Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly and Precipitation Distribution in the Alagoas State of the Brazilian Northeast

Precipitation data of 17 pluviometrical stations in the Alagoas State of the Brazilian Northeast and global spatial distribution of the Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly (SSTA) were analyzed for the period of 1981-2007. Techniques of constructing composite charts for SSTA fields are used to study the interrelation between the ocean thermal state with precipitation more than 50 mm/24 h, 20 mm/24 h or without precipitation for six ambient regions of the state. The student test is used for estimating statistical characteristics of the composites. Synoptic-scale pattern analyses of the composites reveal strikingly different spatial distribution of SSTA within each composite. The El Niño Southern Oscillation cycle refers to the coherent, large-scale fluctuation of ocean temperatures. At the highest ambient regions during heavy precipitation days, more intensive SSTA was observed. The lowest anomalies were observed for all types of precipitation in the semi-arid region. Quantile analyses of NCEP/NCAR indexes of SSTA distribution, such as NATL, SATL, TROP and RNASA were used too. Positive SSTA values in tropical regions are associated with the highest possibility of precipitation formation. The SST interhemispheric north-south gradient in equatorial regions of the North and South Atlantic has direct influence on the precipitation formation in the Alagoas State.

Impact of rainfed and irrigated agriculture systems on soil carbon stock under different climate scenarios in the semi-arid region of Brazil

Understanding the dynamics of soil organic carbon(SOC) is of fundamental importance in land use and management, whether in the current researches or in future scenarios of agriculture systems considering climate change. In order to evaluate SOC stock of the three districts(Delmiro Gouveia, Pariconha, and Inhapi districts) in the semi-arid region of Brazil in rainfed and irrigated agriculture systems under different climate scenarios using the Century model, we obtained RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios derived from the Eta Regional Climate Model(Eta-Had GEM2-ES and Eta-MIROC5) from the National Institute for Space Research, and then input the data of bulk density, p H, soil texture, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and rainfall into the soil and climate files of the Century model. The results of this study showed that the Eta-Had GEM2-ES model was effective in estimating air temperature in the future period. In rainfed agriculture system, SOC stock under the baseline scenario was lower than that under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios, while in irrigated agriculture system, SOC stock in the almost all climate scenarios(RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) and models(Eta-Had GEM2-ES and Eta-MIROC5) will increase by 2100. The results of this study will help producers in the semi-arid region of Brazil adopt specific agriculture systems aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

Synthesis of ZSM-22 in Static and Dynamic System Using Seeds

ZSM-22 was synthesized using various sources of silica, organic template 1,6-diaminohexane, under hydrothermal conditions, with and without agitation during crystallization. Subsequently, the crystallized material was used as seeds to accelerate the crystallization process. Characterization of the ZSM-22 samples was performed by XRD, ATG/DTG and FT-IR. It was found that it is possible to synthesize ZSM-22 employing colloidal silica and pyrolytic silica as silicon sources only if the system is stirred during crystallization. The crystallization time for these systems was 13 hours, longer times of crystallization do not significantly increase the crystallinity of the sample. The addition of seeds significantly accelerates the crystallization of ZSM-22, reducing the crystallization time to only 7 hours, with stirring and with systems employing colloidal silica.

Association of TNFA(-308G/A),IFNG(+874 A/T)and IL-10(-819 C/T)polymorphisms with protection and susceptibility to dengue in Brazilian population

Objective: To evaluate gene polymorphisms and their association with susceptibility to dengue.Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed with 262 subjects,comprising 78 dengue fever(DF) patients, 49 dengue hemorrhagic fever(DHF) patients and 135 healthy controls. Genotypic and allelic profiles were identified using polymerase chain reaction based in real time and amplification-refractory mutation system.Results: We observed a protective association of IL-10(-819 C/T) C allele(P = 0.028,OR = 0.56, CI = 0.34–0.91) against DHF, while the C/T(P = 0.047, OR = 2.10,CI = 1.01–4.38) and T/T(P = 0.008, OR = 3.82, CI = 1.38–10.59) genotypes were associated with DHF and DF, respectively. The dominant model TNFA-308 GA + AA(P = 0.043, OR = 0.45, CI = 0.20–1.00) genotypes were found to have protective effect against dengue infection. A protective association among the IFNG(+874 A/T) A/T genotype against DF(P = 0.02, OR = 0.46, CI = 0.24–0.89) and DHF(P = 0.034,OR = 0.43, CI = 0.19–0.95) was observed. When the studied single-nucleotide polymorphism was analyzed in combination, the combination GTA(P = 0.022, OR = 2.95,CI = 1.18–7.41) was statistically significantly associated with susceptibility to DF and the combination GCT(P = 0.035, OR = 0.28, CI = 0.08–0.90) with protection against the development of DHF.Conclusions: This research identifies the association of the IFNG(+874 A/T), TNFA(-308 G/A), IL-10(-819 C/T) genotypes as a factor for protection, susceptibility and severity to dengue.

Numerical Analysis of Heavy Oil-Water Flow and Leak Detection in Vertical Pipeline

Pipeline is a conventional, efficient and economic way for oil transportations. The use of a good system for detecting and locating leaks in pipeline contribute significantly to operational safety and cost saving in petroleum industry. This paper aims to study the heavy oil-water flow in vertical ducts including leakage. A transient numerical analysis, using the ANSYS-CFX? 11.0 commercial software is performed. The mathematical modeling considers the effect of drag and gravitational forces between the phases and turbulent flow. Mass flow rate of the phases in the leaking orifice, the pressure drop as a function of the time and the velocity distributions are presented and discussed. We can conclude that volumetric fraction of phases and fluid mixture velocity affect pressure drop and mass flow rate at the leak hole.

Genetic Diversity of Accessions and First Generation Progeny of the Mangaba Genebank

Mangaba (Hancornia speciose Gomes—Apocynaceae) is an important fruit tree in Brazil and has an unexplored stock germplasm collection. Commercial varieties are unavailable and little is known about its potential as a source of genetic diversity for molecular breeding programs. Progeny tests may improve studies on commercial variability and facilitate genetic improvement of the species. Our aim was to evaluate the genetic diversity and structure of accessions and progeny from the Mangaba Genebank of Embrapa Coastal Tablelands. We estimated the genetic diversity of 96 individuals using 4 SSR markers. The mean observed heterozygosity was lower than expected, showing an excess of homozygotes, corroborated by the positive coefficient of endogamy. The genetic diversity indexes (Fst) and Nei’s unbiased genetic identity (GI) revealed, in general, moderate genetic diversity between accessions. The relationship between matrices and progenies showed that there may be a greater degree of genetic information sharing between the ABP1 and ABP2 accessions. The Bayesian analysis suggested the presence of two distinct groups of genotypes (K = 2). These results will assist future breeding programs and facilitate the conservation of mangaba.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Cattle Tail before and after the <i>Vaquejada</i>Race

The vaquejada race is a sport with animals which has the greatest socio-economic impact in Brazil and is responsible for generating an intense cultural and economic movement. However, this activity has been the subject of questions about well-being involving the environmental and mental comfort conditions offered to equine and cattle interactions. It is necessary to perform technical evaluations of the cattle involved on the basis of scientific study to better understand the processes of sport and, with this, promote their evolution on good welfare practices in the 21st century. Therefore, to test the hypothesis that the use of the official rules of the vaquejada where cattle use a protective harness on the tail protects the cattle’s tail from injuries in this region that compromise health. Before, during and after races, a study was developed that aimed to perform a general and radiological clinical evaluation in the proximal coccygeal region in cattle that ran in a modern cattle stall. Forty male bovines were evaluated (average: 2 year-old and 420 kg). Oxen were subjected to clinical and radiological examination before and after racing with official rules. Results of the clinical and radiological evaluations performed by veterinarians, did not observe clinical occurrences before and after the races in the 40 cattle evaluated. The increase in heart and respiratory rates was a reflection of temporary management stressors, as the animals returned to the feeding/rumination/interaction pattern after running in the rest pen. The radiographic findings in the tail, represented by the reduction of the intervertebral space and areas of subcutaneous radiolucency, suggest technical artifacts derived from the manipulation of the tail for proper positioning to perform the tests in the condition of retention in the corral. The partial fracture found by an evaluator showed signs of calcification and was accompanied by swelling in the soft tissue but without pain in the pre-run examination. It is concluded that the modern vaquejada race, which meets the official rules, is not related to the increase in lesions in the locomotor apparatus or other evaluated tissues, including the tail.

A Study on Ethanolysis and Methanolysis of Coconut Oil for Enzymatically Catalyzed Production of Biodiesel

Biodiesel production by enzymatic catalysis has been the subject of much research for developing processes that can potentially compete with other types of catalysis. The objective of this study was to investigate the variables that influenced the transesterification of coconut oil catalyzed by immobilized lipase for biodiesel production. A full 24 factorial design with the variables tempera-ture (40&degC - 60&degC), enzyme concentration (3% - 7%), oil-ethanol ratio (1:6 - 1:10) and alcohol type (methanol-ethanol) was performed. The best conversion result (80.5%) was obtained using ethanol with a higher temperature, molar ratio and enzyme concentration. The obtained yields showed that the results attained with ethanol were more significant when compared with methanol.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Intra-Hospital Outcomes Relating to Peri-Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Premature Newborns of Gestational Age Less than 34 Weeks

Peri-intraventricular hemorrhage is one of the main causes of neurological impairment in premature newborns. To control their risk factors is necessary in view of the increasing survival of extreme preterm infants. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage in premature newborns, identify the risk factors and observe the frequencies of intra-hospital outcomes of interests. Methods: This study was done in Brazil. This was an observational, analytical longitudinal and prospective study. The subjects included were newborns of gestational age less than 34 weeks who were admitted to two public hospitals between May and November 2015. To assess possible associated factors, obstetric, perinatal and neonatal data were analyzed (chorioamnionitis, antenatal corticosteroids, gestational age, newborn weight, Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes, resuscitation in the delivery room, surfactant in the delivery room, newborn transferred from another hospital, respiratory distress syndrome: RDS, sepsis, umbilical vein catheterization, assisted ventilation, exogenous surfactant in the Neonatal ICU, use of sodium bicarbonate, inotropic agents, adrenaline, volume expanders and blood products). The hospital outcomes studied were assisted ventilation time, hospital stay and death. The data analysis was performed by chi-square test or Fisher’s test, with a significance level of 5%. Results: Out of 156 newborns, 46 (29.9%) presented peri-intraventricular hemorrhage and 28.2% of these had a severe form of the disease. There were significant associations (p < 0.05) with the following risk factors: gestational age, birth weight, low Apgar score, delivery room resuscitation, RDS, surfactant use, sepsis, packed red blood cell transfusion, mechanical ventilation and umbilical vein catheterization. The newborns with peri-intraventricular hemorrhage presented longer times on assisted ventilation, longer hospital stays and higher risk of death. Conclusion: The prevalence of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage was high in the population studied, especially the severe form. Perinatal and neonatal risk factors were associated with a higher risk of developing the disease and the outcomes studied were more evident in these newborns.

Chemical Characterization and Biological Potential of the Essential Oil of Eucalyptus globulus Labill

Oxidation of lipids in various products,along with the growth of medically important pathogens,has led to a search for medicinal plants with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.As a result,the aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus(EO-Eg).Antioxidant activity was assessed by using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate(DPPH)assay method.Existing components were identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)analysis.Antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)were assessed by using the broth microdilution method with standard multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.The main EO-Eg compounds identified by GC-MS were isopulegol,citronellal,and citronellol,which are primarily used in the industrial sectors.EO-Eg demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity with an effective concentration(EC50)of 4.48μL/mL owing to the presence of phenolic compounds.Regarding antibacterial activity,the EO-Eg displayed a broad antimicrobial spectrum of antimicrobial activity across the different resistance phenotypes analyzed.The most notable antibacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus 169 MRSA(MIC=0.0625%).As a result,our findings suggest that EO-Eg has antioxidant and antibacterial potential against hospital-acquired multidrug-resistant pathogens,which may be correlated with its major components.

Electrochemical Evaluation of Aminoguanidine Hydrazone Derivative with Potential Anticancer Activity:Studies of Glassy Carbon/CNT and Gold Electrodes Both Modified with PAMAM

Aminoguanidine hydrazones (AGHs) are a class of compounds that have interesting pharmacological activities. They are derived from the same chemical group as aminoguanidine, so it has mixed properties (receptor and donor) in the formation of hydrogen bonds. Its anticancer agent properties were recently highlighted, but the molecules of this class have solubility in aqueous solutions that can be considered low. The identification of this class, by a simple, sensitive and low-cost technique, such as electrochemistry, which also allows the evaluation of its solubilization process through agents such as PAMAM dendrimer is the main objective of the work described here. The electrochemical response of the LQM10 (AGH derivative) was evaluated, as well as its behavior in different electrochemical sensors. Electrochemical experiments were performed in buffered (phosphate at pH 7.02 and acetate at 4.5). LQM10 has a reversible oxidation peak with a potential of +0.22 V. It was efficiently detected in different electrodes tested (glass carbon/CNT, glass carbon/CNT/PAMAM), which proves the viability of the electrodes for various analyses and has the determination of the apparent constant association, indicating its interaction with the analysis that is higher in the presence of the PAMAM encapsulating agent. This was corroborated by the results for the modified gold electrode with MUA and PAMAM. The sum of the results shows the possibility of electrochemically evaluating the Aminoguanidine hydrazone derivative, the viability of electrodes employed and the greater solubilization of LQM10 in the presence of the PAMAM dendrimer.

Processing of Rainfall Time Series Data in the State of Rio de Janeiro

The goal was to perform the filling,consistency and processing of the rainfall time series data from 1943 to 2013 in five regions of the state.Data were obtained from several sources(ANA,CPRM,INMET,SERLA and LIGHT),totaling 23 stations.The time series(raw data)showed failures that were filled with data from TRMM satellite via 3B43 product,and with the climatological normal from INMET.The 3B43 product was used from 1998 to 2013 and the climatological normal over the 1947-1997 period.Data were submitted to descriptive and exploratory analysis,parametric tests(Shapiro-Wilks and Bartlett),cluster analysis(CA),and data processing(Box Cox)in the 23 stations.Descriptive analysis of the raw data consistency showed a probability of occurrence above 75%(high time variability).Through the CA,two homogeneous rainfall groups(G1 and G2)were defined.The group G1 and G2 represent 77.01%and 22.99%of the rainfall occurring in SRJ,respectively.Box Cox Processing was effective in stabilizing the normality of the residuals and homogeneity of variance of the monthly rainfall time series of the five regions of the state.Data from 3B43 product and the climatological normal can be used as an alternative source of quality data for gap filling.

Developing and validating a nestling photographic aging guide for cavity-nesting birds: an example with the European Bee-eater(Merops apiaster)

Background: Accurate estimation of nestlings’ age is essential in avian demography studies as well as in population ecology and conservation. For example, it can be useful for synchronizing nest visits with events of particular interest, such as the age at which young can be safely ringed, or in choosing the best period to attain the most accurate calculation of laying or hatching dates.Methods: We constructed a photographic guide for aging European Bee-eaters(Merops apiaster) nestlings to 3-day age classes and evaluated the aging method by performing a validation exercise with several observers with no previous experience in aging bee-eater nestlings.Results: The aging guide for bee-eater nestlings allowed estimating age to within 3 days with an average accuracy of 0.85. We found the optimal period for aging nestlings was between days 13-18(with accuracy between 0.94 and 0.99), during which the status of feather development was more easily distinguishable from the preceding and subsequent age classes. During the first 3 days after hatching, nestlings could also be aged with high accuracy(0.93). The small size of the nestling in relation to the eggs and the nestling’s inability to raise its head during these first days allowed for good discrimination from the subsequent age class. Between days 25 and 28, nestlings were correctly aged in only half of assignments(0.55 sensitivity) and nestlings belonging to class 7(days 7-9) were the least correctly identified(0.38 sensitivity). However, by visiting the nests at 12 days intervals it is possible to achieve the highest accuracy in age estimation with the smallest disturbance and logistic investment.Conclusions: This study highlighted how indirect methods and a simple protocol can be established and employed to quickly estimate nestling age in cases where handling nestlings is challenging or impossible, while minimizing disturbance in and around the nest.

Mesophyll thickness and sclerophylly among Calotropis procera morphotypes reveal water-saved adaptation to environments

Calotropis procera(Aiton)Dryand(Apocynaceae)is a native species in tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia.However,due to its fast growing and drought-tolerant,it has become an invasive species when it was introduced into Central and South America,as well as the Caribbean Islands.Currently,C.procera displays a wide distribution in the world.Invasiveness is important,in particular,because many invasive species exert a high reproductive pressure on the invaded communities or are highly productive in their new distributed areas.It has been suggested that a very deep root system and a high capacity to reduce stomatal conductance during water shortage could allow this species to maintain the water status required for a normal function.However,the true mechanism behind the successful distribution of C.procera across wet and dry environments is still unknown.C.procera leaves were collected from 12 natural populations in Brazil,Colombia and Mexico,ranging from wet to dry environments during 2014–2015.Many traits of morphology and anatomy from these distinct morphotypes were evaluated.We found that C.procera leaves had a considerable capacity to adjust their morphological,anatomical and physiological traits to different environments.The magnitude of acclimation responses,i.e.,plasticity,had been hypothesized to reflect the specialized adaptation of plant species to a particular environment.However,allometric models for leaf area(LA)estimation cannot be grouped as a single model.Leaves are narrower and thicker with low amounts of air spaces inside the leaf parenchyma in wet environments,while they are broader and thinner with a small number of palisade cell layers in dry environments.Based on these,we argue that broader and thinner leaves of C.procera dissipate incident energy at the expense of a higher rate of transpiration to survive in environments in which water is the most limiting factor and to compete in favorable wet environments.

Cannabinoid pharmacology and its therapeutic uses in Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is a chronic neurodegenerative disease,which is difficult to diagnose in its early stages.It is associated with aging and consists of a decline in cognitive functions,memory,and other mental activities.Some pathophysiological markers are associated with AD progression and worsening,such as the deposition and intracellular accumulation of senile plaques containing amyloid-β(Aβ)peptides,and tau protein hyperphosphorylation,leading to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles.

The assessment of climatic,environmental,and socioeconomic aspects of the Brazilian Cerrado

Background The Cerrado is the most biodiverse savanna and maintains other biomes.Aware of its significance,this paper evaluated the Brazilian Cerrado’s climatic,environmental,and socioeconomic aspects using remote sensing data and spatial statistics(correlation analysis and principal components analysis—PCA).Following the measures of sample adequacy(MSA)and Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin(KMO)tests,seventeen variables were evaluated.Results The MSA revealed that the dataset had a good quality(0.76),and nine variables were selected:elevation,evapotranspiration,active fires,Human Development Index(HDI),land use and land cover(LULC;shrubland and cropland/rainfed),rainfall(spring and autumn),and livestock.The correlation matrix indicated a positive(negative)association between HDI and autumn rainfall(HDI and active fires)with a value of 0.77(-0.55).The PCA results determined which three principal components(PC)were adequate for extracting spatial patterns,accounting for 68.02%of the total variance with respective values of 38.59%,16.89%,and 12.5%.Due to economic development and agribusiness,Cerrado’s northern(central,western,and southern)areas had negative(positive)score HDI values,as shown in PC1.Climatic(rainfall—spring and fall)and environmental(cropland/rainfed and shrubland)aspects dominated the PC2,with negative scores in northern and western portions due to the transition zone between Amazon and Cerrado biomes caused by rainfall variability.On the other hand,environmental aspects(LULC-shrubland and elevation)influenced the PC3;areas with high altitudes(>500 m)received a higher score.Conclusion Agricultural expansion substantially affected LULC,leading to deforestation-caused suppression of native vegetation.

Cluster Analysis for Political Scientists

This paper provides an intuitive introduction to cluster analysis. Our targeting audience are both scholars and students in Political Science. Methodologically, we use basic simulation to illustrate the underlying logic of cluster analysis and we replicate data from Coppedge, Alvarez and Maldonado (2008)?[1]?to classify political regimes according to Dahl’s (1971)?[2]?polyarchy dimensions: contestation and inclusiveness. With this paper, we hope to help novice scholars to understand and employ cluster analysis in Political Science empirical research.

Precipitation Patterns in Cape Verde Islands:Santiago Island Case Study

The Cape Verde archipelago is located between 14。N - 18。N and 22。W - 28。W in the Atlantic Ocean. Previous studies associated Cape Verde’s rainfall regime with ITCZ and African squall lines. This hypothesis is revisited here using rainfall time series?of the 4 Santiago Island station network of Cape Verde National Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics. Rainfall monthly totals are standardized to produce indices in the 1981-2009 period. Time section plots of zonal and meridional wind components anomalies are made using reanalysis data from ESRL/PSD/NOAA website. Daily outgoing long wave radiation and sea level pressure time section plots are also made as proxies for weather systems propagation. Results show that Santiago presents a seasonal rainfall regime characterized by dry (November-June) and wet (July-October) seasons, with short transition period. In general, rainfall totals increase with altitude. Weather systems within a wet year rainy season were associated with positive anomalies of zonal and meridional wind components of relative short duration, while negative anomalies dominated in dry years. These results suggest that winds coming from southwestern quadrant over warm Atlantic Ocean, associated with frontal systems traveling eastward, are the rain-producing events in wet years, not ITCZ or African squall lines. Winds coming from the northeastern quadrant produce dry years. Apparently, decadal-long wet periods are related to PDO cold phase. In the current PDO cold phase, there is only one year (2002) slightly dry. Considering that each PDO phases lasts 25 to 30 years and the current PDO cold phase started in 1999, it is possible that wet years predominate in the next 10 to 15 years.

Study about Top-Down and Bottom-Up Controls in Regulating the Phytoplankton Biomass in a Eutrophic Reservoir in Northeastern Brazil

This study aims to analyze the effects of nutrients and predation by zooplankton on phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll a) in a eutrophic reservoir in Brazil (Apipucos Reservoir, State of Pernambuco), through experiments in microcosms. For this, samples of water were placed in 1 L Erlenmeyer flasks and kept for seven days. Treatments included the addition of nutrients (nitrogen combined with phosphorus and isolated additions of nitrogen and phosphorus), with presence and absence of zooplankton and a control which contained the reservoir water without any manipulation. The addition of nutrients did not stimulate phytoplankton growth. However, zooplankton significantly decreased phytoplankton biomass in the treatments it was added to (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that for the reservoir studied, predation by zooplankton is the most significant factor in the regulation of phytoplankton, contradicting several studies which show that phytoplankton biomass is more strongly controlled by nutrients (bottom-up control) than by predation (top-down control).

Alpha-Tomatin against Witches’Broom Disease

Several plants use secondary metabolites against insects and pathogens attack. Among such metabolites known glycoalkaloids are the most studied. Plants from Solanaceae Family are the most abundant on those alkaloids. Despite alfa-tomatine is a known glycoalkaloid, its specific action against Moniliophthora perniciosa, fungi responsible for witches broom disease in cocoa plantations was obtained in this work. Alfa-tomatine was infusion-extracted from Solanum lycopersicum leaves, and its action against the fungi growth was shown on the bioassays. In these tests, M. perniciosa growth was totally inhibited but other fungus tested, the inhibition was not totally, or did not present effect on growth, showing in this way, the specificity of alfa-tomatine to M. perniciosa. The advantages of work with a natural molecule for the fungi control is the stability of the molecule, its resistance to high temperature and pressure and for its use, the simple method of extraction used. The confirmation of the alfa-tomatine molecule was done by High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry in comparison to the Sigma standard.