was developed to produce ceramic disk with Ø 50 x 2 mm with four holes of Ø 5 mm, equally and radially distributed through the disk. The feedstock was composed of 86 wt% alumina (Al2O3) and 14 wt% organic vehicle based on paraffin wax. Heating and cooling systems controlled by a data acquisition system were included in the mold. The results showed that there were no welding lines with the post-injection process, proving to be an option for creating holes in the ceramic parts produced by LPIM. It was observed that best results were obtained at 58 °C mold temperature. The pins extraction temperature was about 45 °C, and the injection pressure was 170 kPa.

RESUMO Neste trabalho apresenta-se a resolução da equação de advecção-difusão tridimensional estacionária obtida através da técnica GIADMT (Generalized Integral Advection Diffusion Multilayer Technique), considerando o fechamento não-local linear para o fluxo turbulento. Foram consideradas duas parametrizações diferentes para o coeficiente do termo do contragradiente e utilizados três diferentes métodos de inversão numérica para a transformada inversa de Laplace. Comparou-se os resultados com os dados medidos no experimento de Copenhagen através de uma avaliação dos índices estatísticos a fim de comparar a solução da equação através dos métodos de inversão numérica. Ainda, foram utilizados diferentes parametrizações para o coeficiente de difusão turbulento vertical e o perfil do vento. Os resultados apresentaram uma boa concordância com o experimento e os métodos de inversão numérica para a transformada de Laplace apresentaram preaticamente a mesma precisão, sendo que o método baseado na série de Fourier foi o mais acurado dos três algoritmos.Por outro lado, o método de fixed-Talbot foi o que mostrou o melhor desempenho do ponto de vista computacional.

ABSTRACT In this paper, a three-dimensional solution of the steady-state dvection-diffusion equation is obtained applying the so-called generalized integral advection-diffusion multilayer technique, considered non-local closure for turbulent flow. Two different parametrizations were considered for the countergradient coefficient and three different methods of numerical inversion for inverse Laplace transform. The results were compared with the experimental data of Copenhagen experiment by an evaluation of statistical indexes to analyze the solution of the equation through the methods of numerical inversion. Different parametrizations for the vertical turbulent eddy diffusivity and wind profile were utilized. The results show a good agreement with the experiment and the methods of numerical inversion for inverse Laplace transform show almost the same accuracy.

Abstract A very important step in the study of bioprocesses is the modeling and simulation of bioreactors. This paper presents the AnaBioPlus software package, which was developed for teaching and research purposes concerning the analysis of bioreactors. The package consists of two programs: OptimusFerm and SimulaFerm. OptimusFerm allows the analysis of experimental batch cultivation data sets in order to estimate parameters of kinetic models by means of a differential evolution method. SimulaFerm performs simulations obtaining values of cell growth, product formation, and limiting substrate consumption for batch, fed-batch and continuous cultivations. Thirty-two kinetic models of cell growth are available in OptimusFerm and SimulaFerm. Two case studies are described in order to illustrate the use of AnaBioPlus. The results show that AnaBioPlus is a very useful tool for the analysis of bioprocesses. Furthermore, it presents a user-friendly graphical interface and is freely available to users, in both English and Portuguese versions.