Resumo O objetivo principal desta pesquisa foi realizar uma análise espacial das precipitações no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (RN), através de técnicas geoestatísticas, comparando a média histórica com anos padrão chuvoso e seco. Para análise geoestatística, foram utilizados três indicadores denominados Índice Global de Moran, Moran Map e Diagrama de Espalhamento de Moran. Os resultados mostraram que as precipitações seguem um padrão mais evidente na mesorregião Leste potiguar. Tanto no ano considerado chuvoso, quanto no ano considerado seco, a maior parte dessa mesorregião apresentou um padrão Alto-Alto (HH), indicando que os municípios formam um agrupamento que representa autocorrelação espacial associada a valores mais elevados de precipitação no estado. Por outro lado, as regiões do Agreste e Central potiguar foram as mais secas.

Abstract The main goal of this research was to perform a spatial analysis of precipitation in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN) through geostatistical techniques, comparing the historical average data with rainy and dry standard years. Three indicators called Moran’s Global Index, Moran Map, and Moran’s Scattering Diagram were used for geostatistical analysis. The results showed that precipitation has a more evident pattern in the Eastern Potiguar mesoregion since both in the year considered rainy and, in a year considered dry, most of this mesoregion presented a (HH) pattern, that is, the municipalities form a cluster that represents spatial autocorrelation associated with higher values of precipitation in the state. The regions of Agreste and Central Potiguar were the driest.

Resumen El objetivo principal de esta investigación fue realizar un análisis espacial de la precipitación en el Estado de Rio Grande do Norte (RN), a través de técnicas geoestadísticas, comparando el promedio histórico con años patrones lluviosos y secos. Para el análisis geoestadístico se utilizaron tres indicadores denominados Índice Global de Moran, Mapa de Moran y Diagrama de Dispersión de Moran. Los resultados mostraron que la precipitación sigue un patrón más evidente en la mesoregión oriental de Potiguar, ya que, tanto en el año considerado lluvioso, como en un año considerado seco, la mayor parte de esta mesoregión mostró un patrón Alto, Alto (HH), es decir, los municipios forman un conglomerado que representa la autocorrelación espacial asociada a los valores más altos de precipitación en el estado. Las regiones de Agreste y Potiguar Central fueron las más secas.

Abstract It is well known that boundary integral equations are exact mathematical representations of the governing differential equations of a boundary value problem when the integrals are written over a closed-shape boundary representation (B-representation) of the domain, usually reffered to as a watertight B-representation. However, practical geometric design technics (namely, NURBS surfaces) often do not render a watertight B-representation. Non-watertight geometric models with small gaps and overlaps are often generated in the design stage of projects. Based on a proposed surface-independent discretization approach, the present study investigates how unsought gaps affect the response of boundary element models of linear elasticity problems. The developed surface-independent discretization is applied to discretize multiple-patches NURBS B-representation geometries. Linear triangular and quadrilateral elements are adopted to discretize the independent surfaces. Generalized discontinuous elements at the edges of the visible areas of the NURBS parametric spaces are detected by a Level Set function. An offset collocation strategy is adopted for the nodes at the edges of the visible part of the parametric spaces. Thus, singularities and near singularities due to collocation are avoided in the BEM equations. The influence of gaps in the convergence of the L2-norm of boundary displacement error is verified in a 3D example with an available analytical solution. A second example with available numerical solution is analyzed with a non-watertight BEM discretization for qualitative boundary field validation. Finally, a non-watertight B-representation geometry of a crane hook is analyzed. The obtained results have pointed out that, as long as the gaps (and overlaps) are small enough, BEM models built up from non-watertight geometries may produce valuable solutions for practical purposes. closedshape closed shape Brepresentation B (B-representation domain Brepresentation. representation. However namely, namely (namely surfaces Nonwatertight Non projects surfaceindependent surface approach problems multiplepatches multiple patches function Thus L2norm Lnorm L2 norm L D nonwatertight non validation Finally enough purposes

RESUMO: A raiva é uma zoonose importante para a saúde pública associada à encefalite letal e às perdas econômicas. A análise de sua distribuição espacial é uma ferramenta importante no entendimento de sua dispersão, o que pode contribuir para o controle e a profilaxia da doença. Este estudo analisou a distribuição espaço-temporal do surto de raiva em rebanhos no estado do Pará, Brasil, entre 2004 e 2013. Foram utilizados registros de síndromes neurológicas obtidas junto à agência de defesa agropecuária do estado (Adepará). A análise revelou 711 notificações de síndromes neurológicas em herbívoros, das quais 32,8% foram positivas para raiva. Em 8% das síndromes neurológicas (n=57) não foi possível realizar as análises devido às más condições das amostras enviadas. Surtos envolveram pelo menos 1.179 animais e os bovinos foram a espécie animal mais afetada (76,8%). Os números de síndromes neurológicas relatadas e de surtos de raiva apresentam forte correlação positiva e exibem tendência linear decrescente. Espacialmente, a maioria dos surtos ocorreu em duas mesorregiões no Pará (Nordeste e Sudeste). Uma das justificativas para essa distribuição espacial pode estar relacionada à distribuição dos animais no estado, uma vez que essas mesorregiões são os maiores produtores de gado do Pará e possuem grande parte do seu território desflorestado para implantação de pastagens.

ABSTRACT: Rabies is an important zoonosis to public health associated with lethal encephalitis and economic losses. Analysis of its spatial distribution is a meaningful tool in understanding its dispersion, which may contribute to the control and prophylaxis of the disease. This study analyzed the spatial-temporal distribution of rabies outbreaks in livestock in Pará state, Brazil, from 2004 to 2013. We used records of neurological syndromes obtained from the state’s livestock authority (Adepará). The analysis recorded 711 neurological syndromes reports in livestock, of which 32.8% were positive for rabies. In 8% of the neurological syndromes (n=57) was not possible to perform the analysis because of bad-packaging conditions of the samples sent. Outbreaks involved at least 1,179 animals and cattle were the most affected animal species (76.8%). The numbers of reported neurological syndromes and of rabies outbreak shad strong positive correlation and exhibited decreasing linear trend. Spatially, most outbreaks occurred in two mesoregions in Pará (Northeast and Southeast). One of the justifications for this spatial distribution may be related with the distribution of the animals in the state, since these mesoregions are the largest cattle producers in Pará and have most of their territory deforested for pasture implementation.

Abstract This work presents an extension of the displacement fitting technique for the assessment of stress intensity factors (SIFs) of three-dimensional linear elastic fracture problems using the dual Boundary Element Method. The developed framework accounts for higher-order terms of the asymptotic displacement solution near crack front. The number and location of points surrounding the crack front are properly defined in order to accurately evaluate the SIFs. Three-dimensional benchmarks demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed framework. Moreover, two different fracture criteria illustrate the influence of SIFs values with respect to the crack propagation angle and equivalent factors calculations. The proposed higher-order technique has demonstrated superior performance in comparison with the conventional displacement fitting technique.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as potencialidades da utilização da técnica da foto-elicitação enquanto instrumento de acesso às reais necessidades dos beneficiários da intervenção dos profissionais de saúde. Com esse propósito, foram identificados, junto a um grupo de idosos, os aspetos da sua qualidade de vida que consideram mais relevantes. Método: Trata-se de uma investigação qualitativa em que o discurso dos idosos sobre as alterações à sua qualidade de vida é estimulado através do recurso a imagens fotográficas. Resultados: Com base nos dados obtidos, foi possível identificar os aspetos da qualidade de vida considerados mais relevantes pelos idosos, permitindo, assim, sustentar uma posterior intervenção ajustada às necessidades e expectativas do idoso. Considerações finais: A experiência de utilização da foto-elicitação permitiu constatar as suas potencialidades enquanto estratégia de recolha de informação significativa e relevante para o planejamento de intervenções na área da Saúde.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze potentialities of the use of photo-elicitation technique as a tool of access to the real needs of the beneficiaries of the intervention of health professionals. For this purpose, the aspects of their quality of life that they considered more relevant were identified with an elderly group. Method: It is a qualitative investigation in which the discourse of the elderly on the changes to their quality of life is encouraged through the use of photographic images. Results: Based on the data obtained, it was possible to identify the aspects of quality of life considered more relevant by the elderly, allowing, therefore, to sustain a later intervention adjusted to the needs and expectations of the elderly. Final considerations: The use of photo-elicitation allowed verifying its potentialities as a strategy to collect significant and relevant information for the planning of interventions in the Health area.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar las potencialidades de la utilización de la técnica de la foto-elección como instrumento de acceso a las reales necesidades de los beneficiarios de la intervención de los profesionales de salud. Con ese propósito, se identificaron, junto a un grupo de ancianos, los aspectos de su calidad de vida que consideran más relevantes. Método: Se trata de una investigación cualitativa en la que el discurso de los ancianos sobre las alteraciones a su calidad de vida es estimulado mediante el uso de imágenes fotográficas. Resultados: Con base en los datos obtenidos, fue posible identificar los aspectos de la calidad de vida considerados más relevantes por los ancianos, permitiendo así sostener una posterior intervención ajustada a las necesidades y expectativas del anciano. Consideraciones finales: La experiencia de utilización de la foto-elicitación permitió constatar sus potencialidades como estrategia de recogida de información significativa y relevante para la planificación de intervenciones en el área de la Salud.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze potentialities of the use of photo-elicitation technique as a tool of access to the real needs of the beneficiaries of the intervention of health professionals. For this purpose, the aspects of their quality of life that they considered more relevant were identified with an elderly group. Method: It is a qualitative investigation in which the discourse of the elderly on the changes to their quality of life is encouraged through the use of photographic images. Results: Based on the data obtained, it was possible to identify the aspects of quality of life considered more relevant by the elderly, allowing, therefore, to sustain a later intervention adjusted to the needs and expectations of the elderly. Final considerations: The use of photo-elicitation allowed verifying its potentialities as a strategy to collect significant and relevant information for the planning of interventions in the Health area.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar las potencialidades de la utilización de la técnica de la foto-elección como instrumento de acceso a las reales necesidades de los beneficiarios de la intervención de los profesionales de salud. Con ese propósito, se identificaron, junto a un grupo de ancianos, los aspectos de su calidad de vida que consideran más relevantes. Método: Se trata de una investigación cualitativa en la que el discurso de los ancianos sobre las alteraciones a su calidad de vida es estimulado mediante el uso de imágenes fotográficas. Resultados: Con base en los datos obtenidos, fue posible identificar los aspectos de la calidad de vida considerados más relevantes por los ancianos, permitiendo así sostener una posterior intervención ajustada a las necesidades y expectativas del anciano. Consideraciones finales: La experiencia de utilización de la foto-elicitación permitió constatar sus potencialidades como estrategia de recogida de información significativa y relevante para la planificación de intervenciones en el área de la Salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as potencialidades da utilização da técnica da foto-elicitação enquanto instrumento de acesso às reais necessidades dos beneficiários da intervenção dos profissionais de saúde. Com esse propósito, foram identificados, junto a um grupo de idosos, os aspetos da sua qualidade de vida que consideram mais relevantes. Método: Trata-se de uma investigação qualitativa em que o discurso dos idosos sobre as alterações à sua qualidade de vida é estimulado através do recurso a imagens fotográficas. Resultados: Com base nos dados obtidos, foi possível identificar os aspetos da qualidade de vida considerados mais relevantes pelos idosos, permitindo, assim, sustentar uma posterior intervenção ajustada às necessidades e expectativas do idoso. Considerações finais: A experiência de utilização da foto-elicitação permitiu constatar as suas potencialidades enquanto estratégia de recolha de informação significativa e relevante para o planejamento de intervenções na área da Saúde.

Abstract A large number of references dealing with the geometric stiffness matrix of the DKT finite element exist in the literature, where nearly all of them adopt an inconsistent form. While such a matrix may be part of the element to treat nonlinear problems in general, it is of crucial importance for linearized buckling analysis. The present work seems to be the first to obtain an explicit expression for this matrix in a consistent way. Numerical results on linear buckling of plates assess the element performance either with the proposed explicit consistent matrix, or with the most commonly used inconsistent matrix.

Neste estudo objetivou-se avaliar a combinação de doses de nitrogênio e enxofre no consumo e eficiência do uso da água pela Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, utilizando-se um solo classificado como Neossolo Quartzarênico Órtico típico. Cinco doses de nitrogênio (0; 100; 200; 300 e 400 mg dm-3) foram combinadas com cinco doses de enxofre (0; 10; 20; 30 e 40 mg dm-3) em um fatorial 5² fracionado, com quatro repetições. A parte aérea do capim foi cortada três vezes em intervalos aproximados de 30 dias. A água do solo foi mantida a 70% da capacidade de retenção por meio de um sistema autoirrigante. Ocorreu aumento no consumo e na eficiência do uso da água pela gramínea forrageira em razão do fornecimento de nitrogênio e enxofre. A adubação com nitrogênio incrementou o consumo e a eficiência no uso da água no primeiro período de crescimento (35 dias após o transplantio das mudas). O fornecimento simultâneo de doses de nitrogênio e enxofre foi mais efetivo no aumento do consumo de água no terceiro período de crescimento. Para a eficiência no uso da água esse efeito foi observado no segundo e terceiro períodos de crescimento do capim-marandu.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of combination of nitrogen and sulphur fertilizations on water consumption and water use efficiency by marandu palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using a Typic Quartzipsamment. Five nitrogen rates (0; 100; 200; 300 and 400 mg dm-3) were combined with five sulphur rates (0; 10; 20; 30 and 40 mg dm-3) in a fractionated 5² factorial, with four replications. The leaf area was harvested three times at intervals of approximately 30 days. Soil moisture was maintained at 70% of capacity retention through a self-irrigating system. There was an increase in consumption and water use efficiency by the forage grass due to the supply of nitrogen and sulphur. Nitrogen fertilization increased the consumption and efficiency of water use in the first growth period (35 days after the transplanting of seedlings). Nitrogen and sulphur supply were more effective in increasing water consumption in the third growth period. For water use efficiency this fact was observed in the second and third growth periods of the Marandu palisadegrass.

This study was conducted to investigate growth response parameters and forage yield of Panicum maximum Jacq. plants supplied with nitrate (NO3-) and ammonium (NH4+) as N source in a nutrient solution. Six NO3- and NH4+ combinations were tested at the following proportions: 100-0, 85-15, 70-30, 55-45, 40-60 and 25-75%. Grass shoot (number of tillers and leaves and leaf surface area) and root (length and surface area) growth parameters and dry matter production exhibited highest values in P. maximum plants growing in the nutrient solution supplied with NO3-:NH4+ at the proportions ranging between approximately 70-30 and 55-45%. The use of NO3-:NH4+ mixture at the ratio of 55-45% instead of the NO3- solely as N source in the nutrient solution enhanced the production of tillers and leaves and the leaf area surface of P. maximum by about 30, 20 and 30%, respectively. Plants supplied with NO3- and NH4+ mixture (55-45%) showed an increased root length and root surface area by approximately two and six-fold, respectively, compared with P. maximum fertilized with NO3- exclusively in the growth medium. Supplying N in the nutrient solution as NO3- or NH4+ exceeding approximately 70 or 50%, respectively, caused a diminished P. maximum forage yield. Enhanced N-use efficiency associated with P. maximum plants supplied with a NO3- and NH4+ mixture in the growth medium supports the assumption that it is possible to increase plant production by managing N fertilization based on quality (N forms) of N fertilizers applied in pasture systems.

The development of root system of forage grasses is influenced by the supply of mineral nutrients. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in Piracicaba, São Paulo State, with the objective of evaluating the effect of nitrogen and magnesium rates on dry mass yield, total length and surface, specific length and surface, and concentrations of nitrogen, magnesium, calcium and potassium in the root system of Brachiaria brizantha Stapf. cv. Marandu. It was studied five rates of nitrogen (2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 mmol L-1) and five rates of magnesium (0.05, 0.70, 1.35, 2.00 and 2.65 mmol L-1) in nutrient solutions in an incomplete 5² factorial arrangement, which resulted in the following combinations: 2/0.05; 2/1.35; 2/2.65; 9/0.70; 9/2.00; 16/0.05; 16/1.35; 16/2.65; 23/0.70; 23/2.00; 30/0.05; 30/1.35 and 30/2.65. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications. Plants had two growth periods, and after the second harvest the roots were separated from the plant tops. Combination of the high rates of nitrogen and magnesium resulted in expressive increases in rooty dry matter yield, in the length and in the root surface of marandu palisadegrass. High rates of nitrogen and magnesium resulted in short root specific length and surface. Combinations of high rates of nitrogen and magnesium increased nitrogen concentration or decreased potassium concentration in the roots. Calcium concentration in the roots was increased by nitrogen rates and decreased by magnesium rates. Magnesium rates resulted in increase in magnesium concentration in the roots of marandu palisadegrass.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos das combinações de doses de nitrogênio e de enxofre em pastagem de capim-braquiária (Brachiaria decumbens) em degradação nos atributos produtivos, morfológicos e nutricionais do sistema radicular em quatro profundidades do solo. A pastagem utilizada no experimento foi estabelecida há mais de oito anos em solo Neossolo Quartzarênico. Cinco doses de nitrogênio (0; 150; 300; 450 e 600 kg/ha/ano) e cinco doses de enxofre (0; 15; 30; 45 e 60 kg/ha/ano) foram combinadas em fatorial fracionado, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. O nitrogênio foi fornecido por meio de aplicação de nitrato de amônio e o enxofre por gesso, em doses parceladas em três vezes no período chuvoso. As avaliações ocorreram em intervalos de 35 dias no período chuvoso e de 56 dias no período seco, em dois anos consecutivos. As raízes foram coletadas por meio de trado de 4 cm de diâmetro nas profundidades de 0-10; 10-20; 20-30 e 30-40 cm do solo. Foram determinados a massa seca de raízes, o comprimento e a superfície radicular e as concentrações de nitrogênio e enxofre nas raízes. As doses de nitrogênio aplicadas em dois anos consecutivos na pastagem promoveram alterações nas raízes, em termos de massa seca, comprimento, superfície e concentração de nitrogênio no capim-braquiária. As doses de enxofre, isoladamente ou combinadas com as de nitrogênio, não promovem alterações nos atributos do sistema radicular.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of combinations of nitrogen and sulfur rates in degraded signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) pasture on their productive, morphological and nutritional attributes in the root system at four soil depths. The pasture used in the experiment was established over eight years ago in Entisol. Five nitrogen rates (0; 150; 300; 450 and 600 kg/ha/year) and five sulfur rates (0; 15; 30; 45 and 60 kg/ha/year) were combined in a fractionated factorial in a randomized block design, with three replications. Nitrogen was supplied as ammonium nitrate and sulfur as gypsum, and the rates were split into three times in the rainy season. The evaluations occurred at intervals of 35 days during the rainy season and 56 days in the dry season, in two consecutive years. Roots were collected with a 4-cm diameter auger at 0-10; 10-20; 20-30 and 30-40 cm soil depths. It was determined root dry matter, length and surface of the root system and nitrogen and sulfur concentrations in roots. Nitrogen rates applied in two consecutive years in the pasture affected dry mass, length, surface and nitrogen concentration in signal grass root system. Rates of sulfur by themselves or combined with nitrogen rates do not affect attributes of root system.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência de doses e épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio após o corte no fator de correção de área foliar, na taxa de alongamento de folhas e no comprimento e área da lâmina foliar do capim-bermuda tifton 85 (Cynodon spp) foram conduzidos dois experimentos em casa de vegetação. Ambos os experimentos foram estabelecidos em vasos com capacidade para 7 kg de terra, com solo classificado como Neossolo Quartzarênico Órtico típico, em esquema fatorial 4 × 2, para avaliação de quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 80, 160 e 240 mg kg-1 de solo) e duas épocas de aplicação (imediatamente após o corte e sete dias após o corte das plantas). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos completos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Com o fornecimento de nitrogênio, observou-se diminuição no fator de correção de área foliar. O nitrogênio proporciona variação positiva no comprimento foliar, na área da lâmina foliar e na taxa de alongamento da folha, variações que ocorreram em maior grandeza entre a não-aplicação de nitrogênio e a dose de 80 mg kg-1 de solo.

With the objective of evaluating the influence of nitrogen rates and application time after cutting on correction factor for leaf area, on leaf elongation rate and on blade leaf length and area of tifton 85 bermudagrass (Cynodon spp), two experiments were carried out in a greenhouse. Both experiments were established in pots with capacity for 7 kg of soil classified as Entisol, in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme, for evaluation of four nitrogen rates (0, 80, 160 and 240 mg kg-1 of soil) and two application times (immediately after cutting and seven days after cutting of the plants). It was used a complete randomized block design, with four replications. As nitrogen was supplied, it was observed a decrease in the correction factor for leaf area. There is a predominance of positive effects of nitrogen on leaf length, on leaf blade area and on leaf elongation rate. Great nitrogen effect was observed when comparying no-nitrogen application with the rate of 80 mg kg-1 of soil.