Abstract Various studies have identified that between 2012 and 2017, Brazil’s semiarid region suffered severe drought. However, few studies have analyzed whether this drought also affected the eastern coastal region of Northeast Brazil (ENEB). Therefore, the objective of this work is to identify rainfall anomalies in these regions and verify the hydrometeorological impact on reservoirs in the 2012-2017 interval. For this purpose, we used precipitation data and atmospheric variables in the period from 1981 to 2017 to investigate the rainy season and associated dynamic patterns, as well as the consequences of these mechanisms on the variation of the water parameters of important reservoirs. The results indicated that rain events in the ENEB during 2012-2017 presented similar climatological behavior, without the characteristic of a drought event as observed in the semiarid region. The meteorological analyses showed that the combination of convergence with moisture over the Atlantic Ocean possibly favored greater frequency of shallow convective rainfall in ENEB, an important factor to explain the absence of generalized negative anomalies in the region. As a consequence, the reservoirs did not suffer from water collapse, unlike in the semiarid region.

ABSTRACT In a beyond visual range (BVR) air combat, one of the challenges is identifying the best time to launch a missile, which is a decision that must be made quickly. The decision involves combining knowledge about altitude, speed, distance, onboard sensor systems information, aircraft type, and type of missile on the aircraft, as well as intelligence on the opponent’s behavior. This paper discusses an approach to evaluate the probability of shoot-down of an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) in a BVR air combat, based on a decision support system model that makes use of parameters available from the onboard sensors of the shooter UCAV. The strategic options development and analysis (SODA) method is applied to select the main features available in the on-board sensor systems of the shooter aircraft required to launch a missile successfully. Such features help us to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) for shoot-down prediction. The ANN was trained with a data set with 1093 registered shoots in military exercises, and it shows 78.0% accuracy with the cross-validation procedure.

RESUMO Apresenta-se o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, de 55 anos, com oclusão de veia central retiniana com acentuada isquemia macular em olho esquerdo. Apesar da intervenção com injeção de polímero de liberação lenta de dexametasona e outras medidas clínicas tomadas, ele evoluiu com severa baixa da acuidade visual em olho esquerdo. Após 8 meses, retornou à emergência com perda visual aguda de 2 horas de evolução em olho direito devido à oclusão de artéria central retiniana, poupando apenas o território da artéria ciliorretiniana. O paciente foi submetido a manobras clínicas, com paracentese de câmara anterior e injeção endovenosa de ativador do plasminogênio tecidual. A angiografia fluoresceínica imediatamente após as manobras mostrou recanalização, porém, a despeito do vasodilatador arterial, não foi observada completa recanalização com 24 horas. O paciente evoluiu com atrofia retiniana.

ABSTRACT The case of a 55-year-old male who presented central retinal vein occlusion with marked macular ischemia in left eye is reported. Despite the intervention with sustained-release dexamethasone polymer injection and other clinical measures, the visual acuity was severely reduced in left eye. After 8 months, he returned to the emergency with acute visual loss of 2 hours of progression in right eye due to a central retinal artery occlusion, sparing only the territory of the cilioretinal artery. Patient underwent clinical maneuvers with anterior chamber paracentesis and intravenous injection of tissue plasminogen activator. Fluorescein angiography immediately after the procedures showed recanalization, but despite arterial vasodilation, no complete recanalization was observed after 24 hours. The patient developed retinal atrophy.

Resumo Este artigo analisou o Teste de Aptidão Física (PFT), realizado pela Marinha do Brasil para medir os parâmetros físicos de seus militares, a fim de apresentar as probabilidades de desempenho com o aumento da idade. Analisamos 702 dados de PFT, separados em três grupos com base na idade, como segue: adultos jovens (YA, n=91, faixa etária entre 20-30 anos), adultos (A, n=243, faixa etária entre 30-40 anos) e adultos de meia idade (MA, n=368, faixa etária entre 40-50 anos). As medidas da PFT foram: Índice de Massa Corporal (BMI), natação de 100m livre, 3.200m de corrida, 1min de abdominais, flexão na barra e flexão de braço. Os principais resultados indicaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos quando comparados a massa corporal (YA: 79,1±11,4kg e A: 82,1±14kg <MA: 84,1±12,3kg), IMC (IA: 25,4±2,9 <A: 26,4±4,3 <MA: 27,5±4,0), Pull-ups (YA: 10,8±4,6 freq./min <A: 10,0±3,6 freq./min <MA: 8,5±4,7 freq./min), 3.200 m de tempo de execução (YA: 1282,1±172,4s <A: 1421±199,8s <MA: 1566,7±192,4s) e 100m de natação (YA: 140,1±45,6s <A: 149,7±37,9s <MA: 180,8±50s) e a análise de regressão demonstrou que 3.200m de corrida e flexões de braço foram a variável mais afetada do processo de envelhecimento (p<0,05). Em resumo, é possível realizar uma aplicação prática, considerando o processo de envelhecimento e o declínio da capacidade aeróbica e da força-força dos membros superiores no treinamento físico militar.

Abstract This article analyzes the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) which is performed by the Brazilian Navy to check the physical parameters of its military members in order to present the performance of probabilities with increasing age. We analyzed 702 PFT data in this study, separated into three groups based on the age of those assessed by the PFT, as follows: young adults (YA, n=91, age range between 20-30 years), adults (A, n=243, age range between 30-40 years) and mature adults (MA, n=368, age range between 40-50 years old). PFT measurements were: Body Mass Index (BMI), 100 m freestyle swimming, 3,200 m running, 1 min sit-ups, Pull-up on the bar and Push-up test. The main results indicated significant differences between groups when compared Body mass (YA: 79.1±11.4kg and A: 82.1±14kg < MA: 84.1±12.3kg), BMI (YA: 25.4±2.9 < A: 26.4±4.3 < MA: 27.5±4),Pull-ups (YA: 10.8±4.6 freq./min < A: 10±3.6 freq./min < MA: 8.5±4.7 freq./min), 3,200 m running time (YA: 1282,1±172,4s < A: 1421±199.8s < MA: 1566.7±192.4s) and 100 m swimming time (YA: 140.1±45.6s < A: 149.7±37.9s < MA: 180.8±50s) and the regression analysis demonstrated that 3,200 m running and pull-ups were the most affected variable of aging process (p<0.05). In summary, it is possible to carry out a practical application, considering aging process and the decline of the aerobic capacity and the upper limbs strength-power in Military Physical Training.

A comprehensive study of a less harmful functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was performed. The influence of ultrasonic cavitation and solid/liquid interface was indirectly evaluated by statistical characterization of MWCNT aspect ratio and degree of functionalization. MWCNT aspect ratio was determined through hundreds of electron microscopy images. Degree of functionalization of MWCNT was characterized by elemental analysis and thermogravimetry. Distribution of different oxygen-containing functional groups was assessed by potentiometric titration. MWCNT aqueous dispersions were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility and dynamic light scattering. An acid volume over 90% lower than usually reported in literature guaranteed MWCNTs with significantly larger aspect ratio, higher proportion of carboxylic groups and a more negative zeta potential in aqueous suspension. These results can be related to a more localized ultrasonic cavitation in MWCNTs/acid interface for reduced liquid volumes. This distinguished influence of ultrasonic cavitation may be a valuable contribution to more eco-friendly processes with nanomaterials.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar o resultado entre dois tipos de tonômetros, tendo como padrão ouro a tonometria de aplanação, relacionando com a espessura corneana e suas validações como instrumentos de rastreio populacional. Métodos: Estudo transversal comparativo, realizado com 400 olhos do ambulatório de oftalmologia da Adachi Oftalmologia, em Macapá (Amapá), entre os valores médios da pressão ocular medidos pelo tonômetro Icare®, o Tonômetro Pneumático e o Tonômetro de Aplanação de Goldmann em função da espessura corneana. Foram divididos conforme a ECC em 3 grupos. Grupo 1: 260 olhos com ECC< 530µ; grupo 2: 217 olhos com ECC entre 530µ e 590µ; e, grupo 3: 157 olhos com ECC>590µ. Resultados: A ECC média obtida na paquimetria foi de 557µ, variando de 651µ a 477µ (desvio padrão de 32.9). A PIO média obtida pela TP foi de 19,4 mmHg (com desvio padrão de 2,32); pelo Icare® foi de 16,7mmHg (desvio padrão de 2,12); e, na TAG foi de 15.5 mmHg (desvio padrão de 2,02). Para paquimetrias inferiores a 530µ e superiores a 590µ a PIOm não diferiu significativamente entre a TAG e Icare® (p = 0,232), sendo estatisticamente significativa diferença obtida para córneas com ECC entre 530 e 590 µ. A PIOm obtida pelo TP foi significativamente maior do que a pressão ocular média dos TAG e Icare® (p < 0,001 para ambos) em todos os grupos. Conclusões: Os três métodos podem ser utilizados em campanhas de rastreamento, porém o Icare® se mostrou mais confiável que a TP, com valores obtidos estatisticamente mais confiáveis quando comparados à TP. Existe suficiente concordância entre o Icare e a TAG para recomendar o seu uso.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the result between two types of tonometres, using as gold standard the aplanation tonometry, relating to the corneal thickness and its validations as instruments of population screening. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out with 400 eyes from the ophthalmology clinic of Adachi Ophthalmology, in Macapá (Amapá), between the mean values of ocular pressure measured by the Icare® tonometro, the Pneumatic Tonometer and the Goldmann Flattening Tonometro as a function of corneal thickness. They were divided according to ECC in 3 groups. Group 1: 260 eyes with ECC <530µ; group 2: 217 eyes with ECC between 530µ and 590µ; and, group 3: 157 eyes with ECC> 590µ. Results: The mean ECC obtained in pachymetry was 557µ, ranging from 651µ to 477µ (standard deviation of 32.9). The mean IOP obtained by PT was 19.4 mmHg (with a standard deviation of 2.32); by Icare® was 16.7mmHg (standard deviation of 2.12); and in the TAG it was 15.5 mmHg (standard deviation of 2.02). For pachymetry less than 530µ and greater than 590µ, PIOm did not differ significantly between TAG and Icare® (p = 0.232), and a statistically significant difference was obtained for corneas with ECC between 530 and 590 µ. The IOP obtained by the PT was significantly higher than the mean ocular pressure of the TAG and Icare® (p <0.001 for both) in all groups. Conclusions: All three methods can be used in screening campaigns, but Icare® proved to be more reliable than TP, with values obtained statistically more reliable when compared to TP. There is sufficient agreement between Icare and TAG to recommend its use.

The resistance of Annona muricata roots to the nematode Meloidogyne javanica was investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics in combination with principal component analysis (PCA). Metabolic changes in roots exposed and not exposed to the nematode were evaluated and compared. In addition, the presence of nematicidal compounds in the root extracts was investigated through in vitro assay against Meloidogyne javanica second-stage juveniles. Plants exposed to nematodes showed significant changes in their metabolism after 24 h. Several resistance-related metabolites, including dopamine, xanthine and aromatic compounds, could be identified in the roots with the joint analysis of 1D/2D NMR and the loadings of PC3 (17.8%). A.muricata root chloroform extract, containing mainly acetogenins, has shown nematostatic activity against M. javanica, suggesting that a pre-formed defense mechanism can support the reported resistance. For the first time, metabolomic studies allowed to identify induced and pre-formed defense mechanisms and their related metabolites in Annona muricata.

RESUMO O glaucoma é a principal causa de cegueira irreversível em todo o mundo e pode afetar uma ampla gama de atividades diárias, incluindo a direção veicular. Recentemente, estudos que investigam a relação entre o desempenho na condução veicular e o glaucoma têm recebido grande interesse. A avaliação do comportamento de dirigir não é direta porque dirigir é uma habilidade complexa que envolve habilidade multitarefa significativa. Nesta revisão, resumimos trabalhos recentes de estudos clínicos que investigam como o glaucoma pode afetar o desempenho na direção. Pacientes com glaucoma têm maior probabilidade de se envolverem em colisões de veículos motorizados quando comparados a indivíduos saudáveis. Descrevemos aqui como os testes funcionais convencionais realizados em pacientes com glaucoma, como as medições de campo visual por meio de perimetria automática padrão, estão associados ao desempenho na direção. No entanto, o risco de colisão de veículo motorizado não é totalmente atribuível ao comprometimento do campo visual no glaucoma, sugerindo que outros fatores também são responsáveis pela segurança e pelo desempenho. Finalmente, mostramos diferentes estudos sugerindo que os parâmetros dos simuladores de direção podem ser úteis porque eles podem identificar o impacto da perda visual em situações de complexas.

ABSTRACT Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and can affect a broad array of daily activities, including driving. Recently, studies investigating the relationship between driving performance and glaucoma have received a great deal of interest. Assessment of driving behavior is not straightforward because driving is a complex skill involving significant multi-tasking ability. In this review, we summarize recent work from clinical studies investigating how glaucoma can affect driving performance. Patients with glaucoma are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle collisions when compared to healthy subjects. Here we describe how conventional functional tests performed in glaucoma patients, such as visual field measurements via standard automatic perimetry, are associated with driving performance. However, the risk of motor vehicle collisions is not entirely attributable to visual field impairment in glaucoma, suggesting that other factors also account for both driving safety and performance. Finally, we show different studies suggesting that parameters from driving simulators can be helpful because they can identify the impact of visual loss on complex situations.

Resumo Esclerite Posterior (EP) é uma inflamação do segmento escleral posterior, de etiologia inflamatória ou infecciosa, pouco diagnosticada, com evolução rápida, progressiva e irreversível com severo comprometimento visual, principalmente se o diagnóstico e o tratamento da (EP) não forem realizados a tempo hábil. A dor ocular, dor à movimentação ocular, cefaléia e embaçamento visual são os principais sinais e sintomas. Pode ser de causa Idiopática ou associada a doença sistêmica em até 45% dos caso. A Artrite Reumatoide é descrita como a associação mais comum. Causas infecciosas podem estar presente tais como: Herpes Simples, Herpes Zoster Oftálmico, Sífilis e Tuberculose. A bilateralidade pode ocorrer em até 35% dos casos sendo mais prevalente em mulheres a partir da quinta década de vida.

Abstract Posterior Scleritis (PS) is an inflammation of the posterior scleral segment, of low inflammatory or infectious etiology, with a rapid, progressive and irreversible evolution with severe visual impairment, especially if the diagnosis and treatment of (PS) are not performed in time skillful. Ocular pain, eye movement pain, headache and visual haze are the main signs and symptoms. It can be of idiopathic cause or associated with systemic disease in up to 45% of the cases. Rheumatoid arthritis is described as the most common association. Infectious causes may be present such as: Simple Herpes, Ophthalmic Herpes Zoster, Syphilis and Tuberculosis. Bilaterality can occur in up to 35% of cases being more prevalent in women from the fifth decade of life.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever os resultados em termos de acuidade visual para perto e qualidade de vida em 10 pacientes submetidos ao implante de Lentes Maculares Scharioth. Local: Clínica de Olhos João Eugênio, Brasilia, Brasil. Design: Ensaio clínico não controlado. Métodos: Dez pacientes pseudofácicos com DMRI foram submetidos ao implante de SML intraocular no olho dominante no período de dezembro de 2017 a março de 2018. Todos os pacientes responderam ao Questionário de Qualidade de Vida em Baixa Visão (LVQOLQ) antes e após a cirurgia, com intervalo de 30 dias. Resultados: Os pontos de resultados mostraram uma melhora estatisticamente significativa (p <0,001) na acuidade visual para perto (AVP), sem interferência na visão à distância. Todos os pacientes tiveram melhora significativa (p <0,05) no LVQOLQ no item que avalia a acuidade visual para perto. Conclusão: Houve melhora na AVP em todos os 10 pacientes, além de um aumento da qualidade de vida no período pós-operatório quando comparado ao período pré-operatório.

Abstract Objective: To describe the outcomes in terms of near visual acuity and quality of life in 10 patients submitted to Scharioth Macular Lens implantation. Setting: João Eugênio Eye Institute, Brasilia, Brazil. Design: Uncontroled clinical trial. Methods: Ten pseudophakic patients with DMRI were submitted to the implantation of intraocular SML in the dominant eye in the period of December of 2017 to the March of 2018. All the patients had answered the Low-Vision Quality of Life Questionaire (LVQOLQ) before and after the surgery, with interval of 30 days. Results: The results points showed a statistical significant improvement (p<0.001) in the near visual acuity (NVA), without interference in the distance vision. All patients had significant improvements (p<0,05) in LVQOLQ on the item that evaluates the near visual acuity. Conclusion: There was an improvement of NVA in all 10 patients, as well as an enhancement to the quality of life in the postoperative period when compared to the preoperative period.

Resumo Antes da Revolução Industrial propriamente dita, a indústria estava em expansão na Europa tanto em produto total como em mão de obra ocupada. Essa expansão ocorreu sob um regime produtivo bastante diferente do que viria a caracterizar a Revolução Industrial. Franklin Mendels batizou esse regime de protoindústria e defendeu que seu desenvolvimento foi um catalisador para a industrialização moderna posterior. Mendels criou assim uma linha de pesquisa que foi desenvolvida e criticada por diversos autores. Este trabalho retoma a teoria protoindustrial e seus principais desenvolvimentos assim como reavalia suas críticas e seu poder heurístico atual.

Abstract Before the Industrial Revolution itself, the industry was expanding in Europe both in total product as occupied labor. This expansion took place under a very different production regime that would characterize the Industrial Revolution. Franklin Mendels called this regime as proto-industry and argued that its development was a catalyst for the subsequent modern industrialization. Mendels thus created a line of research that has been developed and criticized by several authors. This work resumes protoindustrial theory and its major developments as well as reevaluates its criticism and its current heuristic power.

Resumo Conhecimento da radiação solar é necessária para muitas aplicações. No entanto, esta variável atmosférica não é medida com uma resolução espacial adequada. Neste sentido, nos locais onde os dados da radiação solar não são medidos diretamente, a equação de Ångström-Prescott pode ser usada a fim de fornecer dados de radiação solar, com base na insolação. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi calibrar a equação de Ångström-Prescott para diferentes locais no Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. O desempenho da equação Ångström-Prescott calibrada foi avaliada através da comparação da radiação solar global diária observada in situ. O MBE foi menor que 1,50 MJ m-2 dia-1, o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson cerca de 0,90 e índice de concordância de Willmott foi superior a 0,90, que são considerados satisfatórios.

Abstract Knowledge of solar radiation is required for many applications. However, this atmospheric variable is not measured with an adequate space resolution. In this sense, to sites where solar radiation data are not directly measure, estimative using Ångström-Prescott equation can be used in order to provide solar radiation data, with input of sunshine duration. Thus, the objective of present study was to calibrate the Ångström-Prescott equation for different sites in Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. The performance of the calibrated Ångström-Prescott equation was evaluated by comparing of daily global solar radiation observed in situ. The MBE (Mean Bias Error) was lower than 1.50 MJ m-2 day-1, the Pearson's correlation coefficient about 0.90 and Willmott's index of agreement higher than 0.90, which are considered satisfactory.

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is one of the most important engineering materials owing to outstanding properties like impact strength and abrasion resistance. However, the relatively low Young´s modulus restricts some application and the use of fillers may be a suitable way to overcome this. The fillers can influence the photo stabilization of the compound, as it occurs to other polymers. Neat UHMWPE and its composites with 1 and 10% of iron ore fine were exposed to ultraviolet radiation for up to 33 days and then tested for mechanical properties. The stress-strain behaviour changed with degradation, with an evident necking and strain hardening region that was not observed before exposure, due to a reduction in entanglements density. From the tensile results, the filler may have a protection action against UV, particularly when a loading of 10% was present. Complementary analyses were performed, including X-ray diffraction, DSC and SEM.

This paper reports the use of alternative materials for teaching experimental chemistry. In this context, nimesulide and propranolol tablets were used to teach chemical concepts about acid-base reactions according to Brönsted-Lowry protonic Theory. Important topics of Organic, Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry were discussed, such as purification by acid-base extraction, solubility of organic compounds in aqueous solutions, buffers, the dissociation constant (pKa), potentiometric titration and ionization of drugs in biological fluids. The purification of propranolol and nimesulide from tablets produced yields of 75% and 90%, respectively. The experimental values of pKa for both drugs were in agreement with those from the literature.

Este artigo avalia o efeito da "orientação molecular" nas propriedades mecânicas do PVC Rígido. Introduz-se o tema associando-o à aplicação do PVC Orientado em sistemas de tubulações, considerando a importância do nível de gelificação na qualidade desses produtos. É descrito e testado um método experimental de orientação mono-axial em um extrudado e materiais com diferentes razões de estiramento são produzidos para avaliação de propriedades mecânicas. Aumentando a razão de estiramento, há ganhos principalmente no limite de resistência à tração, além do módulo elástico sob tração e tenacidade. Por outro lado, a deformação na ruptura é reduzida.

This article evaluates the effects of "molecular orientation" on rigid PVC mechanical properties. The subject is introduced and associated to application of Oriented PVC in piping systems, regarding the importance of gelation level on the quality of these products. A mono-axial orientation method is described and tested on an extruded sample, whose efficiency is evaluated and samples are produced with different stretching ratios. Upon increasing the stretching ratio, improvements are observed mainly in the maximum tensile strength, tensile modulus and toughness. On the other hand, deformation at break is decreased.