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O corrente artigo, quantitativo, retrospectivo, analítico e descritivo, analisa dados sobre o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com DRC (Doença Renal Crônica) e relaciona-os aos dados da literatura brasileira. Foram analisadas a prevalência, o perfil sociodemográfico, as etiologias do doente renal crônico, a sobrevida global e a taxa de mortalidade desses pacientes, no período de julho de 2020 a julho de 2021. Foram incluídos na pesquisa todos os pacientes em procedimento hemodialítico devido DRC que foram atendidos na região de Mafra-SC e excluídos aqueles pacientes que apresentaram IRA, perfazendo um total de 101 pacientes adultos analisados. A prevalência desses pacientes foi de 291,3 por milhão da população (pmp), média de idade foi de 54,98 anos, 42,57% tinham idade superior a 60 anos, 54% eram homens, e 93% tinham baixa escolaridade. A taxa de mortalidade bruta desse período foi de 72,3 pacientes pmp, sobrevida global foi de 74,26% neste período de um ano. O acesso mais utilizado para hemodiálise foi a fistula artério-venosa em 71% dos pacientes. A pesquisa demonstrou características peculiares dos pacientes atendidos no centro de hemodiálise em Mafra e as correlacionou aos dados verificados nos bancos de dados brasileiros sobre o mesmo tema. O centro em comento conta com uma prevalência de 0,03%, sendo esta a metade da prevalência nacional (0,06%). A Hipertensão é uma das principais etiologias, seguida por diabetes mellitus. Ao tornar disponível o perfil sociodemográfico dos pacientes com doença renal crônica (se já citado aqui deve ser DRC), possibilita-se que a comunidade local seja beneficiada e que evitem o desenvolvimento dessa doença renal crônica.

The morphology of juveniles of Mithraculus forceps A. Milne-Edwards, 1875, raised in the laboratory, is described. The larvae were obtained from ovigerous females collected in the wild, maintained in the rearing system for culture of crabs (400 L). A total of 229 larvae (zoea I), from 7 females were distributed in lots of 20 larvae kept in glass flasks (500 ml), with seawater circulation and temperature and salinity constants, which were checked daily for molts or deaths. After the larvae reached the juvenile stage, exuviae and dead specimens were deposited in a scientific collection. We analyzed the external morphology (N = 10 ind.) of each size class (total = 8). We determined the number of size classes, based on carapace width CW vs. carapace length CL (mm) and its dispersion points, in which we can observe non-hierarchical groupings with no size classes overlapping. We analyzed the relative growth of the juveniles using the technique “Standard Major Axis’’ (Type II regression). The relationships CW vs. CL and CW vs. AW showed negative allometry (b < 1; p < 0.05). The relationships CW vs. CPH and CW vs. CPL are isometric (b = 1; p > 0.05). The most remarkable morphological characters of the juveniles (first size class) are the following: spines at the anterior margin of the carapace, inner marginal teeth in the propodus and dactylus of the chelipeds, number of articles in the antennular endopod and the maxillular endopod, absence of setae on the maxillar endopod, and absence of rudimentary pleopods.

O câncer colorretal (CCR) é a malignidade mais comumente identificada e a principal causa de câncer em homens com idade inferior aos 50 anos. Já nas mulheres, o CCR corresponde à segunda maior causa de mortalidade e à quarta maior incidência de neoplasias, ficando atrás apenas do câncer de mama, de tireoide e o melanoma. Nesse cenário, estudos aventam que, apesar da taxa de incidência da afecção venha regredindo em adultos mais velhos, é significativo o aumento da ocorrência e da mortalidade do CCR em pacientes com idades inferiores aos 50 anos. Os componentes de risco modificáveis para o CCR podem ser responsáveis por cerca de até 50% dos casos da doença, sendo possível destacar: dieta ocidental, sobrepeso e obesidade, tabagismo, etilismo exacerbado, consumo elevado de carne vermelha ou processada, sedentarismo e o baixo consumo de fibra dietética, grãos integrais e outros nutrientes. Tais hábitos alteram o microbioma intestinal e, quando em associação ao histórico familiar positivo e às alterações de vias metabólicas e imunológicas, aumentam a chance de desenvolvimento do CCR. Quanto às manifestações clínicas do CCR, sintomas inespecíficos podem fazer-se presentes, sendo eles: alteração do hábito intestinal, anemia ferropriva, dor abdominal, inapetência, perda ponderal e hematoquezia por sangramento retal, fazem parte do quadro da doença. Assim sendo, o diagnóstico do CCR é pautado no rastreio e triagem precoce dos pacientes que contemplam os fatores de risco e possuem idade que justifique a pesquisa. Sobre o método diagnóstico padrão ouro para o rastreio da doença, tem-se a colonoscopia, que além de proporcionar alta sensibilidade e especificidade, permite a resolução da afecção durante o procedimento, por meio da ressecção de lesões neoplásicas e/ou pré-malignas. Ainda, em casos reservados, na qual a ressecção cirúrgica não seja factível, a quimioterapia é uma opção terapêutica adjuvante com excelentes resultados.

A 49-year-old female patient, without previous medical history, underwent a thoracic CT due to SARS-CoV2 infection. This exam revealed a heterogeneous mass in the anterior mediastinum with 11 × 8.8 cm in close contact with main thoracic vessels and pericardium. Surgical biopsy documented a B2 thymoma. This clinical case reminds the importance of a systematic and global look of the imaging scans. Years before the thymoma diagnosis, the patient underwent a shoulder X-ray due to musculoskeletal pain, where an irregular shape of the aortic arch was visible, probably related to the growing mediastinal mass. An earlier diagnosis would allow a complete mass resection without such extensive surgery and less morbidity.

A Síndrome Hipertensiva Específica da Gestação (SHEG) se caracteriza como um distúrbio que promove intensas alterações fisiológicas na gestante podendo ocasionar a morte da mãe e do bebê. Esse estudo traz como objetivo principal descrever o papel do enfermeiro na elaboração da Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem e do Processo de Enfermagem para paciente gestante com pré-eclâmpsia e/ou eclâmpsia. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de revisão integrativa da literatura que foi realizada no período entre março à outubro de 2021. A amostra foi composta por 33 publicações. Os resultados apontam que as gestantes em pré-eclâmpsia e/ou eclâmpsia apresentam como necessidades de assistência de enfermagem as necessidades psicobiológicas, psicossociais e psicoespirituais. Mediante essas necessidades foram identificados os seguintes diagnósticos de enfermagem para atendimento dessas gestantes: Risco de função cardiovascular prejudicada, Risco de binômio mãe-feto perturbado, Risco de infecção, Risco de sangramento, Conforto prejudicado, Ansiedade, Dor aguda e Náusea. A pesquisa evidenciou que gestantes com eclâmpsia e/ou pré-eclâmpsia correm um grande risco de vir a óbito, não somente elas como também seus bebês. O papel do enfermeiro na aplicabilidade da SAE é de suma importância e que, quando realizada de forma adequada, a SAE permite ao enfermeiro a identificação precoce de riscos ou alterações que esta gestante esteja sofrendo, com indício de pré-eclâmpsia ou eclâmpsia, na qual pode se ter um desfecho favorável, evitando a ocorrência de óbito materno-fetal. Desta forma, a SAE pode instrumentalizar o enfermeiro para uma abordagem assistencial, direcionando cuidados específicos para essas pacientes, evitando-se resultados negativos.

Symbiotic relationships in marine environments are not fixed and can change throughout the animal’s life. This study investigated the ontogeny of symbiosis of the spider crab Libinia ferreirae with the host medusa Lychnorhiza lucerna. We described the type of relationship, the temporal correlation among species, and food habits. More than 50% of the sampled crabs were symbionts, most in early life stages. The highest number of crabs found in a single medusa was 11. Symbiosis was observed throughout most of the year but was more evident in warm periods. The crab has many benefits in this relationship with a medusa. One is the use of food resources captured by the medusa, primarily copepods. Because the crab steals the medusa’s food, it is a kleptoparasitic relationship. There is a niche partition between symbiont and the free-living crabs as they occupy different habitats and use nonoverlapping food resources. Previous research reported that symbiosis first developed during the crab’s last larval phase (megalopa) when crab and medusa are in the same habitat. Observation of the crab’s behavior shows that symbiosis occurs when the crab can grab to the medusa when the host touches the sea bottom. The crab also took advantage of water currents, releasing itself from the substrate and then drifting toward the medusa. The symbiotic relationship that crabs have with the medusa provides then with a nursery, food resources, shelter, dispersion, and decreased competition with free-living adult crabs, all essential for the crab’s survival.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bacterial-enzymatic inoculants with different concentrations of fibrolytic enzymes on the fermentation quality and nutritional value of the silage of BRS capiaçu grass. Two bacterial-enzymatic inoculants with different levels of enzyme complex were evaluated (Silotrato® (5%) and Biotrato® (8%)) and control silage (without additive) according to a completely randomized design with eight replicates. To evaluate the silage aerobic stability, a completely randomized split plot design was used with three treatments (plots) and seven times after opening (subplots). There was no interaction between treatments and times after opening on values of pH (P=0.79). Regarding bacterial-enzymatic inoculants, the silage pH was 21.66% and 16.16% higher in silage without additive (mean of 6.00) compared to silage with 5% and 8% enzyme complex (P < 0.01). There was no difference between treatments on pH (P = 0.08), lactic acid (p = 0.08) and acetic acid (p = 0.64), means of 3.11, 47.31 g dry matter (DM)-1 and 11.19 g DM-1, respectively. There was no difference between treatments for any of the chemical composition variables (P = 0.86). Mean values for DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and total digestible nutrients were 22.31%, 6.65%, 71.15% and 42.07%, respectively. There was a higher concentration of butyric acid in the control silage compared to Silotrato® silage. The control silage and silage treated with Biotrato® presented effluent losses (P = 0.05) 13.99% higher than silage with Silotrato®. For ensiling BRS capiaçu grass, it is recommended to use lactic acid bacteria containing 5% fibrolytic enzymes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different shading strategies on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, nutrient use efficiency, feeding behaviour, respiratory rate, and performance of feedlot-finished Nellore bulls in the semi-arid region of Brazil. Two hundred and twenty-five intact Nellore cattle with average body weight (BW) of 294 ± 19 kg and 24 months of age were allotted to a completely randomised design with three shading strategies (full sun, artificial shade, and natural shade). There was a significant effect of shading strategies on air temperature (p = .02), black globe temperature (p

Microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) was employed to determine the concentrations of macro and micronutrients (Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and Na) in products derived from sugarcane: sugars (refined, crystal, demerara and brown) and derived products (molasses and brown sugar candy) produced in the southern region of Brazil. The sample preparation was performed by acid decomposition with a reflux system under optimized conditions: 1000 mg of sample and 5.0 mL of concentrated nitric acid for 4 hours at 150 °C and addition of 1.0 mL of hydrogen peroxide. At the end we obtained a procedure that provides analytical solutions in accordance with the established parameters of acidity and dissolved solids as per the MIP OES spectrometer manufacturer's recommendations. The accuracy was evaluated by the analyte addition tests (80 to 119%). The limits of detection, in mg kg−1, were 0.03 (Ba); 0.03 (Ca); 0.04 (Cu); 0.08 (Fe); 0.18 (K); 0.03 (Mg); 0.02 (Mn) and 0.26 (Na). The concentrations of the analytes in the different samples varied according to the degree of processing, since higher values appeared for the less processed samples, i.e. brown sugar, molasses and brown sugar candy.

Based on the literature on social enterprises (SEs), this chapter aims to portray the internationalization of social enterprises by analyzing existing knowledge on the subject. To do so, a literature review addressed the steps and procedures required in the process: the drivers, main models and theories, scaling strategies, market selection decisions, among others. It was possible to conclude that SEs' internationalization is multifaceted, still at a growing stage, and needs to be addressed from several social perspectives.

Despite higher sperm DNA fragmentation may affect intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes, sperm selection protocols do not evaluate this parameter. Therefore, sperm's head birefringence has been suggested as an adjuvant of seminal processing to select viable sperm for couples with severe male factor. Considering men with normal seminal parameters may also curse with DNA fragmentation, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sperm selection by birefringence on ICSI outcomes in couples with different infertility factors compared to those submitted to conventional sperm selection.In this case-control study, medical records from 181 couples who underwent ICSI from January 2018 to August 2020 (107 from the Conventional and 74 from the Birefringence group) were included in the study. Clinical characteristics and ICSI outcomes were compared between the groups using Student's t test or Chi-square test (p0.05) and a multivariate logistic regression model was applied regarding clinical pregnancy.Despite the Birefringence group showed higher female age (p=0.01), lower seminal sperm concentration (p0.01) and higher sperm DNA fragmentation (p0.01), those patients cursed with both higher cleavage rate (p=0.04), clinical pregnancy rate per transfer (p=0.03) and clinical pregnancy rate per initiated cycle (p=0.02). The logistic regression showed a positive group effect on clinical pregnancy.The findings suggest a positive clinical impact of this cheap and easily reproducible adjuvant technique on ICSI outcomes in couples with different infertility factors. If confirmed by further methodologically appropriate studies, the sperm's head birefringence could be considered to improve the reproductive chances of those patients.

This paper describes studies for the determination of total concentration and bioaccessible fraction of minerals in peaches by MIP OES. The PCA analysis identified 3 distinct groups of elements concerning the total concentration, which was attributed to the origin of each cultivar. Among the macroelements, K presented higher values for total concentration, while B and Fe predominated among the microelements. Regarding the bioaccessible fraction, Mn presented the highest percentage (46-84%), followed by Zn and B (10-63% and 33-57%, respectively). Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed that reducing sugars and titratable acidity can influence the mineral bioaccessibility, highlighting the strong positive correlations between reducing sugars with Mn and total acidity with Fe. Peach cultivars have satisfactory nutritional value, but the total and bioaccessible concentrations of minerals obtained do not meet the recommended daily needs, requiring the consumption of other fruits and vegetables to complement the diet.

Large-area and dense arrays of nanometric scale structures are commonly fabricated for several applications. The characterisation of sub-micron structures (below 1 μm) at a large scale as well as the related data analysis are challenging tasks. Here, we present a method to address the image acquisition, the data extraction and the data analysis, applied to the evaluation of the uniformity of nanometric structures in a silicon master. Automated routines for both high and low magnification Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging have been successfully developed. SEM images have been automatically acquired by scripting routines, which collect large amounts of images of the nanometric structures covering multiple regions of the wafer in a few hours. Geometric parameters of the nanometric structures such as diameter, period and height have been extracted from the raw images using the developed image processing scripts. Finally, the data extracted from more than 4800 images acquired with three different characterisation scripts (1600 images for each study) have been analysed and plotted according to their position in the wafer.

This work presents a study involving the determination of Cd, Cr and Pb in ceramic tableware by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) using a simple and practical slurry sampling...

The present study provides information about the total concentration and bioaccessible fraction of metals Al, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Pb, Ti and Zn in nine different infant cereal samples. An in vitro digestion method was employed to evaluate the bioaccessibility. The determinations were performed by microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES). The bioaccessibility varied according to the type of infant cereal sample. The values of bioaccessible fraction (minimum and maximum) for Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn were 24–68, 1–10, 7–58, 24–100 and 1–7% of the total concentration, respectively. Al and Ti presented bioaccessibility in only two samples: 6% in the multicereal A and 14% in the rice and oat cereal B, respectively. The concentration of Ba, Bi, Cd, and Cr was below the limit of detection for the bioaccessibility method. The obtained concentrations were lower than the daily recommended intake for essential and toxic elements, with exception of Pb in the rice and oat A sample.

Introduction Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a serious complication of cancer chemotherapy. The present study aimed to identify risk factors for documented infection in pediatric patients with FN and cancer. Methods This prospective cohort study included patients under 18 years from 2016 to 2018. Infection was defined according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Results A total of 172 febrile neutropenic episodes were evaluated. From univariate analysis, the risk factors were: female gender; monocyte count < 100 cell/mm³, platelets < 50,000, C-reactive protein (CRP) > 90 mg/dl and hemoglobin < 7mg/dl at the onset of an episode; two or more episodes of FN, and; fever onset; positive blood culture at the fever onset. Independent risk factors according to the multivariate analysis were: CRP at the onset of a febrile episode > 90mg/dl, fever onset and first blood culture with a positive result. The lowest probability of infection was related to first episode and to platelets > 50,000 at the onset of fever. Conclusion A CRP > 90 at the onset of a febrile episode, platelets < 50,000, second episode or more, first fever episode during hospitalization and positive first blood culture were found to be associated with a higher risk of infection and they could be useful for the establishment of risk scores for infection in neutropenic children.

Symbiotic relationships in marine environments are not fixed and can change throughout the animal's life. This study investigated the ontogeny of symbiosis of the spider crab

Pancoast tumours are defined as tumours arising from the upper lobe and invading the thoracic inlet,representing less than 5% of all lung cancers. Clinical features depend on the involved structures. For many years invasion of the spine was considered unresectable and fatal. Due to the progress in spine surgery, en bloc resection including the spine is nowadays possible. We report the first case of a successful en bloc vertebral resection of a Pancoast tumour in a 66 year-old male, with a squamous cell carcinoma, treated at our department in a multidisciplinary setting, after induction chemoradiotherapy. An en bloc resection including the left upper lobe, the first three ribs and the vertebral body of D2, was performed through a Paulson incision after posterior cervico-dorsal arthrodesis. A complete R0 resection was confirmed on the pathology specimen. Currently, one year after surgery, although no local recurrence has occurred, the patient is being treated with immunotherapy due to disease progression in the right acetabulum which was irradiated (20Gy) and then submitted to iliac resection and prothesis reconstruction.

The CHIMERA project, contracted by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and co-funded by the EuropeanUnion Cohesion Fund (Portugal 2020 | POSEUR) intended to characterize the sedimentary record ...

Traditional chocolate and whole-meal flour breakfast cereals were analyzed to determine the total concentrations and bioaccessibilities of some elements. For the total concentration, the samples were prepared by microwave digestion. In addition, certified reference materials were used to verify the accuracy of the method, which was 82–106% for the analytes. Great variation in the concentrations was observed, possibly due to the raw materials used to produce the cereals. For the bioaccessibility study, an in vitro digestion method was used, and the accuracy was verified by the addition and recovery method. Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn had detectable bioaccessibilities from 37% to 47%, 1% to 41%, 8% to 61%, and 4% to 24% of the total concentrations, respectively. Aluminum, Ba, and Mo had concentrations below the limit of quantification. Therefore, breakfast cereals complement a healthy diet, since some essential elements have high bioaccessibilities.

The music industry has faced a tremendous change ever since the emergence of streaming. People now had access to unlimited music to listen to and share with others, which is a great concept. As companies started to invest in the future of streaming, many platforms were created, one of them being Spotify. Standing amidst a crowd of competitors, Spotify managed to climb to the top and comfortably remain there over the years (listed on the NYSE and having 120 employees; IPO share price (3rd April 2018) = 169.9 US Dollars and share price of 319.77 US dollars on 4th December 2020). However, it was not easy. Being one of the top streaming platforms in the industry requires effort, investment, adaptation and innovation, and exceptional management. This study analyses in-depth the aforementioned aspects, as well as the company’s business models and its revenue, which combined, led Spotify to where it is today. A survey with 498 answers was performed regarding Spotify, and the results were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential (Chi-Square test) statistics. We thus conclude very confidently that there does seem to be an association (statistically significant at the 0.1% level) between age and the use of Spotify. Younger respondents (18–35 years) are more likely to use Spotify than older respondents (> 35 years). Overall, Spotify’s business model is one of the best in its field and is constantly evolving, which is what is to be expected of a company that seeks the top spot on the podium.

Among the Caridea Infraorder, the palaemonid shrimp from the genus Typton Costa, 1844 are commonly found in association with sponges, frequently feeding on the tissues of their hosts ((Ďuriš et al. 2011; Almeida et al. 2014; Pachelle et al. 2015; Soledade et al. 2017). Typton is mostly characterized by morphological features related to their sponge-dwelling lifestyle, as a simple and compressed rostrum, carapace smooth and antennal spines present, antennae extremely reduced and scaphocerite rudimentary. Mandible without palp, incisor process normal, reduced or absent. Second legs unequal, asymmetrical, without molar process on major chela (Bruce, 1972)

This study evaluated the total concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in sediments samples from the Sao Goncalo channel, Patos-Mirim lagoon complex, RS state, Southern Brazil during 2013 autumn, winter and spring, and 2014 summer. Ultrasound-assisted extraction method was employed to extract metals from the sediment samples. The sample powder was mixed with HNO3 and HF in an ultrasonic bath during 60 minutes at 25 oC. The limits of detection were 0.002; 0.026; 0.83; 0.386 and 0.44 mg kg-1 for Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by analysis of two sediment certified reference materials and its precision was determined by the values of relative standard deviation lower than 9.1%. The concentrations obtained ranged from 0.11 to 0.58 mg kg-1 for Cd; 14.7 to 38.4 mg kg-1 for Cr; 3.9 to 102.0 mg kg-1 for Cu; 1.6 to 3.11 mg kg-1 for Pb; and 29.3 to 126 mg kg-1 for Zn. These values did not exceed the probable effect levels (PEL). Simplicity, low cost and high efficiency are some of the qualities of the method, making it adequate for routine analysis.

The quantification of the total concentration and an in vitro digestion method was used to evaluate the bioaccessibility of elements in berries. The results for the total concentration of Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and Zn show the values (expressed as concentration range): 1.2–8.3; −1 , respectively, and the bioaccessibility values are approximately 10, 74, 41, 9, 34 and 18% of the total concentration for Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, respectively. These results show that Ba has the greatest value for bioaccessibility and that almost half of Cu and Mn present in the fruit is bioaccessible, while the values for Al, Fe and Zn are much lower. It was also verified that the bioaccessibility varies with the samples, depending on their polyphenol composition. The poor bioaccessibility of Zn and Fe is expected because these elements tend to form insoluble compounds with phytates and fibers present in fruits, while Cu and Mn may form metal-phytate complexes that are more soluble in the gastrointestinal tract.

The present work describes a sample preparation method using acid decomposition in reflux system for the determination of Hg on xanthan gum samples by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV AAS). The best conditions of sample preparation method were optimized. This procedure proved to be safe for the quantification of this analyte, because no significant losses of Hg by volatilization, which is due to the efficient reflux system. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.0049 and 0.0163 μg g−1, respectively. The accuracy was evaluated through recovery tests performed with different species of Hg and CRM analysis, obtaining excellent recoveries. The values of Hg were below the LOD(m) for xanthan gum samples A and B. However, the other samples showed concentrations in the range of 0.027–0.325 μg g−1. The method proves suitable for the quantification of Hg, which is important due to the wide applicability of xanthan gum.

In the present study, the microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) complementary techniques are used to determine and locate metals in ceramic tableware samples. For quantitative analysis by MIP OES, a new method for sample treatment is proposed, preparing the samples using ultrasonic decomposition aided by an acid mixture containing HNO3 and HF. The highest average concentrations were found in the group of Brazilian samples for most of the analytes. The accuracy of the quantitative method was assessed by comparing the results with two methods described in the literature. No significant differences were detected. Aiming at qualitative analysis and analyte locating by LIBS, a sample fragment was already sufficient for the analysis, being possible to observe that Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Na and Ti are present in the ceramic mass and decorated surface, while Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn are found only on the sample surface. Besides, according to LIBS results, it would be essential to pay attention to pigmentation, which contains most of the potentially toxic elements, at locations in direct contact with food to minimize the risk of leaching and avoid human contamination. This study shows that MIP OES and LIBS can be used complementarily to improve the analytical information used to control the ceramic tableware quality and safety. The conclusions of this work can be extended to several other types of samples where both the average contents and the location of the elements are relevant.

An analytical method for the determination of Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Na and Zn in breast of conventional, country and Christmas chicken and turkey samples using microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP-OES) technique was developed. Samples were decomposed in a digester block with a reflux system under conditions optimized using a central composite design as it follows: 2 g of sample, in 7.5 mL of HNO3 during 180 min at 160 °C. The accuracy was evaluated by the analysis of standard reference material SRM 1546 meat homogenate (94 to 108%) and also by addition and recovery tests (80 to 121%). The highest concentrations, in mg kg-1, of Al (2.77), Ca (88.3), Cu (1.99), Fe (3.65), K (3236), Mg (292.62) and Na (312.03) were found in the breast of conventional chicken sample. Zinc presented high value in the breast of turkey sample (10.6 mg kg-1). However, the found concentrations were lower than the daily consumption limit established by supervisory agencies and reference limits from Brazilian legislation. Cadmium, Cr and Hg presented values below limit of quantification. In this way, it is evident that chicken breast should be consumed in a complementary way in a healthy diet.

This study presents information about the total concentration and bioaccessible fraction of barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), potassium (K), lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in different cultivars of tomato (Gaucho, Paulista, Italiano and Cherry) and their derivatives (sauce and tomato extract). The determinations were performed by microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES). The bioaccessible fraction of the elements was evaluated through in vitro digestion process and the concentrations varied between 25 and 100 % ​for Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, depending on the type of tomato sample and its derivatives. The total concentrations for all the elements studied were below the recommendation of dietary guidelines. For Ba, only the Italiano sample presented 22 % of bioaccessibility. For Pb, the highest percentage of bioaccessible fraction was found in sauces and tomato extracts. The elements Cd, Hg, Li and Mo presented concentrations lower than the limit of detection for the bioaccessibility method.

The world's declining plant biodiversity depends on the efficacy of many policy tools, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). While scholars have long been trying to understand how biodiversity information affects EIA decision-making, very few studies have addressed the specific challenges associated with threatened plant species. Based on content analysis of 83 EIA processes that proposed vegetation removals in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, this study evaluated the extent to which threatened plant species were considered in decision-making. The study found that the developers of 31 projects (37% of the 83 analyzed EIA projects) disclosed the occurrence of threatened plant species in the potentially affected areas. The detailed content analysis of their respective Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) review reports revealed that the majority of the identified impacts and respective compensation programs targeted tree habits, and under a variety of rationales. Developers' proposed compensation rates of impacted tree species varied from 1:1 to 50:1. The reviewing process reported issues related mostly to the baseline conditions. Overall, the study found that EIA, in Minas Gerais state, has been functioning mainly as a diagnostic and compensation tool for the removal of tree species. The study calls for improvements in existing legislation and the development of technical guidance and capacity-building programs for EIA stakeholders.

We examined the female reproductive system of the yellowline arrow crab Stenorhynchus seticornis by means of histological and histochemical techniques. Mature specimens obtained in the field were kept in the laboratory for mating experiments. After 24 h, newly mated females were dissected, and their reproductive trait routinely processed for embedding in historesin. The specimens examined each possessed a pair of kidney-shaped seminal receptacles (SR), and these we classified as ventral type, based on the location of the oviduct opening. The mesodermal dorsal region (DR) of SR consisted of a stratified epithelium with scaly cells, while the ectodermal ventral region (VR) was composed of a simple epithelium covered by a cuticle. The oviduct opened at the transition region (TR) between DR and VR and had no velum. The simple epithelium of TR had more folds on the face of the oviduct opening. The vagina exhibited the same features as the TR epithelium and was contiguous to VR, anchored by muscles. In the lumen, from one to three strata of sperm packets were observed, the dorsal one containing free sperm, and the most ventral stratum, spermatophores. An acidophilic glycoprotein layer enclosed the strata. Spermatophores in the ventral stratum were enclosed in a voluminous secretion, composed by acid polysaccharides most likely from the last male mated. The ventral-type receptacle, stratified sperm packets, and polyandry, usually observed in females of Majoidea, suggest the occurrence of sperm competition in S. seticornis, favoring the sperm of the last male mated, as its sperm mass is located near the opening of the female oviduct.

This article presents the historical context of the insertion of psychology, as a profession, in health policies in Brazil, in order to understand its current challenges. Analysis was based on a non-systematic literature review about professional training, practice, and research in psychology. Three challenges were identified: working in high social vulnerability contexts, practice in multidisciplinary teams and the need to expand the research agenda. We conclude that dealing with these challenges will depend on the area’s capacity to reinvent itself and become more permeable to interdisciplinary dialogue.

This study presents a comparative evaluation of three different methods for sample preparation in rice for As, Cd, Pb, and Se determination by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS). Raw and cooked white rice, parboiled rice, and brown rice samples were studied with the following procedures: i) HNO3 decomposition in open system with cold finger, ii) HNO3 decomposition in ultrasonic bath, and iii) alkali solubilization with TMAH. The sample preparation using reflux system was optimized and the best conditions were: 750 mg of sample, 10 mL of HNO3, 120 °C (heating), and 90 min in the digester block. In rice samples, medium concentrations of 12.0 ± 4.0 and 177.0 ± 64.0 ng g− 1 for Cd and Pb were found, respectively, while for As and Se, the concentrations were below the limit of detection of the studied methods. After cooking, samples presented a maximum decrease of 61% in Cd concentration. The method validations were assured by analysis of certified reference material (NIST 1568a), and results were in accordance with the certified values. The recovery test was carried out and results ranged between 80 and 115% for all analytes in the rice samples, before and after cooking. All evaluated procedures presented accurate and precise results; however, the decomposition with reflux system proved to be more effective, simple and secure. Such characteristics are necessary for the application in routine analysis with medium detection limits of 77.2; 1.0; 35.5 and 192.1 ng g− 1 for As, Cd, Pb and Se, respectively.

Omnidirectional absorption is important to non-tracking systems designed for the harvesting of solar energy. Presently, we examine both experimentally and numerically the broadband absorption under oblique illumination driven by deep sidewall subwavelength structures (DSSS) in silicon nanopillar arrays (DSSS arrays). Specifically, we target DSSS geometries that are a built-in side effect of the top-down cyclic Bosch dry etch process employed to realize high aspect ratio silicon nanopillar (NP) arrays. We numerically compare the DSSS array with an optically-optimized straight-sidewall nanopillar array (SSNP array) under oblique illumination. We show how the presence of DSSS generates a higher absorptivity particularly for the spectral range >600 nm, induces the formation of absorptivity peaks at the near-infrared spectral range, and overall provides an enhanced omnidirectional broadband absorption. We experimentally show that the specular reflectivity and the total reflectivity of silicon DSSS arrays that were fabricated using a top-down Bosch dry etch process is significantly lower compared with that of the corresponding SSNP arrays. Specifically, we show a decrement in the broadband specular reflection of up to 30% for certain angles of illumination, and about 13% decrement in the total reflectivity.

Light trapping and the broadband absorption of the solar radiation are significant to a plethora of absorption-based photonic devices. Specifically, efficient broadband absorption was recently demonstrated with arrays of subwavelength structures. The current study examines both numerically and experimentally light trapping driven by deep sidewall subwavelength structures (DSSS) in silicon nanopillar (NP) arrays (DSSS arrays). Particularly, the focus is on DSSS geometries that are an inherent outcome of the top-down dry etch approach used in arrays of high aspect ratio NPs due to the periodical operationality of the Bosch dry etch method. ~10% enhancement in the broadband absorption of DSSS arrays compared with NP arrays is demonstrated numerically, as well as the generation of near-IR absorptivity peaks of ~25% for DSSS arrays. Importantly, it is shown that the introduction of DSSS systematically blue-shifts the absorptivity peaks of the NP arrays and in this manner a deterministic light trapping is possible. Finally, decrements of ~40% in direct reflectivity and ~7% in diffused reflectivity in DSSS arrays realized on silicon wafers is demonstrated experimentally.

Silicon nanopillar (NP) arrays are known to exhibit efficient light trapping and broadband absorption of solar radiation. In this study, we consider the effect of deep subwavelength sidewall scalloping (DSSS) on the broadband absorption of the arrays. Practically, the formation of DSSS is a side effect of top-down dry etching of NP arrays of several microns height. We use finite-difference time-domain electromagnetic calculations to show that the presence of DSSS can result in efficient excitation of optical modes in both the arrays and the underlying substrates. We demonstrate a broadband absorption enhancement of >10% in a DSSS-NP array with an underlying substrate. Finally, we use device calculations to examine the effect of DSSS on the electrical performance of a photovoltaic cell, as the main concern is the degradation of the open-circuit voltage due to surface recombination (DSSS results in higher surface-to-volume ratio). We show that the effect of DSSS on open-circuit voltage is negligible. Finally, deep-subwavelength sidewall features offer a new, interesting photon management strategy towards absorption enhancement.

The combination of zero carbon emission infrastructures and low construction costs has become the most important challenge for civil engineers. Specifically, in developing countries, governments and communities should demand infrastructures which embrace a different design methodology using low impact materials and innovative building sequences to achieve sustainable, safe and accelerated constructions. The proposed footbridge, located in Central Africa, is a timber truss based on local materials which extends the timber stress lamination technology to all its parts. The resulting system is a structure made of small and light timber components that ease the construction and reduce the cost, representing a feasible solution for pedestrian bridges in developing countries. This design underlines the importance of concepts like constructability, sustainability and safety which should be shared by any construction in the 21th century.

A method to determine nine elements (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in ethanol fuel using high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS) was developed. The proposed method consists of the direct analysis of samples, making use of inorganic standards for calibration and multi-element sequential determination. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method, the obtained results were compared to the results obtained by the following methods: (i) the standard method NBR 11331 for the determination of Cu and Fe in ethanol fuel by line source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (LS-FAAS), (ii) the standard method NBR 10422 for the determination of Na in ethanol fuel by flame photometry, and (iii) recovery tests for the other elements. Good accuracy was attained because the results obtained for Cu, Fe, and Na by the proposed method and the standard methods were not significantly different within a 95% level of confidence (Student’s t test) and the recovery tests for...